Mike's Perspective

Moved and Moving to End Alzheimer's

2008-09-24T11:22:00.023-04:00

I attended a luncheon last Friday and was very moved by a presentation by Karen Kensler, Development Director, Central GA Region of The Alzheimer's Association.
In the latter part of this blog, I'm sharing some startling facts about this dreadful disease. Please take the time to read through them. I think you'll be surprised at these alarming stats.
My dad was afflicted with this terrible disease which is so devastating both to the the person with it and their family, friends and other caregivers. Watching him slip away from us bit by bit until he no longer was himself was the hardest experience of my life. I now live with the fear that the same fate awaits me.

I left that luncheon committed to supporting the Alzheimer's Association and serve as a team captain for this years Georgia National Memory Walk in Perry.
It will be held at the GA National Fairgrounds & Agricenter on Saturday, Nov. 1.

I would like to invite you to join the with me and be on the Move to end Alzheimer's by joining The LifePoint Team and participate in this years memory walk. If you are unable to participate in the walk you can still be a part of this worthy cause by making a donation through our teams website or by giving your donation to one of our team members. The following link will take you to our site where you can do either or both.

Click here to join the LifePoint Team

The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk® is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research – and it calls on volunteers of all ages to become champions in the fight against this fatal disease. By joining The LifePoint Team, you'll be walking with a purpose – and MOVING us ever closer to a world without Alzheimer's.

Hopefully,
Now, check out these stats.
The Impact of Alzheimer’s
The impact of Alzheimer’s on individuals, families and our health care system makes the disease one of our nation’s greatest medical, social and fiscal challenges.

Every 71 seconds someone develops Alzheimer’s.

By mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer’s disease every 33 seconds.

Currently an estimated 5.2 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease.

The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s has more than doubled since 1980.

10 million American baby boomers will develop Alzheimer’s.

The number of people in Georgia with Alzheimer’s disease is 199,427.

Of those, roughly 20,000 live in the 26 county Central Georgia Region.

By 2050 the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s could range from 12 million to 16 million.

In a Gallup poll commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 10 Americans said that they had a family member with Alzheimer’s and 1 in 3 knew someone with Alzheimer’s.
Increasing age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s. One in 8 individuals over 65 and nearly half of those over 85 are affected. Rare, inherited forms of Alzheimer’s disease can strike individuals as early as their 30s and 40s.
500,000 people under age 65 are diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s
Almost 10 million Americans are currently caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or other dementia; approximately one out of three of these caregivers is 60 years or older. In 2005, it is estimated that unpaid caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias provided 8.5 billion hours of care valued at $83 billion.
A person with Alzheimer’s disease will live an average of eight years and as many as 20 years or more from the onset of symptoms as estimated by relatives. From the time of diagnosis, people with Alzheimer's disease survive for about half as long as those of similar age without dementia. Average survival time is affected by age at diagnosis and severity of other medical conditions.
National direct and indirect annual costs Alzheimer’s disease is $148 billion
Alzheimer’s disease costs American business $61 billion a year, according to a report commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Association. Of that figure, $24 billion covers Alzheimer health care and $36 billion covers costs related to caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s, including lost productivity, absenteeism and worker replacement.
More than 7 out of 10 people with Alzheimer’s disease live at home, where almost 75 percent of their care is provided by family and friends. The remainder is “paid’ care costing an average of $12,500 per year. Families pay almost all of that out of pocket.
Half of all nursing home residents have Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder.
The average cost for nursing home care is $42,000 per year but can exceed $70,000 per year in some areas of the country.
The average lifetime cost of care for an individual with Alzheimer’s is $174,000.
In 2005, Medicare spent $91 billion on beneficiaries with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, spending is projected to increase to $160 billion by 2010 and $189 billion by 2015.
The Alzheimer’s Association has awarded more than $180 million in research grants since 1982, according to our audited annual financial statements.

