I'm so excited. Uncle Sam is sending our Economic Stimulus Tax-Refund Check in the next week or so.
And I'm excited. Why?
Because it's not mine. It's all God’s.
I'm excited to give some of it back to Him through my local church.
Yes, I did say excited.
See…I have a choice of Kingdoms to advance: the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Self. Jesus talked extensively about the Kingdom of Self in Mathew 6:19-34.
Earth-bound treasures.
Anxiety-bound needs.
Every time I read His words, I get hit by the Holy 2x4. Challenging. Convicting. DANG!
Investing in the Kingdom of God, on the other hand, reaps benefits not bound by time. Which excites me and glorifies Him. So I will give Him back a portion of what He is giving me. Through His church.
Here’s to stimulating a Kingdom not of this world.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Simple Pleasures
One of the things I love about being a dad is that I get to be a kid :)
Braden has a nerf basketball hoop sat up on the coat closet door in our foyer. He loves to line up and shoot. I currently am working on showing him the "take two steps, spin around once, shoot it underhand, bank it off two walls, and dunk it" move. Yeah Baby! But his nerf hoop got me to thinking…I think the trap most people fall into is needing bigger toys to satisfy their urge for fun.
I think it's the simple pleasures that provide the greatest joy.
There’s nothing like a game of "horse" on a nerf hoop with your son. By the way, you know I'm affectionately known as "Mr. UNhandy Man." It took me forty-five minutes to assemble the nerf hoop! I'm not kidding. If I remember correctly too…I got a bleeding wound under my thumb. Terica just looked on with that famous… “Oh Bless his poor soul look.”
Braden has a nerf basketball hoop sat up on the coat closet door in our foyer. He loves to line up and shoot. I currently am working on showing him the "take two steps, spin around once, shoot it underhand, bank it off two walls, and dunk it" move. Yeah Baby! But his nerf hoop got me to thinking…I think the trap most people fall into is needing bigger toys to satisfy their urge for fun.
I think it's the simple pleasures that provide the greatest joy.
There’s nothing like a game of "horse" on a nerf hoop with your son. By the way, you know I'm affectionately known as "Mr. UNhandy Man." It took me forty-five minutes to assemble the nerf hoop! I'm not kidding. If I remember correctly too…I got a bleeding wound under my thumb. Terica just looked on with that famous… “Oh Bless his poor soul look.”
Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday Reflections
Well…here we are on another Monday morning…
Some thoughts from yesterday:
- First of all–please pray for my wife–she’s not feeling well. Nothing major–just a runny nose and allergy stuff. But I can’t stand seeing her not well! She calls herself a “mucous making machine.” (Is there a market for that stuff?)
- Yesterday at NewLife was AWESOME…I spoke about money! I also explained what HNL stood for. There were some blank expressions looking back at me…but wait for it! Some of those who were staring blankly will be saying “You’re on a Hole Nutha’ Level” to somebody at work today!
- I’ve noticed that the only people who get angry when you speak about money are…well…it’s like when you speak about adultery–the only people who would get angry about that are…well…
- The Bible has to say more about money than heaven, hell, faith and prayer combined–it HAS to be talked about in church. Almost 5 years ago, we kicked off NewLife and there have been roughly 244 weekends over the last 4+ years that I can count (it’ll be 5 years in August). I’ve only talked about stuff, money…14 out of 244 weekends. That’s pitiful! Especially considering one out of every six verses in the New Testament happens to be about stuff, happens to be about money.
- Let me share with you two verses that God used in a MAJOR way to get my attention with the money issue.
Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” and Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
- When Terica and I got married 9 years ago we totally surrendered our finances to God…and since doing so, I’ve never gone without (my heavenly Father KNOWS how to provide) AND I have discovered that I cannot out give God!
- I am so excited about what God has been doing through our current giving campaign, “What if…” I can’t wait to see what happens over the next two weeks as new families join in and as we all commit to finishing strong!
- I loved the video we showed yesterday to open this series up! It explained so well where we are going to go and it will really make sense next week when you see what we do with Skittles. It’s going to be on a HNL! =)
- Mother’s Day is going to be INCREDIBLE!! I can’t wait…we’re going to have a “Special Speaker.”
- I love the church…I love the fact that she is the bride of Christ…that, in spite of her flaws she is beautiful and breathtaking…and is STILL God’s plan to reach and redeem the world!
- That being said I am getting more and more excited about our One Prayer series that is coming in June. As of last Friday, we are one of 521 churches from 15 countries that are signed up to participate! That list is growing everyday.
Have a great week!
Some thoughts from yesterday:
- First of all–please pray for my wife–she’s not feeling well. Nothing major–just a runny nose and allergy stuff. But I can’t stand seeing her not well! She calls herself a “mucous making machine.” (Is there a market for that stuff?)
- Yesterday at NewLife was AWESOME…I spoke about money! I also explained what HNL stood for. There were some blank expressions looking back at me…but wait for it! Some of those who were staring blankly will be saying “You’re on a Hole Nutha’ Level” to somebody at work today!
- I’ve noticed that the only people who get angry when you speak about money are…well…it’s like when you speak about adultery–the only people who would get angry about that are…well…
- The Bible has to say more about money than heaven, hell, faith and prayer combined–it HAS to be talked about in church. Almost 5 years ago, we kicked off NewLife and there have been roughly 244 weekends over the last 4+ years that I can count (it’ll be 5 years in August). I’ve only talked about stuff, money…14 out of 244 weekends. That’s pitiful! Especially considering one out of every six verses in the New Testament happens to be about stuff, happens to be about money.
- Let me share with you two verses that God used in a MAJOR way to get my attention with the money issue.
Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” and Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
- When Terica and I got married 9 years ago we totally surrendered our finances to God…and since doing so, I’ve never gone without (my heavenly Father KNOWS how to provide) AND I have discovered that I cannot out give God!
