Stuff

There is a lot of stuff going on right now in the world of Mark...so much that sometimes its hard to wrap my mind around all of it. Yet in the midst of it all....its still exciting to be apart of this great thing that God has called me to do.

Announcement Postponed

The announcement I promised on Saturday will be postponed until later in the week....sorry, I promise it will be made known soon...promise!!

YES

Yes....I am seemingly risking everything to plant a church.
Yes....there is a lot of uncertainty.
Yes....I'm scared out of mind.
Yes....it's a whole lot of work.
Yes....it's crazy.
Yes....I'm stressed out about it.
Yes....there is an easier journey.
Yes....there is a safer path.
Yes....it does seem a little stupid.
Yes....I'm doing it anyway!

On the flip side.....

Yes....there is way more to gain!
Yes....God certainly CALLED me and will certainly provide!
Yes....God comforts me when I'm heavy hearted!
Yes....God will reward the faithful work!
Yes....God does extraordinary things when He calls you to do something crazy!
Yes....God meets me in my time of greatest stress!
Yes....God promised to be WITH me not that it would be easy!
Yes....God IS WITH ME...what could be any safer?!?
Yes....what seems stupid and impossible with us is a set-up for God to the EXTRAORDINARY!!
Yes....I'm doing it, and extremely pumped about it!!!!!

Excited For Freedom

I had the great opportunity to be a part of the first set-up and tear down of Freedom Church. It was awesome to be a part of something so incredible. God is about to rock the city of Acworth, GA...I look forward to watching what God does! I had a blast hanging with the team...they are awesome...and are the epitome of sacrifice! Great Job...thanks for letting me have the awesome opportunity of helping out!!!

Saturday Thoughts

1. I'm learning that being a church planter means your mind never turns off....which changes the whole dynamics of sleeping.
2. My wife could go into labor at any moment now...which means I can't go very far from her.
3. I am going to have 2 kids under the age of 2 really soon...I'm pretty sure I'm never sleeping again.
4. Speeding tickets are stupid. I was on such a good streak. Dang cops.
5. I am going to make HUGE announcements on Monday so stay tuned!!
6. I am pumped about getting these HUGE announcements out in the open!!
7. Lightening rod....that is funny....if you knew why you would think so to...
8. I am so happy for Shea and Amber....welcome to the world Keegan!!
9. I'm excited about Evolve conference....I've told several people to go this week...you really don't want to miss it!!
10. Freedom is coming VERY soon....I'm so excited for those guys!!!

A Good Day

Yesterday was a good....but a very busy day. I had meeting on top of meeting in the afternoon, then came home for just a enough time to eat dinner and bathe Noah. We then headed out to visit my Executive Pastor, Shea and his wife Amber, at the hospital because they welcomed Keegan to the world, their 2nd baby girl. After that we rolled over to visit some friends who were in from England, who happens to be the smartest person I know. We didn't end up getting home until around 10pm. A long, busy, but very productive day.

Noteworthy Quotes....

"....Heisman Trophy finalist and catalyst for the nation's highest-scoring team....was sacked eight times, threw three interceptions and lost two fumbles."

GO DAWGS!!

"We've never played in this element....We got here and we tried as hard as we could to keep it as normal as we're used to, but it just seemed like we weren't used to this kind of venue...It was the fastest team I've probably ever seen..."
-Colt Brennan
GO DAWGS!!

A New Year

I am extremely excited about the new year and the adventures that God has placed before me. I pumped about transitioning full time to church planting. I have some big announcements coming real soon concerning the awesome work that God has called me to. This is going to be an AWESOME year!!

Church Planters...Listen!

The best church planters conference you are going to attend next year is coming up in February and I can promise you right now you will be really mad at yourself if you don't go...so save yourself the anger and go sign up right now to go to Evolve hosted by ChurchPlanters.com and Mountain Lake Church. Shawn and David have out done themselves with the line up and plus...if Shawn Lovejoy is involved...you know its going to be AWESOME! He loves church planting and he loves church planters....so stop reading this and go sign up....NOW!!

Crazy Week

It has been one crazy week...here is the run down:

1. Went all over town delivering Christmas Gifts to partners of Pastor's Bonfire Conference...which is worth checking out by the way.
2. Went to Downtown Atlanta 2 days in a row...probably could have scheduled myself better but one was last minute.
3. Thanks to my friend Drew I had lunch with the founder of an awesome ministry to the homeless called SafeHouse....you really need to check this out!! Phillip is awesome and so is what he is doing!
4. Attended a small meeting with a group of church planters and other ministries downtown put on by a non-profit group called Surgence. Very cool...and also worth checking out.
5. Went by to visit my boys at Freedom as they were hanging out on the lift to get bikes for underprivileged in Acworth, and Shea and I got a flat tire and we ended up atop the lift helping out for few minutes while the car was being fixed...what Freedom did this week is unbelievable...way to go guys!!!
6. Had a meeting this morning...not really what I anticipated...and it left me with one question....WHY? That's all I'll say about that.
7. Tomorrow I'm moving....which is always fun!

The Visitation

Yesterday Shea and I took our pregnant wives over to the potential launching pad of our church plant. We took them around to see the area and had lunch. We then took them to do what women love to do....look at houses. We wanted them to really see if this was a place they could live. After a long day and lots of driving we feel like we are making some progress in the right direction. It was a good and productive day.

Like The New Look?

We made some changes to my blog...I think it looks awesome!! Heather did a complete make over for me! Let me know what you think...

Church Planting

I have had several meetings over the past couple of days with Church Planters. I love being able to talk about church planting. God is really raising men up to reach the nations for His glory. I am so excited about being on the journey, and being on the journey with others. I love being a church planter!!!

Welcome Back!

Welcome back.....www.rmarkayers.com!! After a brief lapse...you can once again access my blog through www.rmarkayers.com. You can also still access it through www.markayerslive.net. So however you want to access you can...thanks for being a faithful reader!!

To The Anonymous

I will say this only one time so pay close attention. I apologize in advance for the tone of this blog.

To those anonymous comment leavers...I would just like to say the following. You are just as free to express your opinions as am I. I choose to let my thoughts and opinion on certain matters be public on my blog. I have made it possible for you to leave your comments and opinions freely. I have also made my email public on the website so that you can personally email me with your thoughts. Because I have done the aforementioned things on my blog it is obvious that I am open to dialogue and discussion on the topics which I post. Please pay me the same courtesy by allowing me to respond to your disagreements, and let us engage in dialogue instead of hiding behind your absurd screen names and making it impossible for me to respond. I am open, but by the way you choose to mask yourself you have proven that you are not. It is a sad and poor thing for you to be so one sided and close minded. You who choose to remain anonymous have demonstrated that you are prideful, arrogant, and quite simply....a coward. I dare you to send me an email and open yourself to a dialogue...otherwise keep your comments to yourself and quit wasting the energy and my time. Have a nice day!!!

