For all the people who wrote me emails, text messages, etc. about the Miami game….

If you are a Sooner fan - congratulations. A very good OU team beat an extrmely mediocre UM team on their way back to the top. You guys have won 1 Nat. Champ. since 85 because of 3 big losses to the U - so enjoy it while it lasts - because it will not last long.

If you are a fan of some other random team (Memphis, Michigan, etc.) - the same is true for you. Memphis fans enjoy winning 1 or 2 games in Conference USA. Michigan fans - are you even serious right now?

At any rate - Miami will be okay. This is one year (and only one year) where it will be acceptable to lose 2-3 games. The future looks bright under Shannon. We will be back - and it will be sooner rather than later.

1. I am pumped about a few things we are adding to the launch team meetings! Announcement coming Sunday.

2. Most neighborhood pools closed on labor day. Ours stays open all year. That makes me happy - at least for another month or so.

3. We are looking for a couple very strategic people to join the team at Freedom.

4. Louisville doesn’t know that the word “defense” actually exists.

5. I am going to a very interesting meeting in a few minutes…More to come later.

I am trying to decide whether or not to begin a new blog detailing the adventure that is planting Freedom Church.

An inside look at what we do right, what we do wrong, and the emotions and thought processes that come along with each. A real look - that won’t hold anything back - good or bad.

Not sure if it’s something we are going to do, but email me (jrlee30@hotmail.com) and let me know what you think.

The definition of a church that gives a high % to denominational entities but nothing to their local community = sinful irrelevance.

Give out of vision not for your own “political” clout.

One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is Honey Baked Ham. This morning we hung out with Mike Linch, his staff, and the CEO of Honey Baked Ham, Chuck Bengochea.

He has a ton of leadership insight - One great takeaway…

Deep satisfaction comes not from ordinary results, but from the pursuit of those things that have not been done or
require extraordinary thinking and execution…

Chuck is a great guy AND a huge Miami Hurricanes fan.

Had a great time last night at the Clemson / FSU game! It is always good to see FSU lose, and no, I am not like some people that cheer for their entire conference
Clemson played a great 1st half, but came out in the second flat and timid. Momentum shifted and they almost gave away the lead. In the end, they were able to hang on and the Clemson Nation is enjoying life for at least another week. For this week and this week only….C - L - E - M - S - O ———N (why the stutter I will never know).

By the way, traffic at Clemson is ridiculous. We sat in the parking lot for 18 years and made it home just before 4AM.

Lot’s of things running through the brain…

1. Watching Team USA destroy Argentina. When it comes to basketball - we are about to show the world what’s up. Finally.

2. For two weeks in a row we have been a part of the highest attended days at two great churches. This week - Oak Leaf. Last week - Elevation. Both are seeing an incredible move of God. Learning a lot from both of these churches.

3. I still have two friends who are trying to move to Georgia. Both need jobs in this area before they can officially make the move. One is an incredible chef and the other you can read about here. If you are in Atlanta and can help them out, let me know!

4. Sacrifice is definitely a word that is synonymous with church planting. Not just for the Lead pastor or the staff, but from the incredible families who move several hundred miles to join you. What a privilege to have people in my life like that!

5. I am hungry. Very hungry. I haven’t been this hungry since lunch. Time to eat!

Great day of football…

Miami over Marshall. We’re not back yet, but we are on our way. We have a stud freshman running back that can fly. Next week at Oklahoma will be a huge test.

On a different note…

Appalachian State over Michigan - at Michigan!

Are you serious?