Christmas with the Normans

I don't know how time flies by so fast. My last post was forever ago and for that I apologize.

Lots has happened between then and now.. (I know, I'm hysterical), unfortunately way to much for me to get across in a blog update, but lets hit the basics...

Kingsfield has been great, were closing out the year strong and really excited to see what the Lord will do with 09. I always love new years. I know that nothing really changes, but still I get really charged to start thinking about what's ahead. Christmas Eve service was alot of with a great crowd out to enjoy some time together as one big family. We used the tension between Christmas almost 2000 years ago and a typical Christmas today to launch us in to our study of Isaiah 9. The Drama team helped paint the picture and did a great job, it was perfect. We'll have the service on line soon for those of you who were out of town.

The Family is doing great as well. Christmas was spent running around between families. We're grateful enough to actually enjoy spending time with our families. We're also very grateful that both sides actually only live a few miles from each other in Redlands. Today we reconstructed the house that was torn into pieces. Well really Tatum did that as I went to work assembling a bike, electric scooter, big wheel, and a mansion doll house, bigger than both my girls. Our new kitten Bella thinks it's for her.

Yes, I said kitten... I have never really thought of myself as much of a cat guy. Until my daugher started asking for one and then I happened to run across the "bengal cat". The bengal cat is supposedly more like a dog than a cat. They actually are very much about the fam, like water, hang their heads out the window while driving, can fetch, and learn tricks. Not to mention the fact that they actually look like a leopard. The one we got is 4 generations removed from the Asian Leopard and has a super cool print. Totaly safe so no worries... we did our homework first.

Baby Steven...

This past Sunday Morning I had the privilege of doing a very special baby dedication. Baby Steven is a 9 month old boy from from Haiti and has been staying with a very loving family in our church for the past 5 months. Steven had spinabfida and the Worrells took him in through mending kids. The sacrifice that the Worrells made gave Steven allowed for Steven to be operated on in the states.

On Sunday Kingsfield prayed for him as he will be going back to Hattie this week. The prayer is that Steven will be able to be brought back to the U.S. through an adoption agency early this next year.

I really respect the Worrells for opening up their lives to this child. Their selfless investment has radically impacted not only Steven life but their own as well.

I love watching what how God works when were willing to step outside our comfort zone.

I've got a short video that J&S Productions (Jono and Simono) put toether... so check back later and I'll get it uploaded for you.

So it's been on my mind

On the way home from a benefit dinner for Growers First we drove past main beach in Laguna Beach. At a stop light several students were making tons of noise on the corner and crossing the street with their signs, supporting their cause. Their efforts were in protest to California's yes vote on Proposition 8. Proposition 8 reversed the supreme court ruling to allow same sex marriages, and will now place a biblical definition of marriage in the California Constitution. It will be stated as “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California”

Several things hit me as I watched these students rallying together... I'll share one for now and maybe share some later.

One was the desperate need every generation has for a true cause. My heart really went out to them. So many are searching for something to stand for. They long for something bigger than themselves to unite them and give them purpose. I wonder if those students were really motivated by cause itself, or by the fulfillment that having "a cause" brings.

I wonder what would happen if the church was to embrace it's cause with the same "force" that these students have embraced theirs. Not that we would hold protests and picket parties, rather that we unite with a boldness in the proclamation of the Gospel.

It's my prayer that the church, with wisdom, would be careful not to "tear down bridges" with unchristlike behavior. Also that we would not simply "build bridges" for the sake of "unconditional love". Rather that we would keep the bridges we do have, build the bridges we don't have and then drive the truth of the gospel across. That we would care enough to boldly call sin, sin. Then we would boldly point sinners to the sinners savior, Jesus Christ.

That is Gods cause and it must be ours as well... Jesus said of Himself in Luk 19:10 "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." Paul wrote in 1Ti 1:15 "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst." The sin factor goes for every one of us. Rom 3:23 tells us "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God". But thanks the Lord that there is hope for even the worst of sinners. Rom 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord".

so we want change?

The votes are in and Barack Obama is our President elect. As he moves into his new role we need to be reminded of our role. Gods word tells us that our role is to pray for our leadership. Pray that God would grant him the wisdom to make the tough decisions that are before him. No mater what takes place, we know that God sits upon His throne and it's He who's ultimately in control.

America wants change and it's my prayer that we see it. Although America may be looking for it in the political and economic arena, the big change we need is elsewhere. What we need is a change of heart. Even if policy and procedure could usher in a strong economy it could never user in true peace. We would still be a restless people.

We were each created to thrive within a relationship with God. Outside that relationship we will never thrive or find rest. Jesus alone is the only one who could promise to provide for us the rest we are craving. Jesus said in Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. "

It's my pray that America would find what she is really crying out for. It's my prayer also that the church would be bold enough to proclaim the gospel and point the way.

The Resurrection

Sunday we had many people show up to our service for the first time. Many of them had come out to Blast and decided to check things out. We were in 1 Corinthians chapter 15 examining the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of life beyond the grave. Paul describes the Integrity, the Implications and the hits us with the Issue. The main issue is not that the resurrection is hard to intellectualize. The issue is that the resurrection forces man to deal with God, who calls all men to surrender. Surrender is difficult for us because we like to be in control. Even if we don't trust ourselves, we often would rather trust ourselves more than trust God. When men realize that God is good and cares His people, surrender becomes easier but still not easy.

On Sunday there was a huge response and we say many first time commitments to the Lord.

