Gratitude

• We are a highly unusual church in that we don't have an elem age children's ministry because we're mostly all young families, but we have so many incredible musicians that we can't even use all of them every week. I remember years of pleading with God for great musicians... and now our cup runneth over.
• Northern Virginia is starting to feel like the center of the church planting universe. Todd Wilson, director of National New Church Conference is here... Mark Batterson's Buzz Conference... church planting leaders from Anglican and Presbyterian denominations in the Dulles area. I'm like a fat guy in a donut shop.
• Summertime is all about reaching out to unchurched neighbors and friends. Our church grows the most in June and July because of the summertime outreach factor.
• Our 9-month old Dylan climbed up a flight of stairs yesterday. That's one step closer to not having to lug that cute little fatty all over the place.
• Starbucks Orange Mocha frappuccinos.
• Last night, I was invited to be on an amazing committee at our state denomination. Our sponsoring church's pastor is a NAMB trustee and the SBCV president. God's favor in his life is dripping on me.
• I get to write an article about my favorite subject for one of my favorite publications. I'll post it when it publishes...
• Ainsley and I are having the best season of marriage we've ever experienced. We're both middle children, so it's taken us a few years to learn some survival skills with each other. =)
• Our church has finally stumbled onto the secret of successful small groups for families with children in rush-hour-laden northern Virginia ~ men's and women's groups on alternating weeks. It's been incredible. Spiritually and logistically.
• Humility. This morning I got a verbal undressing via e-mail with some other people attached in the CC line. Not very Matthew 18. And not my best morning. But I can actually say I'm praising God for it this afternoon.
• Ravi Zacharias. If you're not reading his books, you're not really thinking.

Comments

[Jessi]

Great to hear about the mens/womens groups working so well! We just announced last Sun that for the months of July/Aug we will be condensing our small groups into 2 - a men's and women's meeting alternate week in an effort to simplify schedules for families, as well as give our small group leaders a bit of a breather. Also hoping some guys/gals will open up more in a different environment. Have been somewhat apprehensive about switching things up like this - don't want anyone to fall through the cracks - but overall, think it will be refreshing. Glad to hear someone say it's working for them.

[Robert Pooley]

Had the same thing happen this week. Verbally popped... but it went out to several others and not to me. Not at all Matthew 18. But like you, God has really used this in my life... and I really believe our church will be better for it. You are very proactive Ben... and light exposes the darkness. I'm reading a book I would recommend, it's called "Undercover" by John Bevere. Its the first of his books that I have read but its really been eye opening. Blessings to you bro! And I love your blog.