ATL

I had the chance to hang out with Todd Briggs today who is a church planter in Atlanta. He started Epic Village and is doing a great job. He has a passionate desire to reach the unreached in the city. I was simply amazed at the lack of solid churches down town, but I am thankful for people like Todd who are answering the call to go and make Jesus famous in the big city. Pray for Todd as he desires to see city transformation take place.

Officially Computerless

I took my Gateway laptop to a computer specialist. He called me a day
later and told me he would have it up and running by the end of that
day. An hour later he called and said..."I'm sorry Mark we did all we
could, but your computer has gone home to be with the Lord." Ok...I
added that last part but he did say it was gone. I have officially
been computerless for over a week. I'm surviving with my iPhone, on
which I'm writing this blog. I'm really surprised how I've managed so
well with out it...but its seriously getting old. Not sure what the
future holds for me as far as a new laptop goes...let us pray together.

WeekEND Review

1. Had a great, but extremely busy weekend.
2. Had 2 b-day parties to attend on Saturday. Had fun hanging out with
folks I haven't seen in a while.
3. I hung out with a friend who won a Dove Award for his Spanish
album...unbelievably talented.
4. Attended Buckhead Church...Andy was there so it was really
cool...my wife and Shea's wife enjoyed it but not as much because of a
childrens area blunder.
5. Had a opportunity to share the vision of Reveal Church this
morning...I am pumped when others get excited about God' vision and
want to jump in!!

Excited!

I'm excited about 3 things tonight....

1. The return of LOST...to those of you who gave up on it...you're
truly missing out.
2. Date night with my unbelievably beautiful amazing wife!
3. We found a house and today they officially accepted our offer...FB
here we come!!!

Where Oh Where...?

I have been out of the bloglite lately, but I've been busy...here is a brief recap of where I've been and what I've been doing, and where I'm going....

1. We have been in heavy house hunting mode....I feel like I should have been on an episode of House Hunters or Property Virgins.
2. Traveled to Greenville last week with some friends from Freedom...good times, good times.
3. Did some preaching for the students at this church.
4. Making some head way in Flowery Branch, but learning that God's timing is not mine.
5. Sharing the vision of Reveal Church this week for some potential partners....very excited!
6. I've been learning a lot about myself and my need to be prepared to lead this movement coming to Flowery Branch known as Reveal Church.
7. I've been making sure that I don't sacrifice my family on the alter of Reveal Church.
8. I've been dieting and exercising like a fool, but I'm pretty sure we are going to lose the competition to the Embassy boys anyway...but I'm a winner either way because I've lost over 20lbs and I ain't stopping.
9. I've visited several churches and have learned a lot.
10. I'm looking forward to visiting this church Sunday.
11. In the process of having our logo and website redone...very excited about this...I'll keep you posted on when to check it out!

Down

Well...I was able to extract some important files from my laptop
today...and I worked hours trying to resurrect it to no avail. Not
sure what I'm going to do now. The laptop is down and so am I :-
(...but I do have my iPhone so I do have access to most things and am
able to blog a little:-)

iNEED

I'm no guru but I'm pretty sure my computer was pronounced dead at the
scene today at around 2:30pm. I'm now in need of a new one...not sure
how I'm gonna swing it quite yet. Right now I have to make
arrangements for my gateway then I can explore the possibilities of a
new one...perhaps a mac!

Lesson From My 16 Month Old

Noah is the coolest most handsome little boy on the planet! He is a fully engaged, fully charged BOY! He definitely keeps my wife and I going. At this phase in his development he has quite an "explorative" spirit, which I hope he maintains throughout his life. Along with his "explorative" spirit comes a lot of risks. The problem with these risks are that at his stage of development they are completely "uncalculated". Basically what I'm learning is that his unquenchable desires to explore often out weigh his capacity to achieve. For example, the other day he had the desire to run down a fairly steep hill to chase down the ball he rolled down the hill. What he could not calculate in his mind is that his little legs would not be able to sustain the weight of his body at the speeds he would achieve running down the hill. The results of his exploration would only be realized at the point that his little body would tumble the majority of the way down the hill. Fortunately for him his father was there to guide him to prevent the inevitable.

What's the lesson? Well, as a church planter I will have to take risks that will often out weigh my capacity to achieve. The magnificent thing about this is that in these risks I will see my Father demonstrate His capacity, which is incalculable. When I'm NOT stretched beyond my capacity I am limited to only experiencing MY capacity. When I AM stretched beyond MY capacity I place myself in position to only be limited by HIS capacity. Which is where I would rather me!

Bittersweet

I am excited about the arrival of Jersey Mike's to Canton. When I lived in Louisville, KY I frequented Jersey Mike's with commendable loyalty. It is by far the best sub joint around. The sad thing is....I'm moving soon and I'm pretty sure there are none near by my new place of residence. But I've visited twice this week, and I'm sure I will make the journey several more times before moving.

The Art Of Decision Making

Nobody has ever said, "I want to make stupid decisions." At least I would hope. Rather, everyone desires to make good, smart, effective decisions. Proverbs tells us to "ponder the paths of our feet." This means that impulsive decision making is not very wise, particularly for big decisions and especially as leaders. In fact, I would venture to say it is extremely harmful. Thinking and processing over a decision is the pathway to effective decision making, and often it requires expediting the process. This includes seeking wisdom and insight from various sources (including from people smarter and more experienced than you), contemplating the consequences and ramifications of each path, and praying for the guidance of the Spirit of God. Doing this allows you to experience the second half of the aforementioned Proverb, "then your ways will be sure." When you make thoughtfully and prayerfully considered decisions you enable yourself to move forward in those decisions with unparalleled confidence. This confidence does not eliminate risks involved nor guarantee you will avoid adversity, but it does mean as you encounter these things you can walk with security that you have made the best decision you could have made.

One Thing I Do Know

In John 9 there is a story told of Jesus healing a blind man on the Sabbath. Instead of focusing on the miraculous healing of a man who had been blind from birth the Pharisees were ticked about the fact that it was done outside the bounds of religious tradition. They were more concerned about nailing Jesus for breaking the "rules" than they were rejoicing in the new life this man had received. I love the response of the healed man to the bickering questions of the Pharisees..."Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!"

Reveal Church is committed to providing environments that will allow people to encounter Jesus in such a way that they can echo the sentiments of the once blind man..."one thing I know. I was blind but now I see!" Even when it means challenging religious tradition.

Wierd Sayings...I Don't Get

Have you ever heard any of these sayings...or perhaps even said them....I have no idea what they mean....

"I'm chasing a rabbit here...."

"That ought to be a blessing...."

"Does a wild bear climb a tree...?"

"I need to get my ducks in a row..."

"That dog will hunt..."

"Not to toot my own horn..."

"I'm finer than a frog hair split 3 ways...."

"I'm as confused as a termite in a yo-yo..."