Screaming Spider

I had to assasinate this monster Brown Recluse the other day. This picture only shows half of its body. FYI, it screamed when it got squished. I'm still freaked out about that.
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Nothing Compares

I love what I get to do! The last 3 days have been so refreshing, challenging, and fulfilling. I was definitely born to do 2 things...Preach the Gospel...and Direct a Master's Commission. There is nothing like being smack dab in the center of God's Will.

Last night we cooked over a fire, talked about life, and just got to know each other in a laid back environment. We took a late night tiki torch hike down "the trail to the creek" and unfortunately, we had to walk back up the hill. But not before Shawn did something ridiculous that he'll have to explain himself! By the way, can a brother get a ski lift? We talked some more and just had a good chill evening, playing chess, basketball, and pool. Today we'll head out to Ft. Donelson for pics and Paris Landing for play. Here are some things I've learned the past few days:

-It IS possible to keep a schedule and be on time in Clarksville, TN

- I'm not the only one who snores!

-This is a brand new year, not a continuation of last year

- All of our students have really lived some miracles to get here...bottom line...they WANT to be here

- A European swallow CANNOT carry a coconut!

Zero Day

We had a great opening day off MCC 0809! We started out with the Word and prayer and the I had some one-on-one with the students. We have a God ordained team this year. I'm so stoked about how hungry these guys(and gal) are.
We also did some hanging out. We went to the best kept secret in Clarksville...Retro's Classic Arcade(on University). This place has all of the greats (pac-man, street fighter, area 51, afterburner, pole position, punch out, NBA Jam etc.) I think the owner told me they have 30 of the top 50 arcade games of all time. And they have an old school Sega Genesis with like 8 games. But to keep it relevant they have 4 X-box 360's with all the games you would love to play in HD on flat screens. The best thing is $6 buys you all you can play...ALL day. No coins. No hassle. Just walk up to a machine and press start! Good times!
Today we'll cover lots of paperwork and then head out for some pray and play.
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It begins

In 5 hours we'll begin our orientation weekend for MCC 0809. I can't really put into words how pumped I am. Yesterday it all became real. Having most of the team in church felt great. I felt like I had my life back!
Now its time for me to change hats. Its time to go from "nice guy recruiter" to "take no mess Drill SGT".
Let's roll.
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Last Night of Revival

Tonight is the last night of our revival services at our church. Each service has been unique and powerful. I couldn't think of a better way to kick off the next nine months. We have 2 students coming in today and 1 flying in tomorrow. If you think about it, send some prayer toward 1186 Ft Campbell Blvd at about 1pm tomorrow. That's when our Orientation and War Week officially begin.
For those who are interested...orientation consists of information overload, prayer, and lots of fun-getting-to-know you-type-stuff. War Week is a HIGH stress total immersion in all things MCC. The students will be put through as many scenarios as possible. They'll also get ready for the upcoming year of academics. It ends with a capstone excersics that we call D-Day. That day will be the most memorable 24 hours of their lives. I can't wait!

God bless TV Land

I've got a touch of insomnia right now. Thank God for TV land! I just watched back to back Cosby Show. Now I get to enjoy the deep spiritual overtones of Sanford and Son. Does it get any better? After Sanford and Son is The Jeffersons! Can I get an witness up in here!?

Developmental Stretching

When I was in the Army we would do these exercises called developmental stretching. We usually did this for PT the day before a PT test. Its basically Yoga-ish stretching, without the religious hoo-ha. I did that this morning as opposed to my normal cardio. It felt great to just take 20 minuets and do nothing but strecth. Stretching helps prevent injury, loosens up muscles and joints, and it always makes those tight spots feel great.
I couldn't help but realize how God puts us through the same developmental strecthing as well. And it always prepares us for the bigger tests. Just a thought.
If you ever see an uptight Chrisistian, or even one who is stuck in their way/rut/religion...gentley remind them that it is okay to stretch!

Tuesday Thoughts

- Is the DNC over yet?

- So sad to see great players getting hurt during the NFL preseason.

- 2 more students come in tomorrow...2 days until MCC 0809

- I wish people would be straight up when they talk...I'm SOOOOO over half-speak and shady words.

- "A great leader can't lead where he's never been before".