- I am so excited about what God has been doing through our current giving campaign, “What if…” I can’t wait to see what happens over the next two weeks as new families join in and as we all commit to finishing strong!
- I loved the video we showed yesterday to open this series up! It explained so well where we are going to go and it will really make sense next week when you see what we do with Skittles. It’s going to be on a HNL! =)
- Mother’s Day is going to be INCREDIBLE!! I can’t wait…we’re going to have a “Special Speaker.”
- I love the church…I love the fact that she is the bride of Christ…that, in spite of her flaws she is beautiful and breathtaking…and is STILL God’s plan to reach and redeem the world!
- That being said I am getting more and more excited about our One Prayer series that is coming in June. As of last Friday, we are one of 521 churches from 15 countries that are signed up to participate! That list is growing everyday.
Have a great week!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
You Talking To Me?
I have a theory. There is never a convenient time to get a flat tire. For that matter, there is never a convenient time for a root canal, accident, license renewal, check-up, tune-up, or robbery. "I don't mind if you rob me, but would you mind coming back a little later when it's more convenient."
Why is it that we treat inanimate objects as intelligent beings when we have a problem with them. Your car dies and you start talking to it. "Start. Come On. Turn over." You give it a motivational speech as if it only needs a little encouragement. "Ok. I guess I'll go ahead and start." Or we resort to physical threats. We look a coke machine in the eye and say, "If you don't come out I'm gonna." Then we hit it and kick it. Anything to get that coke bottle out of the machine!
I've been known to carry on conversations with my computer. The other day I lost a document and I said out loud, "You've got to be kidding me." But the computer isn't kidding me. It never kids. No sense of humor!
I'm a big believer in hitting or kicking things that aren't working. I think it worked one time so I try it every time something stops working. Hey, if it worked once… (sidenote: you should probably only try this on stuff that’s yours.)
Anyway…thanks for allowing me to vent!
What inanimate objects do you talk to?
Why is it that we treat inanimate objects as intelligent beings when we have a problem with them. Your car dies and you start talking to it. "Start. Come On. Turn over." You give it a motivational speech as if it only needs a little encouragement. "Ok. I guess I'll go ahead and start." Or we resort to physical threats. We look a coke machine in the eye and say, "If you don't come out I'm gonna." Then we hit it and kick it. Anything to get that coke bottle out of the machine!
I've been known to carry on conversations with my computer. The other day I lost a document and I said out loud, "You've got to be kidding me." But the computer isn't kidding me. It never kids. No sense of humor!
I'm a big believer in hitting or kicking things that aren't working. I think it worked one time so I try it every time something stops working. Hey, if it worked once… (sidenote: you should probably only try this on stuff that’s yours.)
Anyway…thanks for allowing me to vent!
What inanimate objects do you talk to?
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Guest Blogger: Kazia Ferguson
God’s Grace Is Sufficient!
Things in our house have been quite crazy over the past two weeks. The house has been chaos and the list of things to do keeps growing and growing. Grocery shopping, laundry and getting ready for my sister’s wedding have taken over the Ferguson house. On top of all that I have to try to keep up with a two year old. Yikes!!!
In the midst of all the chaos I found out some life changing news. Brooks and I are expecting another baby. Yes, I said another baby. Our world has been turned upside down and shaken around because the was not in “The Plan”.
Immediately a wave of fear came over me as I discovered I was pregnant and I began to ask myself questions like “Will I have the strength to handle two children?” “Will there be room enough in my heart to love another child?” “Will the tiny baby I am carrying be healthy?”
As I was praying over all of this, a scripture I have read and heard hundreds of times came to mind. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
The more I thought about this scripture, the more I understood it. Fear is not an option. God has given us this great big challenge. But He has also given us everything we need to be able to handle it. He will never leave us or forsake us. He would not put us in this situation and then leave us in the desert. He will equip us with what we need, when we need it.
Know today that whatever challenge or “surprise” you might be facing, God’s grace is sufficient to cover you and carry you through to the very end. He has covered every need we may have before we even know we have them. How incredible is that!
Now, of course, we are over the moon with happiness about our precious miracle. He has filled our hearts with so much love for this baby and I truly believe we are covered in His marvelous grace!
Love you All!
Kazia
Kazia is the leader of NewLife's Women's Ministry. Ladies mark your calendars for our next B’LoveD service. It is Friday, May 9th at 6:30pm. Invite someone to come with you...you won't want to miss it!
Things in our house have been quite crazy over the past two weeks. The house has been chaos and the list of things to do keeps growing and growing. Grocery shopping, laundry and getting ready for my sister’s wedding have taken over the Ferguson house. On top of all that I have to try to keep up with a two year old. Yikes!!!
In the midst of all the chaos I found out some life changing news. Brooks and I are expecting another baby. Yes, I said another baby. Our world has been turned upside down and shaken around because the was not in “The Plan”.
Immediately a wave of fear came over me as I discovered I was pregnant and I began to ask myself questions like “Will I have the strength to handle two children?” “Will there be room enough in my heart to love another child?” “Will the tiny baby I am carrying be healthy?”
As I was praying over all of this, a scripture I have read and heard hundreds of times came to mind. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
The more I thought about this scripture, the more I understood it. Fear is not an option. God has given us this great big challenge. But He has also given us everything we need to be able to handle it. He will never leave us or forsake us. He would not put us in this situation and then leave us in the desert. He will equip us with what we need, when we need it.
Know today that whatever challenge or “surprise” you might be facing, God’s grace is sufficient to cover you and carry you through to the very end. He has covered every need we may have before we even know we have them. How incredible is that!
Now, of course, we are over the moon with happiness about our precious miracle. He has filled our hearts with so much love for this baby and I truly believe we are covered in His marvelous grace!
Love you All!
Kazia
Kazia is the leader of NewLife's Women's Ministry. Ladies mark your calendars for our next B’LoveD service. It is Friday, May 9th at 6:30pm. Invite someone to come with you...you won't want to miss it!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Blog Survey
I'd like to experiment with a little blog survey. A few years ago I came across a cool survey of 50 people over the age of 95 who were asked one question: if you had to live your life over again, what would you do differently? For what it's worth, the three top answers were:
1) Risk More
2) Reflect More
3) Do more things that live on after I die
So here's my blog survey question: If you had to do your twenties over again, what would you do differently? Feel free to post your comment or email me at brandon@newlife-fellowship.org. Thanks for giving it some thought.
1) Risk More
2) Reflect More
3) Do more things that live on after I die
So here's my blog survey question: If you had to do your twenties over again, what would you do differently? Feel free to post your comment or email me at brandon@newlife-fellowship.org. Thanks for giving it some thought.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Christianized
Sometimes, the church becomes a subculture that simply imitates or recreates a “Christianized” version of what culture is already doing.
Think cheesy “Christian” T-shirts. (Hey, I didn’t know a T-Shirt could get saved. Did you?)
Think of Christian bands that exist to simply imitate their secular alternative.
Think about half the products at the Christian bookstore.
Then there's everyone's all all-time favorite product. Testamints! I mean aren't you so glad we
have a "Christian" mint to suck on. I have to admit to using non-Christian mints in the past. However, I felt a tinge of guilt while enjoying it's pagan sweetness. Not anymore...thanks to TESTAMINT! Yes, every piece of candy is wrapped in a Scripture! (Nothing says "We value the Word of God!" like turning the Scripture into a candy-wrapper.)
Can you say...one in a long line of "wierdest evangelism tool ever"....?
Here's my take on tools like this. (You might be thinking...who asked you for your take...? I would argue you did...afterall you're reading my blog!) ;-)
I think it's great that people are trying to find creative inroads to share the message of God. Keep it up.
But I also think that we need to be careful in our pursuit of the next great tool, because we can miss the best thing we've been given to share God with others: love.
What if instead of a cheesy t-shirt or a mint with scirptures on it we just did a better job loving people?
Maybe instead, I need to concentrate on loving the people in my tiny little section of the planet. Maybe John Lennon and "The Beatles" were right after all..."All You Need Is Love."
Think cheesy “Christian” T-shirts. (Hey, I didn’t know a T-Shirt could get saved. Did you?)
Think of Christian bands that exist to simply imitate their secular alternative.
Think about half the products at the Christian bookstore.
Then there's everyone's all all-time favorite product. Testamints! I mean aren't you so glad we
have a "Christian" mint to suck on. I have to admit to using non-Christian mints in the past. However, I felt a tinge of guilt while enjoying it's pagan sweetness. Not anymore...thanks to TESTAMINT! Yes, every piece of candy is wrapped in a Scripture! (Nothing says "We value the Word of God!" like turning the Scripture into a candy-wrapper.)Can you say...one in a long line of "wierdest evangelism tool ever"....?
Here's my take on tools like this. (You might be thinking...who asked you for your take...? I would argue you did...afterall you're reading my blog!) ;-)
I think it's great that people are trying to find creative inroads to share the message of God. Keep it up.
But I also think that we need to be careful in our pursuit of the next great tool, because we can miss the best thing we've been given to share God with others: love.
What if instead of a cheesy t-shirt or a mint with scirptures on it we just did a better job loving people?
Maybe instead, I need to concentrate on loving the people in my tiny little section of the planet. Maybe John Lennon and "The Beatles" were right after all..."All You Need Is Love."
Friday, April 18, 2008
Be Jealous…It’s Date Night!
Let me start off by saying: Besides Jesus, Terica is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
We see each other everyday, we know each others weaknesses, we celebrate each others strengths, and we understand all the little details, which make up our life together.
Being with her is ALWAYS the highlight of my day. The closer I get to her, the more beautiful she becomes.
Terica is my princess, but not the type you see in one of those Disney animated films. You won’t see her in the Disney character parade. She's not waiting around for some prince to save her. She's already met the King who has saved her. From the first day we started dating I knew that Jesus would ALWAYS be more important than me. She's on a mission for the King.
As a dad, I'm watching her learn the art of discipling our son, helping to shape him into an incredible young man who will be a force for the Kingdom in his generation.
As a wife, she's on a HNL. She knows how to make my heart soar. She knows when to kick me in the rear when I need it. She knows how to comfort me when I'm beat. She knows how to put up with my constant questions, restlessness, and ambition. She actually enjoys my sense of humor(most of the time), which can get old after a while. I could never do what I do without her.
My heart is completely and totally hers. We're going to grow old together and stand and look back in awe at what Jesus did.
How did I end up being this blessed? Simple: God’s Amazing GRACE!
We're headed to see Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance tonight at the Nokia Theatre.
Life is good!
We see each other everyday, we know each others weaknesses, we celebrate each others strengths, and we understand all the little details, which make up our life together.
Being with her is ALWAYS the highlight of my day. The closer I get to her, the more beautiful she becomes.
Terica is my princess, but not the type you see in one of those Disney animated films. You won’t see her in the Disney character parade. She's not waiting around for some prince to save her. She's already met the King who has saved her. From the first day we started dating I knew that Jesus would ALWAYS be more important than me. She's on a mission for the King.
As a dad, I'm watching her learn the art of discipling our son, helping to shape him into an incredible young man who will be a force for the Kingdom in his generation.
As a wife, she's on a HNL. She knows how to make my heart soar. She knows when to kick me in the rear when I need it. She knows how to comfort me when I'm beat. She knows how to put up with my constant questions, restlessness, and ambition. She actually enjoys my sense of humor(most of the time), which can get old after a while. I could never do what I do without her.
My heart is completely and totally hers. We're going to grow old together and stand and look back in awe at what Jesus did.
How did I end up being this blessed? Simple: God’s Amazing GRACE!
We're headed to see Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance tonight at the Nokia Theatre.
Life is good!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
A Game Of Chicken
Let me start by saying there have been some things happen in my life in my recent past that have taught me to say what I'm about to say. Here it is:
"I have come to believe that God loves to play chicken with us."
Let me explain...I believe God often tests us to see if we're going to believe him against all odds.
The Israelites chickened out when they saw the giants in the promised land. David didn't chicken out when he faced the giant Goliath. Peter didn't chicken out when he got out of the boat and then he did chicken out when he looked at the waves. I think spiritual breakthroughs are usually proceeded by a game of chicken. If we chicken out we miss out and wander in the wilderness.
All of that is to say this: I've been really convicted in the last week not to chicken out. There were a couple instances recently where I was tempted not to pray specific prayers for something because I was afraid they might not get answered. But I didn't chicken out. And God answered them.
I think too often we don't pray because we're afraid of God not answering. I'm getting over that. I don't want to chicken out anymore! I think most of the good stuff that happens in our lives is because we didn't chicken out.
"I have come to believe that God loves to play chicken with us."
Let me explain...I believe God often tests us to see if we're going to believe him against all odds.
The Israelites chickened out when they saw the giants in the promised land. David didn't chicken out when he faced the giant Goliath. Peter didn't chicken out when he got out of the boat and then he did chicken out when he looked at the waves. I think spiritual breakthroughs are usually proceeded by a game of chicken. If we chicken out we miss out and wander in the wilderness.
All of that is to say this: I've been really convicted in the last week not to chicken out. There were a couple instances recently where I was tempted not to pray specific prayers for something because I was afraid they might not get answered. But I didn't chicken out. And God answered them.
I think too often we don't pray because we're afraid of God not answering. I'm getting over that. I don't want to chicken out anymore! I think most of the good stuff that happens in our lives is because we didn't chicken out.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Guest Blogger: Nathan Martin
Episode 1: An explanation of things random and useless
I have been told, on many occasions, that I am "chock full of completely random and useless information". While I do not disagree per-say. It obviously isn't completely useless, as I am now using said information to write a blog. It also comes in extremely handy when a spontaneous game of Trival Pursuit breaks out.
I am going to use the power of the Web(thanks Al Gore) to share with you some of the random-uselessness that is me. Feel free to comment, make fun of, or share as you see fit.
What you read here I hope will make you laugh, cry, think, and self-examine. Not all at the same time though, that could cause some serious cramping.
You can go to Nate's blog by clicking here.
I have been told, on many occasions, that I am "chock full of completely random and useless information". While I do not disagree per-say. It obviously isn't completely useless, as I am now using said information to write a blog. It also comes in extremely handy when a spontaneous game of Trival Pursuit breaks out.
I am going to use the power of the Web(thanks Al Gore) to share with you some of the random-uselessness that is me. Feel free to comment, make fun of, or share as you see fit.
What you read here I hope will make you laugh, cry, think, and self-examine. Not all at the same time though, that could cause some serious cramping.
You can go to Nate's blog by clicking here.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Monday Reflections
I love Monday's. For many reasons...too many to name on this blog. But the main reason Mondays are great days is because I am usually pumped up about how great Sunday was and I have a great sense of pride that flows out of that pumped up feeling.
I feel a great sense of pride because my son comes home from church and is able to tell me about what he learned in our children's ministry. I'm telling you...there's nothing like hearing the story of Moses and the burning bush and taking off sandles because of Holy ground from a 3 year old! It's incredible. (Way to go NewLife Kids volounteers and staff!!)
I feel a great sense of pride because of the connections that I see being made in our newly remodeled "Hub." If you're not getting here early or staying some after church you're missing out! The hospitality team is knocking it out of the park every week! (We seriously had one of the best meals we've ever had before Class 201 yesterday.) Take the classes...the food is worth it! :)
I feel a great sense of pride because the "choir" was rocking yesterday. If you've ever been a part of one of our worship experiences at NewLife and you were in the "crowd" you were part of the "choir." And I'm telling you "choir"...you sounded great yesterday!
For the record...I did say the word "whore" yesterday during my message. If you have a problem with me saying the word “whore,” you should probably know it’s mentioned 75 times in the Old Testament and the book of Revelation mentions it as well.
Last but not least...I feel a great sense of pride because people at NewLife are beginning to understand that "every week is someone’s first week.” Seriously–every single week we are going to have people walk in the doors who have never been here before. Maybe they are church shopping. Maybe they are desperate. Maybe their lives are falling apart–I have no idea. I just know they show up…AND…you really do only get one chance to make a first impression.
Here is where it gets interesting…statistics show that a person usually makes up their mind whether or not they are going to come back to a church within the first 10 minutes of actually being present on site–that means they haven’t even heard our band or the message yet!!!
WHICH MEANS…here at NewLife…our VOLUNTEERS are not just people out there filling a spot–they are making a difference!!! They are the first people that guests every week see and have interaction with. Volunteers matter–WAY more than some people think!
If you are a volunteer here at NewLife–THANK YOU for making such a huge impact…you aren’t just parking cars, greeting people and keeping the kids…you are making a difference in God’s Kingdom…a difference that will carry eternal weight.
Here I am on another Monday already looking forward to this Sunday.
I feel a great sense of pride because my son comes home from church and is able to tell me about what he learned in our children's ministry. I'm telling you...there's nothing like hearing the story of Moses and the burning bush and taking off sandles because of Holy ground from a 3 year old! It's incredible. (Way to go NewLife Kids volounteers and staff!!)
