I can’t talk...

 Seriously, I can’t talk. Well, maybe I can whisper but I don’t want to talk. After a very intense football game on Saturday and then preaching my heart out yesterday I find myself mute. I am glad I can communicate with you without talking. Technology is a beautiful thing! :>)

 I can’t remember a Sunday in the life of our church that was more pressing and powerful in the spirit of God than yesterday. These topics are so emotional – I have never been so tired in all my life. If you don’t speak regularly to large crowds of people, I know you can’t understand this reality but trust me. It is weird, I find myself completely and utterly exhausted but unable to sleep because of the adrenaline and thrill of watching God show up and rock our worlds on Sunday. I wish I had the time or energy to share with you the stories coming my way.

 I am tucked away in the corner of one of my favorite Monday morning coffee shops. I am surrounded by people, but my heart is still with you, newhope, and what God did among us yesterday. The only thing I can do is thank God.

 I thank God for a place where we can talk about the tough subjects with grace and compassion and truth.
 I am thankful we have to go to three services of Worship Sunday. (8:45, 10:15 and 11:45 AM)
 I am thankful I can’t speak – that is a good thing. :>)
 I am thankful for the band, Creed, that is jamming in my I-tunes right now. Those cats never get old. I listen to this stuff way too loud – can’t be good for my ears.
 I am thankful for a children’s ministry leading kids to faith in Christ and watching those kids jump into a pool to get baptized. Does it get any better than that?!
 I am thankful for all the adult baptisms and baby dedications. God bless those who boldly stepped into the waters of baptism.
 I am thankful for my wife and kiddos – I am “head over heels” in the love with you guys. (I just used the word, "Heels" in a sentence without referring to UNC)
 Speaking of kids, I am thankful we are growing a church community that truly embraces one another and helps one another raise children to the glory of God.
 I am thankful we are a church that does NOT shoot its wounded.
 I am thankful we are becoming a place that values life in every possible situation.
 I am thankful to get the opportunity to serve Christ and you - I can’t believe I get to do this for the rest of my life!
 I am thankful for Jesus – 19 years of following Christ has me more in love with Him and His Kingdom than I have ever been before.
 I am thankful that Encounter is Wednesday night!
 I am thankful for Blogging – it allows me to communicate with you without saying a single word. :>)