Conversations

"conversations" new blog

2008-06-04T23:52:00.003-05:00

from now on, go to petehixson.org for the new "conversations" blog......

Last official post on blogspot - new blog coming...

2008-05-23T07:49:00.003-05:00

This will be the last "official" post on blogspot. June 4 I plan to launch my new blog site so check back for that address on June 4.

Today, I am leaving for vacation with these 3 girls! I love them, I can't wait to spend devoted time with them for several days in a row - truly a blessing!

Communication - a life saver!

2008-05-13T09:30:00.005-05:00

There is a tool that God has given to us all, yet too often we either don't use it or misuse it - communication. It is amazing what is released, opened, cleared, and relationship-saving when people communicate with one another in honesty, openness, and clarity. Whether it is in the environment of marriage, friendship, or working with someone - communication needs to be the beginning and the end - and we need to use this more than we do.

Obviously, there is a filter of God's Spirit, His Word, and wisdom to use restraint - and patience to not have a "knee-jerk" reaction, but open communication - used correctly - is a life saver for relationships!

To mommy from Hope and Addie!

2008-05-11T06:35:00.001-05:00

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T06:33:00.002-05:00

I want to wish my mother Happy Mother's Day today. Mom, I love you and I am so grateful to you for all that you have done for me. You gave me the privilege of growing up in a home where my mom loved me, cared for me, nurtured me - and most of all - YOU led me to faith in Jesus!

Happy Mother's Day mom!

Always learning, never "done", never satisfied!

2008-05-07T17:11:00.005-05:00

I have been at North Point Community Church the past few days for their DRIVE '08 Conference. Last night, they had a fun "surprise" night for us at their Browns Bridge location - it was kind of a "ho-down" with hot dogs, burgers, fries, sausages, ribs, funnel cakes, etc., some games, a look around their facility, a blue-grass band played - and then the surprise came with a special appearance by Jeff Foxworthy - it was incredible!

This conference gave nuts and bolts with breakout sessions - which all included Q&A - and it was great through exposure of the North Point ministries. Also, Andy Stanley taught great principles of leadership and a healthy staff - and then ended it today with the final session on about 5-6 great "random recent issues" that he is working through. I truly appreciated this final session (along with all of them) because it was through the lens of "we are not there yet" - he just shared some things that keep him thinking, challenged, and burdened.

This is great for guys like me to hear and see that we are all in process and hopefully we will always be learning. It also makes me respect people that can appear to "have it all down" or "have arrived" - because they are still learning and growing and not satisfied.

My father-in-law Johnny Hunt is an incredible example of this principle. Recently, we were talking and he was sharing about some new things that he is doing - really to ultimately reach people. Some might think he is satisfied to have a large church and a global ministry, but he is such an open person who wants to keep learning and is not satisfied! I can learn a great lesson from that!

Bad Medicine..........

2008-05-02T13:36:00.006-05:00

Wednesday night, Hollie and I went to the Bon Jovi concert at Phillips Arena. Daughtry opened up for him - It was a great time. Here are my thoughts:

Hollie and I were probably some of the youngest people there
Lots of soccer moms
the concert went until about 11:30pm
Too many women!
Even though he has a full on mullet, Bon Jovi still rocks!
Daughtry has a voice that is SO massive!

Flip video now working!

2008-04-29T21:26:00.005-05:00

Get ready - I got the Flip Video working tonight - the audio was working w/o the video - but now I have both............more to come!

Not boring....

2008-04-24T19:55:00.009-05:00

There are many things I love about what I do - and one of them is that it is not boring (except for my blog, I know - I keep promising and not delivering!!! I just can't get this Flip Video to work!). I am constantly learning - even when I don't realize it. Today, I had the opportunity to get together at Northstar Church with several pastors from the area - and it was great to meet and get to know them. Mike Linch was a great host to us! Then Brian and I had the opportunity to connect with a guy from North Point named David McDaniel - he has been a big help to VL. I am enjoying the journey and process of all that God is allowing me to be involved in - and it is surely not boring!

So while I am on the "not boring" kick - here are a few other random things that aren't boring......feel free to comment and add some (although I will not promise to publish all of them!)

Living in Atlanta
Being married to my wonderful and beautiful wife!
Being a dad of 2 amazing girls
People watching
Living in a house with 3 females
Living in a house with 3 females
Living in a house with 3 females
No, the top 3 statements are not a mistake - it is very much on purpose!
Owning a Mac
Now owning an iPhone (which I love!)
Learning all of the amazing features on my new iPhone while driving in the "not so boring" Atlanta traffic!
Filling my car up with gas these days
Remembering Chris Farley (that sure is random!)
Eating at all of the incredible restaurants around Atlanta
Reading my wife's blog
Vinings Lake Church!
Drinking coffee

Ok, that's it for now.

2 Years at Vinings Lake!

2008-04-22T22:34:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it has been 2 years since VL has started! We had a wonderful day Sunday as we celebrated victories and cast vision - to Be The Church TODAY and to See The Church TOMORROW.

On Sunday, I celebrated my wife being such a big part of VL to me personally - as she fulfills her role to love and support me. I privately told her this before Sunday as well. She is my best friend and the greatest partner anyone could ask for as a pastor's wife. I would never even want to do what I do without her!

I got an extra special gift - 2 incredible gifts to be exact - from my wonderful staff. They got me my very own iPhone - and a Flip Video! I am pretty sure that they are trying to kill me b/c I had to quit the Blackberry due to an addiction - and now by getting me the iPhone - it will probably damage me and many others on the roads around the ATL!

The people at VL are truly amazing. I love them - they are the best. VL, your love for God and love for the people of our community and around the world is evident by the way you serve and value others!

I have made a Flip video but I am having some issues in trying to connect it - it will be coming soon.......

A LOVING God - is to be feared.

2008-04-19T11:39:00.003-05:00

God is love - full of love - and mercy, grace, compassion - MORE than our human minds could ever grasp. AND He is our creator, sustainer, source of power, the ONE TRUE LIVING God. And He is to be feared, revered, and respected - not to be reckoned with.

I have been reading through some of the book of Numbers lately. In some of the chapters - around 14-16, we see some rebellion that the people of Israel were walking in - against God's servants (Moses and Aaron) - and ultimately against God.

I think it is always healthy to be reminded, as I was reading this, that God is to be feared. Look at what He says in 14:34-35, "you will suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me against you.....They will meet their end in this desert; here they will die."

It is also amazing to see how Moses and Aaron stood to be the mediator between God and man - and what a foreshadow of Jesus Christ - who stands - READY to mediate us to God through His incredible grace, love, mercy, compassion - not because we deserve it but because He loves us!

If you are like me, you might even think this thought, "it seems like God and Jesus are different - one is judging, ruling, powerful and the other is mercy, grace, loving...." The truth is both - God is our creator, ruler, and a JUST God who will judge the living and the dead. However - He is FULL of love because He BECAME a man and BECAME sin for us - through His Person of Jesus Christ.

God MADE Himself the fulfillment of His love - because He knew we could never do it on our own. That is TRUE LOVE!

And the winner is...........

2008-04-17T23:07:00.002-05:00

*After we got in the car - we ended up NOT going to eat at Chili's or to eat sushi...................we went to the other Hixson favorite - MEXICAN! So a little chips, salsa, guacamole - and our favorite mexican chicken soup.

It was a fun night together!

What will it be....Chili's or sushi?

2008-04-16T17:33:00.002-05:00

We are back - and not the same!

2008-04-12T13:13:00.007-05:00

We arrived back to the ATL last night. Can't even begin to say all that took place but I want to thank our Father for answering our prayers - and thank YOU for all of your prayers for us and the team and the people there. We prayed specifically for unity and safety for the team and for God to work in the hearts of the people we ministered to. He did ALL of that and so much more.

I will probably blog more later - but just a couple immediate

thoughts.....

Our mission TEAM was #1! They ALL did great - even the kids! What a privilege to do this together - we all fell in love with each other!

I have been reading through Romans during my quiet time and the very first day there (Saturday) the exact passage that was next for me to read was in Romans 10 - where it basically says "how can they hear unless someone preaches, how can someone preach unless someone goes, how can someone go unless they are sent....beautiful are the feet that bring the good news!" What a START to the week we had! What a prophesy for what we got to do all week!

