The last two weeks have been crazy busy!


Uth Force is now Thrive. Really excited about what God is doing.

Proud of myself Tuesday. I had a meeting on the north west end of Atlanta and then had to make a stop all the way on the east side. Did not get lost and felt like I maneuvered very well in all the traffic.

Wednesday night Thrive Students committed to raise over $2500 for Speed-the-Light in the month of February. Very excited to see what is going to take place. I have no doubt God is going to rock our worlds with this.

Really love the friends that God has given me. They say that you are an average of all your friends. I am happy with that.

God has been dropping some HUGE ideas on me over the last couple of days. Trying to keep up.

Super Bowl is tomorrow. I am going to be pulling for the Steelers. Looking forward to our Super Bowl party.

Got some work done on my truck this week. Got to have some more work done on it next week. I am glad to have my truck running good again.

I am very excited about what all next week holds.

Planning on taking a media sabbatical over the weekend (I actually wrote this yesterday). Turning off twitter, staying off Facebook, and not reading any blogs. Just feel like I need to unplug for a little while.

Paige's birthday is Tuesday!

Hope everyone has an awesome weekend.

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Saturday, January 31, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Perry Noble hit the nail on the head with this post on four stages he went through as a leader.


Mark Batterson had some interesting thought with his post about mental metabolism.

Pete Wilson blogged about celebrating monotony.

Ben Arment knocked it out of the park with his post about the trouble with advice.

Chris Pollock shared an hilarious post on checking your child's homework.

What blogs are you reading?  What blogs stretch you?

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Friday, January 30, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Leadership is making the tough decisions - if all you are worried about is being popular and worrying about what people think then leadership is not for you.  Leadership is about making the hard calls even if you are alone.  Leadership is choosing right over popular.


Leadership is being transparent - being transparent is not a sign of weakness.  People hate fake people and when what you are saying and how you are living so not match up, it makes people sick.  Just because you are in leadership does not mean you are not a normal person.

Leadership is knowing when to rest - you are no good to anyone worn out or burnt out.  Taking breaks and resting is okay.  Sometimes we walked through seasons that take a lot out of us and we need to unplugged from what is going on around you and recharge.

Leadership is comfortable in front or behind the curtain - liking the spotlight does not make you a leader, it makes your selfish.  A good leader is just a comfortable being behind the curtain as in front on it.

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Thursday, January 29, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »



We revealed our new ministry name tonight.  We are really excited about what God is doing and going to do in the months and years to come.  Check out more at thriveyouthchurch.com.

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Wednesday, January 28, 2009 Posted in | | 1 Comments »

This week we are talking about what leadership is -

Leadership is taking risks - their is no room in leadership for playing it safe.  The bigger the risk the bigger the reward.  Jesus did not save us and call us to be wimpy or spineless.  There is an element of excitement in the adventure that is leadership.  Your call and your life should excite you, if it does not excite you, you will not excite others.  People want to follow passionate people.

Leadership is empowering people but expecting excellence - if you are doing it all yourself then you are not leading anyone.  Leadership is not only empowering people but requiring the same amount of excellence that you require out of yourself.

Leadership is being one step ahead - Wayne Gretzky, when asked the secret of his success in hockey, said that when other went to where the puck was, he went to where the puck was going.  Reading situations and understanding circumstances is a huge aspect of what a leader does.

Leadership is knowing yourself - the internal battle is sometimes the hardest one to fight.  The best way to keep yourself in check is to know yourself.  Know your emotions, know your strengths and even know your weaknesses.

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Monday, January 26, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Leadership is something that I have been wrestling with lately.  Leadership is a fascinating thing.  Leadership is something that can be learned better than taught.  Leadership is something that everyone has the ability to do but some chooses not to.  My father never read a John Maxwell book or attended a seminar on leadership but yet was one of the greatest I have ever met.  People will follow him into any situation and listen to anything that he says.

I reference my father, not just because I love him, but he is the picture of leadership.  He also showed me that you do not have to read 100's of book on leadership or listen to great motivational speakers to be able to lead.  He showed me all you have to do is choose.  Choose to be a leader.

