Weekly Mind Dump 7.03.11 (Independence Day Edition)

• On Wednesday I had a blast teaching some New England pastors/church leaders Bob Franquiz's "21st Century Outreach Strategies Seminar." I love the true grit of people who do ministry up here!
• On Thursday, I checked in with Priceline and got a deal so good for a hotel in Newport that I feel like I violated the 8th Commandment. Thank you, Captain Kirk!
• I had such a blast with my family in Newport -it is probably my favorite place in all New England. And it was definitely  spent with my favorite people! 
• Hearing "Let the Good Times Roll" on the radio this weekend reminded me that nothing says summer is here like the cars! (Except perhaps very high temperatures).
• Today, Nicholas taught a message on the 9th Commandment called "Liar, Liar." (I must be nuts to let a Brit teach on the 4th of July weekend 2 years in a row!)
• I jumped in and served in the elementary class at Calvary Kids today. It was so much fun! I really believe what happens there is just as important as what happens with the adults, and I hope that was communicated to our church today.
• My good friend Jason Berggren and his family came to service and we got to spend the day hanging out with them afterwards. If you haven't read his book you should check it out!
• "The Unknown" didn't get great reviews, but to me Liam and crew delivered an action-packed film that was even better than "Taken."
• While in Newport we visited Trinity Church (pictured) and we saw George Washington's pew (pictured with my kids in it). The tour guide told us that George went to church there for 3 years and then left when he got the word Cornwallis was in VA. So he marched from Rhode Island and the rest is American history.
• And on that note...Happy Independence Day!!!