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I haven’t written anything on here in almost 2 months!  I need to be better at this.  But I’ve had a lot going on…

I recently moved to a new church.  We are excited about what God is going to do with us here at Highland Park in Muscle Shoals, but we really do miss our friends in Scottsboro.  Starting over is not something that really is desirable. It’s fun sometimes, but it’s incredibly hard to do.  My only prayer is that God will use us more than he ever has.  The challenges and experiences at Calvary really have made me a stronger leader and a person who is ready to take these new challenges head on. I only hope God will bless us as we continue to follow Him whenever and wherever He may lead.

I love the band Number One Gun. I remember several years ago when I first heard them and immediately went and got their CD Celebrate Mistakes. In the title track, there’s a lyric that states “

Could it be so bad (to follow all these dreams) I have (and use them for Your glory).

I remember having conversations with my good friend and fellow #1G fan, Matt Evans, about this very line on a ride home from school one night. We talked about taking your passions and using that to glorify God. As I sit here in my office and listen to that line is sparks a desire to make my passions count. I think God is much more pleased in us when glorify Him, when he is  a priority seen in our lives, via who we really are. Far too many times in the church, we feel that we have to fit a mold that others have made.  I have heard “he may be the next Billy Graham” from many pastors and others (not about myself mind you, but I’ve heard that used in descriptions of others).  Billy Graham is a great man of God who’s influence on America  for the sake of the gospel may never be duplicated; however, I don’t think God wants anyone else to be “the next Billy Graham.” God wants me to be a man who follows after Him completely and uses my passions for His glory.  

I guess the point in all my ramblings is to say, just be yourself. I will just be myself.  If not, then we are failing in keeping His commands – “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”- Col. 3:17

Last night we had a associational wide youth worker’s dinner/workshop.  As I worked with our DOM to plan this event, in all actuality, I had low expectations.  I had heard how things such as this was attended and really didn’t have high hopes that this one would be any different.  I figured that we would have a few people come, probably no more than 12-15.  I was surprised.  We had between 30-40 (I didn’t get an actual head count).  The speakers were great, the food was great, the breakout sessions were great, but there was one aspect of the night that suck out above the rest.  

As I walked among the tables, I saw youth workers from different churches talking with other youth workers from other churches.  It is so important that we find community with each other, that we can come together and bounce ideas off each other and pray for each other.  I hope and pray that there were some relationships that began last night that can stay connected help each other out as they seek to help students connect with Christ.  I just want to say thank you to all who made last night a success.

Prayer has been on my mind a pretty good bit lately.  It started when my small group began a study on prayer.  Then I picked up a copy of Jim Cymbala’s Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire.  We have been praying a lot in our youth ministry.  Nothing happens if we dont pray.  

Prayer changes things. God wants us to pray at all times.  Today, I have worked hard at continually praying throughout the day.  I want to challenge you to do the same.  Because, as The great MC Hammer once said, we’ve got to pray just to make it today

I am going to Atlanta for the Southeast Conclave.  It is a youth ministry conference put on by our good friends from several baptist state conventions/associations/boards of missions.  While this is not my first youth minister’s conference, or even my first SC, I am extremely pumped.  Here’s some reasons why…

1.  First trip like this with my wife

2.  Comes at a perfect time ministerially, getting geared up for spring

3.  Comes at a perfect time educationally, I haven’t had any training since I finished seminary over a year ago

4.  Comes at a perfect time spiritually, I’ve got drainage that’s not related to the weather

5. Francis Chan!

6.  Getting to hang out with my state associates

7. Food and games at Jillians

8. Meeting other youth minister’s from around the southeast

9. Have I mentioned Francis Chan?

 I’m not going to have 10 things on this list.  It’s not a top 10 list.  So there.