"Sent Ones"

Bible study at Panera. Reflections: Six of us met for a time of fellowship and the word. Wonderful testimonies of how God is using prayer, guidance of the Holy Spirit and our willingness to relinquish our rights in order to accomplish what He wants done. God spoke today that we are his "sent ones" and He does not have a back up plan. God is counting on all of us to do His will.

Comeback Victory

The Colts were able to come from behind to win against the Vikings. Big plays helped them overcome their turnovers and missed field goal attempt. Sometimes life comes at us with plans that misfire or unexpected events that cause us to lose ground on achieving our objectives, but a big play, an answer to prayer, an unexpected blessing, a word of encouragement can help us come from behind and win. God is an expert at comeback victories. They put Jesus in the grave but three days later Jesus achieved the greatest comeback victory when he rose from the dead. I was so glad that the Colts won this past week because I had purchased some tickets for Sarah to go to the game. Because I had paid the price I wanted her to enjoy a Colts victory. How much more, since Jesus paid the price does he want us to enjoy the victory over sin and death.

Flag Football

I coached my first flag football game today. Our team gave an all out effort that resulted in a 6 to 6 tie. We gave up a touchdown with .37 seconds on the clock but dug in and stopped the extra point attempt. It was exciting and disappointing at the same time. I am still searching for the first coaching victory. Maybe next week. It is fun experience working with 7 boys age 9 to 10. I pray for an eternal deposit to be made through the course of our season.

9/11

It is forever embedded in my mind where I was and what I was doing on September 11, 2001. I was at my desk preparing a message for Erin Rogers Grandmothers funeral in Muncie when Debbie called me from Denver and said, "turn on the TV you won't believe what has happened". I watched in horror, bewilderment and shock as the twin towers fell to the ground. It was world view by radical Islams who thought killing innocent people held for them some kind of honor here and in the after life. Certainly it was Satanically inspired to kill, steal and destroy lives and to plunge us into a war on terrorism. In spite of differences of opinion on the job President Bush has done, we should at least be thankful today that we have had no more terrorist attacks on our soil since 9/11 - 2001. And continue to heed the admonition from I Timothy 2:1 I Exhort, therefore, that, first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

Weekend Update

I so appreciated the message from Kurt Holthus, missionary to the Dominican Republic. It was a challenge to us all to keep being salt and light to the world. There is so much darkness and decay that the church must maintain it's preservative affect lest more hellish things take place around us. The church(the called out followers of Christ) are the ones who restrain and push back the darkness so the light of the glorious gospel can shine. Keep salty and keep letting your light shine! You make a difference in the world. Mark your calendars for next June, start saving your money now and then go to the DR and impact that nation for God.

empty nest

Debbie and I enjoyed our weekend in Minneapolis taking Sarah to NCU until we had to leave. We just looked at each other wondering where the time had gone and when she had grown up. We are so proud of the way both our daughters have made their decisions as they follow Jesus. However, the personal void of their physical absence is an emotional trauma to deal with. We are looking to the Lord for His guidance and grace so we can avoid the pitfalls of depression over it. Somehow I feel totally unprepared for this chapter in our lives and I am still looking for the "all things working for our good" part of this new season. By faith I am certain I have what I need, but I am not feeling it much these days.

Charlotte

Chilling with Paul Hinzman in Charlotte today! Friends are a gift that you never know what you are going to get of have to give. We arrived at 3:00 am on Monday and are ready for a great week of minstry, fun and craziness with 10,000 teenagers.

Back from South Africa

Sarah gets home today from an 18 day journey to South Africa. What an experience she had. I cannot wait to hear more of what she experienced. I know God ordained this trip and that deposits were made that are part of shaping her future. For God has said in his word that he works all things out for the good for those who love Him.

Victory over death.

The wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23a What a horrible consequence entered humanity when Adam and Eve sinned. We know we are no better than they since everyhone of us who lives expects that some day we will die. Proof also that we all have sinned. We may live like we are going to be here forever but reality hits us from time to time when someone we know, love and care about dies. I am so grateful for the second part of Romans 6:23. "the gift of God is eternal life". Theresa Salazar, Sabrina Garzas' mom(our Youth Pastor Joels' wife) received that wonderful gift and has entered into eternity with the Lord. Their sense of loss is accompanied by a clear sense of victory because of her faith in Jesus Christ as savior and Lord. I say with Paul, "thanks be to God who gives us the victory over death" Joel and Sabrina all of ALC is praying for you and your family. Thank you for your testimony of faith.

