Had a great weekend , traveling back to NCC for Turning Point. It's kind of a 'wide-open' kind of drive across the middle of Nebraska... (you interpret that however you want)
It was great to see so many friends from the past 10 years or so. I saw a few kids from my first foray into ministry as a volunteer for a 5th/6th Grade class. They're all finishing college now! Also, saw Jackie and the crew from Huron, where I did a year of weekend ministry while I was a student @ NCC. Lots of friends from school and the college staff... other ministers from that area... current NCC students who were involved in my ministry in Auburn... and of course, the current Auburn HS group. It was really nice to see them.
I am so priveleged and honored to look back and see how God has used me to touch the lives of students. Last night, I practiced for the first time with the student praise band here at WestWay. Seems like a great group of students here with a genuine desire to serve and follow Christ. I'm excited to see what the next 10 years will bring...
Monday, November 07, 2005
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Cracks
I've noticed that things 'fall through the cracks' more often when we're too busy. No deep revelation, there, I know, but here's a humorous(?) story to illustrate...
It was my last full week in the minsitry in Auburn. I still needed to pack my office, help pack up the house, close accounts, notify utilities, fill out change of adress forms... Lots of stuff to get done.
Merle had been gone for a leadership conference at Southeast the week before, so the week started with me leading our two morning services and preaching for my last Sunday. (Also, it was Pastor Appreciation Day and the day of our Annual Congregational Meeting.) Sunday night, we had the Slingshot57 concert and Mike got home late feeling very tired and a little scratchy in the throat.
I woke up Monday with my throat swollen nearly shut. I went to the Dr. and he prescribed some antibiotics and a cortizone-steroid that helped out a lot over the next few days. But Monday, which was supposed to be office packing day, was spent in bed.
On Tuesday I woke up feeling mostly better physically, but not looking forward to the day emotionally at all. This was the day I did the funeral for a young man who'd died in a 'suspicious' fire. He'd been involved in our Jr. High ministry several years ago, didn't always make the best choices, but seemed to be gaining his bearings lately. The funeral was difficult to say the least.
And so, my last Wednesday with my kids in Auburn came. On the last night some of the students had planned a farewell party - that was awesome. But we had our 'regular' time together first. My plan was to have a game night and just relax with the kids and play ps2 & xbox games... (We actually ended up with a great spontaneous time of worship and music.)
But first... Shayne was to be baptized to begin the evening. And that's where the cracks show up. Not in Shayne... Not in the baptism... In the ceiling of the church basement!!! Some idiot who had too many marbles bouncing around inside his little pin head had turned the water on in the baptistry, went home to pack a few things, got distracted, ate dinner, and showed back up at the church to realize he'd left the water on! So with about 20 minutes before the children's ministry was to begin, we had a flood from an overfilled baptistry running into the place where the children meet. Oops.
I guess if you've gotta go, leave them with something to remember you by!
It was my last full week in the minsitry in Auburn. I still needed to pack my office, help pack up the house, close accounts, notify utilities, fill out change of adress forms... Lots of stuff to get done.
Merle had been gone for a leadership conference at Southeast the week before, so the week started with me leading our two morning services and preaching for my last Sunday. (Also, it was Pastor Appreciation Day and the day of our Annual Congregational Meeting.) Sunday night, we had the Slingshot57 concert and Mike got home late feeling very tired and a little scratchy in the throat.
I woke up Monday with my throat swollen nearly shut. I went to the Dr. and he prescribed some antibiotics and a cortizone-steroid that helped out a lot over the next few days. But Monday, which was supposed to be office packing day, was spent in bed.
On Tuesday I woke up feeling mostly better physically, but not looking forward to the day emotionally at all. This was the day I did the funeral for a young man who'd died in a 'suspicious' fire. He'd been involved in our Jr. High ministry several years ago, didn't always make the best choices, but seemed to be gaining his bearings lately. The funeral was difficult to say the least.
And so, my last Wednesday with my kids in Auburn came. On the last night some of the students had planned a farewell party - that was awesome. But we had our 'regular' time together first. My plan was to have a game night and just relax with the kids and play ps2 & xbox games... (We actually ended up with a great spontaneous time of worship and music.)
But first... Shayne was to be baptized to begin the evening. And that's where the cracks show up. Not in Shayne... Not in the baptism... In the ceiling of the church basement!!! Some idiot who had too many marbles bouncing around inside his little pin head had turned the water on in the baptistry, went home to pack a few things, got distracted, ate dinner, and showed back up at the church to realize he'd left the water on! So with about 20 minutes before the children's ministry was to begin, we had a flood from an overfilled baptistry running into the place where the children meet. Oops.
I guess if you've gotta go, leave them with something to remember you by!
Monday, October 31, 2005
New School
As we passed through the gate, the panic flashed across her face like a runaway train, threatening to derail weeks of preparation and planning. The clutching of the leg – the filling of the eyes with tears – the quivering of the lip – these were the rumblings of the freight of fear that my daughter carried with her this morning. Just as her CareBears backpack was filled with supplies, her heart had been filled with anxiety… the first day at a new school…
She’s been doing great with this move to WestWay. I’ve been pretty proud to watch her cope with so much change all at once. But this morning was almost too much. You see, as we crossed into that overactive realm known as the playground, I realized, and Emily sensed that something wasn’t quite right. Today, on her first day in her new school, the one familiar face – the one beacon of comfort in this Kindergarten Sea of Adjustments – was noticeably absent. Her teacher (whom she met last week) was out for the day, and her class had a last minute substitute.
I watched Emily as the reality of her situation sunk in and she wanted more and more to be home. Home, where she knows she’s loved. Home, where she feels she’s safe. Home, where she understands that she is known. I took her in to class, where she was introduced, and stayed for a few minutes to reassure her (or maybe myself) that it would be ok. When I left, she was learning a new ‘good-morning song’ that her class sings. When I pick her up this afternoon, I’ll find out how it went after that.
Change is tough. It’s painful and scary. Isn’t it great to know that no matter how bad it gets, we’ve got a Father who’s willing to stoop down next to our little kindergarten chair and reassure us that things will be ok – He’ll be back to take us home.
She’s been doing great with this move to WestWay. I’ve been pretty proud to watch her cope with so much change all at once. But this morning was almost too much. You see, as we crossed into that overactive realm known as the playground, I realized, and Emily sensed that something wasn’t quite right. Today, on her first day in her new school, the one familiar face – the one beacon of comfort in this Kindergarten Sea of Adjustments – was noticeably absent. Her teacher (whom she met last week) was out for the day, and her class had a last minute substitute.
I watched Emily as the reality of her situation sunk in and she wanted more and more to be home. Home, where she knows she’s loved. Home, where she feels she’s safe. Home, where she understands that she is known. I took her in to class, where she was introduced, and stayed for a few minutes to reassure her (or maybe myself) that it would be ok. When I left, she was learning a new ‘good-morning song’ that her class sings. When I pick her up this afternoon, I’ll find out how it went after that.
Change is tough. It’s painful and scary. Isn’t it great to know that no matter how bad it gets, we’ve got a Father who’s willing to stoop down next to our little kindergarten chair and reassure us that things will be ok – He’ll be back to take us home.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
We made it.
Getting settled in here among the boxes - setting up utilities, post office, etc. The move could have gone more smoothly, but all in all the end result has been the same. The landlord here was really cool about us not getting in until really late. He had some chips and dip and frozen pizzas and Mt. Dew and stuff on the counter for us when we got in. He seems like a pretty nice guy.
Had a bit of a scare today regarding tomorrow, which will be my first Wed. night here with the youth. I had made arrangements for a concert here along with a couple other area youth groups coming. The band's van blew their engine and they got stranded so I was trying to discern a plan B... I had pretty much settled and called Ben to work out a spring concert. He had just gotten off the phone with a guy from some other band who is giving them a ride! So they'll be here as planned.
This morning, I had my first couple of 'official' meeting-type functions: 6:30 elders/staff prayer and 10:00 staff meeting. I had a migraine, so I was pretty out of it for the prayer time, but it seems to be a very strong team of ministry leaders.
