Hey everyone!
Thanks so much for checking out my blog!
Just wanted to let you guys know that my blog site has been changed to http://trousey.com/

I’ll leave this one up for another week or so but it will be coming down soon so make sure you check out http://trousey.com/

Thanks for visiting my blog guys and I hope ya’ll continue to read, learn and grow more with me here http://trousey.com/

West Ridge Church Gives Away Money
http://www.westridge.com/
from tonymorganlive.com by tony

We did something today at West Ridge that we’ve never done before, and the stories are already starting to flow in from people who were deeply impacted by the experience.

We’re in the middle of a brief three-week series on being “Fearless.” Basically, we’re teaching about how big our God is and that Christ-followers should be champions of hope and courage in today’s rough economic times.

After teaching a couple messages from 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, Brian challenged our church to immediately demonstrate generosity and faith. Following the example of something we heard about from Rob Bell…

* We took several thousand dollars from the church’s funds and put them in two big buckets at the front of the auditorium.
* At the end of the service, we asked folks to bring cash offerings to add to what was already in the buckets.
* It felt like just about everyone in each service came forward to make an offering. Literally thousands of people participated.
* Then we encouraged people who are hurting financially to come forward and take the money from the buckets. Some people grabbed one handful. Other people grabbed two handfuls depending on their needs.
* In one service, the buckets were emptied and people just started writing checks to other people.

Obviously, since we didn’t count the money between the offering and the giving, there’s no way to know exactly how much was given away today. All I know is that this was a great picture of the church in action. People who God has blessed gave an offering from what God have given them. Then God used that offering to bless people who needed help.

Wouldn’t it be something if the Church in America became known for its generosity?

When I look at this picture I see a lot of things!
I see College Students who are Passionate!
I see leaders who are becoming!
I see people doing life together!
I see culture being engaged!
I see an opportunity!
I see Misfits!
But mostly I see HOPE!!
Hope for a city called Cochran.
Hope in the local church.
Hope in revival taking place at Christ Chapel Cochran.
Hope that we would no longer miss what it’s about to be a true Christ Follower.
Hope that the students inside these walls will flood outside these walls and create a movement. Hope that God knows what He is doing.
Hope in authenticity finding her way into the hearts of every person in that room.
Hope not in the College Pastor T. Rousey.
Hope not in the Worship Leader Jimmy Farrell.
Hope not in Lead Pastor Ken Land.
But hope solely in the name of Jesus Christ and his name ALONE.

HOPE!!

T. Rousey

Well if you haven’t, it happened to me today in a big way so you can just live this experience with me as I explain it!

Today I was having a conversation with a friend, just casual talk. Sports, God, life, you know the regular talk. But at one point I realized how much I had been complaining through the conversation. Once I realized this I went back and thought about the conversations I’d had previous to this one and how much I’ve complained about things and what a spoiled brat I am. I’m just going to be real and open with you guys so here are a few of the things I complained about today…

-Not having enough furniture in my house
-Wishing I made more money
-Debt
-A Relationship not going like it should
-The Lakers losing (I seriously complained…yea I know)
-Being lonely
-Cost of gas
-Fear of failure

You see I was complaining about things but in reality what do I have to complain about? I’m blessed beyond measure! I really found myself really wanting “things” or “stuff” more than I was wanting Jesus and his will for my life!
The majority of my conversation was I want “this” or I wish I had “that” or I wish this would happen! But in reality I have Jesus and he’s more than enough!

God took me back to the time I spent in Santiago Chile a couple of summers ago! That was the first time I saw with my own eyes what it truly means to see someone fully trust Jesus and live in total abandonment of “things”!
I saw families there that literally had nothing as far as “things” but the Joy of the Lord was ALL OVER THEM! They prayed for their next meal, a pair of shoes and that they would even make it home that day because of how unsafe the neighborhoods were. One kid that I met in the city said that he would sneak out to go to church because his parents wouldn’t let him go!

They didn’t complain about what they didn’t have or the circumstances they faced but they rejoiced in what they did have and just trusted that God would provide in every area of their life!

This really made me realize how blessed I am no matter how bad life seems to be for me!
I’m going to eat today…
I have a roof over my head and if I didn’t I had a place I could go…
I have clothes to wear…
I have friends who care…

Living in this country sometimes I think we’re blinded to how blessed we truly are! It’s so easy to see the bling and let the lights fool us into thinking its about living the comfortable or flashy life! But it’s really just about living for Jesus and carrying out the mission, The GREAT COMMISSION!
So guys no matter how bad things seem in your life realize that we have a God who is Mighty to Save, who is full of grace and who is a provider! He holds this world in his hands and he orders our steps.

Passion Conference…
Altanta, Georgia…
January 2-5, 2010…
Philips Arena and Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA…
For more info, goto www.268generation.com/passion2010/.

Francis Chan…
Louie Giglio…
Charlie Hall…
UNITED…
Kristian Stanfill…
Matt Redman…
Chris Tomlin…
John Piper…
David Crowder…
Christy Nockels…
Beth Moore…
Steve Fee…
Andy Stanley…
but most importantly…JESUS!!!!!!!

Come see what all the buzz is about!!

Here’s 6 of the songs I listen to the most right now.

James Morrison- You Make It Real http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU1Yau9K9YQ
John Mayer- Gravity http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZYF4fnAs3c
Hillsong United- With Everything http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSCE8uLuTJY
Keri Hilson- Knock You Down http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF5Q1jr28PM
Jay Z- Empire State of Mind http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm61weFrK4c
Jesus Culture- Burning Ones http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj2T6_MU5oA

Just wondering but what are some of you guys favorite songs?

Ready…

Set…

Go…

Today on the other hand… Well, not so good. Rush-hour traffic made you late for work. You spilled coffee on your pants just before going into a meeting with your boss. And because someone else dropped the ball, you’ll be working late tonight. Then you had an unexpected conversation with a friend who brought up the person you used to be and struggles you used to have.

Yesterday you had a song in your heart. Today you’re wondering why God and the world have it in for you.

Faith might be “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1), but being the fickle human beings we are, sometimes we have an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality when it comes to God’s blessings. Despite experiencing prior blessings from God, the trouble of the moment is all we see. So we look for comfort in the first quick fix we can find.

That’s what the Israelites did, but in an extreme way. Pillars of smoke and fire, quail and manna out of nowhere and a sea parted—all suddenly forgotten. How did that happen?!? They even tried to justify their worship of a meaningless idol by calling the celebration a “festival to the Lord.” After 430 years in captivity, they reverted back to what they had seen the Egyptians do when they found themselves in a tough spot.

But we can’t be too hard on them. Be honest. When the going gets tough, instead of toughing it out and seeking God for strength and insight, it’s all too easy for us to create an escape. Maybe it’s a trip to the gym to work out, a late night with a girl/guy, an outing to a football game or maybe dinner with some friends—anything other than facing a touch issue with PRAYER and PATIENCE.

Instead of seeking worldly things for escape and comfort we should seek the blessings of our relationships with God. Lets not forget the promises God told us on the mountains when we’re down in the Valleys.

A few decades ago a cigarette manufacturer invited people to “take our 30-day test.” The company’s strategy relied on the idea that anyone who smoked their cigarettes for 30 days would develop a new habit and become loyal (and probably addicted) to their brand. But this idea holds true for good habits as well. If we exercise, eat salads for lunch or commit to watching our language for 30 days, we will more than likely develop a positive habit.

We often overlook the holy habits of the prophet, Daniel. What was his secret? Kind Darius pointed it out when he called into the lions’ den: “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” (verse 16). Daniel’s steadfastness, strength of character and faith grew out of habits of holiness. He consistently did the right thing, and the more he did right the harder it became for him to do wrong.

Part of Daniel’s routine involved praying to God three times each day, at the same times and in the same place. His habit of daily prayer showed exactly what his life was about–with every action, Daniel served God continually.

Habits don’t just happen; we develop them. When we repeat an action day after day, we eventually start completing that same action automatically, without consciously thinking about it. Maybe you head to the kitchen for a snack during commercials–that’s a habit. Or perhaps you start each day with a fresh cup of coffee–another habit that thanks to Starbucks about 90% of our country has.

Want to be more like Daniel? Develop a new habit, pray memorize Scripture, spend extended time in worship. Take a 30-day test! Daniel “distinguished himself…by his exceptional qualities” (verse 3) because he chose to do so. Make it your habit to “serve God continually” in every decision, statement and act.

Character is higher than intellect. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

One of the hallmarks of American culture in the 20th century was its fascination with the “Superhero.” From comic-book sales to blockbuster movies to the graphic novel genre, entire industries have played into the attraction we have to individuals who are somehow possessed of powers not enjoyed by mere mortals. Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Kobe Bryant, the X-Men, the Avengers and others capture our collective imaginations as they battle the super-villains their creators dream up to fight them. The urge of a boy to wear his underpants on the outside of his pajamas and tear around the house fighting phantom bad guys is an inherited character trait passed down proudly from father to son.

So what is it about a superhero that’s so appealing? Bravery. Power. Strength. Integrity. The ability to fly. The fact that they usually get the girl. The fact that they can seemingly get out of any jam they find themselves in. Who wouldn’t want that kind of existence?!?

Thinking of that context, read Deuteronomy 31:1-8. Joshua is, in effect, getting his superhero’s license from Moses. Now, it’s unlikely that this involved a cape and a mask, but Moses here tells Joshua that, with God’s power behind him, he will be able to deal with adversity and conquer his fears.

Moses tells the people that their new leader, Joshua, will take them forward into Canaan. Their old leader, Moses, encourages Joshua in front of the people, “Be strong and courageous…The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you…Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged.” With that reinforcement as a backdrop, Joshua moved forward. Fear couldn’t hold him back. He believed God.

If you knew that you couldn’t fail, what would you do differently?!? Pursue a promotion at work? Further your education? Risk repairing a broken relationship? Finally take a step in the shoes God’s called you to walk in?!!?

The fact of the matter is guys for the past few months I’ve been feeling God calling me to a deeper place in the ministry but I’ve been scared out of my mind to even think about it. I don’t know if most of you are like me but I haven’t been too successful at too many things throughout my life. College took me well about six years. Never really been the one to overachieve in the work place and there’s been millions of other tasks or things I’ve dropped the ball with.

“I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot, and I missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is precisely why I succeed.” – - Michael Jordan

This is a quote from the greatest basketball player to ever play the game and I wouldn’t think that too many people knew that he missed that many game winning shots. But that’s because he’s remembered as the guy who had the guts to step up and take the shot!

The thing is guys when God goes before you and you’re living in God’s will you can’t fail. You may miss a few shots along the way, but with the world’s only Superpower behind you in the end ultimately you can’t fail!
Take the risk! Live with passion and expectancy of God moving in your life! Listen to his assurance: “be strong and courageous…Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

“Trust God, God and be not afraid, or else you will plague yourself.”
–Charles Haddon Spurgeon–

1st Samuel 30:1-20

Ever had one of those days that just didn’t quit? After a hard day at work, you headed home, ready to relax and unwind, but instead another crisis hit you square in the eyes the second you walked in the door?

In this story David was having just such a day. The increasingly unstable King Saul had been hunting David down, wanting to kill him. David had led his loyal band of men and their families to seek shelter in enemy territory, where he had to play a dangerous game of double-cross with Achish, the Philistine King. Now, after a three-day journey, David’s men returned home to find their town on fire and their families gone—kidnapped by raiders. Understandably, the men were close to turning on David for getting them into this mess. What a day!

How did David handle it? True, he felt “greatly distressed.” Who could blame him? Yet, “David found strength in the Lord his God” (30:6).

David tapped into God’s strength just as he always did—in ways available to us as well. He prayed to God in the morning (see Psalm 5:3). He poured out his complaints to God (see Psalm 62:8). He meditated on the beauty and mercy of God (see Psalm 27:4-7). With David’s’ renewed strength he rallied his men. Although exhausted from their journey and overwhelmed with grief and mourning, they overtook the raiders and fought them for 24 straight hours—fighting for your friends and family’s lives will do wonders for your adrenaline supply. David and his men returned victorious, along with their families, their possessions and all that the raiders had plundered from elsewhere.

God still makes his strength available when we look to him. I know in the midst of a hard day it can be really tough to look to God but that’s when we need to the most. With his strength we can overcome the worst times—even a bad day that just won’t end.