Mind Dump

• Last night was a really good night. I got to confess somethings to our students and really be transparent.
• We recasted the vision of our student ministry: To see Christ increase in every way and for us to decrease in every way. John 3:29-30 is an amazing passage that reveals the joy in John the Baptist as he sees people moving from him and to Jesus. He found joy in seeing Christ gain all the glory...Wow, we need more people like that.
• I got to speak to a couple of students last night and really dig into their lives. I'm humbled...and ridiculously scared at the fact that God is allowing me and calling me to be personally involved in these students lives.
• Something else was revealed to me last night in my conversation with a student after the service. You can grow in knowledge and never be transformed and saved by the Spirit. Just because you know and even do the right thing doesn't mean God has saved you. Salvation takes brokenness and surrender all the while you are supernaturally justified before God the Father because of Jesus' work on the cross.
• I woke up this morning to the best text message ever. A student asking me what kind of bible he needs to get and where to get it. That makes me happy. To see a student, at an early time in the day, be thinking about growing spiritually is a joyous occasion.
• This also makes me sad to know that there are parents out there that are not being the spiritual leaders in their homes. Of course we all know this, but for a kid not to have a bible...wow, sometimes I fall into the trap of thinking that since I'm in Northwest Arkansas everyone at least has a bible.
• If I ever own a Christian bookstore, I declare today that it will be filled with Godly resources that will introduce people to Jesus and help people grow in their faith. I walked into a store that may have had 20 bibles and they were all the same gift/award bibles. Seriously, I'm not opposed to all the things (some people call it Jesus Junk) in these stores, but at least have a solid selection of resources that will lead people to Jesus and edify the church.

NBA Playoffs

I'll confess. I love the NBA. I understand all the reasons people hate the NBA, but don't try to convince me to hate it to. I appreciate these extreme athletes that are capable of doing unimaginable feats. So one of my favorite times of the year is playoff time coming in second to March Madness (nothing beats college basketball). I want you to know that I do not miss a game. The thought of me missing Dwight Howard's pregame dance, Lebron dunking over 5 defenders, Chris "Byrdman" Anderson coming out of nowhere to block a shot into the stands, or Kobe missing the game winning shot only to go whine about how bad his teammates are absolutely kills me. I am also extremely thankful God blessed me with a wife who loves sports. She is amazing. When she was having contractions laying in the hospital bed hours before birthing JP...she let me watch ESPN classic with all the throw back historic college games. She didn't mind me getting up at 3 in the morning to watch the USA Olympic basketball team crush all who got in their way. And the NBA playoffs, well my lovely wife is right there beside me...taking in every shot.

BUT..........................................

My wife's recent obsession with Lebron James is kind of scary. When he hits the game winning shot, she goes ecstatic. I thought this was ok at first. I mean who doesn't love a buzzer beater. But last night when Lebron and the Cavs lost...she got angry. Really angry. She proceeded to tell me when I began laughing that "Lebron James is the NBA!!" Maybe she is just a big fan...You think?? Well, I guess I'll be ok until I catch her doing Lebron's pregame ritual of throwing powder in the air in the bathroom yelling, "Be A Witness!!"

Disclaimer: Please know that this was all a big joke. My wife is amazing and she loves watching basketball with me. She is mildly obsessed with Lebron, but it is nothing like what I made it seem here...RIGHT!!

Alabama Breakdown

Megan and I took a spontaneous trip down to see the family this past week. Here are some things that went down:

• We left after church Sunday morning and proceeded to drive 12 straight hours home. I wouldn't tell just anyone this, but with the blog readers you have to be honest: Megan drove the first 9 hours...pregnant. What can I say? She is hardcore.
• Monday was spent trying to keep JP from running through the walls. I'm not sure why the Lord gave me a child with endless energy. Grandparents' houses are filled with toys...
• Tuesday I went to play golf with my hero, Michael Whitt. I only say that because I know he doesn't read this. My game was on for the first 6 holes but completely collapsed after that. He dominated.
• We got to spend some good time talking, and he helped me clear my head on a lot of things. Jesus has used Mike to do that many, many times.
• Wednesday was a good day. I spent some quality time with my family and got to visit FBC Abbeville that night. Ryan is one of the best youth pastors I've ever met, and it is always a blessing to sit down and talk with him.
• Also, Timbo preached. Timbo was one of my students who accepted his call in the ministry. He did an awesome job. I even teared up a little when he started his message. I still remember watching Fresh Prince of Bel Air on Sunday mornings with him at the house before church started. He is Ryan's intern for the summer and he'll be great.
• That night we headed to Megan's parents. Conversation is always interesting at that house.
• Thursday was pretty quiet, but JP did get to do some fishing...in their swimming pool. That was the funniest thing I've ever seen, "Daddy, can we go fishing...in the pool??!!"
• Friday me and Megan's dad drove to Dothan, AL to get our cell phones worked on. I used to be hardcore for Verizon, but they've let me down here lately.
• JP got a new Batman car and 4-wheeler from Toys R' Us...Grandparents, and for some reason especially granddads, love buying toys for the grandson.
• Friday night was peaceful. The women were at graduation and me, Mr. Dennis, and JP hung out at the house. JP watched a movie and things were quiet...until graduation was over. You got to love it when people get your son all wild and then leave just so the parents can try and settle him down again.
• Saturday we left about 6:30 in the morning and drove 12 hours back, but I was the one who hardcore this time...I drove, not all the way, but the majority!! (Insert manly grunt here)
• Glad to be back in Berryville. We miss the folks, but God has us here for a reason.

Where Are You??

For you guys that don't I'm in Alabama. We got here early Monday morning and we will leave EARLY Saturday to get back to Berryville. I got tons of things to do before M-fuge in a couple of weeks. The trip has been good, and I got a lot to update you guys on (I like to pretend you actually care). So Monday I'll return with a massive mind dump for your enjoyment.

Confessions: A Windsor Knot

If you have known me for any length of time, then you know how much I hate wearing ties. Well, this morning I have to preach and my lovely wife says it is a must for me to wear a suit. I came to the office early to do some Jesus stuff completely dressed...except for my tie. Now one of my main reasons I hate wearing a tie is because I simply tie straight up ghetto knots. I cannot for some reason make a knot look good. My 8th grade AG teacher, Mr. Brand, tried to teach the class, but it never worked for me. So I'm here in my office staring at the devil (or a tie) wondering, what I'm going to do...Praise the Lord for google!! I googled "windsor knot", watched the instructional videos, and really focused in on tieing a true ministry knot. Now I know this post will send a lot of "ha ha Ricky your a loser" comments my way, and I'm cool with that. I've confessed my heart and ended up with the best knot I have ever tied.

Saturday's 7

• Mentally getting prepared to preach in the morning. I'm not sure how Lead Pastors do this 3 times a week. I'm pumped and full of energy right now, but tomorrow after the service I will be absolutely drained.
• Preaching on 1 Corinthians 3:10-13... Building on the Right Foundation, with the right materials, and with the right motive.
• I'm looking forward to the 12 hour drive home Sunday afternoon. I haven't spent much time with my family this week and it will be sweet just driving and hanging out.
• I went and played a mighty 4 holes of golf yesterday before I had and emergency phone call. I chipped in on hole #1 from about 30 yards out, by far the greatest shot of my life and no one was around to see it.
• Speaking of my emergency phone call...I love student ministry. For someone to call me in a time of crisis in their life is amazingly humbling. I would give up golf or anything else any day to hug someone and pray with them through a trying time in their life.
• Feeding the seniors and their families Bubba's BBQ after church tomorrow. I got a feeling Megan will be driving the first leg of the trip. Preaching and BBQ, I'll be asleep before we get to Green Forest.
• By the way, 2 years in the waiting I finally bought a truck. It's nothing special at all, but it makes my day when JP yells, "Let's ride in the big boy truck!!" He loves that thing. He spent and hour and a half just walking around in the bed of it Thursday afternoon. I love it when he is happy.

