Holy Hotness!!

Yesterday when I got to the running track at Boling Park my car said that it was 100 degrees!! For a brief moment I thought...maybe I should wait a little longer...but the track is mostly shaded by the time of day I got there but it was still hot!! By the time I was done my clothes appeared as though I had just jumped into the pool they were so wet.

On another note....my car's A/C decided to stop working. That means that unless I am moving in my car I begin to melt. Having no A/C this time of year absolutely stinks. I bring flip-flops and pull my pants up to my knees just to stay cool in the car. I can't wait til the fall...

3 Mile Mondays

Yesterday I ran 3 miles. For the past 2 Mondays I have ran 3 miles. For whatever reason the rest of last week I could only push myself for 2 miles....not really sure why...heat maybe and doing other activities like tennis. But my goal is to not let that happen today...I am going for the 3rd mile. Yesterday I felt like I could have probably gone another one, and probably should have since Brett and Aaron forced high calorie "Ooh La La Chicken" and Henry's world famous Bread Pudding down my throat...but it was late and I had not eaten dinner or spent time with my wife yet so I stuck with the 3 mile mark. 3 miles it a great accomplishment for me....but I have a long way to go.

Monday Morning Thoughts

Just some Monday morning thoughts:

1. I think the new Starbuck's on 92 is open...definitely going to check that out
2. I am looking forward to having lunch with Brett today...that dude is cool!
3. My nephews are unbelievably talented...they are some cool kids
4. I can't believe Todd broke my car...at least he apologized (Just kidding)
5. Perry Noble got into a coffin...that is CRAZY....I don't want to do that until I am dead...it just freaks me out...however...I am sure that service was unbelievable and unforgettable...can't wait to watch
6. Jason Coobies....missing that guy
7. My son is so awesome...I love that little boy!
8. Elevation Church.....WOW!!
9. School started today in Cherokee County...I am glad I am not in school of any kind...but how I remember those days
10. My LG Chocolate phone really sucks

Saturday In The Mark

Saturday August 4th to me....Mark......

1. I can't believe that it is already August...I am entering the 4th quarter of the mentoring program with Pastor Johnny
2. Churches.....there are a lot of them...and we are starting another one....with good reason
3. I can't wait to hear what Gary is going to announce to Ridgestone tomorrow...he is so cool
4. Wait to go Jesse...getting the wrong directions to the Atlanta Silverbacks game...hope you found it
5. I ran 6 laps (2 miles) around this track in Holly Springs that had Mount St. Helen in the middle of it....wasn't so bad the first time up...but by lap six I was ready stab myself
6. My mom bought organic grapes...they actually tasted better...who would have thought
7. Running without your iPod makes it way more difficult...I have done it 2 days in a row (not on purpose) because a large portion of running is mental...so the mental distraction of the iPod is tantamount
8. My wife frantically woke me up this morning because she was terrified of a bug on the floor and she needed me to come kill it....I hate bugs....especially in my house
9. I had the weirdest lunch today...but it was delicious...spinach and lettuce salad with Raspberry Pomegranate dressing and 2 pieces of corn on the cob...weird but good
10. It was freaking hot today...my car said it was 98 degrees....that means hot as hades
11. I wish I was in SC with JR, Todd, and my good friend who I miss....Josh...all of us together would probably kill us though...but it sure would be fun
12. Houses....I want one...hope I find one that will be ready to move into by January
13. I heard my 2nd baby's heartbeat for the first time yesterday at the Doctor...unbelievable!!
14. We find out if the baby is a boy or girl next month....stay tuned for that announcement
15. Sunday School...such a weird name....but I am going there tomorrow...Troy is cool...he is the teacher...and he is a great one
16. Pray for the Freedom Vision Luncheon tomorrow and Todd, he is preaching (you will do awesome dude...praying for you!!)

Mark The Mechanic??

I was the mechanic today. My car is being a little crazy so I had to try and do a little maintenance. I really know absolutely nothing about fixing a car. However, I do know how to change spark plugs and air filters and such so that is what I did. It was hot as the devil outside while I was doing it so I was sweating like....something that sweats a lot. I really hope my car does not die...its a Honda, its suppose to last forever...pray it does cause I am a po-boy.

Happenings

I have had some pretty good meetings the past two days with some church planters. I just sat in on one today with JR and Todd. We met with the pastor of an Acworth church plant that is a few miles from where we will plant Freedom Church. They have been in the community for a couple of years so it was interesting to get his take on the area.

