I have just completed my reading of Mark Batterson's new book, "Wild Goose Chase". This has proved to be a compelling and thought provoking follow-up to his previous offering "In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day."Wild Goose Chase centers around the idea that "most of us have no idea where we are going most of the time." Mark details the fact that this is exactly where God wants us to be every day. He uses the mantra, "another day, another adventure" as a way to describe a life that is led by the Holy Spirit. We never know where the Spirit is leading. Many times, it seems as crazy and futile...

I have decided to document my church planting journey by writing down the random things I'm picking up along the way. Without further delay...Church Planting Tip #1: Bring two sets of clothes every Sunday.One thing that holds true every Sunday is that I sweat like a mad man because we have to set up our sound system, lights, video, children's area, lobby, etc. Bring a change of clothes. Then you won't stink.

Dara and I and the Docusen crew headed over to Josh and Noelle Thomas' home tonight. They were one of the first couples to befriend us since we've moved to the area :-)It was so cool - and unexpected - to see that they had invited multiple families over to hang out. They grilled burgers, had amazing chips and dip and Josh cooked up some mean pork shoulders. I had no idea what a pork shoulder was until tonight. I'm hooked.It was so great to just be able to hang with a bunch of families. I absolutely love being here. I love meeting new people. So grateful that God has brought people like Josh...

This is the graphic we designed for our opening series at Hope, BELIEVE. We'll use this throughout the entire six week series as our base graphic and add elements around it for each sermon.

I am designing our communication cards for our grand opening service on September 14th at Hope. Here's a look for those of you who aren't local. Our sermon series is called "BELIEVE". We'll be talking about 6 different miracles found in Scriptures during the first 6 weeks of Hope.Hope you like the card...we'll give this out to everyone who comes in for them to be able to check out our announcements (which are not listed yet...just filler words), take notes and also give us back a communication card so we can get their info. It is a 6x9 inch card and the bottom part will be perforated (I love...

We just got back from the doctor and we're having a BOY! So excited!!! 3 boys. 1 girl to spoil for the rest of her life.Speaking of that girl...Mary and Max have been bickering back and forth for the last couple of months. Max wants a brother, Mary wants a sister. Mary went with us to the ultrasound today and when she found out we're having a boy, she started crying and said "I don't want a baby brother I want a baby SISTER!!!" She literally cried her broken-hearted little eyes out for the rest of the appoinment. We proceeded to tell her that we'd buy her a toy and she stopped crying.I think...

We are so exited! We find out in just a couple of hours if we're having a girl Docusen or a boy Docusen :-)Max wants a baby brother. Mary - passionately - wants a baby sister. I asked her the other day, "Mary, if we find out you're having a little brother you'll still love him, right?" She looked at me and simply said in her raspy little adorable voice, "NO."

It's finally here! Follow this link to check out our new Hope Church website:www.hopecharlotte.comHope you like it! This website was created by the guys over at Studio One26. I would recommend these guys for any job you're looking to do - print or web. Luke Bolin has been my contact and he has been absolutely phenomenal to work with. It's so tough to find a combination of creative and efficient. These guys have nailed both of them. You can check out their website at:www.studione26.com

I understand that I don't have the easiest last name to pronounce - Docusen - but I don't get it when people CONSISTENLY add an "R" to the pronunciation of my name. Makes no sense to me.Dookersin.I get that alot. Like today when I was on the phone with a customer service agent. There's no "R" in my name...why do people insist on adding it?I feel better now...

I have been reading Mark Batterson's new book, Wild Goose Chase this week. I will be finishing in the next couple of days and posting my review.If anyone is interested in entering a drawing for a free copy of this book, simply e-mail me at [email protected] and I will put you on the list for a random give away.Free is good.As I will state in greater detail later this week, Mark has a way of tapping into the adventure and excitement of being a Christ follower. There is a message that he has within that speaks to the very core of each reader who wonders "what can I do for God?" My...