GuyMelton.com: What Were You Thinking?

18 Reasons I love Oasis Church on its 18th Anniversary - Sep 15!!

On this 18th Anniversary of Oasis Church so many memories and thoughts flood my mind and heart. I can't even hardly breathe as I type and think of all the incredible things God has done these past 18 years since a small group of 4 couples and one single joined Tonia and me to start this adventure in Western Pembroke Pines and which is now also in Hollywood and North Miami...and even Jacksonville, Florida with the launch of Oasis No Fla. I will just try to narrow it to 18. I'm working on a series of blog posts, that follow the first I made last week of the Top 10 in 2 words or less. 

There are too many to do only 10 of this one, and too much in my heart as I type this to only say two words. So here goes!!!! I love you Oasis Church!!!!

18. The willingness to always change and even embrace change when it makes you feel uncomfortable.

17.  84 Countries who meet together each week to Worship a mighty God without culture, race, or background getting in the way. How many churches in the World can say that? Probably not more than a couple.

16. The incredible lay leaders who are the ones who do the Ministry. KidsWorld, Parking, Hospitality, Community Group Leaders, First Impressions, Surge/youth, Worship teams (this encompasses loads of folks), Lay Pastors, Church Council, Tech, Women's Team, Host Pastors and leaders of 7 Nights of Worship and I know I'm leaving some Leadership teams out. Forgive me. Honestly we have such a lean staff if it were not for an army of servant leaders I have no idea what we would be. I love you guys.

15. The over 1,400 new believers who have followed the Lord in Baptism these 18 years, almost two hundred this year already.

14.  A staff that works hard, long and passionately to not only minister but to deliver the Love of God in message 13 times each and every week and 365 nights a year. They demonstrate incredible ability along with a Love for the Lord and Oasis week in and week out, that just keeps me fired up. (and might I say with so many 20-30 somethings, very tired!)

13.  A church that is willing to do whatever it takes on just 6 acres in Pembroke Pines to continue to reach those who don't know Jesus. The only church doing Church 7 Nights a week that I know of - 365 days a year...and never do I hear a complaint!!! It's incredible.

12. A youth group -- Surge we call them, that has a depth like none I've ever seen. I was a Youth Pastor for 10 years and served several thousand teenagers during that time. It was a great group. But I have never seen such a committed, passionate group of young teens for God in my life. They thrill me just hanging out around them and watching them.   Many are in our adult worship teams and some lead there. They are amazing. Our adults could learn from them just by observing. I love you guys. (I love Katia and her group of leaders also. You guys are second to none. I could just give you a big group hug)

11. I love Oasis Church for the hundreds who sacrificed to make our buildings possible not only in Pembroke Pines but in Hollywood and now North Miami!! Many have moved away or gone to be with the Lord but their/your investment will go on for decades if the Lord tarries His coming.

10. Love that God has given us efficient, and practical facilities. Not too much, not enough sometimes, not extravagant, but just what we needed.

9. I love the four families who gave up very secure, long tenured churches to come out with Tonia and me to follow he Vision God had given us. The Goodwins, Carrs, Padowitz, Oyers, and my Mom. I will be eternally grateful for your love, support and blood, sweat and tears you gave in the early years.  For your kids who gave a lot to attend this new baby church.

8. I love the first Oasis attenders who came that first Sunday, brought desserts when they never had even met each other. Just came from a phone invite. You had no electric, no parking lot, and no a/c in a little building and listened to a Guy who you had never met. I wondered if you would ever come back. Every week I would hold my breath. You did and you still do.

7. I love Oasis Church because you have loved my family, supported it, let my boys be normal boys, and loved them and supported them through their teen years. Nothing is more important than a church loving their Pastor's family, and especially their children.

6. I love you Oasis for what you do for our Community at Christmas year in and year out, through Christmas at the Oasis Light and Christmas display. The hundreds of you who give many hours, some hundreds of hours, and lots of money, to welcome the 40-50,000+ people to our Pines Campus each year. (we are giving our volunteers a much-deserved year off this year and not doing Christmas, but I assure you next year we will come back with more passion and excitement than ever before!)

5. I love you Oasis because you were willing to do what only a few churches in our country have done. You've gone to the urban areas of Hollywood and North Miami and started new Campuses. The hardest place to do ministry in America is the urban and inner cities. Most churches go to the suburbs. Our cities are tough, but you gave and went. I love you for that.