This week I want to look at a few things that leadership is all about:

Leadership is being out front - you can not lead from the rear.  You have to be the one out front, leading the way, taking the shots.  A good leader knows how to pull certain qualities out of the people around him or her, but is never pushy.  You can not lead anyone where you have never been yourself.  A leader writes the map for the people that follow, but never gets too far ahead because you do not want to loose anyone.

Leadership is being consistent - it can never be hit and miss.  A leader is steady, they do not just have a good day here and there.  They do not have streaks, people that are streaky have just as many bad ones or lazy ones as good ones.  Leaders can lead just as effective from the valley as they can the mountain top.

Leadership is talking less and doing more - you are graded as a leader not by what you say, but rather by what you do.  A leader listens more than they talk and speaks louder with their actions than with their words.  Someone should not have to tell you how good of a leader they are, they should be showing you.

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Sunday, January 25, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Resting and watching some movies this weekend.


Last Sunday Uth Force hosted South Atlanta Speed-the-Light rally and Broomball.  We might have lost but we were the loudest team.

I enjoyed scoring our teams first goal but I have enjoy the souvenir that I got on my elbow.

Stephanie came down and Justin came up Sunday and stayed to Monday.  Love it when they come to visit.

Tuesday we watched the inauguration at the church and then spent some time praying for President Obama and our Nation.

Really thought Rick Warren did an awesome job with his prayer.  Was really disappointed with the benediction. 

Had a couple really awesome meetings with Pastor Steven and staff this week.  Really excited about the the future of Stockbridge Assembly.

Really excited about February, March, and April series.  Going to have some artwork up soon.

This coming Wednesday is going to be HUGE for us.  Might be the most important Youth Service since I have been here.

Struggling finding my routine over the last couple of weeks.  Going to try to nail that down this week.  I work better with routine.

Could not be happier to be where we are in life and in ministry but really missed some people this week.  I think growing apart is one of the most painful part of life.  Especially when you try to stay connected and the other party doesn't.

Really looking forward to the Partner's Meeting tomorrow at church.

Hope you are having a good weekend.

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Saturday, January 24, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Mark Batterson wrote about emotional endurance here.

Barbara Graves blogged about splinters here.

The LifeChurch.tv crew shared something that made me laugh here.

Pete Wilson wrote a stirring posts about being vulnerable here.

Shaun King blogged about the myth of balance here.

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Friday, January 23, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

  • Awesome night at Uth Force again.
  • The Youth Band knocked it out of the park again this week.
  • Really proud of several students for inviting and bringing new friends every week.
  • Seeing up student leaders step up and become who God called them to be.
  • I love to see the students hanging out with each other after service and breaking down the walls of cliques.
Here are some things we talked about:
It was the last night of our "Get Fit"  series and we took a look at some spiritual workout tips.

Find a gym you like - We compared the gym to the church and we talked about it being a safe place and a place of encouragement.  We talked about making it a comfortable place, it is God job to make people uncomfortable in their lifestyle, not ours.

Have a spotter - Don't do it alone.  Find someone to partner with you on this journey, and not just anyone.  If I am bench pressing 300 lbs I am not going to ask someone that weighs 95 pounds to help me.  Find someone that can handle the heavy stuff.

Form matters - Working out is not enough.  If you are doing it wrong, you can do more damage than good.  The way you walk out your Christian walk matters, do it right because people are watching.  My fear is that there will be people in hell looking for me.

Use what you have - No excuses.  God put what you need around you, you have to make the choice to use it.

Upcoming Events:
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Super Bowl party Sunday February 1st at 6 p.m. in the Youth Hall.  We will have the game showing in different rooms and on big screen TVs.  There will be other things to do for those that are not football fans.  Bring your favorite junk food and a friend.

The Winter Encounter is Feb 15-17 at General Coffee State Park.  This is a retreat that you do not want to miss.  There are going to be awesome services, lots of friends, great games, and much more.  The cost is $45 and that covers everything.  See me if you have any questions.

Small groups are starting up in February.  Middle Schoolers will meet at our house Sunday night February 8th and High Schoolers will meet at our house Monday February 23rd.

