That was the result of Elijah’s best attempt to wish me a happy birthday yesterday.
It was so freakin’ cute. He’s so freakin’ cute.
Can I possibly love our next baby as much? I wonder sometimes… that’s a whole lotta love (Zepplin reference intentional). I’m sure I’ve got it in me.

I’ve had a very encouraging last 2 days, and I needed it.

Sunday night, for some reason, I felt like I was under a pretty severe spiritual attack. I couldn’t fall asleep until 3:30 AM, even though I was exhausted from a warp speed day at Elevation. It wasn’t the good kind of “couldn’t fall asleep.” It was like a tension and heaviness that seemed to come out of nowhere, for no reason.
And I couldn’t pray through it or distract myself with a book.
Just a hard night, at the end of a wonderful day.

I think that’s the worst kind of spiritual attack.
The kind that blindsides you.
The kind that’s invisible.
The kind that you can’t explain.
As the church continues to grow at a ridiculous rate, and as God elevates our influence in the city, I guess I’ll experience more and more of this.
But it’s so weird. If someone on staff were causing problems, I could confront them or remove them. But our staff is completely unified and efficient right now.
If I were struggling with a particular sin, I could confess it, get help and accountability, and get on with it.
If Holly and I were fighting, we could apologize, kiss and make up.

So if Satan can’t get to you externally he sneaks in the back door to discourage the heart and the spirit. You start thinking thoughts of panic and confusion that are, for the most part, irrational. And it’s hard to turn them off.

But God knew exactly what I needed, and I was bombarded with encouraging emails, cards, gifts and voicemails yesterday for my birthday.
And our staff and some core team members went out last night to celebrate together. I had fun and laughed really hard. Especially about Metallica lullabies and Damion throwing erasers at Ryan and oxen. You had to be there.

It’s fun when you like to be with your staff, and you choose to spend your birthday with them.
It’s also fun when your staff loves what they do, and talking about ministry at a birthday party doesn’t feel like talking shop… it feels as natural as breathing, or talking about your favorite team.

Above all, I’m blessed that Holly and the staff and volunteers of Elevation have my back. They honor me as pastor and bear my burdens. They celebrate the role I play in their lives. I love you guys.

I’m feeling good, and ready to preach Sunday.

And judging from the emails, this series is really hitting a nerve already.
I’ve heard tales of Spirit-led break ups already. Yes!
And Erika, Lori, and Jenny won’t be getting asked out for the next 10 years, I’m sure. And that’s fine with me :).

All I’ve got to say is… wait til this week. I’m just getting warmed up good.

Tomorrow I’m heading to Dallas for C3 with Holly, Lori, and Heather.
(Me and 3 gals, 2 of ‘em pregnant. Pray for me :))

I realized a few months ago that Holly has not been to a leadership conference with me before. That’s a sin, and I repent. My wife makes a bigger sacrifice than anyone, and deserves to have her vision tank filled regularly. So I’m going to show my woman a good time on the town, and the 4 of us will walk around that huge campus and dream about what’s next for Elevation.

And then I’ll come back and projectile vomit new ideas and vision on the staff Monday. Hope you’re not snacking at your desk as you read this.

Got a fun post for ya tomorrow. I’m going to let you in on a blast from my past.