Reading Books

I have a confession to make.

I am a book worm.

I've always loved to read.

I still do


I can't help it.

It's something I've enjoy since I was a kid. I would sit at home and read for hours. I don't look like a reader...i don't think i give off that...um...reader vibe, but I love doing it! I'm always traveling with 2-3 books at a time, learning what I can from some of the world's best writers. The last book i read is called 'SEX GOD', by Rob Bell. No, it is not a fictional tale of a sex god...that would be an awkward and life-altering read. This book describes the tie in between sex and God in a way I hadn't heard before. I was taken aback by the continual connection found in scripture that I've looked over in trying to prepare the best sermon possible on SEX...fat chance! It was a great read. Probably will read it again at some point. I'm also half way through a book called 'The Deity Formally Known as God'...not bad. Fast read with some good things in there but it hasn't really gripped me yet. I'll probably finish it soon just to add it to the number that I have so far in 07, which is 3...I'm so sad :(

I'm really into The Message too. The fresh look on God's word has been so good for my spiritual growth and enrichment. If you don't have a copy, you really should get one for yourself.

That's my head for now...a sad library...

The Long Week Over

So this afternoon at 12:35, i felt a freedom unlike anything I had ever felt before. It felt like running out of school for a two month summer break or experiencing a nice day on the beach. I had in inhale it in...

breathe in... and out...and in and out...

I had just gone through one of the busiest weeks of my existence. Loads of church work, extra activities, you name it, I had to deal with it! I'm sure that many others could handle what I just ventured through without a care but we're all different and I'm a big baby =)

I spent a lot of this week immersed in the Word...it brings peace like nothing else in the world. God has a way of charming our fears and anxieties like no one else. I learned a lot about myself and the world around me during this week and focused on my tasks with renewed vigor and desire to make some kind of impact. Friday night went well. We didn't have a bunch of kids out but those who came I think enjoyed themselves and got something out of it...I never know for sure. Friday nights stretch me in the area of faithfulness. I have to BELIEVE that students take in the word and apply it to their lives. If not, I'd become a basket case =).

Saturday and Sunday had myself and the honorable Charles Yates take 15 minutes each to express the importance of going beyond our years and reaching out to each other. I think i did okay. We find our acceptance in Christ but there is still the part of you that says 'I don't know...maybe it could have been better.' But God's word was shared and that's all that counts. I'm doing in two years what some of my fellow young pastors are itching to do, be it lead worship, speak or be involved in the greater church. It's something I value deeply. I can only pray I remain faithful to His call and grow as he would want me.

This week is back to normal...focusing in on my family and my uth dem...

I like normal...maybe i needed to be shaken up a bit.

Ordination and the call

Yesterday I went in for my ordination interview. I got suited up, studied up and went in for what I thought would be horrendous ordeal about deep theological issues. Instead, it was a great time of affirmation and encouragement. Somehow, the men in the room knew me, knew about me and saw great things in me. I left feeling very encouraged, humbled and responsible for so much.

I constantly remind myself that in ministry, I don't live for myself. I live for those I serve and lead. My interview solidified that. The call of God is so important to recognize but even more important to live out daily. I pray I never forget about the call.

By the way, that's not me in the picture...it's a representation of the posture of the heart...

First time is the best time...I guess

I'm on lunch right now in my office multi tasking. I'm typing out my first blog while listening to a sermon by Rob Bell, that guy from NOOMA. He's talking about going through difficulties from the eyes of Moses.

Some deep truths there...I'm trying to listen to stuff like this more often now, to stretch my thinking and faith. It's good for the soul...for it to be fed.

So I'm back to blogging. I haven't done this since I had a MY SPACE. But I have lots on my mind and need to get them out, i guess and there's nothing funner than spreading my thoughts and having others read them.

Question: Does blogging feed people's need for attention?