Come And See!

"Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf!" Psalm 66:5
"Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did." John 4:29a

I have a confession to make. This past Sunday my mind wondered during worship. Was it b/c I was bored in church? No, not even close. The worship team at Northstar did their part. They set the stage, so to speak. I wasn't doing my part. My attention was not on the One who saves, on the One who is worthy of all my devotion. But don't go scolding me quite yet. Here's where my mind was:

I couldn't help but look around and observe...and think...and observe people engaged in saying THANKS to their creator...and TAKE all of me...and EXCLAIMING that there is no other God...and saying, well, saying whatever they were saying. So much was going through my head Sunday morning. The dominating thought was this: I think I understand (though maybe only slightly) why "this type" of church is doing well...or why other churchplants succeed. Nothing profound here, but I think it involves what the 2 versus above say: Come and See. Like the psalmist said or the Samaritan woman said. I think in most "successful" churches (yeah, I know, I'm really opening all sorts of other debates) you have tons of people who have experienced Christ and have a "come and see" attitude.

I like this point (of course I would, it's mine) b/c it flies in the face of critics and opponents of the "modern church movement". Those that would say most churchplants are too "soft" or people are just coming b/c it's "cool" worship, etc. Instead of trying to debate (I've read enough blogs to avoid that) these critics with the same internet rhetoric, let me just speak from my experience.

For the past year and 1/2 to 2 yrs, Dana and I helped Oak Leaf Church kick off in Cartersville. We had an absolute blast. Made incredible relationships. Shared Christ a ton. "Planted" something great in the community. Poured into kids. Now, with our involvement in KIDs Beach Clubs, we recently transitioned over to Northstar Church in Kennesaw. And that's where I was Sunday when this simple, yet I think profound, thought kept bugging me.

I think the excitement of what most people experience at places like Oak Leaf and Northstar should not be easily discredited or overanalyzed (bashed) in some seminary class. From my experience, I see tons of people full of compassion, full of a newfound hope, relieved to be out of their past (some, a past of never knowing God, some a past of stifling religious tradition), inviting their friends and neighbors and co-workers and family to COME AND SEE what's going on...to come and encounter this Jesus that has flipped them upside down...to come and meet this group of crazies that reached out to them.

What a great picture it was to take a few seconds and just look around Sunday. To see the diversity. To watch people worship. And the families. Tons of them. I thought about the many stories I've heard of young people accepting Christ and then bringing their family to church with them. Seeing the college kids (hey, I can say kids now, I'm stinkin' 30! Argh...) and the youth reminded me of my days at AUburn and how it fits with this point.

I can remember my freshman year and getting involved in the campus ministry. I can remember God RADICALLY changing my life. God using ordinary students who discipled me. And an ordinary small campus ministry that was accomplishing extraordinary things. And after observing how these students worshipped, and led their lives, and chose to live differently....you get the point....all I could think of is "Dude, so-and-so and my parents and so-and-so HAVE TO SEE THIS! They have to experience what I have experienced! I feel for them, they missed this tonight. Whatever it takes, I gotta get them here!"

It was similar to the almighty Auburn football experience (you knew I'd work this in). Once I became a student and tailgated, and sat in the student section, and watched the eagle fly pre-game, and rolled Toomer's Corner, I honestly felt sorry for every college student in the world NOT attending Auburn. I knew they were missing out. NOBODY could be having as much fun as I was having. It got in your blood. All I wanted to do is tell everybody about it and invite them to join the party. To indoctrinate them. (ha)

So bringing all these ramblings to a close, here's a challenge. If you're in ministry or volunteering at church or just attending church, what are you doing to help spread this "come and see" spirit? If you're immediate thought went to style of music, marketing, how you dress, type of podium, screens instead of hymnals, etc, then I think you missed the point. To ask it in an old fashioned way: What are you doing to spread revival? What are we doing to make sure every follower of Christ is devoted to "giving their faith away"? This goes so far beyond your "style"...it goes to the heart of the matter, doesn't it? Transformed lives inviting others to COME and SEE.

