Greg Peters Live

Last night just after 6:30 pm Denise called me and told me she was o.k. but that she had just been in an accident. On Tuesday I had the front left cv joint replaced in our ‘90 Honda Accord. Last night while driving on the Buckman Bridge, that is the huge bridge on I-295 in Jacksonville, the front left wheel seperated from the axle and only remained loosely connected to the car by what I believe is the control arm. The car then darted to the right at about a 45 degree angle and crashed up against the cement barrier. She was heading North, there are four lanes on the bridge and she was in the third lane from the right. This all happened during very busy traffic and amazingly she did not hit anyone or go over the side of the bridge. With the left front tire dangling off, the front left end immediately crashed to the ground, obviously slowing the car down very quickly – that was actually a blessing. Before I go any further, let me just say we thank the Lord for His protection! Obviously this could have been a whole lot worse!! We thank God for His unseen hand and watchcare over her! It was a crazy night with police, wrecker services, friends helping in many ways and decisions that had to be made. You have probably heard me laugh on occassion about our affinity with this car. Denise bought it brand new 20 years ago and it has over 280,000 miles on it. With a tinge of sadness the car will be released to car heavan. We texted photos to a mechanic in the church and he pronounced her DOA from his cell phone. If you would, please thank the Lord for protecting Denise – we are very grateful!!!! Denise posted some of the photos on Facebook, you can click here to see them. Once again, thank the Lord for His protection!

Just a few random things I am thankful for – no particular order

1. God’s grace and truth in my life
2. Eternity
3. My family. Denise and Seth’s love is so life giving.
4. The homemade pie a friend gave us for our 19th anniversary the other day.
5. Some real good friends!
6. A hard working, sweet spirited staff.
7. Tremendous leaders who have embraced our mission
8. Cold a/c in summer florida heat.
9. The opportunity to expand our building and reach more people.
10. Summer vacation

I am big on the little things. It goes both ways for me – it is the little things that can bug the fire out of me and it is the little things that can really bring a smile to my face. Tonight, I really enjoyed the “little things”. Seth and I were able to go hang out with a friend of mine and his son – it was boys night out. I decided to pack a cooler. After a brief stop at Winn-Dixie, off to the park we went. We were there for a little over 2 hours and the boys really had a good time – both sets! I enjoyed the weather, the shade, the conversation, reminiscing, the boys falling in the water, the lady telling us the boys were throwing mulch at each other (my favorite part of the whole night was the look on her face when we told her we knew they were and we told them it was ok), the turkey and cheese sandwich, the man telling us about when he played football back in 1975, the same man coming back and asking if we had a water to spare because he was thirsty, giving the same man our cheez-it box to go with his water, polishing off the rest of the home-made brownies Denise made last night, riding home with the windows down and the air on, telling my buddy I love him, and hearing Seth’s bedtime prayer.

All the little things in life can be such a blessing!

Rather than me give you the wallet speech, click here and get it from the guru.

During the holidays our waistlines grow and our wallets shrink. As a result, I have a few thoughts to share. Perhaps only waistlines today and wallets tomorrow.

Random thoughts on waistlines:

• To lose weight it requires a one, two punch – diet and exercise!!!!!
• I pretty much hate exercising, although I do love the positive benefits, mainly physical and emotional energy.
• I am a horrible eater – I love everything that is bad for me and hate everything good for me ( a little exageration but not much)
• Denise is trying to help me eat better.
• Some things I have eaten in the last few days – oatmeal with honey, fish with multi grain rice, celery and peanut butter, peanut butter sandwhich with 8 grain bread, scrambled eggs with hot sauce, sloopy joe with ground turkey on some wheat thin bread thing (actually was delicious), a lot of chicken. Yes, I have also had pizza, soda and some desserts but I am trying to do it in more moderation.
• Soda is so good and yet so NASTY for your health. I am drinking more water this year!
• For me the current goal is to run 10 miles a week. Last week I ran 7 and most of those were in temperatures around freezing.  Even though I didn’t hit my goal last week, I will shoot for it again this week.
• I currently weigh around 203 and would like to get to 190. Saying that makes me a little more accountable.
• Some good books I have read are – Body by God and Heart Health for Men.
• Our bodies are a gift to us from God and also His dwelling place, we need to take good care of them.
• One of the things we can give our spouses, children, friends and co-workers is a healthy self.
• You are responsible for yourself. Nobody can take care of your body but you!
• There are some of you at church who have lost some weight – Here is a SHOUT OUT to you – you look amazing! Way to go!!
• What are you doing to get healthier and trim your waistline?

In tennis, ping-pong and raquetball I like to serve – that is, I would rather be serving than be receiving the serve. I feel like I have a better chance of scoring when I am serving.

