Just before we left for vacation we launched our new site at the Pittsburgh Mills. It was an amazing team effort to get there in just under 5 weeks. We relocated our theater church into an 8,000 sq. ft. storefront and now have a presence there 7 days a week! In our first service we set a new record of 242. I'm thrilled with this new adventure and look forward to returning to continue getting settled in.
If you're in the area please come and join us! Service time is 9:30 a.m. and you enter through Entrance #5 next to where Linens & Things used to be.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Vacation & Great Read
This week we're having a wonderful time visiting Amie's family in Nixa, MO. It's been sunny and in the 70's nearly every day. We've feasted and relaxed and read and watched movies. Life is great!
I've just finished listening to William Young's "The Shack". It's a great book and I've really been blessed by it. I'd encourage anyone to read it. It's fiction but has a great message that offers a lot of hope. It's definitely worth your time.
I've just finished listening to William Young's "The Shack". It's a great book and I've really been blessed by it. I'd encourage anyone to read it. It's fiction but has a great message that offers a lot of hope. It's definitely worth your time.
Monday, September 8, 2008
EPIC
Wow! It's finally here. Yesterday we launched the EPIC adventure that I've been praying for and waiting for these past 6 months! I'm so pumped and ready to grow personally, in our family and with my church over the next nine months. If you're not familiar with EPIC let me point you to our web site at www.riversideconnect.org or our EPIC blog which is www.rccepicblog.blogspot.com.
Our family began our devotions over the weekend and I'm already feeling more deeply connected to Amie and the kids knowing we're going to be on this journey together for the remainder of the school year.
I hope you can join us!
Our family began our devotions over the weekend and I'm already feeling more deeply connected to Amie and the kids knowing we're going to be on this journey together for the remainder of the school year.
I hope you can join us!
Divine Vision
Yesterday we kicked off the new Fall Semester of small groups at RCC. It's been great to see things get underway again and I'm thrilled with the excitement and enthusiasm our church family has when we return from the Summer break.
Last night at our Small Group Leadership Training I asked us as leaders to consider what kind of a vision the Lord would give us for our small groups in the coming months. In that talk I shared some qualities of divine vision that I thought I'd include here too. They are from John Maxwell's Leadership Bible notes ...
Divine Vision …
1. It is not discovered or created, but revealed.
2. It doesn’t compete with others, but completes others.
3. It is captivating, not optional. You can’t get it out of your mind.
4. Its goal is to meet needs.
5. Its success depends on serving others.
6. It stops me before it drives me to act.
7. Its fulfillment rests on simple obedience.
8. Its purpose is to glorify God!
Great stuff! I hope you will be able to see the divine vision God has for you personally.
Last night at our Small Group Leadership Training I asked us as leaders to consider what kind of a vision the Lord would give us for our small groups in the coming months. In that talk I shared some qualities of divine vision that I thought I'd include here too. They are from John Maxwell's Leadership Bible notes ...
Divine Vision …
1. It is not discovered or created, but revealed.
2. It doesn’t compete with others, but completes others.
3. It is captivating, not optional. You can’t get it out of your mind.
4. Its goal is to meet needs.
5. Its success depends on serving others.
6. It stops me before it drives me to act.
7. Its fulfillment rests on simple obedience.
8. Its purpose is to glorify God!
Great stuff! I hope you will be able to see the divine vision God has for you personally.
U.S. Open Concludes
Serena and Roger ... not too much of a surprise on either front. I've been too busy and haven't had the chance to see much of either final but am looking forward to watching them on the DVR later this week. I'm glad Nadal didn't take the title and am pleased Murray had the chance to get his feet wet in a grand slam final.
Now that the majority of the tennis season is over ... I'm heading for the racquetball courts again.
Now that the majority of the tennis season is over ... I'm heading for the racquetball courts again.
Family Updates
It's hard to believe but the school year is underway once again. This year Joshua is in 4th Grade and Jenna is starting 1st Grade. Both of them are being taught by Amie as a part of the PA Cyber Charter School.
Joshua is taking tennis lessons at the Monroeville Racquet Club and enjoys hitting with me which I love too.
