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.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
compared communications
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Ash Wednesday and giving up
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.
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.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
The Biggest race in Nascar
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?
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?
Friday, February 6, 2009
The Lenten Challenge
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Love Kristen..... the book
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!
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!
Friday, September 26, 2008
texting you can count on
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..
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..
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