Thank you Lord

BLAST was a Blast

On Thursday the staff and some amazing volunteers began to set up for BLAST 08. The goal was set high but the team has always been the make it happen people. Besides the thousand other things that were happening, the stage was built, the map was finalized, and Jonathan was still going strong on the "Amazing Maze". He and his team had been working on it literally all week... For those of you who don't know the "amazing maze" was probably the largest cardboard box maze ever constructed. Jonathan and his team take the chairs out of the sanctuary and fill it with a crawl through maze that has all sorts of options to get lost, not to mention several layers, and slides, ect... Last but not least, what seemed to be a crazy idea from Carrie turned into actuality as Chris Reinhardt and team strung lights between our facility and the building next door at some 40+ feet in the air.

On Friday the maps were passed out early in the morning and the teams went to work turning our back parking lot into a county fair. Complete with everything from cotton candy to pony rides. The front got a little love as well and ended up having some major curb appeal. Complete with a huge projection of a video loop BLAST LOGO in space..

As 6:30 approached people began showing up and packed the place out. Music from the blues band filled the air as the smell of popcorn and BBQ completed the already very cool atmosphere. The kids ran from booth to booth and loaded up on Candy as parents tried to divide their attention between their many conversations and not losing their children. The kids seemed to have so much fun. The Amazing maze was a highlight for the older kids as they moved through endless tunnels with their glow sticks... some kids were stuck in the maze for over 30 minutes.

We had more people show up this year then ever before with well over 1000 participating over the course of the evening. I personally met many families from all over Orange County that were experiencing their first introduction to Kingsfield Church. It's my prayer that many of those who came out would join us on Sunday and find out a little more of what were all about.

God is truly doing some great things and were having tons of fun

Up Next

Our study in the book of 1 Corinthians has been amazing. As we took the time to study 1 Corinthians, Kingsfield has grown in so many ways. Paul wrote the letter of 1 Corinthians to set things straight in the chaotic church in Corinth. By studying Paul's letter, we gained the much needed insight to address many areas of our lives, and also, theology that often times is ignored, including - sexual intimacy in our marriages, views on being single, the ways we worship, how we handle the "gray area's" of the bible, and so many other issues. If you missed any of it, you can catch it online. All the messages can be viewed on the media page of our website or by subscribing to either our vodcast or podcast.

One thing that stands out in the book of 1 Corinthians is the fact that "Pastor Paul" was taking the time to answer the many questions that were on the heart and mind of the Corinthian congregation. When we finish out the book of 1 Corinthians, we'll be following the steps of Paul, and doing the same thing with Kingsfield. Starting this Sunday we will begin to accumulate any and all questions that come our way through the various channels that we'll be providing both online and at the church. Then starting on the 16th of November we will launch into answering the top 4 questions over those 4 following weeks.

The goal is to keep us from wandering, by taking what we are wondering, straight from the Word of God!

After QnA, Christmas will be upon us (believe it our not!), which will lead us into a time to reflect and remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Then we'll be launching into another book of the Bible to start out 2009. 

Wow this year has gone fast!

Thank you Lord for all that you have done. Bless this next series. May many come to know you as their Lord and Savior. Amen.

Fresh LIfe Church

This Sunday I had the privilege of preaching at Fresh Life Church in Montana. Fresh Life is pastored by my good friend Levi Lusko (pronounced with an uhhhh and not an ewwww) and is being used by God in a mighty way to change lives not only in Montana but around the world with it's internet presence. (you can check out their webisite here) About 2 years ago Levi and his wife stepped out in faith and moved to Montana. Fresh
Life was born and started serving up exactly that, "fresh life". The Church recently went to two services at 9 and 11 and it looks like it's time for a 3rd. The place was literally packed out at both services. Just before 2nd service I was hanging out up front and overheard a college student on the phone with her friend say "hurry up!!! I'm trying to save you a seat but I don't know if I can." The energy before service was electric, and from beginning to end these amazing people were absorbing every minute of it. Through worship, announcements, and the message the gang was tuned in and couldn't seem to get enough.

Fresh Life Church is surrounded by a great staff who are super talented, love the Lord and His people in a big way. They are all working very hard and it's exciting to see all that the Lord is doing through their efforts. It was an honor to be with them on Sunday.

After services at Fresh Life I called the Kingsfield staff and received a great report. Pastor Armondo Garcia brought the Word and encouraged the church in a huge way.

Can't wait to be back with everyone....

Chris

Saturday in Seattle..

So Tatum and I were on our way to Kalispell Montana and had a layover in Seattle. It was supposed to be only an hour but when we found out that there was another flight at 9pm. We quickly checked to see if there was any room on it. Sure enough there were over 40 spots left and on a whim we decided to check out the infamous Seattle. The car rental was cheap and we were on our way.

First stop was downtown Pikes Place, as we were on the hunt for the original Starbucks... as a disclaimer I do have to say that I've become a huge fan of Peet's lately, but could not pass up the opportunity. It was defiantly easy to spot with the line running out the door. So in we go, order the usual manly drink ("grande hazelnut latte", with the manly part being "extra hot"), and then on with the rest of the day.



After visiting Mars Hills Church we headed down the road to meet up with two students from Kingsfield. The girls are now going to school at a Calvary Chapel Bible College extension in Seattle. Maritza and Bethany are two girls that have been in Tatum and I's life for years. Both of them were in High School ministry with us, and Bethany was actually with us when we were overseeing the Junior High ministry. It was so encouraging to hear of all that God is doing in their lives. They each a have a fire in their life for the Lord that just keeps growing and growing. I really hope that they enjoy the rest of their time in Seattle, but cant wait for them to get back home to Kingsfield and bring their fire into the work that's taking place in the OC.


We dropped the girls off at their place and then headed down to Queen Ann to hang out in a Peet's so I could spend some time absorbing the message for Fresh Life. Tatum when on a walk and after about 2 hours we headed for the airport, had dinner and jumped on a prop plane headed for Kalispell.