Once a month blogger

when I began this blog I had no idea I would get bogged down blogging. Too much happens in a month to be effective. We are about 75% finished with our renovations. The church is looking good. I pray that what we are doing in the natural will carry over in the spirit. God come and renovate our lives from the inside out.

Sharing the Gospel

Yesterday was a great day! I had several opportunities to talk about the Lord. While getting my haircut, I was able to share my testimony of salvation. At the mall while Debbie was looking for shoes to wear to the wedding, I was able to invite Warren to church and he said he would come in two weeks. I love it when God opens doors to speak to others the word of God.

Thank God for my wife

I wife who fears the Lord is to be praised! It is a joy to be married to the love of my life. Debbie is an incredible woman of God who ministers to people in so many ways. God truly gave me His best when He gave her to be my life's partner. After 27 years of marriage I can honestly say I know that the best is still ahead of us. Our culture often views youth as the prime of life, but I can see that where we are headed will be more wonderful than where we have been. Thank you Jesus for your promise that if we keep on loving you first we will keep on loving each other best!

Farmers Market

The summer season gives us great opportunities to interact with our neighbours. I love the ALC Farmers Market. Our ladies served up some delicious strawberry shortcake yesterday and we had steady traffic all evening. Thanks Dave and the whole Farmers Market team. Anyone who gives a cup of cold water in the name of the Lord shall not lose his reward.

Restoraton

We are fully engaged in out remodel project. The goal is to make needed in improvements and give the church a fresh updated look. In the process we have uncovered some things that you could not see from the surface. Underneath what we could see on the outside, we discovered deteriorating materials that were in horrible shape. Sometimes our lives look that way. Good on the outside but underneath we are in need of some restorative work. God is the one who comes to us to restore our soul. To put us back in shape inside and out. As you see the remodel take shape remember Jesus came to save us and to restore us. He can make you good as new.

Birthday!

Today is my birthday. I was born in 1957, so you do the math. It is great to live every year with a purpose. I was 21 when I began living my life for the Lord and I continue to stand in awe of all the blessings that have come my way in 30 years. The apostle Paul spoke about not wanting the grace of God to have come to him in vain. In other words it is important that we fulfill God's purpose for why he saved us. "God's kingdom come and His will be done!

Laminin - Wow!

Tad Finch sent me the link from God Tube of Louie Giglio preaching on the subject of our indescribable God. He uses several illustrations but the one about a cell adhesive protein molecule that travels through out our bodies was over the top. It's structure is in the shape of a cross and it's purpose is to hold our cells together. How appropriate that the Bible says that 'he holds all things together' and he does it through the cross. You see the parallel. What holds us together in the natural also holds us together in the spirit.

weekend update

1. I there anything more exciting than a new Christian who is on fire for God. Marty Corpuz's baptism was over the top.

2. My wife is the best cook. She made a great pork roast and all the fixins for Carrie's farewell dinner. We had 10 of us. Sarah is a magnet/leader who always draws more kids home for Sunday lunch.

3. Garage sale season is here. Debbie and I went all over Friday morning treasure hunting. The greates treasure I found was a kids golf set for $1.00.

4. New members class had been great. We have great people here at ALC.

5. Tammy Marko pours her heart into leading the choir. I know it is going to grow.

Who is Davidson

I have been enjoying the Madness, no not ALC the NCAA tournament. Did anyone pick Davidson? Who are they? They were founded in 1837 by some Presbyterians. The student enrollment is 1700. This is like David and Goliath. Most of the universities they are playing are ten times there size. Well like David, Davidson has taken dead aim at fearlessly defeating their opponents. They have been a bracket buster for me but I cannot help but pull for the underdog. Davidson all the way! www.davidson.edu

Friends

This week-end Debbie will be in West Chester, PA attending Isaiah Hollis's wedding. Kristie and Greg Hollis are some of our best friends. She will be there to support, help and share the blessing of this once in a life-time event in their families life. That is what friends do. They love at all times. They sacrifice to be there in good and bad times. They live, love and laugh there way through these moments together. Friends are a gift from God. May you be blessed with good friends.

Easter Weekend

I thought I would share a few random thoughts from this past week-end.

