So it's true. I bought a MacBook the other day. I've fallen in love all over again. I had no idea that all the trouble and confusion in my life was because I was using a PC. My life is wonderful now that I'm a mac. Everything is simple and user-freindly. Also, I've heard that macs can't get viruses - but then I just heard (the day i bought it) that there are some new viruses made for macs that really mess them up. If that's true, i'm still better off because there are only a few, and I'll try to avoid the 'download mac viruses' webpages.
School starts soon and I'm excited to put her to good use.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Under Construction
RA training is almost over! I cannot wait until the routine of school kicks in. However much I enjoy not being tied down to a set routine, I think the horror of constant business outside of a routine is worse.
I think I'm pretty drained. It's a good thing though. Almost like I am passing "Go" after a super long journey around the board (if I may use a Monopoly analogy). I definitely think that God has been working in me. Since I've been stressed/drained daily I feel broken before Him a lot. It's good for me to soak up this perspective of humility before Him. I'm going to try to work on it for even when I'm not stressed/drained.
Thanks God for still working on me.
I think I'm pretty drained. It's a good thing though. Almost like I am passing "Go" after a super long journey around the board (if I may use a Monopoly analogy). I definitely think that God has been working in me. Since I've been stressed/drained daily I feel broken before Him a lot. It's good for me to soak up this perspective of humility before Him. I'm going to try to work on it for even when I'm not stressed/drained.
Thanks God for still working on me.
Book Meme
Here it is:
1. One book that changed your life: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Cymbala (Jim I think?) I picked this one up from my dad's bookshelf for no good reason. I read it and realized how naked my prayer life was. It's an incredible testimony of what prayer can do. Be careful ... it's convicting.
2. One book that you’ve read more than once: Grapes of Wrath. Once in High School and once in College. I didn't like it the first time, but I did the second time. It mentions Fresno at the end, for all who care about Fresno.
3. One book you’d want on a desert island: Guinness Book of World records. I've always found myself pre-occupied with these books when in school or the doctors office. I think it would take up a good amount of my lonely time on the island, plus it might inspire me to do something like build the worlds largest sand castle ... then live in it.
4. One book that made you laugh: Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. Mike, who tagged me to do this list, wrote that book for his answer - and i simply deleted his commentary to put in mine, cause we have the same answer. My favorite chapter is the one about penguin sex.
5. One book that made you cry: Well, I don't know if I cried ... but it was close. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. Its a novel based on the story of Hosea (the prophet in the Bible). Whitney wanted me to read it cause it's a mooshy love story. I haven't finished it yet, but plan to. And I didn't cry.
6. One book you wish had been written: I wish my dad wrote a journal of his life growing up til present and gave it to me. I think I would have learned a lot from that one.
7. One book you wish had never been written: Great Expectations. I had to read it in 7th grade! Who does that? It was horrible for my little mind to read that old English and try to understand. It definitely turned me off to reading for a while ... until Harry Potter came out.
8. One book you’re currently reading: Hurt: inside the world of today's teenagers. I should have finished it by now, but I'm working on it.
9. One book you’ve been meaning to read: Purpose Driven Youth Ministry by Fields. It's on my desk staring at me.
10. One book you’d like to write: I don't know that I have anything to say/teach yet. Maybe someday I could write about my bivocational experience as a Youth Pastor and owner of a Pizza Parlor. I like pizza.
1. One book that changed your life: Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Cymbala (Jim I think?) I picked this one up from my dad's bookshelf for no good reason. I read it and realized how naked my prayer life was. It's an incredible testimony of what prayer can do. Be careful ... it's convicting.
2. One book that you’ve read more than once: Grapes of Wrath. Once in High School and once in College. I didn't like it the first time, but I did the second time. It mentions Fresno at the end, for all who care about Fresno.
3. One book you’d want on a desert island: Guinness Book of World records. I've always found myself pre-occupied with these books when in school or the doctors office. I think it would take up a good amount of my lonely time on the island, plus it might inspire me to do something like build the worlds largest sand castle ... then live in it.
4. One book that made you laugh: Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. Mike, who tagged me to do this list, wrote that book for his answer - and i simply deleted his commentary to put in mine, cause we have the same answer. My favorite chapter is the one about penguin sex.
5. One book that made you cry: Well, I don't know if I cried ... but it was close. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. Its a novel based on the story of Hosea (the prophet in the Bible). Whitney wanted me to read it cause it's a mooshy love story. I haven't finished it yet, but plan to. And I didn't cry.
6. One book you wish had been written: I wish my dad wrote a journal of his life growing up til present and gave it to me. I think I would have learned a lot from that one.
7. One book you wish had never been written: Great Expectations. I had to read it in 7th grade! Who does that? It was horrible for my little mind to read that old English and try to understand. It definitely turned me off to reading for a while ... until Harry Potter came out.
