If you are fasting, I pray you are doing well. The first few days can be difficult. Hang in there. Find great recipes and use good seasoning - it makes all the difference in the world. Give it some some time - it gets easier and your body adjusts and God will honor your commitment.
John 3 is slammed with amazing Scripture to edify believers and invite nonbelievers into a relationship with Jesus! We all know the "Nick at Night" passage from John 3:21 that culminates in these famous words:
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
In a very real sense, this is the banner under which the church marches into the future! You might want meditate on that verse for awhile. Sometimes we can hear or read a verse so many times that is loses its power/impact due to familiarity.
In verses 22 - 36, John the baptizer steps back on to the stage of the gospel's narrative. I love the way in which John was always focusing the spotlight on Jesus. You might recall that on Christmas Eve 2008 we had our first Worship celebration at the Southpoint campus. We enjoyed a magnificent service in the parking lot with live animals, a gorgeous sunset, geese flying over in a V formation, great music and Holy Communion. It was a sacred night to say the least. When the service was over, a thousand or so people piled into the new church and wrote verses of Scripture all over the floors of the church! In my office, you might find it interesting to note that I made sure John 3:30 was written front and center on the floor. The verse reads:
"He must become greater; I must become less." (John 3:30)
I invite you spend time reflecting on that verse. Pray and ask God to reveal the steps you might take in order to make this powerful verse a reality in your life.
In his book, Leaning to Love, David Walls says, "The goal of love is the good of the other person, the evidence of love is action, and the extent of love is sacrifice." There is no other person in the history of the world who embodied this kind of love like Jesus Christ! No one, period!
Interestingly enough, there are times when Jesus' love manifested itself in righteous anger. You might not have ever thought of anger in this light but check out John 2. In the first 11 verses, Jesus embodies His typical giving and gracious love when He turns water into wine at a wedding party. I love this passage. It reminds me that Jesus is not some boring, tamed, tamed, dour sourpuss, but rather His love spills over into our lives and calls us to celebrate with extravagance!
However, the party goes south in verse 12 as Jesus enters His Father's temple and finds the money changers turning the temple into a market. The life of the party, Jesus, becomes the One who,
"Made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, 'Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!'" (John 2:15 - 16)
QUESTION: What do you make out of that picture of Jesus? Listen, beloved - He was no joke. The typical Sunday School picture version of Jesus with a Caucasian color, blue eyes, brown flowing hair, usually wearing a robe, and portraying Jesus as a neutered feminine character that wouldn't harm a flea is nothing short of lie promoted by a white American Church that prefers a gentle and harmless Christ. I repeat this portrait of Jesus is a lie.
In my Daniel's Fast devotional thought for today, I say this:
Jesus went to Jerusalem to prepare for the upcoming Passover feast. He found the people striving for material goods instead of preparing for the spiritual awakening that was to occur during Passover. At newhope, we truly believe that a spiritual awakening is taking place among us and across planet Earth. This spiritual journey of fasting and prayer is a way for us to prepare more deeply for the spiritual awakening that is to come. The purpose of a fast is to draw our attention to God. As you pray this morning, ask God to focus your attention on the Lord Jesus Christ. Do not be distracted by your personal surroundings, agendas, or things of this world. Focus on Jesus.
Here is a closing thought - when we don't focus on Jesus and the spiritual awakening that He represents, and rather consume ourselves with material things, John 2 teaches that Jesus can flat out turn the tables of life over. I repeat, He is no joke.
I can't sleep. I went to bed at mid-night and have been up since 3 am. newhope, you wreck me with your passion for God. Last night's Worship was amazing. I can't get over our church. For that many people to come out on a Wednesday night to sing, celebrate Holy Communion, hear the Word, and receive the imposition of ashes was a testimony to your love and heart for God and all that He is doing among us. From moment one, as everyone started arriving early, I could sense this would be a special night of passion and unbridled Worship of Jesus Christ! Way to go!
Today begins our reading of the Gospel of John. Known by scholars as the prologue to the Gospel, chapter 1 contains one of the most poetic and theologically rich text in all the Bible. Here are some of my thoughts as I studied this morning:
* I am struck once again how Jesus has been present from the beginning of all time, and that according to John 1:1 - 4, Jesus Christ is the Word and the Word is Jesus! This is a unique contribution that John makes to our understanding of the faith. This is known as LOGOS (Word) Christology. The interchangeability between Jesus and God's Word. Not only does that help me understand how Jesus and the Word have always been but it also helps me understand how Jesus is still active and alive in the reading, meditating, preaching, and applying of the Bible!
