Intro Video

Today is going to be a real fun day. We are making a video to introduce our ministry to students who are moving up to seventh grade. We have a lot of big ideas, I just hope we are able to pull them off. Brian Odell, the coolest guy ever, has lended us all of his equipment to shoot a great video. After we finish shooting all the footage we'll then take it back to Brian for him to put it all together for us on his sweet new macbook pro. I have almost been convinced that's the way to go when it's time for me to upgrade computers. I know all the cool tech people have them, and I'm not the coolest nor techiest person in the world, but if I watch him make this sweet video with ease...I'm converting. I'll definitely post it on here for you guys to see in about a week or so. We are filming today and probably part of the message Wed. night to finish it up. I'm even going to try and get arrested today. I know what you guys are thinking, "Dude you can't get arrested!! You'll get crushed at the next business meeting." Well, my good friend Kevin Dishroon who is the best policeman in town and also a Mixed Martial Arts Fighter is going to help me out. I think I can take him if it goes to blows.

Ankle Update

For those curious about my ankle...It still hurts.

It's a thing of beauty...

A Change of Plans

Well, my plans for the next two or three weeks were drastically changed this morning around 7:30. First of all I woke up with the idea to tell you about almost altercation with satan (Oh yeah, take that...no capital letter for him), or in my house we call him by the name of Lucky. Lucky is Megan's new yorkie. I was going to tell you about me having a punt, pass and kick tournament all by myself at 4:30 a.m. with satan, or Lucky which ever you prefer, but as mentioned earlier my plans changed. Why you ask?? I rolled my ankle again playing basketball this morning. That's right...again. How bad you ask?? Almost the worst ever. When I rolled it I heard it pop...20 times, and the swelling went straight up my shin. I tried to jump up real quick and walk it out (notice the UNK reference cause I'm ganster, and yes click the link and watch the video) but that was not going to happen. So therefore, I won't be playing basketball for awhile or running or CHURCH SOFTBALL which starts Thursday. I think I'm going to try and man up for that though...we'll see how it goes. Anyway, God kinda taught me some things through this. 1. Pain is because of sin. Not always directly but indirectly. It wasn't a sin for me to play basketball, but because man fell in the Garden of Eden...pain exists. 2. Plans are great...I love plans. You have to make plans, but you cannot live by your plans. Michael had a great post about dividing your time between dreaming and doing. 3. I'm about to go all Casting Crowns on you, but Praise Him in the storms. He is worthy in good times and bad.

Spritual Warfare...In The Bathroom

Before I even start, I want you to know how much I struggled with this post. I'm not sure why, but anyway, here it goes:

I decided last night that God blessed me with a body, not an extremely sexy one or fit one, but one that works and doesn't hurt too bad too often. And with this revelation came a new desire to exercise. Nothing major, but every morning to get up and run, jog, walk around this little track I made up through the neighborhood. It's not far at all...maybe 2, 2 and a half miles. Just a little exercise everyday and a time where I can be all alone with Jesus. This morning was amazing...God ordained even. I know this because when Megan's dog started to bark and I woke up I wasn't ill. I even smiled a little (mainly thinking about my wife having to get up and deal with the aggravating toe muncher). So I jumped up and out the door I went embracing my morning with my Father. It was SUCH a nice morning with a wonderful breeze blowing. So I started my run thanking God for the ability to be able to run. It was actually one of the most spiritual moments I ever had, and I know many of you are laughing right now because you are thinking about me running but get over it. Well, I was praying that this morning would be just Spirit filled. That the church, the Body, would come in with a new attitude toward worship. God just really spoke and told me before I asked for other's attitude to change mine needed to also. Before I taught on spiritual disciplines, I need to become disciplined. God was just moving and gave me words that I new were just for me. So coming into the house to get a shower I was pumped, excited, knowing God was going to move this morning (if not in anyone else but me). Then it all went downhill. I got sick...bad. I don't remember much, but I do remember trying to put my deodorant on and becoming REALLY hot. I mean it was one of those sick hots...does that make sense?? Then I busted out in this horrible sweat that ticked me off. 1. Because I just got out of the shower and I didn't want to feel nasty. 2. Because I realized that I may not be able to worship with the Body like I was looking forward too. I went and kind of hovered over our bed and started praying..."God I don't believe this sickness is of you. I'm asking you to let me feel better even if after church I start feeling the same way again. I just want to go and teach and worship." All of a sudden the freezing feeling I had caused from the sweat was gone. I felt ok. No more puke feeling...God desired me to be ok to work and worship. Please know I'm not for this whole name it and claim it message, but God worked in my life this morning and it was amazing. I just wanted to share that with you guys.

