Disney Closes Nightclubs

The Orlando Sentinel has an article today announcing that Disney will close six clubs in Pleasure Island.  As a parent and a pastor in "West Disney" I could not be happier.  I have always wondered why the clubs existed smack in the middle of Downtown Disney and we would often have to choose where to go either to the Lego side, as my kids called it, or the Disney Quest side.  Rumors still float about the future of Disney Quest, but I applaud Disney for cleaning up its act by getting out of the club biz.  My friend Mark often reminds me that our goal is that one day Orlando becomes better known for Jesus than for Mickey Mouse, and thanks to Mickey, we are one step closer to letting all that "other stuff" stay in Las Vegas.

Getting Things Done

My friend Ben suggested this book to me and I may be late to the parade, but this is one of the most helpful and easy to read books on organization that I have read. I like it so much that I went out and bout copies for all the staff, then ended up giving my copy away. I wish that they had built task management software to accompany the book's systems. You can find it here.

Update from Jeff and Heather Blum

Many of you will remember Jeff and Heather Blum, (They were our original singles ministry until they decided to turn it into a young married's class) Here are some pictures and an excerpt from an email.

Hello everyone, Just wanted to pass on a few quick photos of the kids and give an update from Missouri! Austin is almost 6 months now, sleeping for 10 hours at night now (so I'm feeling quite rested these days!) and rolling around lots! Maranatha now officially sleeps in a 'big girl bed' and we are working on the potty training. She has progressed passed the 'terrible twos' stage now and is so much fun to be around (oh, she still has her moments though!). I have been working on painting the house and it is begining to feel more like home. We like the area so far and are excited to get to explore it in the off season. Jeff's job is going well, although he is not near as busy so he is a little bored. It has not been to bad, time wise. He doesn't go in to work till 1pm on most game days, but gets home around midnight. Unfortunately, the schedule doesn't not allow him to have Sundays off, so that has been a bit of a challenge for all of us, we miss that day together! We did make it to one road game with him (St. Louis), I think I'll wait till they are a few years older to try that again! This country girl doesn't drive in big cities so well! We miss our Florida 'family' tremendously, you are were such a blessing to us, thank you! I am able to travel to see family here though, and that has been wonderful! Maranatha loves, loves, loves her grandmas, grandpas, aunts and uncles, it is so wonderful to see. So, on those days (and there's many) that I miss my friends, that keeps me going and reminds me why we left FL. Jeff has a few days off soon for All-Star break, we will probably stay close to home and enjoy some time as a family. We miss you all and hope everyone is doing well, would love to hear from you! Love, Jeff, Heather, Maranatha, Austin

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...