Dare2Dream,LiveTheVision

Airplanes, B.o.B, John, Jesus, & Camel Hair Habit

2011-11-28T22:13:00.001-06:00

^{Matthew 1-2} While Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called "the Baptizer," was preaching in the desert country of Judea. His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: "Change your life. God's kingdom is here."

Notice how they described John's message: simple. No elaborate PowerPoint or big speakers. Notice his surroundings: desert. Deserts, aren't normally the most comfortable locations. OK, hold on to those thoughts. Let's explore a little bit more about John...

^{Matthew 4-6}John dressed in a camel-hair habit tied at the waist by a leather strap. He lived on a diet of locusts and wild field honey. People poured out of Jerusalem, Judea, and the Jordanian countryside to hear and see him in action. There at the Jordan River those who came to confess their sins were baptized into a changed life.

Notice too that he wore camel-hair habit with a leather strap belt. SERIOUSLY JOHN?! Imagine that awkward conversation, "So John what are you wearing?". "Camel. Duh." What was at the buffet table? Locust and honey of course! Um...I'll pass!

OK, now look at Christians today in comparison to John. How many pastors would sign up to live in desert surroundings without an iPad, fancy pews, or air conditioning? Would you go? How many youth/children pastors would eat locust and wild honey, wearing camel, and preaching? OK actually I have been both and I would have probably have eaten the locust and wild honey if a student/kid/leader dared me! As far as wearing camel-hair anything...nope, and I want my AC! What about you, would you do something like that if God told you too?

This came to my mind while listening to a rap song by B.o.B ft Haley Williams entitled, "Airplane" on the way to work this morning. It's got some hard lines in it for a pop rap song (listen to the radio version!) but it's lyrics speak some hard truth. In the 2nd verse he reflects about how he would rap years ago because it was fun and it was the truth instead of what it is today: to please the masses. He wrestles with what he has now versus what his passion is really all about...the original music. It's like fame versus realness.

Between Matthew 3 and B.o.B, God has been talking to me saying that truth is truth no matter how we dress it up. If John the Baptist could take truth and share it to people while living in the desert...eating bugs...wearing camel hair....what can we do? Sometimes I think we concentrate so much on everything but the Gospel, that we forget to live the Gospel. Notice I used the word "live" the Gospel because living it is different than just teaching it.

So. Here we are, at the crossroads. People traveled to listened to John despite his outwardly hangups. Would people travel to listen to you? I'm only asking you because I am asking myself that question as well. What if we took the lyrics to the worship song, "Heart of Worship" by Matt Redman to heart. Not just a good song on the iPod, but we did what it says...to get back to the heart of worship. To get back to our passion. That's what John did. That's what B.o.B raps about.

So tomorrow morning, be like John the Baptist. No matter where you are, what you are wearing, what you are eating, or what time it is...show the circles around you Jesus. It could be asking someone if you could pray for them. It could be opening the door and saying good morning. It could be _______________. You fill in the blank! Don't stop there, what else could you do?

I listened to God, will you?

2011-11-20T21:38:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow I start my new secular job at a bank...

I still remember that summer. I was 14yrs old amongst 200 other teens and at a summer youth that my youth pastor took me to in the mountains of South Carolina. I clearly saw a vision of me talking to thousands of people and I heard God say, "Ministry". That night forever changed my career track because before that I wanted to work at Disney. A lot of my friends laughed at me and told me that God wasn't in it because there was no money in ministry. I needed a back up plan in case I heard wrong. I listened to God.

Fast forward to my senior year in high school. I had three paths that were open: internship with a traveling evangelistic youth ministry, internship at my home church, or go to ECU. After months of debating and praying, God told me to be a part of the traveling youth ministry. It was pretty tough raising intern money and being a part of the organization, but I learned so much about the meaning of integrity and administration. When I told people that God told me to leave home to go to Tulsa, nobody quite understood why...but God did! I listened to God.

A year later God pointed me back home to ECU and a ministry at our church that my mom started. It was a brand new preteen ministry that she had started and was on the brink of explosion. Guess what...it exploded! Nobody thought a busted up double wide trailer could host future leaders and challenge their parents. Those doors provided leadership opportunity for me that I've never had before: plan for weekly worship and the lessons. Challenge accepted! Lives were changed included my own! But then it happened again, God's voice. I was to move to Tulsa and go to ORU. I listened to God.

Never being on the campus of ORU before I was pretty nervous but I knew this was what God wanted. My buddies laughed at the thought of me going back to Tulsa, but I kept saying it was a God thing. Because I listened to God I took deep theology courses, my Biblical knowledge grew, and my faith stretched beyond points that I never knew existed. I met my wife, worked at a television studio, 2 internships (one with a large church and another with a mega church), and made deep friendships in the dorms. Upon graduation I was in the 30K's of college debt and within a year or so I was able to pay it off! I listened to God.

My senior year at ORU I needed a job. God opened the doors in Tampa to be a full time youth pastor and make that the launching point with my new wife. There were other churches asking but this was one the that God laid on my heart. People thought I was crazy for not going back home and for being a part of a denomination that I didn't know anything about...but God said to do it. During two years there I learned what volunteer leadership was all about and how a simple vision of transforming a condemned house into a youth outreach center would shape the lives of hundreds of middle school kids. Circumstances arose and they proved to be the confirmation...God was speaking again! I listened to God.

Every one of my friends wanted to know why in the world we were leaving the beaches of Tampa to move to San Antonio, TX. It was simple...God said go. We arrived at a church that had volunteers ready to make an impact. The youth ministry grew both in numbers and spiritual depth in ways I had never encountered before. Schools were opening up to our ministry, kids were bringing multiple friends, and discipleship took deep roots. We began to have our own summer camp and forming our own curriculum. It was a great season with the youth...then it happened. Circumstances happened and God was speaking through them. I listened to God.

I took another position, but this time as a children's pastor. My heart was motivated for the younger generation after holding my son with CF in the NICU. Life was to short to wait to change the lives of teenagers, instead reach them before they become that teen! God placed a lot of joy in my heart and I was surrounded by incredible leaders both paid and volunteers. I learned some tough lessons about management and expectations. We were able to lead a huge VBS which is something my wife and I had never done before. We began to see the kids discipleship getting deeper and our leaders leading with confidence. But yep...you guessed it, God was speaking to me yet again. I listened to God.

Now here we are. In less than a week's time I was interviewed and offered a package at a bank. That normally doesn't happen. God has opened doors again! I'm starting a new job outside of the church. I'm excited because this will be a new level of ministry that I haven' been a part of for 10yrs now. I will be on the front lines working with people facing tough financial decisions. Will I get paid for preaching? No. Will I stop preaching? No. What will be next as far the ministry goes...I don't know. I do know that doors are opening in areas that I have only dreamed about years ago and we will see what God says. I will listen to God.

I'm writing this testimony to you because I want to encourage you. You can hear God's voice. It's true. He wants to be the one typing the address into mapquest, not you! Sometimes it's an answered prayer and sometimes it out of the blue. Sometimes He tells you to change it up when things couldn't be better. Sometimes He tells you to change it up when thing are horrible. What I've learned is to always listen and be obedient. When man tells you that it's crazy, still listen to God. Man can only see the present and not the future like God can. Ever since I listened to God at summer camp at age 14, He has never steered me wrong. Has everything He has told me to me do been easy? No. Has it been worth it? Yes. I'm 32 and still listening and waiting to hear what's next.

So Monday morning is the beginning of yet another example of God working in my life. What will it be for you? Will you be able to say: I listened to God?

Can You Hear Him?

2011-11-16T13:10:00.001-06:00

When was the last time you heard Jesus tell you something and you wouldn't do it? Maybe it was a burning bush moment but you questioned His voice? I wonder how often we do this.

It's like my son on the playground today. He was running around like most boys do. He climbed the top of a bridge and he continued to run and jump. I told him to slow down. He looked at me, grinned and started to run again. BAM! Both of our worlds froze for an instant, followed by a really hard cry. I ran to him, picked him up, and gave him a look over to make sure everything was OK. He looked at me with his big eyes and said, "Daddy I'm sorry." I held him tight and told him that I was telling him not to run because he could get hurt. After a couple of big hugs we marched to the swing set and the world was right again.

Luke 9:57-62 tells about a time when people wanted to follow Jesus. They were eager, ready, and in all practicality...bold. I give them credit because most of us are to comfortable living in the now that we wouldn't have thought to ask to follow Jesus. When Jesus told them what they needed to do in order to truly follow him, they didn't listen. Instead, they made excuses. They seemed like good ones: to bury a father and to say goodbye to friends and family. The problem is, they weren't truly listening to what Jesus was trying to tell them.

This brings me back to my original thought. How often do we truly listen to Jesus? Sometimes when He tells us to do something it won't make sense. Sometimes when he tells us to do something, it's out of the blue. There are tons of examples in the Bible showing people that did not listen to Jesus. There are also tons of examples in the Bible of people who listened to Jesus. Here's a good idea, check them out! Look at what happened to the people that didn't listen to Jesus and look at the people that did. Check out their lives after the decision was made. How did it affect the people around them? How did it affect themselves?

My challenge for us today is stop what we are doing and ask Jesus what's next...and listen.

The Slow Fade

2011-11-14T21:33:00.001-06:00

Last night I was hanging out with a group of buddies at Re:Church210. Matt spoke about consistency and the importance of being consistent with people and with God. This conversation really made me think about how people act.

We don't set out to leave God (why do I picture some bitter old man shaking his fist at the heavens screaming?!). Most cases it's not a quick response to something, instead it's a slow fade. Sometimes it's so slow that you might not realize what was going on. It's like the old saying, "you can walk a thousand footsteps away from God but if you turn around, He will be there." I'm believing that people don't realize they are at step 951 out of a 1000. In fact I'm willing to bet that they don't know they are on step 3,4,5 or even 6. Instead they continue the path they are on and blindly walk it...until something tragic happens. Then they get the wake up call. Casting Crown's "Slow Fade" video brings this to light:

When we are walking consistently with God it effects people. They see it. They sense it. When we aren't walking with God, it also effects people in the opposite way. However you live your life you are changing your world positively or negatively. This includes spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

I love plants. Yep, I'm a country boy at heart and I spent most of my days on a small farm in eastern NC. I remember playing with the vines that would grow on the side of one of the tobacco barns. By the middle of summer they would be so interwoven and tangled that you couldn't pull them off the side of the barn. My grandaddy taught me to cut the branches from the main vine because those branches would lose it's life blood. I would come back a week later and the branches weren't as green, thick, or tangled. Another week later they were brown and brittle. With one tug of an arm I would pull down 20ft of vines from the side of the barn. A scrawny kid taking down 20ft of vine made me fill somewhat like Hulk Hogan in mind...but i probably shouldn't have told you that part!

Jesus speaks about this in John 15:5-6a, "I am the vine, you are the branches. if you remain in me and I with you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers...."

So are you consistent in your relationship with God? Are you a part of the vine or are you doing a slow fade withering away? For a plant, there is no going back. Once that vine is withered, it's gone. But for a soul...there is always healing and redemption! Ask God for help. Seek good council. God has this spiritual super glue that will hold and mend anything. Trust me, I speak from experience! Check out the rest of the story in John 15 today.

Buzz Lightyear and Volunteering

2011-09-15T11:38:00.001-05:00

Buzz Lightyear. Dressing up as Buzz Lightyear would benothing for you and me, but to a child, it’s pure excitement! We are talkingWOW excitement! When they see the costume they immediately get either lockedinto laughter or the younger ones will believe you are the actual Buzz. Bothmakes you a winner as a volunteer!

Now when people think of volunteering people tend to getnervous and concerned. Questions come to mind such as:

· Am I qualified?

· Will the kids like me?

· What do I have to do?

· They can’t relate to me…can they?

· Does the team really need my help?

· Seriously, can I make a difference?

At least, those are questions that I have heard from some ofour leaders/prospective leaders. We tend to get so insecure and clam up when itcomes to preaching the Gospel…especially with kids who ask a million questions.Well, I’ve got some GREAT news for you!

You are qualified. A simple smile and a high five goes along way. Even putting on a Buzz Lightyear costume and being silly…goes a longway. Maybe kids aren’t your thing, that’s ok because every kid that comes in tochildren’s ministry has parents! The Launching Pad needs adults who can talk toadults! I’m sure we aren’t alone in that need.

So regardless if it’s holding doors, helping to leadworship, dressing in a costume, or simply saying, “Glad you are here”…we needyou. The church needs you. The kids need you. You can make an impact with this generation. So what’s holding you back?

