Momentum

Great word to describe this morning's service. Great word to describe the beginning of OLC (Oak Leaf Church). God is good. God uses little people to do big things. I sensed momentum. You could feel it. Of course, our largest crowd since we started 11 weeks ago may have something to do with it - close to 300.

Side note: Churches don't have to apologize for talking about numbers. Well, at least churches with the right motivation do not. I used to think...and even recently...that I always had to give a disclaimer before I mentioned how many people came to our new church. Something along the lines of, "Well, I know it's not about numbers...but...we had..." I'm going to stop doing that. If our hearts are right and our motivation is for the unchurched to come and experience the grace and goodness of God, I'm going to be ecstatic when 300+ people show up to a movie theatre for church on Sunday morning! Growth is not evil. For us, it's a sign that our people are doing what we ask them to do -- reach out, invite a friend, invest in other's lives. That's powerful. That'll preach.

So yeah, back to this momentum thing. You could just sense it. A moving forward. A pressing on. Did everything run flawless? Of course not. But people are investing in this thing called church at the movies. They are sacrificing time. They are putting others above themselves and growing spiritually in the process. Momentum is motivating. Makes me want to devote even more thought, more energy, more patience, more love, more creativity into everything we do. As we learned today, God is a big God. Incomprehensible. He's a great God. And when He decides to move...and there's a momentum, a surge...great things are accomplished by His people - for His Kingdom.

Wigs, Chicken Fingers, and 87,451

Just now getting around to posting a few pics I took on my roadtrip 2 weeks ago at the AU vs. FL game on the Plains. I didn't take a lot of pics of the campus and traditional places b/c I spent 4.5 yrs there...so here's some random pics of some random things: A few "cool" Gator fans.
Devotion is an understatement.
Best chicken fingers in southeast AL...and they leave no doubt about their mission.
Gameday was there but I didn't bother. I still like ESPN, but they are just not what they used to be. Too political now...all about promoting certain teams/leagues.
My view at kickoff.

Wave On

Who knew the Wave was 25 years old? LINK
And I certainly didn't know THIS guy invented it!
Funny stuff.

Trick-O-Rama

Ahhh...that time of year again. Time for Christians to hash out whether their kids should participate in Halloween traditions, etc. No need to list out their arguments here - they're all too familiar to everyone. But I do love the church signs that pop up this time of year. I find it funny that most festivals held by churches are called "Trunk or Treat". I pass by this church everyday when I take my oldest son Braden to school: Nothing against this church, but c'mon...we need to be able to laugh at that. How cheesy. How funny. I suppose they accomplished their mission though. When I saw "Beware" on one side, I had to know what the other side said. A church just down the road from this one recently had on their sign: "Our Daily Menu, God's Word, KJV". Ahhh...the KJV debate, now that's a treat.

**Great Deal!** Quick Sale!

So let me tell you just how cool Craigs List is. I've slowly gotten into Ebay and Craigs List and online selling/buying over the past few years and think it to be superb. Craigs is great b/c it's free and most of the time you meet sellers who are honest about what they are selling. Dana and I are strapped for cash (what's new?!) and so I decided to put my cherished mountain bike on Craigs yesterday. I had a call within 2 hours and the guy came and picked it up around 9:45pm last night. I got $80 for it. Could I have gotten $100? Maybe. Probably. But I wanted a quick sale. Need cash now type thing. Plus, I never rode the dumb thing...was just sitting in my garage. Dude that bought it is getting his Masters at GA Tech and it was a perfect deal for him - great way to get around campus. That's exactly what I used it for at AU. Anywho, I'm now trying to get rid of snow skis (with poles, great deal! quick sale!).

Old School / New School

So we are on day 2 of our church staff retreat and it's been great. We are in the booming metropolis of Chatt, TN. (just kidding with the sarcasm...i actually like Chatt...not a bad city.)

Church staff and their families and the way they interact and the way they look has changed...at least some churches have. Many new church plants and "emerging" churches have caught on to this. Much more important to work as a team and actually take interest in one another than pounding a program into everyone and burning yourself out for the sake of the church. Here's what I'm trying to say: Today, more staff families are finding the freedom to just be themselves. Yeah, there's always an added pressure, an expectation, etc. But, I've been impressed with the staff of newer churches - they just seem like normal people - imagine that. No wonder people respond to a leader like that. No wonder people followed Jesus around and listened to him and wanted to be around him.

