Aliens & Rants in Roswell

8K and counting

2008-04-21T17:51:00.002-06:00

I don't know how to post this to not sound like I'm bragging - except that I am bragging on God.

5,000 copies of Caminando con Proposito have already been shipped to locations throughout Latin America. Rick Warren will be speaking to 3,000 pastors in Mexico in May or June of this year and has requested that each pastor receive a copy as well.

That means 8,000 churches will be impacted by this material. 8K! and counting.

Go God!

Rants in April

2008-04-08T10:57:00.002-06:00

So... how come we like sin? And continue in it even when someone exposes that we are up to our eyes in it?

It's kind of like elephant manure that we ignore. It's there, we're stepping in it, around it, trying to avoid it, but the stench is so great it cannot be ignored. We've got it on our hands, on our feet, on our clothes - and yet we deny it even exists!

Are we that blind to what the accuser is doing?

Just asking a question...

Pastor Appreciation Month

2007-10-19T08:46:00.000-06:00

October has become pastor appreciation month and the people around Grace really know how to appreciate their pastors. It always humbles me. I'm not in this for the huge salary nor for the recognition. So it blows me away to think that people actually appreciate what we do.

After several years of working in churches that seemed more like "Sunday Morning Fights" (perhaps you've seen it on ESPN), it's been an adjustment to be part of a church that actually gets along with the pastoral staff - some even "get it!" (the whole NT Idea about the staff equipping the people for works of ministry, etc.)

Thanks for the many expressions of kindness shown to our staff, myself and our families! Even scored a couple of Starbuck's cards!! Woo-Hoo!

People of Grace - YOU ROCK!

5.8 mile

2007-10-19T08:41:00.001-06:00

Yes, that's right. 5.8 miles this morning.

Took Mick out for 1.5 and brought him back to the house. It was 41 degrees.
Then went out for another 4.3. Saw Brenda and Patty, I think. At least we spoke like it was them. (I never wear my contacts that early) It was 39 degrees.

Felt good to be back up in mileage again. Since last month's episode with the hip bursa sac, no need to go into that - just know it was painful, I've been limiting my mileage.

Apparently it's helped. My pace Wednesday morning was under my last race pace. Only by 10 seconds, but still - I'll take anything when it comes to reducing my pace.

Now if I could just reduce my waist!

Nehemiah Reading

2007-10-18T06:22:00.000-06:00

This morning's reading in Nehemiah caused me to pray for all who are leading in the cause of Christ and find people opposed to them often. The opposition doesn't like the music they do. They don't like the clothes they wear or the lack of suits and ties. And the opposition might not like the fact that other churches are growing when their institution is not.

Nehemiah stands as a pre-Christ model of a suffering servant. He continues to provide for the people, giving almost all he can, leading to the best of his ability and still he has opposition.

Take heart. As I've said before, you're in good company.

X-cited about new things!

2007-10-11T15:48:00.000-06:00

Hey there, be watching over the next few weeks as some new items roll out.

First is a marketing arm that already has 2 DVD-based study series done and ready to go up for grabs. One is in English, the other is in Spanish. Both are produced by our 401 Missions team: New Vision Ministries. I'll let you know when they are available and when the marketign site is up and operational.

Next is a Personal Growth Journal I've developed. Am working with a designer now to make it look better than my strictly mechanical layout look. Watch for more info as they go to the printer and become available as well.

Third, we have received funding to produce the first in our series of Small Group study materials. Tape has been shot, now on to the editing process and actual design and production of the actual dvd-based study materials. Again, will let you know how that goes.

Just wanted you all to be the first to know.

Ezra continues

2007-10-11T06:05:00.000-06:00

In this morning's reading the people are working on the Temple. Tattenai, upset that progress is continuing, writes a letter to Darius to make sure this is OK.

Darius has a search conducted and writes back that not only is it OK for the work to continue, but Tattenai and his cohorts should help!

The building is completed and a great celebration is held. The next month the Passover is celebrated.

People rising up against what God is doing is nothing new. It's been going on at least since the days of Moses. He approached Pharaoh about taking the people to worship as Yhwh was directing them, and Pharaoh objected. Eventually God had his way and the people left to worship him.

So hang in there if you're doing something off the charts like Perry or Steven or Gary or like this church in Austin. God's moving as always been opposed.

