Taking church for granted

Here it is on a Sunday afternoon and I've been riding in a van all day. For so many years of my life I've been so freaking spoiled by the ability to go to church when I want to. I never dreamed that a day would come where I, being the church geek that I am, would be in a position to not be able to make it to church. But I am. And here I am riding in this van writing a blog and listening to John Piper online. Now don't get me wrong. I love Piper. I am quickly falling in love with writing notes to myself. I'm also in love with this incredible task (job, profession) that God has given me. But man, not getting to go to church to eat up the teaching of the Bible and worship Jesus with your family and love on your friends really sucks. I admit it. I have taken church for granted.

I love my new church. God has us in a place where we're going to be discipled by a godly couple who cares about us. There is a vision from the pastor and his wife (same couple) that God is the in center of. No, it's not a perfect church. It's not full of "perfect" people. It doesn't do and/or have everything I would like for it to. But God has not called us to shop for the place we want. He sends us where we need to be. It's a church where the pulpit matters, a church that teaches the Bible, and a church that unashamedly preaches the gospel of our very sovereign God. Thank you Lord for sending us there.

I'm so excited to be living this portion of God's plan in my life. It is not what I ever expected, and not exactly everything I've wanted. But God explains in Isaiah 55 that His ways are much higher than my own just as His thoughts are also. Does that verse mean I'm going to be happy ever after? Heck no. I miss my wife, my dog, my church. I'm not happy about that. But I also know that the Gospel was proclaimed through this wicked vessel yesterday through the streets of Tampa, Florida.

May God continue to be given glory through every part of my existence. I need forgiveness for my screw-ups, so thank You God for Your marvelous grace. I need You to expose Your gospel in my life today Lord. Help me.

Evan Almighty and popcorn

Mal and I went with two friends to see the flick today. What's sad is that we went to the matinée and it was still $6.50 each. That's ridiculous. My buddy Adam and I shared a bathtub of popcorn that we didn't finish. Anyway, to the flick...

Steve Carell can pretty much film a day in his life, and I will enjoy it. I've loved him for a while, but his character Michael from The Office is my hero. I won't spoil the story for you, but I will say that it was good enough for the theaters. I'm not one who goes to the Rave because of it's price, but for Steve, I'd do anything.

It also previewed a new movie he's in called Dan. He plays a serious role this time. I'm pretty stoked.

Well, we van out (cool bands get to bus out, but we're poor) at midnight from Montgomery, so I only have a few hours of fun left before it's time to hit the road again. Tampa here we come! But I'm happy that we'll be back on Sunday. Alright. The fam (that's me, my wife and my dog) is headed out for a date. It's Friday movies in the park here in our little town, I guess we're gluttons for movies today. Peace.

I don't always like the mirror

With this being my first blog, I want to explain a little bit of my life. The sad reality that I've had to face is that in my profession, my personal life is always exposed. I feel that this is an incredible thing seeing that Jesus lived His life pretty open for all to see. By having my blog remain nameless is not to hide from people, but it's honestly to keep the twelve year old girls who will have no idea what I'm saying away, at least for a while let's hope.

I want to be honest about myself. I am a saint, chosen by an incredible God whom I question too many times, and I really question why He chose me. Before and after my sainthood, with no evidence needed, I am also a sinner. My hope in fleeing completely from sin will only come true in heaven. This flesh sucks really bad, and I continue to fall short of His glory on a daily basis.

I like to call myself conservative in the scriptures and liberal in politics. I believe that Jesus sought to love people, and I would like to carve my life around that same idea.

There are many days where I dream big. These dreams revolve around the idea of God using me for His glory. I don't want my name to be remembered. I want the Church to remember why we're here. I don't want to be rich. I want the rich to love the poor. I don't always like the mirror, but I know this twisted guy with a big mouth that I see everyday wants to tell the truth. I don't want the spotlight, but now that it's here I desire for God to shine through this wicked vessel.

My life prayer and belief between me and God...

"You are the only Thing that's beautiful in me."

That is me. More to come soon.