Sunday Morning Worship

This morning I had the pleasure of leading worship. It was a small church making a big difference. In a mega church culture, it was so refreshing to be apart of something that was loose and user friendly. People were sharing their hearts and what they were thankful for. It was great to hear people just say how much they are thankful for Jesus and his saving power. It seems that we can be so cynical and we think we have to come up with deep things to say. Just a simple “Thank you Jesus for saving me” can still have a profound effect. These are just ordinary people with real issues. I was so blessed to be apart of it. I just love the diversity within the body of Christ.

Day 7 -Daniel Fast

I can honestly say that I never expected this fast to so profoundly change my outlook. Now I understand when Jesus said that there are only some things that can be dealt with using prayer and fasting. It’s only day seven and I already feel as if I’ve gotten victory over certain things in my life. I’m excited to see what the Lord continues to do.

I need to get creative during meal times. I’m a pretty picky eater to begin with so I knew it would be difficult to find things I would like. Brown rice and mushrooms have been a real life saver (literally). I’ll keep snooping around online and I’m sure I’ll discover something new.

Here’s a few things I’ve discovered online this week.

Some more on Ted Haggard

Worst worship ever?? Please…no more secular music converted to worship…thank u.

Great blog for all interested in the Daniel Fast .

That’s it for now. Have a great week.

Quick Update

Sorry that I haven’t updated sooner. It’s day 4 of my Daniel fast and things are looking up. Day 2 was tough. I found myself wanting to justify everything as a “fruit or vegetable”. Then I realized that my attitude needed to change. I’m not doing this fast to see what I “can” eat. But I realize that this needs to be a sacrifice. I shouldn’t always be full. The Lord has already done some pretty cool things that I’ll share later. I’ll have a new video blog up soon as well.

Daniel Fast V-Blog

Ok…so I’ve started a v-blog for the Daniel Fast. Call it cheesy…but here it is.

Say Goodbye To Hollywood

Billy Joel has a song called “Say Goodbye To Hollywood”. It talks about leaving behind and letting go of what defines you and what you determine to be success. With that being said…I am starting a fast for the next 15 days. I’m saying goodbye to the things that have a hold on most people…food!! Not that food is bad, just certain foods I’d like to steer clear from. I’m eating only fruits and vegetables. I’m hoping to get direction from the Lord and feel better too. Fasting can be very difficult. It calls for a surrender to the spirit and a parting of the flesh. Fasting with the right attitude can produce humility and brokenness. It’s amazing the control that food has over people. It can literally change a persons moods and emotions. I believe food is linked to other weaknesses in our lives.

This isn’t a “Daniel Fast” per say. The Daniel fast is 21 days and comes from Daniel in the Bible who only ate fruit and vegetables for a season and turned out healthier then all the Kings men who ate the meat, etc… I’m not against this approach. In essence I’m really following those guidelines minus the 21 days. I’m just keeping it simple so I call it a plain ol’ “fast”.

I’ll be journaling my progress and any insights I get. This isn’t going to be easy, but with prayer and determination I’ll get through it and hopefully be better on the other side. So here’s “goodbye to Hollywood.”

Update

Sorry it’s been a while since our last update. It’s been a busy season.

We’re currently looking for a date in January to meet. We’ll keep you posted on all the details. We’re going to change the format up a bit. Keep checking back for updates and meeting times.

I pray all is well and that the grace of our Lord will be made evident in 2009!!

Wii Mania

Our church recently had a Wii bowling tournament to raise support for a missions trip .  It was so funny seeing people pf all ages competing for the top prize.  Myself along with all three of my children competed.  My wife was there for moral support.  There were 64 people in the tournament and it was double elimination.

A few of the highlights were someone who had bowled 11 straight strikes only to leave one pin standing on the final frame.  A 299 isn’t to shabby!!  My six year old son played my twelve year old daughter for chance at the semi-finals.  My daughter won.  She’s highly competitive! My other daughter Alaina and I finished respectively in the middle of the pack.  I think I was to gun shy from the start.  I lost the opening round and I never recovered.

The winner of the tournament was a five year old!!  It was a great night of fellowship for the church.  I recommended that we do it again.  I’ll be ready next time.

Happy New Year

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy New Year!!  I don’t really have any resolutions.  I’d like to drop another 10 lbs or so and stay healthy.  I’d like to be a more consistent runner and maybe run a 5k.  I’d like to start lifting weights.  I’d like to be a better disciple of the Lord and serve people more.  I’d like to be a better Dad and husband.  Notice I said “I’d like to be”…b/c I won’t set myself up for failure by touting things that “I’m gonna do!”  By the grace and Spirit and God I will move into 2009 putting the first things first and trusting in His good plan and purpose for my life.  So here’s to a happy and blessed 2009.

Stuff…

Something for Christmas 
Here’s a video of one of my favorite new Christmas songs.

Something Magical 
I’m really loving the whole art of illusion.  Here’s a cool trick.

Something Sad But True
Gotta love cheesy church signs.

Something Inspirational
I don’t wanna hear anyone complaining about what they can’t do.  Here’s a great story.

Announcement

I just learned today that Pastor James MacDonald of Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He is incredible teacher and man of God. His radio ministry “Walk In The Word” was instrumental in renewing my hunger for God’s word. Here is a link to his blog and I think that what he has to say is encouraging. Please keep he and his family and church in your prayers.

I can never make sense of this monster that is cancer. I know far to many good people all around me who are dealing with its difficult effects. Sometimes I think “when is it my turn?” I’m so glad that we serve a God who is able to make good from anything….even cancer.

PS – His blog is full of great resources for leaders in ministry. Check it out!! It is the model I used for my new blogging method.