Pigeon John is Dating Your Sister

That's the title of a CD by one of my favorite rappers, Pigeon John.

(He's a Christian.)

As you know, he's not actually dating your sister (if you have one). He's not dating mine, either. Still, a guy that my sister introduced me to years ago is now dating my sister. I found out last night from my dad and she confirmed for me today. Actually, she used the word "courting*".

People date all the time, I know (well, maybe not around here, but you know what I mean). It's not a big deal that my sister is dating, but then again, it is, because she's my sister. They've been friends for years, and I've known him relatively well for years. Talk has been very seriously lately, so this may be a prayer point that you hear about soon.

*What's the difference between dating and courting?

It seems like many books have been written concerning relationships and marriage, most of which I haven't read. The two that I have perused make a good point, though. We tend to get hung up over terms, instead of looking at the principle of the matter--what we actually do. Instead of wondering so much, "what do I call it when I'm more than friends with someone, but not yet married?", we should ask ourselves, "am I pleasing God by the way I'm dealing with this person?" or "am I being considerate of this person?"

Dating & courting can both be God-honoring, or they both can be bad. It depends on what we make out the definition of either word to be, through our actions.

Some Christians use the term courtship because it shows that there's a direction or purpose for the relationship: to discover whether or not two people should marry. An ended coursthip doesn't mean failure, and it doesn't have to mean an awkward friendship afterwards. It just means, "I'm not using you for emotional, social, or physical reasons". With dating (the world's way), the consideration of marriage doesn't have to be a factor.

1) People sometimes date just to have a good time in the present, with focus on self and without concern for the other person.

2) And sometimes, there's no deliberate communication regarding a sustained relationship, so the people are on different pages and eventually frustration ensues due to misunderstanding.

3) Or, people are on the same page regarding their relationship; they just agree to say "we're only friends" though in reality they nurture an exclusive and intimate relationship, and then later become shocked at the realization that a soul-tie has developed.

A lot of people find themselves in situations like these and then decide to marry... God is sovereign and can bless us despite our misteps, but it seems like honesty from the beginning yields less chance for heartbreak.

I don't mean to sound like I'm above ever having done any of those things. Most church-going folks who live to see adulthood probably have. I'm no expert; these are just my thoughts and observations...

My point in all this is to remind everybody that as Christians we have the responsibility to... well, be responsible. Especially us guys, being that we are supposed to lead. It's all about the golden rule, I guess.

Feel free to post your thoughts, expriences if you'd like, etc.

Praise report from Kim

Hey ya'll. This is Kim using Amy's Blog stuff (so, can someone send me the "invite" so I can be a part of this? Thanks.). I was really praying at the end of last week about the financial situation and what I should do as I have one more week of work left and about to go into school full time. Just felt like God was telling me just to wait (not my favorite word to hear). So far, I have only been able to apply to one nursing scholarship that I meet the criteria for. Well, I got a letter from them last night that says they are awarding me $5000, which is the most they give out. Praise the Lord! So, I'm very happy! I'm not sure how many folks apply for this scholarship, but I do know that every nursing student is told to apply for this. Why do I tell you this...so you know the magnitude of this blessing and see the faithfulness of God. Thanks for your prayers and if you can keep praying that I will be able to find more scholarships and avenues that will not only pay for the remainder of the school amount but also my mortgage and living expenses. :) God is faithful!

Love you guys,
Kim

NCAA Championship Outing Pictures!!!!!!!

For those of you who couldn't attend our group's outing to UNC for the championship game, Ceece has provided some awesome pictures!



Waiting in line to get into the Dean smith Center! There were two separate lines: one for students, staff, and Ram's Club members, and one for everyone else. By the time doors opened there was around a thousand or so people in line to watch the game on the big screen. Good thing we showed up as early as we did! 9,500 people would eventually show up.



We got inside and secured our seats...



These guys are excited! To the left of Ceece, Matt, and Chess is a friend of Ceece and Matt's. They all go way back,--as far as high school! That guy and another dude (a pastor) drove from the mountains all the way to Chapel Hill to watch the game.


As the game progressed in the second half, there were some nail-biting moments. But, as you know...

WE WON!!!!!!! UNC lands it's first national title in twelve years!!!!!!!



Pandemonium!






Life groupers celebrate!!!!!!!


Afterwards it was off to Franklin Street!



Massive crowds, but not too crazy (thanks to the notable police presence).



A few of us smile for the camera.


Go Heels!!!!!!!!

Move Over Mapquest

Google has just launched a site that allows you to look up maps and driving directions, but with the addition of real satellite imaging. Try looking up your home, Disney World, or anywhere you want!

http://maps.google.com

To see the satellite images you have to click on "Satelitte" over on the right hand side of the website. You can zoom in close enough to see someone's neighborhood, but not so close that it's too terribly invasive... Or is it? I bet that some people won't like this. I wonder what the department of homeland security thinks?

This just in

In the news today... something non-TarHeel-ish, yet still sure to brighten your day.
It has come to my attention that the "dollar" theater has re-opened.
God is good.

Thank you for the Birthday!

Thank you all so much for the wonderful dinner, fellowship and surprises on Sunday night. I know a few of you were probably tired from traveling, so thank you! I really praise the Lord for each and everyone of you and feel rich beyond measure because of you. And thank you to Lydia Ruth for the wonderful German Chocolate cake left at my door this morning! It is excellent! The best present (besides Jesus) is all of you, so thank you.

Go Heels!!

Service Time Change This Sunday

FYI - From Pam Pulsfort
Just a reminder that this weekend, due to the Campus Harvest Conference, our normal church service time will be changed from 10 AM to 9 AM. Campus Harvest will have their Sunday service at 11:00 AM and badges will be checked at the door. The KPIC Pastoral Staff would like to encourage all of our members to plan on attending our 9 AM service. In addition, please remember that daylight savings time begins this Sunday as well so please remember to "spring ahead" one hour after midnight on Saturday.

Celebrating Ceeece! this Sunday

Happy Birthday to Ceeece!

April 3rd is his birthday so we're going to gather around the table at Kanki in Durham at 7:00pm this Sunday to celebrate him.
(Restaurant info: http://www.kanki.com/durham.htm)

Please let me know ASAP if you will be joining us, so that I can be sure to have the right # of people on our reservation (they have different tables for different size groups).
If you haven't already spoken with me, please email me at henderson@unc.edu before 5:00pm today (Friday) or call me after that at 806-1424.

Hurray for Ceeece!!!!!!!