Cory Henderson | Becoming

Five Days of Favs: 05

2010-03-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

05 DESIGN:

If you're like me, you love design. These are some great resources.

CREATIVE_MYK
[free, quality artwork]
VINE_RESOURCES
[free series art, videos]
STOCK_XCHNG
[free, quality photos]
ELEVATION_CHURCH
[free series art, videos]
HONG_KIAT
[online tips for photoshop, etc]
LIFECHURCH.TV
[free series art, videos, messages]
IGNITER_MEDIA
[quality videos]

Five Days of Favs: 04

2010-03-18T09:06:00.001-07:00

04 PODCASTS:

Great mix of leaders &insightful thoughts to help you grow.

THE_CITY_CHURCH
[judah smith :: adults]
CATALYST
[mixture of interviews :: nextgen leaders]
ROCHESTER_FIRST
[richard crisco :: adults]
MARS_HILL_CHURCH
[mark driscoll :: intellects]
ANDY_STANLEY_LEADERSHIP
[andy stanley :: leaders]
220_POWER
[joel stockstill :: youth]
iLEAD
[rod loy :: leaders]

Five Days of Favs: 03

2010-03-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

03 WORD:

These will help you better understand &get into God's Word.

Remember, it's living &powerful.

NLT

[new living translation :: a simplistic &recommended for students]

GOT_QUESTIONS
[biblical answers for hot topic questions :: more than 200,000]

NEWTHRU30

[a systematic reading plan :: the new testament in 30 days]

STUDY_TOOLS
[resources for deeper study :: commentaries, online dictionaries, etc]

ESV

[english standard version :: one of the most accurate word for word translations available]

YOUVERSION
[several online translations :: helpful search tools]

Five Days of Favs: 02

2010-03-15T21:19:00.001-07:00

02 MISC:

Random list, but most will find them helpful.

XXXCHURCH

[internet accountability :: 40% of pastors looked at porn today :: guard your heart :: it's free]

SIMPLY_YOUTH_MINISTRY
[check out the "freebies" section :: founded by doug fields]

URBAN_FONTS

[hundreds of free fonts :: most are quality :: for pc &mac]

WORLD_FACTBOOK

[from the U.S. CIA :: detailed info from every country :: population, economy, government, &more :: great for planning missions]

DARE2SHARE

[learn about different worldviews :: wiccan, morman, agnostic, etc :: understand what kids believe]

YOUTH_LEADERS_COACH

[mentoring &message downloads :: again, see the "freebies" tab :: Jeanne never gets old :: huge encouragement]

PRINT_RUNNER

[affordable, quality prints :: anything from postcards to door hangers]

THE_FIFTY_TWO

[52 weeks of messages, slides, &ideas :: best part is it costs nada]

Five Days of Favs: 01

2010-03-09T18:10:00.000-08:00

To grow fruit, the plant must be fed from different sources (water, soil, sunlight). Over the next five days, I'll be listing my favorite sources.

01 BLOGS:

These are mainly directed at people in ministry, but can be helpful to everyone. Woman in ministry? See my wife, she's got the goods.

CRAIG_GROSCHEL

[pastor @lifechurch.tv :: 2nd largest church in america :: focuses on pastoral leadership &unity]

JEANNE_MAYO

[youth pastor @the tabernacle ag :: national youth communicator :: the cadre madre :: focuses on balancing life &ministry]

MARK_BATTERSON

[pastor @national community church :: author "in a pit with a lion on a snowy day" :: focuses on everything :: very balanced approach]

PERRY_NOBLE
[pastor @new spring church :: a little on the direct side :: but very good :: focuses on church growth &pastoral leadership]

JOSH_GRIFFIN

[youth pastor @saddleback church :: yes, rick warren's guy :: focuses on youth ministry :: be sure to read his "weekend review"]

MICHAEL_HYATT

[ceo @thomas nelson publishing :: focuses on practical leadership :: very practical]

STEVEN_FURTICK

[pastor @elevation church :: leading 5000+ in less than 3 years :: and he's only 30 :: focuses on spiritual growth]

THE DAY AFTER II

2010-03-09T15:09:00.000-08:00

Last night, we wrapped up our series "Anythingoes" with open Q&A. Brave? Yes, indeed.

