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37 hours ago I posted on my blog "Outside the Box".

In the last 37 hours I put the finishing touches on this weeks sermon.

In the last 37 hours I finalized the wedding ceremony I will perform after church tonight.

In the last 37 hours I ate 4 meals.

In the last 37 hours I have read half the book - "So you don't want to go to church anymore" (more on that later)

In the last 37 hours I had a date with my wonderful wife.

In the last 37 hours my daughter named her gerbil - Frodo.

In the last 37 yours I played a round of golf with Josh Web - I shot an 85.

In the last 37 hours 635 people died in our world because of their faith in Jesus Christ.

http://www.aclj.org/

http://www.opendoorsusa.org/

http://www.persecution.com/

http://www.gfa.org/

Who is Sarah Palin?

WOW! Just when I was wondering how John McCain could top Barack Obama's speech last night the news breaks today that the Republican choice for VP is the governor of Alaska - AND A WOMAN!

Talk about thinking "Outside the Box".

I was talking to Andrew the other day about how interesting the political process is. Well brother, it just got a lot more interesting!

I'm betting the Dem's are wondering if passing over Hillary was a good choice.

And just who is Sarah Palin - I'm sure we'll all know in a very short time.

Wow!

Outside the box

Well we have a new family member - It is at this time an unnamed gerbil - or as I like to call it - a rat! I won't go into the details but I had a deal with my youngest (Nina) and she held up her end of the bargain. So now we have another rodent that will live it's life in a box.

But how many times do we do the same thing? How many times do we live life "inside a box"? We don't allow ourselves to be stretched or challenged. We put our lives on auto pilot and just coast through life.

This can even happen in church and does. I see churches all around that are just doing the same old same old. And one thing I appreciate about the leadership at Harmony is that we don't settle for that. We push each other to "think outside the box."

Take this weekend for example - we're between sermon series right now. We just finished one and in two weeks we will start another one - and it's really going to be cool. But this week I'm asking the church if they are willing to "think outside the box"? I'm also challenging them to live outside the box. Since we worship in a former BIG BOX STORE it has some practical applications.

This weekend I will be sharing about the persecuted church around the world. We will be spending some special time in prayer for our brothers and sisters who share our faith - but do so at incredible personal cost.

So join me in prayer that our hearts will be moved by God's word and His spirit as we consider the plight of literally millions of believers. And that we will no longer be content to just view them from "inside our box."

We get to choose!

I have to admit - I usually don't watch the Democratic National Convention - mainly because I'm a Republican. But I've watched it the last two nights and Joe Biden is speaking now as I type this. For me it's been very interesting. Next week I'll be watching some of the Republican National Convention.

Now don't take this as any sort of endorsement because it's not.

I'm just so proud of our country even with it's warts. Because tonight we have the chance to witness for the first time in history a Black man nominated by his party to vie for the highest office in the land. And he did it by defeating the first woman in history to have a serious shot at the same thing.

We don't have a great history when it comes to women and people of color - but thankfully this is a better day. A much better day.

I also watched it because I enjoy the political process - yes, it's a challenge to see beyond the spin - but it's still a wonderful thing. Every four years we get to choose. We don't always choose well - but we get to choose. We don't always agree - but we get to choose. There are graves in every state in this union that are filled with the remains of men and women who died so we could choose!

So do your part - choose.

But don't vote because you are a Democrat or Republican - vote because you paid attention. Vote because you thought through the issues. Vote because it's your time and my time to choose.

Crossroads is coming!

Wow - Dan, Robert, and I had a great lunch with Glen Schneiders and Greg Gilmore. Glen is the Sr minister at Crossroads Christian in Lexington and Greg is director of the new Georgetown campus. Ever since the word got out that they were launching a satellite campus in G-town I've been covered up with questions. What are they doing? Where will they meet? Doesn't it bother you that another church is coming to town? How many will we lose?

Well to begin with I'm not afraid - just look at the pictures... I have more hair than Glen, Dan is much prettier than Greg, and Robert - well he's Robert. OK - there's more to it than that. I am not afraid because it's about kingdom building. It's not Harmony building and it's not Crossroads building.

Crossroads has a number of families in G-town and feel that they can have a greater impact in their lives and the lives of their neighbors by doing this. We have not been and will not be in competition with any church. And in my estimation only about 25% of the folks in Scott Co attend any church. We may be growing - but Scott Co is growing faster - WE NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET!

So here's the deal - Dan, Robert, and I met with them with one main purpose. We wanted to know how we could help? What can we pray for? How can we help them make this an awesome kingdom building venture?

These guys are amazing - I've watched Crossroads grow from about 175 at their first service in 1987 to 2,000. Glen has been a faithful innovative leader. We even got to pick his brain a bit. Then Dan and I went to their Andover campus and got the tour - wow - they did a great job there.

So here's what you can do - PRAY. Pray that they have an awesome impact in G-town. Pray that the community sees that churches don't have to have the same name to serve the same Lord. Pray that God uses not only our churches - but many other churches in Scott Co to help folks find Jesus. Isn't that what's it's really all about?

What a great week!

OK - my son keeps harping that this is a blog - not a sermon - so tonight I'll try to accommodate him. Yes - that's him in the pic. He sure was cute!

I had a great week.

I had a great 9 holes of golf - too bad we played 18.

Had an awesome meeting with the staff and elders at HCC - what an awesome bunch.

Had a great date night with my sweetie - had crab legs at the Chinese restaurant and then went to Kroger's - really it was nice... And we celebrated our 29th anniversary this week... "and they said it would never last".... She did remind me that our 30 year warranty is about to run out... I sure hope she wants an extension - I know I do.

I got to speak to the greatest congregation in the world, I got to speak the greatest word - God's - and I got to witness some folks deal with some stuff in their lives and two identify with Jesus by being baptized. Is God great or what?

I got to spend a little time with my son - he's turning into quite the philosopher. I'm so proud of the fine young man he has become.

I got to see my oldest daughter sing her heart out on stage. Makes me glad I did not kill her when she was 13. Babies you make me so proud. (Babies - because she's my baby, she has one of her own on the way)..... Wow!

I got to spend some time encouraging my youngest that the 7th grade will not last forever. She asked some folks to pray with her about it at church... It's such a joy seeing her try to apply God's principles.

I got a great big hug and kiss from my granddaughter - she is the BOMB!

Is this OK Jon?

A house divided

I'm sitting here at my computer and the US Women are playing the Aussies in the Gold medal round of the Olympics and then I started thinking about another big game.

In just 8 days the entire state will be focused on Papa John's Stadium - at least those who watch football. While most will be glued to the TV some lucky fans will be in D'ville. (Do they call it D'ville because cardinal fans can't spell Louisville?)

It used to be for me (and most KY fans) that opening day of football season was the start of the countdown. In this case it would mean only 65 days till basketball - UK basketball.

But next Sunday Kentucky will travel to Louisville to play the unranked Cardinals. OK - we're unranked too... (is anyone surprised). I did find it interesting though that UK received 5 votes in the coaches poll while Uof L received only 3.

Over the last few years UK football has gotten better - a lot better. Now we're not talking BCS bowls yet - but I think we can and will whip the Cards.

Then I got to thinking about Andrew our youth minister. He's a huge Uof L fan - not sure how he got through the interview process with that in the closet. Anyway - I know he reads this so this is sort of an open blog challenge to him. I propose a friendly wager - the winner gets a drink of their choice (soda pop, coke, etc). Mine of course would be the nectar of the gods (Diet Dew)...

So Andrew - are you in?

Passing the baton

The unthinkable happened - TWICE! Last night in both the men's and women's 4X100 relay preliminaries the baton was dropped in the exchange of the last leg. So what happened? It's really very simple - the runner with the baton is responsible to make sure the runner getting the baton has it before they let go of it. Now admittedly it's hard to do when you are running a million miles an hours (or close to that).. but hey they practice this, they all know this is the most important part of the race.

So of course this got my mind going. And yes Jon (my son) - you can shut up again about my blog being preachy... What I thought about was how are we passing the baton?

As parents it's our job to pass the baton - how many times do we drop that little puppy in the exchange. Our kids don't get our values, don't get our work ethic, don't get our faith? And remember - the responsibility is more on the one passing it than on the one receiving it.

What about church? Last night we had a wonderful meeting with Staff, Elders, and some other key leaders - one big topic of discussion was this. How well are we discipling others? In Olympic terms - How well are we passing the baton?

The Bible is full of examples: Moses passed the baton to Joshua; Elijah passed the baton to Elisha; Jesus passed the baton to his disciples; Paul passed the baton to Timothy.

There are also notable failures in the Bible. David failed to pass the baton to Absalom; Eli failed to pass the baton to his sons; And Israel time and time again failed to pass the baton to younger generations.

So what is God saying to us? As parents he's saying get this right! As leaders he's saying - reproduce yourself in others! As a church he's saying - reproduce yourselves in the world. Didn't Jesus say something kind of like that? Oh, right - it's called the GREAT COMMISSION.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."Mat 28:19-20 (NIV)

So how well are we passing the baton?

What's up with this?

My wife asked me a question the other night. Why is it that that the women in Olympic beach volleyball wear so little and the men wear so much? My first thought was, "so I would watch" (of course that's not what I said). She admitted she would rather see see the guys w/out shirts... (I think she was kidding - but not sure).

But that started me down a path of "what's up with"?

What's up with Bob Costas - is he seeing the same plastic surgeon that made Dick Clark look eternally young?

What's up with the Australian judges in gymnastics - were they watching the same exercises as the rest of the world?

What's up with Dara Tores - doesn't she know she's 41?

What's up with "Lightening Bolt" - doesn't he know no one should be that fast?

What's up with China - they want the entire world to be impressed with how well they can stage an Olympics but lead the world in persecuting Christians (directly and indirectly)?

Crazy

I don’t know about you – but do you find yourself picking up phrases from other people? I never used to use the term “meat head” then Brandon Coats (one of my guys) used it and I just added it to my vocabulary.

I remember fishing a few years ago with two truck drivers – who when together could toss around some words I didn’t usually use… and while those words never came out of my mouth – they did cross my mind.

While watching the Olympics I’ve heard a number of the announcers use the term “crazy” – He’s “crazy” fast, that routine was “crazy” hard, those numbers were “crazy” high. It’s like they were picking up the term from each other.

So here’s the question – what terms are we picking up from each other in the church? And more importantly what terms are we picking up from our relationship with God? Jesus said, “For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” (Mat 12:34 NLT)

So what if we were to pick up the term “crazy” in the same way the Olympic commentators did? And what if it were more than just words? What if we were branded by our community as people that have a “crazy” love for God? Or a “crazy” concern for the needy? Or what if those around felt the “crazy” love we have for each other. What if the way we followed God was just “crazy” good?

Maybe like those in the Olympics we would have the world looking at us in amazement and seeing the God in us who has a "crazy" love for them too.

Rage against the Machine

I read Perry Noble’s blog and it was sort of a rant – I’ve been chewing on something for a bit so I thought I’d post my own – NOTE – please read all of this.

I’m frustrated with Elders who think their job is to make sure the minister does his.

I’m frustrated with Elders who think protecting the flock means they have to make sure they have control over every dime that is spent, and a finger in every pie.

I’m frustrated with Elders who say they want the church to grow but do everything in their power to “protect” the church from any changes that would facilitate growth.

I’m frustrated with Elders who settle for mediocre because extraordinary might scare some folks.

I’m frustrated with Elders who think it’s easier to change preachers than it is to change themselves.

I’m frustrated with Elders who constantly compare their church with the bigger church down the street and yet won’t see that the leadership of that church is actually leading.

I’m frustrated with Elders who think the church is a democracy when it is a theocracy. Men who run the church by popular vote instead of by prayer and fasting.

I’m frustrated by Elders who’s spiritual gift is making the preacher’s life hell.

I’m frustrated by Elders who keep people from using their God given gifts.

I’m frustrated by Elders who help people merrily on their way to hell, because they don’t follow the risen Christ – but faithfully hold up the banner of tradition.

I’m frustrated that many of my friends have Elders (and Deacons) just like I have described.

But I am thrilled to say – I’m not on that list. I have a group of Elders who know the King of Kings and desire to know Him more. I have a group of Elders who are not afraid of change. I have a group of Elders who get it. They have a burning desire to see changed lives and that starts in the mirror. I have a group of Elders who see me as more than a hired hand – they see me as a partner. I have a group of Elders that some would kill for. I have a group of Elders that make it easy to love. And I do – I love everyone of you.

Virginity

I hear people say, “I lost my virginity”. I’ve never said that. If you say you lost something, it’s like “could you help me find it?” Or it’s something you’d like to have back. I understand why some say, "I lost it", and why some would like to have it back.

29 years ago I gave mine away to my wife. And on that same day she gave hers to me. The day we got married we were virgins. Now, I’m not saying that because I am a saint – far from it. And I am not proud of some of the stunts I pulled during my younger days and many since.

On August 18, 1979 I gave away something I had been saving for that very special occasion – and it was special. My wife and I did not have to pretend like we were doing something new, because it was something new, and amazing. Something God had created for our pleasure and enjoyment. Something God used to bless us with three wonderful children.

God has over and over offered “special things” to his children and over and over his children have misused them. Much like the way our culture misuses this wonderful gift of sex.

Our youth minister, Andrew speaks often of how we need to respect and love the creation we have been given – not as sun worshipers and such – but as people who realize the value of what they've been given and the creator behind it.

I see this in the way we waste time – We all have 24 hours, 1440 minutes, 86,400 seconds a day – each of them a gift from God – but how often do we waste them? How many days, weeks, months, even years do we go without using some of that time to meet with Him? To Worship Him? To serve Him?

What about our talents? That is a special gift in each of us. Are we using it only to amass wealth to consume on ourselves? Are we using it to look good? Are we using it to be a blessing to those around us.

While I cannot physically become a virgin again, every day is a new day. Every day I get another chance to use the gifts God is giving me for his glory and so do you. And every day God offers an incredible intimacy with Him and in that way, it's like being a virgin all over again.

Does that rock or what!

Stuff

Great job to the 25 plus who showed up Friday night to start the process of sealing the roof at church – all 103,000 sq feet of it…

Jon (my son) asked me – “Why start a blog to just preach?” – referencing my first few posts… I told him to shut up. LOL

Michael Phelps – wins number 7 – great interview with Bob Costas, Mark Spitz and Phelps – incredible accomplishment.

US men’s basketball killing people – who knew? Is it a sin to root for a team coached by Mike Krzyzewski?

How ‘bout the Swedish wrestler who was DQ’s for dropping his bronze medal in disgust and walking off the podium – poor baby – Get over it – you’re in the Olympics!

It’s Saturday morning and I am jazzed about the weekend – I get to share God’s word with the greatest bunch of folks in the world.

In two days I will celebrate the 29th anniversary of the day I married the most wonderful woman in the world. And baby - you're still smokin'!!!!!

Dads and Champions

Yep – I did it again… I cried while watching the Olympics – Now it was not some gut busting sob so my guys can just forget giving me grief about it… (My “guys” are the men in my life team). But there were tears in my eyes as I watched Nastia Liukin take the Gold in the women’s all-around.

It was not just because she won the Gold – but that was SWEET! And to see her and Shawn Johnson go 1-2 was fabulous – what talent these kids have! It was not because she was another American making us proud. It was because of the way she and her dad embraced.

“It’s 20 years earlier that I competed in the Olympic Games,” he said. “I was second in that one. I guess it’s nice to fix the little mistake that I had, so I am very proud of my baby.”

Her dad, Valeri Liukin – won the silver for Russia 20 years ago and did not really want his daughter following his footsteps. He and her mother (another world class athlete) wanted her to play piano. But she could not be stopped.

As a dad I thought to myself – as proud as Nastia must have been – it could not compare to the feeling he was having. I know what it’s like to be recognized for successes and it’s nice. I have been blessed to have some really big days where my own pride swelled (In good ways).

But that pride is eclipsed in my children. I cried when my two oldest Beth and Jon graduated from HS. I cried when my youngest Christina (Nina) gave her life to Jesus. I cried when I saw my oldest play and sing in a praise team at church for the first time – all the years of listen to piano paid off. I was visibly moved when my son took the stage with his “ax” and saw his fingers fly across the neck of that instrument (all to the glory of God). I cried when my Daughter and Son-in-Law (Dale) made me a grandpa. The list goes on. I am daily amazed at how they are growing.

I have “won some medals” in my life – but what I see in them is pure gold. And when I see my oldest now expecting another little gold winner – I see how much better she is at this than I ever was.

So Valeri Liukin – I get it, thanks for sharing your daughter with the world – Good job man! And babies (that's what I call Beth now) Go for the Gold - your daddy is unbelievably proud of you.... It's a wonderful thing to be a dad surrounded by champions. OK - I got something else in my eye now...

Go for the gold!

OK - I'll admit it - I love the Olympics - Summer and Winter alike. I'm burning up my DVR every day so I can catch as much of the games as possible. And like most Americans and probably the vast majority of Swimming fans I am just engrossed with Michael Phelps.

He has won 5 gold medals already and is the favorite to win 3 more - he has already become the most decorated Olympian in history but what did it take? And to put a spiritual spin on it - what can I learn from this in my own spiritual life?

Vision - From the age of 11 Michael Phelps believed he would win an Olympic gold. In each race he has vison as well. He knows where he's at and knows where he has to go. My vision for the "prize" began at age 7 and was re-kindled at 14 and I really don't think I've ever lost focus of the ultimate goal of eternity. But I have to admit in the day to day races I sometimes get out of focus. This may be a shock - but sometimes ministry itself offers the greatest amount of distraction. What I can learn from Michael Phelps is that I have to stay true to the vision every day, I have to avoid the "other stuff" that fights for my attention and affection.

Coaching - Very few exceptional Olympians have made it without great coaches - Phelps is no exception, and neither am I. Am so grateful for the men and women of faith who have helped me along the way. And for those who help me now. Sometimes it's the elders of our church or other staff who offer pointers. Often it is reading and listening to ministers of great churches that God uses to challenge something in me.

Team Mates - While Michael Phelps will likely dominate the individual events he cannot win the team events without great team mates. In the relay races he is only one of 4 in the competition. For him to win the gold - they must win the gold. I can't begin to list all those on my team that help me each and every day... Some are family, others are in my life team, I share the stage every week with some, the staff is an awesome team as are the elders.... and for most of you reading this - so are you.

Now I know this sounds like a mini-sermon (but hey that is what I do)... but God, and my relationship with him is the common thread through all of this. He is the source of any vision I have that is worth a hill of beans. His coaching is the only coaching I should listen to, and being on his team is a guaranteed win.

So pray for me as I continue to press toward the prize - I'll do the same for you.

Blogging - Brett this one's for you.

OK - Brett - this is for you! (And for others I hope)...

For some time Brett, my friend, elder, and healer has encouraged me to blog... I've read a bunch of others, partly to be inspired and as of late to not look like a complete moron as a blogger...

So I guess I need to lay out some ground rules....

I called this deanosjourney because it will be about my journey - my journey as a man, as a pastor, as a dad, as a husband, as an outdoors man, as a _____________ (fill in the blank).

If you expect each entry to be about deep exposition you will be disappointed - not that I won't share from the spiritual aspects of the journey. But it will not all be that...

It might be something about my wonderful family and extended spiritual family. It might be about my "hole in one" if that ever happens. It might be about the trophy buck I saw while hunting or my prayer life kicking into high gear while there is a huge fish on the end of my line.

In short it will be about my journey and hopefully it will let folks know a little bit more about me and in the process maybe I'll learn a little bit more about you.

I do ask that you be patient with me - This is new territory - don't flame me the first couple of posts.... LOL