For All Who Wonder Why I Read Blogs

If you read this blog but are not an avid blogger yourself but wonder why I and others spend so much time reading blogs, check out this post by Steven Furtick, it explains it wonderfully!

Good Word

Many times on Wednesday nights I car pool with the others that have to make the trek out to Bullitt Lick BC where we go to church. Yesterday, however, everyone had different schedules and so I made the trek myself. Since church starts around 6:00 or so traffic is normally terrible and it takes me round about an hour to get there. This turned out to be very profitable, however, because I was able to listen to an awesome message by Pastor Steven Furtick of Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. God really used the message to a growing callousness of my heart towards sin. His passion for the Lord and his own brokenness over his sin really forced me to examine my own heart. It was a great message and one that I am grateful to the Lord for using it to convict my heart. You can listen to a podcast of the message titled Confessions of a Pastor, Part 1. (click on Podcast at the bottom of the page)

That brings up another issue. I am so grateful for churches that podcast there messages and don't make you pay for them. I can't stand it when I want to listen to a message from a particular church and I have to pay, sometimes (I've paid) seven bucks for it. It does not cost that much to make a CD! ...I could really get going on that one but I think I will leave it at this!...I am simply grateful for Pastor's that let God use there ministry in this way and don't always try and make a buck from it...

Catalyst - 07

I am officially pumped! In October I am going to the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta! Some of the key speakers include Andy Stanley, Dave Ramsey, Erwin McMannus, John Maxwell and about seven others. I wasn't sure if things were going to pan out to go, but I just found out the staff of Freedom will be there so I went ahead and bought a ticket. I can't wait! The conference itself will be amazing, plus I get to hang out with the guys from Freedom, so it will be an awesome week/weekend!

You Lead and Learn

Leadership isn't easy. I am learning this. There are risks to be taken...and sometimes you step on peoples toes. And sometimes you think the whole situation has been blown out of proportion and has become ridiculous, but you learn the limits. I don't ever want to be the kind of leader that doesn't take risks or maybe even push the limits at times. When a bad decision is made, you gotta make it right. You lead and learn. I am attempting both. Lord, help me learn.

Rockys on the River

My mom and sister have been in town the last couple of days packing up the last of Terri's stuff to head back to Colorado. Its been good having them here! I always eat good when Mommas in town! Rafferty's is always a favorite! We also visited The Irish Rover. I liked it! Tonight, however, we went across the river to an Italian place called Rocky's. Its right on the river with a great view of the bridge and the Louisville skyline! Great place!

Finally

Now that I am a little more caught up, I have time for some fun and editing! Thought I would share some!

Friends

The whole Fam.

The Groom and Best Man/Brother.

The Generations.

Emily looked great!

Mom shares some scripture and kind words.Some love after the ceremony.

The sisters.

The younger generation.

God Is Good

Can I just say that again...God is so good. I paid a ridiculously low amount for school this semester. God don't care to provide!

Yet Another

So, on top of the insane schedule that I have for myself this semester, and the insane work load and reading, I have decided to read two books that 'I' want to read. I refuse to let a hectic schedule and work load keep me from personal reading that I think will greatly impact my future. I have already mentioned one before. It's Communicating for a Change by Andy Stanley. I am always seeking to better my skills as a communicator and know this book will be key. Second, however is Simple Church by Thom Rainer. This book points out how statistically, churches in todays society that are showing considerable growth have a much more simple outlook on discipleship and church structure. Both of these books have come highly recommended by several people whom I respect and trust. I can't wait to dig in!

Snap, What a Word!

Perry had another good word in this post today! The title is: “I Don’t See How Someone Can Worship God With A Booming Sound System.” Personally, I love hymns...I prefer some of the redone hymns with a little more updated music but this is a good word for sure! Check it out!

Happenings & Lessons Learned

1 I am finally catching up in school. I finally finished the papers and such that were due after this past summer and am now able to focus more on this semester.

2. I had to turn down an opportunity to preach on Sunday night because I am barely getting by
in school at the moment. I hate that but I think it was a wise decision. I have to learn to say
no.

3. When "MC-ing" and event, never forget to introduce the speaker...lest you get a spanking like the one I got Monday night! It was verbal of course and all in good fun but never the less, I don't believe I will forget again...

4. I am pretty sure that my experience this summer changed my outlook on EVERYTHING! I love it!

5. When encountering an awkward conversation or situation, better to leave and spare yourself
the experience than to continue down in flames...

6. I continue to get questions about photography events, which amazes me. I may be making a new purchase soon as well...can't wait!

7. I hate how, in Blogger, the sentences look one way in the post window and another way when published... why does it do that?

That Would Be Awesome!

Today has been a good day. After church this afternoon I came back to the room and was able to punch out a what ended up being a seven page paper of my experience this past summer with Freedom Church. It wasn't hard, I've got so much running through my head of things I learned this summer it's crazy. Anyways, I had about two pages done, but bulk of it was done today. It felt good to get it out of the way. Now I can start working on this semester's work...

Anyways...I was reading this blog the other day and was really encouraged by this (different blog) post but I also came across an amazing opportunity that would be stinkin sweet, one I will perhaps keep in mind for the future. Check it out here.

...An internship at NewSpring would be incredible!

Good Word

J.R had a good word on membership in this post. We talked about membership in our staff meetings while I was there and they were great discussions. I am not sure exactly where I stand on the issue at this point, however, this semester I have to read a book on membership by one of my favorite professors called Membership Matters. I have to read it for my Intro to Evangelism and Church Growth class. think this will be very insightful. I love Dr. Lawless because he knows the Word and theology but he never forgets the practical, the real life aspects of ministry. I have flipped through this book and I think it will have some very practical thoughts to chew on. I think it will be a good read!

