Here in Hilton Head, life is good. The nice condo. The nice pool. The nice beach. The nice weather. I guess this is why they call it vacation.
For something to do, Meg and I walked on the beach as the day turned into night. We took off our sandals and waded in the shallow tide that was crashing into the shore on this particular evening.
Standing in the tide, the beauty of what surrounds you cannot be comprehended. The sound off the crashing waves, the sand between your toes, the "beach-goers" walking the shoreline without a care in the world, the sea birds patroling the skys above, and a sunset that emits colors that God would normally keep secret. Why is it that we are drawn to these types of surroundings?
Looking out over the ocean answers that question. Hundreds of years ago, people used to stand on shorelines and look out into a real unknown. Now, we know what is out there. Maybe that is what makes it so special. As I wade through the tide on a vacation away from my life, I cannot but think how lucky I am to do this for leisure. In other parts of the world people are washing their clothes, their pots and pans, and themselves in the same water that I think exists as a luxury. Maybe this is a way for God to humor our thoughts (or Himself). What one person takes for granted, the other uses as a washer. What one person sees as only beauty, the other sees as a toilet or washbin.
Isn't it amazing how people take God's love for granted? One ocean. Many different uses. One love.
God is all-loving.
~An unedited version of myself.~
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Leadership = The Word
In our small group, we recently had a shift in direction. With the introduction of REPEAT ministries, my role as group "leader" has expanded. Ryan Solida, the co-leader, has focused more of his intentions on maintaining the REPEAT website and other logistics pertaining to REPEAT itself. With this shift in direction, comes more structure for the group and more use of my own personal time as a small group leader.
Normally, I might complain. However, this has been another blessing in my life. For the 10 months before this shift that we were a group, I might have devoted an hour of my time to our studies.
It showed too.
Our group, although great at hanging out, was hanging on by a thread. Personally, and I'm not sure about anyone else in the group (besides from my talks with Ryan), but I needed more meat and potatoes...if you know what I mean?
Now though, I am putting in a good 3-4 hours a week in order to prepare for group. This includes reading, studying, rereading, sending out the weekly plan, researching on the web, etc. I hope, and I think, that this newly designed structure is helping people grow in their own faith.
I know it is on my end.
And ya, it probably doesn't hurt that I am hardly working...ok...not working this summer. BUT...in all reality, 3-4 hours a week is only about 25 minutes of your time each day. That's like cutting out one TV show, or a few extra minutes in the morning and the evening, or setting aside something that can wait until another time. 25 minutes in 24 hours is hardly anything, but when it comes to drawing you closer to God....it's the best 25 minutes of your day.
Normally, I might complain. However, this has been another blessing in my life. For the 10 months before this shift that we were a group, I might have devoted an hour of my time to our studies.
It showed too.
Our group, although great at hanging out, was hanging on by a thread. Personally, and I'm not sure about anyone else in the group (besides from my talks with Ryan), but I needed more meat and potatoes...if you know what I mean?
Now though, I am putting in a good 3-4 hours a week in order to prepare for group. This includes reading, studying, rereading, sending out the weekly plan, researching on the web, etc. I hope, and I think, that this newly designed structure is helping people grow in their own faith.
I know it is on my end.
And ya, it probably doesn't hurt that I am hardly working...ok...not working this summer. BUT...in all reality, 3-4 hours a week is only about 25 minutes of your time each day. That's like cutting out one TV show, or a few extra minutes in the morning and the evening, or setting aside something that can wait until another time. 25 minutes in 24 hours is hardly anything, but when it comes to drawing you closer to God....it's the best 25 minutes of your day.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Sick As a Dog (whatever that means)
I hardly ever get sick. I'm probably laid up due to a sickness, maybe, one time every three years. Well, whatever I had today kicked my butt. I was up from 6am-10am being sick in the bathroom (you don't want to know), held a fever for most of the day, only ate two popsicles, laid on the couch for HOURS, and was "sick" a few times throughout the day. However, even though I'm still beat, the sick feeling went away around 6pm. My immune system is pretty amazing. I really think teaching helps to improve my chances of not getting sick. I build up a lot of immunity to a lot of junk. So, hopefully when I wake up tomorrow this will all be completely gone. Then, I can hopefully wait a few more years until this happens again :(
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Done!
Summer school is done! Here is me giving a sigh of relief...ssiiigggghhhhh.
Now, nothing but a bum until August 21! Nice :)
Now, nothing but a bum until August 21! Nice :)
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Are You Thirsty?
Before I ever owned my own home, I never really cared about droughts.
Now, droughts really stink.
For the past several weeks, there hasn't been much rain. Mother Nature is being very cruel to my first yard and plants. So, during this time, I have been watering every couple of nights to keep up on what they have been missing.
As I was doing this, I began to think about my role in this whole process. Without me, my yard and plants would be pretty thirsty right? But...there I come, pulling my hose around the yard...watering each plant and brown spot of grass. In this drought, I am the saving grace of my foilage. I decide whether it lives or dies (unless Mother Nature steps in). Ultimately, I give my yard what it needs in order to survive: Time, care, and hope (hope to survive).
As I was providing this late-night trip to the watering hole, I found myself relating to these plants. Strange, right?
It is amazing what you can think about when you are watering your yard.
Anyways, in a distorted kind of way, I am those plants when it comes my own life. I constantly need time, care, and hope. So, in a sense, I need someone or something to quench my thirst. In this case, who could that be? Who could possibly provide all of those things in my life so that I can survive each and everyday...even when there is a drought happening in my life?
The only possible answer is God.
God provides me with everything that I need. He quenches my thirst by providing me with the skills and tools to survive each and everyday. He gives me the time, even when I do not always give Him mine. He gives me the care that I need, even when I do not show Him that I care back. But, most importantly, He gives me hope...even when I do not always see it in Him. When I am going through a drought in my life...when everything isn't going as planned...He comes by to give me that little taste of something special that keeps me hanging on.
So, in a weird and uncommon sort of way....
Maybe you and I have more in common with our yard and plants than we thought ;)
Now, droughts really stink.
For the past several weeks, there hasn't been much rain. Mother Nature is being very cruel to my first yard and plants. So, during this time, I have been watering every couple of nights to keep up on what they have been missing.
As I was doing this, I began to think about my role in this whole process. Without me, my yard and plants would be pretty thirsty right? But...there I come, pulling my hose around the yard...watering each plant and brown spot of grass. In this drought, I am the saving grace of my foilage. I decide whether it lives or dies (unless Mother Nature steps in). Ultimately, I give my yard what it needs in order to survive: Time, care, and hope (hope to survive).
As I was providing this late-night trip to the watering hole, I found myself relating to these plants. Strange, right?
It is amazing what you can think about when you are watering your yard.
Anyways, in a distorted kind of way, I am those plants when it comes my own life. I constantly need time, care, and hope. So, in a sense, I need someone or something to quench my thirst. In this case, who could that be? Who could possibly provide all of those things in my life so that I can survive each and everyday...even when there is a drought happening in my life?
The only possible answer is God.
God provides me with everything that I need. He quenches my thirst by providing me with the skills and tools to survive each and everyday. He gives me the time, even when I do not always give Him mine. He gives me the care that I need, even when I do not show Him that I care back. But, most importantly, He gives me hope...even when I do not always see it in Him. When I am going through a drought in my life...when everything isn't going as planned...He comes by to give me that little taste of something special that keeps me hanging on.
So, in a weird and uncommon sort of way....
Maybe you and I have more in common with our yard and plants than we thought ;)
Monday, July 9, 2007
Incoming Call...GOD?
What if God called you?
Seriously though, I mean He technically could...I'm sure you are saved in His iphone (no double meaning there). But honestly, how would you react if you picked up the phone and the person on the other line said, "Hey buddy, this is God." To be honest, I'd probably say, "Who the HECK (and I'm being nice here) is this?" Or, "Get a life loser." And possibly, depending on the moment, maybe even a sarcastic "Your Mom." Couldn't you put yourself there too? 99.9999% of us would be jumping to all sorts of conclusions...none of them being that it is really God on the other end.
Why do we do this?
Throughout prior human history, it wasn't unusual for an average person to hear the Word of God. Why are we so quick to jump the gun? Personally, I do not think God will ever send me a text message saying, "wat r u up 2? bff ever." But, I'd definitely save it and sell it on e-bay with the Mother Mary grilled cheese sandwich (I'm surprised someone hasn't already done that actually).
With that being said, I guess what I'm really trying to say is why are we so scared to really do something for God. Why is our reaction always along the lines of "ah, I'm too busy...maybe later." God is on the permanent back burner. I am guilty of this too. Like I've mentioned before, I want to do something with my faith to inspire others to Christ. But, I always have an excuse. After the school year. After the summer. After the baby is born. Why do I do things like this? What is really holding me back? Is it just pure laziness, or is it really Satan messing with my head?
I challenge you, along with myself, to pick up that phone and say hello. And if it is God on the other end, invite him over for a cookout :)
Do Something with your faith! Share it in the simplest of ways ;)
Seriously though, I mean He technically could...I'm sure you are saved in His iphone (no double meaning there). But honestly, how would you react if you picked up the phone and the person on the other line said, "Hey buddy, this is God." To be honest, I'd probably say, "Who the HECK (and I'm being nice here) is this?" Or, "Get a life loser." And possibly, depending on the moment, maybe even a sarcastic "Your Mom." Couldn't you put yourself there too? 99.9999% of us would be jumping to all sorts of conclusions...none of them being that it is really God on the other end.
Why do we do this?
Throughout prior human history, it wasn't unusual for an average person to hear the Word of God. Why are we so quick to jump the gun? Personally, I do not think God will ever send me a text message saying, "wat r u up 2? bff ever." But, I'd definitely save it and sell it on e-bay with the Mother Mary grilled cheese sandwich (I'm surprised someone hasn't already done that actually).
With that being said, I guess what I'm really trying to say is why are we so scared to really do something for God. Why is our reaction always along the lines of "ah, I'm too busy...maybe later." God is on the permanent back burner. I am guilty of this too. Like I've mentioned before, I want to do something with my faith to inspire others to Christ. But, I always have an excuse. After the school year. After the summer. After the baby is born. Why do I do things like this? What is really holding me back? Is it just pure laziness, or is it really Satan messing with my head?
I challenge you, along with myself, to pick up that phone and say hello. And if it is God on the other end, invite him over for a cookout :)
Do Something with your faith! Share it in the simplest of ways ;)
Saturday, July 7, 2007
REPEAT Reflection
Last evening, we had our first outting with our mid-size group for a new ministry called REPEAT (or repeating Christ's life through our own). As I was sitting in my lawn chair recovering from an intense game of angleball, I realized how special things truly are for this group of people. I found myself feeling an emotion of unexpected joy. Sitting in that lawn chair and watching the others around me, I couldn't help to think what a great opportunity this is for everyone involved, and everyone yet to join.
For the first time in my life I am surrounded by people who really love and care about others. They are people that have my back. They are people that I can have a talk with on just about any topic. They are people that would put down everything that they are doing just to help one another out. They are true friends.
We had dinner, played angleball, and just hung out. There was no dependence on alcohol, or loud "party" music, or going out to the bars, or any of that junk that doesn't really need to be in our lives. The noise of the night was conversation, laughter, fun, and most importantly...love.
What is amazing is that we were all drawn here for one thing...God. Even though I cannot comprehend it, this was all in the plans God created for Megan and I. Who would have thought, oh say three years ago, that I would be in a leadership position in a 20's ministry? I sure as heck didn't and sometimes I still do not think I am up to the task. Deep down inside of me I have this itch. An itch that just won't go away. I think that I have it somewhere inside of me to effect a lot of people in the name of Christ. I do not know how. I do not know when. I do not know why. But there is a passion inside of me that is burning like I have never had before. Things have changed in my life for the better. I have friends that I truly love and love me right back. I have a closer relationship with my family because of the lessons and teachings I have learned about. I have an appreciation of not knowing what is coming next. Now, some of you might think that is a bad thing, but it truly is the best thing I could have asked for. I put all of my trust in God. Sure, bad things are going to happen. Things will break, words will be said, friends and family will pass away to be with the Lord. But not knowing and not seeking those answers is a great release. I feel very fortunate to have lived the life that I have. Great childhood, great family, great learning lessons, great schooling and career choice, but what I love even more is how I was directed on to the path of God. I really feel as though my Mom was called to work at Kohl's just so that I would meet Megan and be called to Christ. I also feel that I am the director of my own family's faith. I hpe that my life can be an example for not only them to follow, but anyone that I meet that is interested in God.
I never thought I would be in that position. Before, i just thought that God was God and that was it. I just thought that all good people went to Heaven. But Chrisitianity is like anything else, you have to practice at it to be better. I have never and will never say that I am better than anyone else because of it, but it helps me to live an unselfish life knowing that each day is not my own.
See there are a lot of things that can be thought about when you are sitting in a lawn chair on a summer's night surrounded by a group of people that are full of life and love. This experience has drawn me so much closer to other people. I am totally different than I was before in terms of my approach with my own personality. Before, I would have been the shy guy in the corner that only talked when someone else came up to him. Now, I am that guy who goes around and talks to as many people as possible. I want to get to know them. I want to be there for them. I want to be their friend. It is amazing how the Lord works, and I hope that deep down inside of you...you want to feel that too.
For the first time in my life I am surrounded by people who really love and care about others. They are people that have my back. They are people that I can have a talk with on just about any topic. They are people that would put down everything that they are doing just to help one another out. They are true friends.
We had dinner, played angleball, and just hung out. There was no dependence on alcohol, or loud "party" music, or going out to the bars, or any of that junk that doesn't really need to be in our lives. The noise of the night was conversation, laughter, fun, and most importantly...love.
What is amazing is that we were all drawn here for one thing...God. Even though I cannot comprehend it, this was all in the plans God created for Megan and I. Who would have thought, oh say three years ago, that I would be in a leadership position in a 20's ministry? I sure as heck didn't and sometimes I still do not think I am up to the task. Deep down inside of me I have this itch. An itch that just won't go away. I think that I have it somewhere inside of me to effect a lot of people in the name of Christ. I do not know how. I do not know when. I do not know why. But there is a passion inside of me that is burning like I have never had before. Things have changed in my life for the better. I have friends that I truly love and love me right back. I have a closer relationship with my family because of the lessons and teachings I have learned about. I have an appreciation of not knowing what is coming next. Now, some of you might think that is a bad thing, but it truly is the best thing I could have asked for. I put all of my trust in God. Sure, bad things are going to happen. Things will break, words will be said, friends and family will pass away to be with the Lord. But not knowing and not seeking those answers is a great release. I feel very fortunate to have lived the life that I have. Great childhood, great family, great learning lessons, great schooling and career choice, but what I love even more is how I was directed on to the path of God. I really feel as though my Mom was called to work at Kohl's just so that I would meet Megan and be called to Christ. I also feel that I am the director of my own family's faith. I hpe that my life can be an example for not only them to follow, but anyone that I meet that is interested in God.
I never thought I would be in that position. Before, i just thought that God was God and that was it. I just thought that all good people went to Heaven. But Chrisitianity is like anything else, you have to practice at it to be better. I have never and will never say that I am better than anyone else because of it, but it helps me to live an unselfish life knowing that each day is not my own.
See there are a lot of things that can be thought about when you are sitting in a lawn chair on a summer's night surrounded by a group of people that are full of life and love. This experience has drawn me so much closer to other people. I am totally different than I was before in terms of my approach with my own personality. Before, I would have been the shy guy in the corner that only talked when someone else came up to him. Now, I am that guy who goes around and talks to as many people as possible. I want to get to know them. I want to be there for them. I want to be their friend. It is amazing how the Lord works, and I hope that deep down inside of you...you want to feel that too.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Happy Fourth
The following is from our pastor at Rivertree, Greg Nettle. I loved this piece that he wrote and wanted to share it with anybody who reads this. Enjoy!
Happy Freedom Day America
Have you ever considered what it meant for those 56 men--an eclectic group of ministers, businessmen, teachers, university professors, sailors, captains, farmers--to sign the Declaration of Independence? This was a contract that began with the reasons for the separation from Great Britain and closed in the final paragraph stating "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."
Dr. Benjamin Rush, the father of American Medicine and a signer, recorded that historical day in his journal. In 1781 he wrote to John Adams, "Do you recollect the pensive and awful silence which pervaded the House when we were called up, one after another, to the table of the President of the Congress to subscribe to what was believed by many at that time to be our death warrants?"
Those 56 men, willing to risk their lives for freedom, ensured the freedoms that you and I enjoy today. And yet those very freedoms are perhaps more in jeopardy today than at any other time in history.
In 1962 public prayer was removed from the classroom. In 1963 public Bible study was removed from the public school system. In 1980 the 10 commandments were removed from school walls. The court system said that if the 10 commandments were posted on the walls of a classroom, a student might read them and then meditate on them and then be lead to obey them. And that is unconstitutional. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not commit adultery. Incidentally, for something to be considered unconstitutional means that it would have been opposed by our Founding Fathers.
Since 1963, teenage pregnancies have increased by 553%. The divorce rate has increased by 117%. Violent crimes have increased by 544%.
Consider these statements:
If there is anything in my thoughts or style to commend, the credit is due to my parents for instilling in me an early love of the Scriptures. --Daniel Webster
It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religion but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. --Patrick Henry
The highest story of the American Revolution is this: It connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity. --John Adams
The Bible is the Rock on which this Republic rests. --Andrew Jackson
We've staked the whole future of American civilization not on the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future of all political institutions upon the capacity of each and all of us . . . to govern ourselves according to the commandments of God. The future and success of America is not in this Constitution, but in the laws of God upon which this Constitution is founded. --James Madison
It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible. --George Washington
The United States of America has existed for more than 200 years in its original form of government based on the Constitution. In comparison, in 200 years, France has had seven different forms of government. Italy is in its 48th form of government. The Soviet Union, under a Communist form of government, disintegrated. How has our nation remained so strong? Secular historians have concluded that our Constitution was derived primarily from the truth of the Bible!
