Monday, December 29, 2008

Youth Pastors have all the fun!

So I thought I would give you a heads up on this video. MAy seem violent to some of you. This bird has caused a great deal of trouble pooping all over everything and not leaving. We tried to get it to leave, but we were unsuccessful. So sometime you have to take matters into your own hands. If you notice you will see the bird fall from the ceiling.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Rick Warren Response


Just found this and thought it was a phenomenal video. For those of you who don't know who Rick Warren is he is the Senior Pastor at Saddleback Church in California. Such wisdom, point blank answers and unashamedness. Rick is a great example and Christian role model.

Made by a Master

Yesterday I made some wood bowls in my Father in law's shop and told you I would post some pictures. As I was working I began to think about some things. When I made a mistake I would tend to either try and correct the mistake or I would just change the way I was shaping the bowl. Most of the time I would change the design or shape. Thank goodness God didn't change his mind with regard to his plan of sending Christ, or his plan for creating me. Romans 5:8 tells us, "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." That means even with all our flaws, mess ups and sin he still died for us.

Another thing I thought about was how the finished product was nothing like what I imagined it in my mind before I started. While I was making the bowls a thought or idea would come to mind and I would begin to shape it with that thought or idea. It took a while for the process to take place and for the bowl to take shape. Likewise, sometimes our lives never take place like we want them to or like we planned them to, but that doesn't mean that the master artist or creator doesn't know what's going on. Always remember that God isn't surprised by anything we do, and that if we will walk with Him daily He will make sure and lead us through the path He has for each one of our lives. "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word."

Here are the pictures of my bowls.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Great Day

My Christmas was phenomenal. Lots of time with family and loving watching and playing with Ethan and his new toys. That is probably one of the coolest things at Christmas is watching your son or daughters eyes light up and to see how much they play with what they get.

I spent most of today also working on a bowl on the lathe in my Father in laws garage. I will post some pictures later. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! We love ya'll

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

From our Family to yours

One of the greatest times of the year. Time to be spent with family & friends remembering the true meaning of the season. The gift of God to mankind that brought Salvation to all who believe in their hearts and confess with their mouths that Jesus Christ is Lord.



Despite all the great gifts you may receive this year, nothing can beat or even begin to compare with the greatest gift of all. The Birth of Jesus Christ. My family and I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Economy, Spoils and Christmas

I know that many people around the world have been hit hard with the recent economic downturn. I know it effected Sarah and I this year in how much we spent on Christmas. The thought I had as I was thinking this morning is, How spoiled had we become due to the way the economy had been. I think for many including Christians in America today we have become spoiled. Following Christ has cost us nothing. Following Christ in America means we can do the things people who don't follow Christ can do, but we are forgiven for it.

Jesus called us to soooo much more, but we continue to settle for the Americanized version of Christianity. We struggle and fight with possessions, greed, acceptance, lack of love, generosity. We are often times unthankful for what we have even with what we are given. Paul warned Timothy about this in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Read it for yourself. Check it out and think about it.

Jesus came to save us from our sins. Lord help me see the wicked thoughts that may infiltrate me over the great season of celebrating the birth of our Savior.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Great Family Experiences

Do you have any family traditions or things you do on a consistent basis over the holidays? Growing up we always went to my grandparents house for Christmas eve dinner, then we would go to the candlelight service at church. Following the service we would go back to Grandma's & Papa's andopen presents from all the aunt's & uncles and grandparents. I used to love this time because of the closeness family brings. My cousins (Dan & Nate) who were 6 months younger than me would were over there and we had a blast playing games together, then also playing with our Christmas presents after we opened them. It was awesome.

After I joined the Navy, and everyone began graduating from high school then we stopped our traditional Christmas eve gathering. Everyone wanted to spend time with their families. Now that I have a family of my own I am glad to say I still enjoy spending time with my extended family, but love my time with Sarah, Ethan & Brooklyn. We are creating holiday traditions of our own.

What kind of holiday traditions do you and your family celebrate together. Do you do anything fun, creative or different? Let me know and let others know about. Just make a comment and let others hear your great family stories.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

WNT Christmas Party

I hope you are having a great time with all the Christmas Spirit. Remember "the best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear." What a great movie. If you haven't had the opportunity to ever watch Elf you need to. By far one of my favorite all time movies.

Last night was our Christmas party and it was a blast. We had food, games, trivia and gift card exchange. I had a blast! If you missed it I am sorry and want to wish you a Merry Christmas. Have a great time with friends and family and always remember Jesus is and always will be why we celebrate Christmas (Luke 2).

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Chaos or Christmas

With the Holiday season upon us, can you believe the chaos that seems to surround Christmas. I saw a news report about a Wal-Mart Employee who was trampled to death by the crowd just to get what they wanted. A human life for a gift, a material possession, what is this world coming to? Where was someone who would stop and try and help this man out? Where was the responsibility of the individuals who knocked him over to stop and make sure he was alright.

Chaos continues to reign over people's thoughts and emotions. Over the last few years you see and hear of more and more problems, fights and chaos becasue of the sales rather than responsibility. Wake Up people it's time to start living as responsible individuals. I think they ought to hold Wal-mart respnsible for this as well as the individuals who proceeded to trample this man. Go after them and hold them responsible for their actions.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Beautiful but dangerous

On monday & tuesday this week I spent time in the mountains in Wyoming with my dad Elk hunting. We had a great time in some beautiful back country. We started out at about 6300 feet and climbed to around 8000 feet. The sheer beauty of this landscape blows me away. It is something that I realized I took for granted as a kid growing up in Wyoming. I continue to realize the beauty of this part of the country and acknowledge the greatness of the creator who created it. While the beauty continues to overwhelem me, I also realize just how dangerous this part of the country is. The treacherous terrain, the elevation and the various wildlife that inhabit this area make it a place you never want to get lost in or hurt in.

This beautiful yet dangerous thought reminds me of what the world is really like. Beyond just the creation of the wilderness areas, the thought of this world is both beautiful and dangerous. Beautiful in the fact that God has created each and everything, but the dangers behind everything still exist. That is why God called us to reach out to those who are trapped in this beautifully dangerous world. We hvae the opportunity and are the chosen method to preach the gospel of love. Think of how God created such a wonderful masterpiece and yet He still loves and cares for people in a deeper more intimate matter. God's passion and desire for us as individuals is so strong that His sacrifice of His son was the perfect and final sacrifice given to offer hope in the face of danger to offer strength in the midst of weakness, all of which come in Christ.

I pray that I live the rest of my life aware of the beauty and excited to face the danger God has called me to face to show the llove of Christ to others.

Friday, November 21, 2008

You might be a redneck if...

Went to WNT at the Refuge on wednesday and shot a deer from the back porch. All I can think of now is how some will respond. "I went to youth group and our youth pastor shot a deer." someone then asks, " was he going to use it as a sacrifice?" another might say, " you might be a redneck if you go to youth group and help your youth pastor gut his deer." either way I am sure the stories are endless. We start vacation today.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Advent Conspiracy

Check out this video, that will challenge your money spending ability this year.



WOW! Can you believe it Christmas is right around the corner. The chaos of shopping and dealing with people who are grouchy because they can't find the gift that is going to bring significance and happiness to their loved ones life. What if Christmas stopped being about buying things that our consumer driven culture tells us to and actually meant giving gifts of significance to people who were really in need?

Every year now I am asked to send out my Christmas list. This is something I have been doing for years. I remember back in the day when I would get all the catalogs out and go through them to make a Christmas list that was going to bring excitement and joy to me on Christmas Day. What I have found over the years is a degree of selfishness and want. As the Christmas season is upon us, I want you to think about how you could make a difference in the life of someone who needs more than a material possession but has a need for something significant.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Inner Life

Today I went to the Lead Now conference at church and Todd Phillips spoke on investing in the inner life. I began to realize that my biggest struggle is that I don't invest in my life as I should. I don't spend the time I should investing my life in prayer, solitude and time with God. Not to say I don;t do these things, but to say that I don't invest enough time in these things.

I often find myself easily distracted with tasks and various ministries which are good and misss the best thing there is. My relationship with God. God strengthen me as I focus on my Inner Life.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Kids say the darndest things

TOnight we were putting Ethan to bed and just like every night we pray together as a family. Ethan started praying and said "dear God thank you for mommy and daddy and brooklyn," then he stopped. There was a long moment of silence and then Sarah said "talk to God." Ethan being the hilarious and really smart son said "one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

OF course I just crack up laughing and all I can think about is Christmas Vacation when Grandma is asked to pray and stands up and says the Pledge of Allegiance. This was one of the funniest things I have heard in a long time. I have been completely blessed with a great family that always keeps me entertained. I'm sure God is getting a good laugh as well.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Crazy Day

WOW! You never realize how much someone does till they are gone. Sarah was at the Bloom girls weekend retreat last night and today, so I was in charge of the kids. TOgether we do great, but when she is gone, I feel exhausted just trying to keep up with Ethan & Brooklyn. I continue to have more understanding and respect for all that Sarah does and realize that we work great together as a team. Thank you Jesus for a loving wife who is committed to yuo and love me.

Friday, November 7, 2008

modern technology

so I thought I would update the blog using my new phone. Who would've thought this would be possible?

How can we use technology or how do you use tech to communicate the gospel to those who have never heard of Christ? I would love to hear your ideas and thoughts.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Crazy Day

So I have been busy today trying to finish staining my fence. I will be really glad when I have finally got this done, hopefully this Friday I will be done.

I came across this blog post by Perry Noble a pastor in South Carolina, who I love to listen to thought you might like to read it. Check it out here.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

S.P.E.J.

Swings, Paintball, Eating & Judgment House. This afternoon and tonight are going to be an awesome time together as a group. I hope you are able to come to SPEJ. This will be a great opportunity to get to know people within the group and also to bring a friend and get them connected with the youth ministry.

I hope you are able to come. I look forward to seeing you there. I will fill you in tomorrow on what all happened.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Identity

In the ever growing world of technology an uncontrollable action has begun to take place. This action has lead many people astray. Astray from what you ask? Their Identity! In today's world of twitter, facebook, and myspace people are able to communicate instantly and reveal things about themselves, but it has also allowed people to live out a fantasy of some sorts. How does this happen you ask? Well think about it.

Where else can a person go to change who they are to everyone else around. The Internet. On myspace and facebook you can act like something you are not. You can even go so far as to build relationships with people through the computer. The danger with it all is that we aren't experiencing the real joys and benefits of relationships on a personal level. Our identity is wrapped up in who we want to be or who we think others think we are, rather than who God created us to be.

When your identity is wrapped up in Christ, you strive to please God and not worry about what others think. The negative comments, though they hurt shouldn't effect the way you respond to others. Wrap yourself in Christ and identify who He wants you to be.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Chaos of Life

How many times have you found yourself completely overwhelmed by the busyness and chaos of life? I have found that to be ever more present in my life now that Brooklyn is here. It seems like the more I try to do to get control of the chaos, the more chaos seems to come. I am not complaining so please don't read that. I love everything about my life. My beautiful wife God has blessed me with, two great kids that I couldn't be happier about, a loving church family and great kids in our youth ministry.

What I have begun to realize is the fact there are some things you just can't take for granted. In other words, my priorities in life should be focused on things that are eternal, not the overwhelming difficulty or grief we face because of financial problems or disagreements with our government.

Jesus gave us some bold words to help us understand how much He cares for us. Matthew 6:25-34,

"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? Look 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? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If 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? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.z


So in the chaos of life don't forget that God has so much more in stor efor you and He is not going to froget who you are and what you need.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Refuge

Big Thanks to everyone who helped today at the Refuge. We are slowly getting there. We still have quite a bit of painting to get done, but ya'll did a great job today. For the rest of you who didn't show up, where the heck were ya? Kidding. The Refuge is looking great, and I can't wait to get things up and running. It will be looking pretty awesome.

Just a thought on the Refuge. Think about the numerous opportunities to use what God has blessed us with to make His name famous. Do your best to invite your friends. They can come expereinced the relaxed and casual atmosphere while also being challenged by the word of God. My prayer is that God will use each one of us to make a huge impact in the lives of those around us. Have your way oh God!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

The Battle for Holiness

In the midst of the chaos we call life, the battle for holiness has been taking place. Sadly, many of us, myself included don't realize the seriousness of this battle. This battle if not engaged in will destroy the life of a believer quicly. Christ called us to be holy and set apart. Jerry Bridges says, "Holiness is nothing less than conformity to the Character of God." So how does a Christian focus on holiness. How do you live a life of holiness in the trying times we all face daily?

First, I beleive we have to take sin seriously. I have been guilty in the past of looking at other people and thinking "I'm better than them." Don't fool yourself. I think we have all done that at some time or another. When we take sin seriously, we begin to realize that much of what we allow into our lives are things we take no resposibility for. We play the blame game or point the finger at someone else. This lack of responsibility has made it easy for us to accept the idea that we could never be holy. However, I peter 1:13-16 speaks out on much of this revealing the truth that each of us has a responsiblity to take on sin and strive for holiness.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

When we prepare our minds for action and focus on self control and take personal responsibility we set our selves up for victory through obedience to Christ. This battle for holiness is a struggle all of us face. However with a strong faith in Christ, and obedience to His word we can be holy just as He is holy.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Great God!

Every time I begin to take God for granted He blows me away. Today Brooklyn our daughter was born, and it is an amazing process. How anyone can begin to deny a God after watching everything that takes place over a nine month period and then the birthing process is completely crazy to me. It can;t just happen by accident or happen chance.

Anyways, I loved hanging with my wife, son and new daughter Brooklyn today. She is absolutely beautiful. Looks like her Mama I think. Thank goodness she does. Man God is so awesome!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Encouragement Day 13

As we are continuing through our 40 day Revolution take time to encourage someone in school today. Offer them some positive reinforcement or encouraging words. It may be someone who is being made fun of or has just had a bad day. You could do this in person or even write them an encouraging note.

Pick someone you maybe don;t normaly hang out with, someone who is down on themselves and just needs a little bit of positive encouragement. You will be amazed at how far an encouraging word can go and how effective it is in someone's life.

Hebrews 3:13 - But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Cleaning House

I know I haven't entirely kept up with all the info for the 40 day revolution. I have been really busy with everything going on with Sarah. We went to the doctor yesterday thinking maybe we would have Brooklyn, but we got sent home. I already told you how excited I am to have Brooklyn here.

Back to the 40 day Revolution. Growing up my mom always made me clean the basement on saturdays, before I could do anything else. I am talking thorough cleaning. Dust, Vacuum clean the bathroom. You get the picture.

So today since it is Saturday, and we are focusing on this 40 day revolution, I wanted to give you a challenge to clean house. What I mean is to clean the junk out of your life, the dirt and debris and stuff you clutter your life with. It may be things that have distracted you in your walk with Christ for a long time. Drugs, alcohol, books, posters, movies, music, magazines, clothing.

Ask God to help you love Him more then these things that displease Him. Read Psalm 119:11; II Chronicles 7:14. Notice how God works with people who seek him, and then he calls on His people to turn from their wicked ways. So what can you do today to clean out your house.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Randomness

Uuugghh! Sarah and I are still waiting on Brooklyn. Now I am getting excited to see her. It feels like it is never going to get here. Kind of like when I was a kid and I couldn't sleep on Christmas eve because I was to excited.

Watched a new show tonight and I absolutely loved it. It's called "The Principal's Office." Stinkin Hilarioius! Thats all I have to say. Man kids think that Principals and teachers are just stupid. If you haven't watched it yet you have to see it. It's on TRU tv. Not reality. Actuality. Ok that's it. enough pluggin of a network TV station.

I hope everyone is having a great week. Tomorrow is friday, one more day of school till the long weekend.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

The power of the Invite

I hope and pray you're having a good week at school so far. Today we want you to focus on a friend you can invite to WNT. This is an opportunity to plant a seed, and get them connected to the church. I want to encourage you to do all you can to get them to come. Offer to pick them up, buy them dinner. We want to be very intentional about inviting others to be a part of Springhill.

You may be asking yourself, why? Jesus called us to be the light of the world, and to be witnesses for Him. But I want to go a little farther. What I want you to think about is this. If we claim to believe Jesus is the only way, or we say that Jesus loves the world, or that He died for the sins of the world, then why don't we actually live it out. A great statement I read recently was this: “If you REALLY believe in the saving power of Jesus Christ then why in the world would you show up at church every single Sunday without a carload of people who need Him?”

The power of the invite can be amazing. Investing and inviting others is what Jesus was all about. When a friend heard the truth and saw the truth of Jesus they could stay silent and they couldn't help but invite someone else to see and hear the truth.

Jesus said in Luke 19:10 that He came to "seek & save that which was lost!”

If Jesus was passionate enough to die on the cross for the lost , and that was His whole purpose in coming …and if Jesus lives in our hearts…then that HAS TO BE IN OUR HEARTS AS WELL!!

We CANNOT claim to be followers of Jesus and NOT CARE ABOUT WHAT HE CARES ABOUT!!!

Jesus said "follow me and I will make you fishers of men."

Get on board with the reality of who Christ is and His heart beat and passion. Watch God work in ways that are completely amazing.

Go for the ask! Invite someone to church.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Day 4 Administrators day

YOUr principals and other administrators spend alot of time and energy preparing for the school year. They have a very difficult job, and get little thanks. When students begin to pray for and serve their administrators, it will have an amazing impact on the school. Here are a number of ways you can serve your administrators.

Pray for your principal, vice principal, counselors and other support staff.
Serve one of them in a unique and caring way. ( Buy them a coke, ask them if you could do anything to help them out.)

When we begin to see all they do and the investment they put in, you can't help but be thankful for everything. Tell them how much you appreciate what they do.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

40 Day Revolution Day 3 Forgiveness Day

Jesus encouraged us in the Sermon on the Mount to forgive people that have sinned against us. In other words make this day a day of forgiveness and forget about how they have treated you in the past. Read Mattthew Chapter 6:14. This will bring to light the truth behind forgiveness. Make sure your heart is right so you are in right standing with God. Ask GOd if ther is anyone (friends, teacher, parents, brother, sister) who need to ask forgiveness from and then do it.

You may need to forgive someone else. Forgiving those who have hurt you could be really difficult. Many of you have no doubt been wronged by a parent, frind or someone else. When you forgive it helps you heal. Forgiveness is crucial to a vital walk with Jesus.

Make a list of people you haven't forgiven.
Ask God to help you forgive someone today.
When you have asked for forgiveness or forgiven this individual then scratch their name off the list.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Giants' Day


It has officially begun. The 40 Day Revolution. I am praying that over the next six weeks God will work in ways we have never seen before. Remember to check out the blog daily as I update what we want to encourage you to do on a daily basis.


Identify the giants in your life. What is the distraction that keeps you from responding to the voice of God. It could be: TV, computer, cell phone, laziness, sexual sin, drugs/alcohol, personal sin, sports, boy friend or girlfriend, etc... Some of these things aren't bad things, but you have kept your life so full of the busyness that you have yet to stop and listen for the still small voice of God. Pray for the thing that is going to be the biggest problem for you this year.
Identify the Giants on your Campus. When you do this and begin to pray that God would use you to make a difference on your campus, your eyes are open to how God wants to work through you. What do you want God to do on your campus? What are you expecting, or not expecting? Pray that God would use you to help your school with the giants that are faced on a daily basis on your school campus.
Read I Samuel 17:45-47- Pray that God would come and move on your school. Ask God to reveal to you your biggest distraction. Once He has revealed that to you be ready for the battle you are going to face to run to the distraction rather than God.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

3rd Reason I am excited for this year is "Excitement"

Watching God move is always an awesome thing. I have been watching Him do amazing things in our midst, and look forward to everything we are going to see this year. I feel a new sense of energy and passion in the lives of each one of you, and pray that God uses that to build bridges with those around you to invite them to come to WNT or Family Groups or anything else. Investing in the lives of others while you are at school and inviting them to come is one of the easiest ways to share the gospel with your friends and peers at school.

I am excited to see all the anticipation and excitement as God continues working in our student ministry.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Commitment, Reason # 4

I believe that we have more students committed to Christ on a daily basis now then ever before. The truth of God's word and His Spirit continue to lead each one of you in ways that we could never imagine. I am praying for a great movement in your lives, and in your schools.

When studenst are open and willing to let God do whatever He wants in our lives we begin to impact this world in a way we could never have imagined. This will only happen when we give up our self interests and desires and strive for a life that glorifies God in all we do.

Friday, August 15, 2008

5 Reasons why I am excited about this upcoming year

Each day this week I am going to talk about some great things coming up this year. Things that I believe will transform our lives personally, and will transform the student ministry here at Springhill.

Revolution! What comes to mind when you read that word? American Revolutionary War? A change in the status quo? maybe something else? I don;t know, but what comes to mind when I see Revolution is change. That's what I want to see, that's what I have been praying for and that is what God wants to do in and through each one of our lives.

Over the past three years, I have seen God revolutionize the lives of each of our students, and that's AWESOME! But that is just the half of it. We must begin to influence others is a positive light and let them see Christ in everything we do. God is calling each one of us to be the change the revolution. This means living Christ out on a daily basis. That is the only way you are going to impact your friends and peers on your school campus.

God has so much He wants to do in and through each of us, and I believe we are just beginning to scatch the surface on the impact he wants to make in and through Springhill. I have prayed that we would be such an impact on the community surrounding us that people would begin to ask what's going on over there? Rememeber that we are to reflect or show the greatness of God and who He is. Magnify Him aqnd the revolution begins.

I don;t know about you, but I am excited about the revolution.

Monday, August 11, 2008

What a Rush!

WOW! Tomorrow Sarah and I have been married for 8 years. Words can't begin to describe all that I feel for her. I do know that I am so glad I waited on God to bring Sarah to me and I didn;t force other relationships. I love her more now then I did when we got married, and I look forward to another 80 years together Lord willing. I love my wife.

This is a photo of when we got married. I actually did shove the cake in her face first. Got sick of all the groom's at weddings that chickened out.

But as you can see she got me back. I love to see Sarah smile, and laugh. It is so contagious. Never give in or try and force a relationship to work, because you will always be amazed at who God brings into your life to complete you.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Sunday Reflection

Just a little thought on how things went this morning. It looked like we had quite a few visitors in our second service. What an awesome time to be at Springhill and watch God continue to work in the lives of each person who attends. I truly believe that God is up to something great. We haven't even begun to see all He is going to do, I believe we have just begun to scratch the surface.

Today may have been a little controversial for some, because Scripture today pointed out that the church is to be the change agent in a society that sees the world as nothing but a bunch of hypocrites going into a building, and causing grief. I addressed some key areas Christians have begun to place their faith in, mainly politics. Political systems and government were never God's method to make His wisdom known. Take a look at Eph 3:10-11 and you begin to understand the truth that the church has always been God plans to make Christ known. There is no other option.

May we as a church continue to pursue the truth of the Gospel on a daily basis, and live out what we say we believe. The world doesn't need more hypocrites, the world needs the light of Christ to be displayed for all to see.

Making Him Known,

Brian

The ETHYL experience

Where do I even begin to explain how awesome Ethyl was this year? The best part was watching God and the truth of the gospel challenge and change each one of us. Again as I have said in previous posts, our theme was "ONE" and we wanted students to be challenged with the truth of God's word and see God for who He really is. One Love, One God, One Way. Curt Jones did a phenomenal job teaching this week, and every one of our leaders did an outstanding job. Without them Ethyl wouldn't have even got off the ground.

I was completely amazed at what God did and is going to do in our student ministry and I believe our church this year. I believe God is preparing Springhill for a massive influx of people who we are going to have a chance to impact with the Gospel of Christ through our schools, and various outreach opportunities we are going to have coming up here soon. Thank you Lord for you continued guidance and leadership in the church. We continue to wait and watch to see all that you are going to do.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Ethyl Here We come!

Off to Ethyl, and looking forward to it. The theme this year is "One." We are going to be looking at how Christ is "One Love, One God , One Way. I pray that the students understand the necessity to tell others about Christ and the truth of the Bible. I am praying that God brings amazing life change in each student this week at camp. Lord have your way and change each one of us.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Ethyl?

So as I have previously said, I am completely excited about Camp Ethyl this next week. I am looking forward to lots of things, but I wanted to know what you are looking forward to? FIll me in here by making a comment. Hope to see you tomorrow night at the movie night. We are meeting at our house at 7pm and will be watching National Treasure 2 sometime around 9 I guess.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my sister Amanda, who turned 29 today. Man is she ever getting old. We always had a bumpy relationship growing up. Probably because she always wanted to hang out with her cool older brother and his friends. Anyways I just wanted everyone to know it was my lil sis's birthday. Happy Birthday Amanda!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Exciting Things

Matt and I have been getting Ethyl together all week. I can't tell you how much I enjoy having Matt in the office. Being able to talk about ideas and thinking our thoughts through is awesome. He has been a huge help with everything this year. I really appreciate him.

Speaking of Ethyl, I am excited to see God do some amazing things in the lives of everyone there. Here are some of the things I am excited about.
  • God is going to show up in ways I believe some of you have never experienced.
  • I have been praying that the Springhill Student Ministry would be a catalyst of growth for students on the north side of Springfield, as well as in Willard, Fair Grove and Pleasant Hope. This week could be the beginning of a revival on the school campuses around our area.
  • God is going to challenge each one of you to live in Christ on a daily basis.
  • God is going to change the life of some students for the first time.
  • Ethan is going on the float trip with us this year, and I am completely excited about that.

Wait and see how God works among His people when they are faithful to the call, and obedient to him.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Frogs & Crawdads

Tonight Ethan, Sarah and I went down to the creek at the bottom of the hill. He has been want ing to go and catch a frog and some crawdads. We caught one on thursday last week, and he has been talking about it non stop. So, when I got home tonight we got changed and headed down. As you can see in the pictures we caught one frog and 2 crawdads. Ethan had a blast, and it reminded me of all the time my friends and I would spend doing this when I was a kid. I loved it! oh yeah, so did Ethan.

On a different note. Ethyl is less than a week away, and I am completely excited to see what God is going to do in the life of our students and the student ministry this year. I know that He is already working ahead of us and preparing us for everything He has in store. I can't wait to watch Him work. Our theme this year is ""ONE." One Love, One God, One Way.

Friday, July 25, 2008

WNT Reflections

I know it's Friday, but I wanted to let you know a little bit about what we did on Wednesday night. A large group from Springhill went to Willard Middle School and painted the hallways and bathrooms, we also cleaned all the gym chairs and swept and mopped the Gym floors. It was a great time serving the school janitors and the community of Willard.

I hope and pray that Springhill continues to understand the need of those in our community and attempts to meet those needs. After all that is what the church is about. Looking for the needs of others and attempting to meet those needs.

The reality of the TRUTH of the Gospel comes more alive to others as they begin to see us live out what we claim to believe. Look for a way you can be the church to someone today. Love ya'll.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Casa de Tired!

So we had another great day of work here in the mile high city. We started early this morning at 7:30 and finished all the gravel at High Point. We ate a late breakfast and then pulled some weeds around campus. We then headed to a church planter's house to help unload a small semi-trailor of their belongings after moving from Arkansas. All of the students did a great job again today, even though they were very tired.

Tonight we went to Casa Bonita, and had a great time. The only problem we faced was that we had a 7:30 reservation and didn't get in until 8:40. It turned Casa Bonita into Casa de Tired. The students deserve a much needed break, and will get that tomorrow when we go to Water World. We will have a great time and enjoy more sun. As if we haven't had enough. I am starting to peel on the forehead from the sunburn I got on sunday. So I have plenty of sunscreen for all the students, and a little SPF 70 for myself.

We will begin heading back on Saturday morning at 4 am, 5 am Missouri time. So we should be into town sometime around 5pm. Thank you again for all your prayers, and we ask that you continue to pray for us until we are back at home. Much Love.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Unbelievable

What can I begin to say? I am not sure. I am really too tired to think right now. Each one of the students did a great job today. We started bright and early this morning (5:30 to be exact) and handed on Breakfast on the go to people who were heading to work. We handed out over 800 breakfasts in a matter of two hours. This has been a great thing that the students love to do every year. We also finished the Mulch here at High Point Academy, and then began working on the crushed granite and sand. We got quite a bit done today with just a little bit left for tomorrow.

We also worked at Marrama Elementary school on a pile of mulch, and two large piles of playground gravel. It took us most of the day to get all this done. Tonight we had a BBQ at Korey's (pastor of Hope Valley) house. Then we had a time of worship. It went really well and the kids really loved it.

I continue to be amazed at how hard working each one of them are. They represent Christ well, and there are many people who acknowledge the great things that we are doing in conjunction with Hope Valley. We love you all and look forward to seeing you soon.

I want to leave you with this verse from today. "In Him was life, and thta life was the light of men. The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." John 1:4-5

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Mountain of Mulch

WOW! Our students are awesome they have continued to work with great attitudes and flexibility. Today we washed cars for local business employees, and cleaned the bathrooms of some of the businesses as well. We had quite an impact as well. If fact we got shut down by a local business person because of our free car wash. It seems that one of the local businesses who allowed us to clean there bathrooms didn;t like that we were taking customers from them and cleaning there cars. The bad thing is that we weren't taking their customers.

We also had to have the fire department come out and pop a lock. We locked the keys in one of the cars that we were cleaning so we had to get that taken care of. It was pretty funny I have included a picture of it here. Anyways, we had a great morning.

This afternoon we worked really hard on one of the mountains of mulch that was dropped off here at High Point Academy. We are helping this school on their grounds and will be moving another mountain of mulch tomorrow as well as two mountains of gravel.

Pray for our team. They have been doing a phenomenal job and continue to show great determination and a willingness to serve others. Between last night and today I feel that God is doing some great things in the hearst of our students. I have been praying for this for the last three years and feel like something is happening. I don;t know what, but I do know that God is working and I am watching Him do great and mighty things. Things I couldn't imagine

Monday, July 14, 2008

Snip, Snip!

We had a great day of ministry in the beautiful city of Denver. Our team worked extremely hard today in the heat without complaining. They represented Christ and Hope Valley Church well. We had a great group of guys who hauled 10 tons of rock into the backyard of a couple who is unchuched. The best part about it is they did it in 41/2 hours. They rocked. We had two groups also clean out and organize a couple of garages in houses of unchurched people as well. One lady lost her nephew to suicide and her son is in prison, so we had a great opportunity to minister to them as well. Over all our group has been phenomenal. They have made everyone of our leaders proud, and they continue to keep positive spirits in tough, conditions of heat and fatigue.

On a lighter note, and the reason for the title of this blog today, we had to cut Garielle out of the van tonight becasue her seatbelt got stuck and we couldn't get it undone. We worked on it for 30 minutes and finally made an executive decision to cut the belt to get her out. It was one of the funniest things I can ever remember happening. I will post a picture of the event when i can get it transferred to the computer. Thank you all for your prayers. We will be serving some local businesses tomorrow, cleaning bathrooms, and cars for the employees of these local businesses. We love ya'll and look forward to seeing you soon. I leave you with this encouraging thought out of Numbers 6:24 "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Good Night

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Get off the Tundra Grass

Today was an eventful day full of lots of fun and a screaming lady telling me and Ethan to get off the Tundra Grass. We were at 12, 100 feet in the Rocky Mountains and up there the grass is part of a fragile ecosystem. She was a green tree hugging woman with no mercy or compassion. Needless to say we had a lot of fun and took lots of pictures. I am going to show you a great team picture that we took at 12,oo0 feet.

I am completely fried. An hour at 10,000 feet, and an hour at 12,000 feet will cook a german, irish white boy. I was careless an forgot about the importance of sunscreen. So here are the pictures. We are kicking everything off tomorrow, we will be very busy and working hard.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Look Mom no hands!



Today started our mission trip in Denver. It started out good, on the way up to the Church. I saw the cross on 159 just as you exit Ashcroft Estates and it was as if God was saying, "I am with you, and have already gone ahead of you. I will be with you and protect you." So with that I am completely confident that God was with us in the chaos of the travel today.



Let me give you a little idea of what happened. Just outside of Lawrence Kansas I noticed that our left front tire on the trailerwas low. I filled it with air at a gas station. About an hour later I started to notice a bounce in the trailer. As we got close to Salina, Kansas this got worse. In Salina we stopped at a gas station and noticed that the tire had begun to seperate. Anyways, we got into a tire store and found out that the trailer has passenger tires on it not trailer tires and they were all extremely old and had begun to seperate. So we spent an hour in Salina, and got the tires changed out.
Now we are in Denver and everything is going great. We got settled in, and everything is ready for our big trip to Rocky Mountain National Park tomorrow. Please keep us in your prayers, and we look forward to seeing ya'll in a week.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Holding on tight

This morning I was doing my quiet time and was reading through John 15. The whole part about the vine and the branches. This brought atttention to me in my life. As an individual I have to remain in Christ, to abide in Him and rely on His power in order to accomplish anything for Him. If I ever do anything on my own, without God's help, and expect anything to come about becasue of it, I have missed it. However when I remain in Christ, and I rely on His pwer and strength then I am going to bear much fruit.

I am convinced that one of the biggest reasons churches aren't seeing great changes among people lives is because we have tried to do way too much. Apart from Christ, we can do nothing, but with Him we can do things that are completely unimaginable.

So my thought is this. If you are going to Denver on Friday I want to encourage you to remain in Christ. Fight for ime with God, too many of us do just enough to get by, and we don't experience all that Christ offers, and all that we can do with Christ. Read John 14:12. This is something that is completely foreign to many of us, but Jesus said that we would do even greater things than these. I long to see and hear all the great things that God is going to do in and through us in Denver, and in our daily lives.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Less than a week

This time next week we will be in Denver, on our mission trip. I am praying for each one of you as you prepare for this awesome time. REmember a mission trip isn't a once a year thing. Missions is living for Christ on a daily basis in the world He has placed you in.

I added this video we played at VBS for the kids one night. It is a combination of the last two years trips. I hope you enjoy it.

This is also going to be the place for parents to check in and see what has been going on in Denver. I am going to do my best to keep everyone informed daily as to what we are doing. So mookmark this page and encourage your parents to check it daily.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Denver Mission Trip

I hope everyone has taken the challenge seriously on focusing on your holiness the next couple of weeks. The reason this is necessary is to realize how helpless and hopeless we are without Christ. When we go to serve him we do it in the power of the Holy Spirit not in our own power.

The duty of a faithful missionary and I would go even further to say, the duty of a faithful Christian is to be open to the cleansing and calling of the Lord. As God cleanses each of us of the guilt and sins in our lives, and as He reveals the truth of His word in our hearts, we can't help but following Christ's leading and calling in missions.

I want to encourage everyone to be open to the cleansing of God in our lives. This cleansing (sanctification) is what prepares you to do the good works through Christ and for Christ. As you are sanctified or cleansed you begin to see the value of people and the insignificance of many of the things of this world. True Christians are attached to nothing and to no one excet Christ. They identify with the interests of other people who are in need.

I hope and pray you continue to focus on the cleasing of your lives.

Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
Psalm 96:2-3

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Here fishy, fishy, fishy

So we just wrapped up VBS tonight. THings went rather well throughout the week. Had a number of kids accept Christ, all of which we will follow up on with their parents. That was pretty awesome.

The offering from this year's VBS is going to China with our mission team to help one orphan child receive the surgery needed (cleft pallet, club foot or even heart surgery) so they may have a somewhat normal life. At the beginning of the week I challenged the kids to bring the money, I teamed up with the guys and Kevin (senior pastor) teamed up with the girls. Whichever team brought the least amount of money would have to eat a goldfish. needless to say that was the guys.

Everything seems to be pretty normal, haven't got sick yet. Wait! Hold on! Quick go get a fish bowl I am about to puke this things back up. Not really. I guess I was served a little bit of sushi tonight. Not too bad.

Upcoming events

Here is a reminder of what is coming up in the next few weeks.

We will not be having 1st Friday in July becasue it is the 4th and we want to encourage family time together.
July 2- WNT at Chesterfield Aquatic Center- Cost $5

Sunday July 6- A.C.T.S. at Taco Bell on Kearney

July 9- WNT at Fellows Lake

July 12-19- Mission Denver- stay connected with what's going on in denver by checking this blog on a daily basis.

VBS has been phenomenal this week, and I want to thank everyone who has helped throughout the week. Teachers, snack leaders, and all the other crazies who have given a great amount of effort to reach kids with the truth of Christ.

Random Ramblings

Daniel told me I have been dragging my feet on this whole blog thing, and you know what "He's right." I am still getting used to trying to share my thoughts and passions on this blog. I am not much of a journaler, but I want to use this to challenge, open discussion, and create a community that is open to talking about Christ, life and how the two go hand in hand.

One thing that I have learned in all this is my mind often times isn't focused on spiritual things. I admit that I am caught up in the busyness of life and have giving in to being overwhelmed through life's circumstances that I forget to think of the spiritual aspect of everything I do or face on a daily basis.

The other day I was taking Nika (my black lab) out to the kennel before I went to work and as I turned around to come back to the house a bug just hit me square in the forhead. At first I thought, "What in the world is your problem." Then I laughed about it, becasue I realized that I have focused more on the negative at times in life.

This bug as small and as hard as it was, opened my eyes to the truth of my life. To often I walk around in the haze or daze that I call life and I miss out on the things and people God wants us to see on a daily basis. I think many of our lives are like this. We miss out on opportunities to serve, love and help those in need becasue we are so focused on the here and now, the chaos of life.

My challenge today would be to watch for the opportunities God is providing in our daily life. Be open to the spiritual leadings of God.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Identity

How do others treat you or identify you? Where do you receive your significance from? What kind of things do you think push you to be who you are? Many of us let others identify us. We take their opinions and viewpoints and let them be what drives us to be who we are. God never intended that for us. Your identity is wrapped up in what God has for you in your life. Our significance comes from who Christ has created us to be. That is what life is all about. Our significance in life comes from doing what Christ wants us to do and not what others think we are.

Super Summer is going great, and everyone has been challenged to looked at their true identity in Christ, and turn over the labels that have been placed upon us by others. Ephesians 4: 22 says, "you were taught, with regard to your old self, which is being cprrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds." The challenge stands for all of us to evaluate the true identity of who we are in Christ. This challenge takes place on a daily basis just like Jason Bourne faced. There is a battle taking place in each one of our lives to discover the true identity of ourselves. This battle is something that Satan continues to push because if he can get us thinking about everything else, everyone elses thinks about us, he can strike in our weakness and deal us a crushing blow.

I want to encourage each of you with the truth of God's word and let you know your identity has aleready been defined not by others but in Christ, the author of salvation and the perfecter of our faith.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Here it goes

Well I am going to give this a shot. Not much of a writer or even a journaler, but I am willing to try anything. For all you Springhill students this is going to replace our weekly email and you can come and check this out on a daily basis.

I will write thoughts and opinions on things, talk about what God is teaching me in daily quite times or even through the different series we will be going through. I encourage you to add your comments on things you want to discuss. This is going to be something completely new for me and maybe even for some of you.

I hope ya'll know how proud of you I am and Sarah and I truly enjoy watching God work in your lives and families. The other day I got a compliment because of the hard work and effort each person put in to working at the Ozark Empire Fair. One of the ladies said that our group was one of the best she had ever worked with because ya'll worked hard and didn't complain. Thank you for your representation of Springhill, but most of all your representation of Christ. Ya'll rock!