#1 – This morning I got mad…REALLY mad…at stupid people.  A few things hit me the wrong way and I just flat out asked God, “why don’t you just kill the stupid people?”  (COME ON…you’ve probably asked Him to do the same thing…don’t lie!!!)  That seemed like a good idea to me…until He reminded me that if He were killing people for stupidity that I would be the first one on the list!  The ONLY reason I am in ministry is because of HIS grace (II Corinthians 4:1) and the ONLY way I can make a good decision is BEG for HIS wisdom (James 1:5) and follow HIS leadership.  I’m SO stupid without Him!

It’s funny how at times we can get so angry at others…not realizing that our anger COULD be the result of our own sin and not theirs!

AND…God reminded me (AGAIN) that when I read His Word I should not do so primarily to see what it says to others…but to see what it says to me.  To not run off at the mouth so quickly…but to listen quickly and speak slowly.  (James 1:19-20.)

#2 – Seth Godin’s post today is a MUST READ…seriously…ESPECIALLY if you are on a church staff!  WOW!!!

#3 – It’s true that Christians have a hard time forgetting the sins of others…but through humility and repentance a person can slowly but surely take the bullets out of hands of those who shoot them.  However, when a person is unwilling to repent of sin and mocks God by their actions and attitude…a part of God’s judgment on them is people who love Jesus having nothing to do with them.  (See I Corinthians 5 and Matthew 18:15-17 and James 1:21)

#4 – Ben had an AWESOME post for us to read here!!! (I love his website for STORY…seriously, one of the best websites I’ve ever seen!  Check it out here!)

#5 – II Corinthians 5:7 stretched me this morning…praying that we never do ministry here @ NewSpring Church “in the safe zone.”  If our goal is to be “normal” and “average” then we dishonor the God who saved us and commanded us to attempt great things.

#6 – Tony’s Blackberry can beat up your iphone!

#7 – I am so excited about Sunday that I am literally about to bust!  We’re seeing God do some amazing things right now…and I personally believe what we are witnessing is Him lighting the fuse…which will ignite a powder keg that the communities in which we have been planted cannot deny.  Jesus will be exalted…and people will never be the same!  Get here early…and don’t come alone…BRING SOMEBODY!

That’s it…told you it was random!

#2 – I asked the question on Twitter, “Are Macs really better than PC’s?”  I received more replies than ever–I MEAN EVER!  WOW…Mac loves are freaks about their computers!  Still not convinced I’m getting one…but their “customers” are definitely loyal.

#3 – I got yelled at by a policeman in Buckhead yesterday.  Now…I WAS technically blocking the intersection…and, it WAS his job to clear it…but…he wasn’t at all interested in my explanation that I was from Anderson, SC!  :-)  He yelled at me to “get out of his intersection.”  Definitely a not nice person–I started to give him a hug–he needed a friend!

#4 – NewSpringers–PLEASE REMEMBER–GET TO CHURCH EARLY ON SUNDAY FOR TWO REASONS…number one–so you will get a seat (we are expecting to be slammed) and number two…if you miss the first 10 minutes…you are going to miss A LOT!!!

(Random thought…why is it that people would not dare walk into a movie or a Broadway Play 15-30 minutes late…but they are ok with doing it at church?  Hmmmm)

It’s going to be incredible…and…if you know someone who doesn’t know Christ then GET THEM HERE (early)!!!  :-)

#5 – This is going to be Lucretia’s first Mother’s Day…I asked Charisse what she thought we should get Lucretia and she said, “Bird!”  (This is her favorite word!)  We will not be getting ‘Cretia a bird as pets are not her favorite thing…but I am sure that Charisse will come up with something creative.

Moms SHOULD BE ABSOLUTELY SPOILED ON MOTHER’S DAY!

#2 – Someone gave me a Disco Mickey Mouse record yesterday…and I made a victory lap around NewSpring Church and showed it off to everyone…it made me VERY HAPPY!