For more information check us out on the web @ uthforce.com


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Thursday, January 22, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Yesterday's inauguration made a mark in history that has elicited much attention. For me, I have begun to reflect on the issues as they affect my own life. Regardless of your opinions and your circumstances, there are always positives and negatives to be derived. The real question is, "what will this season mean for you?" I have blogged in the past about grief and changes in life as we have transitioned into the new chapter in our lives, but today I am pondering a new level or new season. In order for new growth to occur in spring, there must be a purging in winter. I have always begrudged winter because it is a rough season when the cold kills off nature and restricts our activities.

God has used failures and separation in my life to begin teaching me that my better days are ahead of me and not behind me. Without the purging during the winter, there would not be healthy growth in the spring. With life as tough as it is these days, what areas of your life is God trying to purge? What good things can you find in your current season?

I have started challenging myself every day to concentrate on the excitement of the better days that lay ahead. Living each day is tough, with all of its failures and disappointments, but anticipation, I believe, is an antecedent for fear and doubt. Embrace where you are and learn from this season and hold on because the best is yet to come.

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Wednesday, January 21, 2009 Posted in | | 1 Comments »





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Tuesday, January 20, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

All eyes are on Washington DC today. Today there are millions of people that have packed themselves into the Nation's Capital and millions more who will be watching it on TV. Today will be the inauguration of the 44th President of The United States. There are some big words being thrown around like historic, monumental, and others. There are some crazy comparisons that are happening. Obama is the next Lincoln, Kennedy, or someone else.


I find myself a little excited to watch what will happen today. Today will be one of those days that you can say 20 years from now you were alive for. Today is an important day for us as a country, but I have some thoughts I would like to share about it.
  • We as a country do not need a historical or monumental day, we need a historical and monumental term. With all we are facing as a nation we need President Obama to be everything that he and the media have promising him to be.
  • I think the comparisons are a mistake and are not doing the man justice. Let Barack Obama be Barack Obama. When they say that our nation is facing crisis like no other times before, then we need a leader that we have never had before.
  • When he places his hand on the Bible and takes that oath, he is no longer to me the first black President, he is the 44th President. I do not see color, I do not even see a man, I see an office. I know that a lot of people will disagree with me on this, but I feel the buzz about him being the first black President is contributing to the racism that is still an issue in this country.
  • As Christians we are called to support and pray for our President. Sorry if you do not agree with me. Whether you voted for him or like him, he is still your President. We are called to lift the man up as well as the office. President Obama has a tough road ahead, he needs our prayers and support.
Today we will watch as history is made, and then tomorrow we will wait for hope to be restored. Today as a church Stockbridge Assembly will show the inauguration and then afterwards gather and pray for President Obama and our nation. God Bless America and God Bless President Obama.

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This Martin Luther King Jr. speech is the one that stirs me the most.


If any of you are around when I have to meet my day, I don’t want a long funeral. And if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy, tell them not to talk too long.  And every now and then I wonder what I want them to say. Tell them not to mention that I have a Nobel Peace Prize—that isn’t important. Tell them not to mention that I have three or four hundred other awards—that’s not important. Tell them not to mention where I went to school.


I'd like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to give his life serving others.


I'd like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to love somebody.


I want you to say that day that I tried to be right on the war question.


I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry.


And I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked.


I want you to say on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison.


I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity.


Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice.  Say that I was a drum major for peace.  I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter.  I won't have any money to leave behind. I won't have the fine and luxurious things of life to leave behind. But I just want to leave a committed life behind.  And that's all I want to say.


If I can help somebody as I pass along,


If I can cheer somebody with a word or song,


If I can show somebody he's traveling wrong,


Then my living will not be in vain.


If I can do my duty as a Christian ought,


If I can bring salvation to a world once wrought,


If I can spread the message as the master taught,

Then my living will not be in vain.

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Monday, January 19, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Just wanted to share some other thoughts from "An Enemy Called Average."


Here are some important questions we should ask ourselves.

  1. What one decision would I make if I knew I would not fail at it?
  2. What one thing should I eliminate from my life because it holds me back from reaching my full potential?
  3. Am I on the path to something absolutely marvelous or something absolutely mediocre?
  4. If everyone in the country were on my level of spirituality, would their be revival?
  5. Does the devil know who I am?
  6. Am I running from something, or to something?
  7. What can I do to make better use of my time?
  8. Would I recognize Jesus if I met Him on the street?
  9. Who do I need to forgive?
  10. What is my favorite scripture for my life, my family, and my career?
  11. What impossible thing am I believing and planning for?
  12. What is my most prevailing thought?
  13. How have the people I respect earned that respect?
  14. What outside influences are causing me to be better or worse?
  15. In what area do I need personal development?
  16. What is one thing I can do for someone who has no opportunity to repay me?

