The rules are:
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next four sentences on your blog, along with these instructions.
5. Don’t you dare dig for that “cool” or “intellectual” book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest!
Here it is, from the Tyndale Bible Dictionary:
(wierd, i opened it up to page 123)
"The three centuries from about 1200 to 900 BC were marked by movements of different peoples such as the Greeks, Philistines, Arameans, and Hebrews."
Under pressure of people migrating from Europe, the Hittite Empire, which formerly had given political stability to Asia Minor and protected the trade routes, crumbled rapily. By 1200 BC it fell to attacks by the Sea Peoples form the Greek mainland. During the tenth entury BC, Assyria began to make a slow recovery. In the reign of Adad-nirari II (911-891 BC), Assyria again launched upon a period fo conspicuous economic and military expansion.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Friday, November 17, 2006
superhero
I took a quiz thing for RA stuff:
Your results:
You are Iron Man
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test
Your results:
You are Iron Man
| Inventor. Businessman. Genius. |
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test
Friday, November 10, 2006
random plans / thoughts
(i love my macbook)- I got Andy Stanley's 'communicating for change' and started it. I'll probably finish it this weekend. Its good
- Whitney is gone for the weekend at a powder puff football tournament.
- I have to write 2 10 page papers this weekend.
- I'm going on a bike ride today because I haven't gone in a while. I'm riding with my friend who rode across the country this summer.
- My ISP (international service project) interview yesterday went really well. I'm excited to see what God is doing with me right now.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
I'm excited
OK, i'm super excited about my next semester class schedule. Here it is (from hardest/most demanding to easiest):
- Marriage and the Family in Christian Community. I'm excited to take this one with Whitney.
- Ministry with Youth. Professor Mike Lovato will be my instructor. It will be cool/a little wierd, but mostly cool.
- Jazz History. I'll bring my tobacco pipe and dark shades to class.
- Current Trends in Youth Ministry. This will be another directed studies course. I'll just read books on my own.
- Old Testament Survey. Thats right, the freshmen, non-CST major Bible class. I'll be there with Dr. Mooney.
- Bowling. Monday from 3.30 - 5.30, i'm pumped
- Tennis. Monday from 6.30 - 8.00 a night full of kinesiology!
- Outdoor Adventure. One saturday all day of playing on a high ropes course. How cool.
I think this schedule will really be a nice change from the hectic schedule of this semester, plus it's my last as a traditional college student. These are the only obstacles between me and a B.A.
Weird.
- Marriage and the Family in Christian Community. I'm excited to take this one with Whitney.
- Ministry with Youth. Professor Mike Lovato will be my instructor. It will be cool/a little wierd, but mostly cool.
- Jazz History. I'll bring my tobacco pipe and dark shades to class.
- Current Trends in Youth Ministry. This will be another directed studies course. I'll just read books on my own.
- Old Testament Survey. Thats right, the freshmen, non-CST major Bible class. I'll be there with Dr. Mooney.
- Bowling. Monday from 3.30 - 5.30, i'm pumped
- Tennis. Monday from 6.30 - 8.00 a night full of kinesiology!
- Outdoor Adventure. One saturday all day of playing on a high ropes course. How cool.
I think this schedule will really be a nice change from the hectic schedule of this semester, plus it's my last as a traditional college student. These are the only obstacles between me and a B.A.
Weird.
Monday, October 30, 2006
a proud parent
Today my friend David Massey took the reigns of the 9.30 service and led the music for worship. He comes from a heavy metal / hard core background. He definitely brought some edge to the service. All of the feedback has been positive so far. It was pretty fun to play with the band, I've not often had the chance to be let loose on the guitar - which means I don't really know how to let loose. But it was fun.
Hopefully the church finds a new 9.30 music guy. I feel like it may happen soon. I did enjoy the chance to lead the music, but what was more fun for me (i realized this sunday) was to build the team. It wasn't until I was standing at the back of the stage, looking at the whole band leading the congregation in worship, and me not leading the band that i realized God has blessed my leadership efforts. I was like a proud parent watching their kid stand on stage and be the tree, or hit their first tee-ball. OD affirmed me the other day and said that he sees natural leadership abilities in me. I think this is something I need to try to develop and seek God to develop in me.
