Monday, December 26, 2011

Sunday Mind Dump ( Monday Edition)

What a great Christmas day! It wasn't a white Christmas, but any day spent with family is ok in my book...so, let's dump:
  • Glad to be back from our vacation. We went to Southern California for a few days. We love the weather and scenery there, but it's always nice to be home.
  • Yesterday we talked about Jesus being our Light at Christmas. He came into this world to light up our lives and that was the best gift God could have ever given.
  • I was amazed at the crowd we had yesterday. Honestly, I thought no one would show up for Church on Christmas morning!
  • For the next two weekends we are going to take a look at one of the boldest prayers ever uttered and what it means for us. It's based on a book called "Sun Stand Still" and the prayer was uttered by Joshua....it's going to be good :)
  • The second week of the two week message I'll share my "Sun Stand Still" prayers for our church.
  • Better get off this computer!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

While you're away

So, for the last week April and I have been on the west coast with a little get away I had promised her before she started law school. I love traveling because, for me, I can leave my work behind (for the most part) and just veg out a little. Many times, I'll take a book with me and read that, but this time I didn't even do that! I just wanted to get away, pray, and listen to what God had to say to me.

It's interesting how God speaks. Here we were in one of the most traffic laden places on the planet (LA) and in the midst of all the sights, sounds, and life that is LA I found myself spending time alone with God. I started praying that God would reveal himself to me and speak to me. I can honestly say he did just that....The message was a private one, but something I really needed to hear from him.

I would encourage each of you to do whatever you can to get away for a while. Maybe you don't need or can't take a trip across the country. But, you can turn off the computer, TV, and buzz of the cell phone for a few hours on a Saturday and just listen to what God is saying with his still small voice. I promise you that when you do, it's amazing and you'll leave that experience with God a better person and feeling like a million bucks :)

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Sunday Mind Dump

What a great day. I had a ball teaching this morning....so, let's dump:
  • This morning we had sort of a Pre-Christmas message. We talked about how Jesus is the Way, The Truth, and the Life.
  • One thing we talked about it detail was the concept of seeking and asking questions. If you're not sure I encourage you to seek. But, do it with integrity. Don't preform an opinion about God then only look for things that support your opinion. Search with an open mind and be willing to accept God for who he is, not what you want to make him.
  • Played Bongo's again today...how fun is that!
  • April is studying herself to death! The poor girl hasn't slept more than a few hours a night for the last week. Exams are over Thursday....I expect she'll collapse after the last one!!
  • Thank you to everyone who serves at 242. You guys make my job so fun!!
  • Remember....Stacy Lauer is opening her house up on Christmas eve at 5 for time of fellowship and fun....hope to see you there!
  • Thank you to everyone who wished me happy birthday yesterday!! Didn't really get to celebrate it since April is in exam mode....we will soon though!
  • Had my last class Thursday....one last paper to proofread and turn in then I am done with my Ed.S. program....Graduation is next weekend!
  • I am out!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Sunday Mind Dump

Some days being a pastor is more fun than other days. Today was a fun day! So, let's dump:
  • This was the last weekend of our People of the Second Chance series. This morning we talked about learning how to forgive ourselves and move past our regret. Satan is a very real enemy and he would like nothing more than for you to swim in a sea of guilt. Don't do it.
  • We were pretty full this morning. I saw a few guys going to get extra chairs....love seeing that!
  • Got to play the bongo's this morning. That was fun...I've never really played them....I can play drums but bongos...we'll I guess after today I can add those to my list of things I can play.
  • Not sure what the message is going to be about next week. I know what I am doing for Christmas....but the next two weeks....I am clueless....I guess I'll just sit down and see what comes out!
  • April is in full on exam prep mode. She's got 2 this week and 2 next week....they are very hard and constitute 100% of your grade for that class....needless to say she is in freakout mode....but I have complete confidence in her....not only is she pretty...she's very smart...she's going to do great!
  • Got a lot of good series coming up after Christmas. Hold onto your forks....what's coming next is going to be good :)
  • I am outta here!