branjohns.com

I just finished reading "The Circle Maker" by Mark Batterson.  As always, I am left encouraged and challenged by Mr Batterson's books.  I still wish I would have gone to Ebeneezers the last time I was in DC.

Now I'm on to a biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the most curious and admirable men I've ever heard of.  I'm really excited about it as of now.  Granted, I'm only in the first chapter and all it talks about is his family life, but I can already tell I'll be hooked into this one soon.  Not because it's well written (but it is), or because of German names I cannot pronounce (which are there), but because of this man's dedication, heart, and love for the Lord.  

So what biography would you like to read? Better yet, who could write yours and would there be anything worth reading in it?

I have been challenged to read 3 types of books this year: 

1. Christian Leadership/Living Books (for obvious reasons)

2. Biographies (to glean {yep just used that word, deal with it} insight from great men/women, learn from others with differing view points than have I, and to hopefully get better leadership skills)

3. Fiction (to help boost my creative side. Recently it has gotten a kick in the pants just being around some of the people I've surrounded myself with for the past month, but Ted Dekker will always help me be more creative)

So that's my reading challenge for 2012. What's yours?  As a bonus, my goal is to read at least one blog post per day.  I usually miss a day or 2, and then try to play catch up.  As long as I get one blog in per day, I will be happy.  Hey Scott Moore, that means you need to write more.

Then I started waiting on the ride. I was hoping that I would hit the water just right and have the perfect take off from the water slide. White Water didn't have nothin on this. There was even a countdown to hold my breath. I guess so I wouldn't get overtaken by the power of the water.

But then my time was over. The nurses opened the MRI machine and I got to go home. But man, for a little while anticipation was on high alert. I had an MRI so my cardiologists could see my heart now while it looks good so if they ever need to do surgery again, they have high quality pictures to refer back to. So if you have an MRI scheduled anytime soon, relax and let your imagination have fun!

When the waters rise around me I am safe; In the valley, Lord, You are near always; You have me surrounded by Your grace; when my strength is gone, I wont be afraid, You are with me always

 

So the past few months have been crazy!  I am sitting in my office in Columbus, GA and getting a little nostalgic. I look back at the places God has brought me and the trials/circumstances He has seen me through and I'm overwhelmed.  Just 6 months ago, the song quoted above (Casey Darnell: When the Waters Rise, if you dont have it, go download it on iTunes... NOW!) meant something totally different than it did just 3 months ago and completely different today.  

Not to get too personal, but it took a lot to get me to where God wanted me to be.  I think of the hurt, the excitement, the confusion, and the grace in 2 very different areas of my life that God has used in incredible ways to not only get us here, but to be adding to my family.  And you know what, I'm not sure I would change anything were it be done over again.  The lessons I learned, the increased leaning on the Savior and trust that we've had to show... well, it's not been easy, but it's been good.  Isn't that what you lion chasers in MS talked about this summer.  So let's continue to embrace and stand through the tough times.   I wont be afraid, You are with me always!

Oh, and just in case you havent downloaded the album yet (and for the life of me I cant understand why), here's a little taste.  And dont worry, that was enough serious posting for a while.  Anyone wanna go get a chaco taco?

02_When_The_Waters_Rise.m4a

(download)

Click here to download:

02_When_The_Waters_Rise.m4a (6.97 MB)

So I haven't written in a while.  There's been a lot going on.  Here's what has happened in my life in the past few months:

- Moved to Columbus, GA from Muscle Shoals, AL.

- Getting back into leading worship on a semi-regular basis (starting in January)

- Trying to sell a house (anyone wanna buy one?)

- Having a baby (well, I'm not, but the wife is)

I'll write more.  Promise

I guess I need to call my friend Scott Moore and ask him how he handled it.  For several years he was a Bama fan living on Tiger territory.  So Scott, when you read this, will you please answer a few questions for me...

1. Is "Roll Tide" still an appropriate response to any question? What about just an "RTR?"
2. Can I compare the mellow mushroom there to the mellow mushroom in Tuscaloosa and not get beat over the head with a pizza pan?
3. Is Mikes Merch still there (I know there's not one in Tusc, but we have one here in Muscle Shoals and as long as there is a Mikes Merchanide near, I never feel too far away from home)?
4. Do they sell Bama shirts anywhere around?
5. Did you ever slip up and call Auburn, Opelika, or any other surrounding areas Tuscaloosa? 
6. If so, what happened?
7. Are you allowed at Toomers?

So Scott, I was going to go with 10 questions, but 7 is the number of completion, so I just stopped there.  Most of my other questions will be answered within these or over time.  Roll Tide

I am always interested to see what other youth ministers, youth workers, and churches are doing to develop, build, and utilize (although that sounds like a terrible word) student leaders.  As I began my new journey at Highland Park, I sensed an leading from the Holy Spirit not to simply throw students into leadership positions, but to pray for God to reveal students who He wants to lead.  I have made many mistakes in my past concerning student leaders, and in an attempt to not repeat those mistakes, I would like to hear from you.  Please comment and tell me how you use student leaders, how you pour into them, and all other parts your student leaders play in the student ministry of your church.

Tonight begins a new season of high school football. I am excited about it and pumped to see what our students can do this year.  Some of our students are at MSHS and are more excited about this year than ever. Some of our students are at DHS and while it looks like it's going to be a tougher year than last year, I'm sure they are still expecting big things, as they always do.  Same goes for our students at CCHS and SHS - new year, new excitement.  And whats really cool is that I can go to 3 out of the 4 high schools and watch one of our students play QB. 

But it's also the kick off to another FIX Quarter season.  This year, we have some great bands.  Tomorrow night we will feature Scenic Heights, who just signed with a label. Those of you who went on the April Renovation trip will remember Chase and his band really well. But it doesn't stop there... next week we have Wavorly and in October we have Rush of Fools and new this year a Fall costume party!  It's going to be great!

Here's why I wrote about all these... if we just let them come and go without being intentional with inviting and investing in others, they really dont matter.  What's the difference between Christian entertainment (I feel stupid even writing that term) and real ministry? Intentionality. We dont do all these things just to give you something to do on a Friday night.  You've got enough to do.  Let's come and support these events by inviting others to come along with us (bring them with you, dont just say come, say come with) and then following up with them to other things.  This is the year to invest in others. If not now, when? Let's go!