The Coffeehouse And Free Wifi

Getting some work done today at the Woodstock Coffeehouse. I used to frequent Woodstock Coffeehouse so much that when they saw me coming in the door they made me my favorite drink...iced coffee with a little skim milk...and they always called me by name. It was good to come in today and see the owner....Kevin...I haven't seen him in a while so we briefly caught up. This is a cool place. The atmosphere is good...both locations, the coffee is out of this world, and if you like desserts...they bake them fresh...and I must say they are divine!! And the one thing that makes this place all the more better is the always delightful....free wifi.

You know I was thinking about the free wifi idea today. Why would you not do that if you are a coffee shop? I mean....you are going to need internet anyway so its not like it is a great expense you have to add...you're already paying for it...so why not use it to attract customers in to buy your products, which is what you are really trying to sell anyway. I guess Starbucks is just that fortunate to have such a popular brand that they can not only make a small fortune on their coffee....they can likewise make it on their internet. Well, I love the places with the free wifi...so even though I am a huge Starbucks fan....I will always choose free internet over their coffee, but thats just me.

My BIG FOOT Experience

All the Memphisites have been telling me of the beloved BIGFOOT Restaurant in downtown Memphis, TN. Well, Tuesday night a group of us went and it proved to be as delicious as they had prophesied to me. I ordered the BBQ Nachos...and the infamous BIGFOOT cookie (unbelievable). The only problem is that I ate way to stinking much and the BIGFOOT experience carried on through to the next day......I was still feeling its effects at dinner time the next day as a matter of fact. But it no doubt lived up to its reputation...which I have heard so much of. It was an awesome atmosphere and the food and service were great!!

Memphis is a cool city....a lot of night life. Went down to Beale St. Just watched people be people. Then we went to the Mighty Mississippi River late....couldn't see much but it was very cool to see the lit up bridge and Memphis skyline from the river's edge at night!! Very cool trip.

Two Slow Men And A Full Truck

J.R. hired Two Men and A Truck to come load up the furniture in his house on to a moving truck. They were the slowest people I have ever seen. I will give them a little credit...they did pack it good. But they were going so slow that we began bringing all the furniture out to them just to speed them up. Then J.R. just told them to stop so we could do the rest and get on the road.

So that's what we did. But he had more stuff than the truck had room. So the back end of that truck definitely had a unique packing job done on it. Whatever didn't fit on the truck passed through a process. First, it was evaluated based on its importance and necessity. Secondly, it was evaluated on whether it would fit on our father-in-law's truck...which was already loaded down as well. If it didn't make it through the evaluation process then it was left at the house to be utilized or trashed by the new residents. There were really only a few minor things left there so it was all good.

Once the trucks were loaded, closed and securely fixed we took showers and hit the road. J.R. of course refused to drive the big truck because he didn't know how, but everyone knows he was just scared. So, I stepped up and piloted us to GA where we arrived at about 10:30pm...and the rest....well the rest is history. Welcome to GA J.R....pastor of Freedom Church!!

Nothing Says, 'I Love You Babe' Like.....

.... dead roses? Yep...that is what these are dead roses...and they are for sale. We stopped to get gas on the way to Memphis today and in this gas station they were selling these roses. I had to capture them because....well just look for yourself. This is hilarious. I pointed and laughed for several minutes about this. Can you imagine bringing one of these home for your wife....WOW!!

Road Trippin'

On a one day road trip with the boys (J.R. , Todd, and Jason) to Memphis to do some final moving stuff for J.R. As you can imagine with us boys all together with no females to balance us out....we go a little crazy. We had some pretty funny experiences on the way....but I am sure it will be extremely crazy tonight when we hit the streets of downtown Memphis. We are going to eat at some place called BigFoot. It is supposed to be off the hook...I'll let you know.

For some reason J.R. does not like to drive. So as a result Todd and I have done all the driving. He rented a giant moving truck....which of course he does not want to drive....so guess who is....me! What is wrong with him?

An Anxious Moment

A few weeks ago I made the announcement here that Heather was pregnant. Today she went to hear the heartbeat. I was unable to be there because I left this morning to go to Memphis with J.R., Todd, and Jason to help J.R. with some final moving stuff. So, in order for me to hear the heartbeat I told Heather to call me while she was in the room so I could hear. Well, after several minutes on the phone waiting to hear the heartbeat....it never came. Needless to say I was a little concerned. She then told me she would call me back in a minute. That, as you can imagine, seemed like an eternity. I began to pray as I was driving down the road.

My phone rang several minutes later and she told me they were going to do an ultrasound. She told me she would call back when she was done. I went back into prayer mode and anxiously awaited the phone call.