Identity and Doubt

2008-09-16T11:42:00.003-04:00

I participate with a group of guys on a chat board where we talk about whatever is on our minds. Recently, one of us was jokingly talking about his identity crisis. Really, he was talking about sometimes having doubts about his faith in Christ and used John the Baptist's doubts about Jesus being the Messiah as an illustration. I found myself responding to his blog with what follows.

I know your were joking about having an identity crisis but I think we all really struggle with an identity crisis.

The only thing that has ever really helped me with my own personal identity crisis is the truth about my identity in Christ. I don’t want to go “preachy” on you but there is some real important and valuable truth about us finding our identity In Him. If you’re interested, I’ve got a couple of books on the subject to recommend.

Concerning John the Baptist doubting Jesus, that was way cool with Jesus. First, Jesus responded to those John sent to ask Jesus if he was the one or should they look for another, by affirming that he was indeed the One and pointed to his life and works as proof.

Then Jesus in Matt. 11:11 said “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; …”

A long time ago, I tried using my doubts about Jesus to justify my not doing what I “felt” he was leading me to do. How could He use me when I was having such huge doubts about HIM. When He showed me in scripture about John the B.’s doubt and Jesus response to them, my excuses were overcome.

Doubt is not a bad but a good thing, I think. Can there be any true faith without and apart from doubt. I think not.

Most of us don’t know what a true Christ follower looks like because we have never seen one. I think, here at LifePoint, we may be getting closer to seeing and being authentic followers. Not perfect but authentic.

Follow on,

Mike

Traits of Giant Killers (final installment)

2008-09-01T14:28:00.004-04:00

In past post, I've pointing out 3 "Traits of a Giant Killer" that I see in David in I Samuel 17.
Remember I'm using the term "Giant Killer" to mean "someone who overcomes seemingly insurmountable odds and is greatly used by God for good." These are traits I believe we can build into our lives to become Giant Killers.
David was Loyal in Little Labors, Spiritually Sensitive, and he had a Heart to Help.
In order to move on to more pressing things that I want to share on this blog spot I'm going to unload all of the other attributes I see in David here in I Samuel 17 that I think worked together with those listed above to make him such an effective servant of God. I'm just going to list the traits I see with very little commentary and let you read the story and decide if they might be useful insights for you to apply to your life as a Christ follower.
He was Hard of Hearing - didn't listen to those (his own brothers) who falsely accused and verbally attacked him.
David had a Marvelous Memory - He remembered all the times and ways that God had shown up and shown out in his past and allowed that to bolster his faith and confidence in God.
Next we see that he had an Inspired Imagination - He not only remembered past victories, he rehearsed future victories in his mind. Like a great athlete visualizing perfect execution prior to execution of the action.
In verse 37 notice David's Contagious Confidence. King Saul who should have been down in the valley fighting the battle is inspired to believe in the possibility of the impossible. Faith and trust in God when exhibited and enacted is more caught than taught.
Notice that he was also Personally Prepared. He knew he couldn't wear Saul's armor and he collected more stones than needed prior to going into battle. Two thoughts here - If you try to be like someone else, use their technique or mimic them, no matter how well it works for them, it just won't be natural and workable for you. God uniquely created and gifted you. Also, if you wait till you need a stone to look for a stone, it will probably be to late. I'm thinking here about spending time with God before you feel an urgent need for Him to show up on your behalf.
It's obvious that David was a Radical Risker. As Pastor Joe has taught us, playing it safe is very risky. Little risk = little or no impact for God.
Because David was focused on God and His ability instead of the seeming overwhelming superior strength of the Giant, it seems clear to me that David had a Proper Perspective. We need to keep our minds and hearts focused on God and not on the seemingly impossible challenges we face as we follow Christ. He understood that the battle was the Lord's battle.
Finally, let me point out that this giant killer was Overtly Offensive. There was nothing covert or timid about David as he faced and defeated Goliath.
My prayer for us as we reflect on this great story in the bible is that we will have eyes to see, hearts to receive and courage to follow as HE shows us HIS way and will.

Traits of Giant Killers (part 3)

2008-08-11T12:18:00.003-04:00

Sorry it has been so long between blog posts but hopefully I'll be more faithful about sharing some of my thoughts with you in the future. Help me by holding my feet to the fire about this, OK? Alright, here is Traits of Giant Killers (part 3)
A while back I was pointing out some of the "Traits of a Giant Killer" that I see in David in I Samuel 17.
Remember I'm using the term "Giant Killer" to mean "someone who overcomes seemingly insurmountable odds and is greatly used by God for good." These are traits I believe we can build into our lives to become Giant Killers.
I've identified that David was Loyal in Little Labors (part 1). Last time I observed that He was also Spiritually Sensitive (part 2).
In verse 32 of I Sam. 17 I see that David had a Heart to Help. "David said to Saul, "let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him."
It is one thing to be "aware" of the discrepancy between the way things are and the way things should be and quiet another to be willing to be a part of the solution. David was willing. He had a Heart to Help.
Awareness of injustice and inequity apart from action solves nothing and only adds to the "wrongness" of any situation. Often we are aware of things that need addressing, intervention or opposition because they just are wrong from our "Christian" perspective. More times than not not the "wrongness" of it isn't limited just to our "Christian" way of seeing things.
That is a topic of another day though.
Do I/You/We have a Heart to Help concerning any of these glaring discrepancies between what should be and what is? Let me point out that it is one thing to "just be critical" and having a Heart to Help. Criticism or awareness of the wrongness of something is useless and meaningless if there is not a Heart to Help connected with it.
Sometimes we do have a Heart to Help and it seems that there really isn't anything God has enabled us to do. This notion is always very wrong. Please excuse my being judgmental here but I believe the statement above is correct.
What do I mean? We can always pray, cry out to our Heavenly Father about what is heavy on our hearts. I think He desires, encourages and intends for us to do just that. Prayer is always both the most and the least we can do and according to His Word He does hear us and it does make a difference.
Additionally, some of the time there are additional things we can do. I know I need to always be careful to not let what I perceive as risky, inconvenient or costly become my rationalized excuse for not being a part of the solution to an obvious wrong (something the breaks God's heart).
I guess what I'm trying to say is that when we're really honest with ourselves and God lets us see something that is a discrepancy between the way things are and the way things should be, there is always something we can and should do. Does he love us less if we don't? No, and that should be further motivation for us to do all we can. Please remember that if you or I really do have a Heart to Help it is only because he has "blessed" us with that capacity to care and act.
One of my life passages is what Paul wrote in Phil. 2:12-13 - 12- "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed - not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence - continue to work our your salvation with fear and trembling, -13 - for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose" (emphasis added)
I'll ask you the same questions He is asking me as I seek to follow Him. What is it that He has given you a Heart to Help concerning? What are you going to do about it?
Next time I'll be sharing much more about the doing.
What do you think?
Mike

Traits of Giant Killers (part 2)

2008-06-24T16:20:00.004-04:00

In my last blog I warned you that over the next several posts I'll be highlighting numerous "Traits of a Giant Killers" using the example of David in I Samuel 17.
I feel it important to explain what I have in mind when I use the term “Giant Killer”. I mean someone who overcomes seemingly insurmountable odds and is greatly used by God for good. I am hoping to point out attributes that all of us can build into our lives and become Giant Killers.
I also cautioned you and asked your forgiveness for my outdated/over employed use of alliterations in this blog series.
Last time I identified in verses 20 & 22 that David was Loyal in Little Labors. If we hope to make progress along these lines we would do well to pay attention to seemingly small things - those dastardly details.
As the story unfolds we see that David was also Spiritually Sensitive (v-26...Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"). He was AWARE of the discrepancy between the way things were and the way things should be.
Now I know that “the way things should be” is very subjective but frankly there is MUCH in our culture and world that just isn’t as it should be. Even with our limited understand of God and our outlandish, quirky and grossly flawed concepts about HIM, we just know in our hearts that injustice and inequity is rampant.
In this passage of scripture David is “Aware” of what was actually going on in the moment and didn’t fall into the trap of rationalizing, justifying or excusing the inequity.
Here is my point. If we will stop, observe, and listen to our hearts we’ll find numerous opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Remember the Giants are a danger to others as well as us.
As we live in this fast paced, over stimulated, desensitized culture, what might happen if we started slowing down and really paying attention to what was actually happening in and around us. What positive changes might come about for us and through us if we were to become “Aware” – Spiritually Sensitive?
What do you think?

Traits of Giant Killers part 1

2008-06-16T13:19:00.003-04:00

Most everyone is familiar with the I Samuel 17 story of David and Goliath and how the the little shepherd boy defeated a giant and delivered Israel from defeat. What some may have missed is that the account of this victory is loaded with powerful truths to help us as followers of Christ to experience the abundant life He promises.
Over the next several blogs I'll be highlighting several "Traits of Giant Killers" using the example of David to point out effective attributes that all of us can appropriate into our lives as we seek to more fully experience Kingdom living.
I won't spend much time setting the stage about how greatly the odds were stacked against David. Just read the story, it's obvious. One thing that might easily miss your attention thought is that before David's great day of victory we find out that he had the trait of paying attention to what would be considered much less significant task that killing giants and saving nations.
Please forgive the following alliteration. I just don't seem to be able to help it. Many more to come, I'm afraid.
David was Loyal in Little Labors and that's one major reason God launched him as a giant killer and the deliverer of his nation.
Look at verses 20 and 22. He didn't disregard smaller, less significant task or leave them undone. He "left the sheep with a keeper" and "he left his supplies in the hand of the supply keeper" This is such an admirable attribute. For David the small, seemingly menial task were not beneath him. He was diligent and dedicated as a shepard and an errand boy!
Thought - If you are to big (important) for the small (menial) jobs you're to small for the big jobs.
We would do well to remember what Jesus taught in Mark 9:35 (Amplified Bible) "And He sat down and called the Twelve [apostles], and He said to them, If anyone desires to be first, he must be last of all, and servant of all." And what about Matthew 25:21 (Amplified Bible) "His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the blessedness) which your master enjoys."
What do you think?
Mike

Truth To Live By!

2008-05-15T14:53:00.002-04:00

Boy, do I need to steep my life in the truth of Matt. 6:30-34 as rendered in The Message. Click here to read and steep!

LifePoint natural parking work morning 5/17

2008-05-13T14:03:00.001-04:00

Thanks to all of you who were able to help out back, we now have the drive/road finished for our natural parking. We are going to try and do some final cutting and cleaning back there this Saturday 5/17 - getting the actual parking spaces level and ready for parking this Sunday.
We will also be installing a retaining wall and walkway beside the entrance drive and the building, giving folks a good and safe way to get back to the front entrance of the church when they park out back.
The plan is to work from 8:00 AM till 1:00 PM. If you can help, it would be greatly appreciated. If you have rakes, shovels, chain saws, yard tools - please bring them.
Again, because of the nature of the work, it won't be a save environment for children. It will be very helpful if you could let me know you are planning to come by phone or E-mail. Thank you for all you do.

ALWAYS TWICE OVERWHELMED!

2008-05-01T12:19:00.004-04:00

I want to share some thoughts about being "ALWAYS TWICE OVERWHELMED"
Do you ever "feel" overwhelmed? Boy, I do. We never know what life is going to throw at us do we? There are time for me when I wonder if God hasn't forgotten about me. I know better, I really do but over and over I seem to have temporary amnesia. Something (I think is bad) will happen that I didn't see coming or something (I think is good) won't happen that I was hoping for and expecting. What do I do? I have an emotional melt down. Usually not externally but boy am I melting down internally. I have an amazing personal track record of God showing up and showing out on my behalf and for my good like you wouldn't believe. HE HAS BEEN AND EVERMORE SHALL BE FAITHFUL, ABLE AND GOOD!
I really do know that, still it happens. Something does or doesn't happen and wham, I'm (once) overwhelmed. Circumstances overwhelm me BUT then inevitably GOD lovingly begins to make me aware that He hasn't forgotten me nor has He not been paying attention or lost control. Whew!!! - I love it when He does that. Then I'm Twice Overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by HIM, His faithfulness, goodness, ability, timing, power, effectiveness, on and on I could go. He truly does overwhelm me. Isn't He something?
One of my favorite ways He overwhelms me is by using others people to accomplish the good that He's about. I probably am talking about YOU. It is so wonderful to me how He uses you to be a blessing and to advance His Kingdom on earth. I am so often overwhelmed by Him in you and through you doing His gracious work.
I truly am Twice Overwhelmed and Amazed. I'm overwhelmed and amazed by our Papa in heaven and Christ in you here on earth.
I praise Him and I am so grateful for all you Christ Followers,
Before I let you go check out one of my life verses by chicking HERE.
I'll see you on the WAY
MS

Catalyst Voices - Joe Tessin Interview

2008-04-25T10:14:00.004-04:00

Check out catalystroadtrip.com and click on the Catalyst Voices at top of page. There are two interview clips you will want to take a look at.
The first is by our very on Lead Pastor, Joe Tessin. GO JOE! He's sharing a small part of the LifePoint story and it is a real honor for him to be featured on this popular web site.
The second clip I want you to be sure and view is the one by Paul Young. (the one where they interview him by himself) He is the author of The Shack. One of the best books I've ever read. I recommend highly that you get the book and read it. Check out his web site at theshackbook.com.

Grinding Stumps Saturday

2008-04-24T09:46:00.001-04:00

Hi Guys, Well the engineer told me that if we ran a dozier out back that it would cause us a world of trouble in the long run and because of surface roots would kill most of the trees we're determined to save. SO, thanks to Chuck Stephens we have a stump grinder to use this weekend starting Friday afternoon (4/25/08). Thank you Chuck! Boy does he have a lot of connections and know a lot of people. What I need now is someone with the ability to pick up the stump grinder Friday afternoon ( a truck with towing capacaty) AND someone who has the ability to run the stump grinder after we get it here. I dearly wish that I was able but the "old mans back" won't let me.If you can help with either of these things, please let me know ASAP.I'm sorry to be so needy but getting the parking ready out back is "way worth doing".Thanks for all you do to make LifePoint the great church it is.

Thank You Gwen and Betsy

2008-04-23T12:14:00.004-04:00

Today is Administrative Assistant Appreciation Day. If anyone on the planet should be appreciative of staff members who have administrative duties it is those of us who make up LifePoint Church. We are so blessed to have Gwen Roese and Betsy McCann on our team!
Both of these wonderful, uniquely gifted ladies do so much to make LifePoint the great church it is. I know that I don't tell them often enough how thankful I am for them and all they do every day.
Betsy and Gwen, thank you for your dedication to the vision and ministry of LPC.
I encourage everyone else who reads this blog and is a part of the life and ministry of LPC to find ways to express to them how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them.
MS

The Father'$ Unfailing Faithfulne$$

2008-04-22T13:24:00.008-04:00

I don't know why I ever fret about anything. I $hould have gotten it by now. Why don't I remember that we're not to $weat the $mall $tuff and it'$ all $mall $tuff to HIM. Duh!

One of the thing that "I get to do" at LifePoint is pay the bill each week. Because LifePoint is so unique, having adequate resources present special challenges. We are committed to never making money a barrier to anyone discovering and experiencing God's unconditional love for them. Check out my March 20 blog "God Loves a Grumpy Non-giver Too "

That's why we don't take up an offering in our services and have the offering boxes on the back wall instead. That doesn't mean that we don't have expenses. Like any organization (Ugg, I don't like that word), we have operating expenses - ministry expenses - ministry opportunities that (excuse me) cost money.

You really do have to want to give to be able to give at LifePoint. I don't know how many times someone has come up to me and asked "how do I give to this church?" That question makes me happy for them and for LifePoint. I'm even nervous blogging about this even though it probably will be read by very few folks.

The reason I am writing about $ here is two fold:

First, I want to brag on Papa for His faithfulness. Every week we have enough. Often it is just enough, but enough none the less. He is SOOOOOO Faithful and Good.

Secondly, I want to thank those of you who so faithfully support this ministry and are used of God to help us have enough to keep this ministry going. THANK YOU

See you at the Black Box On The Wall Sunday.

MS

A few Gross Understatements

2008-04-20T11:38:00.004-04:00

Wow! What a great bunch of guys showed up yesterday to help get the property ready for our natural parking area behind our building. You should have seen all the hard work and fun that took place back there.

Let me share a few thoughts about our day together.

1. Because there will be adequate parking on Sundays there is a greater possibility that more people will come to LifePoint and discover that God is heal over heals in love with them just like they are and that the peculiar people who hang out at LifePoint love them that way too. That makes the hard work done yesterday way worth it. (GROSS UNDERSTATEMENT # 1)

2. When people get together and give themselves to a significant cause it creates a bond of friendship and respect that nothing else can. It also is way cool and loads of fun. (GROSS UNDERSTATEMENT # 2)

3. If I ever have to be involved in a physical fight with anyone (I know, you're thinking "who would ever want to fight or hurt someone as nice as me"?) I want the guys who were a part of our work day yesterday to be on my side. I'm talking about strong, able bodied, innovative and dedicated men. (GROSS UNDERSTATEMENT # 3) I also had the thought that we could field a very good football team with that group of guys.

4. As a church, we are greatly blessed to have such willing and committed men to step up and do dangerous and strenuous labor to help us carry the vision forward. (GROSS UNDERSTATEMENT # 4)

5. What's going on here at LifePoint is truly significant and worth doing. God is all over what is taking place here. (GROSS UNDERSTATEMENT # 5).

THANKS AND BLESSINGS TO ALL OF YOU who give your time, talents and resources to the LifePoint vision and mission. I'm not just talking about the team of men yesterday, but about all you you who sacrifice so much to help create the environment and experiece called LifePoint. What you do makes it possible for those that don't know about God's amazing love, grace and purpose for their lives to discover and experience that marvelous reality.

Acts 15:19

Mike

Work day this Saturday Apr. 19

2008-04-15T14:02:00.002-04:00

We'll meet about 8:30 Saturday morning to clear the area behind our building for future parking. We have a dump truck, skid stear and a wood chipper here. If you have ground clearing tools and/or chain saws, ect. please bring them.

I't will not be a safe environment for children because of the equipment and type of work. I hope you will be able to join us.

See you Saturday

MS

Easter Sunday

2008-03-26T10:43:00.002-04:00

What a great day at LifePoint. Easter Sunday was the highest attended service in the history of our church. It is very encouraging to know that our Pastor has the vision and boldness to position us for all God has for us to experience and accomplish in the days ahead. If we had not gone to three services, we would not have been able to accommodate all the folks who worshiped at LPC this past Sunday.

I can't say enough about the host of wonderful volunteers who came early, worked hard and stayed late in order to help create such an engaging environment where ALL are welcomed, accepted, embraced, loved and the message of God's unconditional love and acceptance is demonstrated and proclaimed. If you missed Joe's message, please take the time to watch it on the LPC website.

If you have any observations or questions about LPC, I would love to be in dialogue with you. My E-mail address is mikelifepoint@gmail.com.

Acts 15:19

Mike S.

God Loves A Grumpy Non-giver Too

2008-03-20T12:51:00.007-04:00

Wow, what a great message Joe shared this past Sunday. If you missed it I hope you'll go to http://www.ourlifepoint.net/ and check it out. Far too often the scripture that says "God loves a cheerful giver" is grossly misrepresented and often used as a hammer to make folks think that if they don't "give" their money (the usual prescribed amount is 10% of a person's income) that God doesn't love them. That He is dissappointed with us and that we are cursed of God if we don't tithe. Hogwash, that kind of teaching is contrary to the GoodNews of our Father's unconditional love for us.

God's love for us has nothing to do with our giving or any other aspect of our performance. I'm so thankful that God's love and acceptance is based on the finished work of Christ and that alone.