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!

Brackets and more brackets!

It is a national phenomenon. It sweeps the nation and has swept Jellyvision! It is time for the NCAA Bracket Challenge!

Think you know know who will win? Got it all figured out? Well then, sign up and lets see!

This is free and just for fun...

Here's the info:

This message is from andy jellison who is challenging you to play Men's Tournament Challenge on ESPN.com.

This game gives you the chance to win $10,000 by predicting the winner of the most games in the 63 game men's college basketball tournament. A correct selection in the first round counts as 10 points, and in each succesive round the point values are doubled. You can create up to ten entries, and best of all, it's FREE to play.

Get in the action now:
http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/group?groupID=3221

Game Front:
http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/frontpage

Group: Jellyvision
Password: indiana

Even if you are not a fan, sign up just for fun!

My Tivo

I was sitting here wondering this morning about what shows other people watch. Do you have a list of shows that you tape or Tivo? Here's mine:

Reality TV- I was a junkie and then Sarah joined in:
1. Survivor
2. Amazing Race
3. Big Brother
4. American Idol
5. The Apprentice


Other shows:
6. Lost
7. October Road
8. Psych
9. CSI
10. Dexter
11. Jericho
12. Heroes
13. Carpoolers
14. SNL
15. The Soup
16. Any IU game
17. Criminal Minds
18. The 4400
19. Men in Trees
20. Las Vegas

We aren't home much at night so we tape a lot and have stuff to watch whenever we can. How about you? What do you watch?

SPORTS ALERT!!! If you don't like sports, hit the back arrow NOW!

This quite possibly is the best time of the year. I have various reasons that I will list below. Why is it that almost all guys (75% or more) love sports? Is it the thrill of reliving the "glory" days that weren't so glorious for me (I played 1 year of football, 5 or so of baseball (I won a little league state title and was 2 games from going to the LL World Series!) and 4 years of basketball (I got cut my 10th grade year, I was too slow or something). I love sports. I love watching it and I love playing. My dream after I retire is to do one of two things, be a greeter at Wal-Mart or actually be retired and have season tickets to a Major League Baseball team and go to every home game. I know...I know pathetic. OH well...we all have our whims and wishes. Anyways...here goes:


1. Baseball season is just around the corner...I can smell the grass being cut now! AAACCHOOO!

2. I love the NBA and this has been a really competitive season so far.

3. Championship Week...I love the NCAA tournament but the week leading up to it is almost just as good.

4. The NCAA tournament. Is there better sports days in the year than the Thursday and Friday of the first weekend of the tournament? I think not!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Go Hoosiers!

A great article as we get closer to Easter

This is an article that Sarah's mom, Peggy, wrote for her local paper. Great article.

A View From The Cross-Road

by: Peggy Barnell

The Shadow of the Cross


I have heard medical professionals explain the physical pain that a person would experience during death by crucifixion. Blow-by-blow account given as to how the body's systems would gradually fail and eventually bring death. When I consider that level of suffering, I can't help but reflect on the significance of Easter and the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.

Thanks to my early years in Sunday School, I was always aware of the history of Easter. But it wasn't until much later in my adult life that I began to have some comprehension of what that event encompassed. The non-descript awareness that Jesus died on a cross for the sins of mankind gave way to a gradual awakening that it was much more personal than that. I began to recognize that Jesus gave His life not only for murderers and rapists and thieves, He gave His life for my sin.
When that revelation began to dawn in my head and heart, as the prophet Isaiah described, I felt as though

"I was undone" - overwhelmed to think that every selfish act, every ugly, spite-filled, lustful, greedy thought or deed of my own had sent Christ to the cross just as surely as the sins of all those "evil people" of the world.

Though I know it's a done deal, when I contemplate Jesus' death, there is some innate sense of justice within me that wants to stop Him from enduring the suffering - wants Him not to take on my sin as His own. In those deeply reflective moments I struggle with the urge to cry out and plead: Please, don't - don't do that for me! It's just so... unfair... I know how unworthy I am of that kind of sacrifice, that kind of love.

A friend shared his like-minded, sympathetic fantasy. He imagines that he is there at the cross - he removes the nails from the hands and feet of Jesus and by doing so, eases His pain and brings Him comfort.
As sweet and comforting as that scenario is to consider, it completely defeats the purpose of the sacrifice. The fact that Jesus willingly took our deserved sins upon His undeserving self is the intrinsic point of the matter.

Last Sunday one of the worship team members at my church stood and played his guitar just a bit downstage from the cross that is erected on the platform. Though I feel sure it was unintentional on his part, from my viewpoint in the crowd of worshipers, it seemed as though he was standing in the shadow of the cross. Occasionally he would extend his arms out to his side, face turned heavenward as he sang praise with abandon to God. As I watched him sing and worship with the cross behind him, it occurred to me that it's exactly what the cross does for those who recognize it's significance. It casts a loving shadow over us. It re-centers our lives - the way we think and process and love and view the world around us.

And to live in such a manner, dear friends, is exactly what Jesus asks of us in return.

John 15: 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has one one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Pressure and Trust

I don't think in my adult life (circa 2004, since graduating college and being in the real world) have I ever needed a vacation more than right now. I hate it when people pressure me but most of all, I hate it when I pressure myself. I often times put undue pressure on myself without even realizing it until I am sitting in my office chair on a Monday morning. There is pressure from work, pressures at home, pressures it seems that are rising as quick as gas after eating at buffalo wild wings. I hate the fact that when we are young and have no responsibilities that we don't relish it enough. I was talking with my brother this morning and just thinking about how nice it was just to be together and hanging out without a pressure in the world. What this all boils down to is two things I want to talk about:


1. When I get pressured or feel like I am the only person doing anything, I either get short with people or I shut down and don't talk with people. I often don't like to give other people things to do that I need done because I don't trust them or am worried that it will cause more problems than help for me. So this translates into people putting my wife in the middle. They think that I am unapproachable. And I am starting to wonder if that is the case? Am I unapproachable when there is something I don't like or agree with on the table? I really don't know. As a Pastor, I guess I feel like I always have to have an answer, whether right or wrong, all the time. That grades on me because sometimes I really don't have an answer or know what the best thing to do is.

