YM Summit @ CCU

Tomorrow I am going to be in Cincinnati for a YM Summit held at Cincinnati Christian University. This will mark the first time I've been on CCU's campus since I graduated in '01 (when it was still called CBC). I'm looking forward to seeing the changes and seeing a few of my friends who work there. Now I get to be that guy who says, "I remember when ..." :)

I'm looking forward to getting some ideas on how to better minister to the students God has allowed me to work with.

Trivia Wednesday #9

answer #8 - 3.14
answer #8b - apple

question #9 - What two items were said to have merely touched Paul's body, then carried the capacity to heal others?
A: Aprons
B: Handkerchiefs
C: Tunics
D: Scarves
E: Sandals
F: His iPod

too much TV for teens?

Nielsen: Average Home Has 104 Channels

If this is true, where do most teens get their imput on the world from? The last part of the article has an interesting quote on how much actually gets watched.

Last year, viewers watched only 15 percent of the stations available to them for any appreciable length of time; in 2000, they watched 22 percent of what they could surf through, Nielsen said.

What I find so interesting is that I only get 4 channels (plus 3 PBS stations) on a good day. So someone has to pick up my other 100. My guess is that this increasing number of options will not slow down, though.

Does all this exposure to TV numb the students to the usage of "media" in our ministries?

Youth Ministry Thought: your relationship with Jesus

There are a few aspects of youth ministry that must always be taken care of, no matter what else is going on or what time of year it is. I would say the most important thing you can do is to NOT neglect your relationship with Jesus. Do not forfeit your personal growth for the sake of the "responsibilities" of youth ministry.

You can't lead the teenagers (or adults) anywhere you have not been. The students do not need to watch you crash and burn. They need to see you living fully for Christ, even if that means you do not have an event each night of the week or that cool video doesn't get made. Show them how to live for God by modeling that in your ministry.

to quote someone else: Mike Yaconelli

"My life at present seems like an impenetrable jungle of responsibilities, a jagged briar patch of relationships, a tangled web of obligations. It feels like I am lost in the darkness of everyone else's needs, silently pursued by a growing crowd of strangers who crave one more piece of me."

Taken from Mike Yaconelli//Collected Writings by Mike Yaconelli

All of us in ministry can feel this way at times. Yaconelli talks about needing to find a clearing. I pray if you feel like this quote that you will find your clearing. May the God of peace be with you and bring you comfort.

Missionary killed in car accident

I just got some bad news. One of the missionaries our church supports (we even had a group go down and work this past week with him in Mexico) was killed in a car accident last night. Apparently he was by himself and drove off the road. He just got remarried this past year. Please pray for his family and the ministry. His name is Steve Keim.

Sunday, long Sunday

Well, yesterday was a rather long day. The morning was pretty normal (which is long anyway), but it was the evening that was extra fun. We had a planning meeting before service and an elder's prayer time after service. So I was at church for over 3 1/2 hours last night.

Before Sunday School, one of the little kids' class teachers came up to me and asked if her class could come in and share something with the high school. They have been working on learning the 10 commandments and wanted to share with the "big kids." I thought it would be good. The only problem is that we are meeting in a room that is not even big enough for the class itself, let alone adding another class. So the little kids sat in a circle in the middle of the room and shared what they knew. Which, after being asked, none of the high schoolers said they could do it. (I'm not sure if I could do it in order either, though).

It actually tied in with the lesson, too. We talked about Moses having to wear the veil after coming down from the mountain. (more on this in a later post)

So, the big fun was at the planning meeting. Two weeks ago I wrote about how well the meeting went when we first talked about some of our upcoming events. Let me just say that yesterday's meeting was not quite as good. Yeah, we got a lot done and figured out. But honestly, we probably wasted 1/2 the time on little stuff. The good thing was there wasn't anything else we needed to cover. There is a chance we could have worked out more details about our upcoming grad. banquet.