Hopefully the church finds a new 9.30 music guy. I feel like it may happen soon. I did enjoy the chance to lead the music, but what was more fun for me (i realized this sunday) was to build the team. It wasn't until I was standing at the back of the stage, looking at the whole band leading the congregation in worship, and me not leading the band that i realized God has blessed my leadership efforts. I was like a proud parent watching their kid stand on stage and be the tree, or hit their first tee-ball. OD affirmed me the other day and said that he sees natural leadership abilities in me. I think this is something I need to try to develop and seek God to develop in me.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
wednesday night thoughts
I gave the message tonight for HS church. I think I feel ok about it: nothing less, nothing more. I feel it was ok.
I definitely can see some things I need to work on as far as delivering a message:
1) work on transitions between thoughts. I think I was a bit rough / choppy when transfering to another point
2) time. I went too long. Time goes a lot faster when you are the one speaking.
3) engaging the audience. I think I did decent in delivering the message, but perhaps could have done better to engage the students. I want things to sink in - even if it's just one of the point among many. My recent thoughts about delivering a message is that the audience will only remember one or two things; whether its an illustration, a point well developed, or one of those "ah-ha" moments when something clicks. I think speakers usually offer more than just a few good points, but the audience tends to remember only one or two. These thoughts mostly come from my experience as an audience member, not a speaker. But, I could be wrong...
Things I felt that I did well:
1) I think there was like 2 times that I felt funny. One was when I said something about unrine being talked about in the Bible.
2) I could be totally wrong, but I felt that there was minimal chatter as I spoke. There was a few times I slowed down or even paused so that things would settle. Also, I think numbers were down tonight, so that helped the chatter level.
3) I did't look backwards at the screens to see if the right slide was up. I don't like when speakers do that.
4) preparation time was decent. I didn't feel unprepared. I learned to work more, though, on transitions.
Overall, it was an ok night.
Mike showed me how to fossil hunt and it's funny.
Lost sucked tonight.
I definitely can see some things I need to work on as far as delivering a message:
1) work on transitions between thoughts. I think I was a bit rough / choppy when transfering to another point
2) time. I went too long. Time goes a lot faster when you are the one speaking.
3) engaging the audience. I think I did decent in delivering the message, but perhaps could have done better to engage the students. I want things to sink in - even if it's just one of the point among many. My recent thoughts about delivering a message is that the audience will only remember one or two things; whether its an illustration, a point well developed, or one of those "ah-ha" moments when something clicks. I think speakers usually offer more than just a few good points, but the audience tends to remember only one or two. These thoughts mostly come from my experience as an audience member, not a speaker. But, I could be wrong...
Things I felt that I did well:
1) I think there was like 2 times that I felt funny. One was when I said something about unrine being talked about in the Bible.
2) I could be totally wrong, but I felt that there was minimal chatter as I spoke. There was a few times I slowed down or even paused so that things would settle. Also, I think numbers were down tonight, so that helped the chatter level.
3) I did't look backwards at the screens to see if the right slide was up. I don't like when speakers do that.
4) preparation time was decent. I didn't feel unprepared. I learned to work more, though, on transitions.
Overall, it was an ok night.
Mike showed me how to fossil hunt and it's funny.
Lost sucked tonight.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
the refresher
so, I decided that my place in music ministry has been to be the guy who is a solid last minute fill inner (for the most part). I think I've only said no like 2 times for doing music for something. A lot of the time it's another thing to put in my schedule - when I'm asked to lead the music for something.
The exception was tonight. I was asked last minute to lead some music for a church plant that meets in a house. Chad, the regular music guy, was sick today so Shannon Murray (the leader of the church plant) called me up after lunch and asked if I could do some music for them that night. I agreed.
I was refreshed. This time it didn't feel like adding something into my schedule. I wanted to be there. It felt natural to be there and lead music for 20ish people in a living room. I think I've found the venue I was created for. Not only was it neat to sing with a few others, but having church in a home was pretty awesome.