Go to Hollie's blog (click here) for a few GREAT photos of Hope ministering (she did awesome) and of a lady that is LITERALLY 116 years old! She was puckering up to give me a kiss - seriously! (what happens in the D.R. stays in the D.R.). This was the first mission trip that my wife and I have taken together - I love you babe!

Go to my good friend Cody Deese's blog (click here). He has some amazing footage and videos from the trip - from the first day until the last - Cody, you and Katie rock - it was awesome to experience this with you both!

Dominican Republic

2008-04-02T19:37:00.003-05:00

Hollie, Hope and I will be in the Dominican Republic from this Friday until the following with our Vinings Lake family.

We are excited about our opportunity and the very first "official" mission trip that VL is taking! Please pray for our team - unity and safety - and please pray for the people we will be ministering to.

We will be visiting a few orphanages, an open air evangelistic opportunity, Vacation Bible School with children, and feeding a village (or a few).

So the blog will probably be down - unless I feel saucy enough to throw one out there!

Apple Bottoms

2008-04-01T19:56:00.005-05:00

My sister Hannah and her husband Josh got my girls their very own Apple Bottoms T-Shirts! Wow - how can I say thanks - I hope they wear them everywhere!!! (Addie probably will never take hers off!)

Thanks uncle Josh and Aunt Hannah! I am buying you kids a set of drums!

.....this clothing brand is for real!

My wife ROCKS!

2008-03-27T20:42:00.006-05:00

Tonight, Hollie (she is going to kill me for using this picture!) hosted her first Ladie's Night at VL - and it was INCREDIBLE!

She and her team had it decorated (way to go mom and Heidi!) and prepared and did a great job. The worship center looked fabulous and was FULL of ladies - while some of us men served them their food.

Shannen Fields, who starred in Facing the Giants and also attends VL with her family, was the speaker and I heard she did a great job as well - thank you Shannen!

Hollie - you are the best, I love you and I am SO proud to be your husband!!!

Write your own story here...

2008-03-26T19:49:00.007-05:00

I am not completely sure why - but this picture just makes me smile - I mean, what in the heck was going on previous to this beautiful photo? ......Seriously, how does this happen?

Easter Victory - Part 2

2008-03-25T22:42:00.002-05:00

Just thinking tonight....Jesus is still alive and so are we. May we keep doing what He has invited us to do - with the same passion and drive every week - like we do for Easter!

Man, what a privilege - what a calling - what a responsibility - what an opportunity!

***By the way - have I said how absolutely AMAZING the people of VL are!! I love you!

Celebrate Easter Victories

2008-03-24T19:46:00.006-05:00

There are so many victories that we can celebrate about yesterday's Easter services - and MANY of them that we can't - simply b/c we don't know about them yet!

Celebrate: Staff Team - you did it and made such an impact in the lives of our people and community. Thank you for your constant hard work, preparation, investments in our people, and creativity to make it all an incredible experience. You are awesome - and I look forward to just hanging out with you tomorrow night when I beat you down at the Nintendo Wii and eat some Moe's!

Celebrate: VL is the best group of people in the world! You deserve to be thanked and encouraged in a HUGE way! You went over and above to help our guests feel welcomed, loved, and valued.

Inviting and Bringing people
Serving with an incredible heart, spirit, smile, and attitude
Carpooling and Parking all around to leave the best spots for our guests
Arriving early and on time - and sitting in the front (where NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE!) and middle of the rows
Catching the vision, passion, and desire that God has for us
Being the Church to our community
Encouraging your pastor like none other! I love you!

Celebrate: SO many guests that came! Incredible stories that we do know and some that we don't know - that deserve MUCH celebration that they just came! In addition to people inviting and bringing others, the mail-out that everyone worked on so hard was worth every minute and penny spent. It truly gave a great representation of who Vinings Lake is in order to give our community a welcoming glimpse of our church.

Celebrate: All the kids - Preschool and KidMo. We offered KidMo at both hours this week and it was VERY effective!

Celebrate: Largest attendance we have ever seen on our campus with 519 people between our 2 morning services.

Celebrate: Our new Marriage and Relationships series kicked off GREAT! Our media team and band hit a home run with graphics, environment, lights, video, songs - fun and very worshipful! The message seemed to really connect and I am excited about the next 3 weeks of this series.

Celebrate: Lives that were touched, maybe realized God's love for them for the first time - or in a long time, opened to taking a step toward Jesus, challenged in their marriages and relationships, changed through faith in Jesus, and the many who came and felt welcomed to come back.

Celebrate: Our opportunity and vision to see people come, connect, and commit - happening right before our eyes!

I am so grateful for this journey the Lord has called me to be on - and all the amazing people that I get to take this journey with!

So excited

2008-03-22T19:50:00.003-05:00

Goodness...just a few hours - it's almost like Christmas Eve...I am completely excited about tomorrow (by the way Melissa, I am NOT "eggs"sited!!!) at VL - our 3rd Easter Sunday!

*Can't wait to have a blog CONVERSATION with you about all that God did - tomorrow!

American Idol

2008-03-19T21:35:00.004-05:00

Ok, I am a pretty nice guy and try to be positive about most things......with that in mind - I think American Idol has seen its days. I just can't get into it - lacking some "authenticity" if you will. What they need is a little Rick Astley - that would be really cool!

bigger

2008-03-17T21:07:00.003-05:00

God is bigger than we could ever imagine. I 'know' this - but do I really believe it?

Today, through a circumstance, I realized this - that His opportunities and plans - and provisions for all of this - is much bigger than what we could fathom. We have our "good" ideas and plans - and even ways to accomplish them - and then He provides us with a way that is so much bigger!

He is bigger than we acknowledge, think of, and even can dream about. This whole salvation plan.....is His plan - and His mission for us....is His mission. Let's not forget - we are not driving Him to do this - He is calling us to join Him - and when we do we will see that He is bigger...and better.

Today

2008-03-16T21:42:00.007-05:00

Really too much to even try and put into words on how today was at VL. I may try and get a little saucy and do another video blog this week - about today and leading up to Easter.

But in brief (b/c I am hitting that grumpy tired state) - here's the bottom line:

People shared about how their lives have been and are being changed - some video, some live.
People publicly professed their faith in Jesus through baptism.
People observed Communion - remembering what Jesus went through with His body and His blood.
People worshiped throughout all of these points during the service.
The band did another amazing job leading us in worship (they absolutely rock! - Shane is my hero...no Brock..or Bryan...Mark...D. Riddle....Jeff....I can't decide, I want to be like all of them!)
The media team with sound, lights, video, did an awesome job interviewing, shooting, editing, and pulling everything together.
Staff - thank you SO much for putting all hands on deck today to make it all happen - details with order of service, baptism, communion, media - EVERYTHING.....plus everything you do every week. Your leadership and service is amazing and I love you!
Many people were there as guests and regular attenders - to watch and listen to real people talk about real change that comes only by a real God.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. It is ONLY through Him that our lives can be CHANGED!
I am so excited and have a renewed passion to continue pursuing what God wants to do in our community and around the world!
In a 5 mile radius of where VL is - there are 162,170 people - over 600,000 in 10 miles and 6.4 billion around the world.......
I want to go back to thinking and believing BIG - He is God after all - and this whole idea of redeeming people back to Himself is His idea - we just get to be a part of it!

tomorrow...

2008-03-15T21:25:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is going to be a very exciting day at VL! We are finishing the "CHANGED" series with a complete day of people sharing how their lives have been and are being "CHANGED". Some will share live and other through video testimonies, we will be observing Communion, we will have incredible worship, and several people are making their faith public through baptism - it is going to be a memorable day at Vinings Lake!

I look forward to posting about the day!

Name that local celebrity

2008-03-10T22:19:00.004-05:00

My wife went to the Nascar race at Atlanta Motor Speedway yesterday - got to hang out in a suite and got her picture with this local celebrity. Name this distinguished, beautiful man!

