HALT! DISMOUNT AND BE RECOGNIZED

It's Crunch Time!

Allow me a moment to explain my life to you right now...AHHHHHHH.

Yep, that about sums it up.

At work, we are 2 weeks away from "promotion" which is when the new 6th graders come to Xtreme. That means we need to have small group leaders in place to make that happen. We recently set some new goals as far as group size and leaders, so we are busting tail to get as many qualified people on board as possible. One of the things I love about interviewing so many people right now is that I get to hear their stories of faith. It is so amazing to hear about the journey God has all of us on. Simply amazing. I am pretty excited about this new group of leaders! We are not at what we need as far as quantity, but definitely on the way. All that to say- things are pretty dang crazy as we try to land the plane on getting everyone on board.

On the other end of things, we are trying to get everything with the book wrapped up and shipped out by the first week in June so we can make the August release. Ummm...yeah. I believe I'll have another coffee please. Some great progress is being made, but wow- it is a lot.

I share all that with you to say this: God is trying to teach me about patience right now. I write trying because I find myself getting stressed, nervous, anxious or just flat worried some times. I know, I know- those things are not healthy and can even be a sin. But, let's be honest- when it's crunch time in whatever you do- it's easy to push God aside and try to carry it by yourself.

I'm learning that if I really want to get the most out of this journey, my response needs to be one of trust and belief that God is in control. It's easy to say that, but really tough to fully live that way.

In the midst of all the chaos of my life right now, I am hearing the still small voice of my Heavenly Father telling me that it's ok. He is aware of my/our needs and my/our situation. He not only keeps His eye on the sparrow, but on my life. I need to have patience to trust and believe that. So, I take a deep breath and move forward in faith.

quick catch up

* The DRIVE conference this past week was awesome. I've been around NP for quite a while now and I am still so impressed with the quality and work ethic of all the staff. It's a unique tribe of people...we all love where we work and what we do. I had a blast having a chance to hang out with some student pastors and just talking student ministry. I was definitely sharpened and encouraged by the time we had together! It was also very cool to catch up with several old friends who were in town for the conference. I'm not gonna lie to you...I am still kinda tired. I've said it a lot today, but I am walking away from this conference so excited about the team and people I've been given the incredible opportunity to work with. Even more so it is so cool to be a very, very small part of watching God do what only He can do...change lives.

* So last night I was supposed to speak at SV. We called an audible when I got there and ended up doing a Q & A time. I love those nights...students just wrote down questions they are thinking about God and life and then a panel of people answered them. Many times those can be the best times of really digging into what it means to authentically follow God.

* Most of the book is edited now. It's crunch time on a lot of details. PLEASE pray for the next few weeks- we have some crucial bridges to cross. I can't wait to see how God navigates this journey over the next season. I can't believe that we are getting this close.

* My friend Kristian just started a blog. Check the link over <---- there. I've met few worship leaders with such a genuine heart. He's no doubt the real deal.

The Orange Award

OK seriously.  This is getting crazy. Let me fill you in on why. Something really humbling happened to me this week at the Orange Conference.

A few weeks ago my friend Reggie calls me and asks me if I could swing by his conference to meet with some folks to talk about the book. I've talked with Reggie about the book some and thought it would be cool to connect with some other folks who might be able to give me wisdom and I try and navigate the waters as a first time author.

Once I get to the place the conference is being held I get a little runaround and basically told to sit on the front row and wait because some other things happened and we needed to move our meeting. Basically I was set up...and it was awesome.

They start the afternoon session and a few moments in Reggie starts talking about being a small group leader. He then says he is going to bring up a few students to share about their experience in a small group. And then 6 guys walked right in front of me. All 6 of them have been or are in my small group.

And then it hit me...something is going on here.

Reggie interviews them and they all say some of the kindest things. He had them talk about their "small group leader". After they were all done, he said there was a common thread amongst the guys and that is that they have had the same small group leader. And then he asked me to come up on stage. And he gave me this...the Orange Award.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    So...I wish I had words to explain how cool is was to hear your guys stand on stage in front of around 4,000 people and talk about what God is doing in their lives. Wow. They all did an incredible job! It was cool to hear guys from ages 15-25 sharing their stories of what God has and is doing in their lives. (Especially cool if you read my last post...wow what a week!)

