joshua's blog

Settling In

2010-07-20T10:30:00.003-05:00

We moved to DFW about a month ago. It has been a fast transition with a fun learning curve to say the least. I think this week we are settling into a pretty good routine, and trying to find that coveted rhythm of life.

The house is really looking great, thanks to a lot of hard work from Dara, as well as, here parents. David and Lorraine have been here for about a week, working night and day nearly. It has been awesome to have their insight and flavor on the decorating side of things.

At Fellowship Church, it has been amazing. Our singles ministry is clicking along, and Im getting my role here dialed in. Its a joy and honor to be able to work at such an awesome church, that is focused on reaching people every weekend.

I was able to get on the baptism schedule already! I had the honor of baptizing several Sunday afternoon, from a young girl 10 or 11, to mature adults who have accepted Christ recently. It was awesome!

Beautiful Town Home in Waukee for sale

2010-06-05T15:55:00.009-05:00

Up for sale is our Town Home in Waukee for $128,000.
804 SE Olson Dr, Waukee Iowa 50263

It has 1311 square feet with a 2 car garage and 9 feet ceilings on the main level. Two large bedrooms with walk-in closets and laminate flooring. 2 full baths upstairs with tile, as well as a half bath on the main level. Laundry room with shelving is on the 2nd floor.

The tiled kitchen is large with great cabinets, granite counter tops with stainless under-mount sink and under cabinet lighting. The living and dining area have laminate flooring, over-sized white trim, crown molding, cased windows, and upgraded lighting.

I have also built in cabinets and extra lighting in the garage. It really is a beautiful home, and would be a great place for a couple or young family in the West Des Moines area. We are 4 miles from 80/35!

contact me at 515-205-9895
or joshsingleton1@gmail.com

Gods Perfect Timing

2010-05-28T10:40:00.004-05:00

Last Friday I sat in my office just like today, but with a very different feeling. I was preparing to follow God's voice and direction as He had clearly spoken to me to step down as the pastor of Jordan Creek Family Church. It was the craziest but the clearest thing God has ever asked our family to do. You can read the whole story here.

Sunday I told the story of what God was doing, and announced that we were resigning with no clear direction as to what we would be doing personally in ministry next. It was a very emotional day, with lots of hugs and tears in all directions. We spent the day thinking about all the things God has done in our lives and the lives of the congregation of JCFC.

Fast Forward to Monday evening at 7PM. We are out having dinner as a family when my cell phone rang. I answered and Pastor Ed Young from Fellowship Church in Dallas Texas was on the line inviting me to join the staff there. I was in awe of God's Timing and provision, as well as honored to be asked to serve at such an amazing church.

To say that God never leaves, never forsakes us and always provides is one thing. To actually put feet to faith is another. This week, our family in reckless abandon stepped out fully trusting that somehow, someway He was going to provide for us. And He did.

I cant describe how faith building for me it is to clearly hear Gods voice (thinking this is a crazy thing to do) and then obey it. All for God to show up and have the next step ready for me to walk in. This week I understand how the faith can move mountains. Not I have just read a story about it, but I have a story about it!

I have heard several stories of faith and obedience this week from many at JCFC. I will be excited to hear what God does as you step out in faith as well. It truly has been my honor to serve the city of Des Moines since moving to DSM in December of 2004.

Gods perfect timing. He's never late, He's never early. He's always right on time.

Be with us Sunday to hear how Gods perfect timing is working already in the Life of JCFC! Our leadership team has risen to the occasion, and are excited about the solid future of JCFC! You wont want to miss it!

God is Leading

2010-05-22T23:49:00.004-05:00

This post is the most difficult post I've ever written. This is the bulk of the sermon from todays service.

A rubber band is only worth anything when it’s stretched. Un-stretched it serves no legitimate purpose. It has to be stretched to reach its fullest potential.

It’s truly amazing how God stretches you in areas of your life. As I take some time and look back over the last year in my life I’m truly amazed at what God has done in me.

In January of 09, I was offered an amazing position as executive pastor in a church in another state. The role would be to lead all pastoral staff, as well as develop and implement a 10 year church planting and satellite campus strategy for a quickly growing church of over 2000, literally a dream job. But I didn’t feel settled at all in my heart. God had planted me here in Des Moines, and I was completely settled with that. So I quickly turned it down. I was honored and thrilled and flattered all at the same time, but I “knew” it wasn’t for me.

As I shared all this with my accountability/mentors in my life, they freaked out on me. Each one challenged me as to why I wouldn’t even consider flying out there and looking at it. I said I knew I was to be here in Des Moines at the time, and left it at that.

I continued moving forward as the pastor of JCFC with full intentions of spending the rest of my life in Des Moines. By the late fall, I had really begun to feel God dealing with me about the possibility of leaving JCFC. I wasn’t even sure what to make of that thought? Was I, in myself, thinking those things? Or was God really trying to talk with me about stepping away from JCFC?

The next several months through Christmas were a very tumultuous time in my life. As I waited to hear a yes or no from God, I was praying and asking God for direction in my life and the life of Jordan Creek during this tenure. Dara and I prayed and wondered if God was using these nudges from Him, to get my Type A personality to stop being so focused at JCFC and listen to what God was really saying. Was He trying to get me to a place that I could lift me head up out the “zone” long enough to actually hear God saying it was time for me to be done at JCFC? I wasn’t sure, I just knew that over the Holidays I was at a breaking point mentally about what God wanted me to do.

I was just in a fog, emotionally and spiritually. Meanwhile my team is still pushing for direction and next sermon series and future outreaches. I was torn between 2 worlds.

On one hand I felt like God was changing my heart and dealing with me about stepping out of leadership at JCFC. This was such a hard conversation in my mind, I almost couldn’t have it. When you plant a church, its like having a child, you labor and sweat to get the baby on the ground, then, you spend years nursing it along, protecting it from disease and virus. You guard it, grow it, and love and encourage it. It becomes your life, your very fiber of being, almost your reason to live and be in ministry.

So thinking about leaving it, and turning it over to someone else seemed ridiculous. Yet on the other hand, I was feeling God tell me to do that exact thing. It didn’t make sense. I don’t have another job lined out. I don’t have thousands in savings; I don’t know what the next step would even be. But yet I felt God was dealing with me about resigning.

In February we took our team to C3 again. (Fellowship Church in Dallas, hosts an amazing pastor’s conference every year at their Grapevine, Texas campus.) It was an incredible time of ministry, and our guys where bursting at the seams to get back to DSM and “charge hell with a water gun.” We were all having incredible conversations, and they were excited about going to the next level at JCFC.

On Friday, Bishop Jakes spoke about a GPS, and hearing a word from God and walking in obedience to that word until you hear the next word of “turning right.” He related this to several Bible stories, including Peter walking on the water, and Abraham obeying God to sacrifice his promised son Isaac to the point of raising the knife, when God said Abraham Turn Right! There is a ram in the thicket…

For me this was an unbelievable message. I sat transfixed in the seat, asking God if he really was calling me away from Jordan Creek. Was He really asking me to step down from leadership, and walk away from the baby that Dara and I had worked so hard to birth? I thought, here I am at C3 with my team, and God you really are saying for me to leave?

I was overcome, silently weeping in the chair, as I told God I couldn’t make this kind of decision. What was I to do for my family? This isn’t the kind of economy to quit your job without some kind of plan. And what would happen to the church? We don’t have a building, we are still portable…

As Bishop was wrapping up the talk, I just quietly began to pray. I asked God as we started to stand as a congregation, to just confirm all this with someone who doesn’t know me, who doesn’t know anything about me, and who has no idea what is happening. I just couldn’t make that level of decision without really knowing, that I know, that it was God. I thought what if all this is just me, and I’m making a mistake. Again I prayed, “God you have to confirm this through someone else.”

Immediately God said to me, “Turn and have the lady in the purple suit behind you pray for you.”

I said, “What? Right here at FC in the middle of Bishops prayer? What if she’s crazy? What if she makes a disruptive scene? God, I cant…”

God quietly but very firmly said, “You just asked me to confirm this in you through someone else, turn and ask her to pray for you.”

