5th Generation Rev

People in your LIFE- a case for small groups.

2012-02-09T09:13:00.000-08:00

Launching Small Groups at any church can be fun, exciting, challenging, and confusing. Small groups are really about a few key elements: connecting in community, life transformation, and being doers of God's Word. Whether intentional or not, food normally plays into the small group mentality too. That being said, we are about to explode small group life, so that more people can experience community in a way that says, "We don't want you to do life alone." Really as you walk through life, do you really want to live life alone? 1 in 4 Americans live life alone or isolated, and because of this, many of these 'loners' are on meds for depression. So, is there a direct correlation between those who encircle themselves with people? Well, we do know this- the people with friends and support systems live life longer. So, what will it take for you to engage in a small group where you can live life with people who care for you? Life is busy, I get that, as the father of 3 kids who are busy. Life is unpredictable-I get that, as I sat with a friend recently in a hospital, as his daughter had major surgery. I counseled a couple recently, and my walk away challenge to them was they need to get mutual friends in their life, or theirs will become very lonely. When this crazy world shatters the ideals that we thought were solid, you need people to walk with you. The point is this- small group friends should last for life. They will live life with you and in this world, the ups and downs are sometimes too bearable to walk at it alone. Are you connected to a small group? You should be!

Move: Quick thoughts on my last read

2012-02-06T10:22:00.000-08:00

MOVE: What 1,00 Churches Reveal About Spiritual Growth Greg L. Hawkins & Carry Parkinson

Quick Summary: Move is aimed at helping churches get a grasp of what they can do to offer the best impact for spiritual growth. These results challenged the core assumptions from church leadership and helped identify the most effective ways to move people to greater love for God and others. Move offers a challenge to church leaders to not assume people move toward God because they sit in church on Sunday; but rather a challenge to look deeply, and provide the right tools and resources to engage people and build disciples and followers of Christ.

Key Insights:

• Participation in church activities does not necessarily drive spiritual growth. Less is more, not more is better.

• Those in the Growing in Christ category are willing students & active participants in church programs, but are less likely to express their faith outside the church.

• Close to Christ- most want from church leaders, to challenge them to take personal responsibility for their own spiritual growth.

• Between those who are Close to Christ and those who are Christ-Centered-is perhaps the most difficult line to cross.

• We(church) let those who sit in our services remain comfortable having Jesus as their friend, helping them live their lives, but never learning to fully surrender to his leading. We must give them opportunity through invitation to respond.

• Serving is the most catalytic experience offered by the church.

• 3 Key strategies to get people moving: Make destination clear; make the spiritual jump start non-negotiable; make the lead pastor the champion. I think ECC does all these things well.

Personal Application

• We must have measurable goals. Kennedy, King, Lombardi, Jobs, all reached goals each with difficult achievements ahead of them, yet all began with clear, unambiguous goals.

• Scripture is the only catalyst that appears in the top 5 of the three movements. The Bible transcends all other catalysts, when it comes to spiritual growth. I just go back to II Timothy 3:16.

• To create ownership we must: empower people to be the church; equip people to succeed; hold people accountable.

• Pastor the local community- The word pastor is used as a verb instead of the word serve. The culture of church ministry is no longer those who meet inside the walls on Sunday, but we must raise up and engage pastors to pastor their cities. These are the churches that will remain strong.

Meaningful Quotes

• "…not because we came up with another creative program, but because we were willing to face, and act, on the truth; increased church activity does not lead to spiritual growth. p.25

• Those who are interested in Exploring Christ segment are clear interested in Jesus…and we shouldn't shy away from being direct." p. 33

• Coming to faith in Christ isn't just a matter of convincing people of the truth. It's a work of the Holy Spirit. p.37

• "Our work as spiritual leaders in the church is to help catalyze spiritual movement." p39

• "…a crisis or an ordeal of any kind was a triggering experience for spiritual surrender….breaking an emotional wall-are not prerequisites for a Christ-centered life." p.159

• "When the church increasingly promotes all the things people should do, it's easy for them to lose sight of the real goal-which is who they should become." "..away from self centered and toward Christ centered." p 165

• "embed the Bible in everything." p219

• 3 Strategies to Pastor the local community: Set a high bar for serving the church and the community; Build a bridge into your local community; make serving a platform for the gospel. p.240

Safe Place-Small Groups

2012-02-02T14:08:00.000-08:00

Being involved in a group of friends that truly care for you can be both beneficial and a must. At the same time, I think people need environments in life where it is a safe place to speak freely and express their opinions. Is your small group a safe place? Here are some thoughts I picked up from an article a while back from a magazine:

Here are 9 ways we can create a safe place environment in small group life:
1. Provide a supportive nonjudgmental space.
We must learn o provide a safe place for people to discuss real issues without fear of rejection.
2. Be genuine
The ability to be real is so important. When we are attentive, respectful, and above all human, people feel comfortable to share real struggles.
3. Show empathy
When we make a sincere effort to understand and identify with another’s pain, we can help in the healing process.
4. Err on the side of grace
It does not do any good to heap condemnation on someone who’s trying to work through their own issues.
5. Communicate acceptance and show love
People need to be loved just because.
6. Be a friend
Friends are a much needed resource.
7. Share from your life
You may not be able to relate exactly, but you have experienced your own personal struggles. You can help put the struggles into perspective and give them hope.
8. Care enough to confront
Love enough to give honest feedback, but speak the truth in love.
9. Instill hope and lead them to resources that will help
It has been said you can live 40 days without food, 4 days, without water, 4 minutes without air, but you can’t live seconds without hope. Be an encourager.

I hope this helps you find a group where you can find these concepts applied. As a small groups pastor, I feel it is important to create this culture and leverage them in your church's small group ministry. For it to be a safe place, you have to be intentional. So, go for it!

In Common

2012-01-26T10:57:00.000-08:00

It is sad, but is said that Americans are among the loneliest people in the world. Problem with Americans is they are over committed, too busy, live in these congested environments, and still find no time to build relationship. We live, work, walk by many people daily. However, most conversation is surface, if there is any verbal communication at all. Maybe a head nod, a wave, or a "Hey". Here is the kicker, it is a sad day we live in, when we can have all these people around us, yet we don't have meaningful relationships with most of them. Last year they found a man living alone deep in the jungle of South America. Think with me if you will about the life this man must lived. Conversations with nature, the forest, maybe God(or a spirit he might have talked too), birds of the air, animals....who knows. But all of us have the opportunity to have people speak into our life, or vice-versa, yet we live like this man in concrete jungles, where we only talk to a computer screen, television, a pet, or ourselves. We are relational beings created by a God that digs community. We cannot and must not be isolated. Yes, we may all be wired differently with attitude, temperaments, language, likes and dislikes; however, we were not designed to be isolated.

I have certain friends that I bond with over various things. It could be in common faith, in common family, in common friends, in common sport fans, in common hobbies, in common likes and dislikes. That should be the case for us all. May it never be said, that I died a lonely life. I, Me, You, We have people that we have things IN COMMON with. Find them, talk to them, serve them, love them, and share with them.

What you will find is there are people just like you, looking for people just like you to live life together!

Be A Memory Maker

2012-01-04T21:07:00.000-08:00

Every year that passes, does so with a memory that you either want to forget or one that is etched in your mind forever. I have vivid memories throughout my life of people, places, events, and times that made huge impacts in life. There were teachers, pastors, friends, 4 years of high school and college, jobs, a marathon, etc... All which left an impression (or memory) of some impact in my mind. This week, another memory maker took place. On Christmas Eve, my wife and kids surprised me with a ticket to the Rose Bowl to watch the Oregon Ducks play. I had no idea it was coming, and it caught me off guard. When I opened the gift and saw a picture of my ticket, I said, "what?" After all, I asked for underwear and a tattoo. The joy on their face as I opened it, was probably as priceless as mine was receiving it. Thanks to a best friend and a wife, who planned the whole trip behind my back, I now have another memory. It gets better, because my parents surprised my son with a ticket to go with my dad on Christmas Day. So, on January 2, I sat with one of my best friends of 24 years, his son, and dad, to watch the Oregon Ducks beat the Wisconsin Badgers. My dad and son, were 2 sections over, and my son got to spend 1/2 the game watching with me. That was a huge highlight, as we watched the game cheering on our team. After this weekend of memory makers for my fam, I come to the following conclusion:

Take advantage when opportunities for life's memory makers come your way.
There is a cost for some memories, and some are worth it, some are not.
Savor every opportunity to soak in time with your kids, one day they will grow up and be gone.
Find something you enjoy doing, and go for it.
Show appreciation for those who give out of generosity.
There are some people who are professional tailgaters, and they now how to tailgate.
Having life long friends in your life is important and vital.
De'Anthony Thomas is lightning quick. (Youtube him)

As for you, what can you do to make a memory for you or someone you love? Do you have any memory makers? Ask yourself these questions this year: What are some of your life memory makers? What can you do in 2012 to create one? What can you do to bring cheer to people around you? Is there a friend that you need to reconnect with?

Make this year one to remember. Here's to 2012, Cheers!

Christmas Flesh & The Cross

2011-12-22T13:31:00.000-08:00

Tis' the season to stop and pause amongst the chaos of Christmastime. Most Americans actually have a day or two off this week to celebrate Christmas. For me, I take some time to enjoy the chaos, which I thrive in, and also to get away from it all. In this time, I reflect on what Christmas is all about. I'm drawn to Philippians 2:8, which read, "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Although in this season we think more about the birth of Christ, than we do the resurrection, His purpose was for a far greater purpose than a humble beginning. Don't think of this time and reflect on a cozy, poor lit stable, with dirty animals, where a family had to rest because every other place in town had the 'No Vacancy' sign lit up. Jesus came to earth in this setting to release us, you and me, from sin. It is a power that only comes in the name of Jesus. In the passage Paul wrote that I quoted above, he connects the two thoughts of Christmas-Jesus birth, and the resurrection. Interestingly enough, the word used in Phil 2:8, as "fashion" is the Gk word schema. Schema used in ancient times was used to depict a king who exchanged the kingly garments for a brief period of time for the clothing of a beggar.
When God came to earth, He did so in a way where He shed the "glorious", for the clothing of human flesh. Man's temporal tent, or earthly flesh is wonderfully made, but nothing compares to the appearance of God. He went from radiant glory from eternity past, and came to earth as a babe, so He could carry a cross, then be crucified on it. HUMILITY at it's greatest. When you are in the midstof the craziness of Christmas with family, friends, crowded malls, and last minute deals, remember Christmas and the earthly flesh God manifested as a baby. He was born to die for you and me. This is what Christmas is really about.

Leadership Mic'd Up

2011-12-19T13:41:00.000-08:00

Barbara Walters just finished wrapping up her 10 most fascinating people of 2011. However, Barbara, being Barabra, failed to really get some of the most interesting and fascinating people of 2011. She normally goes after glitz, glamour, and people in the news. So this year she failed miserably by not including the person of which the video below is about. He is the most talked about football player this year, and he really has not done too much, except win. His name is Tim Tebow. Now, I am not a Denver Broncos fan, nor will I ever be. I couldn't stand the Florida Gators, the university where Tebow played his college ball either. I appreciate Tim Tebow much more after watching the video below, and I have recently found myself "tebowing" on a few occasions lately. I appreciate the guy's zeal for life and his leadership that he portrays on the field and sideline. One can learn a lot about leadership from watching this video clip as Tim was mic'd for a recent game where he rallied the team to a fascinating come-from-behind win. Watch the clip and I'l break it down for you:

LEADERSHIP LESSONS

*You can make an impact in someone's life, by taking a few minutes of your time to talk to them.

*Leaders should be able to bounce back from adversity.

*Positivity is important in rallying people around you.

*Respect is a leadership commodity that more leaders should have.

*Composure is something every leader should have in their arsenal of skills.

*Encouragement goes a long way.

*Attitude determines altitude.

*When you believe in people and show you care, that impact lasts forever.

I have had the opportunity to be around excellent leaders. Each time I am with one, I try and take something away and implement it in my life. Being intentional about leadership helps one grow. That is my desire every opportunity I get.

What are you Called to do?

2011-12-12T09:47:00.000-08:00

As a kid, I knew I had a calling. It included a fast car and a race track...then that was interrupted by a pigskin and pads playing on grass...then I figured why not a leather ball and a court. What was happening was that I was looking at what I wanted to do, not what God really had for me. God got my attention by bringing people into my life that did not know each other, but each had a word for me, about what God had been stirring in my heart. When God needs to get your attention, He will go about it in amazing ways. God has called me simply "To communicate God's word, to equip, empower, and encourage a generation to a real relationship with Jesus Christ. I am called to to use my leadership, influence, and friendship to inspire authentic faith." As I write this I think of Paul, who knew his calling too. Paul lived, breathed, slept, and awoke every day to the call of God on his life. Paul did everything he could possible to attain God's call in his life. He didn't jog toward it, he owned a fierce determination to press ahead. As a matter of fact Paul uses a phrase in Phil. 3:12, "I follow after". This is a fierce word that in Gk literature means to track down, hunt, pursue, as a hunter would its prey. It carries the connotation of hunting down something and will stop at nothing until it is caught. Paul uses the same verbiage to discuss his passion for God's calling on his life. Paul uses this phrase to describe his desire, which was modeled by Jesus Christ. Paul did what he was supposed to, it took determination and hard work. It took concentration and full attention teamed with the Holy Spirit to find, accept, and live his calling. So, do you know what you are called to do? Are you willing to put in the hard work to make it happen? Take action and get to it, it is not too late to fulfill the calling in your life. God has a plan for your life. Engage with God today and let God speak to your calling? helpful hint: be ready to listen!

Loyalty & Allegiance: Forgotten Words in Sports These Days

2011-12-08T20:21:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been so loyal to something and then...BAM, it is swept from underneath you; leaving you wondering what is going on? It happens in the sports world all the time. Earlier this month my hometown hero, was rumored to be getting the axe from the team. Today it was another team losing their hero. It makes me shake my head and wonder where did all the loyalty and allegiance go?

I think of major players in history and how they felt when allegiance was compromised. Jesus immediately comes to mind and I often wonder what expression was on his face when he saw Judas.

I know it is a business. It was for Judas, and it is for the protagonists of this blog. I get that, I really do. Better offers come and go all the time, and larger markets and richer owners will always have the ability to reel in the big gamers.

I remember growing up watching Steve Largent catch tip-toeing touchdowns for the Seahawks. Cal Ripken only wore one jersey and that was a Baltimore Oriole one. I'd turn on the television and watch #32 Magic's Lakers and #33 Bird's Celtics battle it out on television. In every sport, every town who had a team, also had a star who were lifers. It was called LOYALTY, or ALLEGIANCE. Fanatics and management made sure the stars knew they were loved. Fans of anything nowadays have loyalty and allegiance. Jason Bourne will only be Matt Damon, no matter who else tries to carry the series on. Imagine if some bonehead tried to pull Jonny Depp from the Pirates franchise.(even though its run its course-it'd be a dumb move)

Here is the deal, today's sports stars are drawn away by the huge salaries that large markets can offer. They will go toward the money, and forget about the fans that they will leave behind when they depart. The landscape of sports changes before our eyes. You may have a Minnesota or NY Jets jersey with Favre's name on it, but love him or hate him he's a Packer. Jordan will always be known as a BULL, not a Wizard.

In life these stars will rise, take teams to championships, and then bolt. That is the crazy landscape we live in the sports world today. I find it rather sad, and I find it rather lame that players can't play for the game in the city they love, instead they play for the love of money, in the city that will pay best. Wonder how St. Louis feels right now.

Loyalty and Allegiance is a lost thing in many regards these days. But it is an important virtue to have. So, ask yourself do you have it? Do you need it?

