JON ALLEN

I know I am always making excuses for not blogging, but this time I actually have a good excuse! I have been a little bit distracted by having a little baby boy waking up at all hours of the night, peeing all over the place, and creating new emotions and priorities in my life. JD is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen in my life (of course I am biased). We took him in for a check-up today at the doctor and he is doing really well. They were worried on Friday about him having a little bit of jaundice, but he was doing better at his appointment today and they think it will be fine. We had a really great doctor today who was very reassuring. JD is putting on weight well and has the most amazing baby mullet you have ever seen in your life. If you want to see pictures, just go to this site… http://jdallen2.shutterfly.com

I talked about this in the message this weekend, but every single time I look at him I am more blown away by how much I love him. I can’t even believe it! There is nothing like it in the whole world. Thank you to everyone for all of your prayers and well-wishes and gifts. Every bit of it has made it easier to make this transition in our life. Thank you.

Our family is finally in town (JD came early) and they are giving us a lot of love and support. But thanks to our High Rock family for all you have helped us with, you are truly our NC family. We love you all very much.

Sorry I haven’t blogged lately… I guess I am just slow. But if you remember correctly the Tortoise wins the race every time (maybe that doesn’t apply here).

I am really excited about this series we are in called Econo-Me because I think that the Devil uses finances to trip us up more than just about anything. It is a shame that most pastors don’t even want to talk about money because they are afraid of the people’s reaction. I guess I am just weird! Not only do I not mind talking about finances, I look forward to it. It gives us an opportunity to talk about priorities and really managing what God has given to us to manage. What better place to learn financial techniques than in church. If we don’t teach it, who will? VISA?!!

Unfortunately churches have gotten a bad rap when it comes to money because of greedy people in past ministries. Not only were those people hurting themselves and their churches, they hurt the Kingdom of God because they made money a taboo topic. Satan wins every time someone comes in to church and thinks, “oh, that pastor’s just trying to get my money again.” I don’t need your money! But I have a responsibility to teach what the Bible says, and the Bible says tithe! No ifs, ands, or buts. If instructing people on how to use their money based on what the Bible says is uncool, then call me Steve Urkel. We as believers need to get past our pride and greed and get on God’s train. It’s easy to make Him our Savior, not as easy to make Him our Lord.