I feel a great sense of pride because of the connections that I see being made in our newly remodeled "Hub." If you're not getting here early or staying some after church you're missing out! The hospitality team is knocking it out of the park every week! (We seriously had one of the best meals we've ever had before Class 201 yesterday.) Take the classes...the food is worth it! :)
I feel a great sense of pride because the "choir" was rocking yesterday. If you've ever been a part of one of our worship experiences at NewLife and you were in the "crowd" you were part of the "choir." And I'm telling you "choir"...you sounded great yesterday!
For the record...I did say the word "whore" yesterday during my message. If you have a problem with me saying the word “whore,” you should probably know it’s mentioned 75 times in the Old Testament and the book of Revelation mentions it as well.
Last but not least...I feel a great sense of pride because people at NewLife are beginning to understand that "every week is someone’s first week.” Seriously–every single week we are going to have people walk in the doors who have never been here before. Maybe they are church shopping. Maybe they are desperate. Maybe their lives are falling apart–I have no idea. I just know they show up…AND…you really do only get one chance to make a first impression.
Here is where it gets interesting…statistics show that a person usually makes up their mind whether or not they are going to come back to a church within the first 10 minutes of actually being present on site–that means they haven’t even heard our band or the message yet!!!
WHICH MEANS…here at NewLife…our VOLUNTEERS are not just people out there filling a spot–they are making a difference!!! They are the first people that guests every week see and have interaction with. Volunteers matter–WAY more than some people think!
If you are a volunteer here at NewLife–THANK YOU for making such a huge impact…you aren’t just parking cars, greeting people and keeping the kids…you are making a difference in God’s Kingdom…a difference that will carry eternal weight.
Here I am on another Monday already looking forward to this Sunday.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Twitterific
I've been twittering.
I just twittered.
Sometimes I twit.
Follow my twitter!
Ok, I'm having way too much fun with that word... Sorry, ADD is under control now.
But for real... I'm twittering. And if you don't know what that is, think blogging but in very tiny snippets sent via text messaging from my mobile phone or the web.
Once it updates, it appears on my blog on the right hand side. Or....
You can also "follow" me and get my Twitter updates sent to your cell phone via text message. Sort of a mix between stalking me and just keeping up on what's happening throughout my day. :)
All you have to do is go sign up at Twitter and then go to my profile here and select "Follow."
I just twittered.
Sometimes I twit.
Follow my twitter!
Ok, I'm having way too much fun with that word... Sorry, ADD is under control now.
But for real... I'm twittering. And if you don't know what that is, think blogging but in very tiny snippets sent via text messaging from my mobile phone or the web.
Once it updates, it appears on my blog on the right hand side. Or....
You can also "follow" me and get my Twitter updates sent to your cell phone via text message. Sort of a mix between stalking me and just keeping up on what's happening throughout my day. :)
All you have to do is go sign up at Twitter and then go to my profile here and select "Follow."
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Can You Hear The Waves?
Incredible wisdom from the blog I told you about earlier this week. You can find it HERE.
If your Bible is the only outward expression or explanation of your faith then the minute you meet someone that does not believe in it you've hit a serious wall.
It's like trying to tell someone that lived their whole life in the desert how deep the ocean is and how many animals live in it. They don't even believe in the concept of salt water, never mind the miracle of oceanic life. You've got to live it. You have to be the ocean and express your life in such a way that even if all they've seen are sandstorms for the last twenty years, when they're around you, they can't help but start to hear the waves.
Wow...let the sound of waves be deafening!
If your Bible is the only outward expression or explanation of your faith then the minute you meet someone that does not believe in it you've hit a serious wall.
It's like trying to tell someone that lived their whole life in the desert how deep the ocean is and how many animals live in it. They don't even believe in the concept of salt water, never mind the miracle of oceanic life. You've got to live it. You have to be the ocean and express your life in such a way that even if all they've seen are sandstorms for the last twenty years, when they're around you, they can't help but start to hear the waves.
Wow...let the sound of waves be deafening!
Highly Innovative People
I took these from a great post that I read.
The 7 Habits of Highly Innovative People
1. Persistence
2. Remove Self-Limiting Inhibitions
3. Take Risks, Make Mistakes
4. Escape
5. Writing Things Down
6. Find Patterns & Create Combinations
7. Curiosity
The 7 Habits of Highly Innovative People
1. Persistence
2. Remove Self-Limiting Inhibitions
3. Take Risks, Make Mistakes
4. Escape
5. Writing Things Down
6. Find Patterns & Create Combinations
7. Curiosity
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
The Sign In The Yard
I read about a guy who was selling his home for around $200,000. In preparation for selling his house he created his own for sale sign.
Instead of going with an agent and getting something large and noticeable he went with the kind of black and orange sign usually placed on your bike that's for sale. He then proceeded to attach it to a piece of scrap wood and jammed it into his front yard. Overall, the sign leads you to believe his house is worth about $22.
Since the market is tough though, he decided to add some flair to his sign by attaching his little sign to a much larger sign advertising a dating website. They could be found at nearly every busy intersections in this guys community...so stealing one was probably easy. Then he just duck taped his sign to the new one and bam, give him $200,000.
That guy wasn't the smartest guy, because the quality of his sign clearly represented the quality of his house.
Think about it like this...can’t you see him “fixing” the toilet problem inside with some duck tape and a coffee liner? If he’s going to cut corners with the sign, who’s to say he hasn’t cut corners with every other part of his home?
On top of that his lack of effort is particularly stupid considering that 300 feet from his house they are putting up new homes. That developer is constantly creating big, bold signs that make you desperate to live in the new community.
That’s perhaps my greatest fear with the life that I am living. What if the life I am living ends up looking like a for sale message taped to a dating sign. What if I under represent how big and amazing and loving God is to me. That people that don’t know God will see me and think, “See, I knew God sucked, look how sucktacular that guy is.”
But then again, that’s the temptation we each face every day in the way we live our lives, isn’t it?