Pro's and Con's:
+ small group equals conversational style sermon which is cool
+ I really have a lot of respect for Shannon, he's an ex-missionary with a kingdom worldview
+ comfortable atmosphere, very relaxed
- some people sing loud and off tempo/key in small settings
- babies crying and running around during sermon/lesson
+ mixed age group hanging out, a good chance for me to connect with some adults
- there's always one guy that has something to say about everything
+/- sitting on the floor, its cool cause it more relaxed, but my back started to hurt (something to think about before sitting in the open next week)
+ God was the center of every activity
+ accountability: it's harder to hide in a smaller group
I think I'll go next week. Whitney is excited to join me. I may be becoming a big fan of home churches (under the umbrella of denominational association).
The exception was tonight. I was asked last minute to lead some music for a church plant that meets in a house. Chad, the regular music guy, was sick today so Shannon Murray (the leader of the church plant) called me up after lunch and asked if I could do some music for them that night. I agreed.
I was refreshed. This time it didn't feel like adding something into my schedule. I wanted to be there. It felt natural to be there and lead music for 20ish people in a living room. I think I've found the venue I was created for. Not only was it neat to sing with a few others, but having church in a home was pretty awesome.
Pro's and Con's:
+ small group equals conversational style sermon which is cool
+ I really have a lot of respect for Shannon, he's an ex-missionary with a kingdom worldview
+ comfortable atmosphere, very relaxed
- some people sing loud and off tempo/key in small settings
- babies crying and running around during sermon/lesson
+ mixed age group hanging out, a good chance for me to connect with some adults
- there's always one guy that has something to say about everything
+/- sitting on the floor, its cool cause it more relaxed, but my back started to hurt (something to think about before sitting in the open next week)
+ God was the center of every activity
+ accountability: it's harder to hide in a smaller group
I think I'll go next week. Whitney is excited to join me. I may be becoming a big fan of home churches (under the umbrella of denominational association).
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
"the talk"
So I did talk with Mike about the whole burnout thing. He gave some really good advice and is helping me to un-burnout. His advice was:
make a weekly schedule, super detailed by hours
take a weekend off. he suggested going to Beaumont to just do nothing for a weekend and go to Whitney's church with her.
reconnect with God, not only plan times to be with God in my weekly schedule, but he's gonna let me not teach Sunday morning Bible Study in order to go to a class and be fed.
Now I just need to do these things. I'm a bad procrastinator. I always say I'll get that done soon, but never end up getting to it. This is my chance to change that. I'm printing out a weekly schedule right now ...
make a weekly schedule, super detailed by hours
take a weekend off. he suggested going to Beaumont to just do nothing for a weekend and go to Whitney's church with her.
reconnect with God, not only plan times to be with God in my weekly schedule, but he's gonna let me not teach Sunday morning Bible Study in order to go to a class and be fed.
Now I just need to do these things. I'm a bad procrastinator. I always say I'll get that done soon, but never end up getting to it. This is my chance to change that. I'm printing out a weekly schedule right now ...
Monday, October 09, 2006
I concur
So i've been reading some blogs recently about ministry burnout. Mike talked about being close to it, and his friend Josh is there. This past month I've been feeling the symptoms, i think. I guess it's the time of year...
I think my major problem is this distance I'm feeling from God. Things aren't the same. Its almost like I got too busy with ministry for Him. Ya, thats stupid, but I think I did it. That led to a sort of dissatisfaction with the ministry I'm doing. Josh talked about losing joy in the ministry he knows he was made for - a phenomenon I thought impossible but am realizing that I'm experiencing myself.
The remedy ...
I'm not sure. Definitely some away, intentional time with God. I've really been feeling Him coaxing me to Him this past week - and it's time to take him up on that offer. Also, I need to figure out my schedule. I need to figure out what i need to do and put times in my week to do them. Another problem I've been having is being 100% there wherever I am. I jump from student to R.A. to HS associate to 9.30 worship leader to boyfriend back to student several times a day. I need to learn to be where I am totally and not be distracted by my next role.
I just got really distracted by my roomate Tim. He's funny. I just decided to change the look of my blog.
Since I'm pretty sure Mike's going to be the only one to read this (maybe nicole, maybe lucas), i'll just plan on taking to him (you) sometime this week. We can share near burnout stories and pray for each other and talk about practical things we can do. I've come to realize that mike is all about practical things and "fleshing out" what they "look like" ... "quasi."
