Gotta practice what you preach...

Well it has been a while and quite a bit has gone on and yet at the same time we stand at an impasse. In our search for a Pastorate it has taken us down several roads that we had wished we would have not had to travel but God, in His infinite wisdom, has placed us here for a purpose. What I have discovered is that through these journeys the roads can be frustrating, taxing, and sometimes leave you in a place where you need not to be: wondering what God is doing.

My wife and I have had the opportunity to see God’s wonderful provision for our family in many different ways. And those times have always shown us the greatness of the Almighty Father. But at this point in our life we are on the preface of something that we do not completely understand and for sure would have not planned it this way, but that is where this thought (and post) take me this afternoon. God doesn’t always work in the ways that “I” think are the best it is always what He knows is the best!

I was recently preaching in San Antonio and said something there that made a lot of sense as I said it but now I have to “Practice What I Preach” in a way. I told the congregation that God planned the entire world and never once asked my opinion on how things should work and in what ways He should make them. With that in mind I realize that the Lord did a fantastic job without me and allows me to enjoy His wonderful creation every day (Even when it is stupid cold outside.) But now we are in a point of our walk where we do not see the end of the path and the illumination seems not to be as bright as it once was. So what are we to do?

Trust in the Lord! I realize that my God has a pretty good idea about what He is doing and has placed me on this path because of His will and now it is my job to Trust Him! But what is wonderful is that He has built a base with me to show me and my family that He is trustworthy! He has provided so wonderfully in the past, who am I to thing that He won’t provide the same way in the future. I am just going to trust Him and pray that my faith will not waiver but stay strong in Him!

I don’t know several aspects of this journey yet: Where God will lead me to Pastor, What will the people be like at the Church where our Pastor, How quickly will our Home sell, What part of the Country will God call me to, What am I having for dinner tonight is still up in the air at this point…but what I do know is this: God knows exactly how He is going to lead, how He is going to provide, and since my God is Good and since Romans 8:28 is still in the Bible I know that I will keep on loving my God and it WILL work out for Good. That’s my God and that is just what he does…Amen and Amen!

A Family Circle of Prayer

Something sweet happened the other day when we were spending time in prayer. My family and I spend time together in prayer every day. It is a very sweet and needed time in our lives and seldom goes by that we do not spend our family devotion time together. Even when I am out of town I make sure that I call and gather my family together so we can spend time in prayer together. It is always a sweet time and I would not replace it for anything. We spent time praying over a specific need and as we finished wiping the tears away Dylan made a discovery that touched our hearts. He looked down and saw our footprints indented in the carpet to where we made a circle with our feet. Immediately my wife and I welled up with tears again seeing the blessing in this beautiful sight.

In the believers life we are constantly being pulled in different directions. Wether it be work, or school schedules, or extracurricular activiies, they are all pulliing us in different directions. In today’s world we have Moms trying to balance careers along with family life. Dads worker longer hours while they are trying to advance in their careers to make a little or lot more money. Kids trying to have the “Well Rounded” childhood and are involved in several different extracurricular activites. All of these things going on and you know what ends up suffering, our time with the Lord, but more specific then that…our time with the Lord as families!

As a look at the Church today I realize that we have programs, we have groups, we have worship practice and so many more things which are wonderful blessings in their own aspects, but what I do not see is a calling of the Church back to a time of family worship. I have known many believers over the past several years, and in conversations with these individuals and families I notice that people are so busy with Church they get to busy for God. How backward we have become. As a Pastor one of my biggest fears is that my children would become more familiar with the routines of Church, the programs of Church, or the aspects of Church instead of the wondrous God who died for the Church!

As my son looked down and saw the footprints in the carpet I realized that I need to be more zealous then ever in my ministry to show people the need and blessing that comes from time together as a family. I heard a statement made years ago and wanted to broaden it for famlies sake. A family that is to busy to pray is to busy for God. Let us search our lives and schedules and make sure that we are first and formost with God in prayer and in worship.

To be or not to be…that is the question.

This quote from Hamlet (Act 3: Scene 1) is such a wonderful quote, for it transcends the literary context found in Hamlet and can have bearing on many facets of life or in the case of Hamlet death. This is what has lead to the posting of this blog this morning. Please understand that there is not an involvement of death in the context of this thought, however the statement is not only applicable it is the best way to describe the future of this Pastor.

