As we face 2009 as a church, it's a choice to not do anything. Lean in, back off, but don't do nothing. Faith is the unstated component in the work of a leader, and I think faith is underrated. Changing things, pushing the envelope and creating a future that doesn't yet exist (all while being criticized) requires bravery. The secret of being wrong isn't to avoid being wrong! The secret is being willing to be wrong. The secret is realizing that wrong isn't the death sentence. The only thing that makes a church great is their willingness to step out and chance not being great along the way. The desire to fail on the way to reaching a bigger goal is the untold secret of success. Risk is necessary. Are you ready to get out of the boat? I am.

Lantz Family Highlights

1. This last Friday, Teri and I had a creative date. It was really cool getting to spend time with her. I like her! :)

2. On Saturday, we got to spend a whole day with the boys. We played "Sasquachian Man", watched a movie or two, and made pizza. The boys loved it.

3. We had a great Sunday in every way at Life Church. The communion was very special.

4. We had a guy give his heart to Christ after church was over.

5. The worship was off the charts on Sunday. (Good job Pastor Chris!) I enjoyed lifting up the name of Jesus from the drums. My hands were dry and I threw a stick in practice . . . it almost hit "red" in the head. (lol!)

6. The church praying and fasting last week was really good. Many people I've talked to felt God taking them further in their faith. I'm excited about what God is doing in my life, your life, and our church.

7. We challenged our church people to give to Mike and they responded with over $1000 offering. Way to go Life Church!

8. Since the Oklahoma Sooners lost the national championship, I've quickly turned into an Arizona Cardinal fan. I want the Arizona Cardinals to win the Super Bowl. I'm a Kurt Warner fan now!

He'll Be Back

Okay . . . so you realize I'm a sooner fan. My team just lost the national championship. Yeah . . .I'm not so happy about that. But I can almost guarantee that they'll be back. Oooh . .. I think there's a spiritual principle in that somewhere.

Crave More Presence

On Sunday, December 21st, I want something for my birthday! I know, it sounds pretty vain . . . but I really do want something for my birthday that day. I would love for every single person that comes to Life Church (if they haven't already) to make a heartfelt commitment to Christ. That's what I want for my birthday. I don't know if you've thought about it yet . . . but make plans to attend that Sunday and bring a friend. Join me in asking God to bring individuals to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ that day. All things are possible for those who believe. :-)

Pajama Day

Sometimes it's good to just have a pajama day. "What's a pajama day?" you ask. Well, a pajama day is a day where you wake up and you don't change out of your pajamas. You just get up, eat breakfast, and then just spend the whole day with the family in your pajamas. I know it sounds lazy . . . but sometimes it's just good for the family. We just had one today. You should try it sometime. But not on Sunday! :)

Family Devotions

There is nothing in this world like a man gathering his family together and listening to worship and talking about Jesus. Some call it family devotions, some call it the altar at home . . . we just know it's special. Teri, Jadon and Adin absolutely love to worship God. And there's nothing more exciting to me as a husband and dad to see my family smile really big becuase the love of Jesus is all over their face.

Risking Everything?

So I'm reading this book . . . It's called "Risk". The premise is "do you and I dare let Jesus take control of our lives?" That's the basic idea. As you think about this idea of risk... predictability, control, safety and comfort go out the window. Jesus challenges us to experience a heightened faith in Him. No matter where we are, many times we spend much of our time trying to eliminate risk in our lives when that is the one thing that might be needed to propel us in our spiritual journey. I leave you with these words . . .Jesus said, "If you try to keep life for yourself you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake . . . you will find true life." (Mark 8:35) The "safe life" is out the window when you follow Jesus and become "whole-hearted" with him in commitment. You can bet your life on Him!!!