1000th Post

It seems like the whole world is celebrating my 1000th blog post today. They will be dropping a ball in Times Square, Bethlehem, PA will be dropping a 25 pound fiberglass peep, millions of couples will kiss at midnight, not to mention the numerous parties. Thanks for being a part of changeisgood4u.com... oh yeah, Happy New Year too. 

1000th Post

It seems like the whole world is celebrating my 1000th blog post today. They will be dropping a ball in Times Square, Bethlehem, PA will be dropping a 25 pound fiberglass peep, millions of couples will kiss at midnight, not to mention the numerous parties. Thanks for being a part of changeisgood4u.com... oh yeah, Happy New Year too. 

2009 Prediction

Every year about this time folks start pumping out predictions for the new year; my prediction for 2009 is basically the sames as we saw in 2008 and all other years. I predict that the majority of people will: love themselves more than others, they will be boastful, brutal, conceited, unforgiving and lacking self-control. You can call me "negative" if you like, but I prefer the term: "realist"... 

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." 2 Timothy 3:1-5

The good news is there will still be a minority of people who will: love others more than themselves, walk humbly, live peacefully, be forgiving, and self controlled.

I also predict that we will be one more day and one more year closer to the Lord's return!

"First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:3-9

2009 Prediction

Every year about this time folks start pumping out predictions for the new year; my prediction for 2009 is basically the sames as we saw in 2008 and all other years. I predict that the majority of people will: love themselves more than others, they will be boastful, brutal, conceited, unforgiving and lacking self-control. You can call me "negative" if you like, but I prefer the term: "realist"... 

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." 2 Timothy 3:1-5

The good news is there will still be a minority of people who will: love others more than themselves, walk humbly, live peacefully, be forgiving, and self controlled.

I also predict that we will be one more day and one more year closer to the Lord's return!

"First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:3-9

Short Love Story In Stop Motion

I know you "creative types" will love this one... I did -

A SHORT LOVE STORY IN STOP MOTION from Carlos Lascano on Vimeo.

HT: Motionhouse

Short Love Story In Stop Motion

I know you "creative types" will love this one... I did -

A SHORT LOVE STORY IN STOP MOTION from Carlos Lascano on Vimeo.

HT: Motionhouse

How To Determine A Leader

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader. "

John Quincy Adams

How To Determine A Leader

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader. "

John Quincy Adams

Theological Terms Of The Day

Baptism

An immersion or sprinkling of water that signifies one's identification with a belief or cause. In Christianity it is the believer's identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Rom. 6:4-54). It is done in the name and authority (Acts 4:7) of Christ with the baptismal formula of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). It does not save us (1 Pet. 3:21). However, it is our obligation, as believers, to receive it. Some maintain that baptism is necessary for salvation. It is not.

Apostasy

The falling away from the faith. It is a revolt against the truth of God’s word by a believer. It can also describe a group or church organization that has "fallen away" from the truths of Christianity as revealed in the Bible.

Sola Scriptura

The teaching that the Scriptures contain all that is necessary for salvation and proper living before God.

Subjectivism

The teaching that the individual is the source and judge of all religious knowledge based upon his own knowledge and experience.

Source: carm.org

Theological Terms Of The Day

Baptism

An immersion or sprinkling of water that signifies one's identification with a belief or cause. In Christianity it is the believer's identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Rom. 6:4-54). It is done in the name and authority (Acts 4:7) of Christ with the baptismal formula of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). It does not save us (1 Pet. 3:21). However, it is our obligation, as believers, to receive it. Some maintain that baptism is necessary for salvation. It is not.

Apostasy

The falling away from the faith. It is a revolt against the truth of God’s word by a believer. It can also describe a group or church organization that has "fallen away" from the truths of Christianity as revealed in the Bible.

Sola Scriptura

The teaching that the Scriptures contain all that is necessary for salvation and proper living before God.

Subjectivism

The teaching that the individual is the source and judge of all religious knowledge based upon his own knowledge and experience.

Source: carm.org

Cracks Me Up

Cracks Me Up

An Abundant Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you have had a great day spending time with family and enjoying one another's company. Every Christmas I marvel at just how blessed so many of us are in the United States. I started thinking as I was carving up our 12 pound turkey, (for just the 3 of us in my family), just how blessed I am. FYI: I am a terrible turkey carver and there was a lot of meat left on that bird. As I looked at how much meat I had already taken off and how much was left, my mind went to, Lillian, the little girl that we sponsor in Uganda, through Compassion. I wondered what her Christmas was like today. Did she have a meal like I did: turkey, potatoes,corn stuffing, bread, pie, cookies, etc.  I began to imagine what millions of hungry people around this world would think if they saw how much abundance I had, and how much turkey I was simply throwing out. I thought of all the gifts we had just unwrapped and all of the gifts that we had purchased for others, and once again I was amazed at how rich we are compared to so many others in this world. 

