A Few Mission Trip Pics

My Mom recently emailed some Ukraine mission trip pics:

Church Gathering

Mom with a group of girls

Local village crazy guy (Oh wait, never mind, that's my Dad...ha)

Dear Homeless Friend

Sorry for the awkwardness last night. Well, maybe it was just me. Maybe I was the only one feeling uneasy. I saw you looking at me while I was sitting at the redlight. Yeah, you're right. I think I did what most everyone does....I stared straight ahead, praying the light would turn green - like now! - and then when I realized it would be awhile, I drummed up a conversation with someone in the car so I would look busy and not have a chance to roll down my window and give you money...or, even more basic, have to look at you.

By the way, I was quite surprised. I knew there were homeless people in downtown Atlanta, but I had no idea you had hundreds of friends. As I drove through the downtown streets, I was shocked to see 25 people sleeping on church steps...or a group of 10 over here...a group of 3 over there...hundreds scattered about.

Let me also apologize. You see, I've made the same excuses as many of my friends. In my head I've said things like, "God helps those who help themselves." Yeah, you're right. This is our way of avoiding you. It's much easier to focus on YOU and YOUR problem and what YOU need to DO to fix it. Or, worst yet, we talk...and talk a lot...about what got you there in the first place. Drugs, alcohol, more alcohol, bad decision making. We talk a lot about it. We talk. We talk. And we talk some more. Forgive us for not DOING.

I have another confession my homeless friend. I couldn't shake the idea of just how much MORE could be done to help you. Here I was surrounded by thousands of people leaving an Atlanta Braves game, sitting in traffic...in our nice cars, who just sat in nice stadium seats, in nice weather, nice food...and we have our worries...like how can we fit that new boat or new mountain home in our budget. I must confess that when I do the math, it would only take pennies a day from each of us to purchase or build something magnificent FOR YOU...a place to help you in your recovery...and still have plenty of money to provide you with counseling or whatever you need to get you back on your feet.

Worst yet, my homeless friend, I belong to a group of people who have vowed to DO that very thing. Yet I'm not sure...no, wait, I AM SURE we have NOT lived up to our professions. So forgive us. We've too often left it in the government's hands to "fix the problem". Another confession: Instead of using our buildings as a safe haven for you and your family, we are more concerned about the color of our carpet, or whether the organ should stay or go, or whether we should give pastor so-and-so one more year or not (by the way, he's our 5th pastor in the last 7 years). I'm not trying to discount the valiant efforts of all those who have offered you a warm plate of food, or shelter, or have given you money, or an act of kindness. We have many many organizations and programs...lots of "programs"...but my heart is burdened with the knowledge that OVERNIGHT we could do SO MUCH MORE.

So sorry for the awkwardness. Next time (which will be soon...I vow to be changed) I will not look away or disregard your stares. I will talk to you. I will do what I must to break the years of bad habits that separates us and makes me think that I can do nothing...or that we have nothing in common. I'll try to do what I've vowed to do: To consider you more important than myself.

By the way, what's your name?

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

Heading to Turner Field tonight with my lovely bride, oldest son Braden, and my "little" brother Justin from Auburn. Should be fun. Braves, as usual, are struggling a bit...but who knows, they may pull it together here at the end of the season - if they can get some pitching.

Possible highlight of the evening: the enormous jumbotron in center field. They do a lot of entertaining stuff between innings and that will keep Braden occupied. Also, Smoltz is pitching tonight. That ought to be good.

Promise To Serve

Being in sales, I pay attention to customer service. (Side note: I tip really well at restaurants-especially when the service is great-I think it's extremely important to do so, especially as a believer.) So, back to the point: I pay attention to how companys handle my calls and service my needs.

I've noticed lately that the all-hated customer service call centers have changed how they answer their phone and how they do immediate grades on their services. For instance: Today I called my bank and just had a quick question for them. The lady on the other end of the 800 line answered something like, "Thanks for calling Wachovia where I PROMISE TO SERVE you as a valued customer, how can I help?" Now I realize 48 jokes could be inserted here...and worst yet, it's really funny to hear a lame customer service rep repeat a line like that when they sound half dead and you can tell in their voice they really HATE being there...but still, I was impressed by the greeting. Quite a statement too, huh? Right off the bat they are trying to set the stage: "Hey, I promise to fix what is broken or guide you in the right direction, etc." Just as important, at the end of the call, she asked something like, "Mr. Sutton, did I fulfill my promise and treat you as a valued customer...?"