Tupac's Legacy and Yours

2011-09-14T10:39:00.000-05:00

“I set goals, take control, drink out my own bottle. I make mistakes but learn from every one and when it’s said and done, I bet this brother be a better one. If I upset you, don’t stress. Never forget, that God isn’t finished with me yet."
— Tupac Shakur

Yesterday marked the 15th year anniversary of Tupac Shakur. By no means am I saying he was a hero of mine but I don't think he was the worst guy that every walked the earth. But when I think of Tupac and listen to his songs, it does show me something. He has a legacy. He had a massive amount of followers wherever he went, they bought his tapes, they bought his cd's, they watched his videos, and they wore his shirts. Fifteen years after his death, his face isn't on everything but if you talk to any Rap purist, his name always comes up.

This makes me think about legacies. What are we doing today with our kids that will become part of our legacy? I can still remember asking my grandaddy to go fishing with me on a cold November morning in NC when I was a preteen. It was misting rain, dreary, and just an all around bad day (the fact he wasn't in his tractor proves that it was really disgusting outside!). I remember grabbing my pole and asking him to walk with me to his pond. He stopped what he was doing and said, yes. I caught NOTHING but maybe a cold! Meanwhile grandaddy was smiling the whole time and built a little fire beside us. His love and compassion towards me is part of legacy, and now I'm hoping that I am building the same legacy with my son(and hopefully my grandkids far down the line!). The fact that the news reminded us that Tupac was shot and killed 15yrs ago yesterday, proves he left a legacy. Some will say it's good while others would say it's bad. Even though I'm not going to download his music from iTunes for Josiah, I'm not going to judge. Instead I'm thinking about some of his choices that he made both good and bad. I'm also thinking about some of the choices I make as a dad, husband, and children's pastor. What will my son say about me 15yrs from now? What will my wife say about me? What will my mentors say about me? What will my leaders that serve every week say about me? What will the teens/college students say about their children's ministry experience under my leadership? What will my assistant and fellow pastors say about me? What will people say about your legacy...15yrs down the road?

Don't Over Look the Small Things!

2011-09-13T11:25:00.001-05:00

Time out! Sometimes when life is crazy, we need to pause and evaluate why we are busy. I go back to my "Saved by the Bell" childhood. The character, Zack Morris, would stop time and talk to the audience about the plot. It didn't happen every episode but I always wished I could do that in real life!

Example of this happened this morning. My wife was in the bathroom getting ready for the day, I was laying on the bed watching ESPN highlights, and eating Captain Crunch. I was processing how bad my fantasy football team did for week one, how amazing the response about Baptism was at the Launching Pad, the medical bills that I forgot to pay, and how Josiah is going to make us late because he was sleeping in (but never on a Saturday morning!).

The minute he walked into the bedroom, I jumped up and said, "BREAKFAST time!". He took a step back and started to tear up. I asked him what was the problem and his response, "I want to lay in the bed with daddy for a minute".

-slap in the face moment-

Sometimes we get so busy with life that we forget about whats most important. Did it make me late, not really, I made up for it (I'll ask forgiveness about speeding on the way to church later!). I was thinking about all the "to do's" that I forgot about what's really important. Those fifteen minutes of daddy time refocused my whole day!

Kids Imagination!

2011-09-09T18:34:00.001-05:00

So I got home and my almost 3 old son informed me that his great grandaddies farm had a train going through it! He has never met my Grandaddy Frankie but only through bedtime stories from me. Goes to show you that what we share with our children carries a lot of weight. He took me to his play room and said, "Daddy, Grandaddy Frankie has a train in his farm!". Of course he didn't in real life, but never underestimate a kids imagination!

Mickey and the Church

2011-09-09T16:00:00.000-05:00

"It's about what kids want, not just what Disney thinks they want. They want to connect with the stars, they engage with characters...it's all about watching TV and going online and listening to music. It's part of their world"
-Adam Sanderson, Disney Channels' senior vice-president on guardian.co.uk

I found that quote strolling through this month's "Children's Ministry" magazine and it stopped me in my tracks. Does the church have that mindset? Should the church have that mindset? Do you have that mindset?

Let's change the word "church" in the place of "Disney". Here goes: It's about what the kids want, not just what the church thinks they want.

I think Disney is right on with this concept. Kids love Disney! My 2yr old freaks out every time we go past the Disney store in the mall. He asks to watch Goofy on YouTube. He jumps out of my lap to do the "mouserize" dance on Mickey's Mouse Club. Does he get excited about church on Sunday...yes! Our volunteer leadership has created an awesome atmosphere both in our preschool and elementary ministries and we are seeing the fruit of it. But Disney, that's a whole other level of excitement that our children's ministry hasn't achieved yet!

Of course Disney has all the money in the world (and they use it wisely in marketing!) but they think out of the box. They aren't afraid to fail. They get out of their business suits and think like a kid. Do you remember the movie "BIG" that Tom Hanks starred in years ago? His character thought like a kid, and look what happened to the company! That's the mindset that churches need to grasp. We need to stop thinking of what would make for a good hourly lesson, and think more of how we can effectively reach this generation. Maybe we need to lose our dress shoes and exchange them for funky toe socks?! OK...so that might be a little much, but it might take something drastic like that to get into the mindset of a child!

So how could this work? I don't know, I'm still brainstorming myself! This afternoon I have been bouncing some questions such as: how can we promote our ministry more effectively online, how can we make our children's ministry visible outside of our ministry walls, how can we get the parents excitement level up, how can we create a Disney atmosphere, how can we...well you get the idea (I had around 20 questions cued up but I digress).

While I'm brainstorming, would you like to join me? No idea is to big, crazy, ridiculous, or insane...that's the beauty of brainstorming! Parents, what is something the church could do that possibly you could help with in order to create a Disney experience? Leaders, what's a way to make your small group full of energy and discussions (minus the Monster drinks!)?

It's about what the kids want, not just what the church thinks they want. Yep, I really like that mindset!

$40 worth of Prizes at the Launching Pad!

2011-06-13T11:21:00.000-05:00

We are giving away prizes for the next 2 families that register for the Creative Arts Camp online! The Launching Pad Children's Ministry at River City Community Church is hosting an exciting week of drama, music, art, photography, worship, and so much more! In fact, we are giving away $40 worth of prizes for each family! Enjoy some great Mr. Gatti's pizza followed up with a trip to Inflatable Wonderland! To register online, follow this LINK.

Don’t forget to tell us what T-shirt size you wear when you register (kid shirt sizes!). Creative Arts Camp is going to be a blast this summer. We will be tie-dying shirts, learning new dance moves, being a part of a full scale drama production, painting art masterpieces, and more! Did you know that God created you…yes YOU totally unique. You have gifts that the Queen of England will never have (sorry your highness)! Your kids have gifts that you never dreamed of having. Once they come to the Creative Arts Camp they will not only see, but learn that God created each of us different and gave each of us amazing talents! Mark June 27th through July 9th on your calendars as the start of a new beginning for your children! If you would like to volunteer we have spots available for you too!

Parents register your kids now so they will be ready for the Creative Arts Camp and so you can enter to win $40 worth of prizes for the entire family! See you there!

Epic Fail or Epic Success

2011-05-20T12:12:00.002-05:00

I love how God uses people that don't always have it together. Think of your favorite Bible hero. Once you get passed the "knight in shining armor", check out who that person really was. Chances are it was a normal everyday person like you and me, that did extraordinary stuff. What's makes this person special? It's because he/she said, "YES" to God. They took a back seat to self and submitted to Him. Sure they weren't perfect, in fact some were glaringly the opposite...but the fact remains they said yes and surrendered to God. Once that was done, then their lives changed. Not only did their faith change the way their circles of influence thought, but their testimonies are still changing lives in 2011! How amazing is that? What if we could do that. Here are some examples of famous Bible people that were pretty jacked up by life or themselves, but God still used them!

The Bible isn’t filled with examples of “all-together” & “perfect” people

· Joseph was abused

· Moses stuttered

· Gideon was poor

· Rahab was immoral

· Elijah was suicidal

· Jeremiah was depressed

· Thomas had lots of doubts

· Samson was insecure

· Zacchaeus was mean & unpopular

· Martha struggled to make good decisions

After reading this, I hope you see that there is a huge potential for you, for me, and that person down the hall. Now we just need to submit and do what God tells us to do!

Ray Lewis and Children's Ministry

2011-05-18T09:03:00.002-05:00

Above all else, a leader must… The greatest quality has to be service hood. When you build, you build from inside out, and that chemistry has to carry you. When you serve others, when you have that service as a duty, it will make other people do anything for you.

-Ray Lewis, Sporting News Magazine (May, 2011)

Now that is a quote. For someone to be in the league as long as he has, and done what he has done…I’ll listen to him! Seriously, think modern day defense in the NFL and his name has to come up. From what I’ve read and seen, opposing teams fear him but his locker room cheers for him. He gets the Ravens fired up before the game and during half time. What’s even better than that is watching him on the sidelines. He is constantly encouraging or reinforcing the belief that they can shut down any quarterback. He is in constant motion, always running with that vision.

What sticks out to me the most is the first line, “The greatest quality has to be service hood.” For someone that makes millions, on the cover of countless sports magazines, TV commercials, and once the face of Madden video games…that says a lot. So maybe we aren’t in front of thousands of crowds this Sunday like Lewis will be next fall. Maybe none of us will ever make the cover of Madden. Maybe we will only be in front of dozen or 400 kids and leaders. It doesn’t matter. It’s about serving others. My prayer is that I would have that same mentality and drive to build my team up the way Ray Lewis has built the Ravens Defense up.

Thinking Outside the Box!

2011-05-17T14:15:00.001-05:00

If you work with kids you know that you can’t just show up and have church. It doesn’t work that way. Instead, you have to really go after the principles found in all the multiple intelligences charts (intrapersonal, naturalist, kinesthetic, musical, etc.). In order to affectively reach this generation, we need to begin to think even more outside the box than in years past.

Think about how Jesus ministered. He thought out of the box. It would be really easy for Him to just say, “be healed” or “ok, you’re saved”. Instead, Jesus healed a man by using mud. He turned water into wine (and not the cheap stuff, but the top shelf stuff!). He picked up an ear that had been chopped off moments ago by a solders sword and reattached it back to his disciples’ head.

Those are the first examples that came to my mind, but there are tons more where that came from (check out the Gospels)! Now if Jesus did all that to show people who God was…well we should probably step our game up as well.

So this makes me think about children’s ministry. How often do we pray for the service and for the kids to see Jesus in a new, exciting way? How many times do we study the curriculum before the service starts? How many times do we review the worship songs and have the motions down? How often do we encourage our small group leaders? How often do we talk to the parents before and after service times? Are we content with just having a “good children’s ministry”? After reading what Jesus did in the Bible, He wasn’t content with that. He did stuff to make people really think and to really contemplate their decisions. Jesus forced people to think outside their religious boxes.

So when is the last time you thought outside the box with your ministry?

Children Workers, Where is your Hope?

2011-05-11T16:15:00.000-05:00

This blog goes out to all the Children Pastors, Leaders, and Volunteers. If you are involved in Children's Ministry, you know what the month of May means: events, events, events, and more events are on the horizon (did I mention events?).

Phew, ok now that being said, those events are gold mines at reaching our kids, their families, and our neighborhoods. Along with the events, comes tons of planning. Just today I have planned out June and some of July curriculums and began to brainstorm follow up events post VBS. I find it ironic that I get very excited and hyped up about what could happen this summer, but I am also reaching for the coffee cup!

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31, NIV.

Let's examine this in kid ministry terms:

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." I just talked about planning for events and followup earlier in the blog. The hours we spend with our team hoping, planning, and praying for this summer will pay off! God is going to renew not only our strength but the strength of our ministry! We must put our trust in the Lord for anything to happen this summer!

"They will soar on wings like eagles...." That's pretty huge because if you have ever seen eagles soar, they are really jetting! Eagles aren't like little blue birds that fly from branch to branch. Eagles soar for LONG distances!

"...they will run and not grow weary..." If you are tired spiritually or physically, then this part of the verse is for you specifically. We need to remeber to rest in God's grace and trust that He will show Himself even beyond our wildest expectations to our kids and their parents. To often we run and run, while the whole time God wants to carry us.

"...they will walk and not be faint..." How amazing is it that God promises that we will not faint? We aren't going to fall down. Instead, He wants to build up and encourage His people!

Before I close this blog up, we need to remember the first of the verse above, "...Those who hope in the Lord...". If we want the promises of Isaiah 40:31 this summer, then we first need to remember to put our hope in the Lord. We should use curriculum, study guides, vbs planners, etc to help...but that shouldn't be where our hope is. To many kids and their families are trusting us to put our hope in the right place!