It's an odd thing to be recognized for following where God leads you. It's cool though because I know that for me, it’s about being who God made me and in turn I hope it gives Him the glory He deserves. I heard that yesterday, it wasn’t about me, it was about how God could use any of us to impact others.

Here is a picture that was taken in the green room right when we came off stage...

 

 

Thanks Reggie and the Orange team for your kindness. Thanks to Chandler, Jonny, Matt, Duran, Brian and Taylor for your incredible words yesterday. I still am beyond humbled by your love, trust and encouragement.

Once again...how amazing is our God that He could use people like us to make an impact for Him?

It's Worth It.

A few years ago when I left staff of the ministry I used to work with I met with a very Godly man. He has been successful in many areas of his life. He has a great business career, a good marriage, and kids who (still!) love their parents and God. We were talking about my journey and he said something to me that day that still sticks to me. What he said that day was used by God to unmask why I believe He has put me here.

We were talking about money and my ongoing financial challenges. As I was telling my “woe is me” story he stopped me and said this to me: “I gotta tell you, you might not have much material stuff in this world, but I look at you as the most relationally rich person I’ve ever met. God has used you to invest in a generations of students and families and you can’t put a price tag on that.”

Dang, it still gets me to think about those words. It’s humbling to even write that. Let’s be honest, I know me. I know what a sap I am. That statement alone speaks to the grace and power of God.

I share that story with you to share this. This weekend I got to experience something unbelievable.

I had a chance to be in the wedding of a former student who is still a close friend. I’ve known him since 6th grade. Now he is out of college and still walking with God and trying to influence the world for Him. I wasn’t prepared for how emotional it was going to be to see just a small slice of how God can use your influence. It was powerful, really powerful. I had parents and other people pulling me aside and thanking me. (really?) I was sitting at the rehearsal dinner hearing story after story of his character and all the cool things God is using Him to be about in our world. For a moment all I could imagine was this scrawny 15 year old in my small group asking some interesting questions about life and faith. I thought about all the small groups, trips, concerts and times we hung out just talking about life. I thought about how we’ve kept in touch every now and then and always end up in these long conversations about faith, life, love and the world. I thought about how blessed I am to be able to spend my life investing in relationships.

I left his reception to go to another reception of former student(s) who were involved in my ministry. Going there was another kick in the head from God about things He’s done.  I can easily remember the day I called the two of them getting married. I can remember all the conversations I’ve had with him about exploring his faith and his quest for truth and love. I’ve been so sharpened by his transparency and hunger for authenticity. It’s so cool to have a front row seat in watching God do cool things in the lives of others isn’t it? It was also so overwhelming to hear people who are now adult’s talk about what God is teaching them and doing in their life. They were telling stories about back in the day; the things we did and the things God taught them. There You go again God, just showing off.

I gotta tell ya, I got in my car after those receptions and just was hit with such a wave of gratefulness. I still wonder why God loves me at times. I know what kind of crap I stick in my heart and the constant struggle to get rid of that and fully give myself to God. I can’t believe that I still struggle with many of the things I do.

Somehow in the midst of all that, God allowed me to have a day to remind me of all the cool things He has done over the years. He reminded me that it’s Him who has done great things and the best thing I could do was to simply be available to Him. I don’t write this to make myself sound great. I write this to encourage you about how great our God is, and that if you allow Him, He will do some incredible things in and through your life.

For some reason as all that stuff hit me, I’ve become a bit emotional. I’m not usually a super emotional person, but this weekend God melted that a bit. He’s reminded me yet again about how great He is. He’s reminded me again about how much He wants to use me to be about His business. He’s reminded me again that no matter the struggle…it’s worth it.

Friday night update

* Got up way too stinking early on my "day off" today. It was for a good thing though, I had the great opportunity to go speak at a middle school FCA. I don't do as many FCA's as I used to, but it's still great to meet students in their element on campus and encourage them. It's also cool to speak at local FCA's because of a connection that started many years ago, it's a great reminder to me about how God can use even goobers like me to do something huge. (That's a long story to tell, but a cool one.)

