We Don't Freestyle Texas Fight...

My good friend (and unfortunately, Sooner fan) Steve Etheridge shared this over on his blog page at The River 102.3 Radio Station and I just had to pass it along...

The Weekend Update...

Here's a recap of Labor Day weekend in the Burleson household:

• Friday we spent most of the day in Round Rock & North Austin. Johanna had been wanting to take me on my first IKEA experience so we spent a few hours roaming that monstrosity. The bonus of the day: There is a Razzoo's right next to IKEA, which just happens to have one of the finest meals on the planet: The Jaws Platter!
• Saturday was dedicated to the greatness that is college football. I watched a lot of games this weekend and the highlight was watching the Longhorn game with Micah & Bryan. Hook 'em!
• Sunday was a great day at TCC. Zak White, our former executive pastor and now the pastor and founder of Revolution Church shared his vision about reaching people with us on Sunday morning. Good stuff!
• Monday was a Dadda Day for us. Johanna is a little under the weather so I took Hayden out and we spent the morning and most of the afternoon hanging out. I love spending time with Hayden! We came home mid-afternoon to hang out with Momma and spent the rest of the day lounging around the house and resting.

The ABCs of Why I Need A Connection Group...

I’ve been up to my elbows in Connection Group work this week! With Zak moving to plant a church in Schertz, our group’s ministry is a new area I’m leading. We had our fall training camp for group leaders last weekend. I’ve worked on other group stuff all week. Yesterday, Cole & I spent the afternoon recording leadership training sessions for our group leaders…Like I said, I’ve been up to my elbows in groups.

This Sunday, immediately following our morning celebration service at The Connection Church we’re hosting our Connection Group Expo. This is an opportunity for people within our church and community to find out information on our Connection Groups, as well as find a group that best fits them. If you’re a part of TCC and you aren’t connected to a group yet, let me encourage you to be there this weekend and find out how you can begin connecting with God and with others through our incredible Connection Groups. You may be asking yourself why you should even take the time to get plugged into a group. Well I’m glad you asked.

1. We all want to be ACCEPTED. – Let’s face it: We’re all looking for a lot of the same things in life…and one of those things is acceptance. We want to know that people will accept us and welcome us right where we are in life. We want people to accept us for who we are, without any masks or pretension. It is our desire that our Connection Groups reflect the love and acceptance of our God, who accepts us just as we are and loves us right where we’re at in life.

2. We all want a place to BELONG. – Being a part of a group gives you a place to belong. The theme song from the old TV show Cheers said it best: “You want to go where you can see your troubles are all the same. You want to go where everybody knows your name.” Our Connection Groups give you a place to belong – where you can share the ups and downs of life’s journey, where you can find friendships with people who care about you, and where you can find a group of people who are eager to share life with you.

3. We all want people to CARE. – If we’re all being honest, we want people to care about us. When life gets tough, it helps to know we’ve got a group of people who are there to fall back on, who are praying for us, who are eager to help, and who have our back in life’s tough times. Our Connection Groups allow us to build community with people who care – about us, about our lives, and about our future.

There you have it! The ABC’s of why you and I need to be in a Connection Group. If you’re not already connected, I hope this Sunday will be the day you step into a life-changing Connection Group!

Six Ways To Make An Impact at Your School...

Last night at SURGE, our middle school ministry, our students spent time praying for the school year that starts today for most of them. They prayed that God would use them and that he would guide them this school year. With that in mind, I thought I'd post a "top-ten" list (even though I only have six) of how to impact your school this year with the love of Jesus.

