Back to the goals discussion. I think in every arena of life we need to have goals. My financial goals are a little bit different than what many financial people might suggest. They may be more based on life experiences that I desire than on an amount of money in the bank.
Over the last year a lot of people who had put their hope in their funds and 401k's have awakened to quite a bit of disappointment. I wonder if we focused more on experiences and storing up memories than storing up funds. Don't get me wrong we should store up funds for a rainy day (the Bible challenges us to that) but it also says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth..."
We live in a world that is all about accumulating stuff and more stuff and I think maybe we would be better suited if we focused on giving to others and on making memories.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Not One of My Goals
OK, so I have been away from my blog for a bit. I traveled out of the country and it looks like i picked up some kind of bug. Now that was not one of my goals for the year. The trip to another country (yes) the sickness (no). So now I try to re-engage our conversation. I will jump back in the rest of my goals for my next few posts. I must say that some of my goals have gone to an entirely new level after my trip and not because I am sick. More to come...
Saturday, January 17, 2009
FAMILY GOALS
So let's move on to the second category of goals that I have set for this year. Right now at LifePoint we are in a series called "Frantic Family" and boy is it obvious that most families are living frantic lives. One of the ways I think we can improve in this area is by each year setting some goals for our family.
I try and spend a few hours before the new year begins thinking about areas where my family needs to grow, improve and focus and this year was no exception. I won't bore you with a lot of chatter about the need for doing this but I think you know it's true.
Here's a glimpse of some of the goals I have for 2009 for my family:
1) Focus on living, eating and playing for a healthy lifestyle (I think that where we live and the community we surround ourselves with, as well as our eating and our playing together will better position us for short and long term health)
2) Regular family discussions (This will come out in my talk next week, but it is so important that as a family we spend time talking together about our lives and how we are doing on the things we feel that are important)
3) Date Nights (This year I am focusing on more consistent date nights with all three of my girls... For those of you wondering, that is my beautiful wife and my two incredible daughters)
There's a few of my goals and some details... What about you? Do you have a plan for what you want to focus on as a family this year?
I try and spend a few hours before the new year begins thinking about areas where my family needs to grow, improve and focus and this year was no exception. I won't bore you with a lot of chatter about the need for doing this but I think you know it's true.
Here's a glimpse of some of the goals I have for 2009 for my family:
1) Focus on living, eating and playing for a healthy lifestyle (I think that where we live and the community we surround ourselves with, as well as our eating and our playing together will better position us for short and long term health)
2) Regular family discussions (This will come out in my talk next week, but it is so important that as a family we spend time talking together about our lives and how we are doing on the things we feel that are important)
3) Date Nights (This year I am focusing on more consistent date nights with all three of my girls... For those of you wondering, that is my beautiful wife and my two incredible daughters)
There's a few of my goals and some details... What about you? Do you have a plan for what you want to focus on as a family this year?
Saturday, January 10, 2009
FAITH GOALS
A few days ago I blogged about the 5 "F's". The first one was "Faith". I have actually set some Faith goals for 2009. They are not anything real earth shattering and I'll tell you why:
Last year I finished the process of developing 100 life goals and several people asked me why I didn't have a Faith or Spiritual category. In the process of setting goals I became very aware that all of my life is spiritual. I am a spiritual being and everything I do is an overflow of who God says I am and what He has created me to do. So I decided not to go with spiritual goals.
While nothing has really changed there, this year there are a few things on my radar that I wanted to focus in on and they seemed to have more of a faith feel than anything else so I tagged them as faith goals.
The biggest one I have is that I want to daily grow in my awareness of what is going on inside of me and around me. Until last year I may have never called this a faith issue but I am learning to see that it just may be the biggest faith issue of all.
Increasing awareness in my life leads to increasing faith development in my life. Growing up I was told that the way to grow my faith was to pray more... read my bible more... go to church more... and the list went on and on... Don't get me wrong these things all have a significant place in my life but apart from awareness I see that they really have no LASTING value!
Later this year we will be doing a series at LifePoint where we will visit this issue in detail.
