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We welcomed 22 people from Baghdad today. We had another 30 or so from Dohuk. Scott Bell started off the night by talking about God’s part and Our part in being good stewards. Afterward we had chicken and beef sandwiches and got to know each other better. Several could speak English, but most could not. Many young people, which surprised me. Lots of young families. This is very encouraging. I am up tomorrow morning at 10 am our time. I am talking about Debt and Elizabeth will talk about Counsel. Then we will participate in some baptism’s after lunch. They have an inflatable pool they set up tonight. I can’t wait to see the baptism.

I can see that family and their faith are very important to them. They are looking for meaningful relationships and to see hope in a difficult world. Many of the people we are meeting have great joy, even though they are living very hard lives. One young man talked about his job as a truck driver in Baghdad. He said it is very dangerous and he did not see much hope for improvement in the future in Iraq. My prayers go out to all those that are feeling that helpless and hopeless feeling. These few days are important. God is using this time to shape me and each of the people that are here. Well I need to work on my Debt talk. Blessings.

I love college football and Pro football. I am huge fan of Ohio State and the Cleveland Browns. As I write this I am watching Ohio State play Navy. One of the reasons I like football so much, is that it is a great team sport. It takes a lot of players to fill out the roster of a football team. Each player has a specific role to play. Some play on offense, they run the ball or they block or they catch the ball, or they throw the ball. The offense works together to try to move the ball and score. Some players are on defense, trying to stop the other team from moving the ball and scoring. They tackle, cover and rush they other team in an effort to stop them.

Then there is the special teams. These players try to give their team the best field position they can, so they can be successful. Punting, kicking, returning, tackling. I love special teams. In a way I am on the special teams where I work. Our team of mentors is trying to help people get into position to be successful in life. Sometimes it means listening to problems and offering encouragement and prayers. Sometimes it is to give some counsel and to challenge them to change behaviors. Sometimes its a visit when they are sick. Sometimes it is trying to encourage new behaviors that can help get them down the field. Always it is helping them take their next step spiritually.

The special teams may not get as much attention as the offense or defense, but it is vital to the success of the team. At the church were I work the Care ministry is the special teams, trying to help people in need make it through tough times. Our team tries to be there for the people that need someone to come alongside them for encouragement, support and prayer.

Go Team!

We live beside a woods and because of that we have lots of critters that come and hang out at our house. The problem is we have outside cats and the critters eat their food. We suspected we had some bandits coming at night, so we set our live trap. The last three nights we have caught a raccoon. This morning we caught a bigger one. I think it is one big family, hopefully we can help all of them relocate.

No animals were harmed physically, there may be some emotional trauma, but nothing they can’t overcome with some good counseling.

I had the privilege of officiating a private wedding today for Ron & Melinda. It was just them and their four children. They each have two children. It was so neat to see the excitement on every ones face as we gathered together outside at NewPointe in the gazebo. It was a beautiful evening and they all looked great. I had the opportunity to mentor this couple as they prepared for marriage. They wanted to do it right and put some work in on the front end to make sure they where ready for this step. We met several times and worked through the FOCCUS inventory they did online. They also did some homework and talked a lot about their future life together.

It is so refreshing to see a couple that is willing to be open, honest and real. They both bring unique life experiences to this relationship and they understand that this is a life-long commitment and process. Bringing children to the marriage also creates some potential conflict, but this couple has worked very hard to include the children and to be a great example to them.

I shared three things with them tonight. The first is to watch your words, they can bring healing or hurt. Second, settle your disagreements. Don’t allow conflict to carry over day after day and not deal with it. Third, practice forgiveness. I know of no relationship that lasts, that doesn’t have to give and receive forgiveness. Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling. We choose to forgive or hold a grudge. Forgiveness is key to any marriage. I told them as Christians, we are forgiven by Jesus Christ, and so that should help us to forgive those who hurt us.

More weddings are coming up this Spring and Summer. I love meeting the families and interacting with them on their special days. This is the fun part of being a pastor.

This week was highly unusual for me. I crammed a bunch of hours in at work on Monday and Tuesday. Got a lot done in those two days, as I prepared to be off work for a while. Two great meetings on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday I had Cervical Disk Replacement surgery on my neck.

The day started very early, I was the first surgery of the day. Lot’s of waiting and then it was go time. It almost felt like I was on the assembly line as they transported me to the prep area.

The worst part for me is always the IV. My veins seem to disappear.

After surgery I woke in the same spot I had been waiting and was soon back in my room. My recovery has gone well, and each day I am feeling better. All the old symptoms are gone. I am amazed at what doctors are able to do with the human body. God is amazing in His design for the human body.

I must say I had three great nurses up at Aultman Hospital. They were kind, patient and very helpful. It really made it much easier. We actually knew my third nurse, her husband was in a wedding I did last year. Thanks for your help Emily.

Listened to several Podcasts from Andy Stanley in my room. In one he said that he has a one sentence job description for each of his direct reports. I plan on writing my one sentence job description soon.

Well that’s all for today. I hope to share some insights from some of the new books I am reading soon.

On Sunday we baptized 9 people at NewPointe. So far 23 people have been baptized in 2009. We video tape each persons story and play it before they get baptized. It is always an emotional time as we hear how God has transformed them and is continuing to work in their lives. Many family and friends join in celebrating with these folks. I love hearing their stories and getting know them on a more personal level. This is why we do what we do. Here are some pictures to enjoy:

This time of the year is loaded with sports. You have the NCAA basketball tournament, you have High School basketball tournaments, the NBA season is winding down and the playoffs will start soon. Major League Baseball is in training camp and preparing for opening day. Free agency is in full swing in the NFL. The NHL is going strong, professional golf tournaments are happening every weekend and NASCAR is rolling.

Need I say more? Madness.

I am a huge sports fan, so this time of year is fun for me. Checking the headlines, following my favorite teams and cheering for my favorite players is a lot of fun. I am in a Fantasy Baseball league and filled out my Bracket for NCAA Basketball.

Sports can teach us a lot of lessons in life, but one that has stuck with me is the value of teamwork. All the sports I mentioned require people to work together to accomplish great things. In sports, it is easier to see this in action. Teams and individuals that work well together can go far in the tournaments and can compete for championships.

Life can be that way as well. The better we work as a team, whether it is at work, home, school or church, the more we can accomplish. When you bring people together that have a shared vision and passion it is amazing what can happen.

I am a part of a place like that. NewPointe Community Church is a great team of talented passion filled people that are out to change the world. Our team is made of men, women, students and children that have a shared vision of leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Each person brings a unique set of gifts, abilities, personality and experiences to the team.

Our convictions are intimacy with God, involvement in community and influence in the world. This team of people is committed to loving God and people and making a lasting impact in our surrounding communities.

We also want to help other teams at other churches. I believe we are on the same team and should help each other as much as possible. I love talking with other churches about what they are doing and how they are making a difference.

Here is to March madness.

This week I came across Chick-fil-A’s corporate slogan. It was simple, yet profound. For a corporate business to say this is impressive. It’s even more impressive that they live it out.

“To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us, and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.”

That would be a great slogan to take on personally as well.

I exist to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to me, and to have a positive influence on all who come into contact with me.

Can you say that about yourself? Would other people say that about you?

OK, last night I saw something that blew me away. As I was driving home last night at about 8:30, I saw some bright lights in a field. As I got closer I could tell that something was going on. I slowed down and nearly stopped. There was a hockey game going on. This was not just some kids playing, they had real hockey sticks, knee pads and skates. They had goals on each end with goalies in full gear. They had a generator running the lights and quite a crowd watching the game.

These Amish boys know how to play. They built this shallow pond a couple of years ago and have since added a small barn, the lights and even benches to sit on. I wish I had my camera to share a picture.

I wonder if they get into fights and have a penalty box? Hey they need to find something to do on cold winter nights.

Yesterday my wife and I took her truck to a local car dealership for a recall. We had to have a new part installed. While we were waiting we decided to grab a cup of coffee and sit down in their waiting area. My wife went to sit on a chair, and saw something on the chair. She went to pick it up, and as soon as she touched it, she realized what it was, A TOENAIL!

The moral of this story is to trim your toenails in the privacy of your own home. If you must trim in public, make sure to dispose of your trimmings. Don’t be that guy.