Free Yourself

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8


The first thing that David did in the morning was look for a word from God. Why, because David trusted God with his life. David lived a good portion of his life with many uncertainties, a king with an entire army was chasing him, David fought many battles and he carried the weight of an entire kingdom. God's direction for David's life was was of upmost importance that's why it was the first thing he looked for.

Ever notice that in the morning you senses to the little things are just a little better? Example people read the newspaper in the morning? Eating breakfast at the table you read the outside of the cereal box even the boring stuff trying to sound out the long names of the preservatives. You stay in bed on Saturday morning just a little longer and watching TV you watch shows that you would never watch. One time I was watching a filipino channel but it totally had my attention. There's something about the morning that allows for our best thinking, our attention is fixed, we come to conclusions much easier. Wanna know why? Because the day is not yet completely started. The weight of agendas, problem solving and traffic haven't effected a person yet our minds are free. Wouldn't it be great to have clarity and thinking and direction this liberating all the time? Why is it that some people struggle to dream they aren't free? How is it that I can take a nap and still not feel not feel rested, not free? Why are energy drinks so popular now a days, people are not free. There's a lot not just on folks plates, but on their hearts, on their minds they live life shackled by work, problems, busyness and a desire for temporary results. I have found an incredible freedom in my life, in my heart, in my mind when I start the day with journaling, worship and the presence of God. I accomplish more, I see things differently, results are better when I start with my mind on Christ and His direction first above everything else. Isn't that what Jesus said..."the truth will set you free?" When you are truly free a whole new life opens up, a life that so many miss, a life that so many are desperately looking for. Start with the word, with God's presence, allow Christ and His direction to be the first thing on your mind...Free yourself!

Monday Highlight reel...

Starting something new. Every Monday I will have a quick highlight reel from Sunday. Here's the first one:

Sunday morning actually started in the wee hours. Vince, Santz and I watched team USA Basketball win gold against Spain. High fives at 1:00am with family are priceless...

Drove with the family to church today. Sure do miss that. Felt better going into Sunday having just a small amount of family time prior.

Saw BJ putting gas before service. Good to see him already, he is such a hard worker.

Got to church a little later than normal, walked in and the team was ready to go with smiles.

Rudy lavished me with more gifts, he sure does like to give. I think we discovered his minstry.

Spoke with a few people on the picnic. This has been are longest marketing campaign of an event. People are really excited; maybe we need to rethink marketing?

Santz and I always have these little moments when much is spoken with few words and it pretty much sets the day. "It's relaxed today huh Santz" "Heck yeah" Santz answers. A smile and were gone.

I'm listening to Reuben in the back. Man that dude can play.

Troy is so funny when he does announcements. There he goes again connecting with people at an amazing level.

Matt Mueler saved my butt on Pro Presenter. Whewww!

Amanda leads "How Great is our God", awesomely... Is that a word? In Anthonys dictionary it is.

Started preaching, the first five are the hardest but this week it was unusally easy.

Spoke with Vin after, man he is incredible something very graceful about him.
Definitely a culture setter...

Nehemiah project ended powerfully. You can see community being built...

Spoke with Linda and Steve they have a love for the islands too and they are moving there? Wow!

Chalk up another W. Two people got saved! People are on board. We have a lot of work to do but we are not alone. God is building the team!

Jesus you are incredible.

Quick tidbit

We had a summer intern working with us at my job for the past few months and her name is Iris. Iris is the daughter of another employee in my same department. Today as I got ready to walk out the door I received a thank you card from Iris as it was her last day. I was blown away at what she said and how appreciative she was. We don't see appreciation to much in the marketplace on the contrary it just feels like hard work, long hours, and low pay are just expected of us. As I drove away I begin to think about appreciation a little more. There's no doubt that even though I try to leave work at work and not bring it home even still the marketplace has a way of molding you into performance monster, a results driven maniac and forgetting about those who are right by your side. So for my wife first I appreciate you sooo much your such a hard worker and I've seen such strength come out of you like never before. For my kids thanks for just being you and putting a smile on my face by the crazy things you do. For my team, I do not take not one day for granted for all of you. I think about your sacrifice, your hearts, your hard work often and I am constantly praying for you. There's a huge list that I could go down and thank, but let's just put it this way; if you have crossed my path I appreciate you.

Got Credibilty?

Just writing a quick thought down because I feel like I have to. A few weeks ago I posted some video clips of the song "Healer". Well I was just shocked to find out via the Neue e-mail newsletter that the author of the song who claimed to have cancer did not have cancer at all. I love that song and still do, but I think it might take me a little while to listen to it again. I'm fully convinced God is a healer and I believe the song will still influence lives (God's word never returns void). The sad thing for me is what people are saying now about Christians. I know you can't blame the entire Christian community for this lie and if I'm approached by an unbeliever on this I know I definitely will apologize for this man's actions. What good can come out of this?; because God can always turn things around. For me it's conviction on how I walk daily. I want what I believe to be credible to others so I must strive to follow, walk and live like Christ every day. The question that I will ask myself out of this situation is "do others see me as credible or see me as questionable?" There's no doubt that some folks will use this situation as ammunition against Christians if you are approached handle the situation with grace and the Love of God. If you feel led maybe even apologize for Michael Gugliemucci's actions. You don't have to prove the gospel it's already true, all you have to do is live it...

Much Luv