I'm looking forward to the ministry God will do here, but the past 10 days has been a long month!
... oh yeah, remind me to tell you the story of Shayne's baptism sometime...
Had a bit of a scare today regarding tomorrow, which will be my first Wed. night here with the youth. I had made arrangements for a concert here along with a couple other area youth groups coming. The band's van blew their engine and they got stranded so I was trying to discern a plan B... I had pretty much settled and called Ben to work out a spring concert. He had just gotten off the phone with a guy from some other band who is giving them a ride! So they'll be here as planned.
This morning, I had my first couple of 'official' meeting-type functions: 6:30 elders/staff prayer and 10:00 staff meeting. I had a migraine, so I was pretty out of it for the prayer time, but it seems to be a very strong team of ministry leaders.
I'm looking forward to the ministry God will do here, but the past 10 days has been a long month!
... oh yeah, remind me to tell you the story of Shayne's baptism sometime...
Monday, October 17, 2005
Running on Empty
We have boxes all over the house getting packed. (still have to pack my office, too, before Thursday)
My last Sunday went well. I made it through both services and lunch and the annual meeting without melting into a blubbering mess. (The song of invitation was "Let the River Flow" - had to stipulate 'the river' is not our tears!) I baptized one of my guys, too so that was awesome. It's been great to see God pulling him out of his shell and closer to Him.
The concert last night went great. Then, I kind of 'crashed'. Started feeling terrible right after everyone was gone. (Even passed over the post concert Sonic visit with the band that we did last time, so you know I was out of it.)
Haven't slept enough the last couple weeks, so now I'm sick. Woke up this morning breathing through the pin-hole of space that is left open in my swollen throat. Went to the Dr. right away, cuz I guess that's a good thing to do when you can't take a breath without gagging.
Hopefully, it gets better soon, becase I am doing a funeral tomorrow afternoon for an 18 year old who was caught in a fire last week and the family deserves better than I can give today.
My last Sunday went well. I made it through both services and lunch and the annual meeting without melting into a blubbering mess. (The song of invitation was "Let the River Flow" - had to stipulate 'the river' is not our tears!) I baptized one of my guys, too so that was awesome. It's been great to see God pulling him out of his shell and closer to Him.
The concert last night went great. Then, I kind of 'crashed'. Started feeling terrible right after everyone was gone. (Even passed over the post concert Sonic visit with the band that we did last time, so you know I was out of it.)
Haven't slept enough the last couple weeks, so now I'm sick. Woke up this morning breathing through the pin-hole of space that is left open in my swollen throat. Went to the Dr. right away, cuz I guess that's a good thing to do when you can't take a breath without gagging.
Hopefully, it gets better soon, becase I am doing a funeral tomorrow afternoon for an 18 year old who was caught in a fire last week and the family deserves better than I can give today.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Slingshot 57
If any of you are in the Auburn, NE area this weekend, come check out Slingshot 57 at this free concert we're hosting. They've just returned from working in the Gulf Coast area and are kicking off this fall tour. Check out their site for other dates as well. These guys are great... come see their show.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Kids!
You love them.
You treat them right.
You do everything you can to raise them well.
You care for them.
You let them hang out with you at the office.
Let them bang on the drums and the piano.
You take them downtown to the bank.
And it's there, right at the teller's window, that they puke all over you.
Gotta love 'em!
You treat them right.
You do everything you can to raise them well.
You care for them.
You let them hang out with you at the office.
Let them bang on the drums and the piano.
You take them downtown to the bank.
And it's there, right at the teller's window, that they puke all over you.
Gotta love 'em!
Monday, October 10, 2005
progress...
Got a townhouse rented today. 3 little bedrooms, solid walls, and a roof that doesn't leak...
It's wierd thinking of packing up everything and storing it until we have a house big enough to unpack. Why do we have so much stuff we don't need? Some moments I see the contrast in having so much and those who have so little... or have just lost the little they did have to a hurricane or earthquake or war. Kind of makes you (me) feel a little guilty. I mean it's not like I've set out to accumulate the stuff of American life... but it's found me anyway. And at the same time, I don't want to be ungrateful for the opportunity and privilege that has come just because I was born in this time and place. Just pray I'll be responsible and faithful with it all.
It's wierd thinking of packing up everything and storing it until we have a house big enough to unpack. Why do we have so much stuff we don't need? Some moments I see the contrast in having so much and those who have so little... or have just lost the little they did have to a hurricane or earthquake or war. Kind of makes you (me) feel a little guilty. I mean it's not like I've set out to accumulate the stuff of American life... but it's found me anyway. And at the same time, I don't want to be ungrateful for the opportunity and privilege that has come just because I was born in this time and place. Just pray I'll be responsible and faithful with it all.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
"Just do it yourself!"
Easy for them to say. I've been to about every move-it-yourself and you-pack-we-drive website you can imagine the last couple days, getting quotes, or waiting for quotes, picking trailers and truck sizes (yes I'd like to super-size that, thank you very much). Moving is so much fun!
One company won't let me get a truck because the move is in-state. Never mind that it's on the opposite side of one of the longest states in the Union. If I was moving from DC to Maryland, there'd be no problem. But since every single one of the 485 miles that I'll be passing through at the suggested 45-mph-cuz-that's-what-the-sticker-on-the-trailer-says-in-your-mirror (right) is in one state -- no truck for you! Oh well.
Another company no longer does one-ways! Byproduct of fuel prices...
I guess it's not so bad... we don't have a place to unload yet anyway!
But I'll choose to look at the bright side - at least our house sold really, really fast and we still have 2 whole weeks before we have to leave! (umm... that is the bright side, I think.)
One company won't let me get a truck because the move is in-state. Never mind that it's on the opposite side of one of the longest states in the Union. If I was moving from DC to Maryland, there'd be no problem. But since every single one of the 485 miles that I'll be passing through at the suggested 45-mph-cuz-that's-what-the-sticker-on-the-trailer-says-in-your-mirror (right) is in one state -- no truck for you! Oh well.
Another company no longer does one-ways! Byproduct of fuel prices...
I guess it's not so bad... we don't have a place to unload yet anyway!
But I'll choose to look at the bright side - at least our house sold really, really fast and we still have 2 whole weeks before we have to leave! (umm... that is the bright side, I think.)
Friday, September 30, 2005
Help!
Tonight, I'm going to the HS football game, then locking myself in at Laser Quest with about 45 kids and sponsors for all night laser tag. If I'm not back by Tuesday, please notify the authorities!
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Blueprint for Maturity???
I get an e-mail newsletter that goes out to thousands of people each week from Rick Warren of Saddleback. This week included an article entitled Demystify Spiritual Growth. After reading the article, I saw several valid points, but the overall application seems off.
While correctly stating that there is "no magic bullet" that will ensure instant spiritual maturity and acknowledging that "spiritual growth is a gradual process of development", I think Warren misses with this statement:
We need to take the mystery out of spiritual growth by breaking the components down into practical, everyday habits.If there is no "magic bullet", is there then a step by step formula? Can we not have practicality and mystery?
Ephesians 3 speaks to the issue of maturity. There, Paul describes the glorious riches of God strengthening the believer with power through his Spirit in our inner being. He mentions the capacity of God to do immeasurably more than we can dream. He prays that the believers would know the love that is beyond knowledge. Knowing the unknowable...
That just doesn't sound all that cut-and-dried-practical to me. Don't get me wrong, there's far more to Christ following spirituality than incense and candle wax. But I'm just not sure that if we get into the habit of doing A, B, and C - then we'll become spiritually mature. Maybe we'll just become pretty habitual.
[Last weekend at the Priority 22 that I blogged about a couple days ago, I sat in on a workshop from Dan Cravatt of NCC that dealt with Spiritual Maturity. We focused on the Ephesians passage and talked about how Maturity is a process, not just a destination where we can one day say we've arrived.]
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Thoughts from 'Around'
A couple other bloggers that I read have recently directed my attention to a couple interesting places. You can read about one in today's entry at Ancient Quest, the group blog that I'm contributing to once a week.
The other is an Relevant Magazine article that Paul pointed out at his blog. It's an interview with Erwin McManus, who always has challenging things to say. Here's a quote:
He was talking about water-skiing and learning to hear God. What do you think?
The other is an Relevant Magazine article that Paul pointed out at his blog. It's an interview with Erwin McManus, who always has challenging things to say. Here's a quote:
I somehow learned the rhythms and movements of what was going on, and I absorbed it into my being more than I even knew.
He was talking about water-skiing and learning to hear God. What do you think?
Monday, September 26, 2005
Third time's a...
My computer's frozen up 3 times this morning trying to post this so this'll be the brief version.
This weekend, I went with several volunteer leaders to CIY's Priority 22 led by Gary Zustiak (from whom I also took a course at seminary).
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NCC continues to move closer to relocation to the Omaha site (clearing ground, putting in road, and very importantly... leveling the soccer field). There are some construction pictures on their site.
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I recently had an article called What Youth Ministers Really Want published in the Christian Standard. I hope it doesn't come across with too negative a tone. I didn't mean it to, but in the editing process, I'm afraid they may have colored it a little more bleakly than I intended.
This weekend, I went with several volunteer leaders to CIY's Priority 22 led by Gary Zustiak (from whom I also took a course at seminary).
-----
NCC continues to move closer to relocation to the Omaha site (clearing ground, putting in road, and very importantly... leveling the soccer field). There are some construction pictures on their site.
-----
I recently had an article called What Youth Ministers Really Want published in the Christian Standard. I hope it doesn't come across with too negative a tone. I didn't mean it to, but in the editing process, I'm afraid they may have colored it a little more bleakly than I intended.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
A Turn in the Journey
Alright... the reason this blog has been mostly silent lately...
I just haven't been able to post this (until the people who needed to know had already heard) and I didn't want to just post junk so I was posting 'something':
After almost 7 years in youth ministry in Auburn, my family and I are moving to Scottsbluff to become the pastor of student ministries with Westway Christian Church. This has been the most difficult decision I have ever faced, as we've wrestled with God and conscience and fear and emotion and guilt and...
As our time here closes, it is my prayer that people realize that I was only a vessel, just as they are, and that nothing has been accomplished in this ministry except what was accomplished by God. He has built this work and will continue to do so. There are a great bunch of people here following Christ and loving students. It has been an honor to be a part of them. They have been family for LuAnn and I and those three awesome kids in the last post. I could have asked for no better people than these, with which to begin my ministry life. Auburn Christian Church, you should know that whatever I become, whatever ministry I am involved in, you have had a huge part in the shaping of my life. I will thank God continually for my time here with you.
I just haven't been able to post this (until the people who needed to know had already heard) and I didn't want to just post junk so I was posting 'something':
After almost 7 years in youth ministry in Auburn, my family and I are moving to Scottsbluff to become the pastor of student ministries with Westway Christian Church. This has been the most difficult decision I have ever faced, as we've wrestled with God and conscience and fear and emotion and guilt and...
As our time here closes, it is my prayer that people realize that I was only a vessel, just as they are, and that nothing has been accomplished in this ministry except what was accomplished by God. He has built this work and will continue to do so. There are a great bunch of people here following Christ and loving students. It has been an honor to be a part of them. They have been family for LuAnn and I and those three awesome kids in the last post. I could have asked for no better people than these, with which to begin my ministry life. Auburn Christian Church, you should know that whatever I become, whatever ministry I am involved in, you have had a huge part in the shaping of my life. I will thank God continually for my time here with you.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Yeah, yeah, yeah...
I keep getting told that I need to post something new. Enjoy.
Siah...
Kota...
Em...
Siah...
Kota...
Em...
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Ancient Quest
I just started blogging with a group of people at Ancient Quest. There will be some thought on the Christian journey from several different bloggers. This week is the official launch of the group, so be sure to check in once in a while and see what we're thinking.
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