Weekend Reflections

• After 2 weeks off, I was ready to preach this week!
• Teaching on Matthew 9:9-13 is one of my favorite topics. I love reminding people that Jesus loves them!
• I was so speaking so intensely this weekend that I kept giving myself migraine headaches.
• Mario Huerta, doing spanish translation, never had a chance this weekend; I was speaking way too quickly
• I love Palm Valley Church; they’re willing to receive a tough word and apply it.
• Derrick, Chad, Jason, Tom, Heather and Celine did an awesome job with worship this weekend!
• The Playhouse PreSchool area had new carpets and dividers: I heard it looked awesome!  They also expanded their area to accomodate more kids.
• Thanks to all of our children’s workers; you all completely rock!!!
• I’m hearing a lot about the great things God is doing in student ministries; especially during the Sex In The Spring series.
• Doing communion this coming weekend: it’s going to be a powerful service.
• I can’t believe easter is only two weeks away: Live Like You Were Dying.
• I’ve got a huge burden on my heart for our community. I believe God is about to do something big at Palm Valley.
• I’ve been burdened to pray for our school teachers and administrators; they’re on the front lines in our community.
• PVC”ers: get out there and invite, invite, invite. I’m praying for hundreds to come to Christ through you this easter!
• flag football practice starts tomorrow: the 8-11 year old Raiders are going to dominate

That’s it for today: I plan to blog a few thoughts on leadership this week, stay tuned!

Sex In The Spring

I’m biased, but I believe we have an incredible Student Ministries team at Palm Valley Church. This last weekend they had just under 300 students, IN A PORTABLE setting!  I’m proud of Darius, Jeremiah, Christina and all the volunteer mentors; they’re truly helping students become fully devoted followers of Christ.

I’m really proud of the team this month for tackling a tough issue, SEX. They’re starting a new series this weekend called “Sex In The Spring”.  The world has a ton to say to our teens about this subject, so it’s time we as parents, and as a church, gave our children a Biblical perspective on this incredible gift from God.

As a parent with a Jr. High son, I’m thankful the team is teaching on this topic, and you can bet I’ll make sure my son is there!  Parents: if you think your child doesn’t need this series, you’re badly mistaken. They’re already hearing about it, seeing it on TV and everywhere they turn, they need help to figure this out!

For more info visit http://pvcstudents.com/ and be in prayer for the team as they tackle this topic!

Weekend Reflections

This weekend wore me out, but it was all good. Here’s a snapshot…

Friday

• 6:00 pm – helped perform wedding for Derek and Christina. It was 10 years ago that my wife Lori helped Christina pray and give her life to Jesus. So proud of what an incredible young woman she’s become. Ryan did a great job with the vows!
• 7:00 pm – dinner with some great friends, good to catch-up and laugh together.
• 8:00 pm – raced to Buckeye for my oldest son’s basketball game. They got smoked but played hard!

Saturday

• 9:00 am – viewing and memorial service for Whitney Padilla. Tough to lose a 19 year old, but rejoicing that she knew Jesus as her Savior. The Palm Valley family stepped up BIG time to care for the Padilla  family. Daniel, Darius and Jeremiah were awesome in their leadership this week!
• 10:30 am – Coached my 7-9 year old boys to a 35-6 victory while wearing my suit from the memorial service. Parents agreed I should keep the suit; good look and good luck
• 11:30 am – raced back to Buckeye for my oldest son’s last game. They got smoked again but I’m proud of how hard they played.
• 12:00 pm – 7-9 year old team party at Peter Piper. Fun time with the families. Hard to eat healthy there
• 1:30 pm – at my youngest son’s last game. I love watching him play; he dances every time his team scores. (thought) God must rejoice when we celebrate the life He gives us
• 4:00 pm – on stage for sound check, then grab some quiet time in back room.
• 5:00 pm – First service. Best I’ve felt about my message for this service in a long time!
• 6:30 pm – good crowd, this service is growing. Lots of laughter at some dumb things I said  
• 8:00 pm – UFC 96 party at our house. Had a blast with a full house and great mix of people. Great friends, good food, pretty good fight card. At least Rampage won
• 11:30 pm – finally climbed in bed, can’t believe I have to set the alarm

Sunday

• 8:00 am – at church getting geared up with the praise team.
• 8:30 am – 1st service crowd started a little slow, but really got going as the message went on! I love this crowd; they get up early to get to church!
• 10:00 am – Service is jam-packed. We need more people to move to Saturday night to free up seats (hint, hint ).
• 11:30 am – I’m whipped, but full crowd got me going. I got choked up and cried during this services. Not all that unusual for me, but I just felt God working in and through me!
• 1:05 pm – getting 3 shots in preparation for Haiti trip (OUCH)
• 1:30 pm – headed home with 20 Jack in the Box tacos and 3 Jumbo Jacks to feed the troops.
• 2:00 pm – turned on the North Carolina – Duke game (tivo is awesome ) to watch my ‘heels beat up on the Dukies. D-Lo and I had lunch riding on this. As Carolina wrapped up the victory I texted D to let him know I was thinking PF Chang’s sounded really good this week!
• 3:30 pm – dropped in on the KidZone volunteer appreciation picnic. Everyone’s having a blast; cool to see so many new people. I love our volunteers!
• 4:30 pm – walking up the street with a pot of spaghetti for our Home Team potluck. Great study tonight on the feeding of the 5,000. I love our Home Team, it’s like being with life-long friends. It’s a great way to top off the weekend.
• 9:00 pm – dropping dead in the bed. Need to get up early Monday, hit the office and then the gym to work off the weekend