Last night's topic in our "You Talkin' Me" series was happiness. We all think that we can control our own happiness, but God has even better stuff in store for us. We used Job as an example of how to discover happiness in our lives. We must serve, suffer, and surrender (see, I do the 3-point sermons too). After we finished a student from North Greenville University came to talk to me. He was there with two other friends, and he began to ask questions about the church. He told me that he had been thinking about everything I had said in my talk. He said that he wasn't sure if he would experience the "happily ever after" (eternity in Heaven - we also used a fairy tale theme) that God had intended for him to have. Long story short, JB is now a brother in Christ!
I was so excited that I was up half the night. While trying to go to sleep, I began playing NCAA Football 2004. It worked. After two old-school games, I was out like a light. I pray that I'll have many more sleepless nights like this one.
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Long Time, No Post (0)
I apologize for the gap between posts. The last few days have been really hectic. I have been working really hard on the next message in our "You Talkin' To Me?" series. I'm really excited about Wednesday night. I don't want to give everything away, but worship will include a video about fairy tales. Be there if you can (7pm), and check the blog on Friday for a possible video.
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God's Love (1)
I was having a converstation this morning with a college student, and I mentioned a quote by Max Lucado. For those of you who have never read any of his books, I encourage you to do so. Anyway, the quote was "God loves you just the way you are; He just doesn't want to leave you there." There are a lot of times when we pull-out "God loves you the way you are" as a way to make someone feel better, or many times to prevent ourselves from having to talk about sin. Yes, God does love us unconditionally, but He desires for each one of us to be so much more than "just the way we are." He has bigger and better plans for all of us, and He loves you enough to want to move you into that new role in life.
If you're struggling with something, don't take advantage of God's love. Realize that you can experience that love on a far greater scale by growing closer to Him. Labels:
If you're struggling with something, don't take advantage of God's love. Realize that you can experience that love on a far greater scale by growing closer to Him. Labels:
A Good Night (0)
Wednesday night we began our new series "You Talkin' to Me?". Our first night focused on friendship. I was pretty psyched about what was scheduled for worship. Chris had planned some great songs for the band that really tied-in well with the message, but as they were playing, I began to get a sinking feeling in my stomach. It had nothing to do with the band; they rocked, and the students were really into the music. The problem was with you I saw in the room: a ton of guests.
See, I had planned on the majority of the message focusing on stepping-out of our comfort zones and meeting new people. We have had a couple of recent instances where our students haven't been overly accepting of some new members. I don't want to say that I had planned on laying into everyone, but God had impressed on me the need to be firm about the subject; however, as I saw 2 middle school guests, 5 high school guests, and 2 college guests I began to ask God if I was doing the right thing. I'm not going to lie. I begged God to let me change the message, but He wouldn't. I didn't want to offend or scare guests, but I knew that my only job was to speak what God had put in my mouth.
Long story short...we had an incredible night! Students were appreciative of what was said, especially our college students. Praise God! This is a great example of what happens when we put our insecurities aside, and let God have His way with us. I can't wait to see what He does with the rest of the series. Labels:
See, I had planned on the majority of the message focusing on stepping-out of our comfort zones and meeting new people. We have had a couple of recent instances where our students haven't been overly accepting of some new members. I don't want to say that I had planned on laying into everyone, but God had impressed on me the need to be firm about the subject; however, as I saw 2 middle school guests, 5 high school guests, and 2 college guests I began to ask God if I was doing the right thing. I'm not going to lie. I begged God to let me change the message, but He wouldn't. I didn't want to offend or scare guests, but I knew that my only job was to speak what God had put in my mouth.
Long story short...we had an incredible night! Students were appreciative of what was said, especially our college students. Praise God! This is a great example of what happens when we put our insecurities aside, and let God have His way with us. I can't wait to see what He does with the rest of the series. Labels:
A Little Help from De Niro (0)
I was listening to a talk radio station a couple of weeks ago, and I heard an interesting topic: which movies are over-quoted? I began laughing hysterically as each caller named a movie that I often quote. There was Top Gun, Major Payne, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Each of these movies are on my list of all time favorites, so I have a tendancy to throw-out a few lines occassionaly. Ok, by occassionally I mean frequently, but that's not the point. As I continued to listen, one caller mentioned Taxi Driver. Many of you have heard the following quote, but have, up until now, never known where it was from. The quote: "You talkin' too me?" Ah yes, Robert De Niro at his finest. Everyone has used this line at some point in time, whether it was a joke, a tense situation, or just being dumb; however, we often use at the most inappropriate time: when God is speaking to us.
