i may not be happy but at least i have joy?

I have heard a lot of people make statements similar to this one, "Things are very difficult right now and even though I may not be happy, at least I have joy."

But I wonder if that is really how joy works. I know that circumstance aren't always great and that things that happen to us may give us great reason to be unhappy, but......................

doesn't the fact that today was created by God give us reason to rejoice?
Joy is defined as "an excessive delight or happiness in something that is exceedingly great."

So shouldn't we still be happy if we have joy. Obviously times of pain are difficult and it is reasonable that we all lose focus of what life is really about. But should we as people with an overwhelming hope in Christ's return ever have reason to not be optimistic?

Shouldn't our phrase be : Even though these difficulties give me reason to be unhappy, I am happy because I have joy!

Tell me what you think!

a new air conditioner

My wife and I have been with out air conditioning in our home for 12 days and it has been really, really hot here. Did I mention that my wife is five months pregnant?
After much time was spent on the phone and waiting for technicians (plural) to examine the problem, we found out that our compressor had burnt out since it is the original unit on a 15 year old house.
We could save money and fix the problem or we could spend three times that amount and get a whole new system. We went with the new system.

How many people live their walk with Christ in this way? How many people fix a problem and put an improved part of their life into an old and warn out soul; only to face another major problem in 1-2 years, when they should be transformed into a new creation?

"It may cost a lot more but its definitely worth it in the long run." - Tony the AC guy

(by the way our a/c should be fixed on friday)

the toughest part of my job

Do you ever wish someone could just see what your heart is feeling and understand how much you care for them?

When you make decisions that affect people, they sometimes are not very happy about those decisions. This is understandable because when we are in the wrong it is very difficult to see what is right.

I have heard that what separates those who achieve greatness and those who do not is their willingness to respond and grow from criticism and set-backs.

It is just very difficult when you are the one who is used to separate those people.

the real deal

I am learner. I like to hear people's opinions, experiences, etc. I believe that you can learn from anyone regardless of their background or beliefs. This desire to learn has benefited me a lot in my short adult life.

So when I began to start a Church, of course I had a great desire to learn from others who were willing to help me. I knew I could find some guys who had been there and done that and might take the opportunity to impart their wisdom upon and care for a "young buck" like myself that had a huge heart to make an impact. Boy was I in for a surprise..................

I know that there are great church leaders with great hearts to help young leaers out there. But for me it was very difficult to find a couple, yet any, who really cared at all.

In fact I was at a session with some church planters about two months ago sharing we are in our journey. I was lectured on the importance of having some experienced Church planters mentor me through this experience. When the lecturing (felt like blasting) was over, I kindly went to about four or five guys who were pastors of "successful" church plants and asked for their contact information. I contacted all of them...............................

no response.

I realized at this point that it was just our inexperienced Church and God. He is enough, but we would love for Him to use someone to guide us.

Then, I met Eric...
Eric is a chuch planter on the other end of our county ( if anyone would be hesitant to help me, this would be him). I met Eric with the intention of one lunch where I would ask him a lot of questions and I had very low expecations based upon my previous experiences. I brought my friend a long who has a heart to plant a church also.

Since that meeting...
Eric has made a commitment to meet with me once a month, his church instantly began helping us financially, and I continually get a "what can we do to help you". He also is providing opportunities for my friend to learn.

Eric is the real deal.

He will probably never read this but his believing in my vision, is giving this 25 year old the confidence that God can use Him to make a significant impact in Crestview and the world.


You can check out Eric's church at www.shorelinechurch.net

it starts

I have recently started Mosaic Church of Crestview with several other amazing people. Our goal is to live beyond ourselves and come together for the big picture.

I believe that God is going to do some amazing things. I believe there will be some amazing stories.

For those who care to know my thoughts on what is going on in our church, the world, and my life - this blog is for you.

If you don't care, don't read.