Six Ways To Make An Impact At Your School:

1. Pray. - Pray that God would let you see your friends, classmates, and teachers as He sees them.
2. Be A Friend. - For most of us, our biggest fear is to be the loner, the left-out-one, the kid who has to sit all alone in the cafeteria. One of the best ways to make friends is to focus on being a good friend yourself.
3. Be Intentional. - Use the friendships and relationships God has given you to point people toward Jesus and show them his love for them.
4. Be A Good Student. - One of the best ways that you can show your teachers respect is by being a good student. This doesn't mean that you have to make all A's. It just means that you turn in your work on time, do your best, and act respectfully toward your teachers and professors. If you have a teacher that is not a Christ-follower, being diligent about your work and respectful to those in authority shows your teacher the difference that God is making in your life.
5. Be Vocal About Your Faith. - Don't be afraid to talk about your belief in Jesus. Contrary to popular belief, there is no law that says you can't talk about God in your school. So be open about what you believe...and invite your friends to church or to your next youth group activity!
6. See Your Campus As Your Mission Field. - Yes, you are at school to learn. But if you allow God to work in you and through you this school year, then He can give you a much bigger purpose and mission for getting up early and going to school 5 days a week. Understand that every day you get to go to a place where you are surrounded by people who may not know the love and truth of Jesus. Live in such a way that your school is your mission field. By the way you act and talk, let others see the love of Jesus in real and practical ways.

Touching The Untouchable...

Last night I had the privilege to speak to our Middle School & High School students at our monthly joint ministries gathering that we call Shockwave. It was a blast hanging out with them and our student ministry team did a great job with the event. I spoke on the passage in Mark 1:40-45 where Jesus heals the leper and talked about how in the midst of the incredible pain, isolation, and loneliness that the leper felt, Jesus brought hope, healing, and restoration. Jesus was the only one who could clean the unclean. He was the only one who could cure the incurable. And Jesus was the only one who was willing to touch the untouchable.

The cool thing is this: Jesus treats us the same as the leper. When we've wandered far from God and realize we're dirty and sick in our sin, it's only the person of Jesus who can clean and cure. When we seem to be so isolated and lonely in the world, it's Jesus who offers a caring touch.

But it doesn't stop there. Jesus then calls us - commands us - to go and touch the untouchable in our world. We've been made clean. We've been given a cure. We've been touched by hope and love. And we're called to share that hope with even the very least of the people around us...the hurting, the helpless, and the hopeless...so that we might become the very hands of Jesus.

Who was the last "leper" that you touched? Whens the last time you showed love to someone simply because God loves them? How long has it been since you've served someone without expecting anything in return? When is the last time you've touched the untouchable?

And if you're currently involved in sharing the hope and love of the God of touch within your community, I'd love to hear your story. Feel free to comment away and share your ideas of bringing hope into our world.

Youth MiniStarZ...

I've devoted my entire adult life to student ministry. My closest friends are all youth ministers. So I know we all know that there's a lot of truth in this video I saw today over at MoreThanDodgeball.com. It cracked me up. Enjoy!

This Little Guy...

This little guy turns 3 months old today. Hayden came into our world on April 28th and our lives forever changed. You here people talk about how much they love their kids, but you really can't understand until you experience it...it is amazing. Happy 3 Month Birthday Little Man!

For a ton more pics of this little fella, check out his website.

A Little Link Love...

It's been a while since I've shared some link love here on the blog. Check out the following blogs and websites for some fantastic stuff!

• Tony McCullom has a message for men...and I couldn't agree more! Check it out here.
• Ben Arment has some ideas to help your improve your preaching. Seriously, if you preach or teach God's word, this is a MUST READ. Check it out by clicking here.
• I was completely honored and humbled by this blog from my wife, announcing a recent change in our lives. I get to serve God with the most amazing woman in the world as my partner. Wow.
• In case you missed it, my brother is now blogging. He is one of the funniest people I know, but instead of devoting his blog to humor, his site is focused on his life and lessons as a basketball coach. If you work with youth, coach sports, teach, or need some great life lessons, check it out.
• Tony Morgan consistently challenges me with his thoughts on leadership. He did it again with this post on the Four Stages of Leadership.
• Pastor Steven Furtick shares Elevation Church's church growth strategy here. I like the simplicity of it!
• Perry Noble shares 5 Questions Every Husband Should Ask His Wife. Great post for men looking to make the most out of their marriage relationship!

Making My Marriage Great Before It Even Starts...

