Happy Mother's Day

To all the moms out there - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! We could not make it in the family or in this world without you. I thought of you when I read this poem by an unknown author. It speaks of unconditional love in a beautiful way:


A weary mother returned from the store,

Lugging groceries through the kitchen door.

Awaiting her arrival was her eight-year-old son,

Eager to relate what his younger brother had done.

"While I was out playing and Dad was on a call,

T.J. took his crayons and wrote on the wall! It's on the new paper you just hung in the den.

I told him you'd be mad at having to do it again."

She let out a moan and furrowed her brow.

"Where is your little brother right now?"

She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride,

She marched to his closet where he had gone to hide.

She called his full name as she entered his room.

He trembled with fear--he knew that meant doom!

For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved

About the expensive wallpaper and how she had saved.

Lamenting all the work it would take to repair,

She condemned his actions and total lack of care.

The more she scolded, the madder she got,

Then stomped from his room, totally distraught!

She headed for the den to confirm her fears.

When she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears.

The message she read pierced her soul with a dart.

It said, "I love Mommy," surrounded by a heart.

Well, the wallpaper remained, just as she found it,

With an empty picture frame hung to surround it.

A reminder to her, and indeed to all,

Take time to read the handwriting on the wall.


Again, Happy Mother's Day.
Pastor Benji

Politics and Religion

I have a confession - I have been consumed with the political arena right now. I am not sure why but this contest has been fascinating.

As a pastor, I am often asked about my stance on this political subject or that particular candidate. Worry not - I have my views and opinions, just like you. :-) But I am always a little hesitant to voice those due to my calling as pastor.

I came across a great article this morning that I wanted to share with you today. It appears that we have our two candidates, namely Barak Obama and John McCain. As this political race is certain to gain even greater intensity, I think this communicates the sensitivities required by Christians in general and pastors in particular. John Ortberg is one of my favorite speakers and authors and this is golden.

You can check it out here.

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Reflections the Day After Van Halen...

* A LOT has changed since 1984. I was expecting them to come out like they did in 1984. Why did I expect such a thing.

* Eddie Van Halen is still amazing. I have never heard anyone rip a guitar apart like he did last night. WOW. His son, "Wolfgang" was also strong on the bass guitar.


* David Lee Roth tried too hard to be something he is too old to pull off. Dude, you can't even try to jump around like you did in 1984. It has been 24 years. Take a cue from Eddie and just be comfortable in your own skin.


* The crowd was interesting. Lots of mid-lifers trying to recapture the "good ole days." I guess I was one of them. :-) Still rocking - just much older and far less crazy.

* I was struck by the use of cell phones instead of Bic and Zippo Lighters. Cell phones were taking pictures everywhere.


* I was struck by the laid back crowd. I guess that has to do with the aging part. Instead of teenagers going plum crazy like it was 1984, everyone was chillin and just enjoying the tunes.

* I loved "non-smoking," though I did have this cat beside me who kept sneaking a smoke.

* The music was so loud. I know, must be related to the age thing again. There were many people around us using ear plugs. LOL. BTW - I did not do such a lame thing. I was offered, thought twice about it, but could not sell my soul. :-)

* My head is still echoing from the amplifiers.

* Did I say a lot has changed since 1984. I am thankful to still be kicking.

This Day Has to be a Dream!

I kept my twin boys out of school today to celebrate their 9th birthday. (Yes I did - sorry if you have a problem with that - I love it :-) They are stoked. We have spent the morning playing spy games and shooting each other with Nerf Darts! This gift came loaded with Velcro chest plates, super spy sun glasses, and a carry case for all 22 Nerf darts! Ahhhhhh - to be a young boy again! :-)


After lunch, we are going fishing at University Lake. This is great fishing pond near our house. Later this afternoon, I will cook their requested dinner of choice - "Dad's cheeseburgers on the grill."

Tonight, I will pick up my buddy Steve Garrett in Raleigh and we will jam out to Van Halen on the 11th row from the stage on the main floor! Pinch me - this must be a dream! I shared a little Van Halen song and story with our church a few weeks ago and this gracious friend surprised me with two tix! THANKS - YOU KNOW YOU WHO YOU ARE and in my book, YOU ARE THE MAN!

David Lee Roth has hooked back with the old band and Eddie Van Halen's son, "Woolfgang" Van Halen is jamming on the guitar at the age of 16, with his dad.

I first saw Van Halen in 1984 for my very first concert. A lot has changed since 1984. I am sure tonight will be one long trip down memory lane. The biggest change in my life is JESUS! The last time I saw Van Halen, I was a lost 14 year old boy on the fast track to hell. Now, I am a redeemed disciple of Jesus Christ. It will be a different experience, no doubt.

Say a pray for me tonight at 8 pm. Pray that God allows us to rock hard into the night. Most importantly, though, pray that God allows us to shine His light in an arena that will have its fair share of darkness.

Jamming with Jesus...

Oprah's Spirituality - Scary...

I am chillin in Panera and getting ready to go to the church for the Jon Bauer concert!

I just had to throw you this link, though. Please know this - I have never had anything against Oprah but this is freakin scary.

Jesus said, "For those who have ears listen." Check out what many are calling the largest online church on planet earth. You can see some of it here.


I caution you to be a little more skeptical when you listen to the advise of Oprah. And remember to pray for Oprah and all those caught up in this movement.

John Bauer Concert at newhope THIS Saturday!

Here's a reminder and invitation to come out to newhope church this Saturday night for a concert given by Jon Bauer at 7:00 pm. Jon is an award winning Christian artists - should be a blast!

So, spread the word and bring a friend. Maybe they will also come with you to church this Sunday for our final installment of The Bucket List.

See you Saturday...

Orange Conference

You might think, "What in the world is the Orange Conference? Well, you will learn all about on May 11 and 18. The picture above is this ginormous shared worship experience between children, students, and parents! Simply put - off the hook and a great way to bring families together in Christ!

Suffice it to say for now, God is really leading Pastors Jarred and Amy Lynn as they think through how children's ministry and student ministry interface with one another. It is a critical partnership and we are pumped up about what God is doing with the children and students at newhope. We are even more pumped about the way in which everything changes when we get into the new building!


We will wrap up the conference this afternoon, do one final night in Hotlanta, and make our way back home in the morning. Peace...