SETTING: Renew (middle, high school, &young adult service)

SPEAKERS: Myself &Brian Massinger

PLAN:

:03 Countdown Video

:05 Praise Song ("Live For You Alone" by Interface)

:05 Promo Video (used clips from "Benchwarmers")

:03 Rules of Engagement (01. ask anything, just ask in the right way [we had 2 leaders filtering questions] 02. this is not a debate, just biblical answers)

:15 Q&A

:05 Offering

:05 Worship Song ("From the Inside" Out by Hillsong United)

:30 Q&A

:07 Worship Song ("Take My Life" by Interface)

TAKEWAY: In years past, most were hot topic questions (abortion, homosexuality, cussing, drinking, etc). This year, most were theological questions (free will, paranormal activity, sovereignty, predestination, etc).

We had to scratch the plan once we opened the mics. Questions didn't stop for 70 mins. Highly recommend doing a series like this.

THE DAY AFTER I

2010-03-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

Every Monday or Thursday, I will give a recap of the worship or small group experience from the night before (mainly for youth leaders). After meeting with my fictional creative team, I decided to name this weekly post, "The Day After".

SETTING: "The Society" small group.

FROLIC: Played "Monster Pong" for the first time. Same concept as "Beer Pong", but used Monster instead. [25 mins]

GRUB: Old Mexico. It's cheap &tasty. [30 mins]

TAKEAWAY: Expository study in James. Jason Robbins created the layout. Talk was open &real. Discussed trials &perseverance. Calm seas do not make good sailors. [25 mins]

WORSHIP: Individual worship &prayer, then ended in group prayer. "Fire Fall Down" by Hillsong United, "Here In Your Presence" by New Life Worship was on the playlist. Oldies, but goodies. [15 minutes]

Thanks to Josh Griffin for this idea. Hope it inspires you to give 100%.

And You're Upset About What??

2009-08-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

Each year,

about 1 billion people,

around the world,

are living on less than $1 a day.

AND YOU'RE UPSET ABOUT WHAT??

Every week,

there are children,

in the City of Callaway,

being sexually molested.

AND YOU'RE UPSET ABOUT WHAT??

The other day,

I spoke to a lady,

in our church,

whose marriage is falling apart.

AND YOU'RE UPSET ABOUT WHAT??

Food for thought...

Old Message, New Method

2009-08-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

"There are ways of doing church that no one has even thought of yet."

Mark Batterson

"To reach people no one is reaching, you have to do things no one is doing."

Craig Groschel

"...create a church where unchurched people would love to attend."

Andy Stanley

These 3 pastors are from 3 different denominations who all lead churches of thousands. We could probably learn a thing or two from them. We must share the old message by new methods.

HERE ARE A FEW GUYS LEADING THE WAY:

+ Craig Gross @ xxxchurch.com (reaching the adult entertainment community and Vegas).

+ Mark Driscoll @ marshillchurch.org (preaches to 7 different campuses via video).

+ Ray Comfort @ wayofthemaster.com (resurrecting street witnessing).

+ Mike Bickle @ ihop.org (establishing 24/7/365 prayer centers).

+ Craig Groschel @ lifechurch.tv (recently launched "church online").

+ Matthew Barrnett @ dreamcenter.org (offering rehab and Christ for addicts in L.A.).

Some of these methods make me nervous. But we live in drastic times; these are drastic measures. If they stay faithful to the bible and the cross, they've got a friend in me.

Whether you like how it's being done, the Kingdom is growing. And it will continue to grow...with or without your approval.

Twitter Challenge

2009-08-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I challenged myself. I determined to update my Twitter/Facebook every 15 minutes. After missing my first deadline, I decided to back that up to every 30 minutes. Here was my life on that day (July 23, 2009). :) I'd love to see YOU do the same!!

8:03am
SELF CHALLENGE OF THE DAY: tweet every 15 mins. If it gets annoying, you have my permission to stop following me. :)

8:24am
Working thru Mark. Love my ESV journal/bible. http://twitpic.com/bbmvx

8:35am
We see DEAD people, Jesus sees DORMANT people.

8:56am
EPIC FAIL: Failed twice to meet my deadline already. It seems I do have things to do. I'm backing this time up to once every 30 mins.

9:27am
Breakfast wit'dem Interns. They deserve it! http://twitpic.com/bbsf1

9:57am
I heard that Louie Giglio's dad created the Chic Fil A logo. http://twitpic.com/bbve7

10:27am
God isn't looking for PERFECTION, but PROGRESSION.