The caller got me thinking. How many times do we hear God calling to us, but we can't believe that He would question us on a certain topic. With this in mind, I began seeking God on our newest series for Wasimacho Worship: "Hey God, You Talkin' to Me?" We will focus on aspects of our lives that we want to control without any input from God. Our first topic will be friendship. Join us on Wednesday at 7pm, and come prepared for God to smack you around a little bit (I only say this because He's been doing it to me while I have been studying).
Before I go, I'll do as promised and update everyone on my diet. As of Tuesday morning, August 21st, I have lost 9lbs! I'm not doing anything special. I'm controlling my portions, staying away from fatty foods, and exercising. I'll update again next week, as I am sure that everyone's week hinges on how much weight I've lost. Labels:
The caller got me thinking. How many times do we hear God calling to us, but we can't believe that He would question us on a certain topic. With this in mind, I began seeking God on our newest series for Wasimacho Worship: "Hey God, You Talkin' to Me?" We will focus on aspects of our lives that we want to control without any input from God. Our first topic will be friendship. Join us on Wednesday at 7pm, and come prepared for God to smack you around a little bit (I only say this because He's been doing it to me while I have been studying).
Before I go, I'll do as promised and update everyone on my diet. As of Tuesday morning, August 21st, I have lost 9lbs! I'm not doing anything special. I'm controlling my portions, staying away from fatty foods, and exercising. I'll update again next week, as I am sure that everyone's week hinges on how much weight I've lost. Labels:
An Afternoon at NGU (0)
Let me begin by saying that student ministry is age defying. I get to interact with middle, high school, and college students on a daily basis, which allows me the opportunity to at least feel young (that is until I try to get out of bed the next morning). I know that 28 is hardly old, but yesterday Michelle and I were both given one of the greatest compliments ever. We spent a good portion of the afternoon on the campus of North Greenville University where we have numerous students attending. NGU is also our Alma Mater. Of course, we claim to be graduates of North Greenville College, and to be Mounties, not Crusaders. I don't know why they changed the mascot anyway. Mounties was cool. No one else had that name, and...sorry, I forgot I was typing and not talking. I apologize for the tirade. Anyway, we were in the cafeteria getting lunch, and the lady serving us asked how our first day of class had been! My response was "I can't remember. The last 'first day' that we had was seven years ago." We began to tell her what we were doing, and continued a short conversation. I really don't remember much after that because I was welling-up with pride over the fact that this woman thought I was 21! I basked in the glory for the majority of the evening until Michelle burst my bubble. "You know, there are a lot of older students here too." Thanks. So much for feeling young; I guess I'll start-over again when I go to the jamboree at Blue Ridge tonight.
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Yes, Its True (0)
The rumors are flying, and the gossip train is at full speed; therefore, I'll take this opportunity to confirm the reports: I AM ON A DIET. Last week, I stepped on the scales for the first time in about 3 months and the results were not pretty. 228 pounds! This is by far the heaviest I have ever been. I decided over the weekend to begin a diet. Actually, its more of a lifestyle change. I have increased my exercise routine from sporadic to an hour a day. I have also began a low-fat, no fried-foods, and no soda diet. I won't even lie to you-I'm starving. My goal is to lose 20 lbs. I would love to get back to 195-200, but I have to be realistic. I'll keep everyone updated on a regular basis.
In other news, we will finish our series on dating tonight. We will be talking about "the dreaded wreck" (break-ups for those of you who haven't been here). I'm really excited about tonight because our Praise Band will be back at full-strength. Half of them have been MIA for the last two weeks because of band camp (marching not praise).
I guess that's pretty much it...it think that I'll go daydream about a Chili-Cheese A-Plenty from the Beacon. Labels:
In other news, we will finish our series on dating tonight. We will be talking about "the dreaded wreck" (break-ups for those of you who haven't been here). I'm really excited about tonight because our Praise Band will be back at full-strength. Half of them have been MIA for the last two weeks because of band camp (marching not praise).
I guess that's pretty much it...it think that I'll go daydream about a Chili-Cheese A-Plenty from the Beacon. Labels:
Exciting News (0)
I have some exciting news regarding Radiation Student Ministry of MLBC. Beginning September 5th, Wasimacho Worship (Wednesdays at 7PM) will be online! The service will not be a live stream, but it will be available for viewing or downloading. This is an exciting step in our Student Ministry, and we hope that it will be a valuable tool for parents, students, or anyone else who happens to find it. Each week there will be two links to find the video. One will be on the blog, and the other will be on the "Youth Ministry" page of our church website. We will be using the next couple of weeks to get all of the kinks worked-out with the camera, mic, etc. You will be able to get a sneak peak of how things will be done, but please do not judge the final product on what you see the next two weeks. Along with this, we are working on podcasting Wasimacho as well. This may not happen for some time, but I'll let you know when we reach that point.
Finally, I want to leave you with a random thought for the day:
If Wile E. Coyote has enough money to buy all of that junk from ACME in order to catch the Roadrunner, then why doesn't he just go buy himself a meal at a restaurant? Labels:
Finally, I want to leave you with a random thought for the day:
If Wile E. Coyote has enough money to buy all of that junk from ACME in order to catch the Roadrunner, then why doesn't he just go buy himself a meal at a restaurant? Labels:
Weekend Notes (0)
This weekend was great! There was a ton of stuff going-on, but I like it to be that way. In ministry, when you're busy, God is at work. I'm really glad that this has been a busy summer. Saturday was filled with student ministry stuff. The majority of the day was spent in our new Game Room. After cleaning, moving furniture, and touching-up paint, it was on to Parent's Night. For those of you unfamiliar with MLBC, I try to have a once a quarter night just for parents. This one was awesome. The parents and leaders shared some great ideas, and were really helpful with their feedback on some plans for the fall. Not only that, but I wowed them with my culinary expertise by serving steak and baked potato. After that little tidbit, I'll have 60 parents show-up in November for our next Parent's Night.
Sunday was just as great. Our worship time on Sunday morning was incredible. Mark shared a great message about "Releasing Resentment." You can go here, Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, to watch it. It should be up by Tuesday.
As usual, we ate lunch with our Minister of Music and his family. Our conversations are always a little skewed, but this week's was an all-timer. I'll just say this...Michelle would sound crazy singing "The Lord's Prayer" like a country singer.
Sunday evening we showed "Facing Giants" at church. If you haven't seen this movie, then go rent, buy, borrow, or steal (just kidding) it. It's a great example of overcoming fear, and putting your trust in God. I give it 2 thumbs up.
I guess that's enough. I'll have pics up tommorrow of the new Game Room. Right now my camera is acting funny, so I have to take a look at it...unless someone wants to buy me a new one ;) Labels:
Sunday was just as great. Our worship time on Sunday morning was incredible. Mark shared a great message about "Releasing Resentment." You can go here, Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, to watch it. It should be up by Tuesday.
As usual, we ate lunch with our Minister of Music and his family. Our conversations are always a little skewed, but this week's was an all-timer. I'll just say this...Michelle would sound crazy singing "The Lord's Prayer" like a country singer.
Sunday evening we showed "Facing Giants" at church. If you haven't seen this movie, then go rent, buy, borrow, or steal (just kidding) it. It's a great example of overcoming fear, and putting your trust in God. I give it 2 thumbs up.
I guess that's enough. I'll have pics up tommorrow of the new Game Room. Right now my camera is acting funny, so I have to take a look at it...unless someone wants to buy me a new one ;) Labels:
The Painting is Complete (0)
I know that I haven't posted in a couple of days, but I have a good excuse: I've been painting our new Youth Game Room. When I say "I," I actually mean "me, Michelle, Savannah, Drew, Jordan, Josh, and Christian" (btw...did I actually use "I" three times in four words). It's been a grueling process, but the result was well worth the effort. I'm going today to pick-up some more stuff to play with, but the room already looks great. The room will eventually include the following: 32" LCD TV with Surround Sound*, Playstation 2 (PS3 if someone will buy it), XBOX 360*, Foosball Table, Ping-Pong Table, sofa, loveseat, 2 armless chairs, and a Game Table with 4 stools (items with an asterisk are not installed at this time). Without some unforseen delay, the Game Room should have its Grand Opening this Wednesday, 8/15, at 6PM. I should have some pictures of the room with my next post.
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Have You Ever Noticed... (0)
Bad things happen in 3's? I'm sure you have, but I'll continue. We can all find examples of this numeric phenomenon. Whenever a "celebrity" dies, two more will follow. Had something strange, tough, or just plain bad happen to you? Be ready, there is probably more to follow. I'll give you a real life example: this weekend we had three deaths affect our church family. Being in ministry, I've seen this happen on numerous occassions. All three may not happen on the same day, or week for that matter, but it won't be long before it happens.
I decided to go looking for an answer to this question. I couldn't find anything Biblical that proved my theory, but my searching did lead me to another question: since Jesus spent three days in the grave, are we tested in groups of 3's? Think about it: Jesus used a 3-day span to conquer death, hell, and the grave. He used a 3-day span to prove that He was as much God as He was man. He used a 3-day span to show all of eternity that He is in control of every detail of life. With this in mind, wouldn't it be natural that we have to go through trying times in groups of 3's as a reminder of what God has done for us, that He is in control, and that He has our best interest in mind?
I know that this may not be the most theologically-sound piece of information ever written, but I feel like its for someone who's in the midst of, just finished, or about to start his or her "3." If this is you, remember that God has been there, done that, and wants to help you through it now. Labels:
I decided to go looking for an answer to this question. I couldn't find anything Biblical that proved my theory, but my searching did lead me to another question: since Jesus spent three days in the grave, are we tested in groups of 3's? Think about it: Jesus used a 3-day span to conquer death, hell, and the grave. He used a 3-day span to prove that He was as much God as He was man. He used a 3-day span to show all of eternity that He is in control of every detail of life. With this in mind, wouldn't it be natural that we have to go through trying times in groups of 3's as a reminder of what God has done for us, that He is in control, and that He has our best interest in mind?
I know that this may not be the most theologically-sound piece of information ever written, but I feel like its for someone who's in the midst of, just finished, or about to start his or her "3." If this is you, remember that God has been there, done that, and wants to help you through it now. Labels:
A Two-Day Hiatus (1)
The last couple of days have been polar opposites. Saturday was slammed. I spent most of the day with Ted Conwell, our Minister of Music, and our Children's Choir. They had the honor of premiering a musical at one of the biggest music conferences in the nation (Choral Festival in Spartanburg). I didn't really do anything special, just drove a van full of kids (no Sammy, I didn't hit anyone on a bicycle), but I was honored to be invited to the premier. The kids were awesome! I've seen 6 children's musical premiers at Choral Festival, and this was by far the best one ever. Congratulations to Ted, his workers, and especially the kids.
Sunday was the exact opposite of Saturday. After Worship and lunch at Applebee's (try the 3 cheese chicken penne-it's great), I took a two and a half hour nap. Why? I have no idea, but it was great. I had to go to the funeral home for a visitation at 6:30, and followed that with a 3 hour indoor soccer game. Well, I guess the first part of the day was restful.
During the course of this weekend's events, God has laid a couple of things on my heart. When the time comes I'll share them, but for now I ask everyone to remember them in prayer.
BTW: we're all praying for you River! Labels:
Sunday was the exact opposite of Saturday. After Worship and lunch at Applebee's (try the 3 cheese chicken penne-it's great), I took a two and a half hour nap. Why? I have no idea, but it was great. I had to go to the funeral home for a visitation at 6:30, and followed that with a 3 hour indoor soccer game. Well, I guess the first part of the day was restful.
During the course of this weekend's events, God has laid a couple of things on my heart. When the time comes I'll share them, but for now I ask everyone to remember them in prayer.
BTW: we're all praying for you River! Labels:
Rodents Destroy Evolutionary Theory (0)
While teaching through the second week of our series on dating, I somehow managed to challenge the theory of evolution. I wasn't planning on doing so, but as usual, I found a way to talk about something that wasn't planned. I was talking about "looking both ways before you cross the street" which led to a semi-topical side note about possums. While ranting about the vile, demon-like creatures, I managed to have an original thought go through my mind: if evolution is true, shouldn't possums have evolved to the point that they realize stopping in the middle of the road is deadly? I know that this is a fairly weak observation, but seriously, a possum can't be that stupid can it...wait, I think answered my own question.
Challenging the scientific community is not the only thing that I've been up to in the last 24 hours. Michelle and I spent our day off searching for a new comforter. The one we currently use weighs about 200 pounds, and is not exactly the most breathable thing on the face of the earth. We found one that we liked, but we needed to pick-up a bed skirt. We figured the most logical place to find one was Target. We found one, but it cost $59.99!!! We can afford to fund a space program, but we have to charge 60 bucks for a bed skirt?! I think I'll go back to talking about possums. Labels:
Challenging the scientific community is not the only thing that I've been up to in the last 24 hours. Michelle and I spent our day off searching for a new comforter. The one we currently use weighs about 200 pounds, and is not exactly the most breathable thing on the face of the earth. We found one that we liked, but we needed to pick-up a bed skirt. We figured the most logical place to find one was Target. We found one, but it cost $59.99!!! We can afford to fund a space program, but we have to charge 60 bucks for a bed skirt?! I think I'll go back to talking about possums. Labels:
Indoor Soccer (1)
I must admit that I have never been a huge soccer fan. The most I've ever gotten into the sport is when I've played it on a Play Station (World Cup '98 is awesome), but all of that is starting to change. Last night after worship, seven of us played indoor soccer. Our rules are pretty much standard, but there are a few twists: 1) Play the ball from anywhere 2) Last man back can touch the ball with his hands as long as he is inside the lane (basketball) and behind the white line (volleyball) and 3) Don't sit on the bleachers if you don't want to get hit.
We played two heart stopping games which ended in a combined score of 16-15. The games lasted a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes, and included injured toes, blisters, a defensive stand inside the kitchen, and one player receiving a shot below the waist. All in all, my interest in soccer has gone through the roof! Labels:
We played two heart stopping games which ended in a combined score of 16-15. The games lasted a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes, and included injured toes, blisters, a defensive stand inside the kitchen, and one player receiving a shot below the waist. All in all, my interest in soccer has gone through the roof! Labels:
A Full Day (0)
Well, yesterday was eventful. I spent most of the day polishing-up my talk for worship on Wednesday night. This will be the second week in our series on dating. God has really shown me alot about how students go about their "romantic" relationships in the last few weeks. For any parents reading this, let me encourage you to have your students here at 7pm Wednesday as we talk about "warning lights and street signs."
Other than that, I spent a good bit of time tending to the big toe on my right foot. I know that this makes for amazing blog-fodder, but its my blog and i'll whine if I want to. The injury occured while moving my printer from one shelf to another under my desk. In case you're wondering, dropping a 15 pound printer on your foot is not pleasant. After 3 band-aids, 8 advil, and a little ice, the pain finally eased-off. I guess that's what I get for wearing sandals to the office.
Finally, thanks to Bud Turner, Jenny, Nathan, Alex, Drew, and Jordan for helping me feed the Blue Ridge Marching Band. There is no way that I could have done all of that by myself.
I guess I'll go now and see what color my toe is. Labels:
Other than that, I spent a good bit of time tending to the big toe on my right foot. I know that this makes for amazing blog-fodder, but its my blog and i'll whine if I want to. The injury occured while moving my printer from one shelf to another under my desk. In case you're wondering, dropping a 15 pound printer on your foot is not pleasant. After 3 band-aids, 8 advil, and a little ice, the pain finally eased-off. I guess that's what I get for wearing sandals to the office.
Finally, thanks to Bud Turner, Jenny, Nathan, Alex, Drew, and Jordan for helping me feed the Blue Ridge Marching Band. There is no way that I could have done all of that by myself.
I guess I'll go now and see what color my toe is. Labels:
