Tuesday Night Reflections

March 25, 2009

Well, it has been an eventful week.

  • On Monday morning, I was talking with someone in my office, and I stated that I was refreshed and had a relaxing weekend. Then it hit me, “NO you did not relax”
  • I worked for hours on Saturday for cleaning out the room that will become our sanctuary at our new building.
  • Then on Sunday I had 3 meetings, after church. It was a grueling day beginning at 5 AM and ending around 9:15.
  • Those were the facts, the truth was that it was one of the most relaxing weekends. I believe God honored me with rest, during those activities. Each day I took a couple of hours to spend with the family watching movies, taking walks, and running out for ice cream.
  • I was thinking on my drive from Green Bay today. If believers spent half as much energy and got half as excited about Church as they do March Madness, we would see entire regions won for Christ. The Kingdom could truly be advanced.
  • I think part of the problem is that we are not ashamed to be radical sports fan, but we are ashamed of being radical loves of Jesus!
  • The bathrooms at the Tundra Lodge Conference Center are the nicest I have ever seen. The room is marble with some amazing wood doors and fixtures. The restroom had a chair that was heated in a separate section with heaters. During our lunch break today, I kicked back and relaxed. I almost took a nap, but my I-phone kept me busy on Twitter and Facebook.
  • You should take a look at WINY‘s blog. The last couple of post are awesome, and the rest are good too!
  • Another blog to check out is JoNathan’s Bog.  JoNathan is moving to Appleton to work with Overflow. After a brief season of being in our services and Life Groups he will take over our children’s ministry. (CAN I GET AN AMEN!)
  • You know I have been begging God for somethings over the last several months, and many of them have come to pass.  I am blessed.
  • The real concern here is that Ashlee has set her mind to stand in faith for 3 things and they have ALL come to pass. She should be the one teaching our prayer series in a few weeks.
  • Did I mention that we are working with another Church in the Fox Valley Region and going to move our services into a new building in April. I am believing we will outgrow it quickly, but will remain involved with the building and outreaches from that location for a long time!
  • Oh, final thought… I need to pray more!

Those are my reflections. Many other things happened and went on around here, but too many to discuss.

If you live in the Appleton area we would love to see you at a Life Group or Celebration Service! Just give me a call 920-475-7595.

Check back  (Thursday) for Benefits Verses Responsibilities Part 3

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Posted by kevinjbradford

Blessed Girl

February 19, 2009

Blessed Girl by guest blogger – Ashlee Bradford

This blog has been brooding in my spirit for a few days, and I’m not really sure I can adequately express what is in my heart…but honestly…God is so good! We have lived in Wisconsin for over 3 years now. The first two years were miserable — we were in the wilderness — confused at what exactly God was doing, attempting to be obedient, and struggling. I think I grew up more in those 2 years then any other time in my life. We could have turned away from ministry entirely and to be honest, I’m not certain anyone would have cared that we were throwing our destinies away. But, we pursued God anyway. It was so hard some days. We talked incessantly about what we felt God calling us to do in this region. We didn’t feel released to move forward. Then in Aug of 2007 after we went to The Call in Nashville at Titan Stadium we started the Flood House of Prayer and shortly thereafter our Life Groups. In June of 2008 we started having regular Sunday services. We are still small, but God is bringing shape to the vision he gave us and bringing us the right people in His timing. Sometimes I’d like to rush things along but I think God is building our church, carefully…with thoughtful preparation. I used to be so jealous of those who seemed to be handed ministry on a platter…that was all they had ever done. On the other hand, Kevin has been bivocational for so long…and sometimes gone to school at the same time as well…and at times it’s been a challenge. But, in retrospect (and Kevin is still bi-vocational as I write this) it’s grown us up too, made us more passionate, made us more appreciative of the authority and opportunity that God gives us. At times, we’ve had chances to walk away and take the easy way (a full-time paid ministry position) but God always answers with, “Is that what I’ve called YOU too?” I’m so thankful we have stuck the course, because I see God doing something awesome and had we left He would use someone else here. I’m sure eventually Kevin will leave his “day job” as we call it, but in the meantime God has brought contentment. Sometimes I worry about how hard it is on our kids, but Kevin is so intentional to spend quality time with them that I think they actually get MORE attention then many kids whose parents only have one job. On top of it, I’m home with them during the day, doing school, hanging out, playing games, etc. I’m so thankful we chose to home school as well, they are learning, growing, and changing everyday…and I don’t miss a minute of it! A little over a year ago, I read a book called Dangerous Surrender by Kay Warren. It really changed my mind in regards to how I think about a lot of areas of my life. Since putting some of my previous attitudes in check, it’s amazing to see what God has done. It seems that with my attitude in the right place (not being terribly concerned over material goods, free of jealousy, etc) God has really opened up the floodgates of heaven. We have been paying off debt. We have a nice home, van, and moped. In January we got new furniture…and last weekend we were finally able to buy the girls a new play set for the backyard. We now have the extra cash for fun things like getting my hair done, taking the girls to the girly salon, going on a date, etc. God has been extraordinarily faithful! You cannot out give God! Lately, over and over again I am so awestruck by God’s goodness. How much He has grown us up, how blessed we are, how excited I am to see what He wants to do in Appleton! It’s not that there aren’t needs, questions, and struggles — there certainly are — but I have a calm confidence that God is working it out and that He is bringing His Kingdom here! Praise God!

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Tuesday Night Reflections

February 4, 2009

I cannot believe how quickly the last few weeks have flown by. I have not blogged as much as I have wanted to due to pouring every spare minute into developing the first few series in the Renovate Semester, and outlining the 2nd half of Renovate. Now that the majority of that is done, I can blog again.

Tonight, I will put down a few thoughts, and then I want to link some blogs that I read recently, and thought I should recommend them to you!

  • Life Group on Wednesday Night Rocked! Maybe best Life Group Ever! Some people really got touched by God!
  • Sunday Morning…. What can I say, God showed up in a powerful way! I believe some people really got set free, and some fuel was added to others fire!
  • The SuperBowl did not disappoint. (The Game or the commercials) What was your favorite commercial?
  • God is so good! He has been showing me things each day. I honestly do not have enough outlets to teach all that I am getting. Reason for blog!
  • Today I realized that a lot of people I work with are really getting attacked by sickness, strife, and such (Satan, basically).  Then as I was praying about it, God began to speak to me about what can be shaken. At that moment Ashlee called to tell me during her prayer time today God spoke to her about what can be shaken will be shaken! How awesome is God, using my wife to confirm what He was speaking to me like that!
  • This Sunday’s sermon will blow people’s minds. I finished re-drafting the first half of the message today. Oh..My… It was really ministering to me.
  • Sunday February 15th will be a new series title “The Message” and it will be awesome! Designed for those who do not attend church for what ever reason, and those Far from God!
  • I have a hectic schedule the next few days. I have worked 8 AM until 8 or 9 PM since Sunday, and it will last through this Saturday. Please pray for my family!

Those are my reflections for tonight! On to some blogs you should read! These are great reads.

  • Please read this post if your pastor is married! To read go here!
  • This post by Lisa Shea on how to pray for your pastor.
  • Another great post on Stevenfurtick.com about worship. Read Here!

2 Comments | Appleton, Challenging, Church, Family, Jesus, Leadership, Life, Overflow, Random Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by kevinjbradford

Lessons from a Brazilian Streakhouse

January 23, 2009

A couple of weeks ago Ashlee and I were in San Antonio, Texas visiting some great friends of ours. We had a wonderful time, but one of the experiences we enjoyed was going to the Brazilian Steakhouse.

When arriving at the Brazilian Steakhouse (Chama Gaucha) we realized quickly everyone except Pastor Brandon was way under dressed. We were quickly shuffled in to a nice waiting area with a end-tables and chairs. Moments later we were informed our table had been prepared for us.

Our table was arranged for 12 people (9 of us) with water glasses, utensils, fancy napkins, and candles. The server came and explained the concept and salad bar to us. The salad bar was an experience in itself with smoked peppers, portabello mushrooms, different lettuces, cheeses, and meats. After a few moments of eating our salad the red&green cards on our table were explained to us.

When you turned the card from red (stop) to the green (service) the Gaucha’s (brazilian cowboy waiters)  pounced quickly on you with one of 14 different selections of meat from lamb, beef, chicken and pork. As long as your card was on green there was a continuous flow of meat from various waiters. It was like they roamed the room with meat on these skewers just waiting to provide pursue you with service. It was almost like they were relentlessly pursuing you. One time I left my card on green and turned to speak with Ashlee for a moment and turned back around to find that 2 different waiters had dropped of meats while my head was turned.