11:07am
We drove back from breakfast like this. Only Brent! http://twitpic.com/bc2xe

11:49am
Callaway Sweatshop. http://twitpic.com/bc8bq

12:17pm
SELF CHALLENGE OF THE DAY: tweet something every 30 mins. If it gets annoying, pls feel free to stop following me. :)

12:49pm
Pastor Donald is poopy pants today. :(

1:43pm
Jon Locke just vomited in Old Mexico. Sorry, no photo.

2:26pm
Wall Ball with Interns. Pray+Work+Plays keeps unity any day. :)

3:00pm
Found these in my wife's truck. Gank!! http://twitpic.com/bczpj

3:33pm
Already planning for LAGUNA BEACH! So stoked!! Possibly even a new worship team coming...shhh....

4:48pm
What's the hottest location on planet earth right now? My living room!! http://twitpic.com/bdfdp

5:21pm
These videos are short, but hilarious! Whoever made them is a genius!! http://youtube.com/renewstudentministry

5:57pm

"God isn't out to HURT your pride...He's out to KILL it!" I love some @jeannemayo.

6:35pm

All my girls got thrown in. :( http://twitpic.com/bduf1

7:06pm

Spicy tuna roll, FTW!! 2nd day in a row!

8:04pm

Autumn just said she wishes she was from Japan. :)

8:44pm

Remember, it was the Holy Spirit that sent Jesus into the wilderness. There was a reason for Him; there is a reason for you.

9:20pm

Truck broke down with my ladies inside. Daddy and Mancub to the rescue!!

9:50pm

Ah, the truck just needed my magic touch. All is well.

10:04pm

SELF CHALLENGE OF THE DAY: Complete! I tried to tweet every 30 mins today. NEVER AGAIN!!

Parents, Stop Living Through Your Kids

2009-08-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

I thought about filling this post with a load of illustrations. I think I'll let scripture speak for itself. Here's the short version:

Again...Herod respected and protected John the Baptist.
Herodias hated John.

Her daugther danced at Herod's birthday party.
He liked it...a lot.
And he promised her anything she wanted, even up to half the kingdom.

She went out and asked her mother, "What should I ask for?"
Her advice?
"The head of John the Baptist," she answered.

Mom wasn't thinking of what would benefit her kid, but what would benefit herself.
She was trying to fulfill her dreams through her daugther.

Sound familiar? I hope not.

Oaths

2009-08-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

Herod respected and protected John the Baptist.

Herodias hated John.

Her daugther danced at Herod's birthday party.
He liked it...a lot.
And he promised her with an oath, "Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom."

What did she ask for?
John's head on a platter.
The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.

TWO THINGS WE CAN LEARN FROM HEROD:
01) He made a rash promise. Do you?
Ecclesiastes 5:4-7
02) He wasn't a believer, yet kept his word. Do you?
Matthew 5:34

One Year, One Interest

2009-05-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

I would love to learn Kung Fu. Or to paint. Even rock climbing. Scuba diving sounds cool too.

This got me thinking. If I live to see 70, that means I have approximately 41 years left. If I took one year to focus on one interest, I could learn/do a lot in my lifetime!

Just a thought.

14,437

2009-05-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

The 2005 U.S. Census showed there are approximately 14,437 people living in the City of Callaway. Now, that's just Callaway. This doesn't include the rest of Bay County (Panama City, Springfield, Lynn Haven, or Cedar Grove).

Here are my questions:

1) How many of those 14,437 people are Christians?

Let's say 10,000 are Christians. I'm sure this is a far cry from the truth, but for the sake of argument, let's just say 10,000. That means within Callaway alone, about 4,500 people will spend eternity in the reality of Hell.

2) What are we going to do about it?

I don't know. But at some point, someone's got to take this seriously. Let's stop worrying if the church in another city is growing. Let's focus on own city. There are plenty of lost souls to go around! Jesus doesn't want ANY to perish.

Craig Groschel says, "To reach people that no one is reaching you have to do things that no one is doing." I don't know what that means to you. I honestly don't know what that means to me. Is it a church problem? Maybe. Is it a people problem? I don't know. What I do know is that I am deeply, deeply disturbed with the realization that 4,500 people in my city will probably spend eternity in Hell. Are you?

Cultivating Family

2009-05-09T17:26:00.000-07:00

Consider this...There's family all throughout scripture (the Father and Son, the Bride of Christ, etc).

