GuyMelton.com: What Were You Thinking?

Mike's Hard Lemonade Case Broken out by Tonia Again!!!

  Well, Tonia did it again this past week. She broke out the Mike's Hard Lemonade case again!!!! For the scoop on Mike's see my Blog post from Last year below!!!

Tonight, 5 minutes after the grandsons were packed into the van and headed back to Indian Harbor Beach after 4 days of a great family Thanksgiving, Tonia had me in the garage pulling the Fall/Thanksgiving boxes down. 

Then the boxes with all the Christmas decorations were brought down. All 157 of them. OK, it seemed like that many. All the plan was tonight was to pack away the Thanksgiving. Christmas is Monday. NOT!!! 

Two hours later, many boxes are unloaded, candles, Reindeer singing "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" are set up. Nativities, trees, china, you name it!!! If it's Christmas, red or green it's out!!! Oh, boy, hold on!!!! It's going to be a late night!!!!

November 09, 2007

Tonia Emptied the Mike's Hard Lemonade Case

I came home this week and found a case of "Mike's Hard Lemonade" empty!! My first thought was, "Why is Mike's Hard Lemonade even in my living room?"  Neither Tonia nor I drink any alcoholic beverages. Well, as soon as I looked inside, I realized she had broken open Christmas!!! Yes, Thanksgiving is still all over our house, and we love the fall decor. But, she is getting the Christmas spirit!! It's about time!!! I've been playing Christmas C.D.s for two months. The entire box, is full of Christmas C.D.s, and she had taken her favorites out and put them in her car, and another stack in the kitchen to give to me as the leftovers.

My favorite is on the stack in the picture. It's from Alabama!! Yes, it's country. If you know me, you know I NEVER listen to Country music. Now, I don't like it less than Classical, but I don't like it. Just a preference. But at Christmas, the Alabama C.D. is my favorite. I have listened to it for years. I listen to it from here to Tennessee every year, and every trip I take from October through January. My fav's on the C.D...Thistlehair the Christmas Bear, and Tennessee Christmas. That gives me all the country I need for the rest of the year!!

Thanks, Tonia for breaking out the Christmas. (But, can we use another box, next year?)

I came home this week and found a case of "Mike's Hard Lemonade" empty!! My first thought was, "Why is Mike's Hard Lemonade even in my living room?"  Neither Tonia nor I drink any alcoholic beverages. Well, as soon as I looked inside, I realized she had broken open Christmas!!! Yes, Thanksgiving is still all over our house, and we love the fall decor. But, she is getting the Christmas spirit!! It's about time!!! I've been playing Christmas C.D.s for two months. The entire box, is full of Christmas C.D.s, and she had taken her favorites out and put them in her car, and another stack in the kitchen to give to me as the leftovers.

My favorite is on the stack in the picture. It's from Alabama!! Yes, it's country. If you know me, you know I NEVER listen to Country music. Now, I don't like it less than Classical, but I don't like it. Just a preference. But at Christmas, the Alabama C.D. is my favorite. I have listened to it for years. I listen to it from here to Tennessee every year, and every trip I take from October through January. My fav's on the C.D...Thistlehair the Christmas Bear, and Tennessee Christmas. That gives me all the country I need for the rest of the year!!

Thanks, Tonia for breaking out the Christmas. (But, can we use another box, next year?)

Tonia Emptied the Mike's Hard Lemonade Case

I came home this week and found a case of "Mike's Hard Lemonade" empty!! My first thought was, "Why is Mike's Hard Lemonade even in my living room?"  Neither Tonia nor I drink any alcoholic beverages. Well, as soon as I looked inside, I realized she had broken open Christmas!!! Yes, Thanksgiving is still all over our house, and we love the fall decor. But, she is getting the Christmas spirit!! It's about time!!! I've been playing Christmas C.D.s for two months. The entire box, is full of Christmas C.D.s, and she had taken her favorites out and put them in her car, and another stack in the kitchen to give to me as the leftovers.