My Son's First Ticket

Most families would not consider celebrating their son's first ticket. But, we're not your average family. So today we celebrate Braden's first "law breaking" experience.

We were on the big indoor playground in Mt. Berry Square Mall in Rome, GA. It's nice. It's padded. Kids love it. Our kids go crazy over it. (Ahhhhhh....cheap entertainment.) We were playing away when rent-a-cop...as in Mall Security Dude...walked up to me and Braden (my oldest - 6 yrs old) and reached into his shirt pocket to grab a pen and pad. Immediately I began thinking, "Ok, this is weird. What's going on?! What did one of my kids do? How did I not see it? I've been here the whole time. Geez...what in the world is going on?"

Long story short, he was writing up a ticket. A "free carousel pass" ticket cause he was about to kick Braden out of this area for being over 42 inches tall. Yep, you heard me correctly. The mall security would rather gear their energy toward giving out "too tall" tickets to 6 yr olds (for the record, he's like maybe 46 inches tall) instead of catching shoplifters. But hey, rules are rules and we didn't make a fuss. Plus, Braden rode the cheetah on the carousel which was pretty cool.

So today we celebrate. Congrats Braden on your first ticket. What a rebel.

When In Doubt...

So Dana spends 40 minutes on the phone with Dish Network trying to resolve a problem with our service. I had a similar conversation with them the day before...it was getting a bit frustrating. After they told us it would cost money to send someone out...and I reminded them that I was out of contract and I would just assume cancel than to send a technician out...sorry, I'm not paying for a tech...I did what I should have done from the very beginning. I thanked the gentleman for his time, hung up, and decided to unplug the receiver, wait a few secs, plug it back in.......and WHALA!

When it doubt, unplug it and plug it back in. Amazing how that works for almost any piece of technology.

That'll be $75.

Already

It's Monday morning and I'm already looking for Friday
It's Monday morning and You have already revealed yourself today

It's 9am and I'm already struggling with my attitude
It's 9am and You have already filled me with your Spirit

It's the beginning of the month and already I worry about finances
It's the beginning of the month and already You have met my every need

Already tired - Already strength available
Already doubting - Already trustworthy
Already ungrateful - Already understanding
Already sin - Already forgiveness

jss

Just Shoot Straight With Me

After having hundreds upon hundreds of conversations with seniors these past 2 years, one thing I learned fast is they don't want the fluff. Hype? No thanks. Sales pitch? Already heard it a thousand times. They just want the hard cold facts and they appreciate someone being candid with them - free from reservation, disguise, or subterfuge.

Also, part of this shooting straight is not being timid in talking about death. It's amazing just how comfortable I've gotten talking about the subject. (Spiritually speaking, I guess we SHOULD be comfortable, eh?) I answer questions every day about passing on homes, trusts, heirs, debt, etc. Early on I found it strange talking about someone dying...with THAT someone...but now it's just par for the course.

This principle of candidness could easily be applied to all areas of life. After all, the success of churches, businesses, and families often hinges on the lack of or success in communication.

Movin On

Dana and I are transitioning into a new ministry and a new church. (I'll post more about here soon.) One of my fears...or uncomfortableness...is getting to know people all over again, or thinking too much about staying connected with those we've gotten to know. But, reflecting back to the last time we had a similar transition, any worry or fear is just plain dumb. I remember thinking the last time, "Bummer, we were JUST getting to know people..." And then, as we OBEYED and did what God was leading us to, the new friendships and support was incredible and far BETTER than we ever expected. (Elementary spiritual stuff, eh?)

So with great anticipation, knowing that God has prepared the path before us, we move on. Rock on.

Tuesday's Expression

Phrase Of The Day

Saw this yesterday on an interstate billboard advertisement for the Marines:

"We don't accept applications, only commitments."

That's a strong statement. Cool stuff.

You Just Made History

Ever need a reminder that your actions are important...or that they have consequences...or everything matters?

This phrase popped in my head this morning and it's been floating there all day. Often, when you hear of someone "making history" it's because they've invented something, cured something, married someone, or was the first person to __________. But I thought about something. You make history every day. (Yeah, I know...REAL profound here, huh--ha.) But think about it. With every decision and every action and every attitude and every...you get the point...you are making history. This would be a great place to insert: THANK GOODNESS FOR GOD'S MERCY, EH? Ever made a big goof, wanted a big do-over? Ever made bad history? Thank goodness for grace.

As insignificant as deciding between Honeycomb cereal or oatmeal is, it's still history. But I guess if this post has any point (yeah, I know, you're still waiting) it's to remind us all that our decisions make history. Life can get quite mundane sometimes. Routine. Even feel insignificant. But we're making history every day. What a great opportunity we have to change the world/better our family/represent Christ/support the Auburn Tigers (how did that get in there?).

Bonus: One of my favorite history changing examples is a testimony of a First Generation Believer - someone who is the first in their family to ever follow Christ. If that doesn't get you fired up then you may want to check your pulse. THAT is making history!

Mean Clean Machine

Isn't it a great GREAT feeling when you clean up your office (yeah, the one you can't see anymore) or finally get around to emptying your garage (so it no longer looks like the redneck photos submitted to the Blue Collar TV show). Around the Sutton house we are 50% complete with some major projects - including painting, throwing out/donating tons of toys, cleaning out closets and the garage, etc.

What a stinkin' relief. I'm not the most organized person in the world, but that's changing. Things are looking sharp and crisp. And the coolest part: When I un-clutter stuff, I feel I can accomplish much much more.

p.s. While cleaning, I found the Bama sweatshirt that a relative bought as a gag gift for our youngest, Camden. It found its way to file #9 (el TRASHO!).

These Kids Nowadays

Dude, I just want to smack myself sometimes. Why am I looking at how kids act and saying weird comments like a (gulp) 70 yr old guy would say? Argh. For example: I see 2 neighborhood kids today riding around in their go-cart for HOURS. And instead of thinking, "Ahhh, that's cool, maybe I can get my boys something like that one day..." I think something like this: "Somebody get those boys a wiffle ball and a tree limb and some rocks! They need to be playing home run derby and building something and burning bugs.....they're missing out...back in my day..."

And there it was. THE phrase. The phrase that ushers young kids like me in to a whole new arena of life. THE phrase that separates the boys from the men. (Ok, maybe I'm just playing this up a little too much.) "Back in my day..." Yep, I said it. I thought it. I.....(gulp) MEANT IT.

Dude, I'm only 30. What's up with that? Why the animosity? I should just leave these poor kids and their go-cart alone. But I suppose I just can't. My conscience won't let me. I think "these kids nowadays" need more playing outside and less TV; more running and less gas powered vehicles.

Addition: Late last night Dana and I went to Transformers (as expected, cheesy but incredible special effects). There was only 12 or so people in the theatre. About 20 minutes into the movie, 2 teenage girls bust in and sit on our row, chatting with 2 teenage boys above them, asking for their phone numbers, etc. No bigee. A little disruptive, with giggling and whispering, etc. BUT AFTER 10 MINUTES OF IT, I'd had enough. So I politely walked over to them and said, "Please be considerate of others and DO NOT TALK during the movie". Greeeaaaaaat, now I'm telling pesky kids to hush during the movies. Maybe I should just go ahead and purchase a set of dentures.

Coming Summer 09

Ok, so I'm always full of ideas. Yeah, I'd say a good 75% of them are too random and too un-noteworthy to share with the general public...but occasionally a good one comes along (God-inspired). And I had one the other day that I just can't let go. It would be beneficial to the spiritual growth of my family and I feel it would help other families as well. So with great anticipation and nervousness and glee (that's just a weird word), I announce my first attempt at writing a book. Not cause I really want to, but because I love the concept and idea too much to let it go.

I'll keep all 9.76 of you wonderful, faithful readers updated on the progress of this daunting project. And no, I can't tell you what it's about. I've been instructed to keep it a secret.

Man, I'm really going to miss TV.

Life Of The Party

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.....a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." Ecclesiastes 3:1&4

3 of my 4 kids were the life of the party this past Saturday. It was on the dance floor of the wedding reception where they unveiled some serious dance moves...or at least attempted to show rhythm. It was quite humorous. No, actually, it was stinkin' hilarious. Braden had some kind of "cool guy" pointing with his fingers thing going on...Kinley just twirled her dress around (like Cinderella she says)...and Logan, being the stud he is, tried to dance with every girl under 4 ft. tall. Keep in mind their ages. 6,4,and almost 3.

Watching them Saturday night, and enjoying being with family all weekend, I thought of the verse above. I thought about the funerals we have been to in the past few years. Or the news of a friend we just received that is now with our Father after battling cancer. And then there's the good times. A time to laugh. And a time to dance.

I think it's important to embrace these seasons. In other words, I was reminded this weekend that having FUN and "kicking back" is a must. Amidst the chaos of 4 kids, helping grow a new ministry, a transition to a new company in my sales job, etc, I'm determined to bring plenty of humor and times of flat-out-fun to our lives. More than just goofing, I'm talking about celebrating life...knowing that other seasons are always just ahead.

Back At It

Back again from another weekend of traveling. Since it's Monday and I have tons to do, here's a few pics from my vzw phone. Enjoy. (We went to Bham for a family wedding - Dana was a bridesmaid, Braden a Ring Bearer, Logan a Bell Ringer, and Kinley a Flower Girl.)

Friday Pic

EXPLANATION

Passion And Details

Dana met with another local children's minister today, telling them about KIDs Beach Club. As she was driving back from the meeting, I asked her how it went. Her response was interesting and has spurred this post.

She said the lady was ecstatic. She said the meeting went great and they are most likely going to do a club in a local public school. She even said the children's minister cried as she thought about reaching the kids in the surrounding schools; as she pictured their faces and knew some of them by name since her daughter attended one of the schools. "I know some of them will never step foot in our church, so I know this could be the only type of church (Jesus) they will see," she said.

Dana went on to tell me how encouraging it was to see this godly woman's heart break for her community, specifically the children. And she compared it to other meetings she's had with other children ministers. Most have all gone fine. Most have been great. But she noted the different mindsets.

Some were like the lady above. It was passion and vision. It was passion and vision first, then details and the "how to". With others though, it was "How are we going to do this, where will we get the people, how much does it cost?", over and over before the vision had a chance. And believe me, those are important (up front) questions. Nothing wrong with that. But sometimes the details get so much in the way, the passion is missing and/or the vision never had a chance.

The funny thing is, you have to have both. It doesn't do you much good to have a great vision and a hunger for doing great things without a plan to implement it; or a strategy; or knowing the details, the how to. And it doesn't do you much good to have tons and tons of strategies and maps and books and knowledge and tons of organization without the hunger; the zeal; the passion; the overwhelming desire.

So they go hand-in-hand, eh. Pretty neat too how people compliment each other, whether it be a church staff or business or whatever.

Very cool, encouraging story. May our hearts break daily for those we live around, work around, play around, etc. May we constantly catch a new vision, stay passionate...and yes, pay attention to details too.

Thanks For The Random "War Eagle"

I was in a local drive-thru this afternoon when a lady behind me honked her horn. Looking in my rear view mirror, my first thought was, "Oh, huh, I must know this lady," so I stuck my head out the window while waiting on my Double Decker Soft Taco Supreme (oh wait, that gives away the restaurant, eh?). As soon as I did she yells, "Hey, WAR EAGLE!". (I have an Auburn bumper sticker.) Now keep in mind, I live in NW Georgia. You don't hear that uttered too often. And plus, it's not football season. And plus, it was at a Taco Bell drive thru - quite random!

So thanks lady. You reminded of why I like (miss) AUburn so much. It's far more than a college experience. Far more than tailgaiting on Saturdays. Even saying it's "Family" is an understatement. So thanks, and as I said today, "War Eagle to you!"

p.s. For all UGA fans and other simple minded creatures, I'm not going to explain the legend of War Eagle anymore. No links this time. Do your own research this time. After living in GA for 2.5 years I'm quite tired of explaining such a simple tradition. Get a clue. p.s.s. Jesus Loves You.

Wednesday's Link

THIS guy has some interesting artwork. My 2 favorite:

Doomed For Failure

Great article on the Saban hire at Alabama and why it's based on the wrong things.
LINK

Stripped

What would our faith look like if we stripped away all "Christianese"? What if we made a rule that you cannot attempt to explain something spiritual that happened in your life UNLESS IT REALLY HAPPENED? What am I trying to say? I just sometimes wish we could strip away all the talk. All the church talk. All the lingo. All the verbage. All the church talk that you learned to talk growing up in church.

Now don't get mad at me. I'm not trying to say it's invalid. After all, explaining supernatural spiritual things is not easy. We do our best to explain God and the ways of God. We conjure up phrases and deep thoughts and traditional statements and prayers and meaningful allegories. But I think much damage has been done by people speaking Christianese.

It does two things: First, it masks reality between believers. When using church talk, you're not REALLY telling brother Bob how you're doing. I don't think we really open up with each other. I don't think we are real with one another. This type of talk inadvertently puts a wall between reality and the conversation.

2nd, it further confuses non-believers. (And no, I'm not a proponent of "dumbing down Scripture" or minimizing God to something generic.) Why does our voice change when speaking about a prayer request? Why did we just use that particular phrase when talking about 1 Corinthians? Shouldn't our talk about these things be ordinary talk? Shouldn't we be the same person? The only thing that should change is our passion. Perhaps it should be hard to contain our excitement when talking about such things.

I wish we could just strip down to the basics sometimes. Let's just try accomplishing loving God and loving others first. Let's just try being real with one another and real with our unbelieving friends. Let's strip away all the talk and let's call for action.

Phonecall Flashback

Recently I thought back to a phone conversation I had with a complete stranger. It was Fall 2004 and I had just started a new sales position with a mortgage company in Louisville, KY. My phone rang one afternoon and it was a lady who had dialed the wrong number. Since I worked on 100% commission...and just because I'm kind of goofy...I didn't let her go but instead told her who she had reached and began asking questions. How long have you lived in your home? What's your current rate? Etc, etc. And I kept it lighthearted.

I don't remember all the details of the conversation but somehow we ended up talking about Louisville and what I was doing there. I told her I was in Seminary and I worked this sales job to pay the bills. And then I remember something very strange. She quickly became interested in the conversation (remember, she had dialed a wrong number and had some annoying sales guy on the phone not letting her go). She told me how her and her husband and kids were considering overseas missions and she wanted my opinion. I could tell she had some major reserves about committing to it. They were in the beginning stages of looking into moving out of the country for mission work and had consulted with their church and denomination.

I just remember sitting there thinking, "Huh, this is funny. This is cool." And that was quickly followed by, "Oh my gosh, what in the world do I say?!?!" She had point blank asked me what they should do. Feeling a bit inadequate and certainly a bit intimidated (they were "older and wiser" than me), I just chatted with them for awhile about God's plans and how he works. Funny how what started out as a wrong number phone call turned into a 30 minute conversation involving discussion on the greatness of God and the things he calls us to.

I still wonder if they decided to go and how things turned out. I hope I had some helpful input. By far one of the coolest "sales" calls I've ever had. Pure coincidence, I'm sure (sarcastic).

Extraordinary!

