Looking to the future...

I've been in Minneapolis, MN attending board meetings today. It will continue through tomorrow as we begin to evaluate the past and current circumstances and then dream for the future of the university. It's been an eye opening experience that forces one to reflect on their own life and experiences.

One of these reflections has been asking myself the question, "am I doing what God has created me to do during this time frame of my life". I believe I can say yes to that more today than I could a year ago. I have been evaluating the lack of relationships among Illinois youth pastors. It's not that they don't want relationships, it's just that it hasn't been facilitated strong enough. I dream for the day when ALL church leaders come together regardless of creed. A time when those without a relationship with their Creator are the absolute priority. A time when fraternity and relationship are not buzz words, but a desire we pursue. A day when leaving someone behind is NOT an option.

Like I said, I'm looking to the future...

Great time traveling...

I would have to say that this weekend has been tiring! I loaded up the family and headed to St. Louis to celebrate my wife's birthday. That means her favorite restaurants, some shopping, and having fun quality time with the kids. We had PF Chang's for lunch and I think I could eat there every meal. Then we took our kids to the Science Center...fun stuff. We weren't able to see half of it, but the kids had a blast. Then some shopping at the Galleria and dinner at the Cheesecake factory! What a Saturday...I'm waiting until later this week to weigh myself!! =0)

Sunday we found ourselves in Collinsville, IL for the kick off of a missions convention. We were able to plug our missions emphasis, Speed the Light, and honor the church for all their efforts. I then took the family home and headed to Industry, IL for an evening youth service. That's were I took the picture. I thought it was a good pic, so I took it while I was driving. Don't do this yourself, I am a professional! =0) Like I said, a crazy weekend, yet, great time traveling...

FINALLY in single digits...

It's been a long hard road, but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel! I have to admit, I feel like I have had a ton of support. Mostly from my wife, Debbie! She been amazing and looks fantastic. She's lost over 30 pounds, which encourages (out of shame) me to stay on task and not give up. I have nine pounds to go before I reach my original goal of weight loss, although, I think I would like to lose 5 or 6 more after that. Regardless, I hope I can stay on track!

Finally in single digits...

One more blog for the day...

I had to add one more blog for the day!! I was driving home the other day and saw a sign that said Happy Birthday, Feather! Now, again, I put that in the same category as "Happy Anni Porky and Suz", laughed to myself and continued to drive. Today, I just couldn't help but share my laughter. Of course, all these have been on the same sign at the gas station.

You can read it for yourself, "Happy BDay to our daughter". Now is this for every daughter in C'ville? If I were to take the effort and time to put it on the sign (which I would not, at least at a gas station) I think I would at least let people know who my daughter is. How would my daughter know if I did it just for her? I don't know, it's probably just me!

I just had to do one more blog for the day...

Speaker...

Our speaker, Robert Madu, was off the chain! He reminded me of a christian Chris Rock. Well, not exactly! He has to be one of the premiere speakers of our time. He never lost the students attention and brought them to a place of life change. I would recommend him to anyone!!

What a great weekend...

What a great weekend!! Since this was the very first Momentum Convention, I can't imagine being much happier. Could some things have been better? Of course! In the grand scheme of things, however, it was a huge win for IYCM!!

We have receive phone calls, emails, text messages, and even emails to the radio station that promoted it for us to say thank you and relay how much they loved it!

Like I said, what a great weekend...

Building 429...

This morning I'm highlighting our lead band for our Friday night concert. It's been great getting to know some of the guys and look forward to them ministering to the students. Here is a tidbit from their website.

Some artists are a slow burn, quietly honing their skills while churning out albums of craftsman-quality tunes, and slowly building an intensely loyal fan base through commitment and perseverance. Other artists seem to drop into the public consciousness fully formed, their debut project so perfectly crafted that you wonder where they came from ... and where they could possibly go from here. Then, occasionally, you find an artist like Building 429, who epitomizes both traits – the proverbial ten years in the making overnight success.

Go Tribe...

Alright, I know this is my third blog today...oh well!

Seth Godin, the author of ten best sellers and the CEO of squidoo.com, has written a book titled, "Tribes". If this picture doesn't depict a tribe in a snapshot, I don't know what does. He says that a tribe is a group of people connected to one another. With the internet eliminating the barriers of geography, cost, and time, tribes are getting bigger and bigger.

In my opinion, however right or wrong it may be, Apple's tribe has to be one of the largest. I am a proud member, even though some might consider us to be snooty!?! (Evan)

Go Tribe!!

Our speaker for convention...

It's going to be great having Robert Madu speak at this years Momentum Convention. He is one of the premiere voices in today's generation to communicate God's truths.

He has travel internationally as well as nationally through churches, youth ministries, and school assemblies. God certainly has gifted him with the ability to minister to people of all races and cultures.

His passion and desire is to see people come to understand God's incredible love for them and their future. It's going to be great to have Robert as part of our team this year!

People are missing out...

I know I said that I was going to highlight some of the line-up for convention this year, and I will, but I wanted to just point out another incredible product. I have been a believer for quite a while...and it amazing me how closed some people are to trying it. Too funny!! People are missing out...

In the words of Seth Godin and his book, "Tribes", I'm definitely a member!

Momentum...

This time of year is surrounded by two main thoughts. Momentum, which is our state youth convention, and spending time with other youth leaders from across the state. I have to say that I am super excited about what is going to happen this year and the line-up that we have. I wanted to highlight some of that line-up over the next couple days.

Today's highlight consists of a good friend of mine who is providing comedy for all our general sessions. His name is Scott Gregory and he's from Indianapolis. If I were to pick one thing that I love about Scott the most is his servant attitude. It has never been about him, but how he can serve the event/pastor the best! Servanthood is a quality that seems less and less normal.

He's one of the funniest guys I know! He's had shows with some no-names like Jeff Foxworthy and Tim Allen. =0) Plus, he has the pure heart to impact and change lives!! How can we go wrong? Momentum with Scott will be incredible!

Coming home...

Finally, I'm coming home...

It's been a long couple months with all the traveling that I've been doing. Sometimes you look at it and wonder if it's all been worth it. It's hard to know, however Catalyst has been a tremendous investment for the life of my leadership.

Although the time in Atlanta has been a great investment, coming home is priceless. Time with my wife and kids has been a very missed blessing. Andy Stanley had some comments to say about the subject. I pray God helps me be the best husband and father that I can be. My family certainly deserves the best! We all know that the work never ends anyway.

Reflections...

What an amazing time here at Catalyst! It has been amazing to sit and be taught by this incredible group of leaders. I thought I would take some time to share some of my reflections...

1. If you want to build something that lasts, you have to be willing to change whatever you build.

2. Churches that are not open to change are not open to what is sacred and timeless.

3. It doesn't take a leader to kill something that's not working! It DOES take a leader to change what is not working.

4. Three areas to evaluate and reflect on our moral character are: forgiveness, family, and finances. They will provide the feedback necessary to determine our success.

5. There has to be an alignment between our creed and deed. What we say needs to match what we do!

6. Sometimes we need to persevere to hold on to our promises from God, even when we can't currently see anything.

7. Culture rarely changes due to protest or judgment. It requires influence through relationship.

8. We need to line up our finances with God's Word! (Rocket science, huh?)

9. We all should be obligated to take what we learn and put it into practice!

10. When people come together, they can accomplish so much more than they can on their own. Surprising!?!

I pray I take these things and more and become the world changer God created me to be! This was but a few of the timeless truths that will continue to provide direction to my future in ministry.

Another great day at Catalyst...

Yesterday's labs and today's sessions; where do I begin. I'll just say this, another great day at Catalyst...

Today started with Andy Stanley and the life up was incredible. One particular speaker today, Steve Furtick, was off the hook. He's 28 and has planted a church in Charlotte, NC. Two and a half years into it, they are running 2,500. Incredible testimony as well as commitment to make it work. He really spoke an inspiring message to us as pastors.

Today, I'm sure, will be as great as today. Until then, I'm off to bed!

Stretched...

Have you ever been in a situation that you wish everyone you know could have shared with you?

Today I have been definitely stretched...seriously! My favorite of the day was Reggie Joiner. Second would be a split between either the author of "The Shack" William Paul Young, or Perry Noble! Paul's time was filled with deep spiritual truths that forced you to look outside the box. Perry's was extremely real and encouraging. He re-enforced the need to take risks...awesome!

I always knew that Catalyst would be incredible, but this has been more than that. I am only struggling with being away from the family. Lord keep them and wrap your loving arms around them. Amen!

Ramping up into Catalyst...

I've been reading and studying for next weekend. However, I'm getting ready to pick up a college pastor in Normal, Adam Sikorski, and head for lunch. Then, off to the airport...Catalyst!! I'm truly pumped about connecting with some of the speakers and getting ideas for Target 2010.

All of this would be perfect if only one thing was different. If my family was joining me! At a time when quality time hasn't been at it's best, I'm leaving again. This has been planned since January, way before the 10 regional banquets were scheduled. It makes it rough, but the worst will be over at the end of this week.

All I can say is, "the speakers better bring it"!!!! I'll keep everyone posted.

Twitter...

A few weeks ago I mentioned a micro-blog called twitter and said I would say more about it later. Well, today is later and I really don't have much else to write today! =0)

I started blogging no so long ago with the idea that I could help others stay connected to me and be a part of my life through it. Since then, I have discovered twitter. An online micro-blog that functions much like the status bar of Facebook. A person accumulates followers and designates people they are following so there is a constant update of their "status". Now, I know that I have made this very simple for all those tech's out there, but this is how I see the function of twitter. I've said all that to say that I feel more connected to people's lives now than ever. I get updates on what they are doing, funny moments, and even a goodnight Johnboy at the end of the day.

If there is anyone out there that feels like they would like to stay more connected to those close to you, I would definitely recommend twitter. A combination of blogging, showing status, and IM all in one. A since of community that is well worth the effort!!

Plugging away...

Well, I'm away from the family again. Yesterday, I took our Youth Alive Missionary, Mike Trevino, out to play golf for his birthday. It was a good day. Anytime you shoot a 77, it's a good day. It should have been a 75, but I double bogeyed 18 trying to go for an eagle. I hit it in the water to end up with a double! Sucks to be me...

Today, I kicked off the teen bible quiz season. I'm attending Stone Creek Church's Saturday evening's service tonight. Teaching at a class in the morning, then attending a Central Region Banquet tomorrow night. Then, I'll race home to kiss my kids before leaving again Monday. Crazy,huh? Oh well, I'll keep plugging away...knowing the crazy travel schedule is almost over!!

No kidding...

People have often teased me saying that it can't be that bad living in C'ville. Well, I will say that is not that bad. However, I have had a couple quite funny situations that have made me take a minute to reflect, then roll on the ground laughing. One in particular would have been early this last summer. I was pumping gas in my car and just watching traffic (What little there is in C'ville). A very small truck drives by (like one of those old very small Nissan's) and I did a double take. There was a boat in bed of the truck that was just as long as the truck itself. No kidding...it was strapped down and leaning on the cab of the truck. So, it almost stood straight up in the air. Too funny!!

Recently, I have had the opportunity to meet one of my neighbors. His name was John, but no one would ever know that. Everyone who knows him calls him "Jelly". So, my neighbor is Jelly! Maybe I'll meet Peanut Butter soon...=0). Just when you think it can not get better than this, Debbe (my wife) and I are at the local Shell station pumping gas. And THIS sign was being displayed. So, with out taking a shot at yet another small town anomily, Happy Anniversary Porky and Suz (not that you'll read this).