Living your life with intention this week?
Last year I finished the process of developing 100 life goals and several people asked me why I didn't have a Faith or Spiritual category. In the process of setting goals I became very aware that all of my life is spiritual. I am a spiritual being and everything I do is an overflow of who God says I am and what He has created me to do. So I decided not to go with spiritual goals.
While nothing has really changed there, this year there are a few things on my radar that I wanted to focus in on and they seemed to have more of a faith feel than anything else so I tagged them as faith goals.
The biggest one I have is that I want to daily grow in my awareness of what is going on inside of me and around me. Until last year I may have never called this a faith issue but I am learning to see that it just may be the biggest faith issue of all.
Increasing awareness in my life leads to increasing faith development in my life. Growing up I was told that the way to grow my faith was to pray more... read my bible more... go to church more... and the list went on and on... Don't get me wrong these things all have a significant place in my life but apart from awareness I see that they really have no LASTING value!
Later this year we will be doing a series at LifePoint where we will visit this issue in detail.
Living your life with intention this week?
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Five "F's"
Finally, (that's not one of my F's) I have completed my goal list for 2009. I like to have them done before the year starts but this year I had some things going on that took a bit of my time and attention. But... after much thought, prayer and focus I have narrowed down the list. This year I have decided to lodge all of my goals in one of five categories:
FAITH, FAMILY, FITNESS, FINANCE and FRIENDSHIPS (Isn't that so cute!!!)
Seriously, I have found over the years that if I develop groups it helps me to come up with a better list of objectives. I also focused on simplicity this year. Sometimes the process of setting and deciding on goals can be a bit to intense.
Do you have any goals for this year? I would encourage you to take at least a little time and set some direction for yourself and your family!
This Sunday we will continue our series called "Frantic Family" where we will ask the question, "What makes your family unique?" We will also talk about learning to balance between setting out for a preferred future and living in the moment. It should be a fun conversation. One I hope you get to be a part of.
Over the next several days I will share more on how I came up with my goals categories and even give you a glimpse into some of the specific goals I have set. After all we need each others help to really make a difference. (I'll share more about that with my Friendship Goals!)
Have a great week!
FAITH, FAMILY, FITNESS, FINANCE and FRIENDSHIPS (Isn't that so cute!!!)
Seriously, I have found over the years that if I develop groups it helps me to come up with a better list of objectives. I also focused on simplicity this year. Sometimes the process of setting and deciding on goals can be a bit to intense.
Do you have any goals for this year? I would encourage you to take at least a little time and set some direction for yourself and your family!
This Sunday we will continue our series called "Frantic Family" where we will ask the question, "What makes your family unique?" We will also talk about learning to balance between setting out for a preferred future and living in the moment. It should be a fun conversation. One I hope you get to be a part of.
Over the next several days I will share more on how I came up with my goals categories and even give you a glimpse into some of the specific goals I have set. After all we need each others help to really make a difference. (I'll share more about that with my Friendship Goals!)
Have a great week!
Monday, January 5, 2009
GREAT START
Wow! I thought we had an amazing start to the new year! I was so looking forward to getting back on the platform and sharing what God had laid on my heart and hanging, learning and growing with my friends at LifePoint. Thanks for all of the great comments about the service.
Not sure if it will be possible to top this series this year based at least on the content. I'm sure that there will be talks, gatherings, and experiences that some will like more but I don't think we could have started the year with a more relevant series. We may not all be willing to admit it but most of us live pretty Frantic lives.
Join us this week as we continue the journey of discovering how to move from chaos to peace. At least we could shoot for peace in the midst of the chaos.
Have a great week!
Not sure if it will be possible to top this series this year based at least on the content. I'm sure that there will be talks, gatherings, and experiences that some will like more but I don't think we could have started the year with a more relevant series. We may not all be willing to admit it but most of us live pretty Frantic lives.
Join us this week as we continue the journey of discovering how to move from chaos to peace. At least we could shoot for peace in the midst of the chaos.
Have a great week!
