BLeach

It is Finished

I just sent the greatest email of my life.  This afternoon my editor sent me the final revisions on my compiled integrative project.  So I joyfully attached it to an email and sent it off to my professor. 

Leah held my hand as I hit "send."

I know what you're thinking.  I already graduated.  That's true, technically. I already walked the line in my cap and gown, so maybe this moment is a bit anti-climactic.  But to be honest, this feels like the real graduation to me!

Now what will I do with all my extra free time?

Oh yeah...I've got some diapers to change:)

Finally Ready For This Baby!

More Marital Rivalry

In just a few minutes the puck will be dropped on this year's rematch between the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals.  When Leah and I said "I do" in January, 2008, we had no idea our marriage would be tested twice in just 16 months.

Last year we made a wager going into the series.  Of course, we all know the Wings dominated the series and decimated the Penguins.  But in the end, I learned a valuable lesson. 

It's never a good idea to bet with your wife.  If you lose, you lose.  And if you win, you lose.

So this year I've agreed to a friendly little wager with Doug Melder, another Pittsburgh friend.  If the Wings win, Doug has to preach in a Wings jersey.  And if the Penguins win...

Why bring up the impossible?

So if you love me, pray for me.  Pray for my marriage.  And pray that the only jersey being worn in the pulpit between Doug and I has the name "Hossa" written on the back.

Life on Life

I spent some time this morning in orientation with our newest summer intern.  Mitch will be our 27th intern in 8 years. 

We don't host interns because of what they do for the church (although they always make a contribution).  We host them because we believe that the greatest investment of our time as leaders is personally discipling the next generation of leaders.

I'll spend hours with Mitch this summer in conversation and prayer.  He'll sit in on all of our leadership team meetings.  We'll read books together, prepare for sermons together, and watch the Red Wings together. 

Today I read through the list of young leaders who have done an internship with us.  I'm proud to see how much God has done through their lives already.  It's an honor to serve emerging leaders!

Hero

There were a handful of books that really inspired me toward sexual purity while I was single. Every Young Man's Battle by Fred Stoeker was one of them.

Just thought I'd put Stoeker's latest release on your radar since his writing has really helped me.  Hero is also written to young men, and now that I'm finally done with school it's on my short list of books to dig into!

Check out the book here!

Also, here's a summary review of Hero.

Here is the perfect resource for any male striving to be the relational man God's calling him to be as well as anyone who wants to be an encouragement to the men in their lives. Fred Stoeker, co-author of the Every Man's Battle series, elaborates on the struggles men face in the world today, and what exactly they can do about it. Hero offers hard hitting truth about what makes an ultimate hero to women--men who stand by their convictions and make their world a better place.

Go ahead.  Be a hero!

Trying Out Futons

Meeting Myself

Today I saw a guy who looked exactly like an older version of me.  And then it hit me.  Maybe he is me, and I'm stuck in a time warp.  Then I began to wonder, "If he is future Brad, and is stuck in 2009 for a few days, what should I ask him?" 

Here's my top five so far:

• How many kids do I have?
• What are the three biggest mistakes I made in my thirties (maybe I can avoid them)?
• Will the Lions make the Playoffs in the next 15 years?
• How has local church ministry changed?
• Which stock should I buy?

What questions would you ask future you?

A New Season

These next few weeks will be a time of transition for our church.  This weekend we'll celebrate our last service at Southfield Lathrup High School, and May 31 will be our first gathering back in our building.

We relocated our weekend service last October in order to create some greater capacity for growth.  While God has done some great things through this step of faith, we didn't experience the financial growth we needed in order to continue meeting in the school long term.  So we're making a course adjustment.

For what it's worth, I'm really glad we took the risk.  Even though this isn't the outcome we expected, we want to be a church that is willing to step out of the boat.

On a personal note, God has been working overtime on my heart during this six month journey.  He's been emptying me of pride, teaching me to depend on Him, and building my emotional endurance.  This venture has been a great opportunity for me to grow as a leader.

It's been rewarding to see the response to so many in our church these past few weeks.  We're moving forward with hope and optimism, and actively watching for new opportunities in this new season.  I'm so glad to be a part of a church that takes the mission seriously.

Sunday Rewind

Had a great day yesterday!  I always love preaching at COTK, and yesterday things were particularly interesting as I shared four purposes for sex (protection, procreation, pleasure, and picture). 

Last night Leah and I were honored to preach the BTI (Bible Training Institute) graduation at Mount Hope Church in Lansing.  Their people are so responsive, and I enjoyed the opportunity to inspire their ministry graduates.  Afterward we were blessed to have dinner with Pastor Dave Williams and some of his leadership team.  The whole evening was really unforgettable.

It still amazes me when I realize I have the opportunity to preach God's Word for a living.  I can't think of anything I'd rather do.

If You're Not Narcissistic...

Have you ever caught yourself praying self-centered prayers? Have you ever evaluated your thoughts only to realize that a large percentage of them were all about you? Have you ever caught yourself stewing, focusing, worrying, or brooding over your own needs? What about constantly interjecting your own questions, needs, or problems into conversations with others?

Yesterday I had a fascinating conversation in which someone pointed out that there are really only two reasons we become self-centered. 

First, narcissists are self-centered. That one's a no brainer. But I don't know many people who are truly narcissistic. 

The more common reason we become consumed with ourselves is because we're in pain. Think about it. How often do you think about your feet? If you're narcissistic you may think of them all the time and look for every opportunity to wear sandals so you can show them off. But if you're not consumed with how beautiful your feet are, you probably won't think about them unless their hurting. If they are, you may not be able to get them out of your mind.

If you find yourself obsessing over your own needs it may be that there's some wound in your heart or mind that's desperately in need of healing. If so, be encouraged. God is a powerful healer. 

Let him make you whole, so you can know the joy of obsessing over others.