Sorry for the longer time between blog entries. Michelle and I have been dealing with a cough that hasn't been fun (um, are they ever "fun") and we are working on church stuff.
Reality. Leadership. The first thing a leader always has to do is define what is real. I believe that is often times true for everyone.
Isn't it true.... Once you can define reality you have a place to begin? A place to start from?
REALITY. A common word that as it is used everyday, means "the state of things as they actually exist". Often times it is defining what is real about a person, a company, a relationship or a business. Defining reality is hard but SO IMPORTANT. Until you do, you will stay stuck.
Once we define what is "real", whether we like it or even agree with it, we can begin to process and change things. Often, what is real and what we want to be real are worlds apart. Maybe that is why real, lasting change rarely happens? Just a thought. I wonder if we could pause long enough from what we think is real, we could see what is real? Maybe seeing, can over time become believing?
Reality is a normal word that when a leader embraces it can become a catalyst for the best things.
Example....
I have counseled quite a few couples in marriage. They often "think" things are ok.... Even in a safe environment, sometimes we cannot "see" truth...
WHEN the light bulb goes off, when what has been true becomes real in the eyes of a husband or wife, it can become the beginning of a potential life-changing miracle. Truth coupled with humility becomes the most powerful relational weapon in a marriage. Michelle and I have been married almost 25 years (yeah) and the life-changing or marital-changing moments have been when I stopped looking at Michelle and began to define reality for ME.
James talks about all quarrels coming from selfish ambition. When I realize that mostly my heart wants what IT wants, I can begin the painful process of change.
God's promises are so true and so good and so for us today.
Define reality. Ask the question.... WHAT IS TRUE ABOUT YOU?
THEN, as you humble yourself, ask God, WHAT CAN BE NEW ABOUT YOU? I know, a bit cheesy but easy to remember...
Where is the hope to change? HOPE. That is what I want us to spend a few weeks talking about. As we met today to program our weekend, I have made the decision to change. To address the uncertainty head on. To talk about HOPE. I think we are in a serious HOPE DEFICIT. Talking to the team today, it became apparent to me that we need to spend a few weeks talking about HOPE. One word that changes so much.
Life is uncertain. Finances are uncertain. Jobs are uncertain. The housing market seems uncertain. The political climate seems uncertain. SO....
What does it all mean?
I want to spend a few weeks DEFINING REALITY and DISCOVERING GOD'S PROMISES. I am pretty tired of the "bad" news and believe to the depth of my being that GOD is a God who is unchangeable. He is a God who knows our past, has secured our futures and wants our lives to simply and boldy glorify HIS NAME ALONE. Yes, emphasis intended.
Join me. Let's DEFINE reality together. Let's really look at what God says and trust what He wants and pursue Him alone. Let's stop running from Him and run to Him. Circumstances are becoming our focus and yet Jesus Christ is our HOPE. I want to talk about hope.
The Bible says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." Proverbs 13:12
Hope is both a choice and a gift. Hope isn't based on circumstances, the economy or the outcome of the upcoming election. HOPE IS ABOUT PLACING OUR FAITH IN GOD ALONE.
The BIble is a book full of HOPE. In the Hebrew O.T. there are 95 references to HOPE, and in the Greek N.T. there are an additional 85. God is a God of Hope. Romans 15:13 refers to God as a God of hope.
I am looking forward to this weekend. I am praying, believing and seeking God.
Defining Reality...
JOHN
P.S.
Pop is moved to a skilled nursing facility. Thank you for praying.
Michelle and I have coughed more in a week than in the last couple years.... Thank you for praying.
This weekend I am excited to have Gerry Breshears speak at Living Hope.
Thank you Pastors Rick and Bruce for your amazing teaching the last couple weeks. I have heard great things about the series and how much it is helping people in their faith journey.
Dr. Breshears is a mentor, friend, author and professor at Western Seminary, where I graduated from in 2004. He has been a huge part of Living Hope Church and the lives of both Michelle and I personally.
This weekend, I asked him to talk about theology.
Theology is a word that comes from two Greek words that mean "the study of God". Christian theology is simply an attempt to understand God as He is revealed in the Bible. Of course we know that we can never fully understand God, but to study is to know and to know is to love. To love is to obey.
To know God better is to love Him and to glorify Him more fully in and through our lives.
Having spent years under his wisdom and teachings, I can say that you will be blessed. Dr. Breshears (Dr. B) has a unique way of making something complex and profound be profoundly practical. Theology is then organizing Biblical teachings in an organized and understandable way.
Beyond belief involves theology. 1 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
I am so glad for Dr. B's investment in the lives of guys like me and churches like Living Hope. It will really be a good weekend.
Hope you can make it.
We are glad to be home. Michelle and I are both pretty sick (normal cold stuff) and between trying to get settled and seeing my grandpa and stuff it has been a busy week.
We ought to all be consumed with an intense passion to really know God. To study Him. To be more like Him. To allow His life to be reflected through our lives.
Excited about this weekend and looking forward to all that God has for us. Missed everyone so much!
Getting back this week has been met with alot of things.
Some normal, some not so much. I guess life is alot like that.
I helped with a memorial service for Gary Zinn this week. I had the privilege of sharing the gospel with a few hundred people.
I am convinced the gospel is all that matters. SO MUCH WE THINK MATTERS DOESN'T.
Gary lived and died believing the values Jesus died for.
I am blessed to have my daughter date his oldest son Jordan. Jordan is truly a godly young man. I love him. Never really thought I would be excited about my daughter dating a guy. ANY GUY. I want God's best for my daughters and my son David. A good dad always wants the best for his kids.
Gary was an amazing guy. Husband to one wife, father to 4 kids. Follower of Jesus. The kids all shared at the service, it was so good. LEGACY.
It is a true thought: "We leave what we believe."
Seeing lost people come home to God is what matters MOST.
I was reminded today about my grandpa (affectionately known as Pop to everyone). He is almost 87 years old. Today, I visited him in ICU. He has congestive heart failure. He said, "John, I am not long for this world."
12 years ago, a ministry called FOCUS ONE (Focus ON Eternity) did an evangelistic "crusade" at what is now our Orchards campus (formerly Vancouver Community Church). We sent out 400 letters to every church in our community, and had one invitation. Pastor Neal asked us to come share the Gospel. We did for three nights. It was pretty cool on the last night when MY GRANDPA (at 75 years old) walked down the aisle to receive Jesus Christ. I will never as long as I am breathing forget that infamous moment when God birthed a vision in my heart to start a church (later called Living Hope) that would be a place where lost people could come, be safe and be found. A place where people like my "pop" who had never been a church guy could come and hear about a God that is passionately and desperately in love with them.
That day gave birth to what is almost 12 years of Living Hope Church. In the last 5 years to see almost 5000 people surrender their hearts to Jesus Christ and be baptized is 5000 different miracles.
VISION
A church that reaches lost people.
A church that gets and gives grace.
A church that is about the "pure and simple devotion to Jesus Christ" 2 Cor 11:3.
A church that releases the next generation to change the world.
A church that helps people connect with others.
A church that is SAFE for people to bring their friends to hear the most dangerous message of their life.
John, "I am not long for this world...."
Words I will never forget from a guy who gave so much to me.
James 4:14 says, "What is your life? It is a mist that appears for a short while and then vanishes..."
Life is short (at best).
People are all that matters.
Eternity is coming soon, FOR ALL OF US.
We are not long for this world. Just ask Gary. Ask my pop. Ask God.
God still makes your lunch. Remember that thought from "go back the way you came". So true.
When we are discouraged, disappointed, down or depressed, God still makes your lunch.
Elijah was running from God, but learned in his journey he could never outrun God. Elijah was God's guy, but because he got discouraged he ran geographically out of Israel. He ran (as the crow flies) close to 300 miles.
Funny, at the end of running away is usually exhaustion. Then you can hear God's voice and go back the way you came. Elijah did it. He got to the end of himself.
BUT, before that point, in his journey of away-ness, God makes him lunch. God provides for him. God loves him and watches and waits and loves. I sometimes wonder how different the world would be if we could love people a fraction of the way God loves us?
Elijah accomplishes what only one other person in history ever did. A supernational fast.
Elijah's ministry became more impactful than ever when he went back and did stuff to change the world.
Couple questions:
1. When did you quit? On your marriage, a person, your finances? When did you quit on God? Can you lock in to your Elijah moment?
