Jeffrey Simpson

Photography fun

2011-07-30T22:32:00.003-04:00

Last year, I took some pictures at the Elkhart County 4-h Fair. I was intrigued by the chance to take some very cool pics at night. This last Tuesday night, I did it again. Here are the results.
(Granted some pics may not be the best, but I hate deleting pics.)

Giving up on sports.

2010-11-29T00:42:00.002-05:00

Something is changing in me. Maybe it is just a new season I'm entering, but for now I'm done. I'm done with sports.

Let me clarify... I'm done living my life in a way that consumes me with if "my team" wins or loses, or whether I can rub in it that other people's teams lose. I find no more entertainment or satisfaction in it.

This sentiment started developing before I went to Kenya, but has been solidified as I have tried to figure out how to live my life as a result of what I seen, what I experienced in Kenya. Tears well up as I sit here just thinking of the little ones in Mathare who have, and in Ngata at the Baby Centre, who have been abandoned by their parents, have near nothing... and I'm going to care whether sports teams win or lose?

Naked Grandma

2010-11-15T20:50:00.002-05:00

Like Elvis and his mom...

2010-10-22T02:39:00.003-04:00

Less than nine hours until I am ...gone, leaving for Kenya.

I'm so freaking excited.

I'm looking forward to...
getting away from facebook and twitter (once I'm in the plane)
no trash talk or gloating about sports teams
no political ads and people complaining about political ads (I voted two Tuesdays ago)
getting away from here
getting out of my comfort zone
getting into another part of the world
spending time with the children in Mathare
meeting the people and the babies at the baby center
hearing God in a loud booming voice because all of my distractions will be thousands of miles away.

As it seems with every trip I go on, I am up way too late and am nowhere near packed. Time to get some sleep.

Almost drowning

2010-10-13T23:57:00.003-04:00

I am in water deeper than my head, and I feel like I can't doggy-paddle any more.

Work.
Planning events.
Life.
Bills.
Student loans
Attempting to raise support for the trip.
Preparing for the trip.
I leave for Kenya in less than nine days.

I am almost drowning in everything.

I am so unqualified, so not prepared for this. I have to fight the natural urge to want to shutdown, to disconnect.

I am tired.

I need rest.

Matthew 11: 28-30 sounds really good right now: ²⁸"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

It is time to slow down, time to rest.

It is time to float for a while.

A song that messes me up right now.

2010-09-23T12:39:00.002-04:00

I hadn't heard this song in a while. I heard it last night and it just messed me up. May it mess you up, too.

A need for a change of scenery

2010-09-08T21:29:00.003-04:00

Growing up, I remember listening to my dad tell stories of when he was in the service and stationed in New Mexico, Germany and Thailand. For some reason, it was the stories of his time in Thailand that captivated me.

Eleven years ago, I went through The Laborer's Institute, a three month intensive program put on by Kingdom Building Ministries designed to train and help raise up laborers for the Kingdom of God. It involved a month of "drinking from a fire hydrant"... soaking in the Word and listening to different speakers pour out wisdom. The second month was spent overseas somewhere in the 10/40 window, building relationships, teaching English, and sharing Christ's love. The third month consisted of more training and helping minister at different church camps. It was to my excitement when I discovered that I got to go to Thailand in the second month.
A year later, I actually had the opportunity to go back to the same place in Thailand with NMC.

Those two trips taught me a lot about myself, how inexperienced and immature I was at the time, and helped me to grow in my faith develop my worldview as a Christ-follower. It was in these trips that I truly experienced spiritual warfare, and saw God answer prayer. It was in these trips that I realized that God used me, but more significantly spoke to me and taught me through the people around me.

So here I am eleven years later, changed, but staring down indifference and lack of focus in my life. I feel like the last year has changed my paradigm when it comes to being called to do ministry and follow Christ (which you very well may see in posts to come). I feel like I am being drawn to be a part of something... something bigger than myself.

An opportunity that has been around for a while has definitely captivated my attention, and my desire to not be satisfied with where I am with my walk with Jesus Christ. I was going to take part last year, but for many reasons wasn't the right timing. But now it is.

Towards the end of next month, I will have the opportunity to go to Kenya to the African Gospel Church Baby Center, as well as visit the Mathare slums and travel to Salgaa. I am so excited for this trip. There is something about traveling away from your comfort zone to help you break out of your comfort zone. I want to see God move. I want to see God continue to use me, I want to hear God speak to me in a way that I could never hear in the comfort of my life and my surroundings here.

I would love for you to join with me in this journey by praying for me in the weeks to come.
Pray for my support: It takes money to do this, and I could use some help.
Pray for the team(this includes me): for all who are going, that they would see God in a new way, and would never be the same as a result of it.

Back... Again...

2010-08-11T22:13:00.004-04:00

Let us try this again. My computer has been very ill, but I am giving it a heart transplant, which means I can blog again.

I will have a very big announcement on my blog soon. But for now, I will leave you with a couple of pics that I took this summer:

Sunset from Beulah Beach in Vermilion, Ohio

Night descending upon the Elkhart Co. 4-H Fair

Back.

2010-06-22T00:55:00.002-04:00

Well it has been a while since I have posted. Let me start off with this...
Growing up I heard of a magical far off place. I never went to this place, but I knew all about it from memorizing this wonderful little song:

The restoration of... Stephen Baldwin?

2010-04-28T22:31:00.003-04:00

As I was surfing the world wide web, I stumbled across this: The Restoration of Stephen Baldwin. You can check it out, but basically the premise is, that because Stephen started living radically for Jesus Christ, he fell upon hard times... just like Job. Somebody has taken it upon themselves to create a site to ask for donations to build his wealth based on what took place in Job 42:11.

Here are my initial thoughts on this issue:

Are we to assume God works the exact same way in similar situations?
Are the people spearheading this movement thinking God does not care about Stephen that we must come to his side?
Are the people spearheading this movement putting God in a box, thinking that the only way people will see that our God is greater by the "restoration" of one's bank account?

My gut reaction on this is that this is wrong. I believe in a God that can do whatever he wishes, because he is in control. At the same time. I do not want to be presumptuous on what God wants to do. I want to be a follower who listens intently on his voice and his will for my life and the lives of his children.

Be Sick, Be Loved

2010-04-25T00:38:00.000-04:00

I love following Jon Acuff, on twitter, face book, and his blog, Stuff Christians Like. Last week he spoke at a conference in which he explains his satire behind his writing, and goes on into a great message. If you have the time watch this:

Be Sick, Be Loved from Foundry LA on Vimeo.

