This past week I started an awesome program called “Couch to 5K”. My friend Jackie told me about this program. I use to run a lot when I was younger and well … let’s just just say … I don’t anymore. LOL

Anyways … the program the is awesome because it’s purpose to get just about anyone off the couch and running a 5k (about 3.1 miles) or running for 30 minutes in just 9 weeks.

It’s a really easy program. Every workout begins with a warm up of 5 minutes (walk or jog), about 20 to 30 minutes alternating between jogging and walking, and a cool down of 5 minutes.

I started on Thursday and really felt like it “worked me out”. LOL I am ready though to hit it again tomorrow night though. I am so excited. I would be lying to say that you aren’t going to feel like you are working out. On Thursday, when I started, I came back home and plopped down on my couch … I was pooped!!

One warning – GO WITH THE PROGRAM. Don’t think you are awesome and can do more. I did that last Thursday and paid for it through Saturday. Just not a smart idea. The idea is to slowly build up your strength and endurance so that your body can get used to running longer distances. If you start off pushing yourself too hard, you risk having your body react negatively, making it harder to stay with the program.

For more information on the Couch to 5k program I encourage you to visit http://www.c25k.com/. I downloaded the Christian Indie Track podcasts to listen to while I was running/walking. Very cool! There is also a great Iphone and Ipod Touch app http://c25kapp.com/

If you decide to try the program out … let me know. I would love to hear about your results.

Next Tuesday you are going to want to be here because you will have the opportunity to get a copy of the book “Lead Vertically”.

Lead Vertically is an awesome book on inspiring people to volunteer and build great teams that last. It’s written by Craig Johnson (The Director of Ministries at Lakewood Church).

Regal has decided to launch a book blog tour and I am honored to be a part of that tour. I will be giving a book away to one of my visitors on Tuesday!!

The giveaway will be open to US and Australian Residents!! So … all my peeps in Australia … you betta be here!!

This book is a must have for anyone involved in leadership. This book is life changing … check out what Sunni Miles from Arizona has said about this book.

YOU WANT THIS BOOK! seriously THE most amazing LEADER! and such an inspiring book! if you have ever wanted to know what a true leader leads like-read this! IT. WILL. BLOW. YOUR. MIND. and change the way you do ministry, and the way you lead ANY team across the board!

I can not speak more highly of this book. or Craig Johnson. Lead Vertically is a Transforming, Inspiring, Encouraging, Challenging Mind SHIFT!

Craig Johnson has the ability to put things into such a new perspective. He communicates through this book in a way that is understood and relatable for anyone and yet challenges the way we think of ourselves and others. Craig has the capacity to inspire without crippling, challenge without tearing down, and build up without criticizing. His team is the same! All the leaders encountered underneath Craig’s leadership share the same qualities. and these qualities are a breeding ground for great success!

I will say it again. YOU WANT THIS BOOK!!!

Don’t forget … bookmark this page or subscribe to the newsletter or RSS feed. You won’t want to miss this!!

You might be a redneck if ….

For my birthday … Hint (July 16th) … I want one of these sweaters!

I want one!! I can wear it to the next “Ugly Sweater Party”!!

The Word of God is so awesome. I love how God points out things in the Word at different times.

Case in point: Last night Pastor Brad was bringing an awesome message to the church from Matthew Chapter 14. He was telling the story of Peter walking on the water. I got slightly hung up though around verse 29.

Matthew 14 reads:

22-23 As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.

24-26 Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.

27 But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”

28 Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”

29-30He said, “Come ahead.”

Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”

31 Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”

32-33 The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!”

34-36 On return, they beached the boat at Gennesaret. When the people got wind that he was back, they sent out word through the neighborhood and rounded up all the sick, who asked for permission to touch the edge of his coat. And whoever touched him was healed.

Do you see where I got hung up? Peter walked on the water to Jesus. Literally he was right in front of Jesus when he looked down and allowed fear to enter his heart. Verse 31 says “He reached down and grabbed his hand.” Now I don’t know about you but I have never read in scripture that Jesus had “Go-Go-Gadget Arms” so that tells me that he was face to face with Jesus when he looked down.

There have been times in my life and I am sure yours where we have been so obedient to God and have been so close but yet we allowed fear to creep into our hearts and shake us up a bit.

The waves always get a little rough when we are in the Will of God. Satan will always try to take our eyes off God for a just a second. I want to encourage you all to stand your ground. Don’t look at what’s going on around you … keep your eyes on Jesus. Fear is nothing more than a tactic of the enemy. When God created you and me He never intended for fear to have a place in our hearts. If Peter had stayed focused on God, fear would have never had the opportunity to shake him up. Stand tall this week and keep your eyes on Jesus.

(This may not be a new revelation but it’s a great reminder.)

Many of you have probably heard the buzz. This past Wednesday a huge meteor screamed through the sky. It was seen 5 states away. It crashed about 1 1/2 hours away from where I live.

Here are a couple clips of the meteor lighting up the sky. Awesome sight!

Many of you have dealt with me talking about this weekends Easter Egg Hunt at church. For those of you who weren’t able to attend I wanted to post a couple pictures!! It was awesome! We had an awesome attendance!!

Before A Hunt!
Tons of eggs, candy and people!

During A Hunt!
Once again, you can see, tons of people!

Haven’t heard the official numbers yet but they estimated over 4000 people to attend outside of our 200+ staff! The staff rocked it out!! Heard many many compliments!! The lighting was awesome!! Laser beams everywhere!! Imagine what next years is going to be like!! It’s gonna be awesome!!

WOW! I use a lot of exclamation points!! LOL