God doesn't make sense

I don't get God. In fact there are a lot of things about God that just don't make sense. Like why doesn't He show up anymore? In the Old Testament He seemed to show up a lot. I'd like a burning bush every now and again. Another thing that doesn't make sense is how God is one and yet at the same time three...Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That may not be a big deal to you but that claim almost got Jesus stoned (and I'm not talking about the wacky weed). I don't get why God doesn't step in more when tragedy arises. I don't get why God allows negligent, unloving people to have kids, while potential great parents are barren.

There are a lot of things about God that just don't make sense, but some how God still makes sense of my life. I don't get God and truthfully I'm glad. If I could fully understand God what type of supreme being would that be?

What makes sense to me is that I need Him in my life. Without Him I'm lost. I'm a better husband, friend, and human being because of God. What makes sense is that I'm imperfect and in need of a Savior. What doesn't make sense is how God would love me despite my imperfection. What doesn't make sense is how God would pursue me despite how many times I've turned my back on Him. God doesn't make sense but He makes sense of my life.

Movie Review: The Blind Side

The Blind Side is one of the best movies I've seen this year. It's heart warming, funny, and inspirational. It has something for everyone in your family.

The Blind Side stars Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw (yes the country music superstar). The film is based off the real life story of Michael Oher, a NFL lineman. Oher was on the streets, and a below average student when a family took him into their lives. This movie has something for everyone, sports, drama, humor, and an engaging story. It's also one of Sandra Bullock's best performances. It's rated PG-13 for brief violence, and a few swears. I give it two thumbs way up.

Rob's Rating System: Two Thumbs up = I loved it, worth paying full price, and I will own it on DVD.
One Thumb up = An OK movie, worth a matinee showing, and I may buy it on DVD if I see it in the $5 bin.
Thumb to the side = Wait and rent it. I wouldn't be mad if someone gave me this DVD, but I wouldn't buy it.
Thumbs down = I hated it, wish I wouldn't have wasted money on it, wouldn't own it on DVD

Random Things I'm Thankful For...

Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks. I'm thankful for my wife (she's the best wife ever hands down), I'm thankful for my family, my friends, my church, and I'm thankful that God found me. There are also a lot of random things that I'm thankful for, like...

• The inventor of toilet paper, Joseph C. Gayetty. Before him people used the Sears Catalog, grass, leaves, sponges, shells, and corncobs. Read those last two again and you will be thankful for Joseph C. Gayetty.
• The inventor of the phrase, "righty tighty lefty loosey." I don't know who that was but they have saved me a lot of time and frustration.
• Chipotle...nuff said.
• People falling down. It makes me laugh and laughter is a healthy thing.
• Ice Spiker hair glue. I've used it for years. It works really well.
• Wireless Internet. We just got it for Monica's (my wife's) b-day. Before that we were stuck up stairs on a computer that was worse than having dial-up.
• Underwear. It rarely gets seen but it's one thing we all have in common...at least we should.
• Texting - so simple but yet it's revolutionized the way we communicate.
• The fact that my butt has never been featured on the news when they talk about obesity. Have you ever watched the news when they talk about obesity?
• The Nintendo Wii. It's fun and it's name opens itself up for immature jokes.
• Speaking of immature humor who came up with the name aspergers. It's a serious condition that many kids have, but someone should have thought through that name.
• Naps - if I was in charge I would allow a 30 minute nap everyday. We force kids to take them but then we don't take them ourselves...a little hypocritical don't you think?

That's it for me. So what random things are you thankful?

Rob's new hair

I have not kept it a secret that I know that I'm losing my hair. I posted about the time my barber told me I was at stage three for hair loss...there are only four stages. I posted about the new shampoo that is supposed to work work wonders. It's expensive. It also brings fear to me every time I use it because I'm nervous it's not going to work on my head...but shampoo has to touch other parts of my body when I wash it off. I'm afraid I'm going to turn into a bald wookie (for none Star Wars fans that's what Chewbacca is).