Remembering, Praying, Trying to live differently

2010-04-20T10:22:00.003-04:00

I strongly believe that God wants us to look back at history and previous events to learn about ourselves, human nature, and how God fits into the picture.
I am a little saddened this morning as the 0nly reference to a earth shattering event is on Twitter by my favorite band.

Do you remember what I am talking about? I am talking about that day eleven years ago in a high school in a suburb of Denver, Colorado.
Everyone focuses on the victims, and traditionally the two shooters are not thought of as victims. But I feel that they deserve compassion as well.
What pushed Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold to do shoot an injure 24 people and kill 13, and then themselves? Were these to kids evil incarnate, with nothing that could have been done differently? Or did the Christians who were daily around these two, in a sense, fail miserably in Christ's mandate in pointing them to Jesus Christ?

I don't want to make accusations and say that something else should have been done differently, we cannot change the events that have transpired. My point in thinking out loud is to ask what can we do now? Those who else who live in a relationship with Christ should hurt for the people that Christ hurts for, should show compassion on those that Christ has compassion for.

Do you really ever wonder what they did to themselves? I will refrain from putting the picture up on the blog due to the graphic nature, but if you wish to see it, here it is. I believe that the darkness that was in their hearts, was once a part of me. And now that I claim to follow Jesus Christ, I need to live like him, to see people like he did, to love on people like he did.

I will leave you with the tweet from @fiveironfrenzy via Twitter:
"A new hope. Where is your freedom? A new hope. Cast off your burdens." Let us remember, forgive & hope for the future.

2010-04-14T19:49:00.001-04:00

Hi. This is my blog. Here is Stew drawing during church.

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Most of you will not understand this...

2010-02-16T14:16:00.001-05:00

but for the few out there, here you go:

Back to the Basics #2

2010-02-11T22:03:00.002-05:00

Passion.

What is your passion, more specifically what drives you? What gets you excited?
And how are you using what you are passionate about to impact the kingdom of God?

In my journey in the last seven months or so, I've thought about this on and off. When it comes to knowing God's will for my life, I get frustrated... often... a lot. Now, I do not necessarily adhere to any concrete definition of what God's will for my life is. I know that God knows the plans he has for me. I think that as long as I am living my life as a living sacrifice to his will, then the specifics are not mandatory.

I do believe however, that I am the one who puts so much emphasis on "what exactly" God's will is for my life. I place demands and expectations at the feet of my Savior, and expect him to comply to my understanding, my desires (my desires... as in selfish Jeff, not the Jeff who seeks to do the will of God).

And there is the problem. I think that today there is a problem of not knowing what our passions are. We confuse selfish desires and passions that God wants to grow in us and use for his kingdom.

Upon pondering this subject, here are a few things that are rattling around in my brain.

1. Jesus, Be the Centre. Yes boys and girls, sometimes the church answer is indeed the right answer (And spelling like the British is fun, too). If you don't have this priority in your life, we will need to stop this discussion and have a completely different one first. But for the rest of you, y'all know this, and if you are like me, its good to be reminded of it from time to time.

2.Who are you? Who who? Sorry, Old men flailing their arms and CSI just popped into my head there, but seriously, what makes you... you? What gifts, abilities, talents did God bestow upon you? If you despise underwater basket weaving, chances are God is not going to make you go into that realm. That is, unless he gives creates in you that desire...

3. Flounder... with feeling! Definition: 1 : to struggle to move or obtain footing : thrash about wildly 2 : to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually. If you are going to struggle with what your part in the kingdom is and how to get there, struggle through it... in order to get to the other side. At times it feels like I'm in a holding pattern in my journey. But that is not true. God still desires me to be an active member of the kingdom while I figure out where I might fit best according to my passions. God doesn't want me do be a mindless robot doing things just because, he wants me to be fully engaged in a relationship with him and active in his kingdom. And sometimes it takes Stubborn Jeff to go through some character building time to be aligned with God's heart.
At times I feel like I am not where I am to be for much longer. Maybe this is a glimpse of what is to come, maybe this is just not clear because of my specific spot in the journey. My goal is to continue to trust him.

4. Wash, Rinse, Repeat. (Give up, Give in, Do it again.) In 1757, at the age of 22, Robert Robinson said it best when he penned the these lyrics:

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

If someone has figured out to surrender their will to God once and for all, please tell me how. Until then, there is a lot of surrender that must take place.

At times I see people around me who are without any driving force, without purpose, without passion. I just wonder how would God's church look if his people truly were engaged in the kingdom with the gifts, desires, and passions that God has given them?

What is your passion?
What drives you?
What gets you excited?
How are you using what you are passionate about to impact the kingdom of God?

Back to the basics

2010-02-06T19:26:00.002-05:00

Ah, training wheels.
I remember way back in the day when I first started to learn how to ride a bicycle. It took time and yes, it helped immensely to have the extra wheels. If my dad would have tried to teach me how to ride without training wheels, I think I may have eventually been successful. But I think it would've been very difficult.

The other day I was trying to instruct a new employee on how to complete an assignment. A few minutes into the process I realized a deer in the headlights look. It hit me. What I thought were specific instructions, were really not. It was my fault, not his. I had grown accustomed to saying something to one of the guys who'd been around for a while and was used to my instructions.

Recently I've had the opportunity to talk to a student who is new to this whole Christianity thing. In answering questions, this has made me think hard about the things I take for granted. This situation has, in a sense, refreshed my soul. I feel like there is something there that is taking place that God desires for me to be a part of.

At the same time, I'm troubled. I feel like far too often as a church, we expect everyone who doesn't understand what a relationship with Christ is to automaticaly understand, and to come to the church, magically assimilating into the body of Christ. I'm pretty sure Christ said "Go and make disciples," not "sit and wait for people to become disciples and come to the church."

So how do we do this? How do we continue to grow people in their relationships with Jesus Christ, while guiding others in the initial steps? It seems to me we can do one really well, but not both at the same time. If the each part of the body of Christ has a specific purpose, why does the church at times just look like the ear?

A picture is worth a thousand words

2010-02-04T23:22:00.003-05:00

In the realm of homework this week, this picture is a pretty good description of how I feel:

Playing Favorites

2010-02-01T00:13:00.001-05:00

I'm not perfect. I display favoritism over people at times. I'm sure that frustrates people.

The church is not perfect. I see favoritism displayed and it frustrates me. One might say it isses me off.

