I don’t care what Justin says, you can’t convince me Van Halen is dated! Other than that, assistant pastor Justin McCarty and the whole worship and arts crew at QCC hit it out of the part this weekend. Here were Justin’s thoughts:

Anticipation for My Generation hit an all-time high this past weekend as we finally covered the music genre that swept the voting process: The 80s! And it wasn’t enough to just play the music — I saw more leg warmers, neon, and acid washed jeans than I have in…well, decades! I really loved this weekend — it was certainly one of my favorites to teach. Here are some ringing thoughts…

1. From the initial gong of “Beat It” — it was on! The Quest Band did a fantastic job of covering the 80s hits by Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, and Huey Lewis & The News. Anyerin Drury again stretches the limits of what should be possible for one person: playing the Van Halen guitar solo from “Beat It” and singing the insanely high notes of “Livin’ On A Prayer” — wow!!

2. Shocker of the Week: In “Back to The Future”, Marty McFly went back in time 30 years from 1985 to 1955 and it felt like a whole different century. If he hopped in the DeLorean today and went back 30 years, it would be June 1980. A 2010 high school senior would feel just as out of place in 1980 as Marty did in 1955! Doesn’t that make you feel old??

3. The 80s were my childhood – the years when my life’s foundation was being set. Do you remember what building materials you used early in life to build a sense of identity around? Isn’t it crazy that a 10 year-old’s decisions solidify like concrete, forming the foundation that we live on for the rest of our lives?

4. Jesus’ words from Matthew 7:24-27, about the importance of what foundation we choose to build our lives on, remain timeless – no matter what generation you’re from. And just because your “house” isn’t crashing down, don’t be fooled. Your current state isn’t necessarily a measure of the solidity of your foundation.

5. Crashes do happen all of a sudden, but they don’t just suddenly happen to you. There are always warning signs… the slow leaks in our foundation are always indicators of big problems if we don’t act on them.

6. After putting off dealing with our house’s foundation issues for almost a year, I found out from a Master Builder that the problems weren’t impossible to deal with. “We can do this!” Is there an area of your life where you could you stand to hear the good news from Jesus that “We can do this!”? Let Him at your foundation now — it could save you a big crash later!

7. One of the simple building materials that Jesus uses to rebuild our foundation is Truth. The truth of God’s Word is like rebar for our lives. It’s unchanging & solid – exactly what our hearts need. But God’s Word only becomes our foundation as we act on it. Are you putting into practice what you hear?

8. The second building material Jesus uses is Love. His unconditional, unchanging Love is like concrete, pouring over the Truth and providing a strong, steady foundation for our hearts.

9.  Foundational issues are usually the evidence of where the love of God has been missing. So don’t avoid the slow leaks – they are indicating where you most need the love of God. The more you deny it, ignore it, or cover it up – you’re protecting yourself from the Love of God. Jesus has a cement mixer of love waiting on standby, but we have to pick to receive it – and that comes by giving Him access to the cracked, leaking places in our life.

10. God loves us so much that He will put some of the amazing plans & dreams He has for our lives on hold until our foundation is solid and secure. Take this summer to investigate the “leaky areas” of your life and let Jesus at them. He’s eager to rebuild your foundation with Truth and Love so that He can build the magnificent life He planned for you on top of it.

A few random thoughts from vacation…

1. Lovin’ vacation w/my family…loads of time together (too much of it spent cooped up inside for this crew, but the weather’s been cooperating more the last few days. YES!).

2. There’s NOTHING that fuels me like spending time w/my boys. Carson is an unbelievable six-year-old (who weighs twice as much when that magic afro gets wet.) And Corey is just one of my favorite people on the planet. I think our Dad feels the same way about us.

3. Carson’s trying to sleep all he can on this vacation. (At least in theory.) His mom told him you grow when you sleep. Now THAT’s a great vacation plan!

4. Praying for my assistant as she recovers from surgery. (You’re doing great, Dani! So proud of you.)

5. We’ve been having a blast remembering what God’s done over the last year and thanking God for you, Quest Community Church. You really are the best church on the PLANET!

6. PUMPED about Questapalooza’s 5 Year Anniversary bands – Switchfoot, Newsboys & Group 1 Crew. Very cool!

7. Looking around at this great vacation spot & remembering the reality that this world is not our home. I’m not gonna invest in fixing up this condo for the few days I’m here. I’ll just enjoy it and take care of it. I wanna live my life the same way…with the perspective of the real world to come always at the front of my heart & mind.

8. Praying for my friend, Perry Noble today on his birthday. Thanks for living a barbaric life for Christ…the best is yet to come!