My Friday 7

1. I am not sick this weekend....and I am excited about that!
2. We are getting really close to nailing a location down....that is pretty darn exciting!!
3. Noah's 1st B-day party is Saturday....I love that kid, I just can't believe it has already been a year!!
4. Being Noah's dad (and the baby girl coming soon) and Heather's husband is one of the greatest joy's of my life!!
5. I can't believe that my 1 year mentoring under Pastor Johnny is almost over...we crammed a lot into 1 year and it went by super fast....it has been AWESOME!!
6. I hope Ohio State destroys LSU in the Nat'l title game...of course if they do they might give them a 2nd shot at it...possibly even a 3rd
7. Freedom...I am so pumped for those guys!!! I love them...all of them from staff to the launch team...I am praying for you all....God is about to rock the face off of Acworth, GA!!!!

Opposition

As I search for a place to plant a church I'm discovering some opposition. The opposition has come in various forms. Sometimes you have to determine whether something is opposition or if its something to lead you away from making the wrong decision. Other times you know its opposition and you have to be careful not to get discouraged, and if you do get discouraged you can't stay there long. You have to move past the discouraging opposition and hold fast to the call that God has placed on your life. Opposition will be at every intersection of this journey. I've been told by many wise who have gone and are going before me that the opposition never stops, it just goes through costume changes along the way. With that in mind there is only one thing that can keep you in this...the call of God.

Traveling Man

The search continues for a location of planting the church (that has a name that is not being shared currently) which means I have been traveling around and having several meetings. Today Shea and I are sitting a quaint little coffee shop in a potential area and doing some work. We feel we are close to solidifying a location. Keep praying as we keep pursuing....and I promise we will keep you posted.

My Friday 7

A possible Friday installment on Mark's blog...."My Friday 7"

1. Ready for the weekend....have battled various infirmities this week and am ready to just chill
2. Really hope that Missouri loses to Oklahoma Saturday
3. I also hope West Virgina loses to Pitt....this would be a great Christmas miracle.
4. I am unsure about the SEC Championship game...I mean if it ain't GA then who really cares? But then again whatever helps us in the BCS rankings then that is who I hope wins.
5. I am really looking forward to season 2 of Heroes to be over so I can finally watch it....when it comes out on DVD...I am really behind...but I got hooked when someone let me borrow season 1
6. Noah's first birthday is coming up on Monday...unbelievable!
7. My sister's news at my mom's birthday party the other night was hands down....AWESOME!! God is so awesome...I am so pumped for them!!

Quotable

"The reason they call it a "hard call" is because its hard. If hard calls ever become easy, then you've become hard."
-Johnny Hunt

Half Of The Equation

There have been 2 immediate concerns in my church planting journey thus far...1. A place 2. A name. We have solved one of those....the name. We are having some upcoming meetings soon about some potential places. Keep praying as we progress on the journey....oh what's the name you ask? Sorry to do this but.....I am not releasing it at this time...soon enough I will, so be patient.

Recovered

Today I feel recovered from the torturous bug that I battled Sunday...then struggled with the aftereffects yesterday. I got good rest last night and am regaining my appetite. So today I feel a lot better. Definitely glad that it is over and I hope it does not resurface anytime in the near future.

A Really Bad Day

I woke up yesterday morning at around 5:30am extremely sick....extremely. For your sake I won't go in to detail...just trust me when I say extremely sick. I hate being sick. It must of have been a bug I got from little Noah because he was sick on Thanksgiving Day...and his dee dee also got sick. I just hope Heather doesn't get it because then we are screwed. I'm feeling better today...but extremely weak...maybe if I get an appetite later I will be feeling a little better.

Go Dawgs...Go Cats

This is one crazy college football season...but you have to admit it is fun and interesting to watch. One more regular season game for my Bulldogs against the Rambling Wreck...the game known as "good ole fashion hate"...Go Dawgs...finish off the season with victory! Along with wearing red and black...I might be wearing a little bit of blue because for one day I am also a Kentucky Wildcat fan. They have got to win in order for the Dawgs to play in the SEC Championship game....let's go Wildcats beat those stupid hillbilly Volunteers!!!

Turkey Day 07...

1. Had a good Thanksgiving hanging out with family and friends.

2. Ate too much food.

3. Played the traditional one on one football...and walked away as the 2007 champ.
4. I felt the punt at one point while throwing the football and kicked it right on to Hwy 20 where a truck came by and hit it at about 60 mph....it was hilarious!! And the football survived.

5. Did I mention I ate to much.

6. Noah got sick.

7. But before he did I got a few good pictures....he's feeling better today thankfully.

Still Haven't Found....

I am sitting in one of my favorite coffee shops...Malia's Mug in Canton, GA...and the song playing is U2, "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For". That describes exactly where I am in the process of finding a location to plant the church God has called me to plant. I have some locations on the radar...but I still haven't found what I'm looking for....pray for us as we diligently seek the Lord's guidance.

I Was Apart Of It

New York, New York. I flew into New York on Wednesday morning. We spent the entire day walking through Time Square, seeing sights that I have seen on TV for years, and even took the subway (where I had a very interesting experience) over to see Ground Zero. I wish I had more time to spend there but we only had one day to make the most of it. We are in Schroon Lake New York doing a conference with Pastor, but we flew in a day early to spend the night in the city. It was AWESOME. We caught the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, ate huge sandwiches at the Carnegie Deli, saw Alicia Keyes live in concert outside of CBS studios, saw Ed Sullivan Theatre where they film David Letterman...we saw all sorts of stuff...it was awesome!! We head out tomorrow morning...can't wait to see my Noah man...here are some pics....

Genuineness or Marketing Scheme?