Scripture that slaps you

There are some verses in the Bible that just jump right out and smack you in the face. Call it "stepping on toes", "hitting below the belt", getting "all up in your grill", our a "burn"...the Word is truly a "double edge sword"! Last night I was thinking about something I witnessed. About 3 different times I wanted to tell what i ad seen.But this one verse jumped in my face and put me in my place:

Proverbs 17:9
He who covers over an offense promotes love,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

Think about how much unnecessary junk we repeat. We tell our tales of being wronged or who so and so told so and so off. But do we ever ask ourselves why? Why do I need to repeat this? Why do I need to share this "juice"? Why do I need to replay this drama? I don't know about you, but these questions make me really do some soul searching.

God help us to promote love.

4 Days

In 4 days it will be Thursday. In 4 days all of the MCC 0809 Class will be present and accounted for. In 4 days the next chapter in the brief history of MCC begins. I'm so stoked. We've had some big problems and some bigger miracles this "offseason". We have some great momentum heading into the new year and we have an awesome group of students. One interesting dynamic is this will be our first year with no local students. It'll also be our first year with 2nd year students. 

I;m so thankful for my wife. She has helped me in a million ways in getting prepped. There is NO way I would be ready for the students if it wasn't for her hard work and creativity. Next week we'll iron out some last minute wrinkles and hit the ground running on Thursday.

TGIS

-We received a huge miracle yesterday on the home opener front. Thanks to anyone who prayed!

-We still need one more!

-Today will be a pretty full day...just what I love.

-I actually watched some Olympics yesterday...yawn

-The homemade pizza was great last night...I'm still alive

-Yesterday I saw like 20 books at Borders and Hastings that I want to read...can a brother get a gift card!?

Here are 2 great quotes from a book I'm reading:

"God stretches us so He can strengthen us."

"Never miss an opportunity to shut up."

Blogging out loud

The week has been a whirlwind. All of the pieces are falling into place for MCC 0809. We still need help on the home opener front, but God is working that out. We made some changes in our Young Adult meeting space and I'm excited about our test runs the next couple of weeks. We're using the fall as a soft launch for our new Young Adult service and campus ministry. We'll go massive next semester. All we need to add is our new lighting, but that should be done in about 2 weeks.I love new.
I'm also exteremely proud of one our MC grads. That's all I'll say because I know how contagious swollen heads are. You know who you are. Keep up the good work. Stay focused! Remember your name...
I wish I could have a veg out day...but there is to much to do in prep for orientation on Thursday. Plus we have our annual Homecoming service on Sunday AM and revival services Sunday PM-Wed PM. It will be an awesome week. Time should fly because I'll be praying hard and having fun.
The Sacred Assembly was amazing. It was a perfect blend of worship, prayer, and the Word. I'm excited about what God is going to do. It was also cool to see all of my ministry buds. There is nothing like rubbing shoulders with your battle buddies.
I've really been meditating on the concept of doing the Word. God help us to focus on the things we ought to do. God help your people to be obediant. To obey is better than sacrifice. Help us to be...not just appear to be.

Just blogging out loud.

Sacred Assembly

No, it's not the name of the latest Assembly of God church in town...it's where our leadership team is headed this evening. 4 hours of prayer, worship, and time with God. There are big decisions to be made in our movement and big things that will be done for The Kingdom. I know He'll here us tonight as we humble ourselves, pray ,seek His face and turn from our wicked ways. Looking forward to it...

Lazaraus the iPod

I murdered my iPod Nano on Tuesday. It was one of those freak things that happens in slow motion. I was changing shoes in my office and I stepped on my satchel. What was in my satchel...my Nano! The screen was cracked and black and I knew it was lights out. I was mad/sad/frustrated/depressed/confused all in about 30 seconds. Thankfully I had other things to worry about so I just threw the dead device in my desk drawer, refusing to get emotional over a "thing". My wife half joked that I should lay hands on the iPod and pray that God fixes it. I told her that I didn;t have that kind of faith!
So yesterday I was sharing that story with somone and what do they happen to have lying in their trunk...A 5th Gen 30GB iPod Classic! And they gave it to guess who...ME! Talk about a miracle. It was totally unexpected! I'm still in shock. so now I've been upgraded from 1GB to 30GB, from 1st Gen to 5th Gen, from no video or game capability to the works, and from a $119 machine to a $250 dollar machine...and it cost me nothing!
Talk about an iPod being raised from the dead!

