Freestyle Tangents...

Alaska so far

2010-03-20T08:54:00.001-07:00

Things are happening around the clock here with the Iditarod. Here is a quick shot of some of the things are team has done in one day-

2 massage therapist with us (Lindy and Paris) are giving free massages to the mushers
Most of the team worked some part of concessions for a 90 team basketball tournament that runs through today. Proceeds are given back to the community womens shelter and also raising money for an autistic child.
We cleaned the community rec center
We had a crew work community service security from 1am to 6am. The bars here close at 5am and local have wandered out drunk laid down and frozen to death so we are looking out for them.
We had a crew work the graveyard shift at the dog lots taking care of the dogs.
We are prepping to serve a banquet for 800 people involved in the race.

And we do it all again today

This week we have a crew heading out to give bibles in a bucket to some of the other villages. We will fly to do outreach in Kotzebue and Kiana. We are going on a team with Tanya Crevier to do outreach using her basketball show. Pray for those communities as the major issues there are incest (well over a 90% rate) and suicide.

That's so far. You can see pictures as I get them uploaded at facebook.com/lyndale23 and follow updates at twitter.com/lyndale23

Thanks for the prayers!

Alaska Bound

2010-03-17T07:42:00.001-07:00

I figured I would dust off the blog and use it for Alaska mission trip updates. You can also follow updates on twitter twitter.com/lyndale23 or be my friend on facebook- facebook.com/lyndale23

Tomorrow we fly from Baton Rouge to Houston, Houston to Seattle, Seattle to Anchorage. It's a 3 hour time difference when we arrive so 14 hours of traveling tomorrow. Pray for the team-

Lyndale
Justin
Ron
Lindy
Jael
Danielle
Paris
Wendy
Marianne

2 keyboards and still no keytar. When will Ed break the keytar out?

2009-08-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

Bayou Evenings

2009-08-09T18:20:00.000-07:00

Timothy playing at East Bayou

2009-08-06T07:08:00.000-07:00

19 fun facts on my 19th Wedding Anniversary

2009-08-04T06:43:00.000-07:00

1. Julie and I were married on 8/4/90 and our 19th anniversary falls on 8/4/09
2. I was 19 when we got married
3. Julie was 18
4. Julie graduated High School in May of 1990 and our wedding was just over 2 months after that.
5. No, we didn't have to get married. Timothy didn't come along until a good 4 years later.
6. This anniversary marks the point in time that I have been married for more time than not in my life.
7. We filled up a room at Julie's house with wedding gifts
8. On our wedding day Julie and I sat on the back row of the church and talked while watching everyone else freak out a little.
9. We went to Hot Springs, AR for our honeymoon.
10. We ate at Wendy's on the way there.
11. The people at the "resort" where we stayed were quite nosy.
12. The person that sang at our wedding now has a pretty successful career in music, though at our wedding the song was not good. And I am being nice.
13. We took back enough towels from wedding gifts to buy a microwave and still get $200 back.
14. I think we are still using the same dishes now that we had then.
15. When we were married I worked at Kay Bee Toys and Julie worked at Payless shoes.
16. Our first house was 1/2 a block away from both of our parents.
17. We both had big families and had no idea how to cook for just two people so we had ALOT of leftovers.
18. We both started college as business majors. She finished as one, I however did not. I got a BGS before my masters degree. Obviously because math is evil.
19. I love Julie more and more everyday and am looking forward to the next 19 years.

Don't miss @eastbayou this morning!

2009-08-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

The Best Stuff on Earth continues today with Bro. Mike speaking about gentleness. It's week 8 of our series on the fruit of the Spirit.

New Layout

2009-08-01T18:07:00.001-07:00

Well, after a few days of work and learning the new layout is finished. I think. I keep finding little things I need to fix but I will get there. Now it's time to start with some updates. I have broken the categories up into groups; personal, spiritual, family, random, and stuff from east bayou. You can look at any group just by clicking a category above. Hope both of you that read this enjoy it, let me know your feedback.

Wow, April huh?

2009-07-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

I knew I had not blogged in a long while but April? Oh well.

I have some things brewing, but it's going to be a few more days before I post them up.

Thought from today

2009-03-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

In John 11:48 the Sanhedrin say "If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation" This was after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.

