I had a fresh reminder this morning about how important it is for us to stay connected to "the vine". Sometimes it's very easy to get caught up in the busyness of our lives, and forget that, without Jesus, we can do nothing..... nothing that is worthwhile or makes a difference in eternity.....
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”- John 15:5,8
Whatever It Takes,
Chip Moody
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Weekend In Review!
A very special thanks to the dozens of volunteers who made our first weekend of "Christmas At Skipstone" a huge success. While we don't know exactly how many guests we had, we do know that several hundred folks were here each night. I don't think I've ever seen so many funnel cakes in my life!
Paintball The Elf was probably our most popular activity. We had a couple of our staff members cruising the lake in a pontoon boat and gave guests the opportunity to fire paintballs at "the elf". It was hilarious (at least to me, since I wasn't the elf!).
Our ziplines were packed both nights for the full four hours. I'm guessing that we had at least 400 zipline riders the first two nights combined.
The kids area was also buzzing with activity with three or four bounce units and a couple of giant slides. The little ones seemed to have a blast over there as well as riding the train around the lake and back.
The dining hall was full of vendors with some very unique handcrafted items, as well as plants, jewelery, clothing, etc. It was a great chance for a lot of our guests to pick up some great gifts.
Most of the 300,000 lights stayed lit all weekend, although I'm not sure we could have plugged in another 50 light set because we were using just about every amp of power we had!
We'll be doing it all over again this weekend if you missed it the first time. Check out the "Christmas At Skipstone" link on our homepage for more information.
I hope everyone has a great week!
Whatever It Takes,
Chip Moody
Paintball The Elf was probably our most popular activity. We had a couple of our staff members cruising the lake in a pontoon boat and gave guests the opportunity to fire paintballs at "the elf". It was hilarious (at least to me, since I wasn't the elf!).
Our ziplines were packed both nights for the full four hours. I'm guessing that we had at least 400 zipline riders the first two nights combined.
The kids area was also buzzing with activity with three or four bounce units and a couple of giant slides. The little ones seemed to have a blast over there as well as riding the train around the lake and back.
The dining hall was full of vendors with some very unique handcrafted items, as well as plants, jewelery, clothing, etc. It was a great chance for a lot of our guests to pick up some great gifts.
Most of the 300,000 lights stayed lit all weekend, although I'm not sure we could have plugged in another 50 light set because we were using just about every amp of power we had!
We'll be doing it all over again this weekend if you missed it the first time. Check out the "Christmas At Skipstone" link on our homepage for more information.
I hope everyone has a great week!
Whatever It Takes,
Chip Moody
It's Time To Wake Up!
We had a great unexpected blessing to our weekend by getting some last minute tickets to the Casting Crowns Christmas Concert at Phillips Arena last night. I have their new Christmas album, and have really enjoyed listening to it, but to hear it live and understand the stories behind the songs made for a very memorable time. One of the songs that Mark Hall talked about was "O Little Town Of Bethlehem". I guess I had never really considered what that song was all about. His rendition and explanation brought a whole new meaning to the song for me......
Oh little town of Bethlehem Looks like another silent night
Above your deep and dreamless sleep A giant star lights up the sky
And while you’re lying in the dark There shines an everlasting light
For the King has left His throne And is sleeping in a manger tonight
Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
For God became a man And stepped into your world today
Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping While you were sleeping
Oh little town of Jerusalem Looks like another silent night
The Father gave His only Son The Way, the Truth, the Life had come
But there was no room for Him in the world He came to save
Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today
Jerusalem, you will go down in history As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping While you were sleeping
United States of America Looks like another silent night
As we’re sung to sleep by philosophies That save the trees and kill the children
And while we’re lying in the dark There’s a shout heard ‘cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned And has carried His bride away in the night
America, what will we miss while we are sleeping Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history As a nation with no room for its King
Will we be sleeping Will we be sleeping
Behind the Song:“I set out to set the classic hymn “Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem” to new music and, in the process, rediscovered the song and its message. They slept through it. Bethlehem missed the birth of the Savior of the world. Jerusalem did the same with Jesus’ ministry among them. Seems crazy – til we as a nation look in the mirror.” - Mark Hall (Casting Crowns)
Wake Up America!
Whatever It Takes,
Chip Moody
Oh little town of Bethlehem Looks like another silent night
Above your deep and dreamless sleep A giant star lights up the sky
And while you’re lying in the dark There shines an everlasting light
For the King has left His throne And is sleeping in a manger tonight
Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
For God became a man And stepped into your world today
Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping While you were sleeping
Oh little town of Jerusalem Looks like another silent night
The Father gave His only Son The Way, the Truth, the Life had come
But there was no room for Him in the world He came to save
Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today
Jerusalem, you will go down in history As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping While you were sleeping
United States of America Looks like another silent night
As we’re sung to sleep by philosophies That save the trees and kill the children
And while we’re lying in the dark There’s a shout heard ‘cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned And has carried His bride away in the night
America, what will we miss while we are sleeping Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history As a nation with no room for its King
Will we be sleeping Will we be sleeping
Behind the Song:“I set out to set the classic hymn “Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem” to new music and, in the process, rediscovered the song and its message. They slept through it. Bethlehem missed the birth of the Savior of the world. Jerusalem did the same with Jesus’ ministry among them. Seems crazy – til we as a nation look in the mirror.” - Mark Hall (Casting Crowns)
Wake Up America!