Often we say..."we just want to be genuine." So we plan events or do things in the community that are acts of kindness and thus show that we genuinely and authentically care. We criticize other churches that form no relationships with people and just want to shove the gospel down others throats and if they don't listen...they care no more. They have an agenda...and if the agenda fells then they move on. So the new thing...be genuine, no agenda...just care. But is there really no agenda? I mean....if you just care and have no agenda then why so intentional about making sure everyone knows who is doing it? We do gas buy downs or give out waters...or whatever...but we make sure whatever we do to show that we care has our name tacked to it so that they will in essence...come to our church. Do we really care....or are we simply just marketing ourselves in the name of caring? The very thing we are critical of we become if the only reason we are "caring" is to get our name out. We have an agenda....that is, to market ourselves...its a great marketing scheme....but do we sincerely care that the families in our community who have needs that need to be met? And do we want to help meet them...regardless if they know where we are from...and who we are? I think its a good question. I think you can achieve both...but evaluate yourself...check your motives...and be the church...in the name of Jesus....not the name of your church.

Big DAWGS Weekend!

This is a HUGE weekend for them GEORGIA BULLDOGS! The last time we played Auburn between the hedges they beat us...but last year we took care of business on their turf. We have the talent and the potential to win this game...but we have to bring it all to the field and play on the top of our game. This game is huge...and so is next weeks game...if we want to play for the SEC Championship. I hope my assessment will end in time to get back and watch the game from the opening kick off. Let's do it boys!! GOOOOOOOOO DAWGS....SICK'EM!!!

Assessment

Tomorrow I am going through a 4 hour interview...known as a church planter assessment. Maybe I shouldn't be...but I am a little nervous about this. But nevertheless...I proceed. God has called me to this...and I could not be more pumped about this AWESOME adventure! There is nothing else I could do...or want to do! It is scary at times...and I know it's going to be difficult, but God's promise......"I am with you." So, I will trust Him...and that includes through this assessment.

I'm Back!

It has been a crazy week...so I have not been able to blog since Monday...but I am back...but here is why I checked out for a couple of days...

• Tuesday...the day of meetings...just never found the time...and had to prepare for trip
• Wednesday...drove to Panama City and back in one day...Left @ 4:30am...YIKES!!
• Thursday...a little time with family then went with pastor to Gainesville, GA as he did a leadership deal
• And now I is back....for those of you who care...

Great Expectations

Two weeks ago my associate pastor and I drove up to a potential site for planting our church in order to meet with some guys and tour the area. I was truly excited about going. I really thought this might be the place God is leading us to plant this church. I was expecting to get there and have this immediate connection...you know, where angels would sing and music would serenade...the whole nine yards. But that wasn't the case. Actually, there was no connection at all...no singing angels, no music...nothing. This puzzled me a little...a lot actually. The only thing it did was motivate me to go back to the drawing board and do more research in other potential areas. So I've been doing just that ever since. Is this type of connection all that important? Should I be expecting some special connection? I don't know...I've never planted a church before....but I would expect something...maybe.

What's In A Name?

The two greatest questions I am facing right now on my church planting journey are where? and what do I name the church? There are a couple of names on the list, but we just haven't been able to nail it down. Really there is only one that is of great potential, but none of us are sold on it...yet. I have been given some advice on coming up with a name. I was told that it should be unique, and that you should be able to purchase the .com and .org web domains. The name that is on top of the list right now has those domains available but at an extremely high price for whatever reason. The name is also very unique. In fact, it's so unique that we are not sure we want to use it. I want our name to mean something. I want it say a lot about who we are and what we are trying to accomplish, and the name on our list does this...but it still needs to grow on us...or something.

I don't want our name to just be a name for the sake of having a name. Nor do I want it to be a name that identifies itself with one particular community and risk the possibility of limiting ourselves. I want our influence to be greater than just one particular area, and I want our name to demonstrate that.

Anyway...I feel if I can answer these two questions soon I can really begin moving forward on some other extremely important things....like money stuff! Patience is key in the process...I am having to really work hard at being patient because this is one characteristic that I lack...severely.

Wilmington, NC

I am in Wilmington, NC this morning. We drove through the night on the Newsong bus. Thanks to some Tylenol PM I slept most of the trip. Some of the other guys are playing some golf....but I am not much of a golfer so I am hanging out at a local coffee establishment with free WIFI called Port City Java. It's a pretty awesome place. I am drinking a black and tan...not the alcoholic kind but a dark chocolate, caramel, and white mocha...delicious. Plus I am enjoying the always pleasant, free WIFI. Could of went to Starbucks...but free WIFI wins every time. Sorry Starbucks.

We will be doing another Men's Conference featuring Pastor Johnny tonight and in the morning...but today is a free day to hang...so that's what I am doing. Hanging and trying to figure out where to plant a church in the metro ATL area....

Noah's 1st Halloween

Noah's experienced his first Halloween this week and we had a blast! Of course he can't eat any of the candy that he received...but fortunately his daddy will step up to the task and make sure it doesn't go wasted. That's just the kind of dad I am...here are some pics of my little man...he wasn't the most intimidating dragon/dinosaur but he was definitely the cutest...

Where Oh Where?

That is the question that I am currently facing. Where do I plant this church God has called me to plant. I know the general area, but the question is the specific town or city. I am doing what I know to do in order to research certain areas. I am trying to contact certain people for advice and wisdom. I am asking God to direct me in the process. But this is a big question. There are people everywhere that need Jesus...so truthfully...you could go anywhere. It's just seems to be a matter of where God wants me....I guess. Pray for us as we face this all important process of finding THE location.

Decisions: Part 2

I originally didn't plan for there to be a part 2 to my "Decisions" blog...nor do I think it is anything earth shattering...I just think it is a very important topic...and well its my blog I take free reign on what's written.

When it comes to hearing from God on certain decisions He most often doesn't lay out the entire plot He wants me to pursue. A lot of times people expect God to just give them the entire plan for their lives, particularly all the "how to's" and the "whys?"...but God does not work like that very often. He leads us step by step through a process. He leads us day by day in the journey. In Isaiah 30 God tells His people, "whenever you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: 'This is the way. Walk in it.'" As long as we position ourselves before God to allow Him to speak to us at every turn (whether to the right or left) we will hear from "behind" His voice telling us "this is the way...walk in it." You must stay in tune with God at each turn, and trust Him as He leads. Sometimes the place He leads will not appear as the "best" way, nor will it always appear as the "most logical". But His ways are not our ways, they are above ours, and we must trust Him no matter how it appears.

