God vs. God's gifts

What is more important to us, God or the gifts God has given us?

Initially the easy response is God. Which I believe is what God desires of us. God should be #1 above everything else. Sure, I put Him above playing golf in high school. I can put Him before watching TV or spending time on the computer. Those are areas where we need to have God as more important. But I don't think it is always that easy.

I was reminded today, at the Senior Bible Study, of Abraham's near sacrifice of Isaac. Where did Abraham place God, more or less important than the promise God had given to him? There was nothing Abraham would not have done for Isaac, until it came to a decision b/w Isaac and God. Abraham put God as more important.

What about Job? He didn't curse God after everything (everything) was taken away. He could have turned his back on God and complained. Job's response was to praise God for who He is. Job placed God about God's gifts to him.

The Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4 was faced with this decision, too. Elisha told her of a son she would have and things are looking good. Then the gift is taken from her a short time (he was still a boy) later. Her gift was taken away.

What is more important to me? I want to be able to say God's gifts. I want to say I would place God above His gifts. Some of God's gifts are difficult to do that with: my boys, my wife, any of my senses, my close friends, my ministry.

A year and a half ago I think I faced this question and chose my ministry over God. Not that I was putting God out of my life, but I was putting the "safety" (what I thought was safety) of my ministry above what God was calling me to do.

Is God on the top of your list? Is He in the middle? Are there things that you would give up for Him and are there things you're not sure if you would?

"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (Job 1.21)

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

What a day. Some of the rough points:
-I felt like I was talking to mannequins during Sunday School,
-ran out of time during Kids Worship (not sure yet if we just went long or the service was shorter),
-was reminded again why I don't watch SNL. Amy and I taped it due to Rainn Wilson hosting. There were some funny skits (the digital short, monologue), but a lot of either just not funny or crude stuff. (I should have just watched the parts that were online)
-seemed a little more patience than normal was needed on the parenting side of life
-thought I had lost a check from a parent
-trying to get middle schoolers to grasp the concept of wisdom

Despite the rough parts, yesterday was a good day.
-I got to "hang out" with the family before Sunday School (some weeks I just run around trying to make sure everything is taken care of)
-despite lack of response, I felt like some of the high schoolers were really getting the message in Sunday School
-Had a visitor that I was extremely glad to see in class
-I missed out on being in service, which meant I missed seeing a picture of me all "hillbilly" from a Relay for Life dinner Saturday night
-I'm getting really excited about Believe in two weeks
-got to spend the afternoon (during nap time) just spending time with my wife watching the previously mentioned sub par SNL
-the middle schoolers were very open about areas in their life that need work
-didn't watch a minute of the Oscars :)
-got a chance to do some writing about stuff God's been teaching me

God shows up all the time, we just miss it b/c we aren't always looking.

Dwight Shrute music video

Thanks NBC for the Laugh of the Day.



(yeah, it seems to be a lot of posts today, but I couldn't pass up posting this video today as I'm in a Office mood.)

Lessons from The Office

I'm really liking this whole "no previews" way of watching The Office. I knew a little about the episode from stuff I'd seen online, but I was not prepared for what actually took place. Toby, Toby, Toby - must we still try?

Ok, so some lessons I took from last night's episode:
1. when we have a big announcement to make, we want everything to be perfect.
2. we also get real nervous when we have a big announcement
3. some friends will do anything for you - even smell your breath
4. Never, ever let Dwight "tour your house"
5. sometimes honesty is hard to hear
6. when we don't listen to all of what someone has to say, we might overreact
7. Roy needs to join Andy in "anger management"
8. Magic Camp is not just for kids :)

Trivia Wednesday #5 (Correction)

the answer for last week's question should have been True, not false. I am so sorry for the confusion. You would have thought that on a True/False question, I should not have messed up the answer. :)

getting stuck...twice

This week has been a full week for me. Monday was a regular work day, plus having all the senior girls over to our house for supper. Then Tuesday was 1/2 work day (with Sr. Bible Study) and then travel to Cincinnati. Wed. was spent in Cincy, visiting friends and family. Yesterday was travel home and 1/2 work day. Today is regular work day and then dinner with a couple from church.

Back to getting stuck. Tuesday was the Bible study with the seniors. It was my 3rd one and I have one more time. Well, this time around I parked in a different spot than usual. A funny thing happened when I was getting ready to leave - I was parked in. I had no way out. My car was stuck, so I decided to try to drive over the edge of the grass to get out. BAD mistake. Apparently I didn't know that this section of grass (which I thought had a fair amount of rock mixed in) was pulled up last year to lay some new piping. So, let's just say it was not the sturdiest, esp. since it was full of water from the snow melting. So there I am trying to "sneak" out and getting stuck in the grass. I mean my wheels are spinning and I'm not getting any traction. So I have to face the facts and humbly walk in to the Sr. Center hoping to find someone to help me get out. (Not a place you want to get stuck, outside a senior center)

Thankfully there were two people from a Catholic group that works with seniors and getting them jobs. I asked them to help me, which they did. The other guy and myself were able to push the car out and get it back on the gravel. But as you can imagine, our clothes did not go untouched. Let's just say both our shoes (dress shoes) were covered with mud. My pants were pretty muddy and his suit got some mud on it to. I felt so bad and was ready to leave. This was only my second time ever to get stuck in the grass. The first time was in high school with my brother (that time we had to get towed). All of this getting stuck happened right before we were supposed to pack up the car and head off to Cincy.

Then on Wed. morning, we were leaving my sister's house to visit our friend. Let me just say this about my sister's road... every other road in the city was clear from ice, due to the warmer weather, but not my sister's. There was still a sheet of ice (with patches of dry ground) on the road. So I was backing up and putting the car in drive when the wheels started to spin. Great. Stuck on ice. We were close enough to the grass that I could get some traction from the snow and was able to help push the car out as Amy drove.

I have not gotten stuck in over 10 years and then in the matter of 2 days I get stuck 2 times. What a trip :)

Here's the thing though. In both cases I see a connection with what can happen in our spiritual lives.

The first one happened because I tried to sneak out and drive where I wasn't supposed to drive. How many times do we get stuck in sin because we sneak around and allow ourselves to go places we are not supposed to go? When we think we can just do it this once, we get stuck.

The second one occurred because of a build up of snow and ice, without proper removal. No one had plowed the road and therefore all the ice/snow was just adding up. The snow on top gave some traction, but when it was gone and the ice was uncovered it had no where to go. I know that when we allow sin to build up and do nothing to get rid of it or the temptations which draw us back, we find ourselves getting stuck in sin all over again. We must "plow" sin out of our lives on a regular basis and stop it from building up or we'll get hurt down the road.

Try not to get stuck today. :)

Photo Friday #7

This is me at last week's 5th Quarter. I was getting cool whip squirted off my nose by some jr. higher with a squirt gun. Let's just say we didn't win and I got a lot wetter than I thought I needed to. :)

good cop story

Check out this story.

A good story about a cop doing what is right. Its good to see that something good is getting press. Its not often we hear about the good stuff.

Trivia Wednesday #5

Answer #4 - True (corrected from an early goof)

I'll have to link to the site (if anyone wants me to prove it) later as I am out of town today.

EDIT* link to site (you'll have to type in "honeybee" that is the only way I can figure how to link)

Question #5 - Happy Rabbit was the original name of which cartoon character?

new Simpsons trailer

I just got to watch the new episode last night. The episode was probably, in my opinion, the funniest one in a long time. It seemed to be funny from beginning to end. Plus anytime you get to see the Springfield adults as kids its good. Even Ralph made it in the episode (always a plus for me).

Anyway - the trailer. WOW! I told Amy that every time I see a new trailer it makes the movie that much more appealing. Not that I wouldn't go see it when it comes out anyway :) But it seems that the movie will not just be a bunch of fluff to fill time. I guess we'll find out this summer. But at any rate - I'm excited.

I think I'll go watch the trailer again. :)

EDIT*
I decided to find the trailer and post it here:

5th Quarter Recap

What a night!

