Rainy Wednesday

Awake at 4:45 - not my choice.  I am sure I was infringing on someonelse's time with God.  Up praying, thinking, ordering the day.

Have you ever hear the beginning of a Thunder Storm?  Today the storm started slow and then stopped and then 10 minutes later there was a flash of light through the window blinds and a crashing thunderous boom that shook the house.  I almost sat straight up.  The infancy of this storm was very misleading.  It seemed too gentle, to peaceful and then BOOM!!!

The rain poured, lightening flashed, thunder boomed.  I listened.  I prayed.  I was reminded of the might and power and goodness of God.

God does as God wills.  The storm provided rain for trees, water for lakes and rivers.  God brought the storm to  bring life.  Storms in my life are intended the same.  It may be dark and stormy, but there is purpose to the storm.  To strengthen, provide nurishment, to grow.  God knows best.  I agree, but I don't always like or appreciate the storm for its intended purpose.

I will praise Him in the storm...even at 5 am!

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say “Amen”, and it’s still raining

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

Best thing I heard all week

Dave Menzel absolutely nailed it with  - don't interpret what you see by what you see.  interpret what you see by what God says.


So good.  This morning our recent Cuba Team along with Cuba alumni shared about what God is doing through the house church movement in Cuba and how we have been apart of that endeavor for 4 plus years.  So inspiring and humbling.  We actually had a Lady who is only one generation removed from living in Cuba - she was tearful as she saw the love of God in tangible form taking the good news of Jesus Christ to the lost of her homeland.

We heard stories of faith, sharing and love.  some were funny, others sad, still others of victory where a life was given to Jesus.  In all, this trip saw more than 40 accept Christ along with the launch of a brand new church in Havana.

Gloria Adios

Wonderings from the Week that was

Starting with Sunday - Dave Menzel did a wonderful job sharing about the cost of discipleship and our need to take hold of the preparation God has for us to build and battle!

I journeyed to North Myrtle Beach to meet with a group of really wise and godly men...yes they are pastors too.  Some guys that have transitioned churches, many that were the first wave of church planters in South Carolina in the early 90's, one guy who has planted numerous churches and was my youth pastor eons ago.  I was truly honored and humbled to be with this group that is allowing me to learn and grow and find hand holds as I lead Capstone Community Church.

Arose early to catch the sunrise across the Atlantic.

Welcomed baby Charlie Eskridge - congrats English and Joey.

Talked with 2 colleges this week about designing disc golf courses on their campuses!!! WooHo!

Super time with great friends at Home group last night.  Closer and closer the knot forms.

Huge personal challenges this week as I was faced with many needs from friends, family and community.

Getting Jake and Anna ready for their first Disc Golf Tournaments in a couple of weeks - we are in training baby, in it to win it!!!!


Pray for
Deborah and GEMS - they are amazing me!
Thankful for the 4-5 already for baptism this Easter!
Christ in the Passover - April 16 @ 7 pm
Men's Pancakes April 2 @ 8 am
Me and my family - we need you prayers

GEMS prayer update from today - sent in by Deborah

Many of you know and are involved and inspired by the work, the calling of one of our Capstone friends.  The stories of victory are amazing, God is at work.  There have been many victories and there will be many more to come.  Read the words.  Hear her heart.

 

"Whatsoever your hand findeth to do, do it with your might"...Ecclesiastes 9:10

Praise:

Praise God for refreshment and inspiration:  Daniel (my son) and I attended a worship led by Elder Alton Evett  and preached by a dear man of God.  The Word was spoken with no injections of long stories, but the truth about Rahab which was interjected with other scriptures. Thank you, Lord for people who are interested in giving hope to the people in the streets of Anderson.

Praise the Lord for women who make it off the streets, beat the odds with getting an education, and then encouraging other women to do the same.  Dawna Harrison is one of those women.  Thank you, my Saviour, for bringing her to the point of helping women do the same.

Juanita, is back.  You prayed for her and today she is in Anderson to ride the streets tomorrow.  She has no symptoms from the strokes.

