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“I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10

¹³ But they soon forgot what he had done. . . Psalm 106:13

Yesterday, I had lunch with Pastor Larry Bettencourt, a long time mentor and friend. He was pouring into my life about some things and he said this statement (which probably seemed insignificant to him), but that God used to blow me away!

He said, “Bubba, you have and have had a great life.”

He was saying that because I’m so focused on a hundred different things and on going a hundred different places. It’s like I’m convinced that if I’ll just achieve a little more, do more, accomplish more, be more that I’ll finally be satisfied with my life and be content.

When he said that, I knew it was true… I really have had an amazing life. However, I haven’t been taking time to enjoy life, enjoy the experiences, enjoy everything God has done and is doing in my life. I’ve been doing, doing, doing, striving, striving, striving so much that it’s hard for me to slow down and enjoy anything.

God has been faithful in the past and He’ll be faithful in the future and He wants me (and you) to enjoy our lives and enjoy the journey. Everything we’re trying to achieve and the places we’re trying to get to will both be impossible without God, and even if we achieved some of it and went to some of the places we want to in life, we’ll end up looking back and realizing we didn’t enjoy any of it.

So I’m making a decision from here on out… I’m going to choose to enjoy life, enjoy the journey and recognize and thank God for a great life. I’m going to thank Him for a great life so far and trust Him and thank Him for a great future.

As I slow down and look at my life… it truly is a great life and I have God to thank for that. I’ll never forget it!  I’m so thankful He reminded me of this truth…

So how about you? Do you have a great life? Are you thankful for everything God has done in your life?

What They Do:

FINISHLINE MINISTRIES seeks to serve and strengthen the vision of the local church by providing practical insights through these methods:

1. by COACHING – Mentoring emerging Youth Pastors and leaders. IE. (Personal coaching on the “How to” of youth ministry)

2. by EQUIPPING – Enhancing church members and staffs how to “Align” to the Vision of their pastor. IE. (Teaching HELPS ministry messages and church “Master Planning”© concepts*) *independent consulting

3. by TRAINING – Teaching practical leadership principles and hosting youth ministry leadership workshops / conferences. IE. (ACHIEVE: monthly “the AM” leadership breakfast and 1 day STUDENT MINISTRY leadership events)

Personal Testimony: I’ve blogged about Pastor Larry a lot so I’ll keep this brief. I can name so many people and ministries that have never been the same because of having Pastor Larry’s investment in them, including my own. I wouldn’t be in ministry or anywhere in life if it weren’t for this man.

I’ll just say that if your a youth pastor, youth leader, senior pastor, etc. You need to bring Pastor Larry by your side and have him work with you and your team. He has the experience and the coaching skills necessary to take you and your team to another level. On top of consulting, he is an incredible communicator for your church, youth ministry, youth retreat, or youth camp. If you’re interested in having him consult with your team or speak at your church or event, e-mail him at larry@finishlineministry.com.

Pastor Larry’s Bio:

• Over 20 years Youth Pastor and Associate ministry experience
• 13 years as Associate Pastor of Victory Family Church- assisted Pst. John Nuzzo in establishing Victory as a one of the prominent churches in the Northeast, seeing growth from 70 to over 2,000
• Oversight of ministries include: Youth, Children, Helps, 20 something, and Pastoral care
  (Started 2 youth groups and managed completion of 10,000 sq. ft. Youth Center)
• 17 years of hosting and organizing youth camps and leadership seminars
• Master in Organizational Leadership
• Football assistant coach- at Geneva College (3yrs) and Seneca Valley High School (10yrs)
• Married to Kim for 17 years
• 4 awesome daughters

Check out and Buy Pastor Larry’s Latest Book: Put it Behind Ya

Check out Pastor Larry’s Blog: http://larrybettencourt.wordpress.com/

Check him out on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lbettencourt

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Larry-Bettencourt/1074867622

Here is an interview my good friend, Cory Vogan, had with Pastor Larry in March, 2009:

Pastor Larry Bettencourt Interview from Bubba Smith on Vimeo.

Pastor Larry Bettencourt Interview from Bubba Smith on Vimeo.

Just wanted to share this video with all of you. A while back we had Cory Vogan interview Pastor Larry to catch us up to date with everything going on in his ministry. Pastor Larry is a great friend and mentor in my life. I had the opportunity to intern and serve under his leadership for 4 years before he started his own ministry. He is responsible for changing the lives of thousands of teenagers and leaders. I’m so grateful for his investment in my life.  For more information check out his webpage at Finishlineministries.com