Guess What I Got...

I got the same thing everyone else did....I got God's Son Jesus given to me. Best present ever.

I also got the privilege of serving others when my family and I went to our local shelter to hand out gifts and help serve a Christmas dinner. And when another 11 people from Discovery showed up, let's just say I was completely blown away...I'd just mentioned it and they came out - on Christmas. It turns out, so did a bunch of other people....there may have been more there serving than there were served. Tons of food was brought by and we really lathered on the love for the families and individuals that were staying there. A local news channel came by and my son Tanner even made it on the news. You can watch it by clicking HERE and then choosing "video" from the player on the left and the one titled "Volunteers Giving Back". He said he was there to serve and that really did sum it all up. Another great gift I got.

On the totally self-absorbed side, I got the kind of stuff I'm happy about now but hated when I was a kid...clothes. I really don't like shopping, and because of that, I've got clothes that I wear until my wife shows me a picture in one of the scrapbooks that she's put together and points out that I wore the same shirt or pants or whatever 6, 8 or even 10 years ago! Yes, I'm a man of great style. But really, I like getting clothes now because frankly, I'd rarely if ever buy them myself. I think the coolest gift (besides the swing) was a cordless drill a lady from church gave me. I shared during one of my messages how frustrated I was with my current cordless drill and she shows up the next week and gives me a new one!! Totally suprised, and totally great.

I wonder what the coolest gift was that you got?

Merry Christmas

Merry
Christmas

Leadership Tests

Went to a assembly of other innovative church people and listended to Bill Hybels speak about some leadership tests. This was a little while ago, but figured I'd type it up for my future reference. He looked at Luke 5 where Jesus got in Peter's boat, preached, told him how to fish and then invited him to fish for men. Basically, these were the tests...

1) Does the potential leader have a bias toward action? In other words, will they figure out what's missing or not working and then do something to fix it without having to be directed or do they wait for specificly defined directives. (v. 3)
2) Can the potential leader follow directions? In other words, when it comes down to it, if a decision is made that they disagree with, will they support it and act on it - like Peter when Jesus said to go out and fish in the deep water. They should be like Peter and say..."Because you said so, I will" (v. 4)
3) Do they really care whether or not they get the credit? Are they willing to share credit with the team and give credit to God both publically and privately? (v. 8)
4) Do they understand and are they willing to commit to the "grander vision" and the "big picture" or are they content with the status quo? Basically, like Hybels put it, do they want to fish for men or are they content catching perch the rest of their lives? (v. 10)
5) Will potential leaders leave what they know, understand and are even successful at in order to go after the big picture? Are they willing to sacrifice something (time, finances, job, reputation, etc) - like Peter who left behind his entire fishing business, boats, nets and all. (v. 11)

I only wish I would have known to ask some of these questions earlier. I can guarantee that some people I put time, energy and trust in would not have been put in that position. It would have saved me a ton of pain and frustration and maybe them too. Leadership is too important to allow anyone to have it. That's why I believe that leadership is a process and a privilege. Now, if God will just send some level 5 leaders this way....

Last Minute

It's 10:30PM the Friday before Christmas and am I done with my shopping? Nope. Am I stressing? Nope. Is it a big deal? Nope. Would Lora ever dream of waiting this long? Nope. Will I ever learn? Nope - at least, not so that it will change. I've come to the conclusion that the Bible has lots to say about diligence and considering the cost but unless it's talking about salvation, I'm not seeing too much about when to get things done as long as they get done. Again, deciding to follow Christ is a decision that should be made today, but it doesn't matter if house is cleaned early or late, as long as it's done before the guests arrive. So, tomorrow I will get it done...I know what I want to get, need to get and have a back up plan for whatever I may not get. Not stressing. Merry Christmas to all and to all the rest of you last minute men, a good night.

Early Christmas Present

MerryChristmas!!!
Last night before Lora and I headed off for date night, our sitters called and sent us to our bedroom and told us to send the kids outside with their coats and wait for them to come and get us. I was a little leary, but figured it couldn't be too bad. After about 10 minutes, the kids came and got us, lead us out side without us looking, and suprised us with a bunch of people singing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" standing next to a swing! I really wanted to get a picture but didn't do it before it got dark today so I stole a picture off Claude's blog because he and a couple other guys made it and a bunch of church folks chipped in. What a great suprise, what a blessing and it sure made us feel loved. Lora started to cry and me, well, I rarely offer a lot of expression with gifts (it's something I still need to work on) but it was cool. A dozen people and a new swing in my yard for an early Christmas gift. I'll take it.

I Guess We're Doing Something Right

I am dumbfounded. At a loss for words. Frustrated and relieved at the same time. All because of my son Tanner. Just when I think he doesn't get it...can't get it...won't get it...just doesn't care to even try and get it....something like this happens:

Background: For days now, Tanner's been acting very selfish. Picking on his brothers and sisters, being lazy about doing stuff, or being the first to complain when someone breaks the rules, but "conveniently" leaving out how he contributed to whatever problem he's grumbling about. He's been spoken to, punished, lectured, educated and patiently corrected (most of the time). He apologizes and then before even a moment has passed he's made the same foolish mistake again...for the four-hundred-bazillioneth time!!

Specifics: Moments ago, he was on the trampoline with his brothers and some neighbor kids. He decides he wants to wrestle with Champ - who doesn't want to and says get off. Tanner doesn't listen and after a bit, Chandler punches him. Tyler and one of the neighbors step in and pull Tanner off, but then actually encourage Chandler to get a good lick in on Tanner while they're holding him. So everybody's made mistakes. But Tanner comes in and tells Lora..."Chandler hit me and you said if he hit he'd get in trouble." True, but not the whole story. Lora calls everyone in, gets the whole story and Tanner gets sent outside to pick up everything he can find and put it away.

Outcome (the part I'm amazed by): Tanner comes in after a little bit and tells Lora..."Mommy, thank you for disciplining me and helping me to be a better person. I really appreciate it" Now that's something but here's the kicker, he then adds...."I figured out a piece of the puzzle...Jesus dying for me would be like me dying for Chandler. I just want to be a better Christian." Even as I'm typing this Lora just now comes and tells me that while Tanner (and Chandler) went back out to finish up cleaning the shed, she checked on him and it sounded like they were playing so she asks if they're cleaning up and hears Tanner hushing Chandler who's now trying to figure out what to say without lying. She then sees Tanner dressed in full roller blade garb and asks if he's trying to decieve her and he says yes. But again, when Lora talks to him, Tanner is crushed saying he wants to obey but it's hard. He also tells her..."it hurts when I disobey you."