Tate and I really enjoyed Seattle. It has tons of personality, with great people, love the downtown vibe, and are excited to see that there are several really healthy churches preaching the word of God and reaching one of the least churched cities in the nation.

Fwd: The Well

Just got done teaching at The Well and had a great time!!! I love watching what God is doing with this group. They have huge vision and a huge God who's given it to them. guess what, He's not only big enough to give it He's big enough to make it happen..

Chris

Weeks End

Today we hit the final two Spiritual Gifts that we will be looking at in our series, Prophecy and Tongues. both have become very controversial as there is much confusion attached to each of them. For some reason I like tackling the issue that have brought confusion and controversy to the church at large. Addressing the issues that typically get ignored in scripture. I enjoy watching God move in such a way that people leave at the very least with something to chew on.

As we covered Tongues and Prophecy today the body seamed to be a little more in tune than usual, I noticed more people then usual writing references down and taking notes. After service many told me that this morning was the first time that they had heard these gifts addressed in depth from a pulpit. I realize that it's probably not what you typically focus on when your trying to evangelize the world and grow your church, but even despite that we had many come to the Lord. God is good, He is so faithful.

On a final note, prayer tonight was great. I love the fact that so many at Kingsfield realize the importance of prayer.. Not only is there the Sunday night group but also the Saturday morning men's and Wednesday Woman's. Tonight some of the prayer cards were actually praise reports for things that we had been praying on already.

Kingsfield men

Kingsfield has some of the greatest men. On Friday and Saturday this week we got away for some time together at Aliso Creek Golf Course in Laguna Beach (great place by the way). As I was there I found myself in awe of the Lord and how He has raised up some amazing men around this place. I was looking over the room and just thanking the Lord for what He has begun.

Hats off to Frank Sancheez for a great weekend under his mastermind leadership. Great work man!

Home Alone

This week Tatum had the wonderful opportunity to go with the other pastor wives from Kingsfield to the Calvary Chapel Pastors wives retreat in murietta. I love when Tatum gets the opportunity to get away and be refreshed. If anyone deserves it, it her. She works very hard and put a ton of energy into every aspect of life. She's the mom of three and the wife of me... which alone is enough to make you dizzy. Not to mention everything else she does with the church, and ministry. She absolutely rocks.

After a big kiss good buy I was left to face a few days of daddy time. but thankful she left me with a little guidance. As Tatum was saying good buy to the kids for the retreat Ryah was a little nervous and told Tatum that when shes gone dad "sometimes forgets what he's supposed to do". Amen sister, no kidding. With that in mind Tatum wrote out an extensive schedule givign me the play by play form morning to night for each day that she was gone. Talk about a crazy schedule!!! I literally had every 20 minute slot spoken for in my 14 hour day... kids up, kids dressed, flowers in hair, kids feed, lunches made, Elias to school, Ryah to school (two different times), drop off cadence, pick up Reinhardt, do a wedding, drop off Reinhardt, pick up cadence, pick up Elias, pick up Ryah, Ryah to gymnastics, Elias to piano, home to clean, home work to get done, feed kids dinner... sorry I went off on a tangent, but you get the idea. I don't kown how Tatum does it with out dropping any balls.

She came back to us Wednesday all refreshed and boy was I glad to see her. I really lucked out because the kids helped me clean up before she got there and then the by-monthly cleaners showed up and took care of the rest.

Sudnay thoughts.

I'm so proud of Kingsfield Church!!! In the midst of a "church at large" culture that has for the most part chosen to partake of "bible lite", the crowd at KC just digs right in and hangs right in. On Sunday we continued in our study through the book of 1 Corinthians and cover many of the enablements that God through His Spirit gives to the church. Our goal was identify the ones that resonated with each of us and then to go home and start digging through the word to find out more on that particular gift. I wrote a small booklet that would serve as a good place to start with a more in-depth study on each of the gifts and challenged the body to use it for a little home work. The folks at Kingsfield were so eager to dig in that many of them wanted to dragg their friends into the process and asked for extra booklets to take home... way to go guys! Gods word is so good and nothings better that diggin in! keep it up!

Were were blessed to have Jimmy Robeson out to lead us in worship. Jimmy has been a great friend of Tatum and I's for almost 5 years now. He is a great example of a man who loves the Lord and seeks to point others to Him. 

Chris

Daddy Date Night

Today was a great day of study and I can't wait for Sunday. The Lord
is so good and I love digging into the word. Were still in Corinthians
and focused on the gifts of the spirit. This weekend we'll hit the
gifts that we skipped over last week and then leave Corinthians to
pick up list in Romans 12. Then the following week well wade deep
into the gifts of speaking in tongs and prophecy. Stuff we all need
to understand, new believer or mature believer... Paul said "I do not
want you to be ignorant concerning spirituals." it's important to
Paul because it's important to God, if it's important to God then it's
important to us... I also think there's some great stuff in here for
the unbeliever...

At dinner tonight Ryah asked me for a date night out of the blue. How
can a dad resist... So we finished up dinner and off we went... She
set the schedule if events for the evening and all I had to so was
follow along. First we hit Cold Stone for some ice cream. Ryah
wanted Cold Stone of my choice of Yogurtland because she said that
Cold Stone "has less sugar". I don't know if I buy that but hey, daddy
date, she's the boss. As we were eating our ice cream I began into
what I thought was some very stimulating conversation. I asked about
her friend and all that is happening at school. She told me of recess
and the other girls that she is training to catch lizards. Ryah is
always trying to catch some kind of creature... Rollie pollies,
flies, bees, spiders, lizards, you name it. As it turns out she
caught a baby lizard at recess earlier this week and it has now
become quite the craze during recess. Ryah is heading up the team and training as necessary, which seams to be a major need because as she said "none of the others guys have done it right yet".