You're in good company!

Starbucky's & I-Tunes

2007-10-09T21:15:00.000-06:00

Have you got one of the free songs from Starbucky's yet?

Each day they have a free download via i-Tunes store. Just click on redeem, punch in your code and you've got a new song to add to your list. How easy is that?

Wonder who will be the first church to offer something similar?
Be watching for the roll out of Grace World Resources - a dream I had about a year ago is coming to fruition faster than I ever imagined.

Ezra

2007-10-09T21:12:00.001-06:00

Just started in Ezra. Reading about the first group going back to rebuild the Temple. The opposition they faced was huge! Not until Darius became king could they continue - many years later.

And we think that if something isn't happening right away we're either out of God's will or we misunderstood or soemthing like that. Whoa! When I find myself thinking that way again, I realize that I haven't a clue!

2 Chron Today

2007-10-05T11:41:00.000-06:00

This morning in 2 Chronicles, I read about two kings who did not follow Yhwh and were punished for it.
But then along come Josiah, only 8 years old but he begins to implement some righteous changes to the way the people do worship and who they worship. Very cool, Josi.

He even starts to rebuild and repair the Temple. Another good thing Josi.

But then something happens. A priest finds a scroll, sends it via messenger to the king and the messenger reads the scroll to the king. When he hears the words of the scroll, he tears his clothes because an overwhelming sense of despair comes over him. When was the last time you heard the words of God and they moved you in such a dramatic fashion?

Oh, you don't have to rip your clothes off, but has God spoken to you in that kind of way recently?

I don't know about you, but that's the way I want to be in communication with the One who created it all. I want to be attuned to his speaking so that when I hear his words - I'm affected!

Perry has been blogging about his daughter hearing his voice and how it reminds him of our reaction when we hear God's voice. That's exactly what I'm talking about. Just as a child reacts when they hear the voice of their father, I want to react when I hear the voice of my Father.

Our youngest daughter arrived in town yesterday from FL. As she was walking up to the door, I spied her. As she came through the door, I watched her. When she looked up and saw me, the look on her face melted me.

Don't you think God loves it when we look at him that way? And don't you think he longs to have us in that kind of intimate relationship with him?

Take a moment today to look into your Father's eyes and listen for his voice!

2 Chronicles Continues

2007-10-04T09:02:00.000-06:00

In this morning's reading, Hez and the people are so excited about worshiping Yhwh again that they begin bringing tithes and offerings to the Temple. So much so, that they stack the stuff up in piles!

Hez visits the priests one day and sees the piles o' stuff and inquires as to what it all is. When he finds out that it's the offerings brought by the people, he decides to build storage rooms on to the Temple to keep all the stuff in. All priests and Levites are provided for through the generous offerings of the people.

The Assyrians attack, and the writer simply states that Hez and Isaiah got to prayer and God answers by destroying the Assyrian army.

The writer then goes on to recount how Hez does all these good things, but develops a disease. Yhwh heals him miraculously and he gets the big head. Yhwh becomes angered with his pride and he repents, as do the rest of the people as well.

Man, don't you wish you were as mindful? God tells you something and you just repent. No whine and cries about it. No trying to justify your actions. You just repent.

I wish I was. I'm better, mind you, but not where I need to be.

How bout you?

Still in 2 Chronicles

2007-10-03T09:25:00.000-06:00

This morning I was reading about ol' King Hezekiah becoming king of Judah and re-opening the Temple. Very cool stuff Hez.

It mentioned that he then re-instituted the celebration of the Passover. The writer then states that such a celebration hadn't been seen since the days of king Solomon! The people loved the celebration so much that they decided to continue celebrating for a second week! Way cool.

Seems to me that we've lost the fine art of really celebrating what God is continually up to. Can you imagine a 2 week party?! And we get excited when people clap at a baptism.

Come on church - let's celebrate what God is doing, what he has done, and what he's going to do in the future.

What a weekend, part 2.

2007-10-02T16:13:00.000-06:00

CONTINUED

Sunday morning came way too early! Any way, I went to the church to do a sound check and get ready for the services to follow. Great crowds for the services that morning.