I know about a guy who practices Daoism. I’m pretty sure he’d be a Christian except he once spent a lot of time around some Christians. They were mean to him and hated him for his long hair and outside the lines taste in music. They had a really poor sign out on the front lawn of their lives and after he saw it, he decided that he’d explore Daoism instead. He’s got a tattoo from a poem about Daoism. He’s a believer of Daoism, the sign on his lawn is pretty cool, but it’s not what it could be because he ran into some people that didn’t put much thought into what their lives said about the Lord.
What’s in your front yard today? Got big, bold signs that make people curious about what’s going on in your community? Or is the duck tape fading on a sign that says God is worth about $22?
Instead of going with an agent and getting something large and noticeable he went with the kind of black and orange sign usually placed on your bike that's for sale. He then proceeded to attach it to a piece of scrap wood and jammed it into his front yard. Overall, the sign leads you to believe his house is worth about $22.
Since the market is tough though, he decided to add some flair to his sign by attaching his little sign to a much larger sign advertising a dating website. They could be found at nearly every busy intersections in this guys community...so stealing one was probably easy. Then he just duck taped his sign to the new one and bam, give him $200,000.
That guy wasn't the smartest guy, because the quality of his sign clearly represented the quality of his house.
Think about it like this...can’t you see him “fixing” the toilet problem inside with some duck tape and a coffee liner? If he’s going to cut corners with the sign, who’s to say he hasn’t cut corners with every other part of his home?
On top of that his lack of effort is particularly stupid considering that 300 feet from his house they are putting up new homes. That developer is constantly creating big, bold signs that make you desperate to live in the new community.
That’s perhaps my greatest fear with the life that I am living. What if the life I am living ends up looking like a for sale message taped to a dating sign. What if I under represent how big and amazing and loving God is to me. That people that don’t know God will see me and think, “See, I knew God sucked, look how sucktacular that guy is.”
But then again, that’s the temptation we each face every day in the way we live our lives, isn’t it?
I know about a guy who practices Daoism. I’m pretty sure he’d be a Christian except he once spent a lot of time around some Christians. They were mean to him and hated him for his long hair and outside the lines taste in music. They had a really poor sign out on the front lawn of their lives and after he saw it, he decided that he’d explore Daoism instead. He’s got a tattoo from a poem about Daoism. He’s a believer of Daoism, the sign on his lawn is pretty cool, but it’s not what it could be because he ran into some people that didn’t put much thought into what their lives said about the Lord.
What’s in your front yard today? Got big, bold signs that make people curious about what’s going on in your community? Or is the duck tape fading on a sign that says God is worth about $22?
Braggin' Rights?
Thought I'd share my golf score from yesterday... (Yes it's braggin' and I'm okay with it.)
3 birdies
7 pars
6 bogeys
2 double bogeys
=
=
A 7 over round of 77 & a very happy me. :-)
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The Good Old Days Are Now
I remember a time when I was younger...and I lived with the “when… then” mentality.
My thinking went like this:
- When I can drive a car, then life will start.
- When I go to college, I’ll finally be free.
- When I get married, then I’ll be fulfilled.
- When I’m a senior pastor, then I’ll make a difference.
- When we’re out of debt, then we’ll give BIG!
I don't know for sure how it happend...but I can remember waking up one day and realizing I am wishing my life away.
Now I try to remember, “These are the good old days.”
- Today I get to play with my son! He will never be this age again.
- Tonight I get to “make out” with my wife! (At least that’s the plan.) ;-)
- Tomorrow I’ll spend some time with some of my best friends!
- This weekend I get to preach God’s word.
The good old days are now...and I’m thanking God for the good old days.
My thinking went like this:
- When I can drive a car, then life will start.
- When I go to college, I’ll finally be free.
- When I get married, then I’ll be fulfilled.
- When I’m a senior pastor, then I’ll make a difference.
- When we’re out of debt, then we’ll give BIG!
I don't know for sure how it happend...but I can remember waking up one day and realizing I am wishing my life away.
Now I try to remember, “These are the good old days.”
- Today I get to play with my son! He will never be this age again.
- Tonight I get to “make out” with my wife! (At least that’s the plan.) ;-)
- Tomorrow I’ll spend some time with some of my best friends!
- This weekend I get to preach God’s word.
The good old days are now...and I’m thanking God for the good old days.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Stuff Christians Like
I started reading a new blog called "StuffChristiansLike.net" that is absolutely hilarious! The author of this blog writes satires about topics like christian hand-holding, altar calls and veggie tales that will have you laughing and thinking about people's perceptions of christians in a whole new light.
A lot of non-christians have been commenting on his posts - take this comment from some one by the name of Eric for example:
"Absolutely brilliant. These posts are so honest it's stunning. I wish every religious person I knew approached life with this attitude. It's unflinchingly Christian but not arrogant, and #62 gives incredible insight as to why. It takes a humanist approach to God, which is what Christ is anyway. No offense to anyone reading this, but if I weren't an atheist, I'd strive to be this kind of Christian."
"If I weren't an atheist, I'd strive to be this kind of Christian." That is why this site was started, that is why the author is penning silly things to a wide audience. He wants people that would never read the Bible or a Christian book or a tract about God because it's too "churchy" to know that "this kind of Christian" exists. Me personally...I think we should all want this.
Don't we want people that maybe don't know how much God misses them to know that He is watching the road for their return. Don't we want atheists to see that we can be funny and real and maybe even honest. Wow...Now isn't that a novel idea?
Reminds me of one of my favorite NewLife series' from last summer..."The Most Irritating Things About Christians."
(Can I get an Amen...? No...wait...that's irritating too...) ;-)
A lot of non-christians have been commenting on his posts - take this comment from some one by the name of Eric for example:
"Absolutely brilliant. These posts are so honest it's stunning. I wish every religious person I knew approached life with this attitude. It's unflinchingly Christian but not arrogant, and #62 gives incredible insight as to why. It takes a humanist approach to God, which is what Christ is anyway. No offense to anyone reading this, but if I weren't an atheist, I'd strive to be this kind of Christian."
