I'm here!!

Service was great tonight! Very bittersweet knowing Pastor Eddie Turner will be stepping down as Superintendent. Charles Crabtree preached an on time message: It's never to late to dream,never to late to change, and never to late to start!
Now it's time for some 7inch cake at City Cafe!!

UnChristian

Do you remember that old Michael Jackson song "Man in the Mirror?" I know the King of Pop hasn't been linked to the most Christ-like news in the past decade, but that song has a great point. I'm reading a book that has a "Man in the Mirror" message for the church. It's amazing what happens when we take of the mask, humble ourselves, and let God wash us again. Check it out if you, like me, desire change.

Random TV

- Mythbusters is a great show

- I miss 24

- I reall enjoy watching Cops. I don't know why, but I can't get enough of it

- I watched Bee Movie and Dan in Real life last night...should have watched Cops...

Chill

Toady will be a day of relaxing. I've got some pre-move schtuff to do, but other than that I will be laying low. We may go out to eat later (something we rarely do). All of my video games are packed so that's kind of a bummer, but I'll live. Next week will be busy one. i'll be at the TN A/G District Council in Chattanooga. We'll have 5 services, 1 banquet, 1 reception, 2 buisness sessions, and hopefully some down time on Thursday. We also elect a new District Superintendent which is a pretty big deal. I'l miss my kids, but I'll love being away for a week.

What do I do?

I've been asked the question "What do you do when you aren't working with Master's Commission?"
So I've finally decided to break down and answer the question. When MCC isn't around (which is usually before 8:30am or after 6pm) I use the time to read and study. I also manage our church website and handle various media related issues. I manage and monitor at least 11 email accounts and 2 seperate web sites (not including the main church page).
The main thing I do is pray and plan. I try to stay 4 months ahead with my teaching series on Sat and Sun. So I do that prep work too.

Blur

This week in flying by. I love it when that happens. So far we've knocked on about 30 doors, laid a couple thousand square feet of sod, driven well over 200 miles, eaten pizza-soul food-steak-and Mexican, and finished the last 2 showings of our Easter play. And that's been 3 days! Today we'll do more follow up, do some cleaning at Montgomery Christian Academy, hang out in the Lincoln Homes projects, and top it all off with church tonight @ 7. 

My wife gets the "Trooper Award". She is spending her spring break packing for our move next month. We'll be taking a trip to Chattanooga next week for the TN District Assemblies of God District Council. DC is basically a convention/business meeting for all of the Assembly of God churches in the state of TN. I love it. It unplugs us from the day-to-day and allows us to relax, network, and hang out with our pastoral family. Plus we always eat GREAT!

MCC just completed White Phase. That means we only have about 11 weeks left before graduation. Time is flying by...

After

During

Before

Sod

Today we are laying sod. Fun in the sun...except its COLD!

Follow-Up

Today will be a long day. At our church we have a very thorough follow-up system for our guests and visitors. Our Pastor believes that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. So we want our guests to know that we care and are so thankful that they chose to spend time in our church. We are blessed to have a staff that can handle the tedious job of personally thanking...in person...EVERY first time guest. We also check in on anyone who fils out a commitment card. These visits are vital to keeping new believers connected. 

People may not agree with our method, but I have seen the fruit of letting someone know that they are important. 

Our Easter services where well attended and that means lots of visitors and thank God lots of new believers! Time to knock on some doors.

Easter

What a weekend. We still have ONE more showing of "Free Indeed". Then It'll be a hard week of follow-up and tear down. I am looking forward to District Council at the end of the month. It has been great to see God move in the lives of people over the past four performances. Our church does big productions like this all of the time and while it can get stressful and exhausting...it's always worth it in the end.

Gotta give a shout out to Althea Lee for throwing down in the kitchen today. We had Thanksgiving for Easter. And the best part is we get leftovers tonight!

Off??

I can't believe I have a day off...kind of.The last 2 nights have been long, but awesome. God is changing lives through this drama.

My plan is to relax. I'll probably fire up the grill later on. I spent the morning at a men's breakfast followed by a suicide mission to walmart (I hate shopping).

I'm glad to be at home with my family. We have 3 services on Sunday and then I gear up for my big move. Thank God for rest!

Some Thoughts

- Last nights performance of "Free Indeed" went really good. People gave their lives to Christ...what else matters?

- My sister is coming to town today!

- I can't wait for Easter Sunday

- The TN A/G district Council is in 10 days which means I'll get to eat some City Cafe in 10 days! I love Chattanooga!

- I can't believe March is almost gone!

- I'm ready for some new Office and 24

- Have a great Good Friday! Remember what Jesus did for us today!

Watch and. Pray

The race begins tonight. 3 days, 4 performances, 10 hours, 1 sunrise service and a partridge in a pear tree.

I need to have a Garden attitude this weekend.Not my will...

It's easy to get worn down doing life.. But when I look at the worn down cross...I get a burst of energy.

He sacrificed His life. Surley we can give up some sleep, time, and energy. I pray God will change lives. I believe prodigals will come home.

Watch and pray.

A Beautiful Fool

I've had quite a reflective morning. I gave the MC students the morning off to rest up. We have very little down time due to Easter prep and our normal schedule. This break has allowed me to do some awesome meditation and reading. I'm in the midst of it right now. Just taking a pause to blog.

My head is swimming but its good. My dreams are usually birthed out of moments like this. It strated out early this morning during my quiet time.

I wonder if I'm playing it safe? There are so many dreams God has given me and I wonder if I am failing to step out in faith and go for them. I just wonder. I believe there is a fine line between waiting for God and geting stuck in the mud. I don't feel stuck, maybe on standby, but not stuck. I don't want to rush, but the wait can be trying. I have a tendancy to let my busy mind get the best of me. I must stay focused on the road ahead without forsaking what's around the corner.

Here are some random qoutes and thoughts that I've collected during my morning of "realizing that I am beautiful like everyone else. And I am a fool like everyone else." - Shane Claiborne

- "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth leaves the whole world blind" - Gandhi

- "God is with the poor and God is with us if we are with them" - Bono

- "It is impossible to truly love Jesus and not help the poor... but it is quite possible to help the poor and not love Jesus" - G.P. Wood

- "If I miss God from time to time (and I will), I am going to miss God moving forward in faith rather than standing still and doing nothing." - Herbert Cooper

Yes Sir

Heaven

Let Love Rule

Lenny Kravitz got it right. We've got to let love rule. I believe that if love is our guide, life will be better. When I say love I'm not talking about some kumbaya campfire stuff. I'm talking about the sacrificial love that Jesus showed us when He laid down His rights, so that we may have a right to God. He died so that we could live. And so when I say let love rule I'm saying let the love of Jesus rule. I'm saying in "As He loved us, in the same way we ought to love one another". He loved us by simply giving His all. Simple, yet divine.

My friend Mike Warren asked me a question 5 years ago that is still rocking my world to this day: Does God want you to love more or sin less?

I'm in NO WAY saying that God wants us to sin. But I am saying that God wants me to love more. If love is what motivates me, I will sin less. I will care about others, I will obey God's commands, I will reach out and be Jesus...if I let love rule.

How about you...love more or sin less?

Free Indeed

Busy week ahead! Today We'll be going to about 500 homes inviting people to come see our all new Easter Production. I'm excited. Its always an adventure when you go door to door. We've also given out 5000 invite cards, not to mention the hundreds of flyers we've already passed out. We've got road signs and billboards, newspaper ads,e-vites, and PSA's. We even had a feature article in the Leaf Chronicle. But it's all for nothing if God doesn't place His hand upon us. We need His power to make it through. It's all about Him. I'm trusting God for changed lives this week! Don't forget to do your part!

There's a great article on AG Think Tank about the significance of today. Check it out.

Because He lives

I'm so thankful for Jesus. I'm so thankful for all that He's done and is doing for me. I'm so glad that I'm on the backside of last week. I was tested and tried. But God is faithful...I escaped. I'm thankful for the perspective that comes when we are emptied of ourselves.
His love is amazing. His grace is mine. And because He lives, I can face tommorrow.

Thoughts

I'm in the midst of a marathon month! Last night was an incredible service! Sorry, no pics. Here are some random thoughts:

- I hope practice is fruitful today

- I hope practice doesn't produce any breakdowns

- I finally have my garage cleaned out! I'm ready to move

- I'm not ready to move

- I want some red beans and rice

- "That thing you do" is a great movie

U-Turn Tonight

Once again MCC has been blessed to minister at U-Turn Youth group. We are anxious to see what God is going to do tonight. I love speaking to anyone who will listen, but I always feel a little more relaxed talking to teens. Pastor Charlie (our Youth Pastor) is the best. He actually gave me my first shot to preach in Clarksville back in 2004. So for me, going to Friday night U-Turn is like going back to my old stomping ground. I may post a pic or 2. My prayer is that God will capture hearts tonight. So many of our teens struggle with their identity. We are sharing with them that they can know who they are. Send some prayers toward 1186 Ft campbell Blvd. We want that place to be electrified with God's glory!

