I have noticed something the past few weeks on my blog.  I am having a lot of people checking out my blog, but not leaving a comment. 

So…I would like to know a little more about my readers.  Tell me a little about yourself.  What’s your name, where do you live, what do you do, what is your favorite candy bar? 

I’ll go first:

Adam Reed

Elberton, GA

Associate Pastor of Students

Snickers

Come on and tell me about yourself!

“Leaders are Readers” - Charles Jones

Yesterday, in our staff meeting, our Senior Pastor encouraged and challenged us to have a regular reading schedule.  I have been a very avid reader up until the last few months.  Between a move, Wendi being in the hospital, Noah being born and then staying in the hospital for 13 days, and trying to keep up with a busy summer student ministry schedule, I just haven’t had a lot of time.  =)

It’s time for me to get back into the swing of things, so I am asking you, my reader(s), to suggest some books that you have read, are reading, or looking forward to reading.  I am currently reading Mark Batterson’s new book Wild Goose Chase. 

So…help me out and leave me a comment of something to read.

Today is the release of Mark Batterson’s newest book, Wild Goose Chase.  I have had the opportunity to read the first two chapters already, and I look forward to reading the rest of it this week.  I will be posting a review of the book at a later time. 

The Book

Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit–An Geadh-Glas, or ‘the Wild Goose.’ The name hints at mystery. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger, an air of unpredictability surround Him. And while the name may sound a little sacrilegious, I cannot think of a better description of what it’s like to follow the Spirit through life. I think the Celtic Christians were on to something…

Most of us will have no idea where we are going most of the time. And I know that is unsettling. But circumstantial uncertainty also goes by another name: Adventure.

—Introduction to Wild Goose Chase.

Congratulations to Jeremy for winning the picture contest.  I will be sending you a free copy of the book soon.  For everyone else you can go here to buy your own copy.

No I’m not talking about my golf score (which wouldn’t be much better), but I looked down today to see that I’ve made it to 200 posts!  Just want to give a shout out to some of my readers today to say thanks for stopping by and encouraging me on this journey.

• Jeremy
• Jason
• Jeremy
• Dustin
• Michael 
• Wendi - my HOT Wife!!!
• Adam
• Gman
• Bobby
• Terrace
• Nick
• Richard
• I also want to thank Craig who got me interested in starting my own blog.

If I left anyone out I’m sorry (I appreciate you too)!  I know there are some others who visit, but don’t comment so today is for you.  Just leave me a comment to say hello!

Our church was given a pleasant surprise earlier this week when someone decided to anonymously donate money for a new church bus.  It arrived to our parking lot yesterday evening, and it looks awesome!  I can’t wait to load this thing up with students and head out on trips together.

Don’t forget about the contest.

Mark Batterson’s new book Wild GooseChase comes out Next Tuesday, August 19th.  So…I have decided to send you on a Wild Goose Chase around the web to find me the funniest picture you can find. 

This is how it is going to work.  You email me your funny picture with a caption, and I will announce who the winner is on Friday, August 15th. 

The winner will receive a FREE copy of Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson.

Rules:

1. You must email me your picture and caption by 6:00pm EST on Thursday, August 14th.
2. KEEP IT CLEAN!!!
3. You can enter as many times as you want.
4. Tell your friends, and share some link love.
5. Let me know if you’re going to be playing by leaving me a comment.

Terrace  and Josh are having contests for the book too.  

Yesterday I helped my Senior Pastor set up a blog.  He is new to this whole thing, so make sure you check out his blog Extraordinary Living and leave him a comment!

Hey Pastor Michael!!!

You can also find out what I’m up to today by following me on twitter.

Yesterday Rayna told us that she was a rooster.  We thought about this for a while and then realized that we call her Rayna Rooster sometimes.  Well, this has passed on to our son Noah who we have been calling Noah Boa.  Anyway, all this got me to thinking about nicknames.

My nickname in high school was Twiggy, because I was no bigger than the smallest twig on a tree.

So…what is your nickname now, or what was your nickname when you were in high school?

Last night at our revival Levi spoke from Hebrews 12:1-4 about overcoming sin in our lives.  In his message he told us when it comes to sin we need to “stop it”.  We can stop it by considering Him (Jesus) and what he did for us, and by resisting the temptation when it comes our way. 

Just saying “stop it” reminded me of this video.

When temptation does come you way it isn’t a joke.  We should remember that we can “stop it”, but only through the power of the Holy Spirit.

When I began this blog last October my wife, Wendi, asked why I was doing all this.  Well, after many months and lots of discussions Wendi has started blogging!  Her blog is about sharing her experiences, advice, questions, and joys that come from being a mother. 

Check out her blog and leave her a comment to say welcome to the world of blogging.