Great Pics from VL

2008-03-04T20:45:00.011-05:00

Enjoying the comments, enjoying life - MORE

2008-03-04T20:22:00.003-05:00

I am enjoying the comments from my previous video blog - keep them coming! This may be a start to my "take over" of most hits to the blog between me and Hollie!!! (ok, maybe a little childish - but who cares, it is fun!)

On a little more serious note, I am also enjoying this incredible life that God has blessed me with. I have the most amazing wife and children - and I can say that I am enjoying my life with them more and more. Things are busy - and life is not without problems - but still, I seem to be enjoying what matters most - more. I am also enjoying the ministry more as well - and seeing God - and even learning that God is doing more than I realize!

That's a lot of the word "MORE".......but maybe that is the point. No perfection or claim to be here - but thankful for progression - more. Not more stuff or necessarily less problems - but more perspective on priorities, a little more trust (hopefully!), some more rest in God's control, more respect for the truth, learning the value of more GRACE in understanding and loving people...and more remembrance that I am one of those "people" - that is thankful for more of God's GRACE and truth to me.

Video Blog about Sunday, March 2

2008-03-02T22:06:00.002-05:00

Best Breakfast EVER!

2008-03-01T11:35:00.004-05:00

I know I am a man of "this.....is my favorite" - and then I change my mind when I find something else - I am kind of like that kid that says "It's the best....EVER!" - and then changes his mind minutes later.

But yesterday Hollie and I ate breakfast at a place that AS OF TODAY - is my favorite breakfast place yet! It is called The Flying Biscuit Cafe

Everything we had was awesome - the biscuits of course are amazing - served with some apple/cranberry sauce, Hollie had a "Meggxican breakfast wrap" - and I had the traditional breakfast - along with their famous breakfast chicken sausage....and my friend - the GRITS were off the hook!

There are a few locations around Atlanta - give it a try!

CHANGED...a new life begins

2008-02-27T23:11:00.007-05:00

This Sunday, I am beginning a 3 part series called "CHANGED" (props to Brian for the title - and once again Derek the man for the graphic!). We are going to launch into this series with the passage in John 8 about the woman caught in the act of adultery - what took place here? what did it mean to her? to the Pharisees?....to all of us today? The end result when we have an encounter (or a "Collision" if you will) with the love and GRACE of Jesus - is a CHANGED life - that is exactly what He offered this woman - and offers us today!

On March 16, we will end this series with an exciting day of celebrating CHANGED lives of people at Vinings Lake. We will hear some tell their stories of a CHANGED life, worship, and observe others make their profession in Jesus public through baptism - it is going to be a great day!

Dreaming and Walking

2008-02-25T15:06:00.002-05:00

Some "common" language around here at the office of Vinings Lake and a constant balance is to keep Dreaming and yet put one foot in front of the other by Walking.

I believe God puts dreams - big dreams - in our hearts. He creates us a certain way and we must respond to those dreams - believing Him - and that He can do ANYTHING. While at the same time - WHILE pursuing those dreams - put one foot down and not trip over what is right in front of us.

For me, a constant struggle and "back and forth" balancing act is to both Dream and Walk. I love to dream - and it is sometimes out of my comfort zone to just walk. But I am learning the value of both. I want to reach this entire community (new stats say 162,170 people in a 5 mile radius of Vinings Lake Church - and 88% do not attend church regularly) - and accomplish more than we could ever dream or imagine. And yet I know it doesn't happen over night - unless that is how God chooses to do it - which He CAN!

I don't want to be a dream stealer to anyone and I don't want anyone to steal my dreams - dreams that God puts in there at least - and when it comes to reaching people with His good news - it is all His desire and idea anyway.

Just a great reminder - you don't have to lose your Dream - but don't miss what is right in front of you. Dreaming and Walking.

New Blog coming soon

2008-02-25T15:05:00.001-05:00

I will be "launching" my new blog soon - new website as well - just want to get a few things tweaked and ready! Stay tuned.......

Addie - this kid is hilarious!

2008-02-25T00:01:00.004-05:00

Addie has us laughing all the time! Today after church, we just grabbed some Chili's ToGo (my favorite!) and went home to eat. We were sitting there and Addie said, "Daddy, I want you to teach my class sometime - mommy can preach for you on the stage."

I love being a daddy to both of my little girls!!!!

Coming Soon!

2008-02-21T09:41:00.002-05:00

This is Hollie!! I had to put up a new post for Pete because I could not handle pulling up his page and seeing that crazy picture of me again!

Anyways........we have a new blog and new domain coming up in the next 2 days, so check back here for the new and improved Pete Hixson blog. It has a new look.......

Hollie - Every Day is Valentine's Day!

2008-02-13T08:55:00.005-05:00

Since my wife put a crazy picture of me on her blog - here is one for you sweetheart!

Today is Valentines Day (although, I will toot my horn and tell you I am writing this on Wednesday - just to make sure I do it!) - and it is a great time to celebrate with your "special someone" - however, I do think a great reminder to all of us is to not treat holiday's that we celebrate something so important - as just a "one day" deal.

Whether it is Christmas, Easter, or any other day, if what we celebrate is worth it - it should be part of our entire life!

Hollie - you are one of a kind! I love you - EVERY day is Valentines Day with you!
(oh, and by the way - if you think this is cheesy......it ain't for you homeslice! just kidding...but seriously!)

Live and Lead Like Jesus

2008-02-13T08:45:00.004-05:00

I love reading the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. It takes the life of Jesus - and makes Him come alive, tells His stories, and allows us to learn from Him.

As a follower of Jesus, in any area of our lives, we have the privilege and opportunity to live and lead like Jesus did.

How did He live and lead? What does it take for us?

(no way does this cover it "all" - just a few thoughts)

Intimacy with the Father. SO important for all of us - prayer, filter, for God to change us - our hearts and minds, and steer us back, guide us, keep us - in His heart, His eyes, His plan.
Sensitivity to others. When we become a follower of Christ, a danger is to forget where we came from - having he heart of Jesus requires being sensitive to ALL kinds of people - like Jesus was.
Resilience to the Mission. Jesus always kept focused on what He had come to do.
Loyal to truth and the Message. Jesus was the truth and the message. As we remain loyal to Him - we will remain loyal to His message.
Lots of GRACE. We live in a world of PEOPLE - we are those PEOPLE! It takes MUCH grace - oh, to live and lead like Jesus here.....how do we do it? Back to the first one - Intimacy with the Father!

Lit Conference

2008-02-11T14:31:00.000-05:00

Cody Deese is a good friend of mine who has a gift and passion to communicate to students and adults. I love it when he speaks here at Vinings Lake because our people love him. He and Katie are great friends of ours and I have had the privilege to serve on his board at Fan the Flame for over 2 years now.

Cody is launching his first conference this coming August called LIT. I am excited and honored to be a part of it - along with a few other ministry friends - and a young high school student - Zach Hunter - click here to find out more about this incredible guy - you can watch his deal with Good Morning America!

If you would like to come or volunteer at LIT - check out the website. Also if you would ilke contribute to this conference as certain costs are coming due, you can email them at office@litconference.com

great restaurant!

2008-02-06T22:58:00.001-05:00

Tonight Hollie and I went out and had a great time - I love just being with my wife! We went to an incredible Asian restaurant called Zyng - it was amazing! Very simple, easy, modern - and great food!

First - a must appetizer with some Edamame beans - and then you get a bowl which includes picking your preference of noodles or rice, then you pick your protein, then the type of spice/sauce (the hotter the better for me!).

Good stuff - we will be frequent guests!

Listen, Filter, Follow God

2008-02-06T16:01:00.000-05:00

*Just a thought:

People - good people - will come with all kinds of advice, thoughts, direction, desires, and even truth. People in our church, other leaders, good friends, etc.

So....

LISTEN:

First of all, it is SO important to RECEIVE information and help and advice, etc. On this note, Brian turned me onto a GREAT blog yesterday by Craig Groschel's entitled "Signs of Immaturity" - WOW did I need to hear that! We must realize that we don't and aren't even supposed to "know it all" - that's why we need each other.

And keep in mind.....

If you love and take to heart what EVERYONE has to say - be careful, we can't be everyone or do what everyone wants us to do.
If you are only listening to a select few (especially if they are alike or just like you) - be careful, there are other types of people in this world - that God uses.
If you don't listen to anyone - be VERY careful - we are not meant to make it alone!