2. Think back, and thank God for taking care of you in the wilderness. Thank God for feeding you. Thank God for the encouragement you have gotten. DON'T FOCUS on the people or person who is doing the Jezebel thing (nice girl), but focus on the lunch that God made for you. When you can see that, it makes you really like God more.
3. Who are you listening to? God speaks to us. STILL. Quietly. Profoundly and directly. HE STILL LOVES YOU AND IS NOT DONE WITH YOU. As you read these words, some of you get teary-eyed simply because your heart wants to believe that. Do you? God believes in you. God has a plan for you. God really knows and will take care of the stuff. He is for you and not against you. Nothing can ever separate you from His love. NOTHING. Walk in that my friends.
4. Go back the way you came. Go back and do what is needed. Go back and tell people about Jesus. Go back and restore a marriage that has been broken. Go back and trust. Go back and believe. Go back, and one step at a time you are closer to being the man or woman of God you were made to be. GO BACK.
Elijah did. You can.
Trust Him.
Some thoughts I will share this AM with Hillsong Church (both of their Sydney campuses).
Got in late last night, got up today, did the BRIDGE CLIMB (a guided tour to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge that Hillsong arranged for us).
So, 1337 steps. 2 hours. 450 yards above the water at the highest point. That is really high.
The girls wanted to do it, I didn't. I did it anyway. I am terrified of heights. Fun? Um, good to be with the girls... It was the one thing we were able to do (except see kangaroos) so it worked out really well.
Now.... I am getting ready to leave our hotel room to go speak at Hillsong Church. It is one of those things you dream about, but really never anticipate it will happen. I have really loved speaking at different churches. Amazing pastors, hospitality teams and people. Really has been good.
The culture here is pretty cool. They believe in you. They are so encouraging. So empowering and yet although there is a culture of excellence, they really trust and wait on the Holy Spirit.
Excited to hang out with the Hillsong team this weekend. Please pray. The last message I gave at the pastors conference was about Finishing Well. I talked about our legacy as leaders.
That is the message I am doing tonight and tomorrow at the Hills campus, and then will go to their city campus and do two services as well (4 for the weekend).
Thanks for your prayers.
Michelle has only had one really bad migraine. We have only had one argument. Traveling is cool, but really makes you tired, so I am proud of my girls (all three of them). So supportive.
Last session, last dinner, last time with new friends and pastors. Amazing night.
Interestingly, I have been so tired, and yet feel good about what ONLY GOD has done.
They changed plans, which caused me to pray and seek God's will for the last session.
I talked about the whole Legacy thing. It was pretty cool.
We ended so right.
Still up (12:15 AM Friday...) and leaving "technically" today, back to Sydney.
Speaking at Hillsong all weekend. I was told that I would be shuttled around (or back and forth) between campuses.
They generally don't know exactly what they are doing until Friday. Organized chaos.
Download thoughts:
- I love serving, speaking to and being with pastors.
- I love hanging out with guys like Brian Houston. I focus on listening and learning from guys like this. Hillsong is 25 years old!! This church has campuses around the globe and truly is a world-changing church. Humbled to be able to hang out with Brian, Joel, and others. Learning alot!
- My kids are such a blessing. In spite of some tough things to deal with, we have had so much fun being together. No TV, little phone and internet and just each other.
- What "seems" to be draining and off mission can actually restore our hearts, which allows us to be better in the next season.
- Both Katie and Hannah had big spiritual things happen in their lives. I love being their dad.
- The church is a beautiful thing. Really. It is the Bride of Jesus Christ. It is simply beautiful and is the answer to every problem.
That's it for now. It is 1:00 AM Australia time. Tired. Still gotta sleep and pack.
BE PRAYING.
for the last several days.
for the weekend at Hillsong.
for us.
for Living Hope.
for David.
for pastors who have been inspired that they will have the courage to go back and change whatever needs to be changed.
for our dog. Ella. The teacup poodle that poops ONLY in my office. I don't want to read into that, but it is wrong and weird.
Getting ready to speak tonight. Thinking about God's love. Thinking about how HE ALONE takes the props out of our lives as leaders and pastors and passionately pursues us. Thinking about the more we "get" His love the more we are able as leaders to authentically "give" His love.
