Here are my thoughts over the past week.

• Yesterday’s service at Life-Givers was the best service we’ve ever had.  And, I believe that this Sunday’s service will be even better.
• On that note, better days are always ahead of you.  Never look back at the “good ‘ole days”.  Instead, look ahead to the better days ahead.
• It is now official.  The LGM Children’s Ministries is undertaking a huge transition.  The CM is now called Kid’s Zone, and we are hoping to be able to create a kid’s church on Sunday’s during the adult worship service.  A big thank you to Pastors Jason, Doug, and Candace for believing in us to lead this fantastic ministry, and a huge thank you to Bridgett for being the primary leader so I can focus on the Beyond Youth.
• I feel like God is still bringing me into a position of being a coach of new leaders.  What’s funny is that I haven’t been a church leader but a few years so I don’t know what I’ll be able to share, but I’m always up for a good challenge.
• Bridgett left for Teen Camp yesterday, and I’m excited to hear the stories that will come out of this week.  I’ll admit, I’m a bit jealous that she’s at camp having fun while I’m stuck at work for another week.
• After Bridgett left, I got excited about next week’s Junior Camp.  I love going each year, and I know God is going to show up and show off.
• Being a disciple of Jesus costs a person way more than we expect, but it is best decision a person can make.
• Following a Bible reading plan takes a lot of discipline, but I highly recommend it.  Especially, if you want to read the Bible, but every time you open it you ask yourself, “Now, what should I read?”

Enjoy.

Here are my thoughts over the past week.

• Congrats to all of the Beyond Youth graduates.  Among them were our high school graduate, Sumar, and our middle school grads, Alexis and Donovan.  I’m proud of you all.
• Attendance was way off at Life-Givers, but the Holy Spirit was present, and his presence is the most important.
• We kicked off the new Kid Zone yesterday, and it was a huge success.  The kids really loved the new praise and worship music, and the new layout.  I’m looking forward to seeing it mold into something that will really help our kids grow into mature believers.
• Are you ashamed of God? To call yourself a Christian?  To be associated with Jesus?
• I really enjoyed the small group feel of the Beyond Youth class yesterday, and I got a lot of positive feedback from it, too.  Looks like we may be trying this out for a few weeks.
• Planning has begun for the new ministry year for the Beyond Youth.  It starts on Sunday, August 29th, and there are some good things going to be happening.
• Being called as a pastor means being called to coach upcoming leaders.
• In comparing food prepared in a slow cooker and a microwave, most food tastes better when cooked slowly in the cooker.  Sure, impatient people will use the microwave, but the food just isn’t as good.  In the same manner, many church changes are better when we are patient for God’s timing instead of rushing into them.  In other words, taking it slow.  Our problem is waiting, but God is teaching me great patience.
• Finally, let me say that I love my wife, Bridgett.  She gave me a hard truth yesterday to keep me grounded, and I’m way too stubborn to listen to most people.  Somehow, she got through to me.

Enjoy.

Well, it’s Memorial Day, and I’m proud to be called an American.  Below are my Memorial Day thoughts.

• I can’t be the only one that noticed that the Spirit of God was present at Life-Givers yesterday.
• Also, Ashley did a great job performing Revelation Song during worship.  I really wish I could be there when she performs it at National Talent Quest in July.
• Sometimes we forget that the people we see everyday, even the ones we never actually meet, are real people with real lives and real problems. And more importantly, they need Jesus just like us.
• Opportunities galore are coming up in the Beyond Youth in the near future.  Plans are being made, and great things are going to happen.  I’m so excited!
• I was beginning to forget how nice It was nice having a Saturday to ourselves.  Bridgett and I didn’t have anything scheduled, and I forgot how that felt.
• Speaking of Saturday, I hate yard work.  I really hate it.
• Since it is Memorial Day, let us not forget the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy living in freedom in the United States.
• And without further ado, let’s all stand and remove our hats for the national anthem of the United States of America.

God bless, and enjoy.

Bridgett and I had a great weekend.  It was almost a mini vacation except for the super long meeting that we attended on Saturday.  Other than that, we spent some wonderful time with some great friends, chilled out, and took a small break.  Now that we’re back, here are my thoughts over the past week.

• From what I’ve heard, we missed a great service at Life-Givers Ministries on Sunday.  That’s okay.  I hope God moved in a great way, and that lives were changed.
• A HUGE HUGE HUGE thank you to Robbie & Robbie Odom for leading the Beyond Youth yesterday; teaching them a lesson on the body of Christ.
• What’s awesome is that Robbie’s lesson is where I was planning to take the Beyond Youth anyway.  Teaching them about the Church, and why it’s so important. Way to go God, and way to go Robbie!
• Everyone needs a break.  Even a small one.  Be sure to take one from time-to-time.
• The SCIPHC is now under new leadership, and I can’t be more excited about who will be leading us for the next four years.  It doesn’t hurt that the new Bishop is a man that I’ve looked up to for 10+ years.
• [Inside joke] I still say that Pastor Tim Hodge would be a great Bishop.  Haha!  He’ll shoot me for putting this in here.
• I love having great friends.  Dwight & Jodi Brazell, and their son, Dalton, and daughter, Leah, are great people.  I love spending every minute with them.
• LGM needs to host a baptism service.  Just saying.
• Finally, I missed everyone at Life-Givers.  Sure, my break was good, but I still missed you all.  Especially, the students.  I love every one of you.

