On Turning 40…

Today I woke up as a 40 year old man.  It’s hard to believe, but according to culture, I’m now middle-aged.  Reaching milestones in life often causes me to reflect and ponder, even pontificate , so today I thought I’d do it out loud on my blog for everyone to share…

• I have lived half of my life without Jesus, and now half with him.  I’m amazed at how much better life is when we walk with Him.  I’m so thankful that Jesus redeemed me from my sin and chose me as His own.  Everything I am, everything I have, all my dreams and hopes belong to Him.  I’m grateful for the Bible, which truly is a “lamp to my feet and a light for my path”.
• Waking up today I realized I am the most blessed person on the face of the planet. 
  • I have a beautiful, loving wife who is the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman.  Thank you Lori for 16 great years, and being willing to do life with me!
  • My four children bring me great joy.  Each one is such a unique creation, yet each one carries parts of me.  This morning they honored me, they made me laugh, and they fill my heart with pride more than they’ll ever know. 
  • I get to pastor the most incredible church on the planet.  When we started Palm Valley Church 9 years ago in our living room, I never could have dreamed what an adventure it would be.  I’m so thankful for the people of PVC; your faith, your generosity, your growth, and your willingness to allow me to be human.  The best is yet to come!
  • I have incredible friends.  Everywhere Lori and I go in the community, we see people who are a part of our lives, and are thankful for our ministry to them.  You are not “church attenders” to me, you’re friends, you’re our family.  Thanks for the full page on Facebook today, I read every birthday wish and thanked God for you.
  • I have a home and food to eat.  During this economy, and my travels over the past two years, I’m reminded how remarkable this is.
  • I’m thankful for my father, who sacrificed so much of his life to provide for and take care of 3 children on his own. He’s a great model of a man who loves Jesus, and serves people selflessly. I’m thankful that he experiences such joy in his life, he deserves it!
• Looking back at the mistakes and failures of my life, I feel each one has taught me so much.  I see how God has used them to draw me closer to Him and make me more the man He desires me to be.  It’s my prayer that I not repeat the mistakes of my past, but make completely new ones as I move forward
• In the last year, things have really come into sharper perspective for me.  I feel like God has separated what isn’t essential to me from what is, and I’ve been able to digest it.  I’m less concerned about what people think about me, less concerned about what is said about me, and all-consumed with seeing our community transformed with the gospel of Jesus Christ!
• I’m in better shape at 40 that I was at 30.  I’m 70 pounds lighter, workout more, can do more physically, have less pain, and am in much better health.  40 is truly just a number to me, and I plan to keep getting younger  
  • I’m thankful for a great dentist friend, who reversed 30 years of neglect in my mouth and gave me back a great smile.  Seems stupid, I know, but I smile a lot more now
  • I’m thankful for a great doctor friend, who helped diagnose and treat some real health issues I’ve faced, and help me get healthy.
• I’ve become more and more sappy about the children and teens of our church. They make me tear-up, I dream big dreams for them, I want our church to be a safe haven for them to become dangerous.  My heart breaks for children who don’t know how much God loves them, simply because we adults have failed them.
• I”m thankful for the friends and family who have stuck with me.  I grew up feeling alone and abandoned, and that shaped a great deal of my life.  Jesus has changed that, and he’s used people who love me enough to stick with me through the ups and downs to remind me on a regular basis.
• I’m thankful for all I’ve learned in the past few years, and I know that because of this I will be a better husband, father, friend and pastor in the next decade than I was in the last!

I’ve lived an adventure filled, incredible 40 years.  I can truly say that turning 40 hasn’t phased me, just made me realize how blessed I am.  I’m more excited about the next 40 years, and all that God has in store for me.  Thanks for being on the journey with me!!

