Shannon Self

Here is the 411 on the next step for me

2012-01-19T12:25:00.000-08:00

"Follow" us on twitter here: @ins2connect
"Like" Inspire2Connect's facebook fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/Inspire2connect

This is why I do what I do:

2012-01-12T06:21:00.000-08:00

Tim Tebow

2011-12-16T09:10:00.000-08:00

Check this video of Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow during a game was wired:

Jamie Strain

2011-12-12T18:25:00.000-08:00

My boy Jamie Strain was asked to lead worship at The Woodlands Church Fellowship Campus (11th largest church in the country). Jamie is the youth pastor for the Woodlands Church West Campus and has a incredible heart for students. He has been a very good friend of mine for a long time and I am so proud to see what God is doing in his life. Here are some of his videos:
Facebook: Jamie Strain
Follow him on twitter: @jamisonstrain
Go "Like" his Facebook Fan page: Jamison Strain Music

The Gospel According to Santa ...

2011-12-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

We started a new sermon series last night called "The Gospel According to Santa!!! Our staff wanted to unpack with our students the Santa vs Jesus issue. We decided to "Bring Out" both of them with individual intros like you were at a professional fight. Here is the Sermon Bumper, Santa/Jesus intro that the great Clint Lamberth created:

The Gospel According to Santa: Bumper from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Santa Walk-out from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Jesus Walk-Out from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Coach K..

2011-11-29T16:26:00.000-08:00

I saw this story: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7233558 on Coach Mike Krzyzewski about how he has been using the poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling to inspire his teams for decades. I took this poem to of of the bible studies I lead and asked them what they thought. Four hours later we had only unpacked the first 2 sentences along with paralleling it with scripture. The Duke Men's basketball program has produced some of the finest NBA players, NCAA coaches, and more importantly leaders in our culture today. Coach K understands the value of Leadership is so much more important that cutting down nets. I love it he says "If you can learn to be a steady person at all times...that is how you sustain excellence"!!! Great Leaders have learned to "ASK" their team to do something instead "Telling" them. As their leader, if you have invested in your players as much as you should have, they will respond.

Re: Here are the best and worst things to order when you go to movies:

2011-11-29T07:09:00.000-08:00

CANDY:
Worst: Skittles (7.2 oz.) 826 calories, 9.7 grams fat
Better:Twizzlers (6 oz.) 606 calories, 3.8 grams fat
Best: Sour Patch Soft & Chewy Candy (3.5 oz.) 375 calories, 0 grams fat

POPCORN:
Worst: Large buttered popcorn 1,640 calories, 126 grams fat (That’s almost two days’ worth of fat!)
Better: Small, no butter 400 calories, 27 grams fat
Best: Kid size, no butter 300 calories, 20 grams fat

COLD TREATS:
Worst: Toll House chocolate-chip cookie ice cream sandwich 490 calories, 23 grams fat
Better: Butterfinger Loaded ice cream bar 290 calories, 19 grams fat
Best: Edy’s strawberry iced-fruit bar 120 calories, 0 grams fat

CHOCOLATE:
Worst: Peanut M&M’s (5.3 oz.) 786 calories,39.3 grams fat
Better: Junior Mints (4.75 oz.) 595 calories,10.5 grams fat
Best: Milk Duds (3 oz.) 371 calories,13.1 grams fat

HOT SNACKS:
In general, beware of anything with glow-in-the-dark cheese.
Worst: Nachos with cheese 894 calories, 52.5 grams fat
Better: Hot dog with ketchup 315 calories, 19 grams fat
Best: Soft pretzel 310 calories, 4 grams fat

Long Hollow Student Ministry is Not a Fan

2011-11-23T07:29:00.000-08:00

In our creative meeting our student ministry staff decided to create a sermon series using Kyle Idleman 's book called "Not a Fan"!! Brian Mills ordered each of us the book and for weeks we unpacked what the series would look like each. This is what we came up with:

Here is the bumper Clint Lamberth created:

Bumper from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Jacie Bowman: Not a Fan from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Emily Wilkinson: Not a Fan from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Britta Olund: Not a Fan from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Not a Fan: John Martin from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Not a Fan: Catie Hicks from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

True Servanthood

2011-11-14T10:32:00.000-08:00

A while back Rick Kelchner was named Long Hollow Baptist Church's Volunteer of the year...Congrats Rick!! Check out this video:

Volunteer of the Year: Rick Kelchner from Long Hollow Creative on Vimeo.

Giving at @longhollow :

2011-11-10T05:55:00.000-08:00

We have six major goals at Long Hollow Baptist Church and this video tells the story very well:

Why We Give: Budget Breakdown from Long Hollow Creative on Vimeo.

High Profile Athletes and Student Ministry

2011-10-15T06:48:00.000-07:00

I have been in full time ministry for 7 years now and I was taught a valuable lesson in student ministry by someone who just became a believer 2 days before. I will never forget this statement that was shouted at me in frustration as I finished playing basketball with students from a varsity basketball team, "THERE ARE STUDENTS THAT ARE NOT IN THIS GYM OR ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD THAT NEED TO HEAR ABOUT THE LORD" !!! Honestly, my first reaction was to fire back at her and say, " YOU gonna tell ME how to minister to students? I have been doing this for 7 years now, I don't need YOU, of all people telling me how to do my job". I felt my mind go there and then God completely smacked me in the head and my eyes we opened. Wow...her statement was 100% correct and I had to swallow that huge "Humility Pill" that never goes down easy. I love sports with all my heart, so when I step foot on a school campus, I bee line to the basketball gym and football field. I truly believe that we miss a tremendous opportunity when we focus 100% on the "High Profile" sports (basketball, football, soccer, baseball etc). Students that are involved in choir, performing arts, band, bowling, tennis and even track feel like they are over looked cause they are low attended events....LESSON LEARNED!!!

Just wanted to say...

2011-10-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

It the small things in life that matter so have fun:

Blunt conversations among pastors is a lost art...

2011-10-10T07:02:00.000-07:00

Until Now..... The Elephant Room:

The Elephant Room: Round 2 from Harvest Bible Chapel on Vimeo.

Ladies, get out your tissues...its Jason Dyba !!!

2011-10-09T14:26:00.000-07:00

My friend Jason Dyba just purposed to his girlfriend Cara Pollock and made a documentary of the entire thing. Jason is the Creative Director here at Long Hollow Baptist Church and is incredibility talented. I thought this was a very well done video...so here ya :

The Proposal from Jason Dyba on Vimeo.

Student Ministry or You??

