tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73476767272776138292024-03-13T09:59:26.365-07:00A View From the Oasis - Maricopa, AZPastor Scott Helsel, Lead Pastor of Oasis Life Church in Maricopa, AZ in an open dialogue about the journey of life! Oasis Life Church is a life giving, non-denominational church that launched Feb. 11, 2007. As of August 2008 we have 2 services and an average of 250 people attending weekly. We look forward to meeting you and hearing your story. Let's do life!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-57248330318283897962010-01-14T21:18:00.000-08:002010-01-14T21:21:25.033-08:00New Look for a New Decade<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9cg8hYSkhuJ1s8yarXsk3Y7lzZLC_SDgzUtkN493yY7eQxieXRoyH6qAz185vvktlzMvwbK4e8G_BJlIWzpTBKDsn7-6ue-hzMivYLYJ2v_waNgGzmAIFMh4I0xsBk5UmMsTkku53k00/s1600-h/OasisLogo.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 310px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 337px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426832310732882738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9cg8hYSkhuJ1s8yarXsk3Y7lzZLC_SDgzUtkN493yY7eQxieXRoyH6qAz185vvktlzMvwbK4e8G_BJlIWzpTBKDsn7-6ue-hzMivYLYJ2v_waNgGzmAIFMh4I0xsBk5UmMsTkku53k00/s400/OasisLogo.gif" /></a><br /><br /><br />We have never been more excited about the future! Last Sunday, Jan 10th, 2010 we introduced a new logo and a new tag line for a new decade!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Check it out!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-46047386139291326562010-01-07T22:38:00.000-08:002010-01-07T23:04:31.046-08:00Vision 2010 - Don't Miss This Sunday & Next!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKvUb89JgYhu5dD981O_5PKM_cQbuC3R7mm4KhnvmeXg1R4szQb99xX5WpTy4Z79JNUqYnanGN4fRQkms481OZkWqNURljG-P249PMram-fFDHYPCibLG5f6Hro3FeZAb2YH3eQNSS9LR/s1600-h/ReImagine+Blue.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424257174530539058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKvUb89JgYhu5dD981O_5PKM_cQbuC3R7mm4KhnvmeXg1R4szQb99xX5WpTy4Z79JNUqYnanGN4fRQkms481OZkWqNURljG-P249PMram-fFDHYPCibLG5f6Hro3FeZAb2YH3eQNSS9LR/s400/ReImagine+Blue.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div>Re:Imagine - Vision 2010</div><div></div><br /><div align="justify">I've never been more excited about what God is doing at Oasis Life Church. Over the past few months the vision of Oasis has been clarified and this weekend we begin the presentation of Vision 2010.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Don't miss Sunday Jan 10th and Sunday Jan 17th at either the 8:30 or 10:30 AM service as we roll out the fresh, updated vision and mission of Oasis Life Church. It is simple, obvious and strategic! God is on the move and we invite you to be a part of it!</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">And - there is a BIG announcement on Sunday January 10th that you do not want to miss!</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">See you there - Pastor Scott</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-65393667420378996512009-12-24T14:10:00.000-08:002009-12-24T14:24:51.831-08:00Christmas Eve 2009 is upon us<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo840bjycnr08oAt7t5RVyMGQvINPNakcIjy3YyQtLkvgAKZFAYw2HwbWxeC4lpCa69u_-Eb_RNULQsSUtPiApKHGYj7fHjHuDCnBzN1PK0r-QmBkzDLRtCC7yzWgEiC9bwxbMACDLG2BO/s1600-h/Candle+3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 351px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 173px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418931673514979202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo840bjycnr08oAt7t5RVyMGQvINPNakcIjy3YyQtLkvgAKZFAYw2HwbWxeC4lpCa69u_-Eb_RNULQsSUtPiApKHGYj7fHjHuDCnBzN1PK0r-QmBkzDLRtCC7yzWgEiC9bwxbMACDLG2BO/s200/Candle+3.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div>Christmas Eve service begins in just under 3 hours! 2009 has come and gone so quickly! For many perhaps it has not been quickly enough. Suffice it to say, 2009 has been a hard year in many ways. We see so much pain in the financial situation of families, the health of relationships and uncertainty with jobs & more.</div><br /><br /><div></div><div>However crazy Christmas may seem when it comes to commitments & obligations....I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">encourage</span> you to stop, if even for a short while. Stop and contemplate why we celebrate this holiday. Has the birth of Jesus made a difference in the way that you live your life? If so, stop and thank Him that he cared enough to enter our world, live a perfect life & give it away unselfishly so that we could live. Thank Him for the opportunity He has given us to be in relationship with the Father. He says, "If you know me, you have come to know my Father in heaven."</div><div></div><br /><br /><div>Tonight - we celebrate "The Savior of Christmas". It is about hope. It is about life. It is about our lives being changed because of this one event in history.</div><div></div><br /><br /><div>Join us at Oasis Life Church, 19756 N. John Wayne Pkwy, Suite 108 at 6PM tonight for a celebration of dance, worship, Christmas carols and an interactive message including adults & children. The service is just one hour long and there is childcare for 0-5 yrs old. Refreshments will be served and the service will end with a candlelight ceremony with the singing of "Silent Night". </div><br /><div></div><div>Merry Christmas!</div><div>With Love - Pastor Scott</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-62681331049958053972009-07-03T22:51:00.000-07:002009-07-03T23:02:17.764-07:00"At the Kids Movies" is coming back to Oasis!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0DQmf9iQ7fQnzw3y_lLr5Vi5cH6KSTGtlppDUK9Tvmj6dahbkb65MnBnqQWAE2w-uPRf8aVmTBhUAjSAT9bARj7JsZvYEQf8B9No4widGvxOz9UVagXOglR83X4zbUBMNDPUdJ9UmHVo/s1600-h/At-the-Movies-800x600.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354480674656752594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0DQmf9iQ7fQnzw3y_lLr5Vi5cH6KSTGtlppDUK9Tvmj6dahbkb65MnBnqQWAE2w-uPRf8aVmTBhUAjSAT9bARj7JsZvYEQf8B9No4widGvxOz9UVagXOglR83X4zbUBMNDPUdJ9UmHVo/s200/At-the-Movies-800x600.jpg" border="0" /></a> Last summer one of our most popular series was "At the Kids Movies". It was July, gas was $4 a gallon, it was 100 degrees plus and the popcorn was free!<br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Well - we're bringing it back for the summer of 2009. Gas is almost $3 a gallon, it's hot and once again the popcorn is free. </div><div><br /> </div><div>Starting July 12th and running until August 2nd. In the heat of an AZ summer, a cool, dark theater is just the place for a family to retreat. For a few hours we get lost in the action, excitement and the thrill of what Hollywood has produced. But could these movies point to truth in our lives? Join us as we apply Scripture to the life lessons "At the Kids Movies"</div><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Just as last year - the first weeks movie will be a surprise and then the next week's movie will only be revealed at the end of the service! Showings are each Sunday at 8:30 or 10:30 AM. You'll not want to miss a week!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-23411581543496324862009-03-22T19:41:00.000-07:002009-03-22T19:59:40.235-07:00Oasis Sunday Night ReflectionsHard to believe that I've not made an entry to this blog for over a month! Seems like the manic Monday sent me over the edge - not really but life has been a blur since that time!<br /><br />It's Sunday night and Caryl is putting Johnny to sleep after a very long day. Here are just a few reflections for a Sunday night:<br /><ul><li>God is working in our midst!</li><li>Today was a powerful and awesome conclusion to our series "Sexual Revolution"</li><li>Response time was incredible today as dozens posted their shame on the cross, lit a candle for purity in their lives, were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">anointed</span> for healing and received communion!