Bank Fees

Sold our van yesterday. The guy who bought it had the money wired into my account before picking it up. Very smooth transaction. Then today I'm checking out my account on-line when I notice a "miscellaneous fee" of $15. Now, before I tell the rest of the story, realize I've had no quams with my bank. I bank at Wachovia and so far, they've been excellent. Great customer service and an ATM every 2 feet.

So I call up cust serv and get a rep on the phone. The guy explains to me that with all "domestic wires" occurring between Wachovia and another banking institution, a $15 wire fee will be charged. Baffled, I asked for further explanation, saying, "You mean to tell me that when someone wants to put money in MY account...I sold the vehicle, I am the one RECEIVING money, not transferring it out...I have to pay a fee?!?! Are you kidding me?!?!"

Long story short, Wachovia refunded me the fifteen bucks...not because it wasn't a legitimate fee...but b/c the day of the sale I had spoken with someone at a local branch and they "failed to inform" me of the fee.

I'm not going to jump on the hate Wachovia train, but dude, that's absurd. A guy I work with passionately calls Wachovia - "Walk All Over You".

Energizer

definition: a person or thing that energizes

Attention all high school / college kids. I have some relieving news for you. You can now stop over-thinking what you will do with the rest of your life. The systems we have in place often do not help you with career decisions. In fact, they almost always complicate the matter. Hey, take all the "field placement" or "career path" tests you want, knock yourself out. Attend every seminar and listen to every boring speaker that comes to your gymnasium or campus. I guess they couldn't hurt.

Or, wrap your mind around one simple question. One question that can help guide you in making those tough decisions. What energizes you?

That's right, it's that simple. What event/activity/cause energizes you? What thing is it that when you do this one thing you are: a. good at it, b. love it, and c. it turns you into a 2 yr old who's had 5 bowls of sugary cereal!! Now, don't fret if you are still clueless about your passions in life. That'll come soon enough. If nothing else, college is great for that. To me, college was SOOOO much more than receiving a piece of paper (a.k.a. degree). Social skills and...well, just LIFE skills are often sharpened there. And personally for me, it's the environment that God used to radically change my life - showing me what a relationship with Jesus is all about.

Ok, back to point. I was discussing this with a friend the other day. I had finished doing some ministry stuff -- like talking to some people and preparing some stuff for a Sunday morning service -- and it was the most hyper I had been all week. Why? Cause that is what energizes me! I couldn't get enough of it.

I could go on forever, breaking this down...but just know this: Don't overcomplicate it! What gives you energy? What is your energizer?

(i paid money for one of those career placement tests one time...it told me I was destined to be a bus driver.)

1 week away

"Meowing" Could Get You Arrested

LINK

Not sure who's side to take...or if there even is a side. Funny funny story.

FuNnY pRanK in LiBRarY

Best start up sound I've ever heard.

Wrestling For Jesus

WEBSITE

I have found my true calling. Oak Leaf Church, it's been great working with you, but I must move on...the turnbuckles are calling me. All I need is my wrestling name. Any suggestions?

Religion? No Thanks.

HERE is Michael's message from our Grand Opening service. Enjoy our state of the art, premium, enhanced recording device (last minute video camera setup).

Great great great message! It answers why even start another church...and also why Jesus came...and I believe it really hit home with those attending.

Hyperactive

Ok, so maybe I'll just become a video blog. Since I entered this world of blogging, I have come across so much stuff "worthy" of passing on. (Actually, I love watching videos - huge visual person I am.) This one is called Hyperactive. I feel inspired. I'm sure you will too after seeing it.

Click HERE

It's Official: We're Launched!

What a great (and tiring) day! Our grand opening service was superb. Michael did a great job talking about the difference between religion and grace. Our core team of volunteers worked selflessly. Can't wait to see how God uses us to reach this community. For more stats and comments and video (eventually), visit Michaels BLOG. I will comment more over the next week. Thanks again to everyone who has been praying and checking up on us.

Best Video Ever

Click HERE to watch.

This has been hyped up as one of the greatest videos ever. Not so sure about that, but certainly creative.

Fort Benning Silver Wings

Awesome Parachute Video

The video is great...but it was even better seeing it in person. The absolute coolest pregame show I've ever observed. And it's not like these guys were coming down with red flares sparkling out of their shoes. No, they were in sneak attack mode! Cool stuff.

Give the video time to load and if you want to skip their first couple of training jumps, click ahead to the 70% mark and begin watching there. Notice one of the guys had an Auburn flag attached. The UGA fans were not particularly fond of that.

Crash and Burn

I'm slowly recovering from a death in the family. A grandparent? Nope. A cousin? Nadda. A family pet? Don't have one. No, this sudden and tragic death occurred a few days ago to my beloved HP laptop. Lost everything. Gone. No longer in existence. Dust in the wind. Sad? Me? Of course. Distraught? Not really. Kinda weird. I hate that I lost a lot...but in a way, I'm certainly more organized now. I tend to save everything - I had a lot of useless files. No more though. Clutter free.

I will now backup all my files.
Dumb computers...or maybe dumb user.

Dumpster Diving

Passed by a smelly dumpster the other day and noticed this sign. I found it humorous that someone would actually have to post a sign telling everyone to not get in or on (or "occupy") the dumpster. I mean, c'mon, I could barely stand being 10 feet from it. Get in it? Play on it? Yeah right.

(And yes, I'm leading up to a cheesy spiritual application.) Don't you wish sin was like that. All contained in one area, with a big warning label. And super gross. Completely disgusting. But it's not is it? The temptations we all struggle against are not packaged that way. They are deceiving. They have appeal. They seemingly will lead to something better. But in the end, it ends up being junk...worthless...garbage, if you will.

So, just a word of encouragement - next time you think about giving in to that struggle (we all have them), remember the foul smell of a big parking lot dumpster that has been baking in the 100 degree heat. Don't go dumpster diving.

Important Email!!!!

Well, I finally gave in - I actually spent time reading one of those forwards you're always getting from friends. I often just don't have time to read junk mail, but some of these are actually kinda funny when you stop and think about it.

Only in America....
do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.
do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke!
do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.
do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.
do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten & buns in packages of eight.
do we use the word 'politics' to describe the process so well: 'Poli' in Latin meaning 'many' and 'tics' meaning 'bloodsucking creatures'.
do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.

EVER WONDER .....
Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?
Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?
Why don't you ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?
Why is "abbreviated" such a long word?
Why is it that doctors call what they do "practice"?
Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?
Why is the man who invests all your money called a "broker"?
Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?
Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?
Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!
Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?
If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?
If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?

Now Serving

We attended our last service at Westridge this morning. This is the church that is planting our church in C'ville, Oak Leaf.

Brian, the lead pastor, talked about swapping a life of self for a life of service. It was a great message...something I needed to be reminded of. He said a lot of great things, but one quote stuck in my head:
"Life is like a game of volleyball, if you're always serving, you can never lose."

Good word.

No Politics Please

My buddy Michael just posted something that I believe many many people in ministry can relate to. Check it out: MODEL CHURCH

AUsome Time - Part 2

Another reason to love this time of year...observing hilarious things from rival teams and laughing hysterically at them.

Without further ado, I give you the Ramp Lady:

UA RAMP LADY

AUsome time of year

Ahhh....exactly 1 month away.

HERE is a cool video to hold everyone over for 30 more days. The quality is not that great...but it includes the pre-game flight of Tiger, a sideline shot of Bo Jackson, and the complete domination over Bammer in last year's Iron Bowl.

Enjoy. More videos to come.