2. Trust. God and I have been conversations about this. I was preaching on this very thing a couple of weeks ago in the morning worship service and as I was preparing, I thought about Phil. 4:13: I can do everything through him who gives me strength, and it hit me that we often take this to mean that we can do whatever it is that we are doing and God will give us strength. However, I think that it is saying that we can do anything when Christ is at work through us. I sometimes get so busy with ministry and doing stuff, that I forget that God is the one that makes things happen. You could have the worst preparation and things fall apart for an event but if God has been called upon and he enters the scene it is going to be breathtaking. God is giving me more opportunities to trust Him and I am trying my best to do just that.


I hope this finds you well and joyful in Jesus.

Update from Jellyland

Hey all...

What a busy, busy, busy time of the year. Here we are in the last week of February already! Yikes! I just wanted to update a few things for you, just in case you are wondering:


1. We started nTune, shiloh's new contemporary service last sunday night. It went well... and I know that God is going to move and use this service.

2. We are preparing for Easter which seems really early this year. Is Christmas in November too?!

3. I have continued to practice and play my guitar for worship. I don't know what the youth group and nTune would look like if God hadn't motivated me. He works in crazy ways I guess.

4. Ben and Amanda Capshaw are expecting a baby any time now. I am really excited for them. (This will be the only mention of babies in this post)

5. Somehow, the all-nighter spirits got together to play a nasty trick on me. Last Friday, a sponsor and myself took 13 teens to play lazer tag in Ft. Wayne. It was fun, but it started at 12:30am and got over around 3:30! This week is the disrict all-nighter and it goes from 7p-7a...so essentially from 5p-9a...I'm working 5 to 9 and what a way to do it!

6. I have been growing a beard in support of national beard growing month. I am ready to shave it, even though there isn't much there...sniff...sniff.

7. Indiana Basketball has been a mess lately. I am glad that there was some resolution...now we wait and see if it was enough. Go Hoosiers!

8. I am looking forward to the Big Ten Tournament (3/14) because I get to see my brother Kerry and go watch IU! I need a little break and I think that this will do until...

9. Myrtle Beach baby! I am looking with longing eyes at June 7-14th! I cannot wait to go to the beach!

10. I am ready for spring. I love winter and the cold but this is just overboard!

Hope this finds you well. Later

Boy am I glad today!

I STRONGLY DISLIKE the New England Patriots. I don't like their coach, the Quarterback, the players...Randy Moss and his stupid fish move or whatever it is, I don't like the media coverage of the "undefeated" team that never happened! I am so glad that they didn't win. This was the greatest Super Bowl game I've ever witnessed. It was almost better and more rewarding than last year...almost. I am thankful for Eli Manning and his humbleness in victory which would have been the same reaction if he'd have lost. And for Plaxico Burress's reaction and emotions after thanking God.

ntune-coming sundays @ 630pm (Feb. 24th)

Do you pray? I hope so...I would love for you to just throw up a prayer for this:


We are starting a new service at Shiloh!

What: nTune - a modern worship setting with relavent messages that speak to your life
When: Sundays @ 630 pm (Starting Feb. 24th)
Who: All who want to be a part of a community of believers that are seeking to daily look more like Jesus

We are going to have a "coffee house" set up with different drinks and a relaxed atmosphere.

Please pray that God will use this for His glory.

Thanks

Youth Pastor and Spouse Renewal Weekend 08

Hey. Just thought I would give you an update. For those of you who are close to us (not geographically) you know that the past month and a half has been a rough one for the Jellison's on the North side of Indiana. Things with family, dogs, and the church had taken a toll on Sarah and me. We were coming down to the nub of our emotions and needed a break. Boy did we get one! This past weekend could not have come at a better time. We definitely got renewed and refreshed just over the course of two and a half days. We got to hang out with Ben and Amanda (we really should move closer to each other) and with the rest of the Indiana North brotherhood. Then we were able to go to Level 13 for sunday morning worship (this is our districts church plant in Ft. Wayne). What an amazing weekend. Great times were had by all.

God can't do what?!

Things God won’t or can’t do


Have you ever felt down? Alone? Do you often feel like there is no one around that understands what you are going through? Do you feel as though you might as well be out on an island in the Pacific by yourself? Are there times when you feel so weak that you wonder if you’ll ever recover? Are there times when you feel that God has to be looking the other way when things are happening to you? Well if you answered yes to any or all of those questions have I got an article for you Introducing the Old and saint-trusted, Word of God Let me just list for you some of the exciting things you will hear:


God never faints or grows weary (Isa. 40:28)

God never forgets us (Romans 8:38-39)

God never remembers our sins once we’ve asked for forgiveness (Ps. 103:12)

God will never forsake us (Deut. 31:6)

God will never ask us to do something we can’t do through His strength (Phil. 4:13)

God never misses one time when we cry out to Him (Ps. 40:1)

Finally, God cannot forget our name (Isa. 43:1)


You see, we often get stuck in a rut mentally and we get these thoughts going through our head. We can’t do this or I could never do that or I am all alone and no one really knows how I feel. We start thinking them so often that we start to believe that they are the truth. However, we have God’s word and can know that he is moving, guiding, directing and planning for our good He has the best for us in mind. So don’t let those nagging thoughts become your reality. Get into the word, believe what it says.

An uplifting post...

