jonathan

FAMILY GROUPS

2011-09-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

8twelve launched FAMILY GROUPS last night! This may not mean much to you, but I thought I would share anyway. We are blessed to have many couples who are leaders in our ministry. As we stepped back and took at closer look at this dynamic, we thought we may be able to use this to our advantage. Our small groups have been grade and gender specific since they were first launched in 2006. With FAMILY GROUPS we will have grade specific, but coed groups. So each couple will lead a coed group. We hope this helps with the outreach dynamic, discussion quality, and family aspect that we all love.

With any change comes the evaluation once the change has taken place. Our FAMILY GROUPS may not stick, but for us it is worth a shot. Six months from now I may be writing a post titled, "SMALL GROUPS ONCE AGAIN." After our first experience last night I think FAMILY GROUPS will be the positive change we hoped it would be.

So here is what a typical Wednesday night gathering looks like for us...

6:00 : Leader prayer time
6:30 : 8twelve gathering begins
6:35 : Worship with the 8twelve house band
6:50 : Teaching/Preaching from Jonathan
7:20 : FAMILY GROUPS
7:45 : Gathering ends

making time

2011-08-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

The dating stage of life was a cool time. The pursuing of another, while staring the possibility of marriage in the face, is a riveting experience.

Looking back to when I was dating Mandi, now my wife of 7 years, I'm not sure I ever thought about making time for her. If anything it was not calling her too often so I didn't look desperate. Making sure I didn't day dream about her too much so I could get quality work done. I don't remember struggling with giving her my undivided focus and attention.

There is something about life that blurs your vision from time to time, which creates the need of refocusing your attention. Not to put the blame on the elements of life, since they do not have the ability to control our decisions or choices. Rather, there are things we allow in our lives that blur our vision, which creates the need to refocus our attention on what is most valuable.

A few weeks back, Mandi and I scheduled some daily and weekly non-negotiable times together. We pre-planned times for prayer, bible study, family planning, and dating.

It felt weird scheduling these times. It seemed inauthentic and prepackaged. Why did we even need this conversation? What is up with a husband that would need to make time for his wife?

I must say after three weeks of making time for each other, it was everything we needed. We pulled the trigger and took the advice of so many. This decision is bringing rewards we cannot even see.

a great $7 purchase

2011-08-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

A great leader and friend told me of a $7 book that was a must read. I jumped out and spent the $7. After finishing the book I quickly gave it away. Quickly throwing down another $7 on the counter for the book again. I have repurchased the book now many times due to giving the book away many times over.

E.M. Bounds is fresh! Oh the books was first published in paperback form in 1972. But he is fresh! The words jump off the page and hit the mind and heart in ways that will cause you to rethink your daily exercises.

Here are a few quotes...

"The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men."

"...every preacher who does not make prayer a mighty factor in his own life and ministry is weak as a factor in God's work and is powerless to project God's cause in this world."

What is one book you find yourself passing along?

public school

2011-08-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

Mandi and I were sold on homeschooling Mary Beth. That is until about 2 weeks back. Mandi walked in the door and asked, "Are we making the right decision?" After many words and prayers we pulled the trigger on sending Mary Beth to Kindergarten.

This is day three for her in school. This is not an easy process. Mary Beth is trying to learn the process of going to school everyday and we are trying to stay strong when dropping her off, while she holds her arms out holding back tears.

I don't mean for this to be a sad post. I just thought I would share since my last post was "homeschool convention." I guess they need to step up the convention.

Today was very difficult, as I watched Mary Beth sit down in the gym for the rise and shine assembly. As I walked out the door, I turned back to see her crying. The Father in me wanted to run in an save her. I held back and watched from a distance.

home school convention

2011-05-22T14:51:00.000-07:00

I seem to say this often, but I must say it again. There are times when you hear someone say something, and it changes your perspective. This past weekend I heard Phil Downer speak. He has a huge bio that i won't share, but let's just say he brought it. He mainly spoke on discipling your children. Here is a little of what he shared...

- Discipleship is intentional :: creating a good environment at home doesn't make it happen, you have to be intentional.

- Will your children be able to say, "My dad discipled me or my mom discipled me."

- Raise thermostats not thermometers :: thermostats change the temperature of the room, thermometers change to whatever temperature is around them.

- "No one else can father your children."

- Training your children is not about making sure they end up at the top of their class. it is about them loving Christ and treasuring him above all else.

Downer has written a number of books that I hope to get my hands on. I enjoyed his perspective on parenting and leading your family. I cannot afford to expect the church, the student ministry, the public school system, or anyone else to set my child on the right path. It only makes since that this would fall into my hands.

I'm glad I attended the home school convention this weekend.

I will wait for you

2011-04-11T12:34:00.000-07:00

if you are single...in junior high, college, 20s-70s...this is a must watch. if you are married this is a must watch. ok everyone, everywhere...you need to watch this!

chapel lectures 2011

2011-02-15T10:04:00.000-08:00

yesterday was a great experience! there are these moments in life when someone says something that you needed to hear and it is a WOW moment. that was yesterday morning.

i want to share with you a little of what i heard from two incredible men of God. they shared more than stories and scripture, they shared life and ministry with us and for that i am grateful.

CABBI held a day of lectures on staff relationships yesterday and had asked Joe Morrell and Joey Cook to speak. They are the pastor and youth pastor of flatwoods baptist church in mountain view, AR.

JOE MORRELL :: Building Successfull Staff Relationships :: 1 Cor. 12:18; 3:1-7
- If a staff can't work together, how can it be done in the church?
- If a staff doesn't pray together, how can it be done in the church?

- God Builds the Team
- God Establishes Order :: co-equal in authority, totally submissive to the
Lordship of Christ. every leader should have someone who is mentoring them,
someone they are walking alongside, and someone they are mentoring.
- God Creates Uniquness :: Paul & Barnabus // Pastor - Teach

Joe shared the strengths and weaknesses of the various men on staff. He said that these differences add to the value of their staff not take away from it. They have a staff meeting every Tuesday and start by discussing last Sunday, his message, and there future messages and services.

- Come together in submission to God and egos go out the window.

JOEY COOK :: Good things happen when broken people submit :: Daniel 2:24-35; Matt. 21:42-44 :: a student pastors perspective

- We have a pride issue // selfishness
- God uses healthy healthy staffs to create healthy churches. Also an unhealthy
staff will build and unhealthy church.

- We will break or be broken
- God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and he gives them to whomever he
pleases.
- 1 Peter 5:5-7 :: younger be submissive to the elder
- most of us are so obsessed with being Paul to allow ourselves to be a Timothy.

- Joey shared a story about his pastor's Bibles that Joe had used through the years that are filled with a journal of ministry accounts in his life. Joey looked through these Bibles and as he read these accounts, God spoke loudly to him. Joe had accomplished so much over his life and all he saw as a out-of-touch pastor. He then asked the question to youth pastors, "How many Bibles have you worn out?"

- When men come together in mutual submission God can do extraordinary things.

I had a few WOW moments yesterday. i will post a link for the podcast as soon as they come available.

the NATIVITY story

2010-12-21T07:36:00.000-08:00

i remember the first time i watched "the Passion of the Christ." i was living in West Memphis and went with Trinity Baptist Church to catch the viewing in Memphis. when the movie was over i didn't really know what to do, let alone know what to say. it was an unforgettable experience.

last night was a similar experience, only with a different movie. we rented "the Nativity story" as a way to hopefully begin a new tradition for Christmas. the movie was excellent. it brought to life the birth story of our Savior in a way that i will forever remember. i sat on the couch with Mandi. Mary Beth was watching and playing. there was a part of me that wanted to be a part of that narrative. there was something in me that was understanding faith in a new way. a faith that is so grounded in our understanding of the faithfulness of God. it was an unforgettable experience.

there is this moment in history where Jesus tells Thomas, "...blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." i am so glad Joseph didn't wait to see and Mary didn't hold out until the boy became a man to believe. Lord, increase our faith!

this is what we hope to be the beginning of a new tradition in the Johnson home. i highly recommend watching "the NATIVITY story" with your family this week.

productivity at work

2010-12-15T08:11:00.000-08:00

so i was listening to my favorite talk radio station, NPR, and heard a news bit about productivity in the work place. they were discussing different applications that you can use that block the internet while you work to increase productivity. sounds nice.

i am going to forgo the stats, since i feel we don't needs stats to prove what we already know to be true.

so here is one app i think may make it on my computer. anyone know of something free?

FREEDOM

a year ago today

2010-12-14T18:20:00.000-08:00

a year ago today i had completed my first bike-packing trip from Benton, AR to Watson, OK. i was pretty spent and i reeked of 4 day BO. i must say i am glad i am not out in this years cold. i have a feeling it would have been rough. but i do miss it a bit. so i want to do another in 2011. the only thing is i can't do it alone. mandi let me know last year if i wanted to do it again i would have to have someone along with me. i completely understand.

so since i am not out on the trail, trying to build a fire in the rain and fog, i guess i will begin thinking of trip #2. should i go out and back? drop off and ride back to the home town?i would love to do this one in warmer weather and with more day light. where will trip #2 end up? i will gladly take any suggestions on great trails to do an overnighter.

you can check out last year's pics. 2009 bike packing

God's biggness

2010-12-14T07:38:00.000-08:00

Mark Buchanan is in my opinion one of the best authors of our time. I want to share a paragraph or two from his book, "The Rest of God." This is from the chapter titled, "In God's Time: Stopping to See God's Bigness.

"In prince caspian, part of C.S. Lewis's Narnia Chronicles, the children Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy all find themselves in Narnia after a long absence. Aslan, the great king and lion, is nowhere to be seen. Lucy, the youngest of the children, particulary aches to see him. One night she wakes to a great stirring in the forest, and to a voice calling her. While the children sleep she ventures forth through the woods and into a clearing. Here's what happens:

A circle of grass smooth as a lawn, met her eyes, with dark tree dancing all round it. And then-oh joy! For he was there: the huge Lion, shining white in the moonlight, with his huge black shadow underneath him.