1. Special thanks to the incredible volunteers who showed up to make Sunday a huge day. The ladies who stuffed 3,000 eggs, the set-up and clean-up crews, kitchen staff who made a fantastic breakfast, choir, worship team, sign team, children's workers, teachers, and techs, you all showed up, prayed up and ready to love others. Way to be ministers for Jesus!

2. Several people were filled with new hope and salvation at the altar. That is what it is all about.

3. It was our high attendance day of the year so far.(258)

4. Beautiful sunny day and the egg hunt worked out great.

5. Jesus is so wonderful.

Let the Madness begin

In the next 3 weeks over 100 college basketball games will have been played in 3 national tournaments. This is a basketball junkies dream time. I fit that description. I have filled out the brackets several times and love following the road to San Antonio and see who wins the NCAA championship. Let the madness begin!

Week End Report

Highlights from this past week.

1. Worship was great. Mark Marlow was spectacular on the guitar.

2. Great time of fellowship/food in the gym. Thanks to all who set up and made side dishes to go with fried chicken.

3. There is a growing sense of unity and expectation about becoming a break-out church. Keep praying.

4. Our annual Business Meeting was well attended and the congregation has approved moving forward with the proposed renovation giving our exterior a face lift and adding outside lighting and new signs. Our elders/deacons have been such a blessing as we worked through the needs and concerns of our facility. It is our prayer that 20 and 30 years from now those who come after us will appreciate what we have done.

5. Another discipleship group began this week for singles. Thanks to Lisa Thornton for stepping up and leading this 8 week study.

Springfied Report

We were so blessed last week in Springfield, MO. Our time with friends and family was awesome. Big news in the Martin family. Some of you know Pastor Tim Martin @ Life church, his sister Tiffany is getting Married to an Indiana young man, Tyler Hackett from Lafayette. Congrats.
Bethany was great sharing her dream of getting trained in order to train others who are in discipling/rehab type ministries like Teen Challenge International. She will be graduating in May and enrolling in the fall at AGTS to get her Masters in Christian Counseling. We had a good 2 hours of touring AGTS and meeting key people who were so helpful with meeting professors, staff, financial aid department etc. Debbie and Beth searched and found affordable housing in a nice safe area. Pray with us for an opening at the right time.
The Prayer Summit was awesome. Jim Cymbala brought anointed messages that blessed and challenged all of us in many ways. You can hear the messages posted on the AG website. I praise God for healing as I left not feeling too well but came back in much better shape physically and spiritually. I love those times of soaking in the presence of God at an altar. It was so refreshing.

Springfield, MO

Debbie and I are driving to Springfield, MO for a prayer summit Monday through Thursday. We will be hearing Jim Cymbala and the Brooklyn Tab. Choir as we attend the conference. Of course we will also see our daughter, Bethany. She is taking a short term class over spring break which means she will be in class 8am to 12 noon daily. So we will have some afternoon or evening time. Also longtime friends Lyla Boyer is having surgery in Springfield on Tuesday so we will be able to be with her and Lynn. Springfield has many memories for Debbie and I. It is where we met, got engaged and lived for the first three years of our life together. We always enjoy going back. See you all in a few days.

Irreplaceable

I remember a movie called "The Replacements" about professional football players who went on strike and an owner who replaced them in order to field a team. Well, you can imagine the challenge of starting over with an entire different talent pool etc. I am sitting here today after Wanda Marcum's funeral and thinking about her and Hallie Clifford and Nellie Williams and others, wondering how do you replace people like that who have loved God and loved people. You know these three ladies each served the Lord for over 50 years. That is over 150 years collectively of touching lives from these three women alone. You know what I think? I think each of us are a "one of a kind" person. No one can truly replace any other human being. I think God gives each of us unique gifts and opportunitities to become irreplaceable in the hearts of those we touch. Go ahead, live BIG because you are irreplaceable.

Breaking Barriers

Breaking barriers! Can you except a challenge? I believe Easter we are going to break the 200 attendance barrier. We came close 3 weeks ago when we had 187 at church. Let's just do it!
I shared 7 essentials to becoming a breakout church at our leadership meeting last night. We have a great team coming together. We are going to pursue becoming a breakout church the right way. With these 7 essentials:
1. Vision - shared vision is a powerful motivater.

