Nobody puts baby in a corner…

Watch the video in the upper right corner :: http://www.wect.com/global/story.asp?s=10854403

Confirmation::Never Ending

I wish I could go into detail about every confirmation, big and small, that God has given me about the call He’s placed on my life. But instead of boring both of the readers of my blog, I’ll just list a few:

- Being able to lead the music team for NC State’s Campus Crusade for Christ, and seeing God grow it from 100 students into 2000 students.

- God totally orchestrating my first student ministry job at Mt. Pisgah Baptist in Apex, NC.

- Creating Alive Worship Ministries, which allowed me to fall in love with singing and leading worship.

- Knowing I was supposed to marry Kristen 4 years before we got hitched.

- Being able to work at Carmel Baptist while living in Charlotte.

- While wondering if we were supposed to move to Wilmington, our house was sold in 3 days.

- I was able to raise my first year’s salary to work at Lifepoint in a little over 3 months.

- Allowing me to speak to thousands of middle and high school students, college-aged students, and adults.

The funny thing about my current place in life is that it’s actually not that unfamiliar. I’ve never been the one to have a “5 year plan”, or to have a specific place or role I’m pursuing. Not because I’m directionless or lazy, in fact, it’s the opposite of that. I’m so committed to God’s call on my life, that I don’t want to miss out on one, single “Divine Moment,” as Erwin McManus calls it in his book.

I don’t want any regrets about not seizing a divine moment. I never want to live my life saying, “I wish I would have…” I don’t want to shy away from anything because it seems too risky. Erwin writes, “This truth is consistent to life itself: the greatest opportunities require the highest risk. If we want to live life to the fullest, we must be willing to trust God and risk everything.” True, with risk comes failure, vulnerability, scrutiny, and pain. But, the price of not seizing divine moments is far more extreme.

Kristen and I are still praying for clarity on our next step, and the courage needed to take that step. We have a lot of unknowns in our life, but we are putting our faith in the only thing we do know: God has put His call on our lives.

Unbelievable Event!

For those of you who missed the Major League Home Run Derby last night, you missed an amazing event. Not because it is the last All Star game in historic Yankee stadium. Not because of the big names that were there and not there (A-Rod). Not because the first round record of home runs were shattered. And, not even because the guy that came in 2nd place hit 13 more home runs than anyone else. There are 2 main reasons you missed out:

1. Josh Hamilton’s story. If you haven’t read about his journey in and out of baseball, it is a MUST read. Josh grew up being a baseball phenom in Raleigh, NC, which lead him to be the #1 draft pick for the Tampa Bay Rays. After moving away from home at 18, suffering some injuries that kept him from playing, having a lot of money in his pocket, and as Josh said, “hanging with the wrong crowd;” Josh found himself severely addicted to drugs and alcohol. Eventually, his addictions consumed his entire life and got him suspended out of baseball. But, it was during this time that Josh found hope and life in Jesus, and fully surrendered his life to Him. Fast-forward to last night. Josh Hamilton is hitting balls left and right over the fence in Yankee stadium, one time hitting 13 in a row. After the entire event was over, and as the crowd was chanting Josh’s name, he said this, “I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” I know you’re thinking sports figures say this all the time during interviews. But, Josh didn’t stop there, “I just want to glorify Him in all that I do!” Wow! Josh Hamilton gets it.

2. Clay Council. Clay was the pitcher Josh selected to be his pitcher during the Home Run Derby. Here’s an interesting little side note: Clay is 71 years old. Josh first met Clay while playing American Legion ball in Cary, NC. Josh told Clay that if he ever made it to the Home Run Derby, then he wanted him to be the pitcher. Not only did that happen, but they now hold the record for the most home runs hit in a single round during that competition. Why is Clay’s part so interesting? Well…..he went to high school with my dad and they played baseball together. I called my dad after Josh and Clay finished the first round, and my dad said, “I’m so proud of ole’ Clay that I can’t even stand it!”

First One Under My Belt

I officially officiated my first wedding ceremony this past weekend for James and Allyson Kaylor. It was cool to be a part of their wedding because I go way back with James and Allyson.

I first met James at a retreat for Campus Crusade for Christ, as we both sang karaoke to “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.” It was a pretty spiritual moment as hundreds came to know Christ. A few years later, James and I shared a house in Raleigh with 3 other roommates. Allyson didn’t have a choice to know me or not because I married her cousin.

Right before Kristen and I got married, we bought a house in the sprawling metropolis of Indian Trail, NC. I knew James had grown up there so I told him we were going to live in his old stomping grounds. He said, “Man I just bought a house in Indian Trail too.” His house…..6 houses down from ours. A few months later, Allyson came back to Charlotte to have some foot surgery, which caused her to stay in town for several weeks. Knowing she was bored and James was single, Kristen and I decided to set them up on a blind date. And, the rest is history.

It’s an honor to have the first wedding I’ve performed to be for two people I knew individually and collectively. James and Allyson, I wish you guys the best and thanks for letting me be a part of your special day.

Officially Official

This past Wednesday night, I became on “official” ordained minister. It was a great, chill, laid back service where a lot of my family and several people from Lifepoint attended. It was cool having Jeff lead the service because I not only consider him my pastor and boss, but a great friend as well.

Thanks to all of you that were able to come or have given me words of support and encouragement! I know God has huge and incredible things in store for Lifepoint and I’m excited to be along for the ride.