music!

Yeah, so I'm a big proponent of music.
I love to sing. To play guitar (as much as I'm able). To teach others. To listen to various genres (mostly)
And I love even more to take some of that music and worship Jesus Christ with it. Voices only, or full band rockin' out, or with a huge ensemble - I enjoy worshiping in music.
That's what was on my mind today.
hmm...

make the effort

I had my weekly accountability today. My quiet time has suffered the last week. I'm not listing reasons. I'm saying this - it's my fault. I've enjoyed work and family time. I've gotten some exercise. I attended worship and meetings and a recital. And... I failed. I failed to CHOOSE to open my Bible and give God the chance to encourage, correct, cheer, and instruct me. Not completely. But mostly.

The week didn't get any less full at 8:30 this morning. Still packed. But IN THE MIDST of all 'that,' I need Him. I need His power, help, forgiveness, joy, and companionship. And He answers and shows up EVERY time on a moment's notice. I need to make the effort, regardless of my 'stuff,' to put myself in His Word and His presence in worship and prayer every day.

Anybody else?

'Not My Will'

Christmas is a favorite time of the year for me. The tenderness of Christ as a child. The excitement and generosity of my children. The buzz of decorating the tree and singing together many December evenings. The music... Ahhh.

Preaching around Christmas can be a challenge. The story is familiar. It should be shared, taught, I know. But most everyone coming knows the cast of characters, place names, etc. So... being 'fresh' in presenting the Word is a challenge. And this year I really LIKE the challenge. God has graced me with a gorgeous theme and simple title. "Not My Will." Most bible-belters know the main 'not my will' was when Jesus was praying right before His arrest. But that was not the 'first' occurrence, nor, I would argue, the most important one. Not failing to value that decision, but noticing the ones that preceded it as well.

The Sundays of Dec 12 and 19, we'll explore the 'not my will' moments in Christ's earthly parents. And on Christmas Eve, we'll look at the 'first' 'not my will' moment of Jesus Christ.
Be glad to have you with us in worship if you can.

Loafin'

dude.
the Pennyloafer reunion was a fantastic experience.
singing with old friends some classic tunes in four-part a capella.
laughing at memories i had 'wiped' from me memory (like black/white checked denim pants!)
meeting the newer Loafers and the families of all the guys!
knowing all the members of the group are in ministry!!!
it was great - for me and for my family.
definitely a treasured memory and i'm thankful to have it.

Homecoming

So I've never been to a Homecoming celebration - not for high school, college, churches... any!
And tomorrow our family will load the van and head to Berea, KY to attend Homecoming at Berea College where I met Christ and my wife (and lots of other cool people!).
I have the privilege of singing with some guys I sang with in the "Pennyloafers" back in those days. I also get to show my kids the spot where I met their mom and the place we got engaged and the spot where I was baptized...
I am excited and nervous to go.
I look forward to the family time.
I have plans to pray a lot while traveling.
I am excited to see lots of friends we haven't seen in a couple of decades.

I wonder if there are some people in your family or office or school who need a 'homecoming'? Like a re-connect, do-over, try again moment in relationship to God. And I be they'd be nervous and excited for that possibility.
Who are they?
How can you pray?
What part might God have you play?

"Silent 'P,' Loud Message"

wow. keeping up with my blog while keeping up with the rest of my life is harder than I thought it would be.
(enough whining)
New series at River Valley for Nov 21, 28 and Dec 5 is... "silent 'P', loud message"
We'll dig into several different Psalms and see what God teaches us as we do.
Hope to see you there.

so many good days

God is better to me than I deserve. (Yeah, Dave Ramsey says it, but it's not copyrighted!)
I've had so many 'good days' lately, that it just really stood out to me today.
A few examples...

I got to sit in my family room teaching Music Theory (a fave subject) to my children (some fave people) today. Simple pleasure or not, it was great. Seeing them learn and hearing them play and sing, creating music they are learning to read... Dude.

I re-started my 'read through the New Testament' reading last week. I've enjoyed a consistent time in the Bible and prayed a LOT more lately because of solid accountability (yet ANOTHER good thing in my life), but this read-through deal is somehow very 'important.' (more on that as I figure out why - don't know yet) Dude.

