world’s largest pig

It was nice to escape away for the evening and head to the Tulsa Fair.  Without a doubt all of our focus was on the food.  Amy and I hooked up with two foot long corndogs, while our boys ate half of them.  The night was perfect as we were able to walk around and the highlight was the petting zoo for Cambo. 

I have been to the Tulsa Fair atleast four times now and one of these times I will see the world’s largest pig.  Everytime I walk by one of those stinken exhibits I don’t even blink an eye to waste a buck on them, but…. each year my curiosity bites at me a little more.  I think next year I’m going to waste a $ just to see that pig!  Other than seeing some mullets and interesting characters, the night was topped off with the boys eating most of Amy’s ice cream….

a morning to remember

This morning I was able to get up early and enjoyed the streets of Claremore on my road bike.  My intention was a leisure ride to put in some miles, but in turned into a “prayer ride”.  I prayed for people living in houses and neighborhoods – for marriages, parent relationships, jobs, hurts, pains, and spiritual hunger.  I prayed for every church I passed by and for their services.  I prayed for our main street employees, over city hall and our leadership, for RSU faculty and the dorms.  I prayed God would rock my community to the core! 

 

Sometimes I wander why in the world God put this dream in my heart to start The Well.  I don’t have all the answers, nor do I feel as though we are putting together the groundwork for a perfect church – there’s no such thing.  There’s so many details to work out until February – but that’s the thing – they are details that God is and will take care of.  The Well is all about serving one person at a time.  It is about hungering for more of a passion for the name of Jesus and a passion for the over 400 names on “the wall” in our garage.  Each name has a face and a spiritual story yet to be untold.  We will pursue them and we will give ourselves away. 

 

When I got back home a band of authentic Christ followers lifted up the name of Christ in a garage and it was one of the most sweetest church experiences I have ever had – knowing my neighbors were listening to the voices of worship and prayer – FOR THEM!  We shared story after story of lives that God has allowed us to cross paths with.  It’s humbling we get to be apart of this thing called – The Well.  I’ve never felt more in the middle of God’s exact plan for my life than now! 

 

I pray over you as you read this and I want to invite you to be apart of a raw group of people starving to make a difference with our hands and feet!  We will meet again at the Van Pay home at 10am – hope to see you as we dream!

 

Click here if you want to get a recap of the minutes from our time together.

sloppy joe’s & tantrums

I was planning on getting in a 5-6 mile jog this morning, but as I finished a mile running by Wood Manor – my heart urged me to side track.  The elderly of this place have a piece of me and I love them dearly.  I got to play poker using dominoes today.  They called it “rocks”.  It was so cool to not have to hold cards in my hand as we hung out and they taught me the old way of playing cards.  I’m just glad no money was involved or one of them might have hung me out to dry!  Rick and Frank are good friends and I feel as though they are my own grandpa’s!  The sad part is…… hardly anyone else even family visits them.  It felt good to jog away knowing I “gave myself away” for little while.

This afternoon my family got to take in the unveiling of our new skatepark in town.  My friend Matt happened to be over all of follow through with this project and it was cool to support him and celebrate as he has left fingerprints on the lives of teenagers in our community.  It was an honor to meet our Mayor’s family and talk about our future church – The Well.

After planning for tomorrow’s team gathering – Amy and I were able to eat sloppy joe’s, watch some OU football, and watch all of our kids throw tantrums as the night got away from us.  Those can be the best of friends when you just don’t ever want to leave their company!  I’m already looking forward to tomorrow with great expectation as our team will gather together again to pray over our friends.  Tomorrow night is a trip to the Tulsa Zoo – ahhh…. a brat with saucrat, green peppers, and onions is calling out to me now!!!  Fair means one word to me – “food”.

an ER prayer answered

After digesting some fresh bread from the book of 1 Corinthians i was able to hit java dave’s and work on our budget for The Well.  I’m so thankful God has allowed us such favor with sound equipment.  He has met every need we’ve had as each one has risen – I praise him for being a God that meets every need according to his purpose not mine!