This meeting ran right up til our youth group time. So I didn't get to do much relationship stuff with the students before class. Then with the prayer time afterward, it was about the same. I am always encouraged after spending an hour or so in prayer with the leadership. Plus, I got home right in time to read and pray with Nathan before he went to bed.

Ken Jennings fan video

Found this and thought it was pretty good (and funny). enjoy



(I wonder if you can find this on GodTube :))

former student and myspace (update)

this past week I was on myspace looking at some of my former students' pages. While on one of them I decided to send the student a message just checking up with them. They seem to be getting more and more involved with gangs and there is not much I can do from 10 hours away. So I wanted to let him know I was thinking about him. I asked him how his relationship with God was lately. The next day I signed in and saw that I had less friends than the day before. He had deleted me from his friends. Which I guess answers my question.

But wow. He is avoiding any conversation about God. I don't think I've ever had something like this happen before. I am still a little shocked by the whole thing. Praying that he doesn't lose sight of God.

How can I connect with him from so far away? Or should I talk to the current youth minister and let him know what is going on?

UPDATE: I have also been dropped by his brother. Man, that is frustrating to see students slide as they are and not be close.

Jeopardy - no winner

I saw this on Tim's website today.

What a great day for Jeopardy fans. First, they get Ken Jennings, now this.

Here a video of it:

A new look

I changed the look of the blog. Please let me know what you think.

Youth Ministry Priority - family first

Tonight was a great night. It was a great night because I got to spend "daddy time" with my boys. Amy is gone to a conference til Saturday night, so I get to be solo dad for 1 1/2 days. Now, don't get me wrong I am already ready to have Amy back home, but I enjoy getting the opportunity to be home with the boys.

The FCA group at the high school had their annual "bash" tonight. I was really wanting to go and get to know some of the high schoolers better and meet some new students. I even thought about taking the boys with me for a short time or asking someone to watch them so I could go. But then I thought about how much that would mean I didn't get to spend time with them. They would have dealt with Amy leaving and then being sent to someone's house so daddy could go do ministry. I didn't think that was fair.

So, I decided the thing to do was put my family first. I think it is the best thing I can do for my ministry. The area students don't need me to be there at every event. The area students don't need me to hang out with them. But my boys do need me to be the best dad I can be. My boys do need me to put them first and spent time with them. In order for me to be the most effective I can be in ministry, I have to have my family life as strong as it can be.

When there is a decision between some ministry activity and your family, please put your family first.

Now, I know you have to do ministry stuff and you can't just stay home. But you don't have to be away from home more than you are home. You don't have to be at every possible event. You don't have to make your family lose out, just because you know they will "forgive you" or they understand.

Amy gone for weekend

Today, Amy is leaving to go to a conference for moms. I'm really excited she is getting to go and can't wait to hear what she learns. But I am going to miss her. This will be the second weekend in a row one of us has been gone. That doesn't seem bad, but it is highly unusual for our family.

It will be fun to have some daddy time with the boys. We're planning on going to a softball game on Saturday, if its not cold like it is today.

Photo Friday #10

This is a picture from Believe this past weekend. Eric Timm from no one underground painted it during one of the worship sets. Jesus calls you to live with passion was the "take home" for that session.

The Office - newpeats

So tonight is an hour of The Office. It is not a new episode, but rather two old episodes merged into one. The two episodes are: Traveling Salesmen & The Return. Both great episodes by themselves. The buzz is that both have been re-edited into one longer "episode". Some of the deleted scenes are being added back and some other scenes are being cut. This will allow for some of the extra storylines to be viewed. I read on one of the Office sites recently that Greg Daniels (the exec. producer) has said that to the writers even the deleted scenes are valid. He said that to them if they are written and taped then they assume it happened. This helps with writing for future episodes.

It will be nice to see a "new" version of the episodes tonight. It will also explain to some people where Andy went (those who didn't watch the Director's cut online) for the last few weeks.

Now it just begs the question: Which version will make it on the Season 3 DVD? Or will they combine it all into one longer version? Oh, I hope so. :) This season's DVD could be awesome!