Sunday our church - (www.) River Valley Community Church (.net) - celebrated the fact that God has been super-good to us for 30 months already! (including the joy of baptizing 25 people so far!) Dude.

I finished a set of 'goals' for Scouting this week. May sound lame to some, but it was a great sense of joy AND a HUGE fulfillment of my passion to give back to Scouting (and some current young men) the way Scouting gave to me in my life many years ago.
(also to note: that completion of goals allows me to return to my normal 'rhythm' of Scouts some weeks and 'daddy-daughter-date-nights' some weeks which we had put on 'hold' as I pressed through those goals!) Dude!!!

I am a thankful man. My wife is amazing. My children are cool and we really enjoy our relationships together. My church is a super place to serve. My Scout Troop is a fun place to learn and make memories. My family will soon travel to the college Theresa and I both attended for me to sing with a group of guys I truly enjoy time with - then and now.

dude. thankful and excited to be alive and seeking to serve others in Christ's name!

ummm...

I think people call this 'writer's block.'
It's not like I'm ever really short on words.
But today, I am thoroughly excited for the work God's let me accomplish, the cool conversations He's gifted to me with several, and... the opportunity to pray throughout the day.
so...
that's my blog today.

So... I started working out again. Don't pat any shoulders yet, it ain't much.

But I did and it kinda feels good. Like, "I'm glad I did that. That's a good choice. Maybe I'll live to see some grandkids." (youknowwhatimean)

But...

I am also sore, stiff, grimacing occasionally.


I bet if you're like me, regularly reading your Bible is like working out 'again.' It's a 'good' thing and you appreciate having done so, but... sometimes you're a bit 'worked over' and/or confused about why it has to 'hurt so good.'

Do it anyway.


Working out DAILY will allow for more benefits with less 'pain.' Greater overall health comes when it's a habit, not a 'restart' 'again.'

Just sayin'...

Next sermon series

So I'm a thankful guy.
Not as much as I should be, but more than I used to be at least.

I'm thankful for my relationship with Christ. And with my wife and children. And with our church and having the privilege to lead and to teach.

Our next sermon series is also something I'm thankful for too.
It's from our friends at LifeChurch.tv. Not like 'friends' we have actually met, but 'friends' like fellow laborers for the sake of Christ being presented to people. And they are so generous to give away whole series - the fruit of being a large and growing church with lots of excellent staff. Their artists and techies and ministers are great to hear God, obey Him, then package and give away what they have used so that other churches with less resources can benefit from their creative work.
So... thanks to Lifechurch and to God for them.

and feel free to join us for... 'Practical Atheist' - running Sept 19 through Oct 10 at River Valley Community Church (.net)

Later.

tough choices

Some decisions are fairly easy.
Some are not.
Today I had the chance to watch several people face several decisions.
Some were easy. And they made them and moved on.
Some are more challenging and still hang in front of us.
What are you facing?
How will you decide?

I hope you will pray. And I hope that you will consider the instructions of God as you do.

the joy of discipline

So God talks about discipline a few times.

Duet 8:5, Heb 12:6, 8 & 10; Rev 3:19, Job 5:17, Prov 1:2-3; 3:11-12; 5:23; 6:23; 19:18, Psalm 94:12

Ok. More than a few times

And in 2 Timothy 1:7, the Scriptures tell us that 'self-discipline' is a GIFT to us from God.

When I am disciplined, I really enjoy life more fully.

Those who are close to me know it is a life-long struggle (and there's hopefully plenty of life left!) But seriously it is a joy to me to see that 'stuff happens' when I DO the 'stuff' I'm supposed to be on track to DO!
Wow.
Magical.
But not really. When I accept God's discipline (when I'm wrong) and exercise 'self-discipline' (when I've been lazy), it just means that maturity and growth and accomplishment and character are produced and pile up high enough to be noticed and to stand on to stretch and reach even FURTHER in life! (and not only is this true for me/myself, BUT when I'm disciplined, my capacity to help others is greater and more focused as well!!!)

