some stuff

- Saturday got to compete in a triathlon my buddy Jim and also to be there as Gary Fowler crossed the line for his 1st sprint triathlon. I finished 2nd and Gary 18th out of 75. Not too bad!
- Had a good Sunday. We did a GroupLink luncheon after church where we plugged people into Community Groups. We are trying something new where we will still have several in homes, but now we will have 3 larger ones that meet at C3. The goal is to make it easy for anyone to jump in at anytime. We will have the teaching then break into small groups in the sanctuary. After 6 sessions of every other week, we will then launch those smaller groups of people with a leader from within that group, to take it into a home. We will let you know how it works.
- Had our second meeting for ISI (Iron Sharpens Iron). This 4 month leadership growth track has only 5 other guys instead of 10 like last session. I like the smaller group better. I feel we are connecting and growing and I'm excited to see how this plays out.
- Took my boys in the woods today for some tree climbing, frog catching, rock throwing boys and dad time.
- I have made the decision to run the Indianapolis Marathon in October and try to run it fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon in 09. I have to start running a lot more miles between now and then. It will be very close to see if my training will hold up under 26.2 miles. Time will tell.
- Also, my last 3 stops at Subway have landed me winning either a drink or a cookie. The Lord is good!

and the winner is?

It was a tough decision for the panel of judges to decide who would be getting the book. After much deliberation...(especially since Gary voted for almost everyone) here is what we came up with and why.
- Chris - We have really no good reason why you should not get the book..but...NO.
- Dave Kidd - You are a blessed guy and are already receiving a free book, and even though you didn't ask....I have to say No.
- Dave McPeek - You were the only one Gary "did not" vote for, because he doesn't know you, but I assured him you were a great guy...but still it was a NO.
- Derek - We think your wanting to give it to a friend is a scam...(HA..JK)...but NO.
- Karen - Mother of Amy who wanted the book for her daughter, great heart, but No. (Inside scoop...shhhhhhh... she is getting this book for her B-day from a staff member at C3, but you didn't hear it from me)
- Pastor Josh - Gary said he does not take lightly to those who try to "brown nose" and play the political game, soooooo No.
- Holly - You rock, but to ship it to Oregon would cost me too much in postage...so it's a No.
- So the winner is ......drum role....SISTER V!!! The book will be delivered in person to your husband at the upcoming "Forum" A/G ministers conference.

Thanks to all who participated and if you didn't win, sorry about your luck. Did I mention I won a cookie today at Subway!

Back 2 School Bash

Wednesday night, I got to travel up to Delta Ohio and speak a back to school bash. It was just like old times as the state youth director in my traveling Ohio days. I got to see a few old friends and saw a bunch of kids commit their lives to Jesus Christ. It doesn't get any better than that! I also enjoyed the several hours in the car. It may sound crazy but I don't mind driving. For me, my car is one of my sanctuaries with Jesus. I have had some incredible encounters with God while driving down the road. My drive time is some of my "grow" time. It's either leadership lesson CD/MP3, or seek Jesus time. How much time do you have in the car? What are you doing to make the most of it?

goosed

Another quote from "Wild Goose Chase," "When God puts a passion in your heart, it becomes your responsibility." In the past couple of days, I have talked with a couple of people that feel they once had a great passion in their lives, but now it has waned. When we don't chase a God ordained passion, it not only affects us, but others as well. It affects us by realizing that we are running from our real purpose on this Earth, which leads to frustration and discontentment. It affects others, because this dream or passion was given to us to bless others and to make the world a better place. Are you running from any passion, calling or dream that was given to you by God?

Duck...duck...duck...GOOSE

Another great thought from the book was, "faith doesn't follow signs, signs follow faith." I think too often we will sit and wait for a sign....for weeks....for months...for years. We wonder why God is not speaking to us. I believe one reason is because many of us are not doing what God us to told us to do last. That's why it's a "faith" journey. You have to step out in trust even when all the steps are not there yet. I have found that the fruit is out on the end of the limb and that you have to go out there to get it. When you do, the signs start showing up. For me on my own journey, they have been confirmation signs of "your heading in the right direction." But they are signs I would have never seen unless I was continuing to move. The greater the faith, the greater the impact! So what are you waiting on? You are only one small act of courage away!

FREE BOOK

OK, here is the play. I was given 2 copies of "Wild Goose Chase," one to read and the other to give away. So the first person to ask me for this.....oh wait...what was that...sure Gary Fowler (C3's Exec. Dir) you can have it since you asked first. Just Kidding! Whoever can leave the best, most heartfelt, creative, whatever you want to do reason of why you need or deserve this book, will win it. The post must be in 50 words or less and in English. The winner will determined on Friday (by a panel of judges) and the book sent out shortly after. Good luck!
P.S. - I'm halfway through and I think it will land in my top 10!

wild goose chase 1

I am a part of the the new book by Mark Batterson, entitled "Wild Goose Chase," blog tour. I just started reading it today, and so far it is another great book by Batterson. His first book entitled, "In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day," was so good we did a sermon series on it. Mark has a way of challenging my soul and forcing me to ask my self the tough questions. The main theme of the book is "Most of us have no idea where we’re going most of the time. Perfect." That truly following Christ is like chasing a wild goose that can't be tamed or tracked. That there are times that God's Will is not logical for us. Another great quote was, "Jesus died to make us dangerous." Over the next couple of days, I will be pulling out some good thoughts from his book that are challenging my thinking. You can check out his books website at www.chasethegoose.com.