Our country prides itself on our criminal justice system, by boasting that "Justice is Blind." With our upcoming move to Stockbridge, I have been thinking about faith. Faith is believing in something not seen, something not logical or even something not possible to the human intellect. In order to truly have faith in someone, you must trust them with your life. Without the element of trust, faith cannot exist because doubt will always supercede it.

Through relocating, finding a house, a job for me, and working out all the details, God is teaching me how to trust him again. He is challenging my faith in him and preparing me to go to my next level. In my human rationale, I believed just transition would grow my faith and I would magically have a stronger faith. However, through the adversities and challenges of the recent weeks, God has shown himself "Super Faithful" to us and in turn I am learning again that he is my source of everything.

Just like the game children play when they fall back into each other's arms. It takes complete trust to rely on someone else to catch you when you fall. The feeling of being out of control is not a comfortable one, but is completely necessary to learn trust that leads to faith. God is reminding me daily that He is in control of my life and all he requires from me is to love and trust in Him.

Read More......
Monday, September 29, 2008 Posted in | | 2 Comments »

There is difference between tradition and legacy. In the church world, tradition is often worshiped instead of God and legacy is often forgotten. I like tradition up to a certain point and I even understand the importance. It is important to know where you have been, even honor where you have come from, but legacy is always more important than tradition. Where you are going is more important that where you have been. Reaching people that are lost are more important than keeping church people comfortable. Here are some of the differences:

Tradition is tied to the past; based on the way things used to be. Tradition says that God is only as big as yesterday and He can not do anything better than He has already done. Tradition is built upon the likes and dislikes of the people that are in our comfort zone, where legacy is tied to the future. Legacy is building upon the way things could be, while building for those that have yet to be reached. Legacy says that our best days are ahead and God is not finished with us yet.

Tradition is selfish. We have it the way we like it. We do the things we like and are not really worried about what anyone else thinks. Tradition never make sacrifices and legacy is selfless. When we work towards legacy, we do not care about our personal happiness. We will do whatever it takes short of sin to reach those that are far from God. Legacy is not afraid to sacrifice a "golden calf."

Do not misunderstand this blog. Tradition is important, but it is not the most important thing. It is a foundation. But just like you can not live on a slab of a house without the walls and roof, you can not live on tradition, which is the foundation of what we believe.

Read More......
Sunday, September 28, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Slept in this morning and felt really nice.

It has been a crazy but awesome week!

Started packing some this week.  Have I mentioned that I hate moving?  Seriously.  I hate moving.

Been up in Stockbridge since Wednesday afternoon.  It feels so good to be where God has called you to be.

Wednesday night's Youth Service was good.  The students here are great and I am looking forward to getting to know them.

Found a house Thursday and signed a lease.  We are very excited about it.  We move in October 9th.

Hung out with the Graves clan on Thursday night.  I love those people so much.  I am really blessed to have them in my life.

Painted and set up my office yesterday.  Sore today but I am really stoked about it.

Had a church wide "date night" last night and went to see Fireproof.  I have to admit that it was not that bad.  It was really cool hanging out and getting to know people.

Today is Georgia vs. Alabama.  Not going to lie, I am a little nervous.

Heading to Albany tomorrow afternoon.  I am going to be on the road a lot until after we move.

Very excited about going on a ride to the Georgia Coast with my Dad Monday and Tuesday.

Finished Rob Bell's new book this week.  Do not read it unless you want to be punched in the gut spiritually.  One of the best books I have read in a long time.

Hope everyone is having an awesome weekend.

Read More......
Saturday, September 27, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Blogs
Craig Groeschel blogged about characteristics of people pleasing pastors here.

Mark Batterson blogged about the importance of saying thank you here.

Perry Noble asked the question, "is God too busy" here.

Al Force blogged about planning to fail here.