So. Hooray for discipline.

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11

The Wood Badge Blogs: observations of one Scouter as he attends Wood Badge Training

You want me to get a badge of wood?
The Council sent me an email about a training called ‘Wood Badge.’ I thought, “What’s that about? And why is the badge made of wood?”
Tonight after our Troop meeting, I asked our Scoutmaster, “What’s Wood Badge?” His response was excited and encouraging. “Whenever you can make it, you should absolutely plan to participate.” He explained that Wood Badge is a leadership development training for all adult Scouters, whether they work with Cubs, Boy Scouts, Varsity, or Venturing. He promised the experience would be educational and full of memories and highlights.
Really? Pretty strong promises. I’m going to check my calendar. We’ll see.
Registered, ready, checking in…
Well, I did it. I registered for ‘Wood Badge.’ I’m still not completely sure what I’m getting into really. But now here I am for our first weekend of training.
There’s a full crew of people, that’s for sure from all Scouting programs. The singing and laughter and learning all swirl together in great combinations throughout our first day. Yes, it’s training. But we are learning more than principles, we’re DOING Scouting as we train! We are learning how to function with the ‘patrol method’ just like Baden Powell instituted so long ago.
I think this may have been worth it. Still not sure about the set of promises the Scoutmaster made, but the energy of the day is pretty contagious.
Remembering the Joy
Yeah. I was IN Scouts as a kid. And now with my son I’m volunteering as a leader in our Troop. While this training is intensely purposeful, it has reminded me of the pure JOY of Scouting. Using simple humor and music and active learning and recognition and outdoor experiences, it’s just FUN!
Doing the Job and Taking Assignments
Working together to accomplish our goals is fantastic and we have enjoyed playing both lead and support roles in our patrol. It’s a great reminder of how important it is to help our Scouts learn to take on assignments they can accomplish and then cheer them on as they grow in skills and accomplishments.
Done with Day 3
Well, as I drive home from the end of the first ‘half’ of ‘Wood Badge,’ I’m thrilled. The time I’ve spent has been entirely worth it. The training has been solid. The fun we’ve had you just can’t buy! And the esprit de corps was incredible and I can’t wait to share my experiences with my son and the others in our Troop at home!
Our next experiences and training will happen while camping together! I can hardly wait. We know there will still be training to do but we’ll have a chance to just enjoy being Scouts in the outdoors!
Back Together!!!
Driving to our camping experience I was so excited to spend more time with my patrol and enjoy Wood Badge again! The energy we left off with the first weekend was exactly where we picked up this time around! Teamwork abounds as patrols set up camp and get oriented to our Troop Learning Center, campsites, and schedule.
End of Day 4
Our day was great! With training, singing, cheers, applause, cooking together as a patrol, and much more. And my highlight was definitely our campfire together. Everyone contributed in really cool ways with skits, jokes, songs, and good, old-fashioned fun!
We only have a day left and I’m totally on board now – Wood Badge is worth the time any Scouter would give to it.
Final Day – Lasting Impact
I don’t want this to be over. Our patrol had memorable conversations around the campfire last night. We shared dreams and creative ideas and encouraging words with each other that have fueled my passion to take this experience back home for the sake of the Scouts we lead!
Images of flag ceremonies, patrol s cheering together, flames of the campfire, silly costumes, laughing faces, and efficient campsites will remain with me as I drive home.
We are all leaving with good memories. We are all leaving with solid training. We are all leaving with both ability and motivation to continue the legacy of Scouting in our home towns and the lives of ‘our’ Scouts.
Our Scoutmaster was right. And now he has another ally in passing the word that, “Whenever you can make it, you should absolutely plan to participate.”
Submitted by Rev. Phillip McClure
Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 380, Fort Smith, AR
If you are interested in ‘Wood Badge,’ contact your local District or Council.

Plugging In

So I worked in Audio/Visual Service in college.
Lots of different things to do - set up projectors for classes, record lectures and concerts, repair equipment, train younger students, etc.

