Merry Christmas

Today we had a short time with staff to give them a neat gift that I’ve been waiting for months to give them. It’s these nice Nike pullover jackets with our logo on them. I ordered them last year and we got them in the summer and I’ve had them stored at my house all this time. You have no idea how many times that I wanted to tell them or give them the gift that we had gotten just for them. It was especially bad when it began to cool off a little and the jacket would have been just perfect. I believe that is how God is towards us. I can only imagine how anxious He is to give us the good gifts that He’s gotten for us. We are in the middle of a short Christmas series that we will be talking about these things and I know that there are some incredible gifts in the lives and hearts of HOF that have yet to be discovered, discipled and delivered to the body of Christ and to the world. C’mon HOF, in 2008 let this be the year that you give the gifts to the world that God has given to you. The best is yet to come, I can feel it.

Watch the Gray Area

This past Saturday morning we met at a local elementary gym to have a friendly game of basketball. Forty-somethings down to twenty-somethings with the old guys versus the young guys. Glad to report at our age we don’t play shirts and skins, but yellow versus any other color but yellow. The humidity that day was high and it made the gym floor slippery in spots. The wood of the basketball court was okay, but the painted concrete that made up the out of bounds had a film of moisture on it and it was dangerously slippery. We constantly had to remind each other to “watch the gray” as several people’s momentum took them onto the slippery part and great was the fall of them. Thank God, no one was hurt, only pride and some bruises I’m sure will be felt this week. It reminds me of living for God, we have to watch the gray. There are areas of life that we can venture into that make our footing unsure, out of bounds areas. While on the playing floor all was well, as it is when we are engaged and being the church and not just attending I find that I do better. I believe that is why God gave us such boundaries as leadership, His Word, and the Holy Spirit to guide us so that we would have His protection so we wouldn’t go out of bounds. So as you navigate the end of ’07 watch the gray, stay in the game and see God do something awesome in your life.

WWII Museum

Today we did something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time, I took the staff to the WWII Museum in New Orleans. A good friend and pastor told me that it was an awesome leadership trip, so today we took the staff. The timing turned out to be great as today is Pearl Harbor Day, the anniversary of the bombing of Pear Harbor in Hawaii. I was reminded again of the monumental effort both stateside and on foreign soil that it took to keep our nation free. I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the battle that the church is engaged in against the gates of hell(which cannot stand against us). Maybe I’ll do a sermon series using the truths and principles that applied to that war that could apply to us today. I’d like to remember all who have served or who are presently serving our country in the military and say, thank you. HOF just recently was able to send some colors and paper to a military unit from LA to give out in Iraq and also included some Louisiana stuff and LSU to make the soldiers feel at home. I’m fired up to see the church begin to understand and act like part of an army on a mission with victory as our only option. We have no other choice but to win because the options are not acceptable. With Jesus as the captain of the host, we will be victorious.

Deck the Halls

Well, we’ve begun a new tradition at the Bledsoe house that we’ve never done before, outside Christmas lights. I have been very reluctant to do this because it just seems like it’s not a good use of time and energy. My children have been relentless in wanting to decorate and with my wife finally succumbing to their pressure we are doing it this year. Last night the kids and I got in the yard and began to put them up. I learned quite a bit about lights last night and have a new appreciation for those people who have yards full of stuff that everyone likes to drive by to see. I learned that I needed to start at one end and go to the other and not start in two places even it that looks easier. I’ve also learned that you need to plan, it will not just work out. I also learned that it is a lot of fun to do things with your kids that they enjoy and seeing them happy is one of the greatest things in my life.

My Night at the Anger Mall

I’m not normally a Black Friday shopper, but wanting to be all that and a bag of chips dad to my kids, I took the two oldest boys to the Tanger Mall for a 30% off sale that started at midnight. I knew we were in trouble when we approached the mall via Hwy. 30 and I saw traffic backed up on I-10 from the east as far as the eye could see. We were moving very slowly and by the time we got into the mall itself, I knew this was going nowhere. Our destination was the new Nike store and some basketball shoes, but as we finally found a place to park and walked too far to the store we were greeted by 7 or 8 lines of 20+ people per line waiting to check out. It seems that the crowd built early so they opened the store early. My son pleaded and so I had to do my best sales job of convincing him that another time would be better. Getting into and out of the place was nightmarish. I’ve renamed the Tanger Mall the Anger Mall because of my subsequent 2 or 3 trips back that weekend to try to get the shoes. The switch has been flipped, and the shoppers are out big time. I’ve decided that I’d be willing to spend 30% more than regular price just so I don’t have to wait in those lines. It’s amazing how hostile people shopping for CHRISTmas presents during CHRISTmastime can be, myself included.

Fruitful

Pictured is the fruit of my very own satsuma tree. Those of you who know me or hear me preach know that I’m not much of a farmer per se. I was required to help in the garden growing up, but never really acquired that green thumb. Shortly after we moved into our home my father planted a satsuma tree for us since we loved to eat the fruit of his trees and garden also. It reminds me once again that God is looking for fruitfulness from our lives. I didn’t plant the tree, have taken minimal care of it, and have really enjoyed the fruit it’s produced. It reminds me of my life, that I have a tree of life in me that someone else planted. I have done my part to tend it and care for it, and the fruit of a blessed life is precious to me. I have watched as my children have eaten the fruit of our tree. My goal is to partner with the Holy Spirit in planting a tree of life inside of them as my parents did for me, and one day see fruit from their tree that will be a blessing to others, maybe even my own grandkids. HOF is busy planting the seed of a tree of life in the people we minister among. If we will prepare our hearts and tend to our tree, fruit will grow that will satisfy the Father. We ate all those satsumas in about a day and a half. My guess is that everyone loves a good piece of fruit, I know I do.

Meet Some Iron

Proverbs 27:17 tells us that, “As iron sharpens iron, so one friend sharpens anther.” I posted some pictures of some of the men who sharpen my life. We had the great opportunity to spend about 4 hrs. listening to Pastor Brian Houston of Hillsongs Church. I believe that what God has accomplished through him and that ministry has touched the world. I also got to enjoy the time with some of the greatest pastors that I personally know. God has allowed me to meet and spend time with some incredible people. They are responsible in large part for our lives. It started with my parents, and others in our church. I remember praying for a friend and Greg walked into the church one Sunday morning. I prayed again after being made senior pastor and met my good friend Jay Miller from Lafayette. We need iron in our life so we can be sharp. You’ll only be as sharp as the great conversations we have. Books are great, but nothing sharpens, shines, and buffs a person like real face to face conversation about things that matter. I love talking to men of God about church, it makes me better.

Candy Land was Hopping

Last night’s Candy Land Harvest Fest was the best ever. I want to give major props to Jason and Holly and their team. It was incredible to be able to touch so many people from our community and let them know that Jesus cares and so do we. I personally spoke to many who were interested in attending our church but that is not the point. Of course we want people to come and grow in the love of Christ but we want to really represent Christ to our community. That means loving with no strings attached. I believe that if we truly love our community then a door will be opened for us to share the reason we love which is that Christ first loved us. That is what Jesus did, He loved and gave whether they ever “joined” His church. I want to ask all of you reading this today to ask God to help us love the people around us, whether they ever accept Christ or come to church with us or join our small group. If we can find God-honoring ways of loving people then we will have opportunity to minister to them. When we make it about attending or joining they will think we are fake and have ulterior motives. I love Him today because He loved me like no one else ever has. Jesus loved people, if we love Him we’ll love people.

Growing the Team

Here are some pictures from the latest Partnership 201 class. This is the class where we talk about our expectations of those who are interested in becoming part of the family at HOF. It really begins with an understanding that while God wants them all, all may not be a good fit for HOF. We believe that the Holy Spirit is the one who connects hearts to vision so we trust Him to bring to HOF those whose heart agrees with ours. This is where we talk about what we believe, our strategy, and structure. People come from so many diverse backgrounds that range from no church history to a very well defined church culture. We are probably different and we need to come to an agreement. It’s always exciting getting to know the ones who will run with the vision of HOF making it a place to belong with a promise to claim and a purpose to live.

Shooting for the Family

This past Friday several of us from the staff participated in a Skeet Shoot for The Louisiana Family Forum. The shoot was held at The Hunters Run Gun Club in Port Allen. Our 5-man team shot at many different stations and different challenging shots. We each shot 100 times and I have the bruise on my shoulder to prove it. I’m not much of a hunter but I enjoy shooting. One thing about shooting clays is that you have to be able to hit a moving target. The target was always moving either up or down, left or right, and high or low. It reminded me that following the Lord is like trying to hit a moving target. The Spirit of God is always on the move and we have to discern which way and where. I’m glad I had others there to help me when I didn’t get it right, make suggestions and in some cases take a shot while I watched so I could learn. We encouraged each other because we competed as a team. One could do great but if the rest struggled then the whole team score was affected. It’s a lot like living for God in a church. I’ve found that I struggle when I’m doing life on Bayou Self, for those who didn’t hear the sermon from Sept. 30, that means doing life by yourself. I did okay, better than I expected and better than I could have done by myself.

Fruit that remains

The lady pictured with me is named Darnetta and she was an employee of the company which leased the suite where we watched the Saints-Titans game. In getting to know her that evening I found out that she had attended our church when it was called Faith Tabernacle and she also knew Dad very well. She said that she attended when they lived locally and that she visited with Dad about a sickness. He prayed and she never had another problem in that area again. How good is God? She asked about Dad and had great appreciation for him and his ministry. I thought about the lasting fruit that we can have when we sell out to fulfill God’s plan for our lives. My dad wasn’t born here but the plan of God brought him to this place. It was an encouragement to me to be faithful where the Lord has placed me because maybe one day one of my children will speak to someone who God ministered to through Vanessa and me. I encourage you to be faithful right where you have been planted. It has really validated ministry again for me because often the problems of our communities seem endless. Fruit that remains is what God is after. I’m happy to say that she is still serving the Lord after 20+ years and I got to meet her husband as well.

Life is Suite

Not a misspelling though it looks like it. I was a guest of a great pastor in Mandeville last night to the Saints-Titans game. Pastor Steve Robinson of Church of the King got me and some pastor friends tickets to the Clear Channel Communication Suite where we watched Kevin Mawae and the Titans destroy the Saints. Never mind the game, I got to see if from the suites. That is the way to see a football game. Food galore, people to take care of us and great seats with TV’s for replays included. I’m more of an LSU guy, but Steve really hooked us up. I am reminded of the blessing that I read over our church often from Numbers 6:24-26, “May the Lord show you His favor..” . I am convinced that favor is given not fair and that God wants to favor His people. I really sense God’s favor in our lives and desperately wish that for anyone reading this blog. I pray over you that God would bless you, and protect you, that He would smile on you and be gracious to you, that He would show you His favor and give you His peace.

The Forum

We hosted the candidate’s forum for parish president on Tuesday night and it went well. I’ll skip the political stuff because everyone sees that differently and talk about what really excited me. That was the team that pulled the event off. Our interns, both 1st and 2nd year, were incredible. We got great feedback from the community for providing the event and the interns impressed many. They did a great job and really helped us hit a homerun in our community. So many told us they appreciated the opportunity to hear each candidate and listen to the platforms from which they wish to lead. You can catch it on EATEL Ch. 4 as soon as our tech team gets it edited. I sensed that many people are undecided and don’t know the stands of each of the candidates because the nature of our parish is changing as we grow. Our heart is to provide a forum for the candidates to define themselves and their vision for parish government in a setting where people can listen and decide for themselves. I see it as another way to serve Ascension parish and that is our heart to serve.

Friends

I took a tour through the western portion of Louisiana last weekend speaking for two of my friends in the ministry. First stop was a camp ground north of DeRidder, LA. My friend Kennis Smith and his wife Sandy were hosting all of their leadership team to an overnight stay at a camp and then doing their Sunday service there the next day. They are a great bunch of people and I love their mission statement, to reach the unreachable, love the unlovable, teach the unteachable, and another one I can’t remember right now. Vanessa and I got to know Kennis and Sandy well in Washington D.C. this past spring and we love them so much. They are doing a great work for God in DeRidder.
Next, we drove to Leesville, LA just outside the gates of Fort Polk and were invited to speak for Bobby and Julia Ganaway’s 9th anniversary as pastors. It was also the church’s 25th anniversary and it was really fun to get to see them and speak to them. Bobby grew up in our church and they were missionaries to Russia for a time and now they pastor Christian Living Church. They have 3 grown boys and 2 of them are on the worship team and the other is in a ministry intern program in Texas.
I took one of our second year interns, Joey Evans, with me on the trip. He did a lot of the driving and we spent time talking ministry and getting to know one another. We got to catch most of the LSU demolition of VA Tech so that was good. I want to invest in those who have a call of God on their lives and I feel that Joey is a good investment. I know that God has big plans for him and we want to be a part of what God is doing.

Dave and Me at Rotary

It was my turn to schedule the program for our Rotary Club this past Tuesday morning and I couldn’t think of anyone better to speak to the group than Dave Ohlerking of Children’s Cup. Many of you remember him as the leader of the group we are partnering with to do the church/Care point in Masvingo, Zimbabwe. I set up the video, and we showed a video clip and then Dave spoke to the club. I really didn’t know how they would react, since HIV and orphans is a pretty heavy subject to address first thing in the morning. He did a good job outlining the problem and then talking about how we are partnering to be part of the solution. It was very quiet but several asked questions and I could tell that they were having a hard time getting their minds around cultural norms in Africa. Just as it’s hard for us to understand their culture, I’m sure they struggle with American culture. A few stayed after and talked to me and I could tell that they had been impacted. It was another way for the church to speak with actions rather than just words. I read in the gospel of John today where Jesus asked a question, “Do you understand what I was doing?” It is good to be doing things that need an explanation because they cut across the grain of “normal”. I need to get busy doing something. Later, I love you all.

Aliens in a foreign land.

I got the opportunity to attend the LSU opener in Starkville, MS last Thursday night with some friends of mine from TFC in Lafayette. Had a great time hanging out with them talking football and church and life. I was a guest of my friend Jay Miller. It was my first away LSU game to ever attend and I definitely had some thoughts about the experience. We were all decked out in our best LSU shirts and hats so we stood out in the midst of all the maroon and white and khaki. It made me think about the fact that we are really aliens here on earth once we’ve accepted Christ and become citizens of Heaven. We got funny looks and some funny comments because we were dressed in purple in a maroon world. I think that is pretty similar to what we find when we live “forgiven” in a “needy world”. How we conducted ourselves often determined how the maroon people felt about us. Most were gracious and kind as were we. There was some good-natured back and forth about fball, but that was to be expected. It is amazing how living the life of God makes one stand out to what is “normal”. I don’t want to be different because of what I wear or what team is my favorite but for how I love, how I believe, how I live life.

Staff Infection

As you can see by the pictures, I have a member of our staff who is in danger of committing the unpardonable sin, being an Alabama fan. She recently put this Bama chair in my office as a gag. As many of you know I’m an LSU graduate and avid college football fan. With the start of the season less than 1 week away I’m pumped. Many don’t realize that my dad is from north Alabama, but I’ve grown up here and like the Tigers. I really enjoy the staff that God has put together here, we have a ton of fun and I genuinely like to be around them. I really believe that the people with whom you surround yourself with are important. To a great degree, your friends determine your level of success because the Bible is clear that you will live up or down to their level. I’ve been blessed with great family, great friends and great staff. I have one friend who wants me to do a leadership meeting for his church during the LSU-VT game. I agreed but asked if he knew he was scheduling against a home LSU game. He told me that they couldn’t do it the next weekend because that the was start of bow season and he couldn’t compete with that. Each city is different and God placed us here with great people and a great task before us, change the world we live in. I’d never be able to do it alone, thank you Jesus for those who partner with us. By the way, I’m picking LSU 31-17 over Miss. St. Go Tigers, Go Jags, Go Saints, Go Crusaders. High school is going to be interesting this year.

