Does everyone remember Adam Sandler on Saturday Night Live? Man! Those were the days. I wish that SNL was as funny as it was then....you remember, Adam Sandler, Kevin Nealon (I don't know how to spell these people's names, nor am I going to look them up, because it's to prove a point, not to show off my spelling abilities), Chritopher Walken, etc., etc., etc.
We sometimes have a huge problem staying and dwelling in the past. I'm noticing that my church, especially does that. We have some huge opportunities lying ahead of us, including welcoming around 20 new members all in one fell swoop! How amazing is God?!? That's almost unheard of!
FBC is celebrating it's 150th year anniversary this year. We are having our large whole church even tonight, a banquet. I offered to help put the slide show together, and have been doing so the last week or so. What I have noticed is that the script starts off with the past (important to know where we came from), goes on to the present (important to know where we are), and then, only has one paragraph on the future.
To me, the present and future is the most important. It's how we put into work our visions of what God wants us to live our lives. It is important to put into practice visions and plans for the future. If we don't, we stay where we are, and don't progress. (BTW, if con is the opposite of pro, what's the opposite of progress?...haha)
Point being.....
It is important to remember the past, but only so much as we learn from it, to make changes for the future. If we dwell on the past, we sink, forget where we are at currently, and become unable to make changes for the future. In a church, that's what closes doors!
So, my challenge for everyone reading this....don't dwell on the past. Only use it for memories, and to learn from. Use it to shape your future. God wants us to focus on Him, and follow His path for us.
Part of preparing for the future is having patience. God has clearly put His path in front of me for the near future, but is making me learn patience by having me wait for long periods of time, and not know what is coming. Things take time. I understand that now, but I still have trouble expressing that, and liking it. He has been teaching this to me more over the past 3-4 years. Don't be afraid if things take time. They often will if they are the right thing to do. Have patience. Without patience, our motives become obscure, and things will avert from doing them for God's will to doing them for your own will. And that, alone, is confusing enough.
Pray unceasingly. It is hard to discern God's voice from the distractions all around. I'm finding that a huge thing for myself recently as so many changes are happening all at once. Quiet your mind, and just be. Listen for God's answer among the noise of life, and pray that He will secure His voice in your head and protect you from the voice of evil.
Meanwhile, back in the office.....
Friday, October 10, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Egos and Airwaves
One of the things that has been very important over the last few years has been my church. The church has been struggling, numbers dwindling, etc. Many people have worked hard, together, to begin a transformation to attract new members. Basically, the church followed what was believed to be God's path for us, our vision of what God wanted of us.
These "leaps of faith" were just that. Spending money to fund programs and events without knowing that the funds would be there, yet having faith that God would provide was a large struggle. It was even discovered that it is hard to have faith when you're facing something as drastic as closing the doors forever. The building for instance, sucks up so many resources, financially, that the future looks dreary much of the time.
However, faith has brought the church through, and into the present, for such a time as this. The children's group has grown, the youth group has grown, the young adult population has grown. But by the grace of God, we have had larger attendance in Sunday worship. We have a new website. A new parlor has been constructed that is equipped to hold a contemporary worship service. There is a gym, game area, and computer lab capable of hosting after school activities, computer literacy classes, and much more. We have begun a feeding program on Saturday's from 11:30-1:30 (we can always use help by the way ;-) ). There is a new refrigerator capable of containing food for all programs that use it, without letting it spoil. There are two people willing to help the youth group grow spiritually as well as socially.
There are so many things going on that glorify God, and show His love to others, it's amazing. It was pointed out to me that my last post may have seemed a bit egotistical. That was not the purpose. However, I really believe in my church, and the people in it. I think that God has put everyone there for there purpose at this time. That does not mean, however, that I have no concern for what will or will not happen when I leave. You may say, that's not your problem, and/or God has a way. I know that, and I believe it.
It is something that is deep in my heart though. The youth need someone that can relate, someone that can pass on God's word in such a way that they will hang on every word. They need a worship service that is tailored to them, that discusses and hits issues that they face in their life. There are many that can do this much better than I.
