In preparing for the Refuel series, during the series, and all the way up to Easter, Pastor Doug Fields shared his heart, thoughts, and random musings. Below you’ll be able to read his daily blog postings, including feedback from people who were a part of the Refuel journey, what they thought of the series, and how it impacted their lives. Pastor Doug also shares photos, poems, and e-mails from Saddleback members, as well as personal anecdotes from his own life, and so much more. We’re excited you’re going to take part in the Refuel study and we hope it results in spiritual renewal in you, your small group, your friends, your church, or whoever is taking this journey with you!

He is risen...

If you didn't get to hear Pastor Rick's message... watch it on-line... get the CD. Such a strong, clear presentation of God's plan for humanity.

I've honestly been a little surprised at how much people are enjoying getting the text and/or Twitter reminders to make a refueling connection with God.

Here's another email to share:

Pastor Doug,
I know you probably won't get this email but I just need to tell someone how God is always with us and definitely worthy of our praise. So I just finished lunch, and went to start my car. At the very same nano second I got a text saying, "God is worthy of praise". I have lots of praise music on my ipod and as I turned the car on  my ipod started playing. The song on my ipod. "You are worthy of my praise". I almost started to cry, got the biggest goose bumps and smiled.Praise God

I just had to tell someone. Praise God and thank you for the text messages and all Saddleback does to let us all know how worthy he is of praise... We are all blessed to have God 1st and Saddleback to continue to remind us of Him.

From an attender to our Sunday night FUSE crowd:
 

Have you ever been “forced” to do something you just didn’t want to do?  What about getting forced into something and realizing it was just what you needed?  I’m a very stubborn person and I hate being forced to do something I didn’t think of doing myself.  What’s even worse is when you realize that the decision that was made is better for you in the long run.  God can be that for us sometimes and as much as we don’t want to admit it, He knows what’s best.  In His word He talks about having a friendship; a loving, deep and personal relationship with Him.  If we’re honest with ourselves we really don’t know how to have one either but He’ll teach us if we spend time with Him.  That’s why these messages on Refuel are so important to our spiritual health and relationship with our Father.  I’m definitely not an expert on this, in fact most recently I’ve been struggling with guilt, comparison, busyness, just being empty. 

 

Here’s the story: I was busy. Busy with work, busy with ministry, busy with family and friends and I didn’t have time for God or myself.  I was miserable.  If any of you have been reading Refuel I was exactly the woman that Doug talks about in Chapter 3 expect instead of blowing up with obscenities I’d cry because of stress.  I literally cried everyday and I blamed it on my job.  I started praying about it and I asked God to move me if the job that I was in wasn’t right.  I told God that He’d need to move me somewhere because I had no clue as to what was next.  Well, I didn’t think that He’d actually do it but He did.  (Be careful what you pray for).  Not that long after I started praying that prayer I was told that I was switching departments.  It was everything that I had hoped would happen except for two things: 1) I didn’t make the decision myself and 2) the job was less hours.  I let those two reasons consume my thoughts for the whole weekend and I was nervous going into my “new job” the following Monday. 

 

Since the move I’ve been adjusting to this less stressful and less busy life and I’ve got to admit that it’s been hard but rewarding.  Hard because I find myself having to choose what to do with my extra time but rewarding because I’m developing a deeper relationship with my Creator.  In the next couple weeks I ask you all to join me on this journey as we learn to stop, be quiet and make a connection.  I hope that it brings you closer to the God who would do anything for you.  I pray that it doesn’t get as drastic as my story.  Thank you for letting me share.

About 10:30 Sunday night I'm driving home from FUSE (the 7th service of the weekend)... beat tired from a long weekend and my son calls me and says his car died. How's that for timing? The famous 1990 Buick LaSabre (maroon) that was the marquee car and the inspiration behind the Refuel series died at about the same time that I finished the 3 week series. He had to push it into a parking spot and we got it towed yesterday. Still trying to find out if it will be worth the repair. May be time to retire the car at the same time the series ends. Interesting timing.

What are your thoughts? Were they helpful? Leave comments and let us know if we should continue with the texting and Twittering.

I got this email from a teenager in our HS ministry. Sharp kid... loves Jesus. Adults have a lot to learn from kids who walk their talk... let's learn together.

Doug,

Thanks for your message last week. It really caused me to look for ways to connect to God that I hadn't done before...here are some of them:

at the gas pump - instead of watching the numbers go up, i reflected on the day and talked to God and just listened to Him. I found many moments like this where all I did before was blankly stare at something or clue out instead of make use of the time. at the pump, waiting in the drive thru, waiting for someone to pick me up, driving, walking, etc.

reading the Bible like a book instead of trying to dissect it and take away a cute little application to my life every time I read it. Letting the whole story of God and His character sink into my life instead of trying to grab cliche lessons for myself. Learning about God and letting Him speak to me instead of the other way around. After awhile of taking something away for myself every time i read the Bible, i felt weird and a little greedy. In my normal conversations with best friends, i don't go into it expecting to experience some big revelation every time. Most of the time, it's just being with each other and enjoying each others' presence. I think we miss that in our relationship with God. We want something for ourselves every time we meet with Him. We expect something big to happen every day and we forget about enjoying God and enjoying being in His presence. We have to learn to forget about ourselves and our own lives and shift that to learning more and enjoying more about God.

I also worshiped God in 3 new ways this week:

the great taste of food/drink

sound of the natural world

beauty of everyday life when you look for it

Check these out:

http://gallery.me.com/markjordanphoto#100118

Here's an email that I recieved from a small group:
 

Hi Doug:

 

Our small group is enjoying Refuel a lot!! One of our members has written the attached poems that I thought you might be interested in reading.