...she rushed to him. She felt her heart would burst if she lost a moment. And the next thing she knew was that she was kissing him and putting her arms as far round his neck as she could and burying her face in the beautiful rich silkiness of his mane.

"Aslan, Aslan. Dear Aslan," sobbed Lucy. "At last."

The great besat rolled over on his side so that Lucy fell, half sitting and half lying between his front paws. He bent forward and just touched her nose with his tongue. She gazed up into the large wise face.

"Welcome, child," he said.
"Aslan," said Lucy, "you're bigger."
"That is becuase you are older, little one," answered he.
"Not because you are?"
"I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger."

That's a perfect description of those who train themselves in God's goodness and sovereignty: every year you grow, you find him bigger."

Bob Stoops impersonation

2010-12-13T07:40:00.000-08:00

found this on Scott Williams blog. if you know anything about Bob Stoops and OU football, this is hilarious.

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too many books at one time

2010-10-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

here are the list of books i am currently making my way through.

Prayer // Richard Foster
Freedom of Simplicity // Richard Foster
The Church Planter // Darrin Patrick
Dark Summit // Nick Heil

The Church Planter is a awesome book that i read a portion of every morning. Dark Summit i read at night while falling asleep. Prayer i picked up for $2 at a used book store. Freedom of Simplicity was going real good until i found Prayer. We'll see which one i finish first.

freedom's run marathon

2010-10-05T05:19:00.000-07:00

it's pretty tough to know what it's like to run a marathon until you knock it out for the first time. kind of like getting married or seeing the ocean. i've heard people say they would never do it again and others say they can't wait to run their next. i guess i fall in the later group.

here is a pic of my brooks ravennas, my bib number, and the medal i received after completing the 26.2. i would say it was a pretty tough coarse to run my first, but as they say "go big or go home."

when we took off at 7am last Saturday, it felt a little unreal. not sure why, but it didn't feel like i was about to pound out 26.2. eric richardson and i hung together for the first 15...who was great to run with. the coarse was fairly flat until we hit mile 15 (at mile 13 we were running a 8:41 mile). the hills took us through Antietam, historic battle grounds. even though the hills were brutal and i was cramping up just past mile 18, the views and history were amazing.

i pushed through the cramps and made it to mile 20 in 3:00:00, right on target to hit my goal. little did i know the cramps would really slow me down. after mile 21 i was doing my best to fuel up, but nothing tasted good (not even m&ms). i tried stopping a few times, but that just made the cramps worse. so by my 24 i decided to pound through the cramps. the last 6.2 miles took me 65 minutes to complete. giving me a finishing time of 4:05:20.

here is what i learned...
- not a bad idea to start wearing a trash sack to keep you warm at the start that you can shed a few miles in.
- down more gatorade and food in the first 15 even though you are feeling great.
- train more at your target pace
- run through the pain...it will be over soon

big thanks to all the fellas who ran the freedom's run in our crew...
Tim Caclasure
Brandon Grable
Aaron Johnson
Brandon Thomas
Nathan Rogers
Eric Richardson
John Yoho

simplicity

2010-09-30T07:14:00.000-07:00

it is funny how our nature is to make our life complex. it is even more comical how we almost despise the complexity of our life (at least we talk like it), but we continue on a path that adds to it. there is something in us that longs for the freedom to rest, to abide, to not feel the pressure to work more to pay for the things we don't need to please people we don't know in order to curb a longing that can't be fixed with stuff.

i am 85 pages into Richard Fosters, "Freedom of Simplicity," and i already longing for this freedom. after reading his book "Celebration of Discipline" a few years back, i found myself loving the chapter on simplicity. so when i came across this work, i had to have it.

Richard is able to tackle a subject that could turn legalistic in a hurry, and stay in the path of the Spirit of the law. however he doesn't lower the bar. he doesn't let you off the hook. rather, he calls us to a simplistic life that was best lived out by Jesus.

Logos 4 Mac

2010-09-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

Logos Bible Software is giving away thousands of dollars of prizes to celebrate the launch of Logos Bible Software 4 Mac on October 1. Prizes include an iMac, a MacBook Pro, an iPad, an iPod Touch, and more than 100 other prizes!

They’re also having a special limited-time sale on their Mac and PC base packages and upgrades. Check it out!

runner

2010-09-12T05:47:00.000-07:00

i was introduced to the running scene by a good friend, Ken Webb. in 2008 he invited me to run a local 2 mile race. then he invited me to run a 10k with him a few months later. after that i was hooked. last fall i ran a local 20k and i told my wife, i think i could do a marathon. one year later i am now a few weeks out from my first marathon.

i've hit a speed bump. i seem to be experiencing runners knee. it hasn't been a big issue until today. i went out for a long run and after completing 9 miles i stopped to grab a drink. i paused for a few minutes and when i took off again, my knee was killing me. if i have any runners come across this, i would love to have a little insight. i've already ran a 20 miler. i would like to put in one more 18-22 miler. however it may be smart to hold out. any thoughts?

THE NINES

2010-09-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

i spent a better part of my day watching and sometimes listening to THE NINES. This was an incredible conference experience right at my desk. i heard over 50 individuals share what they believed to be GAMES CHANGERS for them either for their church or their life. each person had 6 minutes to share their thing. it rocked!! here were a few of the take-aways.

Raphael Castillo - "A man was looking for a one night stand, God was look for 1 night were one man would stand." Numbers 25

Perry Noble - "Don’t quit/don’t give up on a God who has never given up on you."

Chad Hunt - "You can't grow your church until you first grow your leadership."

Pete Wilson - "Your greatest temptation probably isn't chasing after the ridiculously evil. It is chasing after the deceptively good. Don't allow good things to become ultimate things."

not sure on the author - "is your church about Sundays? or about Seven-days?"

Brady Boyd - "If you don't teach your church how to worship, you'll be responsible for entertaining them every Sunday."

just a touch of what i received yesterday. thanks to those great minds and leaders who pulled off THE NINES.

back like a heart attack

2010-08-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

What good is a blog if you don't blog. So instead of shutting her down, kicking her to the curb, sending her to the dump...I think I will bring her back. So here it goes...

Mandi and I spent much of our exciting summer away from home. City Reach, mini vacation to TN, summit lake camp, TLC, choir trip to Florida, Kidz Kamp, family reunion, and vacation to WA. Most likely it was my most packed summer yet as a student pastor. It was rather exciting. I preached 8 messages in 2 weeks...which was an absolute high. We experienced the Jersey shore, AL coast, the North West, the Smoky Mountains, Mt. Rainer, Grandma's in August, and miles of payment. Yet what topped every place we experienced were the new and old friends we got to share it all with. God was so good to us this summer.

Fathers

2010-06-20T06:37:00.000-07:00

A great father is tough to replace! Actually I would say he is irreplaceable. My father taught me the value of hard work, wisdom, honesty, and what it looks like to follow God Almighty. I remember the grace he showed me when I screwed up, the love he gave regardless of the cost. He showed me how not to make too much out of things that hold much value, things that won't make it through to eternity.

Dad what a father you are! Thank you for being you and teaching me to be like Jesus!

CRnewjersey :: Tuesday :: from room 311

2010-06-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

The second day of City Reach New Jersey has been amazing! In only two days we have brought seven people to Christ! We pray that this increase not only holds strong, but continues to grow as the week goes by. Video Game Camp also received the blessing of God after their prayers for more attendees were answered. Yesterday the camp coaches only had four children attend their services. They prayed to God, asking him to not only increase their number of attendants, but to also increase their ability to spread the word of Jesus Christ. Their prayers were presently answered on the second day when the number of kids at the camp literally doubled. They now have eight potential chances to lead people to Christ, and we ask that you pray for their success in this most holy of duties. Sports Camp also continues to grow, going from thirty to forty-eight kids in twenty four hours. Also, Car Wash washed twice as many cars today as they did yesterday, meaning there witness also doubled! Tomorrow we will be heading to Philadelphia, and everybody is greatly exited. Please keep us in your prayers, and God bless.

Grant Taylor

CRnewjersey :: Monday

2010-06-14T21:48:00.000-07:00

there are times when it is incredibly hard to put words to an experience. CityReach is one of those times. CityReach is a laboratory for ministry. It provides students the opportunity to serve and live out the gospel that has transformed their lives.

we've been here for three full days now. the first two days were awesome. a trip to the shore (cape may), worship with Grace Baptist Fellowship, Ministry track prep, and worship with 240+ people was a great start to what we came here to do.

as we walked into Monday, it was hard to know what to expect. who will we talk to, who will come to Christ, what stories will we walk away with. God gave us an incredible Monday. i heard story, after story, after story from our students. i wish all of you reading this, could be in NJ as i type. to pour yourself out for the glory of God is exactly what we have been called to do. i wish you were all here to experience what God is doing.

Grace and Peace

thoughts on leading a team

2010-05-12T07:26:00.000-07:00

Perry Noble shares a few principles that are vital to leading at team.

enjoy!!

8 Principles for Leading a Team
by PERRY NOBLE

I dare you to....

2010-05-11T08:48:00.000-07:00

for some reason i still like those words. it expresses a challenge, a test, a risk. it gets your adrenaline pumping. some back down, others take it on with intense gusto. you see it most often among boys or even men. it is as if with these words we are challenging your manhood, your strength. testing to see if you can stand up like David to Goliath or back down like his brothers. i dare you.

most often if i was dared, it involved the possibility of some type of bodily injury or public humiliation. jump this, ride on top of that, talk to her, climb that, jump off of that, eat it. sometimes i walked away with my head held high, other times i felt like crying like a baby.

what if this adrenaline rush was transferred into areas of our life that would have lasting impact. not really sure how to create that, but if i used as much effort in kingdom areas (the kingdom of God), as i do with a dare who knows what could happen.

as far as dares go, i guess there is a part of use that feels the need to prove something. next time you take on a dare, i hope it doesn't involve a dislocated finger.

