The Announcement.

So, here we go. There is no easy way to put this, so in the words of Relient K, why don't I come right and and say it. I've decided to move out of state. This is something that I have been thinking bout for a while, since after summer camp to be exact, and I've concluded that its time to do it. I'm tired of my life here, and its time to move.

I feel like over the past several years, its been situation normal for my life. I work at the church, volunteer at the church, and live by the church. Life is too easy for me. I think I'm finally growing weary of it. There is no risk in my life, it is safe.

I don't want safe anymore. What do I want? I want to see Jesus Christ radically move in my life. I want to see Jesus Christ radically move in the lives of those around me.

Why hasn't this move taken place before? Well it has, but I always return to the beginning. As Paul says in Romans 12:1, we are to "offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God"... The problem with living sacrifices is that they have a tendency to get up off the altar.

Along with that is that Jeff tries to do things on his own power and tries to mask it with a little bit of God thrown in. Basically in this scenario I am a man with high tendencies to be adulterous, lustful, jealous, depressed, prideful, and not content in my current state of singleness.

Now I must admit, I believe I am allowing God more freedom to move in my life, but that is still the problem. I haven't allowed God freedom to be my everything in my life.

How about Abraham? When Yahweh asked him for the life of Isaac, did Abraham just respond without thought? Granted, according to Genesis, God asked him, and the next day he started up the mountain, but I have to wonder, did Abe get any sleep that night? I find it a little more plausible to think that he wrestled the entire night long, analyzing every little aspect and weighing every possible outcome of this sacrifice. When it came down to it though, Abraham put his faith and trust in his God.

So, here we are. I think it is finally time to move up the mountain, to lay my "son" on the altar. Its time to give up my desires, my wants, my wishes. I want to be used by God, and I want the Holy Spirit to move in me and through me. Whats to keep me from allowing this to happen? Me. But I think that Christ has bigger plans for my life, if I actually trust him and put my faith in him and not myself.

I've jumped on the bandwagon

Why? Because I got bored.

Baptsim pics

Major Announcement.

Major announcement coming tomorrow afternoon.

For Sale

I have a car.
I don't need it.
Call me.
Email me @ murdock80@juno.com

A page out of the X Files

Two dudes in Georgia(the U.S. state, not the country) claim they found Bigfoot. Article here. This makes me ponder something... what do you call a group of Bigfoot : Bigfeet?

A new found admiration for Phelps

"When Phelps is not sleeping, he plays the computer game “Age of Empires” with his suitemates or watches the documentary “Planet Earth.” Anything to keep his mind off swimming until he returns to the pool for the preliminaries, where he follows the same prerace routine."

This guy is cool.

To the Notre Dame fans...

Forgive me, it mentions beer, but I can't help it...

8

According to Google reader, there are 8 subscribers to this little blog. Wow. I just wanted to take time to thank everyone who made this moment possible. I'm honored.

A request.

Dear NBC,

Please use more ex-athletes as commentators, who actually know what they are talking about. I know you want to hype the production of the broadcast to get more ratings or whatnot, but seriously, get rid of the waaaay over-dramatic people who you have covering the gymnastics.
Thank you.

My Current Favorite album

United We Stand by Hillsong United has to to be my favorite album as of current. There is something about cranking it up and worshiping through it. It is also a productivity increaser. I can actually be productive around the house, and even go blog-crazy.

Corey Ellis

This is Corey Ellis. This is a pic from the DCGO trip in June. He was sharing about one of his experiences with the group. If you don't know, Corey had a incident were he was in a hot tub, and the hot tub tried to kick his butt. Well, not really, but having a seizure in water is never a good thing.
I went with the Prenkert and some of the Junior guys to go say hi to him and pray over him. Three days later, you wouldn't be able to tell that at one point his lungs were filled with water and was presumably brain dead(besides him being in a hospital bed). This was an out right miracle, With all Glory going to God.
It is incredible to see how he is doing and the stories of how God's hand has been in all of this with the right people being in the right places on Saturday. Its exciting to think of what is going to do as a result of this as well. The world needs to watch out, Corey Ellis, who is not ashamed of the Gospel or his God, has more to talk about.

I'm excited to see what's going to happen with him. He doesn't play by the "Christian rules" and he doesn't care. He challenges me to be unashamed of my God.

Sweet Victory

Saturday was a sweet victory for a friend and for myself. Let me explain. First of all, I have a buddy, his name is Jason.He's a little dressed up in this picture. That is because about an hour earlier, he was in the middle of this:Granted, its not one of my better snapshots, but I didn't want to be popping off a flash in the middle of service(like many others). He got himself married.