Help Us Help You

When churches put on community events, it seems the motive can fall on one of two sides. (Realize I'm talking about block parties, a booth at a town function, music on the square, etc. I'm not speaking of community service...like a canned food drive or teaming up with a battered women's shelter or picking up trash along the highway. The motive is obvious there.) First, you have the "here's a cool event we are putting on for you and we think you will like it and we are doing this because we think you will like it...and, that's about it, enjoy!" event. Yeah, I know, try fitting that on your signs around town. But seriously, this motive is a no strings attached approach. Sure, in the big picture of things, the church probably has a bigger reason than just doing an event. I'm sure it's thought out and strategic to their goals of outreach. But, it's ok to just provide a night of fun for kids or something cool for adults or whatever...and let them know you did it b/c you care and just want them to know you are - HERE - you're their neighbor and you just wanted to say hello.

(Warning, plug coming) And that's kind of what we are doing with Laugh Cartersville. It's a way to say hi. And a great way at that. We are bringing in a great (seriously) comedian. And, of course, he's a clean comedian. Just doing a quick event in downtown. Just doing something that we don't see a whole lot of in our small town...providing good, cheap entertainment for families who get tired of driving to ATL for stuff like this. (And for those tempted to shout at me, "Well, that's not the mission of the church...to entertain"...I know it's not, so relax...not trying to say it is.)

And then, well, you have motive number 2. I've seen this kind of community event quite a bit lately. And right off the bat let me say this is not a bad reason to hold an event. Just saying I'm not sure it is serving your purposes best. What is it? Well, it's what I call the "Help Us Help You" campaign. It's when churches do community events and somewhere you see a disclaimer that reads, "All proceeds go toward helping us build our new building." Once again, that's OK. Believe me, being part a church plant, I know about having no money. But something just doesn't sit with me well when I see that. To me, it somewhat devalues the very thing you are there to do. In fact, to take it one step further, maybe churches should never charge for any event they ever put on. If you can't do it free, then don't do it. Yeah, I know, dream world. I just think it's way cooler when you can give something for free and say you are doing it to just see a kid smile or offer something relevant to a family, etc. In my brain (scary place), I compute the disclaimer as, "Give me 10 bucks so I can build a gym that will be ready in 2.5 years from now and if you get our flyer in the mail about our new gym, come check it out." Believe me, I know this is stretching it. But maybe I'm so hesitate to ever take this road b/c I know what unchurched people say about churches always asking for money. Well, for that matter, what churched people say about churches always asking for money. They say they're always asking! (Not going to touch this right now though, different post for different time.)

So, conclusion. I think motive one is better. Just has a better ring to it. A better feel to it. Genuine. (Or maybe I should find out how much cash some of these churches made from their events!) Just kidding. (Or maybe I should start helpushelpyou.com.....all man, just checked, it's taken...argh.) Obviously just kidding.

Whatcha think? Ever had this observation before?

pReVieW pArT dEuX

HERE is the video of our 2nd preview service at Oak Leaf .

Thanks again for the words of encouragement and prayers. God truly blessed it.

Quick stats:
*Around 240 total showed up.
*60% of the people who filled out comment cards said they were not involved in church. (Exactly who we are trying to reach!)
*5 indicated they prayed to receive Christ!

Looking forward to kick off in August.

1 gray nose hair

Found one last night.

Just thought you should know.

(trying to generate comments)

Ten Cent Prayer

Ok, this has been a topic beaten to death on blogs before...but since I'm a new blogger, here's my quick thoughts.

Church signs are a funny thing. I don't want to bash them, like many people do. That's too easy. Sure, most of them are way too cheesy. Sure most of them seem out of touch with the culture around them. Ok, sure, we know that. But let's not completely rip apart well intended people for doing something that they think might grab someone's attention.