Since I preached on how God can make marriages great this past Sunday at TCC, I thought it would be appropriate to share some marriage resources on my blog this week. While doing that, it hit me that many marriages seem doomed even before they begin. With that in mind, I thought I'd provide some links to great resources for those who are single and dating, single and waiting (for Mr. or Mrs. Right), or just not at a place in life where marriage is a now-thing, but hope it will be in the future. If you fall into one of those categories, then check out these resources:

• Devotions for Dating Couples by Ben Young & Samuel Adams
• 100 Answers to 100 Questions Before You Say "I Do" by Amy Hammond Hagberg
• Before You Plan Your Wedding, Plan Your Marriage by Dr. Greg & Erin Smalley
• Before You Get Engaged by David & Brent Gudgel
• The Ten Commandments of Dating by Ben Young & Dr. Samuel Adams
• When God Writes Your Love Story by Eric & Leslie Ludy

Making The Most of My Marriage...

As some of you know, I spoke on God's Proposal for A Great Marriage at The Connection Church this past Sunday. I wanted to follow that up by providing some resources for couples who are wanting to take their marriage to a whole 'notha level. Check out these sites for some great tips on making your marriage the most it can be!

• Focus on The Family - This website has a ton of resources for married couples on everything from communication and challenges in marriage to dealing with conflict and sex and intimacy. While some of the resources are for sale, this Christian organization offers an enormous amount of marriage helps on there website for free.


• MarriagePartnership.com - Marriage Partnership is an arm of Christianity Today's publishing that is dedicated to helping couples grow their marriage through Biblical principles while living in the real world with real issues. This site is stocked full of marriage advice from some of the leading marriage counselors in America.

You also might want to check out the following books:

• His Needs, Her Needs: Building An Affair-Proof Marriage by Willard F. Harley Jr.
• Every Man's Marriage by Stephen Arterburn
• Every Woman's Marriage by Shannon Ethridge
• Love & Respect by Emerson Eggerichs
• Your Time-Starved Marriage: How To Stay Connected At The Speed of Life by Les & Leslie Parrott
• The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

God on Film - The Proposal...

At The Connection Church we're in the middle of our summer series God on Film. Our Lead Pastor, Cole Phillips, was out Sunday, which meant that I got to preach Sunday's message. We used the movie The Proposal to talk about God's Proposal For A Great Marriage. You can check it out below...And join us this Sunday as we conclude God on Film by looking at Transformers 2.



Be sure to check the blog again later in the week for some great marriage resources for couples!

Thanking Away The Blues...

Last week, through a series of crazy events, we put both our blue Chevy Blazer and our Nissan Sentra in the shop. In the past couple days I've found out the fuel pump is out on the Blazer, which is estimated between $350-$450 to fix, and the Sentra has a blown head gasket, which could end up costing around $1500. Needless to say, we hadn't expected to spend $2,000 on car repairs this week. And anytime I have to spend money fixing one of our cars, it always gets me down. So, in an attempt to fight off the blues, here's a list of things I am thankful for and things I am blessed with. It's a lot harder to be down and out when your giving thanks! Here's what I'm thankful for these days:

• I'm thankful for my incredible family. I have a loving, supportive wife and the most adorable baby boy on the planet. I'm also surrounded by the best parents, brother, and extended family that a guy could ask for. I am blessed.
• I'm thankful for the church I get to serve and the team I get to work with. The Connection Church and the TCC team are phenomenal and God allows me to be a part of it all. I am blessed.
• I'm thankful for the people who support my family financially so that we can serve in a place that is doing whatever it takes to reach those who are far from God. I am blessed.
• I'm thankful that I have a job in a time when the economy is bad and so many people who want to work can't. I am blessed.
• I'm thankful that my parents gave us their Trailblazer a few months ago so that we have at least one dependable, running vehicle! I am blessed.
• I'm thankful for the incredible friends God has placed in mine & Johanna's life. We have great friends who love us and support us. I am blessed.
• I'm thankful I live in a country where my biggest complaint can be, "I've got two cars in the shop, but I still have one to drive." I am blessed.
• And if you're reading this, I'm thankful for you...especially if you know of a great deal on a good used car! :)

Just One More Reason...

