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This weekend we pause to remember and show respect to our fallen and living heroes that have sacrificed so we all can live in this incredible country! I’ve got to tell you, it hacks me off, all the negative stuff that gets thrown at America. We are so blessed to live here! Thank you to all you vets past and present for all you have done!

Interesting that I’m kicking off a new series this weekend called Heroes!
I can’t wait to share what the Bible says, that the greatest heroes in the OT were men and women JUST LIKE US.

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I know as a Pastor the perception out there is that I should be great at prayer, but the reality is, its hard work for me. It almost annoys me that it’s effortless for my bride but for me it’s never been easy. But lately, I’m sensing a shift in my prayer life. I’ve had the discipline of journaling for years now….and that has helped me more than anything, but recently I’m discovering casual conversation with God. Nothing formal….just trying to include Him in everything throughout the day.

This past Fathers Day I felt a break thru with my Dad as we were able to communicate and connect in a way that we never have before. It was raw, real, and refreshing. I’m forever grateful for that experience and I guess I’m learning how to do that with my Heavenly Father.

Just wondering, are there any other prayer strugglers out there?

Here are some pictures of the Celebrate Recovery Seminar that took place this past Saturday at Northway Church – Clifton Park. Check out everyone hanging out in the pictures below.

This past Friday, I was in the waiting room, anticipating the news of my son in surgery. The Doctor told us it would be an hour and a half max. Well, after 2 and a half hours, I started to get a little freaky. Then finally the doctor came out and said everything went fine. Thank you Jesus!

Deb and I couldn’t wait to get back to the recovery room to see him. I’ve got to tell you as Devin was coming out of anesthesia…I did something I never really do…I JUST STARED AT HIM. This worked well because he was asleep. I thought about how SPECIAL he is….what a GIFT he is….what a GREAT young man he is….and how blessed Debbie and I are to have him. Thank you for all your prayers for him!

Interesting…. that Saturday NorthwayChurch.tv hosted a regional Celebrate Recovery Conference for the entire Northeast. Celebrate Recovery is a ministry for people who are struggling with hurts, habits and hang ups. It was founded by John Baker…one of the pastors from this little struggling church in California…you may have heard of it…it’s called Saddleback Church. You know…Purpose Driven Life and Purpose Driven church guy, Rick Warren. This guy is one of my heroes and a long distance mentor.

It was an honor to have John and his wife, Cheryl, and the whole CR team with us! They did an outstanding job! We had over 55 CHURCHES represented from 11 different states and even some friends from Canada! I was so blessed to watch all these people in CR worship their hearts out. I was quickly reminded of how I felt about my son, as I stared at Devin in recovery, and how our Heavenly Father must feel as he sees and stares at his children in Celebrating Recovery.

SPECIAL, GIFTS, GREAT!

I’m pumped to start our new series, “Heroes,� next weekend. We all have heroes. There is something in each of us that is drawn to them. In this four-part series, Northway will explain what it takes to be a hero as we review the lives of some of the greatest heroes of the Old Testament. Most of us have dreamed of being a hero. Each of us will have the opportunity, a defining moment in our lives when we will be called upon to act heroically on behalf of someone else. Will you be ready? Will you be a hero?

I wanted to share a “Heroes� promo video with you that my son, Devin, made. It is AWESOME! It is OFF THE CHAIN! He is so talented and works so hard, and I could not be more proud as a father! By the way, he is having some outpatient surgery today. I would appreciate your prayers!

PS…Can’t wait to wrap up our series, “Man-Law� this weekend with Man-Law #4!

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I’m grateful for the people that have impacted and influenced my life and ministry. One of the long distance influencers, but very near to my heart, is Ed Young. God has used Ed in my life in too many ways to describe. One of the biggest, that Ed showed me, is that I can be me in ministry.

I grew up in this secret code of ministry that you have to talk a certain talk and walk a certain way to be a “minister.â€? Funny thing is – that is exactly why I never wanted anything to do with it. What is so refreshing about Ed is he is completely comfortable in his own skin. I believe he is one of the greatest communicators and leaders for Jesus in our time. I’m proud to know him and I’m honored that he is coming to NorthwayChurch.tv this summer! Whatever you do this summer, don’t miss this weekend.

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I recently heard a definition of depression that pushed me back. Depression: is the inability to express loss. WOW! How do you express loss? Life is a cycle of losses as we transition into different seasons. My man David in the Bible had this down. Check out this song he wrote in Psalm 18: 20-24

GOD made my life complete
when I placed all the pieces before him.
When I got my act together,
he gave me a fresh start.
Now I’m alert to GOD’s ways;
I don’t take God for granted.
Every day I review the ways he works;
I try not to miss a trick.
I feel put back together,
and I’m watching my step.
GOD rewrote the text of my life
when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.

Had a blast hanging out with my kids and my dad this Father’s Day! My Dad shared some very personal stuff with our church this weekend about how to give your children their blessing AND how to reverse the curse if you didn’t receive a blessing from your parents…check it out.

Have you ever had a Stromboli? Recently I discovered a new Pizza joint in Ballston Spa called La Bellas. I was thrilled to find out they had Strombolis! However, they didn’t have the kind I like so I asked them if they would make a custom one for me. The owners were kind enough and agreed to do that ….. let me tell you something…they are phenomenal!

I had some friends over for the NBA Finals; they all had one and said, “These are awesome! Where did you get these?� I told the owners about the overwhelming response and suggested that they add it to the menu. They agreed, and when the new menu comes out….get this….they are naming it a Strombuddy! Steak, cheese, mushrooms, sauce all wrapped in a baked pizza dough! As corny as this sounds…I think this is the coolest!

So check these guys out! They are three brothers from New York City, and they just took over the business this year. I love entrepreneurs and risk takers, and I love seeing 3 brothers working hard to see a dream come true! Check them out and remember to ask for a Strombuddy! Let me know what you think.

La Bella Brick Oven Pizza 2002 Doubleday Ave Ballston Spa, NY 12020 (518) 885-1252