Well, I’m flat out tired.  Man, I’m getting old too.  My poor ears are succombing to age or something.  I literally was thinking during Jeremy Camp’s permorfance . . . “This is awesome, but I hope it ends soon.  My ears and head hurts!”

So, we left for Nashville, TN Friday morning for Acquire the Fire: Here Comes Trouble.  It was an awesome event like everyone before.  It wasn’t their best, bu it was nonetheless good.  The drama on Friday night was awesome and the worship by Phil Joel during the weekend was amazing.  I’ll definitely be learning those songs.  It was a powerful event all the way around.  I wish it would have been a little more drawn out so we could have had some more down time, but everyone had a good time.  I had to fight a fire alarm among other things.  Josh and Nicole did a great job organizing and overseeing the trip too.  We’ve got the best youth pastors in South GA.

Due to traffic, weather, and accidents, we got back late to the church.  In fact after getting to the church, running home and showering, I made it back to the church at  about 15 till time to start.  I didn’t really know what service would be like.  I was tired and wore out, but God always seems to show up.  We ended up having an old fashioned prayer and confession service.  A lot of folks unloaded some stuff and I’m excited about what’s to come in the things we talked about.

I’d also like to thank Sis. Carolyn Lamb for filling in for me this morning.  She always does a great job.  We missed everyone and I’m ready to get back in the swing of things this Sunday!

Today was a crazy day with the time change.  We were off in attendance some due to it and then some due to some sickness.  We had special prayer for some who called that morning to let us know they were on their way to the Med-Stop.  All in all, great services today.  I spoke on simplifying our lives and cutting away the fat of the world.  Tonight we started our new discipleship series on Prayer with the materials from the General Offices by Raymond Culpepper and Doug Small.  I think this is going to be a great series for us.

Our church is gearing up for YWEA 2009.  YWEA is a missions project that helps out several places throughout the world.  This year, the project is targeting Kenya and Rawanda.  There are thousands upon thousands of orphans and they are being turned out due to lack of room and funds.  I’ve uploaded some videos that will break your heart.  These kids need help and this year the Church of God has went outside itself to make sure that the costs of running this program doesn’t come out of the monies raised.  100% of what is given is going to these children.  We’re taking donations all the way until the first Sunday of May so if you’re part of the church, you’ll have plenty of opportunities.  If you’re not, and you’d like to give, check out our website at http://www.perrycrossroadscog.org for our church information.  Now the videos:

I’m completely overwhelmed.  First, the specifics of the service.  Tremendous crowd considering it SNOWED today in Perry.  That’s right.  It snowed and it still is  a little.  I’m talking it stuck on the ground!  I’m so excited.  It’s the first real time I’ve seen it.  So, thank you God for giving me snow on PA Day.

Great service today.  Our church completely went beyond all expectations.  I’m humbled and taken aback by the love we were showered with today.  All the gifts, cards, words, and thoughts meant / mean so much.  I’ll tell anyone . . . . I’ve got the best church in the world.  God is doing so much at our church and I’m so excited to see where we are headed!

I was so honored to have Bro. Jesse and Sis. Pat Ogden with me today.  I love the Ogden’s and they’ve meant so much to me in my life.  They’ve seen me at my best and at my worst and they’ve loved me and supported me anyway.  I first came to know them when they pastored my home church in Hazlehurst.  Then I became his Youth and CE Pastor in Douglas for 2 years when I entered ministry.  I learned so much from them and I’m forever grateful for all they’ve done for me and my family.

Thanks again to everyone for this amazing day.  I’m so honored, overwhelmed, and humbled all tied up together.  We love you so much Perry Crossroads Church of God!

What a refreshing weekend. Friday night was an amazing move of God with Jason Crabb.  It was the first time I’d ever heard him by himself really.  He certainly has some pipes on him and he’s not too bad on a guitar either.  His keyboard player was quite the musician himself.  I think Jason was supposed to preach but God began moving in his music and everything that needed to be done was done by the end of the last song.  God began to touch lives and fill us up to overflowing.  The theme was total surrenderance and it felt good to lay some things down.  My goal is not to pick them back up this time.

This morning was awesome with Pastor Mitchell Tolle.  I’d never heard of him before but he did a tremendous job.  He’s a famous artist/painter and pastor.  He spoke directly to us this morning and really challenged us all.  I was convicted for the way I prioritize things in my life and ministry.  Starting Monday, I’m going to be doing some things differently.  After hearing the Word preached and it reminding me of some things, I don’t have a choice.  I want all God has for me and our church and I don’t want to be in the way of anything.

If your men didn’t get to go, get a DVD and watch it together.  You won’t regret it.  We took 5 men besides myself.  Awesome time together.  I’m looking forward to many more as our men’s ministry continues to take shape.