My favorite is on the stack in the picture. It's from Alabama!! Yes, it's country. If you know me, you know I NEVER listen to Country music. Now, I don't like it less than Classical, but I don't like it. Just a preference. But at Christmas, the Alabama C.D. is my favorite. I have listened to it for years. I listen to it from here to Tennessee every year, and every trip I take from October through January. My fav's on the C.D...Thistlehair the Christmas Bear, and Tennessee Christmas. That gives me all the country I need for the rest of the year!!

Thanks, Tonia for breaking out the Christmas. (But, can we use another box, next year?)

Celebrating Nathan's 29th Birthday

Had a great time with our family tonight celebrating Nathan's 29th Birthday. We went to the Sea Watch Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale on the beach, one mile north of Commercial Blvd. I would definitely recommend it. 

I am so proud of Nathan and all he has become. A Godly man, father, husband and businessman. He and Jenni live in Indian Harbor Beach, (North of Melbourne) and have just joined up with a small group of folks starting a church (Beach Side Fellowship) in Satellite Beach not far from their home. They have been praying for a church on the beach side closer to them for a long time. Just recently they found one which had been started by one of the Pastors from their Church in Melbourne, Calvary Chapel. They are enjoying being a part of a new Church Plant and all the excitement that goes with it. He even surfs with his Pastor. That's a bonus. 

Jenni and Tonia spent the day running from one store, mall to the other. Glad Tonia had a shopping mate, I got to stay home with Nate, Jim and the little guys, Gavyn and Caleb.  

It's been a good week with my family. God is good.

    

Campus Update A Year Later/Following Merger!

Several days ago our Administrative Pastor and Interim Campus Pastor at North Miami, Kevin McCord posted an article on his Blog. It's one of the best explanations I have seen anywhere of what it takes to merge 2 churches. It was just a year ago October both churches voted to merge. Since part of our Oasis Strategy and Vision is "One Church in Multiple Locations" in the Tri-County area, this merger last year was exactly what God has called us to do in order to fulfill His Great Commission.

Today many churches are merging with other churches for a number of reasons. In this case the church had gone from a thriving church in the 50's-60's (1500 Members) to a church near the brink of death last year. Its 82 year history was in jeopardy. (If you're interested in more merger info, you can click here)

Kevin does not mention in his article that he was the primary person from Oasis who steered us through this incredible merger. When our Campus Pastor, Jeremy Higdon was led to start Oasis Church North Florida/Jax this year, Kevin stepped in as the Interim Campus Pastor at North Miami. He is doing a great job of Pastoring this new campus and God is doing incredible things. From a Church divided, with 20-30 in attendance, and near collapse to a thriving church today, with anywhere from 125 -150 Adults, Teens and children in attendance on any given week.  God has done great things in this church since the relaunch at Easter this year. 

Kevin will be giving a message this weekend at 11 am on the Strategy in North Miami for this coming year 2009.  I'll share the first part of his Post below and then send you to his blog to read the rest. 

While many of my blog readers are church members at Oasis, I also have pastors and other ministry leaders who read my blog. This Blog post might be more relevant to Pastors, but I think it's a great behind the scenes look at our merger for all our Oasis Family to hear about a year later.  (Since more than 400 of you were involved in our 7 Day Extreme Makeover of the entire campus this past spring I know this will be very interesting to you who made this possible). For a tremendous blessing click on the Music Video of that week and all the work that went on.

Ok, Go ahead and read Kevin's Post below!!! It's worth the read!!!

Old Churches Can Change!

I go to church every week in an OLD church building that has a very YOUNG ministry format.

Earlier this year we took out the pews, replaced carpet, painted the building, gave away the organ, vanished the hymnals, painted the ceiling black, expanded the stage, added lighting and speakers, and mixed in tables in our general seating area. 

Those are just the cosmetic changes we made.  While we were merging with the First Baptist Church of North Miami we changed our name to Oasis Church!  They started out talking with us while we were still the First Baptist Church of Pembroke Pines (dba Church of Pembroke Pines).  At the same time we introduced the concept of the Campus Pastor and the concept of a Teaching Team.   

Let me summarize that.  We changed all the stuff people fret about in less than 9 months without a single fight.  I don't even remember who picked the carpet colors.  The music style went from island flavored classic hymns to passion conference style worship.  We did lose a family over worship, but that was the extent of the controversy.