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Sunday, January 18, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

It is cold and I love cold weather.


It is sad but one of the highlights of my week is that I hung a 4' x 6' dry erase board in my office this week.  I love having a place to write out my thoughts and plans.

Went up to Canton last night and hung out with the Graves family.  We had a blast.  I love spending time with them.

Announced our Winter Encounter this week.  This is a trip that I am really looking forward to.

Spent the day in Macon Thursday for meetings and then got to hang out with some awesome friends.  Really fun day.

I know that we are making an impact because of the amount of spiritual warfare I am feeling.

Broomball is tomorrow night.  Should be interesting.

This season of 24 premiered this week.  Going to be an interesting season.  Not sure what I am going to do when Heroes come back on.

Not only do I love the church I serve at, but I work for one of the best Pastors anywhere.

This week is going to be an historic week.

Hope you are having an awesome weekend.

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Saturday, January 17, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Mark Batterson wrote about building a ministry that endures here.


Craig Groeschel blogged about life in the fish bowl here.

Tony Morgan talked about mistakes made in the ministry here.

Steven Furtick wrote about active trust here.

Welcome my Pastor to the blogging world here.

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Friday, January 16, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

  • Wednesday is my favorite day of the week.
  • The Worship Band made their debut tonight and rocked!
  • Loved it how at the end of the night nobody wanted to leave.
  • Excited about students that wrote letters to themselves to be mailed in January 2010.
  • Can not wait to here the stories that come from tonight's service.
Here are some things we talked about:
In week 2 of the "Get Fit" series we talked about the toughest part of getting in better shape spiritually.  

We talked about fighting the battle within ourselves.  We look at a story in Joshua 21 where God command to kill an entire group of people.  Instead of doing what God said and taking care of everything Joshua left some in Gaza, Gath, and Asdod.  Later we read in Judges, 1 Samuel, and Nehemiah about how this became a big problem down the road.

When we choose not to deal with the things that God is dealing with us about then we are choosing to let them be an issue in the future.

Upcoming Events:
Broom Ball is this Sunday at 6 p.m.  We will have free pizza, our Speed-the-Light service, and then head to play Broom Ball.  Cost is $20.

Super Bowl party February 1st in the Youth Hall.  Invite a friend and bring your favorite junk food.

13 days....

Small groups kick off in February.  Middle Schoolers will meet February 8th and High Schoolers will meet February 23rd.

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Winter Encounter is February 15-17 in General Coffee State Park in Douglas, GA.  Cost is $45 and it covers food, lodging, and travel.

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Thursday, January 15, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Have you ever realized that your attitude affects your outlook on life? Or that the people you are around effect your attitude? I have just started my new job and I am around a lot of people every day, all different kinds of people with various personalities. Each day I have been praying for God to help me with having a good attitude and favor with people. At the end of the day, my outlook on life is significantly altered depending on who I have been around that day.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best "People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is a confession of character." This quote has made me begin to question what my attitude is saying about my character. I want to be a positive, passionate person who loves Jesus and makes him famous. However, my attitude does not always support my goal. My fear is that my attitude will misrespresent my character to others. You cannot repeat tomorrow, so what will your attitude say about your character?

It is my sincere hope that I can evaluate my attitude and outlook on life everyday, so my character will speak for itself. Who is influencing your life? What kind of character do you have?

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Wednesday, January 14, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

There was a trend that went through Youth Ministry a few years ago. Youth Pastors would roll out a casket or tombstones and would talk about legacy. We would ask questions like, "What do you want on your tombstone," or "How do you want to be remembered?" Nothing wrong with those questions. There is nothing wrong with doing those things, but I have just changed the question that I ask.


Instead of how you want to be remembered (future tense) I know ask myself how do I want to be known (present tense). How am I living my every day life? What am I doing to make God known? How am I showing love and treating people? What impact am I making today? We are authors and our every day lives are the pages of our story. I want mine to read something like this.

