Quick Update

It's been a couple of weeks since I was able to do a Monday Morning Clarity update. The days have been filled with moving trucks, packing boxes, unpacking boxes, "Where does this go", and the business of church. It's been a fast and furious couple of weeks.

• First, we closed on our house here in Alex City and the moving truck delivered our things last Thursday, November 5th. We are so excited to be in our new house. As you probably know though, it is a little overwhelming. We've seen how much we accumulated that we really didn't need. I see a Yard Sale in our immediate future.
• Two great weeks at Sixth Street. We closed out our series on "Amazed by Grace" on November 1 by looking at Titus 2 and Motivating Grace that helps us to live properly. It was probably one of the times I felt the most freedom of the Spirit to preach. This past Sunday we started a three week series called "The Walk" by looking at Galatians 5 and being led by the Spirit. I have received a lot of positive feedback from these messages. Praying God uses it to really help some people.
• The crowds have appeared larger the last couple of weeks and a good energy has been circulating prior to worship. I hope this is a sign of greater things to come.
• We have a lot of families that are having marriage difficulties lately in our church. The family is so critical to the culture and the church. I believe that this is a sign of the potential that is here at Sixth Street. We need men who will stand on the wall to fight and drop on their knees to pray for their families. Stay strong Sixth Street!
• Steve Norris did a great job leading our series off with the Steven Curtis Chapman song "The Walk" this last week with accompaniment from Eric and Justin. What's more impressive is that they learned it and pulled it off in about 6 days. Great job guys!
• We got a new addition to the Haines household last week. It's a Maltepoo named Papi. He's seven weeks old and is getting spoiled. We should be getting our lab Maggie back in a couple of weeks and we'll see how well they get along.
• Nathan and Drew both had their names in the local paper recently for Honor Roll. Nathan made A/B honor roll and Drew made A honor roll. I like the fact that in small towns they still print those in the local paper. Made us proud!
• I've been reading a lot more lately. I have 2 new book reviews to put up soon. I am also about to finish Tony Dungy's book "Quiet Strength". I have always like Coach Dungy and got to hear him speak at Catalyst.

Verse of the week: "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Eph 5:1-2