I know it's cheesy, but the underlying reason WHY they do biz this way is cause the stats don't lie. Their stats probably tell them they will have 23% less "high risk of leaving" client situations resulting in 11% more client retention resulting in 3.8 billion more dollars of interest revenue per quarter. Or something like that :-) And all of that from a greeting and a philosophy of customer service.

Having been in various ministry positions, I think the church should do this more. Not just promise to serve the church as they are called to do, but to consistently ask, "Are we doing it?" Analyze their efforts. Ask the tough questions of the people they lead and listen to the results. Oak Leaf is one of the few places I've seen do this. They value the feedback and strive to make sure every person is fulfilling their role.

p.s. I think the next time my bank asks me if they fulfilled their promise I'm going to shout, "No, you didn't give me a hundred thousand dollars did you??!!" And then start talkin all kinds of crazy talk...just to see how they react.

A Contemporary Post

I'm kinda surprised as I drive around NW Georgia and see the number of churches who still have "Contemporary Service 9:15am, Traditional Service 11am". I'll keep this brief, though it would be easy to write a 10 page paper on this issue.

I understand why they do it...or at least I think I do. And I imagine for most the intent is good. They want to attract more people. They want to offer something for different age groups. They want to grow.

But here are some observations I have...for what it's worth:

* I think most do a disservice to themselves by doing this. In most churches I've been to where this is done, one (or both) of the services are mediocre. More importantly, I sense that in the "contemporary" service they are trying to be someone they are not. (Well, except for the one dude in band who plays electric guitar and he's FINALLY glad he found a spot in the church to serve.)

* Definition of contemporary: "existing, occurring, or living at the same time; belonging to the same time". In other words, RELEVANT. So, question: Does this mean your first service is relevant, "belonging to the same time", and your second service is not? Not trying to be cruel, just seriously asking.

* Sometimes I think churches have offered both services because it is a "keeping up with the Jones' ".

* I haven't done the research, but are there vibrant growing churches who do both services like this? From what I see, the most exploding, talked about, tangible result churches out there are the Northpoint's, Willow Creek's, etc. And maybe I'm just too country boy simple minded...but dig this: You know who they are. They are who they are. They do things the way they feel God has gifted them to them. They have a target audience (and for most it is the LOST...should be for everyone). They do what they do and don't pretend to be someone they are not.

Ok, enough for now. Time to do something very traditional: Get to work!

p.s. Best time of the year is quickly approaching. For a brief taste, see this Countdown Clock.

Poem 4 U

Too Busy To Blog, by Jonathan Sutton

Too much work
No time to blog
Too much work
I wonder how difficult it is to learn how to clog?

Very very busy
Yes busy indeed
Very very busy
Blogging is not a major need

I wish you well on this sunny day
Be back soon to say hey and play


Though you may be tempted to copy this and sell it...please refrain from such activity. The above masterpiece is copyrighted and such illegal activity could land you in jail.

Friday Pic

Ahhhh...so cute, right?! And indeed she is. But caution: She has 3 brothers who are molding a fiery attitude in her! (And one over-protective Dad.)

Are You Sitting Down?

I love that phrase...well, sometimes. When I am asked that question, I know the news I'm about to receive is very very newsworthy. It's going to be severe one way or the other. I'm either about to hear that a good friend just won the lottery and would like to share 1/2 of his winnings with me...or I'm going to hear that my good friend has just been diagnosed with cancer. I'm either going to hear that one of my children won a contest and will be flying to NY or that one of my kids set the back half of the house on fire and I need to rush home. I'm either going to learn that my boss is appreciative of my work and wants to offer me a raise or that our company was just bought out and they no longer need my services.

Are you sitting down...I need to tell you something...you won't believe this, but...hey, sit down, take a deep breath, you won't believe...

This phrase has been tossing around that big melon attached to my neck. I wonder how many times I actually have used this phrase when sharing something of important spiritual significance...say, in the past year or so? How many times have you? How many times have you called up a friend or told your spouse, "Sit down, you won't believe what I'm about to tell you...remember how we prayed for...or, remember how we felt lead to...or, God just showed me something amazing..."

I'm of the persuasion that if we are not having these sit down moments, then we are not living our faith as we should. (I'm sorta paraphrasing what I've been listening to from my latest audio book - see previous post.) Our following Christ is not a monotonous, boring, "religious" thing. Not at all! It should be an exciting adventure, a dangerous mission. We should have tons of "you gotta hear this" moments. It's not a safe faith. It's a weird call.

