Shaving Gallery

Gary was right when he said going to the Shaving Gallery would be the greatest thing I have ever done in my life. I stinking loved it! I could have fallen asleep or just stayed there for another couple hours. If you ever get the chance - go check it out. It is amazing!

Couple interesting things that I learned while I was there...
1. There are actually razors that cost over $200. I will no longer think that the Fusion is expensive.
2. Most supermodels shave their entire face - from their forehead down to their chin. They say it's the best way to exfoliate (I think that just means knock the dead skin off). Pretty girl or not - it would be pretty wierd to walk into the bathroom and see your wife with a face full of shaving cream.

To end the night, we went to Stoney River to eat. It was unbelievable. The roll's are incredible and I could probably just eat a plate full of those and leave extremely happy.

$50 Shave

Every time I come back to Woodstock I try to hang out with as many people as possible. As a result, I end up spending quite a bit of time at Starbucks. I was there this morning meeting with a guy who is a creative genius. Tonight, Devin and I will go there to hang out with some friends of ours that we haven't really spent time with in several years. Tomorrow morning, I will go again to hang out with a friend who now lives in VA that I never get to see. I love Starbucks, but better than that - I love Starbucks gift cards! Free Starbucks coffee - is way better than $4 Starbucks Coffee.

My dad, brother in law, and I are going to some place called the Shaving Gallery tomorrow. My mom decided to spend $50 per person for the three of us to have someone else shave our faces. It is supposed to be amazing; however, some random lady with a razor blade on my neck freaks me out. I will let you know how it goes tomorrow night; however, if you don't see a post from me in then next 24 hours it might mean that the lady with the knife went psycho. I really hope that doesn't happen. Ill keep you posted.

Merry Christmas

Had a blast going to three totally different churches today. Gary Lamb and Ridge Stone knocked it out of the park! Great atmosphere, music, and message. I got a free Tshirt, 3 different free Cd's and I even got a glimpse of Santa Claus walking around the lobby. Great job Gary. Ridge Stone is rocking!

Mountain Lake was very good as well. Their band was incredible. Their worship guy was very good and they had a girl singer who was amazing. Shawn Lovejoy did a great job with the message and the coffee was bueno.

Woodstock had a packed house. Over 7000 people enjoyed hearing Billy Goodwin sing Christmas Shoes and Johnny Hall sing O Holy Night as they have every single year for as long as I can remember. It was great to see so many people that I haven't seen in forever.

After the Christmas Eve service at Woodstock, we always go eat Chinese food in Woodstock. Our waiter was hilarious. He was exactly like the guy in Christmas Story who sang Deck the Halls. If you havent seen that one clip - it is worth watching the entire movie just to see it.

Merry Christmas my friends. Ya'll are awesome!

Christmas Eve Eve

I am pumped about the fact that I am going to three different churches tomorrow. I will be checking out Gary Lamb at Ridge Stone, Shawn Lovejoy at Mountain Lake, and then head back to our home church, First Baptist Woodstock. It will be a great day.

Devins grandpa has his first wife die many years ago. Since that time, he has remarried. Devin has tried to explain that to Lexi several times. Tonight, she was walking around with Gipper (Devin's Grandpa) while we were all hanging out at the house. While they were talking, Lexi taps him on the shoulder, looks straight into his eyes, and announces...."Gipper, I know your wife is dead." Definitely an awkward moment - especially for the wife who is very much alive and sitting on the couch listening to every word.

Much fun.

Selling the Honda

We need to get a car that is just a little bit bigger for Devin. As a result, our Honda is officially on the market. It's a Champaigne looking 1996 4 door with 158,000 miles. Blue Book value for that car with those miles in good condition is $3,750. We are selling it for $3,500. We already have one deal that is pending, but I do need to make this happen ASAP! If you are interested or know anyone who is please let me know.

Headaches and Very large people

I have had a headache for about 8 days now. I am not excited about that fact; however, the people who make Excedrin Migraine most definitely are.