The Church is suppose to function as a family. Sometimes it doesn't. Why? Because family doesn't just happen, it's cultivated.

Here are some things everyone can do to help. Forgive the alliteration...the preacher came out in me.

Proper Pats: Jesus let John's head lay on his chest. The way I see it, that's a hug.

Anyone who knows me, knows I'm a hugger. Some say giving/receiving affection reduces stress. Greet someone with a hug today.

Praise: Jesus spoke life into people. He completely disregarded their social standing.

Today, within the first 30 seconds you run into someone, say something positive about them (clothing, hair, personality, etc).

Prayer: Jesus prayed for the disciples and us. Keep in mind, this is just before the cross.

Something simple, like this: "Lord, I pray you will bless and keep Jason. Cause your favor and your face to shine on him today."

Pen and Paper: Jesus wrote us 66 letters. Today, we call it the holy bible.

It's so simple, but so impacting. Pick a friend, grab a card and jot down something. Tell them you're thankful for their friendship or you appreciate them working in the nursery. I keep all my notes of encouragement.

Pioneer: Jesus didn't hesitate in approaching us. He came after us long before we came after him.

Don't be afraid to go first. Remember, we love because he FIRST loved us.

...let us not love in word or talk but in deed... 1Jn3:19

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. Jn13:35

...encourage one another and build each other up... 1Thes5:11

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Rom12:10

Missed Opportunity

2009-04-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, I ran into a guy who lives in our apartment complex. We've spoken several times over the past year, but haven't spent much time together. Even then, I'm pretty sure he isn't a Christian. I began praying for the Lord to give me an opportunity to reach out to him.

He and his wife had a baby boy in August. I thought, "This would be a great time to befriend them. Maybe make them dinner or something." Never did anything.

I found out he was laid off in January. I stopped by a couple of times, but he wasn't home. I thought, "This would be a great time to help them. Maybe speak encouragement into their lives or something." Never was able to.

When I saw him three days ago, he informed me that their baby boy had passed away (SIDS). This happened in December. I thought, "What a missed opportunity to show them Jesus' love."

I left our conversation sick to my stomach. As I stood there sulking, I told my wife. Finally, it hit me. I can't change the past, only the future. I can only change what I do with this relationship today and the days following.

Here's what I need to get: I can't live in the past, but I can learn from it. If I can get that, I will change his future in some way.

Mississippi in One Word...

2009-04-10T13:59:00.000-07:00

odd.

Motivation vs. Manipulation

2009-04-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

Manipulation: getting one to do what you want them to do.

Motivation: getting one to do what they should do.

I heard it from Richard Crisco, but not sure of it's origin.

"Lord, teach me to care about people that much."

Recap: NYLC 09

2009-04-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

So many things... You know I'm a list person, so here goes. There are my 20 favorite things about the National Youth Leaders Conference:

20. Getting to know Jorge Alvial a little better.

19. Diddy saying, "Hi, Mommy!"

18. Texas shaped waffles.

17. Seeing behind the scenes of Fellowship Church (Ed Young). Did you know they have approximately 3500 children EVERY WEEKEND?!

16. "The horses' name was, Tuesday!" Don't feel bad...it didn't make sense to me either.

15. Lindsey jumping over the seats to attack Justin.

14. Oreos from Cracker Barrel.

13. Seeing where Alex Snow has come from and where he is. He amazes me! I'm so proud!

12. Jason showing Jeanne his handshake...or something.

11. Being up 60 out of 72 hours. Then the last day, we went from 530am to 530am.

10. Great ham sandwiches...EVERY DAY. Shelly, Bre, Annalee, and Drake are great chefs.

09. Realizing that youth leaders are dirty people. We cleaned the worship center every night. It was filthy!

08. Hanging that blasted Cadre sign for 2.5 hours. Agghh!

07. Nathan kissing Pastor Donald on the head. Nathan's no longer with us, but it was priceless.

06. "Pull up your pants, Pastor." Killer quote from Craig Gross (xxxchurch.com). By the way, did you know 53% of pastors have visited porn sites in the past year? Not good.

05. Personal time with Pastor Richard and Pastor Darren. Two of my heroes!

04. Listening to Rev. G.H. Williams. He marched on the front lines with Martin Luther King, Jr. Amazing!

03. Becca "droppin' it like it's hot" (according to Lindsey).

02. Our "...in Texas" theme. Thanks, Annalee.

01. Forsaking Cadre time with Jeanne and friends to have heart time with my team. The best decision I made the entire week.

