Air Conditioning Update

I did just get word from the school that air conditioning has been fixed and we should be good to go for Sunday.   It’s definitely a good thing…I don’t think you were ready for me to be preaching in shorts and a tank quite yet.

One of our teenagers is heading to Brazil in less than a month on a 10-day missions trip with FCA.   Josh Feehs, age 15, is heading to Brazil with his baseball team with the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with those who have not heard.  There are 2 things you can do to support him.

1. Pray.  Pray for Josh and his team during the trip from June 19-29.  Pray for their safety and for the success of their mission.
2. Give.  Josh currently has raised $550 of the $2500 needed for the trip.  There are 2 ways to give:  Click here to give online.  Or write a check to “FCA Baseball Missions” and mail it to: FCA Baseball Missions, 4400 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032

Let’s get behind Josh and support him in his mission.  I will post some pictures here after his trip.

Memorial Evening Thots

• We just got back from PA.  I’m exhausted.  We helped my parents move and settle in to their new home.  It’s a 2 hour drive…so not so bad, but I’ve done the up and back twice now in the last few days so I could be back for Sunday worship…and so my wife (whose calling is interior decorating) could go up and help my parents set-up their home. 
• We did miss the church picnic today although my son stayed behind and represented the Markles.  I think this was the first churchwide event I have missed in 5 years.  It felt weird, but it was great to see things go on without our presence.  I received a great report and heard we had a great crowd of at least 70 people.  I especially missed the softball game!
• We had a great service yesterday although we had the typical low attendance due to the holiday.  Can we count the families who made it back for the picnic today in our count?
• Oh yea…it was extremely hot yesterday at church.  The school’s A/C is broken…I don’t think I’ve sweat that much in preaching before…I guess if it’s not fixed by next Sunday, I might be breaking out the shorts and t-shirts.  Serioulsly!  (The custodian told us they expect it to be fixed on Tuesday…I will keep you posted.)
• Be looking for a separate blog this week on how you can support one of our teenagers – Josh Feehs – on his short-term missions trip to Brazil at the end of June.

Thursday Thoughts

• My son and I are getting on the road in an hour to go help my parents move.  They are moving to a home only 10 minute away from their current home, but they are moving to a 1-level living type of situation where they can turn part of the garage into an apartment for my grandparents.  I wonder if I will be doing something like this for them one day…
• I’m still reeling from my trip to the dentist yesterday.  I didn’t realize how much a crown would cost.  I might be looking for side work so I can keep my teeth.
• Glad to see Jordan will Idol last night.  But the show was a bit ridiculous:  Bette Midler was horrible, Taylor Hicks is a joke, The Golden Idols were very dumb, and we had to see Sanjaya sing one of his worst songs.   And what about the show’s timing…running 10 minutes overtime?  A little ridiculous!
• Reading a new book called “Comeback Churches” by Ed Stetzer.  It is about 300 churches that turned around (declining or dead and now on the rise).  Of course LCC doesn’t fit the profile, but there is much to learn from this book.
• Josh asked me today to name my current 5 favorite bands/musicians.  This is a tough one.  In no particular order, I’d say: Third Day, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, TobyMac & Hillsong (any variety of Hillsong)  This list could change tomorrow…these are the first ones that come to mind.

Inbox Insanity

I’m a little hyper about keeping my Inbox cleaned out as efficiently as possible.  It’s funny to think about how we did business 10years ago…and now today.  My inbox is basically my “todo” list.  I even email myself reminders.  BUT, I actually took Monday off and I feel like I’ve been just climbing up an inbox mountain ever since….not sure how long it will take to get to the top.  Do you ever want to just delete everything in your inbox and just tell people your computer crashed? 

