Hardrock, Coco, And Joe

This is my favorite Christmas song and cartoon. It is very obscure. In fact, the only place I've ever known it to be played was during The Bozo Show, which was on TV every morning before I went to school during my elementary days. Whenever I watch this I am taken back to those days when I would sit on the couch watching TV and eating breakfast, waiting for Christmas break to begin.

Merry Christmas!

Write Now

I can finally take a breath. It has been a busy few weeks that ended with a very busy weekend. But, now that The Christmas S.O.C.C.E.R. Team Kids Choir Musical, The Live Nativity, and the Williamsburg Community Band Christmas Concert are all finished, I can actually begin to relax a little and enjoy the season. I didn't even have time to write over the past couple weeks.

And, speaking of writing (I rock at segues), I just found out that a good friend of mine is a published author! Josh Carter and I went to high school together (Go Maroons) and we attended the same church (Go FCC - Clinton). Then we both ended up going to the same college (Go Golden Eagles).

After a semester, Josh transferred to another school. He eventually got married, started a family, and now works for the Fellowship Of Christian Athletes. Actually, I just summed up about 13 years of Josh's life in one sentence. Obviously, I left out a ton of important details.

Josh has always been an awesome athlete. Due to my extreme lack of athletic ability, I can't remember a time when I have even contemplated playing him in anything. In fact, I think the only sport that I have ever played with Josh is volleyball, and most of the time we were on the same team. Now that I think about it, I am sure he let me be on his team out of pity.

I've always thought it was really great that Josh hooked up with FCA as a career. It's such a great fit for him. He has a heart for ministry and a passion for sports. I know that the work that he is involved in is making an impact in the lives of young athletes and coaches.

When I found out he had written a book of devotions I immediately demanded that he send me an autographed copy (for free, of course). Within a couple days I received it in the mail. On the inside, Josh signed, "Josh Carter - Acts 20:24." He also sent a note on a separate piece of paper that read, "...I didn't personalize this in case you want to give it away..."

I am inclined to believe that this was meant to be a slam on my lack of athletic ability - as in, "Why would YOU need a book of devotions for athletes?" But, knowing Josh and his humility, I am sure what he meant was, "Seriously, you don't have to read this if you don't want to."

Well, I have been reading it, and it is great! If you would like to get a copy you can order it at http://www.crosstrainingpublishing.com/. The title of the book is Running 2 Win 4 Him. As is written in the introduction of the book, "It can be used for individual study, with a teammate, as a team/small group study, or for larger groups (FCA Huddle meetings, etc.)." I encourage you to check it out!

Believe

Christy and I spent Thanksgiving with my family in Illinois once again this year. We also use this time to celebrate Christmas with my family. As usual, it was a blast. It was especially fun this year because our niece is nearly 2 years old. Watching her open Christmas presents was hilarious.

Our Thanksgiving/Christmas vacations together are always fun. We usually try to fill part of our time with going somewhere unique. This year, we went to the Festival Of Trees at the Illinois State Fairground in Springfield. Basically, it's just a big building filled with Christmas trees and gingerbread houses that are decorated in special ways. The trees and houses are judged and awarded prizes.

Speaking of gingerbread, fresh homemade gingerbread men were for sale. We maimed a few. They were delicious.

The theme this year was "Believe." Most of the trees and displays related to this theme. It was interesting to see all the different interpretations of the word "Believe" for Christmas time. There were many trees that were dedicated to believing in Santa (obviously). There were trees dedicated to believing in magic and miracles. There was a tree dedicated to believing that the Chicago Bears will win the Super Bowl (seriously). There were trees dedicated to believing that cures would be found to various disease. There were trees dedicated to believing in angels. The list went on and on.

I understand that most of those things are good and fun things to believe in. But it did make me a little sad that when the hundreds of people who were involved in decorating these trees heard the word "Believe" in reference to Christmas, the first thing that popped into their heads was Santa, magic, sports, cures, or angels.

Overload

I don't think I am alone with my feelings about conventions. There is a part of me that really loves them. But, there is also a part of me that really dislikes them. Allow me to explain.

I love them for many reasons. Often at conventions I run into friends that I haven't seen or heard from in a long time. It's a great chance to catch up, remember old times, and hang out. I also really enjoy listening to the speakers at the main sessions and the workshops. I realize that there is so much to learn from others and I always look forward to hearing the perspective of other people on different issues. The exhibit areas of conventions are also something I look forward to. It's always amazing to me how many resources are out there to assist me in my life's work and passion.

There is also the part of me that dislikes conventions. My main reason for dislike is the fact that I am the type of person that gets overloaded with information and overwhelmed by it quite easily. Then I get frustrated because I have a hard time envisioning how to get from where I am to where I would like to go based on everything that I've just learned.