It was supposed to start at 9pm, after the basketball game. Well, we had people showing up at 7:50 and still showing up closer to 10. The basketball game went long, so that put a wrench in the night.

a few highlights.
1. we had lots, I mean lots, of giveaways. Gave away 6 really ugly orange baseball hats. The hats that look like they have padding all the way around :)
2. Gave away some of the Book of John Message Bibles. the cool thing was that the first few people who got one were people we would have wanted to give them to. :) Now, I don't know if it made it out the door or not, but I'm praying it did.
3. Speaker did a great job. And the students seemed to really be listening.
4. My youth ministry team leaders really stepped up to the plate Friday night. One of them told me about a conversation he had with one of the students. (It was funny b/c I sent this student to this adult about the question). The conversation started b/c the student wanted to know how to "get a girl to like him" and ending up being about God having a plan for the kids life. Obviously there is a flow and process from pt. A to pt. B, but that is not necessary. It was cool to see the conversation and to focus on connecting with this student in the next few weeks for follow up.
5. Had over 8 feet of sub left over
6. I was reminded that even to the "cool" middle schoolers I am a dork. Most of them would not even acknowledge I talked to them. Now the rest of the students it was a different story. I was able to connect with quite a few new faces.
7. The adults really did a great job at "being present" with the students. I was encouraged to see them step up and show what great adult helpers can do.
8. The last kid was getting picked up like at 11:45 (we ended at 11). I think I'm going to start charging for babysitting :)
9. I'm glad we did it, but I am also glad its over. No major issues, so that is good. Now we just work on follow up and seeing the students at school and around town and trying to reconnect with them.

Lessons from The Office

First off, watching without seeing the previews is better. I think I enjoyed the episode much more since I had not seen most of it on the previews. I knew enough about this episode to have an idea of what was going to happen, but I must say the actual show was funnier than what I pictured.

So what can we learn:
1. Sometimes we go back to what we know (Pam)
2. People do not like/want to be alone (or lonely) (Pam/Kelly)
3. With the boss gone, nothing gets done in the office
4. Michael truly cares for people
5. Art (and almost any form of self expression) is best when it comes from passion and excitement within us.
6. In any business or ministry - its the people that are important!

(one more episode before a break)

Pumping Gas

On Saturday a few of the high schoolers (and a couple adults) were at a local gas station (one of our two :)) to pump gas for people. Things were working out well. It was supposed to be really cold here which is great for something like this. Well, apparently, it was too cold for people to get out and get gas. We were there for two hours and I would say we didn't have many more than 30 cars get gas.

But what was even funnier was that over 1/2 the people we asked (mostly men) to pump their gas for them just said no. Or (and this is even funnier to me) they said yes and then stood outside the car talking to you as you pumped their gas. :) Our whole purpose was to pump gas so people would not have to get out of their cars. Oh well.



It turned out to be a good afternoon, even though it didn't go exactly as planned. It was really cold and we tried to rotate people to be outside. But at one point two of the senior girls decided to go play in the snow. Note that one of them didn't have gloves.

Photo Friday #6

This is a picture from our back porch the other night, after our snowfall. It was horrible, about an inch of snow fell and covered the ground. :)

The Office - no previews

This week I decided to try something. I did not watch any preview clip from this week's episode. Since we don't watch much TV, see this post on reasons why, I didn't have to worry about seeing any previews on TV. So, my only issue was not to watch the numerous previews online.

I have become overwhelmed with all the previews they are now showing for The Office. It seems like you can get the first 10 minutes of the show online.

So, I have to say I am pretty excited about watching it without seeing the previews. I think it will be better this way. I'm trying to get back to "enjoying" the show each episode and not trying to learn as much as I can about the upcoming episodes. What did people do before the internet to tell us what was coming up on a TV show? :)

shopping carts and youth ministry

In January, on our way to see family, we stopped at a store (let's call it Meijer) for a break. Some of you won't know what Meijer is - its like Wal-mart, that's about the only comparison I can make. :)

Anyway, I saw something that made me sad. Really sad. (I wish I would have had my camera to capture the moment) They have a new level of shopping cart available now. Not only can your child ride in a fancy car or boat or whatever - now they can watch TV while you shop. Yeah, you heard me correctly. You child can sit and watch a cartoon while you shop, for a $1. You can now buy a cart that has a TV in the front and you push the cart around and your child watches Bob the Builder or Barney or the Wiggles or....

You have got to be kidding! Can our children not last 30 minutes to an hour in a store without watching TV. I guess that way they don't have to wait until they get back into the SUV with DVD in the backseat to finish the episode. I mean come on, can kids really not stay away from TV that long.

but then I got to thinking. How often do we try to do the same thing with your ministry? I mean, we talk about how the days of flash ministry are fading. But are they really fading for the "average" youth minister? Is there not something inside of us that wants to have flash.

I mean flash has its advantages. Flash is instant. Flash is noticeable. Flash gets noticed. Flash "shows" people we are doing something. Flash draws kids.

But flash has its disadvantages. Flash does not help a student through tough times. Flash is all about surface. Flash can take away from God. Flash is about feeling good about the "job" you are doing. Flash does not last. Flash will be outdone by someone down the street.

For me the whole shopping cart is about getting a kid to like the store for the TV, not for the store. In youth ministry, its easier to try to get a student to like the ministry for the "fun, flash, ______" and not because of the God we serve.

Are the other leaders or congregation forcing us to do flash? When people look at the ministry and they do not see an increase in numbers does that force us to do something to keep our job? Is the desire for "flash ministry" a product of misinformed laypeople? How can we pass on the need to be deep? Who needs to pass this on?

I'd love to hear your thoughts. This whole TV shopping cart just got me thinking...

5th Quarter

This Friday is our 5th Quarter. We are hosting the middle school students. Honestly I think that is because at some point in the past the other host decided they wanted to do the high school one (not sure if it was out of fear for ms or what?). So today and tomorrow will be fun days of prep. I am looking forward to it. I love being able to just hang out with middle schoolers for a few hours and then send them back home :)

I have been encouraged by our adult helpers. They seem to really get behind the need to have a quality/excellent event for middle schoolers. They do not see it as the "leftover" or "unwanted" group. They are excited about it and I am thrilled to see that excitement and not a feeling of "havetoness."

We're having a dj do the music - which I'm excited about. Some fun games are planned and some great food is on its way.

But my big concern is in the interaction b/w the adults and the students. I've been to other events where the adults just sorta sit back and interact with each other and do not interact with the students. Or if they do, the students have to initiate it. I'm going to try to stress the point that this is not for us, its for the students. I want the students to know we care about them, we are here for them, we want them to know about and have a relationship with Jesus Christ.

If you think about it, please pray for our evening. Thanks

Trivia Wednesday #4

Now for the moment you have been waiting for all week.

Answer #3 - Man o' War (its the exit off 75 I take to get to my brother's house.)

Question #4 - True or False: The honeybee kills more people each year world-wide than venomous snakes.

I made this one a little easier for all of you. I'll give you two guesses on this one. :) In honor of Valentine's Day today, here is a fun fact:

In the Middle Ages, the belief that birds chose their mates on St. Valentine's Day led to the idea that boys and girls would do the same. Up through the early 1900's, the Ozark hill people in the U.S. thought that birds and rabbits started mating on February 14, a day for them which was not only Valentine's Day but Groundhog Day as well.

HPV vaccine mandatory?

Have you seen this? I guess in Texas the governer is trying to made it mandatory for all girls to get this vaccine. Here is the CDC page on HPV. From what I can gather it is still fairly new and long term side effects are unknown. I just feel that it should not be mandatory. Having it is great. Now my other struggle is that some women who have HPV did not get it from consensual sex, but from rape. This takes the issue from a "free pass" to have sex to a prevention against something you cannot foresee.

where should the line be?

dangerous roads

I saw this on Blurred Brain. Though I don't know where or why Tim found it, I thought it was quite interesting.

Here is Tim's post on the top 5 dangerous roads in the world. Here is the original article.

All I have to say is why would you drive on these?

Getting through tough times

Today in the Sr. Bible study we con't to talk about trials. I asked them what attributes of God helps them through tough times. I thought I would share the answers.

1. His great strength
2. He knows us (better than we know ourselves)
3. He loves us
4. He's been through everything
5. He will never leave us

ps. We talked about Job. I read the first part when all the stuff happens to Job. Then I stopped and said before we look at how Job responds let's talk about what it would have been like. One of the ladies said "We know how he responds, we've known his we were 5." I just laughted to myself :)

depending on God

Well, it seems to be happening again. A while back I posted about how God kept showing me my need to seek Jesus.

It seems that this week I have been reminded of my need to depend on God on a daily basis. The last couple weeks in the High School SS we have been talking about the Israelites in the time of the Exodus. This week we looked at the manna and quail God gave them daily (for 40 years!) to take care of their needs. And how they could not keep any for the next day or it would have maggots and smell. That is except the 6th day, which is something else really cool God showed them - The Sabbath. Then today while I was reading 1 Kings 17 (Elijah and the widow) I was struck by this concept again. In this passage, Elijah is told to go to the Kerith Ravine and he will be fed by Ravens (daily). Then when the river dries up he is told to go to Zarephath of Sidon and a widow will take care of him.

