Posted by Brandon under Leadership on Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
I love being a Pastor. I’m passionate about preaching. I am humbled that God has called me to shepherd a flock of His choosing. And I especially love the fuel that fires me up – the Word of God and what it has to say about whom I am.
One of my favorite passages on the subject is Paul’s gut-wrenching goodbye to the Epehsian elders who met him at the island port city of Miletus. It’s recorded in Acts 20:17-38. I’ve been reading it afresh today and have discovered a pattern of ministry I hadn’t spotted before…
Posted by Brandon under Personal on Monday, February 15th, 2010
So why the delay between my Day 3 post and this one? Well, I had to leave Radicalis early on Friday to catch a flight. I found out in Orange County that my connecting flight in Atlanta had already been cancelled (becuase of the forecast of snow). No biggie – my wife booked me a room in Atlanta. The next day? Mayhem. My second flight out was cancelled and my third flight out I missed because I was standing in line for seven hours to get a boarding pass.
Did I complain? Nope. And I’m not complaining now. I got to know a few cool folks standing around me. I had time to think about the six hours when Jesus hung on the cross (which makes standing in an airport cake) and the fact that I really deserve hell anyway which also makes standing in line a pleasure. (When I shared this latter lesson with a lady behind me, she looked at me like I was totally nuts.) So finally, some takeaways…
Posted by Brandon under Personal on Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
Today was gorgeous – slightly chilly but otherwise what I was expecting from southern California. I have had the privilege of meeting some great people this week who happen to have online identities.
Posted by Brandon under Personal on Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
Today was pretty awesome in a variety of ways. I woke up in southern California, had some quiet time and then hopped on a van with Andy Stanley and Jeff Henderson and headed over to Saddleback. Once there I heard three tremendous messages by Rick Warren, Andy, and Perry Noble. Here are some of the notes I wrote…
Posted by Brandon under Living • Personal on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
I flew out of northwest Arkansas yesterday, one half hour late because of the 1 inch of snow on the grass around the runway… landed in Atlanta and had 25 minutes to get to my terminal – T-03. After taking the subway to T-03, I saw that the flight had been moved all the way back to B-31. Both of these gates are at the far ends of their respective terminals. Needless to say, I arrived at the gate just in time to see my plane take flight.
Posted by Brandon under Personal on Saturday, February 6th, 2010
We’re almost to the 30-week mark of Angie’s pregnancy. I get to feel Samuel kicking, turning cartwheels, and giving me high-five’s when I put my hand on her stomach. Last night we painted the nursery. The bedding is in. We’re slowly stockpiling diapers and getting ready for the big day.
While painting last night, my mind began to wander and I started asking myself questions that can only be answered as time unfolds.
What’s Samuel going to look like?
Will he sleep through the night?
Will he like his room?
Will he play baseball?
Can I convince Angie to let him play football?
Will he be an introvert like the rest of us?
Will he have bright blond hair like I did?
Will he be born with hair at all?
Will he be crafty and creative?
Will he hate sweet potatoes like I do?
Will he like me? Will he want to hang with his Daddy?
Will he be godly?
Will he find a godly wife?
Will I be a good Dad to him?
I don’t have answers, just questions, but it’s fun asking them right now. I’m getting a little nervous, a lot excited, and quite giddy. I can’t wait to meet you Samuel David! We’re gonna have an awesome time!
Posted by Brandon under Living on Thursday, February 4th, 2010
In our journey through the Word at Bethel, we’ve come up to the historical books of the Old Testament. We jump right into the first two kings, Saul and David, who could not be more of a contrast. I’ve always been struck by the supreme difference between the two of them Saul would do anything for the approval of man, including live in direct disobedience to God. David, on the other hand, was crushed anytime he didn’t have God’s approval and obeyed God even when it cost him the approval of man.
Posted by Brandon under Leadership on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
There’s a really great blog about leadership and ministry written by Scott Williams called Big Is the New Small. I’ve written an article as a guest blogger there that you might be interested in reading:
Posted by Brandon under Personal on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
I’ve told some friends about this amazing opportunity, but haven’t said much publicly. I am now beginning to get very excited about where I’m headed next week. Early Monday morning, I’ll fly out to Orange County, California to attend Radicalis.
The circumstances surrounding the reason I’m going are a pretty neat story, perhaps best reserved for another time, but I’ll tell you that it has something to do with something more and more people are beginning to “get,” social media… and online publishing… and a love for Pastors and conferences.
I’ll be blogging all week about the things I learn. I’m going to miss my girls terribly, but I’m stoked about going!
Disclaimer: “Stoked” is not profanity… it’s just a term for “excited” I learned from my friend Bobby who is from southern California. This disclaimer is issued so that none of my Arkansas or Kentucky friends or family misunderstand… ;)
I'm a Christian, a Pastor to Bethel Baptist Church in Bentonville, Arkansas, a husband to Angie, a Dad to Ella, and I also enjoy graphic and web design. I'm a huge fan of Chick-fil-A and have a little dog named Beau! read a little more...
I'm a Christian, a Pastor to 
