So Amy and I painted the house...

Dad

Let me tell you about my dad. He did not grow up in the same kind of home that I grew up in. His parents did not take him to church and pray with him and read the Bible. He came to know Christ as a kid, and proceeded to win his family to Christ. I am pretty sure he was not the best kid in Sunday school. He would probably tell you he was that kid the teachers prayed would stay home sick. He failed third grade, and once told me he spray painted his name on a neighbor's house. (Clearly not the wisest thing to do.) But, those failures have turned my dad into the greatest student I have ever met. His thirst for knowledge coupled with his love for God and personal integrity are amazing. Every morning, in fact probably right now as I write this he is studying God's word. We groan when he brings his books and laptop to the beach for vacation, but deep down we would have it no other way. His greatest joy in life comes from knowing just a little more about God and his word. He holds a Master's degree in Religion, and writes text books for fun. I can't begin to tell you how awesome he is. I am so proud of my dad, and all that he did for us kids growing up. I thank him for his unparalleled integrity, and honesty that he modeled for me. I thank him for turning our family heritage into a godly one, and now my kids know that their Papa, loves Jesus more than anything in this old world.

Lucky Number 13

Amy and I have been married 13 years and last night we went out to celebrate. The funny thing is that neither of us got each other a card. What we have learned in 13 years is that cards don't mean too much to each other and that our primary love language is quality time. Disaster was averted as we dodged tornadic activity on our way to the Polynesian Resort for dinner. It stopped raining just as we arrived and after a little window shopping sat down to Disney's Best Waiter, Ratana Morrow. We started with the Hawaiian bread and Macadamia nut butter and shrimp curry soup. Then he brought out their famous sticky wings followed by Macadamia nut & Chive Crusted Mahi Mahi and then Beef Teriyaki. He gave us both Leighs made with real flowers, and brought four different desserts White Chocolate Cheese Cake, Kilauea tort, chocolate dipped strawberries & Vanilla Ice cream. From there we went and sat by the water for the electric parade, took a boat ride over to the Grand Floridian for a walk, then back to our bench at the Polynesian to watch the fireworks over the water. What is the only thing that could have made the night better??? I guess Amy getting me a card. ;-)

Krispy Kreme Employee Attacks Church Plant

Davenport FL. - Worshipers were gathered on Sunday morning for the 8:15 Classic Worship Service, and the Pastor, Joel Johns of Four Corners was delivering his message when he noticed through the back window that a car had entered the parking area long after the greeters who double as security guards had left their post. Worship Pastor, Gabe Dunlap went to investigate but upon his arrival he found 5 dozen Krispy Kreme Donuts and saw the suspect fleeing towards the parking lot. Unfortunately, distracted by the donuts, Gabe was unable to provide the Donut police with an adequate description. So far Cornerstone Church has been hit by the Krispy Kreme bandit twice in the last month. Parishoners speculate that the Krispy Kreme attacks may be in retaliation to an upcoming baptism service that has been titled "Dunkin' Baptism" in the familiar colors of "Dunkin' Donuts." Bill Alexander, a regular attendee at the church said, "I don't know how long I can hold out. The first time they attacked, I was able to resist the temptation, but each time it gets just that much harder." If you have information on the Krispy kreme Bandit, please contact the Donut Police at 1-800-000-0000.

Incredible Journey

Here is the Trailer for our Kid' Program beginning next Wednesday night.

The Pitch

6 Ways Church planting is like School House Romance

1. Awkward - Church planters are so self conscious of how they are perceived. It is like junior high when every part of your body is out of proportion. You are so self conscious.

2. Check the box notes - Remember wanting to find out if that certain someone liked you so you sent a friend to give them a note with the optional check one at the bottom. Churches do this, but our friends are ushers and the note is a guest card.

3. Pick up Lines - Successful church planters have mastered the art of the pick up line. Here are some of my favorites translated for use by church planters...
A. What's your sign .... Translated...What's your church background - this one is a no brainer.
B. What's your major ... Translated.... What's your major... doctrine - helpful in determining soap box issues in prospective members.
C. I lost my number, Can I borrow yours - great for that follow up phone call.
D. Didn't we go to different schools together - Do you know pastor so and so...
E. If I could rearrange the alphabet I'd put U and I together - translated CHCH what's missing? UR.

4. The follow up phone call - In school you always wondered how long after the date to make the phone call, the same is true in church planting. You don't want to come across too eager, but then again, you want to let them know you enjoyed your time together. It should be pointed out that the phone call has two purposes... 1. To test the water of this fledgling relationship and to score a second date. In this case get them to come back.

5. Meeting the Parents - In church world we call this Family day.

6. Going steady - After securing a number of dates...er attendances, the time comes to pop the question. Do you want to join. Basically this is going steady in church lingo.

Then begins the courtship, but that will have to wait for another day...

Thanks for Praying

Thanks to everyone for praying for Linda Dickey. She cam through surgery fine and is recovering. I am sure she and her family will be grateful for your continued prayers as she recovers.

Favorite Weekend Quote

Last week I shared a favorite quote. It was fun, so let's try again. My favorite quote this week is...
" I came to know Christ in 1978, I came to trust Christ in February."

Other highlights...

* Someone came to church for the first time after listening to our podcast for 2 years. - Wow
* Someone came to church for the first time after moving into a house with one of last Summer's Children@play.info signs in the front yard. - Cool

Oprah Winfrey: Jesus Did Not Come To Die On The Cross

Here is the video I referenced in this weekend's services for those of you who have not yet seen it. - Thanks, Joel