Our annual leadership retreat is this weekend. We will gather together with all of our leaders from every location and every small group to pray, dream, cast vision, & encourage. This is my first year so i cam especially excited to experience the retreat. I have seen some of the videos that our media team has put together and it looks like its going to be off the chain. I will post about it this weekend.

Dick Foth will be speaking this weekend at Ebz, and I will have the privilege to lead worship and point pastor. So if you are in the area, you would be making a good choice to stop by for a service:) Have a great Thursday. Off to pack the truck for the retreat!

In an effort to renew our minds and break the curse of negativity, Shelly and I have decided to start a gratitude journal.  Each day we will write down a few things that we are thankful for and then share at the end of the day. This is a good way to create a new habit/way of thinking for us.  We were encouraged to do this as we studied Philippians for the past four weeks.  Such challenging and encouraging content that goes even deeper when you realize the circumstances of the author at the time of conception.  He was in Prison!! That goes to show, perspective is everything.  So, find a way that works for you to renew your mind and refresh your perspective..you will find yourself encouraged and more productive...and don't forget to rejoice in the Lord always, i will say it again, rejoice!! 

I was listening to a podcast from driving into work this morning. It was from LifeChurch.tv, Pastor Craig Groeschel.  He spoke about being a "practical atheist" in today's culture and referred to the scripture in Revelations 3:

Even thought we are very close to the events, Shelly and I will be watching the events today from the warmth and comfortableness of our home.  A friend of mine is in the mix taking press photos today.  I will add some soon as he posts them.  What a historical day.  I took time to read a biography of MLK yesterday at Barnes and Noble.  I couldn't help but appreciate the significance of yesterday's history bringing in today's reality.  Pretty cool.  

Thought i would share a few quotes from MLK Jr. in celebration of His life today..What a great influencer he was

I came across a quote from Albert Einstein in my readings today that really encouraged me, thought i would share it with you.  "Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocre minds." BAM!!  Just when you feel like no else understands or even cares...keep pressing on towards your dream.  Its' the many that are called, but few are chosen.  The road to greatness is not necessarily on freshly paved and painted roads. On the contrary, it is more than likely to be on the road "less traveled". 

Had some great services this weekend.  I really enjoyed having the opportunity to speak to our 630-ers. I was even greeted by a few family and friends.  Always such a blessing to have visitors.  Shelly and I also had a great time at Ski Wisp tearing up the slopes! Check out Shelly's form, it's amazing!:)   

We are getting ready to launch our new location in February. It has been really cool to see all that goes into launching a new location. There is a lot of prep work. I liken it to all the things that need to happen to launch the space shuttle:) I have been placed in charge of the music department of the launch. This entails recruiting a worship team, training, organizing, and the most fun of all, buying all the the music equipment. I am like a kid in a candy store right now! T-minus 40 some days!!

I also have to opportunity to speak at our 630 service this weekend. We are doing a series entitled: Prison. We are walking through the book of Philippians. I will be jumping into chapter 2. Here are a few pre-thoughts to my message: prison walls cannot contain you, perspective is everything, fear=fuel to live. I will stop there. To get the rest you have to come to Ebenezers at 630pm! Be there or be square!!

Back in the office today. Got a Christmas Card and a gift from one of our supporters on my desk. What an encouragement. I posted it on my desk as an encouragement touch point when needed:) Shelly and I are so thankful for those who have invested in us for 08 & 09. What a humbling thing. To have such love and support from others who believe in you and your vision. It's fuel for the fire. This goes out to all those who have given on our behalf. Thanks so much. We are believing this year for Greater Things for you and your families! Bring it on 2009. I want to lift someones spirit today like this card lifted mine. Will you do the same? Come on, it'll be fun!!