9. I LOVE what God is giving me in these unplugged days. Seriously…you can’t WAIT for what’s He’s got in store. Wherever you are…GET TO JESUS. He’s got great stuff for you, too!

10. A thought for leaders…you’re leading ALL THE TIME. Vacation is no exception. We don’t take a vacation from a call of God on our lives. We’re just leading in a different setting (& people are following wherever you are!) so go for it.

Alright…gotta go toss some kids in the pool. I’m out!

p.s. Aren’t you lovin’ My Generation? Take this week’s SURVEY. “What genre from My Generation best describes your life?“

So sorry I had to miss country music onstage at Quest this weekend. (Can’t imagine how my vacation got scheduled for this week!) My great friend Helen Musick, QCC’s Transformation Pastor, was up teaching this weekend and hit it out of the park. Here’s her take on the weekend:

* No Horsing Around… I really did ride a horse in on stage!  What a way to welcome everyone to “My Generation: Country!”

* Is line dancing allowed in church? It was this weekend…and to the Kentucky favorite, “Achy Breaky Heart.” I love my church!

* An announcement worth waiting for! Questapalooza 2010 line up was announced and the cheers from everyone gave me a glimpse of the cheers we will hear in just a little over 3 months as Group One Crew, Newsboys AND Switchfoot take the stage on September 5!

* Dressing up country was more fun than I thought! Cowgirl boots, big belt buckles and blue jean jacket… most fun outfit I’ve worn on stage, for sure! [And BTW... I'm glad I had a picture to prove that Pete really does love country. Pete you outdid yourself this weekend!]

* Truths that rang out from Psalm 139… I’ve probably read Psalm 139 more than any other Psalm and I never get tired of the truth that God really knows me. Here are some ringing lines that are worth taking note of and banking your life on:

- He cares about me. Hearing 100′s of people say it out loud gave me hope that it will be more then words but a daily reality in our lives.

- He gets you and we all want to be gotten. He not only knows me but He “gets” me.  He understands the way my needs, my struggles, my longings and my dreams.

- What you care about, you know about. It’s amazing to read over and over in this Psalm that He knows everything about me.  There’s a comfort that comes in my heart to realize I’m that important to God. You’re that important to Him too.

- Are you traveling too far from home? “He sees me when I travel.” Interesting thing about traveling: sometimes we can find ourselves in places we were never meant to be. It’s important at those times to remember who we are and Whose we are.

- You want the truth that “He cares about me” to become a reality. I think lots of us might “know” He cares but do we really experience His care?

- “I can take care of that for you.” Yes, He cares about me but I get to choose if I let Him care FOR me. Everyday, every situation, He is saying, “I can take care of that for you.” Nothing is too small or mundane in your life. You mean that much to Him.

We got to announce the 5 Year Anniversary bands for Questapalooza this weekend, and this party for the region is gonna blow you away. Make plans now to be here to see Switchfoot, Newsboys & Group 1 Crew this Labor Day! Tickets go on sale July 4th! (You’ll love the new lower ticket prices, too!)

BTW – Over the last few years, 100s of leaders have been developed through fall projects like this one, 1000s of volunteers have gotten into the game, and more than 1,000 people have come to Christ at this little party for the region…WOW!!! Leaders, when God gives you an idea, pay ATTENTION! Take notice…and take action!

God tells us over and over again to REMEMBER. And as I spend great time with my family over vacation, I can’t get away from what happened just over a year ago this week.

In a moment that felt like time out of time on June 13, 2009…THOUSANDS of you ran home! I’ll never forget seeing you rise to your feet that day…and then raise your hands to ask Jesus into your hearts.

It was like the whole side of the hill moved that evening at Ichthus as thousands of you responded to God knocking on the door of your heart. And just moments later, you ran into His arms.

It really happened, friends. You laid down your spiritual resume, your pride and your fear, and you just ran to Him. And everyone who runs to Him makes it! I’ve prayed so many prayers for you over the last year, and today I remember with you the great work of God in your life. You took His breath away last June…and you’ve taken His breath away every day since. He’s got great things in store!

Happy Spiritual Birthday, friends. You are trophies of His grace!

As I headed out for vacation with my family this week, I loved tossing the ball to Assistant Pastor Justin McCarty and the QCC Band to kick us off for My Generation. What a weekend! Here are Justin’s reflections on a week that really hit home:

Summer is officially here! And at Quest this year, that means My Generation! I’m so grateful to Pete for letting me launch this unbelievably fun series with “Rock.” If you weren’t there this past weekend — I’m just sorry! We had a blast and I invite you to make sure you catch every week you can during “My Generation” this summer. Here were some highlights from this past week…

1. Quest Band — you guys rocked the house! When we call a weekend, “Rock,” we mean it! From “We Will Rock You” to “Enter Sandman” to “Vertigo” — it was a breathtaking medley of rock music that we easily could have charged a cover for! Thanks for the way you honor God with your talents and have so much fun at the same time.