#3 – We are changing the way we do meetings at NewSpring next week…moving SMT from Monday afternoon tol Tuesday afternoon…and moving creativity from Wednesday morning to Tuesday morning. We’ve never tried it this way before…so…it should be interesting. I love switching things up!

#4 – Someone asked me the other day if I wasn’t in ministry then what would I be doing…I didn’t have an answer! I literally can’t think of a thing I had rather be doing that this. Jeremiah 20:9 is so true of me–anytime I even think about wanting to quit (and EVERY pastor has) He just sets me on fire all over again!

#5 – We are beginning a new series this weekend entitled “ME or jesus?” I personally think it is going to be one of the most challenging series of messages we’ve ever put together. There are times I believe a church needs to go through a time of encouragement…and then there are times we need to be challenged…this is one of those seasons of challenge.

(I know that personally God is challenging the snot out of me right now!)

BONUS: Charisse said the word “bird” 1,294 times yesterday…and it was cute every single time!!!

• I am just now feeling normal again.  I have had a few people ask how it felt to preach six services–and I can’t really describe it…all that I know is that I was in a zombie like state all day yesterday (Christmas) and that I have slept a lot.  The last time I felt like this I think someone referred to it as “Senior Week!”  (Just being honest!)
• AND…to top that off…I got some sort of stomach virus on Monday which REALLY bummed me out because I wasn’t able to fully enjoy Lucretia’s cooking on Christmas day.  :-(  BUT…today it began to feel better–which meant that I went to Chic-fil-a and got a milkshake!!!
• Charisse had a great Christmas!  “Santa” brought her a rocking horse that sings a song…which was cute the first time I heard it…and the second time…but now that we are on the 184th singing of it I am beginning to be disturbed because…IT IS STUCK IN MY HEAD!!!  I have literally been singing it all afternoon!  AHHHHHHH!!!!
• I went into the office for a few hours today and began refining the message for this coming Sunday.  I’m really excited about what we will be studying together…and the band is going to be doing the songs that you guys said were your favorite of the year!!!
• I am excited about our new series we will be beginning on January 6th entitled, “Crank It Up!”  More on this later.
• I found out today that I will be going to the Peach Bowl next Monday…YES!  Go Tigers!

That’s about it for now–maybe more posts this week–maybe not.  I do want to try to get a picture of Charisse with her singing horse!  I hope everyone had an awesome Christmas!

• I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says that Thanksgiving should be a year around deal.
• Clemson plays South Carolina this weekend–I am REALLY excited about this years game.  Of course I believe the Tigers will prevail!
• I read this story this morning and wanted to throw up–seriously, this is gross!
• Scott’s picture of his little boy’s T-shirt was AWESOME!
• Lucretia spent all day yesterday on cooking for Thanksgiving…when I got home the Mac & Cheese was already in the fridge just waiting to go into the oven!  YEAH!
• Melissa, Lucretia’s sister, will be making the white chocolate fudge cake for dessert tomorrow–God is so good!
• I am planning on running around seven or eight miles on Thanksgiving morning & then DESTROYING some food for the rest of the day!
• I made a grilled cheese sandwich last night and it was awesome…I honestly believe I am the best grilled cheese sandwich maker in the world–that is NOT pride–it’s merely confidence.  :-)
• I spent SEVERAL hours yesterday discussing through our Christmas services at NewSpring and I had a headache when we were done.  Folks, my mind was BLOWN at how passionate the group is around me in regards to presenting the Gospel…and TRUST me when I say that we are going to be attempting some things for this service that we’ve NEVER done before–EVER.  It is going to be one of the most UNIQUE experiences ever!!!
• We will be launching our promotional plan for the Christmas services this Sunday…and trust me, it’s much better than fruitcake!  (Actually, I think getting my hand stuck in a blender might be better than fruitcake!)
• Friday I will be sleeping in–unlike the millions of abnormal people who will wake up at dark-thirty to ravage the shopping malls seeking to save money while LOSING SLEEP!  Seriously, I don’t understand you people!!!
• This will be Charisse’s first Thanksgiving…should be a blast…pictures to follow on Friday or Saturday.
• A pizza delivery guy came to my door on Monday night and when I opened the door the smell intoxicated me–I hated to tell him that he had the wrong address and that I hadn’t actually ordered a pizza!
• Thanks for those who have been praying for my back–it is getting better!!!  :-)
• Go Tigers!
• If you didn’t read Clayton’s follow up post to his “pitfalls for young lions“…you should go here and read it now…great stuff!  (It’s entitled dangers for seasons veterans)
• I REALLY am excited about what God has done in our church this year and what I believe He has in store for 2008.  I will be recapping 2007 and casting vision for 2008 on Sunday, December 30th and I believe that service will be electric…because…in addition to celebrating and anticipating YOU will actually be selecting the songs our band does…which…if you haven’t e-mailed in your favorite song that our band does you need to do so RIGHT NOW!!!
• That’s about it–Happy Thanksgiving!