There's many great things to learn from people who have been in ministry a long time. Our elders hold much wisdom. But one good change that has occurred is the fixing of a weird system that said church staff people do their own thing and really don't like each other. Yeah, there will be disagreements and moments, but how great to be on a team of friends. Imagine that.

President Bush...drunk?

THIS is funny. They simply played the video in slo-mo...but it's still funny.

That Was Fun

I rarely get to a game anymore...with life happening and all...but of all the games to go to, I dun went and picked a good un! Great game, great atmosphere, one of loudest games I've attended in JHS.

Politics Schmolitics

I know nothing about this book. I'm not endorsing it. Just needed a pic to make my point. (Though the title is intriguing.) Amazing how you can be completely engrossed in something and then a few years later not give a rip. So it is with me and politics. I used to daily visit drudgereport.com and foxnews.com and so forth. I used to have far more conversations about the difference between a conservative and a liberal. I think I've just gotten fed up...and maybe also realized there a far more important things to be devoting my time and energy towards (now if I could just cure my obsession with Auburn football!).

Seriously, though, the same ole rhetoric from both sides is taxing (no pun intended) on one's spirit. The most frustrating part about politics: The amount of things NOT ACCOMPLISHED due to selfish, self-serving, greedy, playing the game politicians.

It's such a balance, isn't it? There are extremes on both sides, right? One side says it's my "duty" as a Christian to fight for all things holy (a.k.a. "conservative"). I should be in your face vocal about the moral issues of the day. The other extreme tells me to remove myself from the political process altogether. Have nothing to do with it.

I know one thing: we should pray hard for the Christ followers God calls into politics. What a tough job. That, my friend, is a special calling. Would be too frustrating for me. I'd want to slap somebody.

So the point of my rant? Not sure. Many. One thing is for certain though (as I was reminded of at the Catalyst Conference):
"...the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes." Daniel 4:25

Paint-O-Rama

Ok, so Dana and I have lived in our home in C'ville for over a year and 1/2...and we are finally getting around to painting. The kids' rooms have been done for awhile - hired a buddy of mine to come in with his crew and they knocked it out within hours. But Dana and I are now determined to finish the rest of the house. No big deal, right? It's only the following: kitchen, living room, bathrooms, guest room, playroom, and office. At the pace we are going, we'll be finished by 2008. If you're bored and have some free time, come over and paint!

Sir Chunks-A-Lot

My 10 month old is great. Growing up too fast though. Since he's our last, I guess Dana and I are wanting him to stay a baby a bit longer. But he's getting teeth now and should be crawling any day. I affectionately call him "Sir Chunks-A-Lot" b/c he's a huge spitter upper.

World's Largest Pillow Fight

The Catalyst Conference was great, as expected. I'm now back home digesting it all. Lots of good speakers. Lots of great challenges. Worship was moving and inspiring. Laughed a lot. Thought a lot. Took tons of notes.

Oh yeah, and I also participated in the world's largest pillow fight. They did a lot of creative stuff...to keep ya going during the 2 day blitz of info overload. I would say giving over 10,000 people a small pillow and telling them to begin hitting each other for 60 straight seconds is creative!...and crazy. The picture doesn't do the event justice, but it was hard to take a pic with my camera phone while being pelted with pillows. Coolest part was at the end when everyone started throwing their pillows. Cool stuff.

They also set a different world record last year at Catalyst: most people to sit on a whoopee cushion at one time.

Conference Bound

Going to a conference over the next 2 days that I'm really looking forward to. I've heard really great things about it. It's called Catalyst. The last conference I went to was Drive. It was phenomenal. I'm sure this will be similar. I guess the thing about conferences is they can be very helpful, very insightful...but if your not careful, they can wear you down - information overload. I plan on attending this one not trying to remember everything I hear...but treat it 1. as a vacation of sorts (though it's only 1 hour away) and 2. try to implement just one or two things I hear...instead of hearing tons of ideas that never get put into practice.

pic of the day

oh my

a W is a W

None of AU's wins this year have been pretty, but a W is a W. 5-0...not a bad start I suppose.

go state, go state

mississippi state....my favorite 1-3 team.

Need A Topic

Ok, so I haven't posted in awhile. My brain is fried. Life is super busy right now. (Of course, when is it not.) So, until I get back into a routine of posting everyday, I need a topic. What's my next post?