In that work, we often would set up a film to be played in a classroom or lecture hall and leave it set to be run by the professor when they arrived. Sometimes things went wrong.
More than once, this was the conversation.
Prof: "My projector won't go."
Me: "Really. Okay. We leave directions. Did you find and follow them?"
Prof: "Yes. But it won't do anything at all."
Me: "Sir/Ma'am, can you please check to verify it's still plugged in to the wall."
(pause)
Prof: "Got it. Thanks."

In the church, to have the healthiest relationship with Christ involves Bible reading/study, prayer AND being 'plugged in.' Each person needs to have their 'place' to serve. God gifted all of us with time and talents and abilities. They are MEANT to be plugged in. So when 'it' isn't working for you, check to be sure you're plugged in and not just setting in the lecture hall.

Get real

"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent." Rev 3:19

Not some of the most 'fun' or 'encouraging' words to read in the Bible and yet critical to having a fully authentic relationship with Christ.

In studying this morning, read these words and realized my 'passion' for Christ is so very 'spotty.' Not down or upset as much as 'awake' to the reality that I am naturally so self-oriented and NEED Him to 'rebuke' and 'discipline' me.
AND...
Awake to the need to live by the discipline He's gifted to ALL of US in the Word. So many passages like this that reminds us to LIVE by the commitments we've made rather than a whim or preference.
Back at it now. (that's a statement and an invitation, btw)

Writer's Block

Well. It is summer. And what a summer it's been.
Last week of May - Theresa and I on a trip of a lifetime to Ireland for our 20th anniversary! Great!
First week of June - youth camp! Great!
Next week - Theresa goes with mom to Kentucky where a great aunt was moved to hospice. Tough but great ministry in the midst of it.
Next week - Andrew and I to Scout Camp. Great.
Next week - Theresa and some of the kids to Kentucky again to meet parents for the funeral of her great aunt.
Next week - Family vacation to Florida with a beach day and a day at Disney Hollywood Studios. Great!
Now - home. Approaching some 'normalcy' and excited to be back to preaching after several weeks off for the anniversary trip and for June's "One Prayer" series.

Wow.

God is good and we've seen it in so many varied ways over this most recent 'sprint.'
And here is where I say something witty/pithy - hmmm...
(now you know why that title above)

Top of the morning to you!

Well, Theresa and I are about to see if that is a phrase actual Irish people use or not.
We will celebrate 20 years of marriage this next week. Twenty (insert adjectives here that will not get me in trouble) years. Wow.
And we are going to spend a whole week together without children. wow.
And we'll be traveling across Ireland and back - seeing castles, gorgeous landscapes, live music 'sessions,' a pro football (read: soccer) game, the national Scouting camp/offices, and much more.
I am excited to spend that dedicated time with her. I am looking forward to the adventure. I am glad to have saved for three years!!! It will be so very worth it, I am sure.
So... Not sure I'll blog while I'm gone, but hoping to make some observations and tell some cool stories about it all when we return.
Blessings on you.
Phillip

Just plain fun!

Went to a local high school play tonight.
"Wizard of Oz"
A friend of ours was the scarecrow.
A whole crew of her 'supporters' were there.
The props and lighting and scenery were beautifully simple, letting the audience focus on and enjoy the story and the energetic delivery of an animated and funny cast!!! It was humorous and fun and truly enjoyable. So glad we got to go together!
Lessons I caught from this experience...
1. Keep the 'background' simple.
2. Focus on the 'story'
3. Really 'own' what you're saying.

Those rules could apply in your friendships. Those rules could apply to sharing our faith. Those rules could apply to our prayer life. Those rules can apply to our worship.

I hope you can grab them and use them and enjoy the results as much as we enjoyed this evening!!!

a good day, really

So...
A Scout event got passed on for safety - storms anticipated.
So...
Spent last night booking and setting details for Ireland anniversary trip at end of May.
So...
Excited for the trip and the experience!
Then...
Got up this morning, dressed up and took my youngest 'princess' (and my son) to "Princess Day" at Chick-Fil-A. Great stuff and lots of fun.
Then...
Walked into Hastings to rent a film and found it was "Free Comic Book Day" there. The kids then got 10 free comics! Bonus!
Then...
Got an Ireland tour book, a 'deck of cards' for a "Healthy Back," and a huge mag with World Cup reports and info (only 40ish days left to World Cup!!!), and a couple of other cool books for the kids on the 'value rack.'
Then...
Home for time with the family - most relaxed Saturday I've had in months and months.
So...
Excited to hang tonight, watching a movie, catching up on the greatest athletic contest on the planet, and learning more about Ireland.
Then...
Tomorrow I'll enjoy preaching whichever sermon gets 'picked' by the spin of a wheel.
Good day. Really.

