Mitch's musings

A couple new videos

2008-12-03T16:06:00.001-06:00

Readings from the OT

2008-10-06T09:23:00.002-05:00

Katie and I started a project soon after we got married. We decided that we were going to read scripture each morning in an effort to read all the way through the Bible. We did not limit ourselves to doing it in a year, we just wanted to be in the Word.

So, we have been in the project for pretty much 4 years, and are now half way into Ezekiel. I know... we aren't going at lightning speed, but we are at least going.

Today's reading was from Ezekiel 23. It was about 2 adulterous sisters named Oholah and Oholibah (Katie told me no to naming our next girls this...). The beginning of the chapter explains all their adulterous ways. How they gave themselves to prostitution and the like. Parts of the chapter get pretty graphic, so I would rate the reading close to a PG-13 (so moms with little ones take note).

Near the end of the chapter the LORD gives his judgment on both sisters. In essence... it says their enemies will stone them and kill them with swords... butcher their sons and daughters... and burn their homes.

I found myself mixed with emotions about this chapter. Part of me was cheering them on, knowing the wrong these sisters had done. The punishment seems only appropriate to the offense. But there was another part of me that had an ear to modern life and current situations, and I couldn't help but thank God that he does not necessarily work in the same way today.

Forgiveness seems to be a little stronger under the NT that under the OT. It seems people are given more chance to repent and be forgiven (obviously this is a blanket idea that does not cover some specifics in both the OT and NT that counter the thought).

I believe one of the reasons for this change is the pressure it puts on us. You see, when someone committed adultery in the OT, they were stoned... No questions... no ifs ands or buts... dead. Sure there was probably still pain for the friends and family, but it was solved and over.

Now, when someone commits adultery we don't go and gather stones. As Christians we are put in a tough place. God calls for forgiveness. I say it is tough because be able to forgive though pain is not easy. I would like to say it is impossible... but only without God.

See, God makes it possible to forgive even when you have been hurt, even severely. I don't know how he does it, but I'm glad he does. I'm glad we don't live under the old law. And I'm glad we get the chance to grow in Christ as we learn to forgive through pain.

A couple videos of the little girl growing up...

2008-10-02T14:06:00.001-05:00

Start of School...

2008-08-26T21:43:00.002-05:00

Well, it's that time of year again when teachers and kids unite with a solid "groan" of going back to school and parents (and youth ministers) give a quick "yippee" (whether the kids know we do or not).

Now don't get me wrong... I enjoy the summer. Whether it be random games of ultimate frisbee, Tuesday power-studies, camps, HALO 3, Rockband, or all the other random activities, I have enjoyed every bit of it. But with all the activities that went on, I got a little more tired. So, when I gasp out my "yippee" it is in the form of exhaustion after after a great summer.

You know those days that you go to your favorite theme park, or do you favorite activity... You play hard all day, have a blast, BUT there is nothing like slinking into your bed, body tired and a smile on your face. That is how I feel. (or soon to feel)

Although school has started, I have a few busy days/weeks left to get everything ready for the start of school. (i.e. huddles, retreats, FNLs, MNDs, newsletters, etc.) I just have to say that a vacation is in order, thus I am excited about heading to Nashville.

It seems that we have lost a practice that for much of history was a commandment of God. Honor the Sabbath and keep it holy. Whatever happened to that. Now, I know that when Christ came... he brought with him a new law. BUT I'm not sure that the sabbath was thrown out with the annual sacrifice. I believe God intended us to continue with the idea of a sabbath.

You see, he knew something about his creation. We will work for things we like. AND we will work ourselves to death to get our desires. We all need to be reminded who we "really" serve and take some time off (a sabbatical) to focus on God.

I wish my job allowed more time for more sabbaticals. I take them when I can. I am just glad I have the opportunities to break and relax. So, here's to a semi-sabbatical to come. May God bless it.

Camp Blue Haven (before the trip)

2008-07-19T17:08:00.002-05:00

One of the jobs of a youth minister is to have a summer so busy, it makes it okay to slack off the rest of the year. The only work we really do is in the summer. (disclaimer - I do not believe this for one minute, but in some ways it would be nice.)
When I meet with other youth ministers, one question that usually gets asked is "What camps do you do?" To this question I dutifully reply "Camp Blue Haven". You see, unlike the camp that I grew up at (which I absolutely loved and would give my right pinkie to go back - Black Mesa Bible Camp), Camp Blue Haven runs for 10 weeks and pulls from a large area for attendees. Thus my chances that someone has heard of this camp are greater. (I guess I like this fact because I like making connections with people.)
Of course, I would not venture to say this (or any other camp for that matter) is the perfect camp. My teens absolutely love it, they promote Christian standards, and it is in the mountains... that is enough for me. One aspect that makes this camp very easy to go to each year is that my parents are the care takers. What that means is that I get to stay (with my wife and kid) in a house rather than a small cabin sharing a bathroom. It is rather nice and tends not to feel like camp very much, but I'm willing to sacrifice.
During this 5th session of CBH, I will serve as the Music teacher. This will be my third year in this position and I have enjoyed every bit of it. I love to sing, but more so, I love connecting teens to God through song. This is where I get my kicks. I teach new songs, bring back old ones, but mainly encourage everyone to sing from the heart.
The past two years, I have also had the opportunity to give an evening devotional for the camp. 1st year I did the closing camp fire; 2nd year I did the opening camp fire. This year, I have been asked to do "Early Christian Worship". I am a little nervous about this one, because it is a pretty serious lesson. I'm not saying that the camp fires are not serious, it's just that their setting is fairly easy to just talk in "devotional style". Early Christian Worship is much more somber, and much more like a sermon. There also seems to be a lot of hype for this night. I just pray that it goes according to God's plan.
If you are happening to venture to CBH this week, I'll look forward to seeing you.

