The Pastor's Pack

At our nephew's wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:49:00 +0000

Pumpkins on the porch

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:27:00 +0000

Loving the County Fair!!

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 01:32:00 +0000

Oh no you di'un

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 02:59:00 +0000

OpryLand Hotel was Beautiful!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 02:55:00 +0000

Grand Ole Opry

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 02:49:00 +0000

Lunch in Jonesbourough Tn. July 09

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 02:46:00 +0000

Tossing a little football with my boys!

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Thu, 28 May 2009 01:47:00 +0000

The beautiful Skyline Drive!

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:51:00 +0000

Springtime on Hudson Hollow Rd

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Fri, 01 May 2009 01:54:00 +0000

The Tree Climbing Wonder Women

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:14:00 +0000

The Silly Six

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:52:00 +0000

Eric took about a dozen pics and never could get all of us looking at him at the same time. We don't follow directions well, huh? Sorry Tuck, for posting this one with your eyes shut. It was either you or me. You're a lot cuter with your eyes closed than I am.
In fact, you're a lot cuter period.

Easter 09

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:46:00 +0000

It is always great to see the auditorium full of people!

Senor Ferocio Jaspero

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:32:00 +0000

OK, I have finally become "that guy". That guy who refers to his pet as a member of the family. I have had, and enjoyed, dogs all my life. We've had pound puppies, beautiful labs and currently have an English Mastiff named Hoss. (Also a pig named Luvy, but that's another story.) Although I have enjoyed having a dog around, I have never been overly attached. I mean after all, its just a dog, right? You throw a few sticks, visit a few dog parks, provide food and water, and let them sleep in the basement on the coldest nights of the year. Well two weeks ago I did something I said I would never do. I bought an "inside" dog. I have never owned an animal that I had to share "living space" with. But, as a gift to my youngest daughter, we got a Chihuahua. Yes, I said a 1lb. "Taco Bell" Chihuahua. I am amazed at how quickly this little dog has etched his own place in all our hearts. In so much that he has become the third part of my, "Honey I'm home" routine. I kiss my wife, greet the kids, and, now, ask "Where's Fer-Ja. (His nickname). See there, He even has a nickname. (so as not to get it confused with his "legal" name....I guess). Why should I care where he is or how his day has been. He's just a dog for goodness sake! This hyper-attachment has been so evident that I had to take some time to consider; "Why such a difference?" I have concluded that the "active ingredient" concerning our increased affection is due to the fact that Ferocio is an INSIDE dog. I have long been convinced that relationships take on a whole new dynamic when we invite those people into our homes. I guess I never thought it would apply to the animal kingdom, but evidently it does. Senor Ferocio Jaspero ( I know, I know) has been a fresh reminder that our homes can be an accelerator for almost any kind of relationship. Since home is where the heart is. Those invited into our home share a special place in our heart.

Listen!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 03:11:00 +0000

For most of human history, books, letters, and the ability to read was rare. So, when the people of God would gather, most did not come toting their scrolls. Many would come to listen to the Word of God being read by one. The Apostle Paul would write one letter to one church which would be read to many. Few copies were made because most people couldn't read for themselves anyway. These listening masses had developed well trained ears. Ears to hear what the Spirit of God was saying while another human (priest,preacher,prophet) was speaking. They all gathered with an anticipation that God was going to speak while His Word was being read. Rev.3: 22 says "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." There is, no doubt, great benefit in reading the Scriptures in order to memorize His Words. There is equal benefit, and a clear command, to study God's Word. However, this could lead to treating the Bible like a textbook. ie... Doctrines to be mastered and information to be assimilated. Both of which are
necessary for successful discipleship. Just don't forget to listen. Never waste an opportunity to hear from God. God is always interested in speaking a fresh word to his children. So, remember, while you are studying a word or a phrase or a passage to enlighten your head, don't forget to listen for a message that speaks to your heart.