Which is more important? That everyone believes in him or that we get to keep our stuff and our status?

Looks like they totally missed that through Jesus they could have eternal life because they were more concerned with their stuff and their status.

I hope I would make the better choice.

Go get this album

2009-03-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

Are they still called albums?

From amazon

From itunes

Question 3

2009-03-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

• Are we serious about reaching the world
o “The reason I am obsessed with the numbers is because I was one of those numbers”
o Acts 2:41, 2:47, 4:4, 5:14, 6:1, 6:7, 9:31, 11:21, 14:1, 14:21, 16:5
o If numbers aren’t important then why are they all over the book of acts?

Question 2

2009-03-12T07:19:00.001-07:00

• Are we willing to work?
o If you want change in your church you have to do more than pray about it
o Two things to work for change
• #1 Investigate the obvious
• Are you manufacturing energy for anything in your church?
• Care more about Jesus and the church than you do your pride
• #2 Ignore the jackass
• You are only as deep as the last person you served

Unleash Session 1 question 1

2009-03-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

Perry Noble
2nd Kings 7:3

In the church today there has been a major breakdown in communication between Jesus and his people.
Instead of building His church we are asking Him to build our church
Wrestle with 3 questions for the church
• Are we willing to embrace change?
o The church has to change in order to reach more people
o The church has no excuse other than we weren’t willing to change
o Things are bad why not take a risk and die trying instead of dying doing nothing
o “If it was your money you would do something about it”
o When the church becomes as valuable as the stock market to us we will do something about it
o The church needs to get out of the 80’s
o When you have been at a church 5-10 years you have to become willing to change things that you once thought were a good idea
o Some churches need to die
o Church has a choice, change or die.
o Acts- 1:14-15- about 120 in the church
o You can’t manage a move of God
o A move of God is messy
o Acts 2:41- jumped to 3120
o Acts 4:4- jumped to 5000
o Acts 4:32-37- financial issues
o Acts 6- they got volunteers involved in ministry
o Pastor, your job in youth ministry is to fund it
o Acts 8:1- Multi site church happened
o Quit competing with one another and start completing one another

My Vote

2009-03-08T19:30:00.001-07:00

I am sitting here watching The Police in concert. I am making it official, they have my vote for best three piece band ever. I debated between them and Rush for a while, but after watching thousands of people sing word for word along with Sting that tipped my vote.

I this my final answer? Yes. Done. The Police, best three piece band ever.

Think about it

2009-03-05T12:44:00.001-08:00

I read this verse today.

John 4:38 (New International Version)
"I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."

2 Thoughts-

1. Who do I need to thank for the hard work that I am reaping the benefits from?
2. Who am I working hard for so that they can be blessed later?

Huge.

Random Observation

2009-02-27T07:29:00.000-08:00

I read this list of top ten restaurants in customer satisfaction and noticed something, 6 of the top ten have a very "focused" menu. (That and I have only been to seven of them so I need to get to the other three!)

In-n-out it's a single or double burger
Canes it's how many chicken strips
Chick-fil-a it's how do you want your chicken
Chipotle it's burrito, tacos, or a bowl

I also thought about this; even when I have been going to a restaurant forever, when they have a ton of choices it takes me longer to figure out what I want. And then there are those times I try something new just for the sake of the newness of it, then spend time wondering if I should have chosen something else. Basically it comes down to this for me, less choices equal more confident decisions.

I think that may be why scripture tell us to just focus on Christ and he will take care of everything else.

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Still trying

2009-02-26T19:34:00.001-08:00

See that cute girl in that picture?

I have been married to her for 18 1/2 years and I am still trying to impress her. I went running tonight and she came up beside me on her bike about 1/3 of the way into the run. I got a little spring in my step, smiled, and ran the fastest 5k that I have done so far.

I always want to do my best for her no matter what I am doing.

Don't ever stop trying to impress your spouse. They are worth every effort.

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies."- Proverbs 31:10

Quick thought

2009-02-11T12:53:00.001-08:00

When I was 18 I could run a 5:15 mile and a 5k in 17 minutes

Now a mile takes me 9 minutes and a 5k 31.

When I was 18 I had no debt.

Now I have plenty.

Wonder what it would look like now if I had stuck with what I had then. I don't get a do over on that, but I hope others can learn from my choices and do better.