In the morning, afternoon and evening; at work, at home and with friends I like to be served. When I am being served it feels like a score, it feels like a win.

I recognize that I am more self-centered than most and I admit that.  I know that the Lord desires to continue to humble me and I need to be more of a servant. I am trying to keep one thought in mind, especially when it comes to my family (a good place to start) – How can I serve you?

How is your serve?

The following article by Dr. Gary Chapman, was passed on to me by Dr. Randy Poyner, our church counselor – enjoy:

Why is Communication So Hard?

Why does communication  break down after marriage?  Often, the answer lies in emotions.  Before marriage we felt one over-powering emotion – love.  But now, the emotions of hurt, anger, disappointment, and fear often dominate.  These emotions do not encourage us to communicate.  Or, if we communicate it is likely to be critical.

We speak out of our anger and create even more negative feelings.  The key is learning how to share emotions without condemnation.  “I’m feeling hurt and when you have time, I need your help.”  Identifying your feelings and choosing to share them is step one.  Step two is accepting the feelings of your mate and asking, “What can I do to help?”

Why is communication so important in a relationship?  Because we are not mind readers. The apostle Paul recognized this reality when he asked the question, “Who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him?  So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”  The reason we know what God is like is because God has chosen to reveal Himself.  If we listen and reciprocate, we can have a love relationship with God.

Likewise, when we reveal ourselves to another person, and they listen and reciprocate, we can build an intimate relationship with that person.  Communication is to a relationship what breathing is to the body.  Don’t stop talking and don’t stop listening.

Adapted from The Marriage You’ve Always Wanted by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Dr. Chapman’s resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.

Most everyone would agree that it ranks right up there with the dentist; the only thing is that you can share the pain love with your friends – what is it? Moving.  I heard your groan!

Denise, Seth and I are in the process of moving. Through the help of my dad and some tremedous volunteers, the place is painted-ptl! Now all we need to do is get our stuff out of storage and into the condo.  I have two amazing opportunities for you!!!  Friday at 8am we are going to have a couple man crew at Champion Self Storage at 8 am – we are just looking to move a relatively small amount - mainly beds and the like. Then Saturday we redezvous again at 8 am and move the rest. Perhaps you ask why two shifts – it all goes back to sharing the love! More people are available on Saturday, yet I need to be finished in the morning on Saturday so I can get ready for church on Sat. night.

If you are available either day and could help or if you have a pick up available please shoot me an email and give me your cell number – greg@parkviewlife.com.

P.S. This weekend is going to be awesome. It is an incredible weekend to invite a friend as we launch our series, Dumb Things Christians Believe!!

God has a sense of humor – we all know it! Here is proof:

Yesterday was our staff’s first weigh in for the Biggest Loser. Although the goal is to get healthy and lose weight, one person actually gained weight – the author of this post!

Vacation and a week at camp did me in – I actually gained 3 pounds and am at my heaviest weight ever, 205 pounds! So yesterday renewed my determination. I had a small bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, a salad for lunch and what I would call a normal dinner. Last night Seth and I were home alone and for an extended period of time I fought the urge to eat a pack of Little Debbie snack cakes. I even opened the refrigerator and stared at the pack for a few seconds, but held strong and did not devour.

Denise came home a little while later and announced she had bought quick bake cookies. So much for my hold out! Not only did I eat some cookies, but rather than just having 1 or 2, I ate until I was full – very full.

Here is where the funny part comes in. Part of my daily reading today included Proverbs 25:28, “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down without walls”  The meaning: If you have no self-control you will lose the fight. Very funny God!!

My goal is to run my 3rd half-marathon October 3 and to get under 190 lbs. but neither will happen without discipline and self-control.  I consider myself pretty disciplined and fairly good at self-control but obviously I was thinking a little to highly of myself. I have a long way to go and this morning’s verse was a great reminder. As a result I wrote in my journal 5 or 6 areas in my life where I need to display greater discipline or self-control. Where do you need more self-control or discipline?

I also got to thinking about a friend of mine who has exhibited great discipline and recently lost a ton of weight. I won’t tell you who he is, but his initials are Rick Siboni. Way to go Rick!!

Memorize Proverbs 25:28

Had to find an internet connection to pay some bills while we are away.  Thought I would drop a quick line. So thakful for our staff and leaders that have everything under control while I am away. A friend from church was just bragging to me about the great job of one of our pastoral staff and what he said really applies to all of them – thanks guys!!!  We also have the best support staff that we have ever had!!!  I have total confidence in them!! I am also glad to give them a break from me – distance makes the heart grow fonder !!!

Love our Parkview family!!  Glad I am away - a few more days of fun. See you soon.