Monday, December 29, 2008
GEARING UP FOR THE NEW YEAR
I have spent some time over the last few days evaluating the last year and thinking about the one to come. I have been looking at areas in my life where I need to make some changes. (There are many) Each year I try and develop a list of goals that I want/hope to accomplish that year and this year will be no exception. I haven't made it to the list yet but I will before the week is over. I try and not rush into it but set goals that require some hard work but yet till can be accomplished.
This morning I read a post from one of my favorite writers. Mark Batterson is the Pastor of National Community Church in DC and he inspires me from a distance. You can read what I just read by clicking here.
None of us really like change but when we stop and evaluate we all know we need it. What areas do you need change in? Don't resist the change but run to it!
This next year we will experience some changes at LifePoint. We will push past the status quo and seek God as to how we need to change to stay focused on what he has called us to do. There will be some changes that we like and some we don't but we will change anyway.
One of the things, personally, I am going to change in is some of my eating habits. I am not going to allow myself to eat anything after 8:00pm. That is a change I am NOT going to like but it IS going to be for my benefit so I will press on.
When there are changes that you don't like if you resist them you will spend your whole life as status quo and how boring is that. Do something different "for a change"!
This morning I read a post from one of my favorite writers. Mark Batterson is the Pastor of National Community Church in DC and he inspires me from a distance. You can read what I just read by clicking here.
None of us really like change but when we stop and evaluate we all know we need it. What areas do you need change in? Don't resist the change but run to it!
This next year we will experience some changes at LifePoint. We will push past the status quo and seek God as to how we need to change to stay focused on what he has called us to do. There will be some changes that we like and some we don't but we will change anyway.
One of the things, personally, I am going to change in is some of my eating habits. I am not going to allow myself to eat anything after 8:00pm. That is a change I am NOT going to like but it IS going to be for my benefit so I will press on.
When there are changes that you don't like if you resist them you will spend your whole life as status quo and how boring is that. Do something different "for a change"!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS
I love Christmas Morning! Wake up early, open a few gifts with the family, eat a little breakfast and then go back to sleep for a morning nap. Just waking up from mine!
So grateful for what this day represents. It is the day that, as Christians, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. This past year, maybe more than ever, I have been overwhelmed with the thought of God coming "here"! I'm asking Him this day not to let me miss the beauty of what this means for us.
In Coming, Jesus said over and over again things like.... "the Kingdom of God is with men".... "the Kingdom is in you"....
I think as followers of Christ we will have been called to be co-creators with Christ and continue to usher in the presence of the Kingdom in the world we live in.
For the balance of 2008 and in all of 2009 may we broker the message of the Kingdom and the Peace of God to all we encounter.
Both friend and foe, those near and far.
Peace on this Christmas Day and in the Year to come!
So grateful for what this day represents. It is the day that, as Christians, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. This past year, maybe more than ever, I have been overwhelmed with the thought of God coming "here"! I'm asking Him this day not to let me miss the beauty of what this means for us.
In Coming, Jesus said over and over again things like.... "the Kingdom of God is with men".... "the Kingdom is in you"....
I think as followers of Christ we will have been called to be co-creators with Christ and continue to usher in the presence of the Kingdom in the world we live in.
For the balance of 2008 and in all of 2009 may we broker the message of the Kingdom and the Peace of God to all we encounter.
Both friend and foe, those near and far.
Peace on this Christmas Day and in the Year to come!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
What a Year!
What an amazing year this has been! Tomorrow morning I will walk into the doors of LifePoint and onto the stage for the last Sunday service of 2008. Where has the year gone? It has certainly been an up and down ride but one that I will cherish for some time to come. (We always take the last Sunday of the year off so we won't have services on the 28th)
I can't wait for the experience on Sunday! We have been brainstorming this one for several weeks and it finally came together over the last few days.
Speaking of experience: That is the new word for next year. Lifepoint will be all about creating experiences. By now you have probably heard that we are shifting from three services to two and the times are changing. Our new times will be 8:45am and 10:30am, starting on January 4th.
