I made it back to Olympia this morning around 11am.  I started my day at 5am in Semi Valley and flew from Burbank, CA to Seattle, WA.  There really is no place like home! 

Are you kidding me?

Link: FOXNews.com – Nebraska State Senator Sues God Over Natural Disasters – Politics | Republican Party | Democratic Party | Political Spectrum.

Nebraska Democratic State Senator Ernie Chambers has decided to go straight to the top in an effort to stop natural disasters from befalling the world.

Being with Pastor Jack is an amazing experience.  I am continually stuck with the humility and depth that proceeds from his character.  It would be an understatement to say that at times it is hard to keep up with Pastor Jack’s intellectual train of thought.  It would also be an understatement to say that Pastor Jack has a few good ideas.  The thing that makes me want to engage with him more than his vast wisdom and ministry success is the fact that he has served Jesus faithfully for decades, been in love AND faithful to the same woman for 50 years – AND is still going as strong now as he ever has before.  I want that kind of spirit in my life!
Here are some of the statements that stood out to me over the last two days…

We won’t discover what we won’t let Him uncover

What’s a disciple? A disciple is a replication of the person, character, ministry, love grace and power of Jesus Christ.

Ministry that functions in Kingdom resources always outlives and out-produces ministry cultivated with man’s best resources.

The move of God does not come from the procedures, it comes from His presence

Worship is the key to evangelism (not worship as a music style to reach people), because worship introduces people to the presence of God-and when people meet God, they know it.

What is the Ministry of the Church:

The ministry of Worship (to the Lord)
The ministry of Fellowship (to the believers)
The ministry of Evangelism (to the world)

My amazing wife made the paper today. Sorry men, she’s taken…

Link: Doors open Sunday morning at Kohl’s – Business – The Olympian – Olympia, Washington.

Fawn Cobler, a prototypical Kohl’s shopper, said she was excited about the new store as she arrived at the Target next door with her children, ages 6, 4 and 2.

Here are some thoughts from Pastor Jack:

-Leadership and discipleship are in two entirely different categories

-The Church should always maintain the priority of discipleship above leadership

-Leadership is a gift — discipleship is not a gift, it’s a duty

-Journaling is for an audience of One, not to become the next "My Utmost for His Highest"

-Keeping a tender heart before the Lord is the most fundamental thing a Pastor does

More to come.

I spent my first 2 hours with Pastor Jack and a handful of other pastors this evening.  We went over the schedule for the next few days and two things stood out: 1 we are going to eat well! 2 buckle up, it’s going to be deep.  During some of his opening comments Pastor Jack said that the ultimate measure of the health of a church was 1 Its commitment to the person of Jesus Christ as Savior of the world 2 Its commitment to the truth and authority of the Word of God.  I’ll have internet for the remainder of the sessions, so hopefully I’ll be able to blog some of things we’re discussing as they happen.  Talk to you soon!

Wish you were here…

Right now I’m sitting on Alaska flight 404 headed to LA. I’m excited to be able to spend a few days, with a few other pastors, with Pastor Jack Hayford. I’m praying and expecting God to do something significant in and through my life. I might be forced to down a few Double Doubles as well. It’s a tough life…

For those of you who attend Living Water with Kids, you know that this was our 3rd week at the Main Campus with our new Check In stations.  We’re getting better each week and it’s great to have all fresh and updated info about our kids!  Thank you to all the parents who have "flexed" with us to make it a success!  On a side note, we added a new Check In station during the 11am service over by the Parking Lot and Elementary Kids Club building to make it faster for those of you coming from that direction.  Have a great weekend!

Ever wonder where iPods really come from?  One of the people from the team in my office is receiving a new iPod Nano as a birthday gift.  We tracked it and discovered that it is making a long and international journey to get here, check it out…

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