Saturday's 7

• My family is FINALLY back in town. I wonder how I ever made it a total of 5 days without them.
• I didn't comment on my good friend Lucy's Blog, but I would have crapped all over myself if I would have seen a T-Rex when opening the closet door...and yes...I'm afraid of dinosaurs.
• I got some good encouragement from David Bradshaw the other day about keeping up my blog. It always helps to know people are reading. Plus for all you guys who don't know Bradshaw, today I'm officially starting a rally that will encourage him to start blogging so you guys in Berryville, and other places, can see just how cool of a guy he is. Make him a friend on facebook and ask him to start sharing his thoughts. Seriously...I mean it.
• I still owe Wes George money from the concert the other night. I have got to get that over there or he is going to shut off my credit line with First Assembly.
• We are going to pick up Lucky, our new dog, today. If someone is interested in owning a yorkie let me know...I got one available.
• What's your favorite bible translation?? Please let me know, because I'm really interested.
• I went fishing out at Heath's a few days ago. When I got in the boat the wind wasn't bad, but it changed quick. I have never worked so hard in my entire life as I did the other day paddling across that pond. Picture me...in a boat...by myself...in a pond...wind 60 mph...and crying because all I want to do is get on land. Yep, that was my fishing trip.

Alabama Update

For all of you guys that have been missing me oh so much...Here is an update:

• It is freaking dry here. I walked across my parents yard and you could actually feel the grass breaking under your shoe. I have NEVER seen anything like this.
• I went to First Baptist this morning. Michael Whitt can still preach like no other. The man is gifted and I have a feeling most the people honestly have no clue how good he is. God has gifted Mike.
• Again about this morning, I heard I believe my first sermon totally on heaven. I never knew a message about such a wonderful place could be so convicting. But again, Mike is gifted.
• I went to Ryan Johnson's house after church tonight. FBC definitely upgraded when I left. I'm glad to see somebody there who genuinely loves those kids, and his wife is pretty amazing too, and JP made a move on his daughter Ella.
• I'm eating Willy T's tomorrow with Ron Abernathy. I'm so going to tear up some special sauce.
• I got to see Phillip and Tanner...My life is complete.
• I'm missing Berryville a ridiculous amount. It was great seeing everyone and getting to spend some time with family, but God is just so amazing how He sets a love in your heart for a certain place. We have it for Berryville.
• I miss my students a ton...I'll post later about my change of teaching plans this summer. It is going to be hardcore.

Saturday's 7

• Me and Nolan went to Eureka to play basketball this morning. It was HOT!! I was dead after two trips down the floor.
• We went to Branson and saw Prince Caspian last night. A lot better than the first one for a couple different reasons:1. Not near as mythical 2. The fight scenes were really good.
• We are going to First Assembly for the end of school concert my man Wes is doing next Wed. It should be amazing.
• JP is growing up really fast. It is so weird for him to carry on a conversation with me.
• I really want to go floating.
• I have been eating a lot of Cinnamon Toast Crunch lately. It's pretty much the best cereal ever.
• I'm calling the Lakers to win it all this year. I know what happened after I guaranteed North Carolina to win it all, but this is completely different. I don't even like the Lakers....there just that good

Saturday's 7 on Sunday...A Zoo Recap

I know what you are thinking..."Man, Ricky sure is starting to lag behind on the blog." Listen, life is busy with a family that includes a two year old. Anyway, I'm done defending myself.