America was founded not on the belief that she was blessed because God chose her but that she was blessed because she chose God. And that when we quit choosing God, we will cease to enjoy God's blessings.
If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper; but if we and our posterity neglect its instructions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophy may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity. --Daniel Webster
"What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord." (Psalm 33:12)
Happy Freedom Day America
Have you ever considered what it meant for those 56 men--an eclectic group of ministers, businessmen, teachers, university professors, sailors, captains, farmers--to sign the Declaration of Independence? This was a contract that began with the reasons for the separation from Great Britain and closed in the final paragraph stating "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."
Dr. Benjamin Rush, the father of American Medicine and a signer, recorded that historical day in his journal. In 1781 he wrote to John Adams, "Do you recollect the pensive and awful silence which pervaded the House when we were called up, one after another, to the table of the President of the Congress to subscribe to what was believed by many at that time to be our death warrants?"
Those 56 men, willing to risk their lives for freedom, ensured the freedoms that you and I enjoy today. And yet those very freedoms are perhaps more in jeopardy today than at any other time in history.
In 1962 public prayer was removed from the classroom. In 1963 public Bible study was removed from the public school system. In 1980 the 10 commandments were removed from school walls. The court system said that if the 10 commandments were posted on the walls of a classroom, a student might read them and then meditate on them and then be lead to obey them. And that is unconstitutional. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not commit adultery. Incidentally, for something to be considered unconstitutional means that it would have been opposed by our Founding Fathers.
Since 1963, teenage pregnancies have increased by 553%. The divorce rate has increased by 117%. Violent crimes have increased by 544%.
Consider these statements:
If there is anything in my thoughts or style to commend, the credit is due to my parents for instilling in me an early love of the Scriptures. --Daniel Webster
It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religion but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. --Patrick Henry
The highest story of the American Revolution is this: It connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity. --John Adams
The Bible is the Rock on which this Republic rests. --Andrew Jackson
We've staked the whole future of American civilization not on the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future of all political institutions upon the capacity of each and all of us . . . to govern ourselves according to the commandments of God. The future and success of America is not in this Constitution, but in the laws of God upon which this Constitution is founded. --James Madison
It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible. --George Washington
The United States of America has existed for more than 200 years in its original form of government based on the Constitution. In comparison, in 200 years, France has had seven different forms of government. Italy is in its 48th form of government. The Soviet Union, under a Communist form of government, disintegrated. How has our nation remained so strong? Secular historians have concluded that our Constitution was derived primarily from the truth of the Bible!
America was founded not on the belief that she was blessed because God chose her but that she was blessed because she chose God. And that when we quit choosing God, we will cease to enjoy God's blessings.
If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper; but if we and our posterity neglect its instructions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophy may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity. --Daniel Webster
"What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord." (Psalm 33:12)
Monday, July 2, 2007
Summer Nights
As I am writing this post tonight, I am sitting on our back patio during my favorite time of the summer...the evenings. The temperature is comfortable, neighbors pass by on evening walks, birds play during the final hours of sunlight, lightening bugs wake up from a day of napping, kids can be heard laughing and playing before the sun goes down for the evening, even a few "pre-fourth of July" fireworks are being set off somewhere close by. But, in these moments of bliss, I reflect on life itself. I often find myself thinking thoughts that no one else does, or at least I tend to think that anyways...but isn't this world, this life, this gift amazing? Not only am I sitting on my porch, but I'm breathing in the summer air, I'm thinking of my beautiful wife in the house before me that has a miracle inside of her, I'm listening to sounds taking place on the other side of the block, I get to see the flight of a bird or the adventure of survival of a mosquito as she scouts out my blood lines, I get to feel the shiver of a cool summers night breeze, I get to be in peace without a care in the world in my very own backyard that is buzzing with life that I didn't even knew exsisted. What a painting. What a sculpture. What a Creator. God loves us humans more than any of us may ever know, and it is in these quiet moments that I realize how much God truly loves this world. "Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven." Those words comfort me beyond belief because of how true God is to us. This isn't Earth, this isn't Hell, this isn't chaos...this is Heaven. Something so good and perfect lies buried beneath the hate, crime, disease, poverty, injustice, racism, sexism, immorality, greed, sickness, lust, etc. Christ allowed me to live this life and to see its imperfections and to try my very best to reverse the curse, but even Jesus couldn't do that. My only hope is that I will one day wake up with all the answers.
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