God Never Let's Go

2011-05-10T17:42:00.001-05:00

You know what's cool about God? He's never changing. No matter what the world throws at you, He is the same no matter what. Look through the Bible and you will see it yourself. For example, check out the Old Testament. He was the same God talking to Adam as He was talking to Noah. He was the same God that spoke to Moses through a burning bush. God was the same God that led Moses and the Israelites to the promise land. That same God sent his Son to be a sacrifice for our sins so that we could once again join Him in heaven. How amazing is that?

Fast forward a couple of years, more than a couple actually, to the year 2011. The same God that did all the things I mentioned above is the same God that loves me. He is the same God that loves you. He is the same God that sees the good, the bad, and the ugly in human nature. He is the same God that sees you in your angry moments when life throws a curve ball. He is the same God that sees you rejoice. He sees that cancer patient rejoicing hearing that there isn't a trace of cancer left in their body. He hears the cry of parents learning that their newborn has cystic fibrosis. He also sees couples sitting under a big Oak tree having a simple picnic.

The cool thing about our God is that He never lets go. Show me a place in the Bible that God walked away from them. You won't. You can't. Sure, bad things happen to people but that doesn't mean that God changed His mind about the people involved. Look at Job in the Bible. His life was great then it took a disastrous turn...but look how it ended.

What's sad is that there are people that don't know this. There are people that might feel like God has let go, walked away, and left them. They feel like God is a thousand miles away. Little do they know that God is there through the good and the bad times. He never lets go. What if you are that person to show them that? What if you could teach a child that simple but hard concept? Could you imagine the difference in their lives?

The video below is something that I came across a few minutes ago while on youtube. It's David Crowder Band's "Never Let Go". The words of this song fit perfectly with my thoughts on this blog. Be warned, some of the images are pretty graphic and are taken from the Haiti earthquake in 2010. I'm sure that a video with smiling faces would be nice, but this is real life. Bad stuff happens, but God never lets go. Even in the midst of their problems...God never let go.

Will Smith, Beastie Boys, and Parenting

2011-05-06T11:13:00.003-05:00

Why is it so hard to say "yes ma'em" and "yes sir" as a kid? We are entering the stage with our son that he is questioning everything. He doesn't question it verbally but he certainly lets me know by his actions and throwing his arms down, that he doesn't want to obey! The effective TIME OUT words are not quite as powerful as they once were. It used to be, just the mention of the words "time out" sent a huge behavioral shift and a reneweled since of I'm sorry. Nope. Notta. Not anymore! This is causing daddy to rethink discipline and to acknowledge the fact my boy isn't perfect.

My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. (Proverbs 6:20 ESV)

This is a powerful verse because it gets to the core heart of it. It's wise to listen to what our parents tell us because they have the authority in our life to do so. They also have more milage! Of course when I was a kid, that was so dumb. Will Smith had the song, "Parents Just Don't Understand" and the Beastie Boys huge hit, "Fight for Your Right". Those were my two anthem songs in middle school, because my parents never understood and never let me party! LOL, now that I'm 32 I see things differently. I'm that parent now. Oh, how the tide changes!

As parents, what are we teaching our kids? All the dad's reading this blog...what are your house commandments? All the mom's reading this blog...what are you teaching your kids? Are we showing them Jesus in our homes? Are we teaching them values that will not only help them but mold them into outstanding leaders and teachers themselves?

Why Children's Ministry is Important

2011-05-05T14:19:00.001-05:00

So when you hear the words "children" and "church" combined, what images pop into your mind? Screaming kids? Leaders running amok with random bald spots from aggravation?  Maybe even those goldfish snacks and a tiny cup of juice?  The Bible holds a very different view.

"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly

believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you

have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make

you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:14-15 Holy Bible ESV)

The children's ministry should be the foundation, the cornerstone, of every believer sitting in the pews of the church.  It should be a place that we think of kids singing, dancing, and laughing at the illustration of finding gummy worms in crushed up cookies!  It should be a place where they RUN TO and not RUN OUT OF.  As children's pastors, leaders, and volunteers we have an obligation to show these kids that, yes, church is and should be a fun place. Get creative, make the words leap out of the Bible and into their laps.  Form motions to worship songs that sing about salvation and love. View movie clips that embrace truth in easy to understand formats. As a child we learned to roll over, push up, crawl, stand, walk, and run. Most of the time it's in that order. Why do we expect the next generation to start at a sprinting speed spiritually if they have never learned how to push up or crawl? So that leaves you the reader with something.  What are you doing to influence this generation?  We all have the same amount of hours in the week no matter where we live, work, eat, and breathe. It was important to the author in 2 Timothy that this boy was raised in the church, how important is it for you?

Cystic Fibrosis, Pollen, & Sin

2011-04-21T10:15:00.000-05:00

If you are reading this and live in the San Antonio area, I'm sure you are like me…nose dripping, headache, congestion in the chest, etc. Yep, it's allergy season again. I am actually looking up the record  is for tissue usage in a 30-minute time period. I should at least have honorable mention! But enough about my allergies. Let's change the subject to my son and his Cystic Fibrosis appointment today.

Josiah had a CF appointment Tuesday. This means that we packed him up, went to Santa Rosa Hospital, and the doctors run about 5 hours worth of tests and ask tons of questions (sorry, I don't keep record how many times he poops in a day?!). I was actually looking forward to this particular clinic visit, though, because Josiah is dealing with a lot of phlegm in his chest and nose. For you and me, we can simply hack, hack, and hack some more which will cause the crud to exit our bodies. For Josiah and other CF patients, it's not that easy. Imagine always having that in your lungs. Imagine always having a stuffed nose! We do breathing treatments, various meds, and tons of exercise to attempt to keep the phlegm as loose as possible. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

Now I am not a scientist or a doctor so I can't give you all the technical reasons behind why Josiah can't get this crud out of his lungs. I do know that it if it doesn't come out, it makes it hard to breathe and bacteria forms (bad, bad, bad!). This makes me think of our life and sin. Some sin we can look at and get fixed pretty quick (example: drunk driving is bad…so don't drink and drive). Other sin isn't quite as simple as just knowing that it's bad and stopping it. An example of this would be addiction. There are tons of TV shows that focus on people trying hard to get rid of their addictions, but like Josiah trying to get rid of his phlegm from his chest, they simply can't do it alone.

An example of this is found in John 8:1-11. The woman needed Jesus help to not only save her physical life but to offer healing inwardly. Okay, so maybe you are thinking, "That's great…but I'm dealing with _______ (fill in the blank) and God would never forgive me for that." Check out Colossians 1:14. Forgiveness from Jesus applies to everything; there aren't any "if's" or "what if's."

So while I'm taking Josiah to the CF clinic today to get the phlegm out physically, maybe we should all get our spiritual phlegm cleaned out as well.

Diddy's "Coming Home" & Ministry

2011-04-13T08:00:00.003-05:00

You read that right! A children's pastor is using Diddy as an example in his blog! There is a single that dropped a little while ago titled, "Coming Home", and I listen to it constantly. Let me first say that I don't believe that everything he writes is responsible, good, wholesome, etc. What I am saying is, this song has a powerful message. There is a part of the 1st verse that really hits home (pun intended!).

its easy to be Puff, its harder to be Sean

what if the twins ask why I aint marry their mom

how do I respond?

what if my son stares with a face like my own

and says he wants to be like me when he's grown

But I aint finished growing

This particular part makes me cringe every time I hear it. When he raps, "its easy to be Puff, its harder to be Sean" that makes total sense. Puff/Diddy/P.Diddy are his stage names, but his real name is Sean. It's easy to be MR. Robbie in front of the kids while being on our stage in the children's ministry. I get to be loud, Bible answering, funny, and a total goofball. If the kids smile or they have that "ah-ha" moment in their eyes…I'm set, ready to show them Jesus in a way they've never seen Him before (or at least attempt). But it's when I'm off the stage and I have to deal with behind-the-scenes, red-tape drama that life brings to anybody that serves…that's where Robbie Bridges comes into play. It's easy to be something or someone larger than life, and harder to be you living in the real world. How many all-star athletes have risen to stardom only to fall short off the court, field, or arena.

The second part of this verse shows Puff dealing with the idea that his twins are going to know Sean. They will know his ups and downs, choices that he made, and they will have to live with the legacy he started (good or bad). That's something we all need to think about with our kids. The decisions we make now will impact them possibly now and/or in the future. Will our kid(s) want to be like us or will they want to be the opposite of us?  Granted none of us are perfect, if you are the please fill me and everybody else in!

May we never finish growing!

Butler, Moses, Paul, North Carolina, and San Antonio

2011-04-12T16:42:00.000-05:00

The Final Four proves yet again that anything can happen. Where is Butler located? Who is VCU's mascot? Unless you are a big fan of those programs you probably have no idea, and yet they will be playing with the entire nation watching, while schools like UNC and Duke are sitting on their respected couches. That's why I love the NCAA Tourney because anything can happen. It's a tourney for the underdog to upset, inspire, and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Moses. A former prince turned murderer on the run. The man went from living like a king to working in a desert-like area herding sheep. Yet, when all is said and done…he is redeemed as being one of Israel's greatest heros. He stood up to Pharaoh and said the famous line "LET MY PEOPLE GO!". Talk about the idea that anything can happen!

Paul. He went from persecuting Christians to being one of the great missionaries of all time. At one point, Christians would run in panic and horror if they heard that he was coming to their town. Those same Christians later ran to him in anticipation that God was going to do something through him for their family and community. He even had a name change (from Saul to Paul!) to mark the experience! His salvation experience is called, "the great conversion"! Another example of the idea that anything can happen!

Then you have this small town country boy in NC that grew up with divorced parents, fishing at his grandaddy's pond, riding tractors, and a pain in the side of his youth pastor. He sat in the principals office every other day in middle school for being the class clown and taking it too far. As a teen at the Christian summer camps he attended, he would be in the center of everything crazy. But then things crazy happened. He became the Bible toting witness in high school, a youth leader at youth group, and a children's/youth ministry volunteer. He went to Oklahoma to take on an evangelism internship. He transferred from his dream college to attend a theological school, found a wife and took a job as the youth pastor in a church in Florida! Years later he was called to a San Antonio youth group, and became a dad to a beacon-of-hope kid with a terminal illness (which his son will be healed of!). Last August, God called him into Children's Ministry full time at River City Community Church in San Antonio.

If you haven't guessed it, that last guy is me. I'm living proof that anything can happen! If you take chances in life and seek God first in every decision, anything can happen in your life as well. Will you do it? Will you have an "anything can happen moment"? Will you allow another one if you have already done it before. I believe in you. In fact, I know that you can have that moment and more like them starting now. How? Give God the driver's seat and let him take it over fully and completely. Let your kids see it as well!

Motivation: Annie Bridges

2011-03-29T13:50:00.000-05:00

Motivation. What motivates you? Who has motivated you in life? I'm going to brag on my wife for a second. When I think of motivation, she is the first person I think of. She is a teacher that chose to work at the high school that she went to in San Antonio, TX. I'm sure you are expecting to hear that she is the best teacher ever, that her plays are ridiculous, and that she is the greatest teacher to ever roam the halls at Holmes HS. Well, she is…but I know that doesn't hold much water to you the reader because I'm her husband!

As my grandmother would say, "The proof is in the pudding." The drama department has grown tremendously this past year. She has tons of kids asking about how to sign up next year. To the best of my knowledge there are different acting classes and tech classes…both are currently full for next year! Most of her students send her facebook friend requests after they graduate!

Motivation. She has learned how to motivate these teens. They work hard every day either in her classes or during after-school rehearsals. There is a lot of preparation that goes into a musical, a play, or a one-act competition! She has learned to motivate those teens because she has taken the time to do so. You can easily motivate someone by over-powering them or by manipulation, but that is for the short term. Instead, she has learned that getting to know her students and showing them that she believes in them grants her the opportunity to motivate them to succeed. I can tell you that the ones that do succeed, she rejoices in their success. The students that fall short and make poor life decisions, she feels sorrow for them. That's because she is invested in her students.

That's the key to real motivation. If I need to be motivated (for the long term) I need to know that the person that is trying to push me wants the best for me and my vision!

Capture Your Vision!

2011-03-25T15:11:00.000-05:00

When an individual captures his vision, his leadership function begins to stir. Leadership is impossible without a vision because leadership exists to fulfill a vision. Without a vision, leadership is invalid and unnecessary. Vision validates leadership; it explains the existence of leadership. - Becoming a Leader by Dr. Myles Monroe

So what is your vision for today, tomorrow, next week, the next 6 months, next year, and the next decade? In order to be a leader at home, at church, and at work…you must have a vision!

