GOT TO GET BACK

Hey Everybody!

Just wanted to Blog for a moment about being Nutritionally Fit! I've discovered during my journey that I began in August 2012 to become Physically Healthy and Fit again that Nutrition plays a HUGE role in my Physical Health and Wellness. I think at one point on this journey I attempted to stay committed to my work outs but half-heartedly be committed to my nutrition intake! Well, I learned the hard way as my weight loss was being stifled in a major way. In fact, I was losing and then as I backed off somewhat from being committed to being nutritionally fit, I didn't gain weight but I didn't lose anymore either, it just stayed right where it was and didn't go anywhere. So I made up my mind that I got to get Back.

So around Mid-February I decided to get serious about how I did things nutritionally! So I am now faithfully back to eating the "right" things; Fruits, Vegetables, Protien and Fiber are all plugged back into my diet! I have a healthy Breakfasst, Lunch and Dinner and I will not eat after 7:30 p.m. My snacks are healthier (no more chips, cookies, cakes or cupcakes). I also cut out Breads and other starchy foods.

My body feel so much better and I am able to focus now on the those things that matter nutritionally. I've discovered that what I'm doing in the gym must be complimented by what I eat. I hope this encouraged somebody and just know that "With God all things are Possible"!

You've been Blogging with Pastor V.

Peace!

PREACHERS SHOULD BE "REAL" PEOPLE

As a Preacher of the Gospel, I believe it's important that you have Fun with your Family! Your Family/home is where your Ministry starts first. It's important to have fun and be real with your family to show them that you're down to earth and that a "Title" doesn't dictate or determine your Vibrancy! Smile with them, laugh with them, joke around with them and be silly with them! As preachers there's no need to be stale, stiff or super serious and sensitive espeically toward your Family! Loosen up, Lighten UP! You can be a Real person without taking away from the Reverence of your Call!

That's just my little thoughts, hope it helped somebody! PV signing off! PEACE!

The Gospel makes the Difference

There's an old hymn of the Church that I grew up on entitled: "Lift HIM Up". What I love about this Hymn is that it makes so much sense in regard to the Power of Gospel! I think it goes without saying that The Gospel (The Good News of Jesus Christ) is what transforms man's life and brings him to a place of renewal and regeneration. There's a portion of the Hymn that says this...

 

"Don’t exalt the preacher, don’t exalt the pew,

Preach the Gospel simple, full and free;

Prove Him and you will find that promise is true,

“I’ll draw all men unto Me.”

The Refrain of the Song goes...

"Lift Him up, Lift Him up,

Still He speaks from eternity:

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth,

Will draw all men unto Me"

I lift this Song because I have noticed among Christians and church-goers alike that many have a habit of exalting the PREACHER! I often hear people give preachers nicknames and terms of endearment! While there is not "sin" is in doing so I believe that it often promotes and exalts the Preacher/Pastor rather than the CHRIST! Which cause many to be Personality-driven when it comes to Church attendance. Rather than worshipping the Savior, there becomes a Worship of the Leader! If a person leaves church and talks more about the Pastor, what the Pastor said, who the Pastor is, how the Pastor "tore it up" or "turned it", rather than how God used the man or woman or God or how God really spoke to them or better yet how because of God using the Pastor, they (the hearer of the Word) intends on making changes in their walk with God because of how GOD'S Word spoke to them.

The bottom line is THE GOSPEL MAKES THE DIFFERENCE!~

Signing Off,

 - P.V.

SOUL SEARCHING

Hey Everybody! Just wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts about "Soul Searching". I believe in the midst of a hectic and chaotic world, it's important that we take a moment to discover our inner-self. Now I'm not trying to be spooky, deep or mystical but I do believe that self-examination is needed and necessary. Self examination begins with PRAYER! Talk to God about YOU! There are so many unanswered questions concerning YOU and it's important that you take the time to talk to God concerning those unanswered questions.

I believe that a lot of what we find out during times of Prayer and meditation through self-examination helps us to battle and overcome many of the tiring issues that weigh us down! I have personally discovered that "soul-searching" has revealed some important things about myself and given me the opportunity to bring closure to many of the daunting and pending circumstances that surrounded my life.

Finally, Soul Searching must be on-going, continue to seek God for clarity and understanding concerning your life, I believe that in doing so you'll discover the BEST You in whatever situation you may find yourself! Until next time guys, BE STRONG! You've been blogging with Pastor V.

PEACE!

- PV

INCORRECT LYRICAL THEOLOGY

I was sitting and thinking about all of the Gospel/Christian Music that many of us as Christians listen to and I've come to realize that half of them are what I would like to call "Theologically Incorrect". Theology has to do with our Knowledge of God! Many of the Gospel/Christian songs that we listen to have no biblical or scriptural backing! The lyrics in the songs seem to be pretty much what comes to peoples mind! While the lyrics sound spiritual using words like, "God", "Him", "Faith", "shout", "praise", etc., many of the songs really don't line up with what's in the Word of God!

A couple of songs in particular come to mind (I won't mention them in this Blog), but one song in particular sung by a famous gospel duo, that has become most popular among churchgoers, saints and believers never even mentions anything that implies something spiritual, biblical or Godly. It's basically an inspirational song of encouragement and motivation but definetly not Biblical and has absolutely no Theological Tone or Thought! While that's fine and all, that song should fall under "Contemporary R&B" rather than Gospel.

I just believe if you're a Gospel Group or Singer your songs should reflect just that "The Gospel" (The Good News of Jesus Christ) AND reflect as much of what the Bible has to say as possible. Just some thoughts of mine guys, feel free to comment and give your thoughts. Be Blessed!

- PV

A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
- WINSTON CHURCHILL

DON'T GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS Part I

I just want to take a few minutes in Part one of this Blog to encourage someone who may be struggling with moving forward with the Dream that's on the Inside of you. First off know this, that you're an amazing individual and so is that Dream that's you've concieved. Whether you want to start a business or a Family, whether you're seeking to go back to school and further your education, whether you're looking at changing careers, buying a house or some sort of Real Estate or even making a Decision Spiritually, it's your dream to pursue, don't stop until you've accomplished everything you need to see it to the end. Here are some tips that I've found to be both helpful and influential:


1. GIVE GOD YOUR DREAM

2. PRAY OVER YOUR DREAM

3. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT YOUR DREAM, ENCOURAGE YOUR EFFORTS, COMMUNICATE TRUTHFULLY TO YOU ABOUT YOUR DREAM AND CHALLENGE YOU BEYOND YOUR COMFORT ZONE.

4. ALWAYS THINK POSITIVE ABOUT YOUR DREAM EVEN WHEN CHALLENGES SURFACE DURING THE PROCESS.

5.  PUSH PAST YOUR LIMITS.

I'll be back this week to give us five more tips that I believe will helpful! Be Encouraged and Keep Dreaming!


- PV

VISION 2013 - GROW

As the Lord continues to speak to me concerning the Vision of the House for CCFC for 2013 and beyond, I am confident that He wants our Intentional Focus moving forward to be on GROWTH! The three areas of Growth will be: WORSHIP, OUTREACH AND SERVING (THROUGH OUR GIFTS)! It my earnest desire that we as a Church pursue Growth in God through these areas and bring Glory to God in all that we say and do! I'm so excited about the souls that will be saved and those whom God will raise up to begin Serving in Ministry. This will be the year of God's Divine Perfection as we "Take the Limits Off".

G. - GOD
R. - REWARDS
O. - OUR
W. - WORK

-- PV

FRIDAY THOUGHTS

Well we've reached another Friday, which means for many of us we've reached the end of another Work Week. For some of us it's been challenging and even chaotic, but through it all we've made it! Through all of the disappointments of the week it's great to say we've made it. So take some time this weekend to reflect and remember everything you have to be thankful for, it'll cut down on the complaints as we exit the week and enter into the weekend.

Do something fun, safe and exciting this weekend, you deserve it! Spend time with family or great friends, visit a museum, eat out at a great Restaurant, go see a Play or a Movie! Then go to Church on Sunday and Praise God that you have made through another week of challenges!

Be Encouraged until we talk again!


- PV

MY FITNESS JOURNEY

Back near the end of August 2012 I made a purposeful and determined decision to begin giving more attention to my Health. At that time I was in the worst shape of my life, I was the heaviest I'd ever been and the most unhealthy as I'd ever been and I was starting to really feel it. One of my problems was I was eating heavy meals late and then going straight to bed (that's a no-no). \

I was also eating very unhealthy foods (Fried, greasy, sugary foods, etc.) So I decided to get me a personal trainer and begin a Fitness Program that will help me to get back down to my ideal body weight as well as help me to get off of the current BP Meds that I take daily. I'm by no means a Fitness Guru or Professional but I do understand the importance and significance of being healthy.

Since August I've dropped 22 pounds! Now I'm not that impressed with that number, but I am grateful because that's 22 pounds less that I have to lose. My goal date to be at my ideal body weight is Thanksgiving 2013. I'm looking to lose 100 more pounds. Some of you may say Wow that's a lot of weight and yes it is, but it's the personal goal that I've set for myself and I'm determined to get there.

When I tell people I was more than 100 pounds overweight, they're almost shocked because I didn't look like it, mainly because of my 6'1" frame. Nonetheless, I know I was more than 100  pounds overweight and it was literally killing me (emotionally and physically).

So as I continue on this Fitness Journey I want to encourage someone who needs to set a goal for your life, whether it's fitness, educational, spiritual, relational or financial set that goal and stick to it and don't stop until you see the end result...no matter how long it takes! My Motto for my Fitness Journey is "If you Believe, You can Achieve" and I encourage somebody to embrace this same saying, if nobody else is going to be believe in you, you believe in your Yourself! Listen, although I have a long way to go and no, it isn't EASY, BUT I'm determined to make it to my goal!

Let me leave with a scripture...Ecclesiastes 7:8a. (NLT) says, "Finishing is better than starting...", bottom line, FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED!

-- STAY STRONG!

PV