Have you ever set back and thought, "There has to be more." There has to be more that I can do, more to my life. I have stood in successes of past victories so long that I am afraid to face the challenges that tomorrow holds for too long. For me, the difference between a good idea and a God idea is that a good idea happened yesterday and the God idea is waiting on me tomorrow.


There has to be more. More God ideas. More people to reach. More things to make an impact with. There has to be more.

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Tuesday, March 31, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Why do we say we have the heart of Jesus and refuse to help those that are in need?


Why is that the people who claim to be the closest to God misrepresent His love the most?

Why isn't His grace sufficient and we continue to beat up people for the their past mistakes?

Why is judgment so easy and repentance so hard?

If God really called and equipped us then why do we hold ourselves back?

How come I fear the judgment of man more than the judgment of God?

Why do I try to bring God down to my level and put my own limitations on Him?

It's Monday all day and these are the questions that I am asking myself today.

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Monday, March 30, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Strange week for me.  Even tough at some point, but I will survive.  What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.


Been on a diet and been eating really healthy.  Declared today a cheat day.

Tried my hardest to be bum the last two days.

Baseball season opens in over a week.  Hoping now that I live in the Atlanta area I can catch a couple of Braves games.

Really excited about our April series, "More Than A Rock Star."  I believe it is going to take Thrive to another level.

Going on a date tonight with Paige.

Just about tired of coughing.  Feeling much better but this cough is about to get on my nerves.

Don't think it will ever quit raining.  It has been raining since Wednesday and is showing no signs of stopping.

Taking a little break from Facebook and Twitter.

Hope you are having a good weekend.

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Saturday, March 28, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Mark Batterson blogged about The Valley of Eschol here.


Craig Groeschel wrote a stirring post about not forcing spring when it is winter here.

Pete Wilson talks about things not going the way we think here.

Al Force blogged about listening when God speaks here.

Steven Furtick wrote a challenging post about discovering your purpose here.

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Friday, March 27, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

  • Wednesday was the end of the I Dare You series and this is the last week of The Dare.  I have loved watching Thrive Students get closer to God during this series.
  • It was good to have Joseph back with the band.  The electric guitar adds a lot to the sound.
  • My favorite part of the night was in the altars, sitting back and watching students praying for other students.
  • We have a lot to look forward to.  Pastor Steven is speaking next week, Spring Break, and More Than A Rock Star is going to be sick.
  • Thrive Students are some of the most awesome students in the word, and that makes me one of the luckiest Youth Pastors alive.
Here are some things we talked about
Mark 2:1-5 tells the story of four friends that did whatever it took to get their friend to Jesus.

There are two people that we can identify this story:
The paralytic - there are things that happen in our lives that sometimes paralyzes us.

The friends - there were two things that I saw in the friends lives:
They cared for their paralytic - they saw him in his true condition and knew that Jesus was the only one who could help him.

They were relentless - they did not let the crowd stop them or the roof stop them.  The excuse of "I tried" was not good enough.

Upcoming Events:
Next week Pastor Steven will be speaking in Thrive Youth Church.

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Spring Break is April 6th-10th.  Tuesday we will be eating lunch at The Varsity and then playing in Centennial Park.  Wednesday night will be skate night and Thursday is a work day at the church.

More Than A Rock Star starts Wednesday April 15th.  Start inviting your friends now.

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Thursday, March 26, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Eric is a very transparent person by nature and I am not. However, I want to put the counseling antics and the philosophical notions to the side and write this blog from my heart. There are several things I am realizing about myself and I hope this challenges you to evaluate yourself too.

Ambition--I am a very ambitious person by nature. I will do whatever necessary to attain my goals and I am usually not satisfied with status quo. This has never been a problem in my life until recently. I am trying to establish myself in my new career now that I have my M.Ed., but I am hitting several walls. At what point does ambition cause you to take matters in your own hands? I have realized that my ambition has blinded me to the open doors that God has waiting for me.