Thanks Tanner, for reminding me that following after Jesus is a tough, moment by moment decision at times and my patience with you is nothing compared to the patience God exercises with me when I repeatedly fall short of simply obeying him. I want to be a better Christian too buddy.

Neighborhood Heros

Driving home tonight I spied these two kids out in the front yard of their house having what I'm sure to them was an incredible battle. They were going at it like crazy (and like nobody was watching). I hurried home and grabbed my camera and luckily got them to at least pose for a picture before they went inside for supper.

It got me thinking about how much it really matters to us adults what people think. For most adults, they wouldn't even consider wrestling or running after each other in their front yard while a potential audience of people was driving by and most certainly wouldn't dress up in full costume and do it! Now, there've been times I frankly didn't care who saw me, and I've acted crazy and goofy and what some might call immature. But what's wrong with that? Sometimes I think adults are just way too stuffy, boring and lame. I don't intend to be one of "those kinds" of adults, and I'm pretty sure I don't care what you think about it.

BasketBRAWL Players

You know what gets me? These goofball professional basketBRAWL players that can't control themselves, start assaulting each other, and then get 5-10-15 game suspensions and people are calling those "stiff penalties." Come on. A stiff penalty would be telling street thug Carmello Anthony that he's done for the year or better yet...he's done. Face it, these guys are what you get when you throw money at some self-centered, prideful athletes. You get rich, self-centered, prideful athletes. And it's not just the NBA. The NFL has spoiled rich kids like Terrel Owens. I mean really...TO is to the NFL was Mike Tyson was to boxing...a disgrace. Sure he's not biting ears (which is pretty hard with a helmet on) he's just spitting on people now. My under 3 year old daughter doesn't even do that.


But people will keep watching. People will go to t he games, and coaches will still want these goofballs on there teams while fans still buy their jerseys. Somethings wrong with that and a few game suspension or few thousand dollars fine isn't doing anything to fix the problem. The best way to fix the problem is to GET RID OF the problem.

The Frog Clog

Sure it's not even 10AM yet, but this story is almost hard to believe. I left for a couple minutes to drive down to Claude and Sheila's because she's working on updating the database from Sunday and I had some information she needed to update. I'm there maybe two minutes and Lora calls. Figure she wants me to pick something up from them before I head back but no...something's happened in the few minutes since I left.


We've got three bathrooms and usually soon after breakfast, each one of the boys goes to occupy one. Chandler was slow and headed upstairs but immediately yelled for mom because there was a frog in the toilet. Tyler went to inspect and confirmed the finding then attempted to chase it out. Didn't work, the frog swam down into toilet (presumably where he came up from? - remember we're on the second floor). Anyhow, Chandler was doing the "I gotta go" dance so Lora encouraged him to go. He didn't want a frog jumping on his bottom so he refused and Lora told him to just flush it. When he flushed it, it clogged up (don't know how big this frog was, but couldn't have been a itty bitty tree frog if he's cloggin up toilets). That's when Lora called me.


Now the frog clog has been removed, still don't know where the frog is, and all appears to be well...for the time being. Hey, if it's not one thing, it's another. Merry Christmas Kermit.

Pass The Peas

Ok, so the last post was about Sarah eating a candle...this one includes a brief recap of her encounter with frozen peas. Sarah likes to eat frozen peas, don't know why, she just does. Lora gave her some yesterday and she was doing fine, but Lora left the room and heard Sarah fussing. Figuring it was one of the boys bugging her Lora came back to find out what was going on. Sarah was about crying and pointing to her nose...yep, you guessed it....frozen pea up the nose. The good nurse Lora knew exactly what to do. Plug the open nostril and have Sarah blow. Have you ever seen a frozen pea shot out of a two year old nostril full force? Me either, but Lora was pretty impressed.

Today, we got to participate last minute in the Ayden Christmas parade. One of the people from Discovery knows Dale McClawhorn who's a veterinarian who owns some horses and a big wagon. Somehow, they got it entered and the ok for Discovery to use it in the parade. We found out Thursday afternoon. Sent out a quick email, bought 1200+ candy canes and stuck "Merry Christmas from Discovery Church" labels on them all (and then whatever people brought to the parade) We had about 20 people participate and had a great time. Got rid of all the candy canes before the end of the parade route, but what a great and simple way to serve, give and get our name out there.

Candy Canes??

Just like me, my daughter Sarah also occasionally thinks she's found a "good deal" that turns out to be a bad idea. I couldn't figure out how to take a good picture of it, but his is a Christmas decoration and a candle. It's got evergreen and candy canes in the wax of the candle. Well, Sarah sees only the candy cane and knows nothing of wax or candles and decides she's found a treat. She goes for it. Literally. She gnaws at the candle until she starts getting to the candy cane. You can kinda see how far she got on the bottom right side of the candle. Almost reminds me of how Lora gets around chocolate....beware of these two women around sweet stuff.

Sans Refrigerator Day 10

The new fridge is supposed to be here today, but we were also supposed to get a call yesterday letting us know when it's coming....I hope it's here when I get home today.


NEWSFLASH....life on life ministry is hard. When you're dealing with people and you want the best that God has for them, why is it so messy? Sometimes I wish I could just hide in an office and plan events and programs and messages, but I know that those things by themselves will not produce life-change and so I continue to venture into the muddy waters of discipleship, correction and encouragement. I see myself in others and thank God saying...except for grace, that'd be me.

Sans Refrigerator Day 8

Dinner after church today consisted of four Totinos pizzas from the freezer (no leftovers). Great meal for after church. I like junk food as much as the next guy, but I'm missing my fridge. Just made some popcorn now and we don't have any butter anymore to put on the popcorn. What good is popcorn without butter? All I can say right now is ... two more days, just two more days.

Sans Refrigerator Day 7

With no refrigerator working and nothing coming until Tuesday of next week, we're still eating lots of cereal, grilled cheese and other non-leftover type meals. The good news is that it's colder outside so food stays safe in a cooler on the porch.