Daniel and I had a breakthrough in two situations you have been praying about.   Daniel's hours at work had gone down to 6 hours a week and today his boss increased his hours to 28 hours a week.  Daniel is learning disabled and God just keeps holding him up.  Praise God for people who prays for me and my family..

Prayer:

Susan needs prayer for an illness.  Her elderly Dad needs prayer for a serious medial problem.  Her elderly Mom has the shingles.

Gail and husband needs prayer.  Her husband has been diagnosed with the worse kind of leukemia.

Continue to pray for D & K.  They are having difficulty with adjusting to parenthood, new jobs, and a place to live.

Roger needs your prayers.  You have been praying for him now for some time.  His jawbone was removed and now he was told today that cancer has spread to his lymph nodes.

Continue to pray for C.  We have not found a place for her to live.

Pray for our co-worker, Connie.  She is going through some stressful moments.

A new GEMS friend, Debra, had surgery today:  Pray for her recovery.

Deborah has experienced some health problems associated with her disabilities.  She wasn't able to serve but a few hours last week and the physical problems are getting worse.  Continue to pray for strength and healing.  God has been moving in a big ways in her personal and spiritual life, so she knows that God will continue to bless and keep her. 

The GEMS team will be going to Virginia on March 29th to learn more about drug abuse.  Pray that things will continue to come together concerning this trip and our educational experience.

Pastime:

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,  I fear no evil; for God is with me; His rod and His staff, they comfort me"...Psalm 23:4

Monday Morning Reflections

I am amazed at the work of God in others for others.  God guides our paths in the routes He desires and requires for our own sake, for the benefit of people that come into contact with us and to give Himself glory as we walk through victorious.

I got to see some of that this week, it is so cool.

Dave Menzel rocked the house this Sunday as he shared about the cost of discipleship from Luke 14, but he also jumped head long into the build and battle strategy God has employed for each of His disciples.  And if you are battling - you gotta be ready - check Eph 6 - Dave talked to us about the armor of God.  I never really thought much about the "backside"  but God does not give you protection for the back side...Dave told us its is because we are not to turn our backs on sin.  Good word.

I got to visit with a college roommate today as well.  Phil is a pastor and he was preaching at another church and I went to check on him.  He did an amazing job of connecting the prodigal son story from Luke 15 with our state of connectivity with God.  It is all about relationship not religion.  The younger son repented and came to the Father, the older never did repent...they each squandered what the Father had for them.  It was only in getting right with the Father that true peace in known.

Good Stuff!!!!

More later

picture from outside Capstone

The week (and a half) that was

1.  Saturday was a great day to serve the community as the Manna Truck from Golden Harvest Food Bank.  Many needs were meet, conversations were shared and hope was given.  There were stories from this and other recent encounters of several people giving their lives to Christ.  Super amount of volunteers in site to love on people and help in so many ways.  See the pic to see worship leader Bekky with the wave and Mike, the Capstone Student Leader.

2.  Last week I got to hang with the family at Anna's school play.  Very funny stuff.  Got to reconnect with friends from kids schools that we've known over the years as well as a new family that has been attending Capstone.  I was reminded that no seating at an elementary school is comfortable for adults...maybe not for kids either!

3.  Been praying for GEMS and the Street Ministry they do.  Trying to get more information to the right people about the work they are doing and the needs that can be met.

4.  Japan is on the mind and heart of so many.  Pray to God to use you and others like to to minister to others with big questions during this disaster to bring light and hope to hopeless people.  God will be glorified!  Pray for hurting people in Japan.

5.  Our Cuba team returned and we are so excited to hear their stories and talk together on March 27 about what Missions means to you.  If you are in the Anderson metro area that Sunday come on down to Capstone Church.

6.  I love my home group!  We get together to eat, study God's word, pray and support each other.  It amazes me the collective experience and love we have.  Someone is always ready to give what is needed.  A word of encouragement, a few bucks, a story from their live...whatever is needed, what ever is required.  If you don't know community like this, it is time.  Grow in your faith, grow in your understanding of God's word, invest yourself in others.

7.  Caroline rocks!  She is super busy with tax season stuff, but we have been able to make some time for conversation the last few nights.

