I sat down to write a blog this morning and realized I’ve got nothing. Nothing at all. This often happens to me after a few days off. I’ve just got a bunch of random things that are bouncing around in my head. So today I give you my random thoughts. Good luck following along.
1) Trying to carve some time out for a relationship I’ve been forming with an unchurched friend. He reached out to me over Thanksgiving and I realize I need some more time with him as God is opening some doors there. So excited to see what happens in his life next.
2) Following the Advent Scripture reading plan with the family. I haven’t been as intentional about pouring into my family spiritually as I should. Time to step it up! Family advent devotionals are a great way to help your family grow spiritually during this season.
3) Just realized my 15 year wedding anniversary is only two weeks away. Might need some help planning this one. Hint, hint. 15 years? Really? You know we got married as teenagers right?
4) In the process of sending out a few galley copies of my next book, “Empty Promises,” to several friends who I’m seeking endorsements from. It’s always nerve racking having friends read through something I’ve been privately working on for so long.
5) Spending a lot of time this week working on our Christmas series at Cross Point entitled “Shine On.” This Sunday is also our kickoff to 12 Days of Serving. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE this time of year? So exciting.
6) I’ve been on a new “healthy eating plan,” 37 years of eating anything in front of me is finally catching up. I’m two weeks in and I’ve honestly never been so obsessed with food in my life. It’s all I think about now. I’m choking the salads down, avoiding pizza and french fries (my personal favs) and trying to slow down my massive carb intake.
7) Spent last night laying in bed thinking about starting a new business. I’ve officially decided I want to start a Christmas tree farm. Laid out the business plan to my boys this morning and they’re all in!! Pretty sure I’m going to grow the Douglas-Fir. Won’t have any trees ready for 5 years so I better get started. If by any chance you own a Christmas tree farm, have ever worked at a Christmas tree farm or know anything about Christmas tree farms I could really use your advice. 
Took my son deer hunting. I know nothing about deer hunting. The deer in Humphreys County have never been more safe.
Randomness isn’t such a bad thing. And we love following the ping-pong thoughts bouncing around in your head. Christmas tree farm? Really? You just never know . . .
Off-subject. I have sooooo many people I want to share yesterday’s message/interview with Matt Hasselbeck. Will it be posted on the CP website? AMAZING interview, Pete.
And nice job on the touchdown. I’m thinking Chris Johnson is pretty nervous about now . . .
Thanks Diane. I think the interview will be posted. Some of the B-Roll will not be in the posted version due to NFL licensing issues.
Real Trees, yeah! I love, love, love real Christmas trees. See if your state has a tree growers association if you haven’t yet. Check with your state extension office, too. Both should have plenty of information to help you get started. Congratulations and Good Luck!
Loved this intentional randomness. This is how my head is all the time.
I’m so excited we will be back to Nash in time for the 12 Days of Serving. We have been attending CP since late July & have not entered in like we have wanted to. What a way to start. Excited.
Thanks for sharing your randomness. And authenticity. PS, we celebrate our 22 anniversary on Dec 22 this year! BAM! 15 was a biggie for us. You better get to planning. She will always remember it.
Looking forward to you guys getting plugged in!!
Pete,
Love the random thoughts – and excited about the new book!
RE: Tree farming…
Not sure about TN law, but up here, you can segregate the acres that have trees growing on them as “land in agricultural use” and pay a real estate tax rate that is only 1 or 2% of residential.
So glad to read that someone else has as seemingly random thoughts as I do while trying to fall asleep.
Side note: if you want some advice on the whole Christmas tree farm thing, my father-in-law owns a landscaping company dabbles a bit in the nursery side of things.
I’m hoping the last few days off will help me regain some focus. The tree farm will be a blast. I owned and operated a Christmas tree farm in WV for 15 years. Its a lot more work than folks think. Melissa and I were looking at farms this weekend and the first thing that always comes to mind for me is where can I plant 15 acres of white pine, scotch and Frazier firs. To me the best part of the tree farm is seeing folks get excited about selecting a tree and the kids running all around and getting excited about the holidays. I suppose the hot humid days in June trimming and shearing, the cold November evenings cutting and wrapping and all the hot humid hours spent mowing are worth it when you see the smiles and families being family( but please note the labor intensive comments…its fun but it is work)
OK Phil we need to get together soon and strategize!!
Often its the random thoughts that people can connect with more easily some days.
Love the Christmas Tree Idea… Can we turn it into a Hallmark-style movie also? I’m in if so.
And if you and the boys need Deer Hunting pointers, give me a buzz. That stuff I know about. I’m from Mississippi, was raised around it, and have access to 85 acres of land with 8 deer hunting plots set up on it.
Hey Chad. Where’s the best location to plant food plots for deer?
Normally you want an open area without and trees ideally about the size of CP’s Nashville Campus sanctuary, but can vary in size. Just a place that can accommodate deer that pass through without many trees to get in the way of arrows/bullets/lances/grenades. We would plant Rye Grass. Its a winter grass that grows in the fall and gives deer a reason to lounge there for a bit. If you decide to dress your own deer, grab me at church, I’ll walk you through that one there instead of upsetting people on the blog.
I can help with #3 – I’ll babysit
except for the week of the 11th -17th I’ll be gone on a cruise … Now, that is a GREAT anniversary idea … you and Brandi could just join us on the Cruise – 7 days it goes to Honduras, Belize, Cayman Islands, and Cozumel 
but seriously on the babysitting – I’m in!
This is one of my favorite posts ever!
I can’t wait to hear what you plan for your wedding anniversary and I LOVE the idea of you and your boys farming Christmas trees!
I’m with you on the food eating. But I don’t think I can give up french fries. Maybe chips instead – which is another huge weakness for me. It’s cold where I live, so I have a hard time eating salads in the winter. What other healthier fare are you eating?
Brandi just told me today she can’t eat a salad when it’s cold? What? Really? What does cold have to do with not eating salad? You guys are crazy.
Where I grew up in Oregon was basically Christmas trees as far as the eye could see. A friend from high school and her family started their own farm and really enjoyed it!
Congrats on the 15 years, Pete. I’m looking forward to reading Empty Promises when it’s released.
What a great post! So much reassurance thtat there are other people around who have a problem composing one constant thought into something worth sharing. This gives me hope.
I am having to find ways to carve out time for relationships as well. What a great opporutnity God is presenting and a great example you can be to your boys in how to reach the unchurched intentionally. And I suspect as the second one is followed (carving out time to be more intentional with your family) you will find that your desire for the first one will grow as well.
Food is also my obsession. If you ever come up with a way to defeat it, let me know, please.
I’ve got nothing on the Christmas tree thing but my husband is an avid deer hunter and I am sure I could convince to come be a guide for your kids.
Sadly though, the elk and deer he has been hunting of recent years are also very safe.
Good to know I’m not alone.
My husband and I are Jett’s teachers in Kidzworld and they (Jett and my husband) have been talking a lot about deer hunting! My husband loves to hunt and Jett has been so excited about going hunting with you. Even though you didn’t see any deer I hope you both at least had a good time!
We might need him to come along with us.
Christmas encourages randomness. Look at the nativity story. It’s all over the place. I’m trying to picture December in Nashville re: the Christmas tree farm, the deer hunting…and the wedding!! Congrats.
Here in Canada, we’ve seen a number of Christmas tree farms go to ruin because the owners weren’t diligent about doing the necessary trimming in the heat of July. Everybody we talk to says that’s the key. Here it takes seven years to get something worth selling.
As for topic # 3, I think Brandi would love it if you gave her what you expressed in topic # 2.
I love the randomness. It lets us see the real you and that is priceless. Thanks for sharing!
I have a question though… What advent devotions are you following? I’m already a day behind, but I would really love to have a good one to do.
Blessings!
Cathy
I just received a new copy of The Voice translation from Thomas Nelson. In the front they have an Advent reading plan we’re following.
Thanks. After I posted that I googled “Advent reading plans” and found a couple. I’ll also check in my study Bibles and see if there are any. I was raised Baptist so Lent and Advent were never discussed much. Now that I’m older I find myself wanting a little more liturgy. I like having the journey to the cradle and the journey to the cross in the forefront of my mind so I don’t lose focus on Jesus in the midst of all of the chaos that seems to reign during the holiday seasons.
Love the random. I put myself on the Daniel Fast today so I’m also wishing I had a pizza about now. I ate a black and white bean soup and it was edible but not something I’ll make again.
So excited about the new book!
1. Keep us updated on the relationship with your unchurched friend. We could all learn how to better prepare ourselves for similar relationships.
3. 15 year anniversary: Traditional-crystal Modern-watch. Neither one gets my motor running, but a thoughtful and unique date night beats any bought gift.
6. Healthy eating- Overrated!
7. Tree Farm- Sign me up. I’m willing to volunteer for free if you can figure out a way for me to bottle and savor the scent of pine. Mmmm…Love it! I also have a fascination with trees. Every Fall I want to give up my career to buy an apple orchard. Have you been to Cumberland Caverns? Just before reaching it, you can turn off on a gravel road and find a beautiful piece of property. It is covered in different types of trees for sale. It’s fantastic!
Never been to Cumberland Canverns. I really need to check it out.
Thankful for your heart and encouragement! I have much I could say, but I just want to thank your sharing your heart and wisdom. As a new church planter, I am most grateful!
Random, indeed.
Hearing this was the highlight of my day: Hebrews Chapter 12.
(Not a “juke”, Just sayin.)
Congratulations on the 15 years of marriage.
My wife and I celebrate our 15 year anniversary as well on December 7 this year which is very exciting!
I love this time of year as well. I pray that the sermon series goes well for you and your church.
My husband and I also have an anniversary in just a couple weeks – what a special time of year!
Two years ago we started giving gifts based on the traditional anniversary gift list (15th is crystal). We always try to get creative with it and really think outside the box. Hopefully that helps you decide what to get!
And on the topic of healthy eating, check out the paleo diet and the cookbook “The Primal Blueprint Cookbook.”
Good luck!