1st service de-railed a bit though. We started late(1st no-no. Let's see how many actually happen.), but I thought we'd make up the time later (never happens). Then the announcements went long (2nd no-no). A video was supposed to kick off my message. It wasn't cued up (3rd n-n). I fiddled around stalling, rather than just talking and the video could have been played when ready (4th n-n). Finally the video played and I had already lost 5-7 minutes of a perfectly timed 30-minute message.

Just as I started on to my third point the sound guy tapped his watch. I looked at mine and determined that we should be praying at any minute to close the service. We skipped most of my second video, most of my third point and I just went for the close.

2nd service went smoother . Announcements were cut down and the video was cued up and ready to go.

Then off to a lunch meeting with my Small Group Coaches from 12-2p.m. Home for a few, then back to teach a 201 CLASS, 5-8p.m.

I was literally brain dead when trhe evening finally came to a close.

Cool thing is that at least 3 people prayed to receive Christ in spite of that mess.
Praise God!

What a weekend, part 1.

2007-10-01T05:45:00.000-06:00

WOW! Haven't experienced anything like that for quite some time.

Where do I start? The message I had prepared for this past weekend was done and "in the can" as far as I was concerned by Tuesday. Video clips were previewed and also "in the can" (I thought) also on Tuesday. I'm glad they were cause the weekend from hell was about to happen.

Friday morning started out innocently enough - went to Starbucky's, got my usual drink and connected with a pastor friend of mine. We made plans to really get together to just sit , enjoy a cup of jo, and get to know one another better. Great! I've been wanting to do that for some time now.

Get to the office and had a few voice messages waiting for me. One was a couple looking for marriage counseling. I called back and we set up an initital meeting for 11 that morning. Now my initial meetings are usually 1 hour long, just a time to see if we can get along, determine what issues are going on, and determine a plan of action for the future.

3 hours later!! we were wrapping up our time together!! Went to open the door so we could all get out and the door was locked. I unlocked the door and the door was locked. I tried several things, but the door remained locked. I called my assistant and asked, "Vickie, could you come and let us out of my office?" She replied, "Who is this?"

Any way, she came and tried to open the door - no luck. We tried using a pair of scissors to pry back the latch - no luck.We were ready to open the window and kick out the screen. Jokes were being made about marriage counseling and being stuck in an office, etc. Finally, someone slid a large knife under the door and we managed to pry open the latch just enough to get the door open.

I asked Vickie to call the locksmith to replace the lock. Their response, "Don't know if I can get out there today." She replied, "3 people were almost locked in the office and were ready to climb out the window." He replied, "I'll be right out."

I went for lunch(around 3p.m.) and then back to the office. One of the earlier voice messages was a second couple that needed to talk to somebody. We met at 5:30 and that session only lasted till 6:30. I went home whipped.

Saturday, I had planned to help my Rotary club and another Rotary club load a few books on to pallets to load into a truck so that we could ship them to Minnesota where they would be sorted and repacked to be sent to Africa. Sounded like a great project and I was happy to be involved. We met at 11, trucks arrived around 11:30 and I climbed in and started moving pallets around with a pallet jack. The second truck pulled out around 2! And we finished cleaning up after ourselves around 3:30.

Back home to relax and focus on the Sunday's messages. Phone rings and one of our newer members tells Sharon that her 4 year-old daughter just fell and broke her arm, so they're off to the ER. So off we go. After x-rays and all, they determine that the break is too bad to try to set that night. That means a temp cast on , go back home and she has to return Sunday morning for possible surgery!

We stumbled back home and fell into our bed after 11 that night.

TO BE CONTINUED

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

2007-09-27T10:51:00.001-06:00

That's for all you David Bowie fans out there.

Yeah, so I changed the look of the site. Went more minimalistic - is that a word?

Working on an image to put behind the title.

Still in 2 Chronicles

2007-09-27T10:13:00.000-06:00

As I was reading in 2 Chronicles, the other morning, I came across a portion that said something like, "and they all gave God praise with a loud shout..." Whoa - did that get me thinking / wondering about what that might have sounded like. You think they did a count down like, "3...2...1...Praise YWHW!" or some such thing?

My crazy brain immediately went to Dancing with Wolves, one of my all-time favorites. At the end of the movie, when Costner and the girl are leaving camp because the US Army is on his trail, his good friend stands on a cliff near by and shouts about his loyalty and his friendship. Think it was something like that?

When the people entered Canaan with Joshua leading them, some stood on one mount and others stood on another mount and one shouted praises while the other group shouted curses. Don't know why, but I haven't thought about shouting as a way to worship God lately.

