Today is my oldest daughter's birthday. She turns 6 today. It's hard to believe that she is 6. It seems like yesterday we were in the hospital in Tyler holding her in our arms.
So, let me take some time to......brag.....about Mady. She is incredibly smart. This year, she is in Kindergarten and is reading beyond her grade level. She recently was recommended for the Gifted and Talented program at her school and has been going through testing. She loves to create. She loves to draw, do art projects, craft projects and cook with Mom. She is a Daddy's girl.....big time. :) Mady has lost 6 of her baby teeth now. She loves taking gymnastics every Tuesday.
Personality wise....she's shy when she first meets you. However, once she warms up, she is very much an extrovert. She is high strung with a little bit of drama queen. Saying that, she is very kind hearted and almost never gets in trouble at school (she gets that part from her mother). She is very caring and loves to take care of her little sister.
She is a blessing to me and Sasha. We love her very much.
Happy Birthday Mady! Daddy loves you!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Critical Thinkers Group
Last week, I had the opportunity to join 30 other sub-40 year old pastors from around the nation and Canada. It was a blessing to be among this elite group of my peers. Rich Wilkerson of Trinity Church in Miami, Florida hosted the event. They treated us to some great food, discussion and training.
Here is what I took away from the event:
1. "One God idea is better than a 1,000 good ideas." - Mark Batterson, Pastor of National Community Church and Author of In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day and Wild Goose Chase
2. "There's something that's inside of our skin that tells us that someone else's success is our failure." - Troy Grambling, Pastor of Flamingo Road Church, Miami, Florida
3. Be who God created you to be and believe in your calling - Troy Grambling
4. Rich Wilkerson talked about how things start on the coastal cities and move inland. Think about it. What are the most secular cities in our nation? New York, New Orleans, Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle, etc. He said what's starts there will eventually make its way to our communities. This is what they are currently facing in Miami......Extreme Secularism, Spiritism, Sheer lostness of people, and Religious persecution. He said to get ready because this would be what is coming to our cities.
5. John Gray spoke on Tuesday Night. It was incredible. God reminded me of a dream that he had given me years ago. I honestly thought the dream had been accomplished during our time in Chandler. However, the dream is not over. It is still alive and burning deep in my soul. There was a rebirth that took place that night. We ended the night with all the pastors heading to a side room for anointing and prayer. This was a very powerful time.
I also wanted to say how awesome it was to be able to hang with a couple of friends from my college days. Michael Norman, John Van Pay (and Stephanie) and I had a blast. I don't think I have laughed that hard in a long time.
Here is what I took away from the event:
1. "One God idea is better than a 1,000 good ideas." - Mark Batterson, Pastor of National Community Church and Author of In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day and Wild Goose Chase
2. "There's something that's inside of our skin that tells us that someone else's success is our failure." - Troy Grambling, Pastor of Flamingo Road Church, Miami, Florida
3. Be who God created you to be and believe in your calling - Troy Grambling
4. Rich Wilkerson talked about how things start on the coastal cities and move inland. Think about it. What are the most secular cities in our nation? New York, New Orleans, Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle, etc. He said what's starts there will eventually make its way to our communities. This is what they are currently facing in Miami......Extreme Secularism, Spiritism, Sheer lostness of people, and Religious persecution. He said to get ready because this would be what is coming to our cities.
5. John Gray spoke on Tuesday Night. It was incredible. God reminded me of a dream that he had given me years ago. I honestly thought the dream had been accomplished during our time in Chandler. However, the dream is not over. It is still alive and burning deep in my soul. There was a rebirth that took place that night. We ended the night with all the pastors heading to a side room for anointing and prayer. This was a very powerful time.
I also wanted to say how awesome it was to be able to hang with a couple of friends from my college days. Michael Norman, John Van Pay (and Stephanie) and I had a blast. I don't think I have laughed that hard in a long time.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Happy Monday!
1. Yesterday, we had a great day! I spoke on the "Belt of Truth." I had an absolute blast communicating yesterday's message. We had a great time in the altar.
2. Can you believe the game last night? Wow! I thought the Cards were going to pull it out, but the Steelers pulled it out. Congrats to Cornerstone's Steeler Fans, the Staleys!!!!
3. It was an honor to dedicate Lauren Wall to the Lord. Jeff and Tiffany are awesome people. Lamon and Elizabeth are incredible grandparents. What a great family! :)
2. Can you believe the game last night? Wow! I thought the Cards were going to pull it out, but the Steelers pulled it out. Congrats to Cornerstone's Steeler Fans, the Staleys!!!!
3. It was an honor to dedicate Lauren Wall to the Lord. Jeff and Tiffany are awesome people. Lamon and Elizabeth are incredible grandparents. What a great family! :)
Friday, January 30, 2009
Random Friday Thoughts
1. I'm getting ready for a funeral tomorrow. Roscoe Dickey attended the church I pastor in the 80s. He passed away and the family asked me to do the funeral.
