I'm so anxious to preach tomorrow morning! I'm pumped up because we had 3 people rededicate their lives to Christ this evening! That always gets my adrenaline running.
In the message this evening I emphasized the fact that Jesus has called us to leave everything and follow Him and to take up our cross daily. It is a priveledge to know that Jesus has called us to be His disciples. There is nothing that this world could offer that would be better than learning from Him and doing what He did while He walked the earth.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
I'm Ready to Preach Tomorrow!
I'm so anxious to preach tomorrow morning! I'm pumped up because we had 3 people rededicate their lives to Christ this evening! That always gets my adrenaline running.
In the message this evening I emphasized the fact that Jesus has called us to leave everything and follow Him and to take up our cross daily. It is a priveledge to know that Jesus has called us to be His disciples. There is nothing that this world could offer that would be better than learning from Him and doing what He did while He walked the earth.
In the message this evening I emphasized the fact that Jesus has called us to leave everything and follow Him and to take up our cross daily. It is a priveledge to know that Jesus has called us to be His disciples. There is nothing that this world could offer that would be better than learning from Him and doing what He did while He walked the earth.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Day at the Zoo
It was so nice of Shelby to fill in for me and blog yesterday. We had that little brain storm earlier in the day and I asked her to think about what she would like to blog about. Her little mind went right to "My Little Ponies".
Here are some of the pictures Tammy took today with her 'fancy dancy' Nikon camera...
As she mentioned today we took the opportunity to visit the Indianapolis Zoo since we were going down to visit the Pfohl family at Riley Children's Hospital (keep them in your prayers).
Here are some of the pictures Tammy took today with her 'fancy dancy' Nikon camera...
Day at the Zoo
It was so nice of Shelby to fill in for me and blog yesterday. We had that little brain storm earlier in the day and I asked her to think about what she would like to blog about. Her little mind went right to "My Little Ponies".
Here are some of the pictures Tammy took today with her 'fancy dancy' Nikon camera...
As she mentioned today we took the opportunity to visit the Indianapolis Zoo since we were going down to visit the Pfohl family at Riley Children's Hospital (keep them in your prayers).
Here are some of the pictures Tammy took today with her 'fancy dancy' Nikon camera...
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Guest Blogger - Shelby Sorensen
Hi this Shelby and I am guest blogging for my Daddy. Daddy is typing for me since I don't know how to type yet. I am 4 years old; and I would like you to know that I like ponies. I've asked Daddy to put a link to the ponies so that you can see them. And I like playing outside, I like to play in my pool and some other things. I like to run around, and I like chasing the tether ball and chasing butterflies with my net.
Tomorrow Mommy and Daddy are taking me to the Indianapolis Zoo. I'm hoping there is a petting zoo like we saw at the Nashville Zoo. Well there is nothing else I want people to know about me... Oh wait, tell them I like going to Disney World Daddy. My favorite ride at Disney World is Splash Mountain.
"Make sure you put the pony link for people Daddy". Bye, bye people.
Tomorrow Mommy and Daddy are taking me to the Indianapolis Zoo. I'm hoping there is a petting zoo like we saw at the Nashville Zoo. Well there is nothing else I want people to know about me... Oh wait, tell them I like going to Disney World Daddy. My favorite ride at Disney World is Splash Mountain.
"Make sure you put the pony link for people Daddy". Bye, bye people.
Guest Blogger - Shelby Sorensen
Hi this Shelby and I am guest blogging for my Daddy. Daddy is typing for me since I don't know how to type yet. I am 4 years old; and I would like you to know that I like ponies. I've asked Daddy to put a link to the ponies so that you can see them. And I like playing outside, I like to play in my pool and some other things. I like to run around, and I like chasing the tether ball and chasing butterflies with my net.
Tomorrow Mommy and Daddy are taking me to the Indianapolis Zoo. I'm hoping there is a petting zoo like we saw at the Nashville Zoo. Well there is nothing else I want people to know about me... Oh wait, tell them I like going to Disney World Daddy. My favorite ride at Disney World is Splash Mountain.
"Make sure you put the pony link for people Daddy". Bye, bye people.
Tomorrow Mommy and Daddy are taking me to the Indianapolis Zoo. I'm hoping there is a petting zoo like we saw at the Nashville Zoo. Well there is nothing else I want people to know about me... Oh wait, tell them I like going to Disney World Daddy. My favorite ride at Disney World is Splash Mountain.
"Make sure you put the pony link for people Daddy". Bye, bye people.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Squirrel Humor
To be honest with you - I really don't have much to share this evening with you. I'm not feeling super inspired. So I though I'd send you to Bryan Vickery's post today. You've got to check out the link that Bryan has to the Squirrel Catapult. I've been laughing for about 15 minutes now. =)
Ecclesiastes 3:4a, "a time to weep and a time to laugh"
Update: I found the video on YouTube as well...
Update on the update: They took it off YouTube for some reason - you can check the video out here.
Ecclesiastes 3:4a, "a time to weep and a time to laugh"
Update: I found the video on YouTube as well...
Update on the update: They took it off YouTube for some reason - you can check the video out here.
Squirrel Humor
To be honest with you - I really don't have much to share this evening with you. I'm not feeling super inspired. So I though I'd send you to Bryan Vickery's post today. You've got to check out the link that Bryan has to the Squirrel Catapult. I've been laughing for about 15 minutes now. =)
Ecclesiastes 3:4a, "a time to weep and a time to laugh"
Update: I found the video on YouTube as well...
Update on the update: They took it off YouTube for some reason - you can check the video out here.
Ecclesiastes 3:4a, "a time to weep and a time to laugh"
Update: I found the video on YouTube as well...
Update on the update: They took it off YouTube for some reason - you can check the video out here.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
YouVersion Bible
LifeChurch.tv is putting together a very interesting website. It is not completed yet, but when it is finished it will be free online Web 2.0 Bible. This means that people will be able to add content to the website and share their own thoughts about what the Scriptures mean to them. People will be able to attach notes, video, audio, commentary, pictures, etc. so that others will be able to experience the Bible in a whole new way. The site will be called YouVersion.com; here is a link to their future site.
I'm looking forward to seeing what this will look like as individuals begin to interact with the Bible online in a totally new and unique way. As I thought more about it this is a very clear picture of a church (LifeChurch.tv) trusting people in a way that I believe few other churches would. Imagine attaching your church name to a site that will allow opinions to be shared that don't necessarily match that of your congregation. I'm sure LifeChurch.tv will be taking lots of shots from other Christians/organizations/churches even for just naming something related to the Bible "YouVersion". (The "King James Only" crowd is going to pop their top.)
I personally applaud LifeChurch for moving the Bible into the realm of the 2.0 revolution. My prayer is that more and more people will discover that the Bible is relevant for today. What do you think about the concept of the YouVersion Web 2.0 Bible?
I'm looking forward to seeing what this will look like as individuals begin to interact with the Bible online in a totally new and unique way. As I thought more about it this is a very clear picture of a church (LifeChurch.tv) trusting people in a way that I believe few other churches would. Imagine attaching your church name to a site that will allow opinions to be shared that don't necessarily match that of your congregation. I'm sure LifeChurch.tv will be taking lots of shots from other Christians/organizations/churches even for just naming something related to the Bible "YouVersion". (The "King James Only" crowd is going to pop their top.)
I personally applaud LifeChurch for moving the Bible into the realm of the 2.0 revolution. My prayer is that more and more people will discover that the Bible is relevant for today. What do you think about the concept of the YouVersion Web 2.0 Bible?
YouVersion Bible
LifeChurch.tv is putting together a very interesting website. It is not completed yet, but when it is finished it will be free online Web 2.0 Bible. This means that people will be able to add content to the website and share their own thoughts about what the Scriptures mean to them. People will be able to attach notes, video, audio, commentary, pictures, etc. so that others will be able to experience the Bible in a whole new way. The site will be called YouVersion.com; here is a link to their future site.
I'm looking forward to seeing what this will look like as individuals begin to interact with the Bible online in a totally new and unique way. As I thought more about it this is a very clear picture of a church (LifeChurch.tv) trusting people in a way that I believe few other churches would. Imagine attaching your church name to a site that will allow opinions to be shared that don't necessarily match that of your congregation. I'm sure LifeChurch.tv will be taking lots of shots from other Christians/organizations/churches even for just naming something related to the Bible "YouVersion". (The "King James Only" crowd is going to pop their top.)