Yesterday I shared about the ONE (ONLY GOD) Mission of the Church. To unashamedly and passionately go after lost people. A major denomination in America did not see even one person baptized in 7000 churches a couple years ago. Tonight, I am going to share my heart on the ONE (ONLY GOD) Message of loving people like God loves us. So much of the reason people don't connect in churches is (I think) that we are not able to effectively and "really" communicate the message of God. The message of love. The message of grace. The message of living a way to change the world.
By our love, the World will KNOW.
Sorry, I am preaching now.
Tonight I just ask for you to pray. As I wrap up the last few days in Australia I want to finish strong.
I will blog later after the session is over.
God, help us globally communicate what is true about YOU to people.
In our hotel room in Port Macquarie, New South Wales.
Yesterday I spoke in two churches. One was streamed live (Christian City Church) at midnight Pacific Standard time. Thanks to a few who hung out to watch the service over the internet. It was fun. My daughters loved it, and then I was able to go to dinner with the Senior Pastor and his wife (Phil and Kris Pringle). Get this. Their church has 220 campuses around the world. Phil is a leader to leaders, and I loved hanging out with him.
OUR SCHEDULE
I am speaking three times in the next few days, then Hillsong over this next weekend (October 18th and 19th)
The pastors and leaders here are simply amazing. I am learning alot. In fact, for as much as I am "giving", I am getting far more from God.
I went to the opening session (Monday night), and heard a great talk by Robert Ferguson (who is on staff at Hillsong). Really good. Talked about how as leaders IF we are not doing devotionals, if we are not really taking time for God, it is a problem. Too often, we are preparing sermons, and I would say sometimes not preparing our hearts.
Ian Woods, who invited me to speak and who is the State President for their denomination (ACC, Australian Christian Churches) said before Robert spoke, that it was one of the best messages he had ever heard. He said in fact life changing. THEN, he proceeded to call me out in front of over 1000 pastors. Are you kidding me? He said, "John, Robert is a pastor at Hillsong. He is a brilliant communicator. You, my mate, will have a tough act to follow" (or something like that....)
I love being with pastors, being encouraged by pastors, learning with pastors. It is one of the highest passions of my life. That I have the privilege to speak into the lives of so many pastors and churches is both humbling and encouraging. AND, the worship is off the hook.
My first session will be about what really matters and what doesn't. The mission of a local church. In Australia, like our area (the Pacific NW), 95% of the population does not go to church.
I think sometimes we are good at doing church for people who "do" church. The statistics sort of tell the story.... We aren't so good at doing church for people who don't do church.
We have to reclaim the heart of God. A heart to see people that matter, that they will spend eternity somewhere. A mindset to change whatever we have to for the sake of the one person who doesn't know Jesus yet.
Life, stress, stuff can cloud our ability to "see" and to seize. I admit it. I get distracted (easily) and end up doing stuff that won't last in eternity.
Anyway. Thanks for your prayers. It has been life-changing for my girls. For our family, but really also for their personal lives and faith. I really can't explain it. It has been so so so good. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers.
Sometimes we can't fully understand why we are somewhere, or what we are doing. Earlier in the trip I felt I really needed to be home. I get destination problems. I have been simply praying and trusting and spending time with three amazing girls and one incredible God. I have been able to meet some new friends, pray with and for leaders, and learn.
Sorry about the no picture thing. I am technologically challenged.
We did see a bunch of kangaroos. We went to Steve Irwin's zoo. It was fun. Did you know that the Crocodile Hunter in the beginning was far more popular with Americans than Australians? Trivia. When he tragically died, it caused a deep sense of mourning with the whole country.
OK. Pray for me as I share the story of Living Hope. I only have one word. JESUS. Keep things pure and simple. Stay devoted to what matters.
Technology is amazing. As I mentioned last post I am in Sydney at Christian City Church, and speaking in just a few hours. The coolest thing is they stream the service live on their website. It will be like we're having service together, but on two different continents at the same time. If you are an insomniac like I am, and feel like it, you can visit this link: http://ccc.org.au/default.asp?page=MCliveservice
and it will take you to the live stream of the service which will play around midnight Pacific Standard time.
Thank you all again for your prayers and encouragement.
At the airport getting ready to leave back to Sydney for only 2 days.
It has been raining a lot here. In Australia, it is their spring.
Sunshine Coast? What is the deal?