* I had my first cup of coffee today at 4:00 pm. Thank you very much. (Yes, that means I have an issue, but whatever.)

* I am in a wedding for a former student/current close friend this weekend. I just got home from the rehearsal dinner and I am beyond encouraged. One of the coolest things in student ministry is to actually see students down the road who are still walking with God and influencing their world for Him. As I listened to story after story of his character, I thought of that goofy 15 year old guy I once knew. How cool to be able to walk through life with people! God used that to not only encourage me- but to challenge me in what we are trying to create in our groups at the church...

* Not sure how this is happening, but almost everywhere I go people are asking me about the book. That's cool! It's humbling how God is seemingly doing something cool with this project. I'm not going to lie to you, I'm more than overwhelmed with everything, but I know I'm following where God is leading so let's just see where this thing takes us. Now, let's just hope it doesn't suck!

* I came home tonight and the Murph evidently has a BAD stomach ache issue. So I cleaned it up and had to go to Wal Mart for carpet cleaner and stuff to try and relieve the stain and smell. All the while I am thinking about the chapter in the book about when Murph threw up on my head when he was a puppy and sharing that story to talk about God's love for us. Welcome to my world.

* I'm going to try and catch some of Orange, but with leader recruitment and DRIVE...things are pretty full at work right now. I've not been a big conference goer, but I am a big blog reader and try to catch up with some conferences that way. It's amazing how many people blog from conferences nowadays.

* On the way to the church for rehearsal tonight, I drove past the street where my grandparents lived when I grew up. I drove past the house they used to live in and it was an awkward moment. That set of grandparents are no longer here and it was a grim reminder of making the most of the time we are given.

* Went to the Braves game the other night with some friends. I had an incredible time. It was a much needed time to just have fun with some friends I don't always get to hang out with, but love it when I do.

* Dear book of Romans...thanks for the kicking in the head, stepping on the toes, and challenge to my heart you've given me this week. May I never be the same because of the truth you contain.

Linkage...

This opens today. Go see it.

Meeting with this guy in the morning...working on the new website. Good times.

Speaking of meetings, I've had this the last two days and it's been really good. (BTW...they now stop brewing bold after lunchtime! If they are not busy, they will press you a cup of bold if you ask.)

Had lunch here yesterday. Why haven't I been there before? One of the best ideas...they bake cookies for you while you eat. Dang.

I've been listening to this CD a lot this week. Well played. Me likey.

I've been stuck on these verses the last few days. Wow...what a picture. 

I'm out, still have a lot to do to be ready for this, this weekend. Hasta!

Head, Nose, Butt's and Toes.

* I just read through the book as it is right now. It's so hard for me to get a feel for it because I am so engaged in the content. The cool thing is that I laughed some and I was kicked in the head some too. If you are praying for this thing...pray for the next step of editing and whatnot.

* Loved The Masters this year. I watched WAY too much of it, but I loved it. If you watched it, did you notice the time, patience that it took the winner to take what seemed like every shot? He never rushed himself and very calmly and precisely played his way. The Master's is no doubt one of my favorite event's of the year. Now that it's over...the full on countdown to college football season is on.

* Pike Place Roast you ask? It's OK, not my favorite, but OK. It's not quite bold enough to be in my regular list...but it's not a bad cup of coffee either.

* Have I mentioned that I love the people I work with? Well, I do. I just got off the phone with a friend who works at another church and it cemented what I already know: it's so cool to want to go to work every day and that I get to work with people that I trust and believe in. We are in a unique season with some BIG goals that are God sized goals and it's so cool to be in the trenches with our team.

* Seriously...this stupid pollen is kicking my butt right now. It has never really affected me too much, but for some reason it is and I hate it. I'm ready to quit the sneezing and stuffiness. I think my nose is ready too. 

* Romans is really, really, really stepping on my toes right now. Thanks Paul.