2. Integrity - Honesty is still the best policy.

3. Commitment - Without commitment it is difficult to win in most of life's challenges.

4. Timing - God is able to make all things beautiful in His time.

5. Organization - We are not only drawing up plans but organizing ways to get them done.

6. Relationships- The church body must pull together as a team relating to each other with concern for shared success.

7. Yieldedness - When we yield in absolute reliance on the Holy Spirit we will experience His power working in and through us.

week end update

1. Our teams did a great job covering all the bases. We cannot do ministry alone. We really do need each other. We had several of our leaders who were sick,(we are praying for their quick healing and return to health and strength)but it was great to see others step up and fill the gaps and do their best on short notice.
2. On Saturday Debbie and I had a great time watching Sarah win first place in her dance competition out at Greenfield Central High School. Then on Sunday she was inducted into the National Honor Society at LN. We celebrated with lunch at Red Lobster. Way to go Sarah! You and Beth both always make us proud.
3. "In the news" was over the top this week. Luke 21: 31 says, " when you see these things happening recognize the kingdom of God is near." Thanks Gary Tiese you are doing a great job of leading this small group.
4. Dave Hay's class is in Proverbs and the theme this week was Anger. I appreciated Dave making it clear that anger in itself is not sin. We can be angry but not sin. We just have to allow the Lord to help us direct the energy that the emotion of anger stirs in our lives. Great stuff to apply to our lives.

Last months reading list

I have my nose in several books right now:

1. Simple Church by Thom S. Rainer & Eric Geiger The subtitle is returning to God's process for making disciples.
2. I have borrowed from Keith Wagler the trilogy by Ted Dekker Black, Red, White. This fictional series deals with the concept that we are living in two realities. The Physical and the Spiritual. It took me a few chapters to embrace the style but I am now on book three and looking forward to how it wraps up.
3. The Bible - on track to not miss a day in the book of books. I have read, Proverbs, Matthew, Mark, part of Luke, Psalms and Genesis.
4. Also, I previously mentioned "Confessions of a Pastor" by Craig Groeshel. See one of my previous blogs titled "Get real" in January

Building Momentum

Sometimes the difference between winning and losing is a shift in momentum. I have watched and played enough sports to witness this phenomenon many times. Eli Manning's pass and Tyrees' remarkable catch was a real momentum booster at that stage of the super bowl. It propelled their team to victory.

I can sense our momentum building at ALC. Shared enthusiasm and excitement is creating an atmospere of greater expectation. Our faith is being built up. Lives are being touched through our week-end services. And we are growing in our intensity to continue praying. Let's do some crazy praying over the next 40 days and I believe God will send us some crazy answers to our prayers. The result-- sustained momentum thrusting us past any barriers to growth.

week end review

So many have commented on what a great service we experienced this past Sunday. What our a great altar response. I left feeling so encouraged. Our attendance was 50 over what it was last year on this date and I know there were some new names written down in heaven. You don't want to miss this Sunday as we look at the powerful principle of the three chairs. Come find out which chair you are sitting in.

Winter Break in Naples FL

Debbie and I are headed to Florida for a few days.(4 to be exact) It is Deb's birthday so this is a great time to be able to do something she loves. We are looking forward to some beach time, sunsets, reading(on the beach) and taking our nephew to lunch,(he is in Master's Commission in Fort Meyers). We have developed a few favorite restaurants that we are already excited about re-visiting. Gatzby's pizza is the best and Pinchers our favorite for peel and eat shrimp. We will also be connecting with Kurt and Debbie Holthus, our missionary friends who lead Hope International and have been given uncommon favor in the Dominican Republic. They have asked me to serve on their advisory board as they seek to build a clinic on property donated by the DR government. I am really excited to be a part of this effort. The missions trip to the DR 2008 is set for June 23 - July 1. The cost is $1500.00 for all who may want to go.

We will do our best to bring some sunshine home.

Everyday People Are dying

Many were shocked last week when one of Hollywoods young stars was found dead in his NY appartment. It is sad that Heath Ledger, a talented actor, died so young. I cannot help but wonder where he is right now. For those who believe in Jesus, I mean really and truly believe that He is the only way to the Father, the Bible teaches us that when we die, our soul departs and is then with the Lord. Everyday, poeple of all ages die. It should concern us. That is why we are here. That through us the truth about how to connect with God and live with Him forever would be made known. As real as heaven is so is hell. May the Lord use us to help make it more difficult to go to hell from our city. I found an internet link that said 9703 people die every hour. That is approximately 2 people every second. Just a reminder that what we do does matter and for some it matters for eternity. Another reason why I chose the name of this blog "Today Matters" because it does.

