Wii Series

This Sunday in GenesisKIDS we’re starting a new series entitled Wii. We’ll be talking about how kids can connect to God anywhere. Much like the wireless games of today, like the Wii, you can surf the internet and download games via the wireless web. You can even play with controllers that are not teathered by some stinking wires. Pretty stinking cool!

Not only will we be learning about the importance of connecting to God wherever we are, we’re going to have a ton of fun doing it. We’ll have the Wii set up on our big screen for the next three weeks, and I look forward to schooling some kids on WiiTennis. I see a lot of loves in their future!

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Spiritual Esteem

This is a post from Swerve, Craig Groeschel’s blog, that I thought was worth sharing with everyone.

When you are doing ministry, try to remember:

• What you do is a result of who you are in Christ.
• What you do doesn’t define who you are.
• Don’t confuse the “who” with the “do.”

You are not successful because:

• Your kids’ ministry grew 10% this year.
• Three people got saved last week.
• Your budget increased by 5%.
• The parents of your student ministry like you.
• Your church is bigger this year than this time last year.

You are successful because of who you are in Christ. You please God by obeying him, not performing up to your personal expectations.

Are you doing ministry to get worth, feel successful or to find your identity? Or are you doing ministry to please, to resemble, to delight in Christ and bring people to Him?

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In case you thought I forgot…

It’s great to be an Auburn Tiger…

Especially for the last 6 years!

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Sunday Wrap-Up

Today we closed out “Cards”, the two week series on gratitude. We discussed how a grateful heart is a generous heart. (You can watch the talk by clicking here.) I know as I prepared for this, the Lord challenged me on how to best use the time, talents, and treasures He’s entrusted to me. Jared and Lance did an acoustic set for worship, and it was awesome! That Isaiah song melts my heart every time.

In GenesisKIDS Sylvette really stepped up during my absence and took the lead in the elementary environment. You’re awesome girl! (Looking forward to some slamming spainish food tonight!) A solid crew of folks showed up early to make sure the set-up went smoothly: Sylvia, Kyle, Amber, Maria, Sylvette, Maggie, Derrick & Teresa. Thanks so much! You guys make me smile every week when you come walking in ready to get the GenesisKIDS environment ready.

Pastor Brian will be back next week. He’ll be starting a new series entitled “WiFi”, and will discuss the importance of staying connected to God anytime and anywhere. I know we’re all looking forward to him being in the experiences with us and hearing his dynamic teaching!

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Cousins!

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Road Trip

We arrived in Birmingham last night. While here we’ll get to visit friends and family, and we’re looking forward to some relational, recreational, and resting time. And yes food… lots of food!

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Thankful!

I’ve got SO many reasons to be thankful.

Thankful that God loved me enough to send His son as my redemption.

Thankful that I’m married to the love of my life and the most beautiful, sweetest Christ-follower I know. Evie, I’m so glad I got you!

Thankful that I’m blessed with two amazing kids. Blake and Anna Brooke, what a treasure you are!

Thankful that I’ve received a heritage of faith and integrity passed down for many generations.

Thankful that God continually shows up in my life and invites me on this incredible journey of life and ministry.

Thankful for the love of many friends in numerous places.

Thankful for my health and home. Thankful for my sound mind and talents. Thankful that I live in a country that celebrates Thanksgiving.

Thankful that it is only by the grace of God that I have this underserved, amazing abundance and countless many more blessings!

I’m thankful!

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Anna Brooke and the Ferris Wheel

Maria was nice enough to share some photos from the fair, and see… I was not exaggerating! The thing was HUGE! And the reason I’m holding her is that she wanted to lean over that gaping hole secured by that high-tech safety device. What is that thing called… oh yes… a CHAIN!

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North Florida State Fair

This afternoon we took the family to the North Florida State Fair. A good time was had by all! Blake got to hang with his buddy Derrick, and we discovered Anna Brooke is becoming our brave one. We took a ride on the Ferris Wheel. Which, to be totally honest, was really bigger than it looked from the ground. While stationed at the very top for what seemed like an hour (in reality probably less than 90 seconds), Blake and I were holding on rather tightly while Anna Brooke was trying to look over the edge of the bucket and find her mommy and friends. This new found bravery is one of the few ways she is definitely not like her mom! And maybe her dad, too!

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Sunday Wrap-Up

Today at GenesisChurch.tv we started a two week message series entitled Cards. In today’s sermon, I discussed how a grateful heart is a heart filled with awe, wonder and anticipation. (You can watch the talk by clicking here. There is a great intro with my family. Too cute!) The GCTV band closed out the experiences with a worship segment that really rocked the house. They lead us in worship with a favorite of mine,”Oh! Happy Day!” It was awesome!

I wanted to send a few shout outs to the folks that went above and beyond to make today happen. Sylvia, Nate, and Eric were all there earlier than normal (7 am) to help with set-up in the children’s areas. And while I was in big church, the awesome GenesisKIDS staff didn’t miss a beat. Micah and Cori really stepped up and lead the elementary experience in both services. You guys are a tremendous blessing to SO many folks at Genesis. Thanks to everyone who displayed servant leadership in the various areas where you ministered.

I’m looking forward to next Sunday at Genesis. In the second part of this 2 week series, we’ll focus on how a grateful heart fosters a generous spirit! I know I’ll see a lot of you there!

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