When I surrendered to be a Pastor I had an ignorance of all the aspects of what that meant, but over the past several years I have been schooled in the knowledge of “Politics” in the IFB Church. One thing that has always troubled me and at the same time challenged me is the aspect of, “It is not what you know, it is about who you know.” How this has been revealed to me even the past several weeks and is now the dilemma that we once again face.

God’s calling for me to Pastor a Church has never been a question in my mind. Even through difficulties of personal attacks, financial hardships, vicious and brutal lies being spread about my family and me, God has never caused me to doubt the calling he has given, but even through all the difficulties mentioned and unmentioned the greatest of all is not those, it is simply about who you know. I find it so interesting that this is such a difficult facet of trying to find a Church to Pastor, but it is the dilemma that was faced by so many. It is to a point that if you don’t go around trying to get to know everyone and trying to be a good politician then you may not be able to find a ministry to serve in someday. Now that sounds like some good Bible teaching! (I hope the sarcasm was sensed)

And know I hope the title is now made clear, is it to be or is it not to be? Yes that is truly the question! In the context of the situation I face, it seems the” be or not to be” has no bearing or relationship to me but in truth and sincerity it is mostly about the “Who” that know me and how well the “Who” is known. How tragic, but nevertheless is the circumstances we are in. It screams to me of the Church in Corinth who had a problem with man identification instead of Christ identification.

As a Pastor my prayer is to never fall into this snare. One of my friends, who is a Pastor in a Church, has challenged himself to also not be in the conformity of culture when it debunks scriptural authority. I am so glad for men like this who know that the Church is not about “Politics” it is about Christ and in that the “Be or not to be” should be in the hands of the perfect one who won’t get it wrong...Jesus Christ.

Catch a breath…write a post.

Well it has been quite a while since I have posted anything on here, but I realized that it is a wonderful way to express thoughts in written format so here I am…and here we go again. In my spiritual walk with in life I realize that many things happen both good and bad, some understood some not understood, but through it all I realize that the Lord has a greater plan through it all. And here we stand on the threshold of something that bears the resemblance of a road traveled before. I find myself looking again to Pastor a Church.

If you know me and you actually read this you remember it was just a few years ago that I was out looking for Churches that I could candidate to be their Senior Pastor. What an experience, both good and bad, but now it is that time again. I know that God wants me to Pastor a Church and that the Lord has prepared me for such a time as this, but at this moment we are trying to candidate at the Church where I am currently serving as Youth Pastor. What a unique experience, because I actually know the people, have a heart for them, have loved them for years, and have a great vision of what the Lord could do, but at the same time I have to prepare myself for the fact that they may not want me as their Pastor. I know that may not seem weird, but for me it is kind of weird.

What makes it weird is what would happen next…last week as I met with a Pastor friend of mine he asked a very sensible question, “What will you do if they tell you no?” Now, I had this all figured out in my mind, but I guess I never really entertained the idea before or really pondered it. So as I ponder I wonder what will happen. My standard answer is, “well God is calling me to Pastor so I will go to where God wants me to Pastor, either in Galesburg or wherever he leads.” But the implications of that are what are really interesting. What if _____ What if _____ it is the What Ifs that get me sometimes. And as I ponder this thought I have one conclusion ______________ Yep that’s it…But I realize the Lord is control and I am looking forward to whatever He will do with us. I don’t doubt His calling or His leading during this time it is just the Blank I want filled in. Soon…soon.

Welcome Superman, to 2008

Well apparently my blog and I have not had the chance to talk to each other this year so I figured I might as well take the time and see how it is doing. In all actuality, I am finishing a session in the EPA conference and one of the tools she is speaking of is Blogs and communicating to others with these resources. I have a friend in Indianapolis (shout out: What up RedHeadRev) that is a lot more dedicated to blogging than I am and I always enjoy reading his blog and now I feel challenged to share thoughts that have gone through my mind. Here we go…

Last night I am sitting in the conference getting ready to eat some chicken like substance (Haven’t quite figured out where the chef was going with this one) and I started to say to myself, “I hope this year the speaker is better than last year.” Me and I agreed, but myself was still pondering the chicken substance in front of me. At the table we are entertaining conversation with various individuals who have jobs that deal in some way or another with printing. Great conversation, but then the question should be asked how long it took before the conversation turned to Politics. I am pleased to announce, five minutes tops!

After our meaningful conversation on how bad our Governors (if you know me you could hear the sarcasm in my voice at this point.) we began to listen to Paul Baloche lead some worship. He begins to sing a song that I am familiar with but have never really listen to the words. Now the words aren’t just being sung, but are in front of me on the big screen. This guy is wonderful! You can see the Lord has given him the ability to write and praise God through song. But then he sings another called “Above All” which really gets me going now. Again it is a song I am familiar with but have never truly listened to the words but now I not only hear them, but see them. Here are some of the words that gave an impact.

Above all powers
Above all things
Above all nature and all created things
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man
You were here before the world began
Above all kingdoms
Above all thrones
Above all wonders the world has ever known
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure what You're worth

Crucified
Laid behind the stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all

I could have stopped there, but then we got to hear an evangelist named Luis Palau speak who did a fantastic job of challenging us to be praying for the City God has called you to (Jeremiah 29: 7) and work with them. But my focus today is on the song and the lyrics above and how it brought to mind several thoughts. When I think of all the things that my Lord has done for me, I stand in Awe, but I realize that above all, it was for my sake he went to the cross. I realize that above all, it was for me and you that he came. Out of all the things this world had to offer: kingdoms, thrones, wealth, treasures, he choose me above all. This puts me at a point of where I completely stand in awe of my great God, because he is so wonderful to me. Now flip the coin.

What about me? What about you? This world has so many things to offer: Title, Position, Wealth, Prosperity, Freedoms, Social Groups, etc. But where does our God fit in. In my life I have many things to praise God for: a wonderful wife, fantastic kids, great friends, a tremendous youth group, a spectacular Church, and so many more outstanding things. When I list these things, above all the greatest thing is my Lord, My God, My King. He is above all in the placement of my wonderful blessings, but true as well is that he is above all in the rule of things in my life. What about you? May I challenge you as the song writer wrote, as Paul says in Philippians 3:7-10, and as I realize today and hope to in the future. All things have their place, but above all, there is only one…Jesus Christ! Amen and Amen.

Go ye into all the urinals...

This weekend was one of the most interesting weekends I have faced in a while. My office gave us our bonuses on Friday which meant I had to brave the Christmas crowds to finish some shopping for my boys. On top of that I felt absolutely horrible, because I was sick and when I mean sick it was bad. So it is late now, I have to use the restroom and look on the urinal and what do I see??? A Tract. I blurred out the name, address, and Pastor because that is not relevant but in my half asleep, medicated, and frustrated state mind I begin to laugh as I am using the restroom. I started thinking of my Christian life and said to myself, “Man if I had a dollar for every time I heard of a guy who got saved because of a tract left on the urinal!” Okay if you can’t sense the sarcasm in that statement let me just say it was there.

Being a Baptist and especially growing up in the Circles that I grew up in, Soul-winning is a huge thing. Soul-winning—that term just—never mind that is another blog. When I think of Evangelizing the World, as Christ told us to do, I wonder is this what he really meant? Go ye into all the restrooms and leave a piece of paper that has the scripture on it. In reality I have heard certain Pastors saying that any time you put a tract on the dinner table at a restaurant, front door of a house, or even a urinal, you are leaving the “Gospel” and fulfilling the great commission. Wow! Here’s the pitch, swung on and a miss!

In my mind there are two major issues with the tract on the urinal. First, the person that left that tract most likely felt as if they were placing the check mark by the box that says, “Did you do any evangelizing today?” This is such a dilemma in our Church today is the infamous Check Box. What do I mean? The reality of a person going through the motions of Christianity, instead of experiencing a genuine relationship with Christ and then through that relationship having the overwhelming desire to do the things Christ has commanded. Secondly, why would you leave a tract on a urinal? Where is our Church falling to when we think that genuine evangelizing is leaving a tract on a urinal? I am all about showing a lost and dying world the Gospel, but leaving a tract on a urinal is not going to cut it.

We as a Church need to get back to the very thing that seems to missing in the modern Church. Commitment, Community, Communication. We need to be committed to our relationship to Christ, learn to build our community with Family, Church, and with the lost world to see them come to Christ, and then please, please, please, learn to communicate.

So this is Christmas…

…and what have you done? First line to the John Lennon “Happy Christmas” song, but man how much that thought is running through my mind this morning. Christmas time means so much to so many people, but normally it is so little to do with the real reason for Christmas which is Christ. As I sit here and I think of all the things that come to mind when I think of Christmas…Family (Well immediate since most of ours is in El Paso, TX), Christmas Dinner, Christmas Trees, Christmas Lights, Carols, Decorations, Charlie Brown Christmas, Fruit Cake (Yeah, I know I am weird, but like them), Christmas Cookies, Making Cookies, Christmas songs on WCIC until Jan 2^nd, and so much more. With all of that you would think that the Christmas spirit would just be pouring out of people including myself, then why isn't it?

I think a lot of that is based on the fact that we forget the reason for Christmas, which is Jesus Christ. All of the things above are a reality of Christmas and some wonderful things, but I realize this morning that Christmas is so much more. To stop and think that the creator of the universe loved you and me so much that he would allow himself to be born as a baby, subjecting himself to all the feelings that you and I have to face, so that you and I might be redeemed. I sit and think what it would be like for the God who knew no hunger, no pain, not knowing the physical understanding of Cold to now be in this world and experience hunger, experience pain, experience the physical things you and I face every day. It is amazing to think what love he has for us.

Going back on that John Lennon song, which is really kind of depressing when you read the lyrics, there is a line that says, “A very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year. Let’s hope it’s a good one, without any fear.” You know what John, I think I will have a Good one. I have a life not lived in fear for I fear not the eternity I face, for I face an eternity with the Father. It is going to be a Great Christmas and a Great Year…Merry Christmas!!!

Side Note:
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You might live in Illinois if...

…any time you worry about having to drive in snow or ice people make fun, speak condescending, or make you feel like less of a person because you don’t feel comfortable going out in it. Ok, not a great joke, but a reality living in Illinois. The past couple of days we had another ice storm go through our surrounding areas, and while where the town I work in didn’t get hit very hard, we got hit pretty good. As you can see from the pictures we not only had ice on the trees but slush on the streets. Growing up in El Paso we hardly ever had snow and with that in mind, my comfort levels of driving in it are very low. On top of that my wife had an accident several years ago that left us in a sobering reality, if I have to err on the side of caution, I will do so. So what’s my point?

Over the past few days I have been the bearer of teasing because I really don’t feel comfortable driving in the mess seen in the pictures and wonder why people make you feel so horrible just because you don’t feel safe in that type of weather. Then a bigger thought hit me, is this the way the body of Christ is teaching others? Oh stupid Christian, you shouldn’t be scared of the weather, just go out in it like we do. Yep, unfortunately we are. We take a believer and never equip them or teach them how to “drive” in the “bad weather” and instead of helping we just make fun of them. Guess I figured out two things: One, I want to help believers grow in their faith and help them be equipped to drive in the “bad weather” of life. Two, I don’t care how much people make you feel like garbage with their teasing or ridicule, if the weather is bad outside, I have days off, and just don’t feel comfortable in it I am staying at home. At least my wife and children will be glad I did.

Well said Mike…well said.

Well, unless you have been living in another place like, oh…Jupiter, or maybe under a rock you have seen that the presidential campaigns are in full swing. I don’t remember it being this involved this early, but I could be wrong. I haven’t put my full backing behind anybody yet, like my backing is the turning point in that persons election or non-election, but I have seen some who I wouldn’t vote for. Without getting into details, I will say it won’t be a Democrat, but that isn’t just because I am a republican, but it is based on their political views. With that said, onto my reason for this…the debates!

This Wednesday there were the YouTube/CNN debates and it was quite a show. There was some good statements, some bad, some good positions, some bad, some harsh words, some good, but all in all it was very interesting. Who won the debate? I really don’t know but there was one statement that was made that I really enjoyed. Mike Huckabee, who is also a Baptist Minister :), was asked “On the Death Penalty, what would Jesus do?” His response is below, I could summarize it, but I would butcher it bad, so I just posted it.

With all of that said it reminded me that this coming year’s presidential election as the elections in 2004, as the elections in 2000, as in the elections in the entire history of our Country, the leader has already been chosen, and all I have to do is keep close to the Lord and allow him to lead. Praise the Lord for his sovereignty and omnipotence!

Word is of the devil?!?!?

It has been a while since I have posted a blog, but for good reason. We have been busy with the Church lately and…blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. You know the routine. But there really has been a lot going on, which leads to the reason for this post. We are putting together an event at our Church for Halloween night as an outreach for our community. No it is not glorifying the holiday, but it is trying to make use of a night where people are out anyway and reintroduce them to our Church. With that in mind we are putting together candy bags and we wanted to put a tract of sorts inside.

While I was writing the text for the bags I decide to make use of one of my favorite features in Microsoft Word…F7. What does that do? It spell checks the document. Praise the Lord for spell check. For us that graduated from college with a passing grade in English, which I did twice (U.T.E.P. and C.I.B.C), and still have problems it is a live saver. What you may not know is that it also checks grammar for you as well as misspellings.

Well much to my surprise this came up when I ran the spell/grammar checker. You will notice that it suggest replacing the word Treat with the word Threat. I tell you, Microsoft is part of the Illuminati and are planning to take over the world!!! That was for you conspiracy theory buffs. All humor aside, how true that statement is in our world today. Jesus is seen as a threat in our Schools, Jesus is seen as a threat to our health care, Jesus is just seen as a threat to our society, etc. etc. How sad!

I heard a friend who works at a salon in Wal-mart that said her district manager told her that they couldn’t listen to Christian music at their work because it was an offense. She said, “Keep Jesus in your heart, don’t bring him to work.” How ridiculous of a statement, but maybe Microsoft Word is telling us a reality of how our society sees Jesus. Where as one time our society saw him for who he was, A Saviour and King, now many see him as a threat. Oh to know that he is not a threat, but as I wrote a great gift. Praise the Lord for our Great Saviour and King…boo on Microsoft Word's Grammar Checker.

Oh and yes, I typed this up and Microsoft Word and still used the spell checker. It’s easier then learning how to spell.

We are.......Christians!!!

So it has been a while since I have posted, not because I am lacking thoughts to ponder, but more lacking the time to write them down (a.k.a typing them in Word.) This week a thought was there and I had to make sure it got written out. My wife and I watched the 2006 movie called, “We are Marshall.” If you don’t know the story behind this movie let me give you a brief synopsis.

This movie is about the Marshall University Football team. Their plane goes down on their return from a game and kills all on the plane. Through this tragedy the school chooses to press on with the football program to honor those who were killed in the tragic accident. Okay, there is a few details missing but that is the gist of it.

I will totally admit that I am a huge fan of movies like this. Triumph coming from tragedy, pressing through the conflict so they can have the blessing on the other side. But in this there is a chant that starts when they talk about the team. They say, “We are” a brief pause, then the person responds. All the grief is now getting ready to explode through their next word. The overwhelming pride they have in their School, their Town, and their fellow students is now ready to be said. What do they say? “Marshall” That is it, “We are?” “Marshall” Over and over again.

I thought about this and of course the overly analytical person that I am begins to think what pride, what heart, what about the Christians out there? Granted we don’t go around looking at our Brothers and Sisters in Christ and say, “We are” expecting to hear the person or persons say, “Christians” but wouldn’t it be nice to have that type of love for the Lord. Loving the Lord so much that when somebody says “Who are you” you can boldly, proudly, and joyfully say…a Christian. In my mind I am hearing the crowd.

We are…Christians! We are…Christians! We are…Christians!

Six Flags Great America…Kind of Okay America…Oh who am I kidding.

Every year for the past several years I have tried to take whatever youth group I am working with to some sort of large activity before the beginning of the school year. This year the youth group decided to go to Six Flags Great America. Oh man, how just the sound of that would have thrilled me several years ago, but now…not so much.

It is not that there is anything wrong with Six Flags, but with me…that is another story. I guess I will just blame it on age. We went on a few rides before the teen boys said “Let’s go to the Screaming Eagle!” I am telling myself, “Oh joy, the great big wooden roller coaster.” A few facts here, this thing is big, loud, and lots of wood. Which I know means that it will be Loud, Long, and definitely bumpy. The narrative in my mind continues.

As we approach the front of the line I ask myself, “Why do you do this to yourself? You know that you really don’t like it when you hit that first drop and you get that strange sensation of your stomach and throat getting together for some sort of strange how do you do. And as I ponder this thought I realize I am boarding the train. We take off to the sound of some teenage boy who is trying to pump up the crowd before we leave, and by trying I mean with the vigor of a boy who is making minimum wage and is looking forward more to clocking out than getting us pumped up. The train climbs with the infamous click clack of the track and then we are there, the top of the peak and then it’s, “Hey Mr. Throat how are ya! Fine Mr. Stomach, haven’t seen you in a while. Oh look, its Mr. nauseous come to the party to, great to see you!”

After we get off the ride I realize something. Several years ago, not telling so don’t ask, I had the ambition to be a pilot. By ambition I really mean more of a fascination, but it was my dream. I wanted to fly America’s fastest machines and be a Top Gun, but two things happened. First, God allowed my eyes to go bad so that I need glasses, or contact lenses, and that is not allowed in fighters. Two, I met the Lord. Sounds like a strange second reason but let me explain; while my dream of becoming a fighter pilot may not have been achieved I have a greater dream now…it is serving the Lord in full time ministry.

I praise God that he allows me to work in the ministry I work in. I love the teenagers we work with and see that God has great plans for them. But my love was just heightened for them today, why you may ask, (Even if you didn’t your getting an answer) because their one of the reasons I believe God allowed me to not be a fighter pilot, and one of the reasons Mr. Stomach and Mr. Throat only meet once in a while.

And we are off…

Tomorrow afternoon we head to Camp Joy located in Whitewater WI. I look forward to what God is going to do in our lives and in the lives of our teenagers. Camp is always a great time where our teens can grow because of the lack of distractions the daily life can cause. I look forward to the drive up to Camp and the memories that will be built. I look forward to the long days and what seem to be really short nights. I look forward to the games, the fun, and the food (which I am told at Camp Joy is really really good.) Most of all I look forward to the outdoors.

In Psalm 19: 1 God says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” I love to see the mornings in the wilderness where there is the glisten of the sun on the fresh morning dew. The silence and peace speaks of the beauty and majesty our Creator gave to this world. Oh how I look forward to how God will bless during this camp year.

Please pray for this week as we look forward to what God will do.

It is "Very" good!

Today I began reading the Pentateuch, which we know is the first five books of the Old Testament. Today I began with Genesis. I like reading Genesis. Reading about the creation, the fall, the promised redeemer, the flood, the…oh read it you will love it to! Today, however, I read a line in Genesis 1: 31 that reminded me of how Great our God is. It reads, “And God say every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good…”

When I stop to think of this world that my God created I sometimes forget of the beauty it possesses. The stars, the moon, the planets, the sun, the green on the earth, the blue in the ocean, the white of the snow, the…you get the point. Our God didn’t say it was good, He said it was “Very” good!

When I stop to think that our God says our World is very Good and realize that we, humans, are a greater creation what are we? Very very Good? I don’t know, but I do know this our God loves us so much that he created us such an awesome place to live in, and if this worlds beauty is “Very” good, can you imagine what heaven will be like? I am encouraged to know that our God is such a great creator.

God is “Very” Good…No, He is Awesome!

Slip and Slide? No…Slip and Suffer!

This weekend was a very hot weekend. Not as hot as it was growing up in El Paso TX, however it was hot, humid, and our air conditioning is not working right. Every year we normally by a little wading pool for the boys, because we can’t afford to get a bigger one, but this year we decided to go a different direction. Suddenly the thought enters into my mind about the ever famous "Slip N' Slide."

Oh man, instantly I am back in my childhood. We also didn’t have money for a pool in our yard and I didn’t really know anybody that owned a pool for us to swim in. One year my childhood friend that lived across the street introduced me to his summertime purchase. It was called a “Slip ‘N Slide.” What you do is run as fast as you can, which for me isn’t terribly fast then and now, dive onto this plastic tarp like device that is has water constantly sprinkled on it by an internal watering the slip and slide device thingy.

What a concept! Water, slipping, Water, sliding, Water…Did I mention water? In El Paso where it has several days, sometimes consecutive, over 110 degrees this was a brilliant idea. I had nothing but fond memories of our slip and slide adventures, so purchasing one for my kids seemed like a great idea. No, it was BRILLIANT!

We get home on Saturday and I get it set up. Oh man, I can smell the plastic smell that immediately transports me to my ten year old days. I am so excited for my kids. I get set up our “Double Wave Rider” and my boys take off. Then I realize why these things are cool, but dangerous. My oldest boy gets up with a scrape on his stomach, because this thin piece of plastic allows any sharp object (Rocks, twigs, a bug with a bad attitude) to still do some damage. So the next day, Father’s Day, I put down a whole bunch of card board under the tarp and make it a little safer. In my mind I begin to think, “I need to give this a test run to make sure it is safe for the kids.” Here is where I should have taken the directions “For ages 5-12” a little more serious.

