We Are Back

Many of you know that I’ve been in the Domincan Republic with our first year interns on their mission trip/church dedication. The 1st year interns last year preached at a church and they came back so fired up that we decided to build them a new church as the place they were meeting needed an update. I’ll be blogging about our trip for the next several days and showing you some of the pics we took. I’ll include some funny ones of the interns as well as some of the ministry ones. I’ll also be talking about what God talked to me about. It’s awesome to get outside of your normal box and see that God is a big God. I love to see other parts of the world, a desire given by my father’s love of missions. He set a great example traveling behind the Iron Curtain and always having a heart for peoples in other cultures having the opportunity to know Christ. Jesus was into missions, He left Heaven to come to earth so we could know. Think about it.

Significant Church

Sunday afternoon Bud Plake and I drove to Houston to be with Jim Graff and discuss what it means to be a significant church. Jim is Joel Osteen’s brother-in-law and I believe it’s true that God works in families. Jim leads a great church in Victoria, TX and along with Joel they are some of the most genuine people in the world. They both speak so highly of John Osteen, founder of Lakewood and several years deceased. One of the great things I noticed in my short visit to Lakewood was the love that there was in that house for God and for others. We were treated with such kindness and love that made it tangible. My father baptized in the spirit at Lakewood Church under John Osteen 35+ years ago, so we have some history with that church. We got a tour of the new facility and truly it’s amazing what God is doing in Houston and around the world. It’s encouraging to see the next generation step to the front and take their place in serving their communities and the world. I am planning to host a Significant Church conference at HOF sometime in the future. I really have a heart to serve pastors in this day and time.

The President

Many of you will recognize Kevin Mawae, All Pro Center, of the Tennessee Titans. I’ve gotten to know Kevin over the last few years through a mutual pastor friend. I’ve gotten to spend some time with him and see what God is doing in his life. He is the president of the NFL Players Union and is a real leader among his peers in the NFL. You can tell from the picture how different an NFL body is from a pastor’s body. He has a real servant’s heart and apart from serving the NFL players, he is committed to his local church. The fact that such a great man is a former Tiger is just icing on the cake. It is just amazing to me to see up close someone who is employed in the NFL. His forte is his technique, quickness, and a great mind. His heart for God is just as impressive, and he will continue to make an impact on and off the field. Who knows, but one day he might be Pastor Kevin.

Thanking God

I’m sure most of you recognize Coach Miles as the coach from your own LSU Tiger National Champs. I am honored to be a part of Miles Men, a group of men who have committed to pray for Coach Miles. This all came about because Coach Miles is a protégé of Coach Bill McCartney. Coach McCartney is the founder of Promise Keepers and was in town doing a men’s event. He met with us 3 years ago when Coach Miles was hired to ask us to pray for Coach Miles as he would be in a very visible, stressful, and influential position in the state. We met this past Saturday to give God thanks for His grace and mercy to Coach Miles who has had the best record in college football of something like 33-5 plus SEC and National Champion-ships. It was a great time to hear Coach Miles humble, gentle and authentic spirit. I most admire that he’s family first in a job that often pushes family to the side. He was leaving our meeting to be at the ball fields with his kids the rest of the morning. We recommitted to pray for Coach Miles and his family, that he would be an influence in the lives of the young men he coaches and the thousands who cheer on from the sidelines. I am believing for many more crystal balls for LSU.

Back from the ARC

Vanessa and I ,as well as 9 second year interns, Wade and Cynthia spent Sunday through Wednesday in Birmingham at the ARC conference. It was a rich atmosphere of leaders in the Church of the Highlands sanctuary. Brian Houston, lead pastor of Hillsongs, was the featured speaker for the conference. His passion for the local church and gift of leading really spoke to my heart. I was challenged and dare I say changed during my time there. The second year interns served selflessly and were great. We all enjoyed a meal at one of my favorite places, PF Changs. I attended this conference differently than others in the past. This time I wasn’t desperate for “stuff” I could tell our church, but was more interested in catching the spirit of those God is using in an effective way today. I’m so consumed with living out the vision that God has for HOF and I know that immersing myself in environments like that only feed that passion that I feel for God and encourage my faith to believe for more. We ran into many old and new friends. It was great to visit with Van and Jan Ducote again. They are doing great in Gulfport and such a blessing to be around. 10 sermons in 2 and ½ days and it felt like a blur. See you Sunday.

