I found a few spare minutes, so here we go...
- I think that the holiday at the beginning of the week has thrown me off from my normal blogging routine (sounds good anyway)
- Someone tried to break into the church last Monday...didn't get anything though.
- Super Senior Night was great! Congrats to Drew Pitman who took home the title for 2008.
- Those guys could tolerate more Tobasco sauce than I thought they would.
- I'm going broke buying gas.
- Drive-In Movie Night begins in an hour and a half. Hopefully, the nachos will be better than last year.
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Quick Hits (0)
I'm Still Here (0)
No. I haven't forgotten about my blog. I've been swamped the last couple of weeks, and it has been hard to find time to write. My goal is to post at least 3 times this week. While it doesn't sound like much, I'm not sure that I have that much time. By next week, things should be sane enough for me to jump back into the blog world. Thanks for stopping by!
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What Day Is It? (0)
The last couple of days have been a whirlwind. I woke-up this morning around 6:30 and was mad because it was Saturday...so I thought. Much to my surprise, I discovered it was Friday. Dude, I'm seriously messed-up.
Why so confused? Let me begin that answer by thwarting any theories: I'm not smoking crack, I haven't figured-out how to re-create the Flux Capacitor (Back to the Future rocks), nor do I live on an island that is two days ahead of life on the rest of the planet (yet another LOST reference). I think that it has to do with a really hectic schedule, and I must admit that all of the craziness has me pretty freaked-out.
In the midst of all of that "drama," God planted a great little reminder in my head:
"Do not fear for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help, and I will guide you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
For several years, that verse has helped me through some crazy times. There's no need for me to freak-out about what's happening because God has my back! OK. That's definitely a more modern translation, but you get my point. He has everything under control. He's giving me strength to do what He desires for me to do, and helping me when I put too much of myself into His plans. Not only that, but He's guiding me through every little detail of each day.
I'm not sure who else this is for (other than me), but I pray that this encourages someone who's life is just as crazy as mine. Labels:
Why so confused? Let me begin that answer by thwarting any theories: I'm not smoking crack, I haven't figured-out how to re-create the Flux Capacitor (Back to the Future rocks), nor do I live on an island that is two days ahead of life on the rest of the planet (yet another LOST reference). I think that it has to do with a really hectic schedule, and I must admit that all of the craziness has me pretty freaked-out.
In the midst of all of that "drama," God planted a great little reminder in my head:
"Do not fear for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help, and I will guide you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
For several years, that verse has helped me through some crazy times. There's no need for me to freak-out about what's happening because God has my back! OK. That's definitely a more modern translation, but you get my point. He has everything under control. He's giving me strength to do what He desires for me to do, and helping me when I put too much of myself into His plans. Not only that, but He's guiding me through every little detail of each day.
I'm not sure who else this is for (other than me), but I pray that this encourages someone who's life is just as crazy as mine. Labels:
LOST Week 3 (0)
I've spent the morning and early afternoon preping for tomorrow night, and the ADHD finally kicked-in. I had to take a little break, so I decided to share a little bit what's in store for Worship on Wednesday.
God has really been challenging the fire out of me during this series. The need for the church to be "outward minded" is huge. Instead of shunning outsiders, or just making them feel unwelcomed, we should go out of our way to make them comfortable (until they hear the Gospel). We should also realize that we are surrounded by "lost coins" every day of our lives, and in most circumstances, we never think twice about them. While those lessons have been learned the first two weeks, it's been the parable of the lost son that has been the biggest challenge to me. While a lot of people tend to think of the prodigal when hearing this story, I tend to focus on the other brother. That dude had some major issues that a lot of church-goers share. While I won't get into them today, I can't wait to share everything that God has shown me over the last couple of weeks while studying for this talk.
During my Monday stroll through a few blogs, I discovered that Perry taught from the same passage on Sunday. While God has led me in a different direction, Perry's message really energized yesterday. If you're interested, you can hear it by clicking HERE. Labels:
God has really been challenging the fire out of me during this series. The need for the church to be "outward minded" is huge. Instead of shunning outsiders, or just making them feel unwelcomed, we should go out of our way to make them comfortable (until they hear the Gospel). We should also realize that we are surrounded by "lost coins" every day of our lives, and in most circumstances, we never think twice about them. While those lessons have been learned the first two weeks, it's been the parable of the lost son that has been the biggest challenge to me. While a lot of people tend to think of the prodigal when hearing this story, I tend to focus on the other brother. That dude had some major issues that a lot of church-goers share. While I won't get into them today, I can't wait to share everything that God has shown me over the last couple of weeks while studying for this talk.