 

The Quiet

 

The quiet, so peaceful

The quiet is You

The quiet so restful

So special to hear you

 

Amid the noise and pressure

And stress of everyday

I still hear you and feel

You but you seem so far away…

But…

 

In the quiet, the stillness

I can listen for your Voice

And hear you more clearly as

 We talk without the noise.

You tell me things I need to hear,

You calm me as I pray

You heal my heart and show me things

That help me on Your way

Thank you for your quiet

Your voice I treasure most

The quiet, so powerful

The Quiet is You.

 

Come and Sit

Come, sit with me awhile

Come and feel me smile

The world has lots for you to do

But isn’t it more fun

Just us two?

 

His Whisper

 

I hear the voice of God now, going round and round

He speaks to me so clearly that I hear each and every sound

He loves me as I’m waking each and every day

It’s in His love I think of those oh so far away.

 

Those that have no voice and those that have no hope…

I hear his gentle whisper and want to let them know..

That as much as He loves me and I can feel His love,

He loves them so much more than I can dream of

 

In each and every little face

There is His breath of life

Oh please—don’t miss His whisper

Because you’ll miss your Life.

 

Your life in Him’s eternal

Your life in Him renewed

In each and every whisper

Feel your heart renewed.

 

And he says:

 

Can’t you hear me whisper? Can’t you hear my voice?

Can’t you hear me whisper? Can’t you hear my voice?

 

Can you hear me whisper? Can you hear my voice?

Can you hear me whisper? Can you hear my voice?

 

Come and sing my song with every little voice

 

Come and feel His whisper

Come and hear my voice…

 

Oh gently in your ear

go and tell and show His love

for everyone to hear.

 

Oh please don’t miss His whisper

--His voice to you so strong

He shouts so loud from heaven

-can you hear His song?

 

So please don’t miss His whisper—so gentle and so strong

For in His gentle whisper is His eternal song.

 

This song and photos fits nicely with the message of Refuel...check it out.

Don't tell my mom...



Oh yeah... what's today's date?

I've got a few emails from folks who are digging the texts... thought I share these with you. If you've not signed up yet, give it a try (see the buttons on the right). Good for 1 more week.

1. I signed up last night for your text messages, and today have received 3 so far. They are short, to the point, and excellent. Great reminders.

 

2. The text messages are a great reminder to refocus, connect with God, and get refueled during the day. 

 

3. Thank you so much for the texts. Wow. What a profound impact they are having on my days!!  I am connecting with God in ways I never have before. Who would have thought it could be this simple. PLEASE consider keeping the texting going past the three weeks. I love having these little God moments all day long and am not sure I'll be able to keep it up on my own after the series ends. I'll try though! 

 

4. I have been getting your text messages 3 times a day and find that I really need them because there are times I don't even have the time to open and read the text.  Thanks, this is a nice idea and helps me to focus.

 

Because it's Sunday and I have 5 services today (2 morning & 3 at FUSE) I don't really have the brain capacity to blog anything of any value (keep your joke to yourself here)... but, I thought I'd share an email that someone sent me after the 9am service.

Doug,

Did you lose a bet to have to wear that shirt?


Now, I'm going to keep the guy who wrote this from public embarrassment so he will go anonymous. But I did notice under his signature that he's a VP with a big bank (or formally big bank). Need I say more? In banking? Really? And, you're questioning my decisions? Obviously the man's discernment is way off or he's got bad taste (because it was a really sweet shirt).

Dear Mr. Anonymous Big Shot banker man... I know what you really want is to borrow my shirt. I will prayerfully consider your request.

When I arrived at the 4:30 service today, there was still a line to be baptized. Pastor Rick was in the baptismal for over 4 hours. I'm sure these aren't the exact numbers, but I heard 2400 people took Class 101 and 750 were baptized. WOW! Awesome.

The highlight for me was when Pastor Rick finished, he raced up to stage and interrupted the sermon to share the news. It was a GREAT moment--the church was thrilled to cheer on all that he had done to serve our church.

It can be spiritually refueling to watch others serve the Lord.

Got this from a buddy who is leading a Refuel group with some college-age students. 

doug -

 

I joined a 3 week Refuel small group with some college students. We are meeting at a place called ~partyopolis~ the cool thing was that only two or three people knew each other--a lot of new connections. The curriculum is written so well and led the group so efficiently that by the end of our time there was a deep connection among the students that was raw and real. I continually heard them say how relevant the series is for them at this point in time in their life.

 

Able to refuel,

I got this email from an adult who leads a junior high small group. I thought it was worthy to share:

Hey Doug,

I know you're busy and need yet another e-mail like you need a hole in the head, but I just wanted to thank you for Refuel.

Decided to take my small-group through it and what a great night it was. Ten 14 year old boys focused on God for over an hour--very cool.

Thanks,

 

I spoke for over 5 hours at a conference today and had dozens of conversations. I am so drained that I'm going to bed early (which I never do). While my body needs to be refueled, my heart is full. Made several connections with God today and even read and responded to my own Refuel texts.

How do you make connections with God throughout the day?

I heard a story today of a Saddleback Church member who locked his keys in his car. Then, when he was about to get angry at his mistake, he got my text/Twitter prompt that said, “Refuel: Stop long enough for all the day’s stress to disappear and turn your thoughts toward God.” He said, “The reminder came at the perfect time. A time when I could have quickly dipped to empty, I stopped and turned my thoughts to God.”

No specific Refuel post today... Cathy & I are celebrating our 24th anniversary. Although because of the Refuel series and several hundred youth pastors coming in tomorrow for a Purpose Driven Youth Ministry Conference, it was too busy to get away so we are going to "officially celebrate" and go some place in a couple weeks. I'm so blessed to have an incredible, God-fearing wife.

In this weekend's message I said that I'd "prompt you" to make connections with God throughout the day. There are two options to make this happen (for 7 days).

Either sign up for Twitter or Text messaging... look to the right---> (nice arrow huh?). Click on one of those babies and I'll prompt you a few times a day. 

Just finished the 8:30 Fuse service...7 services this weekend, a lot of great conversations. God is good. My body is tried, but my soul is full!

It was nice to kick off the series with the Saturday Saddleback Crowd... some very long term, faithful folks come on Saturday night. I don't think I've ever chosen the Saturday night service for the one to duplicate on CD's... usually, I'm think messing/fussing/tweaking the message a little and Sunday morning goes a lot better. Although my mom tells me that she can't tell the difference between the Saturday and Sunday services--I guess she's right. But, I'm really looking forward to tomorrow (5 services--9, 11:14 & three services at the FUSE--4:30, 6:30, 8:30). A long but satisfying day with people at the church I love.

It's on!

Today I went into the main worship service because I wanted to see what the brilliant graphics’ folks were doing with the stage for Refuel. Of course it looks good. It’s simple, clean and ties in with all the stuff that we’ve been doing on this web-site. Our graphics team is really good and Jim Dobbs (the leader of graphics) does a great job of directing his team and really caring for them. He's a good, faithful and hard working servant.

 

One of the thoughts that struck me while I was there was the fact that there are so many people who work behind the scenes that you will never know/see. I watched a facilities guy (Eric) touching up paint on one of the props on stage. He didn’t need to, but he’s committed to serve faithfully. I love seeing stuff like that! 

 

I get refueled in several different ways… which I’ll be talking about during this series. But, today I was refueled by praising God for the collective Body of Christ who faithfully serves at Saddleback Church in ways that will never be noticed. God is so good that he uses people's unique skills to serve others and advance the Good News.

I talked to someone today who told me that she dropped her Refuel book in the toliet and that's it's "drying out." I assured her that I knew the author well enough to get her a new one. Apparently she was holding a child and [story got confusing here...sorry]... the book was in the toliet.

I'm glad she dropped the book and not the child! I also told her that I'd rather hear her story than someone who actually read it and then threw it in the toliet (although I'm sure that will happen too).

It made me laugh!

Today was a wild day because it was my deadline for all the small group questions and Bible studies. They're done! Special thanks to Pastor Tom & Buddy for helping with the small group questions and Pastor Matt for help with the Bible studies. Everything is in the hands of our capable designers now and they should be put on the web-asap.

I love working with team! There are so many talented people who minister at Saddleback Church--graphics, technology, video, etc... People who are skilled, creative and passionate.

Today was a day of making sure all the moving pieces of Refuel come together: all of the stuff on the web-site, the questions for small groups, the personal Bible studies, re-wording of the FAQ to make everything easier to understand (trying to eliminate "insider" language), the stage design, the sermon notes, the bulletin inserts, the all-church communication, problem-solving for those who want to start their small group early/later, etc... I'm tired just writing this!

In the midst of everything, there is such a sense of joy and anticipation from the people who are part of the "behind the scenes" orchestration of this series. It's obvious that they are being Refueled and honored to serve you.

I love Monday because it’s my day off. I LOVE my day off! It’s a time where I rest, reconnect with my family after a busy weekend, and make sure I’m spiritually refueled for the coming week.

 

Today’s Monday is a little different for me… different in the fact that I’m loving Monday because it begins the week leading up to the start of Refuel. I have been so excited for the messages in this series that I can barely contain myself. Whether it be at the gym or a restaurant or a gas station, I’m running into people who are saying, “Tell me about Refuel.” Wrong question to ask me if you want to get away quickly.

 

Here’s the good news… when I explain the thesis of what I’m going to talk about, it connects. Almost everyone I’ve spoken to says, “You’re describing me.” When that happens I walk away and say, “Thank you God for inspiring me with this message. Though it comes from my own painful journey I anticipate a great harvest of change happening. Continue to grant me a wisdom that is so much bigger than what I’m capable of.”

 

If you’re a regular at Saddleback Church, be praying for me, our church family, those who should come or back to church. God is so good!

If you missed church this weekend...here is the video they showed to let our congregation know what's happening. Refuel begins this coming weekend!

Click below to watch it. Then, share it with friends on Facebook or some of those other newfangled social networking thing-a-ma-jigs I don't fully understand.

Okay, so the title of my post is a little ficticious... but I did get a letter today from the President (not the vice) of Chick-fil-a-Dan Cathy. Dan Cathy is a very solid follower of Jesus Christ and I have an illustration in the book about him. So I sent him a copy (which I've heard is the right thing to do).

Dan wrote me back and a very sweet letter, but what was beyond sweet was that he sent me a card that allows me to eat at Chick-fil-a FREE for an entire year.*** Wow! I can't wait till Rick Muchow finds out, he will turn green with envy (and then I'll help him thru his spiritual difficulty until he's refueled). A whole year! Can you believe that? Wow. That really made my long day of preparation not feel so long.

What did you get free today?

*** Just kidding, it was a coupon for one free sandwhich. Don't tell Muchow.

Today I was trying to finish sermon #1 for Refuel (which begins next week) and I was feeling a little stumped on whether to spend much time trying to identify what emptiness is. I kept going back and forth--(back) "people already know what emptiness feels like"... (forth) "it might be helpful to have people identify with a particular feeling or action that is emptiness"... (back) "no, waste of time"... (forth) "I wouldn't be so sure". You get the idea.

After several hours of preparation I went to my daughter's soccer game and a woman who goes to Saddleback said, "I started reading your book and I could so identify with your indicators of emptiness... I think I said 'yes' to everyone. Is that normal?" It was exactly what I needed to hear. Tomorrow I'm adding it back in. I count on God's Spirit guiding me in my preparation and it wouldn't be the first time when God has chosen to use the words of others (unbeknownst to them) to help guide my preparation.

God loves his people! And, I sure love the people at Saddleback Church.

Today I was meeting with Pastor Rick, Tom, Muchow and a few other pastors at Rick's house and we were discussing the upcoming months. It's great to be in the same room with people who so deeply love our church. On my calendar I had blocked out from 1-5pm for this meeting, but Rick wasn't feeling good so it got cut short (and no one complained). Since I didn't have another meeting until 5:30 I went to a restaurant to get some work done and get out of the office.

Instead of jumping right into work I pulled out a copy of Refuel and began to read it. I want to make sure my sermons and small group video curriculum aren't from the same material in the book. And, to be honest, I haven't read the book since I turned it into the publisher 8 months ago. So, I'm sitting there reading the book and I hear this guy say, "Hey Pastor Doug, what are you reading?" I tried to ignore the question and redirect the conversation to something else because I was embarrassed to be reading my own book in public. But, he didn't bite. He said, "Isn't that your book? I got one this weekend, I'm a small group host." Sheepishly I said, "Yeah, I'm reading my own book....that's kind of weird isn't it?" He said, "Yeah, it's really weird, but we'd expect that from you."

We both laughed and when he left I put the book the away. I didn't want to be caught again.

Today was my first day of what I would call hard core preparation for the first of the three Refuel series sermons. It's titled, "It's not what you think" and I'm going after the idea that connecting with God is different than most people think. Most people think connecting with God requires mastery of rules, formulas and other human's expectations. Then, when you can't master them, failure appears and guilt soon follows. This type of false guilt produces a disconnect from God... the exact opposite of what it means to connect with God.

In the middle of the prep, I went to my daughter's soccer game and talked to some Saddleback regulars who asked about the series. I gave them a short overview and they both said, "You're describing me!" They didn't know it, but I took their response as a confirmation from God's Spirit that I'm heading in the right direction. These people will experiece both a hope and a freedom from this first message. I know it! I could hear it in their voices and I will speak to their need.

If you are the praying for your pastor type... I'd value your prays as I continue to think, pray and prep to teach the people I love so much.

If you're not part of the Refuel Twitter craze... sign up. I'll be sending a Refuel type Twitter every day during the Refuel series. It's a great way to be reminded of what's going on.

www.twitter.com/refuelseries

If you're between 20-40 we have a service with you in mind... it's called FUSE* and it's been happening since September. We've grown to 3 services in the Refinery and we're considering starting a 4th. Anyway, the reason I'm writing about FUSE on the Refuel blog is because tonight we talked about temptation** and the need for a group and an accountability partner. We asked people to get into groups and they responded. We had about 40 people volunteer to host a small group and many others signed up to be in one. Hosts picked up copies of Refuel and it was a thrill for me to see people walking out with stacks of books. It was really the first time to see people with the book--and there was something kind of exciting about that.

If you know someone between the ages of 20-40...invite them to FUSE. Every Sunday night in the Refinery @ 4:30, 6:30 & 8:30.

*we're changing the name to FUEL...long story.
** if you've never been to FUSE, I re-teach Pastor Rick's message every week

Here's a copy of the email that went out to Small Group Hosts... if you didn't get one and you'd like to host a Refuel small group, we'd love to have your help.

If you don't want to read the email, click here for the video http://saddlebackfamily.com/mc/m/26A7

REFUEL IS ALMOST HERE!!!!

Refuel is a three week series based on Pastor Doug's new book titled Refuel: uncomplicated ways to connect with God. It begins the weekend of March 21/22 and ends the weekend before Easter. This series will help us develop an intimate and natural connection with God... without this connection, our lives just don't make sense as they should. 

Pastor Doug will be giving each person in your small group a FREE copy of the book if you choose to do this study.

Pastor Doug has prepared a short video for you, a Saddleback Host, so that you can hear a little about how Refuel will work.  Click here to watch the video. 

Each week all group members will receive a short video teaching to watch prior to your group time so you'll have more opportunity for life-changing discussion when you get together (this means we'll need an updated roster for your group).  

Please talk to your small group about going thru this short but important Refuel study. In addition, we anticipate several new members looking to join Refuel groups.  If you plan on doing this 3-week series, please hit "reply" and quickly answer the following questions:

If you previously replied to an email like this notifying us that your group will do Refuel, you don't need to respond again. 

Host name. _________________________
Our group will be doing Refuel  (yes or no)________
Our group is actively seeking new members (yes or no)___________
Update my group roster to include the following people:
           
Name  ___________________________  Home Phone

 

Get ready to REFUEL! Tell your group about www.saddleback.com/refuel
Click HERE to read Pastor Doug's daily Refuel blog.

Your Small Groups Leadership Team
949-609-8701
smallgroups@saddleback.net

Okay... I promised... here it is: 

Get Flash to see this player.

you can share the video by clicking here http://saddleback.com/mc/m/F969

Our video team is stellar! They delivered just want I was hoping for. I wish I could attach a link so you could watch the small group video...but, I can't. You might ask, "Why can't you Doug?" Imagine me saying this tenderly to you, "Because, I can't."

The videos will be put up on the www.saddleback.com/refuel web-site right before the series. I will do my best to ask the techy guys (not their official title) if they can put something up to give a sneak peak at our small group videos. Maybe I'll be able to put the bloopers' up.

Tomorrow is a big day of prep for me...please be praying for me. I'll explain more tomorrow.

My good friend Matt McGill and I just shared the following text messages:
 
Matt: Refuel is available in electronic format on Kindle. How cool is that?

Me: Really?  

Matt: Yeah... just bought it... it's ranked 22,953 in the Kindle store.

Me: Wow! I didn't know there were that many electronic books out.

Matt: There's probably only 23,000 (so you're ahead of 57 of them).

Me: Bad math... it's 47.

Matt: Sorry.

Me: Quit texting me.

I can remember when Pastor Rick's book Purpose Driven Life was everywhere (airports, Wal-Mart, Costco, swap meets, rodeos, etc...). It seems that everywhere I went someone was either selling it or reading it. It made me so proud to see our pastor's book in the hands of so many people. I remember one time thinking, "That would be so weird/exciting if I saw someone reading one of my books somewhere." This would be a mini-miracle, because unlike Rick's books that sell in millions, mine sell in the dozens.

Anyway, today I was getting on plane to return from Columbus, Ohio I walked past someone in first class (key word: past) who was reading Refuel. I was tempted to stop and say, "Uh, hey...uh, well...[clear throat]... what do you think of that book." Fortunately, I didn't say anything because I would have sounded like an idiot. But, I did sit in my [lower class] seat and think, "Wow... that's pretty cool. I hope it helps her have a more authentic connection with God." Then, I fell asleep.

After the 59 minute flight into Chicago I saw the woman when I got off the plane. She smiled and approached me and said, "Do you think you could get Rick Warren's autograph for me?" Just kidding. She said, "I was at your conference and my pastor bought me your book." We chatted about her experience at the conference and the role she plays in her church. It was a nice conversation, but in the back of my mind I was thinking, "That doesn't count." She was at the conference, the book was for sale there... that doesn't count as a "book sighting." On my flight to Orange County I did sit behind someone who had Purpose Driven Life in his briefcase. Not kidding. There is so much in life to laugh and think about.

I made it home safe.

That's it...nothing blog-worthy... I'm still speaking at a conference in Ohio and I'm buried & tired (or berry-tired). I almost blogged every day this month... here's to a great March.

Today I’m in Columbus, Ohio about to speak at a conference… I’ve very excited about it. While I don’t like to travel and leave Saddleback, I do love the opportunity to teach and train other leaders. The conference begins tomorrow so tonight I went to dinner with some friends who live in Canada, Pennsylvania and Colorado… these are guys who I’ve shared the stage with for 15+ years and unfortunately we only get see each other at these conferences. But there’s something refueling that happens to me when I get to be around others who have a passionate and vibrate love for Jesus. The conversation is rich, the depth is rewarding, and the sense of God’s presence in their lives is Refueling. There’s something powerful about the Body of Christ coming together and ministering to one another. That’s what happened to me tonight… I sensed God’s presence in these guys and they left me full (as did the steak). What a gift to have filling friendships all around the country.

What about you? Who fills you up?

Our communications team at Saddleback Church is awesome.

Check out the new Refuel web-site... poke around... what's missing?... what would be more helpful? Leave a comment.

Take a look www.saddleback.com/refuel

So... the thing with a daily blog is... "what shall happen today?" For a non-blogger, this is the feared question. Well, today there was a lot of discussion and email traffic about getting the word out to people in our church. I'm thinking, "Hey, I've been blogging about it since February 1, so I'm sure everyone has to know by now." But, the reality is that only 11 people have viewed this blog (slight exaggeration... more like 13) and we need to let our church body know what's happening.

So, for the first time (that I know of)... here's what is going to be on the flap of the bulletin this weekend. Consider yourself an "insider"... surprise your friends as you walk into church and say, "I bet you I know what's going to be in the bulletin flap this weekend." People will be amazed! The number 1 thing people care about isn't... will Rick be here this weekend?... I wonder who is singing?... doesn't that usher look like a thin Elvis? No, the #1 question people ask is, "What is going to be on the bulletin flap?"

Now you’ll know... hold your breath… here it is:

Refuel
Pastor Doug's new series begins in March!
 
Have you ever wondered why some people have the strength to get through difficult seasons of life? It's because they've learned to spiritually refuel on a regular basis. Regardless of what's going on in your life, you can learn to set realistic expectations and develop practical habits to a deeper, fuller spiritual life.
 
You don't have to keep running on empty! In his new series and small group study, Refuel, Pastor Doug offers uncomplicated guidance that you can apply to your everyday life. Join us and discover ways to experience the fullness God has for you - just take some time to Refuel!
 
Pastor Doug will begin this three- week series March 21-22. All small group members will receive a FREE copy of Doug's new book so they can discuss it during small group time.  
 
To help you better understand what's happening with this series, check out http://saddleback.com/refuel and check out Pastor Doug's daily Refuel blog.
 
Also, if you're not currently in a small group and would like to host a new group, you can do so in one of the following ways:  
 

1. Go here login and click on "Start a Group."
2. Sign up to host a group at the Small Group Life table after one of the weekend services beginning next week, March 7-8. 
3. Call our Small Groups Team at 949.609.8701 and we'll help you get started.

Today I got the privilege of speaking for a few minutes to the Small Group Host training. It was a very fun crowd and reminded me how long its been since I’ve taught from that stage (since December). While I’ve been speaking at FUSE every week I’ve missed the “normal” Saddleback crowd (who are really anything but normal). Anyway, I got to say “hi” and tell them about the Refuel series and gave them the opportunity to pick up a free copy of Refuel when they left.

 

Steve Gladen (Pastor of Small Groups) had a great idea of getting the Hosts to read Refuel early so they’d be more ready to lead their groups. We’ll see if that happens. But, I was able to tell them about the new way we are going to transmit the video curriculum and they either seemed excited or were being kind (I’m not sure). Anyway, I sure love those who serve at Saddleback Church. If you’re a host and you couldn’t make it today… uh, well… bummer.

We had one quick little video shoot that we did at the Refinery today. We were in and out and there was a life-size cut-out of Pastor Rick. I had a ton of great ideas of what I could do, but I thought I'd wait until the Refuel series begins. There are many things I love about Rick, but one is his zest for life and that he takes God very serious, but he doesn't take others too series (including himself)... I like that a lot.



Don't know if he even knows about this cut-out... but I've got it safely hidden where I can access it again.

Tomorrow (Saturday) I'll be speaking at the Small Groups Conference where about 1500 of our own Small Groups Hosts will be. They will be hearing about the Refuel sermons, small group videos, and the book (we are giving all the hosts a book to read ahead of time).

I got a great tutorial today on how to post photos to this blog. What will they think of next? Right when I learned to scan photos they make it so much easier.

This photo is a little embarassing. As I was getting my make-up on (which I don't say very often) I put my hands out and said, "How about a pedicure?" They started laughing and told me that would involve my feet. Oh...




The below photo happened inbetween each video. I sprained my ankle a few days ago and it was killing me. So, as I took direction from Pastor Craig on how "not to be terrible on video" I iced my ankle. A swollen ankle and a bruised ego (putting on make up).




We finished all the shooting today (they called it a "wrap") and it seems like we drove all over getting the additional footage to add to the "talking head" (they call it "B-roll"). It was a great day... long but the video crew (Frank, Jeremy, Robert & Kim) is a lot of fun and they're total pros. It's in their hands now.

More photos tomorrow.

Today was all about REFUEL! We filmed videos for the small group curriculum all day long and I'm so tired that I don't want to write anything... I just want to post photos of me getting make-up put on. But, since I'm a blogging rookie and don't know how to post photos I resort to meaningless words. I will post photos tomorrow.

Today:
1. Filmed in studio the material for 3 small group sessions (the team was awesome).
2. Edited some Refuel copy that is going in Slice (didn't feel creative).
3. Was in a meeting with Pastor Rick & showed him the Refuel web-site (he seemed pleased).
4. Tried to post photos on to this blog & failed (wished I was smarter).
5. Too tired to continue trying (the chlorine in the jacuzzi hurt my eyes).

Photos coming tomorrow...I promise.

"Better Together" is not just a clever Saddleback Church phrase, it's a biblical reality. I love it when I'm a better person or am better at a project because of others. That happened today. I sent the Refuel video scripts to Pastor Tom, Buddy, and Craig and asked for their input. All three came thru... all three had different edits... all three were humble and gracious... all three were affirming and kind... all three love Jesus and Saddleback Church... all three made me better.

I'm grateful for co-workers who are friends and lovers of Jesus. What a gift! Who is someone who makes you better? Why don't you write them a note and let them know they're valued?!

Finished writing all 3 of the Refuel video scripts today. Actually I finished them last Friday but I asked a few friends for feedback and today I made some edits based on their suggestions. I like having friends that are so much smarter than me.

We are going to begin filming the videos on Wednesday and I'll try to figure out how to take some photos and post them on this blog thingy. We'll see. I start my crash diet today hoping to drop 10 pounds in 48 hours (it's an all fiber diet). They say the camera adds 10 pounds to you... and they're doing a three camera shoot on this. Oh well... 

Tonight while I was teaching at FUSE (our venue for 20's & 30's Sunday night in the Refinery) I was thinking about how few words are actually in the Lord's Prayer.

Jesus teaches us to pray and he gives us a prayer that takes about 15 seconds to say. I find that very interesting... I would have thought it would be more complicated and confusing and time-consuming. I mean it seems as though thats how we often make things within the church--more confusing.

My prayer is that we will learn to connect with God and refuel our faith in ways that uncomplicated, doable, motivating and transferable. That's my prayer...

What is currently confuses you about connecting with God?

SIGN UP YOUR SMALL GROUP TO STUDY REFUEL!!!!

 

Refuel is a three week series based on Pastor Doug's new book titled Refuel: uncomplicated ways to connect with God. It begins the weekend of March 21/22 and ends the weekend before Easter. This series will help us develop an intimate and natural connection with God....without this connection, our lives just don't make sense as they should. 

 

Pastor Doug will be giving each person in your small group a FREE copy of the book if you choose to go thru this study.

 

In addition, we anticipate several new members looking to join Refuel groups. Each week all group members will receive a short video to watch prior to your group time so you'll have more opportunity for life-changing discussion when you get together (this means we'll need an updated roster for your group).  

 

Please talk to your small group about going thru this short but important Refuel study. If you plan on doing this 3-week series, please hit "reply" and quickly answer the following questions:

 

 

Host name. _________________________

Our group will be doing Refuel  (yes or no)________

Our group is actively seeking new members (yes or no)___________

Update my group roster to include the following people:

           

Name  ___________________________  Home Phone

 

 

Get ready to REFUEL! Tell your group about www.saddleback.com/refuel (click on "stay connected" to read Pastor Doug's daily Refuel blog).

 

Your Small Groups Leadership Team

949-609-8701

smallgroups@saddleback.net

Okay, this could be put under the category of “slightly funny story” (with the emphasis on “slightly”).

 

Here is an email I got from my friend Todd today:

 

“So I was just reading your book at Starbucks and some lady came up and told me that it’s such a great book. She was saying how much it changed her life. I responded back by telling her that I know the author, and told what I’m learning and how I’m studying it and our church is going to be doing a series on it in March, etc… you get my point. Then, after a while, I realized that she was referring to my Bible (that was open on the table in front of me) and wasn’t talking about Refuel at all.”

 

Now, this may help you better understand the types of friends I have.

Today I worked on video #1 that we’re planning on using for small groups. In an attempt to experiment, we’re going to send these videos to everyone via email (prior to their small groups). The goal is for everyone in a small group to watch the video prior to their small group time. Typically, our small groups watch a DVD of a teaching during their small group time. It works great, but we wanted to experiment. So, you’ll be receiving a link to the video prior to your small group and encouraged to watch a “short” video (8-10ish minutes) prior to arriving.

Since I’ll be filming the videos next week I’ve got to finish writing the scripts this week. Well, today I finished writing Refuel video #1. Then, while sitting in an El Pollo Loco booth, I read the script to my wife Cathy. She had some great suggestions (as she always does) that I’ve got to incorporate into the re-write tomorrow.

Cathy's insight into Scripture is so different than mine that I always wind up saying something like, “That’s brilliant… why didn’t I think of that?” Then, she gives me that cute little smile and says something to reaffirm my intelligence like, “Oh, you’ve always got great stuff to say.” But, I know in my heart that what she should be saying is, “Well, you didn’t think of that because I’m so much deeper than you are.” She never says that, but she could. I look forward to see what she thinks of video #2.

Met today with someone I’ve known for a long time who is wanted to talk about his idea of getting people to connect with God. Because connecting with God is the theme at Saddleback Church this year and the sub-title of Refuel I wanted to hear his ideas. Mark is a professional photographer (www.markjordanphoto.com) and he had some very interesting ideas of what it “might look like” for people to connect with God.

 

Over lunch Mark pulled out his laptop and showed me several photos of people who were spending time with God. There was a quote or a Bible verse on the photo and it was a very interesting concept. Knowing that visual learning is a such a powerful way to communicate I told him that I’d like to explore using some of his photographs and concepts during the series. I’m not sure how it work, but it’s a fascinating concept to me to consider seeing how people connect with God.

 

He’s going read Refuel, I’m going to pray about the concept and we’ll talk again about the idea and if there’s anything to it. I don’t know yet. But, I’m very interested. What do you think? Would it be helpful to “see” images of people connecting with God?

Since today is Sunday and I’m busy preparing for FUSE, I don’t really have anything to report on Refuel. Although I did get an email today from my friend Ross. I sent him a copy of Refuel during the week and he wrote me:

Hi Doug, thanks for the book. I got up to page 41 (I got enthralled with a hair product I can't afford and wouldn't use...ha) and then I had to get a head start on my weekend "Honey Do's." I can already tell this isn't just for people who want to reconnect with God. It’s also a book for anyone who is working/stewing/busying themselves to an early grave.
I’ll report in when I finish it,
Ross

Wow. 41 pages in one sitting… that’s much better than our small groups’ team (see February 2nd).

I didn’t ask Ross for permission to post his email and I’m not sure what blogger etiquette is (I’m sure one of you will let me know). I guess I could have changed his name to Rose, but I didn’t. I checked our church database and we currently have 162 people named Ross, so technically it could have been any of them.

Today I got letter from the publisher of Refuel (Thomas Nelson)… here’s what it said:

Dear Doug,

We are please to inform you that REFUEL: AN UNCOMPLICATED GUIDE TO CONNECTING WITH GOD has just been licensed into KOREAN by KCBS/AGAPE Publishing and their edition will be published within 18 months. We will send you copies of the KOREAN edition upon its publication.

Sincerely,
VP of International Licensing

I thought that was pretty fun news. Although, it’s that big of deal when you think about Pastor Rick’s Purpose Driven Life has been translated into a hundred different languages. I actually think PDL is being translated into languages that haven’t even been invented yet. Don’t quote me on that… may be a rumor. Although I’m working on translating it into Pig Latin (fluent since 4th grade).

Today I met with my friend Matt McGill (Pastor to our Regionals) and asked him if he would consider writing a supplemental Bible study to the video curriculum that I’m going to write next week and film the following week.

As of now, we’re thinking that the video will end with a few options; (1) asking people to answer Refuel type questions in their small group (provided on the web), (2) answer the questions and do the Bible study (that Matt will write) in their small group, or (3) do the Bible study on their own. Granted, this may all change next week (remember, we are Saddleback Church J).

We talked about some of the Scriptures that I’m planning to teach from in the video curriculum. I can’t really share those with you now, because… well, this is Saddleback Church and they could change by next week.

I spent a little time editing the copy that we’re using on the www.saddleback.com/refuel web-site. It was simple stuff, but I thought the copy that we were using was a little negative.  I wanted the tease questions to be more positive. On our first draft, it said:

• Struggling with your Quiet Time?
• Feeling Spiritually Empty?
• It’s time to Refuel!

So, I sent an email to some trusted friends and said, “Help me think of better words for our web-site. I can’t remember who wrote the current ones we are using, and they’re fine, but I just want something more positive.”

About 3 minutes later I get an email back saying, “FYI: we just took those phrases off the back cover of your book.” Doh! Oh well… so, now I can blame it on the publisher. But, the truth is, I probably approved them somewhere along the way. What do I know?

Here are some of the ideas sent back to me by my friends.

• Life is hectic….REFUEL before you run dry!
• Do you want to be closer to God?
• Ever feel like you’re the only one not in sync with God?
• Is life a little too busy to fit God in?
• It’s time to embark on the journey of a lifetime.
• It’s time to leave emptiness and pursue the fullness of God.
• Looking for more time, energy, emotion, sanity???  

Refuel descriptive words (turn cheesy monitor on): Plug In, Recharged, Drained, Depleted, Disconnected, Rewire, Blown Fuse, Full Power, Fully Charged, Corroded, Siphon, Tapped, Clogged

What do you like? What makes sense to you? Give me your ideas and maybe we’ll change our web-site.

Had a very creative meeting with Steve Gladen (pastor of small groups), Jason Pogue (director of the Refinery), Bill Crane (king of I.T.), Jim Dobbs & Ryan Carson (graphics, web, awesome, etc…). We talked about the moving pieces connected to www.saddleback.com\refuel. Some very sharp and creative folks who care deeply about what’s happening at our church and within our small groups.

Because we are “experimenting” with some social media ideas… the white board got full quickly. As with all ideas… uh…not all of them were good (cough…Steve).  A lot of ideas that surfaced were about how people within our church community are communicating these days (via Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, FaceSpace, etc… ). The goal for these ideas wasn’t to see how we could be cool, fresh or different with this series… rather it was to find out if we might be more effective thru the channels of communication that are available to us today. What are your ideas?

Some of the folks I work with had a great meeting today with a volunteer name Erik Smith, he’s the Chief Strategy Office for Fame Cast (www.famecast.com) which is essentially an online version of American Idol. This guy was not only a genuinely nice guy and a regular attendee at FUSE, (www.saddleback.com/fuse) but he is also a genius when it comes to social networking. So, now that I know what social networking is (well, kinda), you will see us try some new stuff that connects to social networking. (Actually, if I am totally honest, I didn’t understand much with words like java, widget, flash, etc.)

 

Anyways we have decided to take some atypical approaches to the Refuel series that regulars at Saddleback Church may not be used to. So, watch out web 2.0 world– here comes Refuel. By the way, if you Twitter follow us at www.twitter.com/refuelseries.

Our small groups’ team experimented with the idea of going thru the Refuel book as a staff (1 chapter a week—not overly aggressive, but remember, it’s the small group team). Randomly, one of the staff is picked to lead the group and share his/her insights from their reading and how they plan to able to apply it to their life.

 

It’s actually been a surprise learning for Steve Gladen (Pastor to Small Groups). He said, “From now on, I want our staff to read the book before we offer it to the entire church small groups. Our team is so excited about the series now. Normally, we do it at the same time as the church and this time around we’ve discovered our leaders are now anxious to get others talking about it.”

Anyway, one of the staff, Tina Brown who oversees online community & online groups tools (yeah, I’m not sure what that means either) put together a little video from chapter 4 (Be Quiet). I was thrilled to see her creativity and asked her if I could share it with you (whoever “you” are).  What do you think?

Well, the first day of a new month is usually when I begin my diet (actually, I usually re-start the diet that I began last month). Today, I’m starting a blog. Why? Actually, I’m not totally sure. Let’s call it an “experiment” for a new series that I’ll be teaching that doesn’t begin until March 21st.

Here’s the inside scoop, a few of us decided to try some “experiments” that might better connect our church body to a particular weekend series (you know, new stuff… things we’ve never tried before or we tried them before but they were lousy). The stuff you see on this web-site from now until Easter.

I realize that blogging is a culturally accepted term, and some of you are expert bloggers, blah, blah, blah… good for you. I’m not! I’m a total rookie… so I’ll need your grace and patience for when I violate blogging etiquette (like… well, I don’t have an example yet since I don’t know how to blog). I’ve never blogged before… unless you consider Twitter blogging… in which case… I’m probably nearing the expert level (www.twitter.com/dougfields).

On the weekend of March 21/22 we will begin a 3 week series leading up to Easter. This particular series will be called “REFUEL” and will help us make stronger connections with God. I’m very excited about it! Here are some elements you can expect from this series:

1. The weekend teaching/sermons
2. A copy of my new book, called Refuel (imagine that). It’s FREE if you’re in a small group
3. Small group video delivered via internet (it will be short and we want you to watch it BEFORE you go to small group so you’ll have more time for talking/interaction/etc…)
4. A blog (oh yea… that’s if I can continue this past day 1)
5. A weekly text sent to your mobile phone (not exactly sure what it’s going to be yet)
6. A web-site that contains all the videos, small group questions, bloopers, fun stuff, etc… [note: when I use the word “etc” it is usually because I don’t know what’s coming next]
7. Some type of take away from the weekend that will help us remember the main points of the sermon
8. Some shared learnings (via blog, testimony, Facebook, smoke signal, etc…)
9. Talking animals, personal hygiene tips, and a sketching of Abraham Lincoln (details are still being investigated)
10. Etc (I really wanted to get to the #10)