An Early Christmas Present

Like I said - I love good news! Well, the Lord sent the Harris family some good news in the form of a sold Austin home this morning. Our house in Austin will not be ours for long - We pray for the new family, that it will be ahome that honors God, is full of love, and nourishes family. I just love it when I can brag on the Lord for an answered prayer!

tis the Season,
Brian

Missing the manger - Part 1

Missing the manger:

This Christmas I have reallybeen doing some things to keep me from personally missing the manger for the busyness of Christmas. It's easy to do and even easier to have not realized it. I've been writing in my journal some observations (of self and others), and have noticed that most people respond the the manger during this time of year in two ways:

1. They speed past it - they're too busy and they "miss the manger" and miss the Christ of Christmas.

2. They intentionally stop to see Christ, and are pulled in by His majesty.

Today I pray that I will take time to seek Christ, see Christ, and serve Christ as I celebrate His birth.

All Praises to the newborn King!

Ben & Brian time

Today's lunch was so much fun! Mostly because Benjamin and I went to lunch together and ran into tons of our JHigh students (they were let out of school early so they all congregated at the McDonalds in Kingwood to hang out.) Ben and I sat there in the middle of all of them, met many students, and had a blast (especially Ben). Afterwards we went down to the river, watched some boats come in, dogs fetch balls in the water, then we ran from these geese that chase you at the duck pond - I think Ben had his first "Survivorman" moment out there! Great way to get in some Father/Son time. I love that boy!

A few things about Ben:

• he is very adventurous!
• Ben loves people
• Ben loves to talk (even if i don't know what he is saying)
• he challenges me to be a better Dad
• I see a tender heart in him even as he gets a little older
• he is still my little baby boy

Brian

Daddy & Daughter Time

This morning Olivia (my 3 year old) and I had some much needed Daddy & Daughter time. Every one in a while we have what she calls a "Daddy/Daughter Date", and she just loves them! Today we simply ate breakfast at Mcdonalds and then she came to work with me - she loves that! We talked about Chritmas, Santa, the kitten she wants for Christmas, and ponies. I was reminded that I can do all the grand ministry in the world, but my family should always be first. Today I'm asking God to help me keep that focus and passion for my family. She's worth it, Erin's worth it, and outr little guy Benjamin is worth it!

God really speak through little children, mant times our own children, and I'm grateful that he does.

family first,

Brian

Premiere Wknd '09 is coming!

Premiere Weekend
Join us February 6-8 as we roll out the red carpet for Premiere Weekend. Students will be in host homes throughout the Houston area for an incredible time of fun, fellowship, and growth. Our featured guest speakers will include Dr. Jay Strack, Alex Himaya, Brent Crowe, and the Student Leadership University team. Premiere Weekend will feature high energy worship led by each campus worship team. The worship, small group times and activities will make this event one powerful weekend in the lives of the students who attend.

2 huge behind the scene things makes events like this a success:
1. Solid, Godly, Leaders
2. Willing Host homes

As I have thinking about this I made a simple list of things that make this a much smoother process:
A. Invite other leaders in your ministry sphere to help recruit. Leaders begat leaders!
B. Be careful who you ask - it's easier to ask someone to help than it is to ask them not to be involved.
C. Get creative - think outside the box on how to spread the word.
D. Rememeber - many people are simply waiting to be asked to serve - we need to be faithful to set the opportunity before them.


This year we are looking to ramp up the number of both leaders and homes. Do you know someone who is interested? As always we run everyone through screening and are looking for those who are truly ministers at heart.

looking for more info??
visit Premiere Wknd's Website OR check out our North Campus Leader Group on Facebook.

pray for Premiere Wknd,

Brian

Play it! JHigh Wed's in Dec @ SBC North

Play it!

A 2 part series for JHigh students on the North Campus begins next Wed. Night.

The idea for Finals go you down? Need to work off some of that Turkey? Check out what's happening on the next 2 Wed nights for JHigh students:

• Wii Mario Kart Competition each night


• VIP COUCH for whoever brings the most friends!
  

Play It may be two of the greatest weeks for gaming in your life! Each week we will be helping you take a look at your language, your personal life, and the meaning of forgiveness. But with a theme of popular board games tying all these lessons together, SO No matter how you to play it, you will never be able to look at board games the same way again!

hope to see you there and rememeber: spread the word on Turkey Bowl this Sunday!

For Him,

Brian

Turkey Bowlin'

Turkey Bowl 2:

This SUNDAY 1-5pm / SBC North REC Fields!

I can't wait until Sunday! I have been hanging out at JHigh lunches all week spreading the word so that our JHigh Students and Parents will join us this Sunday for the annual 7-on-7 Flag Football Tournament! There will be guys and girls teams, food, door prizes, smores, championship T's, new Jhigh beanies, a halftime message, and much more.

Don't miss this annual tradition of gridiron fun!

We could still usae some adult volunteers! email bharris@second.org if you can help!

Anyone who brings a guest from their Turkey Bowl Team to church this weekend or the next will get a free JHIGH beanie!

Register Your Team: get a form at church, or this Wednesday night at the information desk to register your student's team. If they don't have a team we will be sure to get them on one!

Are you ready for some football?!

Brian Harris