All that being said, the National Missionary Convention had a bit of a different effect on me than most conventions. All the things I love were present. But, instead of disliking the information overload, I was inspired by it. By the end of the convention I was tired and a bit overwhelmed, but I wasn't frustrated. What I am beginning to realize is that God is on a mission, and because I follow Jesus, I am on a mission as well.

As I looked around me at the convention, I could see with my own eyes people who are on this mission all over the world. I could see that there is a need for people to be a part of this mission everywhere. While that can be overwhelming, it is also exciting because the possibilities for what part each of us will play in this mission are endless.

And, while we all have different roles to fill, the method of the mission should be the same for all of us - "Total Self-Denial."

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'" -Matthew 16:24 (NIV)

Compelled

Christy and I will be attending the National Missionary Convention this Thursday - Saturday in Cincinnati.

I attended this convention once before as a Youth Ministry intern. I don't remember a lot about what went on that weekend due to the fact that I had a bunch of responsibilities and probably not a lot of time to enjoy the conference.

We are really excited about listening to the speakers, learning from the workshop leaders, and visiting the many booths. I think it will be a great feeling to be surrounded by so many who have truly gone outside the camp. I am sure that by the end of this weekend I will have had my eyes opened to so much. I don't even have a clue about what is going on in most of the world when it comes to spreading the Gospel. I hope this convention challenges me and reshapes my world view.

Be The Remedy

I went to see David Crowder Band last night at Bogarts. It was only the second time that I have seen Crowder live and both times I have been really impressed. His recent projects, A Collision and Remedy, play constantly from start to finish on my iPod.

I love the theme of his newest album, Remedy. It's great how he is using his platform to inspire us to change the world we live in. On his current tour, he has asked that those attending bring socks and towels when they come to the show. Those items are then distributed to local homeless shelters. It is such a simple thing, but I think it is great. Not only does it meet a need right in our community, but it also communicates to the thousands that are attending his concerts that there are many things we all can do to show love to those we often ignore. I really like how Crowder made a point to explain that we need to continually be the remedy in this world and there are a variety of ways for us to accomplish that.

Followers Of The Call - Area 10 Project

When heading off to begin college, one of the most important things to think about is who you are going to room with. Many people choose their roommate in advance. They may choose a friend from High School. They may choose another acquaintance that they had met somewhere along the way through activities they had been involved in through their teen years.

Other brave souls, like myself, allow the institution they are attending to choose their roommate for them. I am not sure what goes on behind the scenes when people are getting matched up (my guess is that it is pretty random), but supposedly there was some method to the madness when it came time for me to go to Cincinnati Christian University in 1994. At least I like to think that I didn't fill out that questionnaire about all my likes and dislikes for no reason.

The bottom line is that my college actually did a good job in my case. I know that this doesn't happen all the time, but I was given a great roommate who has become a life-long friend.

Chris Barras is a guy who I believe is truly following God in an awesome way. He and his wife, Abby, are doing an amazing work called the Area 10 Project in Richmond, Virginia. You can read more about this project by clicking the link on the right.

One thing that I noticed about Chris as soon as I met him was how talented he was. I was blown away by his musicianship. In fact, I had been playing guitar for a little over a year when I got to college. I was excited that I was going to room with a fellow guitar player. When I finally heard him play, though, I was actually quite discouraged. This guy was the same age as me and yet he was so far ahead of me with how well he played. For example, my best song and pretty much only song was "Every Rose Has Its Thorn", while Chris could rock out on just about any song you requested, including "Everything I Do, I Do It For You", which drove the ladies crazy. I was so jealous.

Since college, Chris has continued to grow musically. He sings, he plays guitar, he plays piano, and he probably does a bunch of other stuff that I don't know about. He has even written and recorded many songs.

His talent is not just limited to his music. Chris has always been a strong leader. He is also very creative and he is a great visionary. Once again, these qualities are so evident in him that I often get jealous (wow - I think have jealousy issues).

Anyway...I believe all these qualities, combined with Abby's gifts which are also amazing, have lead Chris and Abby to where they are today. They are doing a very important, and very unique, work in Richmond. I love what Chris has written in his blog about living in the city. I love his heart for the city. I love his willingness to follow God's call into a part of the world that many of us would never choose to go. There are so many pockets of our culture that we ignore for one reason or another. Maybe we write them off as hopeless. Maybe we can't believe that we would ever fit in there. Maybe we don't believe that God would ever want us to leave what is comfortable and "successful."