I thought we were engaged in some good convo as I keep pitching
questions and listening to her answers until in the middle of one of
her sentences she look at me and said "Dad, can we go now? Cuz were
wasting my date time". I feel sorry for the next guy who tries to
date this girl. Shes not your typical "let's sit and chat" kind. No,
not my Ryah, she wanted go shopping... With my money!!! She grabbed my
hand and took me over to Borders and preceded to drag me around the
kids area as she carefully placed each item into some kind of wish
list hierarchy. She would say something like "dad, this is sooo cute
and did you know it's soft, I don't have one of these yet..." and then
the closer "Do you have enough money for it?" if I said sure she would
put it back and say "well let's walk around a little more and If I
don't find something better we can come back to it. That's if somebody
else doesn't take it." and off we went.. We narrowed it down to a
paint you own piggy bank, piggy bank and after she read a few books to
me we headed off to the register and on our way home... Remember
she's only in kindergarten and can't completely read yet... But let me tell ya, she can make those pictures tell stories.

Ryah is such a great kid, I love spending time with her. She loves
life and people. when we got home she told Cade that after she
decorates the pig she's giving it to her to keep her pennies in.
That's my girl, just in case Dad runs out of money to love on her,
she's got a back up plan. Always thinking, always planing....

Chris

Sent from my iPhone

BLAST 08

With October quickly approaching, BLAST became the topic of conversation during the staff meeting this last Tuesday. BLAST is our version of a harvest festival that we use to each out to our local neighborhoods. I look forward to it every year as we see hundreds and hundreds of families gather together for some good ol' fashion fun. We turn the back lot of the church into a county fair and load it up with games ranging from mazes to dunk tanks, giant slides, pony rides, you name it. I'm really praying that this year will prove to be yet another effective outreach...

Chris

Day 4 and 5

So I'm trying to forget most of day 4 from Honduras.. Something I ate made me really sick and so after visiting one of my favorite villages, i spent the rest of the time in the hotel.. trying to sleep.

the village that we visited was the most "out back" of all the others... the people in the village had less than even the first ones we had visited. Yet, with out the trappings of finery, the lesson the passed on was priceless. in the midst hardly no monetary provision, somehow they find themselves connected with what really matters. They are all very family oriented and very open to the Lord... they have the ability to find their joy in the Lord and are happy with whatever He would choose to bless them with. The Christians here have deep roots in the goodness of God and will always serve as a reminder to me.... keeping in focus a godly value system based in Gods economy and not this worlds.

After sleeping in a little bit on day 5 we were up and off to the airport to head home. I can't wait to share with the body all the opportunities that await us in Honduras and we move into 2009.

Chris

Day 3 in Honduras

(Didn't have the time to sit downand write tonight, it got late quick as I found myself in a great conversation with a good friend.. So, because I want to keep everyone updated on our trip i'll share with you a little something my beautiful wife wrote today... Which you may really enjoy, she has a gift for writing. ~ Chris)

Yet another great day here in Honduras! We missed everyone at Kingsfield this morning, but had a great time in the service here at Ebenezer Church. Ebenezer Church is in town, it's a great facility they just purchased in Jan. Pastor Hugo is the lead pastor. Church began at 9am with singing (some oldies but goodies from Calvary), and it was sweet they had the words up in English for us. We obviously couldn't understand the Bible Study but it was neat to see the church and how their Christian culture is.

After Church we headed off to another farming village. The drive is always so beautiful, pine trees (of all things), banana trees, coffee bean plants and just tons of green. We were going to visit a church in the village but it turns out that the pastors brother-in-law was killed in an accident yesterday on the farm so they canceled church. We ended up at the house of the pastors parents. Had an amazing time visiting with his mom, a women who has an amazing legacy. We sat and listened to her story (via translator), her husband and her have served in ministry since they were young. Starting Bible studies that turned into churches and then would move on, and on top of that she raised 12 children!!!! She was so beautiful and so sweet, and to hear of how the Lord has used her was amazing. Some of the local farmers came by and we visited with them as well. Dave told us to take a look at these faces and remember them and then when you are sipping your next cup of coffee, to pray for them. That really impacted me, I did sit there and take in each one of their faces, worn from many years of hard work and a hard life; and I will remember to pray for them as I am sipping my cup of coffee. Especially now that I have seen all the hard work that goes into each cup and the little profit that they receive from it. It would be so neat to put their pictures on coffee mugs (Carrie catch the vision...!). They took us down to where they are going to build a small plant together across from the church (none of them are believers as of yet, so much to pray for). We hiked to the top of this hill and just took in the beauty of God's creation, and then went to check out the church. The church is a very small fabricated building with wooden benches in it. We sat with the windows open and talked, birds and bugs making singing in the background, it is indescribable. After that we hiked to a waterfall, and then drove back down into the city for a prayer meeting at the church. We prayed with the youth, which was really neat. Almost all of them prayed for their families to get saved, it is very common here for children to go to church without their parents, so sad. After prayer, they had some fun laughing at our driver license pictures, I was trying to explain to one boy that I was pregnant in that picture with my first child and now I have 3, he translated it that I was currently pregnant with 3 babies and seemed very amazed, but I was able to get a translator to help straighten the story out:)! After that we walked for ice-cream and went to the central park, and then when we came back we went to our room and wa-la, they had changed our curtains, bed spread and bed skirt from purple to gold. It's amazing, where do you find that in America??? Anyways, it was a great day and I am so thankful God allowed me to come here and meet these people and try to impact them with love and encouragement the best I can.