I think my major problem is this distance I'm feeling from God. Things aren't the same. Its almost like I got too busy with ministry for Him. Ya, thats stupid, but I think I did it. That led to a sort of dissatisfaction with the ministry I'm doing. Josh talked about losing joy in the ministry he knows he was made for - a phenomenon I thought impossible but am realizing that I'm experiencing myself.
The remedy ...
I'm not sure. Definitely some away, intentional time with God. I've really been feeling Him coaxing me to Him this past week - and it's time to take him up on that offer. Also, I need to figure out my schedule. I need to figure out what i need to do and put times in my week to do them. Another problem I've been having is being 100% there wherever I am. I jump from student to R.A. to HS associate to 9.30 worship leader to boyfriend back to student several times a day. I need to learn to be where I am totally and not be distracted by my next role.
I just got really distracted by my roomate Tim. He's funny. I just decided to change the look of my blog.
Since I'm pretty sure Mike's going to be the only one to read this (maybe nicole, maybe lucas), i'll just plan on taking to him (you) sometime this week. We can share near burnout stories and pray for each other and talk about practical things we can do. I've come to realize that mike is all about practical things and "fleshing out" what they "look like" ... "quasi."
Monday, September 18, 2006
school school school school school
So it has begun. I sit here in Wanda's at the start of the third week of school already behind in assignments for all 4 of my classes. So I blogg.
I seem to be losing at lots of things lately. Like one, I lost like 3 ebay bids this week. Two, I have lost the desire to eat at the caf already. Three, I am really into watching the 2nd season of Lost on DVD with my roomates. Four, I'm in a losing battle with school, and I fear I'll keep losing. Five, I lost a friend last night to a motorcycle accident.
Pray for Kyle's family. Kyle died yesterday evening in a motorcycle accident. He was a Jr. or Senior here at CBU. Pray for his girlfriend Sara. Sara and I went on a mission trip together to Panama.
I ran 3 and a half miles last night and felt really good. I don't even feel sore today. Maybe I'll get those sweet Nike shoes that connect to my ipod nano and tell me all the stats of my run. Perhaps one day a triathalon for me?
I seem to be losing at lots of things lately. Like one, I lost like 3 ebay bids this week. Two, I have lost the desire to eat at the caf already. Three, I am really into watching the 2nd season of Lost on DVD with my roomates. Four, I'm in a losing battle with school, and I fear I'll keep losing. Five, I lost a friend last night to a motorcycle accident.
Pray for Kyle's family. Kyle died yesterday evening in a motorcycle accident. He was a Jr. or Senior here at CBU. Pray for his girlfriend Sara. Sara and I went on a mission trip together to Panama.
I ran 3 and a half miles last night and felt really good. I don't even feel sore today. Maybe I'll get those sweet Nike shoes that connect to my ipod nano and tell me all the stats of my run. Perhaps one day a triathalon for me?
Saturday, September 09, 2006
emotionally retarded
This week has been strange.
I think God is definitely working on me. I’ve told before about how God is humbling me and that I feel Him working. Being humbled is not really fun. It’s embarrassing actually. That has been the overwhelming emotion lately.
Today I talked with Mike about some feelings I’ve been having about ministry. He had some really good thinks to say – and made me feel not alone in some of my thoughts. I think I’m a questioner. I don’t like to say doubter, but questioner. I’ve been thinking about whether or not I’m supposed to be in ministry at all. Pretty heavy stuff for a guy that’s studying ministry at school, currently working at a church with 2 semi (or as Mike would say quasi)-important roles, and planning on attending seminary after graduation. My fear is that I would assume my way to these positions – assume that this is where God wanted me just because I found myself there. I don’t want to do that. It brings about strange emotions that I’m not quite sure I can express. It’s sort of a yearn for intimacy with God like I’ve never had mixed with humility and introvertedness (I’m not sure if those are necessarily emotions, but whatever they are that’s what I’m feeling).
Also, one of my good friend’s dad just died tonight. I’m not quite sure how to deal with that either. I think I’m emotionally retarded. When I found out about his death, one of my first thoughts was, “I wish there was a book I could read to tell me how to react.” I am mostly just really sad for my friend. I know his dad is in heaven right now, but that doesn’t make things happy, really. Sure it makes it better.