Sunday Evening Ramblings…

It’s late and I’m my normal Sunday night exhausted but here are my thoughts on the day…

• Church was fun today…yea fun!  I had a blast worshiping with God’s people, hanging out and talking with the people, meeting the guests and preaching the Word.  Yes…it was FUN!
• I’m really excited about this new series we started today…The Movement.  It was an enjoyable message to study for and to deliver.  And yea…that Hank Williams song, I Saw the Light fit perfectly!
• I did get choked up in the message today when talking about how I was using a Bible that Jerry Falwell signed for me in 1989 while I was at Liberty U.  The man inspired me big time…and I’m so thankful for how he impacted my life.
• My sin of the day…I had 2 Krispy Kreme today…not good…but the sugar rush before the service isn’t all bad.
• E-give is a good thing…it has helped increase our giving.

Friday morning thoughts

It’s a cool Friday morning (my day off )  My rambling thougths…

• I actually enjoyed mowing the grass this morning from 730-830 am while listening to Hillsong’s latest CD in my iPod.  My son usually mows…I hope he doesn’t read this blog.
• I’m looking forward to The Movement…my new series on Paul beginning this Sunday. 
• I purchased a DVD movie, called “Paul the Apostle” which came out a few years ago.   I thought I might be able to play some clips from it during the series.  IT IS SO CHEESY…I am almost embarassed for the actors in this.  You’ll be seeing this on eBay real soon.
• When are the Baltimore Orioles going to be good again?  They need to fire their manager and hitting coach yesterday.  It’s hard to be a die-hard fan.
• Amazing to continue watching all the coverage of Jerry Falwell’s death.  Even most of his “enemies” have great things to say about him personally.
• Having a blast managing my son’s baseball team…we’re now 7-1-1 after last night’s 13-8 win.
• We have a whiteboard in our garage with 2 countdowns…number of days left til end of school and number of days until we head to Myrtle Beach.  I started this a few weeks ago and my kids are changing the numbers each day…pretty cool!
• My wife is amazing – incredible stamina and character.  She teaches pre-k and has about 2 weeks to go.  She is finishing strong as always.  She is so not-a-slacker …which always challenges me.
• Josh debuts a new song from Matt Redman this Sunday at LCC  – Shine – it’s a great song that you might want to grab today on iTunes.

Ed Young’s Video Blog

Ed  Young is one of my “mentors from a distance.”  He’s the pastor of Fellowship Church in Dallas, TX.  His video blog entry from Monday morning was great for pastors.  I’d thought I’d share it here with you.

Jerry Falwell

The news of Jerry’s death yesterday hit me harder than I expected.  I heard the news just as I was getting in my vehicle to drive home from Richmond.  Although many hated the man and disagreed with his politics, he had a huge impact on our lives.  Sherri and I both entered Liberty University in the Fall of 1988.  His preaching, his vision, his character, his love for us…all made an impact on the decisions we made during our college years.  His storytelling of the vision and building of Thomas Road Baptist Church played a big part in me going into full-time ministry.  His sermons were always motivational.  He was full of Godly wisdom.  Too much to say here.   Jerry will be missed.

This is a picture from 1991.  Sherri and I attended a banquet during our Junior year at Liberty.  He always had time for pictures with anybody who wanted one.

Volunteers of the Week

Tom & Valerie Einwechter are incredible volunteers at LCC.  Tom is here every Sunday for unloading the trailer at 7:15 am.  He is our head sound man and does an incredible job of running sound for us.  Then he stays til the end for the packing of the trailer.  Valerie does a great job on the keyboard for our band and she volunteers in the nursery during OverTime each week.  David does an awesome job filling in on the drums when he is home from college.  Thanks for all you guys do for the Lord at LCC!

Sunday Evening Ramblings…

It’s that time again…Sunday night…and I’m drained.  Here are my rambling thoughts from today…

• A good mother’s day service…average crowd…sometimes Mother’s day is especially high in attendance, but today was just average.
• I felt a little off today in my preaching…hard to explain, but it was one of those days where I didn’t feel in my groove…other preachers understand what I’m saying.  In evaluating it, I think I feel a little lost on these stand alone message for days like Mother’s Day.  I’m such a “series-driven” speaker now, that I really don’t enjoy these special holiday messages.  I much prefer teaching in a series that is working toward an overall theme and truth that we are trying to drive home.  Ok…enough evaluating…I’m looking forward to The Movement starting next Sunday.
• We had a baby/child dedication ceremony at the end of the service.  This is always interesting and entertaining…and today didn’t disappoint.  You never know what the 18 month olds will do in front of a crowd!  It was great to see these 4 kids and 3 families make this commitment today.
• Another exhausting day of church out of a box…I long for the day of a permanent building.  We’re praying for a miracle on this one.
• Just a word of praise to my mom and my wife on Mother’s Day.   2 amazing women that God gave to me.  He knew I’d need their wisdom and support in my life.  Thanks to both of you…HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!  Love you!

No More Hoops!

I’m still kind of in shock by it…but I guess I shouldn’t be.  I grew up playing basketball in my driveway…almost everyday after school.  Kind of typical American tradition…right?  My dad would play with me.  We had hours of fun.

So 2 years ago we move from a townhouse type of community to a single family home community where I see hoops abounding.  It was a good feeling and my son was excited as we bought a portable hoop the weekend after we moved in.  Now 2 years later they begin enforcing a rule in the HOA documents that say no basketball goals in front of the house line.  And yes, it was there in the 300 page HOA book when we moved…so I really cannot argue that. 

So since receiving the HOA violation in the mail yesterday…we’ve drained the water from the base, drug in around behind the house…and are looking for a good home to give our hoop to.  This is a great family-friendly neighborhood…but we must be careful not to bring down the value of our homes with basketball hoops in our driveways.  Yeah…I’m irritated…something is just wrong with this picture.

Mother’s Day Video Spoiler

Over the last month, we interviewed some LCC kids…asking them the question “Why do you love your mom?”  Some priceless answers here!   So, here is the video we are showing in the service tomorrow.

Milk Duds

We had a rare Friday night nothing else going on family night.  I grilled some cheap steaks and we settled in for a movie night…A Night at the Museum.   My wife and I love Ben Stiller.  It was a lot of fun…except for the Milk Duds.  I had bought some movie candy today…preparing for the event.

One of my first DUDS felt a little crunchy…it was definitely a tooth/filling coming out.  Great timing…I’m just praying it doesn’t get too painful since it’s Friday night…and Sunday’s coming…and then I’m out of town on Monday and Tuesday…so I can’t even see a dentist til Wednesday! 

Roger Clemens

I’m just amazed at this guy and what the Yankees are giving him. 

• A $28 million pro-rated salary for the rest of this season.  Basically he’ll make close to $1 million each time he pitches a game.
• He gets to come and go as he pleases…meaning as a starter he only pitches once every 5 days or so…so he can leave the team to go be with his family in between starts if he wants.
• He also only has to pitch home games…no travelling with the team

I’m sure there’s more to this deal.  I’m not a big Roger-hater, nor am I a big Roger-fan.  I’m just blown away by this special favoritism.

• Imagine if we treated certain staff members like this.
• Imagine if we treated a certain one of our kids this way
• Imagine if our military gave certain soldiers these priviledges

Hopefully, it will all blow up in the Yankees face and be a disaster and destroy their clubhouse unity…and my point will be proven!

Volunteers of the Week

The Downing family are simply incredible volunteers.  Jan & Lisa set the tone as parents.  Lisa serves as our church treasurer.  Jan & Lisa and all their kids come every Sunday at 7:30 am for set-up and stay until about 12:45 pm until the trailer is packed up.  Jared, Jessica, Rita & Lazarus are all part of the work crew.  These are some of the people that really make LCC go every week!  Thanks!