Tact--This has always been a work in progress for me. I am a "what comes up, comes out" kinda girl. Luckily, Eric has helped me temper this over time. However, some days it is hard to think before I speak and be careful of what I say. It is obviously easier to be painfully honest with people. I say I am a realist, but am I? Does blatant honesty really strengthen your relationships and speak life? Or does tact allow you more opportunities to be you, just better?

Authenticity--For those who know me best, they would probably say that I often "march to the beat of a different drum." I have always taken pride in being different from the rest. Standing out from the crowd has given me a deep sense of individuality and I have encouraged others to try it. When does authenticity stop coming with such a high price? Most days it is easier to just go with the flow than stand strong against the tide. As I am tired spiritually, physically, and emotionally, I find it hard to fight to be me. Is it okay to blend into the crowd for a while?

These are just some areas of my life that I am being challenged in. So now you know a little more about me, what are you willing to admit about yourself? I challenge you to take an inventory and see if there are areas God is cultivating new growth in you.

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Wednesday, March 25, 2009 Posted in | | 1 Comments »


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Tuesday, March 24, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

When you do not know where you are at, KEEP GOING - There were several times on our trip that we made wrong turns and did not really know where we were but we just kept going and came out better in the long run.  As a leader, you need to understand that not every wrong turn leads you in a wrong direction.  The road you are on has to come out somewhere.


Pay attention to your fuel - My motorcycle gets bad gas mileage for a bike and I have to hunt a gas station about every 100 miles.  I know my bike's limits.  As a leader we should know our own limits.  How often are we refueling ourselves.  What can you really accomplish when running on empty.  When is the last time that you rested and refueled.  Remember, you are no good to anyone broke down.

Enjoy the ride - If you are not doing what you love to do, then no one else will enjoy it either.  Do not get so caught up in the journey that you miss the ride.  There are things that God is wanting to show you and teach you, if all you are focused on is the destination you will total miss it.

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This past weekend my Dad and I went on a motorcycle ride through the mountains of Georgia. The scenery was breath taking, the time to clear my mind on the bike was awesome, and the hang time with my Dad was just what I needed. While riding, my Dad made me lead. I am more comfortable following him (I would follow him, where ever, no matter what) and during this process God started speaking to me about leadership. Here are some thoughts I had:


Leadership does not mean comfort - I am more comfortable following on a bike, but that was not an option. Leadership is not about our level of comfort but our level of commitment. I have found that most of the time, I am NEVER comfortable when leading. In leadership people are always watching every move and every decision you make. The quicker you learn that you will not always get it right, the better you are. If you want to be comfortable in life, then leadership is not for you.

Leadership is about awareness - We learned very quickly this weekend that not all highways are marked clearly and some signs are hard to spot. You have to be constantly aware of your surroundings. Leadership sees. That is something my Pastor has been saying for a couple of weeks. Leadership should have the ability to see things that other people can not.

Leadership is about pace - If you go too fast, you will leave the people that are behind you. You can not move too slow or you will aggravate the people that follow you. As leaders, we have to be keenly aware of the pace of the people that we are leading. Leaders have to be out front but not too far out front or they will be by themselves.

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Monday, March 23, 2009 Posted in | | 2 Comments »

Went on an awesome motorcycle ride with my day Friday and Saturday.  We went to Pine Mountain, Rome, Dahlonega,  Helen, and then back to Stockbridge.


That is why it is Sunday Ramblings and not Saturday.

It was good to clear my mind, relax, and spend time with Dad.

I look like a raccoon.  My face is sunburnt and there is an outline where my helmet strap and sunglasses were.

Fighting a cold.  I HATE coughing.  I know hate is a strong word but that I how I feel about it.

Started a diet Monday.  Ate right this week.  I am really serious about loosing weight this time.  Walked a couple days then got sick.

Really looking forward to the High School Small Group tonight.

Baseball season is right on us.  I am so ready.  Not a basketball fan.

Got to get a lot done this week.  It has to be one of those weeks where I lock myself in my office a couple of days.

Hope you had a good weekend.

