Bluffton Street Fair 08 and moving my gparents

Hey...Hope your weekend went well. Mine was good. We got to see family and go to the Bluffton Street Fair all in one weekend. Fantastic! Also, here are some pics from our youth group Fall Kickoff.

Moving and Street Fair

Hey...

This weekend Sarah and I are going to Ohio to help my Grandpa and Grandma Christian move and then on to Bluffton the (in Andy's best movie announcer voice) "World Famous BLUFFTON STREET FAIR"! Pictures will follow. Also...I'll add some from last weekends Fall Kickoff. Fun times. Hope you have a super weekend. I'll be playing the Mouse Game...yep the mouse game where you put a quarter on a set of numbers you think the real mouse will go into. Sounds wierd and dirty...and it is but it is tons of fun.

I've lost something

I guess being in ministry we are whipped into submission to be in the now. We try to get kids to come this week. We try and plan activities this week. Sometimes we plan ahead...plan for events, trips etc. You come into ministry thinking amazing things. Or I believe at least you should. Then, it all seems to get knocked out of you. You get criticized for this...a little knocked out. You get told that you aren't doing enough....more knocked out. You see the same people not respond to anything you feel that God is telling you...and even more gets knocked out. I want to dream big. I want to be a part of something that could only happen if God were a part of it. Something that no man could take credit for, only God. I want to dream big but more importantly, I just need to start dreaming again. I need to be more creative. Think outside of the "now" box. Think outside of my circumstances. I have become a now man...and I've let being more and dreaming for something like Paul was talking about in Eph. 3:20 slip my mind. That is what kind of follower of Christ I want to become. I want to affect change rather than be effected by the apathy of those around me. I believe that God can do anything that He wants whenever, wherever He wants. Still, those people must allow Him to do so. I have let people effect me rather than God.

May God help us to dream big. Dream things that touch God's heart. To want things that God wants. To be chasing after one thing: to know Christ and to bring others into that same knowledge. May you find that surrender is freedom in Christ. May we not be caged by the insecurities of generations past. Let us not hold onto or be tied down by their apparent love affair with the now and the comfortable. May God open our eyes to be able to dream things that only He could accomplish instead of planning things that we know we can.

Eph. 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Vacation!!!!

Hey...after some searching, Sarah and I will be going on vacation November 7-14 to celebrate our "birthdays and anniversary". We will going to the Orange Lake Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. It is a much needed vacation before the holidays and the start of a new year. We can't wait. It is about an hour and half north of Chicago and we are about an hour and a half from Chicago so it will be a good distance to just be able to get away. Thanks Uncle Harold! You don't know how much we need this.

Monday morning reflections...

Hey...I was supposed to have a meeting today but it got cancelled and good thing. We had our kickoff last night and then I had to take some of the kids home because we were running really late. So...

1. I took a vacation day today! I am doing as little as possible.

2. Last night the kick-off went well. There were some really good parts and other things that just make me want to spit nails.

3. I am sad today because one of my best friends is moving out of the district to take another job in Michigan. Ben and Amanda Capshaw are moving in October to Faith Church in Lansing, Michigan to be the Children's Pastor. I am happy for them because its a great opportunity, but insanely sad at the fact that we will not be seeing each other very frequently.

4. I got my smelly cast off! It was NASTY! Dead skin, sour smell...but boy am I glad.

5. We are trying to find somewhere to go on vacation to. My Uncle Harold is letting us buy a week off of him. What a relief it has been this week just to know that we are going to get this time away.

6. It is getting cold and you know what that means?! Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate!

7. Did you know that Ray Boltz came out of the closet?! Thanks to Stevansheets.com I read this and couldn't believe it! What a blow to many of the fans of this man.

8. The Colts won yesterday after being down 15-0...man I was getting mad. Then everything in the universe was all good.

9. I started playing my guitar again after the cast. I sang Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus yesterday for the special and then after church a younger lady comes up to me and tells me that I should put out a CD! LOL...that made me chuckle.

10. Finally, during a devotional time last week I came across Psalm 127. For some of you it might mean very little. But I thought it might help others...

Psalm 127
1 Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.

2 In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves.

3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.

4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.

5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

How to fit in at almost any church

Top 10: places I'd like to go

If $$$ weren't a factor, which it always is, here is my top ten places i'd love to go to or return to:

10. San Francisco- I love the look of it. Cable cars, sloped streets, Golden Gate Bridge...and I want to see the Pacific Ocean.

9. Boston- This is due in large part to watching Good Will Hunting years ago. It just always seems cool and I'd love to see Fenway Park.

8. Alaska- I love the cold, Alaska is cold. I would love to see all the ice and stuff up there.

7. Beijing- With the Great Wall and all the other stuff to see, this would be quite the vacation.

6. Venice- I've always wanted to go to Venice. It might make me sea sick though!

5. Bahamas- need I say more? This makes me think of relaxation even while sitting here.

4. Ireland- I use Irish Spring soap so if the country smells like that who wouldn't want to go?

3. Grand Canyon- I wouldn't want to ride a donkey down to the bottom though.

2. Paris- With the Eiffel Tower, all the art museums this place would be amazing to visit.

1. New York City- I've been there twice and would live there! I love it...from Times Square to the hole in the wall type places I would love to live near it at least.

what about you? where would you go?

