David Houtsma's (dhoutsma) Blog

These are the general guidelines that FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac follow when considering a loan after a short sale or foreclosure:  Short sale with FHA Loan Can purchase right away with no mortgage default 3 year wait if in default at the closing Reduced wait if the borrower has re-establis...

Every Church gets to develop some exciting traditions.... And we have found a definite KEEPER. At Eastgate Church today we got to celebrate our SOUTHERN SUNDAY - - a day where we can kick back and celebrate all things Southern. This year was especially cool - as we got to host country singer Mand...

Have you ever been to a church service where you just felt really moved? In many instances the average church goer just comes and goes as they please without really experiencing what God has intended a worship service to be. WHAT IF that wasn’t the case? WHAT IF for one day every man and woman w...

It's a regular occurance here in Alpharetta & Cumming - and I suppose just about everywhere else. When a realtor hosts an open house, here come the neighbors. People that live all around, who know the neighborhood (they live there after all) and everything about the area want to see the INSIDE. I...

Today we had the privilege of bringing both natural and spiritual foor to the people of our community. And a few other churches in Cumming had the same idea. I love it when God's people are hearing the same message: give them something to eat! A wise friend once shared with me that spiritual outp...

I recently read a news article about an exciting event in Cumming, Georgia.... It stated: The IHOPs in Cumming and Dawsonville will be among some 1,500 restaurants nationwide that will serve free pancakes Tuesday as part of the company's observance of National Pancake Day.From from 7 a.m. to 10 p...

What is the greatest love story in the Bible? When we think of great love stories in the Bible we often think about the story of how Isaac loved Rebecca or how Solomon wed the Shunamite.   Then we consider what Paul wrote, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and cleave to his ...

Eastgate Church is the new name of our church! Our goal is to be a life giving church with dynamic worship and relevant messages. We are ideally located in North East Atlanta where the cities of Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Cumming and Suwanee come together. What a neat picture for what the kingdom o...

It used to be that buying a house was all abuot location.... probably with the intent that the home would have a good resale value.  But the longer I have lived in my home, the more I consider the importance of relationships.  Good neighbors, good churches, good friends.  My home is what it is - ...

Would God ever lead someone to make a bad investment? In our country we are fascinated with the idea of a prosperity gospel.  We love the idea that the blessing of the Lord makes rich and adds no sorrow to it.   But sometimes being a disciple of Christ means that we have a cross to bear, that suf...