People Matter–Super Cool Person of the Week September 30, 2005

I heard a comment by Maxwell once that I have never forgotten, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” In my nearly six years serving NewSpring as senior pastor that comment proves to be more and more true.

NewSpring is a dream come true–not my dream, God’s dream. Please understand that my love for the church is NOT something that was always inside of me just wanting to come out. I hated church, it was boring…I NEVER wanted to go…but now–I can’t wait for Sunday’s. Trust me–that is a modern day miracle.

But what is amazing is that God keeps on surrounding me with talented people who are in love with Jesus, love people…and love the church. (Those three things are a must for any staff member at NewSpring!) And because of His grace in allowing these people to partner with me, incredible things are happening for His kingdom.

Which leads me to the Super Cool Person of the Week…

People matter–churches need to understand that if we are going to fulfill the Great Commission. (It wasn’t the “Great Suggestion!”) People are never an interruption of the work, they are the purpose of it. God has called us to reach people–period.

One of the most awesome people on our church staff at really reaching out to people is Miss Karla Temples. She serves as our volunteer coordinator and is INCREDIBLE at what she does. I have sat back and watched many times as volunteers check in on Sunday morning…Karla knows them by name, knows their children, knows what’s going on in their lives–will ask them about “how things are going at work.” She’s amazing!

And what I see on Sunday’s is not an act–she isn’t doing it to try to impress anyone–she REALLY cares. I know this because I see how hard she works during the week–making calls, checking on people–wow, the love of Jesus pours out of this woman…and the volunteers of our church are the recipients.

And one more thing…every Sunday…I mean EVERY SINGLE SUNDAY Karla has her game face on. I have never seen her in a sour, self pitying mood when I arrive…she is out in the halls, meeting people. Heck, I have even been challenged by her many times. You know, I am showing up, my mind going in a hundred different directions, still trying to wake up…and there she is with a smile on her face–greeting people and making them feel special…and I am reminded that I should be doing that as well.

One more thing…Karla also serves as a “fashion consultant” for me. She will make comments on, “that shirt looks nice,” or, “the next time you wear that shirt–wear different pants with it.” Every pastor needs a fashion consultant…some more than others!!! Can I just say two words that come in my mind when I think of most pastors? BAD HAIR!

Sorry…I digressed!

Karla, you rock–thanks for all you do at NewSpring…the church is growing and God’s kingdom is advancing as a result of all that you do!

Random Thought Thursday–Part Two September 29, 2005

YEAH! Guess what people–on Friday, November 18th I will be headed to HOT-lanta to see this little known band called U2. Yep–I’m pumped!

Yes…I have tickets. Yes…I already have someone going with me. Yes…if you are already going I will let you buy my supper at the cheesecake factory!!!

And oh yeah–the wreck I mentioned in the post below…I actually won’t be speaking about that until next Sunday.

One more thing–lunch @ Longhorn today was awesome…especially one of their deserts called the Chocolate stampede–uh, yeah…it takes two to polish off that thing. But if you are a chocolate lover…you might could tackle it by yourself.

Random Thought Thursday–Part One September 29, 2005

OK, here we go…random thought Thursday part one…I have some things I want to share…but not in one post. Check back later for a BIG announcement…I am going to be doing something in November that I have never done before–Woo–Hoo!

First of all…I saw a wreck yesterday (I will be speaking about that Sunday) AND I almost saw a wreck this morning. (In both cases I yelled “whoa” in my car–totally expecting the people to hear me.)

The one I almost witnessed this morning was a sight to see. I was at an extremely busy four way intersection…every road had a line of cars with the exception of the one to my right. Everyone was being nice and obeying the traffic laws…until this little old lady came tearing down the road (the one without a line of cars) and blew right through the stop sign. (I am completely sure that no curse words were uttered in any of the cars that were nearly obliterated because we were near a church.) :-)

I guess in a way I was a little happy…no one was hurt (the little old lady is still probably tearing down the road somewhere–she was clueless.) I was also happy that this was not one of those little old ladies I would have to worry about getting behind riding down the road…trust me, if you are following this woman…you are making some great time.

BUT the fact is that she ran a stop sign…never even hit her brakes. And I know the stop sign has always been there–I travel that road nearly every single day.

I was thinking about this when I got home when it hit me, “That is the way things are with me and the Lord sometimes. I am traveling through life so fast that I never take time to notice the obvious.”

Anyone out there guilty of that?

We have our schedules, our deadlines, our meetings, kid’s soccer practice…all of the things we feel like we have to do in order to be a decent citizen…and we accomplish great things–yet we blow right by opportunities to see Jesus at work around us everyday AND to thank Him for all that He has done.

So try to slow down today…and be thankful. Instead of screaming at the person who pulled out in front of you–thank God that you are still alive. Instead of complaining about how high gas prices are going to be–thank God that you have a car. Instead of worrying about how high natural gas prices are going to be this winter–thank God that you have a home, there are many that do not.

Scripture says that we need to be still and know that He is God. (That is so hard for someone like me with A-D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D…sorry!) But I have learned that the more I pause during the day…the more I can hear His voice…and the more I am able to experience His presence.

Date Night September 28, 2005

Tonight is date night! YEAH! ‘Cretia and I both have incredibly demanding schedules with her being a doctor and me being a pastor…and if we are not careful our time will be devoured by other people and events. So when it comes to us spending quality time together we HAVE to be intentional or it will not happen…so we have a date night AT LEAST twice a month…but our goal is for once a week.

For those of you who are married–DATE NIGHT IS A MUST! Please don’t pass this post off as a “good idea,” or even something that may seem “unrealistic” to you…if you want to have a healthy & vibrant marriage then DATE NIGHT must be scheduled, guarded, and made a priority.

There are a few thoughts about date night that I would love to pass along…these are lessons I have learned from personal experience AND learned from observing others.

#1 – Double dating went out with the high school prom

I know some couples who “double date” with other couples. When you and your 13 year old girlfriend were meeting at the skating rink then that was a good idea–BUT hopefully you are a grown up now.

Don’t get me wrong, Lucretia and I spend a lot of time with other couples–we love going to Brusters with large groups; however, at least once a week it us just us, no one else. And men, trust me–that’s important to the woman…if you don’t believe me–ASK!

One more thing…and I learned this particular lesson the hard way…if you run into a couple you know in the restaurant…and say you get there @ the same time and are tempted to ask them to sit with you–DON’T! That is not being rude or inconsiderate–it is protecting your marriage. I remember doing this once and ‘Cretia very calmly explaining to me after leaving the restaurant that she had desired to have my complete attention that night. I dropped the ball, but not again.

#2 – Leave the cell phone alone!

I remember Ed Young saying @ C3 this past year, “I own the phone–not vice versa.”

Lucretia and I were on our way to supper one night and the cell phone rang–of course I picked it up…I am a man…I am needed…the world cannot operate without me…the phone rang…what was I to do–actually spend time with my wife and ignore it?

After talking on it ‘Cretia asked me if the call could have waited…it could have. Once again she explained to me that on date night she wants to have my complete attention. Men, once again, that’s important to her…if you don’t believe me–ASK!

Some men I see on date night are pathetic…they have their cell phone, blackberry, their PDA–they don’t look like a husband–they look like Batman!!! Quit playing the super hero role, leave the office and spend time with your wife. You own the phone.

#3 – Trust your babysitter

Women, I have to say this…if you call the babysitter more than once to check on your children then you have a problem. Hire someone you can trust, pay them well, take YOUR cell phone (so your husband can leave his) and instruct them that if there are any problems for them to call you…and then GO and have a great night together.

Your husband wants to have time with you on date night…and if you are ignoring him every ten minutes to call home and check on the kids then he feels neglected–if you don’t believe me–ASK.

#4 – Be willing to pay money for a babysitter

I know, babysitters are expensive, right? I heard it said one time that you can either pay the babysitter now or the divorce lawyers later–and so you might as well pay now–it’s cheaper.

One of the things we see @ NewSpring is that our home groups have jumped all over this. On one night a couple will date and another couple in their group will keep their kids–FOR FREE. Then the next night the couple that kept the kids the night before will go out and the couple that went out the previous night do the babysitting deal. That works!

#5 – Let your kids cry

I have heard some parents say, “But my kids cry when I leave them.” Uh, parents, just in case you haven’t figured this out–your children are incredible actors. I know, some of you are getting ill right now–get over it–it’s true. Watch them the next time they fall down…most of them do not cry immediately–they look at you…and they will react based on how you react. Don’t say it doesn’t happen.

And so when you are getting ready to leave and they start crying…GO! They need to understand that daddy and mommy love each other, are going to spend time together, and will come back when the date is over.

And remember this…one day they are going to leave the house…and even though you cry…it isn’t going to slow them down.

(And please spare me the e-mails about how ‘Cretia and I don’t have kids and we don’t understand. I know too many couples with kids who have made date night a priority…and they all have awesome marriages!)

#6 – Don’t fight the silence

I remember one particular date night that Lucretia and I sat at the dinner table for about three minutes & said nothing to one another…I was going crazy. I had to have noise, some type of conversation…some type of something. I said to her, “‘Cretia–this is driving me crazy, are you really enjoying this…we aren’t doing anything expect sitting here.” She replied, “That’s ok…WE are sitting here…I have your attention…and so we don’t have to say anything–just being with you is great.”

Since then I have learned not to fight the silence…if you have something to talk about…go for it…if not, then it is ok to stare @ each other and smile. And don’t worry what others say–they’re jealous!

I Think I’m Sick September 27, 2005

Don’t worry–it’s not bad…it is just that my throat is sore and there seems to be an abundance of snot in my head. (Sorry!)

To me being like this is more of an inconvenience than anything else. Just in case you didn’t know–I only have one speed–WIDE OPEN! I know, I know, I need to do something about that, and I will…one day. :-)

I used to let being a little under the weather get me down. I would have the idea that because things were not perfect in my life then I had a right to be depressed…and not only that, but to try to depress everyone around me as well.

Have you ever felt like that? (Sure you have–you’re human right?) We want things to be great in our lives, and I am not being critical of that desire–it’s natural. However, a serious problem occurs when we begin to expect daily perfection…and when that expectation is not met then we develop this thing called an ATTITUDE…and we become, well…jerks…and are no fun to be around.

I remember being like this for the longest time…and then one day reading in Philippians 2:5-11 that my attitude should be like Jesus’. As I continued to read in that passage I was reminded of how mistreated He was…yet His attitude did not change. When the repentant thief called out to Him on the cross He didn’t reply, “Hey buddy, you’ve got your problems…I’ve got mine, so quit your whining!” Nope…He had an incredible attitude.

We live in an imperfect world–and we as followers of Christ can’t let that get the best of us. Face the fact–people are going to drive slowly in the fast lane, people will carry 15 items in the 10 items or less lane, your cell phone will drop calls (I can hear all of you moaning right now!) However, none of these things are reasons for us to lose our cool, begin to scream, cuss, throw things…and possibly damage our reputation with those outside of the kingdom.

We must strive to have incredible attitudes. It amazes me when people say, “Well, I guess I just got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning.” The fact is that you bed has nothing to do with the fact that you are acting like a rear end…it’s YOUR attitude…YOU chose it…and YOU could choose an alternate one…one like Jesus.

So I have a few meetings today–two creativity meetings, one to plan for next Sunday (I HAVE to say that the series we are beginning this Sunday is going to rock! I believe we are getting ready to see awesome things happen in our church) and one to begin to attempt to solidify plans for Christmas Eve (we are currently planning five services!)

My prayer for these meetings, for my study time this afternoon…and for when I go home tonight to the most awesome woman in the world is that I will have an awesome attitude, one that reflects Christ–even though I do not feel well. (In case you didn’t get the hint–I am asking for your prayers as well!!!)

How about you–how’s your attitude?

Got Any Stories? September 26, 2005

I have a quick question about yesterday’s (Monday’s) service. Did anyone who reads this blog accept Christ yesterday…or did you invite someone this past weekend and they accepted Christ? If so then e-mail me your story…I would LOVE to hear it.

Our God Is Awesome! September 26, 2005

I can’t get over yesterday…the thoughts of it are so vivid in my mind. What God did among us at NewSpring was amazing…and has caused me to want to share a couple of thoughts with all of you.

First of all–thanks to everyone who made the attempt to invite someone to church yesterday. You guys are awesome…and it such a privilege to pastor a church that responds to a challenge to invite their lost family members and friends. Together we saw a total of 47 people receive Christ, and we set an attendance record with 4,433 people among our four services.

Secondly, I would LOVE to thank each and every person who made yesterday come together. Many of you probably have no idea how much time and effort was placed into the production of what you were able to witness. Many staff members and volunteers put in countless hours to make sure the presentation was creative, relevant, and excellent. Thank you Ken, the band, all of the “nerds” on the production team, the ushers who did an incredible job at packing out the auditorium greeters, children’s workers–EVERYONE!

I want to be clear on this–what happened yesterday WAS NOT a result of what I did–it was a holy & awesome God working through the gifts and talents He has enabled us to have to make a difference!

Some who are not from NewSpring and are reading this might be tempted to be thinking things such as, “Sounds like that church is merely into numbers.” Uh, well, yeah…you are right! We understand that numbers matter to God–specifically 47 of them mattered yesterday!!! For those who may be so inclined to say that God doesn’t care about numbers…I would be glad to arrange a meeting for you and the 47 people who accepted Christ so you can look them in the eye and tell them they do not matter.

And breaking an attendance record…that wasn’t our goal at all. We simply wanted to bring as many people together to hear the Gospel as we could–and the people in our church made it happen. I am convinced we will continue to see God do amazing things as a result of what took place yesterday.

That’s all for now–I am preparing for staff meeting…maybe more to come later!