Little Leah is not so little anymore
When Leah was first born I just started calling her "Little Leah", kind of like when Sophie was born I started calling her "Little Charger" (that is another story) but Little Leah is not so little anymore.
I feel like the last 7 months of my life has blown by... so quickly that Leah will be 8 months old in two days. Since I haven't done as well keeping up with Leah's growth here is a quick video of how my little girl is growing up and getting so big.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Reach
This week we started a new series in our High School Ministry called "Reach". This year we changed up the way we do our message series; kinda. We didn't change much. We still preach from the Bible, our goal is to communicate to students in a way they understand, and we want to provide practical application they can take away to enable life change. The main thing we changed was that we are trying to do more "series" that are shorter.
For example: normally we kick off the school year with a 6-8 series. This year we started with a four week series. Instead of doing longer series that provide more depth we are trying to do shorter series that provide more a broad base. In short this allows us to teach students more of the Bible and help them to dig into areas of their interest.
Currently we are doing a two-week series called "Reach". The heart of reach is something that I am super passionate about. Ever since I gave my life to Christ I have had a desire to tell everyone about the one who radically changed my life (if you knew me before you know what I'm talking about). I believe that the God we serve is still actively involved in the business of life change and desires to see all men the truth of living for Christ. Prior to this series our intern, Evan Faircloth, took a two-week series on HELP. Evan spoke about our call, as Christians, to help a world that is in desperate need of a savior.
Part of the reach series we "borrowed" an idea from Kurt Johnson at Saddleback and did this video. I think it helped to communicate the heart of God in a new way. I hope that you don't think I am being disrespectful to God in any sense; that is not the intent of this video. The goal is to bring the truth of God in a relevant way that students are familiar with. Here is our version of Luke 15:1-7
Watch video here
(youtube won't allow me to embed it in here; so you're gonna have to go to youtube and check it)
For example: normally we kick off the school year with a 6-8 series. This year we started with a four week series. Instead of doing longer series that provide more depth we are trying to do shorter series that provide more a broad base. In short this allows us to teach students more of the Bible and help them to dig into areas of their interest.
Part of the reach series we "borrowed" an idea from Kurt Johnson at Saddleback and did this video. I think it helped to communicate the heart of God in a new way. I hope that you don't think I am being disrespectful to God in any sense; that is not the intent of this video. The goal is to bring the truth of God in a relevant way that students are familiar with. Here is our version of Luke 15:1-7
Watch video here
(youtube won't allow me to embed it in here; so you're gonna have to go to youtube and check it)
Sunday, October 17, 2010
"Be Kind"
As a youth pastor it is becoming increasingly difficult to find something going on in the world that I want to get involved in. I mean there are some great organizations out there but it seems like finding something with honest morals, character and integrity is tough to find now a days!
There is a foundation out there that I have come to know well and is something that I just want to partner with, tell everyone about and buy the t-shirt for me and my kid! Its called the Josh Stevens Foundations and its based on a moto that one young boy chose to live out. I never had the opportunity to meet Josh (I bet I would love him) but have I been able to meet his family and multiple others who knew him personally and he is the kind of person that makes you want to be a better person.
Unfortunately Josh's life was cut short; but the cool thing is that this kid is leaving a legacy here on earth and his message is inspiring me (a 30 year-old man) to be a better a person. Its not a super gnarly message with intricate words that is tough to follow. I haven't seen something crazy that you have to sign to be a part of this movement; in fact the message is so simple that you can read it on the front of my daughter's t-shirt "Be Kind..."
This is the moto that Josh lived by. I've heard stories from the students I work with about what a great kid Josh was and its true! They don't have to say much really because I can see that Josh was a great kid by the conversations I have with his sister (family knows best). But more than any of that I see that he had a lasting impact on the world with the message he chose to live his life by and that message is still alive and well in my community.
I hope one day that my children can leave a legacy. I hope that one day my children will be people that others want to model their lives after. I hope that one day my children will do something in the world that makes it want to be a better place. Until that day happens I am going to encourage my kids to follow the moto that Josh left here for us "Be Kind..." I think that is the right thing to do right now.
It seems appropriate to add this video that the local news station did about Josh. If a picture is worth a 1000 words this one is priceless:
Unfortunately Josh's life was cut short; but the cool thing is that this kid is leaving a legacy here on earth and his message is inspiring me (a 30 year-old man) to be a better a person. Its not a super gnarly message with intricate words that is tough to follow. I haven't seen something crazy that you have to sign to be a part of this movement; in fact the message is so simple that you can read it on the front of my daughter's t-shirt "Be Kind..."
This is the moto that Josh lived by. I've heard stories from the students I work with about what a great kid Josh was and its true! They don't have to say much really because I can see that Josh was a great kid by the conversations I have with his sister (family knows best). But more than any of that I see that he had a lasting impact on the world with the message he chose to live his life by and that message is still alive and well in my community.
I hope one day that my children can leave a legacy. I hope that one day my children will be people that others want to model their lives after. I hope that one day my children will do something in the world that makes it want to be a better place. Until that day happens I am going to encourage my kids to follow the moto that Josh left here for us "Be Kind..." I think that is the right thing to do right now.
It seems appropriate to add this video that the local news station did about Josh. If a picture is worth a 1000 words this one is priceless:
Monday, October 11, 2010
Changing the face of discipleship
Discipleship is my not my natural bend as a Christian. I would prefer to be out and about sharing the good news with people than sitting around a table and leading a small group. Now I say that but something inside in me is changing. Starting back in May I began to think that we (explode high school ministry) needed to revamp the way we are leading small groups.
Through months of thinking, planning, and praying we have successfully done that. Last week was week four of our new small group format and I am totally loving it more than I could imagine! I don't think I am naturally wired to lead a small group, which doesn't mean I am exempt from the call to disciple, but we have about 10 leaders that love to disciple students and we have turned them loose to make that happen!
We chose to use the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan for this session and the book is rocking the way I think about Christ and helping students understand more about this God they have chosen to follow. The format is different than we have ever used; this is the first time we have all our small groups using the same format since 2005 and its working! We moved all the small groups onto the church campus for the 10 weeks of this study to get some unity and critical mass going. We are also seeing how girls and guys relate being in the same room during a study.
The leaders are the ones who make it! The leaders are the ones who create the environment at the their table; they are the ones being youth pastors to the students at their table. The leaders are the ones who are praying for their students, inviting them and even picking them up so they can come and its working! This is the first time we are not basing success on numbers but health and its so freeing to see Jesus work in that room on Sunday nights. If you haven't had a chance to come to small group; hope to see you this week at 4pm in the Student Ministry room!
Through months of thinking, planning, and praying we have successfully done that. Last week was week four of our new small group format and I am totally loving it more than I could imagine! I don't think I am naturally wired to lead a small group, which doesn't mean I am exempt from the call to disciple, but we have about 10 leaders that love to disciple students and we have turned them loose to make that happen!
We chose to use the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan for this session and the book is rocking the way I think about Christ and helping students understand more about this God they have chosen to follow. The format is different than we have ever used; this is the first time we have all our small groups using the same format since 2005 and its working! We moved all the small groups onto the church campus for the 10 weeks of this study to get some unity and critical mass going. We are also seeing how girls and guys relate being in the same room during a study.
The leaders are the ones who make it! The leaders are the ones who create the environment at the their table; they are the ones being youth pastors to the students at their table. The leaders are the ones who are praying for their students, inviting them and even picking them up so they can come and its working! This is the first time we are not basing success on numbers but health and its so freeing to see Jesus work in that room on Sunday nights. If you haven't had a chance to come to small group; hope to see you this week at 4pm in the Student Ministry room!
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Image is Everything (but really false)
Ever since I can remember image has been huge for me! I have done my best, since about the 9th grade, to look my best in dress and self image (no one looks good in middle school and that is given). It started with making sure I had the "cool" snowboard and snowboard boots. Then I needed to make sure I got a "cool" truck when I was in High School. It didn't stop there; I always wanted the "cool" girlfriend but the sad thing is that I didn't fit in any of their class bracket. My family was never poor but we were never rich; we had food on the table and a roof over our head, we played sports, we had money to go on vacation but we never had that much.
When I first game my life to Christ I remember looking into my closet one day and thinking that I need to get rid of some of these clothes; especially my Bad Religion t-shirt. I never really cared what others thought about me (it sounds contradicting and I know that) but I always wanted to make sure that in my mind I looked how I would prefer to look.
This image has stuck with me into my adulthood and recently has been bugging me deeply. I constantly think about how I look and want to make sure that I look like I have it all put together. What's been bugging me is that I have a great family, a wonderful wife, two beautiful kids and a growing relationship with Christ so why does this bother me? I think I figured it out the other night on the plane when this verse came to mind:
When I first game my life to Christ I remember looking into my closet one day and thinking that I need to get rid of some of these clothes; especially my Bad Religion t-shirt. I never really cared what others thought about me (it sounds contradicting and I know that) but I always wanted to make sure that in my mind I looked how I would prefer to look.
This image has stuck with me into my adulthood and recently has been bugging me deeply. I constantly think about how I look and want to make sure that I look like I have it all put together. What's been bugging me is that I have a great family, a wonderful wife, two beautiful kids and a growing relationship with Christ so why does this bother me? I think I figured it out the other night on the plane when this verse came to mind:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.This verse is it! Jesus nails it on the head and brings the truth to my situation; I just needed to be open to seeing it in scripture! See the problem for me is that I need to focus more on my inside being taken care of and less about what my outside looks like. One thing that I have learned, and haven't totally figured out yet is how to really connect well with Jesus in this new stage of my life. This is what I am going to work on now; connecting well with God being a husband, dad and pastor. My focus will not be on how to be the best pastor but how to be the best follower of Christ that leads and loves his family well; I think the rest will fall into place when I focus on that.
Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. Matthew 23:25-26
Monday, September 27, 2010
The End
I've been in ministry now for almost 8 years and I have to be honest that I have been scared to ever broach the subject of end times... until now.
Almost four weeks ago we started our series "The End" with a goal of teaching students what the Bible says about the end times. Students are being bombarded, on all sides, with what society thinks will happen at the end. We have movies like; "I am Legand", "2012", and "The Road" that attempt to speak about what will happen at the end and what that may look like.
In our High School Ministry we chose to dedicate four weeks to teaching through this topic to help students grasp, Biblically, what the need to know about the end. Here's how the four weeks has broken down:
Week 1: "Be Prepared"
Main Text: Matthew 24:1-35
Week 2: "Are you Ready?"
Main Text: Matthew 25:1-13
Week 3: "The End of Everything"
Main Text: Revelation 20
Week 4: "After The End"
Main Text: Matthew 25:31-46
The sense I get is that this series has been helpful to students in their understanding of what the end will look like and what they can do in preparation for the end. You can check out our podcast for this series to hear some of the messages that we have done (Pastor Chase spoke week 2).
This is the video we have used to intro the series
Almost four weeks ago we started our series "The End" with a goal of teaching students what the Bible says about the end times. Students are being bombarded, on all sides, with what society thinks will happen at the end. We have movies like; "I am Legand", "2012", and "The Road" that attempt to speak about what will happen at the end and what that may look like.
Week 1: "Be Prepared"
Main Text: Matthew 24:1-35
Week 2: "Are you Ready?"
Main Text: Matthew 25:1-13
Week 3: "The End of Everything"
Main Text: Revelation 20
Week 4: "After The End"
Main Text: Matthew 25:31-46
The sense I get is that this series has been helpful to students in their understanding of what the end will look like and what they can do in preparation for the end. You can check out our podcast for this series to hear some of the messages that we have done (Pastor Chase spoke week 2).
This is the video we have used to intro the series
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The Family
I'm currently reading a book for a Fall semester class at Tozer Seminary called "The Family". The course is on Marriage and Family Counseling. I just got to chapter 17 and began reading about divorce and single parent families. I come from a divorced family and some of the things that I am reading are really sticking out to me; figured I would blog about them to help them stick in my mind.
This book brought good insight on divorce and the stigma that goes something like we are able to fail in business, school and other decisions but not in marriage. We have all made unwise choices and marriage is a union between two imperfect people. My goal for marriage is to honor Christ, put Charity's need before mine and point my daughters to Christ. Please pray I will be able to do that well.
"They discovered that adults who said they were unhappily married in the late 1980's and got divorced were on average still unhappy or even less happy when interviewed five years late as compared to those who stayed in their marriage. Most of those who stayed in their marriages had on average moved past the bad times and reached a happier stage."I found this interesting because I think so many times we come to marriage thinking that it is made to make me happy. Before getting married my father-in-law gave me a book to read called "Sacred Marriage". One quote has stood out to me from that book:
"Marriage is like a mirror that shows us all our flaws"Not the most encouraging quote but realistic. Marriage shows me how completely selfish I am and how much I need the truth of God in my life and help to squash that selfishness. Here are some up to date statistics on divorce:
- About 40% of marriages will end in divorce
- The average length of marriages that end in divorce are 7 years
- America has the second highest divorce rate (beaten by Russia)
- Since 1980 there have been approximately 1.2 million divorces a year
- There has been a decline in the divorce rate since 1980 due to cohabitation
- Those who marry in their mid-twenties tend to have a more stable marriage
- The divorce rate is highest in Blacks, moderate among whites, and lowest among other ethnic groups
- Divorce is lowest among Jews, moderate in Catholics and highest among Protestants
This book brought good insight on divorce and the stigma that goes something like we are able to fail in business, school and other decisions but not in marriage. We have all made unwise choices and marriage is a union between two imperfect people. My goal for marriage is to honor Christ, put Charity's need before mine and point my daughters to Christ. Please pray I will be able to do that well.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Navigating the Journey
I've heard many quotes on how life is a journey and its what we learn along the way. Life is a journey its just a matter of how you take it. Life is a journey make you stop at In and Out for lunch. Ok the last one is my personal take.
Life is a journey and I have been riding that journey for over 30 years now which the last 10 of those years I have done as a Christian man, the last 5 1/2 as a married man, and the last 2 as a father. Over the last 10 years there has been great changes in my life; the transition to following Christ was by far the biggest change ever!
Recently I have been going down a path trying to learn more about myself, who God has called me to be, how to implement that, how to grow as a Christian, how to be a better leader and what all that looks like. I cannot say the journey has been easy; I learned early that nothing good is easy but it is worth it. The journey for me has been very much so "worth it". It has been difficult, trying, stretching and convicting. God has done some huge shaping in my life in Vegas in the last, almost, 6 years now and especially the last 18 months.
With all that said to intro this, I have been reading a book called "Emotionally Healthy Spiritually" that a trusted friend recommended to me recently and it has been rocking my soul. A quote that has stuck out more than anything I have read recently (beside the Bible) is:
The world is crying for us, as Christians, to do something with our faith and I think now is the time!
Life is a journey and I have been riding that journey for over 30 years now which the last 10 of those years I have done as a Christian man, the last 5 1/2 as a married man, and the last 2 as a father. Over the last 10 years there has been great changes in my life; the transition to following Christ was by far the biggest change ever!
Recently I have been going down a path trying to learn more about myself, who God has called me to be, how to implement that, how to grow as a Christian, how to be a better leader and what all that looks like. I cannot say the journey has been easy; I learned early that nothing good is easy but it is worth it. The journey for me has been very much so "worth it". It has been difficult, trying, stretching and convicting. God has done some huge shaping in my life in Vegas in the last, almost, 6 years now and especially the last 18 months.
With all that said to intro this, I have been reading a book called "Emotionally Healthy Spiritually" that a trusted friend recommended to me recently and it has been rocking my soul. A quote that has stuck out more than anything I have read recently (beside the Bible) is:
"I was a Christian for twenty-two years. But instead of being a twenty-two-year-old Christian, I was a one-year-old Christian twenty-two times! I just kept doing the same thing over and over and over again."I mention this quote, three months after reading it, because it is profound and I think a good indicator of where the Church is at. From a leadership standpoint I see many people that have merely accepted Christ and fail to do much more than that. To battle that I am making a commitment, as a young leader, to be different than that. To not allow students to sit on the side line with their faith; to do more than just wear the team jersey but to figure out how they can play.
The world is crying for us, as Christians, to do something with our faith and I think now is the time!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Sophie is 2
Ok so Sophie has been two almost three weeks now. We were on vacation in San Diego when her b-day hit so here are some pics of the day
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| Sophie woke up to balloons |
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| Then we fed a Giraffe |
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| Whats a b-day without a cupcake! |
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Something Amazing
On Sunday September 5th I was able to teach on big stage at church. Here is the message:
09/05/10 South Hills - Weekend Message from Axis/Brio - Henderson, NV on Vimeo.
09/05/10 South Hills - Weekend Message from Axis/Brio - Henderson, NV on Vimeo.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Quotes from Sophie
Recently Sophie has been saying some of the greatest, funniest and cutest things ever. Here is a chance for you to laugh with me:
The other day we are driving in the car. I told Sophie what we were going to do and she responds:
"Good idea daddy"
Today Sophie came to my office. She pointed to our student ministry room and said:
"Want to sing to Jesus"
I was leaving for work this morning. Sophie came to me and said:
"Sophie go to work daddy?"
At the Zoo we were feeding the Giraffe and Sophie said:
"He tried to eat my finger"
I gave Sophie a cracker and asked her if Leah wanted one. She replied back:
"Leah's a baby daddy"
These are just a few, random, things that Sophie has said lately.
The other day we are driving in the car. I told Sophie what we were going to do and she responds:
"Good idea daddy"
Today Sophie came to my office. She pointed to our student ministry room and said:
"Want to sing to Jesus"
I was leaving for work this morning. Sophie came to me and said:
"Sophie go to work daddy?"
At the Zoo we were feeding the Giraffe and Sophie said:
"He tried to eat my finger"
I gave Sophie a cracker and asked her if Leah wanted one. She replied back:
"Leah's a baby daddy"
These are just a few, random, things that Sophie has said lately.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Sophies First Sea World Visit
Last week we took a family vacation down to San Diego for the week and had the best time of our life! I'm going to have to take a few times to post the entire trip but wanted to start with our first day and our visit to Sea World. I am stoked on how much Sea World has for kids! We were able to pet bat rays and Sophie totally loved them!
After we pet the bat rays we went and checked out the penguins. Sophie loved looking at the penguins and watching them swim under the water. After that we made our way to see Shamu! I don't remember Sea World being this cool when I was growing up but I love it for my daugher
After "petting" Shamu we went to the Shamu show and I have to say that I was almost in tears watching the joy that Sophie had watching Shamu "do flippies". When the Shamu show as done we went over to the new Sesame Street area that Sea World put in since I was kid where we met back up with my sister and her son Blaze. Charity took Sophie on the Gabby ride there and she was totally loving it!
We all know that the toddlers in our life need a nap so we went home for lunch and nap but we had to come back after dinner (I mean it cost $12 to park so we needed to get our monies worth). After dinner we came home and watched the Sea Lion show that was just as funny as I remember it. After that we went to see the Polar Bear. Sophie was loving it and then we saw the Walrus. While looking at the Walrus Sophie told me "I need more Polar Bear". I loved that so we went back and she just sat there with him
Well once we saw the Polar Bear it was time to head home for the night and get ready for our next day going to the San Diego Zoo!
After we pet the bat rays we went and checked out the penguins. Sophie loved looking at the penguins and watching them swim under the water. After that we made our way to see Shamu! I don't remember Sea World being this cool when I was growing up but I love it for my daugher
After "petting" Shamu we went to the Shamu show and I have to say that I was almost in tears watching the joy that Sophie had watching Shamu "do flippies". When the Shamu show as done we went over to the new Sesame Street area that Sea World put in since I was kid where we met back up with my sister and her son Blaze. Charity took Sophie on the Gabby ride there and she was totally loving it!
We all know that the toddlers in our life need a nap so we went home for lunch and nap but we had to come back after dinner (I mean it cost $12 to park so we needed to get our monies worth). After dinner we came home and watched the Sea Lion show that was just as funny as I remember it. After that we went to see the Polar Bear. Sophie was loving it and then we saw the Walrus. While looking at the Walrus Sophie told me "I need more Polar Bear". I loved that so we went back and she just sat there with him
Well once we saw the Polar Bear it was time to head home for the night and get ready for our next day going to the San Diego Zoo!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Family Day @ Bonnie Springs
I realized that I haven't blogged much about my family recently; summer tends to be an intense season of ministry and school (no excuse). On Friday Charity and I decided to take the family out to Bonnie Springs, a little old west town that is about 45 minutes from town, and we had a great time out there!
We arrived around 10am and jumped right into the action. There is a pond with some ducks and some turtles. We spent our quarters and fed the ducks
After feeding the ducks we walked around the petting zoo where we encountered all kinds of gentle animals that Sophie loved touching! Here is the goat that was super nice and let us pet him. We also pet a little pony, a sheep, a deer, a llama, and tried to pet some chickens.
They have all kinds of animals there that we loved looking at!
After we pet the animals Sophie went to ride a pony! She totally had a great time riding "peanut" and looked super cute in her helmet; you gotta love this video!
The day wouldn't be complete without a picture of daddy, that's me, wearing Leah in the Baby Ergo!
We did great until Sophie and Mommy got arrested and thrown into jail for breaking the law!
We arrived around 10am and jumped right into the action. There is a pond with some ducks and some turtles. We spent our quarters and fed the ducks
They have all kinds of animals there that we loved looking at!
After we pet the animals Sophie went to ride a pony! She totally had a great time riding "peanut" and looked super cute in her helmet; you gotta love this video!
We did great until Sophie and Mommy got arrested and thrown into jail for breaking the law!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Leading Freshman
This last year, well almost year, has been a rad journey in my personal life serving in ministry. I know that I am the High School Pastor at our church but I still want to serve in an area of ministry in our church and the way I have done that over the last six years is by leading a small group. The way it has basically happened over the last few years is that I took the "upper class men" to make sure they had some solid discipleship in their lives before leaving for college.
This last year of ministry (school year 2009-2010) I chose to do something different. I chose to lead the incoming freshman. There were a few factors that played into the decision but the main one was to be able to have influence in some young guys lives for the next four years and make sure they had a consistent leader. Now I have to admit that leading freshman is much different than leading seniors.
Let me share some of those differences:
* They can't drive
* Cabin time at winter camp is a little more squirely
* They still think they can beat me up
* They are more "raw" (by that I mean they don't think they have to be as cool as older students)
* They are loving; I have the best group of boys in my small group
* They are honest about the pain in their life; they haven't learned how to hide it all that well yet
The list could continue but these are just a few points that stick out to me the most. For years I knew this moment would come when I would "start over" with a group of young guys and lead them through high school (years we can all admit are some of the toughest years in our life). I have to admit that I kinda dreaded, or was scared, to go down and lead freshman but after a year of leading freshman I look back and I am so thankful for the guys in my small group and all the memories we made this year.
Love you guys and praying that your sophomore year of high school will be a time or more growth in your walk with Christ.
This last year of ministry (school year 2009-2010) I chose to do something different. I chose to lead the incoming freshman. There were a few factors that played into the decision but the main one was to be able to have influence in some young guys lives for the next four years and make sure they had a consistent leader. Now I have to admit that leading freshman is much different than leading seniors.
Let me share some of those differences:
* They can't drive
* Cabin time at winter camp is a little more squirely
* They still think they can beat me up
* They are more "raw" (by that I mean they don't think they have to be as cool as older students)
* They are loving; I have the best group of boys in my small group
* They are honest about the pain in their life; they haven't learned how to hide it all that well yet
The list could continue but these are just a few points that stick out to me the most. For years I knew this moment would come when I would "start over" with a group of young guys and lead them through high school (years we can all admit are some of the toughest years in our life). I have to admit that I kinda dreaded, or was scared, to go down and lead freshman but after a year of leading freshman I look back and I am so thankful for the guys in my small group and all the memories we made this year.
Love you guys and praying that your sophomore year of high school will be a time or more growth in your walk with Christ.
Friday, August 06, 2010
$1,000,000
I like to play the "what if" game a lot. The "what if" game is just something that I think in my mind about what I would do if this happened or how I would respond if that happened. For a little while I have thought about what I would do if I have a million dollars and here it is:
1st- $100,000 to South Hills Church Community in Henderson, NV
2nd- $165,000 to pay off my condo in Las Vegas, NV
3rd- $150,000 to buy a three or four bedroom house
4th- $50,000 to my mom; she has been so helpful in our lives
5th- $100,000 to the girls college fund ($50,000 each)
6th- $35,000 to buy a sick wakeboard boat
7th- $25,000 to furnish our new home
8th- $25,000 into our bank account for future vacationing (Tahiti, Japan or Australia)
9th- Invest the remaining $350,000 and pray really hard about how to use it to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Today; if I got a check for $1,000,000 this is how I would spend it.
How would you spend it?
1st- $100,000 to South Hills Church Community in Henderson, NV
2nd- $165,000 to pay off my condo in Las Vegas, NV
3rd- $150,000 to buy a three or four bedroom house
4th- $50,000 to my mom; she has been so helpful in our lives
5th- $100,000 to the girls college fund ($50,000 each)
6th- $35,000 to buy a sick wakeboard boat
7th- $25,000 to furnish our new home
8th- $25,000 into our bank account for future vacationing (Tahiti, Japan or Australia)
9th- Invest the remaining $350,000 and pray really hard about how to use it to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Today; if I got a check for $1,000,000 this is how I would spend it.
How would you spend it?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Hume Lake 2010
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| (Hume Lake in the morning) |
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| (The soon to be senior boys) |
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| (What were we thinking) |
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| (The entire crew) |
The leaders this year were amazing (not that they haven't been) but this year we took 6 leaders who were previous students of ours. I have to just end this with a huge thank you to everyone who prayed for students, prayed for me, helped with transportation, gave us a contact to make camp less expensive, shopped the garage sale, played in the golf tournament, worked anything we did to raise money and just encouraged our team while we did camp this year. Thank you for loving God and liking students!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
A Great Pastor
I work with a great pastor on the team here at South Hills. I know there is a difference between good pastors and great pastors; so I want to make that distinction upfront that I am aware of the language of I am using in this post.
I didn't always think he was a great pastor and I'm sure he had similar feelings for me but in the last six months I have come to realize that I work with a great pastor. He is talented. He is passionate about what he does. He is willing to take risks. He steps out in faith because he wants to see God work. He is a learner; and leaders are learners. He cares about the teams that he works with. He encourages our church to be a better place. And most of all I think he has the hardest job here on staff; he works with middle school students.
This last week Chase Feindel was down in San Deigo at Hume SD and I heard some great things about the ministry that he was doing down there with the team of leaders he brought and the students that he ministers to.
While Chase was gone I had a youth pastor buddy there tell me something to effect of:
"You have a great team here"
Another friend at the camp texted me and said:
"Chase is a really good youth pastor"
To which I joking replied:
"Did he steal your phone and say that?"
As much as I love to joke around with Chase I have to let the rest of the world know that he is not just a good youth pastor but, in my mind, he is a great youth pastor! Chase I am honored to work with you and see the growth that God has done in your life in the last almost 4 years we have been working together.
Thank you for loving Jesus, loving your wife, caring about the local church and all you do here! Thanks too for being uncle Chase to my daughter.
I didn't always think he was a great pastor and I'm sure he had similar feelings for me but in the last six months I have come to realize that I work with a great pastor. He is talented. He is passionate about what he does. He is willing to take risks. He steps out in faith because he wants to see God work. He is a learner; and leaders are learners. He cares about the teams that he works with. He encourages our church to be a better place. And most of all I think he has the hardest job here on staff; he works with middle school students.
While Chase was gone I had a youth pastor buddy there tell me something to effect of:
"You have a great team here"
Another friend at the camp texted me and said:
"Chase is a really good youth pastor"
To which I joking replied:
"Did he steal your phone and say that?"
Thank you for loving Jesus, loving your wife, caring about the local church and all you do here! Thanks too for being uncle Chase to my daughter.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Sophies First Tattoo
Last night we went out to dinner for Charity's birthday. We went to Kings Fish House, I won't share the story on the way, but once we got there it was amazing. Well in the kids book they have tattoo's so Sophie got her first tattoo:
Its a pirate on her left forearm; she likes to tell me how I put it on. Its starting to wipe off today, but she loves it and I love seeing her smile!
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| (Sophie's first tattoo) |
Its a pirate on her left forearm; she likes to tell me how I put it on. Its starting to wipe off today, but she loves it and I love seeing her smile!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Sophie's ABC's
Sophie has been practicing her ABC's and tonight, while eating cherries, we decided to give them a shot on camera!
Monday, July 05, 2010
The Journey
For about the last month God has been teaching me a tough lesson; The Journey.
See I was hiking at Mount Charleston the other day (when I say the other day I mean 6 weeks ago) and on the drive up I planned to do the 2 mile hike to Cathedral Rock. When I got to the parking lot for the hike I noticed on the board a hike that would take me to the top of the mountain. I had the food and water to make the hike so I diverted the plan, texted Charity and took off on a new adventure. As I began this new adventure I quickly realized that I was not the 16 year, agile, studly young man I once was. Another thing I noticed was a good deal of snow on the ground; but I kept on trucking.
The entire hike I was talking to God. Sometime into this new adventure I specifically heard (not audibly) that I need to turn around; so I did. I went back to "plan A" and let Charity know. As I was going back the same way I went there were feelings of remorse; you know when you had a great idea and it just never happened? That is how I was feeling. Feelings of failure crossed my mind and thoughts of wondering and question crossed my mind.
As I was nearing the original trial I spotted a cool bench carved out of a huge tree that had fallen and decided to sit down on it. When I sat down I quickly noticed a pack of bears in the distance; ok just kidding but I did see two deer. As I was sitting on the bench I felt God speaking something to my heart that was difficult to hear. He was saying something to me that sounded like this "Its not about the destination while you are here, but its about the journey." See the goal of that day was to head to the mountain and spend time with God but how quickly it turned into Neal talking to God.
Since this day there has been many conversations that God and I have had about this topic. On the drive to Redding for summer school I really felt God speaking to me about the journey while I was driving; about 30 minutes later I got a speeding ticket. God wanted me to slow down but I wasn't willing to listen; I constantly want to force my plan and I am constantly being reminded that I need to slow down and enjoy the journey.
If I can't enjoy the journey will I ever enjoy the destination?
See I was hiking at Mount Charleston the other day (when I say the other day I mean 6 weeks ago) and on the drive up I planned to do the 2 mile hike to Cathedral Rock. When I got to the parking lot for the hike I noticed on the board a hike that would take me to the top of the mountain. I had the food and water to make the hike so I diverted the plan, texted Charity and took off on a new adventure. As I began this new adventure I quickly realized that I was not the 16 year, agile, studly young man I once was. Another thing I noticed was a good deal of snow on the ground; but I kept on trucking.
The entire hike I was talking to God. Sometime into this new adventure I specifically heard (not audibly) that I need to turn around; so I did. I went back to "plan A" and let Charity know. As I was going back the same way I went there were feelings of remorse; you know when you had a great idea and it just never happened? That is how I was feeling. Feelings of failure crossed my mind and thoughts of wondering and question crossed my mind.
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| (You can faintly see the deer) |
Since this day there has been many conversations that God and I have had about this topic. On the drive to Redding for summer school I really felt God speaking to me about the journey while I was driving; about 30 minutes later I got a speeding ticket. God wanted me to slow down but I wasn't willing to listen; I constantly want to force my plan and I am constantly being reminded that I need to slow down and enjoy the journey.
If I can't enjoy the journey will I ever enjoy the destination?
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Father's Day 2010
This year for Father's Day we had a rad time spending it with Charity's parents in Santa Maria. I was up in Redding working on school and flew down for the weekend to see the family. So basically here is a quick rundown:
Woke up and ate (I think the food was good)
Went to church, late, and just sat and listened
Ate some more
Played outside with the girls
Took a nap
Ate some steak (Leah wanted to try it)
Ate those steaks
Practiced our amazing balancing tricks
It was a good Father's Day for me!
Woke up and ate (I think the food was good)
Went to church, late, and just sat and listened
Ate some more
Played outside with the girls
Took a nap
Ate some steak (Leah wanted to try it)
Ate those steaks
Practiced our amazing balancing tricks
It was a good Father's Day for me!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Growing Through School
So far I have posted a few blogs about school and how that has been going. I am currently attending Tozer Seminary in Redding, CA and the last two weeks of class have been pretty amazing for me. When I get home and am able to process through all I have learned, what has challenged my thinking and the material I enjoyed I think I'll write a summer school wrap up blog but today is about what I've been learning in my "Exploring Science and Scripture".
The first day of class was pretty interesting for me because my prof, Dr. Hugh Ross, starting talking about some ideas of creation that are new to me... that were different for me... that were interesting for me... that rocked me... that were hard to grasp at first... that shook the thoughts I had in my mind already. Dr. Ross presented ideas about creation that I had never thought about and, honestly, had disregarded as stupid made up lies that didn't seem possible.
Well as I began thinking more about God in creation and what Dr. Ross was presenting it became evident to me that if God wanted the universe to be 13.73 billion years old He can do that. If God wants the universe to be 6,000-10,000 years old He can do that also. See Dr. Ross has his Ph. D in Astrophysics (that means he is much smarter than I am) and he has a cool thing about him; he has Aspergers which allows him to focus on a subject and topic and learn as much as possible about that topic. It is evident that Dr. Ross has done his research and knows what he is talking about!
I could share all the info that Dr. Ross gave to me and write some big words that really don't make sense but the best line that I am going to leave this class with goes something like this "The issue of Young Earth or Old Earth creation has no bearing on salvation". That line is freeing for me. You may hold to one of those positions or none at all but either way salvation is not contingent on them; salvation is found in Jesus Christ and that is what we need to share.
I'm not sure this accurately shares what I am learning here but this is one way I am growing through school.
The first day of class was pretty interesting for me because my prof, Dr. Hugh Ross, starting talking about some ideas of creation that are new to me... that were different for me... that were interesting for me... that rocked me... that were hard to grasp at first... that shook the thoughts I had in my mind already. Dr. Ross presented ideas about creation that I had never thought about and, honestly, had disregarded as stupid made up lies that didn't seem possible.
Well as I began thinking more about God in creation and what Dr. Ross was presenting it became evident to me that if God wanted the universe to be 13.73 billion years old He can do that. If God wants the universe to be 6,000-10,000 years old He can do that also. See Dr. Ross has his Ph. D in Astrophysics (that means he is much smarter than I am) and he has a cool thing about him; he has Aspergers which allows him to focus on a subject and topic and learn as much as possible about that topic. It is evident that Dr. Ross has done his research and knows what he is talking about!
I could share all the info that Dr. Ross gave to me and write some big words that really don't make sense but the best line that I am going to leave this class with goes something like this "The issue of Young Earth or Old Earth creation has no bearing on salvation". That line is freeing for me. You may hold to one of those positions or none at all but either way salvation is not contingent on them; salvation is found in Jesus Christ and that is what we need to share.
I'm not sure this accurately shares what I am learning here but this is one way I am growing through school.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Today it Clicked
Today is clicked
Have you ever had one of those times in your life when it just clicked? Maybe you were riding a bike and you finally got the feeling of pedaling combined with your balance so your dad let you go on your own. Maybe you were skateboarding and when you realized how to stand on the board it just finally felt right. Maybe you relate that question to doing a math equation and the realization that the formula really does work. We all have times in our life that things don't make sense. The reason our brain tells our eyes to focus is because it is trying to make sense of the world around it; it wants to know!
Today in class we were talking about Learner Sensitive Preaching, the need to put Scripture as the primary source/authority while engaging the culture... and that's when it clicked. I was thinking about teaching students and how to keep them engaged in the truth of God when I'm speaking. It clicked that my role as a pastoral leader is to create an environment where students can connect with God in a real way; a way that uses the culture they are used to to help point them to Christ and the culture we live in is a fast paced culture that requires our brain to constantly be thinking and learning.
See when I first came back to church I needed something that: was relevant to my life, met me where I was (I didn't know the Christianese), but kept me engaged in the message. This is what we have been talking about this week and today it all finally clicked for me (hopefully it still clicks tomorrow)
Have you ever had one of those times in your life when it just clicked? Maybe you were riding a bike and you finally got the feeling of pedaling combined with your balance so your dad let you go on your own. Maybe you were skateboarding and when you realized how to stand on the board it just finally felt right. Maybe you relate that question to doing a math equation and the realization that the formula really does work. We all have times in our life that things don't make sense. The reason our brain tells our eyes to focus is because it is trying to make sense of the world around it; it wants to know!
Today in class we were talking about Learner Sensitive Preaching, the need to put Scripture as the primary source/authority while engaging the culture... and that's when it clicked. I was thinking about teaching students and how to keep them engaged in the truth of God when I'm speaking. It clicked that my role as a pastoral leader is to create an environment where students can connect with God in a real way; a way that uses the culture they are used to to help point them to Christ and the culture we live in is a fast paced culture that requires our brain to constantly be thinking and learning.
See when I first came back to church I needed something that: was relevant to my life, met me where I was (I didn't know the Christianese), but kept me engaged in the message. This is what we have been talking about this week and today it all finally clicked for me (hopefully it still clicks tomorrow)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Summer School 2010- Update #1
Not to sure how to begin the update for Summer School 2010 because I have a feeling I could write way too much and no one would read it; therefore I'm going to try to keep this simple but informative for how the last two days have gone up here.
If you don't know I am currently in Redding, CA attending a two-week intensive summer school session at Tozer Seminary. The courses I am taking are "Preaching the Word" with Dr. Rod Casey and "God in Science and Scripture" with Dr. Hugh Ross. The cool thing is that both of the professors are totally different in their teaching style and both totally amazing men of God.
Dr. Rod is teaching us about how to preach to a postmodern generation and I feel like from day one in class him and I just connected. He took the time to find my blog and learn about me even before I stepped into class. The first thing he said to me was: "I"m sorry to hear about the speeding ticket". It took me off guard but I realized the he was intentional to find out about who I am and I believe that he has learned from the class and tailored his teaching to fit who we are. He is legit; I love the material we are learning and totally resonate with where he is going and the discussions we have about our role as pastoral leaders.
Dr. Ross is probably one of the most intelligent men I have ever met in my life; and I don't say that lightly. He has a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Toronto and the guy is a scientist at heart. I appreciate his lectures and the material he presents. When he speaks it draws it me into listening to him (if you know me that can be difficult to keep my attention). He has presented some new ideas that are challenging the way I think about God and what I think about the age of the universe and the earth.
So far I am loving the integration of my courses; you may be curious on how these courses integrate with each other. See Rod is helping me shape my skills in speaking to High School students and Adults; he is passionate about people communicating God's truth accurately. So I take that and when I sit in Dr. Ross's course I am constantly thinking about how I can break this material down to make it understandable to a person who is new to Christ or curious about Christ. The next 12 days of class are going to rock me and I am so excited about that!
If you don't know I am currently in Redding, CA attending a two-week intensive summer school session at Tozer Seminary. The courses I am taking are "Preaching the Word" with Dr. Rod Casey and "God in Science and Scripture" with Dr. Hugh Ross. The cool thing is that both of the professors are totally different in their teaching style and both totally amazing men of God.
Dr. Rod is teaching us about how to preach to a postmodern generation and I feel like from day one in class him and I just connected. He took the time to find my blog and learn about me even before I stepped into class. The first thing he said to me was: "I"m sorry to hear about the speeding ticket". It took me off guard but I realized the he was intentional to find out about who I am and I believe that he has learned from the class and tailored his teaching to fit who we are. He is legit; I love the material we are learning and totally resonate with where he is going and the discussions we have about our role as pastoral leaders.
Dr. Ross is probably one of the most intelligent men I have ever met in my life; and I don't say that lightly. He has a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Toronto and the guy is a scientist at heart. I appreciate his lectures and the material he presents. When he speaks it draws it me into listening to him (if you know me that can be difficult to keep my attention). He has presented some new ideas that are challenging the way I think about God and what I think about the age of the universe and the earth.
So far I am loving the integration of my courses; you may be curious on how these courses integrate with each other. See Rod is helping me shape my skills in speaking to High School students and Adults; he is passionate about people communicating God's truth accurately. So I take that and when I sit in Dr. Ross's course I am constantly thinking about how I can break this material down to make it understandable to a person who is new to Christ or curious about Christ. The next 12 days of class are going to rock me and I am so excited about that!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
The Drive
Today I made the drive from Vegas to Redding, CA (I haven't done a long car drive like that in about 10 years). I left home at about 8:15am and chose to drive the 95 North to Reno. I ate some Burger King in Tonopah and I'm pretty sure it gave me bad gas. So about an hour outside of Tonopah I was heading down a grade and saw a long line of cars. At the end of the line I saw a car pull over and wasn't sure if he was ok. When I saw the lights come on I knew that he wanted to talk with me; yep I got my first speeding ticket in 11 years. I was kinda bummed but I was going 82 in a 70 and made a dumb choice to not follow the rules.
I headed on from there and went to Reno. The sad thing about that drive is the brothel's on the side of the road. Being that I was driving alone I had a bunch of time to think about the hurt that those ladies face and what has caused them to end up in that situation. I think being a dad of daughters it just broke my heart to think about women living in that situation.
So I continued my trek and had dinner in a little town called "Susanville" and got some more gas. From there I drove through Lassen National Park and it was SO beautiful. I rolled my window down and just smelled the amazing air and looked the trees. I pulled over to see Mount Lassen and it totally covered in snow! I passed a little creek called "Hat Creek" that I used to fish with my dad when I was a little kid.
So I finally made it to Redding and I'm staying with some amazing Friends up here; Matt and Kendall Klutz, for the two weeks I'm up here in Seminary. I'm going to miss my girls but I'm excited to be up here and excited for what God wants to do in my life!
I headed on from there and went to Reno. The sad thing about that drive is the brothel's on the side of the road. Being that I was driving alone I had a bunch of time to think about the hurt that those ladies face and what has caused them to end up in that situation. I think being a dad of daughters it just broke my heart to think about women living in that situation.
So I continued my trek and had dinner in a little town called "Susanville" and got some more gas. From there I drove through Lassen National Park and it was SO beautiful. I rolled my window down and just smelled the amazing air and looked the trees. I pulled over to see Mount Lassen and it totally covered in snow! I passed a little creek called "Hat Creek" that I used to fish with my dad when I was a little kid.
So I finally made it to Redding and I'm staying with some amazing Friends up here; Matt and Kendall Klutz, for the two weeks I'm up here in Seminary. I'm going to miss my girls but I'm excited to be up here and excited for what God wants to do in my life!
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Conversations From the Tattoo Shop
Its probably no surprise to anyone the title of this post; I get tattoo's and therefore I spend time in the tattoo shop. If you have never been to a tattoo shop you are missing out! There are some crazy people in there; and I mean literally crazy (there are also some amazing people with great hearts in there). Although that is not the focus of this post I had to start it off that way because I think this will become a more common topic I write about.
The main focus of this post is something that has stuck in my mind from my last tattoo sitting.
It was late on a Saturday night and I was sitting in the chair being tattooed. My artist was working on the top angel tattooed on my arm, more my shoulder, and I was talking with a female who was sitting in the room waiting for my artist, Johnny, to finish the tattoo. Johnny loves to tell people that I am a pastor and that he tattoo's me; I think its cool he is stoked on it and I love the guy. Well this lady and I began to talk about church and God and where she is at with Jesus. She told me she went to church when she was young and was super connected. She mentioned that she went to the summer camps and winter camps and it sounded like she enjoyed them in her tone of voice but something happened after high school that caused her to leave the church (we never got to what happened).
So while Johnny and I were talking about how to finish up the bottom of my arm I shared I only want to do "half sleeves" because I preach in the big room at church and don't want to turn people off to Jesus and the hope in Christ because I have tattoo's.
The lady looked at me and said something to the effect of "Its because people will judge you huh?"
That line has stuck in my head the last 4 days and I can't stop thinking about it. Is the church really just known for being a place that judges people? It broke my heart to hear that; I grew up in a church that judged me for being a skateboarder and snowboarder. I was lumped in a category where the majority of the thought is that "those people do drugs" so I just did drugs because I was treated that way. I wonder if something to a similar effect happened to her and caused her to leave the church; maybe I will see her again and find out.
As for me; I have come to the conclusion that I have no desire to get full sleeves on my arms because I do a good deal of overseas missions and tattoo's are not as acceptable overseas as they are in the States.
I would love to hear thoughts, if you have any, of how we, the church, can be a place that lacks condemnation and promotes love and grace because if all we are known for is judgment then we are in trouble.
The main focus of this post is something that has stuck in my mind from my last tattoo sitting.
It was late on a Saturday night and I was sitting in the chair being tattooed. My artist was working on the top angel tattooed on my arm, more my shoulder, and I was talking with a female who was sitting in the room waiting for my artist, Johnny, to finish the tattoo. Johnny loves to tell people that I am a pastor and that he tattoo's me; I think its cool he is stoked on it and I love the guy. Well this lady and I began to talk about church and God and where she is at with Jesus. She told me she went to church when she was young and was super connected. She mentioned that she went to the summer camps and winter camps and it sounded like she enjoyed them in her tone of voice but something happened after high school that caused her to leave the church (we never got to what happened).
So while Johnny and I were talking about how to finish up the bottom of my arm I shared I only want to do "half sleeves" because I preach in the big room at church and don't want to turn people off to Jesus and the hope in Christ because I have tattoo's.
The lady looked at me and said something to the effect of "Its because people will judge you huh?"
That line has stuck in my head the last 4 days and I can't stop thinking about it. Is the church really just known for being a place that judges people? It broke my heart to hear that; I grew up in a church that judged me for being a skateboarder and snowboarder. I was lumped in a category where the majority of the thought is that "those people do drugs" so I just did drugs because I was treated that way. I wonder if something to a similar effect happened to her and caused her to leave the church; maybe I will see her again and find out.
As for me; I have come to the conclusion that I have no desire to get full sleeves on my arms because I do a good deal of overseas missions and tattoo's are not as acceptable overseas as they are in the States.
I would love to hear thoughts, if you have any, of how we, the church, can be a place that lacks condemnation and promotes love and grace because if all we are known for is judgment then we are in trouble.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Angel Tattoo: Almost Done
So in a previous post on the Angel Tattoo I shared why I was getting it and what the reason behind the tattoo was all about. Since then I've had two more sessions on my arm and one more to go.
Here's the progress:
Here's the progress:
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| (First session we did the outline) |
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| (Second session we did the clouds) |
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| (Third session we did the Angel) |
The entire tattoo is done in black, gray and white. I love how Johnny Five is using the white to really make the tattoo pop out and have some cool definition. I have one more session and then hopefully we will be done; I'm super excited on this tattoo and how its turned out!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Leah Joy 10 weeks old
So today we had another doc appointment for Leah and I wanted to post a cute picture and give you and update on her stats (how big she is and stuff)
So for Leah's 10 week check up she is:
23.5 inches long= 75%-90%
12 pounds 12 ounces= 75%-90%
and her head is huge; that is basically what our doc said.
What does all this mean? It means that Leah is healthy, she is growing and she is an amazing little girl (the last one is my perspective).
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| (Our friend Adena took this super sweet picture) |
23.5 inches long= 75%-90%
12 pounds 12 ounces= 75%-90%
and her head is huge; that is basically what our doc said.
What does all this mean? It means that Leah is healthy, she is growing and she is an amazing little girl (the last one is my perspective).
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Sophie Loves Her Hippo
When Charity and I went to Africa back in December 2006 I bought this wood Hippo. I'm not exactly sure why I bought it; maybe because I like to barter and I thought a wood Hippo this big would be cool maybe because we saw some Hippo's in real life; who knows!
Well when Sophie was about 12 months old, maybe younger, she fell in love with the Hippo! When I say fell in love I mean it. She would ask for the Hippo every morning and wanted to cuddle with it. The though thing about the Hippo is that he weighs 8.6 pounds and Sophie weighs 21.2 pounds (with her clothes on).
About 6 months ago I hid the Hippo for a month and Sophie cried for it almost every morning; I finally gave it back. Maybe a two months ago I placed the Hippo under the bed to give him some rest and keep him away from Sophie. Well the other morning we were playing on the ground and Sophie found the Hippo. I don't know what it is but Sophie loves this Hippo! She loves him so much she cuddles him after she dropped him on her foot in the bathroom.
Not sure why my daughter loves the 8.6 pound wood Hippo from Africa but she does! Even after we took the pictures of Hippo all she wanted to do was look at him.
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| (The Hippo himself) |
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| (I wasn't kidding when I said she loves the Hippo) |
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| (Yep, crying and still hugging Hippo) |
Thursday, May 13, 2010
A Changed Life- Nick Markovich
This week we had Nick Markovich share his story of how God changed his life. I love Nick's story because it talks about the changed life and how it doesn't just happen all at once; God is constantly working in our life and leading us to life change.
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Simple Weekend Learning
This weekend I learned a few simple things that seemed noteworthy to share with the rest of the world. The one story I am going to share is something that will be a bit of an emotional learning for my life; but its good for me to share from my heart about what God is teaching me.
On Friday night we went to a dance deal at Coronado High School. A few of Charity's small group girls were in the dance deal and its always good to get onto the high school campus and see students that we love. We saw a lot of students that we have grown to love and been able to have involved in our life. Well this night we brought Sophie and I wasn't sure how she would do sitting still for 75 minutes. She sat with me for a few, then went to Jena for a little bit, then she went to the row behind us to sit with Kiki and Chandler. While she was sitting with Kiki I looked back and just thought to myself: "My daughter is growing up". She was dialed into the dancing and rarely took her eyes off the girls on stage.
So intermission came and we decided it would be the best time to leave so we could get Sophie home to bed. In the car (I think is where it was) Charity said something like this: "The old saying is that it takes a village to raise a child". This got me thinking for the last 48 hours, but even better than that is that Charity also commented that we have a "village" around us. That village consists of grandparents willing to travel to town to see our children, high school students who hold my daughter and graduated students who come over and babysit. We have a village around us (I haven't started to mention all our friends at church like: the Rossiters, the Shines, the McComb's, the Yureks and so many more families who love our family) that is helpings us to raise our family. The cool thing about the village is that they help me grow as a person also; they are there for me to ask questions on life, parenting, where to take my wife for Mother's Day and other valuable information.
Thank you to our "village" that has surrounded us and helps us grow as a individuals and a family. Honestly, we could not do this, nor would we want to, with out you all!
On Friday night we went to a dance deal at Coronado High School. A few of Charity's small group girls were in the dance deal and its always good to get onto the high school campus and see students that we love. We saw a lot of students that we have grown to love and been able to have involved in our life. Well this night we brought Sophie and I wasn't sure how she would do sitting still for 75 minutes. She sat with me for a few, then went to Jena for a little bit, then she went to the row behind us to sit with Kiki and Chandler. While she was sitting with Kiki I looked back and just thought to myself: "My daughter is growing up". She was dialed into the dancing and rarely took her eyes off the girls on stage.
So intermission came and we decided it would be the best time to leave so we could get Sophie home to bed. In the car (I think is where it was) Charity said something like this: "The old saying is that it takes a village to raise a child". This got me thinking for the last 48 hours, but even better than that is that Charity also commented that we have a "village" around us. That village consists of grandparents willing to travel to town to see our children, high school students who hold my daughter and graduated students who come over and babysit. We have a village around us (I haven't started to mention all our friends at church like: the Rossiters, the Shines, the McComb's, the Yureks and so many more families who love our family) that is helpings us to raise our family. The cool thing about the village is that they help me grow as a person also; they are there for me to ask questions on life, parenting, where to take my wife for Mother's Day and other valuable information.
Thank you to our "village" that has surrounded us and helps us grow as a individuals and a family. Honestly, we could not do this, nor would we want to, with out you all!
Thursday, May 06, 2010
A Changed Life- Zoe Dodd
This week Zoe Dodd shared her story in our High School Ministry. I love hearing her story and how God has totally grabbed her heart. Zoe has an amazing heart and I see big things happening in her life as she continues to seek Jesus. I'm also very thankful for Sam being there to answer her questions while we were at Hume Lake last summer! Thanks for sharing your story Zoe!
Monday, May 03, 2010
A Changed Life- Series Overview
When we do a sermon series in our High School Ministry its not just open the Bible, point to a verse and preach on it. I am constantly asking God what He wants us to teach students and how that translates into life change for them; what can they apply to their lives?
For this series I landed on the Sermon on The Mount. As I was reading over the text (Matthew Chapters 5-7) I just kept thinking "Jesus is calling the people to life change". Jesus tells them what they heard from others and then shares with them the plans He has to change their life through the truth of God. Here's the deal though; its tough! Its tough because when you read The Sermon on The Mount it calls for life change and most of us aren't ready for that!
Here is how we broke the six week series down:
Week 1: Matthew 5:1-12
Week 2: Matthew 5:21-26
Week 3: Matthew 5:33-48
Week 4: Matthew 6:5-15
Week 5: Matthew 6:25-34
Week 6: Matthew 7:7-14
For this series I landed on the Sermon on The Mount. As I was reading over the text (Matthew Chapters 5-7) I just kept thinking "Jesus is calling the people to life change". Jesus tells them what they heard from others and then shares with them the plans He has to change their life through the truth of God. Here's the deal though; its tough! Its tough because when you read The Sermon on The Mount it calls for life change and most of us aren't ready for that!Here is how we broke the six week series down:
Week 1: Matthew 5:1-12
Week 2: Matthew 5:21-26
Week 3: Matthew 5:33-48
Week 4: Matthew 6:5-15
Week 5: Matthew 6:25-34
Week 6: Matthew 7:7-14
Thursday, April 29, 2010
A Changed Life- Tony Fernandez
As we continue our series, this week Tony Fernandez shared his story on how God has changed his life.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Why We Baptize People
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| (Ally Davis getting ready to be baptized) |
1) I am proud to be a part of a church that baptizes
When we baptize people it tells me that life change is happening in the person; it also tells me that people are giving their lives to Christ! When I read the Bible I see that baptism is something that always follows conversion; the person surrendering their life to Christ.
