Sunday Mind Dump...

I have never felt like this before. My eyes are blood shot and swollen. My throat feels like someone rubbed it all day long with sandpaper. My body hurts as if I have been hit by a truck. (Though I would not really now what that feels like :>) And yet, my mind races with excitement and my heart soars at the reality of what God is doing among us.

Today was a day that will go down as a marathon day for God. The morning hours consisted of our 3 worship celebrations and this evening was a Membership Meeting for newhope church. Here is what I am thinking tonight:

* I love how real we keep it. The first service this morning was quite possibly the flattest worship service we have ever had at newhope. I love that I could simply get up at the end and just own and articulate what I felt was going on.

* I love the fact that people prayed really hard after that service and the next two celebrations were quite possibly two of the most engaging services we have ever experienced. God, you never cease to amaze us.

* I love my family. I can't believe how my kids are growing up. I also can't believe how much they love our church and serve her faithfully week in and week out.

* My dog (Duke) is driving me crazy. I never would have imagined a black lab dog could or would chew/bite his way through a chain link metal fence. What is his problem? I pray he doesn't get lose and hit by a car. I have to figure this out really fast.

* I love our Pastors. Man, they are just awesome. Pastors Matt, Curtis, Amy Lynn, and Jarred - you rock for Christ!

* I love the NFL. I almost stopped watching it a few years ago but it is simply amazing. The cameras on the field and level of competition is out of this world. I am watching Dallas and the Giants right now. (DVR'd from earlier) Not looking good for the Cowboys. You know, I would probably pull for them if they didn't have this dude called TO.

* How will I ever go to sleep tonight? Body is a wreck but the mind is racing with adrenaline.

* The house is so quiet when everyone else is asleep.

* Looking forward to doing life with about 15 other pastors later this month. I will keep you posted.

* Our members are amazing. Had a blast with them tonight. I would charge any hill with this group.

* Our 36 acre post is blowing up for Jesus near Southpoint Mall. Watch out Satan, we are building God's church and you can do NOTHING about it!

* Did I mention that the Cowboys are going down.

* We are having more first time guests at newhope these days than we have experienced in a long time.

* Duke's basketball team is really good to be so young. Carolina is much better.

* Can you believe our building will be 6 X larger than our current space. That tells me we need 6 X the amount of prayer. Please pray for me. Pray for our church. Pray for the lost of central North Carolina. And please, for the love of God, Invest and Invite them to a newhope environment or some other great church.

* Denzell Washington - now that is an actor! I showed a clip tonight from John Q. The dad was willing to take a bullet, and give his heart for his son whose heart was really sick. I wonder if I would do that? God did more - He died on a cross to save all children who would receive this gift of love.

* Go see "The Great Debaters." Yea - Denzell is in that one, as well. It is playing right now - by far, one of the most inspiring movies I have watched.

* I can't believe what God is doing among us! We had a boy in hopetown dropping the F bomb left and right. Now those are the kinds of families we are trying to reach, teach, and release!

*What's up with American politics? I can't figure it out - the front runners consist of a Woman, a Mormon, an ordained Baptist minister and an African American. It is a new day, friends.

* This is a GREAT football game. Still get the feeling Giants are going to win.

* I am reading the Bible straight through this year. Loving Genesis right now. See one of my previous posts for info on how to order this great Bible. Like McDonalds, "I'm Lovin It."

* Might hang out with Adam tomorrow - love that guy.

* How did I ever end up with a woman like Amy Lynn? What a Christian, wife, mother, and Children's Pastor.

* The older I get the less I like cold weather. What's up with that?

* Cowboys are toast. (Sorry Liz)

Peace out...