Meet a new member of the family

Say hello to our new cat, Jay. Our children have wanted a pet for so long and we’ve resisted that because of the on-the-go lifestyle that we lead. Well, our neighbor found some kittens and long story short is that we now have a cat named Jay. We are using the cat to teach them how to be responsible for the well being of some other living creature in prep for their futures, also our grandkids. They promised us they would do everything including scooping the poop, but they have to be reminded of what they agreed to at times. You should see them cradle Jay like a baby wrapped in a towel, it really can be quite hilarious. I think the most awesome thing is seeing them lavish love on something besides themselves. Our hope is that they begin to understand how fulfilling it is to give love rather than just be loved. Jay eats it up and tries to sneak inside whenever he can. I’m looking forward to the day when they begin to show a little love to one another and stop the fighting. Maybe a cat is a step in that direction. Maybe we need a dog now also!!!

Writing The 1st Check

As many of you know, I sensed the Lord speaking to me about our church believing God for $100,000 to fund a church plant/ CAREPOINT in one of the African nations being devastated by HIV. In January I shared that vision and HOF has really grabbed it with gusto. Much has happened in these 7 months of this year and I want to give God the credit. When I shared my heart we didn’t know whom, where, or how it would all take place. I had made some trips to Africa and knew about a ministry that was doing work like this. As we have been faithful to what God spoke He has been busy taking care of the details. God has connected us with the Ohlerkings of Children’s Cup, who will oversee the feeding center aspect of this outreach. As I shared this vision with our church one of the ladies of our church, Lita Veron came to see me with story of how God had been dealing with her to do something in Zimbabwe, but she couldn’t see how. Just happens that the Ohlerkings know of a Pastor Dixon Chingara with whom they have worked in the past. Pastor Dixon was sending Pastor Samson and wife to the city of Masvingo in Zimbabwe as a church planter so we had our man on the ground there. Our church and friends have responded by giving $82,000 towards our goal of $100,000. Lita Veron has been responsible for a large portion of that as she has tremendous favor on her life for this cause. It was our joy to host the Ohlerkings on July 29 in our Sunday services and give them the first installment of $34,700 that will purchase a car for Pastor Samson, buy the equipment to begin feeding the children, and buy equipment for the new church which is meeting in a school for now. It’s been amazing to watch, and great to be a part of this mission. I can’t wait to see how it all ends.

Writing The 1st Check

As many of you know, I sensed the Lord speaking to me about our church believing God for $100,000 to fund a church plant/ CAREPOINT in one of the African nations being devastated by HIV. In January I shared that vision and HOF has really grabbed it with gusto. Much has happened in these 7 months of this year and I want to give God the credit. When I shared my heart we didn’t know whom, where, or how it would all take place. I had made some trips to Africa and knew about a ministry that was doing work like this. As we have been faithful to what God spoke He has been busy taking care of the details. God has connected us with the Ohlerkings of Children’s Cup, who will oversee the feeding center aspect of this outreach. As I shared this vision with our church one of the ladies of our church, Lita Veron came to see me with story of how God had been dealing with her to do something in Zimbabwe, but she couldn’t see how. Just happens that the Ohlerkings know of a Pastor Dixon Chingara with whom they have worked in the past. Pastor Dixon was sending Pastor Samson and wife to the city of Masvingo in Zimbabwe as a church planter so we had our man on the ground there. Our church and friends have responded by giving $82,000 towards our goal of $100,000. Lita Veron has been responsible for a large portion of that as she has tremendous favor on her life for this cause. It was our joy to host the Ohlerkings on July 29 in our Sunday services and give them the first installment of $34,700 that will purchase a car for Pastor Samson, buy the equipment to begin feeding the children, and buy equipment for the new church which is meeting in a school for now. It’s been amazing to watch, and great to be a part of this mission. I can’t wait to see how it all ends.