Edify: Friends

I'm so blessed to have very few close friends. I'm thankful for my aquaintences and the great people I'm surrounded by. But there are only a few people who have access to me like no one else. Johnny has been my brother for years. I love his mind and his humor. He is a life friend. He is my sounding board. I ride or die for Johnny. Nelson is me big brother. We sharpen each other. Sparks fly...but I don't know if I'd have stuck around Clarksville if it wasn't for the Rivas family. I need to make more time for Carlos. I miss our talks. Mike and Cathy have shown me true love. They are the definition of Christian. Erik is my brother. He is a great friend. John and Mike are the first people I want to see in the 813. We've done some serious life together.

God, thank you for friends!

Tired

I'm in a very weird place right now. I'm tired but it is definatley a mental thing. I spent a good bit of yesterday just talking with God and trying to get mind right. We (MCC) had the service last night and God did His thing. It was a great service. We get to serve at a youth service on Friday and we are expecting big things! We've got a long road ahead of us these next couple of weeks. God give me the strength!

Edify: The Influencers

I'm so thankful to be a part of a team. I'm blessed to serve on a staff that is serious about people. I'm blessed to work with men who are so much brighter (Charlie) and brilliant (Daniel) then I am. It is an absolute joy to not only love, but to actually LIKE the people you work with. I'm thankful for a pastor who trusts me with so much. I am eternally greatful for the chance Pastor Montoya gave me to be a leader at First Assembly of God. My pastor is what some would call a "prayer warrior". If I could take any trait from my pastor it would want his passion for prayer. Pastor Montoya is also a builder. He is a master in the art of affirmation. On my worst days he can make me feel like the best thing since sliced bread. You could preach the worst sermon in history and pastor will be there to encourage you. He's the best. I also appreciate leaders who believe in being mentors. I'm thankful for the leaders who have spoken into my life. I appreciate Pastor Maury Davis and his discipline. If I could take one thing from him I would want his drive for excellence. I am thankful for Pastor Mark Batterson and his communication style. If I could take one thing from him it would be his heart for the marketplace.There are so many others who have made a differnce in my life. Mike Warren keeps me focused on the main thing. Earl Creps keeps me focused on the deeper thing. I could go on and on.

God help me to be an influencer. Thank you for these great servants.

Edify: My kids

I love my 2 sons Tony and David. My boys are all boy, yet they have hearts as big as china. They are respectful, yet they also have their own minds. I love the potential that lies in both of them. Some people work a 12 hour day and come home wanting peace and quiet. Me, I want my kids. They are my peace (not so much the quiet!). We wrestle and box and come up with new ways to make mom freak out. We also guard our precious Jaemi like the warriors God has called us to be. Tony is probably the most gentle person I know. Yet there is a power in him that I can't wait to see unleashed. He is absolutley brilliant. David is a stick of dynamite. Yet under all of that energy is a cool character. My kids rock!

God help me to serve my children. Thank you for a full quiver!

Edify

This week I'm going to try and brag on some folks who are near and dear to me. I believe it is very important to lift people up. Today I'll start with my best friend: my wife Jaemi. Let me tell you why she rocks. She is nice. She gives people the benefit of the doubt. She loves God. She's a great mother. She makes me laugh. She can set me straight. There is no bluffing my wife. She has a strong will, but she is the quintessential submissive wife. She is a true partner. She is sexy and modest, hot and charming, pure yet full of fire. She loved me when I gave her opportunities not to. She gives when I give her opportunities to be selfish. She puts others needs above her own. She cares. She listens. I love her red hair and freckles! My wife rocks. She is better than your wife. She'll beat your wife up! No seriously, she is great and I love her!

God help me to appreciate my wife. Thank you for blessing me with a great partner.

What do I still lack?

Heard a great word this morning. Our Biblical Ed pastor spoke from Matthew 19. I love challenges and the message today was defiantly a challenge.Today was one of those special days when God gave one loud and clear message to His people. We talked about being missional instead of maintenance in our Sunday morning class. I felt led to share about never getting comfortable in our faith during the offertory devotional and Pastor Daniel nailed it with the word. Great Sunday!

I've been dealing with some tough questions the last couple of days and today's word really helped. I pray God will show me how to continue to stretch and grow, push and motivate, and most importantly be an influence.

"All these I have kept...What do I still lack?" Matthew 19:20

A Tale of 2 Saturdays

To cancel or not to cancel, that is the question. We got our good snow yesterday. Now the question is what to do about tonight. We have a marathon practice scheduled for our Easter production and our Young Adults meeting scheduled for later tonight. To move forward as planned means a very long day. To cancel means another day at home.