Sunday I am speaking at two different churches. North Shore Christian Centre (North Shore of Sydney) in the morning and then Christian City Church for their Sunday evening service. They broadcast it on the internet, but it is rather early (or late....)
THEN, Monday we get on a plane to fly to the New South Wales State Conference in Port Macquarie.
Thank you for your prayers. They matter alot. Great opportunities of ministry and I really love speaking to pastors.
It has been so cool spending good time with my girls who are quickly growing up, becoming women. I love them so much.
Learning alot about God, how big He is, how small I am and yet how much He really loves me. Katie and I were walking the other morning and talking about how God hears all of the prayers for every person in the world.... and thought how cool it was that although He isn't bound by space and time, He hears our prayers (can you imagine keeping up with all of the different languages....?) AND answers our prayers.
On my way now to speak to 800 pastors and leaders of churches in Queensland.
Excited to talk about the church, and to tell the Living Hope story.
We are in the state of Queensland right now, in the amazingly beautiful Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast.
It is close to the Great Barrier Reef. Wish I could, but don’t have time to dive while I'm here.
Thank you everyone for your prayers.Today is the first headache Michelle has had. Please keep praying if you are already, or join in the prayers if you can.
The girls are shopping...(what's new?)
There have been some changes to my speaking schedule. We are adding a church in northern Sydney. The opportunities are amazing.
Excited but completely out of my comfort zone to speak to an audience I don’t know.
I have heard amazing things about services this weekend. Thank you God for an amazing worship team. Beyond Belief is certainly learning what it means to worship God.
I am still awake. Can't sleep. Contemplating all that ONLY GOD is doing. Something pretty cool happened, but I need to wait until I get home to share it with everyone.
One thing is I did a whole series on Legacy. Talked about how in the Bible only about 80 of the almost 400 documented leaders finished strong. As men, we spent three hours together worshipping and looking at what matters to God and why Leading a Legacy is what matters.
This morning (Sunday), I did one of my most favorite messages, entitled ONLY GOD love. The story of Hosea and Gomer. Powerful story of God's pursuing and passionate love.
In the evening service I talked about THE WORST DAY OF YOUR LIFE. So many cool stories. People came to Christ. Heaven rejoiced, and we were excited for what God did.
Five different messages, one pretty cool church and a team of leaders who work together. I felt like I was back home. The teams here at Contemporary Church are amazing, really.
MONDAY SCHEDULE
Sleep in (well maybe).
Pack up.
Leave to return to Sydney.
We are stopping at an animal park, where the girls can see a kangaroo (finally...)
Get on a plane at Sydney airport and fly to Queensland, specifically Sunshine Coast, for a state pastors conference.
There are between 800 and 1000 pastors and church leaders. I am speaking three times at this conference in 4 days. We will rest Tuesday.
I feel really blessed to be able to be in Australia, with Michelle and Katie and Hannah. Memories.
OK
That is a quick update. I hope you have a great day.
I am also trying to update as I can on Twitter. You can follow the updates if you want to. Click on the Twitter thingy on this blog, set up an account and there you go. Our pastors are beginning to do the twitter thing.
After finishing 3 of 3 talks about LEADING A LEGACY, I came home, we went for a walk, went to a store, and I GOT LOST.
Promise. I wish I had a permanent GPS attached to my hand. Or somewhere convenient. Do they make a portable version? I need one.
It is why I don't hunt. I got "separated" from Michelle and the girls. I weathered the rainstorm and bought popcorn at the local cinema and proceeded to walk until I got LOST IN NEWCASTLE.
Needless to say I am HOME now. Reunited with my family. Back where I belong. Etc Etc Etc.
The last two days have been awesome. The men's conference went well. Less about the talks and way more about the heart of the men that make up this community. THEY GET WHAT IT MEANS TO BE MEN.
Love seeing people excited who are fully devoted to the one cause of Christ.
So, NO AMERICAN NEWS. Tell me about the news, the bail out, the economy, the debate, and anything else......
I love Australians. Amazing people. Although not sure why they aren't #1 in the world in rugby? Not sure how to think about it..........
OK
2 different messages on Sunday and then Monday we drive 2 1/2 hours back to the Sydney airport, to fly to Queensland for a 5 day pastors conference. Have I mentioned I love talking to pastors? I love hearing stories, I love praying for them and with them. I am pumped about these next days.
