Family Musings

I am approaching my one year anniversary of youth ministry at Chisholm Trail, and well, I’m loving it. Now granted the last year hasn’t been a walk in the park, but it’s been educational, and pregnant with oppurtunities that I didn’t have in Ohio. On this side of year in a new place, it sure isn’t as scary as it once was. I am thankful for the changes and the transitions that have taken place in my life over the last year. I have a great church family, and a wonderful group of teenagers. I am amazed that I get paid to do what I love to do. Thank you Lord for this work that you have given me.

I want to turn my attention to home for a second. Jennifer and I adore our little girl. Being a year old, I sense that her life is taking a new approach. I see her personality, and her attempts at independence, and I am thankful that she is still a baby. I know that devolopmentally she will continue to pull alway from Jen and I, but right now she needs me. I love when I come home, and she hears my keys in the door and she begins to grin looking for her daddy. I don’t know how you describe those moments. I love when she falls asleep in the evenings on my shoulder, and how she is somehow comforted by daddy’s lullabys. I see my little one, and marvel at how truly alive she is, and how much of her mother and I see in her. I am in awe that God would grant me the privilege to raise children, and to think that she will learn more about God through my relationship with here is huge. So, my prayer this morning, and really every morning since she was born, is for God’s help in being a godly Father. I want to be like you Jesus, so that one day when my kids say they want to be like me, I can smile knowing they see you in my life.

By the way, Jennifer, if you read this today, know that I love you!

What I am reading

I just finished a book titled, Toxic Faith. Written by Stephen Arterburn and Jack Felton, it brings the reader into the world of religious addiction. I had never considered religion to be an addiction. Sure I knew of cults, and cultish practices, but what Arterburn and Felton do is they allow you to see some of the skewed beliefs, and the motivations behind those skewed belief systems. The scary thing is, is that you don’t have to be involved with a cult to have a toxic faith.

In my early days of my Christian walk I had some skewed beliefs, and I have learned through several years of ministry that many the people that sit in our pews have theologies that aren’t based on reality and actually are quite harmful to thier spiritual well being.

In any case, Toxic Faith is a must read. If not for you, maybe for the benefit of someone you know or someone you will encounter who has a religious obsession.

Mow your grass!

I try to keep my lawn mowed. Due to a busy youth ministry and the hectic summer traveling schedule, my lawn at times was wild. However, I have a neighbor whose yard looks like the Amazon jungle. If I let my daughter crawl outside, she would get lost. I am even afraid to park my truck in it’s normal spot, for I have to walk through my neighbor’s yard to get to my door, I need a maschete!

Do you have a neighbor or neigbors like mine? I have to confess, I am compelled to just mow his yard, but then I don’t want to be confused as the homeowner. Whatever shall I do?

Dear neighbor, please mow your grass!

Sincerely,
the grass nazi

Politics

I have debated whether or not blogs are the right place for political debate. It seems with some of the blogs I have purposefully read, and others by accident, that the blogosphere is used to rant and rave about anything.

I have had an interest in politcs since I was in Junior High. As I got into highschool, I even toyed with the idea of pursuing a political science degree in college. But then it struck me, the definition of politics says alot about the nature of some of the political bologna that occurs prior to an election.

Politics: Really a combination of two words. Poly, meaning many & ticks, blood sucking creatures. Just kidding, I thought that those that find this blog by accident or on purpose might appreciate my attempt at political humor.

 

What’s it mean to be spiritual?

Why I don’t have all the answers to above question, I have observed some spiritual people and some not so spiritual people? Maybe the better question is what’s it mean to be a Christian. Unfortunately, 2000 years of using the “c” word has dramatically altared it’s meaning. You mention Christian at let’s say at the Democratic National Convention, and people are ranting and raving about the ”Christian Right” and it’s fearless leaders Pat Robertson, James Dobson, and Jerry Fallwell. Maybe I am overgeneralizing a bit, but the point is, the word “christian” evokes different meanings for different people. Even in the realm of Christendom, the “c” word elicits different meanings. My particular religious tribe tends to define “christians” as those who adhere to their party line, and I am sure most religious tribes define “christian” the same way.  To be spiritual and Christian should go hand in hand. I am not talking about mystical experiences, I am talking about the thrust of our lives as they are enmeshed the life of Christ. Maybe, we aren’t spiritual enough? Or maybe being spiritual isn’t our problem at all. Maybe it’s surrender? Maybe if those who bear the name of Christ lived surrendered lives there wouldn’t be a question as to whether someone is spiritual or not?

Mission Trip ‘04

My youth group and I just returned from our first mission trip together. I don’t know how one defines success on a mission trip. But, if your group of kids is supposed to gel, if the chaperones are supposed to help lead kids closer to Christ, if the devotional times are moving, then I would say that our trip was successful. Being that this was our first extended trip together, I will say that the trip from a planner’s perspective was educational. My group didn’t grumble any more over some of our rules than another group would have. My kids got to see me vulnerable, and they responded with an outpouring of emotion that won’t be forgotten.

I had a great group of adult chaperones, one of them being my wife. I couldn’t have asked for more from a chaperone. From cooking to laundry, to cleaning, Jennifer taught me about being a servant, by putting the needs of others above her own.

It was tough to say goodbye again to some special teens from my old church, but you know, one year has provided many oppotunities for growth. And although it was hard to say goodbye, it wasn’t as hard because of the teens that I serve now are just as loving, and generous to my wife and I as were the old gang.

It’s good to be home, and back with my church family.

Vacation Bible School

By it’s very name it leaves me wondering, “who is on vacation?” I wish I knew, for the director of our church’s VBS (your’s truly), preparation for this event is no vacation. The last few days have been rather hectic, and stressful. I know of several occasions where my helpers are grumbling about this and that, and the only one who is talking to me about frustrating people or things is my lovely wife, who by the way has helped me greatly to retain my composure at times when we discuss VBS in our house.

I focused on this thought yesterday, VBS is not about me, or any of the other adults in the drama or teaching classes, it’s about teaching children about God, and His faithfulness. Why do we adults, complicate ministry. Some of the grumbling I have heard have been along these lines, “if it doesn’t go my way, I quit.” Where is the Christ-like attitude we are told to have in Phil. 2:5? Making demands is definetly not Christ-like, so stop it! I know that any large event a congregation does increases the liklihood of congregational stress and tension. Not all of this tension we experience in churches is bad. As a matter of fact, tension and conflict can reveal a deeper congregational issue, one that can affect overall congregational help. Boy wouldn’t it be nice if people got over themselves, and we started functioning as the church was intended? Could the root of some of our problems be that we don’t understand the notion of ekklesia? Aren’t the called out ones supposed to be different than the world? The church is a community of sinners touched by the grace of God, in need of His tender touch each day. Shouldn’t community be what we are striving for? A place where we stop pretedning to be okay, and allow ourselves to be vulnerable with our brothers and sisters, and more importantly with our Lord?

Good-byes aren’t easy…

Good-byes aren’t easy. I still get a little choked up when it’s time to say good-bye to my folks and brother after a week together. I know that I will see them in a couple of weeks, as we come to Ohio for our mission trip, but the 900 miles plus that separates us is at times enough to drive me to my knees and seek Heavenly comfort. I long for home, but in these times of longing for home I am reminded of another longing for another home out of this world. A place where there will be no tears, no pain, no death, no tragedy, no sin, just 100 percent in the presence of God. So, as a fellow traveler and follower of Christ, I long for home. I realize my citizenship is in heaven. While I love this land that I call home, it is but a temporary residence, for all those that belong to Jesus Christ are citizens of the kingdom of God.

We had a great week together. Rachel’s first birthday was a joyous time. Seeing her get so excited about all the balloons and presents will be one of my fondest memories. Seeing her master stair climbing was also one of those precious moments that I cherish. She only started crawling maybe a month and half ago, and she is already climbing steps, and pulling herself up on things. It shouldn’t be too long before she takes her first steps. Yikes!

Jen’s parents left last night to spend a few days with Jen’s grandmother. I love spending time with them as well. We have a good relationship.

Well, that’s it for now, I got to get ready to go to the office.

Ephesians, a letter for those with low-spiritual self-esteem

I have always liked the letter to the Ephesians. I like it even more. Chisholm Trail is using material from Tim Woodroof this new quarter in our Bible classes on Ephesians. I have only finished studying the background material and part of the first lesson, and wow! Not only is brother Woodroof a gifted Bible student but he presents the content of each lesson in an easy to understand way.

I never considered before just how much the early saints and us 21st century saints have in common. This letter to the Ephesians has really intrigued me because there have been many times over my spiritual pilgrimage I have had a hard time grasping that God’s grace is even for the likes of sinful me. So, it stirs great excitement within me to consider that the early saints shared a common struggle. I say all of this to point like brother Woodroof does, that Ephesians is a relevant message for us today. I would like to read any of your comments/thoughts on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, and the relevancy of Scripture to us today. This should make for some good conversation.

Family time…

My folks, and brother are in from Ohio. I haven’t seen them since March, so you can imagine I am thrilled to see them. They are here to celebrate my daughter’s first birthday on July 3. One year ago today, I was working as an Associate minister in Middletown, Ohio with a very pregnant wife who at any moment was ready to pop (sorry hun), and wondering about my future as a father, and as a youth minister in a state I had only visited twice.

Boy how things change. A lot has happened in a year. I am not the same person I was a year ago, neither is my wife, nor our new addition to our family. But the change is a good one. When the going got tough after we moved, and didn’t have the support of my family and close friends, I had to rely on the promises of God. That He was faithful, and in control, and that this seemingly difficult circumstance was for His glory, that I would see my folks again, that I would be a good dad, and that the impact I would make in Duncan would make a difference.

On the other side of all that happened, I am thankful for painful circumstances. For in pain, where have to go? I can think of only two options, one of them doesn’t get you anywhere, and the second option is the only one that works. That is surrender to Christ. I think that is one of the most difficult aspects of our walk with Christ is surrender. It’s easy to recognize Jesus as a Savior, but He is also our Sovereign, and life lived surrendered to the Master produces more blessings. Will hardship come, you bet it will. But I am convinced that there is nothing my Lord and I can’t handle.

Last night my folks came to church with us, and ate with us at the fellowship meal before church. My folks are amazed at good the people here in Duncan treat my wife, daughter, and I. They are glad that in their absence that there are many that are taking care of us, and that makes them appreciate the Church more. My brother and dad sat through my Bible class last night, and really that was the first time they had heard me teach a Bible class to teens. I am a little un-orthodox at times, but I think it comes with the territory, teens don’t like lecture, but the more animated I can get within reason, they more I gain their attention.

Hopefully, everyone will be getting up soon, I am waiting patiently for eggs, sausage, and biscuits. Have a blessed day!