HoodLife

Converge Conference

2011-07-07T11:16:00.002-04:00

I can't believe we are 13 days away from this. Heart is full and expecting!

DO IT NOW!

2011-05-20T01:11:00.002-04:00

Procrastination has a high cost. For instance, according to one study by H&R Block, Americans pay an average of $400 a year more because we put off doing our taxes and then, we rush at the last minute and make mistakes that cost us more money. And the cost of procrastination in ministry can be significantly higher. For us, procrastination isn’t measured in dollars; it is measured in ministries never started, people with needs going unmet, and those who are spiritually lost never hearing the gospel.

The Bible says, “Remember, it’s a sin to know what you ought to do and then not to do it.” (James 4:17 NLT) When God calls you to do something, but you don’t do it, it’s not just a bad strategy or a missed blessing. It is sin. If God has called you to do something in your ministry and you are not doing it, do it now. Not next month, next week, or even tomorrow – do it right now. Proverbs 21:1 says, "Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.” (NLT) None of us is guaranteed a tomorrow. You may not have the opportunity to do what God has called you to do tomorrow. You could be saying you’ll do it someday. That someday is today! One of these days is none of these days. Do it today. Start right now!

I talk to guys who say they’re planning to do something in ministry. And I always want to ask, “When are you going to pull the trigger?” They've been taking aim for years; yet, they never seem to get around to pulling the trigger. Don’t be like that. You need to pull the trigger. These three words could change your ministry forever: DO IT NOW!

Spend a few minutes RIGHT NOW and write down one thing you know God wants you to do in your ministry. Whatever it is, write it down and then put that note in a place where you can’t miss it -- like on your bathroom mirror or on the refrigerator. But don’t just write it down. Don’t just read it on your refrigerator. Do it -- now! Every time you catch yourself saying you’ll do it later, it should be a warning light that says you’re procrastinating. There's no better time than now. This is the moment of truth. There's got to be a time in your life when you stop intending and start acting. Stop making excuses.

NASA says that getting the rocket off the launch pad requires the most amount of energy. Once the rocket is in orbit, it takes a lot less energy to keep moving forward. That’s why you need to get started now. The initial thrust will start you moving forward.

---Repost from pastors.com---

The Waiting Room of God

2011-05-14T10:02:00.006-04:00

Hate is a strong word and I rarely use it but in this case it is necessary. I HATE going to the doctor's office. No, I'm not scared of the office itself or needles but I hate it because you have to wait so long (usually) and not only that after they call your name they usually make you wait again until you finally see the doc!

Many of us feel the same way about God. No I'm not saying that we hate God, I'm saying that many people have felt/heard the call of God but now find themselves in the waiting room and it seems as though nothing is happening.

But as Steven Furtick would say, "Between the promise and the payoff there is a process". Look at some famous Biblical characters:

David: it was at least a twenty year gap between being anointed king and becoming king.

Moses: spent 40 years in the desert, got called, spent another year & a half to free the children of Israel from Egypt, then another 40 in the desert.

Paul: after being converted spent 3 years in the desert before any missionary journey.

Jesus: 30 years in the background before he performed his first miracle at a wedding in Cana.

The Bible says don't grow weary in well doing for in due season you shall reap the hearvest and that the words of the Lord shall not come back void but it shall accomplish the thing that it was sent forth to do.

So, you are in the waiting room, that's ok, don't allow the process to diminish the promise, the time is coming when you will hear the knock on the door and it will open for you!

She is My Beautiful!

2011-04-19T11:54:00.006-04:00

In Converge we have been going through a series called Beautiful: A series For Girls and the Guys who pursue them! I can honestly say that it has been the best series that we have done in the year that I have been here. From the music to the creative aspect to the messages (by the way I have only preached once, hope that is not a tell tale sign)

I have been telling the guys not to check out of this series just because it is technically geared towards girls because they too can learn a lot from this series!! Boy was I right, the guys have loved every minute of this series, what I didn't know is how much I would learn in this series also!

I have always loved my wife and will always love her with the grace of God but sometimes you just need a reminder of how much they mean to you and God has been reminding me of that a lot lately. We all have a tendency to let the routine of life make exceptional things normal and its not until something or someone who is not a part of the routine steps in and reminds you how exceptional your normal is.

So to Megan Vining Hood (no hyphen :)) you are exceptional...

an exceptional MOM

an exceptional FRIEND

an exceptional WOMAN

an exceptional GIVER

an exceptional WIFE

an exceptional WRITER

an exceptional DISCIPLE

an exceptional PERSON

you are EXCEPTIONAL!!!

Mike Checka 1!

2011-03-23T19:22:00.005-04:00

There comes a few times in life when you meet people that you know God has put in your path to encourage you, to inspire you and just to plan make you jealously of all their skills. My boi Mike Santigo is one of them!

Mike just happen to be the youth pastor up the street from me... but he's much more than that!

For real, the best thing to do is go and check out his new site @ www.checkthemike.com tell'em Mario sent cha!!

Busy Bee!

2011-02-21T09:50:00.004-05:00

Lots going on round ere! <---- that's my South Cackalacky (urban dictionary if you don't know what that means) coming out :)

My week ahead:

Monday 21st - TBN Miami w/ The Bishop

Tuesday 22nd - Converge Open Mic w/ Brandon Perritte, Micah James Brown, Genesis

Wednesday 23rd - Magic bball game

Thursday 24th - Clear ( something fun with family!)

Friday 25th - In-laws are coming... Yippeee ;-) (notice the wink, I kid I kid)

Monday 28th - Youth Pastor Summit

Tuesday 1st - Converge prayer and worship night

Friday 4th - Compel Night 2!!

Let's get it!!!

Guest post from Megan Hood!

2011-02-17T16:25:00.001-05:00

Recap of our Bermuda Trip! sub to Megan's Blog!

Do you ever feel like your life is in high gear, accelerating at a very high speed? I remember thinking I need to blog, I need to blog and then puting it off and I feel like my life in hindsight are fleeting memories that may or may not be able to be retrieved. Anyways, I was gone 5 days to Bermuda. I know, I should have been blogging about the upcoming event but I am funny about announcing I am going to be gone when my babies will be home with their caretaker.

So, Mario and I were asked to speak at a youth conference in Bermuda. We sure, "Let us pray about it," that's a lie, haha. We really actually said, "Of course, we think we can suffer for the cause of Christ in your beautiful country!" We left on the 9th and came home on the 13th. It was a beautiful trip. Breathtaking scenery, lovely people, a faithful God who did amazing things in our services.

This trip allowed me the rare opportunity to be on a platform in front of total strangers which I know is my ultimate calling from God. It was an amazing opportunity that I won't forget. 24 souls were saved! That's what it's all about! Here are some pics...

It was raining. I had no umbrella. What's a girl to do?

Grab a showercap and go! Thanks, Jenna!
One of my favorite speakers!

Bermuda has pink sand! The waves wash peices of coral up on shore.

When you look closely you see tiny bits of pink grains! Beautiful!
Funny story, I had no bag to get sand so I was in the bathroom and took a few of these.
Worked perfectly, it was all I could find.

There are two lighthouses on the island. This is one of them.

Beautiful stained glass in a church!

Smallest drawbridge in the world!

Pretty church!

This just makes me laugh!

This makes me smile and relax a little.

Our babies did amazing! Our caretaker is just that. I can not call her a babysitter...she is so much more. I believe she is our modern day Mary Poppins, sent straight from God.

Benjamin Banneker

2011-02-10T11:00:00.000-05:00

Benjamin Banneker was born in Maryland on November 9, 1731. His father and grandfather were former slaves.
A farmer of modest means, Banneker nevertheless lived a life of unusual achievement. In 1753, the young man borrowed a pocket watch from a well-to-do neighbor; he took it apart and made a drawing of each component, then reassembled the watch and returned it, fully functioning, to its owner.
From his drawings Banneker then proceeded to carve, out of wood, enlarged replicas of each part. Calculating the proper number of teeth for each gear and the necessary relationships between the gears, he constructed a working wooden clock that kept accurate time and struck the hours for over 50 years.
At age 58, Banneker began the study of astronomy and was soon predicting future solar and lunar eclipses. He compiled the ephemeris, or information table, for annual almanacs that were published for the years 1792 through 1797. "Benjamin Banneker's Almanac" was a top seller from Pennsylvania to Virginia and even into Kentucky.
In 1791, Banneker was a technical assistant in the calculating and first-ever surveying of the Federal District, which is now Washington, D.C.
The "Sable Astronomer" was often pointed to as proof that African Americans were not intellectually inferior to European Americans. Thomas Jefferson himself noted this in a letter to Banneker.
Banneker died on Sunday, October 9, 1806 at the age of 74. A few small memorial traces still exist in the Ellicott City/Oella region of Maryland, where Banneker spent his entire life except for the Federal survey. It was not until the 1990s that the actual site of Banneker's home, which burned on the day of his burial, was determined.
In 1980, the U.S. Postal Service issued a postage stamp in his honor.

Bermuda!

2011-02-09T11:00:00.000-05:00

As we speak or you read Megan and I are headed to Bermuda to be apart of a Youth Conference! Could not have imagine a year ago this time that God would allow us to be apart of something like this. Please pray for both of us as we ministry multiple times throughout our time over there!

See ya soon, and yes be jealous :)

p.s. that pic is from when we got engaged back in 05! I hope they don't expect us to look that good, well at least not me, lol.

Say What!

2011-02-08T11:00:00.001-05:00

Faith has everything to do with you and has noting to do with you! - Steven Furtick

Which comes first? Position or preparation?

2011-02-07T10:58:00.001-05:00

Repost from John Maxwell on Leadership --- he's kinda smart :)

When I meet people in social settings and they ask me what I do for a living, some of them are intrigued when I say I write books and speak. And they often ask what I write about. When I say leadership, the response that makes me chuckle most goes something like this: “Oh. Well, when I become a leader, I’ll read some of your books.” What I don’t say (but want to) is: “If you’d read some of my books, maybe you’d become a leader.”

Good leadership is learned in the trenches. Leading as well as they can wherever they are is what prepares leaders for more and greater responsibility. Becoming a good leader is a lifelong learning process. If you don’t try out your leadership skills and decision-making process when the stakes are small and the risks are low, you’re likely to get into trouble at higher levels when the cost of mistakes is high, the impact is far reaching, and the exposure is greater. Mistakes made on a small scale can be easily overcome. Mistakes made when you’re at the top can cost the organization greatly, and they damage a leader’s credibility.

How do you become the person you desire to be? You start now to adopt the thinking, learn the skills, and develop the habits of the person you wish to be. It’s a mistake to daydream about “one day” when you’ll be on top, instead of handling today so that it prepares you for tomorrow. As Hall of Fame basketball coach John Wooden said, “When opportunity comes it’s too late to prepare.” If you want to be a successful leader, learn to lead BEFORE you have a leadership position.

Friday Random Ramblings

2011-02-03T20:25:00.004-05:00

This edition is all above baby Cola who celebrated one year on earth yesterday! Enjoy some pics.

Power with Purpose

2011-02-01T10:00:00.001-05:00

Power cannot be separated from the gospel- for the same Christ who gave Himself to be crucified in weakness was raised from the dead by the power of the Spirit. Whenever the word of the Cross is preached, God confirms the power of the Cross by giving new life those who believe. Through weakness, Paul discovered that god can manifest strength. God's power is manifest through the weakness of the Cross, and it is also manifest through the weakness of the messenger. For in the confessed weakness of our own person, we find strength of the person of the Holy Spirit who bears witness to Jesus. --- Power with Purpose, John A. Sims

Thankful!

2011-01-31T12:57:00.003-05:00

Sometimes we just need to stop and say thank you God for all that you have done, your doing and what your going to do!

So thank you God. That's all!

Friday Random Ramblings

2011-01-28T13:01:00.003-05:00

Special Edition: Things I'm excited about!

- Going to Bermuda to be apart of THIS!

-My boy Brandon is coming to bless the mic on Feb.22!

- Celebrating Cola's 1 year Bday... my wife has planned the whole thing = FUN!

-@ChrisDurso is putting on a conference, have you heard about it! Yes I want to go :)

- Did I mention I'm going to Bermuda... so is Megan, it's a working anniversary :) 5 years on Feb.25th!!

- Speaking of conference here is one to check out for sure... I'm bias of this one :)

-Going to my 1st Magic Game on Sunday!!

- Newspring's Unleash... it's a one day leadership training and I get to go with @checkthemike!

Midweek Motivation

2011-01-26T19:29:00.001-05:00

Faith is the organ of knowledge an love is the organ of experience - AW Tozer

Vblog #2

2011-01-25T17:43:00.001-05:00

Friday Random Ramblings

2011-01-21T17:17:00.003-05:00

- Friday is Mommy Morning at out, so my day consist of cleaning and cooking and catering to my wife's needs :)

- Looks like everyone is saying not to buy Verizon iPhone.

- Planning a conference is hard!!

- Excited that one of my best friends is coming in a few weeks, I think i'll make him preach :)

- Planning Compel Night 2... it's going to be sick!

- My baby girl turns 1 on February 3rd... I can't believe it.

- Romans is probably my favorite book of the Bible!

- TMTIC has the best staff in the world #justsaying

- I want some new Toms.

- Still reflecting on the fact that Pastor Violet Kiteley prayed over me. A living legend of the faith, thankful for the moment!

Throwback Thursday

2011-01-20T13:40:00.003-05:00

Converge was awesome once again this past Tuesday... Probably the best service we have had all year! We continued in the series "The Ghost" - discovering the Holy Spirit. I felt like I preached / communicated well ( 1st time in a couple of weeks--- just to be honest).

My sermon was titled: There is No Place Like Home.

Scriptures used: John 16:8-11 & Luke 23:32-43

Main point: Conviction leads to Chastisement not Condemnation.

Key Thought: Conviction is not a sign that God wants to punish you, but it is a sign that God wants to get rid of the thing that is keeping you from His presence.

Summary: We had a guest artist "Genesis" and wife Christian come and rap/sing, they were phenomenal. The students really loved them and again I felt like I preach well (my wife even said so :) ) Small groups went great... I can really feel a shift happening in the leadership and students. Love serving with my staff and church. Greater things are still to be done!

Midweek Motivation

2011-01-19T10:39:00.001-05:00

All that I have I don't deserve & all that I deserve grace wouldn't let me fathom. #thankful

via - @mamamhood

Uneducated & Common

2011-01-19T10:37:00.001-05:00

My Boy!

2011-01-18T10:55:00.002-05:00

Random Ramblings

2011-01-14T11:03:00.003-05:00

- Been sick all week, finally feeling better, at about 80%!

- Going to a wedding tomorrow, always reminds me of the day Megan and I said I do.

- Excited to speak at Infusion Conference next month.

- It's so awesome watching your kids grow up, but also sad because you know they will never be this age again :(

- Listened to the Beach Boys this morning :)

- Read and article about five overnight millionaires, all had simple ideas that was an answer to a simple problem.

- Dad, don't hit me in my heart, Jesus lives in there! -Dalen Hood (my 3 year old)

Challenge = Growth

2011-01-11T10:15:00.005-05:00

In almost every area of your life it is considered good for you to challenge yourself so that you can find out your own limitations. Right now a bunch of people are challenging themselves to lose a certain amount of weight. For some (probably most) people will not hit their goal and they will see that as a failure, but I want to suggest that even though they did not hit their goal because they challenged themselves they discover what their limitations were, which ultimately will lead to growth if you understand them right.

If you noticed I said in almost every of your life, and that's because when it comes to faith most of us shut down when someone begins to challenge your faith. Just look at a couple years ago when the author Dan Brown released, The Da Vinci Code, the uproar from Christians was deafening. Before you crucify me, I know there is a time to defend our faith, what I saying is that instead of trying to ban the movie, we should have used it to show what was really truth ( you know, doing the whole using what was meant for evil and turning it into good)!

You could even apply it to your pastor, when he or she preaches something that challenges your way of thought, instead of just writing them off as well that's their way and this is my way, how about taking it as a challenge to restudy what you thought was true... what's the worst that could happen, either you will grow closer to God or rediscover how close you really are.

Here's the point, whenever you run into a challenge when dealing with faith, take it head on because you will experience growth either way. Don't be afraid to ask questions, it's time for us to not just know what we believe but why we believe it!

Random Friday

2011-01-07T12:44:00.003-05:00

- Had a great date with the Mrs. last night... love finding all the great places in Orlando to be with my bride!

- Great piece of advertising... here

- Excited for our Leadership Advance tomorrow!

- Also excited to go Ice Skating with the team, Here!

- My boy Brandon is planting a church, if you are in or near Cleveland TN you need to check it out! Follow him here.

- Had another person tell us that one of our kids needs to be a model, we are looking into it now.

-John Wilds is the best worship leader I know of, can't wait to the world discovers him... he just happens to be at my church :) Check him out here.

Proclaim the Whisper

2011-01-07T00:11:00.004-05:00

I am loving reading the New Testament in 30 days on www.youversion.com it's not to late if you want o join!

While reading the other day, this one verse that leaped off the page at me. In Matthew 10:27 Jesus says: What I tell you in the dark, say in the light and what you hear whispered proclaim on the housetops. (esv)

Jesus says there are somethings he wants to tell you in the dark or where no one else will see and He actually wants to whisper somethings to you. Think about that... in order to whisper to someone you have to be in close proximity to someone, close enough that no one else can hear. But here's the kicker... usually when someone whispers something to you, they don't want you repeating it, but Jesus says, no only do I want you to tell people, but get to the most visible place you can and shout it out!

The only question left is, are you close enough to Jesus to hear him whisper?

Midweek Motivation

2011-01-05T14:35:00.002-05:00

But unless the weight of the burden is felt, the gospel can mean nothing to the man; and until he sees a vision of God high and lifted up, there will be no woe an no burden. Low views of God destroy the gospel for all who hold them.

-- A.W. Tozer The Knowledge of The Holy

The New Middle Road.

2011-01-03T09:37:00.001-05:00

Which road are you on? Let's be radical!!

Friday Random Ramblings

2010-12-31T13:02:00.003-05:00

- Never done a 21 day fast, excited and scared at the same time... I love chicken!

- Just bought some boots because my boys T. Rousey and Brandon Perritte were flashing there's on twitter :)

-Happy New Years!

- Celebrating 5 years of marriage with my wife on February 25th, looks we might get to go out of the country!

- Waiting on my messenger bag for my iPad to come... hurry please!

- Speaking of T. Rousey... he is probably the best dressed youth pastor I know!

- I really want to go to Jesus Culture's Awakening in Chicago... are you going?

- Thinking of spending all of next year reading books only on theology... it's making my head hurt just thinking about, thinking about it!

- My two kids are totally opposites! I never believed people when they would say the second is nothing like the first one... they were right, but I love it!

-Did I say Happy New Years!!!!

Throwback Thursday

2010-12-30T16:37:00.005-05:00

This will be a new feature to the blog where I will recap on Thursdays about the Converge Experience on Tuesday (hence the reason I call it Throwback Thursday... I know kinda cheesy but it's my blog :)!) Anyway hope you enjoy hearing the recaps from Converge.

This past Tuesday at Converge we had a special guest, Michael Dow, and ministry team come in, and wow, he had an amazing word! He brought about 20 of his students up from Plant City , Fl with him and those guys/girls totally rocked! I love it when the Big Church comes together to glorify God! Here are just a few notes I took from Pastor Mike's message, you can check out the audio of the message below my notes!

"The Dream Catcher"

Luke 1:26-28

-God has a great dream for you, sometimes our dreams can block the dream God has for us!

-Are you childlike in your faith or childish?

3 stages to Mary hearing what the angel said to her:

1) The Reaction- Mary couldn't understand why... you can not conquer anything your not willing to confront!

2) The Reception- Mary thought a man had to be in place for her to achieve what God had in plan, but he wanted her to be an original!

3) The Response- just because you don't understand the command of God, doesn't mean you shouldn't follow it!

last one and probably my favorite, Pastor Mike said, "it's not a bad place to be when Jesus is the only person that still believes in you!"

Check out Pastor Mike's website and bring him to your church, group or event... he's awesome!

www.michaeldowministries.com // www.twitter.com/michaeldow

Midweek Motivation

2010-12-29T10:57:00.003-05:00

Don't let outside factors, determine inside motivation!

--I woke up this morning and literally this was the thought that ran through my head. I am so sick and tied of outside factors determining when I purse the dream or idea that God has given me, or a goal that I have set!

Plainly speaking: If you have a goal, dream, or idea stop waiting for a certain time, place or person to come and start chasing after that thing right now! If God has given you the idea then he will close or open the doors that need to be closed or opened!

One of my New Years Goals was to blog more... why wait to New Years, what's so special about that... Today is the day that the Lord has made!

So I got a jump on my New Years Goals... now it's your turn!

The Gift

2010-11-24T15:48:00.003-05:00

God has given us all gifts and talents, when I say all I mean all people not just those who are Christian. I know that may not seem like a revelation to some of you because you are way smarter than me but this hit me like a ton of bricks the other day while I was driving in my car dreaming of the future and some ideas that I have.

I've heard this passage preached many times and of course it applies to those of the faith but I firmly believe that because God is in the birth making process that he puts those gifts inside of us at the moment of birth. So to me the question is not are we all gifted to do something but who will we glorify with the gift that God has given us?

Let me give it to you straight. Growing up I always had a desire to own something and as I got older I wanted to move to Las Vegas open up a club and be a promoter (I know I know you can't picture this) but that's what I wanted to do. In fact even when I did get accepted into a Christian school (read testimony here) I was planning on getting a business degree and then moving to Vegas to continue the dream, but God had other plans but not other gifts!