I went to Gold's Gym last night to get in some extra running and lifting so that I don't rapidly expand over the holidays (Maybe I should say, "over the Christmas" so that some Christian organization doesn't boycott my blog). Anyway, when I walked through the door it was like I had entered a different world. I saw some of the largest (strong not fat) individuals I have ever seen in real life. I am not a small person, but I felt tiny in that room. It was insane.

Given my discussion yesterday with Joe Sangl, I want to encourage every person who reads this thing to create a financial strategy for their lives. It doesn't matter whether you make a lot or a little. Begin now! If you can invest just $25 a month in a mutual fund of some kind or another - do it! Compound interest can become your best friend. Satan has a plan to destroy you in the area of finances. Don't let that happen! Develop a plan now! You will thank me later I promise.

Georgia

We left Millington this morning at 5:45 and got to Woodstock in just under 6 hours. It was actually the fastest I have ever made it in a car and as a result, I think I should have received a trophy upon my arrival. I did not and for that reason I am very bitter.

On a different note, I had a phone meeting with a guy named Joe Sangl today. He's a financial advisor and on staff at Newspring. He is the man! I am excited about getting to know him. I will fill you in on more of the details later as I am anxiously waiting on the second half of the Duke game to begin.

Mark and I just decided that we are going to go to RidgeStone, Mountain Lake, and First Woodstock on Christmas Eve. All three churches are totally different in methodology which should make for an incredible day. Pretty sure I have never been to three different churches in the same day. Should be fun.

GA!

Tomorrow morning we will pull out for a week in Woodstock, GA. I am excited about seeing friends that we haven't seen in about a year and hanging out with our family. We are going to have a great time. Mark hooked me up with a one week membership to Gold's gym which means that I will be able to run a few extra miles every day to keep from adding extra poundage while I am there.

Couple of things I am excited about....
1. Talking with a financial advisor tomorrow who assures me by doing what we are currently doing (savings/investments, etc.) that Devin and I can count on a pretty substantial amount of money when we get older...much, much older :)
2. Going to try and read a book called "Simple Church", while I am out of town. It is supposed to be incredible and I am looking forward to it greatly.
3. Seeing my one and only nephew who is around 3 weeks old that I haven't seen as of yet. His name is Noah and he is huge (already almost 10 pounds).
4. Giving Devin her Birthday (January 3) and Christmas present. She will be very happy!
5. Newspring's services are now viewable online! That my friend - is simply amazing.

Christmas Trees

As of today we are officially one week away from Christmas. As a result, we thought it would be a great day to take down our Christmas tree. Actually, we took down all our Christmas decorations. Pretty strange thing to do I guess, but I am very happy that we (when I say "we" I mean Devin) took them down now so that we didn't have to worry about it when we get back in town. I am stinking ready for Christmas. I love it. I love everything about it, except for the "I hate Santa Claus because if you change the letters around in Santa it spells Satan" crowd. They make me laugh.

Relentless pursuit

Jacks was right yesterday when he wrote about the fact that there are constantly things that are competing for our attention. Everything from television commercials, ringing telephones, family obligations, work demands, and personal time, etc., etc. Trying to make decisions on what to do and what not to do can become a pain as you try to balance everything going on in your life. How do you manage the chaos? The key has got to be relentlessly pursuing that which God has called you to be. Anything that will take away from that (whether good or bad) should be avoided at all costs. Pretty easy thing to write - but an extremely difficult thing to live. I guess you could say that I am relentlessly pursuing being able to say that I am on a relentless pursuit to become the person that God created me to be.

Lovin it...

I love the journey that we call the Christian life.

I love the fact that I was dead, destined and doomed for hell, but because of God's mercy and grace I now have life.

I love the fact that my walk with Christ is a journey. He is walking with me and interceding on my behalf along the way.

I love the fact that He is big enough to handle the thousands of questions that I have and still don't fully understand.

