Speechless About Life

Posted: March 29, 2012 in Celebration Church, Encouragement, My Life
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Where do I start ? As you can tell by the title of this post….I am a little speechless at the moment. Here I sit thinking about how God has brought me and my family all the way out here to Central Texas. It hit me pretty hard today. To the point where I had to just sit in silence praising God for all HE has done in me and through me these past almost 6 years since being here. Specifically these past few months. Each and every time someone asks me what brought me to Texas I have to take a moment and reflect on God before I open my mouth and share our story. Because once I start sharing I can’t stop. His goodness is all over the story of the DeLaRosby clan coming to Texas. And if you are anything like me when we speak of God’s goodness it just floods out like a fire hydrant being broken open.

I would have never imagined being part of a church (Celebration Church) of this magnitude. When I use the word magnitude I am not necessarily talking about the size of the church, although it is large, but the IMPACT and INFLUENCE. I had to pinch myself today as I sat here in my office at the Northwest Campus watching the All Access Conference online. I realized once again that I am part of something bigger than myself. I am sitting under the leadership of some of the greatest pastors this world will see – Joe and Lori Champion. Not only am I under the leadership and on staff at a church that God gave them the vision for almost 12 years ago to be in Austin but also part of a group of people who is literally changing the temperature of cities all across the United States through ARC-Association of Related Churches for the glory of God. Seriously. I am beyond honored to play my part with my giving financially,giving of my time and talents to the local church to see God’s love be shown to those who need it most.

And finally. The four simple words in the picture above. CONNECT WITH YOUR DESTINY. People from all over the country have come to Celebration Church and simply put – CONNECTED with THEIR DESTINY. Many have planted churches,started business,came on staff(like myself) or simply CONNECTED with God. My story is simple and is still being written by God. I came to Texas by faith. A word from God. Believing I was supposed to be here for “such a time as this”.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

I LOVE Ephesians 3:20 and how God ALWAYS exceeds our dreams and expectations that we have for our own lives. Here I am. Having the honor and privilege to stand in front of hundreds of students preaching the word of God on a weekly basis. Leading young people to Christ. Discipling and pouring into a small group of students. And most amazing thing about it all. I get paid to do it. Wow. Speechless. And I believe that there is ALWAYS more for me. I believe that what I currently do and am responsible for is only the beginning. I believe that God will expand my territory and continue to do so. I cannot wait and I am SO SO ready.

SPEECHLESS

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MD

What I Learned….about Marriage

Posted: February 14, 2012 in Challenge, Encouragement, My Life
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On the 11th Valentines Day that Pamela and I will spend together as a married couple I wanted to share a few things I learned from this past weekend. We had the privilege to simulcast Jimmy and Karen Evans’ Marriage on the Rock seminar here at Celebration Church. So much great insight into marriage. Although Pamela and I both believe we have the best marriage around we always take advice and wisdom from those that have been there before and are very successful. With leaders that are anointed such as Jimmy and Karen Evans we are open to receive. That is one reason why both Pamela and I have such a great thing going. We never want to think we have it all figured out. We want to be LEARNERS at all times. Not just within our marriage but parenting,Christianity,relationships you name it. If you couldn’t make it or have not had a chance to partake of anything by Jimmy Evans i recommend that you look up some resources and invest into your marriage and future. It will be well worth every penny.

Now. What did I learn ? Well i am so glad you asked. If i had to pick one thing, which is what I am about to do otherwise you would be reading the first chapter of a 12 chapter book, PURSUIT. I absolutely LOVE the word pursuit. What does it mean ?

pur·suit/pərˈso͞ot/

Noun:
  1. The action of following or pursuing someone or something.
When we as people pursuit something or someone we generally do not stop until we get what we are pursuing. Or what happens is the thing that we are going after is so good that we just can’t get enough of it. Take our Lord for instance. The Bible tells us to pursue righteousness and love and faith. What I also love is this scripture in Psalm 23:6
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will PURSUE me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
I can jump into all of the scriptures in regards to our spouses and how we should treat them and all of that stuff. But one thing I know is that I NEVER stop pursuing my bride. Pamela and I have been married for almost 12 years now. We have known each other for about 16 years if not a little more. Of course I say to people that when she laid eyes on me she fell into the depths of love and could not climb out of it even if she tried. That she is the one who chased after me for 4 years before we tied the knot. Blah Blah…(partly true….NOT) What truly happened is that we pursued each other. We didn’t stop asking questions about each other,learning about one another,understanding each other. Just when I feel like I know just about every little thing about her I learn something new. And it is not for lack of a passionate relationship. It is because of the pursuit.
Fellas(married or soon to be). My advice for you is to never stop going after your woman. Chase her around the house. Have fun. Never lose sight of the fact that she is your bride. Love her just as Christ loved the church. Many of you know that story.
You’re Welcome
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Priming The Pump

Posted: February 6, 2012 in Challenge, Encouragement, Freshness, Mini Msg
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You are probable asking. What does priming the pump mean ? Or you might be one that already knows what it means. And if you already know let’s take a moment and inform those that may not be keen to this term in any way. A very simple definition -”Priming a pump means filling the pump with water so it is not pushing air”. You would probably understand more in the terms of a lawn mower or an engine. Fuel or gas is what is used to keep engines running. But before they start there needs to be combustion that happens. Combustion happens when the fuel and spark collide in a pressurized chamber. How you get fuel to the chamber is by a pump. In our cars we drive there is an electric pump that pushes just enough fuel in the chamber so that when you crank the engine it fires up and there you have it. You are driving around in no time. Our lawn mowers are not equipped in that way. This is where that small red bubble on the side of the engine comes into play. You have to manually press the red button three to five times to push the fuel into the chamber so that when pull start the engine gas will then flow.

Ok so now that there is an understanding of what priming the pump means and how it works I have been thinking a lot lately on the water well pump (the one in the pic above). There is a scripture that I continue to remind myself with on a daily basis.

Matt 12:34

“….For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

Abundance. A fantastic word when we think of Our God. He is all about more,extra,more than enough,extra extra read all about it. That is His nature. Many times throughout the bible God speaks of overflow. One of my favorites and many of yours is in…

Ephesians 3:20

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,”

Did you see that ? Three times. EXCEEDINGLY which means more. ABUNDANTLY which means plentiful. ABOVE ALL which means….well. ABOVE ALL. That is all overflow. And I believe as Christ followers. As leaders in the church. As a staff member that we must always operate out of that overflow. There are so many people in the world that are lost and bone dry empty. They are the ones that are pumping that handle or pulling the cord to try to start some type of flow and they just cannot do it without priming the pump. So this post is not just encouragement for you to go out an operate out of your overflow for other people. Helping them prime their pump with your gifts,leadership,encouragement,love etc etc. This is probably more for those that are THE leaders,staff members,influencers within the church. If our wells are dry or our pumps are not working how are going to pour ourselves out to those who need it most. What are you doing to keep your pump flowing? Or better question should be ARE YOU keeping your pump flowing? Many times I wish we could be like the electrical pump or the even the self priming type pumps but in all reality we are not. Some if not all of the greatest Pastors,leaders and big timers don’t wake up in the morning overflowing with wisdom and ideas without first pouring into themselves. Whether it be books,podcasts,listening to others and just plain diving into the Word of God. We always need to allow a pour into our pumps,into our lives so that we can pour back out without becoming totally being emptied out.

Something very cool happens when the pump is primed. It becomes natural to pour out that which is being poured in. Not sure if anyone out there has ever used one of those pumps for a well but if you try to pump it when it is dry you will tire yourself out trying to get a drip of water. But when primed. When poured into first the flow comes easy. That is our sweet spot as leaders. Operate out of the overflow. That flow will be easy as we prime ourselves each morning on a daily basis. Never forget where our help comes from. Never forget that it is God who wants to open the windows of heaven to us. We have access and the best part is that the access is free. Operate out of what overflows in your life by first priming your pump.

New Year = New Role

Posted: February 2, 2012 in Celebration Church, StuMin, Update
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My my my. Has January flown by quickly or what ? It has been quite a month and I cannot wait to see how the rest of the year is going to play out. Many of you know that I have been on staff at Celebration Church for the Northwest Campus for a couple of years now as the Campus Director. I have enjoyed every last-minute and absolutely love my job,my life and my future. I have been privileged to serve under some great leaders,pastors and visoneers and I am honored…..ok wait. You probably are thinking after you read the first part of this blog that I am going to drop a bomb on you about me moving or changing churches or….I don’t know. Many of you have some pretty wild imaginations. You could not be more wrong. I am actually really excited because I am not only staying on staff at the Northwest Campus (Celebration Church) but I am moving into what is my FIRST passion. I have been given the opportunity to become the Northwest Campus KiDS and Youth Director. Of course I did not hesitate to hit the ground running. Many of you know me and if you talk with me long enough or know my story my passion and desire is to see that God move in a powerful way in our next generation. Both my wife and I were impacted tremendously in our teenage years and know the importance of healthy and Godly influential relationships at that age. Many decisions are made during this critical time as it relates to their walk with God,who they hang out with,where they will go to school and whether or not they continue to follow God and attend church after High School. I believe that God has chosen me before time to do exactly what I started doing…..well. Today.

There are some exciting things that I have rolling around in my head for you KiDS and Youth at the Northwest Campus. I cannot wait to get in there and begin. Here are just a few of my goals as it relates to my new role.
// I want to see every student both middle school and high school get involved in a small group outside of what we do on the weekends or midweek service. //

// I would love to partner alongside parents in mentoring and discipling both Kids and Students. I only get to speak into their lives in a corporate setting at the most 52 times a year (weekend service only) The key will be that parent partnership which will create opportunities for success. //
As you read this I am currently on a mini vacation and in my home state. Good ol California. This is a perfect chance for me to clear my head,get focused and come back better than ever for my new role. Don’t you worry. The Campus is being held down by my good friend Brian Dehler. Not only is he a phenomenal worship leader for the NW Campus but he is now the Associate Campus Director as well. Along with Paul Mason I believe 2012 will be a monumental and foundational year for us. The 3 of us will dedicated and committed to see the lives of many will be changed for the Kingdom of God.
#2012BelongsToUs
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2011 Year In Review

Posted: December 26, 2011 in My Life, Update
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Well everyone. 2011 is just about over. I figured i can take this time to give everyone a glimpse into our year as a family and a few highlights in our lives. This year has been jam-packed with tons of great things. With family coming in to town to visit. A surprise visit to Cali for Super Bowl weekend for me. And not to mention all the fun things with our kids.

Pamela and I celebrated our 11th anniversary this year in July. We had so much fun with this one. Earlier in the year we won a one night stay in a nice getaway in Austin overlooking Lake Travis for having the most kids in a huge audience. Who would have thought that 5 kids is a lot. Geez. Well we took advantage of that and used it on the same night our really good and dear friends Brian and Ellyn Dehler got married. We witnessed an amazing ceremony and danced the night away as if it was our wedding night. We then stayed in the hill country and just enjoyed each others company. With no kids in the car seats or by our side we enjoyed a nice breakfast,went to a movie and did some shopping. Then later that night we went downtown to an improv show on Congress. The best is that both Pamela and I got picked to be part of the show. A BIG part. Needless to say this year was one to remember forever. So blessed to have her by my side.

I will brag a little and say that I have the most beautiful kids. Not most as in how many…although there is a lot of them. But they are gorgeous not to mention well-behaved and they LOVE Jesus and the local church. We firmly believe in Psalm 92:13 around this house.

Those who are planted in the house of the LORD
         Shall flourish in the courts of our God.

Some of the highlights this year began in the beginning of the year. I was able to travel to California and surprise my dad on Super Bowl weekend. My dad is pretty much my best friend and he was whining a little about wanting to watch the big game with me. So we made it happen without his knowledge. Us DeLaRosby’s have become really good at surprises lately. Don’t be surprised if we surprise you…..well. I mean – BE SURPRISED.

Pamela is still over at One West Bank and has continued to excel in her job and has seen favor like crazy. She is very good at what she does and of course everyone loves her. She continues to reach out to all of her co workers,provide mini counseling sessions,prayer time and healthy relationships. Isn’t she great.

// Isaiah just turned 10 at the beginning of December and he is an amazing kid. He pretty much gets straight A’s in all subjects and loves to make new friends. His 10th birthday was great. He had 10 of his closest friends from school and church and had an all nighter sleepover eat as much junk and play games all night adventure. Pamela and I barely hung in there. Those boys have some energy…and some interesting smells. Isaiah is our reader. He reads at least 1 hour per day. Books like Wimpy Kid,Hugo and he loves the Action Bible.

// Alicia is turning 8 in just a few days and she too will have a girly sleepover. I am probably not going to be a part of this one. She is something else. She loves music and is very creative. No matter how she treats her siblings they always come back to play with her. She is very thoughtful and has a huge imagination. She too does very well in school and of course has tons of friends as well. The one thing you need to know about her is that she is a leader. She jumps up on stage on Sunday morning in KiDS church and leads worship alongside some of our middle school and high school students. Not to mention she lost her first tooth this year.

// Isaac Michael is our bundle of joy. His name means laughter and that is exactly what he does all the time. If you ever want to find out where he is just look down beside you. He will always be there. He is enjoying Kindergarten and making new friends. Isaac is very active he loves his big brother Isaiah. Whatever Isaiah he does….Isaac does as well. This also proves to be some good leadership training not just for Zay but for the whole fam. Isaac is very thoughtful and loves to snuggle up.

// Micah is an awesome big brother. He spends a lot of time with little sister Ariah in daycare at Celebration. He looks after her and takes care of her as well. He is very handsome and a little charmer as well. One thing about this boy we found out this year is that he LOVES to help. When I say help I mean he will pretty much do it all. He pulls out the vacuum,the broom,the mop and even does the dishes. All without asking if we need help but out of a sheer servants heart. Love him.

// Ariah is our baby girl. She turned this year in July and has already grown up so much in the past few months. She is a big time talker. Her vocabulary is very extensive and she knows almost every song we play in the car by Hillsong Kids. Oh and a bunch of Christmas music thanks to her dad. Ariah is also now able to have 2 pony tales. Woo Hoo. Now on to potty training the final child in diapers. Just an FYI….Pamela and I have been changing diapers in this house for the past 10 years. going on 11. I think we are about done. And when we are…watch out.

2011 has been amazing and we are so looking forward to 2012 and what it has in store for us. There are some big things on the horizon and we cannot wait to share them with everyone. I know our kids will be blessed and so will those around us. We have some goals and some expectations for ourselves and kids that we want to reach and shatter. I believe Psalm 92:13 will help us get there and praying Eph 3:20-21 over our lives this year. We love doing life with the most amazing friends,family and church and couldn’t ask for anything better. God truly has called us here and we will continue to walk in the calling God has for us. Time to get moving,eat healthy and stay organized.

Here’s to 2012 – Comin at ya!

Matt D

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