• We went to the zoo yesterday in Springfield. It was actually a lot of fun even though JP had a few meltdowns.


• Out of all the things we did I believe JP enjoyed the train ride the most. We are such a happy family.

• I realized the simple things satisfy him...Like walking on rocks.

• We also learned that JP has really bad allergies. When he sneezes he is screaming for a tissue. Mom is always there for the rescue because I'm not a big fan of boogers. This picture is him realizing he snotted all over himself.

• 
  He got a monkey...an ugly monkey...but he absolutely lives it.
  


• I will load all the pictures and a really sweet video of JP singing his favorite song on my facebook. Check it out.


• On a side note we are getting a puppy. His name is Lucky. Don't ask how he got that name. I'm not excited, but I guess I'll live.

Saturday's 7

• We had a Sunday School Party today. I'm not sure how many came (I'm sure somebody did), but it was a lot of folks and their kids.
• Two things I learned today: 1. My wife and Lisa Worley stress out more about these things than anyone on the planet. 2. Me and Heath Worley do nothing but make it worse.
• I do want to say my wife does an incredible job being a mother. She takes care of everybody and everything. I love her a lot.
• My son rode his first horse today. He is growing up so quick.
• My son also stepped in his first pile of horse dook. Don't worry, Mom came to the rescue.
• The Worley's have the ideal living arrangement.
• I'm glad we are at a church where we can love so easily and be loved without question. We have met some of the most amazing people this past year.

Confession: Cherry Pie

Sometimes I feel like a horrible parent. I have moments where I just quit thinking and do some of the dumbest stuff ever. Do you know what I'm saying?? There could be this incredibly huge list I could write out for you, but to be honest it is kind of depressing the more I think about it. But here's one more to add to the confessions of a youth pastor.
So here it is: It started out all cute. We all thought it was so funny, then we started to notice the changes. His ocassional request turned into constant demands. Sometimes we would give in, and allow the cycle to continue. We allowed another taste of addiction. You see our son is addicted to Guitar Hero. Specifically, he is addicted to Cherry Pie. I'm not sure when the obsession with this particular song happened, but for the past two days it has been a continuos, "I wanna pway cherr pie daddy". We should have seen it coming. So you see...Even as a youth pastor I do many stupid things. We have started denying the requests to play guitar hero and therefore have began his treatment. I know what a lot of you are saying, "Ricky, dude, you over reacting." Maybe I am. But we have made a comittment to remain strong on this issue.

Disclaimer-- Please know that this is not a serious post. Do not call, write, email, or comment on how bad of a parent I may be. Also do not request for the termination of my position in the ministry. My son does love to play guitar hero, but I place the blame for his obsession solely on Phillip Weems, The TJ Mauldin Band, The students of Southern Heights Baptist Church, and Megan Sowell:)

Here Lately...

Things have been really good here in my life lately. Tiring, busy, constant, but always good. Here is a list of things that has been going on...just to catch you up:

• I finished my exegesis on Phil. 2:1-11. It was incredibly tough and time consuming. If by any chance you would like to read it hit me up and I'll email you a copy.
• We finished our "He Will Be Called..." series and tonight we are going to talk about true worship.
• Ellis Cook has been hanging out with me a lot lately. I've been whooping him in some XBox 360, he has done some stuff for me around the office, and JP absolutely loves him. I see God doing some amazing things through this guy.
• That marriage seminar Megan and I went to seems to really be improving our marriage.
• I have two new classes starting Monday. Theology and Philosophy. The best part...NO PAPERS!!
• Michael Jr may be the funniest man ever...Watch this and this and my favorite one.
• We are going to First Assembly May 28th to go hear Leyden in concert. Big shout out to Wes for getting this one together.

Saturday's 7...on Monday

I feel pretty bad that I have waited until now to do my regular Saturday post. I like to think you guys are checking this every hour or so just to see if I have updated. I know in all reality you may stumble across these posts when you are completely bored and have NOTHING else to do, but for my own pride...I'm going to keep on believing you guys are hooked on my blog. Today's list is a special one. I got to go to a Gary Chapman marriage conference this weekend with some couples in our church. It was definitely a plus to go. Here are some random thoughts on the day.