We have some experiences planned for the first few months of 2009 that I don't think will let you down. We are going to look at the issues facing, "Frantic Families" and we are going to talk about the heartbeat of LifePoint Church.
Thanks to all of you who have been such a huge part of our journey this year. Together we have worshipped by singing, teaching, repairing houses, feeding the hungry, clothing those in need, and caring for children just to name a few.
Next year promises to provide many more opportunities for some of the same and many new initiatives as well. I hope you all have a great Christmas and an Amazing start to the New year!
I can't wait for the experience on Sunday! We have been brainstorming this one for several weeks and it finally came together over the last few days.
Speaking of experience: That is the new word for next year. Lifepoint will be all about creating experiences. By now you have probably heard that we are shifting from three services to two and the times are changing. Our new times will be 8:45am and 10:30am, starting on January 4th.
We have some experiences planned for the first few months of 2009 that I don't think will let you down. We are going to look at the issues facing, "Frantic Families" and we are going to talk about the heartbeat of LifePoint Church.
Thanks to all of you who have been such a huge part of our journey this year. Together we have worshipped by singing, teaching, repairing houses, feeding the hungry, clothing those in need, and caring for children just to name a few.
Next year promises to provide many more opportunities for some of the same and many new initiatives as well. I hope you all have a great Christmas and an Amazing start to the New year!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
It's a Beautiful Day
As some of you know one of my favorite bands of all time is U2, and their song, "Beautiful Day" is one of the best. The lyrics go, it's a beautiful day.... don't let it slip away.....
That is what is on my mind as I wake up this morning. (Maybe it's because the song is in my ipod)
What if we said this to ourselves each day before we rushed out the door or began our daily routine. In my office I have a jar of marbles that represent the weeks I have left if I live the normal lifespan of a person in America. I'm fully aware that I am not promised anything and that everyday is a gift and every breath a picture of god's grace. The marbles (I throw one in the trash each week) are a constant reminder to me that life is a gift and is fragile and I have a little bit of time and a little opportunity to make a difference.
How are you using your little bit of time and little bit of opportunity to influence those around you for good?
It's a Beautiful Day..... Don't Let it slip away!!!!
That is what is on my mind as I wake up this morning. (Maybe it's because the song is in my ipod)
What if we said this to ourselves each day before we rushed out the door or began our daily routine. In my office I have a jar of marbles that represent the weeks I have left if I live the normal lifespan of a person in America. I'm fully aware that I am not promised anything and that everyday is a gift and every breath a picture of god's grace. The marbles (I throw one in the trash each week) are a constant reminder to me that life is a gift and is fragile and I have a little bit of time and a little opportunity to make a difference.
How are you using your little bit of time and little bit of opportunity to influence those around you for good?
It's a Beautiful Day..... Don't Let it slip away!!!!
Monday, December 8, 2008
"Frantic Family" Blog Finale
In my post yesterday I wrapped up the questions for the frantic family. I just had to visit this issue one more time. Today I spent some time with a creative planning team talking about the new series we will be launching in January related to this subject. I have 3 words for you. "Don't miss it"!
During this series we are going to experiment with some new forms of learning and it is just going to be a great time. (I wish I could share more of our planning but that would take away from the experience so I have to keep you in suspense) At the end we will open our doors to the public for a one evening session on developing a family plan.
If Frantic is not an adjective that describes your family then you can sleep late in January. However, if like mine, yours is at times frantic, then join us for some amazing environments and conversations!
During this series we are going to experiment with some new forms of learning and it is just going to be a great time. (I wish I could share more of our planning but that would take away from the experience so I have to keep you in suspense) At the end we will open our doors to the public for a one evening session on developing a family plan.
If Frantic is not an adjective that describes your family then you can sleep late in January. However, if like mine, yours is at times frantic, then join us for some amazing environments and conversations!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
SORRY
OK, so I have been away for a few weeks! Life has been a little crazy and I just haven't taken the time to post. I could have found some time but I try to work hard to really prioritise my life and at times I have to let things go.I love writing here so I'm back in the saddle and will try to stay consistent at least for the near future.