What struck me at this point is that the widow is planning on making one last meal for herself and her son and then just waiting to die (due to the drought in the area). Elijah tells her to go home and make a small cake of bread for him and then some for her family. And then her flour and oil will not empty until God gives rain to the land again. Not only was she supposed to rely on God to keep the flour and oil full, she was supposed to give what little she had to someone else before she could use it for herself. God keeps his promise and she has food every day.

Then the third appearing of this theme came while I was reading Deep Ministry in a Shallow Wolrd by Chap Clark and Kara Powell. This one is in regards to taking vacations. But is says "Saving vacation time is like the Israelites who tried to store up manna." (p 230) What am I trying to store up that God wants me to use?

What do I need to depend on God for? The obvious answer, for me, always go back to money. But I think there is more that I need to depend on God for daily.

I hope to post more about this as I wrestle with it. What are your thoughts? How can ministers depend daily on God for something in the ministry? What has God given us to use today that will "spoil" if we try to keep it for tomorrow?

Trivia Wednesday #3 (hint)

It seems as though my racehorsing question was too difficult. So here is a hint. The answer is a 3 word name with an "'O" in the middle. _______ 'O _______

Does that help?

Lessons from The Office

Last night's Office reminded me a lot of the Diwali episode, esp. with the ending being a "flashback" in time to earlier in the evening.

Lessons learned:
1. in order to have a good TV show, you cannot have the man/woman ever get together until the end of the series
2. some people should never be given a microphone
3. its ok to kick people out
4. bringing up past hurts is not always good (please stop talking Kelly)
5. sometimes no advice is better advice (again, thanks Kelly)
6. it is not always easy to not be in the "spotlight" all the time

fiber optics

I can't believe I didn't post about this earlier this week. On my way in to work today I noticed the phone lines. Yeah, that's not too odd. But what I remembered was that last week they had been working on the lines, putting some new line in - which I had no idea what it was. Well, at the sr. Bible study on Tuesday someone mentioned that they were putting up fiber optic cable. That's not strange, because fiber optics is beginning to be more common. But what is strange is that I live in a small town (2,000 people) and if you're outside of the "city limits" then you cannot even get high speed internet.

So if we are really getting fiber optic cables that is crazy. It's good, but crazy.

Maybe this will mean we (at the church) can get some higher speed internet than dialup. Maybe? Please!

Photo Friday #5

I did put the sign up in my office, so I thought that would make a good picture of the week. Here is my "Office" sign location, right next to my desk. Yeah, I know its supposed to be on my door, but then I would never see it :)

feedblitz

Just an FYI to anyone interested. I added a feedblitz feature to the blog "recently." You can add your email address and it will send you an email when there is a new post, well actually it does it once a day. You can find the feedblitz info on the right side of the blog.

Thanks and enjoy :)

Archaeologists find prehistoric Romeo and Juliet locked in eternal embrace

I just saw this article. It's just such a huge coincidence that they found it so close to Valentine's Day. Here is a portion of the article:

Archaeologists have unearthed two skeletons from the Neolithic period locked in a tender embrace and buried outside Mantua, just 25 miles south of Verona, the romantic city where Shakespeare set the star-crossed tale of Romeo and Juliet.

Quite an interesting article, I'm sure we'll be hearing more about it in the weeks to come.

Go here for the whole story.

I don't know about you, but I would love to get a Valentine's card with that picture on the front and something inside about "our love will last longer than that."

Trivia Wednesday #3

Answer #2: (in no particular order)Scoop - digger, Lofty - crane, Dizzy - cement mixer, Muck - digger/dumper, Roley - steam roller, Wendy - business partner, Spud - Farmer Pickles’ scarecrow, Mr. Bentley - building inspector, Scruffty - Farmer Pickles’ dog, Pilchard - cat (possibly belonging to Wendy), Travis - tractor, Bird - bird (Roley’s best friend), Scrambler - ATV, Benny - robo digger, Jay Jay - building yard owner, Molly - works with Jay Jay

Questions #3 - What was the name of the popular American racehorse who only lost one race, to a horse called Upset? (its also a name of a road in Lexington, KY)

Senior Bible Study

Today was the first of a month long weekly Bible studies with the seniors. Not high school or college seniors, no the true seniors. You know, those people who have a lot of knowledge and life experience and yet seem to mostly go untapped. Yeah, I got the privilage of leading a Bible study for them.

I actually got called last Friday to lead every Tuesday this month. At first, I have to admit I was a little apprehensive and unsure. I guess its a little intimidating for me to try to lead a Bible study with people who have been in the Bible for many more years than I've been alive. But with the helpful words of my wife, I came to my senses and said I would lead it.

Last month they studied eternity, so that was out. I ended up deciding to do the book of James. And after today, I don't think we'll get through it all without either: having absolutely no conversation or putting it all down in "handouts". And who many seniors do you know that want more papers :)

Today, we got through the first 13 verses or so. It was good. I was nervous and felt underprepared, but I think it turned out ok. It was encouraging to hear their comments and discussion. A lot of the seniors have been through way more trials than I have and so it was good to hear from them about their experiences and how they have handled tough times. To hear how God has brought them through some really tough times, like loss of spouses and children. We also talked about how sometimes our trials are not huge, sometimes they are more minor. Even those trials are things we need to bring before God and learn from.

It was encouraging. One of the ladies told me that she had been meaning to tell me she really enjoyed the last time I preached (Dec. 31). I challenged the congregation to think of New Year's Day as just another Monday. That each day we should be making resolutions, not just once a year. I challenged them to wake up each morning and thank God for another day and then ask themselves (and God) how they could make a difference in their world today. I told them to try it for a week and see if it made a difference. She told me she's been doing that and it has made a big difference. That was nice to hear and encouraging to know that my preaching has been used to help someone grow closer to God.

29 posts

Just saw this and thought it was interesting, at least to me. I had 29 posts in Jan 2007. That is over 1/2 of what I posted all of 2005. Granted I started part way through the year and did take time off b/c I was without a ministry and whatnot.

Shocking

Ok, so yesterday while trying to get to the church's paper cutter, I shocked myself on the doorknob. I've been shocking myself a lot lately. So I made some comment like it was the 18th time that I'd shocked myself so far that day. Someone who heard me just kinda laughed like I was exagerating. Well, today I decided to try to count how many times I actually shock myself.

So far: 19

update: final count - 38

Am I just weird?

The Office - the sign

Yesterday something fun happened. If you are just tuning in to this blog, you may not know that I am a fan of "The Office." (US version) Since the show came out I've been looking for one of those signs they use for the title of the show. I've looked in office catalogs, many office stores and have never found one. Until yesterday, we were at a local "multipurpose" store. It was our first time in the store, just to look around and see what they had. They have dog supplies, horse supplies, some farm equipment, typical hardware stuff, some books, toys, clothes, appliances and some other odds and ends. Well, we walked past the section with the for sale signs, house numbers, etc. And I started to say "how funny would it be that I'd find my sign here." Right when I finished the sentence, there it was. :)





Now I just have to find a good spot in my office to put it. Is it sad that I've looked for a sign like this for this long?

Photo Friday #4

This photo is from our kickoff last year. One of the hosts made this and I thought it was pretty cool.

Happy Groundhog Day

What else is there to say?

(go pick up the movie and watch it today, and remember you have to make the most of each day. If you don't then you'll just keep repeating it until you get it right)

elder's meeting tonight

Tonight is our elder's meeting. Should not be too bad, might be long. Last night was the building expansion meeting with the architects to go over some of the details needed before they can draw up the plans for the proposed building expansion. So I'm looking forward to being updated on that info and hearing how things are going.

Hopefully I won't have much to blog about tomorrow about the meeting.

Tomorrow I'm also going on a Men's retreat at the local camp. This will mark the first such event I've been to in a long time (not counting Promise Keepers).

The Office Drama: Every place needs a hero

To help you til tomorrow night's episode...another Office drama video. Saw this one on Life in the Office (LITO). If you are a fan of The Office, you need to check this site out.

This video is for the Dwight fans. Every Place Needs a Hero...



It's crazy what you can do with the right editing. I must say I like this video concept better, but think the first one was better done.

Lessons from the Simpsons

Watching the Simpsons the other day I watched an episode called "Lisa's Sax" There was one particular footage that hit me as both funny and sad at the same time. On the show it was funny, the connection to reality was sad.

Episode basically was about telling how Lisa got her sax, after it was smashed. At one moment in the flashback we see Homer looking at a new air conditioner (due to a heatwave hitting Springfield and the Simpson's air conditioner being broken). Meanwhile Lisa has crossed the street standing in front of a music store admiring the instruments. Earlier in the show we see a shrink tell Homer and Marge that Lisa has a gift and it has to be encouraged. So, while standing in front of the store, Homer says something like "musical instruments, is that a way to encourage a gifted child?" Then looking up he says "just give me a sign." Right then the store owner places a sign in the front window that says "musical instruments: encourage a gifted child." Homer "that works for me."

