Not a lot of "noes"

I don't really know the plural form if the word 'no', but I know there aren't a lot of them at the beach. That's the best thing about the beach. Like any parent, I feel like I tell my boys "no" all the time. I have to try to find ways to say yes. But the beach is full of yesses. Can we build this? Can we jump waves? Can we have a snack? YES! Parents, let's make sure we find room for "yes."

Hats off

So, I've been spending a few days at the beach with my four boys but without my precious wife. Supermom deserved a few days off. Luckily, my mama came to help out. But we're definitely ready for supermom to get here today.

It has made me realize what superheroes single parents are. I don't know how you guys do it. You are selfless and an inspiration.

Hats off

So, I've been spending a few days at the beach with my four boys but without my precious wife. Supermom deserved a few days off. Luckily, my mama came to help out. But we're definitely ready for supermom to get here today.

It has made me realize what superheroes single parents are. I don't know how you guys do it. You are selfless and an inspiration.

Nothing to Fear

I got to spend the afternoon with my boys watching Green Lantern. Not a bad movie. We love superhero movies, so it was cool to spend time with them that way - and I got to be a kid again.

But it had an interesting premise. Essentially, it was about fear and courage. Fear=bad. Fear does not come from God. God teaches us that "if he is for us, who could be against us." What do you have to be afraid of if Almighty God is walking with you and on your side? Do you ever stop think about that?

New, new, new

This morning we prayed for and sent out 2 new church planters and 2 new church. Nothing is quite as exciting as a new church. There's nothing quite like the adrenaline rush that first year.

Pray for new church planters in your community. The truth is that we can't hardly have enough new churches. People like new things, including new churches. We need new and creative and different ways to reach and engage the culture around us.

Quote of the Day

"Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come from miles to watch you burn."
-John Wesley

What makes it "home"?

I'm so blessed to spend the week in The Classic City - that's Athens. Athens made such an impact on my life during my years at UGA, namely because I embraced the community. I was lucky to befriend a number of folks who were Athens natives who helped show me the community.

Because of that, Athens became another home. It still feels like a second home. I found myself grow with the diversity and culture of Athens. It changed me.

I find that so many people don't embrace their community. Athens was home for a time for me, but now Gwinnett is home. And we've embraced it. You make a community your home by how much you pour yourself into it, by investing in it, by eating at little holes in the wall, and by getting to know people.

How are making your community your home? How are you letting it change you? How are you changing your community? Athens left a dent on me. I hope I left a dent on it, and I hope I will leave a dent on Gwinnett.