A great friend of ours, John Gum, just moved to Charlotte today from Orlando. John was one of our interns when we lived in Orlando and has become a true friend.I have a theory in life: Everyone needs a John Gum. He's just one of those guys that can take a pack of sugar, three jagged sticks and a roll of duct tape and make a life saving concoction out of it. He is the ultimate swiss army knife in ministry. Professionally trained in sound and lighting. Worship leader. Communicator. Leader.Welcome to Charlotte, John! It's good to be back together again!

I'm headed to bed right now but I can't get this wonderfully glad feeling out of my head and heart right now. The reason falls into two very distinct categories:1. I just felt our little baby rub my hand as I placed my hand on Dara's belly. I'm so glad that God has given us a healthy pregnancy. Dara is 10 weeks out from delivering a beautiful baby boy - Benjamin Daniel Docusen. My life is filled with joy because of my amazing family.2. I'm glad I'm a man. I can't even imagine what it would be like to try to sleep tonight with a baby inside my belly kicking as I'm trying get some serious REM...

Dara and I took the kids "Christmas looking" today. It's our version of "shopping" without actually buying anything for the kids :-)We went to the Concord Mills Mall and then over to Toys R Us. We let Max and Mary both take 5 pictures of the toys that they want the most for Christmas. Turns out they want more than 5 toys. Go figure.It may seem strange to take a day of on Wednesday. This is actually part of my promise to my family, though. Ministry can really consume a family if proper steps aren't taken to intentionally take days off. I look at my schedule at the beginning of the week and...

So I washed my jeans the other day and realized that my iPod ear buds were in my pockets after the fact. I figured that my ear buds were long gone - albeit very clean. To my surpise, though, they made it thru the spin cycle very nicely and sound better than ever.Add it to the list of awesome products from Apple: washable ear buds.

I love sports. I'm a huge fan of the Tampa Bay Bucs, Orlando Magic and Detroit Tigers (I was born just outside of Detroit then spent 20+ years in Orlando). Every game starts the same, no matter the sport: the score is 0-0. One thing that I have noticed recently is that, in ministry, pastors don't seem to start with an even score. It seems as if we have to work our way up to even, then build from there. There is a distrust of ministers that is very prevalent these days. So many people have been hurt in church. So many have seen Christ misrepresented by those place in leadership. It breaks my...

Dayne (our intern/amazing Alpaca farmer) and I went out tonight and put out around 50 signs all over town. These are the same type of signs that you see all over town for Obama/Biden and McCain/Palin. We purposely made these very basic. Black and white. Not too much information.We put them at the stop signs exiting surrounding neighborhoods and at stop lights so people can see them as they slow down. We got the idea from Tory Farina and I'm excited to see the response. A friend of mine always says this: "the best message deserves the best marketing." This is just one small step in that...

I am spending my morning at Caribou Coffee. I find that every time I come here, there is so much more happening than simply working through my task list. I love the relationships with the staff that we have built.There is a balance between simply working hard, getting stuff done and creating moments that allow people in wander into your day and simply talk. I pray that we are a positive influence and positive energy every time we walk through their door.

Dara and I had a young couple over for dinner tonight. We grilled some delicious Bubba Burgers and sat around the table for over 2 hours just chatting, laughing and getting to know each other. I love getting to know the people that God has brought into our world.I love hanging out. I love Bubba Burgers. Great night.

I took a walk with Ben Smith around the campus of University of North Carolina Charlotte today. I like to think of this as a reconnaissance walk.I really do believe that the students at UNCC would enjoy our service on Sundays at Hope. They just need to know we are here. My plan was to go to campus today, walk around, pray and simply get a spiritual temperature check on campus. I am a big believer in putting your feet on the ground and letting God speak in the actual setting that you want to see something happen.I came upon a street preacher that had drawn a crowd. On the edge of the crowd I...

Dara and I had our third small group last night. It is so great to see more new faces mixing in with us each week. I also love seeing the hunger in our group to continue to connect with God on many different levels.Our group has an awesome blend - from new seekers to seasoned vets in their walk with Christ. I love the community that God is forming all around us.