Jesus Christ is perfect. I see favoritism, but it is an all-encompassing favoritism. He loves all of his children the same, and doesn't choose one over another.

The point?
I'm not perfect. I must not rely on my own strength for I will undoubtedly fail.
The church will at times fail because it is made of people. My focus can't solely be on the church. Jesus Christ never fails. No matter what has happened or what will happen in my life, he is the one constant.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12: 1-2

This made me laugh

2010-01-24T17:16:00.000-05:00

Brown paper packages tied up with strings...

2010-01-13T23:18:00.004-05:00

Here are a few of my favorite things from 2009:

1. Turkey Run.
In May, I had the opportunity to get away from everyone for a few days and head to Turkey Run State Park in Parke County, In. This was the first time in about 13 years since I've been there. I love just walking the trails, taking pics of wildlife and the nature, and being in a place that I could recharge my batteries. I had amazing weather while down there. It was in the 70's the whole time and it didn't rain until the morning I had to head home.

2. D.G.
D. G. could stand for Dustin Gill, which I guess is also fitting. One day Dustin saw that I had 3 disc golf discs. I told him I went once. He proceeds to show me his bag of discs and that he played Disc Golf all of the time. Then the Disc Golf Revolution of 2009 was born. I don't know how many of our friends we got hooked on this sport, besides playing with others who also have a love of the Disc Golf. There was nothing more tiring, yet more fun than taking all day to play five of the local courses.

3. Hearing God's voice in Philadelphia
Its hard at times balancing being a good leader on a student trip and being available to respond to what God has for you personally. This trip was the start of a Summer and Fall of God messing me up. Through journaling, a text message, another leader "volunteering" me to pray and the Holy Spirit speaking through me to me, as well as other events on the trip, I heard God. Hearing was only the first part, responding was the second. This led me on a journey of a restless night followed by things just not feeling right. It was only when I responded in obedience did I experience the power and security of the Holy Spirit, which led me down to one of the most dangerous intersections in Philly where drug dealers, users, prostitutes, and other people of the like hung out. I got to talk to several different people and never once felt in danger.
In being obedient then, God blessed me with an amazing opportunity with some of the students in which I got to spend time with them and coach them in being obedient to God.

4. Switchfoot concert in Valpo.
The one and only Kevin Larson asked me if I wanted to see Switchfoot at the Porter County Fair. Tickets were 10 dollars for our seats(which also got us into the fair). I'm pretty sure no fair will compare to Elkhart County's fair. Anyways, it was beautiful weather, and an amazing concert. We got to hear two or three songs off of Hello Hurricane, a lot of their hits, and they even covered Tom Petty's Won't Back Down. Overall, it was a great time where in moments it was a great time of worship to God.

5. Going back to Bethel.
I feel as if I am at times a glutton for punishment. But really, I feel as if not finishing a blasted degree had turned into a spiritual battle for me. I decided to give it one last go. All or Nothing. This is the duece. It has been everything I feared and as hard as I knew it would be. Going back to school has influenced my perspectives on ministry. I have had many moments where I would yell at myself, the unfinished papers staring back at me, and the walls of the house. At the same time, I have found moments where I find myself enjoying some of my homework. Every now and then, I find glimmers of hope and God's faithfulness in the midst of this desert that I must get through. A friend has told me that he believes that there very well could be an outpouring of blessings on me as a result of doing and completing this. It should be interesting to see, but for now I will focus on what is directly before me and see what God is trying to teach me through this process.

The big 3 albums of 2009.

2010-01-12T00:10:00.007-05:00

I hate listening to the same music over and over. That made accidentally dropping my ipod in a ditch while trying to trap a groundhog back in the spring all the more painful. (Yes, laugh all you want.)

Music keeps me going at times. I can listen to music when I am depressed, when I need encouragement, or when I'm working on a monotonous project at work (those chairs don't just jump into their set spots by themselves.)

There has been three albums that came out in 2009 that have made an impact on me in one way, shape, or form. And if you know me, you don't have to guess what they are. For the rest of you, I'll go ahead and share with you what they are.
1. Hillsong United: Tear Down the Walls.
This album came out in the beginning of the summer/ late springish. It is interesting because of my journey in life was full of ups and downs in the summer, there were different songs that God used and spoke directly to me in each of those times. It was this album that I started playing over and over and over and over. Just ask the guys who traveled with me to set up for Summer Camp and back. I think they wanted to kill me because of it. But for the first time, I couldn't help but listen to this album all the way through and over and over. I think I am even guilty of getting a few other people addicted.
2. David Crowder Band: Church Music
In the year 2000, In the year 2000, I was first introduced to David Crowder Band and their Music at Passion: One day in Memphis, Tennessee. I was annoyed by the style of music. My, how attitudes change. I love that they stay fresh, and come up with the next thing. They aren't content with doing the same stuff, and basically sing to the Lord a new song. I love the whole techno thing that is going on in this album, too.

3. Switchfoot: Hello Hurricane
It was either at Cornerstone '96, or soon after that, my sister introduced me to a little band called Switchfoot. I just plain and simple love their stuff. I think Jon Foreman has a way with words that resonates with many people. I heard 2 or 3 songs off of this album in concert 4 months before the album came out. It got me excited to finally get my hands on it, and the whole album hasn't disappointed.

How to make Twighlight interesting for guys... or in general

2010-01-05T23:24:00.003-05:00

I want someone to decorate their lawn like this...

2009-12-21T21:53:00.002-05:00

2009-12-19T02:39:00.001-05:00

I snapped this pic over a month ago. I can't remember if I ever put it on twitter. Hooray for false prophets.

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2009-12-17T04:02:00.001-05:00

This is a test. I should be asleep as it is early in the morning.

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Next Halloween, I want to do this...

2009-12-17T00:25:00.000-05:00

Thank heavens for instructions

2009-12-15T20:42:00.001-05:00

One of these things is not like the others...

2009-12-14T23:53:00.001-05:00

For all you Star Wars fans...

2009-12-14T13:16:00.001-05:00

The Wonders of the Internet...

2009-12-14T00:04:00.000-05:00

What the...?!?

2009-12-12T22:56:00.001-05:00

"A family shouldn't have to wait until Sunday to worship the Lord..."

Focus.

2009-11-30T01:37:00.001-05:00

My brother-in-law showed me this the other day. Typical 70's music, right? Well, you have to watch the whole performance...

Being Pissed off at God

2009-11-18T23:48:00.002-05:00

God really pisses me off sometimes.

Jeff! How dare you say that!