The Man of God

2009-03-25T10:36:00.000-07:00

Here are a few characteristics of men of God in scripture (Abraham, Moses, David, Paul) . He has:

An Unpopular Voice

A Lifestyle that is Set Apart

Concern for Others

Struggles

A Repentant Heart

Great Faith

Unstoppable Perseverance

An Insatiable Desire to Grow

A Difficult Decision

2009-03-23T13:03:00.000-07:00

Next week, I get to hang out with Jeanne Mayo and Richard Crisco. There's also the slight possibility I could meet Ed Young, Judah Smith and a couple of other leaders whom I admire.

It blew me away when my wife said, "I'm excited and want to be there with you. But it's just not that big of a deal to me."

WHAT? How could that NOT be a big deal? Are you human?

She followed up with, "Now, if it were the Duggars or Jon and Kate, it would be different. That would be a big deal."

Again, WHAT? (I have very strong feelings about Kate)

Two years ago, I probably would've pitched a fit! No lie. It use to bother me that she would rather stay with the kids instead of do ministry with me.

At a certain point, I came to an understanding...it has nothing to do with me! Today, after a looonnngg process of maturing, I understand where she's coming from. Spending time with these people is a big deal. It's just not as big of a deal as spending time with her kids. Her calling, her primary ministry is to our children.* And I'm very okay with that. As a husband, I couldn't be more proud.

After our discussion, I made a difficult decision and asked her to stay home with the babies, while I go to Dallas. Now, understand...this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. She realizes it's a sacrifice, but she's willing to do it for the sake of our family. Ministry is about sacrifice, but too often we sacrifice the wrong things. I could learn a thing or two from her. She is a Proverbs 31 wife, through and through.

Thanks, Baby! I love you!

*I didn't write this blog to make anyone feel guilty. Every family is different. This is our unique situation.

9 Days...

2009-03-20T08:28:00.000-07:00

until we leave for Dallas (Nat'l Youth Leaders Conference). Here are some cool things:

Myself, Joy, and Donald will be with 10 interns helping work this event! Once in a lifetime opportunity!

It will be my first time hearing Ed Young and Judah Smith will be speak live! I'm so stoked!

I just scored new hotels rooms, saved $158, and got all the rooms upgraded to suites! I'm awesome!

We get to see Pastor Richard and Jeanne again! A couple of my spiritual mentors!

Thursday will be a special day for Cadre members only! A handful of leaders and Jeanne! We'll be there!

Alex Snow will be there!

The bus ride will take 13 hours (not including stops)!

I'm trying to line up a few surprises for the team!

Can you tell I'm a little excited? I'm sure the exclamation points didn't give it away.

To Read or Not to Read

2009-03-16T17:45:00.000-07:00

Mark Batterson really challenged me in a recent blog. He said he's on track to read 100 books by year's end. That's about 2 books per week. I'm lucky to read 2 books a month.

I'm not a fast reader. Check that...I'm not a reader. But I know a good leader is a learner. This year my goal is 20 books. Don't make fun. How many will you read?

These are things I will do to make the process easier:

1) I'll choose 5 or 6 books, then pick the most desirable and put it last on my list. It's a motivator...like a hanging carrot.

2) I've made a goal to read 2 chapters each day. At that pace, I should be able to read at least 1 book per week.

3) I get a good mix of books (leadership, family, biographies, spiritual, etc). This keeps it interesting.

4) I read authors who write in a way I enjoy. It makes reading enjoyable. Really...it is possible.

5) I try to find books that have unique formats (Uncensored by Jeanne Mayo). Anything other than black and white pages stimulates my brain.

Chuck Norrisisms

2009-03-08T20:07:00.000-07:00

I write this blog in honor of Justin Churukian, Jason Robbins, and Mark Batterson. Thanks for the inspiration!

In case you didn't know, here are some important things you need to understand about Chuck Norris:

The fastest way to a man's heart is with Chuck Norris' fist.

Chuck Norris is the reason Waldo is hiding.

There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.

Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He just stares them down until he gets the information he wants.

Chuck Norris got into an accident, lost both his legs, but still managed to walk it off.

When the boogey man goes to sleep, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.

