These Strange Things

Yesterday at the running track I encountered some very odd things. When I arrived there was an ice cream truck sitting outside the entrance of the running area. It doesn't seem like the most strategic place to try and sell ice cream...but I guess among those not so strong willed walkers or runners the ice cream man thought he might have some good clientele. Then I realized they were having football practice for little kids in the middle of the track...that explained the truck I guess.

Another odd thing that happened was that while I was running I began to smell cigarette smoke. That is a first. Two different people walking on the track were smoking....I guess you got to start somewhere, but this was the last place I thought I would be inhaling someone's smoke.

Finally, as approached the final turn of the first lap around the track I encountered some traffic. There were people with chairs and blankets sitting on the running track watching their kids practice. The ridiculous part is that all the runners, including myself, where having to dodge the people. There were plenty of other places they could have sat....why on the track???

It was a strange day to say the least.

Very Cool Sunday

Yesterday was cool. JR did an AWESOME job preaching at SouthCrest Church yesterday down in Newnan, GA. SouthCrest is as awesome church that has seen incredible growth. Jeff Chandler, my former student pastor who led me Jesus 11 years ago, is the pastor and God is using him to do an incredible work there. Jeff is such a visionary leader and has an unbelievable passion to follow, serve and reach people for Jesus. I love that guy! He definitely needs to make his way into the blogging world...just do it Jeff...just do it! You will be glad that you did!

We hung out at Jeff's all day and then had our Freedom launch team meeting at JR's that night. Following the meeting I spanked some boys....I want say who....at some tennis!

Saturday In The Mark

This Saturday to me............

1. I was supposed to go tubing with JR and Todd....but the rain came down
2. I went to lunch with my 2 favorite people on the planet (3 if you count my unborn baby) Heather and Noah...and the rain came down
3. We looked at a couple of town homes over in Acworth, GA....and the rain came down
4. We put Noah in a front facing car seat as an experiment...I left the back window down....and the rain came down
5. We went out with some awesome friends tonight who are so passionate about following the will of Jesus....love those guys, and as we sat in Chili's about ready to leave....the rain came down
6. Connected with 2 young couples leaving Chili's tonight...some of Heather's friends she grew up with....very cool...looking forward to the potential of developing those relationships
7. Noah fell asleep in the car on the way home...when we got home the rain was really coming down...kind of difficult getting a sleeping baby out of the car when its raining real hard
8. I was going to go running today.....but the rain came down
9. Dang the rain
10. GO DAWGS!!

TWO Words....

I have 2 words for all those out there bragging about their teams in the new espn rankings....everyone likes to live in the past and relish their teams past accomplishments and yadah yadah yadah...all I have to say is.......................

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My First Visit To Sea World

My first visit to Sea World...

1. I enjoyed the Killer Whales the best (go Shamu)

2. The dolphins are just so nice and happy looking

3. Sea lions are funny and they make funny noises...

4. It's amazing what they have trained these freaking animals to do

5. The Walruses are huge

6. Sharks...there maybe leadership lessons to learn from them (maybe)....but the main thing you need to know about a shark is that you don't want to get bit by it

7. Fishing would be more of a sport if you had to try and fish for whales and dolphins and try to pull them out of the water

8. I paid $6 for 2 20oz diet pepsis.....how do parks get away with charging more for this stuff

9. All in all...it was pretty fun

Funny Signs

Two Funny signs I saw this week....

1. The sign in the picture was outside of a ride at Universal Studios....a very polite way of saying you might be to fat to ride this...very funny

2. Driving home I saw a sign for an adult video place that said..."adult toys...great food" do I need to say more....

Looooooooooong Day

Got up at 3:15am to drive down to Orlando to spend a few days at SLU. The drive tool longer than I thought it would and we didn't hit one bit of traffic. We spent the whole afternoon and evening in sessions...and we are pooped. It has been a long day...looking forward to going to Sea World tomorrow though.....

Saturday In The.....Mark!

This was Saturday to me......

1. Noah slept till about 8:30 this morning...he really missed his bed...so we took advantage
2. Ran 2 1/2 miles today....for me that is far...almost at 3 miles...big milestone
3. I got lapped about 3 times by this one guy at the park...he is has been running longer than me so I am not intimidated...you got to start somewhere
4. Went to Verizon to get my stupid LG Chocolate replaced....they said it was my fault...AT&T is looking good right now...
5. Went to the Lake to ride the Sea Doo's again...definitely a little sore from being thrown off about a million times
6. Trying to get things ready to go to Orlando for a few days...going to go do the SLU thing...
7. Looking forward to going to North Star in the morning...should be a lot of fun
8. Verizon has really irritated me today...and I always brag on them....they better fix this problem
9. I am really disappointed about something...what a waste...is all I can say...
10. The Lake really made me tired....I am out..................

Home Again

Made it back home from Panama City....Noah did surprisingly well...even through the 45min. we spent in traffic on 285 because of an accident. The beach is fun...but it is better when it is an actual vacation. I have been twice this year, and neither time was a vacation. Maybe at some point that will happen...maybe...but for now I am glad to be home for a couple of days.

Top 5 Things That Sucked Today

5. Pastor's birthday celebration included Sonney's BBQ, Sweet Tea, and Blue Bell Ice Cream....none of which are sucky...but I ate some of all of them...and that is.
4. Some people sat in our rented beach chairs while we were gone to lunch...I guess the giant sign on the back that said "RENTED" meant something else to them
3. Getting the water to hot on my sunburn in the shower
2. Not being able to attend the Freedom Church Launch Team Meeting tonight
1. And finally...missing the Freedom Church Launch Team Meeting

Noah's First Beach Experience

Noah loved the ocean for about the first 5 minutes. I was letting the waves crash on his feet...he would laugh and try to slap the water...then a bigger wave came and knocked him in the face....the laughing immediately turned into sheer terror and crying. After the ocean we sat on the beach. He tried to eat the sand...but at this stage in his life I am learning that everything that gets in hands has to go through the taste testing process before it becomes useful to him. He loves the pool...and today I discovered that he is going to be a ladies man! All the girls at the pool surrounded him...he is a little chic magnet! That's my boy!! No doubt he is a little stud...take a look at the little dude on the beach...how can you resist him?

Really Beaching!

Heather and I have been hanging out on the beach this week in between sessions at Xtreme. Yesterday I spent some time reading and praying...today I fell asleep in my beach chair. I am not sure which one was more spiritual. I got a little sunburn on the back of legs...it hurts a little..but I like the feeling of having been in the sun. If God ever called me to start a church near the beach my office would consist of a beach towel and a comfortable beach chair! I love the beach. One day I want to spend 2 full weeks just hanging with my family on the beach. Good times!

Monday Madness

This is Monday to me....

1. Woke up at 4:30am to leave for Xtreme in Panama City
2. Rode on the Newsong bus for 7 hours with Heather, Noah, and about 10 other people...Noah did surprisingly well...praise Jesus
3. Got to PC and unloaded a whole bunch of equipment...and "gear"...as the roadies call it...and it was HOT!
4. I ran a couple of miles and about died of heat exhaustion....I was soaked when I came in...tough run today...tough run
5. It came a torrential down pour and lightening set off the fire alarms in our hotel
6. The Days Inn we are staying in is nice....not really...I am pretty sure this room has had some interesting things done in it...if walls could talk
7. The first thing you smell when you get off the elevator on the main floor is the always pleasant aroma of beer...lovely indeed!
8. For some reason when you stand on the side of the streets of Panama City people driving by like to scream stuff at you...probably don't even know they are though
9. Noah discovered brownies today...and he loves them
10. Looking forward to seeing pastor tonight and hearing Will Goodwin lead worship...he's pretty darn good...Michael is fortunate to have him there at Oakleaf
11. I am really pissed that I am not going to be at the first real Freedom launch team meeting on Wednesday
12. Jason will take care of business for me...he is awesome...so glad he got to hang with us this summer...though I am pretty sure he thinks we are insane
13. I was sitting in on the sound check a few minutes ago...the lights they have are incredible...we definitely need to get hooked up with some of those...$3000 a pop though
14. If God so leads anyone to buy some of those for us...don't hesitate...just call Todd
15. I really hope it doesn't rain everyday this week...I really want to play with Noah on the beach
16. If your considering it...don't purchase the LG Chocolate phone...it really sucks...I almost through it off the bus today...it is about as useful in a million pieces than it is in one...
17. First order of business when I get home is make Verizon give me a different phone

Rolling To PC

Heather, Noah, and myself are on the Newsong bus headed down to Panama City. We left this morning around 6am...and we are ready to be there. This will be Noah's first time on the beach so be prepared to see some pictures posted on this blog soon. I am looking forward to hanging out on the beach some with my family. I am also looking forward to seeing and talking to pastor some. Should be a fun week....as soon as we get off this darn bus!!