I'm determined this week, and this month, and this year, to have lots of sitting down moments. While not all will be a pleasure to endure, I still can't wait to hear the news.

Update: As soon as I posted this, I was called into a meeting here at work and given some great "sit down" news...an answer to a prayer Dana and I have had. Unbelievable timing. Lord, you are truly the Great Provider, why do I ever doubt you?! Thanks!

Southern Talk

So since my kids have been mostly raised in the South (I don't necessarily consider Louisville, KY the true South...but close), I've noticed something recently that I consider disturbing. They SOUND like they live in the South! Now before you jump on my case, hear me out. I like the South. I enjoy living here. I think it's "ok" to have a southern accent. But man oh man----my kids are sounding....(gulp) REALLY country! Somehow I managed to spend the first 22 years of my life in Alabama and NOT talk like a redneck. But dude, my kids are talkin' really really southern.

So do I embrace this? Is it wasted effort to fight against it? Is this their destiny? Or do I save up money so I can take them on trips to NY, Michigan, California...do I send them to camps out of state so they can be influenced by non-southern-speaking folk? Or am I worrying about nothing? I mean, Jeff Foxworthy has proven you can have an extremely successful career while speaking our beloved southern dialect.

I suppose for now I'll just worry about them enjoying VBS this week. (And not getting in to trouble and having to sit out...like one of mine did yesterday.)

IT people rock

IT people, weird as they may be sometimes, absolutely rock....well, at some companies they do...ok, let me clarify...cause probably most don't. The new company I'm at, Generation Mortgage, they ROCK! Just down to earth (yes, nerdy) cool dudes. Patient. And they listen to you. Imagine that! I had a minor problem with my computer and the dude fixed it quickly. Actually, in our transition into their company and moving offices, etc, we've encountered many technical challenges and they've addressed them all.

If there's one thing I could go back and change, it would have been getting into computers much sooner. Though I don't envy their countless hours of staring at a computer screen, I do wish I had the skills of a computer programmer (web designer). But for now, I'll stick to knowing how to turn a computer on and off and typing up a Microsoft word document. Hip hip.

Tuesday's Expression

Sorry, running on an empty tank. This lovely picture will have to do for today's post. Enjoy.

Today's Deep Thought

My Latest Audio Book

Since I don't enjoy reading all that much (something I'm trying to change)---Dana hooked me up with another book on audio for Father's Day. Below is a summary of the book. So far, chapter 1 is good. I like how he describes our "civilized" Christianity...how we've gotten away from the raw, Spirit-filled, ambitious life of faith that we are originally called to. He makes some very good points. I'll share more once I get through it.

Erwin McManus wasn't raised in a Christian home, so when he came to Christ as a college student, he didn't know the rules of the "religious club." He didn't do well in Shakespeare courses, so he didn't really understand the KJV Bible he was given either. But he did understand that prayer was a conversation, and he learned to talk to God and wait for answers. Erwin's way was passionate and rough around the edges-a sincere, barbaric journey to Christ.

Barbaric Christians see Jesus differently than civilized Christians. They see disciples differently, and they see Christ's mission differently. The Barbarian Way is a call to escape "civilized" Christianity and become original, powerful, untamed Christians-just as Christ intended.

Happy Father's Day To All The Cool Kats

Sitting here early Sunday morning (7:30 is early to me), reviewing a kid's lesson I'll be teaching today at the Leaf. Thinking about my Dad who is AUsome (purposely spelled in support of my beloved Tigers). He's a great dude. Currently on a mission trip - Ukraine.

Pic above is Braden and Logan's first bowling experience a week or so ago. A kid on their baseball team had his birthday party there. Logan is showing you his wicked dance skills while Braden is in the background bowling a spare.

Today's Pic

2 oldest with Pirate Paint

Pooky Loves Jello

While in the mall last night, I saw the above on a t-shirt. It was being worn by a girl. Walking right beside her was "Jello", a dude that was wearing the counterpart shirt, "Jello Loves Pooky."

Wow. Now that's true romance. Not only did they come up with creative, profound, intimate nicknames for each other...but they gracefully shared that with all the world (or at least NW Georgia).