The church needs new, younger members, to pass on the old traditions and create new ones. One way of attraction is a website. Not too many people my age look in a phone book for that type of thing anymore. Many people are capable of maintaining and building website much better than I can as well.
The issue is not that I think that I'm the only one that can do these things. Thus far, I have been the only one that has done these things. I'm excited to see that more people are coming, and that more are getting involved. There are lots of people that want to learn how to do these things, they just don't know yet. I would like for them to be able to do it since they have such a heart for it, and a desire to help.
Therefore, I welcome the stress. Why not teach them how to begin with it? They can go on and do some amazing things. I'm not the only one that can do it, nor do I think that way. There is just a huge desire in my heart to keep the times progressing as they have been, and pass on what little knowledge that has been given to me. My dream, if it is God's will, is that I will come back to visit someday, and walk into a church that is thriving, in the inner-city....see all the programs that show God's love to others, and see God in a place where most don't....in the whole neighborhood of Park Ave and Harney.
These "leaps of faith" were just that. Spending money to fund programs and events without knowing that the funds would be there, yet having faith that God would provide was a large struggle. It was even discovered that it is hard to have faith when you're facing something as drastic as closing the doors forever. The building for instance, sucks up so many resources, financially, that the future looks dreary much of the time.
However, faith has brought the church through, and into the present, for such a time as this. The children's group has grown, the youth group has grown, the young adult population has grown. But by the grace of God, we have had larger attendance in Sunday worship. We have a new website. A new parlor has been constructed that is equipped to hold a contemporary worship service. There is a gym, game area, and computer lab capable of hosting after school activities, computer literacy classes, and much more. We have begun a feeding program on Saturday's from 11:30-1:30 (we can always use help by the way ;-) ). There is a new refrigerator capable of containing food for all programs that use it, without letting it spoil. There are two people willing to help the youth group grow spiritually as well as socially.
There are so many things going on that glorify God, and show His love to others, it's amazing. It was pointed out to me that my last post may have seemed a bit egotistical. That was not the purpose. However, I really believe in my church, and the people in it. I think that God has put everyone there for there purpose at this time. That does not mean, however, that I have no concern for what will or will not happen when I leave. You may say, that's not your problem, and/or God has a way. I know that, and I believe it.
It is something that is deep in my heart though. The youth need someone that can relate, someone that can pass on God's word in such a way that they will hang on every word. They need a worship service that is tailored to them, that discusses and hits issues that they face in their life. There are many that can do this much better than I.
The church needs new, younger members, to pass on the old traditions and create new ones. One way of attraction is a website. Not too many people my age look in a phone book for that type of thing anymore. Many people are capable of maintaining and building website much better than I can as well.
The issue is not that I think that I'm the only one that can do these things. Thus far, I have been the only one that has done these things. I'm excited to see that more people are coming, and that more are getting involved. There are lots of people that want to learn how to do these things, they just don't know yet. I would like for them to be able to do it since they have such a heart for it, and a desire to help.
Therefore, I welcome the stress. Why not teach them how to begin with it? They can go on and do some amazing things. I'm not the only one that can do it, nor do I think that way. There is just a huge desire in my heart to keep the times progressing as they have been, and pass on what little knowledge that has been given to me. My dream, if it is God's will, is that I will come back to visit someday, and walk into a church that is thriving, in the inner-city....see all the programs that show God's love to others, and see God in a place where most don't....in the whole neighborhood of Park Ave and Harney.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Concentration and Anticipation
So, I'm finding it considerably harder to concentrate at work. It's not that I don't want to work, because I don't really, but normally, I would do it anyway. Now, I find myself constantly thinking of what's left to do, what did I forget, what do I need, who do I need to talk to, etc. There's not really much that I have left to do at work, but there's tons at home and at church.
We have found people to replace me at church to continue on with youth and young adult groups. However, now we're in need of someone to work with contemporary worship, someone to work with the website, and someone who can run a computer lab. Even if we found them, I would have to somewhat train them as well as the people replacing me in the youth and young adult area.
I take on too much, and then it stresses me out. I need to actually relax and understand that it's God's plan, not mine, and He will make it work out to glorify Him in a way better than I could ever imagine.