And after listening....

FILTER:

Filter it through - the background, personality, journey, opinion, heart motive, and end result - of what is being said.
Filter it through - WHO God has created and called you to be - you are not anyone else but you!

At the end of the day....

FOLLOW GOD:

*Take what people say - LISTEN - FILTER it - and at the end of the day - FOLLOW GOD.

Leading people is helping people

2008-02-04T10:11:00.000-05:00

I had a little talk with Addie this morning.....regarding some things that revolve around her behavior with others at school and church. She has a natural bent toward leading people around her - or in her way of doing that right now - telling them what to do!

Now, she doesn't understand the "word" leadership, but she practices what it means - and one of my regular prayers for her is to leverage her leadership - because she CAN be a great leader, and it will make a difference in the future. The issue I talked to her about today is to use it to HELP people. I told her that a good leader is one that helps people.

It is interesting how you can learn something from what you teach your children. As I thought about what I said, it impacted me - that leading people is all about helping people. It is not about being "out front" or "telling people what to do" - it is not about using your "position" for yourself, it is truly about helping people.

Sure, I have heard this principle from great leaders before - yet, I learned it again today through this simple "daddy to child" conversation.

It is nothing new or original, but a great refreshing reminder to me - that Leading people is helping people.

Yeah...ok, go ahead and laugh!

2008-01-30T12:53:00.000-05:00

Ok, so maybe I left out a small detail about Addie's little princess party - somehow I forgot to post the picture of "Prince Peter".....I might as well get it out there - others had cameras and who knows where this picture might appear!

****Hey - one thing is for sure - there is nothing boring about this blog post with a picture of me in tights! Maybe this will give me a boost in my "Blog War" with Hollie (wow, I am desperate!)

By the way ladies - I don't know HOW you all wear these things - they are terrible!

Are you serious?

2008-01-29T23:38:00.000-05:00

I just found this picture and had to post it.......this is hilarious - I love it!

Just a little gift idea for Christmas next year.......

5th Tooth!

2008-01-29T23:18:00.000-05:00

Hope lost ANOTHER tooth! It came out last night before she went to bed - and of course the tooth fairy came to visit. This is the 5th tooth that I have pulled out of that little girl's mouth - and this was the smallest one yet!

This is a picture of her tooth - that I took of course with my amazing Mac! Man, I love this thing!

My Little Princess

2008-01-28T21:40:00.000-05:00

Addie turns 4 years old this Wednesday! I really can't believe it. I know that 4 is not that "old" - but she was our little baby and now she is getting older, bigger, and of course way too cute. This kid is hilarious, fun, full of energy, she has spunk, personality, she is a natural leader, and she keeps us on our toes!

This picture is from her little Princess Birthday party this past Saturday night - what a party!

Addie, daddy loves you VERY much and I am SO proud of you. Happy Birthday!

READY

2008-01-28T13:09:00.000-05:00

A very important word that was taught to me before we launched Vinings Lake is "READY". It remains an important word - over 1 1/2 years later.

When we were getting ready to launch, I was stressed about getting things "ready" for the target date to begin - obviously wanting that to be sooner than later. But I was set at ease when this word became a resting point for me to realize - "we will launch - when we are READY!"

This is still an important word today. As we begin new things, transition and grow - it is not only wise, but comforting to be READY. It is easier to be ready - than to have to "re-act". Sometimes this takes time, sometimes focus, and most of the time - both!

And being "ready" doesn't always mean that we know what is coming our way - it involves a "ready" and open heart and mind. God is in control and whatever He chooses to give us, allow us, and direct toward us - He will provide EVERYTHING we need - as we remain READY and flexible - to receive it!

A day in the life of Peter John Lawrence Hixson

2008-01-24T20:48:00.000-05:00

I (Hollie) decided to post for Pete since he has had a very busy day and he has been getting too many "your blog is boring" comments........SO he had a great day. It all began at 7am at the Vinings Club for BNI (business networking international) then after that the VL staff team met for an all day staff meeting and planning. He told me that had a great day of planning, also he went on and on about what a yummy lunch they had (as usual he had such a great lunch that he was not even hungry for dinner) from there it was back to the office for a couple of hours of sermon prep for Sunday!! Me and the girls went up to the church about 6pm right after it got dark to have Pete and Brian load up some tables that we needed for Addies's birthday party this weekend and WOW that place is scary at night. Talk about a fun place to play hide-n-go seek!! Brings back memories of growing up as a PK and that's what we did for fun....ANYWAYS.....He and Brian had another meeting at a church in the area tonight that is trying to make some changes and they went over there to talk about the changes that took place over the past couple of years at VL. THAT'S ALOT OF MEETINGS!!

Well, I like pictures, so since I have hijacked this blog, here are some pictures!!

This is the before the "Extreme Church Makeover"

During Renovations

Maybe next time I post here, I will post some new pictures for those of you that have not been to our church!

Invite EVERYONE on the journey!

2008-01-23T23:21:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning, Hollie and I (and Brian, Addie, Bill, and Sheila) had the privilege to have breakfast with some of the greatest people on the planet. Ozell and Alton are part of Vinings Lake - and they were there when it was New Hope and made the transition with us as we began our new church. Not only did they make the transition, but they have absolutely been so faithful and supportive.

Someone asked Ozell this past Sunday what she thought about Vinings Lake - and she said she loved it! I am so glad that they love it and that they love us - because we love them!

Preconceived ideas might say that b/c of age or whatever else - some might not want to be a part of what you are doing - or the kind of church you are - but I want to encourage all of us to invite EVERYONE on the journey. I remember the Wednesday nights before Vinings Lake started - and Alton and I would sit together and pray - I am blessed to know them.

When you invite EVERYONE on the journey, it doesn't mean you change where you are going, but you might just be surprised - some may not stay that you thought would - and some might stay and love it. Alton and Ozell are living proof of that!

Don't miss out - invite EVERYONE on the journey!

Today at VL

2008-01-20T22:10:00.000-05:00

After I strapped the chains on my tires and made my way over the hills and through the woods, I finally made it to VL............Seriously, we had a great day - even with canceling our 9:15 service, our 11:00 service was awesome!

I have enjoyed this message series, "Choreography" and today's message was about adding the Scriptures to our faith. We learned that "Scripture isn't just a textbook to tell us something, but God's message to change our lives." Sometimes we view scriptures as irrelevant, boring, or we are motivated by guilt to read - but in reality - it is our creator's message in order to change our lives! The Scriptures reveals God to us, us to ourselves - in order to change us, gives us a hunger for itself, gives us wisdom for living, and shows us that Jesus is the main character. What an opportunity we have! We need to just start somewhere, develop a hunger for the scriptures, and include others around us to help us.

It has been an excellent day all together - went to lunch at US Cafe (best burger around!), good time at Community Group tonight, and then played a little Nintendo Wii - polishing up my skills on Guitar Hero! (still pursuing my dream of being a rock star!).

Update for tomorrow at VL

2008-01-19T22:07:00.000-05:00

Ok, it's a little after 10pm - and I just got inside from building this snowman in my front yard - my neighbors were a little impressed...............

So anyway..............sorry for not posting at 8pm like I said I would - but this took me a little longer than I had planned - go figure.

Visit Hollie's blog for some good pics of the kids today. (*Hollie and I are still in a blog war by the way - beware, mine is about to go to another level!)

You can check the VL website for an update for tomorrow, but we will be having our 11:00am service only - the 9:15 service is cancelled due to the projected weather issue. The Preschool Training will be postponed - so nothing happening until 11am.

Hope to see you all tomorrow!

Church tomorrow...

2008-01-19T13:39:00.000-05:00

1:40pm - Still watching the weather and putting a general message on the main VL phone line (770.941.8533) saying to call back at 8pm for the next update.

I will post again around 8pm also.

I am going outside to play in the snow with Addie - probably make a snow angel, do a few snow balls, and maybe a snowman! Pictures will probably be following!!!!!!!!!!!

The "magical" Mac!

2008-01-17T23:58:00.000-05:00

So - I am completely impressed with my new MacBook - once again.