Watch out Dana...I'm inspired to create our own t-shirts now. (ha)

Fly Away

While working in my office today, I let a fly out the window. Profound, huh? Not sure why. It wasn't an act of sympathy...or was it. I saw (and heard) him struggling to make it out the window. He kept banging into it with all his might...but no matter how many times he tried, the window was not going to budge.

I'm not a "treehugger"...though I do think believers have a responsibility to act responsibly with God's planet. Heck, I'm the kid who grew up shooting cats with bb guns and slingshots...and shooting black birds while supposedly "dove hunting". But today, for some unknown reason, I allowed a measly, dirty, ugly fly - to fly away.

I hope this deep, poetic, spiritual illustration has encouraged you.

:-)

Today's Thought

Sometimes You Just Gotta Laugh

I'm not sure what possesses Dana and I to brave restaurants with 4 kids. It's almost like we forget how bad it was the last time...and think it will be better, so we try again. Tonight was prime example. About 1/2 way into the meal, the dam broke. Kids-craziness-tired-stress-more stress-loud-sit down-don't do that please-I need to go potty. Then another one, I want to go too. Then another one, where ya goin? For a good 5 minutes, we were all gone from the table. The scene had been made. I'm sure some in the restaurant felt sorry for us, others begging for peace and quiet. I was in the bathroom with Logan, giving him a "fatherly talk". Dana had the other 3. After Logan had calmed down, I anticipated returning to the table where silence and bliss would be...with everyone enjoying their meal and with order restored. Instead, it seemed worse. Camden was ready for bed. Kinley was being little Miss Priss. Logan couldn't decide his mood. And then I saw Braden crying. That's odd. He's the oldest. Usually he's the last to cry. I asked Dana what happened. "Oh, in the bathroom he smashed his finger on the soap dispenser." Ok, I thought, that's a legitimate reason to cry. Poor guy. I turned to him and asked, "Which finger buddy?" (You probably have a good feeling where this is heading.) "This one!", he exclaimed, as he jolted his middle finger (and only his middle finger) into the air for all to see.

Sometimes you need an over-the-top act in an over-the-top situation to drive the insanity level to record levels and show you that all is OK. We had a great laugh over this. I'm still laughing now. My son unintentionally flicked a bird in the restaurant...in the midst of chaos. Sometimes you just gotta laugh.

Tuesday's Verse

"I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me." Rev 3:8

That Would Stink

LINK

Tough

4 kids is tough. Watching all four by yourself for a couple of hours is VERY tough. Taking all 4 to the pool by yourself is beyond absurd. But lately I've been up to the challenge...so for the 2nd time within the past week, I did it. Dana needed to get away (Starbucks) for a couple of hours so she could catch up on schoolwork (she's only a few classes away from her undergrad), so I (not bragging here...ok, a little):

a. took all the kids to the pool
b. fed them all
c. bathed them all
d. and managed to not lose one of them

Hey, if Dana can do it day in and day out all by herself, then I can toughen up every once and awhile and manage this typhoon. (Ok Dana, now that I've posted this, can I go play golf next weekend? Ha.)

Tech Smart, Dawg Heart

I saw the above on a bumper sticker yesterday. For those of you not familiar with the south...or the state of GA...(or perhaps you have been living in a cave)...the driver of the vehicle was letting you know that they ATTENDED Georgia Tech, but their ALLEGIANCE lies with the Georgia Bulldogs. It would be like me saying I'm going to earn my Masters at the University of Alabama but I will always bleed burnt orange and navy blue.

As I do with most everything, I over analyzed the message. I relate it with what I hear tons and tons from ministry people, including myself for the past decade or so. "Well, I do this or that (engineer, landscaping, sales, nursing, construction, etc), but my heart is in ministry. Though this is what I DO most of the time, ON THE SIDE or in my daydreams or in my heart of hearts, I crave ministry.

And I think people like this are in one of the following situations:

A: They need to step out in faith and JUST DO what they feel called to do (in f/t ministry).

or

B: They need to realize that their f/t "vocational" job IS their f/t ministry and they need to focus all their heart and energy on THAT, since that is where God has placed them.

or

C: They are like 78% of Americans who are NOT doing what they went to school for.

or

D: They are in a "holding pattern" while God prepares them for something great.

or

E: None of the above. They are living in a parallel universe. Reality is not what it seems. They are on a different planet, they just don't know it. Aliens will end it all soon.

I think I find myself relating with E more than anything else.
:-)

People Driven

My faith in corporate America was renewed yesterday. Ok, maybe that's too strong. How about this: My belief that there are some good companies who actually give a rip about their employees was renewed yesterday. I attended an informal orientation of the new company our mtg division works for now and I was daggum impressed! No fluff. No facade. Straightforward. Genuine.

What I liked best is they were people driven. Sure, they are out to make a profit and grow. Why be in business if you're not?! But, everything centers around serving the customer...and as they put it, "We simply DO NOT hire people who are not friendly, positive, and customer service oriented." They said they cared about their employees and it showed. Matching 401k. Benefits from day 1. And they began paying us before they truly had to. That speaks volumes!

And they just seemed genuine. I'm not perfect at reading people...but I've gotten better at knowing if someone's heart is in to what they are saying. And I got a great feel about this company. Everyone we met had drank the koolaid. Everyone I shook hands with had caught the vision and approached their work with the same philosophy.

Hopefully an encouraging start to something long lasting.

Sleep Debt

So last night I went to bed around 10:30pm...the earliest I've gone to bed in a long time. My average is probably around midnight. So I think I paid back some of my sleep debt (if there is such a thing). Why stay up so late? Well, with 2 jobs and 4 kids and involvement in ministry, etc, etc, etc,...it's the only time to settle down, take a deep breath, read a book or watch tv or blog or check email or whatever. Or actually have a conversation with my wife that doesn't involve 38 interruptions from the little ones.

Weird thing is, I don't feel refreshed. Maybe I'll try 10pm...or...gasp...9:30pm! That's just strange. Who in the world goes to bed THAT early?!

Funny Guy

Sunday night after small group, Dana and I headed down to ATL to see Craig Robinson (Darryl from The Office). We were given free tickets...and I had never been to a comedy show...so why not. It was about what I expected. A little rhonchi and crude at times, but overall a great night of fun. I like to laugh. It's good for the soul. And knowing who he was from the tv show made it pretty cool as well. Comedians (good ones) can hold people's attention for hours. The only reason you start fading is because your face and stomach hurt so much from laughing. I can't imagine what it must feel like for a new comedian on their first night out. Can you imagine the pressure? Could you imagine your nerves? Especially in a comedy club, etc, where you could get booed off the stage or worse yet, nobody laughs...at all. Nightmare.

Having said that, I'm now thinking about a career doing stand-up. Ha, now that's a joke.

Hurry Up

Ahhhhhhhh....just a few months away...practice hard boys, practice hard.

Great Setup

Our church, Oak Leaf, makes it really easy to invite others. The other day we were at the neighborhood pool and struck up a conversation with a mom and daughter and grandmother. Dana got around to asking them if they attend church anywhere...and when they asked us where we go, their response was something we hear over and over and over. "Oh yeah, I've heard about that place." Or sometimes it's, "Oh yeah, we keep getting ya'lls postcards" or "Yeah, we've really thought about coming one Sunday...what time is the service?"

Oak Leaf does a great job of setting you up. With postcards, community service, meeting in a movie theatre, doorhangers, creating a "buzz" around town, all it takes sometime to seal the deal is the personal invite. It's just a really good setup. You don't have to explain a whole lot. Well, sometimes you don't. (Sometimes you have to explain "how" church is done in a theatre.)

This is by far the easiest it's ever been to invite someone to church. And the best part: You actually WANT to. You WANT others to come and you know there's a strong possibility that they'll enjoy it and get something out of it and want to come back. You're proud to bring em in. Excited.

New

I like new stuff. Today we moved into our new office. It's in Kennesaw, a new area to me. I know of Kennesaw, but now I will get to know it a ton better. And a few days ago, the mortgage company I work for merged with another company. That's something new. Ok, maybe I could just call this change...but back to the new stuff.

I like new stuff. In this new office space we are leasing we have new carpet, new doors, new light fixtures, some new furniture (to keep cost down we kept some of our early 90's furniture...oh boy), new toilets (not sure why I mentioned that one), new neighbors, a new drive to work. I'm a sucker for new. I'm not an antique dude. I like new stuff. I like the smell of new carpet. I've never owned a new car, probably never will...but I like the new car scent.

New is clean. New is sometimes different. But new can be costly, eh? So you have to be careful.

Sidenote...and irrelevant to this post...here's some great versus with the word NEW:

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:4

But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.
Romans 7:6

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Cor 5:17

He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:3