When I received the gift of salvation God didn't change the gifts he put inside of me but I found how to use the gift I already had in the right way! Last night we had some first time visitors and I was chatting with them afterwards and they loved Converge-- they described it as a club atmosphere but filled with God... BAM!

I may not own a club (as in building-- at least not yet :)) I am a steward of a ministry, that is creating an atmosphere to reach people, not so they can fulfill the lust of their flesh but so that they can encounter God! Don't be afraid of the unique gifts and dreams that God has given you chase after them with everything you have!

Yes, some people will tell you that you can't do ministry that way...

Yes, you will have some people tell you, that your business will never take off...

Yes, your background will disqualify you in the eyes of some people

but in all these cases God is the one who has installed the gifts in you, the only question that remains is, who will you give the glory too?

Compel Night 1 Recap!

2010-11-16T11:26:00.004-05:00

Last Thursday we hosted our very 1st Compel Night... what is a Compel Night? It's a night where we basically throw a big party and invite those who are far from God to come have some fun & meet Jesus! (this idea is taken from Luke 14).

We actually try to do this every week but this is a focus time where we add fun, giveaways and lots of FREE food! Anyway it was a huge success, I think if we counted all the adults that hung around we probably had about 80 in attendance, our highest to date... oh and 7 people crossed over from death to life! Yeah God.

Check out some pics below:

Me and Mike Santiago (youth pastor at Assembly of God a 1 mile up the road)

What you've been given.

2010-10-06T12:27:00.000-04:00

"We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us." 1 Corinthians 2:12

God desires for us to know what He has freely given to us. One of the responsibilities of the Holy Spirit is to reveal His plans and purposes to us. They may be hidden for a time, but if we seek Him with our whole heart, we can know what He has given to us.

John the Baptist understood this principle. When asked if he was the Messiah, he replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven" (Jn. 3:27). John understood his role in the Kingdom of God. He came to pave the way for the Messiah; he was not the Messiah himself. His ministry on earth was very brief, yet Jesus described his life in this way: " 'I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he' " (Mt. 11:11).

Once we understand what God has given to us, we can walk freely in our calling. However, if we strive to walk in a role that He never gave us, it will result in frustration and failure. God wants to reveal His plan to us by His Spirit. This requires a willingness to seek and accept what He gives us. It may be different from what we thought. It may require adjustments to follow His path for our lives. As we learn from the life of John the Baptist, obedience requires death to our own wills.

Ask God to reveal what He has freely given to you. Pray that you receive and embrace only those things He has reserved for you to receive and to accomplish in your life. Then you can be assured of a life full of meaning and purpose, and you can look forward to hearing those all-important words someday, "Well done, My good and faithful servant."

Repost from Prime Time with God.

My Potty Lesson

2010-09-06T09:35:00.003-04:00

Man, I love being a daddy. I love my two babies... Cola, my 7 month baby girl, and Dalen, my almost 3 yr old son. One of the coolest things about being a daddy is how much God teaches you through your kids.

Over the last year (yes, year) my wife and I have been trying to get Dalen potty trained. It has been an effort to say the least, but I think we have finally got him trained!

One of the daily routines that we go through with Dalen to make sure he doesn't go potty on himself is anytime we get ready to leave the house and go somewhere significant, Dalen usually gets this speech from Mommy or Daddy... "Dalen do you need to go potty, because if you potty on yourself in the car, we will have to turn around and come home."

This morning as I'm laying in bed, I hear the Holy Spirit say to me...

Anytime I want to take to you to a more significant place, you must go through a cleansing process.

Man, that hit me like a ton of bricks!

Sometimes that cleansing process may include a sin but often like our natural process, it was something once that was used to nurture our bodies but now that we have got all the resources out of it, it is now considered waste and we must get rid of it!

In our spiritual life it's the same. God may have put something in our life for a season, that helped us get along but he has spoken to us to leave that thing behind, so we can continue on the journey but we are still holding on!

I remember as a kid I used to see how long I could hold off going to the bathroom (#1) with my brother. I man we used hold off so long with each other that our whole bodies would hurt... then one day someone older and smarter than us told us that if we contiuned to do that, that when we got their age we would cause sever damage to our internal parts. Needless to say we stopped that game...

I wonder what things you are holding on to that will cause severe damage if you don't let go and listen to the Holy Spirit?

Super Stoked!

2010-08-23T09:58:00.002-04:00

Mid-Week Motivation

2010-08-11T22:47:00.003-04:00

"As Christians, we must redefine success. Success is not the results we achieve from an act of obedience but rather the act of obedience alone".
--Megan Hood--

5 Questions part 3: with Brando Perritte

2010-08-11T22:35:00.004-04:00

My answers may not be what the typical minister would say but it's ME!!

1) What do you do to relax and separate yourself from the work of the ministry?

Honestly remember I am a newlywed - so I do newlywed things to relax and enjoy my time away from ministry! My wife hasn't had a job since we moved here so she has been helping me on some administrative things that I suck at!! Honestly it's hard, being that we live next to the church, cause people (church-non church) are always around. So the word separate is exactly what we have to do. Leave!!! Just get out of the area and enjoy ourselves!! We love to travel and explore to experience new things.

2) Bro I know you just got married, what's the best part so far?

Of course I would be stupid if I didn't say SEX!! But besides all that good stuff... I married my best friend... so the companionship is sweet! Learning the ups and downs...screwing up by saying/doing stupid things that you shouldn't, exploring/experiencing, all with my best friend is pretty rad!! I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else! I accept her for her and she accepts me for me! Who knew.

3) If you could go back and do one thing differently in your time of ministry what would it be?

Think before you speak. I have to work on that daily and it's a constant struggle! I have no problem telling people like it is! IT WILL GET YOU IN A LOT OF TROUBLE! God is Good! GRACE!

4) I know you do ministry in a very urban setting, what is the hardest and greatest part about where you get to minister?

The answer to this question could change tomorrow but this is what I have for now. It's understanding the people. That's my answer to both, hardest but greatest part - I'm a firm believer if you can meet people on their level then life changing ministry can take place but in order to do that you have to understand the level they’re on and the level they came from (takes time) history, culture, background, hurts, addictions, religion, mindsets, family all play a huge role in ones life - building relationships to understand those things are tough but when you see breakthrough happening it's life impacting.

5) If you were speaking to a group of youth and young adult leaders, what is the one thing you would tell them?

You don't have all the answers and that's ok- be real- stay humble - always be a student - and show Jesus everywhere you go! 5 things I would tell them!!

You can follow the progress of Brandon's ministry at www.thesum.tv and over on twitter at www.twitter.com/brandoperritte

Cherishing The Moments

2010-08-05T08:54:00.005-04:00

^ This was my family a little over a year ago!

^ Then just six months ago, my baby girl Cola Leese Hood was born!

^ Now, Brother and Sissy last night!

The times are flying by, we can not allow only the technology we possess to capture the cherished moments in our life, but we must physically stop, pause, and replay the things that mean the most to us!

Mid Week Motivation

2010-08-04T09:20:00.003-04:00

"The highest priority for preaching the gospel, is not so people won't go to hell, but because Jesus is worthy to receive the reward for his obedience".

Dr. Mark Chironna

Say What!!

2010-07-24T13:22:00.000-04:00

"Authentic vision never dies permanently, however it does go through a series of deaths and rebirths. When a door seems to close on your dream, and a new door has yet to open, don’t allow the mood of resignation to bring you into a place of being unproductive. That very mood is not the truth and is denying the mood of achievement within you that will surface when you reaffirm that with God all things are possible". -Bishop Mark Chironna

Mid Week Motivation

2010-07-21T15:06:00.002-04:00

Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.

-C. S. Lewis

Radical Friendships.

2010-07-19T14:56:00.004-04:00

Bishop Mark Chironna, my Senior Pastor, brought an awesome word yesterday at church on part two of "How to Deal with the Space between Impossibility and a Sure Thing"...

He dissected the passage of scripture in Mark 2:1-12... if you've been around church you have heard and/or read this scripture before, about the friends of a lame man bringing him to Jesus.

Maybe it's because of the season that I'm in or maybe I just haven't thought about it much until yesterday but the scripture says that Jesus healed the lame man and forgave him of his sins because of the faith of his friends!

I mean these guys were radical! They not only carried him to the place, but when they couldn't get in, they climbed to the top of the house, dug a hole, and lowered him down in front of Jesus!

These friends wouldn't stop until they had gotten their friend to the place where he could see Jesus clearly...wow!

These are the type of friends I want! No matter my circumstance, short comings, status, my anything... they will do whatever it takes to get me to see Jesus clearly!

Do you have radical friends surrounding you? It's time to take inventory!

I'm Thankful for...

2010-07-15T12:17:00.003-04:00

Sometimes, in the busyness of life, we miss the blessings of God that are happening right around us... so in light of that, I just want to stop and recognize some of the things that I am thankful for in this season...

I'm thankful for:

- My wife

-My kids

-My church

-The pool in our backyard

- A car that runs

- Cola's smile

- Dalen's sense of humor

- The church staff and my youth volunteers

- A single mom who raised two growing men

- My salvation

- True friends (in and out of ministry)

- And Chicken!!!

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

Mid Week Motivation

2010-07-14T17:42:00.000-04:00

Absence sharpens love, presence strengthens it.

Admiration is the daughter of ignorance.

All mankind is divided into three classes: those that are immovable, those that are movable, and those that move.

Benjamin Franklin

Thief

2010-07-12T12:35:00.005-04:00

Last week, I had the privilege of hanging out with Joshua Turner (coolest dude in Jacksonville fo sho!) and after I had bombarded him with questions about youth and young adult ministry he asked me one question: Hey, bro do you ever preach anyone's else's messages...? thief

To be honest it caught me off guard! I was taken back, nervous, and had a deer in the headlights look... not because of the question, but because I was wondering if he had listened to one of my sermons and knew who I JACKED it from!

My response was: HECK YEA MAN! He laughed and said, "Me too, bro!"

Now before you started labeling me and judging me, let me clarify...

I (and Josh) spend time praying, seeking God and studying for upcoming messages. My heart and soul is poured into this time and hopefully it shows when I speak to God's people...

In saying that, 99% NO 100 % of my messages come from things I have experienced or are experiencing presently.

With this being the case, I watched a lot of sermons (since I'm a professional Christian) and I would hear preachers say things way better than I could ever say them or use an illustration that would make perfect sense for what I was looking for... so why not use it!

Usually the only thing that keeps a preacher from using someone's stuff (like it didn't come from God anyway) is PRIDE!

But since I realize that there are communicators much smarter then me, I have no shame in my game.

Let me end with this... I have never listened to a message and preached it word for word... yet

:-) but even if I did, I would give them credit, just like I do if I read a quote from a book in a sermon... yes, that person deserves the credit for originally saying it!

If I use an illustration of someone else's and someone says man that was powerful how did you come up with that I will give that person credit!

