Don't Miss This!

California Pizza Kitchen is officially coming to Albuquerque--a definite upgrade. This place will be the new hot spot for brick oven pizza and killer salads. Let me just say it's a great menu. CPK will open (slated for August) to very enthusiastic Heitzig family! We're all stoked!

Summer Snow

One of the striking features of summer in the Rio Grande Valley are the giant cottonwood trees. But these gnarly trunks and spacious branches yield a pleasant surprise--snow! Well not really, that's what it looks like to out on a walk or bike ride during the day. These cottonwood seeds dance in the summer sun and blow everywhere. Today as I was preparing the weekend message about heaven I thought of something Jesus said, "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from or where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit." (John 3:8). This verse comes alive when the cottonwood seeds are in the air. They swirl and swim in every direction indicating the presence of wind. You can see the wind's effect and hear it as it goes by. All these millions of tiny "growth possibilities" tell the world that the wind is on the move. I have been so grateful for the move of God's Holy Spirit lately: I've seen so many come to Christ in the last few weeks. I've seen and heard of God renewing His work deep into the hearts of several people I know who are no longer satisfied with a mediocre Christian experience. Thank-you, Lord for the fresh wind of Your Spirit blowing life in every direction!

"Out of the mouth of babes..."

Right now Dave Row is standing over my shoulder as I write this with his arms folded and his cool glasses reflecting the bright outdoor light on a hot summer in New Mexico. We're talking about the "Kid's Games" which is taking place all this week on our church campus. Over 450 kids and 100 volunteers converge daily to play, to pray and have a blast. Dave thinks the unique aspect of these games is the many options for the kids. His son, Hudson is enrolled in a Karate course this week. Other kids play soccer or basketball. There is even a Kid's Olympics. I personally love all the noise these kids make when the worship--they make it FUN!

Great Summer Read

I met Sean McDowell a couple of years ago when I asked his dad, Josh McDowell to talk to the church about godly families. What a great evening to have Sean and his mom and dad share about life at the McDowell home and how Christian principles were infused there. I was especially impressed at how Sean could so clearly articulate truth principles. His passion, especially for his generation is remarkable and needful. This book "Ethix: Being Bold in a Whatever World" is targeted at youth and is designed to equip them in a world of moral relativism. I'm enjoying this read and learning a great deal from the next generation of McDowells! 

Mike MacIntosh

Mike has been a good friend for many, many years, offering encouragement and advice through several episodes of ministry. I've looked up to him as a big brother in the faith. His gift is unique, as he is "in the now"--a sort of prophetic gifting that speaks to the audience at that particular moment. He has taught me to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading. His humble approach is a real example to me and his friendship is real. Mike retold the story of Ruth and how God can reach into any difficult, dysfunctional family and change it--perfect message for us tonight. Thanks, Mike!

Charlie Hall Brings the Joy

The men's rally at Calvary drew 3000 men to hear great music and a
poingnant message from Mike MacIntosh this evening. The weather started out looking like rain. I mean it blew in fast and furious and gave those guys who brought their vintage cars a heads up that He's really the One in charge of their shiny, waxed-up paint-jobs! I was a beautiful night--men reconnecting with each other, men praying together, confessing needs to each other and serving one another--fabulous! There is such life in this fellowship--abundant life. Charlie Hall shared with us in a very transparent way of how the last two years of his life were "a mess". He alluded to things that happened to him by others, things he didn't do directly but happened nonetheless--not sure what that was exactly but a lot of us can relate. Then he sang a sweet but powerful tune and had us sing it in anthem along with him; "Sweet Jesus Christ, my sanity! Sweet Jesus Christ, my clarity!" He said that those two thoughts translated into prayer helped sustain him through his boxing match with suffering. Great stuff.

I hate bowling...(or so I thought)

I never enjoyed bowling--ever! All the attempts to get me to like it have ended in failure. I even used to say, "I'd rather stay home and do laundry than go bowling!" Why the distaste for one of America's favorite pastimes? Perhaps it was the one really bad experience I had when I was younger, growing up in Southern California. One fine summer evening I arrived at the Victor Bowl with a few friends  for a night of bowling. I thought I'd give it a try, having never done it before with my family (we were all golfers). Out in the parking lot I noticed a Honda 550 in-line-four motorcycle and I thought at the time how nice and new it looked--very cool for the era. I then quickly found out that it belonged to Roy Rogers--yes THE Roy Rogers of television fame--he lived not far from me. But that's when the shock came. Inside the doors of the Bowling Alley lay my childhood hero, on the floor--in a drunken stupor! He rode his iron-horse to the local bowling alley saloon and had one too many drinks at the bar (and what bartender is going to say no to the guy who a drink named after him!?). I had to help get him off the floor and make sure he didn't try to start his motorcycle to ride it. Now, years later Roy was changed by the power of the gospel and he received Christ. But at the time neither Roy Rogers nor Skip Heitzig were saved! This did, however, have an emotionally jolting effect in my life--one which I will never forget. I decided bowling and I were not to be friends--EVER-er-er!!!!!!

That is until last night. Lenya and myself along with Nate (my son) and Janae (his fiance) all went to the local bowling alley, which was almost totally vacant. But I have to say  that I honestly loved it. It was probably because of the great company I was with and the fact that no one cared much about the score--it was just pure fun. So now my perspective has changed and I think I could love doing this more often. Oh, and yes, I still love Roy Rogers!