• Rick Warren started a podcast at the beginning of the year…and IT WAS AWESOME…but we haven’t heard from him since July 1st! Rick–what’s up man!!! We need you back! I will send you a new Hawaiian shirt and a pair of flip flops if you will start podcasting again!!!
• This quote that Craig had on his blog, especially the last line, both messed me up AND encouraged me…the people who do the most for God are the ones who will attempt what others are saying can’t be done.
• A friend brought Lucretia and I a chocolate chip pound cake yesterday and–DANG!!! OH MY!!! I am so happy!!!
• Gary had some GREAT insight with this post on being secure in your calling.
• Agree or disagree on the drinking issue–this was a very well written article that caused a stir and made some people think!  I wonder when the SBC will speak out against something that plagues many of its pastors…like…uh…maybe OBESITY!!!  Just curious!
• Check out Scott’s blog--you’ve GOT to love this cartoon!!!
• Craig had some great insight about the pastor’s family here!
• USC fans are REALLY excited about their number twelve ranking in one poll and fourteen in another…uh, guys…I would not get to happy there–I think LSU might be for real!!!
• If USC somehow wins that game…I am jumping off a cliff!
• Notre Dame is 0-3 and hasn’t scored an offensive touchdown this year–that makes me happy!
• Bob’s post on integrity was AWESOME…and his post about systems was incredible as well!!!
• Marks post about agreeing to disagree…DANG!
• I got to have lunch with Michael L…uh…I am not going to even TRY to spell his last name–but here is his website…anyway, he was up here on Tuesday and I got to hang out with him and a couple of guys from his team. It is amazing what God is doing in his church!!!
• My Dallas Cowboys are 2-0! WOW!
• OK…I am not one to call out things for being blasphemous…but what the heck is up with this guy who is suing God? Folks…just when you think the stupidity meter on mankind has maxed out…
• The Braves have fallen apart…AGAIN!
• There is a rumor that NewSpring is opening a coffee shop in our lobby this weekend…actually, it’s not a rumor–it’s true! We’re tired of waiting on Starbucks!

That’s about it…REALLY looking forward to Sunday!

In other news…

• Tony has a post here on internships at NewSpring.  I am pumped about this program!
• I know I said I wanted to do a marathon this December…but, I am injured.  My achilles has been killing me for about four weeks now.  I hurt it on a seven mile run!!  I am SUCH a baby!
• DON’T FORGET this food drive this Sunday–here are some thoughts I posted earlier in the week!
• We are doing an All Access event this fall here at NewSpring–Tony has the details here.
• College football is getting closer and closer…and TWO Clemson running backs were recently listed in CNN’s top 20 college running backs!
• Hey Bob (loved this post by the way)–are the Yankees gaining on the Sox!  Dude–what the heck is going on?
• And…BIG SURPRISE…I am really excited about this Sunday.  I promise that NO ONE WILL REGRET coming to NewSpring this weekend…we are DEFINITELY doing something that has NEVER been done before!  Let’s just say we have partnered with these people…and I will leave it at that!!!

