It's Football Season!! I love this time of year, because we launch not only into a new year, but it's also time for some good ole' football!! The funny thing is that I'm not that much of a go get'em football type, but I love the spirit that comes along with the game. Tonight I had the opportunity to watch our Artesia Bulldogs win over Lovington. As I paced up and down the sidelines, I listened to the spirit of the players, the emotions of the coaches, the cheers led by the cheerleaders. It's hard not to be swayed into the spirit of it all when you are surrounded by the elements...

That reminds me of my Christian walk in a lot of ways. There are times in life when you surround yourself with the "things of the world", and all of a sudden it seems fun for a while. Opposite of that are the times when you surround yourself with the "things of God" and it gives you that warm fuzzy feeling.

As Christians, shoudn't we be familiar with what going on in the "world" enough to know and understand the elements, to understand the culture. There have been way too many times that I've lived inside the bubble of Christianity, surrounded by Christians, conversations with Christians, etc, that I've become all to unfamiliar with those that don't know Him. I'm praying that God would let me be "exposed" to some that don't know him. I want to understand them, converse with them, share with them and love them into the kingdom. After all, isn't that what we are here for?

Next Friday night, we'll be back in the same scene - different team, different location - but the spirit will be the same. If that's the case, then maybe God might plant someone in my life to share with. I know that is His desire - I'm doing my best to let it become mine!!!

It's been a good day. We "promoted" our students today in Sunday School and I felt like there was a descent amount of energy in the room. Then our youth workers had lunch together and met with Jason Bishop. Jason challenged us to be relational youth workers - to do more than our "one hour a week" commitment of spending time with students. I was challenged by something Jason said today. He gave our workers a list of qualities that will help us to be more successful in our ministry to students. One of the things he said was "communicate availability". God really landed on me with that one. I think back of all the times that I've communicated just the opposite because I have burdened myself with such a busy lifestyle. So hopefully I can do better at that. Not only will it help me connect better with students, but it might just make my life a little less intense. For those of you who like to pray, ask God to teach me how to be more available and at the same time, less busy.

I am learning though...I told our youth workers that I had failed to have our resource manuals updated by our meeting like I had said I would. I made a conscious choice this weekend to rest. I had intended on finishing that up this weekend in and around other projects at home, but instead felt that I needed to take a break. It was hard for me, because I am such a perfectionist.
Sure, I still have to get that manual done, but it will have to wait until I get to it. So, I'm learning - learning to take care of some of my own needs (rest, health, etc) instead of pushing myself to the limit over and over. May God grant me opportunities to continue to rest and most importantly, rest in HIM!!!

It was a great summer. Really, I can't think of a summer that has gone better than this one. God really moved in the hearts and lives of our students and adults. Now the rubber has to hit the road as we journey back into a routine of school, sports, church, etc...

My intern and summer staffers finished up tonight. They have done such a great job this summer, always working hard to make sure everything was ready to go for our weekly trips and events. I'm thankful for their help, more than they will ever know. I'm also glad to see them go - only because I know that God is going to use them to make a difference in the place of service He desires for them. I've learned alot this summer from them and look to see great things as God continues to shape them!!

I know this is random, but I love the first official wednesday night meeting of the school year. We have worked long hours to make sure we were ready to go tonight, even putting 2.5 hours in last minute editing for a video used in our teaching sement. We had a good group of students tonight and I am ready for a great semester with them.

Finally, I didn't get a chance to post last night, but wanted to share how important my kids are to me. I brought Baylor upstairs last night to give her a bath (and my wife a break). As I took time to talk to her, i once again realized how blessed I am to have the two kids that God has given me to raise. How I long to see God in them and pray that they will grow up to follow after Him with hearts of passion! I tell my kids "I love You" all the time - pray that God will give me the time to spend with them to prove that they are valuable to me!

Nothing profound - just thoughts of a weary traveler who is glad to have set out on this journey. I'm praying for a season of rest for my soul and physical body - that God would restore me to great health and allow me to see His work displayed hugely in my life. I'm also praying the same for my wife - that she too would not be able to "shuttie" about the goodness and greatness of God!

More to come....