GodTube

Just when you thought it was safe to come out of the Christian bookstore. We (Christians) have done it again. Can't we just leave something alone? Apparently not. It seems that Christians can't let anything not have a "Christian" counterpart. We can't let anything stay just as it is. We have to take it and make it "Christian." This usually means we make a cheap copy of a good original. When I heard there were "Christian" myspace pages I thought that was bad. Well, yesterday I found something that is worse (maybe just as bad). Godtube.

As you can see on the logo and the website, its exactly like youtube. Except their slogan is "Broadcast Him" instead of "Broadcast yourself". The "T" in tube is a cross. And it doesn't seem to have the same good quality.

Can't we just leave anything alone?

More thoughts on this later...

Believe pictures

They had it "snow" inside the arena. Pretty cool, though it didn't really bring the temp. down at all.


This would be the breakfast line Saturday morning at the hotel. Needless to say I opted for yogurt and fruit. Most people just standing in line waiting to make a waffle. Is it worth it?


This is a picture of the arena from the front. It was before a session, so it was still filling up.

Believe highlights

On Friday, we all loaded up the van and set off for St. Louis. This would be the first time I'd ever been to St. Louis, so that was kinda cool. I got to see the Arch (not that impressive, it doesn't do anything :))

The drive to St. Louis was pretty uneventful - though we did run into some traffic once we got to St. Louis. But that was really expected. One thing I didn't like was that I had to drive. I would much rather sit in the back and get to interact with the students, but someone had to get us there. Here are some highlights.

Highlights:
1. the theme: This year's theme was Jesus. Plain and simple. Just Jesus. The five "take homes" were: Jesus is calling you! Jesus is calling you to something big! Jesus is calling you to bring what you have. Jesus is calling you to live passionately. Jesus is calling you to action.

2. Jesus is calling you to something big. This was a cool part of the weekend. Getting to talk with the students about how being a part of something big doesn't have to mean we have "big" parts. God uses us all (even the "small" parts) to make the whole thing work.

3. rooming with ms boys = fun, fun, fun. There is nothing like trying to get a roomful of middle school boys to settle down long enough to fall asleep. Needless to say, this was probably the craziest I've been on a trip in a long time. We were laughing so hard, when I actually tried to sleep I just couldn't. (I think it will be something these guys will bring up for a long time whenever we talk about going on a trip.)

4. changes in adults. Sunday night after our youth meeting Amy mentioned that she noticed a change in one of the adults after the weekend. I think this weekend at Believe helped this youth coach get a new outlook/perspective on working with our group of middle schoolers. And I know I saw some areas of change in how I interact with them. They are hungry for something significant in their life. My prayer is that this weekend will help to propel us into a new stage of ministry.

5. talk with police. This was a first for me. I noticed one of the students had been "in the bathroom" for what seemed like an extended amount of time. Just about when I was going to go check on him, he came back. No big deal, right? We were sitting on the edge of a section, right near the entrance to the floor seating. Two of the local police came in and were standing around, then one of them walked over to me. He asked if my name was Mike. When I told him it was, he asked if I wouldn't mind stepping to the side so I could talk with them.

I got out to talk with them to find out that that "long bathroom" student had been in the bathroom when someone was throwing toilet paper on the ceiling. The student was washing some marker off of his arm and got in there while it was going on. But he didn't do anything to stop it or to go to another bathroom. The guys doing it had left and he was the only one left when the police got there. But when he saw the police the first words from his mouth were "I didn't do anything." Which of course just tells someone you are feeling guilty. The police didn't do anything, but wanted me to know and to talk to him about it. It turned out ok, but I'm not a huge fan of talking to the police while on a trip with the youth.

6. Dumb adults! This one upset me. I mean these are the adults who are supposed to be teaching the students about how to follow God. If that is your goal, then how does this activity help promote that. Here's what they did that bugged me. All of our sessions were in an arena, which meant (among other things) there was no food or drink allowed in the building. You know, they have their own overpriced stuff for you to buy. One of the times we were waiting to go in I noticed a group in front of me. The reason I noticed them was one of the adults, a lady in her late 30s or so, was asking one of the teens in her group to smuggle a bag of chips in. He had on cargo pants and thus his pockets would be big enough to get a bag of chips into. She had no problem going against this "no food" rule and asking one of the students to help her. She was even laughing about it with one of the other adult sponsors.

I don't know why she did it. I hope she took it out before going in (she could have because I didn't follow them the whole way in). I'm just frustrated at the mixed signals we can send students. On the one side we tell them that there are things Chrstians are called to follow and ways to live in the world. Then on the other side, you have a kid sneak in some chips because you don't want to pay $3 for a thing of nachos. Which is more important: setting the example or saving a few bucks?

7. Who is sitting in the "decision" seat? This was from one of the skits (which I wish I would have taped or could find online). Only one of us can sit in the decision seat; you or Jesus. Far too often, I want to sit on the seat with Him or push Him off. I have been trying to ask myself this question often.

Book Review - Me, Myself, & Bob by Phil Vischer

The Veggietales theme song proclaims “Have we got a show for you!” If this book had a theme song it would proclaim “Has Phil written a book for you!”

Vischer writes about how Veggietales came to be a household name. The first part of the book is filled with stories about Vischer’s childhood and love for making films. He talks about his Christian upbringing and the breakup of his family. He paints a picture of what it was that drove him to eventually create Bob and Larry. The second part of the book is about the fall of Big Idea, Veggietales and Phil. Phil writes with honesty and humor, even during the parts that are painful to read.

Me, Myself, & Bob is not just about Veggietales. Though you will learn why Larry only has one tooth or why he sings silly songs. Me, Myself, & Bob is also about God. More specifically it is about learning from what God did in Phil’s life. There are lessons to learn and emotions to be dealt with. I found myself stopping to consider how the truths Phil was sharing fit with my relationship with God.

If you enjoyed the funny writing found in the Veggietales videos, you will enjoy the writing inside the pages of this book. Each page is full of openness and transparency laced with humor. If you have ever wondered why God would allow Big Idea to come crashing down into bankruptcy, destroying jobs and countless families who lost jobs, then you will want to read this book. This book takes you on a journey to discover one reason God would give you a dream and then take it away.

Ride along with Phil for the journey of discovery. Along the way you will discover a God who wants to see what is more important – a dream or Him. You will glimpse the impact hanging on to God, no matter what, has on your life. Follow along as Phil shares how he came to understand this quote by C.S. Lewis “He who has God plus many things has nothing more than he who has God alone.” In the end, you will see that “we really shouldn’t attempt to do anything for God until we have learned to find our worth in him alone.”

Do you have a dream? If so, you will want to listen to Phil Vischer tell you his story about a dream and a God much bigger than that dream.


My advice (rating) – buy more than one and give out copies (5 out of 5)

Trivia Wednesday #8

answer #7 - China

question #8 - (in honor of today) What is the number of pi?
question #8b - Which fruit, which is 85% water, is part of the rose family?

the weight of the future

I've been struck lately with the thought of what my son(s) will become. I have the ability, as their dad, to help shape them into the men they will be. That seems rather heavy to me. I mean, how can I shape them into who they will become when I'm not even completely who I want to be? I am the first example of what a man is supposed to be, aren't I?

I feel pretty good about the example of a godly woman they are watching (my wife).

My ongoing prayer, for them, is that they will see God in my actions. They will see how a man is meant to treat his wife. They will see a passion and desire for God in our home and will know they are okay to wrestle with their beliefs.

What do they see in me? What is Nathan learning from how I spend time with him? What characteristics will Wes learn from me? I am being reminded that time with Nathan and Wes is way more important than time reading a book or time writing on this blog.

Believe: cops and Jesus

What a weekend it was at the Jr. High Believe in St. Louis. I'll put up a longer recap later today or tomorrow. But I wanted to say a thank you to everyone who prayed for us. I think it was a great "turning point" in the jr. high ministry. I'm especially excited to watch as the other adult who went with me is impacted and changes how she interacts with the students.

One of the strangest parts was getting asked to talk with the police during one of the sessions. No one got in trouble, but man was my heart raising.

Photo Friday #9

God's creation is a beautiful gift. We serve a great God. The picture today is a picture that reminds me of this fact. Enjoy.

Jr. High Believe

Tomorrow I am leaving with a group of jr. highers for St. Louis. We're going to the Jr. High Believe conference. I didn't get to go last year due to transitions in ministry (well at that point I was not at a church). This will be the biggest group I've taken (even though we've lost a few the last few days) and I am excited. Marko (Youth Specialties Pres.) will be doing the speaking and One Time Blind will be there doing some drama. The theme is Jesus and I'm thinking its gonna be a great chance for the youth to see a whole new side of Jesus.

I'll post some pictures, video and thoughts after the dust settles next week.

This is the first "trip" I've taken with the jr. highers since I got here last summer. I'll get to see a new side of them and they'll get to see a new side of me. :) Hopefully both of those will be good.

Woman sues for child-rearing costs after failed abortion

Yeah, you read that right. Some woman in Boston is sueing over a failed abortion because her little girl has cost too much to raise.

I always thought sueing McDonalds over spilled coffee (which you spilled on yourself) was a little over the top. But I have now been proven wrong.

I pray the little girl, who is 2 now, hears about God's love for her. I pray the mom hears about God's love for her, too. Why would anyone do this? I hope it doesn't even go to court and it gets dismissed or the woman drops the suit.

I hope a church or two out in Boston tries to reach out to this family. This little girl needs to know God has a purpose for her and wants to know her and love her. On Sunday in the high school class we're talking about God's call on your life. I think this might be a good way to introduce a discussion on how we, and others, see and value ourselves.

I found it at the YMX forums and the online article can be found here.

I've been looking for a new camera, I think I found one I like

Though, I'm not sure if I'm ready to get it today. This new camera from Canon looks quite impressive; with its ability to take high def video. I won't be throwing the old video camera away, though. With only 6 minutes of footage on a 2 gig memory card, the video camera will continue to be a part of all trips and church events.

But the ability to take pictures then take video without switching cameras is quite appealing. How many times have I been at a youth event and had to either focus on video or pictures. Which usually leads to me missing a great still shot or missing a great video.

Friends and family, take note of what I would like for Father's Day, Christmas, birthday, or just because. :)

Trivia Wednesday #7

answer #6 - Pat Sajak

question #7 - In which Asian country were toothbrushes first invented?

to quote someone else: Sean Dunn

"When people see someone who lives a surrendered life, who honestly puts others first and is not caught up in making a name for him or herself, they will take notice." (bold and italics mine)

Taken from Bored with God by Sean Dunn

I think this is an important point to remember as a youth minister. In the world of blogs, forums and countless avenues for expressing yourself, those of us in ministry must always be watching to see what is the motivation behind what we do.

Meetings

Last night, we had an event planning meeting. Before I get to the meeting, just allow me to share this comment from my 2 year old. At dinner we were talking about how we were going to church early because there was a meeting.

His response: "I don't like meetings, I'd rather stay home."

Well said.

Despite my uneasiness at what would happen at the meeting (ie. productivity, just a lot of talking, absolutely nothing), I was presently surprised. We were able to get a good bit accomplished and came up with some good ideas, I think.

We got the ball rolling on an upcoming youth rally we are putting together. I think it will be a good evening. There are a few things we are going to try to do that are going to draw attention (nothing negative) from area students (I hope). I am a little afraid some of the adults are wanting to pigeon hole the night and only "realize/focus" on a few issues. Almost like if we focus on say drinking for a night, then that will fix the kids. Don't get me wrong, these issues need to be discussed. But I'm afraid its far to easy to work on behavior management and forget about the lasting effects of building a relationship with God.