Tonight I was given yet another reason why Johanna is an incredible wife and an amazing mother. On the way home from running a few errands and grabbing some dinner, Hayden started to get fussy. I was driving and Johanna was in the back seat sitting by his carseat trying to calm him down. Here is the conversation that ensued:

Johanna: "Can you hit #5 on the programmed stations on the radio and turn it up?"

Me: "Yeah. (then hearing the music that was being played...) Wow. This is country music. Does Hayden like country?"

Johanna: "Yeah. This is what I listen to and sing to him when it's just us in the car."

Me: "Awesome."

And that, ladies and gentelmen, is a great mother. Some children get lullabies and my son gets to cut his teeth to greats such as George Strait, Willie Nelson, and David Alan Coe and new blood like Aaron Watson, Randy Rogers, The Zac Brown Band and Kevin Fowler. My wife rocks.

It's Camp Time Again...

Monday morning (tomorrow) I head out with a group of about 20 students to Pre-Teen Camp at Highland Lakes Camp & Conference Center on Lake Travis just outside of Austin. It has been a long, long, LONG time since I've been a sponsor for Pre-Teen Camp. In fact, as soon as I could con someone at Goldthwaite to go for me, I checked that annual duty off to volunteers. (Thanks Speegles!) They were a lot better at it than me anyway. But with a lack of sponsors this week, I'm packing up my bags in the morning and heading back to camp. I'll have the chance to spend some time with some of our younger students who are just now coming into the youth group this summer so that'll be fun. And our group of kids going is a great group. But I'm not looking forward to two things: Missing Johanna & Hayden and the ridiculous HEAT we've been having in Central Texas. But even in the crazy-devil-like Texas summer heat, it ought to be a great week for our kids...and that's what it's all about. So pray that God moves in our group this week and that our kids are shown and reminded of how much God loves them.

"And that's a wrap!"...

I got a Flip camera for Chritmas and have been using it a good bit since Hayden's been born. Last night I uploaded my first couple videos onto Youtube. As you can tell, I'm not meant for filming, directing, producing, or editing video. In fact, I should probably just stick to watching. But with such a great star in the films, I had to share these videos of Hayden. Plus, grandpas, grandmas, aunts, and uncles don't care about how good the video editing is...they just want to see Hayden! Check 'em out.

God Is...

At The Connection Church this month, we've joined with thousands of churches and over 1 million Christ-followers for One Prayer. All month we have been talking about the characteristics and attributes of God by completing the statement "God is ______." This Sunday I had the opportunity to share the message "God is Father." When you've got a little time, check it out!

One Prayer - God is Our Father from The Connection Church on Vimeo.

What's Next?...

I've noticed something about Hayden since he came into the world just seven weeks ago and that is this: He's grown! He is growing like crazy! He's gained weight, he's gotten longer, his cheeks and face have filled out, and he's already outgrown newborn clothes! But really, that shouldn't shock any of us, right? Why? Because we expect babies to grow. We don't call 911 or rush them to a specialist just because they are growing. It is natural. In fact, it would be unnatural if the opposite occurred...if they never grew. Then we would know there was a problem!

When it comes to our relationship with Jesus Christ, far too many times we are willing to settle for the unnatural. When we quit growing in our walk with God, we are far to willing to overlook what obviously is something unnatural and unhealthy. After all, it is natural to grow. When you go out to a restuarant, no one expects to see a 30 year old man being fed a bottle and having his diaper changed by his mother. That's not natural! Then why settle for a lack of growth in our spiritual life?

Maybe you're in the midst of a growing time in your walk with God. Or maybe you've hit a wall and it seems like growth just isn't happening. Either way, as you evaluate your relationship with Christ, asking yourself the following questions and honestly evaluating your answers can be like adding Miracle Grow to your spiritual journey. So ask yourself these questions, be honest with your answers, and if growth isn't taking place, then make the needed changes to see it happen!

