Dearborn Hills Student Ministries Blogspot

Conflict is going to happen

2011-01-06T09:59:00.000-08:00

We live in a high tech world. A world where messages, pictures and communications can be sent over the net, phone or facebook within 2 seconds. A world where we see more time on the technology and less in face to face conversations. We live in the ever changing world and still seem to have the same amount, if not more interpersonal conflict, especially in junior and senior high school.
I wanted to share some tools we can use to minimize the effects of our technology and face to face conversation-less society.
1. You will experience conflict with others in communication. We see in Genesis where Adam and Eve had conversation conflict along with Cane and Able. So, let's just expect it.
2. You have a part to play in the conflict. You might not think so but you do.
3. You can overcome the conflict cycle many people get caught up in.

Steps to minimize the effects on you and the opportunities to create conflict.

I would encourage you to begin by asking God to see things through His eyes...
1. Do you know what causes you or others to create the conflict?
2. What is happening in the lives of people?
3. If you were them, would you respond or react the same way?

I would encourage you to work through the emotions of conflict.
1. God teaches us not to let the sun go down on you before you deal with it. Simply said... it is important to deal with it as soon as you are emotionally able... more time often creates more conflict to build.
2. Maybe you need to take the high road... someone is hurting and maybe it is your turn to take the first step in (reconciliation) making it right.
3. Waving a magic wand will not remove the conflict.

I would encourage you to do the following things:
1. Ask God to forgive you, for allowing Satan to temp you and acting upon it.
2. Seek to meet with the other party ASAP, to understand their comments, and to help them see your hurt or side.
3. Agree to disagree at best. We deal with situations in different settings some we will never overcome or should but the day to day issues (conflict) we can simply agree that we disagree and move one.
4. Seek to restore the friendship if appropriate
5. Seek to grow from the conflict... so this has happened How is God working in it to make you more complete in Christ.
6. PRAY

I feel the more technological we become the more important it will be to increase our work in dealing with conflict, and preventing its damage. God is still calling us to Christ-likeness regardless of the surroundings, and media we face or experience.
Good Luck
Ultimately it is up to us to make the change.

A Year with God By R.P. Nettelhorst

2010-12-15T06:40:00.000-08:00

I first must say, it is so very important to be spending time in God's Word, the bible and a devotional is a great tool to help us focus on His word and potential actions we can take to draw closer to God and to help others do the same.

A Year with God
By R.P. Nettelhorst

I honestly had hoped this book would not turn out to be like all other devotional books but I was wrong. I did enjoy various parts of the book but for the majority it was just another devotional book to put on the shelf or give as a gift.
The Plus Side:
1. I really liked the various scriptures used through out the book.
2. I enjoyed the lay out of the book itself.
3. I enjoyed the ability to go deeper with the content.
The Minus Side:
1. I do not thing the book cover lends any draw to the book. If this is in the book stand with other devotionals, I would not be drawn instantly to pick it up and buy it.
2. I felt the format was good but it was so much like most devotionals. Again, maybe I had to high of expectations for the book.
3. I really struggled to get into the book, it was a force to pick it up and read it. I did enjoy some points as I read but my demands and needs were so much greater than the desire to pick up this devotional. I have several devotionals that make me want to keep reading and studying it further. This one didn't.

If you are looking for a nice devotional to work through some powerful scripture, to draw you to think about life and various applications, this book might do the trick. But if you come from a long line of devotional use, I think you will be let down and feeling blah.
Good luck reading.