So half-heartedly obeying, I turned sideways in front of my seat. Hands clasped together on my chest, sobbing as the Bishop prayed. I knew I was to ask her to pray for me, but honestly I was scared. So I said, “God let me take 2 deep breaths, then I will.”

One giant inhale, and exhale, ready to take the next one, and Bishop says, “Amen… you can be seated.”

I turn and sit right down. Pace or Preston takes the stage, and gives direction for lunch. I quickly say to myself that must have just been me. Surely God didn’t want me to have her pray for me…

I find Dara and we eat lunch in the Suite at FC. (FC has a guest pastors room for a small group of pastors set up with refreshments and lunch) I noticed Sister Purple Suit there, but didn’t give it much thought. Lunch ends well, and Dara heads out to feed little Uriah. I mill around for a few moments, talking with people in the suite before heading back towards the auditorium. To get there I had to pass through a small room with stairs that FC staff had turned into a small overflow room with tables and chairs.

As I made my way through the room, on my right, I hear a woman say, “That’s him, that’s the guy right there.”

Being the only guy in the room, I turn and ask if she needs anything. It is Sister Purple Suit seated next to another woman! I head her direction, as she is waving me to her. “I don’t need anything, but I do need to talk with you if you have a moment,” she says. I now begin to have goose bumps.

I lean onto the table to get a little closer to her, as she is already seated in the chair. “I don’t know if you recognize me, but I was seated behind you during the Bishop’s sermon.” I thought, boy do I ever recognize you; little do you know what has been happening in my head.

“Well, I’m glad I saw you walk by, because during the Bishops talk, I was drawn to you, and felt like I should pray for you. I know this all sounds strange, but If you would give me a minute, I would really like to tell you what God clearly spoke to me to tell you. He told me to reach out and pray with you during the end prayer time as you were standing sideways in front of your chair. But I disobeyed Him, and I cant get you off my mind,” she said with a faint quiver in her voice.

Trying to stop the floodgate of tears that I could feel coming from deep inside me, I said, “To make it weirder, I was sideways in front of my chair, because God had told me to turn and ask you to pray for me.”

“OH JEEESSSUUUS!” she exclaimed while she threw both arms flailing in the air and slide down a bit in her seat.

She regained her composure, and reached out and touched my hand that was still on the table. I was frozen solid, as I stood, bent over looking into her eyes.

She said, “This is what God said to me about you. Remember, I don’t know you, I don’t know anything about you, I don’t even know where your from. You might even work here, I dunno. But as you were turned sideways, weeping with your hands clasped together on your chest, God said, ‘You are a humble man. But I want you to know that I am finished with you where you are. You have done all that you can. You cant do any more. I’m done with you there. Now I want you to just be patient, and trust Me.’”

She then let go of my arm, and looked at me and said, “that’s what He said to me, I don’t know what your supposed to do with that, but I had to tell you today before I leave this place. By the way, who are you and what do you do?

Well, tears were burning down my cheeks, and I new the floodgate was about to break. But I thanked her for obeying the voice of the Lord. Then told her that I pastored a church in the Des Moines area. She went off on how she was meeting all kinds of pastors today…

Well I made my out, and began trying to find Dara. Uri had made a mess on her, and she needed to go back to the hotel to change. I quickly got the van and met her.

As I drove back the hotel, I was overcome with emotion as I retold her the story of God speaking to me via Sister Purple Suit so strongly. It probably wasn’t safe for me to drive through the sobbing.

We left C3 knowing God had clearly spoken to me about resigning the church, and trusting him. That was all in within the “high” of C3.

Well back home creates a new scene for me to deal with daily. Weekends are coming, staff asking about future series, all the normal lead pastor things. I just decided to pray and ask God to keep me in full time ministry, but if He had another plan, or a “break” between ministries planned I was perfectly satisfied to go back to the construction world. Whether that meant starting another construction business, remodeling, roofing, trim, granite, or selling XYZ product in Alaska or Florida. I was willing to go and do what He wanted me to do.

The thing was I just didn’t know what “that” was. I kept wrestling with the thoughts, that I should be planning something, I should be putting my resume together, maybe I should start calling some builders… Dara would encourage me and say, “God said to Trust Him. Not plan it all out, with multiple steps and systems of success.” She would say, “You’ve got to rest in Him right now, not trying to figure it all out and be the ‘make it happen guy.’ He is our source.” –Thank God for a godly, wise wife.

I was praying in April, just pouring my heart out to Him, about being alone during this process, and not really sure whom I could talk with about all this that I was battling through in my mind. Who was safe? Who didn’t have vested interest? Who could be completely unbiased?

Two days later I got a call from a retired minister that I had never met. We had been on conference call together a few months back. He was offering me an opportunity to come to his coaching seminar for free in Minneapolis to learn how to effectively coach people through difficult decisions in life. We chatted a bit, discussing logistics and timing. I couldn’t commit 100% but thanked him for the offer.

As we were about to hang up, he stopped me, and said, “I don’t normally do this, but I just feel like I should. Do you ever find yourself lonely in ministry? Facing things in your life that are major decisions, that you just would like to dialogue with someone about?”

I cautiously said, “Yes, yes I do.”

He then said, “Well I’d like to offer you three free coaching sessions, if you’d like them. Are you facing any decisions you’re just not sure about, and would like to talk about?”

I thought, when can we start. Then replied, “Yes I do, can we set up a date?”

We put some times on the calendar and went from there. He then asked what was the nature of the topic. In a nutshell, I said, “God has told me to resign, but I have no position on the table, and that this is crazy.” I have had friends who have asked me what to do in these kinds of situations. I was the guy saying you can’t quit without another job. That’s crazy. You’ve got to provide for your family.

“This is going to be great to talk about, and to put your mind at ease,” he chuckled and said “I have done that twice as God spoke to me to resign and leave with no position in hand.”

Those next few phone conversations proved to be invaluable as we dialogged about what God had spoken to me in the last several months and confirmed in February. I processed out loud, the story and the confirmations, and finally fully admitted to myself that God was really in control and I am really not.

I put my selfishness and pride aside, and realized that God truly was going to be my source as well as the source for Jordan Creek Family Church. He is and always had been.

Sunday May 23^rd, I will be resigning as the lead pastor of JCFC. Over the course of the next 3-5 weeks, we will be transitioning out of leadership, and onto the next phase of life and ministry that God has for my family and me. I don’t really know what that is, or even what it looks like.

I have spent this week talking one on one with our staff and key volunteers. Explaining the story and what God has been saying to me. It has been a tearful and emotional week, as I have shared my heart with some of the greatest staff a pastor could ask to serve alongside of. For me not to obey in this would almost negate all the teaching from the last 5 years, as I challenged our congregation to serve God with all their heart. After all He holds all things in His hands, and He is never caught off guard. He really is our source of income, strength, emotional stability and spiritual growth. I am fully trusting that as I raise the knife in hand, high above my head, in obedience to the word that God has spoken to me, He is going to say, “Josh Now I know that you really do trust me, turn right!”

So as my family waits patiently on Him, fully trusting Him to go before me, as only He can. I’m so excited to see what God is going to do, as our family walks in obedience to His Word.

I pray that this time is as galvanizing to Jordan Creek Family Church as it has been for me as an individual. I know that Gods ways are higher than ours, and He has brought each person to Jordan Creek for this time and this season. I pray that you would embrace the leadership here, and the man God is directing right now to take JCFC to the next level. I ask you to serve him, with just as much love and sincerity as you have served with me.

I know that some people plow, some people plant, some water, and God gives the increase. It’s been my pleasure to serve JCFC and the Des Moines area since December of 2004. It has been my honor to marry many of you, to baptize you, dedicate your children and watch you mature in Jesus Christ. I will continue to pray for you as God leads and directs all of us for His glory.

Hillsong United

2010-04-20T09:24:00.002-05:00

Had a great time last night at United. God presence was so powerful. It was great to see people who have grown up in the church in Sydney, as a youth group, so faithfully serving God and engaging others in worship last night.

It was also incredible to be a part of the food drive. We will delivery all the food later today to the Des Moines Dream Center. If you'd like to still donate you can, just contact Jed at jeds@jordancreek.org

Colin's highlight for sure was getting to meet Joel Houston. He was throughly impressed that Joels Dad is a pastor as well!