That's what I loved about the last series at The Bayou. If you missed it you can get the downloads here.

Living for impact

2009-02-11T12:49:00.001-08:00

Good reminder today from Mark 2:5

"When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

"Their faith" refers to the guys that brought the paralytic to Jesus. It was because of them that Jesus did something great.

What kind of impact is your faith having? It's definitely affecting those around you.

Fun day

2009-02-09T19:51:00.001-08:00

Worked with numbers and projections all day. I was encouraged to find out about some exciting trends happening at East Bayou. I will share more tomorrow.

That and I got a little better at math thanks to my really good tutor (Julie is a really good tutor)
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Sunday stuff

2009-02-08T19:11:00.001-08:00

It was a long day but a good one.

I filled in on guitar in the cafe (Timothy filled in on drums in Middle School)
Worked on a few things around the house
Went to small group (awesome)

Doesn't sound like much but it started at 5:30am and ended about 8pm.
I was reminded of this verse today and it was a good reminder.

Matthew 6:33 seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all
these things will be given to you as well.

--
Sent from my mobile device

Nice Gadget

2009-02-07T12:46:00.001-08:00

Just added the blogger gadget to the igoogle home page. Now I can publish blogs without e-mailing or logging in. Wish I knew this was here sooner.

Lost Theories continued

2009-02-06T12:31:00.000-08:00

Well, I can still go 9 out of 10 from this list.

No real shocking moments this week. The only thing that will be weird is Russeau and her crew will be gone when the island flashes leaving Jin alone. So the question is when will Jin and the crew with Locke and Sawyer get together.

So no real questions for what is coming, just waiting to see it play out. I like that the show has turned the corner to answering questions. Still think there is a reset button on the island somewhere...

Twitter

2009-02-06T08:28:00.001-08:00

Notice the box in the right column of the blog? That's the twitter update box. Twitter keeps the blog and facebook up to date. As a matter of fact I think I frustrate the facebook friends because I update my status in twitter and they respond on facebook so I may not see there response for a day. So, facebook people, jump on the twitter bandwagon. It's fun and easy and if you have unlimited data or text for your phone it won't cost you anything.

http://twitter.com/lyndale23

Some Favorites

2009-02-06T08:18:00.000-08:00

I don't know how many blogs you read or keep up with, but I get asked alot how to keep up with so many. I use the google reader and just subscribe to the blogs I am interested in. It simple and easy and I can read ALOT of blogs everyday. (It still takes me a while to realize how many people do not know about these resources) Usually I just skim through topics but it's nice to keep a pulse on what people are talking about. Some of the most frequent blogs I read are:

Seth Godin
Perry Noble
Life Church
Josh Griffin
Tony Morgan

My google reader has well over 50 blog subscriptions of friends, churches, church members, and more. IT's a great way to stay in the know!

Running

2009-02-04T12:23:00.001-08:00

Well, I have made it up to 3 mile runs. I hope to get to 5 mile runs soon. 24 miles run in January, which isn't much but it's 23 more than I ran in December! Maybe I can make 300 miles this year.

Interesting

2009-02-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

Read this on Tony Morgan's blog and then came to this realization. We have 10 out of 30 on our staff that are new or been in a new position for less than 12 months.

I just want to save you all the frustration right now. I’ve experienced it a few times in my life. I’ve watched others confirm it in their lives.

It takes 12 months in any new job to figure out the role.

I’m talking about leadership roles here. If you are a widget-fabricator, maybe it’s different for you. For those of us that transition into new leadership positions, though, it always takes a full year to find out what we were really hired to do.

Read the rest here

Exodus 18

2009-02-03T04:42:00.002-08:00

Wow, I had some great reminders while reading through Exodus 18. It's the chapter where Moses father in law shows up to see what is going on after Moses had led the people out of Egypt. Here are some thoughts...

Don't burn your bridges (v 9-12)- Moses kept the relationship with his father in law strong and respected him, even after becoming the leader of Israel.

Outside eyes see what insiders can't (v 14)- It didn't take long for Jethro to see what Moses couldn't because Moses was in the middle of it.

Do what only you can do and give the rest away (v 20-23)- I can't do it alone and neither can you.

Take good advice (v 24)- "Moses listened to his father in law and did everything he said"

Oops

2009-02-03T04:42:00.001-08:00

Day 2 and I already missed one. I will have to make up for that...

Small group is awesome

2009-02-01T19:56:00.001-08:00

Had a great time with the small group (and others) at the house for
the Super Bowl. I am blessed to have such a great group of friends. If
you are not connected with a group, you don't know what you are
missing.

Batting cages

2009-01-30T17:26:00.000-08:00

Lost Theories (this week)

2009-01-30T15:07:00.000-08:00

Let me begin with what I got right from the season premiere.

1. I said the soldier was Widmore
2. I said Widmore is behind the Dharma Initiative- Maybe he wasn't originally but I think he is using them to get back to the island.

Ok from here...
1. Still think Mrs. Hawking is Faraday's mom
2. I think Widmore was the leader of the others until Ben wiped out the DI, that is why he is now trying to get back to the island with Dharma people.
3. Meaning I think Faraday is Dharma.
4. I think Charlotte was the last child born on the island
5. I think Miles is Pierre Chang's son (Dr. in the Dharma videos)
6. The reason Widmore is trying to get Dharma back to he island s to prove Ben didn't wipe them all out and take leadership back from the others.
7. 70 hours is how much time they have before the island moves again and it's gone forever.
8. And now I think we will have an H-bomb crisis at some point this season.
9. Oh and I think Jin makes his first appearance as the last shot of the season finale.
10. Richard has 4 toes

So far, those are my thoughts.

February Challenge

2009-01-30T14:50:00.000-08:00

I have had some serious writers block lately. I actually think it is because there is so much happening (mostly good) that I don't know where to start. Here is the deal though, I really need to be writing some things down. Not necessarily on the blog, but for a discipline and to empower other leaders. If I can take the time to write some thoughts down and someone actually takes the time to read it, chances are they may have ideas sparked from my idea. It's highly likely that they can improve my thought. Problem is if I never write it down or share it it just goes away.

So here is my challenge for February- a blog a day. Thoughts about whatever I am dealing with and doing. My hope is for lots of feedback and lots of learning on my part as well. I will know in 30 days i it was worth it.

Serious gaming skills

2009-01-30T14:42:00.000-08:00

No more braces!

2009-01-29T15:47:00.000-08:00

NFL Playoffs

2009-01-09T14:58:00.000-08:00

So I have been asked a few times who I am rooting for since the Pack didn't even come close to the playoffs this year. Perhaps I should explain the method to my madness in rooting for teams. I root for my team no matter what, then when they are out (which is every year but 2 in my adult lifetime) I'd like to see someone win it all that has never done it. So this years candidates are-

1. San Diego (plus I wouldn't mind seeing LT get a ring)
2. Tennessee
3. Carolina
4. Philly
5. Arizona

Heading into this weekend there is a good shot for a first time team to win the big one. An interesting thing about the match ups this weekend is you have more teams playing that have not won the super bowl than have.

There. I have already displayed some of my video game nerdery this weekend, why not some sports trivia nerdery too.

Volunteer Strategies

2009-01-09T07:29:00.000-08:00

Ten strategies to enhance your volunteer focus. Taken from tonymorganlive coaching network discussion.

1. Think volunteers before staff
2. Hire leaders not doers- look for people who can build teams, never do ministry alone
3. Stay focused as a ministry- limit events so as not to over stretch volunteers, keep priorities and learn to say NO to a lot of good stuff
4. Don’t fill roles!- Roles are not the focus people are, help people connect in service according to their passion and gifts
5. Make the ask PERSONAL- leaders will respond when they understand the vision and their role in it, work the tough balance between tasks and relationships
6. Teach “shoulder tapping”- you can’t beat friends inviting friends
7. Empower leaders- not tasks but real leadership
8. Train on the fly- people are busy, honor their time, use the times that they will be present to serve as times to train
9. Sometimes you have to fire volunteers- volunteers need to be held to standards spiritually, relationally, emotionally, etc., have the tough conversations
10. Share stories- let the volunteers know the impact they make in the lives of people, add meaning to the job the volunteer does

Communication

2009-01-05T19:24:00.000-08:00

Genesis 11:6 The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them."

I know it may not be the exact direction the passage as going but I had a thought when I read this verse today. How much could we accomplish if we just learned how to communicate with each other?

