Super Weekend (Random thoughts)

I love the NFL and I love Superbowl weekend. I've long since given up any hope of being able to watch the game from start to finish. That's what happens when you have church on Sunday nights. I definitely feel like I'm sacrificing what's good for what's best! I am super stoked about a new series we are starting Sunday morning called Habakkuk. We also wrap up our Next Level Values series tonight @7. I also found out that Master's Commission Conference will be in Ft Worth instead of South Dallas. That means we get to go to a new city! Only 19 days until we hit the road!
I'm so excited about what God has in store for February. I have the privilege of speaking at a breakout session at the TN A/G College retreat on Feb 27-28th. To say I'm nervous is an understatement. I don't feel qualified at all. But God knows and will help me! I'm in the last days of a 21 day fast and God has shown me so much. I'm looking forward in a big way. I'm also kicking butt and taking names! The cause is too serious for foolishness. Let's get busy for God and quit serving ourselves! Anyway, time for some NFL Network!

Why, Nashville, Why?

Once again its Friday and I'm driving to Nashville. I was just there Tuesday (which was awesome). Today is more of a "serious" type visit...but I'll make the most out of it.
I've literally spent almost half of the month in Music City. Anyway, I-24 here I come!
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More Proverbs of Carlo

There are three things that are foolish, four that are plain dumb:

1. The Cardinals being in the Superbowl
2. People who envy the wicked
3. VH1 reality shows
4. Trying to rob a bank

It is better to tell the truth in love then to love telling the truth.

He who gives ear to a gossip is probably being talked about.

Sin makes you stupid.

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The Proverbs of Carlo

There are three things that are too lofty for me, four that I do not understand:
1.Why God loves me so much
2. How I ended up with a beautiful wife
3. The way electricity works
4. Why my power can't stay on for more than a couple of hours at a time?

There is a way that seems right to Carlo...but in the end...it leads to confusion and silly looks.

More later
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Ice vs Power

12 hours later and still no power!
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Christian Writers' Market Guide

Here is a tool that I'm glad I have in my shop. This is a must have for anyone who is serious about writing from a Christian perspetive. Check out the info below or click on the pic for details.

CLICK HERE TO BUY

For 24 years running, the Christian Writers’ Market Guide has remained the most comprehensive, complete, essential, and highly-recommended resource for Christian writers, agents, editors, publishers, publicists, and those teaching writing classes. And it’s the tool for both for beginners and industry veterans.
This perennial guide contains a variety of indexes–listed by topic, alphabetical listing of publishing houses and agents, and more–to more than 1,200 markets. Those markets include greeting cards and specialty writing, e-book and traditional book publishing (32 new listings), and periodicals (52 new). Also listed are 96 literary agents, more than 100 new writing resource listings, and 166 contests (29 new).

As with the guide for the last couple years, a CD-Rom is included and contains the text of the book for simple, electronic searches. But the 2009 Guide is handier–a more reder-friendly page count with 100 pages or so of traditional content (like indexes and contest listings) now exclusively on the CD-Rom.

Readers will get the same trusted content, though, as in years past. In fact, the latest information on more than 100 editors and publishers, conferences, writers’ groups, and more are not only listed and indexed in the book, but this year, readers will get a code in the book and on the CD-Rom for accessing more updates through the year on author Sally Stuart’s web site, www.stuartmarket.com. (From Amazon.com)

This week...

-We get back into our our "normal" routine after 12 days at the 700 Club.

-my little guy turns 4!!!

-Lots of planning, meetings, and prep work for an exciting February.