Let Patience have its perfect work

2010-04-12T12:16:00.003-05:00

Do you ever just find yourself in a Funk? Emotionally, mentally, and spiritually just like "what?"

Especially when you know God has placed visions and dreams in your heart, and you find yourself wondering when those specific things are going to "come to pass."

I love the story of David. A regular guy whom God chose to use mightily. We often think of the heroic efforts of him killing Goliath, or leading the charge for Israel, and conquering the enemey... (we do think of his giant sin with Bathsheba, but thats another post).

The reality is that we often over look how David responded to be anointed king. He was chosen to be king, but since there was already a king in place, he went right back to tending the sheep. Later once he had an army of men following him, he had a few opportunities to take things into his own hands to become king, forcing the situation and kill Saul -Twice! But didnt.

Not sure thats how I would have responded honestly. It would have been easy to rationalize that this must be what God wants since its the second time He's served Saul up to me... So now must be my time to become king, thanks God.

But David, waited patiently for Gods perfect timing in his life. He waited for Gods Divine Direction for the vision and dreams he had to "come to pass."

James speaks of patience in a great way.

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:4

Wow, what a heady scripture when you really consider it. Perfect and complete -lacking nothing? Really? Mind blowing, if we let patience have its work in our life, we can become perfectly complete, lacking nothing.

Easy to read, easy to tell someone ELSE, but difficult to walk out.

If you wrestle with this area of your life, there are days you are in a funk. Just cloudy, as Im sure David was on occasion. But if you (me) really just hold on to what God has spoken to you, what he has played out for you in the dream theater of your soul, then patiently wait in His presence to become perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

God Im Yours. I know your still working in me, because I'm far from perfectly complete.

Easter

2010-04-01T10:11:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to remind everyone that Easter is this Sunday! I know its a day filled with new outfits, eggs, and family time, but lets not forget that Easter is the day we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior.

I also wanted to remind you to invite a friend to be with us at JCFC for our newest series kick off called Just Ask. It will be an amazing morning of worship and creativity as we celebrate Jesus being alive and well!

Trust me you wont want to miss it!

Miracles, Miracles

2010-03-23T13:34:00.003-05:00

Check out this awesome Testimony of a Miracle in EM and Amy Leonard's son Mickey. We have been specifically praying for healing in lives of people at church recently. Mickey was one of them, JCFC has been praying for. She sent me this email last night!

It is with UTMOST JOY that I send this message to you all today! I just received a call back from Mickey’s tummy doctor, and she told me that we can discontinue his antacid medication (he was receiving 1 tsp twice daily), AND his pulmonologist (lung doc) told us we can cut back to one breathing treatment a day, likely to be altogether discontinued in April!!!!!!

This is the most amazing gift! This is answer to prayers from many, yourselves and the prayer team of JCFC included! I think of all the nights Alana, E.M. and I said prayers and asked God to touch little Mickey’s legs to make them strong so that he could walk…and it lead to all of this! I seriously weep as I write this! I closed the door to my office, got on my knees, and cried. I am like any other mom who wants the best for her child, and because our church family stood with us in praying for change – LIFE change, God came right into our home and made that happen. Hallelujah!!!

Thanks for sharing this awesome news with us, Amy. We will continue to pray for you and your family!

Testing

2010-03-20T12:21:00.002-05:00

Im reading a great book right now by Scott Wilson, pastor of The Oaks Fellowship, on the south side of Dallas. The book is called The Next Level, and it truly is amazing. Its a 31 day journey through the tests we see major Bible character walk through. Some pass the tests with flying colors, while others fail miserably only to face the same test again. Check this link for a daily video blog that tracks with the book.

Scott relates the tests God allows in our life to either a prison or a classroom. We can become bitter and angry about the test and run away (the prison thought) or we can embrace what God si teaching us while learning the lesson as we pass the test. I throughly believe that God is preparing each of us for what He has prepared for us.

So my reading for the day is some classic scripture about trusting God.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:6-9 (NLT)

Easter is going to be amazing, Just Ask...

2010-03-17T23:18:00.004-05:00

I want to remind you that Easter is just around the corner. It is a great time to invite a friend to be in service with you. The majority of people will come to church with you if you Just Ask.

Im telling you this Easter could very well be the most amazing service ever at JCFC. We will be kicking off a new Series called "Just Ask" on Easter Morning. You wont want to miss it as we discuss how our Heavenly Father wants to bless, lead, comfort, and protect you. All you have to do is Just Ask. Don’t miss this series on talking with God about the things we need, and the things He wants to do for us!

Thanks Peoples Church and Fellowship Church for the thoughts and creative elements for this series and kick-off on Easter!

Tithe Wit Me dropped today!

2010-03-14T23:04:00.000-05:00

Check out this great video!!!

Change

2010-01-25T14:58:00.002-06:00

Humanity by nature is resistant to change. People tend to resist change as a general rule, but if you'll notice change is happening all around us. (I hope that the winter soon changes to spring, but that's another story.)

Things are constantly changing.

My little girl, is quickly changing from a little girl to a young lady. Yikes.
Restaurants and business change ownership.
Bloggers are changing to Tweetering and FB.
Senate, House, and other political positions change every few years.
I have a pastor friend who is dealing with some very difficult staff changes.
Relationships change through out the years.

Things change.

We sometimes dont like to admit it, but we change. I hope that we are not the same people we were in High School or college. Id like to think that God has changed me from the inside out to become more like Him.

Its interesting to watch those who are resistant to change, "just because."

Sadly when stop changing we die. Literally.

Life is all about change.

Im glad that God never changes, and He never stops changing me.

Synergy

2009-09-30T20:50:00.002-05:00

Synergy defined is "The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects."

I love this process, and I'm reminded over and over again that its a team that makes it happen every time. When we isolate ourselves we limit what God is wanting to do in us and through us.

Lately, Ive been asking myself, what are the ways we can win the most people for God, the fastest. My heart is stirred for those who dont yet know Him.

So the questions are:
What are we currently doing that we can improve on?
What are we currently doing that we need to stop?
What do I need to do as a leader to grow and change?
What do I need to do or equip the current leaders we have to grow?
What uncultivated leaders do we have that we havent empowered to lead.

God help me to lead the way you would like for me to lead.

Coaching Today

2009-09-22T15:39:00.002-05:00

Ive been reading a great E-book about coaching the past weeks. Its from Newthing Network, and you should really check it out.

All of us at some point have had someone coaching or mentoring us. Unfortunately we may not have even known it! I think its vitally important to continue to reproducing leaders all around you. It doesnt mean you have to be an "expert" in the area, just willing to see potential in people and encourage them to go forward with their goals. I think we all need to be more intentional about helping others grow all around us.

From the E-book "Life Changing Conversations, A Coach's Guidebook"

"What is a coach and what does a coach do? In short, a coach is a leader whose intentional investment in the lives of other leaders encourages them to do better; better not just in their leadership role...but better, period. A coach calls out the best in a leader. The relationship between the coach and leader is the engine that God uses to drive the leader to reach their God given purposes."

Who are you coaching?

The Gateway Church

2009-09-09T11:02:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone check out my friend and fellow church planter Paul Stewart's most recent blog post.

He is doing a great job planting in Down Town Des Moines. They have been building steam all sumer and are launching this Sunday at the Temple for Performing Arts.

Pray God does amazing things through Paul, his bride Jessica, and the team the have assembled. We can never have too many churches in this city trying to reach people for Gods Glory.

Follow this link and watch their latest video.

Friday

2009-09-04T11:15:00.004-05:00

Just spent some time this morning reading and catching up on some blogs before a few meetings and wrapping up this weekends sermon. Check us out Sunday, we are looking at some "capacity issues" from the story of Elijah, the widow and the flowing oil.

Here is a link to a great post by Perry Noble. Its so easy for all of us to get misaligned. Always a good idea to get a new alignment.

Check it out.

Marriage Matters

2009-09-03T12:50:00.002-05:00

Check this post from Bil Cornelius. Awesome read.

Help! I Married The Wrong Person!