JR and Todd are going up to South Carolina this weekend to share the vision of Freedom and hopefully establish some partnerships. Some how they have ended up on a radio show for tomorrow morning......if you so choose to listen in grab the link from here.

Need A Worship Leader???

Well here is your man!! Noah loves the guitar...I am sure he can play any venue. He likes the contemporary stuff, but he is flexible and can attendeth your way and do some traditional. He is expensive though....he is not really in it for the money, but his booking agent sets the price and he is a poor churchplanter. So, if you need him...well how can you resist him!!

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....

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!!

Random Thoughts...Randomly Listed

Random thoughts....

1. Heather found out this week that she is 9 weeks along in her pregnancy, that puts the due date at around January 3...life is going to be crazy having 2 babies!!
2. There are going to have to be a whole bunch of volunteers in order to pull off what we want to do at Freedom Church....I can't wait to see people step up.
3. I am pretty sure that Zaxby's sauce will be found in abundance in heaven...anything taste good dipped in Zaxby's sauce
4. I can't wait for college football to get back around...i hope the Bulldogs kick some booty this year!
5. For some reason I am extremely burdened about where in the heck I am going to live 6 months from now...I think its because I am going to have 2 kids now (that's crazy)
6. Noah is such a cool kid...I love to see him smile!
7. I hope the new baby is a girl...my mom and dad will probably turn back flips if the baby is...I will be happy either way....but sure would love to have a girl
8. It has officially been 9 days since I had an iced coffee....for no other reason except I have not gone to a Starbucks or any other coffee shop lately
9. I cannot wait to serve as the Connections Pastor of Freedom Church
10. I am glad that Todd and Joni are here, I am also glad that moving all their stuff is behind me now....we moved it twice...I love Todd, but I ain't moving it again
11. I need more songs on my iPod...but I don't want to pay for them....anyone who has some good CD's I can borrow to put into my iTunes let me know
12. I am so blessed to be able to be Pastor Johnny's intern this year...I wish he would hurry and get back from vacation though....I have a lot of questions
13. I am looking forward to going to camp at the beach with the student ministry next week....even though I have to be at the church at 5am Monday morning...what's up with that?
14. Acworth, GA....get ready!!!!

Mark The Mover

That is who I have felt like this week. I have been helping people move all week long. I hope that what goes around comes all the way back around like Justin Timberlake says it does because I am going to need some help moving at the end of this year. I am a pretty experienced mover so its all good. In the Louisville journey that my wife and I went on to finish my undergrad we moved 3 times in a 2 1/2 year period. As a matter of fact in the almost 5 years that my wife and I have been married we have moved a total of 6 times....at the end of the year it will be number 7. What is wrong with us? Oh well....maybe soon will find a permanent address....but what fun is that? By the way...this is not an advertisement. I am not trying to offer my services...so please no phone calls or emails.....

Todd Is Officially Here!!

Todd is officially here in GA!! Going today to help move his stuff which is in 50 different storage facilities at the Uhaul place on 41. This thing is really happening! J.R. will be here soon, then Jon, then Freedom Church baby!! I hope my finger does not fall off while I am helping Todd since I injured it yesterday playing ball...

Ouchies!!

I played some more basketball yesterday. It didn't go so well. About 10 minutes into the first game I went for a steal, but at the same time the person I was going to steal from did some twisting and maneuvering. When he did my finger collided with his knee and well.....it hurt...bad. I jammed it pretty good. It was on my shooting hand, so I played terrible the rest of the game. It is a little swollen today and hurts pretty bad. A little difficult to type actually. But its all part the game....no hard feelings....

My Memorial Day

Memorial Day has been good. These are just a few things I did today....

• Got up early with my little Noah man...then we took a little nap together on the couch
• Had breakfast at the house with my wife....she makes some killer French Toast
• Went to the pool in some friends of ours neighborhood
• Played some basketball for several hours with the boys....we cleaned house!! (still wish I could dunk)
• Jumped in the pool after some ball to cool off and played with Noah...he loves the water!
• Now we are gonna have a little cook-out and eat some steaks with the fam....

Good day today....back to business tomorrow!

Sunday Afternoon Thoughts

Just had some thoughts today...these are a few.

1. How much different is it going to be waking up on Sunday mornings in a few months?
2. I wonder where I am going to live when Freedom starts.
3. Teaching Sunday School was awkward this morning.
4. Parking is crazy at my church.
5. The cheesy rice stuff I had for lunch today was delicious.
6. Why in the world do they call them "pews"?
7. Speaking in front of a crowd of thousands is way better than speaking to a crowd of 10.
8. It is really smokey outside today and it reeks of burntness.
9. I have not had an iced coffee (and they are my favorite) in 4 days.
10. I learned yesterday that watching a baby is hard work...my wife is AWESOME!
11. I wish I could dunk.
12. Will they have choir lofts in heaven?
13. Who thought that wearing crazy robes to sing in was cool?
14. I can not wait to see what happens at Freedom Church...even though it is so scary.
15. Why in the world is it called Sunday School?

