Sunday Night Download...

* I love our church. Today was one of those days when I saw, as clearly as ever, the beauty and power of the body of Christ.

* I shared my deepest struggles in all of life with the entire church today. I never really thought I could I could do such a thing. I feel completely exposed.

* I think the music in worship lately has been the bomb. Something extra special is happening on Sundays at newhope these days. Can you say, GOD!?

* I normally feel utterly exhausted on Sunday evenings. Something is different today. Though I am tired, I actually feel lighter and refreshed. I am not a brain surgeon, but I am certain it has something to do with sharing my heart and life fully with the newhope family God has called me to serve.

* I am going to the Van Halen concert at the RBC center May 5th!!!!! Yes, I just put five exclamation marks at the end of a sentence. A friend walked out of church today and said, "You are going to the Van Halen concert." I just got an email saying he has me not one but two tix! Now that is cool. I have changed a lot since my very first concert, Van Halen's "Jump" tour, in 1984. But I still love good ole Rock 'n Roll.

* Did I say I love our church? The prayers, more hugs than I have ever received in one day, emails, comments - all have moved me deeply today.

* Thanks to everyone who has made the move to either the first or third worship celebration. (8:45 and 11:45 am) It really made a difference today. All three worship celebrations felt great. Of course, we always need relief at the 10:15 am service but we are making strides and creating space for people to come and experience Christ! Remember that we have secured permission to park in the parking lot beside our building/parking lot, as well.

* My kids can never do anything to make me love them more. Nor will they ever be able to do anything to make me love them less.

* I can't wait for the completion of the new building. They are paving the parking lots and laying the curb and gutters this week!

* I had a blast with the Round Table group of pastors that came to North Carolina last week. I love doing life with other church planters.

* I will miss the Hogues. It was cool to follow the Spirit's lead at the end of the third worship celebration today and send them off with prayer and blessings.

* Traveling again this week. Pastors Jarred and Crystal Ritter, and Amy Lynn and I are going to one of the best Family Ministry conferences in North America. We leave at 10 am tomorrow and will return Thursday. Should be a blast. I will miss my kids but we plan to do live video chats on the computers in the evenings. I love technology.

* Have you crafted your Bucket List? Go read Psalm 39 - life is fleeing, shorter than the width of your hand, here one moment and gone the next, like the breath that just entered and left your lungs. Go, beloved, live life for all that it is worth!

* Our Pastoral Team/Support staff is stronger than it has ever been. Please pray - I have a few more critical hires to make before we take our post near Southpoint Mall but it is coming together in a BIG kind of way.

* Pray for our church. Lots of raw emotional stuff flying around today. Pray for healing and action.

* I love Spring. I love Sunday evening Spring showers. That made this afternoon/evening prefect. :>)

* Anna Grace is growing up and changing so fast. We just finished watching the 2008 Country Music Awards. And YES - I love country music. If you don't, I will pray that you one day see the light! :>) It was a great opportunity to cuddle up with my baby, sing our favorite songs, and discuss topics like modesty, integrity, and faith.

* Did you know the Bible says, "God is the Father to the fatherless." (Psalms 68:5) Thank you, God - I could not make it without you. Will you please bring Ron Kelley to faith in your Son, Jesus?

* BTW - my favorite country singers, right now, are Kenny Chesney, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, and Brad Paisley.

* Nite - nite...