May God bless.

Way too long...

2008-07-14T16:06:00.002-05:00

So, some of you might be thinking that I had given up on my blog. Well, not really. It just became less of a priority when I looked at all the things I had to do. Then, you get in the habit of not posting... and thus three months later, you look at the stats on your blog and wonder why you still have visitors.

Life is what happens to you when you busy making other plans.

I guess that quote has hit home recently. I have been planning/participating/killing myself in youth activities this summer. We have trying to find that line that is a healthy medium of how many activities parents want and actually getting to see my family during the summer. (I do believe that we have found things pretty good, but it is still tiring.)

Here are a few things to chatch you up on my life:

1. VBS is always fun (no matter your age or role)
2. Studying scripture with teens always is an adventure
3. The book of James is a great book to study with teens
4. Teens never cease to amaze me with their willingness to serve, work, and be together
5. My wife is very understanding of a Youth Minister's life
6. Changing the rules to volleyball it more fun that originally thought
7. Jacey is almost a year old and is really fun to be around now
8. She is finally cutting her first tooth
9. I am afraid I met my match on who can talk more (Jacey just doesn't have all the words I have)
10. A blog that I enjoy reading has decided to go private - I hope I can understand the election process without Mark...
11. The Bible Chair has hired a new Director, which will be an interesting transition for this congregation
12. Camp Blue Haven (5th session) starts Sunday
13. I am learning new songs to teach for CBHs music class
14. One of my best friends for Canyon took a job as a Worship minister
15. We just moved this friend to the Fort Worth area this past weekend
16. I wish we could have taken more time off to help my brother pack up his house
17. 2-way radios never cease to be fun to play with on trips
18. Katie should have a new computer tomorrow.

This is about all I can think of for now... Until the next post... who knows when.

An Uncommon "F" Word

2008-03-31T13:56:00.001-05:00

I hate it when someone wrongs me. It really bothers me when someone does not show respect to others. I consider it a Christian trait—to respect.

I guess lack of respect for anyone gets under my skin. It becomes hard for me to like a person who lacks respect for others. I want to force them into respect and I tend to shun them. But what is really hard is to forgive them.

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things God asks us to do. Colossians 3:13 tells us that we should forgive others because God has forgiven us. This seems like a understandable deal. It makes sense logically, but in practice it becomes much different.

It is not easy to forgive. We justify reasons not to forgive, and even plan opportunities to teach “that person” a lesson. But what greater lesson to teach someone than to forgive.

2 Corinthians 2:10 tells us that anyone we forgive, Christ will also forgive. And the reverse is assumed. This passage, along with others, puts a huge burden on the Christian.
We hold the power of forgiveness and God tells us it is our choice to forgive.

Peter understood this concept of forgiveness, but thought it must have it’s limits. He asks Christ in Matthew 18:21 how many times he should forgive “his brother”? He asks if 7 times is enough.
To take this back to normal human thought, we are usually willing to forgive once. We can find it within ourselves to forgive twice. If we are really good we will forgive three times. But seven is a stretch for most of us. Seven offenses is too much for the normal human to take.

It seems like Christ asks us to not be normal humans. He tells Peter to forgive 7 times 70. I do not believe that he means a literal number, but more-so as much as it takes.

How much can you forgive? I hope as much as Christ asks.

My Other Cheek

2008-03-31T13:54:00.001-05:00

Have you ever been slapped? Have you ever felt the burn of someone’s hand across your face? This is not something you easily forget. I can remember several different times when I have invoked the wrath of another human (usually girl) to use the power of an open handed slap. I can distinctly remember how it burned. And in most cases, I did not repeat the offense.

If you have not experienced a physical slap, I am sure you have felt the burn of an emotional slap. This is the kind of slap that seems to come out of nowhere and smacks you in the face with overwhelming force. This is the kind of slap you get when a boyfriend decides to start dating someone else without telling you. Or your best friend becomes better friends with your sibling.
Our normal gut response to a slap is retaliation. In one form or another, we want to get the person back. Isn’t that our right? Especially with a blind-sided emotional slap?
Jesus has some weird advice that seems to go against normal human urges. In Matthew 5:39 Jesus says “do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.”

