If we worship with abandon, it may look and sound like this to others, but oh, how it captures the Father’s heart.

Green Bottle Fly by JPCTalbot on Flickr

Distract comes from the word “distrahere” which means to draw apart. Today has been a day of major distraction. There’s alot of new on the plate. Schedules are going to change and demands will definitely increase. It seems like the narrower your focus the more things feel like distractions, things that pull you apart from what you are trying to do or be. One thing that’s important to remember, “If you’re distracted by flies, don’t rub syrup on your face.”
Sometimes the best way to avoid being distracted is to stay away from things that distract you.

Here’s my class schedule at SWIC starting on the 24th of August. Looking forward to it and very nervous at the same time.

Monday
9:00 am – 9:50 – Intro to American Government
10:00 – 10:50 – Introductory Sociology

Tuesday
8:00 – 9:50 – Basic Algebra
11:00 – 12:15 – Rhetoric & Composition
12:30 – 1:45 – Art Appreciation

Wednesday
9:00 am – 9:50 – Intro to American Government
10:00 – 10:50 – Introductory Sociology

Thursday
8:00 – 9:50 – Basic Algebra
11:00 – 12:15 – Rhetoric & Composition
12:30 – 1:45 – Art Appreciation

Friday

9:00 am – 9:50 – Intro to American Government
10:00 – 10:50 – Introductory Sociology

Jonathan and I are performing at the Fairmont City Library tomorrow, August 8, 2009
The summer reading theme is “On The Wild Side”. We’re doing a remake of the classic “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf. Here’s the rewrite:

Born To Be Wild | Library Rewrite
Get your motor runnin’
Head down to the library
Looking for adventure
And whatever comes our way

Yeah, maybe gonna be a pirate
Cross the desert in a camel race
Fight all of the droids at once
And fly off into space

I like art and science
Reading Harry Potter
Learnin’ ’bout the wind
And feeling like I’m smarter

Yeah, maybe gonna be a pirate
Cross the desert in a camel race
Fight all of the droids at once
And fly off into space

Learn a new ninja style
Be a king or queen for a while
When you read a book
You really ought to try

Born to be wild
Born to be wild

Yeah, we’re gonna rock the house and I’ll read a few stories. You’re welcome to join us @ 2:00 pm for this free event to promote reading.

Fairmont City Library Center
2870 North 44th Street
Fairmont City, Illinois 62201
618.482.3966

Got my Compass Test (Computer Assessment) results. I scored a 97 on the reading section, a 91 on the writing and a very low 22 on the math section. I wasn’t too surprised by my math score, though, since I haven’t been in a math class since 1990 and even then I took a low level math as a HS senior.

I will be starting as a full time student on August 22 at South Western Illinois College (Community College) and then transfer to SIUE to finish my degree in Secondary Education. My goal is to become a middle school teacher in Literature and/or History.

I then plan to go on for my Masters degree and teach at the college level.

Tinakay gave her testimony at Flashpoint for the first time. It was great to see how God has brought her so far! She’s awesome.

I will be taking my college placement test today. I haven’t been in school since 1990. I almost didn’t make it through high school due to my drug use and lifestyle back then. I feel like God has renewed my mind and I have much more capacity now, but I am still nervous.

We have decided to stay and work in the St. Louis area. Thank you for all of your prayerful support. We are looking forward to seeing God do great things in Granite City and of hearing great reports from our friends in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at Lifepoint.

Kindness is Bold

In 2007 my family moved to Granite City, IL to work with my mentor and friend, Dr. Fred Childs. The last two years have been a great time of ministry and I have had the privilege of working with him and some other great people.

There’s a difference between seeing/hearing someone speak at a conference or during a series of training sessions and working with them on a daily basis. Dr. Childs’ leadership materials and training had a great impact on my early leadership development as our paths crossed several times over the last 10 years or so. Up close, however, the attribute that has affected me most has been his kindness. Rarely do you meet and/or have the opportunity to work with someone who has this great quality.

“Kindness is bold, it changes minds and hearts without damage.”

Over the next few weeks we will be transitioning to Baton Rouge, LA to work with Donavon Hill and the Lifepoint Church family. We leave behind some great friends and look forward to making more.

So, thank you, Fred and Monica Childs, for allowing us to partner with you and Gracepoint to impact the Kingdom. We look forward to a lifetime friendship and hope for the best for our extended church family as we move forward in the kingdom.

-Armando & the Heredia Family.