On being selfless…

It really takes a lot of effort to be selfless.  Whether to a spouse, friend, stranger, doesn’t matter.  It is so easy to focus inward and take care of ‘number one’.

On the way to work this morning, there was a car wreck completely blocking the highway.  My first thought was “crap!”.  I had to turn around and go all the way back to the interstate and down one more exit.  It appeared that I may be late for work, blah, blah, blah.  While backtracking, I was really convicted about my initial reaction.  I was not one of concern or compassion about who were involved in the wreck, but only about me and my inconvenience. 

Same goes for the church body, we have to be focused outward.  Check out Pastor Joe’s blog sometime on what an inwardly focused church looks like (figuratively, of course).

Worship

The worship yesterday was great!!!  Was it because of the music?  Was it because our singing sounded wonderful?  Or maybe it was because the songs that were one’s that I really liked.

No, no, and no.  Worship was great because I simply loved on God.  That’s it.  I love to connect with God through singing.  I don’t mind saying that I like some of the ‘harder’ stuff that you may hear on Christian radio.  Some of the lyrics are awesome.  One of my current favorites says this about God…

“You speak without sound, your love is so loud”

God is in a constant state of loving on you and me.  His is an extremely powerful and matchless love.  The God of the Universe that created all, owns all, and knows all, loves you and me more than anything.  What a concept.  What an awesome Lord we serve!

In the end, you don’t need music to tell God just how much you love Him.  Just do it.

The wheels are coming off

Have you ever heard that phrase?  Since I’ve turned thirty, I have physically started to show my age.  Last week I heard successive “pops” coming from my right knee as I descended the stairs at the house shortly before bedtime.  No pain at that time, just suspicious noise.  The next morning, that knee was stiff and a little swollen.

For those of you who don’t know, I had a rod and screws put in my right leg way back in 1998.  It was necessary to help heal a couple of broken bones caused by a fall playing basketball.  Two years ago, the screws were removed but the rod was left.

 So, Pastor Joe asked me be part of the sermon yesterday by being the example of how to “flee.”  Fully knowing that my knee was in a little discomfort, I accepted the task.  In dramatic fashion, I did “flee”….in both services, of course.  I even scared Julie in the second service.  She didn’t even see it coming because I didn’t bother to tell her what was about to happen.

 So I said all of that to say this; my knee really hurts today.  Going to the best orthopaedic doctor in Nashville, Dr. Allen Anderson.  I’ll keep you posted on the diagnosis.

Motivation

It’s been tough to get motivated at work lately.  Feels like I’ve got so much to do and I’m not making the slightest dent.  Have you ever encountered the same situation?  Sometimes progress can be enough motivation, other times it is praise from your peers.  It’s amazing how a little encouragement or appreciation can go a long way.

Pressing on…

Record Time!!!

We set a record time this past Saturday night with our weekly evening set up.  I left the YMCA at 8:10 pm with virtually everything done (except the audio).  Of course Matthew and I share the responsibility of set up, however, the audio portion does take a little longer.  But from what I understand, he and the rest of the gang left earlier than usual too.  Great Job to everyone!

 We have put in place a few small changes to help speed up the process.  If you do see something that we could do better at, by all means we are open to suggestions.

Family Reunion (part 2)

Well, this weekend we’ll be going to the Ellis Family Reunion somewhere in Nashville.  There will be four generations of my father’s family there.  Of course, it’s gonna be hot but this time we have a pool to cool off in.  Family Reunion = blistering heat.  I’ll have family from up mostly from Mississippii, but some from Louisiana and of course, Tennessee.  It will be fun.

 I’m also a little excited about going because Jacob has never really had the chance to go swimming.  My paternal intuition says that he may not like it too much.  He enjoys bath time but doesn’t like getting his face wet.  He has two cousins (boys) that are his age and I’m sure they will entertain us all.

For those of you who didn’t know that I have Mississippii blood in my veins, I think that may help to fill in the odd puzzle pieces for you.  Could be worse…maybe… like Arkansas.

Sleep

Sleep is so precious.  Our son has had a rough three nights in a row sleeping.  Crying up to five times a night and waking me up.  This morning I am so tired.  We really need to go to bed earlier, but it’s difficult with our schedules.  I sure do miss being able to sleep in on Saturdays until at least eight o’clock.

Who’s your #1?

You know, I can’t help but share something that has jumped out at me today.  Sometimes you read scripture and don’t realize the significance of it until later on in the day or week.  It is the following:

Matthew 10:37-39 

37“Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Simply put, we should love Him more than anyone.  I think that is all the word is trying to accomplish here so don’t try to read anything into it.

I love my wife…I love her dearly.  I love her more than anyone else on this earth.  I love to send her an e-cards, or do the laundry for her, or give her a foot rub just because.  She’s definitely worth it.  Secondly, I love my son.  The feelings that I have being his father are just awesome.  Parenthood is amazing and a blessing.  But above these is the love of my Savior, our God.  It’s because of Christ that I have the kind of love I do for my wife and my son.  Because He is first, I get to experience and have these awesome people to call my very own and have them love me back.

I personally know some people who do put their spouse and/or children above all.  I even used to be one of those people.  But, if you are a Christ follower, just remember that there can only be one number one because God doesn’t settle for a tie.

Hard Workers

Because we are a “portable” church, there is a lot of work that goes into our average Sunday Worship Service.  However, our goal is to do anything but average.  Yesterday morning before we got started, I just took notice of how much work so few people do.  We are really becoming a well-oiled machine.  Also, the Creative Team did an awesome job of the set design.  Many people give up their Saturday nights and sleep on Sunday mornings to help the ministry move forward.  To all of these people, I say THANK YOU!!!  You are truly storing up treasures in heaven and your sacrifices do not go unoticed by anyone on Staff and especially not by God!

 Pam, Cliff, Freddy, Angela, Tom, Donna, Lincoln, Tawni, Scott, Dave, Becca, Zach, Erica, David, Elaine, Tracy, Micki, Joey, Jillian, Kevin, Vicky, Cindy, Matthew, Chelsea, Tim, Vicki, Joe, Pam, Chelsea, Ray, Patti, Jim, Evelyn, Carolyn, Jim, Lisa, Peter, Julie, Bill, Dave and anyone else I haven’t mentioned….You guys are awesome!  I am excited to see this church family growing.  I can’t wait until there are just too many to remember.

If your interested in helping at all, please give me or anyone esle on staff a shout.  Contact us through www.uprisingchurch.org.