I love the fact that in spite of His "bigness" that I can still communicate with Him and He with me.

I love the fact that He has surrounded me with the most incredible family and friends.

I love the fact that I can end this blog because my 1 yr. old London is running towards me right now yelling "Mama" (Sometimes she get's very confused) and I tend to love her more than I do writing on here.

Have a great day!

MacArthur on the attack

It's sad to see people who have done much good for the Kingdom of God place an agenda above their better judgment. Whether he is a guest speaker in the pulpit of First Baptist Woodstock declaring that "Jesus Was a Calvinist", writing articles, or preaching about certain styles of church that he does not agree with, it is apparant that this pastor has much time on his hands. It is also apparent that he has chosen to use his free time to criticize those who have differing opinions rather than to engage in conversation with the leaders of those particular movements (Emergent Church) and/or churches (Mars Hill led by Mark Driscoll) before making accusations.

There are several things that I do not agree with and/or understand within the context of the Emergent Church movement. The same seems to have been true for MacArthur. Before his book comes out I really hope that he will take the time to pick up the phone and ask the tough questions instead of making empty assumptions that are based on hearsay. I am glad that the Bible is culturally relevant. Relevance is not the enemy! If that were true than it would have been sin for us to have translated the Bible to the many languages and dialects that we now have today. I am sure that this pastor does not stand in his pulpit wearing the same clothing that Jesus wore during His life here on earth. As a matter of fact, I have seen this pastor preach in person and I can assure you that he dresses in culturally relevant suits (is there such a thing?) like the majority of traditional pastors. Bottom line is this. If you have a problem with a person - go to them. I think I read that in the culturally relevant English translation of the Bible and in a commentary with the last name MacArthur inside the cover.

Promiscuous Girl

Got off the phone a little while ago with Tony Nolan. I have known him for a long time and he is definitely (I am going to start a support group for people who think definitely should be spelled definately) one of the most interesting people that I know. He is full of encouragement and is flat out in love with Jesus.

Creative meeting was today. Planned a series called Itunes (which I am sure we stole from someone and if I could remember who...I would let ya know). We are going to to do a week on porn called "Dirty Little Secret", and another week on relationships called "Promiscuous Girl". Our interns came up with an idea for a video for the P.G. week that will be amazing.

Go check out this link for a pretty funny Christmas Eve promo clip that you probably won't find in most churches.

Couple thoughts

I want to reach people. I really am convinced that going after the people that are far from God is the key to seeing Him do the impossible within the local church. If we are not willing to go after those who are far from God - than we have missed the point. That's why we are here. That's why H2O is here. Thank God that He sends us those who are not welcome elsewhere. Thank God that He sends us those who have issues, who are desperate, who are searching, who are broken, who have things going on in their lives that many of us could never understand. Keep them coming. God loves them and so will we.

Today is Jeff Hill's birthday. Jeff has been my worship leader for the past 2.5 years and he has done an incredible job. It is rare to meet a musician who loves God more than he loves music, the stage, and/or himself. He is a huge blessing in my life and I thank God that He has allowed us to partner together in ministry. You are the man, Jeff. Happy Birthday!

Weekend Highlights

I love weekends. It is fun to be able to hang out, get some things done, and just enjoy being around friends and family.

Highlights...
Thursday PM - Adult Leadership Christmas Party. We had a great time talking about everything from real heads being put in coolers, the holocaust, and the 435,000 drinks you can get at Starbucks.
Friday - Went to the mall with Devin and London while Lexi was at school. Hung out the rest of the day, made the largest homemade pizza the world has ever seen, and watched The Sentinel. It was incredible. Basically it is a 2 hour episode of 24. Gotta love that.
Friday late PM - Todd, JC, Brent, Andrew, and I went downtown. Didn't get there until around 11 and hung out till around 2. It was freezing outside (around 17) so there wasn't a lot happening on Beale. We did decide on the way home that Todd's car had never been in the Mississippi river. As a result, we drove down the boat ramp and put the front two tires into the water. It was an exhilirating experience for both the car and for us. I have no idea why we did it, but I guess you can just blame it on the fact that we had nothing else to do that late at night.
Saturday - Went back to the mall and to ToysRUs to get some things for Lexi and London. Lexi got an African American doll and London got a puppy (not a real one - a stuffed one). Devin lost her purse and some honest person who I will never meet actually turned it in at ToysRUs. That makes me very happy. Then we went to Emily's birthday party in downtown Munford. Saw a really wierd picture of myself but other than that I had a great time.

