A Great Answer

Wednesday night, I was tucking our youngest "kidd's" into bed, told them a bizarre story and asked them a question. I asked, "What are you thankful for?" The first words out of their mouth, simultaneously, was "Daddy". Life is Good!

Leadership

I attended a pastor's conference along with my lead pastor today. It was well worth the trip; however, I'm not sure what I enjoyed and benefitted from more- the conference or the time spent discussing possibilities and dreaming with my lead pastor. At the conference, I was reminded of several things in regard to leadership. I'll share the two that I have listed at the top.

1. We, as leaders, are the lid of the church. No person will be more excited, more passionate and more enthusiastic than we are. What is our energy level? What is the expression on our face saying? What are our actions modeling to the people we serve?

2. Are we actively recruiting leaders and are we constantly affirming them? Who are the "Eagles" in your church that you can empower and let soar?

The ride to and from the conference was equally informative. All praise to God, Grace Fellowship is growing. We have identified two things that we are doing.

1. Preach/Teach the Word

2. Love the People

We are striving to give every person that walks through the doors of Grace Fellowship the opportunity to

CONNECT:

• With God
• With People
• In Ministry

As our Lead Pastor always says, if we do our part, God is faithful to do His. It's amazing to watch Christ build His Church and His Kingdom.

A Servant's <3

There was a time, not long ago, that people who readily served others - in the church, community or within an organization, where labeled as having a servant's heart. Lately those descriptive words have seemingly taken on a negative connotation.

Let me just say that having a servant's heart does not mean that one is easy, gullible or a glutton for punishment, Neither does it mean that such a person is wearing the mask of servant hood while desiring attention and, doing so, just to climb the ladder of success.

In my devotions today, I read where Jesus said (paraphrase) Whoever would be greatest must become your slave.

If God has gifted you with a servant's heart than I am writing this for you! Thank You! God will richly reward you. You inspire me.

Lessons from a Business Card

Recently I printed a business card for a graphic arts firm (I am a part-time printing press operator in real life). The front contained the phrase, "Seduce the EYE and then the MIND". I remember thinking, while I was running the job, that I could put a sermon together based on that phrase. Seriously, much of what is in our mind gets there through our eyes.

"Oh be careful little eyes what you see."

Enter God

Real quick! God can take the hardest of hearts, soften it, break it, and mend it with one touch. I saw God's "Relentless" love in action this weekend. It was awesome.

Strive In Stride

This weekend, Robin and I are taking Strive, our church's youth group, to a youth retreat with another youth group. We're looking forward to having some fun, making some memories and, especially, what God is going to do in the lives of these youth!