Laugh. Love. Learn.

Creative Chaos. I have to give props to Gregg Hampton, because he has made some awesome videos at The Vine. However, this is my favorite so far. We saw an idea similar to this at the Innovate conference at Granger, but we wanted to remake it, tailored to our message (on faith like a child) and using children from our congregation. I think it’s phenomenal. What do you think?

Interesting quotes from the Leadership Retreat:
(D.Dubisms? I need to think of a cool name.)

- “At some point you’re going to realize that God’s in control, and we want you to realize that before it’s a matter of destiny.”
- “God has entrusted us with resources, and these resources are to be used to institute the Kingdom.”
- “The church doesn’t have to be relevant, because Jesus is relevant. He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
- “Two seconds left in the game. You’re down by one. Who takes the shot?”
- “Work like it’s all up to you; pray like it’s all up to God!”
- “A tenacious person quits when the job is done, not when you are tired.”
- “EVERY person matters to God, because they were created uniquely by Him, and created in His image and His likeness.”

And this isn’t really a quote, but it was mentioned that God provides the rain to the righteous and the unrighteous as a reminder that His love and goodness is impartial and available to all…I love that.

Lots to think about.

To celebrate our one year anniversary, our worship pastor, Gregg Hampton, made this video. It’s completely amazing. We saw something similar at the Innovate Conference, and I’m so proud of Gregg for figuring out how to do it… Be amazed:

the videos of the main sessions from the Unleash Conference are now available online!
it was SUCH a good conference — definitely worth your time.
it’s not just for church leaders….what Perry talks about is applicable for every person who attends a church.

make sure you see Rose Angela sing “Hosanna” at 22:50 on the Session 2 video —
i could listen to her sing that all day long; the lyrics just blow me away:

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart for what is yours
Everything I am for your kingdom’s cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

I love when churches give away their stuff for free because it helps to further the Kingdom. Props to you, NewSpring.

yes, you counted correctly: that’s a gazillion intel lights.

now that’s quite a posse. and no, i’m not that short — pat just eats a lot of beef.

5. Tony Morgan is conspicuously dashing in person, which is a synonym for flamboyant. He also professes to be far more proficient at writing than speaking; therefore, he and i have a lot in common. (mmm hmh. check out that semi-colon.)

4. Jesus never quit. And if Jesus lives in us, we don’t need to quit. One day you’ll have to stand before someone who faced a job much harder than yours.

3. God did not give Moses the staff so the staff could lean on Moses — God gave Moses the staff so Moses could lean on it. Our job as a church staff is to do everything we can to support our senior pastor so he can implement the vision that God has placed in his heart for the church. It is our job to make his position a joy and not a burden.

2. There is no room for jealously in ministry. “Be careful what you speak against, because if God is in it, you’ve spoken against the Holy Spirit.” God might do a great work in a church around you to see if your character can handle it.

1. You’re only going to know what God wants you to do in your church if you spend passionate, uninterrupted time with the Father. Make sure you don’t have inspiration (from other people & other churches) without revelation from the Father. Also, in the Prodigal Son story, the older son was so busy “working” for the Father that he was out of touch with the heart of the Father.

There are so many reasons I love NewSpring church. The air seems clearer in Anderson, SC. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it just breathes easier. When I think of Heaven, I imagine Rose Angela singing “Hosanna” by Hillsong. Holy goodness her voice is such a blessing; I could listen to her all day. Homegirl ushers people straight into the presence of Jesus. And every time I hear Perry Noble it makes me want to be in the Word. The Lord just speaks through him and puts this FIRE in my heart. It is so clear, in everything they do, that their goal is to lift up the name of Jesus and make Him known. And they do it, with excellence!

“Stay true to Jesus, preach Him crucified, risen, and coming again, and stick to His Word…” How’s that for departure wisdom? Good times.
Good times, followed by Cracker Barrel.
That makes for one outstanding day.

well, not a plane, but a hummer. at 4:30am, to go to the Unleash conference. i am SO EXCITED about going…last year it was awesome and I watch Perry Noble online every Monday, so I feel like I practically go to their church. It’s interesting how the internet can create community with people you don’t even know.

This will be the first time I’ve left Tanner for more than a couple of hours since she was born. Actually, including pregnancy, I guess we’ve spent the last 588 consecutive days together. That’s a long time! But I’ve recruited my mom and my aunt, who have 44 combined years of parenting experience, so surely they can handle her for one day. And I’ll only be gone for about 17 hours. Can you tell I’m convincing myself?

In my attempt to be super-mom, I’m leaving dinner in the fridge,

And a neurotically detailed schedule complete with food and bottles for the little milk monkey, so…

Look forward to living blogcariously through my trip to Unleash!

What are you doing March 13th?
Come to Anderson, SC with me.
You don’t have to work at a church….you just have to go to one.
Really, you don’t even have to do that.
This conference makes me want to “kick-butt for Jesus.”
Ha ha. Check it.

i am SO excited! 21 days and counting….
seriously. you should come. register. doooo it.