Freedom-Up

Christmas Concert... Nov 27

2011-10-04T13:37:00.001-07:00

Potter's Field... nov 6

2011-10-04T13:35:00.001-07:00

Michael W

2011-02-14T20:10:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T13:11:00.000-08:00

A Christmas Together

2010-11-09T16:12:00.000-08:00

SUN / NOV 28
89.7 KSGN & Freedom-Up presents...
A CHRISTMAS TOGETHER
w/ music by Jadon Lavik, Pawnshop Kings, Raymond Gregory and more
message by Greg Opean
6:30-8:30pm

Free event, bring a can of food per person to benefit Joseph's Storehouse in Redlands.

*child care provided

Red @ the Packinghouse

2010-11-09T16:06:00.001-08:00

Wiggins

2010-10-21T10:54:00.001-07:00

@ Freedom Up this SUN NITE 10/24 with some other surprises

OxyContin Out of the Shadows

2010-08-19T16:18:00.000-07:00

Hey...

My name is Greg Opean. I served in Calvary Chapel Missions in Hungary for 17 years. Now I am back in the USA and have recently been involved in the making of a documentary on the Alarming Opiate/ Heroine/ Pain-killer addiction among YOUTH in the USA.

We have a resource (DVD) and a plan if you are interested in reaching Jr. High and High School kids in your area before they get sucked under by this monster, or to give guidance and a plan for those who have already been sucked under.

::STATS::
...show that if someone becomes addicted to opiate pain-killers that they will very rarely break free from it, ever. STATS show that 9 of 10 who go through rehab will relapse!

In other words if you get addicted, your life is pretty much over,
trashed.

There is another set of STATISTICS though coming out of Teen Challenge where they call for a total surrender to God.
They are finding that 9 of 10 are going on to freedom!

There is no hope for opiate addicts outside a full surrender of their being to the Lord!

::CELEBRITIES::

STARS who have DIED lately with opiate related addictions.
Michael Jackson
Britney Murphy
Heath Ledger
DJ AM
Cory Haim
Anna Nichole Smith
TEd Coppels (son)

Lindsay Lohans addiction is playing out in the tabloids right now

New 10 YEAR GOVERNMENT STUDY released July 2010.
Pain-killer addiction is up 400% in last 10 years in the
USA, starting with kids age 12.

::WHAT THE LORD IS DOING::

We have made a 35 minute documentary on OxyContin-Heroin-Opiate addiction.
Here's the trailer:

We called all 6 High Schools in our immediate area. (Redlands) Every one of them asked us to come and show our trailer to their students and to have Alex Deaconson speak.

It is Alex's addiction story and path to freedom that is featured in the Documentary. Alex's father is the Chief Surgeon of the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota so Alex is highly informed on the medical aspects of addiction and Alex is also an excellent speaker and engages youth.

Also featured through the documentary is Sonny Sandoval, lead singer of P.O.D., and Ryan Ries (Rauls' Son).

We had some audiences of 500-600 students in the schools, and were able to expose this plague and invite the kids to an outreach concert at our church on the Friday night of the week we went into the schools. We had about 2,000 people show up... Brian Head Welch's (formerly of Korn) new band, HEAD, played and we had Sonny Sandoval speak.

There were about 300 who responded and wanted a Bible.

::WHAT YOU CAN DO::

If you are interested in any level of outreach in your city toward this growing emergency among our youth, we want to help.

How much? Gas money and dinner and we're to go. Or nothing if you don't have that.

Different outreach possibilities include.

1) Alex and Greg coming with the Documentary and showing it to your youth group and having an interactive time with them. Kid's invite non-saved friends.

2) Alex, Greg, and your youth pastor going into all your local schools to show the trailer and invite all the kids to an off campus event to see the full documentary and hear Alex share the ONE WAY people are getting free: Full surrender to Christ.

Let us know if you are interested in any of the above.

God bless,
greg o.

gregopean@yahoo.com

Prayer

2010-08-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

[news article on prayer, click here]

Freedom

2010-05-25T23:46:00.001-07:00

OTS Concert Pics

2010-05-11T11:43:00.001-07:00

Head Welch Testimony

2010-05-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

Out of the Shadows trailer

2010-04-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

premiere SAT MAY 1 @ the Packinghouse Redlands 9am

April 30 / May 1

2010-03-21T16:27:00.000-07:00

PRAY HARD

2010-03-08T16:17:00.001-08:00

Trevor Davis Story

2010-02-23T09:42:00.000-08:00

at Freedom-Up on 3/7

My Life Story

I was born and raised in San Diego, California. My life was tough growing up in the ghetto of the city. My single mother, who hadn’t planned on being pregnant with me, was addicted to drugs until I was 8 years old. She would come into my life for moments then go back out into the streets. Because she wasn’t around, my grandmother raised me. I would cry and sleep by the door waiting for her to return. I loved her so much and never wanted her to leave.

One day she walked into a church with her leather mini skirt and high heels on and saw God’s grace. She got down on her knees and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. At a young age, I got to see and know a God who transforms. She quit taking drugs, started raising me herself, worked hard at her job, and went to church all throughout the week. We attended a gospel church where we were the only white people so the music there was amazing. This is definitely where I got my soulful style. I would get the solos in the children's choir and from there on out I always had a burning passion for music. I immersed myself in it. When I was in 6th grade I started going to a different church. I loved the fact that I was able to wear shorts instead of a suit but the music had a sort of home on the range campfire vibe. I wasn’t so sure about this. It seemed a bit boring to me. Where was the soul?

It was always a financial struggle for us each month as my mom worked hard to make ends meet. So I was stoked when in the fourth grade, I got a karaoke machine for Christmas. I would sing for days, recording myself and listening back thinking, "I could do that better.” I would imitate different voices from all different styles of artists and bands. I was always a happy kid despite my circumstances. I didn't know any different. I didn't know you could have a father and mother around to protect and guide you through life. I guess I was too busy riding my bike and eating candy. And even though it was tough financially, the Lord always provided. Thinking back on those days, I realize that being really broke made things definitely a bit more exiting when we had to depend on God. He sent us continuous miracles. I have so many stories about people dropping off groceries and Christmas gifts etc. There is one story in particular that is my favorite.

One of my junior high leaders, Mark Warren, reached out and stepped into my life. He was a great father figure for me. He wouldn't give me advice on how I should live my life, but instead chose to just hang out and be there for me. I got to do things I had never dreamed of doing like water ski and eat at a fancy restaurant. Mark redirected my feelings of desperation and pointed me towards Christ. He called my mother and asked if I wanted to go to the church’s private school. Of course we said “Yes!” and he paid for me to go to that school until I graduated high school. Since I lived in the ghetto and was going to have to attend a school that was well known for trouble, it made the private school an extra blessing. I loved going to school there. I would walk around the campus with a huge smile on my face. Even today I am still in touch with my Mark. He has helped fund my last three albums and continues to be active in my life. I feel very blessed to see the Lord’s hand at such a young age through how Mark was used as an instrument of God. Again and again I saw the Lord as someone who redeems and provides.

When I was about thirteen years old, my mother had a nervous breakdown. She quit her job and stayed in her room with the window curtains closed. Her depression was one of the hardest things I had to deal with cause I was used to her being a hard worker who loved me and took care of me. The hard working, prayer warrior I once knew was defeated. It was hard to face this new reality. During this time, she didn't care about much at all. I started to raise myself as well as her, which was difficult when we didn’t have any money or food in the house. The out going person I use to be in school became reserved like I had to protect and fight for myself. Being the only child with a parent who didn't care about life was very lonely for me. I still had that karaoke machine though. So I would just sing away in my room. This was my vent, my cry for comfort. I could have easily turned down a road leading to destruction. Instead, I chose music. I have always had rhythms and melodies running through my veins. Music for me wasn’t a choice; it was more like the law of gravity in which I was bound to fall into. With my upbringing, some would say I was bound to fall into the pattern of my surroundings. I see my surroundings as the wind for my little kite.

In Jr. High I gravitated to rock music, admiring my older cousin who was very skilled at the guitar. I wanted to take bass guitar class so we saved up all the money we could and I got a bass for about $200. I didn't eat much that month except for Top Ramen and everyone was so upset with my mom for allowing me to get it. My friends and I started a punk band where I was the bass player (still not singing publicly). I would go to hardcore music shows almost every weekend and head for the mosh pits. I loved music that was hard and angry and nothing else. I think I frequently battled anger and frustration during my teen years. This kind of music helped me filter out those frustrations. One day at a show though I didn't go to the mosh pit. After I got it all out and wasn't angry anymore, that music lost its flavor.

I had found out about this vocal coach Joni Wilson in high school and somehow got the money to take a voice lesson from her. In my later high school years, when everyone was deciding on what college to go to, I was spending my last dime on voice lessons. I practiced constantly to gain a wider range and stronger voice. Before taking lessons not even my closest friends knew I could sing. After about four lessons I sang the National Anthem at a basketball game. Shortly after that, I won first place at my high school talent show for my Michael Jackson dance impersonation and was voted most talented in the high school yearbook.

I have always used the creative side of my brain, and don't have much else on the other side. I didn't do that well in school but I was in honors art. After I graduated I had no idea what to do. I wanted to sing but how, I didn't have songs, etc. So I went to college and learned about music. I hated it. I wanted to play not learn. I started playing the guitar and wrote my first songs recording myself on the karaoke machine I had for so long. The songs on my CD "Seven Days" are the first songs I ever wrote. I love abstract thoughts, play on words, and double meanings. I don't like to state the obvious. I love music that makes you think but is also emotional. Music to me has to have conviction; I have to believe that people actually experience what they are singing about. That’s why I am thankful for my hard and hurtful past. I am able to mix the painful past with hope. The pain and His redemption are very inspiring. It gives me a large spectrum to work with for songwriting.

I never turned to drugs or alcohol to escape my hurt. I learned from my whole family that it makes things fall apart. I looked for strength and something to over come the circumstances, and I found that in God. Over the years I continued to understand God’s love. The understanding led and leads me now to daily repentance because it is a love that was predestined and not earned by my performance. I no longer had to fight for myself but just submit to the side that has already won and fight for His glory here on earth.

Realizing that God always loves me in the midst of my selfishness and sin enabled me to love my mother even in the mist of her poor decision-making. For years I would condemn her and point out all her sins. I was trying to kick her back into shape. It never worked. It only made everything worse and me bitter. One night my mom was passed out on the floor, and I picked her up and put her into bed. As I lifted her up, I broke down because I pictured God picking me up deep in my sin. Ever since then, I was able to see past her circumstances, and see her for what she is — a child of God. This was like tasting freedom, to enter into my relationship with my mother on the basis that my love wasn't dependent on condition. Over the years the Lord began to heal my mother. My mother and I are now best friends and we teach each other so much. We are super close and love to hang out as often as we can.

I was always scared to pursue music as a career. I had to work through all those insecurities of Satan telling me I couldn’t do it. I just loved music. I dressed music, I thought music, I watched music, I hung out with people that were into music, and I was naturally drawn to it. What turned me to make a career out of it? I was definitely scared to do it because there was no promising factor in it. By faith, I took a dive. Making my first EP “Seven Days” was so much fun. To hear the first songs I ever wrote recorded professionally instead of on my karaoke machine was a wonderful experience. I received the most amazing emails in response to a song off that album, entitled “Affliction from Addiction.” It is my most personal, definitely vulnerable song of things that have happened. When some hear that song, it makes them feel like they aren’t the only one who has to face family hardships. Most of the emails say how it pulled them through similar tough times. That makes this music thing all worth it.

I don’t write all my songs about God but really on what I see because of Him. T-bone Burnett said, "I don't write about the light, I write about what I see because of the light.” I follow the same motto with my songwriting. I see my songwriting as a tool. It is a tool to tell a story…God’s story through my life. God has been a healer, a redeemer, and a provider. He is beyond our understanding and knows how to work all things together for good. With Him, I'm able to walk through the fire and not be burned. My circumstances will pass away. The Lord builds my faith and character, which lasts forever.

Sonny Sandoval Interview

2010-02-11T16:19:00.000-08:00

[click here to watch the video]

the Whosoevers

2010-01-12T00:19:00.000-08:00

[check these guys out..]

IE Men's Conf 2010

2009-12-08T10:04:00.001-08:00

Comments from Don McClure
Men's Conf Latest DeInterlaced from Heather Munoz on Vimeo.

get plugged in

2009-10-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

we heard the challenge to get plugged into some local ministry and 'get the job done'... here are some contacts of the ministries to get plugged into at the Packinghouse:

Prison Ministry - Larry Bloemsa

Substance Abuse - John Finnegan

Rest Home Ministry - Larry Bloemsa

Youth Ministries - Jason Bauernfeind

Children's Ministry - Jeff Harry

Media Booth Ministry - Bob Probert

Orange Grove Media Group - Jason Bauernfeind

Missions - Bob Probert

Monthly Mexico Outreach trips - Ron Van Grouw

Jesus Video Project - Kevin Ferguson

Women's Ministries - Sandy Teal

Helping Hands - Gretchen Hicks

please call the church office for more info (909) 793 8744

Truth and Music

2009-10-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

“I don’t want to make You small

I don’t want to put You in my pocket

a cross around my throat

cuz You are brighter than the sun

You’re closer than the tiny thoughts I have of You

But I could never fathom You at all”

JJ Heller was the musical guest on Sunday September 27 at the Packinghouse. Her still and humble form took up little of the stage but her spirit and heart, felt through her verses, filled the entire building and all listened, enraptured (or – all who listened became enraptured). I may only be speaking for myself but I’m convinced that every soul in the building felt what I felt, that they were witnessing something…genuine. That seems the perfect word to describe her lyrics that sing of truth.

Her songs, a mix of melancholy, happiness, and love create a portrait of who she is as she seems to wear her heart, not on her sleeve, but upon her music, in her words, and within the gentle stance she takes behind the microphone. Her lyrics are honest to the point in which I assume that song-writing has become a type of therapy for JJ, she is able to put down on paper what she is feeling and what she has experienced, whether full of praise or pain allowing others to take part in what is going on inside her soul without reservations makes her an instantly trustworthy disciple to the truth of God. How could an unbeliever doubt someone who does not hold back? She is grateful for God’s love and confident in His hold on her world.

JJ’s latest album, Painted Red, full of straightforward, uncomplicated lyrics is a testament to the ability of simple things to carry some serious weight. What is also wonderful, is the fact that not all songs are “God songs,” some are simply telling a story or revealing her thoughts, though God can be felt in every lyric and melody. Listening to her music is easy as her unpretentious honesty draws people in from all walks of life. Give her a listen and see for yourself what truth sounds like: JJ Heller

Story by Adrienne Hadaway

Photos by Diane Schaefer

Hungary Outreach 2009

2009-10-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

[click here for report & pics]

josh garrels @ freedom-up bootleg

2009-08-24T06:13:00.000-07:00

sweet river roll

zion & babylon

train song

The first short film I ever did, an exercise in skeptic art

2009-08-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

Posted by Bryan Zug - 2009/08/23

Unusual realities
That drove me straight down to my knees
Never thought I’d see things like these
If I had a dream

If I Had a Dream by Undercover
(from the album Branded, 1986)
Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s in Southern California (yes Seattle-ites, I am a Cali refugee, thank you for not closing your borders) – I worked with a non-profit music production agency that fostered the exploration of meaning through the creation of music.

Back then I would not have described it like that – we thought we were just making what we called, in naive retrospect, “Christian Rock”.

But much of who I am today – my love for complex stories and conflicted characters, stems from deep things people in that community taught me about life, art, relationships, and critical thinking.

One of the pivotal bands I got to interact with at that time was Undercover and one of their leaders, Ojo Taylor.

Undercover’s Branded album was, for me, one of the first pieces of spiritual art that wrestled honestly with faith, doubt, and skepticism.

Those of you who know me know that while I land on the Jesus side of things regarding The Question of God, I come to that conclusion after much wrestling of angels.

Like Jacob, my gait is informed by the limp of, and deep respect for, the skeptic’s heart.

(Which is one of the many reasons my son is name Thomas.)

In the spring of 1991, I took footage from a summer 1990 Undercover concert I video-ed in Redlands, California, back to the Media Center at Pepperdine and made my first short film – A video of the song “Time” from their album Balance of Power.

I had abandoned the television and radio production major that I went to Pepperdine to originally study, believing that I could learn things faster than the instructors could teach me by just doing projects and facing real world challneges, while making things I wanted to make.

I spliced in a bunch of public domain footage I took from some cool laserdiscs the university had, in order to draw the themes of the song out.

Last week, Ojo from Undercover found me on facebook. Then, this AM, my friend Jason pointed me to the video I made nearly 20 years ago.

Just looked at it for the first time in a long time and I am really struck by how much it is reminding me of things I had forgotten of my own journey.

It’s funny sometimes how much we don’t remember about ourselves.

Anyway, I thought I’d post it so you could take a look if you have a moment and get a glimpse of how I ended up being, ummm, me ;)

'Time' by Undercover, Rock of Love 1990
Redlands Bowl, CA

Castes of India

2009-08-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving in India from Peter Yunho Chung on Vimeo.

Race Relations

2009-08-18T17:58:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago I was invited down to Westminster (next to Huntington Beach) for some tennis with a player I formerly coached in high school. Afterwards he treated me to Thai food at one of his local favorites. You could sort of tell how authentic the food was by not only the cooks in the kitchen, but also the people (wall to wall on this day) savoring the delectable cuisine. Can't wait for seconds . . .

Before heading back to the IE's triple digit temps, made a detour to Newport, strolled down the pier and along the beach and was struck by the complete mix of races along the sand--happy families young and old, brown, black, yellow and white seemingly without a care in the world. A refreshing reminder of how this country can really show its true "colors" . . .not sure which was more satisfying--the wet sand beneath my feet, or this vision of racial reality which the media so often doesn't report on the evening news.

Fast forward to later that evening as I headed into the sanctuary for Sunday evening church. They say that Sunday church is the most segregated hour of the week in America, and while this might not be true in all cities at all churches, this seems to be true where I worship. I was reminded of the time one of my freshmen in English class, Chuck, had shared that his father was a pastor at a church in San Bernardino. I decided to visit one Sunday morning well over a decade ago. As I walked through the parking lot and into the sanctuary, I was greeted by smiling, joyful women in their Sunday best hats, surely wondering who this visitor was, and why had he chosen to join them on this particular day. As I took my seat in middle of the pews, I couldn't help but notice that I was the only white person in the entire church. At that moment, I realized what it must feel like for a person of color to be in a setting where they realize that they are "alone". Of course, in the comfort of a church, it was a feeling which brought not tension or apprehension at all--just an acute awareness of my "differentness". At one point the pastor, Chuck's dad, asked if there were any visitors that morning, and if so, would they please stand and introduce themselves. Sure enough, I was the only one. When I explained that I was Chuck Jr.'s English teacher, I remember soft chuckles rippling through the building--almost a collective sigh of relief to understand that no, this was not some high-ranking official of the Aryan Nation infiltrating our worship. I thoroughly enjoyed the three (!) hours we spent singing, laughing and praising God together.

In a few weeks I will return to my office as the 8th grade counselor for Golden Valley Middle School in San Bernardino. There is a very good reason why educators are given 3 months of vacation, and it is because I am about to enter into 9 months where the collision of white, latino, asian and black families, teachers and students will not always be peaceful. Yes, even with a mixed president in the White House, I am bracing for plenty of "action" during the upcoming school year.

Last year during a student gathering at my school called "Unity Forum", we showed the "I Have a Dream" speech by Martin Luther King. Afterwards, a student asked if I felt we had finally realized that dream of racial equality in America. My answer was simple: "As long as we live in this country, and as long as this country welcomes people of all cultures into its arms, we as a people will always struggle with the issues that racial diversity bring. Racial harmony is not a destination; it is a journey." Ok, I am paraphrasing my own words here, but that was basically how I answered this student's question. And it is nothing more than my own opinion; surely many might disagree.

In the aftermath of Michael Jackson's passing, I have, more than ever, come to appreciate his song "Man in the Mirror". The sentiment of that song, I believe, is crucial to landing a seat along this journey of race. Not sure about you, but I'll start with a long hard look in the mirror . . . .

-John Smeby (Freedom-Up, Sun Nite)

jars slideshow

2009-08-12T14:55:00.001-07:00

jars of clay 7-24-09

phil wickham

this beautiful republic

The Magnet of Sin

2009-08-07T10:08:00.001-07:00

Ever wonder why a one-hour newscast typically devotes about two-thirds coverage to murders, rapes, natural disasters and tragedies (the remaining third tends to be a mix of sports, weather and a little 3-minute "feel good" story at the end about some 9-year-old who raised money from a lemonade stand to help fight world hunger)? TV is all about ratings, and ratings are all about money, and negative things sell. Without realizing it often times, we are drawn to the negative.

"Breaking newsflash--this just in--high speed car chase through downtown Glendale--we will stay with this until its conclusion . . ." I have to believe I'm not the only one who has been drawn in--sucked in to this type of coverage. Not sure what my record is for duration of time glued to a chase, but instead of changing the channel to something else, before we know it--30, 45 minutes--or more--have been wasted hoping to get a glimpse how this thing will end. Will he/she be the first one to actually elude capture? Will there be a fiery crash or fatal shoot-out? And, c'mon now, work with me--what a total LET DOWN if the thing ends--as it usually does--with the fugitive peacefully surrendering to the authorities. How boring.

If we believe media coverage, most of what happens in the world is bad, negative, sinful. What if that same one-hour newscast was chock-full (wall to wall) of positive people doing positive things? What would the ratings look like then? Not good! I have no doubt that in the every day world of America (and other countries), there are countless, untold stories of bravery, heroism, people helping people, teachers making a difference, military personnel freeing the oppressed, pastors in small (or large) churches who are not abusing altar boys or who are not making huge salaries, doctors and nurses who are saving lives . . . I could go on and on, couldn't I?

It is difficult, sometimes, to escape what the media is trying to do here. In education, in teacher school, we are taught to "catch them being good". This is true with parenting, as well. We need to be taught, reminded of, reinforced about this because it is SO MUCH EASIER to "catch them being bad". There are two ways to modify the behavior of a child, or of a classroom--beat them over the head when they do wrong things until they conform to our standards, or kill them with love--whenever someone does something right (and this is 90% of the kids 90% of the time), make sure you give them praise. This is also true in coaching. Statistics will show that in any of these arenas, for every one negative comment made about someone's behavior, it takes 4 positive ones to make up for it. "Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me". WHAT A COMPLETE AND TOTAL LIE!!! Physical wounds will eventually heal (the cuts and scrapes, at least), but a wrong word said at the wrong time in the wrong way--that can leave a scar for life.

I am constantly attempting to counterbalance what society, the media, etc. throws at me. Not sure where I heard/read this, but whenever I do it, the rest of the day seems to fall into place as it should: I begin the day by thanking God for ten things in my life. Could be people, situations, things--but I start by not asking God to fix ten things that are wrong; rather, expressing thanks for how He has blessed me. A very simple thing, but often with a profound change in my attitude about life.

-John Smeby (Sun Nite / Freedom-Up)

random messages

2009-08-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

messages by Greg Opean
-'Raising Up Leaders'
-Grace
-Serving God
-Ezra 3:1-7 / 2 Kings 4:8-17
-Hungarian Bible Studies

jars/phil

2009-07-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

7/24/09 @ the packinghouse / redlands

jars of clay - two hands

phil wickham - true love

Back to Basics

2009-07-25T10:26:00.001-07:00

While at Starbucks for my usual venti drip and Sunday Times this morning, I was struck by a quote on the front page referring to President Obama's trip to Africa: "I didn't see anything fresh or new . . .It was the same things about good-governance and responsibility that we've been hearing since the 1980s". Words from Kenyan columnist Barrack Muluka. Upon reading this, I immediately thought of the preacher who ended up giving the exact same sermon for like 23 weeks in a row, each time realizing that his congregation had still not internalized the message. Perhaps Mr. Muluka does not understand that until ANY nation or continent can figure out the basic issues--like responsibility and good-governance--there will continue to be much turmoil.

We've heard messages so many times, we figure "yeah, that's outdated--heard it a thousand times--let's move on to something fresh and new and innovative". I'm guilty of that line of thinking--my guess is we all are at times. We reach for the "self help" books on the shelf at Barnes and Noble, hoping that the new young author has figured things out this time.
When all along, life really comes down to some very simple, age-old truths--that will never change!

If a family--or a city, state or country--spends more than it earns--it will begin compounding debt . . .

If we eat more calories than we burn, we will continue to gain weight . . .

If I want to be respected by those around me, perhaps I should start by respecting them . . .

And you have to love Jesus. Well, you don't have to--but seeing as how He gave His life for us . . .but really, you have to love how He would just cut right to the heart of things--the basics. Today, we have so much "static" and stuff--new technology throwing itself at us constantly--it is becoming much more difficult to see through all the mess and realize "ok, what is it that I really need to know and do?" In His day, it was the Pharisees and the Sadducees--the religious rulers--who would always be trying to "trip him up" with their rhetoric and questioning.

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Wow. And people complain about the Bible being confusing, hard to understand. Love God, and love people. Period. Talk about basic--how much more simple can it get? Please understand here, though, that I fully realize the difference between the words simple and easy. Just because Jesus' words might be simple to understand, those two commandments are anything but easy to carry out. And yet, this illustrates all the more our need to spend some time on first base before trying to run to second.

Life doesn't have to be complicated. We allow it to be. Can't say that I know any Amish people--but I'm thinking they might be on to something . . .

-John Smeby (Sun Nite / Freedom-Up)

Events

2009-07-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

October 18, Sun

Come out and join Esterlyn and Pastor Bob Caldwell for an evening of passionate worship and fresh vision for reaching others with the love of Jesus Christ!

Head to http://www.openyourhearttour.com/ for more information!

"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things." Romans 10:15

Directions [click here]

Danny Donnelly jammin

2009-06-29T00:54:00.001-07:00

Pat Watson jammin

2009-06-29T00:48:00.001-07:00

Rescue

2009-06-29T00:45:00.001-07:00

Somewhere In the Middle

2009-06-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

"Somewhere between the new and the old - Somewhere between who I am and who I used to be - Somewhere in the middle, You'll find me - Somewhere between the wrong and the right - Somewhere between the darkness and the light - Somewhere between who I was and who You're making me - Somewhere in the middle You'll find me"

Lyrics from Casting Crowns, written by Mark Hall from The Altar and the Door

On many different levels, this song totally resonates with me.

It is so easy to live on one side or the other. The extreme is safe. Red States vs. Blue states. Protestant vs. Catholic. Yankees vs. Mets.

I was at Chilis about 7 years ago during playoff time watching a Laker game in the bar, and I was wearing a Clippers jersey. I like the Clippers--I'm a fan. I also like the Lakers. I'm an NBA fan, period. I like basketball. So there's this one guy sitting at the table next to ours, and he says something like, "Dude, which is it--are you a Lakers fan or a Clippers fan?" The stupidity of this statement still amazes me to this day. But for so many people, in so many areas, this "one or the other, either or" mentality is all they seem to understand.

During the early days of Reality Rock, back in the '80s, preachers would get on their soapbox about the evils of rock music. "You are either for the devil or for Jesus--music is either Christian or satanic--there is no in-between. If you listen to the music of the world, you are a compromised Christian. Burn any tapes/records that are of Satan and the world--only keep those whose songs glorify Christ"

Now, some reading this may wonder what beef I could have with that? Simple: it's not that simple. When I would be invited to speak to youth groups about music, I was very clear about why the above stance is wrong--it's way too simple. Way too easy. Way too wrong! When I asked the kids to raise their hands if they liked to sing "Happy Birthday" at parties, all hands went up. "Ok, is that a Christian song?" I would ask next. "Um, no, not really." How about no, not at all--not even close. It is JUST A SONG. It's a song people sing when it's someone's birthday. It is not satanic. It is not Christian. And, if one would actually take the time and effort to engage their brain long enough to realize that if there is a song playing on the radio about horses, it does not, CAN NOT fall into the "either or" category of Christian or satanic. It is simply a song about horses.

It would be so nice if life were black and white all the time. We really wouldn't have to "wrestle" with those gray areas that don't easily fit into our little boxes.
On my Facebook page, where it asks for my political affiliation, I put the word "hybrid". No, that doesn't mean I'm driving a Prius. It means that I am a registered republican who is pro-life, but against the death penalty. What a terrible republican I am! Arnold is a hybrid. Many republicans feel he is a democratic wolf in sheep's clothing. Bush was a republican, but many republicans called out his immigration policies as being WAY too liberal.

Labels are convenient. Labels are easy. But labels don't always tell the full story.
I am so sick and tired of our two-party system. Yes, there are other parties out there, but let's face it. We have backed ourselves into a corner as a country when it comes to political races. If you're not one or the other, you don't have a chance.

People who attempt to label me usually come up a bit frustrated. I am thankful for that. I am who I am. Somewhere in the middle, you'll find me . . . .

-John Smeby (Sunday Night / FreedomUp)

josh garrels

2009-05-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

josh garrels is scheduled to be @ freedomup on aug 16, 2009

here's a video clip of the last time josh was in CA at RHS in Oct '08

England (spring break '09)

2009-05-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

I decided to go to England for spring break, with my friend Carissa, since the airline tickets were too cheap to pass up. We flew into Manchester, in northern England, on our way to Bradford, to stay with my friends, Sam and Hannah Stockill. Hannah and I have been friends since our first semester at the Bible College in Vajta, Hungary, before she even met Sam. We served together at the Bible College as interns after we both finished the Missions Training Program. She moved to Harrogate, England to serve in the church there for a year before Sam came home from Hungary and married her. They now live in Bradford, his home town, in a Muslim neighborhood. They have a heart to serve and bring Jesus' love to the Muslims, homeless, and prostitutes in their community. They, along with a handful of other families and couples, including Sam's parents, have recently started a house church in Bradford, with a vision to see God's Spirit poured out in their city and for revival to spring up. It was so encouraging to be apart of their Bible studies and prayer meeting, and hear how the Lord has been working in their hearts, bringing FREEDOM and GRACE were there was once bondage and legalism in their walks and ministries. It was amazing to share together and realize the same work God is doing in the hearts of the believers in the Inland Empire, He is doing there too, teaching us to be freed up in Him.

We also were able to go up York and visit the Bible College campus there. A friend from my work, Macy Mercardo, made a decision to walk with Jesus this past summer and is attending his first semester at the Bible College there. It was awesome to see him and hear how he is falling in love with Jesus, growing in the Word, and enjoying life! He is serving in a church, two hours from the campus on the weekends with my friend Lindsay Kennedy. Lindsay and I served together this summer in Sarbogard, Hungary, after he had started going to Bible College in Vajta. At the beginning of this year, he and his parents, who were serving at the conference center in Austria all moved to the York campus. His dad is teaching Hebrews there once a week and his mom is making amazing home cooked meals for those students that haven't yet figured out that Ramon and coffee is not a healthy diet! It was sweet to be reunited with them, as they are long time family friends of mine. They are originally from Western Australia, and are faithfully following the Lord has He moves them around Europe, teaching the Word, cleaning bathrooms and loving people. They are praying about moving up to Scotland eventually, but are loving York for the time being.
Our last stop included meeting up with one of my favorite missionaries in England, Daniel Arnold, serving in CC Docklands, London. Our parents are very close friends, so we have been close friends for a very long time as well. It has been a continual blessing and encouragement to visit him in London the past few years, and hangout with him whenever he comes home to visit. I love visiting London because there are so many awesome Bible studies going on there, and I always end up meeting amazing people with a heart for sharing God's love with people and the fellowship always truly sweet. This time we met up with a guy names Mark that is desiring to start up a fellowship in Nottinghill called Reality London. He and his wife, Lizzy just moved to that area recently and have started a prayer meeting on Thursday for the city, and are waiting to see what the Lord does through it. Nottinghill is home to one of the largest carnivals in Europe that is comparable to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. There are tons of people everyday that walk through the market place, being filled with music and art and food, but we want to see them be filled with Jesus!
My favorite thing about churches and families I meet in England is that they aren't there to show people how to "do church", but they are there to love people and share God's grace with them. Please pray for the people and ministries I've shared with you, as there is a huge stronghold in England, a lot of darkness in the air. There are tons of huge beautiful churches that are no longer a place of worship and light, but cold and Godless. Pray that the Holy Spirit would empower the believers there to walk in grace and keep sharing Him with those around them!

-Melanie Lunt
(from Sunday Night 'Freedom-Up')

Easter Sunrise Service

2009-04-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

remember

2009-04-08T09:46:00.001-07:00

Newsboys at the Packinghouse 3/20/09

2009-03-23T22:33:00.000-07:00

He reigns

breakfast

drums @ end of breakfast

stay strong

In The Light

2009-03-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

Unedited Interview w/ Duncan Phillips

2009-03-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

Interview w/ Duncan Phillips of the Newsboys on 2/20/09
UNEDITED RAW (possible some misinterpreted & misspelled words)

JASON: This is Jason…

DUNCAN: Jason, this is Duncan Phillips, how are you?

JASON: Duncan Phillips, how are ya brotha?

DUNCAN: Uh doing great man.

JASON: Yeah very cool man, so you ready for some questions..

DUNCAN: Oh yeah, shoot.

JASON: What was it like growing up in Queensland, Australia?

DUNCAN: It was great, a bit like Hawaii. I’ve been to Hawaii and it really reminds me of Australia. There’s a lot of sugar cane, a lot of pineapple farms, bananas and that real kind of tropical stuff ya know. We’d go surfing every day. As as kid I grew up playing music, piano, keyboard and drums. I had a real passion for drums, playing on the weekends and wherever I could. But wanting to take it further I first came to the States I think it was back in ’87. We just came for a few weeks and found it was such a different market, everything was so big, so much more of everything, it just freaked us out. We came from this little surf town in Australia.
Australia is a Western country but nothing like the U.S. When we first came we saw these cars that were bigger than houses, the servings of food were just massive. We wanted to come as soon as we could and work on another record.

JASON: What do you think is one of the biggest misconceptions about Australia?

DUNCAN: Kangaroos jumping down the main street (laughter). The great thing about Australia for Americans is that there’s enough things to feel comfortable but different enough to feel like you’re in another country. The people are great, they’re very laid back, too much sometimes. It’s just really a great place to raise up kids and spend some time.

JASON: Do you ever see yourself going back?

DUNCAN: Uh, not really.. what’s fun is when I go back there now it feels like a holiday destination other than where I live, it’s really weird. I think your home becomes where you hang your hat and I hang my hat in Nashville, Tennesee for the last 16 years. I married an American girl, all my kids we’re born here. Would I like to go back to Australia a lot? Yeah absolutely, but to live there.. maybe not at this point in my life anyway.

JASON: So you’ve been in the Newboys for 16 years now? What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from that experience so far?

DUNCAN: Oh my gosh, that’s a big question… I think doing what we do makes you dig deep. Life on the road is not easy, it’s very hard. I think people see you on stage every night and think your life is the best, which it is. But certain propensity to touring that just have to have. Some band members in the past, great players and good friends of ours, they just couldn’t stomach the road. You’re really out of your comfort zone, you really don’t get much time to yourself, you’re away from family and what you know. All pretty much during anytime of the day you do an interview, to meet someone, a meet and greet and that’s okay. That’s apart of it but most people wrestle with that. That’s something you learn the more you do it. I think if you really love doing what you do which we do..that’s just apart of it. Being away from home I miss my wife and family. It’s definitely a sacrifice part to what we do. What people don’t see sometime Jason is my little girls beggin me, ‘Daddy don’t leave, don’t’ leave’. Of course when you do leave the air conditioning breaks down, the car breaks down, some kind of catrastrophe seems to happen.

JASON: That’s interesting you mention that, I see some similarities there to a lot of peoples lives. I think one of the enemies tactics he’s using is this ‘wear down effect’. To wear them down to the point where they’ve got nothing left to give. You’re doing this long consistent giving out. What are some tips you can give us to have that longevity going.

DUNCAN: That’s a great question Jason…sometimes you just have to relax and be still and know that He is God. I think we’re so busy even with church stuff, we can go to Tuesday Night church, Wednesday Night church, Friday Night church, Saturday Night and be too much. We we’re called to go to church 5 times a day and I’m not saying that you shouldn’t do that extra stuff at church. Turn the T.V. off, spend some time with family, slowing things down. Our culture is so anti spending time with our Creator. What I do from time to time while I’m doing stuff is really think about the Word. It talks about in the Word about feasting daily on the Word. It’s not just a nice thing to say, there’s actually a reason why. If I’m starting to feel a bit worn down I’ll just get into the Word and it really really does keep you alive. Two months ago, I was so stress and busy and I was watching the news every night, listening to the misery the news puts out. I was really down and thinking this is just not me. I realized bad news makes news. 90% of the news out there is just bad and it’s just more news worthy for some reason. I’ll just chuck the news off now and spend some time with my family, listen to a tape or read the Word and I’ll guarantee you, your outlook in a few days will change.

JASON: Yeah totally. What do you think of musicians that are in the public eye so much and connect with people on stage but then off stage to be more reclusive and feel a bit isolated.

DUNCAN: There’s a real temptation. I know that after a show personally, I feel like I’ve given my all, I’ve given all that I’ve got today. It’s still seems somebody want something more. It’s tough, you’ve got to get past yourself almost and say ‘you know what.. I’m so blessed to be doing what I’m doing for about 20 years with fans behind us and supported us through all these times. It beats diggin’ ditches, I know because I’ve done it for a long time. I think it happens when you get a little bit older. But that time after maybe the only time I ever get to meet you. Sometimes it might be that thrity seconds that you share with someone that can really change their lives. Not that I’m anyone special at all, but at times, you can say a few sentences, a few words and it can mean everything to that person at that time in their lives. I’m very aware now because you don’t know who you’re talking to. I make it a point now as much as I can just to be cordial, poilite and as available as I can.

JASON: What would be some good advice for some young bands coming up?

DUNCAN: On the musical side.. just practice, practice, practice. Just get better at your craft. Get in your wood shed and go nuts. Just play wherever you can. If it’s at your sisters birthday party, play there. That’s what we did when we first started, we played wherever we could. For us, we just loved to play music, that’s what we did and played wherever we could. On the spiritual side, faith is very practical. Don’t believe just because your parents do or your friends do, just seek for yourself. I think there’s a lot of Christian kids grown up in Christian homes and their not sure what they believe. Apart of that is just getting down on your knees in your bedroom and saying, “Lord I don’t even know if You’re out there.. If You are real, I just ask that You’d reveal Yourself to me.” And He will, I guarantee that He will. He’s loyal, He’s faithful and He will. And on the other hand, it’s getting a good crew around you, that’s what’s helped me big time. I really understand it’s the people you hang with, eventually you’ll become like them. If you hang around a bunch of just aloof kids, you’ll become one. You can’t help it. You get hanging around a bunch of kids that are looking out for you, they got your back. They’re there to support you and look out for you. You become great. That was my thing, I’ve got an incredible group of men around me that love me and they want me to be great. So I know if they say something to me, “Hey Duncan, we need to talk about this or that.” I don’t take offense to it, I actually encourage it. I’ll say, “Really, I didn’t notice that. Thanks man I really appreciate it. And I think if you have that heart, that teachable heart.. I’m not saying that I always do or that it’s easy. That’s what I want to be. So get a good crew around you that really watch your back. Because when those guys say something to you it’s not going to be wacky, it’s going to be something that’s going to make you great.

JASON: What’s unique about the Newsboys?

DUNCAN: I think musically we have a very unique sound. I don’t think there’s any other band mainstream or Christian that sounds like us and I’m very proud of that. I think we’ve got a great group of guys around us, we’ve got incredible pastorship us, we’ve got a manager that’s managed us for twenty years. We’re very fortunate to have great management, great songs, great tour personel. Even when we’re off the road I’ll be at my tour manager’s house or he’ll be at my house you know. That’s how tight we are. I think when you’ve got that kind of group around you nothings impossible.

JASON: Speaking about music, we see music influencing people so much. What’s the thing about music and how it influences a society?

DUNCAN: I think music is incredibly powerful. I think it hits us in the spirit. It hits us where we really can’t dissect it. I think the thing is with what we do is that we use this medium to really go past your ears. I think part of the reason why our fans are so allured, it’s not just music for us. It’s something that goes a lot deeper, it hits people in their spirit. If you’re preaching drugs, sex and rock and roll.. it’s still preaching and you’re preaching that down people throats. You listen to that enough, it does effect you. I guarantee you. It makes me laugh when all these video game people say, ‘ahh it’s just a game.’ Then you find that some kid that was into all these crazy games ended up shoot up his school. ‘Oh we don’t take any responsibility, it’s just a game’. No it’s not. If you feed on that day in and day out. If you’re shooting people with no recourse, it’s just a natural step to do it for real. It’s so important what you look at, what you’re listening to, what you read, what you feast on. It effects you so incredibly. So anyway, that’s my little two cents worth.

JASON: When I look at the culture of Australia.. you look at bands like Midnight Oil, INXS, Men At Work, AC/DC. How do you think those bands have effected the country?

DUNCAN: I think they really have. When I first started listening to music in the early 80’s for me it was Midnight Oil, INXS.. I was a huge fan. There was no Christian music coming to Australia. So musically they effected me a lot. You can probably here it. Probably the ‘GO’ record more than any other record we’ve done. I had ‘Listen Like Thieves’, ‘The Swing’ and all those INXS records. Midnight Oil records incredibly impacted my life back in those days musically and I think it still does. I think you have a first love music, music you first started listing to when you were a kid. They were just great bands, I had a chance to see INXS a few times, they were just a great band. Michael Hutchence, as a performer.. I mean what they sung about was a bit flakey but as a band they were incredible.

JASON: Yeah and you see case of what their singing about and the effect in his own life of overdose.

DUNCAN: That’s right, exactly. As great as they were and as great as their records were it still didn’t help. So music isn’t the answer. It’s what’s behind, it’s what’s being portrayed along with the music that’s a help. I think music is the packaging.. it’s the packaging for what’s really inside it. There’s a lot of great music out there. The package is incredible but inside it stinks.

JASON: What’s a highlight for you at a Newsboys concert?

DUNCAN: Oh man.. probably have to say when we got to play China. Last year we got to play in China and that was amazing. I never thought I’d get to walk the Great Wall of China but I did. They were so hungry, so hungry for the Word. Russia, we got to play Russia last year that was awesome, that was a trip, same thing there. I don’t if we’ll have a chance to go back there. We got to play in front of 50,000 Muslims in Morocco. That was an experience I’ll never forget. It seems like where the dark gets darker the light shines brighter you know. That was one of those shows where you can sense more than I ever sensed before the power of the Lord go over that crowd. I really believe that were people there doing things I’ve never seen before in the spirit realm. Also we got to play Israel on the Sea of Galilea right on the banks where probably in that area where Jesus would have walked from time to time. We were actually playing at a New Age Festival, I don’t know how we got to play there. The promoter didn’t know who we were, the fans didn’t know who we were but we got a few songs in that thing. I can’t explain to you, when the Israeli’s heard our stuff it connected with in a way they didn’t understand. It was a crazy thing to experience but they loved it and want us back and would say, “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe you guys.” The promoter had a cigar in one hand and a beer in the other saying, “I can believe you effin guys, you were effing amazing. It was just two world coming together that usually don’t. You know Jason it was real genuinity. It wasn’t something we contrived or something showing or something wacky. It was just real Christianity, you now, just real Christianity being in the world face on. When that happens it’s an awesome thing. People look for weather they realize it or not, that’s really what they’re looking for. They’re looking for major. They’re looking for it in all these other ways, drugs, youth group. What they’re really looking for is something major. When they come face to face with it really works Makes within them and it really blesses them in a pure way…

JASON: What is something Duncan Philips is passionate about?

DUNCAN: I think as you(we) get a little bit older, (I) you start to think about lately. I don’t want to be known as just a good guy, great drums in a great band. I want to be know in a hundred years time. that he did extremely effect people. Hopefully the music still will be. That’s part of the reason what drives this ‘Tribe Tour’. Right now and Basically we’re encouraging people to join and become affiliated with ‘Global Tribe’. Go globally basically and (help)love people, we build houses, we build orphanages, all over the world. But we need your help. It’s just an (in)credible way that hopefully in a hundred years time this thing will still be rockin after I’m long gone ….yeah that’s the thing …when you can put food in someone’s belly and a roof over their head, their much more umm siseptable to listen to what you have to say, you know what I mean…huh, I think umm and its biblical scripture you know to help the widows and the poor, I think that’s christianitly 101 that’s when the church maybe has just forgotten a little bit about , it actually ends up blessing you just as much as them, because whenever I’ve gone on a missions trip you know, you just come back changed and uh if you get thru someones head thru their belly it changes them obviously in a real legitimate way and uh most of what we do after we build a house or after we do something to that affect you know we go back up there and come in and take them thru like an initial 101 Christianity course, so it’s ajust great thing and that were terribly excited about, and also on a personal note too, if I could say this ,Jason, I personally want to really reconnect the fans I think as we…. got busier and busier and umm you know just the business of life, having a young family and touring the fans sometimes relationships suffer so what I’ve done is actually set up a website its just www.drphillip.net its my attempt to reconnect with fans where I can get on there and blog and I’m going to be uploading photos its actually still under construction but I’m just getting up and running, also utube, facebook, twitter, and flicker, I’m uploading photos all the time, people can get on twitter, every day I will get on there and send out effiescence tour with all my thoughts on twitter, its just great like technology is so awesome its just a great way, some of the responses in fact I get from people are so great that I wouldn’t get usually here, but because I can sit on my computer and I can converse with people and hear what they want to say, what they want to hear is just a really incredible medium to attract..yeah so that’s what I’m trying to do on a personal note to try to reconnect with our fans and try to get that back out to where (we(it) should be)

March update

2009-03-01T00:36:00.000-08:00

New edition of Freedom-Up's Magazine will be posted soon featuring March's featured artist, Laura Earll. Laura is a photographer/journalist and will be featured in the Artists Square for 3 weeks beginning March 15th. Join us Sunday Nights as we study through the book of Acts. Also if you've never ventured out for our prayer meeting & Bible discussion at 5pm in the prayer room before service, you should come and check it out.

Artist Reception w/ Rich Lopez

2009-02-17T13:03:00.000-08:00

this next Sunday Night immediately following the service at 8:00pm in lobby at the Packinghouse. Rich Lopez from the Orange Grove Artist Community will be throwing a pot on his potters wheel and have a few more pieces for showing as we interview him and get the story behind the work.

Newsboys Accident

2009-02-02T15:40:00.000-08:00

(story about the Newsboys)

With the upcoming Newsboys concert at the Packinghouse on March 20th, I'm reminded of a encounter with them about 19 years ago.. (wow was it that long ago?)

It was 1990 I believe, mid summer in Redlands. Reality Rock hosted it's 6th annual 'Rock of Love' concert at the Redlands Bowl with SFC (soldiers for Christ), Adam Again, Undercover and this new band that nobody really new about from Australia called, the Newsboys. The concert circuit was still very much of a mom and pop shop type of business and bands would stay in host homes rather than hotels. It was my job to drive a few of the band members to the airport for their return flight the day after the concert. I didn't have a car at the time so I borrowed my friends car which I believe was a Toyota Corolla or a some sort of Datsun.

I only needed to go as far as Ontario Airport which wasn't too bad... and we're driving on the 10 freeway heading to the airport in the Fontana area I think by Sierra Ave. I grabbed a greeting card from the center console and handed it to Peter Furler and said something like, "and this is the card for you to sign for the family you stayed with.." and bam! All the traffic came to a dead stop and we slammed into the van with all the equipment that my friends mom was driving. No brakes, Peter hit his head on the winshield, the front end of the car was an accordion. We pulled over on the side of the road, got out, took a look at everything. A lot of.. 'Awe mate' and stuff like that was said. Peter and the boys just piled in the van with all the equipment to make the flight time and I was left on the freeway.

I realized it was actually drivable, so I drove it back to Redlands to return the car back to my friend, John. I did call him and let him know I got into a little accident and he said, "Oh wow.. really. So how bad is it?" I said, 'Yeah, pretty bad". The drive back had different scenario's running through my head of what his response would be after seeing it. He was a mellow guy and never showed a temper, but I totaled his car! That's always the worst feeling, when you've totally messed something up and you have to face the music and come clean with the truth. Growing up I would always make up some story of how something broke and it wasn't my fault at all out of fear of wrath or failure or something. What happens quite a bit within all of us is this impulse to lie and cover up a situation that we really messed up. Weather it'd be on the job or in a relationship or whatever.

I drove with the headlight hanging by a cord and front end just completely smashed to John's place. He came out to check it out and just said, "Wow that things really messed up huh?," and started laughing. I was trippin' out. I think this was the first time I had seen a Christian's response to stuff, just being stuff. He was actually more concerned that everyone was okay than his stuff being messed up. I was totally relieved. I also saw the heart of God in forgiveness and grace. My friend could have really given it to me and given me a guilt trip. None of that happened.

Somehow I've had the picture that God is always upset with me and disappointed when I can't perform perfection. The grace of God brings freedom, forgiveness, and wipes away fear. I love it.

-Jason

the Vision

2009-01-30T11:03:00.000-08:00

If you’ve attended the Packinghouse for a while you have probably noticed that we have an unusually large deposit of musicians involved in ministry to the church.

Their rhythms, melodies and harmonies have been used in melting our hearts, opening our souls, and lifting us up in the Spirit before our God! How blessed we are!

On Sunday Nights we have dreamed lately of what it might be like to expand the platform upon which called artists (of all kinds) could bring their gifts for the enrichment of the church

We look forward, Lord willing, as with color and texture and light and sound and perhaps even with flavors, the Gospel of Christ is further adorned in our midst, to His glory (Titus 2:10).

Whether it is onto a canvas, or into a block of marble.
Whether upon a potters wheel, or through a lens…

Whether it is even out of an oven, or through a hard drive.

The Lord has given each one of us a gift (Ephesians 4) through which He desires to use us to reveal to all the others another facet of His goodness and kindness and beauty and glory… as each part does it’s share. (Ephesians 4:7)

Here in the first edition of Freedom-Up and the following scheduled exhibitions, is our first step in expanding the platform: Enjoy and be blessed, Pastor Greg.

Dead for 30 minutes

2009-01-21T15:03:00.000-08:00