Seriously, from the perspective of the old timers we nearly made a night club out of their beloved church.  Most of them made the transition with us and they are still an integral part of our church. 

I firmly believe what we did could be repeated.

You can change an old church including the people's habits,the property, and the programs, but you have to follow a few guidelines.

1. Be Invited!  We didn't push our way in.  They wanted to continue to reach their community and they decided we could help. Click Here to read the rest of this blog post.

I go to church every week in an OLD church building that has a very YOUNG ministry format.

Earlier this year we took out the pews, replaced carpet, painted the building, gave away the organ, vanished the hymnals, painted the ceiling black, expanded the stage, added lighting and speakers, and mixed in tables in our general seating area. 

Those are just the cosmetic changes we made.  While we were merging with the First Baptist Church of North Miami we changed our name to Oasis Church!  They started out talking with us while we were still the First Baptist Church of Pembroke Pines (dba Church of Pembroke Pines).  At the same time we introduced the concept of the Campus Pastor and the concept of a Teaching Team.   

Let me summarize that.  We changed all the stuff people fret about in less than 9 months without a single fight.  I don't even remember who picked the carpet colors.  The music style went from island flavored classic hymns to passion conference style worship.  We did lose a family over worship, but that was the extent of the controversy.

Seriously, from the perspective of the old timers we nearly made a night club out of their beloved church.  Most of them made the transition with us and they are still an integral part of our church. 

I firmly believe what we did could be repeated.

You can change an old church including the people's habits,the property, and the programs, but you have to follow a few guidelines.

1. Be Invited!  We didn't push our way in.  They wanted to continue to reach their community and they decided we could help. Click Here to read the rest of this blog post.

Thanksgiving with the Family '08

I'm sure there are many of you who have had an incredible Thanksgiving today. Our family may not be much different than yours on a typical Thanksgiving.

My day started out with hanging out, checking out the ads for Black Friday shopping for the ladies. Then I took the bike to Hollywood Beach and rode the Broadwalk. Thanksgiving, I figured, most would be at home somewhere and the beach would be empty. Wrong!!! It was packed!!! The French Canadians are back. They outnumber native Hollywoodians 2-1 this time of the year. But usually following Thanksgiving. Not this year -- they are early. Must really be cold up in Arctic Canada. (So much for Global Warming. I'm so glad Al Gore cleaned up the Global warming for us. Thanks, Al!!) The Broadwalk is decorated for Christmas. The weather was perfect. 50's last night, and about 70 while I was riding. Perfect. Had the shorts on, t-shirt and loving the perfect weather. Eat your hearts out all you people who had to wear jackets out today!!! 

But the best part of the day was being with the family. We all went to my mom's house. Pat Roberts, fried and smoked a turkey. All the families brought different sides. My son, Nate and his wife, Jenni made some incredible sides, and a potato dish that was really unique. Loved it all.

My middle brother, Ron was in from Pensacola, on the way to Belize on a cruise. My sister, Cindy and Pat were there with my niece, Jessica and her crazy dog, Dozer!!!!

My grandsons of course, with Tonia and our oldest son, Jim. The only one missing from my family was Corey. He spent Thanksgiving in New York City with some friends and Sabrina. 

Tonia blew us all away before we prayed. I asked my adult sons if they could quote Psalms 100 -- one they learned as little boys and quoted many a Thanksgiving.  They couldn't. But Tonia just went off and quoted the whole thing just like that. Way to go, Babe!

It's been a good day. I'm Stuffed!!!!!!!

Oasis Weekly Email Newsletter /Thanksgiving Week 08

Below is our Weekly Email Newsletter to our Local Oasis Family. For those of our Oasis Family Extended around the United States and even around the globe I share our email from time to time. The links on the letter below wont work since I imported this and the margins usually cut a word or two off the line, but you will at least catch some of the happenings of Oasis Church in South Florida. You can find the post mentioned  either on my blog, or at our churches website at www.visitoasis.org

Thanks for your friendship. God bless you and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

 