Chris and Abby not only heard God's call, but they also listened and followed. Right now they are raising support for their ministry. Right now they are raising awareness of the need. Right now they are creatively casting a vision for the ministry that God has placed before them.

I hope that the way Chris and Abby follow God's call is inspiring to you. It inspires me. God calls each of us in a different way. I realize that not all of us will be called to plant a church in Miami, FL like Matt and Janie. Not all of us will be asked to start a new ministry in downtown Richmond, VA like Chris and Abby. What is inspiring about Matt, Janie, Chris, and Abby isn't just that they are involved in exciting and challenging ministries, but what's inspiring is that they LISTENED to God. I pray that all of us will listen to God when He calls - no matter what.

Please pray for the Area 10 Project.

C-R-U-N-K in the U.S.A.

Christy and I went to the Family Force 5 concert at The Underground last night. It was an awesome show. The place was sold out and the crowd was very into it. Out of all the times that I have seen FF5 live, I'd have to say this was by far the best.

There was one depressing moment during the evening, though. As Christy and I were standing in line, we couldn't help but overhear the conversation that the teen girls behind us were having. They were discussing whether or not they were old enough to get into the concert without having an adult with them.

One girl asked the other, "When were you born?"

The other girl said, "1994."

Suddenly the reality of the situation hit me. I graduated from High School (Go Maroons!) the same year that the girl behind me in line was born!

Questions immediately popped into my head.

Does it make me cool that I am into the same music as a teenage girl?

Is it good that I don't view myself as being 31 years old?

Is everyone in this line wondering what the old guy is doing here?

I decided not to worry about it and enjoy the show.

As we were leaving the concert I noticed that sitting along the wall on a bench near the exit were many adults who obviously had brought their kids to the show. The looks on their faces screamed, "Get me out of here. It's late and my head is pounding from all this loud music."

I thought to myself, "Man, they're old."

Nightmare On My Street

Trick-or-Treating on Main Street in Williamsburg is very popular. This year True Life Christian Church set up shop on a vacant corner. We handed out hundreds of small bags of candy and hundreds of pens to those that were taking part in the Halloween revelry.

On December 7 we will be on that same street corner, but this time we will be doing something much different (although we'll still be wearing costumes). Once again we were asked to put on a Live Nativity during Williamsburg's annual Christmas Walk. I can't wait to see what kind of live animals we can round up this year. I vote for Alpacas.

Followers Of The Call - The Pursuit

I would like to start a new series of posts. These posts will highlight people who I believe have followed God's call outside the camp.

I am going to dedicate this first post to my friends, Matt and Janie Mehaffey. You can read about their entire journey (so far) of following their call by clicking on The Pursuit link on the right. But, for right now, I just want to mention some of my observations.

I met Matt during freshman orientation at Cincinnati Christian University (back then it was Cincinnati Bible College) in the fall of 1994. We instantly became friends and have remained close ever since. Matt and I both served as interns at large churches in Indianapolis following our college careers. It was a blast to be done with school, but still working and living in the same city as Matt.

But, as our internships came to an end, our paths finally split. The church Matt was working for decided to keep him on staff (which I believe says something about the kind of guy Matt is). The church I was working for, on the other hand, didn't give me that option (which I believe means absolutely nothing, so don't try to read into it). So, I moved to Virginia to serve at a church, and Matt stayed in Indy.

Matt is from Indiana, and I believed that he would always be a resident of the Midwest. I didn't blame him. I, too, am from the Midwest and I couldn't wait to move back someday. But, God had other plans for Matt. Not only did God lead Matt to a wonderful wife, Janie, but He also put a call on his life to go outside the camp.

I remember when Matt first started talking about planting a church in Miami, FL. It was exciting to hear about, but I really couldn't believe it. I know Matt himself would admit that transplanting this Indiana kid into such a diverse city seems crazy. But, God was calling Matt and Janie to something VERY important. The city of Miami has a tremendous amount of need and God is preparing Matt and Janie and the rest of the staff of The Pursuit to meet those needs.

I am just so impressed that Matt and Janie listened! It would have been a lot easier to stay inside the camp. When you start to understand the needs, culture, and process of planting a church in Miami you begin to realize that a ton of sacrifice and suffering is involved. In fact, as I write this, some big challenges have come up in reference to the location of The Pursuit when it launches in January. Matt and Janie could have easily decided to stay within their borders, but they didn't. They followed God outside the camp so that others can come to know Jesus Christ.

Please pray for The Pursuit.

Outside The Camp - Part 2

"Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore." - Hebrews 13:13

Jesus suffered in a way that we cannot. That is a fact. But this scripture calls us to "bear the disgrace he bore." It calls us to go to him outside the camp.