Now, rewind to six or seven years ago... One night he and I were having one of those deep and philosophical conversations on top of the washers and dryers in the 2nd floor laundry room in Manges Hall at Bethel College(a lot like the legendary Blueberry Campfires). I don't know how we got into, probably a conversation about who was more pathetic, that led to a friendly wager: who got married had to pay the other ten dolla on their wedding day. It was supposed to be an encouragement no matter the outcome.Needless to say, I won... the wager anyways.

The end of on era

The first time I put this on was at summer camp...the "Connected" year. My idle hands needed entertainment during a wedding, and goodbye bracelet. This was the first time its been off my wrist. My wrist feels a little bare.

Light bulb moment.

I've been trying to memorize a passage a scripture, and I was taking time to go over a few minutes ago. something did not sit with me well for a while. Its in 2 cor 4:4 ...The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
I had some issues with that. Why would God blind the minds of unbelievers?
But the I looked at it more closely...The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers... God is lowercase. Why is that? Who is the god of this age? Or am I just barking up the wrong tree?

Tuesday's Travels

Tuesday I felt like I had to just get away from the house and other stuff, so with the advice of a friend, I decided to go to this place...
Flat Top Grill in Ft. Wayne. I've talked about Flat Top before, but I love the place. I broke one of my own rules... I actually ate by myself in a restaurant. After some stir fry, I went here...
Rave is also located at Jefferson Pointe in Ft. Wayne, next to Flat Top Grill. I happened to watch the new Mummy movie. It was entertainment, a lot like the first two installments.
After the movie, I decided t stroll down memory lane. In the summer of 2002 I interned here...
Living Faith Missionary Church near Yoder and Ossian . It was a really good experience... probably the reason why I stayed involved in youth ministry to this day. I wanted to stop in and talk to Joel Gregory, but apparently the office was closed. It was really cool to think back to all the times... the good times, the fun times, and the not so fun "learning experiences."This is the Kingdom hall just north of Bluffton. I stopped there once to grab a New World Translation. I opened the door only to hear a steady high tone, followed by the alarm shortly after. I didn't stick around too long after that.Downtown Bluffton. I love the small towns that have the real parking on either side of the road. I went to the Good Shepherd bookstore to pick up the latest Nooma and Crazy Love. I figured I would add it to my library of books I haven't read. I'll probably ready in three years or so after everyone stops talking about it.

A big stack of big bales.

File it.

I enjoy quality time with people, but like everyone else, I like getting words of encouragement. I have decided that I'm going t a better job at keeping those letters, notes, cards, etc. For those days I really need to read stuff like that.

Lightnin'

The Mansion.

The infamous mansion next to Beulah Beach. Supposedly the guy that lives here invented the drop ceiling tiles.

Surrender!

A surrendered life is an empowered life. An empowered life is a life that expects the miraculous.

If you are from Nappanee Missionary, you have probably heard that saying. But, what does that mean?

Well let me back up and talk about hiding from God. It was recently said by a SH Youth Pastor that when you hide your sin from God, the only thing you are doing is hurting yourself. God sees all, and he knows about it. By us bringing sin out of hiding, we are being open and honest in front of God. Only then can we experience true freedom in Christ.

In my journey in the last week of finding my way back to seeking God with all my heart, I realized something about surrendering my rights, my desires, my dreams, and my will.
Its only when we get to the point of wanting to give everything over to God, and trusting in him to provide for us that we will experience true freedom in Christ.
Its funny to me that dealing with sin and surrender can involve the same steps. But, at the same time, its so elementary. For some reason, I'm once again reminded of this passage that has been popping into my life all summer long:

Matthew 6
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

We worry about our sin. We worry about our rights, our desires, our dreams, and our wills. Its time we surrender. The One who we battle with is a lot bigger than us, and He's actually on our side. Sign away everything... all of your sin and all of the things you think you need or you think God has for you. Then you can live in freedom, and fight with, and not against God.

What is holding you back? Have you counted the cost? Do you truly want to seek after God with all of your heart? I know both sides of this story. And frankly, I'm learning that this picture is were I am free.
I really need to remember this post. Somebody please ask me how I'm doing from time to time.

Why So Serious?

Really big screen + Batman = Good Stuff
Maybe I'll see it again soon.

My journey at camp.

