I drive by the future location for Thrive Church at least 4 times a day.

It is on the road that leads to my house. The location is West Lake Prep Academy in Richmond, TX.  Every time I drive by  -it seems like the perfect place to launch a new, exciting, life-giving church. The only snag is….the building is not finished yet. In fact roof was just put on last week.

Lately, as I see the building I find myself having conversations with God…. they go something like this. Lord, PLEASE finish the building in time for our Feb 8 pre-launch service. Come on God -DO it!!! Now in my mind, I know God is a lot more capable of finishing a building project on schedule than I ever could. ( I struggle to hang pictures in my house – thank God for my wife.) But I find myself asking God to “hurry it up”. One of the tougher parts of faith is trusting God, and slowing down when you want to “speed it up”. To be honest with you – most of the time God extends timelines with me. Why, because he is trying to teach me. Here are some of my latest lessons…

1. Patience is God’s way of refining and developing our dreams. Baby Elmore is due May 19. I want our baby to hang out in my wifes belly for the full nine months. Just like a baby, God’s dreams have to be developed before they are birthed.

2. The inside is more important than the outside. How incredible would Thrive Church be without power.  How about toilets with no running water (ok….let’s pass on that visual). You get my point. Scriptures tell us, God is concerned more about than what’s on the inside. The inside takes time to become. I’m glad God is patient with my process. How about you?

3. Prayer makes my faith GROW.   My talks with God lately have been just what I needed. Numerous times I felt His peace and assurance as I have spilled out my fears and anxiety to Him. Increased communication – develops increased confidence. With God I find, the more you talk, the more you trust.

That’s it – See you Friday for our Second THRIVE Christmas party. Come hang out, eat, find out more about THRIVE and celebrate the season. It starts at 7:30 pm and best of all it’s free and gas is cheap. (I saw it for 1.45 a gallon today – sweet)

How about putting patience on our Christmas list this year…

Tom

I just spent the last two days in Atlanta with 15 guys that are about to take the biggest risk of their lives. They are answering God’s call to plant a NEW CHURCH. Most of them have given up good jobs, with decent salaries and chosen to relocate their families. They have a hand-full of people, a little money and a Big Dream from God. I have heard church planting described as an extreme sport for pastors. After talking with some of my new fellow church planters – I believe it.

Getting to know these 15 guys reminded me that God loves risk takers. Much like a huge fan at NFL game , I like to picture God as one of those guys in the bleachers standing up screaming, “GO! GO! GO!” at the top of his lungs  when we allow our self to get a little uncomfortable. I know for me when I force myself to let go of the things that prop me up, that’s when I really discover how strong God is.

To be honest with you, I am discovering Risking everything is a pretty scary and amazing place to be. Since Jackie and I chose to start Thrive Church I can start to sense my faith becoming more and more vivid. I have asked myself, “Why am I feeling this way?” I think it’s because I am discovering that risking is the essence of FAITH – the essence to LIVING FULLY ALIVE. I think Moses sensed it in the desert. Can you imagine how alive Peter felt when Jesus invited him to start walking on water?

God in His love for us will do whatever it takes to get us to that place. We were never meant to play it safe. We were meant to push the boundaries and radically move the kingdom of God forward. Could it be that was the master plan of the cross – to help us become fully alive?

I hope today you move on that Risk that you have been to to afraid to take. I hope that the things that make you smile – also make you MOVE.

Go risk it all – you might start living.

Tom

Since it is Thanksgiving I thought it only appropriate to remind myself of all the good things that God has placed into my life. Each of these things make me smile, humble me and inspire me to grow.

I hope as you read my list, God reminds you of all the things that would go on yours. Happy Thanksgiving

1. An incredible wife – she is the love of my life and makes my life richer and better.

2. My daughter Molly – yesterday we were praying for THRIVE church to “get off the ground” and she started giggling non-stop. She said “daddy how can are going to lift our new church off the ground” -Needless to say -our prayer time was over and we both shared a uncontrollable laugh moment. Kids remind you of what is truly important.

3. Friends that fight for you – when you have people that stick with you through the good and bad you understand what you really mean to them. I have some amazing people that define the word friendship. I think they would take a bullet for me…maybe just a rubber bullet..OK a paintball!

4. Family -I am looking forward to going to Peoria, IL this Christmas. That’s my hometown and where all my family still lives. I am so proud of them. I wish I was able to see them more. Today I have been thinking about my sister. She is an amazing person and inspires me with her honesty and her ability to “take care” of the ones she loves. She is still teaching me lessons through her consistency Thanks sis!

5. Last but not least ……The Dreams that God has placed in our hearts. 2009 is going to be the “Year of Dreams” for the Elmore’s. We are excited about starting THRIVE CHURCH and having our SECOND CHILD. Just one dream is enough to call it a full year, but God is giving us both. When God puts a dream in our hearts it is up to us to care for it and protect it. Just like a baby He develops it – we have to make sure the environment is right to grow. I am so thankful that God has entrusted Jackie and me with the dream for THRIVE Church and baby Elmore (we don’t know what we are having yet – I’m feeling a Boy).

What are the things that you are Thankful for – the things that make you smile when you think of them? Hold on to them – protect them and remember that all good things come from above….

See you on Dec 5th or 12th for our Big Christmas Party – we are looking forward to catching up.

the best is yet to come….

Tom

Unbelievable
It has been just over two weeks since we publicly shared the dream of THRIVE Church. One the most encouraging phrases I have heard is “I’m all in”. Every time I hear those words my heart pounds a little faster. Why? I know that it’s the beginning of something powerful. I fully believe that unbelievable things happen when people come together and move a kingdom dream forward. It has already changed the way that I shop. I find myself walking through the local Kroger and Walmart thinking to myself “these people are in for the ride of their life”. It puts a smile on my face – I hope yours too.
To all those who have told me this week that you are “ALL IN”, thanks for becoming a part of something bigger than yourself. Someday we will look back at the thousands of changed lives and remember the times we prayed and dreamed about it, while crammed into a living room (on Dec 5th) w/ a bunch of people we didn’t know and we said to God, what if…
Thanks also to those of you who do not live in our area, but are a huge part of helping us launch by your generous donations and your consistent prayers. You are just as much a part of THRIVE Church as those who are privileged enough to live in an area of the country that does not have to wear a jacket in November. Feel free to come visit, just leave your jacket at home.

Tom

PS – We’re only a week and a half away from our first info meeting at my house. Please remember to continue inviting friends and family to join us. Here’s the info:
Dec 5 (adults only) and 12th (all ages)
11110 Lombardia ct
Richmond TX 77406
7:30 pm / cost :free