Thankful

I have had an action packed last few days. I drove through the night last Wednesday night after youth group to Nashville, TN. 5 hour energy drinks work! She spent the next day laying down her scatch tracks at my friend's studio. From Nashville, we drove to Atlanta for the  National Youth Workers Convention. It was a great time focusing on what God has called us to do and to grow as leaders. The rest of this week, we'll be spending time with my family in Greenville, SC. Quick list of what I'm thankful for:

• Jesus loving me enough to die for me: Without His grace, I'm hopeless. Thank you for loving me and for saving me through the cross.
• My wife - Cassidy is my best friend and I'm so thankful (by God's grace) that she agreed to marry me. The past 1 year and 5 months and 11 days have been wonderful. She is beautiful inside and out!
• Family - Praise God for a family that loves Jesus and each other. My family has shown me what it means to follow Christ by their example.
• My friends - there are so many people I could mention, friends from college that walked with me through everything. Thankful for professors and church leaders putting up with me and for showing me how to lead others to Christ. Thankful for those that have been there for me and my family who knew Jordan and for their prayers and support.
• Jordan - I really miss my younger brother on this Thanksgiving time. He was such a great friend and showed Christ's example of humility and love. I pray that his life's story will continue to inspire and help people come to know Christ. I miss you Gord!
• My church family - Thankful for so many people that have encouraged me and Cassidy. We are blessed to be at FBC Ashford and look forward to God doing miraculous things in the future!
• Freedom - Grateful to those who have stood for freedom so that we can freely worship God in America. Thankful for those who serve in our military so that we can be free.

What about you? What are you thankful for?

Family Ministry

God has been reminding me lately of the importance of the family. God's plan is to use the local church to fulfill His mission to "make disciples." Along with that plan, the family is a God's plan to lead and train up children and students that love Jesus. I've been challenged to re-think how I plan and do student ministry this past year. We have begun planning Parent-Life events three times per year where we come alongside parents and encourage and equip them to be the spiritual leader in their homes. The strategy that I feel passionate about is helping parents understand that God placed them in their student's lives to lead them to Jesus through word and action! It has been great to see!

Here are the logos we use for the "Parent Life" event and "Turkey Bowl."

We just had a great family event called , "Turkey Bowl!" It was a flag football game between Dad's and the students. We had a cookout and bonfire after the game. It was great to see students growing and having fun with their parents. I'm excited about what God will do through the families in the coming days!

Check out the highlights of the day!

Monday Minute (a day late)

• This past week flew by!
• Had a good weekend: watched Cassidy play at a local arts show in downtown Dothan, AL on Thursday - she did great - Friday spent the day off and enjoyed myself
• The 1st annual "Turkey Bowl" was a huge success with over 175 folks coming out to spend time as families together. The dad's beat the students in the flag football game 38-16! ouch! Next year the students will be playing for the win! It was a win for the church and for families to grow and have fun together.
• Pulled my back out pretty good last week - heading to get it adjusted today - I loathe lower back pain!
• Finishing up a two week series called "The Thin Green Line" - This Wednesday it will be on "grace receivers are to be grace givers" - Living a life of grace!
• We are heading to Nashville after Momentum on Wednesday night - I'm driving through the night (with the help of energy drinks) so that Cassidy can spend Thursday laying down scratch tracks for her new CD!
• Friday - heading to the National Youth Workers Convention in Atlanta, GA - looking forward to being challenged and learn something new to implement in the student ministry.
• Next week we are headed to visit family in Greenville, SC for Thanksgiving