I jumped on to the slip and slide and took off…total distance traveled: 2 feet. I think I can do better than this. So I start doing more. The kids and I are having a great time. I almost forgot that I had to cook lunch on the grill, but then I started to feel this pain in my stomach. Pain as in I am out of shape and my abs are reminding me of this fact. Slip and slide now became slip and suffer. My abs began to remind me that they are almost thirty years old and that we are not 12 anymore. Oh man what a great day, but what a great pain. I must say that Slip and Slides have not lost their luster at all. I highly recommend them to kids, but to those out of shape thirty year old and ups I offer this piece of advice. Remember that the great and awe inspiring “Slip N’ Slide” is produced by the company “Wham-O.” That should be the first clue.

That Grace...it's Amazing!!!

So today I was looking through some You Tube channels I subscribe to and I ran across this. I had seen this before but it blew me away again. I don’t think I will ever get over His Grace. Praise the Lord for Amazing Grace!

What does Christ mean to you?

This week I preached a message on Sunday morning out of Matthew 16: 13-19 asking the question who do you say that Christ is? And today this thought is burning on my heart. As I look at the lives that we lead the question continues in my mind as to how we answer the question, who is Jesus Christ to Me. I know for the two of you that read this (Hi my Wife, Hey Mike) it is like preaching to the choir, but the thought bears typing.

In the scripture I mentioned above the disciples are asked who do men say that Jesus is, then it becomes personal as to who do they say that Jesus Christ is. This is where I wonder what people would answer? Most would say that “right” words, but to be quite honest it would not be the “Honest” words. The more I grow for the Lord the more I realize that Jesus Christ becomes more of a moment in time instead of a shepherd of our lives. Jesus becomes more of our God in time of need, instead of our God every moment of my life. What would you answer if Jesus looked at you and asked who do you “Really” say that I am?

We should want him to be every moment, every minute, and every day of our lives. We should want to really know Him. But then I realize that so many have made Him an appointment, not an everyday God. How many have said to Jesus that I want you, but not that much. How many have said I want to worship you, but only Sundays, maybe a Wednesday, but other than that leave me be because I have stuff I have to do. How many receive the blessings of God and never acknowledge the one who gave them. Oh who do we really say that Jesus Christ is?

I know we have busy lives, but I remember this statement I heard years ago, because it touched my heart then and still does now. “A Man too busy to pray is a man to busy for God.” We have so many things going on, Family, Friends, Relaxation, Graduation, Family Trips, etc. Which none of these things are bad things, not at all, but when they take precedence over Jesus what are we telling Him who we call our Saviour? Who do we really say that Jesus Christ is?

I know this is not my normal humorous satirical kind of blog, but my heart hurts because I know that there is a God, who is my Saviour, and He is so forgotten. Not by the lost world, but by those that claim him as their Saviour. Oh that we would not just “say” He is my Saviour, but “Live” like He is our Saviour. Who do you say that Jesus Christ is?

Movie Review: Spiderman 3

Yesterday we were sitting around and wondering what we wanted to do. In the metropolis of Galesburg IL [major sarcasm added] there are the movies, Wal-mart, or watch the grass grow. Since we needed to cut the grass this week anyway, and we didn’t need anything from Wal-mart, we decided on the movies. We decided to go see Spiderman 3.

I had read the review provided by the Christian Spotlight and figured it might be okay, however I was a little leery of the venom character. Not because of the part he would play, but because it did look a little evil and I didn’t want my boys to wake up in the middle of the night screaming that Venom is coming to get them. On to the review!

In the world of movie sequels it is normally a curse to do another movie after you have a successful first. Outside of Star Wars, which was really one movie over several versions, and

maybe the Godfather trilogy, there is not one I can think of that was just a smashing success. But could the Spiderman people do it? Yes they can.

The introduction of Sandman, Venom, and the new Goblin where wonderfully done. The relationship between Peter and Harry takes a twist that I was not expecting. The depth of the evil that undertakes Peter Parker is something that was also unexpected. All in all I would give this one four out of five stars. There are some predictable parts, however the CGI and the plot is handled well enough to make these predictable moments small speed bumps.

I really like the end of the movie when Peter forgives the Sandman for his role in his Uncles death, but the death of Harry was sad and unwanted. Not that it wasn’t well done in the movie; I just didn’t want him to die right after he resolves his friendship with his “Best Friend”, as Peter states it. The only downside that I can state has nothing to do with the movie it is all to do with the previews. You never know what the previews will hold, and these really stunk.