Heaven on Earth

As many of you know, Wade, Michael, and I just returned from the Hillsongs Conference in Sydney, Australia. It felt like heaven on earth. Passionate worship and inspiring preaching left me so full spiritually that I had no desire for the routine things like food. I know that sounds impossible, and I really like to eat. I was so glad that Wade and Michael could make the trip with me to experience one of the most impacting experiences of my life. I wanted them to see for themselves what God is doing in the earth so they can be a part of that atmosphere. I know that I was changed, I can’t really tell the full extent of what God has done in my life, but I believe that what God did in that conference will be evident in the life of our church. I know that the best is yet to come, and I look forward to living, and learning, and leading our church into the fall. THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!!

XG Camp

The church has come so far in valuing youth and their importance to a church. In fact, I believe one of the signs of a healthy church is a vibrant youth ministry. I’m so thankful that my children will have the opportunity to be a part of what God is doing at HOF in Club Faith, Xplode and XG Youth Church. It’s often said that our children are our future, but in resources and emphasis another view of youth is portrayed. Vanessa and I usually go spend the Wed. night of camp with our youth to say to them, “you are important to us and we value you”. This past camp was at Nicholls St. in Thibodaux and Wade preached a phenomenal message on the night we attended. I know that God is at work in the hearts of our youth and I see their passion for God, their freedom in worship, and their conviction in committing. I believe that we need to speak the language of the young so they can run with the message of Christ’s love. Wade and Cynthia and their team do a tremendous job of speaking to that generation. I’m constantly reminded that the whole church doesn’t look like me, the church is young, vibrant, has hi-lighted hair, wears jeans w/ holes, rap their songs, and may be pierced or tattooed. If Jesus was willing to die for them, and they’ve accepted Him then I will love them and partner with them to see God move in our day and our time. I thinking about getting some red or blonde hi-lights, what do you think?

The Privilege of Praying

Last week, Connor and I were the guest of Sen. Jody Amedee to open the Louisiana Senate session in prayer. What an awesome privilege to pray over the men and women who make the decisions that govern the lives of the 4 million of us who live in the state. Since I’ve gotten older there has always been a desire in my heart to associate with great leaders. God has blessed me with the opportunity to be around some of the best of the church world as we have been graced with many in the immediate area. I guess God knew that tough places like Louisiana needed the best. Huey Long once said, “One day Louisianians will get good government, and when you do, you won’t like it.” I don’t believe that for a moment. The proverbs state that when the righteous rule, the people rejoice. I make it a habit to pray for good leadership as you should because what they do in our states capital affects the lives of everyone today and the lives of our children in the future. I prayed from the words of King Solomon, who is described by the Bible as the wisest man who ever lived. “Who by himself is able to govern this great people of Yours?” What a wise thought, who can govern by himself? I never want to try and lead without Jesus.

Now these are my friends

Jesus spoke to his “friends” that we often call disciples and told them they were His friends because he told them everything the Father had told Him from John 14:15. That is a new slant on friendship; it’s someone you can tell everything that God tells you. I would not be where I am today is it weren’t for my friends. I had the opportunity to eat with my friend, Greg Surratt, from Sea Coast Church Saturday night after he spoke at HPC. He told me some things that God had showed him that I needed to hear. He spoke to a concern that I had in the ministry and I felt like it was one of those “divine” appointments set up by the Holy Spirit. It was arranged by another friend, Pastor Dino, who was out of the country ministering. Just last night another friend of mine, Kennis Smith, from DeRidder came by and we had dinner together. He’s another friend, and I love to talk to him because he tells me what God’s saying to him and doing there at his church. Tonight after church another friend of mine is going to stay with me. He’s preaching at HPC and we’ll spend the morning telling each other what we feel God is doing and saying to us. I talk a lot during the course of a day, but the richest times that I spend are the times when I get together with those who I can tell what God has spoken to me or they tell me what God has spoken to them. If you don’t have someone that you can tell what God’s telling you, you need a friend. God we need good friends.

