The spirit was present tonight as it moved the hearts of those yearning for more. A good portion of them came forth tonight to either re-affirm a committment they know they've lost or let go of and to learn more about this awesome God in their lives. I won't name names, but there were youth present from each church.
The long and short-it was all a 'God thing'. Chris and I threw out the script! The spirit led us in a different direction-yet kept us on course concerning our core message. There were tears tonight and I pray that they will continue to be pliable (not sure on spelling) to God's calling in their lives. Be sure to check out Facebook for some updates and pictures throughout the day...there isn't much time for Chris and I to get online and blab on and on...but know we give it the 'ol college try.
Thank you all for your feed back...I will be sure to send the messages onto them. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as the week goes on for I know there is more in store for us here in Estes-this is only day 2. I'm looking forward to what God has planned for day three.
-Oh and on a special note: we ended up having our campfire in our meeting room/lodge...it's a different feel, but a good one, intimate and close. *We had no choice really-the rain came down and it was coming down good!
Well, I'm signing off, I'm off to bed!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
MISSION TRIP 2010: DAY 2 (WORK SITE SNAP-SHOT)
We are back at the Y-Camp and we've finished up small groups...small groups are done after we get back from our work sites-we got back a little early. The youth worked at the Victim's Advocacy Center and nailed out a page worth of 'work projects'/jobs. Everyone pitched in-in fact, Tony, our bus driver helped out too.
Here are some of the work projects the youth did:
-sanded hand rails (used wood putty to fill in any major chunks that would cause slivers)
-stained hand rails
-stained the walkway of handicap ramp
-stained the fence surrounding the center
-pulled weeds
-hauled mulch and dirt
-vacuumed
-window washed
-smoothed out unevened rock in the drive way
All in all, the youth did a lot of work...by our estimate they worked 140 hours-which is huge when you consider the Advocacy Center only has two full time employees and three very part time employees. We talked about it in small groups-imagine one person staining the whole handicap ramp or the the surrounding fence...how long would that have taken one person? The youth are proud of what they've already accomplished-even if they didn't get to meet the people who are currently staying there.
Well, don't be a stranger parents, friends, and family members...leave comments so that we all know that you've been keeping tabs on your youth.
Here are some of the work projects the youth did:
-sanded hand rails (used wood putty to fill in any major chunks that would cause slivers)
-stained hand rails
-stained the walkway of handicap ramp
-stained the fence surrounding the center
-pulled weeds
-hauled mulch and dirt
-vacuumed
-window washed
-smoothed out unevened rock in the drive way
All in all, the youth did a lot of work...by our estimate they worked 140 hours-which is huge when you consider the Advocacy Center only has two full time employees and three very part time employees. We talked about it in small groups-imagine one person staining the whole handicap ramp or the the surrounding fence...how long would that have taken one person? The youth are proud of what they've already accomplished-even if they didn't get to meet the people who are currently staying there.
Well, don't be a stranger parents, friends, and family members...leave comments so that we all know that you've been keeping tabs on your youth.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
MISSION TRIP 2010: DAY 1
After a long drive we finally arrived at the YMCA Camp...many of us tired, but eager-anticipating a great week that only God knows will unfold. Parents prayed for rain and we got some...the sad news though-the fire has spread. At tonight's camp fire we closed with a special prayer for the fire fighters-giving thanks for their work, but also praying for their safety, that they might return home to their families.
Speaking of camp fire...I just got back from a great conversation with one of our youth. It would seem we're off to a grreat start as there are already hearts eager to make a change. Knowing there's a willingness on the part of the youth brings a smile to my face-because it means they're not just going through the motions.
Now, please realize and note that not every blog I write during out time in Estes will be this long, but I will do my best to give you the meat of what was talked about/mentioned at camp fire and some of the overall impressions I was given. I also promise to add something about the work that was done too-be sure to follow twitter and facebook (when there's cell service, I try to write/leave messages-some w/ pictures even).
Tonight, we (Chris and I) spoke about Micah 6:8 and how God has already told us and shown us what is needed-what we're to do. We both suggested that sometimes doing what is right isn't what is always easiest for us to actually do-like sticking up for someone, it sometimes means we need to do something unpopular and uncomfortable.
During the week, we will be taking it a step further...our hope is that they learn that there are no limits on what we can do or accomplish-only limits that we put upon/give ourselves. We encouraged them to pray more and be open to God's calling in their lives...to dig deep and search for that passion that is deep within-they all feel that they should be doing something and that there is more to this teenage life. Let us all pray they find their way this week...or at least take the first step in believing God can provide that which we cannot already see (Phil. 4:13 and Hebrews Hebrews 11:1).
ENJOY THE VIDEO BELOW...
Speaking of camp fire...I just got back from a great conversation with one of our youth. It would seem we're off to a grreat start as there are already hearts eager to make a change. Knowing there's a willingness on the part of the youth brings a smile to my face-because it means they're not just going through the motions.
Now, please realize and note that not every blog I write during out time in Estes will be this long, but I will do my best to give you the meat of what was talked about/mentioned at camp fire and some of the overall impressions I was given. I also promise to add something about the work that was done too-be sure to follow twitter and facebook (when there's cell service, I try to write/leave messages-some w/ pictures even).
Tonight, we (Chris and I) spoke about Micah 6:8 and how God has already told us and shown us what is needed-what we're to do. We both suggested that sometimes doing what is right isn't what is always easiest for us to actually do-like sticking up for someone, it sometimes means we need to do something unpopular and uncomfortable.
During the week, we will be taking it a step further...our hope is that they learn that there are no limits on what we can do or accomplish-only limits that we put upon/give ourselves. We encouraged them to pray more and be open to God's calling in their lives...to dig deep and search for that passion that is deep within-they all feel that they should be doing something and that there is more to this teenage life. Let us all pray they find their way this week...or at least take the first step in believing God can provide that which we cannot already see (Phil. 4:13 and Hebrews Hebrews 11:1).
ENJOY THE VIDEO BELOW...
Friday, June 25, 2010
PRE-MISSION TRIP 2010
Greetings! This is my pre-mission trip blog/note. Something has come to our attention worth sharing. Please go check out Chris' blog-he's already completed his note, so I'm sharing.
CLICK HERE for his blog article
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers during this wonderful time of exploration and discernment for these young people.
CLICK HERE for his blog article
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers during this wonderful time of exploration and discernment for these young people.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
WILLING TO BE REMADE
'Jesus said pick up your cross...not your matress'.
-Perry Noble
'...can I not do with you as this potter does?'
-God (Jeremiah 18:1-10)
Control. Perhaps the one thing we struggle the most for and with. When things don't go our way, we usually voice our opinion or make it known that we're unhappy with this new arrangement. Ironically enough, when we're not in control of our lives or a situation, we tend to lose control of our basic functions-we sometimes end up saying or doing some things that we later regret. Maybe not all the time, but just so I'm clear...there are times when something happens and we're no longer in control-there's nothing we can say or do to change it-a great example of that would be a car accident, it wasn't planned, but what was planned-your destination or goal has now been changed.
In such situations we have a tendancy to get frustrated and angry-which alters our sense of 'control' and in turn lets loose a whole mess of things...again, some times we say and do things we don't really mean. Oh sure, we mean them right there and then, but if you ever want to make the worst speech of your life-say something out of anger or frustration.
So lets take a step back...unpack that thought. When was the last time something happened to you that altered your plans for the day, week, or month? What was the situation? Were you driving in your vehicle, was it a car accident? Or was it a phone call-some bad news about a loved one? Can you look back on it and say that you handled it well? If so, good for you, if not...you have some work to do. Honestly though, I can say I too have some work to do.
I would venture that we all have some work to do in the department of control-or the lack there of. We all struggle with the internal and external pulls of our daily lives. We sometimes give in, but we also resist. We find strength and manage to see things through-even when it's hard and we don't like it. Change is something many of us don't like too much because it means giving up something...an aspect of your life that you enjoy being in control of.
In Luke 9:22-26 we are told to 'pick up our cross daily' and it's hard to accept the fact that we have to 'toe-the-line' sometimes. Sometimes we have to do things in order to move on or get along, but whatever the case or situation, it's an opportunity for growth. Again, I'm sure at the time you're unable to see it, I know I don't, but in the end, it's a time where you either picked up your cross or left it there.
I don't want to lose you, but I think it's important to note that we're all a work in progress. We haven't stopped growing or learning from each other or God and we need to have confidence in ourselves and our God to finish what was started...even if it means doing hard things.
Lets finish with a passage from the Apostle Paul: Philippians 1:6
I think you'll find it has something to say about what the Prophet Jeremiah learned from the potter in our old testament scripture and what God continues to do throughout the new testament and today.
-Perry Noble
'...can I not do with you as this potter does?'
-God (Jeremiah 18:1-10)
Control. Perhaps the one thing we struggle the most for and with. When things don't go our way, we usually voice our opinion or make it known that we're unhappy with this new arrangement. Ironically enough, when we're not in control of our lives or a situation, we tend to lose control of our basic functions-we sometimes end up saying or doing some things that we later regret. Maybe not all the time, but just so I'm clear...there are times when something happens and we're no longer in control-there's nothing we can say or do to change it-a great example of that would be a car accident, it wasn't planned, but what was planned-your destination or goal has now been changed.
In such situations we have a tendancy to get frustrated and angry-which alters our sense of 'control' and in turn lets loose a whole mess of things...again, some times we say and do things we don't really mean. Oh sure, we mean them right there and then, but if you ever want to make the worst speech of your life-say something out of anger or frustration.
So lets take a step back...unpack that thought. When was the last time something happened to you that altered your plans for the day, week, or month? What was the situation? Were you driving in your vehicle, was it a car accident? Or was it a phone call-some bad news about a loved one? Can you look back on it and say that you handled it well? If so, good for you, if not...you have some work to do. Honestly though, I can say I too have some work to do.
I would venture that we all have some work to do in the department of control-or the lack there of. We all struggle with the internal and external pulls of our daily lives. We sometimes give in, but we also resist. We find strength and manage to see things through-even when it's hard and we don't like it. Change is something many of us don't like too much because it means giving up something...an aspect of your life that you enjoy being in control of.
In Luke 9:22-26 we are told to 'pick up our cross daily' and it's hard to accept the fact that we have to 'toe-the-line' sometimes. Sometimes we have to do things in order to move on or get along, but whatever the case or situation, it's an opportunity for growth. Again, I'm sure at the time you're unable to see it, I know I don't, but in the end, it's a time where you either picked up your cross or left it there.
I don't want to lose you, but I think it's important to note that we're all a work in progress. We haven't stopped growing or learning from each other or God and we need to have confidence in ourselves and our God to finish what was started...even if it means doing hard things.
Lets finish with a passage from the Apostle Paul: Philippians 1:6
I think you'll find it has something to say about what the Prophet Jeremiah learned from the potter in our old testament scripture and what God continues to do throughout the new testament and today.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
LISTENING AND DOING
“To listen well, is as powerful a means of influence as to talk well, and is as essential to all true conversation.”
-Chinese Proverb
"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires...don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says...If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless."
-James 1:19-27
You know, I think that we have a tough time listening these days. Too often while someone is talking we're formulating a rebuttal or something of substance to say...and even then, we have a nasty tendency to interject-interrupting the person who is talking. I know I've done it and I catch myself doing it too. The sad thing is, I know it isn't just me and that it's something we all have been struggling with and against-the ever changing culture.
We live in a do as I say, not as I do type of world. And in a previous blog article I mentioned how we're good at judging others on their behavior and ourselves by those good intentions deep within. The winds have changed! When I was growing up...children or youth didn't speak unless they were spoken to or asked their opinion...but today...it's hard to get a teenager or pre-teen to keep their thoughts and opinions to themselves.
It's not that they don't have a 'shut-up' filter, it's just that they don't know how to use it.
In today's culture, the reason we're so geared or wired to firing back a line or two-whether it's of substance or not, isn't because we forgot how to listen, but because of what we've been taught or have learned-whether intentionally or unintentionally from family, friends, or the media (tv or movies). It's perception vs. reality really...I mean somehow it has become-if you're unable to speak your mind, you don't have a mind or anything to contribute.
Now I realize that I'm generalizing here...I mean, we all know that we're not trying to think of consoling words for our friends and family members who are spilling their guts about cheating, self-esteem issues, break-ups with so and so, or the loss of someone close. I mean come on...we listen 100% of the time! We've all heard this before: 'God gave you one mouth and two ears'...and I wonder which we should use less of.
There are two types of listening really: Active and Passive Listening. Passive Listening is listening without reacting: Allowing someone to speak, without interrupting and not doing anything else at the same time. Active listening is reacting or doing something that demonstrates you are listening and have understood.
Giving non-verbal cues to demonstrate you are paying attention (nodding, making eye contact, making facial expressions appropriate to what is being said) or eflecting back the main points and summarising what has been said. Now, here's the kicker: Non-verbal cues happen naturally, providing you really are listening. If you concentrate on making the non-verbal cues, then you probably aren't listening.
The fundamental question we have to ask here is this: are we really listening?
Of course we have to take it a step further...not just when it comes to our friends and family members, but to God's will for our lives. I believe God speaks to us through those around us-including our friends and family members. Part of discerning God's will is listening to what others have to say concerning their observations of God's work in your life...can you see His hand in your life? Or have you done it all on your own? Remember, 'if you claim to be righteous and don't tame your own tongue you're only fooling yourself and your religion is worthless.'
The challenge is to re-read the above quote and marinade on the scripture passage. Start to think and reflect on how well you listen to others and to God. How is your marriage? How is your relationship with God? If it's suffering and there's too much 'reaction' taking place...it's time to take a step back and hold that tongue.
How can you better your current situation? Are you praying?
I pray that you might stop fooling yourself...as I know I have fooled myself too many times. Pray for me as well.
-Chinese Proverb
"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires...don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says...If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless."
-James 1:19-27
You know, I think that we have a tough time listening these days. Too often while someone is talking we're formulating a rebuttal or something of substance to say...and even then, we have a nasty tendency to interject-interrupting the person who is talking. I know I've done it and I catch myself doing it too. The sad thing is, I know it isn't just me and that it's something we all have been struggling with and against-the ever changing culture.
We live in a do as I say, not as I do type of world. And in a previous blog article I mentioned how we're good at judging others on their behavior and ourselves by those good intentions deep within. The winds have changed! When I was growing up...children or youth didn't speak unless they were spoken to or asked their opinion...but today...it's hard to get a teenager or pre-teen to keep their thoughts and opinions to themselves.
It's not that they don't have a 'shut-up' filter, it's just that they don't know how to use it.
In today's culture, the reason we're so geared or wired to firing back a line or two-whether it's of substance or not, isn't because we forgot how to listen, but because of what we've been taught or have learned-whether intentionally or unintentionally from family, friends, or the media (tv or movies). It's perception vs. reality really...I mean somehow it has become-if you're unable to speak your mind, you don't have a mind or anything to contribute.
Now I realize that I'm generalizing here...I mean, we all know that we're not trying to think of consoling words for our friends and family members who are spilling their guts about cheating, self-esteem issues, break-ups with so and so, or the loss of someone close. I mean come on...we listen 100% of the time! We've all heard this before: 'God gave you one mouth and two ears'...and I wonder which we should use less of.
There are two types of listening really: Active and Passive Listening. Passive Listening is listening without reacting: Allowing someone to speak, without interrupting and not doing anything else at the same time. Active listening is reacting or doing something that demonstrates you are listening and have understood.
Giving non-verbal cues to demonstrate you are paying attention (nodding, making eye contact, making facial expressions appropriate to what is being said) or eflecting back the main points and summarising what has been said. Now, here's the kicker: Non-verbal cues happen naturally, providing you really are listening. If you concentrate on making the non-verbal cues, then you probably aren't listening.
The fundamental question we have to ask here is this: are we really listening?
Of course we have to take it a step further...not just when it comes to our friends and family members, but to God's will for our lives. I believe God speaks to us through those around us-including our friends and family members. Part of discerning God's will is listening to what others have to say concerning their observations of God's work in your life...can you see His hand in your life? Or have you done it all on your own? Remember, 'if you claim to be righteous and don't tame your own tongue you're only fooling yourself and your religion is worthless.'
The challenge is to re-read the above quote and marinade on the scripture passage. Start to think and reflect on how well you listen to others and to God. How is your marriage? How is your relationship with God? If it's suffering and there's too much 'reaction' taking place...it's time to take a step back and hold that tongue.
How can you better your current situation? Are you praying?
I pray that you might stop fooling yourself...as I know I have fooled myself too many times. Pray for me as well.
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