Jenna is going to be taking cheerleading classes at the Penn Hills YMCA. I'm not sure how I feel about this but at age 6 I suppose this dad can handle it for a while.
I'm praying that they both will continue to grow in character, knowledge and wisdom as they embark on these new educational experiences.
Joshua is taking tennis lessons at the Monroeville Racquet Club and enjoys hitting with me which I love too.
Jenna is going to be taking cheerleading classes at the Penn Hills YMCA. I'm not sure how I feel about this but at age 6 I suppose this dad can handle it for a while.
I'm praying that they both will continue to grow in character, knowledge and wisdom as they embark on these new educational experiences.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Jenna's Journey
Saturday - August 9, it was on this day that my daughter (nearly 7 years old) placed her trust in Christ!! To say I'm thrilled about this would be a bit of an understatement!!! Words can't fully express the joy of a parent as they watch God's grace being extended to their child. It is a day I will always remember. For all of you who offer up prayers of thanksgiving ... Now would be the time!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Vacation - Sandusky, OH
We've just returned from 5 days in Sandusky, OH. It was a wonderful adventure for our family as we visited three locations: Soak City, Cedar Point and Castaway Bay. We had a blast at each park and they all had their own unique flavor.
On Tuesday we spent the day at Soak City. It's a water park that overlooks Lake Erie. Amazing! The kids loved it and there was something for all of us from a toddler area to the lazy river to the family slide that scared us all. We thought sure Jenna was going to get thrown out of the raft! Thankfully she didn't but don't expect to see her on that ride again anytime soon. Not fun for her! That night we returned to the Breakers Express hotel exhausted, burnt and hungry but those were all good for it meant we'd given ourselves fully to the experience.
Cedar Point is the roller coaster capital of the world as far as I'm concerned. On Wednesday we made our way there. We're not that adventuresome but we thoroughly enjoyed watching people risk life and limb by riding at speeds that topped 100 mph and defied the laws of gravity.
We did enjoy Planet Snoopy, Camp Snoopy and the Kiddy Kingdom. As far as family rides go, the Sky Ride, Giant Wheel and the Train were about as thrilling as we could stomach. Our kids loved meeting the Peanuts gang in costume and it provided hours of entertainment as we journeyed from kids ride to kids ride without having to wait too long.
I think the most unbelievable aspect to the whole day there was the cool weather. God was blessing me as it was at times even cold. PTL! At one point it did not only rain but actually hailed on us. After a return trip to the hotel to dry off, change clothes and get geared up again we were back in the saddle and off to the races. We finished up that day with a lights/fireworks display that was truly amazing.
Thursday was a slower day as we spent it at Castaway Bay - an indoor water park. It was nice to relax and read while the kids played in their respective areas. We had a lot of fun in the wave pool and Amie and I had the chance to take in all of the slides and even a tube ride together.
Some of our memorable meals were pizza, burgers, pasta, salmon, chicken fried steak, pancakes/french toast/eggs/bacon, donuts/muffins, chocolate milk and ice cream. Can anyone say, "It's time for the diet to begin?!"
It was wonderful to have all of the time to relax and detach myself from technology and the demands of ministry. I'm off again next week so I'm still very much in vacation mode. I did want to journal a bit about our experience before I forget some of the details. I hope you have a great summer vacation too!
On Tuesday we spent the day at Soak City. It's a water park that overlooks Lake Erie. Amazing! The kids loved it and there was something for all of us from a toddler area to the lazy river to the family slide that scared us all. We thought sure Jenna was going to get thrown out of the raft! Thankfully she didn't but don't expect to see her on that ride again anytime soon. Not fun for her! That night we returned to the Breakers Express hotel exhausted, burnt and hungry but those were all good for it meant we'd given ourselves fully to the experience.
Cedar Point is the roller coaster capital of the world as far as I'm concerned. On Wednesday we made our way there. We're not that adventuresome but we thoroughly enjoyed watching people risk life and limb by riding at speeds that topped 100 mph and defied the laws of gravity.
We did enjoy Planet Snoopy, Camp Snoopy and the Kiddy Kingdom. As far as family rides go, the Sky Ride, Giant Wheel and the Train were about as thrilling as we could stomach. Our kids loved meeting the Peanuts gang in costume and it provided hours of entertainment as we journeyed from kids ride to kids ride without having to wait too long.