Out of Place

Yesterday Wade and I went for lunch to a local sandwich shop and I found this billiard ball lying all alone in the parking lot. No one was around and its owner had long since gone so I picked it up as it was a cool thing to find in a strange place. I thought one of my kids would like it. As I drove to do some things I began to think about the ball and these thoughts came to my mind. I couldn’t tell if it was a 6 or a 9 ball because it was separate from the others and depending on the way it was held, it could have been either. Then it struck me that it really did have much use apart from the rest of the set, and without a pool table it really was more dangerous than fun. Those things are heavy and hard and I began to have second thoughts about giving it to one of my kids. I began to relate that billiard ball to people who are all alone and not part of a set of others they belong to or in an environment where they make sense. If we aren’t a part of a set then we really don’t know who we are, a 6 or a 9 ball. God’s idea of family and church began to make so much more sense to me. It’s because I’m part of a family and a church that I know who I am and what my part is to be. God wants that for every stray billiard ball out there.

Catch the Fire

Sunday night was a great time with the leaders of HOF. 175 people came out to be a part of what God is building in our church life as we got challenged about being the church. Reihnart Bonke challenged us with this quote, “The Church of Jesus Christ is not a pleasure boat, but a life boat for saving souls….” We shared a meal of pizza together and talked about how the film spoke to our hearts that night. I was so glad to see the whole span of generations represented, leaders from Xplode, XG youth church, Club Faith, and of course HOF leaders. God is doing something big at HOF and it’s bigger than one person, bigger than one part of the ministry, and I can’t wait to see it unfold. So many people invest in our church that most have no idea about, but I am thankful to God for them all. The vision of church that God has allowed me to see is coming to pass, He’s causing it to happen as we are faithful to speak it and allow Him to move. I can’t wait to see what happens after we catch the fire.

All Gave Some, Some Gave All

On Monday I had the privilege to be a part of the Memorial Day Service held at the Veterans Park next to the Gonzales branch of the Library. It was a unique affair different than most things of which I am a part. It was somewhat like a funeral, yet also like a celebration. We honored those who have given their lives while serving in the armed forces around the world throughout all of the conflicts that we’ve been through: Korea, Vietnam, WWI & II, Desert Storm and the war on terror. The phrase, “Freedom isn’t Free” was repeated several times and I have been pondering the price of what I enjoy each and every day. I believe that the Holy Spirit reminded me that “God gave His only begotten Son…” just as other families have given their sons and daughters. This idea of going off to fight for what we value is not a new concept nor did it begin with America. We have a great heritage of self sacrifice from the days of our birth as a nation till today. I’ve never served in our armed forces and in some ways I regret that decision. I am challenged by the scripture to take up my cross and die daily for the cause of Christ. I so appreciate all who have served and especially those who’ve given all so that I can live in the USA of today. I’m equally appreciative of all who’ve died to self so that I could have a choice to repent and receive Christ personally. No matter how you think about it, we enjoy everything we have as a result of someone else’s decision to “give all” so that the cause of Christ and America live on today. I want to be one of the ones who gives all because I believe in both.

Last day of school

You see some pictures of some of my kids and their classmates who are in the last few minutes of the school year for them. They are all so excited at the prospect of throwing off the confines of school, uniforms, homework, and a heavily scheduled life. They really have no idea of what they are in for do they? I was reading in the Proverbs this week that a wise son loves discipline, instruction, and guidance. They think that if they had no responsibility they would be happy. We know that they are young, but what about when we think that if we didn’t have any responsibility that we would be happy.

Next Governor?