I'm sorry if your offended by terminology, well not really. Wait to pass judgment on me until after you are done reading this.

I know that God is good. I know that God is loving. I know that God wants the best for me. Its just sometimes I'm a little slow to understand that. I struggle with why when I am living according to how I understand God's word and plan, he decides to do something different.

Look at Jonah, he knew that the Lord was gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and would forgive the people of Ninevah. Yet he was still angry at God for whatever reason.

When it comes down to being pissed off at God, I'm really pissed off at myself. I know what scripture says,"For my thoughts re not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." Isaiah 55: 8-9. Francis Chan in Chapter two of his book, Crazy Love, reminds us that this whole life thing is not about us, it is about God. Everything that we do should be to point others to him and bring him glory.

I don't like change without knowing what is going to happen next. I want a God that I can understand, that I can predict, so I know what I am to do next. God does not mold himself into my view of who he should be... He already is who he is and has always been that way.

So here I am, frustrated at myself at times. I don't understand why God allows specific things to happen or not happen in my life. I don't understand his timing. I don't why he loves me so much and desperately wants me to surrender my stubborn heart over and over to his will in order to bring him glory. But one thing I know in the end: ultimately God is always right, whether I agree with him right away or not. So I must realize the sooner I wrestle through my thought processes and understanding, and surrender my heart to his will, and truly place my trust in him, he will make the path that I'm to travel straight. Easy? Most definitely not. I think the whole reason why its not easy is because I'm involved in this process. But that is how God chooses to teach me and refine me.

So long, old friend

2009-11-17T01:10:00.001-05:00

I love roller coasters. That is, once I finally got over the emotional and psychological trauma of my father forcing me to go on the Ocean Motion at a very young age. In recent years, one of the classics at Cedar Point has been under appreciated and over looked by its newer and flashier sibling. I guess that is the main reason popularity for this ride diminished. It apparently was just "taking up space" at the Point.

The good news, if any, is that the ride is going to a new home.

So, here's to you, Demon Drop. Thank you for forever instilling that new ride feeling of anticipation and fear whenever I spent time with you. May you spark the those same feelings in a new generation of roller coaster enthusiasts on the left coast...

Facing your fears

2009-11-11T22:00:00.003-05:00

What do you fear? When faced with that fear, how do you respond to it? Do you try to avoid all possible confrontation with that fear? What if the very place that you are intended to be is on the other side of that confrontation, but the only course of action is to face your fear?
Many a year back, I felt a strong calling into ministry, specifically working with youth. I knew that a ginormous obstacle in my way was going to be college, more specifically writing papers. I confronted my fears, for a while. But I could not see to the other side to the end result. It got to the point where I gave up school and the hope of God's calling. I mean, I can do ministry without a piece of paper, right?
I still firmly believe that. But this summer, I was reminded of something foundational to the building of my character. It was time to face my fear, and conquer it. Now I feel like I've been wandering in the desert for far too long. Is it still in God's plan for me to enter Youth Ministry in a paid position? Maybe in another area of the church. I really don't know. But I know that this fight is for me to complete.
Is this fight easy, not at all. I lack a lot of discipline when comes to focusing on my studies. Sometimes it is really just bout the process. To quote that great modern philosopher, Ain't about how fast I get there, Ain't about what's waiting on the other side, Its the climb.
Maybe God has great things in store for me as a result of getting a piece of paper with a degree on it. Maybe I will never "use" it and work in the "real world". That is ok by me. I just want to obedient to God's call in my life where ever he takes me. And for now its fighting through this thing that others have achieved so gracefully, but is so hard for me.
And now I leave you with this... here is a little clip about a guy who's trying to save the girl, but to do so he must face two of the worst things in the world combined. A zombie clown.
(Disclaimer. Yes this from a rated R movie. If you are offended by that, don't click on the play button.)

Let the church help.

2009-11-10T18:01:00.002-05:00

Psalm 63: 1-3

2009-10-22T18:36:00.001-04:00

¹ O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.

² I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.

³ Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.

Sounding Board

2009-09-08T23:43:00.002-04:00

Sounding board 1 a : a structure behind or over a pulpit, rostrum, or platform to give distinctness and sonority to sound b : a device or agency that helps propagate opinions or utterances c : a person or group on whom one tries out an idea or opinion as a means of evaluating it

I cannot write papers. At least that is what I think, what I tell others, and what actually happens in a glorious meltdown of will, motivation, and useful thought when I try. I blame it on not formally learning how to in high school, or at least my other abilities in homework and test-taking compensated for, which lead to my mediocre grades at times. Writing papers has been the bane of my existence in college life, the first, the second, the third, and yes, the now fourth time round.

The truth of the matter is, I can write papers. I have all of the potential in the world. I just have trouble getting all of that potential moving somewhere coherently.

That is why I need a sounding board. I know what I want to say and write for the most part, I just have trouble getting to the point of writing and staying focused. When I can bounce ideas off of someone,(and sometimes I just need a good slap across the face) I can focus more clearly on the task at hand.

So, of course as my mind wonders, is there a spiritual application for this? Probably. I thought of one, but I just lost focus...

4 seconds of fame?

2009-08-31T12:11:00.001-04:00

Look at 22 around seconds. You might see three people you know...

The Fall

2009-08-07T20:48:00.004-04:00

Today is day 219 of the no pop challenge between me and the Graphics Guy. For some unbeknown reason, Dan fell to his carbonated caffeine desires.So now, without my competition, what am I to do? I will say this... I am proud that he made it into day 219, because that is probably the longest he or I have went without Sweet Nectar of Life.

Hope is rising

2009-07-18T01:25:00.002-04:00

I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.

Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

Psalms 27;13-14

When Darkness Reigns

2009-07-15T21:30:00.002-04:00

So I still have to do another post on PhillyGO, but not now. Soon.

I had an incredible time at Summer Camp. It was the best camp so far. It was amazing to see kids step up into the calling of wanting Christ to be the very reason for everything that they do.

It was also the toughest five days of my life for me personally. And the days after will be just s tough. I've rediscovered things about me that I don't like, that I abhor. I can't stand that I hurt other people. I've wanted to run away from my problems, to get a fresh start. I've wanted to kill myself. For some reason, God is bringing me face with the lies of Satan that I've bought into, and everything else that is not of God, that has had a foothold in my life. Its not pretty, I'm sure you've seen it if you've been around me in these past few days.

At the same time through all of this, I've been reminded of God's faithfulness and His love for me. He has reminded me that I am valuable to Him and that I have an incredible impact on the lives of others. He has blessed me with the prayers of others who care for me. He has blessed me with friends who believe in me.
He is with me. He hasn't given up on me. He will see me through.