Podcasts
Richard Crisco - Total Dependance 

Rob Bell - The Crux and The Hyperhypsosem

Ross Wiseman - God of This City part 1

TD Jakes - RSVP

Mark Batterson - Cage of Assumptions

Books
Jesus Wants To Save Christians - Rob Bell

Read More......
Friday, September 26, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Am I the only one that feels like they are running behind in life?  It seems like I can never catch up.  Here lately, life has that feeling like I have overslept and trying to make up for the time that I have lost.  What do you do when you can not catch up?  What do you do when life becomes that crazy?  I want to share with you some of the things I try to do.  It is not a formula and it is not perfect, but it does help me.

Remember that it is not always going to be like this.  I keep telling myself that over and over.  I am almost believing it.

Decide what the most important things are in your life and take care of those things.  We have a tendency to scatter like buck shot when life gets crazy.  The important things can sometimes get over looked.

Take care of people.  When we are running, we can start focusing on things instead of people.  Remember people are the most important parts of our lives.  They will still be here when the things pass.

Breathe.  Breathe. Breathe.  You are no good to anyone dead, burnt out, wore out, or frazzled.  Breathe.  I do not care if it is two minutes or 10 minutes, find time to collect yourself.

Figure out what got you in this state and try as hard as possible to not let it happen again.  This is probably the hardest for me.  A lot of time life just feels like the merry-go-round from hell and I am not going to get off anytime soon.  Most of the time I am guilty of bringing it upon myself.

Let people help you.  God did not intend for you to do life alone.  He even said it is not good for man to be alone.  The "if I want it done right I will do it myself mentality" is what get us in trouble a lot of time.

I understand that I am preaching to myself this morning.  I am trying my hardest to stay away from these times and seasons in my life, but they happen.  

How do you handle these times or seasons?

Read More......
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Fall might just be my favor season of the year. I love the weather, I love the scenery, I love football, I just love everything about the season. I even love what this season represents. It represents change. It represents letting go of last years growth and preparing for the new season that is ahead.

As the weather begins to get cooler and the leaves begin to change color and let go of the trees, I find myself in a fall season personally. I have been here before and I am sure I will be here again. I personally am not a fan of change. I am a little strange. I am a creature of habit. I love routines. But I am fully aware that change is good. I am very excited about the change that is taking place in our lives. I just wish I had a time machine and could fast forward a couple of weeks.

If you could skip ahead what fun would fall be? You would miss all the colors of the leaves as they change. You would miss the perfect weather and everything else that comes along with the season. Same thing about the "fall" seasons of our lives. If we just hurry through them or skip them we would miss the things that God is wanting to teach us.  I truly believe that we would miss all the beautiful things in life.

I am excited about this "fall season" because I know that God is going to do some BIG things in the spring!

Read More......
Tuesday, September 23, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

We are spending a few days in Stockbridge trying to get everything together for our move. It is really awesome to be up here. Though we are living out of a hotel and a suitcase it is nice being where you are called. I can not walk through the offices, youth hall, or anywhere else without getting the sense that God is up to something HUGE!
Last night it was really awesome to get to hang with the students. Next Wednesday we have a "town hall" vision meeting with them. It is going to rock! Hold on and strap in, the fun starts next week.

Today we signed a lease on a house. We are totally stoked. It is everything we were praying for. Paige had an interview at Cotton Indian Elementary School yesterday, and she should hear back from them tomorrow. Continue to pray, I know that God has an awesome job lined up for her. Tonight are hanging out with some friends and watching the season premier of the "Office." That is going to be incredible.

Tomorrow we are going to paint my office and setting up our utility accounts. We are going to spend the rest of the weekend resting. We are so happy that we will be in church Sunday here. I have said it before on the blog, but let me state it again. Pastor Steven and the Stockbridge Assembly family are amazing people. God has already done some incredible things here and I believe with all of my heart that He is about to rock our world! Keep praying for us and we will keep you updated.

Read More......
Monday, September 22, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Have you ever had one of those days where you felt like you did not get anything accomplished?  If so, you know exactly what my day was like today.  I had planned on sorting through yesterday's emotions and getting some rest.  Well rest did not seem like an option but I at least feel like I have my emotions in check.  As I rode my bike and spend time friends most of the day I realized there where things that I knew for sure.

This is what I know.....

God's timing is perfect.  We will never fully understand it on this side of eternity, but it is.

God is not only my shelter, my strength, and my refuge, He is my provision as well.

God has some HUGE plans for Stockbridge Assembly and I am humbled and honored to get to be a part.

You can never fully stand where God has called you to stand until you walk out of the places you are currently standing (spiritually all the time and physically sometimes).

I love and feel a stronger call to this generation than ever before.

I am tired and going to try to sleep.  Night.

Read More......
Posted in | | 0 Comments »

It's my turn to be transparent in my blog tonight. I would be lying if I said today was easy or what I expected. It was our last day at Providence Church. I did not realize until today how much of my life I have invested in Echo Student Ministries. I just hit me all at once tonight. God has ordered all of our steps and he still has big things for Albany, we just won't be here to see them.

There were many kind words spoken today, eloquent prayers prayed, and lots of tears shed. As I sit here, reflecting on the last three years at Echo Student Ministries, I realize that we have made impressions on many students and their families. There were many students and some adults in our last service tonight. Many of which we had not seen in a while, yet the memories still linger of our time together.

Our legacy here cannot be measured by how large our ministry was or how many cd's we put out or even what activities we have done. Rather, our ministry has built "big people" instead of "big ministry." No matter where our students go or what they do, we will always be there for them and we will rest in knowing that we left thumbprints in their lives.

Closing one chapter and opening a new chapter is by far the most difficult part of ministry for me. I have a hard time saying goodbye and I get tunnel vision when it comes to keeping in touch (which I hope to improve on). When you love deep, you hurt deep. This is hard for me to do, but the students at Echo Student Ministries will always have a piece of my heart. They are just so awesome, it was impossible not to love them deeply. So say a prayer for us as we begin to open the new chapter of our lives at Stockbridge Assembly. God has big things for us as well and we are ready now.

---Paige

Read More......
Sunday, September 21, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

To say this was a crazy week is an understatement.

Spent the day is Stockbridge Wednesday.  Looked for houses and hung out with Pastor Steven.  I am so looking forward to working for him.  

Packed my office Thursday.  Reflected a lot, cried some, and just pressed through and got it done.

Last staff lunch Thursday as well.  Harvest Moon. Love that place.

Packing as officially began at the house.  Have I told you I hate moving?  Well, I HATE MOVING!

Picked up my new motorcycle this morning.

It is stinking awesome looking and sounds wicked.  I will post some picture next week of it.

Very excited about having a bike again.  I love riding and it is an awesome way for me to clear my mind and unwind.

Going on a ride in a couple of week to the Georgia Coast.  Got a hook up at the King and Prince Resort.  Going to spend a couple days with my Dad.

Tomorrow is our last Sunday at Providence.  Any way you slice it, it is going to be an emotional day.

Very very excited to spend several days in Stockbridge next week.  Paige has some job interviews and we hope to lock down a house.  Pray for us please.

Hope you are having an awesome week.

Read More......
Saturday, September 20, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Blogs

Jim Raley blogged about influence here.

Herbert Cooper blogged about doing the right thing here.

Brad Cooper blogged about communication here.

Donald Miller blogged about a culture at war here.

Podcast


Perry Noble - Exodus: It's Time

Scott Hodge - Becoming: Contemplative Practices

Gary Lamb - The Ultimate Fighter: Man Up

Greg Boyd - Caught Up In His Beauty

Books

It - Craig Groeschel

Read More......
Friday, September 19, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Today I finished packing my office. My emotions were all over the place. I spent some time packing, reflecting, crying a little, and remembering a lot. God has been so good to us at Providence. He blessed us with some awesome students and great friends here. There are people that we have had the privilege of getting to know that are changing the world one person at a time, one day at a time. While packing, I realized that every transition God calls you to is a little painful, but the other end is worth every bit. One of my highlights of the day was when the staff took me to lunch at Harvest Moon. I am going to miss so many people here, but we know God has big plans ahead of us and are looking forward to our adventures in Stockbridge.

Then the day took a turn towards the better. My Dad called and found me a new motorcycle. I go and pick it up Saturday and I am really excited. I love riding and it will help out with gas right now as well. I am looking forward to some open roads on a fall afternoon to clear my head and spend some time talking with God. I will post some pictures of it on here soon.

Let the new adventures begin!

Read More......
Thursday, September 18, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

I am blogging about fear for a couple of days and today I want to talk with you about family fears. This blog was not only created for ministry purposes but for personal reasons as well. Today I am going to be as transparent as I can be in a blog, it's going to be a little personal.

I am not a good enough husband
God has blessed me with an awesome wife. We have been married for 9 years. I know, she does not look that old, but we have. I understand my role. I try to be the best protector, provider, encourager, friend, and husband that I can be. There are days that I fall short. Paige is my best friend in life and I thank God for her everyday. I do not try to be a perfect husband but a good one. I try to put her needs ahead of mine and to think about what she really needs at times, not just want I want.

I am not going to be a good enough father
We do not have any kids yet and no, Paige is not pregnant (just to clear things up). We want kids and are excited about one day having them. Although, I am not a father yet, I do understand the weight and responsibility that comes with that title. Parenting is a full time job. Working in Youth Ministry for 9 years, I have dealt with some pretty messed up students and a lot of their issues unfortunately came from home. I do not want to be one of "those" parents. I am already seeking counsel from some wise men that have raised pretty good kids. I will try my hardest to love my kids with everything I have and raise them like my parents and Paige's parents raised us.

My Dad's health
In 1998, my Dad had a heart attack and then a month later had open heart surgery. In the process of all of this, we learned that his heart was not in the best of shape. After he retired, somewhere around the end of 2003, he had other tests done and the doctor told us that his heart had 5 - 7 years, if we were lucky. You need to understand something. First of all, my Dad is superman. You do not understand, there is not anything my dad can not do. Also, he is my best friend as well. There is not a day that goes by that we do not talk. He is the person I call for wisdom and perspective about life. He knows everything.

How I handle these fears are a little different than the others.

Being a good husband - Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." I strive to be more like Jesus everyday. I start with how I love Paige, provide for her, protect her, give myself for her.

Being a good father (in the future) - Proverbs 22:6, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." I trust that this covenant is true and still in affect today.

My Dad - Acts 13:36, "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed." When my Dad has served God's purposes here it will be his time to die. I trust God and his timing. That is the only way I can deal with it, trust.

Read More......
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

This week I am sharing some of my fears and how I deal with them. Today I want to start off with some of the fears that I have in ministry.

I will not be ready for what God has called me to do.
This fear is always stuck in the back of my head. I do not mean this arrogantly or with any pride. God has put some huge dreams in my heart. They had to come from God because I do not think like that. I am currently asking myself, "What am I doing today to prepare myself for what God has for me tomorrow?" Not just on a leadership level, not just reading blogs, listening to podcasts, networking, and reading books. What am I doing on a personal level? How am I guarding my relationship with God? What am I doing to grow in that relationship? What am I doing to draw closer to God? I overcome this fear by trying my hardest to position myself in a place where God can use me on a daily basis.

No one is going to listen to me.
One of the things that I love to do in ministry is speak to students. I stand in front of students a lot of times and think "Why in the world would they listen to me?" Then I remember that if it was just my message, then they would not have a reason to listen. It is not my message, it is HIS! Isaiah 55:9-11, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." I have to remember that every time I speak, it is not that I have something to say. God does and He choses us to be His mouth piece.

I am not _______________ enough.
There are so many things that I can fill in the blank with: Creative, energetic, charismatic, or smart enough. And truth be told I am not. There is one phrase that I repeat to myself on a daily basis. "But not for the Grace of God." That is it. It is God's Grace that takes me places that I can not take myself. It is His imagination that I have to dream with because mine is not big enough. It is His strength that I have to walk in because if I walked in my own I would not make it very far. It is wisdom that helps me make the decisions that I face every day. If not for the grace of God.

I will lead people in the wrong direction.
I have to stop and ask myself sometimes, "Where am I leading people?" The biggest fear I have in ministry is that I will lead people "astray." I have to stop from time to time and not only do a spiritual inventory but check my position on my spiritual compass as well (cheesy I know). But I have to make sure I am walking where God has called me to walk. I understand that in ministry people follow you; it is your choice where you lead them. The solution to this fear is simple. Lead them to Jesus. You can never go wrong with that.

Read More......
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Over the last couple of weeks God has been dealing with me about fear. I am not talking about a fear of snakes or a fear of heights. I am talking about life fears. I do not care who you are, we all have things that scare us about life, the future, and the unknown parts of the journey that we are on. I believe that on some levels fear is healthy. I believe it is fear that causes us to really step back and look at things differently some times. It is a healthy fear that pulls back the reigns on our lives and cause us to walk cautiously into certain situations.

When fear begins to paralyze you it begins to be unhealthy. Unhealthy fear puts us on the defensive in life instead of the offensive. We begin to move backwards instead of forward. When unhealthy fears strike us, our first instinct is to run to our "safe" place. For many of us, our safe place is the past. It is the way things used to be. That is another blog for another day. God has called us to constantly move forward.

I have heard Pastors preach for years that the Bible says, "Fear not..." 365 times. One "fear not" for everyday of the week. But in the real world, where I live, hearing it preached and even reading it sometimes does not cut it. There are days that the fears override and control my thoughts and emotions. There are days that my fears override my faith. The only solution is the simple fact that I can not slow down. I can not stop. I have to press through no matter how much I do not want to.

This week I am going to write about some of my fears in life and in ministry and how I handle them.

Read More......
Monday, September 15, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Change is inevitable in life; sometimes it is planned and other times unexpected. However, I am coming to learn that change makes us stronger people. Wisdom and strength come through even the smallest changes in life and we become better people. There are times that change can take us by surprise and completely alter our existence. This raises the question of what will you do with the changes that you face?

I, myself, have many changes taking place in my world and everyday is a new set of circumstances. At first, I lived in fear of what might be altered next. Each day is presenting new challenges and I have the option to embrace my changes or go back to bed and hide away. Regardless of my response, life is going to continue and continue to change. This raises the question of how will you meet your changes?

Change alone is eternal, perpetual, immortal. ---
Arthur Schopenhauer

--Paige

Read More......
Sunday, September 14, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Spent the last two days on Jekyll Island for Youth Pastors Summit.  It has been an awesome time with some great people.

Gas is crazy stupid people! I understand a lot of things but can not wrap my head around this.

We were on the road a lot this week.  Wednesday and Thursday we clocked over 500 miles.

I have come to realize that our lives are going to be organized chaos over the next few weeks.

We needs you guys to help us pray that Paige can find a good job in Stockbridge over the next couple of weeks.

Not looking forward to driving home this afternoon.

The older I get the harder it is for me to sleep good away from my bed.

Gas prices are going to dictate how much I am on the road this week.

I am going miss all my friends in Albany but I am looking forward to what God has for us in Stockbridge.

Did not get to play golf this week and I was pretty bummed about that.

Did get to spend some time at the beach though.

Made some new friends this weekend and are looking forward to getting to know them.

Packing and cleaning officially begins this week.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Read More......
Saturday, September 13, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Blogs

Gary Lamb wrote about watering down your message here.

Brad Cooper wrote about politics here.

Konan Stephens talks about truth here.

J.R. Lee blogged about unable vs. unwilling here.

Podcasts

Ross Wiseman - God At The Movie's 2 - Hulk (Anger)

Mark Batterson - Wild Goose Chase - Cage of Routine

Scott Hodge - Becoming - Decision

Dino Rizzo - Changing Your World 3

Perry Noble - Hope: When Life Hurts The Most

Book

Read More......
Friday, September 12, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Last night while speaking in a Youth Service I did something really stupid.  It was unplanned and totally got in the moment, but I hope there was an impact made and students will remember it for a while.  I was talking about value and how valuable we are because of what God has done in our lives and what He has called us to do.  

I ask for a $1 dollar bill from someone in the audience and proceeded to ask it's value.  I crumpled it in my hand and asked it's value now.  It's value still remained.  I then threw it on the floor and stomped it.  Picked it up and asked it's value now.  It's value still remained.  Then the brain fart happened.  I took the money and wadded up in my mouth and started chewing on it and spit it out.  Do you know how filthy money is?  Do you know how many germs are on money?  I do and did it anyway.  The students went crazy.  I asked what was it's value now.  And even after it had be crumpled up, thrown down, stomped on, chewed up, and spit out, the $1 bill was still worth $1.

I wanted to get the point across that no matter what happens to you in life you still hold the same value to God.  Life has a way of stomping on you sometimes, it has a way of chewing you up and spitting you out.  That does not change your value.  Our circumstances never dictate our call.

What are you worth?

Read More......
Thursday, September 11, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

We are taking a look this at healthy transition.  As I stated yesterday, transition is not a fun time, but can be healthy.  

I was sitting in my office yesterday afternoon having a conversation with a friend about reaching those who were far from God.  We got to talking about the scripture in 1 Corinthians 3 that says some plant the seed, some water, but it is God that brings the increase.  We both agreed that in ministry (I do not believe ministry is just done by those that get paid) you have to be satisfied and willing just to plant the seed if that is all that God called you to do in a persons life.  You have to trust God is the one who truly brings the increase.  It is His garden, it is His increase.

Then my friend looked at me and said one of the most profound things I have heard in a while.  She said, "Sometimes God allows you to plant the seed and to water it.  When that happens you better be willing to pull some weeds as well."  How true is that statement?  Sometimes we are fine with the planting, and fine with the watering, but do not make us work for it.  Do not make us get our hands dirty.  I believe Paul uses a farming analogy here to show us that life is messy and we will have to get our hands dirty.  There is no way to plant a seed in the soil of someone's life without getting some of that soil on you.  I am proud of the soil that I have sown into, I am proud to say that not only have I had an opportunity to help change people's lives but they have changed mine as well.

When in transition you put yourself in a place of trust.  Trust the One that brings the increase know better that you.  It is that trust that put you in the position that you are in now.  Let that trust take you to another one and bring someone else in to plant and water some more.

Transition is healthy when you realize your place in the Kingdom and you have done what God has called you to do where you are.  

1 Corinthians 3:6-8, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.  So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor."

Read More......
Wednesday, September 10, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

As many people know, Paige and I resigned from Providence Church in Albany, GA this past Sunday morning and are making a transition in our life. Over the next couple of days I would love to share with you some thoughts and things that I have been mulling over for the last couple of weeks. Today I want to talk about what to guard during transitions.....

Guard your relationship with God
No matter where you end up on the other side of transition, it will be God that will lead you there. You need to do everything in your power to protect your time and relationship with Him. Not all roads will be smooth during a transition and He will be the one that brings peace to your heart. He is our strength and our driving force. Remember, in ministry, it is God's call that you are chasing after in the first place.

Guard your relationship with your spouse.
As you walk through transition, there is a lot of pressure on both of you. Remember as the pressure mounts on you the last thing you want to do is create more pressure for someone that you love. It is going to be real easy to get aggravated and upset. Your spouse sometimes knows the right thing at the right time and other times have trouble reading your mind. Cut them some slack. YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE WALKING THROUGH THIS TIME!

Guard your relationship with your friends
If you are blessed to stay in one place in ministry all your life, then my hat is off to you! Most people will make a couple of moves for one reason or another. Every place you go, you will meet and get real close to new people. Cherish every moment with as many people as possible. Do whatever you have to do to make them comfortable during this time. Remind them with technology today (facebook, myspace, twitter, etc...) there are a lot of ways to keep in touch.

Guard your relationship with your Pastors (current and future)
If you are in ministry and on staff at a church you know what I am talking about. Transition can be a real trying time at a church. Anything that upsets the norm of a church can cause ripples. If you are a staff member leaving, you need protect your Pastor at all cost. He is the one that has to stay behind and clean up the mess that is transition. Remember things and people come and go but your integrity is what people remember most.

Transition is not fun but apart of everyday life. Transition can be healthy when handled correctly.

Read More......
Tuesday, September 9, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Have you ever wondered if life is fluid or static? I have never really thought about it until recently. I have always thought of life in static terms. I guess I am a freak for compartmentalization more than I realized. Plans are good and its nice for things to not change too much for me. However, I have begun to realize that I have been fighting against the flow and the change of life.

By fluid, I mean that life is constantly changing and each day takes a new shape. Each day is an opportunity to "do life" and hopefully make a difference. By static, I mean that life is constant and unwavering and not amenable to any change.

I, myself, am learning to look at life as new opportunities and embrace changes rather than fight for the static status quo. Change and imperfection are okay and can actually enhance opportunity and maturity. So, I am learning and I hope that you will begin to ask yourself the hard question, "are you living live in a compartment or are you open to the excitement and challenge of each new day?"

--Paige

Read More......
Sunday, September 7, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Monday holidays always throw my week off.  Labor Day has had me running a day behind all week.

I played golf again this week.  I did not score as well but it was a tougher course.  I had a blast and can feel the fever creeping up on me.

Found a West Wing mini-marathon on TV yesterday.  I am so excited.  I love that show, it will always be one of my favorites.

Went to some friend's wedding on St Simon's Island yesterday.  The weather held out and it was one the most beautiful weddings I have ever been to.

Albany to the Georgia coast and back is a rough trip to make in one afternoon/evening/night/morning.

We have Youth Leader's Summit on Jekyll Island next weekend.  I am praying that Ike holds off. I am really looking forward to that.

That area is one of my favorite parts of the state.  It is really beautiful over there.

Next week is going to be a busy week.  I will be spending a lot of time of the road.

I am going to have to have a nap today.

There are several movies coming out soon that I am really excited about.

Tonight I get to hang out with some of my favorite people in the world!

Read More......
Saturday, September 6, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Blogs

Paul Stewart wrote about transformational leadership here.

Donald Miller blogged about his emails with Obama here

Perry Noble blogged about things a leader should never do here.

Paige blogged about life being fluid one this site, here.


Podcasts

Dino Rizzo - Changing Your World pt 2

Judah Smith - A New Arrangement

Mark Batterson - Wild Goose Chase - Cage of Responsibility

Mike Rakes - Currency

Books
It - Craig Groeschel

Read More......
Friday, September 5, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

I was sitting talking with a really good friend tonight and had a thought.  I have challenged students for years now to change the world.  I have told the students of Echo and all over that they are GOING to change the world.  Tonight while we were talking I told him that he WAS changing the world.

This is not that profound, I know.  But there is a difference.  Going to change the world implies that they will one day.  That the day will come and they will have a choice to step up and step into their calling.  I believe that we change our world everyday.  Everyday we walk out our relationship with Jesus whether we feel like we do a good job, we are changing our world.  Our call is to do this everyday.

That is something that I am going to strive to remember everyday in every area of our life.  I want to be known as the disciples in Acts 17:6, "These that have turned the world upside down are come here also."

Read More......
Thursday, September 4, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

I have heard people say that they have seen God in the sunrises and sunsets. Some have seen God on the mountainsides and shores of the ocean. Some in a wintery snow covered scene or a pasture on a summer day. I must admit I can see God's beauty in those things as well and many more places.

But I want to share with you where I see God. I see him in a friend that sends me a random text message when I need a quick pick me up. Or someone who gives you a call out of nowhere just to say they were thinking about you. I see God in the friend that takes a moment and drops an email and tells me they are praying for me. The friend that comes by and picks you up for lunch when you need someone to talk to.

I see God everyday in the people that He has placed in my life to love and care for me. I am truly blessed with all the great people that are apart of this journey I call life.

 It is my prayer that people see God in me.

Where do you see God?

Read More......
Tuesday, September 2, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »


Read More......
Monday, September 1, 2008 Posted in | | 0 Comments »