Today we were able to spend 40 minutes with Bobby Jindal, probably our next Governor. He is such a genuine person to meet with. You can tell that God's hand is on him. He is also a champion of the family as his faith in God guides his voting in the U.S. Congress. He is very in tune to the culture wars being waged in the halls of Congress and I feel good knowing he is representing Louisiana. He is campaigning hard to be the next Governor and I sense that a new day is dawning for Louisiana and a new Louisiana is arising. I feel like he would be an answer to my personal prayers for godly leaders in the state. We also met with Senator Vitter who graciously received us. Louisana has some good guys in Washington of which we can be proud. Continue to pray for all of our leades and let's be a part of something historic.

World Class Leaders

Pictured with me are two of Louisiana's finest leaders, Gene Mills and Toni Perkins. Tony is head of Family Research Council which is a national watchman for the family. Gene Mills with LA Family Forum who works at the state level for the family. We are in Washington D.C. with 350 pastors to see God's watchmen sound the call for all christian people to stand for what is right. I am priviledged to know and learn from these men. They challenge me to continually look at what's happening in the culture. They are also great christians with great families. If you ever get asked to participate or give to the organizations they lead, I would urge you to invest. When we invest in them we are investing in the future of the family.

Family Super Heroes

Spiderman opened this weekend to record crowds, but the real super heroes gathered at the Marriot for the Louisiana Family Forum Awards banquet to honor those state legislators who are heroes for the family. I am pictured with two such heroes, Rep. Mert Smiley and Rep. Eddie Lambert. I am so proud of these men as they have taken a stand for the family not just in talk but in their votes for the family this past legislative session. Both of them scored 100% on the LFF scorecard and each received the Patrick Henry award shown. We are blessed to be represented by two outstanding men of character. My prayer is that we would see the capital in Baton Rouge filled with men and women who would be heroes for the family. Family is the bedrock of our society and what is good for families is good for all of us. Thanks so much you 2 super heroes. Spiderman has nothing on you.

Beta Convention

I'm in Lafayette today with our school Beta Club and my two sons. I'm the only man on the trip, where are the men at? We are in the Cajun Dome with 10,000 junior high students. The picture is of the kids doing something called the macarena. The kids are glad to be out of school for 2 days. It's good for them to be part of something bigger than themselves. They are great kids and full of potential. I like to hang with them. We'll go to the rock wall tonight and eat pizza. I'm sure I'll be up late with 4 boys in my room. This is where you touch lives!

I Can’t Let You On That Roof

I had a most interesting experience today while checking on the progress of the new roof being put on our north campus. Having worked in construction during college and having an engineering degree, I felt like it is my duty to make sure we are getting what we are paying for. The foreman, a good man, told me, “I can’t let you on that roof”. After a highly animated and passionate phone call to the general contractor I was allowed to see the progress and satisfied that all was going according to plan. My point is that often time the devil will try to tell us, “you can’t do that” when we know good and well that we have the authority in Christ. Knowing who you are and what you can do is as important in living for God as in business. Psalms 103:2 encourages us to not forget all of His benefits which the psalm goes on to list. Forget means to lose the use of. God has given us some good stuff; don’t let anybody talk you out of it.

My Little Lizard

Here is a pic of my youngest son, Nathan, dressed in his lizard costume and a classmate for their class chapel today at our school, Faith Academy. I asked one of the other fathers, “I have a lizard, what do you have?” He had a butterfly. There is a special pride a parent feels when you see your child on stage that is hard to describe but if you’ve ever felt it then you know what I’m talking about. I get more satisfaction seeing him do well than I have when I do things. After you have children, your life changes and you experience success as much in what they do as what you do. It’s a lot like that in God’s kingdom. Our interns just returned from a mission’s trip to the Dominican Republic and I spoke to the man who set up the trip. His report of them was so positive, and I was proud to hear how well they did. Charles said, “Kayla Jo is a preaching machine and Rob is a great preacher.” He told how they have a servant’s heart and they were much better to travel with than whiney pastors. I am so proud of Nathan, as I am of all of my children, and I’m proud of our interns, I want God to be proud of me. A wise child brings joy to a father; ….. Proverbs 10:1