Too Good Not to Share!

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now." 


W. H. Murray

Are you "smoking what you're selling?"

My friend, Jay Hardwick shared this on his blog (jayhardwick.com) and I felt compelled to do the same.  It's a mystery to me who actually pays attention to my ramblings and I suspect that many are random viewers.  That being said, I have to believe this is for someone...maybe you.


I was struck by Jesus' emphasis on "believing" as I recently worked through the book of John with the S.O.A.P. method (previous post.) Take a look.  It's time to know and show what you believe.


Do We Really Believe What We're Saying? from The Church at Brook Hills on Vimeo.

Grabbing the Handles

A good friend of mine, Brent Crowe (http://www.brentcrowe.com) shared this recently...


If you're looking for ways to connect with your teenager or any teenager, here are three "handles" you need to use:



1) Evolution is the norm.  In other words, change is the only constant in their lives.

2) Entertainment is their medium.  Put another way: they are very visual.  They need a visual hook on which they can hang all of the information they receive.

3) Experience in their community.  They long for connection more than answers.



Good stuff!

Don't Wait to be a Hero!

My SOAP verse for John 6...

Dwayne Morris - SOAP John 6 from First Baptist North Spartanburg on Vimeo.

SOAP Bible Study Method

Here's something I've been a part of creating...Give it a try!

S.O.A.P. Training Session from First Baptist North Spartanburg on Vimeo.

The Love Test

Valentines Day 2011


How's your love tank? By that, I mean, how are you doing on pouring love into others?  Here's a "test" based on 1 Corinthians 13.





Love is patient...Do you give in too easily?
Love is kind...Do you care more for others than yourself?
Love does not envy...Do you want what you can't have?
Love does not boast...Do you strut when you know you're right?
Love is not proud...Do you get a little over-confident?
Love does not dishonor others...Do you force your opinion onto others?
Love is not self-seeking...Do you have a "Me first!" attitude?
Love is not easily angered...Do you fly off the handle too quickly?
Love keeps no record of wrongs...Do you keep score of the sins of others?
Love does not delight in evil...Do you revel when others grovel?
Love rejoices with the truth...Do you take pleasure in having truth?
Love always protects...Do you put up with anything?
Love always trusts...Do you trust God always?
Love always hopes...Do you look for the best in others?
Love always perseveres...Do you look back or do you look ahead?
Love never fails...are you committed to the end?

A "D6 Dad"

In preparation for the upcoming Myrtle Beach/Dasani Half-Marathon, I had a dreaded 12-miler this past week. These long runs always go by faster when I run with a group or partner. You get to talk while you run and trust me...when you have to run for two hours, you find plenty to share.


My running buddy began to sharing about a opportunity he recently had to reach out to a homeless gentleman in our area. The point of the story wasn't the token of his generosity.  It was the presence of the curious spectators in his vehicle...his kids. He wanted them to be witnesses to what it means to love your neighbor as Jesus loves us.  He also shared how when he finds a deal on Krispie Kreme doughnuts...a buy a dozen, get a dozen steal, he'll grab his kids and take off with hope that the "Hot & Now" light is bursting in it's blaring red neon.  As they consume the first dozen, he will announce, "OK kids. Now we have to give away the other dozen."


As he shared this, it occurred to me that this guy is a D-6 Dad! To be more specific...a Deuteronomy 6 Dad! (Click here to read the text.)


Basically, he understands that it's our job to teach our kids the guiding principles of God's word. Too often parents treat the spiritual development of their children the same way they treat piano lessons or baseball.  They don't know how to do it themselves, so they drop them off with someone who does.


Don't be that parent. Embrace the blessing of leading your kids and helping them develop their God-given potential.

When you just aren't sure...

I'm revisiting some books I've read in the past and with the help of my dandy assistant, we're updating my reference system.


This morning I'm thumbing through, "The Next Generation Leader" written by Andy Stanley.  I came across this little blurb that I thought was worth sharing. The chapter title is "Managing Your Uncertainty" and he speaks to leading in uncertain times.  You know...those times in life when you just aren't sure which option to choose.  Andy makes two great points:


1) We're seldom going to be 100% certain in our decisions.  In fact, he says, at best, we'll be 80% certain.  The danger is that while we are waiting for the other 20% to materialize, we're missing out on opportunities and time.
2) It's OK to be uncertain, but not OK to be unclear.  The people we lead (yes, we all lead someone...even if it's ourselves) need to see confidence in our eyes.  He offers a few phrases to file away for times of uncertainty:

• "I don't know right now, but I am confident we can figure it out."
• "I don't know. I have never done this before. But I think we are up for the challenge."
• "I don't know, but with folks like you around, I am confident we will come up with a solution."

Good stuff to think about...

Christmas Cards Around the World

For the past 10 years, the Morris family has collected Christmas cards for missionaries around the world.  Thanks to many of you, we have collected over 24,000 cards (5,000 collected in 2011).  The missionaries use the cards for crafts with children in poverty-stricken countries.  A lot of the families use the cards as wall art in their homes.  This is a great example of one man’s trash can be another man’s treasure.  What’s even better is that every card given represents a child or adult who is hearing the message of the God who loves them and wants to know them personally.  So much so that He sent His Son to pay the penalty for their sin.

One missionary in Nigeria wrote:  "I greatly appreciate the large amount of cards you sent me.  We (missionaries) are so encouraged when we receive the packages of cards.  The cards are so colorful and the children like that."

Our part of this is project is collecting the cards, cutting them and keeping the fronts to be given out as gifts. 

If you would like to help, just send me any old cards (Christmas, Birthday, Thank You, etc).  If you have the time to cut them, that always helps, but it’s not required to participate.  Feel free to let others know about this project.  We collect cards throughout the year but our huge emphasis is obviously December - February.  Thanks in advance for your help.  It’s a simple and great way to make an impact on children and families around the world! 

Send an email to contact.dmorris@gmail.com if you want to know where to send your cards.