The second planning event was a senior banquet. Nothing new or original there, I know. But its never been done at this church and I think it is something we need to do. A "right of passage" type of event for the seniors. This planning actually blew me away. What I had in my head as something we could do got completely blown out of the water and expanded. The ideas we have now are going to be awesome. The banquet is (if things go how we talked) going to be a very special and memorable night for everyone.

I was encouraged by the ability of the group to feed off each other. This was the first such meeting we have had at this church and the first one I've been involved with in a long time.

My faith in the ability of meetings to be useful is up a point or two after last night.

Also, Nathan (my 2 year old) has a new outlook on meetings too. He got to play with a few friends during our meeting. Not just play in a room, but they got to take the ride-on toys and ride around the church, which he thought was so cool. So, he's ready to go back for more meetings :)

Geico's Cavemen May Get Own TV Series

Would you watch a show about "Geico's cavemen" trying to live normal lives in Atlanta 2007?

There's not much on TV now and if this makes it, I'm not sure about TV next year. Though I would rather see this than Desperate Housewives or Ghost Whisperer.

Book Review - Deep Ministry in a Shallow World by Chap Clark and Kara Powell

Deep Ministry in a Shallow World is useful on two levels. The first level is the actual content of the book. Chap Clark and Kara Powell do an excellent job bringing new light to topics like discipleship, mentoring, missions, and teaching (to name a few). These insights are worth the price alone. But there is a second level of usefulness, the Deep Design. This Deep Design process, they outline and use throughout the book, is a tool that needs to be applied to all aspects of youth ministry.

Deep Ministry is a textbook for youth ministers. It is packed full with insight after new idea after practical application after insight. It is easy to follow and understand, but more importantly easy to implement. No matter what the topic, you can answer the four questions raised (now?, new?, who?, and how?) and help take your ministry to a new level.

The chapter on Deep Mentors challenged me to rethink our small group mentality. Its one thing to get a small group leader to commit to leading the group for x number of weeks, sometimes even this can be difficult. It is another thing to get that same small group leader to commit to mentoring those students even when there is no small group meeting. The first looks good on the outside, and to the elders or church leadership, not to mention how it looks to the congregation. The second has more of a long-term impact on the students, but may not be as noticed.

Another thought I took away from the level one of usefulness was in the chapter on Deep Communication. I have been having some struggle getting discussion started with the high schoolers. This chapter helped me realize my communication is not just about the lesson I prepare. It’s also about the students who are listening (the ones I am trying to teach). On page 158 is a list of 6 behaviors that promote defensiveness. As I read the 6 behaviors, I found myself accepting that I have been guilty of each one at various times in my ministry. Knowing this, I have begun to actively and purposefully avoid these behaviors while I am teaching.

The Deep Design will be an asset to your ministry long after you put this book on your shelf. This process of continually examining your ministry and its various aspects is the real key of Deep Ministry. This important application is evident in the fact that each time we “fix” a part of our ministry, we realize we need to tweak it just a little. “The reality is that the problems we face Now are largely the result of yesterday’s solutions.” (238) There is never, or should never be, a time where youth ministers can sit back and just watch ministry happen. We must always be striving for excellence and adjusting our methods to fit our current culture. This book gives you the tools to navigate the waters of a constantly changing ministry.

My advice (rating) – buy more than one and give out copies (5 out of 5)

Let me end with this, I think you should do what you can to get this book into the hands of all your youth coaches.

youth tattoo

This is not a post about the rights and wrongs of tattoos. Rather it is about a surprising tattoo one of the teens got Saturday night. This is a guy that has been coming really regularly to just about everything we have been doing. His main reason for coming (as far as I can figure) has always been because of his girlfriend, whose family are members. I've gotten to know him since we got here last summer. He's a great guy, but has not given his life to Jesus.