</li><li>Seeing people get "shame off of them" is worth it</li><li>This sexual revolution that has begun between our ears and not between the sheets needs to continue from generation to generation!</li><li>Can I just say that my wife gave one of the best talks about sex ever last week! Men and women alike need to listen to this! Here's a link - <a href="http://tinyurl.com/ca2d7u">http://tinyurl.com/ca2d7u</a></li><li>I don't know about you but I'll forever think of the hand motions to "Trading My Sorrow" to be equated with the phrase "shame off you"</li><li>We are seeing a lot of visitors this year! Praise God and by the way it seems like "Google" is one of the main way people find us in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Maricopa</span>!</li><li>Six people baptized today in a beautiful ceremony in the pool of Daniel & Susi Wagner! </li><li>What incredible testimonies we heard from all of them!</li><li>And nearly 100 people came to eat, hang out and witness this incredible event!</li><li>Baptism is one of my favorite things we get to do in the church - cutting off the old man and moving forward in what God has for us has so much meaning!</li><li>Windy - can you say windy this afternoon?</li><li>The wind always reminds me of the Holy Spirit. And - the Holy Spirit is moving in our midst - bringing us peace and freedom, hope and life!</li><li>I think a few people may have missed out on an incredible day because of March Madness and the playoffs! - Anyway - God still has something for you too!</li><li>Can you believe that next week we start the series that will lead us into Easter?</li><li>The series will be "Famous Last Words" - as we explore the last 16 Words of Jesus as he hung on the cross - powerful, life changing!</li><li>Didn't realize that the youth leaders would get about an hours rest before they had to be at Hydrate - oops - we'll have to do something different next time we have baptism.</li><li>Thank you for all the prayers for our brother-in-law, David Sharp. He had <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">quadruple</span> bypass surgery in Panama City, FL on Friday and we just learned that he got out of ICU this afternoon. Hopefully he'll be going home very soon!</li><li>Please pray for the finances of the church - like everywhere - things are tight and we trust God for all our needs. Pray that he will release the financial blessings that he has in store for us all!</li><li>Caryl, Susan, Josh, Emily, Sean, Cheryl, Brandon, David, Carrie and so many others - thank you for the time, energy and passion you devote to this ministry! You are making a difference! I love you all!</li><li>Turning 44 this week - Yikes! But as my 100 yr old great grandmother used to say "Age is a matter of the mind." If you don't mind - it doesn't matter!</li><li>Have an awesome week and here is to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">believing</span> it won't take another months until I post again!</li></ul><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ok</span> - time to relax and get some much needed sleep - Blessings - Pastor Scott</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-21873658167032549362009-02-16T22:54:00.000-08:002009-02-16T23:21:37.265-08:00Manic Monday? Poop, Poison, Run Away Dog, Hospitals and More!It was a Monday like I've not had for some time and I think it has finally come to an end but then again it is nearly midnight so I guess it should be ending.<br /><br />I didn't get out of bed until nearly 9:30 and that was a good start. However within the first 30 minutes we had an elderly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Alzheimer</span> father in-law who had a fecal accident. My mother-in-law was not feeling well and attempted to get him changed. Soon I couldn't find our 10 wk old puppy, only to find her eating poop in the bathroom a few minutes later. I quickly got her cleaned up and back in her kennel for some rest.<br /><br />Caryl got her dad shower and got him dressed for the day. During this time we noticed that her mom was more disoriented than the day before and that she continued to have some jerking of her arm. Her medicines had just been changed a few days ago so we've been believing that this is side-affects of the new medicines. As the morning progressed we noticed that she was getting worse so we called her doctor. He recommended that she go to the hospital to be evaluated and rule out anything that may be going wrong.<br /><br />Meanwhile- I had a call to help a family get a tow dolly to go pick up a car in Tucson. When we were at U-haul it turned out that the vehicle they had to pull the dolly/car was not large enough so we couldn't make this work.<br /><br />Our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">niece</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Melyssa</span> came to help with dad while Caryl was at the doctor. What a huge help and Marley came along to play and Johnny was entertained. About mid-afternoon dad let Little-Man (Mom's escape artist <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Bichon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Frise</span>) out the front door. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Melyssa</span> was able to get him back but not before dad had made his way partially down the street. Meanwhile I was partially oblivious as Johnny was doing a poop and Marley was playing upstairs. Soon Daniel, my awesome friend next door, was ringing the doorbell to deliver dad back home.<br /><br />Around 4 Pm I arrived back from the store with a few items that we needed for the day. Around that time I had Susan come by to help rearrange mom/dad's room so that she would have a more comfortable bed. Meanwhile <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Melyssa</span> took dad, Marley and Johnny outside - and I believed all the dogs were along. Once I thought I heard something and I went to check and see if a dog had been trapped in our pantry - didn't see anything.<br /><br />Then about 5 min later Johnny comes to tell me that Sydney (our 10 wk old Mastiff puppy) had been trapped in the pantry. Not sure how she got in there other than that she followed Johnny in for a snack. Well, her snack was a tray of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">phosphorescent</span> blue rat poison. Called her vet. They said make her vomit by using peroxide and then get her to the Doggy ER as quickly as possible. Didn't seem like she would vomit and then we finally had HUGE piles of blue vomit - lovely and then other dogs trying to get into it. I'd like to say I kept my cool but I yelled a bit and was rather forceful with everyone. Finally I'm off to the ER vet which is 30 minutes away in Chandler. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Melyssa</span> & Susan both agreed to stay behind and clean up the vomit, watch dad and keep the kids entertained. <br /><br />The vet was so professional and so good. I'd like to say I've never been there before but our epileptic <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Dalmatian</span> of days gone by made quite a few visits. Turns out the vomiting was good for Sydney. She got a good dose of liquid charcoal, a Vitamin K shot, an IV and a prescription for 21 days of Vitamin K. At the end of that we'll check her clotting levels and if they are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">OK</span> we'll be done - if not - more Vitamin K. Fortunately second generation rat poisons are treatable and we should have a full grown Mastiff in the year to come! Praise God as I already love this dog and could not face Kelvin (the breeder) if she had not survived!