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Sunday, March 22, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

  • What a night.  What a night.
  • Love to watch Thrive student authentically engage God in worship and chase after the calling.
  • Week 3 of the I Dare You series may be my favorite message so far.
  • Several students were home sick.  We are praying for those guys.
Here are some things we talked about:
In week 3 of the I Dare You series we talked about Zacchaeus and how he climb a tree to change his relationship with God.  He had a desire to see Jesus.  There is a difference between want and desire.  A want is just a thought and a desire is what stirs us to change.  Here are some things I learned from Zacch:

His desire brought dissatisfaction - he was not satisfied with his life the way it was.  He was looking for something.

His desire brought understanding - he understood he could not stand where everyone else stood and see Jesus.

His desire brought action - he was not afraid to do what ever it took to see Jesus.  He went out on a limb, the limb is unstable and lonely.

His desire brought obedience - God wants obedience over sacrifice.  Why?  He doesn't want what we do, He just wants us.

His desire brought accountability - accountability is taking responsibility for your actions.

Upcoming Events:
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High School small group this Sunday night at 6 p.m. at Eric and Paige's house.  Video teaching, discussion, games, free food - need I say more?

Next week we close out our I Dare You series with probably the most challenging message of the series.

For more updates and our podcast you can go to thriveyouthchurch.com

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Thursday, March 19, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Have you ever wondered how insanity happens? How did you get so overwhelmed and things become so out of control? I have been talking to several friends over the past couple of weeks and the same theme keeps appearing in every conversation. We all have a case of insanity from time to time. When life happens to us, we always do the same things over and over and expect different results. Where is the room for change? improvement? happiness? healthy relationships? freedom?

I have been praying for some divine wisdom to stop the insanity that has become an acceptable form of existing. God has begun showing me the following steps to stepping out of the surviving into thriving. This is not a concrete method, but this is how I am learning to deal with my own insanity.

1. Step back from your situation and admit there is a problem.

2. Don't be ashamed to ask for help. We all have issues we need to accept and work on.

3. Evaluate what decisions or circumstances have led you to this point and take ownership.

4. List what solutions you have tried and focus on new options.

5. Allow God the opportunity to carry you into your next season. You might be where you are because of YOU, but you will get where you are going because of HIM.

Don't lose the fight with your circumstances and don't give in to the lies that you are the only one! Life has ups and downs for all of us, but what we do next is what really counts. Will you make the decision today to stop settling for just merely surviving? Can you imagine actually thriving like God intended you to?

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Wednesday, March 18, 2009 Posted in | | 1 Comments »

There is something that has been rolling around in my mind the last couple of days. I struggle with trying to make people happy all the time. This is not anything new for me, it is something that I have battled for most of my life. Call it low self-esteem, call it whatever you like, sometimes it becomes a real vice in my life.


Why? What is at the root of it? Today, I was thinking, "Am I a people pleaser to please my own ego?" Do I want to make people happy because deep down I want to be liked? Do I do what I do for all the wrong reasons? By helping other people am I just taking a huge ego trip?

Lately, God has been dealing with me about loving with no agenda and serving with no motive. I am finding it difficult. I always seem to have an agenda. There is always a reason why I do some things. To serve without a motive really means that I have to put others ahead of myself.

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Tuesday, March 17, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

We have a tendency to run from adversity. We do not like it when things start getting tough. David had to go through a GIANT challenge to get to the throne that God called him to. God will use those challenges and tough times to mold us and shape us into who He has called us to be.


Tough times bring what is on the inside of us to the outside. In 1 Samuel 14, the prophet thought David's oldest brother would make a good king because of the way he looked. God corrected him and told him He knew what his heart was like. When we pick up the story in 1 Samuel 17, we find David's oldest brother cowering on the sidelines instead of fighting on the front line.

You see pressure situations have a way of squeezing things out of us. So, what is in you? Who are you when no one else is looking? Who are you when you take your mask off? If there was not a Goliath in David's life, we do not know what would have happened. Instead of asking God to take away those times, ask Him to give you the strength to step up and take those times head on. Instead of dodging those situations, face them head on.

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Monday, March 16, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Failure is not a option when....


You realize that the God that called you is bigger than anything that stands before you.

You understand what is riding on your mission. This is not a game, this is a fight that is for eternity.

You get that God has you. That He has went before you and taken care of everything for you.

You wake up and see that it is not about you. We have to learn to love without an agenda and serve without a motive.

You're dependent on the God that called you.

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Sunday, March 15, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

I am up way too early on a Saturday morning.


This week has been a super blur.  Actually the last two weeks have been way too busy.

There has to be a mental health day in there somewhere for me.

Stephanie came and spent a couple days with us while she was on Spring Break.  Love her, really excited about what God is doing in her life and so honored to have a small part in it.

Got to watch the Newspring's Unleash Conference online Thursday.  Perry Noble said some things that I am still unpacking.  Next year I will be there live.

The I Dare You series is really stretching Thrive.  I am loving what I am seeing and feeling.  Wednesday night went to another level.

Yes I did fall through the floor Wednesday night.  Actually I stepped through an air-conditioning return grate during the intro video for the message.  I am okay, thanks for asking.  The grate did not survive and my pride is really scuffed up.

Really excited about something that Thrive is doing in April.  I am not ready to share fully what is about to happen but I am both scared to death and excited.

I have been dealing with some personally emotional issues this week.  Life can be tough sometimes.  We have to let the pressure push us and not weigh us down.

Going on a motorcycle ride with Dad next weekend.  I think I need that more than ever.

I am ready for baseball season to start.  I am a diehard Braves fans.

Hope you are having a good weekend.

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Saturday, March 14, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

I do not think I can do it - I do not believe in myself enough to buck up against resistance.  I do not believe that the God that spoke the universe into existence, that defeated death hell and the grave, and that lives in me, is powerful enough to help me.

I am too lazy to do it - I believe that it will be easier just to have things stay the way they are.  It will be too much work to see the dreams that God has given me become a reality.  I do not realize that I will have to work harder at keeping things the same than working to change.

I let my circumstance become bigger than my God - my excuses outweigh my passion.  I let the things that are around me become bigger than the God that called me.  I will let the pressure that is meant to mature me overtake me.

Failure is choice.  It is a choice that I refuse to make.  Failure will not be a option in plans today, tomorrow, or any day after that.  There is no plan B.

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Friday, March 13, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

  • Week 2 of I Dare You was awesome.
  • Yes I did fall through the floor during the intro video.
  • Last night was Joseph's first night playing the electric guitar with the worship band and he did an awesome job.
  • Grateful for all the parents that came to our parent's meeting and stayed in service with us.
  • I believe there were prayers prayed last night that is changing us and will change our schools, families, city, and world.
Here are some things we talked about:
Week 2 of I Dare You - I dare you to have a heart for the hurting.  We talked about the story of the good Samaritan our of Luke 10:25-37.

Everyone in the story has a title or we know where they are from expect for the man than got robbed.  That is because it does not matter who he is, what he looks like or where he is from.  We are called to help him - People discriminate but hurt and pain never does.

Here are some things I learned from the Samaritan:
1) He had a heart for the hurting - The Bible says that his heart went out for the man.

2) He helped him where he was - he did not drag him to church to help him, HE HELPED HIM.

3) He did not leave him there - he finished what he started.

Upcoming Events:
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We are in the second week of The Dare and takethedare.net is up and running.

High School small group is March 22nd at Eric and Paige's house from 6 pm - 8 pm.  If more information or direction see Eric or Paige.

For weekly updates and podcast check out thriveyouthchurch.com

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Have you ever been listening to your favorite song on the radio out in the middle of nowhere and it happens. . . . . the station goes out of range and you feel aggravated and out of options? I have come to realize that life is alot like this scenario. When static creeps into your life, several things happen that cause confusion and doubt, which are not from God.

1. Static causes you to feel as though you have lost your connection. When the song is overcome by static, there is a deep sense of solitude, which leads to fear and alienation. God is not always found in the booming voice, but sometimes he is in the small whisper. He has been reminding me that static will come and go in my life, but it is only a fleeting distraction.

2. Static also leads to intense emotions. For me, it is usually aggravation followed by panic. I often find that music leads my life while I am driving. When static creeps in, I feel like I have nothing to concentrate on or help guide me to my destination. God is reminding me that stability and trust in him transcend all my emotions and fears.

3. Static makes you question your sense of direction and location. When static overtakes my radio station, I immediately begin to check the course I am on and follow up on my sense of direction. God is showing me that he is in total control of my life and regardless of what I see and hear in life, He is my guiding force. I have to pray everyday to completely trust in God and his direction for my life.

I want to challenge you to begin tuning out the static in your life, whatever or whoever that may be, and refocus on your Creator. What do you need to cut out of your life? Who do you need to stop allowing to speak negative into your life?

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Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Galatians 6:7, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."  This is a principle that gets abused in the church.   People abuse the laws of sowing and reaping and treat God as a pimp.  They believe that if you give enough money then He will answer their prayers.  I just want to share some thoughts I have about sowing and reaping:
  • If I sow corn I do not expect squash to grow and if I sow tomatoes I not expect beans to sprout up.  Same is true in the spiritual world as well. 
  • A farmer does not plant in the winter or reap in the spring.  He understands that there are seasons and times to plant and then a season and a time to harvest. Ecclesiastes 3:1, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."
  • Where I sow matters.  If I sow in hard dried out soil I do not expect anything.  If I expecting a large return on what I have sown then I need to sow in places that are the most fertile.  
  • Reaping takes just as much work.  We believe that sowing is the work and reaping is the benefit.  But a farmer understand that the crop just does not jump off the vine and run into the barn.  It takes work.  There is a process and if the workers neglect any of the process the harvest is ruined.

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Relationships are crucial in our lives. Friendships, spouses, or family, play an important role in our lives whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. Some people seem to navigate those relationships better than others. Others because of past experiences are more reluctant to enter in to those trusting relationships. Time after time on this blog and in my life I expressed that relationships are some of the most important decisions that you can make.


Relationships will either pull you from the destiny that God has for you or it will push you to it. The people that you allow to influence your life will either help make you into who God has called you to be or they will break you away from that call. Sometimes it is obvious and sometimes it is so subtle that you do not realize it until it is almost too late.

You friendships should make you sharper. Proverbs 27:17, "You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another." So the real question is are the people in your life making you sharper? Are they shaving away the dull pieces of your life? Are they holding you accountable? Are they causing you to walk in the call that God has for you?

Evaluating friendships and relationships is tough but a necessity at times. So who is sharpening you? Are there people in your life pulling you or pushing you. Do you have to be someone different around them than who you really are?

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Monday, March 9, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

We are down in Columbus for the Fine Art Festival.


Made two trips to Columbus yesterday.  One to help a friend and then came back to Stockbridge to pack.  Then came back down here for a Fine Arts.

Thank you to all my family and friends who made my Birthday last week so awesome.

Today is my Dad's Birthday.  My Dad is Superman and that is no joke.  There is nothing he can not do and for as long as I can remember I wanted to grow up and be just like him.  I love you Dad.

I am now part of the Tivo cult.  How did I watch TV without it?  Just so you know, I have recorded about 3 episodes of West Wing a day.

Loved the snow last Sunday.  It was really beautiful.

We kicked off the I Dare You series this Wednesday.  Man o man, something is about to break loose in Thrive.

Because of the weather our leader's meeting got pushed to this Sunday.  I am really excited about it and love hanging out with the Thrive leaders.

You know, I do not say on here how much I love and appreciate my Pastor and his wife.  Steven and Nikki are so awesome.

Loved hanging with Justin this weekend.

Hope you have an awesome weekend.

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Saturday, March 7, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

I just wanted to take time and wish my Dad a Happy Birthday.  Dad, thanks for being the best Father in the world, for being my hero, and most of all for being my friend.  I love you!

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Mark Batterson wrote a post about cutting the lines to the life boat.


Brad Cooper talks about obstacles that stifle leadership.

Steven Furtick hit the nail on the head talking about imagination and creativity.

Ben Arment has some questions to see if you are the right fit for your community.

My Pastor shared a few leadership thought coming out of Numbers 7.

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Friday, March 6, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

As we are growing here are some things we are thinking about, chewing on, and trying to work out.  Thrive has nearly doubled since October.  If we lead like we have always lead then we will get what we have always gotten.

  • We are looking at our leadership structure and trying to make sure that we have the right people in the right places, doing the right things.  We want to be strategic with our leaders.
  • The way we are doing Small Groups right now is okay for right now.  What do they look like in the Summer and next Fall.  What is the purpose of each group?  Small Groups will play a HUGE role in Thrive.  This will be the base of our discipleship and great way to help build community.
  • Our Van Ministry is growing every week.  The only issue is students get on property at 4 p.m. -4:15 p.m.  We have to come up with a solution to keep those students from burning the place to the ground.  We are looking into some tutoring and maybe some organized sports tournaments.
  • Is our discipleship strategy effective?  How can we better equip our students with knowledge and practical ways to do ministry.
  • We want to raise $7000 this year for Speed-The-Light and send a team to Bogota Colombia.  That is about $18,000 towards missions.  That is a fundraising beast.
  • Is the way we are doing services the most effective way?  Do we do service like we do because that is always how we did it?
Just some things I am thinking about on Thursday.  What is on your mind?

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Thursday, March 5, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

Last night was the first night of the I Dare You Series.
We have the largest non-event crowd we have had since we have been there.
I love to watch students authentically connect to God.
This series is going to change Thrive as we know it.
We are trying some new orders of service to mix things up a little bit.
Grateful for all the students that raise money for Speed- the-Light in the month of February.


Here are some things we talked about:
We looked in Mark at the story of a blind man that had his life changed by desperation.

There are some things that we can learn from desperation people:
  • Desperate people are not satisfied with their current condition - Satisfaction is the opposite of desperation.
  • Desperate people can not be silenced - People who do not care what people think about them are dangerous people.
  • Desperate people do not let their issues keep them from God, they bring their issues to God - The issue that we face are not our issues to begin with.
  • Desperate people go all in - There is no plan b.
Upcoming events:
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Middle School Small Group will be heading to Ci Ci's Pizza this Sunday night. Meet at the church at 6 p.m. and bring $6. We will return to the church at 8 p.m. Bring a friend and we will see you there.

Thrive parent's night is next Wednesday (March 11th). We will be discussing upcoming events, the Summer schedule, the direction of our ministry, and parent involvement. All parents are encouraged to be a part of the meeting and then stay for service.

The I Dare You Series is taking over. Lots of students are taking part in The Dare and meeting on Tuesday night from 6:30 - 8:00. Will you be a part?

takethedare.net is up and running.

For more information and to listen to our podcast go to thriveyouthchurch.com

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We celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday at school today and as I listened to his poem "Oh, the Places You'll Go!," my mind wandered. God began using this simplistic, child's poem to resonate a new passion in my heart. I realized in order to avoid complacency and stagnation, it is imperative that you challenge yourself and anticipate new things. The expectancy and preparation are what make life exciting and renew our passion for connection.

With each new dimension of life comes pressure, anticipation, and fear. What happens when your friends or family do not support your new endeavors? Never be scared of the places you will go, He has already walked ahead of you. What happens when God stretches you and you begin seeing things from new perspective? His heartbeat is more than we can imagine or conceive. The only way to reach new heights and go new places is to do things you have never done. Isn't it time we all evaluate where we are and where God is calling us to?

We are each called to new places, but sometimes you have to chart your own path. There may not be a safe route paved for you, you may not be popular, and you may grow tired and weary, but your passionate obedience is an awakening. I challenge you to ask God what places he wants you to go? I dare you to answer the call to move and stop being stagnant . . . . what place lies ahead of you?

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Wednesday, March 4, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »


I Dare You from Thrive Youth Church on Vimeo.

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Tuesday, March 3, 2009 Posted in | | 1 Comments »

  • When God calls you to the next level He requires you to let go of things at the level you are at first.
  • Stress is the fertilizer to creativity. Heard that on 24 last night and I agree with it fully.
  • People can not lead where they have not been themselves and leaders have to lead from out front or they are called followers.
  • Your dreams have to be bigger that your memories. If they are not then they are just day dreams.
  • The things that God has placed on my heart sometimes scare me, but I am convinced if what you are called to do does not scare you then you have not heard from God.
  • Stagnation stinks and you can smell it in people's lives sometimes.
  • I must first experience the change that I want to give to the world.
  • Relationships are the key in life and choice is the greatest power that we possess.
  • You are never as bad as your critics say and you are never as good as your fan mail reads.
  • God sometimes allows things to break so He can put them back together the way He wants. He takes broken pieces of broken lives and makes something beautiful out of them.
  • Selfishness is a disease. A selfish person's world get smaller every day.

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  • I have to believe in myself before I can expect anyone else to believe in me.  I have to trust myself before I can require anyone else to trust me.
  • One of my favorite things in life is to see people fulfill their destiny that God has set before them.
  • There will always be doubters.  It is up to you to prove them right or wrong.
  • The older I get the more I see the importance of education.  I want to start working on a bachelors degree soon.
  • Over the years I have had the opportunity to meet thousands of students that are going to change the world and have changed my life.  I am extremely proud of the ones that are pursuing the call of God that is on their lives.
  • Forgiveness is one the hardest things to do in my life.  I take too many things way too personally.
  • You can over think things.  Being analytical is never healthy.  Trying to see life from all sides is both a blessing and a curse.
  • I am my own worst enemy, my worst critic.  I am always harder on myself.
  • You have to have an outlet.  Somewhere to unwind and relax.  Something that takes you away from your everyday routine.
  • Our life is like a sponge.  We soak in everything that is around us from everyone that is around us.  The good and the bad.  Sometimes we have to be squeezed to clean the crap out of our lives.

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Monday, March 2, 2009 Posted in | | 0 Comments »





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Sunday, March 1, 2009 Posted in | | 2 Comments »


I want to wish my husband a Happy Birthday! I don't tell him enough how amazing he is or how much I love and appreciate him--so help me show him some love today . . . .

Happy Birthday Eric---I love you!

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Well, as of today I have lived for 31 years.  Wow, I can honestly say that it just hit me.  I am 31.  I know that age is just a number, but for some strange reason I could never fathom me being in my 30's.  I do not know what is going to happen when I hit my 40's and 50's.  I just wanted to take some time this week and share some thoughts I have accumulated over the last 31 years.

  • I need to spend less time worrying about what others think about me and letting others dictate my life.  I need to spend more time being who God created me to be and doing what He called me to do.
  • The older I get, the fewer people I trust.  I have not figured out why I make other people pay for the hurts and pains inflicted on me by other people. 
  • I am so grateful to God for the family that He has placed me with.  He could have placed me anywhere in time with any family and He chose mine.
  • People who do not have friends are people who are miserable.  God has given me some of the greatest friends in the world.  
  • There are very few regrets in my life.  I learned at an early age about the power of choice and the ability to understand the outcomes.
  • If we can change this generation, then we will change the world.  I want to work with students for a long time.  Being a Youth Pastor is more than a job, it is my life.
  • I am tired of being fat.  It is easy on your end just to tell me to watch what I eat and exercise.  It is not that easy sometimes.
  • I want to make a difference in the world.  There are days where I feel extremely insignificant and inadequate.  There are days where I feel extremely overwhelmed.  But there are those rare days where I sit back and enjoy my life.
  • Leadership is caught more than taught.  I have learned more by watching great leaders than in any book I have ever read.
  • It is better to act and not react to situations in life.
  • There is never enough time in the day, so you should do what you can, while you can, as long as you can.

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