I know as a former youth pastor and now a children's pastor…I thrive on vision. I see a room and my mind automatically transforms it into a theme. I picture chairs full of people. I see art on the walls. There is a snack bar, arcade, DJ spinning the latest remixes, and mascots roaming the room high fiving all the kids! I also picture the testimonies of my leaders leading hundreds of kids to Christ. I see parents rebuilding relationships with their spouses. I see multiple services. I can picture having to talk to the senior pastor about needing more rooms and bigger budgets. There will be tons of volunteers actually leading the services with me, championing them on. There will be a children/teen athletic center that will host sporting events and family activities (think YMCA, but bigger!). There are camps year around.  My team and I will host children ministry conferences to inspire, inform, and minister to other leaders. That's my vision for ministry.

I see a healed young man baffling his doctors because God healed him of his terrible disease. Josiah will be preaching about what God did, and thousands will hear of his testimony and turn to Jesus for their spiritual and physical healing.  I picture my wife being the head of her department mentoring assistants and students that want to go into teaching and directing. Annie will also be leading a drama team that travels across the country during the summer for major conferences. I see Josiah's medical bills paid in full. I see college tuition paid in full. A new house with a back porch and a good size kitchen will be our home…paid! And yes, ECU will have a 13-0 football season!

How's that for a vision? Parents what is your vision for your family, your ministry, and yourself. What do you want to see happen in your lifetime?  After you dream, ask God where He fits in. Then ask God to take that dream and make it happen... or to trash it…only because you might not have dreamt big enough!

Jimmy Buffet and Jesus

2011-03-11T09:00:00.000-06:00

If you could hang out with somebody today, who would it be? Now, since this is a “religious” blog I’m sure you are thinking I’m about to say Jesus. Well, okay. JESUS. So now that we have the obvious choice out of the way…who else? Let’s take away deceased family members too. So that probably knocks out your first two picks (for the record: Jesus was my first pick and my granddaddy was my second!).

Jimmy Buffet. Yep. That’s whom I would like to talk to and hang out with today. BTW…Mr. Buffet if you are reading this, I have Mondays off!! You might be asking: why do you want to hang out with Jimmy? Well, it’s simple. I love stories. I love story telling. I was listening to his Margaritaville XM radio station on the way to the office today. I don’t know anybody else that can captivate a crowd the way he can. Look how fast his concerts sell out, year after year!

The reason I think of him with this is because he is so relational. I have no clue what he is like off the stage, but on the stage,WOW! He might be a totally different guy standing in line at his local Subway waiting for his meatball sub! When I am in front of the kids, I want to be just as relational. As leaders (especially in kids ministry) we have to walk a fine line between disciplinarian and fun, goofy clowns. I want

to present the Gospel in a fun, relative, and relational way. We need to draw the crowd into our subject matter the way Jimmy does. Of course he

isn’t the first great story teller (have you read one of Jesus’ parables?!).

There are thousands of children's ministry workers (and we need more...hint, hint) so what can you do to set yourself apart? Be relational. Be real. Be authentic. And most of all, have fun. Watch a video of Jimmy doing a concert. Watch how he interacts with the crowd.

Watch how he draws the audience in to his stories; it’s amazing because he does it for more than 2 hours at a time. This week lets do the same. Lets connect with these kids! Lets draw them into more than just story time, let’s draw them into Jesus!

Grillin' and Prayin'

2011-03-10T13:41:00.000-06:00

I love to eat grilled food. I'm a huge fan of it. Granted, I love to "play" with the matches and lighter fluid more than anything else. There has been a time or two that I thought I might have singed my eyebrows because of pyro antics, but to this day I haven't been burned…yet. I want you to imagine something with me. Ready?

You decide to grill out. You find the keys to the car and go to the grocery store. Charcoal, check. Hamburger meat, check. Lighter fluid, check. Ketchup, check. Mustard, check. Pickles, check. Cheese, check.Buns, check. Soft drink, check. After paying for the items, you head back to the car, ready to get going. After cleaning the grill up, you get everything set up. If you are like me you will begin to sing a country song or two while preparing. The charcoal is placed in the grill in the typical pyramid fashion. The hamburger meat is set. The cheese is set. You even have ice in your cola! You empty half of the bottle of lighter fluid on the charcoal. Life is great!

Then it happens. During the 5th rendition of a Toby Keith song you realize…MATCHES. That's right, you didn't get any matches. SERIOUSLY?!

Well that's when the levy breaks. Some of us might storm off. Some might shout out words that would make that lady at the end of the pew on Sundays blush. Regardless of what you would do, you face the fact that you forgot the littlest purchase of them all. You forgot the matches.Funny how it all is a wash without the matches. Oh well, so much for that perfect post-crazy-office-day paradise!

Just like forgetting the matches for a grill out, we forget about prayer. See, we can have the greatest hopes, dreams, and ideas to serve God, but we can forget the smallest detail: prayer. Has this happened to you? You have a great plan, sell the plan, act on the plan…only to realize that you never asked God about that plan? In fact, prayer is the very first thing we should be doing. I know I have learned to not forget to pray before I embark on any decision, and I buy matches before I buy anything for the grill!

10,000 Songs?!

2011-03-04T11:42:00.000-06:00

I read that stat in this month's issue of a children's ministry

magazine. I was having a peaceful lunch outside, enjoying the cool breeze and the semi-hot Texas March sun…then this stat threw me for a loop. WOW. That's a lot of songs. That's a lot of ideas (some good and some bad). I laughed it off, but then I started to think my own iTunes collection! I then thought about our two year old. He sits in the backseat of our CRV, and we have music on constantly! He will even sing (in a 2yr old sort of way!) along with the music sometimes. In fact we

have a VeggieTales CD that stays in the car and you can't get his car seat buckled before he shouts "VEGGIES!".

So this idea made me think even larger in theory. If kids are getting this much information from just the music they are listening to, what else are they processing? What are they hearing from their parents, teachers, coaches, friends, pastors, etc? Are they receiving mixed messages from us? Are they totally missing the ball because of an idea that we gave to them unknowingly?

WOW, talk about pressure. I want our lil man Josiah to think that he can do anything he wants to do when he gets older (president, doctor, astronaut, police man, or even a children's pastor!) . But, are my words and actions telling him that? On a spiritual note, are my words and actions giving him the view point that Christianity is about a relationship with Christ and not just a list of do's and don'ts?

So here's the hard part. Think about your relationships with your kids. What messages are you sending out for them to process?

Dave Matthews Band "You and Me"

2011-03-03T14:12:00.001-06:00

First of all, Dave Matthews Band rocks. OK, now that we got that outta the way, watch the video below. Notice how during the song Dave is joined by his band and other musicians. These musicians all come together in the video to make music.

I sent this as an email to our volunteer team in the Children's Ministry at River City Community Church: The message is outstanding. My vision for our team is found in this video. Notice all the people that show up during the video. It's not just about Dave Matthews or his band; it's about a community coming together. They all bring their instruments and voices to join in. Then the chorus hits and it's a great line:

"You and me together, we could do anything baby You and me together, yes yes"

That's what the Children's ministry is all about. It has to be about us coming together to minister to a huge group of kids. This week we are adding the 4th service which causes us to spread our wings even further! I am spending extra time praying this week for every kiddo and parent that walks through our doors. I'm reviewing the lesson a little deeper. I'm asking God what I can do to think even further outside the box to reach these kids. If you and me together decide to do this, we could do anything! Let's make every effort to be upstairs at 8 am for our monthly meeting (primarily Pre-k and up leaders, but all are welcome and encouraged to join us). We will be focusing on follow-up and ways to be intentional (plus coffee & breakfast goodies!). I value you, your family, and your ministry to these kids! Will you be there?

My hope is that our team and your family will be just that…A TEAM. If we worked together we could do anything!

Justin

2011-02-25T11:00:00.000-06:00

There are a handful of people in my life that I truly, truly respect. They showed integrity on and off the clock, through thick and thin. I have a buddy that I did an internship with named, Justin. We were fresh outta high school ('97) and we moved from all parts of the country to Tulsa, OK. I remember him and his actions vividly. As an intern for this particular ministry, we had 5 guys crammed into a 2 bed room apartment (Justin was with me & another good friend in our room). Living in such close quarters, you really learn a lot about somebody. A lot of time people that serve publicly both in religious and secular fields have a tendency to "turn it on" when others are around. Justin never did that. He was "on" at 8am and 8pm.

What made him different? What makes me think of him with respect after more than 10yrs later? Justin was a man of integrity. He was fresh outta high school, preachers kid, and ready to serve...everybody. What he meant is what he said. Plus another cool thing about him was that he would tell you and tell the next guy the same exact thing. He wouldn't change the story to make himself sound better. As an intern, the majority of us didn't have transportation...so guess who would help drive...Justin and his Ford Ranger. He was that guy that you could always depend on for a lol, an ear in a time of need, and spiritual support. He never took short cuts in our Bible studies and day to day tasks.

So my question is this...am I like Justin with my family, friends, co-workers, and volunteers? Would they be able to write the same sort of stuff about me that I wrote about Justin? And you. What about you? Are you like Justin in your integrity?

How great would it be that we would be like Justin some day?!

It was 1996...

2011-02-24T13:20:00.000-06:00

Youtube video of Wonderwall by Oasis:

The year was 1996. I was a junior in a big public high school. I drove a beat up 1986 old-egg-white Toyota Corolla, which had no heater. I also had my first leadership experience. It was awesome...sort of. See, I thought I was going to start preaching the moment I told my youth pastor that God called me into ministry. Ha, well...I preached in the bathrooms. Yep, I was handed the broom and told to get after it.

A couple of weeks passed, then I was handed a pen. I had the glorious position of checking off my buddies names as they walked into youth group. I starred at the stage waiting, hoping, and anxious. Then, I "moved up" to the "Strike" position. I was put in charge of moving chairs after service, while my buddies went to McDonalds to eat. Afterwards I took a discipleship training course which lead to no dating and tons of Bible reading. After that...then I got on the stage to do announcements and to help lead the drama team. That took about a year to get to the point of where I wanted to be, but it wasn't where I knew I'd end up.

I posted this song on the blog, because it's one of those defining songs in my life. I listened to the tape/cd pretty much every night on the way to youth group and on the way back. Windows rolled down, screaming the words and attempting to do the air guitar on Fire Tower Rd. As soon as I heard it today on Pandora...I was sent back in time. WOW, 1996 was a while back....

So this got me thinking. When you received your calling from God...what did you do with it? Did you run after it? Did you wait, then ran after it? Are you fulfilling it now? Are you just waiting? Life throws a bunch of curveballs so maybe you haven't been able to do exactly what He called you too yet? Maybe because of the choices you have made or because you lacked the faith to step out and do it. I'm only saying this because I went back in time and thought about the dreams I had in 1996 in reflection of 2011. Sure I am doing what I wanted, but there is so much more to do! I know I haven't arrived yet...and the moment that I think I have, well...I really probably haven't. I pray that we will always remember what God has called us to do and act on it daily!

Did You Pray?

2011-02-23T10:37:00.000-06:00

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." Mark 1:35

That verse jumped out, did a couple of summersaults, and then unashamedly slapped me in my face! Jesus...our Savior, Son of God, part of the Trinity...yeah you get the point...got up early to pray. He didn't get up early to walk the dog. He didn't get up early to have a cup of coffee. He didn't even get up early to gain an extra hour of work. Nope. Jesus got up early to pray.

How many of you got up early to pray today? Go ahead, raise your hands. What? Are you to chicken to raise your hands? Well, ok maybe neither one of us got up early to pray. That's ok we are human, we sometimes fail to see the writing on the wall! We would rather pretend to be all that instead of submitting and realizing we need help.

I wonder if Jesus (yeah see two paragraphs above for a refresher!) saw the importance of spending time with God, then maybe we should too. Understand I am completely exposed (wow, did I just type that?!). I am. I only blog about what I'm going through, thinking about, praying for, etc...and this morning I am telling you that you are not alone. What if we hit the redo button. What if we paused, even if it's for 30sec (if that's all you got) to ask God to speak to us? If "Christian" means to be "Christ like" then I don't see us having a choice in the matter! Maybe if we did submit, God would show us the missing link to our lives, or maybe He would just give a hug. I don't know about you...but I'm gonna find out!

Jimmy Kimmel Surprises Bieber Fan

2011-02-22T11:09:00.002-06:00

This is definitely in the top 10 funniest youtube videos ever!

OK, so this little girl has "Bieber Fever". My wife and I lol for at least 5min after watching this video. She loves Bieber so much, she literally can't stand it! OK, I get it...she probably was way over due for a nap and was a little on edge but you can't deny that she is fan. I couldn't embed the original video because the user blocked it, so you have to check that one out on your own!

This got me thinking. What am I that passionate for? What has me in tears just because my heart is about to bust out of my chest. Off the top of my head: My 2yr old, my wife, and ECU. Where does the church fit into that? What about you? Is the church...let's rephrase that...YOUR ministry (church is a building, but ministry is a church in action) fit with that? Are you that passionate about helping others? If not, why not? My prayer is that I would become so passionate about reaching the kids at the Launching Pad, is that I would drive to the church with white knuckles because I gripped the steering wheel so hard! I want her passion. I want to minister to and alongside the parents so bad that I can't quit praying for them at 1am.