I Missed It

Yep...I missed the NewSpring trip this morning. The rest of the Freedom team went up to NewSpring Church in Anderson, SC...they had an awesome time from what I hear. Heather got really sick late last night....really sick, and Noah did not sleep well....at all! When momma goes down...we all go down. She is feeling better now and Noah took a good nap this morning, but daddy is whooped! My wife is incredible....and she takes care of business...she is the glue that holds this family together...I am not sure how she does all that she does everyday...but she does and she does it so well. I missed the NewSpring trip...but I will catch it next time!!!

Saturday In The.....Mark!

Saturday in the Mark....this is just some thoughts from today.....

1. I got my haircut today at Amanda's...she is the best and because I am some what family...its cheap
2. I am looking forward to our Freedom pre-lanuch team meeting tonight
3. Someone told me I was a "novelty" yesterday...I honestly don't know if that is good or bad
4. I am up to running 2 miles...that's pretty darn good for me....5k here I come!
5. The diet is going good so far...but a huge juicy double cheeseburger from Wendy's sounds pretty darn sexy right now
6. Next week I am headed to Panama City to hang out with Pastor and work a little at Xtreme
7. Heather is going to PC too....I am glad her and Noah get to crash on the beach all week
8. NewSpring is going to be awesome tomorrow...I cannot hardly wait
9. Last night Heather and I went to Malia's and they had a band playing Celtic music....not a big fan...but the Iced Americano lived up to its reputation
10. Jesus would definitely not listen to Celtic music...but I am pretty sure He would dig on some Stevie Wonder

Everyone Else Is Doing It

Everyone else did it so I decided to see what my blog was rated...turns out I am pretty family friendly....I guess that is good...

Beverly Hills

A couple of years ago Weezer had a song entitled Beverly Hills. I recently downloaded this song into my iPod. It makes a good running song...Yesterday I was listening to the words and I found them interesting......

Where I come from isn't all that great
My automobile is a piece of crap
My fashion sense is a little whack
And my friends are just as screwy as me
I didn't go to boarding schools
Preppy girls never looked at me
Why should they I ain't nobody
Got nothing in my pocket

Beverly Hills - That's where I want to be! (Gimme Gimme)
Living in Beverly Hills...Beverly Hills -
Rolling like a celebrity! (Gimme Gimme)
Living in Beverly Hills...

Look at all those movie stars
They're all so beautiful and clean
When the housemaids scrub the floors
They get the spaces in between
I wanna live a life like that
I wanna be just like a king
Take my picture by the pool
Cause I'm the next big thing!

The truth is...I don't stand a chance
Its something that you're born into...
And I just don't belong...No I don't -
I'm just a no class, beat down fool
And I will always be that way
I might as well enjoy my life
And watch the stars play

"My live sucks" seems to be what these guys are trying to say...especially compared to those people in Beverly Hills. And only those people in Beverly Hills have discovered real life...I can't achieve Beverly Hills...you have to be born into it...it has to be handed to you. So since I can't attain it...I will settle with this insignificant life I have been given. Jesus said, "I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." Jesus has come to bring significance and hope, and he welcomes everyone. Jesus says...welcome to Beverly Hills!

Glad To Be Home

After being gone for a few days I was glad to be home. It was great spending some time with my beautiful wife and my awesome little boy last night, and I look forward to taking Heather out tonight (with no baby)...thanks mom for making that possible! I loved hanging with the boys on the Freedom team...and did we ever have a good time...but none of them are as pretty as my wife. I love those guys with the deepest parts of my heart though. All of them are so gifted, and are consumed with reaching people with the message of Jesus...it was a great week for us. If you want to get just a glimpse of some of the fun we had you can read what Jon said...however, unless you are us...you probably won't laugh as much as I did when I read it!

