Most embarrassing moments

Most embarrassing moments...

• I tripped coming off of the stage at my preschool graduation. IT has haunted me since that day. I was scared to death I would have a repeat at my HS graduation
• At church when I was about 14, I did a trumpet solo (such nice people for putting up with that) and I forgot the notes and ran out of the sanctuary. Never stop playing, even if you forget the notes!
• Once at USC Sumter I was coming out of a building and completely missed the stairs. Fell flat on my face! Got up quickly, kept going.

So this doesn't include all of the open flies, food in the teeth, and stupid stuff I will do on occasion. Just my top three. So this is me, what about yours?

Doing Church

Doing church... how is it supposed to be done? In the context of today, how would Jesus set up the church if he were here now? I don't know. Been thinking about it a little. I sometimes think that we are off just a little and then there are times when I wonder how did we get so far off. Just some things I have been thinking.

cute

Rollercoaster Ride

Why is it that sometimes we don't even have to try to have a great relationship with the Lord and other times we strive for that relationship but it just doesn't seem to be there, the feelings I mean? I have just had some of the best times with the Lord ever. Each week I would go to CIU on Tuesday mornings and each time something would stand out, maybe through prayer, reading the word, or even in a song. But now, even though I don't want it to happen, I feel some of that is fading. It's harder for some reason. I think that in these dry periods, that's when our perseverance is tested. I still want and need to hear from the Lord. I desire and long to hear his voice and feel His direction in my life. So now the question is, "Will I continue to seek God when I don't "feel" His presence? How about you?

Power in your words

What would it be like to speak and 3000 people come to Christ? It's only happened to me a couple of times, ok, maybe just once. Alright, never has happened. But what would it be like? I read of Peter speaking to the crowds and thousands placing their faith in Christ at one time. How? Two things I notice.

• First, His message is about the risen Christ. When you read his message to the people in Acts, the only thing he speaks of is Christ. Chosen, Crucified, Risen. Except for the brief, "You guys are the ones who chose a thief to be released instead of Jesus!" That's the message that sometimes would bring in a crowd, but it also got Stephen stoned!
  
• The next thing I notice is the power of the Holy Spirit. There is a power to his words that is beyond himself. Only the Spirit of God can draw people like that. I long for God to use me in a way that when I speak, people come to Christ.
  

We studied the life of Christ in our youth group all of last year. We had some neat stuff happen but nothing like that. Why is that? I understand that this was the beginning of the church and maybe God poured out His Spirit in a unique way. But why wouldn't He want to do that now. Maybe He does. These disciples had just spent several days together in prayer. When was the last time that I spent extended time with God, expecting him to do something miraculous? Jesus promised the disciples that they would receive a gift from God. They were waiting expectantly for God to move and He did.

May God do some of these same things today. Would you be willing to put the time in praying and seeking? Most of the time I don't' know if I would. I want it easy. Not everything is like that, some things take time and work.

How to Love?

Last night I was really challenged. We had a city wide youth group gathering and it was awesome. There were about a dozen groups, 350 teenagers. Foster Christy spoke. He asked how we are getting out of our bubble and interacting with people that are different than we are. I have been thinking about this alot lately. Just finished reading "UnChristian" and it challenged me in numerous ways to love others that aren't like me.

Do we love people different than us? Do we give without any expectations of return? Do we reach out to those we think are beyond hope?

I don't always, but I want to more.

The Sweet Spot

So I'm thinking of the sweet spot. I've been there before in competitive sports- that day when everything you shoot goes in the basket. Your feeling the MOJO, everything is falling right in place. But what I am talking about here is a little different. What about your God sweet spot? That place where God has total control of you and you are walking step for step with God. He is blessing you with a vibrant walk and bring fruit in ministry. That's what I am striving for. That's where God wants us to be.
Are you in your sweet spot?

First Blog

Oh, the first blog, such possibilities! I am thinking of writing about my wonderful family, or maybe the awesome volunteers that help make FOG and D-Groups work every week, or maybe the unbelievable students we have here at RCC. Where will I go next... come back later and see.