“Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”

Sirens wailing down the road approaching fast. the sound is changing from that high pitched distant tone to a more deep and much louder sound. When they arrive they start right in on all the necessaries while remaining completely calm.

…And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick…

Luke 5:31-32

….Who hindered or encouraged you to stop obeying? What worldly things encouraged you to celebrate too soon? Stay on that course focused and understanding that the sin (distractions) of this world are so easy to pull you off track. You started well, so finish well…..

Conference doesn't have to stop. And if you heard Pastor Hilarys message last Sunday you will know that conference was still happening all week. The message didn't feel like a normal Sunday message, it felt like something a little more.

So show up for the weekend in with everything you have. Show up for Conference with all you have and make someones day, month or even year. This is what it’s all about. Show up, and show up all the way.

Let’s focus on one thing that sticks out in a big way to me. Be in “WE” language, the “us” or “unity” language that is so needed right now...

Should I not say “Happy Friday!” to someone when it is Friday as we commonly do, in celebration of the approaching weekend? Well it is factually Friday and I am happy about it, so, “Happy Friday!!!” The same can be said for Christmas. It is the time that a lot of the world is celebrating the birth of Jesus… which is a holiday that most get to have off of work… I would like to be Merry about it, so, “Merry Christmas!!!!!!!”

We need to work the muscle of invitation. Or the muscle of excellence. It is really hard to get good at inviting people without, well, inviting people. Or how about trying to make new friends without attempting to make new friends? We need to actually start that process or we will not ever be good at it.

…You are cool when you know little details about someones life. Wait, it’s not cool to say “you are cool when…” Alright in Gen Alpha slang, "You're lowkey 🔥 when you show someone they 💯 mean something to you. It makes your vibe together Gucci and keeps your bond…

If I can love Him like that, with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, wouldn’t it be easier to love my neighbor? Or is it that because I love my neighbor I can love God with all my heart, soul….

This young lady I mentioned at the beginning of this whole thing said “if you hug me, I might cry” Really wanted a hug but knew she would be sobbing if she did. She denied herself that opportunity because she was in a public setting. But she later told me she was grateful I asked her and actually cared. My wife later brought her some flowers.

If your 5 closest friends are 3 star Michelin rated chefs…. chances are you might be too or at least be head and shoulders above everyone else at cooking. 5 close friends that have great relationships with their kids… again chances you will too….

….What that looks like is instead of simply saying “WHY” saying something like “Is this because ________ that we X, Y and Z?” This gives us a conversation starting point. The answer changes from a directive to a fun and enticing exchange that otherwise would have come to a screeching halt….