It turns out everything is fine!!! Praise Jesus!!! They miscalculated how far along she was. She is only 9 weeks as opposed to 14 weeks....which makes a big difference. Her due date is January 25, 2008 instead of January 2. Heather sent me this picture of the new baby!!

Friday Thoughts

It's Friday....and well here are some thoughts....

1. Noah woke up extra early this morning and I....well I didn't want to.
2. There is nothing to watch on TV this summer...maybe thats a good thing though.
3. There are some incredible things stirring with Freedom Church.
4. J.R. is going to be an awesome pastor!
5. Todd is one cool dude...I know because we spend time together moving furniture all the time.
6. No...Todd really is awesome....and I am not just saying that because he is my boss at Freedom Church!
7. I sure am glad the Regan family is here...those people are awesome!! They inspire me!
8. I'm going to MLC this weekend and I am excited about the things I am going to learn from them....again.
9. I downloaded the new Bone Thugs-N-Harmony song with Akon....I like that song a lot.
10. The new Iced Coffee at McDonalds is absolutely terrible.
11. David said in Psalm 69:3 that he was worn out and that his throat hurt from crying out to God so much...I admittedly have never had that problem.
12. I love the blogging world.
13. I am glad its the weekend again...I think I will go to the pool at some point.

I Love Preaching

Last night I had the privilege of preaching/speaking/teaching to the middle school students @FBCW. A great majority of them are getting ready to enter their freshmen year in high school. There are some awesome students in that group. I got to hang with them at student camp a couple of weeks ago. My assignment was to speak on the sharing your faith. I was not to thrilled about the title they assigned me....so I chunked it. Instead of focusing on the "how to", I spoke on the "why to". It seems like everybody and their brother has come up with the "how to" and most of them are ridiculous...whatever helps you I guess.

My message was simple. I spoke on significance. I answered the questions that every person who exists on this planet asks. How did I get here? Why am I here? Does anyone care? Do I have a purpose? I try not to preach with "points" but rather just have a main "theme" or one "point" I guess, and then talk around that. But if I were to have points they would be these:

1. God Made Us
2. God Made Us For Himself
3. God Made Us For A Purpose

I explained all of these things and basically tried to get across the point that God's love is for everyone, and He desires to have a relationship with every single person. The problem is that every life is broken and destroyed by this ugly thing called sin. But Christ came to save the world not condemn it, and there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. God has this incredible plan for our lives and wants to use us to bring the message of this great hope to the brokenhearted. I challenge the students to take the message of hope that they have received to those on their campus.

If one has truly experienced life transformation...and found the hope....the "how to" takes care of itself. I love preaching God's Word. It is such an awesome task...I can't believe God has called me to do it.

1 HUNDRED!!

This is my 100th blog!!! I know that pales in comparison to most of the bloggers out there, but I have been doing this pretty consistently since about February or so....and well its a big milestone for me. Thanks for those few and faithful that read...I greatly appreciate you stopping by and leaving the occasional comments.

If you are a reader of this blog...email me from time to time and let me know what you think. Also, leave me some comments. I will keep on blogging....random thoughts, serious topics, and whatever else there is to say....but one thing is for sure...I will not use this blog to personally attack anyone. For some reason there are those out there that for whatever reason or another take it upon themselves to use there tiny little blogs as hitching post for thriving leaders they don't agree with or don't like. This blog will never be used for such. Anyway....celebrate the 100th blog with me....and by all means stay tuned!!!

More And More Real

As we loaded our donated desks and chairs and stuff into the new Freedom Church offices yesterday it became all the more real. I can't wait for J.R. , Jon, and Stevie to see the furniture in the office and share in the excitement.

Everyday we are getting closer and closer to the dream that God has birthed in our hearts to reach the people of Acworth, GA with the hope of Jesus. There is still so much uncertainty before all of us, but we are filled with anticipation to see all that God not only will do, but must do!! We are totally dependent on Him...and there is no better place to be!!

Freedom Offices!!!!

A couple of weeks ago Northstar Church donated us some of their office furniture....very nice office furniture. Unfortunately we have had no office for our office furniture. But now we do!!! As an employee/intern at FBCW I have an office at the church so no biggie for me...but Todd, J.R. and Jason on the other hand have been chillin' in coffee houses for hours on end using free internet. But they don't have to anymore. We got hooked up with a sweet deal!! God is doing awesome things to pave the way for Freedom Church....its so exciting!!

Today we are going to go and move all the furniture into the offices. Another fun filled day of moving. But we could't be more thrilled to do it.....hurry up and get here Lee family!!!

