Catalyst was incredible! I got to connect with tons of people I hadn't seen in a while, which was cool, but the best part was that Lisa got to go with me. I'm glad that she has gotten to share lots of cool experiences with me this year. It allows our vision and dreams to align. She understands better where I'm coming from, and were able to dream and plan and pray together more in sync.
The worship rocked, and the preaching was great. I was totally impressed with Dave Ramsey's teaching on Leadership.
The gurus were great this year. They're doing Catalyst in Orange County next year. I'm trying to figure out how to get to that one!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Oh yeah...I'm a Liberty Grad
I finally finished college this week. I know that lots of you have already accomplished this, but I finally did it, while working full time, part time and while neglecting my family. Did you do it that way? That's what I thought...I actually did 16 classes in 2.5 semesters (6 of those were the cleps I did this summer-while taking 4 classes, and making Dean's list in those. Oh yeah, I'm bragging...
Seriously, I'm finally done. I start grad work in January, but for now, I'm enjoying the breather!
It's really cool that we're leaving tomorrow for Liberty. Pastor is preaching at Thomas Road on Sunday night and at Liberty Convo on Monday morning. It's been 8 years since I've been on campus at Liberty, so I'm glad to be going back to my "Alma Mater". What a feeling of relief. It's also my first trip on a private jet. Hope this one is better than Travis Barkers...
This week would have been my 5 year anniversary at Acworth. I do strangely miss it there, but I'm glad where God brought me now. I can't believe how far I've grown in just 10 months. It's amazing what God has done in not just my life, but in my family life (and families life).
We're praying for the future. The mentorship is over in basically 10 weeks or so. I need to find a job!
Seriously, I'm finally done. I start grad work in January, but for now, I'm enjoying the breather!
It's really cool that we're leaving tomorrow for Liberty. Pastor is preaching at Thomas Road on Sunday night and at Liberty Convo on Monday morning. It's been 8 years since I've been on campus at Liberty, so I'm glad to be going back to my "Alma Mater". What a feeling of relief. It's also my first trip on a private jet. Hope this one is better than Travis Barkers...
This week would have been my 5 year anniversary at Acworth. I do strangely miss it there, but I'm glad where God brought me now. I can't believe how far I've grown in just 10 months. It's amazing what God has done in not just my life, but in my family life (and families life).
We're praying for the future. The mentorship is over in basically 10 weeks or so. I need to find a job!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
A Little R&R
The family and I are enjoying our first ever vacation that doesn't involve extended family. I absolutely (most of the time) love hanging out with both mine and Lisa's extended family, but it's nice to have some time by ourselves here at the beach. It's awesome. Pastor Johnny and Miss Janet are incredibly generous in letting us stay at their place this week. There is no other way we could have done something like this otherwise!
I've learned a lot from Pastor this year. His generosity is an example to emulate. I look forward to being able to invest in others one day the way he has invested into my life and in my family's life. A common key I've seen in great Christian leaders I've been around is a giving spirit. Pastor Johnny has it like it's a disease! Dr. Price is extremely generous and encouraging as well.
Jesus is generous too!
I'm reading a new book right now, Mark Batterson's "Wild Goose Chase". So far, so good. His book, "In a Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day" was a catalyst (following that particular conference) that God used in my life to shake me out of my comfort zone and take this incredible journey this year.
The count down is on!!!!
I have 3 weeks and 2 days, and I'll be finished with college! I passed all 6 CLEP tests this summer, and began work on my last 2 classes in August. PRAISE GOD!!! In just 2.5 semesters, I knocked out 16 classes (as long as I complete the work on these last 2 alright!). It'll be nice to have a breather for the last couple of months of the year.
We're praying over where to go in January. Some things are in the works, but nothing yet concrete. Hopefully we'll know something soon. However, knowing what God has been doing in our lives, as long as I have my act together, I know it'll be incredible!
I've learned a lot from Pastor this year. His generosity is an example to emulate. I look forward to being able to invest in others one day the way he has invested into my life and in my family's life. A common key I've seen in great Christian leaders I've been around is a giving spirit. Pastor Johnny has it like it's a disease! Dr. Price is extremely generous and encouraging as well.
Jesus is generous too!
I'm reading a new book right now, Mark Batterson's "Wild Goose Chase". So far, so good. His book, "In a Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day" was a catalyst (following that particular conference) that God used in my life to shake me out of my comfort zone and take this incredible journey this year.
The count down is on!!!!
I have 3 weeks and 2 days, and I'll be finished with college! I passed all 6 CLEP tests this summer, and began work on my last 2 classes in August. PRAISE GOD!!! In just 2.5 semesters, I knocked out 16 classes (as long as I complete the work on these last 2 alright!). It'll be nice to have a breather for the last couple of months of the year.
We're praying over where to go in January. Some things are in the works, but nothing yet concrete. Hopefully we'll know something soon. However, knowing what God has been doing in our lives, as long as I have my act together, I know it'll be incredible!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Free Logos Book
Hey, if you are not familiar with Logos software, it's incredible Bible Study software that gives you a full library on your computer. I have a copy that Brett gave me. I'm not familiar with how to use it to it's fullest potential yet, but I love it. They're giving away a new commentary for free here.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Huge Opportunity
Last night I had the amazing opportunity to preach at FBC Woodstock. You can see a video of the service here. It amazes me how the camera adds 50 lbs...
God has absolutely been awesome in my life this year. It was great getting to see some old friends from Acworth. It was fun!
Today I'm moving boxes...back to reality.
Last night really encouraged me about the future!
It also encouraged me to go on a diet. Slim Fast for lunch.
God has absolutely been awesome in my life this year. It was great getting to see some old friends from Acworth. It was fun!
Today I'm moving boxes...back to reality.
Last night really encouraged me about the future!
It also encouraged me to go on a diet. Slim Fast for lunch.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
It's all a blur & Sermon Stealers
Today we took the kids out on the lake. I took off on the waverunner, turned my head to make sure that noone was too close to me so that I could make a quick turn, and my glasses flew off and sunk (sank?). Now everything is blurry. I have a set of contacts that are a year old. I need them to last 4 days. Monday I'm heading out of town back to Knoxville. I'll be back late Tuesday. Hopefully I can get to the eye doctor Wednesday.
I completed another CLEP this week. Oh yeah. I'm down to 3 classes left for college. I will hopefully be knocking one of those out with a CLEP in a couple of weeks.
From looking at the syllabi's for my 2 classes that start Monday, it looks as though I'm about to be really busy for the next few weeks, in addition to all of the other stuff in "life" that's going on. There's lots of travel coming up. September is going to be busy!
I'm sick of people stealing sermons. I know guys that are church planters doing it. I know guys who are "established" pastors that are doing it.
I don't care what style you are. I don't care how much you do in your community or how good your heart or intentions are. If you take someone elses material and present it as your own, you are being dishonest and God doesn't honor a lack of integrity. Our ministries will always be limited if we lack integrity, not just morally, but in our teaching and preaching as well.
I've seen a lot of stuff this year as I've been with Pastor Johnny. I've seen the good, the bad and the ugly. I'll be a better man and minister if I remember these lessons, mistakes and errors of others and avoid them!
I'm getting ready to preach next Sunday night at Woodstock for the 6:00 service. I have my text picked out finally, so it's time to put the message together (my own message).
I completed another CLEP this week. Oh yeah. I'm down to 3 classes left for college. I will hopefully be knocking one of those out with a CLEP in a couple of weeks.
From looking at the syllabi's for my 2 classes that start Monday, it looks as though I'm about to be really busy for the next few weeks, in addition to all of the other stuff in "life" that's going on. There's lots of travel coming up. September is going to be busy!
I'm sick of people stealing sermons. I know guys that are church planters doing it. I know guys who are "established" pastors that are doing it.
I don't care what style you are. I don't care how much you do in your community or how good your heart or intentions are. If you take someone elses material and present it as your own, you are being dishonest and God doesn't honor a lack of integrity. Our ministries will always be limited if we lack integrity, not just morally, but in our teaching and preaching as well.
I've seen a lot of stuff this year as I've been with Pastor Johnny. I've seen the good, the bad and the ugly. I'll be a better man and minister if I remember these lessons, mistakes and errors of others and avoid them!
I'm getting ready to preach next Sunday night at Woodstock for the 6:00 service. I have my text picked out finally, so it's time to put the message together (my own message).
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