• Love is you doing what your spouse wants you to do even when you don't want to do it.
• After the conference it seemed like all of the couples had their arm around each other or they were holding hands. I think all it took was one husband grabbing his wife's hand and all of the other guys were like, "Oh crap! I better do something like that too."
• Heath Worley cannot eat without getting something all over himself, and then proceed to "accidentally" transfer from his shirt to his wife's.
• I told Gary Chapman my wife made me come:)
• I learned not to say everything I think...This is something Marci Rogers has been telling me from day one.
• We all went and ate ice cream after the conference. Me and Megan shared our ice cream cone. Not really, but it would have been extremely sweet if I had thought about that Saturday instead of right now.
• Marriage is a lot of work, but there isn't anyone else I would rather work with than my beautiful, caring, understanding wife.

Spandex, Track Meets, and Weird Weather

My life, here in the Ozark Mountains, has been extremely crazy. This past Sunday I had the oppurtunity to go and preach at New Hope in Omaha, Arkansas. This was a lot of fun. You should have seen their faces when I started talking about spandex. They were like, "Who is this weird freak in our pulpit??!!" And I can understand. They didn't know me and my weird personality. It ended up being a fantastic morning, where the Spirit really moved. I got to talk to them a lot about their faith and the evidences of it in someone's life.



Yesterday I drove half way around the world to Gravette, AR to go to the JUNIOR HIGH track meet. Never having been to one before, besides the one in Eureka I stayed a total of 10 minutes, I really enjoyed it. I never could have imagined the races being so exciting. Berryville guys were crushing when me and the family left, but the girls were behind just little. Just a few shout outs to some of my students: Destiny, dude you amaze me at how hard you run and I appreciate the laugh from the triple jump. Ellis, I missed the shotput but watching you do the long jump made me want to go and crush the opposition. Whitely, You hit like three hurdles but you looked good doing it. Micaela, You looked like you had been running hurdles forever. Grant, I missed the high jump, sorry. Emory, You are a machine.



The weather here is really aggravating. It can be so nice for two or three days, and then it is cold again. The wind NEVER stops blowing.

Saturday's Seven

• I got up about 5:30 to go play some basketball in Eureka Springs this morning. I sucked it up, although I was proud Levi got out of the bed and went with me.
• I have finished alot on my exegesis, but I still have a lot more to go. We are now getting into the actual explanation of each passage part. This will be tough.
• We went to Fayetteville yesterday and got JP's new big boy bed. We put it in his room and asked if he liked it. He responded with a drop dead serious..."Noooooo".
• We still have about 6 spots left for M-Fuge this summer...Wanna go??
• I'm pretty upset I'll miss my basketball game tomorrow, but I'm excited about preaching in Omaha.
• I'll be preaching the sermon, "Spandex and Your Faith" tomorrow morning. It's a challenging, hard hitting message. Pray for the service.
• I told my wife I wanted to wear a spandex workout shirt to preach in, you know for visual effects. She responded with a drop dead serious..."Nooooo".

Taste the Rainbow

I love candy. Maybe it it's the sugar...I don't know, but here lately I have been on a candy kick. Today I would like to give you guys my top five favorite fruity candy (does that sound gay?).

5. Starbursts- I love these things. They would have been higher but I absolutely hate having to unwrap each individual one.

4. Sour Patch Kids- I have never been really big on sour stuff, but these little guys are addictive.

3. Gummie Bears- These guys are classics. Who doesn't like gummie bears??

2. Jelly Belly- In 1976 the first eight flavors of Jelly Belly were born. Now they boast 50 natural flavors. That's right...I know my Jelly Belly.

1. Skittles- I know everyone is going to want to debate this, but seriously...There is nothing better than a good pack of skittles.

I would love to hear your favorites...Umm...Taste the rainbow

Saturday's Seven

• I love playoff basketball, Even if it is the NBA. Lebron James is a stinking beast. Don't listen to what Phillip says.
• My wife is enjoying the backyard more than I am, and I love it.
• I ready to play some basketball Sunday...
• Our new house is amazing. Of all the places I've lived, this is the all-time favorite.
• Will summer ever be here? I mean honestly, am I the only one incredibly tired of cold windy days.
• Me and JP have been reading through the bible together everynight. We read this one.
• I get to preach at New Hope Baptist in a couple of Sundays. The title of the message...Spandex and Your Faith. It's going to be interesting.

Magnum

You know some mornings I just get up thinking about weird stuff. This morning: Ben Stiller. He has got to be one of the funniest people ever. I mean think of his list of not only incredibly funny movies, but his incredibly everlasting funny moments. You know what I mean. Those scenes after you watch you repeat for days. Here are a few:

• Starsky and Hutch- "Do it"

• Meet the Parents- "Thank you oh sweet ,sweet Lord of Hosts"

• Zoolander- "Magnum"

What do you guys think about my Magnum face?? What are some of your favorite Ben Stiller Moments?

God Produces

Lately if you have seen me or read my blog, you have noticed that I haven't been in the greatest moods. I've been tired and ill. I have been filled with unrighteous anger, not at anyone, but just at the demands of daily life. But through God I have overcome. You see this morning has been different for some reason. It actually started last night when I witness God heal a heart right in front of me. To actually see with my own eyes the transformation of one's desires was absolutely amazing. Right after that, a pastor friend called and wanted me to preach at his church the 27th. I walked in side watching JP climb up the stairs, wondering why God has given me such an amazing life. Megan was at a VBS clinic so me and JP had the whole house to ourselves. I was changing clothes getting prepared for a night of running around battling my strongwilled child when I walked into the living room and he was sitting in my recliner watching the Red Sox. He sat with me the rest of the night. We read our Bible and prayed together and it may have been the best prayer time I have ever had. I woke up at like 10:30 to this beautiful woman who had just gotten home from Fayettville. Man, I have a hot wife. This morning God is just moving in me. Phillipians 2:13 says that God produces in you the desires and actions that please Him. God does it. My desires are wrong and filthy but God desires me to glorify Him. He is so faithful. I'm sorry blog world for my complaining...I'm sorry for not allowing God to produce in me righteousness. Thank you Father for reminding me You are in control. I'm just going to sit here for awhile, worshipping Jesus. Because it is grace that allows me to be here. He has filled my heart with more than I can hold inside. I pray that you too can be reminded of how great Jesus is and be filled.

The Dog Factor

Megan and I used to have a yorkie...I hated it. Notice I said we USED to have a yorkie. You see one day I found him chewing on my wallabees, which he knew was wrong. I punished him by sticking him in the toilet and flushing it a few times. He had to fight the strong swirling current of our powerful toilet that was advertised as being able to flush 12 golfballs. OK...I made that up but it was a lot nicer than what I wanted to do to him. For some reason, despite the blatant abuse he took from me in particular, the dog freaking loved me. When Megan got pregnant we had to give him away because of his ferocious jealously. He would attack Megan if she tried to hug me. I wanted to be able to hold my future son so off he went to some unlucky elderly couple. This morning we were approached with the opportunity to have ANOTHER yorkie. I can't believe we are actually considering it. We know JP would love it, but I don't like unneeded responsibility. It pees and dooks and chews on wallabees. It would be nice to say, "Hey I have a dog" but is it worth it?? I need some advice you guys...I want your opinion. The ups and downs of dog ownership. Be honest. Be helpful.

Funniest Thing Ever

So most of you guys who know me know I love to read blogs. I like the rough, uncut, unedited, thoughts of people. They just fascinate me. So today as I was going down "my reads" column, I came across this blog. I have never laughed so stinking hard in my life. He has dedicated his time to make fun of things that Christians seem to be obsessed with. I know most of you guys are way too busy to go down the list and read everything so I figured I would post my most favorite three so far:

• The Bald Worship Leader
• The Mandatory youth minister goatee
• Flags, Handbells, and Puppets (please read this one)

I want to thank Prodigal John for making me laugh this morning....I needed it.