I was blessed with tickets to the LSU vs. Auburn game last weekend and it was the 1st time I have been to Tiger Stadium in years.  I thoroughly believe that Tiger Stadium on a Saturday night is one of the unique wonders of the world.  93,000 passionate fans are packed into one place…the energy and the emotion is electrifying.  Where else can you find grown men and perfect strangers hugging each other after a touchdown or a first down!!

As I left I thought…all of us are created for worship.  I love the passion and the energy I experienced in the stadium, but imagine the effect it would have when that enthusiasm is directed towards God.  I love LSU football; however, there is a greater purpose that demands our attention!

Psalms 71: 6-8 NLT

6 Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! 7 My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. 8 That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.

We are setting records at HPC as Live the Dream is in full swing…there are more bodies in the building and more cars on this property than ever thought possible!  After months of planning and countless hours of work, there is an incredible Spirit of Hope in this house.  Single moms, wives, daughters, grandmothers, and friends are being inspired to dream again.  I can only imagine all that He will do in the next 24 hours as we continue to lean into the presence of Jesus.

If you aren’t able to make it to the conference, don’t miss out…join hundreds of ladies who are logged in to watch LIVE online.  You will sure enjoy the experience!

This past Saturday Night we were able to celebrate with over 20 people as they got baptized to make a public declaration of their commitment to Christ.  Being able to celebrate life change is such a HUGE win for the church!  This evening it was like none other…there were three incredible stories that I was so fired up about.  

First, there was an entire family baptized (mom, dad, son and daughter) afterward the mom and dad, who had been married for 14 years, made a spur of the moment decision and wanted to renew their wedding vows.  Daughter was the maid of honor and son, the best man.  It was a beuatiful picture of a whole new beggining!!

Next, this fella who had been in trouble with the law and was now under house arrest stepped up.  He had the ankle braclet on and everything!  Without hesitation, he jumped into the tank and professed how Christ had changed his life!  I love it!!

Then, we had the privilege to baptize a sweet young girl in our church who has cerebral palsy.  She gave her life to Christ over 8 years ago after we met her at a character club called, Chariots of Fire, at Tara High School.  Since that time, she has attended HPC and faithfully served and loved the Lord desipite some really rough circumstances.  This Saturday night could not have gotten any better…20 lives eternally changed…what a celebration!!  This is what it is ALL about!

Sunday Night my oldest daughter, Alexa, and I attended a formal father/daughter purity banquet called, Baton Rouge Purity Ball.  This was the Second Annual and it was a really cool experience.

Rachel helped Alexa get dressed, and she looked absolutely gorgeous. It felt like prom…only I was way more nervous.  It was such an incredible honor to take my daughter on a formal date. We experienced a fantastic dinner, dance, and towards the end of the night all of the daughters received rings to symbolize thier commitment to purity.

It truly was a mile-marker for me as a dad.  I look into Alexa’s eyes and see everything I value in this life. I took a moment that night and developed a tactical plan for any punk considering dating my daughter…it includes shot-guns, bowie knives, a shovel and 6 acres of land behind my house!! 

I know this will be a night I will cherish for a long time!!

I love Baton Rouge this time of year…cooler weather, lots of gumbo, LSU football raising our blood pressure, and church life buzzing with activity.  We are living in some exciting days.

As I journaled yesterday, I was reminded of Jesus’ promise in Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the PURE in heart, for they will SEE God.” There must be some connection between the condition of our hearts & the supernatural we see.  A clean heart produces a clear vision but, if my heart gets marred, my vision becomes blurred. How many times have I missed seeing God at work? It may have little to do with my eyes and a lot to do with my heart.

Sometimes my heart feels like a filter that collects so much dust over time. It’s easy to get dirty and not even know it. Purify my heart, Lord…I want to see You!