I think the most unbelievable aspect to the whole day there was the cool weather. God was blessing me as it was at times even cold. PTL! At one point it did not only rain but actually hailed on us. After a return trip to the hotel to dry off, change clothes and get geared up again we were back in the saddle and off to the races. We finished up that day with a lights/fireworks display that was truly amazing.
Thursday was a slower day as we spent it at Castaway Bay - an indoor water park. It was nice to relax and read while the kids played in their respective areas. We had a lot of fun in the wave pool and Amie and I had the chance to take in all of the slides and even a tube ride together.
Some of our memorable meals were pizza, burgers, pasta, salmon, chicken fried steak, pancakes/french toast/eggs/bacon, donuts/muffins, chocolate milk and ice cream. Can anyone say, "It's time for the diet to begin?!"
It was wonderful to have all of the time to relax and detach myself from technology and the demands of ministry. I'm off again next week so I'm still very much in vacation mode. I did want to journal a bit about our experience before I forget some of the details. I hope you have a great summer vacation too!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Father's Day
This was a special weekend for me and my son. I had challenged him at the beginning of the school year to memorize the books of the New Testament and if he was able to do that then I'd take him to Splash Lagoon near Erie, PA. In addition to memorizing them he had to learn to spell them which proved to be more of a challenge but he's mastered them and has learned many of the Old Testament books too.
Part of my goal for this trip was that we'd begin to have some official "Father/Son" talks with this one being the inaugural conversation. The topic I chose this time was what has become known to Amie and me as the "Pre-Puberty" talk.
As a part of our weekend I threw in comments about how his body would change as testosterone was released into his system and the impact that would have on his mind as well as his physique. It was fascinating to watch him learn new things and ask questions along the way. He's still very innocent and I didn't shatter that but I did want him to know that our relationship would begin to morph into a more intentional discipleship and mentoring role. I'm looking forward to the years ahead and the chance we'll have to grow together.
In addition to going to the water park we sat together on Presque Isle and watched the sun set over the horizon. As we neared the end of our evening we bowed our heads and prayed for one another and for his mother and sister. It was a special time that I will hold dear forever. He's one of the best gifts God has given me and I love him more than I can express.
As we left to head out for our overnight trip away my daughter cried and begged me to take her too. As hard as it was for me to leave her I know that our time away together will quickly approach and we'll have a bond that is unique to Father/Daughter relationships. I look forward to that season as well.
I wonder how you learned about things like puberty. Who told you? Did your parents talk with you about things like that? Will you talk with your kids about these important matters?
Part of my goal for this trip was that we'd begin to have some official "Father/Son" talks with this one being the inaugural conversation. The topic I chose this time was what has become known to Amie and me as the "Pre-Puberty" talk.
As a part of our weekend I threw in comments about how his body would change as testosterone was released into his system and the impact that would have on his mind as well as his physique. It was fascinating to watch him learn new things and ask questions along the way. He's still very innocent and I didn't shatter that but I did want him to know that our relationship would begin to morph into a more intentional discipleship and mentoring role. I'm looking forward to the years ahead and the chance we'll have to grow together.
In addition to going to the water park we sat together on Presque Isle and watched the sun set over the horizon. As we neared the end of our evening we bowed our heads and prayed for one another and for his mother and sister. It was a special time that I will hold dear forever. He's one of the best gifts God has given me and I love him more than I can express.
As we left to head out for our overnight trip away my daughter cried and begged me to take her too. As hard as it was for me to leave her I know that our time away together will quickly approach and we'll have a bond that is unique to Father/Daughter relationships. I look forward to that season as well.
I wonder how you learned about things like puberty. Who told you? Did your parents talk with you about things like that? Will you talk with your kids about these important matters?
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
10 Years
That's how long we've been at Riverside Community Church! It's hard to believe that at 26 and 23 Amie and I packed up everything we owned to move out to Oakmont, PA so I could be the Associate Pastor. And it's even more amazing that we're still here a decade later.
This past Sunday I was completely surprised when our Student Ministries Pastor (Donnie Marsh) show up at the Mills theater where we hold our services weekly to present me with a certificate for us to go to the Cincinnati ATP Masters Tournament in July. In other words, I'll be going to a professional tennis tournament for the first time in my life! This has been a dream of mine for over 20 years so I'm as excited as I can get!
In addition, an amazing video (fantastic job Chad!) was shown that encompassed my love for Star Wars and had people describing me as an excellent, sweaty, anal, organized leader who has compassion for people. Quite overwhelming to say the least! I'm still processing all that was done and said. And if that weren't enough ...
On Sunday night they surprised me with a party where 65 of my closest friends and family showed up to celebrate with us this milestone in our ministry. Several of those who know me best spoke and shared memories and stories of things we'd been through together. It was hilarious to reflect back on some of the crazy stuff that has gone on.
At one point my parents spoke which was probably the best moment of my life to this point personally. Their love and support have meant more to me than I can possibly express and I'm still trying to digest all they said and the moments we shared together. If you ask me, God broke the mold after He made my parents. They are the best!
This entire experience was led by Bill Ellis and Donnie and Laurie Lesoon. I know they worked tirelessly to make it especially memorable and it certainly will be. Chad Zollo put in countless hours on the video and the Section Leaders (Shawn, Heather, Bob, Joe, Jill & Mark) gave of themselves so generously too. I'll never be able to adequately thank all who participated but I know that my love for them has increased beyond what I thought was possible.
All of this has been incredibly humbling and I'm so blessed by the family and friends God has given me at RCC. Thanks for allowing us to be on the journey with you!
This past Sunday I was completely surprised when our Student Ministries Pastor (Donnie Marsh) show up at the Mills theater where we hold our services weekly to present me with a certificate for us to go to the Cincinnati ATP Masters Tournament in July. In other words, I'll be going to a professional tennis tournament for the first time in my life! This has been a dream of mine for over 20 years so I'm as excited as I can get!
In addition, an amazing video (fantastic job Chad!) was shown that encompassed my love for Star Wars and had people describing me as an excellent, sweaty, anal, organized leader who has compassion for people. Quite overwhelming to say the least! I'm still processing all that was done and said. And if that weren't enough ...
On Sunday night they surprised me with a party where 65 of my closest friends and family showed up to celebrate with us this milestone in our ministry. Several of those who know me best spoke and shared memories and stories of things we'd been through together. It was hilarious to reflect back on some of the crazy stuff that has gone on.
At one point my parents spoke which was probably the best moment of my life to this point personally. Their love and support have meant more to me than I can possibly express and I'm still trying to digest all they said and the moments we shared together. If you ask me, God broke the mold after He made my parents. They are the best!
This entire experience was led by Bill Ellis and Donnie and Laurie Lesoon. I know they worked tirelessly to make it especially memorable and it certainly will be. Chad Zollo put in countless hours on the video and the Section Leaders (Shawn, Heather, Bob, Joe, Jill & Mark) gave of themselves so generously too. I'll never be able to adequately thank all who participated but I know that my love for them has increased beyond what I thought was possible.
All of this has been incredibly humbling and I'm so blessed by the family and friends God has given me at RCC. Thanks for allowing us to be on the journey with you!
Baptism
This Sunday at RCC I have the privilege of speaking on the subject of Baptism.
I was baptized in a swimming pool at Roaring River State Park in MO when I was about 7 1/2 years old by my father.
When were you baptized? Where? Why did you do it? What did it mean to you?
I was baptized in a swimming pool at Roaring River State Park in MO when I was about 7 1/2 years old by my father.
When were you baptized? Where? Why did you do it? What did it mean to you?
Two New Parks
Memorial Day weekend was wonderful for our family. I had the chance to take my parents to two parks I'd never been to myself.
On Saturday we went to Keystone State Park out past Murrysville and saw an Osprey plunge into the lake to catch a fish. That was so cool. The kids had the chance to play in the "beach" for just a few minutes and thoroughly enjoyed it. I left questioning our use of the word "beach" here in PA. I think we use that term pretty loosely. Do you?
On Monday we went to Moraine State Park and saw all kinds of birds and waterfowl. That place is huge and we were all amazed at how big parks are here in PA when compared with the parks in MO where we are from. Simply put - we didn't have real parks there.
What did you do for the holiday weekend?
On Saturday we went to Keystone State Park out past Murrysville and saw an Osprey plunge into the lake to catch a fish. That was so cool. The kids had the chance to play in the "beach" for just a few minutes and thoroughly enjoyed it. I left questioning our use of the word "beach" here in PA. I think we use that term pretty loosely. Do you?
On Monday we went to Moraine State Park and saw all kinds of birds and waterfowl. That place is huge and we were all amazed at how big parks are here in PA when compared with the parks in MO where we are from. Simply put - we didn't have real parks there.
What did you do for the holiday weekend?
French Open
Have you been watching it? Can you believe that Maria Sharapova and the Williams sisters are out? Wow! What a shocker?! I have been recording it all and watching as much as I can among all the other things going on in life.
The league I'm in (East Hills Summer Tennis League) has begun and we've played one doubles match. So far we're 0-1. I'd say we were a bit rusty and looking to knock some of that rust off in the weeks to come. Right now it's pouring down rain and is supposed to for the next few days. Hopefully it will end soon so we can get back out there and get going!
The league I'm in (East Hills Summer Tennis League) has begun and we've played one doubles match. So far we're 0-1. I'd say we were a bit rusty and looking to knock some of that rust off in the weeks to come. Right now it's pouring down rain and is supposed to for the next few days. Hopefully it will end soon so we can get back out there and get going!
Allowance
Wow ... so much has been happening since my last post so I'm going to write about a few different things today.
Last week we began giving our son an allowance based on reading. He has the chance to earn up to $5 each week if he reads for 30 minutes Monday through Friday. Let me explain how this works: he earns $1 each day if he reads a book of our choosing for 1/2 hour. This does not apply to Saturday or Sunday and if he misses a day he can't make it up the next. If he reads more than 30 minutes he doesn't earn anything extra - it's just a bonus for his own personal edification.
Each week he is required to perform basic household chores like taking out the trash, picking up his room, making his bed and other cleaning chores. But we have decided that those are part of being a member of our household and they are expected so he doesn't get paid for those tasks.
I came across this idea several years ago when I read John Maxwell's book, "Breakthrough Parenting." In it he described how his parents took this approach to the allowance and how it had produced three adults who LOVED to read. I thought it was brilliant at the time and have been waiting for our kids to be old enough to read and responsible enough to begin teaching them wise money management.
Each week he is paid on Friday and we are teaching him to tithe 10% and save 10%. In the two weeks we've done this he's really beginning to develop a habit and looks forward to reading. It's been wonderful to watch this switch get flipped in his life.
I'm curious, did your parents give you financial counsel as you were growing up? I'm so glad mine did and am prayerfully passing it on to the next generation.
Last week we began giving our son an allowance based on reading. He has the chance to earn up to $5 each week if he reads for 30 minutes Monday through Friday. Let me explain how this works: he earns $1 each day if he reads a book of our choosing for 1/2 hour. This does not apply to Saturday or Sunday and if he misses a day he can't make it up the next. If he reads more than 30 minutes he doesn't earn anything extra - it's just a bonus for his own personal edification.
Each week he is required to perform basic household chores like taking out the trash, picking up his room, making his bed and other cleaning chores. But we have decided that those are part of being a member of our household and they are expected so he doesn't get paid for those tasks.
I came across this idea several years ago when I read John Maxwell's book, "Breakthrough Parenting." In it he described how his parents took this approach to the allowance and how it had produced three adults who LOVED to read. I thought it was brilliant at the time and have been waiting for our kids to be old enough to read and responsible enough to begin teaching them wise money management.
Each week he is paid on Friday and we are teaching him to tithe 10% and save 10%. In the two weeks we've done this he's really beginning to develop a habit and looks forward to reading. It's been wonderful to watch this switch get flipped in his life.
I'm curious, did your parents give you financial counsel as you were growing up? I'm so glad mine did and am prayerfully passing it on to the next generation.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Carry-On
I just finished a book by my friend Scotty Gibbons entitled, "Carry On". It's a quick read about leadership with an emphasis on Student Ministries, Youth Pastors and Volunteer Leaders. I found it to be refreshing and exceptionally entertaining. I highly recommend it not only for youth pastors but also for lead pastors so they can fully appreciate what their staff members face. I think it would help both to work better together and assist in fostering open communication. Thanks Scotty for sharing your life, stories and insights with us all. I respect you for 15 years of student ministry experience - in the same church! Wow! What a legacy!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Good Leadership Messages
Today I've been listening to two different messages about leadership that have encouraged and challenged me to continue pursuing self-leadership. This is an ongoing discipline that as a leader I must pursue.
I'd like to recommend that you listen to Greg Boyd's podcast from Woodland Hills entitled, "What Kind Of Leadership?" It's from the book of Luke and in it he exegetes the dangers of abusive leadership and then challenges us to become the kind of Christ-honoring leaders that will bring healing and hope to our world.
The second podcast I'd refer you to is from Mark Batterson's current series, "Potential" and the message is "Dimensions of Leadership." He's the Lead Pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. In this message he deals with Paul's list of leadership qualities from 1 Timothy 3. Although it's a long list he does a good job of walking through it in a manner that will inspire you. I found his candor about his own leadership refreshing. He is going to be one of the guest speakers at the Pennsylvania-Delaware Leadership Network Ministries Summit next week that I'm going to. I'm looking forward to hearing him there. His church was the inspiration for our theater church in the Cinemark Theaters at the Pittsburgh Mills.
Anyway, I think one of the great things about being a leader in this century is the ease with which we can connect to great leaders. Some of my favorites include John Maxwell, Andy Stanley and Bill Hybels. Who are some leaders you respect?
I'd like to recommend that you listen to Greg Boyd's podcast from Woodland Hills entitled, "What Kind Of Leadership?" It's from the book of Luke and in it he exegetes the dangers of abusive leadership and then challenges us to become the kind of Christ-honoring leaders that will bring healing and hope to our world.
The second podcast I'd refer you to is from Mark Batterson's current series, "Potential" and the message is "Dimensions of Leadership." He's the Lead Pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. In this message he deals with Paul's list of leadership qualities from 1 Timothy 3. Although it's a long list he does a good job of walking through it in a manner that will inspire you. I found his candor about his own leadership refreshing. He is going to be one of the guest speakers at the Pennsylvania-Delaware Leadership Network Ministries Summit next week that I'm going to. I'm looking forward to hearing him there. His church was the inspiration for our theater church in the Cinemark Theaters at the Pittsburgh Mills.
Anyway, I think one of the great things about being a leader in this century is the ease with which we can connect to great leaders. Some of my favorites include John Maxwell, Andy Stanley and Bill Hybels. Who are some leaders you respect?
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Tennis Season Underway
Today marks the beginning of the 2008 tennis season for me! I had the chance to hit with my double's partner today for about an hour and I'll have to say it was wonderful. I'm looking forward to playing doubles again this summer and hoping we'll be competitive in the top level in our league.
I also had the opportunity to watch a "classic" tennis match from the 1984 French Open between Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. I was pulling for Chrissy but to no avail - she got crushed. But it was enjoyable to see a bit of tennis history.
What sports do you like to watch or play?
I also had the opportunity to watch a "classic" tennis match from the 1984 French Open between Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. I was pulling for Chrissy but to no avail - she got crushed. But it was enjoyable to see a bit of tennis history.
What sports do you like to watch or play?
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Home From Vacation
Wow ... it feels really great to be back home in PA after a long drive last night. We had a wonderful time in MO and as always - it's hard to leave. As we were driving away Joshua and Jenna were both crying and calling out for Amie's parents (Bill & Connie). It was a heartbreaking scene and in the moments following I found myself wondering why God has had us so far away from them and the rest of our family for these 10 years. I wish I had a ironclad answer but alas, all I have are guesses. At the end of the day all I can say is that I feel blessed to have such a great family.
Speaking of long drives ... I actually had to pay $3.55 per gallon at one stop - the most I've ever paid before! That was difficult to say the least. How much are you paying for gas?
As we were passing through the various states yesterday I had the chance to listen to numerous podcasts. Below are some of my takeaways ...
Catalyst - Nancy Ortberg was talking about her first book ("Looking for God: An Unexpected Journey through Tattoos, Tofu, and Pronouns") and in the interview she made mention that as far as we know Jesus never journaled. For a guy who has been raised in the church and told that journaling was the way to go that was quite a revelation. Why do we always have to add stuff to our lives to make ourselves feel more spiritual? Nothing against journaling ... but now I won't feel guilty for not spewing all my junk onto paper. I wonder, do you journal? If so, what do you journal about?
Then Nancy mentioned the fact that Mary would not have had access to a Bible and she may not have known how to read or write. If you think about that for a minute then it follows that she wouldn't have had the kind of "quiet time" that is always prescribed either. Interesting. And yet, she was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. Fascinating.
Later on in the day I was listening to Matt Chandler's message on Truth from The Village Church and he made some insighful comments that left me asking two questions: What is it that robs my affections toward Christ? and What is it that stirs my affections for Jesus? Wonderful questions. They address a deeper level than just a list of do's and don'ts.
Before I close for today I'd like to give props to my good friend Butch Wise. He is the Lead Pastor of Journey Church on the other side of Pittsburgh. Yesterday I listened to his sermon podcast and you can now listen to him online if you go to http://www.journey-church.net/ and click on Resources. From there you can subscribe to the messages through iTunes. Enjoy!
Speaking of long drives ... I actually had to pay $3.55 per gallon at one stop - the most I've ever paid before! That was difficult to say the least. How much are you paying for gas?
As we were passing through the various states yesterday I had the chance to listen to numerous podcasts. Below are some of my takeaways ...
Catalyst - Nancy Ortberg was talking about her first book ("Looking for God: An Unexpected Journey through Tattoos, Tofu, and Pronouns") and in the interview she made mention that as far as we know Jesus never journaled. For a guy who has been raised in the church and told that journaling was the way to go that was quite a revelation. Why do we always have to add stuff to our lives to make ourselves feel more spiritual? Nothing against journaling ... but now I won't feel guilty for not spewing all my junk onto paper. I wonder, do you journal? If so, what do you journal about?
Then Nancy mentioned the fact that Mary would not have had access to a Bible and she may not have known how to read or write. If you think about that for a minute then it follows that she wouldn't have had the kind of "quiet time" that is always prescribed either. Interesting. And yet, she was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. Fascinating.
Later on in the day I was listening to Matt Chandler's message on Truth from The Village Church and he made some insighful comments that left me asking two questions: What is it that robs my affections toward Christ? and What is it that stirs my affections for Jesus? Wonderful questions. They address a deeper level than just a list of do's and don'ts.
Before I close for today I'd like to give props to my good friend Butch Wise. He is the Lead Pastor of Journey Church on the other side of Pittsburgh. Yesterday I listened to his sermon podcast and you can now listen to him online if you go to http://www.journey-church.net/ and click on Resources. From there you can subscribe to the messages through iTunes. Enjoy!
Friday, April 18, 2008
1st Post - Vacation!
Hi Everyone! I've been thinking about getting into this whole blogging arena for a while now and so this afternoon I've had some free time while we're on vacation so I've been working on getting it up and running. I'm not sure I'm the type of person who will blog often but we'll see. It will be a nice way to keep my random thoughts in a collected place.
I hope to be able to share with you my life and family as we journey through this life together. In addition, I'd love to pass on to you great ideas, resources and quotes from what I'm reading, hearing and reflecting on in my personal devotions.
Right now I'm sitting in Nixa, MO. It's day five of our vacation. It's been wonderful to sit back and relax and get away from the pace of the normal schedule! We've done a lot of "nothing" - just resting, eating, taking walks, reading and watching movies. In between all of this we've been to Incredible Pizza, went shopping, horseback riding, to the park, and to the go-carts. Below are just a few pics ...
Right now I'm sitting in Nixa, MO. It's day five of our vacation. It's been wonderful to sit back and relax and get away from the pace of the normal schedule! We've done a lot of "nothing" - just resting, eating, taking walks, reading and watching movies. In between all of this we've been to Incredible Pizza, went shopping, horseback riding, to the park, and to the go-carts. Below are just a few pics ...
So that's it for my first entry. Where are you going for vacation this year?
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