4. I love Oasis Church because we have so many wonderful people on our NoMI and HWD campus who love God and give beyond what they have to minister in these locations, and then even come back to Pines and serve with our Pines people. It's a beautiful sight to observe. I love you guys in the city campuses.

3. I love Oasis for a very personal reason that is more about me, and not you, but If I didn't say this I should be horse whipped. You have the most wonderful Pastor's Wife ever born of man. Tonia is behind the scenes. But let me tell you, I would not still be in ministry, and at Oasis if it were not for a wife who has stood with me through thick and thin. She is spiritual, she is strong, and she models what is preached and she is a big reason God has blessed this church the way He has. I love you Babe, and thanks for putting up with all you've had to put up with these past 18 years in order to fulfill our calling. Words can't express my love and gratitude for you. 

2. I love the Oasis Family because you love me and put up with all my frailties, weaknesses and mistakes. My stupid blog post, and FB comments. My corny jokes, and my ADHD ways. You still love me for who I am and you don't try to make me someone else. You accept me as I am. I love you!!

1. I love Oasis Church more than anything, because God is here and doing a mighty work. Many have invested, worked, sacrificed, prayed and I have thanked you. But honestly, this would not have been worth it 18 years ago, and would not be worth it today, if God was not doing things beyond anything we could explain or take credit for. I'm so grateful He is using me and you even with all our faults and warts. Thank you, God for 18 incredible years. Thank you, Jesus for loving us so much You died for Oasis Church even before we existed!!!!!

So much more could be said, but I'll leave it at that!!

Happy Anniversary Oasis Church

AMEN!!

Merry Christmas -- Coloring Away the Pain

Today Tonia met with one of our former teens who attended our Youth Ministries at our former church. Kimberly Pressley-Herrick  reconnected with us through Facebook last year. Today Kimberly and Tonia had lunch. Kim started a very unique ministry for kids going through crisis. I'll not try to explain here what it does, but rather, encourage you to go to her site and check it out. It is very creative and a wonderful ministry to kids going through tough times.

One of the things that is obvious is the "Coloring" in the Title of her organization. So of course you can't color without Crayons. So for our Christmas Gift for July, last week Tonia and I decided to give our little gift to her organization. Tonia found 100 boxes of crayons at Walmart for 25 cents. Today she delivered them.

If you want something that can have a BIG impact on children and the cost is very small, try out Coloring Away the Pain website. 

Kim, sorry I missed the lunch today, but glad you and Tonia had a good time.  God bless you!!!

 

 

 

 

An Oasis Original

Tonight Tonia and I took to dinner one of the most amazing people I've ever known. Una Friedemann is 94 years old. She has been at Oasis since day one -- 17 years ago. She drove across town, 30 minutes, to worship in a trailer, then a movie theater and saw our church grow from a little group of 100 folks in a trailer to multiple services, days and campuses. Most folks who get up into years don't like change and just want to coast. Una is anything but that.  If you don't know Una there is no way to appreciate what I am saying. It's more than I can even write. There is no exaggeration in this post. She has given financially sacrificially to every building built, ever special offering and always taking the lead.

For years Una served two days each week answering phone in the church office as a volunteer.  She served on our Church Council, began Bible studies in her neighborhood, stuffed envelopes and greeted. She filled her Lincoln for years with folks from her neighborhood and brought them to church.

When our church was young, and small we would have picnics several times a year at C.B. Smith Park. One of our picnics, I walked into the pavilion  we had rented and there was Una, teaching all our folks line dancing and leading them. It was incredible!

All this has been done in her 80's and 90's. When we started the Hollywood Downtown campus of Oasis Church, Una was one of the first to commit to go downtown. This is close to where she lived for years and where she had prayed God would put a growing church.  She has attended there for the entire 5 years.

She has the most positive outlook of anyone I have ever known. Before she broke a hip in her mid 80's, she golfed 3 days a week. (still golfed until she was 93), played table tennis, did line dancing, and who knows what else. Tonia has always said she wants to be like Una when she grows up.

One time Una told me her kids were coming down to visit her. She kept talking about "the kids", (her niece and nephew) . When she brought them in the office one day to introduce us, they were people in their 70's. We have laughed more than once about that one!!! I just never really thought of Kids as being in their 70's. Now I do!!!

