Gotta share a quote from Ed Stetzer (researcher at Lifeway) that he shared at the recent Whiteboard conference in Reston, VA.

“For most here today ministry won’t look like what we have heard today. Conferences are like ministry pornography — a picture of something we’ll never have.”

Didn’t get to canoe the Big Piney rapids because it was too high but did spend two days on the Buffalo river.  Great floating because the water level was up.  Great hanging out with my brother, Tim, and Joey.  It’s funny when you get away life can really gain clarity.  On the trip up I told the guys for the next two days I wasn’t a father, husband, leader, pastor, provider, or any other need-meeter.  With that kind of “freedom” to think, hear’s a though that kept ruminating through me.  I first typed it in March.  “I want to fall completely out of love with ministry and into love with Jesus.”  Pretty touchy-feely but that’s where I’m at.  Oh yeah before we hit the river this was my supper Memorial day…

Creme corn, mashed potatoes with chicken gravy, fried chicken, black-eyed peas with chow-chow, and lima beans.  Ummm.  Southern-cookin’ still has a special place in my heart.  (Literally to stay with its artery clogging power!)

I feel a deeper sense of appreciation for our country, the soldiers, and the fredooms they’ve sworn to protect.  Some of you know a little bit of what we’re going through.  One bad financial move may bring devastating consequences to our family.  Here’s a thought someone shared with me last night…in other cultures especially in history past you could have to sell your children to pay off your debts.  (I know you’re thankful for this blog’s heaviness today.)  Anyway strange path but it made really thankful for our country and our soldiers in a more meaningful way.

Congrats to my friend, Mike, who got the soldier of the year award for Ohio.  Way to go!

Yesterday I taught a message on surrender.  You can podcast the message by looking up Crossgate church’s podcast.  (The Church at Crossgate Center with Dr. Chuck McAlister is how you’ll find it.)

One thing I would add to what transformation surrender has brought…  I used to feel like my kids took life from me now it’s like I get life from them.  (Most of the time.)  Bran’s words were “You’ve loved the kids but now you’ve fallen in love with them.”  Whoa.  I’m putting this out there as a verbal accountability.  I don’t want to go back to the land of control.

Working on the finishing touches for my message Sunday and this is my view.  (Actually more clear than this view.  Cell phone camera is not up to par.)  This view is peaceful and yet challenging for some memories it holds.  Isn’t life like that?  A constant mixture of joy and pain in varying levels.  I wanted to share to chronicle my journey and because I’m thankful for the grace to face this moment and experience joy at the same time.

Made it to my parent’s home in Hot Springs, AR last night at 3:45 am.  I’ll be preaching at the church my dad pastors on Sunday morning.  I’ll be canoeing Tues and Wed with friends at this river.  It might be a slow blogging week.  I’ve still got a sticky message coming from the archives hopefully to be posted in two weeks.  Watch for it soon.