by David Docusen | March 20, 2009 | Uncategorized
Dara and I have returned from an amazing couple of days in Washington DC. We headed up there on Tuesday to meet with Mark Batterson. I always leave encouraged when we spend time with Mark. He’s one of the fresh voices God is using in incredible ways. We spent a couple of hours with him and then took in DC.
It was so great to just wander around DC with Dara. We had so much fun walking all around the nation’s capitol. We had absolutely no plans and no kids to dictate our day. No one said to us, “I have to go potty!” or “I want chicky and french fries!” The entire day was spent holding hands, walking, talking, laughing and taking in the sights. Absolutely refreshing.
This is a pic of me, Dara, our Ebenezers Coffee and the Capitol building. All of that equals a great, great day 🙂
by David Docusen | March 19, 2009 | Uncategorized
We started a series this week at Hope called “3:16”. It’s a spin off of the book by Max Lucado. Mike spoke a sermon simply called “God’s Love”. It was one of the best sermons I have ever heard on this topic. You can check it out by tuning into our audio or video podast on iTunes.
by David Docusen | March 19, 2009 | Uncategorized
I just got back from Max and Mary’s baseball practice this afternoon. So much fun helping out with the team and teaching the kids the fundamentals of this game I love so much. It’s great that they can be on the same team this year. We celebrated a great practice by getting popcorn and slurpees on the way home.
This reminds me of a podcast I heard of Joel Hunter (lead pastor at Northland Church). He talked about the priority he put on attending his kids games and practices. He said something that really struck a chord with me. “Life happens to and from the games.” He talked about the conversations he’d have with his kids in the car. He talked about sharing special moments with them as he took interest in their interests.
I am only two practices into their first baseball season, but I can already see the value that Dara and I will place on these special moments. Celebrating with popcorn and slurpees might just become a normal event.
Nothing on this side of heaven is more important than my family. I love sharing these moments with them. These are memories we will never be able to replicate as they continue to grow. I intend on having as many memories as possible.
by David Docusen | March 19, 2009 | Uncategorized
Dara and I are going head to head this year on our NCAA Tournament brackets. They will be posted on our refrigerator for all to see. She has a knack for beating me senseless in this annual competition, so I will be assuming the role of the underdog 🙂
by David Docusen | March 16, 2009 | Uncategorized
I heard a friend of mine speak on the topic of doing ministry out of the overflow of our spiritual lives the other day. It really challenged me. It’s so easy to spend time with God and always be thinking of other people when you are a pastor. Your personal time becomes ministry time.
I have found a new depth in my relationship with God. I am so grateful for this. I find myself excitedly looking forward to breaking away and finding quiet moments reading God’s word. I finally feel like I understand what it means to do ministry out of the overflow of my spiritual life. The private moments between God and I are cultivating the soil of my heart and bringing health to my life in ways that I have never known or experienced.