2. Sunday, we get to dedicate Lauren Wall to the Lord. I'm so excited. This is the first baby dedication that we've had since I've been at Cornerstone.
3. I'm looking forward to this Sunday's message on Spiritual Warfare. We are looking at putting on the belt of truth.
4. I'm not making a Super Bowl prediction. The Colts and Cowboys were my preseason pick and neither one are in the game. However, I would like to see the Cardinals win for a few reasons. 1) Kurt Warner is a classy guy and I'd love to see him win another ring. 2) I don't want the Steelers to get a 6th ring before the Cowboys get their 6th ring. 3) I thought that Ken Whisenhunt or Russ Grimm both deserved the Steelers job when Cowher retired. They both were snubbed. 4) I like to pull for the underdog. :)
2. Sunday, we get to dedicate Lauren Wall to the Lord. I'm so excited. This is the first baby dedication that we've had since I've been at Cornerstone.
3. I'm looking forward to this Sunday's message on Spiritual Warfare. We are looking at putting on the belt of truth.
4. I'm not making a Super Bowl prediction. The Colts and Cowboys were my preseason pick and neither one are in the game. However, I would like to see the Cardinals win for a few reasons. 1) Kurt Warner is a classy guy and I'd love to see him win another ring. 2) I don't want the Steelers to get a 6th ring before the Cowboys get their 6th ring. 3) I thought that Ken Whisenhunt or Russ Grimm both deserved the Steelers job when Cowher retired. They both were snubbed. 4) I like to pull for the underdog. :)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Busy Times
1. We finished up Revival with Ron Rhoads two weeks ago. It was awesome. If you are a Pastor looking for a great communicator to come and challenge your church, I highly recommend Ron and Heather. Check out his site at www.ronrhoads.org
2. This week, we have had the Master's Commission from Trinity Church in Cedar Hill. They came in Sunday afternoon and will leave after service tomorrow night. They ministered in our Sunday Night service. Then, they have been painting the interior of the church. We said a fond farewell to the "sea foam green" walls in the hallway and bathrooms. We also painted two classrooms and have two more fhat we are going to finish tomorrow. Matt Robertson is the MC Director and their team has been a load of fun to work with.
3. We've had several people who have been in the hospital or really sick. Could you please pray for Lucille, Ms. Irene, William (Bro. May's Son) and Bro. May?
4. Something I've been thinking a lot about lately is spiritual warfare. Ephesians tells us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers of darkness in the heavenly realms. When you go through the struggles of life, remember that your fight is against something that you cannot see. Greater is He that is in you that he that is in the world! Be encouraged!
2. This week, we have had the Master's Commission from Trinity Church in Cedar Hill. They came in Sunday afternoon and will leave after service tomorrow night. They ministered in our Sunday Night service. Then, they have been painting the interior of the church. We said a fond farewell to the "sea foam green" walls in the hallway and bathrooms. We also painted two classrooms and have two more fhat we are going to finish tomorrow. Matt Robertson is the MC Director and their team has been a load of fun to work with.
3. We've had several people who have been in the hospital or really sick. Could you please pray for Lucille, Ms. Irene, William (Bro. May's Son) and Bro. May?
4. Something I've been thinking a lot about lately is spiritual warfare. Ephesians tells us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers of darkness in the heavenly realms. When you go through the struggles of life, remember that your fight is against something that you cannot see. Greater is He that is in you that he that is in the world! Be encouraged!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Anticipation
Tonight, we will gather once again for Revival services. They have been incredible. I know that God has something special for tonight.
One of the definitions for the word anticipation is expectation or hope. Faith is anticipation. You are believing....even expecting what God has in store. It takes Faith to be saved. It takes faith for healings. It takes faith for miracles. It takes faith to be filled with God's spirit.
What is your anticipation level? You can expect a service to be bad and it probably will be (at least from your perspective) or you can come expecting life change, transformation, renewal and revival and you will receive that.
Matthew 5 tells us blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness because they will be filled. We see in James that if we draw close to God (an act of faith), then God will draw close to us.
Expect great things! God will not disappoint. :)
One of the definitions for the word anticipation is expectation or hope. Faith is anticipation. You are believing....even expecting what God has in store. It takes Faith to be saved. It takes faith for healings. It takes faith for miracles. It takes faith to be filled with God's spirit.
What is your anticipation level? You can expect a service to be bad and it probably will be (at least from your perspective) or you can come expecting life change, transformation, renewal and revival and you will receive that.
Matthew 5 tells us blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness because they will be filled. We see in James that if we draw close to God (an act of faith), then God will draw close to us.
Expect great things! God will not disappoint. :)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Revival with Ron Rhoads
We had a great service this morning with Ron Rhoads. If you are in the Atlanta area, we invite you to come and be a part of services Sunday Night at 6:00 p.m. and Monday - Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
Come expecting God to move!
Come expecting God to move!
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