Generosity is an important value in my life and the life of Freedom Church. 

We talk about it all the time and try to model it consistently because I want to cultivate that culture from the very beginning.   We have been (and still are) on the receiving end of much generosity and the greatest way to show our gratitude is to pass that along to others. 

Every week I have a scheduled meeting for a few hours to do nothing except read, write, and slow down long enough to really concentrate on what God has been trying to get through to me. 

This past week the message got through loud and clear.  “Consecrate yourself, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” (Joshua 3:5)  I am not sure when “tomorrow” will come - but I must get ready for it’s arrival today. 

Today is Lexi’s birthday.  How in the world do I have a 6 year old daughter? That is insane! 

Time is flying by far too quickly.  I will write a card for her today that she will not open until well into her teenage years.  That definitely puts things into perspective.  I pray that I will take every opportunity that I can to show love and speak value into her life.  If I don’t - she will try to find it somewhere.  And that, makes me want to throw up just thinking about it. 

We are here to reach the thousands of people who are far from God and/or disconnected from church in our community.  7,500+ of those people are between the ages of 12-17.  With that in mind, FreedomGeneration is coming!

Beginning Sunday, we will have 2 launch team meetings per month for our Student Ministry kickoff in August.  It is going to be a blast.  Can’t wait!

Today I had a conversation with a very interesting homeless guy.  Here’s the funny part.  After I listened to all the things he thought was wrong with the world - he asked me about my “job”.  I told him that I was the Pastor of a church in the area. 

He started laughing.  Then he said, “no really, you’re obviously not a REAL pastor - why are you trying to trick me?” 

After that remark, the conversation was over

To all my FSU friends…

 

It’s all about the U!

Devin and I just spent quite a bit of time cleaning out several boxes that had been stacked neatly in the storage area of our garage.  There were books, pictures, clothes, CD’s, and the list goes on and on. 

Best discovery:  My old Nintendo. 
Worst Discovery:  This book. I immediately threw it away and felt liberated beyond belief.  If you don’t understand why this is the worst book ever put in print - consider yourself fortunate beyond compare.  If you do understand- I apologize for the fact that this post will haunt your dreams!

I’ve had some great learning conversations this week.  I am excited about the possibilities right in front of us!

It feels like EVERY single thing we have planned for the next 3 months is RISKY!  I like that - because playing it safe - is the biggest risk of all. 

I get asked the same few questions every single week at Freedom.  Typically, I just answer with an “It’s on our radar - but I have no idea” type of answer.  On Sunday all that will change - well at least for one of those questions…

I can’t wait! 

Several great stories have come our way in the past few days. The revolution has begun in Acworth, GA

• A man came a few weeks ago for the first time - accepted Christ this past Sunday - and now invites EVERYONE (no exaggeration) he meets to Freedom Church.  This guy is passionate and already making a difference in the lives of people. 
• A teenage girl accepted Christ and started bringing her parents. They attended the Newcomers Lunch on Sunday and now their entire family will partner with us to impact the thousands in this community who are far from God.  (Special announcement for teenagers THIS Sunday!)
• Several wives have commented that they have been praying and trying to drag their husbands to church for years.  Now, their husbands are first out of bed to make sure their wife doesn’t make them late for the start of the worship experience. 

That’s what it’s all about!  Keep it up Freedom!