Auto Auction

I attended my first ever auto auction last night. If you have never been before, it is pure entertainment. I didn't walk away with a prized possession, but the amount of cigarette smoke and car exhaust I inhaled had me feeling rather chipper. Be sure to attend one in the South...in a very remote place. Those are the best.

Clean & Organized

So the other day I'm at Publix picking up a few groceries - just some snacks to keep at the office. While shopping, I observed how extremely clean and organized their store was - at least the one in Marietta, GA. It got me thinking (yeah, real deep here) about the difference between a Publix and an Ingles...or the difference between Target and Walmart. I realized why I enjoy going into Publix and Target so much more than their competitor. They are clean and they are organized. The fruit is fresh. I can expect things to be fully stocked. Are they as big? Nah. Can I still find everything I need? Of course. Will it take far less time getting in and out? Absolutely. (I must interject here that I don't take great pleasure in having to make these store runs --- there, I protected my masculinity.) But seriously, I don't mind paying 8 cents more for a product if my overall experience is that much better.

And by the way, Publix has good hummus.

Satire

If you've never seen the famous "Jesus Videos", then you must.

They were created by a ministry called Vintage21. Here is a quick blurb about the videos:

In the Spring of 2003, Vintage21 had a four weeks series on Jesus Christ, taking a deep look at what He said and did. It was difficult at times to get past our preconceived notions that had been developed by staunch, starched Sunday School classes of old. This is a satirical look at what some people think Jesus is like. Thank goodness He's not.

Click HERE to view the videos.

My Crew

Braden, my 5 yr old, had his first soccer game tonight. Took a few pics with my camera phone...plus, here's a few more.

What Is The Gospel Message?

To contrast the post below...thought I would link one of the best Gospel presentations I've ever seen. For those already following Christ, watch it as a reminder and be encouraged and use it as an aid in explaining an all important passage of Scripture. If you have stumbled onto my blog and you are confused about what a Christian is or exactly how you become one or wrestling through tough questions in your mind - please set aside 30 or so minutes and watch this clear presentation of what God has done for ALL.

Click HERE , and scroll to the 8/13/06 message called Everybody is Invited. You can watch the message on video or just listen to the audio.

Joel Osteen

Start HERE and read what Alex says about Osteen...good use of the word cotton-candy. Then, follow his Michael Spencer link for a great summary on the "ministry" of Joel Osteen. I agree with much of what this guy says on Osteen. (I pretty much had my mind made up on him after seeing his Larry King Live interview.)

And by the way, for my faithful readers (all 3 of you)...sorry I haven't posted as much lately. Life is crazy. I'll give you an update on the Leaf and the car situation later on. Chow.

Just Wow

Dude Says He's Jesus Video

Watch the entire video and catch the cult quote at the end.

Oh my.

False Advertisement

So now that we sold our van and are in the hunt for something cheaper...I'm noticing a disappointing trend. I'm exclusively using autotrader.com and other private party seller resources in my hunt. The few vehicles I have actually gone to look at were junk. It amazes me that people don't think to maybe...oh....I don't know....maybe CLEAN your vehicle if you're trying to sell it!!!! I spent good money to have our van cleaned...I mean really cleaned...and it paid off. 1st person to look at it bought it. Just crazy. If you're going to hype up your "Runs great/No mechanical work/New tires" car - please, at least shampoo the urine out of the carpet!

(Not that this issue bothers me or anything)

Family Time

Had a great time with the FAM this weekend. Short time, but good time. There is no substitute for quality time with the spouse and quality time with the kiddos. One of the reasons I will be quitting my 3rd job soon.

Proud To Be An Auburn Tiger

A good friend of mine told me the more I blog about Auburn, the less traffic I'll get. No, he wasn't doggin' my team, just saying not everyone follows college football and someone in Idaho might not care about AU tradition. I understand his point...but, just can't help myself. It's football season! Win or lose, I go crazy for some football on the Plains. Plus, it's my blog, i'll do what i want :-)

In that spirit, I present to you another video:

FEAR THE THUMB VIDEO

For those completely oblivious to "Fear The Thumb," it started when coach Tuberville raised up four fingers after last year's Iron Bowl victory and the media and bammer's made a big deal of it. Wisely, Auburn people turned it into a marketing money maker, saying Bama should fear the thumb (5th straight loss to AU).

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.