The.Big.G

Go Braves

2005-05-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was very nice as I attended the Atlanta Braves games. They beat the Florida Marlins 5-2 on a homerun by Chipper Jones and another homerun by Andruw Jones. I sat 17 rows behind home plate and the view was amazing. It was so much fun to be at the ol' ball park. Well, Turner Field is not really that old. Anywhew...GO BRAVES!!!!

Strange day

2005-04-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

Sitting here cleaning out my office on my last day as student pastor. Really strange but that's the way it goes. I say goodbye to student ministry and hello to a new world. Thanks to my students and our adult leaders who have made my time as student pastor at Crosspointe wonderful. Fall deeply in love with God, dream big dreams, and revolutionize your world. Adios!!!

He Who....

2005-04-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

Began a good work in you is faithful to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. In the midst of so much change in my life I have needed this verse like none other lately. I really don't know where God is taking us. Anna and I prayed last night for His wisdom. I know that I have loved my time serving in youth ministry but now it's time to move on. Maybe all I really want is this:

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

The Cry for Something

2005-04-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

I have kept my mouth shut about this for several weeks but I feel now I have to say something. During this whole saga of Pope John Paul II passing and the election of Pope Benedict the XVI I have been watching a world of people cry out for something to give them hope. I saw the looks in the eyes of mourners and those who were watching the scenes around the vcatican this last month and I saw something that as a server of God I was brokenhearted. That something was the cry for purpose, hope, reality, life. Where will this world find that hope...a man or God? What a challenge facing me as a believer in the real hope for this world...Jesus.

Living by Faith

2005-04-25T14:31:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday was my last day teaching in the student ministry here at Crosspointe. It has been a tough and somewhat emotional time for me. Talk about clinging to God when you have nothing else to hold onto. Faith is a word we toss around so much and I have often in the past. But how often do we really have to live by faith and not sight. I can honestly say right now I ma having to live by faith. I want answers for things that I can't get answers for. I just keep hearing "trust me." I can only say that God is so richly in love with me and I am amazed at His grace to me in this time of my life. "Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding and in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."

Raindrops falling on my head

2005-04-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

In the midst of pollen world....It is raining in the ATL now. I just left Caribou Coffee and when I went outside my car is no longer yellow. Thank you for the rain Lord.

Life Update

2005-04-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

Interviews, Interviews, and more Interviews. Please keep praying for me in my job search. I have some good prospects but just waiting to see what happens. It's so cool seeing Anna grow and feel the baby move more and more each day. I can't wait to be a Daddy. Well, back to the job search.

Connie Clausen

2005-04-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

In the midst of all the pain and changes taking place in our lives, last night we got the call that Anna's grandmother in New Zealand passed away. She was Anna's step-grandma but she had been married to Grandpa for 26 years. We called Grandpa and he told us he was going to come this summer for a visit to see his grandbabies (Anna and Nate) and to see his new great-grandbabies. Truthfully, after our wedding 4 years ago we were not sure we would see them again. As we know the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. While I was praying last night the Lord gave me a sense that Connie's passing was a gift she gave for all of us to see grandpa once more. Yes, it is hard right now with losing two grandma's and me stepping out of youth ministry. Why do hard times come? I don't know all those answers but I do know the Lord is holding us in His hands. Please pray for Anna, her mother, and our family in this time. Thank you my friends.

Announcement

2005-04-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

This past week has been a blur. With all the traveling and going to a funeral it has been really hectic but I wanted to share something with those who read here and ask for somem more prayer. Yesterday, I announced my resignation as the youth pastor of Crosspointe Community Church. Over the last 4-5 months I have sensed God doing something in me that I could not explain. For a while I could not allow myself to really go to the place I needed to to understnand what He was stirring. But I came to a place where I realized that God was moving me out of youth ministry. I am in I guess what could be called a rediscovery phase. I know God has called me to ministry and I am praying to see where that is in His plan. I have some thoughts but not really ready to stamp those in the ground until I know something clearer from Him. I ask that if you my friends will pray for me in this time because I am seeking work in the marketplace now and I already have some leads. Anna and I will still be attending Crosspointe with the blessing of the other leaders here, which really excites us both because we have so many good friendships at this church.

In Cheese Country

2005-04-05T23:41:00.000-07:00

Sad news...Anna's grandma passed away Sunday afternoon. However, the whole family was able to be there as she passed peacefully. She is now with the Lord and no longer in pain. I am now in Eagle River, Wisconsin at Anna's parents place. We will head to Northfield, MN. on Thursday for the funeral. Today, we went to Townsend, WI. to a place called Cathedral of the Pines. This was found in the early 1900's bya lady who would bring her students there to read bible stories and pray. This area of forest was never used for logging timber so there were trees there 300-400 years old. It was beautful and amazing to see God's creation. It was a very peaceful time in the midst of what can seem like a busy time. Well, gettting late...off to bed. Thank for your prayers.

Elaine Jacobsen

2005-04-01T11:45:00.000-08:00

Please pray for my wife's family. We have known for a few months that her grandmother, Elaine Jacobsen, has terminal cancer. Just last night we found out she has a matter of days left. We are scheduled to fly out this weekend to see her. She lives in Northfield Minnesota. Please think of us when you pray.

Final 4

2005-03-30T02:56:00.000-08:00

Last weekend's college basketball games were some of the best I have seen in a long time. I am really hoping that the Final 4 will be just as good. I would really like to see Louisville win the title but I am picking North Carolina to cut the nets down and claim Roy Williams first National Title. But it sure would make my day if Carolina lost.

Easter Refelections

2005-03-28T09:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had a great easter celebration at Crosspointe. At the end of the service our worship team did one of my favorite songs, The Wonderful Cross, with a video montage from different movies about Jesus. It was very powerful and had me in awe. I thought I might post the words to that song because they are so amazing to me.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the prince of glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride

See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown.

Oh the wonderful cross, oh the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live
Oh the wonderful cross, oh the wonderful cross
All who gather here by grace draw near and bless your name

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small,
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my souls, my life, my all.

Thank You

2005-03-27T08:55:00.000-08:00

Thank you my Lord...Thank you for dying. Thank you for living a life that shows me how to live. Thank you for creating me. Thank you for giving everything for me so that I know how to give to others. Thank you for loving me like no one else can. Thank you for rising from the grave. Jesus....Thank YOU!!!

Do you know What I have Done to You

2005-03-24T15:24:00.000-08:00

With this week is easter and today Passover I was thinking about the washing of feet. In John 13:12 Jesus asks his disciples "Do You know what I have done to you?" Knowing it was a talmidim's (disciple) desire to be just like his rabbi it really brings an interesting question. Jesus our Rabbi is teaching us something huge here. We must serve one another. Not just flippant lip service kind of serve but the kind that's willing to go into the crevices of a person's life and see them cleaned. This passage really comes in a new light to me now. I pray that I can be like my rabbi and serve my brothers and sisters in Christ that way. I pray I can serve my world this way too.

Love Wins

2005-03-21T14:28:00.000-08:00

It seems like forever since I posted but I just did not have anything to say. I am sure some of you know those feelings. However, here we go. We have been taking our students through a series called The Gospel According to Napoleon Dynamite. Yesterday, I talked about the topic Love Wins. I showed a clip from the movie where Napoleon is abandoned by his date at the dance but he is accepted by his friends Pedro and Deb. I used this as the back drop encourage our students to see those around them who are the outcast and the ones no one cares about. Jesus points out to us in Matthew 25 that the truly righteous ones are people who love the unlovable. They minister to the "least of these." I am reminded that Christ even though beaten, ridiculed, spat on, betrayed, and crucified never allowed love not to win. I think of what I endure in life as being so miniscule compared to his suffering. Yet, He teaches me that what really matters going through life is to love others. So as you think about this week of Easter be reminded of this Love Wins!!!

On the Eve of Madness

2005-03-16T11:02:00.000-08:00

Yes, it all begins tomorrow. March Madness and the NCAA tourney. I can't wait. I have my bracket but I really am struggling to pick a champ this year. There are so many teams that I think could win it all. So what are your picks? Any thoughts out their on this Madness Eve?

Blessed Be Your Name

2005-03-14T10:19:00.000-08:00

I imagine many of us have had those moments in worship gatherings where we are singing something that seems to be coming from the depths of our soul. That happened to me yesterday at church. Yesterday we were singing Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman when God used those words to speak deep into my soul. It was as though the Holy Spirit himself was singing those through me and it was absolutely amazing. Here are the lyrics, read them for yourself but think about what they really say...

Blessed Be Your Name In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed Be Your name When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name
Chorus
Every blessing You pour out I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord Still I will say Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name Blessed be the name of the Lord Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your nameOn the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering

Interlude
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say Lord, blessed be Your name

The Dreaded block

2005-03-11T10:40:00.000-08:00

Got writer's block. Probably cause I got only two hours of sleep the other night. Now I know what my other friends in blogworld mean when they talk about having writer's block. Oh well, everyone have a good weekend.

Resolution Remembered

2005-03-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

So it's a few months into '05 and I was wondering how those New Year's Resolutions are going for you? If you are like me, I don't even remember what mine was let alone if I have kept it. So if you can remember yours...how is it going? Have you kept it? Did you throw it away and say I'll wait til '06? Now that I think about it...did I ever make one in the first place?

March Madness

2005-03-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

Yes!!! it is finally here. I cannot wait for the great ball games, awesome upsets, and just flat out fun it will be this month watching college basketball. If you are a fan, sit back and enjoy the ride.

Head to Christ

2005-03-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

Guitar player for the Rock band Korn, Brian "Head" Welch, has left the band. Welch became a Christian and it was not for the obvious reason some might think that he left. He said he was tired of chasing the almighty dollar and wants to see his daughter more. Check out the article. I think it is really cool that he tried to stay in the band for a while even after he gave his life to Christ. It will be interesting to see and hear stories of the people his life will lead to Christ.

A Caring Community

2005-03-02T10:42:00.000-08:00

Last night I was reminded again why God created us for community. Each week a life group from our church meets in our home. Last night we had a wonderful time of praying for one another. I love the people in our group because as I look at them I know they genuinely love one another. I thank God for people in my life who care for me that way. As you may know, my wife and I are having a baby in June. Well, one couple in our group gave us a bunch of things we would need for the baby...plus toys and clothes. I am just overwhelmed at that kind of generosity. Also, the husband of one of the ladies in our group built a dresser for our baby as a gift to us. This Thursday the ladies in our group are getting together to make meals through this new company that lets you make several meals and freeze them so dinners are done when you get home. They are going to donate some of these meals to a new couple in our community as a way to show they care. This must be what God was talking about when He said the world will know you by your love for one another.

Escaping the Village Pt. 2

2005-02-28T10:19:00.000-08:00

"The World is drawn to love. It bows before it in awe." This was a quote by William Hurt in the movie the Village. After I heard this I have not been able to get it out of my mind. Paul stated that he could teach great things but if he did not have love he was like a resounding gong and useless. If I don't really love people, then how can they really know the God who loved me. Sharing Jesus with people is not about me imparting something that I have and they don't. It is not about me being better than them. The people around me who don't know the Lord are not a object that if they were to get saved that I get some check mark by name in heaven. Acts 4:33 states that the apostles with great power were giving testimony to the resurection of the Lord. As I study this passage, I realized that how they testified about God was their love for one another and for others who needed to be loved. If we love those who no one else will, then the world will bow in awe of this kind of love. I did when I met Jesus.

Escaping the Village

2005-02-24T02:38:00.000-08:00

I just recently watched the movie The Village. Although, the movie was not a great classic I did think it showed a great picture of the church. The movie centered around a group of people who had isolated themselves from the rest of the world because of different tragedies that the leaders of the village had experienced while living in the "world." They called outsiders the "ones we don't speak of." The story climaxes as the main character, a blind young lady, needs to leave the village in order to help save the life of the man she loves. As I watched this movie, I wondered how the church has become a place where we hide ourselves behind our 4 walls and those outside of us are the ones we don't speak of. Or if we speak of them, it is blaming them and chastising them for not being like us. "Why aren't they in church? Don't they know it's the Lord's day?" Have you heard those before. Maybe you have even said them. I have. Maybe they are not in our churches because we have not escaped our villages long enough to show them they are the ones God loves and we love. Will you Escape the Village?

Things I just don't understand

2005-02-23T11:52:00.000-08:00

Sometimes people do some weird things but this GUY takes the cake. Maybe you can help me get it. Any thoughts?

The Culture Jesus Lived In

2005-02-22T10:09:00.000-08:00

In the last few months I have been studying more and more about the culture that our bible was written in. I think we in America have forgotten that the bible is a eastern book written to those from that culture and that Jesus was from that culture as well. I have found a great resource in listening to Rob Bell (Lead Teacher at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids Michigan) and researching Ray Vanderlaan's website. I have also began reading a few books on Jewish history, spirituality, etc. I was recenly talking to a friend of mine who is in ministry and it greatly disturbs me how I had never heard much of this stuff before. We both felt cheated. I wonder why many American preachers struggle to give us the context of what is going on in a passage. From all this study I have done, I have been amazed at the stories that God is telling us through scripture. There are layers and layers of great truths to be found if we just dig a little deeper. Maybe this is the metanarrative I have been looking for.

Sent Ones

2005-02-21T09:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday our Pastor of Worship and Arts Adam Feldman shared a great message about the call on believers to be sent ones. In fact he reminded us that our identity as believers is that we are "sent ones." Sent ones means that we are to get involved in the movement that God is doing around the globe redeeming all things to himself. Adam shared that around the globe means both near and far. He challenged us to think of those who are in our influence now that we are trying to reach for the gospel. I wrote down a couple of guys that I know I need to be embracing with Christ's love. I pray that I will continue to share Christ with these guys and trust in God for their salvation. "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation of everyone who believes..." God may I be a vessel for your POWER to be revealed in the lives of those I come in contact with.

Unto the Least of These

2005-02-18T09:16:00.000-08:00

"Because what you do in life echoes in eternity." A great quote from one of my favorite movies, The Gladiator. I don't know about you but lately I have come to the place where I want this statement to ring true in my life. I believe God has called me to a life that makes a difference. I learned that lesson more than I could know yesterday. Yesterday I took one of the children in our church to McDondald's to get ice cream and let him play on the playground. This particular child is 6 years old. But, he has a form of autism that makes him very fascinated with numbers and letters. This 6 year old kid is very smart. As I watched him play on the McDonald's playground, I heard God whisper to me, "If you do it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me." The world may see this little boy as one of the least of these but our Daddy sees him as His child. God taught me something huge about just caring. Loving people is what walking with God is all about. Loving people is what really "echoes in eternity."

The Revolutionary Call

2005-02-17T11:14:00.000-08:00

As I told you guys last week I was speaking in Louisiana for a ministry I helped start several years ago. If you would like to hear one message you can check it out. I spoke on the Revolutionary Call Christ has on our lives as believers.

Finally Home

2005-02-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

I had a great trip to Louisiana this past week and the Lord really used me in speaking at a former ministry I helped to get started. Then yesterday I had the honor to be selected for possible jury duty. I was with a group who was interviewed for a trial, but thanks to being juror number 43 I was not selected. The attorneys selected the 12 jurors and both alternates from the first 25 possible. But the best part of being home is getting to see my wonderful wife. I also got to feel the baby move for the first time. It all seems so surreal.

The Majesty of God's creation

2005-02-09T13:52:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I was standing outside in an unseasonbly warm Minnesota and saw one of God's wonders. My wife and I were taking a picture with her brother and his wife when the most beautiful sunset arrived. The sky was orange and blue as far as you could see as the sun set behind a hill covered with snow. It was a breathtaking reminder of the majesty of our God. I thank God for these moments and I pray that I don't miss them as I see His creation on a daily basis. These type of moments really help me see the poetry of Genesis 1. God in His creativity was lavishing Himself upon this earth in such a beautiful way. God truly is the great painter on this massive canvas.

On the Road Again

2005-02-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

Well, after work today I will be making my way to Louisiana. I have been invtied to speak for a 20 something ministry(church inside of a church) that I helped get started about 5 1/2 years ago. It will be so exciting to go back to see where God has taken this ministry. Please keep me in your prayers. Here is a link to their website The Portico.

Emerging Concerns

2005-02-07T10:51:00.000-08:00

In the past year, I have indoctrinated myself into the emerging church conversation. I am still very raw on the subject. There is so much that I agree with when it comes to the emerging church, but I do have some concerns. One big concern I have is what I perceive sometimes as an elitism that has filtered it's way into some of the conversations we have in emergent. I know I had grown tired of that same elitist thought in much of fundamental Christianity as well as the liberal side. I stuggle with much of the dogmatic way I see some emergent thinkers speak. Sometimes emergent looks like an middle to upper class white only think tank that is doing something different for the sake of being different. I love the emergent conversation and I truly do agree with much of how the leaders in this movement are talking about the changes within how church is done. I just don't want us to alienate ourselves from our Christian brothers who may not ever understand why we do the things we do.

P.S. Happy Birthday to me

Minnesota Here I am

2005-02-04T13:20:00.000-08:00

Sitting in a really coole coffee shop in Northfield Minnesota. The name of this place is Goodbye Blue Monday Coffee shop and it has a very retro look with 1950's furniture and cool murals on the wall. My prayers have been answered and the weather here is awesome. It is in the 40's and not the 40 below variety. We had a great visit wiht Anna's brother yesterday who is home for a two week leave from Iraq. I got to see his little baby for the first time and it really has me getting excited for our coming arrival in June. Well, I am going to get back to enjoying the Goodbye Blue Monday Coffee shop.

Minnesota Here I come

2005-02-02T13:30:00.000-08:00

Heading out in the a.m. to Minnesota to see Anna's brother and grandmother. I sure hope it is not artic weather up there. If I get to post while in the Artic circle I will. Until then...Later.

National Signing Day

2005-02-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

Yes it is Super Bowl week but for us college football fanatics today is another day to celebrate college football. Today is the first day High School players can sign a letter of intent stating where they will play college ball. I love this day every year. All year people argue and fight about who has the best class, who will sign where, and it just is fun. Now is the day the rumors are put to rest and the message boards light up with the one "we" stole from our rivals at State U. It does look like my two favorite schools, Alabama and LSU, are doing very well for themselves. Oh, if we could just figure out a way to start the season next week. Oh that's right we enter into our third season of the year in southern football soon, Spring Practice season. It follows recruiting season which follows the real season. Just two more words for this long blog...... ROLL TIDE!!!!

My Little Baby

2005-02-01T15:44:00.000-08:00

My wife had an ultrasound this morning and I got to see my little baby. Wow, Wow, Wow. It was the coolest thing to see this amazing baby growing inside it's mother. Thank you Lord for our baby. BTW we don't want to know the gender so you and I will have to wait for to know if it is a boy or girl. Yes, the suspense is killing me.

Elections in Iraq

2005-02-01T14:06:00.000-08:00

Whether you are for or against the war in Iraq, one must agree it is an historic event that the people of this nation were able to vote on Sunday. Can you imagine being someone from that country and just a few years ago being under such hostage to a dictator like Sadaam Hussein? We Americans really cannot fathom living that kind of life. It was great to hear the stories of Iraquis who were determined to vote despite what could have possibly occurred. How different would our polling places be on the 1st Tuesday in November every 4 years if we knew that the threat of violence towards us was extremely real? We have a hard enough time gettting people to vote now let alone if that was the case, but the Iraqi voter turnout was 72%. I think we in America truly forget sometimes the privileges we have as a democratic society. Congratualtions to the Iraqi people and my prayers are with you.

Ice Ice Baby

2005-01-31T09:03:00.000-08:00

Well, North Georgia and the Atlanta area was hit with an ice storm this weekend. The storm left many at home and most churches cancelled services on Sunday including Crosspointe. My wife is from Minnesota and we both still find it funny how any little storm shuts so much down in the south. Oh well, it made for a nice relaxing weekend.

The 411 on Teens and Sex

2005-01-27T09:15:00.000-08:00

Last night on NBC Katie Couric hosted a show called the 411 on Teens and Sex. As a youth pastor this show definitely peaked my interest. The show brought 20 teens from different parts of the country together for 48 hours to interact and discuss sexual issues. The students parents came with them and the kids did not stay together alone away from them. They were constantly supervised. As they interviewd these teens I was somewhat surprised at the openness you hear from these kids. Primarily the show focused on what teens think sex really is, the pressures on them, virginity, and talking about these issues with their parents. It was interesting to hear the different opinions of what sex really is. The teens discussed the issues of oral sex, if it was really sex, and the reason so many do it. I was not surprised to hear girls say the reason they think girls do this is that it may free them from having to partcipate in sexual intercourse. The show also put 4 teens together who are committed to abstinence. However, there were differing opinions in this group. Two of the teens believed in waiting til marriage, one who talked about seconday virginity and the other about her religious views. The other two teens in this group approached from a more worldy view. One girl said she was not sure if waiting til marriage was the right but that teens were not mature enough to know what it means to really love. There were numerous other things brought up, but I was somewhat dissapointed in the lack of support for saving yourself until marriage and the why behind that. I know why they don't discuss this, but I am at least glad the show was on. I hope many saw this.

Family Ties

2005-01-26T13:52:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Day we learned that my wife Anna's grandmother, Elaine, was put in the hospital with heart troubles. After much testing it was discovered that she had colon cancer. During her surgery for the colon cancer they were able to see that she had a tumor in her liver as well. The doctors have said she will have about 1-2 months of quality life left and maybe another 2 months after that to live. It has been difficult for us because grandma lives in Minnesota and we are in Atlanta, Ga. I can tell you though I have seen God's faithfulness to our family in this and I have seen my wife's unbelieveable faith in Him.

For starters Anna's brother was able to get leave from Iraq to come home for a couple of weeks to see grandma. He is also getting to see his baby girl for the first time too. And we will get to see him for the first time in over a year next weekend. Also, I have never seen a person pour out so much love to their grandparent as my wife has to her grandmother. Even before this time she called her all the time. She has gone to see her and they spent hours talking about grandma's life. It is such a blessing to be married to such an incredble woman of God. My wife and i are having our own little baby in a few months. I am praying for one more miracle. I am praying that Elaine Jacobsen will get to see this precious gift from our God. Please pray too.

Help with my Blogworld

2005-01-25T09:45:00.001-08:00

From the few of you guys who have read my blog I need some help. I am wanting to add things to my blog now. If you guys could help me find the info I need to add links to other blogs, pics, how list stuff...all the things I need, it would a great help. Thanks guys.

Thanks Atlanta Falcons

2005-01-24T09:02:00.000-08:00

Well yesterday was tough for us here in the ATL. I know they are not my favorite NFL team but I sure wanted the Falcons and Mike Vick to beat the Eagles yesterday and head off to the Super Bowl. Well, maybe next year. Now I have to say Go Patriots.

Part 3: The Crowd

2005-01-21T11:19:00.000-08:00

"And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd..." Mark 2:4
I have read teh story of Jesus healing this paralyzed man so many times. As I said in my earlier posts on this subject that I am challenged by the 4 friends and I sometimes the paralyzed man. However, I think most of the time I am just like one in the crowd. It is so wonderful to sit and learn about God. To draw into his presence is overwhelming. But I wonder how often I get in the way of someone coming to Him just in the name of learning. The crowd got in the way. They simply just had to move out of the way toi let this paralyzed man into the home. They knew the healing power of Jesus...they had just witnessed it. Maybe it's something I say, maybe its' something I do, or maybe it's just turning my backand not seeing the need that identifies me as part of the crowd. What about you?

Home from the Winter Retreat

2005-01-18T13:02:00.000-08:00

We returned yesterday afternoon from our youth winter retreat at Shocco Springs Retreat Center in Alabama. We had an amzing time as God really moved in the lives fo our students. Our theme for the weekend was "Face to Face." There were a few sessions just talking about what it means to encounter God face to face. However, my favorite time of the weekend was Sunday night. Our group sat in a circle with one chair in the middle. Each student and adult took turns sitting in the chair in the middle. We went around the room as each person said something encouraging to the person sitting in the chair. I was so amazed at the depth that our students shared with one another. But one of the coolest things I have ever seen is what we did last. At the end I left the chair empty, but told the students that God was sitting in that chair and each of us would have a chance to say something to Him. The room was filled with laughter, joy, tears, and love as we shared from our hearts. I really believe this weekend everyone of us encountered God "Face to Face."

Winter Retreat

2005-01-14T09:35:00.000-08:00

Heading off this weekend for a Winter Retreat with our youth group. Looking forward to a get away weekend.

Part 2: The Friends

2005-01-12T11:37:00.000-08:00

"Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic carried by four men." What part are we playing in the story? How often will we do whatever it takes to see our friends come to Christ? I am often greatly convicted when reading the story of these 4 guys who carried their friend who knows how far, climbed stairs, toar off a roof, and lowered him with some genious engineering, just so their paralyzed friend could see Jesus. I think so many times in churchdom we tell everyone the greatest need they have in life is to serve or to share Christ. But I think what these guys understood and help me to understand is that the greatest need we have in life is to see Jesus. We need His presence and when the paralyzd man entered into it he was changed. Lord I pray that I will do whatever it takes to help people "SEE YOU."

Part 1:The Paralyzed

2005-01-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

I shared a message with the students in my youth group yesterday. I want to share pieces of it over a few different blogs. I was sharing with the students about where we are going and our new vision statement, "The Pointe exists to intersect the lives of teens with the life of Christ." I was speaking from Mark 2:1-12...the story of the paralytic being lowered into Peter's home and Jesus' healing of this man. I had some observations from the different characters in this story. I want to first look at the paralytic man. As I walked through this story I wondered how often I am, as well as others, paralyzed by things in life. Sometimes it's a disaster, death, or something else in the world around me that leaves me feeling helpless. Another thought came to mind as I heard discussion of feeling paralyzed by our students, was I wonder how often I feel paralyzed by my sin. I know without Christ I can do nothing. However, I often allow myself to hydroplane right over the sin issues in life before really seeing how desperate I am in need of Jesus' healing. The truth is that for various reasons we can all feel paralyzed by something.

It's Over and it hurts

2005-01-05T09:31:00.000-08:00

Well, it's now the time of the year I go into a little depression for about a week. After last night's "Massacre in Miami", the college football season is officially over. Yes, I know we have a month or so left of the NFL and that "other" National holiday known as Super Bowl Sunday left, but I just love my college football. I love the pageantry, the bands, the traditions, and the fans dressed in team colors. I have been to great NFL stadiums and to great college one's as well. The NFL can't even come close. There really is nothing like gameday on a college campus in the SEC. Oh, wait a minute...there is light at the end of the tunnel. It's now the second season in college football, recruiting. Then it's off to the third season...Spring practice. Oh, August get here sooooooooooooooon.

Happy New Year

2005-01-03T10:50:00.000-08:00

Well, Adam...I'm back. After a little prodding from you and some help, I am back to blog world. I am so looking forward to 2005. This year will be one of great change for me. Somewhere around late June I will become a father for the first time. I can't wait for this momentous occasion. What an honor it will be to raise a child. On a side note, please remember to pray for those affected by the tsunami. I pray that the church will rally around and show great love to those hurting by this devastating event.

Welcome to Blogdom

2004-07-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

Yes I have finally done it. After much teasing form my friend Adam, I have officially entered the dangerous world of the "blog." Can't wait to see all the wonderful things blogging will do for me. Adios!!!