Sunday Night Reflections

What a weekend!  Here are a few thoughts before I hit the hay for the evening.

• I love what I do!  This parenting series has been a challenge for me to teach because I am literally learning as I go…today’s message was huge for me personally because it reminded me that I have so much to work on!
• I spoke with a lady in our lobby this morning who was so pumped because she had brought her mother to church–it was the first time in 41 years that she had been in any church!!!  I praise God that she felt like she could invite her to NewSpring.
• A couple from Florida spoke with me this morning also and told us that they watch us on the internet every week–and when they are “in town” they always come and visit…it blows me away how accessible the world is through technology!  I wonder what’s next!!!  I FIRMLY believe the most effective ways of reaching people haven’t even been discovered yet! 
• In fact–I would go as far to say the best sermons, best music and best churches that ever will be are yet to come…maybe because the people God is going to use to bring them about haven’t even received Christ yet!  Speaking of that…
• God is leading me to pray some REALLY BIG PRAYERS regarding the year 2008 for our church–I will be sharing a review of this past year as well as the vision of what God has in store on December 30th…I am pumped about this service RIGHT NOW!!!
• Charisse laughed today…she smiles a lot but today was the first time I really heard her chuckle–it melted me on the spot!!!
• I JUST put her to bed…I spend some time every night praying over her and singing to her–her two favorite songs seem to be “Jesus Loves Me,” and, “Jesus Loves The Little Children.”  She also seems to like “Back in Black” as well!  :-)
• Lee allowed me to hear a couple of songs that are going to be on his upcoming CD…WOW…I was blown away by both the lyrics and the music.  I can’t wait until the CD release this spring!
• Friday night with our volunteers was SO MUCH FUN!  I had a blast just hanging out in the lobby and chatting with everyone.  For those who volunteer every week–THANKS AGAIN–we could not do it without you!
• Christmas services at NewSpring are going to be off the hook.  We will be talking more about our Christmas services next Sunday–BUT–I can HONESTLY say that this service will probably be one of the most over the top things we’ve ever attempted…and…I’m a little nervous about my part.  :-)
• Oh yeah…this coming Sunday at NewSpring IS going to be awesome as we bring the parenting series to an end in a really awesome way.  AND…everyone who attends church on Sunday will get a free…uh…well, you’ll just have to be there won’t you?
• If you think about it–pray for my back.  I am taking motrin and using those icy hot patches…which are great except for the fact that I smell like a walking eucalyptus plant!!!  I guess I’m getting old because I have NO IDEA why it is hurting!  AHHHHH!
• Today I got to spend some time with a another couple from Florida who I have not seen since 1995…I remember this because they bought me the suit that I wore at my ordination service.  Today was a reminder that God has WAY MORE PLANNED for us than we could ever imagine.  The last time I saw them NewSpring wasn’t even an idea in my mind–BUT GOD had it all planned out–that really excites me as I think about what He has in store for our future!!!
• Yes, I mentioned the word “sex” in our services today…and also mentioned that we will be doing an entire series on the subject this February!  For far too long the church has remained silent on the subject and allowed people who are far from God to redefine what God CLEARLY defined in Scripture.  This will be a fun series!
• Yes, I was sad that Clemson lost–it was a heart breaker!!!  BUT–this coming Saturday the stage is set for the game with USC–I can’t wait!!!
• I’ve had numerous requests for Lucretia’s white chocolate cake recipe–I will be posting it here either late Monday or Tuesday!  AND NO E-MAILS from any “dude” making fun of me for the cake recipe!!!  :-)  Trust me–if you are able to have some of this cake you will THANK ME FOR THIS!!!