JP and the Baby Doctor

We went to find out what the baby was today, and JP made it clear that he wanted a Georgia-Kate just like his best buddy Benjamin. Well, he is a little disappointed because IT'S A BOY!!

Mind Dump

I'm sitting here in the office thinking through all the things I need to get done. I have ton of stuff going on, and I can't really think straight with so much stuff clogging my brain. So here, for all the world to see, I choose to lay it all out in the open:

• I'm preaching tonight on 1 John 2:1-17. Basically we are going over very specific characteristics a believer MUST have in their life. These are suggestions but Biblical commands. A believer must have a working knowledge of Christ and the atonement, A believer must be obedient, and a believer must love. I'm thankful God cares so much about our conversion that He continually speaks through his word about this very issue.
• Sunday morning is our Senior Graduation Service. We will lose three students to college. I'm excited about this service for several reasons. 1st, we are eating Bubba's BBQ afterwards. 2nd, I think this is really nice for the parents. 3rd, I'm preaching, and I always love to do that.
• I'll be preaching on 1 Corinthians 3:10-13. We'll talk about building a building. No, not some physical structure but the Body of Christ. Paul calls us God's building, and we need to make sure we are building the way God has called us to build: On the right foundation (Jesus) and only with materials that will survive the test of fire (1 order doctrines, holy living, etc.).
• Hit up Itunes and get Kristian Stanfill's new album Attention...It is crazy good. As much respect I have for the father's of modern worship music (Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Charlie Hall, David Crowder...I mean seriously, in 20 years the Baptist hymnal will consist only of these guys, their songs and their versions of old school hymns) Stanfill's album is every bit as good and maybe even a little better. I Need You and Lord of All are ridiculous.
• Heading to Alabama next week. What are my plans you ask? Fishing and golf...that's about it.

Quote of the Day

I'm sitting here in my office waiting for a girl's community group to leave my house. Never did I think, in this short time I was going to spend in my office, I would listen to something so true and convicting:

"This Country is not Gospel-hardened...This Country is Gospel ignorant. Because most pastors are not preaching the Gospel. This position is not for the cowardice or the weak but for wild men and fools." --Paul Washer

Lord, may I preach without fear for the glory of Your name.

I Have Seen The Light

Here is a little recap of Friday night and Saturday Morning:

• We started the night off with some flag football. When I had a 9th grade guy smash a 12th grade girl, I thought this could seriously be a bad idea. I'm just glad the girl was Aubree Fry, Superwoman. Dude, this girl could bench press me, and this monster hit just fired her up.
• Right after the game, we moved into a little "Gotcha" competition or "Knock-Out" if you are weird and you really don't know the name of the game. I was struggling on the still sore ankle, and I was somewhat embarrassed when then 7th grade girls (who are very skilled at basketball) started dominating me.
• When we got back to the church we began worship. Troy did a fantastic job. This guy is seriously skilled and I recommend him to anyone needing a worship leader. We saw some students truly broken over their sin, and one guy I got to talk to really started examining himself and his salvation. It was a good time.
• This is when it all started going downhill. When you have a group of people who want to sleep and another group who has more energy than Speedy Gonzalez on 5-hour energy...it doesn't mix well.
• We survived, and I am just now crawling out of the fetal position and pulling my thumb out of my mouth.
• What light have I seen you ask?? Well, this day I promise: I WILL NEVER DO ANOTHER LOCK-IN!!

