The Tragedy at the Ballpark

I remember my first Major League Baseball game. My parents took us to see the Texas Rangers play in the old Arlington Stadium. I remember walking in and the giveaway was a pair of Rangers Shorts. I don't remember how old I was. I don't remember who won the game. I remember the moment. It is engrained in my subconscious. I remember other games with my parents as well. Like seeing Pete Rose and the Reds play in the Astrodome when I was 12....Pete Rose had less than 25 hits to go before he broke Ty Cobb's Hit Record. On my 16th Birthday, our church went to see the Rangers play. Nolan Ryan was the starting pitcher. How's that for a Birthday Present!

In May of this year, I took my girls to their first Major League Baseball game. We were in the Houston area for Sasha's graduation. So, we decided to take in a game at Minute Maid Park. We walked in and were given Pink Tote Bags (the Astros were promoting Breast Cancer Awareness). We found our seats. We enjoyed the Hot Dogs and Nachos...the sights and sounds of the game...the fight that broke out in the stands one section over from us...oh the Memories. The girls loved it. I loved watching them and soaking in the experience with them.

Last night, as the news of Shannon Stone's fall and subsequent death came across the twitter feeds and ESPN Bottom Line, my heart went out to his family. This child had a dream come true moment as the reigning MVP tosses the Ball into the stands and his Dad makes a move to get the ultimate in souveneirs for his son. I would've done it for my kids. My heart is broken today....for the loss of life....for the loss of a Father....for the loss of a husband.

Although I didn't know Shannon Stone or his family, I am compelled to pray for his wife and his Son. I believe in a God that brings a "peace that passes all understanding." I'm also praying for Josh Hamilton...who did something every Major League Baseball player does on a regular basis only to have it result in an accident that leads to a man's death.

Will you join me in praying for these families?

One Thing

What is the one thing that keeps you awake at night?
What is the one thing that you look forward to?
What is the one thing that makes you smile?
What is the one thing that captivates you?
What is the one thing that you would give your life for?

I believe we all have one thing. That one thing is a dream.

Something to pursue....to strive for....to live

Find your one thing and pursue it.

A couple of great books on dreams are "The Dream Giver" and "Dream Cycle"

What is your one thing?

It's been awhile.....

First off, sorry for the lack of posts lately. I am looking at redesigning the blog in the next few days. Look for regular updates...

What's been happening.

1. Today's my 38th birthday! Love my family and friends that have helped made it special.

2. Thanks to my boss, Pastor Jimmy White, for taking me out to Buffalo Wild Wings for my birthday! :)

3. Sasha graduated last weekend from Lamar University. I'm super proud of her. She graduated with her Masters of Education in Administration.

4. We're gearing up for a busy summer.....camp, district council, vbs, vacation, etc. :)

5. Can't wait for the Mavs game tonight. :)

6. Kenzie is playing T-Ball...she has two more games left.

7. Mady made the A-Honor Roll for the entire year. I went to her end of the year assembly today where she received her medal for her achievement.

More to come soon.

Blessings on you all,
Rusty

Cracking Your Church's Culture Code Blog Tour

I've been reading an incredible book by Dr. Sam Chand entitled "Cracking Your Church's Culture Code." Dr. Chand bring a vast array of experience and knowledge to the subject of Church Culture. This book is based on the premise that "Culture-not vision or strategy- is the most powerful factor in an organization." Dr. Chand presents his seven keys of culture. He also analyzes the five different types of cultures. He describes how you can begin to affect culture by starting with yourself.

This book is insightful. Dr. Chand's wit and humor along with his captivating story telling ability is permeated throughout the book. I highly recommend this to every pastor and church leader. This book also comes with a link to a free culture survey. The survey allows the senior leader of an organization to send out links to that organizations personalized survey. Then, after everyone has completed the survey, the senior leader will receive the results.

Great book, Dr. Chand! I've enjoyed reading it!

Leadership lesson from the Cowboys coaching change

The Cowboys made a predictable choice with the hire of Wade Phillips. Phillips, a mild mannered country boy, was brought into to replace the tough minded Bill Parcells. Phillips is a players coach. The Tuna is no nonsense. Unfortunately, the Cowboys made the choice many organizations make with new hires. They try and replace a former leader by swinging the pendulum the complete opposite way. It works initially, but doesn't last long term.

This is why I want Jon Gruden to be the next Coach of the Cowboys. The Cowboys have become undisciplined and soft. Gruden's tough minded approach would remind people of the days of the Tuna or dare I say.....Jimmy. Now, I know what you're thinking.....isn't that a pendulum swing...the answer is No. Gruden can come down hard, but then you make a good play and he's giving you that Chucky grin. The solution is Balance. Somewhere between Tuna and Wade is where Gruden is. He's a tough minded player's coach.

Regardless of who puts on the Star next season, I will still cheer for the Cowboys. I hope Jerry reads my blog. LOL

What a great weekend!

We had a great weekend! Sunday Morning at Northside was incredible. I have the unique priviliege of leading people in worship. At the conclusion of the worship, our Pastor stepped up and gave a series of calls for people to get their hearts right with God.

As we sang songs of Grace and Freedom, you could see God working in hearts. People literally melting and weeping as God set them free.

The presence of God is very real. It has a lasting effect. Sunday will be a day that I think about for a long time.

What's been happening?

1. School has started. That means the last few weeks of our lives have been crazy. Mady is in second grade. Kenzie is at the Methodist Church Day School.

2. This weekend, we went to Chandler for the annual Fantasy Football Festivities with some friends. We had a great time seeing everyone.

3. We stopped by Sasha's parents on the way home and had dinner. I ended up going home by myself and meeting them halfway the next day to pick up Sasha and the girls.

4. A lot has been happening at Northside....we finished family month the first Sunday in August. Then, we went on one final trip of the summer with the 180 students to San Antonio. We have been remodeling the Kid's area. Mark, Tommy and Jay have done an awesome job. We've had amazing services this month. God is good.