It is up to me

This has been a great day here in Fort Mill @ the Pastor's Conference that I am attending, hosted by Fort Mill Church of God, with special guest, Bryan Cutshall. I have learned so very much. Here is a recap.

1. I must continue to grow myself. - My life, my relationships, my church and the growth of all three are dependent on my commitment to growing myself. Reading, seminars, taking classes, and sitting under other leaders has to be a lifelong commitment. Learning must never cease.

2. I must commit to growing others. - I must make time to invest in the lives of the people God has entrusted me to lead. While I am growing, I must not house all that is shared with me. I must pour it into others.

3. I must maintain a healthy balance in my life. - I have to work as well as rest. I have to take time to be me. I will become unhealthy if I do otherwise.

I commit again today to moving forward! I have been reminded again today, "it's the only way to live!"

Going Home

I am currently visiting Fort Mill, SC where I had the privilege to work for three years. I have enjoyed the opportunity to visit friends and be around my good friend and mentor, David Kemp.

I have been reminded of a couple of things concerning home and friends.

1. Everyone needs a home - I grew up in Simpsonville, SC but so much of me is still in Fort Mill. I was fortunate to build relationships in Fort Mill that are still in place today.

2. Everyone needs friends - Men especially are not very good at building lasting relationships. It was great to see friends that I haven't seen in a long time but feel as though we were together last week. I know if I called on them, they would be there. That is a comforting thought.

3. Everyone needs a home - Okay that is point number one. But let me talk about it some more. I have a wonderful place in Greer SC where my parents live and it always great to spend some time with them. It is certainly home.

I also have a home in Sheffield, OH, where I currently live and it is more than a house, it is home. The town of Sheffield has become a great place for me and my family. My church family is my family and the families of the community of very much a part of my life.

I am blessed today with many homes and many friends. I have been pleasantly reminded of God's goodnes in my life. I celebrate His blessings. I continue to move forward.

Backup Quarterbacks

I love the developing story of backup quarterback Matt Cassel. The New England Patriots suffered a great loss Sunday when quarterback phenom, Tom Brady was injured during the game.

In comes Matt Cassel. Matt will be the starter for this Sunday's game against the Jets. Matt played his college football for the Southern California (USC) behind former Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinhart. In college he only attempted 33 passes and you have to go all the way back to high school for his last start.

What can we learn from Matt Cassel?

1. Patience - What if Matt had given up on his dream to be starting NFL quarterback? We would be talking about someone else obviously. Sometimes it takes time for things to happen in life and the key to our success is patience.

2. Hard work - Matt kept himself in a position to be called upon for such a time as this. Hard work kept him on the team and the number two man. Proverbs tells us that a man who works hard will always have a job. Certainly proven to be true in this case.

3. Team player - All week he has tried to keep the emphasis off of himself on his team. He realizes his success will only happen when he works with the team. Lou Holtz (former South Carolina, Nortre Dame coach) says "There is only one letter difference in champ and chump. And that is the letter u." Matt is smart in focusing on team and not on self.

4. Readiness - Leaders have to be ready because they never know when they are going to be called upon. Backup quarterbacks are key positions and can often motivate a team through crisis. If you disagree, ask Tom Brady. He stepped in for an injured Drew Bledsoe and has led the Patriots to numerous playoff victories and several Super Bowl Championships.

These four concepts are vital to moving forward. I think many would agree that without them backwards seems to be more likely.

A look back at Sunday

Sheffield had a great day yesterday.

We are on day seven of our forty days of prayer and fasting and we are "Connecting" with God.

Here is a look back at my message, taken from 2 Chronicles 20

• Don't go with what you see - Some times our lives are filled with troubling evidence that it is over for us. That life will never be normal again. But don't go with what you see. God is at work and He is working for your good.
• Don't surrender to that which is bigger - Bigger doesn't mean better. It may feel your are surrounded and there is no way to victory, but whatever is surrounding you, remember, nothing can surround God. His omnipresence prevents that. So that means your enemy is the one that is surrounded.
• Don't be afraid to praise your way through the battle - Instead of talking about your dilemma, talk about God. It will change your attitude and it very well may change the outcome.
  

Have a great week and keep moving forward!

8th Grade Football

It has started. My son, Christopher plays for the 8th grade team here in Sheffield and last night they kicked off their season. Unfortunately they lost 24-20 to Brooklyn. They played hard but ran out of gas late in the game. We only have 18 players. And it was 85 degrees. A lot of the kids play both sides of the ball.

As for Chris, time for a little bragging. He passed for three touchdowns (35 yards, 50 yards, 25 yards). He also had three carries for 16 yards. It was fun to watch.

I did learn that you can't work the yardage chains on the sideline while your son is playing. I was cheering loudly in the middle of enemy territory. It was tough and dangerous. I won't do that again.

40 Days to Connect

Today begins our forty days of prayer and fasting @ Sheffield. It is an annual journey for us to draw close to God through prayer and the Word.

I anticipate a great season of prayer. As I look forward, I am convinced Sheffield is on the brink of so many wonderful things. No doubt the harvest is in front of us. And we are embracing it. We are preparing ourselves for God's plan and purpose in our lives.

We are asking questions like:

• What does God want from my life?
• What can I do to serve the Kingdom of God?
• Have I made myself available for Him to use?

We are committed to "moving forward." God only knows where we are going, but that is sufficient for us.

Labor Day

Today has been very relaxing. I am still in my PJ's. Al'Lora and the kids went to Cedar Point and I did nothing. Okay, maybe nothing is stretching it a little. I mean, I did eat watermelon and watch College Football.

Speaking of College Football, maybe today felt so good because after week one, South Carolina is 1-0 and Clemson is 0-1. I will enjoy it while it lasts. I know as we go deep into the season that will change. Especially since the ACC is really weak this year. And there are four SEC teams in the top 10. Without a doubt the SEC is the best conference in college football.

Any way, back to Labor Day. My feet have been propped up in my recliner most of the day. I think that is what this day is for. I think I should be the poster boy for Labor Day. I have enjoyed it very much.

I hope you did.