After odds and ends this afternoon was able to get a great pt session in with my friend Larry.  I was briefly involved in the Citizen’s Academy tonight as Amy text me that Camden needed to be rushed to the ER.  He is hardly ever sick and had a 104 degree temp.  His whole body was boiling and it broke my heart to see my son that way.  After going through all the paperwork the doctor finally got to us and said he has a terrible ear infection.  I’m just glad his temp is back down and he seems to be getting back to his playful self.  I sent out a text to family to pray and I believe God touched Camden in a quick way tonight.  I praise him for he is so faithful!  Even though I believe the Red Sox blanket perhaps helped in his feeling better – Jesus was the ultimate physician!  As camden was laying on the bed looking so miserable - I couldn’t help but get him to crack a smile – so while we were waiting for the doc I put on a rubber glove and acted like a chicken (things you’ll do for your kids – I’ll do alot of things to get them to laugh!).

As I drove to the hospital tonight – my heart hurt for my first born.  I knew driving over there wasn’t anything I could do but pray and love him.  It reminded me how much God loves me and cares for me as his earthly son.  Yesterday was a breaking day for me as God spoke to me in an incredible way – that without a doubt must have been how he felt toward me.

it’s about one

Yesterday I got up early and attended the SYATP at RSU.  As I watched these college students go public with their faith and ununshamedly pray for their campus – it ignited a passion in me.  I was standing behind them and looking past the pole up high as the campus sits above our community, my heart breaking for hurting people.  It reminded me of my calling.  It reminded me of nearly a year ago jogging through this campus being completely shattered for the cries of my generation! 

I jumped in my truck and drove out of town.  I realized that over the last several weeks, I’m not sure if it was exhaustion from my triathlon, pressure, guilt or what – but I just couldn’t shake this feeling in me.  I discussed it with Amy the night before.  I began to cry to my God, “shake me, rattle me, break me, consume me, smack me around, if need be discipline me – I just need to hear your voice right now!”.  You can’t pray that kind of prayer and not get knocked up side the head – or get a heart breaking. 

 

I was reminded of why I am doing what I am doing.  I was reminded of the burden he’s placed in me.  I have been consumed with details, admin stuff, calling churches for support, phone calls, and on and on.  I realize this is all part of the season I’m in – the journey, but…. I allowed it within just a week or so to put me into a drift.  I lost focused for just a moment and didn’t even know it.  I was reminded that God hasn’t called me to serve an entire community, not even a person, but him alone.  I read in 1 Corinthians that our purpose in serving is to serve Christ and because of doing that we serve others – we serve one person at a time.

 

I realized that more than anything else right now – I must hear the voice of God.  I must have fresh bread each and every day or I will go on fumes.  I can’t pour out and not drink in.  Even know I know this so much of the time, my heart wanders.   I found myself not in complete trust in God, even though a week before I was so reliant, and began working like it was all up to me.  I got moody and my family, even my boys – became a prevention or kept me from “getting things done”.  I even lost my temper the other night and became a man that I not even I admired or respected.  I dishonored Amy and was an incredibly horrible example to my boys.  I praise Christ that he forgives and it was a reminder that I am far from perfect and need the grace of God everyday in my life!

 

Anytime I read about Jesus being in a community or a crowd – it always came back to one person.  For me it is not so much about serving a community as a whole anymore, but serving one person at a time.  Each day I believe there will be one, or two, maybe three people he puts in my path – and that’s why I lived that day.  He needs me to show them his love – it might be a coworker, a friend, someone in a grocery store, or maybe even my family. 

Yesterday I inspected a house for an 89 year old man named David.  I don’t spend time normally talking for long to people while inspecting, because I excuse the fact that I need to keep going and I won’t see them again.  David lives in Muskogee and will probably never go to The Well.  I will probably never see him again, but Jesus reminded me – it’s about the one no matter where you are – just take an extra couple of minutes.  I loved this man, I prayed with this man, and found out he used to serve as a deacon and hasn’t been to church in 5 years.  He told me he was a good man, a Baptist man.  I told him it didn’t matter what denomination he was from, or how good he was, but if he knew Jesus.  Yesterday – David was my one.

Look at your day – who’s the one?  Pick one everyday to make a difference in them! Who can you pray for, encourage, pastor, pursue, invest, or love? 

 

 

 

my manly wife

For the past three years my office has consisted of coffee shops, my truck, a 5th wheel, a beat up old desk from Amy’s grandparents, and a end table in the corner of our living room between our couches.  With that in mind – both of my laptops have been pushed onto the floor, keys ripped out of the boards, juice & milk and other liquids poured out, and toddlers going to town on anything else they see!

I’m not sure why it took so long – but we bought the bullet and I went to walmart and got a desk and shelves that you can lock up with cabinet doors.  Amy’s dad is a builder and passed down the gift of craftsmanship.  Amy will even bite on her tongue like her dad when she is concentrating – pretty cute.  When we first got married she put together a barbecue grill.  As a man and a husband that has been married for over six years - I’ve simply sucked it up and said – GO FOR IT to my wife when it comes to putting together this kind of stuff.  It saves me so much headache and time wasted….. I’m sorry to all you guys out there that just lost respect – but I’d rather have my wife’s….

the high ropes

Last week had to officially be the busiest week i’ve had in an incredibly long time.  It was beneficial but tiresome.  All day Friday I participated in Leadership Rogers County – it was a blast getting to know others in my community that want to see Claremore progress forward.  We spent time team building and getting to know each other.  I actually found out I had the longest fingers in the class – crazy considering one guy is over 6 ‘3.  Some of the exercises we did were:

• the lego masterpiece
• creating the ultimate office
• one on one interviews
• who has what?
• desert plane crash
• who are you?

Saturday morning we went over to the RSU ropes course.  It’s truly amazing how fast you can know other people doing these kinds of activities.  I was blown away by our teams chemistry and postive attitude.  I’ve got to give it up to Melissa for not quitting on the high lines.  Tyler injured himself as he literally spread eagled over a huge log – any guy that can survive that is a hero of mine!  One of our guys decided to hit everyone with nicknames and I was labeled “The Rev”.  It brought back memories from my high school baseball team.

That same night a couple of guys from Team Well went down to check out some portable sound equipment from Stonebridge Church in McKinney.  These guys were incredibly helpful and we are looking forward to nailing the deal down.  Riding down with Davy and Brett made me feel like a Student Pastor again.  As I was checking us into the hotel – I walked out and my 4 runner was gone – ahhhhh never gets old.

a rainbow with a variety of badges

Today was a day of planning, calls, and overall admin.  I got to eat at one of my favorite resteraunts in Claremore – vietnamese beef noodle yum yum!  Davey and I got to hit Wood Manor, in which one of the residents pulled a joke on me that made me crawl out of my skin.  I literally think he sits in his room and waits all week until we come to mess with us – it’s great!  I got to get a quick run in and get a pt session in at the Rec.  Tonight was an honor to serve amongst 20 other citizens amongst an academy to learn more about our city government.

I was looking forward to getting home to my family after a long day.  Camden had on some new pajamas that looked like a tri suit – it was adorable.  I never would have thought I’d be OK with letting my kid be a rainbow at church, but I couldn’t be prouder as he was honored with all kinds of badges and hasn’t missed a Wednesday – talk about dedication – good job Mommy!  Usually as the fam goes to church on this night, it is my window of opportunity to nail out all my AFR inspection reports.

LRC & Citizen’s Academy

My ultimate goal as I serve the community of Claremore OK is to some how make a positive difference in the lives of people for the Kingdom of Heaven.  I just simply want my life to exist so that this community will be better off for having me be alive then just to take up air and live the good life.  Several months ago I came upon an incredible opportunity to put in an application to be apart of a program that would truly allow me to get a big picture scope of Claremore, as well as build relationships with others that truly want to see this community move forward.  I am excited to say that I was accepted into the program and will be starting this weekend.

Another opportunity came up recently that I couldn’t pass up.  God opened a really cool door to be apart of the first ever Citizen’s Academy here in Claremore.  I am completely humbled that I will be able to serve along with others from all walks of life.

Leadership Rogers County brings together citizens from varied professions, with a wide range of interests and talents who demonstrate leadership potential and are committed to sharing their time and talents within their community. 

LRC develops talents and broadens perspectives of present and future community leaders by providing them with practical information concerning community problems and issues.   Through a combination of seminars, panel discussions, and field trips presented by leaders in the public and private sectors and by creating a forum for exchange of ideas and information, the program provides the foundation for leadership.”

The program is an all day event held once a month over a nine month period.  A graduation will be held in May of 2009.  The program’s diversity of information hit on is the following:

• quality of life
• media
• education
• government
• tourism
• health & social services
• economic development
• courts / law enforcement
• environmental issues
• team work / self confidence skills

Citizens Government Academy is an opportunity for a citizen to better understand the city’s government and services.  The following will be hit on:

• roles & responsibilities of local government
• internal services (budget & finance)
• public infrastructure
• utilities
• public safety
• development services
• parks & recreation
• expo & rec centers

It will be an 8 week long academy held on Thursday evenings at 630pm.  A graduation will be held on November 17th for all graduates and honored by the mayor and city council.

my body is not my own

S “Well, it may be true that the body is only a temporary thing, but that’s no excuse for stuffing your body with food.  Since the Master honors you with a body, honor him with your body!  Didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit?  The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you.  God owns the whole works!  So let people see God in and through your body.”  1 Corinthians 6:13; 20

O Paul is going to town on the Corinthians at this point.  I have truly enjoyed munching and wrestling with this chapter.  One of my friends in Claremore is involved in the city and told me the other night that it would shock me how many people use politics to push their spiritual agenda here.  He told me more than 80% of Christians stand up more for what they’re against then what they are for – makes me sick to my stomach.  It grieved my heart when I heard of different ones going to court and making our city leader’s lives miserable.  Paul flies out with correction in the first part of this chapter upon those that want to bring their matters to court, instead of just working it out amongst each other. 

Paul goes onto to talk about abusing our bodies when it comes to overeating and sexual abuse to the body.  He challenges us all to wake up!  This passage is a personal trainer’s go to scripture!  It amazes me that so many skim through this chapter in the Bible and don’t want to confront the sin of gluttony.  I had to confront this area in my life head on about four years ago.

A The later part of this chapter hit me between the eyes this morning.  I haven’t done much of anything since August 31st when it comes to eating healthy and exercise.  I felt like I deserved the rest and the break.  Paul reminded me that my body isn’t my own.  I’m to honor God with everything that he gave me – including not stuffing my body with unhealthy food choices.  Our temple is a reflection of our attitude toward Christ.  My wife has become the new Ironman in the family by consistently getting up at 6am to go do her training runs – I couldn’t be more proud!  I just printed off my training plan for the 1/2 marathon coming up in November, plan on getting back on the scales, and will not be eating anymore fast food for awhile.

Lets face it this has been a elephant in the church (literally) for far too long!  It must be confronted.  Too many people are giving up years on their lives, getting diabetes, dealing with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and spending far too much on health products – when a heavy dose of exercise could cure many a disease.  Alright I’m done.  All fingers pointing right back at me to start with – I’m guily as anyone.

P Father this morning I pray you would once again give me the discipline of making this a focus in my life and not allowing a past achievement to determine my present activity.  Help me to stay on track and not get lazy, as my body truly does reflect my attitude and is an overall outward expression of how I care about treating the body you gave me.  We both know that when this area of my life isn’t in order, other areas in my life follow suite.  Thank you for allowing this morning’s scripture to slap me in the face and get back with it!