Tuesday, December 30, 2008
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I love the week of Christmas.
Monday we took over 50 students and leaders from uth force ice skating in Centennial Park and then shopping at Underground Atlanta. It was cold! Never got out of the 20's while we were there. Centennial Park was beautiful and Underground was an adventure.
Monday night Paige and I did our Christmas together. We went out to eat then came home and opened Christmas presents. I got a new hoodie, cologne, and some other cool stuff. My big surprise for Paige this year was a Wii. We have had a blast playing it.
Tuesday we headed down to Adel for Christmas with my family. I love Christmas in South GA.
We have a Christmas Eve tradition. We all go to the Shoney's breakfast buffet for breakfast. This year they had fried bologna on it.
We came home Christmas Day and Paige's parent's came down. We watched the West Wing and played the Wii.
I was a bum all day Friday and plan on doing the same today.
Really bummed that Christmas is over. It went buy really fast. No more Christmas music, no more white peppermint mochas, and no more Christmas lights.
Debating on when to take Christmas decorations down. We usually do not do it until New Years, may do it sooner this year.
Not going to be blogging much this next week. Going to spend the week laying out some stuff for the new year. Laying out a personal growth, discipleship, and leadership plan. I will blog about it next week. Also, laying out some exciting things that are coming for Uth Force.
Hope everyone had a good Christmas week and weekend.
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Saturday, December 27, 2008
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Let's hit rewind. Bring back the presents and all the food and lets do it again. We had a great time with both sides of the family. I must have been a really good boy this year because Santa brought me everything I asked for. I have went into full blown bum mode today and plan on getting a lot of rest over the next few days.
It is our prayer that you had a great Christmas and got everything you needed. Now sit back and enjoy some time outside of the hustle and bustle of the Holidays. May the day after Christmas be just as enjoyable as Christmas was.
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Friday, December 26, 2008
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Have you ever stopped and wondered what you were doing or thinking a year ago? five years ago? yesterday? Maybe you have thought about people that have drifted into your life and others that have made a permanent mark on your life. Or maybe you regret letting go of some relationships or something tangible that could have altered your life. These are all questions that I have been asking myself and pondering over the past couple of weeks. A year ago, I would have never guessed how different my life would be today.
My father-in-law calls these reminiscent memories "back flashes." As I am nearing my 29th birthday (February 3rd in case you were wondering), I have begun to see how God started me at point A and how he has held my hand to point B. Some days I can even see how I am going to get to point C on this journey. There are people and things in my life that were temporary and this hurts me because a part of me is void. However, there are others that have drifted into my life that will be permanent fixtures and I could not live without them.
I am learning to allow my past to challenge how I engage my present as I dream the incomprehensible for the future. As the New Year is approaching and you are beginning to ponder your past, present and future, I urge you to savor the memories, make each new day count, and DREAM BIG for your future. Don't settle with life! You have no idea how tomorrow can alter your life, so never leave room for unanswered questions, regrets, or past opportunities. What will 2009 look like for you?
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
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Just wanted to share a couple of random Christmas thoughts with you on this frigid Christmas eve eve eve:
Is it me or does it seem like when you were a kid Christmas would never get here and then as an adult it comes and goes in a blur?
You've got to have some Christmas traditions in your family. We had a couple when I was growing up, and Paige and I have a few of our own.
Christmas lights still take my breath away, I love to see houses and yards go all out on their decorations. It is one of the only things that make me feel like a little kid again.
For some reason Christmas music never gets old to me. The more I listen, the more it seems like Christmas. I never get tired of Christmas music
One of my favorite things to do during the Holidays is watch Christmas movies. I have only got to watch around 10 this year but plan on getting in around 5 this week.
The one thing I have learned through the years is the more people you spend Christmas with the better.
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Monday, December 22, 2008
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It has been an extremely busy seven days. The temperature has been well above normal. The mutual feeling of several that I have talked to is that it just does not "feel" like Christmas. That is statement is okay, if Christmas is only about feelings, the weather or my schedule. If Christmas was all about our surroundings, decorations, parties, or anything else, then it would be about our feelings.