If We Can Agree

The other day I picked up 2 of my children for a baseball game and offered to buy them a snack from somewhere, they only had to agree as we didn’t have time to make 2 stops. I listened quietly to them try to come to some kind of agreement. What one wanted, the other absolutely refused. When the other made a suggestion, then the first wouldn’t hear of it. I know they were hungry because they always are after school, yet because they couldn’t agree they went to the game hungry and irritated. I thought of the scripture where Jesus tells us, “If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.” Matthew 18:19 I wonder how many times we don’t get what we desperately desire because we can’t agree. Unity in a relationship, a business or a church is an incredibly valuable commodity. In fact, so much that Jesus spends the entire 17th chapter of John’s gospel praying for unity. What is possible when we have one heart, one vision, one love: the cause of Christ? Anything we ask. I’m in, are you?

We Passed

The Accreditation Site Team from ICAA and SACS just presented the staff of Faith Academy and the ELC with the news that we passed with flying colors. I’m so proud of the staff of both as I heard the site team confirm what I had suspected for some time now and that is we have a kicking school and ELC. The team was made up of principals and administrators from other Christian schools and was headed up by Phil Brown of East Texas. Each had a prescribed area of the school to evaluate and give commendations and recommendations. It is so helpful to have an outside, independent set of eyes look at what you are doing and they gave us some valuable feedback on ways to improve what we are doing. It all began on Saturday evening and required the teachers attending on Sunday followed by two hectic days of on site evaluation. It’s worth it as we invest in the most valuable resource we have: our children. If you haven’t checked out Faith Academy or the Early Learning Center then you owe it to your children to check out the finest Christian learning environment available. A big kudos to Kirby Veron and Leigh Braud who lead FA and the ELC.

Sometimes you need a little help

The boys and I went 4-wheeler riding over the Easter break at a place in St. Martin parish. It was 44 acres of mud trails and woods. Several times one of us would get stuck. I was reminded of the series we did on Breaking Free where we talked about people getting stuck and not be able to go forward in life. It doesn’t really matter why we got stuck just to know that someone is around to help us get unstuck. With the 4-wheeler we had to do several things: 1) Get close enough to help, 2) send over a tow rope 3) the stuck person needed to latch on and then just pull to solid ground. I’m so thankful that Jesus is there when we are stuck and offers His help and helps us to solid ground. God has used so many different people to pull me out of my stuck places and I’m thankful for relationships. I always want to stay close to those who are willing and able to pull me out of the mud. Let’s stay close church and help each other out.

No One Man Show

This weekend I got to take some of the boys out to a couple of LSU sporting events. We attended the LSU baseball game versus Arkansas courtesy of Tim’s generosity and then we caught the LSU Lady Tigers Tournament game against Marist for a berth in the Sweet Sixteen. In both contests I was reminded again how it takes every person on a team to ‘win’. The baseball team had a 9-0 lead over Arkansas and had hit 3 homers when the wheels fell off. It was a combination of things like bad pitching, errors fielding, and not hitting in the later stages of the game that did the Tigers in. In the Lady Tigers game, Marist played a funky triangle and two defense to stop Big Syl down low, our most potent player. It didn’t work as the rest of the team picked up the pace and of course Big Syl did her part and we got the “W”. Church is a lot like sports in that it takes all of us to really win our city to Christ. I’m more passionate than ever about helping people realize the dream that God has placed in them. I’m convinced that when we get people doing what God has made them to do, then we’ll be much more effective in touching our city for Christ. I know that all of you reading this blog has a God-given dream and my prayer for you today is that you would live out His dream and find that He’ll be faithful to fulfill your dreams as well.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday was a great day for HOF. We had a record crowd of 1150 people and the best thing was that 26 people made a decision for Christ. It’s awesome to see what God is doing in lives and families. We are looking forward believing that the best is yet to come for you and for HOF. Thanks to all the people who greeted, loved the kids, worked Club Faith, served coffee, ushered and sang in the choir. You guys rock.