8.  CityPrayer is the bomb...had some folks walk in today.  A pastor from up the street and a handful of others that come JUST TO PRAY!!!  TH@12:15

9.  I love God.  I love His creation.  I love His church.  I love the way He loves.

10.  Stuff Coming Up:  Blood drive Sunday morning 11-1p at Capstone; Weekend to Remember in May; Christ in the Passover April 16; Men's Pancakes and Power Hour April 2.

Disc Golf

If you have found this blog site because we met through disc golf...great!  you maybe trying to find the Go PLAY OUTSIDE site.  It gives all the latest info on Disc Golf happenings in Anderson.

you will find that site here:

gpoanderson.blogspot.com

If you've never tried the fine sport of disc golf - what are you waiting for?  give me a shout and we'll go toss some discs around.

DB

Manna Truck 3.12.11

Today goes down as an official great day.  Lives were changed as conversation, touch and love were shared.  Hundreds came for the Manna Truck distribution organized through AIM.  Dozens of volunteers s on came to love on people in need and give our food from the truck.  Capstone had lots of folks on site to serve along side AIM volunteers and several groups/ families from First Presbyterian Church and NewSpring Church.

Many stories and prayers were shared today.  Thank you for coming, praying, supporting.  We are impacting Anderson as the church God wants us to be as we love people into the abundant life that comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ.  I heard this week from some of our folks how before the food giveaway it gave them cause for conversation.  Some of those conversations lead to people accepting Jesus Christ and their lives change forever.

.
Pray to the Lord of the harvest!  Thanks to Him for the abundance of His generosity.  Pray for Japan

Tomorrow is time change - spring forward an hour - see you @capstone church in the morning for Communion at 10am.

From CityPrayer

^{AS I prayed this week @ Cityprayer, I looked around and saw the few who came to pray and knew of others that have said they will stop at 12:15 on Thursdays to prayer and an amazing thing hit me - we are are 2or 3.  We are gathering in His name.  God is going to do amazing things as we ask for healing, peace, light, health, abundance for our city.  God save the lost!!!}

^{Here is our prayer guide from Thursday.}

^{2 Chronicles 7:14} if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

^{Psalm 40:1} I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. ² He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. ³ He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD 
and put their trust in him.
Lord – I come praying and waiting today, I know you hear my voice, I trust you because you have rescued me and others before, you’ve come through and settled the problem and set me firmly in your care.  You provide the inspiration for the joy, the worship, the praise, the glory my life gives to you.  I know that many will seek you and trust you.
⁴ Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.⁵ Many, LORD my God, 
are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. 
None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, 
they would be too many to declare.
Father you bless those finding you and not themselves or other idols.  God all the wonders…you prepared for us.  You are without equal and un-measureable!  What you do is awesome.  Save the day!

 Thank you Father - AMEN

DBRUWITHME?

In case you wanted to know why "dbruwithme?"

DB is me. RU - asks the question are you.  And withme is with me.  So the question God is asking me is dbruwithme?  Nearer, farther from Him?  God wants me and you to walk and talk daily, constantly with Him.

so feel free to insert your initials or name into the question.  ______ruwithme?

Super pumped

sunshine is so awesome, especially as it busts through the clouds.

Cityprayer is today @ 12:15 @capstonechurch

New friends from Disc Golf world showed up at church Sunday.

my baby girl is in a little play tonight at school that the whole fam gets to be together to share.

Sunday's coming - communion will be be taught, talked, preached, shared, served and taken.  Come on Capstone people get ready, bring a bud, a friend, a nieghbor, a complete stranger that you are going to meet this week at ths gorcery store, walmart, barber shop, bank, ball game -somewhere.  Sunday's coming!!!

Random Stuff this week

Here's the run down:

1 God has been reminding me of the truth of His word, how awesome and powerful scripture is...i know you are thinking ...duh, but everybody needs a little kick from time to time

2  Meet some cool folks from Cogun - they help churches build facilities and reclaim "dark stores" and other unused space for worship, training and mission development.  Great conversation with Bill (CEO dude) and Matt (Charlottle Area Rep).  Wonderful to come along side guys that it and are striving even harded to keep getting it by sharing it.