Christmas has a deeper meaning. I know we all know that, but how many of us remember that. I think we sometimes get caught up in the lights and hustle and bustle of this time of year and we do not honor what it is really all about.
I want you to go and read Luke 2 this week. I want you to sit in a quiet place and reflect on why we do what we do at this time of year. This week, do not get caught up in the presents and commercialism of this season and truly celebrate Christmas. The meaning of it has nothing to do with our feelings.
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Sunday, December 21, 2008
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Is it me or is there anybody else struggling with Christmas Spirit this year?
We had Christmas with Paige's family last night up in Calhoun. Great time.
My parents are coming into town this afternoon. Really looking forward to hanging out with them.
If you have not heard by now, The Blizzard was a huge success. Over 100 students and 11 commitments to Christ. Awesome night.
Stephanie came down for the Blizzard. Meant the world to me that she was there for the big night.
Excited about ice skating in Centennial Park Monday and shopping at Underground Atlanta on Monday with Uth Force. It is going to be a fun day.
Some staff member at the church wrote our Christmas production this year. They have been working on it for several months. I am excited to see how it turns out.
I got Paige a BIG surprise for Christmas. I can not wait until I can give it to her.
Really looking forward to some time for after Christmas. It will give me a chance to relax, collect my thoughts, and get ready for the new year.
We are heading down to Adel on Tuesday. I love Christmas with my family. We have a couple of traditions that I look forward to.
Probably not going to blog as much this week so just check back every couple of days.
Hope you have a good weekend and a Merry Christmas.
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Saturday, December 20, 2008
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This Wednesday, we pulled off a HUGE service with Uth Force. It might be one the biggest ones we have ever done. I posted pictures here and here if you haven't seen them yet. God used this event to teach me and stretch me. I just wanted to share a couple of thoughts with you.
Go big or go home - When we started dreaming for this night, we started dreaming BIG. I heard a bunch of excuses in my head why we shouldn't try to pull off a big event. We have only been here for two months. We only started with a base of 30-35 students. We should work on building a relational foundation. It is the holidays. Attendance is off because of exam week. If you are going to make an impact or a difference in this world, you are going to have to take risks.
There is no substitute for excellence - We said from the onset of this event that the main goal was to see lives changed but secondly we wanted it to be a really cool night. We worked really hard at trying not to substitute anything or let any small detail slip through the cracks. We even made sure the students took home a token or souvenir to remember the night by. We designed our own labels and put them on tubes of chap stick.
Come off the top rope - A really wise man once told me that you have to go over the top every now and then. We thought and meditated on that for weeks. It was not good enough to just build an ice wall. It was not good enough that we put out 20 pounds of cotton stuffing that really looked like snow, it was not good enough that we cut down pine trees and sprayed them with artificial snow. We went and bought a snow machine. When it started snowing, the students went nuts and that made it all worth it.
It is not about the event - The event was important, the event is what we planned and worked on, but the night was not about the event. It was about the students. It was about the relationships that were built. It was about the lives that were changed. That is why we did what we did.
If you are going to make an impact, you are going to come under attack - This is something that I had forgotten. When advancing you are going to meet resistance. When working at changing the world you are going to upset the apple cart. I was reminded in the last week that there is a war going on for the souls of this generation. You might not see it, you may not know it is there, but it is. I was reminded this week that this is not a war for the popular but for the passionate.
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Friday, December 19, 2008
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My favorite song of Christmas is "Little Drummer Boy." I love almost any version of this song, because the words always challenge me. I guess I identify with the Little Drummer Boy in several ways. He is a musician like me and in the grand scheme of things he had little to give the newborn King. When you think about the birth of Christ, there are so many absurdities according to our societal norms. Our society would tell you that the wise men took the best gifts, because the gold, frankincense and myrrh were expensive and valuable. I believe that the song played by the Little Drummer Boy was extraordinary and significant.
The Little Drummer Boy is extraordinary, because he gave all he had . . .himself. He did not have money or special gifts, but he was blessed with the gift of music. I am challenged each day to just give of myself more, rather than any talents, resources, words, or deeds.