So now what? What does life look like right now?
It looks like someone who hates that he has made things difficult and frustrating for others, and is torn up inside because of it. It looks like someone who has to wrestle with the dark things inside, but will prevail.

So, I leave you with a song that just messed me up in a good way tonight. Yes, I know if you are like me you just glance over the words and think, "Aww, that is nice." But truly look at the words. better yet, listen to the song and read the words. Tear Down The Walls, by Hillsong United.

Tear down the walls see the world
Is there something we have missed
Turn from ourselves
Look beyond
There is so much more than this

And I don’t need to see it to believe it
I don’t need to see it to believe it
Cause I can’t shake this
Fire deep inside my heart

Look to the skies hope arise
See His majesty revealed
More than this life there is love
There is hope and this is real

Cause I don’t need to see it to believe it
I don’t need to see it to believe it
Cause I can’t shake this fire burning
Deep inside my heart

This life is Yours and hope is rising
As Your glory floods our hearts
Let love tear down these walls
That all creation would
Come back to You
It’s all for You

Your Name is glorious
Glorious
Your love is changing us
Calling us
To worship in spirit and in truth
As all creation returns to You

Oh for all the sons and daughters
Who are walking in the darkness
You are calling us to lead them back to You
We will see Your spirit rising
As the lost come out of hiding
Every heart will see this hope we have in You

Cause I don’t need to see it to believe it
I don’t need to see it to believe it
Cause I can’t shake this fire burning
Deep inside my heart

This life is Yours and hope is rising
As Your glory floods our hearts
Let love tear down these walls
That all creation would
Come back to You
It’s all for You

Your Name is glorious
Glorious
Your love is changing us
Calling us
To worship in spirit and in truth
As all creation returns to You

So there you have it. I'm failing at the contest to be stoic. But that is okay.

This life is yours... and hope is rising...

PhillyGo through the eyes of a adult-type person.

2009-07-01T21:00:00.003-04:00

Its about time I posted, so here we go...

PhillyGo was the sixth consecutive (mission/evangelism)trip that I have been on with NMC Senior High. We stayed at a Presbyterian church in the Kensington area, which is on the NorthEast side of Philly. There were 21 students and 6 leaders on this trip.

This like every trip I've been on, this trip was unique. We had many opportunities to serve the community, whether it was the various Salvation Army locations, serving at a ministry to the homeless, or playing and building relationships with the children of the neighborhood. We also had many opportunities to share our faith in these areas, as well as out right starting conversations to share the Truth.

From before the trip started, there was an evident theme of breaking out of comfort zones and being obedient to whatever God called us to do. It was awesome to witness this is action. I saw the quiet students become more vocal and confident. I saw encouragement gone rampant(granted it was pushed on them at first, but they took it and made it their own). I saw students become bold in their faith. I saw Christ move in their hearts. I saw lives messed up and wrecked because of and for Jesus Christ.

And it hasn't stopped so far. I look back at the other trips I've been on, and I can truly say there is something different about this trip, about these students. It may be too early to truly say, but maybe not. I see a change that can only have happened from those who have truly met with and surrendered to Jesus Christ. This not to say that the other trips weren't powerful, or lives weren't changed, I'm just saying that this trip seems different.

I'm excited.

I'm excited to see what is going to tke place at Summer Camp.

I'm excited to see what is going to take place once school starts.

I'm excited to see what God has in store for the Barbarians from Philadelphia. I pray that I will be one of them as well.

Video Blog

2009-06-22T13:21:00.001-04:00

AIM took some time to interview several of our students while in Philly. Check it here.

Back from Philly.

2009-06-20T21:00:00.002-04:00

Hello again, I'm back from a week long trip to Philadelphia, Pa With NMC Student Ministries on the GO trip. We spent a lot of time, here. I hope to elaborate on this trip soon. Still trying to figure out some of what God is saying to me.

Late night ponderings.

2009-06-12T00:33:00.002-04:00

Do you ever spend time with toddlers or little children? What goes on in your mind while you play/interact with them?

I love playing with kids. I love trying to make them smile, and chasing them as some horrible monster, which leads to me getting beat up(Pastor Rockstar's children are good at this, I discovered).

One thing I've come to realize that happens in those situations is that those that I interact with...they are the only ones in the world to me at that point in time. I automatically forget about what is going on next, what do I have to do, or any other thing that is so "important" and consumes my mind.

Every once in a while I will have a conversation with someone and I will end up with the same feeling... that nothing else in the world matters at the point of in time, but that conversation.

What do I take away from these different examples? That those things that consume my thoughts and worry about aren't always all that important. That I need to continue to be a better listener. And being silly for the little ones is always okay.

Let us pray, let us pray...

2009-06-09T22:36:00.002-04:00

Dustin Eby. Leaves tomorrow to start his trip that leads him to Rwanda.
Caleb Bislow. Leading the charge on this Rwanda trip.
NLF Impact team currently in Nicaragua.
Philadelphia trip. Students and leaders doing Lord knows what.
Jeffrey Simpson. A leader that is going on above trip. Pray that his life won't be gripped by fear as to being a leader, being vulnerable, being an instrument of God. Pray that he doesn't get distracted. Pray that God would rock his world when it comes to falling more in love with the heart of God and His desires.

Where do you go for...

2009-06-03T22:59:00.005-04:00

Encouragement? Do you go to the Bible, and if so, is that enough? Do you go to your friends, kick a can and stare at your feet and mope around until they cheer you up?

Goodbye, Lord Denethor.

2009-06-02T20:23:00.002-04:00

Do you ever get impulsive about something? Every once and a while, I do. Last night I decided to get rid of something that I have wasted so much of my time and life in the last two years or so.

Its been something that had been on my mind for a while, and last night I decided to do get rid of it, and today I went through with it.

I'm sure I'll miss it, but I'm excited at the possibilities without it. I've been meaning to do a lot of reading.( I was a reading fiend in high school.) I think that without it, I will be a better human and Christ follower.

Only time will tell.

