The joy of mulch….

One of my favorite times every Spring is the day we spread new mulch in our yard. Since I love getting a good deal, I typically wait until I can buy it for $2 per bag. And this season didn’t disappoint. HD had a special running on mulch that was 5 bags for $10. I decided to wait for the boys to get out of school and on the way home we stopped to get our first 25 bags.

Now, before you start conjuring images of landscapers gracefully sculpting flower beds while birds chirp in harmony, let me set the scene straight. This was a DIY project and I certainly wanted more “do it together” than “do it yourself.”

First, there was the logistics of lugging bags of mulch from the curb to the yard using muscles that had been in hibernation all winter. But hey, who needs a gym membership when you’ve got plenty of mulch to move?

Next came the precision work of spreading the mulch just right—none of that haphazard dumping and hoping for the best. Oh no, we were on a mission for mulch mastery, carefully layering it around bushes and shrubs taking pride in our work.

After two more trips to the store, a few wardrobe casualties, and some seriously stained hands, we emerged victorious, our project complete. Sure, there were muddy footprints and sore muscles, but the satisfaction of a job well done outweighed the discomfort—mostly.

There are plenty of other experiences that bring me satisfaction…spending time with our family and our church family…hearing about lives being changed on a regular basis…a good book or inspiring movie…a hot cup of coffee and time to reflect…

This Sunday, I look forward to sharing a sermon from Philippians 4:1-9 about a joyful life. Does a joyful life extend beyond satisfying experiences? Is it possible to experience joy while also experiencing pain or tragedy?

I can’t wait to address these questions and share more, but you have to come Sunday at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or Facebook at 9:15 am. Additionally, we are also publishing our sermons on Spotify.

Have a great evening,
Troy

Golazo….

Dallas and I were pumped as we made our way to GEHA Arrowhead Stadium for the showdown between Inter Miami and Sporting Kansas City. But let’s be real, we were really there for one reason – to catch a glimpse of the legend himself, Lionel Messi.

In the words of my boys, the stadium was lit!

Fans were hyped, jerseys everywhere, chants echoing in the air. But amidst the madness, Dallas and I shared a secret mission: soak up some Messi magic and maybe learn a thing or two about greatness.

The game kicked off, and it was intense. But whenever Messi touched the ball, every eye was on him just waiting for something incredible. His passes were a work of art…leaving defenders scrambling to keep up.

Then it happened – With the score tied 1-1, Messi pulled back and sent that ball flying like it had a GPS to the top corner of the net.

The crowd went wild and I’m pretty sure my jaw hit the ground…As we shuffled out of the stadium after the game, still buzzing from the excitement, everyone seemed to be in awe of the legend. Inter Miami ended with the win, 3-2, but even Sporting fans were pumped about the experience.

I am positive kids all over KC were inspired to work harder and train more often…simply because they have been influenced by one of the best ever.

At the same time, when it comes to remaining steadfast in our faith, we also need to pursue the best influences. This Sunday I look forward to sharing a sermon from Philippians 3:17-21 entitled, “Living in light of eternity: An Influenced Life.” We will spend the majority of our time reflecting on what it means to follow faithful examples.

Learning not only who to follow but also how to become a person worth following as we follow Jesus.

I can’t wait to share more, but you have to come Sunday at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or Facebook at 9:15 am. Additionally, we are also publishing our sermons on Spotify.

If you are looking to be a better footballer, I suggest imitating Messi, but if you are looking to remain steadfast in your Christian faith, follow Paul as he follows Christ.

Have a great evening,
Troy

Doughnuts with dad…

A few weeks ago, my youngest son Ian invited me to join him for “Doughnuts with Dad” at his school. I must admit, the prospect of waking up early to hang out in a cafeteria filled with elementary school children and their dads wasn’t exactly on my bucket list.

I know…I am an extrovert and I love my kids and I love doughnuts and coffee and I even care deeply for other kids.

However, I don’t love small talk with other dads I may never see again, and I don’t love the confines of a loud school cafeteria.

Nevertheless, recognizing the significance of such events to our children, I willingly rearranged my schedule to attend…😊.

As Leigh-Ann says, “Sometimes you have to take one for the team.” Well, if eating a doughnut, drinking coffee, and losing to my kid in checkers….(He beat me fair and square)…will build into our relationship for the long term, then “Dads with Doughnuts it is….:).

What a hero 😊 😊!

The decision to make a smaller sacrifice in order to invest in a larger reward down the road is something you and I do often throughout life. Of course, this concept extends far beyond a parenting choice…nearly any part of our lives we will have opportunities to make present sacrifices for a better future.

This Sunday, Pastor Dave is going to share from Philippians 3:12-16 which is a very personal Scripture for him (you will have to come to find out why 😊). In these verses, the Apostle Paul challenges us to press on toward the prize. We are reminded that looking back can be discouraging and constantly reminding ourselves of our struggles can easily rob us of focus. So, in spite of difficult circumstances, when we press on we are investing in the future.

Even though it was a pretty easy decision to spend time with the boys and it was totally worth it, there are plenty of other decisions in our lives that are much tougher. I really hope to see you on Sunday.

I can’t wait to learn more, but you have to come Sunday at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or Facebook at 9:15 am. Additionally, we are also publishing our sermons on Spotify.

See you soon,
Troy

Topple….

Easter Sunday breathes new life into us for many reasons. Personally, it started with seeing our New Life CityChurch family and worshipping together. This was truly a blessed time for worship and building deeper relationships. We even broke an attendance record….and perhaps an unofficial record for coffee consumption

Afterwards, we spent time with family and friends eating incredible food and sharing stories around the table. After the youngest kids went on an easter egg hunt, most of us found chairs in the backyard.

And what better way to cap off the day than with one of our favorite pastimes: Giant Jenga.

This was particularly challenging because it was pretty windy outside. After a few embarrassing rounds…we started to get the hang of it.

As each turn came around, the tension mounted. Some of us boldly seized the moment with daring moves, while others approached cautiously, wary of the tower’s impending collapse.

Amidst laughter and cheers, we savored the camaraderie and excitement of the game.
With every sway of the tower, we held our breath, never knowing if it would stand or fall.

In one memorable game, it was my turn, and the tower teetered on the brink. Summoning my championship mindset, I boldly requested my anthem: “Eye of the Tiger.” With nerves of steel, I made my move, and to everyone’s amazement, the tower stood strong.

Let’s Goooooo!

Life often feels like a Giant Jenga game, with moments of intense decision-making and shared anticipation. Yet, unlike the precariousness of the tower, our spiritual lives are anchored by the supernatural power of Christ.

I look forward to beginning the second part of our series in Philippians, “The Good Life of Christ” by studying Philippians 3:1-11, “Humble worship is our response to steadfast faith.”  I hope you can join us while we not only discover why it’s important to remain steadfast but also how to do it.

I can’t wait to share more, but you have to come Sunday at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or Facebook at 9:15 am. Additionally, we are also publishing our sermons on Spotify.

See you soon,
Troy