Hey we had a great time in Lynchburg visiting the Hindsons (Christys parents).  Dr Hindson should be getting released from the Hospital after being there for 90 days. He will have plenty of recovering to do at home so continue to pray.

While we were there we hiked up to the top of the Peaks of Otter. All my kids even J.D who is only 2 made it to the top with no help!!!  My kids are awesome.

I cant wait to see them grow up and do great things for God. I am already proud of them.

Here are a few nuggets from Rick Warren that I found—good stuff to remember…

If you wrestle with a pig you’ll both get dirty.”
“Define yourself or others will.”
“Bless those who curse you.”
“Separate fact from opinion.”
“Hurt people hurt people.”
“Insults are insecurities.“

Christy and I had an awesome time with Clay and Kim Nesmith.  They are two great people leading a great church. Barefoot is not even 3 years old and running almost 1000 people!  They are really reaching people who are far from God. I know God is going to do incredible things through this church. They have all the right stuff!!!

Every sunday evening after the service they do a  sunday “Wrap up” video podcast.  Clay must have been short on good ideas to have asked Christy and I to be on it… But it was fun. You can check it out here on clays blog. 

Here are some take aways from our weekend:

Believe Big—God loves people who trust totally in him

God loves to use Ordinary People

Give generously–Barefoot puts on a full blown breakfast for both morning services

Location, Location, Location–pick the most accessible spot to put your church. Barefoot has the most amazing facility in the best location!

Clay you and your staff are a cut above!  Thanks for your gracious hospitality while we were with you. I can’t wait to get together again!

I forgot to mention that Barefoot is in Myrtle Beach SC.  Yeah I know you think that we played the whole time that we were there—and you’re right. We had a great time.  We went to the movies and saw Iron Man, jogged on the beach, and watched millions of bikers driving up and down the road (it was bike week). Christy and I couldn’t help but rent a bike and get out on the road. Check out the pic…

The kids and I got up this morning and made Christy the best breakfast ever then went to Mountain Lake’s west campus. It was a great service–good enough to make Christy cry.  Then we went to lunch and played at the park.  Later the girls gave mom their version of a spa day while JD and I mowed grass. To top it all off, we sent her off to get a pedicure while we played and then had dinner.

Christy we love you and couldn’t exist without you. There isn’t anyone in the world that I would want to be my wife and the mother of our children.

 We are grateful to God for you!!!!!!

I’m in Austin TX today with Paul Peterson at a Church Planters Round table with some really sharp people.  Today we will have opportunity to continue to learn and develop partnerships. 
We fly back to the ATL tonight late and tomorrow my wife has me ropped in a garage sale.  My most favorite thing to do!?!?!?

Next weekend Christy and I will have a great opportunity to meet the pastor and staff at Barefoot Community church in Myrtle Beach.  Clay Nesmith is the pastor there. A real down to earth guy with a heart for God and people.

I heard Andy Stanley recently at the Orange conference and he had some great stuff to say about discipleship. Basically he talked about the question all churches ask:  How do you help people grow to maturity in Christ??  He said the goal is to help people become “Self Feeders”.

Making Disciples should be natural–just ask anyone there testimony and you will always find the same 5 ingredients. In all models of Discipleship and in every spiritual growth story here is what you find…

1.  Practical teaching

2. Providential Relationships

3. Private Disciplines

4. Pivotal Circumstances

5. Personal Ministry

So if maturity is getting to a place where your able to feed yourself—then as you put together your system or program of discipleship it should fan the flame in these areas. This also is very helpful if your leading a small group to know what to look for and how to encourage people as you see them somewhere in this process.