Championship Saturday

I sat through several championship games on Saturday waiting for the one I had come to see. The thing that stuck out to me from my vantage point in the stands was the poor sportsmanship displayed by parents. Invariably if a call went against their team, parents would instantly blame the ref for cheating. As if any ref would cheat in an elementary girl's basketball championship game. What could possibly be the motive for that? The kids played hard and competed well, but I was just disgusted by the attitudes of some of the parents. I like to win as much as anyone, but it seems that winning has become everything. Often someone would yell at the refs over a call and the attitude was way out of line. I like to yell and get into the games as much as anyone, but we have to be aware of the unspoken line that is not to be crossed of good sportsmanship. I think we should support our team and not put down the opposition. I want to encourage all of you that will be at ball parks this spring and summer to represent Christ in the way you support your young people. People are always looking, I know I was.

XG Healer Conference

Someone sent a comment and asked to see the finished backdrop. Here is a pic during the Friday night meeting of the XG Youth conference.

March Madness

It’s tournament time for Faith Academy’s 7th & 8th grade team. Tuesday night the Crusaders subdued a scrappy Cypress Heights team for the 3rd time this year. The F.A. team has gone unbeaten in their league and with two more wins will take the tournament title as well as well as the regular season title. Our struggle will be more intense as the tournament goes on but I believe the guys have what it takes to win the title. Last night was good because the guys have been off for a while and everyone got to play. Cypress Heights has 3 guys out sick so they were at a disadvantage. Our next game is against Baton Rouge Lutheran on Friday with the championship on Saturday probably against Runnels, our archenemy this year. The two games have been titanic struggles with F.A. prevailing each time. We’ll have to beat them again to win the tourney title if the seedings hold to form.

XG Youth Conference: HEALER

Tonight it all starts as hundreds of youth from churches as far away as Houston gather for the annual XG youth conference. I’ve been privileged to see all the behind the scenes work that is going into making this the best ever. Speaking with Wade the other day, our dream is to see vibrant life-giving youth churches as part of their local church. I believe that youth ministry is ministry. There is only one ministry, building the Kingdom. I will be speaking to youth pastors and leaders on Saturday morning and looking forward to spending time with them and giving them a senior pastor’s point of view. XG has been praying and fasting for God to touch this generation. You need to make sure that your young person is there. No matter the cost or the obstacles the investment into their lives will be eternal. Man, I love young people and the energy they bring to a church.

Church United but not Bored

This is a picture of some of us that serve on the Church United Board. We got together this week to celebrate what great things God is doing with Church United For Community Development (CUFCD). It is this entity that we have partnered with to build the temporary housing apartments at the north end of our property and a second permanent apartment complex is due to open soon. We’ll be able to offer 4 additional families permanent housing for a modest rent while seeing them grow in the things of God. CUFCD is involved in after school programs for kids in difficult surroundings, prison release/re-entry programs with job training, abstinence training, Ascension House, and much more. Pictured is Brandon, Mark Stermer, Gene Mills, and Derrick Smith. Pastor Dino Rizzo, Claudia Berry, and Parnell are not pictured. These people really have a heart to see God touch the “poor” and the “lonely”. I would encourage you to use the Thrift Shop just north of the church if you have anything to donate or if you need something. Also, a division of CUFCD is available to hire for construction clean-up as well as other types of work.

Highlands Up Close

Wade and I traveled to Birmingham for Highlands Up Close where we spent 24 hours with their staff and senior pastor, Chris Hodges. Chris is a Louisiana guy that has built a phenomenal church just on the edge of Birmingham. They were portable for 6 years or so and then last year moved into their first permanent church home. The facility is gorgeous but more than that God is blessing their church and they are reaching hundreds for Christ. Last weekend over 8000 attended church at one of their 4 campuses and over 8 services. The thing that I took away from our 24 hours there was their spirit of excellence and a passion for people. We also got to catch up with some other pastor friends from around the country and meet new friends. It is important for me to hear from those whom God is using as we continue to follow the Lord and see our own story unfolding at HOF. I am so thankful for Chris making himself available as we work to see God’s kingdom grow. I’m going to include of picture of some people there attempt to put the first video on my blog of a band practice that will give you a glimpse of their church.

Amy’s Funeral Today

Today Vanessa and I will go to Bethany North to participate in Amy’s funeral. It’s going to be a bittersweet day. I’ve watched Amy grow up from a child into a young lady. I remember one time Randy and Beth asked me to go with them on a trip to Colorado and I ended up babysitting for Amy and Angie when they were just real young. Talk about funny, a 20 something young man babysitting 2 young girls. We played Connect Four and they would cry because I wouldn’t let them win. Early in their lives they lived next door to my sister and her husband and we watched her grow tall into a young lady. I remember that once we were in Dallas where she was interning at a ritzy women’s boutique and several of us met her for dinner at P.F. Changs. She was always into fashion and style that was Amy. I watched as she and Joel began to spend time together that of course ended in their marriage. We were honored to be a part of that ceremony in St. Thomas. I remember spending time with the Stockstill family and thinking how blessed she was to be moving from a great family into another great family. I watched from a distance as she and Joel stepped into ministry and it was awesome to see God take a girl and see her become a woman of God. She always honored us even though we only pastored her for a short time of her life. She loved Vanessa and Vanessa loved Amy. We were blessed that she was a part of our lives and rejoice that she is with the Lord. At the same time our hearts go out to Randy, Beth, Andrew, and Angie as well as Joel and his family.

National Prayer Breakfast

I had the opportunity to attend the National Prayer Breakfast last week in Washington D.C. Gene Mills asked if I would attend in his place with Senator David Vitter and of course I’m grateful to both of them for the opportunity to attend. I always enjoy D.C. and Vanessa and I had a great time in the city. The speaker this year was Ward Brehm, chairman of the Africa Development Fund. His message was one of helping the poor in their poverty. Some of his main points were:

· Don’t lead thinking of you, but for 7 generations after you.
· God is often all the poor have
· We need to cross the street and cross the ocean.
· Attend to small disasters at home and huge ones across the sea.
· One million miles from my comfort zone but just 5 miles from my house.
· Jesus said, when you’ve done it unto “ONE” of the least of these, you’ve done it unto Me.” Look for one.
· Poor are not a group or a demographic, they are “1” individual.
· Africa awakened me and I didn’t even know I was asleep.
· God’s strategy for letting the poor know He loves them is US.


A host of who’s who were there from the political world, in fact I had a seat better than Chuck Colson but not as good as Rick Warren’s. Michael W. Smith sang a couple of his powerful songs and led us in worship. The whole message of using our strength to help the weakest among us was right on target for me. God has continually spoken this to me and challenged me to live it daily. What a privilege, thanks Senator Vitter, and thanks Gene Mills.

The Coffee Crew

I wanted you to see a picture of an important group of people in my life. These are the ones that I meet with and pray with 3 mornings every week. We meet at 6 a.m. on Monday through Friday and you are invited to join us. We read the scripture and pray as we are led by the Spirit of God and agree together that God is answering the prayer needs of our congregation. I am so grateful to them because they are so faithful and committed to praying. It is with this group that I often get the “rev” that I end up preaching to all of you that attend HOF. It is with this group that I can share some of the personal and administrative struggles I’m facing that day. It’s with this group that I drink my first cup of coffee with and then feel saved. This group sees me in my workout clothes and still loves me. Jesus taught that where 2 or 3 are gathered in His name, He would be there, and this is the group that I’ve experienced that truth on more days than I dare to remember. Thanks for praying.

Secrets to success

Pictured above is a family that came to HOF several years ago. What I remember is that Jennifer and Bob attended a Growing Kids God’s Way class Vanessa and I taught and they were all ears. They are a blended family and they were hungry to hear what God taught about just about anything. The thing that struck me was that we would teach and they would go home and implement what they heard. Jesus said that the ones who hear His words and do them are like the ones who build on a rock. As I look back, I now see why they have been so successful. Their time with us was too brief, work took them to several other states and churches and they are about to embark on another adventure of living in Singapore after spending some time in Japan. They have been involved and used in the local churches where they have served at each step. As I thought about why some people find success I couldn’t help but think of them. It was great to see them a few weeks ago and know they are still serving the Lord now it’s all over the world. I hope to visit them in Singapore and do some electronics shopping. Bob, Jen and kids, if you’re reading, we love you and know that the best is yet to come for you all.

Prayer is awesome

Jesus cleaned house in an infamous gospel account and said about his church, “My house shall be called a house of prayer….”. It’s been a great time of prayer each night for the 10 days of fasting and prayer as we are coming to the close of our fast. I feel like God has been doing some great things in my life as well as in the life of our church. To see the church getting together to pray is always a highlight of my life. We continue to have a morning prayer time on M-F from 6-7 a.m. in the sanctuary and you are invited to be a part of that. Praying is the best way that I know to learn to pray; it’s by hearing others pray and praying yourself that you develop a healthy and vibrant prayer life. It’s those times in the presence of God that revitalize and refocus us on being who God wants us to be and doing what He asks of us. I believe that we are going to see the answered prayers of these 10 days in the coming year. It may not look exactly like we thought, but I know that we will have because we have asked. It’s not too late to join us for the final few nights from 7 till 8 p.m.

New Leader

I just got back from attending several landmark events in our state, the Governor’s Inaugural Prayer Breakfast and the Inauguration itself on the steps of our state capital. I feel like I would look back on this day many years from now as a historical event and I wanted to be there in person. Gov. Jindal spoke about change; ethics reform is going to be his first agenda as he calls the legislature to a special session in Feb. He feels as though LA has been a victim of typical Louisiana politics where officials serve themselves first instead of serving the people they were elected to serve. The second part of his agenda will be transforming LA’s economy to be more job maker friendly. The third part has to do with improving our educational system so that business will have the needed labor force to prosper here. Gov. Jindal has always been open and candid about his salvation and faith and today was no different. You often hear references to “God” but his has a ring of authenticity not often experienced. I want to encourage you all to pray for all of our newly sworn in leaders at the state level as we step into a new chapter of life in LA.

Big Intern News

This week we hosted Dr. Stephen Anderson who is the president of Transworld Accrediting Commission International. We were connected by mutual friends and are looking into taking our Intern Program to the next level of being accredited. Dr. Stephen enjoyed watching LSU defeat the OSU at an intern party at Wade’s house and the next day gave our church/intern program a thorough evaluation. Dr. Anderson was impressed with the scope and curriculum of our intern program and we will soon be able to offer an Associate’s Degree in theology and Christian ministry to our second year intern grads. There is also the possibility of even more good news in the future regarding some possible financial aid. It’s exciting to see what God is doing as we train up the next generation of church leaders. Pastor Wade and Rob have done a great job of providing an avenue for our youth to be trained in the classroom but also trained in the field of real church. Too often our knowledge is limited to just what we’ve heard instead of what we’ve learned and DONE. Jesus taught in Matthew 7 that the ones who heard and did were like those who built their lives on the rock. It seems that we have a grace for education and we can’t wait to see what else develops as we work for God to see Him set the lonely in families, set them free and give them great joy.

The Two Become One

I had the privilege to marry these two great young people in our church this past Saturday. I know Derek and Heather through XG Youth Church and some premarital counseling we do with all couples who wish to be married at HOF. It was great to see two young people want to step into the commitment of marriage with Christ as their foundation. They had a beautiful ceremony and a lot of friends. Derek is a Tulane grad and Heather will graduate from SLU in a few short months. You could feel as though marriage is outdated according to the popular media, but where Jesus is preached, the desire to do things His way is alive and well. Our blessings and well wishes go to the new couple as they enjoy their honeymoon and step into a new season of life.

First Deer

This past Thursday and Friday I went hunting with two of my good friends, Jay Miller and Gene Mills. Jay took us to a hunting camp just outside Natchez, MS. I’ve only taken my two oldest boys deer hunting before, never been as a hunter myself so this was my first rodeo. I had to borrow a rifle as I don’t own one, and a gentleman named Mr. Millet volunteered his 30-06 to me. We hunted three times, Thursday afternoon and Friday morning and afternoon and saw probably 35 deer in all. Just before the sun set on Friday afternoon, I took the 8 point deer pictured above. I’m really not much of a hunter but I enjoyed spending time with my friends and the deer camp was plush. I didn’t make a very good shot, but I got my first buck. For those hunters wondering, NO, they did not smear me with blood, instead I suggested that after the deer sausage is made to smear some sausage grease on me.

New Years Eve

We did our version of a new years rocking eve at the Bledsoe’s house. It was a combo birthday party for me and staff get together with our families. We called in the expert gumbo cook; my mother-in-law, Aline Bertrand and all had plenty to eat. With a couple of fires to stand around, football on the TV and jumps for the kids there was a little something for everyone. It was all capped off by fireworks done by Jimmy Bordelon and his wife, Rachel. There is really nothing better than doing life with people who share vision, passion, and mission. I didn’t stay up to see the new year, but I did watch Auburn win in OT then went to sleep. I’m a morning guy, not a late night person. I left my wife and a few of her friends sitting outside around a fire. Looking forward to 2008, it’s gonna be great.

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.