Today was a great day.  The morning began with Tommy Barnett from Phoenix First (and the Dream Center in LA).  Excellent sermon from a seasoned pastor (56 years of pastoring) who gave a message dedicated to all Pastors who have ever felt like quitting.  Here are a few quotes:

• “If you’ve ever wanted to quit, you’re in good company.  All of the heroes of the faith felt the same way.”
• “Ministry burns in the bones.  When you are in it, you want out; if you are out, you want back in.”
• “Wanting to quit is a sign of success.  Only successful people have something to quit.”
• “The more you have to quit, the more you want to quit.”
• “You can enjoy the luxury of wanting to quit if you know you aren’t going to quit.”
• “No one should ever enter into the ministry because of a burden – but only a call.”
• “Every time someone quits my church I want to: 1) quit too; 2) beat them up; and 3) commit to go on.” (he was funny)
• “I’ve been asked if I ever felt like quitting on my wife.  My answer is, “no,” “but I’ve wanted to kill her!”  I might be a killer, but I’m not a quitter.”
• “You won’t quit if you do the following: 1) burn every bridge (way to go back because forward is too difficult) behind you; 2) don’t tell anyone you want to quit when you want to quit (they may take you up on it); 3) don’t hang out with people you don’t want to be like; and 3) lock yourself in so that you can’t quit.”
• “A mind made up isn’t nearly as strong as a heart that is fixed.”
• “Great men are just ordinary men who wouldn’t quit.”

Loved this man of God.  His stories reflected a passion for the world’s hurting.  Amazing stories of ministry and life changes.

After Tommy Barnett came Bishop T.D. Jakes from the Potter’s House.  I have to say – HANDS DOWN - T. D. Jakes is my FAVORITE communicator.  His messages are so anointed and amazing.  I find him to be one of the most powerful preachers I’ve ever heard.  Every time I hear him I think, “How in the world did he do that?!!”  I started to take notes but I couldn’t.  I was captured by what he said and I just wanted to listen!

 Other Highlights:

• California Kitchen pizza – the Works - followed by a Key Lime Pie slice as a chaser.
• Purchased a new t-shirt.  Preachers preach – singers sing
• Went to two breakout sessions – Worship & Volunteers/Assimilation
• Took enough video footage of the children’s wing here that I could publish my own video!