During my Monday stroll through a few blogs, I discovered that Perry taught from the same passage on Sunday. While God has led me in a different direction, Perry's message really energized yesterday. If you're interested, you can hear it by clicking HERE. Labels:
What a Great Weekend (0)
I love being able to get away for a few days. While going through Men's Fraternity, I made a pledge to plan a time for Michelle and I to reconnect every three months. It doesn't have to be anything extravagant (she's worth it though), but it does have to be a time for just me and her. This weekend was one of those times. You may wonder why we'll go to all of this trouble just to take some time off. Well, it's simple: 1) I want our marriage to be as strong as possible and 2) we're setting an example for bunch of students who are seeking a mate (btw...that's what dating is).
Before I continue, a word to the married guys reading this: Man-UP! Don't wait for your wife to say it's time to get away. Plan it yourself. Show her how much you love her.
Now that we're home, it's back to work. We have an extra busy week planned. Thursday will be the next time that Michelle and I will be able to spend the evening together. Wow. I didn't even think about that until now. God knows what's up! Labels:
Before I continue, a word to the married guys reading this: Man-UP! Don't wait for your wife to say it's time to get away. Plan it yourself. Show her how much you love her.
Now that we're home, it's back to work. We have an extra busy week planned. Thursday will be the next time that Michelle and I will be able to spend the evening together. Wow. I didn't even think about that until now. God knows what's up! Labels:
What? A Post on a Thursday (0)
How lucky are you? You probably swung by here not expecting to find anything new, but what a wonderful surprise: a new post! Michelle and I will be going on a little vacation this weekend, so we're both working, which gave me chance to blog on Thursday (something that I don't do very often on my day off).
Last night at youth group was awesome. I did something that I haven't done in over two years: lead worship! I really thought that I had left that part of ministry behind, but God had other plans. See, we thought that we had someone in place to lead the band during the summer, but it didn't work out. Bummer. So, I've volunteered to help. I'm not the greatest singer in the world, and my guitar playing is borderline "acceptable," but I do enjoy praising God through music. The band is incredible, so I can hide behind them a little bit. We had a great time, in spite of my short-comings.
We focused on Jesus' parable of the lost coin. We challenged our students to think of a least one person that they care about who doesn't have a relationship with Christ. As a part of the challenge we had the students write those names on silver coins. They kept one as a personal reminder to "search" for the "lost coins" in their lives, and they stuck one on the wall at the top of the staircase as a reminder to everyone to be praying for these individuals. It was an amazing experience to see students not only writing these names, but grabbing a friend or adult and praying for those people! After last night, over 50 coins were on the wall. This will be an on-going challenge for our students and leaders. Anytime that we think of someone who needs a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we'll add that name to the wall. Each time one of these people begins a relationship with Jesus, we'll take that name off the wall.
I guess that's about it. I have a ton of stuff to do before heading-off for the weekend. Labels:
Last night at youth group was awesome. I did something that I haven't done in over two years: lead worship! I really thought that I had left that part of ministry behind, but God had other plans. See, we thought that we had someone in place to lead the band during the summer, but it didn't work out. Bummer. So, I've volunteered to help. I'm not the greatest singer in the world, and my guitar playing is borderline "acceptable," but I do enjoy praising God through music. The band is incredible, so I can hide behind them a little bit. We had a great time, in spite of my short-comings.
We focused on Jesus' parable of the lost coin. We challenged our students to think of a least one person that they care about who doesn't have a relationship with Christ. As a part of the challenge we had the students write those names on silver coins. They kept one as a personal reminder to "search" for the "lost coins" in their lives, and they stuck one on the wall at the top of the staircase as a reminder to everyone to be praying for these individuals. It was an amazing experience to see students not only writing these names, but grabbing a friend or adult and praying for those people! After last night, over 50 coins were on the wall. This will be an on-going challenge for our students and leaders. Anytime that we think of someone who needs a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we'll add that name to the wall. Each time one of these people begins a relationship with Jesus, we'll take that name off the wall.
I guess that's about it. I have a ton of stuff to do before heading-off for the weekend. Labels:
Holy Cow! How Excited Am I Today? (1)
Here's the answer to that question: I'm "Can't Sit Still" Excited! OK. So, I normally can't sit still, but this is totally different. I woke-up this morning with an energy that I haven't experienced in a few weeks. That was only enhanced by some incredible time with God, and a great time of praise and worship in my car (Laura Story and I were rocking "Mighty to Save"). You may be wondering, "Why so excited?" My answer: I honestly don't know. Maybe it's a combination of today being Wednesday (youth group...whoop, whoop), week 2 of LOST (we have an incredible challenge for our students tonight), promotion for THE END (we get to assemble 1,000 magnets today), and knowing that Michelle and I will get to have a mini-vacation this weekend. Whatever it is, I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it. I'm about to lose control, and I think I like it.