Till tomorrow...

Tatum Norman

Day Dos (thats two for those of you who don't speak espanol)

This morning started with a quick breakfast with the team to pray and plot the day. After breakfast Dave had a meeting with some of the board members from Growers First here in Honduras. So while he had his meeting we had the great opportunity to get a tour of the coffee plant. The process that the coffee goes through before we purchase it in the bag is staggering. The amount of work it takes to produce just a pound of coffee is surprisingly overwhelming (maybe I'll share what we learned sometime...) .

Our translator on the plant tour was an amazing man by the name of Everett. Everett works at Ebenezer, which is the church here in town that were working with. He has a huge heart for evangelism and leads many of the efforts to reach the farmers in the local villages. After our tour we sat for a while and listened to many stories of all that God is doing in the villages. Many are coming to the Lord and there has become a huge need for discipleship in those villages. There are so many opportunities to help.

After the plant tour pastor Hugo wanted to show us the home he's building in the hills. He's been working on it for 3 years and has about 1 year left before he can move in. Currently he's renting a little place next to the church. Some in his church and other have chipped in to make it possible. He was beaming with excitement as he walked us around from room to room.


Another great man that we had the opportunity to meet was a local farmer named Suri. Suri is a beliver who makes an hour and a half trek to get to church on Sunday, is considered a successful farmer making on only $2000-$3000 per year (compared to the typical $500), has a "home" in the middle of nothing, a 12 year old son battling cancer, and a contagious smile that stretches from ear to ear. Absolutely amazing... God has used his story to give me a good healthy dose of perspective. These wonderful people have a value system that makes me ashamed to say I need anything other than the Lord... I'm forced to reevaluate everything and come to the conclusion over and over again that I am more blessed that I could ever have imagined.

Suri took us to his village and introduced us to his friends and family. He seams to be somewhat of a community figure of leadership. on the way up to the village he hit the horn and waved about 60 times... literally knew everyone!

Cant wait to see what the Lord has in store for tomorrow.

Day One.

the day today was spent mostly traveling.... The flight from LAX to El Salvador was about 5 hours. We took off at 2am and didn't have much time to sleep. We tried to take advantage of what little time we did have because we knew that when we landed we would have a full day of travel to the heart of Honduras... Most of us had tons of trouble trying to actually doze off, all of us that is except for Dave Day... literally 4 minutes into the plane (notice I didn't say "flight" we had not taken off at this point) Dave put on some Chuck Missler and was out cold... I'm not blaming it on Chuck, but all I have to say is wow... Dave even provided us with a little background noise from time to time..

After landing in El Salvador we had another flight into Honduras and then loaded up the vehicles to head south to "base camp"... about a 2hr drive with a stop along the way for lunch... once we got to the hotel (which is actually nice considering the surrounding location) we rested for a bit and then had dinner with some of the locals including board members for the local Growers First operation. The board includes a Pastor, a Farmer, a Politician, and an Educator. After dinner we were invited to a musical that included several of the kids from Pastor Hugo's church...





The people here are very warm and friendly. Makes me wish I would have paid attention in Spanish 101 during High School.

In the morning we have breakfast at 7:30 and then head out to one of the farms that Growers First has been investing in over the past 3 years. after 2 years of working with this farm they received their "organic certification" which allows them to generate a greater revenue stream..

More tomorrow..

Chris

Insect Repellant… $24

We’ll in preparation for Honduras; I’ve got to say…. I have never spent more money on insect repellent in my life!!! From what we hear the mosquitoes in Honduras are pretty intense, and can make you sick. So I did a little research to find the best repellant and ended up all the way down in Santa Anna at REI purchasing what is acclaimed to be the best by many sources. It’s what they call “Jungle Juice” ~ which I liked, because from what I picture in my mind, were going to a jungle… Perfect… except for the fact that I spent $24, i hope it's worth it...

Tatum and I were praying on the way down to LAX tonight and found our hearts filled with great expectation. We really have the sense that God is going to use this time to bring about effective ministry over the years to come. The Goal for the trip is to begin working with some villages in Honduras that grow coffee beans to support themselves. Over the next several years through the efforts of Kingsfield Church and growers first, we will be a part of life transformation on several levels.

Cant wait to see what the Lord has is Store!!!


Chris

Thoughts of the day...

We had another great Sunday with the church today! Every week God continues to amaze me with His goodness.

Were Continuing in our study through the book of 1st Corinthians and have moved into the section of scripture in church Paul deals with Spiritual Gifts. Today we noted that God gave Spiritual Gifts that the church would be healthy and effective in the commission that He has given her. With that in mind, it really puts things into a whole new perspective... So often, and in all good intention, we ask God to work in our churches. We ask Him to strengthen the church and make us more effective. I have to be honest... Although I completely understand, and even pray the same prayers. I have to wonder if while were asking God to Work in our churches, if while were waiting on Him, if He is in some way just patiently and graciously waiting on us.

He gave us the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the specific purpose of health and strength in the church. So as we function in those gifts we can expect that outcome... While were asking God to work, we need to realize that He is working and then simply yield the gifts He's gives us to the work He's doing around us.

People were given a chance to receive the greatest Gift, Jesus Christ, and we saw many lives added to the family today...

Sometimes I fell like I'm preaching to the choir when it come to making the call for everyone to do their part... I think our body really gets it. It seams like so many are involved in so much. Our Church seams to get so much done... I love it!!!

Church picnic #2 was great... fellowship, food, met a lot of new people, and was blown away by the participation... everything from the games to bake off... tons of fun, I love this church.

