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.