Legalism

Growing up, there was no talk about doing "worldly" things as we called them. Yeah, I asked if we could go swimming or wear shorts but I never asked why we couldnt do some of the other things. Now, our culture has changed. We as Christians are becoming increasingly everyday more tolerant of things. I have had a discussion on another blog about clubbing, I have had an arguement about drinking and I have had a group discussion where there were people who said that they regularly are drinking, smoking and having pre-marital sex. So how do I feel about that? Ughh is how I feel. I am tired of trying to "convert" them to my way of thinking. Maybe I was brought up wrong and I am becoming like my father. I dont know...but one thing keeps coming up in my mind...are we, meaning the people who grew up with this kind of thinking, saying that someone is going to spend eternity in hell over something they drink or a way they move their body? I'm not prepared to say that...are you? I have heard that said though and I think that is why I am struggling with it as much as I am.

What do you think? Is someone who drinks going to hell because they drink? Smoking or clubbing?


Good Day.

Grace

A lot has been discussed recently about doing this or not doing that around me...there has been discussions about clubbing, drinking, and pre-marital counseling. While I really dont agree with any or all of the above, as I was falling asleep last night, the Cd I was listening to had a song about grace. They were singing about how they couldn't get enough of his grace. How true is that...I am so thankful that God didn't give up on me when I really screwed up and in my heart, turned my back on him. No ones perfect and I hope that as I talk and discuss or even argue these points, that I never forget that I once was in need of God's grace. More to follow about the topics though...


Sarah and I are both sick so keep us in your prayers that we feel better and feel better fast!!!

Look what I am doing to this generation!!!

WE were talking about putting on the armor of God and what better way to illustrate that than to make them wrap up a kid in duct tape where the armor should go? I think they should have paid us for the wax job that they got though!!!





This is what I had growing on my face until SOMEONE made me shave...oh the threats a woman will make to get her way...

17 days ....

It is a dream come true...

Etta James says it best, "At last, my love has come along...my lonely days are over...and life is like a song!"





God has blessed me with an amazing woman that never ceases to be more than I could have ever asked for.

The end

Finally, there is the third husband/pastor. This one is just a good ol' boy type pastor. He will tell you like it is and if you get your feet stepped on, then they were meant to get stepped on. At, times he was brash and unorthodox in his leading of the church but that never really seemed to matter because everyone still followed him. We will call this one "My family comes before others". While the other two failed in this respect, this one was great at it. He would protect his family, defend and ultimately had them very high on his priority list. Mistakes I see: This h/p was kind of blind to his kids growing up. He worked two jobs (as did 1 and 2) and so there was some time where they werent always guided in the right direction. However, sometimes when they would mess up he would defend them to a fault. What I want to take from this h/p: I want to always put my family before my church. I feel that when you make the decision to get married and then have children, you have to make your family your second proirity behind God. The Bible asks how a man can lead a church if his house isnt even in order so family should come before the congregation.

So this ends the husband/pastor series. I just wanted to get this out there and off my brain. There were other h/p's that affected my life but none more than these. I realize that I am different from all three of them in that I am a full-time pastor and they all had a job at time or another. I also realize that we are living in a different generation where the mindset about pastors and their responsibilities are changing.

So what do you think? Are my assumptions right about these three (if you know who I am talking about)?

Should a pastor put his family before the church?

Good Day.

#2 Husband/pastor...

The second husband/pastor is a breed that you don't see very often. While I think many people see the first type all of the time, this one is a sneaky one. This example came much later in life and confirmed what I had learned from #1. So lets call this one "The Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde". The main thing that I see wrong with this h/p is that they seemed to be living two completely different lives. While at church, they were a loving, somewhat caring individual most of the time. The congregation really had no clue as to what this h/p was truly like and I still don't think they do. Then, he would go home and completely shut down from my mother at times and others be caring and loving in his own way. This one, at least in my opinion, needed some medical help for the huge mood swings he had almost weekly. It was/is hard to listen to this one preach because they live a different life at home. They are self-centered, self-driven and I question whether or not they truly cared about other people. Mistakes I see: Selfish, non-committed to the marriage relationship, and blows small things out of proportion. What I want to take from this h/p: Do not say one thing and do another with your wife. If we are to love our wives as Christ loved the church, separating everything (including emotions) from your spouse doesnt fall under loving someone in my book. I want my children to be able to go to the church that I Pastor and listen to me without thinking, "wow, I wish he would live that".


To be continued...

Good Day.

Examples in my life...

It is odd for me as I think about the examples of the male role models I have had in my life. Most of them were strong Christians and had a great witness for Christ. They were passionate about church and loved the congregation with all of their heart. I guess subconsicously I am only talking about the Pastor/husbands here so bear with me... there were three main examples that I was exposed to over the past 23 years...

First, the "I have a mistress and her name is the church type Husband/pastor". This example showed me great compassion and a relentless approach to loving others. This one was a great shepherd and knew his congregation well. He had compelling sermons that were usually deep (because he would spend multiple hours Saturday night studying) and thoughtful. However, I can't remember this h/p being a good husband or father. He was gone long hours, always had something to do and I can't ever remember him showing affection to my mother. I don't ever remember him bringing her flowers or cards or gifts for no reason. It seems to me that he had a greater love than his wife and family...the church. Mistakes I see: simple, he forgot to love his wife and children not because he didnt love them, but because they truly were priority number 2. What I want to take from this h/p: not to put on a show, but for others to know that I am so passionately in love with Sarah just as much as I love the body of Christ. I don't want my children to feel like I feel about this h/p and to have to just "deal" with it. More importantly, as Peggy (Sarah's mom) talked about in her letter in the Ossian paper...I want to " live and love extravagantly for their God, as well as for each other". I guess this is one reason I am a romantic. Conclusion: Paul wrote that we (husbands) are to love our wifes as Christ loved the church. Simply put, we are to love our bride with reckless abandonment. To put them in our hearts and love them enough to lay our lives (not just physical, but our wants and needs and desires) down for their sake.

To be continued...

Good Day.

What do you think?

Last week at pre-marital counseling, the Pastor was asking me about the youth group and the church. He had us take a True/ False test about different questions that had to do with marriage and the like. He prefaced it by saying, base your answers Biblically...sounded easy enough. Then we started taking the thing and more and more of my answers weren't exactly matching what the Bible said. For instance...can a divorced person remarry...I said yes but the Bible says no. I guess that during the first few questions...the whole "base your answer from the Bible" thing escaped my thinking. So I was wondering...do Christians take the Bible as seriously as we should? Or do we view it in the same light as a book from John Maxwell and read it only to "succeed in life"?

Growing up in an uber-conservative household, I was never taught to take the Bible literally...thats just what we did. The fall out was that we didn't wear shorts, didn't have cable. Mom didn't wear pants or cut her hair or wear jewelry...make-up...we didn't go to the public pool...or bowling...or anywhere to eat that served alcohol! You get my point. However, in the same passage where it talked about women not wearing clothes that men wore it talked about building a fence around your roof so that no one would fall off. To the best of my knowledge, we never had a fence on the top of our roof...ever! So do we just pick and choose what we decide to be holy and relavent for today?

Was the Bible meant to be taken literally word for word? Was it meant to be symbolic of things to come? Or was it to be used like some Christians use it today...a "dummies guide on how to have a great life"?

Good day.

a magical land...

Today, I feel as though I am in a magical land. Everything seems larger than life and I love it! Yeah, everything isn't working out with everything but I have renewed assurance that Christ is in control and will provide not only for myself but for the youth group as well when we least expect it! Sometimes it is hard to trust in God when we don't actually see anything being done. I guess that is why Jesus said that those who believe and haven't seen will be blessed many times over. So, I hope your trust and faith in Christ is getting bigger rather than smaller today.


Good Day.

A collection of this week's garbage...

Here are some things I have decided or seen over the past week:
1. I have discovered over the past week something very interesting...I have been to two different "coffee shops" and gotten their version of Hot Chocolate. I was very disappointed at both...one was too "coffeey" and the other had a cherry flare. I have decided one thing for Andy Jellison as it regards to hot chocolate...it is SWISS MISS or bust!!!


2. Yesterday, Sarah and I stopped at this apple orchard place on U.S. 31 and while picking up some cider for the woman of my dreams...down from the upstairs walks a baby DEER!!! It had been bottle fed since birth and was friendly and Sarah and I got to pet it. Wierd huh?


3. I have found out this week that I really am getting married!!! It is really hitting home that this thing is finally going to happen and I can't wait.

4. I love being a youth pastor. There is nothing like it in the world...it is refreshing and amazing to be able to be in the lives of these kids when they are most impressionable! May God help me to make the right impression.

5. I love wings...I have been on a wings-kick for about 2 weeks now and I cannot get enough of those little burgers!!!



Thats all...Sarah and I are going to Lafayette this weekend for the wedding of her brother! So heres to hoping you have an awesome weekend of fun or rest or both depending on what you need!!!

Good Day.

Too many questions

At church, we are trying to raise money by having the congregation sponsor a teen to go to our youth conference in December. It seems to me that some people...no names or hints to be given...are asking me "havent the youth done some fundraising already"? I realize that if we have 10 kids that need financial help and want to go and it costs us $185 to send each one that is a LOT of money. It is kind of like they are trying to justifying their reasons NOT to give. I am just frustrated with the whole situation and trying to get it done before the wedding. What will we do if the church doesnt respond? I guess they cant go...wait and see I guess. Pray this weekend that my congregation responds and I am overwhelmed with sponsors and we have MORE money than we have kids that can go!!! Please pray for this weekend...I appreciate it....

Good Day.

Finally....

After trying my best to make a teen in the youth group puke...it happened at our last overnighter...what did it? A blended up McDonald's big kids meal...double cheeseburger, fries, and chocolate milk!!! This picture was take right before he hurled!!!


I can die a happy youth pastor!!!

25 days!!!!!!!!!!

I can hardly wait!!!

Hurray!!!

26 days until we get to walk down the aisle!!! Sarah and I were taking a strole down memory lane last night and I wouldn't want to be on any other road with any other person!!!








For you married folk...if you could give me a Top 5 list of things that make a marriage stronger or better reply...I would like to know what you think...

Sin

I was thinking today about sin and how we view sin and the things that we call sin. My first question is: do protestants have a scale of the different sins? What I mean is, do we think that some sins are greater or worse than others? I think most of you would say no to that question. However, what is your answer to this question: Which of these two things do we condemn the person for doing more...lying or having homosexual tendancies? What about...having pre-marital sex or gossiping? Drinking alcohol or over eating? Do we have a "sin scale" where we view some sins as being greater than others?

Now I realize that there are some of those things that do more physical damage than others and there are different issues with each one of them. Still, should we crack down on homosexuality more harshly than people in our church gossiping or complaining about anything and everything that they don't like? We say we don't have a sin scale...but are fooling ourselves?

What do you think?



Good Day.

Ouch!!!

I have an urgent prayer request...pray for my Mom so that she doesnt get rabies!!! She was bitten by a mouse the other day! How strange and wierdly talented...I cant say that I know too many people that have been bitten by a mouse.



Love you Mom!

The Bible

I was getting ready for our Young Adult meeting Wednseday night and as I was preparing my devo I read one of the questions: "The Bible isnt about humanities attempt to have a relationship with God, it is all about God's attempt to have a relationship with us. How does this change your view of God?" Well, seeing that I had never looked at it like that before, it was an amazing insight to someone who feels dry and wondering where God is!!! God is amazing...he created us and we all mess up, he STILL sends his son to die for our sins, even when are hearts are prone to wonder He still is trying to get in touch with us! What a wonderful thought...it isnt a cosmic game of hide and seek like I had thought growing up. It isnt a whack-a-mole either...God isnt waiting for us to mess up and pop our heads through the hole to hit us!!! He is right beside us, waiting, prodding, holding...and most importantly...loving us!

How great is our God? One day...all will see just how great he is!


Good Day.

Busy

So today Sarah and I have our first pre-marital counseling session...then we have to meet with the food lady and then we are meeting with the photographer. Busy day...busy day... but they are necessary evils.


Have a great day...and remember, God is bigger than the air we breathe, and the world we see.

I miss ED

There are a million and a half shows on T.V. now and what am I missing on TV? One show...Ed...it has been off the air for like a year now and i am starting to miss it more. Why are there so many stinkin' crime shows? We need a show that just has that "down home feel" and people with real problems. So this is me lamenting Ed....

Is God closer than you think

I am beginning, well, actually looking at the book "God is closer than you think" and thinking to myself, "I should really read this". Well, I havent started yet. Still, I was wondering if we really do think that God is closer than we think. As a Pastor, it seems sometimes that God is really far away. There appears to be a cloud over my brain and it is like pulling teeth to take the personal time that I need to take as a minister. As a Pastor, I am always giving and very rarely getting fed. I have said in previous blogs that it is hard for me sometimes to worship without thinking about the next thing and the service moving smoothly. The question behind all of this is how does a person who is always around the church and working with people in the church not become numb sometimes? Is God closer than I feel? Lets hope so because sometimes it feels as though he is on the other end of eternity. You know what I mean? I realize Christians cant go by their feelings or we would all be insecure little ooopma loompas worrying about everything and no Willy Wonka (God) to give us a better life.

What do you think? Do you ever have "numb" periods in your faith?

Have you ever wished...

I sat in my office today and did what needed to get done. I got most of my sermon and planned some things, sent out a letter for LOGOS5 (the Wesleyans Youth Conference in Grand Rapids). So it was a busy day...but I couldnt help but keep wishing it was November and Sarah and I were getting married!


I know you shouldnt wish away time and all of that...but I cant WAIT for our wedding...



I tried last night to make "homemade" wings...didnt go so well...they were fatty and too spicy...and messy and did I mention fatty? Never again...

I have my monthly 2 hour and 30 minute mind numbing L.B.A. meeting....mmmm tasty!!!

Good Day.

abortion

Sarah and I were talking a few weeks ago about abortion. This discussion started from our last youth group overnighter's discussion panel. The question was is it ever alright for a Christian to have an abortion? At first the answer is of course no. That is the knee jerk reaction. I agree with never having an abortion and going with adoption or other options. I realize that there are many couples that cannot have children and would give a great home to a child. Still, there is one circumstance that I would not even have to consider NOT having an abortion. That circumstance is if it was threatening Sarah's life. In my mind, there is not even a question as to what to do. I would choose Sarah. End of story. Period. Sarah however, said that she didn't know and said that she doesn't think we should play God. I dont see it like that. We wouldn't be playing God, I would just be choosing my wife, my soulmate, my best friend and that is it.

What do you think? What would you do? If you were in the situation would you have an abortion or would you let happen whatever happens?

Just wondering...

Good Day

The world's UGLIEST DOG for three years running

Is it really even a dog? It kind of looks like a baby Gremlin!!!

Seriously, this dog has won the ugliest dog in the world contest for three years running. I would go out on a limb and say that as long as it lives it has that title in my book at least!

Surreal but nice

Doesnt life just fly by? It seems like only yesterday I was starting college and trying to meet Mrs. Jellison at IWU. Then, it seems like yesterday that I got my first staff position at Shiloh...I have been here for over a year now. Finally, it seems like yesterday (February actually) that I proposed to Sarah. I can remember counting the days and it was in the hundred range. Now, only 36 days...5 weeks and 1 day...I am amazed and so excited about life with Sarah and everything that means. I know that everything isnt going to be perfect or story book...but I am head over heels in love with that girl and I dont care who knows it!!! She is caring, heartfelt about everything she does, she truly does care about helping others (not just because shes a nurse!) , she is thoughtful, charismatic, and vibrant. Every time she walks into a room, it just gets brighter. Everyone loves her, but not nearly as much as me. AND on top of that and much more that you really dont have the time to read...she is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! God couldn't have given me someone with a better all around package than her. So publically I want to say, "I am marrying the most wonderful, beautiful and amazing woman in the world!!!"

Good Day.

There is nothing like ...

Having someone measuring your body that you really dont know...today I get fitted for my tux!

At least I get to go see Sarah! Anywho...the cold weather is pulling in and I am excited about that!!! Bring on the snow




Good Day.

This is my sign for the month

ever feel like this?

Spiritual Battles

We had a youth board meeting last night and we started talking about the spiritual battles that the teens face. Then, in our staff meeting today it came up again. So...I thought I would make it the trifecta and talk about it here. A lot of people really dont like talking about Angels and Demons. It scares them and is not something they want to dwell on. Still, as Christians we MUST face this head on and call some things in our lives as they are: a battle for our souls. This is what the Bible says about it..."For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Eph. 6:12). Daily and weekly my teens are confronted with wrong choices and options that they really should not do. It is not just temptation that we should be realizing. It is that those things are INTENTIONAL. It is the enemy who puts those things in our lives and not just some random act. Still, we go about our lives as Christians passively and almost being nieve about "the dark side". Then, when one of our kids mess up and choose the wrong thing we automatically say they are rebelling. Well, maybe the "good side" wasnt doing the job. Maybe the church isnt doing its job. Yes, the church does not have the immediate treasures and the flash bulb excitement that the world and sin has in it. So should we give up and just say, "well thats just the way it is", or "they are just kids, they'll grow out of it"? The correct answer is no but what is the REAL answer? What do we say and do when teens and people in the church mess up? We need to start calling it what it is...a battle every day to live a Christ-like life. The enemy isnt going to take it easy on us or take a vacation from trying to trip us up but yet dont we try to take "vacations" and breaks from church and all that comes with it? Just wondering...

Fight the GOD fight

Good Day.

The most wonderful time of the year

The baseball playoffs start today...the NFL is in full swing...NBA training camps are under way and Indiana University Basketball is not far behind...and oh yeah, theres a wedding coming up.

forgiving

Last night at youth group I talked about surviving problems. The first two points really didnt do much damage. However, the third point really affected some of the teens. I had received an email from my aunt this week and thought I would use it in my sermon. I had Sarah tape a picture of Jesus up on this board and put some white pieces of paper over it so that the kids wouldn't know it was there. Then I had two kids, that had been hurt by someone that week draw the face of the person and put it on the board. I had them throw rocks at the pictures they had drawn and finally take the rocks and just scratch over their pictures. The second kid scratched all of the papers until it was just Jesus and his facial expression was unforgetable. To make a longer story short...Jesus said that what we do to the least of the people in our lives, the ones we like the least that treat us the worst...we've done it to him. Just something to think about...

Good Day.