"If I weren't an atheist, I'd strive to be this kind of Christian." That is why this site was started, that is why the author is penning silly things to a wide audience. He wants people that would never read the Bible or a Christian book or a tract about God because it's too "churchy" to know that "this kind of Christian" exists. Me personally...I think we should all want this.
Don't we want people that maybe don't know how much God misses them to know that He is watching the road for their return. Don't we want atheists to see that we can be funny and real and maybe even honest. Wow...Now isn't that a novel idea?
Reminds me of one of my favorite NewLife series' from last summer..."The Most Irritating Things About Christians."
(Can I get an Amen...? No...wait...that's irritating too...) ;-)
Friday, April 4, 2008
Date Night
Tonight is date night!! Let me make a confession…I LOVE DATE NIGHT! :)
Terica and I normally have date night on Saturday night but due to a scheduling conflict we weren't going to be able to go out tomorrow night. So we had to do some rearranging so that we could go out tonight instead.
AND…a little tip guys that I have discovered...it is WAY MORE ROMANTIC to her when I actually pick the restaurant and have a plan for the evening rather than getting in the car and saying, “So…uh…where do you want to eat? Are you hungry? What do you feel like…”
(Guys…woman like to feel pursued–why did it take me so long to learn that!?!?!)
MOST of the time she will appreciate the fact that you took action–unless of course you purposefully choose a restaurant she hates and that would make you a JERK!!! :)
Husbands…if your wife is TRULY the most important relationship on this planet–THEN PROVE IT!
AND–don’t come whining to me saying anything about how many kids you have or how demanding your schedule is…
I could care less!!!
Date night is about priorities–NOT EXCUSES. And we all find time to do what is important to us.
Enough blogging...I've got a date to finish planning! ;-)
Terica and I normally have date night on Saturday night but due to a scheduling conflict we weren't going to be able to go out tomorrow night. So we had to do some rearranging so that we could go out tonight instead.
Here's why I love date night...It is the one night PER WEEK that Terica and I know that we have each other’s undivided attention and that we can talk about things that have been on our mind. (Sure–we talk a lot during the week…but there’s something special to me about that date night conversation.)
I challenge every husband to MAKE IT a PRIORITY to have a date night with his wife!AND…a little tip guys that I have discovered...it is WAY MORE ROMANTIC to her when I actually pick the restaurant and have a plan for the evening rather than getting in the car and saying, “So…uh…where do you want to eat? Are you hungry? What do you feel like…”
(Guys…woman like to feel pursued–why did it take me so long to learn that!?!?!)
MOST of the time she will appreciate the fact that you took action–unless of course you purposefully choose a restaurant she hates and that would make you a JERK!!! :)
Husbands…if your wife is TRULY the most important relationship on this planet–THEN PROVE IT!
AND–don’t come whining to me saying anything about how many kids you have or how demanding your schedule is…
I could care less!!!
Date night is about priorities–NOT EXCUSES. And we all find time to do what is important to us.
Enough blogging...I've got a date to finish planning! ;-)
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Why Marriages Get Into Trouble
Ok...I realize that I am probably going out on a limb here but...I thought I would share today with you the number one, biggest, greatest, hugest, (I know I just said hugest...I felt it and I just went for it) reason why I feel that marriages wind up in the deep weeds.
(Translation: deep weeds = in trouble)
So here it is..drum roll please! Unrealistic Expectations
When a person goes into a marriage thinking the following…I'm telling you trouble is on the way…“I know he/she isn’t exactly what I want right now–but marriage will change them.”
(Let me help you out–if you aren’t ready to commit to them as they are–DON’T COMMIT!)
“This person will make me happy.”
“I know he/she cheats on me now, but when we get married they will stop.”
“I know he/she talks to me like I am garbage right now, but when we get married they will see the value in me.”
“We’re going to have sex ALL OF THE TIME!”
(Singles...let me help you out–marriage is about A LOT MORE than just sex!)
Next Wednesday night NewLife Studies kicks off a brand new study that I would like to invite you to come be a part of. "iMarriage" Imagine what might happen if in our marriages we started focusing on fullfilling our spouse's dreams rather than piling on "unrealistic expectations". I hope that you will join us as we begin to focus on removing the "Big I" from our marriages. (You can get more information about our upcoming studies HERE.)
I know that this study is going to be HUGE...it was for Terica and I. Sign up...join us!
After all there is something absolutely amazing about connecting on a spiritual level with your spouse–going to church and praying together, having godly friends that will encourage and support you. See you in class?
(Translation: deep weeds = in trouble)
So here it is..drum roll please! Unrealistic Expectations
When a person goes into a marriage thinking the following…I'm telling you trouble is on the way…“I know he/she isn’t exactly what I want right now–but marriage will change them.”
(Let me help you out–if you aren’t ready to commit to them as they are–DON’T COMMIT!)
“This person will make me happy.”
“I know he/she cheats on me now, but when we get married they will stop.”
“I know he/she talks to me like I am garbage right now, but when we get married they will see the value in me.”
“We’re going to have sex ALL OF THE TIME!”
(Singles...let me help you out–marriage is about A LOT MORE than just sex!)
Next Wednesday night NewLife Studies kicks off a brand new study that I would like to invite you to come be a part of. "iMarriage" Imagine what might happen if in our marriages we started focusing on fullfilling our spouse's dreams rather than piling on "unrealistic expectations". I hope that you will join us as we begin to focus on removing the "Big I" from our marriages. (You can get more information about our upcoming studies HERE.)
I know that this study is going to be HUGE...it was for Terica and I. Sign up...join us!
After all there is something absolutely amazing about connecting on a spiritual level with your spouse–going to church and praying together, having godly friends that will encourage and support you. See you in class?
