See, I knew I couldn't keep up the pace!
On Tuesday I have the pleasure and the priviledge to spend the day with student leaders in the Millard School District. Although it is still my summer break, I was happy to spend the time with students who have a desire to improve the school, the city, and themselves.
Anyway, the reason for this conference was because Millard is adopting a new homeroom curriculum (for lack of a better explanation). Actually, its not reserved for only homeroom, but it will be used throughout all classes and all staff members... ok sorry to bore you.
Its actually pretty exciting. It is all about ways to improve students lives through 40 developmental assets. Basically, the more of these assets that are in a kids life, the more productive they are in life, and the less the probability they engage in dangerous behavior.
Although I am really excited to begin this new program, it opens up some discomfort.
It reminds me of the whole "One City, One School District" stuff from a few years ago. Through that legislation and the actions of our beloved Legislature, the social issues of Omaha, from racial segregation and social classes were then placed in the hands of the education system. The legislature basically decided that the school would be the best people to fix our social problems... now, its an honor to be thought of so highly, but it wasn't until recently that schools were required to do more than just teach, and get kids ready to become fully capable citizens. Now, schools are required to teach discipline (yet we get yelled at for punishing students), sexual education, drug and alcohol awareness, and many other things that well, I thought should come from parents and other groups.
The same things are being trickled into the youth ministry. We are starting to offer a lot more things that used to be discussed by parents... or so I thought...
I am more than happy to help. That is what our ministry is geared for, getting kids ready to be fully capable citizens that want to live with a love for God, in a way that is pleasing to God.
But, I am somewhat second guessing myself though... maybe what we should be doing is empowering parents... maybe then students will go to them, instead of friends or poor role models. Personally, I find it a success if a student would talk with a parent before me, thats how it should be.
This is kind of a ramble I know... thanks for putting up with it, but I am just worried about what other responsibilities will be placed into the hands of others, instead of from where they belong...
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Friday, July 20, 2007
Psalm 23...
Greetings, it is a pleasure to have you stop by!
Now, this is the second post in two days, I am not sure if that will be a pace I can keep, but I will sure try!
This blog idea started on Wednesday. In Omaha, temps were pushing a nice 100 degrees, and pastor craig calls me into his office...
so i walk in, hoping to be fired, and he asks, want to go for a run at 3 today? Hmm... i have heard that the hottest part of the day is usually around 1-3 in the afternoon, so i was not too excited about the invite. but unfortunately, i had a 3 o'clock meeting. craig was busy until about 5:30 so he suggested a 6 pm run. why not, it wouldn't be too hot i figured.
So, at about 2 pm i was driving back to church after a workship project (see previous blog to hear about that fun experience) and notice that the temperature was only 90 degrees... pretty mild, so i figure 6 pm will be even nicer... (cue some nice foreshadowing music here)
So i role over to craig's house and i am chatting with his mother-in-law and his wife amber, and i see his laptop. so i log onto weather.com and come to the wonderful recollection that it is 99 degrees at 6 pm.
normally, most sane people would stay inside or choose a nice easy route, but no not craig. he takes me out to Schram park where we run a 4.5 mile course that only has one flat spot, and for some reason we always seemed to miss it. he took me on two of the biggest hills in omaha... the grade for one was 8% and the other was 12%. that may not seem like much, but i dont think my 1.8 litre nissan sentra could make it up with the air conditioner on... (note from the editor, after closer examination of my gps records, the hills had grades in the 20% range during part of each climb... yeah, thats steep)
I drove home exhausted, in pain, and with a new hatred for craig...
the next day i did my normal 5.75 mile loop around my neck of the woods (note, the steepest grade is only 6%). My legs still burning from the day before, i was still tired and hot and sweaty (gross!). As i was running, i just hated the hills, i hated running up 6% grade for a half mile... and the down hills seemed unusually flat... as i rounded the corner of 156th street (yeah, i ran from center to q street on 156th... the hill from f street to the south is a killer!) i noticed that the land was leveling off a little. Joy started to fill my body, my legs were becoming lighter, my heart slowed... or, thats what you think should happen.