So when I think of passion I think of this little girl with "Bieber Fever". My prayer for you and for me is that we would grow that passionate about our ministry at our churches. If you aren't plugged into a church, River City Community Church in San Antonio is a great one to be at...including the Children's Ministry! May we have more passion than ever before!

My Legacy and Yours...

2011-02-18T16:37:00.001-06:00

¹ Samuel said to all Israel, “I have listened to everything you said to me and have set a king over you. ² Now you have a king as your leader. As for me, I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have been your leader from my youth until this day.³ Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the LORD and his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these things, I will make it right.” ⁴ “You have not cheated or oppressed us,” they replied. “You have not taken anything from anyone’s hand.” ⁵ Samuel said to them, “The LORD is witness against you, and also his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is witness,” they said.
1 Samuel 12:1-5

How awesome is verse 4? I hope that my son will be able to say that about me when it's time for me to head out into Heaven. I seriously wonder what my legacy will be. Not just after I die, but after people meet me, work with me, or hear me preach. For example: what does the youth group in NC think about me now that most of them have gotten older, graduated from college, and having kids? What will the young adults from Tampa think of me 8yrs after I said goodbye and moved to TX? What will my former youth group kids from TX say about me 10yrs from now? And now, now what will the kids and leaders say about me at my current position at RCCC 20yrs from now?

What we do in the now, will affect what we will do in the future and what others say about us. Hopefully we are all building a legacy...what will yours be?

The KING did what?!

2011-02-17T13:39:00.004-06:00

Although he (king Asa) did not remove the high places, Asa's heart was fully committed to the Lord all his life.

-1 Kings 15:14

This verse is tragic to me and should be to you. Asa was rocking it as a king. He was making hard decisions, moving, and shaking the country towards God. Then all of a sudden, verse 14 pops up. Why would Asa dismantle everything that wasn't of God and leave the high places along? Seriously, Asa, why?!

OK, then God knocked me off my high horse and I landed in big old puddle of spiritual mud. How often do I give God everything and leave one area of my life unchecked? Sometimes it's for political, personal, or insecure reasons. Sometimes it's just Robbie wanting to control it (oh yeah, BTW...this is Robbie typing FYI!). What? So here I am chewing at the bit to ask Asa what the heck he was doing, and here I am doing the same thing myself?! Evaluate yourself too...have you gave God EVERYTHING?

The Bible is funny like that. You read something written forever ago and it still hits home! There might be something to this God thing! :)

Why aren't you leading on Sunday?

2011-02-16T16:13:00.000-06:00

What are you doing this Sunday morning? After you first cup of coffee of course...what's next? What will you do this upcoming Sunday to change the face of this generation? You could drop the kiddo's off at their children's church...or you could do something even better.

BE A PART OF IT.

"IT" means a lot of things. It means your child's future. It means their spiritual foundation. It means joining a team of talented leaders. It means showing Jesus. It means...

So this isn't a beggars plead or a simple "you should sign up" (in my best nerd-geek voice)...instead we are talking Mel Gibson a decade or so ago sporting the kilt yelling, "FREEDOM!!". The children's ministry doesn't need another helper or sub. No, the children's ministry in your church needs you. Without your help that kid in the back contemplating suicide might act on it. The girl in the front might never raise her hand to accept Jesus for the first time. The volunteer that is so burnt out might quit because they are tired of doing it alone. Who knows what is on the other side of the door as your drop your children off.

So this is my battle cry. This is my attempt to motivate you into action. This Sunday. Be the "IT" factor, bring it. We aren't looking for a Bible expert or somebody that dresses like a clown, no...what we are needing is somebody that will take 1hr to get to know a hurting generation. Will you be that someone this week at the church? Let me know!

Vines? Vines!

2011-02-15T11:07:00.001-06:00

As a kid I loved walking in the woods behind our house. I'm talking tall pines, big oaks, gumball trees, and thorn bushes...tons of thorn bushes! One of my favorite things to do in the woods was to hunt for vines. I'm not talking little wussy vines, but the kind of vines that were like in the movie Tarzan. Well, maybe that's extreme but I could climb some of them and swing around a little (mom, I really hope you are not reading this!).

Climbing wasn't my only past time with these vines. I wanted to pull them down. I wanted to rip their grip apart from the tree that was in "bondage". Even as a kid, I viewed these vines as holding the tree back from reaching it's maximum potential.

Now, fast forward 20yrs and I still see vines the same way. Just this morning on the way to church I noticed a vine on a tree. My instinct was to pull the car over, jump out, and start tugging at the vine. I would have done it, but I figured that...well that my fellow drivers might call the cops at the crazy guy hanging on the tree! God spoke to me through that vine though. He began to ask me what the vines were in my life? What has it's grip on me, taken root, and wrapping itself around me? I had to do some hard evaluating and realized I have some fear issues since childhood and over time they have become a thick vine circling myself. This lead to me asking God to pull that vine down, much like I would pull down the vines in our woods.

So here's my question to you: What is/are the vines in your life? Maybe you are like me and never really thought about it, or maybe ignored it...until the vine was so big that it might hurt to pull down?

2yr Giving Blood

2011-02-11T13:10:00.000-06:00

I had a God moment this morning. We had to take our son to the hospital to get some blood drawn. He has CF so this isn't anything new, but that doesn't make it easier! As we walked into the hospital room he began to stare at me. It was a deep stare, you know one of those "why" stares. When I held him close to me and moved the pillow close to his arm...he began to resist. He squeezed my right hand with his right hand, looked at me and just started to scream/cry. I told him everything was ok, and that it would be better. That didn't matter, he saw the nurse, the room, the bed, the pillow...he knew the gig was up.

As she drew the viles of blood, I kept telling him "A little longer and it'll be over. You will get that matchbox car and some Sprite!". He buried his ear into my face as I was talking to him. Once it was over he gave me a huge hug and wouldn't left his head off my shoulder. I just patted him on the back and told him how proud I was of him.

As we walked out he was saying "Sprite!". His tears had dried up and he knew he was leaving the hospital. I told him repeatedly how much I loved him and how he was a big boy. I wanted him to know that he is a brave 2yr old!

This totally made me think of how God must feel about us. He knows that we go through hard times. He cares about us all the time and only wants the best for us. He holds us when we get scared. He wants the most for us 24-7. How amazing is that? He even promises us His version of a car toy and Sprite when we get through the hard stuff. God is cool isn't He?

WIPEOUT VIDEO and $50,000

2011-02-10T16:08:00.000-06:00

What would you do for $50K? How far would you go to get that money? Chances are you would do a lot! More than half of prime time TV (both on regular and cable) show reality shows with contestants trying to win cash. This video is a great example of it!

Believe it or not, this is the kids favorite pre-launch video before we start the service on Sunday mornings. They love this show and talk about it after the service. I have used it as a jump off to talk as well. But here's what crazy. We work, work, work to get the short reward of cash. Sometimes our families, ministry, and dreams suffer because of it. What if we worked that hard spiritually to hear from God? What if we strived to read His Word? What if we took time everyday to pray and grow spiritually with Him? Could you imagine what would happen?

So while we strive and work hard to get our paycheck, I'm issuing a challenge that we would work equally hard to get closer to God. Seriously thank about that. What would you do for 50K versus an eternity with God? If the love of money out ways the love of God...do some serious thinking night!

Hilarious 2min Video on Trust

2011-02-09T11:00:00.004-06:00

Let's talk about trust for a few minutes. What do you trust? Who do you trust? Why do you trust him/her? I know that everybody has let us down before at some time. Maybe it was our brother or sister, our cousin, our boss, or whoever? That's the thing about mankind, we aren't completely trustworthy. Some people are better than others but in the end, nobody is perfect.

Well, correction. There is Jesus who was/is/and will be! It's important to remember that we can put our total trust in Him. Sure life will bring us ups and downs, but regardless of the season Jesus will always be beside us. Just a gentle reminder today, to put your trust in Him!

Oranges in Chili?!

2011-02-05T08:20:00.002-06:00

Chili. My wife made the most incredible chili last night. It wasn't exactly on the diet plan...but it was well worth it. She worked on it all afternoon making sure the seasoning was right, the ingredients were perfect, and the timing was all correct. It was a work of art! We invited the whole family to eat and there were no leftovers. She really did a great job following the recipe!

What would have happened if she didn't follow the recipe for the chili? What if she put in oranges instead of tomatoes, because oranges are prettier than tomatoes? What if she put in corn instead of meat because corn would give the chili a bright yellow color? OK, yeah that would be silly...but seriously think about that. What if she never tasted chili before, never read a recipe, or never cooked before. It would be a disastrous result (but I would have still loved it, for the record!).

The Bible is our spiritual recipe. It tells us how to live, act, love, and everything else in between. We can try to do it by ourselves only to find that we fall short of the recipe and the results don't really work out as intended. If we were to apply the Biblical recipe then the outcome would be totally different! Maybe before we make another decision we could see how God would have us do it? We could follow God's recipe for life!

Embarrassing moment in college and Kelsey Grammer

2011-02-04T08:00:00.004-06:00

Have you ever been embarrassed? Yep you have. Maybe you tripped, spoke out of turn, missed the shot, got rejected, maybe ate one to many tacos and they came back...yeah you have been embarassed before!

OK, if you haven't don't read the rest of this blog post. Log off.

Since you are still reading, that makes me feel like we can bond and be real. One of the worst times of embarrassments I have ever encountered was during one of my finals weeks at ORU. Long story short: I overslept from cramming, went to the bathroom, and then raced to my class not knowing that there was a six feet of toilet paper following me. That's right, a couple of feet of toilet paper flapping in the wind following my every move from the back of my jeans. Everyone was getting out of my way, which I took as my fellow college peeps showing some love...but instead they were secretly lol. Actually, some weren't secretly lol. In fact one person let me know that I had a paper trail because he lost his coffee lol.

So there, that's my story. Here's another one. Check out Kelsey Grammer's face after he falls:

Now let's get to the meat of this blog post. How embarrassed are you to share your face? Do you have that dear in the head light look in your eyes when God tells you to speak up? Are you like SURE!, or are you like.s...u....r....e? We should be proud of our faith. Now I'm not going to Walmart to buy a bullhorn tonight but instead of treating Christ like a page 4 story in the Sports section, I want it to be known that I love Jesus. Does that make sense?

We are like Pharaoh!

2011-02-03T11:19:00.000-06:00

Pharaoh said, "Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go."
-Exodus 5:2

OK. So yeah, Pharaoh was: hard headed, heartless, selfish, jerk, and a _______ (you fill in the blank). Now that we have that out the way. What was Pharaoh really like, not in front of Moses? What was he like with his boy and wife? What did he do for fun when he wasn't being an idiot? What was he like with the Egyptian basketball team (just kidding).

Here's the sad part. We are like Pharaoh. YES, YOU READ THAT RIGHT. YOU are like Pharaoh. Whoa, wait a minute...did he seriously type that? Yes, I did. Look...I'll say it again: YOU ARE LIKE PHARAOH. We all are.

Let me clarify, I'm not talking about the whole slave issue...but I am speaking about the heart issue. How many times has God told us to do something and we.......don't do it. GASP. (see now why I was comparing us to Pharaoh?). Maybe we do what God asks us to do but is it because we want to or because we fear him (and you know the difference between holy fear and fear of getting whooped).

My thoughts are simple on this issue. Pharaoh refused to listen to God. He listened to his ego. This caused not only horrible inward pain...but also pain for his nations economics, livestock, families, and beyond. Plus it lead to his son's death (and thousands of other first borns) and ultimately his own death. Maybe our decision won't cause a massive effect like Pharaohs, but maybe it would? Instead of being one of the worse villains in the Bible, he could've been a great hero...if he only listened. What about you?

Test

2011-02-02T17:20:00.000-06:00

Testing the new blog!

Video Message to the Dads

2011-01-05T11:12:00.004-06:00

This is a message to all the daddy's out there! We have so much power in the way we treat our kids. We can build them up and we can tear them down not only by our words but by our actions as well. After many years of working with all age groups of young people (pre-k through college) I have found this to be true. Now that I'm a dad myself, I am trying to remember all those conversations and learn from them. I know that I am not perfect but I'm striving to show Josiah (our 2yr old) what it means to be a Godly man and that's the best I can do. What happens to the kids that don't get that example at home? Check out this video, for a possible outcome. My prayer is that we show our kids love, teach them respect, and to have self worth.