The Little Drummer Boy is significant, because he connected to Jesus through his worship. He knew that his music would engage him with the Son of God. In spite of the circumstances that did not befit a king, his intense heart-felt song was adoration that could not be silenced. It was a declaration of his relationship with Jesus. I am challenged, especially in this season of my life, to make each day count. I want to connect with Jesus through my worship and I want my life to be an undeniable symbol of my adoration.
Are you searching for something other than normalcy? Are you looking for significance? I challenge you to look deep within yourself and evaluate what you bring to Jesus each day. Do you give him all of yourself and worship from a heart of deep adoration?
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
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My Dad used to tell me, "If I would have known then, what I know now, I would have changed some things." I do not disagree with my Dad and I am not sure he really meant it. I am glad I can not go back and change anything. I am glad I did not know the outcome. I find myself glad when I face challenging times, glad to feel pain, glad to meet opposition. I might not like it at the time, but it is what makes me who I am today.
If I would have known, if I could have taken a glimpse into the future, I would not have had the adventures that I have. I would not be able to carry the battle scars on my heart like a trophy case. I would not know that above all else God trusts me. He trusts me to do the hard things, stand in the tough places.
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Jeremiah 12:5, "If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses?"
This is a scripture that I am chewing. It is a scripture that is driving me this week. As much as I have going on externally, there is twice as much going on internally. I still can not settle, I still can not stop. I will not give up, give in, or give myself away.
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Over the last week I have found myself looking back a lot. Walking down memory lane and asking a lot of questions. I find myself standing in a new season and not begrudging being here but missing some of the people and times that have been apart of my life. I guess it is because we are gearing up for a big event or it might be the Holidays. It is not necessarily a bad thing to reminisce, I just do not need to stay here long. There are some issues with always looking back.
You can never see your future if you are only looking at your past. Where you have been is not as important as where you are going. Sometimes we hold on so tightly to what has been, that we are not open to what is going to be. You can never have anything new unless you allow God to take away the old. You have to lay down the past so He can not hand you your future.
If all you have to accomplish has been accomplished, then retire and move to the beach or the mountains. If not, shut up and move on, there is more stuff that needs to be done. I struggle with the people that talk more about what they have done then what they are doing. There are more people left to reach, serve, pour into, and love on. What about them? Are they not as important as the people in your past?
The past is only a foundation that the future can be built upon. It might not always be pretty but it is solid. I have always lived with the statement that what does not kill you, will always make you stronger. Everything that you walk through is to build you up, whether it is a challenge or not. Everywhere you have been is to prepare you for where you are going. The past is good but we just can not live there.
I challenge you today to live in today. Celebrate your past but make sure you are embracing your present and gearing towards your future.
Monday, December 15, 2008
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This week I am going to be totally engrossed with our first big theme night service at Uth Force. Usually most ministries coast through the Holidays, but we decided to challenge the normal (no pun intended) this year. Why not push to have one of the biggest months yet? The "Unbelievable" series has been one of the coolest series to date and we will end in with The Blizzard of 2008.
What is the Blizzard of 2008? Glad you asked. We are going all in on one night. We are decorating the stage in such a way that it looks like a snow storm blew through. We have even went out of purchased a snow machine to be making flurries through out the night. The thermostat will be turn down and we have encouraged the students to dress warm. 500 invite cards have been passed out. There will be free pizza and drinks for every student along with some other give-a-ways.
This week is going to be crazy, but in the end it is going to be worth it. Pray for us!
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Sunday, December 14, 2008
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Is it me, or does it seem like it was just Monday?
Happy Birthday to Jordan Hedgecoth, she is my Pastors daughter and she turns 14 today.
Tonight we are getting to celebrate Christmas with the Graves family. This is one of my favorite families in the world. I am looking forward to hanging out with them. Barbara is one the best cooks ever, but I am looking forward to the company more than the food.
Last night Paige and I had a date night. Sad to say that it is the first one in over a month. We watched a movie and done some Christmas shopping. We had a blast.
I am having a hard time getting into the Christmas Spirit. Going to try to shop for Paige some next, that should help.
