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!!