Lock-In

So I have had a lot of questions about what all is going to happen at the lock-in...
Here is my attempt in answering those questions:

• 7:00p.m.- Kickoff, Rules, Food, and I'm sure I'll crush someone in ping-pong or box hockey during this time.
• 8:00-10:00- We have flag football over in the Community Center. There has been a ton of trash talking going on concerning this little competition. I don't think they understand what they're getting themselves into.
• 10:00- Worship featuring Troy...This guy is awesome and everyone is invited to attend this time with us...if you are still up.
• 11:30- Heading over to Eureka to the Twice Born Old School Game Room. My good friend Jayme gave me a key and is letting use it for free. They have all the classics.
• 1:00- Some chill time...I'm going to be about to lose it at this point.
• 2:00- The infamous Ooga Booga. If you have no clue what I'm talking about there is a reason.
• 3:00- I think it will be movie time by now.
• 4:30- Lord, please let this be over soon time...
• 4:45- ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!?? It's only been 15 minutes!!
• 5:45- I'm laying over in the corner in the fetal position with my thumb in my mouth crying out to God for relief...Yeah, Lock-ins are that tough.
• 6:00- Breakfast by Heath and Lisa...I love those guys:)
• 7:00- GET OUT SO I CAN GO HOME!! Of course with this will be said with a hug.

Newsletter

I know there may be some of you who do not read the church newsletter (shame on you), so I decided to post my part here. I love talking about grace. Also, I know two posts in one day is extremely rare so don't forget to read "Sunday Action" below...Peace

Right now we are in a series called the “Letter’s of John” on Wednesday nights. We are going through 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John verse by verse trying to see the very heart of the author as we read these divinely inspired letters together. Last week we looked at the first 4 verses, and they absolutely blew me away as we saw that the Apostle John was someone who walked, talked, ate, and prayed with the God-Man, Jesus Christ. One thought that impacted me significantly was that John was allowed to behold eternal life with his own eyes as he saw and interacted with the resurrected Christ even after John abandoned Jesus at his arrest and lost all hope after the crucifixion. Yet, God demonstrated that beautiful grace in establishing him as a vital leader in the early church and spoke through him as he wrote the Gospel of John, these three letters and the beautiful book of Revelation.

The more I read and study the New Testament, the more God reveals his amazing grace. He saved apathetic fishermen, prostitutes, Roman soldiers, jailers, thieves, and even the Christian killer, Paul. There are endless stories of Jesus saving people who many think could never be saved and restoring those who seemingly could not be restored. GRACE!! People need to know about this amazing grace that is available. Go tell someone about the grace that transformed your life…even to those whom you may have no hope for. Remember the promise in Hebrews 7:25:

“Consequently, He (Jesus) is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
Amen…and Amen

Sunday Action

I think yesterday could have been the longest Sunday of my life. I felt like I was here all day, but I did enjoy seeing people fellowship...Community is beautiful. Here's the action that went down:

• The day started off with me getting in the shower and the bar of soap breaking...I hate when that happens.
• For some reason JP had an unreal amount of energy. I'm always making sure that in my heart I'm being thankful that I have a son who can run, jump, and talk. Even though he runs everywhere, jumps loudly, and talk non-stop.
• Sunday School was good with an amazing full room of adults. You know this time of the week is so awesome to me. They refresh me and to see them grow spiritually blesses my heart.
• Then church happened (Just so you know for some reason I can't quit laughing while I'm typing this). The good news is that no cell phones rang during the service...hey, that may sound like a small thing, but that is a major step for SHBC. We had a Gospel Quartet sing which is always exciting. It's true they were not of my musical taste, but they were entertaining...especially the guy with the Yosemite Sam mustache.
• We honored the Senior adults and ate afterwards. Megan kind of headed things up and I was really impressed how she recruited workers. That is the key in ministry...FIND PEOPLE TO HELP!! So I may be bias but I think it went incredibly smooth, and the best part was not one of our student servers spilled a drink on a senior adult...Big plus on the day.
• That afternoon was semi relaxing until JP woke up. I'm not sure why he decided to get up with a horrible attitude but I should have figured it since we was going to be on stage singing for the AWANA ceremony.
• Speaking of...I want to give a huge shout out to Heath and Rama who saved my child from the beating of a lifetime (please do not call child services) when they went on stage and put their arms around my boy before he did or said anything not smart. Seriously, I wouldn't have beat him, but I was expecting any minute for him to take off running and do a Superfly Jimmy Snuka body splash on all the kids in front of him. Yeah, that's an old school WWF reference by the way:)