It was also a day where I decided to start a new venture.  After really enjoying my college years of blogging on the one-time coolest kid in school, MySpace, I found out that starting a “big boy” blog can be tough.  People don’t comment as much.  People don’t see what you wrote as often without steady promotion.  This, along with some serious writer’s block, discouraged me into closing the doors of several blogs.

But I knew I wasn’t finished writing online.  Every time I saw one of my friends had a new blog, it made me miss having my own hunk of space on the Internet.

I began 2009 with a goal in mind to do one thing new every day.  I’m honestly not sure how far along I got on that goal, but some cool things did happen that year–I gave Twitter a second chance; I got interactive with Scripture reading on YouVersion; I got back into the awesome life-changing experience that is small group Bible study; and I also started this blog.

Although there have bee large gaps between postings at times, I have enjoyed being able to come here and write what I’m feeling.  And knowing I’d probably just start another blog if I shut this one down over being in a dry season, I decided to keep it going!

It is truly great to see people some and comment, follow this blog, and have my friends write about and like posts on Facebook, as well as give me some retweet love.  It’s very encouraging.

I’ve been able to do some great things on here, too.  Highlights include my first book giveaway (ever!) with Granger Community Church’s Communications Director and author of Less Clutter. Less Noise: Beyond Bulletins, Brochures and Bake Sales, Kem Meyer!  Not to mention my second book giveaway with pastor/author/my small group leader, Gene Jennings for his book Laughing with Sarah (see outtakes here).

My goal for this blog has remained the same, and that is, in addition for the random stuff that pops out of my head, to bring forth inspiration, thought and further action.  To that extent, it’s been great to share what God has put on my heart, my reflections of what I’ve experienced, and ways people can get involved in changing the world.

Thank you for letting this be a place you’ve visited over the past three years.  I look forward to continue sharing things that I hope serve as motivation.

P.S. If you’re thinking about starting/shutting down a blog of your own, I hope this serves as a nudge to keep at it.  Your thoughts can and will impact somebody.

For the past two weeks, I’ve watched God do some incredible things with the potential for many more on the horizon.

Personally, He has led me on a journey to fall more in love with His Word as I seek to live a life on fire about Him and read Scriptures daily.

Collectively, I’ve watched Him take the generosity of 44,000+ college students and leaders and use it to prevent, end, and restore slavery in the lives of many.  Freedom is a costly venture, and the resources God has given us can make it spread to millions who only know bondage.

In the lives of friends, I can’t get over watching God work in so many people’s hearts and stir them towards seeking Him.

God continues to heal and make whole what is ill and fractured.

And the Church.  Oh, the Church… it’s only the beginning.  Honestly, just get ready for what’s ahead.  It will be truly unforgettable and move you to the path of righteousness heading right for the throne of God.  He wants to do some incredible things in the midst of our gatherings.  Let me give you some examples of what’s happened at my church in the past couple of weeks:

- Our weekly attendance has averaged over 1,700.  As we prepare to break ground and build a permanent base of operations, our current venue can barely contain everyone at times.

- God is stirring the hearts of many and making them mindful of worship, justice and compassion.  Just this past Sunday, the message was centered around the missions being done and coming up in the community, the state, and in places such as Guatemala and Southeast Asia.

- Child sponsorship greatly benefits the children you see on those laminated postcards.  This past Sunday, attendees had the opportunity to sponsor thirty children on-hand.  Out of those thirty, 28 will now have a loving relationship with someone who can pour into their lives as Jesus pours into them.  Amazing!

- Coming up over the next 40 days, my church will be joining many others nationally and globally who are preparing to learn, love and live God’s word in a major emphasis on Scripture reading and studying.

- As part of the 40 day emphasis, more small groups needed to be formed in order to accommodate everyone with the weekly curriculum.   So far, over 30 new small groups of people going through this live together are now in motion!

- There is also something in the works that has the potential to radically rock our community in a powerful and continual way that I can’t really divulge on at this time.  Just trust me: it’s going to be great!

And those are just SOME of the highlights!

When I look at things like that and I follow my friends on Twitter and Facebook and see a fresh passion in them and the people in my small group, I know that something only God can orchestrate is going on.

This year is starting out strong for the Kingdom of God as I see it.  The time for sitting comfortably is over.  Action doesn’t need to be taken anymore; it’s happening right now.  Are you on board yet?

Wherever you worship.  Whatever office or classroom or call center you get to carry Jesus Christ into.  However you’ve been placed to speak boldly about the Gospel.  Let it happen.  Serve others.  Love others.  Lift the name of Jesus high above others.

Make this a year of revival.

As I conclude my attempts at putting Passion 2012 to paper, I look at what last week was about in regards to my time in a small group with several others at the beginning and end of each day, as well as how that’s already impacted my life.

Each day of Passion starts and ends with community groups.  This is where those in attendance are divided into smaller pockets where they are facilitated for discussion and prayer.  Things get more intimate when those in community groups are placed into family groups.  These are groups of 8-10 strangers (unless you cheat) who will get to know each other, pray for each other, and by the end of the conference be thankful for a very healing time together.