A New Year or Another Year

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:58:00 +0000

I do hope and pray that 2009 will be a NEW year!
I know that it is going to be another year, but whether or not it will be NEW is yet to be seen.
I can truly get excited about the prospects of a NEW year. Just having another year, however,
doesn't do much for me.
Don't get me wrong; I'm grateful to God to see another year and am thankful for His protection
and sustaining blessings. I do realize that there will be new experiences for me and my
family during this year, but I'm looking for something more. A New Year!
A newly discovered, deeper relationship with my wife. A new vision for and connection with my
children (some of whom are stepping into young adulthood). A new life for our Church. One that
is of more impact and effective. One that causes all of us who are involved to believe that we
are riding and not pushing what God is doing. A new and fresh walk with God. One that causes me
to discover more about myself and more about my God.
This all sounds good but we all know that talking about it doesn't make it NEW. In order to avoid
just another year, we must determine to live out some new routines.
If we listen to the same people, go to the same places, read the same kind of books, eat the same things,
do the same things, treat each other the same way, then as you would guess; it will be just another year and not really a NEW year.
Let me encourage you to chart a new course this year. One that takes you out of your comfort zone
just a bit. One that would lead you to a richer relationship with those who have been in your life for
a long time. One that will cause you to discover a new found strength within yourself. One that
will cause you to look back in twelve months and declare 2009 was a NEW YEAR!

The Holiday Season!

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 02:38:00 +0000

It seems like the Holiday Season starts earlier and earlier every year. You can find Christmas decorations and Halloween candy at the same time in our stores. Families are already making plans with times and logistics concerning Thanksgiving Day; whose house do we go to first? What time are we going to eat lunch and will I be hungry by dinner time? And oh yeah, who does Dallas and Detroit play this year? Don't get me wrong, I love this time of year and I don't mind the Holiday Season starting in the first of November. My concern is that this Season just gets filled with more of the same; only magnified; over spending, disengaged relationships, over obligated, heightened stress and busier schedules. We'll need a holiday to get over the Holidays. My simple word of advice: Slow down, take your time, enjoy your family, make time to express your gratitude to your loved ones as well as to the Lord. And by all means spend some meaningful time considering, or reconsidering that greatest of miracles that was and is Christmas and what that means for us today! God with us! Not over us or above us or in front of us or away from us, but WITH us! Now that's thank worthy and worth celebrating!

Casual Not Careless

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:52:00 +0000

We work at creating a casual and welcoming environment at VHC. We want our people to feel at home and comfortable while worshipping our Lord and serving together. We believe it is vitally important for people to be at ease in order for relationships to take hold, grow, and deepen. However, we must be careful not to allow a casual atmosphere to produce a careless attitude toward our faith and walk with the Lord. We are going to be taking a closer look at this challenge over the next few weeks at church. How does a person manage feeling truly comfortable while living a totally committed life to Christ? Enjoying a casual feel while living out a serious faith. I hope that you'll be able to be with us during this formative time for our Church.

A few days at Word of Life Camp Ground!

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:21:00 +0000

Ronda and I have really been enjoying our time at Word of Life Camp this week located in Upper State New York.
Our young people have been on the Island and the ranch seem to be having a blast! Word of Life is well organized and well staffed. They have a ton of activities too. The most exciting thing, however, about this week is hearing about the decisions that have been made for Christ! How important it is for our young people to have the time during a busy summer to ponder what God would have for them and their lives. It warms my heart to see God at work among our youth.

What a Sunday!

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:37:00 +0000

Thanks to all of you who made this past Sunday such an fantastic day!
There was a heightened level of excitement in the air and the feedback
about the day is still buzzing. I enjoyed the heart-felt worship and
appreciated the humbly spirited response to the message. The BBQ
after church was absolutely delicious and the volleyball was a lot of fun too.
Thanks to the VHC family and friends for a wonderful Sunday!

Open House This Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:23:00 +0000

Two years ago we set sail in a new direction as Virginia Hills Church.
Believing God had a big job for us to do, we set out to finish our building
in order to fill our building. We have a few loose ends still
to attend to but we sure have come a long way. And we have you (the VHC family)
to thank for that. Thank you for putting up with living out of boxes for over a year
as we set up and took down our equipment while meeting in the Fire Hall. Thank you
for living with the inconvenience of placing your children in the nursery at one location
and attending our worship service in another. Thank you for adjusting to different
and fewer service times. Thank you for giving our new music and worship style a chance.
Thank you for getting our home based Bible study off the ground with such great success.
Thank you for putting up with a dusty, gravel drive way and parking lot. Thank you for
being willing to move back into an unfinished auditorium that had dusty concrete floors
and Sheetrock dust floating through the air. Thank you for overlooking my many managerial
blunders; when I promised to have something finished or inspected by a certain weekend only to
have it postponed again and again. If you did complain or were unhappy; thank you for making me feel
like you were having the time of your life.
The last two years has been the scariest, most nerve racking, most vulnerable, most fulfilling, most adventurous,
most joyous time of my life. Thank you for sharing it with me.