Pastor's Email

I have some links I definitely want to share with you that might have been read by more people on my blog than any posts in months.  But first I want to share some thoughts on Thanksgiving with you.    No matter how bad the economy is, and what is happening in our lives right now, there is still much to be thankful for.  Some of you are going through such deep water you just have a hard time finding the energy to be thankful. I understand that. But please understand it is for a season. Beyond the hurt, pain, loss and financial crisis you are in, there are still things we can all dig down and be thankful for. These are just a few that I am thankful for. Are there any you can think of? I am thankful for: * A Godly wife who has loved and supported me for 33 years. * A Godly mom who has always been my biggest cheerleader even when I do and say stupid things. * Three sons who I am very proud of - they thrill me every time I talk to them or see them. (Even though I don’t like paying .15 every time they send me a text message - ouch!) * An incredible daughter-in-law who I have grown to love and respect more each and every day. I love you, Jenni! * I’m also thankful for my future daughter-in-law, Sabrina, who is one of the most incredible young ladies I’ve ever met, and whom I love more all the time. * Two grandsons who light up my life each time I hear their voice, see a picture or spend a little time with them. * A church which I have seen since birth, grow to be a mature and healthy family of believers who amaze me each and every day of each and every week. It humbles me to think God’s grace has been so amazing to such a sinner as me. * A staff who gives and gives and gives...sacrifices, loves, supports and will do anything to see God’s name lifted up in South Florida. * Extended family and friends all over the nation and globe who I can now keep in contact with through Facebook and blogging. * A country, with all our warts, that is still free, strong and the most prosperous country on the globe - even in the rough times we are experiencing now. * The blessings of having enough to feed my family, take a vacation, have a day/week off, and so much more than I deserve. * Gas below $2 a gallon! * A God whose grace is so abundant it can save a sinful soul like me. He can love a little skinny (pre-adult days) boy from a poor background, little noticeable talent, broken home, average IQ (at best) and on and on... These are but a few reasons I’m thankful this Holiday season. Can you join me in thanking God for His tremendous love and blessings? God bless you, and I am so thankful for each of you. Outside of my immediate family you are the light of my life and the joy of my ministry. God is the peace that passes all understanding and circumstances. Happy Thanksgiving! Please fill in this Blank:  I am thankful for ___________________ Would you post it on my blog under the Post "Thanksgiving"? Just go to the bottom of the posted article, click on “Comments” and write it out. I would love to hear your thoughts on what you’re grateful to God for Thanksgiving. Many Thanksgivings when our boys were growing up we would have them quote Psalms 100, a chapter they learned when they were small. It’s kind of a tradition in our home… I’ll probably read it Thursday before the meal. Now some links I want to send you off to in the Blogosphere: Crisis after Crisis and now This North Miami Campus has a REALLY, REALLY, special Messagethis week. Kevin McCord, our Campus Pastor, will be sharing for the first time a message "Going Beyond Sunday" -- Talking about our strategy for 2009.  If you’re a Pines attender, you can check it out by visiting this Sunday at 11 a.m.  For more info and directions go to visitoasis.org and click on the North Miami Campus tab.  My Car is Sick, and Why the Gas Surcharges????????? Is Forgiving Really Forgetting? A follow-up to my blog last week on Moral Failure and Offended Brothers!!!! Click Here Candy Cane Parade is Getting Close! – Sat, Dec 6th@ 7 pm, Hollywood Beach Broadwalk  “Christmas Classics” begin next weekend, December 5th. I am so excited about our December Sermon Series this year. I am already having fun with it. And one place I’ll be visiting will blow your mind!!! One last thing…this month during our "Fall at the Oasis" Sermon Series we have had a number of different titles of messages. They have been brought throughout the month at our different services. Very different than we normally do. (What's normal at Oasis, anyway?) But I want to help you a little bit here. If you have not heard my message with Rudy and Lorraine Johnson from Peru, Missionaries for 48 years, then you need to come to our 7 Nights of Worship this coming week. If you haven't heard Ben Windle’s message on “Dating the Church” then you need to attend either Saturday night, or Sunday morning at 9:00 or 10:30 am. If you missed Jeremy Higdon last week, then you'll want to come to the Hollywood Campus, or the 12 Noon service at Pines this Sunday.  Now, have I thoroughly confused you???? Probably!!! This is the last week for this series. See you this weekend. I'm going to be all over the place. Catch me if you can! I love you so much, Oasis Church. I'm so privileged to serve as your Pastor. I love you and appreciate you more every day. Let me be the first to wish you a "Merry Christmas"! Guy Melton, Pastor Oasis Church P.S.  This is the last week before Light Up at the Oasis. If you can come out Friday or Saturday this week, James Brown -- Mr. Christmas -- would love to have you come help! Come between 8 am and 1 pm either day.  We’re getting close! Also the brochures for the Christmas at the Oasiswill be in your bulletins for all the Pines folks this week.  (BTW, 5000 free chicken sandwiches again this year donated to us by Chick-fil-A for the first ones through the display starting next Friday night, Dec. 5th. See you there!