A Pretty Cool Friday...

Yesterday was cool. Went with J.R., the pastor of Freedom Church, to Blue Ridge yesterday to talk with a pastor who is interested in supporting and partnering with Freedom. It was the first time I got to hear J.R. cast the vision of Freedom to a potential partner. It was cool. I learned a lot from that meeting. Also, very excited about how this church in Blue Ridge will partner with us crazy dudes at Freedom.

We also cruised the city of Acworth looking for office space. Bottom line is....its gonna cost us some jack in order to get some office space. However, we did find some good potential spots. It's exciting to think of how incredible it is going to be to reach the people of Acworth, GA with the truth of Jesus!!

Todd and his wife Joni arrived yesterday after a long day traveling in a Uhaul Truck with no A/C. I am pretty sure that Todd was ready to beat some people in the face with a stick....those people being the ones at the Uhaul place. We managed to get all his stuff into about 20 different units.

Not that anyone really cares but....I recommend that if you moving and need to rent a moving truck not to ever use Uhaul, and after what happened to Todd yesterday I bet he would concur with that statement. I have moved twice from one state to another and have had good success avoiding Uhaul and getting a Penske Truck. All their trucks are less than 2 years old and work perfectly....that's just my 2 cents....

The Realm Of Impossibility

Recently I have been challenged in my personal time with God, and by other leaders to live inside the realm of impossibilities. That is live inside the realm of the Ephesians 3:20. The realm of the impossibility is where God shows up and demonstrates His glory, and that is where I want to be. The challenge of living inside the realm impossibility is that it requires living life on the edge. It means living life with uncertainty. It means living a risk taking life of adventure. It means living life outside the realm of comfort...but it in this realm where God is experienced in a way that He can't be experienced elsewhere.

With that in mind I have turned my prayer life into a prayer life of asking God for the impossible. I am praying for things that I have no possible way of accomplishing on my own. I am asking God to do things that will go undone unless He acts in a supernatural way.

One of those prayers is for a substantial amount of volunteers and leaders to rise up before the launch date of Freedom Church. The amount of volunteers I am praying for is, by all human standards, utterly ridiculous. But you know, Noah probably looked pretty ridiculous when he was building a gigantic boat. Moses probably looked pretty ridiculous holding a stick in the water before it parted the Red Sea. And David probably looked pretty ridiculous walking up to a man twice his height with only a sling shot and a few stones. But when it is all said done God demonstrates His power and His splendor in the most unlikely, ridiculous, and unpromising situations.

God shows up in the realm of the impossible....that is why I am praying for the impossible...I desire for God to show up!! I don't merely want to see what I can do....I want to see what God can do!!

My Freedom Announcement

Freedom Church. This is the dream. Now it is the reality. Freedom IS coming. I am going to join. I have joined. I have committed to join the staff of Freedom Church as the Connections Pastor. I will be on the team with some of the most gifted and talented people I know, J.R., Todd, Jon, and Stevie. Our desire is that God will use Freedom Church to reach Acworth, GA and the World. We are in a time of stategizing, fundraising (show me the money), moving (some of us...trying), praying, creating, dreaming, networking, learning, fearing, believing, and trusting. God has called, we have answered. Join us as we seek the mission of God to take the Gospel to the world. Partner with us as we dare to dream and live the impossible. Go to freedomlive.net and learn more about Freedom Church, and see how you can partner with us in spreading the hope of Jesus.

I could not be more excited about what God is doing. I am pumped to see what God is going to do. I cannot wait to do life with the guys of Freedom Church. Let's dream huge, let's live in the realm of the impossible (Ephesians 3:20)!!!

Drinkin', Smokin', Boozin', Snortin'

I do none of those things, but my desire is to reach those who do. I am not interested in reaching those who go to other churches and are disgruntle because so and so ticked them off, or they got voted off the personnel committee. I want to reach those people who think that church is dumb, Christians are idiots, and God is just the figment of the imagination of the weak minded and simple. I want to reach those people who would rather be skiing on some lake, grilling out cheeseburgers, and doing some fishing at the cabin on Sundays rather than go to some church and be religious.

I want to reach those people who spend their spare time on the golf course, and flirting with other men's wives, those people who sell their bodies for money, those people whose living depends on how much they sell of what is cooking or growing in the basement, those people who feel like living another moment is worthless and whose minds are filled continually with thoughts of ending it themselves, those people who have been told they are useless and good for nothing, those men who sleep with other men, those women who sleep with other women, those people who share each others marriage beds, those people who live with someone they are not married to, those knocked up teenage girls who everyone deems a slut, those people whose every night ends with empty bottles and faint memories, those people who have gained the whole world, yet still feel something is missing, those people who think life is great yet go to bed wondering "is this all there is?"....these are the people Christ died for! These are the people I want to attend our church.

I don't want to reach the pissed off Sunday School teacher who is mad at their church because they got a new pastor, or the Christian who wants to go to another church because they don't like the music at theirs, or because some pastor didn't visit them in the hospital....I want those who never think twice about darkening the doors of a church, those who are desperately searching to CONNECT with their Creator by any means possible...that is who I want to reach...that is who Freedom Church will reach!!!!

My Trip To The "Holy Land": Caesarea Philippi

Caesarea Philippi is the farthest north Jesus ever traveled as recorded in Scripture. This photo is of an ancient Roman Temple built for the god Pan. The cut out arches in the rock are where the Romans placed statues of their gods. This was the back drop in which Jesus questioned the disciples about who they thought He was. It is here were He told the disciples that upon "this rock I will build my church." He told them that "the gates of Hell will not prevail against" the rock that was Him. These rocks lie in ruins, and the rock statues of the false gods are no longer standing. But the Church of Christ remains steadfast built upon the Rock that not even Hell will ever overcome!!

13Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." 20Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. (Matthew 16:13-20)

Miscellaneous Day

Today was a cool day. Picked up furniture that was donated to Freedom Church by Northstar Church. Can't believe how generous they have been. They gave us more furniture than we could actually take. Much thanks goes out the guys at Northstar!!

In addition to picking up furniture I played a little tennis with J.R. That did not go so well for me. It has been an incredibly long time since I played tennis so I pretty much looked like a complete and total idiot running around the court with a tennis racket swatting at flies. Maybe next time will be a better experience.

After the tennis we went for a little run. I pretty much suck at that too, but I definitely need to get better at it. A lot less eating and a lot more running is what I need.

Got pulled over on the way home from running. Nothing is more horrifying than those blue lights flashing in the rear view. I knew why they pulled me over. I wasn't speeding or anything, my tag is expired. I paid for the new ones, but we did it through the mail for the first time and for some reason they have never sent them. The officer told me they came back good, which I was pretty sure they would because they already cashed the check. So fortunately I did not get a ticket. The irony of it all is that I just told J.R. today I have not gotten a ticket in 5 years....the streak continues...hopefully for a lot longer.

Talked a lot about the future and Freedom Church. So very pumped about this endeavor. Tomorrow I will share all about this and what it has to do with me.

Road Trip

Headed out today on a road trip with pastor....it has been a while since we have been on the old tour bus traveling the country. Our last trip was almost a month ago, which is off the pace of about 2 or 3 times a week for the past 4 months. Looking forward to the trip, but it is going to be a long drive. We are headed up to Greensboro, NC. It's about 6 hours from here. The good thing is that we get to ride in the luxury of Newsong's tour bus. They allow pastor to use it when they are not. It is complete with a well stocked fridge, plenty of snacks, satelite T.V., XBOX, bunk beds...so it won't be that bad of a 6 hour trip. It's always fun to hang with pastor J...you always learn something...still can't believe I get to do this!

I Love Church Planters

The call on my life to plant a church is so clear. Over the past year or so I have dove in to the "realm" of church planting and church planters. It has been awesome. Today I went to check out Ridgestone Church where Gary is doing some amazing things. It was awesome and they are about to do the impossible...but that is a good thing because that is where God is good at showing Himself. I am pumped and excited about what they are doing and will look forward to watching God work!

Just a few minutes ago I read a blog by my friend Shawn. Shawn was talking about multi-site churches. They are about to go multi-site...which is something that seems to be really effective in today's church. What most pastors are doing though is broadcasting themselves via video into other campuses. Shawn does not want to do this. It is the first time I have heard of someone wanting to train up and empower others to communicate the gospel in this endeavor of being multi-site. I have been thinking about multi-site and the idea of piping yourself in....I never was comfortable with that idea, so when Shawn said they were going to do multi-site I was watching to see how they were going to do it. I love what he is doing. This is what it is all about....equipping others....go read this blog. Shawn never ceases to amaze me.