Here's the point: We are fighting every week for someone's place in eternity, don't let your pride stop you from using something that you need because someone else has said or done it 1st!

I live by what Rich Jr said, "I just take someone's else's message and preach it like it should have been preached"!

Bonus: for the ministries out there like ours, who don't have a full time media design person in house here are some great sites to use:

http://www.stufficanuse.com/

open.lifechurch.tv

www.newspring.cc/resources

http://www.creativemyk.com/

seeds.churchonthemove.com

Dads...Gut check time!

2010-07-08T10:20:00.000-04:00

The words you speak from NewSpring Church on Vimeo.

Nuff said...

Mid-Week Motivation

2010-07-07T10:10:00.001-04:00

"Leadership is the capacity and will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence."
-- Bernard Montgomery (British Field Marshall) --

"You have achieved excellence as a leader when people will follow you everywhere if only out of curiosity."
-- Colin Powell --

"When it comes to Church leadership, some members rise to the occasion, while others merely hit the ceiling."
-- anon --

New Series: YOU PICK!

2010-07-06T10:27:00.002-04:00

Students asked the question now we get to answer them from a biblically perspective... excited! It starts tonight...

Mid-Week Motivation

2010-06-30T14:34:00.003-04:00

I'm starting a new feature on the blog, called Mid-Week Motivation.

For a lot of people Wednesday or Hump day is the middle of your work week and the longest day besides Friday (when you're ready to get off), so I want to offer some quotes and/or sayings to help you stay motivated for the rest of the week... please feel free to add some of your own!

Let's start this first post off with some leadership quotes I got from Andy Stanley's Leadership podcast (if you don't listen to this podcast you NEED too). Andy was speaking on "When Less is More":

"The less you do the more you accomplish".

"The less you do the more you allow others to accomplish".

"You don't have to be great at everything just something".

"Lean into your strength, delegate your weakness". (tough to do, but I love it)

"Don't be a well rounded leader, build a well rounded organization".

"Learn to say: I'll let you make that decision" (if you are every going to build new leaders, this is a must)

"Don't feel guilty delegating, just because you don't want to do it, doesn't mean someone else doesn't want to do it".

"Your weakness is somebody opportunity to shine".

"When building leaders, its not always about getting things done right, but about getting things done through other people".

I hope these help you as much as they did me!

5 Questions part 2. with T Rousey

2010-06-29T12:12:00.008-04:00

T is one of my best friends, a mentor (even if he says he isn't), a running buddy and just plain cool! He currently serves as the Student Pastor (college and youth) for House of Grace in Cochran, GA.

Ask anyone who knows anything about T, and the 1st word that will come out of their mouth is PASSIONATE... it could be sports, food,or ministry... the boy is just plain passionate about life.

Get to know T more below with the 5 questions!

1) What do you do to relax and separate your from the work of the ministry?

This may sound weird but relaxing is crazy tough for me. I have a hard time turning my mind off. I'm constantly thinking about my students, ways to reach the lost or just wanting to be reading. So Honestly I'm still learning how to relax and separate myself from the "work" of the ministry. The best way I've learned to do it is to take road trips and go visit friends. Also going to a movie alone really helps me clear my mind. It's still tough for me to get away for more than an entire day but I'm slowly learning. If you have any tips on this please feel free to share, lol.

2) What do you think your biggest weakness is and how are you trying to turn that into a strength?

I would say a big weakness is my past. Before I truly started living for Christ I was totally living a life in the other direction. I used to party, smoke, drink and mess around with girls all the time etc...It's been really hard forgetting all the things I used to do and honestly a lot of my "Christian" friends still make it hard to forget those things as well. Just hearing people say things like "You're in ministry now? Never saw that coming" or hearing the gossip of people saying "He'll never change".

My good friend Chris Durso pointed out that when Saul became Paul God made him a new creation but Paul still had to die to himself daily. That's something I'm learning as well. Even though my past is my past, I still have to die to it daily or else it will creep back up in my life.

So, how is this a strength? Well I'm able to relate with people that come from the background of partying and things that I went through. I'm able to tell them from my life experience that Jesus is the only way to fill the void you have in your life. It can't be filled by, drinking, partying, sex or any of those things, only JESUS! You see God always delivers us from our past but our past can also deliver others from their present.

3) If you could go back and do one thing differently in your time of ministry what would it be?

I wouldn't change anything about a sermon title, sermon series, or anything like that. I would just spend more time investing in people and spend more time with God. It's that simple.

4) I know you’re in a small town (like 3,000 people) and you guys just merged with another church. What are you most excited about with this merge?

That it's a God thing. The fact that God is bringing together two healthy Church's and everyone is totally on board with it is amazing. Unfortunately healthy church's merging is almost unheard of especially here in the south. What's even more surprising is that my Church is about 60% African American and the Church we merged with is about 90% White. I don't know where most of you are from who are reading this but in the south GA area racism is still alive and well. So to have two multicultural Church's coming together is unheard of so this just goes to show you how much God has his hand on things. That to me is crazy exciting!

5) If you were speaking to a group of youth and young adult leaders, what’s the one thing you would tell them?

Don't underestimate what God wants to do in and through you! I would encourage them to read and pray on 1 Timothy 4:12 "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." And Acts 4:13- "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." God is ready for some young leaders to step up, walk with him and turn this world upside right and why not the Youth of today!

Thanks T those were some awesome answers! You can follow T's daily thoughts at http://www.trousey.com/ and he is also an avid twittor (don't even know if that's a word) HERE

5 questions part 1: with John Wilds.

2010-06-21T13:19:00.007-04:00

Here goes nothing.... I really want to discipline myself to do more writing here on the blog. With that said I will start off by letting some of my good friends do the talking.

Over the next couple of weeks, in between my regular post (hopefully) I will be posting a series called 5 questions.

1st up is my new worship leader at TMTIC and his name is John Wilds... get to know J.W. below!

John W. Wilds is an anointed songwriter and singer, worship leader and musician. He is a devoted husband to his beautiful wife Natalie and father to their children, Isaiah, Nathaniel and Raelyn. John has lead worship at many conferences, workshops and events and has also taught classes designed to mentor other worship leaders.

From an early age, John demonstrated a desire for music. He grew up going to church and developed a passion for ministry. By the time he was a teenager, it was evident that God had a special anointing on his life. John soon began to realize that his destiny did not end on the bench of his church’s B3 organ. It was much bigger than that. He had been called to lead people into the very heart of God and to encourage them with song and pierce the darkness in their life with God’s presence.

John is pursuing this call now more than ever. He is relentless in his passion for worshiping our creator and leading lost souls to the cross.

John is currently serving as the Music Pastor of The Master’s Touch International Church in Longwood (Greater Orlando), Florida, under the leadership of Dr. Mark Chironna.

Now to the questions...

1) You’re a very busy guy with tons of things going on. How do you “turn it off” and just relax with your family and God? Or is it something we can’t turn it off ?

That's a great Question. Sometimes, it's difficult to "turn it off"......but I'm learning how to make the separation of Worship Leader/Musician/Artist VS Husband/Father/Child of God. Sometimes, it just takes turning the cell phone off, turning the Facebook off and paying more attention to my surroundings at home. I would definitely say that this is an area that will always need constant discipline to maintain.

2) What do you think your biggest weakness is and how are you trying to turn that into a strength?

That's a tough question!..lol...but if I had to pinpoint my biggest weakness, it would be loving people. At one point, I loved people so much that I wouldn't confront an area of concern in their life. Now, I have learned that loving someone means not being afraid to gently point out issues and provide support in correcting the areas of concern.

3) If you could go back and do one thing differently in your time of ministry what would it be?

If I could go back in time, I would take more time to listen to what was being said and attempt to learn more from those around me. I have definitely learned several life lessons through the years, but I also feel like there were times in my life when I failed to listen. Maybe we've all been there at one point.

4) You recently put out an EP "I'm Ready Now", what was the process like making the EP and are you going to make a full album in the future?

The process of making an EP (which was also my first) was actually more difficult than I thought, but I guess that's just like a lot of things in life. It was definitely a lot of fun, but it was also a lot of long hours full of work. I was blessed to have an amazing group of people work with me on the project. The EP was co-produced by a good friend, Conrad Johnson of Chris and Conrad at Inertia Sound Studio in Lakeland, FL. I am currently writing new material for a few projects. Recording a live cd is something that I have wanted to do for quite a while now and I can see that happening in the near future. That will be a full album.

5) If you were speaking to a group of worship leaders, whats the one thing you would tell them?

I would tell them that worship leaders must first worship. This is the most important thing for a worship leader to know. We can't lead people somewhere we're not willing to go ourselves. Romans 12 must be exemplified in our lives.

Check out John Wilds on music HERE and you can follow him on twitter HERE.

As a special treat to the readers John has donated 3 EPs to give away, just comment below here and on facebook and I will pick at random 3 winners on Friday!

In Christ, His Will.

2010-05-27T10:52:00.003-04:00

I am currently reading thru the book of Ephesians with the staff of the youth and young adults...

Today I read thru the 1st fourteen verses and a consistant theme keep jumping out at me.

That theme was, everything we are and we have comes in Christ, according to God's will.

In the fourteen verses, this saying, or something very similar was written fifteen times... now I may have missed it if it was only said once, but fifteen times... I think the writer or better yet the Holy Spirit was trying to say something to us...

God is in control and apart from Christ we have nothing!

I know this might not be a new revelation for you, but maybe it can be a reminder... a reminder that:

-The grace you have is, because of Christ according to God's will.

-The freedom you have is, because of Christ according to God's will.

-The inheritance you have is, because of Christ according to God's will.

You get the point?!?!

1 final question, if everything we have and will have is because of Christ and according to God's will...

How do you live you life? Do you live as if God is in control, or is someone or something else controlling you?

Rendezvous Recap.

2010-05-20T11:57:00.003-04:00

repost from T

Just in case you missed Rendezvous Conference 2010 at Trinity Church in Miami Florida, here’s a small glimpse of what went down.

Also check out Pastor Rich and Dawn Chere Wilkerson, Philip Bixby and Terrance Wilson on twitter. They’re always dropping knowledge.

Momentum.

2010-05-12T10:13:00.003-04:00

Last night at The Edge (the youth ministry at TMTIC) we had 40 people in attendance... I know some may say that's not a lot, but the previous week we had right at 20, so that means we doubled in 1 week... and that's without any big push to invite friends... and I had 1 girl who wanted to make sure she was in a relationship with Jesus!!!

All I can say is thank you God... 2 weeks in and I can feel him moving!

The MOMENTUM is building...

Something BIG is coming...

The only question is ARE YOU READY...

Finish/Start.

2010-05-05T18:39:00.005-04:00

This past Tuesday the journey was finished/started...

Journey was finished (sort of) because I made it to Orlando (only one broken piece of furniture and that happened while I was loading up.) and I got to speak and take over the student program this Tuesday.

I may be bias but I think it went AWESOME. I shared my testimony of how Jesus rescued me from the hands of darkness and has given me a life I don't deserve and also got to share a little of the vision that we are headed in.

I said it was only sorta completed because it wasn't until today (Wednesday) that Megan and the kiddos got here... and now the move is officially finished, but the new journey has just started.

Here's to chasing after a dream only God can make happen... let's do this!

Hello and Good Bye

2010-04-25T17:56:00.003-04:00

Well hello there blog havent seen you since March 17th they tell me. I have never really thought of myself as a writer so it's easy for me to let this blog slip especially when I don't think I have anything to say, and with twitter around!!

Anyway, if you haven't heard by now Megan and I have accepted the Student Ministries position at The Master's Touch Int. Church in Orlando, Fl and so now I feel like I have something to write about (mainly because 1 day I want to look back on this journey we are setting out on). We start May 1st, so that means today was our last Sunday at Grace Community Church in Cleveland TN.

This is a big move both geographically and spiritual for us, going from Cleveland TN to Orlando FL and from a 120 member to 1400 member church. We have loved our time at Grace Community Church it truly lives up to it's name. Pastors Kevin and Denise Mendel have been awesome, we are leaving on great terms and with great memories.

We are so looking forward to adding to the great team of TMTIC specifically to the youth dept. and building upon what Pastor Todd and Xio Callahan have poured into the students over the last years.

We would love your prayers and support as we follow after the heart of God with this move, follow me here as I document what He does.

Much love and thanks in Christ,

MHood

Completely Abandon!

2010-03-17T12:38:00.002-04:00

Repost from T!

Every now and then I hear a new song and think, “that has legs.” This is one of them.
Jimmy Farrell is my Worship Leader and just a flat out awesome guy! Here’s an original song that he wrote called “Completely Abandoned”!

For those of you who were wondering this video was taken from our Dress Rehearsal of the “One Project” at our Church Chapel in Macon GA!

Take a look at the “One Project” promo video here!

The One project is a live Worship recording with musicians, vocalist and worship leaders spread out over 6 campuses throughout middle Georgia. We are bringing together a group of very diverse people with many different talents and gifts to create a project that brings glory to the name of Jesus. The reason we call this The One Project is because we are joining many different groups of people and kinds of people to come into a room together for a night of unified worship. We want to call on heaven as One voice, one people, One body. No separation, no disconnect just one people worshiping one God!

Come worship with us as ONE!
May 14th, 2010
7:00pm
Christ Chapel Sportstowne

Baby Cola!

2010-02-07T09:34:00.004-05:00

I am PUMPED to announce that Cola Leese Hood has arrived! Here are the stats:

February 3, 2010
8:07AM
6 lb 3 oz
19 1/2 inches
Lots of hair (just like her brother)
Mom is doing great
Big brother Dalen is FIRED UP!

2010-01-16T10:52:00.003-05:00

I'm reading thru the New Testament in 30 days with the help of youverison and as Pastor Steven Furtick would say it is a spiritual workout on steroids!

Last night I begin reading the book of John and came across this portion of scripture... John 3:22-36.

There is a lot of rich content in this portion but what stood out to me was John 3:29-30 it says:

The one who has the bride is the bridegroom.

The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him,

rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore

this joy of mine is now complete.

He must increase I must decrease.

Maybe it's because Megan and I are about to celebrate our 4 year anniversary, but this scripture leaped off the page... I mean if you pause and think about it everything is backwards!

When you think about a couple getting married who does all the attention go to on that day... the BRIDE! All the married men can I get an AMEN... but in this analogy John said, when I hear the BRIDEGROOM'S voice I rejoice greatly!!

Why is that important, because at this moment, the people that had been following John were complaining that Jesus was baptizing more people than him and John had to make a decision at that time... is this about ME or is it about JESUS!?

I know so many times in doing the work of the ministry I begin to care more about the bride

(which is the church) or the groomsmen (which is me) when it is all about the bridegroom (which is Jesus).

Perry Noble always says "Jesus cares more about the church than you, if you focus on Him, he will take care of you and the church!"

Thanks for the reminder John.... He must increase, but I must decrease.

To Save A Life

2010-01-12T10:40:00.002-05:00

Got to preview this movie the other day and it was actually pretty good! It's not another cheesy christian movie, but it actually portrays real life and a good view of Christianity!

Check out the trailer below:

Say What!!

2010-01-07T14:38:00.002-05:00

William Booth- Founder of Salvation Army on service:

"Not called!" Did you say? "Not heard the call," I think you should say.

Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear he bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help. Go and stand by the gates of hell, and hear the damned entreat you to go to their father's house and bid their brother and sisters and servants masters no to come there.

Then look Christ in the face- whose mercy you have professed to obey- and tell Him whether you will join heart and soul and body and circumstances in the march to publish her mercy to the world.

Say What!!

2009-12-22T12:55:00.001-05:00

In regards to reconciliation:

"Man can suffer, but cannot satisfy; God can satisfy, but cannot suffer. But Christ, being both God and man, can both suffer and also satisfy. He is competent to suffer for man and to make satisfaction to God, in order to reconcile God to man and man to God. So Christ, having assumed my nature into His person, and so satisfied divine justice for my sins, I am received into favor again with the most high God." (Beveridge)"

Chris Durso

2009-11-30T18:55:00.000-05:00

Here is Chris Durso message from Arise a couple weeks ago!

Listen to this episode

Bizarro World!

2009-11-26T20:16:00.005-05:00

ALSO MUSICAL GUESTS:

KARI JOBE,

CANTON JONES,

BISHOP HEZEKIAH WALKER,

THE YOUTH EXPLOSION CHOIR,

TWyse, R-SWIFT, J.A.Z., MAGELLAN, J.JOHNSON, B-LUV, EVERYDAY PROCESS,

YOUNG RED, URBAN DISCIPLE,

BOY PILOT, BETHSAIDA, HOME-SICK, DOUBLE EDGE & BEYOND BARRIERS

IF THE MRS. WEREN'T DUE TO HAVE THE BABY I WOULD BE HERE... YOU NEED TO GO!!

What do you see?

2009-11-17T21:34:00.003-05:00

I'm 99% sure you had this question posed to you at one point in your life: Do you see the cup half full or half empty?

If were honest with ourselves, for most of us, the answer we give depends on what day of the week you ask the question.

Today, I want to pose a similarly, but different question: How do you view "that person"? Do you see them as half-full of potential or half-empty?

Some of you may be asking who is "that person", let me define him/her for you.

-The guy who says he loves Jesus, but sleeps arounds...

-The mother that would rather party, then be at home with her kids...

-The girl that always has the new rumor going around...

-The dad that's to prideful to admit when his wrong...

You know "that person"... the one that if Jesus really got a hold of would be nothing short of impossible... how do you see them?

I want to challenge you to see them as Jesus would see them, that is, through the eyes of grace and with potential...

When Jesus saw people, he saw the potential in people, and therefore sought out the liars, cowards, adulteries, crooks and promised them all the same thing the old could become new! Jesus knew that the fallen can be restored, the prideful can be humbled, the wanders can come home, and the weak can become strong (pg.68 Bill Hybels-"Just Walk Across The Room).

Here's the best part, God has put you in "that persons" life to help bring them into their fullest potential in Christ. The Bible tells us, in 2 Corinthians 5, that we all have been given the ministry of reconciliation!

I'm so thankful that Megan could see past the immature kid who had no since of direction in life, and saw the potential of Christ to change my heart, give me wisdom, and put a calling on my life...

I'm so thankful that T could see past the alcoholic, weed smoking, and girl chasing high school buddy, and saw the potential of Christ in me and pushed me to get full of the word, get lost in worship and chase after the Holy Spirit...

I'm so thankful that Tony and Jennie Garcia could see past the 18 years of leading people down the wrong path, and saw the potential of Christ in me and allowed me to lead middle schoolers down the right path to Christ...

So I pose the question again: How do you see "that person"? Half full or half empty?

With Everything.

2009-11-10T09:06:00.004-05:00

Growing up playing sports I heard the phrase "Give it all you got" or "leave it all on the field" or "don't hold anything back" a lot and I especially remember hearing it near the end of games, specifically in the last quarters of the games...

Why at the end of games? Because that's when you are at your weakest and feel like giving up. The thought was, if you leave everything, "out there", then no matter the outcome, you have given it your best... no matter win or lose, victory or defeat, if you give it everything you've got, you done your job...

But in our journey with God the outcome does matter! God wants us to win every time so that we may glorify His name. The Bible tells us in Luke 10:27 to love God with all your heart, and with all your mind, and with all your strength and with all your mind... basically LOVE HIM WITH EVERYTHING...

Not just at the end of the game but right now where you are! And here is the kicker... we don't have to live like this on our own... what do you mean Mario... the Bible, again, tells us in Galatians 2:20 that if you have died with Christ, it is no longer you that live but Christ lives inside of you! And the life you live now do so in faith in the Son of God, who loved you and gave his life for you!!

If you are feeling weak, if you are feeling down, like your on you last leg.... with everything you've got go hard after God, because "For when you are weak, then I am strong"! (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

(click here to view embedded video)

Mongolia, Misfits, & Florida.

2009-11-09T17:04:00.008-05:00

On November 19th: My good friend and old college homey, Chris Durso, will be stopping through on his way to Atlanta to speak at Arise.

If you have never heard of Chris and the Youth Explosion ministry, do yourself to the favor and check them out here and follow him on t

witter. They are rocking it out hard for the kingdom of God in the heart of the NY. I love the quote "if the club can a line around the block of people waiting to get in, so can the Church!!!"

On November 20, I am looking forward, to helping m.c. the Mission for Mongolia Benefit Concert. In the summer of next year a team of guys and girls are going to Mongolia to help start children and youth ministers in the churches. But before that we need to raise a lot of money. God has already shown strong in the process by providing the material needed to teach the youth about Him for an entire YEAR!! Come out and support of go here to support online!

More Info:

With "Life Spring Foundation Inc." & "N

orth Cleveland Church of God" ( J103, Gilbert Collision, and LEE UNIVERSITY) We are going to share our Mission to Cleveland, TN with music so we can raise up the funds to bring the Mission to Mongolia.

Christian Hip HOp, Christian R&B, LIVE Worship ( Artists like Bonaifde from "Grits", Clark & Kristen Campbell, Ternae, Lil Prophet, KAS, Da Chosen, Anthony Pollard, Jennifer Slack, and
T-Ran & 22Visionz...

Last but certainly not least from November 24th - 29th "The Hoods" are heading to the FLA to spend Thanksgiving with Megan side of the family. Megan and I use to go to Florida every year during the summer but didn't get a chance this summer so we are looking forward to getting down there and just relaxing for a few days!

Road work!

2009-10-30T12:10:00.003-04:00

If there is one area of my life that I struggle with daily it would be DRIVING!!

How can you struggle with driving... come drive in Cleveland, TN and you will see!!

If it's not the slow drivers... you can bet there is some can of road work going on.

I wouldn't say that I have ROAD RAGE (my wife just says I'm a bad driver) but that's not true...

I just like to get where I'm going as fast as I can... and it doesn't help that I might be running a little behind time... ANYWAY...

At the moment, the great city of Cleveland is repaving another road... and that road just happens to be one of the main roads of town... when are they doing it...no not at night... but in the middle of the day!!

If you have ever seen the repaving process you know that they have to break up the old road and get down to the original road in order to have a solid foundation to repave on top of...

As I was sitting in line, because on lane was closed... I felt the Holy Spirit say... this is what I do!

Me: Huh?

Holy Spirit: In your life, I am working to get ready of the old surface, the old habits, but the difference is I don't repave on top of the old foundation, but I give you a new one!

The Bible says that we become new creatures in Christ! We are not slaves to our old life, but if you are anything like me, you may still have habits from your old life that pop up now and again... be encouraged that God loves you so much even when you mess up and the fact that you feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit is a sign that he loves you.

Let Jesus be you new foundation, if anything else is in that place, repent and get rid of if, cause when all else fells, Jesus will still be standing!

Hope this helps someone, like it did me.

7 years and counting!

2009-10-15T15:04:00.002-04:00

Today marks the 7 year anniversary for Megan and I..... dating!

That's right fella's we still celebrate when we 1st started dating, we are coming up on 4 years marriage in February and I still can't believe she said yes to both questions.

I DON'T deserve a woman like Megan... God has truly blessed me and our kids with an awesome woman of God.. I pray that you guys can find a girl half the person she is!!!

Love you baby, look forward to spending the rest of my life with you!!

Generation 2 Generation!

2009-10-01T09:28:00.002-04:00

Psalms 145:3-5 “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness isunsearchable. One GENERATION shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. Iwill meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, And on Your wondrous works”.

The Word of God, tells us that one generation shall tell another generation of his mighty works and praise Him for them. The only problem with this is that in many churches today you can’t get one generation and the next in a service together, much less outside a service for authentic christian community.

We no longer want to ignore the elephant in the room and want to begin the process of uniting the generations together, and that is why we invite you to attend this special service called Generation 2 Generation, with special guest Marcus and Joni Lamb and the Daystar Singers

Where: Grace Community Church (click name for link to directions)

When: Thursday, October 22, 7pm

What: We ask you to invite someone at least 15 years older or younger than you to attend if you plan on coming.

*seats are limited, so we are asking if you are planning on attending, please email contact@ariseonline.tv and let us know that you are coming and how many people you are bringing with you*

Next Up.

2009-09-28T18:41:00.003-04:00

OPEN MIC is the new series that starts this Thursday at Arise and it is probably the series I am most looking forward too so far this year... why because I'm not speaking at all!!

Why would that make me so happy, because it's a series dedicated to the leaders on my team, that sense that preaching is apart of their calling. God spoke to me and said that part of the ministry of Arise is to rise up leaders and to send those leaders out to impact other parts of the world.... and that requires me giving up my platform, to enable others to have a platform, to preach the Gospel!!

So I'm pump to allow these hard working peeps show off what God is doing in their life!

Muisc & Missions

2009-09-17T22:32:00.003-04:00

The MUSIC: Join us in the Youth Room at North Cleveland Church of God on Friday September 18th @ 7pm to hear one of the hottest bands out of New York- Boy Pilot! (www.boypilot.com)

A wise man once said, that a Christian gathering should not happen where and impact on the community is not felt: on that point we are going to join the MUSIC of boy pilot with the MISSION of crossover to impact Cleveland.

The MISSION: CrossOver-is a ministry of Lee University that delivers food to East Cleveland residents every Saturday and they are in need of things such as EGGS, MILK, ORANGE JUCIE etc... so we will be taking donation to provide these lower income families with these items!!

So.... get the word out and tell everybody to come hear a great band, have a great time, and give to a great cause.

Recap Thirst.

2009-09-16T19:32:00.003-04:00

I had the opportunity to go to a conference in Rome!!!.... no not that Rome.... Rome, GA.

It was called THIRST and it went from Monday till Wednesday, but I only got to attended on Tuesday, but it was well worth it, God totally rocked my world in one day.

Speakers included David Ferguson, Chuck Allen, Ron Luce and Jay Strack. Here are some quotes I took while soaking in the wisdom.

*1st problem with man was not sin, but that he was alone (Genesis 2)- David Ferguson

*In every message your youth (people) should either encounter Jesus or consider Jesus-David Ferguson

*Before you can give God everything you must 1st give him your heart (speaking on the Great Commandment)- David Ferguson

*A church should function to pass the Gospel to the next generation- Ron Luce

*98% of teens are followers of culture while only 2% are shapers of culture (not sure where the stat comes from but it was said by)- Ron Luce

*Teen market= 150 Billion a year!!-Ron Luce (my thoughts: teens don't have money parents due, where you spend your money is what you really care about!)

*Everything with MTV is a commercial-Ron Luce (my thoughts: always pushing something in your face never allowing you to engage).

*Every organization has a plan to aggressive grow it and build up leaders, what about your ministry?- Ron Luce

*You can't teach people what to think, but how to think. - Jay Strack

*The attitude of your ministry should be to serve the servants of God.- Jay Strack

*Vision attracts reality- Jay Strack

*Everyone in the organization is a leader- Jay Strack (talk about how at NASA everyone from a bolt tightener to launch director gets same training manual)

*It takes a TEAM to launch a DREAM- Chuck Allen

*If you can define it you can measure- Chuck Allen ( talk about how the church has ministries but never measure the fruit of them)

*The purpose should always answer the why- Chuck Allen

*You will always be undermanned and underfunded if you chasing God's dreams- Chuck Allen

*You are what you repeatedly do- Chuck Allen

*Excellence is not a mistake- Chuck Allen

*You are measured by what you tolerate, Personally and Professionally- Chuck Allen

Is there an end to this tunnel?

2009-09-14T15:28:00.004-04:00

If I had to explained my life in the last year with one word it would be, TRANSITION!

12/15/08- Launched Arise with Grace Community Church.

4/12/09- Lost one of my part-time jobs.

5/1/09- Megan's business was sold, so she lost her job.

6/22/09- God blessed Megan with a full-time job. very grateful, but lots of stress due to the nature of the clients. At the same time I move into the position of "part-time" stay at home Dad (HERE is the post about swallowing my pride :-))

8/01/09- Got the great news that baby #2 is on the way (nuff said right).

8/20/09- Arise kickoff for the semester.

9/14/09- T, one of my best friends and #2 man at Arise, moves into the next step in his calling by accepting the role as college pastor with Christ Chapel-Cochran.

9/19/09- My son turns 2 YEARS OLD<------- that's hard to type without crying, where did the past two years go!!!

---As I look forward in the naturally I can see a few road-bumps that may surface but this is my prayer... "The steps of the man are ordered by the Lord when he delights in his ways"-Psalm 37:23

In every language!

2009-09-03T23:58:00.003-04:00

^{Romans 14:11-}For it is written,"AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME,AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE TO GOD."

view embedded video

God's way usually doesn't make sense.

2009-09-02T00:33:00.004-04:00

I just got off the phone with one of my best friends, and running partners in ministries, T...

He has an amazing opportunity in front of him, but the timing doesn't make sense...

Not to toot my own horn, but at his own admission, Arise is gearing up to go to the next level, the staff is the best it's been so far, plus it's all the people he wants to be around, BUT God is taking him away from it all, to go start another ministry in SOUTH GA!!... doesn't make sense.

Sunday night I had the opportunity to hang with Jason and Matt from the Lot Project... the ministry these guys are doing are legit!...

They ministry to the (L)east (O)f (T)hese (i.e. homeless, poor, ghetto, hood kids) they have no money to give to offering to keep the ministry going, BUT the ministry is blowing up, God has provided above and beyond... doesn't make sense.

What's the point, glad you asked... If you read the Bible, especially the book of Acts you find numerous people, that were lead by the spirit to do things that didn't make sense, but when God said go or do, they went and did...

Stop worrying about, if anyone will show up... the people God needs to be there will be there!

Stop worrying about, how are we going to pay for this... if it's God's will, its God's bill! (Perry Noble)

Stop worrying about, what am I going to say to him/her... the Holy Spirit will give you the words in the moment!

Stop worrying about, how you will eat if you bought that meal for them... If God can find the birds, He will surely feed his kids.

If it doesn't make sense, it just maybe God... hear what the Spirit is saying and do it!!

Get Ready to Pray.

2009-08-29T01:35:00.002-04:00

C.J. Blount

Listen... then ask yourself... do I really believe the words in this song? If so what's your response... I would think prayer... so pray!

Unplug

2009-08-23T20:49:00.003-04:00

Going to "unplug" myself for the week, so that means:

...No blogging

...No Googlereader

...No Facebook

...No Myspace (does anyone still use them)

...And, (tear drops) NO TWITTER!!

Feel the tug of the Holy Spirit to spend the time I would on this social sites with God this week...so I will see you in a week!!

Christians Sing Lies

2009-08-19T12:11:00.002-04:00

::Check out the new website HERE

::Video by Eric Brown

Say whattt!

2009-08-10T21:05:00.002-04:00

Commentary of Ephesians 2:1-4 by John W. Ritenbaugh

::We cannot think with what we do not have. If we do not have the right material upon which to base our thoughts, how can we possibly produce the right things? We are always, whether pauper or king, limited by what is in our mind. Paul shows this in Ephesians 2:1-3:

This reveals to us that every human being who has ever lived (except Jesus) has been enslaved to a way of thinking generated by the prince of the power of the air, Satan. Because of this, we fulfilled the desires of our flesh and mind. Indeed, because our minds had little else with which to work, we could not produce anything else! We produced the fruits of a spirit but not the Spirit of God.

Satan, the "prince of the power of the air," influences mankind by "broadcasting" his moods and attitudes of vanity and selfishness to the human spirit in each individual. Humans unwittingly accept and express these attitudes as their own. "Human nature" is actually Satan's nature expressed in humans. Because they have been deceived, they are unaware of this spiritual broadcasting by Satan, and do not even know that they have been deceived.

Things I'm looking forward too!

2009-08-08T00:02:00.002-04:00

Looks like it is shaping up to be a busy fall and I can't wait... here are a few things in the next months that I'm looking forward too.

1. August 20th- Rock The Park... it's our kickoff service for the Fall semester,and we decided to go to a park in downtown Cleveland and feed the homeless and less fortune and to give them some free entertainment!

2. August 25th, going to the Basement... if you haven't heard about Matt Pitt and these guys for, real check them out!

3. September 1-5th, will be heading back to Atown (Anderson, SC) to visit family and while I'm there I will get to link up with a this guy, this guy, and this guy. Only bad part of this trip is that my beautiful wife will be back in TN.

4. September 19th, my son Dalen will turn two... man where have those years gone?!?!

5. October 15th, is the day that Megan and I starting dating... yes we still celebrate this day even thou we are married (pick up your game fellas)... this Oct. 15th will make 7 years!!

6. October 25th, on this day your boy will be 25 years old... not really looking forward to this... there is just something wrong with saying you are a quarter of a century old!!

Anyway.... anything interesting coming your way?

Mad at Me!

2009-08-03T22:37:00.002-04:00

Last week at arise Bible Study we were going over the 4th chapter in the book of James... and were talking about the implications of this portion:

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? ²You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. ³You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

Among the many things we talked about that these versus imply to us, someone made a statement to the likes of this: "most of the time, when we are mad at someone else, we are really upset at the flaws that we see in ourselves, it's just easier to point out someone else's fault".

Last night as I watched Making His Band, this verse and statement came to life...

Here's what happened... there are two guys who are great at the drums but one of the guys also plays the keys. The judges picked him to play the keys for band. Through his own admission he was more comfortable playing the drums and when he was not getting the music down right on the keys he began to lash out at the other drummer who "wasn't as good as him".

You could tell this guy was lashing out because he felt that "his desire" of making the band was being lost because of this other guy taking his spot on the drums, when in reality he was mad at himself for not being able to get the music down right on the keys.

Here's the point... the next time you get ready to bash someone for having something you don't have, take a look in the mirror and see if your really mad at yourself...

Ask yourself, if God has not blessed me because I want "this" for my own selfish desire... if so you should look at it as a blessing that you have not received it, because then you would be committing adultery and leaving your 1st love... namely Christ!

Echo Conference!

2009-07-30T21:48:00.002-04:00

Repost

this is such an awesome story, enjoy!

My Life as a Tomato

by Tim Schraeder

Phil Vischer made his first animated film when he was nine years old; by the age of fourteen, he was convinced he would be a filmmaker when he grew up.

Phil is actively developing new ways to integrate faith and storytelling through his new creative shop, Jellyfish Labs (JellyfishLabs.com). Phil captured the breathtaking rise—and heartbreaking fall—of Big Idea Productions in the book “Me, Myself & Bob.” He is also the author of the popular children’s books “Sidney and Norman” and “47 Beavers on the Big Blue Sea.”

Phil’s latest Jellyfish Labs project is JellyTelly — an interactive, online “mini-network” for children that is scheduled to launch in fall 2008. This web-based platform is a natural starting point for a wide variety of original programming geared toward helping kids grow in their Christian faith.

Phil lives with his wife Lisa (aka Junior Asparagus) and their three kids in
Wheaton, Illinois. For more information, visit PhilVischer.com.

—

We’re here to talk about the use of media for the propagation of the use of technology for the advancement of the Gospel.
Phil’s great=grandfather pioneered a radio ministry in Omaha in the early 20’s… that ran from 1923-1964, one of the longest-running radio shows.
He was ambivalent about the use of technology for the advancement of the Gospel until he heard from someone that accepted Christ as a result of listening.
He was questioning whether the Holy Spirit could work through technology, turns out it could.
“Unction can be transmitted!”
VeggieTales sold over 50 million videos… outsold any other children’s videos/media in the late 90s/early 2000.
Top 10 most-watched videos on college campuses!
VeggieTales was spoofed by Saturday Night Live and was parodied 3 times on The Simpsons.
Phil learned early on that the only thing that mattered is what He did for Christ and wanted to get moving doing stuff for God’s Kingdom.
He recognized his ability to tell stories through film.
In 1993 created the first VeggieTales film.
It was originally made big by viral marketing, word-of-mouth.
Decided to get busier by creating more… videos, movies, shows, products, books, etc.
By 2000, they employed 300 people… one of the largest video production studios between the coasts.
Momentum was gained, but cracks started to surface.
Realized he needed to do something: let people go.
From there, it basically fell apart.
He got an email from a random lady before it all started to go downhill that said, “be careful and watch your pride.”
What does it mean when God gives you a dream… then it comes alive… and dies?
2 Kings 4 … story of the Shunammite woman.
Elisha told her that she’d have a son… she’d have someone to take care of her.
Her response to him shows the deep-seated dream she had to have a son.
A year later, she had a baby… and it died.
Elisha brought the child back to life.
That’s the story of the Shunammite woman.
He who has God plus many things has no more than he who has God alone. – CS Lewis
So what’s the point? If God gives you dream and breathes life into it, and then it dies, it could be God wants to show you what’s more important to you… Him or the dream.
Once you see that, the dream might come back, or it might not, but that’s OK because you’ll still have God.
Abraham had a dream and a promise… and was asked to give up Isaac.
Anything you are unwilling to let go of is an idol, and it’s a sin.
When people in the Bible didn’t know what to do, they do nothing. They just wait for Him.
We misinterpret Proverbs 29:18… it’s not for a lack of VISION that people perish, it’s a lack of revelation.
For lack of revelation… when people don’t have revelation from God… a word form God… they throw off restraint and do whatever feels right to them, in their own eyes.
It’s not because we don’t have large enough programs, media, etc. It’s because we’re not focusing the people of God on the word of God.
If you don’t know what God wants you to do, wait on Him.
God calls listeners and waiters.
Noah was 500 when he got revelation for the ark when he was 500. What did he do before? He walked with God. (Gen 6:9).
The world learns about God by watching Christians… not our programs, media, etc.
God knew who to call because He knew who was listening.
As Phil “died” to his dreams he found new life… and less of a desire to make an impact and more of a desire to know God.
“God could have spared me from the pain of Big Idea’s collapse… but He didn’t.”
It was all about death to his ambition and his dreams… it was about him and God.
Why is waiting on God so important? If I’m not waiting on God I don’t know what He wants me to do.
We need to be quiet enough to hear God’s whispers, His direction.
If we make His directions more important than Him, we’re useless to Him.
The impact God has planned for us doesn’t occur when we are pursuing impact, it comes when we are pursuing God.
The most important thing in our lives and at this conference is not the work that we can do for God, the most important thing is to make God the most important thing.
Do you dream of the work you can do for God? Do you carry ambition for changing the world for His name?
When you’re willing to let that die, relying completely on your relationship with Him, you’re ready to be used by Him.
Dreams have specific outcomes. Dreams can make us do terrible things. Hitler had a dream.
Callings don’t have specific outcomes.
When we start with an outcome, we’ve started off track.
You don’t learn things when you succeed, you learn things when you fail.
Dreams are deep longings.
Often we graft our dreams onto God’s calling. And that’s when we get them confused. And that leads to bad decisions.

New Layout!

2009-07-28T01:58:00.003-04:00

I stayed up way to late last night (Monday), but I started messing around with the blog layout...

and before I knew it... it was 2a.m., but that's what I get for trying to do everything myself!

Anyway, hope you (yes all 3 of you like it)... and I have a free "Ad" space open... so 1st person that wants me to promote something for them I will do it... yes that means for free :-) just send me a direct message on twitter and we will go from there!

Hello World

2009-07-22T21:34:00.001-04:00

*Repost from Creating Color*

Love this girl!!

A great new artist is on the horizon. With soul, catchy melodies, and lyrical bliss – Asiah Mehok is sneaking up on the music scene and will sure be one of your favorites.

Listen to her first single called, “Escape” @ www.asiahmehok.com

Awesome Illustration

2009-07-20T22:22:00.004-04:00

Rich Wilkerson Jr, blowing up with God's grace in Miami, FL

Are you going?

2009-07-14T12:37:00.002-04:00

Tim Schraeder posted the other day some conferences he is going to, I had the same idea he just beat me too it... anyway, here are the ones that I am going to:

Catalyst- Atl Oct 7-9, have never been, but it is considered one of if not the best young leadership conference around

Passion 2010- Atl Jan. 2-5 2010, went to Passion Chicago back in 2007, as a college and young adult pastor it's a must go for me.

Unleash 2010- Anderson, SC (yes it's a real place)- if you are a church leader this is a must go. NewSpring Church puts this one day conference on, and it will rock your world... plus it's in my home town so I get to see a lot of friends.

So what about you, what conference are you going to this year or next... should I be going?

Happy BDay!

2009-07-14T12:32:00.003-04:00

Today my wife, Megan, celebrates her (did you really think I would say here age, she wouldn't care but I not that dumb!)... anyway, today is the day we celebrate her birth and I am so glad God allow her to be born and to marry me.

Love ya baby, can't wait to celebrate more birthdays with you!

Faith and Soverginity

2009-07-08T17:06:00.002-04:00

Repost from my wife Megan V. Hood

A few weeks ago our young adult Bible study met on Thursday like we always do. Our discussion however, went on and on. It was great! We gathered and spoke about faith, trials prayer and God's will. It is always interesting to hear young people from different places and backgrounds share about their faith and interpretations of scripture.

Since that Thursday, my mind has thought a lot about faith and the sovereignty of God. Here is what I have concluded:

1) We must have faith to be saved and with faith we can move mountains. With faith the sick are healed and bondage's are broken. Faith is required for everything involved in the Christian walk. But I believe if we ever lose sight of God's sovereignty, we lose faith.

2) Faith speaks possibility to impossible situations but always acknowledging God as sovereign, is acknowledging that God is the chief over all. In other words, with faith things can happen but if they don't we must not lose sight that God is sovereign-that he knows all, sees all and calls all things into existence. When we lose sight of his final say our faith diminishes to nothing. We begin to second what we believe, ask why and hoard bitterness in our hearts.

3) Faith and sovereignty go hand in hand. If we can not grasp that God is lordship over all, our faith is merely a routine. We can believe things can happen but when we lose sight that it is God's hand behind our faith moving those mountains we have trusted in our own self and what we have done.

Praise Break!

2009-07-07T11:45:00.002-04:00

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

This melts my heart as a father every time Dalen sings and dances along with worship music. I can only imagine what our heavenly father feels like when we do the same!

Prayer.

2009-07-01T11:27:00.003-04:00

I have become lack in prayer. I know it is the most powerful thing I can do... but I don't enough.

I am not talking about the prayer before you eat, or when your in trouble... but intentional communication with the Father.

I would not imagine going 1 single day without intentionally talking to my wife, but I find myself going days if not weeks without intentionally talking with my heavenly father.

I think it's part spiritual warfare, but mostly laziness.

Help me, help you... how or what can I pray with/for you about? Don't be shy, for real let me know. If it is private email me here mdhood@gmail.com.

Link Love

2009-06-30T19:40:00.002-04:00

Here are some blog I have ran across that have stirred me lately:

1. T nailed it with this post on tearing down walls. here

2. Dr. John Piper shed some light on why he doesn't watch tv, here.

3. Perry Noble on what leaders should be wrestling with, here.

4. Pastor Tope Koleoso on why he shouts when he preaches. here

Who's been stirring you lately?

Opportunity.

2009-06-26T11:28:00.002-04:00

**WARNING: I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE WORDS ARE IN THE OTHER LANGUAGE SO IF IT SAYS SOMETHING BAD YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED :-)**

I love this clip because it opened my eyes to a knew way of viewing pray. Instead of expecting this big huge box to drop out of the sky saying from God to Mario, this is your answer, I now look for the opportunity God has place before me to receive the answer.

Lately I have been asking God to keep me humble and to teach me to walk in humility... because honestly I struggle a lot with pride... and now that I have the honor to preach his word I never want it to be about me... so I pray and ask him this almost everyday.

Recently, Megan's mom decided to sell the shop, so her job would be cut and we know she needed to find another job, then out of the blue, I was let go from the part-time job that I had (yea that part-time job that was making up for the part-time pay from the church) so we found ourselves in a bind and had a huge decision to make.

1) Do I find a full-time or part-time job.

2) Does Megan find a full-time job.

(also who was going to watch Dalen, we can't afford childcare, and really don't want someone else raising our kid(s) ).

To add to the situation, it's hard to find any job right now. With the way we do arise (on Thursday nights) it would be hard for me to find a job and focus on the ministry like it needed it, so we made the decision to let Megan look for a full-time job... here is where my pride kicks in...

I WANT TO BE THE BREAD WINNER FOR OUR FAMILY...

I WANT TO BE THE PROVIDER...

I WANT MEGAN TO STAY HOME WITH DALEN...

And God clearly spoke to me and said are YOU the provider or am I? BOOM hit me like a ton of bricks, I have so much pride, even if it's for a good reason, and God continues to show me this in different ways... so in this season of our life, God has blessed Megan with and amazing job, that has given our family, 3x as much money than we have every had (we have never had a lot, so don't think it's that much :-)) I get to stay home with Dalen part-time and he gets to go to school part-time and God is opening up more doors for me to share the gospel than every before...

The point is this, when you pray for things are you looking for big miraculous box to drop out or the sky or for the small opportunities to learn and see your prayers answered?

Say Whattt?

2009-06-23T09:44:00.002-04:00

"A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play; his labor and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both."

Kary Oberbrunner-The Fine Line (pg 153)

Boundaries.

2009-06-08T21:59:00.005-04:00

This past Sunday, Pastor Kevin, made a statement to the affect of, God has place boundaries around us not to keep us from what's good, but so that we might enjoy all that is good.

Late Sunday night as I read the post from a pastor that had chosen to follow thru with the temptation of adultery those words from Pastor Kevin came rushing back to my mind!

As many others have said via twitter or their blogs, I have been praying for this pastor, his family, the church and the other party involved. All involved have a long road ahead, but God is able to restore all things and out of a mess He can make a message that will ultimately glorify His name.

This also got me thinking again, WHAT BOUNDARIES HAVE I PUT IN PLACE SO THAT I WILL NOT CROSS THE LINE, SPECIFICALLY WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX.

I am not above committing sin ( side note: if you think you are above committing sin, your already headed in the wrong direction) if you are a leader, especially a Christian leader you need to know that Satan wants you to fail and he will do anything to make this happen. We have to recognize this and set up boundaries to help prevent moral failure from happening.

As I am just starting ministry I am putting some boundaries up. Here are some things I have committed too, with the help of my wife:

1) Never be alone with someone of the opposite sex (being a college pastor it's going to be hard but it is a must).

2) Never travel alone to speaking engagements. 1st choice is wife, 2nd a guy(s) on ministry team.
(this might mean saying no to so speaking request but oh well).

3) My personal assistant (if I ever have one) will be a guy. ( read the Bible, how many times has Satan use a woman to bring a man down... not knocking the females... just being real).

4) No text communication with the opposite sex. (I know, your crazy Mario, that's how we all talk today, but as a married man, my wife is very smart an discerning and she said this is a must and I trust her. this is something I will have to work on and it starts NOW!).

5) Spend quality time with my wife and family. (not just quantity but quality. A job is draining and ministry can be even more draining but my family deserve just as much... no more... attention than I give the church family).

6) Have men to hold me accountable. (We all need someone to hold us accountable to our word. Find someone who will shoot it straight with you and let you know when you are headed in the right direction or wrong).

This is just for starters and I am sure you have some things I could add, so help me out... what boundaries have you set up in your life to keep you on the right path?

Amazing Story!

2009-06-07T09:10:00.002-04:00

This is a repost from a friend of mine, Jason Ashley who is advancing the kingdom of God daily. Check him out and his ministry here... enjoy this story!

This story from Jasmine is incredible I pray this story rocks your world and challenges you to JUMP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE!!!!!

"Hello. My name is Jasmine Marie Smith. I am 19 years old. I lived on the streets for 3 years. It hasn't always been this way. My mother wasn't a hooker, my father wasn't a drunk. My parents divorced when I was 3. My father died ,when I was 5, in a car wreck. My mother dated many men none seriously until David. She started dating David when I was 13. He moved in with us when I was 14. At first David was really nice. He bought me things. He even went as far as buying me and my mom a new house. But then 6 months after he moved in with us he started beating my mother. He would go to the bar as soon as he came home from work at about 5 and not come home until 1 or 2 in the morning. He would come home and yank my mom out of bed and start barking orders at her. If she didn't do it fast enough he started to beat her. He would beat her until she passed out. Then he would go in get a beer and pass out on the couch. During this time he never touched me. He threatened me but never touched me. I begged my mom to leave him but she kept telling me she loved him and things would get better. She was wrong. They just kept getting worse.

About six months after he started beating my mother he started molesting me. He would tie me down and molest me for hours. I told my mother but she didn't believe me. When she asked David he just denied it. This went on for just a little over a year. Then one night he came in and tied me up. But this time was different. This was the first time he raped me. That is when the problems got even worse. He continued to rape me on a nightly basis. About 2 months after he started raping me I found out I was pregnant. I knew who the father was. I didn't know what to do I waited 3 months to finally tell my mom I was pregnant and that David was the father. She called me a slut and liar. She packed my clothes and threw me out. That is when my life on the streets began. The first few nights I stayed in the park across the street thinking she would come for me. She didn't, she still hasn't.

Six months after my mother kicked me out I delivered a beautiful baby girl. I delivered her in a phone booth and wrapped her in some of my clothes. I walked the 3 miles to the hospital and dropped her off there. I knew I couldn't take care of her. I knew she needed someone who could but it was the hardest thing I've ever done. I cried the whole walk to the hospital and the whole walk back to the park I was staying in. I had no money, no job, and no roof over my head. I knew I had to find some way to make money. So I started selling my body for money just to get by. I am ashamed now of what I did. I started eating at the homeless shelter and staying in them sporadically. I developed several friendships. The best one was with a girl about my age named Elizabeth. She had a similar story to mine. I remember one thanksgiving we walked together 5 miles in the snow to get a turkey dinner. It was a memory I'll always carry with me. That night was when I met Jordan. He was working in the homeless shelter. He offered to give Elizabeth and me a ride back to the park we were staying in. He took us to our "home". I thought that would be the last time I would see him but he continued to come back.

I fell in love with him. He helped Elizabeth and I get jobs. He helped us get in contact with some people who would help us get an apartment so we didn't have to live in the park. He was like an angel. Eventually we started dating. I got pregnant again with his baby. We decided to get married. Six months after we got married I delivered a beautiful baby girl. We named her Ella Grace. My husband and my daughter are my world. Elizabeth moved into the apartment across the hall from me. Not to long after Jordan and I got married she married John. They are expecting there first baby next spring. Our stories have a happy ending but we need to continue to help the needy. Not all stories end this way. That is the reason Jordan and I have started the HTN(Help For the Needy) program. Anybody can make a difference in somebody Else's life if they get out of their comfort zone and just do something."

Say whattt!

2009-06-03T11:02:00.002-04:00

"The mystery of ministry is that we have been chosen to make our limited and very conditional love the gateway for the unlimited and unconditional love of God".

--Henrin J.M. Nouwen

In The Name of Jesus

How do you study the Word?

2009-06-02T21:51:00.002-04:00

Simple question for all two of you who read this... How to you study the Bible?

Do you just open it up and read where it falls?

Do you take it chapter by chapter, verse by verse, book by book?

Do you colored code?

Do you Bible Arc?

How do you study the Bible... ready... set... go!

In The Name Jesus.

2009-05-30T19:37:00.004-04:00

After reading this post from a friend, I commented on the post and said I needed to read that book... well He brought it over that night and man did I ever need to read this book. As Chris mentioned you could most-likely read the book in 30 minutes to an hour, but I took 3 days. Why? Because I wanted to really think about what the author was saying and process it in the moment... of course God is still speaking to me from the book but right now I want to post the chapter headings like Chris then later some quotes but I dare you to go buy this book:

Chapter 1: From Relevance to Prayer

The Temptation: To Be Relevant

The Question: Do you Love Me?

The Discipline: Contemplative Prayer

Chapter 2: From Popularity to Prayer

The Tempation: To be Spectacular

The Task: Feed My Sheep

The Discipline: Confession and Forgiveness

Chapter 3: From Leading to Being Led

The Temptation: To be Powerful

The Challenge: “Somebody else will take You”

The Discipline: Theological Reflection

HoodLife

Converge Conference

DO IT NOW!

The Waiting Room of God

She is My Beautiful!

Mike Checka 1!

Busy Bee!

Guest post from Megan Hood!

Benjamin Banneker

Bermuda!

Say What!

Which comes first? Position or preparation?

Friday Random Ramblings

Power with Purpose

Thankful!

Friday Random Ramblings

Midweek Motivation

Vblog #2

Friday Random Ramblings

Throwback Thursday

Midweek Motivation

Uneducated & Common

My Boy!

Random Ramblings

Challenge = Growth

Random Friday

Proclaim the Whisper

Midweek Motivation

The New Middle Road.

Friday Random Ramblings

Throwback Thursday

Midweek Motivation

The Gift

Compel Night 1 Recap!

What you've been given.

My Potty Lesson

Super Stoked!

Mid-Week Motivation

5 Questions part 3: with Brando Perritte

Cherishing The Moments

Mid Week Motivation

Say What!!

Mid Week Motivation

Radical Friendships.

I'm Thankful for...

Mid Week Motivation

Thief

Dads...Gut check time!

Mid-Week Motivation

New Series: YOU PICK!

Mid-Week Motivation

5 Questions part 2. with T Rousey

5 questions part 1: with John Wilds.

In Christ, His Will.

Rendezvous Recap.

Momentum.

Finish/Start.

Hello and Good Bye

Completely Abandon!

Baby Cola!

To Save A Life

Say What!!

Say What!!

Chris Durso

Bizarro World!

What do you see?

With Everything.

Mongolia, Misfits, & Florida.

Road work!

7 years and counting!

Generation 2 Generation!

Psalms 145:3-5 “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness isunsearchable. One GENERATION shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, And on Your wondrous works”.

Next Up.

Muisc & Missions

Recap Thirst.

Is there an end to this tunnel?

In every language!

God's way usually doesn't make sense.

Get Ready to Pray.

Unplug

Psalms 145:3-5 “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness isunsearchable. One GENERATION shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. Iwill meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, And on Your wondrous works”.