2011-10-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

When I saw this scene of the movie "Guardian" God just totally rocked me with this: Ashton Kutcher played a VERY talented swimmer that turned down many scholarship offers to follow his passion and save peoples lives in the water by joining the United States Coast Guard. He meets his instructor Kevin Costner who holds all the records for rescue operations. Ashton lost his focus on saving lives to his competitive nature and his passion became more about breaking records than saving lives. I am a very competitive person and sometimes my focus can get off ministry and onto myself. It is so easy to get caught up in "Who is the Best" but the moment that happens, your ministry becomes more about you and less about God. I am not at all saying its bad to want to be "The Best" or "Competitive" but don't let your pride become your passion. Watch this clip and ask God to speak to your heart:

The U ( Miami Hurricanes )

2011-10-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

This video is AMAZING:

Taming the Tongue Video:

2011-09-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

Tongue Tamer from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Approval

2011-09-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

I saw this commercial and God totally put this on my heart. You do not run your ministry, your job, or your life for someone else. If you do, than u will be hurt and scared because your whole life will be about others. God has placed you right where he wants you for a season, could be on staff at a church, corporate world, or a stay at home mom. So many times I have taken what God has given me and tried to win the approval of my parents, my boss, girls and friends. I love in this video where lance says "They can say what ever they want, I'm not back on my bike for them." don't fall into the game of trying to please everyone because you will lose. Galatians 1:10 says Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Who are you more concerned about men or God?????

Long Hollow Girls Retreat Nov 4th-6th Promo:

2011-09-27T06:38:00.000-07:00

The Chase from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Control Your Eyes

2011-09-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

Controlling your eyes is a lost art in our generation. Not very many people want to do this because they have the attitude of "all I did was look"!!! Not controlling your eyes can be a very dangerous thing. Lust always starts with your eyes and goes down from there. A good friend named Marcus Evans. He the youth pastor at Katy Community Fellowship. I will never forget what God did in my heart 4 years ago on that day. I meet Marcus for breakfast at Cracker barrel to talk ministry and life. We are sitting down and a group of very hot girls walked right by me and my eyes went up, down, left and right. When I could not see them anymore, my eyes immediately look at his to see what his eyes would do so I could justify what mine did. He noticed them but his eyes NEVER come off mine and never looked back. That was the most powerful thing I had ever seen in my entire life. I want to have the integrity of a man of God like Marcus Evans for the rest of my life. That ministered to me so much, this is how you make in impact in someones life without saying a word. I told God from that day forward, I was going to do my best to control my eyes. When I saw this video it got me think about how important it is to control the eyes because you never know who is watching yours. Could be your wife, your kids, your pastor, in this case the media, or most importantly your Heavenly Father!!

Dwight Howard

2011-09-21T06:36:00.000-07:00

Dwight Howard, who is a strong believer and one of the greatest post players in the NBA, is still wanting to improve. I love seeing someone who could very easily be "A Professor" of basketball stay "a student". That's takes serious humility and respect in a culture that bleeds arrogance and disrespect. Dwight recognizes he needs improvement, so he a veteran player who paved the way for guys like him in his profession and did the unthinkable: "Asks For Help". Dwight puts himself in a position to receive mentorship and direction from Hakeem Olajuwon. Why? Cause he wants to see his always be improving. Lets face it, no one gets up in the morning excited about asking for help in weak areas of our lives. How much better would we be at our jobs, relationships, marriages or health if we fought for greatness. A sad but true reality is that no one wants to put in the hard work it takes to become great. The truth is that God has placed veterans of greatness around us but its our decision whether we utilize their wisdom or not. Greatness is not something that has ever come easy to me, so I always made sure I stayed close to great people. Every month I try and sit down with people who are better than me and ask them this question: "What are some things that I need to work on?" Its very hard hearing their answers but are you willing to pay the price to improve.

Here are 5 things Dwight did to turn our weaknesses into his strengths:

1. He stayed Alert (so he could see his weaknesses)
2. He stayed Humble
3. He stayed Coachable
4. He stayed Honest

5. He stayed Respectful
If were not careful insecurity and pride can keep us from reaching our full potential. What are some weak areas in your life and are you willing do what it takes to make them your strengths? #HardQuestions

Runners

2011-09-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

I was running God brought this commercial back to my heart. I think this commercial paints a great picture of what happens to us spiritually when we choose to run (live a life) with Christ. Sin will try to entangle you so it makes it harder to run. We have areas in our life that bring us down could be people, our past, relationships, or even family. We only have two choices; we can let our past pull us down or we can continue to keep running. We have to know that we have an enemy that wants us to give up in our race. He want to discourage you and make you think "It's to Hard"!! I want to challenge you to "Stay in the Battle" don't give up keep running and push through was has stopped you in the past!! Hebrews 12:1 says 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Student Testimony

2011-09-15T06:02:00.000-07:00

Last night we starting a new sermon series called "Brick By Brick" where we are unpacking to our student ministry the book of James. I am so proud of Reed Ensminger and Brittany Cox to be so transparent with what God is doing in their life. We had a very powerful night and God is moving in the Long Hollow Student Ministry. Here is the bumper and testimony:

Brick by Brick Teaser from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Brick by Brick: Trials and Tribulations from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Coffey Anderson

2011-09-13T08:07:00.000-07:00

If you are in Student Ministry and have not booked Coffey...you are missing out!!! He is an INCREDIBLE singer and has a heart for students. Book Him...you and your students will be amazed. Check out his website: iCoffey

Coffey at LongHollow Students from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Brittany Jackson

2011-07-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

Brittany Jackson opens basketball academy: "Tennessee native and former Lady Vol standout Brittany Jackson is now running a basketball academy that emphasizes shooting and skills with an upcoming camp for girls and boys to be held this month in Middle Tennessee." The camp will be held at Station Camp High School starting this Thursday, July 21st-23rd for kids in grades 2nd-9th. Sign your kids up here: Shooting/Skills Camp ...... Check out Brittany's Fanpage on facebook here: Brittany Jackson and Follow here on twitter: @brit2525 !!!

Camp Rap Video:

2011-07-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

I have know Jeff Loucks now for 4 years and it is incredible to see what God has done with him. I met jeff his junior year of high school when I was a youth pastor at Second Baptist Church Houston. He has heart for students and has interned with me at Long Hollow Baptist Church for the last 2 summers, while attending Lipscomb University. Every year up to this point he has written and preformed a summer camp rap. This year he took it to another level when he teamed up with Jason Dyba (Long Hollow's creative director) and Natalie Mcdonald (summer intern who attend Belmont University) to perform the rap at our high school summer camp.....Check it out:

Camp Rap 2011 from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Long Hollow Baptist Church High School Camp and Share Service Testimony Videos:

2011-07-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

God did INCREDIBLE things at camp this year....check it:

High School Camp Day 1 from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

High School Camp Day 2 from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

High School Day 4 from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Camp Share 2011 Pt. 1 from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Camp Share 2011 Pt. 2 from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Powerful Video Testimony:

2011-06-09T09:37:00.001-07:00

Here are 3 girls in our student ministry who have an INCREDIBLE story:

Beech Girls Testimony from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Long Hollow Student Ministry Summer Interns Video:

2011-06-06T08:20:00.000-07:00

Interns from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Long Hollow Student Ministry: Dodgeball Video

2011-04-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

2964 students heard the gospel and over 200 decisions for Christ. We also played dodgeball and saw some students/leaders get DESTROYED with a red ball:

Hendersonville Dodgeball Highlight from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Anthony Robles

2011-04-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

This is a inspirational story of a 17-year-old amateur wrestling champion who was born with one leg and won both national/state high school championships. #NoExcuses

Let Me Soar...

2011-04-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

Jamie Strain is a long time friend of mine that has a huge heart for the lord. He is a youth pastor/worship leader at the Fellowship of the Woodlands (west campus) in Houston, Texas. He has been in the studio recording and just finished this...check it out:

Easter at Long Hollow:

2011-04-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

Check out what were doing on Easter: http://www.liesthechurchbelieves.com/

The Gospel:

2011-03-30T07:01:00.000-07:00

This is tight:

G.O.S.P.E.L. from Humble Beast Records on Vimeo.

Chad Turner's Prom Invite:

2011-03-07T06:30:00.000-08:00

I saw this and thought it was pretty cool. Chad Tuner just posted this video on his facebook. He is one of the sharpest students I have ever meet and is very involved is our student ministry. I thought this was pretty cool how he asked a girl to prom: To watch the video click this ---> PROM INVITE

LONG HOLLOW STUDENT MINISTRY

2011-01-27T19:32:00.000-08:00

Whats going on in the Long Hollow Student Ministry: ACRODUNK/QUEST WEEKEND/DEADLIEST CATCH VIDEOS

Acrodunk from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Deadliest Catch Bumper from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Creativity or Genius....Maybe Both:

2011-01-25T21:11:00.000-08:00

Our Media Team is AMAZING......check out this video of last Sundays (1/23/2011) service at Long Hollow Baptist Church:

MTV New Show: SKINS

2011-01-21T11:36:00.000-08:00

It's sad when a network has to start promotionally capitalizing on dangerous issues that students have to deal with EVERYDAY to boost ratings. Hey MTV, does this saying ring a bell, "Don't Shoot Yourself In The Foot (Plaxico Burress style)"?? You know you have hit rock bottom when you have to start convincing actors 15 year old actors, 3 million viewers, and a culture (you have lead for the past 15 years) that the lifestyle your promoting is "The Way", News Flash.....its not.
2 Timothy 3:1-7 says: But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.
MTV, right now you have "WORMED" your way into at least 3 million homes and "OK'd" desires that kill people from the inside out. You have had so much influence on so many generations up to this point but a line has been crossed. I have crossed many lines in my life too but I have people around me that can bring me back and help me see the dangers in what line I crossed. Its called ACCOUNTABILITY and if you don't have it around you, its deadly. From what I see Taco Bell is the closest thing you have. Call them and ask them "What Happened"??? I have two words for Taco Bell, who pulled its ads for the show (Taco Bell Article): THANK YOU

Coke did it again:

2010-12-24T10:59:00.000-08:00

Best Coke Christmas Commercial EVER:

Not just updating your facebook status...

2010-12-23T06:53:00.000-08:00

It is easy to simply update your facebook status with the classic "Bring your friends to church tonight". Brian Mills is always challenging our student minstry staff never to settle for mediocrity in ministry but really push yourself to be more creative. Everything you produce should be done with excellence cause EXCELLENCE = EFFECTIVENESS. I love our student ministry team at Long Hollow, we really push ourselves to never go through the motions. Be creative in the way you invite your students to any programming at ANY COST. Here are 3 painful examples and for more you can visit our student ministry fan page on facebook ----->LHSM:

Speaking this weekend at Fellowship of the Woodlands

2010-12-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

I will be speaking this sunday to the student ministry at the "West Campus" for Fellowship of the Woodlands at 9:30 and 11:00 in Cinco Ranch High School. Fellowship of the Woodlands is one of the largest Churches in the United States (click here for the article: FOTW) and is lead by Pastor Kerry Shook. A good friend of mine Mark Stayton, who is the Executive Pastor of Campus Expansion and helps over see the student ministry at all 5 campuses asked me to fly down and speak. Mark and I have stayed connected overs the years and he is a tremendous leader. He hired Jamie Strain to be the Student Pastor for the west campus. Jamie has a incredible heart for the Lord and students. I am excited about the opportunity to share my heart with the student minstry of this church. You can follow their student ministry facebook fan page here: Student Ministry

Long Hollow Christmas Service:

2010-12-15T07:44:00.000-08:00

Check out the Worship and Service from sunday:

Long Hollow Christmas (Worship from December 12, 2010) from Long Hollow Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Christmas Is...For Us from Long Hollow Baptist Church on Vimeo.

This is UNBELIEVABLE:

2010-12-10T06:15:00.000-08:00

This girls videos are blowing up on YouTube...check it:

The Gift

2010-12-04T15:04:00.000-08:00

Its events like "The Gift" that allows the church to do exactly what it is called to do: Be the hands and feet of Jesus in our in the community. I am so proud to be on a church staff that is constantly looking for ways to make an impact on people who unintentionally get looked over... like Single Moms!! So every year Long Hollow Baptist Church brings together all the ministries that exsist to honor and pamper the ladies. Here is how this event works:

We created a Vallet Parking system so from the time they pull on campus its all about them. They pull right up to the entrance of the church and a vallet opens the car door and hands them a claim ticket. They are then escorted into the building and lead to childcare so they can drop their kids off. Then they have these options:

Meanwhile the guy volunteers (which consists of Adults/middle school/high school students) are taking the mom's car to the first of 4 stops:

1st Stop: Complete oil change/fluids check/tire pressure check/battery check. If the battery is on its last leg, its replaced with a brand new one...free of charge.

2nd Stop: Getting all of the trash out and then vacuuming the entire car.

3rd Stop: Detailing the interior: whipping off the dash, center console, and anything else

4th Stop: A complete exterior wash

Mean while inside the worship center the gospel is presented and then ladies are showered with gifts and a ToGo bag of items they like. (don't ask me what was in them cause I have no idea...haha) They pick up their kids and return to the front of the building where they present their valet ticket and their car is brought to them. It was the most unbelievable event I have ever been a part of. You could see tears running down the faces of these women (whom some had forgot what it felt like to be pampered physically and spiritually) as they came out to see that their cars had been pampered also.......AMAZING!!! Pics coming soon

I love stories like this: Tenn Titan Chris Johnson

2010-10-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

Up In The Air

2010-10-22T06:59:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been spending more time in airports than my own apartment. Speaking at events, attending conferences, weddings, or visiting family and friends has required me to live a life that I have always wanted. If you have ever spend anytime in a airport you find yourself people watching more than normal. Airports are one of the most emotional places you will ever walk into. Passenger or not, you are either really sad to see someone depart or so excited to see someone arrive. I had just landed in Atlanta and was on my way to baggage when I saw a mom and her three kids waiting for their husband and father. I could see the excitement building in their faces and they were moments away from being reunited with a loved one. Honestly I was excited for them that I had to stay and watch this unfold. The situation looked just like a movie, as soon as one of his kids saw him, they shouted "There's Daddy"!! The husband heard his kids voice, let go of everything in his hands and ran to the people that matter most. After I saw the reunited family walk away, my happiness quickly turned to anger. My flesh got fired up and I end up having a convo with God that looks something like this:

"Ummmmm hey God, remember me? It's Shannon, well just in case you forgot about me..which it feels like you have. I'm guy who you called to give up everything to follow you. Still don't remember me....it's ok, I know your busy ....here is a little refresher, I was the store manager at Abercrombie & Fitch who was just about to get a promotion and woke up one morning and everything I had done in my life meant nothing. There ya go...well I cant help but to remember you telling me that if I followed you, you will give me the desires of my heart. Well I have done everything (well almost) you have asked me to do and still it seems like everyone else is receiving the desires of their hearts except me".

Honestly, I find myself looking more at what God has not given me than what he has and it frustrates me so much that I battle with that. My attitude towards him reminded me of the Parable of the worker in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) I crumble all the time against the landowner on timing and pay. The truth is that he knows what will satisfy my spirit and the perfect timing in which to give it. I have to be at peace with the fact that I may not see the desires of my heart come true in this life but for sure the next. . Growing up I wanted to be someone important, fly around the world, wear nice clothes, hop around from city to city and when people saw me, they would want what I have. I thought those things would make me feel valued and complete. Last night I feel asleep with the t.v. on woke up this morning to the beginning of the movie "UP In The Air" George Clooney plays a successful executive guy who flies around and thinks he knows what he wants out of life. In the end all the hotel rewards benefits, airport elite access, concierge service and air miles was enough. Sometimes in life God gives us little reminders that help keep things in perspective. He showed me this morning that even though I may not feel like I'm where we should be at 33 that I can know I right were I'm supposed to be at 33. I spent time this morning asking God to forgive me for my lack of trust and timing for HIS will.

Accountability

2010-10-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

Our pastor David Landrith has really been adamant about making sure our church staff accountability. Having someone in your life who can ask you the hard questions that never seem have easy answers. I was just thinking about what are the top 5 things to look for in a accountability partner.

1. Trustworthy

2. Loyal

3. Confrontational

4. Belief

5. Fearless

Francis Chan recently made a big decision to leave his church . Mark Driscoll and Joshua Harris sat him down in this video and JUST let him have it....well Driscoll was doing all the handing. The thing that stuck out to me the most in this video was how Mark didn't wanna waste any time and beat around the bush. He came out firing and Francis knows Mark wants him to be successful but he also knows he will not let him off the hook that easy. This is how accountability should look like. Sitting with down at a table asking the hard questions and being pushed.

Become Legendary Video #3

2010-09-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

This weeks intro to our "Become Legendary" series, check it out:

Untitled from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Monday Night Football in Nashville

2010-08-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

Last Night, LP Field was sold out for the Tennessee Titans preseason Monday Night Football game. This was the first home game since Nashville was rocked by the "The Great Flood" so everyone in the city was more than ready for some excitement. Terry and Jamie Porch, members of our church family, offered me tickets to the game and I could not wait to get to the stadium. As I was soaking everything in I thought to myself, "I would have never in a million years thought God would bring me to Nashville". UNBELIEVABLE is the word that best describes last night. I ran into old friends, saw a great game, the weather was perfect, ate the biggest burger EVER and got to see Lavelle Hawkins jump over a player from the Arizona Cardinals (watch the video here: The Jump) Honestly, leaving Houston was one of the hardest things I have ever done but it's nights like this that make Nashville feel more and more like home. Here are some pics from last night:

Search Results. I was sitting in my seat thinking to myself "Never in million years would I ever imagine that God would bring me to Nashville"!! Moments like last night make Nashville feel more and more like home...Thank You Terry and Jamie. Here are some pics from last night:

Competitiveness vs Compassion Haitian Soccer Team

2010-08-17T09:13:00.001-07:00

Definition of Competitive: having a strong desire to compete or to succeed.

In high school there is nothing more important to athletes than winning, but to this 16 year old goalie wining took on a different meaning. The Impact she made on the hearts of her opponents is INCREDIBLE!!!!

Michael Jordan: Break To Build

2010-08-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

Can you say "Great Sermon Series"?? #JustSayin

Unmatched Work Ethic:

2010-08-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

Jerry Rice just got inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame for being one of the best wide receivers in the game. What impressed people most about Jerry was his work ethic and leadership. If I can one day become half the leader Jerry Rice is I will be very blessed. Here are some points I wrote down while I was watched this video:

Click here to watch the video:-----> Jerry Rice Catching History

-Don't get in the habit of quitting
-Don't allow someone or something to beat you
-Don't EVER get out worked
-Always be pushing yourself to become stronger
-Always be prepared so your never surprised
-Make everyone on your team has value...no matter what position they hold
-You set the example
-Always go above and beyond peoples expectations

TO FORGIVE IS DIVINE

2010-07-28T08:36:00.000-07:00

This is POWERFUL:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/e60/news/story?id=4640235

Long Hollow Student Ministry: Reflection Video

2010-07-22T13:32:00.000-07:00

I love this video:

All Access 2010 Reflection Video from Long Hollow Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Second Baptist Church Houston, Texas

2010-06-21T06:32:00.000-07:00

Every year after Second Baptist Church returns from Beach Retreat they show a reflections video in all of their services of high school/jHigh summer camp. I was honored to be on staff there for 4 years and usually went to both weeks of camp. Second's media team does a fantastic job of telling the story of what God did in the lives of everyone who was at camp. This year they took 2,913 students/leaders and baptized 599 students. This video is incredibly powerful:

High Profile Sports and Student Ministry

2010-05-27T04:42:00.000-07:00

I have been in full time ministry for 7 years now and I was taught a valuable lesson in student ministry by someone who just became a believer 2 days before. I will never forget this statement that was shouted at me in frustration as I finished playing basketball with students from a varsity basketball team, "THERE ARE STUDENTS THAT ARE NOT IN THIS GYM OR ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD THAT NEED TO HEAR ABOUT THE LORD" !!! Honestly, my first reaction was to fire back at her and say, " YOU gonna tell ME how to minister to students? I have been doing this for 7 years now, I don't need YOU, of all people telling me how to do my job". I felt my mind go there and then God completely smacked me in the head and my eyes we opened. Wow...her statement was 100% correct and I had to swallow that huge "Humility Pill" that never goes down easy. I love sports with all my heart, so when I step foot on a school campus, I bee line to the basketball gym and football field. I truly believe that we miss a tremendous opportunity when we focus 100% on the "High Profile" sports (basketball, football, soccor, baseball etc). Students that are involved in choir, performing arts, band, bowling, tennis and even track feel like they are over looked cause they are low attended events....LESSON LEARNED!!!

CNN: Wildly Inappropriate

2010-05-17T06:54:00.000-07:00

Humility Redefined!!!

2010-04-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

Joe Knittig and Moise Vaval from Long Hollow Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Our Staff was blessed enough to spend the entire weekend with Pastor Moise Vaval and Joe Knittig. Moise Vaval's powerful story was show on CBS's 60 minuets and received world wide response. I have never met a more humble man in my entire life and has a level of faith I could only dream of. Joe Knittig's story has really impacted my life as well. Joe came to a place in his life where our cultures view of success meant nothing and he realized he was called to something higher. Our Church has been supporting them both and is currently rebuilding their church/orphanage through our Crazy Love Campaign, check it out:

Introduction to the Problem from Long Hollow Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Honda's "Dream the Impossible" Campaign

2010-04-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

Honda has recently started a new campaign to become innovators of the car business. They just released 6 short documentaries about the future of their company, it's called (click here to see the website------>) "Dream the Impossible" . One of the films is called Mobility 2088, where Honda challenged their team to think about what the car market will look like in the year 2088. They forced their team to think like innovators instead replicators. Innovators have the vision to be able to look beyond where they are today and see things that other people cannot see. "Many people wait for the future to reach them, but few people reach for the future". What does student ministry look like in the year 2088? It is so easy with pod casting, conferences, social media and networking, not have an innovative student ministry. We see the way someone else has shot a video, presented the gospel or had a successful event and ministry becomes very easy. Easy can be a very dangerous word, our culture tells us to run towards it, but when was the last time success came without a price? Unintentionally, If we are not careful laziness and complacency will slowly move us out of the drivers seat of ministry. No one can know what the future of your student ministry looks like but you. Never settle and Dream the Impossible.

Jon Gruden and "Exposing"

2010-04-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

ESPN has a new show about a coach named Jon Gruden, who works out with, then sits down with the top quarterbacks in this years NFL draft. Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford and some others have been working with Gruden, and the show is basically Gruden exposing the players' positives and negatives. To watch the video click this ----->SportsCenter. The word "EXPOSE" is not something we want to have someone do to us but it is essential if your want to become better at what ever you do. It is so important that we have some one who will tell us honestly what we need to work on and "EXPOSE" our weaknesses. No one said the road to becoming great was a cake walk, its takes hard work and learning from our mistakes. Lets face it, fear and pride play a big role in allowing someone to speak into our lives. I think that fear is the major issue. Think about it, the only time we here the word "EXPOSE" is when someone losses a job, marriage, starting position or the ability to keep something a secret out of shame or guilt. "Exposing" can be a powerful tool in being great if the person doing with love. What I love about Coach Cruden is that he exposes all 3 of the quarterbacks positives first, then he moves on to areas they need to improve on. He sits them down INDIVIDUALLY (which is important and a whole different blog entry) and shows film of the quarterbacks in situations they didn't make the best decision. He then asks them why they made that decision and what would they have done different. How much better would we be in our sport, ministry, job, marriage or relationships if we allowed someone we trust to hold us accountable, help recognize mistakes, then how to make better decisions in the future........Just something to think about!!!!

Your Not You

2010-03-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

This snickers commercial has so much truth in it. When I saw this commercial it reminded me that people often change into someone their not when their circumstances are not comfortable. Think about the last time you were hungry, your entire personality changed because your body needed something. The only thing you can think about is how you need to get something to eat as fast as you can. I think sometimes when life gets uncomfortable we look for a quick fix. One thing I had to learn is that God isn't in the "Quick Fix" business. When ever our lives get uncomfortable we look for the fastest way back to that feeling of comfort. Our flesh hates it and cries out for you to move back to where you were. Here are some questions with quick fix answers:

-Not comfortable with the way your body looks? Surgery

-Not comfortable in your marriage? Leave

-Not comfortable with your boss? Get a new Job

-Not comfortable with your professor at college? Drop his class

-Not comfortable with a diet? Eat what you want

-Not comfortable with your grey hair? Dye it (I fall into the "Quick Fix traps too!!)

The truth is that sometimes you can be right where God wants you to be and still be very uncomfortable. I have seen God do some very big things in my friends lives when they were taken out of their comfort zones and stretched. They let him do the work he needed to do in them and at no point was it easy. Each of them had to turn away from the "Quick Fix" and say "OK Lord, What your doing in my life hurts now but I know you are growing me, so do what you have to do". If Gods needs to do a work in your life, its gonna happen. Some of us try to hide and others sprint in the opposite direction (look at the story of Jonah)!!! It comes all comes down trusting God's plan even when it hurts. I wanna challenge you to read Read: 2 Corinthians 4..... As I was about to hit the publish button God brought this song to my heart, cause sometimes in your life your just gonna have to stand in the middle of your uncomfortableness with your arms high and heart abandoned:

The "I Will' Sermon Series

2010-03-16T12:38:00.000-07:00

When this commercial aired 2 weeks ago I thought this would make a great sermon series. the verse that came to my mind was: 1Timothy 4:8 For physical training is of some value but but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. Here are the first 4 "I Will" things that came to my mind

Week 1: "I Will" Come
Week 2: "I Will" Connect
Week 3: "I Will" Grow
Week 4: "I Will" Worship

Our culture points our students to a life that is all about them. Who can be the strongest, who can be the fastest and who can be the best. Now, I am not saying being competitive is a bad thing all but when it becomes more important that God, it gets dangerous. There is nothing wrong with being any of those things but sometimes I think we forget who gave us those abilities. If we can get our students to understand that you can be the best athlete in the country and still make no impact in others lives. Why is that, because there is always going to be someone faster and stronger. So when the next all everything athlete comes into your sport and your time on top ends, you will be ok. There are not many people who use their abilities to further others and not themselves but when they do arrive, their impact is felt and talked about for eternity. Not because they were great but they make everyone around them better, physically and spiritually!!! The series "I Will" series I hope will help our students humble themselves even if they have been blessed with being the smartest, fastest, strongest, most popular student at school and tell the dumbest, slowest, weakest most unpopular student at school that no matter what, God has a Great and Wonderful plan for their lives.

Dr. Ed Young and Jo Beth tips staying in love for 50 years...

2010-03-15T06:11:00.000-07:00

Houston News ABC 13 ran this video a couple of weeks ago, Inspiration its finest:

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After "The Band of Brothers" comes "The Pacific"

2010-03-12T14:40:00.000-08:00

Tom Hanks and Steven Speilberg did it again...8 months after Pearl Harbor the 1st Marine division lands on Guadalcanal. If you liked Band of Brothers, your goona love The Pacific.

Being A Leader Sometimes Means Following!!!!

2010-03-10T06:12:00.000-08:00

One of my mentors Ed Long is the Vice President of Operations for Toyota and he was telling me this book is a must read!!!

How can they lead effectively while serving under someone else's authority?

Leading from the Second Chair offers leaders who serve in second chair roles an invaluable resource for becoming leaders who are productive, proactive, and fulfilled. The book reveals the paradoxes of second chair leadership: Second chair leaders must be subordinate to the top leader yet lead in their own right. They should be deep in their expertise but wide in perspective. And they must be content in their jobs yet remain enthusiastic for their dreams for the future.

"Somebody said the hardest instrument to play is second fiddle. But since Jesus had one or two things to say about serving and submitting, this is a rich field.

Changing What Your Great At...

2010-03-07T19:54:00.000-08:00

When I saw this video of Tim Tebow explaining why he was changing the way he thew a football, two words came to mind "Competitive" and "Coachable". Rarely do you see someone who is both. He is willing to change the way he throws, so what he is great at doesn't become routine. I think doing routine youth ministry can be a trap you can fall into. I think you always need to be able to take a long hard look at your ministry and ask yourself the same two questions Tim Tebow did, "How can I improve the gifts and talents God gave me to be the best" and "Am I willing to be coachable?" I love it when he says "I am willing and ready to do what ever it takes and I will work as hard as I can to improve" ARE YOU WILLING ??? watch the video here ----->Timbo

The biggest beach ball I have EVER seen!!!!

2010-03-05T20:30:00.000-08:00

Our Pastor David Landrith, used the biggest beach ball EVER in his sermon Sunday and also gave Brian Mills and I a shout out....check it:

All In - Authentic Worship from Long Hollow Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Nashville Tennessee here I come!!!

2010-02-22T13:10:00.000-08:00

I am very excited about doing student ministry at Long Hollow Baptist Church!!! The Pastor's name is David Landrith and I got the opportunity to hang out with him during my original visit. He is a tremendous leader/communicator here is a video of last weeks sermon: All In!!! I will be flying up to Nashville this Thursday morning so I can meet all of the students and leaders who will be attending Quest Weekend (like Second Houston's Premiere Weekend). Brian Mills and I will be going from home to home meeting students and connecting with parents. Please be praying for this weekend that God would do AMAZING things in the lives of the students who will be attending. You can also be praying for my transition up to Nashville. My official start date is March 8Th but there are many things that have to be taken care of up there as well as down here in Katy. Honestly, I am really stressed out but very excited at the same time. The Longhollow Student Ministry staff, leaders, and students have been sending me text messages (399 up to this point) welcoming me to Long Hollow!!! I wanted to give you a look into this church and what God is doing there. Here a 2 videos I have seen that really get me pumped up about being a part of their church staff: Video #1 and Video #2

Crazy Love Campaign: Youth Building from Long Hollow Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Welcome Curt Taylor (The Man, The Myth, The Legend)

2010-02-12T14:57:00.000-08:00

Curt Taylor is the Children's Pastor at our Woodway Campus and does an incredible job with the families of Second Baptist Church. You can follow Curt on Twitter here: Curt!!

Red Bull's Project X "Youth Ministry"

2010-02-09T11:57:00.000-08:00

If you have ever played competitive sports and were remotely successful, you should be very familiar with these two words: HARD WORK and youth ministry is no different. I saw this video of Shaun White (who by the way, is the best snowboarder in the world) talking about how he wanted to build a facility where he could train harder than he ever has before. Shaun realized to win this years Winter X Games, he would have to do things that no one had ever done and land things that had never landed before. He knew he was going to have to push the limits of snowboarding further and faster than its ever been pushed before. Shaun wanted to work harder this off season than he ever had before. This off season realization was made into a documentary called: Red Bull Project X, which is so AMAZING!! The whole time I was watching this, I was thinking "We need to have the same approach to youth ministry as Shaun does to snowboarding"!!! When I see someone who is at the top of his game, still trying to push themselves to become better, it inspires me. It is VERY easy to go through the motions in ministry, in others words just barley do enough to get by. In my opionion, you have two options, You can settle and use another youth pastors best or you can push the limits of youth ministry and be the best!! Question, "What are you doing that is going to seperate yourself from every other youth pastor in the country"? -Just something to think about. To see the video click this ------> Training

Breaking History Last Night

2010-02-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

Kobe Bryant broke Jerry West's scoring record and is now the Lakers All Time Leading Scorer!!! Just in case you missed it ;?)

"The Church Turnaround"

2010-02-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

Domino's Pizza has seen a drop in sales over the last 2 or 3 years and they are committed to taking an HONEST look at the quality of pizza they have been serving. They were very intentional about sitting their former customers down and asking them two simple questions: "Honestly, whats wrong?" and "What do we need to do better?" Domino's asked some very tough questions and got some very tough answers. Here are some quotes from this video that really impacted me: "There comes a time when you know you have to make changes", "Our staff was working day and night even weekends to get what had to be done, DONE" and "I cant wait to see what people think of our new pizza". When I saw this video it reminded me that we need to be asking ourselves the same questions about our churches and ministries. The President of Domino's said something I will never forget: "You can't run a company like this if you don't love pizza" if you in full time ministry, you need to a long hard look at this revised statement: "You can't run a church or a ministry if you don't love people"!!! I think every business or church at some point comes to the realization that, "People Are Leaving"!!! Its what you do with that realization that determines whether your church or company files "People Bankruptcy". I truly believe that Domino's Pizza is 100% committed to delivering a quality product to people. Ministry needs to have the same commitment level, sometimes in ministry we need to be reminded that were in "The People Business". Just something to think about...

Jack Bauer Keeps His Word!!!!!

2010-01-14T13:49:00.000-08:00

Kiefer Sutherland bet a friend that if the New England Patriots lost he would wear a dress when he went on Letterman. When I heard about this it made me think about the verse in James 5:12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned. I have so much respect for Kiefer for keeping his word to his best friend. Keeping your word is not the easiest thing in the world to do, especially when it comes to wearing a dress on national t.v.!!! Much respect Jack!!!!

Breaking Records in Ministry

2010-01-11T12:39:00.001-08:00

I was watcthing a movie called The Guardian with Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Costner. I saw this scene in the movie and this thought hit me. Ashton played a VERY talented swimmer that turned down many scholarship offers to follow his passion and save peoples lives in the water by joining the United States Coast Guard. He meets his instructor Kevin Costner who holds all the records for rescue operations. Ashton lost his focus on saving lives to his competitive nature and everything became more about breaking records than saving lives. His instructor realizes that this had happened and allows ashton to break ALL of the records to refocus him to what matters most, saving lives. I am a very competitive person and sometimes our focus can get off ministry and onto myself. It is so easy to get caught up in "Who is the Best" but the moment that happens, your ministry becomes more about you and less about God. I am not at all saying its bad to want to be "The Best" or "Competitive" but don't let your pride become your passion. Watch this clip and ask God to speak to your heart: The Guardian

Passion Update #1

2010-01-02T04:57:00.000-08:00

Im on the plane decending down to Alanta...I am sooooo excited to see God is going to do in the next 5days...Be praying!!!!

2010

2009-12-31T12:26:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading my blog entry from: New Years Eve of 2008. Well, here it is fixing to be 2010 and I honestly have no idea what God will do. I am writing this thinking how humbled I am to be a part of such a great church and church family. There are so many people have invested in me spiritually and because of that my walk with Christ will never be the same. Physically has been for sure the hardest part of 2009. I have left behind almost over 38 lbs in 2009. I think this will be the first News Years when one of my resolutions is not wanting to lose 40lbs...and that's probably what excites me the most when I look back at 2009. Honestly, God has done so BIG things not so much in my life but most everyone around me. Many of my friends have gotten engaged, moved jobs, had kids, bought their first home, or been married. Its funny when I look at the last sentence I JUST typed, it makes me angry at God a little because not one of those things happened to me this year. While God did do some big things in my life, he did not the ones that I really wanted. Selfishly, I fall into the trap of "God, you owe me", look at what you did with everyone else. When I start feeling like that God ALWAYS directs back to Matthew 20, which is the parable about the workers in the vineyard. I find myself grumbling and compiling just like the worker did to the land owner(God) about only getting a Denarius for working hard all day, while others worked less than me and got the same pay. This is what my convo looks like with God: "Hey Shannon, you agreed to surrender your life to me and let me do EVERYTHING in your life on MY timing" to which my answer is this "I know but I feel like I'm always last when it comes to your blessings and its hard" Gods answer "So was dying on a cross for ya" -conversation over!!
My 2010 New Years Resolution is one that I have never said before but there is a first time for everything, so here it is: Is that by new years of 2011, I have no new years resolutions!!

The Official last day of Loren Hopf has come...

2009-12-28T12:36:00.000-08:00

Today was Loren Hopf's official last day our of church staff. She has been serving as our 5th/6th grade girls associate for the past year. God opened a door for her to become a teacher at Second Baptist School and will be teaching 5th grade English. I am so proud of what she has done with this ministry. So many young girls lives have been changed because of what Loren allowed God to do through her. Her and Chris (her Husband) have impacted my life so greatly. Loren and I have shared many ups and downs but I can honestly look back and say "Every tear, every shout, and every talk I received, was worth it". Loren, good luck and thank you so much for what you have done in my life and the lives of our 5th/6th graders, you will be missed. Below are some of my favorite videos and pics of us doing ministry:

Ray Lewis's Ministry

2009-12-24T06:55:00.000-08:00

I heard Gregg Matte one time say this "To beat the enemy you have to learn how take your misery and turn it into your ministry" Ray Lewis gets it and I quote Ray Lewis "Working out is just another way of fellowship"!!! I saw the interview on Sportscenter this morning: click here to watch it!!

The Intro

2009-12-17T12:45:00.000-08:00

My boy Chris Hopf lived in Chicago for a short time. Yesterday he sent me an email and the title was "Remember this....best starting 5 ever". That title hit me like a ton of bricks. The intro to the bulls playoff game in 1996 was so impactful, that 13 years later Chris still remembers it. That got me thinking about every intro to a basketball I have ever seen. I can even recall leaving my house early to make sure I got to the game in time to see the intro. When the lights went out everyone knew to stand up and get your cameras ready. Next, you heard the high energy music come and it was so loud you could feel it in your bones. Then every ones adrenaline jacks up and everyone goes nuts. You then see a video that takes you on a "Journey" -Brian Mills, of what the team has done up to that point. In ministry, "The Intro" has fallen off the radar because we want to keep our students guessing about what will happen next. If you think about it, the intro plays such a huge part of getting the crowd excited about what they are fixing to see. What would happen if next time you went to a profession game and there was no intro? I think the intro, if done with excellence, can be a very effective element to start off bible study. How AMAZING would it be if we could get our students just as excited about the beginning of bible study as a sports event? I have seen intros to sports that I care nothing about, but it was so good that I became interested. I think an intro can be an amazing thing if it is done right, like the bulls did and the Lakers do here: If on facebook, to see video click here: Lakers

My first hero in ministry: Matt Chandler

2009-12-09T07:55:00.000-08:00

Matt Chandler came and spoke at Faith West Academy my junior year of high school which was 1996. He was the first person I had ever heard that made the gospel com ALIVE. I can remember thinking "Someday I want to follow who he follows and do what he does". From that day forward I would check around and see when/where he was speaking and I would go. Here is a video that describes the battle he is fighting right now and the UNBELIEVABLE perspective he has....WOW: If your on facebook reading this to see the video click here: MATT

Allen Iverson and Matthew 23:12

2009-12-06T15:00:00.001-08:00

When I saw this interview God really spoke to my heart about how important it is to stay "Coachable". If you have followed Allen Iverson's career in his earlier years he was everything but, on and off the court. He is blessed with all the talent in the world but had a very hard time with authority early on. It got me thinking about my our life and the way I do ministry. It sooooo easy to look at Allen and say "Wow, he is blowing it" or "What a waste of talent". If all of us would take a long hard look at our own lives, we do the same thing with the talent God gave us. How many times have we wasted an opportunity because we were to prideful to listen to the advice of someone who really cares about us? These are the questions I asked myself after I saw this interview. I love seeing someone who has been labeled all his life, come to a point where humility replaces exaltation. It's funny, we run from humility (out of fear) as long as we can, then when it catches us, it makes us a better person: Matthew 23:12
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. I'm excited to see how Allen Iverson's game changes on an off the court!!!

WOW.....My Day of 1st's

2009-12-04T19:05:00.000-08:00

When I woke up this morning I knew it was going be a great day, little did I know it would be a day of 1st's that I will never forget:

The First time I have EVER ran 8 miles (in the snow with Michael Head)
The First time in Houston History it has snowed 2 years in a row
The First time it has snowed in Houston this early in the season
The First time I had to drive through a snow storm in Katy, Texas
The First time I went to Starbucks when it snowed (Carmel Apple Cider)
The First time I jumped into a freezing pond while it was snowing (to see the video, click here)

Matt Chandler: Planting, Preaching, and Leadership

2009-12-02T10:23:00.001-08:00

Choices:

2009-12-02T08:53:00.000-08:00

5th/6th Grade Parents, Watch This:

2009-11-19T10:02:00.000-08:00

And its comming to Second Baptist Church soon!!! Here is the Website: iShine

Veterans Day!!

2009-11-11T08:20:00.000-08:00

To all of those who have fought for our counrty to provide the freedom we enjoy every day....Thank you!!!

Make Your Weakness Your Strenth

2009-11-06T11:33:00.000-08:00

Kobe Bryant, who is one of the greatest basketball players EVER recognized that his post moves needed work. So here called the best post player in the history of the NBA. When I saw this video it really got me thinking about how, we need to do the same in the weak areas of our lives. God has put people around us who are great and its our decision whether we utilize their wisdom or not. Unfortunately most of us don't because we have to much pride. Here is what I love about Kobe Bryant:
1. He recognized that an area of his game needed improvement
2. He was humble enough to seek help
3. He is the best player in the world yet is always coachable
4. He is never satisfied with where he is in his carrer

What areas of your marriage, ministry, vocation, or parenting are your weaknesses? Are you willing to attack your weakness so it can become your strength?

Here are Best and Worst things to eat at the movies

2009-10-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

CANDY:

Worst: Skittles (7.2 oz.) 826 calories, 9.7 grams fat

Better:Twizzlers (6 oz.) 606 calories, 3.8 grams fat
Best: Sour Patch Soft & Chewy Candy (3.5 oz.) 375 calories, 0 grams fat

POPCORN:

Worst: Large buttered popcorn 1,640 calories, 126 grams fat (That’s almost two days’ worth of fat!)
Better: Small, no butter 400 calories, 27 grams fat
Best: Kid size, no butter 300 calories, 20 grams fat

COLD TREATS:

Worst: Toll House chocolate-chip cookie ice cream sandwich 490 calories, 23 grams fat
Better: Butterfinger Loaded ice cream bar 290 calories, 19 grams fat
Best: Edy’s strawberry iced-fruit bar 120 calories, 0 grams fat

CHOCOLATE:

Worst: Peanut M&M’s (5.3 oz.) 786 calories,39.3 grams fat

Better: Junior Mints (4.75 oz.) 595 calories,10.5 grams fat

Best: Milk Duds (3 oz.) 371 calories,13.1 grams fat

HOT SNACKS:

In general, beware of anything with glow-in-the-dark cheese.
Worst: Nachos with cheese 894 calories, 52.5 grams fat
Better: Hot dog with ketchup 315 calories, 19 grams fat
Best: Soft pretzel 310 calories, 4 grams fat

Forgiveness from 1996

2009-10-17T17:32:00.000-07:00

This was a very touching illustration of forgiveness. I feel very sorry for Mike Tyson and have always had a heart for him. I love it when we get a chance to see two competitors take the "High Road" and forgive each other, very inspiring!!!
Luke 6:37 Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

3D Ministry (If you have 3D glasses put them on)

2009-10-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been seeing that the film industry has been moving in the direction of 3D. They have even been taking old films and making them 3D so the quality and shapes are move alive t. I was just think about what if we can make the Gospel 3D? What we can make the stories of the most important book in the world COME ALIVE!! I remember the first time the Gospel came alive to me was when I heard Matt Chandler speak my junior year of high school. You make scripture "COME ALIVE" by "Telling the Story" taking people with you. Yesterday I was watching "The day After Tomorrow" and the first scene was in Greenland during a blizzard. I had my window open because it was cold outside. This is how great our God is, right then the coldest breeze came in my window and I remember thinking "I feel like I'm in this movie" and I thought to myself how AMAZING would it be to let our students experience the gospel in the same way. Obviously this is waaaay out of the box but what a great goal. I love "Google Earth" anywhere in the world you want to go, it will take you there. We need to do the same thing in ministry tell the story and take your audience with you!!!

Welcome a new Blogger!!!

2009-10-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

Leanne Jamieson is the Director of our Women's Ministry here at Second Baptist Church in Houston, Texas @ our west campus and has been doing an AMAZING job!! check out her new blog: Leanne Jamieson

Lunch with Stephon Leary

2009-10-05T12:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had lunch with one of the most influential people in my life. Coach Leary introduced me to "The Lord" when I was a freshman in high school. I say this with all seriousness, I am where I am today because of Stephon Leary. He would pick me up for church every Sunday, even when I didn't care anything about Christ. He was the first christian I had ever met and he invested in not only me but in my family. He was my coach for 4 years but he has been my friend for 16. Stephon played college basketball at Liberty University and was Drafted by the Dallas Mavericks then suffered a career ending knee injury. God had bigger plans for him. After coaching at Faith West Academy then he went back to be an Assistant Coach for Liberty University, then a head coach at Palm Beach Atlantic and Texas A&M International. He is now a professional basketball agent and God is blessing him so much. I was so excited because our entire lunch conversation was about the lord and student ministry. He understood that student ministry is not pointing students in the right direction its walking with them and no one did that better than him. He was always playing basketball with us, in our homes, and spending time with us outside of school and church. He truly showed me what it was to invest in people eternally!!! He has been coming to Second Baptist and I am VERY excited to see what God is going to do next in Stephon's life.

Ed Jr's prep for a sermon

2009-09-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

Innovation's Leader was Michael Jackson

2009-09-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

Innovation is soooooo important in ministry. If you are in any type of programming at any level, you need to see this movie. The times are always changing but rarely to you meet people who are ahead of the times. Michael did not allow this to happen to his music, work ethic, performance or his unwillingness for perfection. We need to be thinking the same way in our ministry. I love getting a behind the scenes look at how hard artists really work. I will be seeing this movie when it comes out:

Spiritual Discipline from Matt Chandler

2009-09-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

The word "Discipline" is not a word I run to with excitement. When I think about that word here is where my thought life goes: "Find every way to avoid it", "Negative", "Hurts" and "Old School". What we forget is that Discipline can be a great thing. I have a very fast pace, fly by the seat of my pants lifestyle that often gets me emotionally and spiritually drained. I love my lifestyle but as a result it makes me "Surfacey" (if that's even a word) I was so convicted about Matt's honesty about what distracts him from his time with The Lord. Some of the best forms of inspiration in my life has come more from honesty than leadership!!! I want to challenge everyone who watches this video to examine their heart and what takes away from our time with Christ!!
"Self-respect is the fruit of discipline : the sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself."
------- Abraham J. Heschel

Teachers, a must see video.. AMAZING story!!!

2009-09-18T14:04:00.000-07:00

Dalton Sherman spoke in front of 20,000 teachers from Dallas ISD and challenged them to "Believe" in themselves. I think so many times in our job especially teaching, you can get burnt out and want to quit. Then we see someone like Dalton, who because of one teacher investing in him impacted his life forever. Dalton was always in trouble and talked all the time so his teacher, instead of giving him detention, made him enroll in a public speaking class. All of us have that one teacher/professor that changed our life. In ministry we have an opportunity to eternally change lives everyday. All of us have a "I Remember My Pastor" story. Each of us had someone who spiritually impacted the rest of our lives and challenged us to become great. More importantly they "Believed" in you when no one else did. When I saw this video it reminded me of this verse: 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.

When "Passion" turns into "Anger" in Tennis!!!!

2009-09-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

Serena went off, she was given a $10,500.00 fine and a $500.00 fine for throwing her racket and maybe banned from any furture Grand Slam tournaments...WOW!!!!

Remembering Sept 11th 2001

2009-09-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

Matt Chandler 7 miles Video

2009-09-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

Check it:

"Fearless"

2009-09-05T13:19:00.000-07:00

I just started reading this book and it is AMAZING!!! Best Quote of chapter 1: Fear creates spiritual amnesia..it makes us forget what Jesus has done and how good he is -Max Lucado