-I start taking The Hebrew Prophets at All Nations Biblical Study Center (online of course)

-Something great is going to happen!
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Just some suggestions

This week:
Don't be in a rush. Let God speak to you through the people He loves. Listen to the Word while you read it. Pray out loud to remind yourself that God is there. Chill out. Take naps. Work hard but don't get overworked. Remember that the sky is not falling. God is still in control. The President is not the Messiah, but He sure could use the Messiah's help, so pray for him. Trust God to help you not go off. Count your blessings. Enjoy your friends and family. Have a great week!
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Great thoughts from the week

Here are some great thoughts that have jumped out at me the past 7 days:

"What happens in you is more important than what happens to you" G.O. Wood

"Not every change is good." J Wethington

"We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness. In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned." B. Obama

"We've been told that faith is believing in God, even if you can't experience Him. Maybe instead, faith is believing that what you are experiencing is God. Instead of viewing God as the one who gives us joy and peace, maybe we should view God as the joy and peace that we experiencing." - J. Palmer

"Before we can do the work of the church we must BE the church". J. Perkins

"It's like bitter-sweet chocolate. Who is that really helping?" M.Scott

Goodbye 700 Club

It's been great! We'll see you in may!
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Build a Bridge

We have a new President. Can we please move on. I've never seen "Christians" act so childish in all of my life. I've prayed with people who have been downright hateful in their remarks about President Obama. I understand if you didn't vote for him. I understand if you disagree with everything he says and does. But what I can't understand is how Believers can hold on to bitterness and anger and expect God to hear them. How can you follow Christ and worship at the altar of your opinion? I don't get it. Life is too short. People are dying without Christ. This nation is in desperate need of revival and that will only come when God's people get on their knees in prayer and get off of their butts and start living this Gospel out everyday...everywhere. Pray for the Prseident and his administartion instead of criticizing him. Live out the values you wish to see adopted in our nation. Pray in school. Vounteer at Preganancy Crisis Center's. Adopt a child. Give yourself...not just your money...to the poor and hurting. Teach your kids the truth about homosexuality and evolution. Stop watching and listening to filth.Smile at Walmart.
I'm convinced that light will pierce the darkness when it stops crying about how dark it is. Build a bridge. Get over it. And get on with it for God.

Is it Wed or Mon?

I've been all out of sorts today. Having Tuesday off makes today feel like the start of the week...but its not! Oh well. We only have 3 more days at CBN Nashville. Today has been a heavy day. Lots of people needing prayer. While I do wish people would pray for themselves too...I do have a deeper appreciation for prayer ministry.
If I feel out of sorts today...I can't wait to see how I'll feel when we get back into our "normal" routine.
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What a day

-Like most of the world I'm watching the Inauguration. I love history so I'm eating all of this up. I'm kind of sad that I couldn't be there...maybe next time!

-I'm enjoying a rare Tuesday off! Thank God!

-I'm looking forward to Muay Thai tonight.Ready to get my J/C/RK on!

-The boys and I had a Batman marathon last night....good times!

-Just watched the Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush walk out of the same door. Talk about power!

-God Bless America...and chicken and waffles!

MLK

What else can I say?

Black

I've really been thinking about what it means to be black in America this week. Regardless of where you sit in politics one thing is certain...history has been made. I can't help but think about my grandmother and my aunts and uncles at a time like this. What is going on n the hearts of those who have experienced racism at its absolute worst? Imagine that young man who grew up in the 60s in the deep south...what pride he must now have. I'm proud too. I'm not proud of a man, I'm proud of this great nation and her people. I'm proud to live in a land where a black man can rise to become the most powerful man on earth. It speaks of the greatness of America. There is no better proof that in this land, everyone has a chance. I know we have a long way to go...but look how far we've come!

The End of an Era

Well the Bucs finally fired Jon Gruden. I was wondering when it would happen. Jon took Tony Dungy's Bucs and won a Superbowl...and that's about it. Did they win with him? Yes. But I don't think it is a secret why he couldn't take them back to the top. One key factor to his sudden firing was the chemstry in the locker room. The players didn't really like him. Maybe its because he cursed too much? Maybe he was too complicated. I don't know. I just know I'm tired of seeing my team come up short. This year's collapse was just flat embarrasing. Tgo from 9-3 with control of your own playoff destinty to not even making the playoffs is sad. Losing to Oakland at home is sad. Having your awesome defense get thrashed on MNF is sad. And it is sad that a man with a family is out of job. Nevertheless, it is the end of an era. No more "Chucky" prowling the sidelines.
Raheem Morris is supposed to be the new coach. While most people have no idea who he is...the Bucs do. And why are the Glazer's willing to put the fate of their franchise on a rookie coach? The PLAYERS actually LIKE him. The bottom line...chemistry can sometimes take you farther than competence.

