What is bugging me?

So often we set a list of goals and then forget about them.  Why?  I think we start with the wrong question.  Instead of asking–what are my fall goals? or “what are my annual goals”.  We need to start with the question–what is bugging me?  What is driving me crazy about my life, ministry, church or job?  Answer that question.  Once you answer that question you can begin to determine what are your goals. You can start putting them in writing.

God speaks to me by giving a gnawing feeling in my stomach.  Something is broken.  I can’t just put my finger on it.  We have taught ourselves to ignore these uncomfortable  thoughts.  We need to learn to listen. This may be God speaking.  (or just bad pizza….another conversation)

The fall is a great season to set goals.  I set fall and spring goals (instead of annual goals).  I define fall as–Sept through December and Spring as February through June.  I know this isn’t exactly the  correct months but it works for me.  Maybe it is just church life–but it works in my mind.  (btw-summer is an very important time for church…I set goals during this time also—I just treat them differently than fall and spring.)

Pastor and leader–what is bugging you as you enter this fall? What is your burden?  I’m not asking–what should be bugging you?  I’m not even asking–what is bugging you  in life?  What is bugging you right now?  This fall?  What is going to get your up and fight against all hell to change?  What will you  fix this fall?  

What is bugging you?  Fix this core problem this fall.

new life ramblings (7/31/09)

Every week (or most weeks) I take a moment to share what is on my heart.  Everything from what is happening at New Life, our culture, in my life and just random stuff.  I call this “New Life Ramblings”.  Enjoy! Feel free to respond back!  Give input!  Ask questions!  Grab a cup of coffee and catch up on what is going on in my mind. 

• Last weekend we had 25 people raise their hand to give their lives to Jesus.  I love seeing people cross the line of faith.
• This week the walls of our new building went up.  This Sunday will be very exciting.  Click here to view online. 
• Way too hot this week.  One evening our power went out at our house.…no power, no air conditioning. Miserable.
• I am sending you a personal letter talking about our “Big Give” offering on November 1.  I am asking that everyone would read this letter and pray about what God would have you do to be a part of the New Life Story. 
• Read Revelation 3:1-6 to prepare for Sunday.
• Pray for our kids.  We have kids camp and Vacation Bible School coming.
• We are surveying the church about future service times.  Click here to take this survey.
• We have three financial principles that are guiding us for our new building: 1) debt service not to exceed 25% of general income, 2) receive $2.6 million in cash and 3) pay off our loan in 15 years.  
• Pray for me and my family.  We will be at a national conference this week.  Chelsey will be preaching.  Very exciting times.
• The top of the Empire State building was built to anchor blimps
• Sunday, August 9—we are doing a “raise the walls” BBQ after each of our services.  This will be a great day of celebration.  We want every child, youth and adult to be involved with this Sunday. 
• This fall we are doing “Financial Peace University” for the first time.  Incredible program and material.  Click here to sign up for it today.  Life changing.  Jana and I love Dave Ramsey and how his principles have impacted us.
• If you missed last Sunday, watch it online.  God is calling His bride to sexual integrity.  Everything we do should be “Holy to God, Honorable to others”
• When you drive into our parking lot this Sunday—you will see our new building. Take a moment and thank God for his faithfulness.  If you have kids use this as a “teaching moment”.  Talk about the significance of a dream and how people working together can do amazing things. 
• Jana and I went out to dinner with Sam and Jenn Leyde this weekend.  Sam does such a great job leading our worship.  I love seeing our pastors with their wives. 
• Jana and I love you.   We pray for you.  We thank God for you.  Paul said, “I thank my God every time I remember you”…..I understand the emotions and passion of this prayer.

new life ramblings (7/24/09)

• Last weekend we had 15 people raise their hand to give their lives to Jesus.  I love seeing people cross the line of faith.
• This week the message is called “Church Gone Wild”.  Very excited to unpack Rev 2:18-29
• Last week we discussed two essential ingredients for Bible study.  “Eagerness and Examination”.  Are you eager for God’s word?  Do you examine the word of God?
• I visited our Senior High camp this week.  We had 90 students and leaders at camp.  Love seeing students love Jesus.
• Sept. 20 we are planning a 40 day fast.  Praying for our community, church and world.  We are specifically going to pray for Sunday, November 1. We need to receive $800,000 to finish phase one of our building.  Everyone needs to be involved. 
• We are doing concrete tilt up walls.  They will be going up soon.  August 9 we will take a moment in our services to celebrate the walls going up.  It’s going quickly.  If you haven’t finished your “Now is the Time” commitment—now is the time.  We need this by November 1.
• We moved the offering back to the middle of the service.  We want the end of the service to be a time to respond to the preaching.  Thank you for being patient as we try different things.  A healthy church is always rethinking how and why they do everything. 
• We have three financial principles that are guiding us for our new building: 1) debt service not to exceed 25% of general income, 2) receive $2.6 million in cash and 3) pay off our loan in 15 years.  We currently have received just over $1.8 million so we still need around $800,000 to meet or fund raising needs.
• On Sunday, November 1—we are doing a “big give” offering.  I need everyone to step up and help us finish Phase One. 
• A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.
• Had a BBQ with our Elders and spouses this week.
• I meet with Bibleman this week.  He is a personal friend of mine.  Cypher may retire one day.  I could be Bibleman’s next side kick J
• I have 298 people following my tweets….if you know what I am talking about….follow me.  If not….don’t worry.
• Chelsey is preaching at National Fine Arts in 10 days.  Pray for her.
• See you Sunday!

new life ramblings (7/17/09)

• Twice a year my wife and I do a prayer and planning retreat.  In July and December.  Very meaningful times. 
• Sundays are my favorite day of the week.  It is the day the church gathers.  The church walks throughout this community seven days a week. 
• I am so excited about this Sunday.  Jesus is speaking to His bride.  Read Revelation 2:12-17. 
• I posted a couple of journal entries this week.  Be sure to read them below.
• I visited our Junior High camp this week.  Love seeing Junior High students love Jesus.
• Sept. 20 we are planning a 40 day fast.  Praying for our community, church and world.  We are specifically going to pray for Sunday, November 1. We need to receive $800,000 to finish phase one of our building.  Everyone needs to be involved. 
• Did you know between Lift (Junior High), Axis (Senior High/early College) and Crossing (young adults) we have 275 students and young adults involved with New Life? This is amazing. We are planning a huge gathering at the end of the summer to bring all three of these environments together.
• Fleas can jump 130 times higher than their own height. In human terms this is equal to a 6ft. person jumping 780 ft. into the air.
• We are doing concrete tilt up walls.  They will be going up soon.  August 9 we will take a moment in our services to celebrate the walls going up.  It’s going quick.  If you haven’t finished your “Now is the Time” commitment—now is the time.  We need this by November 1.
• We are taking over 80 Senior High students to summer camp this next week.
• I am speaking in Axis Church this week. 
• Jana and I love you.  We love New Life.
• We moved the offering back to the middle of the service.  We want the end of the service to be a time to respond to the preaching.  Thank you for being patient as we try different things.  A healthy church is always rethinking how and why they do everything. 
• I had a 90 old lady approach me about getting baptized in water.  I love it.  

my seven core values

Everything and everyone will try to define your life.  Your church, your family, your problems, your victories–everyone!  Everything! I have discovered we need to be very intentional about who we want to become.

A pastor asked me about a year ago–who are you becoming?  Insightful question.  If I followed you for the next 24 hours, I can tell you what you will become in the next 24 years.  Your attitudes, your discipline and your approach to life. 

Who are you becoming?

For 10 years now I have been working on what I call “life blueprints”.  I have life blueprints on my finances, fitness, spiritual life, emotional life, leadership, speaking, and core values.  These life blueprints define who I am becoming. 

Here are seven core values I have been working on the last 10 years.  I evaluate my life on these seven values often.  These are the things I want people to talk about at my funeral.

1.  Intimacy with God—I love God with all my heart, soul and mind.  This is why I was born.

2. Personal Growth–I am a learner. I love to grow. I love to change.

3. Indisputable Character–Who I am is more important than what I do

4. Family Commitment–My wife and two girls are the centerpiece of my life.

5.  Authentic Relationships–I build authentic relationships by being transparent and intentional

6. Financial Strength–I honor God in every spending decision I make

7. Physical Health–My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.  I take care of God’s house.

prayer and planning retreats

For the last 10 years I have done what I call prayer and planning retreats. I started this habit in 1999.  I have been taking notes on each of them every year.  Recently Jana has just joined me. I do these twice a year. One in December (to reflect on year and get ready for next year) and one in July (mid year check up)

They are simple.  I go to a hotel for two nights.  I eat meals with Jana and spend the rest of the time by myself.  I pray and plan.  Typically I break these into 2-3 hours chunks of time.  (we may sneak away for a movie and some other fun things)

Here is what I do:

• Pray
• Read Bible
• Journal (ask myself tough questions)
• Reflect on personal core values and personal mission statement
• Review personal goals
• Review what I call road rules and “one rules” in my life
• Ask God for a new dream
• Sleep
• Read a book
• Write out  prayers
• Listen to a pod cast
• Write a letter to someone
• Call a friend
• Take an honest look at my spiritual and emotional life
• Review goals for new life
• Write
• Think about next years teaching series
• Thank God for life

The toughest part of this is doing it.  Putting it on the calendar and saying–yes I am getting away. 

I can’t tell you the benefit of this time.  Jesus withdrew from the crowds.  He needed time alone…if Jesus needed time alone–how much more do I need time alone? 

If  I don’t spend time alone–I will have nothing to give when I am with people.

Chelsey turns 16

Today my daughter turns 16.  At key milestones in my two daughters life I have done significant things to mark these days.  Ages 13, 16 and 18 I have paused as there dad and provided significant moments for my girls. (example: At 13 I  took them both out and we signed a contract called the “heart promise” and I gave them a purity ring)

Chelsey turning 16 is one of those moments.  We invited a handful of adults who have impacted her life.  I had three key ladies, who have shaped Chelsey life,  say words of wisdom over her.  Then Jeremy Johnson spoke a pastoral blessing over her.  Then as her dad–I read a letter to her (see below) and prayed over her.  Wow!  What an amazing evening.  

Here is the letter I wrote for my daughter. 

Chelsey Jones Your 16^th Birthday

I have all types of emotions and so many things to say to you as you turn 16.   I have narrowed it down to really a brief statement—a statement that summarizes all my emotions—I am proud of you!  That’s it. You couldn’t make your dad any more proud.  You are an amazing person!  You are an amazing daughter. 

I am proud of the way you  stand for Jesus.  I know this has been tough for you at times.   You have lost some friends because of your heart for God.  You have spent some lonely nights.   I am proud of you as your dad.

I am proud of the way you  problem solve and think.  You are a good thinker.  You always have 10 options to solve one problem. You are persistent and determined.  “No” isn’t in your vocabulary.

 I am proud of the way you just love life.  You live to the fullest.  You chase your dreams.  Your attitude is one of a kind.

I am proud of your attitude and approach with you with your relationship with guys.  I have made a commitment to pray for your future husband—you have made a commitment to walk in purity and honesty.    You  are on the right path.   Stand strong my daughter.  I know temptation will come to lower your standards.  Don’t!  God will honor your character and integrity.  You know who you are and will not compromise!  For this I am proud.

I am proud of you for taking risk. You  have never back down to risk.  From a little girl you jumped on stage and said, “yes”.  (I had to quickly learned not to jump on stage with you and give you a bear—that  is another story).  You have taken risk with drama, volleyball, dance, worship leading and preaching.  You  have courage and tenacity. It takes a lot of guts to stand in front of people and preach and let everyone give their opinion. I am proud of you.  

 I am proud of the way you worship.  Every once in a while I peek in church and watch you  worship.  It  brings joy to my heart to see your heart for Jesus. 

I am  proud of the way you  are so sentimental.  People mean the world to you.  Friends go deep with you.  Family is foundational to you.  People who don’t know you—don’t get this part about you.  I do. You have a tender heart!  Don’t ever lose this.

I am proud of you because you are so crazy.  Sometimes “random” but crazy.  You are the one to say Yes when your dad says, “let’s go to Disneyland again”…it was late…that young couple on splash mountain  will never forget the “Troy and Chelsey” team.

 When I think about your future—all I can say—I’m proud to be your dad.  Full of potential.  Full of life.  Full of joy.  Full of Jesus.

 The Bible says, “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man”  Before my very eyes you are growing in wisdom, stature and favor with God and man. 

I pray the favor of the Lord on you.  I pray the favor of God during your last two years of High School. I pray the favor of the Lord on your college years.  I pray the favor of the Lord on your future husband.  I pray the favor  of the Lord on every decision you make. I pray the favor of the Lord on every gift God as given you. 

 My daughter—walk in the favor of the Lord.  Love Jesus.  Love others.  Keep being crazy! 

 I’m proud of you!  

 Your dad!

new life ramblings (7/10/09)

Every week (or most weeks) I take a moment to share what is on my heart.  Everything from what is happening at New Life, our culture, in my life and just random stuff.  I call this “New Life Ramblings”.  Enjoy! Feel free to respond back!  Give input!  Ask questions!  Grab a cup of coffee and catch up on what is going on in my mind. 

• My daughter turns 16 on Monday.  What a year we are having in the Jones family.  Many “significant moments” for us.  (20 years of marriage, and Kaylee turns 18, graduates from High School and goes to college)
• I am so excited about our summer series. The church is called to be a lamp stand…why are we not shining? What are some viruses that are making the local church sick?  What is Jesus saying to his church?
• We had a planning meeting talking about the fall.  Very excited about what God is going to do at New Life this fall.  Very important season as we see this building go up.
• Pray for our Junior High students.  A bunch of them are leaving on Monday for a week of camp.
• Pray for me. I have some kind of infection in my eye. More irritating than anything.
• Sept. 20 we are planning a 40 day fast.  Praying for our community, church and world.  We are specifically going to pray for Sunday, November 1. We need to receive $800,000 to finish phase one of our building.  Everyone needs to be involved. 
• We have decided to cancel Encore Café for the summer.  We will use these next couple of months to determine our future direction with Encore Café.
• Did you know between Lift (Junior High), Axis (Senior High/early College) and The Crossing (young adults) we have 275 students and young adults involved with New Life? This is amazing. We are planning a huge gathering at the end of the summer to bring all three of these environments together.
• Read Revelation 2:8-11 to prepare for Sunday.
• Friday is my day off. It is may day to focus on my wife and family
• Make sure you check out  the building.  In two weeks the walls go up! 
• I love this sunshine today!