Hardship, Own Judgement, Special Role

Growing up I remember some of my friends at the age of 15 getting a hardship liscense. I was so jealous of them at the time, yet in the end I didn't know that in due time I would get my own hardships. Not a license that liberated me to drive about the land, but something that gave me the freedom to grow, gain enduarance, and cherish hope. In the first chapter of James, he challenges us to not run from hardships and test. He goes on to write that we will ultimately find joy in them. This portion of the key verse sums up my life story. Throughout my lifetime I have been forced to face counless hardship, but the beauty in the midst of those hardship God has developed me into the person that I am today. Through those hardship, the pain and suffering, I have witnessed firsthand what joy truly looks like.

Another key verse in the passage states Those who depend only on their own judgement are like those lost on the seas, carried away by any wave or picked up by any wind. The sad reality is it has been a common occurrence in my life to act on my own without the counsel of first and foremost God, then secondly God fearing people. Too often I have lived my life, like what Burger King proposes, my way right away, instead of God's way the right way.

The verse that stuck out in my mind the most was verse 18 of James chapter 1. It states Remember, too, that we have a special role in His plan. He calls us to life by His message of truth so that we will show the rest of His creatures His gooodness and love.
What inspiration these words are to those that are people of the light.

Following Instruction

Alright so hears the deal, my staff and I are reading through the voice translation of the Bible. A friend of mine Chris Seay was the visionary behind the project. I challenged the staff to blog about what they have been reading, so I guess I better follow my own instruction and do the same. So my next few blogs will be me playing catch up on what I have been reading.

If you would like more information on the voice check out

www.hearthevoice.com

Rockstar-less

Yesterday I got to have lunch and hang with my good friend Robbie Seay. He is such an amazing man of God. One of the things that draws me most about him is that he is so humble. I have worked with many well known artist throughout the years, the sad reality is many of them have become rockstars instead of worship leaders. Robbie truly has a heart for God, his passion is not only radiated throughout his music but also by the way he simply carries himself. He had a new cd come out last week, please check it out...there is no doubt in my mind that you will dig it.

Foreshadowing

Life often changes as much as the winds change direction. One of my favorite parts of a stellar story is when the author introduces glimpses of foreshadowing. The last couple of days I have been involved in transitioning of my home. in the midst of all the labor that has been underway today I was able to pause and face with excitement of what is to come. As I cleaned out my little girls previous room the revelation that the very room I was sitting in a few months would house new life. At one time in my home I had an office in my spare bedroom, today my office has vanished and the room has now returned into a bedroom that now belongs to my daughter. As life takes us through winds of change and daily task at times tend to stretch us, never forget to pause and observe the glimpses of foreshadowing that at times might be present. Through the essence of recognizing those little hints of what is to come sometimes eases our labor pains.

The Lord has told you, human, what is good;
he has told you what he wants from you:
to do what is right to other people,
love being kind to others,
and live humbly, obeying your God. Micah 6:8

Optical Illusion

Life is the greatest paradox ever to be defined. There are so many occurrences throughout the natural life that are not what they seem. For instance many become poor in the midst of attempting to become rich. Some of the richest people are the poorest in American eye. Some of the most happiest people in the world step to a different beat. Some of the most depressed are those that lived their life for themselves giving away nothing. Some of the most content people I have ever met give more than they get. Some of the greatest joys are some of the simplest things that we stumble across. The older I get the more I realize that funerals aren't to celebrate one's life ending, for the believer it's to celebrate a life beginning. Some people live to die, yet others die to live. Joy can be found in the changes of the wind and in the fact the winds of life change. Today as you live your life, enjoy the paradoxes.

Live to Love.
C

NEW SERIES FINAL HOURS

FINAL HOURS

Bloody, beaten, and nailed to a cross, a dying Jesus looked at those around Him and spoke His final words as a man. What did he say? Join us as we relive Jesus' final hours starting March 21st, 2010

Robbie Seay in Abilene

Hey guys,
Got a text from my friend Robbie Seay yesterday letting me know he will be in town on March 30th. I would love for you guys to join me at this great event. Robbie is one of the most incredible worship leaders I know. His heart and passion for the Lord radiates from his music.

Here is the info for the Abilene Show:
RSB CD Release show with John Mark McMillan
March 30
Hardin Simmons University - Behrens Auditorium
2200 Hickory St Abilene, TX
7pm
Tickets: $10
www.itickets.com OR at the door

From Why to What...

In life we often find ourselves asking why? God why did this have to happen to me? God why did this person have to die? God why am I sick? I challenge you instead of asking why, ask God What? God what are you trying to accomplish? God what are you trying to teach me?


Live to Love.
C

Difficult Day

Wow, what a difficult day it was. Today I was face to face with the reality of the loss of my pastor and mentor growing up as I viewed him laying lifeless in a casket. Questions still at this moment invade my conciousness as I wonder why he took his life. In all honesty the sad tragedy is most pastors don't have the same access to the church as the common believer. What I mean by that is most pastors can not be totally transparent with their community about their struggles. Therefore they internalize their struggles and loneliness and depression begins to creep into the depths of their soul. At times I must admit leading a church is lonely, painful, and a bit overwhelming. Yet I will always hold true to the conviction I obtained many years ago, to be honest before my community. Regardless if I experience success or failure, my community will know exactly what I'm experiencing. As you read this I encourage you regardless what you are experiecing, share your struggles and your successes with others. Do not bottle your experiences up, ultimately allowing guilt and sorrow to drown you. As we share our brokenness and triumphs the world is able to glean a better image of redemption that is offered through Jesus Christ.

Live 2 Love.
C

My Pastor, My Friend, My second Dad

As a graduate student at Hardin Simmons University, one of the professors asked us to introduce ourselves on the first day of class by sharing our favorite life quote. Most of the students gave wise and honorable sentiments and proverbs but the not-so-traditional student who sat next to me gave the most memorable. He unveiled the wisdom that a widow had spoken into his life, “Son, in this life there is only one thing that can proceed our death…it is what we give to another man’s soul.” Years have passed but those words stuck to me like glue, especially when I think about Brother Wayne Oglesby, because Brother Wayne truly gave to my soul throughout my lifetime. Brother Wayne was my pastor, my friend, and much like a second father to me as a result of his son, Dusty being my best friend growing up. Since my early little league days, and hot summer days on the tennis court, Brother Wayne was always around. Brother Wayne, not once judged me, he simply loved and listened to me. When I lost 5 of my high school friends my junior year of high school it was Brother Wayne that was my rock, he was the one that was there to counsel me. It was Brother Wayne that opened his arms up to me, as I renewed my faith in God. At church camp, when I felt a pull to surrender to the ministry, it was Brother Wayne that set with me for hours explaining to me the processes of surrendering to the ministry. Months later after I surrendered to the ministry before the Calvary Congregation, it was Brother Wayne who on April 13th, 1997 licensed me to the Gospel ministry. On November 11th, 1999 it was Brother Wayne who stood at the pulpit, who preached about being obedient to the call of God, when the Holy Spirit convicted me to go and volunteer at a homeless ministry. It was Brother Wayne, who encouraged me and inspired me to go and work at the homeless ministry. Thirteen years later, I still serve the homeless and poor in our city, but from a different position. I serve them as their senior pastor for the last 7 years. There is no doubt in my mind if it wasn’t for Brother Wayne being obedient to the call of God, and for him being a faithful pastor, friend, and second Dad to me, there is no way I would be the person I am today. When skimming my notes looking for something that reminds me of Brother Wayne, I came across this poem.

There are heroes who walk among us, never looking for glory or praise

They don't seek recognition for their thoughtful, caring ways. 

Living lives of deep commitment, providing for those they hold dear

Steadfast with a quiet strength, through times of laughter and tears. 

Brother Wayne, You are a person like that to me

One of the most selfless men by far

So Bro Wayne, I'd like to thank you, for being the HERO that you are

Although Brother Wayne no longer walks the streets of this world, and now resides with his Heavenly Maker, his legacy lives on in me and the thousands of lives that he touched around the world as a result of what he gave to our souls. Brother Wayne, all I can say is thank you, thank you for the love you showed me, thank you for the late night conversations you shared with me, thank you for lending me your shoulder to cry on in my times of trouble, thank you for the words you shared that inspire me to be the person I am today…Thank you

Live to Love,




Chad Mitchell

MAIN STV SPEAKER 2010 BOOKED

My good friend Chris Padot, a national know media personality will be the featured speaker this year at the STOP THE VIOLENCE RALLY 2010

Taken directly from his site:
he Story. The Result.

Chris grew up in a broken home. He saw and faced abuse. Drugs, stealing, infidelity, fighting, divorce. When he became a teen, his grandparents took him in and shielded him from these environments, but a lot of damage was already done. The pain and anger was deep. So he rebelled. Fighting, reckless behavior and countless run-ins with the law were common. This former way of life all ended abruptly on Halloween Day 2002.
Chris had been out of trouble for about one year and had become a professional model and also owned and operated a tree service in Florida. On a routine job, a limb was cut from a tree about sixty feet up and came crashing down on Chris' head. His life drastically changed after this near fatal injury at the age of twenty five when he suffered over one hundred skull, facial and sinus fractures. After being air-lifted to the hospital and his family given the prognosis that he wouldn't make it through surgery, Chris miraculously recovered in five days. Since then, he's never been the same.

Alhough Chris is still in his early 30's, you wouldn't know it from his resume. He's shared the stage with some of Industry's most notable speakers and performers and hosted "RocHouse Cafe", a TV show that airs in nearly 180 countries. He's been featured on NiteLine, DirecTV and DISH Satellite, and has been written about all over the east coast in print media. For the past five years, this Florida native and current Philadelphia resident has toured as a successful speaker sharing his inspirational words with nearly 100,000 kids and adults. Rest assured that most of them left with a broad smile on their face and hope in their heart.

He now speaks and creates events to help at-risk youth who had a similar upbringing. As Founder and Executive Director of Crossthreadz, Chris has the privelege to let kids know that "I turned my life around and so can you!". Chris personally mentors nine at-risk youth pro bono. Chris has conducted over 500 speaking engagements and has shared the stage with individuals and groups such as Newsong, Kutless, Pillar, Superchick, DMX, Hawk Nelson, Stellar Kart, Manic Drive, Paul Wright, Salvador, Stephen Baldwin, ZoeGirl, Nickelback, Norma Jean, Three 6 Mafia, Underoath, Black Eyed Peas, 311, Tony Dungy, Toby Mac, Barlow Girl, Geoff Moore, Jump 5, Lifehouse, Disciple, Newsboys and many more! Let him help you coordinate and promote a concert or festival to make a positive impact in your community or city, or let him speak for your event - whether it be before 30 people in a homeless shelter or a prison, the streets, or a 10,000 plus surburban youth event!

Crossthreadz Events: Our Festivals are 1 to 3 day, 1 to 3 stage events that bring together some of the best performers in rock and roll, along with dozens of artists in complementary styles such as jazz, Americana, hip-hop, electronica, and just about any contemporary music you can think of! Additionally you may find cutting edge motocross athletes, professional skaters, BMXers and most importantly, a Message of Hope! Our method is unconventional but the goal is clear and unquestionable.

SHONLOCK BOOKED FOR STV 2010

IT'S OFFICIAL SHONLOCK IS COMING TO ABILENE... STOP THE VIOLENCE JULY 17TH 2010




CHECK OUT HIS WEBSITE AT http://www.shonlock.com/

Taken directly from his site: Illinois-bred, hip hop crooner, producer and writer Deshon Bullock a.k.a. Shonlock canvasses a form of artistry which resonates into a discerning lesson in the art of translation... The former dancer and choreographer for Arrested Development and R and B princess Aaliyah is a multi-instrumentalist, serving up the type of production, lyricism, and performance stamina that leave fans yearning for more. Lock’s genius has garnered him an eclectic space in the arena of emerging spiritually-conscious artists; however the Atlanta-based lyricists resume rivals that of most veteran artists. “I started my career in the clubs of Chicago, during a time when hip hop soul was establishing a platform. I studied the type of artists that made good music. My evolution from a dancer to a lyricist/performer came from years of hard work with the ultimate goal of becoming the all-around artist/performer.“

After his spiritual transformation and short stint with Aaliyah, Lock began to choreograph shows for some of the Christian industry’s most noted talent. He added the electrifying spark to shows for Grammy nominated duo Grits, Word recording artist Nicole C. Mullen and The Katinas. It was during this transition period that Lock was picked up by industry veteran Toby Mac as a touring artist and choreographer, a position which he still holds today. While on the road with the industry’s top headlining artists, Lock recorded a self-produced hip hop project which sold more than 15,000 units. The out-of-the-trunk numbers Lock obtained were solid enough to grab the attention of several labels and the bidding war began. However, in December of 2005 Lock signed with Nashville-based Word Records, making him the first hip hop artist signed by the label.

While significant anticipation of Lock’s inaugural release Nobility grew, creative differences with the label ensued. Upon completion of the project, which included strong collaborations with V3, John Katina and Trinitee 5:7, Lock was let out of his contract and the record never released.

Lock continued to make significant contributions, scoring hits with the recording industry’s most bankable artists. His lyrical credits are showcased on: EMI’s Kierra ‘KiKi’ Sheard’s Just Until remix CD, Mandisa’s Love Somebody, Toby Mac’s Renovating Diverse City, Verbs Unlocked CD, and EMI upstart group V3’s single Take Me There.

In 2009, Lock signed a major label deal with Arrow/Universal Records and began work on his highly anticipated forthcoming yet titled CD, scheduled for 2010. While Lock continues to tour with Forefront/EMI artist Toby Mac, he released a duo of radio charted singles. The tremendously successful Advert featuring label mate Canton Jones and V3 and Fire Away from the Hip Hop Remixed CD (Aarow/Universal). Additionally, Lock and his band Da Monsta continue to tour around the country.

Hide and Seek

Without going into detail, I must say that today has been one of the most eventful AND bizarre days of my entire ministry. Today I got word that someone I know very well was missing and had been assaulted the night before. After searching much of the day, we were able to locate this particular individual through direct intervention from our Heavenly Maker. They were pad locked in an apartment by another human being. After confronting the person that padlocked the individual in, he opened the door. The police arrived and handled the situation. After medical examination it was concluded that they are okay, shaken up but okay, thank the Lord. I say all of this to say, I think today I got a little bit closer glimpse of what Jesus feels when his lost become found. .

Please lift this person up in prayer...I can not release more info due to obvious reasons of stuff still pending, but God knows who they are.

SOME DAY, I'm writing a book called only at THE MISSION