When we were doing our first building fund drive, we asked Una to do a video. I remember when I asked her why someone in her 80's would want to be at a church like ours, so many young folks, and loud music, worship nothing like she had grown up with. Her answer was vintage Una. Her eyes lit up and she said with so much excitement.  "I love this church, because of all the young people. I love young people, and they keep me young." That is why she drove 30 min. every week. I can still see that face light up when she gave that answer on the video. 

I visited Una early when our church was new and her husband was dying of cancer. In their home, was a tree of Bananas. I commented on them. Her response, "At MY AGE I DON'T BUY GREEN BANANAS!"   I've never forgotten that. She says, "If they aren't ripe today, then I don't buy them". That was 15 years ago!!!! 

Una has decided to move to New Jersey with her niece, since her health is beginning to falter a bit. She is still amazing and fun to be with. But living alone with no family has been a challenge lately. We will miss Una. I have never met a person who has known her, who didn't love her.

She is truly an OASIS original. We all want to be just like Una, but there is only one!!

P.S. Corey our youngest son, rode with Una while he was in elementary years ago, and has the funniest stories you'll ever hear!!! She drove like a race car driver. I swore she would die in that big Lincoln of hers. But now she has sold it and quit driving. 

Tonight was our farewell dinner at Long Horns. Una's life-long friend, Ruth went with us. Ruth has been our resident snow bird for our entire 17 years at Oasis. She is only here 3 months, each year, but we love her.

I'm sure if you're still reading this, and you know Una, you have your own memories and stories. You're welcome to go below and click on the comment section and leave a comment.

Oh, and tonight, the two talked about how they got to know each other 50 years ago!! Where? Yep, in a new church start in New Jersey. No wonder they loved our little baby church in the trailer and theater!! They've been planting churches longer than most of us have been alive. Ruth Schmidt is still a member of that same church in NJ. Not many committed members like that anymore. Oh, God if you'll just give me another Ruth and Una, I'll be the happiest Pastor in this world!  

I love you ladies!!! 

You will be missed.   

P.S.  Oasis Hollywood Campus is having a Pot Luck in Una's Honor next Sunday March 29th following church.

I Can't Believe I missed Santa Claus!!!!!

I'm seeing GREEN, and not because of St. Pat!!!!

I can't believe I missed Santa Claus and His whole universe in Gatlinburg , TN!!!!! Man!!!! They had hundreds there for a convention!!

I guess it was more important I be studying for the next series..."Ignite, Intensifying Your Love Life".

Man, that Solomon dude is intense.  Song of Solomon -- Read those first 2 Chapters!!!!! They are sizzling. Got the message done. It's going to be "Lovers Leap".  Some thoughts, from the rough draft. The final message will be done next month by our Teaching Team. So the rough points will change and maybe even the Title!!!! But for now:

1. Love is Intense

2. Love brings out the best in the other person

3. Love has no boundaries   (Solomon makes that very clear in Chapters 1 and 2. )

Boy, this book sizzles. I don't understand why so many Christians are afraid of this  Book.

Tomorrow I work on Chapters 3-5  "Keep the Fire in the Fireplace and Intense"

Final Funeral Arrangements for Guy Alan Melton

The Funeral Arrangements for Guy Alan Melton are below. Guy was born April 29, 1956 in Tampa, Florida and was the third child of four. He is survived by his lovely wife, Tonia Felice Gilmore Melton of ___ years, 3 Wonderful Sons, 2 of the most incredible daughters-in-law, anyone could ever have. His two grandsons, Gavyn Elijah and Caleb Kai Melton are beyond description. He always wanted to know how two perfect kids could come from his imperfect son!!! 

Now this might be how my obituary will read some day. When Tonia sees this post, it might be today!!!! But seriously I was thinking today for some reason about how I want my funeral to be conducted. It might be since I've been home with a sinus infection, and no voice for two days, and not been feeling good. OK, I'm not that bad. But I have lost my voice and had to cancel all my meetings the last two days and have to preach this Sunday. But hopefully this is no premonition. I haven't had a dream, but if I do die in the next few days, I bet you all will believe in premonitions won't you?  Anyway, let me get to the point. 

Since I have made no funeral preparations, as of yet here on earth and I know you should, I'm beginning now.   Here is how I want my service to go.  And yes, as they always tell me, as the Pastor, I want it to be a celebration of Life, not death. So here goes:

IT'S GOING TO BE ALL CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, you heard me. Those who know me and Oasis Church family, you understand. I LOVE Christmas and always have, since a kid. I'm called sick and extreme, yes I am, so why not wrap things up. (no pun intended, we will leave the wrapped presents out of this) Now, if you're thinking, "How can you joke about this?"Well, I'm not afraid of dying!!! I'm going to be so much better off. Now I'm not necessarily begging for it today...but!! It's OK. God has blessed me with a life 10 times over more than I deserve. Plus it will be Christmas 365 days a year in Heaven, and no manger!! or Cross!! 