Really missing Justin, Renae, and some of the old Echo crew this week. I am very happy where God has placed us, just missing some old times.
The Blizzard is 4 days away! The give-a-ways are ready, the snow machine is in, the banners have been printed, I wish it was tomorrow. This is going to be one of the biggest Youth Services I have ever been a part of.
This week I have been in awe at God's Hand in my life. Where He has placed me, who He has put in my life, what He has called me to do. It really scares me sometimes.
Got a leader's meeting tomorrow night. Really looking forward it. Love to get together with Uth Force Leader's and dreaming.
I'm out! Hope you are having a good weekend.
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Saturday, December 13, 2008
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Today I am declaring a mental health day. What is that? Glad you asked! A mental health day is simply a day where I refuse to do anything ministry related. Anything that would take a lot of thought. I am going to try to disconnect a little bit. Twitter less, stay off of Facebook, and keep my phone on silent.
I plan of working in the yards until mid afternoon. This is a great way for me to clear my mind and listen to some podcasts that I am behind on. Then this afternoon Paige and I are heading out on a date. Plan to do a little Christmas shopping, catch a movie, and go out to eat. I have a feeling that this is going to be a good day.
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It has been said that you can expect an off night when the weather is rough, but no on told that to the student of Uth Force. Proud of all the students that dressed as the favorite Christmas characters from Santa's little helpers, to reindeer, to the Ghost of Christmas present, to Hermey the elf (from Rudolph).What we talked about
God used a teenager, Mary, to change the world, in the process He took her into unfamiliar territory. If we are going to change the world we need to quit look for maps and manuals and begin to chart our own course as God leaders us. Here are some signs we need to look for on this journey:
Yield to Unpaved Paths
George Bernard Shaw said, "Do not follow where the path leads. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
If you want to do what no one has ever do you have to be willing to go where no one has ever been.
Caution: Uncomfortable Environments
God is more concerned with you commitment that with your comfort.
Jesus came to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable.
Unstoppable Revolution
Revolution, simply defined, is where passion meets purpose.
A revolution can only happen when the pain of staying the same become greater than the pain of change.
Upcoming Events
The Blizzard is next Wednesday night. There will be snow, free pizza, tons of students, and much more. Dress warm and invite a friend.
December 22nd we will be hanging out and going ice skating in Centennial Park. Cost is $10 and that will cover skating. Afterwards we will be heading to Underground Atlanta for lunch and shopping. Meet at the church at 10 a.m.
34 days until...
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Thursday, December 11, 2008
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Driving home tonight I kind of found myself fighting a funk. I could not explain it. Service was good. Crowd was decent (cause that is how we really judge success), feel like the students were engaged, and by all of our standards God moved. What was wrong with me? Then it hit me. My insecurities were getting the best of me, they were winning. I was scared....
Scared that I would live down to everyone that ever told me I would never amount to anything.
Scared that I would over promise and under produce.
Scared that I would fail.
Scared that when we got to the end of this journey no one came with me.
Scared that I will miss the important stuff.
Scared that all my dreams are just day-dreams and not God dreams.
Scared of walking to the next level alone.
Sometimes my insecurities win. So I will go to bed and tomorrow is a new day. Full of new opportunities and plenty of chances to make an impact. Tonight I will go to bed scared but tomorrow I will wake up determined.
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Wednesday, December 10, 2008
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A rubber band has immense elasticity to endure being stretched, holding things together/serving a purpose, and can always return to its original shape. I am undergoing a process in my life much like that of a rubber band. Upon moving to Atlanta, I was not able to find a job in the education field. Thus I returned to my old life of contract work and the stretching began. It has not been an easy process at times and I have really missed teaching school. However, I understand that I have been in a holding pattern---the contracts served the purpose and God helped me to hold it all together. Then this last Friday God blessed me with an amazing teaching position and things have completely fallen into place. My faith is stronger than I thought possible and I am beginning to return to my original shape.
Over the process, I have feared that I would break under the pressure or not learn what my purpose has been in this season. I have often wondered if my authenticity has been altered or if I should alter myself to meet an employer's expectations. Through it all, God has reaffirmed in me that I am evolving into the Paige Gordon he has intended. I am stronger and more seasoned now than I was two months ago.
I anticipate there will be situations and people in my life who will again test my elasticity. It is my prayer that God will continue to challenge me to rise to the occasion and never lose sight of my authenticity. I want to serve my purpose to the best of my ability, but I am learning that being me is the key to life. What is God using to stretch you? Are you resisting him? Do you feel like you are losing your authenticity?
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The last couple of weeks I keep asking myself the purpose of this blog. Somewhere I think I lost perspective of why I started blogging over a year ago. At some point I guess I was trying to impress someone or get someone's attention. I thought blogging would put me at some special level of ministry. It became more about how many hits a day my blog got instead of just being who I was and doing what I do.
I started blogging to be real. To have a place to share my thoughts, to chronicle my journey through life and ministry. My blog was a sort of online journal. A place for me to be transparent and real.
That being said, I am going to work harder at just being me. If you read this blog on a regular basis I want to say thank you. Thank you for taking this journey with me. Thank you for letting me share my thoughts, ministry, and life with you. Thank you for challenging normal with me. Thank you for letting me be real and transparent, but most of all thank you for letting me do what no one else can do. Be me.
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Tuesday, December 9, 2008
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We assume things everyday of our lives. We make assumptions about people, about situations, about circumstances, decisions, so forth and so on. Assumptions are never a good thing. My dad says that when you assume something you look pretty stupid. Well, he says something else, but I can not write about it on my blog. Assumptions are a dangerous way to do ministry and to live. Why?
When we assume we really do not have all the information required to make a logical decision. Often times, we either jump to conclusions or are too lazy to go and find all the information ourselves. Slow down, quit jumping to conclusions, process all of the facts.
When we assume, the majority of the time, we are only seeing life from our perspective through the lens of our own experiences. To truly make a level decision, you need to see life from someone else's perspective, walk a day in someone else's shoes. How selfish are you to always think that your way is right, to think that you have all the answers? If you had the answers, then why didn't they come to you to start with?
People often time only assume the worse. They are so afraid of disappointment, failure, or rejection, they will not get their hopes up. People that refuse to get excited, are people who lack the passion to lead or get the job done. If you can not see the possibilities, if you can not be excited about where you are going on this journey called life, then you can not take anyone along with you.
Assumptions are dangerous. What assumptions are you making today that you need to change? Remember to assume only makes an..........you look stupid
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Monday, December 8, 2008
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I was able to fit 5 days of work into 3 days.
Loved helping out with the Bama and Back Bike ride this week. Watched 40+ Pastors, Youth Pastors, and leaders ride a bicycle over 100 miles and raise over $40,000 for missions.
Lots of laughs and stories came this event. I love the friends that God has put in my life.
Very proud of Justin, he raised over $1000 on his own to ride in this event.
Paige, Stephanie, and Sharon put up the Christmas tree and decorations yesterday. It is starting to feel more like Christmas now.
Working in the yards this afternoon. Trying to figure out what decorations to put up out there. Paige will not let me put an inflatable Santa on a motorcycle up.
Wednesday night was so stinking awesome. No one wanted to leave.
I am so excited about the Blizzard in a couple of weeks. Will probably be one of the neatest Youth Services I have ever done. We are going all out.
Sitting down planing out some 2009 stuff over the next couple of weeks.
National Championship Game today....oh I mean the SEC Championship Game today. Roll Tide. I hate the Gators.
Hope you are having a good weekend.
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Saturday, December 6, 2008
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This is the time of year when life gets so busy and we barely have time to sleep or do anything "normal." I want to challenge you to take a minute and allow yourself to evaluate how you are spending your time during this holiday season. Are you giving all of your time to play practice or parties, or shopping for the perfect gifts? Or are you allowing yourself to embrace this season to bless others, spend time with friends and family, or even rest and enjoy the excitement of the season?
God is challenging me to do for others this Christmas in ways that I had not thought of. Share what you have with those who don't have anything. Give to the needy with your resources, your time, and your support. Reconnect with friends and family that you have been too busy to communicate with. Find at least one way to influence the lives of others during the coming weeks. Make this Christmas different from all the other Christmases.