For the original recipients of this letter, this meant a departure from the old Jewish order of their upbringing. They were called to identify themselves with Christ and his cross. This was no easy task for them. It was probably easier and more respectable "inside the camp."

It is like that for us today. Very few of us are willing to leave the camp. We don't want to go outside the borders of safety and comfort. We don't want to think about the fact that there are other sheep outside of our fold. We don't like to think about the fact that outside of the camp is suffering. We know to leave the camp would mean sacrifice and possibly some sort of suffering.

But the fact remains that there are places, people, and nations that need to be told about Jesus. It is costly to go to them. But Jesus gave us an example to follow of bearing abuse so that all can be saved.

A Spook-tacular Blog

Why do companies find it necessary to use the non-word "Spook-tacular" in reference to their Halloween sales events? I think the first guy to ever use the word was being quite creative...but now it is just sad. It has been used way too much this year. I think I have seen it used most frequently at car dealerships and dollar stores. Why is that?

Equally as bad is the use of the word "Egg-stravaganza" during Easter.

Is it just me, or has reading this post put you in the mood for Bunnicula?

Start Stopping

Tomorrow I will devote an entire day to solitude and prayer. This is a discipline that I really just recently put into practice.

As an intern at Kingsway Christian Church in Avon, Indiana, I was introduced to this idea. Each staff member devoted one day a month to solitude and prayer. As an intern, this was also expected of me. They even were kind enough to provide me with resources about how to get the most out of this time. During the year that I was there as an intern, I faithfully devoted one day every month to prayer, study, and solitude. The staff was very good at holding each other accountable in this area. A lot of emphasis was put on the necessity of listening to God in the stillness, even in the midst of a very busy ministry.

I learned a lot that year, but during my first full time ministry, I neglected the discipline of solitude and prayer. Don’t get me wrong, I still found time to be alone with God every now and then, and I still found time to pray. But, I definitely wasn’t disciplined about it. Devoting a specific amount of time, not to mention an entire day, just didn’t happen.

When I began my current ministry over 2 years ago, I decided it would be a good time for a fresh start in the area of solitude and prayer. I decided to make a commitment to once again, every month, devote an entire day to being alone with God – no cell phone, no internet, no distractions. I would pray, read, and listen.

I am happy to say that I have been very consistent with this. I will often go to a park for my days of solitude. The picture is from Rowe Woods which is one of the parks I frequently go to. I really look forward to these days. It feels good to get away from it all.

Of course, I realize that this can also be a difficult thing to do. Sometimes the world we live in does not offer many opportunities for down time. I am at an advantage. I don’t have any children. I have a job that allows me the freedom to do this during a “work day”. I have organized my responsibilities in a way that is conducive for a day like this to be possible. Many people are not in this same situation. Not to mention, some people just don’t like being still. Some people go crazy at the thought of having to walk around in the woods singing Kum-Ba-Yah all day (For the record: I haven’t sung Kum-Ba-Yah once during my days of solitude – but I might tomorrow).

No matter how hard it is, though, it is important. I know time alone with God will look different for everybody. I think it can probably be done in a variety of ways. But, I want to encourage everyone to make sure it is getting done somehow. I really do believe that God is often speaking to us but we aren’t listening. Instead, we are listening to our iPods, TVs, cell phones, friends, possessions, etc. Take some time to get away from it all. Open up the Bible. Talk to God. Listen.

I am far from being some kind of spiritual giant. My intentions here are not to make it sound as if my one day a month makes me some sort of holy super man. I simply want to encourage you to start stopping long enough to hear God.

And…by the way…if any of you would like to leave suggestions on what has helped you to hear God, please leave a comment.

Do you have…books to recommend, scripture to share, studies to work through, etc.?

I Play The French Horn...Seriously.

Once again I experienced the pain of being made fun of for something that most of the world just doesn't understand. I was watching Saturday Night Live with host Jon Bon Jovi when during a sketch Bon Jovi made reference to himself as a nerdy kid who played the French Horn. He went on to say that in order to reach the cool status that he now holds he put down the French Horn and picked up the guitar.

Here's the thing...is that true?! Because if Jon Bon Jovi really did use to play the French Horn...THAT IS AWESOME. I have lived my whole life (well, at least since 5th grade) having to endure the ridicule of those who like to poke fun at what is viewed as a nerdy instrument. But now, could a conversation really sound like this:

"Hey, look at the nerdy red head with the French Horn," someone yells.
"Whatever, Bon Jovi plays the French Horn," I exclaim!

Man, to be able to use that as a comeback would rock. It would definitely put the mockers in their place!