September 2, 2009 - 3:49pm — bafadmin

When marriage gets tough, the answer is not to run out on your spouse (not to mention the kids), but to stick it out. The problem with just leaving the relationship is that you have to take you with you! If you messed up the last marriage and didn’t learn anything, then you will mess up the next one too! The answer is to stay together, to let the dream die of “someone out there that’s better,” and realize that GOD IS BIG ENOUGH TO MAKE YOUR CURRENT MARRIAGE WORK! Time and again I hear of couples struggling to stay together and I can tell you that time and again there are only a few things that consistently will create the best odds of making a marriage last:

1. Spend uninterrupted time together every day.

2. Keep no secrets no matter how painful it is to reveal.

3. As and act of worship to God, begin serving your spouse immediately…even if you don’t feel like it.

4. Choose to never bring up divorce as an option.

5. Cut off all relationships (even friends and family) that encourage you to divorce your spouse.

6. If you need it, go see a counselor…I can hear you now saying “it’s too expensive!” Trust me, divorce attorney’s cost more.

I have to confess, I may come across a little strong here, because I married well above my head! Having said that, these principles work. Hope this helps. Comments anyone?

Colins joke today

2009-08-29T13:19:00.002-05:00

Colin, "Dad, why did the booger cross the road?"

I dont know son.

"Because he was bothered..."

Anna from the other room, "No Colin, becuase he was picked on..."

Colin, "Oh Yeah, thats it."

Hearing the Lord

2009-08-26T11:55:00.002-05:00

Lately I've been reading for my devotional times in I Samuel. I love reading the histories. I samuel is rich in the fact that Samuel's goal was to have an ear that hears the Lord regularly.

I love it in I Sam 2:21, Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.

Chapter 3 he hears God calling his name, and he simply responds with Im listening.

I pray as a Christ-follower that I, too, am growing up in His presence, and when He speaks to me I simply say Im listening , then follow through with what He says.

Simply put, "Speak Jesus, you have my undivided attention, Im all ears..."

Weekly Structure

2009-03-24T17:02:00.002-05:00

I am working hard on reworking my weekly routine. It seems the more that needs to be done, the less gets done, if your not super disciplined to stay on task.

With that said, Im working hard to be finished with all the weekend items by Wednesday. Its not a 100% success yet, but I'm trying.

I used to have a meeting day on Tuesday where, id try to stack as many things then as as possible. But I'm finding that Thursday works better. It allows me to get a head of the week instead of playing catch up in Friday, or worse on Saturday!

We are also praying so much more as church directly for our city and congregation. There are over 40+ people committed to pray 10 minutes a day -one hour a week for this city.

God is doing great things already. Keep praying.

Crazy week, to say the least

2009-03-15T04:31:00.002-05:00

1. The first part of the week was a whirlwind. Im trying to switch my meeting day to Thursday fro Tuesday. Ana ended up sick on Tuesday, so I had to help with her, as Dara is still on this semi-bed rest gig with the pregnancy. So that moved things around.

2. My grandma died on Wednesday and we left on Thursday to be with the family and speak at the funeral on Saturday.

3. Thursday night my phone feel off the dash and into an open cup of tea in the cup holder. I didnt realize it happened for about 5 minutes. When I pulled my BlackBerry out of the cup the entire screen was full of tea. Not good. Yeah, it still doesnt power on...

4. The hotel we staye din was nice, and the kids loved being there, but the internet wouldnt work right. So i had no email access or phone service. I wasnt pleased as I'm too addicted to being connected.

5. Funeral was Saturday, and we didnt get to leave STL until late by the time we went to the grave and then back to the church to eat with everyone. It was great to see so many family members from far away. My grandma was a wonderful woman and loved by many. Thankfully she is now back with my Grandpa and rejoicing with Jesus.

6. I was honored to be able to say some things about my grandma today and read the letters the family wrote to and bout her. It was a moving time, but I held my composure. I lost it years ago today at my grandpas funeral, as my role was the same at his as well.

I loved them both dearly, and they will truly be missed. I have to say I still dream of Grandpa Brown. I cant wait to run with him some day again in Heaven as we rejoice about Jesus toegther, and sit on some porch and sip a soda out of can with a straw with my Grandma Anna Ruth Brown. My little girl Ana was named after her, and our great friend Anna Tucker...

Grandma and Grandpa Brown you both will always be near my heart. Longing to see you again...

Great Post about Pastors Wives

2009-03-04T11:16:00.001-06:00

Guys make sure you read this about pastor's wives. Whether you she is your wife or she's the wife of your pastor take this to heart!

Gary Lamb of Revolution church makes it plain today... or 3 years ago. Whichever, you'll get it if you link to it!

Read it here.

One hour a week prayer

2009-03-03T01:16:00.002-06:00

We now have 40 committed to pray one hour a week for our city and church!

With all the prayer partners now praying for the Des Moines metro, we have about 2400 hours of prayer this year going up.

Des Moines watch out, God is about to do great things here!

Way to go, Jordan Creek. So Proud to be your pastor and on this journey with you!

Identifying Crazy People

2009-03-02T23:30:00.002-06:00

At C3 last week, Ed Young gave a whole list of how to spot crazy people.

We all know crazy people, and how they drain us emotionally.
Read the list and you'll think of someone. If you dont think of anyone, then maybe your the cra....

Never mind.

Here it is!

Ed Youngs' How you know if People are Crazy

1. They have crazy eyes ~eyes are the window to the soul
2. They are always playing the God card. ~"oh brother God told me.... or God showed me..."
3. They name drop. ~They are always telling you about some celebrity they know or met
4. They are always "one upping you" - They have always done it bigger and better than you
5. They Blow up your phone
6. They dont take any advice, even after they ask you for it
7. They always talk about themselves
8. They dont have any kind of filter. ~ They say whatever comes to mind whenever.
9. They are one issue people. ~ALWAYS stuck on that one thing
10. They are space invaders. ~They dont have any personal space. Right up in your grille all the time.
11. They dress in full uniform of the team that they are cheering. face paint and all...
12. They enjoy their dysfunction.
13. They have crazy pets. ~It goes along with them being crazy
14. They answer their phone, "Mmmmeyellow"
15. They usually are the first to come up to you and they are the last to talk with you....

Hospitality

2009-03-02T16:02:00.002-06:00

One of the greatest take aways from the C3 conference for me was the hospitality that was shown. Somehow we got connected with Pace Hartfield from Fellowship Church.

Pace is the Worship Leader there and directs the entire service structure front to back. He is an amazing guy, who after the time at C3 I now consider a friend. He was assigned to us for the few days we had there, since we had access to the backstage area. His term was he was "hosting us." Each of the pastors who had access to the green room, had a host.

I was privileged to be back there. All the pastors there were very successful and doing a great job at leading people to the kingdom as well as leading a great church. I sat with notebook in hand scribbling down notes, when the other pastors invested time with Dara and myself.

It was a great time to soak up some great leadership as well as make some new friends.

Pace Thanks for connecting with us, and forming a new friendship.

Guys check out his blog, you'll be blessed.

Progress bar of life

2009-02-28T00:25:00.001-06:00

Here is it ladies and gentlemen. My progress bar of life. Check it out.

5 Powerful questions

2009-02-27T14:46:00.002-06:00

These 5 questions are taken from Craig Groeschels Book IT.

If you havent read it yet, you should. You can order it here.

1. Why does your organization exist?

2. Wat can your organization be the best in the world at?

3. If you could do only one thing, what would it be?

4. If you left your organization tomorrow, what would you hope would continue forever?

5. What breaks your heart, keeps you up at night, and wrecks you?

Wednesday

2009-02-25T14:51:00.001-06:00

Today is supposed to be my day off, but I'm not very good at that...

I have mens fraternity over the lunch hour and it was awesome. Then worked on a few emails and checked a couple things, went over things for Sunday and next week.

Now I'm wrapping up and going to meet Dara and the kids at the mall in a few minutes!

Quick Update

2009-02-24T15:59:00.001-06:00

I cant believe that its almost March!

We challenged everyone at church this weekend to pray 1 hour a week for our city and our church. I committed to pray one hour a day for the same. Man it has been great so far.

