Everyone who knows me, knows that I'm a die hard Suns fan. When the season is here, I go a little crazy...okay, I'll be honest, I turn into a Suns Freak. It can be so easy to get caught up in the excitement of the game, and the craziness of the season, and then the playoffs! Wow man! I get excited just thinking about it! A several months back I began to do some real self evaluating. Now please hear me out...there is nothing wrong with being a sports fan. However, for me, I became more excited about following the Suns, (and I have followed them since I was in 3rd grade), than I was excited about spending time with God. That was hard to come to grips with, and even harder to do something about it.
I realized several months back that I wanted to do something about this...and just so everyone knows, this was BEFORE the Suns lost in the playoffs, so let's get that off the table now. This wasn't about the Suns, but what God was doing in my heart. I have a room in our house that Violet so graciously let me decorate, actually decorate is an understatement. This room became a god to me. I know it sounds really exagerated, but it's not. I spent so much money decorating this room with Suns autographs, retro pictures, jerseys, posters, even had a fathead(basically a big sticker) of the suns gorilla on the wall, even painted the room a awesome burnt orange color, purchased some awesome manly furniture for the room, and it looked just about completed...until something else came along that I needed for it. It became my god. It was taking my time, my treasure, and talent as well.
My Time-I spent time constantly trying to make it better...and better...and better.
My Treasure-I was spending so much money on a room that wasn't leading anyone closer to Christ, and it's not my treasure any ways, it's all the Lords, and I had become a poor steward.
My Talents- my creativity was high in developing that room. All for what....
So what am I getting at? That room was about ME, and only ME.
A few months back I told Violet that I wanted to change that room. I wanted to get rid of everything, and make it into a room for her and I to retreat to, spend time together, and challenge each other as we read God's word together. So that's what we are doing. There won't be any TVs in that room, no pictures of my favorite basketball team hanging on the wall, just pictures of my beautiful wife, and our awesome family, 2 couches that will be a place that we can spend time together talking, and praying together, and yes I am painting the room.
I found something interesting as I have been going through this process, I can talk basketball, enjoy going to a game, and even watch it, but I want to live a life that is pleasing to Christ, one that loves his wife unconditionally, one that is more passionate about his relationship with Christ, than he is about his favorite sports team.
The title of this post was "Still a fan" and I believe I am, that will not change. However, what will change is my passion.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Haiti Day 4....
That's a joke for all of you who know that I have not been the most faithful in keeping up with writing my blog! Thanks for pushing me to write another post, I'll try not to make it another 3 months before the next one!
Update on the Conner family:
1. My wife looks so beautiful being 7 1/2 months pregnant!
2. We are so excited about the arrival of our little girl, Riley Sophia Conner!
3. Only 62 more days till Riley is here!
4. My heart is still aching from my Suns early exit in the first round against the evil "San Antonio Sterns"
5. My heart began to then break when our coach Mike D'Antoni left to coach NY, I think Coach D'Antoni rocked it! He is a great Coach! Not sure who we can get to take his spot. I really don't like the potential candidates, but do love the idea of having Dan Majerle, and Eddie Johnson for an assistant coaches! My first suggestion would be to bring back Cotton! But that's impossible, so how about good old Paul Westphal! I'm for that!
6. I'm a life long Suns fan, will always support them, but seriously...I miss Jerry Colangelo.
7. I love my job. I love being apart of the awesome Staff of Palm Valley Church! I have never seen a staff that is so committed to growing closer to the Lord, growing the people of the church closer to the Lord, and growing in their leadership. I can't explain how awesome it is to love to come to the office each morning knowing that each person around you is committed to greatness.
8. Awesome to see our friends Derrick and Kim with their new son, Jude! What a cute kid! And he does have a head of hair like Dad!
9. Has been awesome to see the Lord challenge and grow my good friend and mentor Mark Gumm. The last 6 months for him and his family have been such a challenge to Violet and I in our faith, they have had a huge effect on us in a way that they will never know.
10. I'm excited to hear more about Mark's trip to Africa!
11. God has been growing me and stretching me, and sometimes those growing pains don't feel good, but they are necessary for my development.
12. I love doing my daily Bible reading with Violet and then talking about what God has been teaching us daily, awesome!
13. Currently reading, "the seven rules of success" by Wayne Cordeiro. Back in January, as a staff, we went to a conference at Waynes church. I was so challenged and encouraged by his leadership. Another awesome read by Wayne is "the Devine Mentor", if you haven't read it, pick it up ASAP! It will rock your world!
14. So happy for my buddy Micheal and his wife Heidi! They have a new son coming to their family this week!
15. Read a blog by Craig Groeschel, a pastor that has influenced me from afar. He wrote about people that had influenced his life, both from afar, but also from up close. I started to make my list. I'll write another post on this later.
Update on the Conner family:
1. My wife looks so beautiful being 7 1/2 months pregnant!
2. We are so excited about the arrival of our little girl, Riley Sophia Conner!
3. Only 62 more days till Riley is here!
4. My heart is still aching from my Suns early exit in the first round against the evil "San Antonio Sterns"
5. My heart began to then break when our coach Mike D'Antoni left to coach NY, I think Coach D'Antoni rocked it! He is a great Coach! Not sure who we can get to take his spot. I really don't like the potential candidates, but do love the idea of having Dan Majerle, and Eddie Johnson for an assistant coaches! My first suggestion would be to bring back Cotton! But that's impossible, so how about good old Paul Westphal! I'm for that!
6. I'm a life long Suns fan, will always support them, but seriously...I miss Jerry Colangelo.
7. I love my job. I love being apart of the awesome Staff of Palm Valley Church! I have never seen a staff that is so committed to growing closer to the Lord, growing the people of the church closer to the Lord, and growing in their leadership. I can't explain how awesome it is to love to come to the office each morning knowing that each person around you is committed to greatness.
8. Awesome to see our friends Derrick and Kim with their new son, Jude! What a cute kid! And he does have a head of hair like Dad!
9. Has been awesome to see the Lord challenge and grow my good friend and mentor Mark Gumm. The last 6 months for him and his family have been such a challenge to Violet and I in our faith, they have had a huge effect on us in a way that they will never know.
10. I'm excited to hear more about Mark's trip to Africa!
11. God has been growing me and stretching me, and sometimes those growing pains don't feel good, but they are necessary for my development.
12. I love doing my daily Bible reading with Violet and then talking about what God has been teaching us daily, awesome!
13. Currently reading, "the seven rules of success" by Wayne Cordeiro. Back in January, as a staff, we went to a conference at Waynes church. I was so challenged and encouraged by his leadership. Another awesome read by Wayne is "the Devine Mentor", if you haven't read it, pick it up ASAP! It will rock your world!
14. So happy for my buddy Micheal and his wife Heidi! They have a new son coming to their family this week!
15. Read a blog by Craig Groeschel, a pastor that has influenced me from afar. He wrote about people that had influenced his life, both from afar, but also from up close. I started to make my list. I'll write another post on this later.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Trip To Haiti Day 3
Woke up this morning at 5:00am, after finally falling asleep at about 2:45am! Nothing like a little nap to get you through the day. Mark and I headed down to meet Joaquin for breakfast, we had some great Haitian coffee, and some scrambled eggs. Then we headed out on our journey to Value, which is only about 50 miles away however because of the traffic, bad roads and I mean bad roads, and the very steep mountain where Value is located, it takes about 2.5 hours to drive there.
After another nap, a quick stop to water the vegitation, we wher back on the road and actually made a quick stop at the church that helped launch Value Baptist Church. We stopped in too see how they are and was a nice quick visit.
As we headed up the mountain to Value, I was reminded about the how much these people want to be at church, they have such a hunger for the Lord and for His word that they will literally travel for miles on FOOT, just to be there. Today there was a young couple that came from an area near Port Au Prince, they walked over 40 miles! Now that is huger!
As we climbed the mountain, we could see the church on the mountain side, and immediatly to my mind came "like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden" we are to shine our light for all to see! As we pulled up to the church, my heart was filled with joy, and as we headed into the church , I was in awe of what the Lord was doing. There in one room there was 3 sunday school classes going, adults, youth, and children. There was about 80 adults and youth, and 50 children! My heart was so over whelmed. As the service started(service was over 3 hours long) we sang songs, and more songs, and more songs.
I can't tell you enough how my heart was challenged. I can't express you enough how my life will never be the same. I can't thank you enough for the countless lives that will be forever impacted in Value, Haiti because YOU Palm Valley Church, chose to answer the call that the Lord had laid before you. So thank you!
After another nap, a quick stop to water the vegitation, we wher back on the road and actually made a quick stop at the church that helped launch Value Baptist Church. We stopped in too see how they are and was a nice quick visit.
As we headed up the mountain to Value, I was reminded about the how much these people want to be at church, they have such a hunger for the Lord and for His word that they will literally travel for miles on FOOT, just to be there. Today there was a young couple that came from an area near Port Au Prince, they walked over 40 miles! Now that is huger!
As we climbed the mountain, we could see the church on the mountain side, and immediatly to my mind came "like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden" we are to shine our light for all to see! As we pulled up to the church, my heart was filled with joy, and as we headed into the church , I was in awe of what the Lord was doing. There in one room there was 3 sunday school classes going, adults, youth, and children. There was about 80 adults and youth, and 50 children! My heart was so over whelmed. As the service started(service was over 3 hours long) we sang songs, and more songs, and more songs.
I can't tell you enough how my heart was challenged. I can't express you enough how my life will never be the same. I can't thank you enough for the countless lives that will be forever impacted in Value, Haiti because YOU Palm Valley Church, chose to answer the call that the Lord had laid before you. So thank you!
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Trip To Haiti Day 2
I can't express how excited I am to be here in Haiti with my good friend Mark Gumm to visit Value Baptist Church, and to see it's finished building that our church (Palm Valley Church) was able to partner with to build.
Yesterday was a very long day as Mark and I left Phoenix at 12:00am headed to NY, then headed to Haiti and arrived at 1:30pm. We where met by Joaquin Vargas(a very good friend, who is also our contact for Haiti) and also by Guillo Herado(also a friend, and Pastor in Haiti), and headed to straight to the ministry center that Guillo oversees. It is at this center that they have started a school for those who are desiring to be in full time vocational ministry. This is their first year being open and they have 15 students. We had a chance to meet with a few of them and to encourage them. I loved watching these guys just hang on every word that was being said, they are so hungry to learn!
After that we headed to our hotel, and had dinner, then we called it a night at 7:00pm Haiti time, which was 5:00pm Phoenix time, and I didn't wake up until 7:00am. 12 hours of sleep was AWESOME! I really did not realize how tired I was until I found myself literaly falling asleep during a conversation at dinner, and I knew I had to get some good sleep and I did!
This morning after about 12 cups of Hatian coffee(very good by the way!) we headed out to see Haiti and to make a few visits at a few churches and to see the different parts of Haiti. I was so encouraged to see how it has changed even in the 5 months it has been since I was here last. It was a fun day except when we met with a couple who have been missionaries in Haiti for several years and are stuck in a different mind set, I was so frustrated that I left before the conversation was over. Not even going to start on that one!
We headed to dinner and at dinner I saw a friend that I made last time I was here, his name is Franklin. He's a cool guy, 29 years old, and graduating in May, and speaks very good english. Right now Franklin is a Childrens Pastor, and works with 8 different churches, that impact over 800 children a week! This guy loves the Lord and has a passion and vision to win children to Christ! I love it!! I was so challenged to also hear of dreams and needs of the mission in Haiti and I'm excited to see what God is going as we continue to partner with Him here in Haiti!
Tomorrow we head to Value to see the church building, and I found out last night....I'll be teaching as well. Pray for me.
Yesterday was a very long day as Mark and I left Phoenix at 12:00am headed to NY, then headed to Haiti and arrived at 1:30pm. We where met by Joaquin Vargas(a very good friend, who is also our contact for Haiti) and also by Guillo Herado(also a friend, and Pastor in Haiti), and headed to straight to the ministry center that Guillo oversees. It is at this center that they have started a school for those who are desiring to be in full time vocational ministry. This is their first year being open and they have 15 students. We had a chance to meet with a few of them and to encourage them. I loved watching these guys just hang on every word that was being said, they are so hungry to learn!
After that we headed to our hotel, and had dinner, then we called it a night at 7:00pm Haiti time, which was 5:00pm Phoenix time, and I didn't wake up until 7:00am. 12 hours of sleep was AWESOME! I really did not realize how tired I was until I found myself literaly falling asleep during a conversation at dinner, and I knew I had to get some good sleep and I did!
This morning after about 12 cups of Hatian coffee(very good by the way!) we headed out to see Haiti and to make a few visits at a few churches and to see the different parts of Haiti. I was so encouraged to see how it has changed even in the 5 months it has been since I was here last. It was a fun day except when we met with a couple who have been missionaries in Haiti for several years and are stuck in a different mind set, I was so frustrated that I left before the conversation was over. Not even going to start on that one!
We headed to dinner and at dinner I saw a friend that I made last time I was here, his name is Franklin. He's a cool guy, 29 years old, and graduating in May, and speaks very good english. Right now Franklin is a Childrens Pastor, and works with 8 different churches, that impact over 800 children a week! This guy loves the Lord and has a passion and vision to win children to Christ! I love it!! I was so challenged to also hear of dreams and needs of the mission in Haiti and I'm excited to see what God is going as we continue to partner with Him here in Haiti!
Tomorrow we head to Value to see the church building, and I found out last night....I'll be teaching as well. Pray for me.
Monday, February 25, 2008
There's going to be a new lady in my life....
Friday Violet and I went to our doctor apt, to find out what our little bun in the oven is going to be, and I have to be honest, both Violet and I wanted to have a little girl, but if we a little boy was on his way, we would be just as excited! We waited patiently to hear the doctor say those words, and finally she spoke up..."you are having.....a....little....GIRL! Violet and looked at each other and we both had tears in our eyes. I laughed thinking, if I'm crying now, I'm going to be balling when our little Riley Sophia is finally in my arms.
Volunteers Rock My World!
Last night we had our Volunteer Appreciation dinner to show our volunteers just how awesome they are and how much they mean to us here at Palm Valley Church. Over 500 volunteers showed up and that doesn't include children! We provided a nice dinner for everyone and then for the entertainment, our staff put together some hilarious acts that brought many to tears laughing so hard!
As I looked around the room, my eyes where filled with tears, and my heart was overjoyed by these people that give so much of their time to serve here at PVC. But as I thought about it, I kept coming back to the thought that these people have caught it, they understand what it means to give of their time, talents, and their treasure. To all our volunteers, THANK YOU for all you do!
As I looked around the room, my eyes where filled with tears, and my heart was overjoyed by these people that give so much of their time to serve here at PVC. But as I thought about it, I kept coming back to the thought that these people have caught it, they understand what it means to give of their time, talents, and their treasure. To all our volunteers, THANK YOU for all you do!
The New Guy In Town!
It has been a few weeks now, and to say that I was unhappy about the Suns trade would be a lie. I was happy about it. I can't thank Shawn Marion enough for his commitment to this Suns organization and to the fans, but it was pretty obvious that Shawn was more likely to move on and opt out of his contract at then end of this season anyways, so to actually get something for him was a bonus in my mind. I really am happy for Marcus Banks too cause he can actually play some minutes for a team that desperately needs a point guard and I really think he will fit in great with Riley's system in Miami.
Now for Shaq, well the jury is still out on if this was a great deal or not, but I really think it's going to help us in the end. I'm not sure if it's the DIE HARD suns fan that I am or not(most likely is) but I still think that we are better than Dallas, San Antonio, New Orleans, and people are calling me crazy, but I still think we will beat L.A. And that mostly stems from hating....actually hate is a strong work, so how about "LOTHE ENTIRELY", the L.A. Lakers. Not sure if there is a team, actually I am sure of it, there is no other team that I dislike more.
But I will stand by my words that it the Suns meet L.A. in the playoffs, we will have their number the same way we have the last couple of years.
Bottom line, I'm excited to see the Suns in the Finals against Boston, and we will have a rematch of the first time the Suns went to the Finals, but this time, it will be ours!
Now for Shaq, well the jury is still out on if this was a great deal or not, but I really think it's going to help us in the end. I'm not sure if it's the DIE HARD suns fan that I am or not(most likely is) but I still think that we are better than Dallas, San Antonio, New Orleans, and people are calling me crazy, but I still think we will beat L.A. And that mostly stems from hating....actually hate is a strong work, so how about "LOTHE ENTIRELY", the L.A. Lakers. Not sure if there is a team, actually I am sure of it, there is no other team that I dislike more.
But I will stand by my words that it the Suns meet L.A. in the playoffs, we will have their number the same way we have the last couple of years.
Bottom line, I'm excited to see the Suns in the Finals against Boston, and we will have a rematch of the first time the Suns went to the Finals, but this time, it will be ours!
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