Busy, Busy, Busy.....

Man we are so busy at church this week! Listen to all the things we have going....

Tonight - Dr. Gerry
June 7th - Ziploc Bags
June 20-21th - Mexico Missions trip
July - 20th - Can't tell you yet
August 9-10th - Couples Retreat
September 14th - Our church five year anniversery!
October 19th - Can't tell you yet!

And so much in between it's not even funny! And the crazy thing is we are doing all this without the man Edward Shawn Kennedy!

By the way the wedding was amazing! Rebbecca was beautiful and ole Shawn cleaned up pretty good as well!

Thanks for all you guys do and thanks for building Gods Kingdom alongside us. As you look above think of where you can jump in and lets keep building!

Love ya!

Talking about Jesus...

This Sunday we are studying Colossians 3 and verse 11 not only spoke to me but challenged me this week. Its speaks of putting on a new self which is renewed in the knowledge of the image of our creator. There is something so powerful about renewing ourselves with the image, nature and character of our creator.

I was talking with a guy named A.J this week about Jesus. He is a Universalist and he didn't take the bate on my grade A sales job of Jesus but none the less in the midst of my conversation I found myself be renewed in the knowledge of my creator and it was incrediblely refreshing and empowering.

Thought... Find ways to renew yourself in the knowledge of your creator. Study Him, speak of Him worship Him and tell me if it's not restoring!

Love ya

Sobering....

Here is the picture I referenced Sunday. May it always serve to remind us that we're fighting a bigger cause than self. I pray even right now that our church will develop a greater appetite for the needs of a fractured world than for the needs of self.

Praying for us!

Climate VS. Weather

Sometimes when we have a bad day or few days we begin to think that our worlds are falling apart. Have you ever been there? This week I was talking with my dad about the ups and downs of Pastoring. I was telling him how Sundays like Mothers day can be taxing on me because so many people in our church spend that day out of town with their families. He gave me a great analogy I wanted to share with us.

He told me the other day he was talking with a guy about climate change and being the God fearing republican that he is told the guy he thought climate change was hog wash. He based his theory on the cold weather he saw this year in places like Buffalo and Chicago. His friend reminded him that we can't make judgements based on the weather rather we need to take a good look at the climate. The weather gives you a quick snapshot but the climate gives you a look at the overall big picture. Then my dad asked me how's the climate at your church. Wow what a different question!
While the weather may have been a bit "down" on Sunday the climate was HOT! Our church is getting it! I'm so proud of this church and so proud of where we are going and who we are.

Love ya guys!

Growing Pains

Have you ever noticed how much it hurts to grow? It seems like every time in my life that I have experienced a spiritual or personal growth spurt it hurt! Over the last few weeks God has been stretching my character is some real ways and the truth is it hurts. I have to say however I love where I'm going. I can see it down the road and experience quick moments of it. In short, growing hurts, but it's worth it!
Thought - when it hurts don't run from it, run straight into it! God is good, he will never leave us or forsake us. I pray that blessing over all of us today. May God stretch us into the men and women He desires us to be and may we not run from it, but right into it!

Love ya!

Busy Week!

So it's official this week got away from me a bit.... Because this is the first entry I have made I'll give you a quick recap of some things I've learned this week alone.

Monday - Gods Kingdom is huge! Geoff, Tara Yamaburns and myself delivered 1,000 care packages to Saint Paul's church in south east San Diego. I was reminded that God is moving in so many places that we don't know about. For example, St Paul's digs a water well in Africa every year for people living in Nigeria and then plants a church in the community! Another huge example that men and women all over are stretching Gods kingdom all over!

Tuesday - Our vision is more important that our shortcomings. As can happen sometimes in ministry not everyone falls in love with the Pastor This week I was made aware that someone isn't crazy about me.... Praise Jesus life goes on! Anyway I was reminded by God that my job is not have everyone love me rather fall in love with Gods vision... with Gods solution to mans problem namely JESUS. Tuesdays life lesson you don't have to fall in love with Josh but in the process never miss falling in love with Jesus!

Wednesday - Gods words AMAZING! Today was predominately a study day, I love these days!

Thursday - Still waiting!

Love ya guys and be blessed God has a unique and clear plan for each our lives, Go find it!

Getting in the Game!

I love being a Pastor, I love watching Gods kingdom grow and knowing I have a part in it. Today I went to lunch with a guy who has been attending our church for several months and was a bit frustrated because of difficulty getting involved, man that bums me out! When this happens I think to myself, here's a guy with gifts and talents that God wants to use to further his name and the only thing getting in the way is the "how do I start" problem.

Here's how you start... email us, grab lunch with us or call us! Tell us how you believe you could build Gods kingdom and lets get going. By the end of lunch this guy had 3 new email address and more things to get involved in than he has time for.

Gods kingdom is growing here at Existence, come get in!