Chuck Norris can win a game of Connect Four in three moves.

Commandment 5

2009-03-04T20:11:00.000-08:00

As a pastor, I believe we should teach the whole truth of the Bible. The grace and judgement of God. The things we like, the things we don't like. Topics God is for and topics God is against.

I sometimes find it's a lot easier to talk about things God is against. But what about some things God is for? For instance...

When the last time you had a day off? For me, it's been almost 2 weeks. And I don't mean regular work days. Some 12 hour days, 10 hour days, and some 6 hour days. It just depends on what needs to be done.

As I wear down physically and mentally, I remember one of the things God is for (the fifth commandment): "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your regular work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God" (Exodus 20:8-11).

See, God understands human biology. He knows mentally, emotionally, and physically we can only take so much. At some point, we need a breather!

The bible gives direction for our protection. Think about it. Everything he directs us to do is for our best interest. Not to mention that he set the example for us after creating the heavens, earth, humanity, and creatures. What did he do? He rested. And he is for you taking a day off. "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27).

Even though we live under grace and not law, here's a question to ponder: If we don't do what God is for, isn't that just as wrong as doing what God is against?

Block Party

2009-03-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday, we pulled off our first ever youth service in the community. It was a huge deal! We literally took Renew and planted it in the middle of Veteran's Park. Estimates put us at 250-300 people showing up (most of whom I've never seen).

The attendance was great, the worship rocked it out (the actually had a company offer them to do a couple of events later this year), the food was good, the energy was awesome!

For so many things that went well, I felt one thing didn't...my presentation of the gospel.

I understand all the issues: an open park is not a controlled environment; the attention span in that atmosphere it's only about 10 minutes; there were about 1,844 distractions. I know all these things, but I couldn't help but be frustrated.

I hate to hear the words, "If one or two hear the message, it was all worth it" or "Good seeds were planted tonight". As bad as I hate to hear those type of statements, I know they are true. Why? Because it's scriptural (1 Corinthians 3). And I'm thankful for those people who speak that truth into my life. We do what we know to do, God does the rest. That is what got me up on Thursday morning to go after it again.

To be effective in ministry, a person has to be tenacious. The results might not of been what we hoped for, but we will go on. We will learn from our mistakes. We will continue to invade our city. We will continue to make a different for Jesus. Me and my team will choose to die trying!

Thanks to a few special people:

My Beautiful Wife for her pushing me past my nervousness, when I wanted to vomit.

Annalee for taking pictures (even though I haven't received them yet).

Bre for serving them drinks like crazy.

Churukian for being there through the entire process.

Aundrea for sacrificing her time.

Diddy & Crystal for singing their hearts out (diddy? yes, he did).

Jenni for saving my life media-wise.

Nathan for using the chimes.

James & Nick for their ninja-like blitzing skills.

Shabelly for getting all the food (without breaking down emotionally).

Jason for MAKING the projection screen work.

Becca for being available for the little things.

Drake for his muscles (I wonder if he's over that hernia yet).

Anna, Jules, and Nessa for chasing people down.

Lin for bouncing from person to person all night.

Susan & Gloria for directing.

Brentferd for resetting the sound system.

Brian & JP for working until midnight.

Austin & David for cookin' it up.

June & Georgia for servin' it up.

Last, but not least, that random City of Callaway worker who fixed the breaker problem.

And a whole host of others who made this thing happen!

Thank you. I love and appreciate you all!

Ten Things That Excite Me About This Year...

2009-02-21T19:52:00.000-08:00

In no particular order. And yes...I'm a list person.

10) Renewing the City. It's a community outreach that's never been done...in our community. We'll do it five times this year.

9) Celebrating our 9th wedding anniversary (04/29). I love her so much.

8) My middle school Regroup.

7) Meeting Desperation Band. Our 2008 internship team is partnering with Jeanne Mayo to help her pull off the National Youth Leaders Conference in Dallas. It's a huge honor!

6) Family vacation! Just me, Joy, Au, and East. Doesn't get much better.

5) The fresh group of summer interns that will rise this year.

4) Raising $25,000 for Speed the Light this year. I'm believing.

3) Sending several more out into their destinies this year (university, masters commission).

2) Renew's blog (renewus.blogspot.com).

1) Growth.

