Mark Hunnicutt

That is Just the Top of It

I love the beach. I have had some of my greatest God moments there. I think the vastness of the ocean reminds me of how small I am and how big God is. I've discovered that is a good perspective to hear from God.

Pastor Greg's late cousin Lanny would look at the ocean and say, "that is just the top of it." When you catch a glimpse of what God can do remember that is just the top of it. He is able to do exceeding, abundantly more than you can ask or think.

God's will is not something to sit on the balcony and observe. It is meant to get your feet wet. Wade into the will of God.

Love for a Lifetime

Do you remember your wedding day? Not just the date and details but the spiritual significance. You stood before God and vowed to love your spouse for better or for worse, forever.

Several experts agree that every marriage cycles through seasons. Being able to determine what season you're in will help you prepare for the weather, sunny or stormy.

Romance - This season is full of butterflies and beauty. You or your spouse can do no wrong.

Reality - This is where you discover it is sometimes worse than better and poorer than richer. Your differences become highlighted and magnified.

Resentment - This season's forecast has arguments and frustration in store. Every problem is their fault. Bitterness builds and blinds you from seeing and sensing the spiritual. These are some cold days.

Rebuilding - This part of the cycle is where the work comes in. You've got a great foundation so rebuild. Words like, I'm sorry and I apologize are crucial for construction.

Where are you in the cycle? What season are you in? Move through the next forecast together. Choose to love and fulfill your covenant no matter the season.

Erase Your List

Are you on someone's list? Is someone on your list? I'm talking about the list that keep you form living and loving like Jesus.

Jesus promises us that we will be wronged and our depravity insures us that we will wrong others. I've committed not to keep a list. It's not my job. I'm not the judge. I'm going to love and live free by not letting a long list choke me. Living is breathing in God's forgiveness and exhaling the bitterness.

Erase your list just like Jesus erased yours. Unwrap it from around your neck and breath. God is just so just give Him your list. Now breath.

2008 Trunk & Treat Is 9 Days Away

Stills from thematic video... one word, sic!

   

Weekly Outlook

The outlook for blogging last week wasn't very good.  We just revealed to our parents today that Lynn Burnett, our Children's Director, will be taking a leave of absence until spring.  If you know anything about Mud Creek you know she is awesome but family is a priority in her life. 

I will be posting about this transition and the systems we use to make a smooth transition when facing staff vacancies.  This transition adds some extra time to my ministry but thank God we have competent staff members to bear the load. 

Here is what I've got on the plate this week...

10.19:  Sunday

• Deacon/Yokefellow Pastoral CARE Meeting
• Revival & Baptism Service

10.20 Monday

• 1/4 Sabbath
• Moderate CBA Council Meeting
• Revival

10.21 Tuesday

• Fruitland Alumni Day - We are going to recognize Dr. Ridings and his retirement.  I think it is a surprise, I don't think he reads blogs so I probably didn't ruin it.  Dr. Pitman & Don Wilton will be preaching. 
• CWCC Board Meeting
• Revival

10.22 Wednesday

• Staff Meeting
• Counseling
• Deacon/Yokefellow Pastoral CARE Meeting
• Revival

10.23 Thursday

• David is subbing for me @ Fruitland
• Opportunity of a lifetime... 2 hr. consulting meeting with Tony Morgan
• Living Wellness Class

10.24  Friday

• Children's Transitional Team meeting
• Powered Up - Our monthly kids Draw event
• B-day party for brother

10.25  Saturday

• Kettle-bell Clinic
• SNC
• Leave for beach!

Looking forward to a great week! 

 

He Said/She Said - Fireproof #1

God is really working in people's relationships!  Here is our SNC handout from session #1 of our Fireproof series.  You have been to see the movie, right?

 

Handout From Fireproof #2

We started a brand new series at SNC on how to Fireproof your relationships.  The response has been incredible.  Several people have asked about the message notes from this series.  Below are the notes from lesson #2.  Click for full size version.

 

Weekly Outlook

I'm going to begin a new Sunday am post called Weekly Outlook.  I love Sundays because at noon I begin my Sabbath.  It is my time with God where I reflect, refresh and recharge.  My goal is to go into my Sabbath with no regrets.  Most times I have several and somtimes I have a few.  Praying through and preparing for my weekly appointments and engagements helps my be proactive with purpose and praise instead of reactive with regrets.

10.12: Sunday

• Hospitals
• Funeral in Brevard @ 2pm

10.13: Monday 

• Sabbath - No plans,  I might go on a bike ride and organizing my fishing stuff, maybe.  I going to start a study of John 15 and the Vine for my personal growth. 

10.14:  Tuesday 

• K-9 C.A.R.E. Appt. - Can people's love for pets and older adults loneliness combine to create a ministry?

10.15: Wednesday

• H'ville Christian School Chapel/Speak - God is working there... pray for me. 
• eCamps Meeting/Conference Call - 1000 youth in summer camp next summer?  Can we decentralize to reach more students? Pray for our team as we pray through this partnership.
• Sr. & Ministerial Staff Meeting - Gaining insights and direction from our leader.
• Counseling & Leadership appts.

10.16: Thursday

• Fruitland - Week 3... 302 Leadership... 301 Adolescent Development
• Trunk & Treat Meeting - 3 weeks away.
• Counseling & Leadership appts.
• Living Wellness Class - Cheryl and I are enjoying this discipleship class.

10.17: Friday

• Study - Preparing holiday series.  Christmas... sspiritual gifts and the characters of the Christmas story.  How they use their gifts to complement or compete with Jesus' first coming.  How can I equip people to use their Gifts to complement Jesus second coming?
• Wedding - 2 rehearsals.

10.18: Saturday

• 2 Wedding
• SNC - Revival with Bob Pitman
• SNC Community Groups

I've was super slack last week in my physical discipline.  Going to pick that back up this week... fall is a great time for running. 

 

Sneak Peaks

I'm constantly blown away at the caliber of talent our team at "The Creek" has.  I want to give you a couple of sneak peaks from two very creative people. 

Jean Hefner created this logo for the '08 Hendersonville Christmas Pageant...Wow!

   

 

 

 

 

Ryan Cumbo created this 30sec opener for our TV broadcast... Incredible!

Thank you guys for using your gifts for God and His glory!

Helping People In Need

In these economic times people are hurting and in need financially.  I've alway known thatneeds are out there but never have so many people close to me been hurting.  In these times the church has the opportunity to be helpful or as Baptist call it, benevolence. 

Questions have to be asked and answered... Who do you help?  How do you help them?  Who helps them?  How many times do you help them?  Kenny Corn one of our Associate Pastors here at Mud Creek does a fantastic job in the area of benevolence.  No one will ever know this side of eternity the impact his ministry has on our community. 

I did a talk about Helping People In Need at one of our Team Ministry meetings a couple of years ago.  This 18min talk answers some of the proposed questions.

Download helping_people_in_need.m4a