When I took my break we were talking about the questions that a "Frantic Family" must ask themselves. The first two questions were challenging but this third one is very simple.
As a family, "How are we going to manage and monitor our decisions?" Once you make the tough decisions you must make as family there has to be a plan to monitor how you are doing.
A few weeks ago Carey and I spent an evening at Atlanta Bread Company talking through the decisions we had recently made. It was a great time to hang out and to make sure that we were doing the things we had committed to doing. As I said in another post, it is one thing to know what you want to do and another thing to be sure you get it done.
I am confident that anyone can sit down and come up with a plan for what their life and their family should look like but I think very few actually accomplish their dreams and desires. We allow our culture and what others say and do to dictate what our life really looks like. This is unfortunate. You and you alone can monitor and manage your life and your family.
Spend some time this week evaluating how you are doing related to your priorities and desires. If you need to make some changes have the courage to do so!
When I took my break we were talking about the questions that a "Frantic Family" must ask themselves. The first two questions were challenging but this third one is very simple.
As a family, "How are we going to manage and monitor our decisions?" Once you make the tough decisions you must make as family there has to be a plan to monitor how you are doing.
A few weeks ago Carey and I spent an evening at Atlanta Bread Company talking through the decisions we had recently made. It was a great time to hang out and to make sure that we were doing the things we had committed to doing. As I said in another post, it is one thing to know what you want to do and another thing to be sure you get it done.
I am confident that anyone can sit down and come up with a plan for what their life and their family should look like but I think very few actually accomplish their dreams and desires. We allow our culture and what others say and do to dictate what our life really looks like. This is unfortunate. You and you alone can monitor and manage your life and your family.
Spend some time this week evaluating how you are doing related to your priorities and desires. If you need to make some changes have the courage to do so!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Narrow it Down
Do you ever feel overwhelmed? Ok, now get up off the floor and please keep reading! Of course you do, we all do. Sometimes it seems like I have so much to do that I am almost paralyzed by the magnitude of responsibilities and the things that need my attention.
For the past few days I have been posting about the questions that each family needed to ask in order to live on purpose. If you haven't read the last 2 blogs you may want to back up and catch up.
Today I have another question for you that I hope helps. "What is your families top priority, right now?" If you could answer that question in a sentence then you have just created some direction. I know that we are all busy and have a lot to do but if you want to get somewhere, and get there on purpose then you must learn to prioritize.
If as a family, or even with yourself if you are single, you could sit down and determine what the most important thing is right now then that becomes your marching orders. You simply focus on that and everything else just has to wait until it becomes the most important thing.
Now, before you tell my I'm dreaming listen to a few thoughts:
1) I know that there are daily things that simply must be done. Get them done. They will always have a place in your schedule
2) Before you push back to hard on my plan, how's yours working? If it's going good then read no more. If not, try this one on for a few weeks and see if you get results.
We will look at our final question in a few days! Happy Prioritizing!
For the past few days I have been posting about the questions that each family needed to ask in order to live on purpose. If you haven't read the last 2 blogs you may want to back up and catch up.
Today I have another question for you that I hope helps. "What is your families top priority, right now?" If you could answer that question in a sentence then you have just created some direction. I know that we are all busy and have a lot to do but if you want to get somewhere, and get there on purpose then you must learn to prioritize.
If as a family, or even with yourself if you are single, you could sit down and determine what the most important thing is right now then that becomes your marching orders. You simply focus on that and everything else just has to wait until it becomes the most important thing.
Now, before you tell my I'm dreaming listen to a few thoughts:
1) I know that there are daily things that simply must be done. Get them done. They will always have a place in your schedule
2) Before you push back to hard on my plan, how's yours working? If it's going good then read no more. If not, try this one on for a few weeks and see if you get results.
We will look at our final question in a few days! Happy Prioritizing!
Friday, November 14, 2008
FAMILY PLANNING
So in my last post I shared with you about the book I had just finished reading and how it had inspired Carey and I to sit down and really get intentional about the things we feel strong about. We came away from our discussion with a renewed feeling of needing to simplify. So we came up with some action steps.
