my bucket list!!! - a blog inspired by my good friend Seth McRae

So I have created a short list of the top 10 things that I would like to do before I "Kick the Bucket".




















1. Go to Israel with Crys

2. Be a Pastor at a Church, or start a Church

3. Have 2 God Serving Children

4. Baptize my 2 God Serving Children

5. Buy my dream House, and pay it off

6. Travel the rest of the world with Crys

7. Go to Outerspace ( I really think I can in my lifetime)

8. Meet the President of the United States

9. Be Debt Free

10. Die a happy man!

A video blog... about alka-seltzer, my lantern, and the auto show... you won't want to miss this one!

alka-seltzer rantings from gresham campus on Vimeo.

Coffee with Seth when he was here.

Mark Driscoll's vid from "nightline"

Hey all,

If you didn't get a chance to catch Mark Driscoll's interview on Nightline you should check it out. Here is the link to the youtube video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oyHtsU5z9U

-Me

one decision...

I wonder how many of my fellow bloggers write in the subject line before writing in the actual blog itself???

For me it can go either way. There are times where I am sitting here listening to music and hear God speak through the music then I just start to write... and what you get as an end result can be bad grammar, spelling and random ramblings kinda like this one. :)

Other times, I know exactly what I am going to say even before I start typing and the subject line then becomes in essence the entire basis for the blog.

Well since this is the "random ramblings" type I am not quite sure where this is all going...

thinking....

Listening...

ok, time to start typing...

Have you ever had a desire for something great???

I think everyone has some desire for something great. Some have more desire than others. I think for me I have a desire to be a great pastor one day but I know that if I don't take Risks than I will never know what I will amount to. It all comes down to one decision really. To risk it all...

Let me tell you a story.

When I was a senior in high school, I went to a school dance with Crystal (who later became my wife)... it was homecoming. At that time we were not dating... but I knew that I loved her from a previous time that we had dated earlier in high school. I dreamed of some day marrying her and settling down with her (I know kinda weird for a senior boy in high school). I knew that if I didn't at some point step up to the plate and tell her how I felt about her, or my case show it, that I could maybe lose her to some other guy. Well something inside gave me enough courage to go for it... and I did! I kissed her, it never felt so good, or so right. From that point forward I think we kinda both knew that we were made for each other. Maybe not, but it was a great start to an amazing relationship that believe me, has had some trying times and trials... but none the less, we have made it through and I don't think anything could come between us now.

But what I am getting at here is that some people have choices in there life both big and small. If I hadn't continued that dream and at some point ended up elsewhere, would I still be sitting in this chair. If I had not kissed Crystal that night at Homecoming senior year, would we have still got married?

One decision could have and probably would have changed many things. I risked and it paid off.... I got the love of my life and now I get to spend my entire life with her.

Think about the daily decisions you make, what will the result be.

I love life and it can be so exciting, yes trying at times but in the end it can be so fulfilling if we just make good decisions. I guess that is the point of this blog- to risk, to think, to make good decisions.

What will your story be?

-Tim

the upper room... a new thing

recently God has put on my heart a little bit of clarity on something that I am willingly going to share with you.



Since we started the Gresham Campus of Living Hope Church, (which isn't a campus really; it is actually a house church) aka "the upper room" last summer, we have tried to be something that we are not...



What do I mean???



I am talking about an identity crisis. I am saying that when you walk into Living Hope Church Brush Prairie, you feel like you are walking into a church... cuz you are. So what am I getting at here???



If we carry the name "Living Hope Church" then some things are bound to be similar, mostly just the worship and the message, but we went as far as to use the same white chairs that they have at most of the other campus'. I agree with my wife when she said that "the chairs suck."



So in short, this blog is about chairs... you read it right... about chairs.



I think it is time that we get rid of the white and brown chairs and go with the comfy sofa's and bar table and chairs. Agreed???



If you have a brown, tan, beige, taupe or black sofa and would like to donate it to "the upper room." Please contact me at 503.329.5203.

If you would like to donate $ to the cause then please also call.



We are destined to make our House Church, "the upper room", one that you will not only want to come on a sunday and hang out, but that you will want to come over during the week and share a cup o' joe up there too!



If your new, this is who we are...



We are a family of college-age people who join together to “Love God with everything we’ve got, to Love People with everything He gives us, and to Reach the World in need.” We meet at "the upper room" at 7:00pm on Sunday Nights, to worship and learn from God, and love each other. We hope to see you soon!


Please visit Livinghopechurch.com for any questions, to get connected, or if you just want to talk to someone... and visit our page - http://myspace.com/greshamcampuslhc or email us at greshamcampuslhc@gmail.com


your friend and brother,

Tim Reed

It's gunna be fun!

Thanks to Heather, my sister-in-law, she has (with her blog) inspired my next bible study... which I won't cancel this week... I promise!!! You should make sure and be here if you can. We meet and Aaron and Heather's place on mondays at 7:30pm. It is a way that we can grow closer together, and closer to God...

Come to think of it, that is actually what my next bible study will be all about. It's gunna be fun!

Be there!!! Just do it! (swoosh)

Romans 12:2

It's kinda funny that sometimes the little things you do to change a room makes it so inviting. Crys and I bought some lamps and created symmetry with these lamps... we also created light. And well with the combination of the two, symmetry and light, it made the room much more inviting. And as Crystal said earlier, it's not just a place where we have to go and sleep, it is now a 'living space' and all because of straighting somethings out and adding light.

I don't know why I just told you all that. I guess it just made for a good start to a blog.

Now to "segway" to something that is really on my heart.

Hum, where to start....

A few months ago pastor John talked about a "spiritual agitation." When you feel in your heart that something is not right, and that "something" needs to change. His words have been resonating in my heart for a long time, and I am just now starting to see what God was trying to show me.

This several month process is kinda like my room... I wasn't happy with it, I was agitated that our room didn't look good. And just like my room I guess I just needed to straighten some things out and I needed to shine a little light on the depths of depravity in my own life.

There would be absolutely no time in this blog to write all this stuff down. But let me share with you just something briefly.

There on many great teachers of our day. Billy Graham, Mark Driscoll, our very own John Bishop, John Mark Comer, Phil Baker and well the list goes on and on...

Ever since I felt a calling on my life to become a pastor my #1 goal was to see lost people come to Christ, to see families healed, to see relationships grow, to see people of all ages and types get "on fire" for God... one problem. Myself.

God has recently shined down on this area of my life called "Selfishness." So while I am studying to be this "great teacher" and pastor, I am noticing this small hint of selfishness... like at some point i would like to see my face on a bill board or a poster or something. The problem is with that is that it is not about me, it is about God and His Glory alone.

I kinda feel that this is the reason that God has not been able to use this ministry that we have here in Gresham to it's fullest capacity. So I have decided to change... to start, I am writing this blog. To share my depravity with others and ask for forgiveness is the first step. I am praying that God takes this "selfishness" out of my life and I pray that He will heal me and help me to grow and learn to be a better teacher and pastor.

Romans 12:2 (NIV)
2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

what an amazing book...

"I apologize."

I have not done a recent blog in over two weeks... please forgive me. Let me just share with you about a book that both Crystal and I have read... she read it first then like 6 months later I finally got around to reading it...

The book:

The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity
by William P. Young

This book has got to be one of the best books that I have ever read... now it is true, I don't read a ton of books, but even if I did, I would still say that this is one of the best books out there today. There is a a reason that there is over 1 million copies sold!

Brief Review:

The book is a story of a man (a Christian) who loses one of his young daughters in a very tragic, horrible, evil situation. I won't give the specifics, but imagine the worst and you're there. He becomes a sad, angry man.
The story is the Trinity inviting him to a meeting at the place (The Shack) which is where the evil took place... I got through the first 5 chapters and that is where it gets intense and you won't want to put it down. Long story short this book is about the "relationship vs. religion" in a very real, and certainly could be true, story. It has so much imagery that really this book could and should be turned into a Hollywood movie. If done right it could save so many lives.

Well that is all I will say about it, you will HAVE to go get it and read it for yourself if you haven't already.

Love you all and hope you all are doing well.

-Tim

P.S. If you think about it, I could really use prayer right now for a number of things. You don't have to know exactly what about, God does... and that is all that matters. :)

Blizzard Like Conditions in Gresham

Blizzard like conditions in Gresham from gresham campus on Vimeo.

The Rhinelander Restaurant

Hello Everyone,

So Crystal and I wanted to do something fun all together as one big happy family. We wanted to go to The Rhinelander restaurant in Portland on the 29th of December (a Monday) for a fun filled big dinner party in one of the really cool themed rooms. This will take place of the Bible Study that we normally have on Mondays. We need to make the reservation for the dinner ASAP so we need to know who all is going by December 17th. Please let me know if you are coming and if you want to bring somebody else. It is “BYO”…. That means “Buy Your Own.” Dinners can range from $15-$40 per person. It is going to be a more formal dinner for fun so you’re going to want to make sure and dress accordingly. I don’t know what time it will be until the reservation is made but we will try to make it some where between 6-7:30pm. Let me know if you can make it as soon as possible.

Much love,



Tim Reed
Living Hope Church
503-329-5203

My Letter to the pastors and leaders of Living Hope.

Here it the letter that I just recently sent to the pastors and leaders of Living Hope Church about "the upper room" Gresham Living Hope!





“the upper room”

Living Hope Church
- gresham -

Dear Pastors and Leaders

Here is a quick update so that you might keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Our Gresham “house church” location has been meeting every Sunday at 7:00pm for nearly ten months now. We have been able to act as if a campus on most levels even though we almost always have less than 20 people attending on a regular basis. I still feel encouraged, excited and blessed to lead such an amazing and inspirational group of Christ followers.

This group of individuals is mostly in the college age and I believe is part of the next generation of new leaders... They are passionate for God and have an amazing love for this church that we call “Living Hope”.

From August 2007 to May 2008 I helped pastor and assist at Fishers Landing with Seth while his time there. He encouraged me to start a group in Gresham. That began “the upper room” starting on Easter, 2008. At that time my goal was for this “house church” would grow rapidly into a good sized “campus” by September of 2008. What I slowly found out was that it was not God’s plan now. As frustrated and annoyed as I was, I was humbled and brought to my knees. I prayed that God would give me clarity in every step of the way, whether those steps are “baby steps” or “great big leaps.”

God works in such mystery and majesty. I should never question what He has for this group OR for me. Just like in Jer. 29:11 - God’s plan is for HOPE and a Future…. I know that He has great things for all of us and I am giving my one life to lead and pastor the best that I know how for this group. I pray that God will continue His work in me and that I continue to grow in the leadership of this church and the community that it brings. As for now, we will continue steadfastly in prayer and supplication, and meeting at “the upper room” Sunday’s at 7:00. Thank you for risking and praying!

ONLY GOD.

Tim Reed
Living Hope Church
Gresham – Volunteer Pastor
503-329-5203

a date has been set!

so put it on your calenders, december (monday) the 22nd. 7:00pm - this is the date and time of the "white elephant gift exchange." It's gunna be fun. and you better be there.



The rules: You can NOT spend more than $10. but the value must be truly more than a $1...



We are still deciding on a date and time for the movie night. I will keep you posted.

great things.

So here it's come and here it's gone... thanksgiving was great this year. I hope all of my readers had a great one. Now we have Christmas just around the corner. In fact 25 days away. I am trying not to be overwhelmed with how soon this holiday is approaching. We are planning a few fun events here at "the upper room". I think we will have a "white elephant" gift exchange and a movie night pretty soon. Have you seen "the nativity story" movie that came out a few years ago? It a excellent portrayal of how I believe the birth story really happened. I think we will have that as our movie of choice. As soon as we have some dates set I will post it online. Until then have a great week.... listen to Christmas music, decorate the tree, drink your white peppermint mocha and have some fun! See ya later. Blessings.

-Tim

The Big Thanksgiving Bash... read below for more info

The big "upper room" Thanksgiving Bash!!!

When: This Sunday at 6:00pm 11/23/08

Where: "the upper room"

So we are having our first ever Thanksgiving dinner bash this Sunday!!! We have several confirmed people coming and have signed up to bring something since it is potluck style. If you didn't get an email from me than call me and let me know what your bringing and how many guests so that we can plan accordingly. It is going to be awesome and I can't wait!