Comparing isnt ministry success

2010-11-17T13:11:00.000-08:00

I was leading a round table for our denominational area youth worker gathering just recently and I discovered something very interesting. So interesting I had to blog about it. The plan was to have several youth workers, and those interested in youth ministry at the local church level have a general discussion over lunch.
I asked each person where they were as a youth group and where they wished they could be. It is a very good open ended question, but as the discussion progressed more and more floated to the surface. The real challenge was how do we compete with the church down the road as we save our whole community for Jesus.
So, why do so many churches fall into the compare game with those around them, or even those churches some where in the US that appear to have it all figured out?
I encouraged them, and encourage you to stop and ask yourself two questions.
1.) What do you do really well?
2.) What makes that thing special?
If we are honest we all fear not having something for every student who walks our halls and sit on our churches. It seems funny but true. We want to be all, for all, doing all so everyone gets all... I can't seem to find scripture that encourages us to do that. In fact, as Paul teaches on spiritual gifts, we are all gifted differently. Why doesn't this roll over to the ministries we oversee and love?
What would our world, community and churches be like if we began to focus on doing the things we do and doing them with excellence?
If you do worship well, Praise God. If you do small groups well, Praise God. If you do outreach well, Praise God. Then maybe we (the church) can get together with other churches and stop competing and begin working together to reach and minister to those in need of a Savior!
I know many churches out there are doing all the right things but for the average church, there are not enough resources, finances, volunteers and time to compete. So, stop competing and start doing what you can to reach people with excellence at what you do well at.
God will bless your efforts if you use the gifts and talents He has given you to reach His people.
Praise God for churches who do the work of Christ, without comparing and coveting the other churches in their communities.

Transforming church in Rural America

2010-10-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

Transforming Church in Rural America by Shannon O'Dell

I think this book was extremely well written.
The Author was called into a new world of leadership, as he transitioned from big church youth worker to a senior pastor in rural America. This would be a difficult adjustment since they are totally different worlds. Shannon had several interesting points for all leaders to consider and implement in their particular area of leadership. Notice, I did not say anything about churches or rural America.
Each chapter and step into the book unveils several interesting leadership tools and steps one could use to grow their organization.
Shannon does a great job of taking the reader outside of his or her thinking box and offers some awesome leadership tools that will stretch their thinking and team.
I would recommend every church leader, secular business leader or striving leader to read this book, and gain some valuable tools to achieve exponential growth.
The reader will be drawn into the story of a youth worker reaching his purpose in ministry and walk a way with a ton of quality tools for personal success.
I am not sure the title really serves the book well since it is truly a complete leadership book no matter where the leader lives.

Living Life in the Zone intro

2010-10-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

I finally got the book in the mail today. Living Life in the Zone: A 40-day Spiritual Game Plan for Men by Kyle Rote jr. & Dr. Joe Pettigrew
It begins with a brief intro to the main ideas and topics: Faith, Fatherhood, Marriage, Work, and Friendship
and a key point to me: "When God speaks; he doesn't stutter."
This is going to be a neat book because it gives thought for the day, the coaches corner, the game plan, playmakers, time outs, today's assignment and home field advantage.
I am encouraged that the book is so easy to pick up and read but has great substance for us to consider and apply to our lives.
Stay tuned for more challenges and thoughts from this 40-day experience

Mobile Blogging from here.

The Test

2010-09-20T02:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend I experienced a few tests, some were personal tests and others were tests I watched. I watched several football games: East Central High School played Batesville, Michigan played Umass and the Indianapolis Colts played the NY Giants ( the Manning bowl). I watched a few episodes of Wipe out which tests the participants ability to do the course ad fast as they can to win money, also watched some Minute to Win it.
the greatest test came in Sunday morning in church. we have been discussing the book Christian Athleist and this week we talked about giving something up that might have a hold of our heart in front of God. it is a hard test to pass since we live in a world consumed with self and wants. I am challenged to think through my day and determine what has a greater hd on my heart than God and then work towards releasing it.
I hope to continually pass the test of time and grow to be more Christ like. What about you?

V - ABC Tuesday Night Showing

2010-04-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

I have been enjoying the parallels between the hit show and a personal walk with Christ.

A brief History.. V is a show about these aliens coming to the US. They are presenting themselves as a helpful people but have different intentions. One group of people (aliens and humans) called the 5th Element are trying to stop them.
One of the main character's Erica's (played by Elizabeth Mitchell) son Tyler is being drawn into the V by another Alien.

As this unfolds over the past few weeks, I have been thinking about the Christian walk. We are often drawn into the lives of the world by the unknown, or seeing things are more fun, exciting or even new.

I will continue to blog about the V's in the upcoming weeks and would challenge you to think about what draws your attention and how does it effect your journey

Who will you serve?