Sunday Evening Ramblings…

• What a day…a glorious day…too bad we didn’t have church outside today!
• Service was great today…Josh did a great job leading us in worship today…the band was definitely “on” today! 
• Thanks to Andy for a great job on the myFamily videos…lots hours spent editing!
• Thanks to Al for stepping up as the Head Packer of our “church in a box” today!  God always provides people to step up when the 1st and 2nd string are away.
• Great to have Chris Rhodenhizer and his family in the service today as guests.  It’s always nice to get good feedback from a fellow pastor. 
• An average size crowd today…God blessed with a great offering to start the month.
• Our Starbucks blend of the day was Cafe Verona 
• Cool story of the day:  A fairly new family at LCC (early in ‘07) was going to be out of town next Sunday because of a Saturday evening wedding…but the teenagers wouldn’t stand for it and the family is now driving back late Saturday night because “we just can’t miss church!”  I love hearing that stuff…espcially from the students!
• I’m really looking forward to our next series on the Apostle Paul…The Movement…beginning on May 20th
• I’ve got a date with my wife sometime tonight…it’s a Sunday night tradish…

myFamily: Our Legacy

Tomorrow morning I conclude our myFamily series at LCC by talking about leaving a legacy.  We all leave a legacy…the question really is what kind.  I’m going to talk about 6 important areas of our legacy.  I came up with an acrostic for LEGACY…so here’s tomorrow’s fill-in-the-blanks in advance…

L – LOVE

E – EDUCATION

G – GRATITUDE

A – ACCOMMODATE

C – CHARACTER

Y – YOU

* The podcast should be available sometime on Monday on iTunes.

The Movement

My next message series will be focused on the life of the Apostle Paul.  We are going to study the movement of Christianity that really kicked into gear around 34 AD when Paul came to faith in Christ.  I’ve never taught an entire series on the life of Paul.  I’m really looking forward to digging into it.  The series begins the week after Mother’s Day.

Spring Food Drive

We are collecting canned goods for the Lorton Community Action Center.   Collection dates are all 4 Sundays in May.  Click here for more info.

Taking a Lead for Granted

I know…another one of Steve’s baseball coaching stories…I don’t care…it illustrates a point and it’s still has my heart beating fast.

I manage my 13yo son’s team.  We jumped ahead last night 10-0 after 3 innings.  Then we kind of relaxed.  Made some dumb mental blunders in our baserunning and fielding.  Then it was 10-2, then 10-5, then in the 7th and final inning with my son pitching they score 3 runs and it was 10-8 with 2 outs and the bases loaded.  The pressure was unbelievable.  Zac noticed the runner on 2nd base was taking a huge lead.  The shortstop snuck in behind him and Zac picked him off to end the game.  What a relief.  Then I got to chew the team out a little about not taking anything for granted.  (We are 4-1 now )

I was thinking today about we can get like that in our Christian life.  Things going well.  Living for God for the most part.  Then the enemy starts creeping on us.  Getting a little score here or there and we don’t really worry too much.  Then all of sudden he has us on the ropes because we were careless or complacent and didn’t think he could get to us.  We must never take our walk with God for granted.

I Peter 5:8 “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

Will You Go With Me? (23 years later)

It was May 2, 1984…I asked Sherri Stem this question at the after lunch recess in the parking lot of the school.  We were in 8th grade.  After some pause, she said Yes.  She’s been saying yes to me for last 23 years.  It’s one of those amazing stories of first love…forever love.  God’s blessed me incredibly with my wife.  We went through high school together and got married in 1990…halfway through college.  I can still remember this day…23 years later…I was quite nervous to ask the big boyfriend/girlfriend question…but I took the risk and man did it pay off!!!

Reversing Alzheimer’s?

I just read an article on Yahoo this morning about the possibility of drugs that can reverse the memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s Disease.  Of course they’ve tested it on mice, so they know it will work.  Truly, this would be a great advance if it works.

I’m preparing my message on Sunday…the last in the myFamily series.  I’m talking about making memories with our family and leaving a legacy.  I am hopeful that I will be able to build a lifetime of great memories with my family and then be able to enjoy those memories when I get up there in age…and if there is a pill to take to help…I give my family permission to give it to me