Laughing

Laughing is awesome...the past 3 days I have laughed more than I have in a long stinkin' time. The late night laughing has for sure been the best! I am pretty sure I almost blacked out a couple of times I was laughing so hard. There are some times when it is definitely not cool to laugh. Today one of those times occurred. It happened this morning while in one of the sessions about discipleship. It was a serious moment. JR had been writing some things down in his workbook that were clearly not in accordance with what the facilitator had instructed. Pretending that he had written something serious he turns around to me and begins to point to what he had written with a serious look on his face as if he was expressing deep concern. But what JR wrote was completely and totally opposite of serious. Needless to say I busted out with laughter in the middle of a serious moment in the conference. The problem is that when you laugh in situations like this it is nearly impossible to contain it. After several minutes I had to get up and exit the room....embrassing...to say the least...but funny...ABSOLUTELY! What adds to the humor of this incident is that later that instructor personally complimented JR on being the most attentive learner she has seen. I love to laugh.....and I know that the rest of this trip will include a lot more of it.

Late Night Meetings

We got a break last night from the conference (and all Freedom staff said...amen) so the team went out in to town to a small little coffee shop that had been converted from a gas station. The name of the coffee shop was fitting for its origin...it was called Java Station. It was pretty cool...and the iced Americano did not disappoint. After a few hours of discussing on the porch of Java Station we had to get a change of scenery so we headed back to the conference center and to JR and Todd's room. There we continued to meet for a couple of more hours...who has staff meetings at midnight....Freedom Church. We got a lot done...very exciting stuff. I am pumped to be on a team of such awesome guys! I am pretty sure though that Jason and Jon are girls...they sit in the room with blankets on because we keep it to cold for them...what is wrong with them?

Church Planting And Basic Training

The Freedom Team, minus 1, is up here in Toccoa at Church Planting Basic Training. The people in the conference for the most part are really nice and cool...I must admit however that church planting and the GBC is an interesting thing. I am not to sure what they think about us yet with our crazy hair, torn jeans, and flip flops. I am pretty sure that most of the people thought we were here for the student camp that is going on simultaneously with this event. I must be honest though...we don't really fit the mold of baptist preachers...but truthfully, I like it that way. Hanging with the guys is always fun and filled with lots of laughter. It does suck that I am in a room by myself, but that is just how it is. I am sure there are more stories to come about this week so stay tuned.

Runnin, Runnin, And Runnin, Runnin....

Running is what I have been doing for the past week....and even this morning JR, Todd, Jason, and myself went running while we are up here in Toccoa for the GA Baptist Church Planters Basic Training (more on that later). I must admit...running is about as fun as getting your eyes poked out with a butter knife...However, I think I am starting to get into the "groove". I haven't yet experienced the so-called "runners high", but I have been able to increase my distance progressively each day...and my time as well. My goal is to be able to run a 5k by the end of August....now I don't plan on doing well....my goal is just to finish the race without someone having to use a defibrillator on me or taking me across the finish line in an ambulance. I am trying my best to do a complete life change when it comes to my physical health....one day at a time....and one meal at a time...even when it means there is no ice cream at the end of it....God help me!

Headed To The Hills

The Freedom Staff...all of us this time...are headed up to Toccoa, GA for a church planters conference. I am looking forward to hanging out with all the guys on the team. It will be the 2nd time that we have all been together at one time. We hope to get a lot accomplished this week...as well as just hang out together. It should be interesting because the rooms have no TV's and there is only Internet in the lobby. I have a feeling that we will be spending a lot of time in the lobby during the free time of the conference. All in all....I am looking forward to this trip...church planting is so much fun!

Team Freedom

Our first Lauch...or I guess pre-Launch team meeting last night went well. Exciting to see the people that God has brought together, and will bring, to carry this vision of reaching Acworth with the hope of Jesus! I am looking forward to seeing what God does through Freedom Church. It is officially game on!