Last night I put this video together about the girls - and I am pretty clueless on how to do this kind of stuff - so it shows that just about anyone can do something with the magical Mac (maybe Apple will give me some sort of sponsorship or something since I am pumping them up.....).

Here it is!

Keep the comments coming!

2008-01-17T23:56:00.001-05:00

Well, that may be the most comments I have ever received - from the previous blog! You will have to scroll down and check them out - I am enjoying reading them - and they are (some of them) bringing me back to my feet (since the wind was knocked out of me with the whole "your blog is boring" comments!).

My wife's blog is better than mine, so.......

2008-01-15T23:49:00.000-05:00

Ok, so my wife's blog is better than mine - and I am trying to retaliate with something - anything - especially since some of my "good" friends think that my blog is boring!!!

So, a little survey - to spice things up a bit (and hopefully put some sort of a smile on your face).

Which guy (in his own mind) is the next "real" American Idol - and why?

An honor that can hardly be compared.......

2008-01-14T15:15:00.000-05:00

If you read this and think something "spiritual" is coming - just hit pause.

I am writing about an honor I just realized that I have received. A friend of mine (J.R. Lee) that is planting a new church in Acworth, GA (Freedom Church) had a contest to name their equipment truck that they will use each week as they tear down and set up for their weekly worship service.

I submitted a name - and I won! The joy is practically overflowing, unbelievable, incomprehensible...I don't know what to say!

What an honor! Click here to read all about it.

My acceptance speech will be in process for quite some time as I must prepare to communicate the gratitude of my heart.

Incredible Day!

2008-01-13T22:46:00.000-05:00

WOW! What an amazing day today!

At VL this morning, we had an awesome day! Lots of people today - both at 9:15 and 11:00. Our 11:00 service is getting filled up - very exciting!

The music had a great spirit of worship today - it is awesome to have such great people with genuine hearts as a part of this ministry

The entire spirit and excitement of everything - and everyone that was there was so great - and many visitors and returning people.

We strive to place great importance and value on all of our guests - and as Brian commented to me today about how awesome our people are - I COMPLETELY agree - it is wonderful to see them welcome others and add value to their experience at Vinings Lake.

After our 11am service, we had our 2nd "VL 101" - which is our intentional step to connect people and help everyone understand who we are, what we are called to do, and how we are going to accomplish that. This is also a required step for anyone that wants to become a member at Vinings Lake. I am very excited about this - both for now and for the future! Brian - awesome job in putting this together and making it happen!

Today, Hope was cracking me up and blessing me - as she was singing a song she learned at KidMo today - and reading through her little Bible (the "Hope Version" is quite interesting!). Addie made me laugh with her version of a worship song - she got a few letters twisted around!

Tonight we had a great time in our Community Group. It is encouraging to discuss what is going on and hearing the honesty of where we want to be - in relation to "adding" and growing in our faith this coming year and we also took a moment to each share how we have grown in our faith this past year. I think it is SO important to reflect on the positive of how we have grown - it seems to give us the fuel we need to keep going!

Then - me, Hollie, and the kids added an exclamation to the day with eating dinner at Taco Bell. Oh yes - I love it! My personal favorite is to get 2 Big Beef Meximelts and an order of Nachos Bellgrande.

Great day. Thank you God. I love my wife and children. I love my VL family.

Psalm 13 - God has been good to me

2008-01-11T09:29:00.000-05:00

Psalm 13 is an amazing scripture (as if there is any part of scripture that is not amazing!) and it can be very encouraging to us as we see ourselves in the middle of a difficult time. Whether that difficulty is wrapped around people, money, job, relationships, health, or stress....... we really can TRUST in the UNFAILING love of God.

And we can "sing" - not b/c everything is great or perfect - but because God HAS been GOOD to us. Even hearing that, we may even question it by saying, "if God is so good to me, why am I going through this?". I want to remind us that "this" isn't over yet - and the reality is this - who of us can look back on our life and not see ANY time that God "has been good".

He "has" been good - He is good - He never changes - we can TRUST in His UNFAILING love.

MacBook

2008-01-09T22:44:00.000-05:00

I am currently blogging from my new MacBook! I just picked it up tonight - and I must admit - I am a little frightened. I don't know much about it, but I am absolutely excited to learn - I love this thing!

If anyone has any advice for a new user - please feel free to comment!

lest we get discouraged..........

2008-01-08T22:37:00.000-05:00

In ministry, I believe it is so easy to get discouraged and think that we are just going through the motions - with no fruit and no results.......then when we have a conversation with someone, we realize that lives are truly being changed.

One of our struggles with discouragement is that we think it is all up to us - and that wrong thinking also leads to pride b/c we will think the same during times of "success". Another problem is that we don't spend enough time focusing in on the actual PEOPLE that we have been "ministering" to - we MUST hear their stories and that will keep our hearts ignited with passion and a desire to keep going.

Whether it is a message that you have taught, a preschool room you have served in, or a ministry that you spent endless hours launching from scratch - no matter how we "feel" - if we will just be available and not quit, leave the results to God, be diligent to do all we can, and take time to hear the stories of REAL PEOPLE.......our discouragement may have a little bit of "merit" - but it will be overcome with the encouragement and reality of God's power and changed lives.

***Check out this incredible PROMISE from God's Word - Galatians 6:9

choreography

2008-01-07T20:45:00.000-05:00

Yesterday at VL I started a new series called "choreography". (Props by the way to my boy Derek for the amazing graphic!!!)

The heartbeat of the series comes from the desire to teach ALL believers our responsibility and opportunity to mature and grow in our faith. We cannot rely on programs of the "church", "church" attendance, or even being active in "church" to become a mature believer and follower of Jesus.

And as a pastor or leader, we must not lead people to rely on these things either.

Good Question: So, HOW do we grow in our faith?

EVERYONE (not just pastors and Christian leaders) that has been born again and is a child of God has been given EVERYTHING we need in order to grow in our faith. God has placed within us His very nature, He has given us free access to Himself, and He has revealed Himself to us through His Word.

Another Good Question: WHAT does that have to do with "choreography"?

II Peter 1:1-11 gives us a little word in verse 5 - "add" and he tells us that we must "add" to our faith. This word comes from the original word that means "choreograph" or "choreography". A song is still a song, but when you put choreography to it, it makes the song dance, come alive, and "adds" to it.

Our faith rests completely on the person and work of Jesus Christ - and NOTHING we do will make God love us any more or less. However, once we have faith in Christ - we must GROW in that faith - and "add" to it - "choreograph" it.

We must take the responsibility and opportunity to grow and mature in our faith. WHY? Because I believe that when people begin to not just hear our faith (a song) but see it (a song with choreography), it not only makes us stronger in our faith, but makes our faith more believable.

Eventful night!

2008-01-04T14:25:00.000-05:00

Last night, Hollie was downstairs cooking dinner and I was upstairs with Hope and Addie. Hope had her finger in the hinge of the closet door when Addie closed it....which began our eventful night!

Poor little Hopie's finger got caught in the door and she was in lots of pain! I called Brian for a little EMT advice (just kidding B, you are the greatest Paramedic in the world!). Hollie got on the phone with a nurse that encouraged taking Hope in just in case. So Hollie turned the stove off and we headed to Kennestone Hospital. Deanna came to get Addie and Mimommy hung out with us in the Pediatric E.R.

About 3 hours later, we were leaving the hospital with a little splint on Hope's slightly fractured finger. We got back home and ate dinner at about 10:45pm!

Hope was a champ. Check in with Hollie's blog soon - and I am sure she will have a few pics!

Posting Comments

2008-01-03T16:45:00.001-05:00

I have 51 comments that I never posted b/c I didn't think I would want to hassel with managing them. However, it seems pretty easy so I am going to give it a try. I just posted my first comment from my buddy Zach (who is the man by they way!).

Learning more and more about this blogging world thing - not a "fully devoted follower" yet - but at least a "seeker" and willing to "check" it out!

Which one is right?

2008-01-02T20:55:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I read from my leadership devotional and another devotional that I often use.

The Leadership one stated that "The strength of any organization is a direct result of the strength of its leaders." and went on to say "Everything rises and falls on leadership."

The other devotional made this statement, "Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do; He reveals to you Who He is."

The first one feels like there is a lot of pressure on the leader of an organization and the second one seems to relieve that pressure by stating that God is in control. So I have a question:

Which one is right?

They both are. God is in control - and yet He does call people to lead - and expects them to lead with their best and a gives them a great deal of responsibility. There is much pressure with leadership, but it is only felt when we don't rely on the truth of the second devotional - that God is the one that will give His leaders the direction, wisdom, and leadership that they need.

Once again - the "Both/And" principle of life appears! God is a "Both/And" God.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T20:49:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it is here - 2008 already! It feels like I blinked my eyes and the entire holiday season has come and gone - and I even knew that it would!!!

Visit my wife's blog by clicking here to see some good pics and stuff from our family over the Christmas and New Years holiday - she is much better than I am at this stuff!

Making Disciple Makers...

2007-12-18T21:12:00.000-05:00

The "win" for us ultimately at Vinings Lake is to make "disciple-makers".

Today is a special day to celebrate the reality of this happening. There is a gentleman in our church that was coming with his family for a while to VL and earlier this year, he trusted Jesus Christ to be his personal Savior and was baptized this past Easter. Recently, he has been bringing a co-worker to church with him and being an incredible influence in his life.

Today, that co-worker prayed to recieve the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ for himself!

This is a celebration because of one that has been forgiven, clean, and given a new life in Jesus Christ. It is also a celebration because of the influence that a new believer (and yes, I DID say NEW believer!) has been having on his friend and co-worker - and the result of him just MERGING his life with someone. And it is a celebration because above all, there REALLY is a God in heaven - who will move heaven and earth - and surround you with people that will share with you and show you - the message of life, hope, and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ!

By the way, this is not a new concept - Jesus said long ago to "make disciples" - our mission is simply to follow His mission and lead people to be "disciple-makers"!

The Church - TOGETHER

2007-12-11T09:42:00.000-05:00

Last night and tonight, Hollie and I are hosting all of the volunteer leaders of various ministries for a Christmas party at our home.

One of the greatest joys of being in ministry is seeing others involved and serving in ministry. These volunteers are our partners and I don't believe we can ever thank, encourage, or add value to their lives enough!

Ephesians 4:11-13 is a clear description of my calling as a pastor and the partnership that I am blessed to have with these incredible people that I love. This IS The Church - TOGETHER!

Celebrate the victories

2007-12-09T20:44:00.001-05:00

One of our core values at VL is celebration. Many times we ask God for things, plan for things, pray for things - and too often we miss the opportunity to celebrate the victories that God allows us to be a part of!

The last few weeks at VL have been awesome - not just in our worship services, but what is going on in the lives of the people (which again - the church is PEOPLE, not a building, structure, program, or a Sunday service).

A few victories to celebrate:

High School student was led to Christ by his Community Group Leader over lunch one day recently. This took place through conversations and investments from his mother, Group Leader - and others I am sure God has used. I am very excited for this student - but even as much for his Community Group Leader!
Man in our church has been coming with his wife and came to faith in Christ in his Community Group - again, so excited for him and for his Group to be a part of this!
Last Sunday, December 2, we had our first VL 101 - which is our Process of helping people understand who we are, our mission, to get involved, and to become a member of VL if they decide to. This was a GREAT start and I believe this is going to be a vital part of our mission and process for people to Come, Connect, and Commit. Through this, we had about 15 new people join our church!
Yesterday was our Breakfast with Santa. MANY families came to be a part of it - and it was full of people, pictures, food, fun, and the famous St. Nick himself - and even Mrs. Clause came along! Another element to celebrate was all of our WONDERFUL people that served under the leadership of our preschool director Melissa - and her team - it was a great success!
I must celebrate our amazing staff at Vinings Lake! I am honestly blessed to have so many great people around me who serve, are loyal, see the vision and understand our mission - that is priceless. Brian, David, Matt, Derek, Melissa, Rhonda, Dana, Hannah - you are the best!!!
I want to celebrate the victory of my constant challenge to pause, take time with my family - and enjoy each moment, each day. God willing, I will forever be Hollie's only husband and Hope and Addie's only daddy - may I not take that lightly!
Today, I started our Christmas series, "The List" and I talked about the HOPE of Christmas that we have in Jesus because He did walk and talk and live on this earth and as Hebrews 4:14-16 tells us - can sympathize with us in our temptation and we can celebrate that He was without sin - He can and did bring us HOPE!

Great blog to read

2007-12-09T20:39:00.000-05:00

Steven Furtick is the Lead Pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC and his blog has some good things to say. A guy in our church, Chuck Newton, turned Brian on to this specific post of Steven's and Brian shared it with me. Thought I would pass this great word along. Click here to read it.

Basics.........

2007-11-29T19:09:00.001-05:00

Sometimes when we seem to see our joy slipping away - the reason may not necessarily be something crazy or outstanding - it may be a few basics that get out of line - and make a big difference. For me, I can get so focused on ministry and going and growing and doing - that I forget 2 very big essentials - loving God and loving people.........and oh, by the way, when Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was - He actually combined the two of those together and said - #1 Love God and #2 Love People.

Interesting - these 2 basics are THE foundation of everything we are and anything we do!

Costa Rica for Thanksgiving

2007-11-29T18:57:00.001-05:00

Last week, my father-in-law took his whole family - including my parents for a few days - to Costa Rica for Thanksgiving. It was an incredible time! I can't put it into words, but you need to check out my wife's blog by clicking here to see some great pictures! If you go to my sister-in-law's blog, you will see some other great pictures - click here!

First GA Bulldogs game

2007-11-16T10:48:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, I will be attending my very first Georgia Bulldogs game. I am pretty excited - I might even wear a collar around my neck............ok, maybe not - but it should be a lot of fun either way!

Great Movie

2007-11-07T22:24:00.000-05:00

Great movie to recommend...........Tuesday night, Hollie and I put the kids to bed early and watched a movie called "RV" with Robin Williams - it was awesome! Very funny!

By the way, click here and check out Hollie's blog - she has been keeping up with great pictures of stuff going on at the Hixson Home - pics from some fun stuff during Halloween last week, etc.

My blog has been a bit boring lately!

Starbucks with Addie

2007-11-02T16:34:00.000-05:00

Today, I picked up Addie from her preschool. I told her that I was going to take her to Starbucks with me and she said, "I want a fraffaccino" - I didn't even know that the little monkey knew what that was!!! (she is 3 going on 13)

When we were there, I was reading and she was hanging out trying to act like an adult (like normal). Hollie called me a few times while we were there and the second time Hollie called, Addie said, "why do you keep calling?". This kid is hilarious!

I LOVE my "hottie" and our 2 girls! There is never a dull moment in our household!

Grateful and Never Satisfied

2007-10-24T17:55:00.000-05:00

In the context of Vinings Lake, there is a "balance" that I try to continually walk - between being grateful and yet never being satisfied. I want to be grateful in where God has brought us so far and even in a short amount of time - lives have been and are in the process of being changed (me included, thank God for His process of growth), we have seen many people come, connect, and commit to grow in a relationship with God.

Yet, it almost "haunts" me to never be satisfied - to realize our potential.........NO, God's potential - and the stewardship that has been given to us in our community of Atlanta, where in a 5 mile radius there are about 158,955 people and in a 10 mile radius there are around 600,000 people! We shouldn't be foolish and we shouldn't be lazy, we must be faithful and we must be effective.

It is God's power and His calling - and at the same time, in John 17 Jesus tells us that He has given His disciples the same glory that the Father gave Him; in Philippians 2:15 Paul writes to this church to be stars that shine in the universe, in Matthew 5:16 Jesus tells us to not hide but let our light shine so that others will see our good works and be drawn to God, in John 15 Jesus tells us that He is the vine and we are the branch, and in Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus tells us that all authority has been given to Him and He commissions us (and reminds us that He will be with us always) - so God's power and calling - is the same power and calling we can go forward with.

With that in mind, I must be Grateful for where He has brought me - and just abide in Him - and I must be grateful for where He has brought our new church - yet in light of our opportunity, potential, responsibility, and Commissioner - IT IS UNACCEPTABLE TO EVER BE SATISFIED!