Of course, there are other things that might make people realize that the French Horn is a wonderful instrument. It is very difficult to play, so anyone that can play it half way decent does have skill. It has a beautiful tone. Traditional Christmas Hymns wouldn't be the same without the French Horn. And, speaking of Christmas, they make great decorations at Christmas time. Have you ever noticed how many French Horns hang on trees or are printed on cards? Not to mention the French Horn sounds great in the Lord Of The Rings movie score.

But, I guess if none of those reasons change your mind about the nerdiness of the French Horn then how about this: BON JOVI PLAYS IT (maybe).

Outside The Camp – Part 1

Hebrews 13:12-14 has impacted my way of thinking. My fear is that I will not do a good job explaining to you why I feel that this scripture is so important. I fear that I will write my observations here in this blog and you, as the reader, will think something like, “Are you just NOW figuring this out?!”

I admit that I might not come up with the most earth shattering revelations about these verses. But, I hope that my thoughts will in some way open your eyes to what is really important in this world, or at least to why I do the things I do and choose the paths that I am currently choosing.

This one small section of scripture holds within it a lot of information. In fact, I find it hard to wrap my head around all of its possible implications. Therefore, throughout the life of this blog (or at least throughout the beginning of this blog’s life), I will write about Hebrews 13:12-14 in parts. Prepare for Part 1…

The original recipients of this text would probably not have needed a refresher course on Old Testament Law. Those of us reading it today, on the other hand, might not understand the significance of burning carcasses outside the camp that have recently been slaughtered at the alter. Actually, the thought of that makes me kind of sick. It’s like an episode of Dirty Jobs.

Without going into an in-depth study of OT History, let me just make the simple point that outside of the camp was unholy ground, and inside the camp was holy ground. I know that is super over simplified. But, that is one of the main things to remember at this point. We must understand this one main thing because the author of Hebrews makes a point in saying that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross happened “outside the city gate.” It happened on unholy ground…not on the holy ground where sacrifices usually took place. Once again, to us maybe that is not so shocking, but that is only because we don’t understand the significance of this concept. Hughes writes, “The location of Calvary was one of defilement, not sanctification. But the presence of God’s Holy One made holy what was previously unholy…by suffering outside the gate; moreover, Jesus identifies himself with the world in its unholiness. While we are unable to draw near to God because of our sin, God draws near to us in the person of his Holy One…”

My point in “Part 1” is simply this…I love the fact that Jesus was willing to go outside the camp for me. He did it first of all by coming to walk among us as man, and he did it by dying on the cross. I believe Jesus’ example of total self-sacrifice is one that we should follow. In future posts on this topic, I hope to write more about following Christ outside the camp.

Did I just demonstrate bad blogging etiquette by writing an extremely long blog?

"Let Us Go To Him Outside The Camp"

As I read that heading in chapter 3 of John Piper’s book, Let The Nations Be Glad, I admit that I had no idea what was coming next. In my years of study, I guess I have somehow missed this short section of the book of Hebrews. But, after I read the conclusions that Piper drew from this scripture, I quickly began to try to dig a little bit deeper into the meaning of that phrase.

You’ll read more on that later. But first, let me start off by saying…

I have been thinking about starting a blog for awhile now. But, I have also been reluctant to do so. Partly because I often times find blogs annoying and I don’t want to add to the immense amount of irritating material in the blogosphere. In fact, that word is really annoying and I promise to never use it again. Anyway, I have noticed, on the other hand, that there are a few blogs out there that I actually find useful, informative, and even entertaining. I would like this to be one of those. That’s where it gets tricky, though. You see, I don’t want to have an annoying blog, I want to have a great blog…but doesn’t everybody? Does anybody start off their blogging career by saying, “I am going to create the most useless, dull, boring, and annoying blog ever?” Of course not, because we all think we have something to contribute. I think I have something to contribute. But, do I? Who knows?

The one thing I do know is that the blogs that I find to be great are the blogs that have a purpose. They are the blogs that are informing their readers about events that are important for one reason or another. They are blogs that are keeping concerned people up to date about topics that mean something. They are blogs that are honest – sometimes funny and sometimes serious – but always honest. They are blogs that are telling a story of some kind. They are following a journey. These are the blogs that I think are contributing positively to the…um…place where blogs are posted and float around.

So, that’s what I hope this blog will be. I would like to promise to you, the reader, exciting stories, humorous anecdotes, spirit lifting tales, and impeccable grammar. Actually, I can’t really promise any of those things on a consistent basis. I do hope that you enjoy visiting here, though. And, if you get completely annoyed with this blog, please move on to something better. I would if I were you. And, I will even give you links to blogs that aren’t annoying. How considerate of me!