I want to share the things I wrote down at camp. If you want to know more, talk to me in person. Its just that I don't want my fingers to fall off.
I feel like I'm one of these stones cut out of the quarry and used as a breaker. Ever so slowly as the waves beat against me, I'm being wore down. there is nothing i can do about it because I am stuck in place. I wonder if being stuck in place is keeping me from pursuing God with reckless abandon. Or is where I am where I am supposed to be so God can smooth the edges a little bit more?

Does my heart and mind purposefully focus on something I can't have? Or is it that I pervert the things that God desires for me? How do I start with a clean slate?

What is keeping me from the direction God wants me to go in my life?

Why do I worry so much? Why do I worry about what others think, what I think others think? What can I do about this?

Are there lies that I'm buying into that I don't fully know of yet? What about the lies I do know of? What do I have put in place to combat these lies?

Am I surrendering to God the things in my life I think I need? Daily? Hourly? At a moment's notice?

Am I not necessarily stuck, but not just fully aware of my role in life?

Back from camp.

Well, I'm back from Senior High Summer Camp. More details to come, but for now, a story about the trip home.
I was driving a church van and trailer on the Ohio turnpike and got slowed up by some congested traffic... rumor has it Obama was in the area. All of the sudden, I saw this:
I then got into the left lane and saw this:
I couldn't contain myself. I had to call the one and only Hoss to let him know that it was just a little way behind him. It only me calling 4 leaders to track him down.

Random thought

As we were setting up for Summer Camp in Ohio yesterday, I had a random thought... how much am I worth? I know, I know, for those of you who have the privilege of knowing me are thinking right now, "You cant put a price on that!!" To that I say, thank you, but seriously, how much am I worth if I cashed my weight in gold?

Well, to figure this out follow me back to elementary math. First of all, you need to know that there are 16 ounces in a pound. Secondly, you need to know the weight of the subject in question...I just weighed in at 185 pounds(random comment.... Thanks to the no pop challenge I'm 20 pounds lighter). Thirdly, you need to know the price of gold. As of this morning gold is around $919.77, but has been dropping, so we will round down to $900 for the sake of this experiment.

16 x 185 = 2960
2960 x 900 = $2,664, 000

I'm worth a decent amount in Gold. And by the way, those 20 pounds just lost me $288,000.

p.s. in the 15 minutes I took to post this, gold dropped to $914.40. Better buy quickly!!

Oh, Canada...

Happy Canada Day!

Fishing excursion

So, it was a pretty decent day fishing at the lake. It was eerie the at first with the dense fog; it was if I was in a whole new world. I took a few sample shots representing each of the types of fish that I caught.

I'm back.

It is so go to be back home. It was a good trip... pics and whatnot to come later.

Blogcation.

I'm not kidding anyone here... its not a blogcation, its just a time where I won't feel like posting. Reason is, I will be probably spending a little time next week here.

A mini rant.

I'm a big fan of M. Night Shyamalan. There hasn't been a single movie of his I didn't like. I'm tired of hearing all these people complaining that his movies don't do what they expect them to do. This guy creates his own movies, and if you can't enjoy his creations, then too bad. I think far too often people will see a movie trailer and go to the movie with preconceived notions about what is going to happen and when they are wrong, they complain about it. How many people out there are creating something new, not a remake of a 70's horror movie, a remake of some other movie, a comic book or a sequel (to milk the money out of the franchise)?

With that being said, I loved The Happening. It definitely warrants the rated "R" status... not for the faint of heart.

Random pics from DCGO retreat

What do a bunch of guys do at 7 in the morning at Prairie Camp?

Disappointed

I miss Henschen's that used to be at the corner of S.R.19 and C.R.50. It was so convenient to have a good gas station near by. They sold to store to some other people, and they didn't keep it running. For the past two or three months, the have been closed. However, they still had the price of $3.03 on the sign. It had been regular entertainment for me to watch people pull up, attempt to pump gas, head to the door to go inside and say something is wrong with the pump, only to realize that no one is there and they are closed. Of course, I go to take a picture today and realize they took the price down.

Mountain Dew Challenge

I suppose its time for me to weigh in on this go-round. Day 44 of no pop is coming to an end. My arch-nemesis of the challenge wussed out ages ago. I have no real reason to keep going on. At this point, I would consider it an honor to lose to the other two contestants, but alas, I will press on.
Here's to another 31 days...

