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The Great Debate

In my short time in ministry so far I've heard an argument over and over again.  I've heard it in small country churches, student camps, big Mega churches and even private ministry arenas.  Surprisingly it seems to strike quite a strong cord (or is it chord?) with most people and brings out a serious amount of emotion in those discussing the subject. 

So which is more important?  Is it the heart behind the action or the action itself.  You could say that this goes to the faith and works discussion but for the sake of sanity, let's leave that alone shall we? 

I've heard people say that it doesn't matter how good something is if the heart behind it isn't "right."  Conversely, I've also heard that intentions and heart alone don't accomplish anything.  I'm sure in God's economy both are right.  You know, since God isn't confined to limits and logic.  However, just for fun I'd like to hear your take on this subject. 

As I've been preparing for an upcoming series here at Northwood I came across a verse that I believe could be the answer to the age old argument but where's the fun in just trumping all of you with Scripture?  Let's here some perspective before I preach you back into your seat. (kidding of course....maybe)

#50,000

WOO HOO!!! I can't believe we've actually hit 50,000 here at phillipmccart.com.  Here's what we know about you: you're from Dallas, Texas; you were on this blog at 6:37:57 pm central time; you came here from my good friend Rich Butler's blog; it looks like you were using Safari; but your OS is Macintosh Windows XP (parallels user?).  Let me know if this is you.  I'd love to send you a gift. 

Thanks to everyone else that made this milestone possible.  I love the competitive spirit I've seen on the comments for this.  Here's to getting to 100,000 in 2009!  Gotta dream right?

Today's The Day

Make sure you know when you check in on the blog today.  Number 50,000 will be receiving a nice little prize.  Thanks for reading and good luck!

Gifts Galore

So.....
I made out pretty good with gifts this year including:

New Black & Decker Level
Ratcheting Wrenches (metric)
Notre Dame issue Adidas shoes
Old Navy Gift Card
Iron Gym
Ragamuffin Soul V-neck
New Orange Golf shirt
Programmable Coffee Maker

My favorite thing Anita got was the iRobot Roomba.
This thing is amazing. It's a wireless, automatic vacuum.
You just put it in a room and let it go!

What did you get?

Ho, Ho, Ho

Merry Christmas everyone. Santa has come and gone.  Wish you could have been with us but at least you can feel like you were.  Enjoy!


Christmas Morning 2008 from Phillip McCart on Vimeo.

Um...Yeah

Merry Christmas Eve. Apparently my youngest daughter grew up two years overnight.  I don't even know what to do with this.


Rylee from Phillip McCart on Vimeo.

NSM Fun

I was told about an application called Live Type.  I've been messing around with it and Final Cut Express.  What do you think?


NSM LOGO from Phillip McCart on Vimeo. Double click or go here to view.

Milestone

Depending of course on your decision to check in to phillipmccart.com over the holidays, it's very likely that within the next week we'll hit 50,000 visits lifetime.  So I've decided to make it a celebration for both me and you, my faithful blog readers.

 

If you are the lucky person to be hit number 50,000 you'll also be the recipient of a nice little prize.  I'll be deciding and sharing what exactly that prize will be.  So start checking in and remember when you were on the blog because the only way I know to find out who you are is to look at your location and time of visit.  Good luck and Merry Christmas!

Let's Chat

I've been thinking about a quote I heard some time ago.  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

"The thing about potential is, it has an expiration date."

Ready?  Fire!

Reunion

It's official! We have concluded the final NSM service before Christmas and my parents have arrived in Charleston.  It's Christmas.  I'm thankful for all the new friends we've been able to make here at Northwood over the last six months.  I'm also thankful to be spending the holidays with my family.  It's been a couple of years since we've been able to have my parents with us for Christmas.

I must mention my little reunion yesterday.  In high school I was in a program called "United We Stand."  For an hour a day, a team of us would go to our local Middle School and teach fifth graders about the dangers of drug and alcohol use.  This was an opportunity to do something helpful while developing our skills as communicators and teachers.  While in this program I made a great friend in Melissa.  (To be honest with you, at one point I thought I might marry her; tough luck sista, you had your shot! Just kidding Mel)  Well, long story short; she grew up attending Northwood and her mom still attends.  So yesterday I'm going about my typical "supervisory" routine at Shift (Middle School environment) and I turn around to see Melissa. 

There are some people in life that when you have gone a long time without seeing them it takes some time getting back into the relationship.  Not the case for Melissa and I.  I was so glad to see her and introduce her to my daughters and reintroduce her to Anita.  Of course she had her own excitement as she introduced me to her fiance.

All that to say, I'm overwhelmed by all the wonderful things God has done for and around me this year.  Make sure you pause long enough over this season to take inventory of the friends, family and blessings God has place around you.

Thank you for welcoming us so well Northwood; thanks for coming down for Christmas Mom and Dad, and congrats Melissa and Steve.  Merry Christmas everybody!