I'm pumped about this next year. God has blessed Dana and I with great opportunities. In my prayers this morning I was stuck on the word Extraordinary. We serve a very non-ordinary God. He has used ordinary...no, even lowly, pathetic...people to do extraordinary things. I'm anticipating doing extraordinary things for our King. It's amazing that he involves us in His work.

The new company I work for, Generation Mortgage, is great. I've always enjoyed what I do...but now I'm starting to LOVE what I do. I daily talk with Seniors in need. I'm in the mix with a product and a process that changes their lives. Reverse Mortgages don't always get the positive press, but I'm eyewitness to their impact. And I love dealing with these seniors (though trying as it may be sometimes...patience, yes...lots of patience).

A few of my recent conversations:
* Spoke with a lady who's son was recently diagnosed with Leukemia.
* One lady has less than 6 months to live - lung cancer.
* One gentleman needs more resources to take care of his wife who just had her legs amputated - diabetes.
* We've been able to pull tons of people out of foreclosure.
* Many clients are paying off debts of children/grandchildren (that's a whole different post---don't get me started).
* Fixing up damaged homes

Also, God still has us involved at Oak Leaf Church, working with Kidventure. Talk about God using people in an extraordinary way - tons of people have stepped up and we are reaching kids for Christ at Oak Leaf.

And coming to a GA town near you, KIDs Beach Club. Dana is the Area Director and I'm pumped about this Fall. Churches across this area finally have the tool that links them with their local public schools. God is doing extraordinary things with this ministry and we are pumped to be a part of it.

Fitting in with this theme, the song stuck in my head lately:
Revolutionary Love, David Crowder Band

Desperation leads us here
Leads us here
Illumination meets us here
Meets us here
Revelation brings us here
Brings us here
Restoration frees us here
Frees us here

And I don't want to leave
I don't want to leave this place
No, I don't want to leave
I never want to leave this place

CHORUS
It's so amazing
Your unchanging love
Simply amazing
Never changing love
Love, love revolutionary love

Reparation leads us here
Leads us here
Liberation meets us here
Meets us here
Jubilation brings us here
Brings us here
Higher elevation frees us here
Frees us here

Your revolutionary love
Your revolutionary love, love, love

You're a revolution I want to be
Revolutionary
You're a revolution I want to be
Revolutionary
You're a revolution I want to be
Love, love, love
Revolutionary love

If You've Never...

Been to Panama City Beach on the 4th of July and seen the fireworks on the beach...well, it's quite a site. I had the pleasure of sitting on our 7th story condo balcony last night and watching a couple thousand of my closest redneck (I mean good southern folk) friends fire off hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of fireworks. Now don't get me wrong, this is no THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE, the world's largest firework display (no joke, you have to attend that event...you've never seen fireworks until you've seen them done 2 weeks prior to Derby...we lived there for 4.5 years...unbelievable stuff). But, it was still quite the site to see miles and miles of beach all lit up with fireworks. And to compliment this extraordinary site, you had the common beachfront road teenagers honking their horns and squealing their tires and yelling "yee haw" all night...and I mean ALL NIGHT (boy am I starting to sound old!).

Fun times.

Random Political Post

I'm not much into politics anymore...I just watch the news enough to know the talking points (a spiritual illustration could be made of that statement). So here's my annual random political post. This is a freebie for any newspaper journalist, etc. I had a random thought. A great article title right now would be "Right Lane Ends, Merge Left". Then, in the article, you could discuss either a. How Republican candidates are trying to distance themselves from Bush or b. How the media promotes that conservatism is dead and you should go ahead and merge left because it's inevitable.

So there you have it. My random political thought. Oh, and here's some of my favorite quotes concerning politics from the book of Daniel (Chapter 4):

"The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes."

"He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done?".

"His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation."

"Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble."

AL

I'm in SE Alabama right now. A future post is coming that will compare living in AL and living in GA. You'll like it (well, depending on which state you live in). Heading to FL tomorrow. Right now, getting ready for church. Chow everyone.