I mention this not to create a feeling of guilt in you on Christmas, but to remind you to be thankful for the gifts that God has given us: salvation through Christ, food, warm homes, clothes, family, safety, transportation, breath in our lungs, etc. When I gave Shelby her gifts this morning my intention was not for her to feel guilty but to feel grateful. When God has blessed us with so many wonderful things in our life He has done so not so that we would feel guilty but grateful. And out of this blessing of abundance comes a responsibility to manage what we have well, and not to be selfish but to reflect the image of our Heavenly Father and to be givers. 2 Cor. 9-10-12  Prov. 22:9

An Abundant Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you have had a great day spending time with family and enjoying one another's company. Every Christmas I marvel at just how blessed so many of us are in the United States. I started thinking as I was carving up our 12 pound turkey, (for just the 3 of us in my family), just how blessed I am. FYI: I am a terrible turkey carver and there was a lot of meat left on that bird. As I looked at how much meat I had already taken off and how much was left, my mind went to, Lillian, the little girl that we sponsor in Uganda, through Compassion. I wondered what her Christmas was like today. Did she have a meal like I did: turkey, potatoes,corn stuffing, bread, pie, cookies, etc.  I began to imagine what millions of hungry people around this world would think if they saw how much abundance I had, and how much turkey I was simply throwing out. I thought of all the gifts we had just unwrapped and all of the gifts that we had purchased for others, and once again I was amazed at how rich we are compared to so many others in this world. 

I mention this not to create a feeling of guilt in you on Christmas, but to remind you to be thankful for the gifts that God has given us: salvation through Christ, food, warm homes, clothes, family, safety, transportation, breath in our lungs, etc. When I gave Shelby her gifts this morning my intention was not for her to feel guilty but to feel grateful. When God has blessed us with so many wonderful things in our life He has done so not so that we would feel guilty but grateful. And out of this blessing of abundance comes a responsibility to manage what we have well, and not to be selfish but to reflect the image of our Heavenly Father and to be givers. 2 Cor. 9-10-12  Prov. 22:9

New Blogger On The Block

Swing by and say "hey" to another FFC blogger... Angel Silvers.

New Blogger On The Block

Swing by and say "hey" to another FFC blogger... Angel Silvers.

Christmas Eve Communion/Candlelight Service

This evening we had our 3rd annual Christmas Eve service. For years I didn't feel the need to do a Christmas Eve service; I try very hard not under program or over program our church. So the thought of having a formal service on a night when we encourage families to be together, didn't really thrill me. That changed 3 years ago when I really sensed that God was asking me to conduct a Christmas Eve. Our mission as a church is to lead people to Christ and Christmas Eve gives us the opportunity to share Christ with a number of people that may not normally attend church.

Slowly but surely the momentum of our services have been building. The first year we had around 50 people show up; last year we had 100, this year we had 270 for our communion/candlelight service. It was great seeing so many people I recognized and so many faces that I didn't recognize. The end of the service was beautiful - 270 candles can really light up a dark room!

Christmas Eve Communion/Candlelight Service

This evening we had our 3rd annual Christmas Eve service. For years I didn't feel the need to do a Christmas Eve service; I try very hard not under program or over program our church. So the thought of having a formal service on a night when we encourage families to be together, didn't really thrill me. That changed 3 years ago when I really sensed that God was asking me to conduct a Christmas Eve. Our mission as a church is to lead people to Christ and Christmas Eve gives us the opportunity to share Christ with a number of people that may not normally attend church.

Slowly but surely the momentum of our services have been building. The first year we had around 50 people show up; last year we had 100, this year we had 270 for our communion/candlelight service. It was great seeing so many people I recognized and so many faces that I didn't recognize. The end of the service was beautiful - 270 candles can really light up a dark room!

Christmas Eve Plans

I think I lost a day somewhere this week; I can't believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve! Tomorrow morning we will be heading south of Indianapolis to spend some time with my parents and my sister's family. In the afternoon we will make the 2 hour trek back up north so I can prepare for our Christmas Eve service at 7PM. (FFC peeps you won't want to miss this communion and candlelight service - invite your friends and family) I'm praying that the temperature warms up a bit so that this ice begins to melt, otherwise our 2 hour trip will turn into a 4 hour nightmare.

Will you and your family be traveling Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? 

Christmas Eve Plans

I think I lost a day somewhere this week; I can't believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve! Tomorrow morning we will be heading south of Indianapolis to spend some time with my parents and my sister's family. In the afternoon we will make the 2 hour trek back up north so I can prepare for our Christmas Eve service at 7PM. (FFC peeps you won't want to miss this communion and candlelight service - invite your friends and family) I'm praying that the temperature warms up a bit so that this ice begins to melt, otherwise our 2 hour trip will turn into a 4 hour nightmare.

