this is how i’m doing: in case you were wondering…

“So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” - Acts 12:5

“Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.” - Acts 12:11

Keep praying. For something big to happen - something God sized.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners” - Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4:18

The Korean hostages are physically held in bondage, but their captors are held captive in darkness by sin. Pray for their release.

Guys, keep praying for our brothers and sisters held hostage in Afghanistan - pray that they are light in a dark, dark place.

I did something yesterday that I said I would never do. I got on a roller coaster. Two if we’re counting. Seventeen years ago was the last time I had been to Six Flags of Texas; I was eight. It was definitely an experience like no other. If you’re wondering which two I rode they were Batman:The Ride and Flashback. No, I did not scream like a little girl - (although apparently I screamed like a middle aged man). After those two I was feeling pretty tough until my mind took over and started looking at the loops and drops of Mr. Freeze and the Titan - I had enough roller-coasting for one day.

So why was I at Six Flags some may ask. Most probably will not, but for the few that might I’ll subject everyone to the answer. Justin and Angela are getting married on Saturday so we had Justin’s bachelor party at Six Flags yesterday. Hands down, THE most fun I’ve had at a bachelor party. I don’t understand why people complain about waiting in line for rides - I think our longest wait was 5 minutes… two words - orange wristband.

After the thrills in Arlington we headed into downtown Dallas hoping to find some good eats. After wandering around in circles for nearly an hour we happened upon a 3 story Mexican grill named the Iron Cactus. This place was worth the aimless wandering. The blackened ahi tuna fish tacos were simply splendid. The Mexican Chocolate Mousse - heavenly. It was one of those meals that makes me think “Man! God is Good!” Our God is the God of the stars and the universe but he also created taste buds - and for that I am most grateful.

In other news, I found out last night from one of our pastors that the Village is going to be planting a church… in Austin! Oh, it gets better. This is going to be a joint venture with the Village Church and Hill Country Bible Church in Austin (Yes, for those of you that know him this is where Michael Dennis is at). I’m excited. Jacob, the pastor guy who was telling me this, is going to be moving down there in about 4 weeks with his family and they plan to officially launch the church in fall 2008. I asked Jacob if he had heard of IHOP (which he had) and told him about my buddy Felipe who is working at AHOP. With the things that the Spirit is doing through AHOP, HCBC, Hope Chapel and now the Village - Austin is going to be a VERY “interesting” place in the coming years.

Will you pray for the 22 South Korean aid workers (who are also our fellow believers in Christ) who are held hostage in Afghanistan? You see, these 23 (one has already been executed) aid workers traveled to Afghanistan to provided medical and educational aid for the children of Afghanistan. They were taken hostage by Taliban forces who are threatening to execute the remaining hostages. Pray for strength and courage for our brothers and sisters, that God will display His power by literally “setting the captives free” and that above all, His name will be glorified.

You know, up until I read the news article about this I had been pretty apathetic about the war. I now see that what America does or does not do in the Middle East is going to affect the Church globally. I’m not saying what is right or what is wrong concerning the war, just that now is probably a good time to be watching and praying.

So apparently my sore throat and tiredness were “symptoms” - today I came to grips with the fact that I was sick. I rolled out of bed this morning to type out an E-mail to my boss letting him know I would not be in today. I finally woke up around noon and proceeded to have a crummy day. I did get some E-mailing done and a little web work too. Feeling much better now. Is the week over yet??

I’m exhausted.  My throat hurts from talking all day.  I’m confused.  But mostly I’m exhausted.  I might have to rethink this whole college professor thing - I love being in front of the class and teaching but after doing that all day at work that is the LAST thing I want to do when I get home, which could be a problem in the future - like if I ever get married.  ”Baby, I don’t want to talk now, can’t you just read my blog?”  I see THAT one going over real well…