The ferret (Bandit) on the other hand, doesn't really like the cold weather as much. He's been staying inside with us lately. Tanner decided to share his shirt with him and that made Bandit quite happy (and warm). I bet some people would love to live in a house like ours....with no refrigeration, five kids and roving ferrets in the house....oh, and the boys and I cooked hotdogs over a campfire last night in the 20 degree weather. It's always an adventure.

Second Saturday Service

It's a beautiful day today...a little chilly, but beautiful blue skies. About twenty of us hit the parking lots at Colonial Mall and in front of Toys R Us to hand out free hot chocolate and candy canes to people. Great day for hot chocolate since it was in the 20's when we started and only 34 my early afternoon (as you can see)


I'm still suprised when people turn down free stuff. We're just out there trying to be nice and people are so suspicious these days...dome tried to give us "donations" and others asked "how much?" even after we just said, "How about some free hot chocolate?" The great thing today was we actually had a mall manager and the Toys R Us manager stop by, ask what we were doing, and then compliment us. We didn't secure permission ahead of time so we figured we'd just give until we were asked to leave and then we'd go somewhere else. That didn't happen though.


After a couple of hours in the cold we went over to the Brody School of Medicine and dropped off some lunch stuff (sandwich meat, chips, fruit, and of course, hot chocolate) for all the medical students who were studying for final exams. We've had some med students attending Discovery and it was their idea - we're happy to bless anyone we can.

Christmas List Online

Some had emailed and asked for the Christmas Wish List to be available online so now it is. The list and a more detailed explanation of the list are both available here or on the front page of the website.

List

Detailed List

Too Much

Some may say by simply typing here, I'm wasting my time. I'd simply say I'm forcing myself to clarify my thoughts. Here's what I'm thinking. I'm good with people, but I'm not that good with organizing. My relationships are strong, but my desk is a mess and so is my day sometimes...easily turned upside down by an "urgent" need that wasn't planned (like maybe, a broken refrigerator?). I'm busy and have plenty to do, but somehow feel like I don't get anything done or at least I'm not in control of what does get completed. I'm easily sidetracked and lately, I've often been frustrated because of that. What to do....

Lora and I were talking last night after my "day off" turned into a chain of "I'll just do this...it will only take a minute" activities. I got some stuff done, but at what cost? Anyhow, it came up that maybe I should just schedule my time...like certain hours on certain days for message prep, leadership development, staff and meetings, vision work, research, etc. Would I like that? Sure. And I'm going to give it a shot. My hang-up is that I don't know how well that will work in a "people" business.

I don't offer refrigerators, lawn care or plumbing repair. The "goods" I work with are deeper. Lives may be improved by a new appliance or good looking lawn or they could be inconvenienced when plumbing leaks or the car breaks down, but lives aren't changed by that - they aren't transformed. I work to offer hope. A hope that's found in Christ and that transforms homes, lives, relationships and even entire communities and nations. But you can't buy it...you can only invest relational capital. And that's why I wonder if a schedule will help as much as I'd like it to. I guess I'll just have to plan relational time into the schedule and if there's no one there to invest in at the time, just move on to what's next on the schedule so that I'm free if the opportunity arises (or attacks) later.

The older I get the more I learn what I don't know. I used to think it was so easy or at least easier. Having a good marriage? Easy - just communicate and continue to 'date' your spouse. Raising kids? Easy - just be consistent and introduce them to Jesus. Start a new church? Easy - just follow what the Bible says and love God and love others. All those easy answers just lead to more questions...How? When? Will this work? Is this what I'm supposed to do? So off I go to try and answer another one of those new questions I'm asking...how can I make the most of my time?

Sans Refrigerator Day 5

It was supposed to be getting colder starting last night (we're talkin in the 20's) so I left some milk on the porch. Apparently the predictions changed and it practically warmed up. It was 55 at 5:30AM when I headed off to men's group. Guess we won't drink the rest of that milk. Tuesday doesn't seem like it's getting any closer.

Sans Refrigerator Day 4

Well, as much as I previously stated "I hate refrigerators" I am now inclined to withdraw that comment in light of the fact that the replacement fridge will not be here until next Tuesday. Sure we could have replaced it right away, but the $300 I'm saving appear to make the wait worth it (at least at this time). All I can say is that when it arrives, we will have gone 10 days without it and that makes for some pretty creative meal planning (and no leftovers).

Christmas List

Yesterday during the service, we handed out Discovery Church's Christmas Wish List. Since I'm running into problems getting it up on our website, I figured I'd just link to the thing right here, but I guess I can't do that either....server problems. (although if you have a blogger account, you should be able to see it here for now by logging in to your account)

I must say though that we have a lot of great shopping ideas on our list....chairs (250), a portable baptismal, staging, lights, speakers and various sound equipment, monthly plans to work with an outreach/new move-in company, digital picture frames, recognition and thank you items, office/meeting space and tons of other stuff. We've already been blessed with "stuff" and I told the people on Sunday that we didn't need any of it, we just think that we could improve our effectiveness with a few more "tools." We'll see, it's a tall order....all told nearly $100,000, but God's in the business of giving us more than we could ever dare to ask or even imagine, right?

Gettin Better?

So before the weekend started, things weren't all that great...I posted my "hate blog." There's something I forgot to add...I hate refrigerators. Sure they're great when they work, but MINE doesn't. Had a friend from church look at it and get it going, but that was temporary because by the next morning the compressor wasn't running anymore and everything was starting to thaw (again). Lora spent Sunday before church emptying the rest out and transferring it over to the Cannon's refrigerator (NOT that allowing the pastor to occupy fridge space is a staff requirement). That's the bad news.

The good news is people are great and I feel loved. I mentioned the fridge story in church and had one guy give me money before he left to put towards the replacement fridge, another offer to pay for it if we needed him to and we'd just pay back when we could, and a third who's calling in a favor to a friend to see if he can get us a really good deal on a new one (like half price!). So despite being in the dumps about needing to shell out unplanned cash for a new refrigerator, people have encouraged me by caring enough to help out and offer up their encouragement and resources. Made my day.

Junk I Hate

ARRGGH. Here's what I hate. Microsoft. Specifically at this moment...internet explorer. Allowed the stupid thing to update and change over to IE7 and have had nothing but problems so I took it off and went back to 6. Couldn't log on here for even afterwards so it's been like four days.

I also right now hate computers. Hate when they crash, bog down, lock up or flat out don't work how they're supposed to. Sure there's a good part to them, but right now, I'm sick of them.