Whatever It Takes,
Chip Moody
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Countdown To Christmas At Skipstone Begins!
With less than 36 hours until Christmas At Skipstone kicks off, it would Be fair to say that we are all feeling a little anxious. While the bulk of the work is done, as my grandmother would say "the devil is in the details". We still have a LOT of details to handle today in preparation for a "practice run tonight.
We added a new "pole tree" at the entrance yesterday. It's over 30 feet tall and is absolutely stunning. I built it with the new LED lights that are out this year and I must say...."I'm Impressed". It has over 2000 lights on it and almost 700 feet of wire. It will be hard for anyone to drive by without wanting to stop in for a closer look!
As I pondered and ultimately surrendered my anxious heart this morning, this verse really spoke to me....
Phillipians 4:4-7
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
We have several items that need to be picked up today and tomorrow and we are looking for someone who can pull a trailer (we have truck & trailer) who can pick up canned drinks, an ATV, a boat, etc. If you can help, please let us know.
We also need 3-4 wired microphones and 3-4 microphone stands for our Celebration Stage. If you have access to these things that we could borrow, please call the office 770-227-8966 or email me at chipmoody@bellsouth.net .
Thank you Lord for promising peace to guard my anxious heart these next 36 hours.
Whatever It Takes,
Chip Moody
We added a new "pole tree" at the entrance yesterday. It's over 30 feet tall and is absolutely stunning. I built it with the new LED lights that are out this year and I must say...."I'm Impressed". It has over 2000 lights on it and almost 700 feet of wire. It will be hard for anyone to drive by without wanting to stop in for a closer look!
As I pondered and ultimately surrendered my anxious heart this morning, this verse really spoke to me....
Phillipians 4:4-7
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
We have several items that need to be picked up today and tomorrow and we are looking for someone who can pull a trailer (we have truck & trailer) who can pick up canned drinks, an ATV, a boat, etc. If you can help, please let us know.
We also need 3-4 wired microphones and 3-4 microphone stands for our Celebration Stage. If you have access to these things that we could borrow, please call the office 770-227-8966 or email me at chipmoody@bellsouth.net .
Thank you Lord for promising peace to guard my anxious heart these next 36 hours.
Whatever It Takes,
Chip Moody
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Be A "Gift" To Someone This Christmas
We had a great day yesterday. It was really cold outside, but we managed to get most of the big lights ups and got a lot of loose ends tied up. I really want to thank all of our staff and volunteers for your response to our need for help. We've had great support so far!
I talked with two friends yesterday who are really struggling this holiday season. One owns a small business that is struggling, and the other is without work and is extremely discouraged. As I was praying for these two families, I was reminded through my devotional today about how we are to respond to situations like this.....
Proverbs 3:27-28 CEV
27Do all you can for everyone who deserves your help.
28Don't tell your neighbor to come back tomorrow,if you can help today.
I hope that you are planning to be a blessing to someone this holiday season with even the smallest gift of your time, talents, or treasures. Most of us, even if we are struggling, are still BLESSED far beyond what we deserve.
There are still openings for volunteers this weekend for Christmas At Skipstone.The areas we need help are:
General Drivers (army truck..must be 25 or older and trustworthy)
General Riders (must be fun)
Parking (must have good arms to give directions)
Welcomers (must be happy, fun & sweet)
Fire Tenders (must be able to keep a fire going)
Kids' Games Workers (must love kids)
Adventure Games (must love kids)
Food (must love funnel cakes)
Book Fair (must love books)
If you can help in any of these areas for a 2 hour block on Friday or Saturday, please email shondimoody@bellsouth.net or call and tell Carolyn 770-227-8966 today. Thanks so much for your help!!!
Whatever It Takes,
Chip Moody
I talked with two friends yesterday who are really struggling this holiday season. One owns a small business that is struggling, and the other is without work and is extremely discouraged. As I was praying for these two families, I was reminded through my devotional today about how we are to respond to situations like this.....
Proverbs 3:27-28 CEV
27Do all you can for everyone who deserves your help.
28Don't tell your neighbor to come back tomorrow,if you can help today.
I hope that you are planning to be a blessing to someone this holiday season with even the smallest gift of your time, talents, or treasures. Most of us, even if we are struggling, are still BLESSED far beyond what we deserve.
