Look Across The Street

Wednesday night Todd hosted a get together at his home for his neighbors. He and his wife went to 25 of their closest neighbors and invited them over for hot dogs and desert (unbelievable brownies and chocolate chip cookies prepared by Todd's wife Joni...WOW!). When Wednesday night arrived, the rain did too...a downpour to be exact. But a few neighbors showed! Todd and Joni had no other agenda but to get to know their new neighbors. Of course, as a result they will have opportunity to build relationships that could very well result in them coming into a relationship with Jesus.

This was awesome to me because Todd and Joni just looked across the street....then walked over and invited people to their house. Anyone can do this. And you never know what God can do if you are just willing to look across the street and notice people....people who need the hope of Jesus.

MIGHTY To Save

"Savior, He can move the mountains! My God is MIGHTY to save! He is MIGHTY to save!! Forever, Author of salvation! He rose and CONQUERED the grave, Jesus CONQUERED the grave!"

Those are the words of my favorite worship song. They also describe the heartbeat of what we believe about God at Freedom Church. JR has been casting the vision to DOMINATE the city of Acworth, GA with the message of Christ. That is precisely what we are going to do because our Savior is MIGHTY to save, and He is a CONQUEROR....and CONQUEROR'S, well they DOMINATE!!

Now is the time to get connected and join the revolution in Acworth, GA...are you in??

Great Night!!

We had an event last night at JR's house in order to establish some new relationships and bring some new people into the Freedom Launch Team. We had a good turn out and I am excited about the new relationships. God is bringing this team together. I am looking forward to another great night at Todd's house tonight. Tonight will be a lot more informal....just connecting to people in his neighborhood in order to establish some relationships....Church planting is awesome!!!

It's Finally Here!!

College Football!!! I can't wait til Saturday!! The Dawgs are starting out strong playing Oklahoma State...I am hoping for a way better year than last year....it was a little rough for us but I am pretty sure we got the kinks worked out and we are ready roll!!! GOOOOOOOOO DAWGS!!!! SICK'EM!!!!

An Early Start

I pray that whatever my son decides to do with his life he does it to the glory of Jesus!! I will never try to force him to be something he is not....however, if I could influence him in a few things these would be my top 3:

1. A Preacher

2. A Musician

3. A Football Player (preferably a quarterback)

With that in mind...I figure you got to begin influencing him early...so that is what I have done. Here are the pictures to prove it.

The Glorious Appearing

No I am not referring to the return of Jesus...I am referring to the new Starbucks that was just opened on Hwy 92 less than a mile away from my office at FBCW. I love Starbucks...even though some of my friends hate it because it does not offer free wifi...and I am thankful that if I desire to go I don't have to drive the horrific obstacle course that is Towne Lake Pkwy and downtown Woodstock. The only problem is that I don't have enough money to go very often...so if anyone is interested in making an investment in Mark Ayers in a small way....Starbucks gift cards are a good way to do so...and as divine as Starbucks is I am convinced that Jesus will bless you for it!!!

Hey Jealousy

JR and Todd went up to Elevation Church this past weekend to go to services and meet with the staff. I was unable to make the trip. Today they told me all about the experience they had and how its going to impact Freedom Church. Needless to say they are pumped....I am too...but I am also extremely jealous...extremely. Hopefully there will be a 2nd trip before launch....hopefully.

I am so excited about Freedom Church. Freedom Church is not then...it is now!!! And we are striving to impact the city of Acworth with the message of Jesus!! I am jealous because I didn't get to experience the services at Elevation and the opportunity to hang out with their staff, but I am not jealous of their success...I am pumped about what God is doing in Charlotte, NC through that church. However, I am jealous for that same kind of movement of God....and an even greater one than that!! I desire to see God move in the city of Acworth, GA in such a way that the community, the nation, and the world feel its effects!!

Alligators!!!

There really are alligators in the the ponds that are spread all throughout the community we are staying at in Hilton Head. Last night on our way in from dinner we noticed all the cars pulling off the road and people getting out with cameras. As we approached we saw why. It was a HUGE alligator laying in the grass by the pond...I mean HUGE!! It was as big as the ones you would see in the zoo...but it was free to roam!! Shea and I drop the girls off at the house then went back up with our cameras to try and capture the beast...but we were too late...we did find two more that were out...one that was pretty big the other not so much. But as we got out of the car to approach a safe distance to get a photo...it charged at us with mouth open!!! Those things are faster than I thought!!! We made it to the car just in time...I closed the door just as it was launching at my legs.....had it gotten my leg it would pulled it right off...just like I am pulling yours!!! The alligator really just crawled back in the water before we could snap a good photo....I got a picture of him swimming but you have to look really close in the center....

Noah On The Beach

Noah is having a blast on the beach!! Here are just a few moments that I captured.

Olive Oil

I am pretty sure while I running this morning...being on alert for any alligators that may want to make a meal out of me...that I ran past Olive Oil from the Popeye cartoon. She was the skinniest lady I have ever seen...but that gives me hope because she was running and she must have gotten that way by doing so....I know I will never be that skinny, but at least there is hope that I will be a lot skinnier than I am if I just keep doing it....like the "Olive Oil" like lady I saw has done...

Hilton Head Island...

Thank you Shea and Amber!! We left ATL last night around 7pm and drove over to Hilton Head Island, SC arriving just after Midnight. Made a pit stop at the Starbucks in Macon...it has become a regular stop when traveling through....and I got some caffeine to help me make it through...problem is that it kept me up longer last night than I wanted to stay up. Noah did great on the drive...he slept most of the way...and I was jamming to some classic rock on the radio...a little Queen...and a little GNR (Guns-N-Roses)...and a little 80's skating rink music...took me back.

I am looking forward to a great relaxing weekend with some good friends!!!

Moose Poots....Really?

I was reading the headlines on Fox News and I ran across a small article saying that researchers have discovered that Moose poots are as harmful to the environment as cars....now that is funny. What a funny story to get published...what an funny study to decide to research...it is probably not the best assignment to get as a scientist. I wonder how are Green friends would suggest we solve that problem....hmmm...darn Mooses...Meese....whatever the plural is!

It's Been A While....

Sorry about that...I stepped out of the blogophere for a few days...but I am back now. I am still working on getting the rmarkayers.com thing going again...sorry about all the confusion. I am getting ready to go Hilton Head Island for a few days thanks to our friends Amber and Shea. I am looking forward to spending a few days on the beach with my family and friends....I hope Noah enjoys it! I will try to stay plugged in to the Internet while I am away...so long as there is a connection somewhere!

Uh Oh!

For those of you who read this...there is a little problem that will be resolved very soon...you can access my blog 3 ways... www.rmarkayers.com , www.markayerslive.net, www.markayersarticles.blogspot.com

rmarkayers.com is currently not working but I will have it resolved in the next few days...but keep reading and stick with me....I will have the problem fixed ASAP!!

In My Absence....

In my absence from the blogging world for the past few days....
1. I went on a road trip with pastor to Conway, SC...around Myrtle Beach...we left Friday morning and returned early Saturday morning...I got home at 5am
2. I had lunch alone with Heather...thanks to DeeDee!
3. I had dinner with Todd and his family...and coffee...and he spent more on 2 drinks than I did for my whole dinner
4. I ate Sunday lunch at Todd's and discussed Freedom stuff with a gifted couple who we can't wait to get connected into the process
5. I read this blog from this guy...and well...God is doing His thing
6. I watched the Falcons get destroyed...hope this is not a reflection of the season to come (by the way I am glad Vick's not gonna play...I hope he goes to jail and is never allowed to wear a Falcon's uniform ever again)
7. I ate a delicious double cheese burger from Wendy's...its ok...just had to get it out of my system
8. I had to fix Noah's crib....he stands up now in the crib and watches for us to come get him so I had to lower it so he does not go tumbling over the edge...can't believe he is getting so big!
9. I still have no A/C in my car
10. I have become a little concerned about the way I feel about "church"
11. I have been puzzled by the concept of quartets and mini choirs...a.k.a. "praise teams"
12. I have discovered that I am preaching for the college students at FBCW...short notice, but whatever
13. I have realized that I really like Andy Stanley
14. I have started to realize that weight loss takes time, patience, and lots of discipline...I refuse to give up

Holy Hotness!!

Yesterday when I got to the running track at Boling Park my car said that it was 100 degrees!! For a brief moment I thought...maybe I should wait a little longer...but the track is mostly shaded by the time of day I got there but it was still hot!! By the time I was done my clothes appeared as though I had just jumped into the pool they were so wet.

On another note....my car's A/C decided to stop working. That means that unless I am moving in my car I begin to melt. Having no A/C this time of year absolutely stinks. I bring flip-flops and pull my pants up to my knees just to stay cool in the car. I can't wait til the fall...

3 Mile Mondays

Yesterday I ran 3 miles. For the past 2 Mondays I have ran 3 miles. For whatever reason the rest of last week I could only push myself for 2 miles....not really sure why...heat maybe and doing other activities like tennis. But my goal is to not let that happen today...I am going for the 3rd mile. Yesterday I felt like I could have probably gone another one, and probably should have since Brett and Aaron forced high calorie "Ooh La La Chicken" and Henry's world famous Bread Pudding down my throat...but it was late and I had not eaten dinner or spent time with my wife yet so I stuck with the 3 mile mark. 3 miles it a great accomplishment for me....but I have a long way to go.

Monday Morning Thoughts

Just some Monday morning thoughts:

1. I think the new Starbuck's on 92 is open...definitely going to check that out
2. I am looking forward to having lunch with Brett today...that dude is cool!
3. My nephews are unbelievably talented...they are some cool kids
4. I can't believe Todd broke my car...at least he apologized (Just kidding)
5. Perry Noble got into a coffin...that is CRAZY....I don't want to do that until I am dead...it just freaks me out...however...I am sure that service was unbelievable and unforgettable...can't wait to watch
6. Jason Coobies....missing that guy
7. My son is so awesome...I love that little boy!
8. Elevation Church.....WOW!!
9. School started today in Cherokee County...I am glad I am not in school of any kind...but how I remember those days
10. My LG Chocolate phone really sucks

Saturday In The Mark

Saturday August 4th to me....Mark......

1. I can't believe that it is already August...I am entering the 4th quarter of the mentoring program with Pastor Johnny
2. Churches.....there are a lot of them...and we are starting another one....with good reason
3. I can't wait to hear what Gary is going to announce to Ridgestone tomorrow...he is so cool
4. Wait to go Jesse...getting the wrong directions to the Atlanta Silverbacks game...hope you found it
5. I ran 6 laps (2 miles) around this track in Holly Springs that had Mount St. Helen in the middle of it....wasn't so bad the first time up...but by lap six I was ready stab myself
6. My mom bought organic grapes...they actually tasted better...who would have thought
7. Running without your iPod makes it way more difficult...I have done it 2 days in a row (not on purpose) because a large portion of running is mental...so the mental distraction of the iPod is tantamount
8. My wife frantically woke me up this morning because she was terrified of a bug on the floor and she needed me to come kill it....I hate bugs....especially in my house
9. I had the weirdest lunch today...but it was delicious...spinach and lettuce salad with Raspberry Pomegranate dressing and 2 pieces of corn on the cob...weird but good
10. It was freaking hot today...my car said it was 98 degrees....that means hot as hades
11. I wish I was in SC with JR, Todd, and my good friend who I miss....Josh...all of us together would probably kill us though...but it sure would be fun
12. Houses....I want one...hope I find one that will be ready to move into by January
13. I heard my 2nd baby's heartbeat for the first time yesterday at the Doctor...unbelievable!!
14. We find out if the baby is a boy or girl next month....stay tuned for that announcement
15. Sunday School...such a weird name....but I am going there tomorrow...Troy is cool...he is the teacher...and he is a great one
16. Pray for the Freedom Vision Luncheon tomorrow and Todd, he is preaching (you will do awesome dude...praying for you!!)

Mark The Mechanic??

I was the mechanic today. My car is being a little crazy so I had to try and do a little maintenance. I really know absolutely nothing about fixing a car. However, I do know how to change spark plugs and air filters and such so that is what I did. It was hot as the devil outside while I was doing it so I was sweating like....something that sweats a lot. I really hope my car does not die...its a Honda, its suppose to last forever...pray it does cause I am a po-boy.

Happenings

I have had some pretty good meetings the past two days with some church planters. I just sat in on one today with JR and Todd. We met with the pastor of an Acworth church plant that is a few miles from where we will plant Freedom Church. They have been in the community for a couple of years so it was interesting to get his take on the area.

JR and Todd are going up to South Carolina this weekend to share the vision of Freedom and hopefully establish some partnerships. Some how they have ended up on a radio show for tomorrow morning......if you so choose to listen in grab the link from here.

Need A Worship Leader???

Well here is your man!! Noah loves the guitar...I am sure he can play any venue. He likes the contemporary stuff, but he is flexible and can attendeth your way and do some traditional. He is expensive though....he is not really in it for the money, but his booking agent sets the price and he is a poor churchplanter. So, if you need him...well how can you resist him!!