"Rampage" Serrano

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Candy and Costume Day

I don't really celebrate or wish folks a happy Halloween. I personally don't dig celebrating death and the occult...but whatever floats you boat. I love the attitude our children's pastor has. He says that "Halloween is not devils day. Instead, every day is the day the Lord has made." I like that.
We have an alternative party at our church to keep the kids off of the streets and away from strangers. We hold it in our gym and we have games, candy , and of course all of the costumes and WAY more fun! We reach over 300 kids with this outreach. I'll be dressed as a Mixed Martial Artist (probably Rampage Jackson). My oldest boy will be a soldier, my young guy will be the Amazing Spiderman. I can't wait to bask in all of the spoils of tonight's candy and goodies. Be safe! Happy Friday!

Promo

If you are 18-25 in the Clarksville/Ft Campbell Area or a student at Austin Peay State University...come check us out Saturday night @ 7pm


Nashville Teen Challenge will be at First A/G this Sunday night. Don't miss it!

Self explanatory...oh yeah, MC Clarksville will be doing this service!

The Fast and The Furious

Today:
400 miles driven
2 states
1 meeting
1 church service
Several "media related" tasks and phone calls...

And God did it all! I can't do anything, face anything, or overcome anything without Him. He is the answer. He is MY answer.

Tomorrow will start before 5am for me. There will be a radio interview, a prayer meeting at City Hall (if I can get there), a prayer meeting at church, staff meeting, MC tests, Muay Thai, and morem

And I will be able to do it all through HIM who strengthens me.

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Chances

"I'm so glad that the Lord saved me". I remember singing those words as a little kid growing up in the Assemblies of God. Today has been one of those days where I am so thankful for God's grace. I'm so thankful that when I was still a sinner...Christ died for me. People can hurt us and let us down and it's in those times that we have to remember the God that has been so gracious to us.
I've tried to live with this VHS tape in my head that always flashes back to the cross. Whenever I am tempted to judge or give up I have to hit play and remember the God who did not deal with me according to my iniquities, but instead was full of love and mercy and grace.
Thank God for chances...

*This is not some confession of mine. I just really feel like thanking God for His grace.

MCC Style

I love Master's Commission
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Rare Monday off

I'm catching on some much needed rest today. It's been a very busy 10 days. I normally don't go that long without a day off. But duty called. Today my plan is to vote and then chill until Muay Thai class tonight.
We had a great weekend at First Assembly. I personally know of one young man who was called into the mission field on Sunday morning. That is exciting! Let the relaxing begin.

Reach America

Our church is in full missions mode this week. While we know we are commanded to go to the world, let us never forget to go right here in America. Here is the reveal video from our Missions trip ti Kansas City.

25th Thoughts

- If your right hand causes you to sin...cut it off. That was the first thought I had when I woke up this morning. Weird isn't it?

-I have more IT stuff to do at the church today

- The missions banquet tonight@6 should be really fun

-I can't believe it's almost November...where does the time go?

- It was great to chill with the family yesterday. I have been crazy busy lately, so it was nice to be home before 6pm for once in 2 weeks.

-If your eye causes you to sin...gouge it out. That was the second thought I had when I woke up this morning.

-We have Men's breakfast this morning. Our Hispanics Pastor Carlos Cruz is speaking. I love to hear him share the Word. (And I love breakfast)

-GO RAYS, BUCS, and TITANS!

How Would Jesus Vote?

Click here to buy on Amazon

Here is a great read for anyone who wants to move beyond the fluff of mainstream media and get to the heart of what matters to values voters. This is a great read. I highly recommend it! Here is the summary info from the publisher:
The 2008 election is shaping up to be one of the most important political contests in American history. In fact, Dr. D. James Kennedy believes it will be a watershed moment that could impact our very survival as a nation under God.

Values voters—people whose political views and votes are based on their faith in God—are being targeted as never before. As the campaign season moves forward, the significant players will debate terrorism, radical Islam, nuclear threats, global warming, social issues, gay marriage, immigration, education, health care, and many other essential issues that can create sharp ideological divisions.

Into this overwhelmingly complex political situation, Dr. Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe bring a clear, compelling, and nonpartisan exploration of what God’s Word has to say on these critical matters. How Would Jesus Vote? isn’t intended to tell readers which candidates to support; rather it offers a Christ-centered understanding of the world to help readers draw their own political conclusions.

74 Hours

Great challenges=Great opportunity for Great growth.

Alice Jane Blythe said" Every change is a challenge, and every challenge is a chance for God to be God in your life". The Lord has walked me an my team through some serious stuff this week. And all I can do is thank Him because we are better on this side than we were on that side. I'm proud to see the intestinal fortitude that exists in the students of MC Clarksville. If we made it through Sunday night...there is no stopping us. If God be for me...
We also renovated our Young Adults space. I am so excited! I can honestly say we have a modern worship space now. It's not your grandmas Singles room any more. It's not even the Kafe room anymore. It really is the Next Level. It is so col to see vision become reality. Big ups to Aaron and the team for making it happen right the first time. I'm proud.
I'll try to get pics up soon.

No Next Level

In my previous post I said "I can't wait for Next Level Sat night @7PM"

My bad. We won't be meeting this Sat due to out annual missions banquet. The banquet starts at 6PM in the Youth Chapel all singles and young adults...let's show up and show out!
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Wild Week

It's been a week of weeks. I've been running pretty hard. Thankfully we'll get some type of break tomorrow before another crazy busy weekend. Tonight we have a Sectional (A/G) dinner to attend. It should be nice to get a fancy dinner and hang out with my pastor-friends.
On another note...the room Young Adults room looks great. I can't wait for service on Sat night @7pm!
Finally, I think I'll vote tomorrow.
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nextlevel makeover

I'm so fired up about some changes we are making in our Young Adults space! Today we'll be getting our paint on yo!
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It's the questions that hurt the most

Why do bad things happen to good people? I know so many people who struggle with this...myself included. This question is the root of the proverbial "Life's not fair" statement. All I know is that God is good when life isn't. There is something that can be learned from every circumstance. There is potential for growth in even the hardest of times. The world I live in is riddled with car wrecks, flat tires, surprise trips to the ER, and other unexpected heartaches. But we all have a choice: Let life's trials beat us down...or with God's help...get up and move forward. God help us to be better not bitter.

Go Rays!!!

Great day to be a Tampa sports fan. The Rays beat the Sox and are headed to the World Series!! For the record I have never followed the Rays (other than to see how bad they are doing). However, this year i pulled out the hometown VIP card (which protects me from bandwagon accusations) and I started paying attention to them. Good stuff. Of course the Bucs are sitting on top of the tough NFC South with a win over the Seahawks. If the Rays win, Tampa will join the elite cities of Americ that can boast a Superbowl Champ, Stanley Cup Champ, Arena Bowl Champ, and World Series. TAMPA-BAY!!!

New Every Morning

After a crazy night...my heart resonates with the prophet:

"Because of the Lord' great love we are not consumed, for His compassion's never fail. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness."

Vision

The Bible says without it (vision), the people perish. I've been talking vision with my wife this morning.  It' is hard to deal with folk who lack a vision for how great their lives, work space, etc. could be with a little God-vision. God is the creator. He spoke everything into exsistence out of nothing. He knows the plans He has for each of us. He sees the beginning and the end. And if we are His children, we ought to be like Him when it comes to haveing a creative vision of what could be. We have to see a better life. We have to see overcoming. We have to see ourselves better tomorrow than we are today. I'm not talking about having a "name-it-and-claim-it" worldview. I'm talking about the power of positive thinking filtered through the Word of God. I'm talking about dreaming dreams. Master's Commission Clarksville was birthed out of a vision to see God impact the Young Adult community of our city. Since it's formation in 2006 we have since shifted a small group into a Young Adults service. We have planted a small group Bible study on APSU. And we are on the way to the Next Level. Why? Vision. Are we there yet? No. We've got a long way to go. But I believe in the vision for Next Level Young Adults Ministry and MCC, and more importantly First Assembly of God. I was  a part of a Road Rally that a good friend put on in our church. Why was it successful? Vision. My friend had the ability to see how great the event could be. It had never been done before. But that didn't stop him. And God made it work. God is opening doors for my good friend Johnny Kelley to ride a bike across the country for missions. How did it happen?Vision. I could go on and on. I'm going to start a new prayer emphasis in my own life. I'm going to pray for bigger vision. I'm going to pray for those I know lack a God-sized dream. God give us eyes to see.

Random leaves

-There are too many leaves in my yard. Thankfully something is being done about that.

-I absolutley love the fall. The weather was nice and cool last night. I'm ready for some snow!

- I can't believe Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner!

-I also can't believe we are 3 weeks away from a new president.

-This has proven to be a stressful week. But God has come through!

- Our rental car is AMAZING! It's so cool to drive a car that is brand new...and that I don't have to pay for.

-Today I'll chill before Next Level. I'm excited about our new series "How Would Jesus Vote" that we kick off on Sunday AM.

What a night

We had a wild ride last night. We left Muay Thai class with 30 minutes to spare before we had to be at a dinner in our honor. We got in a fender bender and ended up being 1 hour late. Then I took all of the students home. 2 hours of driving later a finally walked in my door. 

The god news is that no one was hurt. Insurance is covering all of my damages and a rental car and I am thanking God for how smooth everything has gone. My heart goes out to the guy who hit us. I know he feels like crap. But hey, accidents happen. That's why they are called accidents. Today will be a long day. We have a road rally tonight that looks to be great fun. I'm going to try to get some chill time in between now and then.

My first wreck!

Thank God for USAA, no one was hurt, no airbags deployed, the cars were legal, and I knew the person who hit me!
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Thai Boxing, Turkey Sub, and Thoughtful love

The Thursday T's:

1. TIME for staff meeting. I'll probably have TURKEY with TEA to drink

2. THAI Boxing (Muay THAI) class should be great TONIGHT. I love THIS sport!

3. THE 2nd years nailed it today with THEIR devotions on sacrifice.

4. I have really THOUGHT a lot about how TO love more intentionally TODAY.

5. THANK GOD I made some important deadlines THIS week!

6. I hope THE TAMPA Bay Rays eliminate THE Red Sox TONIGHT. If THEY make THE World Series...and win, TAMPA will join the ranks of cities THAT have won a Stanley Cup, Superbowl, Arena Bowl, and World Series.

7. I wish I had a TIVO...

The Best Thing Ever

It hit me hard yesterday. The best thing ever is coming home to my 2 sons that are actually glad to see me. I don't care how annoying people have been, how crazy the day. how hectic the schedule...hearing my boys applaud my arrival makes everything better. I pray that I don't mess that up. I want my boys to be 16 and still look forward to seeing me. Is that realistic? I think it could be.

Time

Here are some of my thoughts on time:

1. Respect it

2. You can pay someone back if you take their money...but you can never pay them back their time

3. There is always enough time...manage what you have

4. It waits for no man

5. After salvation, it is the most precious commodity God has given us

Work day

Today is a grunt day for MCC. We'll be doing some painting and cleaning...A.K.A. SERVANTHOOD. It'll kind of be our theme this week actually. I'm stoked about PT this afternoon. We are working out on our own since CMMAA is closed for Columbus day. We are blessed to have a workout space and a basketball gourt/gym on our campus for all of our physical training needs. Time to get dirty!

Attitude is everything

Can I be blunt? I really don't like poor attitudes. It hurts my heart to see people work for Jesus through church ministries with bad attitudes. What's the point of that? If you can't be happy, find something you can be happy with and do that or go there. But don't have a bad attitude. It gets us nowhere fast.

I won't complain

I heard that line in a gospel song this morning. I must confess...I can find myself drowning in a sea of negativity from time to time. I don't know why its so easy to find something to gripe about. But what I do know is that it is not healthy to live in negativity. The other day my wife and I were in one of those negative clouds. I quickly decided that we should say something positive. I said something like "we've just made 2 negative statements in a row...let's say something positive". I think that's a good rule to live by. Don't say 3 negative things in a row. The goal of course is to eliminate complaining all together. I'm not saying that we should deny reality. But I think we (I) can do a better job of thinking and speaking positivley. God help me to count blessings instead of complaining.
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Saturday list

1. Read "How Would Jesus Vote" by Kennedy in preparation for our next series on sat nights: "Jesus for President"

2. Read "Come On People" by Cosby for same series

3. Cut my hair

4. Listen to Underoath

5. Catch a little bit of football

6. Repeat

Co-signers

Aaron shared with me the concept of co-signers. Basically a co-signer is someone who copies everything around them. They repeat your jokes. They repeat your mannerisms. The copy your style. The "bite your flow". THEY COPY YOUR BLOG. They are annoying.

