Catching Up

Has it been 4 days since I last posted?

So, what's been going on?

• Wednesday night I got to hang out with our Middle School Ministry for their Wednesday night program. I had a blast. I also got to draw the lucky winner of an iPod Touch.
• Denver and the Mile High made it through again. They are now in the final five! Could they be the "Next Great American Band?"
  
• Need a laugh - Macy and I got Elfed Friday night! I'm still laughing.
  
• Started working on Christmas shopping. Not laughing anymore. What will be the big, hot items this year that everybody wants?
  
• Mark & Miller are emceeing the Children's Night @ Christmas this Sunday night at McGregor. It should be a lot of fun. And always exciting with tons of children involved.
  
• I'm really enjoying my study for this week's lesson I'm teaching. The text is Isaiah 53. I'm calling it the Christmas Prequel.
• Macy made some awesome Crab Cakes tonight for dinner! Once again, the inspiration came from the Food Network. I love that channel.
• Still enjoying seeing Macy as an elf.
• Enjoyed dinner with my beautiful elf wife at PF Changs last night. We both love eating there. Saw several McGregor folks there.
• Still mad about the NFL Network and not being able to view the Cowboys and Packers game. Come on NFL, what's up with trying to broadcast games on your own network! Because of this, I spent 3 hours in front of my computer, squinting at a very small screen, just to see about half of the actual game NFL.com showed. At least Dallas won!!!
• Dallas is 11-1!
• Looking forward to a great weekend!
  

Denver Still Alive

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned in a post the show The Next Great American Band and that Denver and the Mile High Orchestra had made it to the last 8 bands. Well, DMHO is still on the show and they are now down to 6 bands! You gotta watch and you gotta vote this Friday night.

Check them out on the show...



Here's a video to get a little more feel for who DMHO is...

Eating at the Bear Rock

On occasion I like to pass on to you guys places I have found to eat that I really enjoy. This week I had the opportunity to eat twice at my friend Lou's new restaurant, the Bear Rock Cafe. Lou is the co-owner of this new franchise that is located on US41 just south of Six Mile Cypress in the Shops at Jamaica Bay.

My first impression in walking into the restaurant was extremely positive. It is well decorated and at the same time gives a very casual and comfortable feel. You place your order at a counter and the food is brought to your table. The menu has a lot of choices, but not so many you feel overwhelmed. Salads, soups, and sandwiched make up much of the menu. All prepared fresh, when you order.

Now to the most important part - the taste. Everything taste great at Bear Rock. I tried the Napa Valley Salad my first visit and it was best lunch salad I think I have ever had. Trip two I was with Macy and we tried some soups, and they were awesome. The Baked Potato Mountain Chowder was out of this world good. I had the Black Angus Melt with Steak Fries and it was delicious. Macy had the Mikonos Grilled Vegetable Salad and loved it. So much so she was calling a friend when we got in the car to tell her about Bear Rock and her salad!

I would encourage you yo give Bear Rock a try. Tell Lou I sent you.

Also, children eat free on Sundays!

Turkey Trot Update

Yesterday, Evan and I ran in the Turkey Trot 5K over in Cape Coral. What a great way to start off Thanksgiving Day! The race started at 7:30am and we were back home before 9:30am, and that includes a Starbucks stop on the way home.

I didn't get the time I wanted. My goals was 24 minutes or less and I ran 24:31. Oh well. It still felt good to run in another race. Out of 1049 entrants, I finished 248 overall and 19th place in my age division out of 54.

I think I'll take today off from running and from just about everything else.

Grateful

I'm going to have some fun and make my own list of things I am grateful for. If you don't care to know what I'm thankful for - then be grateful nobody is making you read this and go eat some more turkey. I am grateful for...

• My Espresso Machine - I don't get to Starbucks much anymore because of this machine. We use it (Saeco V'spresso) everyday and love it.
• Our new High School Pastor - Ben Fleming and his wife Maggie. God has blessed in such an awesome way in bringing Ben to the McGregor staff team. He will be starting December 9!
• Our incredible Education Staff Team. I get to serve alongside some of the most awesome men and women who have a passion for seeing the mission of McGregor fulfilled in their ministry areas. You guys rock! (Every position is filled now - another awesome blessing!)
  
• Friends. God has blessed me with so many awesome friends.
• A homemade double shot cappuccino. One of life's simple pleasures that I get to enjoy almost daily now since I have my own espresso machine.
  
• My health. I am so thankful for this and the ability to exercise. By the way, I'm running in a 5K race this (Thanksgiving) morning! This will give me the privilege of eating like a pig the rest of the day.
• Technology. I love gadgets and how they sometimes make my life easier. My DVR is probably at the top of my technology list along with my laptop.
• McGregor. I never want to take for granted what an incredible church I have the awesome privilege of serving and being a part of. It is such a joy to be around all the awesome people of McGregor. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of the McGregor family.
  