Hello from the Point

2009-05-18T23:48:00.004-04:00

Here I am in Sandusky, Ohio at the Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point. I'm here with Bauer, Mish, Chunk, and Paul Wall.
I'm convinced that coming to Cedar Point the night before is the way to go. You are here. You get to sleep well. You get in the park an hour before the public if you stay in a Cedar Point owned resort thingy. You go home not completely exhausted.
I've always loved this trip in May. High School is still in session and Summer is not in full swing. 15 min waits in line or walk-ons are the norm.
This trip has slowly evolved. it started with me and Bauer and a bunch of others, to us two and one of our close friends, to finding a fourth to even out on the rides. This year that close friend couldn't make it, but Mish who came last year and loved it is back, plus die hard Cedar Point guru Chunk, and Mish's live in guest Paul Wall.

I'm excited.

For me this trip has become a time to put life on pause, not worry about life, work, whatnot, and have fun.

We've listened to great music, we've laughed a good bit, and we've had some serious conversations. I'm sure more is to come... we haven't even got to the rides yet.

Star Wars vs Star Trek

2009-05-17T18:21:00.001-04:00

Yes, I pulled this off of someone else's blog:

Back.

2009-05-14T00:38:00.002-04:00

I'm back from being away. It was good to be away for awhile. I wish it could have been longer. I didn't accomplish nearly as much as I desired.
Some things I learned while I was gone:
Life goes on without the internet.
I could seriously work for the DNR here, here, or here.
Going to bed at 10 and waking up whenever is where it is at.
We try way too hard at complicating Christianity and sucking the joy and fun out of it.
The trials and circumstances that plague us are mostly complicated and compounded by us.

Star Trek

2009-05-08T02:18:00.003-04:00

Its official. J.J. Abrams does nothing but brilliant work. This movie was awesome. The nerds will love it, as well as the people who deny the nerd within them.

127

2009-05-07T00:31:00.001-04:00

Today is day 127 of no pop whatsoever. For you keeping track at home, that's over 1/3 of a year.

Taco Bell Song

2009-04-22T20:52:00.000-04:00

What made the human mind dark enough to kill?

2009-04-20T00:56:00.004-04:00

Its been ten years. Ten years ago today, April 20, 1999. I remember where I was when I first heard the news. I was working at a warehouse for grain distribution parts in New Paris on that day. I was still 18, not much older that the two boys who did the unthinkable to their classmates.

So much pain. So much hurt. So much darkness. Yet through this horrible tragedy, Christ has been glorified over and over through the friends and family of those killed that day.

I love that the Living God who I serve, the God who out of darkness brings a new hope.
Here is your freedom.

Homesick

2009-04-16T20:08:00.002-04:00

Have you ever been homesick? I can remember I was stuck with a bunch of strangers in Pennsylvania. I wanted nothing to do with anything, or anybody. I just wanted to be home where it was safe and familiar.

Today I got homesick.

Except today, it was a little different. I had this longing to be home with Jesus. I mean, there is always a longing to be home, but this was magnified today. The question I am asking myself is, "What am I going to do with this longing?"

My best answer is to echo the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples in Matthew 6:

"...your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven..."

So, can any of you relate out there? Has life beaten you up? Are you so busy doing things for God, that you lose focus of why you where doing those things to begin with?
May you take time to realign your focus, not to just be busy, but to have purpose in the things you do.

What is that?

2009-04-06T00:20:00.005-04:00

Have you ever driven by something along the side of the road and wanted to take a closer look? Maybe I'm the only one weird like that. Anyways, I was making multiple trips into town for work and saw something that I thought I recognized, but wasn't sure if it was what I thought it was.

So, after work I grabbed my camera, hopped in my Jeep, and went to investigate. Sure enough, what I saw was what I thought I saw.

The Verdict.

2009-04-05T20:59:00.005-04:00

Ten years ago this summer, I went out to Kingdom Building Ministries in Aurora, Colorado to participate in The Laborer's Institute. My first Wednesday night back at church following TLI, I decided to race a Jr. Higher to the room that we meet in. There are two ways to get to this room, I chose the back way. On my way to the room, I kinda landed on my foot wrong going down a half flight of stairs. It made some noises an ankle shouldn't, and almost immediately started to swell up. It turned black and purple and was hard to walk on for about two weeks.
I never had my ankle looked at, and always wondered what I really did.

A couple of weeks ago, I started to run. Two Fridays ago, my foot started to hurt. After an x-ray, a bone scan, and consulting with an orthopedic dude, I discovered that I have a stress fracture in the cuboid(#7).

Now when talking to the orthopedic guy about my stress fracture, he asked me if I had a previous injury to my foot. So, because of my second injury, I did find out that I messed up my ankle ten years ago.

The verdict? I'm not as young as I used to be, and I need to be more careful.

Validation

2009-03-25T17:52:00.000-04:00

The One and only Byron Bauer pointed this out on facebook...

Sheep

2009-03-25T12:17:00.001-04:00

I saw this on Stuff Christians Like this morning. Pretty amazing.

Remember what God has done.

2009-03-24T17:21:00.002-04:00

I love to take pictures. I'd rather be behind the viewfinder, than in front of the lens. Recently, I've been looking through some of the pics that I have taken. It has been fun to reminisce of times past, but it also reminds me of what God has done in my life and in those around me.

In looking at the past, I'm excited about what's to come.

10 worship songs, 10 Artists

2009-03-24T16:41:00.002-04:00

I've been pondering this post about this, so it is now time. What are ten worship songs from ten different artists that impact me? So, in no particular order...

1. Refuse to be Denied by Desperation Band. I had no idea who Jared Anderson or the Desperation Band was until they came to our church a few years back.

2. Everything by Tim Hughes. The connection Band brought this one into my life recently.

3. Fire Fall Down by Hillsong United. For the longest time I heard people talking about this Hillsong group. Once I fell into the peer pressure, I now know why.

4. If I stand by Rich Mullins. This song has saved me on many dark nights.

5. Only you by David Crowder Band

6. Glorious One by Steve Fee. I first heard Fee's music at Jr. High Summer Camp a few years back. I got one of his albums soon after. Great stuff.

7. My Glorious by Delirious. Delirious is one of the first bands that I grew to love after becoming a follower of Jesus. It reminds me of Bethel Chapel.

8. I know by Darell Evans

9. Rushing Wind by Keith Green. I read the biography of this guy while at KBM. Incredible story. Its amazing to see how God uses people for his Glory, and to draw people unto Him.

10. Gifted Response by Matt Redman

In case you were wondering...

2009-03-24T16:34:00.004-04:00

2009-03-10T21:48:00.000-04:00

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

10 things

2009-03-07T20:57:00.002-05:00

Back in my college days I heard a wise man speak on personal revival. He gave a list.