Hollywood Campus

Pines Campus

N. Miami Campus

Prayer Requests

www.visitoasis.org

I Am Thankful For.................

Just wondering what are you thankful for this Thanksgiving???

I began to wipe away the fog from my eyes, of Economic Crisis, governmental melt down, job losses,  multiple families experiencing moral failure, foreclosures and friends really hurting, and as I began to look closer I found an incredible list of things I'm thankful for.

I shared them with our local Oasis Church family in my weekly email newsletter.

Whether you're local or extended Oasis Church family or friends, I would love to have you fill in this blank  "I am Thankful for _____________

I want to rejoice with you!! Go below to the comments link and put a  comment to me, would you? It's easy and quick. If you prefer, just email me at

guym@visitoasis.org

Here's a good Chapter to read this Thanksgiving. Psalms 100

Happy Thanksgiving, from the Meltons to you and your family!!!!

My Car is Sick, Gas is Cheap, and Why are we Paying for Fuel Surcharges?

Some Sunday Night Random Thoughts:

My Car is sick!!! It's a 2003 with 167,500 miles and has served me well. This weekend my window fell out. The window motor is broken my mechanic tells me. A/C switch is out. Has to order both. So Saturday he sends me home with no dashboard and the door panel off with wires hanging all over. It was an experience driving back and forth to church today. But, hey, it drove!There was a time an American made car would start major problems at about 55k miles. I've done a lot better this time. Most of my Chevy's, Mercuries, Fords, Chrysler's never made it even close to this. So I'm happy with American made. Oh, and my passenger door handle broke off and I'm waiting on that too!

• Gas is down to $1.89 in Miramar!!! I told Tonia back in the summer when it began to fall, until it got below $2.00 it was over priced. I never dreamed we would see it at this price again. There are places in North Florida at $1.69. I wouldn't recommend driving up there to save a few cents though. This Shell sign was what I paid in July!! Wow!! For the cheapest Gas in our Area click here

• May I ask a Question???? Why, if gas is down over half of its cost a few months ago, are we still being charged Fuel Surcharges from companies who deliver or do service calls? Today I opened a bill to our church from our Alarm Company and it had a $9.00 Fuel Charge for their $75. service call. Starting this week I am going to instruct our staff, not to pay any more Fuel Charges. If the company doesn't drop it then I will instruct them to find someone else to do business with. I bet businesses will begin to drop it if we yell loud enough!! What say you??? What's your opinion? Agree or disagree???
• 1200 Page Views this weekend to my blog!!! Saturdays and Sundays are usually pretty slow here!!!  Not this weekend. Favorite post (1) Police Interrupting NoMi Service (2) How to Forgive and Restore, Part 1 and 2 (3) National Health Warning. I hope the blogs on Forgiveness have been a help for those of you working through this with someone in your life.
• Jeremy Higdon, our Church-planting Pastor at the Oasis Church of North Florida, was with us this weekend. It was great to have him with us. He spoke 5 times. I bet he is tired tonight. He has a preview service on Sunday, December 14th in Jax. If you are interested in going up to help that weekend, click here and let him know. 7 NOW Services will hear Jeremy's message on Faith this week.  
•    Chris Hughes did a great job with his team today leading Worship at the Pines campus. I really appreciated the Responsive Reading from Psalms 96. I heard Worship was Hot in North Miami. Haven't heard from the Hollywood campus but I know Ben, our Campus Pastor was going to do a special Hollywood Challenge today. I'm sure it was good.
• Christmas at the Oasis is almost ready. Lots of work, but it's looking good. Tonight, after our Host Pastors' meeting, I actually saw one of our Church Council members and his wife hanging lights and decorating around our new Fountain/Baptistry. Their Community Group is taking on the new fountain to decorate it for Christmas. Thanks, Farheed and Laura Mohamed. You guys are awesome.