8. One book you’re currently reading: Hurt: inside the world of today's teenagers. I should have finished it by now, but I'm working on it.
9. One book you’ve been meaning to read: Purpose Driven Youth Ministry by Fields. It's on my desk staring at me.
10. One book you’d like to write: I don't know that I have anything to say/teach yet. Maybe someday I could write about my bivocational experience as a Youth Pastor and owner of a Pizza Parlor. I like pizza.
Monday, August 21, 2006
the longest blog ever made
I've been involved in student leadership training at school for the past week or so, and we still have another 2ish weeks. Its been super busy and pretty fun.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Fat Camp
So I'm back from youth camp. I went with my old church's youth as a counselor. I couldn't escape the feeling that i was cheating on Mag by hanging out with another youth group all week. At the same time, it was good for me to get a way for a week and not have a bunch of responsibilities. I think that is what I look for in a vacation - as little responsibility as possible (is that normal?).
Ok, I wasn't at fat camp ... I just wanted to write that.
Here are some of the things I learned while away:
1. Barabbas was the very first person who experienced the freedom Christ offers.
Jesus died for us to have it. Barabbas was a sinner (a murderer) and was imprisoned, and so I am a sinner (minus murder) and was imprisoned by my sin. Jesus took Barabbas' place at the cross and was freed from prison. Jesus took my place on the cross and I am freed from my slavery to sin - I have freedom through Jesus.
I had never thought about how I am just like Barabbas. I've always thought of him as worse than I, afterall, I've never been in prison. But I am wrong to think that. I am just like Barabbas; sentenced to death because of sin, then freed by Jesus. I was given a 'hello my name is' name tag on which I wrote the name Barabbas. It is on the inside cover of my Bible, reminding me who I am and what I have.
I learned that I need to take advantage of my Christ-given freedom. Just like Barabbas probably raced home to his kids to hug them, kiss them, play board games with them, built forts out of bedsheets and pillows with them, throw a baseball with Barabbas jr., and just enjoy his family, so I need to fully embrace my freedom through Christ. I am currently figuring out how I can do that.
2. God wants me to go deeper.
Deeper with Him, deeper in my relationship with people I work with, deeper with the students I minister to at Mag, and deeper with some guy friends at CBU that I will start studying the Bible with (when school starts). I realized that I don't love the students at Mag enough ... that thought led to the others mentioned above. I need to invest in people and love them. My tendency is to be selfish with my love and not share; mostly because it is easier that way.
I need to invest in God. I realize that the time in invest in Him is investing in things eternal, so why do I not invest?
Yesterday I was listening to Lucado's 'Cure for the Common Life' (audio books are great for long drives) in which he retells the parable of the master giving out tallents to his servants. A tallent was a year's wage (i believe), which is a huge amount of money to entrust a commoner with. Bear in mind that we are all these 'commoners' who God gives abundantly. My failure comes when it's time to do with those blessings what God wishes us to - invest in something that will multiply it. Since I'm pouring it out right now I'll admit that I don't invest my blessings both physically and spiritually. I fail physically by being stingy with what God gives me - it's hard for me to tithe, to share, to be generous. I fail spiritually by not giving God the time, energy, everything back to Him. I am officially convicted.
3. I miss Whitney a lot when one of us leaves for more than a day.
What else is there to say? I miss her.
thanks for the good times
Ok, I wasn't at fat camp ... I just wanted to write that.
Here are some of the things I learned while away:
1. Barabbas was the very first person who experienced the freedom Christ offers.
Jesus died for us to have it. Barabbas was a sinner (a murderer) and was imprisoned, and so I am a sinner (minus murder) and was imprisoned by my sin. Jesus took Barabbas' place at the cross and was freed from prison. Jesus took my place on the cross and I am freed from my slavery to sin - I have freedom through Jesus.
I had never thought about how I am just like Barabbas. I've always thought of him as worse than I, afterall, I've never been in prison. But I am wrong to think that. I am just like Barabbas; sentenced to death because of sin, then freed by Jesus. I was given a 'hello my name is' name tag on which I wrote the name Barabbas. It is on the inside cover of my Bible, reminding me who I am and what I have.
I learned that I need to take advantage of my Christ-given freedom. Just like Barabbas probably raced home to his kids to hug them, kiss them, play board games with them, built forts out of bedsheets and pillows with them, throw a baseball with Barabbas jr., and just enjoy his family, so I need to fully embrace my freedom through Christ. I am currently figuring out how I can do that.
2. God wants me to go deeper.
Deeper with Him, deeper in my relationship with people I work with, deeper with the students I minister to at Mag, and deeper with some guy friends at CBU that I will start studying the Bible with (when school starts). I realized that I don't love the students at Mag enough ... that thought led to the others mentioned above. I need to invest in people and love them. My tendency is to be selfish with my love and not share; mostly because it is easier that way.