I am going to make this year about Him and others and less about myself. After all, once the tree comes down, the presents are opened, and the big day has passed, what will remain? . . . . the lives that you and I have touched.
Friday, December 5, 2008
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What an awesome night! It made me proud to be a part of Uth Force. Not only did the room look awesome, the students did an amazing job with their redneck ghetto decorations. There was a lot of energy and excitement in the air. I believe that we will truly see the impact of tonight in the coming weeks, months, and years. There was a strong challenge laid down and the students were not afraid to pick it up. At the end of the night, everyone had the sense that something special is about to happen.Here are some things we talked about:
We looked at the interaction between Mary and the angel as the call was given for Mary to bring the Son of God to a lost and dying world. Mary was between the ages of 14-16 and her life was pretty much planned out for her. When God stepped on the scene, her life went unscripted.
Here are some things about the unscripted life.
The call was unexpected - not only was her life planned out for her, who would expect such big things out of a teenager. God would! It is time to live our lives above expectation.
The mission was undeniable - how could she say no to the call that was before her? Yet we say no every day of our lives by the way we live and the choices we make.
Her relationships became unstable - the most important decision you will make is who you allow to influence your life.
Her worship was unquenchable - Mary's love for God overrode everything.
Upcoming Events:
There will be a cookout at our house Sunday night December 7th starting at 6 p.m. Free burgers and dogs, lots of laughs, and much more. Email or call for directions.
Next Wednesday is week 2 of the Unbelievable series and it is Christmas character night. Come dressed as your favorite Christmas character and be entered to win an itunes gift card.
There is a snow storm hitting Stockbridge December 17th! Mark your calendars and invite your friends. This is a night you will not want to miss.
December 22nd we will be heading to Centennial Park to ice skate and then to Underground Atlanta to hang out. Cost is $10 for ice skating, so bring spending money for Underground Atlanta.
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Thursday, December 4, 2008
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Are there anymore new ideas. Are we just recycling old ones and trying to improve on them?
What is more important, the question or the answer? Too many time I settle just knowing the question and refuse to pay the price to get the answer?
Why is mediocre so inviting? Is it because it is safe? Is it because I am lazy? Why do we seem to settle.
Can a person really change. I am not talking about giving their lives to Christ and letting Him make them new. I am talking about the root of a person, who he or she is, their personality, their emotional make up.
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Wednesday, December 3, 2008
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Do you ever have questions that you keep asking yourself that you do not have clear answers on? That is the season that I am in right now. I want to share with you one of those questions that I keep asking myself.
Do I love God for who He is or for what He does for me? If He never blessed me again would I still love Him? If He took me down the same path as Job would the outcome be the same? Am I just using God for a good sermon or that next big idea or would I love Him the same way if I was not in the ministry?
There is not only a hunger inside of me to be a better leader and Youth Pastor. I am hunger to know God more. I am striving for my private spiritual life to be bigger than my public spiritual life. I want to be able to speak of God as David did. I want to know that love that is better than life.
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Tuesday, December 2, 2008
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Complacency is a word that gets thrown around a lot in religious circles. It seems to be a buzz word when talking about change and when people are trying to push their own agenda. I have been personally giving thought to what complacency is and how I define it in my own life.
Complacency occurs when we are taking in more than we are giving out. You have grown comfortable in a consumer lifestyle. This is not a healthy lifestyle. It will not be long until inactivity sets in and you find yourself miserable in your own surroundings. You will have to work twice as hard to get back on track.
Complacency occurs when your past is more inviting than your future. You believe that your best days are behind you. You begin to settle because you feel like you have nothing left to strive or work for. It is a very dangerous place in life when your memories become bigger than your dreams.
Complacency occurs when inspiration turns into a burden. When needs become a chore. When the quick fix is the only route we are willing to take to get to the solution. When it is easier to remain in the mundane of a mediocre life rather than fight against the current of normal.
How do you define complacency and how does your life fight against it?
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Monday, December 1, 2008
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