Ways to ACTIVATE Scripture in our Life

2011-12-07T10:46:00.000-08:00

I heard a great line once regarding discipleship. "There should always be an open Bible between me and the person I am discipling." One of the tools I use for scripture is the WORD HAND; giving you the tools for the “grip on scriptures”: Hear, Read, Study, Memorize, and Meditate.

I want to give you 3 more tools that may be of help to you. Without personal strategies for connecting with God, our daily agendas tend to become: I must have, I must be, I must achieve. But exercises such as Scripture meditation cultivates the heart and guard it from stubborn habits.

The SOAP Method-
S-cripture
O-bservation
A-pplication
P-rayer
The idea behind SOAP is to make it a journal when studying scriptures.

3-Step Meditation Process- lectio divina or spiritual reading. Lectio is the attempt to read more with the heart than the head. The idea is not to cover an amount of scripture, but rather surrender to whatever word or phrase catches the attention. A slow meditative reading….really relies on the respect of the power of words to resonate with the full range of experience. Here are the 3 steps:
• Observation- taking the first look- what’s going on? Who are the players? What are the important ideas? Concepts? How do I feel about this?
• Investigation- going deeper-what can I discover? What questions do I need to ask God? What can I discover about myself? Are there any words that I need to define? What is the main point, idea, the author communicating?
• Application- responding in love. What is the takeaway? How does God
Change my life if I apply this? How can I respond to the Holy Spirit in the next 24 hours?

5x5x5- Scripture is one of God’s ordained ways of life transformation-don’t take it for granted. It’s easy to read someone else's thoughts through devotionals. It’s like trying to kiss someone you love through the window of your car. There is the illusion of intimacy, but little first hand experience. So here is a great tool to get you hooked.
5 Minutes a Day-
5 Days a Week-
5 Ways to Approach Scripture- underline the key words or thoughts, write your own translation, ask questions, capture the big idea, and personalize the meaning.

How do we ACTIVATE Scripture as a way of life into the life of Small Group Lifers:

Learn from Jesus.

o He didn’t invest time with multitudes, he invested in a select few.

Think big but start small.

o The Gk text of Matthew 28:18-20 uses three words: ‘go’, ‘baptize’, and ‘teach’. All are participles which derive from one controlling verb “make disciples.” The great commission is about ‘making disciples’.

Think in generations.

o The Bible is peppered with individual personalities. Each of these individuals had the potential to influence others for Christ. This is pictured through scripture in generations.

Be intentional!

o Jesus focused His ministry toward a picture of maturity. He had a bulls eye on energies focused toward disciple making. So should you!

Picture discipleship.

Jesus is at the center. Disciplines act as spokes in a wheel, that lead us to movement and structure.
Take action!

What is your commitment to coming alongside people and making disciples?

Creating Christmas Traditions for the Fam

2011-11-30T10:11:00.000-08:00

Many Christmas traditions and memories from my childhood still dance around in my brain. I have been fortunate enough to pass down some of these family traditions to the family I now lead. It is important for people to have traditions to look forward to and celebrate, in their lives. Christmas traditions are some of the best to discover and plan for this season.

Below are a list of websites that have ideas to create and celebrate new traditions this Christmas season with friends and family:

http://simplemom.net/6-weeks-till-christmas-create-a-new-family-tradition/

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/holidays/making-meaningful-christmas-memories.aspx

http://halife.com/family/family_christmas_traditions.html

http://www.squidoo.com/family-christmas-traditions

http://www.parents.com/holiday/christmas/traditions/

Pass the Ball

2011-11-29T15:34:00.000-08:00

You can learn a lot from leadership and watching sports. I was reading up on the adjustment for one of the highest draft picks from 2 years ago and realized, although a star at one time, his game slipped because he couldn't adjust. Growing up, NBA players have the ball in their hand 75% of a game. In junior high, high school, and even as they get into college, depending on where they go to school and who is on their team, they may dominate the ball handling. What caught me off guard was not the low scoring output for this high draft pick, but rather the following quote:

"I understood why I was struggling on the court, sort of. I was a player who was so used to having the ball in my hands the majority of the time that it was difficult to make the adjustment to playing without the ball, trying to learn how to play without the basketball. When you add in all the normal struggles that a rookie has - travel, length of schedule, and all that stuff - it was a very difficult year."

This is a leadership issue right here. This guy didn't get the ball in the hands of others very often and let teammates help lead the charge. The NBA is the highest level of play in the world-hands down. In all those years of dreaming, playing tournaments, getting a scholarship to a major university, playing ball, he never adjusted or learned the game without the basketball. Is this a failure of coaching? His own doing? Wasted talent? Reality of the pressures of the NBA game?

The fact is as a leader and a major contributor, no matter what you do, has got to get the ball in other's hands. One must study and have to learn how to play, help, lead, speak up, contribute, without being the main threat, main person, main fill-in-the-blank here.

Some lessons are learned the hard way. The take away here from this quote is this: You have got to build a team around you, you can trust, learn from, let lead at times, fail with, and dream with. I'm thankful I serve on a team like that and this above quote helped put in perspective the reality of playing team sports. You have to pass the ball to advance it down the field, score, and be ready when called upon.

Systems...Check...All Systems Clear for Launch...You Can't hesitate.

2011-11-28T09:38:00.000-08:00

My car is great at telling me when I have systems that need to be checked or updated. My computer also alerts me, as does my iPhone. So, what would it take for you to have these systems check yourself? In the last month of the year, a lot happens. This is a great time to re-evaluate some key systems and practices you have established in your daily, weekly, monthly, routine.

Systems are great things to have in place. But if you have systems that are not working, it may be time to restructure your systems. Systems are beneficial in business, home, and life settings. Recently our staff went through a check of our systems. It is great to pause at least 2x a year and review the systems you have in place, look for the ones that may need to be established, and then get them all in motion. So you may ask, what are systems that you should think about or have in place for you personally?

Here are a few thoughts, in no order whatsoever: family, spiritual, health, responsibilities, personal, work, & friends. In each of these areas you have a ways to grow and set systems to make better use of your time management, follow though, and life development. In this process of reviewing systems, I found some that were dead-ends, rock-solid, seasonal, need some work, and then a few that need to be established.

Take a few hours to walk through your systems you have or have not. This is developing you as a person. If you need someone to review them, ask someone connected to the area you are working on: family, work, social, etc...

We can all grow from establishing systems. So, take the time and review them soon, before the lights go off and the systems crash. It's easier to address them before they are in a failure process.

The CORE of Fellowship

2011-11-21T09:32:00.000-08:00

In this crazy pace of life we live, every so often it is good to get to the core of true fellowship. For small groups, simple core principles of fellowship can be very simple and probably pretty refreshing. As I comb over Philippians 2:1-4, there are some key lines I am drawn too. These lines are core items to gauge for small group life. In this passage we find a word "fellowship" that describes the interaction of the church. The original GK word is KOINONIA. Look at the basics of small group life you find in this passage from the following lines:

· Have Kindness & Compassion for one another. (v.1)

· Be Humble. (v.3)

· Always consider others... (v.3)

· Look out for the interest of others. (v.4)

When you look at Small Groups these are the core principles we need to have. If you applied them to your group your group my look very different than it does today, or your group may be a model group with no change necessary.

In other words SMALL GROUP LIFE CORE PRINCIPLES are summed up in Fellowship this way:

· LOVE unconditionally.

· TRANSCENDENT CAUSES where we serve together for the mission of Christ.

· VALUES/PURPOSE to uphold each individuals purpose in life.

· RESPONSIBILITIES to help each other experience transformation.

In which area may your small group need to improve? Step out and do better at? In which area can you lead better at?

PUSH!

2011-11-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

I have a rule I established with my son: If someone pushes you, feel free to push back. (unless it is your sisters-then I'll take care of it) I know this may not be the rules you grew up with or rules you even establish in your household. But I want my kid to know he has permission to push people if needed. Being pushed by another kid, is permission from him to push back.

As a leader of a small group, it is very easy to not push or even push back. As a group grows closer together, a leader often draws back from anything that would bring challenge, confrontation, or even disagreement. I think as leaders of groups we have to be able to challenge our groups in growth. If we don't, then we are just offering a party with friends. In discussion and facilitating questions, the leader must be able to press people farther in their faith. That may look different for certain people, but the need to push-has to be there. A group often forms to agree with whatever is being said, and very seldom is their a "devils' advocate" in the room. Recently, I went to a small group and there was a challenge to the discussion. There was this tension, and it wasn't a negative tension at all. It was a tension that was great for the group to wrestle with. The leader responded in a fantastic way, and other group members gave some of their thoughts. I remember walking away from that group visit, feeling that this was super great. The facilitator displayed: poise, leadership, an answer backed up by scripture, and was friendly in the response. The tension didn't linger longer than it needed too. As a matter of fact, we all ate later together, agreeing to disagree on certain things.
The point is this. As leaders, we need to step in and push those in our groups as they walk along in faith. I know that leadership is tough. Leading small groups is tough for some. I do know this though: as leaders we will face challenges and push back; we must offer it as well. Let people wrestle with the text, the questions, and push people to extend their Christian faith. We need strong believers who know why they believe what they believe. One way to do this is to give them an opportunity to push their faith, with great friends who love them.
Pushing fellow small groupers will continue to transform them individually, and as a group. So, about this and next time do a little pushing with those in your group. Pushing can be a great stretching environment, and we all know stretching is great for us all.

Don't Be Stinky

2011-11-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

I have an old friend, who will remain nameless, that I grew up with that stunk all the time. He used deodorant, he brushed his teeth, he took showers; however, he did not take care of everything that could cause this stink problem. The reason he stunk all the time was due to his smelly shoes. He was an athlete, and his stinky shoes that he wore all the time brought us to the point where a group had to have an intervention. High school can be brutal, but imagine what he felt like when we said, "Dude, you stink, and you are causing us to stink because you are not using proper shoe hygiene. If you want to hang with us, fix the problem." The problem was he didn't even know he stunk, that was the sad part. Small group leaders can start to stink and not even know it. Here are some observations on how to avoid the STINK:

· Lead the dialogue, don't dominate with a monologue.

· Every so often it is good to get back to the basics. Rinse, wash, rinse, dry.

· Be the Leader, not an observer of the group.

· Change the schedule and routine of small group.

· Engage the small group in FRESH ways.

· Be Creative- art projects and songs help kids remember what they heard and learned about. The same is true for adults.

· If you need a break, there are others in your group who can lead a discussion for a night.

· DON'T WING IT. Know what the verses say, what the questions are, and be prepared.

· Lead the charge on setting understandings and ground rules for group success.

There you have it ladies & gents. Something to think about.

Why I sign off, BE BLESSED

2011-10-10T11:49:00.001-07:00

As a young junior high pastor, one day I found myself trying to figure out what would be a good sign off at the end of my letters to parents, leaders, colleagues, and people in the church. I had seen plenty of sign offs that seemed vague and boring: sincerely, have a good day, take care, thank you, and the list goes on and on. I also saw ones that people would use that seemed at the time, a saying that was time sensitive for an event, season, or stage of ministry. So, out of really an attempt at a few options, I settled on BE BLESSED.

Blessing is used in a variety of ways in the Bible, as it actually begins with it and ends with it; but in between you can find a few ways to interpret this word. The Hebrew noun word for blessing is berakah, which communicates God's favor and goodness. The Hebrew verb word for blessing is barak, which means to kneel. Scripture is lined with ways we can visually see this word: birthrights, goodwill to mankind, inheritance, serving God, healthy crops, to name a few.

At every Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner my grandfather would lead the family in a well known song, the doxology. He would start off in his pastoral voice, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow..." It was a time for the family to offer praise and exaltation for His blessings upon the family. The blessing from God was revealed in Genesis only to be lost due to the Fall. Then God reveals throughout the OT the way in which He plans to cover us once again, through His Son, Jesus. The blessing awarded and forfeited in the creation story, is re-established by Jesus. He is the blessing for each of us.

As I sign off on 99% of the e-mails, letters, and encouragement notes with BE BLESSED; I am exhorting, as a close to my words, a word of blessing upon you, for whatever life may bring you that day or time frame.

Be Blessed Friend!

Power of a Small Group

2011-09-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

Life as it happens, is captured everywhere these days. On occasion these images make there way to the phone, computer, and television screens across the world. One so video captured me last week. It was a perfect illustration of the power of a small group. Here is the set up and the video and what we can learn from it:
Set Up: A man riding a motorcycle w/out a helmet, hits a BMW as it is pulling out of a parking garage. The man riding the cycle ends up underneath the BMW. The bike goes up in flames, and the man is pinned. A group of complete strangers rush over and try and help this man.

Well, just watch!

My thoughts on this video:

You will never understand the power of a small group unless you are a part of one.
It takes a small group to radically change a life or given scenario.
The world is full of people like this motorcycle rider, who finds himself in a no-win situation. A small group can recalibrate the perspective with a bold move of stepping out.
It only took one person to influence, and then momentum and adrenaline got more people engaged.
A heart can come alive through small group community.
When people see the power of a small group, they will want to be a part of one!
While the world for this guy seemed to be crashing down, it was a small group who held it up.
Beautiful things can happen when we shift to others-focused rather than me-focused.

So, in case you missed it. In life we can find reminders that give us perspective. Small groups have been a vital part of my life and these groups have walked with me through many life challenges. How about you? How does this video speak to you?

The Voices In My Head

2011-09-08T16:08:00.001-07:00

You don't have to be labeled crazy to admit that their are voices that dance around in your head. I've heard them for a long time. I sometimes battle with them and other times flat out ignore them, and every once in a while I listen to them. Last night I had the opportunity to sit down with leaders and collaborate on a game plan for a leadership game changer in our faith community. It was in this setting I was reminded of 3 voices that dance around in my head regularly. Yes, I have 3 of them. Let me speak to you about the 3 of them probably in your head too:

The Encourager's- these are the people you have in your life that will tell you that you, your idea, your vision are all wonderful things. They are the people that let you know, no matter what you think you may suck at, you have great ideas, good traits, value, or talent. These are the "I know you can do it" people. Everyone of us have these in our life. The voice may take form from a mentor, coach, teacher, parent, employer, boss, or pastor.

God- God sent to us the Holy Spirit to walk alongside of us and counsel us throughout the greatest decisions we face. God will direct your path by shutting doors or closing them by speaking, sometimes in a still small voice. I have found in my life, it is normally pretty clear when God is speaking to me, although I have never heard His voice audibly.

Satan- The father of lies whispers un sweet nothings into your ears all the time. The moments I have been ready to champion something big, I have been reminded that I may fail, or I am unequipped, or that I am a no-good nothing. The fact is most people buy into the lies that are presented, because these lies and fear that are cast, are so not prepared to fight back when this voice starts speaking in their head. I have learned that in these times of fear & doubt or discouragement, I can stand strong by counting on the other voices in my head to drown out the one that would sway me from making a difference in the life of someone, no matter what the cost.

I am pretty sure that you have similar voices in your life. When you grasp to that which is true, you will be able to determine what voices you should listen to and which voices you should drown out or flat out ignore. I cling to scripture to combat the lies I hear in my head, and I also cling to the Hope that I find in Jesus Christ. When faced with life decisions that I really need to think about, I count on the reality of voices that care about me and have my best interest at heart, even if it isn't something I want to hear. I have learned that certain voices in my head are worth listening too, and one is always going to try to take away my courage and dreams, because if unleashed I may speak into the life or show the love of Christ that is in me. So, listen up to the voices in your head, and be able to

Have a Plan!

2011-09-07T15:47:00.000-07:00

HAVE A PLAN. It is a statement, not a question. I was 14 years old when my dad started talking to me about having a plan. He emphasized that to finish well, you have to have a plan of where you are going and how you are going to get there. In other words, Have a plan, or system, or think about the repercussions you may have, if you don;t have some sort of plan in place. He wasn't knocking my spontaneous nature by any means, he was encouraging me to not be like people who make mistakes because they weren't thinking ahead. Here I am, at age 14, starting my first job and saving money for a car by age 16. "Phil, if you want a car, you better have a plan." That meant get a job, son. The "Have a Plan" speech carried over on a number of occasions. There was the "have a plan" talk about dating. It went something like this, "You better know where you are going and what you are doing, or you'll get yourself in a lot of trouble young man. Have a plan!" This "Have a Plan" played out in a variety of speeches. There was the sports version, the Friday night version, the college version, the employment version, the dating version, and life goals version. Today, I sit in an office 22 years later, and I am looking ahead so that I can "Have a Plan." This means I will know where I'm going, map out what needs to get done, and keep my priorities aligned correctly. In life, I'd say this Have a Plan is a great way to stay motivated and set yourself up for success. So, as I finish this up, I will fling my chair around and put my head into a calendar and map out my 2012 to some degree. Not in so much detail that it would make one go crazy, but I'm getting a plan together to accomplish great things. Friend, make sure you HAVE A PLAN!

All Systems Check

2011-08-31T20:24:00.001-07:00

Every once in a while it is great to review the systems you have in your life. It is always good to get a fresh perspective on what the follow through will be in the way you respond to things in life. Recently my friend, Jim, challenged me to review my work systems. This led me to also review my systems that surround all things out side of work. Family time, kid time, how I pay bills, save money, and keep up my house. I realized I have so many systems, but they are all necessary. So, what are ways systems that you could look at going into the Fall. This is a great time to get new systems started. I recently changed the way I organize my task list. It has worked superb to this point. I have synced my iphone, my ipad,and my work computer, to all carry the same info on it. So, I can be synced no matter where i am. i suggest you think about the systems in your life and how you can push yourself to become better. I am not perfect by any means, and I have some systems I am working out. A crazy life can lead to some crazy miscues, and I want to make sure I am on my game. So, take a few minutes and review a few systems in your life: how you follow up with friends, pursue friends, organize your home, projects, and create a place for the ones you love. This life lesson will work in all aspects of your life-and I suggest you streamline as much as you can in the cray world we live in. You could be out of control before you know it...or maybe you are already there.

How Will They Remember You?

2011-08-31T20:11:00.001-07:00

Every once in a while, I will catch myself in a moment of regret. It normally plays out like this: One of my kids does something really lousy, not necessarily on purpose, but it creates a reaction from me. My initial reaction can be one that lasts no more than three seconds, but it leaves an impression. I'm trying to create an atmosphere where my kids will remember me for the fun-loving, playful dad that I can be, not the one who on occasion can lose my cool, at the hit of a sister, sass of a mouth, or a complete accident. As my kids get older, their memory of me will be chiseled into their minds for good. I want to make sure that is one that is a positive. Yes, discipline still has its place and they may dislike me for it at times. But, the quick tempered, short fuse, can be a detriment to my long term relationship with my kids.
How about you? What impression do you leave on those around you when the cookie crumbles, the sandcastle gets washed away, or life brings you a mess you didn't need or expect? I know it would be easier to punch something, yell, react, or even honk your horn. What I do know is that there are eyes on you, when you react with people around. Adults or kids, it doesn't matter. Self Control is a fruit of the Spirit, and I find myself daily asking God to give me it. I'm not going to make excuses of why I may react the way I do at times, but I will make an effort to try and live my life as an example to my kids.

Motivation SHMotivation

2011-08-04T15:25:00.000-07:00

Motivation drives a lot of people. If you need motivational quotes to keep you going through life, here are my thoughts for you:

Good luck with that!

New quotes will come from the most random of places.

You have 20 million+ places to find them in cyberspace.

You will waste a lot of time trying to stay motivated.

What keeps you motivated? Perhaps recognition if you succeed. Is it a coach(or boss) challenging you? Maybe an EPIC movie (there are only a few of these by the way) that causes the hero to motivate the hero within you, by crushing a line that rings everyday in the back of your mind? A fortune cookie saying? Perhaps, it is a driven, goal-oriented mindset that is just "you". Most people are motivated by something.

Motivation is defined as follows:
1. the act or an instance of motivating; 2. desire to do; interest or drive; 3. incentive or inducement; 4. psychol the process that arouses, sustains and regulates human and animal behaviour.

Every once in a while I find myself in a place where I need to be motivated. I, like many, love to have goals sitting in front of me, and like many work real well under pressure to attain the goals I set. Find what you need to motivate you to move you forward. The worst thing you can do is sit back and wait for some movie, person, thought, poster, or tragedy motivate you to make the most of your life. Motivation Shmotivation, do something today while you still have a body to do it, a voice to be heard, and a heartbeat that keeps you alive to drive you toward a dream, concept, opportunity, or challenge.

Staying Alive, Staying Young, & Challenging Myself!

2011-07-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

Recently I have grown out my facial hair. Not a full beard, but scruffy. Kind of like when I was a college kid and didn't shave because facial hair was new to me, and I hated shaving every morning. But lately I have seen some gray...NOOOOOOOOOOO! This week I turn 36 years old. This means that 1/2 a life ago I was graduating high school. So, at this point in my life, I have done quite a few things...I'm not at mid-life crisis mode yet, but I'm sure I'm a year closer now. I love challenges and so this year, I look to find something new to challenge me. Physically, I have done a few things like returned from a brain surgery, run a marathon, complete P90X and continue to work out regularly, and eat pretty organically. Spiritually-I have memorized scripture, read through the Bible every year, and am teaching my family how Jesus loves us. Mentally-I'm reading more, so that is a start. I've coached and am coaching. Socially-well I will hit 1,000 FB friends this year, most who I haven't seen or had a face to face conversation with in the last 5 years. (so that doesn't count-I think)

So, this is my goal this year...to find something to do that will challenge me in a person's HEALTH ZONES. I'm not sure what that is yet, but I guarantee you-I'm always up for a challenge.

Maybe I will conquer all my fears...climbing the Space Needle bare handed to conquer heights; wrestle a garter snake to get that one behind me; give blood more this year conquer my fear of needles (adding a tattoo is probably more fun)

All this to say..."36, you will not hold me back." 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 didn't even have a chance & neither will you.

JACKPOT leads to some marriage advice

2011-06-30T16:33:00.000-07:00

This weekend we celebrate 12 years of marriage. OMG, I know, we look so young. Life has been pretty crazy the past 12 years. 4 moves, 3 kids, 2 jobs, 1 brain surgery, and life together is just starting to rock. I married way out of my league and every one knows it. Heck, I was just glad she said yes, because she played hard to get and just to date her was a challenge. I remember when I first was attracted to Jenelle, there was something different about her. I am 3 years her elder and although we were in the same church, same youth ministry, we were in completely different worlds. Once our world's collided after college, I finally realized, she was pretty cute, grounded, and a go-getter. She had the call of God on her life and that was one of the things that attracted me to her. That and she is FINE! (not only using vocab from my high school days, but also scoring some major points) For the record, I really don't need them-I score them all the time. I know that in the game of life, I have hit the JACKPOT, because I have someone like her to share life with. She is my biggest fan, and also my honest helpmate. I love her honesty- she tells me when I'm hot and when I'm not. She compliments me by being the detailed chick in the house. My big ideas are often brought to fruition or reality because of her. She makes me better in so many ways too.
When we took our vows, we included that we would be with each other in sickness and in health, and little did she know 9 days after saying those vows, she would walk with me through a brain tumor discovery and then surgery to remove it. But she did. She is so strong as a woman of faith, and has been amazing to see her even grow so much in our 12 years together. As far as MOM goes to our kids, she is a Rock Star. Juggling a career, wife, homemaker, mentor, and then add a full scale pastor's wife who is super involved, makes the case for SUPERWIFE. But balance is the reason we have made it. Looking back there are some thoughts for you based on how we have kept our marriage strong. For all you looking for love, here ya go:

Be Flexible with each other.

Say, "I Love you" a lot.

Be the first to admit you are wrong, if you are.

Be spontaneous and have some fun.

Unplug from everything electronic occasionally.

Set goals & dream together.

Make date nights)without the kids) a priority in your week. (at least bi-weekly)

Treat your spouse as if the whole world was watching you.

Open the door for her, gentlemen.

Impress and win her like you had to when you were dating.

Pray together.

Put together a family plan that will help you concentrate on the areas of your marriage you want and need too.

Put amazing couples around you that you can lean on when things get tough, and laugh with when things are going great.

Well, this works for now. We ask ourselves all the time, "can you believe we got married?" 20 years ago, no one would have ever thought that, but hey a lot can happen in 20, and also 12.

NEVER GIVE UP

2011-05-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

There have been a few times in life when I wanted to give up. I remember the time my high school basketball team was down by 20, and our coach pulled the guys who were screwing around on the court-because they had given up. I've always had the never give up mentality. I mean really, if I would have taken my last girlfriend's first response when I asked her out, I would not have the wife I have today. I didn't give up, and eventually she said yes. In life you can become discouraged for whatever reason. Life happens and so does encouragement. In Hebrews 10:32 this is a verse written to Christ followers who were discouraged, and by this they were ready to throw in their faith. They had been waiting a long time for God to reveal Himself. This verse in Hebrews uses the word "illuminated". It is a Gk word photidzo, meaning lighten up, or to shine, to illuminate, to make visible, to radiate. Have you ever seen a brilliant light that left an impression, this is that thought here. Like a photograph, these followers were to hold time and remember when they first heard God's Word and were illuminated. When God reveals truth to you, or the Holy Spirit shows you something powerful, it is the idea that it is a permanent impression.
If you are at a place and you feel you are going to give up, remember that time when you were first illuminated by God's Word. Look for the rewind button in your life right now, remember the power of God, the joy, the experiences you have had with the Lord. Let Him be an illumination of light during your darkest time. Then put that illumination into action so you will not forget what God has done in your life, so that others may see it through you. When you go back and rehearse these in your mind, it is a great way to encourage you, to stir you, and to give you power through your struggle. Don't let the enemy get a foothold of discouragement in your life. Let your light shine brilliantly even in the days when you feel like the lights are dimming.
Declare it right now! Never give up!

Surprise!

2011-04-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

So, as I reflect on this past week, I am still in awe of what we celebrate every Easter. For the Christian faith, it is the ESSENTIAL and most important part of the story. Jesus is alive! This is not some renaissance, cool idea, but it is all about this thought here: God's power went ballistic in the tomb, reconnecting Jesus' body with the Holy Spirit, taking His corpse and put life back into it. If there is a time to use the word EPIC- this would be your cue! (Insert here) As you read through the gospels you will see different accounts. When put in order chronologically it makes complete sense. The guards sealed the tomb per Pilate's request. The women proceeded to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. As you read this passage, an earthquake takes place. This earthquake was simultaneous to the resurrection. It did not happen as the women came upon the tomb. The word used to describe the earthquake in the Gk is idou. It carries the same connotation of our use of "wow, amazing, & wonder." Matthew writes this years after the event, yet is still throwing this word in because of the impact and experience he still remembers.
As the women enter the tomb, they are perplexed. As if they lost their way is how the wording is interpreted.
This is the point, when you have an encounter with the living God, Jesus, you may have a hard time understanding what happened, because God works in the supernatural, not the natural. You may even babble or have a hard time communicating like the women did upon finding the tomb empty. Bu God, through His Holy Spirit, speaks through us when we tell people of this Jesus. So, don't lose heart, and don't think you are speaking gibberish-When God gives you the opportunity to tell someone of Jesus-the words coming out of your mouth will be clear and precise, so that more can hear about this great story of Resurrection.
Jesus surprised a lot of people by raising from the dead, even though He gave them every indication He would. So what is Jesus telling you, that you may be missing.

Don't Stop Short

2011-04-07T15:02:00.000-07:00

I have been reading out of the book of Joshua recently. He is definitely one of my fave Bible characters. In Joshua 5 & 6 there is a great story that many of us have heard of. It is the FALL OF JERICHO. As I read this story for the millionth time-something really hit me this past time. First, I thought about that crazy feat: A wall built 50 ft tall & 6 ft thick and the Lord said to Joshua, "I will deliver Jericho into your hands." Think with me if you will about this. How would you feel if you are in Joshua's army and he communicates with God and told you to take it down. These are soldiers who have prepped for battle, and have the skills. But God tells Joshua to march around it. WHAT? No battering ram, flaming arrows, sword skills! Just marching feet and a few days to make it happen, but then the trumpet players in the marching band get some credit here too. I think the army was pretty upset about not using their training and fighting skills. But it got me thinking, what if they would have stopped short of the 7th time around, on the 7th day? They would have missed out on God's blessing and promise. How many times in our lives have we stopped short of something and missed out on God's blessing. Maybe it was not a march around Jericho, or maybe it wasn't a wall that seemed impenetrable, but I'm sure each of us have our Wall of Jericho that we have had to circle. Here is my thought-if God has given you a Jericho, don't stop marching. The Lord gave Jericho into the hands of Joshua as promised-no premature war cries or victory dances. It was a simple message followed to the exact directions given to Joshua. After the march of a few circles each day, when Joshua gave the order to SHOUT on the 7th day, the wall collapsed. SAY WHAT? Don't stop marching, God has something for you and if He has revealed what that may be and the orders to go forward are there-then by all means march and don't stop short. For the full story check out Joshua 5:13-6.

Take Courage! Some thoughts...

2011-03-31T09:31:00.000-07:00

A month ago, I was able to hang in So Cal at a leadership conference. While I was there I was able to be challenged in many different aspects of COURAGE! So here area few quotes that were inspiring to me throughout the CATALYST Conference: • Scot McKnight (Professor, Author) o Dreams- give us hope, are connected to ministries, and connected to leadership. o Current enemies in Christian culture are: Muslims, homosexuals, homeless, differing political views…they are enemies because they are never in our homes. Jesus invited cultural enemies into eat with Him. Why don’t we? • Mark Batterson (Church Planter, Author) o There are ways to do church that no one has thought of yet. o “Favor of God is what God does for you that you can’t do for yourself.” o Ways to amp up your prayer life-pray the Bible. o Using the passage out of Joshua: Prayer is practical-and has no shortcuts. o We need 20/20 Vision- a 2020 vision for our church. o A Vision beyond our resources. If we can’t have a big vision that God can meet, well then…we should questions a lot of things about ourselves. • John Acuff (Blogger, Comedian, Author, Speaker) o We live in the “I AM, BUT GENERATION” (professionally)- this is the generation who says they are/do ________, but really want to be or hope to be/do ________. o In 2011, 84% of people wanted to look for a new job. (recent poll Manpower survey, as reported on CNN, HuffPo) o We have to close the gap between our job and our dream job. o We have to figure out what our dream is! Jud Wilhite & Mike Foster (People of the Second Chance) o Grace is Christians killer App. o We have to overthrow judgment & liberate love o Grace will draw people to your church. o We line up our value and worth based on how culture is. o Our entertainment is other’s failure (Charlie Sheen) o Grace is not just about forgiveness, it is about life. DAVID PLATT  When you know God truly, you love God deeply.  4.5 Billion don’t know Christ.  Spiritual needs and physical needs  We don’t have times to play games.  Followers of Christ-Jesus almost tries and talk them out of it.  “I’m trying to talk you out of following Jesus.”  More crowds, John 6, Luke 14, Leave your mom & dad  Pick up your Cross(a instrument for torture, death, humiliation)  Jesus is enough.  Come to Jesus to get Jesus.  The Word of God & the Holy Spirit is accomplishing the mission of the church.  It is fine without all the resources. Andy Stanley • A single act of courage is a tipping point to change something. • All great stories of the Bible starts with an act of courage: Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Joseph, Jacob, David, Gideon, Shadrach/Meshach/ Abednego • Stories of the Bible are so big and dramatic-ours probably won’t be. Dave Ramsey • Enduring organizations have core principles that guide daily decisions. • 5 MATTERS o People Matter o Incredible Teams & Culture Matters o Slow & Steady Matters o Financial Principles Matters o A Higher Calling Matters John Perkins-Interview o “Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it is to face head on that which fears you.” o Interview about his role in the Civil Rights era and his efforts to bridge reconciliation and development with Christian principles and community efforts. Rev Run • Be Open, God will use opportunities to expand you. • I don’t just believe in miracles, I depend on them. • Give God the Glory! • Do your best, forget the rest. Christine Caine • We can’t avoid risk if we tried. • Brisk living is a risk. • Life is risky! • Death is a real statistic- 1 out of 1 die. • God called us to a risky life, not a predictable, safe life. NANCY ORTBERG • How would your organization look if you had courage? • Don’t allow the celebrity culture into your church. • Omni-competent- we are not. • Conflict- great leaders don’t avoid it! • Be Courageous, not a Jerk. JACK DORSEY • Only the courageous will solve problems that have yet to be addressed. • It’s not lucky, it’s a point in which something you see a need, and do something. MATT CHANDLER • Living out the gospel demands a courageous lifestyle. • Weapon 1-Blood of Christ- Ephesians 2:13 • Weapon 2- Word of God- @ Timothy 3:16-17 • Weapon 3- Promises of Covenant- Heb 9:14 • You cannot control anything, but you can POINT TO THE KING. Britt Merrick • Intimacy with God creates pure courage. • Mark 3:13-15- they climbed together. • Be with HIM! • We have functionally left our first love. • Christ is on Mission Randall Wallace  What may move me, will move others.  Real story behind Braveheart scene- they all wanted to fight and respond-but director had to re-take a few times.  Our gifts from God are used to connect us to others.

Flavor of the Month- Charlie Sheen

2011-03-09T09:20:00.000-08:00

It seems we are always caught up in some new flavor of the month. This is normally something that comes and goes or entertains us for a certain time frame. I have found that these cycles seem to spin in 3s. This is what I mean: most entertainers or forms of entertainment come in cycles of 3 months or 3 years. Think about it- with the exception of a group like U2, most careers of musical entertainers keep them in the spotlight for about 3 years. Look at athletes(especially NFL players) they normally give you 3 amazing years and then they are no longer the player they were toted to be, or given killer contracts and their drive to be amazing beseeches them. Products, songs, TV shows, jobs, the list goes on and on.
Right now we are on the flavor of the month in an entertainer who is pretty much gone crazy. 3 months from now, he will either be dead, or explaining the melt down to us on Oprah or a Barbara Walters show. He has been around awhile-no doubt about that. Ferris Bueller's Day Off and the flash of epic 80s movies with Sheen in them are still classics. By definition, Charlie Sheen needs help. However, the media is milking every interview out of him to get ratings-because let's be honest, the dude is living in a bizarro world right now. This Hollywood bad-boy is definitely hooking us up with some great tag lines. But the sad part is we have likened him to the flavor of the month.
It got me thinking, what if we spent as much time as we do hanging on every word Sheen rolls off his tongue, as we do in God's Word-we might have made an impact in the world-as opposed to watching it dissipate right before us. So, think about the Flavor of the Month for you-and see if you can replace it with something true and time tested-The Word of God. Trust me, it is a story with both losing & winning, and there is even some lion-blood in there, which triumphs tiger-blood. (if you can't connect the last sentence with Sheen-this blog post may not make sense to you.) Have a great day!

ALL-STAR Mentality

2011-02-21T12:02:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while you will see someone who has the swagger of an all star. I observed the NBA all star game yesterday with my son. He, only 9, spoke of dreams of playing in that game someday. As I listened to his dreams, I helped point out good defense, bad defense-which in that game comes often, great shot selections, and bad ones. I also observed the mentality of the players involved. Each player out there knew why they were there. They are the best. They are the one's who have the ball in their hands when the game is on the line. The question that comes to mind, is are you that type of person? Not necessarily in sports terms, but in life terms. Are you walking through life with ALL-STAR swagger? Some of you recognize that God is in your life, and that you are a child of God. If that is the case, you should walk with a different mentaility, a swagger if you will. Not the swagger of cockiness, but with the swagger of confidence-that God is for you, and with you. I'm naturally confident in most things I do. It comes with personality and leadership, but most importantly it comes because of faith. I know I am not invincible, but I also know that God has placed me at this time, in this position of leadership, to be confident in Him to those who I come in contact with in my family, my profession, my city, and all people my path intersects.
If we walked in Christ and had the All-Star mentality that we are God's creation, His children, and we are walking through life just as God planned for us-would we not want to walk with the confidence of Christ? Christ has positioned you right now for today. So, have the all-star mentality, because if you follow Christ, He will want you to step up and have the confidence to close out the game strong. The question is are you ready for the big time? If you are good enough to make it in the NBA, you better believe that they are ready to step up when the game is on the line. The same should be true for us in our efforts for Christ. I tell my son, shooters keep shooting-even if they miss a few. Christ followers keep following, even if a few things don't go out the way they may have hoped for. They still trust in God.

LEADERSHIP Lessons Learned from Ball Hogs

2011-02-03T14:15:00.000-08:00

I am 35 years old and I have been playing on organized teams since I was 6. I remember most teams really well, especially from 5th grade on. I played on some great teams over that 29 year span-some only lost as many as 1 game a season, other times we lost more than we won. On each team there were teammates/players that were looked upon as great team players, and on every team there were BALL HOGS. I have been friends with every teammate I ever had, on every team I have ever played-yes, even the ball hogs. Some are still great friends today. This is not just limited to sports-this spans teams I've been on from classes, councils, projects, community & church related teams, and all team environments I've found myself on over the past 29 years. I will admit right off the bat, on some of those teams- I WAS THE BALL HOG. You can learn a lot about leadership from a BALL HOG.
Here are some characteristics and observations of BALL HOGS (below you will find how you can learn from them):

BALL HOGS are the teammates that feel like they have to make every play, decision-bad or good, call the shots (even if a coach is in play).
Simply put-playing with ball hogs is not real fun.
Most ball hogs are despised by some portion of the team.
BALL HOGS sometimes carry a persona that they are the best one on the team-sometimes when they make the assumption, more often than not(at least my experiences)they make it with an ego trip attached.
BALL HOGS are territorial, & want the ball in their hands all the time.
When new teammates come to the team, they are normally threatened-this is out of fear of not being the MAN(or WOMAN)-85% of the time.
BALL HOGS also scoff at the idea that someone else could or may challenge them for ideas, talent, ability, and betterment of the team.
Some BALL HOGS are unaware they are actually BALL HOGS.
BALL HOGS can limit the growth of others.
BALL HOGS are selfish, and lack team mentality.
Under pressure BALL HOGS can lose control and get sloppy.
No one likes a ball hog!

LEADERSHIP LESSONS LEARNED:

Getting team involves is way more fun and even more special if the team is victorious!
Sometimes fresh teammates will push the team to new heights.
Ball Hogs can learn how to play team ball from teammates.
The best teammates are the ones who know when another teammate needs an opportunity to get in the game.
If a BALL HOG ever challenges a coach publicly or privately, the coach should remove them from the team, or find a place where they can learn to play with others-which is normally back on the playground.
BALL HOGS need leadership fed into them as much as the rest of us do!
BALL HOGS need to remember there will always be younger, fresher, and different ideas/thoughts/people, and game plans that will shift paradigms.
When the ball is someone else's hand it is important to be an encouragement.
When the game/decision/plan is all on the line, the team approach is better than the "I" or "ME" approach.
TEAMS when games, not BALL HOGS- even the greatest team champions had help-just ask MJ.

So, look at the teams you are currently on. Can you identify the BALL HOGS? Maybe they can identify you. This is for sure-ball hog or not-teams have a better chance of winning or succeeding than a single all star who takes on everything.

Here is the ACTION PLAN for you: Look at the teams you are on. Do you need to step up, pass, take a shot, bring in a sub to give you a rest, tell the coach you need to learn, or ask for a trade from the current team you are on?

Take it from a former BALL HOG- what ever you need to do-there is always teams looking for help, and there are always a short supply of great help needed.

The most important thing you can take away from BALL HOGS- they want to be in the game, and they want the ball in their hands. So should YOU!

A Forgotten Word...That Should Not Be!

2011-01-26T10:09:00.001-08:00

There have been some great words that I have tried to bring back over the years. In high school I tried to bring back the word 'bitchin', as it was used in the 60s. In college I tried to run words together like 'fantastic' and 'fabulous' to create fantabulous; although I am pretty sure I'm not the first to try those words together. I've tried to use words to expand my everyday vocabulary with new words, some stick some don't. Some words I used as a 12 year old kid-still roll of my tonugue like "rad", because the word is...well, it speaks for itself. I've even tried to create new words even-yep, not an English major. Every once in a while, I will hear a word; it will be sparked as I read, that I have not used in a sentence for a long time. That was the case today!
I'm reading through the prayers of the Bible and today I came across a prayer that caused me to think about a word I haven't heard in a while, except to describe a comic book. This word was drawn from an interchange between the prophet Isaiah and Hezekiah. II Kings 20:1-6, tells us the story of Hezekiah and him getting ready to die. It is as follows: In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, “Remember, LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
Isaiah is on his way from delivering the message when, he is stopped in his tracks by God, and told to return to Hezekiah and tell him his life will be granted 15 more years. God says, tell him "I have heard your prayers, seen your tears, and will heal you!"
The word that comes to me today to live by and think about is: MARVEL

When was the last time you experienced something that causes amazement, awe or admiration? When was the last time you stopped to MARVEL at something?

If God is working in your life, then you can stop and MARVEL!
If you have been set free, you can MARVEL!
If you need a healing, you can believe God for a miracle and MARVEL when it happens!
If you need hope, MARVEL at God's grace!
If you need provision, Marvel that God provides for you!
When you fear, and that fear is taking away...MARVEL!
Walk faithfully in God and see the work that GOD will do in your life.

Don;t look back, look ahead and be ready to MARVEL at what God can and will do.

LESSONS IN MEETING ETIQUETTE

2011-01-12T10:13:00.000-08:00

In college, I took a Marketing class that gave me the tools that I needed to be meeting ready. No matter what profession or family you are a part of- meetings happen! Most everyone sits in meetings-some daily, weekly, or monthly. Over the years one of my biggest pet peeves has been people's actions, demeanor, posture, or reactions in meetings. Most of these people didn't have a professor, professional, or coach give it to them straight up about how to conduct them self. This blog post today is to set some ground rules that people should think about before setting foot into a meeting room of any kind. I have observed some very interesting meetings in my professional career. I have seen people doze off, I have seen people storm out of a room, and I have been tempted to even call people out, but have refrained because I learned a few things I think I can pass on. Here are some thoughts on MEETING ETIQUETTE:

* Show up before the meeting starts. If you were interviewing for a job, you wouldn't be late. If you are invited to a meeting(whether daily or monthly) show up on time. Showing up late, gives the impression you don't care. If you are going to be late-make sure the chair of the meeting knows.

* If you are going to yawn in a meeting, you better do everything you can to hide that yawn. I understand people can be tired, and some meetings can put people to sleep. But if you yawn, at least cover your mouth. If you were to sneeze phlegm into the air, you'd be embarrassed, you should be too, if you yawn without covering it up too.

* MUTE YOUR PHONE! Cell phones should be turned off or muted. Nothing says RUDE like interrupting a meeting to answer your cell and leaving the room while covering the mouthpiece whispering "hello!?" ***Phones are fine if you are A.) Waiting for your wife to deliver a baby B.) You have someone on their death bed C.) You are using phones to gather info pertinent to the meeting. D.) You work for a wireless company.

* COMPUTERS. I have sat in meetings where guys have their Macs open and pretend they are taking notes on the meeting or looking up info that may be needed. As soon as the focus is redirected, they start writing blogs, checking e-mail, looking for lunch spots, and playing games. These are the times when I want to slam the screen down and call them out; but I refrain so I don't make myself look like an idiot. Because, everyone in the room who knows these people are doing it-already know that the idiot in the room is the one trying to multi-task at the wrong time.

* If you can't come into a meeting with passion, excitement, ideas-then don't show up to the meeting.

* If you are leading the meeting, have an idea where you are going with it. If you aren't prepared for the meeting you are leading-cancel it! Don't waste other people's time with lack of direction.

* If you are in a meeting that seems to be irrelevant or you feel you it is wasting your time, you have options. Fake it until you make it through!; Leave; Encourage the chair to get people back on track; Call to table a discussion tom move the meeting along.

* If a disagreement comes up, it is the chairs responsibility to make sure it remains healthy and move on or remove people if it turns personal. No one likes the punk in the room and it can be distracting for the remainder of the meeting.

* 3 Under 30. Depending on the culture, size, and type of meeting you are in; it is relevant to have at least 3 people under 30 in your meeting. This is necessary when these meetings revolve around planning, future dreams, direction of organization, and projects. Under 30 are not tied to tradition, the past, and often times offer a fresh perspective.

* If you disagree with statements or conclusions, you can do two things: Keep your mouth shut, or make it known in a polite manner that you disagree. If you do, you may want to have some options to offer. Determine if it is a make or break decision, before you decide to open your mouth.

* Stand up to meet someone, make eye contact with people in the room while you are talking, offer a firm handshake to someone new in a regular meeting, know who the more important person in the meeting is.

* Arrive at a decision and assign actions where needed. Put time expectations on actions.

* Keep the meeting focused and on track.

* Make sure the meeting environment is one that will stem discussion, creativity, and interaction. Change it up a little to make it not so mundane if you meet regularly in the same space.

* If it is routine info you need to communicate-don't waste meeting time to communicate it! Rather send it out via the use of technology.

* Thank the chairperson. It is often a small gesture, but it is also a sign of respect.

For now, this will do. Hopefully it will give you some insight as you step into your next meeting. Meetings come in all shapes and sizes, just be ready!

The Discipline of Laziness

2011-01-03T12:43:00.000-08:00

There are way too many lazy people that I encounter. Yes, first blog this year and the opening sentence is a bold one. I was brought up in a household that defined work ethic and also taught it. Me lazy? Only on the weeks allotted for laziness in my yearly calendar, I believe the name for that is VACATION. This past week, yes I admit, I was a little lazy. I took in a few movies, stopped working out, ate a lot of junk food, and disengaged from the normal routine of people contacts, e-mails, and phone calls. As my son put it this week, after I told him playing video games for 4 hours a day isn't healthy, "Dad, I'm on vacation." Even he understands the need for a break, on occasion, but not everyday! The opening statement is because I have observed a lot of people who get lazy on the job. Yes, calling out people with jobs, not the one's without them(at least in this particular blog). People without jobs who are lazy...well, different day, different blog.
I have seen a routine start to form among those with many different titles, that people get either comfortable, in "their groove", or even to a place without accountability, and the result is to slack off. I was in a conversation the other day, about the visualization of those who fall into the category of lazy. It centered around the practices in our life that have gotten sloppy: the way people dress, keep or rather don't keep their home, the hours they spend unproductive in front of a television or computer, personal practices, and even those who have 'koosh jobs' yet are rather not really moving in any one direction. Of course, some other factors may play into why people may seem a little lazy; but I'm not about to bail some people out on excuses. So, here are my 10 thoughts on how to overcome the discipline of what has become laziness in the lives of so many people:
1. Find balance in your life. Family, Work, Health, Friends, Finances, Faith, etc...
2. Put together a LifePlan-that pushes you toward inspiration.
3. Set goals for yourself.
4. Get out of the regular weekly routine-even if that means taking a different route to work.
5. Make new friends.
6. Keep fresh projects in front of you, with realistic time lines.
7. Find a new hobby or learn a new skill.
8. Celebrate victories in your life-by yourself and more importantly with others.
9. Find a place(cause, ministry, organization) to serve at regularly.
10. Put into play the practice of systematic renewal in the 4 Health Zones: Spiritual, Emotional, Physical, and Relational.

To break the discipline of LAZINESS, you have to do something. So start now! Make a list of the things you can do this day, this week, this month, this year, that will keep you from falling into the trap of the discipline we have become so accustomed too, called-Laziness.

Wilson Family- Year in Review

2010-12-20T13:35:00.000-08:00

Every year we like to take a couple of minutes to rewind to see how incredible our year was. It is a nice break before we fast forward and look to the future and planning of this year. This past year was definitely a growing and stretching year for us all. In February our lead pastors left to begin another ministry position in California. This made for an interesting year as we saw over half of our church staff leave & disappear into other ministry opportunities. At the same time, we saw this as an exciting time in the life of our church. It became a growing and stretching time for us, as a family, and church family. As I write this blog, just 18 hours ago our church membership voted in at 100% our new lead pastors. We are excited to work with this new couple and their family, and see many great days ahead for our team & church.
Here is an update on our fam:
Audrey, 3-in a few days, has continued to make us all laugh with her silly comments and expressions. She has become quite the little chick, and enjoys playing with her dolls, watching her shows, playing with her friends, and dancing. She has many friends and even has a few beau's she refers to as "my-Scott" & "my-Ben". Already a heart breaker! She also acts as our alarm clock, as she arrives bright and early everyday to tell us its time to get up. Audrey is learning to keep up with her brother and sister and even puts them in their place at times. Audrey has been most excited this year about her new bunk beds and the fact that she wears big girl panties now. We said so-long to diapers and gave ourselves a raise-temporarily, until she starts asking for designer jeans and shoes. She loves to play on her iPhone, which really is an old phone that we had back in the day.
Ella, 6, is in Kindergarten this year and doing amazing. Her sweet spirit and genuine heart is contagious. She enjoyed gymnastics this past year and was selected to participate on "Team". This was a select group of young girls who would participate in competition. We are so proud of her. This year she also started swimming and her coach told us that she would be a great diver with her flexibility and gymnastics background. She enjoyed swimming so much, she decided to make that her sport and pursue diving in the years to come. Ella is instant fun and her smile and sweet spirit continues to make the boys blush. Ella enjoys playing with friends. As a matter of fact, outside of school and the neighborhood, all of Ella's friends are 2-3 years older than her. She is 6 going on 16 sometimes. She is a cute chick with an edge for fashion. She is also very artistic, which she obviously gets from her father.
Luke, 8, is in 3rd grade. He continues to excel in school and loves reading. Recently, he picked up a leadership book his dad was reading, and started in on it. He enjoys a challenge and his perfectionist ways keeps him driving hard to make sure all is good. He is a people person extraordinaire. Sometimes we have to tell him to stop talking to give other people a chance to talk-he gets that from his dad, at least that is what we've been told. This summer he decided to raise $1,000 for missions. He is on his way to completing that goal in the months ahead, by working hard earning commissions. The monies will go to help kids in Africa get Bibles & to help provide kids involved in sexual slavery in India, a safe place. This all came about after he felt God tell him to raise that much. Luke is our resident soccer and basketball star. This year Luke cruised to another fantastic year of basketball, and is already practicing for his new league which starts in a few weeks. His soccer season ended with him dominating on the goal count and helping his team to a strong finish. He spends his days playing football and basketball outside, rain or shine, with the neighborhood boys. He continues to grow and is already wearing a shoe bigger than Jenelle's.
Jenelle continues to go at lighting speed, tackling anything thrown in front of her. She is very involved in ministry at ECC. This year she sang on the worship team and has become a key leader in the Women's ministries. Jenelle taught on the women's teaching team and will continue to do that in the year to come. Jenelle also continued to grow her business, Wilson Bookkeeping Services. She maxed out her clientele load, and has helped numerous companies keep their books straight and in line. She also maintains a full schedule of transporting kids and keeping a clean house. How she does it? No one knows-it is one of those super power or supernatural type of things. She is amazing.
Phil continues to thrive in his role as Community Life & Connections Pastor. This year was a great growth year for him in many ways. Opportunities to lead and expand his skill set beyond leadership and speaking, presented themselves many times over. In transition of pastoral leadership, Phil became the glue for those who were involved in the church. With a smile on his face and a pretty positive outlook on life, he continues to encounter, engage, encourage, and equip people and teams. He continues to run and play basketball. His favorite things to do is spend time with Jenelle and play with the kids.
This year we had some great times as a family and with friends. We were able to travel to Hawaii this last Spring, which was long overdue and much needed. We also took a vacation with some of our closest friends as we headed to California to spend time with them roaming San Diego and So. Cal.
We wrapped up the year with a new addition, in the form of a dog. His name is Tucker, he is a Bishon/Pekingese mix, and was a rescue from a shelter. He is already trained and acclimated to a house full of three little munchkins who love him.
As we wrap up this year, it was quite crazy at time, but we always rest assured that God is good...all the time! We hope that this coming year will bring many opportunities and stretching experiences for you-as we have found in these times, we rely on God, family, friends, and each other more than when things seem to be operating normal.
As we wrap this up, be intentional about having a great 2011, because you only have 2011 to make 2011 awesome.

Reaction vs Response

2010-11-29T09:20:00.000-08:00

Reactions can be costly. They have lost games, they have gotten people fired, they have hurt people, reactions have even stateed wars. Responses can ease a situation and turn something that could have been dangerous into something good. My reactions sometimes get the best of me, and I end up trying to go back and clean up the mess I created. My reponses, normally help smooth over a situation and for the most part keep me level-headed. Recently I have been watching my reactions play out. Whether it is a news story, a debate, a credit card company trying to hose me, an opinion I don't agree with, or my kids acting out-it can be easy to react. I notice a lot of people who react through social media these days because it is easy to hide behind an avatar or a online screen name. Here is the deal, we need to take moments that come in conflict, a need to speak up, or even a need to grwo from an expereince-and we need to make these moments teachable. I can react all day long, and seomtimes it has got me in trouble; other times it has put me in a position to have to issue an apology. As I grow older, I am am aware of when I need to respond versus react. This week was a little crazy in our household-we had a vacation with lots of family under one roof, my kids had bed time battles, I ran into a tree with my car(sliding on ice), and life happened. IN these times of craziness-and my life has plenty of them-I get to decide whether I respond or react. Sometimes I pick wrong, and end up wishing I didn't-so here is to a day when I say-let's respond not react to the things that come our way. Your life will be better for it, your day will be better for it, and those in your life whether family, friend, co-worker, or whomever-will appreciate you for it.

IMAGINE THAT!

2010-11-18T22:38:00.000-08:00

Some of the best imaginations in the world belong to people who are under the age of 10. I have a great time listening to my kids and their friends talk about things I would never even think of. I love the creative element that each of us have been given, but sometimes I am taken back to my childhood. I think about my imagination of where I would be. I was going to be the next Steve Largent (yeah look him up in the NFL Hall of Fame). I also was going to be the next Mario Andretti. However, somewhere my imagination of things got sidetracked. Maybe in junior high when I started caring about what people thought and even worried about what their response would be to certain imaginative things. I still have an imagination and the way I filter it is different. I have had people dash my dreams if certain things because they said I wasn't too good, or maybe they said nothing at all. Here is the deal, if you imagine something and are passionate about creating and making it happen. I say GO FOR IT! You never know where it may lead. I'm thinking of re-trying some things I haven't done in quite a while. Cooking, Painting, Creating a Brand, and a few other things to imagine. Imagine what would happen if I actually put to practice the imagination God gave me. I think I would succeed especially if God gave me the ability to do so. Imagine that-me using my imagination. Maybe you should Imagine what God could do with your imagination. Imagine that!

Emotional Health-It's a MUST!

2010-11-08T11:38:00.000-08:00

Recently I have realized that I have become emotionally unhealthy. I was trying to figure out why I could speak to the topic, yet feeling like I was emotionally drained. A few nights ago I realized as I tossed and turned that I was having problems sleeping. This was effecting every aspect of my life: eating, exercise, family, reaction, motivation, temper, and so on. Over a week ago, my wife said it seemed like i was gasping for air while I slept. So, reading up on a bunch of different sleeping issues, I have decided to get myself checked for sleep apnea. I seem to have the symptoms of a candidate. Here is the deal, knowing that I need to be emotionally healthy for the sake of my relationship with God, wife, kids, family, and friends, I have scheduled the course of action to take. I want to be emotionally healthy so I can live out a healthy lifestyle. When people become emotionally unhealthy, it causes train wrecks in many different areas of their life. I have coached people through these, and I am now finding myself in the position to get some much needed help, so I can be mentally sharp, emotionally sound, and a fun person to be around. I realized when I don;t get sleep, I become a grouch, and no one like a grouch. So, are you emotionally healthy? There are some tests to take out there and although sleep apnea may not be your result of unhealthiness, I would encourage you to find a solution to why you feel the way you do. I am looking forward to re controlling my life through actions, love, and words. To do that I had to come to the realization that I need to address my lack of sleep. This means doctors appts, so 3 are scheduled in the next week. I'm excited to get back in the flow of life with good sleep, then those around me will see that I am back to the fun, out-going, creative, and happy guy that I am. I am intentional about living and this means intentional about getting back to health.

I am not but I know I AM

2010-11-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

Living in the iculture that seems to be ruinning rampant these day, it is a nice reminder every once in a while to realize I am not. This past week I was reminded as I studied and read up on the various I AM statements that Jesus speaks in passages of the Bible. This week my focus, along with our churches, was I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD. Here are some thoughts from my messsage based on John 10:11-18:
John 10:10 is the result of the gospel, but the essence of the gospel is found in the next verse!
The Good Shepherd tenaciously cares for His flock because He is not a hireling. He is THE SON!
It is common SONship with God that will draw us together.
In laying His life down, He became the DOOR. In Rising Again, Jesus becomes the Good Shepherd.
The Shepherd became a lamb, that the sheep might know the Shepherd.
A great portion of this passage is tied to our ultimate look at the Lord, ou Shepherd. This is found in Psalm 23 and is worth a read today.
Once again from this passage I'm reminded. I am not, but I know I AM.

Someone to Talk too

2010-10-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

The other day I saw that there was a certain celebrity that was able to talk a suicidal man down off a building, where the rapper celebrity happenened to be doing a radio interview. Pretty awesome to see someone talk a jumper down. The point I took away was this: We all need someone to talk too! Life happens and sometimes sucks. There are natural frustrations in life, and sometimes there are things that happen that we need people to be able to just listen to us vent and get the frustration out. Those who bottle it up sometimes make irrational decisions. Some people have no one to talk too. Some may be the person doing the listening. Either way, both roles are important and it is wise to have in these people in life. Some people come home from work having a bad day, maybe home life isn't any better, maybe a financial turn blows your plan, and maybe what you thought was right turned out wrong. The point is this, all of us need to be able to have a friend, or confidant you can talk too. I know I need those people in my life and I know I am that person for others. Instead of getting to the point of this man, last week who was ready to end it all, I thought-this guy had no one to turn too that would listen? He didn't have any options? I pray and hope that either I am that person for someone who is this desperate, or I pray that when I need to talk to someone-they will listen. I know who those people are in my life, the question is...DO YOU?

Stand Behind What You Say!

2010-10-11T09:38:00.001-07:00

This time of year brings out the "he said, she said" statements as political campaigns are in full force of smearing each other. I just mute or change the channel now, because I already know people are screwing up America. We have also moved to a place in our society where many public statements, and even private, have to be retracted, because someone was offended by a remark of another. So, this is what I have to say about that...if you can't say something you can stand behind, then shut your friggin' mouth. I'm tired of people having to apologize for statements they said because people had their feelings hurt. I realize people say stupid stuff, that is because we are human, and in case people have forgotten, we are not perfect. I also understand the new trend is too attack people who don't agree with you on certain political, religious, or even social issues. So, we have too many people apologizing for things said-to put a band aid on a minor scratch, and get people back on board of "like me again" campaign. This political correctness is leading us down a very slow and painful death as a country. It seems this is the season when attacks are vicious and every word is micro scoped til death of a candidate. Tis the season! I have said some things I regretted. I have said thing behind closed doors, and I have said things in front of groups of people, that made me feel like an idiot later-but hey, who hasn't ever felt like an idiot at least once in their life? If you have a solid belief or stance on something you should feel free to stand up and speak up and don't feel the need to apologize. The warning is be careful about what you say. A wise man once told me to think before I speak, and make sure that what comes out of my mouth is what I intended to come out. If I operate by these standards then I should not have to issue some statement apologizing for my error in judgment pertaining to my vocabulary or delivery of a statement. Words have hurt me, words have helped me, and words have been used to correct me-that my friends, is called life. James gives us a great warning revolving the use of the tongue: James 3:5-6 (NIV)
Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. [6] The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
So there you have it- James warns us, the tongue can be a dangerous weapon if used improperly, so if you are going to say something, think before you speak and then be able to stand behind what you say!

Who's Your Tour Guide?

2010-10-06T11:56:00.001-07:00

In my life I have had numerous tour guides. I have toured national landmarks, power plants, churches, radio stations, wineries, parks, production sets, and television studios to name a few. Even the Jungle Ride at Disneyland gave me a tour guide to make sure that I didn't get lost or eaten alive. Each tour guide offered me insight and wisdom. The question for you right now is, who is in your life guiding you? Guidance is something all of us need in our life on a regular basis. Guidance comes in wisdom and counsel of the wise. Those in your life that offer guidance can come in many shapes, sizes, and relationships. I know that I am in need of having wise people around me to help me understand things I have yet to grasp. I also realize I may be that person for someone else. As I was writing this blog I got a call from someone who needed guidance. I was able to give my professional opinion and encouraged them in finding faith and relationship with Jesus. I love some tour guides and others are hard to handle- I love the words of the tour guide in Proverbs, where we are encouraged to not get sidetracked and resist temptation in chapter 4. It goes on to say, "hold close to you instruction and dont let it go. The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble." I know I want to be wise, and follow the right tour guide. There are plenty of tour guides out there leading people to wrong decisions, time wasters, and boring tours. Make sure you have a great tour guide and if the opportunity presents itslef, make sure you are giving the right tour yourself-one that leads to great reward.

ARE YOU ENTHUSED?

2010-09-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

I love enthusiastic people to a degree. I mean I love the people who are genuinely enthusiastic, but then there are some people for whatever reason, and their enthusiasm drives me a little cuckoo for cocoa puffs. Enthusiasm is huge in inspiring others!!! (the exclamation points are to add to the enthusiastic way I wrote what my head was saying in that last statement) I have had friends, leaders, coaches, and even my kids-especially my kids-inspire me by their enthusiasm. Our enthusiasm will inspire others is not a new thought. But think about those in your life that seem to be down, the manner in which you carry yourself around them will either encourage them, or discourage them. I think back of the manner in which my teams I have played on have used enthusiasm to pump us up. Sometimes it was a coach, parent, teammate, cheerleader, or even a song. When you walk through life today, just know that your enthusiasm for life will inspire others. Whether that is a kid, a spouse, a friend, employee, co-worker, or boss, you will make a difference based on your enthusiasm. In scripture, Paul tells us that enthusiasm inspired people to action. I believe that to be true- so today live your life with ENTHUSIASM! Last year I saw it play out as I ran a marathon. The excitement of people cheering me on, spurred me to action to keep running, keep the faith that I would finish, and even overcome excruciating pain to complete the race. In life it is the same thing for those around us. Bring a smile to some one's demeanor today, by being enthusiastic. I know life can bring us unexpected challenges, and that can easily get us down. But don't let challenges get you down, go out with an attitude of enthusiasm to lift people's spirits, and make a difference in those you have influence with. So, I ask you a question: ARE YOU ENTHUSED? I said, ARE YOU ENTHUSED? If not, what will it take!

The Devil & the Zoo

2010-09-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

The zoo is a great place to go every once in a while. If you have kids, you probably make it to a zoo at least once a year. If you live in a city with a zoo, or region with a well known one-maybe more than that. Nothing like looking at a chimp with a 3 inch glass barrier in front of you, or see a hyena look at you and imagine that it is laughing at you, and you want to laugh at it. Being caged has got to be pretty bad...lame, let's be honest it probably sucks. For those who have spent time behind bars-I know you concur. In II Timothy 2:26 Paul is writing to Timothy, as Tim has a few people in his church that "were taken captive by the him (the devil) at his will." That phrase 'taken captive' is a Gk word zoogreo- which means to take an animal alive (notice the first few letters of that Gk word). Put an image in your mind of the hunters that are aggressively hunting down animals to place in zoos. Now imagine the devil, the hunter, hunting you-the prey- down, and putting you in a cage. That is what happens when we let the devil get a stronghold in our life. The word here is simple- people can simply let negative behaviors into their life-bitterness, resentment, strife, you name a sin and insert here _____, etc... and then the devil seizes that in this person's life and stokes it, and cages them in this ungodly behavior. The Bible tells us that the devil has schemes, and we must put on the Armor of God to protect us from these schemes. This message written by Paul to Timothy was to make sure those Christ following believers would not let their heart and head be taken captive to cause disruption to the local church leadership. The devil is all about putting a wedge between people. Don't let that wedge drive you to the point where you too are a part of the zoo exhibit. Dare not to be caged by the devil, and before you accuse someone of something-get the facts, think forgiveness, and find a friend who will be straight up with you. The zoo is a fun place to observe, but a terrible place to be locked up-the devil will do what he can to get you in the zoo. If you have something bothering you that needs to be said to someone-maybe a major issue-think about a conversation or perhaps, slow down get some perspective and really hash out what is bothering you-1 to 2 years from now it may not be a big deal. But, I say it again-don't get put in the zoo, because the devil had his way with you. The zoo, a great place for animals, but not you!

How to Make Someone's Day

2010-09-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

Last night I got a call from a buddy of mine. He literally made my day. This friend is unique on so many levels. He is one person I have allowed into my life that can 'shoot straight' and I will listen. My friend lives 120+ miles away and on occasion we will trade phone calls just to catch up. This friend of mine worked alongside me for years as a youth leader in one of my ministry assignments.
Based on his conversation with me, I want to explain ways you can make someone's day-TODAY. Here are ways I was reminded of yesterday by my friend:
1.) He called me out of the blue just to say hi and check in to see how I was doing.
2.) He had a word of encouragement that I needed to hear.
3.) He told me he was praying for me and that God put me on his mind-so he called.
4.) He thanked me for letting him be him, and said how much he appreciated my friendship.
5.) We talked life and laughed.

As I got off the phone I thought of how many times I fail to call a friend who I haven't see or heard from in a long time and just check in with the same ideas mentioned above. So, who has God put on your mind today? Which friend (one you see all the time, one you haven't seen for a while, one who you miss talking with) needs to be called? Pick up the phone and makes someones day.

Confidence- Come Get Some

2010-09-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Confidence is something that seems to exude from some people in the our culture. Whatever platform they have, whether small-the local junior high school scene, or large-a social cause or public setting, we can always find confident people. I love to observe people. Sometimes I see confidence on the outside and deep down I see many insecurities. Some of the people who should be most confident, are not for some reason or another. These people that I speak of are those who have confidence in Christ, yet they are not confident in who they are in Christ. Confidence can be defined as a deep sense of assurance, or belief and trust. I love Psalm 142 which speaks of the psalmist who finds confidence in the Lord. This passage of scripture is a great example as you walk through life know that God walks with you. For some of you, this may be something you recognize for others, God is there and if you cry out to Him and recognize God is with you-then God will make himself known to you. Today I find my confidence in Christ. When the world seems to be spiraling down hill, when leaders are not leading, when heroes disappoint, when you feel alone-be confident that God is with you and is your refuge. Today find confidence in Him. You can be confident in Christ-that is a promise we can live and build our life on. SO, I invite you...CONFIDENCE-get some!

Walk This Way

2010-09-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had the privilege to speak on a person, not too many people really know is in the Bible. He is only spoken of in 3 passages of scripture, most are drive by reads. However, this dude is listed in Hebrews 11, aka the Hall of Faith. In Genesis 5 you will find him in the genealogy of Seth, and we only know a few things about him based on scripture. The two big things that pop out to me which I focused on was that he "walked with God". In scripture, Noah is the only other that is accredited with that statement attached to his name. The other thing found in Hebrews 11, was that because of his faith, he pleased God. Sometimes we can easily read over names like Enoch, and not think much about the significance of these statements. Challenge yourself as you dig deep in God's Word to really grasp how you can become like Enoch-one who walked with God and pleased God. There is one other Enoch mentioned in the Bible, in Genesis 4-interestingly enough- all we know about him is he had a city named after him. (that city has yet to be dug up by archaeologists). This week make steps to be the 2nd Enoch mentioned in the Bible-as one who walked with God; not the 1st Enoch who had a city named after him and that is it. Enoch #2 walked with God...I want to walk this way!

Keep Your Head Up

2010-08-24T09:44:00.001-07:00

When life happens, it can be either rewarding or difficult. In this past week I have had a few close friends and family have situations that have arisen that have been unexpected and not fun. In these times of despair, it is important that we truly find a positive and rewarding place to focus. When we focus on things that are out of our control and dragging us down, we will soon follow the current just as a piece of debri being sucked down a drainage system. Psalm 121 encourages to keep our eyes to the hills. It poses the question- "where does our help come from?" It is a great response, and the answer is even better: "my help come from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." The Lord is watching and we can put our hope and trust in him. We have to LOOK-UP to God with hope and anticipation that He sees us, He hears us, and He will respond to us. Read Psalm 121 and be reminded of the type of God we serve. So, my friend who has a tumor, my friend who is looking for employment, my friend who has a family member in a coma, and my friend searching for truth...prayer this prayer today.

Thank you Father, that when I am having trouble in the climb you help me.
Thank you for your strong hand and loving lift.
Today, I will exchange my fears for faith.
I will keep my eyes on you.
I will move forward with confidence.
I will trust you.
Watch over my coming and going today.
In Jesus Name, Amen!

Keep Your Head UP! Looking into the heavens above and acknowledging God is a great place to focus.

Things that make you go BOOM!

2010-08-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at 2pm PST, there was a plane that invaded Air Force One's air space. This little puddle jumper of a plane was just minding it's own business, or should I say unaware that air space was restricted as it came into the Seattle, WA, area. What happened next was the brute power and swift response of our AIR FORCE, as it scrambled two F-18 fighter jets out of Portland to Seattle. Because of the emergency and unknown threat to the space where our President was, and the distance between the two cities- let's just say the jets hauled. They can travel up to 1800 mph. The two jets as they crossed Western WA let off SONIC BOOMS, yes two of them-one from each plane. I was told it shook our house and rattled the windows as if they were going to pop out. Yet, as it happened I sat in my office fully unaware that it had happened. I didn't hear it, feel it, or notice it. I guess my office could be the place to be in the event of a natural disaster(i'm just sayin') I was locked in my cave and missed it. It wasn't until I popped on Facebook a time later to find something happened, and upon checking the news I connected the dots. How could a sonic boom take place and me not realize it? As I thought about it, I thought sometimes God likes to get my attention, but I am so enthralled in what I am doing, I can easily miss out. That means He can be trying to communicate with me and I could be completely shut off from what he is trying to tell me. It made me think that sometimes I am unaware of what God may be saying, because I am not expecting anything. Fact is, I need to be more ready to listen and willing to be shocked and amazed by God. I know that at times God sends a SONIC BOOM my direction to shake my world, but if I don't position myself to hear, see, respond then I may miss it altogether. Have you heard any SONIC BOOMS from God lately? Maybe He is needing to get your attention and to get it, He has to go BIG!

THE ECC TAILGATER is COMING

2010-08-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

THE ECC ALL CHURCH TAILGATER
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2010
ECS BALLFIELD 4-7pm

This is a great connection point for the ECC community. This night is filled with those tailgating with great food off the back of their car's tailgates. We encourage those who want to join the party to sign up and get your friends and family hanging out with the community at ECC. This has been a great place to connect people in a casual and fun environment. We look forward to you hanging with us. Each Tailgate group is responsible for their own food and clean up. We will have on hand for the kids inflatables and activities to keep them having a blast, while the Small Groups lead the charge in tailgates-we are inviting anyone to be a part. Come enjoy Labor Day weekend and Tailgate with us.
Any questions contact us at the office 360.352.3410.

Life & Ministry Lessons- What are you reflecting?

2010-08-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

Occasionally I will pass a store front window, a mirror in a store, or glance at my rear view mirror. Normally when this happens it is followed with a posture change, an expression change, or a flex-let's me be honest-I'm a dude and flexing in a mirror is just something guys do-especially when no one is looking. The reason that these glances, passes, etc... bring an immediate change, is because I don't like what I see. I have found that sometimes I scowl when I drive and when I catch myself I wonder.... does the person at the stop sign next to me know I am actually a super happy, excited to be alive, and a personality plus type of guy? Based on my expression and reflection I see occasionally that answer is a fat no? So what about you-as you walk through each day at home, work, play....what are the reflections that people get by looking at you? I have found 2 Corinthians 3:18 to be a great verse to remind me of the way I want to be seen. The wording of this early part of the verse reads "But we all, with open face..." and in some versions, "unveiled faces". The Greek word which is anakalupto means to uncover, unveil, or to disclose. The tense in which it is used speaks not of a one-time unveiling, but rather a veil that once lifted, remains lifted forever. That unveiling in my life means I need to live each day as a reflection of Christ, who is active and alive in my life. When people look at me, what they see and what I hope to see is Christ. So, I pose the question to you- when people look at you, what do they see? What are you reflecting? If what they see is not what you hope they see, what steps do you need to take to unveil the 'you' that is reflected?

$1,000 Challenge laid down by our 8 year old

2010-07-22T10:22:00.001-07:00

A few nights ago my wife and I were watching a movie late at night when my 8 year old son, Luke came downstairs. My first reaction was a stern "get in bed!" Then Luke, proceeded to tell us that as he was lying in bed that he felt God tell him to raise $1000 for Project Rescue & Africa's Hope. Immediately my demeanor changed (had that eye contact/smile thing going on with Jenelle) and we discussed how to raise $1,000. He suggested to sell some of his books, toys, clothes, holding a garage sale, etc... He then thought about shooting a video to put on youtube and facebook which would be "cool"- yeah, he is 8 years old. (the video is coming this weekend) I suggested he get a matching gift, so dollars could be matched. He's working with us and some others on making this happen. We asked him (knowing the answer) what the money would be used for. This is what he said in his own words, "Project Rescue helps get people out of human trafficking and slavery, over in India and all over the world. There are bad people who take kids and do bad things to them. I want to help the kids be safe and rescue them. Africa's Hope is helping pastors get Bibles and books to tell people about Jesus. They don't have any supplies because they are poor, so I'm gonna help them." WOW!!!! So, my 8 year old son, just laid down awesomeness. Kind of hard to get mad about being up late at night when he comes up with that. All this comes as he is watching his pastor, John Miller, challenge the church kids to give to missions. We're on board to contribute and help him earn this $1,000. Being the little business minded-mission minded kid that he is, we told him the importance of working for it and then getting people to catch his vision. We told him if God gave him the vision and idea, then we will be of help and teach him the ways to go about raising and earning this money to help others. These websites give you more info on these phenomenal ministries he is trying to help:
www.projectrescue.com
www.africashope.org

Here is how you can get involved and help Luke's vision come to fruition:

Make Checks Payable to: ECC or (Evergreen Christian Community)
memo line: Project Rescue & Africa's Hope
send to:
Attn: Phil Wilson
1000 Black Lake Blvd
Olympia, WA 98502
*this is a gift to a non-profit and will be recorded as that for your tax purposes.
Any monies that come in will be turned by me, so I can help Luke track outside gifts. Luke is currently working on securing and trying to raise a matching gift(s) totaling $500.

All I know is when this gets to a point where he is unleashed in his endeavors to help people, it will be great to watch from our perspective. Thanks kid for challenging us to do more and to think big. Somehow I think this challenge is bigger than just me, but for a lot of people reading and hearing his vision.

Re-Alignment: My Life Appreciates You

2010-07-08T13:25:00.000-07:00

As I cruise down the highway in my car, every once in a while I notice there is a need for my car to be re-aligned. Really this is about adjusting the proper orientation to line up in the right relationship that my car needs to run smoothly. IT means technically that if in alignment it will last longer. What I also realize as I race through life is sometimes I need to pull to the side and I need to RE-ALIGN my self. That is I need to adjust into proper relationship or orientation so I can be most effective. I have signs that tell me I am in need of realignment. They include laziness, exhaustion, sarcasm, quick to anger, tiredness, and pure lack of energy. These are like the gas light in my car that goes on its time to refuel. These act as signals to pull over, realign myself by choosing some form of activity like quite time, exercise, reading, solitude, a run by myself, a date with my wife, or special hangout time with my kids. I need a realignment every so often. It is good for the soul and state of mind. Sure I have things that keep me aligned, but every once in awhile there is a need to take care of myself. I have certain parameters that I put in my life to help me keep balanced, and every once in awhile something can derail me from that balance. Some of the tools I use to keep me balanced are a weekly schedule, a 6 x 6 project list, a Life Plan, a calendar system, and relationship with peoples. Just like a car which can pull to one side at even low rates of speed, I can find myself getting off track. This leads to wanting to lash out at everyone and everything that gets in my way. But more often than not, I am my best gauge for deciding when realignment is necessary. Recently I decided realignment was necessary-and let me tell you, afterwards I felt like a new man. So, what about you? What areas of your life do you need to think about realigning? Re-alignment in my life helps me appreciate life, loved ones, and time much more. So my advice to you is get realigned-it is a life lesson I have learned that is necessary for me to be at the top of my game as a husband, dad, friend, pastor, son, bro, leader, and coach.

THE MARRIAGE FORMULA

2010-06-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

Marriage these days is a hot topic if you want it and can't have it, or the fact that Hollywood relationships last as long as it takes for me to buy new underwear. This past weekend I was a part of my grandparents 60th Wedding Anniversary. 60 YEARS PEOPLE! It was super cool because it was basically a family reunion to celebrate two very special people in my life. My grandpa and grandma are two magnificent people. They have pastored churches up and down the West Coast and are retired super cool peeps now. Although, my grandpa still throws it down from God's Word at the place they live on a weekly basis to other active adults. 60 years with the same person, and some laugh that this notion is impossible. The fact is this is a model marriage because they built it on trust, love, faith, and God. Problem nowadays is a lot of people build theirs on lust, wants, no faith, and fraud. So let me break it down to you why my grandparents marriage rocks: they pray together, they still date, they put each other first, they still say I love you to each other, my grandpa knows how to treat a woman, and my grandma can bake for a guy who likes to eat. They also made this work because they had faith knowing that God would do some awesome things. My grandfather told me once that they lived on the floor of a church and lived on $5 bucks a week. They left some incredible examples for us as kids, grandkids, and now great grandkids. It was a thrill to see them smiling, holding hands, and loving that the people most dear to them-family and friends- were there to celebrate. As a matter of fact, some of the wedding party showed up to celebrate too. Totally cool weekend and a great example of how marriage should be done. When you see two old people (grandparents old) that are in love, you should stop them say thank you for being an example of marriage. I guarantee you, if you encounter a cute couple like my grandparents, wherever you live, hook them up with a dinner and listen, it is well worth the investment for you! The marriage formula-it does exist, you just have to encounter it.

Harsh Words SUCK

2010-06-24T15:04:00.000-07:00

I learned early on in my life that people respond to you much better when you use words that are not harsh or rude. Now I wasn't a brawler, a fighter, and had no need to show any insecurity by being brash. There is a place for harsh words, there is also a tone. Harsh words spoken in the wrong tone, are normally ignored, or thoughts of how sad the life of the person being harsh must be. In the past, my harsh words came normally out of anger and the fact that I wanted respect. I had a friend say to me one time, that I probably would be respected more if I thought before I spoke. If I didn't rattle off statements I would have to backtrack or regret later. Many times, I have rattled off, or wanted to go off, on someone who needed to shut their pie hole....OK let me re-phrase that...I have had to confront some people who did not have the ability to speak their opinion in a matter that others wanted to listen too. Frankly because they were too harsh, brash, or rude. RUDE people often have issues anyway, which is a different blog, different day. Most times when "brash and harsh talkers, open their mouth", I have learned to shut people them out-as in their mouth is moving and I don't understand or hear a word they are saying, nor do I have a desire too. I don't even really like people like this. If I do have relationship with a person like this, I will pull them aside and say something. If not, I pray someone who does have relationship will let them know that speaking in love gets you farther in life, than being a blow hard with rudeness and harshness attached to your mouth. As I have matured and became a father I have learned to adjust my tones and be firm, frank, and loving. My kids actually respond better and funny thing....my friends do to. When I have let bitterness, frustration, anger, or any other trigger get the best of me, I find myself thinking about what that friend said to me, "people will respond to you when you speak firmly, and in love, rather than harshly and out of insecurity, anger, or bitterness." I'm not perfect, but I try to make this a life lesson stick, because how I respond says a lot about who I am, and what I stand for. Those who haven't caught this, probably don't have many friends, or soon won't. If you are HARSH(most don;t know, and the ones who do don;t care-just saying)...pull it together because people who speak up or out like this will not be heard. Plus people who are within ear shot of you blowing up, just lost respect for you. I am tempted to put a string of personalities that fit the bill here...but the fact is you can probably name them yourself. Remember HARSH words SUCK when spoken in the wrong tone.

Your Response...Means Something

2010-06-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

Have you ever asked a question to someone in conversation, only to get no response, a glazed stare, or a look over your shoulder by the person who obviously is in another world? YES, we all have. I have also been the one who has been slow to respond-guilty on this end! Response is something that people look for. Whether it is an answer to a question, a movement toward a solution, or your ability to speak up and show you care...it means something. Too many times in our life, I think those in leadership positions, forget that people are waiting for a response. Hello-turn on your news this week. People want action, not inaction; they want a phone message returned today, not tomorrow; they want a conversation, not silence; they want direction, not a map; they want eye contact, not a drive-by look-away; they want leadership to respond. A non-response is rude, and only leads to less respect from the person looking for the response. When you look at the interaction that Jesus had in His conversation, there was response immediately. He understood that response was vital for people. His direct conversations were poignant, and He delivered(no pun intended-but, on 2nd thought-yeah it was iintended.) As you go through your day, think about all the people who expect response from you: spouse, parent, kid, teacher, employer, employee, co-worker, friend, neighbor, and the list goes on and on. Now think of who you expect to respond. The worst thing you could do is remain silent and not respond at all. Especially when crisis is involved. It shows a lack of caring, a lack of concern to the specific need, and it means you are giving a signal that the person waiting a response is not important. In fact they may not be, but a telemarketer is different than someone wanting a response who you may care about. So, do those in your life a favor and make yourself look like you really care! Leaders show they care by response. So, the question is, Do you care enough?

A LITTLE R, R, & R

2010-06-07T15:55:00.001-07:00

This past week, I had the privilege to take a break from the crazy life I live. My wife and I were able to escape (minus the kids) for vacation. Although we have a family vacation-this is truly revolutionary, if you can pull it off. We were able too(thanks mom). Rest. Recreation. Relaxation. For me this includes the following: Sun. Chill Time. Good Eats. Random Routine. These are things I like on my vacation. Kickin' it in shorts, flip-flops and get some beach action is my retreat. It has always been important to me to take the time to get away from the normal pace of life and take a break. In life there are times that are necessary to reload, refuel, relax, and for my health(and yours) it is important to take these times. I have found that during these times, it is great to put yourself in a place where normal routine is wrecked. As a matter of fact, God built us with this need. He put it up there with "Don't Murder, Covet, etc..." It reads every 7th day take a rest. In these times there is opportunity for times of solitude, silence, not the normal routine, and conversations with people you may never see again. For me, I found R,R,&R this year over sunsets, beaches, and even a hammock(overlooking the Pacific Ocean). Rest & Relaxation should be a part of life. I know everyone has different ways this may take shape. I have friends that camp, I have friends that "timeshare", I have friends that work in their yard, or some who just take a few days to get out of the normal routine as they see it. Whatever it is for you, make sure that you take the time to refuel. If you don't eventually you get burnt out, tired, grow weary, restless, and potentially even become dissatisfied with what God has positioned you for.

An Ex-Con's Plea for a Friend

2010-05-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

Today I went to my office mailbox and found a letter intended for me. As soon as I saw the return name on the outside of the envelope, I had an inclination of who it may be from. As I opened the letter, I knew I was right on. I met a guy a few months back who I connected with in the lobby of our church. He was looking for someone(a pastor) to sign off on a release program form that allowed him to go to church on Sunday mornings. I offered to sign it and over the course of two months signed off every Sunday and struck up a first name basis friendship and conversation week to week. This past weekend at church I realized that for the past few weeks I have not had the privilege to sign any forms and hadn't seen this guy, and the friends he started bringing with him. At last count he was bringing 3 other friends, and sat in the same spot every week. Today, the letter was to tell me that he had been moved and in the process got real discouraged and was reaching out for a friend(apparently one of his only) and encouragement. I realized that although my connection was limited in my view, the connection for him was huge. He wanted prayer, he wanted encouragement, he wanted direction, and he wanted a friend. His letter indicated he had no family or friends and I interpreted his letter to say, you are my friend, HELP. It got me thinking of how many times we(I) may take for granted the fact that people really value you(me)! I sat down and wrote a hand written letter because I figured it would be more powerful than a letter I could crank out on a keyboard in 2 minutes. I also took some devotional thoughts that have been an encouragement to me this year and then offered a prayer for him. It made me think about how fortunate I am to have friends, and at the same time how many people I know who really don't. It is sad, but true. I also realized that God puts people in my life at times I may not naturally be-friend (for whatever reason), and that by me being a friend, or friendly, may make a huge impression in someone else's life. Those are the friends I would want anyway, no matter what a past may look like, God doesn't care, and neither should I. Today, I realized I had a friend in someone who counts me as one of their only friends, and I value that because if I was looking for a friend, I would want and need a person to encourage me-just as a friend. SO, I am down with that! Would you be too?

Terrified? Not Even Close!

2010-05-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a terrifying life situation? Maybe even a nightmare that woke you up breathing heavy and in a cold sweat? I am not sure I can honestly say, I have been terrified to the degree where I thought my life may end, or scared enough to know that I was in extreme danger. I did once have a panic attack; and another time was scared enough not to get in a pool after going to SeaWorld as a kid. I have been terrified for split seconds in my life though, most of them happening in the age 7-13 stage of life. Life may bring some of these things my way someday, and if I ran into a cougar or grizzly bear as I ran, I maybe would freeze up, I guess those sceanrios would terrify me. Today as I was reading my Bible I came across a passage of scripture that time and time again, when I read it I am reminded of God's awesomeness. In Deuteronomy, God is in the process of reminding the people that they are HIS chosen people. They may be few in numbers (comparatively speaking) but God's hand is upon them-for this reason they need not be TERRIFIED! He is saying, "you may be outnumbered, they may be stronger even, BUT...That is a big BUT, because He then reminds them of the miracles, signs, and wonders that took place, and the MIGHTY ARM that was protecting them as they were brought out of slavery and affliction. HE then goes on to remind them that He will DRIVE out any nation that gets in their way. He is a GREAT & MIGHTY GOD, that is the reminder that you cannot forget. Read Through Deuteronomy 7 today, and be encouraged. GOD is in control and He reminds us "don't be terrified by them, because The Lord Your God is awesome and mighty." So whatever is in front of you and is terrifying you, use this as an encouragement to move past this moment, knowing God is watching over you! We serve a God that is protective of His children.

I Know A LEADER when I see One

2010-05-06T15:53:00.000-07:00

Today I witnessed an unselfish act in the midst of a busy day. I have a friend, I'll choose to remain nameless, because that is the way he would like it. This friend is a true servant. This friend is a legit servant and I witnessed it when standing next to him today. He was grabbing a napkin at a local joint, when he decided to clean the counter that was in front of him. It took 10 seconds and he was cleaning up to make a business look better. This friend was not an employee of the joint we were at, but he has a servant's heart and what I saw spoke volumes to me. No one would have seen him, no one gave him a pat on the back, and no one offered to pay him for cleaning up a mess that was not his. However, in my mind I noticed it and thought to myself this is a true leader. He is a leader to people based on his title at the company he works for, his role he plays in the local church he attends, and the family he loves. I could walk with this man in certain settings and people would recognize him and even greet him. YES, this man is a leader. However, deep down this man is a leader not because of title or position, but because he serves. This little role of servanthood that I witnessed today got this man to where he was (that and God ordaining his every footstep). I walked away from our time together with this in mind- everyday I choose to not be a servant in certain settings because life is crazy busy and I sometimes don't take the time to serve in little ways. I hope it would be said of me someday, that everytime I noticed a need to serve in a small role and I decided to get my hands dirty without recognition, I stepped up to do it. So, what about you serving?

Goals for Life- 18 years later!!

2010-05-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

This past week, I went through a box that my parents delivered to me from their garage. In this box were trophies, some old assignments, and binders from school, and leadership materials. I happened upon a list of goals that I wrote out September of 1992. This was heading into my Senior Year of High School. I have always been goal oriented as it has helped me aim for targets in my life. As I looked through the list they were broken into the following categories: physical, spiritual, leadership, and personal. The goals included some of the following: to have a great Senior year in basketball, finish in the top 3 of my class, get a 4.0, do devotions daily, make new students feel welcome to the school, be a leader in my youth group, and a few more that were both classic and fun to re-read. As I reflected on these goals 18 years later, it was fun to see what was accomplished and what was not. The 4.0 did not happen, but I have to admit-my senior year of high school was super fun. I did finish in the top 3 of my class, and my basketball season as a team-sucked, as an individual was good enough to get some league recognition-but the team was what mattered to me. I was a leader in my youth group and eventually led as the pastor the same one-8 years later. Goals still play a role in my life all these years later. As a matter of fact some of these goals have morphed over time, but the underlying point behind the goals still stand today. I want to give my best, I want to love people, I want to continue to spend time in God's Word, and I want make sure that health is a priority in my life, so that I may do what God has intended me to do for a long time.
I'm a family man now...I have a beautiful wide, amazing kids, and responsibilities as the leader of my home. I hope I can instill in my kids and my friends the drive that keeps them aiming for excellence. Goals in life are grand, once you accomplish them there are new ones to thinkk of. 18 years after writing that list it gave me a flash back, and also a reminder to flash forward with a list of new goals to aim for. GOALS- do you have any? Are they written out anywhere, or stuck in the back of your brain? Now is a good time to write them out! (and keep them in front of you)

Live Long and PROSPER- from neither a Trekkie nor Vulcan

2010-04-22T10:28:00.001-07:00

The title of this blog comes from the Vulcan salute. This much I know, but I will go on record that the only thing Star Trek I have sat down to watch or even really liked was the updated version of the movie that hit theaters last year. Vulcan I am not, Star Trek fan-NO, stayed at the same hotel as a Star Trek convention-actually YES, and it was weird I may add (or at least the people there were-just bein' honest folks.) "Live Long & Prosper" is a great line though. Live Long- is a desire most people would have, at least I do; and the "prosper" portion of the phrase is a promise of thriving, flourishing, excelling and achieving. So, really this phrase and salute, if you will, can read "Stick around a while and while you do, why don't you expend yourself to thrive, excel, go to the next level." So, sad to say but Mr. Spock really had a way of encouraging people I guess. Actually long before Leonard Nimoy dressed up and started dropping this line, the likes of Moses, David, and Isaiah gave us the same pep talk regarding God's desire for us. Here are some examples of this found in God's Word:
Genesis 39:2
The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered…

Deuteronomy 6:24
The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God,
so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today.

Job 8:7
Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be.

Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Psalm 128:2
You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

Proverbs 8:17-19
I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.

Isaiah 55:11 (NLT)
It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

So based on these words, I being a non-trekkie or non-vulcan, would like to say to you, "Live long & Prosper...because with God leading your life it is a promise for you. Now choose to strive, thrive, and excel in all you do, and do it all for the Glory of God." Peace Out (insert the little two finger peace salute here rather than the traditional vulcan one, because really it's the same thing-just easier.

Who Cares?

2010-04-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered, if anyone really cares?...About you?...What you say?...something you messed up on... Have you been in a conversation with someone and as they talk, you wonder...really, who cares? I believe that many people live with this reality that no one cares about them. The truth is many people probably care. Many people walk through life and feel as if no one cares, it is sad, but true. As a kid I said numerous times, "I don't care", or "No one really cares." In fact, a few times I remember saying it rather compassionately. Scripture tells us there is ONE who cares. As you read through the God's Word-the Bible you will see that care can be defined as, God’s commitment of concern, regard and oversight for those who love Him. Here are a few places we see the value of God's care for each of us:

You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love. My life was preserved by your care. Job 10:12 (NLT)
For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly. Psalm 37:17 (NLT)
Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Psalm 95:6-7
I cared for you in the desert, in the land of burning heat. Hosea 13:5
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, Nahum 1:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ. Jude 1:1 (NLT)

So, if you are walking through life today, and wonder if anyone really cares...well, someone actually does. Enough to send his Son into the world to die...just for you!

The BUDDY System RULES

2010-04-12T22:53:00.001-07:00

As a kid, I remember the importance of the BUDDY RULE that came into play on field trips. We always had an adult, and always had a buddy. I have been fortunate to have 2 buddies that have been in my life for 22 years. This past week all three of us, with our wives, vacationed together(minus the kids). BONUS, I may add. The boys have had guys weekends for years now, but the wives along for the trip was a first. It was a blast. We raced go-karts, walked the beaches of So. Cal, ate a lot, played video games, accompanied our wives into the outlet malls, and talked business. As I reflect on the week away, I realize that as a buddy, I have the right to come alongside and can ask accountability questions. As a buddy, I am expected too. These buddies of mine have the right to ask any question to keep me accountable to them, and I hope they continue. The questions to be asked relate to finances, relationship with God, relationship with my wife, my family, and keeping my moral values in check. Buddies should be a part of your life to have fun and as you build relationship. We have a great friendship that is carried on through the use of the phone and internet weekly. Buddies rule and it is important to have them in your life. We connected as kids at church, and life has brought us plenty of adventure over the years. The buddy system is put in effect to keep you safe and making sure that you don't wander off. The same can be said for my buddies today-even though we are adults the system can and should still operate the same-just on an adult level. One thing I take away after this past week is that BUDDIES RULE!

TRUST me on this...

2010-03-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

There are not too many people I trust. However, I do have people I trust with my life. Trust is a lost art in the world of one-upping another, gossipping, betraying, unreal, hidden agenda, and attention-getting culture we live in. The generation we are a part of right now-has trust issues. Blame whoever you want: friends, mom, dad, politicians, teachers, preachers, and Presidents. Trust is to live with undeniable confidence and faith in someone. I have those people in my life that I can trust to call me out when needed, correct me when needed, and be straight up real with me whether I need it or not. That is why I trust them-they are looking out for me. They want me to be the best version of myself I can be.
The Bible is pretty clear on the fact that we can put our TRUST in GOD. Here are some great words to meditate on regarding this thought:

Psalm 9:10
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you,
LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:

Psalm 62:8
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Isaiah 12:2
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.

John 14:1
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

Romans 10:11
As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

Go Ahead, Make My Day!