So Jesus wants me to give the person another opportunity to hit me? Does that seem right? Why would Jesus give us such weird advice?

I do not believe that Jesus would want us to “egg-on” the second hit, but it is clearly an offer of the other cheek. What does this accomplish?

If the normal gut response to a slap is retaliation; when you don’t retaliate, but offer the other cheek, you may disarm that person. A slap is intended to hurt, but if someone is prepared for it, it doesn’t hurt as much. Not retaliating also shows that person you are not going to play the game of who can hurt who, but rather the game Christ called us to play where we love one another.

So, are you willing to turn the other cheek? Even when you know you will only get slapped again? Get ready, because you know the slap will come. And when it does, show them your other cheek.

A simple dedication...

2008-02-29T09:41:00.003-06:00

In the fall of my freshman year at Harding I joined a social/service club. I enjoyed many aspects about this club, and soon became highly involved with pretty much every aspect that I could. Whether it was meetings, projects, retreats, sports, or banquets, I wanted to have my hand in it.

As time went on, I finally came to my 1st year anniversary for being in the club. What is significant about this time is not that I had been in the club for 1 year, but that a new class was coming in. I would no longer be looked at as the "newbie," but as a full-fledged member. As well, I got to see a new class struggle through pledge week as I had done one year previous.

Getting to watch this new class was an eye opening experience. I think I learned more about pledge week on the other side of the membership line. I really cared deeply for this club, and kept an eye out for those pledges that cared deeply as well.

The pledge class was typical in many ways, needing to come together as a group, learn to be less self-fish, etc. I remember several guys sticking out in my head. One of which was Eric Myers. He was a leader, an athlete, a servant, and all around good guy. He worked hard during pledge week, but did not stop there. He dove into most all aspects of the club. He even participated in Spring Sing, which wasn't that big of deal to most of the club, but to me as Spring Sing director, it meant a lot.

My friendship with this man grew over the years. He kept up his leadership in the club and served as an officer as well. I always enjoyed our conversations, games together, love for the club, and love for Christ.

Since graduation, I have not had the opportunity to keep up with this man, much to my regret. I now know that I will not be able to catch up with him this side of the gates. This morning, friends and family are gathered together to mourn the loss of Eric in a service dedicated in his name. I wish I could be there to mourn with my brothers, but time and distance are not on my side. He died on Sunday in his sleep from an infection that spread to his heart.

My heart goes out to the brothers that were much closer to Eric than I. May God continue to bless the impact he had on many lives.

A Home-made video

2008-02-22T12:27:00.004-06:00

Just a home-made video of 2 crazy parents singing the Wise Man with thier baby girl.

Just a new way...

2008-02-21T14:16:00.002-06:00

My wife and I sat down for lunch today (bacon and tomato sandwiches, with mac and cheese... yum), and it got me thinking.

Katie and I have made mac and cheese the same way every time. We boil the noodles, drain the water, put the butter in to melt, throw the milk in, and then the powered cheese. Then we would stir it around until the butter melted, and all seemed mixed properly. Not a bad way of making it. In fact, that seemed like the norm. (Mind you, the directions on the box are fairly vague as to technique) Then, we were at my family gathering where all the women help cook the meals. My sister-in-law (Kelly) was making the mac and cheese (I would say for the kids, but we all like it, so who knows who actually got it). She did something totally un-orthodox with this simple dish. Not only did she drain the water, but she took out all the noodles and set them aside. Now, in my world, this was not normal (thankfully, I did not see it or I would confounded at the sight. I believe at this point my nephew (Ryland) had roped me into another game on the Wii.) What she did next was throw the butter into the hot pan to melt it. Add the milk, and powdered cheese to form a cream. Then she put the noodles back in for the final mix. Now, not only was this boxed concaction creamier, but it was also warmer than our traditional way of making this dish. My wife and I were blown away from the simple logic of making mac and cheese in this profound new way. Ever since then, we make our mac and cheese like Kelly (and praise her name every time for showing us the light).

I wonder how many things in our life go like that. We do things a certain way because that is what we were taught, or first thought out, or whatever the reason. Then when we see it done a different way, we question, we fight, and sometimes we give in because the "new" way is better. I guess I will continue questioning the way that I do certain things to see if there is a "better" way. Until then, I guess I will keep up what I do (even if in ignorance).

V-day

2008-02-14T09:23:00.003-06:00

Well, it seems to be that wonderful day of the year again, when flower shops are busting at the seams, jewelry stores are hoping to snag more "in need" guys, many guys are freating trying to find something because the "Today show" reminded them, and singles are reminded that they are... just that.

I usually enjoy this day, because it gives me an excuse to get something for my wife. I don't get her too many gifts throughout the year (I know, shame on me), but this serves as one of those friendly reminders that just because we are married does not mean that I can stop courting.

