Spring Supplements

Here are some great springtime spiritual supplements:

Fireworks

Shot some fireworks today. It's always fun to blow things up. It's been kind of cool these past couple of days. That made it feel great out.
We finally got our pictures hung up at the new house. I know it seems like that should have been done already, but what are you going to do?
This week is set to fly by. We've got church tomorrow, the National Day of prayer on Thursday, and the TN A/G men's retreat on Friday and Saturday. I think I'm going to fins some time to blow more stuff up too!

Veggie De-lite

Today I did absolutley nothing. It felt good to be a veggie for a few hours. I'll just be chillin with the fam the rest of the night. I love days like this.

Good Day

It was an eventful Sunday to say the least. I am tired! Thank God I'm taking tomorrow off. We've got another smoker of a weekend coming up and ill need some rest. God showed up in service tonight! Some of us got to instantly apply the message after church. I love it when that happens.
Now its time to watch Bear Gryls survive the Artic Circle. Good night!

More on Communication

I believe that I have been blessed by God with the ability of saying what is on my mind in an articulate way. I don't think most people struggle to see where I am coming from. I believe that I shoot from the hip, speak the truth in love, and have no problem sharing feelings and thoughts.

That being said, I do struggle with people who are not built like me. Indescision, mind games, and fear just don't cut it with me. I don't do well with people who can't...for lack of better words..."spit it out".

I need to operate with patience, love, and grace when it comes to those who don't communicate like I do. It's easy to forget that we are all different. We all communicate with the same hardware, but our software is another matter. I pray that God would help me to be quick to listen and slow to speak when dealing with people who have poor communication skills.

Where is the food!

Shoney time

We had a great day...long but great. The students gave God their best and that is all that matters. Now we'll get our shoney's on, hit the rack, and go back for round 2 tomorrow.

Fine Arts

We are almost done setting up. T-minus 8 hours until competition starts!

The week thus far

We've done some serious traveling. It was a great change of pace. I know I enjoyed breaking up the routine. We went to a couple of civil war forts/battlefields, a couple of state parks, the Parthenon in Nashville, and we had squeezed in some golf and go carts at putters. tomorrow we head back to nashvile for a weekend at the TYM Fine Arts Festival.

I can't belive our year (MCC) is almost over. We are already deep in the planning process for next year and I can't wait to see who God brings to us for this adventure. Today should be a semi-normal Thursday which means one thing...BUSY!

I've been getting some comments lately and while I appreciate feedback, understand that I do not blog for a response. I blog to say what I've got to say. This is my discipline. So if I don't respond to your comment just understand that I don't desire apporval or dissaproval in this forum. I don't view this as a discussion board type of venue (yet?)But thanks for reading anyway!

Acts 17

Today we prayed at the Parthenon. Not the one in Athens, but the one in Music City. It's pretty impresive.

Our focus today was the marketplace. Our prayer is that God would give us the power to go into our cities and reveal to a lost world the love of Jesus. I pray that I would have the boldness to stand in the shadow of the gods of nationalism, self, sex, and money and shine with the light of the One True God.

Prayer Walk

Had a prayer walk today at Dunbar Cave State Park. If you don't pray outside I encourage you to start. When a paint my life on the canvas of His creation, I realize how big He really is. Problems get put in their proper place. I get put in my proper place. I really felt God telling me to be still and breathe Him in. Awesome morning!

Mounds of Earth

His divine power has given us all we need for life and godliness according to our knowledge of Him...
We spent our morning prayer time at Ft Defiance. It was awesome to pray on sacred ground. It is humbling to pray about destiny, dream, and purpose in a spot where many gave their lives for destiny purpose and dreams.

The Hardest Part

I hate being wrong, in trouble, or being doubted. I don't like to make mistakes. Who does? I don't know why, but whenever you fail or fall, the hardest part is getting back up. You know God forgives you. You know His mercy and love endure forever. You know He'll hear you when you call to Him. And yet the hardest part is getting up. I don't know if it's our pride or what. I do know that the devil wants us to think that we've gone too far, we've messed up too many times, and that we are hypocrites. BUT THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST JESUS.
Get up. Stand on the word. Even though your sins be like scarlet, let Him wash you white as snow. Recieve the forgivness of God...and then get up. There is work to do.

God help me to walk in you love and grace. Help us to trust you and leave the past in its proper place. Give us the courage to get up and lean on you and you alone, that we might not fall again.

Nap time

I'm ready for a nap. I spent the afternoon at the fairgrounds park with some dear friends. Played some football (we won), ate too much, and watched my kids run like mad men. The weather has been cool and overcast. It's definatley time for a nap.

Earthquake

I almost forgot...I woke up at like 4 something in the morning...BECAUSE OF AN EARTHQUAKE! How crazy is that? The epicenter was over in Illinois. But we felt it in Clarksville. We thought it was wind from a storm front. But when the sun rose...it was bright and clear!

The plan

I'm off. Here's the plan:

Run my usual errands before 9am

Do a little unpacking (yes, I'm still doing that)

Read the new issues of REV and Relevant from cover to cover

Sit on my back patio and enjoy the great weather before the rain comes

Pray for some serious issues

Fire up the grill for a great dinner

We'll see how that works out...

So much to say

"They say my hell is the closet I'm stuck inside...can't see the light" - DMB

I hate tension and I hate having something to say that I can't get out. I really feel the call to being a peacemaker. I don't like beef of any kind. Stress kills. Drama destroys. I want to be known as an over-communicator. I don't want anything to be hidden or left unsaid. God works out in he open...in the daylight. Destruction comes when we keep things to ourselves, when we let offense fester, and when we avoid being upfront. I'm so blessed to live and work in an environment where I can speak my mind and others aren't afraid to speak back. 

Whatever your issue is...talk it out. Get it off your chest. Tell it to Jesus. Tell it to a friend. Tell it to the wall. When left with our own pent up stuff we'll either explode or implode. Find a way to vent. Then build a bridge and get over it. 

"So much to say and so little time" - Take 6

Don't get too far ahead

Slow down. Enjoy the ride. Plan...but live in freedom. We tend to try the sprint before we've walked a lap or two. And we wonder why we have cramps? I have learned this lesson the hard way too many times. Slow down. Enjoy the journey. Learn from everything. Keep the big picture in mind but not at the expense of the details. Don't let the details distract you from the big picture either. I believe we serve a God who is balanced. We need to walk in that balance everyday. 

It's coming up on graduation time and I know lots of folks who will be moving forward into something. I pray they'll slow down, learn, and not get too far ahead of themselves and more importantly God.

Tampa top ten

I was born and raised in Tampa Fl...the greatest place on earth. It's been 8 years since I called Tampa my home. Since then I have lived in South Carolina, Virginia, California, Kentucky, Kuwait, and Iraq. (I did an 8 month stint in Ohio back in 94'). I love Clarksville and don't want to be anywhere else, but here are the top ten reasons why my hometown rocks!

10. Cuban Sandwiches

9. 80 degree weather year round with a nice sea breeze

8. 1 hour from Orlando and all its tourist glory

7. 15 minutes from the beach

6. Variety

5. LOTS of family

4. Great local music scene

3. Bo's Ice cream

2. ABC Pizza

1. THE BUCS!

This Week...

- I get to eat home cooking all week!!

-We are getting ready for a school assembly 

- More unpacking and picture hanging

-New episodes of Deadliest Catch and The Tuttles

- We say goodbye to some great people who are going to suffer for the Lord in Hawaii (The Messer's and Mokily)

- It may snow?

Sunday Sunday

Sunday's are long for preachers. Here in Clarksville I get to lead a small group (Sunday School) on Sunday AM and then we have a 10:45am and a 6pm worship service. I'm technically over the Media of the church so my mind is usually in a million places on Sunday. How's the volume? Is it hot in here? Why aren't the words on the screen? Did they practice that song? The mic is acting up? So if you see me with a crazy look on my face on Sunday or Wednesday...I'm not mad...I'm just thinking and processing (okay, maybe I might be mad from time to time too).

Now let me pause and say we have a great worship/media team. Our culture is different and very unorthodox compared to other churches our size...but God moves in our services. People are coming to know Christ. Josh, Bubba, April, Jody, Aaron, Margie, Alicia, Mike, Cathy, Jacque, Michelle, Pastor Erik, Sis. Mary, and Jaybea...YOU ARE THE BEST! THANK YOU!

Blessed

It' been a week of blessing. I'm so thankful for so much. I practice the discipline of counting my blessings. Its a great way to keep proper perspective and priority. Here are just a few:

My family- a gorgeous wife and the 2 coolest kids on the planet. Who could ask for more?

The ministry- I'm so glad that I get to live out my dream. Not many people wake up everyday looking forward to work.

My home- God has given us above and beyond...

Health- I've been healed, I've survived Iraq. I don't have high blood pressure or diabities. I am blessed. I need to do my part too, but I'm thankful for health.

What's in that box?

I have a confession to make. I need to be set free. I am in bondage. I am...a pack rat. There. I said it. Confession is good for the soul right? I cleaned out several boxes worth of stuff that I have seen fit to carry along with me for the past 8 years. Why? Why did I put that stack of papers in that box? Why do I need that key chain? How many old army hats do I need? Do I even fit that shirt anymore? I even found unopen packs of batteries, stationary, and some bubble gum from Italy! It's sad and funny at the same time. I feel great having taken an entire truck load of junk to the dump. I'm on my way to being a free man! Only God knows why I hold on to so much junk!

Good Thursday

Its been a full day.1 Nursing home service, 1 50 inch TV moved,1 trip to the dump, 1 inspection, 4 scripture memory tests listened to, 32 journals read and graded, 1 meeting, and a mountain of email later and I am finally done.