Losing With Class

My friend Landon, and co-laborer in the mentor program with Pastor Johnny, is a die hard Gator fan. He is an alumni...and a true, honest fan. Early in the season we had a little wager. It went like this....if Florida wins against Georgia I have to wear a Gator shirt (God help me), and if Georgia wins then he has to wear a Bulldog shirt....Well we all know the outcome. Today Landon fulfilled his end of the deal as he has worn a Bulldog shirt all day. He wore it in staff prayer breakfast, and in staff meetings. Pastor even had him stand and show everyone he was wearing the T-shirt in prayer breakfast. He is a man of his word...and that's losing with class! I am just glad the Dawgs played to win on Saturday and I am not wearing a Gator shirt...

Decisions

I was recently asked by someone I love very much, and who cares deeply for me, this question..."how do you make your decisions?" This is a great question. I appreciate it being asked. When it comes to making decisions you have to be very careful and very cautious...particularly those big decisions...I'm not talking about whether you want a coke or diet coke...I'm talking about those decisions that effect your life in significant ways. Where do I go to school? Where do I move my family? Should I buy this house? Should I buy this car? Should I quit my job and pursue a new adventure? Those kinds of questions. You're stupid if you think your decisions only effect you. Your decisions effect everyone around you directly or indirectly. That is why you must decide carefully and cautiously.

So...how did I respond to this question? Rather simply. Through prayer and reading God's Word. I know that seems like the "Sunday school" answer...but it's the truth. I learned several years ago a principle that I have never forgotten...it is a principle from God's Word..."Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4). If I will delight (pray and read His Word...enjoy Him) myself in the Lord, and position myself where He can speak into my life...He will give me the "desires" He wants me to have and thus direct my paths. In this case...if I am delighting myself in the Lord...I can follow my desires. I must also add that I do seek godly counsel from wise people God has placed in my life. God has placed them in my life for a reason, and I must allow them to speak into me. That's how I make my decisions...positioning myself in place where God can speak to me through His Word.

Decisions....we all are faced with them...how do you make them??

Oh Happy Day!!!

What a GREAT day!!! I listened to the GA game on the way in from KY....Then got back in time to catch the 2nd half as my boys took a BITE out of the Gators!!! Go DAWGS!!! Gary was right!! And I am glad!! Keep prophesying good things for the DAWGS my friend!! Let's keep rolling to the SEC Championship boys!!

What's Going On....

1. In Henderson KY this weekend. Pastor is doing a Men's conference. This is one old small town.
2. The town is on the river...it really could be a cool place if they would do it right. They need cool hometown restaurants, coffee shops, and stuff like that.
3. Ate at some hometown pizza place tonight....they really love their HS Sports programs here
4. I am little unsure about what Gary said about the Dawgs...but I appreciate his confidence...and I pray he is right.
5. It's been a cool week researching different sites for planting a church....I am so pumped about what God has CALLED me to do!!
6. When you begin the church planting process...your mind never turns off...and it's the only thing you really think about...I love it!
7. I have a lot of work to do
8. I really hope the Dawgs win
9. I hate the Gators....I ranted about this months ago
10. I am going to be driving on the road to GA when the game starts...that makes me sad.

The New Adventure

I have embarked on a new adventure. About 2 weeks ago I told you that I was going to make an announcement but at that time I needed to have some conversations before making it. Well, those conversations have happened, and now I am going to share with you my new journey.

Without going into the whole story that led me to this decision I must tell you it was made with much caution and much care. In the beginning the plan was for me serve on staff at Freedom for about 2 years or so. Then, they would launch me as their first church plant. Going with them would enable me to learn all about church planting while at the same time serving them full time. It was a great plan, and I am so thankful and grateful that JR and Todd were willing to invest in me and provide such a wonderful opportunity. However, God has other plans. Instead of staying with Freedom then launching in 2 years God has led me out now. I have already learned a lot and I am thankful for the investment JR and Todd have made in me thus far.

In light of this, about 3 weeks ago now, I officially resigned as the Connections Pastor of Freedom Church. It was a very difficult decision for me for many reasons. Number one is that I love those guys very much and I am so pumped about what God is about to do at Freedom, and is already doing. I believe in the vision and the dream of Freedom and very much want to be a part of it. However, God has clearly revealed to me that my part is not staying as the Connections Pastor and then launching out later. The time is now for me leave and plant. With that said, however, I will be there until Freedom launches in January to serve in this role.

So what exactly does that mean for me? Well, God has called me to launch a new work. That is, to plant a church. God has given me a dream and a vision. I am pumped about this new adventure and all that God has done in bringing me to this point. I am not sure where as of yet, but I am praying and trusting in God's leadership as I continue in obedience to this endeavor. Partner with me in praying for this new journey...this new adventure!! I will keep you posted.

Introducing...

A good friend of mine has just begun the blogging journey...his name is Shea Ferguson. He is one of my greatest friends. I am so pumped about what God is doing in he and Amber's life right now as they pursue the will of God. He only has one eye, but he sees more than most people that have 2...and I mean that in many different ways.

Shea and I have something very interesting in common....our wives like to get pregnant at about the same time. He is having his 2nd baby just 2 weeks prior to when our 2nd is due. Their first is a few months ahead of our first. When he calls and tells me their pregnant...that's when I have to be on the look out.

Welcome to the blogging world friend! Now the pressure is on to keep it up!!

Just The Other Night

No, not at a "hometown football game" (that's for all the Garth Brooks fans...otherwise you won't get that). But the other night on a bus trip with Pastor Johnny his son-in-law Pete came along for the journey. Pete is the Lead Pastor at Vinings Lake. It was awesome to hear all that is going on at the VL. I know God is using that team to reach the tens of thousands of people around them. I am praying for them as they face BIG decisions that could set them up for HUGE things. Pete had a great post here. Cool hanging and chatting with you Pete!

Holiness and Freedom

Recently I heard someone I deeply respect teach on the issue of holiness. In the lesson notes it said something to the effect that "holiness is doing certain things, and avoiding certain other things." The lesson tended to focus on how to work towards holiness. How to be successful at being holy, so to speak, through diligent work. The notes also gave a 4 point list on how to do so, none of which included walking in light of who Christ has made you. One can't deny the Apostle Peter's plea to the church to be holy...for God is holy.

However, I would like to question a definition or a pursuit of holiness that emphasizes the works of man as first and foremost. I believe it sets us up for complete failure. Why? Well, we pretty much suck at being holy. That's why Jesus died. Paul said that He who knew no sin (that is the One who was holy...the only One) became sin for us, that we might have the holiness of God.