I reminded the teens last night about today's significance and it was meet with some groans and some ahhs. I understand both feelings. I don't know how many girlfriends I actually had during V-day, but I do remember a couple. One in particular was my first experience of being "out-given". I don't even remember what I got ... let's call her Cheri. But I do remember what she got me. Not one, but 2 pieces of jewlery. Now you may think that this is a wierd thing to get a guy. It could be, unless you are a jewlery lover like me. One was an ID bracelet (gold) and one was a key chain with half a heart (also gold) in which she had the other half. I remember always feeling guilty/inadequate for not getting her something as nice (and rememberable).

So, I can understand some of the feelings around this time of year for those guys dating in my Youth Group. They want to make sure that they are giving a "really good" gift, but nothing over the top (because that can have negative effects as well). Girls may enjoy this game, but it is so confusing to a young man, it can drive us insane.

The other aspect is to the un-dating teen, who might hate this day because they would like some to "dote" on or to "dote" on them.

I like to remember a thing that my brother did for girls in that category. In High School, I do not remember by brother having many girlfriends, but I do believe he was a romantic none the less. Before V-day he would make a list of all his friends (girls) that did not have a significant other, and thus would probably receive nothing on this day. He then would proceed to get all of them a single rose (if memory serves right). I always thought that was pretty cool, so I tried it one year. It went over well with all my friends, but the girl-friend didn't like it too much. Lesson learned.

So, I guess in that spirit. To all of you who did not get flowers today. Here you go.

(I hope my wife does not get mad. I love you dear)

February Newsletter

2008-02-07T09:58:00.000-06:00

This is the articles from a newsletter that I send out to all my teens each month. This particular issue was a "Black and White special edition", so it was a little different than the normal color version.

BLACK

There are many things in life that seem very clear-cut (or black and white if you will). Then again, there are many things that are not clear by any means. This month’s newsletter is a special edition for this concept of black and white.
We read that in the beginning God created the heaven’s and the earth. The earth was formless and dark. This was not acceptable to God, and so the first thing he created was light. Why did he do this first? Couldn’t he have waited until the fourth day, when he created the sun, moon, and stars?
God created light as a separation from the darkness. Thus, in the beginning, God created black and white. Upon this concept, he based his whole creation. Darkness being a separation from the light, un-desirable, un-clear, and often evil.
When sin entered the world, darkness became a daunting force. It was a clear entity that screamed that it was different that God, because God is light. This darkness engulfed human beings with it’s lies of power, knowledge, and self-indulgence.
Sin, by its very nature, is hidden. When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, their first response was to hide. The same is true for us. We rarely show our sin to everyone around us. We, rather, choose to conceal it with darkness.
Most of the sin that entangles us can be concealed from other humans. You probably do not know all my sins, and I do not know yours. Most of us would love to keep it this way having people assume the best of us. We then can fool ourselves that sin is not a “huge” issue (maybe its gray). But to God, it is black and white. In Revelation 3:14-16, Jesus proclaims his wish that we were either hot or cold (black or white if you will), and not live in the middle ground. The black areas have no power. God’s light will prevail either now, or in the end.

WHITE

“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light: in him here is no darkness at all.” - 1 John 1:5
John goes on the say that if we claim to be “with” God, but live in “darkness” we are liars. Because God is light, he calls us to be light as well. But how do we deal with this issue of sin in our lives? This sin makes us dark and separate from God.
God calls us to put our sins in the light. To confess them to one-another. He, then will purify us from our unrighteousness and we will be like the Psalmists writes “as white as snow.”
There is something beautiful about a fresh coat of snow covering the earth. Everything looks so clean and pure. That is how our lives should look in Jesus Christ. In a snow covered field, no black object can hide. It stands in stark contrast to its surroundings. That is how our sin should look on the blanket of our lives.
There is no better contrast of black and white than the picture of heaven. Sure there will be streets of gold and gates of pearl, but the coolest description of heaven (to me) is no darkness. All will be light.
I wonder while we are in heaven if we will forget was black looks like. I wonder if we will look around in awe of the beautiful colors of heaven and remember how silly we were to live in darkness while on the earth. Why not let the brightness of God shine in you now?