How I pastor my family

2010-05-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

a good friend put me on to this article he found on Mark Driscoll's blog RESURGENCE. it is an awesome article written by Justin Hyde. thought i would share it.

How I Pastor My Family

daddy daughter date

2010-05-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

this has become a pretty special event. this time around seemed to be just a little more exciting though. i told mary beth late Sunday night that i would be taking her on a date come Tues. she asked about it aleast 20 times before Tuesday. on Tuesday around 2pm, her usual nap time, she acctually asked if she could go take a nap, so she could get up and get ready for her date. that morning i told her to look really nice and be ready by 5pm, maybe even wear a dress. she said, "well Daddy i think you need to wear a tie." i said, "you got it sweetness."

last night we made our way to P.F. Chang's for dinner. it was really cool. she just sat there and talked all the way through dinner. never loosing interest or saying she was ready to leave. after dinner, we made our way to the surprise destination #2, and had to make a quick stop at Krispy Kreme. suprise desitnation #2was GO-CARTS and Arcade. she really loved it.

nights like that can not be replaced. i've heard it said that daughters set their standard on what they choose in a husband, based on what they see in their father. if this is true dads, we better bring our A game. i know the date thing may get a little wierd when she turns 13, so i will get as many special nights in as possible.

I am Second

2010-04-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

new member of the johnson family

2010-03-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

well we picked up FLOUNDER at the pet store yesterday. we had to say good by to SASSY last week when she wound up dead after she was placed back into her clean bowl. i think Mandi dropped a sea shell on her, but she swears it was a fluke. not sure what happened. Mary Beth convinced all of us that she was sick.

after great debate Mary Beth selected the color blue for her new fish and the name FLOUNDER. betta fish are about the easiest fish to keep alive. we'll see how we do with FLOUNDER.

in the moment

2010-03-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

our lives are so fast paced that i think we miss the times God wants to use us in the moment. my calender and to do list are set for the day. so i have every minute whittled down to what i will do and won't do. but then God shows up or brings someone into that moment, and i wonder if i am watching, listening, preoccupied, busy, or ready. ready for what God is trying to get me to see. ready for what God wants me to do. ready for that opportunity to see the sovereignty of God at work, the hand of God in motion.

don't miss the moment in which God wants to use you today.

a must read for ministry leaders

2010-03-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

i have become a huge fan of Patrick Lencioni. THE FIVE DYSFUNCTIONS OF A TEAM and DEATH BY MEETING were great reads. i picked up an all white book cover titled, THE THREE SIGNS OF A MISERABLE JOB. when i tell people about the book they automatically assume that by picking up the book i need to go ahead a assume the obvious. so no i don't have a miserable job.

the book explains three major signs of a miserable job and how you can forever change how and why you do your job by implementing these elements. the three signs are being anonymous, irrelevant, and unable to measure your success or the value you bring to the organization

i say this is a must read for ministry leaders, pastors, youth pastors, and church administrators, because you in a since are a manager. you manage people and want them to find fulfillment in their area of ministry, help them succeed at what they are doing, and see the bigger picture of the Kingdom work.

i read this today in a blog about the book....

28% of U.S. employees are unhappy with their boss (CareerBuilder)
• 84% of workers are not in their ‘dream job.’ (CareerBuilder)
• 80% of employees do not think their job is fun (Reuters)
• Only 50% of employees are satisfied with their job (Conference Board)
• 21% of workers feel their boss is untrustworthy (CareerBuilder)
• Every year, 2.5 million people will quit their job (BOLS)
• #1 reason people quit: poor relationship with their boss
• 24% of workers feel they can do a better job than their boss (Reuters)
• 32% of workers call in sick when they were not (Harris)

i hope you enjoy reading it!!!

quote

2010-03-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

"So here is my question, do you want to be great or do you want to be famous?" _ Erwin McManus

leadership

2010-02-10T07:56:00.000-08:00

one of the best communicators on leadership is by far, Andy Stanley. i was reminded of this when i went back and listened to his LEADERSHIP PODCAST. as you listen to his podcast or read his books, you gain so much insight into this area. if you are a leader in an organization, i highly recommend you listen to his podcast and pick up a copy of THE NEXT GENERATION LEADER and VISIONEERING. look for the Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast

new favorite poem

2010-01-27T07:48:00.000-08:00

Who am I? They often tell me
I stepped from my cell’s confinement
Calmly, cheerfully, firmly,
Like a squire from his country-house.
Who am I? They often tell me
I used to speak to my warders
Freely and friendly and clearly,
As though it were mine to command.
Who am I? They also tell me
I bore the days of misfortune
Equally, smilingly, proudly,
Like one accustomed to win.

Am I then really all that which other men tell of?
Or am I only what I myself know of myself?
Restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage,
Struggling for breath, as though hands were
compressing my throat,
Yearning for colors, for flowers, for the voices of birds,
Thirsting for words of kindness, for neighborliness,
Tossing in expectation of great events,
Powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance,
Weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making,
Faint, and ready to say farewell to it all?

Who am I? This or the other?
Am I one person today and tomorrow another?
Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others,
And before myself a contemptibly woebegone weakling?
Or is something within me still like a beaten army,
Fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?
Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.
Whoever I am, Thou knowest, 0 God, I am Thine!

by Dietrich Bonhoeffer :: March 4,1946

music and running

2010-01-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

for the past two years i have never listened to music while running. i really felt it was too much work and a little distracting. mandi gave me an iPod arm band for Christmas and i was dying to trying out. well turns out i have ran with it 7 times now and purchased a few more songs for my workout.

just wondering. do you listen to music while running? why?

positive thinking

2010-01-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

so i stayed up a little late last night, which led to sleeping through the alarm. i was a little bummed and then came the positive perspective from my wife.

me: man i stayed up way too late last night.
mandi: it's ok. one late night every now and then is ok.
me: yah but i didn't make it to the gym.
mandi: go at 5pm or lunch. you enjoyed staying up last night, it's ok.

it is so nice to here the positive when you loose sight of it from time to time.

i think it is so easy for us to be bummed Christians when we look at our flaws and failures. we trip and fall, forget and give in, walk away and sometimes run like jonah. we are all prodigals and elder brothers at times.

then there is the gospel of grace and love. this is the turn of the above paragraph. the reality that Jesus, who gave himself to redeem us, who declares us justified, redeemed, adopted, and forgiven sons and daughters of God, is waiting on the porch with open arms when we make a mess of it all.

when we look at the Almighty in all his holiness we feel guilt and shame, but at the same time we stand justified through the blood of Christ and God is glorified. their is the joy. there is the positive. we don't stay in the place of guilt and shame, we move to a place of joy where we glory in our God for "his great love with which he loved us."

so i went and ran at lunch like my wife suggested. sleeping in wasn't the end of the world. thanks baby for those positive words.

good start to twenty ten

2010-01-04T08:10:00.000-08:00

my day started with my alarm going off too many times before rolling out of bed at 5:56am. hit the gym for a 3 mile run and a short work-out. made breakfast for mary beth. made it to Monday coffee on time and joined Brad, Ron, and Shawn for a great morning. it feels so good to complete what you have written down or even on your mind.

so here is a bit of what i have written down for twenty ten.

:: read the bible through twice
:: run a 5K, 10K, 15K, 20K & a trail run
:: complete a triathlon sprint

this is but a few of what i want to pull off. there are others, but i feel no need to share it with the world. a verse comes to mind now; Ecc. 5:4,5 "...pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay."

as i was typing this i went on and read verses 6 & 7. go and read it right quick. there is great wisdom in thinking before you speak. there is great wisdom in keeping your dreams and thoughts to yourself.

back to my point. i hope that what i have planned for 2010 is not just and empty dream; just an aspiration. God help us to complete and pull off what we believe you are leading us to. God give us the wisdom to see it through to the end. Let not our words and dreams be empty.

grace and peace to you all as you accomplish much for the glory of God in 2010.

blessed

2010-01-01T08:59:00.000-08:00

all morning i have been trying to think of a stellar list of resolutions to post. i have given up. not on resolutions, goals, or aspirations; but on trying to make it
impressive.

there is a list that i think is pretty stellar. its the list that could go on for miles and may take hours to read. i will not make it that long, but to me it is pretty sweet.

here is my blessed list...

1. redeemed by Jesus the son of God my Rock
2. married to an amazing wife
3. father to a beautiful daughter
4. a loving family (on both sides)
5. two great brothers and a great sister
6. wonderful church
7. eight | twelve students
8. clean water, food, shelter, clothes
9. the gifts of faith, hope, and love
10. friends
11. the written word of God (the BIBLE)
12. health
13. taste, touch, smell, see (all my senses)
14. the Holy Spirit as my comforter and giver of conviction
15. two guys faithful to meet me for coffee & hold me accountable
16. bed to sleep in
17. the ability to run and ride
18. a job/calling
19. liberty and freedom
20. luxuries - indoor plumbing, laptop, cell phone, rockstar, bike, messenger bag

God, thank you!

advent conspiracy

2009-12-21T12:34:00.000-08:00

this past Saturday we were stuck in mall traffic and i said to mandi, "Advent Conspiracy." i didn't mind going to the mall; for some reason i think its kind of cool being around that many people at one time. but wow, right!! it does get a little crazy.

before i got married, i didn't care much for Christmas. i just didn't care for the music, the lights, the tress, etc. honestly i didn't even like singing Christmas music at church for a month. my parents used to argue about gifts and money, and it didn't seem worth it. but over that past few years something has happened in me. i realized that it was an incredible time to celebrate Jesus and his birth. what better way to teach my daughter and family the majesty of Christ, than through a month of talking about Jesus. every year Christmas becomes a little more spiritual and a little less commercialized for us.

who knows, maybe by the time i'm 40 we won't even be buying gifts for each other. maybe we will spend the same amount of cash on others that we would normally spend on ourselves.

i invite you to watch this video and read through the site. it just might change your idea of Christmas.

http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

09 Bikepacking complete

2009-12-17T10:43:00.000-08:00

it was incredible!! my first bikepacking extravaganza was everything i hoped it would be and more. sure there were a few things i wish could have been different, but only a few.