This week we have worked very hard to de-clutter, prepare for a yard sale, re-work our personal budget and make some plans for how we will continue this process. See it's one thing to know what you need/want to do but it's another to put feet to your plans. I already feel like a new man after just one week of working hard on the things we decided to do. Our house is less cluttered, we are more on the same page than ever as a family, and I feel like we are really creating space in our lives for God to move!
It all started with the three questions from the book, "3 Big Questions for a Frantic Family". Let me give you the first one and challenge you to think through it. WHAT MAKES YOUR FAMILY UNIQUE?
Now that's a great question. What are the unique gifts, talents, desires, passions, and experiences that make up who you are as a family? Taking some time to reflect on these things will allow you to begin putting together a family mission that will allow you to live your life with great purpose.
We'll continue this discussion and look at the other 2 questions over the next few days!
Live on purpose and choose the course of your life or someone will choose it for you.
Peace!
This week we have worked very hard to de-clutter, prepare for a yard sale, re-work our personal budget and make some plans for how we will continue this process. See it's one thing to know what you need/want to do but it's another to put feet to your plans. I already feel like a new man after just one week of working hard on the things we decided to do. Our house is less cluttered, we are more on the same page than ever as a family, and I feel like we are really creating space in our lives for God to move!
It all started with the three questions from the book, "3 Big Questions for a Frantic Family". Let me give you the first one and challenge you to think through it. WHAT MAKES YOUR FAMILY UNIQUE?
Now that's a great question. What are the unique gifts, talents, desires, passions, and experiences that make up who you are as a family? Taking some time to reflect on these things will allow you to begin putting together a family mission that will allow you to live your life with great purpose.
We'll continue this discussion and look at the other 2 questions over the next few days!
Live on purpose and choose the course of your life or someone will choose it for you.
Peace!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
QUESTIONS
OK, so if you know me then you know how I am about questions. I just finished reading book by Patrick Lencioni titled, "The 3 Big Questions for a Frantic Family." Wow! What a great read. Pat is one of my favorite business/leadership authors. I think I have read everything he has written. This one may be the best because it speaks to one of the areas of great passion for me. FAMILY!
After reading this book Carey and sat down and spent a few hours working through our family values and making sure that we were on track. If any of us spent a few minutes thinking and talking about what maters most I think our answers would come quickly.
Here's the struggle though; Does what we say matters most show up in how we spend our money and how we spend our time? It's one thing to verbally say what matters most and another to make decisions that lead you to a life that proves that.
For the next several days we will look at these questions and talk more on this topic.
Can't wait to create a teaching series from this for next year!
After reading this book Carey and sat down and spent a few hours working through our family values and making sure that we were on track. If any of us spent a few minutes thinking and talking about what maters most I think our answers would come quickly.
Here's the struggle though; Does what we say matters most show up in how we spend our money and how we spend our time? It's one thing to verbally say what matters most and another to make decisions that lead you to a life that proves that.
For the next several days we will look at these questions and talk more on this topic.
Can't wait to create a teaching series from this for next year!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Mike Leach
Now here's a story of knowing what you want in life and going for it. Mike Leach is the head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders. (You guys know how big of a college football fan I am) Mike graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in 1983. He then went on to Pepperdine University School of law and graduated with a law degree in 1986.
After all of this time and effort he decided that he wanted to be a football coach. That had always been his dream but he was never willing to pursue it. "Why Not?" That was his attitude!
So today he coaches a team that is undefeated and about to play Texas (the #1 team in the country) this Saturday. A lot of people are saying that texas Tech will win the game. If you ask me I'm not so sure. However, Mike Leach is already a winner. He knew what mattered most to him in life and he didn't settle. By the way, Mike is one of only 4 Division I coaches that didn't actually play football in college. That's what I'm talking about. Having a dream and the courage to pursue it!