This visor could solve that for me. We saw it at a restaurant in Nags Head and it made us all laugh. I hope you enjoy the pic.

Can You Fall Out of Love?

I'm not a big fan of the phrase I fell in or out of love. I often use it, but I'm not a fan. The problem I have with it is that it makes love completely about a feeling. It's relatively easy to fall in and out of love when it's comprised of feelings alone. Something new can evoke a feeling that we mistake for love. Attractiveness can evoke a feeling that we mistake for love. Instant gratification can evoke feelings that we mistake for love. The need for companionship can evoke a feeling that we mistake for love. Love goes beyond feelings. It's a choice!

Feelings are fleeting. True love sees the worst you have to offer and still sticks by your side.

I know we can't always control our feelings...but that is why when it comes to love it has to be about more than feelings. If you want true love in your life then choose to love others well...despite their flaws. If you want true love in your life love beyond the feelings.

If you can fall out of love then was it ever love to begin with? Maybe it was just a feeling. I have enough feelings in my life...I want to choose to love.

Movie Review: Twilight Saga New Moon

I don't get it.

I give it a thumb to the side.

(For more review check out the comments...)

Rob's Rating System: Two Thumbs up = I loved it, worth paying full price, and I will own it on DVD.
One Thumb up = An OK movie, worth a matinee showing, and I may buy it on DVD if I see it in the $5 bin.
Thumb to the side = Wait and rent it. I wouldn't be mad if someone gave me this DVD, but I wouldn't buy it.
Thumbs down = I hated it, wish I wouldn't have wasted money on it, wouldn't own it on DVD

Conflict Part 3

Conflict happens for two reasons.

1. Unmet expectations
2. Unrealistic expectations

Conflict arises when someone doesn't meet or exceed your expectations.
Think about something you think is rude...someone texting during a meeting, a girl farting on a first date, someone constantly interrupting you when you speak.

Now the question you need to ask is have I communicated this expectation? If you haven't then your first step is to communicate it. Not when you are upset or mad, but when you can communicate it clearly.

Ex: The guys in my Student Community Group often text during the lesson. I felt like that was a distraction but I never communicated that with them. I can't get mad if they text if I never set up a ground rule. So the new rule we have in group is everyone shuts off their cell phone before the discussion.

Now if you have communicated that expectation then you need to answer a second question...is it unrealistic? In premarital counseling the example we always give to guys is that it's an unrealistic expectation to have sex every day with your wife. That's unrealistic! Understanding if it's realistic or not can help you decide if you should address the conflict.

If you have communicated the expectation and it is realistic then it's healthy to confront. In fact it's the only way to grow and move past this...for you and for the person you are in conflict with.

To be continued...

Conflict Part 2

How do you feel about conflict?

I hate conflict but I've come to believe that conflict can be healthy and necessary to maintain healthy relationships. With that being said I still want to avoid it like the plague.

The reason that conflict can be healthy is because, when handled right, it can help restore a relationship, heal a wound, or help a person get to the next level.

Think about it this way if someone had a problem with you and it wasn't petty wouldn't you want to know? If you had a blind spot in your life that drove people crazy wouldn't you want to know? If you had unintentionally hurt someone with your actions wouldn't you want to know about it?

Now if it's a high maintenance friend who always complains that you don't call, don't hang out enough, or leave them out then you may not want to know. But if I'm doing something and it's affecting the quality of someone else's life I'd want to know. The key to conflict and overcoming it is in the way you communicate...

To be continued

Catalyst: One Day

On Monday the WEC programming staff went to Maryland for a conference called Catalyst One Day. It was a great day and a good conference. This trip was extra special because we brought our wives. Enjoy some pics of the trip...

Pictured Above: Bethany and Phil Poteat

Pictured Above: Stu (with strep throat), Tab, Jamey, and Carlyn.

Pictured Above: Our staff was blessed with a homemade dinner for the ride up and a basket filled with sparkling cider, chocolate covered strawberries, mixed nuts, and grapes. All of this was provided by one of the WEC volunteers!