And I hate credit cards. Lora and I aren't one to carry a balance, but we have a Discover card in our name that we use for Discovery Church stuff only (because the church still works with Global Reach Foundation and they take care of our administrative tasks and financial records) Anyhow, with the launch back in April, there were some things we needed and put on it. Since then there've been other high dollar items that we couldn't get billed for and couldn't wait for a check to go through the whole request process so it went on. We use it for online stuff too and GRF pays the bill. Well, I hate it because we're still carrying a balance, it's in MY name, and it's still almost at the limit....there's just not that much coming in with tithes and offerings to pay it down and keep investing in new ministry. I hate it.

I hate online order companies too. One in particular right now that we ordered ink for our church printer from them back the first of November. Got a call that day saying it would be 5-10 days would I still like to order. Said sure since it wasn't urgent. Called back after two weeks and was told it be by Thanksgiving. Yep, didn't show. Called today and just got a call back that it will be "around another 2 weeks...it's a national backorder" I don't care, just get me my ink or stop lying about when it will be here. Hate it.

Thinking is the last thing I hate at the moment. Been thinking about the end of the year series for almost a month and I am stuck....still. I'm speaking in two days, know where I'm speaking from, but don't really know what I'm supposed to say. Know what I want to say, but don't know if that's what the Lord wants me to say. I hate not being prepared. I hate last minute stuff (but still find myself working there a lot of the time). And I hate it when I think and pray and work and have virtually nothing to show for it. Should make for an interesting Sunday.

I'm sure this all sounds good coming from the pastor too. No sense sugar-coating it though. That's how it is and that's where I'm at. I'll get through it, but don't like the process. In fact, right now I hate it.

Back Home

We pulled back into town last night a little after 11PM. Let's just say it was a much better ride going down than coming back. I got up and had breakfast with a couple of guys I meet with each week and then had a three hour staff meeting, had lunch, and cleared all my emails out. Can't say I like being back right now. I'm recovering from the "vacation" Still, it's good to sleep in my own bed.

Been Thinking

It's really hard for me not to "work" when I'm away and "on vacation". Just ask Claude....I've probably called and talked to him 15-20 times since last Mon., not to mention the other calls I've fielded. Sometimes I think it's because I still don't know what to make of this "thing" we're doing in starting Discovery Church. I mean, I sometimes wonder why people would come to a new church that has no history and no real reputation. I wonder that almost every week....will people actually come today? But they do, and they leave encouraged and sometimes excited about what God has done or is doing in their life or through their life. It's really a strange thing.

Another thing I've been thinking about is how to connect more people with the cross. Everytime I read my Bible and look at how people flocked to Jesus, I wonder why they don't flock to church. Could it be because...it's hard to find Jesus in church? There, I said it. I think that in too many churches it's hard to find Jesus there. Could be any number of reasons...trying too hard to please the people already there, not being Jesus out in the community but inviting people to come "find Him" in church, or so much planning and programming and very little prayer. I certainly can't say we're perfect, but I know what we're working on and it's in each of those areas I listed. So how do we connect people? Work to build relationships with people outside of church - neighbors, co-workers, students and strangers. It takes work. It takes time. It will take commitment.

WARNING: change in seriousness
Also thought about how many people will end up with food poisoning this holiday season....heard it was expected to be around 48 million? And what about Larry Coker? Sure he was like 55-15 but he had a bunch of thugs and he's not the leader of that gang. Thought about "Black Friday" - tell me why normal people will get up at 4AM to go spend money shopping for presents? I might consider it if someone was giving away money, but not if I'm expected to pay them. Finally, I've been thinking about babies. They're so cool and I love mine, and now I've got former students who are going to be having babies. Aron and Cessie Rice just texted this morning that they had a baby girl! Congrats.

Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving

So on Tuesday we drove over to Brandon, ordered a dozen pizzas, and spent a few hours with a number of our good friends who support us both financially and prayerfully. Actually, there were over 70 people who came out. I didn't get to talk to everyone near enough and some I barely got to speak with. Still it's great to see faces and just get a hug. I'll make it another year for sure. I just want to say thanks to everyone. It's such an encouragement to see folks and hear from them how they keep up with us through this blog and pray for us everytime we send out a prayer update. (you can subscribe yourself at www.discoverychurchonline.com)

Yesterday I got to meet with the pastor of a Christ Community Church in Winter Haven, FL that's only 5 years old. He took a good bit of time to meet with me and Lora and then with me later in the afternoon again. We were interrupted by terrible news. A family that had visited the church there was in the middle of a crisis. The father tried to kill his wife in front of their ten year old daughter and then succeeded in killing himself. Even though they hadn't even been to the church since May, they knew who to call and who would care. I hope Discovery Church has that kind of reputation in our community. We care for the hurting when they're hurting. Anyhow, that pastor gave me some good encouragement and it was great to explore their brand new building. Check out the church at www.aplacetobelong.com. God's really blessing them.

And now it's Thanksgiving...and a Happy Thanksgiving it is. It's about 75 right now with sunny skies and a light breeze. Don't know what it's like back home in NC, but I'm willing to bet the farm it ain't this nice. Plus, I'm at my parents so I'm with family and we'll be with Lora's parents again in a few days. So, if you're reading this on Thanksgiving Day, get off the computer and go spend time with your family like I'm about to do.

We Made It

So right after church,we load up five kids and two adults along with all related luggage into the minivan for a long drive to Florida. For the most part it went better than expected. No real problems or screaming babies or excessive stopping. The funniest part was Sarah, continually shouting from the back either Mommy or Daddy with everyone trying to get her to be a little more quiet so she wouldn't wake up Hannah when I shut off all sound and gave Sarah on more exasperated "what Sarah!?" After a second she answered..."My bottom hurts, I'm tired of sitting" Since we were nine hours into the trip I could understand. I turned the radio back up and thanked God for a sleeping baby and a two year old that had done so well for so long.

Why I Don't Like Going To The Doctor

Ok, yesterday I had to go to the doctor. I'm about to join the exclusive all-male "V" club and needed to go in for a consultation before they could schedule me an appointment. So I go, I meet with the doctor, listen to the speil and wait for the nurse to witness my signing of some formal/legal document so I can make my appointment. Then, the nurse informs me that since I haven't had a physical in the last year they can't schedule an appointment for me.