"Random Preaching" possibilities for May, 2010

"righteousness" - Romans 3

"examples" - 1 Timothy 1:12-17

"trust" - Proverbs 3:5-6, etc.

"remember" - Psalm 106

"preciousness and prayer" - Luke 12

No telling which one the 'spinner' stops on this week, but those are the possibilities.

"Random Preaching"

Hello.
My name is Phillip and I like iCarly.
I mean it. It's stinkin' hilarious.
Laugh at me if you want, but Sam and Spencer and Freddo and Carly and the Gibster! Just plain old funny!!!

And one of the recurring events is... random dancing!!! Sam hits a button on the remote and music starts and the 'dance randomly.'

So I'm borrowing that bit and the next four weeks at River Valley Community Church I will be "random preaching." I am preparing a 'batch' of sermons and then Sunday morning we'll be using a spinner to randomly choose WHICH one I'll actually deliver. I won't know until someone spins it and selects one for me.

Should be a hoot. Not as funny as iCarly but a fun way to worship together!
See you there if you can join us.

rejuvenated joy

Hey all,

Been busy enough lately to NOT blog.
BUT...
Just returned from 'Wood Badge' training for Boy Scout leaders.
And I was rejuvenated. Not only because I got to walk and sleep in the woods! (that always helps) but because of being reminded of the joy and excitement of being IN Scouting and helping others enjoy that journey as well.
A series of posts will outline several 'highlights' and experiences that I hope will be a joy to anyone, connected or not with Scouting.
So... I hope you are finding and/or creating time and ways to have your joy for life and it's pursuits to be rejuvenated as well!
Later,
P

Really?!?

That word - 'really' - has come to be a fad term people used when they are shocked or surprised at something or someone.
It says a lot. (Kinda like 'dude' used in 50 inflections, but... dude... don't mistake the fact that 'dude' will be around a lot longer.)

So... when I talk with people as a pastor, so often I get their theological take on things really quickly.

"God as genie" is popular - rub the bottle/Bible/pew when you want something and He's supposed to deliver.

"God as bully" is also common. Pay no attention to Him in all the good days with food and shelter and friendships. But something bad happens or a you hit tough times or a natural disaster and everybody wants to blame Him.

"God as (whatever you want he/she/it to be)" comes up a lot too. That whole 'god' thing is really a 'pick what you want' as long as you are 'sincere.' You name it and carry it around when you want and toss it away as wanted too. But don't let anything like Scripture or the testimony of millions of believers around the world to the fact that He is real and has a solid and dependable character get in your way.

To these I say, "Really!?!"

Lots of people want good stuff with no effort - in school, work situations, relationships, and life overall.
It doesn't work that way.
It takes effort to grow up.
It takes sacrifice to earn and/or give away something of true value.
It takes saying 'no' to lots of cheap things to gain something of value.

Check out this verse...
"In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood." Hebrews 12:4

Jesus did. He did struggle against sin - with full success. Then He gave away His perfect life to anyone who will believe Him and take Him at His Word - that He is who the Bible says and does what the Bible says.

We have a Savior. His name is Jesus Christ.

If you know that and realize that today is the day to pick your Bible back up and pray with an open heart to such a great God, cool. Enjoy.

If you are reading this and thinking (really) "Really?!?" - then message me and I'll tell you more about Him.

chances to serve.blocks to serving

so i just spent a couple of hours with several people who gave up other appointments, etc. to plan out details and share responsibilities for a multi-church service project this summer.
yeah - like months away still.
yeah - like they won't get paid.
yeah - like they'll give time, money and sweat (plenty)
yeah - nobody's forcing them.

what about you?
who is right next to you at work or school who could use some attention?
what could you do - tonight! or tomorrow! - to serve someone just because.

there are TONS of chances to serve.

there are some BLOCKS - and most of them center on self-centeredness.

i dare you to give away a kind word of encouragement. or... share your lunch table... or contribute to Haiti or Chile's needs.

don't let the selfish nature of 'us' keep you from the fabulous JOY of serving others.

i dare you.
and then comment here or on my facebook - tell me what you did, and what happened.

big breath. move on.

life happens in seasons.
some are great and wonderful and joyful.
some are... less than that. harder than that.
some are just ugly.
lately feeling smaller than my job.
overwhelmed.
not enough.
tendency in the past - 'hole up' and hide and self-pity.
this time...
with God's grace...
taking a breath.
moving on.

where are you?
spiritually? in your key relationships?
take a breath.
move on.

Galatians 6:9

random soccer comment

pretty excited to watch the US National Men's Team play the Netherlands tomorrow.

not expecting a win since our 'top tier' guys haven't trained together lately with their 'paying jobs' around the globe.

but looking forward to it nonetheless.

(that is all)

learning

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, MIND, and strength..."

I love to learn. New facts. Trivia. How things are made. Origins of words. Fresh jokes. (I know some of you think I don't have any...)

Keeping my mind sharp is a high priority for me. I do mindless things sometimes. (e.g. Halo, Napoleon Dynamite, chess) But USUALLY my 'spare time' is spent with a book, a crossword, Sudoku, or other brain-jogging activity.

Whether or not you truly enjoy stuff like that or not, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, there is a calling and a joy in continuing to learn from Him. Exercise your gray matter today. Memorize a new Bible verse. Read one paragraph in Hebrews and work on understanding what's taught there. Expand your thinking about who to pray for today and pray for a variety of people, things, issues, leaders.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, MIND, and strength..."

shared faith

So last night our class talked about passing faith to our children by 'sharing it.' Walking alongside each other in faith - worship, prayer, learning the Bible WITH our kids.

Today God arranged a cool lunch with a total stranger with whom I share faith.

Fellow pastor in town with some cool common ground, a similar heart for Christ and His church, and a passion to serve WITH each other in a local service project this summer.

Good things are best SHARED.

Where are some places your faith is SHARED? Where and with whom are you sharing your faith journey? Who prays for you and you pray for them? Who in your office, Rotary, class, or neighborhood is a perfect stranger that might become a friend?
Pray.
Act.
Enjoy.

thankful

So many things to be thankful for today.
Even with... loaded, unfinished 'to-do' lists.
Even with... questions or worries I tend to carry.
Even with... fears that pop up like 'whack-a-moles' sometimes.

I am thankful for so very much.
My faith in Christ.
My wife.
My children.
The joy of playing music.
Our home, vehicles, and possessions.
Great friends.
Health.
Our church.
And much, much more.

What about you?
Can you create a 10-point 'thankful for' list today? Right now?
Dare you.
Bet you there will be great results if you do.

choosing an attitude

Today has been filled with some tough circumstances.
My natural tendency is a downward spiral. It's unpleasant - for me and those around me.
Seeking to choose an attitude of trust in God, dedication to the habits and work necessary to make course corrections and keep myself dependent on Christ.
Now back to work.

(hope this helps someone do the same. pause. take stock. pray. act.)

reading without fear of 'boredom'

So...
Just read an article online by a pastor concerned about the number of churches that seldom read the Bible as part of their worship services.
The reasons given for NOT including the Bible more/as much included:
- the need to stay 'relevant' to people attending
- the age of the book
- a focus on 'self-improvement'

Dude. I could hammer on this with great passion for a long time, but... My commitment in this blog (for me and for you) is to keep it brief enough to read in a few minutes.

So suffice it to say this... We read the Bible in worship a lot. We even read key pieces out loud all together. It's part of who we are and will remain.
We are not worried about being relevant - God knows us and His Word is relevant to our issues, concerns, and needs. Passionate and accurate teaching of it is the key to relevance, not the content of the Bible itself.