GRAY

There are many times in my life that I wish more things were black and white. Sometimes I wish all of life was just that clear. I have a friend who is color blind and deals with this idea on a daily basis. I can’t help but think how different life would be if all we saw was black and white.
I guess the heart of what I am saying, is I sometimes wish God always dealt in black and white. It seems that there are many issues that fall into the category of gray. This area leaves us guessing and hoping that we are not messing up because we interpreted a gray item wrong.
There are many things that fit into the category. God commands us to worship him. The early Christians did this on Sunday. Now we wonder if it matters where we place the Lord’s Supper, if we have to meet twice in one day, or if in has to be in a building.
God gives us instruction to sing praises to him. The problem is that he doesn’t lay out all the ground rules on how that should happen. Can we clap? Can we sing in four-part harmony? Can we use instruments?
Scriptures as well give us examples of elders, deacons, and deaconesses. In different accounts we read of some qualifications and the intent of the position, but never a clear cut job description.
Why didn’t God just set up everything in black and white? He did it with the plan of salvation. Why not spell out exactly how we should worship him?
Who knows all of God’s reasoning for doing what he did? I do not pretend to know why he did it, but I do have an observation that might lead to one reason God did it.
When we are presented with a gray area, we have to think. We have to study and often times require the help of others. It seems that we grow in the gray areas. We build identity, friendships, and love in these areas. God may have created the gray areas for his church of grow and spur one another on.

A few weekends ago

2008-01-30T11:26:00.000-06:00

So, I know I have not posted much in a while. Two words... Spring Semester. For some odd reason all life is crazy during the Spring Semester. It doesn't matter if you work in a school system or not.

A couple of weekends ago I took 8 of my teens to a small youth rally in Arlington, TX. This weekend event boasts an attendance of ~5,000 people. Quite an exprience for several of my teens who have never had to opportunity to worship with that many people. This weekend also gave them the chance to participate in a service that was a little different than their own.

I could go on and explain the weekend, but more so I want to give props to a few things the Winterfest people did for my group.
1. my teens are still talking about the impact different things had on their lives.
2. my teens made the others that did not come feel bad for missing.
3. they are still carrying their little red Bible around with them at school.
4. all of our alarms go off every day at 3:16 to help remind us whose we are.

I am just excited that weekends like this happen. How many chances would my teens get to hear from people like Jeff Walling?

All in all, I say to the Winterfest crew... Keep up the good work, and may God bless.

"Imitation is Suicide"

2008-01-15T09:50:00.000-06:00

Every Monday night, the High school teens get together for the Monday Night Devo. This devo is completely teen led. All I do is show up and give support. I love this event, because all I do is put a sign-up list in the foyer twice a year to host this event. Other than that, I show up.

Because this is totally done by teens, organization is at a minimum. We start when someone finally gets the guts to blare out a song over the talking, we sing one song... wait... sing another... wait... hope that someone else starts one... and the process repeats. The devotional itself is sometimes an adventure. Usually, they work it out a week in advance who has the next devo, but memories are not always that great. I don't know how many devos I have heard with a start something like this...

"So, I forgot I had the devo tonight, but..."

Now, don't get me wrong. I am not saying this is bad. We have had some wonderful times of talking and studying with no prep time. I am just glad that these teens do devotionals.

Last night was particularly interesting to me. The teen said a quote that he read in his 6th period English class. "Imitation is Suicide." He then begins to support the quote saying that we need to be ourselves, and not mold into other's thoughts for us. A good idea on some levels, but quickly broke down when he turned it to Jesus. As he stumbled over that idea, I tried to help by saying that imitating Jesus is suicide. We must die to our selves to follow Him.
Imitation is a natural human process. How do we learn what we do? Watching my 5 month girl stick her tongue out when I do is less a brand new thought of her own, and more an imitation of what daddy does. Solomon might have been hinting to this by saying "there is nothing new under the sun."

When the devo was done, I continued thinking about what these kids are learning in school. They are continually hearing the message of "you must be true to yourself, you must love yourself (before you can love someone else), etc..." Now I do not necessarily disagree with these messages, I just know that when you teach them without the background of Christianity, it leads to self-centeredness, elite individualism, and a skewed view of God's will for humanity.

No wonder Jean M. Twenge calls this generation "Generation Me" in her book of the same title. You learn what you are taught.

Quiz Show

2007-12-12T15:41:00.000-06:00

Last night, I ventured to the town of Happy, TX (the town without a frown) for basketball games of 3 of my teens. We arrive shortly before 6:30 (when the first game is about to start). As we are outside, I hear a buzzer ring (thinking it might be either the end of a JV game, or the 1 min. warning) so we hustle on in. As we arrive, we see the girls team (1st game we were supposed to watch) leaving the court. Come to find out that they bumped up the games and hour in order to not chance driving in bad weather. Good for them, stinks for Katie and I. We arrived home close to 2 hours earlier than we had planned.

I tell you that story, to tell you this one.

Since, I was not expecting this "down time", I took advantage of the situation and grabbed the remote to do a little channel surfing. When Katie joined, I had paused on a movie called "Quiz Show." This is set back when television was first making a big stand. The was a game show that aired called "Quiz Show". As the story unfolds, a member of a congressional committee set up to "monitor" several things (including television) has a hunch there is something not quite right with this game show. After many failed attempts, he finds out that the game is rigged. They give the answers to one contest before the show (in addition to teaching him how to act/sweat/lie).

This man then begins to find more evidence that goes all the way up the chain in NBC. Since the best way to stop this kind of activity is to cut the head off, he attempts to attack the highest levels of the National Broadcasting Corporation.