5 Questions To Evaluate Your Current Relationship With Christ:

1. Am I Following? Jesus' basic call on our lives is to follow him. How well are you playing follow the leader when it comes to your walk with Christ? (Read John 1:43 & Matthew 9:9)
2. Am I Obeying? Are there areas in my life where I am being disobedient to how God has called me to live? Does my life match his Word? (Read James 1:22 and 1 John 2:6)
3. Am I Growing? What steps am I taking to spend time growing closer to God? Do I spend time in His Word and in prayer on a daily basis? Do I have people in my circle of friends who are encouraging me to follow Jesus more closely. (Read Colossians 1:10)
4. Am I Serving? Am I using the talents, gifts, and abilities that God has given me to servfe others and to connect others with God? (Read Mark 10:42-45)
5. Am I Sharing? Am I using the relationships and conversations God has given me to point people to Him and His love? Am I actively investing in relationships that connect the people I love with the God I love? (Read Matthew 4:18-20)

When babies grow, no one is shocked. Why? Because growth is natural. It is the lack of growth that is unnatural. The same is true in our walk with God. God wants to see us grow to become more like Jesus. Have you found ways to "add Miracle Grow" to your walk with God? What are some things you do to see healthy growth happen in your spiritual walk? Feel free to share your experiences and comment away!

Beach Bash Recap...

Johanna, Hayden, and I spent last week on the beach at Port Aransas, TX for the 5th Annual Beach Bash Youth Camp. I started Beach Bash back in the day when I was serving as the Youth Pastor at FBC Goldthwaite. Over the years, it’s taken on different shapes and sizes, as we’ve combined with various churches and groups. But every year one thing has not changed and that is our vision of using the draw of the beach to reach unchurched students and get them to come to camp with our various churches to hear that God loves them and wants a relationship with them.

This year’s Beach Bash was probably the best one yet. Around 200 students from six churches spent a week hanging out in the pool, lounging on the beach, getting sunburned, and most importantly joining together to experience the life-changing power of God. Throughout the week we saw God do some incredible things as students’ lives were forever changed. God took dead things and made them alive by drawing students into a relationship with Jesus Christ. He restored broken relationships. He poured his love and grace out on hurting teenagers. He gave hope to the hopeless and peace to the troubled. God showed up…BIG TIME. And there were tons of lives changed. We still don’t have the final numbers, but with what we already know, almost 30 students gave their lives to Christ for the very first time and almost 60 other students made some other type of significant commitment in their spiritual walk. Beach Bash 2009 was incredible. And now that the sunburn is fading, I can’t wait until next year!

Happy Birthday Pops...

Today is my dad's birthday. I have the most incredible parents in the world. They would literally do anything to see my brother and I and our families safe, happy, and secure. I've worked with kids and teenagers for my entire adult life and I've observed parents of every shape and kind. I always say that I won the parent lottery and the more I minister to teenagers and kids, the more I see it is true. My dad has always been there for us, put his family and our needs before himself, sacrificed for our needs and provided a model of what it means to not only be a biological parent, but to be a father and a dad. Now that I'm a dad myself, I appreciate his model of fatherhood even more. I appreciate the sacrifices and love he's always shown us. He really is not only a remarkable man, but a remarkable father...and those are few and far between. So Happy Birthday Pops! I love you and hope I can be half the dad to Hayden that you were and are to Justin and I!

Forever Young...

I had to share this video and brag on my boy, Michael Pittman. Michael just graduated from Lockhart High School and was my worship leader for the better part of the almost 3 years we were in Lockhart. He is easily one of the most gifted and talented musicians I've ever worked with. And when he leads worship he's not just playing music. He takes seriously his call to lead people into the presence of God through music. It has been awesome to watch him grow and mature as a young man and a worship leader. At his graduation service he covered the song "Forever Young" by Stoney Larue. I think he knocked it out of the park, but I'll let you judge for yourself. Check it out: