Weekend Recap/ All for His Glory

This has definitely been one of the longest weeks of the year so far, but also one of the most fulfilling. I've had the awesome priveledge of being able to go serve at the St.Amant / Spanish campus for the past month or so at 8:00 in the morning on Sunday's. Then I head over to Highland for 10:00 and 12:00 service. It was an awesome morning b/c the St.Amant service was completly packed and we had to create new parking spots for all the people coming in, it's so awesome to se the people hungry for God. Then after heading over to Highland I got assigned to drive the Limo Golf cart. Now I have to say I love driving that thing b/c the conversations even though short and sometimes really funny bring such a joy, but this particular morning was around 50 degrees and I was freezing. Yes I was thinking about Hot Chocolate and fuzzy mittens to stay warm, it was great. But the best part was I when I was getting ready to head in and I noticed a car with flashing light's on (first time guest)driving into the lot, and as I saw her it almost slipped my mind about the sign we have at the front of the road first time guest use flashers. Now when I remembered I drove the limo up to the car and noticed a little old lady driving, the first thing I thought was I hope my big ugly face dosent scare her off haha. But it was great because she followed me to the back of the lot jumped in the cart and told me she had never been to the church before. What an experience to know that God would bring this lady to Church on a sunday morning and have her ride with a big Goofy kid like me, very humbling experience. As I parked the cart b/t services I looked back at the new Sanctuary and remembered thatis what it is all about. Those that are not yet here. The ones that are still to come, and the one that God is waiting to respond. It's all for his Glory, nothing more, just Jesus. That is what move's me, I want to be the person that no matter how cold no matter how far no matter what the cost I'll do it all for Jesus. If I'm not doing it for him than I'm doing it in vien. Then this morning Natalie came and shared her testimony at Denham Springs jr.High, God really moved and touched hearts. With all the things going on it really boils down to doing it all for Jesus. No matter if we are speaking or scrubbing toilets, it's all for him. There are so many reasons why we find other things to put our efforts and work into, but the diffrence between the temporary and the eternal is simple, it's a choice. I want to continually choose him.

St.Amant / Spanish Campus

Me freezing driving the Limo cart.

The new Campus/ HPC ARENA

Natalie preaching up a storm, she leaves for Africa this upcoming week keep her in your prayers, and check out her Blog at http://nataliespera.com

The House Of Christ

What's your first thought when you think of a house, or your own home, what is the first thing that comes to mind. I know for me it's whats inside, the tv, kitchen, how much food is in the fridge, cleanup that must be done, or just getting to sit on the couch. It's a funny thought but a very unique one when you think of the poverty of the inner city. This weekend we had our student Ministries leaders retreat at our new dream center in downtown BR, and God really showed up and did an awesome work. There was a thought in my head about being the house, and what kind of house will I be. Will I be a house that has open doors our will my doors be shut. Alot of times in inner city work it's hard to see the results of all the hours you have invested into people. But as I was mediating on what God wanted to do this weekend he just spoke to me something very simple, son what kind of House are you going to be. I want to be a house that when people come in they are comforted, the rooms are inviting and the food they will be given(my words) will be food of life. The host will be a great listener and the guest can relax in the comfort of what will hopefully be his own home as well. I want the doors of this home to be open, where people can see straight through the house and say nothing is hidden and I know that it is real and genuine. Paul talked in the New Testament about leaders, and how leaders should open their homes to those who cant repay you, invite those who dont have the things you have and are far less fortunate than yourselves. Because you rewards wont be physical rewards but rewards that are in Heaven. As I thought about this in my heart I said, I dont just want my physical home to be open to others but I want my life to be open to others as well. This temple, were God dwells should be an open home to others. People should be able to come and relax in this house, and feel comforted because it's my personal life that should be a home for others to rest in, this is the calling that God has given us(OTHERS). My heart is that our personal lives will be homes for others to dwell in that the may experience the heart of Jesus. And know him because of his presence in our house, his temple. Let our doors be open and our homes be warm, because their are so many people that have neither physical nor spiritual homes to dwell in Christ. And they are longing for a place to find true rest, true peace, and true Love. The Love of Christ.

Guess what the Stork dropped in!

Our New Baby Girl, thats right Heather and me just got a new puppy. Now here's the story, my favorite dog in the whole world is a Boxer and for the last few weeks I have been looking to get a puppy for our new home when we get married, and ever time I would find one something would fall through. I have been pretty upset about it because I have been thinking about this for about a year, well Heather's favorite Dog is an Alaskan Husky and guess what? Yep, you got it! Last night after Refuge youth service Elton one of the guys in the band, his mom has one. Their dog just had puppies and she was giving them away for FREE!(HUSKIES USUALLY COST WELL ABOVE $600) Well Heather gave me the sad face and pretty eyes and I gave in, but that still does not mean I'm not getting my boxer. So I have decided to open up a Charity called,The Barton Pickens needs a Boxer really really bad foundation. It may seem funny but I'm beyond desperate, so if anyone would like to donate or drop some info on where I can get a pupp I would greatly appreciate it, until then please help us name her and send in some diffrent names to help us name her.

Yeah Man! And Africa Missions Night

Every Sunday Night we have Missions class at the Annex,and this particular night was a very special night to me focused on two Things. The first is Africa,and the Second is a very dear friend of mine Natalie Speara (AKA Yeah Man)! You can check out Natalie at nataliespera.com . Natalie is Heading to Africa for 1 year on Febuary 7th, she will serve as the first ever HPC Elevate intern Missionary. But last year Natalie and me served together in Elevate and also went to Africa together and throughout our time together she became a sister to me. She has one of the most amazing testimonies I have ever herd, and is using that story to share the love of Jesus to all the world. Last night Natalie got to share her heart for Africa and tell about her excitement in the upcoming trip. As the night went on we all gathered around Natalie and the Roger's family and prayed for them, and then we had a party with some cake and pizza. Natalie has truly become an inspiration to so many with her amazing Joy, enthuasim for life, and Love for Jesus. Nat will be in Swaziland for about 3 months before we head out in May and meet up with her for the Church launch. Also in in the picture is Dave and Jean Ohlerking the founders of Childrenscup.org . Childrens Cup take's care of over 7000 orphans throughout the southern half of Africa. All of the care points feed these children and provide medical and schooling needs. Without Dave and Jean I would never have been able to have been able to go to Africa. They have blessed my life so much and have dedicated their live's for the cause of Christ through the Mission field and HPC.

Natalie and Me

Dave and Jean Ohlerking

Is there Still Hope?

Quote: Patience is the Weapon that will force deception to Reveal itself.

A couple of days ago I had a class with Lee Domingue, he is one of the great business men of Louisiana and an awesome servant at HPC. He was teaching on patience and the role of Kings in the Minister's life, and the role of Minister's in the Kings life. As he was teaching he said that quote and it really forced me back into the past of regret, shame, and purpose. Your probably wondering what I'm talking about and what do I mean so let me explain. Have you even been put in a situation where allot was put on you and throughout time and circumstances what was in you was pushed out and you exposed, revealed to the world to be lesser than you and those around you thought you were. It was honestly a HEART BREAKING MOMENT, reminding me of what things I have done and how much it set me back. Do I live a life destined for what my dreams were and heart craved or am I know funneled for simple and desolate because of my choices. No matter what others around you say to you to encourage you there is always that inner battle with yourself to feel and believe what God already feels about you. The smiles always come off and the desperation for love is left sitting on the floor or desolation. The skin is pealed back and the S is torn from your chest. Was what I once thought about myself just concealed until the smoke cleared and the bullets stopped flying or does God have a greater plan that I cannot see yet. All I know is By Grace through faith we have been saved not by our works lest any man should boast, this keeps me hoping and believing, trusting in Him. Letting my my own Heart believe that even though man judges the outward appearance God judges the Heart. I have failed so many times and I am so very Human but one thing remains HE IS LORD and he is Sovereign, I believe in all of us the is great destiny the only thing preventing that is us not believing in ourselves what God already does. And what Christ has already made a way for.