About halfway through our meal Brandon made a statement that I have focused on several times since that meal. He said “this brings a whole new light to the Lord preparing a table before me in the presence of our enemy.” We kind of laughed about it that night, but I agreed.

In the last two weeks during my prayer time this has come to me several times, and God has really used it to minister to me along with some other things spoken and discussed during that trip to San Antonio.

The enemy in many ways tried to deceive, trick, and force Pastor Brandon and myself from ministry. I know Brandon went through rough times over the last few years, and is now planting a life giving Kingdom-minded church in San Antonio. When I moved from Texas to Wisconsin I went through a two (2) year wilderness experience where I felt like I was cut off from a lot, but God it used to shape and mold me. The enemy was working hard at ending my pursuit of ministry.

Based on discussions we had in San Antonio and me seeking God over the last two weeks, I have come to the following revelation in my spirit.

The Lord is preparing a table before me at the feet of my enemies. That night in San Antonio was a picture of God’s grace. For all the hardship and struggle in Brandon’s and my life (ministries) we were now sitting at a wonderful feast in a beautiful atmosphere enjoying the company of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Brandon and Holli are doing great in San Antonio with a beautiful house, healthy kids, joyful lives. In the same way Ashlee and I are enjoying our beautiful house, loving kiddos, and experiencing the joy of advancing His Kingdom.

I believe the reason that Brandon/Holli and Ashlee/I are experiencing this is because of all the years where we were willing to do what no one else was willing to do. We laid our lives down for the Kingdom.  Matthew 16:25 states ” whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.”

For years we have been laying down our lives and relentlessly pursuing the Kingdom of God. In those years we were losing our lives, and now both of us (Brandon/Holli & Ashlee/I) are finding it. Please do not get me wrong. I am still relentlessly pursuing God’s blessings, His presence, and His Kingdom. The difference is that I am understanding His Kingdom a little better than I did, and He is pouring out His blessings on us in amazing ways, because of the years we poured out our lives to see His Kingdom advance.

Is there something that God is asking you to sacrifice that no-one else around you is wiling to do?

Do you feel like you are doing all of the pursuing? (like a one sided relationship)

Share with me some of your thoughts!

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Tuesday Night Reflections!

January 14, 2009

I am very thankful to be back in Appleton after 12 wonderful days in Texas.

  • I am so excited that my Steelers are in the AFC championship game this weekend!
  • I really enjoyed my time in Texas with my family. It was a wonderful time to reconnect with my brother and sister-in-law.  My sister was off the entire time, which was great.
  • God’s favor was on our travels. We did not see any rain or snow the entire drive down, and only for about 50 miles on the drive home.
  • I had some amazing times in the word while we were in Texas. I will share some of the things in the coming days and weeks. God is so good! I was up at 5:30 to 6:00 each morning and ran out to a different coffee shop each morning with the IPOD to do some reading.
  • I honestly thought I would spend at least an hour a day working on some church stuff, but the time in the Word and prayer was so powerful, I never actually got to work on anything.
  • We ended our trip with a quick 4 1/2 hour drive south (yes the wrong direction) to San Antonio. It was wonderful reconnecting with my pastor. It had been 3 years since I had seen him. I talk with him regularly, but had not hung out in a while.
  • We had dinner at an amazing place, the Brazilian Steakhouse. (I will post about it soon)
  • After dinner Thursday Night I found out that I had an opportunity to speak at the Believer’s Academy on Friday morning. I discussed the Post Modern and Secular Humanism word views that most of our culture has embraced with a passion. I discussed the differences between the Texas culture and Wisconsin Culture.
  • I went into detail about intellectualism and atheistic viewpoints that state that Christianity is a man-made agenda. I also was able to discuss the difficulties in church planting, and the things I have found surprising a long the way. It was a great experience. I got to speak in a Sophomore and Senior class.
  • My wife had an amazing opportunity to speak at the Women’s ministry meeting for All Nations Church on Friday Night.  It was a last minute opportunity, because their speaker fell through, and we just happen to be in town.
  • The reports I got were that my wife spoke a word that touched many of the women in the meeting. I am so proud of her.
  • Several people have asked me what I have been reading, studying, preparing lately. To be honest, I have spent the majority of my time the last 2 weeks preparing for our Vision Sunday Service this Sunday. (See Invite on yesterday’s blog entry)
  • I am so excited about what is going to do here in the Fox Valley and here at Overflow. 2009 is going to be a year of extraordinary fun and fruit.

Nothing too deep tonight, sorry. In the coming days I will blog about the Brazilian Steakhouse, Social Clubs, and the things God has been speaking to me about during my preparations for 2009.

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Posted by kevinjbradford

Tuesday Night Reflections!

December 24, 2008

It was Christmas Eve – Eve! Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse! (So I thought) The stocking had not been hung yet, but the Christmas tree and decor was glistening. The kids were snuggled in bed in hopes that Jolly old St. Nick would be preparing His sleigh!

I had just settled in for a quick power nap, so that Ashlee and I could watch “the nativity story”. When rose such a patter, that I arose from my sleep. As I arose slowly I began to understand that patter, was really the tap,tap,tap of the office keyboard, for behold my wife was still on Facebook, or Fashion Wars to be exact! So I quickly went in and chatted with her, only to find out my power nap was two hours in a zap! Now that you know why my Tuesday Night Reflections were not last night, I will post them this day, Wednesday the true Christmas Eve!

A few reflections before I rush off to work this morning:

  • The Packers lost another game by only a few points on Sunday. It was a bummer, but not too surprising. (It makes me wonder if they simply cannot finish strong.)
  • As Christians we are encouraged by Paul in several different places to finish strong. I have heard of and seen too many  Christians who are running the race strong, but cannot seem to finish strong. I want to be a Christian who is known to finish what I start, and to be at my best at the end, not just the beginning.
  • Today is Christmas Eve, and I cannot get over how much God has blessed us this year. We have had so much blessings this year.
  • This is our first Christmas in our New House!
  • We have a new Fridge (very similar to Ash’s dream fridge)
  • Our girls are healthy, and getting so many amazing things for Christmas!
  • Santa is bringing them their most request gift! (Guitars, keyboards, and drums)
  • They have requested them so they can learn to Worship God with instruments. SERIOUSLY! Yea God!
  • Ashlee and I have a wonderful marriage, and love each other now more than when we first got married.
  • Our church has potential, and I believe we are finding our stride, so that we can finish stronger in 2009 than we start. (Definitely the case for 2008!)

Those are my thoughts before work on Christmas Eve!

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Tuesday Night Reflections

December 17, 2008

It is a little past midnight, and I wanted to get some of my pondering and reflections typed up before bed.

  1. I just downloaded Fire-Fox (So 2009) due to the IE problems and recommend that you do the same. (Not only is it safe, it is awesome!)
  2. I will finally be on Face Book this week, and hope to begin following some people on Twitter. (Again, finally caught up to 2009 living)
  3. I am not sure where I will find the time for my new blog, facebook, and twitter even though people ensure me that Facebook and twitter don’t take up much time.
  4. I have been stressed this evening for no good reason. I was not anxious or worried, just stressed. Have you ever had that heavy feeling and not been able to completely been able to put your finger on it. Well that was me today.  I came home from work, and honestly spent the better part of 2 1/2 hours processing. Pondering one might say!
  5. The last week has been good. Very good!
  6. Wednesday was our last regular Life Group of 2008.
  7. Thursday Night was a great family night with Pizza and Movies with all the girls.
  8. Friday Night was our Christmas Party (I already blogged about that)
  9. Saturday I shoveled our deck off (10 inches) and then I grilled baby-back ribs. (One of my favorite grill items)
  10. Sunday was an awesome day at church. The worship was absolutely wonderful, and God presence was amazing. Then the word lived up to the hype God had been speaking to me about. As a body, we agreed on seeing some fallen away Christians coming home in 2009.
  11. My Steelers finally clinched their division in the AFC guaranteeing a play-off spot. ut
  12. Last but not least, I am playing for the Fantasy Football Championship in our league this coming weekend!

In all seriousness, Fire-Fox is the way to go for Internet browsing, and I recommend the Tinsel Town package for the Holidays.

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Posted by kevinjbradford