I'm starting to really think about what it will be like being away from my wife and my dog for four months. Again, I start to think that I can't do it, but I don't have to do it alone. I'm starting to pray for help on these issues, because I am too weak to do it alone.
I talked to a friend from a long time ago last night. He's at Westpoint, and we talked for probably half an hour about what I should look forward to. I need to get back into the habit of memorizing information, being a follower before being a leader, physical fitness, and anal retentiveness. The last shouldn't be hard because I am in many areas. It will just be a shock adapting to a whole new way of life.
I did a total of 161 pushups yesterday. That's more than I think I've done collectively in my whole life. So, I hurt a bit today. I will run 2 miles tonight between work, church, and finishing the church slide show. Man I love being under pressure. I get things done much more effectively. I guess that will be good next month. I've lost 23 pounds now in the last 2 months. I'm excited about that, and going for 10 more before I leave. We'll see if that happens.
I should probably get back to work now, but as you can imagine, my mind is wandering in so many other directions it will be hard. Have a great day!
Meanwhile......
We have found people to replace me at church to continue on with youth and young adult groups. However, now we're in need of someone to work with contemporary worship, someone to work with the website, and someone who can run a computer lab. Even if we found them, I would have to somewhat train them as well as the people replacing me in the youth and young adult area.
I take on too much, and then it stresses me out. I need to actually relax and understand that it's God's plan, not mine, and He will make it work out to glorify Him in a way better than I could ever imagine.
I'm starting to really think about what it will be like being away from my wife and my dog for four months. Again, I start to think that I can't do it, but I don't have to do it alone. I'm starting to pray for help on these issues, because I am too weak to do it alone.
I talked to a friend from a long time ago last night. He's at Westpoint, and we talked for probably half an hour about what I should look forward to. I need to get back into the habit of memorizing information, being a follower before being a leader, physical fitness, and anal retentiveness. The last shouldn't be hard because I am in many areas. It will just be a shock adapting to a whole new way of life.
I did a total of 161 pushups yesterday. That's more than I think I've done collectively in my whole life. So, I hurt a bit today. I will run 2 miles tonight between work, church, and finishing the church slide show. Man I love being under pressure. I get things done much more effectively. I guess that will be good next month. I've lost 23 pounds now in the last 2 months. I'm excited about that, and going for 10 more before I leave. We'll see if that happens.
I should probably get back to work now, but as you can imagine, my mind is wandering in so many other directions it will be hard. Have a great day!
Meanwhile......
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Stress
So, I'm down to 24 days, and I'm very excited. However, I'm stressed, and have lots of questions. This would normally be okay, but I'm taking it out on the wrong people. I don't even know exactly what I'm stressed about. I know that I have a lot of stuff to do, and I will probably wait until the week before I leave to do it. Then, I can usually leave my head on straight and get things done in a timely manner. Weird thing is, I do better under a short time-line. It's almost like I have too much time right now.
I go back to fall retreat, at Camp Comeca. During one of the power sessions, I was alone, praying, and taking in all that I could of my surroundings. I talked to Matthea about it later, we were talking about God's presence during our prayer. Matthea said that he could feel Jesus' presence, and that they just sat there, taking in all of creation. My experience was similar, but I was given some directives first.
Those directives were being a better person, husband, and having patience. All of which I'm finding so hard to do during these last few weeks. I think that my problem is that I'm not spending enough time in prayer and asking for help. Maybe that would be a good thing to start with.
Back to BOT, I'm starting a new approach to situps and pushups. Chris (another guy going to BOT with me) suggested it and said it worked well. I will keep updates on here if I feel the same and post what the program is so you can try it if you wish.
I'm down to 185-186ish now. That is huge progress for me, considering I was 208 1 1/2 months ago. My eventual goal is 175, and fit. We'll see. I've cut out pop almost completely, cut back on alcohol consumption, started eating breakfast and vitamins, started eating healthier, and cut out bad snacks. It seems to be working.
I'm calling the guy who wants to buy my car today. I'm excited for the money, and to actually sell my car, but I'm confused on what I will do in the interim before BOT. I tried to talk my wife into letting me get a motorcycle, but that isn't going well. It's much much cheaper than a car, so I thought it would be a great idea, but she doesn't.
Until tomorrow.....
I go back to fall retreat, at Camp Comeca. During one of the power sessions, I was alone, praying, and taking in all that I could of my surroundings. I talked to Matthea about it later, we were talking about God's presence during our prayer. Matthea said that he could feel Jesus' presence, and that they just sat there, taking in all of creation. My experience was similar, but I was given some directives first.
Those directives were being a better person, husband, and having patience. All of which I'm finding so hard to do during these last few weeks. I think that my problem is that I'm not spending enough time in prayer and asking for help. Maybe that would be a good thing to start with.
Back to BOT, I'm starting a new approach to situps and pushups. Chris (another guy going to BOT with me) suggested it and said it worked well. I will keep updates on here if I feel the same and post what the program is so you can try it if you wish.
I'm down to 185-186ish now. That is huge progress for me, considering I was 208 1 1/2 months ago. My eventual goal is 175, and fit. We'll see. I've cut out pop almost completely, cut back on alcohol consumption, started eating breakfast and vitamins, started eating healthier, and cut out bad snacks. It seems to be working.
I'm calling the guy who wants to buy my car today. I'm excited for the money, and to actually sell my car, but I'm confused on what I will do in the interim before BOT. I tried to talk my wife into letting me get a motorcycle, but that isn't going well. It's much much cheaper than a car, so I thought it would be a great idea, but she doesn't.
Until tomorrow.....
Monday, October 6, 2008
The Countdown Continues
25 days left!
I'm excited, nervous, and any other emotion that you can think of. I feel like there's so much to do, but I can't think of it all. So many questions are unanswered, which doesn't help, but I'm at the point where I'm starting to just wish it was time to go.
I think I have my car sold. That happened really fast. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with just one car between my wife and I, but I think we will work it out. I guess I'm just glad to have that out of the way. I can now use that to pay for uniforms and equipment.
I've wondered whether this is exactly what I'm supposed to be doing, even though it's always been a dream. Then, I figure, God is putting me where he wants me, when he wants me there. Therefore, who am I to question it?
I've met someone who's going down at the same time, and for the same job. We're going to ride down together, and I think that will be awesome. It will be really nice to go in already knowing someone. That should relieve some stress and help with the beginning of training.
Until then, I just keep on trucking, doing what I'm doing, counting down!
I'm not looking forward to months without church. I'm not sure if we have the option to go on Sunday or not. That's just another one of the many questions going unanswered. Therefore, one of my big hopes of this blog is that I can give future BOTrainees some insight as well as relieve some nerves and answer some questions.
God's going to make this an awesome journey, and he's helping with my trust and patience right now. I think that this is what he's going to use to help me be a better person in at least those two regards. God bless!
I'm excited, nervous, and any other emotion that you can think of. I feel like there's so much to do, but I can't think of it all. So many questions are unanswered, which doesn't help, but I'm at the point where I'm starting to just wish it was time to go.
I think I have my car sold. That happened really fast. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with just one car between my wife and I, but I think we will work it out. I guess I'm just glad to have that out of the way. I can now use that to pay for uniforms and equipment.
I've wondered whether this is exactly what I'm supposed to be doing, even though it's always been a dream. Then, I figure, God is putting me where he wants me, when he wants me there. Therefore, who am I to question it?
I've met someone who's going down at the same time, and for the same job. We're going to ride down together, and I think that will be awesome. It will be really nice to go in already knowing someone. That should relieve some stress and help with the beginning of training.
Until then, I just keep on trucking, doing what I'm doing, counting down!
I'm not looking forward to months without church. I'm not sure if we have the option to go on Sunday or not. That's just another one of the many questions going unanswered. Therefore, one of my big hopes of this blog is that I can give future BOTrainees some insight as well as relieve some nerves and answer some questions.
God's going to make this an awesome journey, and he's helping with my trust and patience right now. I think that this is what he's going to use to help me be a better person in at least those two regards. God bless!
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