Free ESCO

About 3 months ago I received an email about a teacher who was demoted because he brought a Christian speaker into his classroom. That teacher was my homeroom teacher at Enloe High. His name is Robert Escamilla. The speaker talked about his experience of being tortured by his Muslim captures. His reason for being in class that day was to give his perspective on life and religion. A Muslim parent heard about this and protested which led to ESCOs demotion. One of the many problems with this situation is this Christian speaker was not ESCOs only speaker. He has also brought in Muslims, atheists, satanists, and more. All these people were brought here to share their perspective on life and religion. But the Christian speaker is the one that brought the attention and the recent demotion. What is it about Christianity that creates such a stir in people. Is it good? Is it expected? I don’t think that people understand if you discriminate against one religion…there are many others that will follow.

Two Things I Love

Two things I enjoy Blue Ray movies on an HD TV, and Starbucks coffee that stays warm for hours in its original cup. The Blue Ray looks so good you can actually see how much makeup is on the actors…it was amazing. Then the night got better. Jen and I went to Starbucks and went shopping, leaving our drinks in the car. When we came back…the Starbucks was still warm. Little things like this makes life grand.

Two Changed Lives

My brother and I used to never get along…and now we are sitting in a leadership meeting together. He is one of my best friends. I have always looked up to him even though he is younger and much shorter. It is amazing what a punch to the face will do (literally). Life changes when you know God.

Patrick, ME, My Wife

Bob Dylan Sent Me A Message!

Thanks Pastor Micah I like my Squirrels crispy.

The Tale of the Paperclip

The last 3 nights have been another great Leadership Advance for Living Word. You can get some great notes on Pastor Micah’s blog. This marks the beginning of our planning for 08.Over the last 3 nights I came away with some great incite. For me, one truth stands out above the rest. Through out the year there needs to be times where the team step back to look at the big picture to make sure we are still accomplishing what we set out to do. In the middle of the year you get so caught up in the surprises that you forget to reevaluate.

I don’t have many favorite things…but I do have a favorite paper clip. I’m not too thrilled about the normal smooth piece of bent wire. I like the paper clips that have notches in them. This paper clip not only holds the paper together, it grabs the sheets and doesn’t want to let go. Now you know when the owner of the paper clip sat down with his team, held up the shiny smooth clip that everyone knows and loves, and asks “How can we make this better?”…you know he got some cross eyes and confused looks. Some probably thought he was nuts. How can you make a bent piece of metal that holds paper, better? You put notches in it. Part of innovation and renovation is being able to step back and look at what you have and ask the questions that creates more work…or a different, better way of doing things.

The lights and the smell

We had a fun night last night. Rode a couple of rides, had a funnel cake and some fries. Spent some time with my wife its what I love about life!

On the way to the fair,…

On the way to the fair, will be back with some pictures later.
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This Post Goes Somewhere Else

I promised my wife I wouldn’t post…so go see hers.

Flying with the Eagles and 1100cc’s

Wave Conference is over for this year. To be around people with such passion and strength, really encourages and rubs off on you. To see something that is bigger than yourself and know that God wants to do something similar in your life and in your church is exciting. this can also can be intimidating if you think you can do it all your self. I’m not just talking about havening people around you but knowing God is on the inside of you to help you accomplish what He set you out to do. I have a great team of people around me and it is important for them to know that they have been ordained to be in the position that they are in. They have what it takes, not just to get the job done but to change someones life.

Pastor Steve said last night ” If you don’t know what to do, realize that your battle has already been won!”

On the Bike ride home from Virginia Beach I passed around Micah and turned a corner. when I turned the corner an Eagle with his wing span the size of the other lane was flying right in front of me just above my head! It was amazing. He flew with me for a few seconds…or I flew with him, then he turned his head to look at me and flew off. For a moment I was flying with the eagle. Those moments may be short but they get your adrenalin going and can inspire you for a lifetime.

Wave Conferance Day 2 – Not So Fuzzy

I can sit here and type for about an hour and still not have all the notes I took from today. I hope you are watching some of these sessions on Streamingfaith.com , because there is great wisdom being spoken…and all for free. Steve Kelley has been saying leaders resource themselves. Don’t wait until you are in a position of leadership and spiritual influence to decide to find resources. In fact if you wait you will probably never get there.

I am not going to post all my notes, I’m sure Micah will have more posted on his site, but I am going to talk about what I am getting from this conference.

Rick Godwin spoke tonight about 3 things that will set you apart…passion, vision, and risk taking. The Devil will do anything to stop you from accomplishing what God has set you out to do. Rick said “you are a conclusion not a question mark”

5 Challenges to your dream

1. The enemy hates when you take action

2. The enemy hates when you fortify yourself (protect yourself)

3. he hates it when you “pay the price” (sacrifice)

4. he hates it when you have the heart of a finisher (it does no good to start if you don’t finish)

5. The enemy hates it when you turn things around

3 ways the devil will try and discourage you

1. If you dont give in he will try and negotiate with you

2. Intemidate
3. Manipulate

Im not sure what it was about this but on the way home I began to dream and get vision for outreach. Vision is sometimes hard to come by…especially clear vision. This whole conference has renewed my vision on how to accomplish the vision of the church.