More updates and pictures soon. Monday.... We are going to see kangaroos. Then off to eat one.
We have had internet issues all day, so I wanted to quickly update everyone.
We left Sydney earlier today, drove almost 3 hours to Newcastle. I just finished up the first talk tonight.
TODAY IS OCTOBER 4TH IN AUSTRALIA. 20 years ago I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. I devoted my life to following Him and can't hardly believe it has been 20 years. My life is better and I can't imagine NOT being a Christ follower.
It has made me think alot. First I am getting old, but not near as old as some of our pastors..... no names mentioned, just most of them....
Second, I am doing a mini series of talks here called "LEAD A LEGACY." It goes without saying that everyone leaves a legacy of some kind. Why not proactively "lead" one? It begins with fighting a good fight. 2 Timothy 4:7. To fight best is to lose first.
Operative word: SURRENDER. How many of us have something that is in between us and non-negotiated following?
Amazing group of men.
Miss everyone, but it is good to be with the girls. Still have to say 3 women plus one man equals untold issues.... Pray for me (well...maybe them..)
Tired. It is almost midnight here and I gotta get up early to talk two times Saturday.
Until next time.
JOHN
PS. I find it odd that Aussies eat their national symbol. Kangaroo meat is really good, but can't imagine eating the bald eagle.
We are in Sydney. I will blog alot and share alot.
So much going on, but we made it. Might have kangaroo for lunch? Seriously like it.
I will have my kids blog and Michelle. We are gone for 20 days.
Please be praying. Today we shop (and I rest) and Friday move to Newcastle to speak at a Men's conference and Contemporary church over the weekend. THEN, Monday we fly to Queensland for a pastors conference. Speaking 10 times over the next 6 days...
We are excited to be here.
Prayer requests for us:
1. For message clarity, passion and strength. What does God want me to say to the men, to the church this weekend and to over 800 pastors next week?
2. For me. Um, I am with three amazing women (2 daughters and Michelle). I love everything about that except that all of the hot water will be gone EVERY SINGLE DAY. I think that qualifies me as a missionary?
3. For my son, David. Without specific details, just pray. God knows. I love him more than humanly possible, and through all of what God is doing, I am learning what it means to let go. Seems that the season God has me in is one of authentically learning release and surrender. I just covet your prayers. The prayers of righteous people avails much. Thanks to Heidi, Faune, Sean and so many others who have written e-mails to him encouraging him and stuff. Sorry about being vague. If you want to email David send it to Carly Major (carlym@livinghopechurch.com).
4. For Michelle. She always gets pretty sick traveling like this, but praise God has NOT GOTTEN A MIGRAINE AS OF YET. Again. Prayers matter. They move the heart of God. Some of you prayed, and God answered. She shared other stuff, but I will let her share later today.
5. FOR ME. I want to seize these moments for God and with my girls. Katie is 19, Hannah is 14. It just struck me flying over here how precious and short time is and how all we have are the moments we are in NOW. Now is the operative word for me. I am a child of God first. I am a husband second. I am a daddy third. I jokingly say my family is my number one campus. I want my daughters to know that this trip. Pray for me.
Thanks Teresa for all of the programming details. You never cease to amaze me. It will be good. Carly. All of your assisting in this new role is tiring for you I bet, but helpful to me. Thanks. Erin. The best creative assistant ever. Thanks. Trinette. All the details you take care of makes our life easier. Thank you. Kassi. The book is so good, I bet Brian Houston will want one. We can market them.... No really it is SO helpful.
Living Hope Church. Together we will hopefully encourage and touch the lives of thousands who can dream bigger dreams and trust God more. Even though you didn't come, you really are here. I know, sounds lame, but just wanted to say thanks.
The Australian churches and conference leaders. Not sure you read this but thanks for asking us to come and making it work for my kids and thanks for accommodating us every day but just a couple during the whole trip.
OK.
We are walking to Darling Harbor now. To eat lunch. Maybe kangaroo. Seriously like it, but my daughter Katie says no. Hannah says yes. That's my girl. She is going to be a hunter one day.
I re-read this and it sounds like a dang obituary or something? Just overwhelmed, jet-lagged and nervous to speak. Think Grace, and more than that, LIVE IT with your pastor.....