You mean to tell me that since I haven't been to the doctor, haven't been sick or hospitalized, and don't even have a primary physician because I haven't needed one since we moved here 16 months ago, I can't get an appointment? On top of that, I need to make an appointment to be accepted as a new patient so I can make an appointment for a physical so I can then make my original appointment. Sounds crazy. Oh, and did I mention that the earliest I could get in to a primary care doctor would be April or May? Yeah, that ain't happening. I found a walk-in place that can take care of doing the required physical without even having an appointment. If I say "appointment" one more time, somebody shoot me.

It's Christmas Time!

Since we won't be home the day after Thanksgiving (which is when we traditionally decorate for Christmas) we decided that today was the best day to deck out the Ebeling house. This morning we pulled out all the stuff from the attic and went at it. The inside is pretty good to go (tree is up, cookie jars are out, other "stuff" is where it goes) and the outside may or may not get done before we leave. Haven't done this house before so it may take me a little longer this year. I love this time though. The first Chrismas song to play in our house is always....It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year. After the tree was up, I saw Sarah and Chandler lying under the tree with santa hats on. I about lost it - like cried. I told Lora that we just have a a few years left with these guys. I love 'em so much. And looking at them lying there...I miss the innocence. I almost can't remember what it was like to wonder what I was going to play next or what toy I really wanted for Christmas or how they could make the Christmas lights twinkle. Thank God I've got kids to remind me. And thank the Lord...for Christ. I love Christmas.

7 For 1

We sure got a deal. Lora is speaking to a bunch of ministers wives in Greensboro and the organizers were good enough to put us up at a nice little hotel. The only catch is that "us" means seven bodies. That's a lot when I see it in writing and I've confirmed that it's a lot of people in one room when we tried to sleep last night. Lora and I shared one bed, Chandler and Tanner shared another (until Tanner lost control and got to spend the night alone in the bathtub - yeah, yeah...how cruel - he slept well though) Tyler slept in a recliner, Sarah slept in the crib they put in our room and Hannah slept on the closet floor (with the doors mostly closed). Hannah made sure half of us were up around 5AM so let's just say it wasn't the greatest night's sleep, but it was fun...seriously. We're on our way to go pick up Lora and see how things went and then head home. We do have some interesting times.

How It's Going

So it's Wednesday and we're sitting in Panera Bread with their free wi-fi and we've now been here occupying space for almost 5 hours. That's way too long to be at Panera Bread. Anyhow, we've got the skeleton planned out for all of 2007 and are working on filling in some of the details so that we can be better prepared for everything that we do next year. That should mean better marketing, better messages, better ministry (gotta love the alliteration). When I step back, I'm excited about what we've come up with, but in the trenches, this is just plain hard work. We've done well to have all of us on the same page stay involved for most of the time....once in a while one of us drifts off (Claude needs a nap, Dusty needs to talk to his cats, Brent wants to read his encyclopedia - all true) but we take a break and get back to it. I guess this means we won't be leaving today like I had hoped. Oh well...it should be worth it

Off We Go

In about an hour the staff and myself will drive a few hours away and work to lay out the foundation for 2007. We'll be gone until Thursday and I hope that's enough time. The direction and goals of Discovery for 2007 will be set in place and we'll work to design opportunities for us to be successful in reaching our goals. This is a new step for me. In my past ministry experience, this is something that's never been done. I'm hoping that even without a solid example to follow, this trip and process will be productive for everyone involved. I guess we'll see.

How Can We Help?

The more I talk with parents and people around here, the more I'm tempted to do something really crazy...start a business. At least then I'd be dealing with more a more objective reality of bottom lines, dollars and cents and inventories, not subjective stuff like life-change and eternal impact. I'm not saying planting this church isn't important. It's vitally important. I'm not saying it's too hard either (although it's harder than I ever thought it would be). I am saying that there's a need in this place and I don't know how we can meet it. This place has very little for students - middle school and high school and even college students. There's no real place to hang out besides the theater (which is a stand alone theater), the bowling alley, or one of the downtown clubs/bars. Parents know this. The police know this and the students definitely know this.

I've thought for a while that it'd be a good idea to open up a marketplace ministry. A place where the church not only enters the marketplace and does business, but where we also engage the people more on their terms than on ours. I just think it might be more effective to invite a friend to join you someplace they'd probably go anyway (restaurant, club, entertainment center, etc) then to almost beg them to try church with you. Maybe the church should go to them - hmmmm, maybe the idea's not that original even though it's not all that common.

I realize that Discovery Church is a new church. We're not very big with less than 150 people. We don't have much "pull" in the community. Heck, we don't even have office space and we rent our worship space. Our church supplies all fit in a 20' trailer. Our budget is so variable that none of our staff take a salary from it. To top it off, there are days when I wonder what in the world I'm doing. So how can we help? I've got some ideas...what about you?

Twas A Happy Halloween

Yo-Ho-Ho-Ho A Pirate's Life For Me....

We went out last night in the neighboring neighborhoods (not ours...houses are too spread out) and handed out candy. Us and others from church hit different spots with "No Trick, Our Treat" packs of candy with a card attached telling them this was our way of saying 'God loves you' All the kids here got dressed up and delivered them to people's doors. Of course, some insisted on giving the kids candy back and we told them it was ok, but not to ask or wait for it. So they got some candy, neighbors got suprised (I heard a lot of them saying "that's so nice") and we got to do simple ministry as a family.


Princess Sarah


Pirate Hannah (amazing makeup work done to turn her into a "he")

Great Way To End It

Well I was looking forward to watching the Vikings on MNF, but I thought they'd actually play, not just show up and get showed up. So it's almost midnight and I'm heading to bed....and I hear Hannah downstairs crying. Should be a great night.

Frustrated

I probably shouldn't even be wasting time trying to post right now, but oh well. It's been a day of constant interruptions. I really think I need to get more of my stuff so I can get away from here. I needed to be home to help Lora out while she went to a scheduled appointment, but the neighbor kids have been over (which is great but distracting - no school today) Hannah's been fussy most of the day, everybody's been asking me transferred to my laptop"little" questions, and I just can't think.....arrrghgh.

Ok, it's out of my system. I almost feel better. Off I go to Tyler's football practice. And I just need to add....
what's up with USC losing to an unranked opponent and still being ranked ahead of Notre Dame? Didn't Auburn lose to previously unranked team - at home? Oh well. Go Vikings...they play tonight on MNF.