<br /><br />Meanwhile Caryl and mom have now been in ER for over 12 hours. She was seen by a doctor in the past hour. Prior to that they did about 5 tests - chest X-Ray, Head CT, Blood work, Urine tests and more. They are now looking to admit her as her oxygen levels have not been good, swelling is very bad and they want to run a few more tests. Looks like it could be 3-8 hrs until she gets a room - Wow do we need more capacity in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">health care</span> in AZ or what?<br /><br />The puppy is sleeping. My son is sleeping and Susan is staying over to help with him. Dad is changed for a final time and in bed asleep. I'm catching up on some blogging and other online stuff and will take my position on the couch downstairs very soon. Have to to be sure Dad doesn't get out again tonight!<br /><br />I really have laughed today - what else could we do? Was it just another Manic Monday? You decide!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-43759371810611602932009-02-15T22:25:00.000-08:002009-02-15T22:46:46.472-08:00Oasis Sunday Night ReflectionsAnother Sunday has come and gone at Oasis. Today we began a new series, "Sexual Revolution" and here are a few thoughts for tonight:<br /><br /><ul><br /><li>Sex seems easy to talk about just about anywhere but church</li><li>This was definitely the first time that I've spoken in a public format about sex</li><li>The lies of the enemy about sex are so distorted that as the church we have to get the message out</li><li>Sex is not just physical, it's emotional & spiritual as well.</li><li>God created sex and he wants those who are married to have an awesome sex life. Remember if you keep it in the "fire pit" then it will be healthy and productive. If sex is outside the "fire-pit" there is opportunity for great and wide sweeping destruction</li><li>God did set up his standards on sex so that he could control us and keep us from having a "good time" here on earth. He did it to protect us.</li><li>Not to protect us from pregnancy & disease but rather to protect our souls.</li><li>Don't let the enemy mess up your soul so that you cannot have intimacy as God created it. If he can mess it up in your vertical relationships it will get messed up in your vertical relationship with God.</li><li>I love <a href="http://www.perrynoble.com/">Perry Noble's</a> tweet today - "Jesus didn't call me into ministry because I'm good...but because HE is good!" Man, does my soul resonate with that!</li><li>Every day I thank God for the opportunity to do what I'm doing. I am the most unlikely person to be leading a church.</li><li>Those he calls, he equips.</li><li><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Humility</span> </strong>counts</li><li>I love it when we see people at Oasis becoming the hands & feet of Jesus. What an awesome week of seeing those who are less fortunate have an encounter with followers who are laying down their lives for others.</li><li>Please pray comfort for the Howard family as they lost a 29 yr old niece this week, who had a 6 week old baby as well. She passed away from complications from pneumonia & MRSA - hard to make sense of such a loss. Holy Spirit, come and be comfort that only you can provide.</li><li>I love living where I do. I love the city of Maricopa and I love living on the street I do. I love being next door to someone that I count a such a good friend. Really fun to be out on the street this evening with so many neighbors and our kids - community - it matters!</li><li>Still praying for the 30 families and individuals that God has for us to step up and serve at Oasis in the next few months. We are well on our way!</li><li>Had an awesome Valentines day with my wife! Hadn't had a date in nearly 5 months so we were long over due! We enjoyed an awesome movie "Slumdog Millionaire" and then ate sushi at RA Sushi - what a treat!</li><li>Love the momentum we are experiencing!</li><li>Looking forward to all that God has in store for us at Oasis.</li><li>Do you believe that the wall is coming down? I believe!</li></ul>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-76636151535013852392009-02-14T22:04:00.000-08:002009-02-14T22:18:38.139-08:00So is our thinking about sex really that distorted?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9HqOQuTMdTbJuxTTEYkR_0-L7xMNOekJ_XOC3atJopVzVNRIp54iPladQzGgVGcHRkFLckUzQHA7g380tG5HCJEGqErGBPHB2yMIXouIFH4ks3ZrFgk_3PQu3JCfIuRBBFr6pP9SGGK8/s1600-h/Sexual+Revolution+FOR+WEB.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302901579092067106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 136px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9HqOQuTMdTbJuxTTEYkR_0-L7xMNOekJ_XOC3atJopVzVNRIp54iPladQzGgVGcHRkFLckUzQHA7g380tG5HCJEGqErGBPHB2yMIXouIFH4ks3ZrFgk_3PQu3JCfIuRBBFr6pP9SGGK8/s200/Sexual+Revolution+FOR+WEB.jpg" border="0" /></a> ***<br /><br /><div>We live in a sex saturated culture. But - don't we know more and so we are more "in tune" with our sexuality? The church has been either silent on sex or said, "stay away - you should be pure and celibate. Don't think about it"</div><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Join us starting Sunday Feb 15 as we look at how we all need a make over of our view on sex. Didn't God create it? Did he say it was good? Is our thinking about sex really that distorted? What is a Biblical view of sex? How can we stay pure and yet enjoy sex? How do we talk to our children about it? What is sexual addiction and how do we overcome it? </div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Join us at 8:30 or 10:30 AM at Oasis Life Church as we tackle this subject. I am really excited that we are going to talk about sex in the place where we should be most safe to discuss this!</div><div></div><br /><div>***This series is rate PG-13 and we strongly advise all children to be placed in the KidSplash ministry during this series or you may be explaining things you are not ready to explain. In addition, we are opening our 3-5th grade class to 6/7th graders during this series, should you feel your children of this age are not prepared to hear this info.</div><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>See you there! - Pastor Scott</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-6503253624552262162009-01-31T18:31:00.001-08:002009-01-31T19:54:03.927-08:00Breaking the 21 Day Fast - It's Past Sundown!Wow! Hard to believe that 21 days have past and in just the past hour, it was time to break the fast.<br /><br />While I was excited to eat the spinach, ricotta stuffed shells that my mom made us all, there was an overwhelming sense that 21 awesome days had come to an end. Will I remember all the incredible lessons that have come during this fast?<br /><br />I plan to write more about this in the days that come, however tonight here are just a few reflections:<br /><ul><li>We have control over what goes into our bodies. We are not powerless over our surroundings and the alluring marketing of food in our culture!</li><li>If I want my passion level to increase for God, giving up food or something else that I enjoy is a small price to pay.</li><li>The Lord of the Harvest is sending forth his workers into the harvest - thank you God! We continue to pray for the 30 families and individuals that are going to sign up to serve in one way or another.</li><li>Salvation in the house! May we never tire of seeing more people give their lives over to Him each week!</li><li>We must be ready to disciple and lead the way! Continue to raise up individuals who are willing to work with those who are new in their faith.</li><li>Fasting is a practice that I look forward to having in every month of my year in 2009!</li></ul><p>Jesus, may I become less so that you can become more!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-76435135376030766412009-01-26T21:09:00.000-08:002009-01-26T21:54:35.810-08:00Fasting? What are you learning?