Love ya all and look forward to seeing you this Sunday at 6:00pm.

Oh yeah and after the meal we will have our normal service with the message and an acoustic worship set afterwards with Joe and the gang, aka "Dwell".

-Tim Reed

Living Hope Church - Gresham

503-329-5203 txt capable.

Oh one more thing.. Here is what has already been volunteered to be brought

Turkey
Mashed Taters
Stuffing
Cranberry Sauce
Yams
Biscuits
Apple and Egg Appetizers
Pecan and Pumpkin Pie
Sparkling Apple Cider

The Holiday Season is upon us...

The holidays are so much fun.... this sunday we are having a thanksgiving potluck with "the upper room" goers. What a great way to kick off the holiday season. Though I must say it is sick that they have christmas stuff out the day before halloween but it kinda grows on you the first or second week of november. I am already listening to christmas music. Some of you might think that i am sick for that, well deal with it! LOL. *sings* "have a holly jolly christmas, in case you didn't hear, oh by golly have a holly jolly christmas this year!!!" ... Though Crys won't let me listen to christmas music until December 1st. So I listen to it when she isn't home or when I want to plug in the headphones, which by the way don't stay in my right ear... the little ear bud does not want to stick in it. Drives me crazy. sorry side note.

That said, I am about ready to go to bed. I just thought I'd share my excitment level with you!

(: Good night and have a great Wednesday!!! :)

The Gresham Times

“the upper room”
living hope church gresham
11-12-08

HOPE: verb - to expect with confidence.

As we are go through this new series “hope” I can’t help but think about all the times in my life where the only thing I had to go on was Hope, Faith and Confidence in the Lord. He is always there; He has been there for me in times of trouble, times of excitement, times of discouragement and times of frustration.
Isn’t it true that we all go through times like that; where we aren’t sure what to do in times of uncertainty or discouragement? Maybe we’re not sure what God’s plan is. I have felt numerous times that I wasn’t sure what God is doing in certain situations. Though every time I come out of those times of struggle I can look back and can see where God was there beside me, and the times He carried me because I was too weak to even keep going.

I believe whole heartedly that this series was meant to happen right now. With the economic crisis and all the junk that we all seem to be in right now it can sometimes be hard to see where God is in it all, but trust in Him. We have got this far, He wouldn’t let us down. For He is never changing, “He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8. And not only does he not change; He also has a plan for our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 says so!

Take heart and don’t lose hope! Come be encouraged as we continue this amazing series this weekend. Don’t forget that we switched our time back to 7:00pm on Sundays. The people are warm, and the coffee is warmer. I hope you can make it this weekend.

ONLY GOD.

-Tim Reed
Living Hope Church
Gresham

Every married couple needs to see this! -Mars Hill - Mark Driscoll

wow... not sure my kid would have blonde hair but whatev.

Hope Series at LH

So we are starting a new series at Living Hope... it's all about "hope" and strangely enough that is what my entire blog was about last week... It really is cool how God confirms what He is trying to show us time and time again. Though I must admit sometimes I'm an idiot and don't listen.... sometimes.... well maybe more often than sometimes but none the less I do still enjoy a little confirmation every once and a while.

I work in sales in a retail store (subaru to be exact), and believe me when I say I am feeling what the market is doing.. My pocket book feels it when the market is down... I have been selling cars for over 5 yrs now and I have been through more than a couple of down times, but none that have lasted as long as this. I can say that I HOPE and believe God will work through this for our benefit.

I am a firm believer in the fact that God tests us and tests our willingness to continue to serve Him even when times are crappy. It strengthens us. And we need strengthening. Americans in general have it easy when you compare us to the rest of the world. My prayer is that we won't be blind to the rest of the world while we are going through this down time in our country. No matter what happens I am reminded that God has a better eternal life for us soon and we can not get so caught up in this mess of things that we loose sight of the ultimate goal and that is growing close the One that made us and bringing lost people to Christ.

So that is my story today and I hope to see you tonight in the upper room- 7:00pm in case you forgot.

-Blessings-
Tim