2) Jesus commands us to be baptized
When Jesus was preparing to return to heaven He leaves us, the church, with a pretty heavy job description. Its not a four page job description with hours that we have to work; but its a good reminder of what we need to do as Christians. Go read Matthew 28:18-20 for that command of Jesus. There is a reason its called "The Great Commission" and not "The Great Suggestion".
3) We baptize using immersion
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| (After being baptized) |
This weekend we baptized a handful of high school students and one of them, Ally Davis, shared with me a few days before she was baptized that she needed to do because this was her next step in her walk with Christ. I love it when people are convicted by the Holy Spirit and then obey that conviction which leads to life change.
Here are just a few thoughts on baptism and why I am glad to be a part of a church that baptizes!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
A Changed Life- Priscilla Hernandez
For week three of our series Priscilla Hernandez shares about how God has changed her life
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Leah Joy 5 weeks (and a few days)
So this week Leah had her one month check up; it was really her one month and a week check-up but who's counting?
So the girl I like to call Little Leah is doing great! At her check up she passed all the stuff, got some shots and we were able to see how she is growing. Get ready for this:
Leah is 11 pounds 4 ounces (90th-95th percentile)
She is 23 inches long (once again 90th-95th percentile)
Leah is growing big and strong, she is learning to sleep more during the night and her and Sophie totally love each other!!!
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| (Leah just chillin on the couch) |
Leah is 11 pounds 4 ounces (90th-95th percentile)
She is 23 inches long (once again 90th-95th percentile)
Leah is growing big and strong, she is learning to sleep more during the night and her and Sophie totally love each other!!!
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| (Really she is saying: "I love kisses from daddy") |
Thursday, April 15, 2010
A Changed Life- Jacob Dunne
This week Jacob Dunne shared his story at Explode; more evidence of how God is still changing lives!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Angel Tattoo: Right Arm
So I've continued the half sleeve on my right arm. The Angel is actually supposed to be the the first part of the half sleeve but the praying hands just kinda happened first. Just over two weeks ago I went to my tattoo artist and got this:
Now I know that many thoughts tend to go through people's minds when they see tattoo's and I totally understand that I am a pastor who has a number of tattoos. I was talking with my tattoo artist about that and he told me that people don't believe him when he says that he tattoos a pastor (my tattoo artist is the coolest guy).
That is mostly a side note to the meaning behind this tattoo. All my tattoo's have a story behind them or some meaning for me getting them. I typically think about a tattoo for over a year before I go and get it (I have one that I have been thinking about for 8 years; they are permanent!)
The story behind this one comes from the account in Daniel 10:12-15 where Michael, one of the angels, helps the man who is speaking to Daniel. I don't believe in praying to angels but I do see from this account that angles will work on our behalf.
I think the bottom line on this tattoo is that it is a reminder for me to pray. I don't know about you but I am very prone to wonder and go my own way. This tattoo is a reminder to me, daily, that prayer works and that I need to be in prayer. If you notice on the angels leg there is a demon who is trying to bring him down; there are things in life that will try to bring us down but I find when I am connected to God in prayer life seems to be a little bit more comfortable and easy to bear.
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| (The tattoo is not finished; it still needs to be shaded in) |
Now I know that many thoughts tend to go through people's minds when they see tattoo's and I totally understand that I am a pastor who has a number of tattoos. I was talking with my tattoo artist about that and he told me that people don't believe him when he says that he tattoos a pastor (my tattoo artist is the coolest guy).
That is mostly a side note to the meaning behind this tattoo. All my tattoo's have a story behind them or some meaning for me getting them. I typically think about a tattoo for over a year before I go and get it (I have one that I have been thinking about for 8 years; they are permanent!)
The story behind this one comes from the account in Daniel 10:12-15 where Michael, one of the angels, helps the man who is speaking to Daniel. I don't believe in praying to angels but I do see from this account that angles will work on our behalf.
I think the bottom line on this tattoo is that it is a reminder for me to pray. I don't know about you but I am very prone to wonder and go my own way. This tattoo is a reminder to me, daily, that prayer works and that I need to be in prayer. If you notice on the angels leg there is a demon who is trying to bring him down; there are things in life that will try to bring us down but I find when I am connected to God in prayer life seems to be a little bit more comfortable and easy to bear.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
A Changed Life- Kalina Rock
Last night we started a new series in our High School Ministry called: "A Changed Life". This week Kalina Rock shares her story on how God has grabbed her heart and changed her life.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Student Ministry Garage Sale
Please swing by the sale and find that item you cannot live without (seriously; if you are looking for it, we probably have it). The location is:
South Hills Horizon Ridge Campus
2520 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy
Henderson, NV
If you have any questions please call:
Amy Robledo @ 483-3741
Neal Benson @ 483-3740
See you soon!
Monday, April 05, 2010
Leah Joy 21 Days Old
So I'm pretty sure that I took this when Leah was 21 days old... she may have been 23 days old (that is what lack of sleep does to you).
If you haven't seen Leah in a while; here is what she likes to do:
If you haven't seen Leah in a while; here is what she likes to do:
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Why Easter is so Important
Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. Now when I was a kid Easter was all about getting dressed up in a little suit that was fairly uncomfortable, going to Sunrise Service with my mom and then eating candy. My sister and I would find the eggs, then re-hide the eggs, then hide them again until they were pretty much uneatable.
So now that I am a man and have my own family I need to figure out what about Easter is going to be important to us.
Will we wake up early to go to church? Probably not
Will we hide eggs and eat candy? I am sure of it
Will we invite our neighbors to Church tomorrow? You bet!
We're going to do these things because they are important; yes it is important to eat candy (someone has to keep the dentist in business). This Sunday, tomorrow April 4th, I'm teaching at Church about the resurrection of Christ. The more I'm studying this topic from 1 Corinthians 15 I am seeing the need to make sure I live daily for the resurrection.
This Easter Sunday will be extremely important for my family because I want to live for the resurrection and it helps me to do that with a group of people that I love and want to do life with. Now maybe you have that group of people in your life already; please keep going to that church and dive into that. If you don't already have it will you find a place where you learn about God in a way that makes sense to you and challenges you to grow?
Easter is important for so many reasons, more than I can share in this quick post. If you need a place to go on Easter I hope to see you at South Hills Sunday April 4th @ 9am or 11am!
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| (Proof of the uncomfortable suit) |
Will we wake up early to go to church? Probably not
Will we hide eggs and eat candy? I am sure of it
Will we invite our neighbors to Church tomorrow? You bet!
We're going to do these things because they are important; yes it is important to eat candy (someone has to keep the dentist in business). This Sunday, tomorrow April 4th, I'm teaching at Church about the resurrection of Christ. The more I'm studying this topic from 1 Corinthians 15 I am seeing the need to make sure I live daily for the resurrection.
This Easter Sunday will be extremely important for my family because I want to live for the resurrection and it helps me to do that with a group of people that I love and want to do life with. Now maybe you have that group of people in your life already; please keep going to that church and dive into that. If you don't already have it will you find a place where you learn about God in a way that makes sense to you and challenges you to grow?
Easter is important for so many reasons, more than I can share in this quick post. If you need a place to go on Easter I hope to see you at South Hills Sunday April 4th @ 9am or 11am!
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