First Launch Meeting In Acworth

Very excited about the first Launch Team Meeting tonight that will be held in Acworth. The team has been meeting previously but only in Memphis were most of the people lived at the time. Tonight will be the first Launch Team Meeting in the city where we will plant Freedom Church. This is the first meeting I have attended so I am especially excited. It's time to start building momentum. We have a lot of work ahead of us, and an entire city to reach with the hope of Jesus!!!

DEER...Lord!

I went running this morning at Boling Park in Canton, GA. It is not that far from my house and they have a running track that is a mile long....it has woods on one side and the Etowah River on the other. It makes for a nice scenic run....and today was no exception. As I began running I looked up and saw a deer run across my path. I thought...well this is a first. The deer (who we will call Bambi) stopped and looked my direction as I was running towards it. I must confess...I began thinking of what might happen at this point...I thought...I have never heard of anyone being attacked and viciously eaten by a deer. Bambi then proceeded to leap into the woods and out of my sight. So I just kept on running...then....Bambi, for some reason, jumped back out and stared right at me one last time. Bambi then took off running into the woods and up an embankment and didn't make another appearance. Bambi definitely made my morning run a little more interesting.

Imagine All The People

Yesterday while I was at Acworth Beach for the fireworks show I was watching all the people. There were so many different kinds of people. Some were young, some were old. Some wore nice clothes, others not so nice. There were Americans, and there were other nationalities. Some where white, some where black. Some were poor, some were not. Some were rednecks, others not so much. But there is one thing they all have in common....that is, they are all searching for significance...a reason for living. Most of them are searching for it in all the wrong places...not even really realizing sometimes what it is they are trying to find. The only place they will ever find it is in a Person, that Person is Jesus. Some of them have dug themselves in deep pits trying to find significance....Jesus is their hope. Some have pursued it and they think they have achieved it....Jesus is there need. Regardless of their situation, social status, race, or creed they all stand in need of Jesus. As I looked across the park gazing at all the people...I thought of Freedom Church....I thought to myself...imagine all the people....all the people here and a whole lot more finding Freedom in Jesus...imagine....the possibilities of what God can do are beyond all that I can ask or imagine!

The Beatles wrote a song called Imagine....and it goes like this...

Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...

You may say
I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

All that the Beatles sang about is only possible through a relationship with Jesus Christ...He is the only hope. I would say just as they did..."I hope someday you'll join us" as we take the hope of Jesus to a world perishing in darkness searching desperately for the hope only He can bring! Imagine if you did...Imagine ALL the people...

Cuatro De Julio

Hung out at Acworth Beach for the 4th of July fireworks display. It is one of their Love the Lake summer events. It was crowded as usual and parking is always an adventure. When you go you got to be prepared to walk because you can't park down by the lake...and even if you did you would be stuck forever trying get out. So many people attend this event so our minds were racing at ways we could use this event to provide exposure for Freedom Church next year. The opportunity is great to reach the people of Acworth through this event. The fireworks were good and we had a good time just hanging out and watching people....however...every year I go I have brought a cooler, this year I did not. I paid the price for not bringing it....I had to wait in line for 30 minutes just to get a drink...dumb move not to bring a cooler...especially when you have a pregnant wife.

Learning Via Telephone

I am looking forward to some of the upcoming phone appointments I have later this week. I am going to be talking to the Assimilation/Volunteer directors of 2 of the fastest growing church plants in America. I have a million and one questions for them so I am sure I will learn a lot. They have been so willing to offer their wisdom from their experience...I can't wait! We at Freedom want make sure that we connect people quickly, intentionally, and effectively to the journey of being connected with God. With that being a big part of my job as Connections Pastor I want to make sure that I learn from those who have gone ahead of us, especially those who have been very successful.

July 4...And What's In Store

Today we utilized practically all of the amenities in JR's new neighborhood. We hit the pool for several hours after working out this morning, then we played a little tennis. About the only thing we didn't do is play on the playground...I am pretty sure if we had done that we might have looked like complete idiots. However, that has never stopped us before on some of the things we have done...

After spending the day at the pool we headed inside for a salad buffet. We had just about every kind of salad and salad ingredient you could possibly have. We through some chicken on the top and kept it low cal. I didn't take to much to the Asian salad that Teri made...but that's only because I like the American salads just fine. But it looked good and everyone else loved it so its all good.