So far I'm really having to restructure my time and priorities. Thee next two weeks are probably the busiest Ive had in 2 months! HA But i realize I'm just too busy not to pray!

So I ask you to take up the challenge and pray with me. So far 32 people have committed to pray along side me for the health of our church and for the some 400,000 people in this city who are not connected to a local church.

I believe 100% that the Holy Spirit working through the local church is the hope of the world.

Wont you join me?

C3 Quotable quotes

2009-02-19T16:28:00.002-06:00

"Ministry is Brutiful" ~Ed Young

"Cannibals arent the only ones who get fed up with people" ~Ed Young

"Some one has been dealt cards worse than you in life, and they are winning with them" ~Bill Cornelius

"Before God fills the house with people, He wants to fill it with His Glory" ~Bill Cornelius

"Nothing is more humorous than a preaching relativist" ~GK Chersterton via Ben Young

"Are we addicted to what Jesus died for?" ~Jentzen Franlin

Blogging Integrity crisis

2009-02-18T17:00:00.002-06:00

Apparently I have one. My last post I said I'd update the next day and I didn't... as you know I didn't for a long time.

So here's the story that rocked me last week.

Tom Jacob's was speaking at a leadership meeting last week. During his talk he told a story of when he was pastoring a church in Sioux City. He had a board member (I think that's how the story went) that was one of the early guys in Gateway computers. The guy oozed leadership. He retired at 31. Tom asked him to meet with him once a week to just pour some of his leadership knowledge into Tom in a mentorship sort of way.

They meet weekly for quite some time, until one day the guy asked to meet in a different location. Tom quickly agreed. They sat down and the guy says to Tom, "Tom what I want to talk about today is something pretty personal I've noticed. Tom, you have an integrity issue."

Most pastors. as Tom did began to play back anything that could be considered and issue. At a loss he asked what?

The mentor looked at him and said, "Its not big things, its the little things. You say by next Thursday you'll do this or that. Its a small trivial thing, but you dont always accomplish it."

That is an integrity issue. Its not just the major things, its all those little things left unchecked, that begins the crack in the dam.

So I have a blogging integrity issue, im going to resolve!

Im in Dallas right now at C3, so I'm not promising a post tomorrow...

Under promise and over deliver.

Blogging

2009-01-14T16:16:00.002-06:00

We'll its been quite some time since i have posted here. I wont make excuses, but I do want to jump back in regularly.

Christmas and News Years were great. It was wonderful to visit family and connect again. My Grandma Brown has colon cancer is is very ill. I was glad I got to spend some time with her. Everyone else is great, just busy, it seems.

2008 was quite the year, full of ups and downs. If I learned one thing, it really is to trust God in every area of my life.

He has moved in finances, in family, in relationships, in health. Over and over again, I see His hand of mercy and grace.

I am still human, and at times need those lessons driven home to me again.

More tomorrow about the Daniel Fast!

Turkey Day Give Away

2008-11-22T16:01:00.003-06:00

I just have to say what an awesome group of volunteers we have at JCFC. From Jed Speras leading the whole deal, to Vaughn Van DeBoe organizing all 70 addresses into drive-able routes, to everyone that delivered and filled and carried boxes, you guys all rock.

We had hoped to be able to give away 50 boxes, but JCFC you guys far out did yourselves again. 70 families recieved boxes today with a complete Thanksgiving Day meal.

I am in awe of what God can do when people follow the leading of Christ and BE the church.

Tremendous.

Facebook

2008-11-21T16:29:00.001-06:00

I finally did it. Im on facebook.

Turkey day giveaway

2008-11-21T10:45:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to say how thrilled I am at everyone serving on this Turkey Day GiveAway plan. Our goal was to raise enough money and food to give out 50 complete meals tomorrow.

Not only did JCFC raise enough for 50, we raised enough funds for 65 baskets! Awesome.

As we were collecting names though in our city of people who really need help, we came up with about 68 names.

So we are just abit short.

You can go here and donate 37 per basket is you are feeling that love do so.

Everyone is welcome to come and serve with us tomorrow at the church office at 10 AM. Its going to be a great morning!

Christmas Presents

2008-11-21T10:43:00.001-06:00

We have an awesome surpise for our kids this year. A new puppy. They are going to freak. So no one breathe a word about it please.

But Colin has been asking a thousand questions about the present. He keeps grilling me about what it could be.

Finally I told Colin, listen I cant tell you, but its something you are going to have so much fun with, you will love it. Its completely awesome.

He cocked his head at me and said, "Dad, is it another one of me?"

too funny

Ruth Harbor Banquet

2008-11-14T08:55:00.005-06:00

I was able to attend the Ruth Harbor Banquet last night. What an awesome night as Jessica Dunker told the story to about 400 people about how God drew her and two of her close friends to start this ministry. It was an amazing night as I saw God doing things in other lives, confirming in them their call to serve.

I am so excited about our church and direction God has blessed us with. I am truly humbled to see God stirring hearts, and our church becoming a church consumed with others.

Building Relationships, Encountering God, Serving Others

Multiplicity

2008-11-13T11:07:00.002-06:00

Anyone going to the Multiplicity conference in Dec in Houston? I am super excited about getting to here Dave Ferguson from New Thing Network. Its going to be great.

Let me know I would love to connect with you. Any potential church planters out there? I would love to buy you some dessert and get to know you on Thursday evening after the first sessions are completed.

Email me at joshuasatjordancreek.org and let me know if your going to be there.

Great Post by Dino

2008-11-12T23:12:00.001-06:00

Check this out. Dino Rizzo pastors healing place church in Baton Rouge LA.

Driscolls Porn Book

2008-11-10T22:38:00.002-06:00

Here is a link for a great e-book dealing with the damaging issue/addiction to porn.

Its such a devastating problem that is rampant with men all over the world.

Just a word of advice, Driscoll is very frank. Not a casual read, but if you know someone who is dealing with porn, or you are, read it today.

My Parents are here

2008-11-08T14:51:00.001-06:00

Just chillin and grillin today int he cold with my family. My parents are here, and they brought my little big brother Caleb.

Smoking ribs and chicken and hanging out.

Election

2008-11-05T13:32:00.002-06:00

Im so glad this is done.

As always we should pray for our elected officials. I believe that God is 100% in control. That statement would be made about whoever won last night. No matter what your opinion of President Elect Obama or Senator McCain.

I wasnt really hurraying for any of the candidates, now they can just move forward with something productive.

-like getting the finances of our country figured out!

Who I am

2008-10-31T00:33:00.003-05:00

I am:

a husband

a father

a friend

easily distracted

a risk taker

excitable

a multi-tasker

adventurous

Olympic Swimmer

2008-10-30T14:49:00.002-05:00

Why Moses wasnt allowed to compete in the water sports in the Olympics.

Great Post by Scott Hodge

2008-10-30T14:12:00.002-05:00

Scott nails it here in the post about simplicity.

check it out.

Been a while

2008-10-27T22:29:00.003-05:00

Well it has been a couple weeks since I have posted. God has been really shaping some things in my heart and life lately. He is really pushing me to trust in Him, in my successes and failures.

I spoke this weekend about "The House" and how we need to serve as the church. It is great go to church, its great to know about church, but there is nothing like being the church.

We are working on giving out 50 complete Turkey meals this Thanksgiving to families in need.
I am stoked and so excited to see so may people excite to serve. It is awesome for me to see new believers get so excited to give back in a small way after God does so much for them in their heart.

I love how pumped new Christians are to jump in and run with things. Awesome.

Whirlwind week

2008-10-16T19:58:00.002-05:00

Working fast and furious for 3 sessions I'm teaching at the marriage retreat this weekend,
and the new series that kicks off Sunday called House ( you need to be there)
looking at all the budget issues for the next 12 months,
trusting God to bring the funding to finish this month,
excited about giving away as many Thanksgiving meals as we can't afford!
Stoked about some men in our church rising to leadership and taking ownership of real ministry
Feeling God push and challenge me like ever before
Physically tired and not well this week,
Our marriage is close and strong,
Thanking God for an incredible wife
Loving my kids,
Excited about this weather change
Typing at my mac at the table,
the kids are supposed to be sleeping,
but i hear footsteps,
to which I ask, "who is up?"
Colin responds, "Its me."
"Why are you up?"
"Checking to see if i bit off the the end of my finger..."
"Nope, Dad its still there."