BTW...props to whoever knows the name of the song where that lyric came from, and the artist who sang it.
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LOST - week 2 & THE END (0)
As I mentioned in yesterday's post, we began LOST last Wednesday. We talked about the parable of the lost sheep, and had one student repent of his sins, ask forgiveness, and accept God's gift of salvation! I wanted to do this series in January, but God wouldn't allow it. I wondered why until this student made this decision. See, he's only been coming for the last two weeks. God knows what's up.
Week 2 will focus on the parable of the lost coin. This one promises to be a tough week. Please pray that our students will allow the Holy Spirit to recognize the lost souls that they're around on a regular basis. I'm really excited about where God has been leading me with this week's talk, and the unique commitment time that is planned.
Finally, we're beginning promotion of our summer super series, THE END. We have a website up, but it is still under construction. Check it out at www.mlbcgreer.com/THE-END.asp. Labels:
Week 2 will focus on the parable of the lost coin. This one promises to be a tough week. Please pray that our students will allow the Holy Spirit to recognize the lost souls that they're around on a regular basis. I'm really excited about where God has been leading me with this week's talk, and the unique commitment time that is planned.
Finally, we're beginning promotion of our summer super series, THE END. We have a website up, but it is still under construction. Check it out at www.mlbcgreer.com/THE-END.asp. Labels:
A Few Spare Minutes (0)
Yes. I was a blog slacker last week. I've said that I would do my best to find time each day to write, but the end of the week didn't have any spare time. While busy, the end of last week was awesome! We had a student pray to receive Christ as his Savior and Lord on Wednesday, Michelle and I got to spend our entire day off together, we got to hang-out with Michelle's mom and brother on Friday night, and we had a total 40 or so students and adults participate in the Anti-Prom! Busy was worth it.
We spent Mother's Day with my family. Granny made some crazy-good strawberry pies, and bragged about her cell phone. After leaving from there, we spent some extra time with mom and dad. We even went to supper with them, so when I say spent the day with my family, I mean the whole day (not that there's anything wrong with that).
It was after supper(actually, this morning) that God taught me a lesson about the week. We decided to eat at Subway, and after leaving, Michelle and I smelled like Subway. When I got in my car this morning, it smelled like Subway. That 40 minute meal with my parents allowed Subway to attach itself to us, and as a result, to everything else that we came in contact with. After smelling my car, I wondered if the aroma of Christ had rubbed-off onto those that I came into contact with last week. Did I allow myself to be overwhelmed by the aroma of Christ, or did I only carry around the foul stench of "me?" My prayer for today is that I will be like the women in department stores who spray perfume and cologne: a constant source of the sweet aroma of Jesus. Labels:
We spent Mother's Day with my family. Granny made some crazy-good strawberry pies, and bragged about her cell phone. After leaving from there, we spent some extra time with mom and dad. We even went to supper with them, so when I say spent the day with my family, I mean the whole day (not that there's anything wrong with that).
It was after supper(actually, this morning) that God taught me a lesson about the week. We decided to eat at Subway, and after leaving, Michelle and I smelled like Subway. When I got in my car this morning, it smelled like Subway. That 40 minute meal with my parents allowed Subway to attach itself to us, and as a result, to everything else that we came in contact with. After smelling my car, I wondered if the aroma of Christ had rubbed-off onto those that I came into contact with last week. Did I allow myself to be overwhelmed by the aroma of Christ, or did I only carry around the foul stench of "me?" My prayer for today is that I will be like the women in department stores who spray perfume and cologne: a constant source of the sweet aroma of Jesus. Labels:
Website Updates (0)
I spent a good bit of time adding and subtracting from the Youth Ministry and Youth Activities pages at www.mlbcgreer.com. We're trying to streamline everything in order to make it easier to use. Here are some of the changes:
1) Podcasts are now separated by series and date, instead of only by date.
2) There is now a link to the Activies page from the Youth Ministry page.
3) The Activities page now contains two downloadable resources: the Summer Calendar and important forms (medical release, permission, etc.)
We will continue to update the website during the course of the week. Please bear with us as we continue to enhance the youth ministry by making changes to these sites. Labels:
1) Podcasts are now separated by series and date, instead of only by date.
2) There is now a link to the Activies page from the Youth Ministry page.
3) The Activities page now contains two downloadable resources: the Summer Calendar and important forms (medical release, permission, etc.)
We will continue to update the website during the course of the week. Please bear with us as we continue to enhance the youth ministry by making changes to these sites. Labels:
Keep on Building (0)
Spike Network has been airing a different Star Wars movie every Sunday night. I don't consider myself a "Star Wars Geek" (no geek ever considers himself a geek), but I do enjoy the movies. A couple weeks ago, they aired Episode 1 "The Phantom Menace." For the record, this movie was horrible. It would have been so much better if Jar Jar Binks would have mutilated at the beginning of the movie (I admit that was a little harsh). Anyway, toward the last third of the movie, Yoda makes the statement, "Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." He was making the point that each of these things leads to something bigger.
I remembered that statement while reading 2 Peter 1:5-7. I am not trying to fit Star Wars into the Bible, or the Bible into Star Wars, so don't start trying to dissect this to much. These verses jogged my memory because Peter is writing about a life that builds on itself.
Our faith should lead to goodness (a desire to follow Christ); goodness leads to knowledge (an understanding of God's will and plan for our lives); knowledge leads to self-control (knowing what you need and how much you need); self-control leads to perseverance (fighting a daily battle with your desires); perseverance leads to godliness (aligning your desires with God's desires); godliness leads to brotherly kindness (we care for others because God cares for them); and brotherly kindness leads to love ("the greatest of these is love").
God reminded me that I can't have love without godliness, or self-control without faith. By growing closer to Him, I develop these areas of my life by building on them each day. My desire should be to keep on building. Or as Yoda would say, "To keep on building my desire should be!" Labels:
I remembered that statement while reading 2 Peter 1:5-7. I am not trying to fit Star Wars into the Bible, or the Bible into Star Wars, so don't start trying to dissect this to much. These verses jogged my memory because Peter is writing about a life that builds on itself.
Our faith should lead to goodness (a desire to follow Christ); goodness leads to knowledge (an understanding of God's will and plan for our lives); knowledge leads to self-control (knowing what you need and how much you need); self-control leads to perseverance (fighting a daily battle with your desires); perseverance leads to godliness (aligning your desires with God's desires); godliness leads to brotherly kindness (we care for others because God cares for them); and brotherly kindness leads to love ("the greatest of these is love").
God reminded me that I can't have love without godliness, or self-control without faith. By growing closer to Him, I develop these areas of my life by building on them each day. My desire should be to keep on building. Or as Yoda would say, "To keep on building my desire should be!" Labels:
Follow the Leader, Chris' Farewell, Yard Sales (0)
Follow the Leader (our series on humility) came to an end on Wednesday. If the last three weeks haven't affected anyone but me, it was worth it. God has really shown me what humility is, how to know that area of my life is growing, and the dangers of thinking that I have it all figured-out. The last three weeks have been tough, but awesome. Now it's on to a study of Luke 15 entitled LOST.
Wednesday was also a sad day in that we had to bid our worship leader, Chris Brank, a fond farewell. Chris has been leading worship during youth group for over two years, and has done a great job. I've seen incredible growth in our band during that time. Chris will be spending the summer on the Outer Banks of North Carolina with SummerShine, and then be transitioning into a new ministry this fall. We wish him all the best!
In Thursday news, Michelle and I spent our day off preparing for a neighborhood-wide yard sale on Saturday. I never would have imagined that we would have accumulated so much junk in six years. The majority of our day was spent going through the boxes in our bonus room to determine what could be sold. This evening will be spent tagging everything, and planning how to keep everything dry since it is supposed to rain tomorrow. It's a lot of work, but hopefully it will yield some extra cash. Labels:
Wednesday was also a sad day in that we had to bid our worship leader, Chris Brank, a fond farewell. Chris has been leading worship during youth group for over two years, and has done a great job. I've seen incredible growth in our band during that time. Chris will be spending the summer on the Outer Banks of North Carolina with SummerShine, and then be transitioning into a new ministry this fall. We wish him all the best!
In Thursday news, Michelle and I spent our day off preparing for a neighborhood-wide yard sale on Saturday. I never would have imagined that we would have accumulated so much junk in six years. The majority of our day was spent going through the boxes in our bonus room to determine what could be sold. This evening will be spent tagging everything, and planning how to keep everything dry since it is supposed to rain tomorrow. It's a lot of work, but hopefully it will yield some extra cash. Labels:
