Why I need vacation

This afternoon we landed in Vegas coming home from vacation. When I came home to our house (that is finally put back together from being semi-flooded) I realized how much better I feel. Every year we take all our vacation time, yep you heard me right! I take all my vacation time every year. This year we have done some weekend trips to So Cal to see family but this time we went to Bend, Oregon to see one of my great friends Conrad and his wife Karen.
We flew Allegiant Air and got a great deal on a direct flight to Bend/Redmond Airport. This vacation was different because this was our first family vacation with Sophie. Now we have taken those quick trips to see family but this was our first time really taking Sophie on vacation with us; and it was great! Sometimes I go on vacation and then I need a vacation from my vacation because it is so packed with stuff. This time we just relaxed. We; floated the Deschutes River, Feed the ducks, relaxed, ate great food, walked around Bend and just did some family time.
Here are some reasons that I need vacation:

Vacation recharges me
When I go on vacation I am usually ten times too busy and sometimes I question leaving. I like to schedule my big vacation right after Summer Camp or a Mission Trip. I do that intentionally because I know that I am going to be super busy and this is a great time for me to get away and just get recharged.

Turning off my phone and computer is great
Yep, that is true. I almost always turn off my phone while I am on vacation. The message on my phone says something like this while I'm gone: "Hey you've reached Neal and I'm on vacation from (insert dates). If you need anything related to South Hills please call Amy Robledo at 702-616-6700. If this is a personal message I will get back to you when I get some time. Thanks for the call and have a great day". Also, I don't check email and I know that it will be there when I get back. It is so nice to be away from electronics on vacation; I need that.

I need time with my family
And my family needs time with me. I am currently taking a half load in seminary and working full-time. That means I don't get to spend the time with my family that I would like to spend. When I get time to spend with my girls I realize how much I need it! I need time holding my daughter and throwing her up in the air. I need time walking with Charity and getting coffee. I need vacation time to connect with my family and make sure they are doing ok. I need time with my family. I want to make sure that my priorities reflect how important my family is to me and if I don't take vacation that shows my family they are not that important.

It is good for me to get away
I often think thinks like: "I don't have time for this" or "Man, I have so much work to do". When I get away I realize that my job goes on without me. When I leave I actually come back more refreshed! Yep, you heard me right; I come back more refreshed! I come home and I am ready to dream again. I get the sleep that I have been missing. I get the kisses from Charity that I love and I get to hug my little girl. That makes me happy and I need that.

We all need vacation! Don't miss out on yours this year

The Path to Freedom

I am currently writing my final paper for one of my summer classes "Christian Spiritual Formation". I was going through my notes and just found this so helpful during the course that I needed to share it.

If you are struggling with sin holding you back in life here is something to remember:

The Path to Freedom
1) Recognize the lie
2) Renounce the lie: you have worth!
3) Replace the lie with truth (find scripture)
4) Remain in the truth: Practice the presence of God

It keeps getting better

This last week has been super crazy! From coming home to a clogged AC drain to getting out of our house to doing a wedding to family in town to speaking at church on Sunday: our week has been full! If you have kids you know that full weeks= craziness and craziness= jacked up schedules. Sophie had been off her "normal" schedule since Friday and it was no fun but that changed today.
Sophie woke up from her nap a little early and I took her to visit Gilbert at his work (if you ride dirt bikes you gotta check out Red Seven). It was so rad to have some me and Sophie time. I was a little scared cause I forget everything you need to take a baby out; literally everything!
After we got home Charity took Sophie swimming while I did some homework and then Sophie and I played with Photobooth on my comp. Here is my favorite picture that we took.
I love this stage that Sophie is in and just have so much fun hanging out with her. Thank you Jesus for my daughter.

Hume Lake 2009

We just back from Hume (well it was like 4 days ago) and I gotta say how amazing it was! This year, before we left, I had all our students sit down and I shared my heart. It went something like this: For the last four years we have made Hume about competition. Every year we go and go with the goal of winning the competition and we have won the last three out of four years. One year I came home with one of those champion t-shirts and you know what? I thought it would feel a lot better than it did!
This year my challenge was to make camp about Christ and not competition. See Christ won't let us down. At the end of camp I had two guys in my cabin tell me how amazing camp was. One said:

"This was my best Hume! I'm so glad it wasn't about competition. I got so much more out of chapel."

That made it for me! I was so stoked on Hume this year! We had the best leader team that I have ever brought (no offense to anyone else) but most all of our leaders have been to Hume before so they know how it goes. I am so thankful for our leaders and thankful for those who prayed. God did some huge things in the lives of our students.

Pics from a Proud Pastor

A few weeks ago we took our students to write Bible verses on the metal studs in our new youth room. I was so stoked to see our kids show up to own there area! It was fun seeing them with their Bibles in their hands and their hearts to be there (did I mention that it was about 105 degrees outside?).

Please keep praying for our building as we move forward and watch God work in the hearts and lives of families and students.

This last picture makes me smile. This is Kody Rock; Kody is one of the first kids I met in Vegas. I met Kody when he was in 8th grade and just saw him graduate High School. I am so stoked on how God has grown him and made him the man he is now!

Brushing our teeth

So lately Sophie has been doing this funny thing when I brush my teeth; she likes to bite the other end. Not only does she bite the other end of the toothbrush but she smiles while doing it!

Personal Rule of Life

I am working on a "Personal Rule of Life" right now and thought this example was super cool!

The Rule of Martin Luther King Jr.

Meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.

Remember always that the nonviolent movement in Birmingham seeks justice and reconciliation, not victory.

Walk and talk in the manner of love, for God is love.

Pray daily to be used by God in order that all might be free.

Sacrifice personal wishes in order that all might be free.

Observed with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.

Seek to perform regular service for others in the world.

Refrain from violence of fist, tongue, or heart.

Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.

Follow the directions of the movement and the captains of the demonstration.

I am convicted today

This week we have had John and Jenny Van't Land in town. John and Jenny are missionaries in Dakar, Sengal in West Africa.
I woke up today and have been convicted and I can't get over it (I haven't spent time with Jesus yet) but I am not sure what it is. Well I am kinda sure what it is. I just took a class on Global Issues in Evangelism and I am rocked! For the class I did a presentation on the 10/40 Window; the most unreached area in the world. 3 billion of the worlds people live there and we only send 3% of the worlds mission force there.
God is rocking me right now, not just because of that but because of this too:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in​ the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

I am convicted by this. I am convicted that I don't go. I am convicted that I have so much and there are people that have so little.

Quote for Sunday June 28th

Here is a quote that I am using in my message tomorrow:

"If Christians around the world were to suddenly renounce their personal agendas, their life goals and their aspirations, and begin responding in radical obedience to everything God showed them, the world would be turned upside down. How do we know? Because that's what first century Christian's did, and the world is still talking about it." –Henry Blackaby

What is Kajabi Kan Kan?

I have often told people about this game called Kajabi Kan Kan and they ask about it. I think the best way to explain it is to watch this video:

Swim Time

Today I was able to run home from work (a little late) and go swimming with the girls! It was so fun! Charity takes Sophie to the pool like every day; look how tan she is! She loves the water. After we got out I messed up her hair and gave her a mini-mohawk. I like to think in my head that she likes it! I am so blessed to have such a rad family!

You also gotta love Sophie rocking her tongue out! She is so rad

Solitude Highlights

Today, for class, we did a Spiritual Retreat. The retreat was on the property of Risen King Church in Redding, CA. We meet at Risen King and did some class time together. The rules for the time were:
1) No Talking for 2 hours
2) No phone
3) The first hour we just spend silent with God
4) The second hour we could read our Bible or journal

Here is an excerpt from my overview of the time:

I was able to sit on a rock and think about my word for the first half of our time today. I wasn’t distracted in the first half of my time. I was able to focus on God and think about His creation. I had a chance to just be; and I needed that. I was able to look at the fish (minnows), the reeds, the flowers, the birds, the trees, the grass, the water and the ducks. This time was so sweet just being with my word and realizing that God is the one who created all of those things.
The second half was equally as encouraging. I spent time reading the Psalms and just trying to focus on God. I took time praying and looking at creation again. Towards the end I was distracted some and began to think of time.

When I return to Vegas I want to figure out a way to do this more. I see a huge value in just relaxing with God, turning off the phone, and just being in the presence of God. We miss our on so much because we are so "busy"... I hope this post encourages you to think about the need of silence in your life.

Our dorm in Redding!

Here is a little video, I made for our students, of our room in Redding. We are totally staying in a dorm room!

What my day looks like

This summer I transferred colleges, to Tozer Seminary, and had to come to Redding, CA for two weeks. Charity and Sophie are here with me and wanted to give you a glimpse of what my days have looked like so far:

6:30am- Sophie wakes up (this is an estimate)
7:00am- I need to be out of bed and in the shower
7:25am- Leave for breakfast
8:00am- Christian Spiritual Formations
12:00pm- Go back to dorm to get Charity & Sophie for lunch
12:10pm- Leave for lunch
12:15pm- Arrive at lunch
1:00pm- Global Issues in Evangelism
5:00pm- Go get Charity & Sophie for Dinner
5:25pm- Eat dinner
6:00pm- Family time
7:30pm- Sophie goes to bed/I start homework
11:30pm- Finish homework
12:00am- Go to bed

I am pretty sure that every night, so far, Sophie has woken up at about 3:00am crying. She goes back to bed, but this is our schedule so far. I am kind of venting, but what I can't express, in words, right now is what I am learning. The classes are amazing, the guys are super rad, and being away with Charity is just down right amazing!
Thank you for all of you who are praying for us right now.

C.S. Lewis Quote

The Christian way is different: harder, and easier. Christ says, "Give me All. I dont want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it.

Cornerstone Christian Church

Today Charity, Sophie and I went to Cornerstone Fellowship where our friend Ryan Bicker works. Cornerstone is in Livermore, CA up in the East Bay Area. I could go into a "pastor's review" of the church but that is not what I have planned for this.
It was so nice to arrive at church with Dana, Ryan's wife, and drop off Sophie. Ryan introduced us to her teacher and then showed us around the Children's Area. The Children's Staff was well prepared and very orderly. We loved how organized the place was and just feeling comfortable leaving our daughter in a new environment.
After we checked out the building we did something that I love; we went to church. We were able to go to church and attend. We sat together and I didn't have to worry about getting up to do announcements or to check on anything. I was able to spend time worshiping Jesus with my wife and then listening to the pastor.
The pastor killed it! I loved his message on Acts 2:37-42 (I think). He spoke from the heart and was very biblical! If you live in this area you gotta check out Cornerstone.
Finally after Church we went to get lunch! The pastor encouraged everyone to meet new people and spend time with them over a meal! We decided to take him up, but just to do with Ryan and Dana. We had a great lunch chatting with them and just getting to catch up on their lives. We are very thankful for them in our lives.

I LOVE THIS

Here is a pic a student drew for me during finals...
(you gotta click on it and read it)

Laggin on putting up some new pics

Here is what Sophie and I have been doing lately; sometimes we bring mommy to take our picture!
Hanging out at Town Square; just walking around













Sometimes I make it home from work to go swimming













We went to Seal Beach













I took Sophie on the swing too

"The Way of the Heart"

I just read The Way of the Heart by Henri J.M. Nouwen. I wrote a book report on this for Seminary and here is an excerpt of what is going on in my heart right now:

“The very thing we need to do is set apart a time and a place to be with God and him alone.” - Henri J.M. Nouwen

This is something that my pastor, Miles McPherson, in San Diego taught very well. When I was a younger Christian I was able to practice this spiritual disciple in a daily basis and I think that is why I chose this quote. I remember waking up, struggling to wake up may be more truthful, at 5:00am to spend time with Jesus before heading off to Bible College. I remember getting on my knees and seeking Jesus. I remember reading the word and falling in love with it. I remember journaling out my prayers so I wouldn’t fall asleep; my heart longs for this special time with Jesus, again, on a daily basis.

I was doing well with this time with Jesus; I was able to wake up early and spend time with Jesus. I had my days where I had long nights out with students and times on missions trips that I wasn’t able to get this special alone time with God but I never really felt as empty as I do right now. I am not sure if it is because of being a new dad or seminary or work. I would love to have something to place the blame on; but the only blame can lie with my choices and me.

I need to make the time again to spend with Christ. I need to make a bedtime and stick to it. I need to take the time to focus on my savior. I want the energy and rejuvenation that Christ brings to my soul and I long for that. My soul thrives when I spend, at least, a dedicated hour of prayer and reading in the morning. I get convicted when I read the Bible for the first time, on some days, to study a message for the church. I think there is more and I want that daily time with God again; I need that.

My Newest Tattoo

I bet you can imagine the questions that I get being a High School Pastor with tattoo's. Not that that isn't enough; I keep getting them. And, between you and me, I have no plans to stop getting them (I have to note that I have no plans to get sleeved or any on my neck). I just love the fact that someone has the ability to put my ideas on my body.

Most of my tat's have been well thought out and that is the case with this one also. I just kept thinking that I want something to remind me every morning of what my feet need to do and that is what this tat is all about.

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”

High School Grad Night

Last night was our High School Grad Night and that was tough! Three of the boys in this picture have been in my small group for three years and one of them I have had for five years! If you didn't know, the National average for a youth pastor right now is 9-18 months at their church. Charity and I are going on 5 years here at South Hills.
These guys are so amazing! I feel truly blessed to work here with the students that God has placed us around. I love seeing their lives change and have had some amazing talks with them. I will miss all our students who are graduating.
I had a girl, who is very special to my wife and I, ask me last night "Why didn't you cry?" I thought about that question and realized that I am so confident that this class will do well and I know that we have done all we can to set them up for success that I am just excited to see what God is going to do in their lives. I will probably cry when they leave, but right now and I am just so proud of them!

How to Read The Psalms

Here is a great line in the book I am reading, How to Read The Psalms, by Tremper Longman III

"In the Psalms, however, the negative always leads to the positive. Doubt leads to trust; anger toward God turns to love; sadness to joy"

Mother's Day

Yesterday was Mother's Day and I took the time to spend with Charity. I didn't really know what to get her. About three weeks ago at church, when I was doing the welcome, I asked people to come and give me ideas. Their ideas were good, but it wasn't my idea. I wanted to get Charity something that I had thought about, not just something that I jacked from someone else.

It took some time to think and some time to make. Charity kept asking that Sophie and I make her something. I thought about that, but that would mean that the corners would be crumpled from Sophie pulling on the them and a possible rip.

I ended up staying late on Friday night and instead of doing all my homework I chose to take some time to make something for my wife that I knew she would love. Charity is very crafty, I am not, but I know how to use Photoshop and here is what I gave my lovely wife.

Battle of the Sexes

Our Middle School Ministry, Ignite, started a new series about 10 days ago called Battle of the Sexes. Chase Fiendel did amazing at getting this event going and the passion to teach kids the truth about sex and sexuality. Here is a video of night one where I spoke (for some reason I always do the sex talk).

LIFE

Last night we started a new series called LIFE.
This will be a six week teaching series on life and the pains that students have to deal with. Last night I opened the series with the reason behind the series and why we are doing this.

Here is the six week plan:
Week 1: Intro
Week 2: The Sanctity of Life
Week 3: Life in Transition (Senior Night)
Week 4: Gossip
Week 5: Anger
Week 6: Lying
Week 7: Materialism

Some Learnings Lately

Lately I have been in a season of personal growth and that is not always "easy" but I learn that when God brings me out of these seasons I tend to look back and see how much I have learned. This time I thought I would get a head start and start laying some of them out:

1) I need a Sabbath!
This is the one command that I feel like we break all the time and no one really seems to care. I want to write a separate blog on just this and hopefully will one day. Josh Griffin just wrote a quick ditty on this from Pastor Rick's talk and I totally needed it!

2) I need to spend more time with Jesus
Not like in a weird way, but since Sophie was born my time with Jesus has been reduced. I think its because I don't sleep as well as I once did and because Seminary is pretty tough right now. I have noticed, and Charity reminds me, that I am a much person when I spend time with Jesus.

3) I need accountability
I have a finish line group (FLG); which means I meet with a friend weekly out here. We confess our sins, pray for each other and drink coffee. I really like the drinking coffee but sometimes its hard to confess my sins, but I need to and when I have my FLG I just feel like I am living how God has called me to.

4) I need a date night
This is another thing that has changed since having Sophie. Our date night, or day, needs to be more flexible. Charity and I try to have some alone time out of the house without Sophie weekly. That is hard! We have to get a sitter and be intentional about spending time our marriage. We need to have a healhty marriage.

This is what I am thinking about in my spare time lately...

Ways to Get Refreshed

Today I had a buddy stop in my office and he is in a time of seeking God in a big way. I wanted to give him some scripture that refresh me and some things I do to get refreshed. Here is that list:

Some Good Scripture that I recommend:
1 Samuel 3
Ester 4:12-16
Matt. 9:35-38
Psalm 15 (I like to pray this one about myself)
1 Kings 19:21
2 Samuel 23:8-39 (I love this stuff)
Matt 11:12
James 1 (entire chapter)
Philippians 2:1-18

Some things I recommend:
1) Get some rest
2) Eat healthy
3) Take a hike: spend some time in prayer up there (like on a mountain)
4) Watch Braveheart or Patriot or Gladiator
5) Sleep in

Hope that this helps, or maybe you can add some things that help refresh you

School: Plan to Graduate

So as part of my class at Tozer Seminary I needed to write out my plan to graduate. I appreciate the leadership at the school getting me to think through what I need to take to graduate. Here is what I think I will be taking (I changed this up a little from what I submitted in my final paper):

Summer 2009:
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Life and Thought & Global Issues in Evangelism

Fall 2009:
Christian Spiritual Formation & Elective: Congregational Care

Spring 2010:
Contemporary Culture & Elective: Marriage and Family Counseling

Summer 2010:
Small Groups and Discipleship & Equipping People for Ministry

Fall 2010:
Personal Health and Growth in Ministry

Spring 2011:
Christian Communication & Elective: World Religions

Summer 2011:
Principles of Counseling & Theology of Missions

I'm posting this because I'm asking you all to pray for me to have the wisdom to take the right classes. Thank you very much for helping me through this process of education!

Final Paper

Today I turned in my final paper for "Life Long Learning" at Tozer Theological Seminary. I have been taking classes here in in town at Fuller Theological Seminary for the last three years and just have made the switch to Tozer (actually I have one more class that I am finishing at Fuller right now).
Today is freeing; having turned in that paper and been able to get that done was freeing. I only have one class that I'm working on right now (Psalms) and its pretty gnarly. Seminary has been a good learning experience but right now it has been tough. I miss the time that Charity and I used to laugh and now having Sophie it had set in that I need to finish. I think that having Sophie has light a fuse on some internal clock that makes me want to complete my education so I can spend more time with my family.
This change for me means something big. After I finish Psalms I will be over half way done with my degree! I have thirteen more classes left and it seems surreal... This summer we will be traveling to Redding for two weeks to do classes.
Please pray for me as I figure out summer classes and finish up Psalms.

Making the Most of Your Mission Trip

As I sit shotgun in the van on the way home from our Spring Break mission trip to Mexico I just started reflecting on what made this trip so amazing. Yes, the sixteen minute border wait on the way home will make you smile, but did we do right that made our team smile the entire trip? Having been able to do multiple mission trips since being a Christian here are some things that our team has implemented into the trip to make it more successful (maybe one day I will write something on “How not to lead a mission trip” but not this year).

1) Give your team plenty of team before the trip to connect and get prepared
This year we started plenty ahead of time. This allows the students, adult leaders and families in your church who want to come the ability to come. Most people want/need ample lead-time before the trip to get prepared; respect that and plan ahead so that you are prepared. When you are prepared then everyone on the team can be prepared. This will allow you the time to think when the plans need to change and trust me they will.

2) Have clearly defined limitations on your trip
When you know who this trip is aimed to, what people can expect, what kind of work you will be doing and things of that nature it helps you know who this trip is designed for. If you are going to be building a building then you may not want younger kids on the team. Know your sleeping arrangements so that people can know what to expect and what they need to bring. Also if you have a dad who wants to bring his eight-year-old daughter on trip are you prepared for that with the sleeping? These are great things to think through ahead of time.

3) Be clear and intentional at your team meetings
This is where you need to be prepared so that you can communicate what is necessary for the people on your team to know. If the meeting is going to be an hour long be prepared for that, if the meeting is going to be three hours long let your team know that ahead of time.

4) Utilize your leader on the team
This is a great time to read Exodus 18 again. Look at what Jethro says to Moses about the way he is leading. Appoint leaders on your team and let them lead. Teach your leaders to lead, help them lead and let the team know that they are going to lead. This has been one the greatest learning experiences for me. When you can focus your time on helping your leaders and taking care of them, then your leaders can lead; us the resources in them that God has given you.

5) Pray hard
This could probably be the first point but we’re talking about it last. Pray throughout this entire process; pray for God to put the right people on the team. Pray for God to lead your team, stretch them, keep them safe and unite them for a common purpose. When you take the time to seek God in this entire process of following the great commission God will speak to you and lead you in the right path.

The day after it snowed in Vegas

So the long awaited footage is here! This is what my small group did the day after it snowed in Vegas! I am so stoked I got some guys who are down to do this!

Blowdarts in the leg

Yep, that is right! So do you ever have those nights that small group is just not going that well and things keep getting in the way? This was one of those nights. It could have been me, or maybe my boys, but none of us were focused and then Bobby found the blowdart gun. He kept asking to shoot me and finally I gave in... but then I shot him; once when he was ready and once when he wasn't for good measure!

Greg and Richelle's Wedding

So this post is long overdue but I have been slammed in life lately. About 2 weeks ago I had the rad opportunity to do the wedding of two of our really good friends here in Las Vegas; Greg and Richelle.
Greg and Richelle got married up at Mount Charleston and it was the most beautiful day that I have ever been up there. Here is Greg and I waiting for Richelle to come down the isle.

Greg is one of the first people that I met out here in Vegas and I have to say that he has been a great friend to me. The first time I met Greg he was driving his sick Chevy Nova and the plate read "SXI MXI" short for sexi mexi; and that is what Greg is.

Then Richelle and Greg both started working with students out here with us at South Hills Church. Now I have to put up this picture of Dana Bicker with Sophie. Ryan and Dana used to work out here at South Hills and now they are living back in the Bay Area. We totally miss them! Ryan actually sent me these pics (love them Rhino!).

Here is Ryan and I chilling at the reception waiting to get in. I had to put this one up there because you will rarely see me in a suit! I love rocking the suit, but I cant do it all day.

This post can sum up as being about friends. Charity and I have been blessed with having some great friends in our lives; thank you to all who we call friend.

Hello Mexicali

Yesterday we drove into Mexicali Mexico. I am apart of a team that will be here for 8 days working with Rick and Tammie Romano. Our goal is to work as a team to unite people to find Jesus while we are here. During that process we hope to build a church!
I am in Mexico right now so this is going to be short. Please take the time to pray for our team and that God will lead all we do!
Matt Hall is our building team leader and Whitney Rossvanes in leading VBS. They are amazing!
I'll try to update this... key word in there is try!

PDYM Tuesday Night: Session One

Night one is coming to a wrap and I have to say that it was amazing! We started out with some grub outside in beautiful So Cal weather. Then moved into The Refinery to the auditorium; where HS meets. The night was amazing and I have to say that I wish I took better notes. The opening song by the HS team was so sick! They had this 7th grade boy sing some song by "Cold Play" (I am not good at music).
After that about 15 people came up and shared why they are in youth ministry; very refreshing for me to hear (I'll try to find all the list on that).

I thought it would be interesting to post the list I was working on to try to post before the conference:
Here are five things that I am most excited about the conference this year
1) Getting to connect with like-minded youth workers
2) Spending some time away from "the ministry" to get refreshed
3) Having dinner at The Reed's house on Wednesday night (kinda forcing that one on them)
4) Staying at Danny Bower's house and having good friends to decompress with
5) Learning how to better serve students and reach them for Christ

Here are five things that I am not excited about:
1) I packed myself; that means I forgot all the necessary items to live
2) My wife and daughter are at home without me and I miss them (actually cried already)
3) Honestly I hate eating out all the time; it makes me feel sluggish
4) I have to leave early (I am excited that I am doing Greg and Richelle's though)
5) When it ends; I bet this is how our students feel when camp is over

Chiptole and Ministry

Today I got a rad call from a student who graduated last year (2008) and was back in town for a few days and was getting ready to go to California to see some friends. He called to go grab lunch; and I was very happy!
We ended up grabbing Chiptole and just talking about life; how he was doing, how school is going, how him and his girlfriend are... things like that. I love hanging out with this guy, sometimes it scares me because he is so mature! Let me give you an example; about 2 months ago I was talking with him and was telling him how busy I had been and that school was rough and he asked me if I was talking a Sabbath day! I was so impressed at him and just humbled that he would ask me that; I need it.
Well the day went on and lunch was over, but I took him home to see my daughter real quick and on the drive back he said something I hope I never forget. It went something like this:

"Neal, I want to encourage you. Thanks for saying "no" to me at times. Thanks for putting your family first and making sure that you don't neglect them in ministry"

Needless to say, I was shocked! I felt like I didn't know what to say in response. We went on talking about that and how so many pastors alwasys put their family last and miss the priorites. He was thanking me for saying no!!! I was so excited that he got it and understands the value of family before ministry.
Phillip, you will go far in ministry my friend... I know it!

My Daughter; The Baby Model

Its official! Sophie did her first baby shoot the other day. It sounds kind of weird to me that she does this, but I am stoked she gets the chance to make it happen.
I am just so stoked for my cute little girl; not that she did this model deal, but I think she is so cute!!!

Bringing Balance Back to My Life

Today, as I left the office late again, I began to ask myself about the pace of life that I am going at right now…
If you are like me you are busy!
• I am 29 years old
• Have a beautiful wife
• An amazing 6 months old baby girl
• I am in full time ministry
• I have to walk my dog
• In seminary full time
• Lead a small group of high school boys
• Run missions at my church
• Have two weddings this month
• Like to snowboard
• Love to eat
• Need a vacation (hopefully to somewhere tropical)
• And need to take my dog for a walk

Now I am sure we can all compile a list like this but today as I was thinking about it and going through all that I need to do spending time with Jesus was last on my list. (pause) That killed me.
These are the next questions that came to mind:
• Am I modeling this to my kids?
• Does my wife read her Bible more than me?
• Why cant I get out of bed in the morning?
• Can I sustain this pace of life?
• When was the last time I went to the gym?

I need balance in my life and I am the only one who is going to do that. My job will get the most they can out of me. My dog will always want to go on a walk, but I need to spend time with Jesus not just because I want my daughter to see and model that but because I need it! I was created to be in an intimate relationship with God and when I neglect that it shows in my daily actions.
Today I am going to make a commitment to spend more time with God and less time on things that don’t matter (really, do I NEED to update twitter again?). I want my life to be connected to God in such a way that all I do is for Him. That means cutting things out and bringing balance back. Our life is like a garden and if it gets neglected weeds are going to grow and choke out the beautiful plants. Today I am going to kill some weeds so I can focus on the good things.

A great quote

Here is a great quote that my buddy Danny Bowers has at the end of his signature in his email.

"YOUR SOUL LONGS TO FIND ITS ULTIMATE PURPOSE. IT WILL NOT REST UNTIL YOU DO. YOUR SOUL CRAVES ITS DESTINY. YOUR SOUL DESIRES, IT ALWAYS WILL. YOU WERE CREATED AS A CREATIVE BEING. YOU WERE MADE TO GROW, TO DREAM TO ACHIEVE. YOUR SOUL IS LETTING YOU KNOW YOU COME FROM GOD AND YOUR LIFE IS INTENDED TO BE GOD-SIZED AND GOD-INSPIRED. ONLY AN EPIC STORY CAN AWAKEN WHAT IS DEEP WITHIN THE SOUL OF EVERY HUMAN."

Sophie's First Carousel

This is such a rad little video! The other day Charity came to get me from work a little early because I was going to have a long night. She surprised me and went to The District and rode the carousel! It was so rad to do with Sophie for her first time. When I was a kid my grandma would take me on the carousel and that was one of my favorite things to do with her (I really like the way she pronounced "carousel").

Sophie Likes The Bath

So for the first six months of Sophie's life she HATED the bath. I am serious! (I have video to show). We would get her ready for the bath, walk her to the bath and that is when she knew that it was going to be hell!
Well thank you Jesus for answering our prayers because Sophie is now fine with the bath! It is so rad to watch her like it. How rad is that face???!!!

Seminary Sticking

Right now I am taking a class at Fuller Theological Seminary and a class at Tozer Theological Seminary. The class at Tozer has been somewhat tough for me because I am taking an intro course, but transferring in with half my degree done.
The funny thing about this is that I have learned so much from this class! We are currently on a lesson where we are learning how to read a book; to some of us that sounds lame! The point of learning how to read is something that I think I may have missed in 3rd grade; not that my teacher wasn't good, its just that I am not interested in reading all that much.
I was just reading an article by A.W. Tozer and he talks about the need to think about what we read. He says:

"Apart from technical information which, of course, must be received from others, a man can teach himself much more than he can learn from books. A good book should do no more than prime the pump. After that the water will flow up from within as long as we keep the handle working and long after the original cup of water has been forgotten."

That got me. I think in life, lately, I have been just "going". I go to work, I go to lunch, I go to school, I go to church... and the list goes on. I need to take the time to just think about what God is doing in my life. I want to take the time to think about what God is teaching me and how He wants to work in my life. That excites me!

Mexico Pre-Trip Video

So I have to give props to Kyle Rock once again; this kid (I think he is a young man now) is super amazing! He took the footage we shot down in Mexicali and turned it into this!

Mexico Pre-Trip

We just got back from our Mexico Pre-Trip and it was quick! We left Henderson, NV about 5am on Thursday and headed south for Mexicali. I was so exhausted from only getting about 4 hours sleep the night before. We crossed the border about noon and stopped at a local taco shop where we meet us with the missionaries we are connected with from The Ensenada Project (I know, its not Ensenada). We also suprised our own Sarah Roney who is serving down there; she had no clue we were coming!
So after some decent tacos we headed to the hospital that has a dorm in the back where we will be staying. Checked that place out and then went over to meet Gustavo and his family. Gustavo is the Pastor we will be building a church for over spring break. He is a great guy and has a cool family. The site where the church will be is about 10 lots down from his house.
After that we headed to grab a hotel real quick and then off to dinner. Dinner was great and the peso is down so it was even cheaper! Got home and crashed out!!! I got up at about 2am and puked my little guts out! (still not sure why...) Went back to bed, woke up and headed home. The trip was great!
I took alot of notes so we will be well prepared going down there. Please pray for us as this adventure takes place and we take students down to serve in a foriegn country.

LOVE

Tomorrow night we start our "LOVE" series. Every year in our High School Ministry I try to do a series that focuses on either love or sex (students love it when we talk about sex!). This year we are doing love. Feb 11th is our invite night where we really challenge students to reach out to their friends. The last stat I heard was that 90% of High School Students would go to church if one of their friends would just invite them.
We are having food, some funny games, doing a raffle for some prizes and sharing the truth of Christ. As we kick off the love series are focusing on why we have love and where the ability to love came from. I have come to the conclusion that if we don't have Christ in our lives all the loving we do is false; its not eternal.
I am super excited to see how God will work tomorrow, pray for us!

Sophie's First Time Snowboarding

I know the video is side ways, but it was so fun!

Winter Camp Pic

This has to be the coolest winter camp picture that I have ever been apart of!
Thanks leaders for making camp so amazing this year.
(Click the picture and see how rad it looks!)

MADE Series

Last night we finished up our MADE series. The basic question that we have been asking in this series is: "Who are you being made into and do you like that person?"
That is a hard question to ask in a message (especially for 5 weeks in a row) but it has been great. We used Ephesians 4:22-24 as the theme verse for this message series. For the first two weeks we looked at verse 22 about the way we have once lived and how that is hard. The whole time we were trying to point students to living "the new life in Christ".

Here is how the 5 weeks broke down:
Week 1: A story of being MADE- Neal Benson
Week 2: How to leave the old life- Neal Benson
Week 3- Learning to trust- John Coovert
Week 4-Being outward focused- Neal Benson
Week 5- Faith= Growth- Neal Benson

Last night as we wrapped up the series we really tackled that being MADE into who God has called you to be is a process and that it is never finished. We talked about exercising your faith muscle and letting God use you on your campus to reach your friends. The main point was to get students to reach out to invite their friends to invite night on Wed Feb 11th. Please pray for us as we reach students in Vegas!

Family Pic

I love this pic from BrianHead, Utah at our winter camp

Explode Winter Camp 2009

Winter Camp was amazing! That is the only way that I can describe this years camp. About four years we decided to do High School Winter Camp on our own to really focus on Discipleship and help our students get connected with eachother. The result has been a huge learning experience for me and our team.
This year we had Chad Blood from Lifeway Church in Arlington, WA as our speaker. Charity and I interned under Chad in Eastlake, CA. Chad taught on the Full Armor of God and really brought the truth of Jesus this year; it was great to spend the weekend with him.
Marc Faircloth lead worship and just nailed it! I love the room we meet in because its not a show room; the place allows students to really connect with God.
The main thing that I have learned from doing camp on our own (literally we do it all: rent houses, rent vans, rent town hall, bring all the food) is that we cannot do it without our leaders. Leaders, if you read this thank you so much for loving our studetns and impacting their lives!
Once again, Kyle Rock made an amazing video to wrap up the weekend.

Visiting Daddy at Work

Sophie stopped in the office to see me today. This is before she spit-up on my leg

Cutest Kid Ever

Sophie is cutest kid ever!!!

Sophie Chilling with Daddy

Got a quick video of one of Sophie's favorite things to do

Encouraging Day

So I know that I haven't blogged in a long time and that is due to me being a slacker! Yesterday was such an encouraging day that I have to share with you guys who are praying for us and watching what God is doing here in Vegas.

On Sunday night I went to a families house to talk with their son, Stephen, about his drug problem. We had a great conversation and an hour and a half later I left to have small group. I received a call from a friend of Stephen sharing with me how Stephen gave his life to Jesus after I left. So I called Stephen yesterday and was able to talk with him. He shared with me about how he is not depressed anymore and that he is finally happy in life.
A little preface is that Stephen was in a car accident two months ago where his girlfriend was ejected from the truck and died on scene, needless to say this has been a hard time. He continued to share with me how he flushed all his pills and cocaine down the toilet. I was so happy I almost cried!

That night I spoke at church and here are two comments that students texted to me after the message was down:

"Wow so todays lesson really made me realize that I've been just surviving. I made the decision to give my life to Jesus tonight and I'm so happy I'm so excited for camp and I truly want to thank you so much"

This is another comment from a student leader who brought her friend for the first time, her friend sent her this and she sent it to me:

"That was amazing ;) thank you so much for inviting me. Its opened my eyes i guess you could say ;) however you put it. But yeah. Thanx ;)"

I am so excited about what God is doing here. As a youth pastor trying to encourage other youth pastors, dont forget these times that we have the chance to impact lives. I am so proud of our students and how they have reached out to their friends, last night was a great night of ministry. A special thanks to our leaders who are always there to love on kids and who I get to partner with; I dont want to do ministry without you guys!

Wrapping up 2008

Today Charity and I were talking and I shared how I wanted to give an update on all that we did this year. She came up with a great word; "Reflect". We both decided that too many times we fail to reflect on life and remember all that God has done for us. I know this post may be long, but I hope you enjoy reading/seeing what God has done for us this last year.

Winter Camp 2008
This year we did our own winter camp in BrianHead Utah. It was amazing! My buddy Joey Ross came and spoke and Aaron Hoffman lead worship. It was great to see our leaders all jump in and make it happen. We just rented houses and Town Hall and spent time with students. It was so good we are doing it again in 2009

Mexico Mission Trip
I was able to lead a team to a town just south of Ensenada Mexico to build a home for a family who didn't have one. There are some super cool missionaries down there; Rick and Tammie Romano. They have great hearts and run a super effective ministry down there called "The Ensenada Project". If you are looking for a place to serve, contact them!

Translating the Book of Ephesians
This year I took a class through Fuller Seminary where I was able to translate the book of Ephesians from Greek into English. I would say that it was the hardest assignment that I have ever accomplished. I was so happy to turn all the 150 pages of homework in for that class!

Italy Vacation
If you missed the posts from Italy you gotta go check them out! This was by far the best vacation that Charity and I have ever taken. We feel so blessed that we were able to do this before Sophie came. (Little unknown fact: while we were in Italy we thought that Sophie was going to be "Zachariah Charles Benson")









Sophie Marie Benson in the oven
Sophie is by far the best thing to happen to our family this year. Neither of us would know what to do without her!









Hume SD: Middle School
Middle School Camp... was rad! I had a great time with the 8th grade, soon to be 9th grade, boys. They were great and Evan Faircloth is a rad leader, but Chase Feindel really led that camp well! Thanks for all your hard work Chase.




Hume Lake: High School
The students that we brought this year were great, but our leaders did even better! I always tell other pastors that our leaders are one of the main reasons that I keep serving. Without there help and support I don't believe that our ministry would be as effective as it has been out here. Thank you leaders for all your hard work. It is not un-noticed!

Baby Shower
Thank you all so much for all you gave. A special thanks to the McComb's for opening their home to allow us to have the shower there; you guys are truly amazing!

The Arrival of Sophie Marie
You can search the blog back in August to get more updates (click here). Sophie was born on August 26th 2008. She is by far the most beautiful little girl that I have ever seen in the world. Thank you Jesus for letting us have her!





Learning Hebrew
In the Fall I started on my Old Testament work for Seminary. I am currently, almost, half way done with my masters of Divinity from Fuller Seminary. Hebrew has been a huge challenge, but has taught me so much! Wanna see the Hebrew Alphabet? Check this out!

Thanksgiving in So Cal
We had a great chance to do a little So Cal tour this year at Thanksgiving time where we were able to see Charity's parents and my family. It was a great time with family. Click for pics

My Expanded Role at South Hills
This year we had an opening that I noticed on our staff: we had no one championing missions. I prayed that if God wanted me to help with it that my pastor would ask me. About a week later him and I were talking and now I am creating an Outward Team at our church that will be focused on evangelism and serving. I am pretty excited about this opportunity and the chance to grow in my leadership. Thanks for trusting me and letting me lead Bret!

These are just some of the memorable events from the year. Thank you so much for all of you that have prayed for us, supported us to reach students, helped me go on a mission trip and have just been there as our friends. You appreciate all of you!

Sophie's First Christmas

Sophie opening her first Christmas present

The announcements that got away

So last week we canceled Explode, our High School Ministry, because of the snow. I think that will be the only time we cancel church in Las Vegas because of snow. If you have 5 min and want to laugh, watch this ditty its quite the laugh...

The Day it Snowed in Vegas

So you may have heard that we got snow here in Vegas. It started snowing on Wed, Dec 17th and snowed until about 11pm that night. I was bummed because we had to cancel invite night, but I was able to go home and see my family. Here are some of the pictures that we have from that night and the next day.

Sophie was chilling, she is so beautiful!













Here is Charity with Sophie outside our condo

















Then on Thursday we went out to Red Rock. The whole time was amazing!













Here the Mountains to the west, they looked so amazing!

Snow Update

I have to post this because its Wednesday December 17th @ 1:09pm in Las Vegas, NV. It has been snowing for the last two hours here! That is right, it is snowing in Las Vegas. I grew up in Big Bear Lake, CA and know what real "snowing" looks like. I am shocked, excited, impressed and want to go snowboarding. Too bad its not sticking.

Sold my x-box

Yep, that rights. I sold my x-box 360 on eBay yesterday. Charity and I started talking about getting a Wii about 3 weeks ago and asked for one for Christmas. After we asked we started talking about it more and decided that we don't need two game systems. I thought about it more and decided that if my wife will play Wii with me than I will sell my x-box 360.
So right now my x-box is sitting in a box all packed up and waiting to be shipped (the buyer on eBay still needs to pay). Once that happens we are on the look out for a great deal on a Wii. We will probably buy a used one on eBay to save money.
It has been really cool with Charity not working and us having the time to spend together and also to be wiser with our money, we are really seeing God work!

Winter Camp is coming!

The other night at Explode I asked our leaders to pray for winter camp to Brian Head Utah, Jan 23-25. I asked them to pray, either verbally or non-verbally, every time they eat a meal for God to work in our winter camp. I wanted to ask you all if you would be willing to do the same? We did this for Hume Lake and saw God really move.
Yesterday at our student leadership meeting we created a “hit list” of students that we will be praying for them to come to camp. I will do my best to get this out to you all this week. Thanks so much for supporting what God is doing here with your prayers, I am excited to see God move in another camp!
If you are willing to give this your best shot will you please respond to me and just let me know?
Thanks a bunch!

Africa Update #4

Straight from my pastor:

Just a quick update from our team--
First, our team is GREAT. They are hard workers and Jesus lovers. We are almost done with construction on a new church building/Youth Center on the edge of Ouaga. The weather has been the dream of most people— high 80’s during the day—we’re going to come home with great tans!
Yesterday, Chase, Evan Faircloth and I traveled several hours to the home village of Victor (in our church). Victor was Chase’s roommate for quite a while before getting married recently. Victor had us take a bunch of stuff for his family for Christmas. It was amazing to travel to this REALLY African village (and we have been to several villages in our trips here). Wait til you see the pictures. I wish you could have sat with us in the bush taxi and been there when it broke down out in the middle of nowhere! Thanks for your prayers.

We shared Christ with 55 kids two days ago at our work site.
We are leading the Youth Group here in the capitol city for all the English-speaking kids (30-40).
We are thankful for your love, prayers and support. Nobody has been sick at all— well, Connie got car sick this morning! Everyone is in great spirits.

Birthday Card

Today I got my first birthday card in the mail. I was super stoked when I got it, and read it just before I left the house today. After I read it all I could was think how important people are to God and that I am so excited I get to be involved in life change. Here is the card I got from my neighbors that I met back in 2001 when I lived in San Diego. God has changed their lives so much and I am honored to have been able to watch! I love you Martian and Adrianne!

Africa Update #3

Just a quick update this time.
I actually talked with my Pastor today and they are having a great time! We talked using Skype, a free internet program, that has video and voice capability. It is crazy to me that I can talk to someone who is half way across the world now and see them! The team is doing great and they are working on a youth center there in Burkina in the captial city.
Tomorrow some of the team is heading to a guy in our church's village to give some items to his family (God is amazing).
Please pray for Pete Brockop, one of the missionaries there, he got malaria today and is not doing good. Thanks for praying for our team!

Africa Update #2

Another update from our Africa team... (I wish we were there)

Our Africa Team had an incredible experience today at the Dorcas House and all of South Hills Church got thanks and God was praised.

Our team presented gifts of quilts and other cool things to about 15 young ladies.

When I say "Dorcas House" don't think regular house, think African village with women who are being encouraged, loved and discipled in Jesus.

When we visited them today and gave them gifts from our church (THANK YOU QUILTING MINISTRY!!), here is what our missions staff said, "This may be the biggest gift these girls have ever received. You have absolutely no idea what you have just done for them. They will never forget this for the rest of their life."

I'm trying to post a video to YouTube but am having some trouble. I'll send the link later.

Check it out!

More later...

Strip Church

Yep, you read that right. About 3 months ago I met a guy named Brandon Piety from XXXchurch.com at church and we just got talking. I found out that he is part of a team that moved here from Grand Rapids to start something called Strip Church. This excited me! I was glad that someone was ready to tackle this whole deal with porn head on. Brandon and I started hanging out and I love spending time with him. I remember telling my mom about him and what he is doing here. Her response was so rad, I think she said something like: "WOW, that is a hard job! I will make sure I pray for them everyday" in her concerned mom voice.
About 2 weeks ago Charity and I went to the intro night when the team talked about Strip Church. I am so fired up for what these guys are doing and their passion to reach people in this city. The story got some great press and was even on Night Line. Somehow my face made it on National Television:Here is the link where the video is. After seeing me on there Charity said: "They showed that on National TV! Neal Benson". I didn't do anything bad, just being Neal. You gotta take 7 min and watch this.

Our lil Santa

Is this not the cutest picture you have ever seen? (Ok I know I am a biased dad)

Africa Update #1

Not sure if many of you know that I am helping with missions at our church now. I have a huge heart to see people know Jesus and missions are a secret passion of mine. For the last 5 months I have been working on sending a team to Africa and here is the first update I received from the team:

Friday morning, 7:05 (8 hours ahead of you)

It wasn’t really all that long ago that missionaries had to travel here by boat (2-3 months)....Becky Nehlsen’s parents did that. Now we can get here in just over a day from the west coast! And communicate instantly.

Our team is doing GREAT. We spent our first day getting oriented and getting our bodies somewhat used to the time adjustment— not bad so far. We checked out the city and saw where the work here is progressing and what we can do while here. Our flights over (30 hours of straight travel) went great. My dream of leaving the airport and getting out into a French town came true. We ran up to Senlis and had lunch and looked around the old part of that town — a cathedral dating probably to the 13th century.

Our team will be working this week on a new Youth Center out at the edge of the capital city where the villages are being gobbled up by the growing city.

It is encouraging to see how God is working in this country but the challenges here are great. Islam is being funded by national governments in the middle east. Christianity is funded by individuals from the west.

50% of this country is Muslim. 10% Christian. 30% hang on to traditional tribal beliefs. The battle is on to win the hearts of those 30%. I feel like a spiritual soldier out here.

Pray for our ability to work hard and glorify God and enjoy Him in this place.

We may head out to Victor’s (South Hills) family and give them their gifts from Victor and meet all of them.

We’ll keep in touch.

Leadership Quote

I am working on a paper where I am looking at leadership in Numbers 12, 13-14, and 16. As I have been studying leadership I found this quote from Peter Druker:

“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.”

The Shack

When we go on vacation we have somewhat of a tradition; I do all the driving and Charity reads a book to me. I know that sounds kinda lame, but it provides great conversation and a way for us to do something together. I think I added it up that we spent about 18 hours in the cars on our trip last week. The time was great and I really do enjoy spending that with Charity.
This time she read a very popular book called "The Shack". I don't want to give the book away, but I do have to say that it is amazing. I want to talk about (somehow) this Wednesday night at Explode. The book talks about God in a way that most Christians, that I know, don's view God. I feel the way He is represented in the book was a shock to me, at first, but then it made sense as we kept reading.
I think this book could be a great resource to help people address pain in their life. I think the author does a wonderful job in the way that he portrays the story and the hurt that we all have dealt with.
I hope that you can see how ambiguous I am being and I hope that makes you want to get out and read this book.
I don't think it will take much time, I think you can use this a great way to share Christ in a new way to people and I think they will be open to this story that is sure to grab their heart.