Conference

Vince spoke at a conference this weekend in Hershey, PA. We toured the Hershey Museum and of course ate a ton of chocolate. It was freezing, which made me very happy that I am moving to Vegas. I grew up in Buffalo, NY where I had my fill of snow. I'm good for the next 50 years.

The drive from Virginia to Pennsylvania was beautiful. Fall is my favorite season. I am going to miss the leaves turning, the apple picking, pumpkin carving, hay rides, etc. that I'm accustomed to. I'm sure they carve pumpkins in Vegas, but I think it's kind of weird to do it in shorts.

We met up with old friends this weekend. It was great to reconnect. There were a bunch of people there from the church I went to when I first became a Christian. Introducing my kids to the people who played a huge part in my Christian journey was cool.

One of the things that struck me about this weekend was how crazy people think we are. No one said, "Vegas is going to be amazing!" Everyone was like, "Whoa, better you than me!" "I could never minister there!" "You're going to be on Satan's turf!" It wasn't that they weren't encouraging; it was more of a collective "Wow!"

In 1 Corinthians 4:10 Paul talks about being a fool for Christ. I realize he means it as a compliment, but sometimes I wonder if it's just plain foolish. I wonder if we are nuts...like certifiably nuts for doing this! In the world's eye we are crazy. But in God's eyes we are obedient. Kind of like in Ezekiel 4 where God asks him to cook his food "using human excrement for fuel."

Do people think that you are crazy for being a church planter? Do they question your calling? Do they think you've gone bananas?

I love Nicole Nordeman. She is a brilliant singer/songwriter. Read the lyrics to "Fool For You" and ask God to encourage you in your foolishness!

There are times when faith and common sense do not align
When hardcore evidence of you is hard to find
And I am silenced in the face of argumentative debate
And its a long hill its a lonely climb

Cause they want proof
They want proof of all these mysteries I claim
Cause only fools believe would want to chant a dead man's name
Maybe its true, yeah but..........

Chorus:
I'll be a fool for you (fool for you)
Oh because you asked me too
A simpleton who's seemingly naive
I do believe
You came and made yourself a fool for me

I admit that in my darkest hours I've asked what if
What if we've created some kind of man made faith like this
Out of good intention, or emotional invention
And after life is through there will be no you

Cause they want proof of all these miracles I claim
Cause only fools believe that men can walk on waves
Maybe its true, yeah but.......Chorus

Unaware of popularity
Unconcerned with dignity
You've made me free
That's proof enough for me
Oh, Oh yeah...........

I'd be a fool for you (fool for you)
Oh if you ask me too
A simpleton who's only thinking of
The cause of love
I will speak Jesus' name
If that makes me crazy
They can call me great
I'm happy to be seemingly naive
I do believe you came and made yourself a fool for me

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