• It's Sunday Night and I just got home from our Monthly Host Pastors' Meeting. We have an awesome group of Host Pastors who Pastor each night of the week as part of our 7 Nights of Worship (7NOW). These guys inspire me. They love the congregation they pastor. It doesn't matter if they have 30 in attendance one night or another night 200. Thanks, guys for Pastoring so many people.
• Lots more to say, but I'll wait!!! Don't forget to check out the very important National Health Warning just put out!!!!

Crisis after Crisis...Now Comes This!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe with all the Crises our culture is experiencing, that now our Federal Health Agency has Issued this URGENT WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Forgiving Someone who has Fallen or Offended - Part 2

The other day I shared some thoughts on a subject many of my friends have been wrestling with. If you have not yet read it, click here  before reading this follow up.

Jesus has a lot to say about Forgiveness, and this certainly is not in any way even beginning to cover it. But I hope it will give you a place to launch out from if you or a friend are having to work on this right now or in the future. It is a day-to-day thing and not something we get like riding a bike and we automatically just become a Forgiving soul!!! 

Jesus Speaks:

• Luke 17:3-4 .....Watch, Rebuke, Forgive, ouch!!!
• Mark 11:25......Faith, Prayer, Forgive, Prayers Answered, Not an option!!! ouch!! (Hey, Jesus said it not me!!! I don't necessarily like it either. Well, unless it's me who needs the forgiveness. Hey, just being honest!)

The book of James, which is my favorite of the New Testament Books, is so practical and that's why I love it so much. I'm just a practical, simple Guy!! In Chapter 5 James speaks of praying for the sick and gives some instructions. In 99.9% of the time, when we read this it's discussed in the context of physical healing. But if you look a little closer, there are some really neat principles that apply to us in dealing with someone who is in sin and is overtaken in the Illness of Sin. You definitely want to Read this Passage, James 5:13-20. Then read it again, and again and again. You get it!! 

The Apostle Paul gives more instructions in how to Love, Live and Imitate Christ in the context of when someone has offended us, hurt us, disappointed us and their God.

• Ephesians 4:32-5:2......Kind, Compassionate, Forgiving, Imitating, Loving = Christ-like.......

Now for those of you wanting to tear that person from limb to limb for what they did to you, to God, His church, His family and friends I understand!! Not everyone is so ready to follow these principles and admonitions as fast as others. That doesn't necessarily make you less spiritual. We all deal with pain, disappointment and hurt in different ways. There is a road we will all travel in times like this, it takes different paths, but in the end it must end at the same place. Forgiveness, love and restoration. As I see, scripture doesn't give us any choice. I'm so glad God has shown His mercy and love to me so many times. It's time for me to try to practice His love.

There will definitely be some follow-up on, "OK, where's the justice?" And, "Do we forgive and forget?" Where does punishment, discipline and consequences come in? Oh yes, there are definitely consequences and they are very serious. But in my opinion, as humans we tend to want to pass out the consequences and justice far quicker than the love, and forgiveness so I'm trying to start with that first. A few parting thoughts. (BTW, these post are not just for my friends who I love dearly who are wrestling with this, but it helps me to work through it myself. I assure you that.)  

And for those of us who would rather talk about the juicy gossip that comes from situations that happen to OTHERS, and other churches, please read this verse I ran across as I read Proverbs 19 the other day in my devotions.  

Welcome to the Newest Oasis Family Member

Welcome Sadie Olivia Collins! Our Tech Director and Communications Director, Joel and Jenn Collins became new parents Tuesday.

They welcomed little Sadie into the world weighing in at 7 lbs 9 oz. She is beautiful. Tonia and I got to see her today. Mom and Baby are doing fine. Not sure about dad. He seems to still be in a daze!!!!! 

Congrats to mom and dad of Jenn, Jack and Selena Rizzo, who are Oasis members.

Congrats you guys! We love you!