Stop Playin' in Your Pee

2009-02-14T21:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, while relaxing at home, we heard a thud. I looked around the corner and saw Easton crying and picking himself up off the hardwood floor. As he wobbled to stand, Joy said, "Did he just pee in the floor?"

(Now to fully understand this story, you need to know that we sometimes let Easton run around without a diaper on...to air out.)

As I tried to wipe up the urine with a towel, Easton was adamant about playing in it. He was crying as I shielded him from it when I heard Joy say, "Buddy, we're just trying to save you."

It hit me instantly. God wants us to stop playing in our pee (bad habits, sin, wrong direction, etc). Not to stop our fun or life experience. He's just trying to save us (from harm, hurt, etc). Why? Well, because that's what a good Father does.

Elementary? Maybe. But a great reminder.

Scripture reference: Proverbs 26:11

I Could've Punched a Small Animal

2009-02-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

I didn't get in bed until after 1:00am this morning.

145am: When I finally got there, I couldn't shut my mind off.

230am: When I finally got there, Easton kept waking up. I couldn't get settled.

257am: When I finally got there, someone's alarm (from another apartment) went off for about 15 minutes. I couldn't rest.

400am: When I finally got there, Easton was still restless. I couldn't sleep.

530am: When I finally got there, the sun was beaming through the window. I couldn't block it.

So I got up.

Between you and I, I could've punched a small animal without guilt (just like in the careerbuilder.com commercial).

My Top 5's of 2008

2009-02-06T14:24:00.001-08:00

Ministry Experiences

1) The D.R.: A few of us went to build a Christian school. Hard work, but fulfilling. Did you know they have demonic roosters there?

2) At Last...Victory: After 4 long years of losing at summer camp, we find success! Ooohhhh yeah!

3) The 12: Internship was great this summer. Eleven of them even gave up a week of their summer to serve at camp. I love Jesus, but I hate moving pews.

4) LBJHB: Our Laguna Beach Fall Retreat was all the better thanks to the Josh Hiers Band.

5) Tayla +Jesus: Watching a person become a Christian is one thing. Watching a young person you care about become a Christian is another.

Personal Experiences

1) Just Time & Money: That's how I sum up our family vacation to Disney.

2) Step One: The childcub evolved into a mancub, as he took courage and let go to take his first steps.

3) AE Jeans: Okay, it's superficial, but super exciting! It was the deal of the decade! I bought 2 pair of American Eagle jeans for $16 each.

4) The Big 8: 1 fist through a wall + 2 delivery rooms + 6 different houses = 8 years of an amazing marriage!

5) Three Men & Me: Ethan, Tony, and Alex left me this year to pursue their destinies. As difficult as it is, I'd rather launch'em than lose'em!

Messages

1) Let the Cool Walls Fall: Proverbs 18:21, Joshua 6, Psalm 66, Matthew 8.

2) If You Wanna Walk on Water, You Gotta Get Outta the Boat: Matthew 14:22-30 (and yes, I totally stole the title from a book).

3) Keep a Closed Mind: 1 Corinthians 3:10, 2 Timothy 3:16, 1 Corinthians 15:58.

4) How Do You Use Your But: James 1:22.

5) An Achan Heart: Joshua 6:18-7:26, Psalm 32:4-5, Hebrews 4:13, Numbers 32:23, Ephesians 5:13, Romans 12:3, Psalm 24:3-6.

Misc

1) Movie: The Dark Knight (Warner Bros)

2) Saying: "So what happened was..." (Alex Snow)

3) Song: How He Loves Us (Kim Walker)

4) Book: A Tale of Three Kings (Gene Edwards)

5) Joke: What did Sushi A say to Sushi B? "Wa sa bi!" (My Wife)

(ORIGINALLY POSTED DECEMBER 31, 2008)

Who I Am...

2009-02-06T14:16:00.000-08:00

I am a son (of the Father of Lights).

I am a husband (to a beautiful wife...inside and out).

I am a daddy (to a girl who has my heart and a handsome lil' mancub).

I am a friend (to a lot of people...a close friend to a few).

I am a pastor (to a load of students that I love).

I know, I know. There are a plethora of blogs out there. So if you choose not to read this blog, I understand. As a matter of fact, I'll make you a deal. If you don't tell me that you're not reading my blog, I'll promise not to get mad. Deal? I just wanna have some fun, share my heart a little, and maybe even inspire someone.

(ORIGINALLY POSTED ON DECEMBER 19, 2008)