Habakkuk

2010-12-30T11:39:00.002-06:00

God, you're from eternity, aren't you? Holy God, we aren't going to die, are we?
God, you chose Babylonians for your judgment work? Rock-Solid God, you gave them the job of discipline? But you can't be serious! You can't condone evil! So why don't you do something about this? Why are you silent now? This outrage!
Evil men swallow up the righteous and you stand around and watch! You're treating men and women as so many fish in the ocean, Swimming without direction, swimming but not getting anywhere. Then this evil Babylonian arrives and goes fishing. He pulls in a good catch. He catches his limit and fills his creel— a good day of fishing! He's happy! He praises his rod and reel, piles his fishing gear on an altar and worships it! It's made his day, and he's going to eat well tonight! Are you going to let this go on and on? Will you let this Babylonian fisherman Fish like a weekend angler killing people as if they're nothing but fish? (Habakkuk 1:12-17)

Habakkuk was one angry dude that day. A couple of things jump out at me with this passage. This wasn't an "ordinary" guy (but who is?). He was a prophet of God. He was somebody that everybody looked to, to be reverent and to hear from God. Can you imagine over hearing your sunday school teacher cussing out God in angry voice before class started? That would blow your mind right? ( well, at least some of our minds!). Well if you were living around the same time Habakkuk was around, it would have the same affect....WOW! You may even have said, "You can't talk to God like that!".

This is one of the reasons why I like him though. He is blunt and brutally honest in his conversations with God. To often we play church and act like everything is ok...but it's not. We put our religious game faces on and pretend everything is great...but it's not. If we are having a case of the Munndays ( Office Space reference!), we should tell God about it!

Now those religious masks may work in front of friends, family, coworkers, etc. but there is no mask big enough to shield you from God. But that's ok. He is big enough. He can handle it. He wants an open relationship with us that requires us to be real, honest, raw, and sometimes "ungodly" in front of Him. There are some days while administrating Josiah's CF treatments, I am cussing God out. Why? What did he do to deserve it? Why us? Why not them? It's not fair! He's just a kid! It's only supposed to get worse God! After letting it all out with God, somehow He comforts me. Maybe not that instant, but He does in time. He reminds me of who He is. He whispers to me that Josiah is fulfilling some purpose that I don't or may never understand. He reminds me that He is God, and that I should put my trust in Him. This is sometimes followed by me saying "yeah right" and other times "thank you, ok".

Thank God, He is patient with us. Not only is it therapeutic to have an open relationship with Him, it's part of having a relationship with Him. How many relationships you know work out based on holding grudges? Not many! Until we are totally honest with our happy and negative thoughts with Him, we can never truly learn how He loves us and how He is in the midst of every situation we face (both good and bad). Just a random thought today!

Horatio Spafford, Thank You

2010-12-29T11:25:00.003-06:00

I am not a big hymn guy, I will gladly pop in David Crowder instead. But this morning was different. The praise band preformed a contemporary version of "It Is Well With My Soul". I stand on the stage during worship (not by choice, always feels a little awkward) and I always look for Josiah in the crowd. The songs become more alive to me when I think of what God has done for our lil man. When they cranked up the words to this song, it brought back a lot of memories of his struggles from birth, and even up to this past week. That's when I remembered the history of the song.

A Christian lawyer named Horatio Spafford (1828-1888) had a tough life. He lost his son at an early age. He lost all of his investments in 1871 because of the great Chicago fire. Two years later he set out on an evangelistic mission to Great Britain, but got detained because of a business deal. Instead his wife and four daughters went ahead, and he would sail shortly after. Their ship never reached Great Britain because it was struck by another ship off the cost of Wales. Within minutes their ship was under water. Shortly after, he received a cable message from his wife that said, "saved alone". His four daughters had drowned....

Horatio immediately left to sail to Great Britain to meet his wife. While at sea, he began to write this text, "When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul."

What's crazy is Horatio didn't focus on all the horrible things that happened in his life, but instead he focused on the redemptive work of Christ. He easily and deservedly could have said, "why me" or "it's not fair" but instead he totally leaned on Christ. I don't know if I'm totally there yet, but I hope to be there someday. I know every person that reads this has had some great life stories, as well as some tragedies in various degrees and levels. Maybe some day we will come to the same conclusion that Horatio did...that it will with my soul.

Watching TV in the Gym?!

2010-12-28T11:22:00.001-06:00

You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two. Nobody has to tell it what to do. All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions. So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed? A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent house guest! (Proverbs 6:6)

I have been thinking a lot about exercising and maintaining good health. Between doing research on CF and learning how Josiah needs to stay active and looking at last years camp pictures (started to look like the typical children's pastor!) I've gotten motivated myself. How can I tell Josiah to live a healthy lifestyle if his daddy isn't?! Just saying!
So there I was at the gym before hitting the office. As I was sweating on the elliptical machine I noticed a funny scene. There was this obese guy sitting on a leather couch drinking a cup of coffee and watching tv. Now why a gym has a tv and leather couch is funny in itself, but seeing this proved to be even funnier. He was totally dressed to work out....actually over killed it a bit (wristbands, headbands, work out shirt, and sweats). You might say that he was taking a time out, but it was a 45min time out! 45min in the gym without sweating?!!

That's when Proverbs 6:6 came into my mind. How often do we intend to do something only to live with just the intentions? I know if my family only intended to make sure Josiah did his medications/breathing treatments/calorie intakes....well it would be a bad thing. I know if I only intended to get in shape...well that would be bad too! Spiritually speaking, if I only intended to know Jesus more....you get the point.
So I believe we should be more like the Ants when it comes to our intentions. Ants don't over think it, over kill it, or wait for it happen...they do it!

Breathe

2010-12-27T11:20:00.001-06:00

Genesis 2:7 states, "The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being."

Notice it says, "breathed" in the verse. That really struck me this morning. We all have to breathe to sustain life. Don't believe me, go swimming in the deep end of the pool and hold your breath under water! There's no "if, and, or but" about it...we all have to breathe. How amazing is it that God breathes His life into us? That means we are connected with Him! That means He wants us to be!

When I hold my 2yr old son, Josiah, during one his breathing treatments (three times a day now) this verse makes perfect sense. Those breathing treatments contain medicine that help him to breathe...to open up his lungs to loosen up mucous and other gunk. When we put the percussion vest on him during these treatments, it pounds his lungs to help with the break up the gunk. When Josiah is developing a cold, etc the CF clinic advised us to up the ante with the treatments to help fight the affects of his sickness. Those machines help to breathe life into him in a sense.

God wants us to do the same with us. He breathed life into us, but that isn't enough. He wants to breathe into us even more. He wants to breathe life into us daily, continuous regardless if life is going great or during a turn-moil (aka...a cold to keep with Josiah's example above).

Look at football stars. When the defense steps off the field, many put on an oxygen mask. How many of us are running around on the field, wanting a time out, just to catch our breath?

Today is the day. Stop what you are doing, and breathe. For some of us, that could be hard. Take a moment, even if it's 60 sec and ask God to breathe new life into you today. Then hit the ground running!

Hammer said, "you got to pray just to make it today"

2010-12-26T11:18:00.002-06:00

So how often do you pray? When do you pray? Where do you pray?
The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are praying ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. (Matthew 6:7)

Religion tends to mess things up. I hate to put anything under "religion" on forms. Christianity shouldn't be about religion, instead it should be based on a relationship. So, here's the question I'm asking myself this morning in the mirror: Robbie, are you praying religiously to God or are you praying like you have relationship? Hard conversation this morning! Take a moment and ask yourself the same question.....then have a conversation with your Father!

Don't Get In The Way!

2010-12-25T11:16:00.001-06:00

By now they had arrived at the house of the town official, and pushed their way through the gossips looking for a story and the neighbors bringing in casseroles. Jesus was abrupt: "Clear out! This girl isn't dead. She's sleeping." They told him he didn't know what he was talking about. But when Jesus had gotten rid of the crowd, he went in, took the girl's hand, and pulled her to her feet—alive. The news was soon out, and traveled throughout the region. (Matthew 9:23-26)

How often are we in that crowd? Seriously speaking. Jesus had to push through all the gossips and neighbors bringing in food to do ministry. We get around a serious situation and instead of helping to solve it, we create even more chaos. These people had to have known who Jesus was based on previous healing, and plus they were gossips (I'm sure they told a story or two about Him!).

I wonder how many times Jesus has to shout, " CLEAR OUT!" to us so He can minister to people?

Say What You Mean

2010-12-24T11:13:00.001-06:00

"And don't say anything you don't mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, 'I'll pray for you," and never doing it, or saying, 'God be with you,' and not meaning it. You don't make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say 'yes' and 'no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong."
-Matthew 5:33-37

Gut check. How does this relate to you? Do you speak religious talk or do you mean what you say? I used to get busted by youth all the time after youth group when I was youth pastoring. See, before youth group someone would come to me for counsel or a prayer request. I'll would listen to them...while still working on something last minute in my mind. I would say, " ok I'll be praying for you". After youth group I wouldn't remember a thing or even the fact they asked me to pray for them. Now, I'm honest with our youth group. Most times I will be real with them and let them know that I'm extremely busy, but would like to pray...after youth group. Find me. I'll look for you too, but seriously find me cause I want you to have my total attention. Imagine if we did that with everyone around us. What if we became real and transparent?
Here's the second part that hits home to me. What if we prayed like we were talking to our friend or our dad instead of putting religious talk in the way. Seriously, do you think God talks like that... brother (ha!)? He has to see through it. (now if you use "brother" in your everyday talk, that's different...I'm totally stereotyping here). On a personal level, I hate it when people find out that I'm a full time pastor because all of a sudden the language turns into "God this...God that...etc" instead of what is really on their minds about sports, government, or relationships.
Matthew 5:33-37 teaches me to be real...both with man and God. What do you think? What does it speak to you?

Investing in Children & Teens!

2010-12-23T11:09:00.001-06:00

People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. "Let these children alone. Don't get between them and me. These children are the kingdom's pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in." -Luke 18:15-17

If you are like me, your might have thought to yourself...those jerks! But, how often do we do exactly what those people did? How often do we see children and teenagers only to "shoo" them off? This age group should be the primary focus of ministry in a church (in my humble children pastor thoughts of course!) because not only are they the future, they are the present. Show me a thriving children ministry and youth ministry...and you will also show me a thriving church. Jesus understood this. He knew the importance of having youth around. Spiritually speaking, that's where most of our church foundations were born, through our elementary-senior high school ages.

So before you overlook volunteering with these ages, re-read that verse. What are you doing to shape this generation today? Are you shooing them off or are you high-fiving them?

Got time for 3 Sentences?

2010-12-22T11:08:00.001-06:00

Wow a 3 sentence post?!:

Is your faith written in permanent marker or erasable ink? Will people see your faith no matter what happened yesterday, today, or tomorrow? What type of impact will you make with erasable ink compared to something that permanent?

Dreams, Got Any?

2010-12-21T11:05:00.002-06:00

Think about Joseph for a second (see Genesis 37, 39-40). As a teenager he dreamed of being a great leader. I assume he thought it could be tomorrow or maybe next month...or even a year tops before it happened. In fact he even talked to his brothers about it because he was so excited about it!

What happens next? Well a life of craziness! He got thrown into an empty pit by his brothers, sold into slavery, sold again as a slave to an official in Egypt, falsely accused of rape, thrown into Pharaoh's prison, forgotten in prison, and finally an extremely high ranking in Pharaoh's government (seriously read the full story, I'm summarizing big time!). Sure, the position sounds great but look at what Joseph went through before getting that position?! He didn't get that till he was 30yrs old! OK, stop. Think. 30yrs old!

I think we get excited about the dreams that God gives us only to be disappointed when it doesn't happen immediately. If you examine all the tragedies in Joseph's life, you would find that it was setting him up to fulfill the dream he had as a teen. But here's the clincher...Joseph ran with God no matter what: Thrown into a pit to die by family, ok I still love God. Sold into slavery, ok I still love God. Accused of rape, ok I still love God. Forgotten about in a nasty prison, ok I still love God. WOW....

Are you willing to take the dreams of 2011 and give them to God? Maybe it will happen in 2011 or maybe in 2050. Take those dreams and live out the vision where you are now and continue to aim for the future! That's my hope. God spoke to me about my dreams, and I'm still running towards the dream that He gave me years ago. Will you run alongside me? Will you go after the dream that God has called you too?

You are the MVP!

2010-12-20T11:02:00.002-06:00

"The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty. 1 Corinthians 12:21-23.

God created all of us unique individuals that bring something to the table. The problem is when one thinks they have more to offer than the other....that God or somebody/something has made them supreme commander. That's what gets us in trouble. How many ministries, assemblies, cities, countries, or even kingdoms failed to realize that? I'd be curious to see how they are and the people they have surrounded themselves with are doing today. My prayer is that I never become that individual.