God bless, and enjoy.

I am completely wiped out.  I almost didn’t wake up this morning, but alas, I did.  And since it’s Monday, here are my thoughts over the past week.

• God changed my lesson during worship yesterday.  I have a love-hate relationship with that, but it is a very cool thing.  Plus, it was an awesome message.
• There are so many people and things fighting for our attentions, but sometimes we need to disconnect from everything and everyone.  Even Jesus did that.
• Going even further.  When we disconnect how about trying to be silent?  Don’t make a sound.  Just listen to the sounds and watch the sights around you.  Let it remind you of how great our God is, and how much He participates in your life without you even knowing it.
• The Beyond Youth fundraiser was a huge success.  We earned approximately $400 selling 20oz cups of chicken bog and homemade cakes.
• Getting past all of the Christian theology, in the end being a Christian is all about having a close relationship with God.  That’s why Jesus died and was raised, and that’s what God wants.
• I hope everyone had a great time at the annual Life-Givers Picnic at the Park.  I know I did.  As the emcee, I was part of almost everything, and I saw nothing but happy faces and people having a good time.  Next year, it will be even better.
• By-the-way, we rocked some softball.  And even though the adult game was great, the kids’ game was awesome.  That was one of the best parts of the picnic for me.
• I pushed myself this past weekend.  After all that I did, I was wore out.  I’m an introvert, and all that going drained me completely.  By the time I got home, I was running on fumes.

Enjoy.

Here are my thoughts over the past week.

• I have the best mom in the world, and boy do I know it.  She has done and is doing so much for me.  I am forever grateful for the example that she showed me in how to live, and she is one of the reasons why I follow God to this day.
• I love bonfires.  There’s something mystical in watching a fire burn; especially when you can see the heat of the fire move across the coals.  Reminds me of the Spirit of God, and how He is a consuming fire.
• I ate my first S’more yesterday, and it was delicious.  How come I never had one of these as a kid?
• There are a lot of things what I wish I hadn’t done in my life, and I always wonder what the world would be like had I made different decisions.  It doesn’t change anything, but I wonder none-the-less.
• The book of Judges has some super awesome stories.
• We’ve had a huge response for kids wanting to go to Camp Robinson this year.  It seems we take more kids every year.  Our first year we took 3 boys to junior camp.  Last year there were 3 boys and 5 girls. UPDATE: Last year there were 3 girls who went to teen camp, 3 boys and 5 girls to junior camp, and 1 boy and 1 girl to primary camp.  This year, so far, we are potentially taking 2 boys and 9 girls to junior camp, and 1 girl to primary camp. LET’S DO THIS!!!  (By-the-way, we need more boys going.)
• Finally, I saw Iron Man 2 with Bridgett and Joey (one of my brothers-in-law), and it was a fantastic time.  Just being able to spend time with them.  Hang out, joke around, eat a good Five Guys burger, and watch a cool movie.

Enjoy.

I’m wiped out from yesterday, but it’s Monday so here are my thoughts from the past week.

• My new favorite saying has officially become “BOOYAH!”  And I must say “BOOYAH!” to the devil because a lady accepted Jesus into her heart at the end of the Sunday service at Life-Givers.  I can hear the angels celebrating now.
• How cool was it seeing all of the CM teachers and helpers pray for our children?  I was even able to pray for a few of them, and I’d have to say that it is one of the greatest privileges anyone can experience.  Simply amazing.
• Speaking of praying with children.  This is why I go to camp each year.  Sure, getting to hang with many of the staff is awesome, but praying with the campers is the greatest experience ever.  For some of them, I can feel God changing their lives.
• Sunday’s service at LGM was the greatest service ever.  I was reminded of the awesomeness that is Life-Givers Ministries.  The children.  The parents.  Everyone.  I love MY church, and I love what MY God is doing.
• There were 96 99 people at LGM yesterday.  Where have some of you been lately?  It was awesome seeing that many at church.
• Watching all of the children (and children at heart)  gather on the floor to listen to me tell a story was eye watering.  I love children.
• Who knew watermelons could be used to explain the gospel?  By-the-way, I stole that illustration from a couple friends.  Thanks, Pastor Corey and Pastor Brandon.
• The gospel of Jesus is the simplest message ever delivered and the simplest message that can be received. Why do people make it so hard?
• It’s not about being a good person or doing good things.  It’s about asking God to forgive you, and accepting Jesus as your Savior. That’s it!
• Welcome to May.  Get ready for the southern summer heat!  It’ll be 90+ degrees soon.
• Leaders can only lead others to where they have first gone themselves.
• Leaders also MUST lead others to where they need to go which may not be where they want to go.