Isaiah 40:28

"God has lost track of me.
He doesn't care what happens to me"?
Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?
God doesn't come and go. God lasts.
He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired,
they walk and don't lag behind.
The Message

Major update

Man, I feel like I am still somewhere else. What has transpired since I last posted in the lives of Sarah and Andy? Well:


1. We traveled from Plymouth to Dunkirk to Elwood to Plymouth. From Plymouth to Bluffton to Portland to Bluffton to Elwood to Plymouth. All for Christmas events! wowsers...

2. We went to Orlando Florida for Setapart 07...the internation Wesleyan Youth Conference where over 7000 teens and adults had an amazing time of worship and challenge.

3. We were on a charter bus for 44 hours round trip. Those seats were small and hard. Plus, on the way home, I got sick and had a reversal of fortunes in the "smallest bathroom ever" on the charter bus on New Year's Eve.

4. I have had a cough for about 2 and 1/2 weeks and go to the doc and find out that I have acute broncitis.

5. The Colts lost...boo.

6. Mike Huckabee won in Iowa and came in 3rd in N.H.

7. I got a Wii for Christmas...and WE love it!

8. Sarah and I went to Chicago for her Christmas present last weekend ("Wicked" tickets and a night at the historic (old) Ambassodor East Hotel. Wicked was amazing.

9. I was leading worship yesterday morning and I was introing a song that I had sung a thousand times and I completely forgot how it went. Nothing. The crickets were the only thing making noise in my noggin'. Embarrassing.

10. Life moves on...it never stops and lets you catch up. I am thankful that God never fails at anything that he does. He never faints, he never grows weary.

I am a man!

Dude...I just finished Donald Miller’s book, “To Own a Dragon: Reflections on growing up without a father”. What an eye opening book! Last May when we were at MB, South Carolina, Peggy (Sarah’s Mom) suggested that I read “Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge and so I just recently started reading it hardcore (in the bathroom mind you). Surpisingly enough, the Miller book mentions the other book in the course of the discussion. It was all about men and how they somehow feel less of a man or no man at all when they don’t have their fathers affirmation. It is amazing to me at how deep this issue is in my life. Going in, I thought that I would just read it because I love Miller and maybe it will give me some pointers for when I have kids (none on the way, so don’t ask!). Boy oh boy was I wrong. In “To own a dragon”, Miller talks about how he felt like a burden to his father and that is a reason why his father never gave him the affirmation that he was indeed, a man. A theme that kept popping up was that he didnt know if he had what it took. He didn’t know if he had what it took to get this girl or get that job or get this grade or...you get the drift. Sometimes, I admit, that I struggle with this. Do I have what it takes to be better, to be a great husband, to be a great future father? Do I have what it takes for my boss or future bosses to like me? Can I do anything more than what I am doing right now? Could I do what “he’s” doing? Can I be a better leader? Can I ever play the guitar like “him”? Is my situation as good as someone elses? And it goes on and on.
Another thing that I struggle with is criticism. I know that it comes with the job, but I am still not very good at taking it. I try not to give it out too much and encourage more. I was reading this morning in “Wild at Heart” this passage in which Eldredge was just talking about D-day and how the men that successfully got up to the cliffs where stunned and shell shocked and how that resembles the men of today and more specifically in the church.

“They thought that becoming a Christian would somehow end their troubles, or at least reduce them considerably. No one ever told them they were being moved to front lines, and they seem genuinely shocked at the fact that they’ve been shot at.”

Being in leadership in any place in life is hard. Being in leadership in a church is magnified. Like that quote says, you’d think that leading a group of people that are supposed to be trying to be more like Jesus that you’d get fired at less often. I think, until recently, I was in a state of shock because I was so surprised that I was being shot at by those that were supposed to be on my side! I questioned whether or not I had what it took to be a pastor, a man that leads God’s people.
My conclusion: I am being shot at and I do have what it takes to stand against the forces, either man or the evil schemes of the enemy. Whether from in front of me or those that are supposed to be beside me. I can stand...I am a man. But more importantly, I am a man after God’s heart!

Christmas '07 ramblings

Hey there...just some quite random thoughts on Chrsitmas...Rudolph and the little drummer boy



1. This year is like every other year since Sarah and I have been married...8 different Christmas events to attend...wowsers! Christmas is getting expensive for us.

2. I was listening to Rudolph the RNR the other day and realized that Rudy is unlike a lot of us. Those other reindeer laughed and poked fun at and made him the butt of all their jokes. Then, one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say, "Rudy with your nose so bright won't you guide my sleigh tonight". Here's the kicker, "THEN HOW THE REINDEER LOVED HIM"...how many of us would have just forgiven and stepped up to the plate like Rudy did? Americans, Christians and leaders seem to like to make a list and check it twice to remember all the times that other people have hurt us. We need to be careful that we don't let those nasty reindeer in our lives keep us from living up to what God has called us to do. (P.S. Why didn't Santa stop the ridicule? Does God give us the opportunity to be forgiving or just help us to forgive?)

3. The little drummer boy struck me the other day. Just one line though, because we had to turn it because this is Sarah's least favorite song. "I have no gift to bring...Barrummmbbumm bum". We think so little of ourselves sometimes. We start to question who we are and what God was doing when he made us the way we are. We begin looking at others and think how much our lives would be better if we just were like them or had this ability. Well, we all have our own strengths and if you don't USE your's that doesn't mean that you don't have one. It means that you are sitting on an unwrapped gift that Jesus deserves and longs for you to use! You have no gift to bring? Bahumbug! We all do...find yours and use it....

4. This Christmas I have kept coming back to the nearness of Christ. That he was here. That he had a purpose and that was to come and then die and then rise from the dead and come back some day. God's spirit has been shown to me in this season by re-realizing that Jesus REALLY did come to Earth. It isn't like Santa Claus or a national, cultural tradition. It is HISTORY! Jesus did come...he has come and he will come!