Loving The iPod

I am admittedly behind on this whole iPod iTunes thing...but I am definitely in now. I have a video iPod which is really cool. It is such a useful tool for those in leadership. Most any church now has a podcast....so there is unlimited access to sermons, leadership lessons, etc....and its all free!!!

I got my first iTunes gift card for Father's Day. I have only downloaded one song....so far...with it. I am trying to use my selections wisely....anyway....I loving it!!

Father's Day As A Father

I am a father. I am Noah's father. I am also the father of an unborn baby whose sex is presently unknown to us. Being a father is incredible. It is incredible because its fun, but its also incredible because the task of being a father is incredible. It is huge. My son needs a father. My son must have a father. Having a father is crucial to his development. This makes my role incredible.

Being a father is far more than just a being biological contributor. Anyone can do that. Being a father is far more than being the guy who works all day then comes home and crashes on the couch. Being a father is far more than being the guy who buys their kids everything they want just to get them out of his hair. Being a father is so much more.

Being a father is teaching and training your child about life. Being a father is devoting time to pour into your child's life. Being a father is helping mommy get all the things done she needs in order to keep things running smoothly. Being a father is sitting on the floor and playing crazy games. Being a father is waking up at the crack of dawn to comfort and bring nourishment. Being a father is acting like a fool just to see those eyes light up with a big smile because it takes your breath away. Being a father is singing ridiculous songs because you love to hear that sweet laugh. Being a father is laying on your face begging for Jesus to save their souls one day. Being a father is teaching your children about the Heavenly Father, and asking God to help you model Him. Being a father is being there. Being a father is awesome!!

I woke up this morning proud to be a father. I love being a father. I just pray I will be the best at being Noah's father. I have adopted a Scripture for my son's life that I pray for him regularly. I pray that this will be the reality of his life. It is Genesis 6:9....

"Noah was a righteous man, blameless among his contemporaries; Noah walked with God."

Interesting

That is how I would define my experience at the 2007 SBC. Some of the things that fellow SBC pastors are concerned with is absolutely ridiculous. After attending the convention I better understand why we have declined in the number of baptisms over the past several years. We are concerned about the wrong things. One guy made a motion for Lifeway to remove all fables from its bookstores because the Bible forbids them...his example was Chronicles of Narnia. Another guy made a motion that the SBC and all its entities (NAMB, Lifeway, IMB, etc.) should refrain from linking, referencing, or endorsing any materials or persons related to or associated with the emerging church. Thankfully these motions were kicked to the curb by the SBC Executive Committee. I was surprised that these motions were made, and that so many people clapped and cheered when they were brought to the floor.

It seems that there are more people concerned with issues than they are the gospel. Some SBCers are more concerned about what we don't do than what we do. Some people are more passionate about "Christian" things, than they are Christ. Some people want to play defense when we need to be playing offense. While we sit and argue about things....whatever they are...people are dying and going to hell.

3 Cities, 2 Planes, 1 Destination

Thursday I arrived at the airport in San Antonio, TX at around 4:15am. I was trying to catch a flight to Atlanta at 5:45am. Heather and I were flying standby....her and Noah made the 5:45 flight, but I didn't. There was another plane leaving at 7:15....I didn't make that one either. The Delta dude told me that my best chance of getting to Atlanta was to take the next flight to Salt Lake City, UT. So that's what I did. I didn't make the first 2 flights out of Salt Lake to Atlanta so I was there for 4 hours. I finally got on a flight that landed me in Atlanta at 8:30pm.

As luck would have it I sat in the middle seat on the plane....the perfect seat for a big guy like me....nope, not really....the dude sitting by the window spilled his diet coke on me, which was pleasant, and the plane ride from Salt Lake was 3 1/2 hours. Never have I been more ready to get off of an airplane and out of an airport as I was Thursday night. One thing is for sure, I am more passionate about not flying standby than I have ever been....I will never....never...ever....do it again!

Happy Birthday To My Wife!!!

Today is my beautiful wife's 22nd bithday. I have the most awesome and beautiful wife in the whole world. I am so blessed to get to spend my life with this woman. She is not only an awesome wife, but she is an incredible mommy to our son....and our unborn baby. This is the second birthday she has spent pregnant. What an awesome b-day present! I love you my bride and I am going to do my best to make this an awesome birthday for you while we are here in San Antonio....Happy Birthday!!! May I remind you on this day of how much God thinks of you with these words....

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you (Psalm 139:13-18)."

SBC Pastor's Conference

Early this morning I went to some breakout sessions at the SBC Pastor's Conference. I went to a panel discussion session that included Jay Strack. He was really the only reason I wanted to go that session. He talked about reaching the next generation....particularly the millennials. Here is a little bit of what he had to say...

