One of the biggest lessons I have "caught" from my Dad is to Never Stop Dreaming.
My Dad is an outside the box thinker. He has always kept on dreaming bigger.
Even now that he is in his 80's he continues to dream. He is still contemplating new business ventures.
Every now and then someone will say to me, "Foothills is so amazing, did you ever in your wildest dreams believe this would happen?" Honestly, I didn't know exact details, but I really did always believe that it was possible. I think the reason I always believed it, was because I was not afraid to dream.
One of my life verses is Ephesians 3:20, "Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."
Do you have a dream? If not ask God to help you dream bigger. If so, then pursue that dream!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Leadership lessons from my Dad (part 2)
Another lesson I learned from my Dad was to always find a job that you love. He taught me that life is too short to be in a job that you don't enjoy.
I have met so many people who have a career that they absolutely hate, but because of financial obligations they feel like they have to continue. So day after day and year after year they punch the clock hoping that they can hit the lottery or retire---anything to get out of their job.
The problem that most people have when it comes to choosing a job, is that they ask all the wrong questions. They ask, "how much does it pay?" (which is a legitimate question, but it shouldn't be the first question). If the job pays well, they take the job.
What are the hours? How much time off do I get? What are the benefits? Again, these are all good questions, but they're not the BEST questions. The best question is, "Is this something that I will look forward to waking up and doing for the rest of my life?" Because if you don't like what you do---there is not enough money in the world to make it worthwhile.
You might be thinking,"how do I find the right kind of job?" First ask yourself, "what do I enjoy doing?" "What am I gifted to do?" "What abilities do I possess?"
If you're stuck in a dead-end job, but you feel trapped because of financial commitments why not start trying to scale back on some things to put yourself in the position to make a career move. It might take a couple of years, but in the long run it will be worth it!
I have met so many people who have a career that they absolutely hate, but because of financial obligations they feel like they have to continue. So day after day and year after year they punch the clock hoping that they can hit the lottery or retire---anything to get out of their job.
The problem that most people have when it comes to choosing a job, is that they ask all the wrong questions. They ask, "how much does it pay?" (which is a legitimate question, but it shouldn't be the first question). If the job pays well, they take the job.
What are the hours? How much time off do I get? What are the benefits? Again, these are all good questions, but they're not the BEST questions. The best question is, "Is this something that I will look forward to waking up and doing for the rest of my life?" Because if you don't like what you do---there is not enough money in the world to make it worthwhile.
You might be thinking,"how do I find the right kind of job?" First ask yourself, "what do I enjoy doing?" "What am I gifted to do?" "What abilities do I possess?"
If you're stuck in a dead-end job, but you feel trapped because of financial commitments why not start trying to scale back on some things to put yourself in the position to make a career move. It might take a couple of years, but in the long run it will be worth it!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Leadership lessons from my Dad
I am very fortunate to have grown up in a home where I was always loved unconditionally and encouraged to pursue my dream. My parents are incredible people. My dad is a great leader, and there is much that I have learned from watching him. I thought I would highlight a few leadership lessons I learned from him in a couple of posts.
The first lesson I learned is that truly great leaders are people of character. Character is not something you can go to school to take a course on, or read a book about. True character is something that is at the core of who a person is.
One of the things that stood out to me growing up was hearing my Father's friends and customers always saying "Your Father is a great man." I can verify that. I have always seen my dad go the extra mile to do the right thing. He is a second generation jeweler that has been self-employed for as long as I can remember (he's sort of semi-retired now). I remember sitting at his store when I was a kid and watching customers come in and watching his interactions with them. His customers were more like friends.
I remember times when someone would come into his store and want him to make a small repair on a piece of jewelery (that they bought somewhere else), and when he was done fixing it, he would say, 'there's no charge." I would ask him, "how come you didn't charge them?", and he would say, "it was an easy repair, and who knows, maybe the next time they need some jewelery they'll come back."
He wasn't about the bottom-line, and that's pretty unusual these days. to him your reputation was much more important.
As a leader, does your life reflect character? Are you honest? Is your life above reproach?, or are you taking some shortcuts?
The first lesson I learned is that truly great leaders are people of character. Character is not something you can go to school to take a course on, or read a book about. True character is something that is at the core of who a person is.
One of the things that stood out to me growing up was hearing my Father's friends and customers always saying "Your Father is a great man." I can verify that. I have always seen my dad go the extra mile to do the right thing. He is a second generation jeweler that has been self-employed for as long as I can remember (he's sort of semi-retired now). I remember sitting at his store when I was a kid and watching customers come in and watching his interactions with them. His customers were more like friends.
I remember times when someone would come into his store and want him to make a small repair on a piece of jewelery (that they bought somewhere else), and when he was done fixing it, he would say, 'there's no charge." I would ask him, "how come you didn't charge them?", and he would say, "it was an easy repair, and who knows, maybe the next time they need some jewelery they'll come back."
He wasn't about the bottom-line, and that's pretty unusual these days. to him your reputation was much more important.
As a leader, does your life reflect character? Are you honest? Is your life above reproach?, or are you taking some shortcuts?
Monday, July 28, 2008
a few other thoughts from yesterday
I thought I would link a few of our staff bloggers for their feelings about our first services at Foothill's new facility.
Check them out here, here, and here
If you missed yesterday, don't worry, we'll be having services again this Sunday!!
Check them out here, here, and here
If you missed yesterday, don't worry, we'll be having services again this Sunday!!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Holy Cow
Just got home after our first services in the new bilding, and all I can say is "Holy Cow!"
We had 2,198 people show up today! (there were 480 in our kids area!) Folks this is still the middle of summer. Our first service we had over 90% of the chairs filled in the auditorium and in the second service we were at 75%!
The good part is that everything went pretty smooth. I am not aware of any major glitches, but there are a few small things that we'll have to work on this week. People were so excited. What a great vibe we had in the concourse, and the energy in the auditorium was amazing.
The new series (Young Guns) is going to be awesome. Looking forward to talking about Daniel next Sunday.
That's all for now!
We had 2,198 people show up today! (there were 480 in our kids area!) Folks this is still the middle of summer. Our first service we had over 90% of the chairs filled in the auditorium and in the second service we were at 75%!
The good part is that everything went pretty smooth. I am not aware of any major glitches, but there are a few small things that we'll have to work on this week. People were so excited. What a great vibe we had in the concourse, and the energy in the auditorium was amazing.
The new series (Young Guns) is going to be awesome. Looking forward to talking about Daniel next Sunday.
That's all for now!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
overwhelmed
I stopped by the church this morning and all I can say is---WOW! I am blown away by the people of Foothills. They looked like a bunch of ants descending on a candy bar, they were everywhere. People just wanting to help get ready for this weekend. There were dozens of people outside finishing the landscaping. There were people in the kids areas putting the finishing touches on what will be the coolest kids facility around. there were people in the auditorium getting the sound, lights and video ready. There were people in the concourse tidying up. It was absolutely amazing!
This weekend is going to be huge. Our first Sunday in our new facility. There are still a lot of kinks that we'll have to work out, but we'll be in! Of course our Grand Opening will be August 16th and 17th (We will be doing 1 saturday evening sevice and 2 Sunday morning services for that weekend only), so hopefully we'll work out all the kinks by then.
A couple of reminders for this weekend. First--remember, Two Services, 9:30am and 11:15am. please get there a little earlier than normal to have your coffee and donuts because you can't bring them into the auditorium. Also it might take a couple extras minutes to get your kids checked in. Trust me, you will want to be in your seat when the service starts because the opening is going to be powerful.
We are starting a new series tomorrow called Young Guns. I am really excited about that too! See you tomorrow.
This weekend is going to be huge. Our first Sunday in our new facility. There are still a lot of kinks that we'll have to work out, but we'll be in! Of course our Grand Opening will be August 16th and 17th (We will be doing 1 saturday evening sevice and 2 Sunday morning services for that weekend only), so hopefully we'll work out all the kinks by then.
A couple of reminders for this weekend. First--remember, Two Services, 9:30am and 11:15am. please get there a little earlier than normal to have your coffee and donuts because you can't bring them into the auditorium. Also it might take a couple extras minutes to get your kids checked in. Trust me, you will want to be in your seat when the service starts because the opening is going to be powerful.
We are starting a new series tomorrow called Young Guns. I am really excited about that too! See you tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
I love it!
I was taking my trash to the local convenience center (that's a fancy name for the dump), and as I was getting ready to leave I spotted this hanging from the fence.
I had to laugh. You know what they say, any advertising is good advertising!
By the way, what's the strangest place you have seen a Foothills license tag?
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Latest picture
Here is a picture of the front of the building I took this morning. You can see that some of the landscaping is in. It's looking really good.
On the inside it's shaping up too. I was over there a little while ago while they fired up the sound system-- Dude, it's awesome!
Sunday is going to be crazy, but it's going to be a blast!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Incredible weekend
On Saturday around 100 volunteers converged on the Foothills Community Church campus for a day of service (I wasn't there). They landscaped, and set up children's rooms and put up sound panels. Man it looks great. I'll try to post a picture.
Then on Sunday we had 3 absolutely incredible services. People are jacked up with excitement. It's crazy! We had a large crowd--- we are almost at pre-summer numbers, and it's the middle of July!
On Sunday evening we had a Toccoa campus informational meeting over in Toccoa. A great turn out with about 50 people. There is so much excitement, it's incredible. If you are interested in helping out or know someone who might be, have them email toccoa@foothillscc.org
Don't forget--- this weekend we will have our services in our new facility at 9:30am and 11:15am. Try to get there a little early especially if you are checking in your kids. And whatever you do, be in your seats when the service starts. You do not want to miss the opening. Remember, in the new building you can't bring your refreshments in the auditorium, so get there early so you can enjoy them while you hang out in the concourse.
Then on Sunday we had 3 absolutely incredible services. People are jacked up with excitement. It's crazy! We had a large crowd--- we are almost at pre-summer numbers, and it's the middle of July!
On Sunday evening we had a Toccoa campus informational meeting over in Toccoa. A great turn out with about 50 people. There is so much excitement, it's incredible. If you are interested in helping out or know someone who might be, have them email toccoa@foothillscc.org
Don't forget--- this weekend we will have our services in our new facility at 9:30am and 11:15am. Try to get there a little early especially if you are checking in your kids. And whatever you do, be in your seats when the service starts. You do not want to miss the opening. Remember, in the new building you can't bring your refreshments in the auditorium, so get there early so you can enjoy them while you hang out in the concourse.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Almost ready
I just finished walking around the new facility. It looks amazing!
It still is hard to believe that we will be having our first service in it in 10 days. There are a lot of little things that have to be finished. I'm sure some will get finished by July 27th, and some won't. But either way we're going to meet in there (If we pass all of our inspections)
Here is the outside of the building. The irrigation system is in, but the landscaping is still yet to be done, but the sign is up!
It still is hard to believe that we will be having our first service in it in 10 days. There are a lot of little things that have to be finished. I'm sure some will get finished by July 27th, and some won't. But either way we're going to meet in there (If we pass all of our inspections)
Here is the outside of the building. The irrigation system is in, but the landscaping is still yet to be done, but the sign is up!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
**Held our first Toccoa Informational meeting yesterday at Foothills for our new site in Toccoa Ga.. Lots of interest. The next one is scheduled for this Sunday at 6:00pm at the Days Inn in Toccoa.
**I need to hurry back and teach Paul some slick moves so he doesn't do something like this again!
**I am pumped about this Sunday at Foothills. We'll be talking about spiritual markers. It will be our final service in our current facility.
**I'm thinking about going on the Bassmaster tour! What do you think?
First there was this one, now there's this:
**I need to hurry back and teach Paul some slick moves so he doesn't do something like this again!
**I am pumped about this Sunday at Foothills. We'll be talking about spiritual markers. It will be our final service in our current facility.
**I'm thinking about going on the Bassmaster tour! What do you think?
First there was this one, now there's this:
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Great day at Foothills
We had another great day at Foothills today----at least that's what I have been told because I wasn't there! I had the opportunity to go back down to Florida for a couple of days, so that's where I am. With the new building coming up and preparing for our Toccoa, Ga launch I figured I better get as rested up as possible.
Paul Carr, our Connections Pastor did the message today and I hear that he knocked it out of the park!
David led worship today for the first time as a Foothills staffer! I heard he brought his "A" game!
I also heard that the attendance was way up. The momentum is building for the Fall.
Unfortunately, we had some computer problems at Kidzone check-in.
Next Sunday will be our last worship service in the current building--- it is going to be an amazing service. You do not want to miss out.
Paul Carr, our Connections Pastor did the message today and I hear that he knocked it out of the park!
David led worship today for the first time as a Foothills staffer! I heard he brought his "A" game!
I also heard that the attendance was way up. The momentum is building for the Fall.
Unfortunately, we had some computer problems at Kidzone check-in.
Next Sunday will be our last worship service in the current building--- it is going to be an amazing service. You do not want to miss out.
Friday, July 11, 2008
It's all about the Kingdom
God is at work at Foothills, no doubt. We see lives changing every week. We have grown rapidly and we have alot to celebrate. But this weekend is also a special weekend for my friends over at Newspring Church. This Sunday they will be launching a second site in Greenville, SC.
Perry, Tony, Jason, Jason, Jake, Paul, Shane, Lee and all the rest of the staff and attenders, we are praying for God's blessing on you! May God continue to use you to reach Greenville and beyond.
Perry, Tony, Jason, Jason, Jake, Paul, Shane, Lee and all the rest of the staff and attenders, we are praying for God's blessing on you! May God continue to use you to reach Greenville and beyond.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Some things on the horizon
Even though we still have 2 more weeks of our Crossing Jordan series, I am extremely excited about our next series which begins on July 27th. It's called Young Guns.I saw the bumper video yesterday. Scott did a nice job. We will look at the lives of 3 young revolutionaries from the Bible.
On week 1 we'll look at the life of Jesus and his revolutionary Compassion. Then the 2nd week, we'll talk about Daniel and his revolutionary Commitment, and finally we'll look at Stephen and his revolutionary Courage.
It will be our first series in the new building, and it's going to be awesome!
But until then don't miss the next 2 weeks of Crossing Jordan.
On week 1 we'll look at the life of Jesus and his revolutionary Compassion. Then the 2nd week, we'll talk about Daniel and his revolutionary Commitment, and finally we'll look at Stephen and his revolutionary Courage.
It will be our first series in the new building, and it's going to be awesome!
But until then don't miss the next 2 weeks of Crossing Jordan.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
A new blogger
Creative Teams
One of the things that I really like to hear after a service is, "Wow, everything just seemed to tie together. From the music to the message to the flier (bulletin), to the stage, etc. Basically from the beginning of the service til the end there was a common thread")
Those things don't "just" happen. They are result of a collective effort of many people who sit around a table on Monday afternoons discussing upcoming services. I wish I could say that every one of those meetings was one great creative thought after another, but the reality is that many times it just doesn't seem to flow.
Here are a couple of ways to make those meetings more effective:
Add new faces ----every once in a while bring in a new person. They bring with them fresh ideas
Change locations --- We don't do this enough, but for some reason a change of locale can stimulate new ideas.
Come to the meeting prepared--- when people come already armed with ideas, it makes the meetings a whole lot more productive.
Create an atmosphere where you can brainstorm freely. Where every idea has potential. Where you can take time to let one idea spawn another, than another. I have found that seldom do we choose the first idea. Most of the time it is a variation of the first idea.
Set aside adequate time--- It's hard to schedule creativity. You can't really say, "OK from 2:00pm until 3:00pm we are going to be creative. It might happen, but it might not. Don't be afraid to adjourn the meeting if it just isn't clicking.
If you don't have a team of people who meet with you regularly to help with the creative elements of your services, they will soon become stale. Find some people who seem to have a creative flair and invite them to meet with you. It will make a big difference.
Those things don't "just" happen. They are result of a collective effort of many people who sit around a table on Monday afternoons discussing upcoming services. I wish I could say that every one of those meetings was one great creative thought after another, but the reality is that many times it just doesn't seem to flow.
Here are a couple of ways to make those meetings more effective:
Add new faces ----every once in a while bring in a new person. They bring with them fresh ideas
Change locations --- We don't do this enough, but for some reason a change of locale can stimulate new ideas.
Come to the meeting prepared--- when people come already armed with ideas, it makes the meetings a whole lot more productive.
Create an atmosphere where you can brainstorm freely. Where every idea has potential. Where you can take time to let one idea spawn another, than another. I have found that seldom do we choose the first idea. Most of the time it is a variation of the first idea.
Set aside adequate time--- It's hard to schedule creativity. You can't really say, "OK from 2:00pm until 3:00pm we are going to be creative. It might happen, but it might not. Don't be afraid to adjourn the meeting if it just isn't clicking.
If you don't have a team of people who meet with you regularly to help with the creative elements of your services, they will soon become stale. Find some people who seem to have a creative flair and invite them to meet with you. It will make a big difference.
Monday, July 07, 2008
stepping up
At Foothills we believe that kids matter. When you walk through our facilities you will see lots of space for kid's ministries. Our new building has a large percentage of space for children, and when we vacate our current building the teenagers will take over a majority of that building. We decided a long time ago that if you really believe kids are important, you have to put your money where your mouth is!
Consequently we have been having some amazing things happening in the lives of our young people.
A couple of weeks ago, we had our Son Sports summer program. Over 200 kids were involved and there were several dozen spiritual decisions.
Then last week we had over 80 teenagers head down to Panama City FL for Bigstuf.
Our new Student Pastor, Brian and his wife Michelle got a chance to connect with them. You can read more about it here.
Also last week we had 18 children go to kid's camp in Alabama. I have heard some incredible reports about what happened there.
If you know a child or teen that is not involved with a church, tell them they need to check us out.
Consequently we have been having some amazing things happening in the lives of our young people.
A couple of weeks ago, we had our Son Sports summer program. Over 200 kids were involved and there were several dozen spiritual decisions.
Then last week we had over 80 teenagers head down to Panama City FL for Bigstuf.
Our new Student Pastor, Brian and his wife Michelle got a chance to connect with them. You can read more about it here.
Also last week we had 18 children go to kid's camp in Alabama. I have heard some incredible reports about what happened there.
If you know a child or teen that is not involved with a church, tell them they need to check us out.
monday thoughts
It's been pretty crazy around here lately. Here are a few thoughts from some recent stuff.
** The new building is really is getting close. They are putting down the carpeting today!
** Second week of our Crossing Jordan series yesterday at Foothills. We talked about how to be used by God. I understand that we had a lot of people who are willing to make themselves available to start serving!
** We have introduced a new concept called Worship 1-Serve 1 The idea is that when we move into our new facility we want EVERYONE serving somewhere. So we are asking people to worship at one of the services and serve in the other.
** Had a great attendance yesterday, especially considering it was 4th of July weekend!
** Yesterday was the first time we didn't do the 6:00pm service. It was a nice break. I almost felt guilty!
** First service in the new building will be July 27th. (9:30am and 11:15am)
** The new building is really is getting close. They are putting down the carpeting today!
** Second week of our Crossing Jordan series yesterday at Foothills. We talked about how to be used by God. I understand that we had a lot of people who are willing to make themselves available to start serving!
** We have introduced a new concept called Worship 1-Serve 1 The idea is that when we move into our new facility we want EVERYONE serving somewhere. So we are asking people to worship at one of the services and serve in the other.
** Had a great attendance yesterday, especially considering it was 4th of July weekend!
** Yesterday was the first time we didn't do the 6:00pm service. It was a nice break. I almost felt guilty!
** First service in the new building will be July 27th. (9:30am and 11:15am)
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
OOPS!
Someone sent me this picture. It took me a second to notice the spelling mistake. (you have to look close)
Imagine this guys reaction when he looked in the mirror.
Obviously the tattoo artist was a University of South Carolina grad!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
More stuff
** David Odom showed up for his first day at Foothills. Glad to have him on board!
** I'm so proud of my daughter. Here's one of the reasons why.
** Talked to my wife today. She told me that everyone was having a great time at kid's camp in Alabama. I sure miss her.
** Just found out that a friend and long-time Foothills member is having surgery today. It's pretty serious.
** I don't know if this happens to everyone or not, but it seems like whenever I am preparing for a message, that God puts me in a situation where I have to try to practice what I preach! Ouch!
** Had a great time last night with 5 other Pastors last night over dinner. These guys are great friends and their churches are making a huge impact in the state of SC. They're supposed to stop by this morning and tour our new building.
** I picked up my bow this week to practice for archery season. It's not until September, but I'm already starting to get excited about sitting in a tree trying to shoot Bambi!
** I'm so proud of my daughter. Here's one of the reasons why.
** Talked to my wife today. She told me that everyone was having a great time at kid's camp in Alabama. I sure miss her.
** Just found out that a friend and long-time Foothills member is having surgery today. It's pretty serious.
** I don't know if this happens to everyone or not, but it seems like whenever I am preparing for a message, that God puts me in a situation where I have to try to practice what I preach! Ouch!
** Had a great time last night with 5 other Pastors last night over dinner. These guys are great friends and their churches are making a huge impact in the state of SC. They're supposed to stop by this morning and tour our new building.
** I picked up my bow this week to practice for archery season. It's not until September, but I'm already starting to get excited about sitting in a tree trying to shoot Bambi!
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