Colts and Relational Fractures

When watching the Colts, I cringe every time one of our guys gets sacked. I think "that's gotta hurt!" Then, that unexpected injury occurs that, often times, are breaks and fractures.

I've been spending a good amount of time thinking about stress in relationships - and through conversations with singles, marrieds, youth - there is one thing that they all have in common: stress occurs when we ultimately have a lack of trust.

We are talking about "Stressed-out Relationships" this Sunday, and we'll look at how to renew and strengthen relationships around us. We all need great friends and community, and that's what God wants for us as well.

What keeps me out of a therapist's office.......

A friend was sharing with me today a quote about connecting to God. It's this:

"Five chapters a day keeps the therapist away."

In other words, all the pain and discouragement that our life throws at us can be handled and overcome through the influence of God in our lives. It's not that reading exactly five chapters in the Bible is the magic number -rather it's the fact that we are being intentional about making a "connection time" with God a meaningful and regular part of life.

Some days, I feel like it's time to make that appointment. I don't know about you, but I need all the life-giving power God has to offer. Although it may sound simplistic, it's a great foundation for inner freedom in life.

Notice God, Notice Others

That was the message Steve shared tonight at our conference. A very simple truth to have a powerful impact: NOTICE God (being sensitive to what He might be doing) and NOTICE Others (put people on your radar-screen, and look for moments of connection.

I think when we notice God, we can't help but notice others. I am soooooo needing to work on that - I get so focused on what needs to be done that I miss opportunities while going thru the day. Yes, I connect with people - but usually the ones I have an appointment with. However, it's thrilling to connect spontaneously and see God do something if we were to slow down a bit and notice the potential of a small moment.!

Kansas City talking Church Planting

I'm in Kansas City this week with the Church Multiplication Association, a small group of 150 church planters. For 4 days we idea exchange, receive teaching and interact on a personal basis about this great thing call "church planting". It's amazing how may other churches like Journey started similarly, and how they are growing. Also, it's amazing the distinct challenges we similarly face. This has been a great week so far, but I miss family!
Angela was pulled over by a policeman today for speeding - and found out our auto registration was expired as well - and he threatened to tow the mini-van! Needless to say, that was a somewhat traumatic experience, and she quickly drove to the DMV to get new plates. Nothing like a traffic ticket to book your afternoon...........

Another first time for Journey.....

Today we had our VERY FIRST WATER BAPTISM, and it was awesome to see people recommit their lives to God. It was great having our young church cheer and celebrate the spiritual decisions reflected on a day like this.

This may sound odd, but a day like today makes me glad to be a pastor. A Christian. And it THRILLS me that there is a church called 'Journey' that represents the power and relevance of Christ's message.

Way to go God!!

First time for everything

My oldest son, Collin (5 next month), had his first week in pre-school. It's been very bitter/sweet as parents - he only goes 3 hrs.three days a week, yet it feels as if he getting "big" now that he is beginning the school years.
Well, the first day he cried - and that wasn't a joy. The 2nd day he didn't want to to go, but when I picked him up he was happy.

Isn't that true with us? Anytime I try something totally new - I'm hesitant and a little apprehensive. Sometimes, ALOT apprehensive. Yet, God often times introduces a brand new season in our lives that are meant to take us higher in our growth and calling. You and I will continually have 'firsts' in our life if we want to fulfill our purpose in this world.

The person who reaches a point of frustration and decides to reject all "first times" will eventually become bored with life. Purposeless and irrelevant. They will never know what they are missed.

Get ready for something new - because something new is coming!

Orlando, Emeril and BlueMan group

On Monday Angela and I returned from a week away (no kids!) - and it was wonderful. That's why there hasn't been a blog in a few days. If I had blogged, it would have been something like:
Got up, read, starbucks, swam, went to a movie.
Next day: Got up, swam, read, went shopping - went to another movie.
Etc,
Etc.

One highlight was on Wed. we went to see the Blue Man Group in town. We were in the "poncho" section (front), where everyone is given a plastic poncho to protect you from the paint splatter. Alot of fun! For dinner, I took Angela to Emeril Laggase's Restaurant (bam!) and we both had the Filet Mignon (and it was phenom.) I probably gained 10 lbs. from the week, but oh well.

I read a great book called "Jim and Casper Go to Church" - about a pastor and an atheist visiting 10 churches (all various types) together and having the atheist provide some thoughts of his experience. Wow - it causes me to constantly evaluate who we are targeting and why Journey is doing what we are doing!