Great Things Are Ahead!

A great book!

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Thu, 01 May 2008 21:20:00 +0000

Just finished a great book for young people!
I plan to use the material for an upcoming message.
It's called "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris.
It encourages teens to rebel against a culture that has
set too low of expectations for them. It challenges them
to discover the thrill behind a life fully lived even during
the teenage years. That real purpose brings more fulfillment
than continuous partying. It explains the risk in failing to
understand that the teen years are a launching pad into
the rest of your life. I would recommend it for teens and
parents of teens alike.

A New Bible Study and Time at VHC during April!

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:40:00 +0000

Where in the WORD am I ?

I would like to personally invite you to an additional new Bible Study time at VHC. We are planning to meet at 10AM on Sunday Mornings during the month of April. We will meet from 10:00 AM till 10:40 AM. This will still give us time to fellowship a bit before the 11:00 AM service.
We are going to be looking at First Thessalonians. Paul wrote this letter to a group of brand new Christians just about six months after he had helped them form this new church in Thessalonica. For the most part these new believers were less than one year old in the faith. It is interesting to take note of the subject matter that Paul covered and the expectations he had for these infant believers. On a real practical level I think First Thessalonians could serve as a great measuring stick for our own spiritual growth, for those who are new in the faith and for us old timers. The "Where in the WORD am I?" series will serve as a Biblical GPS which will allow you to locate your spiritual maturity level. Are we on par with that original band of followers just six months into the Christian life or do we have need to go back and tack down some basics.
I hope you'll be able to be with us during the month of April.

Don't forget to sign up!

A great series by Andy Stanley

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:56:00 +0000

Andy Stanley delivered a series of messages at his church a couple of
months ago that I found to be some of the most helpful that I've heard
in a long time. The series is called "How to BE rich". He makes a
destinction between "getting" rich and "being" rich. He shares a
passage of scripture where the Apostle Paul informs Timothy on how to
instruct those believers who have been blessed with riches.
We too in America have truly been blessed with more than we need.
This should not cause us to feel guilty but grateful. Our gratitude
should then lead us to be more responsible as we are some of the
richest people on the planet. Our goal is to learn to balance and
enjoy what God has blessed us with while we endevor to be a blessing
to others. I look forward to redelivering these messages to our people at Virginia Hills. Most of time when I use the thoughts and material of other pastors by the time I finish my own study and then personalizing those thoughts for our own folks my messages look nothing like the original body of work. However Andy's series on "How to be rich" is so well developed and universal in application I'm looking forward to simply repeating what he has said. I trust that this series will help us to realign our faith with our finances.

PS. If you enjoy listening to our messages online I would suggest you check out this particular series from Andy Stanley's web site. You will really enjoy their sermon library and Andy is a true artist at delivering a message.

Baggage Claim

noreply@blogger.com (Randall Anderson) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:20:00 +0000

Isn't it interesting that after a plane flight we will be sure to find out where the baggage claim area is located? We will try to position ourselves so we will be close to where the baggage first appears on the conveyor belt. And most importantly we are quick to claim our baggage as soon as we identify it as our own. And in the event that someone else mistakenly picks up our baggage we do not hesitate to show them that the baggage they have claimed is really ours. But often time when it comes to the baggage of life; we behave completely different. We work hard at staying away from the baggage claim area or we pretend as if a baggage claim doesn't exist. Then, when we are escorted to this area we ignore our baggage in hopes that someone else will pick it up and take responsibility for it.
For the next three weeks at church we will be discussing what the Bible has to say about claiming our own baggage. The sooner we can identify and accept our own baggage the sooner we can unpack our stuff and properly put it away and the sooner we will be able to get on with life. I really believe that this upcoming series could truly revolutionize and re energize many who have been weighed down with the baggage that comes with life. I hope you will be able to be with us or visit with us online.