At the end of the movie, he makes a cool statement. When things start to turn, not so much in the direction he intended, he turns to a friend and says "I thought I was going after the TV programmers, but it turns out they are coming after us."

I really enjoyed this movie (mainly because it is based on a true story). That line stuck with me. It always amazes me how much TV corporations guide the way we think. We often do not even doubt what TV says. They may try to give us an un-biased view of all the Presidential candidates, but I rarely see some of the runners. The Today Show aired a segment on the benefits of sex. Over the course of the segment, they encouraged those who have "gone a-while with-out" to grab the next "decent looking" person and fulfill that need. In the last seconds came their advice to married couples... "talk".

TV has taught a generation many lessons, ideas, thoughts, and beliefs that I would prefer they learn somewhere else. (This coming from a person who grew up always having a TV) This thought hits more at home now that my daughter is fascinated with "Baby Einstein" or TV in general that has lots of colors and interesting music.

I'm not saying that Television is evil. I'm just saying that pretty much any show, news article, or broadcast event has some agenda. This, in and of itself, is not bad. Sometimes I wish they could just publicize that agenda, so I will be informed at what they are about, and what messages they might be sending me, or my kid.

Border defense solution

2007-12-03T14:40:00.000-06:00

Ran across this on the net. Got a good chuckle. Thought I would pass it on.

Getting to know me - Christmas edition...

2007-12-03T14:22:00.000-06:00

Well... since I have been tagged 4 times with this, I guess I better follow the crowd and fill it out as well.

Welcome to the Holiday edition of getting to know your friends.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? wrapping paper, but I enjoy decking out the boxes with ribbon bows, etc.
2. Real tree or artificial? the verdict is pending this year. We are having our first real tree, which smells like a picturesque ranch in Colorado.
3. When do you put up the tree? Once we get back from traveling on Thanksgiving.
4. When do you take the tree down? This year... day after Christmas, because I don't feel comfortable leaving firewood and kindling in my living room for a couple weeks when I am gone.
5. Do you like eggnog? not really
6. What about Fruitcake? What about it?
7. Favorite gift received as a child? The wrapping paper roll.
8. Do you have a nativity scene? yes, although I'm usually not a big fan, ours is the Willow Creek stuff that is way cool. It will probably stay up all year round this year.
9. Hardest person to buy for? between Katie and I we can usually come up with something for everyone.
10. Easiest person to buy for? Jacey
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I don't recall anything.
12. Mail or email Christmas cards? do you send cards for Christmas?
13. Favorite Christmas Movie? I enjoy most Christmas movies.
14. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Whenever I see a gift that "screams" a certain person's name. (who wouldn't want a yelling gift?)
15. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? oh yes, usually in the form of White Elephant gifts.
16. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? fudge... m & m's... chocolate santas... notice a trend.
17. Clear lights or colored on the tree? both, wrap the inside with clear lights, and the tree glows.
18. Favorite Christmas song? Wizards of Christmas.
19. Travel for Christmas or stay at home? yes.
20. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? no, but I might be able to get all the tribes of Israel, apostles of Jesus, churches in Revelation, books of the Bible, divisions of the Bible... shouldn't that count for something.
21. Angel on the tree top or a star? neither... a Santa hat.
22. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? one on Christmas Eve (always pj's), the rest on Christmas morning.
23. What is the one present you want most this year? a couch
24. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Christmas Decorations before Thanksgiving.
25. What I love most about Christmas? Apple cider...

some clarification, I guess...

2007-11-29T15:14:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I put up a post entitled "OCD". If you notice now, that post has been deleted. I had a couple of people question my intent and implications with that post. Now, my first instinct was to leave it up, and clarify or defend the things I said. As I looked through the post, that was not a hard feat, except when it came to my last sentence.

The main point of the post was about my Obsessive Compulsive Disorder when it comes to (mainly) my office. At the end, I was making a small reference to a passage in Luke 19 about being faithful/trustworthy with a small matter and receiving a "greater" gift. This was probably overlooked do to the fact that I said it in a playful way. I started the sentence by saying "One day, when I am a "real minister"..."

This idea (of being a "real minister") goes back to some discussions I was in during college. It became our playful way of combating the whole idea that Youth Ministry is just a "sub-ministry" within the church. They implied that all good ministers should eventually become preachers. I always felt that this attitude not only short changed the youth group (and minister), but also did not give an appropriate attitude to the Lord's work in general. Now, I do think that this attitude has subsidized for the most part, but I still hear hints of it today.

Currently, as a Youth Minister, I love my job. I have always understood the importance of ministering to all ages, but it seems that every day it is reinforced that people neeed to help teens to love thier Lord Jesus and be His disciple. So is Youth Ministry important... no doubt. Is it a lesser ministry position that a preacher... no way. Should all Youth Ministers become Preachers... no (unless the Lord has that plan for them.)