They showed the preview to the new Fantastic Four movie, which was great, the preview to the new Harry Potter, which looks as evil and satanic as ever, and then something that looked almost like borderline soft core porn. Most of my preview time was spent covering up my kids eyes. I wish that they would put better previews with the movie…oh yeah movie review. Sorry.

Spiderman 3 had good action, good CGI, good plot, and all together just a good movie. I was so pleased it left me wanting to see another one, but I know they may not make anymore. But for know our Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman is still here.

The Play-Doh Did It!

So last night we had teen group and I was preaching out of Ephesians chapter 2, specifically verses 8-10. Most Christians are familiar with verses 8-9 for it speaks of the saving Grace that we have done nothing to earn nor anything to keep. Thank God for his Grace! But the next verse caught my attention and that was the focus of our teen group last night. Verse 10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” When I thought about this I started to answer one of the age old questions, what are we here for? For the Christian we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto GOOD WORKS. So we spent some time there. Where does the play-doh come in? Well let me explain my brilliant, yet failed and I will never do it again, idea.

I thought of using play-doh as a way for the kids to “Create” something using their imaginations. Whatever it was, however good or bad, it would be their creation but whatever it was it would be nothing more than play-doh and would not do anything. I wanted to demonstrate our creativeness, but the idea that God’s surpasses ours and the fact that his creation is for a purpose. At this point it sounds like a really good idea, or at least it did to me. It sounded even better when I thought how well it would work for the kids to express their creativity. Well that is where it stopped.

So I passed out the play-doh, gave them about five minutes to sculpt something, which went really well, but that is where it stopped. I could not get most of their attentions back when I tried to regroup and teach the lesson application. Stupid Play-doh! The message fell to the intoxicating smell of gooey play-doh. The sounds of my voice were overshadowed by the pliability of the dough in their hands…Stupid Play-doh. In all honesty I can say that our teen group is a great group and listens so well to the messages given, but we found our kryptonite, Play-doh is its name! Oh sure, somebody could say that I was a flop and didn’t present the message well or that our kids attentions were on other things, but that somebody is probably drunk on play-doh!

Does this have a point? Um…no except I realize that sometimes something as simple as play-doh can distract us from the Lord and his message. We are created by God to do his works, but sometimes play-doh gets in the way. I guess we just need to move on, send an email saying boycott buying play-doh on Tuesday to stick it to the manufacturers, and just say “Stupid Play-doh!”

May Already?

I remember growing up people used to say that as you get older time seems to fly by you even faster. I never really understood that then, but now…Wow! This year is almost half over and I was seriously talking to somebody yesterday about Christmas plans at Church. So what has been going on in the McCoy’s life? Oh man, I will sum it up with two words and I quote Strongbad when I say, “Labor Daybor.” It seems like time just flies by but even more when you are busy. So let me give you the ESPN highlight reel about what has been happening over the past few weeks.

We are working diligently to raise money for our teens so that they can attend camp at Camp Joy this year. Now I have worked in youth ministry for over five or six years and I can say that each youth group I have worked with has been very unique and this group is no different. What I really love about our teen group is their spirit. They have such a great spirit for the Lord and have such a great desire to do work for him. I will never forget the night when some of the teens said they wanted to volunteer their time to work for a place that deals with the mentally handicapped. Why? Because the wanted their summer to mean something for the Lord and felt that they could serve the Lord there. Wow?!?! But, at our current moment we are focused on Camp, Fundraisers, and our activities.

In our home we have been really excited about what the Lord is doing. We have been going through II Peter 1: 5-8, which we just finished yesterday. It speaks of adding to our faith: virtue; then knowledge; then temperance, then patience; godliness; brotherly kindness; finally charity or love. Why because Peter says that “if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Now what Christian wouldn’t want that? What a great promise! We will neither be barren of unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, but it takes work.

Add to my faith. I truly believe that if we had nothing to do in this world then the day of our Salvation we would be ushered straight to heaven to live, but God wants a little more. I have said for so long that the Christian life is really easy to understand but it is sometimes hard to live. This leads to this principle, adding to our faith. We so often get to the point where we accept our faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour but then forget that we need to add to our faith. How revealing this truth is about where I am at and where I need to go…What a wonderful Saviour!