I had a great talk with a good friend who serves MC in Europe. It's so awesome that my wife's youth pastor (Randy), the man who walked with me down the aisle to meet Jesus (Dan), and my family are still connected through Master's Commission. I'm so thankful for the people who invested in me when I was a punk teenager. YOU NEVER KNOW who that trouble maker in the back row is going to be. Love them. Invest in them. Get off of the high horse and remember that you may have been them. (Sorry for that little rant).

Tomorrow will be a day of unpacking and some much needed rest.

Now its time for Mrs Winners and some chicken and waffles!

The God of Amzing Grace

We preach tonight at 7. The title of this blog is the title of the message. Whenever I get notice from my Pastor that he needs me to preach, everything stops. I usually have a word already burning in my heart. Most of my prep time goes into putting thought to paper. I do my best to write out everything that I will say. Then I come close to memorizing the message. That frees me up to allow the spirit to move and it keeps me conversing with instead of reading to the people. Another important part of my (our) sermon prep is our illustration. Master's Commission preaches with me through human video, drama, or skit. So while I'm hitting the books and writing, they are fine tuning a drama that we have practiced for several hours. I try to use every opportunity I have to preach as an opportunity to disciple them. That way we learn and grow together. Every message is a team message. They aren't my background singers. They are a part of the preaching team. Of course prayer is vital. I always pray for the next word and the current word. I allow myself ample time for prayer and meditation before I preach. I don't want to say one word without the anointing. I HAVE to sense God's presence before I step to that pulpit. Woe to me if I get up there on my own power.
Preaching takes top priority. Everything else can and will wait. Once I begin my prep for a message I don't stop until I have the first draft done. Once its done I'll review and edit up until the very last minute. I can't wait for tonight! I'm preaching my favorite subject: The Grace of God!

Empty

My old house is finally empty. I felt like I would never clean it out. Every time I thought I was done there was something else hiding in a corner or cabinet. Now the unpacking adventure begins!
Gotta give a shout out to MCC for helping me. I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks to Josh G too!
I get to preach tommorrow night and I am stoked abour the word on my heart. God is always right on time. I pray that lives will be touched and changed by His gracious truth tommorrow.

The Sandlot

I love that old movie The Sandlot. If you don't know it's about some kids who get into a jam after they hit an autographed baseball over a fence.
Thay are terrified of "The Beast"...who is really just an old raggedy dog. All they had to do was jump over the fence and get the ball back. Instead they try all kinds of schemes and tricks and fail miserably. They are so afraid of this dog who they've made big in their minds.
We do the same thing. We let little problems control our minds until they become larger than life. Instead of confronting the issue head on we take shortcuts and fall on our faces.
God help us to jump the fence and take back what belongs to us!

New

Its always weird sleeping in a new place. I'm so glad to be moved in. There's still a little left to do...but we are definatley on the other side of the river!
A new place means new habits, new stuff, new perspective. I moved from a newer sub division that sat 50 meters from a busy road....to a quiet street full of retired folks.
Thank God for new.

Moving Thoughts

- I can't believe how much we've gotten done so far

- Thank God for more room

- Moving can be stressful, thank God I'm stress free

- How did we get so much stuff?

Packing and stuff

Today was a pack day. We moved some things but the big push will be in a couple of days. We're doing a movie night at Next Level tomorrow. We're going to watch Napoleon Dynamite and pull out some spiritual themes. I have a great small group resource that is designed just for the movie. That's right Napoleon Dynamite. I love redeeming things for God's purposes! We had our family night last night. We (they) watched Alvin and the Chipmunks. I did what most dad's do when they have a full stomach and a couch (pass out). But it's all good. It's good to be home!

Home Sweet Home

What a week! It's great to be home...even though I'll be moving soon. I'll probably watch Alvin and the Chipmunks tonight and chill out. Tommorrow will be the first of a couple of long days.
I'm so thankful for God's goodness. Our new home is perfect, District Council was life changing, my kids are safe and sound, and I get to sleep in my own bed tonight!

Done

Now the work begins!

MCC is here

MCC has joined me in Chattanooga for tonights ordination service...another adventure begins...

My Big Day

Ordained. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around what today will mean in my life. I know some ministers who are ordained and can really care less. I know others who are ordained with fellowships that require little, if any accountability or process. The A/G has a very thorough process. It has not been an easy ride. It has been a God thing. I read in the Psalms today : What is man that you are mindful of him...?
Who am I that God would allow me to lead this great people of his?
I'll post more pics and thoughts later.

Long Day

The evening service is just about to begin. The buisness meeting was very long but thank God we've elected a new Superintendent.
JR Gould is the new Superintendent of the TN District of the A/G!
Tommorrow will be another day of elections and buisness and then we'll close with the ordination service.

The day so far

District council has been great so far. We've heard from God, been challenged, and enjoyed great fellowship. In a couple of minutes we'll begin our first buisness session. We'll elect a new Superintendent. I'll post updates later.