I'm not sure how I feel either way. Well, obviously I don't want to cancel Young Adults...but I also don't want to get stuck on icy roads tonight. Just thinking out loud.

Random Friday Thoughts

1. My prayer was answered! My family is off with me today!

2. I'm excited about MC next year! We're already getting apps for first year students!

3. 24, Cosby, Office, or Grey's...what to watch?

4. I think I'll eat a donut for breakfast

5. It is supposed to snow hard tonight...I can't wait...

6. Steve Harvey had a great morning show today

A day off?

I am so looking forward to Friday! Fridays are my day off and this time I'll actually have the entire day off. The past several Fridays have been consumed with other schtuff. But I actually have a day with nothing to do. Of course I could find some busy work or pre-moving stuff to handle. But that is for the birds! I need a vegg out day and March 7th looks like a good place to start! Plus it's supposed to snow hard and it would rock to have the fam at home with me. Lord give us a snow day in Jesus name!

Dehydration

Water is good. I haven't been dong a good job of staying hydrated this week. I'm normally good about drinking the proper amount of water. But this week I've been off. Whenever this happens I get really tired and my head kills. All I want to do is lie down. It is very hard for me to function when I am thristy.One psalmist wrote "As the deer pants for the water so my soul longs for you". Another wrote "Oh God you are my God earnestly I seek you. My sould thrists for you in a dry and weary land". I love how the Bible uses our natural thirst to illustrate how we should thirst for God. We get tired and run down without H2O.Too much time away from the Living Water will also wear us out. I pray that we would drink from His fountain daily.

Moving

I spent the morning checking out my new house. I'm excited about the new space...but I HATE moving! I'll definatley miss my miltary days when they did all the moving for me.
I've got about 30 days left in my old place. Lots to do and little to no time to do it in. Lord willing it will be the last move for a long time.

Save the drama for...

As you already know I love my life. Here is one of the many keys to me living life to the full and have a "carpe diem" worldview:

Stay away from drama!

Paul said "As for me I always do my best to be at peace with God and man". I try to live the same way. I'm not a fan of the drama kings and queens who exsist to make everyone around them suffer in their sick sad litle worlds. Don't get me wrong, I love them, pray with and for them, and will help those who are responsive to godly counsel. But at the end of the day, life is too short for there to always be drama in your life.

Drama is one of the leading causes of heart problems, weight problems, sleep problems, and legal problems. After all, the fruit of a drama filled life is stress and anxiety. God tells me to be anxious for NOTHING. He tells me to hang out in His peace. It's hard to find rest when you dwell in drama.

I pray that we would all pursue the peace of God which transcends our thoughts and guards our hearts and minds from drama.

Domo Arigato

Sometimes I wish I lived in Nashville. I hate that I have to drive 55 miles to get a decent pair of drumsticks (ProMark 747N Naturals) and a good snare head (coated emperor).

Much love to Forks Drums in Nashville!

Are you kidding me?

Why is there a storm blowing in that will bring crazy weather on Tuesday? You'd think I would be used to this by now. Anyway, today has been a full day so far. I've been to the hospital, visited some guests, prayed in a trailer park, and spoken with a family before a funeral. I'll be in Nashvile within a couple of hours doing some much needed musical maintenence. I had a good time eating chicken and waffles with my peoples at IHOP last night. Thanks for letting me hang with you guys!

I had a great conversation about next year and I'm excited about what God has in store for MCC! I pray I'll be ready for whatever is next.

The word for the day is "Don't look back!" (Phil 3)

March Gladness

I can't believe it's March already! This year is moving fast. But I guess we say that about every year. March is kind of a pivotal month for me. Lots of "life" events happen in March. I joined the Army in March. I lost two children in March. I returned from Iraq in March. I became the YA/Singles Pastor at my church in March. Next Level was born in March. I recieved my first ministerial credential in March. I'll be ordained in March (technically April...but the event starts the 31st). I preached my first Sunday sermon at my church in March (Lord of the Breakthrough). What's weird is that I'm listening to the song that inspired that sermon right now!

I thank God for all He's done in and through me. I thank God for March! I pray this March will be full of Him and full of purpose. I pray that He will continue to push me to the next level.

Getting my ski on

Had a blast at paoli Peaks. Here are some more random ski thoughts:

Snowboarding is hard

Stopping yourself without falling is a good thing

Thank God no one was hurt

I finally got my chicken and waffles

I had a great time...but I'm wiped out

Next time I'm sticking with tubing