I just noticed that my last post was my 1000th post! That makes this post #1001. When I started this blog I had no idea that I would be writing 1000 posts! That’s insane. The cool thing is that I’m confident that at least three of the posts have been worth reading! :)
To my faithful readers, thanks for hanging with me.
I was happy for all the Star Wars fans when the new movies started rolling out. This, however, is something else entirely. I’ve been a Star Trek fan since I was a little kid and this trailer has got me stoked.
I’m still a little cautious about this prequel but it seems that JJ Abrams is making all the right moves.
The official web site is coming along nicely too. Check it out here.
Guys, don’t forget about the men’s movie night this Friday. See the details here and let me know if you plan on coming. Remember, we’re going to be seeing the new Star Trek trailer along with movie.
Somebody really should call NBC and let them know that ER is still on the air every week. I know they are going to be so embarrassed to learn that it’s been on the air since 94 and nobody remembered to turn it off but the call still needs to be made.
God never changes his mind about the people he calls and the things he gives them. Romans 11:29 (NCV)
I thank God that He doesn’t give something only to take it back later. Unlike us, He doesn’t think better of something after the decision is made or the gift is given. He already knows everything and every decision He makes is perfect so when He gives you a gift it’s given forever. When He calls you, He calls you forever.
In the Old Testament, the Levites were called to be God’s priests. Interestingly, that means that they were born into this role. They didn’t choose the call. They could only decide whether to respond to it or not. The cool thing is that they could never not be Levis. They could decide to not fulfill their priestly duties but they could never un-levi themselves.
Thankfully, God looks at those of us in the ministry the same way. We may have “accepted the call” late in life but we’ve been called from the moment we were born and, from God’s perspective, we can never be un-called. We are a chosen people with permanent gifts and permanent calls.
Honestly, there are days when I wish I wasn’t called. There are times when I wish I didn’t have a gift/urge/passion/need to teach the Bible and lead. I sometimes wish that I had a more “normal” life but those times are usually when I’m tired or confused or weary.
The reality is that I don’t know what I’d do if He took His gifts or His calling back. It’s a privilege and I know it. I’m so very thankful that even though I might fuss and fume and fight Him about it at times, He never withdraws His gifts or callings. Thankfully, they are permanent.
I got hammered by people asking me for the recipe for our salsa yesterday after the service so here you go.
The McCollum Family Salsa
1 handful fresh cilantro 4 cloves garlic, peeled & chopped ½ medium onion, chopped 3 (14 ounce) cans diced tomatoes ½ cup sliced jalapeños 1 small can green chiles 2 tsp. salt Dash of pepper
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or electric blender. Pulse until the salsa is to your desired consistency. Refrigerate several hours before serving. (Makes about 5 cups.)
Another good Sunday at Fusion. We had a good crowd there this morning.
It was good to have Seth back leading worship.
Angela did a great job, as always.
We had three mormons show up wearing ties and their name tags. They left during my crazy video. (They probably didn’t know what to think about that.)
It doesn’t bother me that mormons want to visit our church. I did think it was weird that they were wearing their name tags. I think I’m going to visit their church and wear my Fusion t-shirt with some sort of lanyard. :)
Danice Eaton is a real hero!
I got a ton of requests for our salsa recipe. I’ll put that here on my blog soon.
I can’t wait to see how many folks signed up for the online prayer times.
We had a good team leaders meeting tonight. I’m so thankful for all our team leaders!
Shannon’s on vacation this week. How will we survive?
In case you missed it, we announced two online prayer times this week. One at 10PM on Tuesday and one at 5:45AM on Thursday. I’ll post connection details here soon.
My wife is nothing short of amazing.
I’m still making big decisions. Please continue to pray for me.
I’m really excited about what God is doing at Revolution and Oak Leaf these days.
I filmed a short video for Palm Valley Church today right after the service. I think I came across like a hick.
It was a very long day today and I’m really tired.
I have an almost insatiable desire to pray lately. I’m finding it hard to find the time to even begin to satisfy that desire.
I’m really digging ‘Til Kingdom Come by Coldplay lately.
I really want to write a book but I don’t know when or how I’d find the time to do it. Or, if anybody would read it. ;)
Phil and June Bentley rock!
I crashed a growth group last Friday and really enjoyed seeing what God is doing there.
My oldest turned 14 this week. I simply couldn’t be more proud of him. He’s a remarkable boy young man. He’s a deep thinker. I believe that God is going to use him one day to write something profound and powerful.
I’ve been listening a lot to Jack Johnson lately. It fits the mood I’ve been in perfectly.
I hope I got my main points across today. There’s always a gap between what I hear and what I get across.
This is my personal blog. The opinions expressed here are my own and not those of my church or anyone else. In addition, my thoughts and opinions change from time to time. I consider this a necessary consequence of growing with God. In other words, I'm allowed to disagree with myself!