ULTIMATE ESCAPE
In This Issue
Who Are You Really?
Upcoming Programs
Quick Links
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Eric Tooley
ULTIMATE ESCAPE
[email protected]
972-342-0753
Who Are You Really?   
Try this exercise yourself and then repeat it with your young people.

Suppose you meet someone for the first time. List all the different ways you could introduce or define yourself.

Now get out your Bible and compare your list to Matthew 5:3-10. In the Beatitudes, Jesus lists eight definitions of ourselves that will make us "blessed" or "happy."

I have found that when I get away from these definitions I face my biggest temptations for pornography.

Last Sunday I got to speak in our church worship service. I introduced myself this way:
Hi, my name is Eric Tooley but that is not really who I am. That is just my name.  
I am a member of this church who is a Life Group Leader and Bible Class Teacher.
But that is not who I am; that is just my religion.
 
I have worked almost twenty years in non-profit ministry and before that ten years as a full-time church minister.
But that is not who I am; that is just my career.
 
I am my mother's son, my sister's brother, my wife's husband, my daughter's father, and grandfather to three perfect granddaughters.
But that is not who I am; that is just my family.
 
I am a person who hurts from a failed 17-year marriage that ended in divorce and from the grief of my father's death seven years ago.  
I am a person who struggles with the habits of pornography and over-eating.  
I am a person who deals with the hang-ups of codependency and a need for affirmation.  
But that is not who I am either. Those are just my hurts, habits, and hang-ups.  
Who am I really? I am a beloved servant of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  
That's who I am today. It's who I'll be tomorrow. Because of God's grace, it is who I'll be for all eternity.
Upcoming Programs
Tonight, Wednesday, 5/28
Dallas, TX
Dallas Lutheran School
Parent Program
"Images or Glory?"

Tomorrow, Thursday, 5/29, 1:15 pm
Dallas, TX
Dallas Lutheran School
Student Program
"Images or Glory?"

This Friday, 5/30, 1:00 pm
Ft. Worth, TX 
Student Assemblies
"The Pledge" 3-Screen anti-bullying movie

This Tuesday, 6/3, 11:00 am
Ft. Worth, TX
Student Assembly
"The Pledge"
3-Screen anti-bullying movie

Friday, 6/27, 9:45 am, 10:45 am, & 4:00 pm
Orlando, FL - Spiritual Growth Workshop
Adult Workshops
"A Biblical Look at Pornography"
"Pornography's Effect on the Brain"
"Spiritual Disciplines to Avoid Pornography"

Saturday, 6/28, 10:45 am & 2:45 pm
Orlando, FL - Spiritual Growth Workshop
Teen Keynote Addresses
"Equipped for Morality"
"Discussion Panel"

If you are interested in booking Eric to speak, email
[email protected] or call 972-342-0753.