Have you ever worshiped God through shouting?

By the way, it's been a while since his post that mentioned this, but I love guys who are just freakin honest enough to write "holy crap" in their posts. You might need to scroll down a bit, but check him out.

Early Morning Read

2007-09-21T06:55:00.000-06:00

Still in 2 Chronicles and this morning's read had the armies of Israel attacking the armies of Judah. Judah was outnumbered 2 to 1, so Abijah called out to the people of the northern tribes and told them that because of them turning their back to God, he would hand them over to the army of Judah.

Kind of a different military tactic.

But it worked. And Abijah and the people of Judah claimed that it was God who won the battle for them.

There are times in my own life when I face things that seem too huge for me to tackle. If God doesn't show up, I'm toast. Sometimes he's shown up in a big way, other times he just shows up and my faith is renewed because of his reminding me of his constant presence.

God ever show up for you?

My New Role Model

2007-09-19T15:44:00.000-06:00

Received a post from Steven F that contained this hilarious video of him.

Steven, dude, you are my new hero and role model. I want the guns just like you! Now, who wouldn't want to go to a church with a pastor that works out like that!

Speed Limit & Sammy Hagar

2007-09-18T19:49:00.000-06:00

Well, a semi-important event took place within the past weeks. And thus the title of this post.
I had a birthday and reached a milestone. I'm now both a speed limit and part of a Sammy Hagar song title.

I'll leave it to you to figure out what age I just turned.

Been Away

2007-09-18T19:28:00.000-06:00

Man, it's been a long time since I've been able to get to this!

Too many weekends away and too much stuff to do in between them. Has been a good time and there is definitely a time of renewal - dare I say that - happening among the staff.

I've been keeping up with the blog world, though, reading the posts of others. God is doing some amazing things out there! Go God!

Have also begun reading the first in a series on Old Testament Theology, or as the author prefers, First Testament Theo. Am not far in, but like what I've read thus far. Good to engage one's "little gray cells". Will keep you posted as we continue.

Am 1/2 way through Seeker Small Groups by Poole. Also good for the gray cells. Both authors ring true with my heart. Goldingay - for authentic biblical study without all the trappings of a modern or post-modern worldview thrust back onto it (did I really type "thrust"?) and Poole - cause it fulfills the other part of the Jesus equation (love God, love others).

Good to be back at it.

Amazing!

2007-08-30T09:13:00.000-06:00

I've been amazed at several things recently: 1) I'm always amazed that God loves us in spite of ourselves; 2) I'm reading several blogs of some amazing people doing amazing things for God; 3) I'm amazed that although I thought I was in pretty good shape, my doc says I've got to start my training regimen all over again - no running now, reduced to walking and working up to running - what a bum thing.

My reading in Chronicles lately, discovered this question of David's that I've asked time and again: "Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?" I can also relate to Paul when he calls himself the "worst of sinners". That's why I'm still amazed that God loved me so much that he gave his only son.

Some of the greatest men God is using to challenge, stretch and grow his church need you to check them out. Here's just a few:

Steven Furtick - pastor of Elelvation, he even calls his church goers Elevators! How cool is that?!

Scot McKnight - prof in Chicago. His work on Spiritual Disciplines continues to stretch me way beyond what is comfortable. And he turned my on to Dean's Beans who now produce Grace Community Blend and turned me on to Coffee Kids who turn oout to have their offices in my own backyard!

Perry Noble - pastor of New Spring church. These guys are truly rockin' their world for Jesus. Perry always posts challenging stuff and always speaks truth in love. God blesses people, like Perry, who are willing to put it all on the line to speak truth.

Eleven72 - great friends producing great media in Austin, TX. Storme and Lee continue to amaze me with the stuff that comes out of their studios. They tell stories like I only wish I could.

As to the 3rd amazing thing - I've been a runner for years. Lately I was working to increase my mileage to stretch myself in a physical way. Somehow I injured my greater trochanter bursa, which is located on the outside of your hip. Went to the doc yesterday, cause I couldn't even finish 3 miles Monday morning. He said it was inflamed, he injected it with a mild steroid to reduce trhe swelling and ease the pain, and then said that I'd have to start all over again with my training. 'Bout crushed me to realize that I'm human and aging.