God has made us all so wonderful and unique. It is very sad to see people who are so lost they don't know who they are. It is my personal mission to expose the co-singers in my life. I want them to celebrate who God created them to be. And  He made them original. 

I'm not saying you don't have influencers. Mark Batterson, Herbert Cooper, Maury Davis, and a host of others greatly influence my style and my life...but I don't co-sign...there IS a difference. So to all the co-signers out there...you are on notice...I'm coming to get you...I hope this rant gets through to you..next time it will be ugly...

Friday is great.

Today is really a recovery day. We've had a fast and furious week and the break is right on time. Muay Thai class was great last night. We've moved to the next level of training and that feels great. It was so cool to not have to work out according to the beginners board. It feels so good to walk into that gym and actually have a clue as to what I'm doing. That being said...I have a LOOOOOONG way to go. But it's still great not being the "newbie". Plus, my instructor says my left kicks are awesome. It's amazing how you find yourself seeking validation from your teachers. I'm also stoked that the weather is cooler! Time to chill.

Eat, drink, rest...repeat

I had an Elijah moment today. Not power and calling fire from the sky...I felt more like the worn out Elijah of 1 Kings 19. I meditated on this verse and applied the same instructions God gave Elijah. I ate, drank, rested, and followed the still small voice.
It is incredible how emotionally and spiritually drained you can be after the biggest spiritual highs. Last night was amazing. God set some young people free and I'm blessed to have been there to see it. Our team flowed at a level we have never experienced before and it was dynamite. I'm so proud of MCC for letting God use them to change the world. The best is yet to come.

30 Minutes after the 1st altar call...

...A generation that is hungry for God...what a mighty God we serve!
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Calm before the storm

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Victory Hill and Victory Christian Academy

Today we (MC Clarksville) have 2 awesome opportunities. We had 1 service at Victory Christian Academy in the morning and then 1 at HF Teen Ministries at Victory Hill Church in the evening. The morning chapel service went great. The kids worshiped God, interacted during the message, and responded in mass to the challenge at the end. Great stuff! The church has treated us so good! Right now we are studying and getting ready for tonight's service. We are expecting God to do some great things! I feel a little like we are on tour. I can't wait for the next service. If you know anyone who wants a Master's Commission to speak in their youth/children's/church service...drop me a line. This Jesus stuff is fun!
We forgot some important promo stuff...so we had to make an emergency run to Kinko's. Thank God for thumb drives, laptops, and an awesome wife! More later....

Bike for The Light

My best pal Johnny is doing something amazing for God. Check out www.bikeforthelight.com for more info.

What I'm listening to now

Anbelin - New Surrender
J. Moss - V2
Underoath - Lost in the Sound of Separation

What I'm reading now

Come On People - Cosby
Hidden in Plain Sight - Buchanan
If I Were God I'd Make Myself Clearer - Dickson

Another year

It's my birthday. I don't make a big deal out of it. I'll be really annoyed if they sing "happy birthday" to me during the church service. I think we should charge people for birthday/anniversary announcements from the platform. It would be a great fundraiser. (That's my 2 cents, not the opinion of the church or staff)
Anyway, I'm glad I get to spend my birthday with the fam.
Last night @ Next Level was amazing. If you missed it you missed out! Worship is getting so intense! And this is only the soft launch of our Young Adult service. I can't wait to experience it in 3 months! If you live in the Clarksville/Ft Campbell area and you are between 18-25 (30) you NEED to be a part of Next Level Saturdays @7pm. Spread the word. It is THE place to be for a worship experience geared specifically for young adults.
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Curve Ball

Have you ever asked yourself "why me"? Today has been one of those curve ball kind of days. Tons of unexpected twists and turns to what was supposed to be an easy Friday off. I'm trying to learn the lessons in the middle of the drama.
In other news, I'm really ready for election season to be over. I can't stand the division and hate and personal attacks. I'm glad I'm not running for anything!
It is also really great to be back home. The past week has been crazy busy to say the least. Even my rest in the mountains involved 6-7 hours of driving!
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Home

I've been in 6 states in 7 days. I am ready to be home. This retreat was amazing as always. I'll post thoughts from the sessions later on. I always feel fired up after times like this. I am definatley ready for the weekend services and our Bowling Green trip next week. But right now...I'm just ready for home.
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6,643 feet

We are in a cloud...literally
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Lunch with a view

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Rock climbing?

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