Where's My Stuff?

Ok, so it's Saturday evening, I'm trying to make sure all the videos of the messages are downloaded to the computer, and I can't find some important stuff....like the whole camera bag (charger, tapes, cables, etc) Where is it you ask? Probably in someone's custody because they found it at Tanner's football game on Wednesday. Thank goodness I have the camera still, but the case and the tapes and other stuff...nope. If we're lucky it will turn up in lost and found over at the Winterville Parks and Rec complex. If not...somebody's just not very nice taking that stuff.

Little Puzzle?

I've been thinking a bunch lately and we were talking today in our staff meeting (or staph infection as Claude likes to call it) about how we're not exactly where I'd like to be or thought we'd be when it comes to planting this church. I envisioned more people and faster growth (like at least twice where we're at now) but I'm beginning to accept that it's just the stage we're at. Don't get me wrong, I'm still not satisfied and will continue to work hard, but I think I "get it" a little better. I was thinking that this church is a little like a puzzle. Unfortunately, I was expecting to start off with a big ol' 1,000 piece puzzle, but right now we're working on what seems like a 24 piece Seasame Street puzzle. But I'm ok with that because I'm hearing about the life-change and transformation that's happening here....like two different couples who attended a marriage conference this weekend and one guy is now ready to love his wife even better and to start praying with her outloud to help build real intimacy. Another guy who went with his fiance' is ready to move out and live independently (after living together for over a year) so they can honor God and prepare themselves for a successful marriage even though it's still almost a year away. Oh, and less than two months ago, this guy became a follower of Jesus. That's life-change....so what if there's only 24 pieces right now.

One Of Those Days

Ever have one of "those days"? You know, the kind where it's not any one thing in particular that throws it off, but a constant flow of one more thing. Since getting the truck (Whoo HOO!) that last couple days were like that. Try to get stuff done and get interrupted every time I start. First it's a phone call, then it's a baby crying because she needs a nap, then it's someone shouting they need me, then Hannah spits up all over me, then people can't find something, then it's an email I wasn't prepared to respond to, then the baby's crying because she's done with her nap early, then somebody's lost and needs directions, then it's time for Tyler's football game, but nobody has eaten, then nobody is even at the field even though the time and location match the schedule, then Hannah pukes on me again, then it's my birthday but people are ticked at me because they feel I'm making selfish and stupid decisions, then I go golfing. Yep, it was just one long one of those days.

Let's hope today is better. Go Irish - I hope they put up 60 points on UCLA. It'd make me feel better. I've still got to close down the pool (never done that before), finish stuff for Sunday's service (Chandler and my birthday along with relatives from out of state and missing Claude and Sheila and other key help for Sunday doesn't really help). But on the plus side, I've got a new truck I don't deserve, my wife understands and is encouraging, and God knows my struggles and wants to change me to be more like Christ through them. I'll take that.

I've Been Blessed!

It's been a week or so because my internet filter service decided that blogger.com wasn't safe and they blocked it. I kept forgetting to tell Lora and she finally added it to my OK to access list, so now I'm back on line...and just in time. Check this out.

Yes, that's MY truck!!!! I almost can't believe it myself. Short story. Lora's parent's had a neighbor who drove this for work, his work got him a new truck and GAVE him this one (with 246,000 miles on it) So, we got a real good deal on it and Lora's Mom and grandparents just drove it up from FL....all I can say is WOW, I'VE GOT A TRUCK (and don't need to drive in the leaky, stinky Saturn)



Since last time, Tanner got his hair cut (by his mother not me) and now he's got a mowhawk. I think it looks great.


Figured it had been a while sine I put up a picture of my girls, so here's one. Hannah is now 3 months old and Sarah loves her to death.



And finally, A friend from Florida is up here visiting hoping to land a job so he can move with his family up here and help with Discovery Church. He's a real practical joker and true to form, found out where Randy and Laci Strickland live and while they were in Florida at a wedding, he bribed their house sitter and 'painted' their precious dog "Princess" pink. Here's a picture of the pink Princess puppy. Unfortunately, I'm now on Randy's "hit list" so I'm sure since I knew about it I'll be paid back. Oh well...

Great Conference! Good Weekend

Well, we all made it back from the Catalyst Conference and it was great. I think all of us were challenged, encouraged and refreshed being around 10,000 others who want to help change the world through Jesus Christ one life at a time. Out of all of it I think my biggest take-a-ways are

1. I need to work more from my strengths and less
   on what I'm just not that good at
2. I can't be creative and innovative if I'm not having
   fun so I need to schedule play times
3. There are greater injustices in the world than what's
   happening in my little world, but I can help make a
   difference and I need to
4. The church and the Jesus we sometimes offer focuses too
   much on offering a "product" to the "consumer" than offering
   real long-term life-changing hope to those who need it
5. My behavior and beliefs don't always line up - (there are
   some non-believers I really don't care about even though
   I want to and say I do) That's not a good thing, but I'm
   sure Jesus can help change my heart now that I recognize
   the cold hard truth.

After we got back, we of course held a service on Sunday. I've got to say, I'm not sure what's going on. It seems like we're almost going backwards in numbers, but I'm encouraged by some of the life-change and transformational stories people tell me. Size isn't the only indicator of health, but it's still one of the indicators and I'd like to see us grow more by that measurement standard. The good part was that Sunday night, I got to go and help Dusty and CrossLink and lead music with Randy and Davey for our new band "Sugarloaf" (we just made up the name on the spot - kinda). I had a lot of fun and think everyone else did too. But sometimes I wonder what it's all for and wonder if all our effort and work is really making a difference at all. Only time will tell really.

Day One

All I can say is WOW! The first day of Catalyst was great. Talk about an experience. It wasn't just about another conference...hearing people more popular and 'productive' than me, instead it was about being valued, and challenged as a leader in one of the most difficult leadership environments on the planet. From the moment we got there, they literally rolled out the red carpet. Hearing from Andy Stanley was great...he's so good at boiling it down to just one thing. The one thing is that

Leadership is a stewardship

which can be taken away at any time

and we're accountable for it.