I need to invest in God. I realize that the time in invest in Him is investing in things eternal, so why do I not invest?
Yesterday I was listening to Lucado's 'Cure for the Common Life' (audio books are great for long drives) in which he retells the parable of the master giving out tallents to his servants. A tallent was a year's wage (i believe), which is a huge amount of money to entrust a commoner with. Bear in mind that we are all these 'commoners' who God gives abundantly. My failure comes when it's time to do with those blessings what God wishes us to - invest in something that will multiply it. Since I'm pouring it out right now I'll admit that I don't invest my blessings both physically and spiritually. I fail physically by being stingy with what God gives me - it's hard for me to tithe, to share, to be generous. I fail spiritually by not giving God the time, energy, everything back to Him. I am officially convicted.
3. I miss Whitney a lot when one of us leaves for more than a day.
What else is there to say? I miss her.
thanks for the good times
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
nooma
I just saw the 013th nooma video the other day. It's good. Rob Bell talks about America being rich and really challenges people to see that they have so much compared to the rest of the world. I really like that Rob warns us not to think "our" world is "the" world. Its a great lesson in global perspective.
I decided to show this 12 minute video to the youth group tonight at our midweek program - called midweek (because we don't have fancy cool names). After watching it we'll discuss some questions in small groups. I'm excited for tonight.
Oh, by the way ... We are having midweek at a really nice, big house. I think it will be an interesting environment to watch the 'rich' nooma video in.
I'll let you know how it goes ... whoever 'you' is.
I decided to show this 12 minute video to the youth group tonight at our midweek program - called midweek (because we don't have fancy cool names). After watching it we'll discuss some questions in small groups. I'm excited for tonight.
Oh, by the way ... We are having midweek at a really nice, big house. I think it will be an interesting environment to watch the 'rich' nooma video in.
I'll let you know how it goes ... whoever 'you' is.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
church ministry is hard
Dear blog,
It’s been a while. Much has happened:
Sunday was the craziest Sunday I’ve ever had. All of my high schoolers helping me lead the music are out on a mission trip. I was left with a drummer, bass player, and piano player. My piano player called on Saturday and said he couldn’t make it, and my drummer didn’t show up on Sunday morning - again!
My friends Ashley and Jenny agreed to sing with me when I asked on Saturday. Jenny stepped up on Sunday and said she could play piano. She did great. I’d like to have them sing again. Perhaps this Sunday? I’ve decided that I’m going to use my High School band drummer from now on.
When we found out we had no drummer like 10 minutes before the service, Jenny called our friend Tyler. He showed up to church during our 2nd song. I made sure to pray in between songs when he came to give him a chance to come up on stage. When I finished praying, everyone looked up and there was a drummer. Ty is an awesome drummer. Chris Davis text messaged me saying “that drummer was amazing.”
I guess what I can learn from this stressful Sunday is a lesson in surrounding myself and my ministry with a committed team who take the ministry and make it their own. I cannot do it on my own (to my dismay). I think finding those people is going to be tough (not just now, but for the rest of my life in ministry).
I think I’m the kind of person that likes to either work alone, or be pretty much in charge. I’m quickly learning that that needs to change. I need to learn how do delegate and let go of details and whatever. I need to put some faith in people and let God do what He will with things.
God, thanks for continuing to teach me.
It’s been a while. Much has happened:
Sunday was the craziest Sunday I’ve ever had. All of my high schoolers helping me lead the music are out on a mission trip. I was left with a drummer, bass player, and piano player. My piano player called on Saturday and said he couldn’t make it, and my drummer didn’t show up on Sunday morning - again!
My friends Ashley and Jenny agreed to sing with me when I asked on Saturday. Jenny stepped up on Sunday and said she could play piano. She did great. I’d like to have them sing again. Perhaps this Sunday? I’ve decided that I’m going to use my High School band drummer from now on.
When we found out we had no drummer like 10 minutes before the service, Jenny called our friend Tyler. He showed up to church during our 2nd song. I made sure to pray in between songs when he came to give him a chance to come up on stage. When I finished praying, everyone looked up and there was a drummer. Ty is an awesome drummer. Chris Davis text messaged me saying “that drummer was amazing.”
I guess what I can learn from this stressful Sunday is a lesson in surrounding myself and my ministry with a committed team who take the ministry and make it their own. I cannot do it on my own (to my dismay). I think finding those people is going to be tough (not just now, but for the rest of my life in ministry).
I think I’m the kind of person that likes to either work alone, or be pretty much in charge. I’m quickly learning that that needs to change. I need to learn how do delegate and let go of details and whatever. I need to put some faith in people and let God do what He will with things.
God, thanks for continuing to teach me.
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