This past week has been interesting. I have shared much life with a friend. Our families have had kids together... watched them grow up.... enjoyed hanging out in small group and sharing Christ-life for 8+ years.... and, for the past 2 years, enjoyed advancing this incredible message of Christ in the life of Emmanuel as staff teammates. Carrie has orchestrated our worship encounters for the past two years and the word 'amazing' doesn't suffice in describing the encounters that she has intiated in order that we might engage God. To receive her phone call and to have her share that she is entering a significant battle with cancer was rattling. I love working with Carrie! I love dreaming church. I love that our kids are sharing life. I love Jeff (her hubby). I love them. So, what in the heck do you do when you hear news like that. For me, I got a little dizzy for a few seconds. Then, I prayed. Then, I gathered our team of leaders at EBC and we sat in a room together in silence. Followed by a few prayerful utterances. Then silence. I think that God knew our heart in the midst of the silence. You know, my dad is smart. He also loves God. He gave a great piece of advice when he said, 'let's assault heaven on Carrie's behalf.' That's what we are doing and will do. If you are reading this, then why not pull out your journal and jot Carrie's name in a prominent spot and pray for her. She leads people to worship. She loves her husband. She has three amazing kids. We want to keep her around for quite awhile.

The day after the news, our staff team was scheduled to head to ATL for the Catalyst Conference. We went. It was right. I don't think that I will even attempt to type what the time meant to me and to our team. A few random thoughts might be enough..... it is so fresh to hang out with people that you do ministry with. I love that I love our team. It is utterly amazing to sit with 12,000 leaders of this movement called the Kingdom of God and to rend our hearts toward heaven.... it's good to fill our minds and our hearts with anticipatory longing for His church called Emmanuel.... it's good to meet a guy named Chuck and get to spend two days worshipping with him and to hear his heart for families... it's good to laugh, cry, be challenged, and to, ultimately, worship Jesus Christ! Catalyst was good. The EBC family sends their staff team to this event every year. I love that you guys love us. I love that you support your staff team as we grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Then, we rolled back home and had an incredible weekend at Emmanuel. Incredible. The Worship was charged. The challenge, from Luke 12, was intense. Really, I want to use all that God has given me as a stewardship of His. All that I have is His. I want people to see my life and KNOW that God, and not possessions, are my joy and my sustenance. In the land of 'more', may people see in us that Christ is ENOUGH!!

The end of the service was the kicker. Rick felt compelled by God, in response to Carrie's diagnosis and the plethora of hurts around EBC, to sing Tomlin's revision of Amazing Grace. It was beautiful and God took much glory in that moment. Settle your heart in the refrain: My chains are gone, I've been set free. My God, My Savior has rescued me. And like a flood, His mercy rains. Unending love, Amazing grace.

It was in interesting week. Here's what I know: God is faithful and I trust Him. He is good. Here's what I don't know: Why some things happen and what the outcome might be. I just know that I want to assault heaven for the sake of knowing Him and being well known by Him, and watching as He transforms life, mind, heart, and the circumstances of those around me.

I love God! If a small portion of my life can be catalytic in drawing others toward Him, I think that will be good.

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By Grace... For Glory,
Mark