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Guest Blogger: Kazia Ferguson
Spring fever has officially taken over the Ferguson home. As I stare out the window, with so much excitement, I see flowers in full bloom, beautiful colors popping up everywhere and the bright sunshine beaming down on everything underneath it.I hear the birds singing and my 2 year old daughter saying outside mama, outside! All of this just makes me want to start skipping down the sidewalk singing that old 80’s song “I’m Walking on Sunshine Whoa Oh, and Don’t it Feel Good”.
Ok, maybe not.
But seriously spring...I absolutely love this time of year.
Observing all of this got me to thinking about God’s glorious creation and how beautiful it becomes in the spring. I am not much of a gardener, but every spring my mom would plant a garden. I would watch her take great pride in caring for and maintaining her garden. With some sunshine, water, and TLC her garden would suddenly come to life. Seeing the dazzling colors, smelling the incredible fragrances and enjoying the delicious foods that came from these gardens brought us all great joy.
While I reflected on these great memories I am reminded that we too are God’s precious creation. With some sunshine (God’s Grace), water (God’s Word) and TLC (God’s Love) we too blossom and spring into life. We are His magnificent creation and He takes great pleasure in us.
One of my very favorite scriptures is found in II Corinthians 5:17 where it says “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Meaning if we are walking in the grace and love God has poured out on us, we are no longer lifeless, but we are transformed and renewed by His Holy Spirit.
This week take some time to stop and enjoy His creation. Take a walk, go on a picnic, or plant a garden and thank Him for His grace, read His Word and receive His love.
Observing all of this got me to thinking about God’s glorious creation and how beautiful it becomes in the spring. I am not much of a gardener, but every spring my mom would plant a garden. I would watch her take great pride in caring for and maintaining her garden. With some sunshine, water, and TLC her garden would suddenly come to life. Seeing the dazzling colors, smelling the incredible fragrances and enjoying the delicious foods that came from these gardens brought us all great joy.
While I reflected on these great memories I am reminded that we too are God’s precious creation. With some sunshine (God’s Grace), water (God’s Word) and TLC (God’s Love) we too blossom and spring into life. We are His magnificent creation and He takes great pleasure in us.
One of my very favorite scriptures is found in II Corinthians 5:17 where it says “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Meaning if we are walking in the grace and love God has poured out on us, we are no longer lifeless, but we are transformed and renewed by His Holy Spirit.
This week take some time to stop and enjoy His creation. Take a walk, go on a picnic, or plant a garden and thank Him for His grace, read His Word and receive His love.
- Kazia
What Are You Reading?
Let me ask you a question...“What has God shown you today in His word?”
I remember being asked that years ago by someone that I looked up to spiritually.
On that day, I hesitated. Stammered. Paused. Stalled. Then admitted, I hadn't spent a moment in God’s word.
Truth is, I will find time to do whatever is important to me.
This week, I’ve read Jonah over and over again. (I feel a new series coming on.) Each time that I have read it God has spoken to me in a different way. Today I was deeply touched by Jonah 3:1, “The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.” Aren't you glad we serve a God of "second" chances?
So let me answer the question..."What has God shown me today in His word?"
Today God showed me His grace through an Old Testament prophet.
What has He shown you?
If you hesitate, stammer, pause, and stall, then admit you haven’t spent a moment in His living Word, its still not too late!
I remember being asked that years ago by someone that I looked up to spiritually.
On that day, I hesitated. Stammered. Paused. Stalled. Then admitted, I hadn't spent a moment in God’s word.
Truth is, I will find time to do whatever is important to me.
This week, I’ve read Jonah over and over again. (I feel a new series coming on.) Each time that I have read it God has spoken to me in a different way. Today I was deeply touched by Jonah 3:1, “The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.” Aren't you glad we serve a God of "second" chances?
So let me answer the question..."What has God shown me today in His word?"
Today God showed me His grace through an Old Testament prophet.
What has He shown you?
If you hesitate, stammer, pause, and stall, then admit you haven’t spent a moment in His living Word, its still not too late!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
A Day Off...
I had to post this picture! Yesterday...as Braden described it to his "mommy" was a MAN DAY! Tuesday's are typically the day I take to unplug and recharge. Tuesday's are a good day! :)
Yesterday was especially great...the weather was nice and Braden joined my Dad and I for our regular Tuesday afternoon tee-time.
After golf we went to dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings and ate some chicken wings. Terica announced that she was leaving dinner to run by Beauty Brands because they were having a hair spray sale. I countered with the fact that I needed to run by Sports Authority for a few things.
Here's where it get's good...Braden was going with mom to get hair spray until he heard I was going to the sports store! TOO FUNNY! He joined me and we both got new Texas Ranger hats.
It was a great day! We capped it off when we got home by Braden sitting in my lap and watching the Rangers on TV.
Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Some more "man days," as Braden called it, like today will be a step in the right direction...Don't you think?
This Is Gonna Be HUGE!
Ok...First off let me just say that I am absolutely STOKED about what I am about to share! NO JOKE!Here's the deal...WHAT IF hundreds of churches got together, to actually unify the body, and we all were willing to put personal preference aside and did a series of messages together entitled, "One Prayer."
So I am letting you know now..."One Prayer" is coming. And the driving force behind this idea–if you could pray one prayer for the church–what would it be?
I believe that this move will make one of the biggest Kingdom impacts that our generation has ever seen. And why I am so excited about it is becuase at NewLife we get the privilege to be a part of this opportunity. To join together with various churches from different denominations and different styles of worship...rallying around the cause of bringing the body together & showing the world what can happen when
THE CHURCH WILL SIMPLY BE THE CHURCH.
THIS IS GOING TO BE HUGE! There's obviously more to come and I'll be sharing more later, but I wanted to let you know about it so you could start praying about it. NOW...go ahead...start praying...what are you waiting for...