Leadership people like Marcus Buckingham and John Maxwell spoke - the main gist? Lead from your strengths and stop wasting so much time and effort trying to improve your weaknesses. We even had a special appearance by Jeff Foxworthy (a believing Christian I might add). There were breakdancers, an full gospel choir, hot air ballon rides, bungee jumping, pomp and circumstance and even horses being ridden inside the arena by guys who dressed like knights. Excellent...just excellent - a fully engrossing experience.

But perhaps the most powerful part was near the end. We were over time by 45 minutes or so, and the last Gary Haugen just finished speaking about the church's responsibility when it comes to injustice -specifically when it comes to human trafficking or slavery (forced labor and prostitution). We were all singing and worshipping when someone about a mile away crashed into a power pole and killed ALL the power in the ENTIRE arena. The lights, projectors, sound, everything went down...except the drums....and then in the quiet you could start to hear the guitars and a faint sound of voices....then more....then many more, singing to the King together without missing even a beat. Reminded me that the "power" isn't in cords, lights, guitar amps, speakers or video screens - - the power is in Jesus Christ working in His church, through people like me and our staff and the people of Discovery. We have no power apart from Christ and unlimited power with him. I so badly needed that re-charging moment.

Live From GEORGIA

After a forever long drive in a rented minivan with the rest of the staff and Randy, we're finally at Dusty's parent's house on the north side of Georgia. Why are we here? Because we're headed to the Catalyst Conference and I'm totally excited about all we're going to be exposed to and praying that we'll be able to pick up and implement at least a few of the ideas we hear about. It's so important to be able to get away and be exposed to different viewpoints and ideas TOGETHER as a staff.

Yesterday we spent most of the day looking back on the past, identifying where we believe God is working and directing us, and formulating our theme for 2007. I'm pretty excited and think we've latched on to something that will help guide are planning and scheduling as we layout 2007. We'll share more as we get it defined, but we won't roll it out totally until the beginning of the year (at least 3 more months). I've got to say, it feels good to have things planned and perculating this far out. I think we'll do a much better job at executing our services and events in '07 because of it.

How It Went

I'm working on next week's message in our series "Just Lust" and need a break. Figured I'd share how things went yesterday. Like I said earlier, I didn't want to even talk about it and still don't, but I've got to say that God's hand was definitely on me. I felt calm and heard more than a few comments and have gotten a few emails already saying that it was a good service. That's great, but I'll be more happy if I see lives changed and guys stop clicking on internet crap that can shipwreck their faith, marriages, self-esteem, careers and the people around them.

There were two distinctly memorable moments yesterday. the first is when I brought out a pair of handcuffs to illustrate how we get bound up and restrained from living the life God has for us. The memorable part happened when I took them out and said, "Now I know what you're thinking...pastor's talking about lust and pulls out a pair of handcuffs...this is just too wierd" I meant to break some of the tension, what I hadn't thought through, was my follow up question which asked, "now what are these for?" I unwittingly set the audience up to be thinking about some off color stuff when I asked that question. It made for a somewhat uncomfortable funny. I mean, what would you think handcuffs were for in the context of a discussion on sex and lust?

The other moment came at the end. We'd talked about pressing the delete button in our mind and how it's not as hard as we think. It's not only easy (once we decide to do it) but it's worth it. So I got an Easy Button from Staples that says "Well that was easy" every time you pressed it. At the end of the service, I challenged people to get up and press the button as a way to show they're serious about deleting lust in their lives. So while some music played, people came up and one-by-one they pressed the button and I heard over and over again, "Well that was easy." A lot of people responded...good, sad, scary.

One more thing. The rest of the day was a constant blur. We packed up the trailer and everything after church, took the whole family out to eat with another couple from church. I think their two teenage girls probably learned a lot about our family by sitting with my kids. From there, Lora took Tyler to meet with his football team, get his game jersey and do a walk through, while I took the van and the rest of the kids home to change, get Tyler's football clothes and some clothes for Lora. Here's how that went. Hannah (2 mos) cried, no, screamed, most of the drive and almost the whole time we were at home. Chandler (5) threatened to puke when I asked him to make some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that we could take to the game. Tanner (8) yelled at Hannah because she kept screaming and then Sarah (2) started crying. Why you ask? Because she tried to go to the bathroom, couldn't get her underwear down, and ended up peeing all over herself, her shoes and the bathroom floor. And I though we'd be in and out in 6 minutes or less. Cleaned it up, cleaned me up, changed clothes, found clothes and loaded everyone (including the screaming baby) in the car to rendezvous with Lora and Tyler. Lora fed Hannah, we drove to the game and watched Tyler's team get creamed (and poor Tyler only got to play like 2 plays) Finally, we got home a little after 8. Not a bad 13 hour day for the pastor.

Don't Like This

I'm on my way out to set up for services. It's not even 7AM yet. I don't mind this stuff...it's actually really nice outside (except for it's still pretty dark - whoa) What I'm not liking is what I'm talking about today.

Today we start a new series called Just Lust. It's about lust and all the stuff that goes with it. We're adapting it from a series that Fellowship Church did. Let's just say, I know it's going to be hard for people to attend and listen to, but it's stuff the church needs to talk about because the negative consequences love secrecy. I'm so not looking forward to this. Please be praying for me and the staff and the church as we try to tackle this difficult subject head on.

Helps Me Think?

I don't know what it is about it, but I really like watching Ultimate Fighting. Lora thinks it's stupid and doesn't even like me to watch it in the bedroom when she's sleeping. Maybe it's the wrestler in me, or maybe it's just "my way" of letting out some frustration, but I just enjoy the sport and like watching two guys pound the snot out of each other. It actually helps me think. In fact, I'm doing some message prep right now and that's what got me wondering...."how in the world can I be thinking about how to communicate God's love when I'm watching this in the background?" Then I thought a little further and I think it's because I feel like I'm in a battle. Sometimes I feel like I'm being pummeled, but other times I feel invincible. Ultimate Fighting is just a picture of the spiritual battle I'm fighting and that's why it helps me think. At least that's my conclusion.

Luck O' The Irish

Well, I don't care if it was Michigan State...Notre Dame pulled it out. And it's a good thing because I would have had a hard time sleeping after that first half. Maybe they actually believe in themselves now and we won't have these kind of problems any more this year. We'll know for sure on Thanksgiving weekend when the Irish head to USC.

Bigger Picture

I was just thinking that lately I've been too close to the job. Not that I shouldn't be working, but the old saying that the "devil is in the details" has a bit of truth to it. I think the details too easily derail me and that's certainly not part of God's plan. So I hit a little conference on Thursday and was reminded that I need to pull back a little and try to see the bigger picture. Here's what I see.

