I'm studying through Ephesians this week. As I was reading a few minutes ago, this powerful scripture jumped off the page and I thought about how we sometimes underestimate God's ability.
Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think"
God is able to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. He wants to accomplish this work through us. By our lack of faith, we limit what God can do. We underestimate what He can accomplish through us. So, ask for greater things....think/dream bigger dreams.....God can accomplish His work through you.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Freedom To Serve
I have been reading Galatians this week in my devotional time. This scripture jumped off the page and I've been meditating on it this week.
Galatians 5:13 (NLT) "For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love."
We are called to a life of serving one another. Think about it!
Galatians 5:13 (NLT) "For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love."
We are called to a life of serving one another. Think about it!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Growing or Dying
My friend, Dennis Land, used to say you are either "growing or dying." In the last couple of weeks, I have been challenged by several different things that I have either seen, read or heard regarding personal growth. As followers of Christ, we are either growing or we are dying. As leaders, we are either growing or we are dying.
So, I've recommitted myself to the personal growth process.
Scott Wilson challenged leaders to personal growth during the Nines Conference. He tells how that he challenged his staff to read 35 books and listen to 102 leadership lessons in a period of a year. The video of Scott's talk is below.
I personally have committed myself to doing that in the next year. I'm already ahead by having sat through 8 different leadership lessons since making that commitment. Currently, I am reading Jeanne Mayo's Book Thriving Youth Groups and rereading John C. Maxwell's 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Also, for my personal Bible Study time, I am reading and studying Galatians.
What Books are you reading? Whose leadership teaching are you listening to?
So, I've recommitted myself to the personal growth process.
Scott Wilson challenged leaders to personal growth during the Nines Conference. He tells how that he challenged his staff to read 35 books and listen to 102 leadership lessons in a period of a year. The video of Scott's talk is below.
I personally have committed myself to doing that in the next year. I'm already ahead by having sat through 8 different leadership lessons since making that commitment. Currently, I am reading Jeanne Mayo's Book Thriving Youth Groups and rereading John C. Maxwell's 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Also, for my personal Bible Study time, I am reading and studying Galatians.
What Books are you reading? Whose leadership teaching are you listening to?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Open Mouth....Insert Foot
O.K., I'm writing this only because I feel extremely guilty. Last night, during a leadership meeting, I unmercifully gave a Steelers fan a hard time about the loss to "Da Bears."
Unfortunately, Romo did not back up my trash talk with a win. Instead, I am going to have to choke down some crow. :/
The moral of the story......
Proverbs 16:18 (NLT) "Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall."
Unfortunately, Romo did not back up my trash talk with a win. Instead, I am going to have to choke down some crow. :/
The moral of the story......
Proverbs 16:18 (NLT) "Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall."
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Family Update
I wanted to take a few minutes tonight to give a family update.
First, we will be joining the Pastoral Staff at Northside Church in Texarkana, Texas. We will be the Student Ministries Director. I'll be overseeing all Kid's and Youth Ministries. We will also have a focus on the family (marriage, parenting, etc.). Our official start date is September 1st. I'm really looking forward to working with Pastor Jimmy and Renata. He has been a tremendous friend and mentor to me over the last couple of years.
For the last several months, I've been working in Texarkana at a call center that services home mortgages. We call for documents, payments, etc. for the "Obama Plan." I've learned a lot about the mortgage industry. Last month, they selected me as the "Employee of the Month." It has been awesome working with the people I work with. My last day will be on August 31st.
Sasha is starting school tomorrow. Another year of teaching 3rd Graders. She is also serving as the 3rd Grade Chair. I'm really proud of her. She really made tonight special for the girls. She got them presents for the first day back to school. It is a cool family tradition.
Mady is starting First Grade tomorrow. She is getting so tall. She started Gymnastics last week and loves it. She suprises us with her reading abilities. She loves to organize and clean......definitely takes after her mom. :) She loves going to Northside because she has many friends there.
Mackenzie is in preschool this year. She is a creature of habit. She wakes up every morning and has to sit in the same spot, have a glass of milk and watch the Backyardigans. She is a daredevil. She loves baby dolls.
We are excited for the future. Look for more blogs soon. :)
First, we will be joining the Pastoral Staff at Northside Church in Texarkana, Texas. We will be the Student Ministries Director. I'll be overseeing all Kid's and Youth Ministries. We will also have a focus on the family (marriage, parenting, etc.). Our official start date is September 1st. I'm really looking forward to working with Pastor Jimmy and Renata. He has been a tremendous friend and mentor to me over the last couple of years.
For the last several months, I've been working in Texarkana at a call center that services home mortgages. We call for documents, payments, etc. for the "Obama Plan." I've learned a lot about the mortgage industry. Last month, they selected me as the "Employee of the Month." It has been awesome working with the people I work with. My last day will be on August 31st.
Sasha is starting school tomorrow. Another year of teaching 3rd Graders. She is also serving as the 3rd Grade Chair. I'm really proud of her. She really made tonight special for the girls. She got them presents for the first day back to school. It is a cool family tradition.
Mady is starting First Grade tomorrow. She is getting so tall. She started Gymnastics last week and loves it. She suprises us with her reading abilities. She loves to organize and clean......definitely takes after her mom. :) She loves going to Northside because she has many friends there.
Mackenzie is in preschool this year. She is a creature of habit. She wakes up every morning and has to sit in the same spot, have a glass of milk and watch the Backyardigans. She is a daredevil. She loves baby dolls.
We are excited for the future. Look for more blogs soon. :)
Monday, August 3, 2009
New Blog Layout
It's been almost two years since I started the blog. I've taken a bit of a break with the changes that have taken place in our life and ministry.
I believe all things work together for good for them who love God and are called according to his purpose. I am extremely excited about what God has for us in the future.
So, with that said, the blog is back full-time. Check out the right side for my twitter updates or join twitter and follow me.
Moving Forward,
Rusty
I believe all things work together for good for them who love God and are called according to his purpose. I am extremely excited about what God has for us in the future.
So, with that said, the blog is back full-time. Check out the right side for my twitter updates or join twitter and follow me.
Moving Forward,
Rusty
Happy Birthday Kelsey
I'm having one of those moments today where you feel old. My niece, Kelsey, is turning 16 today. Kelsey is a very bright young girl who I know can do anything she sets her mind to. In a lot of ways, Mady reminds us of Kelsey when she was Mady's age. I'm so proud of her.
Happy Birthday Kelsey!
We love you!
Uncle Rusty, Aunt Sasha, Mady and Mackenzie
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