Spiritual Gifts

This Last Sunday at Kingsfield Church we started a series on Spiritual Gifts. We've been working our way through the book of 1 Corinthians and have finally come to chapter 12.  I'm excited about the next couple of weeks as we tackle the subject and seek to line ourselves up with Gods word concerning the issue of Spiritual Gifts. 

I love that Paul starts the whole thing off with... "now concerning spiritual things, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant."  Go figure...  It seams that the confusion in Corinth is the same confusion that we have today... esteeming people above others based on their gifts, teaching that a "true believers" must have certain gifts, teaching that "any spiritual movement" is a "holy spirit movement", and all the others. Paul deals with them head on, and therefore so will we

Going into the subject I realize that there are many people who become very leery when you begin talking about Spiritual Gifts.  In part I don't blame them because there has been so much abuse.  Some crazy things have been said and done under the banner called "a movement of the Holy Spirit". 

It amazes me how sly the enemy is.  To think that God has gifted the church in such a way that we could have maximum impact and effectiveness as we act in those giftings.  Then to think that the enemy goes and makes "Spiritual gifting", through mimicking and distorting, an uncomfortable and undesirable element with in the church... pushing believers away from what God would desire to do in and through the church as they would engage in their spiritual giftedness. 

It's my prayer that as we move through 1 Cor. 12, 13 and 14 that God would stretch each one of us.  That we would not be ripped off or held back from how God would desire to move in our lives as individuals, and in our church corporately.  That in our study, Gods Word would answer the questions, challenge our hearts, bring balance to our views and mature each of us as believer. 

Chris

I'm back...

Ok so it's been a while. Tatum and I took a two week vacation and it's been non-stop since we got back... VBS week, Family Camp week, Harvest Crusades, Wed nights, Sunday mornings, Cades bday party, Elias' soccer practice, a Wedding in Moore park, and, well you get the point... Tons of good stuff that I should have been bloggin about... However, I think I solved my bloggin problem and have finally set things up so I can blog from my phone. Way better, always with me and always on...

Recap of the highlights....

Vacation > was great... Mammoth, San Diego and Lake Arrowhead.. Could write a book but won't. Super relaxing. (I broke two of my toes.)

VBS > amazing this year. Kingsfields very own Brenda P. Pulled together some 70 volunteers And put together a VBS to rule them all. Our creative teams under the direction of brenda developed the curriculum, dramas, games, worship, snacks, and everyhing else you can think of in reguard to a week of teaching a buch of kids the bible in an interactive way for a whole week... Simply amazing.

Family camp > Big Bear lake, serano campground and some 26+ familes from Kingsfield... Hikes and swiming during the day with an all camper fireside in the evening... Nothings really better for knitting people together. We all had a great time, even the first time campers who  braved the weekend with us.

Harvest Crusades >  we were so blessed this year to watch the Lord use the crusades in a mighty way. Everyone did a great and pastor Greg presented the gospel so clearly and compelling each night. In light of the loss of his son Christopher, Greg spoke very openly and
compassionatly about the hope we have in Christ. There were over 11,000 decisions made throughout the weekend... Wow. So good.

Levi Lusko, (pronounced with an "uhhh" not an "ewww" in the Lusko) took part in hosting the crusades, did an outstanding job, and then tore it up at Kingsfield Church that Sunday Morning...

good to be back on board..

Chris

Hitting the streets...

Tonight we hit the streets for the first time this summer with some of the members of kingsfield church. I was blessed by the turnout and absolutly blown away by how the night unfolded. Tatum and I were debating whether or not people would respond well to street evangelism at the spectrum. We were shocked and even somewhat suprised by how well people responded to what we were doing. We had a majorly fruitfull night, spoke with several couples and were able to share the Lord with each of them. For the first few moments of introduction it would always be a little awkward but once you got past that, the conversations were great! It was nice to be out in our commuity sharing the Lord in a one on one setting. Tatum and I left excited about what the Lord had done that night and what opportunities awaited in the future. Thanks to all who joined us!!! And for anyone who didn't get the chance this week, there's always next. We meet Thursdays at 6:30 behind the ferris wheel. If you need child care you can drop the kind off at the church after 5:30.

Have a good 4th. See ya Sunday.

Bed Time...

Carrying the weight of the family is a hard job but somebody's got to do it! These kids are great!

Summer Time

Summer is finally here! There is a ton going on as we seek to continually live out our commission of - Connecting with God, each other, and the world. With so much on the calendar, we’ll be doing all we can to keep you informed as to what’s coming up. If you’re ever wondering, or having a hard time remembering, the church website is always a great place to get the information you need. The web address is: http://www.kingsfieldchurch.org.

Here are a couple of things I wanted to highlight:

• First of all, home fellowships are on break for the summer, and Wednesday nights will be starting this next week, July 2nd, at the church. Things kick off at 5:30 with a BBQ, and we’ll be serving food right up till 6:45, getting the study started at 7pm. The study this summer is entitled “Learning To Breath”. Just as Breathing is vital to our physical life, it is also vital to our spiritual life… come and learn the disciplines of spiritual “breathing” as found in Gods word.

• Second… Tatum and I often walk around the Irvine Spectrum and are heart-broken to see so many lives, which are lost, without the Gospel. Our hearts have constantly been challenged to reach into what has become somewhat of the “community hub” at the spectrum. This summer, we’re going to do something about it, and would love to challenge the body to join us. On Thursday nights (starting July 3rd) we’ll be meeting together in attempt to reach out. Some of the group will gather together to pray (like we always have on Sunday nights), while the other part of the group will head out into the Spectrum to strike up conversation, share the gospel, and invite people out to Church. We would love to have as many as possible join us; the more we have, the more we can get done. We’ll be meeting behind the Irvine Spectrum Ferris Wheel at 6:30. Childcare will be provided at the church. There’s a couple of Thursdays where other stuff is going on so make sure to check the calendar.