3.  New pastor friend  - Jonathan McGrady from right up the street at West Whinter Baptist Church.  I hope his enthusiam and passion for the gospel and for people far from God.  Looking forward to partnering with him and WWBC for their Community Fest in May

4  Mike D'Avanzo is stinking cool

5  Bekky D'Avis (and Gary are too)

6  I love and miss our staff when they are not around (Terri, Chanda, Mike, and Mike F (you too), Christi, Ashleigh, Joni, Leah and Bekky

7  Praying for Churches, revial, city reaching, Cypress Group, friends hurting, family with loss

8  Got to respond to a friend today about the loss of a family member that was a Christ follower by telling her I was praying for her loss but celebrating with her family member because she was face to face with Jesus.

9  CUBA team

10  I have a super dupper friend, supporter, fan, sweatheart, wifey in Caroline...I love you!

enuff 4 now

Sundays

I love Sundays @ Capstone Church (@Capstone_info on Twitter).  It is fun and exciting to see old friends that you have laughed and cried with. It is great to meet new people, hear great stories of what God is doing in people's lives, talk with kids, eat great food and worship the Great God.  Music is so valuable to the experience and whether I am teaching or one of our awesome team members - God's word is always applicable and true.

This past Sunday I got to "run loose" - Mike D did a super job teaching, Bekky and the band rocked it old school hymnologically.  People were excited and engaged.  The rain, the clouds did not dampen what God was doing Sunday. We prayed over our team in Cuba.  we shared opportunities of service through the Manna Truck next Saturday (3/12 @ 7:30).

Great Day!!!!

Next Sunday is Time Change Sunday - Spring forward an hour...we will be celebrating Communion at 10:00 am, singing, praising and worshipping.  Our whole gathering will be centered around the Lord's Supper.  See you next week.

DB

Twitter/ Facebook/ Web

Keep in the know at Capstone Community Church

Twitter             @Capstone_info
twitter (me)      @dbruwithme
Facebook         http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5448527255
web                  www.capstonechurch.com

Run For God

have you guys ever heard of this?  it seems like a cross between discipleship and fitness and wellness.  check it out http://www.runforgod.com/

Michael Arnold is interested in helping get this started in Anderson at Capstone Church.

CityPrayer

Each Thursday we open the doors to the worship center located

at 708 W Whitner St in Anderson, SC (otherwise know as Capstone Community Church).

Come and sit for a time of quiet, solitude, prayer and renovation of your soul.

The purpose if Cityprayer is simply and earnestly praying for our city.

Come if you can.  If not, stop for a minute or two wherever you are on Thursdays @ 12:15 and pray.

The real first post

Reading great book - Kingdom Agenda by Tony Evans.  He talks early on about the "Discount God" that many people in the world follow.  They are looking for a deal, for a sale.  They want a little this or a little that.  It reminded me about the school pictures we used to get.  The packages they put together that give you a little of what you want and likely some of what you don't.


God knows we don't like green beans, but insists that when we sit at His table we eat up.  We clean the plate.  Why?  He knows we need the nourishment, the discipline.  We need His rules.  The reality is that when you get God, you get His Kingdom and with His Kingdom comes His rules.


Psalm 24¹ The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, 
   the world, and all who live in it;
² for he founded it on the seas
   and established it on the waters.
 ³ Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD?
   Who may stand in his holy place?
⁴ The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
   who does not trust in an idol
   or swear by a false god.

 ⁵ They will receive blessing from the LORD

Check out what's the word at Capstone Church on Twitter @Capstone_info

What you will find here

Hello, my name is David Barfield.  I am humbled that you might actually read words that I write.  If I were you, I'd take what I read here as the memories and musings of a passionate friend.  The far and wide ramblings of a man attempting to live out his faith in Jesus Christ as openly and honestly as possible.  My hope and prayer is that I can be a useful tool in God's hands and maybe through my experiences and stories someone may be encouraged to take another step of faith.

L8r
DB