Weekly Rundown (6.21.09)

• So we finished the series on the Holy Spirit today.  As I've said I believe this subject is severely undertaught in the church today and we pay a price for that because we walk without the power of God.  Hopefully we all have a better understanding of how to walk with God and how we must be completely dependent on Him for everything ... it is all by His grace!


• Lots of very healthy conversations last week regarding multi-site strategy and philosophy, strengthening our volunteers, turning up our church's prayer life a notch, revising our Bylaws to better reflect where we are as a church, etc. etc.


• Next Sunday we celebrate America ... God & country -- my two FAVORITE subjects!!


• I'm heading out of town today for a 2-day prayer & planning retreat.  It has been too long since I just got away to be with God.  No cell phone coverage, no Wal-Mart for 30+ miles, no restaurants for 15+ miles ... actually no signs of civilization ... I'm pumped and can't wait.  Please pray for me to be fully surrendered to God and to clearly hear His voice!


• Beth and our students are away on a mission trip to Eureka Springs, Arkansas.  This is their first trip to a more rural setting where they will be helping with construction projects in needy neighborhoods and doing some sports camp/VBS-type stuff with children.


• So I shared some rather big personal news with our church today: Beth and I are adopting ... most likely two brothers (we don't exactly know yet) ... from Ethiopia.  I will post more on this later this week but we are so excited to FINALLY share this with our church family and to ask for your prayers!!


• We are very close to having a location for our Chatsworth campus.  Nothing is official ... yet.  Our Stewardship Team and Elders must still look at the "fine print" so to speak and approve everything ... but we are closer than ever.  This could (I stress could) mean that we will be in Murray County sooner than any of us thought :)


• One of the things that convinced me we should start looking to Chatsworth was a sense of urgency that I think I was lacking when it comes to sharing, teaching, preaching, and living out the Word of God when and where there is opportunity.  And (see above bullet point) ... God certainly seems to be fast-tracking our efforts to get into Murray County.  But it makes me wonder ... Shouldn't I/we always have a sense of urgency when it comes to sharing God's Word, God's love, and God's Son?? Apparently, when we do, God opens doors for us in BIG ways!!


• Football season is getting closer and closer :)


• I had P.F. Changs this week ... it had been a long, long time!


• This week was really, really hot.  I actually ran outside when it was 90+ degrees. Am I dumb or what? I think I lost 10 lbs in sweat in like 20 minutes.  Beth did not want to be near me ... wonder why??


• Hope everyone has a great week!!