Pictured Above: We took the WEC party bus.

On our drive up the party bus broke down. Lucky for us Bill Laws was with us. Not only did he drive us he also pulled a MacGyver and fixed a leaky hose with duct tape.

Pictured Above: All the liquid leaking from the party bus .

We stopped at a Wal-Mart in hopes to find the parts we needed to fix the bus.

Pictured Above: Carlyn and Tab pretending to dual.

Pictured Above: Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel spoke at the conference.

Both were top shelf!

Pictured Above: Steve Fee led worship. If you don't have his new disc you need to ASAP!

Pictured Above: The WEC staff and wives singing We Shine by Steve Fee

Conflict Part 1

I learned in a college psych class about Flight or Fight. According to Flight or Fight we all have a tendency to either flee confrontation or fight when a problem arises. For me I'm a bona fide flighter. I hate confrontation.

Because I hate it I have a hard time talking to someone when they hurt my feelings. I analyze it to death, have conversations in my head, and then dismiss the issue because I convince myself it's not that big of a deal.

Here's what I've learned with conflict...it shouldn't be avoided. Conflict should be handled with care and done in a respectful way, but if you avoid it the problem it never goes away.

To be continued...

Monica's Birthday

30 years ago today my wife was born. I can't tell you how thankful I am to have her in my life. Without a doubt every day is happy birthday to me because of her.

I love you Monica!

Movie Review: This Is It

"This Is It" is the documentary about the prep for Michael Jackson's last concert tour. As you probably know Michael never got to preform that concert so all the footage is of rehearsals for the show.

"This Is It" is a great film. Maybe it's because MJ's music is so timeless but the film is very enjoyable. At times you can tell MJ is going through the motions but even at 50 years old it is evident that he is a stellar performer. The sets for the concert are mind blowing, the dancers move effortlessly, and the concert shows why MJ was one of the greatest entertainers ever.

I probably won't own this on DVD but it's such a great theater experience I have to give it two thumbs up.

Rob's Rating System: Two Thumbs up = I loved it, worth paying full price, and I will own it on DVD.
One Thumb up = An OK movie, worth a matinee showing, and I may buy it on DVD if I see it in the $5 bin.
Thumb to the side = Wait and rent it. I wouldn't be mad if someone gave me this DVD, but I wouldn't buy it.
Thumbs down = I hated it, wish I wouldn't have wasted money on it, wouldn't own it on DVD

Catchphrase

Catchphrase: "A phrase that is recognized by it's repeated utterance and often becomes apart of culture."I don't know about you but I like to know where phrases that people say come from.

Today's catchphrase: "Sorry Charlie."

Origin of Sorry Charlie - according to Wikipedia "Sorry Charlie" comes from a popular tuna commercial that played up until 1985. It was said by Charlie the Tuna after he would escape the fisherman's hook.

Student Group

Every Wednesday night 8-12 junior and senior guys come to my house for Student Community Group. We hang out, laugh, play the Wii, eat snack, and talk about God. It's a big part of my life and I think it's a big part of theirs as well. One of the students needed some pics for their school yearbook. After taking some I thought I share them with the rest of the world. Enjoy.

Rob's Observatory

Rob's Observatory: A place where Rob observes the world around him.

Observation: I take a men's vitamin called One A Day (Pictured Below).

While taking this vitamin I noticed that it was sponsored by Major League Baseball. I don't know if I was a vitamin or supplement company if I would want to be sponsored by a league that is so known for their use of steroids. Come to think of it I do feel a little stronger since taking One A Day. Maybe it is a good thing for them to partner with the MLB.

Mind Dump

My brain feels constipated with thoughts. The following is a brain dump of all the random stuff going on in my head.

• I can't believe it's November. I love this time of year.
• My wife's birthday is this Sunday. She leaves her 20's. I can't wait to celebrate with her this weekend.
• We got a new heater for our house. It's been 70 some degrees ever since we got it. It's November...time to get cold. I just want to try this bad boy out!
• Next Monday the programming staff at WEC is going to a conference called Catalyst One Day. We are leaving on Sunday after church and we are taking the party bus. Good times.
• The Lakers are playing pretty well. Even with two starters injured.
• Speaking of Lakers...I watched the Klomar wedding. That's Lamar Odom and Kloe Kardashian. Apparently they got matching tattoos with their names on it. Too Soon! Wait until you've been married for 5 years before you ink yourself.
• I feel kind of mean writing that last dump. They both did look happy. I hope they both have a long life together.
• I love the Amazing Race. It's one of my favorite shows on TV.
• Speaking of favorite shows I also really enjoy Flash Forward. Great new show.
• I feel like TV is back. There are a lot of great shows on TV right now. What's your favorite?
• Switchfoot has a new album drops on November 10. That's today!

Whew...I feel better now.

The Car Accident

This past weekend I saw a car accident. What happened after this accident sets it apart from all other car accidents. It was weird.

I'm turning left and a car pulls up beside me to turn right. I'm patiently waiting when all of the sudden a car comes crashing into the car next to me. The driver hit the other car hard enough to move them up a few feet. The car also dented in the back side of the car it hit.

Now I never know what to do when I see an accident. I think I'm supposed to stick around and be an eye witness. My brother was with me and I asked him what he thought we should do. Before he could answer I noticed the driver who hit the other car was smiling like he just heard a good joke.

The driver in front of him then pulls over to the side of the road. At this point I was thinking they were going to get out of their cars and talk about what just happened. While still smiling the driver who hit the car pulls out and starts driving like he's not going pull over to the side of the road. The car who was hit then quickly pulls out in front of him and they both drive on their merry way. It was weird. The weirdest part though was the smile the guy had. Maybe that smile scared the other driver away and that's why he didn't stop. Do you have any theories?

Big News Today

Today I find out the gender of my lil bro and my sis in-laws baby. This is exciting stuff for us. We are meeting at IHOP to hear the big news. Very exciting stuff.

Japanese Products

America needs to get on the ball. The following are Japanese products and they are ha-lariously awesome.

Ruin Me

I love my life. Right now there is a low level of drama and a high level of fulfillment. One of the last things I want to do is ask God to ruin me.

I recently read a book by Craig Groeschel called "It." It has nothing to do with the scary clown in Stephen King's fictional novel. It has everything to do with having God radically move in your life. Some pastors and churches just have it and some don't.

I was really connecting with the book until he said, "Whenever I meet someone who has it - a heart abandoned for Christ - I'm meeting ruined people. I'm not talking about a destructive ruin. Sin destroys and ruins. Burnout can destroy and ruin. Anger can destroy and ruin. I'm referring to the work of a loving God who breaks us and ruins us for his glory."

I'm scarred to ask God to ruin me. I know in the end it will be a good thing but it sure does sound painful. I want God to move in my life. I want to have it. I prayed to have God ruin me. We'll see what happens.

Rob's Observatory

Rob's Observatory: A place where Rob observes the world around him.

Observation: Sketchy people don't know they look sketchy. If they did they wouldn't look sketchy any more.

Pic of the week

My wife and I were pulling into the grocery store to park and in the car next to us was...

After leaving the grocery store we noticed what the dog was doing with his teeth and he made us laugh. Monica, my wife, suggested we take a picture. She took the picture as I got the car ready to drive away fast in case the owner woke up. She also suggested that I post it on my blog. I hope this pic makes you smile like it made us. Enjoy.

Halloween

Happy Halloween.

I didn't really grow going trick or treating. I think I may have gone once. Each year though we did our own traditions. I remember for a while my mom made a pinata that we would tear up to get our candy. In my later kid years we went to fall festivals at our church. It was never that big of a deal to me.

I married a daughter of a Haunted House owner and operator. Halloween has always been a big deal to Monica. Scary movies, haunted houses, and candy are now a part of my life come October.

To celebrate this October we went to a party to carve pumpkins, visited The Haunted Swamp (Monica's dad's new haunted adventure), and for Halloween, well...I'm working on a talk for church tomorrow. Monica may pass out candy or hang out with friends. In other words we are not doing anything tonight for Halloween. What are your plans for Halloween? Do you celebrate it or have a tradition all your own?

Rob's Observatory

Rob's Observatory: A place where Rob observes the world around him.

Observation: A common phrase given to nervous public speakers is to picture your audience in their underwear or naked. I'm not sure why that would help make a person less nervous. In fact if the audience pictured the speaker in their underwear or naked it would actually make them nervous. Spouses excluded, I think it's hard to respect what someone says if they are in their underwear or naked.

Pastor Appreciation Month

When you think of October what holiday do you think of? If I were a betting man I'd bet it's not Pastor Appreciation Day. Oct. 18 was Pastor Appreciation Day, but I've read some things that declare the whole month of October as Pastor Appreciation Month. I'm not sure why, Hallmark or whoever else declares holidays, picked October but they did.

This past Monday WEC celebrated Pastor Appreciation Day by sending in cards to our Lead Pastor Stu Hodges. Over 120 cards were given to Stu. Being one of the Pastors I also benefited from some very encouraging cards and a couple of gifts. I'm thankful that WEC appreciates their pastors. Being a pastor can be lonely, draining, stressful, and can weigh a person down with the the problems at the church. Hopefully pastors don't do what they do for recognition but it's nice to know people care. Thanks WEC!

Make it Rain

This past Sunday at WEC we made it rain on Phil Poteat (Worship Programming Manager). It was a part of a song/video that celebrated a 100 + people getting baptized two weeks ago during a spontaneous baptism. The video is sick. Check it out below...

"Rain Down" at Waters Edge Church from Waters Edge Church on Vimeo.

Mind Dump

My brain feels constipated with thoughts. The following is a brain dump of all the random stuff going on in my head.

• Yesterday at WEC was sick. We made it rain on Phil Poteat while he sang Rain Down by By the Tree. The song was intertwined with video clips from last weeks spontaneous (122 people) baptism. It was one of my favorite services ever at WEC.
• My wife and I bought a new heating unit for our house. We've lived here 4 years and each year we have awful results from our heat. It shuts off for no apparent reason. I'm going to be thankful to have a warm house this winter.
• I've been gaining weight lately. I went to the gym 5 times last week and I gained two pounds. I also ate out almost every lunch last week and one breakfast due to meetings. Imagine what I would have gained if I didn't work out five times.
• I think I may buy the Shake Weight. Just joking. I did see an infomerical for it right as I started blogging and it made me laugh.
• The Shake Weight infomercial was followed up by an infomercial for an ab machine. I flipped channels and the Total Gym sponsored by Chuck Norris was on. I think God might be trying to get my attention and he's using Chuck Norris to do it.
• Speaking of Chuck Norris...did you know that Chuck Norris gargles antifreeze? Did you know that if you stare at the American flag long enough, a 3D image of Chuck Norris pops up. Chuck Norris beard conquered Poland three times. And finally Chuck Norris can speak Braille.
• Speaking of weight gain...have you ever noticed how on the news when they talk about obesity they show the fatest person they can find walking down a street? It's always a picture of someone's butt. Do they have to get permission from the person to show that footage? If so, that would be an awkward conversation.
• I like the song Fireflies by Owl City. I don't have a fat clue what the point of the song is but it's catchy.
• The NBA season starts Tuesday! I'm amped.
• My wife is awesome! She surprised me with tickets to see the Lakers play the Sixers in January. It's my goal to see the Lakers play in every NBA arena before I die.
• This Sunday I'm speaking at WEC. I'm not going to lie...I'm a little nervous following up the last 2 weeks at WEC. INCREDIBLE! Good thing it's not a competition. I also find peace in remembering that it's not about me.
• Tomorrow night I'm going to a dessert thingy for Young Life. I don't know what to call it. They are serving dessert...thus a dessert thingy. I love Young Life. Monica met Jesus through going to Young Life. They will always be special to me because of that.

Whew...I feel much better now.

Movie Review - Where the Wild Things Are

"Where the Wild Things Are" is a classic children's book turned into a major motion picture. I actually never read the book as a kid. I was introduced to it by my wife in our first year of marriage. It is one of her favorite children's books.

Here's the thing...the book only consists of ten sentences. With that being said the movie takes a lot of liberties to stretch ten sentences into a two hour movie. Even though there are a lot of liberties taken I think if you are a fan of the book you will like this movie.

The movie is funny, charming, entertaining, and WEIRD. My wife and I both enjoyed it but we left saying how weird it was. I also don't think it's a great children's film. It could be scary for kids under the age of 10.

"Where the Wild Things Are" is rated PG for a few swears and a lot of angry growling/screaming. I give it one thumb up.

Rob's Rating System: Two Thumbs up = I loved it, worth paying full price, and I will own it on DVD.

One Thumb up = An OK movie, worth a matinee showing, and I may buy it on DVD if I see it in the $5 bin.

Thumb to the side = Wait and rent it. I wouldn't be mad if someone gave me this DVD, but I wouldn't buy it.

Thumbs down = I hated it, wish I wouldn't have wasted money on it, wouldn't own it on DVD

Easy things that are hard for me to remember

I feel like I'm a pretty smart guy. I'm not a genius but I'm smarter than the average bear (or at least on par with the average). Yet there are some simple things that I know but I have to think twice about.

For example...

• My zip code. It's 23692, but my work is 23693...I have to think twice before I say my zip.
• The times that our services start at WEC. 8:20, 9:45, 11:10, and 6:00 PM.
• I do struggle with grammar. One thing that I know but I often jack up are your and you're.
• Making Kool Aid. It's easy. There's only three steps. Yet every time I make it I read the instructions just to make sure I don't jack it up.
• East and West. I know it but I have to think about which way is which.
• Street names. I give directions by places and landmarks.
• Where my address goes on a letter. I know it goes on the top left, but I have to think twice to make sure I don't write it in the center of the envelope.
• The numbers on the Lakers jerseys. I know them but I have to think twice about them.
• I often print something off at the end of the day at work and then forget to get it. I'll drive a minute down the road and realize it's still sitting on the printer.

What are some simple things that you have to think twice about? Come on don't be shy. Is it which hand is your left or your right, your spouses birthday, your home phone number, or something else?

It's Dangerous to Compare

Comparing doesn't do you a lot of good. There's two sides to the comparing coin. On the one side it makes you feel better about your status. For example...there is always someone fatter, lazier, stupider, balder, or poorer then you. If you want a quick boost to your self esteem at the expense of others just hang out with someone worse off than you.

The other side of the comparing coin makes you feel worse about your status. There is always someone thinner, harder working, smarter, with a better head of hair, or with more money. If you want to feel bad about yourself compare yourself to someone better than you.

The problem with comparisons is it makes us miss out on who God designed us to be. We aren't designed to be like others. We are designed to be unique. Instead of comparing celebrate others differences. Encourage someone who is better than you by telling them what you appreciate about them. Instead of comparing to what other have or don't have focus on being the best at what you do...being you!

Rob's Observatory

Rob's Observatory: A place where Rob observes the world around him.

Observation: After going to the gym today I came to the conclusion that some people shouldn't wear spandex. In fact people who can get away with wearing spandex should not wear it just because someone who shouldn't wear it might think they can pull it off as well. I'll go one step further...I think spandex should be banned in all major states.

Sunday at WEC

Sunday at Waters Edge Church was amazing! The day was simple. No gimmicks. It started with one worship song. Then Lead Pastor, Stu Hodges, gave a simple and clear message. Stu challenged everyone to ask if Jesus was Lord and Christ of their life. His talk was from the book of Acts where in one day 3,000 people became Christ Followers and then were baptized. Stu ended the talk by challenging everyone who asked God to be Lord and Christ of their life to get baptized on the spot. We had everything taken care of so no one could have an excuse. We had two heated tents for changing rooms (one for guys and one for girls). We had shirts, shorts, underwear, sports bras, hair ties, brushes, and towels. We also had a photographer take pictures and we videoed it so we can put it online. That way people can show their family and friends.