2010-03-23T15:52:00.000-07:00

I find it important to go out of my way to make someone's day. I do this because I know how much I appreciate it when someone make's mine. Sometimes I know the person who made it because they make themselves known, other times it may come as an anonymous surprise. Recently I have tried to be intentional about the concept. It doesn't come out of selfish reasoning, it doesn't come out of pride, it comes out of the fact that I find joy in it. Have you ever met a genuinely nice person(possibly a stranger) who made your day by greeting you, making you laugh, paying for your coffee habit, or just happened to put you first? I have met people like that and because of them, I want to make sure the way they made me feel, is reciprocated in how I am. I have a friend who makes my day when he calls me, just to say he was wondering how I was doing. You've heard the phrase, "Go ahead, make my day." It was actually voted on in 2005, as the 6th most quoted and recognizable movie line in AFI history, from the movie Sudden Impact. That is what I want encourage you with today- think about making someone's day, just because you can, not because it will bring you great reward. Be creative, be simple, be you! Today, my day was made by sitting with a bunch of 2nd graders eating lunch and helping in their class. Then I was invited out to play kickball on recess. Pretty cool and pretty out of my normal routine...but definitely worth it. So go ahead, make someone's day! BECAUSE YOU CAN.

INNOVATION EFFORTS START...

2010-03-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

IF you could fill in the remaining title of this blogpost you may come up with a number of thoughts or statements. Today I was challenged by a brilliant business mind, Gary Hamel, on how INNOVATION takes place in the marketplace and the church. The TAKE-AWAY for me was this thought: Innovation efforts start with unpacking traditions without loosing core foundations. In the church, just like the marketplace, we cannot lose the foundations on which the church was built, but we can be innovative in our efforts to push the church forward. The idea of Apple was presented. Apple computers is a company that has capitalized on 4 industries in recent years that were out of Apple's market 10 years ago. They decided that they would take industry standards and make a better product and innovation to push products. That they did. They are the number one company for music sales thanks to the introduction of itunes. They hold the NO. 1 position for the computer sales market for computers over $1,000. They also are now a top retailer of merchandise by opening APPLE Stores throughout the globe. Innovation in the church must start by unpacking traditions and seeing how we can take the message of Jesus Christ to a hurting world using new methods and innovations. Technology is obvious one of those ways, but it is just one way. We have to think outside in. Step away from the inside of the church, and see what it would look like to stand on the outside of the church and see how we can be more effective. The foundations of the church are solid, now we just have to find a way to build on those foundations that let us use our creativity and innovative minds. There are ways this must be done, to advance the Kingdom of God. So let the innovation efforts begin...you my friend play an important role. 10 years ago the most innovative tools were not even on the radar of culture yet. Let's see what the next 10 years hold, but lets not wait, lets make it happen.

Noble: A Lost Word in A Lost Culture

2010-03-11T14:07:00.000-08:00

When you hear the word 'noble' ring through your eardrums, it may spark imagery of castles, knights in shining armor, royalty, or an English countryside. Nobility refers to grandeur or magnificence; state or quality of being noble; or a class of body in a country. The word noble speaks of possessing high moral qualities. The fact is we don't hear the word tied to too many in our culture today, because it is a lacking quality in many. But WHY? Throughout the Bible we see the word used to describe those with high morals. Ruth is described as a woman of noble character, the woman in Proverbs 31 is alluded as one who surpasses many noble women, and "happy is the land whose King is a noble leader" Ecc. 10:17.
If there were words that would be used to describe me, I would hope that "NOBLE" is one that would come to mind. Culture is filled with imperfect people who are full of themselves, but our culture also is filled with noble, righteous, and integrous people. The fact is-the noble one's don't always make the news because they are...well, noble. They possess high moral quality, and therefore must not be news worthy. After all NOBLE people don't really sell magazines, it is the scandalous rebel who will normally sell more. (unless it is a story of heroism that is involved, but heroism and nobility are different.) A few weeks ago I hung a scripture verse next to my desk to memorize.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Today as I re-read the verse and say the word 'NOBLE', it puts in perspective the type of man I aim to be. Most of us don't use this word in our everyday vocabulary, because "noble" has become unpopular, forgotten, and missed by many. I hope that as a culture we can go back to the times when nobility was used in naming people, groups, cultures, and systems. Nobility may not bring accolades or attention why you live on this earth, but that is OK. The gospel of Luke says "But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." If being noble produces a 'crop' as referred to in scripture then, YES I want to be NOBLE. A lost word for many in our culture, but hopefully not you!

Hallelujah-it's fun to say for so many reasons!

2010-03-10T11:30:00.000-08:00

Hallelujah, it was a word that I was introduced too early on in life. I heard people sing it, verbalize it, and pray with it. For the past 3 decades singers from all genres have released songs with this word in the title. One version, written by Cohen and sung by Buckley, was recorded in 1994, and was in the TOP 5 on charts all over the word as recent as 2008. The word HALLELUJAH is a word with Latin & Hebrew roots that is a universal word meaning an expression of joy and praise to God. Throughout scripture you will find word being used to honor God for victory, glory, His goodness, and for His mighty reign. As a kid I used to say it because it was a fun word, and really like the song where we did hand motions using the word in children's church on Sundays. Now I have a different appreciation for it, because I understand it beyond a song or hand motions. I can say Hallelujah for many things in my life. Here is a prayer my father wrote using the word. Read it and personalize it for you today:

Hallelujah for your salvation.
Hallelujah for the power of the Holy Spirit.
Hallelujah for your peace in my storms.
Hallelujah for your provision for every need.
Hallelujah for the music you have sent my way to lift my spirits.
Hallelujah for my family that continues to encourage me daily.
Hallelujah for my friends that cheer me on.
Hallelujah, that Jesus is Lord of my life.
Hallelujah, Amen! Amen!

When I read that prayer and apply it to my day and express my joy and praise to God, it already makes it a good day. Hallelujah, it is a word with great meaning, its fun to say, and it is bringing praise to God who deserves it. So, dwell on this word for today, and apply it as you live your day out!

SUPPLY and DEMAND

2010-03-02T09:12:00.000-08:00

Supply and demand is a basic economic model to help determine price and is really the backbone for the economy. It is the most basic fundamental concept. The word 'supply' is a Biblical word that speaks of God's promise to provide and meet all of your needs. I remember of a few occasions where I have seen God's supply in my life and in our family's life. I have stories that would fill a blog a day for years. A few years ago we were coming off of 4 months of no work and our bank account was dwindling. We knew we needed something and so did God. One day, in a local coffee shop, we had a guy give us 2 gift cards to a local grocery store. It was one of those 'Wow God' moments. I had seen them before and even been a recipient of those moments before, but this one was different. Later that day we had someone stop by our house and drop off another gift card to the same grocery store. It was God's way of saying that day, "Don't worry I will supply every need." Supply God did, because the total of those gift cards carried us through to the first pay check at our new place of employment. SUPPLY- God did, DEMAND- was not even in the conversation, it was simple we needed a miracle. In the Biblical use of this word and related to God, it is not a partnership or a model like it is in the marketplace. When we demand something, God does not just supply it. In the business model there are words thrown around such as marginal cost, demand curve, supply curve, etc.... The model that involves God is simple...God supplies. There are no stipulations, schedules, or widgets. God knows how much you need when you need it and is able to provide it according to His plan. As a matter of fact there is one Hebrew name of God that is for this specific concept: Yahweh Yireh. It was the name Abraham gave Him for providing a ram. You can fully know that wherever you are in your life call out to God and let Him provide. Remember where your supply comes from and be reminded of today of God's miracles in your life. Supply and demand works for us in the marketplace of life, but with our relationship with God-it's just SUPPLY.

Below are verses that you can meditate on that will reinforce this factor of supply in your life:

Psalm 104:27-28 (NLT)
They all depend on you to give them food as they need it.
When you supply it, they gather it. You open your hand to feed them,
and they are richly satisfied.

Psalm 147:8
He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.

2 Corinthians 9:10
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply
and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 13:20-22
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant
brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,
equip (supply) you with everything good for doing his will,
and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:11 (NLT)
Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Why Chaos Happens!

2010-03-01T14:35:00.001-08:00

Chaos can be both something that is fun to be a part of(I'm thinking a crowd of people cheering for a team) or something that can be very tragic. This past weekend, I was a part of something that could have been chaotic for me and my entire family. I happened to be driving to an event for pastors. I passed the church I was headed to and decided to turn around. As I did, this car came up on my bumper and literally stopped me. I was a little shocked. Out ofc the corner of my eye, I had caught a teenage kid waiting by a school. Before I knoew what to do-this guy who could easily have been a lineman for most professional football teams jumps out of his car, and walks toward mine. I rolled my window down in a cool fashion and was like, what's up man? (mind you I'm 6' and a buck 85 wet. He said, and I am not even joking- "did you pull guns on my kid?" The first give away should have been the car seats in the back of my ride, because I roll hard core as a dad! I was like "no dude unless you are talking about my arms", and then I dropped I'm a pastor line. That one works although I only pull it out if I am feeling threatened and for a split second I did. NOt syaing it works, and I have only used it maybe one other time in my life. By that time the kid was like "Dad, wrong car, wrong guy, dad." In an instant I was ready to roll the guy if I needed. He apologized and shook my hand and apologized again. It got me thinking though-this is why are society is all jacked up-because people don't think before the act. Retaliation happens because emotions can threats are not held in check. As I drove away I said you need any help, and the dad said, "no man, I got some friends." The rest of the day went on without any gunshots being heard, but I'm just saying-chaos is crazy!

Some Kind of WONDERFUL!

2010-02-22T13:12:00.000-08:00

Have you ever stood atop of a waterfall and took in the brilliance? Have you ever star gazed and been amazed at the vastness of the universe? Have you ever observed a sunset or sunrise that took your breath away? Sometimes I stop and am stunned by the creation of GOD. What I really stop and do is think of how WONDERFUL God is. It can be described as God’s breathtaking and brilliant expressions of love. Whether the love is for you or me, I love to soak up God's wonderfulness. Scripture uses this word on a few occasions and in each scenario it becomes clear that in each sense of God being wonderful...I am to praise and give thanks for what He has done, created, brought me through, or even how He has loved me. Look at these key scriptures below and see where you can find how WONDERFUL God is in your life, and then Praise Him for your life, health, and the things important to you. There is only one God, and HE is Wonderful! That is brilliant, vast, amazing, breath taking, and He is LOVE.

1 Chronicles 16:9
Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.

Psalm 31:21
Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city.

Psalm 37:37 (NLT)
Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.

Psalm 107:8
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men,

Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Romans 8:31 (NLT)
What shall we say about such wonderful things as these?
If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

1 Peter 1:6
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead,
even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.

Drive & Live Forward, Not in Reverse

2010-02-18T10:43:00.000-08:00

One of the best stories I have heard was of a friend named Jim. Jim was wanting to get to church so bad, but his car was not cooperating. You see, it would not drive forward. But as Jim was playing around he realized it would go in reverse. So, Jim got in his car and started on his across town trek to church with his car in reverse. Yes, he drove in reverse the whole way...until he was stopped by a police officer who had to be laughing when the explanation was given. I'm sure this was talk over the next police gathering. Let's just say Jim, is one of a kind. Knowing Jim, he told the police officer about Jesus and said church was important for him to get too. The officer must of liked what he heard, because Jim got a full police escort from this police officer to church that morning. Jim, a legend of his own kind. Reverse may be fun, but we are designed to live our life looking forward. Forward thinking is about making positive progress and advancement. In Nehemiah, scripture reminds us it was a pillare of fire that led them forward at night; and in Job it tells us the righteous keep moving forward. In life there will come times when we may have to go in reverse, but just in the story of Jim, someone will stop and tell you, "Hey buddy, you were designed to go forward." So as you walk forward today dwell on the passages of scripture that keep us moving forward. Look to apply them to whatever situation may cause you to think in reverse, so you can live life driving with forward thinking.

Nehemiah 9:19 (NLT)
“But in your great mercy you did not abandon them to die in the wilderness.
The pillar of cloud still led them forward by day,
and the pillar of fire showed them the way through the night.

Job 17:9
The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.

Psalm 143:10 (NLT)
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

Proverbs 11:23 (NLT)
The godly can look forward to a reward, while the wicked can expect only judgment.

Isaiah 58:8 (NLT)
“Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.

Philippians 3:13 (NLT)
I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing:
Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,

Hebrews 6:3 (NLT)
And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.

The Best Tour Guide Ever

2010-02-16T09:10:00.000-08:00

The first tour guide that I ever remember was when I stepped into a boat to explore the jungle in the far away country called Disneyland. The tour guide saved me from hippos, gorillas, and piranhas. He cracked a few jokes and made me laugh as a little kid. I've had a few tour guides in my life in different venues. There were tour guides for me in Chile, Poland, England, D.C., and a slew of national parks. The BEST TOUR Guide has been the One who guides my future and gives me guidance according to His will for my life. Throughout life there have been opportunities to walk paths. Some places in life have given me a number of paths to choose from, but through God's divine guidance, He has directed me to one specific pathway over another. These pathways range from my decision to switch high schools after my sophomore year, college decisions, career decisions, and family decisions. I am reminded today of Psalm 32:8 "The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Throughout scripture you will find the words "path" or "pathway". In each instance there is God either in the forefront or backdrop directing the psalmist, the prophets, the disciples, and the Word reminds us that He also there directing your PATHWAY today. Some of you may feel like you are in a wilderness place, if you find yourself there today, take some time to reflect and meditate on Isaiah 43:19. If you want a future that was intended for YOU specifically, LISTEN to the best tour guide ever! The key word in the last sentence was listen. To start the tour read the passage of scripture below and sit back and enjoy the ride, because God has an incredible tour for you!

Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 23:3
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Psalm 25:4
Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths;

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Isaiah 43:19 (NLT)
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

Acts 2:28
You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence

SPECIAL DAY-SPECIAL LADY

2010-02-11T20:48:00.000-08:00

Florence Price has seen a lot in her lifetime. She was a child as bombs dropped in her hometown of London in WWII. She raised 4 kids as her husband traveled and preached around the world. Later in her life she herself traveled all over Europe, Africa, Canada, Australia, Hawaii and all the other states of the Union. I got to spend lots of time with her over the years and talk on the phone to her regularly. She has been a pillar of faith for our entire family. As a youth pastor I had her come in and share stories of miracles, signs, and wonders to our youth. She has been a part of seeing the blind see, the lame walk, the dead rise again, and cancers healed. YES- she has seen first hand all those things take place. God has used her in mighty ways. Today she celebrates her 21st birthday for the 70th time. She is still quick to point out God's provision, God's healing power, and the Power of the Holy Spirit at work in lives. She has told me stories that only God could work out and has a faith that I long and hope for. She still has a ton of friends and is considered royalty in some circles-and rightfully so. Born and raised in England, she has seen God at work through generations. So today I salute my hero, FLORENCE KATHERINE PRICE. Happy Birthday NANA- you are loved and your faith has encouraged me time and time again.

They Will Know When You Don't Pray Right

2010-02-11T20:28:00.000-08:00

Tonight I prayed with my kids as we do every night. I was in my son's room praying and at the end of the prayer he said, "dad you have to pray over, you prayed wrong." My prayer was actually good, I thought. What he meant was that I didn't pray a prayer I have started to pray regularly in our nightly routine. Every night for the last year I have prayed over each of my kids the following out of scripture: I pray that they will wear the Armor of God- the Helmet of Salvation; The Belt of Truth; The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace; The Breastplate of Righteousness; The Sword of the Spirit; and the Shield of Faith. This night I failed to do so, and got called on it. I make sure that they understand what each one means and every night change it up to give a description of what that should look like in our lives. I want to make sure it is not routine, but I have learned that it has become memorable by the fact that if I don't include it in my nightly prayer, then they include it for me. It brings me joy that my kids are learning the importance of prayer and applying it to their lives. That right there makes this dad real happy.