There have been times in my walk with God when he says similar stuff, "John, you better start over." Man I do not like to hear that! I always think I'm gaining ground, I'm getting "better". And then I'm reminded that it's not about gaining ground, or getting better, cause I can never earn what he did for me...and for you.

Swamped!

2007-08-28T09:38:00.000-06:00

Currently reading in Chronicles. As you might know, it's a slightly different take on the history of Israel during the pre-David and post-David years.

One thing that spoke to me recently is how David wanted to build a Temple, or at least a nice building to house the Ark. But God told him that it wasn't his SHAPE, his gifting nor was it to be his focus.

How often do we come up with really great ideas - from our perspective? Yet God seems to say, or in some cases actually says, that's not to be our focus, that's not using our gift-mix or SHAPE responsibly, or more. Some of us are idea people - we can come up with tons of ideas - new ministries, new businesses, new ways to reach out, new message videos, etc.

Quite often we thibnk that because we came up with the idea, we're the one God wants to carry out the plan. Many times he has something else in mind. He wants to enlist others, with their own unique gift-mix, their own SHAPE, to help do the work. That way more people get involved, more are used for God's glory, and more get to celebrate when the task is completed. All good things, all around.

My personality type is such that I tend to forget to involve others, I'm so task oriented. But in doing so, I deny others the privilege of using their gifts and talents for Him. So I'm continuing to learn that, like David, I may have a great idea or plan - but I need to involve others to help it come to fruition.

That's my prayer for today. That's what Jesus did. That's what I want to do.

Coffee pots & more

2007-08-23T10:24:00.000-06:00

So the first shipment of the Grace Community Blend has come in and is the 2nd pot has been brewed in our cafe. Staff-ers seem to enjoy it and are asking for the details of the blend. I'm keeping silent - looks like we might try to sell some for Christmas this year. We'll see how that goes.

We've received several phone calls about people either in the hospital, or at home sick, or due for surgery, etc. Guess we went too long with most everybody well.

This weekend the Working Ranch Cowboy Association's rodeo is in town. Sharon and I have attended the past 3 or 4 years. We really enjoy it cause the events are more about life on a ranch then they are entertainment. Our first date ever, in Lewisville, TX, was to a rodeo. She asked me - hey I'm a yankee.

What a night! My keys fell out of my pocket and landed in some strange-looking weeds. I retrieved them and put them back in my jeans pocket. Then my arm started to itch like crazy. That night I learned about nettles. Worse than mosquito bites!

Well, gotta run and brew another pot.

Some of my fav quotes

2007-08-21T14:09:00.000-06:00

Don't know bout you, but I'm a quote kind of guy. Short, pithy sayings that speak directly to the heart if the issue and make sense just kind of resonate with me. Don't know why. They just do.

So here's a few of my favorite ones. I guess I'll share...

"You've never looked into the eyes of another human being who doesn't matter to God." Bill Hybels
Fresh from his blog - "MAY GOD FORGIVE US FOR TAKING THE GREATEST NEWS IN THE WORLD AND BORING PEOPLE TO TEARS WITH IT" David Foster
“Not everything that catches your eye is worth investing in.”
“A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices.” – Williams James
“There is no expedient to which a man will not go to avoid the real labor of thinking.” – Thomas A. Edison
“The skillful use of words is the most impressive of human powers.” – Roy H. WIlliams
“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” – Abraham Lincoln

Just a few of them. I'll have more later.

Monday, Monday

2007-08-20T16:07:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite things to do each Monday morning is to open my emails and read one of my favs from Roy Williams. He calls it the Monday Morning Memo and each week he includes something to stimulate the little gray cells ( my apologies to Agatha C)

I first became acquainted with Mr. W. when I moved to Austin to plant a church in 1998. As part of the plan, I visited with a local radio station and told them of the plan. Wisely they said I needed to read his latest book (at the time) The Wizard of Ads. I know I just freaked out all you conservative types. But that's OK it was bound to happen sooner or later. Why not now?

Any way, I have not had the privilege of attending on of the seminars/classes/mind-benders on campus at the Wizard Academy - but it will happen one day. Check out his MMM's you'll be glad you did.

Just had a great weekend with Steve. He offended some and rocked our world. I, and hopefully many more, will never be the same.

Awakened at 2am . . .

2007-08-17T14:10:00.000-06:00

. . .by the finger of God pointing at an area in my life that needs work. DOn't know how you all feel about that sort of thing, but, to me, it lets me know that He is still at work and wants us to be better. Prof Scot McKnight references similar things in his weekly prayers.

I mean, I want to be the very best I can for him so I don't mind when he points out stuff that needs correcting. I asked someone this morning how come it seems to always happen, at least for me, at that hour of the day. Their response - cause he's got your undivided attention at that time.

Guess that's true. It bugs me that there's still stuff to work on, and yet I'm glad he's still working on the stuff.

Had to confess in a staff lunch today that my personality type (hi-D, hi-C for those into DISC) is such that I tend to be extremely task oriented and task focused. So much so, that I tend to forget other people are involved in what we're doing. I mean this IS a church - there are people involved!

Even confessed at the lunch that I have to literally make myself remember that there are other people in our other buildings. I get so tunnel-vision-like that if i don't bump into someone during the day, I might forget they even work in the office next to me.

That can lead to conflicts in communication, misinterpreted conversations, etc.

I have to remind myself continually that it's all about the people. As if I didn't know that. So here's to the smack in the forehead, Homer Simpson, "Doh!"

Late in posting

2007-08-16T10:49:00.000-06:00

Sorry I'm so late in posting this. Life has been an absolute ZOO lately.

We kick off our Fall Small Groups this weekend - has been almost horrendous getting that all set up.
We kicked off registration for our adult ed program called LifeChanger University and getting that out and available was crazy. And to top it all off we're hosting a Small Groups mini-conference with Steve Gladen from Saddleback with activities beginning this evening.

Ah well, life certaibnly goes on.

Been reading interesting posts from Church Tech Matters
Am seriously thinking of implementing a monthly Q&A about tech stuff with our staff. Kinda like, I send out an email asking for questions that need answering and at the next staff lunch we answer them. Stuff like that.

Whoever said sanity was all that?

New Computer Arrived

2007-08-08T06:08:00.000-06:00

Our new computer arrived at our home yesterday. Now begins the process of learning the new struff and taking the old stuff off the old machine and transferring it to the new one. This will allow both Sharon and I to do a lot more at home.

So far, I'm impressed, but I impress easily. It's quiet, worked as soon as we got everything hooked up and is way faster than our windows 98 machine.

Or am I just getting older? Both.

Very busy time in our lives right now. I woke this morning early thinking of all that still needs to be done before the weekend. And then thought of all that needs to be done before next weekend. And on it goes.

Gene Simmons Evangelism

2007-08-07T09:42:00.000-06:00

Sharon and I were channel surfinfg the other night and caught Gene Simmons Family Jewels on the A&E channel. Not knowing anything about the show we watched for a few minutes. I never knew Gene was such a workaholic. I had heard of all the Kiss memorabilia and all that. had even seen the Kiss colognes and after shaves in a store while visiting our youngest daughter in Orlando last year. But this guy is a workaholic maniac.

Now you may not agree with Gene on most things, may not agree with his lifestyle, etc. But one thing came through during that episode - the man is passionate about making money.

I wonder what would happen in our churches if people became that excited about reaching others for Jesus. Would the "we've never done it that way before" people have to just shut up and get busy? Would pastors be allowed to say what needs to be said? Would the worship leaders actually be able to do something contemporary and not get ridiculed for it?

I wonder....

Do you ever wonder, too?

'Nother Hallelujah

2007-08-03T08:53:00.000-06:00

The 2nd Starbuck's opened this week in town! Yeah! Perry I'm so sad for you. Really, I understand your pain. It's located more downtown right next to Big O tires. Guess you can get your tires rotated and your caffeine at the same time.

I feel for the people working in these new stores. As soon as the doors open, people who are familiar with the whole Starbuck's experience expect to just walk in, order and get their jo to go. But just like any new venture, there is a ramp up period. They'll get there eventually - if they keep at it.

Kinda reminds me of nwe Christians - they might not know and understand every detail of what it means to be a Christian. I know I certainly didn;t when I first "crossed the line"! But if those of us who are "more experienced" (read usually older) can hang in there with them, as Jesus did with his first disciples, we will have the privilege of seeing God do some amazing things in and through them.