As I watched it, I was struck by how true that is. How many people, when searching for a "sign" from God, want to have things written out in the exact words we want?

I don't think God gives us signs like that. When we want to know if "Bob" is the right guy for me to marry (its just an example) don't we ask for a "sign" from God. Like Bob's name is written in your cereal or you hear his name on the radio a lot. We try to find signs we want to see.

As a youth minister, how can I teach the students to listen to God's voice (without speaking for Him)?

family back

Today is a good day. My family is coming back today. This means a lot of things; better meals will start again, boredom will be replaced with play, quiet will become noisy.

I am so happy. I can't wait til this afternoon!

Trivia Wednesday #2

Answer #1 - Alaska (you were right Jeremy)

(b/c I miss my wife and boys, this week's question is in honor of Nathan)

Question #2 - What are the names of, at least 3, Bob the Builder's "friends/equipment"? Bonus points if you can also name what type of equipment they are. I can name at least 12 right now without looking. And no, Thomas the Train is not one.

BTW - Nathan will be judging this one and if he doesn't count your answer, I'm sorry no points. :)

D x V x F > R

On Sunday, during the message, the sr. minister was talking about having a heart for God. In the middle of the message he added the equation (see title) he heard from an Upward Basketball Coaches meeting the day before. And its been in my mind since. I'm struggling with applying it to the youth ministry (as well as my own personal life :)).

So, what does it mean?

D(esire) x V(ision) x F(irst step) > R(estriction)

Desire times Vision times your first steps must be greater than the restrictions. When we want to do something, this is the equation we have to fill in to accomplish our goal. For example, if you want to start exercising you have to have a desire. Along with the desire to exercise you must have the vision of what it will look like once you have started. And you must take those first steps to exercising. All of these must be greater than the restrictions that keep you from exercising. If the first 3 are not great than your restrictions you will not accomplish your goal.

I am putting the pieces together in areas in my personal life that I want to change. As I have been thinking about it, I am saddened by the fact that it feels like the restrictions are far greater than the other 3. Why is that? Is it the constant struggle between flesh and spirit? Whatever it is I have been struggling with the why? Is it the desire, or vision or first step that is keeping me back?

Then I have also been trying to apply it to my ministry. As far as a way to think through stuff. For example, when it comes to youth coaches (volunteers) how can I make the restrictions lower? I don't think I can do much for the other 3, in someone else. So as a youth minister, my job is to make sure the restrictions are as low as they can be. This will help encourage that the other side of the equation is greater than the restrictions.

Thoughts? comments? ideas?

Please share. I am trying to think outloud with this one.

girls basketball

Well, starting yesterday I am by myself for a few days. :( And I have no car. But that's okay, because I live in a small town and most everyone passes by my house when they are going to the school, so I get a ride from my sr. pastor.

Last night was a long night. I stayed at work til about 6ish. Then rode home and tried to get a quick bite for supper (its a lot harder to do "quick" meals when your wife doesn't get them ready beforehand). Needless to say, last night's supper was pretty low on the "let's make a good well balanced meal" and high on the "gotta eat quick and get to the game" level. Anyhow, I got to the game in the 3rd quarter of the JV.

Ok, lets talk about JV sports. Last night felt like watching a middle school game. Neither team was making any shots they took. There were so many turnovers that I lost track. Even a few from people just losing the dribble, while standing still. Now, I'm not trying to bring them down - because I don't think I would get out there (in fact I didn't when I was in high school). It just seemed to be a little worse than normal. So, the game ended up 28 to 25. We won, but not without trying to let them. They just could not make a shot.

The varsity game was a little different. For one, the ball handling was a lot better and the shooting was better (though there were still a few air balls, but don't we all do that). Halftime of the game, the score had already suppassed the JV game. The final was 56-39 - we won again. I think it was the first time all season both teams won the same night. It was also senior recognition.

For the first time this year I was able to stay for the whole game. I don't get to watch most of the varsity games due to the need to get the boys home and in bed. So since I was alone, I stayed for all the game (plus I knew I had to walk home and was avoiding that at all costs). One thing I was encouraged by last night was the coaches. They did not seem overly aggressive at the players. Yeah, they "encouraged" them to play better, but I never heard or saw any downgrading of the players. The coaches were very encouraging after the game and even during the game when certain calls were not made.

And the best part was being able to interact with students and parents/adults from the community. I think a lot of the students are getting used to seeing me and know who I am. I hope they know my concern for them and would feel comfortable coming to me if they ever need anything. Building relationships is the real reason I go to the games. To be honest, I would much rather stay home and spend time with family or read :) (well, most days)

Now, if I can just get more of the youth coaches to go.

funeral #3 & 1 baptism

This morning was cold. I got up and spent some time playing with the boys. Around 10:30 I left for a funeral. This was the funeral for another students' grandpa. But there were quite a few differences in this one from the one yesterday or even the first one of the year.

First, I don't know anyone in the family except the grandson. He came to our Christmas Party and I've seen him at various school events.

Second, the grandpa was not a follower of Jesus. So the mood was a lot different. It was not much of a celebration, like yesterday's funeral was.

Third, it was a graveside only service. So it was cold.

Fourth, it was a military funeral. A majority of the service was based around his time in the Navy.

Fifth, the "message" from the chaplin was very brief and rather vague. He talked about what Jesus did for us on the cross, but not more than maybe twice.

Sixth, because of #2 it was one of those services where the chaplin tried to reassure the family that he was in a better place now.

Seventh, I didn't drive, but got a ride from one of the teen's. So I ended up riding with 1 teen from our church, 1 had at met once at school and another that I met for the first time today.

I am really glad I went and I pray for the family. Sometimes it seems the best ministry we can do is to be there in times of sorrow and struggle.

on to the other big thing...
A few hours ago I was able to be a part (through witnessing) of a baptism. One of the juniors was baptized today by his dad. How cool it was to watch. His dad was baptized a few months ago and its always special to watch a parent baptize their child. It was a smaller setting, probably about 20 or so people. Unfortunately for the two in the baptismal, it was not heated. :)

What a day it has been.

As I am finishing up I realized that I spent a lot more time typing about the funeral. And I started wondering why that was. A quick answer would be that I believe, although, baptism is important the bigger thing is what follows. The discipeship and teaching that needs to happen. Otherwise, I think we can treat a baptism like a funeral. We think about it a lot, but after a short period we get back to "life," usually with little noticable change.

another funeral today

Today I attended another funeral. It is the 3rd or 4th one in the last few months. This one was one of those "happy" funerals. Maybe joyful is a better word, because this lady had lived a full life and is in a much better place now. There was a lot of singing and worship. There were lots of memories shared. There were lots of tears. Some of them sad, but I think most of them had a hint of relief that the suffering she had endured was over.

A beautiful farewell.

The Office - Crime Drama video

If you like The Office, check out this video. Its a look at the Office as a crime drama. Pretty good editing.

I found it on Life in the Office

Photo Friday #3

trash a la mode :)

Trivia Wednesday #1

Because Wednesday can be a lag in the week, I thought I'd start a new series to help keep the brain thinking. So each Wednesday, or so, I'll post a trivia question. It could be about any subject and will range in difficulty. I'll post the answer the following week, along with a new question. Hope you enjoy. Post your answer by leaving a comment on each trivia question's post.

#1 - Which U.S. state was once part of the USSR?


(if there are any subjects you would like to be covered, please let me know)

Dakota Fanning's rape scene

I just heard about this on the Youth Ministry Exchange forums yesterday. Since I had not heard of it I wasn't sure what to think. I didn't know how much was shown, how it was shot or anything. I just found another article on the subject. You can read the whole thing here, but here is a part that caught my attention...

The disturbing scene lasts a few minutes but is not graphic. There is no nudity, the scene is very darkly lit and only Fanning's face and hand are shown.

Kampmeier said it took her a decade to get the film made, largely because of the rape scene, but cutting it was a compromise she was unwilling to make.

"This issue is so silenced in our society. There are a lot of women who are alone with this story," she said.

"When you're shooting a film, it's the images you line up next to each other that create a story," Kampmeier said. "If you have a hand hitting the ground, Dakota screaming 'stop' and you see a zipper unzip - that creates a rape."

I do not think anyone, regardless of age, should have to go through filming a rape scene. I would assume the mental battles with that would last a long time. I would hope the depiction from the article, of a non-graphic scene, is what is in the movie. I will probably never know, because I probably will never see the film. I would also hope the shooting of the scene was done with the utmost decency and respect.

Was it right for her to shoot it? Was it right for the director to keep it in the film? Should followers of Christ boycott the film? Will this film help some women feel more able to talk about a past rape?

This is what Dakota says at the end of the article:

"It's not really happening," Fanning said of a rape. "It's a movie, and it's called acting. I'm not going through anything. Cody and Isabelle aren't going through anything, their characters are.

"And for me, when it's done it's done," she said. "I don't even think about it anymore."

With all of the publicity and media attention on this one scene, I don't think she will be able to say "I don't think about it anymore" for a while. Even if she has moved on, I don't think the culture will for awhile.

What about her mom? I don't think that I would want my child to go through a scene like that. Maybe its because I'm not an actor, nor the parent of an actor. But I just don't know what to make. Its just the same thing I feel about Jessica Simpsons' dad (her manager and former minister) being completely ok with her doing all the sensual stuff and not having a problem with it. Does Hollywood have different standards and do you conform to them to "make it"?

Prayer lesson #2

The other day, I got another prayer lesson from my son. We were at dinner and I had just gotten back from a volleyball game at the school. While he was praying, Nathan thanked God for my safe travel from the game. Now, the school is only .4 miles from my driveway. I didn't think much about the trip, but Nathan thought it was important enough to thank God. I almost started crying to hear him pray for me like that (without any prompting from anyone).

I know God heard his prayer and it was one I didn't think twice about not saying.

daily reminder from my 2 year old

My two year old is pretty cool. Yeah, I know I'm biased.

Just about every day, he reminds me of a very important spiritual truth. To be honest, I'm not sure exactly how he picked this up except from just watching Amy and me. Every time he prays before we eat he prays for everything on his plate. I mean everything: each item of food, his napkin, drink, spoon, fork and whatever else he happens to have. He thanks God specifically for everything he has. There have been times where he will thank God for other things he has, non food items, during our mealtime prayer.

How often do I thank God specifically for all the blessings He has given to me? I am reminded of the difference in a general thank you and a specific thank you. I need to spend more time praying specifically and less generally.

How about you?

Photo Friday (Sunday) #2

a picture of how you feel after an overnighter :) (or maybe its just a jr. high sunday school class)

Oscar's (Dwight's) return on The Office

Well, it happened. Much faster than I thought it would, Dwight is back. I was really hoping for at least a week or two with him out of the office. But the Staples scenes were good. I just was hoping for a Beet Farm scene.

What do we learn? When Andy is annoying, he is annoying!!

More thoughts to come. I just wanted to say it was a good episode.

Anyone want some Mexican lemonade? :)

good trip

So far the trip has been great. We had good weather most of the way. We've been able to see a good bit of our families so far. And tonight is Christmas again :) (though I have a feeling it will mostly be for the boys). but nonetheless, its Christmas. So, we'll get to see everyone and eat a big meal and laugh and open presents.

I hope you're having a good non-Christmas.

ps. the Office didn't get anything at the Golden Globes :(

telephone and teenagers

Today in SS, I started class with a game of telephone. I was quite surprised the first time though. The phrase "The little monkey fell down the stairs" made it all the way around without mistake. But the second time was a bit different. I made it a little harder. the phrase "John at Timmy's soup, but Timmy didn't make soup he made burgers" (disregard all grammar errors, please). It came back as "Jim ate a cheeseburger, Fred did not." Not quite as close :)

Apparently it didn't take long from Timmy to become Fred, I don't know when Jim changed places with John.

on another note, if you are reading this I would love to have you pray for us as we travel this next week to visit family. The weather could be really bad. thanks.

Photo Friday #1

I've tried this before, but this time its going to stick :)

So, here it is the first Photo Friday of 2007



(my son - future worship leader?)

The Office in a church

I was just reading a blog entry from one of the prop guys on The Office about last night's episode. I found this part pretty interesting:

Stanley and Ryan

We went to a church in the San Fernando Valley and basically moved a few things around, but we didn't do much. Most of the actors knew Leslie (Stanley) from other projects so it was cool they got to work with him now that he's a recognizable face. We spent a lot time figuring out how to shoot that scene, so most of the crew hung out in the sanctuary.

So part of the episode was taped in a church. I didn't even realize it was a church (maybe due to the less than stellar reception we were getting last night)

Dwight vs. Andy - The Office

What an episode. Despite the fact that they put a lot of the funny clips out as previews I wasn't expecting near as much to happen in one episode. The cold open was not nearly as funny the second time - though "Long Tim" is still funny.

A few lessons to take away from the episode:
1. Even people who don't like each other can make a good team.
Dwight and Jim made a great salesteam :) (great moments throughout the whole sales call - Dwight sitting in back, getting pumped up, being slapped, the whole "on hold" scene)
2. You need to know your customer.
Phylis and Karen getting the "makeover." And on the negative side - Stanley letting Ryan handle his sales call.
3. When you are talking to someone, its not about you.
Andy trying to one-up the fishing stories.
4. Some things are more important than a job.
Dwight putting his relationship with Angela first.
5. Sometimes life is just funny.
Ryan. Stanley. Jim. Dwight. :)

I must say, I was a little off about the Stanley clip. But Ryan asking to handle it makes it even worse because Stanley did nothing to help prepare him.

ps. I'm hoping for some Dwight on the beet farm footage now.

Stuck on a plane

I saw this on the Today Show this morning and just couldn't believe it actually happened.

Stuck on plane

Think Jr. High overnighter :)

(If there was a preacher on board, I wonder if he felt an urging to stand up and preach to the captive audience.)

reminders of what is important

As I am sitting in my office trying to get important stuff done, like lessons and future planning, my mind keeps going backward to about 11am this morning. Why does my mind keep going back to this time? This was about the end time for a funeral I went to this morning. I did not know Edith. I do know, and care about, a lot of her family. She was 86 and has quite a great family still here. One of Edith's daughters and her husband were one of the families we stayed with when we were interviewing for this position. I co-teach the high school Sunday School with her granddaughter's husband. Two of her great-grandchildren are in the high school youth group. We live across the street from more of her family.

All day I have been thinking about the tears I saw. All I could do after the funeral was hug those who were crying. I could not take away the pain. I could not remove the sorrow. But I don't think I would, even if I could. Tears come from the love you have for a person and these tears were full of years of love.

As the youth minister for those two high schoolers, I hurt with them. (Not on the same level as they do, though) I hurt for them, too. Are the things I'm "doing" in youth ministry helping students learn to strive in life or am I just filling time?

Mail lost in the system

I read a few articles this week about mail being delivered over 50 years after it was sent. And don't forget The Simpsons episode about the mailman frozen for something like 50 years and then his mail being delivered. I always think it would be weird to get mail like that.

Well, it finally happened. Sorta. Yesterday we got a piece of mail (actually a newsletter from the church) that was from last year. Ok, so it was Oct. 25. It was right around when we moved and the church hadn't put our new address in the system yet. So the mail never got forwarded to us and we just assumed we weren't going to get it. But yesterday it came :)

It does feel weird to get mail that is now old and outdated. Maybe someone will run a story on this. Anyway, I thought it was funny.

The office and youth ministry

I must say I don't watch much TV. A few reasons:

1. no cable (and the local channels don't all come in clear)
2. 2 small boys (which means there is more important things to do like cook pretend food and fix stuff with tools)
3. not many good shows on (in my opinion)
4. i'd rather read
5. I can find all the recaps online and can still know what is going on without actually watching :)

anyway...
There are 2 main shows I watch each week. The Simpsons and The Office. (back to the reason for the post)

I was watching a preview clip (sales team out in the field)for this week's episode of the office today with Amy and just started cracking up. Its classic Stanley (I think Stanley and Toby need more airtime). He goes with Ryan on a sales call and just "dumps" the presentation on Ryan to handle, while he does his crosswords. It was a great clip - at only a minute clip its worth the entire episode (especially the few seconds of them back in the car after the call is over). Anyway, I was thinking about the clip in reference to Youth Ministry.

In the clip, Stanley puts Ryan on the spot without any prewarning or prior knowledge. Ryan pretty much stands there dumbfounded and has no idea what to do. How many times in ministry do we (paid youth workers) put youth coaches in charge of things without really doing any training or help. I think the biggest concern for me is the Sunday School teachers. It seems we ask people to do it and if they say "yes" then we give them some curriculum (on a good day) and let them go. What a disservice to both the teacher and the students. If the adults who help in youth ministry feel anything like what Ryan looked like in the clip, then we need to rethink our whole process.

I want to make sure in my ministry that I don't just let people serve without being ready.

Have you found that training is best done before people start serving and then reinforced during their time of service?

I think this post is turning into a much longer post than I expected...maybe it needs to be multiple.

(i hope the show on Thursday is as funny as the few clips i've seen)

Walk the Line

yesterday my wife and I watched Walk the Line for the first time. Though it was not a straight viewing (thanks to kids and eating) it was nice to watch a movie with her. I had heard a lot about the movie but hadn't seen it. In college I had a friend who was a huge Johnny Cash fan, so I knew a little about him.

A few thoughts on the movie (based strictly on the movie)...

1. Cash lived by his emotions
2. I was reminded of the fact that when we think others (esp. those in the spotlight) have a better life than us we often forget about that "rest of their life". You know that part we don't often know about. We compare ourselves to what we know about the other person, not the total of who they are.
3. As a dad, I can play a huge part of how my boys see themselves. My words and actions can affect their life and actions.
4. It is hard to be a friend when your friend is hurting themselves.
5. temptation is strong and sometimes it takes others to step in to get us to stop the cycle of giving in.

meeting last night

Had a meeting last night to talk about an upcoming event. All said and done, the meeting was alright (a few good points came out). But if had to do it over again, I won't show up.

This is an event we've done before and that I haven't been a part of. Myself and the youth team leaders want ot make sure things are done the same way with the same people b/c that is the way its always been done. Well last night there was a lot of "we've always done it this way" and some hesitation to see a need to change. Granted there was not a lot of time to show a need to change or that there has to be great changes. The really frustrating thing was not that, though.

Atleast twice during the meeting, people started talking negatively toward other churches in the area. They talk about how the local churches need to do more together and work closer with each other. Then they talk about how the way one church is doing something is so wrong and closeminded. It was frustrating to listen to the negativity. I have only been here about 7 months and I am the only fulltime youth minister in town. I just met one more part time ym this past week, which makes 3 total. With most of the congregations not having a youth program it is difficult to organize working together with them.

I just hate to hear people bash other churches for a method. If its their ministry then they can do it the way they want to. If we work with them, then we are doing just that, working with them. You don't go in and tell the Red Cross that you want to hold a blood drive but think it needs to be done your way.

just left the meeting feeling a little down. (also a few of the adults who have low self-esteem and I am struggling to work with them without "hurting" their feelings b/c they take everything personally.)

the new quarters at 5th Quarter

Last night at 5th Quarter (just jr. highers) I got some of them to look for an Alaskan quarter. We were giving stuff away and I said the first person to bring a 1996 quarter to me would get a shirt. Then I told them the first person to bring me a quarter with Alaska on it would get $100. They were overly excited :) That is until I told one of them it would be coming out until 2008. :) I thought it was fun.

quick quote

this is from our New Year's party last week.

one of the other adults (female) came in to the room I was in and said, "oh, there you are. You have to go to the game room and take our place. They are farting in there and we just can't take it anymore. You're a guy, you can handle it."

The sad thing was that when I got in the room it didn't really smell at all to me :) Maybe I am a little more "used" to those things.


I'll post more later. Today is a busy day, basketball game tonight then 5th Quarter afterward. Plus I'm fighting off a cold and trying to catch up on sleep from last week.

Reasons I don't like this week...

between Christmas and New Years.

First, Sunday school lesson.
Second, I am preaching. Which I love doing, it just didn't get started as early as I would have liked. So this week is full.
Third, New Year's party. Planning and lack of sleep :)
Fourth, 3 official office days. Therefore I'll be in for a bit tomorrow.

Now could some of this been avoided. Sure. What other things were happening in previous weeks that kept me from doing as much work beforehand as I wanted to.

I did love having some family visit this week. Great to see them and spend time with them. This meant I was home a few more hours than normal during work days. Always love that. And mostly, I have loved this week because I've been able to live it. I am trying to really make an effort to live out the fact that we are not guaranteed tomorrow.

see you next year (maybe before)

top 10 New Year's Resolutions

This year I am going to make a list that I can keep. If you want, you can take my list and make it your own. But if you don't keep them all then I can't be held responsible.

See what you think...

The top 10 things I plan on doing in 2007
10. Eat
9. Read something, anything
8. Talk to people
7. Teach Sunday School Class
6. Sleep
5. Talk to someone new
4. Breath In
3. Breath Out
2. find or write a funnier top 10 list

and the #1 resolution for 2007
1. blog


Can I keep them?

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Have a great day with family.

preaching

I am preaching this Sunday. Preaching on making the most of each day. Challenging people to not limit their tries to better themselves to only New Year's Day. But its also Youth Sunday, so I get to make sure all those bases are covered. And the New Year's party that night - can't forget those details. And there is family in town this week.

This week will be great, but full.

caroling part 2

Yesterday I got to go caroling again. This time I went with the FCA from the high school. We went after school and went to businesses (since we live in a small town, I think we just about hit every single business in town) and took cookies and sang. There were actually 3 groups. One went to a nearby town, the other two split up. Its a lot different going to businesses than houses. We got to sing to anywhere from 1 person (3 times) to an entire office with like 20some people (once). There were two places we went that we didn't even sing :)

It was a fun time and nice to get to interact with students who are not part of the student ministry. Its been good to see a transition happen within the students as they are beginning to know who I am and know that I am interested in their lives.

In this area, I am the only fulltime youth minister. And there is only one other parttime guy. So I think the community is learning who I am and knows that I care for the teenagers.

online at home

The other day everything aligned. Here is how it happened...

Mac OSX (Tiger) was delivered by Fedex (in a rented truck)
Mac OSX was installed on the iMac
Went back to finish installing DSL
Had problems with this step
Finally got DSL installed
Started surfing the web at "faster than dial-up" speeds

It tooks most of the day to do, but we are glad it is done.

freshman basketball reviewed

Monday night was quite interesting. Nathan and I went to the basketball game. I was expecting a small crowd and some good basketball - adding up to a great father/son night. Well the crowd was rather small. Probably a bit smaller than the girls games, mainly b/c there were less students. The game was pretty good. It was actually a higher scoring game than I expected (50 to 40). And it was a great father/son night for me. But one thing I didn't expect. Really angry and loud spectators. I mean, come on its freshmen basketball.

We actually got there at the beginning, well close to the beginning, of the game. Within a few minutes of arriving it started. The refs weren't calling plays, the crowd thought they could ref better. (Now, I know this is not new nor is this behavior likely to change, but its freshmen high school basketball and the only person talking about it today is me) Most of the comments were coming from parents/fans from the visiting school. The yelling started getting louder and louder. You could feel the intensity rising in the gym. What is sad is that as the parents began to yell louder and with more anger, the players started playing more aggressively. By the end of the first half there was only 5 fouls total. By the end of the game there were at least 18. Players were blatantly trying to trip others, grabbing an arm, shoving. It was really sad to watch it unfold.

Nathan didn't notice much, though. Because about 1/2 way through the game he just began to play. I think we played more with the few toys he brought than actually watched the game. He did turn around a few times and try to figure out why the people were yelling.

Why must people be so negative when things don't go their way in sports? And I know its not just a localized problem. I've ran into it in various church softball leagues and other sports events I've been to. Monday night just seemed really intense.

What does this behavior do to the students playing the sports? How does their attitude change? Doesn't this "yelling at the refs" just take responsibility away from the losing team. See, its not our fault we're losing, its the refs. Why does it matter so much that we lose. Now, don't get me wrong I like to win, but in the end it doesn't amount to much.

I think that is enough ranting for now.

Freshman basketball

Tonight I get to go to the freshman basketball games. I am excited because I am getting to go with Nathan (who is excited about going with daddy). I am also curious as to what kind of crowd will be there for this one.

this is the last game I'll get to go to before next year.

Christmas party and caroling

The Christmas Party went well. We played a game of "human knot" to decide the order of the White Elephant Exchange circle. But for fun I change a few rules. One of the boys said he didn't like the game, so for fun I had him not be able to speak and another boy close his eyes. It was interesting to watch them try to untangle themselves. The one who couldn't speak kept trying to tell people suggestions with just grunts and kicking his foot. The one who couldn't see just kept asking "who's arm is that" or "i need to do what, I can't even see". They never did get completely untangled.

The WEG exchange went well. I ended up with a little kids Pooh backpack. A few of my favorites:

1. A Casey's top 40 record from 1983 (brought by one of the sponsors who used to be a dj)
2. a plethora of relay for life material (buttons, stickers, cups)
3. 101 things you need to know book
4. used sippy cup
5. girl scout cookies and hot chocolate
6. different girl scout cookies and hot chocolate
7. a dance instruction vhs tape

We played the gift unwrap game and it was pretty intense. I am actually amazed that no one got hurt. I mean dice were flying and presents were being tossed.

My favorite part was the ice cube guess. Since it was jr. highers, I opted for a few different liquids. This time we used: California French dressing (doesn't freeze too well), worchestershire sauce (more on this in a bit), lemonade, lime and garlic salsa (I didn't even bother putting it in a blender or anything), manderin orange juice, cultured reduced fat buttermilk (by this time it was probably expired), and mtn lightning

I told them that if someone ate the entire #2 ice cube, before they knew what it was, that I would let them have an entire pizza. One of the boys ate it. He said it wasn't too bad. Man it was really disgusting to watch him. So he went home with an entire pizza - I don't think it was worth it.

It was a good night. Lots of fun memories and moments that will be talked about for years to come.

The caroling:
We took the high school out last night to go caroling. Did not have a huge turn out, but it went great. I think having a smaller crowd probably worked out better. It is a little overwhelming to have over 20 people show up at your door. One of the adults kept messing up one of the lines of one song, so each time we got to this point everyone hesitated to see what he would say. And they all enjoyed the fact that I did something (like tap my foot or bounce up) when we sang "We wish you a merry Christmas".

I don't think the caroling was for the group anyway. It was really for the people we went to. A few people got tears and the others were thankful.

Though I am waiting for that one person to say "no" when you ask if we can sing.

A good weekend back home.

jr high Christmas Party

Tonight is our jr. high party. Will it be anything like the high school party last week?

I have frozen more ice cubes. :) Can't wait to see them when they try an ice cube made from salsa. Yummy, chunky.

Hopefully I'll be able to post some good pics or funny stories next week.

funeral, visiting, travel

What a week.

For anyone who was praying for our trip, thanks. On Tuesday we packed up and left at 6:30 am for GA. We got there around 7pm (lost an hour with time change). It was really good to be back in GA with friends. Had a chance to talk with the family we were staying with and relax a bit from the 11 1/2 hour trip. Wed. turned out to be a rather busy day. Had lunch with friends, went looking for something while the boys slept, viewing in the evening, stopped by the youth group for a few minutes.

The viewing was tough for a few reasons. First and foremost - it was a viewing for a close friend (adopted family) of ours. Second, ran into a few people from last church that we have different relationship with now. Some were part of the "reason" we were asked to leave. Honestly, its not the fact that we were asked to leave that bothers us about certain people; its the character (or lack of) that was shown in things that were said and done around the whole incident. Third, we were there for a while (talking with people and the family) and it was dinner time for the boys, so they started getting cranky.

It was great to see some of the youth for a bit. Some have changed a lot in 6 months. Others haven't really done much change at all. I was reminded of the need I have to (not really need as much as desire) keep the individuals in prayer and not just "wonder" how they are doing. God placed them in our path and we can't just forget them when we leave a ministry.

Thursday was the funeral. It was hard. At the viewing I could tell a physical change in Ron. He didn't look like the same man I saw 6 months ago. Thankfully, I found out from talking to people, he wasn't the same man spiritually either. He had grown closer to God the last few months and was really starting to live out his faith in God. I wish I could have been around to witness this change :(

At the funeral, they played three "worship songs" and that was pretty special. Songs that made me tear up when I thought of them in regards to Ron's life. It was just really really good to be there.

Had lunch at Zaxby's (i highly recommend this anytime you get the chance) with friends. Talked about family and (as always) the congregation we left. Thursday evening we got to spend time with a small group of our friends and catch up. It was a great reminder that even though we have moved and become a part of a new congregation we don't have to leave all friendships or feelings behind.

Yesterday was a long day. Got up and spent time with the family before they went to work. Then we got to see one more person before we left. Got going around 10. Didn't get home til 11:30 or so. With time change that would be about 14 hours or so of travel time. Man we were tired. Plus when we got back we found out that our furnace was broken - so it was 58 in our house.

We did get our DSL hooked up while we were gone - about a week earlier than thought. But our Mac OS is not new enough, so I had to order Tiger today and install it and then finish installing the DSL. Then we're online at home.

There are a lot more thoughts and feelings floating around my head. I'll post more later.

one last question, I am still thinking through (even though the situation is over): how would Christ want me to respond and interact with the people who fired me (and ultimately lied to my face and many others)?

Making the trip to the funeral

Amy and I have decided that we are going to go to the funeral for our friend. It will be over 10 hours each way, but we want to make it. We haven't heard yet as to specifics of when and where, but we believe it will be on Wed. If so, we will be leaving tomrrow morning and try to get back Friday.

Please pray for safe travel.

It will be good to see some of our friends, but sad to see them under these circumstances.

High School Christmas Party

What a weekend. The Christmas party went well. This was one of the first "events" we've done here at the church. I have to admit I was a little nervous about it.

We played a game with ice cubes (made with various other liquids) and four volunteers had to try to guess what each ice cube was made of.



The best was 3 1/2 (1/2 point for saying milk, but not buttermilk). The 7 were: taco sauce, worchestershire sauce (see picture above), buttermilk, manderin orange juice, dr. thunder soda, lemonade and water.

(sidenote) soy sauce will not freeze!

Dinner was good, teens love to eat. Then we did a White Elephant Gift exchange. This took this a little while to get into. (ie. everyone just kept opening up a new gift and would not steal one). But once it got going, it was intense. In one round, we had 8 gifts that ended up being stolen twice (which was our limit per round) and just about each one was taken once.

Some of the gifts:
1. a slice of cheese
2. two stuffed pig dolls
3. a broken "don't spill the beans" game
4. various cds (dishwalla, mercy me, a couple compilations)
5. a vhs version of "big daddy"
6. mark twain paperback
7. 10 random buttons from my childhood
8. $1 bill (which by the way no one really seemed to want)
9. a mp3 player (a rather hot item)
10. headphones (nothing else)

I ended up with a white elephant figurine. It might become my WEG for the jr. high party this Saturday.

We played charades while I video taped the "video story". This is something I started a few years back and its a fun little thing. Each person tells part of the story while you video tape them. But all they know is the last two words the person before them said. This year we added that they had to use their WEG in their story. It turned out rather well. A funny little video to watch at the end of the night.

Also, we played a game where you really wrap (and I mean really good) a present so its tough to open. Then each person has to roll dice and when they roll the # they get to put on some mittens and unwrap the gift. During this each person is going around the circle trying to roll the # so they can open the gift. The last person to unwrap the gift and get it out gets the gift (no matter how much or how little they actually worked on it). Its a fun game that all ages like. Amy told me that the 3rd person to roll an #8 actually got to get the gifts open, because no one else could roll an 8, so he just kept going and going.

One other "funny" moment was when I was trying to introduce myself to some of the students I didn't know. I walked up to one girl and said "I don't think we've met, I'm Mike" To which she responed with "I go to your church, my name is _____" It was funny because I had heard her name and it was on all the "lists" I got when I got here, but she had never come to any other event, or Sunday School or Sunday night. She has come to service, but she sits in the back with her mom. So I tried to joke with her about it. I don't think she was offended or anything, but I thought it was pretty funny that was her first response.

One other thing that helped with the party was the fact that there were more youth coaches there. Normally its just Amy and I. This year, we had a few more and that was good. Someone else to take pics and someone else to help with the games.

So it was a great day, until the phone call we got as we were leaving. The one telling us that one of our good friends from our last church had passed away.

lost a friend

Last night at 9pm I got a phone call from back in GA. One of our friends passed away. :(

He was a good friend and loved our family, especially the boys. We had three of his kids in our youth ministry. The youngest is a senior this year.

Being so far away it is tough to know what to do. We are hurting right now and we want to be there for the family (because they were our good friends)

:(

cold weather, cookies & dinner

Yesterday was the day my wife and some of the young ladies delivered the cookies that they made on Tuesday. What a great day it was - something like 20 degrees. Let's just say they were walking fast :)

I felt a little bad, because I got to stay home and watch the boys inside our nice warm house. But that feeling only lasted a short time.

After they delivered they came back and had some hot chocolate. The young ladies got a chance to play with our boys, which the boys just loved. When I was about to start dinner, my wife asked them if they wanted to stay and eat with us. Two of them did and it was a good time. We had a full table and even had to pull the table away from the wall. (We usually keep it against the wall for room, since we don't need all 4 sides.) We had tacos - yummy. It turned out to be a great chance to get to know the two girls a little better and build relationships.

One of the girls needed a ride home, so I got a ride to the elders meeting so my wife could take her home. Apparently after I left both of the girls told my wife thank you so much for having them over. Not just for dinner, but for taking an interest in them outside of church. They said it has been a long time since someone has done that for the youth.

Our passion is the youth and we love spending time with them. It was encouraging to hear that the youth already know we care. But what was even more encouraging, from my husband/youth minister POV, was to be able to watch my wife/youth coach doing what she loves to do and showing the young ladies in our group that they are important and people care about them.

So, it has been a full week. But its been a great week of ministry and somehow I don't feel too drained.

I just have to share this: one of the young ladies called her parents to ask if she could stay for dinner. Well, they were not home so she left a message. This is her message (as close to verbatim as I can remember) "Mom and dad this is ________. I'm over at Mike and Amy's house and they invited us to stay for dinner. I would like to stay. If that is okay don't call me back."

gotta love high schoolers

last elders meeting of 2006

tonight is the last one of the year. It should be a good one :) Nothing too big on the radar, except for the building expansion program. So I bet that will be the bulk of the meeting.

Its kinda sad that 2006 is almost over. This year has been such a roller coaster for me. Last year, at this time, I was working at Target and a dentist office. I had no idea where I would be ministering or when I would be back in ministry. Now, here I am and I'm ready for 2007.

the first "snow"

yep, that's all it was.

But it is really cold. And my boys loved it. The dogs were not too fond of it.

Funny story: My oldest, Nathan, has been really excited to see a snowplow. I don't know why or what brought the idea on, but he is. So today when he saw the snow, he kept talking about how the snowplow would come and push our snow off the deck into the bushes. We had to try to explain to him that it wasn't going to come into our yard and that there had to be more snow on the ground. He was okay with it. Then on my way to work, I saw it. A snowplow coming down the highway. It was clearing off the sides of the roads and dropping salt to keep anything from freezing (only going to be in the 20's today). So I had to call and tell Nathan that there was a snowplow.

Thru the Bible in a year...

and The Bible in 90 days and ...

Why are we as American Christians so overwhelmed with a desire to read through the Bible in a certain amount of time?

Is it ...
so we can say "I've read through the whole Bible"
so we can look smart and "holy"
so we can get a better understanding of the whole scope of Scripture
a fad
to avoid really digging in
a way to study along with more indepth study

I have never felt a strong desire to strive to read through the whole Bible in a year. Then when I saw the "not so" new Bible in 90 days, my immediate reaction was that is not for me. I'm not against people reading the Bible from cover to cover. It is good to have that knowledge. My fear is that those who pursue this path will get a lot of knowledge about Scripture without really ever applying any of it. It is a lot like Bible Bowl (to me). I did a few years of Bible Bowl in high school and gained a lot of knowledge (some of which is rather helpful when I'm looking for a certain passage). But I never put any of it to practice. I never tried to apply any of the Scripture. It was not until years later that I started "using" (other than for points on tests and in games) the Scripture.

What do you think? Have you ever read through the Bible in a year? Any positive or negative experience with this type of reading plan?

Then as a minister, I have another set of questions. Is it something that would be useful to encourage a student to try? Does it just promote head knowledge and not enough life change? Does it promote being "smarter" than someone else in Sunday School? Will it benefit my students? Will it just be one more thing to do between homework, dinner and practice?

Cookies and Young Ladies

Yesterday was a great day :) Well, it was a full day. Tuesdays are my off day, when there is a regular week. We decided to go shopping for some Christmas presents and other essentials like more diapers and wipes for the boys. But we had to be back at our house by 2:30 or so. This made for a short day of shopping, seeing as it was an hour drive one way. (Plus we had to eat lunch during this time, too) So, shopping was good - didn't find everything, but got a good bit. (and we're thinking about doing something a little different this year with presents anyway.)

Back to why we had to be back home at 2:30. We had some of the girls from the church coming over to make cookies. My wife had invited them over after school for a few hours to make some cookies and then said cookies will be delivered later this week (tomorrow, I think). One of the girls had come over earlier and helped pick out 6 different cookie "type" recipes. When all was said and done, we had 12 girls and one other youth coach in our kitchen making various cookie items. My goal/job for the afternoon was to watch our two boys and the other two boys so that the women would not have to worry about them. In the end, one boy was sent to his grandma's, one fell asleep and the other two ended up playing in the kitchen. :) So I gradually ended up in the kitchen helping to make the cookies.

It was a really good afternoon. The two adults got to interact with the girls outside of "class" and build some relationships. Even though there is only one high school in this county and all the girls go to the same school, they do not all hang out together. So, it was a chance to have more mixing of the "groups" (so to speak). Plus, for me as the youth minister, I got to interact with the girls outside of class in a group setting. I don't get to really build relationships with the females of the group outside of class (and that is fine with me), but I think it is good to build relationships. The women youth coaches are the ones who will be able to really minister to these young ladies, which is why I tried to stay out of the kitchen.

A few other thoughts on yesterday:
1. From what I heard, I missed a lot of funny stuff.

2. I got to interact with a few of the students that haven't always liked me in the past. And things were good. (not that I think everyone needs to like me) But I wanted to have some positive interaction, so they know I'm not out to get them.

3. My wife and I were cleaning up afterward for about 2 1/2 hours. (the joys of ministry)

4. I think I'm going to try this with the guys next week :)

strong personality

Some people have strong personalities. Am I one of them - I think in some cases I am, but most people would tell you I am not.

Well, I had an interaction with someone on Sunday before Sunday School. It started as a quick conversation when this person returned a key that was borrowed. I asked a simple question about someone and commented that I had not met this person. Which was followed by a "he's been coming for 4 weeks" connected with a "you should have already met him and no one in the congregation has noticed he's been here either" look. To which my response was "I haven't even been in the service for a month with me being in kids worship each week and being out of town for one week." I haven't even been able to see all the youth that are in service, but not SS. To which I don't like - had way too much of this at my old church.

This person went on to say things like "this church is way too inward focused" "the youth need to go to _____________ (insert various parachurch events) and then they'll be on fire for God and will start to make a difference in their world." "No one ever talks to the youth about _____________ (insert various topic) at this church, but at this event we do and the youth just soak it up." These along with other statements about how this church doesn't do "enough" or do it the "right way"

I felt a little frustrated because this person doesn't know everything about what goes on at church. Some of the things brought up have been talked about since I've gotten here. But they aren't topics that work well from the pulpit, so not everyone hears. This person has also never volunteered to help with the youth and/or make suggestions about the ministry. The concern seems to be to just tell me what's wrong and not offering any help. I did ask this person to help with the kids worship that we started last month and the answer I got was "no", not now. Which is fine, but it just frustrates me.

I want to end with this: I am not mad at this person. I respect their desire for the best for people and ministry. I am more frustrated with the manner in which people present their opinions and thoughts.

technology and my church

I'm sitting here at church trying to get some DVD players hooked up to our already in place tvs. Well, just one problem: the tvs are from the 80's and do not have any really viable input access for anything other than an antenna. So we are trying to catch up with technology only to have to deal with trying to connect the old to the new. If only we could get new tvs too. Anyway, I should probably get back to trying to figure this out before tomorrow.

Not how I wanted to spend my Sat. afternoon. Nor did I think it would take this long to do :)

back into the 21st century

Yesterday I made a call to the phone company. Since our move up here to IL, we have not had a home phone. We have been using our cell phones for everything. We have decided we could manage this for a while, except for one minor detail. We want to have internet at our house and would like to have a higher speed than dial-up. Therefore we have to have a phone line to do it. (I know you might disagree with this, but remember I live in a small town and we just barely have dsl :)) Even getting cable and a cable hook up is not an option. So, now we wait.

I should have made this call before the NYWC and then could have had it set up shortly after we got back. But, I didn't. So now we have to wait until next Wed. to get a home phone set up. But the real wait is in the dsl set up, that wouldn't happen until the 18th. I'm pretty sure we can get by until then. I am excited about being able to blog from home again. Plus post more pics and faster.

thanks Verizon for making my dreams come true :)

seek Jesus

This seems to be a theme for me this week. (not in a "wow, look how cool I am and how holy I am" way)

Wed. I spoke at the Christian club at school and talked about seeking Jesus. Wed. night we had a 7:11 (worship/Bible study) and I talked about seeking Jesus. Both of these were from Zeph. 2.3

This got me thinking about how I don't seek Jesus as much as I seek a good lesson or good thought to share. I would have to say I have been doing a lot more seeking over the past few months and that my relationship with Jesus is much closer than it has been for a while (not saying I am at all great or anything). I am always needing a reminder to tend my soul and seek Jesus for myself, not for others.

Well, today as I was looking at some curriculum for an upcoming Kids Worship (3-6 grade) the topic is "disciples seek Jesus". Again this concept keeps creeping up into my day. And I am glad. I needed a little reminder today.

Keep seeking Jesus...for yourself.