Goodbye 2008

-It's been a great year!

-I'm flying under the radar until tonight.

-We have a concert at the church from 8-midnight.

-After that I'll blow some stuff up and then crash.

-That's about it. Bring on the New Year!

Best of 2008

-Going to Dallas and standing where JFK was killed

-SRMC Retreat in Austin, TX (playing football in the freezing rain)

- Moving into our new house!

-4th of July firework fest at the Lerman's house

-Speaking at Gravity XA in Murfreesboro

-Receiving my Ordination from the General Council of the Assemblies of God

-Taking Next Level to the "next level"

-MCIN Director's Retreat in Dallas

-Getting to spend 3 days at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville

-School assemblies in Alabama

-growing more in the Lord

-successfully finishing our first year of Master's Commission Clarksville and starting our second year

-reconnecting with old friends and mentors and making new connections and friendships

-learning and still learning Muay Thai at Clarksville Mixed Martial Arts Academy

-Celebrating 10 years of marriage to the wonderful Jaemi Nichole

and so much more...Praise God for a great year!

Busy Tuesday

I have a full day today. I'll spend most of the day doing Bible studies and visiting the first time guest of our church. I'll also be getting my drums and gear ready for our New Year's Eve concert on Wed night. I'll be in a tie for a good part of the day so please pray that God will give me strength!

The Collapse of the Bucs

I love the Tampa Bay Bucs. I've been a fan since forever. Tampa is my hometown and I love the Bucs. However, I am very disappointed with their collapse at the end of the season. They were 9-3 for goodness sake. They were the #2 seed in the NFC. And now...they aren't even going to the playoffs! Yet another great illustration that "it's not how you start...its how you finish". I don't want to collapse like that ever. The 2008 Bucs have taught me to never get comfortable. Never talk bigger than you can act. Be consistent. Finish strong. Pound the rock. May God help us all to blast into 2009 with the momentum of a great finish in 2008. GO TITANS! (I've still got love for Tampa too)

One year of blogging

This is the last Sunday of 2008. It also marks one year of blogging everyday (sometimes more than once a day). Very cool accomplishment. I read through all of the previous posts yesterday and it made me so thankful for the memories and great blessings of my life. I didn't even realize that I have been to 10 states in the last 12 months! Here's to 12 more months of adventure and going after God!

Goals - Ministry/Spiritual

- Spend more time on campus (APSU). Right now I'll be there every other Thursday night. Hopefully That'll expand some during the day.

- Speak at least 12 times less on Saturday nights (bring in some friends, MC, etc.) I'll have preached 76 times in 2008. That's about 20 more times than 2007. that does not include 49 Sunday school teachings! I'm thankful for the opportunity to teach/preach. It confirms God's call. However, I want to be a good steward as well. I'm sure my folks get tired of hearing me talk!

- Read at least 24 books (FYI: I read 21 in 2008) I'm trying to avg. 2 a month

- Go on a 12 mile "Prayer Road March" (in 4 hrs or less)

- Fast 40 days

- Do something regularly for the Lord that I don't get paid for or recognition for.

Southern Weather

- My friend Kevin made the observation that "Tennessee has moved to Florida". It's 70 degrees in Dec!

- I'm teaching on life goals Sunday morning and "New Year's Prayers (Ps20)" on Sunday night.

- If you think about me...I sure could use an extra shot of prayer today. My frustration level is of the charts!

- This morning I was thinking about MC and the hard grind we have ahead of us after Jan 3rd...and then I realized...we still have a week off! I need to chill some more.

- FYI: I'm not good at chilling for more than 2 days...I get extremely restless.

- I really wish I could order UFC tonight...$45 bucks is too expensive!

_GO BUCS!

Christmas Thoughts

I had a great Christmas. It was great to relax with the family and get away...even if I didn't go anywhere. Christmas Eve I drank too much coffee and stayed up all night. I think I made it about 30 hours before I finally caught a nap. I learned a serious lesson in God's grace that night. Amazing what happens at 4am. One of the highlights was watching the kids open their stuff. We have a tradition where the kids have to name one thing they are thankful for before they get o open a present. They gave great answers. I am thankful for the miracles God performed for us to have any Christmas at all. Things have been really full-throttle in our lives the last 6 months and God really gave us a great Christmas. Last year I felt like I limped into the New Year. This year I feel like I'm going in throwing fists, knees, and elbows. I'm fired up! 

Blog Break

I'm taking a brief blog break. I'll be back after Christmas. I'll still post updates on twitter and facebook.

Merry Christmas!
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3 days left

I am really ready for Christmas to be here. I have some family staying with me so that will add a cool dynamic to our Christmas festivities. It's amazing to see how much has changed in just 12 months. I know people who had a horrible time last Christmas. And this year is going to be great for them. Good stuff.

Of course the Bucs let me down yesterday. Atlanta winning didn't help matters either. The Giants beat the Panthers, but that still doesn't do much for Tampa bay. Oh well, at least the Titans clinched the number 1 seed and home field advantage.

Today is an errand filled day. I'm going to try to hang with the fam as much as possible. Tomorrow I have to go back to the airport....

Stuff for Sunday

-I really need the Bucs to win and the Falcons to lose

-I also need the Titans to win

- I am very excited about Christmas. It will be our first in our new house.

- I had a weird night...woke up at 2 and didn't crash again until 4:30

- I'm ready for some down time.

Car Trouble, Christmas Plays, and Covers

-Once again I'm in car trouble. I'm leaking oil from somewhere and yesterday a ton dumped out in my driveway. I hate car problems. Send some prayer my way!

-Tonight begins 1 of 3 presentations of Road to Bethlehem at church. Thank God I only have a bit part! I only have 2 lines...yes! (I pray lives will be changed).

-Yesterday it was 70 and rainy. Today it's freezing. i just want to ball up under the covers and read a great book about anti-terrorism or war in general.

-Men's breakfast was great this morning. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to speak. My prayer is that the men of CFA will be known as "Ultimate Fighters"

-I am done Christmas shopping! And I have 4 days to spare!

The Longest Day

Today has been a smoker. I made 2 round trips to Nashville International Airport. The first trip started at 2am! Honestly, who wants to fly out before 8 or 9? My second trip involved picking up my youngest sister. It's always cool to have family around... especially this time of year. I've been getting hit pretty hard today with some "life" stuff and have been feeling a little drained. Then I realized, "I'm speaking tomorrow morning". I'm talking to the men of our church about "The Ultimate Fight". I'll be speaking on the dangers of technology and how parents (men) need to take back their homes. For the record, I am not anti-technology. I'm actually our churches "tech" guy. However, many parents are just flat ignorant to what their teens are getting caught up in through web based technologies. I just want to share some intel, and train some men up in some pretty basic defense. If you are in the area come check us out at 8:30am. Breakfast is free.

Busy Weekend

The schedule is packed today. I'm headed to Camp Jackson for some recon. We are putting the final touches on the TN College Winter Retreat. We also have our normal Thursday tests and stuff. Then its a night full of dress rehearsal. It's hard to remember when life was slower...and I'm glad. I love doing what I do. What a great life! Tomorrow I'll make a couple of trips to the airport (starting at 3am!). My sister flies in Thursday so I'm looking forward to one of the trips to Nashville.We have a couple of Christmas parties on Friday and then I am speaking at our Men's Breakfast on Saturday morning. Saturday night and twice on Sunday will have me busy in our Christ mas play, and maybe I'll get to breathe a little on Monday. Time to get started.

Goals - Physical

Nothing has me more stoked than my goals for 2009. You can call them resolutions or whatever. I like goals. Last year I made a list of some things that needed to change and I am so thankful that God helped me accomplish most of those things. Probably the first time ever I kept the majority of my resolutions. In making life goals and what-not I've learned from some folks that you you should put your goals into specific categories for accountability and attainability purposes. So between now and New Years I'll occasionally share some of my goals for 09.
On a physical level, I'm in the best shape I've been in in 3 years. I work out at least 3 times a week and I want to maintain that discipline in 09. I hate diets. However, I will continue to be more conscious of what goes in the tank. My biggest physical goal for 09 is to participate at least 1 full contact Muay Thai spar. I'd also like to begin taking Brazillian Ju-Jitsu classes. I turn 30 in 2009. That was hard to say. I want to make it count!

Ice Ice Baby

I'm finally getting my dose of winter weather. Yeah, its just an ice storm, but still its a start. Having grown up in Florida I look forward to winter weather. In Tampa we have 2 seasons...summer and not-so-summer. Or wet summer and dry summer. So I get a little fired up when the weather man calls for ice or snow. Call me crazy...I don't care.
On another note we had our pastor/board dinner last night. It was cool. Laid back, great food, great people. I am truly blessed to get to be a part of such a great church and work with such great people. I know a lot of people say that and think that. But I really mean that. there is no place like Clarksville First Assembly. I can't wait to see what God brings us in 2009.

STL Comedy Night

Just want to give a quick plug to my friend Jonnie Wethington in Mt Juliet. If you can make it, you won't regret it. Jonnie is hilarious and spiritual at the same time and on purpose! And its for a great cause! Be there!


STL Comedy Night 2008 Promo from Jeffrey Holland on Vimeo.

Football Woes

Here is what I needed to happen today:
Bucs beat the Falcons
Broncos beat the Panthers
Giants beat the Cowboys
Titans beat the Texans
Ravens beat the Steelers.

And what do you think happened? I went 0-5. My Bucs are now dependent on other teams to make the playoffs (plus they have to win out). And the Titans have home field advantage now in jeopardy. It was not a good football day at all! I know its just a game, but its my game! And what's worse is the Monday night game is one of those "who care" games. Can we get a "do over" this week or what?

Make it count

There's only 4 days left until MCC takes Christmas break. In those 4 days we get to prepare for a sermon, a Christmas play, and maintain a proactive attitude. There is nothing worse then "short-timers syndrome". I really want to make these last 4 days count. We need to press in and do some intense-intense discipleship. As a coach I want to make sure my team is in the best possible shape and position to win the game. When students leave the bubble of Master's Commission they can be overwhelemed by life. I believe that you can win the battle in your prayer closet and through your disciplines. If you expect an attack and are prepared to counter it, you will win. That preparation is what MC is all about. God help us to make it count this week.

Breakfast

I love breakfast. I got to eat homemade breakfast today. I love it. Nothing says happy Saturday like bacon, eggs, and pancakes. I think I could eat breakfast 3 meals a day. i could also eat chicken wings 3 times a day too...and sour worms. But that's not the point. The point is I love breakfast. Who invented it? They should get an award! Like an omelet named in their honor or something. If you want to be my best friend...an IHOP gift card is a good start.

24, Oil change, and Christmas shopping

-I'm laying low today. 

-Got some shopping done early.

- Took care of an oil change. Now I'm relaxing and watching 24. 

-I love low impact days like this.

- Tomorrow is our young adults Christmas party. I'm hoping for record attendance. If you are in the are check out Next Level this Sat @7pm in Rm 5 at Clarksville First Assembly. 

The Greatest Gift

The Bible says "you have not because you ask not". So here goes. I would like:

-A macbook
-24 season 5 or The Unit (any season)
-some new cologne
-some new books
-loads of gift cards to anywhere
-peace on earth

I'm learning more and more that the greatest gifts are the ones we already have. I get to come to a job I love and am called to. I get paid to be who God created me to be. I have a wonderful family. My kids are hilarious and stay out of trouble. I have a wonderful and spacious home. I have 2 running vehicles. It takes me 66 seconds to get from my driveway to my office door. I have the ability to workout and train whenever I want. I have shelves full of books and a college education. God has truly been so good to me. Of course I belong to Him and that is the greatest gift. I guess my point is, before we start asking, let's pause and reflect on what we already have. It will probably change what you will ask for.

Thoughts from yesterday

Yesterday was a prayer and fast day for MCC. It was an awesome experience. We spent some time in silence. We prayed in different locations. We prayed for...everything. It was neat. The best thing about the day as when we wrote our own personal belief statements. Not many people can articulate their core values and beliefs. I think it is very healthy for believers to open up the word, get some paper, and spell out what they believe. I'm pretty confident most people can not do that because they either don't know what they believe,or they have just followed what someone else told them is truth.If you don't know what you stand for and why, you'll fall for anything.
Anyway, we felt it important to pause the schedule and take some time to focus before we head our separate ways for Christmas break. It was a good day.

Wednesday Thoughts

-today will be a prayer and praise day

-the kids did great at their Christmas play

-I'm ready for snow

-I always get deep this time of year. Nothing like the end of the year to get you thinking about beliefs, values, practices, and direction

-I refuse to be stuck

-I'm expecting a great service at church tonight

-Consuming Fire by United is a great song
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That's what I'm talking about!

-I just paid 18 bucks for a tank of gas! Holla!

-The Bucs lost...but I woke up this morning. All is well.

-Today will be a great day. Lots of random stuff. All of it out of the office.

-My boys have their school Christmas program tonight. I l love me kids. My oldest will be a donkey. I will take pictures. Leverage for when he is 18.

-I have done zero Christmas shopping. "I'm ok with that."

-Today is finals day for MCC. The students have a Hermeneutics and an Evangelism exam. Hopefully everyone will dominate.
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7:15

Seven minutes and fifteen seconds. That's how long it took the Dallas Cowboys to lose. All of the offense, T.O.'S birthday TD, the defensive stands, the field position, the pep talks...for what? What did it all mean if they couldn't seal the deal? What do you say to a guy who gets paid millions to run perfect routes when he runs the wrong route? 7:15. That's all it took for momentum to shift. That's all it took for the Steelers to score 17 unanswered points and win the game.
What a great metaphor for life. How many people do we know who have so much education and potential and yet in their 7:15 they blow it. All of the church, friendships, prayer...for what? For them to blow it in the final minutes of the game? Steve Farrar wrote that "It doesn't matter how you start, it's all about how you finish". I want to finish strong. Last year I felt like I limped into 2008. I don't want to feel like that going into 2009. What are you going to do with your 7:15? I want to be like the Steelers who saw and seized every opportunituy until they achieved victory. Did they play perfect? No. And neither will we be perfect in life. But we can sure give it our best.
Don't choke when the pressure is on. Press in. Play hard. Give it your all until the last second ticks off of the clock.
"If you choke in real life...you'll die"- A.K. Long
"
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Waiting Rooms

So I'm in the ER waiting room writing this. Waiting rooms are weird. There is this palpable tension in the air. Yet, everyone is trying to occupy their anxiety with jokes, magazines, and the Titans game. (The Titans are winning by the way) Me, my head is foggy to be honest. I've been here hundreds of times. Not this ER, but ER's in general. There was the time I had food poisioning. Or that horrible cyst. Once I was so sick I got sick from an IV. One fun ER was when James got hit in the head with a sword. Boy did they look at us funny. And of course my calling brings me to sickbeds on almost a weekly basis to pray and visit. But with all of that you never get used to it. The waiting. The awkwardness. The screaming babies. The cold (does the place have to be freezing?). You try to psych yourself out and mentally be somewhere else. All I've got is fog. I hate sickness. Waiting rooms are weird, but at least The Titans are winning.
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Christmas Saturday

-Putting up the Christmas tree today. Should be an adventure. I got a steal on a pre-lit tree. I hope it doesn't suck.

- The family has play practice this evening. I'll be elsewhere getting ready for Next Level.

-Had a great time hanging out last night. I actually won a match of billiards!

-The game "In a pickle" is very, very stupid. Do not play it or buy it. It really is dumb.

-The game "Last Word" is very, very awesome. Play it. Buy it. It is really fun.

- I think I'll eat chicken and pizza for breakfast. What, is that bad?

-I love this time of the year. Great music. Great food. Friends and family. And of course the opening act of The Greatest Story ever told.

Boxing, boogers, and breaks

What a weird week. Most of the people I know (family included) have been sick in some way this week. I even missed a day of work (which I do not do often). I am feeling better now. Thanks for asking.
Yesterday I hit the gym hard in my ongoing war on sickness. I did 35 minutes of Muay Thai and then a very hard hour of boxing with Coach Carl (I think he is crazy..in a good way). After that we drove across town to the athletic club for 30 minutes of sauna, some swimming (not me) and some whirlpool. I feel great. Today I'll hang with my love (Jaemi) and watch my love (24) and just chill. I'll get in some abs and arms today too just for good measure.I saw a Thai fighter on Monday who had to be every bit of 250 and solid as a rock. He gave me hope that you can be built like a tank and still move like a...faster tank!
Thanks to everyone who prayed for me this week (as long as you were praying for me to get better...not worse).

Thoughts for Thursday

-I still feel sick. I hate it.

-I am still going to workout today...WAR on sickness!

-I'm so proud of our MC students! They are getting it done

-I want to live out Phil 2:14

-It is very cold in our building today. Glad I'm layered up!

-God answers prayers!
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Sick

I hate being sick. I'm taking a very rare sick day today. I don't want to be sick tomorrow. Back to bed for me.
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What I'm reading this week

So far so great!

Happy December

It's cold out and I am upset that it isn't snowing. I want snow. 2008 has flown by. I know we always say that, but this time I mean it (until next year). Where did the year go? We only have 19 days before MCC takes Christmas break. There is a lot to do in a short amount of time. We are really pressing in and focusing on the main thing. It is so easy to get "short-timers" when you know a break is right around the corner. I'm declaring war on "short-timers"!
Today will be a great day of getting back into the swing of MC life. Hopefully, all will go well and we'll actually stay on schedule...yeah right!
On a random note, my friend got me this awesome robot drummer looking thing. I put it on my shelf in my office so that can see it everyday. There is nothing better than unexpected gifts that you actually like!
I'll save all of the "real meaning of Christmas thoughts" for later on. For now, Happy December!