Thoughts during American Idol (that have nothing to do with American Idol)

It's Tuesday night and I'm watching American Idol. I'm feeling like writing some random stuff so read on if you dare....

It seems that God has really used this Miracles series at Capstone. WOW - at the time I feel the weakest as a pastor/teacher and am even fighting this head flu stuff going around, God comes through LIKE HE ALWAYS DOES. He's good is all I can say. If you want to listen to any of the sermons, you can find them here.

I made a SERIOUSLY good pie on Sunday to take to the family lunch at Mom and Dad's. If you know me very well then you know I love to cook --- especially when life gets stressful! I was watching Food Network last week and saw Ina Garten making an Apple, Pear and Cranberry Crisp. I went online and found the recipe and whipped it up. The family loved it. Make it --- you will love it too.

Tonight I whipped up a quick batch of Rice Krispie treats. Not as gourmet but definitely good stuff.

I am so ready to go to CUBA! We have a great team of 17 (including my daughter and sister) who are going to work hard and get some major ministry accomplished. I need a physical and mental break and so I am counting down the days. We will work hard. It will be hot and sweaty. But I'm really looking forward to getting on that plane March 21! I'm also looking forward to seeing Pastor Eduardo. Even though we come from completely different cultures, he and I have a lot in common. We're the same age. We have daughters about the same age. We share a passion for seeing people know and grow in Christ. Even with our cultural differences, there's a bond there that I treasure. Please pray for Eduardo and all our Cuban friends.

I'm also really excited about a new sermon series we're beginning following our Cuba trip. It will take us through April and May. It will challenge all of us to get in shape spiritually and grow deeper in Christ. I'll share some more as it continues to come together!

Finally (for the night), I love the work our staff is doing. They are working hard. Bekky is challenging the music team to step up in commitment to their craft and musical worship and we're seeing that on Sundays. Brent's leadership team has come together and our students will be the ones who benefit from their commitment. And, David is artfully guiding our kids' ministries into some new stuff and challenging our HOME group leaders to keep doing what they do so well. Keep up the good work folks! I'm honored to serve with you all --- and the dozens of volunteers who actually make all of us look so good!!!

MAJOR PROMISE: "You are the God who performs miracles." Psalm 77:14