We close on our Virginia Beach house tomorrow. I am in crazy mode trying to get the house ready for the walk-thru. Thanks so much for praying for us. We found out on Saturday that we can stay in our house an extra month! Instead of moving out on November 20th and moving in with friends we can stay until December 20th. What a relief!
Because our house in Vegas is a foreclosure we keep running into problems. For instance, someone broke into the house and stole the water softener. When the water to the house got turned on it flooded the garage. Thankfully my real estate agent was there to save the day! Someone else tried to steal the water pump to our pool. They cut the cables, and messed it all up. Thankfully they weren't successful in stealing it! Apparently this is common in foreclosed properties. Hopefully it's not a reflection on the neighborhood.
Right now I'm waiting for a guy to reglaze my bathtubs (he's 2 hours late). I didn't even know that such a thing existed. They sand down your tub and repaint it so it looks new. This was one of our compromises with the buyer. $925 later the tubs will look like new...insane!
Please pray for tomorrow's closing and for everything to work out in our Vegas house. If you'd like to receive emailed prayer requests for the Vegas church go to: www.thevegasproject.com and sign up.
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Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
You're Going to Raise Your Kids in Las Vegas? Part 4
Our real estate agent is an awesome Christian woman. I talked to her a lot about the issue of raising kids in Vegas. She's done it, so I wanted to get her opinion.
One of the first things she said was that sin abounds everywhere. Kids are tempted by sex, drugs and alcohol no matter where they live. It's a good point. Kids in Vegas can run into just as much trouble as kids in Fargo, North Dakota or Anchorage, Alaska. The temptations are the same. I guess the one difference is that in Fargo or Anchorage there isn't necessarily a street that advertises sin as much. People aren't paying thousands of dollars to visit and indulge in every temptation known to man. In other words, sin is a little more accessible in Vegas. If I wanted to get drugs in Virginia Beach I would have no idea who to talk to. In Vegas all you have to do is ask.
Another thing she said was that her kids got desensitized to the "Strip." Local people don't necessarily view the Strip in the same way that tourists do. The billboards and ads get boring after awhile. The lights and action of the Strip fade when you see them everyday. I totally agree with her, but that still doesn't take away all my fears.
One of my fears is that by growing up with all these images in front of them my kids will develop a thirst for it, especially my son. Let's be honest; the drive down Virginia Beach Blvd. is very different than the drive down Las Vegas Blvd. Having my son grow up seeing pictures of half naked women on a regular basis makes me nervous. All of us know the power and control that pornography can have on men. Sexual temptation is a huge issue for men (and women too). This is where I start to wonder why God has us moving there.
In general, I'm feeling good about the move. But when I think specifically about things like this I get nervous. I've seen families and people destroyed by pornography and all kinds of sexual sin. I know the power it has over people. And moving my kids into "sex city" makes me a little queasy!
I want to be honest about where I'm at with every aspect of this move and church plant. Leave a comment if you have any suggestions or ideas. Thanks!
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One of the first things she said was that sin abounds everywhere. Kids are tempted by sex, drugs and alcohol no matter where they live. It's a good point. Kids in Vegas can run into just as much trouble as kids in Fargo, North Dakota or Anchorage, Alaska. The temptations are the same. I guess the one difference is that in Fargo or Anchorage there isn't necessarily a street that advertises sin as much. People aren't paying thousands of dollars to visit and indulge in every temptation known to man. In other words, sin is a little more accessible in Vegas. If I wanted to get drugs in Virginia Beach I would have no idea who to talk to. In Vegas all you have to do is ask.
Another thing she said was that her kids got desensitized to the "Strip." Local people don't necessarily view the Strip in the same way that tourists do. The billboards and ads get boring after awhile. The lights and action of the Strip fade when you see them everyday. I totally agree with her, but that still doesn't take away all my fears.
One of my fears is that by growing up with all these images in front of them my kids will develop a thirst for it, especially my son. Let's be honest; the drive down Virginia Beach Blvd. is very different than the drive down Las Vegas Blvd. Having my son grow up seeing pictures of half naked women on a regular basis makes me nervous. All of us know the power and control that pornography can have on men. Sexual temptation is a huge issue for men (and women too). This is where I start to wonder why God has us moving there.
In general, I'm feeling good about the move. But when I think specifically about things like this I get nervous. I've seen families and people destroyed by pornography and all kinds of sexual sin. I know the power it has over people. And moving my kids into "sex city" makes me a little queasy!
I want to be honest about where I'm at with every aspect of this move and church plant. Leave a comment if you have any suggestions or ideas. Thanks!
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Thursday, October 23, 2008
Big Day!
Today is my 16th "birthday" with God! 16 years ago almost to the hour, I snuck away with a backpack filled with a hairdryer and makeup to get baptized. My parents weren't exactly keen on the whole baptism idea, so I did it without them knowing, which was difficult since I lived with them.
I like to celebrate my "birthdays" with God by doing something special. Today I spent some time at the beach. To say that it was freezing would be an understatement. As soon as I pulled up it started to rain. I thought about going home, but decided to drive to a parking lot that faces the ocean instead. With my journal and iPod in hand, I began reflecting on the past year.
Not long after I arrived I noticed some guys kite surfing in the water. I watched them for awhile and then thought about my life. In a lot of ways, my Christian life is similar to kite surfing. First of all, the waves are pounding and moving and crashing, kind of like life. The kite surfers' feet are planted on a surfboard and their hands are holding onto the kite strings. The wind pulls the kite, which helps to balance the surfer, much like God.
Last year was a year of ups and downs. The waves were crashing and threatening to drown me at times. Other times I was riding the waves like a pro. The year ahead is going to be crazy. I know from experience that planting a church has its definite benefits and drawbacks. I've got to be holding tightly to God and I've got to allow Him to move me and pull me in the direction He wants me to go.
The kite surfers were having the time of their lives. They trusted their boards, held tight to the kite strings and went wherever the wind blew them. May we all follow their example.
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Tuesday, October 21, 2008
House Update
We are almost Las Vegas home owners! We put a contract on two houses and had to choose between them both. We picked one in Southern Highlands and I love it! We are closing on November 26th.
Here's the exhausting part: We are closing on our VA Beach house on Halloween and then renting back to the owners until November 20th. On November 17th a PODS truck will drop off a box for us to pack all our stuff into. They will pick it up on November 20th and drive it to Las Vegas and then store it for 2 months for us. We are moving into a friend's house on November 20th until December 20th, then we're going to Buffalo for the holidays. We get back to VA Beach on January 4th and then are staying until the 12th. Then we drive 38 hours to Las Vegas (with our tightly-wound dog I might add) in the middle of the winter! Good times!!!!!
Vince keeps begging me to start packing. I'm procrastinating. The task seems too daunting. And maybe a little depressing, to be honest. Just figuring out what I need to keep with me is exhausting enough, let alone figuring out Christmas shopping and how all of this is going to fit in our minivan. Then there's the whole "leaving my friends and family to go to the other side of the country thing."
It's a good thing I feel completely and totally convinced that God wants us to do this!
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Here's the exhausting part: We are closing on our VA Beach house on Halloween and then renting back to the owners until November 20th. On November 17th a PODS truck will drop off a box for us to pack all our stuff into. They will pick it up on November 20th and drive it to Las Vegas and then store it for 2 months for us. We are moving into a friend's house on November 20th until December 20th, then we're going to Buffalo for the holidays. We get back to VA Beach on January 4th and then are staying until the 12th. Then we drive 38 hours to Las Vegas (with our tightly-wound dog I might add) in the middle of the winter! Good times!!!!!
Vince keeps begging me to start packing. I'm procrastinating. The task seems too daunting. And maybe a little depressing, to be honest. Just figuring out what I need to keep with me is exhausting enough, let alone figuring out Christmas shopping and how all of this is going to fit in our minivan. Then there's the whole "leaving my friends and family to go to the other side of the country thing."
It's a good thing I feel completely and totally convinced that God wants us to do this!
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Saturday, October 18, 2008
You're Going to Raise Your Kids in Las Vegas? Part 3
The large billboard on the hotel we stayed at when we visited Vegas with our kids was of the backside of a woman in a thong. This was pretty tame compared to some billboards they saw (even in the airport). Believe it or not we saw one of these dancers in costume walking through the lobby of the hotel. Yep, she was in a thong.
What in the world was I supposed to say to my kids when this women walked by? Well, first I said, "Don't turn around and watch her walk away!" Then I decided to turn this into a teachable moment. I talked about how God made that woman and how she is His daughter and how she is made in His image and He loves her. Then I talked about how some people don't realize that God loves them. We talked about choices; good verses bad choices and how dressing so people can see your butt probably isn't a good choice!
The kids were surprisingly understanding. The whole week that we were there they saw people making lots of bad choices, and we talked about it each time.
I think one of the major keys to all this is communication. Vince and I can't just walk by a woman in a thong and not talk about it. We can't drive by a half-naked woman on a billboard and not say anything about it. When we talk about it we always talk with love instead of judgment and we pray for them.
As I said before, my style of parenting may be different than yours. I don't believe in shutting my kids off from the world. I don't believe that keeping them in a Christian closet is the answer. I think that with proper boundaries, communication and prayer we can teach our kids how to live an effective Christian life where they live in the world, but are not of the world, and are able to have a big impact on the world.
More on this later...
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What in the world was I supposed to say to my kids when this women walked by? Well, first I said, "Don't turn around and watch her walk away!" Then I decided to turn this into a teachable moment. I talked about how God made that woman and how she is His daughter and how she is made in His image and He loves her. Then I talked about how some people don't realize that God loves them. We talked about choices; good verses bad choices and how dressing so people can see your butt probably isn't a good choice!
The kids were surprisingly understanding. The whole week that we were there they saw people making lots of bad choices, and we talked about it each time.
I think one of the major keys to all this is communication. Vince and I can't just walk by a woman in a thong and not talk about it. We can't drive by a half-naked woman on a billboard and not say anything about it. When we talk about it we always talk with love instead of judgment and we pray for them.
As I said before, my style of parenting may be different than yours. I don't believe in shutting my kids off from the world. I don't believe that keeping them in a Christian closet is the answer. I think that with proper boundaries, communication and prayer we can teach our kids how to live an effective Christian life where they live in the world, but are not of the world, and are able to have a big impact on the world.
More on this later...
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Wednesday, October 15, 2008
You're Going to Raise Your Kids in Las Vegas? Part 2
Earlier this year I was on a panel of church planting wives at the National New Church Conference. The question of moving and how that affects your family came up. One of the girls on the panel said something that impacted me deeply. She said that when she was a teenager her father was a pastor and they moved in the middle of the school year. She talked about how devastating this was for her. Then she said that her dad, after watching the destructive path she was on said this, "If God has called me to this city, then God has called you as well."
If God has called me and Vince to Las Vegas then he has called Dawson and Marissa there as well. That brings such peace and relief to me. Knowing that he has a plan for them and that he cares deeply for them means so much to me. It has changed my perspective on the whole thing. God has just as big of plans for them as he does for me and Vince. Maybe even bigger!
My family moved when I was in the middle of 6th grade. It was a heartbreaking experience for me. At the time I didn't understand why we moved or how it could possibly be a positive thing. Looking back I can see that it was so good. The friends I had later became addicted to drugs and alcohol. My best friend became terminally ill and later died. At the time I wasn't a Christian, but looking back I can see God's hand moving and shaping things for me to bring me to a place where I would find Him.
When we were in the process of making the decision to move to Vegas my first thought was, What about the kids? I can't move my kids to Vegas! They'll be ruined! I can't tell you how much I have prayed about how this move will affect them and their future.
But one thing I know for sure is this: God has called Dawson and Marissa to Las Vegas.
I'm not sure why yet, but time will tell.
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If God has called me and Vince to Las Vegas then he has called Dawson and Marissa there as well. That brings such peace and relief to me. Knowing that he has a plan for them and that he cares deeply for them means so much to me. It has changed my perspective on the whole thing. God has just as big of plans for them as he does for me and Vince. Maybe even bigger!
My family moved when I was in the middle of 6th grade. It was a heartbreaking experience for me. At the time I didn't understand why we moved or how it could possibly be a positive thing. Looking back I can see that it was so good. The friends I had later became addicted to drugs and alcohol. My best friend became terminally ill and later died. At the time I wasn't a Christian, but looking back I can see God's hand moving and shaping things for me to bring me to a place where I would find Him.
When we were in the process of making the decision to move to Vegas my first thought was, What about the kids? I can't move my kids to Vegas! They'll be ruined! I can't tell you how much I have prayed about how this move will affect them and their future.
But one thing I know for sure is this: God has called Dawson and Marissa to Las Vegas.
I'm not sure why yet, but time will tell.
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Tuesday, October 14, 2008
You're Going to Raise Your Kids in Las Vegas?
One of the most common questions I get after people learn that we are moving to Las Vegas is, "You're going to raise your kids in Las Vegas?" When people think of Las Vegas they automatically think of The Strip. They picture casinos, strippers, sex and shows. Definitely not a place you'd want to bring your kids to. It's a place you go to get away from your kids.
Over the next several posts I'm going to cover this topic. Before I even start I want to emphasize that everything I write is just my opinion. I am not a parenting expert. You may or may not agree with what I say. We all have different styles of parenting. What works for my family may not work for yours. I pray that as you read my posts you will be challenged and encouraged in some way.
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Over the next several posts I'm going to cover this topic. Before I even start I want to emphasize that everything I write is just my opinion. I am not a parenting expert. You may or may not agree with what I say. We all have different styles of parenting. What works for my family may not work for yours. I pray that as you read my posts you will be challenged and encouraged in some way.
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Monday, October 13, 2008
FUNdraising, Part 2
I got a comment on the last post asking how to support our new church plant financially. That's awesome! If anyone would like to partner with us in starting this new church on the Las Vegas Strip we'd so appreciate it. You can mail your checks to:
Stadia
P.O. Box 19700
Irvine, CA 92623-9700
Please make the check payable to Stadia, but on the memo line put “NV Las Vegas 4-206”
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Stadia
P.O. Box 19700
Irvine, CA 92623-9700
Please make the check payable to Stadia, but on the memo line put “NV Las Vegas 4-206”
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Thursday, October 9, 2008
FUNdraising
Let's be honest...fundraising is horrible! If you are anything like me the mere thought of asking people for money is enough to make me want to throw-up.
In this economy I almost feel guilty for asking for support. People are losing their houses and churches are laying people off.
The bottom line, though, is this...you need money to start a church. Unfortunately, there is no way to get out of fundraising.
In my opinion, the biggest factor in fundraising is prayer. As I type this I am convicted about the lack of time I've spent praying specifically about it. We need to partner with God and ask for Him to provide the necessary funds. I'm sure you've heard countless stories where God came through financially in a hopeless situation. We need to be asking Him to do that for our new churches.
The truth is that no matter how hard you "sell" your vision the decision to give or not to give is a personal one (unless you're asking for funding from churches, in which case the decision is usually made by several people). We need to pray that God would move and work on our behalf in each person's life. We need to beg him to spur people on to generosity.
Vince was preaching at a church across the country and mentioned starting a new church in Vegas. Some woman that he had never met handed him a check for $5,000. This was such a good reminder to me about God's provision for this church.
God cares deeply about our new churches. He knows that church planting is the number one way to reach people. He wants us to succeed.
But what if fundraising isn't going as well as expected? What if your plans for support aren't working out? That's kind of where we are right now. Because of the economy we are either being turned down by churches or given less than we had hoped for. And we haven't even begun to ask individuals yet (who are feeling the pain of the economy even more).
There is definitely a temptation to get depressed and down about the situation. And there are times that I have given in to that temptation. Hopelessness is a real emotion; it can take over if we let it. The key is not letting it! For me I have to stay close to God. I have to remain in a close relationship with Him. It also means surrounding myself with friends who are praying for me and encouraging me.
I'd love to hear your FUNdraising challenges and victories. Please feel free to leave a comment!
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In this economy I almost feel guilty for asking for support. People are losing their houses and churches are laying people off.
The bottom line, though, is this...you need money to start a church. Unfortunately, there is no way to get out of fundraising.
In my opinion, the biggest factor in fundraising is prayer. As I type this I am convicted about the lack of time I've spent praying specifically about it. We need to partner with God and ask for Him to provide the necessary funds. I'm sure you've heard countless stories where God came through financially in a hopeless situation. We need to be asking Him to do that for our new churches.
The truth is that no matter how hard you "sell" your vision the decision to give or not to give is a personal one (unless you're asking for funding from churches, in which case the decision is usually made by several people). We need to pray that God would move and work on our behalf in each person's life. We need to beg him to spur people on to generosity.
Vince was preaching at a church across the country and mentioned starting a new church in Vegas. Some woman that he had never met handed him a check for $5,000. This was such a good reminder to me about God's provision for this church.
God cares deeply about our new churches. He knows that church planting is the number one way to reach people. He wants us to succeed.
But what if fundraising isn't going as well as expected? What if your plans for support aren't working out? That's kind of where we are right now. Because of the economy we are either being turned down by churches or given less than we had hoped for. And we haven't even begun to ask individuals yet (who are feeling the pain of the economy even more).
There is definitely a temptation to get depressed and down about the situation. And there are times that I have given in to that temptation. Hopelessness is a real emotion; it can take over if we let it. The key is not letting it! For me I have to stay close to God. I have to remain in a close relationship with Him. It also means surrounding myself with friends who are praying for me and encouraging me.
I'd love to hear your FUNdraising challenges and victories. Please feel free to leave a comment!
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Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Here Comes the Bride!
On Sunday we announced to Forefront that we are leaving in January instead of June. Our Creative Arts Pastor, Jason Bedell, is replacing Vince. Our original plan was to leave in June, so the kids could finish the school year in Virginia Beach. God had other plans for us! At first I was totally overwhelmed by the thought of moving in January, but overtime I am feeling more confident.
Jason is an amazing leader, speaker and person. Forefront will become an even better church because of his leadership. His first day as Senior Pastor was on Monday. Vince has stepped down as Senior Pastor and will mentor and encourage Jason through the transition (as well as preach and perform other duties).
Even though I've known about this for some time and have been processing through it, it was still a hard weekend for me. We cleaned out Vince's office on Saturday, which was really depressing for me. Taking down all the pictures and boxing up his books was a reminder to me that we are actually moving to Las Vegas.
As much as I am excited to go, I am still sad about leaving. We "birthed" this church; it's our baby. It was like Sunday was our daughter's wedding day. We were giving her to another who would care for and love her. It's very cool to be in this situation; we have total faith in God and in Jason. We believe in the people who attend and support Forefront. Knowing we're leaving it in good hands is a blessing and comfort.
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Jason is an amazing leader, speaker and person. Forefront will become an even better church because of his leadership. His first day as Senior Pastor was on Monday. Vince has stepped down as Senior Pastor and will mentor and encourage Jason through the transition (as well as preach and perform other duties).
Even though I've known about this for some time and have been processing through it, it was still a hard weekend for me. We cleaned out Vince's office on Saturday, which was really depressing for me. Taking down all the pictures and boxing up his books was a reminder to me that we are actually moving to Las Vegas.
As much as I am excited to go, I am still sad about leaving. We "birthed" this church; it's our baby. It was like Sunday was our daughter's wedding day. We were giving her to another who would care for and love her. It's very cool to be in this situation; we have total faith in God and in Jason. We believe in the people who attend and support Forefront. Knowing we're leaving it in good hands is a blessing and comfort.
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Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Help in Florida
We have a church planting wife in Florida that is looking for some encouragement. If you live near Ft. Lauderdale please email me at j_antonucci@hotmail.com. If you don't live in South Florida, but would like to contact her, please email me as well.
Thanks so much!
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Thanks so much!
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Monday, October 6, 2008
Contract
After feeling frustrated and defeated I got home and we decided to put an offer on one of the houses I saw. We sent in the contract today. Pray that God's will is done with this whole thing. It's a foreclosure and since we're dealing with a bank instead of an owner things are a little more up in the air than I would like. Thanks so much!
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Thursday, October 2, 2008
Frustrated!
I spent the whole day looking at houses. I found one that we are putting an offer on, but it's a short sale, so my agent isn't very optimistic. I am exhausted and frustrated. I found one I loved, but they went to contract while I was looking at it; how annoying!
I've never seen so many trashed houses; it's unbelievable.
The good news is that I am 100% confident that God will put us in the perfect house, in the perfect neighborhood and in the perfect school system!
Please pray for me. I leave tomorrow night at 10pm. Thanks!
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I've never seen so many trashed houses; it's unbelievable.
The good news is that I am 100% confident that God will put us in the perfect house, in the perfect neighborhood and in the perfect school system!
Please pray for me. I leave tomorrow night at 10pm. Thanks!
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Wednesday, October 1, 2008
House Hunting
I'm in Las Vegas looking for a house. I had to spend the night in Atlanta after I missed my connection. I saw about 7 houses today; none of which excited me. One house literally had every room sponge painted. It was crazy!
Please pray for me as I begin round 2 of house hunting tomorrow.
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Please pray for me as I begin round 2 of house hunting tomorrow.
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