Global Friendships

Once again, I've been on an extended leave of absence from the blog-sphere world. Only this time, it's not because of any exciting kingdom adventure. I've been flat on my back, wrestling for almost an entire week with an ugly, yellow-green monster called Sinus Infection. When a pastor loses his voice, it's definitely an emergency. Rachel and the girls seemed to enjoy the silence, but I felt totally useless. I'm not quick to run to the medicine cabinet every time I get a sniffle, but after coughing up some pretty amazing things--I'm sure you would love more info!--I was desperate for help. Thank God for Dr. Cherie and some antibiotics!!

This weekend at HPC was stellar once again with special guests from the Ukraine--Zhenya and Vera Kasevich & family, as well as from Australia--Reuben Morgan & the Hillsong worship team.

It started Saturday morning where almost 300 HPC guys came together for our first ever Men's Gathering. The auditorium was filled with motorcycles, putting greens, bagels, and some serious testosterone. Zhenya shared a dynamic word, challenging us to watch out for things that kill our destiny (fear, pride, selfishness, greed, and lust). Though fighting to stay healthy, I had the privilege of speaking to the guys on having courage and what it takes to be man (I Kings 2:2). We finished at noon with a Louisiana style BBQ--thanks Cooking for Christ...you're my favorite ministry!

The weekend services were high-octane, pedal-to-the-floor as well. Zhenya ministered on the importance of faith, while Reuben and the gang used their gifts and talents in song. The weekend concluded Sunday night with dinner and a leadership teaching by Vera to nearly 200 HP women. Are we blessed or what?!! We have such amazing relationships at HPC.

Amplified

Last weekend was a full-on, full-contact, in-your-face, next generation collision with the Cross. We call it Amplified! Over 200 junior high and high school students came together to experience God and embrace a global mandate to stand up, stand out, and change their world for Christ. Students stayed in host homes Friday and Saturday night, building lasting friendships and discovering the commitments of discipleship. During the day on Saturday, we sent out teams of young people into our community to work at different schools, painting, working flowerbeds, and picking up trash. I'm so proud of our student ministry staff who worked countless hours in prayer and planning to create an incredible environment for our kids.

The highlight for me was Late Nite's opportunity to host one of the Amplified services. Chad Daniel, my radical friend and worldwide missionary, gave us a prophetic message, challenging us to embrace our calling and dreams. After 3 hours of worship, word, and seeking God, the stage was filled with young men and women turning their hearts toward Christ! Dozens received the gift of the Holy Spirit and surrendered their lives to the mission fields of the world. At midnight, over 30 kids were baptized in the freezing cold waters of the HPC lake!! It was wild...it was sloppy...it was totally God! I love what God is doing in our sons and daughters!

Birthday Surprise

No one told me that being 33 years old could be so much fun! I've been holding onto my youth for as long as I can, but I'm slowly losing my grip. Against my will, maturity is trying to overtake me. Last week was my birthday, and I got the surprise of a lifetime. I pulled into our driveway after a long day at the office, and the girls were playing outside. Rachel wanted me to open a couple of gifts (new shirts) so I could wear one to church later that night. With the video camera in my face and the girls telling me how great I looked, I felt like a movie star!

There was one small bag left to open--a bag with some pictures in it...sonogram pictures! I felt my heart rate begin to increase. "What is this?" I asked nervously. "I don't understand. Your doctor's appointment isn't until next week!" With a smile on her face and the video camera in mine, Rachel said, "Look at it! What does it say?" Alexa ran over to where I was sitting and shouted, "Look what it says right here Dad...it says BOY!" I was shaking like a leaf.

"What!?! Are you...are you...are you kidding me?" It was a matrix moment--complete shock and awe. Rachel confirmed, "You're looking at the sonogram pictures of your new son!" Immediately Alexa buried her face in my shoulder and cried, "Oh Daddy, it's baby Trevor...just like we always wanted!" There was a shout that rose up from Jefferson Crossing subdivision that day and set off every car and house alarm within a 10 mile radius! That was a week ago, and I still haven't recovered. Every day I pull out those sonogram pics and review them myself.

It's one thing to be happy and celebrate a personal victory--but to have an entire church and faith community sharing in your joy, brings the excitement to a whole new level. We've already received some baby boy gifts--it's strange to see a blue bib that says, "I play sports with Daddy." I even went to my office the next morning to find it completely tricked out--blue breath mints and bubble gum cigars for everyone (thank you Lisa Mac and Molly White)! A big thank you to all of our family and friends for making this whole journey incredible. Without your faith-filled prayers, I might be paying for 3 weddings instead of just 2!

I reminded Rachel the other day, "Baby, we're having a boy...B-O-Y...so don't turn him into some wimpy little girly-man. I don't want to see lace, pink, or rhinestones in his room. We need camouflage, footballs, and a deer head on the wall!"

A Growing Family

After years of stubborn resistance and a thoroughly made-up mind, I finally melted under the pressure of girl-power: I broke down and let Alexa and Mikaela get a dog! The girls have been trying to convince me for a long time that they can responsibly care for a puppy. Even Rachel has taken up their cause, hitting me every couple days with research she's pulled from the internet on easy dog-care tips. After being triple-teamed long enough, I just got tired of fighting...you girls have an incredible ability to negotiate!!

Monday afternoon, Rachel brought home an 8 week-old Yorkie with a little pink bow in her hair--yes, another girl in the house! I can't even win for losing!! The guy-girl ratio at my home is moving in the wrong direction! I had the video camera when Alexa opened the box, and it was awesome--tears all over the place! It was serious Niagra Falls, including Rachel! The girls quickly named her Maggie, and she has been the center of attention all week. In spite of the challenges of potty training and nights in the kennel, the joy in our home is obvious. It's still early, and the votes are coming in, but I've been nominated for the 2007 Dad of the Year Award.

I have to confess that even I get a little excited to come home and see all my girls...including little Maggie. Alexa and Mikaela have surprised me with all the initiative they are taking around the house. This morning they made breakfast, cleaned the kitchen, and folded clothes...maybe I should have let the girls have a dog a long time ago!

Armed and Dangerous

It's no secret that Late Nite is a thrill-seeking, risk-taking, high-energy, shoot-em-up-cowboy, fun-loving bunch of rednecks...and I love being a part of it! I grew up in a trailer park in southeast Missouri--you can take the boy out of the trailer, but you can't take the trailer out of the boy! What's cool, our Saturday nights are fully loaded with men and woman who love God radically and know how to have a good time.

A couple weeks ago, some of our best and brightest--Chris, Meghan, Robbie, and Jason--took a little adventure trip down to the prairies of Ascension parish and tested their shooting skills at the local sheriff firing range. Check out these pictures: it will put the fear of God in you! Meghan is now the official Late Nite Charlie's Angel--they tell me she can shoot a mosquito out of the air from over 50 yards! She's obviously the most dangerous assistant who has ever worked for me. If I ever come up missing, she's the first person you need to interrogate.

Jason Rosen, the newest addition to our Late Nite security force, is showing us how the west was really won. For him, it's not about accuracy but the sheer joy of spraying metal in a cloud of blazing glory. Needless to say, I feel very safe when I come to church. I guess if I ever get in a bind and need a little back-up, I can call in the Late Nite SWAT team. It gives new meaning to thunder and lightning...get ready cause the storm is coming!!