Ministry At Work

The announcement yesterday of Coach Tony Dungy's return to continue coaching the Indianapolis Colts is a blessing to our city. It is refreshing to hear a man in his position declare that His work is also His ministry. What a great mindset to have. I believe that if all of us who love the Lord, would embrace their work in such a manner we would make an impact on our world. I can recommend a book by John Maxwll called "Life@Work" that speaks to the how to's of being successful in the marketplace for people of faith. God has sovereignly placed people of faith in all walks of life so that those who need the Lord may encounter HIM. They may not come to church yet, but we the church are coming to them right where they live and work.

Running after the vision!

Vision, what is your vision for the church? Many times that question has brought up all my insecurities as the weight of the reality and responsibility I have as pastor to lead the congregation, like Moses, out of Egypt and into the promised land feels overwhelming. Really, I think it is the fear of failure as the under shepherd of God's flock that drives those feelings. What a great encouraging word II Timothy 1:7 was to Timothy and to us who seek to lead. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind. He gives us the courage to go forth with His vision. Simply put we are here to reach people. We are praying to connect as many people as possible with God and with each other and then together serve as His representatives on earth.
I sense a stirring in the hearts of the ALC family to live out this vision. I am looking forward to fleshing out the process that God is unveiling to us to become the "Breakout Church" He desires us to be. As John wrote to the seven churches in Asia, "He who has ears let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the church." I hear Him saying "Go for it! Deny your self and take up your cross! You will be amazed at what I will do. As T.D. Jakes often says, "Get ready, Get ready, Get ready!
God is about to do something grand.

Get Real!

I just finished my first book of the year. Title: "Confessions of a Pastor" by Craig Groeschel. I recommend this book for all Christians not just pastors. After all pastors are Christians first who have answered God's call for a specific purpose. In the same way every follower of Christ answers God's call for His purpose. This book is about being real with God and authentic in how we present our selves to others. I have found it profoundly difficult at times to admit my faults and I applaud the author for challenging his readers to quit faking it and get real with God.

Ready For More?

I have really been encouraged by so many who have taken steps of faith and works to fast and pray. I am especially blessed by several of the students who are participating in either a Daniel type fast or all liquids or combinations thereof. I know we cannot earn anything from God but I know that His word promises that the effectual fervent prayers of His children really do get kingdom things done. (James 5:17)I believe our prayer is going to take us places we have never been before as a church.
Sunday the four points of why I love following Jesus are: (These are the points I did not cover)
1. When you follow Jesus you hear some things you have never heard before.
2. You see some things you have never seen before.
3. You do some things you have never done before.
4 You go places you have never been before.

Not only are these things great rewards and blessings in your life, they are totally unreachable apart from following Christ. Welcome to the greatest adventure on earth. I am ready for more of what God wants to do at ALC.

Suppressing The Truth

I have long thought that the evolution theory and the way it is being taught by many educaters is a tool of the devil to destroy the foundation of truth of Gen. 1:1. After all, if there is no intelligent design then perhaps there is no God to whom we are accountable to. There is a public debate and often an infringement upon the constitutional rights of the free speech of scientists who see more evidence supporting the intelligent design, aka creationism, theory than evolution or other so-called scientific theories. Well, coming to theaters sometime in February is a movie by Ben Stein called "Expelled:No Intelligence Allowed" This for me will be a must see Movie.
Check it out at www.expelledthemovie.com

One City Church

Is there really only one church in Indianapolis. I know some think you must be pretty full of yourself if you think ALC ( www.alcindy.com) is the only church. I hope I am not that full of my self. In our city, and yours, there really is one church.
We have a network called Faith, Hope and Love (fhlcommunity.org) that is involved in helping bring the body of Christ together to serve the community through a one week missions trip in our own back yard.

Mark your calendars for July 20-26 2008 the "year of faith"

"I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father are in me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may be believe that You sent Me. John 17:20,21
What in the world do you think the world might be waiting for?

Weekend Reflection

The weekend was great! I love Sunday services. Especially sweet was the time of communion. Those moments of reflection upon the death, buriel and resurrection of Jesus. How great is it to know that what Jesus did He did for me. ( and the whole world) I loved the time praying with our students as they prepare to go back to their respective schools.
On a personal note we always pray for Bethany before she makes the 7 hour trip to Springfield, MO. We are grateful for the Lord's protection and strength for umpteen trips down I-70 & I -44. The time we have with her home is so precious. We always experience some seperation anxiety when she leaves. I am not sure how we will handle the empty nest next year when Sarah heads off to North Central University in Minneapolis. It is times like this where you have to remind yourself that your children are the Lord's. Honestly, when they were infants and we dedicated them to God, I had no idea how hard it could be to accept God's plan for your kids. Is there anything greater than family?

