This weekend was a busy one for Rose, myself and the girls. This was the beginning of some chaos over the next few weeks. Chaos but good chaos. We have friends visiting from out of town this weekend and Rose's family, her WHOLE FAMILY, comes in town the following weekend. But all that aside here are some thoughts from our weekend:
Friday thought: I'm a lot more tired these days after the girls go to sleep. I've found myself falling asleep on the couch and waking up in a daze later wondering where I am. Asking myself like the recent youtube star, "Is this real life?"
Saturday morning thought: I hate church politics. Seriously, did we have to spend over 3 hours to come to the EXACT SAME CONCLUSION that the nominating committee reached for our new DS? Pretty sure that we could have all spent those 3 hours being more effective in ministry to people that need Jesus.
Saturday afternoon thoughts:
I hate taxes!!! Everything about them. The government obviously doesn't like people in ministry. We have to do SOO MUCH MORE WORK to be able to get tax breaks. However, a few years ago we started going to Sherri Reynolds who specializes in pastoral taxes and she has been a huge blessing to us. It helps to that everytime we see here she feels like the caring grandmother who wants the best for her grand kids. Thanks for all you do Sherri.
I miss great friends from college and wish they all lived closer. Had a great time with our friends Gary and Joy Aldridge who live in Ft. Wayne. We don't get to see them that often but when we do I absolutely love it. I love you guys!!!! Tear, tear.
Saturday Night Thought: Make sure the girls get plenty of sleep before attempting another trip like this otherwise you'll end up looking like you got mauled by a tiger. Jordyn definitely didn't get enough sleep today which led to a pretty funky looking scratch that she gave me on my left cheek. Both girls were really good until around their normal sleep time then things turned ugly. Not sure if our friends are more scared about having their new little one or more excited. I'll go with SCARED!!
Thoughts from a Young Dad. . .
Sunday, February 22, 2009
So this week has been an interesting one with my oldest daughter, Jordyn. Last week my parents were in town and they enjoyed time with the girls. Jordyn had less just mommy and daddy time but seemed to do well. Tuesday and Wednesday I busy and gone pretty much all day both days in preparation for our Dodgeball tournament and Rwanda Night. Both were awesome and God did some really cool things. When I got home on Wednesday night both girls were in bed and I stayed up for a little bit. . . wired from Rwanda Night.
I get to spend Thursday with both girls. Sometimes this can be overwhelming but this past Thursday was pretty sweet. Other than early morning when both girls were up it seem to work out that when Kara was sleeping Jordyn was up and then when Jordyn went to sleep Kara woke up. This happen about twice this past Thursday. I had a great time with them both and got some good cuddle time in with them. What was weird was Thursday when Rose got home until Sunday afternoon it just seemed like Jordyn didn't want to spend time with daddy at all. I tried to pick her up to hug her and give her kisses, put her to sleep at night and she just would scream for mommy. Although she didn't understand I told her how it broke daddy's heart to hear and see her pull away and runaway from me.
I have to be honest. The longer I'm a parent/dad, the more I learn about the heart of God. I thought about the times that I send that same message to my Heavenly Dad. I thought about how many times the students I work with and even their parents do the same thing to dad. He runs after us and wants to pick us up in His arms to hug and cuddle with us, to kiss us and tell us everything is alright and that He's here, He wants to protect us and keep us safe. Yet we don't understand and we continue to run the other way and chase after other things.
That causes me to ask myself the question "What other 'things' am I chasing after that are causing me to run away from my Dad? What about you . . . what 'things' are you chasing after? Why are you running from God?
Why is it when we were kids when we had issues, or we were sick, or hurt, or afraid . . .we'd running to daddy for comfort, strength, support and love and now as we get older we run away from our Dad. . . the one who can truly help us and runs after us because he wants to?
I get to spend Thursday with both girls. Sometimes this can be overwhelming but this past Thursday was pretty sweet. Other than early morning when both girls were up it seem to work out that when Kara was sleeping Jordyn was up and then when Jordyn went to sleep Kara woke up. This happen about twice this past Thursday. I had a great time with them both and got some good cuddle time in with them. What was weird was Thursday when Rose got home until Sunday afternoon it just seemed like Jordyn didn't want to spend time with daddy at all. I tried to pick her up to hug her and give her kisses, put her to sleep at night and she just would scream for mommy. Although she didn't understand I told her how it broke daddy's heart to hear and see her pull away and runaway from me.
I have to be honest. The longer I'm a parent/dad, the more I learn about the heart of God. I thought about the times that I send that same message to my Heavenly Dad. I thought about how many times the students I work with and even their parents do the same thing to dad. He runs after us and wants to pick us up in His arms to hug and cuddle with us, to kiss us and tell us everything is alright and that He's here, He wants to protect us and keep us safe. Yet we don't understand and we continue to run the other way and chase after other things.
That causes me to ask myself the question "What other 'things' am I chasing after that are causing me to run away from my Dad? What about you . . . what 'things' are you chasing after? Why are you running from God?
Why is it when we were kids when we had issues, or we were sick, or hurt, or afraid . . .we'd running to daddy for comfort, strength, support and love and now as we get older we run away from our Dad. . . the one who can truly help us and runs after us because he wants to?
On Your Mark, Get Set . . . DODGEBALL!!!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Last night was pretty amazing. Last night was our Middle School Dodgeball tournament to raise money for Rwanda night. Preteens vs. Jr. High. Guys vs. Girls. It was pretty stellar. There were some Preteen teams that held their own. One girls team, not mentioning any names, had about a 45 sec. match. I blinked my eyes and the game was over . . . SERIOUSLY!! The neat twist to it was the $1 buy back in rule. We had about 10-12 teams. Some of us student ministries pastors found ourselves throwing money in for other teams and students just because we were having so much fun. When the smoke cleared . . . Middle School and Sr. High raised almost $1,000 for Rwanda Night by playing Dodgeball. What a time . . . what a sight . . . praying for amazing things to be done with the money raised for Rwanda Night. Check out the pics below:
I missed you!!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Today I got to do several things I haven't in a while. What were they?1. I got to catch up on what's been happening with some friends in blog world. Thanks to Google Reader I was able to look in on some friends and other people who work in the student ministry field. Usually this is something that get's pushed to the side in the midst of a busy week but today was some good reading. Can you see who's I was reading in this picture?
2. I spent some time reflecting on my childhood as I went to grab myself and a teammate some lunch as we were diligently working on some things for Rwanda night. I wasn't really in the mood for anything in particular so I left it up to JT as for where we should dine. As I drove to McDonald's for our lunch cuisine I had images and thoughts of grandeur as I flashbacked to my childhood. I couldn't remember the last time it was that I had some of Ronald's best chicken McNuggets. I felt like Pavlov's dog as the person on the other end said "welcome to McDonald's may I take your order?" My mouth watered and I just had to order these childhood treats. As I got back to my office and took a bite of one dipped in Sweet and Sour sauce, next dip was BBQ, that's right my nuggets so I can double dip. Oh how I missed these great treats. I may have to do this more regularly.
Until next time . . . stop by McDonald's and grab yourself a treat!!
10 Questions Answered . . . and then some
Sunday, February 01, 2009
1. What cause you to 'get back into' blogging/What took you so long to post again on your blog? Peer pressure? Guilt? Message from above? (Combo from Aaron Zehr & Mark Davidhizar)
It was so much the peer pressure as to the comments that people made to me saying "I wish you'd blog more, I like the things you have to say" or "I think you've got some cool stuff to say so write it on your blog". In all reality, I find it hard to determine what to write down or event what this blog is for. Is it for me? family & friends? ministry? all of the above? Still trying to define that one but trying to keep updating as I feel led instead of updating to update.
2. How has life changed since Kara was born? (from Nicole)
Dramatically. It's fairly difficult to have a day off and watch both girls by myself and try to get any "me" time. Sleep patterns change on a daily basis. Spreading the love to 2 girls and Rose and finding time for all of them can be tough. Despite the changes, I love being a dad of two girls. . . still praying and hoping someday for a boy!
3. What qualities must your future son-in-laws possess? :) (from Megan)
Thanks for making me think about this one Megan. Well, if I don't scare off my future son-in-law with my soon to be massive knife and gun collection, these would be some qualities that my future son-in-law would have to have:
a. Passionate follower of Christ
b. Loves my daughters more than me (that will be a tough one)
c. Funny (gotta have some qualities like her dad)
d. Athletic (or at least loves basketball)
e. Honest
f. Man of integrity
g. Wise with money
h. Will be the spiritual leader my daughters and grandchildren need
i. I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO UPDATE THESE QUALITIES AS THE TIME DRAWS NEARER TO WHERE MY DAUGHTERS WOULD DATE AND/OR FIND THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE.
4. In your eyes, what does discipleship look like for a junior higher compared to a senior higher and older? (From the Tom)
I'd say that discipleship in Jr. High is about getting students to take baby steps and realize that they have value and can make a difference. Obviously with Sr. High and above you can have more deep and meaningful conversations but if you can get Jr. Highers to see how valuable they are and that they can impact the world for Christ . . . it makes them stronger and better Sr. Highers. Jr. High and early is the best place to start planting those seeds about necessary life disciplines as they seek to be a passionate follower of Christ.
5. Where/what is your favorite vacation spot/activity? (From the Tom)
My favorite vacation spot had to be Maui, Hawaii on our Honeymoon. Not just because it was on our honeymoon but because it was just so beautiful and Rose and I were able to relax and enjoy every minute of it.
Favorite vacation activity, had to be going to Disney on 2005 for the first time and enjoying all the amazing things to do there at each park.
6. Who has been your favorite NMC intern? (hint hint). :) (From the Tom)
Sorry to disappoint you Tom or take the easy route out but I'd have to say that every intern I've worked with, whether Jr. High or Sr. High, they've all been amazing. Each person had different qualities and characteristics that made them each unique. I'd have to say that I'm blessed to have spent time with each one . . .including you. I've loved the conversations, time to mentor and do life together, to learn together, grow together and love God together.
7. What is your favorite song right now and why??? (from Alyssa)
Reign In Us by Starfield. I really love these guys and they usually have at least 1-2 great worship type songs on there CDs. I love the words and can't stop playing it enough. I'm hoping to introduce it in one of the venues I lead worship in soon so stay tuned.
8. What's your biggest fear? (From Kirsten)
That someone I love and care about deeply will die without having accepted Christ. That truly would break my heart and I am fearful of this everyday. Although my ministry is hear, my heart wanders back home from time to time each day wishing that I could be there to tell my loved ones about the Great God I serve but praying that someone will be His hands and feet there while I try to do the same here.
9. What made you go into the Ministry? (From a parent of a Jr. Higher)
I was heavily impacted by amazing youth leaders that I had growing up in Jr. High when I first came to hear about a relationship with Christ. Thanks to them (Frank, Terry, Cheryl, Donna, Jeremy, Chris) I am the follower of Christ that I am today. More than that though I felt a distinct calling from God at 3DYC in 1998.
10. Why Student Ministry? (From a parent of a Jr. Higher)
This kinda goes with #9. I saw the impact that my youth leaders made on me and the dedication they had to help change the lives of students. I couldn't think of anything else I wanted to do with my life but also had confirmation from God and a calling at 3DYC.
11. Do you plan on staying with Student Ministry? (From a parent of a Jr. Higher)
Unlike some people that only do Student Ministries for a short time until they are able to step into a Sr. Pastor position, I've only felt called to work with students in some way, shape or form. I've learned never to say never when it comes to God but at this point I don't feel any calling towards being a Sr. Pastor. I love hanging with students, talking with them and helping to point them towards Christ.
12. Why Nappanee? (From a parent of a Jr. Higher)
Great question. Honestly, I don't know why other than God has appointed this time and season for me in ministry. I never ever thought I'd be working at Nappanee. I've always loved the church, had an interesting story about the first time I ever heard about Nappanee that I can share another time, loved the guys on the student ministry staff but always felt underqualified to ever work at NMC. All I can say is that as I look back at my ministry path and even my time in college I can see God's hand leading me to NMC. I have and still am growing while serving here. I love the teammates I work with, the students I minister to, the volunteers I get to interact with and look forward to many great days ahead. I thank God almost daily for allowing me this opportunity.
13. What is the best way a parent can encourage their teen/children to get close to God without turning them from God? (Parent of a Jr. Higher)
I think the best way to do this is keep an open dialogue with your student. Let them know that you might not have all the answers but you want to help them find these answers. Being authentic is key but also living out your own pursuit of Christ in front of them is key as well. Although I didn't have this growing up, now that I have my own kids I desire so much to show them what a passionate pursuit of Christ looks like. I, too, don't want to force Christ upon them but want them to see in me that relationship with Him so that they might desire that for themselves. Ask questions after student ministry events about what they learned, how God spoke to them, what they're struggling with, what you might be able to help them with or keep them accountable on. Creating an environment where your student knows that they can come to you without being judged is a great place to be and opens lines of communication to speak truth in love.
Thanks everyone for the questions. If you have more throw them out. I'll answer them as they come in and not wait this time for 10. Thanks to all who read. I love your comments and encouragement to blog. I'll try not to let you down.
It was so much the peer pressure as to the comments that people made to me saying "I wish you'd blog more, I like the things you have to say" or "I think you've got some cool stuff to say so write it on your blog". In all reality, I find it hard to determine what to write down or event what this blog is for. Is it for me? family & friends? ministry? all of the above? Still trying to define that one but trying to keep updating as I feel led instead of updating to update.
2. How has life changed since Kara was born? (from Nicole)
Dramatically. It's fairly difficult to have a day off and watch both girls by myself and try to get any "me" time. Sleep patterns change on a daily basis. Spreading the love to 2 girls and Rose and finding time for all of them can be tough. Despite the changes, I love being a dad of two girls. . . still praying and hoping someday for a boy!
3. What qualities must your future son-in-laws possess? :) (from Megan)
Thanks for making me think about this one Megan. Well, if I don't scare off my future son-in-law with my soon to be massive knife and gun collection, these would be some qualities that my future son-in-law would have to have:
a. Passionate follower of Christ
b. Loves my daughters more than me (that will be a tough one)
c. Funny (gotta have some qualities like her dad)
d. Athletic (or at least loves basketball)
e. Honest
f. Man of integrity
g. Wise with money
h. Will be the spiritual leader my daughters and grandchildren need
i. I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO UPDATE THESE QUALITIES AS THE TIME DRAWS NEARER TO WHERE MY DAUGHTERS WOULD DATE AND/OR FIND THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE.
4. In your eyes, what does discipleship look like for a junior higher compared to a senior higher and older? (From the Tom)
I'd say that discipleship in Jr. High is about getting students to take baby steps and realize that they have value and can make a difference. Obviously with Sr. High and above you can have more deep and meaningful conversations but if you can get Jr. Highers to see how valuable they are and that they can impact the world for Christ . . . it makes them stronger and better Sr. Highers. Jr. High and early is the best place to start planting those seeds about necessary life disciplines as they seek to be a passionate follower of Christ.
5. Where/what is your favorite vacation spot/activity? (From the Tom)
My favorite vacation spot had to be Maui, Hawaii on our Honeymoon. Not just because it was on our honeymoon but because it was just so beautiful and Rose and I were able to relax and enjoy every minute of it.
Favorite vacation activity, had to be going to Disney on 2005 for the first time and enjoying all the amazing things to do there at each park.
6. Who has been your favorite NMC intern? (hint hint). :) (From the Tom)
Sorry to disappoint you Tom or take the easy route out but I'd have to say that every intern I've worked with, whether Jr. High or Sr. High, they've all been amazing. Each person had different qualities and characteristics that made them each unique. I'd have to say that I'm blessed to have spent time with each one . . .including you. I've loved the conversations, time to mentor and do life together, to learn together, grow together and love God together.
7. What is your favorite song right now and why??? (from Alyssa)
Reign In Us by Starfield. I really love these guys and they usually have at least 1-2 great worship type songs on there CDs. I love the words and can't stop playing it enough. I'm hoping to introduce it in one of the venues I lead worship in soon so stay tuned.
8. What's your biggest fear? (From Kirsten)
That someone I love and care about deeply will die without having accepted Christ. That truly would break my heart and I am fearful of this everyday. Although my ministry is hear, my heart wanders back home from time to time each day wishing that I could be there to tell my loved ones about the Great God I serve but praying that someone will be His hands and feet there while I try to do the same here.
9. What made you go into the Ministry? (From a parent of a Jr. Higher)
I was heavily impacted by amazing youth leaders that I had growing up in Jr. High when I first came to hear about a relationship with Christ. Thanks to them (Frank, Terry, Cheryl, Donna, Jeremy, Chris) I am the follower of Christ that I am today. More than that though I felt a distinct calling from God at 3DYC in 1998.
10. Why Student Ministry? (From a parent of a Jr. Higher)
This kinda goes with #9. I saw the impact that my youth leaders made on me and the dedication they had to help change the lives of students. I couldn't think of anything else I wanted to do with my life but also had confirmation from God and a calling at 3DYC.
11. Do you plan on staying with Student Ministry? (From a parent of a Jr. Higher)
Unlike some people that only do Student Ministries for a short time until they are able to step into a Sr. Pastor position, I've only felt called to work with students in some way, shape or form. I've learned never to say never when it comes to God but at this point I don't feel any calling towards being a Sr. Pastor. I love hanging with students, talking with them and helping to point them towards Christ.
12. Why Nappanee? (From a parent of a Jr. Higher)
Great question. Honestly, I don't know why other than God has appointed this time and season for me in ministry. I never ever thought I'd be working at Nappanee. I've always loved the church, had an interesting story about the first time I ever heard about Nappanee that I can share another time, loved the guys on the student ministry staff but always felt underqualified to ever work at NMC. All I can say is that as I look back at my ministry path and even my time in college I can see God's hand leading me to NMC. I have and still am growing while serving here. I love the teammates I work with, the students I minister to, the volunteers I get to interact with and look forward to many great days ahead. I thank God almost daily for allowing me this opportunity.
13. What is the best way a parent can encourage their teen/children to get close to God without turning them from God? (Parent of a Jr. Higher)
I think the best way to do this is keep an open dialogue with your student. Let them know that you might not have all the answers but you want to help them find these answers. Being authentic is key but also living out your own pursuit of Christ in front of them is key as well. Although I didn't have this growing up, now that I have my own kids I desire so much to show them what a passionate pursuit of Christ looks like. I, too, don't want to force Christ upon them but want them to see in me that relationship with Him so that they might desire that for themselves. Ask questions after student ministry events about what they learned, how God spoke to them, what they're struggling with, what you might be able to help them with or keep them accountable on. Creating an environment where your student knows that they can come to you without being judged is a great place to be and opens lines of communication to speak truth in love.
Thanks everyone for the questions. If you have more throw them out. I'll answer them as they come in and not wait this time for 10. Thanks to all who read. I love your comments and encouragement to blog. I'll try not to let you down.
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