2010-01-22T05:16:00.001-08:00

I read in Joshua 24 this week. Joshua was speaking to his people about their history. He mentioned all the major life situations that impacted their lives, and often shaped who they were as a people. It was interesting as he mentioned all the big hitters as a set up for the big question: Who will you serve?
I feel Joshua was giving the people a reality check, much like life situations we experience or even little things like getting a warning instead of a ticket for speeding.
I ask you to spend some quiet time this weekend and reflect over the past days, weeks, months or even years and think about how those experiences shaped you. As you begin to reflect and process you will be challenged to choose in the future who will you serve?
I hope you will be able to then serve something bigger than yourself, that you will be able to help someone less fortunate than you, that you will realize there is a world outside of you and they need you to invest in them. In the end I pray you are able to serve the God who created you and all things.
Have a great time of reflection, challenge and action.

Have you ever wrestled to sleep at night?

2010-01-07T05:49:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wrestled in your sleep during the night? You know, your sleeping sound and all of a sudden BAM! You wake up and can't fall back to sleep.
Well, Jacob in Genesis 32 had the very same experience. He was sleeping away and BAM he woke up, couldn't fall back to sleep so he went to a different space in the room. Jacob then began to wrestle with a man (Gen. 32 24-25) and it continued until the daybreak. I don't want you to focus on the guy (angel, Jesus or whomever) but focus on the reason Jacob was up.
I strongly feel God wakes us in the night to speak to us only to have us wrestle to get back to sleep tossing and turning. The next time you are woke up in the night maybe you need to follow Jacob's lead and get up! Go into another room, or sit on the floor in your bedroom and ask God what He wants to teach you.
We learn through Jacob's sleepless night that His name was being changed (new identity in God) and an entire nation would be changed as a result of the encounter.
I end with this question: What will you do the next time you are woke up in the middle of the night?

Playing your Game!

2009-11-21T07:49:00.000-08:00

I am challenged by the devotion from One Year Mini for Leaders today.
The author brings to light the passage in scripture where Nehemiah is building or better stated rebuilding the wall.
He challenges the reader to think about what goals you have laid out ahead of you. What is your game plan?
We all have the opportunity to develop and execute a game plan for our life, family, ministry and/or work place. We all have circumstances in life that can and will distract us from that Game plan.
The challenge is simply this: Are you allowing outside sources or internal forces to distract you and get you off your game plan? If so, call a time out, throw the challenge flag and take a break. Refocus on the game plan and take action.

Get about your Game Plan and Execute it.
Nehemiah 6:8-9

DHStudent - Official Mobile Club - Powered by Broadtexter

2009-11-05T11:38:00.000-08:00

DHStudent - Official Mobile Club - Powered by Broadtexter

Please join the DHStudent text service.. we will be switching to this service from textsmark. follow link to add yourself

Life story is your tool

2009-11-02T07:56:00.000-08:00

I am continually faced with the realization that my life is a story. God has enabled me to make choices, some good and some bad buy none the less it is my story. What about you? What experiences have you experienced that has shaped your entire life to what it is today?
You see, I am challenged to reflect on my history, my experiences and use them to help others navigate to the creator of all. I know it will cause me to relive hurts and pains but also joys and victories.
Please consider your life story and how God is prompting you to share it. Maybe just maybe you can be blessed as you bless someone else. We are all an example of something what is yours saying?

can't find my keys

2009-10-08T05:34:00.000-07:00

Have you ever listed your keys? You put them down in your favorite spot only to search for them all over the place because you can't find them. That was my deal this morning, I went to find my keys this morning in the usual spot, but they weren't there, so I had to look all over the house. Guess where they were?? Yes in my pocket with me all the time.
After calmig down and thinking through the experience I began to realize it is reflective of our walk with God at times. We have a relationship with him and then put him in the usual place till the weekend comes or if we have a life struggle or test at school or maybe an illness. Then we search for Him all over the place looking in the usual place unable to locate him. Then we begin to search all over our lives, we try to find him through friends, drugs, school grades, our jobs and so on. Then we realize he is right there with us all along the journey
My challenge today is: take time to seek God to grow in His ways and to help others find Him in a new way

Keep searching

The wedding helper

2009-05-24T05:37:00.000-07:00

Christ attended a wedding prior to his major ministry was to occur. It was the beginning to His work of caring for others. We (my family and I) had the privilege of helping our cousin and her now husband at their wedding.
I can only imagine what it was like to be in Christ's shoes during the wedding party but we can relate to the need of others. Please seek out someone to help today. You will bless them and feel good.

Are You fit?