Enjoy.

We begin another work week, and throughout my primary social sites (Facebook & Twitter) there will be many reports of people catching the case of the Mondays.  If you can, remove all distractions, and read my thoughts of last week.

• Yesterday’s service at Life-Givers felt like a breath of fresh air.  Not sure why, but I felt good.  Really good.  This forces me to think that good things are on the way.  Are you ready for it?
• I volunteered my time as a greeter yesterday, and I loved every minute of it.  Being a greeter is a huge responsibility and a great honor.  A greeter is an extension of their pastor’s heart. Being loving or mean to someone can either open a person’s heart to God or turn a person away.  And that should never be taken lightly.
• Hebrews 4:12.  The Bible is living and active. It has the ability to change your circumstances if you will speak it into your life. I’ve seen and experienced how the Word of God can transform a person’s circumstances; healings, provision, etc.
• I wish churches would work together.  Why are so many of them fighting against each other?  We’re not supposed to me in competition.  Instead, we’re supposed to be working for the same cause; to bring Jesus into people’s lives.
• I hate raising money, and I especially hate asking for it, but as a youth pastor asking for money is a necessity.
• Speaking of fund raising, the Beyond Youth will be hosting a few of them in May to cover as much of the cost to go to Youth Quest in Orlando, FL.
• I watched what had to be the best softball game all season on Friday night.  The Timberland High Lady Wolves hosted the Rangers, a high school team from NY.  A normal game is 7 innings.  They played 9.  The Lady Wolves ended up pulling off a great win in the bottom 9th inning with a base hit into left field, which resulted in an RBI.  The score?  10-9.  Very exciting.

Enjoy.

I slept in this morning so I’m getting this out a bit late.  I really don’t have many thoughts this week, because I’ve been thinking a lot about a few things, but here they are.

• God has been changing the way I see the church and ministry in general.  One way was this post by Adam Mclane about how the church can be good news to their communities.  I love #9.  Let’s start helping people in real, practical ways. That’s a very important way we can SHOW God’s love instead of telling about God’s love.  What’s the old saying?  Actions speak louder than words.
• Another blog post that rocked my spirit was one from Pastor Steven Furtick.  He taught a great lesson of singing to God.  Stop trying to put on a face that everything’s okay when you sing songs to God. Instead, sing to God in your problems, because that’s when true worship happens.  Like in Acts 16:16-40.
• Sunday morning was an epic fail for me.  Nothing wanted to go right.  Even my plans for the Beyond Youth fell through, but God did give me a lesson in about 5 minutes.  And it went great.  So the entire morning wasn’t a failure.

Enjoy.

Wow! This morning is almost getting away from me.  But don’t worry for this list below gives you my thoughts over the past week just in time to brighten your day.  Enjoy.

• God had me fired up yesterday at Life-Givers.  Although without much sleep, I woke up excited and expecting God to do something great.  And I drove Bridgett nuts before church with all of my excitement.
• What is church about? Why do we go each week? We go to be with other believers, to encourage one another, to build positive relationships, but more importantly to minister to God with our lives. For believers, church is not about allowing God to minister to us, but for us to minister to God.  This is done by us giving our lives to God through worship, and we worship through our singing and by hearing the Word of God and allowing it to change us.
• I refuse to be what others expect me to be for the sake of man-made rules/traditions. I’m not a typical pastor. I’m not a typical person. I don’t care about what people think of me, and I don’t plan to care in the future. And why should I care. I’m seeking the approval of God, not of people.  I love MY God, and I only care about what He thinks of me. My one clear goal in life is to make God smile at me. Remember what God said after Jesus was baptized? I want that!
• God changed my lesson yesterday, and I love that.  No preparation.  No notes.  No nothing. Except what God gave me in my heart to share.  And the Beyond Youth ate it up.  Or at least I think they did.  Many of their eyes were locked to mine as I spoke to them.
• 1 Corinthians 13:11 – At various times in our lives we must choose to “put away” childish things.  In other words, we must grow up.
• I love base/softball, but volleyball is a great game to play.  We played 3 hours of it with the Beyond Youth yesterday evening.  Even Doug, Candace, & my dad joined in.  Awesomely fun stuff.
• Oh, and Bridgett and I paid off our mortgage on Friday.  We now own 100% of our home.  PRAISE GOD!!!

Before I go let me explain why I do these posts each week.  It is for 2 reasons: 1) to allow me to get my thoughts out of my head (it figuratively relieves pressure up there), and 2) to give you insight into what I’m thinking.  I think about a lot of stuff, and I’ve got to get it out from time-to-time.