WoW... what a guy!

weekly update

1. I love that the weather has turned and football has started...even though the Colts lost...ugh.

2. Losing 9 seniors last year and with the possibility of some good friends moving out of the district i am feeling a great sense of abandonment.

3. I get my cast off (for good hopefully) this Friday!

4. I liked Gov. Palin's speech but I'm not sure she will be enough to push McCain over the top. Obama's hype is HUGE!

5. I have been reminded today that worrying and being anxious is the opposite of faith and they both get you nowhere.

6. I found out through a required (by my wife) Dr. visit, that I am as healthy as an ox! No problems...

7. Sarah, on the other hand, has a jacked up thyroid. It is seriously messing things up. She goes Oct. 1st to a specialist.

8. Sarah is interviewing to become a charge nurse on her floor. Movin' on up!

9. People are generally in a cranky mood these days. Keith Drury thinks it is because of all the negative political stuff. Who knows

10. I am wondering who reads this stuff? Is it you? and if it is you, who are you?

websites i go to daily...

1. Pandora.com- this is an absolutely free website that plays music that you pick and screen. I love it and play it everyday in the office.

2. espn.com- I love sports and this is sports heaven.

3. my.yahoo.com- I get my daily fix of stevansheets.com, brianandjayeholland.blogspot.com among others.

4. hotmail.com- it is just a necessity

5. myspace.com- two-fold reason- one...to stay up with my teens and two...mobsters

6. yahoo.com- I play fantasy football and baseball so i check out my teams.

7. peegs.com- to stay current with my Hoosiers

8. andyjellison.blogspot.com- to see if anyones paying a bit of attention to my ramblings.

9. youtube.com- to find something inspiring, funny or useful

10. google.com- man google is my phonebook/faq/go-to guy for all things internet

Top 10: TV Shows

I thought I'd start a top 10 theme for some fun. Feel free to add your lists in the comment section!


Here are my top 10 tv shows:

Honorable mention: Deadliest Catch, Bones, America's Got Talent, Kitchen Nightmares, Hell's Kitchen and Life.

10. House- I love sarcasm. House is full of it and I love watching how they come to solve some weird medical mysteries.

9. Psych- This show is on USA network in the summers and many people are missing a ton of laughs. This show is about a guy who pretends to be a psychic and helps the cops. I really enjoy this off the wall humor. Sarah looks at me and just shakes her head when we watch this show.

8. Amazing Race- Traveling the globe, fighting with your partner, interesting interactions between the competitors and the different locals make for a great show.

7. Eli Stone- this new show blew me away. This man has a brain tumor that gives "visions" of down and out people he needs to help. A modern day prophet for the cold hearted.

6. Heroes- This show has so many different things going on that it couldn't ever get boring or predictable. I want a super-human ability!

5. Lost- With a new twist every episode, you are always wondering whats next. Great concept and cast make this super unmissable!

4. Prison Break- Only with this show could you hear someone say, "not everyone who breaks out of prison is bad"! Sarah said that just last night. This show gives you ulcers and anxiety if you aren't careful. They love making enemies necessary allies. Run...

3. Big Brother- I love the mind games and the social aspect of this summer hit. I would love to get on this show. With three shows a week, it brings some excitement to the otherwise boring summer tv schedule.

2. American Idol- I like to watch the horrible people and cheer on my favorites. My favorites have been Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks, Bo Bice, Blake Lewis and David Cook. I seem to pick winners (blake and bo should have won, even though they aren't doing well now) every other year. This will be the off year.

1. Survivor- Outwit, outplay, outlast...I love it...plain and simple.

don't go thinking all i do is watch tv...I tivo everything on this list...

How about you...what do you watch?

Blueberry oh eight!

What a great weekend! We had family, fun and some flippin' awesome fireworks. Since I like to read bullet points rather than a paragraph, thats what I'll do:

1. Friday I went back to the hand Dr. and got my cast off...for about 20 minutes...then promptly got a new one. He said another two weeks so that it could heal more. BOOOO...

2. Saturday we went to Markle to the "Old Place: for an anniversary party for Sarahs Aunt. Good times...

3. We have a new favorite thing at the Blueberry Festival...the Blueberry Donuts! Wow is all I can say.

4. I had some amazing food and most of it wasn't deep-fried...hurray for Andy :)

5. There were like 17 vendors arrested or asked to leave the festival...some were selling fake stuff and some were swiping bank cards and getting peoples info! dude...

6. The fireworks were just amazing. The BEST I've ever seen...the wait to get out though (all 60+ minutes) was not that fun...

It was a great weekend and great to see both moms and spend time with them

Being held back

Have you ever had the notion to just jump into a car and take off? Take off to nowhere? Somewhere? You know, just get in the car and drive! Go in a different direction than you've ever gone?

I think our lives are a pretty good reflection of M. Night Shyamalan's movie, "The Village". In the movie there is a "settlement" of people that have their own culture and own things holding them back. There is the fear of certain colors and a boundary line that no one can cross. The younger people fall in line and do as they're told, they don't know any different. However, you come to find out that this village is tucked away in some national park where a few families were trying to create a utopia. It reminds me a lot of our world. There are fears of certain things that are ingrained into you from childhood. Some rational, others are just boundaries set up by those who either fear something or are trying to have control over a situation.

