Preparation

Today I got a good dose of reality juice. I had two tests for my seminary classes. The Old Testament test was a breeze. The Encountering the Biblical World test, now that's another story. I know that I had the "deer in the headlights" look plastered all over my face. It was my own fault though. I didn't study enough for it and really didn't know how it was going to go.
Isn't that like life sometimes? You don't always know what's around the corner and how to prepare for it. What do you do in those situations? I have learned to learn from past situations and be prepared for the next time. Many times God is training us for something that's right around the corner and we don't realize it.
Also can't go without saying "Roll Tide Roll!" Number #2 in the AP Poll (like that really matters right now)!

From Georgia

Today has been an interesting day. We came back early from a simulcast in Georgia because little Drew isn't feeling too well.

I want to encourage people to go and check out the truth project from focus on the family. It really looks like a great tool to help develop a biblical worldview.
Naomi had brought along my Alabama shirt and I wore it today in support of my favorite team. I didn't think about how we were just an hour or so from Athens, GA. What I would have given to be there for that game tonight! Roll Tide!

Fan Night

I am so looking forward to tonight. We are doing a theme night in our student ministry called "Fan Night". We have students inviting their friends and dressing up in their favorite team's gear. We're going to talk about being a fan or follower of Jesus Christ.

What is the difference between a fan and a follower of Christ?
1. A fan is one that will associate when things are going good and all is well.
2. A follower is on board whatever may come.

There are many "fans" of Jesus in our society today. Those who will be on board with Jesus when all is well and it benefits them to do so. Jesus didn't come to call fans but followers. Let's be followers of Jesus Christ!

Drew's First

Today was our son, Andrew's first birthday party. I never thought that it would be this much fun. It is amazing how quickly the time does seem to go by. It was a year ago that we experienced the miracle of childbirth. Now we're watching him walk, dance, talk, and do so many other things.

In all that has gone on the past year, I believe that God has used this awesome opportunity in life (being a dad) to give me a glimpse of who He is. How has God revealed His nature to you?

Reflecting The Glory Of God

As I sit here getting ready to go into my Old Testament class, I am reflecting on the assigned reading for today: Exodus. That's right, the whole book. It's good stuff though. I have been drawn to the passage in Exodus 34 where Moses descended from the mountain and his face was shining with "the glow." I have read this many times and heard many thoughts on it, too. The fact was that this "glow" was given to Moses as a sign of his spending time face-to-face with Yahweh and Yahweh's approval of Moses' leadership.

I guess my fascination with this event is my wondering, "Do I ever glow?" Is there a true sign that I have spent time face-to-face with the God of the universe and His approval of His call on my life? It may not be that I have to wear a veil for the sake of those around me, but I long for a sign that others can see that the God that I love and serve is real.

Refuge '08 Day 2

Today was the second and final day of Refuge sponsored by Student Life. Kristian Stanfill led in some good worship. I was reminded of when we had him lead worship for our DNOW a couple of years ago. Randy Hall, president of Student Life shared about a new definition of student ministry. I know that it seems like everyone is trying to "redefine" student ministry these days. What he had to share wasn't really anything new, just a reminder: help students to be just like Christ while we ourselves try to be like Christ.

Ministry is about passing on what has been given to us. We don't have to reinvent the wheel, just share what we have. If we aren't growing in our faith, then what are we passing along to students?

Refuge '08 Day 1

Last night was the first session in a get-together called Refuge hosted by the wonderful people at Student Life. It was for student ministers who are using the curriculum that Student Life produces. My favorite part of the whole thing is that it is free. They truly just want to give something back to the leaders of student ministry. That's cool.

Last night, we started off with a little worship led by Chris Tomlin and a couple of guys from his band. The neat thing that I took away from this was that Chris didn't use the whole band. He even asked that they take him off of the screens so that it wasn't like a performance. It was a great gathering of brothers and sisters in Christ just worshipping the Messiah. As we left for the night, we were given free copies of Chris Tomlin's new CD that just came out called "Hello Love". I strongly encourage people to check it out.

After Tomlin, Louie Giglio came and just shared some words about grace with us. It wasn't much like a "sermon," but more like a conversation over dinner. I think that the one thing that I took away most from what he said was...

"God didn't/doesn't need you... but He has invited you to be at the table."

How true that is! God can get by just as good (and sometimes better) if we weren't involved, but out of His great love for us, He has invited us to come and experience what He is going to do. Good stuff...