Second Look @ Sunday

Few thoughts from a snow-filled, action-packed day:

• Still amazed that God has allowed us at Discovery Church to partner with Uncharted International. They are doing some amazing things around the globe.
• Thankful for Brian Kerney sharing how the PEACE plan plays a part in all that Uncharted is doing.
• Wonder if Kerney will ever use the Twitter account I just referenced. Hm...?
• Spent the weekend sick and on the couch. Gave me plenty of time to do research on the new head ball coach at Florida. Welcome to Gator Nation, Coach Will Muschamp.
• Thankful for Darrin Carnahan & the rest of the worship team. Amazed by musicians who can hear a song one day and play it the next.
• By the way, welcome Darrin to the world of Twitter. Follow him!
• Excited for our friends at One Life. Sounds like God did some amazing things that were celebrated in baptism this week. Somewhere around 49 people baptized in two services today. Read some incredible descriptions on Facebook here.
• Big Idea from the Sermon: God uses ordinary people to accomplish His purposes. Mary risked her whole life for the One who gave her her whole life.
• Our family is sponsoring a child. Is yours? If not, make that one of the gifts you give this Christmas season. More info here.

Tuesday's Thoughts

Okay many people take a break once a week and do a mind dump on their blog. I think that there is something catartic about it. So as a weekly feature, I'll place my random thoughts on here for you to read.

• Sunday was freakin' awesome. The setup in the childrens area rocked. Way to go team!
• I can't believe that I said the phrase "menstrual problems" in my sermon. Definitely a first.
• Had a really cool conversation with a friend at Starbucks last night. He has become infected with the disease called Jesus. As the Russian proverb says, "Those infected with the disease called Jesus are never cured."
• By the way, Starbucks weren't ready for us this Sunday so they gave us free coffee. They can run a little late every week as long as they give us free coffee!
• My fantasy teams took big hits this weekend. I can't believe that I took Tom Brady with the 3rd overall pick. UGH.
• I'm loving the new Chris Tomlin CD. It's in steady play on the iPod during my morning workout.
• Speaking of morning workouts, I had my body fat tested and I've lost 2.3% body fat in the past four weeks. I'm down to really fat from obviously really fat.
• The Colts looked horrible Sunday night. It just goes to show how important every cog is. Hurry up and get healthy Jeff Saturday.
• Speaking of Saturday, it's always good to see the Gators beat the Canes.
• Looking forward to an interview this Sunday as we continue the Urban Legends series.

I'm So Thankful

This past week featured Thanksgiving. During worship yesterday morning, our pastor spoke about the importance of developing a mindset of thankfulness. He mentioned that he was once challenged to write out 20 things for which he was thankful. In that spirit, I'm attempting to create a similar list. Please enjoy or feel free to comment with your own list.

• My wife, Kitten. You are the most amazing woman in the world. Thank you for your patience with me.
• My daughter Alyssa Grace. You made me laugh so hard yesterday walking around acting like Hannah Montana.
• My daughter Morgan Faith. I love it when you snuggle into my body and sleep. You have reminded me of the delight that the Father must have when we rest in Him.
• My nephews. It is so much fun to have you run up and jump in my arms and yell "Uncle Trey."
• My in-laws. You have taught me so much. Thank you for welcoming me into your family.
• My friends. (I'm not going to cheat the process and name you specifically just to get a number, but I am very thankful for each of you).
• New friends. I'm so glad that we've gotten to meet each other this year (especially Dan, Geoff, Kevin & Esther and Billy & Sarah).
• Our home. A lovely 3 BR, 2 BA ranch on Evansville's growing Northside. Want to buy it?
• Two well-operating vehicles that allow us to drive all over Evansville (at a mere $2.96/gallon).
• The past. You realize today's blessings so much easier when you look at where God has taken you in the past.
• The future. It is so exciting to look and see where God is taking us in the future as well.
• Olivet Presbyterian Church. I honestly could have never imagined staying in one place to serve for 8 years as a youth minister when I came. Yet you have become family. Kitten and I are so thankful for you. You bless us on a regular basis.
• The youth workers at Olivet. Wow! You truly are the youth ministers at Olivet. Thanks for not collecting a salary so that I can.
• Discovery Church. (Can you be thankful for a church that hasn't even had a service yet?) I look forward to growing and serving alongside you in the future.
• Discovery's Launch team. Thank you for committing to serve those who will come to check us out over the next seven months.
• Discovery's Board of Directors. Thank you for saying "yes." You have already provided so much to the process. I look forward to learning so much more from each of you.
• Tim Tebow. If he doesn't win the Heisman, they should change the name of the award to "Heist-man." You can vote for Tim to win here.

• God's sovereignty. I find it very comforting to know that God is in control.
• Microsoft's generosity. They're fixing my XBox 360 for free and extending the warranty. Now if I could just get the process to happen quicker.
• Evansville. I remember growing up thinking that I would want to live anywhere but Evansville. Now I realize just how great Evansville is. I hope that 2008 sees continued growth and development happening within the city/county.