The Rev?

A little over a week ago I was ordained. I am not going to go into all the theological details of ordination but instead would like to reflect on some of my memories of that night. It was an extremely special night for me. In case ordination is foreign to you, it is basically the local church body saying they recognize God's hand in your life.

I was so blessed to have so many friends there that night. Some of my wife's former and present students were there. I love these guys (and girls). Some of them are very involved in ministry themselves. I could talk to these guys for hours, and have. I cherish our friendships and look forward to the opportunities to serve together. Thanks guys for being there.

I was honored to have some current pastors who encourage me and presently speak into my life present. The Bartell's were there. Love these guys. There church is off "the trail" and they are tearing it up. They allow me to participate in different ministries they are a part of. They are really loving their neighbors. Westpoint was represented by Jim Collins and a video from Jason Dukes. These guys and this church family continues to inspire me. They have pushed me harder than anyone else in the last year. So blessed to be a part of these church families.

My principle from elementary school was their. He is a former pastor to whom I owe a lot to. During my routine trips to his office he saw something in me and invested a great deal of time in me. I remember in 5th grade sitting in his office going through EE training. Thanks Mr. Walton.

My 11th grade Sunday School teachers were there, later had them as young marrieds teachers too. Shared many a smile and many a tear with these guys. He even stayed awake. ;) Thanks for the time you invested in me.

My family was there. They have put up with me the longest. They have to listen to me dream on how to turn a city upside down and follow along with some of my crazy ideas. Thanks for all the support.

My new family. Lockhart. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of this amazing thing going on at the little church on the busy corner. Couldn't think of a better place to be.

Thankful for all the men who came down to pray over me. Even if you made me cry because you spoke of me like I was part of your family. You know who you are. I value the time I get to spend with your family.

RETRO- You guys are amazing!!!!!!!!!! I get to go on this crazy roller coaster of life with you all. Some of you are gonna turn this place upside down, inside out. I love watching you fall in love with following Jesus. You love those around you like Christ loves us. You are leaders. Keep going.

Most of all I want to say that I have the MOST AMAZING wife and kids. You put up with me hiding to study, dreaming big dreams, and always willing to put others first. Ya'll are amazing.

Jesus, Thanks for dying!

Ready for a fight!

I must confess. I got in a few fights in my younger years. Like most guys they were territorial disputes. I enjoy watching a hockey fight, baseball brawl, and even some of the MMA fights. For some weird reason I have always enjoyed professional wrestling. These are the images that first come to mind when we think about fights. We envision two people, usually powerful strong guys, exchanging blows until one gets the upper hand. We see professional wrestlers act this out in a choreographed routine making ballet dancers jealous with their ability to leap and jump with utmost precision.

There is a larger fight going on that we tend to overlook. We overlook it not because we are unaware of it. We see the casualties everyday. We see those who once followed Jesus walking away, burned out, tired, hurt, and alone. We see those who were once passionate about learning the ways of Jesus content with just living. We see people excited as they begin to realize what it means to follow Jesus only to decide the cost are too high. We see once stable marriages crash. We see families torn apart by what seems to be irrational behavior.

Last night I was thrown for somewhat of a surprise as I watched the spiritual battle unfold in front of my eyes and take on flesh. I am aware of the battle going on but this time I could see it develop and fleshed out in front of me. A new believer was worshipping as two of her friends began to heckle her. It continued to the point she broke. She had to leave the room in tears. The overprotective side of me wanted to shield her from this and say this never happens but the other side of me saw this as a growing point in her life. This battle goes on daily and we over look it. The urge is to give in to what feels natural. The desire to fight is not always there.

I hope we become aware of the battle going on around us.