I just finished reading Chazown: A Different Way to See Your Life by Craig Groeschel from Life Church and let me say: Awesome! This book was so needed. As I was reading it, I said to myself, “I need to buy a copy of this book for every person in our church!” That’s how good this book is. The main idea is that God has a very specific Chazown (Vision) for your life. The brilliance of this book is in Craig’s ability to walk you though a process of discovery, so when you finish the book you have a real … Read More
Not the Way to Start Today…
I woke up this morning realizing that some people have put some meaning into today’s date (6-6-06). Now, while I don’t think it means anything, i woke up this morning and noticed the book that I’m reading had some pen smudges on the cover (Those that know me, know that I take meticulous care of my books – You’d never know I read them if it weren’t for all the writing in blue pen). Anyway, I noticed the pen marks on the book and then I noticed I had blue ink all over my hand. Then I looked in the … Read More
Book Review: Why Men Hate Going to Church
I finished reading “Why Men Hate Going to Church” by David Murrow. I bought this book because several people recommended it to me. Honestly, it took me about a 100 pages to get into it. But I really enjoyed the book. Funny enough, the emotion I felt while reading the book was freedom! There was always a part of me that thought I wasn’t spiritual because I despise holding hands with people (other than my wife) when I pray. So when Christians want to get into a circle and have men hold hands just creeps me out. I have not … Read More
Book Review: Frequently Avoided Questions
I started reading Frequently Avoided Questions by Chuck Smith Jr. and Matt Whitlock a few months ago. I was so impressed by the first 75 pages that I bought a copy for my entire staff. We started reading a chapter a week and discussing the thoughts that Chuck and Matt brought up. What transpired was some meaningful dialogue that stretched our faith and inspired new ideas. While I didn’t agree with everything that as written, that’s not the point of the book. The point was to start looking at the questions with a new perspective. While I think Chuck and … Read More
Back in the Saddle…
It’s great to be home. I’m still totally exhausted, but when I got off the plane and smelled Cuban bread being toasted in the terminal, I knew I was back in Miami. I loved being in the office today and seeing my staff. I really love these people. We not only work together, but we’re friends. Lots of man-hugs and catching up to say the least! It’s so interesting how things keep rolling with or without you. It shows me that this is God’s church and I’m just a spoke in the wheel. But I’m glad to get rolling again. … Read More
Home…Finally!
I got to LAX at 11:30AM for my 1:45PST flight home yesterday. Carey and I had lunch and we walked to our gate only to learn that our plane was being “Serviced” and the flight was delayed. One hour turned into 2. Two hours turned into 4. Four hours turned into over 5 hours! We took off at 7PM PST and we landed at 12PST or 3AM EST! I got to our offices where my car was at 4AM and was home and in bed by 5:30AM. All that to say, “I’m tired!” 2 good things about our flight. I … Read More
Book Review: Breaking the Missional Code
I just finished “Breaking the Missional Code” by Ed Stetzer and David Putman. It was a really good book. I got several good ideas, but most importantly I got several questions that I need to ask myself and my staff. These guys are doing it, having planted churches and leading growing churches in their respective communities. I have to tell you, I’m over it with guys writing books on how to do church who have never done it. These guys are doing it, so this isn’t theory. It’s experience form the blood, sweat, and tears of planting missional communities of … Read More
Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!
So I saw it on Thursday…The Brady house. I found the address to the house (I know that sounds creepy) that was used as the outside footage for the show. Anyway, the house looks different than it did when the show aired: the house now has a fence and it has been painted a different color. But I took a couple of pictures of it anyway just to prove I’ve been there. By the way, mad props to Mike Brady who proved he was a brilliant architect by building a second story to a house that looks like it would … Read More
What a Night!
Carey agreed to attend 1 baseball game while we wee out here in So. Cal, so we went to see the Angels and the Orioles last night. The game was amazing! First off, they were the 2nd best seats I’ve ever sat in (The best being a Patriot’s Day Red Sox game where I sat on the front row on the first base line right behind the Red Sox dugout when I was 9). We got 3rd row seats from a scalper, or shall I say “Ticket Broker” for less than 1/2 price of face value. I love the haggling … Read More
Working Vacation
Carey and I checked out of our hotel in LA county and headed south to the OC for a few days. We’re going to relax and kick back. I’m also going to take the opportunity to work on my new book. I can’t wait to really dig in. I’ve got the introduction written and the chapters outlined. In short, I’ve got a lot of writing to do. I’m hoping to be done with the manuscript by the end of the summer.