• Macy. I have the most incredible wife in the whole world. Every day with Macy is a joy and a true blessing. I am sooooo grateful for Macy and who she is!
• My relationship with Christ! The foundation of my life and the true source for all my joy and peace.
• Tons of other things...from the roof over my head to the air conditioning that keeps me cool. Thanks, thanks, thanks!
  

I wish each of you a very happy Thanksgiving.

Free Rice

filigree means:

1. self-evident truth
2. practical person
3. device
4. ornamentation

How good is your vocabulary? The above is a sample from the Free Rice website where you can test your vocabulary. And while you're wasting your time on the site, you can feel good about yourself because you're helping to feed the world. You gotta love the web!

Ornamentation is the answer to the above.

Motivation

What motivates you?

I had a great run this past Saturday, except I lost motivation near the end. The reason: I pressed the wrong button on my watch. Instead of hitting the lap button at the 2 mile mark, I hit the end stop button. So, when I glanced down at my watch at the 2 and a half mark, I saw the same time I had seen at the 2 mile mark. Now here's the really interesting part. At the 2 mile mark I was on a personal best pace. I ran the first mile in 7:30 and the second mile in 7:46. But knowing I would never know exactly what my 3 mile time would be, I begin to fade and ended up walking the last little bit.

I knew timing my runs motivated me some, but I did not realize how much. I begin to think of other things I do, and the motivation behind them. I sometime find my self more motivated by the externals - appearances and approvals. Then it hit me - this is exactly what Jesus was teaching about throughout the Sermon on the Mount. It's not about what's on the outside, it's a heart matter. Am I motivated to live in right relationship with God or am I more concerned about what others think about me? What is motivating you right now?

Thought: Success is being used by God for His glory.

Shawn, the Race Car Driver

This past Saturday night I drove up to Punta Gorda to watch Shawn Bergen race at the Charlotte Country Motor Speedway. He raced in the Faster Pastor race. This is a race that pits area pastors against each other. Let me say, this is a real auto race on a real race track. I also wish I could say that Shawn won his race. But, winning isn't everything. He had a blast and so did those from our church watching him. Thanks Shawn for putting it all on the line!

Creative Sometimes Means A Little Silly

How do you announce things without boring your audience to death? Steven, our Middle School Pastor, is giving announcements a new look. Why not make it fun, I mean funny? At least I thought it was funny. Almost fell out of my seat laughing the first time I watched it. Enjoy...

Branching Out with A New OS

I finally got the nerve up to install Linux on an older computer at the house (thanks Russell). I downloaded the newest version of Ubuntu 7.10 (a flavor of Linux) and set it up on the computer as a dual boot with Windows. Initial impressions...

• Pretty simple to install and setup.
• Came preloaded with tons of software apps.
• Installing linux programs is different than installing windows apps. This took a little time to figure out. Actually it's pretty easy, just different.
• Everything else is very similar to windows - very little learning curve.
• It's all free!
• Huge selection of apps for linux os.

If you happen to have an older, non-mission critical, computer laying around your house, give it a whirl. Linux isn't going to displace Windows anytime soon, but for anyone fed up with Windows, it's now a viable option for you.

What is Ubuntu? Ubuntu is a community developed, linux-based operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains all the applications you need - a web browser, presentation, document and spreadsheet software, instant messaging and much more.

Free and Ubiquitous Wi-Fi?

Yesterday I was eating lunch at the Ft Myers Ale House and noticed a gentlemen at a table by himself working on his laptop. I wondered, does the Ale House now have Wi-Fi? Well, as I was leaving I saw this sign posted outside the front door on a column. Pretty cool, for a restaurant to provide free Wi-Fi. I know Panera Bread also provides free Wi-Fi for their customers. I hope this becomes a trend. Not like McDonalds and Starbucks that hit you pretty hard for surfing off their signal.

Free wi-fi for everyone! (This one's for you Miller!)

What restaurants do you know of that provide FREE Wi-Fi?

Voting for Denver

Macy and I are enjoying watching the show The Next Great American Band. First of all, it's no American Idol, but, it has been fun watching. What got us watching in the first place was hearing that Denver and the Mile High Orchestra were going to be one of the bands on the show. We had this band at our church a couple of year's ago for a Valentine's Banquet and they were unbelievable! I have several of their CDs and love their big band/swing sound.

So, I was very interested to see how they would do on this contest/show. Well, Denver and the band are doing really good on the show. They have survived down to the last 8 bands. Watch them on Friday nights at 8pm and vote for Denver.

New Best Time With the New Shoes

Could it be the new shoes are faster?

This morning I ran my best ever 3 mile time: 23:31. The shoes did feel good, but I don't think they could have caused this. Maybe I was more motivated with new shoes? Maybe I was motivated because I was missing another 5K race and I wanted to prove something? Who knows. Maybe the new shoes are just faster.