SEE YOU SUNDAY!

• I am speaking this Sunday…I can’t wait…I’ve been off for three weeks and I feel like I am about to explode.
• Bob is one of the most innovative guys I have ever seen…after seeing this post I am inspired and am going to make my own iphone.
• Jonathan had this post on his site–DANG! I love the church!
• Charisse is ONE MONTH OLD TODAY! (Picture coming later on today or tomorrow!) She’s awesome…and is still taking a pee on Lucretia and I as often as she can!
• I was putting Charisse to bed the other night and right before I put her down she looked at me with her beautiful eyes and I just could NOT put her in bed!!! Dang!!! I am so in trouble!
• We had over 230 high school students at Fuse this past Wednesday night which is amazing because – #1, it is the SUMMER!!! #2 – Last year on that date we had 126 students, that is amazing!
• I HATE credit card companies–I have three credit card offers on my desk right now and they are going in the trash. Proverbs 22:7 is TRUE…credit card companies HAD me at one time–but not now!
• We already have over 200 people registered for Unleash in March of next year–that blows my mind. And in this post Tony let us know that we actually have two people registered from England!
• Scott Hodge had a boy…actually his wife had the boy…congrats guys!!!
• My friend Jon took this picture (courtesy of Tony’s blog) while in Seattle last week…after taking the picture he gave the guy $5 for his creativity.
• We are about 90% sure we have a secure place in Greenville for our satellite campus…more details to come later…PRAY HARD…this is exciting.
• Seriously–NewSpring–we all have a front row seat in what I believe is going to be one of the biggest moves of God in this state–possibly the Southeast! Yes–those are big words–but YES–He is a BIG GOD!!!
• I have noticed a post or two by pastors on the net claiming to be original in all of their ideas and I started to do a post about it…until Steven beat me to it–you can read his thoughts here. I AGREE!

That’s about it for now…I can’t wait for Sunday!

Random Thought #1 – Charisse farted on me the other night! I am sorry…I know many of you do not like the word “fart,” however, there is no other word to describe what she did. She had literally just blown her diaper up and I was cleaning up the mess. While I was wiping away she ripped one off and it was the grossest thing I have ever smelled–I nearly threw up–on her!!! BUT–i love her, gross farts and all–she’s my girl!

Random Thought #2 – Since I am trying my best to serve ‘Cretia I did the grocery shopping this past Saturday. It was one of THE most intimidating things I have ever done. Lucretia had done all of the grocery shopping since we have been married–and I thought, “How hard can this be?”

SO…I walked into Publix with my pen and my very detailed list that ‘Cretia had made for me. I think it took me an hour to pick up 17 items…part of that was my fault–I spent WAY too much time at the ice cream freezer trying to decide. AND…IT HAPPENED…I just threw random stuff in the buggy that looked good!!! NEVER go to the grocery store when you are hungry!

When I left the employees, about four of them, smiled at me and told me to come back–somehow I think they knew I was a shopping rookie!

Random Thought #3 - Steven preached for us at NewSpring today! I will have to say that it was one of the best talks I have EVER heard–I was both challenged and encouraged…and I believe with all my heart what he said about our church–that our best days are ahead of us. Tony posted the video we opened the service with on his blog here…and the message will be on our website by Tuesday evening.

The phrase he used today that God used to rock my world is, “God’s promise is bigger than your perhaps.” DANG…thanks Steven for bringing it today!!! I know God is going to continue to do great things through you in Charlotte.

Random Thought #4 - Pete Hise from Quest Community Church in Lexington, KY came into town today for one of our services. From time to time pastors from other churches will come to NewSpring to hang out and then I will take off after a service and grab a meal with them. Tonight Pete and I went to Outback and spent three hours discussing leadership, the church, family and a host of other things. God is doing some incredible things in his church…and I left this meeting SO encouraged. He and I asked each other a lot of questions–it truly was iron sharpening iron–I had a blast.