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1TlHcES4itphQ_kkWyKG_T3J7_ThaZOiuE7sF58fStvxnnI8dsKpM_-PH1dsNAcBFiru-AH1EvhTK7GSdXgW2KE5UTLGWhv35YgviuRHwdf2cFrR8Mele2gY3Imke5sMMGUPWYh2Jv7b/s1600-h/Awakening.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295836769883645922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1TlHcES4itphQ_kkWyKG_T3J7_ThaZOiuE7sF58fStvxnnI8dsKpM_-PH1dsNAcBFiru-AH1EvhTK7GSdXgW2KE5UTLGWhv35YgviuRHwdf2cFrR8Mele2gY3Imke5sMMGUPWYh2Jv7b/s200/Awakening.jpg" border="0" /></a> Participating in <a href="http://www.awake21.org/">"Awakening"</a> has been an awesome opportunity for all of us to explore the discipline of fasting in our lives. In Matt 6 Jesus gives instruction for when we give, when we pray and when we fast. As believers we often struggle with giving, we understand that prayer matters but fasting seems foreign and out dated. <p>Today a friend asked me what God has been saying to me during this fast. There is so much to say. First - I'm so pumped about fasting. This is now our 3rd 21-day fast at the beginning of the new year at <a href="http://www.oasislifechurch.org/">Oasis.</a> Each year God reveals himself to me and our church as we forgo food to seek clarity. This year, more than any other year the discipline factor of fasting has not been a struggle. From day one there has been clarity and answers. We've prayed for salvation to be in our house and in the last 3-weeks there have been 18 people give their lives to Christ.</p><p>We've prayed that God will send the workers. We press on in this regard and know that we must continue to ask the Lord of the Harvest to send his workers. And - in 2-weeks we've had 26 new families or individuals give us their information. Already many are asking how they can serve!</p><p>More than anything this fast has been the "spiritual atomic bomb" that Bill Bright & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Stovall</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Weems</span> speak of when they talk about fasting. I can't say I ever have a day that I don't love God - but my passion level can wane. I can become stressed out and focused on what does not matter. In the past 16 days my passion level had gone WAY up! And I know that I want it to stay up, even move on up! </p><p>So, if putting aside food and other distractions on a regular basis - to fast - is going to increase my passion for the Kingdom then I am in! New school fasting- seeking to be in alignment with what God is up to all around us and then joining in! Clarity in what matters! Cleaning out the cob webs! Revving the engine! Let's go for it!</p><p>So are you fasting? What are you learning?</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-84094959319478574752009-01-25T22:47:00.000-08:002009-01-25T23:05:04.065-08:00Sunday Night ReflectionsWow! Am I pumped up or what? God is awesome and I am in one of those weeks that I can hardly believe I get to be a part of this! So - here are a few random thoughts and reflections of this past week!<br /><br /><ul><li>Fasting is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">soooo</span> worth it! Should I not be willing to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">forgo</span> the food I love so much to hear from God? Is not his Kingdom worth it? Is my family not worth it? Are unbelievers worth it? On all accounts - yes! <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Forgo</span> food and be ready to receive!</li><li>Salvation is in house! Three weeks and 18 decisions for Christ at Oasis! It never gets old seeing people make the connection and then get reconnected to the Father! He is calling His children home.</li><li>We need workers! The harvest is plenty but few are those who are there to lead, to disciple to love, to influence to give!</li><li>I think our 10:30 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">svc</span> today had the most kids we've ever had at one service - 61 in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">KidSplash</span> today with 10 workers! Wow! What a ride!</li><li>Can you make the 8:30 service? We could definitely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">accommodate</span> more people in the first service! If you are willing and able - this would allow us to have more room for visitors which are more likely to attend the 10:30 service.</li><li>Can I just say - that wall MUST come down!</li><li>Will you pray with me that Oasis will give consistently of their resources so that we can see that wall come down?</li><li>More people attending but still not meeting our budget per month! God I trust you and pray you will release your provision for your work here in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Maricopa</span>. Find us faithful to you!</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ok</span> - "30-Days to Live" might be the most challenging series we've done yet! It has been messing me up every week and the response has been one we've not seen in some time - if ever!</li><li>We turn 2 years old as a church in just 2 weeks! Hardly seems possible but it is about to come to pass.</li><li>Can't wait for our dream team party on Feb 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">th</span>! Love to celebrate everyone who makes this all happen week in and week out!</li><li>Caryl & I cannot do this all ourselves - we love our staff and we love the Dream Team! Thank you for the way you give your lives away!</li><li>Caryl is traveling this week and then hopefully will be home with us for a month or so! Thank you God - we need the mama at home!</li><li>My parents arrive this Wed night and can't wait for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Super Bowl</span> next Sunday - Cardinals here and my parents for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Steelers</span>! Should be fun. Johnny says he's just rooting for the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Super Bowl</span>!</li><li>Yes - we are getting a new dog! A beautiful Mastiff puppy that most likely will also become a part of our family next Sunday! Time to hide the shoes!</li></ul><p>There is so much more I could say but it is WAY past the time I should be in bed tonight! Johnny has school in the AM and that means dad has to get up early! </p><p>With love - Pastor Scott</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-58306349977790632512009-01-18T20:11:00.000-08:002009-01-18T20:50:45.605-08:00Oasis Sunday Night ReflectionsIt's Sunday night and time to put out a few reflections about the week and today! We serve an awesome God and what an incredible thing that we get to do this in community with one another!<br /><br />Here goes:<br /><ul><li>Week 2 of "30 Days to Live" was more intense than week one. Perhaps one of the most difficult messages I've had to bring but so worth it!</li><li>Did I honestly say out loud today "if you don't give to God, you don't love God"? Again, can't apologize for that because it is the truth. If you are struggling with that, you've got to check your heart because love gives! </li><li>Love gives of our finances, of our time and of our lives!</li><li>God is moving in 2009 - 3 weeks in and we have 13 commitments for Christ already! </li><li>Lord of the harvest - send your workers! We need help to do discipleship, follow up, hospitality, more kids- the harvest is plenty but where are the committed followers who will do the work?</li><li>First service attendance was up today - think it had something to do with Cardinals - Eagles game!</li><li>Can I just shout out! AZ CARDINALS are in the Super Bowl. So excited for our state and for Kurt Warner - the man! <a href="http://tinyurl.com/9vxrlg">Perry Noble</a> says this might be one of the last great prophecies to be fulfilled before Jesus comes back! LOL</li><li>To top it off Steelers won today so this means the when my parents arrive in a few weeks we will have a rivalry in the house for Super Bowl Sunday! Gotta love it! This is like perfect alignment of the stars!