2009-04-06T06:15:00.000-07:00

Just recently I had the privilege of joining 125 other people for a senior high retreat. The retreat ran Friday to Sunday. It was something special since 6 churhes went together and learned about being broken by sin, bought by Christ then living out bold where ever you are.
I often people watch and noticed some of the students and leaders arriving trying to figure out where the fit in, who will accept them, if they need to put up a wall or protective shield. Others arrived excited to be with friends, to see some new people and to escape the world they live in.
This blog isn't about them though. It is about me.
I went through the weekend doing my responsibilities, encouraging the students, helping with set up and the event and making sure our students where doing well.
On Sunday morning, I began to realize the whole time God was allowing me to see things that I was currently going through too. I was trying to figure out where I fit in, how or if I was valued on our leadership team, what impact tools was God was able to use through me.
It was weird to realize we all have a deep desire to be liked, to know we fit in and to make an impact for God.
I want to encourage everyone to know even the youth guy goes through seasons of doubt in life and God will help us navigate the journey towards completeness in Him.

compared communications

2009-03-31T18:24:00.000-07:00

I have had a facebook and twitter account for quite sometime and just moved from a broken Black Berry to the iPhone. I confess all this, as a prelude to the point.
With the iPhone or Black Berry phone and it's friendly 3G (high speed Internet access) capability you can access your Myspace, Facebook, Instant Messenger and Twitter accounts from your phone which isn't all bad but definately gives time to stay in touch with others.
I wonder how well we use the technology of today to connnect with God. You can add bible, prayer and daily scripture txts all for a cheap fee or for free.
I just see so many people using devices to let others know what they are doing and don't use the same technology to connect with God.
I encourage you to dig a little deeper and ask a techy friend to help you with adding some spiritual influences on your phone. It can add depth to your time with God.

Ash Wednesday and giving up

2009-02-24T14:07:00.000-08:00

I have been reflecting on my spiritual journey and how God has shaped me over the past few years. I have had some struggles that were learning experiences for sure.
As many of you may know, this Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, a day the christian church celebrates with a church service that usually ends with ashes from palm branches being placed on your forehead in a blessing.
God has been challenging my depth in commitment lately with what I give up and how I use the time during the next 40days between ash Wednesday and Easter. You see I have given up diet coke, donuts, sweets and other things but it has been for me a shallow attempt to sacrfice in comfort. I am beginning to realize God wants all of our hearts everyday and the fast (sacrfice for lent) should be spent spreading His love or news to others as we sacrifice something This is an easy thing if we do this at church but what if we do it at school with teachers we don't like or in traffic when we are in a hurry to get home but let someone in front of us in traffic? What about sharing love to the people serving your drive-thru meal or giving up your lunch spot for a person you aren't friends with?
I don't need to know what you are doing but pray you can do it for God with your whole heart.

Beware of random acts of friendship and grace.

Mobile Blogging from here.

The Biggest race in Nascar

2009-02-07T17:14:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here in my house watching the Bud Shoot Out. It is the first race of the 2009 NASCAR season. I think it is a cool race but weird since it is a race that determines the number one starting position (the pole) for the Daytona 500.
Two Octobers ago (2007) I had the opportunity to drive by a portion of the Daytona track. Well, we drove near one of the corners and I was excited.
The Daytona is the biggest race for the cup drivers of the year. I haven't figured out why they chose to run the first race of the year as the most important one.
But we can learn alot about our Christian lives from the race.
You see, every team works all winter to get ready to race. They work on everything, the car's design, engine, paint scheme, tires and tire changing. They practice pits, fueling the car, and many more things and it all comes down to a race. We, church attendees sit in our pews or comfy chairs every weekend, worshipping, listening and given the opportunity to grow as a Christ-follower, all to equip us for the big race. Some people race takes place at school, college, work or at home but we all are ready to win.
Then life happens. We have a situation that upsets our team, that distracts us from the race God has in store for us on Monday. Then we have to progress to Tuesday and so on.
I am learning that we need to get fueled on Sunday and look for opportunities from God to witness (WIN the race) to those around us. We so often think we have to reach those people or some far reaching people group who has not heard of Christ, which we do but I am feeling convicted that we should be witnessing, loving and sharing with those who attend school, college, work or live with. Yes, I am confident that God is just asking us to witness to those who we live life with each and everyday.
Much like those teams competing in the Bud shoot out tonight, we are on a mission to win, maybe not win a pole position but to win lives who are lost and God has placed them directly in our paths everyday to witness to.
I am challenged to influence those I see everyday. What about you?