Gotta go to the Preschool Ministry Fellowship in the Park now. Later.

New Shoes...No Race

I went this afternoon to Snyderman Shoes to pick out my new running shoes. It was time. They say 300 to 500 miles is what a new pair of shoes can get you. I'm in the middle of that, right around 400 miles and felt it was time. Now, a good pair of running shoe ain't cheap. But, I can also tell you it is worth every penny you spend, if you get a good pair for your feet. I'm partial to New Balance and I got a pair of their new 1223's. That's the new shoe part.

The "no race" part is, I'm backing out of the 5K race tomorrow morning. No excuse, just a very busy day. I will run tomorrow and try out my new shoes on my regular running course.

One thing I like about buying my New Balance from Snyderman Shoes is they give runners a 30 day period in which they can bring the shoe back if they have problems with it. They also are well trained in fitting shoes and know the product line very well. Always a pleasant experience at Snyderman Shoes.

On the agenda tomorrow, in addition to my normal morning 3 mile run, is a Preschool Ministry Fellowship giving volunteers and parents of preschoolers a chance to meet Cynthia Turner, our brand new Preschool Ministry Director. Also, later that afternoon my SS Class is having a party over at Stacy and Erik's house. Wow, lots of parties and fun on the docket for tomorrow!

Feeling Appreciated

Earlier today I posted about feeling blessed. Well, this morning I attended our school's annual Pastor Appreciation Breakfast. What was cool about this event was I say with several of our school's students who invited me to sit with them. It was so cool hanging out with them and eating breakfast together. Thank you Jordan and Luke McCann, Lindsey Leach, and Kaleb Hopkins for inviting me and having breakfast with me - it was a blast!

Feeling Blessed

Right now I am feeling especially blessed. Do you ever have those times in life when you realize all of God's goodness that is around you? I'm feeling it right now. Here are just of few of the ways I am feeling it...

• The addition of two new awesome staff - Cynthia & Arthur, I am so excited about serving with you!
  
• Being around young couples who have a desire to follow Christ more closely.
• Serving with some awesome pastors at McGregor.
• What God's Word has been teaching me in Matthew 5 & 6 - possibly more about this on a post in the future.
  
• Contentment in Christ - this isn't always easy, but it's God's way.
  
• The most incredible wife in the world - Macy I do not tell you enough just how incredible you are!
  
• The weekend is here for me!
  
• Joy in Him.

Are you feeling blessed? I sure am!

I'm Back On

This morning I ran my three miles in under 24 minutes. It's been a while since I have run a sub-24 minute, so it felt real good. The cooler weather I think brought a little motivation along with the fact that I have been back running more consistent the last couple of weeks.

I am planning on running in a 5K next Saturday - the Veteran's Day Midpoint Madness 5K. It will be my first 5K in about 5 months. I'm getting anxious for running in another race.

I also spent several hours today helping my brother-in-law and his family move into their new house. Pretty cool, they will now live 1.5 miles away from us. Hey, I could run to their house and back for my 3 mile run! Just a thought.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow at church. We will be introducing two new staff pastors in our AM services. Cynthia Turner and Arthur Keeley. Arthur is our new Single Adult Pastor. It was so cool to see how God open this door for us to bring on someone who was already at McGregor. He is going to do an awesome job! I am also very excited about Cynthia starting in her role as our Preschool Ministry Director. I have been praying for this position for over a year and a half. Praise God, He brought us someone incredible to fill this critical role at McGregor. God is so good.

Having Fun at Family Fest

I had a blast last night at McGregor's Family Fest!

Our church hosted our annual Family Fest (Halloween alternative) for the community last night. This year, in anticipation of more folks coming, we expanded the size of the event, adding more rides and activities. We partnered with Chik-fil-A in promoting the event to the community. And wow, did the people ever come (in spite of the potential for bad weather). No official count, but there were several thousand people there from all walks of like. It was truly a "community" event. And the cool thing - everyone was having a great time. Moms and dad as well as all the kids were enjoying the activities, the food and the festive atmosphere. It's hard for me to describe in this blog.

What makes an event like this so incredible? Two reasons. First, we had an incredible army of volunteers (several hundred) who gave of their time and talents to make this an awesome evening. McGregor has the best volunteers! Second, we had an incredible leadership team that puts months of planning and preparation into this event. Let me take a moment to recognize two incredible point people on this event. First, Dawn Garner, our Children's Ministry Director. Her vision for Family Fest and her administrative leadership is key in making this a phenomenal event. Second, Ed Harger, Assistant to Preschool Ministry. Ed's ability to make things happen and get more out of less continues to astound me. Way to go to Dawn & Ed!

I can't wait for next year, it will be even better!

Check on some pics from last night below...