</li><li><a href="http://www.awake21.org/">Awakening 2009</a> is an awesome privilege and man are we blessed to be a part of this! Awaken our souls oh God, may we see you and your will more perfectly!</li><li>Answered prayer - salvation in the house and protection for my family from illness as Caryl & I cared for very sick parents this week! God is good</li><li>Oasis - looking to know your specific prayers so I can pray for your during this fast! Send them to my email. I encourage you to seek Him as well but it would be my privilege to intercede on your behalf!</li><li>We are just about to turn 2 years old as a church! So looking forward to our celebration dinner for the Dream Team! If you serve or have served in the past year - mark Sat. Feb 7 on your calendar as we celebrate you! We'll meet at 5:30 at the church for catered dinner for adults and a movie night with their own meal, popcorn and more for the kids!</li><li>The Shell across the street from our church is selling drug paraphernalia and some local groups and individuals are working to convince them to stop. Check out local media outlets for stories and details! Most of all pray - we can see this removed from our city! Earlier this week they agreed to stop and then reversed their decision.</li><li>Caryl is traveling the next two weeks! Please pray for her as it is a struggle for her to be away from the family! And we miss her!</li><li>Making a final decision about adding a new puppy to our household! Are we crazy?</li><li>"Pray for Maricopa" is coming this weekend! Don't miss it as we join together with believers of all denominations and backgrounds to pray for our city, our churches, our families, our country, our schools and our future! Imagine what could happen!</li><li>Praying and believing for what is ahead! We're just getting started!</li></ul><p> </p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-21441390898625880252009-01-17T10:41:00.000-08:002009-01-17T11:15:14.881-08:00Answered Prayers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZUESJ-TwZFuaOQRgTn7vKY2IfBQA9Eqc9ihJYiKjt2UBBHaVleLl9u9GKyxOLFtIRNAHUChK3pMvuirTqIdK2TygxUZhC-Xmfadm9zflPegExkGWTCITNgatuq52dJ2IDFD-57CryrsF/s1600-h/Awakening.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292341498120016370" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZUESJ-TwZFuaOQRgTn7vKY2IfBQA9Eqc9ihJYiKjt2UBBHaVleLl9u9GKyxOLFtIRNAHUChK3pMvuirTqIdK2TygxUZhC-Xmfadm9zflPegExkGWTCITNgatuq52dJ2IDFD-57CryrsF/s320/Awakening.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div>God answers prayer! At times not exactly as we had in mind but in due time and in His nature! As we continue <a href="http://www.awake21.org/">Awakening 2009</a> we want to know your prayer requests, your heartaches and all that you would ask us to intercede for you. I urge you to pray and fast as well and seek the face of God. Make your petitions known to him through prayer, with thanksgiving. He promises peace and the guarding of your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>Here is how is answered some prayer this week already:<br /></div><ul><li>Salvation to come to our house - last Sunday (first day of our prayer & fast) we had 8 people give their life to Christ! May we be on our knees daily for those who have not yet come to Jesus.<br /></li><li>We prayed with a team on Tuesday night that a local convenience store owner would have a change of heart and remove drug paraphernalia from his merchandise counter. On Wed he made an unexpected stop at his store and <a href="http://www.mashcoalition.org/">M.A.S.H.</a> and a concerned local activist met with him. He has agreed to remove the merchandise within 4 days. More territory taken back!<br /></li><li>Caryl & I had nearly 3 days of intense care for her parents on Mon-Wed of this week. They came down with the flu and due to Alzheimer's and lack of mobility we had to clean up lots of bodily fluids (and other things that I'd rather not put in writing). We have been fasting and praying that we would not get this flu so we could continue to care for them and for our flock at Oasis. Now 3 days later we appear to have been spared. Caryl had a mild touch of it and I only lacked energy for a day. Today we are energized and preparing to bring the Word tomorrow! Thank you God for your protection.<br /></li></ul><p>We look forward to the opportunity to pray with and for you. Please send me your prayer requests at <a href="mailto:pastorscott@oasislifechurch.org">pastorscott@oasislifechurch.org</a> or post them here on my blog if you want them to be public.<br />Don't forget to send me updates on how God answers your prayer! He may have far more than you could have asked, believed or imagined in store for you!</p><p>With love- Pastor Scott</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-9101734370133031032009-01-15T20:02:00.000-08:002009-01-15T21:28:47.664-08:00This Was an Eye Opener!Today I was reading "Fasting" by <a href="http://www.jentezenfranklin.org/">Jentezen Franklin </a>and this was an eye opener! Wow God, why had I not seen this before? I've been committed and learning about the practice of fasting for a number of years and I had not heard this concept.<br /><br />The three duties of every Christian are giving, praying and fasting. Matt 6:1-18 gives very strong guidance regarding when we give, when we pray and when we fast. Jentezen says that this creates a threefold cord that is not easily broken. Could we be missing out on great breakthrough and release because we fail to fast?<br /><br />I know that my actions are not going to make God love me more. But, I sure can tell the difference between being dry and being full. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled (Matt 5:6) Isn't forgoing food or drink for a period of time worth it to have a deeper understanding of the relationship God desires with us? Wouldn't it be worth it to have more of his character revealed?<br /><br />God, like never before I want my attention to be turned from my stomach, from my desires, from my needs, from my wants, from my concerns - to Your Kingdom! Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven!<br /><br />So what do you think?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-23124198534811252932009-01-11T20:11:00.000-08:002009-01-17T11:14:34.551-08:00Awakening 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-ycyUKD9aEJ8wMfaflivn0d1SjhfblsaR0cyLCc84nfXIe3COOfRm4ZW5e7wZDAYxGTSJATLt76rrGR0ej2DxGWe1w4bSP3LqtP_aKs5IYEc9Yv-3r3nLm5LjtK7DonEBiAbPksudkgD/s1600-h/Awakening.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290257845765475938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 263px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 176px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-ycyUKD9aEJ8wMfaflivn0d1SjhfblsaR0cyLCc84nfXIe3COOfRm4ZW5e7wZDAYxGTSJATLt76rrGR0ej2DxGWe1w4bSP3LqtP_aKs5IYEc9Yv-3r3nLm5LjtK7DonEBiAbPksudkgD/s320/Awakening.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdbXVNwoZXcNni_4_NfjaKKv9PactWM4wZoF6lLW0aMDPuqHm89ufeCt2pi4bs56PaJ4KdctBGseVDmZv-dZVkRO96Ag5fQSNZTi1Ra68cWpVYvQQNfocgubKvUYNQN0wf_P10ggl8NNu/s1600-h/Awakening.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Oasis Life Church is joining with over 300 churches - representing over 300,000 believers who will be joining together to fast and pray. Imagine what can happen when we come together to seek the face of God. "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" Seek to be in alignment with what God is doing on the earth. </div><p>Join us as we pray and fast from Jan 11 to Jan 31. For daily devotion and reading resources, see <a href="http://www.awake21.org/">http://www.awake21.org/</a> You'll also find insightful blog entries and encouragement from other believers joining together in Awakening.