This coming January I will get the chance to be surrounded by ~1,000 youth workers at NCYM, again. Many of these ministers have been in youth work for over a decade, with no plan on stopping soon. (which is a huge encouragement knowing that the average stay at a congregation for Youth Ministers is 18 months) I find this event as a wonderful opportunity to get to know many different youth ministers across the country. Spend one night at this conference and you can agree that youth ministers are a rare bread. Although some display the likeness to the "typical youth minister stereo-type", most will shock you with their "otherness".

Through my observations, I am compeled to believe there are very few true "typical youth minister stereo-types" (or TYMS). Now, there are a lot of people (including myself) that possess traits of this alleged person. In this light, when poking fun of the "TYMS" should not be equated to making fun of a particular person, just the idea of the stereo-type. There is no "typical" youth minister. Now there are certain personality traits that may aid a person in youth ministry, but even that is not across the board.

Now, back the reason for this post. I do not want anyone to think that I do not like my ministry, or consider myself "above" others doing the same work. When I make fun of the "TYMS" I guess I poke fun at myself as well. I hope this may clarify future posts in where I may poke fun at a unique group of people (which I am part of) that call themselves youth ministers.

Now, I did not delete my previous post because I could not explain my comments. I deleted it because I realized that throughout the post I was rather self-serving, without realizing it. This is something I apparently struggle with, thus I am still learning as I walk.

What makes someone "like" church?

2007-11-08T15:45:00.001-06:00

I struggle with this question as a minister. Working with Christian teens is sometimes a blessing and sometimes a disappointment. I love to watch when these teens personalize their faith and put it to action (becoming disciples of Christ). But I also hurt when these same teens mess up and "deny" their calling.

Now this doesn't just affect teens. Every human being is susceptible to free will and making the wrong choice. This is not so much what I struggle with, but more so what makes people even "like" church.

It seems that churches are competing for members. (Whether it be to steal from the Baptists, or congregation in the neighboring town.) We try to create programs to "win" souls to our congregation and more programs to "keep" them here. Some congregations even go as far as to have an "exit program" in which to learn why the particular person is leaving the congregation. Although I do not put my trust in programs... it is the system that we work in. There is a soccer program, a band program, a student council program, etc. Each one of these is dependant on whether people enjoy being part of the program. If people do not like it, they will not go, thus it will die.

So, now my question is... Do people have to "like" church? Is that a requirement found in the scriptures? Or is it just an understood human tendency? (I will give that Christians should be "likable", thus you will "like" the church.) But it seems the reason most people leave a particular congregation is because of what it "does not offer"... and the church down the road "offers something better." It may be a better youth program, a different worship style, a "good" preacher, less commitment, etc.

The reason I am struggling with this (at the moment) is in reference to Wednesday night services. We do a Huddle group program, in which the teens are split into small groups with a couple of loving adults to lead them. Last year, this program was well attended, but this year, we are lacking in numbers. (now, on a quick side note... I am not numbers driven... Effectiveness cannot be calculated by how many attend) Now, the obvious question is why are they not coming? Are they busy with other stuff? Are they heathens? Do they just hate God? or Do they just not like it as much as they did? Now, if they don't like it as much, is it my duty to "help" (or make) them like it more. Just a thought.

And the predicament continues as I gear up for another youth activity this Saturday. Let's see if they "like" this one.

How bad can you lose?

2007-11-02T11:51:00.000-05:00

You may know several things about me. You may know I am a youth minister. You may know I am a fairly avid X-box player. What you may not know is... while I'm not spouting off my knowledge of the bible, doing various ministry projects, spending time with my wife and family, playing X-box, etc... I have taken up the past-time of being a referee. Why I call this a past-time is that I consider it a hobby that brings in a little money. Now, I am not just an ordinary referee that wears the unmarked black shoes, pants, and prison shirt... I get to wear basically what I want (including sandals) and my shirt looks like a bumble bee.

My chosen area in which to inflict my skills as a referee is soccer. I grew up playing this fantastic sport that might be considered a mix between the running of track, the concept of basketball (get the ball in the net), the strategy of rugby, and the rules of hacky-sack. Not that knowing all this makes me an expert on the subject. I still have difficulty remembering the difference between a direct and in-direct kick.

Evaluating my skills as a referee, they (meaning the people who hire me) are quite smart in placing me to ref 7 & 8 year old girls. These girls are still learning the concept of dribbling, passing, team play, not picking flowers in the grass, etc. To sum it up... these girls are way cute, and rather easy to play with as a referee.

There is one team that is noticeably better than all the rest. (i.e. they usually win by around 15 points) I bring this up, because I learned a lesson from these girls the last game that I reffed. We are now in a tournament, so when a team loses, they are out. So, I was reffing the grey team against the purple team (the good one). During the first quarter, the grey team gave the purple team a run for their money. But by half, they were already down by 5. These girls continued to play their hearts out through the rest of the game. The final score was 14 to 5 in favor of the purple team.