5. Cherish all that you have. Family, friends, enemies... :)

Merry Christmas to all...and to all a good night

Be near me Lord Jesus

As Christmas approaches, it seems my view of God changes a bit. Christmas just brings everything a little bit closer. Like a giant huddle underneath a blanket on a chilly night. Things, even though there are so many parties and different places to go, seem to slow down in the moments when I am alone. I was listening to Christmas music and this song came on and we have all heard it a million times but one part really struck me that day.

 "Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
 Close by me forever, and love me, I pray;"

I had often thought of this verse as me being near the manger and seeing the baby and ME being near him. But in fact, it is Him that is near to us. He is the one that came from an eternal place of worship and peace and amazement to be in a place of sin and war and discontentment.

Most of the population on this spinning ball don't like to be alone. We have this innate sense of needing to be near someone else. We give up reason, freedom, choice and sometimes faith to be near someone or something else. We are made to be loved and to be touched. How wonderful and awe-inspiring would it have been to be able see Jesus? Would that make you have more faith today? If you could go in a time machine and actually see Jesus, would that give you more devotion and passion for the reasons he came?

In the end, after all the searching and questioning and empty pursuits to find love, it is to be found in one place. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed...the little Lord Jesus lays down His sweet head. The stars in the sky look down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
There is no reason to look anywhere else for the love that you need.
Jesus has come this day!
A Saviour is born!
God truly is with us!
May God draw you close to Him this Christmas Season!

Merry Christmas,
Pastor Andy

Tailgating in the sweet bye and bye

This past Saturday, I got the opportunity to go to my first This past Saturday, I got the opportunity to go to my first college football game. I got to see Notre Dame beat Duke. It was a great time and a great atmosphere to experience. Something struck me hard though before the game. We went early and I experienced another first: tailgating. We spent about an hour and a half just hanging out. What struck me wasn't the amount of people or what they were or weren't drinking etc. It hit me that they have being "together" more than most local churches. They share food, share stories, and share just about anything. They just meet everybody and nobody seems left out. They are laughing and joking and being, without really knowing them, their best selves when these times come. It seems in a tailgating lot, that there are no problems, no worries, nothing that you have to do or don't do to make "tailgating" right. They are just experiencing life together. So often we get caught up in the "how" and forget to be happy in the now. We get so frustrated with everything going on around us and we start to have fewer things to appreciate. You see, when we start complaining and being mean and bitter about things, it trickles into everything we do, everything we say and eventually affects how we live.

The church needs to start living life with each other and stop telling and talking about how others are doing so much wrong and how they need to live. Sure, call sin sin but don't let that be OUR calling card. We aren't called to into all the world and preach the condemning/sad/turn or burn message are we? Is that what Jesus said? No...he said go and tell them the good news...the news that there is a better life. One that if lived with the right priorities can be abundant and joy-filled. We (people who are trying to be more like Christ and less like a "Christian") should start living our lives like a tailgate. Befriending all, criticising few... laughing more, bad mouthing less...giving to others, comparing what we have to those around...

You see...I don't know what Heaven will be like but I'd like to think it will be a little like tailgating. With its good times, everybody is a friend and such an atmosphere of excitement and joy that people would want to be there above anywhere else.

I need to tailgate more in my life. How about you?

Those songs aren’t “spiritual” enough!

There are frustrations in ministry that baffle the mind. None more than the issue of music for me. I have heard comments from complaining “Christians” and read different posts about how we should continue using the hymnal and such. The arguments are all about how “spiritual” the hymns are and how much meaning that they have to the person. Here are some comments I have heard about new worship:

“Oh, you’re going to sing one of those 7/11 songs. 7 words sung 11 times!”

“That music is from the devil and is not God-honoring.”

“Songs like Friend of God and Blessed be your name won’t be remembered in 50 years.”


Do you know how frustrating it is for a worship leader to plan, prepare, and simply lead worship then at the end to hear these types of things? I know people will critizise anything that they don’t like. I think music is more about personal preference and opinion rather than whether it is God honoring or not. This whole issue has me so frustrated and sick that it makes me just want to spit nails. It has been going on for so long that it makes you wonder if it not something that Satan using to his advantage often.


Here are my assumptions:

1. Who are you to call music that is about God, sung to him and for him not spiritual enough? Really...just because it isn’t the type of music that you came to the Lord under doesn’t mean it can’t do that for someone else.

2. Some hymns are great. Some...not so much. Don’t try and tell me that they are more scripturally based. That is a joke. Both types are mainly based in scripture with both having exceptions. Don’t go there.

3. This battle must be frustrating to the one who died for us. We talk about this, argue about this, criticize about this and leave churches over this.

4. Trying to blend the music never hits the two sides enough. The elders, who pay the bills and have been the foundation of the church, don’t like it when it’s too loud or they can’t learn the song. The younger people, who I’ve been told, don’t pay tithe, are lax in their commitment, and don’t want to be held accountable, feel as though the other peoples songs are boring and are sung out of tradition rather than out of worship.

5. We often forget that God is the audience, not us. We are the participants not the worship leader or band. Lastly, that it is all for God and anything that we call the work of the devil that is actually the work of God doesn’t bode well for us.

6. Don’t tell me what means something to me. I will remember some hymns and some modern worship songs in 50 years. The better question would be, what type of songs will we be singing in heaven? Will it be songs about us and how we have decided to follow Jesus or songs about how great our God is? Chew on that one for a while.

Birthday and Anniversary 07

It's hard to believe that it has been two years since Sarah and I got hitched! It feels like yesterday and forever at the same time. How God has helped us grow so much in such a short time. Sarah is an amazing, supportive and brilliant woman and wife. So much could be said...I just love you so much.


Last Friday we went to the Zoo for my birthday. It was amazing! I faced my fear and touched a SHARK!!! The animals were so cool and it was great to share with my wife.

Sarah bought me an electric acoustic guitar for my birthday...I was shocked and amazed. I have been "at it" teaching myself how to play for a little under three months. This sure helps. My friend Terry, who is a great guitar player, gave me some tips over the weekend.

We got to spend some time with friends and family on Thursday. We went to Buffalo Wild Wings and then the guys went and played bball. It was a fun time and much needed break and bonding time with some of my best friends. I miss those guys so much...

passing out...

So I am working out hard. I have been for the past 3 weeks. Hard! Last week I went 6 days. So Sarah had a personal training session last week and I decided that I would do one as well. Wow...I went this morning at 8am. I didn't eat anything because I hate burping it up when I get going. So, I get about half way through. I am doing pretty well...out of breath and sweating buckets but good none the less. Then, it happened. I did this one thing and when I got done, I started to get light-headed. Then I started to get sick. Then I started heaving up nothing. Boy, did I feel stupid. I learned my lesson today...eat something before you work out that hard and get your butt kicked! Hope all is well with you

Grace

The other day, our dog Lex gave me a lesson in grace. You see, I had spent the majority of the day hanging out with some of the guys from youth group playing some games and had left him out like we have done for a while now. He hadn't done anything to give us the need to put him up. So I get home from our service that night, and I find not one, but TWO chewed TV remotes(this makes 3 or 4 for Lex)! I gave him a good spanking and yelled at him and put him in the kennel. I was steaming mad. He had used the living room floor as his own personal toilet. So he knew I was mad. He just stood in his kennel staring at me. So we left to get some food and came back, let them out and sure enough Lex comes over to me and pushes up against me for me to pet him like nothing had ever happened.
When I get punished or hurt or the critics seem so loud, it is really hard for me to forget that. When something happens, I tend to remember it for a while and it comes to mind whenever I see that person. There is always this level of protectiveness that I feel I must keep. Still, thinking about Jesus and how much he loves us and how often we let him down, I can't help but feel inadequate in the area of grace. I need to give grace more often like my dog...just forget the things that hurt quickly and get back to becoming who I need to be.

For the next three months...

I am starting a quest. A competition of sorts. A challenge. I have agreed to do a 3 month "Biggest Loser"-esque competiton. There are four people per team and you get weighed in once a month for the next three months. I have a goal but I am not going to tell you what that goal is. This is exciting for me because I love a challenge and competition drives me! Here's to self control...

I love my wife!

Yesterday was Sarah's birthday! I was her taxi driver for the day. It started out with me cooking some breakfast for her. Then I took her for a full body massage, manicure and pedicure. Then we went and met her mom in Warsaw for dinner at Hacienda. It was a great day for a most amazing woman. She definitely holds me up! :)

What Andy is "into" right now

Hey there...I love that it has turned cold and that means that a lot of things are making me all warm and happy. I thought i'd list them for you. Welcome to Jellyville:


1. My favorite songs: The Pretender (Foo Fighters), Almost Lover (A Fine Frenzy), Love Reign Over Me (Pearl Jam), These Days (Jackson Browne), 1234 (Feist), Breathe In/Breathe Out (Mat Kearney), Refine Me (Jennifer Knapp)

2. Movies: Reign Over Me. (I love watching movies that make you feel something. This movie makes me appreciate life and brings a lot of different emotions at the same time. It is up there.)

3. Learning the guitar: I started August 27th. You see, a friend started learning how to play and I thought to myself, "if he can do it, so can I". So I have been teaching myself and practicing every day. There is something so worshipful about playing and singing at the same time. You just FEEL more.

4. Thoughts of children: I cannot wait to start a family. Nothing in the near future, but I really am longing to have a kid of my own. Not just that, but I want to have a kid with Sarah. I cannot wait to be a parent with her.

5. Hot Chocolate: I love swiss miss! MMMM!

6. Trying to let things around me teach me about who God is: Jason Tash spoke at Family Camp Teen Track and said that when one of his children were born, he asked God to show himself through the child. I am trying to see God in the little and big. The frustrating and the elating.

7. Sweatshirts: I love wearing a hooded sweatshirt. Hands down my favorite piece of clothing.

8. IU basketball season starts tonight with Hoosier Hysteria. If you know me, you know that I love IU basketball. Period.

9. My wife: I feel our marriage has really grown since our vacation to South Carolina in May.

10. My hair: I havent cut it since the thursday right before our vacation in May. It is the longest it has ever been and it sprouts wings when a hat is placed over it. I'm enjoying the scraggly look.

I hope you are doing well. That there are things in your life right now that give that cuddled-under-the-blanket- with-a-warm-cup-of-hot-chocolate- feeling. If not, find some.

Salvation...

We had an interesting discussion sunday night at youth group. We were talking about different topics and the question was brought up does doing a certain thing (cussing, smoking, drinking etc) mean that you are not a follower of Christ? Then one of our teens spoke up and said that he believes that you have to do a lot to lose your salvation (mind you, he goes to a baptist high school). I know where I stand but I just wondered where you stand. To me, this borders on eternal security.


What does a person have to do to not be able to go to heaven?

Example: If someone gossips right before they walk into a street and get killed by a car are they going to heaven? Or if someone tells a lie because they don't want to hurt someones feelings and has a massive heart attack will they go to heaven?

Let me know what you think...

Unscript me...

Hey der... my blogs posts have come few and far between. I was looking at others blogs and thinking, "Man, I really need to start posting again".

This is probably my favorite time of year. Indiana Basketball is just around the corner, the NFL is in full swing, and the playoffs for baseball are just beginning. It is October! If you have seen the commercials for the MLB playoffs, you would have heard FOX's catch phrase...October is unscripted. That brings about a sense of excitement in my mind. See, it seems that most everything that I do as a Pastor is scripted. The messages, we were taught at IWU, need to written out word for word. The service needs to be on paper so that we know what is going on. The next three months need to be planned so that we have a clear direction.