Will you and your family be traveling Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? 

Surprise Santa Visit

Santa paid Shelby a surprise visit the other night. 

You can go HERE to see the clip from last year.

Surprise Santa Visit

Santa paid Shelby a surprise visit the other night. 

You can go HERE to see the clip from last year.

Update

We are having Internet issues at home, so I will need to do my blogging etc. from the church. 

I'm sitting in  our coffee shop at church blogging; I love the atmosphere in this place. 

Don't forget about the Christmas Eve service at 7 PM. It will be a communion and candlelight service that you won't want to miss.

Santa paid us a visit last night and if I get some time this afternoon I will post that video to the blog.

I think all of our Christmas shopping is done for this year. 

We have a digital temperature gauge at our house, I checked the temp before bed last night and it read .3 degrees this morning it was 1.4 degrees - that is without factoring in wind chill. Tammy and I have a little saying when it gets cold like that here in Indiana, we say, "It's 'Iowa cold' outside". 

Update

We are having Internet issues at home, so I will need to do my blogging etc. from the church. 

I'm sitting in  our coffee shop at church blogging; I love the atmosphere in this place. 

Don't forget about the Christmas Eve service at 7 PM. It will be a communion and candlelight service that you won't want to miss.

Santa paid us a visit last night and if I get some time this afternoon I will post that video to the blog.

I think all of our Christmas shopping is done for this year. 

We have a digital temperature gauge at our house, I checked the temp before bed last night and it read .3 degrees this morning it was 1.4 degrees - that is without factoring in wind chill. Tammy and I have a little saying when it gets cold like that here in Indiana, we say, "It's 'Iowa cold' outside". 

'Tis The Season

Tomorrow at church we are going to do something a little bit different. The sermon is titled 'Tis the Season... for a Silent Night; rather than trying to do a song and dance to get everyone's attention, we will bring it down a notch. 

I wrestled for months about what to preach about on the Sunday before Christmas. Obviously we will talk about the birth of Christ, but there is always so much pressure about doing it in such a way as to get everyone's attention. The difficult thing is getting people's attention in our culture; there is so much NOISE: texting, emailing, phone calls, commercials, billboards, songs, television shows, movies, conversations, etc...

This year, I quit, I refuse to try out-scream the world. I think I will let God speak for Himself this year. Hope to see you tomorrow morning at FFC. 

'Tis The Season

Tomorrow at church we are going to do something a little bit different. The sermon is titled 'Tis the Season... for a Silent Night; rather than trying to do a song and dance to get everyone's attention, we will bring it down a notch. 

I wrestled for months about what to preach about on the Sunday before Christmas. Obviously we will talk about the birth of Christ, but there is always so much pressure about doing it in such a way as to get everyone's attention. The difficult thing is getting people's attention in our culture; there is so much NOISE: texting, emailing, phone calls, commercials, billboards, songs, television shows, movies, conversations, etc...

This year, I quit, I refuse to try out-scream the world. I think I will let God speak for Himself this year. Hope to see you tomorrow morning at FFC. 

I Sure Am Special

I Sure Am Special

Staff/Volunteer Christmas Party 2008

Staff/Volunteer Christmas Party 2008

Staff & Volunteer Christmas Party

Tomorrow is our annual staff Christmas party; this year we are expanding it, and we have invited a number of volunteers to join us for snacks and soup throughout the day. Judging by the amount of baking going on at my house and considering that several others are cooking and baking I have a feeling we will have plenty of yummy food to go around; so pop in and say "hi" if you are in our neck of the woods.

I'm fortunate that I get to work with a great team of people that love the Lord and give their all to the kingdom. Thank you FFC staff and volunteers for all that you do! See you at the shin dig at the church beginning at 11AM and lasting well into the evening.

Staff & Volunteer Christmas Party

Tomorrow is our annual staff Christmas party; this year we are expanding it, and we have invited a number of volunteers to join us for snacks and soup throughout the day. Judging by the amount of baking going on at my house and considering that several others are cooking and baking I have a feeling we will have plenty of yummy food to go around; so pop in and say "hi" if you are in our neck of the woods.

I'm fortunate that I get to work with a great team of people that love the Lord and give their all to the kingdom. Thank you FFC staff and volunteers for all that you do! See you at the shin dig at the church beginning at 11AM and lasting well into the evening.

Theological Term Of The Day

Ecclesiology

The study of the Christian church, its structure, order, practices, and hierarchy.

Bonus term...

Hamartiology 

The study of the doctrine of sin.

Bonus bonus term (your lucky day)

Egalitarianism

"in the context of the Christian church is the teaching that all people, both men and women, are to be treated as equal and that women are to share all offices within the church equally with men.  This position would hold that women could be pastors, elders, bishops, etc., and that male headship in the church and the family is invalid." (from carm.org)

Theological Term Of The Day

Ecclesiology

The study of the Christian church, its structure, order, practices, and hierarchy.

Bonus term...

Hamartiology 

The study of the doctrine of sin.

Bonus bonus term (your lucky day)

Egalitarianism

"in the context of the Christian church is the teaching that all people, both men and women, are to be treated as equal and that women are to share all offices within the church equally with men.  This position would hold that women could be pastors, elders, bishops, etc., and that male headship in the church and the family is invalid." (from carm.org)

Politically Correct Christmas

Sticking with my trend of Christmas craziness...

Politically Correct Christmas

Sticking with my trend of Christmas craziness...

More Christmas Craziness

On the way home in the car tonight I heard on the radio that there is a town/city (don't know where I didn't hear that part) that has a Christmas nativity display but in order to be politically correct they have a Hindu snowman, a Chinese dragon, etc., etc. They wanted to point out that other religions can celebrate Christmas. 

Again, seriously?!

All people from all nations can celebrate Christmas and recognize Jesus' birth as God come to earth. But other religions don't recognize that Jesus is God come to earth. 

More Christmas Craziness

On the way home in the car tonight I heard on the radio that there is a town/city (don't know where I didn't hear that part) that has a Christmas nativity display but in order to be politically correct they have a Hindu snowman, a Chinese dragon, etc., etc. They wanted to point out that other religions can celebrate Christmas. 

Again, seriously?!

All people from all nations can celebrate Christmas and recognize Jesus' birth as God come to earth. But other religions don't recognize that Jesus is God come to earth. 

Rudolph & Santa Are Too Religious

Seriously!?

Rudolph & Santa Are Too Religious

Seriously!?

'Tis The Season

Below is something that I will be sharing in the message tomorrow at church. This title of the message is 'Tis the Season... to Receive a Gift...

It is so hard to believe that God would give us a gift as great as grace and not expect us to pay Him back. It’s hard to imagine He’d send us His Son to be born and then give His life for us. 

People will spend their whole lives just trying to repay Him for the gift of salvation. People will try to work and work for their salvation when that is not what God wants. He wants for us to simply receive the gift and not feel that we have to work for it.

'Tis The Season

Below is something that I will be sharing in the message tomorrow at church. This title of the message is 'Tis the Season... to Receive a Gift...

It is so hard to believe that God would give us a gift as great as grace and not expect us to pay Him back. It’s hard to imagine He’d send us His Son to be born and then give His life for us. 

People will spend their whole lives just trying to repay Him for the gift of salvation. People will try to work and work for their salvation when that is not what God wants. He wants for us to simply receive the gift and not feel that we have to work for it.

Theology Talk

I've been having some great theological discussions with some folks close to me and we are using words like: predestined, elected, chosen, sovereignty, free will, liberty, reformed, Calvin, Arminian, Open Theism, TULIP, grace, love, salvation, etc., etc. We've discussed verses like this...

Romans 9:9, "For this was how the promise was stated: "At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son." 10 Not only that, but Rebekah's children had one and the same father, our father Isaac. 11Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God's purpose in election might stand: 12not by works but by him who calls—she was told, "The older will serve the younger." 13Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."14What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 16It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. 17For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." 18Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. 19One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?" 20But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' " 21Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? 22What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory.

Romans 8:28-30, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Ephesians1:4-6, For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

Ephesians 1:11-12, In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

2 Peter 3:9, The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Theology Talk

I've been having some great theological discussions with some folks close to me and we are using words like: predestined, elected, chosen, sovereignty, free will, liberty, reformed, Calvin, Arminian, Open Theism, TULIP, grace, love, salvation, etc., etc. We've discussed verses like this...

Romans 9:9, "For this was how the promise was stated: "At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son." 10 Not only that, but Rebekah's children had one and the same father, our father Isaac. 11Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God's purpose in election might stand: 12not by works but by him who calls—she was told, "The older will serve the younger." 13Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."14What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 16It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. 17For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." 18Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. 19One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?" 20But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' " 21Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? 22What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory.

Romans 8:28-30, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Ephesians1:4-6, For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

Ephesians 1:11-12, In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

2 Peter 3:9, The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Farewell Shelby Fish

Unfortunately we lost a member of our family yesterday morning. Shelby's little fish that she has had for a year and a half died. (Here is a post with some background information on "Shelby Fish"). 

Tammy was the one who, once again, discovered the fish dead in the morning and woke me up to play undertaker. We weren't quite sure how to break the news to Shelby because this was her last living fish, and it bared her name. When the news was shared with her, she began to cry and held on to her mommy, I went to comfort Shelby and ask her if she wanted to have a little funeral for her fish and Shelby informed me that she really "just needed a little alone time right now." 

So daddy gave Shelby some space and performed the "funeral" for Shelby Fish by himself. I think it was a good thing that we didn't have a funeral for the fish because it had gotten so big there was no way it was going to have a "burial at sea"; and I wasn't prepared to go out and dig a little hole in the frozen ground.  

So long Shelby Fish; thank you for the sermon illustration, thank you for the entertainment, thank you for giving me something to blog about, and thank you for helping my daughter experience the joys and pain that life brings.

Farewell Shelby Fish

Unfortunately we lost a member of our family yesterday morning. Shelby's little fish that she has had for a year and a half died. (Here is a post with some background information on "Shelby Fish"). 

Tammy was the one who, once again, discovered the fish dead in the morning and woke me up to play undertaker. We weren't quite sure how to break the news to Shelby because this was her last living fish, and it bared her name. When the news was shared with her, she began to cry and held on to her mommy, I went to comfort Shelby and ask her if she wanted to have a little funeral for her fish and Shelby informed me that she really "just needed a little alone time right now." 

So daddy gave Shelby some space and performed the "funeral" for Shelby Fish by himself. I think it was a good thing that we didn't have a funeral for the fish because it had gotten so big there was no way it was going to have a "burial at sea"; and I wasn't prepared to go out and dig a little hole in the frozen ground.  

So long Shelby Fish; thank you for the sermon illustration, thank you for the entertainment, thank you for giving me something to blog about, and thank you for helping my daughter experience the joys and pain that life brings.

Our Numbers At Church

I don't talk about numbers much on this blog in regard to our church. I don't share our attendance numbers or speak a lot about church growth or talk about our offerings. But there are times when I love to brag about numbers as it relates to our church family at FFC. I would like to share with you some numbers that I get pumped about. The following is a portion of what our Pastor of Administration, Marggy Hensley, shared in her newsletter article this month:

"Monthly we support 13 missionaries in 12 countries. We have sponsored 71 Compassion International Children, given 117 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, served 29 meals to the homeless through Christian Ministries and the Muncie Mission, assisted approximately 110 families through our food pantry, our youth have given eight Thanksgiving good baskets and (we) have fed our community about 320 chicken noodle dinners..."

I like that, that's tangible. I like it not because we can pat ourselves on the back, but so that we can measure our impact for the glory of our God. Those numbers speak of our love; love not for ourselves, but for our God and our neighbor. Keep up the great work FFC!

Our Numbers At Church

I don't talk about numbers much on this blog in regard to our church. I don't share our attendance numbers or speak a lot about church growth or talk about our offerings. But there are times when I love to brag about numbers as it relates to our church family at FFC. I would like to share with you some numbers that I get pumped about. The following is a portion of what our Pastor of Administration, Marggy Hensley, shared in her newsletter article this month:

"Monthly we support 13 missionaries in 12 countries. We have sponsored 71 Compassion International Children, given 117 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, served 29 meals to the homeless through Christian Ministries and the Muncie Mission, assisted approximately 110 families through our food pantry, our youth have given eight Thanksgiving good baskets and (we) have fed our community about 320 chicken noodle dinners..."

I like that, that's tangible. I like it not because we can pat ourselves on the back, but so that we can measure our impact for the glory of our God. Those numbers speak of our love; love not for ourselves, but for our God and our neighbor. Keep up the great work FFC!

Sacred

Again, I just have to post this as a reminder to myself. This was from Scott Hodge's blog this morning...

The only thing that is sacred is the mission.

The programs aren't sacred.
The methods aren't sacred.
The ministries aren't sacred.
The service times aren't sacred.
The communication style isn't sacred.
The committees aren't sacred.
The bylaws aren't sacred.
The denomination isn't sacred.
The style of music isn't sacred.
The color of carpet isn't sacred.
The font that's used on in the bulletin isn't sacred.

Sometimes we just need to be reminded.

Sacred

Again, I just have to post this as a reminder to myself. This was from Scott Hodge's blog this morning...

The only thing that is sacred is the mission.

The programs aren't sacred.
The methods aren't sacred.
The ministries aren't sacred.
The service times aren't sacred.
The communication style isn't sacred.
The committees aren't sacred.
The bylaws aren't sacred.
The denomination isn't sacred.
The style of music isn't sacred.
The color of carpet isn't sacred.
The font that's used on in the bulletin isn't sacred.

Sometimes we just need to be reminded.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

This brought me a little bit of joy today...

Happy Happy Joy Joy

This brought me a little bit of joy today...

You're Full Of Pride & Arrogance Pastor

I've got to post this as a reminder to myself. This was from Perry Noble's blog this morning. 

I know lots of church planters/pastors read this blog…and so this week I want to hit five arguments that I believe are absolutely meaningless to be involved in because…you just can’t win them–ever.

These are arguments that will ALWAYS exist in your church…but you should not waste your time with them (mainly because of WHO is voicing the concern and not the actual concern itself…another post, another time!)

#1 - You Are Full Of Pride & Arrogance

Let me be very clear about this…you have GOT to have people in your life who…

• Love Jesus
• Love the church
• Love you

AND they need to be in that order!  We need men and women who have permission and feel the freedom to step into our lives and confront/rebuke us when necessary.  Scripture is clear that God HATES pride…and so we should invite the correction of people who love us enough to tell the truth.

HOWEVER, what I have discovered is that the overwhelming majority of the time I have personally heard this accusation it comes at a time where I cast strong vision as to the direction of the church…and some people just aren’t able to deal with it.

Make no mistake…a confident leader will ALWAYS be perceived by those who do not like the direction the leader is taking the church as “prideful.”  Telling someone they are full of pride is the “silver bullet” if you will of a critic because…you CANNOT refute them–you just can’t!!!

I personally think one of the problems that dominates our churches today are leaders who are just not confident, spend no time with God and receive their direction from impotent “leaders” in the church who can’t actually lead in the real world…so they FLOCK to the only place that will allow them to have a voice–the church.  And…they understand how to play the game…once you are there for a while…they will make you the “leader” by default!

I’ve seen this in action…these people many times (not in all cases) do not actually have a passion and a vision for the church…they simply want to see how fast they can complete the meeting and, by faith, increase the budget by 3% for the upcoming year.

And…when these people are not personally catered to…then you are considered to be full of pride.

What is even GREATER is when people who don’t even attend your church begin to shoot you emails that spell out God’s direction for your church…and when you refuse to listen to them they say you are “full of pride.”

Pastors - our PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY is to be faithful to God, to allow Him to place a white hot passion inside of us, to be CONSUMED with what consumes Him…and then to walk in COMPLETE and TOTAL obedience–PERIOD.

WHEN you do this…people will accuse you of being prideful because, unfortunately, the church for the most part just isn’t used to a confident leader!

BUT…make sure you have the right people around you, the ones who will speak TRUTH and tell you what you NEED to hear rather than what you WANT to hear…get your vision and direction from God…and then be unapologetic in your pursuit of what He reveals!

And…when the crowd begins to use the “pride” card…you will KNOW that you are sticking to your vision rather than becoming a “paid servant” of the “committee on committees!”

You're Full Of Pride & Arrogance Pastor

I've got to post this as a reminder to myself. This was from Perry Noble's blog this morning. 

I know lots of church planters/pastors read this blog…and so this week I want to hit five arguments that I believe are absolutely meaningless to be involved in because…you just can’t win them–ever.

These are arguments that will ALWAYS exist in your church…but you should not waste your time with them (mainly because of WHO is voicing the concern and not the actual concern itself…another post, another time!)

#1 - You Are Full Of Pride & Arrogance

Let me be very clear about this…you have GOT to have people in your life who…

• Love Jesus
• Love the church
• Love you

AND they need to be in that order!  We need men and women who have permission and feel the freedom to step into our lives and confront/rebuke us when necessary.  Scripture is clear that God HATES pride…and so we should invite the correction of people who love us enough to tell the truth.

HOWEVER, what I have discovered is that the overwhelming majority of the time I have personally heard this accusation it comes at a time where I cast strong vision as to the direction of the church…and some people just aren’t able to deal with it.

Make no mistake…a confident leader will ALWAYS be perceived by those who do not like the direction the leader is taking the church as “prideful.”  Telling someone they are full of pride is the “silver bullet” if you will of a critic because…you CANNOT refute them–you just can’t!!!

I personally think one of the problems that dominates our churches today are leaders who are just not confident, spend no time with God and receive their direction from impotent “leaders” in the church who can’t actually lead in the real world…so they FLOCK to the only place that will allow them to have a voice–the church.  And…they understand how to play the game…once you are there for a while…they will make you the “leader” by default!

I’ve seen this in action…these people many times (not in all cases) do not actually have a passion and a vision for the church…they simply want to see how fast they can complete the meeting and, by faith, increase the budget by 3% for the upcoming year.

And…when these people are not personally catered to…then you are considered to be full of pride.

What is even GREATER is when people who don’t even attend your church begin to shoot you emails that spell out God’s direction for your church…and when you refuse to listen to them they say you are “full of pride.”

Pastors - our PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY is to be faithful to God, to allow Him to place a white hot passion inside of us, to be CONSUMED with what consumes Him…and then to walk in COMPLETE and TOTAL obedience–PERIOD.

WHEN you do this…people will accuse you of being prideful because, unfortunately, the church for the most part just isn’t used to a confident leader!

BUT…make sure you have the right people around you, the ones who will speak TRUTH and tell you what you NEED to hear rather than what you WANT to hear…get your vision and direction from God…and then be unapologetic in your pursuit of what He reveals!

And…when the crowd begins to use the “pride” card…you will KNOW that you are sticking to your vision rather than becoming a “paid servant” of the “committee on committees!”

I'd Change The Tire With My Teeth

Today I had the honor of changing my wife's flat tire. I really really really didn't want to leave my office to go up town and change her tire in the cold and the rain. However, there was a moment that made it all worth it. After taking out the spare tire, taking out the jack and other tools, getting rained on, after jacking the car up, freezing, taking off the lug nuts, removing the tire, freezing, putting on the new tire, getting soaked, putting everything away, freezing, after all of that, Tammy said to me, "Good job". And she meant it; it wasn't a "Good job, at least I didn't have to get cold and change the tire." She really meant I did a good job at changing the tire; she may have assumed I was going to mess it up somehow. But the pain of changing the tire was removed by my wife telling me, sincerely, "Good job". 

There is just something very powerful for a man when our wives compliment our work. I love it. I'd change the tire with my teeth if I knew my wife would be proud of me. Married ladies, this tip is for free, sincerely compliment your husbands and you will be amazed at what kind of man they become.

I'd Change The Tire With My Teeth

Today I had the honor of changing my wife's flat tire. I really really really didn't want to leave my office to go up town and change her tire in the cold and the rain. However, there was a moment that made it all worth it. After taking out the spare tire, taking out the jack and other tools, getting rained on, after jacking the car up, freezing, taking off the lug nuts, removing the tire, freezing, putting on the new tire, getting soaked, putting everything away, freezing, after all of that, Tammy said to me, "Good job". And she meant it; it wasn't a "Good job, at least I didn't have to get cold and change the tire." She really meant I did a good job at changing the tire; she may have assumed I was going to mess it up somehow. But the pain of changing the tire was removed by my wife telling me, sincerely, "Good job". 

There is just something very powerful for a man when our wives compliment our work. I love it. I'd change the tire with my teeth if I knew my wife would be proud of me. Married ladies, this tip is for free, sincerely compliment your husbands and you will be amazed at what kind of man they become.

Tis The Season

Our "Why?" series is now history. So now it is time to introduce the next sermon series at FFC... "Tis the Season". I will have 3 messages in this series; here is the run down -

Dec. 14 - "Tis the Season... To Receive a Gift"

Dec. 21 - "Tis the Season... For a Silent Night (day)"

Dec. 24 - "Tis the Season... To See the Light" [communion and candlelight service 7 PM]

I'm looking forward to sharing this season with our church family and we are adding some exciting and unique things this year that I don't want to give away just yet. Be watching this blog, and be sure to be at each of these 3 services for, what I hope will be, some unique and meaningful services as we celebrate the birth of our Lord.

Tis The Season

Our "Why?" series is now history. So now it is time to introduce the next sermon series at FFC... "Tis the Season". I will have 3 messages in this series; here is the run down -

Dec. 14 - "Tis the Season... To Receive a Gift"

Dec. 21 - "Tis the Season... For a Silent Night (day)"

Dec. 24 - "Tis the Season... To See the Light" [communion and candlelight service 7 PM]

I'm looking forward to sharing this season with our church family and we are adding some exciting and unique things this year that I don't want to give away just yet. Be watching this blog, and be sure to be at each of these 3 services for, what I hope will be, some unique and meaningful services as we celebrate the birth of our Lord.

Gumming Cashews

Well I did it. I'm officially OLD. I bought my first can of cashews. For some reason when I think of cashews I don't picture young people chewing them, I picture old people gumming them. But I must admit cashews taste good; I'm just glad I have my teeth to chew them.

Gumming Cashews

Well I did it. I'm officially OLD. I bought my first can of cashews. For some reason when I think of cashews I don't picture young people chewing them, I picture old people gumming them. But I must admit cashews taste good; I'm just glad I have my teeth to chew them.

Catalyst West Coast

Awww Yeah!!! Catalyst West Coast promo video.

Are you kidding me? Francis Chan? Hillsong United? Andy Stanley? Craig Groeschel? Erwin McManus? California? Seriously? Just thinking about being at Catalyst with other like minded church leaders pumps me up! Mix in Francis Chan, Hillsong Untied, Andy Stanley, Craig Groeschel, Erwin McManus, California, many other speakers, not to mention a boat load of college friends on the left coast and I'm as giddy as a school girl.

Catalyst West Coast.

Catalyst West Coast

Awww Yeah!!! Catalyst West Coast promo video.

Are you kidding me? Francis Chan? Hillsong United? Andy Stanley? Craig Groeschel? Erwin McManus? California? Seriously? Just thinking about being at Catalyst with other like minded church leaders pumps me up! Mix in Francis Chan, Hillsong Untied, Andy Stanley, Craig Groeschel, Erwin McManus, California, many other speakers, not to mention a boat load of college friends on the left coast and I'm as giddy as a school girl.

Catalyst West Coast.

Antibiotics Rock

Today I took a little, much needed, vacation day with Tammy and Shelby. We enjoyed a meal out and some Christmas shopping at the mall. Today was the first day that I was able to enjoy vacation time without being sick. The first round of antibiotics did the job of taking care of my illness. However, I got a call a couple days ago from the doctor's office, and my throat culture revealed a bacteria that required another antibiotic, so I will have 2 weeks of antibiotics in my system. Which I'm totally cool with; antibiotics are my friends. :-)

Antibiotics Rock

Today I took a little, much needed, vacation day with Tammy and Shelby. We enjoyed a meal out and some Christmas shopping at the mall. Today was the first day that I was able to enjoy vacation time without being sick. The first round of antibiotics did the job of taking care of my illness. However, I got a call a couple days ago from the doctor's office, and my throat culture revealed a bacteria that required another antibiotic, so I will have 2 weeks of antibiotics in my system. Which I'm totally cool with; antibiotics are my friends. :-)

Why

This Sunday we will be addressing our final question in the "Why?" series. The question is, why doesn't God seem fair? I'm a little uncomfortable about addressing this often asked question this weekend. Not necessarily because it is a tricky theological question or that someone might get offended by the answer. I'm uncomfortable because that question always smacks me in the face with audacity.  I'm uncomfortable because I know the high view we have of ourselves and the very low view that we hold of God. Not by all, but by some, the question almost has a tinge of superiority to it. 

I think my answer to the question of the "fairness" of God always ends up being more complex then it really needs to be. I try to gauge my response to this question based on the spiritual maturity and understanding of the listener. But what it really comes down to is this:

Regarding God's fairness and response to sin: "... to put it bluntly, when you get your own universe you can make your own standards. When we disagree, let's not assume it's His reasoning that needs correction." Francis Chan, Crazy Love p. 34.

Why

This Sunday we will be addressing our final question in the "Why?" series. The question is, why doesn't God seem fair? I'm a little uncomfortable about addressing this often asked question this weekend. Not necessarily because it is a tricky theological question or that someone might get offended by the answer. I'm uncomfortable because that question always smacks me in the face with audacity.  I'm uncomfortable because I know the high view we have of ourselves and the very low view that we hold of God. Not by all, but by some, the question almost has a tinge of superiority to it. 

I think my answer to the question of the "fairness" of God always ends up being more complex then it really needs to be. I try to gauge my response to this question based on the spiritual maturity and understanding of the listener. But what it really comes down to is this:

Regarding God's fairness and response to sin: "... to put it bluntly, when you get your own universe you can make your own standards. When we disagree, let's not assume it's His reasoning that needs correction." Francis Chan, Crazy Love p. 34.

More Free Hugs

Downtown Farmland was the spot to be this evening. Some of the fine folks from FFC were up town spreading some love around by giving out free hugs; you may remember we did this a couple of years ago.... here's the post from December 2006. This year we served free hot chocolate from our concession trailer as well. In between some of the hugging I snapped some pictures...

Here we see the Bear from Monroe Central High School giving out bear hugs (sorry couldn't resist)

More Free Hugs

Downtown Farmland was the spot to be this evening. Some of the fine folks from FFC were up town spreading some love around by giving out free hugs; you may remember we did this a couple of years ago.... here's the post from December 2006. This year we served free hot chocolate from our concession trailer as well. In between some of the hugging I snapped some pictures...

Here we see the Bear from Monroe Central High School giving out bear hugs (sorry couldn't resist)

You've Got Time To Pray

I know you've got time to pray for a baby girl named Miahna. Charles Hill, a pastor friend in Ohio, (who's church recently hosted The Sticks Conference) has asked for prayer for a little girl born last Monday. In short, pray that the Lord heals Miahna's heart. She is in Akron at the Children's Hospital and hooked up to way too many tubes for a 7 day old.

Charles rallied his peeps to pray for my nephew when he was having brain surgery. Now it is my turn to rally our troops to pray for this request.

To read the details check out Charles' post asking for prayers.

To stay up to date with little Miahna and to encourage her family you can check the blog set up for her HERE. We've got time to spend a few minutes praying for her so let's get to it.

You've Got Time To Pray

I know you've got time to pray for a baby girl named Miahna. Charles Hill, a pastor friend in Ohio, (who's church recently hosted The Sticks Conference) has asked for prayer for a little girl born last Monday. In short, pray that the Lord heals Miahna's heart. She is in Akron at the Children's Hospital and hooked up to way too many tubes for a 7 day old.

Charles rallied his peeps to pray for my nephew when he was having brain surgery. Now it is my turn to rally our troops to pray for this request.

To read the details check out Charles' post asking for prayers.

To stay up to date with little Miahna and to encourage her family you can check the blog set up for her HERE. We've got time to spend a few minutes praying for her so let's get to it.