I personally applaud LifeChurch for moving the Bible into the realm of the 2.0 revolution. My prayer is that more and more people will discover that the Bible is relevant for today. What do you think about the concept of the YouVersion Web 2.0 Bible?
I'm looking forward to seeing what this will look like as individuals begin to interact with the Bible online in a totally new and unique way. As I thought more about it this is a very clear picture of a church (LifeChurch.tv) trusting people in a way that I believe few other churches would. Imagine attaching your church name to a site that will allow opinions to be shared that don't necessarily match that of your congregation. I'm sure LifeChurch.tv will be taking lots of shots from other Christians/organizations/churches even for just naming something related to the Bible "YouVersion". (The "King James Only" crowd is going to pop their top.)
I personally applaud LifeChurch for moving the Bible into the realm of the 2.0 revolution. My prayer is that more and more people will discover that the Bible is relevant for today. What do you think about the concept of the YouVersion Web 2.0 Bible?
Monday, June 25, 2007
"Christian"
I don’t use the term “Christian” very much anymore. I’m not ashamed of the name; I just find that it elicits some very negative and erroneous ideas as soon as you mention the name “Christian”. I prefer to use the term “Christ follower” or “disciple”. You can go here and read this article and you can see some of the recent stats put out by The Barna Group regarding young adult’s perception of Christianity.
Jesus never invited anyone to be a “Christian”; what He commanded His followers to do was make “disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20). The call of a disciple is clear, if anyone wants to be a follower of Christ they must love Him more than their own family even more than their own life (Luke 14:25-27). Disciples are filled with the same compassion that Jesus displayed and they love the unlovely (Mark 1:40ff.) Disciples are willing to befriend sinners (Matt. 9:10ff.) A disciple is also willing to offend Pharisees if necessary (Luke 13:10ff.)
Anyone can call themselves a Christian or a disciple of Christ, but the proof is in the fruit of their lives.
Jesus never invited anyone to be a “Christian”; what He commanded His followers to do was make “disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20). The call of a disciple is clear, if anyone wants to be a follower of Christ they must love Him more than their own family even more than their own life (Luke 14:25-27). Disciples are filled with the same compassion that Jesus displayed and they love the unlovely (Mark 1:40ff.) Disciples are willing to befriend sinners (Matt. 9:10ff.) A disciple is also willing to offend Pharisees if necessary (Luke 13:10ff.)
Anyone can call themselves a Christian or a disciple of Christ, but the proof is in the fruit of their lives.
"Christian"
I don’t use the term “Christian” very much anymore. I’m not ashamed of the name; I just find that it elicits some very negative and erroneous ideas as soon as you mention the name “Christian”. I prefer to use the term “Christ follower” or “disciple”. You can go here and read this article and you can see some of the recent stats put out by The Barna Group regarding young adult’s perception of Christianity.
Jesus never invited anyone to be a “Christian”; what He commanded His followers to do was make “disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20). The call of a disciple is clear, if anyone wants to be a follower of Christ they must love Him more than their own family even more than their own life (Luke 14:25-27). Disciples are filled with the same compassion that Jesus displayed and they love the unlovely (Mark 1:40ff.) Disciples are willing to befriend sinners (Matt. 9:10ff.) A disciple is also willing to offend Pharisees if necessary (Luke 13:10ff.)
Anyone can call themselves a Christian or a disciple of Christ, but the proof is in the fruit of their lives.
Jesus never invited anyone to be a “Christian”; what He commanded His followers to do was make “disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20). The call of a disciple is clear, if anyone wants to be a follower of Christ they must love Him more than their own family even more than their own life (Luke 14:25-27). Disciples are filled with the same compassion that Jesus displayed and they love the unlovely (Mark 1:40ff.) Disciples are willing to befriend sinners (Matt. 9:10ff.) A disciple is also willing to offend Pharisees if necessary (Luke 13:10ff.)
Anyone can call themselves a Christian or a disciple of Christ, but the proof is in the fruit of their lives.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Sunday Night Mind Dump
Our new series "Disciple" should be a great refresher/reminder to every believer and a challenge to those who have not yet given their lives to Christ.
We really need to find a worship leader for our 10:30 service.
I wish James & Tonya Pinkerton were ministering here already. They both are going to be such a blessing to the children and youth ministries.
The Pinkerton's will be here (Lord willing) in late July. They just need a little thing called, "a house".
It's time to get serious about hitting the weights again - I need to drop 5-10 pounds. Sit-ups wouldn't hurt the cause either.
36 feels a lot like 35 did, but somehow saying "36" sounds different. I'm now staring 40 in the face.
I think this idea is fantastic. Maybe we could have folks play "rock, paper, scissors" at our coffee shop at church - beat our volunteer and receive a dollar off your coffee. Play the greeter at the door, if you win you get to sit in the back row - if you lose you're sitting in the front baby! (what do ya' think?)
We really need to find a worship leader for our 10:30 service.
I wish James & Tonya Pinkerton were ministering here already. They both are going to be such a blessing to the children and youth ministries.
The Pinkerton's will be here (Lord willing) in late July. They just need a little thing called, "a house".
It's time to get serious about hitting the weights again - I need to drop 5-10 pounds. Sit-ups wouldn't hurt the cause either.
36 feels a lot like 35 did, but somehow saying "36" sounds different. I'm now staring 40 in the face.
I think this idea is fantastic. Maybe we could have folks play "rock, paper, scissors" at our coffee shop at church - beat our volunteer and receive a dollar off your coffee. Play the greeter at the door, if you win you get to sit in the back row - if you lose you're sitting in the front baby! (what do ya' think?)
Sunday Night Mind Dump
Our new series "Disciple" should be a great refresher/reminder to every believer and a challenge to those who have not yet given their lives to Christ.
We really need to find a worship leader for our 10:30 service.
I wish James & Tonya Pinkerton were ministering here already. They both are going to be such a blessing to the children and youth ministries.
The Pinkerton's will be here (Lord willing) in late July. They just need a little thing called, "a house".
It's time to get serious about hitting the weights again - I need to drop 5-10 pounds. Sit-ups wouldn't hurt the cause either.
36 feels a lot like 35 did, but somehow saying "36" sounds different. I'm now staring 40 in the face.
I think this idea is fantastic. Maybe we could have folks play "rock, paper, scissors" at our coffee shop at church - beat our volunteer and receive a dollar off your coffee. Play the greeter at the door, if you win you get to sit in the back row - if you lose you're sitting in the front baby! (what do ya' think?)
We really need to find a worship leader for our 10:30 service.
I wish James & Tonya Pinkerton were ministering here already. They both are going to be such a blessing to the children and youth ministries.
The Pinkerton's will be here (Lord willing) in late July. They just need a little thing called, "a house".
It's time to get serious about hitting the weights again - I need to drop 5-10 pounds. Sit-ups wouldn't hurt the cause either.
36 feels a lot like 35 did, but somehow saying "36" sounds different. I'm now staring 40 in the face.
I think this idea is fantastic. Maybe we could have folks play "rock, paper, scissors" at our coffee shop at church - beat our volunteer and receive a dollar off your coffee. Play the greeter at the door, if you win you get to sit in the back row - if you lose you're sitting in the front baby! (what do ya' think?)
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Birthday Run Down
Birthday run down:
This morning I woke up and received a present that Shelby had spent her own money on - a Disney washcloth. I thought it was a very sweet thing for her to buy me a gift with her own money - I'm just not quit sure why it had to be a washcloth; I think she's trying to tell daddy something.
Later in the morning we took our RV in to get the oil changed. While we were waiting for the oil change we stopped off at Starbucks. We had a good time sipping our coffee outside while Shelby ate her coffee cake (after we explained that there is no coffee in coffee cake).
After our coffee we went to WalMart and picked up groceries.
This afternoon I worked on the sermon and then took a quick nap.
Most of the day I kept forgetting that it was my birthday. This may have been because when you reach 36 you start wanting to forget that your life is half over :-)
This morning I woke up and received a present that Shelby had spent her own money on - a Disney washcloth. I thought it was a very sweet thing for her to buy me a gift with her own money - I'm just not quit sure why it had to be a washcloth; I think she's trying to tell daddy something.
Later in the morning we took our RV in to get the oil changed. While we were waiting for the oil change we stopped off at Starbucks. We had a good time sipping our coffee outside while Shelby ate her coffee cake (after we explained that there is no coffee in coffee cake).
After our coffee we went to WalMart and picked up groceries.
This afternoon I worked on the sermon and then took a quick nap.
Most of the day I kept forgetting that it was my birthday. This may have been because when you reach 36 you start wanting to forget that your life is half over :-)
Birthday Run Down
Birthday run down:
This morning I woke up and received a present that Shelby had spent her own money on - a Disney washcloth. I thought it was a very sweet thing for her to buy me a gift with her own money - I'm just not quit sure why it had to be a washcloth; I think she's trying to tell daddy something.
Later in the morning we took our RV in to get the oil changed. While we were waiting for the oil change we stopped off at Starbucks. We had a good time sipping our coffee outside while Shelby ate her coffee cake (after we explained that there is no coffee in coffee cake).
After our coffee we went to WalMart and picked up groceries.
This afternoon I worked on the sermon and then took a quick nap.
Most of the day I kept forgetting that it was my birthday. This may have been because when you reach 36 you start wanting to forget that your life is half over :-)
This morning I woke up and received a present that Shelby had spent her own money on - a Disney washcloth. I thought it was a very sweet thing for her to buy me a gift with her own money - I'm just not quit sure why it had to be a washcloth; I think she's trying to tell daddy something.
Later in the morning we took our RV in to get the oil changed. While we were waiting for the oil change we stopped off at Starbucks. We had a good time sipping our coffee outside while Shelby ate her coffee cake (after we explained that there is no coffee in coffee cake).
After our coffee we went to WalMart and picked up groceries.
This afternoon I worked on the sermon and then took a quick nap.
Most of the day I kept forgetting that it was my birthday. This may have been because when you reach 36 you start wanting to forget that your life is half over :-)
Friday, June 22, 2007
mmmmm Ice Cream Cake
Today, Tammy, Shelby, and I went to my parents home near Indianapolis to celebrate my birthday a day early. I was so pleased to see that once again this year my folks had purchased a DQ ice cream cake. I love those things.
mmmmm Ice Cream Cake
Today, Tammy, Shelby, and I went to my parents home near Indianapolis to celebrate my birthday a day early. I was so pleased to see that once again this year my folks had purchased a DQ ice cream cake. I love those things.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
A Surprise Blessing
Have you ever found money in your pants pocket that you forgot that you left there? I had something way better than that happen this evening. We have owned a sound system for our TV room since November of 2005, since about December of 2006 it hasn't worked. I hadn't done anything with the sound system, I just left it hooked up to the TV (I was a little bitter that a name brand system would fall apart so quickly and my bitterness then turned to apathy, so I didn't even bother throwing it out). Well this evening I was looking through some papers and discovered that I had purchased an extended 3 year warranty on the sound system. Yeah!!
I have no idea why I didn't remember purchasing the extended warranty. It sure would have been nice to discover that fact 6 months ago. But tonight I was super happy to discover I can take my purchase back to the store and they will fix the sound system or replace it.
I have no idea why I didn't remember purchasing the extended warranty. It sure would have been nice to discover that fact 6 months ago. But tonight I was super happy to discover I can take my purchase back to the store and they will fix the sound system or replace it.
A Surprise Blessing
Have you ever found money in your pants pocket that you forgot that you left there? I had something way better than that happen this evening. We have owned a sound system for our TV room since November of 2005, since about December of 2006 it hasn't worked. I hadn't done anything with the sound system, I just left it hooked up to the TV (I was a little bitter that a name brand system would fall apart so quickly and my bitterness then turned to apathy, so I didn't even bother throwing it out). Well this evening I was looking through some papers and discovered that I had purchased an extended 3 year warranty on the sound system. Yeah!!
I have no idea why I didn't remember purchasing the extended warranty. It sure would have been nice to discover that fact 6 months ago. But tonight I was super happy to discover I can take my purchase back to the store and they will fix the sound system or replace it.
I have no idea why I didn't remember purchasing the extended warranty. It sure would have been nice to discover that fact 6 months ago. But tonight I was super happy to discover I can take my purchase back to the store and they will fix the sound system or replace it.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Remember When - Only God
I thought tonight's leadership meeting went really well. I enjoyed sharing some of the things that God has laid on my heart for the future of our church. I think the most memorable moment was when we (70-80 people) joined hands and formed a circle and prayed for the future of our church. I really felt like it was a defining moment and that we were a part of something defining and we will look back on this period in our history and say, "remember when".
Remember when we gathered in the sanctuary and prayed for this day to come?
Remember the pastor sharing his vision of the future?
Remember when in the back of our minds we didn't think it was possible?
Remember when we stretched our faith?
Remember when we had this wild dream?
Remember when we accomplished something so big we could say "only God"?
Only God could have accomplished that through us!
Only God could have brought us to this point!
Only God could have inspired that dream!
Only God could have changed that teenagers life!
Only God could bring that many children into our ministry!
Only God could impact a community like that!
Remember when we gathered in the sanctuary and prayed for this day to come?
Remember the pastor sharing his vision of the future?
Remember when in the back of our minds we didn't think it was possible?
Remember when we stretched our faith?
Remember when we had this wild dream?
Remember when we accomplished something so big we could say "only God"?
Only God could have accomplished that through us!
Only God could have brought us to this point!
Only God could have inspired that dream!
Only God could have changed that teenagers life!
Only God could bring that many children into our ministry!
Only God could impact a community like that!
Remember When - Only God
I thought tonight's leadership meeting went really well. I enjoyed sharing some of the things that God has laid on my heart for the future of our church. I think the most memorable moment was when we (70-80 people) joined hands and formed a circle and prayed for the future of our church. I really felt like it was a defining moment and that we were a part of something defining and we will look back on this period in our history and say, "remember when".
Remember when we gathered in the sanctuary and prayed for this day to come?
Remember the pastor sharing his vision of the future?
Remember when in the back of our minds we didn't think it was possible?
Remember when we stretched our faith?
Remember when we had this wild dream?
Remember when we accomplished something so big we could say "only God"?
Only God could have accomplished that through us!
Only God could have brought us to this point!
Only God could have inspired that dream!
Only God could have changed that teenagers life!
Only God could bring that many children into our ministry!
Only God could impact a community like that!
Remember when we gathered in the sanctuary and prayed for this day to come?
Remember the pastor sharing his vision of the future?
Remember when in the back of our minds we didn't think it was possible?
Remember when we stretched our faith?
Remember when we had this wild dream?
Remember when we accomplished something so big we could say "only God"?
Only God could have accomplished that through us!
Only God could have brought us to this point!
Only God could have inspired that dream!
Only God could have changed that teenagers life!
Only God could bring that many children into our ministry!
Only God could impact a community like that!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Big Day Tomorrow
Tomorrow is an exciting day in the life of our church. I have the opportunity tomorrow night to share with a large group of our leaders some very exciting future plans. We will soon be entering a season where we will be stretching our faith and watching God do big things… I love those times; the times in our life when we get to be part of something bigger than ourselves… I can’t wait.
Big Day Tomorrow
Tomorrow is an exciting day in the life of our church. I have the opportunity tomorrow night to share with a large group of our leaders some very exciting future plans. We will soon be entering a season where we will be stretching our faith and watching God do big things… I love those times; the times in our life when we get to be part of something bigger than ourselves… I can’t wait.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Disciple
I thought I'd take this opportunity and share with you the graphic for our next series called "Disciple". Abby Wagner did an excellent job with it...
I'm looking forward to this series and how the Lord will shape and develop our spiritual lives.
I'm looking forward to this series and how the Lord will shape and develop our spiritual lives.
Disciple
I thought I'd take this opportunity and share with you the graphic for our next series called "Disciple". Abby Wagner did an excellent job with it...
I'm looking forward to this series and how the Lord will shape and develop our spiritual lives.
I'm looking forward to this series and how the Lord will shape and develop our spiritual lives.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Hot Dogs & Hot Rods
Today was our 5th annual Cruise-In Car Show at church. Big thanks go out to Calvin & Kay Weatherly for working so hard on making this a special event. Here is this year's dash plaque...
This was the fifth Father's Day in a row that I spent serving hot dogs to those who came to the car show. Each year the church provides free pop and hot dogs to the community. I enjoying serving this way. The only downside is that this is what I saw most of the day...
While in the parking lot we had some awesome looking cars...
This was the fifth Father's Day in a row that I spent serving hot dogs to those who came to the car show. Each year the church provides free pop and hot dogs to the community. I enjoying serving this way. The only downside is that this is what I saw most of the day...While in the parking lot we had some awesome looking cars...
Hot Dogs & Hot Rods
Today was our 5th annual Cruise-In Car Show at church. Big thanks go out to Calvin & Kay Weatherly for working so hard on making this a special event. Here is this year's dash plaque...This was the fifth Father's Day in a row that I spent serving hot dogs to those who came to the car show. Each year the church provides free pop and hot dogs to the community. I enjoying serving this way. The only downside is that this is what I saw most of the day...
While in the parking lot we had some awesome looking cars...
This was the fifth Father's Day in a row that I spent serving hot dogs to those who came to the car show. Each year the church provides free pop and hot dogs to the community. I enjoying serving this way. The only downside is that this is what I saw most of the day...While in the parking lot we had some awesome looking cars...Saturday, June 16, 2007
Zip It - Week 2
This weekend's message is about "gossip". Gossip is when you find yourself talking about a person or a situation and you are not part of the problem or part of the solution. As I was delivering the message this evening the atmosphere seemed kind of heavy. But what would you expect if you are sharing verses like this one?... "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:36,37 and this... "Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” James 3:5-6
The point about gossip that I want to get across this weekend is this thought... We need to stop talking about people and start talking to people. Rather than talking behind someones back, the appropriate action is to speak face to face with the individual.
The point about gossip that I want to get across this weekend is this thought... We need to stop talking about people and start talking to people. Rather than talking behind someones back, the appropriate action is to speak face to face with the individual.
Zip It - Week 2
This weekend's message is about "gossip". Gossip is when you find yourself talking about a person or a situation and you are not part of the problem or part of the solution. As I was delivering the message this evening the atmosphere seemed kind of heavy. But what would you expect if you are sharing verses like this one?... "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:36,37 and this... "Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” James 3:5-6
The point about gossip that I want to get across this weekend is this thought... We need to stop talking about people and start talking to people. Rather than talking behind someones back, the appropriate action is to speak face to face with the individual.
The point about gossip that I want to get across this weekend is this thought... We need to stop talking about people and start talking to people. Rather than talking behind someones back, the appropriate action is to speak face to face with the individual.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Thanks Lady, Whoever You Are
My Grandfather has been featured in our local paper up in Mason City, Iowa more than anyone else I know of. You can go here to read the latest article.Grandpa has been translating his father's (my Great Grandfather's) journals from Danish into English. What I found interesting was this comment made in the article...
"His father, Lars Christian Sorensen, came to the United States in 1905 on a fluke, said Sorensen. Lars’ older brother had come a few years earlier with the intention of having his fiancee join him. But she married someone else, so the brother paid for Lars to come instead. Together, the two men started a drainage/tiling business. In 1911, the year of his marriage, Lars Sorensen, called “Chris” by family and friends, started his diaries and continued them for the next 59 years..."
I started to think about how Great Grandpa Chris came to the U.S. on a "fluke". Had that fluke not occurred. I wouldn't be here today. Had Grandpa Chris never come to America my parents would never have met and I would never have been born. (this is getting a little "Back to the Future" spin to it). You know what this means don't you? I need to thank the woman who decided not to go through with marrying my Great Uncle!
How many seemingly small decisions are made in our lives that altar the course of not only our destiny, but the destiny of entire generations!? It blows my mind to think what could have happened had a wedding taken place.
I started thinking about the decisions I've made and the decisions I will make in the future. My decisions, and your decisions have a large ripple effect upon lives for generations to come. My prayer is that all that I do and everyone that I come into contact with lines up with the plan that my Heavenly Father wants.
If you have broadband and you'd like to hear my Grandpa, Thorvald, tell some of the story you can click here.
Thanks Lady, Whoever You Are
My Grandfather has been featured in our local paper up in Mason City, Iowa more than anyone else I know of. You can go here to read the latest article.Grandpa has been translating his father's (my Great Grandfather's) journals from Danish into English. What I found interesting was this comment made in the article...
"His father, Lars Christian Sorensen, came to the United States in 1905 on a fluke, said Sorensen. Lars’ older brother had come a few years earlier with the intention of having his fiancee join him. But she married someone else, so the brother paid for Lars to come instead. Together, the two men started a drainage/tiling business. In 1911, the year of his marriage, Lars Sorensen, called “Chris” by family and friends, started his diaries and continued them for the next 59 years..."
I started to think about how Great Grandpa Chris came to the U.S. on a "fluke". Had that fluke not occurred. I wouldn't be here today. Had Grandpa Chris never come to America my parents would never have met and I would never have been born. (this is getting a little "Back to the Future" spin to it). You know what this means don't you? I need to thank the woman who decided not to go through with marrying my Great Uncle!
How many seemingly small decisions are made in our lives that altar the course of not only our destiny, but the destiny of entire generations!? It blows my mind to think what could have happened had a wedding taken place.
I started thinking about the decisions I've made and the decisions I will make in the future. My decisions, and your decisions have a large ripple effect upon lives for generations to come. My prayer is that all that I do and everyone that I come into contact with lines up with the plan that my Heavenly Father wants.
If you have broadband and you'd like to hear my Grandpa, Thorvald, tell some of the story you can click here.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
The Leadership Sprint
Leadership, as well as life, is not necessarily a marathon it is more a series of sprints followed by rests, followed by more sprinting and hopefully some rest. Looking at my calendar for the next several months, it appears that I will be sprinting for a while. July, August, and September is filled with weddings, our stewardship campaign, conferences, and all of the customary surprises of ministry i.e. deaths, conflict, and administrative issues. Hopefully once October comes I will be able to catch my breath. One thing is for sure, I’ll either pause or pass out.
The Leadership Sprint
Leadership, as well as life, is not necessarily a marathon it is more a series of sprints followed by rests, followed by more sprinting and hopefully some rest. Looking at my calendar for the next several months, it appears that I will be sprinting for a while. July, August, and September is filled with weddings, our stewardship campaign, conferences, and all of the customary surprises of ministry i.e. deaths, conflict, and administrative issues. Hopefully once October comes I will be able to catch my breath. One thing is for sure, I’ll either pause or pass out.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Early Birthday Gift
Well my wait is over my early birthday gift came in the mail today. Here it is...
This is the iPAQ rx5915. It is my brand new handheld; the beautiful thing about this PDA is that it is also a GPS. That's right! No more getting lost for Kris =). Other fun things: music, video, photos, games, bluetooth, internet, etc. There's a lot of features that I am anxious to test out, so far I'm loving it.
Early Birthday Gift
Well my wait is over my early birthday gift came in the mail today. Here it is...
This is the iPAQ rx5915. It is my brand new handheld; the beautiful thing about this PDA is that it is also a GPS. That's right! No more getting lost for Kris =). Other fun things: music, video, photos, games, bluetooth, internet, etc. There's a lot of features that I am anxious to test out, so far I'm loving it.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
The Call
I just got off the phone with my homie James Pinkerton (our soon to be Youth Pastor). God has really been paving the way for him and Tonya (our soon to be Children's Pastor) to come and minister in Indiana. We were talking about all the ways God has just come through and blessed them and revealed that this is the place for them to be.
Confirmations from the Lord are always so sweet. They are the kind of things that we can turn to in the tough times and know that God is the One who has ordained the call/mission. My mind has had to return many times to the moment I felt the Lord "call me" into Pastoral Ministry. If it were not for that call I would have bailed ship long ago and found another career. But when we have seen God so clearly at work preparing our way there is no way we could run from the call and truly be at peace. My worst day in ministry is better than my best day would be outside of my "calling".
Confirmations from the Lord are always so sweet. They are the kind of things that we can turn to in the tough times and know that God is the One who has ordained the call/mission. My mind has had to return many times to the moment I felt the Lord "call me" into Pastoral Ministry. If it were not for that call I would have bailed ship long ago and found another career. But when we have seen God so clearly at work preparing our way there is no way we could run from the call and truly be at peace. My worst day in ministry is better than my best day would be outside of my "calling".
The Call
I just got off the phone with my homie James Pinkerton (our soon to be Youth Pastor). God has really been paving the way for him and Tonya (our soon to be Children's Pastor) to come and minister in Indiana. We were talking about all the ways God has just come through and blessed them and revealed that this is the place for them to be.
Confirmations from the Lord are always so sweet. They are the kind of things that we can turn to in the tough times and know that God is the One who has ordained the call/mission. My mind has had to return many times to the moment I felt the Lord "call me" into Pastoral Ministry. If it were not for that call I would have bailed ship long ago and found another career. But when we have seen God so clearly at work preparing our way there is no way we could run from the call and truly be at peace. My worst day in ministry is better than my best day would be outside of my "calling".
Confirmations from the Lord are always so sweet. They are the kind of things that we can turn to in the tough times and know that God is the One who has ordained the call/mission. My mind has had to return many times to the moment I felt the Lord "call me" into Pastoral Ministry. If it were not for that call I would have bailed ship long ago and found another career. But when we have seen God so clearly at work preparing our way there is no way we could run from the call and truly be at peace. My worst day in ministry is better than my best day would be outside of my "calling".
Monday, June 11, 2007
Stuck in the Routine
The other day I read this blog by Seth Godin. Seth wrote, “The web has billions of pages. You'll see so few of them over your lifetime that the percentage is almost unmeasurable. Your web, on the other hand, is well-traveled and familiar to you. It's the one you travel daily.”
I got to thinking about the web I travel; it does get a bit routine. I visit the same basic sites month after month. I was thinking this evening how routine my life gets as well. I eat at the same restaurants, I shop at the same store, I cook the same meals, I travel the same way to work, I watch the same shows, etc. Some routine in our lives is good, but to get the most out of life I think I should mix it up a little bit. Life is a collection of experiences and if I eat at the same restaurants, speak to the same people, travel to the same locations then my world and my experiences shrink.
So, here’s what I’m thinking about doing. At this point I’m just thinking out loud, please don’t hold me to it just yet. I’m thinking about being purposeful about doing something new/different each day for one month. I embrace change so this shouldn’t be too much of a stretch for me; it will just be a matter of thinking through what new things to try each day. What do you think? Have you ever tried anything like this? What new things would you suggest I try?
I got to thinking about the web I travel; it does get a bit routine. I visit the same basic sites month after month. I was thinking this evening how routine my life gets as well. I eat at the same restaurants, I shop at the same store, I cook the same meals, I travel the same way to work, I watch the same shows, etc. Some routine in our lives is good, but to get the most out of life I think I should mix it up a little bit. Life is a collection of experiences and if I eat at the same restaurants, speak to the same people, travel to the same locations then my world and my experiences shrink.
So, here’s what I’m thinking about doing. At this point I’m just thinking out loud, please don’t hold me to it just yet. I’m thinking about being purposeful about doing something new/different each day for one month. I embrace change so this shouldn’t be too much of a stretch for me; it will just be a matter of thinking through what new things to try each day. What do you think? Have you ever tried anything like this? What new things would you suggest I try?
Stuck in the Routine
The other day I read this blog by Seth Godin. Seth wrote, “The web has billions of pages. You'll see so few of them over your lifetime that the percentage is almost unmeasurable. Your web, on the other hand, is well-traveled and familiar to you. It's the one you travel daily.”
I got to thinking about the web I travel; it does get a bit routine. I visit the same basic sites month after month. I was thinking this evening how routine my life gets as well. I eat at the same restaurants, I shop at the same store, I cook the same meals, I travel the same way to work, I watch the same shows, etc. Some routine in our lives is good, but to get the most out of life I think I should mix it up a little bit. Life is a collection of experiences and if I eat at the same restaurants, speak to the same people, travel to the same locations then my world and my experiences shrink.
So, here’s what I’m thinking about doing. At this point I’m just thinking out loud, please don’t hold me to it just yet. I’m thinking about being purposeful about doing something new/different each day for one month. I embrace change so this shouldn’t be too much of a stretch for me; it will just be a matter of thinking through what new things to try each day. What do you think? Have you ever tried anything like this? What new things would you suggest I try?
I got to thinking about the web I travel; it does get a bit routine. I visit the same basic sites month after month. I was thinking this evening how routine my life gets as well. I eat at the same restaurants, I shop at the same store, I cook the same meals, I travel the same way to work, I watch the same shows, etc. Some routine in our lives is good, but to get the most out of life I think I should mix it up a little bit. Life is a collection of experiences and if I eat at the same restaurants, speak to the same people, travel to the same locations then my world and my experiences shrink.
So, here’s what I’m thinking about doing. At this point I’m just thinking out loud, please don’t hold me to it just yet. I’m thinking about being purposeful about doing something new/different each day for one month. I embrace change so this shouldn’t be too much of a stretch for me; it will just be a matter of thinking through what new things to try each day. What do you think? Have you ever tried anything like this? What new things would you suggest I try?
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Random Thoughts
I’m tired; normally Sunday afternoon means a quick nap but I didn’t get a nap in today.
I’m looking forward to James and Tonya Pinkerton joining our staff next month.
I thought the service went well today… I have no complaints =)
We have some great growth groups in our church and the folks over in Connersville are some of the best.
In less than a week my birthday gift should arrive at my front door and I’m anxious to receive it.
Ever have a week where you could just eat everything in sight and never get full?
Maybe I should stop watching “Food Network” channel right now.
I could really go for some ice cream.
Random Thoughts
I’m tired; normally Sunday afternoon means a quick nap but I didn’t get a nap in today.
I’m looking forward to James and Tonya Pinkerton joining our staff next month.
I thought the service went well today… I have no complaints =)
We have some great growth groups in our church and the folks over in Connersville are some of the best.
In less than a week my birthday gift should arrive at my front door and I’m anxious to receive it.
Ever have a week where you could just eat everything in sight and never get full?
Maybe I should stop watching “Food Network” channel right now.
I could really go for some ice cream.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Strengths
A couple of years ago the staff and some of the leaders of the church read a book and answered an online questionnaire to discover our God given strengths. The questionnaire was developed by the Gallup Organization and developed from a book called “Now Discover Your Strengths”, by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton. In the book, the authors cover 34 positive personality themes and the online questionnaire helps you pinpoint your top 5 strengths.
The premise is to build on your strengths rather than to focus on eliminating negative character traits. A very interesting thought considering that this weekend I’m preaching on positivity verses negativity in our lives. This evening I thought I’d post my strengths so that you can get an idea of what makes me tick.
Here are my top 5 signature/personality themes:
Harmony: People strong in the Harmony theme look for consensus. They don't enjoy conflict; rather, they seek areas of agreement.
Belief: People strong in the Belief theme have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose for their life.
Responsibility: People strong in the Responsibility theme take psychological ownership of what they say they will do. They are committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty.
Relator: People who are strong in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.
Achiever: People strong in the Achiever theme have a great deal of stamina and work hard. They take great satisfaction from being busy and productive.
The premise is to build on your strengths rather than to focus on eliminating negative character traits. A very interesting thought considering that this weekend I’m preaching on positivity verses negativity in our lives. This evening I thought I’d post my strengths so that you can get an idea of what makes me tick.
Here are my top 5 signature/personality themes:
Harmony: People strong in the Harmony theme look for consensus. They don't enjoy conflict; rather, they seek areas of agreement.
Belief: People strong in the Belief theme have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose for their life.
Responsibility: People strong in the Responsibility theme take psychological ownership of what they say they will do. They are committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty.
Relator: People who are strong in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.
Achiever: People strong in the Achiever theme have a great deal of stamina and work hard. They take great satisfaction from being busy and productive.
Strengths
A couple of years ago the staff and some of the leaders of the church read a book and answered an online questionnaire to discover our God given strengths. The questionnaire was developed by the Gallup Organization and developed from a book called “Now Discover Your Strengths”, by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton. In the book, the authors cover 34 positive personality themes and the online questionnaire helps you pinpoint your top 5 strengths.
The premise is to build on your strengths rather than to focus on eliminating negative character traits. A very interesting thought considering that this weekend I’m preaching on positivity verses negativity in our lives. This evening I thought I’d post my strengths so that you can get an idea of what makes me tick.
Here are my top 5 signature/personality themes:
Harmony: People strong in the Harmony theme look for consensus. They don't enjoy conflict; rather, they seek areas of agreement.
Belief: People strong in the Belief theme have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose for their life.
Responsibility: People strong in the Responsibility theme take psychological ownership of what they say they will do. They are committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty.
Relator: People who are strong in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.
Achiever: People strong in the Achiever theme have a great deal of stamina and work hard. They take great satisfaction from being busy and productive.
The premise is to build on your strengths rather than to focus on eliminating negative character traits. A very interesting thought considering that this weekend I’m preaching on positivity verses negativity in our lives. This evening I thought I’d post my strengths so that you can get an idea of what makes me tick.
Here are my top 5 signature/personality themes:
Harmony: People strong in the Harmony theme look for consensus. They don't enjoy conflict; rather, they seek areas of agreement.
Belief: People strong in the Belief theme have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose for their life.
Responsibility: People strong in the Responsibility theme take psychological ownership of what they say they will do. They are committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty.
Relator: People who are strong in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.
Achiever: People strong in the Achiever theme have a great deal of stamina and work hard. They take great satisfaction from being busy and productive.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Day Off - Revisted
This morning we traveled to Indy to visit with the Pfohl’s at Riley Hospital for Children. Jeff is our Pastor of Outreach. Please keep their son Joseph in your prayers as the doctors continue to figure out how to best treat his mitochondrial disease.
After we visited and prayed with the Pfohl’s I took Shelby and Tammy to Circle Center Mall and we enjoyed visiting the Disney Store and eating at Chik-Fil-A.
On the way back from Indianapolis we stopped off in Muncie to pick up some supplies for our coffee shop at church (Higher Ground)
When we got back home I made a significant purchase for my birthday. My birthday is still a few weeks away but I’ve asked for money from family so that I could make this purchase. If all goes well it should be here next week and I will blog about this fantastic gift then.
The rest of the day was spent playing games with Shelby. Here are a few of the links to the games we played online… Mo Bike, Pinch Hitter, Jungle Hedgehog, Flight of the Hamsters (old school)
After we visited and prayed with the Pfohl’s I took Shelby and Tammy to Circle Center Mall and we enjoyed visiting the Disney Store and eating at Chik-Fil-A.
On the way back from Indianapolis we stopped off in Muncie to pick up some supplies for our coffee shop at church (Higher Ground)
When we got back home I made a significant purchase for my birthday. My birthday is still a few weeks away but I’ve asked for money from family so that I could make this purchase. If all goes well it should be here next week and I will blog about this fantastic gift then.
The rest of the day was spent playing games with Shelby. Here are a few of the links to the games we played online… Mo Bike, Pinch Hitter, Jungle Hedgehog, Flight of the Hamsters (old school)
Day Off - Revisted
This morning we traveled to Indy to visit with the Pfohl’s at Riley Hospital for Children. Jeff is our Pastor of Outreach. Please keep their son Joseph in your prayers as the doctors continue to figure out how to best treat his mitochondrial disease.
After we visited and prayed with the Pfohl’s I took Shelby and Tammy to Circle Center Mall and we enjoyed visiting the Disney Store and eating at Chik-Fil-A.
On the way back from Indianapolis we stopped off in Muncie to pick up some supplies for our coffee shop at church (Higher Ground)
When we got back home I made a significant purchase for my birthday. My birthday is still a few weeks away but I’ve asked for money from family so that I could make this purchase. If all goes well it should be here next week and I will blog about this fantastic gift then.
The rest of the day was spent playing games with Shelby. Here are a few of the links to the games we played online… Mo Bike, Pinch Hitter, Jungle Hedgehog, Flight of the Hamsters (old school)
After we visited and prayed with the Pfohl’s I took Shelby and Tammy to Circle Center Mall and we enjoyed visiting the Disney Store and eating at Chik-Fil-A.
On the way back from Indianapolis we stopped off in Muncie to pick up some supplies for our coffee shop at church (Higher Ground)
When we got back home I made a significant purchase for my birthday. My birthday is still a few weeks away but I’ve asked for money from family so that I could make this purchase. If all goes well it should be here next week and I will blog about this fantastic gift then.
The rest of the day was spent playing games with Shelby. Here are a few of the links to the games we played online… Mo Bike, Pinch Hitter, Jungle Hedgehog, Flight of the Hamsters (old school)
Thursday, June 7, 2007
An Open Letter to Complainers
I’d like to address all other fellow negative whining complainers - I'm tired of our whining and complaining (I think that statement qualifies as complaining). God clearly instructs us to “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” Phil. 2:14. Somehow we just find ways to make ourselves miserable through negativity and complaining. And the thing we know is that this negativity and complaining doesn’t do any good, in fact we know many times it makes things worse.
Believe it or not our words reveal the condition of our heart. Jesus said this in Matthew 12:34, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” From a negative heart overflows negative words, which generally become negative actions, resulting in a miserable life. And when you’ve got a miserable life it just seems so much easier to have a heart filled with negativity… what a vicious cycle.
Here’s my encouragement fellow complainers, rather than zeroing in on all of the negative and on all the bad, put a spin on your outlook and find something to thank God for. Instead of complaining about what you don’t like, or don’t have, or wish were different, give thanks in all things. Live out what the Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:18
The fantastic truth is that if you change your words, your actions change, and if your actions change then your life will change…You can thank me latter =)
Believe it or not our words reveal the condition of our heart. Jesus said this in Matthew 12:34, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” From a negative heart overflows negative words, which generally become negative actions, resulting in a miserable life. And when you’ve got a miserable life it just seems so much easier to have a heart filled with negativity… what a vicious cycle.
Here’s my encouragement fellow complainers, rather than zeroing in on all of the negative and on all the bad, put a spin on your outlook and find something to thank God for. Instead of complaining about what you don’t like, or don’t have, or wish were different, give thanks in all things. Live out what the Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:18
The fantastic truth is that if you change your words, your actions change, and if your actions change then your life will change…You can thank me latter =)
An Open Letter to Complainers
I’d like to address all other fellow negative whining complainers - I'm tired of our whining and complaining (I think that statement qualifies as complaining). God clearly instructs us to “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” Phil. 2:14. Somehow we just find ways to make ourselves miserable through negativity and complaining. And the thing we know is that this negativity and complaining doesn’t do any good, in fact we know many times it makes things worse.
Believe it or not our words reveal the condition of our heart. Jesus said this in Matthew 12:34, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” From a negative heart overflows negative words, which generally become negative actions, resulting in a miserable life. And when you’ve got a miserable life it just seems so much easier to have a heart filled with negativity… what a vicious cycle.
Here’s my encouragement fellow complainers, rather than zeroing in on all of the negative and on all the bad, put a spin on your outlook and find something to thank God for. Instead of complaining about what you don’t like, or don’t have, or wish were different, give thanks in all things. Live out what the Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:18
The fantastic truth is that if you change your words, your actions change, and if your actions change then your life will change…You can thank me latter =)
Believe it or not our words reveal the condition of our heart. Jesus said this in Matthew 12:34, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” From a negative heart overflows negative words, which generally become negative actions, resulting in a miserable life. And when you’ve got a miserable life it just seems so much easier to have a heart filled with negativity… what a vicious cycle.
Here’s my encouragement fellow complainers, rather than zeroing in on all of the negative and on all the bad, put a spin on your outlook and find something to thank God for. Instead of complaining about what you don’t like, or don’t have, or wish were different, give thanks in all things. Live out what the Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:18
The fantastic truth is that if you change your words, your actions change, and if your actions change then your life will change…You can thank me latter =)
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
New Staff Members
I've got to pass along some great news. You are hearing it here first. This evening at our Business Meeting we approved hiring James & Tonya Pinkerton. I can't begin to tell you how excited I am. James will be our Youth Pastor and Tonya will be our new Children's Pastor. Tammy and I have known James and Tonya for almost 14 years now. Back in the day, we used to dream about doing ministry together; we had no idea that God would work things out like He has.
The Pinkerton's have been living in Escondido CA., near San Diego - (I think it's a God thing to have someone say they'd leave beautiful, sunny California to move to Farmland, Indiana.) God has been preparing the Pinkerton’s for these positions for many years now and they are anxious to get out here and begin ministering to our community. It looks like they may be here as early as July. I will be sure to fill you in and give you updates as we work on getting them out here.
I’d better stop blogging and give them a ring so they know that they have been approved to be hired – I told you were hearing it here first… Man it pays to read this blog.
The Pinkerton's have been living in Escondido CA., near San Diego - (I think it's a God thing to have someone say they'd leave beautiful, sunny California to move to Farmland, Indiana.) God has been preparing the Pinkerton’s for these positions for many years now and they are anxious to get out here and begin ministering to our community. It looks like they may be here as early as July. I will be sure to fill you in and give you updates as we work on getting them out here.
I’d better stop blogging and give them a ring so they know that they have been approved to be hired – I told you were hearing it here first… Man it pays to read this blog.
New Staff Members
I've got to pass along some great news. You are hearing it here first. This evening at our Business Meeting we approved hiring James & Tonya Pinkerton. I can't begin to tell you how excited I am. James will be our Youth Pastor and Tonya will be our new Children's Pastor. Tammy and I have known James and Tonya for almost 14 years now. Back in the day, we used to dream about doing ministry together; we had no idea that God would work things out like He has.
The Pinkerton's have been living in Escondido CA., near San Diego - (I think it's a God thing to have someone say they'd leave beautiful, sunny California to move to Farmland, Indiana.) God has been preparing the Pinkerton’s for these positions for many years now and they are anxious to get out here and begin ministering to our community. It looks like they may be here as early as July. I will be sure to fill you in and give you updates as we work on getting them out here.
I’d better stop blogging and give them a ring so they know that they have been approved to be hired – I told you were hearing it here first… Man it pays to read this blog.
The Pinkerton's have been living in Escondido CA., near San Diego - (I think it's a God thing to have someone say they'd leave beautiful, sunny California to move to Farmland, Indiana.) God has been preparing the Pinkerton’s for these positions for many years now and they are anxious to get out here and begin ministering to our community. It looks like they may be here as early as July. I will be sure to fill you in and give you updates as we work on getting them out here.
I’d better stop blogging and give them a ring so they know that they have been approved to be hired – I told you were hearing it here first… Man it pays to read this blog.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
What's on the IPod
Here is some of what is on my IPod:
Artists:
Blindside
Charlie Hall
Chris Tomlin
David Crowder
Hillsong
Kutless
Matt Redman
Passion Worship Band
Pillar
RED (Album - "End Of Silence" - great to lift weights to!)
P.O.D
Third Day
Thousand Foot Krutch
Tobymac (my new song for the start of summer - "Catchafire" (Whoopsi-Daisy), Shelby loves dancing to this song)
Podcasts:
Catalyst Podcast
Mars Hill Bible Church
NewSpring Church
North Point Ministries
PODRUNNER
TV Shows:
Disney's Little Einsteins
Handy Manny
Higglytown Heroes
My Friends Tigger & Pooh
(Obviously these are all mine and I don't let Shelby watch any of these :-)
Movies:
Tombstone ("Wyatt: Go ahead. Skin it. Skin that smoke wagon and see what happens."
"Doc: It seems poker’s just not your game, Ike. I know: let’s have a spelling contest."
Artists:
Blindside
Charlie Hall
Chris Tomlin
David Crowder
Hillsong
Kutless
Matt Redman
Passion Worship Band
Pillar
RED (Album - "End Of Silence" - great to lift weights to!)
P.O.D
Third Day
Thousand Foot Krutch
Tobymac (my new song for the start of summer - "Catchafire" (Whoopsi-Daisy), Shelby loves dancing to this song)
Podcasts:
Catalyst Podcast
Mars Hill Bible Church
NewSpring Church
North Point Ministries
PODRUNNER
TV Shows:
Disney's Little Einsteins
Handy Manny
Higglytown Heroes
My Friends Tigger & Pooh
(Obviously these are all mine and I don't let Shelby watch any of these :-)
Movies:
Tombstone ("Wyatt: Go ahead. Skin it. Skin that smoke wagon and see what happens."
"Doc: It seems poker’s just not your game, Ike. I know: let’s have a spelling contest."
What's on the IPod
Here is some of what is on my IPod:
Artists:
Blindside
Charlie Hall
Chris Tomlin
David Crowder
Hillsong
Kutless
Matt Redman
Passion Worship Band
Pillar
RED (Album - "End Of Silence" - great to lift weights to!)
P.O.D
Third Day
Thousand Foot Krutch
Tobymac (my new song for the start of summer - "Catchafire" (Whoopsi-Daisy), Shelby loves dancing to this song)
Podcasts:
Catalyst Podcast
Mars Hill Bible Church
NewSpring Church
North Point Ministries
PODRUNNER
TV Shows:
Disney's Little Einsteins
Handy Manny
Higglytown Heroes
My Friends Tigger & Pooh
(Obviously these are all mine and I don't let Shelby watch any of these :-)
Movies:
Tombstone ("Wyatt: Go ahead. Skin it. Skin that smoke wagon and see what happens."
"Doc: It seems poker’s just not your game, Ike. I know: let’s have a spelling contest."
Artists:
Blindside
Charlie Hall
Chris Tomlin
David Crowder
Hillsong
Kutless
Matt Redman
Passion Worship Band
Pillar
RED (Album - "End Of Silence" - great to lift weights to!)
P.O.D
Third Day
Thousand Foot Krutch
Tobymac (my new song for the start of summer - "Catchafire" (Whoopsi-Daisy), Shelby loves dancing to this song)
Podcasts:
Catalyst Podcast
Mars Hill Bible Church
NewSpring Church
North Point Ministries
PODRUNNER
TV Shows:
Disney's Little Einsteins
Handy Manny
Higglytown Heroes
My Friends Tigger & Pooh
(Obviously these are all mine and I don't let Shelby watch any of these :-)
Movies:
Tombstone ("Wyatt: Go ahead. Skin it. Skin that smoke wagon and see what happens."
"Doc: It seems poker’s just not your game, Ike. I know: let’s have a spelling contest."
Monday, June 4, 2007
New Prayer
Last weekend we were blessed to have one person in each of our services make a formal commitment to "come home" to God. As a congregation we celebrated with these three wonderful people and the decisions they made.
While I celebrate with those who have made their way back to God, I can't help but think that there were so many more who are far from God that need to return. Then I started to think, "What if everyone that was present had a great relationship with the Lord?" If that is the case then we are looking at a completely different problem - I'm preaching to a bunch of saved people. And that is a huge problem! Jesus said that He did not come for the healthy but for the sick. He came to seek and save the lost, not to keep tripping over the found. The mission of our church is to lead people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and develop a lasting relationship with God and fellow Christians. Yes, we want believers to grow in their relationship with Christ and other believers but we don't want to forget we have a mission to share Christ with those who are far from God.
So I have begun praying a new two-fold prayer, "God, soften the hearts of those that are far from you; and bring more sinners across our path."
While I celebrate with those who have made their way back to God, I can't help but think that there were so many more who are far from God that need to return. Then I started to think, "What if everyone that was present had a great relationship with the Lord?" If that is the case then we are looking at a completely different problem - I'm preaching to a bunch of saved people. And that is a huge problem! Jesus said that He did not come for the healthy but for the sick. He came to seek and save the lost, not to keep tripping over the found. The mission of our church is to lead people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and develop a lasting relationship with God and fellow Christians. Yes, we want believers to grow in their relationship with Christ and other believers but we don't want to forget we have a mission to share Christ with those who are far from God.
So I have begun praying a new two-fold prayer, "God, soften the hearts of those that are far from you; and bring more sinners across our path."
New Prayer
Last weekend we were blessed to have one person in each of our services make a formal commitment to "come home" to God. As a congregation we celebrated with these three wonderful people and the decisions they made.
While I celebrate with those who have made their way back to God, I can't help but think that there were so many more who are far from God that need to return. Then I started to think, "What if everyone that was present had a great relationship with the Lord?" If that is the case then we are looking at a completely different problem - I'm preaching to a bunch of saved people. And that is a huge problem! Jesus said that He did not come for the healthy but for the sick. He came to seek and save the lost, not to keep tripping over the found. The mission of our church is to lead people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and develop a lasting relationship with God and fellow Christians. Yes, we want believers to grow in their relationship with Christ and other believers but we don't want to forget we have a mission to share Christ with those who are far from God.
So I have begun praying a new two-fold prayer, "God, soften the hearts of those that are far from you; and bring more sinners across our path."
While I celebrate with those who have made their way back to God, I can't help but think that there were so many more who are far from God that need to return. Then I started to think, "What if everyone that was present had a great relationship with the Lord?" If that is the case then we are looking at a completely different problem - I'm preaching to a bunch of saved people. And that is a huge problem! Jesus said that He did not come for the healthy but for the sick. He came to seek and save the lost, not to keep tripping over the found. The mission of our church is to lead people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and develop a lasting relationship with God and fellow Christians. Yes, we want believers to grow in their relationship with Christ and other believers but we don't want to forget we have a mission to share Christ with those who are far from God.
So I have begun praying a new two-fold prayer, "God, soften the hearts of those that are far from you; and bring more sinners across our path."
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Prodigals
Today was the last message in our series “Parenthood”. I spoke about children/loved ones who are prodigals and are running away from God. This message really struck a chord with a number of people. I had many parents come up to me and share their heartache regarding their children who are distant from God.
I think one of the most encouraging things I shared was that God understands parental pain. There’s no one who understands better what it’s like to hurt as a parent than God. If there is anyone who is perfect, it is God, the perfect Father, and He took Adam and Eve and He put them in the perfect environment, Paradise, He gave them everything. He said to them, “There’s only one rule, eat from any tree you want, but just don’t eat from that one." He gave them a simple rule, and what happened? They rebelled against that one rule; a perfect Father with rebellious children. Think about the nation of Israel, God’s chosen nation, His own children. Over and over again God blessed the nation of Israel, and what did His children do? They continued to rebel and turn from their perfect Heavenly Father.
The point is, even if you are a perfect parent it is possible that your child could become rebellious. Sure, parents have a major influence in their children’s lives, but just like we can’t take all the credit when they turn out great, we also can’t take all the blame when they struggle. God is ultimately the One who helps them turn out great, and God is ultimately the One that can bring them out of the trouble that they’re in. So our prayer becomes “God do whatever it takes to bring our children back to you.”
I think one of the most encouraging things I shared was that God understands parental pain. There’s no one who understands better what it’s like to hurt as a parent than God. If there is anyone who is perfect, it is God, the perfect Father, and He took Adam and Eve and He put them in the perfect environment, Paradise, He gave them everything. He said to them, “There’s only one rule, eat from any tree you want, but just don’t eat from that one." He gave them a simple rule, and what happened? They rebelled against that one rule; a perfect Father with rebellious children. Think about the nation of Israel, God’s chosen nation, His own children. Over and over again God blessed the nation of Israel, and what did His children do? They continued to rebel and turn from their perfect Heavenly Father.
The point is, even if you are a perfect parent it is possible that your child could become rebellious. Sure, parents have a major influence in their children’s lives, but just like we can’t take all the credit when they turn out great, we also can’t take all the blame when they struggle. God is ultimately the One who helps them turn out great, and God is ultimately the One that can bring them out of the trouble that they’re in. So our prayer becomes “God do whatever it takes to bring our children back to you.”
Prodigals
Today was the last message in our series “Parenthood”. I spoke about children/loved ones who are prodigals and are running away from God. This message really struck a chord with a number of people. I had many parents come up to me and share their heartache regarding their children who are distant from God.
I think one of the most encouraging things I shared was that God understands parental pain. There’s no one who understands better what it’s like to hurt as a parent than God. If there is anyone who is perfect, it is God, the perfect Father, and He took Adam and Eve and He put them in the perfect environment, Paradise, He gave them everything. He said to them, “There’s only one rule, eat from any tree you want, but just don’t eat from that one." He gave them a simple rule, and what happened? They rebelled against that one rule; a perfect Father with rebellious children. Think about the nation of Israel, God’s chosen nation, His own children. Over and over again God blessed the nation of Israel, and what did His children do? They continued to rebel and turn from their perfect Heavenly Father.
The point is, even if you are a perfect parent it is possible that your child could become rebellious. Sure, parents have a major influence in their children’s lives, but just like we can’t take all the credit when they turn out great, we also can’t take all the blame when they struggle. God is ultimately the One who helps them turn out great, and God is ultimately the One that can bring them out of the trouble that they’re in. So our prayer becomes “God do whatever it takes to bring our children back to you.”
I think one of the most encouraging things I shared was that God understands parental pain. There’s no one who understands better what it’s like to hurt as a parent than God. If there is anyone who is perfect, it is God, the perfect Father, and He took Adam and Eve and He put them in the perfect environment, Paradise, He gave them everything. He said to them, “There’s only one rule, eat from any tree you want, but just don’t eat from that one." He gave them a simple rule, and what happened? They rebelled against that one rule; a perfect Father with rebellious children. Think about the nation of Israel, God’s chosen nation, His own children. Over and over again God blessed the nation of Israel, and what did His children do? They continued to rebel and turn from their perfect Heavenly Father.
The point is, even if you are a perfect parent it is possible that your child could become rebellious. Sure, parents have a major influence in their children’s lives, but just like we can’t take all the credit when they turn out great, we also can’t take all the blame when they struggle. God is ultimately the One who helps them turn out great, and God is ultimately the One that can bring them out of the trouble that they’re in. So our prayer becomes “God do whatever it takes to bring our children back to you.”
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Changed Lives
Ministry can be rough some days. There are seasons of ministry that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. The stress is unlike any other - however there are moments that are just so sweet. Tonight at our Saturday night service we had a young man decide to stop running from God and "return home". Seeing a life changed by the power of Christ makes it all worth it!!
I'm confident that God will continue to speak to people this weekend at FFC and their lives will be forever changed by Him.
I'm confident that God will continue to speak to people this weekend at FFC and their lives will be forever changed by Him.
Changed Lives
Ministry can be rough some days. There are seasons of ministry that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. The stress is unlike any other - however there are moments that are just so sweet. Tonight at our Saturday night service we had a young man decide to stop running from God and "return home". Seeing a life changed by the power of Christ makes it all worth it!!
I'm confident that God will continue to speak to people this weekend at FFC and their lives will be forever changed by Him.
I'm confident that God will continue to speak to people this weekend at FFC and their lives will be forever changed by Him.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Fridays Rock but I'm Sore
I love Fridays! Fridays are my day off. Today I took Tammy and Shelby to their favorite restaurant, Panera; we then picked up supplies for the coffee shop at church, and a gift for a bridal shower. When we got home around 3 p.m. I started spreading some mulch that we had delivered today. We ordered 8 yards of mulch (doesn't sound like much until you start shoveling it and spreading it). I must have spread about 4 or 5 yards this evening. Tomorrow is going to be rough because I'm already sore tonight. Thank God for ibuprofen!
This evening I checked the blog and found this comment. You've got to love moms :-)
This evening I checked the blog and found this comment. You've got to love moms :-)
Fridays Rock but I'm Sore
I love Fridays! Fridays are my day off. Today I took Tammy and Shelby to their favorite restaurant, Panera; we then picked up supplies for the coffee shop at church, and a gift for a bridal shower. When we got home around 3 p.m. I started spreading some mulch that we had delivered today. We ordered 8 yards of mulch (doesn't sound like much until you start shoveling it and spreading it). I must have spread about 4 or 5 yards this evening. Tomorrow is going to be rough because I'm already sore tonight. Thank God for ibuprofen!
This evening I checked the blog and found this comment. You've got to love moms :-)
This evening I checked the blog and found this comment. You've got to love moms :-)
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