• Thirdly...On one of those Thursdays is the Harvest Crusade Impact Class. The Harvest Crusades are right around the corner, and so is our opportunity to get involved. In the past we’ve been involved in the Crusade’s in many different ways, and are really looking forward to stepping it up this year. Kingsfield will be hosting an Impact Class here at the church on July 24th to train follow-up volunteers in the Orange County region. This class will provide the perfect opportunity for our church to get trained to help those who will dedicate their lives to the Lord during the crusade. This class will certify you to do “on the field” counseling for new believers after Pastor Greg gives the invitation. Make sure to put the dates on your calendar - July 24th is the training and August 15th-17th is the crusade. After the training you can serve at one, or all of the nights… for more info visit http://www.harvest.org/crusades/2008/anaheim.

• Last but not least, Vacation Bible School will be July 28th – August 1st. I personally look forward to this outreach every year as we always see many kids encouraged in their faith, and many others commit their lives to the Lord for the first time. Brenda has an amazing week planned for the kids, so lets do our part and get the kids there. Sign up your own kids and/or drag some out from your neighborhood. Tatum and I have offered to buss some kids down from our neighborhood in RSM, and have had some great response from the parents. Also, make sure to keep that week in prayer.

God is so good to us, and I love what He’s doing in our midst. Keep your eyes on Him…

Serving Him Together,

Chris Norman

A Redlands Night

Tatum and I met and got married in the charming city of Redlands, Ca. We still have family and friends in Redlands and love when we get the chance to go out and visit everyone.. Today we not only had the chance to visit the family but also, thanks to my parents watching the kiddos, we were able to have ourselves a date night. So we headed downtown Redlands and walked around our old stomping grounds... It's amazing how much of our life has taken place with in only a few miles. The High School where we had our first class together, the streets we would walk/roller blade (yes we were very cool) when we were dating, the church where we had our wedding reception, our first apartment, our third apartment... and on and on. (the picture here is taken in the spot were we first danced as a married couple)

We had a great time walking and talking. We talked kids, we talked church, we talked life.. over and over again we can't help but to recognize how blessed we are as we think about all that God has done in our lives after only 10 years of marriage. When we married we committed our lives to each other and to all the Lord would have for us. We believed that God was calling into a great adventure and set sail to discover what that would be. Since then it has been nothing but the testimony of a good and gracious God working in and through imperfect vessels.

We love what God has done, and we love what God is doing. By the grace of God our kids are incredible and we're surrounded by the coolest people in the world at one of the greatest churches ever. As we talked we became more and more humbled by what God is doing in our lives and at Kingsfield... He truly is so good.

Breakfast with a special kid.

Today before I hit the books, Elias and I got up early than use to grab some breakfast before I had to take him to school. We talked about everything... Video games, friends at School, Church, Jesus, you name it. (did I mention that He's a cool kid?)

I'm looking forward to the weekend. Fathers day, Special music with Danny Larsh and 1 Corinthians 6:11-20. Were moving into a short series on sex and sexuality. The Corinthians were caught up in so much confusion concerning their sexuality and began to ask Paul for a little clarification. This is one of the ways that we know it was a new church with new believers, they had yet to learn that we don't talk about sex in church. I'm kidding of course.

Sadly though the church is often silent on this very important issue. Let me assure you however, that it is not because the bible is silent. Gods word has much to say about our sexuality and although this study in Corinthians is not meant to give us an all encompassing understanding of all that Gods word has to say. It will give us a great foundation to deal with the ever so important issue how Christianity and sexuality fit together.

Serving Him Together,

Chris

The New B

For those of you who don't know... we recently added a new staff member to Kingsfield Church. The one, the only, Carrie Allen. Carrie used to work with me in Student Ministries and I was always impressed with her passion for the Lord, insight, and this amazing gift to just get it done and get it done right. She's the kind of person that you give something to and it comes back done better than what you were thinking. Carrie gave her life to the Lord at our church, and began to grow quickly in her spiritual maturity, her hunger for the Lord finally lead her to pursue a Bible degree and we had to let her go off to Biola for 2 years. (I would often tease her that she was on leave of absence.) She graduated Biola and started in the office almost 2 weeks ago... Seriously, our church is so blessed to have her be a part of the inner workings of all that takes place around here. Whether it's writing womens curriculum, setting up lawn care, or mentoring younger women, this girls gifted to just get it done... For Tatum and I Carrie has been a God send in so many ways, and I know that the body will quickly learn to appreciate her as much as we do.

Did I mention that she's well loved and well connected. People don't stop coming by to say "Hi"... Today alone, there had to be several hundred come by the office just to see her!!! (O.K. maybe not several hundred, but definitely several.)

There is nothing greater than watching people fall in love with the Lord and open up their lives to see what it is He wants to do..


Honestly though... all our staff is amazing. I love working alongside such an amazing godly group...

coming up... Fathers Day.

It seems like we just had Mother's Day and now Father's Day is just around the corner. So if you haven't done so yet, think of dad and get him a little something while your out this week. Speaking as a dad, it's always such a blessing.

With Father's Day approaching I'm remembering that for many, this day can bring about painful memories. Maybe Father's Day does nothing but remind you of a painful childhood filled with abuse, the loss of a loved one or even an estranged relationship. No matter what our childhood was like, or the status of our family relationships today, we can always rejoice in the love of our heavenly Father. A love so great that it moved our heavenly Father to send Jesus with the task of bringing us into fellowship with Him, that we have been created to have. Jesus took upon himself the penalty of everything that separates us from our heavenly father's love, so that we could be set free to dwell in the ultimate of a Father's love. On Father's Day may we be awakened to the Love of God for each of us and respond to that love with a life of repentance and surrender...

This Sunday for Father's Day we're looking forward to our special guest musician Danny Larsh.

A Sunday with some toppings

I always look forward to Sunday's, but was especially looking forward to this one. After having such a refreshing time away being inspired by the Lord, I was already looking forward to being back on Sunday. Top that with a church picnic and I don't know if it could get any better.

Service was great... We've been switching things up a little in our format on Sundays and I love how receptive our body has been. There are those things that we can always look forward to and rely on in service... Jesus will be center, God's Word will be opened and preached, our lives will be challenged and transformed and the fellowship will be sweet. So no matter what the order, the intention is that the essentials will be hit and hit hard...

This last Sunday we were in 1 Cor. 6:1-11 and left with the challenge to forgive those that we've been holding grudges against. To free ourselves from the bitterness that takes root in our hearts. I have already begun to hear stories of reconciliation and freedom. Way to go guys!!! Take those steps of faith and watch what the Lord will do.

Church picnic? can we just say... huge success. After setting up, people started showing up and we had ourselves a picnic. Complete with BBQ, potluck (WOW!!!), fellowship, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, water balloon toss, and all sorts of other games for the kids. Including one where the dads got to participate. Elias ran up to me and told me he needed me for a game and I thought it might be fun to go and show off my athletic skills. Only to realize that he just wanted to dump water on my head.

I personally had a great time getting to talk with people I don't normally have a chance to spend time with. In just the duration of our picnic I met many people for the first time, including two different couples who are new to Kingsfield in the past several weeks. Good stuff.

Another thing I could not help to notice in the midst of the great fellowship was the number of newborns and expecting mommies... putting a little added pressure to our already packed out kids classrooms. Seriously though, we're looking for a way to accommodate more moms in the mother's room and solutions are coming soon.

With Robert Custer closely supervising, pastor Frank was allowed to try his hand at a little BBQ action. Rumor has it that Robert was trying him out for the next Steak and Study on June 19th. The verdict isn't out yet as to whether or not he made the cut. I guess we'll soon find out.

Oh, and yes, the lemonade was pink. Pastor Frank was really worried about it being pink for some reason. I don't think there's ever been many people offended by pink lemonade, but I guess there's always a first. Looks like we made it through O.K. :)

until next time...

Chris

Study Day

I often look forward to Friday's. Tatum takes the kids out for the day and I'm able to study from the house. It's really quiet, I open the windows to let some air flow, brew some coffee, and then finish up on what I've been chewing on most of the week (message wise). This weekend were in 1st Corinthians 6 where Paul is teaching us biblical principals for "conflict resolution". As if conflict is something that we struggle with right. God knows us all to well and His word speaks so clearly to our issues... looking forward to service this weekend.

I also had some time today to look at my outlines for the next couple of studies. We're moving into a great series on marriage. Answering questions like.. Why get married, why not get married, how to be happily married and also discover together where the "bachelor to the rapture" group originated.

I had the chance to take a break at lunch and go see my son in his school play... He was a "cool cat" and trust me the kid is cool...

OK... so.. I'm blogging!

I guess the time has come for me to finally step into the world of blogging. I've put it off for some time now and I won't bore you with all the reasons why... really none of them were good enough to keep me from it... So here it is, I'm blogging.

This past couple of weeks have been absolutely amazing. Starting out with a Sunday service where we say many new commitments to the Lord... I don't think anything is more exciting then to see lives transformed by the Lord. The truth of the Gospel setting people free to live the life that they have been created to live in fellowship with Jesus Christ. Love it!!

Then it was off to the staff retreat to spend some time with some of the most amazing people on the planet. We try to get away at least once a year (sometimes twice) to seek the Lord's face together and encourage one another in all the Lord is doing in our lives and various ministries of the church. We truly do have an amazing staff of people who are devoted to the Lord and His work. I thank God for every single one of them. There was, however, one part of the staff retreat that hurts just a bit when I bring it to mind. Picture... guys team, girls team, lots of talk, and tones of competitive spirit (Tatum, my wife, has enough for all of us) and then Guesstures... yep, something like a glorified charades... tensions building as the girls had won the first game and the guys (who up to this point in all past retreats had been undefeated) were almost unstoppable in the second game... almost that is, until a tragic turn of events left me standing in front of the staff, with the weight of the world on my shoulders, as somehow the girls were now 8 points in front of us and it was up to me to pull it off... well lets just say, I gave it my best shot, but somehow couldn't communicate the word "expand" no matter how widely I stretched out my hands, and blew up invisible balloons. The timer went off and then so did the girls... I'm still trying to recover. Between that and the Kingsfield softball game, I may have to undergo some time of healing. (for more on the softball game fiasco, you can catch Frank gloating somewhere on his blog...)

After the staff retreat, we had another amazing weekend service with many people committing themselves to a life of holiness. Giving life dominating sin to the life changing God. Our pray team leader, Lori, sent me an email today to tell me that she and the others on the prayer team have been praying with more and more people on Sunday's. This past Sunday was the best response since we've started the prayer ministry... very cool.

Currently, I'm in Murrieta at the Calvary Pastors conference spending some time with good friends who love the Lord and are committed to His work. It's so encouraging to hear of all that God is doing in so many places. We truly serve a mighty and powerful God who's busy doing mighty and powerful works through weak and puny people... go figure.

As great as it is out here, I can't wait to get home to see my wife and kiddos. God has blessed me with the coolest kids around, and not to mention a wife beyond compare.

until next time

Chris