We Are The Champions

Today was the last basketball game for my two oldest boys. I’ve had a blast coaching them this year, I think I’ve had more fun than the coaches. We were playing for the championship, against a team that has beaten us both times we played them this year.

It was a nail-biter of a game, with us coming from 4 points down with just 2 minutes left to tie the game. We ended up going into double-overtime where we scored a bucket and won. It was so much fun to watch the kids celebrate the victory and realize that they had actually won! Our kids played hard and I’m glad they won despite some very questionable coaching.

Luckiest Guy Around

15 years ago ago today I spent my first Valentine’s day with Lori. It was an incredible day, complete with a very creative date I planned to sweep her off her feet. It worked, and soon after we were engaged, then married.

Today, I’m amazed at how “lucky” (read blessed) I am to be married to Lori. Sweetheart…

I can’t believe you chose me, thank you!

You are my cheerleader. There have been many times you were the only one who believed in me, including myself, and your faith caused me to dream bigger than I ever would have without you. Thank you.

Your wisdom has always been right on. You are my greatest advisory. I trust your judgment, because you know me better than anybody, and you listen to the Lord.

You’re the most beautiful woman in the world, and you get more beautiful ever day. I’ll never forget the first moment I laid eyes on you at that prayer meeting.

You’re a blast to be with, you make life fun. I love that we can laugh our way through anything. Sure makes it hard to fight with you

We’ve been through some incredible ups and downs in life. No matter what life has thrown at us, you’ve stuck by me. Thank you.

Thank you for giving me 4 wonderful children, and raising them with such grace and joy.

Your love for the Lord has challenged me.

You’re darn witty

For those reading in on this personal note: I would not be nearly the man, father, or pastor I am today without Lori. There would be no Palm Valley Church without the faith and encouragement she has given. She allowed me to put everything on the line to start PVC, and believed wholeheartedly God was in this (even when I wondered).

To my best friend, Happy Valentine’s Day!

S.O.A.P. for kids

We’ve been challenging our whole church to utilize the S.O.A.P. method of Bible study. If you missed it, go to www.pvcroute66.com and watch last week’s message where I explain this.  In our home, we’re doing daily Bible reading with our kids, and challenging our oldest boys to use the S.O.A.P. themselves. They’ve got their own reading plan, so they’re also doing their own Bible study. Last night my oldest son, Jake, shared what he learned from yesterday’s reading. His thoughts challenged me! So, with his permission, here’s Jake’s S.O.A.P. for the day…

Scripture – Luke 17:17

“Jesus asked, ‘were not all 10 cleansed. Where are the other nine?’”

Observation:

I learned that not all people will praise God even if they receive from Him.

Application:

If I receive from God, I will praise Him!

Prayer:

“Dear God, please help me to always praise you when we receive from you.”

My Baby’s 2!

It’s so hard to believe, but my baby girl turned 2 today. When she was born, she grabbed a hold of my heart in a special way, and she hasn’t let go. I love each of my 3 boys, but life with a daughter is definitely different. I see it in her eyes, and I hope it’s always there!

She makes me want to be a better man, husband, and dad. I pray that what she sees and learns in our home will make her want to love Jesus and live for Him. I pray it will also help her develop healthy relationships and save herself for the man we’re praying for, for her!

We started this morning with the whole family walking into her room and waking her up to a “Happy Birthday” serenade. We spent the day at the mall, where we ate lunch at Chevy’s, shopped at the Disney store, looked at puppies (no buying), and hung out with mum-mum and papa. we had a great time, and it was definitely a day fit for a birthday princess.

Happy b-day sweet pea

Thankful

I’ve always said (and meant) that if being a pastor was harmful to my family, I would find a new job. I’ve seen too many pastors sacrifice their marriages and children at the altar of ministry. Lori has shared with me over the years how her parents (dad was a pastor) made sure she was always a priority to them. Most pastor’s kids grow up and hate the church, often because of the hypocrisy they’ve seen. With that said…

I’m so grateful for such an awesome church family we have at Palm Valley. First, I’m grateful that our church doesnt’ place unrealistic (or unbiblical) expectations on my family. My wife serves, but in areas she’s gifted and passionate about. My kids aren’t required to attend every service, nor do I expect them to act any differently because they’re my children.

I love that my kids love coming to PVC. They often beg me (yes beg) to allow them to come to all 4 services each weekend. I love watching my kids growing in their faith, knowing that they’re in a church environment that is nurturing their growth in Christ.

I’m also thankful for the kindness that people show my family that goes way above and beyond what’s “normal”. Last weekend an incredible gal brought us a lasagna for dinner, just because she knew we had a tough week. I can’t tell you how many times people in our church have slipped McDonald’s gift cards to my children at church. They are always so excited.

A couple of Friday’s ago we went to Macayo’s to celebrate a birthday for my middle son. While we were eating the “balloon guy” came to our table and said that someone (anonymously) had paid for him to come make balloons for our kids. Seeing the joy (and surprise) on my kids faces was priceless. As I processed this kind gesture I literally started to weep at the table. I was so overwhelmeed that people will love my kids enough to do kind things for them. I know I looked like an idiot sobbing at the table with the balloon guy right there, but I just felt so thankful at that moment.

Anyways, to the people of PVC, thanks for loving my family and allowing us to be human. Lori and I believe we’re called to lead this church for the rest of our life, and we’re thankful for such a great place and people to invest in!

If you’re a church planter or pastor reading this, I encourage you to set boundaries around your family. Honor your family and the Lord will honor your ministry. Your greatest ministry is to your family. I know the pressures of leading a growing church, but remember it’s the Lord’s church, not yours. Give Him your best and trust Him to fill in the gaps and grow His Church, his Bride.

Phone No Work

Couldn’t find my phone all morning, until my baby daughter came walking in with it. Only problem, it was dripping wet. Apparently she decided to wash it for me

Oh well, what are you going to do. She’s just too dang cute to be mad at. So I guess I’ll be a few days without a cell phone. Hmmm… might be nice.

So Excited

Waking up with the cool mountain air this morning really refreshed me. I’ve had time this morning to do some thinking, and just dreaming about what God’s doing in my life, and what I believe He wants to do at Palm Valley. All I can tell you is, I’m excited. I’ve been stretched and grown in my leadership like never before, and I believe PVC is going to benefit from that.

I have the same feeling I had right when we started the Church. That same wonder and awe, nervousness, expectation, and hope. I can’t really explain it, but I know it to be true. God’s about to rock us! Our staff has really grown the past few months, become much greater leaders, and working more efficiently together. Our church body is united behind the vision, and leaders are stepping forward like crazy to do “whatever it takes” to reach this community for Christ.

Oh yeah, and did I mention that ”Baggage” is going to be a series that’s going to be off the hook. I’ve had time to do some serious studying, reading, and praying in preparation for teaching this, and I believe it’s going to be life-changing for EVERY one of us. 

I’ve got a few incredibly exciting announcements coming, but can’t reveal them just quite yet :0

The boys and I are dying to go hiking and climb some rocks, so we’re off.

Long, great day

I left the house at about 5:30 a.m. Monday morning, and I just got home at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. That’s a 20 hour day. I’m whooped. I was all over town, a ton of meetings, spent some time with potential staff in the morning, and current staff in the evening. It was a great day, I love every moment of getting to do this. I’m running on fumes right now, but couldn’t imagine a better way to invest my life.

We were at the airport tonight for about 3 hours shooting some video for the upcoming “Baggage” series, beginning August 4th/5th. I really believe this is going to be a powerful, life-changing series. Make sure you invite people who don’t know Jesus; they’ll thank you!

Tomorrow I leave to take the family to the mountains, which should be a blast. Lori and I got our time away in June, this week is dedicated to the kids. My boys are pumped to get to the great outdoors.

Happy 4th

Wanted to wish you a happy 4th of July. In light of what’s going on in the world, I really appreciate the freedom we have here in the USA.

Lori and I (and the kids) are hitting a couple pool party/bbq’s, watching some fireworks, and just relaxing. Have a great day.

Thoughts From Hawaii

Maui has been absolutely incredible. As our time comes to an end, here’s some thoughts from the past week…

• I love being with my wife. Lori is absolutely incredible, and it’s been such a blast just to have some alone time (no kids) with her. Lori and I take a vacation every year w/o the kids, and it’s the best investment in our kids we can make.
• Snorkeling is a blast. There’s nothing like swimming with huge sea turtles; absolutely amazing!
• The macadamia nut mahi-mahi at Roy’s is off the hook; a must have (thanks to Terry for the suggestion a while back).
• There are 6 other families here from Palm Valley, it’s been fun to hang out with them.
• I’ve golfed Pebble Beach and Torrey Pines many times. Golfed on Lanai yesterday at The Experience At Koele; it was the most beautiful and enjoyable round of golf I’ve ever played.
• I’m the 3 flies up champion of the pool at the Hyatt Maui.
• Bananas foster with portugese sweet bread is the bomb. Now, where do I find it on the mainland?
• Can’t wait to be back at Palm Valley this weekend!
• Sleep is good, I need more of it in the future
• Ran into somebody from Palm Valley at a luau this week. It amazes me that everywhere I go I see people from the most awesome church on the face of the planet
• The sun is hot here. I’m wearing 50 sunblock, and still having to be careful in the sun.
• My wife says I look good with a tan.
• Huge things are in store for Palm Valley. Look out!
• I miss my kids, can’t wait to see them.
• D-backs win with a walk-off homer last night, YEAH!
• I never get tired of staring at the ocean. It’s my relaxing place.

 Enough for now, must go lay in the sun and enjoy life with my bride. See you this weekend.