Backdrop: “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins.

I’m in Cumming, GA attending the Churchplanters.com Evolve Conference. For some reason, I sense a tension in the air and it’s making me antsy. I told my wife before I left that I expect my world to be rocked. And now I feel the weight of anticipation on me. I hope my sixth sense is right.

Church Planters are like a fraternity. I guess that makes us frat boys. There’s a brotherhood that unites us. And as I meet more and more of these dudes I realize that God is up to something. That my prayer, my mission, and my passion for Rapid City, SD is shared by other men in their cities. I love these guys.

Maybe this is all just some Chick-Fil-A I ate but I’m definitely feeling it. Stay tuned. I plan to post notes so you all can get a glimpse into what I’m experiencing.

In the meantime, go read Brad Ruggles post today.  Good stuff.

Next Post: Notes including thoughts from Shawn Lovejoy and Steven Furtick from today’s sessions.

Filed under: Christianity, Church Planting, Cool People, Jesus, Leadership, Life, My Story, Places, church | 3 Comments

It seems every trip I take is a strange trip with a lot of detours. This morning, I’m exhausted but excited to finally be here in Atlanta.  Albeit later than planned.  Oh, the joys of traveling.

I was supposed to go to Freedom Church this morning but it was not to be.  Bummer.  Thanks to J.R. and his team for their willingness to meet with me.   I look forward to meeting them tomorrow.

Later today, I’m heading to the Atlanta Aquarium with my buddy Rob and his family.  I hear it’s off the hook.  Looking forward to it.  Tomorrow, I’m off to the Churchplanters.com Evolve Conference to meet some new friends and catch up with some old ones. 

Good times.

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In February, I’m heading to Atlanta, GA for the Churchplanters.com Conference. With limited time and resources available to attend conferences, I selected this one for several reasons.

First, I love connecting with the people in the seats. What sets this conference apart is how you can easily connect with church planters and pastors from all over the country.

Last year, I met a number of dudes who are doing what I’m preparing to do. I soak in everything they say. It’s not as if people like church planters grow on trees. Especially mission-minded ones who aren’t nut-jobs. I’m pumped to reconnect with some of the people I met last year and connect with some new friends too. (If you’re going, let me know).

Next, the line-up of speakers and breakouts is stacked. There’s not a single pastor speaking that I don’t have uber-respect for. I’ve listened and read stuff from all of the main speakers.

• Shawn Lovejoy, along with David Putman, leads the church that is hosting this conference. Both are solid leaders with real hearts for church planters. Their mantra “be mean about the vision” has stuck with me.
• Darrin Patrick, the lead pastor at The Journey in St. Louis, is a theological workhorse. Really looking forward to hearing him. He’s affiliated with Acts 29, one of the church planting networks I’m considering going with for my church plant.
• Mark Batterson is one of the best blogging pastors around, and authored one of my favorite reads of 2007, “In a Pit With a Lion On a Snowy Day.” Plus, I really appreciate his parenting thoughts. Mark leads National Community Church in DC.
• Steven Furtick is probably the rock star of this event. His passion is contagious. Incredible preacher. I read his blog and listen to his church’s podcast regularly. Furtick is the poster boy of a church planter. I hope he has his entourage ready because he will be mobbed the minute he steps in the door.
• Bil Cornelius leads Bay Area Fellowship in Corpus Christi, TX. He’s an authentic leader which is desperately needed in the church today. He co-wrote the book, “Go Big” which is terrific for church planters.

Plus, there are incredible breakout sessions with speakers like Gary Lamb, Gabe Lyons, Devin Hudson, Eric Bramlett, and the Mountain Lake Church staff. This should rock!

Is it February yet?

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After watching “National Treasure 2″, my family and I decided to go up to Mt. Rushmore today. We had a blast!

When you live 20 minutes away, it’s easy to take it for granted. The novelty wears off like a new car does one year later or a great song does after too much air time. It seems like we only drive there when we have company from out of town.

But today, I really took it in and appreciated the marvelous monument for what it is- a creative piece of art. I mean, it’s a freakin’ sculpture on a hill.  That’s remarkable! Then I looked around at the surrounding Black Hills of South Dakota and was reminded at how creative God is. I really live in a beautiful place. I was glad to press the pause button and remember that.

Here are a few pictures of the day. Perhaps it will entice my out-of-town friends to come check it out in person.

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This week marks the end of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally here in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Hundreds of thousands of bikers rumbled through. I wasn’t bothered by all the bikes but I was disturbed by a trend among many of the bikers- the skullet.

What is a skullet? Basically it’s a balding (or bald) man who grows what’s left of his hair long. It kind of looks like the hair that would have been on top of his head slipped down the back his head to create a flowing mane with a chrome dome on top. My plea to all men everywhere is this: say no to the skullet.

There is only one man who can pull of the skullet and still be cool and that is Hulk Hogan. Otherwise, I think a new man law needs to be created stating that those who bear skullets will be pointed at and ridiculed by all men in all situations.

Man law?

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Tags: skullet, skullett, Hulk Hogan, Sturgis,

Filed under: Misc., Places, Rapid City | 3 Comments

Nestled against the Black Hills of South Dakota, Rapid City has over 2 million visitors a year in addition to the nearly 120,000 people that comprised to metro area. With numbers like that, there are plenty of hot spots in town.

Next week, we will have hundreds of thousands of Harley-Davidson’s and Honda’s roar into the area for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. With all of those people hitting the Black Hills, I thought I’d post some of my favorite spots in Rapid City.

In this post I give my take on where to find the most important meal of the day- breakfast.

1. Millstone Family Restaurant - If you want a great meal with local flavor this is your place. Don’t be alarmed by all the older folks there- they just know where to find a mean omelet and a good cup of coffee. They are located in two locations (W. Main and LaCrosse). They are staffed by ninja waitresses who’ve mastered the art of service.
2. Tally’s - Cheap prices with good food. This downtown staple offers a great dining experience. Plus, it was featured on Food Network’s $40 a Day with Rachael Ray. They are good if you’re a picky eater (like me) and request special orders.
3. Colonial House - Two words: Caramel rolls. They have the best ones in town. Plus they are conveniently located on Mt. Rushmore Road on your way to…you guessed it…Mt. Rushmore.
4. Perkins - Also on Mt. Rushmore Rd., Perkins has a great deal on breakfast if you can convince them you’re a senior citizen. I’m still working on that one. Unlike the other places on the list, parking is the main issue here if its busy but they have awesome baked goods.
5. Denny’s - If you’re looking for a familiar favorite; we’ve got it. Known for their “Grand Slam” breakfast, Denny’s beat out IHOP for the fifth spot on my list. Denny’s is located off of I-90 near the Rushmore Mall.

Filed under: Food and Drink, Places, Rapid City | Post a comment

Nestled against the Black Hills of South Dakota, Rapid City has over 2 million visitors a year in addition to the nearly 120,000 people that comprised to metro area. With numbers like that, there are plenty of hot spots in town.

Next week, we will have hundreds of thousands of Harley-Davidson’s and Honda’s roar into the area for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. With all of those people hitting the Black Hills, I thought I’d post some of my favorite spots in Rapid City.

This post examines good places to get your daily coffee fix:

Coffee

1. Dunn Bros. - For my money, this is the best coffee shop in town. In fact, I’m typing this on my blog courtesy of their free wireless internet. They roast their coffee beans fresh everyday and the baristas are the best. They also have a drive-thru. Find them at 719 Omaha St.
2. Black Hills Blends - These are located throughout the city in strip mall parking lots. They’re little log cabin looking drive-ups. Perfect for when you need a coffee and a smile on the go.
3. Starbucks - Yep, we’ve got your Starbucks fix. One’s located in the Rushmore Mall, another shop is at 855 Omaha Dr. Or just go to Safeway and Albertsons and get one while you get your groceries. Unfortunately, Starbucks doesn’t come with free wifi.
4. Alternative Fuel - Do you prefer Christian coffee shops? If so, this spot is for you. Located downtown, you may find some live music playing if you play your cards right.
5. Bully Blends - Also located downtown on 5th Street, this place is known for their wide selection of teas. Nothing says manly biker dude better than a cup of earl gray.

Filed under: Food and Drink, Places, Rapid City | Post a comment

I live near one of the most beautiful parts of the country, the Black Hills. I actually live in Rapid City which is nestled by the Black Hills. Tourism is huge for us and if you’ve never been here, here are 10 things you should check out when you visit (because I know you will):

1. Mt. Rushmore- This is the main event and the MVP of the Black Hills. Although I’ve seen it many times I’m still awed by it. Simply marvelous and truly a national treasure.
2. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally- Typically in the first week or two of August. This is a huge motorcycle gathering that generates lots of buzz. I mean really- the sound of bikes never stops for about a week and a half. You’ve got to see it to really appreciate it.
3. Storybook Island- A must if you have kids- still fun if you don’t. This is a free park with lots of storybook themed displays and play areas. Every city should have something like this- but most do not.
4. Custer State Park and The Needles Highway- If you want to see some beautiful art from God- check this out. You’ll not only take in scenic views but you may even see a buffalo.
5. Downtown Rapid City- Not only are there neat shops and historic buildings but that’s where you’ll find former United States Presidents. Okay- they’re actually statues and you’ll find a different one on every downtown corner.
6. Reptile Gardens- We don’t have a zoo but we have the largest collection of reptiles in the world.
7. Crazy Horse- A monument in the making and a tribute the the Native Americans who were here long ago.
8. Deadwood- This old-time city is famous for its casino’s but it’s special because of its history. Their biggest claim to fame- a toss up between being the place where ‘Wild’ Bill Hickok was killed or where Kevin Costner owns a restaurant and casino.
9. The Journey Museum- If you are interested in archeology, history, and geology- then the Journey in Rapid City is a place you want to check out.
10. Harney Peak- Located in the Black Hills, this is the highest point in America east of the Rocky Mountains.

There are many other things to see or do. If you do, you’ll be in for an awesome experience.

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