The Lenten Challenge

2009-02-06T13:16:00.000-08:00

I have struggled for years on the concept of Lent. I remember being a young child wondering why all the adults were talking about giving up something for Lent. Of course I was thinking just pick the lent out of your belly and throw it a way.
The concept of Lent has been around for centuries. The idea of giving up something for a period of time, sort of a fast if you will.

I have experienced people giving up donuts and chocolate so they might fit into the bathing suit for spring break and others have given up something special like TV, which would be a true sacrifice in my opinion.
I have been since challenged to meditate on what Lent is ment to be for me.

I have come to the conclusion that this season is to be focussed on Christ. If I would give up something that I desire and consume alot of, then take that time to focus energies and attention to my relationship with Christ.

I have asked several friends across the country of their ideas of Lent.
Some unique and possibly successful things are:
1. Say and or do something nice for someone each day.
2. Secretly, do some random acts of kindness to strangers.
3. Keep a jounral of your experiences.
4. Give up the internet... ouch
5. Give your allowance or spending money to your church.
6. Try to spend the time you would be watching TV to read a good book or listen to worship music.

I am sure other ideas could be added to this list. The challenge I throw out is to focus attention this season doing something that would be a new sacrifice to you that would bless someone too.

Whatever you do in the Lent season, do it in reverence to Christ.

Love Kristen..... the book

2009-02-03T18:12:00.000-08:00

Love Kristen... Have you heard of it? Do you know who she was/is?
I am sure most people do not know who Krsiten was but I am sure we all know a person like Kristen. Allow me to explain.
Kristen Forbes, to me was a fine young lady, who struggled at times with life, guilt, love, hate, relationships, friendships, those lost to sin, those lost to self, those who really had no drive or clue to life.
Kristen had a twinkle in her bright blue eyes everytime we talked on the couch at her parents house, never losing our place in conversation (no matter how long the gap between conversations lasted). She had a raw desire to love others, and God. She was a special person in my life and I will always cherish my special princess time.
She was called a Princess by her parents, friends and even herself. She loved the beach, palm trees, being on the sailboat and listening to Jimmy Buffett or Dave Mathews Band. She was a hard worker no matter if she was dipping Custard, making pizzas or playing the Wii.

Kristen had life by the tail and had graduated from IUPUI, with a degree in business management while working at Walgreens as she wore one of those fancy smock things.. Then one day she wasn't feeling to well. She went to the doctor and after a series of tests, was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer! Yes, the very cervical cancer that eventually took her life.
The book gives the reader a snap shot into her heart and love for people, God and the fighter she was. I do beleive she could have been a UFC super star based on her battle.
Kristen's story is a book that her dad wrote, to help him process the emotions of losing his princess and to help others hear about cervical cancer prevention. Cancer is no fun! I would encourage you to pick up a copy of the book, read it and share in the life of Krsiten.
You may know someone who is battling cancer. This book will help you in the journey.
You may be a person looking for answers to life. This book will help you discover some.

Kristen's story will be published within the next few weeks. Amazon will be selling her book.

I miss Kristen alot and know she is with Christ, and that she is still working through those she touched and through her story.

I spoke to her dad, the author but he would say facilitator of the book and it is getting closer to release. He is a loving dad who would do anything to help other dads not experience the pain and grief he has experienced.

Go get the book and share it!

texting you can count on

2008-09-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

I had a friend introduce me to a new FREE text service, that offers you the ability to text information, news and encouragement to your students, leaders, etc...
It is very simple. For example:
Text DBSM to 41411 and you subscribe to the service.
The requested textees have to apply or subscribe to the service and the standard text fees apply
the admin then sends out a text message for the group and they all receive it.

I am getting use to the system but totally feel this is an awesome tool to use to get the word out and encourage students or remind them to show up with their money on time LOL..

Run the race and win. Why settle for a silver?

2008-08-21T17:17:00.000-07:00

I have been continually focused on the amazing athletes of the Olympic games.. Yes I support the US women's Beach Volleyball team, the Bolt who has single handedly broke two major records, the platform divers and countless other champions... But I am more focused on the other athletes.
Paul speaks of running the race to win the prize. I see all the athletes training their entire life and about 40 hours a week to fine tune and perfect their certain activity all to make it to the Olympics and possibly lose.
I have watched people win a silver medal, or a bronze and feel upset that they didn't win. One of the sprinters running in the 200 m for the US, last night after his agent said good job you got a silver and he said... but I LOST! I am sitting there thinking you won a silver dude... but then realize he wasn't training or running the race to win a silver. He was running the race to win the prize.. a GOLD.
How often do we train ourselves as children to run the race to win the gold, only to get to the race of our lives and settle for a bronze or silver? Why do we work so hard and settle for second best in our relationships with the opposite sex, with our careers, with our activities, with our academics?
I think we all can learn from the athletes who run the race to win but fall short.. Most of them will continue to practice and learn from the short falls to become more focused and determined to reach their goals.. Never quit the training and remember you do not have to settle for a silver.

Run the race to win the prize

2008-08-10T19:24:00.001-07:00

We are in the beginning week of the 2008 Olympic games, and personally one of the favorite seasons of the year for me. I enjoy the Olympics, not just watching the athletes compete to win but also the stories behind the athletes.
I am watching as much of the games as I can and even caught most of the opening ceremony, which was insane but a true display of the quality Chinese culture and fire works display.
I then begin to think of Paul encouraging the believers to run the race to win the prize, but the games only offer one gold and national anthem per event. So, how do the compare?
I feel God has given each of us the ability to train for and win the race set before us, much like the athletes who represent their country to work and work and go for gold.
I would be willing to settle for a bronze or even a silver but Paul is pushing us to raise the bar and go for the GOLD...
I encourage you to train for the gold and seek God in your daily training.

The Middle Road

2008-07-19T18:18:00.001-07:00

I have been struggling of late. On one end I am drawn to technology, to the latest and greatest of computers, cell phones etc.. and also to watch and see the latest movies when the come out.
The other end of me is a person seeking to grow as a Christ follower, knowing that God is calling me to a higher standard, a narrower road to travel then most choose.
How can we live in both worlds without a consistant struggle between the desires of the mind and the desires of the heart. You'll have to figure out which is which.

I know the more we fill our minds and lives with stuff, the easier it is to pursue gain and achieve goals and financial things but I also know our focus must first be on the one who created us and ultimately the things we pursue.

Some days I win the battle and others I dont fair so well, but I am always into win. I pray that we can move from the things of our world to the things of our God.

Small Groups matter

2008-07-15T19:52:00.000-07:00

We are quickly approaching the 2008-2009 small group season for our junior and senior high students. The excitement is building. Our leaders are gearing up for another ministry season. God is blessing us with students who desire authentic relationships with each other and the leaders. We are seeing success with our sign up process and communications.
August 3rd we will meet with all of the senior high students to inform them and encourage them to sign up and gear up for the small group they will attend.
I know the importance of a small group of peers who love me, communicate me, encourage me and help me with accountability. I have been blessed over the years with a series of very compassionate people. God is so good to me and I pray that He will bless the small groups of Dearborn Hills and within each small group throughout the world.
So, get plugged into a small group today and invest in someones life.

Death of a Princess and the challenge of a champion

2008-06-08T13:05:00.000-07:00

Death of a Princess,
On June 5th 2008 at 2PM I had the opportunity to share in the life of a princess. Kristen Marie Forbes went to be with Jesus. This might seem as no big deal but she was 23 and had a fight with cervical cancer that was a true testamony to the Power of God, who works through the challenges of our lives.. You see Kristen was a minster during the past year. She brought her friends to God's word, she made an impact with her Doctors, nurses, and all the hospital staff.
God allowed Kristen the privilege of life to the full. She had been reading her bible prior to her illness and underlined many scriptures that would later give her strength and were read during her funeral service. She was a princess on earth and will continue to be so in heaven.
I will miss her dearly and know she is in a better place, worshipping, running, laughing, farting (she was a cutie but she sure was stinky, a special thing we shared) and is with the Lord for eternity.
The very next day, I had the opportunity to watch the East Central Lady Trojans compete in a run for the state finals. They began to play with great focus but had some mountains to overcome. Kallen Hovland, a graduating senior and member of our student ministries, is the short stop and in my opinion the core and strength of the team. She is a quiet leader, who focuses on the strength of other, the importance of team work, fair play is always on her mind and displayed as she bats, warms up, runs, throws and stands for the national anthem. Kallen is no ordinary student, she is a champion for the Lord.
I had such mixed emotions with saying good bye to our princess and saying Go for it to the champion.
we all wait for the game to complete, since it was postponed due to rain. The Ladt Trojans are in the second inning down by 5. I pray they can play to their abilities and show great sportsmanship along the way, win or lose.
We should all be encouraged by two young women who has set an example for us all.