Random Thoughts

Sitting in the SeaTac airport, waiting for our plane, here’s some random thoughts this morning…

• Had fun at Timberlake this weekend, always great to see what God is doing in other churches, reminds me we’re a part of a big Kingdom!
• Love Seattle, great vibe and lots of natural beauty.  Too cold for me though.
• Excited about our new series, “A Christmas Carol” beginning at PVC this weekend. 
• Pumped about the release of our Christmas CD, everyone at PVC this weekend gets a free one.
• We’re also asking every PVC’er to give two more away as invited to our Christmas services!
• We are doing far more Christmas music this year than we’ve done in the past.
• Everyone needs more Christmas joy this year!
• If you read today’s reading in the One Year Bible, it’s crazy that the angel was prevented by “the spirit prince of persia”.  Reminds us of the battle we are always in.  Read Ephesians 6 today.
• It was great to see our niece all grown up
• Always amuses me when very public figures no longer want the publicity when they commit “transgressions”.
• BTW…a two year affair is not a “trangsgression”, it’s a breaking of covenant with your spouse.
• I love traveling with Lori, its’ a great time for us!
• Can’t wait to get home and see our kids, we miss them
• Don’t miss this weekend at Palm Valley, and bring somebody with you!

A Christmas Carol

Looking forward to a great series starting this weekend at Palm Valley.

In Seattle

Lori and I are in Seattle, first time here, and it’s a very cool city (literally)   Luckily, there’s plenty of coffee shops for Lori to try!

Over the past four years I developed a friendship with Ben Sigman, who became the pastor of Timberlake Church about 1 1/2 years ago.  It’s been a joy to watch Ben lead this church through transition and now incredible growth.  At Palm Valley we feel called to encourage and equip pastors and churches, so it’s a privilege to get to preach at Timberlake this weekend and encourage them; as well as reminding them what an awesome Pastor they have!

PVC’ers: I’ll miss being with you this weekend, but don’t miss as Pastor Sean will be leading us in a service focused on gratitude and worship through communion.  I believe it’s going to be a powerful service!  Don’t skip Palm Valley, but if you’re home tomorrow, you can actually watch Timberlake’s services live at 10:15 am and 12 noon Arizona time and see me preach.  You have to love the internet age!  I appreciate your prayers.

Thankful today

Today is the day we all do what we should do everyday, remind ourselves of how much we have to be thankful for   I’m so blessed, so today I thought I’d share my blessings…

• I’m thankful for the love of Jesus Christ, that He redeemed me from the trash heap of culture 19 years ago and gave me life; life abundant and life eternal.
• I’m thankful that He never gives up on me.  I’m still not the man I want to be; but as I look back over the last year I see how God is bringing Philippians 1:6 to fruition in my life.
• I’m thankful for my wife Lori.  After 15 years of marriage, I love you more everyday.  You are my best friend, an incredible mother to our children, co-founder of PVC, and more beautiful than the day I met you at that prayer meeting!
• BTW singles: great place to meet your future mate is church
• I’m thankful for four amazing children.  You have changed my life; you bring me great joy; you make me laugh; you make me want to be a better man to help you navigate the course of life in a challenging world.
• I’m thankful for the awesome staff team I get to serve with.  You all are so dedicated to the Lord, and to PVC. I love going to battle with you, and I can’t wait to see what God does through this team this year!
• I’m thankful for our small group.  Lori and I love the poeple we get to do life with, I love that you guys let us be ourselves.  Thanks PRVH for your leadership!
• I’m thankful for great friends.  When Lori and I started PVC 9 years ago, we felt all alone in the world.  The richness and depth of friendships God has blessed us with amaze me.
• I’m thankful Palm Valley Church.  I can’t imagine leading any other church.  I love the willingness of our church family to be stretched and challenged, and to make it “all about Him!”.
• I’m thankful for the new building; and the opportunity to help more lost and hurting people find hope and life through Jesus Christ!
• I’m thankful for my health. I turn 40 next month; and I’m truely younger and healthier than when I was 30.
• I’m thankful that for the first time since 1970, the Raiders play on turkey day.  I know it’s not much, but they’re my team
• I’m thankful for the smell of incredible food coming from the kitchen, so I’m off to eat it

Be blessed today, and reminded of how much God has blessed you from His glorious riches in heaven!

Faith Of A Young Man

While we were in Haiti, the team visited a hospital in Cap Haitian, on the northern part of the island.  One of the things we learned is that the hospitals have a severe lack of resources. The rooms aren’t sterile, and they reuse things like rubber gloves and instruments.  In addition, they don’t have medicine.  When the doctors diagnose a patient, the family must take the prescription and go get the medicines needed, and bring it back to the hospital to be administered.