Weekend

2008-10-13T00:59:00.003-05:00

Today went well over all. I felt like I overworked the sermon today, couple that with physically not feeling well... and tadah, today.

Anyway, I am still reeling from the Catalyst conference, and feel like my mind is on information overload. I am going to retype my notes tomorrow. I will try to post some thoughts from the leadership conference. It amazes me how "leadership" pushes all of us. It is not just a switch you turn on, but its something that continues to grow, as we learn from others, by mistakes and successes.

Looks like we finished off the mymarriageisdead.com series well with 23 people giving their hearts to Christ. To God be the Glory. So awesome.

I am excited to continue to follow up with these people. I know God is wanting to do great things in the city.

My heart is thoroughly stirred to serve our city. The church needs to BE the church, not just exist. My heart breaks for the one distant form a God who love them so much.

Yesterday I took the kids downtown to pass out water and granola bars. We met a homeless man named Oscar who has a broken shoulder. That really moved the kids, to be injured and have to live on the street. Just after that I watched a ladies van being repossessed.

I pray these moments leave an indelible mark on the minds of our kids.

We will be gearing up for a big Thanksgiving Adopt a Family dinner. More details to come on that.

JCFC -Building Relationships, Encountering God, Serving Others.

My thoughts

2008-10-08T22:28:00.003-05:00

1. Service was great this weekend 4 people received Christ. That brings the total response to 23 for the series. So awesome. Thank You Jordan Creek for inviting your friends and family.

2. Catalyst has been awesome. The labs today were tremendous. I am very challenged, and excited at the same time.

3. Miss my family today. I love spending time with each of them. I hate being gone from them them.

4. Dara texted me and said Life Group was good tonight. Bummed that I missed it. Its awesome to see God moving people closer to Him. I feel like God is wanting to do some great things with the people we have in our group right now. Thinking of some strategic things....

5. Met some very interesting guys today. Dino Rizzo from Healing Place church in Baton rouge, spoke today. So great. Super passionate, and so kingdom minded.

6. Really digging the Neo Soul music out right now. anybody like Adele? She is great...

Scriptures that move me

2008-10-04T19:17:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite Scriptures.

2 peter 3:9 (KJV as i learned it as kid)
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

2 peter 3:9 NLT
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

Gods heart is that all should know Him. What are you doing to make sure all know Him? I know I have been guilty of not doing what i can every time I could have.

One of the old car sales adages, I learned in the biz, years ago hits here pretty big...

"Everyday, Every time, Without Fail, No Exceptions"

I'm thankful that God never fails, anyday, no exceptions.

God make us like you, in all we do.

VP Debate

2008-10-02T21:44:00.001-05:00

I wish Governor Palin and Senator Biden were running were the top of their respective tickets.

Good debate on both sides. Both were very respectable to each other, and I love both of their approach and comments.

Weekend update

2008-09-29T15:16:00.002-05:00

Yesterday went really well. It seemed like everything really clicked as the worship began. I taught about how all couples fight and how to deal with it in a Godly way.

This series has been tremendous help in my own marriage as well. I love my wife and am proud to say that we are constantly working on our marriage.

On a different note we have had 19 people give their heart to Jesus during the last 4 weeks of service.

Join us this weekend as we look at Just Do It! We will be examining how our actions and words really connect!

Church Metrics

2008-09-23T17:01:00.001-05:00

Introducing ChurchMetrics from ChurchMetrics on Vimeo.

this is going to be awesome, and its free...

Challenging Thought

2008-09-22T09:21:00.002-05:00

I am in a coaching group right now with a pastor in New York named Nelson Searcy. He is lead pastor at The Journey Church.

He left a post today that is really convicting for me. Here is the quote.

“We are judged by what we finish, not what we start.”
- Anonymous

Hmm, what are we completing?

Excellence

2008-09-17T14:08:00.003-05:00

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit" -Aristotle

We are streamlining things, and simplifying. I believe that excellence honors God with all my heart. Its not perfection, we cant be perfect every time of course, but the consistency needs to be there of our best.

I wrestle personally here, I believe that God is working in me, this thought of "excellence is a habit." If I dont watch myself, I can be lax in areas, and I dont want to be that way any more.

I want to honor God with what I do, what the church does, how we respond, how we deal with guests, how we help believers grow in faith, how we impact our community. (maybe grammatical sentence structure is an area I can work on as well)

handwriting cards

2008-09-16T15:40:00.003-05:00

I am hand writing cards to every guest now. Trying to connect on a more personal level.

Today I wrote out like 9 cards. Doesnt sound like much to you maybe, but hand writing to me is huge. Well I got them all done and ready for Shanna to mail... a few minutes later she told me I wrote them all on the wrong side....

just my luck...

So I am writing them again, as I pray over each card, again...

Hmm, is God trying to get me to pray more?

weekend update

2008-09-16T15:35:00.003-05:00

Another fine weekend at JCFC. The weather was great, and cooled off by the time service was over.

We jumped right into the second sermon in the series, www.mymarriageisdead.com called Perfect Seasoning.

There were at least 6 more people who gave their heart to Jesus this week, and I was able to connect with several families on Monday who are receiving some help in their marriage.

We are praying for 100 families to have major changes in their marriage due to this series. It is happening...

I got an email today from a couple in the church. Check this out (I changed the names...)

June and I have really connected with the current series and feel our marriage is already stronger just because we have focused on communication and each other. Without this series I don’t know that we would have taken the time to really talk about the things that we appreciate about each other. June and I have been married for eight years and together for 15 so there is a certain comfort that comes with that much time together. We both just assumed that there was a general understanding of love and appreciation. I know the assumption was correct but there is something far more powerful about taking the time to vocalize our feelings for each other. Like all marriages, we are not perfect, but we are better than we were two weeks ago. Keep up the good work. Can’t wait for the rest!

Keep praying, I am getting emails and hearing lots of talk about marriages becoming more healthy each week.

500th post

2008-09-13T23:03:00.001-05:00

My favorite thing to do is baptism. It just doesn't get any better than helping people make that step of getting in the water and symbolizing that their sins are being washed away.

I am moved every time I see a baptism, whether live or video. Tomorrow we show this clip to the whole church.

I cant wait for you all to see it.

New Uncle

2008-09-10T13:03:00.003-05:00

We were up yesterday around 4.30 to head to STL to see my sisters new baby boy Titus aka Mr T.

He is doing really well, and adjusting to life outside the womb! We are heading back to good ol Des Moines in a few hours here. Burning up that highway.

weekend update

2008-09-08T20:37:00.003-05:00

If you werent there, man you missed it.

I have to say to all our volunteers and team, you guys were outstanding! The day went off amazing. We had 196 in attendance, with at least 6 people giving their life to Christ.

I saw lots of tears during the sermon, as I spoke from Song of Solomon about marriage. We specifically dealt with the way we speak to each other and overcoming insecurities through love!

The band was awesome, Kevin brought us through announcements, I spoke and the band closed out with LifeHouse cover Whatever it Takes. Beautiful.

Thanks again, invite your friends, and pray!

Wide Awake

2008-09-07T00:05:00.001-05:00

I am so pumped about tomorrows service. I cant wait to teach tomorrow. I know God is going to use this series to change lives.

Hope to see you all there in a few hours.

Dark Knight

2008-09-03T23:50:00.001-05:00

Do I even need to say anything? WOW

Billboard Shot

2008-09-03T22:30:00.005-05:00

I've spoken with several families who have seen the Billboards or got a mailer, and they have sparked all kinds of conversations.

Our goal is to see 100 marriages changed. Knowing that conversations are happening nightly thrills my soul. I am praying that trust is strengthened and relationships encouraged.

Pray with me.

My Marriage is Dead

2008-09-03T16:49:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to remind everyone to check out www.mymarriageisdead.com this week. The series starts this Sunday. I am telling you that you wont want to miss it.

Invite everyone you know. I have no idea what to expect, I get emails everyday from people who cant wait to be there.