The Team

Here is the DCGO Team ... New Life and NMC combined:
I'm excited about this trip for several reasons:

• The personal testimonies of these kids are amazing. We've heard stories of growing up in the religion of church, stories of hurt in relationships, lost loved ones, doing a good job of "going through the motions", and battles with depression. It is so clear to see the Christ has showed up and even wrecked these kids for the Kingdom.
• There has been a difficult time securing some of the other leaders for this trip. I think God has a purpose and a plan behind it and it is going to be awesome to see it play out.
• These kids have no clue what there are signed up for... I can't wait to see God show up in mighty ways this next week.
• This is my fifth trip like this, and I have no clue what I signed up for (I do, but I don't)... each trip is different and I can't wait to see what God wants to show me on this trip about my life, my relationship with him, and my calling in life.

Ways to pray for this trip...

1. First of all, pray for Pastor Jason. Pray that he would take this time to continue to heal physically, as he won't be going with us. With that pray that he would not be discouraged as a result of not going, and that God would just take this time to speak to him in a new way.
2. Pray for Pastors Chris and Brad. Ask that God with give the them wisdom and clarity to lead this group of students. Along with them, Pray for Kelsey Bullock, Katelynn Miller, Peggy Bearss, Leslie Yoder, Craig Helfrich, Dustin Gill, and myself. Pray that we too would have the wisdom to ask the right questions to our students and to be patient with them.
3. Pray that the students will understand that success is obedience to God... nothing more, nothing less.
4. Pray that comfort zones will be stepped out of. Pray that we are put into situations where God has to show up, or we look like a bunch of failures.
   
5. Pray for clarity for all of us to realize the divine appointments that are set before us.
   

All is well

I feel as if Nappanee is complete again.


Now if we can get one of these, it would be next to Heaven on Earth.

Umm...

Wow.

Where has Jeff been in the last week?

Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
Psalm 42:11

Part one...check.

Part two...check.

Part three...Boo-Yah!

The List

Ok. Time for a list.
I've been contemplating this for a while, but there are some things I want to do this sumer and year. So, with out further ado, here are some things I want to do this year.
1. Go fishing with my boat at least six times: One of those with my dad.
2. Go golfing at least three times. If I go, its usually only twice.
3. Make it to a cubs game at Wrigley Field: never been there.
4. Head up to Chicago again to go see Wicked, Stomp, Blue Man Group, or something of the like.
5. Sell my car. I'm tired of it sitting in my drive way. As soon as I put an alternator in it, its go time.
6. Learn to play guitar.
7. Take more time to spend more time alone with God time. This one will happen. I'm tired of being shallow in my relationship with Christ. Along with that, I want to work on my journaling. I suck at it, so really there is either only room for improvement, or no change at all. I want the former over the latter.
8. Speak less. I want to be able to learn from those around me and not just say thing to say things.
9. Go wake boarding at least once.
10. Ride jet skis at least twice.

So long, Showplace

Last night I was hanging out with a couple of gentlemen, both of drinking age. We were going to go see Prince Caspian, a rated PG movie. Apparently after 9pm on Friday and Saturday, anyone looking under the age of 25 has to show i.d. I suppose we'd be ok if everyone had their i.d.'s with them, but they didn't. Still, a stupid rule.

I won't be going back anytime soon.

The Name Game

In the past months, I've been introduced to The Office on NBC. I am no Steve Carell fan, but I do like the show. If you don't know me, I'm kind of a sci-fi nerd. It just so happens that I share a lot of of the same entertainment interests of the one and only Dwight Schrute. Dwight is known to like movies and shows like Star Wars, LOTR, 24, Heroes, Lost, and Battlestar Galactica.

I stumbled across the NBC video rewind, and saw that you can watch the first season of The "A" Team online. In high school, I went on a mission trip to Florida. While we were down there, we got on to the subject of that t.v. show, and so we started giving each other nickname from that show, and others. I was dubbed Murdock, because he was the crazy one, and apparently everyone thought it fit me.

The character of Murdock is played by Dwight schultz.

Jeff's nickname is Murdock, Murdock is played by Dwight Schultz, Dwight Schultz -> Dwight Schrute?

I've officialy spent to much sitting in the coffee house.

Frustrating.

I love Christian music. When I first entered into a relationship with Christ at the age of 16, I dived into the Christian music hardcore. I listened only to Christian music, (except for Country, when I had to ride the bus to and from school) went to as many concerts as I could, and had a wardrobe composed heavily of band t-shirts. A.D.D. moment: My shirts have been moving on to their final resting place, one by one over the years. Its been a sad transition.