Lion Food!

2010-12-19T11:00:00.001-06:00

Ever watch the Discovery Channel or National Geographic? I know as a kid I was always fascinated by the big cats. I'm talking cheetahs, tigers, lions, jaguars, etc. The panther in the Disney movie, "the Jungle Book" was my favorite character...what kid does that? EVERYBODY KNOWS BALOO was the man (bear), but I loved the panther.

So naturally, I'm all about Daniel chapter 6...yeah you know it, "Daniel and the lions den".

Short recap. King Darius ( thank you mom for not giving me that name) signed a decree that everybody was to worship him and only him for thirty days. I guess this appealed to his ego because Darius didn't think through the implications that would cause, especially for Daniel. Truth be told, it was a set up anyways by Daniel's co-workers because they wanted him out. No two week pay, no "I'm sorry but...", instead they opted for the "let's kill'em plan". The only way they could do this would have king Darius stand in the way of Daniel worshiping the true King!

So let's get to the point of this post! (I know you're thinking...FINALLY!).

When Daniel got thrown into the lions den, God was there. In fact He shut the lions mouth (see Daniel 6:22) which was ridiculous! How amazing is our God that He cared to save Daniel's life out of the millions living on the earth? I can answer that for you...really amazing. Take it one step further, because He allowed Daniel to live, the miracle caused a revival to hit the nation, even Darius realized the awesomeness of God. He decreed to quit worshiping him, and worship the one TRUE God!

Good stuff...but it gets better. 1 Peter 5:8-10 talks about satan - devil, aka bad dude on every level - is compared to a "roaring lion" that is out to get us. Have you seen a roaring lion, YIKES! This isn't Simba we are talking about it, we are talking about a mad, thousand plus pound cat with very large teeth and claws, ready to turn you into spam. BUT. Remember how God saved Daniel, in fact the Bible said "shut the lions mouth". So we have a powerful roaring lion out there ready to pounce and a God that is ready to shut the lions mouth. Now bring on the awesomeness!

Who is your lion? What is your lion? Do you hear it roaring in the distance, behind you, or even so close you can smell the bad breath? God is there to shut it's mouth! Don't be fearful of what the lion (aka devil) could do, instead be amazed at what God can and will do in the situation that you are in.

My hope is for you to dare to dream, and live the vision that our awesome God...who shuts lions mouths...has for you!

Want to be like Jairus?

2010-12-18T10:58:00.002-06:00

There is a distraught father begging and pleading for his daughter's life to be spared. He was at his wits end. There was no hope. Death not only knocked at his family's door, but entered in and was stealing life. Can you picture his daughter's bed room? Mom is crying at her bedside. Her brother is next door sitting at the table pounding his fist into the wooden chair beside him, asking why this would happen to his sister? The air is stale inside the house. There isn't a lot of food around because the house hold finances are gobbled by medicines that promised relief and possible cures.

Enter Jairus. He was a prominent figure at the local temple. In fact, he was a leader of the synagogue! He heard about this "Jesus" that had been wandering the countryside healing and now causing various commotions amongst the people...right outside the temple...his temple! "Maybe he could help my daughter?"he thought......

Then we read in Mark 11:22, "A leader of the synagogue, named Jairus, came there, saw Jesus, and fell at his feet. He begged Jesus, saying again and again, 'My daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so she will be healed and will live.' So Jesus went with him."

Jairus hit the point of desperation. He was a leader of the synagogue (meaning he was a big shot at the temple) and he fell down at Jesus feet. He didn't care what others thought. He didn't care if it would put his job on the line. Instead of caring about circumstances, he fell down!

Are we that desperate? Is there something today that we need to bring to Jesus? Do we need to forget what others think? Do we need to step up, and humble ourselves to ask God to do something in our lives?

May you dare to dream, and live the vision that God has called you too!

Tell Somebody!

2010-12-17T10:53:00.003-06:00

Is it important that the church get the Word out to people? Don't automatically say yes. Look at your local church for second. Is your church doing that? OK, before you start to judge...look deeper. Are you doing that? Are you sharing the love of Christ to people in your circle, and beyond?

The word "witness" appears in the Bible:

108 times in the NIV
125 times in the Message
135 times in the New American Standard
175 times in the New King James
176 times in the Amplified
199 times in the New Living

No matter what the translation, witnessing is extremely important to get the Word out. We aren't talking about sport scores or the latest on Miley Cyrus...we are talking about eternity!

So think about this for a minute. How can you you witness today? God has put you specifically in this city, family, school, occupation, and country for a purpose. Are you living out that purpose? Are you fulfilling the great commission? Don't be one of the ones that holds back.

Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally. Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age. (Matthew 28: 16-20)

Dare to dream that dream that God has given you, and live the vision!

Mary Said Yes

2010-12-16T10:07:00.001-06:00

Mary said yes. God told her that her life, everything she knew would be different. That things were going to change for her from this point on. There would be certain dangers for a woman carrying a baby without a ring back in that day. What would Joseph think? What would her mom think? What would her dad think? What about the women down by the well? How would the town gossip take it?

Mary said yes. Can you imagine the story...."Mary said that God told her she was going to have a baby. Yeah right, do you expect us to believe that?". Can you imagine the names that would be shouted from the community at Mary for saying that?

Mary said yes. She didn't say maybe. She didn't say...what's in it for me? Nope. She said yes. WOW. How many things has God asked you to do and you said yes? How many times did He say to do something and you didn't hesitate...you said yes.

I wish I could say, "all the time" to those questions but I can't. I know I strive to follow and obey but I fall short. I probably would have asked God 20 questions and that's only in a minute span!

So what is God wanting you to do today? What is it He is asking you to say yes to today? Will you?

Children, Christmas, & Christmas Musicals...oh my!

2010-12-15T10:22:00.002-06:00

This Sunday our Launching Pad ministry preformed a great musical entitled, "Christmas Hang-Ups". It was a fun story of how some ornaments viewed other ornaments as inferior. The traditional ornaments did not like the souvenir ornaments and it caused quite a bit of strife. This musical caused me to think about my own personal life during the Holiday Season. How often do I sweat the small stuff? How often do I think about the true meaning of Christmas versus how often I think about all the busy calendars, lack of funds, or standing in long lines at the department store?

What was great about the musical was seeing the kids think through this process as well. It was awesome seeing their lights come on! They really owned the message of the musical, which caused me to own it as well. How often as teachers, pastors, or leaders do we try to teach something to the kids only to be taught ourselves? God is funny like that!

So the story ended with all the ornaments listening to Joseph tell the story of baby Jesus (the classic manger scene!). After hearing the story they learned that they should make Jesus the center of Christmas. If a group of kid dressed up as ornaments can learn this, why can't we?

School Pride TV Show

2010-12-02T10:32:00.002-06:00

Have you seen the show, "School Pride"? It's a reality tv show that takes a school that's about to fall apart because of neglect, remodels it up to present day code, and includes background stories on it's teachers and students. My wife LOVES the show. In fact she is brought to tears every week. She is a teacher herself and understands how the buildings (or lack of) can affect school pride. Lack of school pride affects everything else: academics, sports, after school activities, etc. Even housing around the school can be affected!

These schools were at one point great schools. They had pride. They had a fresh coat of paint. The windows weren't broken. They were modern at one point...years, sometimes decades ago. Fast forward to today and they are just trashed, desolate schools.

How many of us are like that spiritually? If we haven't been "remodeled" or "freshened up" spiritually, everything else around us will fall apart. Once the team arrives at the school, they take 7 days to totally flip it. What's cool about Jesus is, He doesn't take 7 days...He takes an instant. It might take some time to re-establish yourself because of days, months, or years worth of blah...but in that instant Jesus could change your whole world! The tv show comes to these schools because students have asked them to come. Maybe today would be good time for you to ask Jesus to come and "flip" yourself spiritually?

Love God all the time?

2010-12-01T09:38:00.004-06:00

LOVE.

How do you define love? How does this generation define love versus our great grandfathers definition? If you were to poll college students what would they say love is?

LOVE

That's the theme of this month's memory verse at the Launching Pad. Deuteronomy 6:5 says, "Love the Lord with all your heart". Easy verse to remember and even quote. Harder to live out! Notice it says, "with all your heart". That doesn't mean just a portion or measurement but all. So it's a 24hr love fest. I think it's easy to love God during the good times, during the worship portion at church, or during the times of seeing miracles...but that's not what the verse says. No matter what the season, time, or where you are...you should choose to love God.

So why is it hard to love during the hard times? Why is it like that? Why do we turn our love on and off like a light switch on the wall? I'm happy that God doesn't treat us like that! Scratch...I'm STOKED that God isn't like that. Maybe someday I will be like that too.

Santa, Christmas, & Jesus

2010-11-30T11:29:00.001-06:00

It's that time of year again. Our 2yrs old already sees Santa and says, "HO HO HO"! To funny! When you think about Christmas...what memories come to your mind? What is it that you go back too? I think about sitting in my Grandaddy's lap staring at the Christmas tree. We would talk about how cold it was outside and just look at the twinkling lights. I have tons of other memories that follow.

Now, how many memories flooded your mind? Where did the Christmas Story fall into those memories? Do you remember the time you shared the Christmas story to your child..or a child period? If not, maybe we could make some new memories this season!

Insane YouTube Video!

2010-11-23T12:05:00.001-06:00

How crazy was that? I think it's pretty awesome to see so many people coming together to do something. Imagine being on the outside seeing it all unfold! Here's the crazy part though...what are the voices we are listening too? Is it God's voice (hopefully He doesn't sound like that the MP3 voice) that you are listening to and obeying or is it someone or something else? What do you listen too? Do you follow?

My prayer is that I would listen to God like the people in this video listened to their iPods. I want to go where He says go, do what He says to do. But to often it's not God that I'm listening too...it's Robbie.

May we dare to dream, and live the vision that God has called us too!

What Are We Consuming?

2010-11-18T09:00:00.008-06:00

I'm eating while I type this. I am enjoying a huge cookie that my awesome assistant got me (shout outs to Mrs. Sherry!). I'm also enjoying a COKE (the machine is out of Diet!). I've got Tom Petty blasting his song, "Learning To Fly" song and I'm singing along to it. After I finish typing this blog I will be spending a short quiet time with God and Oswald Chambers.

I'm saying all this to ask the question, what are you feeding yourself right now? Sure we can go physical...are you eating in a way that will help your body maintain, gain weight, or lose weight. Let's go spiritual (for the record, that's where I was going!). Are you feeding your spiritual self with something today? For example, I am about to devour a page of "My Upmost for His Highest". If that's all I did today to feed my spirit man then I'm prob. losing some spirit weight and not growing. If were to pray, read the Word, and just converse with our Father...then maybe I'm gaining weight.

Our society is so consumed with physical maintenance that I think we forget about spiritual maintenance. What are you feeding yourself today, are you feeding your self today, and lastly why?

May we dare to dream, and live the vision that God has given us!

Part 2

2010-11-17T09:00:00.002-06:00

This is a part two of yesterday's post. I found another stat about children and technology that I wanted to write about it. It's based on TV.

99.5% of preschool families have a TV

75% of preschoolers watch TV on a typical day.

43% of 3 & 4 year olds have a TV in their room.

51% of the 3 & 4 year olds that have TV in their rooms have cable or satellite feeds

Once again I ask the question, are we allowing to much media (TV in this case) into our preschoolers life? Are we using it as a teaching tool, babysitter, or ______ (fill in the blank!). I wish I could say that I turn on Nick JR for it's educational purposes in the morning, but I don't! I want my coffee & wake up time! We don't have a TV in our son's room but I'm sure the day is coming when he asks.

74% of preschoolers...

2010-11-16T13:32:00.002-06:00

Children ages 4 to 6 spend almost 2hrs a day with media and technology. 74% of preschoolers know how to turn on the TV by themselves; 58% know how to use the remote to change channels by themselves; and 19% know how to turn on a computer by themselves.

-Turbocharged! Group

I read this and giggle because my soon to be 2yr old uses the iPhone as his toy. I even made a folder on the main page for him, entitled "Josiah". He will grab my phone, turn the volume up, and have a blast playing. It's pretty fun to watch. The only annoying part is, him learning to ignore phone calls and text messages (seriously, he will close them before I even know somebody tried to talk to me). We have talked about it, but I don't think he has listened to me about it...no in fact he has ignored that conversation!

Needless to say we live in an era of computers. This means we can chose to ignore that fact or we can embrace it. Do you use technology in your house? I know we use media to teach with at the LP (and more to come!). When is it to much. When do we need to unplug, turn on off, or cut the power cord? What do you think?

Accountability

2010-11-10T09:23:00.002-06:00

I'm meeting with a group of fellas today to dive into the Bible. It's a great group: small, place to be real, and relaxed. We are either pastors or volunteers in the church so we can lose the whole "holier than thou" routine that confronts real ministry. Why am I excited? Because it'll challenge me head on. It'll wake me up and remind me that it's not just ministry...it's a relationship with Christ. To many times clergy fall into the trap that ministry = work. Expand that, because volunteers can do the same thing. I know when I'm reading the Bible my mind automatically goes to "wow this would be a great lesson" or "wow, why didn't I point this verse out?!". I'm sure I'm not alone. When's the last time you were able to meet with a group and have a real discussion on the Word? I'm not talking about your typical Sunday school class (although it's a start) but when was the last time you just spoke up...not worried about what the person sitting across from you would think. When was the last time you challenged your best friend? If we begin to get real we begin to grow!

May you dare to dream, and live the vision that God has for you today!

DVR , God, Promises, & ECU

2010-11-09T14:53:00.002-06:00

I love my DVR. It's great. When I get the chance to watch my favorite football team (ECU) I will record the game and watch the high lights again later on in the week or the next. My wife and I have certain shows that we will record because of our chaotic schedule we can't watch it live. DVR is one of the greatest inventions ever! But it does make me think about how my lifestyle has changed the moment I got it. Today, if I miss it live...it's OK because I can record it. No more rushing to get home or trying to pre-program the VCR (cause that was soooo reliable!). It makes life more convenient. I also love the fact I can pre-program the DVR for the future (just hit the record button for next week!). We can even program it to record the entire series (but be sure you only hit the "new" episodes of Jersey Shore because MTV airs the same episode 23 times during the week!).

I wonder though, spiritually...how many times do we do the same thing? How many times do go back to a recording instead of getting something live, getting something for today? I know God has given me some incredible promises in the past and I look back at them for both testimonies and excitement for what's to come. But the trap is to just think about those promises and not seek out the ones for today. I think it would be easier if I operated that way...but it would make life less appealing. I want God live, not the the DVR version of Him. I want to know what He has for me today, not just what He had for me a year ago or even further back.

To often we miss out on what we could be experiencing in the now because we look forward to the future or rest in the past. My prayer for you and for me is that we would experience God in the now...live!

May we dare to dream, and live the vision....live!

Seasons of Change

2010-11-04T14:09:00.001-05:00


Is this You?

So how many of us look like this tree? As the season changes, so do the trees. Their vibrant green leaves that once provided shade and beauty...turn off color, wilt, die, and eventually fall to the ground only to be raked into a trash bag. The outside of the tree appears to be dead. You see all the sprigs, all the imperfections...you see the tree in it's worse possible state. As you walk by that tree, you might even wonder if it's dead. A branch or two may have broken off due to the wind or the harsh temperatures.

What's crazy is, it's not really dead. It's dormant. It looks dead, but cut off a branch and you will see the wood hiding behind the bark. It has color to it, it is alive!

How many of us are like that tree? We had a season where everything was perfect (or close to it). Job was secure, money rolling in, kids are healthy, no family issues, and you even managed to talk your way out of that speeding ticket (hey, you were going to church, right?!). Now that season has changed and it's gotten colder outside. The sun isn't out quite as much and the rain has turned to ice. You feel like you are on the brink of spiritual, financial, physical, or emotional death.

What's crazy is, God is the same God during all of our "seasons". He is with us during spring, summer, fall, and yes even winter! No matter what we are going through...He is there. What's really cool is knowing that not only is God with us, He actually cares about us. He loves us no matter what the season, whether we won the lottery or collections is calling us. We have to remember that!

I saw Mr. Robbie at Chickfila!

2010-11-02T14:53:00.001-05:00

I overheard a cool conversation between two 4yrs this past Sunday during one of our 3 services at the Launching Pad. He was telling all of his buddies that he not only saw "Mr. Robbie" at Chickfila, but "Mr. Robbie" came to visit him at his Chickflia! Now, the 4yr old didn't own that particular store and I didn't know he was going to be there...but in his mind it was his & I went to see him!

What really happened was he and his mother were walking in at the same time that I was walking in...by chance. We exchanged high-fives while standing in line and I reminded him how awesome it is that he is a part of the Launching Pad. Before they left, I gave him another high-five and I told him to rock it out for Jesus today!

This was a gentle reminder that wherever we are, whatever we are doing...somebody is watching us. We will (sometimes by accident!) make an impact in somebodies life good or bad. What impact are you making with people today?

Worship at the Launching Pad

Tombstones

2010-10-29T11:06:00.000-05:00

I was looking at all the Halloween decorations around town, especially the tombstones. Of course Halloween tombstones have "boo" or something spooky on them, so I tend to look at the real thing first. Don't get me wrong...I don't take my lunch hour and visit the local burial sites, but I dig looking at the dates and what they are remembered for. When Annie & I went to Boston, we had a blast looking at all the historical tombstones...does that make us nerds?! NO! (hahaha)

So this brings me to the question, what is it that you hope you will be remembered for? What will your family think of you? What will your buddies say about you? What will your legacy be? I'm not saying that you should live to have bragging rights after you die, but I am saying that we should live in a way that is meaningful.

So...what would you like to be written on your tombstone for your great-great-great-great grandchildren to read?

Rocky

2010-10-28T10:04:00.001-05:00

Besides the great music and seeing Rocky jump up and down at the top of the steps...what does this mean spiritually? Maybe I'm over thinking things this morning, but I feel that we are all in training or could be. If we aren't training, we are on the couch watching others get in shape while we eat Cheeto's. How many people do that spiritually? They sit and watch others get involved and talk about all the things God is doing.

I want to have the daily walk with God, maybe even a sprint, or dare I say it...marathon! That would mean me being intentional about my walk (praying, reading the Bible, having conversation). I want my life, my spiritual walk with God, my legacy to be one that people say, "wow, Robbie really was sold out for what he believed in". What about you? Do you want to be like that spiritually? The couch (aka, just being in church) is an easy lifestyle, but what do you & others gain by just doing that?

Horrible Numbers for Kids

2010-10-27T09:32:00.001-05:00

I was reading an article out of Group's "Children's Ministry" magazine and a statistic hit me. It was like a Hulk Hogan atomic leg drop!

"In the U.K., 21% of parents say they've forgotten how to play with their children and 30% think playing with their children is boring."

How crazy is that? Here is another scary statistic:

" 1 in 3: The number of children living apart from their biological fathers in 2009 (up from 11 percent in 1960)."

Both of these stats make me think and evaluate how I spend time with my child and how we do children's ministry on Sundays mornings at the Launching Pad. Every child that comes in our ministry needs to know he or she is loved and that they are at a safe place.

Worship..like a child?

2010-10-26T10:42:00.001-05:00

^{Kids worshiping at the Launching Pad}

Nick Fox (Youth Pastor @ RCCC) and I had a great conversation about worship this morning. He preached this past Sunday about defining worship to his teens and I was thinking about worship as I took this photo at the Launching Pad. My thought is this: watching kiddo's worship is amazing. They love to jump, shout, wave their arms, dance, and just have fun with Jesus. Then more times than not, they get older and it becomes different. By the time they leave college, some are just gripping the pews or just humming the songs (the ones that are still worshiping). Why is that?

"Worship is not...style of music, meeting in church, happens on Sunday, doesn't start and stop, not something that Christians just do - non - Christians do this too. Worship is... giving ourselves away, pouring ourselves out to the glory, the good of something.". Nick Fox

"...worship never stops. Rather, we are continually giving ourselves away or pouring ourselves out for a person, cause, experience, achievement , or status.". Mark Driscoll

I love both of those quotes because both of them make you think about how you worship, why you worship, and who you are worshiping. Why don't we worship like a child worships? Why is it we have hangups when we get older? That's a question that I'm asking myself as I type. That's something that I really need to bring before Jesus today.

If you look at Matthew 18:2-5, Jesus says it clearly:

^2-5For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, "I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom. What's more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it's the same as receiving me.

Overloaded

2010-10-23T09:00:00.002-05:00

Ever feel overloaded? This video reminds me of my struggles that I face when I get stressed out, not knowing what to do. I literally wonder what's going on around me?! But how cool is it that we have a Savior that cares about us when we feel overloaded? Not only cares...but is ready to break us free from those overloaded feelings. I pray for you today, that Jesus would take that stressed out, broke down, overloaded feeling and replace it with victory and peace!

May you dare to dream, and live the vision today!

Take me to Your Leader

2010-10-22T11:03:00.003-05:00

Sure, it's a goofy fun song. But it holds a lot of truth to it. How many of us are taking people to our leader? The song describes the leader as God, so we will stick with that thought. Bible heroes are heroes because they took people to their leader. They either showed people who God was by their character, actions, or spoken words. My question is am I taking people to my leader? They weren't perfect, and neither am I...but do people know me well enough to know who my leader is?

The words hit me like a ton of bricks to the face, "They don't know why we care, they don't know what's out there, they don't know how it's done, let's take them to our Leader son. They see we got the joy, they see us live it, it's real, it's free, it's fun, let's take them to our Leader son.".

There's tons of people out there that watch what we do. I've heard it said that every where you go there are at least 3 people, on average, watching you. Do they see you live with joy? Do they see you live the Faith out? Does your life prove that God is real, that His love is free, and that He is fun? If it doesn't show that, why would they want what you have?

May you dare to dream, and live the vision today!

Waking Up

2010-10-21T09:53:00.003-05:00

We have a daily ritual at our house in the mornings. Since Josiah (our 23month old) has started to get up on his on, he runs to our bedroom. His first thoughts are to get out of bed, grab his favorite blanket, and find momma and daddy. What's so cool is when he sees me, he begins the "sort of run walk-a-bout". Sort of run meaning he is still waking up and kinda runs sideways. It's an art really! Then he just falls into my lap if I'm sitting down or into my legs if I'm standing. I pick him up and say good morning, and how proud I am of him. He just smiles and stares at me and rubs my gotee. Then he points to the TV to watch a Yo Gabba Gabba or Mickey Mouse. That's my cue to set him down & get the sippy cup ready!

I wonder if we are like that with God? When we first wake up, are we running to see our Daddy? Do we allow ourselves to fall into His lap? If we do, how long do we stay there? I admit I don't wake up and say hey to God before my feet hit the floor. Most of the time I begin to think about what I have to do today or some upcoming event...followed by the instant craving for coffee (and you thought pastors were ultra-spiritual?!).

Maybe I'm crazy, but I wonder: what if I did allow myself to fall into His lap in the mornings? I bet He would say the same thing that I tell Josiah, "Robbie, I love you.". Maybe He would tell me that He was proud of me? I dunno. That sure would beat thinking about the stress of the job, Josiah's next CF appointment, or the bills that need to paid. What do you think?

May you dare to dream, and live the vision today.

Welcome To A New Era in Children's Ministry

2010-10-20T17:33:00.004-05:00

Why Children's Ministry?

According to the Barna Research Group of Ventura, California we need too. Barna found that almost seven out of ten American adults (71%) attended church during their childhood years. WOW. That's a lot of children in churches! That's a lot of our government leaders, firefighters, school teachers, and grocery store managers that we see today! All of those childhood church goers grew up and most attend church today (61%). Awesome. That sounds great doesn't it? That's a good percentage right? Well here's the clincher....what about the percentage of children that didn't spend their childhood in a church? According to Barna, 78% of adults that were absent from church as a child, are absent from churches today.

78%

Let that sink in for a second....

That should sting a little. That's a lot of people that aren't hearing about Jesus, that are lost, that just need somebody to care. One other statistic for you tonight...less than two out of the three adults (63%) that grew up in church as a child take their own children to church today.

That's a lot of numbers....a lot of souls.

One of the greatest attributes about River City Community Church is that it takes Children's Ministry seriously. A lot of churches say they believe in their children and youth ministries but when it comes down to it, they don't because it's not the forefront. That's why I'm at River City Community Church. That's why my 2yr old son, Josiah is at RCCC! That's why my wife & I created the LAUNCHING PAD. The goal, the vision, the calling is to create an exciting atmosphere where the children learn about Jesus. Not just book learn, but the children learn ways that they can own it. Ways that they can share the Gospel to their families, their schools, and their communities. We want to disciple these children to be the ball, and to drive that statistic down. The children's ministry at RCCC should literally be a launching pad for these children.

What if our generation gets it? What if Barna does a study 30yrs from now and you can see evidence of a revival. It won't happen unless you are apart of it. My life coach at RCCC always tells me, "be the ball". I'm asking you to do the same! Get your child into church (I know a great one to be a part of -smile-). Volunteer with a children's ministry this week. Be a part of something bigger than you are. It could be you that will open that child's eyes and change his/her future forever.

May you dare to dream, and live the vision!

The Launching Pad at River City Community Church