THE TRIP
if you look back at my plans, i hoped to be on the OT for two full days. this to me would have been epic. the creation, the views, the trail; i was looking forward to this. unfortunately i really spent 1 full day on the OT. the rain and fog cut into the incredible views, so i will definitely be hitting the OT in better weather.

Day 1 took me about 50 miles from Salem, AR to Iron Springs Rec area 7 miles north of Jessieville, AR. this honestly was really tough on my legs. the cramps wore on me and made my riding much slower than i had anticipated. however, i made it to Iron Springs around 3:30pm and was able to set up camp (the hammock) at 5pm on the OT. called it a night with much rain and fog. the forecast had said the rain would move about by 5pm Sat. ends up it stayed until 8:30am Mon.

on Day 2 i started about 1.5 from IRON SPRINGS. the trek from here to the Blue Mountain Shelter was brutal. i didn't anticipate how much i would be hiking my bike. i actually traveled 17 miles in 8 hrs. it was the roughest day of my trip. you top that off with fog and wet clothes and things aren't really looking up. thankfully i came to the Blue Mountain Shelter (one of many on the OT). they are a three walled log shelters with a metal roof. this makes for a comfortable night. due to the 2 days of rain and fog i didn't expect to get a fire started. i managed to get a little flame going and was able to dry my gloves and socks.

the next morning i had to decide how my plans would change. i couldn't make to my pre-planned destination for Day 3. so i chose to ride pavement (highways) to Mena, AR. this was really a nice day. the sun popped out and i enjoyed upper 50 degree weather (break out the shorts). Story, AR is a small community with a Post Office and a store. i made a pit stop that turned into a burger stop, man was that sweet. come to find out i would end up needing that burger. i was on my bike for 11 hours. road 65 miles, just south of Mena to Shadow Mountain (campsites). this turned out to be sweet. hot shower, fire pit, and the nice owner even loaned me a towel and washcloth. once again i enjoyed a night in my Crazy Creek Hammock. i hung the tarp to cut the wind down a bit, but it was still cold (around 33 degrees).

the great thing about my change of plans meant i only had 15 miles to Watson, OK. i stopped in Hatfield, AR for a cup of coffee and some time to read and journal. i took dirt roads over to OK. if you are ever riding from AR to OK on dirt roads, don't expect road signs. it was pretty much a guessing game, heading West following the sun.

i made it to Watson, OK around 3pm on Tuesday. it was the perfect moment to sit in front of Sulfur Springs Missionary Baptist Church and thank God for an amazing trip. to be honest, it was nice to complete the trip, but it was even more incredible to spend some quality time with God. he helped me see so much about myself and my life. at times i felt like Jacob, wrestling with the Almighty. at other times i felt like laughing and just blown away by his Majesty.

what a trip!! what an experience!! to those of you who have hung on until the end, bless you!! who knows what is in store for 2010.

WHAT I LEARNED
1. plan your trip so you can enjoy some down time.
2. you need lots of calories - find away to pack light and still get what you need
3. learn how to build a fire when everything around is wet
4. if you go alone, communicate with someone often. it was so nice to talk to Mandi whenever i was able (for her sake and mine)
5. get the weight off you back.
6. take a compass. not sure how i forgot this. there were a few moments where this could have saved me a ton of time and worry.

FAVORITE TRIP PICS

Update #6

2009-12-14T18:19:00.000-08:00

Jonathan called @ 7:50pm

He made it to Mena! Actually he is a little past Mena at a camp ground called Shadow Mountain. Yea! Today he rode (roughly) along Hwy 88 today. Finally the sun came out today and he had drier weather, I know he was greatful for that. I think he rode for over 10 hours today (Wow). I am so proud of him. Well this will be my last update. We are headed to Gram's house tomorrow. Thanks for checking in and following along.

Mandi

Update #5

2009-12-14T13:09:00.000-08:00

Jonathan called @ 12:00pm

When he called he was in Story, AR. He had to ride thru this little town, so while he was there he grabbed a hamburger for lunch. I am sure he was glad to have a real meal. Since he has to carry everything on his back he was careful not to pack too much food. He was about to head toward Hwy 88 and then on toward the Pensil Bluff area. He still sounds like he is having a good time (but hopefully not such a good time that he will want to do this again :) ).

Mandi

Update #4

2009-12-13T20:36:00.001-08:00

Jonathan called @ 7:45pm
(and several times before that :) cell phones are wonderful!)

He was all settled in for the night. He had made it to a shelter/small pavillion and was able to get out of this wet weather. He was hoping to get a really good nights sleep and dry out a little bit tonight. He didn't get to make it as far as he would have liked to today (he is not quite to Hwy 298), but he is confident that he will be able to make it to the Mena, AR area by tomorrow. That will put him on target to meet us at Grandma Mary's house on Tuesday. We are already excited to see him. We are a pretty tight knit little family and being apart is hard on us (but I am honestly thrilled that Jonathan is getting to do this).

Mandi

Update #3

2009-12-13T06:43:00.000-08:00

Jonathan called @ 8:40am

He was about to head out for the day around 8:45am. He is headed west toward Hwy 298. He was getting a much later start than he wanted to because it rained until around 7:30am. After the rain let up he got around and ate breakfast and packed up his camp. He said he was having a really great time and was definiently ready to get started for the day.

Mandi

Update #2

2009-12-12T19:37:00.000-08:00

Jonathan called @ 7:30pm

He was doing great! He had his camp all set up, had eaten dinner and was about to lay down and get some rest.

I am so thankful that he has had cell phone service today! It has been so nice to hear from him.

Mandi

Update #1

2009-12-12T13:21:00.000-08:00

Jonathan called me @ 3:15pm

Summary of his trip so far:

He made really good time this morning, he had made it to HWY 9 by 10:00am. Aroung 11:15am his right leg began to cramp. He tried eating and walking but it didn't seem to help. This slowed him down a little but he continued on and around 2:30pm his leg began to feel really good again. He is still on track with where he wants to be and hopes to stop around 4:00 or 4:30pm to make camp. Tonight he will be near the Iron Springs/Jessieville area. The only real bummer of the day is that it is raining quite a bit, but that didn't seem to be bothering Jonathan. When I talked to him he sounded very upbeat and like he was having the time of his life! Thanks for checking in! Please pray for Jonathan's safety while he is away from us.

Mandi

He's Off!

2009-12-12T05:59:00.000-08:00

Jonathan took off on his bikepacking trip this morning @ 7:30 am. I will post updates if I hear from him.

bikepacking the Ouachita Trail and more

2009-12-11T20:33:00.000-08:00

i often come up with big ideas i think are really great ideas, but most often never really make it past just words (mandi can vouch for that). until last Spring when i got the big idea to pull off a bikepacking trip just after turning 30. so here i am, just minutes away from taking off on what was just a big idea. plan to ride about 93 miles of the Ouachita Trail and the rest on pavement and dirt roads.

so here are my plans for the trip...

Day 1
Start in Salem, AR :: ride pavement to Hwy 9 :: head west to Lake Winona :: will hit dirt road close to the lake :: ride west to HWY 7 :: at HWY 7 and Iron Springs Recreation Area i will jump on the Ouachita Trail (OT) (north of Jessieville) :: i hope to ride about 10 miles in and set up camp :: this should be the coldest day and night :: approx. 60 miles

Day 2
head west on the OT approximately 30 miles to the Archer Trail Shelter :: this will be a lighter day as i hope to get some down time, journaling, prayer, and taking in the creation :: plans could change if riding goes well.

Day 3
head west on the OT approximately 48.5 miles to Tan-a-Hill Gap :: i better have my legs ready for this day :: weather should be great

Day 4
continue west to HWY 270/71 then head south toward Mena :: there will be a lot of pavement and dirt roads this day :: south of Mena i will hit Hatfield, AR and head west into OK :: all dirt roads into OK :: final destination is Mary Johnson's house in Watson, OK :: will definitely be ready for a some of Grandma's good cooking and see my baby girl and baby mama's face (Mary Beth and Mandi) :: approx. 51 miles

i will definitely give a detailed log of my trip and will share many pictures when completed. this is a new thing for me so plans could change.

Grace and Peace

OT Bikepacking List

Cooking
MSR Stove
MSR Fuel
Cooking POT
Coffee Cup

Tools
Matches
First Aid Kit
Patch Kit
Extra Bike Tools
Ace Bandage
2 Extra Tubes
Gerber Knife

Hygiene
Toiletry Pouch
Baby Wipes

Water Containers
2 Liter Bladder
2 Bottles

Clothes
North Face Jacket
North Face Pants
North Face Vest
Extra Clothes

Other
Head Lamp
ESV Bible
Journal
Camera
Phone
Wallet

Bike
06 GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc
Sette Seat Rack

TOTAL WEIGHT (minus water and food) – 21lbs
originally had 17 lbs, then added north face items and other clothing since the cold moved in.

journals

2009-12-11T06:26:00.000-08:00

so what journal do you prefer?

i have carried and used many kinds over the years. leather, cloth, paper back; really anything i could get my hands on at a good price. until i found MOLESKIN. these rock. they are about the size of the bible i carry, are light, thin, so easy to write in. i guess i'm giving a little MOLESKIN promo here, but they really are nice.

i say this because it makes me think about my upcoming trip and the amount of journaling i hope to do. i hope to journal much: prayers, thoughts, trip log, etc. : doing all i can to stay close to the Almighty.

daddy, watch me play

2009-12-03T18:23:00.000-08:00

tonight mary beth said, "Daddy, watch me play." this was a cool moment. i remember asking my mom and dad to watch me as i pulled off what i thought was the sweetest trick on my bike or running as fast as i could. a part of me wanted to know if they were proud of me. then again i also just wanted their eyes, their attention.

this made me wonder if God likes to watch us play.

does he smile at my enjoyment in life?

i have this craving to know that God is pleased with my everyday stuff. but i also have this burning desire to just be with him. i want to see his creation, hear the wind, smell the winter air, breath in his word, know that when i talk he hears me, and when he speaks i will listen. i want to be able to say, "Did not our hearts burn with in us while with walked with him..."