10 things to have continuous revival
1. Get thoroughly dissatisfied with yourself.
2. Throw yourself into your desire for God.
3. Put yourself in the way of spiritual blessings.
4. Do a thorough job of repenting.
5. Make restitution wherever possible.
6. Bring your life into accord with the scriptures.
7. Be serious minded.
8. Deliberately narrow your interests.
9. Begin to witness.
10. Have faith in God.

8 miles

2009-03-07T20:12:00.003-05:00

The On Fire Rallies changed my life.

It all started what will be 12 years ago. I was attending another church at the time, and had heard about a series of nights dedicated to growing deeper in one's relationship with Christ. I had decided that I was going to make it a priority to check it out.

I was not disappointed.

I found that the worship music was different than singing the hymns and an occasional chorus, and the speaker was challenging me right where I was at. I met many people, including a Pastor, several volunteers, and even several other students who were so friendly, welcoming, and encouraging. Its like I was visiting my home after a long and tiring trip. I was glad I went.

The next year (Spring of 98), I was a senior. At this point in life I was at the mercy of my parents when it came to driving, as I didn't have a car yet. One night of the On Fire Rallies, both my parents were out with the vehicles, and I had no ride, except for the two-wheeled variety. So, one dreary, drizzling night, I donned a yellow rain poncho and peddled the roughly 8 miles from my house to Nappanee Missionary Church. I wasn't going to let anything keep my from participating in what I knew was going to be an incredible time to focus on God.

The On Fire Rallies changed my life. One might say that my life would have sucked without it. I found a place I fit in, It helped shape my choices of my life after high school, and my desire to invest in the lives of youth.

I look back and think of what God has done in my life through the On Fire Rallies, and I thank and praise Him. But more importantly, I look forward in anticipation of what God is going to do.

As I sit in a Coffee House on the eve of this year's Rallies, I'm trying to think. Am I ready? Like the 8 miles that would have kept me from learning and drawing closer to God, is there anything that could be keeping me from hearing God speak to me?

Poll.

2009-03-05T12:57:00.003-05:00

I created a poll. Go to take a look at it and vote.

Clay shooting

2009-03-05T12:49:00.001-05:00

Is 3 years long enough to get over someone?

2009-03-04T22:20:00.001-05:00

I stayed up to watch this episode. Loved it.

Currently watching/listening to

2009-03-01T18:48:00.002-05:00

Currently watching: The Shelby427 at Las Vegas. I love NASCAR, especially when its done by Fox Sports. I love watching pit strategy, learning about the different adjustments to the cars to improve them, and like anyone else, the wrecks. I guess the only thing left to sy is Lowes knows home improvement.

Currently listening to: Lone Lilly by Regan Graverson. Regan performed last night in Goshen. Good stuff. Its not the kind of music that I'd normally listen to, and I think that's why I like it.

Always be prepared.

2009-03-01T18:24:00.002-05:00

In my everyday travels, there are two things I always try to carry with me.

1. A pocket knife/multi-tool. It seems like whenever I don't carry one, I need it. Also, as soon as I don't carry one, other people become intensely disappointed in me.

2. A minimum of one pen, but preferably at least two. Whether its signing for a delivery or writing a quick reminder at work, or taking notes during a message, its always good to be prepared. The reason I saw preferably at least two is that inevitably someone asks to borrow a pen. And 83% of the time, I will never see said loaned pen again.

Its going to be a velcro shoes day tomorrow.

2009-02-27T00:33:00.003-05:00

I'm pulling out the back up shoes. Here is why... As I was hanging out at a friends house, it was time to leave. As it had been raining cats and dogs and men all night long, everyone parked wherever they pleased on the driveway.

As anyone knows, the parking situation can be a tricky situation. Show up last- you're good to go. But as in my case, show up early- and you are up a creek.

While trying to figure out how to get out(because I knew the ground was waaay too soft), I watched somebody attempt going into the yard to get around a couple of vehicles. Knowing the inevitable outcome, I waited with my tow straps and Jeep to come to the rescue.

This is where the fun begins. I could have been one of the people to stand around, or I could hook up the strap to the car and my Jeep. To do this, I had to get down and soaking wet to find a place to hook on to:Although the pic doesn't do it justice, I'm soaking from the knees down.

What is the point of this story? It could be that I like playing in mud puddles and using my Jeep to pull people out of being stuck.

No, my point is this: Sometimes you have to get down and messy sometimes to help a friend out.
So, is this a regular practice for me? I don't know. I want it to be, whether its literally or figuratively. How about you? Are you willing to get down and dirty for your friends?

By the way thanks to several people this week. Whether its been through Facebook, texting, or through conversations, you've made my week worthwhile.

Get in line.

2009-02-24T22:26:00.002-05:00

I like this video.

Red Green

2009-02-21T20:48:00.002-05:00

Back in the day, I used to watch a wonderful show Saturday nights on PBS... the Red Green show. Its out of Canada, so that should sum it up. They had a regular segment on the show called the Handyman Corner. Here are several clips from the show...

Rwanda Night silent auction

2009-02-14T21:00:00.004-05:00

Auction items are now posted.To check them out, go here and bid often!

There's gonna be a floody, floody

2009-02-12T04:16:00.003-05:00

Today's lesson is brought to you by last night's power outage. Always make sure the breaker for the sump pump is not tripped.
So this morning, the Lord has reminded me by force, to cut down and the amount of stuff I have. I guess I could be really be upset by this turn of events, or I could just roll with it, and just thank God for the bigger picture of all that He has done for me and all that He is to me.
So without further ado,
Rise and shine
And give God the glory, glory...

You tube

2009-02-03T23:16:00.002-05:00

Here's a little tribute to a movie I'm watching right now:

I found this on a old friend's blog. Its pretty interesting:

I'm a nerd who likes Nerf guns. Some bigger nerds than me modded one:

25 Things

2009-02-03T18:02:00.002-05:00

Since I was tagged over a week ago, I figured its about time to please the masses.