The anonymity of a family group allows its members to open up more than they would with those they came to Passion with.  It also let’s in fresh perspectives about what’s going on in other colleges, campus ministries and churches.  It is both a time to grow and a time to build others up.

Given that these groups meet before the first main session and after the last main session of the day, it is tempting to skip them for sleep, to line up for the late night concert, or to have a lighter load.  I’ve given in to some of these alternatives in the past, but this year, I made it to all community group sessions.

Not only did I love spending time with my family group each night and morning, I became less concerned about what I’d be missing and enjoyed the blessing of them.  One member in particular really opened up with me about a current state in my life that he recently went through.  I was also able to share in hopes of being there for others.

As I think about Passion 2013, I can’t help but be excited about getting back into family groups and enjoying this very real and moving part of the conference.

India.

Greece.

Italy.

United States.

Atlanta, GA.

The world.

Today is a day where you can take action.  There are many who don’t know a thing about forced prostitution, forced labor, and the closest thing to Hell this side of it people have to live in.

But be encouraged.

I was.

Yes, there are 27 million victims of modern day slavery.  That’s more slaves than anytime in the history of the world.

There are also 7 billion people who populate this planet.  A majority of those people can do something to end these injustices.

The majority can win here.

Slavery can be ended.  Now.

Today is Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

Now that you’re aware, here are some tangible ways you can be a part of eliminating this tragedy:

1) Understand the meaning of “tangible.”  Knowing what that word meant changed things for me.  It means “perceptible by touch.”  It’s something that can be seen immediately, and felt by those who are waiting for it.

2) Donate to one of the following organizations:

- Do Something Now
- Word Made Flesh
- As Our Own
- NightLight International
- Wellspring Living
- Tiny Hands International
- Hagar International
- International Justice Mission
- The A21 Campaign

… or any others on your list that I missed.

3) Pray.  Pray for those trapped.  Pray for those who are enslaving.  Pray for the organizations who are doing something about it.  Finally, pray about what additional steps God may want you to take.

We can change the course of history.  Let’s.

Heading into Passion, there was something going on online known as Acclimate.  This was a webpage where people could connect worldwide to collectively pray for Passion, and more importantly, read the word of God.  Upon visiting, a map was shown with pink dots representing those reading at the time.  The entire left side of the page was covered with random chapters of Scripture scrolling, as they would be until the beginning of the conference…

… and that was a very true statement.

Minutes before the first main session of Passion 2012 in the Georgia Dome, Acclimate appeared on screens throughout the venue.  With ten minutes to go, people came on stage and took turns reading the Word aloud.  This was then accompanied by thunderous drums, huge bold letters, and an intro to Passion that doused us all into what would be a central theme of the days ahead.

“THIS IS THE WORD OF GOD!”

From the opening to small groups to the messages to several leaders getting on stage and reading the entire book of Ephesians as tens of thousands stood and read with them, it was made abundantly clear that we need God’s Word in our lives.

And that spoke to me.  I’ve already heard God tell me the same thing just a day before the conference, and throughout it, I was constantly reminded in some powerful ways.

There is no better way to live in communion with God, have the power of His Holy Spirit stirring in our hearts, and boldly speaking His Gospel to others than to spend regular time in the Scriptures He breathed.

I thank God so much for beating me over the head about this all week.  I want nothing more than to continue to hear from Him.

All participants of Passion 2012 were asked to come prepared to give towards the cause of freedom.  Six organizations were selected and woven together that combated human sex and labor trafficking by prevention, rescue, and restoration.  The goal for the estimated 44,000 in Atlanta and those watching and giving online was $1 million.  Halfway through the conference, that goal was exceeded!  By the end of the four days together, students, leaders, and viewers had raised over $2.5 million, which would be accompanied by a $500,000 donation to total $3,066,670!!!

More about that number:
- That is the amount of money given by the conclusion of the conference.  It is not pledges.  It is the physical and tangible currency that is going to organizations who will use it to help free others.

- These organizations go on raids in places sex trafficking is taking place, provide safe houses for those who have been victimized by these horrible injustices, help educate others in efforts that trafficking won’t happen, and provide new beginnings for those who have lived in slavery and bondage.

- Freedom efforts will impact several countries around the world, as well as provide funding for a new special victims unit in one of the United States’ largest hubs for human sex trafficking, Atlanta, GA.

- Not only were the original organizations funded, but also several on a back-up list in case the total was exceeded.

This is so exciting to me!  I am a firm believer that the Church should be the main ones solving the problems of the world.  We are here glorify God, and that means honoring Him with our worship, with our gifts, and with our actions of eliminating injustice.  It’s what we sing about.  It’s what we read about in Scriptures.  And January 2-5, 2012, it’s what we did with our time together in Atlanta!

Not only that, but we were all asked to each bring a towel and a pack of socks for Atlanta’s homeless shelters.  There were 36,000 towels donated, and 156,000 pairs of socks!

AMAZING!

God didn’t design the Church to gather, sing songs, laugh at the preacher’s football jokes, then peace out in time for lunch unchanged.  We are called to action, and giving the resources needed to fuel others is one of the ways we can take action.

The freedom hand. Constructed by Passion 2012 participants to stand tall at Georgia International Plaza for the week. Materials used included items found on The Department of Labor's list of top goods produced by forced labor and child labor around the world.

Now that Passion 2012 has dismissed, there are 44,000+ who have returned to their communities where real issues exist at home.  What will happen next?  Let this first week of the year only be the beginning of doing something now!

I mean it.  I want to live each day on fire for Jesus.  I want Him to be so relevant in my life, He radiates out of every pore.  I want my skin to be pale in comparison to the color He will bring to it this year.  I want people to look at me and know, above all else, Jesus matters most in my life.

That’s what I’m feeling so far about this year.  Each day is its own accomplishment, and this is a journey to be taken one day at a time, living for the One who died for me.

I’m ready for a year of Jesus!

This should be an exciting year.  I’ve already felt like God is reminding me that I can’t do it alone.  Of course not!  I wasn’t designed that way.  None of us were.  I feel like there will be challenges, but there will also be growth.  I think it will be a year of faith-building.  Furthermore, it will be crucial that I let God be in control.  I’m excited to see what’s next.  I know His love never fails, and He will be with me every step away.  Bring it on, 2011!

About a month after that was written, I received a phone call telling me my mom had stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma.  About nine months after that was written, I lost my job in a company-wide position elimination.  This year has certainly had its challenges.  I am ending it uninsured.  I am ending it without my friend since fifth grade, my dog, Pebbles.  I am ending it… hopeful.

When visiting my uncle a couple of weeks ago, we took a walk, and he asked me how I was doing after losing my job.  I told him it was hard to be discouraged.  He was surprised by my response.

How can I not be discouraged?  I have every right to be.  The best answer I can come with is God doesn’t let me.

It’s not that I never feel the weight of the world, but that I know who to give it to when I do.  That is, when God even lets me feel it to begin with.  I left my job on a Wednesday and was hired for a seasonal position that Friday.  I watched my mom go through the hardest fight of her life and come out closer to God and healed of cancer!  Throughout the year, we have been blessed with everything from food to money to many words of support, and we have been bathed in prayer.  It’s been a difficult year, but through it, we were taught trust and obedience, our faith was built, and we’ve seen God’s hands at work.

With that, I look at 2011 as a year of triumph.  And it wasn’t all sad beginnings with happy endings.  I’ve got to have some incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experiences like they grow on trees.  It has been a year of celebration with weddings, babies, holidays, and praising God for how awesome He is.  And I end this year on a high note, closer to Him.

I’m heading into 2012 with many unanswered questions.  There is a lot of uncertainty, but like I told my uncle, it’s hard to get discouraged.  My mom is having an excellent recovery.  I’ll begin the year praising and worshiping God with thousands of others.  From there, it’ll be time to go back to work.  And although I don’t know what happens next, God does–and I know God.

Happy New Year, everyone!  May you all trust in Jesus Christ and make this best year you’ve ever had, living for Him!

Mom and I, Thanksgiving Day

As Passion 2011 came to a close, the plans for the following year were laid out.  Rather than having 25,000 students divided between Atlanta, GA’s Philips Arena and Georgia World Congress Center, and rather than having thousands more gather months later in Ft. Worth, TX, it was time for these amazing days together to consolidate in a much bigger venue.

Next week is Passion 2012.  It’s going to be four incredible days featuring the teaching and music of Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin, John Piper, David Crowder*Band, Beth Moore, Kristian Stanfill, Lecrae, Christine Cane, Christy Nockels, Charlie Hall, and Hillsong United.  Having been to Passion in ’06, ’07 and last year, I can already tell you there’s nothing like it.

Two big things I’m looking forward to are being there for the final David Crowder*Band show and seeing Hillsong United live for the first time!  (I know.  What took me?  Circumstances beyond my control, I assure you.)

Although the fanfare surrounding who will be at Passion 2012 is huge, that is only a very small part of what’s ahead.  Within seconds of being led by any of these people, the focus comes off of them and is directed to Jesus.

This time of connecting with God is going to be unreal.  It’s something I’m so glad I’m going to do in such a unique setting.

And perhaps the setting is what has me most looking forward to Passion 2012.  While normally held in civic centers, this year, it’s hosted in a bigger home.

For the first time ever, Passion will be in the Georgia Dome!

I think something like half of the Dome will be used for these four days.  That pretty much means tens of thousands of people will gather in one place to get loud and worship God.  I can’t wait to feel that energy and be a part of the experience!

I also can’t wait to partner with all of those attending this conference in raising for both Atlanta-based and international causes for Do Something Now.  Not only will we be arriving with towels and socks to supply area homeless shelters for the entire year, we will also be aiming to put a $1,000,000 dent in slavery around the world.  Watch and read more here.

For these reasons, the Georgia Dome is on my mind.