I want to be known as...

someone who loved God with all his heart and showed it to everyone he met.

a thinker. I know that I am not that smart but I want to be known as someone who put a lot of thought into things and made people think.

a creative person. God is a creative God, if you do not believe me just read Genesis 1.

a leader, someone that not only grabs ahold of the Call but allowed the Call to grab ahold of them. Someone who can not sit still and someone people want to follow.

a friend. I believe the second highest honor in life is to be called a friend.

someone who loves this generation. This is the generation that will change the world, this is the generation I would give my life too.

someone who is passionate. I love what I do and do what I love.

What do you want to be known for?

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Tuesday, January 13, 2009 Posted in | | 1 Comments »

The other day I was sitting at my desk working on some planning for the new year and I had a question that I asked myself. This question gripped my soul and has not turned it loose. The question is, "Will there be students in Hell looking for me?" This question has raised what I believe is a legitimate fear. This is not your usual fear, this fear has me evaluating how I have done ministry, taught, and lived over the last 10 years.


The fear is simple. I never want to do anything or say anything that will ever hurt or lead students astray. I have counted the cost of this call. I understand the weight that is resting on my shoulders. I know what is required. This sobering question is one that has my whole life in check. The people I hang out with, the things I watch, listen to, and do. I understand that my life screams louder that any sermon I have ever preached. Have I shown an accurate depiction of the love of Jesus? Has my life glorified God or someone else?

Will there be students in Hell looking for me? Just some thoughts I am chewing on today.

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Monday, January 12, 2009 Posted in | | 2 Comments »

One of the things that I am doing this year for my personal growth plan is to read more leadership books.  Right now I am reading "An Enemy Called Average," and it is really messing with me.  Let me share something I read the other day...


Do more than exist.  Live.
Do more than hear. Listen.
Do more than agree. Cooperate.
Do more than talk.  Communicate.
Do more than grow.  Bloom.
Do more than spend. Invest.
Do more than think. Create.
Do more than work. Excel.
Do more than share.  Give.
Do more than decide.  Discern.
Do more than consider.  Commit.
Do more than forgive.  Forget.
Do more than help.  Serve.
Do more than coexist.  Reconcile.
Do more than sing.  Worship.
Do more than think.  Plan.
Do more than see.  Perceive.
Do more than read.  Apply.
Do more than receive.  Reciprocate.
Do more than choose.  Focus.
Do more than wish.  Believe.
Do more than advise.  Help.
Do more than encourage.  Inspire.
Do more than add.  Multiply.
Do more than change.  Improve.
Do more than reach. Stretch.
Do more than ponder.  Pray.
Do more than just live.  Love for Jesus.

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Sunday, January 11, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

It felt good to get back into some sort of routine this week.  The break was good but I need routines in my life.


There was some real exciting stuff that has happened this week that I believe will take our ministry to the next level in months to come.

Got our first leaders meeting of 2009 tomorrow after church.  Very excited about it, may be our most important one yet.

Wednesday night was amazing.  The attendance really surprised me after coming back from a two week break and then Uth Force's ability to be challenged.  Big things on the horizon.

10 days into the new year and I feel like I am going pretty good with my new year goals.  Up to date on my Bible reading and reading healthy.  Really excited about this year.

A new season of 24 premiers tomorrow night.  Really excited about watching it with some friends.

Discovered iGoogle this week.  Has really helped simplify my life.  I love Google calendar and Google reader.  Really excited about some of the things that I can do with it all.

John Smoltz signed with the Boston Red Sox, I am really broken hearted.  Smoltz was one of my baseball heroes.

Realized this week how much I live my life online with twitter, facebook, blogs, and other things.

Quiet weekend planned this weekend.  After last weekend being Grand Central, quiet is nice.

Planning winter impact.  Really excited about doing some different stuff for this event.

Paige had a great first week at her new job.  I think she is going to really enjoy working at Flippen Road Elementary.

Hope you are having a great weekend.

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Saturday, January 10, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Perry Noble wrote about the church and the auto industry here, here, and here.

Mark Batterson talks about creating culture here.

Craig Groeschel wrote a stirring post on who care who you're not here.

Steven Furtick blogged about swatting gnats here.

Pete Wilson talks about being the church here.

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Friday, January 9, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Last night was our first Youth Service in a couple weeks because of The Holidays.  

It was the first night of the "Get Fit" series.

The set that we built for this series was really awesome.  Sharon, Kayla, and Olivia did a really good job with it.  Thanks guys!

Really pleased with attendance.  Always worried after a 2 week break.

The Worship Band makes their debut next week, really looking forward to that.

Here are somethings we talked about:
565,300 minutes from now everyone will not be the same.  You body is constantly regenerating itself and changing.  Why can't this be the year that we focus on getting in shape spiritually.

4 Keys to getting fit:

Potential - You have to see it to do it.

Passion - Everyone has passion, the problem is that it is either perverted or diverted.  You can fake emotions but you can not fake passion.

Purpose - Our purpose is what keeps us focused when times get tough.  Our purpose is simple, love God and love students.

Plan - Our plans for the future have to be bigger than our memories of the past.

WARNING - There will be people assigned by hell to pull your away from what God has for you in 2009, but only you can let them.

Upcoming Events:

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Broom Ball is Sunday January 18th.  We will be having our Speed-the-Light service at 6 p.m. and the afterward heading the Atlanta Ice Forum to play Broom Ball.  Cost is $20 and the money covers renting the facility and the rest to Speed-the-Light.

The Super Bowl Party will be February 1st in the Youth Hall at 6 p.m.  Bring a friend and your favorite junk food and we will see you there.

Small Groups are starting up in February.  Middle Schoolers are meeting at Eric and Paige's house on February 8th and High Schooler on February 22nd.

For more information check out uthforce.com

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Thursday, January 8, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

I wonder how many people are like me, you have a great idea and you make plans to follow through with it and the interruptions come. Everyday, I am realizing that I have great thoughts that could benefit others and add spice to life, but I don't seem to follow through. Intentions are great but without action, they are just waning notions. How awesome would life be if we all learned to act on at least half of our good intentions?

I am realizing that my good intentions turn to regrets and missed opportunities. So for this new year, I am going to attempt to turn over a new leaf and turn my good intentions into a reality. I want to see how more purpose and passion can be added to my life by connecting with others in small ways. Life is much to short to be consumed in the mundane tasks of life or swallowed by the rat race of our society.

Are there good intentions you have been dismissing? How can you connect to others in this new year? I'm gonna make each day count . . . what will you do?

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Wednesday, January 7, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

It is safe to say that I have seen my share of tough times in the ministry over the last 12 years. There were days that I was sure that I was not going to make it out alive. As 2008 was closing out and we were ready to ring in 2009, I sat in my office and reflected. I not only thought back over the trials of this past year but other battles that we have fought as well.


As I reminisced I realized something. Those wounds that used to hurt me and hold me back have now turned into battle scares. They have prepared me for the next season that I am about to walk into. God has used those battles that we have walked through to makes us what we are today.

When life knocks us down, we have a choice. We can either lay their and let life pass us by. Let the hurts and wounds from your battle keep you on the sideline, or you can get up and start swinging. You can reengage in the fight. Everyone gets hit, everyone gets knocked down from time to time but not everyone gets back up. Used to, I did not know what to do with my wounds. Now I look back at them and I am proud. They are trophies from battles that I have come through. They remind me why I can not quit. I have been through too much to throw in the towel now.

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Tuesday, January 6, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

The other day I was having an a conversation with my friend Chris and He made a statement that I have not been able to shake.  He says that there is a difference between a good idea and a God idea.  As I have pondered on that statement, this is what I believe the difference between a good idea and a God idea is:


A good idea will change you, but a God idea will change the world around you.  A good idea gets you excited, it fires you up.  It is a God idea that people will partner with you to see lives changed and make an impact on more that just you.

A good idea is safe and easy, but a God idea will take a risk and bring a challenge.  You can not tackle a God idea and stay in your comfort zone.  If you want to play it safe then you need to stick the with good ideas.

A good idea, you get credit for the results, but a God idea only yields results that give Him all the glory.  A God idea is so big there is no one you can do it.  The only way it can be accomplished is through God and not BY you.

A good idea is worth living for, but a God idea is worth dying for.  When you receive that call.  The call that comes from God and not from the spotlight, the one when you will give everything you have to follow it.  That is when you lay down your very life to pursue Him that is calling you.

So what are some God ideas that He is giving you in 2009 so far?

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Monday, January 5, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Well it is 2009.  You have set your resolutions and a lot of us have already broke them.  I am trying something a little new this year.  Instead of resolutions I am setting personal goals.


This year I want to:

Read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation - It has been a couple of years since I have read the Bible through in a year.  I am going to break out my trusty NLT One Year Bible again.  So far so good.

Finish my requirements for ordination - Ordination is a big deal for me personally.  I have 3 classes left and then the testing and interview process.  It is going to be tough and really stressful but if I focus it is attainable this year.  Then I can begin working on a degree in 201o.

Loose 50 pounds and keep it off - Weight has been an issue for my most of my life.  This year I want to do more than just loose weight, I want to get in shape, not just be a shape.  I believe 50 pounds is attainable but will not be easy.

Run a mile - I know that this may sound trivial to some but it would be a milestone to me.  It would mean that I have accomplished somewhat of my last goal.

Read at least a book a month - Reading is something that over the last year I have fallen in love with.  If you would have asked people 10 years ago if Eric Gordon was a reader, they would have laughed at you.  It is now something I not only enjoy but love to do.  It is said when you stop reading and learning is when you start dying.  I want to be a student the rest of my life.

Expand my circle of influence - I might have some of the most awesome friends in the world.  People who not only love me but stick with me through thick and thin.  I want to make more friends, find other people to learn from as well.  I want to step out from my comfort zone and get to know more people.

These are just personal goals, there are not many and they are attainable.  I have set some ministry goals as well that I might share later.

What are your goals or resolutions for 2009?

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Sunday, January 4, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Happy New Year!


Really have enjoyed the break over the last couple of weeks but I am so ready to get back to a routine on Monday.

I have missed having a Youth Service for the last couple of weeks. Really looking forward to hanging out with Uth Force this week and what January is going to hold.

Paige worked with the Youth Worship Band this week. They sound really good and I can not wait to hear them in service. Their first service will be January 14th.

Justin is up to visit and Stephanie came down to hang out for a little while. Decided on the spur of the moment to go and see Valkyrie last night. Great movie.

Rang in the new year with some of the Uth Force students and leaders. Had tons of junk food, a fire, people doing dangerous stunts on TV, and lots of Dick Clark's Rocking New Year. I believe that 2009 is going to be an awesome year.

Spent some time with friends this week. Laughed a lot. Just what I needed.

Been fighting a little cold all week. Nothing serious, just aggravating.

Enjoyed the Georgia game New Year's Day. They played the way they should have all year.

Not got a lot planned today. Just going to chill one more weekend.

I have really started enjoying reading again. Got my first four books of the new year lined up.

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

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Saturday, January 3, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

This year has been full of ups and downs like no other. God has used many things, experiences, and people to stretch and grow me. As I have sat and reflected over the past couple of days on what 2008 held, I wanted to share some highlights with you.


Took my first prayer retreat.

Turned 30.

Got a MacBook.

Visited the Martin Luther King Dream Center with two of my favorite people in the world.

Spent three of the best weeks of my life at camp, again!

Became a Licensed Minister with the Assemblies of God.

Set a list of life goals.

Got a new motorcycle.

Went on rides to the Georgia Coast and the Mountains.

Said good bye to people that I loved.

Took a risk and made a move to follow the call that is on my life.

Stood in awe of the power, provision, and timing of my God.

Making new friends everyday.

Watched students, that I am proud of, follow after God and chase their call.

Gotten my heart broken several times.

Enjoyed the view from the mountain top many days.

Forgave when I did not think I could.

Read more books than I have in all the years of my life before this one.

Experienced The Blizzard with over 100 students in the house.

Saw several students lives changed and watched as they changed my life as well.

Tried very hard to embrace every moment, make every memory and love at all times.

Was stretched and grew more than any other year in recent memory.

How was your 2008? What are you looking forward to in 2009?

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Friday, January 2, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »



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Thursday, January 1, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »


Happy New Year

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