Poor Ole Rusty

Well I have to say I like a little humor every now and then, and Poor ole Rusty just happened to be on this weeks list. Thanks to my little sis Gabbi I found this halarious clip on youtube. Let's just say little rusty needs some well needed sleep and a good helmet incase he dosent land on the grass next time. Sweet Dreams Rus

3rd year 6th and Final Elevate Retreat

Just a quick recap of the weekend. It's my third and final year of Elevate (and man thats a crazy thought)and my 6th and final Elevate retreat. It was by far the best one with alot of crazy dances and some ho-down songs it was a blast. And I have to say I spent alot of time with Pastor Mike Ferris what a man of God, and what a great teacher. But it was an awesome day at the barn with a little food fight and banjo's playing all over the place, it was a great way to end the semester and start the new year. By the way what was up with all the goats walking around I have to say only in St.Frannie.

Prayer, Fasting, Sacrifice,New Year

One of the things I Love the Most is early morning prayer. This year the Church is starting off with a couple weeks of morning prayer at 6:00 am at the Highland Campus. It for me is just a great time to have some uninterupted time with God,talking and just listening to his voice. It is always a great way to start off the day early in the morning putting him first and letting him prepare you for the things that lie ahead. I had to open the doors this morning so I wanted to get there before everyone else just to get some personal quiet time, but the one thing that I always think about when I get to the church early is the stillness and quiet, to me it's like God is waiting on me and anxious for me to just rest in his arms. I love the peace of God, when you in his house there is just something sacred about that. I know he lives in the believers heart but there is always something special to me about setting yourself aside to be were he is lifted up I dont know just a little thought I guess. But this morning I was thinking about my trip to the WWII Museaum that we went to a couple of days ago, and God just really laid on my heart sacrifice for the new year. I was in the Marine Corp and while walking thru that season of my life again I couldent help but think about all the great men who sacrificed for this country, but as I thought about how I was apart of those men God just laid on my heart how much of an Honor it was to be apart of all the great men who have sacrificed so much even up to death their live's for the Gospel. It is truly an Honor and so Humbling to me to even be put into catagory just because Im a believer with the great men and women of the Gospel.They have sacrificed so much for the cause. Jesus you are so awesome. It truly is a priveledge, it just reminds me how much more we should sacrifice for the eternal than the temperol. He is truly worthy, and I hope we never forget how much of an Honor we have been given to serve him, Let us Sacrifice for that Honor.

The New Campus as the sun rises over the top.

The sanctuary early in the morning.

An american Flag recovered from a battle in WWII.

It's Official I'm going back to Africa

It's official Im going back to Africa, we just found out today about our Mission's trip and where the 3 teams will be going in May. We have one team going to India, one team going to Mozambique, and I'm heading to Swaziland and I cant say enough how excited I am. My last trip to Africa I was apart of an amazing team and we had the awesome priveledge of launching HPC Mozambique with Isaac and Carol Williams, this time we will also have another awesome opportunity to launch HPC Swaziland it is truly an amazing priveledge, and the leaders for Swaziland are Ben and Susan Rogers an amazing family that have truly given it all for Christ, what awesome people. So as we get ready for the trip please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, we are all so excited and we know that there will be a huge impact for the Kingdom made. I do have to say that it truly is an amazing priveledge to serve and share the Gospel with such incrediable people all the way across the world, what a thought, what a blessing!




KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND

Flag of Swaziland
Three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue; the red band is edged in yellow; centered in the red band is a large black and white shield covering two spears and a staff decorated with feather tassels, all placed horizontally.


Autonomy for the Swazis of southern Africa was guaranteed by the British in the late 19th century; independence was granted in 1968. Student and labor unrest during the 1990s pressured the monarchy (one of the oldest on the continent) to grudgingly allow political reform and greater democracy. Swaziland recently surpassed Botswana as the country with the world's highest known rates of HIV/AIDS infection. - CIA World Factbook.

2nd Annual Cracker Barrel/ And Kenya

Food and Stuffing my face is one of my favorite combinations of the Holidays,especially when it involves Cracker Barrel. Every year the first day of the year we always go to CB and eat breakfast with Heathers family. It was pretty funny this year because all the kids were there and that always means a game of Checkers and some messy faces. Now I'm pretty competitive so I held nothing back on Caleb when it came to Checkers, I know that sounds bad but how often do you get to make all of your pieces kings. Anyways I thought the frame by frame shot of Kelsey eating would give a good indication of how great the food was, and how hard it is to get syrup of your fingers.










Pray For Kenya and the people there, recently after the elections a riot burned down villages, Churches, and killed over 120 people in those Churches and Villages and the govt fears the violence will only increase.