People will never respect you for what you’re ABOUT to do.

25 09 2009

I came across this blog this morning… I was so moved by it that I thought I would share it with the three of you that regularly read this. Such a powerful reminder…

People Will Never Respect You Because Of What You’re ABOUT To Do

September 25th, 2009, Category : Deep Stuff

“My wife and I have thought about adopting for a while.”

“I’ve always wanted to write a book.”

“I think I might ask her out.”

“Yea, next time I go to a show I’ll sponsor a Compassion child.”

“You know, I’m gonna finally tell my boss to chill out and treat us with respect.”

“Dude! The church I’m planting is going to feed the homeless every Saturday morning.”

“That’s it. I’m seriously going to drop everything and become a photographer.”

These are just a few of the lines I remember from conversations I have been part of or overheard (yes, I’m a stalker) the past few weeks.

Dreams are fuel.

They fuel us to victory.

But most of the time they stay just that.

Dreams.

I lived most of my life “about” to do something.

Then one day Heather and I decided to stop living almost and start living all out.

Since that decision we have adopted our son Losiah, climbed the highest peak in North America, Jumped out of airplanes, been on a reality show, moved across the country, quit my job, signed a record deal, traveled to Uganda, co lived with 3 families, and so much more.

I honestly don’t share that to brag.

It might sound miserable to most of you.

We have had our share of suck.

If you read our blogs you know.

But we also realized that the American dream of white picket fences and a 9-5 isn’t our shtick.

And here is the harder truth.

It isn’t a lot of yours either.

You are living in the myth that stability = simply and safely existing.

Those statements up top usually end a few months later with financial, lack of time, fear, and man power excuses.

Here’s the truth.

There will NEVER be enough money, time, or help.

Heather and I spend at least one night a week looking at the checking account and crying then laughing then crying.

I could get a job at a church and play it safe.

That would not be a bad decision.

It would be a great decision.

It just would not be the RIGHT decision, right now.

Because right now God has called me to pour into the global church and when that season is over, it would be a blessing to work in the local church again.

Just not now.

And so we pray, fast, hustle, laugh, and cry.

And inside all of that, we live.

I’m willing to bet a lot of you are ready for an adventure.

So what is it?

What are you going to do this week to take that one step away from safety and towards calling?

Los

the post can also be found at: http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/2009/09/people-will-never-respect-you-because-of-what-youre-about-to-do





You Heard It Here First…

21 09 2009

Well… for those of you that know me well; you know that I’m always dreaming, I’m always thinking, I’m always looking forward… I’ve felt for some time now that there will come a time in the not-so-distant future where we will plant a church. When? only God knows. Where? Again, not sure. But I’ve been praying and thinking about this for awhile now. Anyways, I’m always talking with my wife and asking her things like “so what do we call it? what does it look like.” I was sitting on my couch tonight and it hit me. The answer I’ve been praying for for awhile now… and I know you might think it’s a bit far-fetched or goofy, but it’s a huge moment for me. I have been asking God, “Lord, what do we call it? give me a creative name, something that will be creative, communicate what we’re about…” So here it is:

Paradigm Community Church.

Yep. I like it. It goes back to my roots at Texas Tech… it communicates what I think the church is about. I’m not really writing this for you tonight, but more for me. I’m dating this tonight here and in my journal. Someday I’ll look back and see where some of the creative juices were flowing!

Greater things have yet to come… BCB//20nine





Late night worship… in the 4Runner…

18 09 2009

Was driving after a doctors appointment in Fort Worth last night, and heard this song again for the first time. Never really been a Switchfoot fan, but the more I listen to the lyrics on their new album, I think all that’s changing. Such a powerful song, and I thought I’d share it with you!

“Let Your love be strong” Switchfoot, Oh Gravity:

In this world of news, I’ve found nothing new
I’ve found nothing pure
Maybe I’m just idealistic to assume that truth
Could be fact and form
That love could be a verb
Maybe I’m just a little misinformed

As the dead moon rises, and the freeways sigh
Let the trains watch over the tides and the mist
Spinning circles in our sky’s tonight
Let the trucks roll in from Los Angeles
Maybe our stars are unanimously tired

(chorus)
Let your love be strong, and I don’t care what goes down
Let your love be strong enough to weather through the thunder cloud
Fury and thunder clap like stealing the fire from your eyes
All of my world hanging on your love

Let the wars begin, let my strength wear thin
Let my fingers crack, let my whole world fall apart
Train the monkeys on my back to fight
Let it start tonight
When my world explodes, when my stars touch the ground
Falling down like broken satellites

Let your love be strong, and I don’t care what goes down
Let your love be strong enough to weather through the thunder cloud
Fury and thunder clap like stealing the fire from your sky’s
All that i am hanging on, all of my world resting on your love

Good thoughts for tonight… Missing my wife tonight. Thankful for another day to live.

“Lord, let Your will be done in me, let Your kindgom come in me, let my life be a preview of coming attractions.”