I Want to be a Rock Star

2007-10-22T22:15:00.000-05:00

Yesterday at VL, we wrapped up a 2 week mini-series called "I Want to be a Star". Last week I told everyone that my "dream" is to be a Rock Star - and so the band worked up a little diddy and my friend Joe wrote a little something and yesterday at Vinings Lake, all my dreams came true!!! Click here to watch it.

Theo's

2007-10-19T09:05:00.000-05:00

Today, I am very excited because I get to go to one of my favorite places with Hollie. When I can, I love to go to Theo's - it is a great lunch place that is adjoined to Aspen's (another great place to eat) in the West Cobb Avenue's. On Friday's, they have the best soup ever - it is a very thick and rich cheese soup - in the words of Nacho Libre, "it is the best!"

Fried

2007-10-16T19:07:00.000-05:00

My brain feels like it is fried. I am thankful that it is GOOD things that makes it feel this way and not bad things - but either way, it is fried.

So much to think about, prepare for, and do - but even in the midst of it - I have joy - joy in the fact that God is doing and is about to do a great thing. The truth is, He is always doing great things - in and through people - we just fail to realize it.

Here I go again - meaning to just put a "pointless" blog out there and turning it into a "reflection" - not bad, but sometimes I think I wear myself out!

Great word

2007-10-14T21:56:00.001-05:00

Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC has caught some attention and the little that I have observed seems to be a great place where they are reaching people and doing some incredible stuff "behind the scenes" as well.

I just jumped on their website to see what is going on and through browsing around read an incredible blog by the pastor, Steven Furtick. He titled it "Don't put Jesus first" - click here and take a look - GREAT stuff!!!

A little humor

2007-10-12T09:14:00.000-05:00

Click here for a little weekend humor - the National Anthem in way you need to experience it! Make sure you listen/watch all the way through - this guy is a good sport!

Mr. Mom

2007-10-12T08:39:00.001-05:00

Hollie is out of town for a few days and I am trying to juggle being Mr. Mom and keep up with other stuff as well. 2 nights ago, I was in bed by about 10:30 - and last night I was in bed before 10:00pm!!!! - that is very unusual for me!

It is amazing to me everytime I step into this "role" - I am reminded that this is a TRUE calling and responsibility for women to be stay-at-home moms (and I will take anyone out if you disagree!....ok, that may be a little harsh....no, it's not - it's true!!!)!

It seems like as soon as I get one thing done for one of my little monkeys another thing is just about to happen - dressing, bathing, feeding, taking to school and preschool, picking up from school and preschool - on and on.......say what you want, but there is no hiding the truth that this is a FULL TIME responsibility - and truly a calling! At least for me and those that have other kinds of "jobs" - when we are "off" work - we are off - for moms, until the kido's go to bed - their "work" follows them everywhere!

I love my wife - I miss my wife - babe, if you are reading this, you are my hero!!!!

Shane

2007-10-10T09:52:00.001-05:00

There are certain people in your life that are so authentic, encouraging, fun, and just REAL. Shane is one of those individuals in my life. Shane and his fiance Natalie go to VL and Shane plays in our band - he is a constant encouragement to me. When he plays, he worships God. When we walk around and greet people - he practically drags his cord around to go and shake someone's hand. I truly love this guy - he is awesome!

Today at VL - Missions and Community Group

2007-10-07T20:42:00.001-05:00

Today at Vinings Lake was a privilege for me to have my friend Alex Himaya speak to our church. I worked for Alex at First Baptist Springdale in Springdale, AR several years ago and now he is the pastor of The Church at Battle Creek in Tulsa, OK. Alex spoke to us about the "Why" of Missions? Why would we go to the world and spend time, money, efforts, and energy in another country? Alex taught us through Titus 2:11-13 that we must do this because of the Grace of God - and b/c of His grace, it is a gift, it changes our lives, and it gives us heaven - eternal life. It was again - a memorable day at VL.

Tonight, we hosted our Community Group at our house - great discussion and community tonight (Brian, once again - the discussion curriculum was great). One thing dawned on me that is awesome. Earlier, Hope asked if we had "small group" tonight - and then I thought about the fact that our kids see us doing this - and I am reminded that this is an example to them and will hopefully lead them to make this a commitment and practice of their lives. And that gets me excited b/c it is all about teaching through example.

Catalyst Day 2

2007-10-07T20:23:00.000-05:00

Catalyst continued with an incredible day - and succeeded the greatest of expectations.

Craig Groeschel, who is the pastor of LifeChurch.tv brought a message that spoke deep to the heart - he talked about saying we believe in God, but living like we are an atheist. Do we REALLY believe?

Dave Ramsey kicked my tail with truth from God's Word about being good managers of our money - and how VITAL it is to get this straight - before we can even think about being tithers and generous givers - and we know that tithing is not an option, so we better get our stuff together!

There were some other great moments - including the most amazing worship experience I have ever had when all the worship leaders and musicians took the stage (including 2 drummers).

Andy Stanley closed the conference with a GREAT talk on the fact that "systems create behavior" - this was very good for me as a pastor - and helps in the operations of church ministry.

Again - it was great to see some friends from the ministry and.............I can't forget to include the cave man that was there

- J.R. Lee - that is for you my friend!

Catalyst Day 1

2007-10-04T20:50:00.000-05:00

I am just going to throw some bullets down from today - what an amazing day it has been:

* My wife went with me and she loved it - I love her so much!

* Steve Fee led most of the worship - WOW!

* Andy Stanley kicked things off this morning and talked about the power of our influence as leaders. The main point was "What do you do when it dawns on you that you are the most powerful person in the room?" He read from John 13 where Jesus washed His disciples feet - and that was the answer - "to leverage the power of our influence for the sake of others in the room" - it is serving others - that is what Jesus did!

* Lunch was fun with tons of ministry friends - we piled 9 people (grown adults!) in our Yukon on the way to Chili's for lunch!

* Hollie and I saw about everyone we know.

* Francis Chan had a WORD from God - at least for me personally - it challenged and reminded me of God's PERSONAL call, power, and purpose in my life - it gives me boldness to say what He wants and confidence that I am called by Him. He said that we can grow and build a church and not even be in love with Jesus - I needed this - I allow myself to get so caught up and busy that I forget the most important things - ONE - Him!

* Rick Warren ended the day with a great message from his life and what to do with our influence and affluence. He used Moses' staff as an illustration - that it is all about surrender - whatever we give to God, He will take and use it - and give it life (like He did the staff when Moses threw it down) - and whatever I keep for myself will end up dead again (like what happened to the staff when Moses picked it back up).

What a day! Can't wait for tomorrow - Erwin McManus, John Maxwell, Craig Groeschel, Andy Stanley again - and more! And my wife is coming back again!!!!

Catalyst Conference

2007-10-03T20:07:00.001-05:00

I am pumped about the Catalyst Conference starting tomorrow morning. I am very jazzed that my wife is going with me!!! It should be a pretty sweet day - and I look forward to seeing several people that we know as well.

Burn for You

2007-10-01T11:17:00.000-05:00

Yesterday our band did a song called Burn for You by Steve Fee. It was the song they played while the people came up front to place their My Life cards at the front. It was a very powerful moment. These lyrics are amazing!

You can go here and click on "media" and listen to Burn for You and all of his songs from this album.

*Most likely we will do this song again this week!

Memorable day at Vinings Lake

2007-09-30T20:55:00.001-05:00

Today at VL, we concluded our series My Life. We spent our time in I Timothy 6:17-19 and looked at My Wealth, My Trust, and My Generosity. We focused in on the last part of the passage that says, "that they may take hold of the life that is truly life".

A few things stood out that were awesome:

The band did a superb job in ALL of the songs & it was fun!
We weaved the message and music together throughout the service - it was a great change up and very impactful - that was commented on in our Community Group tonight.
During one of the worship songs, "All We Need" - we had everyone just stay seated which gave us a fresh visit to the words we were singing.
We used a clip from Rob Bell's Nooma video called Rich - where he teaches on I Timothy 6:17-19. Out of the 4 minute clip we showed, it seemed to be one of the most impacting parts of the day. This was also a topic of discussion at our Community Group tonight - b/c it was very easy to recall the statistics and statements that were made in the video.
At the end of the service, everyone had a My Life card to write something on it that they were giving to God (the main point of the series was "The way to Live My Life is to Give My Life"). People wrote on their cards and brought them and placed them across the front of the stage. Brian came up with this great idea a few weeks ago - I thought this was a very powerful moment in the life of VL - great idea Brian! This week, a lady in our church is going to place all on our backdrop for everyone to view them next week (no names were on the cards).

It was a great and memorable day at VL!

Hollie

2007-09-29T10:30:00.000-05:00

My wife is truly a GIFT from God to me. I know that God gave her to me as a gift because a gift is something that brings us joy, lifts us when we are down, or is just the right thing - at just the right time.

Hollie is full of joy - she is so positive and has helped me to stop and enjoy the people, places, and moments of time that God has given us. I can be so focused or driven and let many things pass me by - but she is the gift that God has given and continues to give to me - and I think God says to me through her - "Hey dude, you need to just relax a little and enjoy what I have given you."

Tomorrow at Vinings Lake, we are concluding our series "My Life" - and we are going to be in I Timothy 6. In verse 18, there is a challenge to "do good, be rich in good deeds, be generous, and be willing to share" - My Wife is an example of all of these - and that is why she is God's gift to me - she is good to me, she is rich in good deeds, she is generous, and she shares her joy and spirit and God-given personality with me and with everyone who she comes in contact with.

I love her - she is the best!

**Here is a little taste of her "random" craziness while we were in NYC last Christmas! - click here to see her on YouTube!

**Also, check out her blog - she has a great post about a date night we had with a couple in our church this past Thursday - and some awesome photos from our visits (yes, as in plural) to the Fair this past week!

VL Salsa Party

2007-09-29T10:06:00.001-05:00

Last night, we had an adult Salsa Party for VL. We did it in a neighborhood clubhouse near our church - it was a great night! We had mexican food catered from La Parilla and a little entertainment from Dickie Bickford's (one of VL's favorite people!) long lost cousin from Mexico, Rickie Bickford. It was crazy fun! My wife did a super job putting it together - she is the party queen!

There was another special guest that actually made it to YouTube - but I am not brave enough to give you the link on my blog...............all I am going to say is - WOW!

Car battery...if only I listened to my wife!

2007-09-26T14:32:00.000-05:00

For the last few weeks I have been complaining that my car has been "sluggish" in starting and I have been warned by my wonderful wife to get a new battery. Yesterday, when I went to start my car, it was dead - so I jumped it off of her vehicle.

This morning, we had our Men's Fraternity at Vinings Lake which started at 6am - do you think I got a new battery yesterday? No way, last night I literally pulled my car right up next to hers in the garage, popped both hoods loose, and had the jumper cables ready to go - b/c I was leaving around 5:20-5:30am this morning and so I jumped it again and off I went.

It took my car completley going out at an intersection at lunch time and the help from an incredible man in our church - to finally get my rear end (that phrase is so weird to type - "rear end"!) to Wal-Mart to get a new battery.........if only I listened to my wife!!! (that's for you sweetheart!)

"4:8 Principle".....simple and impacting

2007-09-24T13:06:00.000-05:00

Yesterday at VL, we continued our "My Life" series with a guest speaker, Tommy Newberry. Tommy just released a new book called the 4:8 Principle. This comes from Philippians 4:8 where the apostle Paul challenges us to be disciplined in our thinking - and the principle that Tommy taught really brought out the importance of our thinking - because it affects our living.

This is such a simple, yet incredibly impacting principle that really shapes our life while we are here on this earth. God is no doubt the creator and sustainer of our lives, but He does give us the great privilege of being stewards and managers of this life - and our thinking is so VITAL to this - however it is so often overlooked.

speeding ticket

2007-09-18T22:38:00.000-05:00

Last night, Brian, Jen, Hollie and I, Addie and her baby sitter were on our way to this conference in Orlando and I got pulled over for doing 84 in a 65!!! He had NO mercy on me and wrote me up for the full amount.....it is NOT going to be pretty! I even asked him to take a picture with me - I was going to put it on my blog - but he wouldn't do it!

best steak house!

2007-09-18T22:31:00.000-05:00

I am at a conference in Orlando, FL and tonight I ate at the best steak house I have ever been to. It is called Charley's and it is actually rated #1 in the US. I knew it was going to be a good night when I fell in love with the blue cheese crumbles on top - then the bread, steak, mushrooms - and desert and coffee to top it off!

3rd Tooth!

2007-09-15T14:09:00.000-05:00

Good-ness! Hope lost another tooth today! It is on the bottom and was quite a bit easier than the last one I pulled out. It has been loose and today was the day - she was pretty pumped up!

Rock n' Roll

2007-09-15T14:03:00.000-05:00

Last night was completely incredible! I went to a show where my buddy Thad Cockrell opened up for Drivin n' Cryin. I would say it was my first "true" rock n' roll show and I thought it was great. I loved the music and the atmosphere was quite a treat.

Thad did a fantastic job - he is the man....and Drivin n' Cryin was off the hook!

Serving the community

2007-09-13T22:21:00.000-05:00

Today I sat in a "Partners in Education" meeting at Griffin Middle School in Smyrna. I heard some of the faculty sharing about the needs and circumstances and statistics of some of their students. They also presented a "wish list" which consisted of things from money to take tests, to luncheons for parents and teachers and also mentors for the students.

I am challenged and convinced more and more - especially as I am reading through the book of Matthew right now and seeing how Jesus lived His life, that we MUST serve our community - simple, just that - serve.

I think it is more than just "growing our church" but it is about serving - in order to expose people to the love of God. Jesus met the needs of those that He passed by and came in contact with - He "had compassion" on them. Are we not to do the same?

Serve our community - and let's not do it just so they will come to our "church" - but so that they will be introduced to and shown the love of a God who cares for them and us very personally.

Proud moment as a father and a pastor

2007-09-09T21:22:00.001-05:00

This morning following our 2nd worship service at Vinings Lake, Addie's (my 3 year old) teacher came up to me and told me something that every father and pastor wants to hear.

She said that they were singing songs and were taking requests from the kids. When they asked Addie, she said she wanted to sing................."I'm Bringing Sexy Back"
When they said they wanted to do more Bible songs, she then asked if they could sing "I like to move it, move it"

I think they decided to move on and take requests from another kid.

Good-ness! Pray for me!

This is amazing!

2007-09-09T21:02:00.001-05:00

Dear gravy - check out what happened at Newspring Church this weekend!
One of the churches I follow and appreciate their courage and purpose to reach the unchurched baptized 562 people Saturday night!
http://www.tonymorganlive.com/tony_morgan_one_of_the_si/2007/09/559-people-bapt.html

Each Day, God's Faithfulness

2007-09-06T07:59:00.000-05:00

Each day is new, different, good and challenging. Simple statement, but I am thankful for each new day. Yesterday for me - seemed to be a great challenge emotionally and mentally. Today is a new day. The best part of today, whether I 'feel' it or not - is that God is faithful.

Lamentations 3:22-23, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

God and children

2007-09-01T16:20:00.001-05:00

Hollie and I and the kids are staying in a beach house outside of Jacksonville, FL. Last night, I had to really talk to Hope about obedience and that she really needed to change. Without me saying anything spiritual (I am pretty sure there was nothing "spiritual" about how I was feeling at the moment!) - when asked how she was going to change - she mentioned both "God" and "heart". This was very encouraging to me - to see that God is working in her life.

This morning I was talking with her some more about asking God to help her and something that puzzles me a little was her response when I told her that she needed to ask God to help her - she said she was afraid.

We haven't gotten much further yet, but today I was swimming in the ocean with her and I was telling her about how God made the ocean and the sky, clouds, etc. I am trying to tell her how much God loves her - and that she doesn't have to be afraid. She may not understand what she is saying about being "afraid" - but I still want to help her not be afraid.

Later today, I was thinking about it and realized that I sometimes view God this way - rather than a loving heavenly Father who loves me so much and goes to great lengths for me to know this (if I will only pay attention!).

Having children helps me relate to how God may feel at times with me. I want Hope (and Addie) to see God for who He really is - and God probably wants to give me ths same message!