God be pleased with what you see!

push yourself

2009-11-24T14:18:00.000-08:00

i was looking back through the times of those who finished the SPA 10K this past weekend. i was in the 25-29 age bracket and finished just a min. short of where i wanted. as i was looking at the times, i saw a 49 yr old man, who finished in 36:48:48 averaging a 5:56 pace/mile. then i saw a 40 yr old man who finished in 39:00:12, averaging a 6:17 pace/mile.

this morning during my almost daily run regimen, i upped my pace. i have been averaging a 8:00 pace/mile. so today i went for a 7:30 pace/mile. to my surprise i held onto it. i felt i could have put in another mile.

i say this not to impress you with my skills, (as you see the lack thereof) but because i really was shocked. i asked myself, "Why have i been going so easy?" i mean it was like i was playing it safe. sometimes i think we don't really know our limits until we push them.

then i got to thinking about my relationship with the Almighty and if i tend to play it safe. when God says give, i start thinking about how the giving will affect me, can i give that much, spare that much. what if's start clouding your vision and before you know it you are living in the safe land, never challenged by God. we stay on the porch and play it safe. never wondering off into the unknown, where our faith might be challenged, or even questioned.

so i need to push myself. push myself to go, give, live, talk, move, help, serve, act...doing exactly what is asked/commanded of me. maybe i will see that i've been playing it safe for far too long.

let go

2009-11-17T08:48:00.000-08:00

the past two Sunday's have been great experiences for me. if you are a leader you will understand that we tend to be critics in a worship service more than worshipers. over the past few weeks i LET GO. let go of what i wished for, would do different, would or would not have said, what i would change, what would fit better at this point, etc.

this is not to say that i don't worship on Sunday mornings, i do. however, my mind tends to be filled with so many other things, than what i need to hear from God, or what i need to be saying to God.

for leaders i think it is hard for us to LET GO. let go of the details on a given Sunday. then again i'm sure we will never totally let go or even should. from time to time however i think we must. we must for the sake of us. we must let go for the sake of hearing what the Almighty is saying.

decisions, decisions...

2009-11-11T09:01:00.000-08:00

so i'm planning a bike-packing trip, which is coming up really soon. i have been trying to decide on which instant coffee to take. i have ruled out Starbucks VIA...absolutely refuse to pay $10 for 12 cups of instant coffee. but i picked up NESCAFE Tasters Choice instant coffee in single serve packets...7 packets for $1.09. the coffee is really good, no it's not Starbucks, but it will do.

i have a few things on my menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner...but was wondering from all those backpackers out there, what you like to take for food on a multi-day hike or ride?

joy

2009-10-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

last wed. i started a series called joy (more than a feeling). oddly enough i tackled the story of Zaccheus. not a message you hear very often outside of the kids ministry. much truth to be seen in that story.

this week we are looking at the parable of the Rich Fool. this guy had tons of cash and product (grain) and not near enough room to store it. so he built bigger barns to have a place to store it. as the story goes God stepped in and said, "you fool..." after that statement, God asked a big question, "after you are gone, whose will all these things be?" he give this statement after telling us a big truth, "Take care and be on guard of all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15

that is a stunning question and statement for the Western church and family. we tend to be overly consumed with the accumulation of stuff. thinking that when we get what we want we will be happy. i even feel like my 3 yr old daughter at times, who cries almost every time she doesn't get to play on the playground at Chik-fa-la or when we leave a restaurant and she sees a candy machine and dad doesn't have a quarter for gum. if i just had a new book, a new car, a new shirt, a cool pair of shoes, a new bag to carry all the stuff i bought the week before, a new whatever...i would be a much happier person. (as i type this an ad from PricePoint popped up on my email reminding me that i need a new bike product).

i am trying to teach my daughter a principle i haven't even learned myself...one more thing will not make me more happy.

so where does consuming stuff and hording it all in our homes that are conveniently placed on the right side of town get us? Jesus would probably call us a fool.

believe the best

2009-10-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

while at Catalyst 09 last week, Andy Stanley taught a principle for leadership i would like to share. he said, "Occasionally there are gaps between what we expect people to do and what they actually do. in those times we can choose to believe the best or assume the worst.

there is so much truth to this. as a leader we can think up the worst, and most often do, possible scenario of why that person did what they did. we dream up things that assume the worst about that person. [they're lazy, don't listen, can't stand me, don't care about my leadership, etc.] you conceal the issue, you grow suspicious, and ugliness grows. remember "concealed suspicion poisons the entire relationship."

yet what if instead of assuming the worst you believe the best. you may have no idea why they did what they did. so assume the best. Andy shared this thought, "I believe you are smart enough to do what i tell you to do and when you screw up you will tell me and fix it." you must create a culture of trust in your organization.

i feel this truth and principle taking me along way in my leadership.

2009-10-09T05:35:00.001-07:00

CAT09 Day1

What a phenominal day!! Andy Stanley, Malcolm Gladwell, Shane Hipps, Rob Bell, Tony Dungy, Matt Chandler, and Francis Chan...great worship...wow!!!

until you miss it

2009-10-08T03:05:00.000-07:00

my morning routine normally consists of wanting to wake up at 6am to run and sleep in until 6:30am, and be awakened by little footsteps into our bedroom. mary beth is a great alarm clock. until this morning i didn't realize how much i love this part of my day. she will lay in bed with me for about 2 min. then ask if i will get her some juice. then she will ask me to play (anything from brake the ice, to puzzles). around 7am i will let mandi know i am off to run.

this morning was not quiet like that. Catalyst is here so i slept all of about 5hrs. i hit the treadmill and returned to the room around 5:45am. i miss those footsteps and that little voice that calls out to dad as if she is getting ready to ask a question.

Mary Beth - "Dad? where did you go?"
Dad - "On a run."
Mary Beth - "Why?"
Dad - "Oh, to stay in shape."
Mary Beth - "You're all sweaty!"
Dad - "Yeah"

i miss that even though i'm ready for CAT09.

it's here and sold out

2009-10-06T08:11:00.000-07:00

it always takes me awhile to get pumped about a conference. don't get me wrong i love conferences...especially Catalyst. there is just something that won't let me detach from the here and now, and let my mind drift to there. but now it's here. i just received a text from my good friend Hunter, who will be in ATL 1am tomorrow morning...so that got my blood pumping. then he informed me that it was sold out for the 1st time...wow. that makes it huge. so that got my blood pumping a little more. then i went back to the conference site to refresh my memory on the speaker line-up...again my mind went a little crazy.

my Catalyst relationship goes all the way back to 2003. this was an incredible year. went to Catalyst with Aaron Johnson, Kyle Lewallen, Chad Graves, Matt Miller, Joe Deeter, and others. heard Rob Bell for the first time with his famous quote, "are you smoking what you're selling." (maybe not that famous) then i would attend in 2005 and 2006. both great years. we took two years off to attend other conferences and now we are back.

when i attend a conference i most often want to have some goals in mind. i haven't set any thus far, but i will give you this one. i want to have a blast. by that i mean experience the joy of my GOD, my WIFE, my FRIENDS, and all that comes with that. they may sound weird, but i can get easily caught up in the plans, being on time, and what not. i don't want to be in a rush state of mind. i want to be calm, walk slow, enjoy the moments, and soak in all in.

from the words of Ray Charles, "i've got Georgia on my mind."

first "official" sermon

2009-09-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

tonight marked Logan's first "official" message. he really did a great job. i'm not a big fan of critiquing a first message, so i will save that. i will say that he did an incredible job. he brought out the light of the Gospel, along with the challenge to rejoice in Christ, which may lead to suffering with Christ.

i just want to throw up some huge props for Logan. a great student, intern, friend, and brother in Christ.

by the way...the reason you see "official" is because he has preached for "eight | twelve" twice, before tonight. great job tonight Logan.

big dam bridge 100

2009-09-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

today marked my first cycling tour. there were 15, 30, 50, 100k, and 100mile options and i went with the 50mile. this being my first road bike race, i really didn't know what to expect. i knew the field would be huge. i just didn't expect over 2,000 cyclist.

i road my 86 cannondale. i have made very few changes since i purchased it earlier this summer. the only changes i made were new tubes and tires, along with a new saddle. she rides really well though, and shifts good to still be using original components.

the tour was a blast. it started in Little Rock and finished in North Little Rock. we started out really packed in tight, we didn't move after the start whistle, for what seemed like 5 min. once we got rolling it was fun riding in the crowd. once we got up past New Life Church it started to thin out. i jumped in a line of riders and drafted for the next few miles (that was incredible).

the first 25 went by really quick (1:17:00), riding in a line is a good idea. i hit the first aid station at Mayflower and ended up not stopping due to the crowd, the fact that i wanted a good finish time, and i thought i was feeling pretty good. that is when it got tough. i tried to down a raspberry flavored power gel and couldn't finish it (espresso is much better). so i went with the sport beans. on my in bound route i was pretty much by myself the 25miles back, except for a few miles behind two riders. that is when the fatigue set in. i could tell i didn't train well enough for it. plus when you are the only one cutting the head wind it gets rough fast.

the finish line was sweet. you could see the barricades and hear the music. the announcer cheered you on. i didn't know it but mandi and mary beth were in the bleachers giving me props as well.

i finished in 2:40:30. once again i forgot to look at the clock. but going of my stopwatch that was the time i had. it was a sweet experience.

my first 20k

2009-09-18T15:47:00.000-07:00

i thought i would write something before i take out on my longest run yet. tomorrow morning i will be running the AR 20k in Benton. the race will start at the high school head out to mountain view rd. just west of 67 and loop back. i've been counting down the days for quiet sometime and hope all goes well. there is a chance of rain so i could be a wet run.

so here is what i plan to do before this race....

1. eat a good meal tonight (possibly pasta)
2. read a few articles in runners world to get me pumped
3. hopefully get at least 7hrs of sleep (with the jitters i probably wont' get the needed 8)
3. bananas, peanut butter, and oats with a good amount of water in the morning
4. a few sips of Powerade pre-race

i hope to average between an 8.30min and 8.40min mile. finishing at about 1:42:00...somewhere in that ball park would be sweet. really i would be happy to finish under 2hrs.

hopefully this will be the 1st of many long distant runs.

check out this video

2009-09-10T17:04:00.001-07:00

a desire to read

2009-08-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

it seems that i go through times in my life when i crave reading and times when picking up a book is a challenge in itself. i am in that time when i really want to be reading. it may be do to a statement from David Nassar last weekend when he said, "I think there are a few dads and husbands in this room who are living emotional and not devotionally. Husbands who rarely pick up the bible and read it for themselves or to their families." (That's not a perfect quote but it's pretty close) So the next day I found myself awake around 6am, sitting in a lawn chair, and reading 2 Corinthians. I think David or the Holy Spirit fueled my desire to be in the Word.

This past tuesday i stumbled over The Reason for God written by Tim Keller. I read the first two chapters in Barnes and Noble, and it is a great book that i hope to read soon. I didn't end up buying it, thinking i might be able to get it at the Library. I then found The Prodigal God online by the same author and read the first chapter online. This book i think is going to change my life. It's one of those books that may change your perspective on a passage of scripture you have studied for years and maybe even change your view of God. This book i know i can get at the Library.

Needless to say i am in a reading mood. Hopefully though the Bible will be my go-to book.

new site

2009-08-20T14:01:00.000-07:00

thanks to ao.m we now have a new site for eight | twelve. so if you are in need of a new website feel free to give andrew a shout. he did an incredible job for us. yes this is my brother we are talking about.

great date experiment

2009-08-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

mandi and i just returned from our 1st date in the 6 date tour. it was absolutely a blast. i know i use that word to describe many different experiences but this date rocked. i am not going to spoil it by giving you the details of how everything played out. so just go to marriedlifeonline and you can check it out for yourself.

by the way this was all created by northpoint...i just discovered it.

no more excuses

2009-07-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

i picked up the 10th anniversary edition of Tony Evans book, "NO MORE EXCUSES. (be the man God made you to be)." it is a great read. i am only through the 2nd chapter and i will go ahead a recommend it.

books seem to hit you when you need them. for some reason i want to pick up a ministry book full of how to's, but i need to be reading this book for me. here are a few books that i recommend...

:: Every Man's Battle

:: Your God is Too Safe

:: The Holy Wild

:: The Fred Factor

:: Celebration of Discipline

:: Power through Prayer

i could go on, but i will stop there. just a few of my favorites. i will leave you with a quote, "Leaders are readers." _ author unknown

scratch and win

2009-07-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

trek is having a sweet give away. just go to trekwow.com and register to possibly win something like Lance's Bike, a Team Astana Jersey, or a T-Shirt (there are tons of prizes you can win).

i think the only channel i have watched for the past three weeks has been VS. i never get to catch the entire race on any given day, but if i catch 10 min here and there it feels like it. the TOUR has been sweet. i know Contador will most likely pull it out, but it i would love to see Armstrong pull it out again this year. if anything it has been sweet to have Lance back in the race.

TLC :: Monday

2009-07-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

we set a record yesterday...we buzzed 5 heads in the guys cabin. and it's that was just the first day. we may all come back with buzzed heads before it all said and done.

really yesterday was great. after arriving to the Bogg we headed off to Mena to grab a little lunch. some had Wendy's, others had Mexican, and some Chinese. we made the very hot 25min. drive back to the camp in time for our camper meeting and dinner at 5. we started the week off right with the BOGG BURITTO.

our evening service rocked. Summer Hill from Sheridan will be leading worship all week. Billy Driggers will be our evening speaker. Billy talked to us about our fear of God, our faith in God, and our frailty in light of God.

in the guys dorm Logan Webb led the cabin devo. he challenged us with a talk about living a double life. the evening ended around 12:30pm.

more great news to come.

TLC 09

2009-07-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

tomorrow will mark the beginning of TLC as we know it. this will be a different year for me. mandi and mary beth are sitting this one out; we have been to camp together for possibly the past 7 years. but they will make the trip down on Wed. to stay for the day. it will be a sweet week, it always is. students challeged to do more in this life for the Almighty, reminded of who He is, and hopefully making great commitments. i'll let you now all the details soon.

young missionaries

2009-07-05T15:24:00.001-07:00

thursday Lawson and Lauren Albey left the country on a mission trip to Romania. they are teaming up with Macedonia Missions to impact the local churches and missions in Romania. Lawson has become an incredible friend and disciple of Christ over the past 4 years that i have known him. Lauren is a great friend and an incredible leader.

i know God will do amazing things through you and the mission team. if you guys get a chance to read this God bless and keep it real buddy.

please throw up some huge prayers for them. also pictured is Dr. Mark Albey who some of you may have met at CityReach.

out of the groove

2009-07-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

June was a sweet month. CityReach, National ABA Meeting, two nights in Branson, and a quick trip to Dallas. Time away is sweet...but it sure messes with your groove. But then again getting out of your groove is much needed at times...i think God works it out so you will get out of the groove, forcing you to see things differently and feel things more deeply.

i'm not sure if God planned it, but i know he has used it to his advantage. i've been more sensitive to Spirit lately. he seems to open my eyes at the most opportune times so that i can truly see. it also forces me to get back in the groove, which is the real test of my personal goals.

"For what we proclaim is not not ourselves, but Jesus Christ our Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine our of darkness, " has shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us."

_ 2 Corintians 4:5-7

CR 09 recap

2009-06-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

CityReach came to a close about 96 hours ago. we traveled 1800 miles just so we could join 250 others in what is the most incredible week of the summer. when i say we i mean "eight twelve." so here are a few highlights from the week...

:: 44 professions of faith
:: bus trouble worked out by God
:: worship with Life Point
:: roomed with the Maryland crew
:: 1.99 shirt from Good Will
:: introduced to the energy drink world
:: best carwash crew in history
:: Matt, Jason, and Eric - worship band
:: Mark Tanious - speaker
:: students changed
:: God moved
:: one week, one purpose, one Lord

CR 09

national ABA meeting

2009-06-23T06:02:00.000-07:00

i will be hanging out with the fam for the next few days in Springfield, MO. it will be chance to catch up with old friends and grab a little R&R. the days at the meeting tend to be on the exciting side so i will make sure i give you frequent updates.

looks like i will be doing a little running. i joined Aaron, Brandon Thomas, Kelly Roach, and Steven Keith this morning for a little run/workout. we will be running tomorrow, just give me a shout if you would like to join us.

Sunday at CityReach : Lawson Albey

2009-06-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

Hey gang! First of all i want to let everyone know that without a doubt God is working in Washington, PA. Sunday was special for us all because we got to worship with LifePoint Baptist Church which is the church we are promoting as most of you know. That morning Aaron Johnson preached an awesome message that really hit home with us all. He talked about being a servant, and how important that is. He shared the story of when Jesus spent his last few days on earth with his disciples and he served them by washing their feet. He even washed the feet of Judas who he knew would soon betray him. This really painted a clear picture for us as we were preparing to serve the city of Washington. My prayer is that God will prepare the hearts of the people of Washington and they will see Christ through us as we try to serve them.

Sunday evening was just awesome. Matt Miller did a fantastic job leading worship and really helped get our hearts and minds focused for the message Mark Tanios brought from God's word. Mark preached on Fixing our eyes on eternity. He did this by showing us that the things of this world are worthless and mean nothing when it comes to eternity.

Please continue to pray for us as we finish out this week. There is still much work to be done and many lives need changing. In all that we do, To God Be The Glory!

Lawson Albey

CityReach

2009-06-16T21:27:00.000-07:00

As we are approaching day 5 at CityReach, I must say it as been a fun ride. i will say these are my favorite days of the summer. joining churches from all over the US to share the gospel with 100's of people.

i'm not going to post much because i want you to hear from our students. but please check back over the next couple of days for some great words.

an early run

2009-06-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

my day started at 4:30 this morning. woke up to meet a few buddies for a nice 5K run across the Big Dam Bridge. it was all part of National Run Day. the run was timed so it made for a little extra effort and competition.

running has not always been a part of my life. sure i've always been active, being forced to run by coaches and such, but not in the whole distance running scene. since i've been running consistently i think there's something about it, something that draws you back to the pavement. in a recent facebook post it was asked, why do you run?

. it makes me feel like a man
. to keep looking good for my wife
. fitness and strength
. a great way to start my day

so why do you run?

the wallet is gone

2009-05-29T09:18:00.001-07:00

this is a tragic day in the life of a Johnson brother. back in, most likely 2002ish, the Johnson brother's purchased matching wallets. this used to be a regular event varying from shirts to wallets to filp flops. not sure why we did this or why we stopped, but i guess it proved our bloodness and just how much we wanted to be like eachother.

trying to find my wallet this morning, i made my way to the 4-runner where my wallet ends up from time to time. what i found were various receipts and cards scattered in the front seat and floor board. the bad news is what i didn't find. no wallet, debit card, or cash. someone cashed out last night. they even got a meal at Waffle House - glad i could help.

i guess now will start the days of locking the doors. i lived in West Memphis, AR for 5 years and can probably count on my hands the times i locked my apartment and car. i told mandi, i guess it only has to happen once before you will start locking your doors.

i must say though the sad part is loosing the cherished wallet. maybe i will go back to the clip. not a fan of sitting on a slant anyway.

accidental ministry

2009-05-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

i made a run to wal-mart yesterday to make a few purchases for our last Chapter 2 gathering for the 08-09 year. i ended up running in to two parents from our ministry. it's not too often that i get to talk with parents, which i feel is a huge part of ministry, and feel them out on how they and their family are doing. the encouraging part is i had two great conversations with these parents.

it was all accidental or maybe it was a little divine. i'm going with the divine. God has this way of putting you in situations where you can come in contact with people you never thought you would see. he is the God of the unexpected, the unforeseen, often pulling of the element of surprise.

coming from a guy who tends to fall back into the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants mode, i like this. also coming from a guy who struggles with the slow pace i need this. it causes me to stop, to pause, and to listen.

i think Jesus loved bringing about the unexpected with his disciples. remember that time on the Sea of Galilee when Jesus came up walking on water. or the time when there were 5,000+ people hanging out listening to Jesus and they all got hungry. or when Jesus walked right through the wall, after his death, and told Thomas to touch his hands and side. God knows that we need these moments He ever expects, that will just blow us away.

i know we need schedules, to do lists, excel sheets, plans, etc. i just hope that i can look up and catch those divine moments God is putting in my hands. so be ready...you never know what God will throw your way.

K9

2009-05-27T07:52:00.000-07:00

i have been using X3 watch on all the computers i use for a couple of years now. since then i have stopped using a filtering system. yesterday i was looking back into the internet filter for something we can use at the office and i ran across K9 (by Blue Coat). i used bsecure for about 2 years and tried out safe eyes at one point. the cool thing about K9 is it's free. from what i have seen of it in the last 2 hours it seems to have the latest in technology and is very user friendly.

as a father it is my job to protect my family from all and any harm. as a student pastor and leader it is my job to protect myself, my ministry, and my character. so after looking at internet filtering again, i will have it on all my computers.

another thing that is cool about K9 is there purpose for informing the community about internet protection. they have some really sweet resources that you can tap into. i think it would be sweet to throw out to parents in our ministry.

a good find

2009-05-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

i stumbled on a jewel today. i've been looking for a road bike for months now, trying to hold out for a good buy. so here it is. a Miyata 110 (possibly a 88 or 89 model) with a 25" frame. it's in pristine condition. a few dings and nicks, but it rides really well. the only down side is the size. i really need a 21" or 23", but for $20 i couldn't pass it up.

CityReach daily journal

2009-05-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

the '09 CityReach daily journal was handed out to our students Wed. night. the hope is to journal every day for 30 days taking them from now until the completion of CityReach.

there is something about keeping a journal that adds a sweet element to scripture reading. i like to think King David kept a journal. writing poems and songs about the Almighty. Psalm 1, and Psalm 18 are a couple of my favorites. at times showing his frustration, anger, joy, blessing, praise, and sometimes hate. he seems so real, open, and honest.

that's what i hope our students will learn while journaling. how to dig through scripture, put it on paper, and then pray through it becoming all the more real, open, and honest with the Father. discovering more and more about the Almighty and His ways.

mom's been away

2009-05-19T11:57:00.000-07:00

mandi has been kickin it in Florida since Saturday. so that gave me the opportunity to perform as a single dad for a few days. here is a little of what i got to experience with the baby girl.

Dad! Dance!

2009-05-14T09:09:00.001-07:00

two words i get to hear most mornings. it comes from a sweet little voice right when Imagination Movers comes on. it doesn't matter what I'm doing, I have to stop and dance. it's not so much that Mary Beth wants to see me dance, but an invitation to dance.

there is nothing like dancing with a 3 yr old. she doesn't care how she looks, if she moves her feet or not, if it's fast or slow...she just wants to dance. sometimes she likes to Ballroom Dance, sometimes it's her rendition of the Hoe Down Throw Down, then there's the spin and twirl, and then the crazy jump around. i tell you she's the best.

i fear the day when these invitations will be no more. when she will be too embarrassed to ask me to dance. when dancing with dad is just not the same anymore. but until then we will dance, and dance, and dance.

one question...who was the gub who started preaching against dancing? he probably made it look like a full body dry heave.

a commuter bike

2009-05-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

i am currently looking for a commuter bike. something used in the $50-$100 range that may need a little love. i currently ride a 07 GT Avalanche MTB. it is a nice ride, but i would like something that could serve as my primary road commuter to ride to work or just into town. so i am posting this to ask you to keep your eye open for me. maybe you have an old bike sitting in the shed that you would like to sell or a buddy that hasn't road his bike in years. whatever the case i'm looking to buy.

not sure if you have seen this bike....

09 SCHWINN CUTTER. i love this set up. simple, clean, even looks a little old school. well i guess i'm cheap, since i haven't purchased it already. i'm also reluctant to go with a single speed in this area. i know i will find some sweet jewel for under a 100 bucks, i just have to be patient.

adding the drum set

2009-05-08T05:28:00.001-07:00

well we did it. "eight twelve" has successfully added a drum set to it's worship band. i know this is not revolutionary, but it is a big step for our band. we've been using the djembe, which has really worked well in our size room, for two years. now we have a guy in our ministry (15 yrs. old) who is probablly the best teenager i have heard on a trap set. he loves it and is really talented, so it makes for a good fit. i really thought it was going to drown everything out, but we got good reviews.

we typically go low key through the summer at "eight twelve" for our wednesday night gathering, dropping small groups and worship for about 3 months. but since this is so new to our band and our drummer, i think we might have about 4-5 worship nights through the summer to keep things fresh.

books

2009-04-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

currently reading....

The 5,000 Year Leap - W. Cleon Skousen
Doctrine that Dances - Robert Smith Jr.
Jesus Wants to Save Christians - Rob Bell

waiting to be read...

Simple Church
Eyes Wide Open
Anger

sensing His creation

2009-04-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

there is nothing like camping, building a fire, setting up a tent, and roughing it for a weekend to bring out your manhood. i spent two nights with the family at Mount Nebo, and hopefully it will be the first of many camping experiences this year.

surprisingly we didn't take any pictures...all we have are memories. no cool pics where i try to look like a mountain man with a beard.

i really think i since God the most when i am outdoors. stars, trees, rocks, ants, deer, leaves, fire, water; you name it, it all is amazing. taking in the creation connects me with the Creator, and i guess that was the intention. at least paul thought so in Romans 1. then i stop and see my daughter play, run, laugh, try to make friends with complete strangers, ask me to kill bugs, and i'm blow away by his creation. then i hold hands with my wife, cook together, laugh, dream, all the while sensing her beauty and love...and i am amazed at what i've been given.

these are moment i long for, these are sabbath moments, these are moments i was made for, and these are moments i don't want to miss. Lewis and Clark Outfitters has this motto that i love; Go Out and Play. i think i will take them up on it.

learning

2009-03-26T05:36:00.000-07:00

starting at 20 months old with Mary Beth (my daughter), i began teaching her a few Bible verses. it is so amazing how quick she is able to pick things up. so for a few weeks i have been teaching her this simple memorization tool for the Gospel. i picked it up from Greg Stier at the YS Convention in Pittsburgh.

so you start with your thumb and work your way to your pinkie saying these lines....

1. God loves me
2. I have sinned
3. Christ died for me
4. If I trust in Him
5. I will go to Heaven

It was so simple that I had to see if Mary Beth could memorize it. Well she has it. Now we have a few years to continue to teach so that one day she will believe it and trust in the Almighty.

Scripture memorization is a cool thing. It does for us what David mentioned in Psalm 119:11 and i believe it completes what God commanded Joshua in Joshua 1:8. But i want more than ever what David says in Psalm 119:14-16, "In the way of your testimonies i delight as much as in all riches. i will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. i will delight in our statutes; i will not forget your word."

i guess since i'm human though i find myself struggling to push through the distractions and seemingly better things to do. but that struggle is part of my growth, my maturing process, my change, my sanctification. so today i will struggle. struggle to memorize what i've been working on for days, struggle to focus, struggle to complete my goal. but struggle i must for struggle will then produce in me something greater than what i had today.

a little shook up

2009-03-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

last Saturday i took a pretty bad fall while maneuvering through what you see to the left at burns park. i was on an elevated wood trail about three feet high, when my front tire took a nose dive. i landed on my head (helmet really) and was wondering for a few seconds if i was going to walk away. tons of things went through my mind while i laid there with the wind knocked out of me and tons of pain in my back and neck. would i be riding again, could i ever pic up mary beth (my baby girl) again, would i enjoy life with mandi as i had desired. long story short, i'm good. after tons pain meds, hot baths, ice, and a heating pad i think i'm good to go. it freaked the guy out who was with me just a bit, but i am glad he was there with me. also glad i was wearing my road ID....haha.

adrenaline can come back to bite you if you're not careful.

here is a different angle. click on it to enlarge. pics from arfreeriders

AM bible reading

2009-03-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

when you wake up early and have nothing to do, your mind somehow seems to be drawn to the Bible. sitting down around 6:30 on Sunday morning i found myself reading through a few chapters in 1 Corinthians. i love how Paul in the first few chapters deals with the tendency we all have in ministry; being drawn to and idolizing a human leader.

i know i have to guard myself from this tendency. you read a book, hear a talk, attend a conference, and you think this guy or that guy is it. you may even go out and buy a new pair of glasses, jeans, a shirt, or tie so you can look like the guy.

i don't think anyone sets out in ministry wondering how many followers he can have at the end of the day. i also don't think that young guys set out to become like the guy they read about in a magazine article. but are there any negative sides to having followers? are there negative sides to hearing great messages, and reading great books. maybe one can't help it. yet what does it do to the average Christian or Pastor?

i think Paul tried his hardest to live and carry himself in away that would keep people from worshiping him. listen to his words, "...When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power." 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

have you ever thought that maybe all the work that goes in to try to impress the audience is all for not? that maybe all it does is cause the audience to worship a man? that maybe the focus needs to be on the power of God, not eloquence of my main point? that maybe I spend too much time trying to make my talk impressive, and not enough time impressing God?

so i guess the take away from my AM Bible reading was...

- "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord."
- worship the God of the man, not the man.
- beg for the power of God, not eloquence of words.
- be led by God, not led by ________________

dating and 8th graders

2009-03-12T19:57:00.000-07:00

I spent the day speaking to 8th graders about dating. It was an intense day. Gave the same talk 7 times. Think your a good speaker, try that out. Wow!! Especially when you throw in the topic of dating, sex, and everything else involved.

There is something about being around hundreds of teenagers all day that really gets you excited about student ministry. Diving into their everyday life, their territory, their world...reminds me of what it was like to be a teenager. Laughter, bullies, class, homework, grades, friends, enemies, teachers, rules, books, dating, embarrassed....some of the things I saw today and remember experiencing when I was in 8th grade.

Have you ever had this thought that teenagers are a little over dramatic and get a little too consumed in things that just won't matter years from now? I mean what is the big deal of being in the 8th grade anyway. Well, it should be big. You should be consumed in it, because it is your life. The 8th grade was huge when I was in the 8th grade and so was the 11th grade and so was college and so was being 21 and so is being 29. It is our life and we should be consumed in what we call life.

Some periods of life may not seem as important as others. However, ever period of our life is huge. There were some guys that wanted the kids to get out of the way because Jesus had more important things to do and Jesus replied, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." Jesus loved those children, and he wouldn't let some high minded, self absorbed disciple cast them off without hanging out with the children. Pretty cool right.

Shaping the next generation is a great gig. Pouring into them as much truth and passion about the Messiah is a blast. Have you ever thought your job wasn't quite as important as your CEO neighbor because you spent your days around kids, teenagers, or college students. Think again my friend. Your job is huge. You heard it from the Messiah himself.

Talking about dating with 8th graders for 7 periods changed me.

be still

2009-03-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

Just got back to our hotel room after hitting the first night of the Pastors Conference in Texarkana, AR. What an incredible night. Bob Wiegel preached one of the most phenomenal messages i have heard in a while. I was literally on the edge of my seat. The central thought was "be still." I won't go through the whole message, but it was a challenge to "be still before God" when you feel like running, fighting, giving up, etc. It may feel courageous to go with the plan you have in mind. But "the most courageous thing you can do is to stand still." Exodus 14:13

And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said: "O Lord the God of Israel, who is enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth..." 2 Kings 19:15-16

run

2009-03-03T07:45:00.000-08:00

i decided to step up my workout regimen today. for a few weeks now i have been trying to cram in a few miles of running and a little lifting in 30 min.; a pretty tough thing to do. so i stayed a little longer to push myself for a full hour. exactly what i needed. 30 min. on the treadmill and 30 min. on the bike. the inspiration came last Friday in the AM when i was running next to Kunla who ran 5 miles and stuck around to lift after that.

whenever i am running or biking and i feel the need to push myself, i always think of Paul when he wrote, "Do you know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things...I discipline my body and put in under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."

i know Paul was using imagery of running to explain how we should live as Christ followers. but that is where my mind goes when i need to push myself.

run, control, discipline, win...it feels good to prove to yourself that you can go another mile. how about proving to God that i can go another mile for Him - for his glory, for his name? run, run, and run some more - show the Almighty why you're alive, why you breath, why you love Him!

lewis and clark leaves Little Rock

2009-03-02T18:15:00.000-08:00

do you have a favorite store in Little Rock? i never really picked one, but if i had to it would have been Lewis and Clark. it had become almost a weekly visit for me, since i was in Little Rock almost every Monday. i wasn't a big spender, but i loved to walk around and dream. well it seems this sweet store will no longer be in Little Rock. they have two stores in Northwest Arkansas and will be opening a store in Tulsa this fall. the sales just weren't where they needed to be in central Arkansas.

in my opinion it was one of the best places to shop for outdoor products. bikes, kayaks, backpacks, shoes, etc. they even started carrying long boards. they had free bike maintenance clinics and kayaking clinics. the atmosphere was perfect and the employees were so helpful and kind.

their motto was "go out and play." i must say whenever i walked in the store i wanted to go out and play. well she is gone. a sad day my friends, a sad day.

national pancake day

2009-02-24T13:42:00.001-08:00

today until 10pm you can receive a free short stack of pancakes at IHOP. there is no catch. check it out. they are trying to raise $1 million for the Children's Miracle Network.

so take someone out for dinner - the wife, kids, a friend, a crew, a stranger, a student, your grandma, yourself, or maybe your dog. don't forget to help out by donating to the Children's Miracle Network and leave a fat tip.

missions exist because worship doesn't

2009-02-24T11:51:00.000-08:00

there are millions who do not worship the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. there are millions who do not know the God of the Bible and therefore do not know Jesus. so missions exist because worship doesn't.

i was reminded of this fact while listening to Lecrea; a great hip hop artist, in his song "send me." i also was reminded of this fact when i read this article from John Piper (the old school picture is nice). we can not afford to live as if life is about consuming when we know it is about proclaiming the Gospel. i heard Francis Chan say that the most challenging place to live Biblical Christianity is in the United States.

Father, keep our minds hearts filled with love, passion, and compassion for the nations. give us a passion for our nation.

on the other side of the world

2009-02-23T13:58:00.000-08:00

todd shoppach spoke at Chapter 2 back in January. at the time he was just days from leaving for long mission trip in souther Asia. he has been in there for over a month now. todd is a great guy and his passion for missions, underprivileged people, the hurting, the unbelieving, and the poor is contagious. you can keep up with his adventure on his site "toddshooper.com". you can join me in lifting up todd as he reaches the unbelieving in his corner of Southern Asia

what a weekend

2009-02-23T08:12:00.000-08:00

the family along with dad left last wednesday night and headed for Washington, PA. we worked Thursday and Friday then left Friday night and drove back to Benton. it was all worth it. LifePoint Baptist Church is in the process of moving locations and we went to help in the remodeling extravaganza. we hung a drop ceiling, wired in the lights, and a few other odds and ends. they are a week out from their first service in the new facility. check out AJ's blog for all the info.

through the two days of work i was taken back to those sweet times of working together with my brothers and father; mowing, cutting wood, helping a church building project. there was this bond that was developed. doing that all over again this past week was sweet. i think it needs to be a yearly thing for us. most familys would take a vacation. we probably would, but we couldn't get my dad to go. so probably the next best or only option would be to find a place where we could work together as hard as we could for a week. like a mission trip/vacation.

anyway, mandi, mary beth, and i had a blast.

clipless

2009-02-13T11:50:00.000-08:00

i have been riding on the wellgo lu-953 for about four years. it has been a sweet pedal. i never really felt the urge to go clipless, so i've stuck with the platform. the wellgo is a viscous pedal as you can tell. if i ever came off the pedal i new it right away. blood running down the shin became a norm. i love my platform pedal though. i don't need extra shoes, i can jump on the bike no matter what i'm doing, it gives me freedom, and why no stay grass roots, pedaling the way you did when you were 10.

well i came across a pair of MTB shoes at a local goodwill store. the shoes fit perfectly and i couldn't pass them up at $5. once i snagged the shoes i them had to break down and by a clipless pedal. i went with the Shimano muli pedal you see below. i can ride platorm or clippless. nice!!!

i guess i have rode on the multi about 10 times now. mainly on the street until last weekend. so now i have used them on the trail three times and it really isn't that bad. i think i am starting to enjoy it. i like the multi, however i wish i would have went with something like the egg beater from crankbrothers. but the Shimano's are working like a charm on old GT.

LIVELOVE

2009-02-12T21:32:00.001-08:00

eight twelve will be traveling to Memphis, TN for the LIVELOVE CONFERENCE tomorrow afternoon. we decided to take 11th & 12th grade students to this sweet conference. we will be listening to Francis Chan and worshiping with Kristian Stanfill.

i have wanted to attend a student life event for a long time now, and here is our chance. the conference will be at Bellevue Baptist Church. really pumped. i am praying that it will be an event that leaves us stunned, challenged, and changed.

on top of it all we get to go to Memphis: one of the coolest cities within 2 hrs. of Little Rock. bbq, bb king, beal street, elvis, swaddi, houston's...what more could you ask for.

2009-01-27T07:28:00.000-08:00

i was invited to attend the Arkansas State Evangelism and Outreach Conference yesterday, which is an SBC event. i took the afternoon off and headed to Sherwood with Brad Franklin and i heard a great word from Roy Fish, Wes Hamilton, and Robert Smith.

i must confess; i went to hear Dr. Robert Smith. if you have not had the privilege of hearing Dr. Smith, you must. his passion is contagious, his focus on the Word is stunning.

the text he preached on was Matthew 15:21-28 and Mark 7:24-30. Jesus ignored the woman, he embarrassed the woman, and then he answered her request. she didn't give up when Jesus ignored her, she didn't run when she was embarrassed, she didn't leave when Jesus rejected her. she stayed until Jesus healed her daughter. Jesus didn't react the way we think he should or the way we think he would. he waited to see if she would persevere. he wanted to see her passion. will we go beyond the silence?

that is really not a good thesis of what he preached, but it is close. he said so much more. i am so glad i took the afternoon off to be challenged by great men of God.