Good Friday Service

2008-03-21T19:55:00.000-07:00

Thank you God.
I am continually blessed by God's grace and purpose for our calling to Bright Indiana. I had the privilege of working with some of the awesome students of Dearborn Hills during our Student Ministries led Good Friday Service. We had the opportunity to verbal walk the attendees through the various stations of the cross and prayer.
The combined efforts of some talented junior and senior high students and a few adult offered an experience for those to reflect on the very experiences of Christ in the closing days of his life and how HE DID IT FOR THEM. We closed the night with a very emotional song performed by a very talented young lady which allowed people to feel Christ in the room and in their hearts and closed out the night with a prayer of rememberance.
God often humbles me and reminds me of His never ending love for people, especially Students.

May you feel the depth of God's love through His one and only son this Easter season and that God has surrounded you with some totally gifted, and loving students.

I sit in a moment of reflection, just thinking how can we be happy knowing Jesus Lives without being sad that Jesus died, on account of me and you.

Don't Compare it is not fare.

2008-03-07T11:09:00.000-08:00

I have been to a few youth worker seminars lately and I often come away from those things thinking.... man the main speakers or break out session leaders have a great deal of cool things to say but they've been at their church for ever. They haven't been down my road...
I know it is harsh but I must admit that I haven't had the pleasure or curse (depending on how you look at it) of being at the same church forever. I would like to haev but God had a different plan than I.
I will be the first to admit, I have worked in 6 churches over the last 14 years. Each church I served in was a stepping stone for me personally, not so much as a youth pastor/director but as a person, husband and father. The journey from volunteer to part time paid with full time work, to full time to unemployed to servant support (volunteer) and again to full time minister. I have done it all and that has offered me a unique view point that most people don't have. I know what is it like to spend my free time doing ministry, to have 30 minutes to clean out my desk and find a new church for my family to attend and serve. I think God has given me a gift that should be shared.
I want to encourage others who have journey through the wilderness or desert of job locations. I know it seems like everyone else has it better than you, but I really think those of us who have experienced lay off, firing and the every so dreaded get out or we will throw your stuff out have more to share with the student or parent that is on rock bottom. You have been blessed not cursed.
I have been reading through the New Testament and find God using many people who have been on rock bottom.. The woman at the well, the lady that bleed for many years, the dad who's daughter was dieing, the captain of the gaurd who's servant was ill, and the disciple who's mother-in-law was deathly ill.
God turned those low points around to be big ministry victories and I wanted to encourage you to change your outlook from a negative to a positive and look how God is equipping you for opportunities that await you.
The road is narrow that we must travel even though many travel the wide road... keep the faith

refining the G

2008-03-06T18:28:00.001-08:00

Grow- Christ Followers
Give- to God and others
Go - tell by action

We have refined our selves. How can you remember that growth is foundational, giving produces fruit and going puts the Christian life into action.

We are not coach potatoes or guards for our sacred building but we are to be men and women of action.

Confirmation

2008-03-02T18:17:00.000-08:00

I am gaining excitement for our confirmation attendees and the series we will dive into.
March 1st we had the pleasure of meeting with the Bishop (called Bishop Mike) of the North and South Indiana Conference.
We had pizza, a cool game, some mountain dew and a huge cookie. We also had some Mc D's and Starbucks on the two hour long ride home.
We will begin to meet and discuss the ideas and concepts of Confirming ones faith in Christ and that of the church.
I am praying for the 5 students who will meet over the next two weeks.

What is a Christ Follower?

2008-02-25T18:01:00.000-08:00

How would you answer this question?

I think this is a very important question to consider.
Think about it and let me know.