The auditorium needs to have lighted Christmas Trees.  Decorations in place. For Oasis, you will be lucky if I die here, in December, or January. It will save you guys lots of work. Just like "Christmas at the Oasis".

Anyone who attends I'll ask to dress in Green and Red, or your fav Christmas clothes.

The Service and  music will include :

Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer

• Alabama's Christmas C.D. playing before and after
• Some of my favs from Alabama's Christmas, like Tennessee Christmas, Thistle-hair the Christmas Bear and Christmas in Dixie  (Now, for those who don't know me very well, you would think I'm a country fan. I hate country music for the record. But I love the Alabama Christmas C.D. It's the only country music I listen to all year, BTW, I do listen to it all year)
• My Fav Hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is our God" 
• My fav Bible verse since I was 13 years old . Philippians 4:13
• Several Christmas Carols, sung by all.  I'll leave that up to you, Chris Hughes (or whoever is the Worship Pastor at the time)  
• Obviously the candelabras for the Traditional Christmas Eve Candle lighting Ceremony (everyone gets a little candle to light, left over from last year since we never throw them away. Cost cutting, you know, going green, recycling.)  Wallie W. Get them ready to set up.
• Who does the service message? Don't care...just tie in Christmas, with Salvation!!
• All Flowers even though the family will have donations sent else where, Christmas of course.  (I want a few of Sally Rogers' fav manger scenes out)
• Casket does not have to be green and red, but  I do suggest any flowers ever left at the site be Christmas in nature. Poinsettias are fine.  (Me dressed in my fav Christmas sweater)
• The Wake, or family meal afterwards needs to be all Christmas from the Meat to the Desert!! Egg nog, (not spiked, you guys have to drive home) Tonia's traditional  Christmas Morning Breakfast Cassarole has to be there, even if someone makes it for her, I'm sure one of my boys can. (oh BTW, put a piece in the casket with me...just in case!!)  Oh, and dont forget the "Santa's White Christmas" coffee from Barnies. If not Dunkin Coffee will do.

Now, I will add to this, but just thought I would share my plans, and wishes. Just in case when Tonia gets home and sees I have decorated the whole house again today with Christmas , she loses it!!!

On a more serious note. We should all prepare for that day. Have you? Not only in the ways I've mentioned but eternally. Isn't that what Christmas was/is all about!!!!!!!

p.s. Oh, and instead of an eternal flame at the grave site, just a string of solar lights will be fine, red and green. Of course!!  I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reminder -- It's Almost Christmas!!!! God threw me a curve!!!

Some of you might remember on Christmas Eve I brought a message to Oasis Church. The jest of the message was let's celebrate Christmas every month this year on the 25th. So far so good. But only in the second month I was thrown a curve. In just a few days I will celebrate Christmas again, with my Christmas C.D. but I won't be giving a Christmas gift as I did last month on January 25th. Why? No, I haven't already abandoned my Christmas on the 25th each month. See my Post for last month's post that better explains what I'm saying here

It started this week as I have been praying about who to bless with a gift on the 25th. Well, this weekend, God placed a family in front of me and said, "Bless them." I didn't want to! I wanted to wait until the 25th (it's the old legalistic side of me), like I had planned. But God said, "I'm putting you in this moment and you bless this family". That's all I can say since they read my blog and a number of our folks know them and I don't want in any way to embarrass them. But my Christmas gift has been given already. I finally said, OKKKKKKKKKKKKK God, if that is what You want, I guess I will!!! 

It's amazing how God loves to mess up my plans!!!! You notice I said my plans!!!! I'm still learning to submit to His Plans and His will, and timing!!! 

So Merry Christmas!! I'll still be playing my Christmas music this Wednesday, the 25th!!!

Why not pray for God to put a person in your path you can bless this Wednesday, and give them a Christmas gift!! It can be a gift, money, or gift card!!! But bless someone. You won't have to look very far in this climate!!

Thanks, Chris and Ben, for reminding Oasis Church today about our Christmas each 25th of each month.