* God, I am still moved and forever thankful of my second birth! After 20 years, I still can't believe you would adopt a misfit like me. (John 1:13) Thank you seems to inadequate.
* Again, notice the incarnation of LOGOS Christology in John 1:14 - The Word/Jesus, which had always been, made His dwelling among us! I think it is the Message translation that says something to the effect, "The Word became flesh and moved into our neighborhood..." I like that. Where would the world be without you drawing near, Lord Jesus.
* Jesus was full of grace AND truth! (1:14) Father, I pray our church can be full of the same. Keep us, Father, from being one or the other but both and...
* Lord, help me learn from John's humility - none of us are worthy to even untie your sandals, yet you are dwelling among us, adopting us, and make us your children, born of God! (John 1:26, 13)
* Holy Spirit - rain down on me and newhope church just as you rained down on Jesus so that John and others could identify the Son of God! When people see newhope in the world, may they easily identify YOU all over this movement, from top to bottom, right to left!
* My up-most prayer for my own life and the life of all those embarking upon this study, Father God, comes from John 1:50 when Jesus says to Nathaniel, "You shall see greater things than these..." (John 1:50)
Father God, we want to see greater things. We want to sing a greater song for you. We want to see a greater harvest for your Kingdom. We want to love greater than we ever have before. We want to have greater marriages. We want to be greater parents. We want to be greater students. We want to be a greater church. May John 1:50 come true in our lives, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
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BTW - here is the devotional thought for John 1 as you dig in for yourself. Each and every day over the course of the next 21 days, you can find this by clicking on "Daniel's Fast Devotionals - Gospel of John" underneath the fruit at the top left. Peace and much love...
Day 1/February 26th John 1 God is not only a great God who created the universe and rules over all things seen and unseen, but He has also come near to us through Jesus. In verse 12, we read that God has invited us, through Christ, to be placed so close to His heart that we are called his children. Spend some time thinking through your relationship with God. Reflect on the fact that He loves you so much that He wants to adopt you as His child, thus becoming your loving heavenly Father. Take a minute as we begin the next 21 days of fasting and prayer and pray for the journey. Thank God for how great and gracious He is to allow us to experience and call Him Father.
I hope and pray this Ash Wednesday is sacred for you and the season of Lent truly prepares you for Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter resurrection! I also want to encourage you to start the Daniel’s fast with me today through Wednesday, March 18th. All information and the devotional thoughts/questions for John’s gospel reading can be found on this site. (Click on the vegetables to the left)
Here are some prayers that I have meditated on this morning and hope they speak to you, as well. God bless – if you live in central NC, I hope to see you tonight at the Ash Wednesday Worship service at 7 pm.
PRAYER FOR ASH WEDNESDAY Lord, protect us in our struggle against evil. As we begin the discipline of Lent, make this season holy. Through our self denial, may the light of Your truth bestow sight to the darkness of our sinful eyes and may our repentance bring us the blessing of Your forgiveness and the gift of new life. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
ACT OF HOPE: O my God, knowing Your almighty power, and Your infinite goodness and mercy, I hope in You that, by the merits of the Passion and Death of our Savior Jesus Christ, You will grant me eternal life, which You have promised to all who receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. Help me serve Him with the works of a committed Christian; and these I resolve to do, with the help of Your Grace. Amen.
ACT OF FAITH: Almighty Father, You have called me to walk by the light of Christ, Your Son, and to trust in His wisdom. During Lent, I submit myself to Him completely and strive to believe in Him with all my heart. With my renewed commitment to Jesus, I endeavour to continue His work here on earth in helping to build Your Kingdom so that all may benefit from the message of salvation. Amen.
ACT OF LOVE: Loving God, we enter the season of Lent in the spirit of joy, giving ourselves to spiritual strife, cleansing our soul and body, controlling our passions, as we limit our food, living on the virtues of the Holy Spirit; may we persevere in our longing for Christ so as to be worthy and prepared to celebrate the the Passion and Passover of Jesus Christ! Amen.
We had a great Pastor/Staff meeting yesterday in my new office. There was no furniture so we sat on our "tush-tush" but laughed, prayed, and shared great stories of what God is doing among us. I also shared some more things God is teaching me along the way. Our team is really enjoying this particular leadership lifter. I hope you are, as well. This is the third installment - enjoy!
Things I am Learning Along the Way:
1. Resources follow vision.
2. The two most dangerous emotions senior pastors wrestle with are fear and cynicism.
3. A senior pastor must have a high tolerance for chaos.
4. Leaders are risk takers; they fail often but they always bounce back.
5. Do not spread your time evenly among your many tasks; fulfill your job description as quickly as you can and use the balance of your time specializing in your unique gifts/ministry.
6. If you have to choose between failing your family or your congregation, always fail your congregation.
7. The most essential spiritual gift that a senior pastor can have is discerning of spirits.
8. If you are not intentional and structured in your devotional life, it will be sacrificed on the altar of busyness and you will become a spiritual hypocrite.
~ Started the Bold Crossing part of the EXODUS series today. This is the final three Sundays in the current location. Our community is SO READY for the move!
~ Enjoyed Michael Farrow leading worship this morning. Michael, you bring a freshness and set of unique gifts for leading Worship.
~ Lots and LOTS of first timers this morning. People are already coming over in anticipation of the Grand Opening.
~ My throat was killing me this morning.
~ It is great to be back home. I loved sharing the Benjamin skiing story. That will go down in the history of our family as one of the craziest events ever. I wish you could have seen his face when he realized he was alive. And yes, I did say, "Don't tell your mother." :-)
~ I am ready for Spring.
~ Sunday afternoons are great at the Southpoint campus these days. Lots of people being trained every week and the buzz is off the charts. I watched Pastors Jarred and Amy Lynn firing their teams up today - good stuff!
~ 20 days until March 15 and Grand Opening Week. We will only have two worship celebrations. (8:45 and 10:30 am) Remember, this is "Bring a Friend Week."
~ My good friends Joe and Cheryl Schmidt gave birth to another beautiful girl! Her name is Olivia Rose and she was born yesterday.
~ It was cool to "lift the hood" and let the our church prepare for the changes that are coming in 3 weeks! Fran Helpingstine and Curtis Mulder shared four major changes that are coming. 1) A Higher Grounds Cafe that will sell coffee, espresso, lattes, tea, and various food items etc... 2) Drinks and food will be consumed in the rotunda and not in the Worship Center. 3) IMAG (Image Magnification) or Live Video. 4) A sound system and acoustics at a "Whole Nutha Level."
~ BTW - those changes and many more are only embraced because we truly believe these are the tools that God will use to help us accomplish Reach, Teach, and Release. Remember, the facility is only as good as it helps facilitate the Vision!
~ Pray for me tomorrow. I have meetings all day long. The first meeting is a four hour "Punch hole list" meeting whereby we kind of crawl through the building noting any problems or imperfections that need to be fixed before we are handed the keys.
~ Duke is about to play Wake Forrest. You know who I want to win but this is a hard one to predict. GO DUKE!
~ Thank God for the Garrett Road location. It really has been a gift from God for three years. Thank you Lord for providing when we were really close to homeless.
~ Please pray for the pastors and staff of our church. Life is crazy busy and we have to move the church offices and our church in 20 days, not to mention training hundreds and hundreds volunteers in the new space. We are moving the offices this Friday morning if you want to help. :-)
~ School work is more difficult for kids these days than when I was a kid.
~ The portable sound system at Garrett Road is really getting old. The techies can only do so much with that dealio. If you like it REALLY LOUD sit in the front. If you like it REALLY QUIET sit in the back. :-)
~ If I had to pick two words to describe the new building, I would call it, FUNCTIONAL and CLASSY. Friends, that is a powerful one - two combination!
~ God is so good.
~ Since I talked so much about change this morning, here area few things I pray never change about newhope:
• The unyielding passion and commitment we embody to serve one another • The level of excellence we offer to Christ in all that we do • Doing Life Together in Small Groups • A come as you are kind of a church that is loving, accepting, and forgiving for ALL - including the broken, misfits and discarded • The Holy Spirit among us • A fun church (Not taking ourselves too seriously but always taking God seriously) • A church of real people discussing real issues while seeking a real God • Worship Band kick’in it each and every Sunday • Our willingness to get messy to reach people far from God • An atmosphere of buzz and excitement • The authentic and transparent culture that God has created among us
This video was created a few weeks ago when I started the Daniel's Fast. I am just now getting around to posting. Currently, I am on day 16 of the first 21 days. I am so looking forward to everyone in our church joining me for the final 21 days. We will start the congregational fast on Wednesday, February 25th. (For those who feel led of the Lord) If you are interested, just click on the vegetables at the top left of this blog. Also, don't forget our Ash Wednesday Worship service on February 25th at 7 pm at Garrett Rd.
Focus IS Everything... (And Happy Birthday Teresa!)
Have you ever focused on the focus of your life? :-) Focus is an incredibly important word/concept that can radically change your life. Our focus these days seems to be consumed with Grand Opening Week of newhope at the Southpoint campus. Pray for our team - we are running really hard and fast.
Here's the deal - what you focus on is arguably the most critical component to your success or failure in life.
If you focus on the negative aspects of everything, your problems tend to increase or seem larger than they actually are in reality. On the other hand, if you focus on the positive aspects of your situations (Even problems), you tend to find solutions.
That is why very few people like to be around negative people? Everything is so dramatic and draining. And that is also why negative people like to be around negative people. And excuse my frankness for a moment but there is nothing more taxing than a group of negative people. On the other hand, there is nothing more exhilarating and life-giving than positive people.
Yesterday our team surprised my assistant, Teresa Hartsfield, with a Sushi birthday party! And BTW, I told the team there is nothing more holy than eating sushi together! :-) I asked everyone to go around the table and share what they liked most about Teresa. Everyone agreed that one of the many things we love about Teresa is how positive she is and how she is such a solutions oriented person instead of a problems oriented person. In my opinion that is what makes her an amazing assistant.
All of this comes down to focus. What we focus on becomes larger. If I spend my life focusing on money, than my heart will be divided because God said we can not serve two masters, either we will hate the one or love the other. (Matthew 6:24) If I spend my life focusing on my children, my marriage will suffer. If I spend my life focusing on a building, I will become building focused instead of Christ centered.
Regardless of what the object of your focus is, the more you focus on it the more magnified it becomes in your mind. Take Nehemiah for example. When Nehemiah was rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, he focused on the wall. Read Nehemiah 2 - 4 and find a man determined to stay focused on God's work despite the problems surrounding him. Some of the Israelites focused on the two guys talking bad about Nehemiah, questioning his motives, etc... The problem is obvious when some of the Israelites say, “They are all around us!” If you read the book, you learn that there was some serious exaggeration, even magnification, going on. The negative ones had magnified the threats in their minds and scared themselves to death. All the while, Nehemiah is focused on God's work and God granted him success and, "Their joy was great." (Nehemiah 8:17)
Have you ever magnified a hurt, a painful word or accusation from another, or a problem that seems to persist in your life? It’s hard to get a handle on your problems when you magnify them bigger than reality. The next time this starts to happen, I encourage you to follow the example of Nehemiah. Or, sing with David:
"O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34:3 NAS
Remember this, God is bigger than anything you are dealing with so focus on Him! There is nothing in the world that you are facing that God can't handle. It comes down to your focus. Focus on Him, the Lord Jesus Christ, and your problems will be put into the proper perspective. One of my favorite old praise chorus comes to mind: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace...
The song is saying the same thing - FOCUS IS EVERYTHING!
Today, I am surprising the Pastoral and Staff Team with a day away rock climbing. I love to bless and encourage our team. In fact, it is one of the things I love most about ministry. Speaking of ministry, it can be incredibly hard and thankless at times. God has given us a STRONG team of pastors and staff and it is my job to keep them fired up and encouraged in ministry.
We have been running so hard with the new building. There are 1,001 urgent things that need to be done like, yesterday. However, those matters can wait. We need to stop and play. We need to stop and laugh. We need to stop and remember that we are a team. We need a break and that is what today is all about. The building can wait. What needs to be done today can get done on Monday. (Except my message for Sunday :-))
We will meet at the Hope House at 9 am and head over to a surprise location. As always, I covet your prayers for this team. Ask God to give us moments of extreme joy today. Ask the Father of love to grow us deeply with Him and one another as we serve the body of Christ. Pray that we will let all the urgent commitments and responsibilities take "back burner" today and truly do life with one another. And pray that I will be the leader they deserve.
Hope to see you Sunday as we continue the EXODUS series.
BTW - thanks to everyone who moved from second service to first or third. It made a big difference last weekend.
God has been impressing upon me more and more the need for our church to pray like never before. Last night, I toured the new building with lots of leaders and we prayed in each area of the new church. It was powerful.
We only have 31 days left before the Grand Opening! In our business and excitement, let's NOT forget to pray. When we work...we work. But when we pray...God works! Please consider praying for:
OUR COMMUNITY
* Local Leaders and businesses * Schools and Universities * People far from God and in need of newhope
OUR CHURCH
* Pastor Benji, Amy Lynn, Anna Grace, Benjamin, Wesley, Caleb, and Joshua * newhope pastors, staff, spouses, and kiddos * Worship, Small Groups, Ministries, HOPE Missions, and our Daniel's Fast starting February 25. (For more info, click on the vegetables to the left. ;-) * Financial Freedom and Victory * The builders and companies working on the church
OUR NATION
* President Barack Obama and family * Vice-President Joe Biden and family * The Church in America and throughout the world
OUR FAMILIES
* Healthy & Godly marriages * Children * Extended family
YOURSELF
* That you become more and more like Jesus * Relationships and your ability to witness * Business and blessings/rewards from God * Service for the cause of Christ * Personal Growth * Future
As I have prayed lately, I have tried to pray for many of you by name and for our church family as a whole. As you pray, remember this verse and claim it you you, our church, our nation, and our families!
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (II Chronicles 7:14 - NIV)
I have good news and bad news. I will share the good news first, then the bad news, and then ask you to do me a favor.
GOOD NEWS: We have slightly over one month left before the move to the Southpoint Campus! The building is looking great and they are about to start the clean up and landscaping. Yes, I am stinkin stoked! BAD NEWS: We are so out of space at the 10:15 am Worship Celebration.
Here is my favor to ask, you have heard it before and you have always responded so well. You know what I am going to ask before I ask it. I need some of you, many of you, to come to either the 8:45 or 11:45 am Worship Celebration. Here’s an idea, come to the 8:45 am celebration and just stay at that one since we will have that same Worship time in the Southpoint building. BTW - Worship Celebration times in the new building, starting March 15, are 8:45 am and 10:30 am.
Thanks and remember, in doing so, you allow others to come and experience newhope.
Last Sunday, I taught on finances and giving to the Lord through His Church. I made no apologies about it. As teachers of the gospel we need to be pastors of the Bible and the Bible talks about money way more than I do.
As I have reflected on this subject this week, I am reminded of a few things. First, newhope church is one of the most generous churches I have ever known. One of the reasons why God is so powerfully blessing this movement is because it is made of up incredibly generous people who understand firstfruits giving and faithfulness. That is my way of giving a shout out to the faithful and you know who you are - the best is yet to come and God is growing His church through us!!
Secondly, and this is for the pastors and leaders stopping by, there are ways in which you can encourage believers to tithe, without being preachy or manipulative. It is our duty to help people understand the dangers of money and the amazing potential of using money to advance God's Kingdom. Here are some things I have found helpful along the way!
Ten Ways to Lead a Generous Church
1. Have a God-size vision and celebrate changed lives
2. Model generosity AND TITHE as the pastor
3. Use Scripture during the offering
4. Receive the offering - not “take” the offering
5. Informed givers are happy givers
6. Appeal to a variety of interest
7. Provide quality statements of giving records
8. Set aside stewardship month - in other words, don't be afraid to teach about money. Jesus did it all the time
9. Celebrate generosity (People imitate what we celebrate)
10. Celebrate changed lives (This was #1 and #10, BTW. People love to give to something that is making a difference)
Hope this helps - peace out from Topsail Beach, NC...
I arrived at Topsail beach late last night and awoke to an amazing sunrise. God is such an amazing artist. I will be spending 5 days here praying, fasting, reading, and downright asking God to reveal Himself to me in ways unimaginable. The first day has been rich with God's presence. I love the beach this time of year because you can walk for miles and never see a person. It is very quiet and I am staying away from technology, with the exception of blogging and occasional chats with the newhope pastoral/staff team. I have not turned the television or radio on once. I repeat, very quiet, with only the sounds of crashing waves. I like it like that.
Have you ever realized God fights for us when we are silent in Him? Check out this great verse:
“The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.” (Exodus 14:14)
God is blessing us in so many ways. After spending the day with the the Lord in prayer and Scripture, I can testify that God is stirring and blessing this movement like never before. How cool is it that Almighty God fights for us while we silent? That verse blows my mind and stirs my heart!
It is becoming increasingly clear that God is fighting for us and through us, newhope, for the lives of His children! As Gary Thomas calls it in his book, this is "The beautiful Fight," and we are so blessed to have God go before us.
We are less than 6 weeks away from Grand Opening week. Our team is so pleased with the building. It is a gorgeous witness to God and incredibly practical to Reach, Teach, and Release. I encourage you to spread the word and invite your friends!
Take care and thanks for any prayers you might offer on my behalf this week.
Go Steelers...(And a LOT of respect for Kurt Warner)
OK - so it has been no secret that I am a BIG Steeler fan. You must understand that I grew loving Pittsburgh and despising the Cowboys. I mean, I grew up around the names of Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, John Stallworth, and Lynn Swann. The steel curtain was the name of our defense in the "Backyard Football" of Sumter, South Carolina! So, naturally, I am stinkin stoked to see them win two more national championships recently, for a total of 6 Super Bowls! (The only NFL team ever to accomplish this feat) Can you say, DYNASTY?!
I must say, the last two Super Bowls have been, well, SUPER! The game last night was simply unbelievable. However, I want to give a shout out to the born again, rock solid Christian by the name of Kurt Warner, also the quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals. This man, and his family, are amazing and a reminder to all, that all things are possible for those who live in Christ! (Philippians 4:13)
Enjoy - this is a GREAT true story!
Kurtis the Stock Boy and Brenda the Checkout Girl
In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock boy was busily working when a new voice came over the loud speaker asking for a carry-out at register 4. Kurtis was almost finished and wanted to get some fresh air, so he decided to answer the call. As he approached the checkout stand, a distant smile caught his eye ~ the checkout girl was beautiful. She was an older woman (maybe 26, and he was only 22) and he fell in love.
Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the punch clock to find out her name. She came into the break room, smiled softly at him, took her card, punched out, and then left. He looked at her card, BRENDA. 0He walked out only to see her start walking up the road. Next day, he waited outside as she left the supermarket, and offered her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she accepted. When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again, outside of work. She simply said it wasn't possible.
He pressed and she explained she had two children and she couldn't afford a babysitter, so he offered to pay for the babysitter. Reluctantly she accepted his offer for a date for the following Saturday. That Saturday night, he arrived at her door only to have her tell him that she was unable to go with him. The babysitter had called and canceled. To which Kurtis simply said, "Well, let's take the kids with us."
She tried to explain that taking the children was not an option, but again not taking no for an answer, he pressed. Finally Brenda brought him inside to meet her children. She had an older daughter who was just as cute as a bug, Kurtis thought, and then Brenda brought out her son, in a wheelchair. He was born a paraplegic with Downs Syndrome.
Kurtis told Brenda, "I still don't understand why the kids can't come with us." Brenda was amazed. Most men would run away from a woman with two kids, especially if one had disabilities ~ just like her first husband and father of her children had done. But Kurtis was not ordinary ~ he had a different mindset.
That evening Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids and went to dinner and the movies. When her son needed anything, Kurtis would take care of him. When he needed to use the restroom, he picked him up out of his wheelchair, took him, and brought him back. The kids loved Kurtis. At the end of the evening, Brenda knew this was the man she was going to marry and spend the rest of her life with.
A year later, they were married and Kurtis adopted both of her children. Since then they have added five more kids.
So what happened to Kurtis the stock boy at a grocery store in Cedar Falls, Iowa and Brenda the checkout girl? Well, Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner now live in Arizona where he is currently employed as the quarterback of the National Football League Arizona Cardinals and has his Cardinals in the hunt for a possible appearance in the Super Bowl. Is this a surprise ending or could you have guessed that he was not an ordinary person.
It should be noted that he also quarterbacked the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI...and he has also been the NFL's Most Valuable Player twice and the Super Bowl's Most Valuable Player. He established the First Things First Foundation in the spring of 2001 with wife Brenda to promote Christian values and bless the lives of those less fortunate with projects such as trips to Disney World for ill children, building recreation centers in childrenʼs hospitals, helping single moms achieve the dream of home ownership and teaching Special Olympians the football basics. All projects are centered on Kurt and Brendaʼs life theme: faith and family come first. The official website is: http://www.kurtwarner.org
Kurt, I know today is hard. This one will be hard to swallow, bro. Dude, you were so close to winning your second Super Bowl. However, please know this - to many of us - you are already a winner pointing so many people to the real champion in all of sports and life, namely Jesus Christ. Thanks for your faith and living so unashamedly for Him. May His peace give you comfort these days and always!