Now to hand it to the purple team, they do not gloat about their win, and encourage the other team with high fives. But what struck me was the grey team's attitude. The coach asked me the final score with her team surrounding her. When I told her, they all (wide eyed and excited) said that's not bad. There were excited they did not get blown out of the water.

I guess sometimes I forget what it's all about. You can have fun winning or losing. This age group of girls has taught me that valuable lesson week after week. Oh, for the attitude of a child as an adult. I wish some of these parents would take a cue from their daughter who excited runs back to their dad shouting; "Did you see the goal I almost made?"

It seems like there is a class lesson in here somewhere, but Jesus already hit the point.

Sunday Night Blues

2007-10-16T16:21:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I got to go and see my family all at my sister's house in Mansfield, TX (DFW). For many reasons this was a fun, and much needed trip. I needed to show off Jacey to my siblings... I also needed to worship at a congregation and not be a minister.

It was a nice change, to be able to sit through a service and really be just fed. The place we attended is a rather neat congregation. They have much excitement in the air (at least that is what a visitor thought). One thing that really caught my attention, though, was their announcement for their Sunday night service.

You see, most Sunday night services seem to be in the same rut throughout the nation. Less than half the Sunday morning crew comes back... it seems as just a repeat of the Sunday morning event... a sermon is the most dominant feature. Now, many congregations have tried to get out of this rut by choosing things such as Small Groups, Sunday Night for the Savior, other presentations, and the like. This particular congregation (Mansfield Church of Christ) had a small group program previously. They are starting something new called PM (Praise and Meditation). Their goal was to provide an option besides the small groups (if your group just was not working). They announced it as having hints of a traditional Sunday Night service, but could hardly be called that. They seemed to want to focus on learning to be still, and using spontaneity. Although I did not have the opportunity to come back that evening, I really wanted to participate in this evening of Praise and Meditation.

I do believe as a general rule, the churches of Christ could use a reformation of the Sunday night venue. I know that what works in one place will not work in all, but I believe the newer generations would prefer (thus attend, thus give glory to God) a different Sunday night idea than just the few songs and a sermon.

I guess Marriage Matters...

2007-10-10T11:58:00.000-05:00

Since Sunday our congregation as played host to a seminar put on by Jerry and Lynn Jones called "Marriage Matters." They have covered all sorts of topics (including... dealing with death or divorce, parenting, unrealistic expectations, pornography, etc). Their last two presentations are tonight. This has been quite an insightful series of ideas and presentations, especially when they talk directly to the couple that has the newborn girl in the audience.
Both Jerry and Lynn are quite articulate and have been doing this particular seminar for 10 years. They are fun to listen to, and give some great advice. I am not sure how much Katie and I have learned anew during this seminar, but I am sure that we have re-learned a lot (which is just as good in my book). While we leave the seminar each night, we talk about the concepts and ideas that we have been reminded of. We both come to the same conclusion... Thank you Christian Home.
You see, while we were still in college we both took a class called Christian Home with Dr. Joe Brumfield. Although we took it separately (before we met each other), he teaches it much the same every time, thus learning many of the same concepts. This class has become a staple in our married life as we are reminded of Dr. Brumfield's curious ways of portraying ideas so that we remember them. Although we only joke about using the words "So, what I hear you saying is...", we have found that we do it in other ways that seem more natural to us. I believe Joe would be proud to see where we are now. In fact, last time I talked to him, that was the nuts and bolts of our conversation. He wanted to know how our marriage was going. God bless Dr. Joe Brumfield and the love that he had for his students and their Christian Homes.

So, I guess I will join...

2007-10-05T09:54:00.000-05:00

The blogging world is proliferated with random ideas on life, day to day accounts of personal endeavors, political agendas, thoughts about God, and many other musings about the world around us.
So, why would I start a blog... let me tell you just a few of the reasons...

1. Everyone else in my family has a blog already. Sure, this may mean that I'm a indecisive, slow-on-the-up-take, stubborn follower... but what would you expect from the youngest sibling.

2. I submit the fact that I do not call (or e-mail) people as much as I should to keep up-dated. This (as it seems) is a good way to keep people involved in my life.

3. It has been a secret goal of mine to get my name on all the "on-line communities". Thus I can check another one off my list.

4. I have an overwhelming need to talk. After my wife gets her fill I usually have to concede and not say anything more. Now, I can continue one with my babblings. (And a cool feature of this is that if you do not want to listen, you can stop reading and I will have no clue. Just how cool is blogger for being so polite in an awkward situation.)

5. I actually believe I have something worthwhile to say. (Although that something may not show itself for many years, when it does come... I would love for it to be in writing.)

Seeing as how I am the last (of my family) to get one of these pages, it is now my goal to trap all the cousins in with us. This goal could be for noble reasons of keeping in contact with everyone, thus furthering our relationships and all that jazz. But realistically, it is because I really don't want to be the last.