</p><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-62417519627352288822009-01-11T19:36:00.000-08:002009-01-11T20:10:47.462-08:00Oasis Sunday Night Reflections8 Decision for Christ today as we kicked off our first series of the year: "30 Days to Live" . If you knew your time on earth was limited, how would this change your life? It's not about completing the "bucket list" but rather having a filter to select what is important in life. While Craig Groeschel first penned this series, it has been rocking my thinking. I pray that as we look into God's Word regarding this subject - your life will be changed as well.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmdrd_yTG38DCtEW87TwS8c_DNjOmxwILWlPxNvb-WBETP5YU5oQqTkobIO7q1melhdxCxLx2bCmrR0SxU_DzOdgv9WMwO348S9PC2aepysri9nu5pSl7QUV72-6oQh6WexCsHHw21Avg/s1600-h/30DTL-416x296.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290252250735514642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmdrd_yTG38DCtEW87TwS8c_DNjOmxwILWlPxNvb-WBETP5YU5oQqTkobIO7q1melhdxCxLx2bCmrR0SxU_DzOdgv9WMwO348S9PC2aepysri9nu5pSl7QUV72-6oQh6WexCsHHw21Avg/s200/30DTL-416x296.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here are some thoughts from today:<br /><br /><ul><br /><li>We kicked off our 21 day prayer & fasting and we are partnering with <a href="http://www.awake21.org/">http://www.awake21.org/</a> </li><br /><li>First service attendance was really down - not sure what to make of that! </li><br /><li>Second service was well attended but we could have been at overflow if there were not football playoff games and the flu going around! </li><br /><li>"30 Days to Live" is going to be an awesome series that will challenge us all to evaluate how we make decisions in our life. What is your filter? </li><br /><li>8 people made a decision to give their life to Jesus today! Man - this is why we are here and this never gets old! </li><br /><li>Our Dream Team rocks! </li><br /><li>Nearly 50 members of our dream team stayed for a meeting and training today. </li><br /><li>Many members of our team ate raw vegetables without Ranch dressing today for the first time. </li><br /><li>You can eat really healthy and be satisfied on the Daniel fast! </li><br /><li>Our new KidSplash rooms look incredible - thank you to everyone who helped to paint and re-arrange them over the Christmas break. </li><br /><li>Trying to give up coffee/caffeine during this fast- had less today but not sure how I will do in the days ahead. My wife and friends usually beg me not to stop drinking coffee- they say I'm grumpy when I don't? </li><br /><li>I like the thought that <a href="http://www.celebration.org/">Stovall Weems</a> posted last week that coffee is a bean juice and should be legal on a fast! </li><br /><li>Fasting is no about twisting the arm of God but rather about coming into alignment.</li><br /><li>Take fasting serious but don't be so legalistic that you miss the point - it's about seeking after God in a way that allows for spiritual & physical purification. For spiritual purification, we must replace time eating, watching TV, listening to the radio, etc with time in God's presence and in His Word. For physical purification, it will take the elimination of many foods. </li><br /><li>Just take the next step - if you've never fasted, try it for a day or two. If you've never fasted food - try it. Perhaps you need to fast technology. </li><br /><li>On that point - I'm fasting Facebook and Twitter for the 21 days of this fast - this may be harder than giving up any food! </li><br /><li>Coming out of the fast, I am going to be working on some additional lifestyle issues so that I can successfully drop the 40 pounds that need to be gone from this body in 2009! </li><br /><li>Been thinking about the few comments that I've been hearing that we don't offer enough programs - must stay true to the vision that God has given and often know more when to say "no" than to say "yes".</li><br /><li>God is good - no matter the set backs. </li><br /><li>God is good- even when it seems that he is not. </li><br /><li>God is good - his mercy endures forever! </li></ul>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-24720960028901683062008-12-31T23:57:00.000-08:002009-01-01T00:17:54.000-08:002009 - It is a New Year!It's a New Year! 2008 has come and gone and a 2009 is here!<br /><br />Caryl & I wish you a very Happy New Year and pray that you will have prosperity in all areas of your life in 2009.<br /><br />Just a few random thoughts before I head to bed:<br /><ul><li>This year was historic in so many ways, a new president, an economic downturn and so much more</li><li>We learned at Oasis over and over that it is not about us and all about Him!</li><li>We learned that there is power in community.</li><li>We said good-bye to Kathy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Brun</span> & Dave <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lickwar</span> - both very difficult but both leaving this world in peace.</li><li>Our first anniversary was a blast and it is hard to believe that in 7 weeks we'll be 2 years old as a church.</li><li>Easter saw attendance of over 400 in 3 services - what will 2009 bring?</li><li>We learned that sometimes responding to God means we have to get out of our seats! - the response stations have been really powerful in our services throughout the year.</li><li>High gas prices mean higher church attendance in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Maricopa</span> - people were less likely to drive 20+ miles when gas was over $4/ gal.</li><li>Video teaching can work - as we learned in <a href="http://www.oneprayer.com/">"One Prayer"</a> So - we are going to do it again in 2009.</li><li>There are great life lessons that can be learned from Kid's movies.</li></ul><p>Finally - Caryl & I love Oasis more and more each passing month. We pray to serve God and Oasis all the days of our life!</p><p>So - if we could learn something in 2009, what would you like it to be?</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-88181927061636098022008-12-27T22:12:00.001-08:002008-12-27T22:15:40.789-08:00Don't Miss Hydrate, The Band as the Youth of Oasis Lead Us in Worship Tomorrow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2OMaDtbcYCbHqYZq0Ag1HtCWFRNw9odnOGpS2YlWzVQTQInx7etQQajFJHNRVdDhB-ppGAOKeZJbzzpOAxrV1vvZW1xb61eqJOawaiJlg8VCDZo0s9by-AVs-XiTfNDeFQOCkd3s-E-L/s1600-h/HtBv3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284720208922254354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 116px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2OMaDtbcYCbHqYZq0Ag1HtCWFRNw9odnOGpS2YlWzVQTQInx7etQQajFJHNRVdDhB-ppGAOKeZJbzzpOAxrV1vvZW1xb61eqJOawaiJlg8VCDZo0s9by-AVs-XiTfNDeFQOCkd3s-E-L/s200/HtBv3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>Don't miss the youth of Oasis as they lead us in worship tomorrow morning at both the 8:30 & 10:30 AM services!</p><p>Under the direction of Sean Kelly & Josh Grubbs - we'll be lead in to the presence of God Almighty!</p><p>We believe the next generation will do even greater things! We believe we must embrace and release the next generation now to become all that God has for them!</p><p>See you there!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-87203082648544167692008-12-26T23:27:00.000-08:002008-12-26T23:37:26.393-08:00"12-Days" Pictures<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmF2I8T8Zj8dIZFheTeIUEI2TY-rTDZwretZyIXyt32l_Ajak3sgnj0rvvmzbg2xsAkbLDZ13Abf6y31kfUiW3BCm6k-k40GdtodeLTppHi3yeCjtwPm9zJTyAuja5UGFKxsE1X1diKJG/s1600-h/12days08+kids1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284370108727447362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmF2I8T8Zj8dIZFheTeIUEI2TY-rTDZwretZyIXyt32l_Ajak3sgnj0rvvmzbg2xsAkbLDZ13Abf6y31kfUiW3BCm6k-k40GdtodeLTppHi3yeCjtwPm9zJTyAuja5UGFKxsE1X1diKJG/s200/12days08+kids1.jpg" border="0" /></a> Pictures from our second annual family variety show entitled "12-Days". This event took place on Saturday Dec 13 with2 performances at 4:30 & 6 PM. Tons of sugar & coffee were consumed between shows!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FMlKOZTbjlTaRorVF65pSLs-3QgvoM8kMLKzNGcdzfs5rmzFxxD0Pt77wBZq7gmKK_K0R7ZFZJEMDsJq_xaxUP0eWBKpsuDeL-9Bzk33-FWmcdR-RxEAbIQi8bsaO0g7uuqwdVp2R_H6/s1600-h/12days08+fluteduet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284370097179410082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FMlKOZTbjlTaRorVF65pSLs-3QgvoM8kMLKzNGcdzfs5rmzFxxD0Pt77wBZq7gmKK_K0R7ZFZJEMDsJq_xaxUP0eWBKpsuDeL-9Bzk33-FWmcdR-RxEAbIQi8bsaO0g7uuqwdVp2R_H6/s200/12days08+fluteduet.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcDdsF4IDIxSwJZaUNEJX9BPybq5w3mkqI5SbJiXcg4c0jMUjoG6LxKyP7hs4Uktxfchx78tCDL3uz0To6P_qqJ9zb3fZOdQ6OF9n2JDTSW1Ab8dnac0vqtxX82B6NTi1DYNCdqv-EweJ/s1600-h/12days08+drummers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284370091866058370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcDdsF4IDIxSwJZaUNEJX9BPybq5w3mkqI5SbJiXcg4c0jMUjoG6LxKyP7hs4Uktxfchx78tCDL3uz0To6P_qqJ9zb3fZOdQ6OF9n2JDTSW1Ab8dnac0vqtxX82B6NTi1DYNCdqv-EweJ/s200/12days08+drummers.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3o4SuvTjSe6sGARPaRq-vtuhbMsPKn1YTECLPCUDTuJVuOCKTHrK5ZqyNZT8j0lvvRo_GEl7Kcurhs_KFXPGEQzyKzyj3qJVbIKFkoAt79mhNLH1gsaqEBloz6zRrE43l3dGzRpfNqtmW/s1600-h/12days08dessert2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284370086050959922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3o4SuvTjSe6sGARPaRq-vtuhbMsPKn1YTECLPCUDTuJVuOCKTHrK5ZqyNZT8j0lvvRo_GEl7Kcurhs_KFXPGEQzyKzyj3qJVbIKFkoAt79mhNLH1gsaqEBloz6zRrE43l3dGzRpfNqtmW/s200/12days08dessert2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlYBtaukRj5eUUIt7ljtn598zQevupdpRDCy28qBxMwpQB3FF5aoPyk4o55Mr6NUkQqoJ45UyfweX2tOFu42cNNjPbwsMSK7TjRrJikBX1ewNzc50UlGFaRYu9P6-0KqIaOt2jyFaTpCH/s1600-h/12days08dessert.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284370075638869906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlYBtaukRj5eUUIt7ljtn598zQevupdpRDCy28qBxMwpQB3FF5aoPyk4o55Mr6NUkQqoJ45UyfweX2tOFu42cNNjPbwsMSK7TjRrJikBX1ewNzc50UlGFaRYu9P6-0KqIaOt2jyFaTpCH/s200/12days08dessert.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvNn1BjerpAflYbqPRe8NTknpOO6VXyTH37vAMGjvQz62lH8fxaashcjA58nQd6eMRFHBCMweP4TNLlPGGxx6OWcBIs7pDWK_v82OpcM6pOhMIseYRNke9ohXPos8Ueo2iltvPWc6hv1M/s1600-h/12days08+joytotheworld.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284369204274672178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvNn1BjerpAflYbqPRe8NTknpOO6VXyTH37vAMGjvQz62lH8fxaashcjA58nQd6eMRFHBCMweP4TNLlPGGxx6OWcBIs7pDWK_v82OpcM6pOhMIseYRNke9ohXPos8Ueo2iltvPWc6hv1M/s200/12days08+joytotheworld.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7nRq9n7-Wzf5_mI34PCTQOXFNgeZ1hnQ-dPVRC_WPrQuG7Vg054tyW_nQPhUfD1HV4-jffaRybJUTkOIJ3FVJvgICw7gyE6bzExDwUbkvIewiPwKZdC_CFz0IrK8g-4bEMZqr1Otg2U5/s1600-h/12days08kidsdance1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284369197544959922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7nRq9n7-Wzf5_mI34PCTQOXFNgeZ1hnQ-dPVRC_WPrQuG7Vg054tyW_nQPhUfD1HV4-jffaRybJUTkOIJ3FVJvgICw7gyE6bzExDwUbkvIewiPwKZdC_CFz0IrK8g-4bEMZqr1Otg2U5/s200/12days08kidsdance1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3NaoBkAOqvkUPOvn1Z0HDfX8wuUqcGzUWgpk-AAvTpUvHrpXxViRviOckMwCgbO1s2M0w8b7Ms3zDmExODrFcEaEq6ufLXXrm9TuoLd5Vza31lggX-YgCbLKa1D_b97FE4QR_F1jjoVV/s1600-h/12days08+hyrdatedance.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284369193157923682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3NaoBkAOqvkUPOvn1Z0HDfX8wuUqcGzUWgpk-AAvTpUvHrpXxViRviOckMwCgbO1s2M0w8b7Ms3zDmExODrFcEaEq6ufLXXrm9TuoLd5Vza31lggX-YgCbLKa1D_b97FE4QR_F1jjoVV/s200/12days08+hyrdatedance.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tIEk6zw5rnnbGzg8xbuBogvhksxX3Oz3ISh_4r2F1588bnEJRmAESSrU2aUeh45pkZXfxhJRiiPQrz6EwDEujh3V8BWYQBhyphenhyphenUqqaUJyapQc-K-9WtGdpkNThUgBI2BS_09xOwmRMqLZx/s1600-h/12days08+drummers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284369189353028370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tIEk6zw5rnnbGzg8xbuBogvhksxX3Oz3ISh_4r2F1588bnEJRmAESSrU2aUeh45pkZXfxhJRiiPQrz6EwDEujh3V8BWYQBhyphenhyphenUqqaUJyapQc-K-9WtGdpkNThUgBI2BS_09xOwmRMqLZx/s200/12days08+drummers.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_IrJaofnOvKJpOzhJEJFsAFmtcWWJKWt1Jbjq6BtqY23oMQT42unJkdXeYwozM4JVJullmQ2qW9cP9hem0trtbKa8mtlIibD-qQc7GJMD_eu7i5zrPVBmcSEphFvsdM-onEMomdUnYu5/s1600-h/12days08+brokenrhodes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284368664015341986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_IrJaofnOvKJpOzhJEJFsAFmtcWWJKWt1Jbjq6BtqY23oMQT42unJkdXeYwozM4JVJullmQ2qW9cP9hem0trtbKa8mtlIibD-qQc7GJMD_eu7i5zrPVBmcSEphFvsdM-onEMomdUnYu5/s200/12days08+brokenrhodes.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-78514275109419930032008-12-20T22:33:00.000-08:002008-12-20T22:47:11.666-08:00My Prayer - Call Us Back Everlasting Father!Dear Father (In Heaven),<br />It is nearly mid-night and tomorrow morning will be "Christmas" services for churches all over America. As my twitter pastor friends are seeking you and praying for miracles tomorrow - I seek you as well. We feel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">avgreat</span> weight and yet we know that you are the one who is drawing all men to yourself.<br /><br />I pray that as we come into your presence tomorrow - we would have an encounter that would change us. For those who have already chosen to follow you, may they see you like never before. I pray they hear your voice. For those who have rejected you because of the image they have of their earthly father - give them a lens of you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">thru</span> scripture - open their spiritual ears to hear you as you really are.<br /><br />You are not angry with us.<br />You are satisfied with us and love us.<br />You care for us.<br />You have great plans for us - to prosper our lives.<br />You have a desire to give us hope.<br />You have an incredible future for us.<br />You believe in us and you're cheering us on.<br />You see us as righteous because of the relationship we have with your Son, Jesus.<br /><br />Everlasting Father - I love you and thank you for the new revelation of who you are. Thank you that you are calling your children to return to you. Thank you that you are revealing yourself anew so that we can have a fresh start. Thank you for allowing us to break the bonds of the generations before us.<br /><br />I've been changed because I've been in your presence. I'll never be the same. May the world never be the same because of what you've begun in me and so many others who are returning to the Father.<br /><br />I love you and can't wait to get back on your lap again tomorrow.<br />Your son - ScottAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-21641359669421812772008-12-18T17:56:00.001-08:002008-12-18T17:56:16.805-08:00"Elf-Scott & A 12-Days Wish for All"<div style='background-color:#e9e9e9; width: 425px;'><object id='A898882' quality='high' data='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=5DsKVVULAdhdqGxH&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='transparent' height='319' width='425'><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></param><param name='movie' value='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=5DsKVVULAdhdqGxH&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself'></param><param name='scaleMode' value='showAll'></param><param name='quality' value='high'></param><param name='allowNetworking' value='all'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /><param name='FlashVars' value='external_make_id=5DsKVVULAdhdqGxH&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself'></param><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'></param></object><div style='text-align:center; width:435px; margin-top:6px;'>Send your own <a href='http://www.elfyourself.com'>ElfYourself</a> <a href='http://sendables.jibjab.com/ecards'>eCards</a></div></div><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTIyOTY1MTY1NzA*NiZwdD*xMjI5NjUxNzY3OTM3JnA9NDE4ODEzJmQ9MjAyNjY2Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTImdD*mbz1lYzg2NDdmZDgwZjU*ZGY1YjIxYTU5YWIyYTA5N2YwMQ==.gif" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-32912470095788948382008-12-17T23:12:00.000-08:002008-12-17T23:51:59.446-08:00Twittering Away - FB - Tokbox and more!