reading break
I love to read. Books, magazines, blogs, online articles. I view it as growth and development time. In fact, my goal this year is 35 books; up from 25 last year.
Last week though, I took a reading break... well kind of. Not really, but a break from the typical leadership, ministry, Christianity genre.
I picked up two New York Times bestsellers and finished them both in a couple days.
The Shack by William Young and
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Both great books with a lot of truth in them. I love how The Shack brings out God's love and care for his creation. It's a great read that challenges the way you think and perceive God. And The Last Lecture is a great, true moving story that will inspire you to seize every day.
Labels: books, personal
acting without praying
Earlier this year, I wrote a post called
Serving for no Return.
I've wrestled not with the thought, but with the implementation and practice because I don't know where to start, and honestly, I'm a little unsure of myself.
Really, those are both excuses, and that's why I'm trying to just act. Lacey and I are volunteering at
Clothe a Child in Frisco in October, and I've contacted the
Little Elm Food Bank about the potential of serving there in some way.
Without much thought or prayer, I'm volunteering because these are such prevalent needs in our area.
Can I say that sometimes we pray about things as an excuse not to act? Or we pray about things to "make sure we hear from God" or so that we can forget about the need.
I shouldn't have to pray about my participation in certain areas though. I need to just act where there is a need, and I can do something about it.
Labels: christianity, development
shining bright
One of my favorite Scriptures has always been Matthew 5:14-16.
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
The question I've been asking myself and the challenge I've issued myself is "How can I build relationships with more people, and how can I serve more in the community I am in?"
Here's the thought I felt like God spoke to me the other night. "You can't shine bright if you're not surrounded by darkness." How simple, yet so profound.
This thought is challenging me on a number of levels.
Today, tomorrow, everyday, place yourself in situations that give you an opportunity to let your light shine, so that others may praise your Father in heaven.
Labels: christianity, development
location finalized
This was
originally posted on
Lanny's blog, and I honestly did not feel like rewriting what has already been said. :-) Call it lazy or call it genius. It's your call. Either way, I know we are all excited about this decision and can't wait to see what God does in Little Elm.
We officially have a location! We received the final approval yesterday that we will be able to meet in Lakeside Jr High School beginning October 5th! They also allowed us to get in an hour early. So...we will have from 7:30a to 12:30p to be in and out. Those five hours will go something like this...
- 7:30a: trailers arrive and doors are unlocked
- 7:30a to 9:30a: setup
- 9:30a: run through
- 10:00a: coffee and donuts
- 10:30a: service
- 11:30a: service ends...tear down begins
- 12:30p: trailers loaded and doors locked
It is going to be crazy.
Labels: the crossing
something's missing
Over the course of the past month, I've been in this internal struggle that something is not right... I am missing something in my life. It's this recurring thought that "There is something more."
It's not that I'm frustrated with this struggle; I'm just on a journey to discover the answer. Yeah, it's hard not being able to pinpoint it, but it's this challenge for me figure out. And I always love a good challenge. :-)
I want to leave my mark in my community. I want to serve and make a difference. I want to offer so much hope to those in need... and not even just physical need. I want people to know that there is a God who desperately loves them, and though life's circumstances may not be ideal, He has NEVER left their side. He wants to pick up their pieces and make an impressive fractal out of it.
My schedule is already tight. I have no clue how I will add anything extra too it, but God will give me grace to make it happen. All I know is that something is missing, and I've got to find it.
Labels: development, personal
family night at the park
Bounce houses reaching 16 foot high, giant obstacle courses and slides, saddled ponies, and kids with balloon animals and smiling painted faces took over the Little Elm Park, as The Crossing Church hosted the Family Night at the Park on Saturday, October 6.This event was hosted to provide a free, fun night where families could go out without having to drive a long distance or spend any money, yet have a lot of fun. The question of the night recurring over and over was "Who is putting this on?"
There was an obvious buzz in the air. It was awesome to feel it and know people were excited. With over 250 people and many happy children and parents at the Family Night at the Park, the event was a huge success, and we are looking forward to an even bigger Family Night in the Park 2009.
Lanny posted some
pics on his blog.
Labels: the crossing
fantasy football
It's that time of year again when all the guys get together and our wives are mad because we stay out late analyzing and carefully choosing our dream team from the NFL, fantasy style.
Gotta craft the perfect team.
Saturday nights are spent looking over waiver wires and injury reports, and Sunday's are point adding days.
Fantasy draft tonight at 7pm. Ahh yeah.
Labels: fantasy football, personal