The exact opposite happened. The flattest parts were the stretches that were the most painful, my body didn't work as well as it seemed to on the uphills. there was no sense of accomplishment, as i looked back on the flat road, i had little to be proud of.
The hills are nice because they are a challenge, they show perserverance, they show success, downhills are a time to relax a time to rejuevenate, a reward for beating a nice uphill. Its the flats that are boring, redundant, and yet still challenging.
Thats kind of how i feel about life too. we all have ups and downs in our lives. you may have down times due to a lost job, broken relationship, death, divorce, and many other reasons. Even though these things are bad, many times it gives us an opportunity to grow, a time to focus on God and those closest to us. After the death of my father, our family united, many of my siblings sought after spiritual guidance that had never interested them before. We surged up that hill, and had a time of glory and success.
The youth group just experienced a mountain top experience on our annual mission trip. We served God in the gulf coast. Rebuilding houses and relationships. We are now cruising, we are coasting on a downhill. Still close to God, celebrating our work through Him, and His work in our lives.
Its the flats in life that are the most challenging. The times when things are just going by. The times where things aren't great, but they aren't bad either. There are no real dangers coming up, no crises surrounding us, nor are there times of emmense joy or closeness to God. Just as running on flat ground was for me, living life on flat land is just hard, boring and well, empty.
unfortunately, these are the times that most of our life is made of. The flat land makes up the majority of your day, your week, and your life. Hey, its how life is.
because this flat land this "plain" living makes such a large part of our life, we need to use it as a time to still grow closer to God, to still serve others, and allow God to work in us. There is no sense to wait for the uphills our downhills to draw close to God and your family and friends.
if your life is currently in a "plain" state, seek something to thank God for; find something to celebrate with family and friends. Don't get stuck in the rut of a boring life, like that long side walk that i was on.
Life cannot be all uphills and downhills, its going to be the flat land most of the time. find time to praise, time to pray, time to love and time thank God for all the great things He has done, and for all the uphills and downhills that make life so interesting.
I named this blog entry Psalm 23 because of the commonly known verse four: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (NIV)
I want to amend that for the day Psalm 23:4 (BAV; brad's amended version)
"Even though i live in the plains of everyday life, i shall seek ways to praise you, for you are with me, though troubles and true joy are far, i will celebrate the comfort of your rod and staff." Yeah, it needs some work i know... May God be with you in all your flat land life opportunities!
Now, this is the second post in two days, I am not sure if that will be a pace I can keep, but I will sure try!
This blog idea started on Wednesday. In Omaha, temps were pushing a nice 100 degrees, and pastor craig calls me into his office...
so i walk in, hoping to be fired, and he asks, want to go for a run at 3 today? Hmm... i have heard that the hottest part of the day is usually around 1-3 in the afternoon, so i was not too excited about the invite. but unfortunately, i had a 3 o'clock meeting. craig was busy until about 5:30 so he suggested a 6 pm run. why not, it wouldn't be too hot i figured.
So, at about 2 pm i was driving back to church after a workship project (see previous blog to hear about that fun experience) and notice that the temperature was only 90 degrees... pretty mild, so i figure 6 pm will be even nicer... (cue some nice foreshadowing music here)
So i role over to craig's house and i am chatting with his mother-in-law and his wife amber, and i see his laptop. so i log onto weather.com and come to the wonderful recollection that it is 99 degrees at 6 pm.
normally, most sane people would stay inside or choose a nice easy route, but no not craig. he takes me out to Schram park where we run a 4.5 mile course that only has one flat spot, and for some reason we always seemed to miss it. he took me on two of the biggest hills in omaha... the grade for one was 8% and the other was 12%. that may not seem like much, but i dont think my 1.8 litre nissan sentra could make it up with the air conditioner on... (note from the editor, after closer examination of my gps records, the hills had grades in the 20% range during part of each climb... yeah, thats steep)
I drove home exhausted, in pain, and with a new hatred for craig...
the next day i did my normal 5.75 mile loop around my neck of the woods (note, the steepest grade is only 6%). My legs still burning from the day before, i was still tired and hot and sweaty (gross!). As i was running, i just hated the hills, i hated running up 6% grade for a half mile... and the down hills seemed unusually flat... as i rounded the corner of 156th street (yeah, i ran from center to q street on 156th... the hill from f street to the south is a killer!) i noticed that the land was leveling off a little. Joy started to fill my body, my legs were becoming lighter, my heart slowed... or, thats what you think should happen.
The exact opposite happened. The flattest parts were the stretches that were the most painful, my body didn't work as well as it seemed to on the uphills. there was no sense of accomplishment, as i looked back on the flat road, i had little to be proud of.
The hills are nice because they are a challenge, they show perserverance, they show success, downhills are a time to relax a time to rejuevenate, a reward for beating a nice uphill. Its the flats that are boring, redundant, and yet still challenging.
Thats kind of how i feel about life too. we all have ups and downs in our lives. you may have down times due to a lost job, broken relationship, death, divorce, and many other reasons. Even though these things are bad, many times it gives us an opportunity to grow, a time to focus on God and those closest to us. After the death of my father, our family united, many of my siblings sought after spiritual guidance that had never interested them before. We surged up that hill, and had a time of glory and success.
The youth group just experienced a mountain top experience on our annual mission trip. We served God in the gulf coast. Rebuilding houses and relationships. We are now cruising, we are coasting on a downhill. Still close to God, celebrating our work through Him, and His work in our lives.
Its the flats in life that are the most challenging. The times when things are just going by. The times where things aren't great, but they aren't bad either. There are no real dangers coming up, no crises surrounding us, nor are there times of emmense joy or closeness to God. Just as running on flat ground was for me, living life on flat land is just hard, boring and well, empty.
unfortunately, these are the times that most of our life is made of. The flat land makes up the majority of your day, your week, and your life. Hey, its how life is.
because this flat land this "plain" living makes such a large part of our life, we need to use it as a time to still grow closer to God, to still serve others, and allow God to work in us. There is no sense to wait for the uphills our downhills to draw close to God and your family and friends.
if your life is currently in a "plain" state, seek something to thank God for; find something to celebrate with family and friends. Don't get stuck in the rut of a boring life, like that long side walk that i was on.
Life cannot be all uphills and downhills, its going to be the flat land most of the time. find time to praise, time to pray, time to love and time thank God for all the great things He has done, and for all the uphills and downhills that make life so interesting.
I named this blog entry Psalm 23 because of the commonly known verse four: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (NIV)
I want to amend that for the day Psalm 23:4 (BAV; brad's amended version)
"Even though i live in the plains of everyday life, i shall seek ways to praise you, for you are with me, though troubles and true joy are far, i will celebrate the comfort of your rod and staff." Yeah, it needs some work i know... May God be with you in all your flat land life opportunities!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Humble Pie...
Don't you love God? Sometimes He upsets me... now don't get me wrong, I am not mad at Him, I don't hate Him, but sometimes He humbles me, and well, I don't like it... (I deserve it, but I don't like it...)
It all started Wednesday afternoon. Fresh off our mission trip to the gulf coast, I was reenergized to do more work for God, you know how it is. Well, we started our summer youth Workship program, which is a short lunch and service project on Wed. afternoons. Anyway, I was excited, ready to work with some of my favorite people... Well, or so I thought. Looking for work to do a few weeks ago, I was informed by my Business Director that the churches parking lot was in dire need for a cleaning. You see, the church wants to repaint lines and clean it up a bit, but unfortunately, it needs to be swept first.
So, I am excited for any opportunity to give back to the church for all the support it has given me and the youth ministry. I had it down that if we could get 15 or so people, we could get the lot cleaned in two hours... Well, when 11:4o roles around, I had six. Six people. My optimism went right down hill. Oddly enough, one had to leave shortly after the meal too, so yeah, now five people. Still somewhat grateful that I wouldn't have to do it myself, I was ready to get to work. Little did I know, well, 90 degree heat and humidity awaited us outside, plus a breeze that would take half your swept pile and spread it back out... so progress was not coming very easily.
As the temperature rose, and my fatigue grew, I started getting a little bitter. I wondered, how in the world can I have just had 65 people travel for nine days to go to Mississippi and do hard work in even worse heat and humidity, yet I cannot get 15 people to take three hours to do a project. I was strating to get frustrated. Also, how come we get such accolades for doing that long mission trip, yet we get no recognition for mission work done for the church? That's not just the youth ministry, but for all the people who do repairs and gardening and other stuff for the church, how come we do not give them glory and honor for their work and dedication? Sorry for that tangent. Anyway, I don't write this to guilt trip those who weren't there (cause I am not sure I would have been there if it wasn't in my job description) but a general concern for this type of ministry. Why is it so difficult to do local stuff, things that may not get thank you's, yet traveling afar and doing hard, sweaty, and dirty work gets a lot of recognition? Why should I do local stuff, when well, no one even notices it was done...
Well, it took me until my run today to figure it out. It was a lovely dose of crow that God loves to give me!
I was listening to my iPod today, and a song came on. It was Trust and Obey, a classic hymn that is a personal favorite... The lyrics will be posted at the end of this blog for your own reading. But anyway, the first verse just struck me. When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His word, what a glory He sheds on our way...
Man, I was guilted pretty hard core. You see, I realized, it does'nt matter what I do, or who I do it for, or who notices, that is not the reason I should be doing the week. No matter if I do the next four mission projects by myself, I need to do it joyfully for it is not for man, but for the Lord. It is not for me, or the youth group, it is for Jesus, because you know, he did things for me before I even wanted to thank Him.
Learn from my mistake. Its not about the Glory. Its nice to get the thanks, its nice to get the recognition, but, don't let that be your reasons, don't let that be all you get from your experience. Enjoy the glory of God that He will shed on you as you work. May God bless you in all your work you do for the Lord.
Trust and Obey: John H. Sammis
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
It all started Wednesday afternoon. Fresh off our mission trip to the gulf coast, I was reenergized to do more work for God, you know how it is. Well, we started our summer youth Workship program, which is a short lunch and service project on Wed. afternoons. Anyway, I was excited, ready to work with some of my favorite people... Well, or so I thought. Looking for work to do a few weeks ago, I was informed by my Business Director that the churches parking lot was in dire need for a cleaning. You see, the church wants to repaint lines and clean it up a bit, but unfortunately, it needs to be swept first.
So, I am excited for any opportunity to give back to the church for all the support it has given me and the youth ministry. I had it down that if we could get 15 or so people, we could get the lot cleaned in two hours... Well, when 11:4o roles around, I had six. Six people. My optimism went right down hill. Oddly enough, one had to leave shortly after the meal too, so yeah, now five people. Still somewhat grateful that I wouldn't have to do it myself, I was ready to get to work. Little did I know, well, 90 degree heat and humidity awaited us outside, plus a breeze that would take half your swept pile and spread it back out... so progress was not coming very easily.
As the temperature rose, and my fatigue grew, I started getting a little bitter. I wondered, how in the world can I have just had 65 people travel for nine days to go to Mississippi and do hard work in even worse heat and humidity, yet I cannot get 15 people to take three hours to do a project. I was strating to get frustrated. Also, how come we get such accolades for doing that long mission trip, yet we get no recognition for mission work done for the church? That's not just the youth ministry, but for all the people who do repairs and gardening and other stuff for the church, how come we do not give them glory and honor for their work and dedication? Sorry for that tangent. Anyway, I don't write this to guilt trip those who weren't there (cause I am not sure I would have been there if it wasn't in my job description) but a general concern for this type of ministry. Why is it so difficult to do local stuff, things that may not get thank you's, yet traveling afar and doing hard, sweaty, and dirty work gets a lot of recognition? Why should I do local stuff, when well, no one even notices it was done...
Well, it took me until my run today to figure it out. It was a lovely dose of crow that God loves to give me!
I was listening to my iPod today, and a song came on. It was Trust and Obey, a classic hymn that is a personal favorite... The lyrics will be posted at the end of this blog for your own reading. But anyway, the first verse just struck me. When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His word, what a glory He sheds on our way...
Man, I was guilted pretty hard core. You see, I realized, it does'nt matter what I do, or who I do it for, or who notices, that is not the reason I should be doing the week. No matter if I do the next four mission projects by myself, I need to do it joyfully for it is not for man, but for the Lord. It is not for me, or the youth group, it is for Jesus, because you know, he did things for me before I even wanted to thank Him.
Learn from my mistake. Its not about the Glory. Its nice to get the thanks, its nice to get the recognition, but, don't let that be your reasons, don't let that be all you get from your experience. Enjoy the glory of God that He will shed on you as you work. May God bless you in all your work you do for the Lord.
Trust and Obey: John H. Sammis
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Because He first loved us...
God is amazing isn't he? Everyday I do something that falls short of the glory of God; everyday I do something that disappoints God, and me; everyday I am a little unlovable...
Now, I won't bore you with the gory details... but, take my word on it, I make mistakes like everyone else, in fact, I think I make enough for a few people. Yet God loves me anyway. God loves me despite all the things I have done. God loves me.
Jesus talks about love over 20 times in the New Testament. Not just talks about it, but gives direct commands to love:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22: 27-29 paraphrased)
"Love as I have loved you" (John 13: 34-35 really paraphrased)
So, Jesus asks us to love as he has loved... love those who like me, can be unlovable. That is hard!! How do show love to someone who does not even like me? Or how do I show love to a person who can just get under your skin and make your bones shake? How do I love those who are unlovable? And why should I even try? What good is it to me?
Those are some pretty good questions. I find myself asking those questions at times... God, you know this person, they are difficult! They are hard to be around! I try to be nice, but they drive me crazy!!!
We have all said it, or at least thought it... come on now... I admitted it, you can too!
I found my encouragement in one of John's letters. Well, maybe not encouragement as much as justification...
Buried deep in the back of the bible is 1 John 4: 7-8. It reads as follows.
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love, does not know God, for God is love." (NIV)
Whoever does not love, does not know God... Wow... Guilt trip! No matter how hard it is for me to love someone, I need to do it. Love is God. By loving we grow closer to God; by loving we learn more about God; by loving we become more like God. Remember, we were once unlovable. But God spared us while we were still sinners... while we were unlovable... God sent his one and only Son to die on our behalf. To take our sins away. To make us perfect in His eyes, all because he loved us.
Thank God! As you begin your week, pray for God to help you love the unlovable... help you mend those relationships hurt and strained for various reasons... to help you love others in the way that He first loved us.
May God's blessing be upon you all! May you grow closer to God in your journey of love!
Now, I won't bore you with the gory details... but, take my word on it, I make mistakes like everyone else, in fact, I think I make enough for a few people. Yet God loves me anyway. God loves me despite all the things I have done. God loves me.
Jesus talks about love over 20 times in the New Testament. Not just talks about it, but gives direct commands to love:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22: 27-29 paraphrased)
"Love as I have loved you" (John 13: 34-35 really paraphrased)
So, Jesus asks us to love as he has loved... love those who like me, can be unlovable. That is hard!! How do show love to someone who does not even like me? Or how do I show love to a person who can just get under your skin and make your bones shake? How do I love those who are unlovable? And why should I even try? What good is it to me?
Those are some pretty good questions. I find myself asking those questions at times... God, you know this person, they are difficult! They are hard to be around! I try to be nice, but they drive me crazy!!!
We have all said it, or at least thought it... come on now... I admitted it, you can too!
I found my encouragement in one of John's letters. Well, maybe not encouragement as much as justification...
Buried deep in the back of the bible is 1 John 4: 7-8. It reads as follows.
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love, does not know God, for God is love." (NIV)
Whoever does not love, does not know God... Wow... Guilt trip! No matter how hard it is for me to love someone, I need to do it. Love is God. By loving we grow closer to God; by loving we learn more about God; by loving we become more like God. Remember, we were once unlovable. But God spared us while we were still sinners... while we were unlovable... God sent his one and only Son to die on our behalf. To take our sins away. To make us perfect in His eyes, all because he loved us.
Thank God! As you begin your week, pray for God to help you love the unlovable... help you mend those relationships hurt and strained for various reasons... to help you love others in the way that He first loved us.
May God's blessing be upon you all! May you grow closer to God in your journey of love!
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