What a night...

Another bueno night at H2O! The band did an great job, I felt really good about the message, and 3 people gave their life to Christ as well. I am pumped that God continues to change lives every single week.

To answer a few questions that I have already been asked.... Yes, I did throw up less than 5 minutes before I walked on stage (no worries - I made it to the bathroom), and Yes, I did throw up again less than 2 minutes after I walked off stage (again, no worries). It made for an interesting evening as I had to have the band on standby to play randomly in case I couldn't make it through the message. Pretty fun stuff. Don't know why I told you that - just thought you would like to know.

I might do a post in a couple days about the Super Nazi Christians who hate Santa Claus. I think that is funny. Also, stay tuned to Todd's blog because he just told me that he got bit by a dog today. I am sure that it will be a pretty funny story. Go check it out here.

Here we go...

My entire family has been sick for the past couple of days with Stomach Virus. London had it first - gave it to Devin. London and/or Devin gave it to Lexi. Now, London and/or Devin/Lexi will no doubt give it to me. I have been fighting this reality because stomach virus kicks my butt. I hate it with a passion! I have escaped it's fury so far; however, even as I type, I can feel my stomach beginning to do things that it does not normally do. Not a good sign for me!

I can't wait for H2O tonight! It will be incredible all the way around. I would continue to type more, but round 1 of many trips to the restroom are calling me....

Oatmeal, Cars, and a bunch of people...

I love oatmeal! Let me rephrase that. I love the kind of oatmeal that comes in those little packages that are flavored with things like Blueberries, Strawberries & Cream, and Brown Sugar. Today, I tried the oatmeal that comes in the tall container with absolutely no flavoring. It was absolutely disgusting. It tasted like slimy and somewhat textured paste. I tried to add some splenda and all it did was make it taste like sweetened slimy textured paste. Word of Caution - if you ever try oatmeal - stick to the little packets.

Devin and I are going to have to get a newer car at some point. Both of our cars have over 160,000 miles on them and the odds are that they will not last forever. They have both been good as we haven't had a car payment in over 5 years; however, their time is nearing an end. If anyone knows anybody that can point us in the right directions...let me know! You will definitely become my hero and I will love you forever.

Last week I talked to a guy (Steven Furtick) that I went to school with at North Greenville. He has just started a church 10 months ago in Charlotte, NC. Yesterday, they had the highest attendance that they have had so far (only 10 months) with over 900 people! They also saw over 50 people baptized! God is moving at Elevation Church. If you are in that area -go check it out next week!

Breakfast with Lexi

Every Friday morning before Lexi goes to school the two of us go out to eat somewhere for breakfast. Typically, we go to Perkins (only breakfast restaurant that I know of in Millington) and hang out for about an hour. I love spending this time with her. Couple of interesting facts...

1. She always wants either a cheeseburger or chicken fingers with fries for breakfast. Of course I let her get whatever she would like when we are out together. The waitresses think I am crazy - but we are always their favorite customers.

2. She won't let me sit across the table from her. I must sit on the same side of the booth "to keep her company".

3. She prefers water over any other drink.

4. She saw a "Merman" on TV the other day and has been very confused about it ever since.

5. She knows that her dad loves her more than almost anything.


On a different note... the first basketball practice for both teams was yesterday. It is going to be a great season.