This morning as I was talking to him he told me he got a tattoo last night. I thought "oh great, he got his girlfriends initials" but I didn't say that. I asked why and what? He said he has always wanted one and he got it on his right shoulder. Then the big question - what is it? To my surprise, he got a cross. I didn't get to ask him too much about why he picked the cross, but I'm hoping to talk to him more about it this week when we get together.

I was just shocked that a cross would be his top choice for a tattoo. It was a good surprise.

a new life

Early this morning, 12:37, one of the youth coaches gave birth to a son. What a blessing. I can't wait to get to see him.

A little reminder of what is really important in life. Its not the long hours at work or the paycheck. Its not the "congratulations" or pats on the back. Its not fancy promotions or other material.

Our life is a gift from God and what we do with it is our choice. If you have a family, make them most important. If you have children, pour into them.

Pass this lesson on to your youth coaches (sponsors or whatever you call them). Make sure the people on your team know that family is more important than the ministry. Don't ask people to be away from their family more than you would want to be. But if you don't mind, or are single, make sure you're not asking too much of your adults who have a family.

Photo Friday #8

It is supposed to snow tomorrow and it is in the 60's today. So I thought I would post a picture from our last snowfall (you know, to get in the mood for more snow).

check from God?

Just when you think you've heard or seen it all, you read this...


Man Tries to Cash $50K Check From God

Apparently this guy thought no one would notice a check that was signed by God.

Trivia Wednesday #6

answer #5 - Bugs Bunny

Question #6 - Who was the first host of TV's Wheel of Fortune?

Book Review - King Me by Steve Farrar

A great book on the important role a dad plays in the life of his son(s). Farrar covers a number of topics which need to be addressed purposefully. Even if your sons are young, you should read this book. There is never a point where it is too early to be teaching your son about how God wants him to live.

Here are a few key thoughts I took from the book:
1. It is very important to take on the role of mentoring your son. If not, Farrer says one of two things with happen; they will grow up feminized or angry. (15)
2.“The kings teach us that a good man cannot simply rely on his example to meet the needs of his son…. A man must be intentional in his fathering” (17)
3.“Only a father can teach his son to be a man.” (55)
4.You must respond rapidly. “By delay of repentance, sin strengthens, and the heart hardens. They longer ice freezes, the harder it is to be broken.” (70)
5.responsibility = privilege. Privilege is not an inborn, inherited right. Privilege is the result of responsible character. (99)
6.Take it to the Top! Elevator chart – showing the correlation between privileges and responsibilities. (109f)
7.“Better faithful than famous.” (134)
8.As a father, you need to have integrity in your own life. “It’s impossible to be close to God and live a life of secret sin.” (174)
9.How you treat your son (or daughter) will reflect how he sees God (207)
10.Confession is important and difficult. “confession is verbal humiliation” (211)
11.“Our job as fathers is to equip them to live as Christian men in a non-Christian world.” (232)
12.“He (your son) needs to be challenged – while he is still under your roof.” (233)
13.Don’t let your son become a “falsely obedient child” while under your roof. Allow him to really make his faith (thus obedience) his own. (235)
14.“And isn’t it interesting that David didn’t begin to make serious mistakes in his life until the death of Jonathan?” Good friends are very important (238)

My advice (rating) – borrow from a friend (3 out of 5)

billboard's Scripture use

Last week as we were driving back from Cincinnati, we saw an eyecatching billboard. It didn't get our attention because of the picture or something out of the ordinary. It captured our attention because of the Scripture used on it. Well, I should say "misused."

On the billboard were two things (the two things I remember). One was the reference: John 19.27. The other was this phrase: "Ask thy mother, she will help you"

In the NIV, John 19.27 reads, "and to the disciple, 'Here is your mother.' From that time on, this disciple took her into his home."

From what I could gather, it was promoting a person's need to use Mary as a source of answers or somehow a source of help. I don't see that in that verse or anywhere else in Scripture. It struck me as an odd use of Scripture for a billboard.

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.