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeGxMHpUIWbGxZNIooRHUjzNqnts_09LjojOcXj6UIIonIqfle9leRawOnO9Eqv9XTo9kk3KZ_9s1mOI2fMMA7uVyyUy5K3eGnS-opYQPTCGg-C6_30UXuD2SwYjPZcKu3hm2V-Qapb25/s1600-h/Scott+color.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281032452267297378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeGxMHpUIWbGxZNIooRHUjzNqnts_09LjojOcXj6UIIonIqfle9leRawOnO9Eqv9XTo9kk3KZ_9s1mOI2fMMA7uVyyUy5K3eGnS-opYQPTCGg-C6_30UXuD2SwYjPZcKu3hm2V-Qapb25/s200/Scott+color.jpg" border="0" /></a> Twittering away! So do you twitter? Do you FB (Facebook) or even Tokbox?<br /><br /><div><div></div><br /><div>How do we keep up with all this new technology? As a pastor, I'm checking all this out to see how it can be effective in reaching out, staying in touch, encouraging, training and connecting with unreached generations by the church. But - I have to admit that it is kind of crazy trying to keep up and not let these new tools consume too much time. How to learn effectiveness without losing balance and focus?</div><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here's an overview of what I'm trying. I'd love to connect with you in these places as well.<br /></div><br /><div>Twitter - a mini-blogging tool that answers the question - what are you doing? Check it out at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/">http://www.twitter.com/</a> and you can subscribe to follow me on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/oasislifeScott">oasislifeScott</a> . Twitter can be viewed on your computer and on many phone applications. Updates can be sent and received via text as well. I use it to update my Facebook status as well.</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/">Facebook</a> - single handedly the best tool online to connect with friends, family, business associates, church members and just about anyone. I've been able to make connections with people that I've not talked to in over 2 decades. I've connected with pastors, authors, musicians, actors and most importantly lots of people at Oasis Life Church. While it can be an addictive past time, I think it might just be the front line in the modern world of encouragement. Connect with me on Facebook at <a href="http://tinyurl.com/3tmkk4">Scott Helsel </a><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.tokbox.com/">Tokbox</a> - this is a new tool that I just discovered as a result of a tweet (a twitter update) by Geoff Surratt of <a href="http://www.seacoast.org/">Seacoast Church</a> in SC. This is a new videoconferencing tool that can be used free of charge and without downloading any software. Just sign up and connect with others by inviting them to join you online. If you don't have a camera connected to your computer - you can do just audio. I've not really used it too much yet but hope to start using this for training and mentoring connections with other pastors around the country. I can also see some great small group or discipleship applications coming. How about outreach sessions to answer questions that provoke conversation? I think we are going to see this explode and be a huge par of our future! Connect with me on Tokbox at <a href="http://www.tokbox.com/Scott754">http://www.tokbox.com/Scott754</a> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And - we now use Constant Contact to be more effective in our newsletter and communication with the church and community. The more - well, I know that there will be more and more technologies that I'll be checking out. Let me know what technology you use everyday and let's stay in touch! - Blessings - Pastor Scott</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-36927438749303629872008-12-13T21:45:00.000-08:002008-12-13T21:47:58.974-08:00Ok - This One is Kind of Like CheatingIt is 10:45 PM on the last day of my blogging week! My commitment was to make 3 or more entries per week. So far -only 2 this week.<br /><br />So - not much to say but here is number 3 for the week! Help me to do better next week! Keep me accountable - make comments and let me know what you'd like to hear about!<br /><br />That's all for this one!<br />Good night!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-68238852193605658012008-12-13T21:34:00.000-08:002008-12-13T21:45:00.861-08:00Awesome "12-Days" - More Info Coming!Just a few hours ago we finished our 2 annual performance of "12-Days" This was an idea that we got while we attended our mother church, <a href="http://desertspringschurch.com/">Desert Springs Church</a>. This is a fun family outreach with 12 variety-style acts.<br /><br />This year we welcomed "Broken Rhodes" for the second time and we were treated to some awesome music. The kids always steal the show and this year was no exception. And - my son didn't pick his nose on stage this year! We are making progress.<br /><br />Other highlights was a story, "The Birds" as told by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sharyn</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ketcham</span>. We had dances by the Hydrate dance group and the 3-5 grade dance group. Other musical performances came via "Hydrate, The Band", The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Vsssssss</span>, and more! We'll have video and pictures coming soon!<br /><br />Each year we end with the story of the legend of the "12-Days of Christmas". If you've not heard it - you'll have to make plan to attend next year. Sean Kelly can even tell you if I can do the whole song in the same key!<br /><br />Christmas is not about the 12-days of shopping at Macy's (sorry Macy's), not about the food, the friends, the presents or even our family. Rather it is about the fact that a Jesus was born, a Savior came to earth - knowing he would die. Because of this we celebrate that we have salvation and the hope of eternal life!<br /><br />Merry Christmas!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347676727277613829.post-63523752078653351482008-12-10T22:31:00.000-08:002008-12-10T22:42:51.435-08:00Thinking About a New YearTonight was our final night of community groups for 2008. We'll actually have a Christmas party next week, but tonight was the final night to gather and discuss content.<br /><br />Tonight we took some quiet time during our group. It is amazing how long 10 minutes can seem when there is silence and 13 people are seeking after God - to hear from the Holy Spirit. We asked Him what needed to change in us and what a first step would be to make that happen. So - what would happen in the 52 weeks of 2009 if we allowed God to speak to us about a small change each week? Would we be more transformed? Would we be more like Jesus? Would our families be better? Would our churches be more alive? Would we serve our family, friends, church and community more?<br /><br />Something to start thinking about - fasting in the first 21 days of 2009. The last two years we fasted the 21 days leading up to the anniversary of our church - but this time we will fast at the beginning of the year. This is a great opportunity for our community of faith to come together, to seek the face of God and seek direction and clarity as we move forward.<br /><br />So - are you thinking about 2009? What will you do different than this year?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03289281856480050377noreply@blogger.com2