Breaks

Working at 700 club this week has made me appreciate breaks. Normally I'm running around like a mad man and only break to eat. But sitting in a cubicle all day has made me look forward to 15 minutes here and there. By the by...this has been an amazing week for us! We've seen salvations, healings, and great acts of faith. God is also doing great things in us through this time of fasting and prayer. Time to get back to work.
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Cold, prayer, driving

-It is very cold which is not news to most people. I do love the cold!

- today was a slower day at the prayer center...and not as weird as yesterday...

-we have some leadership training in Brentwood which should be great.

-The drive from Clarksville to Nashville is a chore. I don't know how people make this commute everyday. God bless em'!

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Where I've been spending my days

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What does the Bible say?

Today was a great day at CBN. Tons of calls. Tons f prayer. Good stuff. The only negative is the complete lack of sound doctrine that so many callers have. As a pastor it really troubles me how little self-proclaimed "Christians" actually know about the Book on which their beliefs are founded. So many times I had to lead very confused people to very clear scripture. I really felt God light a spark in me to push sound doctrine. I'm not talking about denominationalism or anything like that. I'm talking good old fashioned Bible. What does God say in His Word about that behavior/situation/need?
The answer is and has always been right n His word. read the Bible and do it. Your life depends on it.

Monday thoughts

-The fast starts today

-We'll be spending the day in Nashville @CBN

-I can't wait for Muay Thai tonight

-It is supposed to snow...we'll see

-I am totally disgusted with how the NFL postseason has turned out. The Cardinals and the Eagles? Are you kidding me?

-At least 24 is back!
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Be Real

last night we began talking about our values at Next Level. One of our core beliefs is very simple:Be Real. I think too many Christians wear masks every Sunday. I fell that too many believers are not honest with themselves or others. In order to really do life together we have to break down our walls and allow people to have access to ourselves. Young adults are tired of the superficial. They are tired of religion that isn't authentic. I pray that we all would be real with each other, be real with ourselves, and that we would be real with God. Who do we think we are fooling anyway?

Next Level 2009

Tonight starts our 2009 season at Next Level. I call it a season because we have been moving toward this date for 2 years. The fall was really a dress rehersal for what we want to accomplish in our community. We are stoked about stepping up our outreach at Austin Peay State University and in the young adult community in general. We've renovated our room. We've changed our format. We've prayed and planned. And now the real work begins. I'm ready for the Next Level!
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Great Friday

-Had a great day at the CBN call center today. Got to lead a man named Joseph to Jesus!

-When you press in and draw closer to God...you will fight battles. I'm fighting and I won't be beat!

-Monday starts our 21 day fast for the New Year! I'm expecting BIG things from God!

-I'm ready to chill with my familt toight

-Next Level will be AWESOME tomorrow. If you are in the Clarksville/Ft Campbell area...be there @7pm!

-I tweaked my knee Monday at Muay Thai class...it feels great now (Praise God)!

- My mom is making me eggs and sausage...need I say more?

-Go Titans

More thouths on prayer counseling

The power of prayer is an amazing thing. That was evident to me as I listened to call after call at CBN. Deep inside people have a default setting that points them to the supernatural. I constantly receive prayer request through our church website. It is very rare that someone will turn down an offer for prayer.

I still believe that people should be connected to a local body of believers. However, if CBN and the 700 club are filling the gap and supplementing faith, then I think that is an ok thing. I've seen it in action. They aren't about money...the people of CBN Nashville genuinely  love and care for the people who call in. It is an amazing thing to experience. Friday beginning 14 days of prayer counseling work for MCC. It will be a life changing experience. 

Prayer Counseling

Spent a good bit of yesterday at the CBN Nashville prayer center We were training for their upcoming pledge drive> Most of what we'll be doing the next 2 weeks is praying with people. In just 1 hour of phone calls we talked to people with financial issues, health issues, faith issues, and yes even people who felt utterly hopeless. While we were training it hit me how heavy prayer ministry is. I think we take for granted how many people are desperate for God. For some, all they can do is call a number they saw on TV. I have new respect for shows like the 700 club. Love em' or hate em'..they are reaching people. More later.

What's up with the news?

Don't you remember when the news gave you the news? With today's 24 hour cycle they put all kinds of junk on there now. And what happened to professionalism? I guess you can redefine professional as culture dictates. What's all of this talking to crew off camera and joking around when you should be giving us the weather? When I lived in SOCAL back in 2000 I picked up the LA show "Good Day LA." That's when I first saw the randomness of modern morning news. I don't know. I have a sense of humor. Trust me. But I get aggrivated with spots on absolutley nothing when so much "real" stuff is happening in the world. I really don't care about what's going on in Richard Simmons life or what fight Sharon Osborne got into. Please just give me the news. Just a rant.

500th Post

What a milestone! I'll celebrate my 500th post with a "what I'm reading" list.

Playoff Parity

What a weird season in the NFL! I'm not one for parity. I like the dominant team that wins everything. I don't like to see every dog get its day. Could you imagine a Cardinals vs. Ravens Superbowl? Or a Chargers vs. Eagles? in my opinion that would be lame! I want to see the Titans play the Giants or the Steelers play the Panthers.. Titans/Panthers Giants/Steelers. Give me the best and not the luckiest!

Practical Atheist

A practical atheist is someone who says they believe in God but lives their life as if He doesn't exists. I think all believers can be guilty of this from time to time. How many chances do we get to live out our faith daily? How many times do we ignore opportunities to put flesh on the gospel? The other day i got frustrated that a van was driving in front of me with their hazards on. They were moving at 20mph in a 45 zone. So like we all do I zoomed around them eager to get on my way. And then conviction hit me like a ton of bricks! What if they needed my help? What if they were in trouble and I had the answer? Of course I had to do some repenting! My point is this: I want to be who I say I am. That is so simple in principle but complex in practice. To really believe is to let that belief ooze into our everyday. God help me to live it out!

Thoughts from the Word

-Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

-Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. (Proverbs 4:25-26)

-...be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry...(James 1:19)

- (God) saves the humble but brings low those whose eyes are haughty. (Psalm 18:27)

- Do not be anxious about anything...(Philippians 4:6)

Don't look back

This double reminder at the airport jumped out at me. God help us to always walk in the right direction.
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The Work is Coming

Today is my first "official" day off of the New Year. Tomorrow MC Clarksville gets back from Christmas break and it's game on. I'm pumped about how fast our schedule will move the rest of the year. I'm ready to start. I hope you are too!
The time off has been great though. I shot some fireworks with my boys last night. We had a blast! Jaemi and I also got to hang out which is always cool. I'm so blessed to be married to my best friend and to father the funniest kids on earth. Back to being off...
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First Thoughts of 2009

-There is nothing like worshiping out the old year and praising in the new!

-It seems like it just turned 1999!

-Had a blast shooting fireworks with my oldest at about 30 minutes to midnight! It meant way more to me than he'll ever know. Tonight we'll finish off the rest.

-2 hours of drumming is hard work.

-I can't wait to spend today junking out and lounging with the family..I think I'll have a 24 marathon

-God has truly been so good to me! I can't wait to see what He does in the next 525,600 minutes.

-It's 1:35am on the first day of 2009 and I'm WIDE AWAKE!