2. Anyerin Drury – who are you?? I couldn’t believe the musical feats our Worship Director is capable of! Sounding just like Freddie Mercury (of Queen), singing exactly like Bon Scott or Brian Johnson (from AC/DC — which I wasn’t sure was possible!), or wailing like Slash on a GNR solo — it was unbelievable. I’m so thankful God brought you to Quest! You are an invaluable gift to our lives and I love watching how you bring the best out of our musicians.

3. I had so many fun conversations with people after the services who were surprised and delighted that we covered some of their favorite rock songs. It’s amazing the way that Jesus can use these familiar pieces of our culture to open up doors to people’s hearts. (By the way, if you want to see Audioslave, AC/DC, Metallica, Guns & Roses, Kings of Leon, P.O.D. and U2 blended together into 8 minutes — check this out: www.questcommunity.com)

4. Thanks to Michael, Chris, and Matt — members of the Quest Band — who shared their story of how God has transformed music from a self-centered pursuit into an avenue of worship. Thanks for giving us a “behind the music” glimpse of your heart as you stand on stage and lead us in worship. (And congratulations to all 3 of you on recent spiritual birthdays! One year, 2 years & 5 years of knowing Christ — you are transformed men!)
5. It felt like we picked up right where our previous series, “Making The Most of What You’ve Got,” left off, with Pastor Pete’s question: Have you ever had the thought that you were here for a larger purpose… that your life was meant for something more? I loved that we got to dive deeper into some of the territory Pete covered in his great sermon last week.

6. Walking through King Saul’s life in 1 Samuel was eye-opening for so many people. Here was a guy who had it all — a full-on Hebrew rock star to the people of Israel — who ended up detouring the plans & purposes of God for his life. “Experience is the best teacher, but it doesn’t have to be your experience.” (Rick Warren)

7. Whether you’re King Saul or a world famous rock star, no one can live out God’s dreams for their lives if they’ve taken the two major detours we discussed: Detour #1 — The Crowd (living for the approval, admiration or affirmation of others) or Detour #2 — Self (living like “it’s all about me” in big or small ways).

8. Perhaps my favorite moment of the entire weekend was getting to look people in the eye and tell them: God is a fan of your life! You were never meant to perform for a crowd, you were made to live before an Audience of One. It’s an amazing reality that the God of the Universe looks at my life & your life and He already likes what He sees — no performance required!

9. The picture of Saul ending up with only tattered pieces of the plan of God for His life was an unforgettable picture that provoked us to wrestle with the question: What are you clinging to that’s keeping you from the plans of God for your life? God won’t force His plan on us if we’ve already got our hands full. The picture of God moving on and handing Saul’s plan to David was a sad reminder that a series of small, self-hyphenated choices can keep you permanently detoured from God’s plan for your life.

10. Saul’s replacement, David, was an ordinary guy who stepped into the dreams God had for him and lived a life that echoes in eternity. I’m so encouraged by the reality that God can create a “David-heart” in us — a heart that loves doing what God has called us to do.

P.S. Anticipation is running high for the second week of “My Generation” where all of us will see a Quest Community Church first: a weekend that will only feature Country music! You don’t want to miss this!

Didn’t you LOVE the kick-off of My Generation?? (If you missed the end of the 11:30…I’m sorry. Not even sure how that’s humanly possible, Ani! Un-freaking-believable!) One thing Justin said yesterday that stood out…God is your BIGGEST FAN.

He’s your biggest fan for your growth, your family, your marriage, your recovery…your heart. Whether you’re advancing or falling behind, He’s there cheering you on. And He’s so proud of you.

I’m watchin’ my kids playing hard this summer…and whether it’s a belly flop or a perfect dive, I’m taking pictures, laughing hard and throwing them back in the pool every chance I get. No one brings me more joy than those two. I love cheering them on!

That’s a great picture of you with your Dad…He’s head over heels for you. Dive into His love this summer. You’ll never get to the end of it!

After four weeks of Making the Most of What You’ve Got, I’m so PUMPED to see you really going for it, Questers. You’re trusting God with your resources and taking your next steps toward financial freedom…and I’m so proud of you!

When you trust God with our money,you’re really trusting Him. And His is ALWAYS trustworthy. He will not drop you or forget you. He gave you His BOY…He’s not going to withhold from you now.

Tonight at Celebration I was thrilled to announce some amazing numbers that might encourage you as you remember you really are part of The Power of Everybody. As we all dive into our next steps of financial freedom…

• 80 new families are joining the Imagine2 Journey!

• 266 new households are trusting God in the Three Month Tithe Challenge!

• And…256 people are finding financial freedom at Financial Peace University!

Do you have ANY idea what kind of freedom you’re opening the door to Questers? If we commit to this together, cheer each other on and trust God with our resources…there’s no limit on what He can do in us and through us! The watching world won’t have any idea what to do with such a radically generous community.

I’ve seen Him be so faithful in this area of my life, friends. Go for it! Trust Him with all you’ve got and let Him lead you. He’ll be so FAITHFUL.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give Him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. - Proverbs 3:5-10 MSG

Cheering you on and praying for you! I can’t WAIT to hear what God does in your lives.

p.s. If you missed part of this series…dive in NOW!  Watch online here.

Wow! What a way to wrap up this series…here’s a little of what I saw this weekend:

1. Reflecting on the Power of Everybody through Imagine² and looking out and seeing your faces was enough to make me lose it. Do you understand that YOU are the reason we sacrifice and give to God through Imagine²? You are the desire of God’s heart and we were determined that there would be room for you to hear that great news for yourself. To all of you who’ve come over the last two years…you are so welcome here.

2. The lie of the ladder was exposed this weekend. Climbing the ladder of success will never give you what it promises. You’ve seen the truth…now it’s up to you what you do with it. Will you keep climbing, trying to reach things will never satisfy you? Or will you say no to being defined by your stuff?  Jesus says you are already invaluable and you can choose to believe Him!

3. So proud of hundreds of families who’ve stepped into the Tithe Challenge for the next three months! You won’t believe what this is going to open up in your lives, friends. When you step out in faith trusting God to be true to His word, He can’t WAIT to prove Himself to you. (Mal. 3:10)

4. Did you hear that list again of things God could unleash through QCC if we were just faithful to return His tithe to Him? The reality of what God could unleash through us if we are just faithful blows my mind and makes it hard to sleep at night. 1 John 3:17 is hard to get away from…

If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.

5. Love that reflects the heart of God is selfless and sacrificial. I was thrilled to announce our upcoming mission trips to Haiti! So many of you have been begging for this opportunity to serve since the earthquake hit in January. Start praying now about going!

6. I loved the spontaneous applause in every worship experience when we announced that we just doubled our international staff in India. Every single dollar you give, Questers is spent reaching people for Christ here and around the world. What an incredible investment!

7. This world is not our home. You really are made for more…and this isn’t it. Your most priceless possessions will all rust and fade away. But Jesus went to prepare a place for you…and it’s gonna blow your mind! You really don’t have to store up STUFF here. He’s got so much more than you could ask or imagine waiting for His kids in eternity!

8. Christians ought to be the most generous people on planet earth. God has been SO generous with us, how can we be anything but?? You have no idea what the watching world thinks when Christians are stingy. It breaks my heart and makes me angry. How will they ever discover the God who loves them and gave EVERYTHING for them if Christians walk around stingy?

9. I hope you wrote this down…“If you’re not trusting God with your money…you’re not trusting God.” It’s a defining reality that can help you know where you really are with Him. If you can’t trust Him in the smallest area like money, how will you ever trust Him with your heart?

10. Seeing thousands of us over the weekend pour into the aisles to give back to God was incredible! What an incredible picture of The Power of Everybody! For those of you who’ve found your way to Quest since we opened this new building for you…Welcome to the Imagine2 Journey! Sacrificing for people who will come behind you will rock your worlds and change the face of eternity. I’m so very proud of you, Questers. There’s no church on the planet that I’d rather serve.

A few thoughts on a Friday afternoon…

1. As we head into the weekend, my head and my heart are still spinning over the miracles of life transformation we witnessed Wednesday night at Baptism! If you missed the video clip of the conclusion…watch it here.

2. My kids are so PUMPED to be out of school for the summer. It’s like a whole new blank page out in front of them. You never know what might happen! (I’m feeling the same way…are you?)

3. My sermon for this weekend has me flipping out over what God’s entrusted to us, Questers. I can’t WAIT to bring it!

4. We’re wrapping up Making the Most of What You’ve Got this weekend offering new Questers the chance to participate in the miracle of Imagine2. I hope you’ve had an amazing time listening to God about the part He has for you to play. You won’t believe what He does in your heart as you partner with Him to reach the world!

5. Praying for hundreds of Questers considering taking the Three Month Tithe Challenge this summer. Come ready this weekend to test God and let Him prove Himself to you. That’s an adventure you don’t want to miss!