• A church where people's lives are transformed
• A church that's having a positive and noticeable effect in the community
• A place where people can find real answers for real life (not just knowledge, but solutions)
• I see Discovery moving people from "Sunday only faith" to an "unstoppable force"
• I see marriages being restored
• I see families being connected (to each other and to others)
• I see the outcasts, unlovable and forgotten ones being accepted and included
• I see the church (which is the people) going out instead of just waiting for others to come in
• I see people being empowered, equipped and unleashed to make a difference
• I see hope

I see other things too, but that's the bigger picture. Break it down more and I see work. I see obstacles. I see potential problems, questions I can't answer, and roadblocks. But those are details. No wonder when I focus on those - when I work on those - I get tired, worn out and even depressed. Yep, the devil might be in the details but God is in the driver's seat. I call shotgun, you comin'?

Suck of the Irish

I'll just get this off my chest now....I can't believe that Notre Dame played that poorly all the way around. It was embarassing. It was frustrating. It was awful. So there, I've said it. We deserved to lose after that.

Favorite Girls

I've got three lovely ladies that live in my house.

Hannah is just now 2 months old. She smells like sour milk all the time from all the baby yack she spews down herself and all over Mom and me

Lora is amazing...able to do school for three, entertain a fourth and totally care for and feed the fifth. All while making sure the house is picked up homecooked meals are on the table at least 2 times a day. It's no wonder she needs a nap once in a while.

Sarah is 2 1/2 and entering the "emotional" stage where she'll cry if we tell her no and sometimes for absolutely no reason. This is something we haven't encountered yet as the first three were boys. But when she looks at me I can just get lost in her little blue eyes.

I've got the greatest family in the world. My mom called the other day and I was watching everyone because Lora was out (alone). My mom asked who Lora had with her and I said that it was just me and I had "all five kids." It was then that it struck me. I have five kids!!! That's a lot. But it's really not much different or harder than when we had two....can't explain that though. Only thing that's a little harder is finding someone to babysit all of them. Usually we have to 'farm them out' a couple here and a couple there. Whatever it takes to get some time alone with my wife though.

Fall Is In The Air

This is about my favorite time of year. Right now, my windows are open, it's seventy something and there's a light breeze blowing. You can smell it...it's fall. It smells like football, like school time, like a long awaited part of the year. I love it. For some reason, it's easier to enjoy the day when it's like this. It's better sleeping weather when you can leave your windows open and listen to the crickets and frogs sing you to sleep. It's just good stuff.

Oh, and since I mentioned football, how about those Notre Dame Fighting Irish? Last week, people questioned if they were any good since they only beat Georgia Tech 14-10. This week, they dominate the 19th ranked Nittany Lions and they still don't get much credit. Instead, people are wondering if Penn State was just a little overrated? Come on. I suppose when Michigan gets beat next week the critics will wonder if ND could have won if they played at the Big House. Whatever. Go Irish. Either way they can't play as bad as Florida State did (come on....Troy State??).

I'm also giving fantasy football a go this year. Let's just say that this week....if I could play my entire team I still wouldn't have enough points to be close. So I've decided I'm really not too good at this, but I'm gonna have fun anyway. In fact, I played a team that I created and then gave away and they've got the second highest point total of anyone. Go figure. Maybe next weekend will do better since we'll play a little flag football....yep, real exercise.

Claude's out this week....in Florida with his "real" job. Hope he gets to keep it. Brent's up with his mom who's having cancer surgery. That leaves me, Dusty and Davey....what a crew. I get to edit and create small group videos this week...should be a great Sunday....can't wait to see 'em.

Happy Labor Day

Well, our labor day happened almost 2 months ago and Hannah is doing great. She sleeps through the night and is starting to smile and coo. Makes life much better than what it could be. This whole church planting thing isn't quite as easy though. In fact, yesterday was rough, mostly because I was talking about priorities and not letting the urgent crowd out the important. Man it was tough for me to speak on that when I'm so much in need of hearing it. Too often I'm letting the "urgent" stuff that has time limits crowd out the important stuff like really spending time with my wife and kids and enjoying being "off" of work. It's tough...I mean, I never thought starting a church was so hard, took so much out of you and could so easily sideline your entire family. Well, no more. My plan is to refocus on what's important and stop wasting time worrying about all the so called "urgent" stuff.

So I'm off to enjoy Labor Day.

A Day Off

I'm going to try really hard today to do this...take the whole day off. No work (blogging is not work). I'm not answering the phone (although I may return a message), I'm not planning, preparing, meeting, brainstorming or otherwise even thinking about anything but doing school with my kids and spending time with my wife and family. I've tried this before and frankly I'm not very good at it. In fact, when we went for Tanner's birthday last week, I was with my family most of the day and watched a movie with them that night, but Lora figured it out and I still managed to put in about 7 hours of time to doing work for Discovery Church. That's got to change...even when I'm home, my mind is somewhere else. Bad Dad. Bad husband. Bad Pastor.

So, school's almost done here and so am I.

Tanner's Birthday

The Whole Family @ Green Springs & Tanner diving from the second level


Go IRISH!!

Tanner's Birthday was yesterday and we had a great time (so did he of course) He decided he wanted to go to Green Springs which is pretty much one of the coolest places around. It's a huge playground over the water with diving boards, rope swings, high platforms, a zip line, and tons of stuff to climb. There's five different levels that people can jump/dive off of and each is about 7-10 feet higher than the next so by the time you get to the fifth, you're 50 feet up in the air. I've just got to brag on my little men because 9 year old Tyler jumped off the fifth 5 times and Tanner (on his eighth birthday) jumped from the fifth too. Daddy won't even go to the fourth (I'd be too embarassed to climb back down the ladder because I was too scared to jump off)

His uncle Nate got him a new Notre Dame jersey so he's ready for Notre Dame's Championship Season to begin. I just look at Tanner and he's growing up so quick. He's so much better at controlling himself and over the past couple months we've noticed a real change in his attitude. It must be because he's spending daily time reading his Bible and allowing the Lord to work in his life. When he got $10 as part of his birthday yesterday, he immediately said, "OK, so that means I give $1 to God...cool" Let's just say I couldn't have been prouder.