It's been an interesting weekend. I'm praying through a lot of things. They're kind of all a bit random but I'm feeling quite burdened about them so prayer is the only thing I know to do. I did want to brag a little about what God is doing around me right now.
First off, my wife has been working out for about a month now and she is doing a great job. There have been several times that I knew she didn't want to go and I thought she might start to fade on her dedication but she toughed it out and pressed on. She had a really great progress report that I'll let her share about on her blog. She also started twittering this weekend. Welcome to the madness my dear.
Second, Savannah Grace had her first soccer pictures this past weekend along with a Cheerleading camp at Northwood Academy. She did a great job at both and I'm excited to coach her in her first soccer game next weekend. Come by Northwood next Saturday morning to watch the legend begin.
Third, my Pastor, Fred Richard gave an incredible message today. He'll tell you it was nothing but after thirty plus years of Pastoring this church and living a life of integrity, it is definitly something. This morning he challenged us as we begin the arduous task of deciding how much to give toward our Out of the Ashes campign. This is an exciting time to be at Northwood. I truly believe we are about to see one of the most amazing works of God our city has ever seen.
Fourth, Brian Jarvis my Service Programming Director has stepped up large. Brian has the unfortunate privilege of managing our large group production side of our ministry under my leadership. I've come to discover that I'm a bit demanding and quite a perfectionist. Over the last month we have started to find our legs in our large group worship and teaching time on Wednesday nights. We've still been trying to translate that success programmatically to our Sunday environments. Tonight we succeeded. The picture doesn't nearly do it justice but we had The Avenue in the round tonight. For the last three weeks we've had to be flexible and worship in another building. Tonight we made our room work for us. I'm so proud of the way Brian has handled my somewhat micro-managing involvement in his area of leading. He's one of the up and comers and I can't wait to see him accomplish all the great things God is doing in his life.
Finally, God is really challenging me personally and professionally these days. I'm so excited to head to Atlanta next week for Catalyst Conference. Along with seeing some dear friends, AJ, Kevin and I are going to be soaked in worship and teaching from some of the most innovative and influential men of God from across the country. It's been an intense first three months but I believe things are going to get much more intense as we watch God move in the hearts of students, families and volunteers as Northwood Student Ministry continues to chase after the vision God is putting in front of us. I'm planning on writing a real serious post this week that God has been pushing me on. Watch for it. It's one of those I really would rather just push to the back and forget about but I believe it will challenge some of us to really follow God.
I suppose that's all for now. I'm praying for you this week. May God continue to challenge and bless you in all that you do.