brigitte's wedding

Two days ago, I experienced a great milestone: my sister's wedding. She and Thomas are now united in marriage, and I could not be happier. To top off the evening, I performed the ceremony. I am thankful for the opportunity, but even more thankful for my sister and new brother-in-law. God has truly blessed me with a wonderful family. It is my prayer that they will demonstrate the love of Christ in their marriage. If you have any pictures of the wedding, please upload them to this website. I want to be able to give them all to Brigitte and Tom when I return to Miami.

back in the saddle

This past Sunday, I was given the great privilege to speak at our Youth and Children's services. What made the whole situation somewhat bizarre was having to give two completely different messages to two different age groups. With the kids, I walked through the subject of gratitude in Matthew 20. I made 3 kids do jumping jacks for an extended period of time. One kid had to jump longer than the rest and they all received the same payment at the end: a king-size Hershey Bar! The purpose was to mirror what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 20, dealing with reward and the Kingdom. It was fun, and I got to gross the kids out too.

With the youth, we talked about Christ being head of the Church (global and local). It was a little intimidating speaking not just in front of the kids, but also other volunteers who happen to be seminary students. God still spoke through His Word, and I'm up again next week in both age groups!

I'm so fired up about speaking at Ninth & O. These guys keep me on my toes in a good way.

another semester coming to an end

Well, this semester at Southern has been awesome. I have learned a lot from my professors, and I hope to take some of them again. I registered for winter and spring terms today, and here is what I'm taking:

Winter 2008/09
Introduction to Family Ministry
Introduction to Missiology
Introduction to Pastoral Ministry


Spring 2009
Personal and Spiritual Disciplines
The Doctrine of the Person of Christ
Contemporary Roman Catholic Theology
Elementary Greek
Introduction to Old Testament Theology II


By the end of next semester, I will have completed 59 credits, which means I will only have 40 credits to go for my M.Div. Seminary is flying by, and I can't wait to be finished. I'm just praying that God will begin unveiling the next step that I have to take. What's next? Should I continue my education, head to the mission field, go work for a church? I have no idea. I'm just praying for some clarification. I began reading the classifieds on Tony Morgan's website to see if anything sparked an interest. I'll be in the waiting room for another year, but I'm hoping that opportunity will come knocking.

congrats to president-elect barack obama!

I relish in all the facebook status changes last night. I find it funny that when someone's candidate loses, they feel as if the entire country is going to waste, and we're all going to die. Well, it's 8:00AM on Wednesday, and the country didn't blow up. Barack Obama is neither a terrorist, muslim, or a socialist (which was even admitted by John McCain prior to the election), but he is the 44th President of the United States. This is a significant moment in history for all races, and a proud moment for all who voted. Best of all, it was a landslide electoral victory that will not be marred with voter scandals.

For those of you out there who are believers in both Christ and America, you should be praying for your president instead of claiming that all is doomed. Christians are to be a voice of truth and hope in this world. Besides, let's face it, if you're looking for a saviour, never look to Capital Hill. Jesus was not, and is not, a politician.

If you're angry today then read Romans 13.

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."

Notice this doesn't say to pray for just the Republicans, or just the Democrats, and it was written in a time when Christianity was persecuted. I think we need to follow Paul's example.

I have concern about the future of abortion rights and the protection of the family. May God do justice as we continue to vote. We should actively be concerned for the rights of unborn children and continue to press for justice. If the subject of gay marriage can be left to a state decision, perhaps an abortion ban will be back on many ballots as well. It looks as if Proposition 8 in California, and Amendment 2 in Florida will go through.

Once again, to all who voted: thank you. You are part of the Democratic Process. Whether your candidate won or lost, you were part of the decision.

election day

That's right folks, it's almost over. Whether you voted for Barack Obama or John McCain, I hope that you exercised your right as an American citizen and voted. We have a lot to be thankful for in this country, and our right to vote is one of the great things that separate us from the rest of the world. Even though I do not always agree with the leaders of our country, I still believe that we still live in the best country in the world.

It is my prayer that whoever wins the election chooses to rule with justice, morality, and transparancy. I voted absentee this time around. My heart and vote still lie in Florida, despite the fact that I am living in Kentucky. Let me encourage those of you who do not want to wait in long lines in 2012: ABSENTEE VOTE. I saved time, effort, and mailed my ballot in two weeks ago.

And for those of you who chose not to vote, the saying stands true, you have no right to complain. Your leader was chosen for you, even though you had a right to help be part of the political process. (On top of that...you miss out on the freebies)

I will miss the election. It was like an ongoing reality television show. You were just waiting to see who would get voted off. We picked sides and debated. We enjoyed enough drama about plumbers, lipstick, hockey moms, 9/11, terrorists, and pundits. But now, the season finale is upon us and I don't plan on staying up all night to find out who won. I learned my lesson in 2000. I plan on relaxing and trusting that God will do justice by us all. So to all who voted I say "thanks". You're proof that America still believes in Democracy.

coldplay fan-addicts

So, if you're like me, you probably stayed up to watch Coldplay's three amazing performances last week on Saturday Night Live. It would have been four, but NBC decided to cut "Lovers in Japan" just as it started. (lousy network television) I am sad that I will not be going to see Coldplay in concert this year. Apparently, Louisville is not on the tour schedule, but the good news is that you can now get the music video for "Lovers in Japan" for free on iTunes!

I loved the video, and I hope you do too!

By the way, I want that jacket that Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland wear to their performances. It's awesome!