One of our friends has recently come back to church and has now made it a priority in her life. She's already talking to her friends about why they should come and check us out as well. That's pretty cool when you understand how burned she was with her previous church experiences.

We need to hang in there with these new "baby" Christians - with all their faults, hang ups, and misconceptions - to see God work in their lives. All he asks is for us to be available and willing to be used by him.

Are you willing?

New Computer Coming!

2007-08-01T09:29:00.000-06:00

Well, sports fans, we finally bit the bullet and ordered a new computer for our house. Our older model ran Windows 98 as the operating systemn and could not be upgraded. It also had a whopping 8 or so GB hard drive! WHOA!

Just ordered a machine with AMD dual processors, 1GB of RAM and a 250GB hard drive. We won't know how to react.

Actually, the old machine worked just fine, and since we had it since 1998 we were becoming somewhat attached to it. Not really, but even though I really like the latest and greatest it served us well. It was kind of embarrassing when my Dell-worker friemnds would come to visit with all their new shiny XPS notebooks and all, but hey, I've been embarrassed before - why stop now?

On a different note, am currently reading through Randy Frazee's The Connecting Church. WOW! He has a lot to say to those of us working with Small Groups and the church. Needless to say it'll be warping my feeble brain for some time.

Observations from a busy Weekend

2007-07-30T11:01:00.000-06:00

> Sharon, Mick & I did the "mountains thing". We left Friday afternoon and drove up. Had sashimi!! that evening - Phillip really treats me well every time I go to the Great Wall. He gave us some seaweed salad (on the house) and large pieces of sashimi plus a few extra pieces. Man, that guy is quickly earning a sweet spot in my heart. We always tip well, cause he always takes care of me.

> Came back Saturday evening and watched a movie. Muyst have been Morgan Freeman weekend. First watched Along Came A Spider - good thriller. Many twists and turns we weren't expecting. Then we started guessing and we made it more difficult than it really was. A second MF movie yesterday evening called Under Suspicion. Had Gene Hackman in it and that gal from the Matrix 2 & 3 movies.
We like suspense/thriller types of movies. What does that say about us?

> Services were good. No jumping songs. Played a C/W song for the first time ever in public. We had fun with it.

> Inlaws bought a new car, want to give us their old one. Has less than 60K miles on it so will probably take it and put the old Nissan truck to rest or at least use it less.

> Open house at Mark & Karen's to meet and greet Jerry & Keila, our national pastor and wife from Panama who are visiting the states to video moere small group stuff in Spanish.

> David Foster has a great list of things to think about if you are trying to reach the unchurched.

HALLELUJAH!

2007-07-27T09:20:00.000-06:00

Sorry, don't know if it's worthy of a shout that's reserved for the Almighty, but Starbcuks' first store is open in Roswell! Woo-Hoo!

Went by this morning for my cup o jo and had a good chat with the store manager (attends our church) and one of the baristas (also attends our church). The second store, located closer to downtown, is due to open next week or the week after.

Now, all we need is a Noodle Bowl, a sushi bar, a Pho restaurant, and a Chipotle and we'll be heading in the right direction.

Hey I know it's not that big of a deal - 'cept for those of us who miss the nicer things of the bigger cities. Who knows, we could actually start having more live music in town as well. And maybe a second newspaper - you think?

guys & girls you need to check this out

2007-07-25T15:47:00.001-06:00

One of the blogs I subscribe to is posted by a pastor who speaks as it is. His name is perry noble and you can read his latest entries by clicking here or look at the blogroll on the left of this site.

I've never met perry, but he speak truth in love.

in touch with the rest of the world

2007-07-25T08:41:00.000-06:00

Still reading in 1 Kings about the gold used in the Temple. Whew, don't you know that when the sun hit that just right it looked like an explosion?! Way too cool. And then when the prisets brought the Ark into the Temple and the "glory of YHWH" filled the place. What an amazing sight!

You know I often wonder how we would react if God showed up like that today.

In other news,
In this morning's local paper, there was a large ad by American Airlines about their new service coming to town. Starting on Sept. 5, they will offer 2 non-stop round trips to DFW from ROW(Roswell)!

Big hairy deal you might be thinking.

Well it is for many of us, cause it opens us up to the rest of the real world. And not a prop plane either but a jet! For more info you can click here.

Stay tuned for more as we fgrow up here in Roswell.

These guys ROCK!