LifePoint Church has been a dream and vision of mine for many years. Six years ago in the midst of much criticism and questions from even friends and family I decided to go for it. Since then we have been on one amazing ride. There have been great days and not so great days but through it all God has been faithful and has allowed us to be a part of a great story.
For the last several months I have been seeking God about the next few years of my life. I have been sharing on Sunday's that I feel like He is calling us to take the heart and vision of who we are outside the church walls and make a great difference in our communities. I truly believe that the greatest days are ahead of us.
The last two weeks have been a time of great anticipation for me. I almost feel like I did when God first began to give me the dream of this place. I know that this is what He has called me to and I am ready to make the next run.
For those of you who have been a part of this journey, thanks for all you have done and I know you will continue to be a part. For those of you who are new to LifePoint, hang on because we are about to have some fun and watch God do great things!
After all of this time and effort he decided that he wanted to be a football coach. That had always been his dream but he was never willing to pursue it. "Why Not?" That was his attitude!
So today he coaches a team that is undefeated and about to play Texas (the #1 team in the country) this Saturday. A lot of people are saying that texas Tech will win the game. If you ask me I'm not so sure. However, Mike Leach is already a winner. He knew what mattered most to him in life and he didn't settle. By the way, Mike is one of only 4 Division I coaches that didn't actually play football in college. That's what I'm talking about. Having a dream and the courage to pursue it!
LifePoint Church has been a dream and vision of mine for many years. Six years ago in the midst of much criticism and questions from even friends and family I decided to go for it. Since then we have been on one amazing ride. There have been great days and not so great days but through it all God has been faithful and has allowed us to be a part of a great story.
For the last several months I have been seeking God about the next few years of my life. I have been sharing on Sunday's that I feel like He is calling us to take the heart and vision of who we are outside the church walls and make a great difference in our communities. I truly believe that the greatest days are ahead of us.
The last two weeks have been a time of great anticipation for me. I almost feel like I did when God first began to give me the dream of this place. I know that this is what He has called me to and I am ready to make the next run.
For those of you who have been a part of this journey, thanks for all you have done and I know you will continue to be a part. For those of you who are new to LifePoint, hang on because we are about to have some fun and watch God do great things!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
BIG CHALLENGE!
So, did I issue a "big challenge" Sunday or what? In the midst of some of our toughest economic times in history I asked the people of LifePoint to step up their giving to an all time high in an effort to be a part of a huge plan God has for us. I am confident that, as always, the response will be huge and together we will once again see God do amazing things.
I can't wait to get into the next few months and begin to see some of our dreams become a reality. Things like stepping greater into our community and meeting physical needs, helping people begin to discover their purpose for living, and seeking to lead the church into the future. Only time will tell what will be accomplished and I for one am waiting with great anticipation.
Come prepared this Sunday to be part of a fun time of celebration as you bring your gifts during the service. (We will fill the treasure chest) Remember, "where your treasure is there will your heart be also!"
I can't wait to get into the next few months and begin to see some of our dreams become a reality. Things like stepping greater into our community and meeting physical needs, helping people begin to discover their purpose for living, and seeking to lead the church into the future. Only time will tell what will be accomplished and I for one am waiting with great anticipation.
Come prepared this Sunday to be part of a fun time of celebration as you bring your gifts during the service. (We will fill the treasure chest) Remember, "where your treasure is there will your heart be also!"
Monday, October 20, 2008
Buried Treasure
We are in a series right now called "Buried Treasure", and I am loving the ways God is stretching us! I am not usually so comfortable with asking people to consider giving like I have been the last few weeks.
For the last 6 years I have resisted talking much about money in an attempt to not make people misunderstand my passion, heart and desires. The reality is that I am starting to understand that people really do want to be a part of something bigger than themselves and that means we may have to step outside of our comfort zones.
God had no problem with the money conversation because His motives were pure. As I have prayed these last few months I feel like mine are as well so I am going for it.
We have been called as a church to make a huge difference in the lives of those we call our neighbor and it will mean that each of us will have to sacrifice. This past Sunday I gave a big challenge for the church and you can listen to it here.