I hate losing stuff

We had a situation happen last night that reminded me of how much I personally hate the feeling I get when I lose something I need or value. I experience so many emotions at those moments. Anger, frustration, self-abasement through name calling. (how could I be so stupid etc,) Late last year I lost the only set of keys to one of our vehicles so I had to call triple A and have them break-in and make me a new set. It cost me $50.00 and the embarassment of having my car set for a few days while I search and research every known hiding place only to find them two days after I paid to have the new keys made. In as much as I was glad to now have the extra set it was a little bitter sweet.

Here is my meditational thought. Why is it I am not as stirred in my emotions over the so many who have never encountered Christ. I am sure God is stirred up about it! He loves the world and I think He hates losing them more than I hate losing the stuff I sometimes , by my actions seem to value more than people whom Christ died for. When was the last time you got angry, frustrated, or stirred up about lost people?

Planning To Fast

For many years now it has been tradition to set aside some time at the beginning of the year to fast and pray. I read of others doing certain things like: a week fast, Daniel fast, 40 day fasts (which I can hardly fathom) 3 day fasts, 2 weeks , TV fast etc. ....well you get the picture. What and why should I fast in the first place? Doesn't God love it when I am happy and filled with my favorite things? In case you have ever asked, "why fast?" here are a few reasons:
1. Because Jesus said when you fast not if you fast in the sermon on the mount. Matt. 6:16.
2. To be able to walk in greater power of the Holy Spirt. Luke 4:14.
3. For obtaining clear direction from the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:1-3; Acts 14:21-23
4. For obtaining spiritual and material victories. 2 Chronicles 20
5. For breaking the bands of wickedness. Isaiah 58
6. An opportunity to draw closer to the Lord. James 4:7,8

I asked the Lord regarding fasting this year. I feel impressed to begin a combination Daniel fast and an all liquid fast for 21 days beginning January 7-28. A Daniel fast is no sweets, no meats and no wine(in my case no soft drinks). I will do that for the full 21 days and the liquids for five days, the 13th - 18th of January. My advice to others is to simply ask the Lord and then do whatever he says to do. All are certainly welcome to join me in this or share other ways God is leading you. I am posting this as a form of accountability that I may be successful in this effort.

New Year, New Goals

Debbie often says to me(encouraging me of course) that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. I am not sure who she heard that from but I know where I have learned it. It is true. The more we plan the more we are able to be successful. Proverbs 16: 9 says, In his heart a man plans his course but the Lord determines his steps. I think God expects us to make plans and then leave room for Him to work.

Here are a few goals I want to work on in 2008:

1. I want to read my Bible everyday. There were some days last year that I missed due to busyness or lazyness. This year I am taking an Old Testament/New Testament and Proverb approach. I will let you know how it goes.

2. I hope to learn the value of blogging and become a better writer/communicator. I plan to be disciplined at making regular posts to this site. Do you think Jesus would have blogged?

3. I hope to get better at building meaningful, discipling relationships.

4. I definitely need to learn to be a better listener and thinker.

5. Details, details, details.... I need to pay attention to the details.

6. I have set a goal of reading 25 books this year. My current read list is: Confessions of a pastor by Craig Groeschel, UnChristian by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons, 90 minutes in heaven by DonPiper and The Simple Church by thom s. Rainer & Eric Geiger

7. Lose weight (20 LBs would get me under 200) My Physician, Dr Jeff Wheeler said, studies indicate that if you are at your ideal body weight(my ideal is 185) you have 80% less chance of getting cancer. Come on everyone let's encourage each other to beat these bodies into shape.

8. Become a better husband and dad. This job is never complete. Bethany and Sarah have become such wonderful individual followers of Christ. I need to learn what they need from me at this stage of their lives. ( i know I am supposed to already know but believe me there are days when I do not have a clue what a 21 and 17 year old needs. I am sure boys are easier) Debbie is great. We celebrate our 27th anniversary in 2008. May it be true that God has saved the best for now.

9. Give leadership to Abundant Life Church so that we become a breakout church. We will break the 200 barrier. We've been up and down like a yo-yo. We are going to go from good to great in 2008.