The Original message on Every 25th is Christmas is on our Oasis, video podcast

Weds. Dump, along with Apology and Facebook update..........

There is so much going on as we begin the new year, I am just overwhelmed with good things and the mundane things of every day that must be done at the same time. But with so many updates by our staff this week at our Leadership Meeting, I just got to share some with you along with some personal thoughts too........

• It was awesome to have our Leadership Team all back together after a December that kept us from meeting much, with many traveling different weeks, so yesterday the conference room table was full and the room was electric. Of course with all the updates and things going on, it was a long day of meetings. But it was good to see everyone back, including our new mom, who is back from maternity leave...Jenn Collins our Communications Director. Below are some updates to some of the Ministry reports from this week along with a couple other things.
• Face Book is becoming more and more a must for anyone who needs to stay connected to friends, family and even is great for networking. Jeremy Higdon is using it to help launch his new Oasis Church in North Florida, February 8th.   Kevin McCord sent this comment from someone who found him on Face Book and had visited our church. They left this comment ..... one of my sons and I checked out Oasis
  on Sunday...felt at home the minute I turned into the parking lot...(I haven't
  had that feeling at a church for a while now).
• Yesterday, someone who I haven't heard from in 20 years commented on my FB about my blog post of walking on the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. She grew up in my youth Dept. and now lives in Ga. It was great hearing from her.
• Another FB comment  came in from a girl who was a teen in our Oasis Church when we first began 17 years ago. She has come back to South Florida and put this sweet note on my FB page yesterday..... 
  I am so glad to be back, I have been on a search to find a place to fit in since I have been back in Florida, and it is great to know that all I needed to do was go where I have always gone, I can feel the spirit of God working at the Oasis and I can't wait to renew my relationship with Christ and my family at the Oasis Church. I feel like I have come home! Kaara made my day!!
• I keep up with so many of our Church Family now daily on FaceBppk. Weddings, surgeries, successes, sickness, prayer requests. My son, Nate just last night called me and asked me to put one of his friend's dad on our prayer list. He had connected with her on Face Book and she was one of his best friends growing up down here. Ira, one of our members was in Europe with his Music group performing for almost a month and returned this week, but he sent FB messages and Pics while there. It's awesome. God is using all the new things we are enjoying  to bring His timeless love, still. 
• Now for an Apology!!! The other day in my Monday Dump I referred to one of my friends and Hollywood campus church members as an "Airhead". That was hurtful and offensive to Vanessa. While I did it in fun, and she and I do a lot of joking around, I crossed the line in saying that. It was insensitive of me.  It implied she is dumb, or maybe another derogatory term, and that is anything but the truth. She is bright, witty and lovable. I have apologized to Vanessa and she has accepted but since about 200 folks had read that blog post before I changed the wording, I feel like I should make it right publicly. Sorry, Vanessa. I love you. You and Jim have a great trip.   In my devotions as I read Proverbs 14 this morning in the "Message" this verse was a good one for me to remember .... 3 Frivolous talk provokes a derisive smile; 
  wise speech evokes nothing but respect.   ...... Now I can't promise to totally stop the frivolous talk at all times, but I will try to work on being Wiser at the words I use. AMEN!!
•   Kevin McCord, our Interim North Miami Campus Pastor has a couple really good posts on our visitoasis.org website. One is from a couple two attended our services in December from British Columbia, and another is about some High Tech guys who have found our NoMi Campus. Good stuff. Check them out here!! (the pic to the left is connected to the story). 
• Our Hollywood Campus has a Health Fair coming up, if you're interested in helping out as they minister to the downtown community, go and check out the story here, and let Ben Windle our Campus Pastor know. He got a Chiropractor not connected with Oasis Church who called him and volunteered 2 minutes after posting about it on the web page this week. How awesome is that?  
• We're going to North Florida for Jeremy Higdon's Kick-Off Service, Feb. 8th. If you want to go with us, write NO FLA on your connection card this week when you attend the service. We will get the details, on cost, lodging and all the 411!!! I hope we will have 15-25 at least go up for opening day from our Pines Campus. NoMi campus is taking a group up next weekend for a practice run, and handing out info. to the community. 
• Katia Droira and our Youth Ministry is off to a running start. Last night I walked in during their initial  small group Bible study night and there must have been about 40 high schoolers there. Remember Thursday night is their youth service. Katia updated us yesterday, that in March they will have a Discipleship weekend, they are planning summer camp already and a missions trip along with too much to mention here. I'm lovin it!! Go Surge!!

OK, this is already way too long. I'll dump some more later.

Monday Dump!!! Weekend Update Jan 09

It was great to be back at Oasis Church this weekend. I had a chance to catch up with lots of people and things happening. I don't think I've ever seen Oasis come back with such energy and excitement after a Christmas Season. Usually takes most of January to recoup after such an incredible Christmas season in our ministries.  I have to admit, my head is spinning and feeling a little overwhelmed today at all the things happening and all the things I am anticipating in the coming weeks and months. (Just the stacks of mail I began opening last night and this morning that was on my desk after being out for 8 days is pretty daunting. I thought we did away with all this paper and snail mail, when we got computers, pda's, iphones, blackberry's, etc.)  There is no way to share all the things I heard and saw this weekend but here are a few:

• Saturday night service had almost 200 in attendance. Mike Chalk, our Host Pastor, shares that he met 3-4 new families.
• Sunday at North Miami Campus, hit about 150 in attendance with many folks visiting, Kevin our Interim Campus Pastor reported. Great spirit Tonia said, when she returned from attending. I'm really excited about the ownership so many of the Lay Leaders are showing.  Middle school class has begun there, and they said there were over 40 kids and they are going to have to begin a new Children's class. Wow!! (Heard KidsWorld had training Sunday for new workers. Luann, you and your team are such a blessing. I also heard they have at least 7 going to Jax to serve with Jeremy in two weeks in his practice service, as they do a dry run before beginning, Oasis Church North Florida, Feb.8th. 
• Sunday at 10 a.m. I spoke at Hollywood and while their attendance was not as strong as usual, the spirit was great and I always enjoy speaking to this campus. Of course it's so easy to pick on Chuck our resident Patsy's fan, and Vanessa, my friend on Face Book as I did during the message. Always fun to be in Hollywood. 
• The last two Sundays in our morning Pines services the attendance and spirit has been incredible. 9 am is growing, 10:30 is overflowing, and noon service is getting back to the size it was when we moved 100 folks out to other services in the fall. But most of all, the spirit is electric in each one. BTW, those in the 10:30 service, could you consider moving to the early or late service or a 7NOW service? It would free up parking and seats for a guest!!
• We are having new families at EVERY service visiting who came through our Pines Christmas Light Display. I love it. Great stories.
• Speaking of Guests coming from our Christmas at the Oasis, I met two families on Sunday night who were new and they said they had come to Christmas and decided to check us out. One from Cooper City and one from Pines.  I had the privilege of bringing the message Sunday night and our Host Pastor, Steve Card reported almost 100 in attendance between the adults and children. Steve does a great job as Host Pastor. He could use some folks who would come and commit to helping in lay leadership -- First impressions (greeting), hospitality, (refreshments). He has a great team, but with this night growing they could use more.  I enjoyed seeing 3 of our teens actually leading worship Sunday night. Bryan, John, and Erick, you guys are awesome!!!
• The Thrill Ride series is really hitting the mark in so many of our lives. I can't believe how many expressed this is exactly what they need and are dealing with at this point. I love when God shows up and does His work. Ecclesiastes isn't the easiest Book to teach or to even learn from, but the Heart of Oasis is really open. What a blessing.
• Katia Droira, our new Youth Director reported a great start to our new year with the youth ministry last Thursday night. If you have a teen you really need to get them involved on Thursday night. It was neat seeing teens sitting outside our two office buildings, studying the Bible when I came back from Hollywood yesterday for the last service. Much of the studies are led by older teens. Remember for our adults, on Thursday nights we also have an Adult service with that week's message, led by our Host Pastor, Ron Remer.
• Met with our Church Council for their monthly meeting last night. It's the last one, officially for three of our most dedicated Council members. They will rotate off next this month, after serving 3 years. Thanks, Polly, Richard and Liz. You guys are such a blessing. I will miss you so much. I loved their spirit and the spirit of our lay leaders. Last night they insisted that after God blessed us with unexpected offerings in December that we as a Church give a tithe, 10% to missions, above our normal missions giving. I Love all you guys.  (We are taking nominations, through next week for new Church Council members, and Lay Pastors. The nomination inserts are in the bulletins this week and next.)
• OK, I'll stop, but I have so much more. Gotta add one thing. This coming week we will celebrate 2 years of meeting every night for worship at Oasis Pines Campus. It's been an exciting two years. I love all you who gave up your comfortable seats on Sunday mornings in order for us to reach more with the Love of Jesus. It's also exciting to begin to see the community responding to the Night services. We have guests at each 7NOW service every night at 7 p.m.