Sarah recently told me that I am good at planning and thinking about big ideas and events and the like. However, I am not great at the small minute details. After looking back and thinking about it, she is 100% right. I think that I just like some things in my life to just happen. I mean for goodness sakes, people come in sunday mornings, sit in "their" seats (which by now have their own memory foam marks in the pew) and they do whatever is on the list.

Are there other areas that are so scripted that you just do them without even thinking about them? Spending time with family? Hanging out with friends? We get neither one of them up here. Sure, we have the occasional outing with a couple or a family event that is 2+ hours away. We come to take for granted the small things in life that really arent small at all.

My prayer is that God would surprise me and do something out of MY ordinary. I am tired of reading from the teleprompter!

Busy is all I seem to be

Wow...things got busy and I didnt have internet for a long time. Here is what has happened in my life since my last post:

1. We had two fundraisers (Chicken and a car wash)
2. I attended district conference and our annual youth conference
3. We took the teens to the South Bend SilverHawks game
4. I led the afternoon and afterglow activities at Family Camp (thanks matt and tp)
5. We took the teens to deep river waterpark
6. We took the teens to six flags great america
7. I preached at a youth revival in Anderson
8. We had our 1 millionth overnighter
9. We had our annual fall kickoff
10. I preached at Bryant Wesleyan's Back Yard Bash

Oh yeah, and we moved out the the country (the church parsonage..pics will follow after vacation) and they dont exactly have a ton of high speed internet options out where there are more cows than humans! So the church just recently got hs internet!

so that has been my life over the past few months. It has been busy. Things are slowing down...sort of...before the holidays get here. There is a lot going on and a ton of pieces moving around in our lives right now. Just pray that God will protect our hearts, that he will guide our steps and draw us closer to him.

All I can say is…hallelujah

Last week, I was at Sr. High doing the recreation for the students. It was a busy week and the best way for me to describe it is “controlled chaos”. However, in the midst of all that was going on around me, God done this work in my heart. The worship was at first, a struggle. I didn’t know a lot of the songs that were being sung. Still, there was an overwhelming theme and one word seemed to keep popping up. Hallelujah. Simple enough you say, right? Yep. That’s just it. It is such a simple word for us to use to tell this all-powerful, all-knowing, all-encompassing, all-loving, all-just, all-caring God just how we feel. The word literally means praise the Lord. I get so busy with life and ministry that sometimes I forget to do this. Last week wasn’t one of those weeks. There were powerful times of authentic worship where you were just caught up in the presence of the Holy One. My question has become, why do we just settle for this at big rallies or at camps or something “other” than what we have on Sunday mornings? Why do we just settle for doing our own thing and leaving? My answer: We don’t take the time to truly get into a spirit of authentic worship. Whether it be Victory in Jesus or Dance in the River, we fail on most Sunday mornings to drop to our knees (in our hearts mind you, because doing that for real would be out of line) and hunger and thirst after a touch, a moment with God. We have become such an ordered society that we have to live by a thing that we have made: a Clock. That has to be one of the worst inventions for the true Spirit of God to deal with. We have become so time oriented that it is “tradition” for us to get out at this time. Go ahead, give me the excuses…I can hear them now. No matter, I want, no scratch that, I need to come into contact with the Almighty more than I am right now. Now I could go get this organic worship, that comes from the heart and we are truly thinking about and meaning the words that are coming out of our mouths, on my own. I do meet with the Spirit in my alone times, however, I hunger to meet him with other believers! Being a Christian isn’t a solo act. We are supposed to be living out this faith with a community of believers. May we, as believers, start taking the time to start singing Hallelujah in our every day life and when we are together. May the Spirit of God move upon our services and start changing us, start challenging us and start equipping us to live lives that are full of praise and service so that Jesus may be lifted high. May we come to place in our life we all we can say is Hallelujah! Our God Reigns! He is in control of all! Hallelujah!

Happy 4th!

Hello from Jellyville!
Things are slowing down a little for the next few weeks. We have something every weekend but other than that, things are quieter. So here is a quick fix as to what is going on with us:


1. I guess I forgot to tell everyone that we are getting the church parsonage. We are just waiting for Pastor John and Beth to get everything out so we can clean it and have it painted. We are excited to be moving and not be living in this apartment because...

2. There was a fire in our apartment complex a few weeks ago. We found out about it through a vauge letter that everyone got in our complex. What makes us so mad is that it was right next door to us! The people left their grill (full with hot coals) on their deck (which is against Indiana State Law) and it caught the wall that we share on the outside of our deck on fire. We come to find out that the Fire Dept. had to go through our apartment with hoses and such and NO ONE TOLD US!!!!!! So needless to say, we are ready to get out of here.

3. Sr. High Camp was great. I had a great group to help me ( Ben, Amanda, Bryan, Terry and Matt). I also had the privilege of speaking on Thursday morning in the rally. God really changed some hearts that week and I got to be a small part of that.

4. We have two fundraisers between now and family camp. We are doing a bar-b-que chicken sale this saturday. We are kind of going out on the ledge because our kids really havent pre-sold like we would have liked. So pray that the sale goes well on Saturday. Then, on the 21st we are having a car wash. All the money goes to sending the students to Orlando for the youth conference in December.

5. We (Sarah might be going, she got put on-call today) are going tubing with Jeff and Gwen and their family. Then we are going to watch fireworks tonight so it should be a fun day.

6. Family camp is coming...July 22-29. This year I am in charge of all the activities (afternoon and afterglows) that the teens will do at family camp. I really enjoy doing these kinds of things. Matt and Terry will join me again and it will be a great time.


I think that is it...hope this finds you well.

Life update 6.20.07

Hey...it's been a while since I posted anything. So here is a bulleted update for quick catch up:


1. Vacation was awesome this year. It was very relaxing and much needed.



2. Things got a little crazy when I got back. I had a ton of loose ends to tie up before our missions week started. I also was asked to speak at Sr. High camp this year in a morning rally.


3. Then, we had Against the Flow missions week all last week. From Monday morning at 9am through Saturday morning at 9am. We helped a lot of people and our group really grew together . It was an amazing week...(p.s. I found 3 old hot dogs and one fried praying mantis in that grill)




4. This week, I took the last of my vacation and Sarah and I are chilling out. Next week is Sr. High Camp and I will be in Fairmount all week.

5. We found out a few weeks ago that we are getting the parsonage in Late July/early August! So we will need some help moving our stuff down from the 3rd floor (thank goodness that is almost over!).

Life is good...life is busy...but I am loving every minute of it.

By his wounds

Things happen. Different things happen everyday to us that hurt us, damage us, cause us to think about who we are and challenge us. People are sometimes unaware of the things that they do to us. Being a Christian is sometimes hard. So here I am this past week going through a tough time. You know those times when you just feel empty and drained and thirsty something, anything that is God. So I found this cd...Glory Revealed...and I turned it to song 2 and it was like God had been planning that out for weeks.

The song is called We are Healed...

It talks about how all that he went through gives us healing. The first thought in my mind when I hear 'by his wounds we are healed' is physical healing. But God really let me into a deeper truth at least for me. I feel wounded often. Wounded by words and actions of others. I feel like I am being tested and sometimes I fail and stumble and I am not who I want to be. After I heard this song it hit me that all that he went through wouldn't just be for a physical healing. It goes deeper. It goes deeper to the point that it is a healing for everything we go through. Emotionally. Spiritually. Relationally. Daily. Hourly. Every minute. The world is always taking away from us scarring us and leaving its stain and its reminder that we are a fallen people. Yet Jesus' work on the cross heals us, daily. How shallow I have lived in the massive ocean of the grace that is Jesus and his infinite love for me. We get so caught up in just trying to get by that we get so stretched and thinned out that we lose sight of the depths of Christ's love. I sometimes get so narrow minded that it can only be the way that I see it and there is no time for any other way.

May God help me to stand back and view the vast picture that he is still in the process of painting which he will call my life when it is finished. May I come to know his healing of every part of life. The uglyness and the sinful. The tests and the mistakes. May I see that by his wounds I am healed.

Going the second mile

“You have heard that it was said, Eye for an eye and tooth for tooth. Bit I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two.”

Matthew 5:38-41


I’ve started reading a new book by Mel Blackaby entitled “Going the second mile”. It is based off of this verse obviously. It started to make me think about how I fit this verse into my every day life. I tend to be like a river and go with the flow to the least point of resistance on many things in my life that don’t really matter. Such as, when Sarah and I are trying to decide what to eat the best response is “Wherever you want to go dear”. This is the easiest way to get food to my mouth the quickest! Or if I am trying to decide which brand of toilet paper I tend to choose the one with the most in it so that I don’t have to keep making that “we are out of t.p. trip” to the store when you are walking about with only the toilet paper. People always look at you funny when that is all you are carrying. They might be trying to see if you are walking funny or fastly (or at least that is what I tend to do when I see this sort of thing happening). Honestly, no one really ever goes to the store just for tp unless they are completely out, right? So back to the point here…I like things to go smoothly. I like for things to come easy and for life to be laid back. I like things that are worry-free because there is enough in my life that isn’t worry free. So then I read this passage and it says that if someone wants you to go one mile, you should go two. After having started working out about 6 months ago and having started running on the treadmill about 3 months ago, I thought to myself, “One mile was pushing it! Two? Well, I wouldn’t have to worry about taking a shower after working out because they don’t take showers in heaven.”

But seriously. The question is: what in your life is pushing you to go the second mile? Is there anything? What about in your walk with Christ? Is there something that you feel burning inside you that you know that when you take the easy road or go with the flow you should have gone the opposite direction?

We are so consumed with having everything come to us easy in our culture. We don’t want to have to push ourselves or challenge ourselves. We try to keep everything in check and don’t let ourselves open up too much. Still, Jesus is challenging us to go that extra mile. To do that thing that we don’t really know how we can do it or when we will find the time. He wants us to make the commitment and give our time, our energy and our heart to reaching out to those around us.

What will your second mile look like?

Update from Jellyville

do

Hey...just wanted to give you a quick update from the Jellison household.

1. April 1st at church we had a our second annual chili cook-off. It went better this year planning wise but we didnt make any money...it really wasnt a fundraiser per se. However, this year, I made a chili and I actually won! Mine was the most creative. See pic below...


2. Sarah got in an accident this past monday. It was the other guys fault and Sarah is fine. However, the car needed $2500 worth of repairs and a new door. Yikes...it could have been her door so we are thanking God for his protection.

3. We are waiting to see what happens with the housing situation. There is a possibility that we might be moving into the parsonage and the Senior Pastor buying his own house. So this is a wait and see kind of thing.

4. There is another thing that is going on but we will wait to see what happens with that later down the road in the fall.

5. We started softball practice and the atmosphere is completely different from my first two years at Shiloh. There are more people from Shiloh and it was a great time last Saturday. Softball starts soon.

6. Finally, Sarah and I went fishing today and I caught a Large-mouth Bass. It was a good time!

I will catch you up on more later...

Jelly

It's the most busiest time of the year!

