Planning has begun!

I've started my planning board in my office at work!

For the last two years, this board has been covered in notes left by friends who came by to visit. However, it was time for a more practical purpose. However, I left some notes from my wife and my sister for inspiration... I know I'll need it!

The importance of their support, especially my wife's, is incredibly important. Laura has encouraged all the positive things God has given me to do, and helped me steer away from the rest. I am so blessed to know her and be married to her!



More work to do this week. The goal is to have a proposal ready to send to 12 publishers by September 1st!

New Book!

I neglected this blog for almost a year.

However, it's time to restart.

I'm using this opportunity to announce a book I'm writing! About every two weeks or so, I will be giving excerpts from my research, thoughts, and views on the topic of this book.

For today, this is just an announcement. I have several friends who have helped me formulate ideas, and many who will be on a team that will help me make sense of what I'm saying, as well as wrap my head around some difficult concepts.

So what will it be about? In a simple word... trust.

Trust... because the most important lessons I've learned in the last three years have to do with it.

Trust... because that's what I know to write about.

But, it won't be exactly the same. My discussion will focus on our misplaced trust... in the world, in the government, and even in ourselves.

My goal is not to take sides on difficult issues... although I will formulate clearer views from this study. My goal, instead, will be to unite people despite our differing views.

So, follow this blog if you would like to follow my journey!

Hercules

"Hercules, you've got nothing to say to me, cause you're not the blinding light that I need."
-Owl City, Galaxies

All of us have things in our lives that we can turn into "Hercules"... things that we love and we desire to give our hearts to, but we are always in danger of putting these things or people in a higher place than God.

When we recognize these things in our lives, it is important to remember that they cannot fully satisfy the way God can. They are not the blinding lights that we need. No matter how amazing it is, nothing in this world is permanent. The danger we create for ourselves is that we could potentially put all of our faith and trust into something that is not eternal.

Keep your eye on Him, the "North Star." He will never leave, never disappoint, and never be overcome by the things of this world.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." -John 1:1-5

Spring 2011

I've been meaning to write something about this past Spring semester for a while now, but I've been distracted and/or lazy and/or busy. Anyways here goes.

I'll start from the end (for some reason). The past few weeks I really stressed myself out by working three overnight shifts in the computer lab and worrying to death about everyone leaving for the summer. Recently my best friend and roommate of five years moved out of our apartment, getting ready to move in with his soon-to-be wife Leisa. Of course Ryan and I will still be best friends, but it was definitely a major change to see him leave and not be my roommate anymore. I'm glad we're both still living in Lynchburg for another year though.

Now looking back... there are several aspects of this year that I want to recount:

1. FCC
This has been the best semester at FCC yet! I used to have to drive by myself... for the past few months, there have been times where I've had to arrange two cars because we had so many people. What a blessing it has been! Kim, Jonathan, Jane, Katrina, Christie, and EB helped create a new dynamic at church that I have never before seen. From my ordination service, to Easter, to Youth Sunday... every step I saw God working in my heart and in the lives of others. Truly He is good and is starting a work at FCC that I don't think we would have seen without the help of our volunteers this semester.

2. Life Group
While I was at Passion 2011, I got a vision for my job at the ILRC Computer Lab. I felt that my work there could be used for the Gospel. Now to be working in the computer lab at a Christian university doesn't lend itself to much ministry, but I was determined to find a way. I talked it over with three co-workers... three men of God that I have grown to trust and love. Stephen, Phil, David, and I got together to discuss a Life Group program that we could offer to the c-lab's student workers. We made a plan, presented it to the higher-ups, and offered it to the workers not knowing what the response would be. We had enough response to offer two groups this semester. I decided to have one at my apartment that met on Sunday afternoons. We went through part of Philippians over the course of the semester. I was so encouraged to see God use a vision He gave me and actually create something from it. This group made a huge difference in my life this semester and I hope to continue it in the Fall.

3. CMT
No, not Country Music Television. The Center for Ministry Training. As if two jobs wasn't enough, I decided to take on another role in October. Dr. Wheeler asked me to help his office coordinate internships with the North American Mission Board. Because I knew the it would be great opportunity to work with him, I decided to accept. Getting to work with Dr. Wheeler, Dr. Earley, Val, Ryan, and others from the CMT has been truly amazing. These are all men of God who are passionate about the Gospel and how the CMT can spread the Gospel through church placement, church planting, and by sending our students out into the mission field. I am just now hearing of people who have been placed at churches for the summer, and I'm so humbled to have been a part in helping them find those positions.

4. Impact Georgia
Ohhhhh boy. Impact. Nothing has ever challenged me more. You ever seen a music major try to half-run a business? It's not pretty. Luckily Matt is the man and knows what he's doing (sort of) more than I do (maybe.) Honestly we are both stumbling through this and have no idea what God's going to do with it, but we are trusting Him.

This may need to be a To Be Continued post. I feel like I have more to say, but words are currently failing me. That's all for now!

2011 Sermon

Kevin's Sermon from May 1st, 2011