And lastly me and whitney just got Costco cards together. That’s what married people do. That sort of brings up other, much stranger to me, emotions.
I like that journaling (I prefer journaling to blogging) gives me freedom to just say what I think, even if it’s wrong or insensitive. It’s just me. Plus I think only Mike reads these anyway - and he knows me pretty well.
I think God is definitely working on me. I’ve told before about how God is humbling me and that I feel Him working. Being humbled is not really fun. It’s embarrassing actually. That has been the overwhelming emotion lately.
Today I talked with Mike about some feelings I’ve been having about ministry. He had some really good thinks to say – and made me feel not alone in some of my thoughts. I think I’m a questioner. I don’t like to say doubter, but questioner. I’ve been thinking about whether or not I’m supposed to be in ministry at all. Pretty heavy stuff for a guy that’s studying ministry at school, currently working at a church with 2 semi (or as Mike would say quasi)-important roles, and planning on attending seminary after graduation. My fear is that I would assume my way to these positions – assume that this is where God wanted me just because I found myself there. I don’t want to do that. It brings about strange emotions that I’m not quite sure I can express. It’s sort of a yearn for intimacy with God like I’ve never had mixed with humility and introvertedness (I’m not sure if those are necessarily emotions, but whatever they are that’s what I’m feeling).
Also, one of my good friend’s dad just died tonight. I’m not quite sure how to deal with that either. I think I’m emotionally retarded. When I found out about his death, one of my first thoughts was, “I wish there was a book I could read to tell me how to react.” I am mostly just really sad for my friend. I know his dad is in heaven right now, but that doesn’t make things happy, really. Sure it makes it better.
And lastly me and whitney just got Costco cards together. That’s what married people do. That sort of brings up other, much stranger to me, emotions.
I like that journaling (I prefer journaling to blogging) gives me freedom to just say what I think, even if it’s wrong or insensitive. It’s just me. Plus I think only Mike reads these anyway - and he knows me pretty well.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
I'm a mac
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.
School starts soon and I'm excited to put her to good use.
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.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
My Sunday
Sunday, I've decided, is not a day of rest for ministers.
Today my drummer didn't show up at all. I asked Brian Willet to play like 2 minutes before we headed on stage to sound check. He knows 1 drum beat - and I decided that was definitely better than nothing. He did a great job this morning. He even surprised me by following the dynamics of the songs, which is a great quality in a drummer.
My Bible Study class went really well. I have some cool students that come to my and Nicole's 11:00 BS. We talked about Christmas, donuts, fire, and Jesus. I love High School students.
The brakes on my car are out and Midas is closed today.
Check out Mike on a horse.
My friends Ethan, Eric, and Justin rode their bikes across the USA this summer. Today I got a text message from Eric saying, "I am drenched in Atlantic." They started in Washington and ended today in Maine. They are riding to raise funds for and awareness about sex-trafficing of young girls in Nepal. They are studs. Check out their website.
Today my drummer didn't show up at all. I asked Brian Willet to play like 2 minutes before we headed on stage to sound check. He knows 1 drum beat - and I decided that was definitely better than nothing. He did a great job this morning. He even surprised me by following the dynamics of the songs, which is a great quality in a drummer.
My Bible Study class went really well. I have some cool students that come to my and Nicole's 11:00 BS. We talked about Christmas, donuts, fire, and Jesus. I love High School students.
The brakes on my car are out and Midas is closed today.
Check out Mike on a horse.
My friends Ethan, Eric, and Justin rode their bikes across the USA this summer. Today I got a text message from Eric saying, "I am drenched in Atlantic." They started in Washington and ended today in Maine. They are riding to raise funds for and awareness about sex-trafficing of young girls in Nepal. They are studs. Check out their website.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
International House of Mine
So I am currently living at CBU for the summer. Here is some fun facts about my apartment:
1. When I moved in Seidu was living here alone. Seidu is from Ghana, Africa. He came to CBU to play volleyball and soccer (and probably something else, he's athletic). He is a really cool guy. However, he has strange cooking habits. When I first moved in my first thought was defninitely something like this: "it smells like the cave that the Goonies adventured through, plus fish." For some reason, fish smell really bad when they are out of the water. It's like God designed them to be in water and when they aren't everyone knows about it, nostrilly. (there needs to be a word like that for smell; like sight has visually, noise has audibly, smell should be nostrilly). Seidu moved out, but the fish smell didn't until just a few days ago - i think.
2. Choi moved in a week and a half ago. Choi is an exchange student from Korea living here for the summer. Choi smells much better. He is clean and I like him very much. We just had a birthday for him last week. Choi likes to sing very loud when he has his headphones on. I don't think he really knows that he does it - it just happens when the headphones are on. Oh, and by the way, the headphones are attached to a sony walkman - the tape player kind. I remember getting one of those for like my 10th birthday.
The other day I was getting out of the shower and I could have sworn I heard a baby crying in our room. At first I was really confused/scared. Why is there a baby in my room? Why doesn't Choi get up and stop the crying? Does Choi have a kid that I never knew about? No. I timidly tiptoed out of the bathroom, looking around the corner head first. Choi was singing again, but it sounded like a baby crying. He somehow excercised his falsetto voice enough to make noises like newborns. I laughed, and it was cool cause he couldn't hear me.
My hope is that the majority of my blogs include some sort of spiritual update; like what God is doing in me, and whats happening with the Student/Music ministries at Magnolia Ave. Baptist Church (where I work as the HS intern and imterim contemporary worship leader). I'm an intern and an interim - both words that start with i and have 6 and 7 letters, respectively.
God is providing financially for me right now. My brakes are definitely out on my '03 Toyota Corolla. Lucas told me that my pads wore all the way down and the metal that should be covered by pads are rubbing my disks (you can imagine the sound). Anyway, they need to be fixed and it's going to cost a lot I think.
Today I got my first check from the church for leading the music at the 9.30 service. I figured it would be another week before I got it, but God knows my brakes are out. Its probably not enough for the entire brake job, but its a start. Plus I think my parents will help out if I need them to.
Thanks God.
I'm trying to blog at least every other day. So far I give myself an A+
1. When I moved in Seidu was living here alone. Seidu is from Ghana, Africa. He came to CBU to play volleyball and soccer (and probably something else, he's athletic). He is a really cool guy. However, he has strange cooking habits. When I first moved in my first thought was defninitely something like this: "it smells like the cave that the Goonies adventured through, plus fish." For some reason, fish smell really bad when they are out of the water. It's like God designed them to be in water and when they aren't everyone knows about it, nostrilly. (there needs to be a word like that for smell; like sight has visually, noise has audibly, smell should be nostrilly). Seidu moved out, but the fish smell didn't until just a few days ago - i think.
2. Choi moved in a week and a half ago. Choi is an exchange student from Korea living here for the summer. Choi smells much better. He is clean and I like him very much. We just had a birthday for him last week. Choi likes to sing very loud when he has his headphones on. I don't think he really knows that he does it - it just happens when the headphones are on. Oh, and by the way, the headphones are attached to a sony walkman - the tape player kind. I remember getting one of those for like my 10th birthday.
The other day I was getting out of the shower and I could have sworn I heard a baby crying in our room. At first I was really confused/scared. Why is there a baby in my room? Why doesn't Choi get up and stop the crying? Does Choi have a kid that I never knew about? No. I timidly tiptoed out of the bathroom, looking around the corner head first. Choi was singing again, but it sounded like a baby crying. He somehow excercised his falsetto voice enough to make noises like newborns. I laughed, and it was cool cause he couldn't hear me.
My hope is that the majority of my blogs include some sort of spiritual update; like what God is doing in me, and whats happening with the Student/Music ministries at Magnolia Ave. Baptist Church (where I work as the HS intern and imterim contemporary worship leader). I'm an intern and an interim - both words that start with i and have 6 and 7 letters, respectively.
God is providing financially for me right now. My brakes are definitely out on my '03 Toyota Corolla. Lucas told me that my pads wore all the way down and the metal that should be covered by pads are rubbing my disks (you can imagine the sound). Anyway, they need to be fixed and it's going to cost a lot I think.
Today I got my first check from the church for leading the music at the 9.30 service. I figured it would be another week before I got it, but God knows my brakes are out. Its probably not enough for the entire brake job, but its a start. Plus I think my parents will help out if I need them to.
Thanks God.
I'm trying to blog at least every other day. So far I give myself an A+
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