I’ve been back from Africa and Europe a couple of weeks now…reconnected with Leslie and the kids, led some services, been in staff meetings (even been out of town again – quick trip to St. Louis – more about that later). It’s great to be home. I love my life. Anyway, I thought I would write a few things I learned from this last overseas trip…

I’m more set in my ways than I thought... A cold glass of orange juice BEFORE I take a shower and fresh, hot coffee as soon as I get out of the shower are a must if I want to get off on the right foot. If it doesn’t work in that sequence, it seems like I’m off the whole day. Pretty sad I guess. I made it the whole way, but in Kiev I couldn’t work out the cold, orange juice before the shower deal. But I made it.

If I wasn’t called to be in Memphis, I’d be living in Africa... Walking around the Watoto Villages in Kampala, I had this strong realization that I’d be living in Africa, devoting my life to the cause there, if I wasn’t called to be in Memphis. They say once Africa gets in your blood, it never gets out, and I can testify that’s true. I was also stirred in my heart while I was there that I hadn’t done enough for Africa. We started The Life Church to win people to Jesus, raise them up as leaders and send them to the nations of the world (especially Africa), and I was convicted that I hadn’t done enough. I renewed my commitment to that great continent. Stay tuned for some plans that we’ll be putting into place for ‘07.

I can be replaced at church, but not at home… This past week when Mrs. Kay came to clean my office she told me that she loved reading my blog. Mrs. Kay is a sweet lady in our church family who volunteers every week and cleans my office & green room. She and her husband Norman are in their ’70s but are as youthful in spirit as anyone in our church. Anyway, so she tells me, “I love reading your blog, and I wanted to write you a note and let you know that we miss you…SORT OF…” And then she laughed and said that while I was gone, the services were awesome and she’s amazed at what a great staff and team we have. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I heard that ten times when I got back. I am proud of our pastors and staff and feel incredibly fortunate to have them on our team. Honestly, that’s the greatest compliment I could receive. I’ve never wanted this church to be centered around me and my gifts. Our vision calls for multi-services, multi-campuses, multi-teams…I’m excited about raising up great worship leaders and great communicators and great leaders who can lead the church to great places! So, I can be replaced at church, but not at home. My kids have only one Dad and that’s me! No one can take my place there. My wife has one husband, that’s me. It helps to keep priorities in line when you think about where you’re replaceable and where you aren’t.

Watch the stairs in Kiev, they’re really narrow. On the way to church Sunday morning, I was walking down these old, slippery concrete stairs in this dark stairwell that had to be built 25 years ago during communism, and I missed a step. The steps themselves are really narrow and I just completely missed a step and I fell right on my you-know-what and slid down about 4 steps. The Ukrainian guys that were picking me up came running and felt terrible. In one second they were on me, trying to pick me up. It was a funny moment. Thankfully there were no residual effects.

I like Airports. I know it’s sick, but I have to be honest. I don’t like the lines and security and all of that necessary stuff. But I get a rush out of watching all kinds of different people from all around the world. Although I’m not ready to roll again, I do love to travel and have realized that it provides a huge source of renewal for me, for what I do.

Stay tuned for 5 more confessions…