2007-07-24T09:23:00.000-06:00

Just received a 2nd video blog from good friends Storme and Lee at eleven72. They're at the National Worship Conference or Worship Leader Conference or something like that being held in Austin this week.

Just follow either the link above or the link under the "links" section on this page and you can check out what they're up to.

Am currently reading in 1 Kings about Solomon building the Temple - man what a place that must have been! Stone walls with wood paneling with the wood covered in gold. As I was reading it again I began thinking about how in Revelation gold is used as paving in heaven.

Once again I'm reminded that stuff is just stuff - we can use it for God (since he gave it to us anyway) or we can use it for ourselves. Rick just said (this past Sunday) something like, "when you get to heaven, God's gonna ask what you spent his money on - yourself or stuff that matters." Not a direct quote, but you get the drift.

Gone the past couple o days

2007-07-21T12:54:00.000-06:00

Been involved with a Golf Tournament the past few days. Was actually out there this morning working/volunteering. It's the Desert Sun Classic Golf Championship. More than 100 amateur and 30+ pros.

I was volunteering with the Sunrise Rotary club, of which I am the current club president. Made lots of coffee, chilled down lots of drinks and watched several four-somes tee off - inlcluding current pro leader, Ronnie Black.

It's always a great time and we raise lots of money for local charities.

Last evening, after working the tournament, we attended a concert in the park. 5 local bands were featured as we sat under the stars. Pleasant evening, not too hot, not too humid. When the first band was playing, several guys went up near the front of the house and stood. One of the band members commented on the "mosh pit" forming there. One of the older women asked me, "What's a mosh pit?" I was stunned.

Sharon spent a bit of the evening talking to a friend. On our way home we discussed how often we forget just how radical a church like ours is to those who have been either hurt, discouraged or disenfranchised by churches in the past. It's amazing to me that when we allow God's grace to be the rule - it can be life-transforming. I hope we never cease being the kind of place that allows people to just be people - in other words sinners to be sinners, saved by grace.

That's all for now.

pool party, Skillet, and traveling bands

2007-07-18T08:45:00.000-06:00

Last evening I decided to check out a few events around town that I had been invited to.

First, I ran by the Linda Vista pool to check out a pool party being held by and for the 18-20something group that has been meeting for a while now. Lendell was in the pool with scuba gear on, teaching his eldest about scuba. Ed had been grilling burgers (he's famous for that!) and I was introduced to several of that group. Two of our summer interns were there as well and we talked briefly about the last camp they helped with. All in all it seemed that everyone was having a good time. But I couldn't stay long - other stops to make.

Next I drove over to check out the bands playing at the Unity Center.
As I drove up, I had Skillet in the cd player - kinda loud. When I went in the building, one of the young ladies at the cashier's table asked, "Was that Skillet you were listening to? I thought I recognized the song." I didn't know it was loud enough for her to hear as I drove by. But I said, "Yeah. Is that OK?" She said it was and we talked Skillet for a bit.

Met Jane B. in the Phat Frames office and she took me on a bit of a tour of the place while the next band was warming up. Saw the workroom for Phat Frames and looked over a catalogue they had hanging around. You can check out an online version at their site.

On stage was a band from Chicago - pretty tight 5 man band! Their bass player jumped more than I do when I play! After them was another 5 man band from PA. Thought I might get a chance to chat with them after their set, but being the old guy I am, I headed home instead.

Great night full of fun!

C'mon Starbucks

2007-07-17T09:29:00.000-06:00

Starbucks has been toying with us in Roswell for the past few months. It was announced some time ago that they would actually be opening a store or 2 in town. Well, the buildings are up, signs are actually on the buildings - but they have yet to open.

Those of us who are suffer from CD (caffeine-deprivation) are anxiously awaiting the grand openings.

Ah, well, guess we'll just have to go to the local Alberston's (they house a Starbuck's just inside the doors) until the "official" stores decide to allow us inside. I'll let you know when that happens. (You'll probably be able to hear the ruckus from your living room and I won't have to tell you they opened)

David & I

2007-07-16T11:40:00.000-06:00

In 2 Samuel 6 we find the story of David bringing the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem after it had been "borrowed" by the Philistines. In verse 5 the NIV states: "David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals."

That's kind of my take on worshiping - celebration with all your might before the Lord.

What are your thoughts?