• He said that people need to quit criticizing the young preachers who are trying to reach the next generation. They are giving everything they have in order to bring people to Jesus!
  
• Do we have the courage to move this generation from "come and see" to "go and show"?
  
• When do we transition from "love the sinner, hate the sin" to "love the sinner, hate my sin"?
  
• Do we have the courage to transition from us vs. them to together for Him?
  
• When do we transition from "sacred wineskin's" to "simply Jesus"?
  
• When you ask this generation what they think of Jesus they say "He loves, He is kind, He cares." When you ask them about Christians they say, "they're Republican, hate gays, and hate abortion." We need to get back to Jesus!
  
• He played a clip from the latest Superman movie....he underscored this quote..."you say people are in need of a savior, I hear them crying out for one" -Superman.
  

Jay is so cool....I really dig this guy because he gets it. He gets what us younger preachers are all about....reaching people for Jesus unhindered of all the religious garb that clutters the simple, saving, life changing message of Jesus. Thanks Jay!!

In The Land Of the Alamo

Heather, Noah and I left ATL yesterday evening around 6:15 and arrived in Houston for a 2 1/2 hour lay over finally arriving at our destination in San Antonio, TX at about 10:30. We flew Continental Airlines. This was my first time flying them and I must say I was very impressed. They, for some reason, put us in first class on the way from Houston to San Antonio. It was a short flight, but it was good to be there so that we could very easily put Noah to sleep and because when you are a big guy like me you love the space. I will definitely be flying Continental again. The fares are reasonable, the people are nice, and the free upgrade to first class sealed the deal....I am sold.

Now that we are here in the home of the Alamo we will be attending our denominational convention. I am sure there will be some interesting things for me to blog about over the next few days so stay tuned. I have never been to one of these meetings so I am interested in seeing how it goes. Until then.....

I Survived Student Camp!!

Arrived back to my residence in Canton, GA Friday evening at around 6pm having returned from one crazy week with the students of FBCW. We had a great time! Panama City is an interesting place to take a bunch of teenagers to when your main goal is teach them about spiritual things. Anyone who has ever been to PC knows what I am talking about.

The beach was awesome, the competitions were exhausting, the worship was incredible, the students were awesome, the preaching was good, and the Late Night sessions were absolutely hilarious. I participated in a lip sync medley with the counselors that had me dancing like a backstreet boy, and rocking out like a rock star. It was AWESOME!!

I love the beach and I love the sun...I just wish my wife and baby were there with me...I missed them so very much and was glad to see them when I returned....it was fun, but I am always glad to be home.

Camp At The Beach

Hanging out at student camp in Panama City Beach, FL. Having a great time!! Lots of fun and sun!! I only wish my wife and son were here. I used to do student camp years ago every summer....it was awesome! What's crazy is that some of the students I was a counselor for are now counselors....wow I am getting old!! However, I could not be more thrilled to see these young men and women doing what we did with them several years ago...serving God and investing into the lives of students. They rock and so does student camp!!

Noah Is 6 Months Today!!

My little Noah man is 6 months old today!!! I am 6 months into this fatherhood thing and I must say....it is awesome!! I love being a dad! I can't believe that he is already 6 months old. What is even more surprising is that he is only 6 months and he already has a little brother/sister on the way. He is the coolest kid!! I love being Noah's daddy....I can't wait till he calls me that! I can't wait to teach him how to play basketball, and tennis, and of course....FOOTBALL!! I can't wait to teach him how to play guitar, I can't wait to show him how to hit a baseball, and all kinds of fun stuff!! 6 months....6 wonderful months...I love you Noah!!

This Ship Is Battered...

That ship...well...thats me. For the past couple of weeks I have been playing basketball with some friends, about 2 or 3 times a week. The past 2 times I have played I have walked away with an injury. The other day I jammed my finger...well it got re-injured yesterday and I also managed to sprain my ankle. So....since last night I have been hobbling around everywhere looking like an idiot. I have shook a lot hands with people as well and out of routine I extend my right hand...that is coincidentally the hand with the jammed finger.

I am going out of town tomorrow to go to student camp in FL, so I won't be playing any basketball. Hopefully when I return I will be completely healed...if so that means I will be returning to the court...and when I do.....its on!!

The Preacher's Task

I read this blog this morning by Shawn that I thought was right on. I don't think people understand the emotions that a preacher goes through as he gets prepared to bring forth God's Word. I would venture to say that there is no greater task in the world than that of bringing the message of God to people. It is profoundly difficult, terrifying, and intimidating, yet it is the most rewarding and worthwhile. When lives are changed, and people get it...nothing is more satisfying. It is a task that only God can call you to, sustain you in, and move you through. What a great task!!