Having said that, though, let me comment (respectfully) on one I saw in North Georgia last week...a church sign that prompted this blog. It read, "God doesn't give thousand dollar answers to ten cent prayers." A few thoughts quickly came to mind when I drove past the sign. First, like many many many church signs, I don't believe a statement like that is going to bring the masses in. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe unchurched people in that immediate area are coming in droves b/c of their sign (ok, I'll stop being sarcastic). 2nd, the statement itself really bugs me. To me, it conveys two things: First, it says (and this may be stretching it), "You can't pray well. Don't you dare give one of those short meaningless prayers. Don't expect anything from God unless you really really really mean it. We know how to pray, you don't." Ok, that last sentence was definitely stretching it. Also, to me, it conveys a wrong message. God does answer our ten cent prayers! And yes, he does amazing things with our "shifting sands" kind of faith (Caedmon's Call reference). When I drove by it I thought, no way, we are supposed to come to God like a child. Completely reliant. Completely needy. Completely dependent. Right? Faith like a child, right? The whole statement just bugs me. What does a thousand dollar prayer look like? Better yet, what does a million dollar prayer look and sound like? Do I need some kind of schooling to learn how to pray like that? Sorry, but I think there may be a few more important things that I can be sharing with the community around me than "don't be throwin up those teeny weeny prayers of yours."

And if you've never seen it - you can create your own church sign - click HERE

Need a Ride?

Ok, I know all you cool cats out there are just dying to buy a used minivan! Especially you 20/30 somethin year olds!

All joking aside, click HERE to see the van we are selling.

Walmart, Santa Clause, & The Golden Gun

Just stay with me on this one.

Last night. Late. 10pm-ish. Making a Walmart run to purchase a trampoline for our oldest child Braden, who will be turning 5 on Sunday. (Really, though, we've wanted one for all the kids {4 total!} for some time now.) So I get a guy in sporting goods to help me load it on a dolly thingy and take it up front, pay, and then I meet my new best friend.

Vidal HAS TO BE the coolest Walmart employee I've ever met. The guy can tell some stories...super nice and courteous as well. He was working as the greeter/buggy organizer
and I asked him if it would be possible to get some help loading my 2000 pound (not really) trampoline in the car. He asked a cashier to page someone for carryout. It took about 15 minutes - no joke - for them to get organized enough to locate a free warm body to assist me...so I took advantage of the situation. During this time I learned that Vidal is originally from New York...sweet NY accent by the way. He has many tattoos and a "rough edge" about him. He is former military...discharged from the army at age 20...he did something with missile testing. Young guy, no, but in good shape. He has 12 grandchildren. We discussed the mechanics of a trampoline...the best we could...his English is around 80%. He told me of the time he saw a "300lb kid" destroy a trampoline. We both laughed. With his permission, I took a picture of his gold gun with my camera phone. It's real gold, he says. He once had a gold grenade, but he proudly gave that to one of his sons. He also has a gold knife necklace. (I'm definitely going to be on Vidal's good side...always!) So to sum this part of the story up, Vidal, I enjoyed meeting you! Vidal is a super cool guy who treated me like a valued Walmart shopper. I look forward to going back for more stories and maybe see more cool necklaces.

Then I met Jim...the best Santa Claus in Bartow County. How do I know this...was Jim in costume? did I see him performing his Santa duties? did I measure the length and fullness of his Santa beard?....nope, didn't have to. I know he's the best b/c I saw his heart. More of that in a sec. Jim works f/t at Walmart and also f/t for the City of Cartersville. Jim is the guy who helped cart my big purchase to the car. For the past 7 years, Jim has played Santa Clause all throughout town. 7 years ago, Jim started doing something phenomenal that God laid on his heart. Every Christmas he puts on his costume (when he's not working one his f/t jobs) and goes around to as many needy children as possible, delivering to them a free present and a huge santa hug and smile. Let me restate that: HE GOES TO THEIR HOME. Since he knows the City so well, and also through word of mouth, he knows where to go...he knows the kids who without him, would have no Christmas. This project of his has grown over the years. Last year he gave out 630 presents. This year's goal is 1000. Jim is busy this time of the year. He's filling his storage shed with donated gifts and gifts he has purchased with donated money. He prays over all the gifts and continues to pray that God will allow him to reach more children this year. I told Jim about Oak Leaf's involvement in partnering with the Salvation Army to help out with their Christmas Outreach Program...and that we would LOVE to help him as well in reaching his goal...being an incredible bright spot in these kid's lives. Also, we are praying for Jim's bride of 38 years. She has diabetes and is awaiting an operation that could help.