Heres my point: I am wondering what is holding me back. What fears do I have that are legitimate fears and what things are just someone trying to control me or my emotions? Why is it that, if you looked at a map of our daily lives, there are worn out paths leading and going to the same things rather than veering off onto some new adventure? What holds you back? What keeps you from dreaming? What have you been taught that you really don't understand?

May God allow us to get in the seat next to Him and venture on new roads. May we not be found on the same, worn-out muddy trails when He has a bigger "more abundant life" for us to lead! Jump the fence, start the car, take a step..."push the pedal down, watch the world fly by us..."

Weekly reflections

10. I love the Olympics. I have thoroughly enjoyed them. That Phelps kid is amazing.

9. God is very fond of me and wants the best for me.

8. I hate wearing a cast. I hate it mostly for the attention and all the tape I've had to yank off my arm! Casts smell funny too...

7. Worrying gets you absolutely nowhere.

6. Family is so important and as a pastor, I don't have the luxury of spending time or being close to my family and that makes me sad.

5. When I become a father, I want to "be there" in as many moments and times when my kids need me.

4. Find good friends and appreciate them...no matter what.

3. I think marriage, at least for me, is getting better every year. The first couple of years are difficult, trying to find a groove. But once you find it, man the joy and love that exists. I love my wife.

2. Do you ever think about living in another area of the country and wonder what it would just feel like?

1. Things change. They never stay the same. They never stay the way you left them. So...enjoy the good things you have now...they'll soon change. Learn to live with the not-so-good things....they'll soon change.

Pulse Fest 08

what a day! It was fun and great to be able to spend time with the Speds. I miss these guys...

Casting Crowns were amazing...a lot of great words were spoken into my heart this day.

Who's on first?

classic!

Brad Paisley - She's Everything

Sarah,

I absolutely adore you! I'm so glad that we are. I wouldn't have it any other way. I love you, baby

Against the Flow 08

Tenth Avenue North - Love Is Here

great message...great song

Green grass

I have this bad habit. I only do it so often but when I do, it drags me down for a few hours. No one else is usually around so I have to deal with it by myself. What is it you say? It is BLOG READING!!!

You see, other peoples lives seem so much cooler, more fulfilling, more _________ you fill in the blank and I have probably passed that blogmotion once or twice.

Thats life sometimes. There are times when things are great and good things are happening to you. The thing is, most of the time we miss those things. I start wishing or looking down the road and fail to live fully in the now. When I was younger I wanted to go to college, I did. But when I was there I just wanted to get a job and on and on it goes. I think the grass will always seem a little bit greener somewhere else for a few reasons:

1. We haven't got there yet to walk on it and make it brown!

2. Often times we never look at the "grass" that we're on to see how green it is. We are always looking off into the fields next to ours to even notice where we are.

3. Your eyes see things differently than any other person in the world. Maybe you see green differently than the guy next to you. Just as long as we have God's Spirit helping us to view things through His eyes and stay in Him, He will "make us lie down in GREEN pastures!"

4. Finally, sometimes the grass just is greener. Plain and simple. Maybe it's time to go graze in a new patch. But leaving just to leave is like a Raccoon. We went and picked corn last week and the 'Coons got into the corn. The thing is that they would only take a bite or two from each ear and then move on. Seriously though, leaving just to go somewhere new or just to leave is rarely the answer.

May you come to appreciate the grass you are in right now. May God lead you to get some nice grass stains wherever it is that you are! He is very fond of you!

Fantasy Football

Hey...I just wanted to invite anyone likes to play fantasy football to a league on Yahoo.com. Sign up soon so we can get the draft done and over with. Here's the info:

fantasy football time...

yahoo
league id #: 337697
password: football
the draft is tues. the 19th
@ 7pm

Update from Jellyland 8.8.08

hey all...

here are some updates:

• I fell and broke my hand at family camp! I'm in a cast and typing has become a hunt and peck event.
• Sarah found out (finally!) that there is something wrong with her...thyroid.
  
• I picked corn yesterday for the first time ever!
• I have some peppers growing for the first time ever!
• I have been reading a book called "The Shack" and it has deeply affected my view of God and how he views me and loves me. It is amazing. If you've ever struggled with doubts or felt like God was distant, read this book. It's by William P. Young. Amazing!!!
• The Olympics start tonight. I'm really excited.
• I'm excited to spend some time with friends next weekend at Pulse Fest. It's a free concert with Toby Mac, Casting Crowns, Skillet and Mandisa.
  
• I'm also excited about being able to preach at my dad's church next sunday morning. It feels like one of them full circle kind of things.
• I found out that corn on the cob cooked in its husk is amazing on th grill!

Know today that God is especially fond of you and loves you deeply!

Family Camp '08M

I am tired. Camp was good...but busy and I hurt my hand so this is kind of hard to do. But here goes:

Sunday night- we watched Meet the Robinsons. Fun times.

Monday- We went to Applewood Raceway and went Go Karting; at night we went to IWU for some basketball, dodgeball, raquetball, and swimming.

Tuesday- We went Paintball at Splat Attack and I got hit twice!; Then at night we went to the Gas City Pool...brrrrrr!

Wednesday- We went to River's Edge for some putt putt and batting cages; At night we went bowling-over 100 people and I had to give some ppl their money back!

Thursday was my day off. I had lunch with my mom and we went and watched a movie. Much needed! Thanks mom for listening and for lunch.

Friday- We went to the Splash House in Marion; At night we had a game night in the dining hall.

Saturday- We had a stars vs stiffs game of softball where I hurt my hand (havent gone to the dr. yet, Sarah thinks its broke); at night we showed the Incredibles.

Busy week. I also helped cook 200+ hamburgers and 100+ hot dogs on Friday evening for the camp.

Pics:
Me closing my eyes for a second on the bus
Me, Matt and Ben at the Raceway
Me lifting up a golf cart with two girls in it
Ben and me getting ready to go racing
Isaac Capshaw chillin'

GO COLTS!! Whoops!!!!

One of the funniest videos I've ever seen!

Honda Element Pointer Ad :30 Dog

This video reminds me of my mother in-law, Peggy. On vacation anytime she would see wildflowers she would go, "Wildflowers"! Here's to you Barry.

Summer

This summer has been crazy! We had vacation and then off a week and then Sr. High Camp and then off a week and then Missions Week and then off a week and then Family Camp next week. That is three weeks of me being gone from my wife. It won't happen again if I can help it. Something is getting cut because I've been gone too much. Especially when we have children this will have to change. So...I just wanted to thank Sarah for putting up with me being gone for so much. I love you baby! Let's go on vacation!

A great read for those involved with church

I happened on a blog by Perry Noble, a pastor from South Carolina. He had a three part series that I thought would be great for you to read. If you want more go to perrynoble.com.

Pastors/Church Planters…BEWARE - Part One

I was thinking the other day about what I would types of people I would warn a pastor/church planter about–there are seven, here are the first few…

#1 - The “I’m Going To Leave If” Person

Pastors, you are going to have people threaten to leave your church–period. And 999 times out of 1,000 the best thing you can do is let them go.

I remember once in the early years being on the telephone for over an hour, begging a young lady in our church not to leave. Why was she wanting to leave? A group of singles had gotten together and forgotten to call her.

You are going to have people who don’t like the music, your wife, you talking about your kids, the way you dress, the kind of car you drive, the version of the Bible you use, your hairstyle, your zodiac sign, your staff, and your belief on the end times.

You can’t please everyone…and, to be honest, that BOTHERS me! But, reality is, according to Hebrews 13:17 you and I will stand before God one day and be held accountable for how we led the church…and I would much rather a disgruntled person walk out that God’s presence go instead!

Don’t ever be held captive by a person who keeps threatening to leave.

#2 - The “Let Me Tell You How Much Money I Have” Person.

Pastors, you’ve GOT to make a choice early - are you going to be motivated by money (thus becoming a prostitute, not a prophet) OR are you going to resign to the fact that Jesus purchased you, thus making you not for sale?

I remember early on a guy calling my assistant and demanding that I come to his house for dinner. (Something I just don’t do…explanation later!) He told her where he worked, where he lived (a NICE neighborhood), the kind of car he drove and also told her he wanted to get financially involved in the church…all I had to do was some to his house for dinner.

I didn’t go. I don’t play that game. When people begin to dangle money in front of you…it is ALWAYS attached to an agenda.

We have some incredibly generous people at NewSpring Church who give faithfully every single week. In our two campaigns that we’ve done we had a giver once give $1.4 million and another one gave $1 million…and neither of them ever asked me for one second of my time. They gave with a pure heart and with pure motives.

When people threaten to stop giving then that is an issue they will have to work out with God. Don’t let a person who has a lot of $$$ keep you from doing what God has called you to do.

When a person begins telling you how much money they have…trust me, they ultimately desire to either buy you or control you. Don’t let it happen. Tell them you are excited they have money, ask them to give generously, challenge them to be faithful in their giving…but don’t EVER begin to let them dangle money in front of you, thus becoming your source of motivation.

#3 - The “Feed Me” Person

I have never been able to keep one of these people around…ever!

You know the drill…they always come from another church (they weren’t being fed there either) and they want you to know that they are sincerely seeking a church that teaches the Bible (and they will stay as long as you teach THEIR VERSION of the Bible.)

But, if they become displeased with the sermon direction…or dissatisfied with your particular view on a theological issue…or convicted of not doing what they know they should be doing–they will say you are not feeding them and leave.

Pastor, being honest here…I’ve NEVER encountered a person who claimed they weren’t being fed that also had a dynamic personal walk with Jesus. If that were true then they would show up to the church FULL and not need to latch on to the breast!

It’s not our job to feed–but to lead to places where food can be found.

#4 - The “At My Other Church” Person

I have ZERO tolerance for this guy/girl.

They come into your church and begin to say, “Well, this is nice, but at my other church we used to (FILL IN THE BLANK.)”

I say, without apology, to these people that we are not “your other church,” and…if you liked your other church so much–GO BACK!

Enough about them…

#5 - The “This Is Too Big” Person

These people amaze me. A church will begin growing, lives will begin to change…literally the Bible begins to come to life…and because a person finally has to face the fact that the church is not about them…they take off, saying that the church is TOO BIG.

Now, that same person will go to a college football game the day before with between 80,000 to 100,000 fans (99% of whom they do not know) and be absolutely PUMPED that the stadium is packed. (Usually a sign that the team is winning!)

BUT…they want to go to “God’s house” the next day and desire for it to be small and “intimate.” Hmm, they want the football crowd to grow and the church crowd to be small…sounds like some very screwed up priorities to me.

Bottom line…the church is SUPPOSED to grow–period! And if it gets “too big” for someone, I would say it’s because their heart is “too small.” Seriously, ask yourself, what spiritual force would motivate someone to get angry when large numbers of people are coming to Christ and being taught to walk in an intimate relationship with Him? Jesus…or satan? Seriously–it’s NOT rocket science.

Let the “this is too big” person go…and don’t argue with them!

#6 - The “I Want To Know The Pastor If I’m Going To Be Here” Person

Here’s the deal, pastor, you and I are called by God to lead His church.

BUT…before that is an even greater call on our lives to love Jesus, love our wife and love and disciple our children…and there is no way that you can do all of that and also grill hot dogs with everyone in your church!

For too long pastors have been manipulated by church people into a “a pastor ought to know his church people” mentality. A thought that sounds good on the surface…EXCEPT for the fact that it is COMPLETELY un-Biblical! (Acts 6:1-7 is just one example. Exodus 18 is another!)

If a person comes in claiming they need to know you–TRUST ME ON THIS ONE–they have an agenda a mile long!!!

Yes, we should have relationships with the people we serve…but those should be led by the Holy Spirit and should NEVER take away from the first four priorities that I mentioned earlier. I lead a home group of incredible people who are not currently on staff. I go to lunch with lots of people in our church–but I never allow myself to be “guilted’ into doing so…and you can’t either.

Pastor, let me warn you–there are church people out there who will allow you to spend all your time with them…and then when your marriage falls apart or your kid turns out to be a hellion or you begin to fall apart spiritually they will turn on you so fast it isn’t funny!!! I’ve seen it…so have you–that is why you must prioritize your life…and if you don’t have time for every social in the church…so be it!

#7 - The “This Place Is Too Judgmental” Person

I was reading the other morning in the OT (either Jeremiah or Ezekiel) that if a prophet doesn’t preach repentance then he isn’t a true prophet.

Pastor, any time you begin to call people out in their sin…the fertilizer will hit the fan…and you will be labeled as an intolerant, judgmental preacher.

BUT…

The only people who get angry when you preach on giving are those who bow before money.

The only people who get angry when you preach on sexual immorality are the sexual immoral.

The only people who get angry when you preach on adultery are those who are committing adultery…or those who really want to.

The only people who get angry when you preach on gossip are the people on the prayer chain…uh…I mean those who are gossiping.

Pastors, speaking about sin isn’t easy…but it’s right. We are called to call for confession and repentance…and offer hope for those who are willing to follow Christ.

If someone isn’t angry at you then pray for God to set you on fire and lead you to preach a message that will hit the majority of your church between the eyes…and then HANG ON!

Missions Week 08

What a week! Here is a look at what we did:

July 5th- We sold Nelson's Port-a-pit chicken and ate some too!


Monday- we cleaned around the church. I mowed my lawn (lol) and it was good.

Tuesday we went to Potato Creek State park and picked up trash, cleaned out fire rings and got water out of boats.

Wednesday we went to the Lion's eye glass recycling plant in Upland, IN. We sorted over 10,000 glasses that will be sent to people who cannot afford them. What an amazing opportunity to serve. If you get the chance to go, you should do it.


Thursday we went to a local mobile home park and picked up trash and then served 40 hamburgers and a lot of hot dogs to the residents. It was a cool time to get to connect with people where they are.

Friday we held a free car wash which was really free. No strings attached and yet people still didnt believe us and also gave us $200 in donations which we gave to our church's missions fund.

Saturday we had a free breakfast for the community and that ended our week!



It was a great week of work, fun and hanging out with the kids. Nothing can replace time when you are building relationships with people.

Senior High Camp '08

What a great week at camp. I couldn't have done it without Ben and Amanda Capshaw, Bryan and Ashlie Donaugh and Matt Wallace. We make a great team!

The week was leaps and bounds above last year in terms of messages and worship. Jeff Eckart and Woody were my type of leaders. Down with the people, doing things with the people, getting muddy with the people!

I thought I was going to get into some trouble on Wednesday because we had a mud pit after one of our games and everyone, literally, everyone that played got muddy and drenched with mud. So naturally, they go back to take showers right? I went into the boys bathroom and there was water standing like six inches! It was crazy! Mud everywhere! But I didnt get in trouble.

Fun Fun Fun

I had a girl that hasnt been coming to youth group lately tell me that her dad said that she had to come on Sunday morning to "real" church to be able to go to youth group and have fun. I was on vacation and was talking with a mom and she said that she would keep her kid from coming to youth group as a punishment because it was a fun activity. I've had numerous kids say that their parents grounded them from coming to youth group events. We've got families in the church that won't let their kids come to youth because all we do is have fun. I'm fed up and tired of this. Really.
Here I am, working my but off to 1.) have an atmosphere and events that kids will WANT to come to 2.) Have people that will help me sponsor those events 3.) Have content that will mean something to this ever changing generation 4.) Make sure that I build relationships with these kids because if you don't they won't care and then I have parents fighting against me? C'mon! Really? Do they know that I am telling their kids to:

1. Honor their parents
2. To do their best in school because it will matter in the end
3. Telling them that they need to deal with their anger and attitudes
4. Helping them understand that they need to read their bible and pray
5. To be better people by following Christ

Does that sound like something that we should be keeping our kids away from? Mind boggling!

Do we have fun? You bet ya! I love having fun...but I also love it when these kids finally start getting it. Youth group isnt all fun and games...don't be the enemy be the solution!

In not of

What does it mean for a church if it is inward focused? Can that church truly be fulfilling the call that Jesus gave to us to “Go” and “reach” people? How does a church focus on simply keeping their people happy and still paying tithe rather than being out in the community and reaching people that are desperately needing the message of hope, love and forgiveness that only comes with knowing Jesus? How does a church in a struggling community build a $10 million dollar building with marble from overseas while there are people in their community that cannot afford food or health insurance? What does that say about us as a denomination or deeper, what does that say about us as believers?

I don’t claim to know it all or even half of what I need to know. I do know this: Jesus cannot be happy when we are asking ourselves is it worth it to reach out to the lost and dying rather than make our people upset. I know that God wants us to give our best and if that means lying down a service rather than giving it a “warm death” then we should stop having services. We, ministers, stretch ourselves so far simply because of the expectations that people have of us. Instead, we should be doing ministry that matters like spending time with people that need to know that you can live a life for Christ. Having ministries that reflect what Jesus would do were He here rather than just having things or a calendar full of events for the “church folk”. We love being comfortable. That is the goal it seems of most churches. I am heart-broken to hear of a friend who left his church because he was reaching out to too many of the unchurched, “rough” kids and the church kids were afraid. Maybe they need to be afraid. We have tamed our children for generations and told them to be “apart from the world” rather than being “in it and not of it”.

I am shattered by the lack of response there is to reaching out to the community. We must be reaching out or we are failing at being followers of Christ. We have fallen asleep in our pews.

Myrtle Beach, Lost dogs and Sting Rays oh my!

First off, let me say sorry for now. No pics because some nerdork stole our cameras. Anyways let me get to it:


1. Vacation was GREAT! No shoes, no problems, no rain, no worries...plenty of chips and salsa, lemonade and time spent with family (miss them already) and friends.

2. I traveled the furthest out yet, almost to my shoulders, into the ocean. If you know me and my fear of sharks you'd be proud no doubt. My strategy was to have someone in front of me so that "if" a shark/jellyfish/jaws come to bite someone, it will not be me and I can run like a schoolgirl. It worked.

3. Sarah happened to step on a sting ray! I just happened to be standing behind her ( lol see #2) and I had a crisis of faith. I didnt know at the time it was a sting ray and that it wasnt a shark or whatever, so here I was, standing looking at my wife wondering, "should I go help her" or "should I run"? I did neither and just stood there. She was fine...she just touched it with her foot.

4. We discovered a new game called Ingenious. We love it.

5. While down there, we watched "The Happening" and it was not happening. Bad ending. Disappointment reigns down.

6. On our way home, about 3 hours from home, we get a call that our dogs had run off. Helpless and sick we drove home and looked at 2am and then again at 630am and couldn't find them. Thinking that we had lost them, we get a call yesterday morning from the pound. The said that they had 2 Boston Terriers! Dude...crazy days...I never want to have that experience again. EVER!

Blessed be your name today Lord God!

Charlie bit my finger - again !

How funny is this! I need it...

Everybody is free Music Video (sunscreen)

An ode to my Seniors this year! The rest of us could use the reminders!

God of this City

I love this song because it reminds me that God has a much much bigger plan for His people. Greater things are yet to come...I believe it. Do you?

Road Signs

Just came across this today in my devotional and wanted to share it:

Jeremiah 31:21, "Set up road signs; put up guideposts."

I was thinking, what kind of road signs have I been seeing my life recently? Good ones? Bad ones? Signs that don't have anything on them? Signs help us to know where we are at in that particular moment. Speed limits, rail road crossing, and no passing zones all tell us what we should do or not do in that moment. So my question for you is, what are the signs telling you right now? Who put those signs up? Have people imposed their signs on you? I have had to keep reminding myself lately that "Hurt people, hurt people".

Don't let someone impose their negativity or their opinions on you and make you feel like what they are saying is fact or law. Meet with God and let Him help you set up your own road signs and guideposts that will lead you where HE wants you to go.

Numb What? Spelling Bee

Hilarious! I was laughin' too hard after this one!

News story and video

Hey, just thought I'd give you an update on the church break-in that happened a few weeks ago. I wish I would have caught the dudes license plate or something. Oh well.


Heres the link:
http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/19384874.html

A fill in the blank just for you about me...

Copy and paste this into your comment and fill in the blanks.

01] I _____ Andy.
02] Andy is _____.
03] If I were alone in a room with Andy, I would _____.
04] I think Andy should _____.
05] Andy needs _____.
06] I want to _____ Andy.
07] Someday Andy will ____.
08] Andy reminds me of _____.
09] Without Andy _____.
10] My memories of Andy are _____.
11] Andy can be _____.
12] The worst thing about Andy is _____.
13] The best thing about Andy is _____.
14] I am _____ with Andy.
15] One thing i would like to know about Andy is _____.
16] Andy should go and _____.
17] Andy _____ me.

Update time...

hey all. I just thought i'd update you on us:


1. We got a new King sized bed (thanks W). It's amazing.
2. Church softball is getting ready to start, I'm ready for it to start.
3. There are 9 Seniors graduating (only 4 come consistently). I am going to miss them greatly.
4. If you haven't listened to/watched the video below, take the time. It is encouraging.
5. My summer plans are weighing heavy on me this week. A lot to do...
6. The summer apathy bug has hit home in the church and in the youth group. We have definitely hit a wall, HARD!
7. I got to spend time last Friday with my Mom, my brother Kerry and the SPEDS playing some ball and hanging out. I needed it and I need more of it as we don't really have a lot of people to "hang out" with up here in Michiana or Indianigan.
8. We go on vacation in two weeks! I can almost smell the beach...or is that...never mind
9. I got to go see my Grandparents and mom for Mother's Day a few weeks ago. It was really good seeing them.
10. I read a blog and it had some great quotes on criticism from Rick Warren that I thought should be passed along:

"If you wrestle with a pig you'll both get dirty."
"Define yourself or others will."
"Bless those who curse you."
"Separate fact from opinion."
"Hurt people hurt people."
"Insults are insecurities."

Be thankful today for what you do have!

NEEDTOBREATHE - Washed By The Water

I love this song. It has a lot of meaning to me and it is also a GREAT song!

American Idol Season 7

I am so glad that David Cook won. He was MUCH better and is just a better all around artist. David A. really only sang slow tempo, ballad-esque songs. He was good but it seemed like he was a one trick pony. It was good to see someone so humble and thankful...it reminded me a lot of when the Clark Brothers won Next Great American Band. I think when all is said and done, David Cook will be one of the top selling American Idols. WTG!!!

Wowsers!

Hey there...

I hope you are blessed and thanking God for what you have. I just wanted to fill you in on a very "God" thing that happened to me late Monday night/early Tuesday morning.

To make a medium story short, I was taking the dogs out right before going to bed and spotted a car over by the church. I got a flashlight and started walking over to the car and a dude comes out of the basement door and I yell at him and he takes off. He was scared of my guns (arms for you older people). He didn't get much, a missions change jar and a couple digital cameras. It was interesting because my post that morning was talking about how God watches out for us when we are vulnerable. How true and striking to realize that all of us are more vulnerable than we think. It got me to thinking, what am I relying on God for? Food? No. Money? Not really. What? What can he provide for me that my culture tells me I can do on my own? What about you?

Just a word of encouragement

"...for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard".

-Isaiah 52:12b


Before and behind! How comforting to know that even when it seems that you are vulnerable, God has "got your back". Be blessed

What a week!

Sarah and I had quite a week. It started on Sunday night three minutes before nTune began. I got a call from my Mom telling me that my Aunt Lois had had a heart attack. Sarah had just got back from being with her Grandma Saturday and Sunday morning. Then, Sarah's Grandma Mary passed away last Monday. So we went to Bluffton to help and to be with Sarah's Mom for the viewing and funeral. As luck would have it, IWU's Never Too Young Junior High Weekend started Friday and ended Saturday. Yeah...huh? We will miss Grandma Mary and her southern-bell way about her. Never complaining, never doing too bad always kind and loving. Always ready to beat you in Euchre. So this week should be a little better. We have an overnighter on Friday and then we are going to Celina to see the family on Saturday. Yeah for being busy! Here are some pics from the week/weekend:




Pics: The first one is of Bummies in Bluffton. This is Sarah's favorite place in the world...to eat and maybe to live. Her mom worked there and her aunt worked there. The second one is the group we took to IWU. The third one is Sarah "out like a light" on the way home from IWU on Saturday.

American Idol

Hey there...a lighter post....I just want to let you know that my top 3 favorites are all still in the race! My top three go like this:

3. Syesha Mercado- she is the best female vocalist. She might not have the personality that attracts everyone but I really like her voice and the way she uses it!



















1 & 2. Jason Castro and David Cook- I like them both for very different reasons. I think David Cook will sell the most albums and be the most popular. Jason Castro just has a way about him and his voice that makes you want to listen and he is so unassuming.



















Sarah likes Brooke (I did earlier on) and she really doesnt like Syesha. Oh well.
However, we both agree that we DO NOT LIKE David A. I was talking to my mom the other day and saying the only reason he is still in it is because of all the tweens that are voting for him. She said that there weren't only tweens voting for him ;) And I laughed. I have a 60% chance of having someone win this year. Blake got jobbed last year. Oh well.

Truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!

I read a devotional the other day talking about worship and what Jesus said about it. In John 4:23-24 Jesus says,

"It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration."

It got me to thinking about how truthful we are with each other. Most of the time we feel like we have to put on a face or act a certain way when we are around this person or that person. I feel like this a lot of the time as a pastor. People come to me with their problems and worries and you name it and I feel as though I need to be the considerate, sheparding man of God that my calling lends itself to. However, there are times when I am disgusted with things. Things that I have no control over. Things that have built up...things that have come from our blind side. So here is my attempt at being honest and open for today:

I am...

frustrated with our church
frustrated with the youth group
isolated
deeply in love
waiting for something that I don't always have the faith for
wanting God to bring people around me that make me better
strongly in search of answers from God to the questions that are raging in my mind
thankful for music that touches my soul
hungry for change
feeling like a used car salesman
pressed and often times crushed it feels
wondering about the future
fearful of my flaws
passionately looking forward to a break
questioning things that happen and don't happen
debating my relevance in the face of decline and apapthy
trusting in God
waiting for Him to move
breathing spring and newness in
blessed because of God's unfailing love
awed by new life and fresh air
missing my friends
missing my family

thats about it...

still, I remain

Encourage!

Yesterday morning I preached in the morning service about encouragement. I told our people three things about encouragement:

1. Encouragement must be spoken.
2. Encouragement must be good news.
3. Encouragement isn't about you, it's about them.


So, who do you need to encourage today? I dare you to encourage 2 people this week. Watch out though, because when you start to encourage people, the enemy starts to discourage you! It's worth it though...


2 people! Do it!

What goes on?

Man life is just plain old busy. I hate having things on my mind that I know I need to do and haven't done yet. Those things just bug the sin out of me! Just thought I'd give an update on the lives of Sarah and Andy.


1. I have been staying very busy lately with the new(ish) service, nTune. I guess it's not that new anymore. It has been going well. Slowly but surely we are getting some people to come and I think it will be a very beneficial thing for Shiloh in the end.

2. My guitar playing has been a huge blessing. I am playing on both Wednesday and Sunday nights for the youth and nTune services. Then I am also doing the devo/ message. Needless to say by the time Wednesday night and Sunday night rolls around I am beat!

3. Spring is finally starting to sprung...but it is doing so s-l-o-w-l-y. Sarah and I were able to get out into the yard finally and do some much needed yard work. We are getting ready in a few weeks to plant our first and my first ever garden! I am surprisingly excited even though I have no green thumb or anything that closely resembles that (even though a lady at Zales told me I had Shrek hands)!

4. A very busy summer is staring me in the face. not all of it is busy, hard work. It starts in June. June 6-14 we are going to South Carolina for vacation. The following week is Jr. High Camp, I just have to take the kids down for that one. Then the week after that is Sr. High Camp and I am in charge of the activities all week! I really enjoy doing this though even though it would seem to be really crazy I really like doing it. Then there's a week off. Finally, we have our Missions Week were we'll be at the church all week and go around in the community and do different things. Then another week off and then family camp for a week where I'll again be doing the activities for the teens. It makes me tired just looking at it! But it will be a lot of fun.

5. April has been busy for me as well. On the 6th and 20th I had to/have to preach in the morning service, then do the worship and give the message at nTune that night. It makes for a full day. This past week we had our 3rd annual Chili cook-off. It was really fun and everyone had a great time.

6. We have had a lot of visitors lately. Ben and Amanda Capshaw came up a few weeks ago with Isaac. Then, a few Thursdays ago, Sarah's Mom Peggy came up for a night. Finally, this past weekend my Mom and Aunt Lana and Uncle Terry came up and we got to spend some good time with them. So it has been a really nice time to be able to spend with family and friends.

7. Sarah and I watch American Idol . We both really like Jason Castro, Brooke White and David Cook. After that it gets shady...she doesn't like Syeshia and I think she is probably the best girl singer left. She is just dead behind the eyes sometimes. I really don't like the young David...or KL Cook.

8. We are getting ready to lose our Seniors this year and boy is it going to hurt. They have been the backbone of the group and will be sorely missed.

9. I have to keep reminding myself that you don't have to get all of the ducks to have a good duck hunt. Meaning, I shouldn't look at who isn't at church and say (fill in the blank) should have been here. Rather, I should been thankful of who is there and be thankful for that.

10. I am so thankful for my wife. She has made me and is still making me a much better man every day. She just brings out the best in me and makes me want to do better. God has really blessed me with an amazing talented, somewhat off-beat, but always on beat with me kind-of-girl! I'm rockin' one leg, Jealous?! (inside joke)

It's Crean and Crimson time!

Dude...if you know me, one of my passions is Indiana University basketball. This has been one of the longest seasons I've ever had to deal with. High expectations ended with a bitter, bad taste in the mouths of IU fans. I was a little worried about who they would hire then news came that they hired Tom Crean from Marquette. At first, I was uncertain with the hire. Then, after hearing his presser today, I am IMPRESSED! He GETS IU and the traditions. I am psyched about next year even though it might be a hard year. He is a squeaky-clean, amazing family man that is something IU definitely needed! GO HOOSIERS!

Goodbyes are not always good.

Time marches on. It always has, it is and it always will. There are certain moments in our lives when we want time to go quicker. We wish to be older or old enough at least. We get to that thing or age and it passes and we are still not old enough or now we are too young. People come and go and then we do it all again with new people. New relationships turn into old friendships. The excitement always wears off and time either brings you closer or you fade apart.
How weird is it to think about the past and how close you were with "fill in the blank" and how far you seem from them now? I think in every relationship we are either coming closer of fading apart. I don't think that there is a middle ground. It makes me sad thinking about the Seniors from the youth group this year. I have seen them mature and grow into great young adults. I just wish I could keep them around for another four years. That is something that is hard on Youth workers. You try and try to build relationships with these students and then eventually they are gone. Off into the world. Shiloh has pumped some pretty great teens through it's doors but I guess I am prejudice in thinking that this has to be one of the best groups to have been a part of this church. Seniors, you know who you are, I am really going to miss you. You all will do great things and see greater things. Never go anywhere without Jesus.

How are your relationships? Are you drifting apart from that life-long friend? Proverbs 17:17 says that "A friend loves at all times..." Do you need to make that phone call or visit to that person who meant so much to you not so long ago? Go ahead. Go right ahead. Make their day.

Congrats!

I want to send a special congrats to my brother from another mother today...Ben and Amanda Capshaw! As of 7:30 ish last night they are parents of a baby boy, Isaac. I am so happy for you both and know that you'll be great parents! Dude that is amazing!