And while we'd like our lives 'improved,' we're excited to let the One who architected (new word?) our lives do the renovations rather than trying to fix it with our limited resources, no matter how bright, intelligent, and cool we may be.

Age of book? Nobody's tossing out 'Romeo & Juliet' or Homer's 'Odyssey.' I think we'll keep our 'old book' too - smacks of authenticity, reliability, stuff like that.

Do we risk being 'boring' to some people by reading the Bible in worship? Um. Maybe. But so far, so good on the 'read-the-Bible-teach-it-and-find-people-wanting-more' front.

Don't Grow Weary

Taking a shot at vlogging.
Let me know what you think.

today's "favorite" Bible verse

Really, I enjoy and I am changed by and I love the Bible so very much that it's comical for me to talk about a 'favorite' verse. There are many that have truly changed me as God used them to tweak attitudes, forgive me, challenge me, use me, etc.

Today it's John 3:17. After reading the Purpose-Driven Life devo this morning, I thought, "So many name John 3:16 as a favorite." There's good reason to appreciate that verse. It's likely the most 'famous' verse in our culture among all people, churched or unchurched. But... 3:17 says, "...for God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world..." There's more but...

So many people wander or struggle through whole seasons of life believing God to be a big 'meanie' or 'crusher of bad people.' So many negative assumptions about God float around that many believe Him to be watching them waiting for any reason to condemn them.
Nothing could be farther from the truth.

So along with, "...God so loved" that you might share with a friend at work or school, memorize that 'next' part where He says, "...because God did NOT send Jesus into the world to condemn..." you. That way you have it ready to speak into their lives when they are down or assuming the worst about God's intentions toward them.

It's good news. Because we are 'condemnable' pretty often. Yet He chooses love over condemnation. Every time.

gathering around the table(s)

so i just finished an electronic convo with a friend who attends River Valley. he has worked out the donation of some more tables and chairs to the church. i am appreciative and thankful... to God for leading and changing hearts AND to those who let Him lead those hearts.
Tables?!? You're excited about tables and chairs?
welllll...
yeah!
because around those tables will sit teenagers who gather for youth ministry where they can be safe as they wrestle through challenging years of life and have the shot at making faith in Christ real and lasting for their lives.
and...
around those tables, children will stand and laugh and play and make crafts that remind them of the Bible story/lesson they are learning. they will eat snacks as they are told of the immense love Christ has for them.

So... no, it's not that I'm excited about the plastic in the tables or the length they are.
But... yes, I'm thrilled for the chance to have one person bring to this building some of the 'furniture' of the 'tabernacle' so that God can keep working, changing, transforming and using the hearts of those who gather around those tables!

looking past our belly buttons

even 'good people' are selfish. solid people with character and beliefs can tend to look out for only themselves or their close network of family and friends. and don't get me wrong, they should enjoy protecting, providing for, and loving those they love. but we can get 'stuck' living only for the very few very close ones in our lives.
sunday at church we reviewed our mission statement. it's quite clearly focused on others and on Jesus Christ. we reminded each other of the importance of reaching out and sharing faith and caring for those not in our 'little circle.' it was great.

since then i've had half a dozen conversations with people who resonated with that message - who had an awakening to the reality of being about more than our 'normal' crew.
and that is always good.
may God use our experience sunday and the continuing conversation about who we are and what we're about to help us see past our belly buttons and make a difference in the lives of those in our board rooms, break rooms, class rooms, and living rooms.
(and phillip - that includes you!)

uh, yeah. forgot.

maybe you're like me. vacation means... lots of work to get ready and go on vacation (especially when 9 of you will share a van/suitcases/bathrooms for the duration). then the vacation (last one was GREAT).
then...
the return/anxiety/catching up/piles/new needs, etc.

yeah. happened to me. doing just fine, but 'catching up' didn't include the blog again until...
(wait for it)
NOW!

Today I truly am enjoying my disciplines/habits, and chances to be and do what I'm called to with joy and hard work and fun and... blogging.
Have a great week.
Will try and remember to be here again soon!