Sunday Wrap-up

• Technically, we had major challenges today. 
• My voice was shot from the first word I spoke this morning.  I really struggled in the 9 am service...a couple times, I had a panicked thought about giving up.
• The theater didn't get opened for us until 8:15.  That created a whole set of issues.
• During my message I looked back and saw Jeff Reed.  Of all the days for us to be "crappy" it had to be today when the super-cool, tech guy from CF was here. 
• I feel like I know Jeff as a long time friend but, I've never been within 30 feet of him.
• Oh well.  Today wasn't about me or Jeff or how technically exceptional we were or weren't.  It was about Jesus and His intersection with us.
• The Lord's Table was beautiful.
• I found myself praying with a newer couple from our church whose brother had been shot in Caracas, Venezuela last night in a car jacking.  I saw them reaching out to a God that's moved by our pain.
• I overheard a great new couple talking to Paul about being baptized this coming Sunday.
• We had a family that hadn't been to church at the theater.  They came in during our setup and asked how they could help!  Now, that's a heck of a guest!
• I got hugged like crazy by Jenna and Stephanie, Polly's kids.  I love all four of those kids and thank God for how our church family has reached out and loved them so well.
• I read what Chris wrote and am absolutely blown away at what God has done in his life and that God would give me family like him.
• I held baby Andre'.  17 months ago, I stood in Homestead Hospital waiting for doctors to pronounce him dead at birth and praying for some kind of miracle.  He was born at 1.089 lbs.  He can see.  He's strong.  And, he likes me. This week he got a perfect bill of health from the doctor.

So, while I'd like to forget about how things went today, I don't want to forget about what God is doing in us.  I think its nothing short of remarkable.  How am I allowed to be able to lead such an awesome community of followers of Jesus Christ?  I have no clue.  But, I'm loving every second of it.

Comments

[Jeff Reed]

30 feet is a generous measurement. You stared at me for like 2 minutes. You were commenting about the overused Psalm "God knows how many hairs you have on your head"... and you focused on me. Why is that, Trav?

In the midst of your disfunctional service (which wasn't that bad, BTW), God found a way to connect you with the people. Isn't it great when we totally screw everything up and we totally show the world we are worthless... and God still shows up! Praise be to God who uses us despite us!

It was a great message, and I know a great place where you can buy a large-print Bible since your eyes are struggling... you're getting old, man...

see you soon, maybe...

[Jeff Reed]

oh, and if you saw me within 30', you would know I'm not super-cool...

[aj]

Pardon me...challenged, yes; crappy, no. Everyone was awesome, especially with setup, after the
l o n g delay in getting in the theater. Hard to believe we actually got it done!

[travis johnson]

our teams were awesome to pull off what we did with the time we had...no doubt. I really can't believe the kids and hospitality venues were up and ready in 20 minutes. If the auditorium hadn't been totally setup Saturday night, we would have had our hats handed to us.

[travis johnson]

"You stared at me for like 2 minutes. You were commenting about the overused Psalm "God knows how many hairs you have on your head"... and you focused on me. Why is that, Trav?"

This is true. I'm glad you served as inspiration to show how intently God is involved in our lives.

[travis johnson]

I used another Bible in the 10:30. I'm going to the bookstore to replace my NLT this week. I have mixed emotions about all of this.

If I get a new Bible, that stinks. I love my small NLT. If I get reading glasses, I've admitted defeat. Catch 22.

[Chris M. Day]

Pastor Travis,

Come on over to the bright side and go get yourself an actual eye exam followed by prescription reading glasses. I'll give you some coupons that will save you a lot of money !

Earlier this year I was having great difficulty reading my new Bible. I went up to The Falls at Lens Crafters and got my 'once-every-two-years' eye exam, and as it turns out my 'reading vision' had deteriorated since my last eye exam. I had to get all new glasses that are now progressives. I can read with them, and I can see far out into the distance with them. They are awesome !

Admit it. You're in your mid-30s now, and so are your eyes !

[Nancy Lemmond]

Dispite all the problems, and they sure do happen, you seemed to get through it all. God is always there, even when it all goes astray! We do get tested, ha. Wish I could have been there to help a little. Oh well, my spirit was there, for sure. Love and miss you all!