Get ready, get ready, get ready.

Our regular JCFC crew, we will need you to step up this weekend and serve. Come in early, smile and connect with EVERYONE. Make them feel welcome, as you always do.

BTW, we have had well over 5200 visits to the website.

My thoughts

2008-08-28T17:03:00.002-05:00

1. My sister is about ready to deliver her first baby. :)

2. Cant wait for our next series. www.mymarriageisdead.com it is going to be amazing. We mailed out 26,152 full color 6x11 postcards today.

3. I was on a 2 hr conference call with Nelson Searcy today. It was great. I was really challenged.

4. Reading two great books right now, Simple Church by Thom Rainer, and Fusion by Nelson Searcy.

5. Praying for 100 marriages to be changed by this fall series. Invite your friends and family to be a part. Its a great series for broken marriages, good marriages, and great ones.

Bad oil change

2008-08-25T23:33:00.002-05:00

Oh man, I am having issues. Had my oil changed at my mechanics garage today. He had a new guy in, and after I got down the road, the engine started grinding and no oil pressure.

I pulled over and saw this....

Talk about bummed. I called the mechanic and had it towed back to his shop. He is taking care of it tomorrow. Pray there isnt any damage.

Weekend Update

2008-08-25T22:09:00.002-05:00

1. The band was amazing yesterday. I am so moved every time we sing Overcome and Revelation song. What a powerful time of worship.

2. 5 people recommitted their life to Christ yesterday. Amazing. I love to see people being moved on by the Holy Spirit.,

3. Thank you for inviting your friends. It is making a difference in peoples lives. You never know that one invitation could be the one that the Holy Spirit uses to help them cross the line of faith.

4. Signed off today to send our 26,500 mailers to go along with our www.mymarriageisdead.com series. Pray with us for 100 marriages to be changed.

5. Over 3000 hits to the website since we have had billboards up.

6. I am getting emails nearly everyday from spouses wanting to heal their marriage.

7. Invite everyone you can to this new life changing series. Lets fill that theater and change our city.

100 in 6 weeks

2008-08-19T22:23:00.002-05:00

Pray with us everyday during this month and next for 100 marriages to be changed.

I know its a ridiculous prayer, but I believe God honors ridiculous faith.

It is God plan that all come to repentance. I also believe its His plan for people to have an abundant life.

Merge those things, and we have a stellar series that is designed to transform marriages as hearts are changed as Jesus touches them.

www.mymarriageisdead.com

Invite everyone you know.

Lets fill our theater for Gods glory.

My BIble Journey

2008-08-19T21:57:00.003-05:00

Man I have reading through Romans again this week. I love this book.

Romans 3

21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Bela and Capt Kangaroo

2008-08-18T21:12:00.006-05:00

Anyone notice any resemblamce between Capt Kangaroo and Bela Karolyi?

I'm just sayin'.

Whata week

2008-08-17T21:41:00.002-05:00

I have to say I love the Olympics. We have been sucked in all week. From the swimming to the gymnastics to the track and field. I even was intrigued by the fencing. Wow.

Am I ever inspired to get int he pool.

Today was great. We are right in the middle of the series Nuts and Bolts, and today I spoke about having great friends. David and Jonathan kind of friends.

Cant wait to continue into the fall with www.mymarriageisdead.com We have had almost 1300 hits on the site this week.

Pray with me that 100 marriages can be changed for God's glory.

Medal Standings

2008-08-09T21:59:00.001-05:00

Here is a link to the medal standings. Just in case your an Olympian dreamer like our house.

mymarriageisdead

2008-08-09T21:26:00.003-05:00

Man, our IT dept, graphics, and video guys just rock. They have finished the site and its up and running.

You can check it out here. Ryan Rogness did and amazing job designing all this. Kevin Starkey shot and edited a powerful video. Paul (our IT Team Leader at the church) worked it all together to make it live on the net.

Besides that all the actors, all the prayers, and everyone else involved... A big Thank You.

I cant wait to see what God is going to do with this powerful series on our city in September.

The 6 Billboards will be up on Monday all over town.

Everyone pray that God moves peoples hearts to be a part of this series. We are believing God to transform marriages, hearts and lives.

Bluetooth

2008-08-08T17:01:00.001-05:00

Just figured out how to link my computer to my headset via bluetooth. Awesome.

Now I can listen to whatever through my headset!

How cool, I love technology. Listening to s sermon right now as I type!

mymarriageisdead

2008-08-07T00:42:00.002-05:00

The site is almost done. Man is it awesome. Our fall series kicks off Sept 7th. www.mymarriageisdead.com hopefully the site is live this Saturday.

We have 6 billboards up on Monday, and 25000 mailers going out. BE in prayer that this series will draw and change lives for the kingdom.

I believe with all my heart in John 10:10. Jesus came so that we can have life to the full, in abundance. He wants people to have above average marriages. It can happen when Jesus is the center.

Sad Event

2008-07-27T21:26:00.002-05:00

It is always sad to see a young man die. Sad to say that Greg Laurie son, Christopher, died this week in a tragic car wreck. He was the art director for Harvest Church in California. Harvest has had an awesome impact on Southern Cal, as well as the globe for the kingdom.

Pray for the family.

freecreditreport.com

2008-07-26T12:03:00.002-05:00

I know the commercials get on your nerves, but its a great thing to do. Dave Ramsey has helped us pay off all of our credit cards off this year. We are down to just home loan and Suburban payment. We are working to get it sold as well.

Interesting though on my credit report I found some mistakes. An account shown as open from a few years ago. Closing that baby! and a few others that I am working on.

It is amazing how many things are set by your credit report. Now if I could only change my driving record....

nuts and bolts

2008-07-26T12:00:00.001-05:00

We start an awesome sermon series tomorrow! Cant wait to get into it. We are getting back to some basics. Down to the nuts and bolts

Invite a friend here. Tomorrow we are looking at priorities vs commitments. So easy to get out of alignment.

You wont want to miss it!

Black History

2008-07-23T16:17:00.002-05:00

I know that July inst Black History month, but it has been for me. Lately I have been really stirred at the racial tension sour country has been a part of for so long. It is very unfortunate, especially in the church.

Many Christians have what I call passive prejudice. They aren't in any way supportive of any kind of white supremacist movements, yet they have this underlying issue with other races.

I have been reading a ton online about the history of the Civil Rights movement. I am amazed about how many people took action about such injustice.

I applaud them. And I wonder if there are as many people today with the same kind of character.

last years Baptism

2008-07-22T17:31:00.001-05:00

Just reminiscing about last years service. So awesome. This years should be up and running in two Sundays!

Our amazing tech team

2008-07-22T01:07:00.003-05:00

Not sure who did this on our team, but I love it

It is a compilation of the last three years series. I love it!

Frustrated with oil costs

2008-07-17T10:19:00.002-05:00

Saw this video today, and it makes a lot of sense to me. I am not an economist...
but I dont like the fact we use so much stinking foreign oil.

Lets do something.

I think T Boone here, might have some insight.

Thanks Rob for sharing this.

Future church planters

2008-07-17T09:51:00.002-05:00

I have had opportunity to sit down with several guys this week who are looking to plant churches in the future. What a great time to chat about what God has done, and is wanting to do in the future.

I meet with some college students today for coffee, and really enjoyed being with them. One young man named Brandon is really going to do well as a church planter. Excited to see where God is taking him.

I wasnt able to join with ARC to church plant simply because I didnt know about it until we were already up and running, but I love it. Check it out if your considering launching soon.

Podcast

2008-07-15T14:45:00.003-05:00

Tech issues for sure this weekend. Not only did we have Gomer announcing she was a whore, as the opening video began, and the video cable to the projector died less than an hour before service, Paul emailed us today saying that the podcast didnt record as needed.

Hmm. Seems like a stretching before growth.

Spent most of the morning today working on a follow up system for all of our guests. I want it to be uniform and consistent for each person walking through the doors of JCFC.

515 Alive

2008-07-15T10:11:00.005-05:00

Super excited about partnering with 515 Alive this year. We helped out with event two years ago ad it was a blast.