Christmas @ the Oasis 09, Shopping at 75% off and Family Vacation!!

This has been an awesome week as we have vacationed in the Mountains, with our son, Nate, his wife Jenni, and our grandsons, Gavyn and Caleb. No internet, hard, but good break. For you and me!!!!

We did get to take the kids to Maggie Valley, North Carolina for snow tubing. We all enjoyed that.

They left today for home, which is Indian Harbor Beach, Florida for them.

I place Tonia on a plane Tuesday morning so she can be back for the Kick-Off of our Women's Bible Study Year on Weds. at Oasis.

Then the next couple days I get to study for two of our "Thrill Ride" sermons, in Ecclesiastes. So we've gone from a crazy house with little guys, and running like mad the last week to just me. Wow!! It will seem strange. But looking forward to spending some time with God the next couple days as we kick off the new year and our new Sermon Series. 

I heard the first week went great with Jeremy Higdon back in town bringing our first message of the series. Pray for Jeremy and his team, as they now go full bore ahead for Opening Sunday at Oasis North Florida in Jax. on Feb. 9th.

We have a couple teams going up this month to help them prepare for Opening Sunday. If you're interested, mark your connection card.   

P.S. Saving big bucks for Christmas 09 at the Oasis!!! 75% at Walmart, Home Depot, Target and loving it!! Hate paying full price. Trying to get as much as I can for next year. No trees this year! Anyone know of a store with artificial Trees at 75% off? Let me know. I'm still shopping. Full car yesterday, and today!!!

Christmas Dump -- More of Corey's Wedding and More Than you Care to See!!

Christmas '08 in the Melton Family has taken on new dimension, with another son married, a new daughter-in-law and memories too numerous to even remember right now in the moment. So for my family and my memories of this wonderful week I'm adding some more pics. For those not in the family, you will probably be tired of more wedding pics and Melton pics. That's OK...I'm putting them up anyway. Remember, my blog, is entitled , "What Were You Thinking?" Well, this is what I'm thinking today!

First, I'm celebrating the Spirit of Christmas today...Hope, Joy, Peace, Giving and Love!! All found in the Christmas Story of Matthew and Luke. I highlighted this last night at our Christmas Eve Services. For our extended Oasis Family around the Globe (Africa, Australia, South America, Canada,Korea and other parts of the World. I love it.) The report of Christmas Eve was awesome. The 3 services at the Pines Campus were all well attended. Lots of families, and more kids than I've ever seen. I handed out tons of Candy Canes. I did the Message at the first two and Ben Windle, our Hollywood Campus Pastor did Hollywood and the Midnight service!!! It was good to be at our North Miami Campus for their 9 p.m. service and loved being with our Oasis NoMi Family.  Got home about 10:45 exhausted, but just thrilled to have a part in something meaningful on Christmas Eve. I kept getting these looks and comments, like why do so much work on Christmas Eve?  My response is always the same!! I love it and am so privileged to share Christmas and its meaning every year. 

This morning, it was so different at our house than most years. No little ones around. The honeymooners, Corey and Sabrina waddled into the dining room just in time for Tonia's famous, Christmas Breakfast Casserole!!! The boys and I count it as one of the most important traditions in our family. By mid-morning, Nate and the family checked in by phone and said all went well in Indian Harbor Beach. I can't wait to spend next week in the Tennessee Mountains with Nate, Jenni and the grandsons. We will have Christmas then with them.  

Well, enough for now. I'll dump some pics of some Christmas Eve at Granny's, this morning and more wedding.  God is so good. I am so glad this Christmas there is so much Hope, Peace, Joy, Giving and Love in the Melton House!!

I Know some of our friends in our Oasis Family have heavy hearts this Christmas and can't celebrate like we are...loss of a family member, health and jobs. Some even have lost homes. I don't want to end on a down note. But please know that I am praying for you since this Christmas is not as easy to focus on these things. I pray that in the future you'll have the same Joy and Hope we share this Christmas.

Jim and his family Christmas Morning.

 

Jim and his Mom making Ginger Bread house on Christmas Eve!!! Rico, his cat, was found eating it this morning!!!!!

 

Women's Day out at the Spa!!

 

 

Leaving for the Honeymoon!!!