I love divine appointments.

Wonder how many I've missed in the past few days or weeks by not slowing down and taking a sec to look around? Food for thought.

Southern Livin

I love the south....ok, specifically, the "deep south." Kinda funny how not too long ago I wanted nothing but to leave my Sweet Home (Alabama). I was bored of it...or so I thought. Back in 2000, the wife and I moved up to Louisville, KY for seminary. Why KY? Well, to us folk here in the deep south, that was northern livin'. No, really, I thought we were movin up north. Come to find out, it wasn't quite the north...but not quite the south either. What made it not quite the south was the fact that there are restaurants there that DO NOT serve sweet tea. What a crime! My conclusion of Louisville, KY, was it is just about as far north as one can go but it still be the south (let's say...82.79% southern).

I suppose growing up on 2 acres, surrounded by cotton fields, 2 neighbors, dove hunting and fishing...I always wanted to go see the "big lights." Wanted to get away. Having lived in a few semi-big cities now, I better understand the appeal of the slow south. We are lovin' Cartersville, GA. The appeal? Well, you are still country living, but close enough to the action. I like being close to a big city like Atlanta...especially with young children...lots to do and see and visit. 7 years ago, my opinion would have been completely different. Couldn't wait to leave. Now, despite that I'm not a hunter, or big fisherman, or a mud riding addict...I still love it here.

Ministry: Yeah, I think in some ways it is harder to witness in the south. After all, everyone here is a "Christian." (Simply means you grew up near a church or someone in your family was on staff at a church or you "walked the isle" when you were 1.5 years old.) Perhaps that has been the main appeal over the last 20 years or so to plant churches in Seattle, California, etc. In certain places like that, you have a 90% unchurched people group...most who have NEVER been associated with church at all. In may be "easier" to share Christ with people of that kind of background because there is no wading through Christianese talk...their blunt with you...nope, don't believe it, don't need it, next! (I realize these are general, broad statements.)

So, despite a few frustrations every now and then...I don't think I would trade my good ole south. And by the way West Coast and North...it is true...we DO have the best college football down here. Sorry, you will never understand until you experience it every Fall. Well, gotta run, time to go fight ATL traffic.

My Home's in Alabama,
no matter where I lay my head
My home's in Alabama,
Southern born and Southern bred
- Alabama

Using Your Head

Now THIS is something you don't see every day in a soccer match.

Ouch.

Toomer Craze

If my "What is Toomer's Corner?" link doesn't fully communicate the importance of Toomer's Corner, maybe THIS will.

Not sure if I want to place an order or scream "are you kidding me?!"

Anywho, lots more AUburn posts coming in the Fall....like it or not.

War Eagle!

Invite the Uninvited

I'm anxiously anticipating our second preview service at OakLeaf . Yesterday, I was thinking about who might be there. I thought about the people who were there back in June who said they were excited about coming back (and bringing friends/neighbors/co-workers/family). I thought about our faithful core team of volunteers...who, by the way, absolutely love this community and model Christ with their unselfish servanthood (they spur me on!).

As I was envisioning this 2nd service, I was reminded of who I hoped most to see there...the invited uninvited. Further explanation: We have said from day one that we are not here to just start another church. Believe me, Bartow County has tons of churches. We have further said that we do not want our growth to be dominated by transfer growth -- we are not hear to "steal" members from other churches. We will exist to help those who are unchurched or perhaps given up on it entirely, connect with God through Christ. That's why over the next week and 1/2, I am resolved to invite the uninvited. That's who I want to see there! Those that have never been invited to church or perhaps haven't considered going in awhile. On this note, wanna know my opinion of why most church attenders/believers have stopped inviting others to church? (This is just one of many reasons.) Sadly, I believe it's because they don't feel there's MUCH to invite them to. I think our Sunday services should leave us all feeling like, "Ok, I HAVE to invite so-and-so...they should have heard this today." This is not to take away from personal evangelism...not trying to say "just leave it up to the pulpit to share the gospel." Of course not. We all have responsibility. But why have we gotten so FAR away from inviting lost people to church?

And as I thought about my approach to inviting people over this next week, I asked myself, "Why should they come?" Why would they want to come? I thought about some creative ways of asking them...like finding out if they go to church anywhere. If they do, I walk on. If they don't, I continue in conversation. After all, who am I trying to get there? And back to the Why question...they GOTTA come! They gotta hear the story of hope that will be presented to them. I know they will relate with the prodigal son! I hope they sense the genuiness of our staff. They gotta be there! They're gonna miss out...they're gonna miss something that could change the way they think about God and His church and their own life if they don't come! I gotta ask them! I gotta beg them if I have to.

Think I'm overreacting? Too much zeal? Well, it's gotta take something to change a county that has TONS of churches in it, yet is 70+% UNCHURCHED. How does that happen (in the "Bible Belt")? So how do we change this stat? Well, the full answer probably involves 10 other blogs. For now...for starters, though...I'm going to invite the uninvited.

Favorite Verse

Not talking about a "Life Verse." Not sure I even have one of those. But, what is your favorite Bible passage or verse....RIGHT NOW? I think certain Scriptures mean more during different seasons of life. Mine right now:

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

What a good summary of what we are called to do/be. Life is tough right now. Finances are tight (ok, that's an understatement)...4 kids is chaotic (a good kind)...and the Braves are stinking it up (ok, maybe not all that important). But what a great reminder that in Christ we always have hope (and true joy)....that we can trust in Him during affliction...and find peace in life's storm through prayer. This is my favorite verse right now...and it's short, making it easier to memorize (for us simple minded folk). What's your favorite right now?

Wounded But Alive

Last 72 hours or so have been crazy. I have truly escaped serious injury. The first incident came when I jumped into a lake...forgetting how shallow it might be...and busted my left knee and right foot. Thank goodness the result has only been limping around for a few days. 2nd injury came yesterday when I was attempting to break into my own home (long story). I was climbing up my back deck when one of the small wooden posts (railing) gave way, sending me tumbling down. A nice scrape on my face and cuts on the leg...but hey, I'm alive! And if you're wondering...YES, I went back for more....and YES, I eventually got in the house. What, you think a near death experience (minor head injury) will stop us guys (stubborn and prideful)? Have a great Wednesday...and please be safe out there.

These United States

The church in front of our neighborhood has the flags out for this holiday weekend. I had to snap a quick shot...they look great.

A few different thoughts hit my brain when I first saw them:

1. The uniformity of them almost look like a memorial of sorts to the brave men and women who have given their lives protecting the very things we take for granted.
2. The debate of just how "American" is the Christian Church supposed to be? (Now that's a looooooong blog!)
3. Did some of our representatives in Washington really just vote on legislation that gives more protections to those who burn the flag?!? Are you serious?!
4. I'm old school...Lee Greenwood is a stud. Love that song.
5. Our U.S. boys stunk it up in this year's World Cup. Bummer.
6. I love our country and thank God for the opportunities and privileges we have here.

Everyone have a great safe 4th. I'm heading to a family reunion to enjoy casseroles, sweet tea, and 23 different types of homemade desserts.

SuperPost

Going to see Superman tonight. Thank goodness the friends I'm going with settled on the 7:30 showing and not the 10:10pm one. I'm pushing 30 and getting home after 1am just doesn't have the same appeal as it used to.

In honor of going to see Superman, my first post is called SuperPost (man, I need some more sleep...how cheesy can you get?). Here's a short list of some super things in my life right now:

• My wife. One word: Incredible! Her f/t job is staying at home with four kids. The oldest will be 5 next month. She is also our Children's Director at Oakleaf Church. She's super at that too. (Anyone who can keep their sanity like she has is automatically SUPER!)
• Our involvement with a new church plant in C'ville, GA: OakLeaf Church....much more on that to come.
• God's grace and God's patience...extraordinary!
• Last, and definitely least, it's super that college football season is only 2.5 months away. All other seasons of the year pale in comparison Fall Football.