One of my goals this year (I think every year actually) is to learn to communicate better. This year it has a different feel to it because of the responsibility of my job. Here are some things I have learned that I want to try to do better on this year

Network- you can never have enough connections
Keep your relationships current
The more people you are communicating to, the less you can say
Be specific
Be clear
Be timely
LISTEN

See the need, meet the need

2009-01-04T13:56:00.001-08:00

It is amazing how giving people become when they get involved in something. Timothy started in high school band this year and yes, even though there were fees, Julie and I also wanted to make sure he had everything he needed to succeed. This meant the right equipment, lessons and time to get things done right.

The same thing is true in our church. When people become involved in something, it becomes more obvious to them what it takes to succeed. Another thought on this is that we can't sit back and wait until we have everything that we think we need to get things done. You can do SOMETHING with what you have now. I believe that God blesses our effort and gives us what we need as we obey. All that to say, where is it that you need to be serving? What is your next step to obey God? If you want to see God do some great things, all you have to do is get involved. God is already doing great stuff.

The picture project continues...

2009-01-01T11:24:00.000-08:00

The Project...

2009-01-01T07:50:00.000-08:00

Julie and I have been working on getting rid of "stuff" that we have accumulated over the years. We started with a big shed full of boxes and have worked it down to about four boxes. Here are a few things I have discovered, starting with going through all of my parents things a few years ago, and continuing with our stuff:

I (used to) have a lot of junk
If you don't use it, give it away to someone who can
Put pictures in an album when you take them, not ten years later (or it will take three days)
If you move the box more than once without opening it, throw it out
You don't need more space, you need less stuff

Wet maltese!

2008-12-28T16:31:00.000-08:00

My family thought "speed lump" was a funny name too.

2008-12-25T16:18:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas #2

2008-12-25T07:52:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas #1

2008-12-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

Very cool gift. I know what I am doing next week. Let the experiments begin.

2008-12-22T18:55:00.000-08:00

Prayer Request

2008-12-15T16:58:00.000-08:00

Pray for Tammy Deluca a church member and friend who has stage 4 cervical cancer.

Pray for her family too.

Keeping up

2008-12-15T16:48:00.000-08:00

Over the past few weeks I have been challenged to raise the bar on communication on many different levels. Once I have put my sights on this I have begun to notice several little things that make a huge difference. Here are some of the things I have experienced, learned, and trying to get better on.

Be timely- get back with people asap
You can't beat face to face
You can't over communicate
Don't put off the hard conversations
E-mail isn't all it's cracked up to be
Be procative

More pictures...

2008-12-11T05:35:00.001-08:00

of what some would call snow.

Global Warming?

2008-12-11T04:57:00.000-08:00

Top Ipod/Iphone apps

2008-12-05T20:01:00.001-08:00

At a Christmas party tonight there were a group of iphone/ipod owners that were sharing favorite apps they are using. I thought I’d list my current top ones and see what you had as your too. I have the ipod touch so it’s mainly games and entertainment for me. Productivity stuff is on my blackberry.

Top apps for me

Bejeweled
Tap Defense
Cannon Game
Flixster
ESPN Cameraman
Sportacular
Twitterific

Got any apps I should try out?

One of those blurs is Bekah

2008-12-05T17:01:00.000-08:00

Can't see him can you?

2008-12-04T16:28:00.000-08:00

Mine and Rebekah's first pecan pie

2008-11-26T17:36:00.000-08:00

Monday Night Countdown

2008-11-24T16:12:00.000-08:00

Our view of the game

2008-11-24T15:44:00.000-08:00

Making memories...

2008-11-24T14:31:00.000-08:00

Family stop #3 French Quarter

2008-11-24T14:28:00.000-08:00

My Group

2008-11-22T12:59:00.001-08:00

@toyiacai @cajunphillips and @grantbyrd at Scotty P's

2008-11-20T18:35:00.000-08:00

Pray for us this weekend!

2008-11-20T16:59:00.000-08:00

Chili\Gumbo has begun

2008-11-16T12:46:00.000-08:00

Foundation fun

2008-11-15T17:57:00.000-08:00

I knew the kids were getting big, but I didn't think their side of the house would sink!

Some take away thoughts from today

2008-11-14T15:18:00.001-08:00

Without a healthy relationship, correction is simply frustrating. The "Lyndale" translation for that is "have you earned the right to speak?"

A mentor of mine would always remind me that "there is a story behind every face." So my encouragement would be, be slow to criticize and correct and quick to encourage. I have read it takes 7 to 10 times the encouragement to overcome one criticism. Choose your words carefully, you never know the damage they may do.

Does that mean we don't correct one another? Absolutely not. Scripture teaches us that "iron sharpens iron as one man sharpens another" But if you feel the need to "sharpen" someone else, you better make sure you are close enough to rub up against them. Otherwise, you are just throwing rocks.

I blogged it first

2008-11-14T10:52:00.000-08:00

Enjoying the game!

2008-11-08T19:56:00.001-08:00

Important Stuff

2008-11-06T09:10:00.000-08:00

I have not blogged in a few days. Been way too busy doing important things like this.

Hurry up

2008-10-29T09:30:00.001-07:00

Pumpkin fun!

2008-10-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

10 Ways to keep your ministry effective

2008-10-23T05:37:00.000-07:00

I got this list from Tony Morgan and thought I would pass it on.

1. Listen to God and do what He says- Kind of hard to argue with that one.

2. Become a Missionary to your culture- The thought here is that if you were going to take a mission trip out of the country, you would expect and embrace a different culture. There would be different food, different music, different language and more.

3. Focus on those you are trying to reach vs. those you are trying to keep- Sometimes easier said than done but if you think about it true discipleship would result in an outward focus.

4. Build from the outside in, not the inside out- If you wait until everything is perfect in your ministry to go reach people, you will never go reach people.

5. Prioritize the weekend- Are you doing so many programs that it is keeping your high impact ones from having the highest impact? Look at how much time you spend doing good things vs. the best things.

6. Leverage word of mouth- Is there something happening in your ministry worth talking about?

7. Act twice your size- This will help you structure yourself better for the future.

8. Keep it simple- If you can't explain everything that you do in your ministry in a minute or less, it may be too complicated.

9. Empower Leaders- You can't do it alone.

10. Track Numbers- Might I add HONESTLY track numbers. They reflect the health of your ministry.

Timothy and I are at the UL game

2008-10-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

Building a website

2008-10-17T17:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some things about building a website that we discussed at my coaching network meeting. I thought there were some great insights.

Don’t put everything on the site. If you do it becomes overwhelming and cumbersome for visitors and almost impossible to keep updated.

People that visit your site are asking 2 questions:
Am I a fit for your church?
If I am what is my next step?

You want people to interact with the site, create an experience.

Your website strategy should reflect where people should show up and how they connect to your church.

You don't need a lot of content, it's more important to maintain a level of excellence.

Is it's purpose to reach the community or to keep congregation happy?

Push things out to leaders (email) as opposed to asking them to come to the site.

Good discussion I thought and some things that helped focus what to put on a site.

Strengths Finder

2008-10-16T15:57:00.000-07:00

I took the Clifton Strengths Finder again this week. It had been a few years since I had taken this one. Here is what it had to say about me:

Futuristic
Strategic
Analytical
Responsibility
Focus

Check out the site to see the descriptions. http://sf2.strengthsfinder.com/ I did ask Julie and people I work with if they thought the assessment was accurate and they agreed (strongly actually on most points) Good to know, now of course the hard part is doing something with that.

Easy to find when the stands are not crowded

2008-10-10T17:53:00.000-07:00

My grill is cool

2008-10-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

Alrighty then...

2008-10-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

There he is...

2008-10-03T18:34:00.000-07:00

Can you find Timothy?

2008-10-03T18:27:00.001-07:00

My lunch date...

2008-09-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

We flirted and my wife was sitting right next to me.

Driven by purpose starts today!

2008-09-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

The campus looks great with all of the cars and motorcycles everywhere. Thanks to all who donated!

Chalan is missing all the fun

2008-09-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

Driven By Purpose

2008-09-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we launch our fall campaign "Driven by Purpose." We already have 88 new small group leaders ready (plus the 30+ existing leaders) ready to get people connected. Also you don't want to miss the music as Heith will be introducing the new song he has written for the campaign. It's going to be an awesome Sunday! DON'T MISS IT!! BRING A FRIEND WITH YOU!!

Things discussed at the dinner table tonight

2008-09-22T16:41:00.001-07:00

Julie was at seminary so we had some real enlightening discussion. Here are some thoughts and quotes:

“Why is regurgitate a word and not gurgitate? Can I gurgitate my lasagna?”

We read the list of things to do off of the cereal box

“I didn’t know you played gigs!”

“I speak english like the englands people made up”

“What is it?-- You know like tangy stuff”

Where did mom find this lasagna recipe?

Mom is cool since she cooked lasagna before she left for seminary.

Today's project

2008-09-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

I get to move 3 of these!

College small group

2008-09-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

Yes the weather is that nice today

2008-09-17T07:13:00.001-07:00

God Sized things

2008-09-16T06:24:00.000-07:00

At The Bayou we have been preparing for months now for the launch of our new small groups ministry. What we have been praying and preparing for is nothing less than a God sized task. We are asking God for 100 new small groups this fall (actually to be more specific, this weekend). Our staff has prepared the best we know how for this amazing task, and this weekend it all comes to a head as our pastor will give the challenge for people to step up, get in the game, and lead a new small group. Here are some things I have observed about the process of asking for God sized things:

1. Not everyone "gets it"- We get a lot of whys and even more hows asked to us everyday. I equate this with some of the feeling that I bet Noah felt building a boat for something that had never happened before. As a matter of fact that is exactly what we have been doing, preparing a structure and strategy for something that has never happened before. Not even close. We are praying that in one weekend God grows our small group ministry by 4x.

2. Only God can make it happen- Just about the time I think the strategy or plan is really good I begin to see the holes in it. The reality is that we are moving forward with a plan that we can't see all of the steps in. I equate this to some of the feelings I bet Moses felt like "Ok God we are out of Egypt but have you noticed this large body of water in front of us and the army behind us? Got any ideas?" The comfort for me in that is YES God and God alone has the ideas and plan and that is what makes it so good. I know without a shadow of doubt that it is God's plan that people at the Bayou meet in community to live life together, study God's word, encourage one another, and that happens best in SMALL GROUPS.

3. God wants this to happen- Here are a list of some verses that have struck me during this prayer time.
Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)
1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV)
8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

Acts 16:40 (NIV)
40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left.

Acts 20:20 (NIV)
20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.

1 Corinthians 16:19 (NIV)
19 The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.

Colossians 4:15 (NIV)
15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

Romans 1:11-12 (NIV)
11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong-- 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.

4. It's good to be on a team- We have an awesome staff that is working and praying together and trusting God to do awesome things at The Bayou. Pretty incredible to be surrounded by such an awesome group of people who are so talented and have a heart for God. It is a blessing.

It's going to be an incredible weekend and I look forward to what God is going to do!

Ready for worship!

2008-09-14T06:47:00.000-07:00

What an awesome team. Praying for people to come to Christ today as . Mike brings it!

Important instructions

2008-09-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you can read the last warning, but it's helpful to know when installing an antenna. It says "Do not install if drunk pregnant or both. Do not throw antenna at spouse"

Good to know.

There is Timothy

2008-09-10T18:12:00.001-07:00

Can't you tell who he is?

Getting my head back on straight

2008-09-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

Well, I think I am getting back to a routine routine (I don't think what I do ever qualifies for a normal routine). We are in an awesome season at The Bayou. Gearing up for 100 new small groups throughout the community, heading into our "Driven By Purpose" campaign, and even working on a new website. We have a great staff team and INCREDIBLE volunteers and people throughout the church making these things happen. God is doing good things and I will keep you updated with the stories.

Fun Pic

2008-09-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

Paula was playing with photoshop and sent this picture. Thanks!

Hey! There is the church!

2008-09-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

Directv

2008-09-05T17:07:00.000-07:00

The only bad thing about directv is when you are somewhere that doesn't have it. I have no idea how you people deal with cable on a regular basis.

My current view...

2008-09-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

Awesome Staff

2008-09-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

We have an awesome staff at The Bayou. We have some great things happening supporting the Red Cross, LBC, and other relief efforts. You can keep up with the updates here-

http://eastbayou.blogspot.com

More trees

2008-09-01T14:47:00.000-07:00

Some trees down

2008-09-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

I couldn't move this...

2008-09-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

It could be interesting to see where it ends up. Hopefully it stays put.