Join us again this Sunday as we continue this journey!
For the last 6 years I have resisted talking much about money in an attempt to not make people misunderstand my passion, heart and desires. The reality is that I am starting to understand that people really do want to be a part of something bigger than themselves and that means we may have to step outside of our comfort zones.
God had no problem with the money conversation because His motives were pure. As I have prayed these last few months I feel like mine are as well so I am going for it.
We have been called as a church to make a huge difference in the lives of those we call our neighbor and it will mean that each of us will have to sacrifice. This past Sunday I gave a big challenge for the church and you can listen to it here.
Join us again this Sunday as we continue this journey!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Don't Miss Sunday
You do NOT want to miss this Sunday! As I shared this past week, all of the staff will be on the stage with me this week and we will be sharing some great stories.
For the past several weeks we have been discussing generosity and the characteristics of a generous life. Now we move into the real issues. "What is God asking me to do?" and "How can I display the marks of generosity?"
For the next several weeks we will be sharing with you some exciting things that are on the horizon for LifePoint Church and the communities we are a part of. The staff and I have been stretching ourselves to think outside the box and seek what it really looks like to be generous, which is simply being like Christ. Now we want to share our thoughts and visions with you and invite you to invest your time, talents and resources in helping us accomplish some great things.
We know that if anything of lasting value is accomplished it will be by the grace of Christ, and yet we also know that He has chosen to work through ordinary people like you and me.
So get ready to hear some exciting stuff and to be challenged like never before.
See you Sunday!
For the past several weeks we have been discussing generosity and the characteristics of a generous life. Now we move into the real issues. "What is God asking me to do?" and "How can I display the marks of generosity?"
For the next several weeks we will be sharing with you some exciting things that are on the horizon for LifePoint Church and the communities we are a part of. The staff and I have been stretching ourselves to think outside the box and seek what it really looks like to be generous, which is simply being like Christ. Now we want to share our thoughts and visions with you and invite you to invest your time, talents and resources in helping us accomplish some great things.
We know that if anything of lasting value is accomplished it will be by the grace of Christ, and yet we also know that He has chosen to work through ordinary people like you and me.
So get ready to hear some exciting stuff and to be challenged like never before.
See you Sunday!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday Morning Conversations
For the last several weeks I have been asking questions during our services. That's not very different. I mean we have always heard teachers ask questions in churches. However, the questions I have been posing have not been rhetorical questions but ones that I really wanted to hear some feedback.
By the way, thanks to all of the brave ones that have been wiling to shout out in one of our services and give your insight to the subjects we are addressing. I know that this is a very new idea and yet I think it is a very healthy and potentially life changing one.
In the last few days Chris had a great post on relationships where he talked about the importance of really listening. You can read it by clicking here!
I long for the day when we can regular gather as a group and just share openly with each other. Where someone isn't the "Bible answer man" (or women) standing in front of the group but where we can learn in community.
This is the idea behind the internet site know as wikipedia, where the information is shared information. The thought is that one person (source) can't possibly have all the perspectives needed to really bring a full understanding to any subject.
My desire is that at LifePoint we would be a people of God who explore this thought in many ways and I look forward to the journey with you.
I would love to get some feedback from those of you who read this blog about how this whole idea strikes you!
By the way, thanks to all of the brave ones that have been wiling to shout out in one of our services and give your insight to the subjects we are addressing. I know that this is a very new idea and yet I think it is a very healthy and potentially life changing one.
In the last few days Chris had a great post on relationships where he talked about the importance of really listening. You can read it by clicking here!
I long for the day when we can regular gather as a group and just share openly with each other. Where someone isn't the "Bible answer man" (or women) standing in front of the group but where we can learn in community.
This is the idea behind the internet site know as wikipedia, where the information is shared information. The thought is that one person (source) can't possibly have all the perspectives needed to really bring a full understanding to any subject.
My desire is that at LifePoint we would be a people of God who explore this thought in many ways and I look forward to the journey with you.
I would love to get some feedback from those of you who read this blog about how this whole idea strikes you!
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