* It's only 3 weeks until this. If you haven't signed up yet, you should. I think it's going to be unique in church conference world with the heavy emphasis on Q & A and conversational breakouts.

The Team for H D & B R

I'm reading through some of the latest edits and rewrites on the book today. I've been meaning to let you know some of the incredible friends who have been helping with this project. So lemme introduce you to them..

Editing/Content: Laurin Makohon. Laurin is the editor and big chief in charge at YouthWalk. She is a great writer and has a passion for students to engage in God's Word. I've been writing leaders guides for their magazine for a while now. I knew from that experience that she was the one to put eyes on this. She has been so helpful and encouraging in this process. She get's the vision God has given me and is helping craft it to be the best it can. Check out YW if you have time, they do a great magazine every month to help get students in the Word.

Design/Branding: Jo Albright. Jo has been a friend for a while now. He is finishing up at a design school and it is obvious to me that God has really gifted him in an incredible way. A few years ago he did the cover for the last CD a band I was close with and he did a great job with that. He also does a lot of stuff for us at the church and has kicked out some incredible stuff the last few weeks. Jo is working on the cover art as well as a website and some branding stuff to go along with the launch of the book. The stuff he has sent me so far is amazing.

Those are the two people who are most involved at this stage of getting this thing finished up. Down the road I'll introduce you to some more friends God has brought into this project.

We have a lot of bridges to cross in the next few weeks and a lot of decisions to be made, but we are still in line to hit an August release. Keep praying for wisdom, peace, and God's glory to reign as the story of this thing continues to unfold!

Door Closed? Door Open!

It's funny how God works isn't it? One of the students I've been tracking with for quite a while now has learned something cool. When God closes one door He typically knows what He's doing.

Taylor was an incredible golfer. I mean incredible. Like he had some great talent that a doofus like me can only dream about on the golf course. And then he had a hip problem and now he can't play much golf anymore. He had build a lot of his hobbies and life around golf. And then it was gone. Door shut.

In the midst of that he discovered a new hobby. Photography. He started taking lots of pictures and learning a lot about it. He has discovered a new passion that he likely would not have even known about if he was chasing that ever elusive white ball around a course. It's always interesting when you can see God working in and around your life isn't it?

Now he is about to graduate high school and go to a college to focus on this gift God's given him of creativity. He just launched a blog to show some of his stuff, check it out here. Go check it out and show him some love!

Coffee on the brain?

More random thoughts from my world:

* Oh my gosh. So last week I started getting all these text messages from some friends about this. And then I tried one. Dang...just what I needed, something else on my list of things I love.

* Our church launched a new site over the weekend. Check it out here if you want.

* They are unveiling the new coffee roast tomorrow at the 'ol starbuckets. Yes, it's scary that I know that and even kinda scary that I'm looking forward to trying it.

* I'm doing some final read through on the book before I send it back to my editor. I've spent this past weekend working on her edits and some rewrites. Wow, I can't believe we're getting this close to having the content finalized. It's too early and there are too many bridges too cross before we announce anything, but we do have a date and a venue booked for the official "Book Release Event." Yes, I'm incredibly nervous. As is my bank account. (or lack thereof)

* There was a point last week where both my dog and myself were sick. We were a sad sight. I just looked at him and could tell he didn't feel good. I shut down for a day over the weekend and tried to catch up on some rest. I've not been sleeping a whole lot lately and I think it was catching up with me.

* I actually took some time over the weekend to watch some of the UGA Spring Football game. And then I realized how much I am in the "dark" period with no football. It's OK, September will be here soon!

 

* I had a rental car over the weekend. I turned it in today and well...I miss it. It is cool to get in the comfortable familiarity that is your own car, but it was also cool to have something newer and bigger. On the other end, I have a car that's paid for that works. Oh...the joy of wisdom and margin! (Not that a man can't dream!)

* My small group guys and I are reading through Romans right now. It's been a few years since I have really studied Romans. I'm reading through it right now using The Message Remix translation since that's what my guys are reading. It's some thick stuff and God sure is kicking my tail with it. I really like how reading through using this translation has really brought some familiar verses some fresh life. Good times!