Later we are headed to Acworth Beach to catch the fireworks on the lake. This is the place Heather and I got married and they always have one of the best fireworks shows...even though the majority of times I have gone it has rained...but the weather looks good...so far....so I hope it holds out. That's the 4th for me!

Diet And Exercise

Well...I started dieting again yesterday. 1500 calories...that is all I can eat. I know this way of dieting works because last year I lost almost 50 pounds...but then came the holidays...since then I have put a lot of that weight back on. So I decided to go back at it. This time is a little different though because I have some accountability. JR and Todd are here to hold me to it. This morning I worked out with them...I am a little sore now, but I know it will most assuredly hit me strong in the morning. Instead of running this morning we swam in the pool. I had no idea that you could get such a good work out in the pool. I thought it was going to be easy, but it most definitely kicked my butt.

Losing weight has been a huge struggle for me. Let's face it...I like food. Particularly, I like the food that is high in fat....like Wendy's double cheese burgers, pizza, and my all time favorite....ICE CREAM! But I can no longer let food control me. If I am to be under the control of the Holy Spirit I can't be under the control of food. There are so many over weight people in my profession and it is rather distasteful. I am one of them at this point, but I am ready and willing to make the change. It is going to be difficult. It is going to be hard, but it will be worth it. Pray for me in this endeavor...and encourage me in it!

Let Freedom....Meet!

We had a staff meeting today with the Freedom staff members that are here....that would include me, JR, and Todd. Stevie is finishing up the finishing touches on his album, which we are all excited about, and should be back in town next week. Jon...he is the lone Memphisite that is working out the details to get here, but he is working his bootay off even from there. We talked about a lot of good things. JR provoked our minds today and we were able to begin defining what we want to accomplish. It was an extremely long meeting, but a very productive one.

I am so excited about the group of guys that God has assembled that make up the Freedom Church staff. So many exciting things! I am learning so much through this process, and from these guys. The journey has begun...

An Amazing Moment....

Being a dad is awesome! This morning I walked into the living room where Heather and Noah were sitting on the couch and went straight to the kitchen to get some breakfast. When I walked passed Noah without acknowledging him he began to fuss a little. I must be honest...that made me a little happy that he wanted my attention that much. I love that little kid so very much. Noah was unsettled until I finally went in there and grabbed him. When I did he got this big grin on his face...and his little eyes lit up like they do, and I embraced him and gave him a big good morning kiss.

As I was thanking God this morning for that moment I had with my son...thoughts flooded my mind and I began to ask God to give me the desire to be in His presence and have His attention just like my son wanted my attention. I asked God to give me that same kind of deep longing my son had when he was crying out for me. I asked God to give me that kind of desire to feel His embrace, to feel His kiss. I then asked God to give me the desire to cry out for it just like Noah did for me when I feel like He is not giving it to me.

As a father...I loved giving Noah that embrace when he was crying out for me. I loved seeing that smile. As a matter a fact...even when he seems like he wants nothing to do with me....I still love to embrace him. How much more does my heavenly Father love to embrace me when I cry to Him! How much more does He want to sweep me up and kiss me....even when I want nothing to do with Him! What an amazing moment God gave me this morning....

Sea Doo'n It Well

Saturday and Sunday I got to hang out with my friend Shea and his family at his in-laws lake. We had an awesome time on the jet ski's and grilling out burgers. JR and Todd were there on Saturday....and well it was adventuresome to say the least. The game was sling off the rider...quiet often it resulted in sling off the driver as well. I was not a big fan of being the rider because....well, I like to be in control. Plus...I was a little nervous about getting my head ran over by the jet ski. I threw JR off a couple of times, but every time I did I ended up going with him...the last time however resulted in a bit of a problem. We were on the completely opposite end of the lake when I threw JR and myself off. When we got back on the jet ski would not start. After many failed attempts we ended up having to swim back to the dock...which, like I said was on the opposite side of the lake...pulling the downed jet ski.

But all was fun...I look forward to doing it again sometime...that is if Shea's father-in-law ever dares to let Shea be in charge of the jet ski's again....