Off to WV for our annual Leadership Retreat. Such a great time. We'll host our 200 leaders this weekend for a State of the Church Address which will include a synapses of last years stats along with our vision for 2010 and where we are headed as a church. Included in all of this is loads of fun and maxing and relaxing to the sounds of WV. Always such a blast. Can't wait to partake in the festivities!! Catch you on the flip side.

When you find yourself in situations that expose your fears, remember the promises of God. Every situation that you face that brings you to your fears is a situation that will breed a miracle. When you realize you are no longer in control, you realize the true meaning of your faith journey with Christ. Coming to an end of yourself means you are stepping into a new beginning with Christ. That my friends is the place that I want to be over and over again. What situations are you facing right now? How can you let go of the control in our life and simply follow Christ?

We just launched Campus Alpha last night at Gallaudet Campus. So cool to see God move in such a big way beyond the boundaries of culture and language. We had 50 people show up for cornhole, pizza, & the first Alpha ASL Video. It was such a monumental time. I don't even think we will realize the impact in our lifetime. A number of International Students from Saudi Arabia came out to join us. We couldn't sign their language and they could sign ours but we had a blast playing games and cracking jokes the best we could. God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we could ask for or think about. So excited for the next 7 weeks of Campus Alpha.

I love this story of redemption and grace. Joseph was faced with so much disappointment in his life and had every reason to become a frustrated and bitter man. Instead he was careful with how he entertained his thoughts and allowed God to do an amazing work that redeemed him, his family, and saved many many lives. Patience and Obedience is the key to a fulfilled life.
Genesis 45
 ^1-2 Joseph couldn't hold himself in any longer, keeping up a front before all his attendants. He cried out, "Leave! Clear out—everyone leave!" So there was no one with Joseph when he identified himself to his brothers. But his sobbing was so violent that the Egyptians couldn't help but hear him. The news was soon reported to Pharaoh's palace. ³ Joseph spoke to his brothers: "I am Joseph. Is my father really still alive?" But his brothers couldn't say a word. They were speechless—they couldn't believe what they were hearing and seeing.
 ^4-8 "Come closer to me," Joseph said to his brothers. They came closer. "I am Joseph your brother whom you sold into Egypt. But don't feel badly, don't blame yourselves for selling me. God was behind it. God sent me here ahead of you to save lives. There has been a famine in the land now for two years; the famine will continue for five more years—neither plowing nor harvesting. God sent me on ahead to pave the way and make sure there was a remnant in the land, to save your lives in an amazing act of deliverance. So you see, it wasn't you who sent me here but God. He set me in place as a father to Pharaoh, put me in charge of his personal affairs, and made me ruler of all Egypt.

^19-23 When his master heard his wife's story, telling him, "These are the things your slave did to me," he was furious. Joseph's master took him and threw him into the jail where the king's prisoners were locked up. But there in jail God was still with Joseph: He reached out in kindness to him; he put him on good terms with the head jailer. The head jailer put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners—he ended up managing the whole operation. The head jailer gave Joseph free rein, never even checked on him, because God was with him; whatever he did God made sure it worked out for the best.


Research can be broken into two basics categories, Primary & Secondary. Primary sources are those that actually experienced the history or record first hand while secondary is referred to as the sources that got the info from a messenger or gossip so to speak. The information came down from a second hand therefore its a secondary source. Its an amazing experience to move through these sources in our own life. What do i mean? Its a a way different impact when we "hear" that God is faithful and that He will never leave us or forsake us or that all things work together for good, than to actually be locked in a messy and smelly jail sell for something that we did not do only for God to exalt you to the second highest place in Egypt. As I travel along this journey it has been such a humbling experience walking through the Bible and experiencing things in a 'Primary Source Fashion'. Whatever situation you find yourself in today be confident and know that God is for you and who in all of creation could stand against that? He is writing your story. Be patient and obedient. Attitude and perspective is everything. I want God to be able to use me like He used Jacob. Everywhere I go and whatever I do, no matter what circumstance I find myself in, still God can use me and His Name will be glorified!

This year Shelly and I made two specific resolutions that we call revolutions because ultimately they will revolutionize our lives. One is to read through the Bible cover to cover this year and journal through the process.  The other is to get up an hour earlier to accomplish this. We bought some new Bibles and Journals as well to go along with the freshness of the task. So far its been great. This small change has made a huge impact on our individual lives, our marriage, and our day as a whole. One of our best decisions yet. In case you care, we decided to read through the Message Version. What decisions or changes have you made this year? One simple decision this year can change your life forever. I mean that in so many ways.

If you know me well then you know I have a keen sense for observing and "knowing where all the exits are and how long it will take to get there" at all times. Well tonight I get to have a little fun as I get to act like a secret agent in the spy museum. Sounds childish I know but let me have my fun. I have been wanting to go there for a few years now and have not made it. Tonight we have free tickets. The free part makes it priority. After you read this last sentence the post will self destruct in 5...4...3...2.....@#@#%$@%^

Shelly and I got a free pass to one of our local gyms for the new year. Just so happens that it has a huge rock climbing wall. Get to cross off one of our year goals already- join an extra curricular activity. We are taking an intro to Rock Climbing Class tonight!! Should be fun.

Shelly and I had the opportunity to partake in a nice relaxing new years getaway. During our time away we did our annual marriage eval, year eval, and goal setting. It was just what the doctor ordered. In fact, we decided that we are going to make this place our annual new years tradition spot. So excited!! We are starting off on a better foot this year than I think we ever have. Our communication and preparation was so beneficial. We discussed pros and cons and made necessary improvements both individually and as a couple. I am so excited about this new year to come. I felt like this year we were making a new year revolution instead of mere resolutions. The small changes we made to our everyday lives hopefully will result in greater influence and relationships for 2010. What our goals boil down to basically this year is to love God more, love each other more (individually & a couple), and love people more. This year I want to be in the best shape of my life spiritually, physically, mentally, and financially. Here's to 2010!!