1. I can't stand Ketchup, Mustard, or Mayonnaise.
2. I rode the school bus until two weeks before I graduated high school.
3. I've never had a milkshake from Steak and Shake.
4. I almost died on a waterfall in Thailand.
5. My favorite band will always be Five Iron Frenzy.
6. My mountain bike got stolen at Cornerstone Music Festival in 1996.
7. As a 7th grader, I performed on the field in the Hoosier Dome for Marching Band.
8. Most people at Prairie Camp know me as the guy with a horsefly on a string.
9. When I was young, I wanted to be a Fireman when I grew up.
10. I've been T.P.ing once in my life. Ask me me in 4 months about it.
11. If I had to live in another state, it would be Colorado.
12. I've never been to Mexico.
13. I almost blew my foot off with a 20 ga. shotgun (as a teenager...I'm smarter now).
14. I shot a deer once hunting with Chad Loucks. I realized after I shot it, I had done so, illegally.
15. I have regularly attended five churches in my life... Three of them I worked at.
16. I have been to the World's largest hand-dug well.
17. The summer is my favorite season.
18. If I went back to college, I'd be a Junior.
19. I want to go to Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and back to Thailand.
20. I truly first met Jesus in a tent in a field on County Road 9 at the age of 16.
21. My favorite NMC student ministry songs are Happy Birthday(as loud and off key as possible) and Little Cabin in the woods.
22. Some of my favorite times of work are when I'm the only one in the church.
23. I've worked at three Mc'Donalds in my life.
24. I love tearing things apart to figure out how they work... and them attempt to put them back together.
25. If I were a crocodile, I'd thank the Lord for my big smile.

Lesson learned yesterday

2009-01-27T15:27:00.004-05:00

This is a Sharpie permanent marker.

Never, ever, under any circumstances wave the above marker around without the cap on. Otherwise, you will have permanent marker on your jeans, the door, the walls, the ceiling, and the desk of the Children's Ministries Coordinator.

Behind the times?

2009-01-27T14:27:00.002-05:00

As I was withdrawing some money from the bank today, the teller completed the transaction, then got into her best kindergarten teacher -its time to grab your mat and take a nap - voice, and said to me, "You know, you can get a debit card and take out cash anytime..."

In case you were wondering...

2009-01-24T02:01:00.006-05:00

This is what you'll find at the bottom of the page for the movie Fireproof at IMDb.

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Its late.

2009-01-21T02:14:00.003-05:00

Well, its after 2 in the morning, and I am still up. Why? I don't know. Well, that's not entirely true. Do you ever have those moments when God keeps you up for what you deem is no apparent good reason? Well, I do. And its usually because God knows he has my undivided attention in these times.

Its time for me to recant my faith.

No, not my faith in Jesus Christ, my faith in me. A concept jumped into my head a while back, and it can be linked with Galatians 5:7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? I do believe that I allowed Jeff to get in the way of Jeff.

So how do I keep from Jeff from getting in the way of Jeff?

I must abandon the belief that I can fix every thing in my life by myself.
I must abandon the belief that I have all the answers.
I must abandon the belief that I am in control.
I must abandon the belief that I am worthless. (Contradictory? Nope.)

I must surrender my will.
I must surrender my fear.
I must surrender my rights.
I must surrender my doubts.
I must surrender.

I must decrease so that Christ may increase.

How many texts can you send in a day?

2009-01-12T19:48:00.001-05:00

I bet you not more than this girl.

My Ladies

2009-01-02T00:37:00.000-05:00

You got to know when to hold 'em...

2009-01-02T00:17:00.003-05:00

For the third time in my life I played texas hold em, the game which traversed from one year to another. I'm pretty sure I lack the proper knowledge how to play the game. However, with the combination of being utterly exhausted from a four day youth trip,which caused me to not care how I played, and hanging out with people who consumed a little too much adult drinks, the miraculous happened...

From Despair to Hope.

2009-01-01T23:36:00.001-05:00

Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run

'Cause I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

10 days

2008-12-18T12:47:00.002-05:00

10 days until the winter Retreat.

Random thought

2008-12-17T23:42:00.003-05:00

All I want and all I need, is someone who believes in me.

That is a line out of a song done by Five Iron Frenzy. Its basically referring to God being the one who looks out after the person who is picked on, and overlooked. There are times I tend to think about it in another way.
Oh great, he's going to complain about being single.
No, not really. I really don't know as to what the purpose of this writing is, other than to help me vent and process, and maybe get some feedback from Lord knows who.

For some reason, I had an image pop into my head while driving after church. It was the image of the mirror in Snow White(really random, I know). Now I know this is an example that falls short and does not compare really, but I'm working with what I got here.

Nevermind. I'm too tired to explain it. I enjoy the moments in life where by being around people who, just by being around them, I feel like I'm a better person, and I don't even think about myself as a result of being around them.

Did you know?

2008-12-16T17:18:00.002-05:00

... that on the ends of saran wrap and aluminum foil boxes, there are tabs you press in to keep the rolls from jumping out?

Wednesday.

2008-12-11T00:01:00.001-05:00

Wednesday was a good day.

For the first time in a long time...

2008-12-10T23:37:00.001-05:00

...I went roller skating. The 9th and 10th grades went to a rink in Elkhart (not Middlebury). What was the result?

Right now I'm wondering who thought it would be fun to strap wheels on to their shoes? I'll tell you who... the kids who didn't pay attention in Physics class and spent their afternoons riding down hills in shopping carts.

Sometimes I understand my whole purpose at certain junctures in time is to make people laugh. Mission accomplished.

I just wish it could be done in ways that wouldn't make me so sore.

Saw a rabbit hopping by, knocking at his door...

2008-12-09T10:29:00.004-05:00

My deepest apologies to the blog faithful out there. Every now and then, I just get consumed by the hustle of life and neglect the 'ol blog. Hopefully I can assuage the void with sever posts today...

Last night, I got to spend the night out away from the world, away from cell phones, from electricity, from running water. Its been a while since I got to slooow down and get away. It was great just to be able to talk about church, ministry and life with one of the coolest people I know(Only a little less cooler that the person he's married to).

Rain-deer?

2008-12-01T23:13:00.000-05:00

Story here.

While listening to a message...

2008-11-21T01:23:00.000-05:00

...sometimes one will draw while taking notes.

What if

2008-11-19T07:51:00.002-05:00

What if we had another Martin Luther in our time? What if he or she would say that the church is not as effective as it could be? What if they were right?

Would we politely disagree and send them on their way? Would we be too stubborn to even contemplate ministry in a new light because of tradition, because it is change?

What is more important? Our security in what is comfortable, or Christ being glorified?

2008-11-17T22:44:00.000-05:00

Question

2008-11-17T21:34:00.002-05:00

Would you want to know the truth about God even if it is different than what you currently believe?

Christmas lights

2008-11-11T20:28:00.002-05:00

I just got done putting up some Christmas lights. No, its not because I'm in the Christmas spirit. I have my reasons, but for now I will keep you in the dark.

I might shed more light on the subject later.

For the first time in my life...

2008-11-07T20:39:00.001-05:00

I had one of these today: