Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Here is a great video we used in one of our Advent Services. This is my favorite Christmas hymn as well.

Christmas Remix

Funny video done by the youth team at Saddleback. This is a remix for Drake's song "Forever." If you don't know who Drake is then you are too old to watch this video. 

Funny Christmas Pics

Here are some funny pics...hope you enjoy!

Don't Mess with Saint Nick

Two interesting facts about the original Old Saint Nick who inspired the tradition of Santa Claus. 

1. Nicholas accepted Christ at an early age and was the Bishop of Myra in the fourth century. While serving as bishop, he learned of three girls who were going to be sold into slavery by there father due to money issues. Saint Nick ransomed the three girls by tossing three bags of gold through the family's window. 

2. An even cooler story has to do with what Saint Nick did at the Council of Nicaea. Numerous bishops were debating about the Trinity. Another bishop, Arius, was fiercely opposed to the idea of the Trinity and continued to debate his point. Eventually, good ol' Saint Nick became so angry that he got up and slapped Arius in the face! Saint Nick apologized, but he and other bishops won the debate.

Moral of the story. Saint Nick is a nice and jolly guy, but don't push him too far. So in honor of Christmas this year, I'm going to slap someone I disagree with. Just kidding...but seriously.  

Nerds Unite: The Hobbit is Here!

I fully own my nerdiness on this...but I cannot wait to see the Hobbit this weekend! I even re-read the book in anticipation. Don't make fun of me.

Advent Info

Here is a quick break down describing the season of Advent. Enjoy!

Thankful

I am thankful for many things...

I am thankful for my wife and child. They are the loves of my life.

I am thankful for my parents and siblings. They've always supported me. I can always count on them.

I am thankful for my friends. I've had many friends to laugh with...to cry with...to share life with.

I am thankful for the pastors who have mentored and encouraged me. I have been blessed to work with great Senior Pastors.

I am thankful for my church. They have loved my family in amazing ways. I am thankful for my youth team. I have no idea what I would do without their help.


I am thankful for the teenagers in our youth group. I've seen many of them grow and mature over that past several years. They inspire me and don't even know it. I am so lucky to be a youth pastor.

I am thankful for college football, southern food, laughter, great music, and nerdy books.

I am thankful for the opportunities that have been given to me. The opportunity for education. The opportunity to preach. The opportunity to adopt. The opportunities to do mission work. The opportunity to be a husband and a father.

I am thankful for Jesus...for saving me...for calling me...for not giving up on me.

"Give thanks to the Lord because he is good. God's faithful love lasts forever!" Psalm 136:1

Upside Down

Here is a video about a couple whose lives were turned upside down by Jesus. Life with Jesus is upside down because it seems so opposite of our world's values:

Forgiving instead of getting even.

Serving instead of controlling.

Giving instead of getting.

Grace instead of earning.

Peace instead of hate.

Love instead of fear.

I am so thankful Jesus turned my life upside down!