As of late, it has been difficult to make it to the concerts as time progresses. I'm older, I don't listen only to Christian music- so i don't hear the announcements, (rock, talk radio, etc.) and all around I'm always busy when the concerts happen.

Several months ago I heard about two of my favorite bands are going to be in the area:David Crowder Band is going to be @ the Elco on June 19. I will be on the DCGO trip.

Delirious?, with lead singer Martin Smith (second on right) Have written songs including "I could sing of your love forever", "Shout to the North", "My Glorious", "Did you Feel the Mountains Tremble?", "Majesty"and "Rain down" They will be playing in Ft. Wayne on July 12. This is during Sr. High Summer Camp.

Observations from a coffee house

I like hanging out at coffee houses. I have done it in Kansas City, St. Charles, and Nappanee. Ok, so I don't do it much, but there is something about it that allows me to slow down, collect my thoughts, and post stuff on this blog. My main observation that is spurring this post is this: Do you ever get slightly annoyed by something, which is not a big deal? So what happens when you start to think about the small annoyance? Well, if you're anything like me, it get really annoyed by it, or them.

This instance is brought to you by the ladies who are taking time to connect and talk and talk and talk... nonstop. To be honest, its not a bad thing, it has reminded me of something... do I talk the time to actually listen, or am I just wanting for my turn to jump into a conversation?

Harty Boys

You might find this amusing:

The problem of Red Bull

I don't know if it the cause or the effect... maybe its just the typical run of the mill miscreants of Nappanee, but I just watched as a adolescent disposed of his spent can of Red Bull outside the Coffee Shop door. Let the discussing the spiritual meanings of this begin...

A tale of text messaging.

So, two Sundays ago, I was minding my own business as I was heading to service in The Connection. During service, I received multiple text messages.

Text message number one was from, a Jr. High pastor wanting me to get the attention of the person next to me.

Text message number two was from a youth who not thrilled about the lyrics on the side screens during worship...

 I just got off the phone with jesus and he said to put the words on the middle
screen. Or you shall be shunned!

I had ran Shout during the On Fire Rallies, but that was the last time. Why this is my responsibility, I don't know

Text message number three was a pic from another person in the youth:
With the artistic help of the one and only Carter Ammerman, I replied with this:

I then got a response of ... Touche.

Maybe I should turn my phone off more often.

Remember me?

Hello Blogging world, Its been a while. I'm Hanging out at Main Street Coffee House and its time to return to blogspot...

Really cool stuff

Ok, I'm still up for some reason I don't know. I stumbled across something on the internet, and its awesome. This guy has discovered some really cool things you can do with a wii remote:

Here is where I got the video.
Here is his website.

The five dollar bill

So yesterday as I was meandering around the summit city, I noticed something. The new 5 dollar bill got a make over:What is with adding purple to the dollar? Is purple the only solution in the war against counterfeit money?

Greetings from a land far, far away... or several counties anyways.

What a glorious day today. There is just something about getting away that breathes life back into one's soul. Kinda sad that I have to get away from church to do so. Anyways, the whole plan is do take it easy these next days. I'm just making stuff up as I go.
Between last night and this morning, I realized something through observing my nieces. There is no filter on their minds. They aren't afraid to ask many questions and they will speak their mind. Maybe it is the innocence in their inquiries of life, but something about them reminded me of a passage of scripture in Matthew 18.

1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"

2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Now, I'm not saying I want to be the greatest in heaven, but verse 3 is what struck me. How often do I try to have everything figured out, and act like I have arrived at the destination of being a "Christian". I need to continuing pursuing a child-like faith, and keep from having the mindset of having figured this whole thing out.

Okay, now for a random story. Until this morning, I have never been served breakfast in bed. Ellie, the 8 yr old in the middle of the pic is the reason for the end of this "I never...". Coupled with that, I do believe this is the first time I ate cereal with milk in it. Call me crazy, but I've never been keen on that concept. What am I going to do, not eat it? My niece took the time to prepare it for me.

Two wonderful situations

When it comes to work, there are always two situations that haunt me.

Situ #1. You remember that you forgot something important, and its way too late to take care of.
Situ #2. You remember that you forgot something important, and its not too late to take care of, but its either too late at night, or right before a vacation, or both. You still feel obliged to take care of it.

I just fell victim to #2.



He he he... don't take that out of context.

So long, Moses, Judah Ben-hur

84 years old.

And...

I can see a light
that is coming
for a heart that holds on...