Our holiness begins and ends with Jesus. I am holy and righteous because of the completed work of Christ on the cross. Nothing else make me as such. My own attempt at holiness will ALWAYS end in utter failure. Plus it's like filthy rags...remember that whole thing. God's grace is sufficient, not only for salvation, but for sanctification...that is, this process or journey of following Christ. I am not saved then left to my own demise. This does not mean, however, that I am licensed to sin, as some might ascertain from a position such as this, but rather guarantees that I can be successful in a pursuit of holiness. It helps me to know that this pursuit is not an empty one but a victorious one. When I fail I know its not over, and I know that I can get right back up and keep going because Christ has already won. I now must walk in His victory which has become mine as a partaker in His grace.

Holiness taught with the absence of the divine, all sufficient grace of God is merely a works based salvation that mocks the freedom that Christ has brought. Walk in holiness friends as you have already been made to do through the finished, COMPLETE work of Jesus. That's freedom!

Unworthy?

I have heard it prayed. I have heard it said. I have prayed it. I have said it. I have believed it. That is that I am unworthy of God's love. That I am unworthy of God to save me. That I am unworthy for God to want a relationship with me. I am simply, unworthy. It is true that I was once lost and dead in sin. It is true that I was once fallen and far from God. It is true that I was once unholy. It is true that I once was and am still undeserving of God's love, mercy, forgiveness. It is true that I am deserving of His wrath in lieu of His redemption. It is not true that I am unworthy. For it is my worth to God that caused Him to put on flesh and take upon Himself the full wrath of my sin. It was my value to Him that moved Him to act on my behalf in such love. I am of such value and worth to God that He paid the most supreme price in order to bring me life, freedom, and hope. I am alive because of the great worth that God sees in me!! There is a great distance in being unworthy and being undeserving. You need to have the correct perspective because it alters the way you relate and interact with your Savior.

To The Nations

God is teaching me what it means for His fame to be spread to ALL nations. This is only my second time out of the good ol' US of A. In the confines of my own borders I fail to realize that God works and is working beyond my on frame of reference. God is at work in all the nations and in the hearts of all men. He desires to save men, and He desires for His glory to be known in ALL the earth. My prayer is that God will give me a vision for my town, my community, my city, my state, my nation and the WHOLE earth!! I want to make the name of JESUS famous in ALL the world!! Y tu?

Bicentennial!

This is my 200th blog!!! Wow!! I can't believe that I have written that much! I haven't really said a lot, but I sure have written a lot. Thanks for tuning in and checking out my thoughts! Keep reading and maybe I will say something that will be of some benefit...or at least make you think.

Frustration

Left Atlanta last night to fly to Argentina. Flying on planes is interesting when you are 6'2 and about 265....unless you are in first class. There are a few good seats with some leg room but the 5'5 people always end up in those seats...Lord knows they need the leg room. Just once I would like to be on the emergency exit behind the seats that do not recline...why? Because its guaranteed leg room that can't be infringed upon. It seems that everytime I get on a plane I get behind the person that immediately reclines their seat and leaves it that way the whole flight. Even when they are not laying back in the seat. It's rather frustrating. You already have limited space and then someone infringes on it. Frustrating. I made it through though...but this frustration has caused a determination inside of me. My goal is to find a better seat on the way home. I am going to do my best to get a better seat...particularly the one with the most leg room and where the seats don't recline.

Frustration in life always occurs. You can become frustrated with your work, your family, or your relationship with Jesus. You can also become frustrated with church. What you do with that frustration will make all the difference. Will you let it move you to be proactive in doing something about what has caused it? Or, will you let it build up and destroy you on the inside and cause all kinds of negativity and bitterness?

Frustration has caused movements, sparked revolutions, and even changed the world...sometimes good, sometimes not so good. Let frustration move you...a little frustration brought underneath the submission of the Spirit of God could revolutionize your life...and quite possibly...the world!

No Comprende!

Well I made it to Argentina...and I found cheap internet....the only problem is that when I went to log into my blog...everything is in Spanish. Luckily I knew what buttons to push out of habbit....otherwise this blog would not be publicar!!! So much for a spell check...I spelled everything wrong according to the Spanish spell checker...nice!!!

Don't Cry For Me Argentina...

I am headed to Argentina on Sunday afternoon. I am going with Pastor Johnny and a team to do a Timothy Barnabas school for pastors there in Argentina. Should be an exciting trip. It will be my second time out of the country...not really looking forward to the long flight...but it is part of the experience I suppose. I will miss my beautiful wife and awesome son...and baby girl on the way terribly. But I am looking forward to the experience.

Exciting And New Things

Exciting and new things are happening in my journey. I did not necessarily anticipate that they would happen at this point in my journey...but I am excited. A little nervous and scared as well...but I guess that is the nature of it. So what are the exciting and new things? Well, that announcement is pending a few conversations that need to take place before I start speaking of it on my blog...stay tuned!! I know that is annoying that I would blog about it and not really about it...but its a little hard to contain sometimes...so this was more for my benefit than yours!

Rockin' My World

One of my favorite things at Catalyst was the worship. Steve Fee was my favorite by far...his song "Beautiful The Blood" is rockin' my world. I love it...its wearing out the iTunes today for sure.

Excuses, Excuses

Yesterday I engaged in conversation about the GA/TN game that occurred Saturday. I admit I run my mouth about the SEC and GA Bulldogs...so when they lose I can expect the same...and I can take it. Yesterday, however, someone wanted to tell me that I needed to give the Dawgs some credit because Tennessee's defense showed up and they didn't expect it. He continued to say that because Tennessee's defense has been playing so poorly the Bulldogs were caught by surprise. Well, no kidding they were caught by surprise!!! And they got there butts kicked all over the field...offensively and defensively. But I am not content with just being 2nd best. What kind of credit do you deserve when you lose? Are you content with losing? Are you to sympathize with unpreparedness? ABSOLUTELY NOT!! Unpreparedness is not an excuse. When it comes to football you have one shot at winning...you prepare for anything and expect the unexpected. You always play to win!!

The sad truth is that this is how most people approach church. They are satisfied with 2nd best, they don't prepare, and the saddest part is....they are content with it. As a result churches are losing. People are perishing, lives are being destroyed, and people are searching for hope...yet churches are satisfied with doing little about it or nothing at all.

Excellence, over preparedness, and embracing the truth that people's eternity is at stake should drive everything we do when it comes to doing church...anything less is merely a pathetic excuse and is simply unacceptable.

It's A Sad Day...

It's a sad day when....
1. The South Carolina Gamecocks lead the SEC East
2. The Georgia Bulldogs get embarrassed by the Volunteers
3. The South Florida Bulls are ranked in the top 10...are you kidding?
4. The Tarheels roll over Miami...good come back by Miami though
5. One of the most talented offenses in the nation (GA Bulldogs) have 0 points and 62 yards in the first half against a defense that is 110th in the nation

What a sad day in college football.

Leadership or Environmental Conservation?

Attending the Catalyst Conference was awesome. However, I became a little confused at times on whether or not I was attending a Leadership conference....which Catalyst is supposed to be and is widely known for....or a "Save The Planet" rally. At times I felt as if I was being indoctrinated by well known leadership guru's who took it upon themselves to use their platform as a chance to persuade me to their political position on saving the planet and energy conservation all in the name of Jesus and being a good leader. It sounded like Pat Robertson on the left. At first I ignored it...but then it became a running theme and I grew tired of it. If I wanted to hear about saving the planet I would go rent Al Gore's award winning film and attend the democratic national convention. I wanted to hear about leadership and how to get as many freaking people to Jesus as possible by being a good leader...thank you Andy Stanley, Rick Warren, Francis Chan, Craig Groeschel, and John Maxwell for sticking to this task!! And thank you to the worship leaders as well, cause they rock the house and put our attention on Jesus....as for the others...go save some Tri's....I mean trees.

All Joking Aside...

JR and Todd just love to get me going...they think its funny. They discovered a few ways to do that easily as you read on my previous blog. All joking aside...they are 2 of my greatest friends and it has been an awesome experience being on staff with them at Freedom Church. JR and I have been friends forever and ended up marring sisters and became family. He is an unbelievable leader...and I know God is going to use him to transform the city of Acworth, GA for the glory of Jesus!! Over the past several months I have gotten to know Todd a lot better. I have grown to love him and his family, and respect him greatly. He is a wise humble leader who undoubtedly love Jesus and desires greatly to transform the city of Acworth, GA with the gospel. I love these guys...even though they hate coffee, Starbucks, and cheer for ACC teams!! What a privilege I have had to know them and call them...my friends!

5 Years Ago Today

5 years ago today I made the best decision I have ever made....marrying my beautiful wife!! I love that woman...These have been the best 5 years of my life!! I love you woman!! Thanks for being my bride!!

Things I Have Learned In The Past 5 Minutes

Though they are the 2 coolest people I know.....

1. JR and Todd know absolutely nothing about coffee in any of its forms.
2. They are not coffee drinkers nor do they possess any knowledge of how coffee is prepared, and have no interest in acquiring such knowledge. Therefore, they are disqualified from making any statements, comments, suggestions, theories, etc. in regards to the taste, flavor, and/or strength of coffee.
3. They also think their jokes regarding coffee are humorous and amusing...but
insulting others deeply held passion for coffee and coffee based beverages, and the ingenious coffee phenomenon known as Starbucks is unacceptable by all reasonable standards.
4. On another note...they are also extremely jealous that the Football teams they cheer for are in such a weak conference that they find it necessary (and perhaps a convenient way to mask the truth) to make incoherent statements regarding the toughest conference in College Football...better known as the SEC...GO DAWGS!! (and no I am not a fan of my conference...but my favorite team just happens to be in the toughest one so get over it)

Catalyst Conference Day 1: View

My view from the seats as shown in the picture....and my view of the conference as in my perspective. It has been really good....learning a lot. Andy Stanley began the conference this morning and it was AWESOME...of course...Rick Warren closed it out today and that was awesome. There were some good things in between...but a couple that were really interesting...one in particular. The worship was awesome...Steve Fee and Kristian Stanfill...WOW!! Sound...lighting...media...UNBELIEVABLE!! Very cool...that's my view of day one.

Catalyst

Tomorrow the Catalyst Conference begins. This will be my first year to attend. I am excited about being at this conference! Should be a good time! The hotel stay should be very interested...5 guys in the same room....stories to come I am sure.

The "DOG WALK"

The "DOG WALK" is when the GA Bulldogs walk into Sanford Stadium before the game. I got a chance to go and high five and encourage my Bulldogs before they when in to take care of business against the Ole Miss Rebels...these are just a few of the players I got to high five...and snap a picture of as they walked by.

I Was Glad When They Said...

...Let us go into the house of the DAWGS!!! Yes I was there this past Saturday watching the GA Bulldogs defeat the Ole Miss Rebels. It was a great day!! Go DAWGS...SICK'EM!!

Gatlinburg Thoughts

Today there was some free time before I had to go over to the conference center and sell products. I was so hyped up on the 6 espresso shot Iced Americano from Starbucks that I had that I needed to get out of the hotel. So I walked the streets of Gatlinburg and these are some of the thoughts I had...

1. Why do people pay for ridiculous looking T-shirts with stupid sayings, and why do so many different shops sell them?
2. What the heck makes fudge so expensive?
3. I am pretty sure that the only people who find a Gatlinburg vacation a lively and happening get-a-way are rednecks and old people.
4. Airbrush...is anything remotely cool about that?
5. Old timey pictures....there are at least 20 of these places in a 2 block radius.
6. I hate the Tennessee Volunteers.
7. What does the phrase..."they are a trip" mean?
8. I love Jesus, but I hate "Christian" stuff and "Christian" shops.
9. Even though Todd is relaxing on the beach, I know he and JR are jealous that I can walk down the street and get a Fannie Farkle corndog.
10. The Reagan Inn...probably a really nice hotel in the 70's and before they smelled like stale cigarette smoke...not so much now, but at least I have a bed and clean (I think) sheets.

Gatlinburg, Seniors, and Southern Gospel!!

I am in Gatlinburg, TN to help out at the Jubilee Conference with pastor Johnny. I am pretty sure that the Senior Adults that come to this Jubilee conference think that this is the closest thing to heaven on earth. Gatlinburg, TN and Southern Gospel music....praise the Lord...AMAN!! I am sure they will love it...and I am glad. I am sure they love my music as much as I love theirs. They will have a blast...I just think its funny.

Another Great Night!!

Last night was awesome at the Freedom launch experience. JR talked about genuinely impacting the community of Acworth. Blake and the band did an awesome job. Our volunteers were AWESOME!! Dawn is rocking out the children's area, Teri is tearing it up welcoming people and doing anything else she is asked to do...Justin is making guest services click and making sure that everything is set up and put back in place (amongst a million other things he is doing). Its awesome to see people get behind what God is doing at Freedom Church!!

Since moving to North Star we have had 13+ new people come and check out what God is doing!! We are pumped...and the best is yet to come!!!

What Could Be More Exciting...?

Church planting is unbelievably exciting!! I am so pumped about what God is doing at Freedom Church!! Last week was our first meeting at NorthStar Church and it was awesome!! This week we continue to roll and I can't wait!! We have the best people on our launch team and they just can't get enough...they want to be more involved no matter how much you throw on them!! What is more exciting than watching people get the vision and then running with it!! Thanks to all who have jumped right in and are giving their all to see a city transformed!!

GO DAWGS!!!

Man was it ever close....I must admit that even though it made for a good game to watch I hate being that nervous. We should have played a little better. Too many missed passes and stupid mistakes. We've got the talent we just need to get it together. All that said...I am just glad we left Tuscaloosa with the W. Let's keep rollin' boys....Go Dawgs!!

Ponde-ROACH-a!!

Some of us church planter types went to have breakfast at a place called Ponderosa. It drew us in with its infamous $3.99 buffet. I must admit it was the most fascinating breakfast buffet I have ever seen....baked beans and salad....hmmm...well I have never eaten it for breakfast, but I'm not judging. The most interesting part of Ponderosa was when out of the corner of my eye I saw a roach crawling by my head. It was a good thing I had finished eating, otherwise it would have not been very pleasant for those in attendance. $3.99....what else can you expect?

Orlando

Hanging out in Orlando, FL this week. We are here for pastor Johnny's Timothy Barnabas school for pastors. A couple hundred or more pastors are coming in for encouragement and learning.

I came in a couple days early just to hang out...we have been having a good time. It should be an awesome week!!

Left You Haning...It's A B......

......baby GIRL!! Heather and I are so excited that we have a little baby girl on the way!! Sorry to hold you in suspense so long...for those of you that I haven't already told anyway...She will be here in January and we are so excited!!! Pray for me that I don't go to jail one day for beating up teenage boys who want to date her....its a good thing she will have an older brother!!

Boy or Girl?

That is the question of the day!! But in about 45 min...I will know the answer. Not whether I am a boy or girl...I got a good handle on that when I was in diapers (no pun intended). Heather and I go in just a few minutes to find out if our 2nd baby is a boy or girl!! It is so exciting!! I love being a dad!! Fatherhood is an unbelievable thing!! I will soon let you know............

Phone....Again

My stupid phone is messing up again and I just got it replaced on Monday. I tried to convince them the other day to just give me a different phone...they should have listened. I wish I could just get a phone that works. I am going back today to see if I can make something happen...pray that I don't kill the Verizon people....they are not the nicest people to work with.

Braves Game

Went to the Braves game last night...unfortunately they lost to the Phillies. I am amazed at how much they can charge for hot dog inside of a stadium. What is the difference between the hot dogs in the stadium and ones outside. Unbelievable....but then again I paid for it. It must have been church planter night at the game because I ran into 2....what's up with that?

Hanging With The Giants

This weekend was unbelievable!! Pastor Johnny went on sabbatical in the late part of June until the first week of August. To make up for the lost month of the mentoring program he had Heather and I over at his house for Labor Day weekend. He spent time with us and the other couple in the mentoring program all weekend. It was awesome to spend time with Pastor and ask questions and learn. He is a giant and I can't believe I get to hang with him this year!!

Early this afternoon I stopped by Starbucks with my wife and son and Dr. Jerry Vines was there. Being in the mentoring program with Pastor Johnny has allowed me to get to spend time with Dr. Vines as well. He is an unbelievable leader in SBC life...another giant. My wife, Noah and I sat down with him and had coffee for a little while!! It was awesome!!

FINALLY!!

Verizon finally saw it my way and replaced my stupid LG Chocolate phone. Unfortunately it is the same stupid phone. I really wanted to get another phone....particularly a flip phone that can handle more wear and tear....I am just glad that I have a phone that works properly...at least for now.

SICK'EM!!

I knew my friend Jason loved Jesus!! Good call on cheering for those Bulldogs my friend!! It's already been a good day of college football...can't believe the Michigan upset...unbelievable!! The Gators put up some points on Western Kentucky...but its Western Kentucky...die Gators!! West Virginia is wearing it out with the Slayton-White package...which is good for my fantasy team with Slayton for my running back!! But it all goes down tonight at 6:45pm....it will then be time for the Bulldogs to rip up some Cowboys!!! GO DAWGS......SICK'EM!!!!

Let's Go BULLDOGS!!

I am so pumped that college football is here!! I have been watching ESPN all morning...I love the screaming fans, the sounds of the bands playing, the painted faces, the pumped up players...but most of all....them UGA Bulldogs!!! Let's go BULLDOGS!!

Look Across The Street

Wednesday night Todd hosted a get together at his home for his neighbors. He and his wife went to 25 of their closest neighbors and invited them over for hot dogs and desert (unbelievable brownies and chocolate chip cookies prepared by Todd's wife Joni...WOW!). When Wednesday night arrived, the rain did too...a downpour to be exact. But a few neighbors showed! Todd and Joni had no other agenda but to get to know their new neighbors. Of course, as a result they will have opportunity to build relationships that could very well result in them coming into a relationship with Jesus.

This was awesome to me because Todd and Joni just looked across the street....then walked over and invited people to their house. Anyone can do this. And you never know what God can do if you are just willing to look across the street and notice people....people who need the hope of Jesus.

MIGHTY To Save

"Savior, He can move the mountains! My God is MIGHTY to save! He is MIGHTY to save!! Forever, Author of salvation! He rose and CONQUERED the grave, Jesus CONQUERED the grave!"

Those are the words of my favorite worship song. They also describe the heartbeat of what we believe about God at Freedom Church. JR has been casting the vision to DOMINATE the city of Acworth, GA with the message of Christ. That is precisely what we are going to do because our Savior is MIGHTY to save, and He is a CONQUEROR....and CONQUEROR'S, well they DOMINATE!!

Now is the time to get connected and join the revolution in Acworth, GA...are you in??

Great Night!!

We had an event last night at JR's house in order to establish some new relationships and bring some new people into the Freedom Launch Team. We had a good turn out and I am excited about the new relationships. God is bringing this team together. I am looking forward to another great night at Todd's house tonight. Tonight will be a lot more informal....just connecting to people in his neighborhood in order to establish some relationships....Church planting is awesome!!!

It's Finally Here!!

College Football!!! I can't wait til Saturday!! The Dawgs are starting out strong playing Oklahoma State...I am hoping for a way better year than last year....it was a little rough for us but I am pretty sure we got the kinks worked out and we are ready roll!!! GOOOOOOOOO DAWGS!!!! SICK'EM!!!!

An Early Start

I pray that whatever my son decides to do with his life he does it to the glory of Jesus!! I will never try to force him to be something he is not....however, if I could influence him in a few things these would be my top 3:

1. A Preacher

2. A Musician

3. A Football Player (preferably a quarterback)

With that in mind...I figure you got to begin influencing him early...so that is what I have done. Here are the pictures to prove it.

The Glorious Appearing

No I am not referring to the return of Jesus...I am referring to the new Starbucks that was just opened on Hwy 92 less than a mile away from my office at FBCW. I love Starbucks...even though some of my friends hate it because it does not offer free wifi...and I am thankful that if I desire to go I don't have to drive the horrific obstacle course that is Towne Lake Pkwy and downtown Woodstock. The only problem is that I don't have enough money to go very often...so if anyone is interested in making an investment in Mark Ayers in a small way....Starbucks gift cards are a good way to do so...and as divine as Starbucks is I am convinced that Jesus will bless you for it!!!

Hey Jealousy

JR and Todd went up to Elevation Church this past weekend to go to services and meet with the staff. I was unable to make the trip. Today they told me all about the experience they had and how its going to impact Freedom Church. Needless to say they are pumped....I am too...but I am also extremely jealous...extremely. Hopefully there will be a 2nd trip before launch....hopefully.

I am so excited about Freedom Church. Freedom Church is not then...it is now!!! And we are striving to impact the city of Acworth with the message of Jesus!! I am jealous because I didn't get to experience the services at Elevation and the opportunity to hang out with their staff, but I am not jealous of their success...I am pumped about what God is doing in Charlotte, NC through that church. However, I am jealous for that same kind of movement of God....and an even greater one than that!! I desire to see God move in the city of Acworth, GA in such a way that the community, the nation, and the world feel its effects!!

Alligators!!!

There really are alligators in the the ponds that are spread all throughout the community we are staying at in Hilton Head. Last night on our way in from dinner we noticed all the cars pulling off the road and people getting out with cameras. As we approached we saw why. It was a HUGE alligator laying in the grass by the pond...I mean HUGE!! It was as big as the ones you would see in the zoo...but it was free to roam!! Shea and I drop the girls off at the house then went back up with our cameras to try and capture the beast...but we were too late...we did find two more that were out...one that was pretty big the other not so much. But as we got out of the car to approach a safe distance to get a photo...it charged at us with mouth open!!! Those things are faster than I thought!!! We made it to the car just in time...I closed the door just as it was launching at my legs.....had it gotten my leg it would pulled it right off...just like I am pulling yours!!! The alligator really just crawled back in the water before we could snap a good photo....I got a picture of him swimming but you have to look really close in the center....

Noah On The Beach

Noah is having a blast on the beach!! Here are just a few moments that I captured.

Olive Oil

I am pretty sure while I running this morning...being on alert for any alligators that may want to make a meal out of me...that I ran past Olive Oil from the Popeye cartoon. She was the skinniest lady I have ever seen...but that gives me hope because she was running and she must have gotten that way by doing so....I know I will never be that skinny, but at least there is hope that I will be a lot skinnier than I am if I just keep doing it....like the "Olive Oil" like lady I saw has done...

Hilton Head Island...

Thank you Shea and Amber!! We left ATL last night around 7pm and drove over to Hilton Head Island, SC arriving just after Midnight. Made a pit stop at the Starbucks in Macon...it has become a regular stop when traveling through....and I got some caffeine to help me make it through...problem is that it kept me up longer last night than I wanted to stay up. Noah did great on the drive...he slept most of the way...and I was jamming to some classic rock on the radio...a little Queen...and a little GNR (Guns-N-Roses)...and a little 80's skating rink music...took me back.

I am looking forward to a great relaxing weekend with some good friends!!!

Moose Poots....Really?

I was reading the headlines on Fox News and I ran across a small article saying that researchers have discovered that Moose poots are as harmful to the environment as cars....now that is funny. What a funny story to get published...what an funny study to decide to research...it is probably not the best assignment to get as a scientist. I wonder how are Green friends would suggest we solve that problem....hmmm...darn Mooses...Meese....whatever the plural is!

It's Been A While....

Sorry about that...I stepped out of the blogophere for a few days...but I am back now. I am still working on getting the rmarkayers.com thing going again...sorry about all the confusion. I am getting ready to go Hilton Head Island for a few days thanks to our friends Amber and Shea. I am looking forward to spending a few days on the beach with my family and friends....I hope Noah enjoys it! I will try to stay plugged in to the Internet while I am away...so long as there is a connection somewhere!

Uh Oh!

For those of you who read this...there is a little problem that will be resolved very soon...you can access my blog 3 ways... www.rmarkayers.com , www.markayerslive.net, www.markayersarticles.blogspot.com

rmarkayers.com is currently not working but I will have it resolved in the next few days...but keep reading and stick with me....I will have the problem fixed ASAP!!

In My Absence....

In my absence from the blogging world for the past few days....
1. I went on a road trip with pastor to Conway, SC...around Myrtle Beach...we left Friday morning and returned early Saturday morning...I got home at 5am
2. I had lunch alone with Heather...thanks to DeeDee!
3. I had dinner with Todd and his family...and coffee...and he spent more on 2 drinks than I did for my whole dinner
4. I ate Sunday lunch at Todd's and discussed Freedom stuff with a gifted couple who we can't wait to get connected into the process
5. I read this blog from this guy...and well...God is doing His thing
6. I watched the Falcons get destroyed...hope this is not a reflection of the season to come (by the way I am glad Vick's not gonna play...I hope he goes to jail and is never allowed to wear a Falcon's uniform ever again)
7. I ate a delicious double cheese burger from Wendy's...its ok...just had to get it out of my system
8. I had to fix Noah's crib....he stands up now in the crib and watches for us to come get him so I had to lower it so he does not go tumbling over the edge...can't believe he is getting so big!
9. I still have no A/C in my car
10. I have become a little concerned about the way I feel about "church"
11. I have been puzzled by the concept of quartets and mini choirs...a.k.a. "praise teams"
12. I have discovered that I am preaching for the college students at FBCW...short notice, but whatever
13. I have realized that I really like Andy Stanley
14. I have started to realize that weight loss takes time, patience, and lots of discipline...I refuse to give up

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!!