The 2nd New Year

I heard Dave Ramsey say today that "September is like the 'New' New Year". The logic is this: we go back to work after vacation, we go back to school, the weather changes, for some the fiscal year ends etc.
I think he's on to something. I know in my life September brings the start of my teaching season (Tue. nights), Master's Commission, and our family birthday/anniversary season. We have so many things starting up that there is this "New Year" type of energy. It's exciting!
I'm thankful for the Grace of God that has helped me stick to most, if not all of my goals for the new year. That never happens! I still have a long way to go, but I'm definitely closer now than I was in January. Even though it's August, it's not to late to start working on your 2nd New Year.

PT is free

It's been great working out before 7am. I used to work out occasionally at night just because of my crazy schedule. I've switched back to my Army 6am workouts. The day feels great when you PT first thing in the AM.
Our students start arriving tomorrow. Wow! I'm going to need to be in shape to keep up with the MC lifestyle. But the fast pace is worth the payoff of seeing lives changed. I also feel like a little kid. We have so many secrets in store for the first week. I want to tell SO BAD! I spent all day yesterday doing some room makeover in our Young Adult space. I also set up our new A/V equipment which I'm super stoked about! Today we'll keep working the plan, nailing down 11th hour details, and of course...we'll be some praying fools!
Merry Tuesday!

And the winner is...

...Aaron Long! Congrats to Aaron for winning a free copy of Wild Goose Chase! Aaron is one of my guys. Having led him through a year of Master's Commission I know he has what it takes to chase the goose. It'll be a great year chasing the goose (and lions) together. Many people are unaware of the sacrifice MC students make. They leave their families, their hometowns, their comfort zones, and their friends all in pursuit of God. If that's not living a life of adventure I don't know what is! The average "church attender" would do well to follow the example of these world changers and live outside of their boxes. I'm proud of my team! One of our alumni will be serving on the front lines of college ministry this year. It's awesome to see that developing. I have 2 more of my students coming back to serve as 2nd year students. And we have 3 "newbies" as well. I'm getting fired up just thinking about it...10 more days!

The prayers we pray - revisited

Aa we near the start of MCC 0809 and all of the adventure that entails, I couldn't help but reflect on the prayers we pray when the heat is on. My favorite of course is "Lord, help me!". That prayer really works. It's awesome to know that not only does God hear us, but He is mighty to save...to come to our rescue...and to tell us wonderful things. To pray without ceasing isn't to mumble some mantra all day. It's to have a conversation in your soul with the creator that never stops. Here's a funny prayer to remind you to keep on praying.

Chill time

I've had a great day relaxing. I finished my prep for weekend services early this morning, so I've had some much needed down time.
I'll be announcing the winner of Wild Goose Chase on Monday.
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What I'm Reading

I really enjoy reading. I try to go through a several books  month. Some I read fast, others I have to digest slowly (I've been reading Leading from the Second Chair ALL summer). In the past 10 days I've read or finished:

Wild Goose Chase - Mark Batterson

Culture Shift - R. Albert Mohler Jr.

Clarksville-Montgomery County History

The Power of Potential - E. Cole

I'm currently reading and re-reading (not including Leading...)

Inside Delta Force - Eric Haney

Glory Defined - David Nasser

My American Journey -Colin Powell

Thursday Thoughts

- I'm glad it's Thursday (my favorite day of the week...has been for 20 years)

- Exactly 2 weeks before MCC 0809 kicks off!

- I actually watched some Olympics this morning...still not excited

- More football this weekend...no that pumps me up!

- I'll have a day off with my wife for the first time in forever tomorrow...can't wait!

- I miss the original Iron Chef show

- I haven't received that many messages about Wild Goose Chase yet, I guess no one wants a free book...

The Voice of Truth

It's been a crazy day to say the least. Lots of little things trying to appear big. I was driving with my wife kind of venting about some stuff and a song on the radio jumped out at me. I had all these thoughts running through my head:

"What about this?"
"When is the call going to come?"
"What's the deal with so and so?"
"Why is traffic moving so slow!?"

And then discouragement started creeping in:

"Isn't it sad that they won"t...?"
"How could they say that about...?"
"It's really disappointing that..."
"Can you really handle this...?"

And then the words of the song hit me like a ton of bricks:

"The voice of truth tells me a different story. The voice of truth says do not be afraid. The voice of truth says this is for My Glory. Out of all the voices calling out to me...I will choose to listen AND believe the voice of truth."

I'm not a big Casting Crowns fan, but I'm thankful for their ministry! So encouraging! God help me to listen to the voice of truth!

The Olympics

I must confess, I haven't been really into the Olympics so far. There has been lots of drama and records and such. But for whatever reason, I'm really not caught up in the hype. Don't get me wrong, I think Phelps accomplishments are great. But part of me really doesn't care. I"ll probably get into it when track and field kicks up. I also missed the opening ceremony...maybe that's why I'm not pumped up....

Like I twittered earlier, my world class athletes are in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Wild Goose Chase

"In my experience it is much easier to act like a Christian than it is to react like one. Most of us are good actors - we can play the part. But our reactions reveal who we really are". (p.99)

It only took me less than 3 hours to read Mark Batterson's latest book Wild Goose Chase. That's not because it was elementary, dull , or even an easy read. I read it fast for 3 reasons. 

1. It was good.

2. Reading Mark's stuff is like talking to a friend.

3. It was good.

This book is an excellent continuation of the whole "Grab life by the mane" vibe that  Batterson's previous work, In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day, put out. The whole concept of the book is to make the most out of every day. It's all about living an abundant and adventure filled life. Mark uses several biblical personalities as the framework for how we can escape 6 cages that keep us from "chasing the goose" (the Holy Spirit). You'll find great personal stories and of course Batterson's unique ability to quote staggering scientific facts and historical data usually found only on Jeopardy. What's great is that Mark knows how to "land the plane." You end every passage and chapter understanding what he was talking about. That's a good thing. I follow Mark's blog, listen to his sermons via podcast, and read everything with his name on it. So not surprisingly, there wasn't a lot in the book that I haven't already heard him say before. However, "If it's worth saying, it's worth repeating!". This book will serve as a great small group resource and sermon starter. I know I'll draw from it for years to come. Wild Goose Chase releases nationally on August 19th. You can order it now at chasethegoose.com or amazon.com

As a bonus, I'll be giving away a free copy of the book through this blog. Here's the deal. I want to know what daring thing you would like to do for God. Tell me (by leaving a comment or email at pastorcarlo@clarksville1ag.net) what, if anything you are doing to make that dream/vision a reality. If you are doing nothing, tell me what you think it will take to get you going in that direction. I'll look at the entries this weekend and announce a winner NLT August 19th. Chase the Goose!

The Routine

It's time to get back into the fall routine. The kids are in school and Jaemi and I will be tying up the loose ends for MCC 0809 this week. What happened to the summer? Not that I'm complaining. I'm ready for the cooler weather, football, and of course the fast pace of MC life. 

It's also looking like we may see a spike in our Berean Study Center. That is definitely a shocker. But I'm excited about all of those potential ministers. I'll be teaching Hermeneutics and Evangelism this semester. every Tuesday night. 

NextLevel will be undergoing some exciting changes this fall too. More worship, new atmosphere, fresh focus...it's going to be amazing. And to top it all off, our small group will begin on APSU. We are going to make Jesus famous on that college campus...one life at a time!

Great end to summer

What a weekend! The youngins' start school tomorrow so this was our last "summer break" weekend. We went to a Minor Leauge Baseball game a Jars of Clay concert, and a Fireworks show (all at the same place) on Friday. Then we had a family reunion in KY on Saturday. Can I get an amen for BBQ? And to top it all off, I was blessed with a ticket to the Titans game Saturday night. The Titans looked great as they stomped St Louis 34-13. Even my shopping experience went better than expected. I feel blessed beyond measure! I'm thankful for God's goodness!.
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Kickoff

I'm finally getting my footbal fix! Go Titans! Great to be at the game!
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So, it's Saturday

 - It feels like yesterday I was driving a hot van to pick up a bunch of sweaty campers. This week has flown by!

- Someone has already been murdered at he Olympics. So sad.

- Bernie Mac is dead. Like him or not, he was important to many people, especially his family. 

- I've got a ton of shopping to do today. Have I told you that I HATE to shop?

- The kids start school on Monday. Can I get a GLORY!?

- 19 days until Zero Day for MCC 08-09...

- The Nashville Sounds game was fun last night. Jars of Clay did their thing by rocking, the Sound did their thing by losing, and the fireworks show made it all worth while!

- There will be NO NEXT LEVEL TONIGHT @ 7. Spread the word.

Mountains Out of Mazda's

Today has been one of those days when little things seem big. I talked Wednesday night about facing giants. I forgot to mention that sometimes the giants are really little trolls that look giant. A dead car battery is not the end of the world. But when it dies 10 minutes before the first day of school when you had no idea how you were going to fix the problem...then it seems giant. I'm so thankful that God brings back to our memory ALL of the times that He's helped us out before. I'm so thankful for neighbors who are kind, traffic that is light, administrators who are merciful, and Auto Zone that's affordable.
The bottom line, don't make mountains out of Mazda's!

The frozen tundra of the Meadowlands?

Brett Favre is a New York Jet. Let the craziness begin. Part of me is glad that the drama is over, but is it really? It is going to be beyond weird to see him in a different uniform...if he gets to play. He might change his mind again when he realizes that the Jets are not good...and won't be for a while (sorry Jets fans).

I remember watching Joe Montana play for the chiefs, Emmitt Smith pay for the Cardinals, and Reggie White play for the Panthers. Weird, weird, and weird. This should be some soap opera season. I'm just glad my Bucs are no longer caught up in all of this craziness. 

On the sports note, I can't wait to go to the Nashville sounds game tomorrow. Should be a blast, even if it is baseball.

Chase the Goose?

I've been given the great privelage of pre-screenng Mark Batterson's newest book "Wild Goose Chase". I'll be giving away a free copy of the book within the next couple of weeks to a "lucky" reader. Here's a sneek peek at the book courtesy of the publishers:

Most of us have no idea where we’re going most of the time. Perfect. 

“Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit–An Geadh-Glas, or ‘the Wild Goose.’ The name hints at mystery. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger, an air of unpredictability surround Him. And while the name may sound a little sacrilegious, I cannot think of a better description of what it’s like to follow the Spirit through life. I think the Celtic Christians were on to something….

Most of us will have no idea where we are going most of the time. And I know that is unsettling. But circumstantial uncertainty also goes by another name: Adventure.” --from the introduction.

That the thing you do

Don't we all have a quirk or 2? Today I was on the phone and I realized one of mine. I can't talk on the phone and be still. I'm not talking about fidgeting, I mean I have to get up and walk around. It's the craziest thing. Sometimes I'll be on the phone and end up in the hall way, in that parking lot, or like this weekend, in my backyard. Don't look at me crazy, you know you do some wild stuff too! Don't make me call some of you out! Anyway, at least I get my exercise on during every phone call. How's that for multitasking?

23 Days

MCC 0809 kicks off in 23 days. We are so fired up for this year. Just the first week will be bigger, deeper, and harder then  a lot of what we did last year. There is nothing like starting with a bang. MC is such an awesome way of life. It's total immersion discipleship. There is nothing like seeing a life changed, seeing a heart transformed, and seeing purpose fulfilled. The secret to this transformation is simply spending time with God. As the students draw closer to Him and lay down everything else, God is able to do what only He can do.

Pray for our students. Pray for all of the 100 plus MC's that will be firing up this fall!

Productive

Today has been busy, but productive. I hate wasting time. Nothing kills me like hurry up and wait. I don't like meetings that lack an agenda. I don't even like to listen to people who don't know what they want to say. I know part of being patient is slowing down. But to quote Steve Harvey, "Don't trip, He's ain't through with me yet".

I love that all of my appointments and running have been extremely productive today. Now I've got to put in some productive study time so that I'll be ready to preach Wednesday night.

Sunday Random

 - If you're reading this, I hope you get up and go to church!

- If you go to church I pray that you don't go through the motions! Let God change you.

- It's supposed to be blazing hot this week...I smell a water gun fight coming soon....

- I'm stoked about some 11th hour changes to our MC schedule... War Week...D-Day... Commissioning Service...it's going to be crazy!

- I have a TON of appointments and meetings tomorrow...the day should fly by

- Isn't it odd that all of these thoughts in this post have started with the letter "I"?

Techno Frustration

No, I'm not frustrated with techno music (although it can get annoying). I've had a very crazy morning in the technology world. A simple router that should work won't. A computer that shouldn't have crashed did. The restore disc that is supposed to work isn't. And I have no idea what I'm going to do about any of it.
What would we ever do without all of these technologies that are supposed to make our lives easier?

Sorry to be so negative...I'm going to read my last post to get some joy!

My Favorite - Final

Favorite Bible verses (this is hard because there are so many):

Lamentations 3:22-23

22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.(NIV)

Romans 8:1

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,^[a] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (NKJV)

Philipians 4:4-8

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever thingsare pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there isanything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (NKJV)

Psalm 27:1

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? (NIV)

Numbers 23:19

19 God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (NIV)