Highlights of 2011

Here's a sampling of what God has done at New Day this past year:

- We had 187 decisions/recommitments to Christ!!!
- We baptized 20 people (compared to only 7 last year)
- We've gone from one service to two services
- We've grown by over 100 people (average total church attendance Dec 2010 was 214, and average total church attendance Dec 2011 was 337)
- We've begun preparations for a third service
- We've taken the necessary steps to become a general council status church and are on track to be approved January 2012
We paid off every penny of our $30,000 MX9 loan
- We recorded our first ever New Day worship album
- We achieved a state of financial independence - we are now 100% member supported (we have no more outside financial support)
In our first ever special Christmas Offering we raised just over $11,400
- We increased tithe giving by $89,470.26 

How to Resolve Conflict

I recently read in Tim & Joy Downs book Fighting Fair and in Gary Chapman's book Everybody Wins some of the best conflict resolution advice I've ever heard. It was given in regards to resolving marital conflict, but I think the principles apply to any kind of conflict. 

From reading the two books I've learned...

1. Listening leads to understanding. 

2. Understanding leads to resolution. 

3. Resolution leads to harmony and peace. 

As we practice James 1:19 (be quick to listen and slow to speak) we begin to understand. To understand each other is the objective in conflict (I Peter 3:7). Once both parties understand what the other is thinking and feeling, this creates an emotional atmosphere condusive to resolving conflict. Just as neglect of the relationship creates an atmosphere where storms brew and lighting strikes, so an atmosphere of understanding creates an environment where conflicts can be resolved. Once the conflict has been resolved, peace and harmony can be restored to the relationship, which pleases God (Romans 12:16, 18). 

Encouragement Part 2

The Bible says "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9). And I think one of the biggest causes of becoming weary in our labors for the Lord, is when we think we aren't really making a difference. That's why it's good to have a place to record the stories of life change. It could be an email folder in your inbox, a manilla folder in your filing cabinet, etc. Just make sure you're collecting the thank you notes and praise reports. And when things get tough and you feel worn out, you pull them out and read them. Here's some I'm filing in my email folder that I just received today. 

• Your prayer, along with the prayers of our growth group have re-shaped our son's life. he has lost his depression and given his life to Christ. 
• I praise God for this church which has kept me on fire for my savior while going through my freshman year of college. You will be in my prayers during the summer months. 
• There was a woman at my work who had been giving me a hard time for almost two years. In my heart, I prayed for her and forgave her for what she had been doing. I treated her kindly and fair. Just last week something changed in her heart and she has been very kind and respectful towards me. 

There is nothing quite like knowing that lives are changing around you and that you've played a part in it (even in a small way). Nothing will get you motivated and encourage you to keep working than knowing you are making a difference for eternity. 

Encouragement

It is wonderful to be on the receiving end of encouragement. Just this morning I got a text from someone in our church that read "You do such an awesome job bringing the best messages to us!!" I am literally having trouble describing the good it did me to hear those words of encouragement. The best I can do is say it brought me life! It inspired me to keep working hard, it boosted my self-esteem, it gave me energy, it made me happy, I felt appreciated. All that from twelve words of encouragement! Wow, the Bible is right when it says "The tongue has the power of life and death..." (Proverbs 18:21). I hope that each day I can say something to someone else that lifts them up the way I've been lifted up today. Here's a good principle to live by when it comes to encouragement: If you think it, say it. If you think someone looks nice, say so. If you think someone is doing a great job, tell them. As long as it's positive and will build someone up, if you think it, say it.