Once Upon A Time...

Once upon a time a boy named Jessee went to visit his friend Jason at his house in Colorado. The week was fulled with tons of wonderful activities including dirt biking in the mountains; something that Jessee and Jason had dreamed about since they were kids.
















As they were getting ready for their ride, many things needed to be done in preparation. Jessee was so eager to help with the chores and couldn't help but bubble over with suggestions that might make the process easier.














Sadly...many didn't find Jessee's ideas as helpful as he did...so he began to cry...
















and Cry...


















...and cry...



















After the sobbing subsided, bitterness set in and Jessee became angry...

















Jessee just could not understand why no one liked his ideas...to him, they were great...and after all...he just wanted to help out.
















Unable to cope with the situation, Jessee told of his trouble to Mrs. Coobs...but she only laughed and wasn't all that sympathetic...














After that, Jessee didn't really want to help with the chores anymore...

















The rest of the week, however, went well! Jessee and Jason had a great time riding and no one was seriously hurt. Jessee eventually forgave his bitterness and is happy to share his ideas, even if no one else likes them.

Jessee hopes to return again to Colorado soon to spend time with this family and go riding with his friend Jason...

...The End

Well...

I sat at the coffee shop tonight and tried to catch up on some of my reading that I am behind on. Unfortunately, I have to read a book with the word "anthropological" in the title, and I must say, to use a "J.R.ism," reading it is about as fun as being cheese grated! Other's tell me its not that bad, but I don't see it. Oh well... I feel like I am still trying to catch my breath and always feel behind on things I have to do but I must say, I am enjoying myself. God is really challenging me on time management.

I was encouraged by this blog today. I love people who are excited about ministry! And speaking of excitement, Freedom Church just nailed down a meeting place at North Metro Tech College in Acworth, I can't wait to see how things come together! Also, the website should launch Oct 1st, I can't wait to see it!

I got to speak to the youth tonight at church! I love speaking! It was very short notice and I normally would turn it down for lack of prep time but thought I might not have another opportunity for a while. I felt like I didn't really connect with the students, but others told me it went well, people who, I know, would tell me the truth!

I can't wait to read Communicating for a Change by Andy Stanly when I catch up with everything else I have to do! And I was very encouraged to see this book on the optional reading list of one of our preaching classes. Never thought I would see that!

Intro to Church Planting

I took my first Intro to Church Planting class today. It was interesting. I couldn't stop thinking about Freedom Church and wondering if this class was going to be anything like what I experienced this past summer. It will be a challenging class no doubt. It really made me miss things there. God is moving and changing things up a bit but I have no doubt He knows what he is doing. I know that God will use this guy in great ways!

Overwhelmed But Trusting

I got back to Louisville from an amazing trip home this evening and was faced with a mountain of things that I have to do in the next couple of days. Although I am a little stressed about it, I know the Lord is faithful and will get me through it. I just have to take it one step at a time; worry about today for tomorrow will have enough trouble of its own.

Amazing Day!

I wanted to post some pictures of yesterday's ride near Key stone, Loveland Pass and A-basin. I can't even begin to explain how awesome the view is from the top of these mountains! You take a beating getting to the top but its all worth it when you finally make it!

This is a view of one of the trails we had to take to make it to the top.

I hate the way a picture never captures the true sense of how steep this trail was as well as how bigs these rocks really were. This trail really took it out of you!

This is what awaits you at the top that makes it all worth it!

You can see where you've been and where you are going. Amazing!

If you look closely on the trial to the right you can see a black dot which is my dad, making his way down the trail.

At the top of Red Cone Mountain, 12,801 feet.

This was my chariot for the day! This is our newest addition to our family, a 2006 KTM 450 EXC. This bike is awesome! Its light weight and powerful. Many times going up a hill, all you can do is gas it, hold on and it will bring you to the top!

The trail you are looking at in the distance is called Radical Hill, fitting name for sure! It was a doozy!

The speck you can see is Jessee making his way down Red Cone hill. It is a lot steeper than it looks!

This hill as well was Crazy, one of those "gas it and hold on" hills.

We saw a few mountian goats at the top, the bikes didn't scare them at all!

What an amazing day. At the end, I was completely exhausted! Got home and mom had some steaks ready to be put on the grill, a perfect way to end the day!

Tired

I have been riding all day for the past two days and let me tell you, I am tired! My whole body hurts, but we sure saw some amazing sights today. We climbed a 12,800 foot mountain today, which I will post pictures of later, saw some wild mountain goats, and almost got stuck climbing this ridiculously steep rock wall, or so it seemed. Anyways, lord willing, tomorrow we will do it agian! Should be fun! Hope to post some pics of our adventures soon!

Off to the CO

I about 4 and a half hours I will be heading to the airport to catch a flight to atlanta, then to Denver to be with my family for the week! One of my best friends as well as my uncle will meet me there as well to join me for a killer riding trip to the high country! I am stoked! It is also my mom's 50'th birthday, another reason and plus to be with the fam. I've got to be honest though, I am a bit overwhelmed at the moment. It's after 12:30 and I still haven't packed among other things I need to do. This is not from procrastination but tons to do. Its all good though. I'm sure it will all be worth it! Anyways off to work!

Done, yet beginning

Orientation ended late last night with a welcome back party for both new and old students. It was great to see everyone. Afterwards I headed to the airport to welcome home one of my best buds Bobby Wood who just returned from Venezuela! Its great to have him back! Anyways, its been a tiring yet fun and awesome week/weekend to say the least and thought I would post some pics of the highlights!

The RL's

Howdy Leaders

Ambassadors

Student Counsel

Dr. Tea

Byrd Man

The Suspicious "Mail"

Sunrise at the retreat

Umm...