On Sunday a bunch of people asked Jesus to become Lord and Christ of their life. It was too many to count. Right afterward 132 people were baptized on the spot. It was an amazing day! Here are some pics from the service my wife went to.

Picture Week: Haunted Swamp

My camera (actually my wife's camera) is full of pictures. So this week is picture week at robshep.com. Enjoy.

Located in Gloucester VA (about 2 miles once you cross the bridge) is the Haunted Swamp. My father in law opened it and it's a great adventure. If you don't have plans (and live in the 757) it's open through Halloween.

Picture Week: Naked Snake

My camera (actually my wife's camera) is full of pictures. So this week is picture week at robshep.com. Enjoy.

If you are new to robshep.com then you may not know that snakes live in my front yard. Last summer we had a snake that scared my wife multiple times. I even scared the snake one time causing him to poo himself. Read about that here.

Now we have a new snake and he is taunting us. He was near my front door a few weeks ago. I ran into my house to get a weapon of mass destruction...i.e. a shovel. He was too quick for me and he got away. This past week he shed his skin in our front lawn. He is taunting us. He let us know that he is still around. To make matters worse he is now naked. Sorry animal lovers but if I ever see him I'm going to try to kill that naked snake.

Picture Week: The Office Party

My camera (actually my wife's camera) is full of pictures. So this week is picture week at robshep.com. Enjoy.

Last Thursday the TV show The Office celebrated a wedding. Jim and Pam got married. What better way to celebrate this great moment in TV history then with a Office party. Last Thursday my wife, Monica, hosted a party...here's the catch...everyone had to wear a bridesmaids dress. My wife is so creative and funny.

Picture Week: Catalyst

My camera (actually my wife's camera) is full of pictures. So this week is picture week at robshep.com. Enjoy.

Last Thursday and Friday I attended a conference in ATL called Catalyst. It's amazing! It has a top shelf line up of speakers, passionate worship, and fun entertainment. There isn't another conference like it. This year's theme was "On Your Mark." You'll see they made sure the theme was carried through the entire venue. Here are some pics of some of the highlights.

Pictured Above: Almost 13,000 people pour into the arena for Catalyst.

Pictured Above: A flurry of activity, including a petting zoo and a DJ.

Pictured Above: One of the many volunteers

who wore suits that people could actually leave their mark on (write on).

Pictured Above: Another way to leave a mark at Catalyst.

Pictured Above: The MC's of Catalyst Reggie and Lanny.

Pictured Above: One of my all time favorite speakers Andy Stanley.

At one point I was standing about 3 feet away from Andy backstage,

but I was too scared to talk to him. Pictured Above: Rob Bell, author of Velvet Elvis and Pastor of Mars Hill

Pictured Above: Me and one of my best friends since 7th grade Chad Johnson.

Chad is the Catalyst Concierge. He hooked me up with a luncheon with Perry Noble and a breakfast with Francis Chan. Both are pastors and guys that I have a high level of respect for.

Pictured Above: 13,000 people throw footballs at a little league football team.

Pictured Above: Tony Dungee, Super Bowl winner and former coach of the Colts.

Pictured Above: Steve Fee leading worship.

If you haven't picked up his new CD yet you need to!

Pictured Above: A couple of twins doing their best MJ dance.

Pictured Above: Financial Ninja Dave Ramsey.

Pictured Above: Mac Powell from Third Day made a guest appearance.

Pictured Above: Chuck Swindoll

Pictured Above: Professor Splash. I posted about this yesterday. It was amazing!

Pictured Above: Pastor and found of the Passion Movement Louie Giglio.

Pictured Above: Chad Johnson on the phone. He was a busy man at Catalyst.