Love in Motion

I recently had an opportunity to jump in and teach one talk of a four part series called ACT at my home church Vinings Lake. Seriously, the greatest church I have ever been involved with. I love the leadership, the people and the way everyone is attempting to do it the way God intended for it to be done. 

Preparing to speak, I ran across a text that said it all. 1 John 3:16-18. I talked about "Love in Motion." Donald Miller once said, Belief is not what you say, belief is what you do." All the injustices, poverty, and sickness must begin with discussion. However, discussion must move us to compassion and compassion must move us to action. At the end of the talk I got to sit down with Drew benton from Safehouse Outreach to do some Q and A and provide practical application for the talk. 

Help yourself to a free download on itunes @ Vinings Lake 

-Cody

Current Events

Hello All,

We are in the epicenter of a busy season. Thank you to every event coordinator who used us over the last couple months. From New Hampshire to Boston to PCB and here at home, we have seen God very much active. Last night we finished up at a local church here at home called Burnt Hickory. It was an amazing weekend and they got some rare D-Now footage that summed up the weekend! Thought you would want to take a look.

Catch you next time.

Cody

Identification Tour

I am excited to announce Identification Tour 2009. For details check out www.identificationtour.com Tour dates will be finalized soon. 

We are still here.

We are alive and well for the two of you wondering. The hiatus is not intentional but a result of all our (me, Wife, and FTF friends) attention absorbed in an upcoming project we are working on. Details are coming soon and we are ecstatic about it. In the meantime, we have been blasted with so many encouraging emails. So I thought I would share one with you... Changed a few names to keep the anonymity. (We also got permission) 

Hi Katie and Cody, 

I was in the Sunday service when you guys visited ________________ back in Dec.  My husband and I missed the breakfast, came in late and sat on the back row (right in front of Katie).  Can I tell you... Our Church needed to hear what you had to say; I needed to hear what you had to say. I felt like my soul was lifted higher than it had been lifted in...well, a really long time.  If you don't remember, the service was about being in the world but not of the world.  It was such an honest service and I find myself thinking about it even 45 days later.  Some of those good ol folks had their religious ideas turned upside down that morning...but shouldn't it be like that more often?  It is bad when you can predict what the message is going to be before you even get to church. I think God has more than that and I think he wants us to wake up and find it. 

I am not one of those message-board-blogger kind of people and I like to keep my thoughts to myself (and those closest to me.)  I am not one of those shout-it-from-the-mountain-top Christians but I felt like you should know that you spoke to me that morning and you (or God through you) got my attention. Please keep doing what you are doing; keep speaking because the generation younger than us needs it. Actually, I think everyone needs it.  Even the most devout, hard-praying, focused Christians need to be shaken every now and again.     

Sorry for the length of this email.  You guys are awesome and keep it up. 

Thanks again :-) 

Jesus was homeless

A couple of weeks ago I was able to connect to a non-profit called Safehouse in downtown Atlanta. Safehouse Outreach is an urban outreach committed to affecting real change in the lives of those in the margins of society, by providing a hand up, not just a hand out. They are about what Claiborne says, "Ending poverty not just managing it." "Giving fish, teaching to fish, tear down the walls around the fish pond and figuring out who polluted it." My friend, Drew is on staff there and was kind enough to show me around and take me for a city walk. From abandoned warehouses to parks and street corners; people were everywhere. Those that were sleeping outside literally stack on top of each other to keep warm. Those in the warehouse just hope the GBI doesn't kick them out the next day. 

If you live anywhere near Atlanta you know there has been an on going battle of the city v/s homeless. I heard Drew say more than once, "These are people not cockroaches, you can't just sweep them out." As I walked and stared, I could not help but ask Why? How? What can we do? It's one thing to write a check toward poverty it's another to shake a homeless mans hand ask his name and look into his eyes. I think the scripture is actually true, at one point I swear I saw Jesus inside that man (Matthew 25:35). 

I think sometimes we avoid the question because we are afraid of the answer. Because of this fear, "We just continue to offer only mansions and streets of gold in heaven when all the homeless really want is a bed for their kids today." "How can we worship a homeless man on Sunday and ignore one on Monday?"- Claiborne 

Sometimes at night when I am in bed I think of the people I met that day. I get bothered that I have three extra guest bedrooms. Not out of guilt but my love for God and people I want to do something about it. I not only want to awaken the church to join the God of the oppressed, hungry, homeless and alone. I actually want it to be true about my life. I want to be so involved with the marginalized that the poor will always be among me. (Matthew 26:11) 

You can see more about Safehouse @ www.safehouseoutreach.org 

ONE- Unity in Diversity

This past Sunday I was able to begin a brand new series at Vinings Lake called ONE. If you don't know, VL is our home church and Katie and I are so grateful for this community. The first talk of the series was centered around the idea that we have unity in Christ. Our unity in Christ transcends all that might attempt to divide us. So wether its preferences, opinions, or convictions we acknowledged that the one thing we have in common is bigger than the many things we don't. 

We focused on both John 17 and Philippians 2 and began the discussion that humility might be the first step toward unity according to Paul. Putting others before yourself, loving your enemies and fighting for your brother are all ways to keep the peace and remain unified. 

It was an amazing day and I am so grateful to have been a part of it. I love both Pete, Brian and the entire team/community at VL. 

Your Love is Strong

*I have been in a season of learning to TRUST! 

This song is on repeat in my ipod and will be until I "get it."

Great stories from "The Happening"

This past weekend Katie and I took a trip to Sparta, TN. I spoke at an annual event called, "The Happening" at the local High School. One week before the event we received the following email from the event coordinator.

"I am saddened to be passing along this news, but one of our high school senior girls was tragically killed in a car wreck this past Sat. night. Another senior boy was driving and lost control of his truck and hit a tree. I have heard that alcohol could have been a factor. This young lady had a promising future in track and field and had just won the region on Thurs. and was headed for the state games this coming Sat. She had been offered many college scholarships. She was a beautiful young blonde with everything going for her."

Sitting backstage I got word that the father of the girl tragically killed was in the audience as well. As you could imagine this brought on some anxiety along with a jammed packed auditorium filled with students wondering if God is really good. Once my named was called I took a deep breathe trusted Jesus and went for it. I spoke about what it means to have life in Christ. The reality that we can have life before death instead of waiting for life after death. Little did Katie and I know what god was doing but by the end of the night there was a room full of people beginning a relationship with God. Honestly I am not 100% on all that happened but I know God took what was intended to be ugly and created something beautiful.

One girl stopped as I was walking through the hallway and said, "You said something about meth in your talk. I want you to know I was addicted to meth and God saved me from that tonight. I have not been to a church in 3 years but I plan on going tomorrow." Afterwards she showed me a picture of her 11 month old baby! I am thinking the baby will be grateful for this decision as she gets older!

God is active even in the tragedy!

Tribes

I was given a free book called "Tribes" by Seth Godin sometime back. I just finished reading this great book and thought I would drop some lines that made me think.


"Sometimes its okay not to take the lead, sometimes it's okay to let someone else speak up and show you the way."

"Change is the first sign of risk."

"Heretics are the new leaders"

"Good enough stopped being good enough along time ago."

"Life is to short to hate what you do all day"

"Change isn't made by asking permission. Change is made by asking forgiveness, later."

"instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you ought to set up a life you don't need to escape from."

"The secret to leadership is simple: Do what you believe in. paint a picture of the future. Go there. People will follow."

"Imagination is more important than knowledge." _Einstein."

"Perfect is an illusion, one that was created to maintain the status quo."

Halloween Movie

Pete and I decided to create a quick movie for you. This movie has no sound. Trust me it is better that way. Please note how good my punch looks!

Vacant Sanctuary

I recently had a conversation with a musician friend via email about my frustration with churches,concerts and events just going through the motions. Sometimes it seems so fake, superficial and dishonest. He replied back with the following.

"I was sitting in a balcony of a church last night after I opened for a friend of mine in L.A.
I textd a friend and told them I was bored. She said I needed Jesus (as a joke) and I looked around and realized he wasn't there."

After that conversation I read this 1 Kings 8:27- "Can it be that God will actually move into our neighborhood? Why, the cosmos itself isn't large enough to give you breathing room, let alone this temple I've built. Even so, I'm bold to ask."

JAX

I am sitting in the brand new Terminal at Jax as I type. I happened to glance up and see this king kong looking image that you see in the picture. Really strange but this man with the paper, briefcase and watch is actually ingrained in the windows. Kinda freaky...and a little sad I have been sitting here for over an hour and just recognized it. I tend to be oblivious to things around me... Not a good trait to have.

Anyway, I just finished speaking at a D-Now at FBC Middleburg, Florida this weekend. I was joined with a fresh voice in worship Ryan Shelley. You can check out there music at Until Dawn Worship. The D-Now was centered around the theme "Amplify." So my teachings were centered around what it would look like for God to be "Amplified" through our lives. Thanks for the opportunity FBC and I am grateful for your hearts to become all God desires you to become. God is active at Middleburg.

Communication

About 3 years ago someone introduced me to Apple. After some convincing I fell in love and shifted everything to Apple. As I write I am in my office where on top of my desk is sitting an iMac, Macbook and an iPhone. I was thinking today about how Apple has changed my communication life so much. I keep asking myself if this change is for the worse or the better? Here is my new communication.

1. iChat- Via video
2. iChat- Via messaging
3. iPhone- Text
4. iPhone- Facebook
5. iPhone- Twitter (My wife)
6. Apple Mail- Email
7. Safari- (this blog)
8. iMovie HD- (Via making Videos)

I guess if you take apple out of my life I might actually have to go outside and talk with someone in person! Apple "Providing communication for introverts."

And I quote...

"We should never allow our convictions on theology, morality, or politics to become a litmus test for friendship." - Eric Bryant

Let the Show Begin- to end!

This past week Katie and I attended the Catalyst Conference. I can't began to tell you all God taught me but I will give you one moment. Jon Foreman began to sing a song called, "Instead of a show". It wasn't to long into the song his lyrics began to resound louder than his guitar. It seemed to me all 12,000+ leaders had a hush come over them. The song is based out of Isaiah 1. Below are the lyrics....

I hate all your show and pretense
the hypocrisy of your praise
the hypocrisy of your festivals
I hate all your show

Away with your noisy worship
Away with your noisy hymns
I stop up my ears when your
singing ‘em
I hate all your show

Instead let there be a flood
of justice
An endless procession of righteous
living, living
Instead let there be a flood
of justice
Instead of a show

your eyes are closed when you’re praying
you sing right along with the band
you shine up your shoes for services
but there’s blood on your hands

you turned your back on the homeless
and the ones that don’t fit in your plans
quit playing religion games
there’s blood on your hands

Ah! let’s argue this out
if your sins are blood red
let’s argue this out
you’ll be white as the clouds
let’s argue this out
quit fooling around

give love to the ones who can’t love at all
give hope to the ones who got no hope at all
stand up for the ones who can’t stand up at all
instead of a show
I hate all your show

Call+Response

*Playing in 17 major cities.

* Injustice must be exposed. This film exposes the worlds 27 million most terrifying secrets.

*100% of film profits go to fight trafficking.

* If you live in Atlanta this film will be playing in Midtown and Le Font/Sandy Springs Oct 10-16

* Katie and I will be viewing the 7p.m. show at Midtown tomorrow night Oct 14th. Come join us!

Lucid Dreams

Let me introduce you to my clone, Avery! We are similar in many areas but one is the way we both have intense dreaming. Katie and I were recently in West Palm Beach, Florida where we had my niece Avery spend the night with us in our hotel room. If I remember correctly this is probably the third time she has actually spent the night with us and each time she falls asleep vertically and wakes up horizontally. The reason is because she talks, screams, kicks and runs all night in her dreams. Once, Avery spent the night and woke up to tell Katie she was sorry! Why? Because she had busted her lip by kicking her in the mouth. I have not been known to run or kick but I can wake up in the morning and give you intricate details of my dreams. I can also recognize my dreams are dreams as I am dreaming. I am told you should be able to recall at least one dream every night but for me it seems I often can tell you a couple of dreams.

Quick Dream Facts- The first dream of the night is the shortest, perhaps 10 minutes in length, while after 8 hours of sleep, dream periods can be 45 minutes to an hour long. We all dream every night, about one dream period every 90 minutes. People who say they never dream simply never remember their dreams.

hmmm.... Anyway, I just hope me and Avery have our best dreams while we are actually awake. In the words of McMaus, "I want to live my life beyond my wildest dreams." As for Katie next time Avery comes to spend the night I recommend you buy some full body gear!

Target cameras busted me!

Columbia, TN

This past weekend we were able to participate in Giftfest 2008 in Columbia, TN. Giftfest is a collaboration of local churches, city leaders and local business that come together to put on an event for the community. The night was filled with mainstream artist like Montell Jordan (This is how we do it), Phil Stacey (American idol), Lee University Choir and a few other artist. Being that this was not a "Christian" event it made for a great opportunity to present the truth of who Jesus really is without having to work around all the religious rhetoric. They gave me thirty minutes to speak right in the middle of Phil Stacey's concert. The parking lot was filled with people and the response was great. My opening line, "There is someone bigger than Phil Stacey here tonight." The remainder of the talk was centered around who that (God) really is. I think what I enjoyed most about the night was that I didn't have to pretend. Being around unchurched people makes you real. You can speak without being distracted by the judgments. By the end of the night Katie and I were thrilled watching adults and students move forward in response to God working in their lives.
It was an honor to have a speaking gig right in the middle of a Phil Stacey concert. Big thanks to all who were behind the efforts of putting this on.

Heart Support

One of the perks to my job is being able to meet different people weekly. This past June I was speaking at The Big Ticket Festival in Gaylord, MI where I ran into some other speakers at the event. Jon Bell and Craig Gross. I didn't know these two guys but had heard a little about all they were doing. I had the chance to listen to Jon's story and was blown away by the passion he has for people that struggle with addictions. The more I travel the more I encounter students who struggle with addictions, suicide, depression, cutting, eating disorders and more. Katie and I often feel hopeless when it comes to dealing with these issues because they seem so far out of our expertise. It's in situations like this that I begin to have a greater appreciation of an organization that specializes in these critical issues. So... I want to introduce you to Heart Support. This organization provides online support for people that struggle with a range of issues. Heart Support reminds people that they are not alone. They care deeply about a mission that says that sometimes the two most important words for a person to say are "Me Too," and that sometimes all someone needs to hear is "You Don't Have To Live Like This" in order to help them change their life.

So if you are someone who might be reading this and find yourself paralyzed by depression, suicide, cutting, or even prescription drugs I want you to check out www.heartsupport.com