There are still openings for volunteers this weekend for Christmas At Skipstone.The areas we need help are:
General Drivers (army truck..must be 25 or older and trustworthy)
General Riders (must be fun)
Parking (must have good arms to give directions)
Welcomers (must be happy, fun & sweet)
Fire Tenders (must be able to keep a fire going)
Kids' Games Workers (must love kids)
Adventure Games (must love kids)
Food (must love funnel cakes)
Book Fair (must love books)
If you can help in any of these areas for a 2 hour block on Friday or Saturday, please email shondimoody@bellsouth.net or call and tell Carolyn 770-227-8966 today. Thanks so much for your help!!!
Whatever It Takes,
Chip Moody
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Brrgh..... Frost On The Ground At Skipstone!
There is a heavy frost on the ground at Skipstone this morning, but the work on "Christmas At Skipstone" continues. Today I'm picking up a 45ft bucket lift to build our BIG Christmas tree displays and tidy up on some of the high lights.
I hope that everyone will make time to join us for this very special event. Admission is free and there are free tickets with information at many area locations including Maxi-Lube, Truett's Grill, Internal Medicine of Griffin, Buddy's Tire & Service Center, Curry's Collision Center, Heaven 2 Earth, El Charro, American Pie Pizzeria, Souhern Pit BBQ, Serendipity, Clothesline, and many others. You can also find information on our website at skipstoneadventures.com
Here is a really cool devtional I picked up this morning by C.H. Spurgeon...
Our Holiest Example
"I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved" (Psalm 16:8).
This is the way to live. With God always before us, we shall have the noblest companionship, the holiest example, the sweetest consolation, and the mightiest influence. This must be a resolute act of the mind. "I have set," and it must be maintained as a set and settled thing. Always to have an eye to the LORD's eye and an ear for the LORD's voice--this is the right state for the godly man. His God is near him, filling the horizon of his vision, leading the way of his life, and furnishing the theme of his meditation. What vanities we should avoid, what sins we should overcome, what virtues we should exhibit, what joys we should experience if we did indeed set the LORD always before us! Why not? This is the way to be safe. The LORD being ever in our minds, we come to feel safety and certainty because of His being so near. He is at our right hand to guide and aid us; and hence we are not moved by fear, nor force, nor fraud, nor fickleness. When God stands at a man's right hand, that man is himself sure to stand. Come on, then, ye foemen of the truth! Rush against me like a furious tempest, if ye will. God upholds me. God abides with me. Whom shall I fear?
I hope that everyone will make time to join us for this very special event. Admission is free and there are free tickets with information at many area locations including Maxi-Lube, Truett's Grill, Internal Medicine of Griffin, Buddy's Tire & Service Center, Curry's Collision Center, Heaven 2 Earth, El Charro, American Pie Pizzeria, Souhern Pit BBQ, Serendipity, Clothesline, and many others. You can also find information on our website at skipstoneadventures.com
Here is a really cool devtional I picked up this morning by C.H. Spurgeon...
Our Holiest Example
"I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved" (Psalm 16:8).
This is the way to live. With God always before us, we shall have the noblest companionship, the holiest example, the sweetest consolation, and the mightiest influence. This must be a resolute act of the mind. "I have set," and it must be maintained as a set and settled thing. Always to have an eye to the LORD's eye and an ear for the LORD's voice--this is the right state for the godly man. His God is near him, filling the horizon of his vision, leading the way of his life, and furnishing the theme of his meditation. What vanities we should avoid, what sins we should overcome, what virtues we should exhibit, what joys we should experience if we did indeed set the LORD always before us! Why not? This is the way to be safe. The LORD being ever in our minds, we come to feel safety and certainty because of His being so near. He is at our right hand to guide and aid us; and hence we are not moved by fear, nor force, nor fraud, nor fickleness. When God stands at a man's right hand, that man is himself sure to stand. Come on, then, ye foemen of the truth! Rush against me like a furious tempest, if ye will. God upholds me. God abides with me. Whom shall I fear?
Monday, December 1, 2008
WOW - What A Morning!
I guess God knew I needed a little something extra today as we get back into the groove with school starting back and the pressure of completing preparations for Christmas At Skipstone this week. Take a minute to watch this clip I found this morning....
I pray this challenges you as it did me this morning. Here a passage I read as part of my devotional this morning that really spoke to me too....
From Psalm 61: 1-4 NLT
1 O God, listen to my cry!Hear my prayer!
2 From the ends of the earth,I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety,
3 for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
4 Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!
Have a BLESSED week!
Whatever It Takes,
Chip Moody
I pray this challenges you as it did me this morning. Here a passage I read as part of my devotional this morning that really spoke to me too....
From Psalm 61: 1-4 NLT
1 O God, listen to my cry!Hear my prayer!
2 From the ends of the earth,I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety,
3 for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
4 Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!
Have a BLESSED week!
Whatever It Takes,
Chip Moody
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