You ever get to feeling that you should be somewhere or that you have something going on and you just cant remember what it is? Boy, oh, boy that is what I have felt like for the past week! There is this voice prompting me and making me feel like I am forgetting something. Luckily, I havent forgotten anything (yet?!). My weekends are already planned for the duration of May and June and part of July and it is the end of April. I just wanted to give you a glimpse into Jellyville...Summer '07


May 4-5 IWU Jr. High YC
May 12: Mother's Day w/ the family in Celina, Ohio
May-18-19: Youth Yard Sale
May- 25-June 2: Mrytle Beach, S.C. ....Vacation!!!!!
June 11-15: Against the Flow Youth Missions Week
June 18-22: Jr. High Camp (I am not staying, just dropping the kids off)
June 24-30: Sr. High Camp (I am staying and I am in charge of recreation for the week!)


Softball starts soon, and I am sure that there will be other unexpected things that happen. So, there you have it. My life through the end of June. I hope your's isnt this busy...

Life update

Life update

1. Pastor John (my senior pastor) got an extended call at Shiloh. This was cause for concern as there was some uncertainty surrounding this because if he left, then I am up in the air as well. But he’s not, so I’m not!

2. I have been planning the recreation activities for Fairmount Sr High camp and enlisting some others to help out. I hate calling and asking for something...you know what I mean? Like ordering pizza or whatever! I just hate being the one in need I suppose.

3. Sarah and I are going to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina over Memorial Day weekend and by the good graces of my uncle, we are also going to be able to go to Virginia in September! Two vacations before the holidays start...much needed.

4. Sarah and I have been hanging out a lot recently with Gwen and Jeff. I cant tell you how much it means for us to have friends our age here. This is definitely an answer to prayer.

5. Easter is over. I know, it is something that people look forward to but for pastors, it is one of the busiest times of the year. I had the sunrise service and it went really well considering most of the people would have still been in bed on any other Sunday.

6. I love the cold weather, but enough is enough. I cant take 70 degree weather and then have it snow the next week. That throws me for a loop.

7. I got a new cell phone and all of the buttons work on it as opposed to the sticky #7 on my last phone.

8. I cannot stand Sanjaya from American Idol. He is awful. Here is what is frustrating though...the judges put him through. There were definitely better singers than him but for the sake of...variety?...they left him in and now it is up to America with a hoard load of little pre-teens that love him and have unlimited texting ability! If he gets past 6th place, I will not be very happy. I like Blake the best and Melinda second. I don’t like Lakisha but her story is nice.

9. Amazing Race. I am rooting for the beauty queens, Dustin and Candice. I cannot stand the midget and her cousin for various reasons. One, they use her small-ness any time they can to gain an advantage and then claim they are running a clean race! Two, they always talk with a stinking accent from a different country...always! Third, the small one is always poking her head under things and through things and around things and it would make me uncomfortable to have a small person constantly glaring and in my face.

10. Survivor. I think Sarah and I are rooting for Yao-man. He is weird but he is funny. Survivor needs to get less jock-types and beauty queens and find people like Rupert again! Maybe they should have a Red Neck Survivor!

later

Boneless Chicken Wings

This has become a search of mine lately. It is like I have been in search of the holy grail of boneless-chicken-wingness. So here is a list of my top 5 or so on my list thus far:


1. Applebee's- Definitely the best so far. They are always consistent and the taste is still the best.
2. Friday's (in Orlando)- The Kung Pow wings were simply amazing and made my nose run for a good long while
3. Houlihan's- These were definitely different having a taste of bar-b-que, but they were very tasty.
4. O'Charley's- They had a great zip to them
5. Buffalo Wild Wings- Spicy Garlic ...they taste good going down and the few times you taste it afterwards too! I love the garlic and zestiness...nothing like it.
6. Home- We got this Texas Pete sauce and it is GREAT on chicken...nothing like home cookin'...except for those listed above of course!


If anything changes, I will let you know. I am still on the quest to find the best buffalo chicken.
Any suggestions for me to try?

What is in it for me..

What’s in it for me?



We live in a “ME” first culture. We are told to have things “Our way” and people sing songs like “I did it my way” and we clap our hands and applaud them for doing it! Everything has become personalized and custom made. Still, this is what goes on outside of the church walls right? Wrong! Let’s take a look: Tell me if you have ever heard these comments…1. Well, that is just not what I am gifted in. 2. I don’t like this music because it is not what I was raised on. Those other people should like it and sing it because it is what brought me to Jesus. 3. Those new people are sitting in my pew! 4. It is 11:30…doesn’t the pastor know that I have to be home by noon? 5. Well, that is just the way we have done it! Anything sound familiar? There are a lot of I’s and Me’s in those comments. Lately, I have been questioning myself as to why I like more contemporary music and want to have it more in our church. If I were to just look at the other side and say that they just wanted it there way and didn’t look at myself that would be very hypocritical. So I started to question why I wanted that and seemed to NEED that in my life. Was it because I just liked it more? Was it because the other music just seemed too boring and didn’t do anything for me? I have found an answer. It came last Friday night at our District Lock-Out during the worship time.
The answer is: No. I don’t just like it better. It is not just a preference. It is just not entertaining to me. The reason that I love the choruses and the more lively music is quite simple. It makes me think of heaven. I find that contemporary praise, as opposed to hymns, helps me to focus on God and the things of God. The spirit is different. The atmosphere changes and moves from a “I feel like traveling on” to a “Here I am to worship” scene. I may be wrong. I may just have a preference like everyone else. I just know that I NEED this kind of worship. If I don’t get it, I feel like I am drying up spiritually and emotionally. I need corporate worship that is God-seeking and God-sensitive rather than self-seeking and self-sensitive. We worry so much about the congregation “liking” the worship that we forget that it is not for them. They are not the audience but so many times we treat it that way. The church is not their church, it is not my church, it is not the Wesleyan denominations church. It is God’s church and Jesus said that he would build “His” church through the disciples. Not that they would go and build their own. Often, we treat our churches like they are our own family heirlooms and antiques and they must stay the same to preserve their “glory”. However, I feel that the true glory the very presence of God has to fight his way through all of our orders of worship and plans to have the church truly be what he intended it to be.