515 is an urban music festival on July 26th downtown Des Moines. They are expecting to break 12,000 people in attendance this year. There are DJs, Break dance competition, urban art and graffiti contests, and even some giant piles of foam! They are working on some kids inflatables to play on as well.

Our premise is simply if you give a cup of water in Jesus name you are doing it as unto Him. We plan to give out thousands of water bottles on Saturday.

If you want to help with the event or donate some cases of water email us at shannak@jordancreek.org

Its going to be a great day.

dad, I hafta put the chick'n in my pocket

2008-07-09T13:13:00.004-05:00

Colin and I ate at Chi-Fil-A for lunch. As we headed to the bathroom he got a "sample." As we rounded the corner he was still eating the nugget.

I look down and he is shoving it in his pocket. I said Colin, why are you putting it in your pocket?

Exasperated, he said to me, "Dad I hafta put the chik'n in my pocket, so it doesnt get pee on it!"

Sure that makes sense.

VBS

2008-07-09T09:50:00.002-05:00

Well the kids are loving the VBS this week. They cant wait to get out the door every morning. Just wanted to say a big thank you to Jen Adair for hosting this at her house and leading the charge to invest in the kids of this community.

Also a big thank you to all the other ladies who have helped out in teaching, organization, and crafts. It takes a team. I am proud of the Kids Department at JCFC. You guys are rocking it!

I will try to get some pics up soon.

Tuesday

2008-07-08T10:00:00.002-05:00

Internet is still messed up at the office. Qwest is sending us a new DSL router today. Cant wait to get that hooked up. Everything functions off that internet router in the office. Copier, computers, me apparently.

So I am at Amici, on 100th and Douglas. Great coffee shop. One of my favorites since Java Gs went out. By the way, I had a free coffee card there, and almost another full one. Bummer. I wonder if Amici would honor it.... I did just give them a shout out.

Monday

2008-07-07T11:14:00.002-05:00

Looks like a pretty busy week this week.

Shanna is gone most of the week, and our internet went down at the office. It is crazy how much we depend on technology to function.

This weekend was interesting, with lots of Holiday travel.

Kicked off Love Always yesterday. I probably spent too much time telling the back story of Hosea. There is a lot of history to the minor prophets.

We are going to spend some time this weekend looking at redemption. Specifically chapter 3. What are the sacred raisin cakes that Israel loved so much?

Tomorrow night is Membership 1.0 If you havent registered do so today on the calendar on the right.

My Thoughts

2008-07-02T14:55:00.002-05:00

1. Super excited about this weekend's new series. Love Always!

You wont want to miss a weekend of out. We will be looking at the book of Hosea and the tension with his wife. God used this amazing story of betrayal and heartache to show His Undying love for us. Cant wait to teach on Gods Love and grace.

2. We have a huge fall series lined up. More to come. It is going to be a pivotal point in the life of our church.

3. Excited bout the Olympic trials. (Dara is even more excited than I am, its crazy)

4. Loved competing in the the HyVee Triathlon. It was great! Looking forward to doing another soon. Go here to see some pics.

5. Looking forward to some family time over the 4th with the kids!

Boundary Waters Trip Home

2008-06-16T22:36:00.000-05:00

Hey its was a long car ride!

Land Update

2008-06-16T14:51:00.003-05:00

As many of you were gone yesterday due to Fathers Day, you might now be aware of the status with the land. We have met with the city, and after all the things that they would require us to do, the cost of the land is going to double. Taking a wonderful deal on the property from 700,000 to an estimated 1.5 million. Some of those costs we knew would be coming, such as the build out of Ashworth to a 4 lane road, but others caught us by surprise. After discussing this with our Staff and leadership team we feel like, in the best interest of the church body, to wait on this particular piece of property.

I know many of you have given already to the building fund, and others of you have earmarked money for it. If you still want to give you are more than welcome to give to this campaign. We will put that money aside and pray for the next piece of property. We know that God has something instore for us as a church body. I fully believe in the Sovereignty of God.

I also know that our mission is to reach people with the Gospel of Jesus. We are all about building relationships and encountering God. But we cant be so strapped with a land payment that we can't do ministry. Having property is great, but seeing lives changed is what its all about!

Be praying for our church. Remember, "Lord make us inviting!"

weekend Update

2008-06-16T14:49:00.003-05:00

Great weekend with Steven Furtick speaking from Charlotte, NC. He did a great job speaking about Lord Make us Audacious!

At least 3 people rededicated their heart and lives to Jesus this weekend. Awesome.

Dont miss this weekend, with Ed Young, as he speaks about Lord Wake Us Up!

Hy-Vee Triathlon

2008-06-13T17:00:00.002-05:00

Totally bummed that the Hy-Vee Tri is now a Dry Tri! No swimming due to all the flooding. So all the swim training.... a wash.

Now its a 10K run, a 40K bike, and then a 5K run...

Running is my least favorite of the events.

Week Away

2008-06-12T01:40:00.002-05:00

Spent last week in Northern Minnesota and Canada with my Brother in Law, Daine. Man was it ever great to get a way for a few days without a cell phone or email.

This is a tiny piece of what we had to enjoy everyday. Awesome. I love to camp and canoe.

Gearing up for the next series in July. We were going to go a completely different direction, but I have been reading about the OT prophets a bunch lately. I am so moved by their heart for their city and country.

The story of Hosea and Gomer always moves me so much. Gods undying love, grace, and compassion for people is overwhelming... So we are going to be inviting you to a wedding. The marriage of compassion and heartbreak.

Gods every present love for His creation.

BTW, dont miss this weekends service. The One Prayer series is great. check it out here. Pastor Steven Furctick will be speaking this week, from Elevation church in Charlotte.

Random Thoughts

2008-05-28T09:50:00.003-05:00

1 I havent been every consistent with the blog world lately!

2 Good coffee makes the day so much better.

3 Excited about the One Prayer series starting this weekend. "Lord make us Inviting"

4. June 29th we are showing a video about the new church property and receiving pledges and offerings toward our $50,000 goal for our property fund!

5. Burdened for our city. God is stirring me in new ways. Excited to dream about what God sees for the Church (city wide) in our city.

Bible Journey

2008-05-22T13:26:00.002-05:00

Powerful text today from I John 3:4-6

"All who indulge in a sinful life are dangerously lawless, for sin is a major disruption of God's order. Surely you know that Christ showed up in order to get rid of sin. There is no sin in him, and sin is not part of his program. No one who lives deeply in Christ makes a practice of sin. None of those who do practice sin have taken a good look at Christ. They've got him all backward."

Surely we know... but I fear too many dont know. Some 350,000 people wont be in service this weekend in our city alone. Surely they dont know that Christ showed up to rid them of sin.

Will you invite someone to have the freedom you now have in Christ?

Mothers Day Video

2008-05-21T11:11:00.000-05:00

Check this out! Anybody want a Shine?!

Church Planters Round Table

2008-05-19T23:40:00.002-05:00

I am in Oklahoma City today and tomorrow for a great event. A few years ago I got invited to be a part of some of the most successful church planters in the country. It is a great time to listen and recharge my batteries. These guys have all different backgrounds, thoughts, and ideas, but I always leave with a bigger picture of the Kingdom and how to reach more people.

I drove this year, and am ready to crash. I will have some blog links for you late tomorrow of some of the guys.

Made a new friend from Ohio today. Konan Stephans. He is hitting it out the park in Columbus! He also is a tri-ahthlete. Pretty cool guy.

What does over 1600 miles in a car amount to?

2008-05-14T00:46:00.002-05:00

Lots of hilarious things being heard from the back seat.

1. Less than five miles out of town, from Colin, "Dad are we there yet?"

2. 10 minutes later, "Dad, How many minutes til we get there?" (its about a 6-7 hour trip)

3. "Dad, did you see that sweet race car?" I have one of those...

4. "Dad, Now how many minutes."

5. "Dad, I have some ear stuff on my finger" (wax) "I needa put it back."

6. "I gotta potty real bad."

7. "Dad, Colin is picking his nose and showing me the boogers!"

8. "Dad, Now how many minutes?"

9. "Dad, can we listen to Hannah Montana again?"

10. "Aw gross, he just ate that booger!"