Often, they told us, parents will not have the money for the medicine, and simply leave the children at the hospital.  It’s heartbreaking to know that many times parents feel forced to leave their children to die over medications that can often be purchased for $5.

The Student Ministries at Palm Valley has selected this hospital as their “Greater Things” contribution.  The students will be giving to…

• Create a sterile environment in the hospital, providing cleaning supplies and necessary equipment.
• Purchase gloves/bandages and supplies for the doctors to utilize.
• Provide medication for children whose parents can’t afford it.

So, here’s where it gets personal   This Sunday my 12 year old son, Jake, came out of youth group and said “today was life changing!”  We asked him “why?”, and he shared what Darius taught about how $5 can save a child’s life in Haiti.  He told us how excited he was that PVC students is taking on this challenge, and that he wanted to be a part of it.

Jake told us that he is giving ALL of his money to this cause.  He’s been saving his allowance/birthday money for a while, and has nearly $100.  We know he’s been saving to buy something special, so we asked him “are you sure you want to give it ALL?  Maybe you want to give some and still buy something for yourself?”

He responded “No, I couldn’t enjoy a toy knowing that I could have saved the lives of more children.  I’d rather help them then do something for myself.”

So, I’m a proud dad today, who’s challenged that my son’s faith has surpassed my own. I wish that my heart was as soft to the prompting of the Lord as Jake’s.  I pray that PVC would follow the lead of a 12 year old and live selfless, sacrificial lives that bring glory to the name of Jesus!

I’m grateful for Darius, Jeremiah, Christina, and all the youth mentors.  I’m grateful for everyone who serves in our children’s ministries where Jake has grown up. I’m grateful for a church full of people who “get it”. It’s not about us, but all about Him!

Weekend Reflections

This was a big weekend as we finished the “Greater Things” series.  We’re quickly approaching the purchase of our new building and there’s so much going on around PVC; I love it!

• I really enjoyed teaching this week’s message on worship.  I think I just like saying “nard”
• Caitlin singing “Hosanna” is off the chain powerful!
• I loved seeing the response of PVC’ers as they brought their GT commitments forward.  I could tell there had been lots of prayer and genuine sacrifice.
• PVC’ers – I believe the Lord was honored by your heart for Him this weekend, and obedience to His calling!
• PVC’ers — if you haven’t yet made your commitment, you can do so this week or next.  We’ll give you plenty of opportunities
• I can’t wait to see how God uses our gifts to change lives in our community with the gospel!
•  This weekend’s going to be special, as we extend our worship time and focus on communion.
• Can’t wait for our next series, “A Christmas Carol” beginning December 5th/6th.
• We’re doing Christmas big at PVC this year. Why?  We all need more Christmas joy!!
• I’ve taught 15 weeks in a row, and I’m whipped.  I don’t like to teach that many in a row, but it’s the season we’re in.
• Looking forward to some serious eating this week. I’ll be doubling up on P90X to burn the calories.  There’s nothing like Thanksgiving. 
• I pray you have a meaningful celebration this Thursday with family and/or friends.
• Saw “Twilight”, and for the record I’m on team Jacob.

Treasure Box

Had a great time this morning serving with the “Treasure Box” ministry. If you’re not familiar, you can go to www.palmvalley.org and order a week’s worth of food for $31. Once a month the boxes are delivered and we distribute them at Palm Valley to those who have ordered.  It’s good food and really helpful. You don’t have to be in need to order boxes; and I encourage more PVC’ers to save some grocery money and take advantage of this.

This morning we had about 18 guys and gals show up to help unload the delivery and get the boxes out.  It was a joy to work alongside people so excited to help.  I love the people of PVC!!!

This Weekend At Palm Valley

Back From Dominican and Haiti

What an incredible trip, and then awesome weekend at Palm Valley.  Here’s two of the videos we showed this weekend…

Haiti 2009 from Palm Valley Church on Vimeo.

Greater Things – It Is Time from Palm Valley Church on Vimeo.