I've finally came to the decision to only post here in wordpress and not on myspace. I've fought it for a while but finally gave in!! So to those of you who enjoy reading the blog over in myspace world, you'll have to subscribe here in wordpress. I'll still post a bulletin from time to time to let you know what's going on and the blog still automatically imports into facebook. It's time to consolidate!

So long myspace blog, it's been a good run!!

So I know I'm writing this to the wrong audience. Most likely if you are reading this you are a blogger or at least enjoy reading blogs. Either way, you exist in the blog world at some level. I've really been wrestling lately with the why's of blogging. I love it, I have built relationship's on here and have learned a great deal from other bloggers. However, I also think there is a certain amount of responsibility that comes along with blogging. After having some lengthy conversations with a good friend about this subject, I've resolved to be cautious about several things when it comes to blogging. Here are the red flags and/or trouble spots of blogging.

1. Don't use your blog as a weapon. It's not a venue to be passive aggressive or a place to deal with issues in your life that need confronting.
2. Don't vent on your blog. Venting should be done in private with a close friend, spouse, etc. Most the time after you vent, and calm down, and get control of your emotions, and realized the truth, you will be glad you didn't post it for the world to see.
3. Don't let your blog consume you. My Blogfather said that he now blogs for fun. It brings him enjoyment and doesn't add another stress or thing on the "to-do" list.
4. Make sure you prioritize you blog. It's easy to put blogging before things or people where it shouldn't be. We say we don't have time to exercise, read, pray, worship, etc but somehow we can come up with time to post multi blogs a day.

Here's a couple areas of caution.....

* When the influence of your blog outweighs the level of your character.
* When you get wrapped up in the "popularity contest" of it all.
* When we create a false sense of "Connectivity" or "Community" but in reality people have never been or felt more alone.

Do I believe that community can happen through blogging? absolutely. Do I think it's enough? Absolutely not. I've built what I would consider great friendships through blogging, people that I've never met. The problem is, we can be whoever we want in the online world. How many times do we see that happening in our culture? Whether it be through myspace, facebook, chat rooms, etc.

I'm still a huge advocate of blogging, when it's in balance. What are your thoughts? Have I missed the boat? What are some "red flags" for you? Why do you blog? How do you keep it in balance?

I'm getting everything squared away to take off for a few days. I have an exciting week coming up, part of which I want you to be a part of. This week Michael Neale and band will be playing several worship concerts across the state of Florida. We'll be in Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Ormond Beach, and Deland.

Here's your part, if you're in the area consider joining us this Friday night, June 6th, 7:00 P.M., at The Beachside Church here in Ormond Beach. It's going to be a great time for area churches to get together, enjoy some great music, and worship together.

In addition, if you are a worship leader or serve on your worship team, you're invited to come and hang with us on Sat, June 7th from 9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. A bunch of us worship leaders and team members (this includes media, tech, etc.) are going to be gathering together to learn how to better do what we do. Michael will be taking time to teach as well as a time for Q & A. Also, we will spend time with each other discussing what works, what doesn't, comparing notes, encouraging each other, etc. The cost is $25 and lunch is included. We've had great response so far but there's still room available if you want to join us. Simply send us an email at office@thebeachsidechurch.com and let us know you plan to attend.

* This weekend we had fun. Not all Sunday's are fun, but this one was.
* I really enjoyed the band that played. I don't get to play with those guys (and girl) often so when I do I appreciate it.
* Robbie did a great job setting up "Connection Time" this week. We created "Connection Time" to give people the chance to take communion, give their tithes and offering, get a coffee refill, etc. A lot of people that have been around church for a while don't understand it (we're ok wit that). Sometimes we just do it with little or no explanation. This weekend, Robbie set it up real well and used it as a teaching moment.
* We taught an original song last week and this week we did it again. The people really seemed to take to it so that was encouraging.
* This was Joseph's second week running media and mixing. He's doing an excellent job filling in for Gus.
* the Campus Outreach crew was there. It will be great having 30+ college students serving at Beachside this summer and worshiping with us.

So tonight I'm playing on concert after the Daytona Cubs game at the local baseball stadium. I'm not nervous at all about the concert (although I'm losing my voice a bit). BUT, they asked me to throw the first pitch, that I'm terrified about! Now in my defense, I was an all star short stop for about 5 years in a row in little league. Not trying to toot my own horn but I had some defensive skills in my prime (about 7 yrs old - 12yrs old). I never had much of an arm though. The goal is to not skip it to the plate. I don't care if I have to throw it to the back stop, I'm going to get it there. Anyway, if you're local, come to the cubs game tonight and witness a potential embarrassing moment. It all starts around 6:30. I'll be the one in the tight baseball pants, stirrups, and cleats.

I know the title of this post is super cliche these days. Although I believe in it, I tend to shy away from anything overused. With that being said, I heard a great story at church on Sunday. A lady approached me about a song we did a couple months ago in church. She said, "Remember when you did "Addicted to Love" by Robert Palmer?". I immediately thought, "Oh no", another story of how we offended someone. The song just fit so well with the theme of the day and the band pulled it off great. She went on to tell me how that was her first time at Beachside and the first impression of our church (not going to lie, I was sweating a bit at this point). She proceeded to give me her story, one of physical and emotional abuse, and how she was trapped in a horrible relationship. When we did that song matched with the truth of God's word, something snapped for her. It began a chain of better decisions that brought her to where she is today. She stood in front of me with tears in her eyes, thankful for the change God made in her. And to think it all started with a stupid Robert Palmer song! (sorry but it is)

I don't write this to speak of how good we are. We miss it just as much as we get it right. Instead, I want to encourage you that God can use an infinite number of things to draw people to himself. Don't be afraid to step out and try something. Last week we had someone play a song on "guitar hero". It supported the content of the day but was really more for fun than anything. I don't know that it mattered much BUT while it was going on, I saw 10 - 15 teenagers that I've never seen before sitting up front watching was going on. They heard we were doing and they showed up to check it out.

I'm not big on entertaining Christians. Not that I think it's wrong, it's just not my thing. I'm a worship leader and I'm most at home when the people are engaged and participating with me. However, we have to remember this equation. To entertain = to capture = to influence. As long as we're pointing to Christ and staying true to His word.

Here's are a few of my petpeeves when it comes to working with different personalities and within myself.

When we.....

1. work really hard to be heard when we really should shut up and listen.

2. play the "misunderstood" card too often.

3. imply it's everyone else's fault

4. never internalize

5. always have the victim mentality

6. don't realize that everyone has it rough, everyone struggles, everyone feels at the end of their rope at some point.

7. jusitfy and rationalize our actions to fit our personal desires.

8. take the Word of God out of context and use it to prove our point.

I don't intend to sound angry because I'm not. I'm just tired of whiny, self centered "Christians". God has called us to so much more.

Mathew 16:24-26 "Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?"

here is my mind dump from this past weekends gatherings;

* Although I enjoyed vacation I enjoyed getting back to the action. I love this church.
* Robbie dismissed the rumors that he or I were leaving! I love a good scandal. We believe in what God is doing here more than ever and are honored to be a part of it.
* My media director was out of town and the new guy stepped in and did a great job.
* The first two gatherings were great but the the third struggled. I need to figure out how we can do a better job of ending strong. Maybe it's fatigue or lack of concentration? any advice/suggestions?
* My friend Diane came in and led with me. She did an excellent job. She is a worshiper to the core. It was good to sing with her again.
* We did a song we wrote and it seemed to go over real well. I'm my own worst critic. Robbie told me this week to start using some of my songs or to stop writing them. I guess it sounds harsh but he knows me real well. He knows how I struggle with using originals and he was trying to motivate me. It worked. I appreciate his support.
* I met a bunch of new people today excited about getting involved in ministry. It really pumps me up. Especially the ones that don't like the "style" of our church but understand the vision and why we do things. That really gets me excited, when people can lay down their preference and support the mission.
* I saw a lot of old friends today as well. Some were in from out of town, some just haven't been to church in a while, some from other churches that were visiting. It was fun to see some familiar, encouraging faces.
* I have to mention Robbie's teaching. He really is emerging as one of my all time favorite teachers (and I'm not just saying that for brownie points, I don't need them). This weekend the bottom line of the message was, "Is Jesus enough?". It really hit home for me. Interestingly enough, since Friday's staff meeting where he spoke to us about this, and since I've been trying to walk this message out by faith, Jesus has "been enough" in areas where I really needed him. He has opened up doors of provision in areas I was concerned about. When we get to a place where we understand how great a Father we have, the more we can rest in his care.

Great discussions are really what fuel my soul. As much as I hate (and I mean hate) small talk, the extreme opposite is true when it comes to a good conversation. This morning our staff minus Steve (enjoy your day off bro) walked across the street to Starbucks for a good, sit down chat. Friday morning is when Robbie takes the chance to speak truth into our lives. It also helps us to know what God is showing him personally. Today Robbie asked some great questions. We dove head first into topics like peace, rest, dependency on God, finding all we need in Jesus, and so on. It was refreshing and encouraging. Robbie has a gift for starting great discussions without causing an argument (although sometimes people still get offended but thats their problem not his. A lot of people don't like to be challenged, especially when it comes to their "theology". Ok enough of my rant. Plus this is too long of statement for it to be in parenthesis). Arguments happen when the person initiating the talk is arrogant and acts like they have it all figured out. They're just trying to get you to see it their way. Questions that are asked based on a desire to seek God and to know Him more is less threatening (or at least should be, please refer to my earlier parenthesis rant) Humility is endearing and is a gateway to influence.

How often do you engage in a good conversation about things that matter? How often do you take the time to listen instead of working to be heard? Do you provoke great discussions or do you just start arguments?