Treasure Among Trash

May 21, 2013 — Leave a comment

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I love shopping at thrift stores.  In High School my friends and I would buy outlandish, odd, and unique t-shirts.  We would purchase shirts from: family reunions, all-girl private schools, the girl scouts, and anything else that would look odd on a teenage guy.  To this day, I have a favorite t-shirt (which still fits) that has a little rabbit on it and says, “I’m the baby brother.”  The irony, that is lost on many, is I am the eldest child in my family (It’s ok if you don’t get it).

My favorite thrift store though is the Goodwill Outlet.  A Goodwill outlet is different than a normal Goodwill.  The Outlet is where all the leftovers or overstock from normal Goodwills is sent to be sold before being recycled.  What makes this my favorite thrift shop is everything is dumped in large containers you must sort through.  It is common to walk in and see clothing flying above people’s heads as they dig to find a single item of value in all the trash.

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Another reason I like it is you also never know what might happen.  On several occasions I have seen verbal shouting matches over items.  Employees have also shared stories with me of customers getting into physical altercations.  In these passionate searches for items of value I can’t help but be reminded of Jesus’ analogy for the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 13.

Matthew 13:44-46 (NIV)

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

Inside this parable I often overlook that someone is actively searching.  I forget sometimes that at one point I searched for it as well, and there were times I didn’t find it.  It can take a lot out you to search for something and come up empty handed.  Maybe you’re someone who has been searching for the kingdom of God and haven’t found it yet.  Don’t give up the search.  My urge to you who may not have found it yet, keep looking.  It may take some time and effort, but when you find it you will be thrilled you continued your search.  If I can help, in anyway, point you in the right direction please let me know.  There is nothing like the expression of the person who finds something of great value in the midst of trash.

Question: What is the best item you have ever found at a yard sale or second-hand store?  How did you find the “kingdom of heaven”?  How do you help others find it?

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Hello, My Name Is Mommy

May 15, 2013

Additional Materials

Hello, My Name Is Mommy Handout

Hello, My Name Is Mommy Small Group Lesson

Click to Listen

Play

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Go for the Goal

May 8, 2013 — Leave a comment

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You hear a lot about goals these days especially when it comes to business and leadership.  I never really gave much thought to having goals.  I heard talk about how important it was to have goals and the best practices for achieving your goals, but I thought it was all rubbish.  I assumed it was some scheme or snake oil trick to prey on unskilled individuals looking to reach their dreams.

 

Here is what I know about goals (which you have probably, like me, heard before):

1. Be Specific

Trying to achieve everything will end with you achieving nothing.

2. Make Action Steps

So you have the end in mind, now how to you get there?  Spell it out.  What are the steps you need to take.

3. Make a Deadline

A deadline isn’t a death date, it’s a catalyst agent.

4. Write It Down

It makes it real and puts it in front of you as a reminder and motivator, like a carrot on a stick in front of a donkey (No, I’m not calling you a donkey…or that).

5. Repeat

You have to constantly evaluate your goals and set new ones to replace the ones you achieve.

 

I really should have paid more attention to what people were saying about goals while I was growing up.  As a student I didn’t realize I had goals.  I didn’t take myself through a goal setting process.  My goals were unknowingly thrust upon me.  School is a factory for goals.  You want to do your best in each class, to have a good GPA, to take better classes, to learn more, to do better on the SATs/ACTs, to get into a good college.  Then once you’re in college you want to do well, to keep your GPA up, to keep your scholarship(s), to get a good job.

These goals were automatic and endless, creating a student that didn’t truly understand personal goal setting, initated and defined by me alone.  Once I was out in the “real world” and I had no outside force determining my path and I got stuck and didn’t move.  Until I put the time and effort into practicing and relearning all those things people had tried to teach me before.  Only then did I start to get traction in my life and begin to see progress.

So here are my warnings to you:  Goals are important.  Start early.  Keep vigilant.

 

Question: What are some of your goals?

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Don’t Get Angry…Get Active

May 6, 2013 — Leave a comment

Anger

Anger. It’s such a passionate and volatile emotion. I remember as a child, being a small kid, I was known to get picked on a time or two. Like many kids that deal with this I often contained my anger assuming, if I asserted myself in the moment, it would only make things worse for me. Later, removed from the situation, in my dreams I would have the best one liners and the courage to combat anyone no matter their size. Much like the movies portray, though every so often I would be pushed to the brink and just SNAP. At these moments I would react so suddenly like dropping Mentos into Diet Coke. I would just vomit all my aggression and frustration with my situation on the instigator and bystanders. It never failed that after the fizzy fun foam had settled I was left covered in a messy, sticky situation.

This same problem has occurred to me in my spiritual walk as well. I continually struggle getting frustrated with people around me living in contradiction to the truths and teachings of Jesus. I become upset and angry at how they can miss what is right before their eyes. Most of the time my reaction is to stew and let this disgust fester. But like getting picked on, I will occasionally unleash my fury by gossipy conversations or flat out berating them for their actions.

In both situations I have discovered the truth is my anger is really coming from within. I am angry with God or myself. Angry at the situations I have been dealt and had to deal with. I am also angry with my own struggles, shortcomings and sin. I find it easier to use my neighbors as my scapegoats. Jesus knew this would be the case.

Luke 6:41
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

So how do I get rid of it? This anger that plagues me.

The answer. Get active. It’s that simple. Anger is such a passive and wimpy emotion. It is a lazy way to deal with feelings and situations. By active I don’t mean go get a slushy and throw it into the face of the last person who said an unkind word to you. I mean you should fill your life with such good things that you don’t have time to worry or be angry. As a kid I became so angry about situations when I had time to dwell on things that weren’t worth it. If you find yourself preoccupied with the actions of other Christians, that probably means you aren’t being active enough with your faith. Setting an example will make it easier for them to notice their speck than you beating them with your plank. So pull the plank out of your eye and get moving!!!

Question: How can you make your faith more active?

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Notes of Thanks

May 3, 2013 — Leave a comment

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I have been a fan of Jimmy Fallon since his days on Saturday Night Live.  I loved that Jimmy had difficulty making it through sketches without cracking up.  It was like watching a fan of the show get the opportunity to be a part of the cast.  So naturally I became a fan of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.  One bit I look forward to every week is Jimmy’s thank you notes.  He writes witty thank you notes to literally anyone and anything.  Here is a clip so you get the feel:

Recently, as I was watching I thought, “That isn’t a half bad idea; sending thank you notes out to people each week.”  I have always been a thankful person, but I have always had difficulty expressing my thanks to others.  I was the child who would get a gift for my birthday or Christmas and you might get a thank you note a month later.  (This was through no fault of my mother, by the way.)  I was instructed to do it, but I just didn’t have a great system to follow through.  So I decided to give this a try.

So Fridays at the end of the day, I now sit at my desk play the same music (because I can and it makes me laugh) from Jimmy Fallon’s show I found on YouTube and write my weekly thank you notes.  I am hoping this helps convey my thankfulness to the individuals around me, but I believe this action will also make me a more thankful person.

 

Question: Who do you need to send a thank you note to this week?  Why?

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Recovering Realist

May 1, 2013 — Leave a comment

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For a long time, I have considered myself a realist. Growing up in school I was taught to think logically and critically. So I did. I did it to the point where I set limitations on myself and others. I began to see the world through lenses I had created which I thought gave me 20/20 vision. Since I could see crystal clear through the glasses I created, I began evaluating events around me. I felt I could decipher the success or failure of individual’s choices and actions. The worst part for me was I discovered I was right, often.

Having the ability to see things as they truly were and the capability to foresee the future led me to become a reality cop. “With great power comes great responsibility.” Right? Now, I never went and squashed someone’s dreams but I didn’t help many people achieve their dreams either. More often, I would watch waiting for failure.

I concluded I was living in the real world and those dreamers conjuring up possibilities were living a fantasy. They were wasting time on their “dreams” and needed a “reality check.” Society seemed to encourage this as well. I mean the words fantasy and dream have a stigma to them. They are seen as something a child does and is suppose to grow out of. Which is how I saw anyone who dabbled in these behaviors. I felt these individuals were fooling themselves and I was NOT going to be a fool. I didn’t want to end up like one of those contestants on American Idol seeking my dream only to realize I have no talent.

I held on to this mindset for a long time till I discovered these 3 problems with being a realist:

1. You’re a fun sucker

No matter what, a realist sucks the fun and joy from others and themselves. Even if you don’t vocalize your opinion it makes it’s way out through other avenues.

2. You’re limiting yourself

Submitting to a realism mindset means you are drawing limits. One would think we would learn this is incredibility stupid as many times as we hear phrases like, “there is no explanation” and “no one saw this coming.”

3. You’re actually a pessimist

A realist is just a pessimist that rationalizes well. They say the same things a pessimists says, they just use “facts” and their understanding of the world to justify their negative outlook.

Upon recognizing these problems, I realized I was just scared of not reaching my dreams. Before, I didn’t realize I was missing out on the journey. Being a realist I thought it was all about the destination. I was missing out on the the adventure in seeking my goals.

Instead of living, I was existing. I thought I was living in the “real world.” The paradox was, I was a Christian.

Mark 10:27

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

I would acknowledge all things were possible. I would point to the ultimate example of salvation as proof. I would even marvel at the miracles and possibilities of others, but I didn’t believe all things were possible for me.

So now I’m in recovery. I have given up my view of the world. I’ve decided God has a lot better vision than I do. And when He is in control, who knows what He can accomplish through me. The limits are up to God, which means there are NONE.

Question: Are you an optimist, pessimist, or realist? Why?

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I’m Going To Be A Daddy

April 29, 2013 — 4 Comments

First Sonogram cropped

Wow!!! It is hard to describe how I feel right now. I am so excited. I have known I wanted to be a father my entire life. At the same time, I am SCARED to death. The thought of being responsible for someone’s physical well being is enough cause for concern. Combine that with the idea of being responsible for someone’s spiritual well being and that’s enough to petrify you. The idea that I am responsible for someone’s soul is a big weight. One I don’t take lightly. I understand spiritual matters are an individual decision, but if I am not responsible for the spiritual upbringing of my child, who is? Despite my reservations, it is something I am really looking forward to. To know I will be the one to teach my child about God is something that is blowing my mind.

I have had the great opportunity to teach many people about God as a Youth Minister, Youth Intern, and as a student leader in high school. Some of my favorite teaching moments have been teaching people with no knowledge of God, Christianity, or the Bible (Yes, those people exist in America). Those opportunities are amazing, to see someone’s eyes light up when they get it. It is unbelievable to see them meet Jesus and to see their life change. However, none of that can compare to the opportunity to introduce my child to the Creator of the universe.

 

To show him/her:

God was there from the beginning, how He wants a relationship with him/her, a relationship more intimate than the one I have with him/her.

God provided for His people over and over again. That no matter what people did, God’s grace was always there for them.

Examples of people that stood up for God no matter what, like the prophets who even when their own people turned against God, they still stood for God and spoke the truth.

Jesus and the sacrifice he made for his/her sins and the salvation he/she can have in him.

The Church where he/she can find true community.

 

I can’t wait to experience these coming opportunities to watch my child grow spiritually and see him/her discover God!

Question: What has been your favorite spiritual moment with your child?

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Embarrassed of the Truth

November 15, 2012 — Leave a comment

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Every week I drop by my neighboorhood comic book store and pick up the most recent issues of the comics I read. And every week, after I check out, they place my comics in a brown paper bag. I always get a good chuckle out of it. They hand me my comics in the same brown sack liquor stores use. As if to say, “Shhhhhhh, this will be our little secret.” Because the single purpose of the little brown bag is to conceal the contents. There was a time I was ashamed to admit my interest in comics and other nerdy things. Back then I would have appreciated the discreetness of the store. Nevertheless, I am now unashamed and find the scenario humorous. However, it made me think. If I really liked something, or even loved it, why would I cover it up and hide it from everyone?

Don’t we often do this with our faith though? I know I have hidden my faith far more often than I have hidden my comics. Probably more times than I really want to admit. I have wrapped God in this packaging so that only I know the contents. That way no one can see through and find out I am a believer. Instead of putting him out on display for all to admire I have covered him up. And I have done this at times for different reasons. Sometimes I didn’t want to be ridiculed. Other times I have hidden to avoid confrontation. Even worse I have made the assumption someone wouldn’t be interested or care. Many times I have kept my belief in Christ covered and hidden from the world and have had to repent for that sin.

But it is my goal to live out Matthew 5:14-16 so that ANY and ALL may come to know my savior.

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Question: When is a time you hid your belief in Christ? How can you live in a way that displays your belief more freely?

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The Battle Belongs To…

November 4, 2012 — Leave a comment

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If you have been following my Facebook or Twitter you know that yesterday I took a group of teenagers and adults to play paintball.  Which was an EXPERIENCE!  The last time I played I was in High School.  As we played I began to see that there are 3 types of paintball players.  They are:

1. Warrior

The warrior is the first one to make a move on the opposition.  He will put himself in harms way and conquer a large portion of the opposing team.  However, his all out mentality occasionally cost him, but in the end he is the one who has the greatest experience.

2. Wannabe

The wannabe really wants to be a warrior but can’t get over the lingering fear of getting shot and being out of the game and so he plays in a timid fashion.  Hiding and moving in the shadows to shoot a single member of the opposite team.  This success propels him to play in an uninhibited fashion without forethought which brings about his demise.

3. Wimp

The wimp is well a WIMP!  They are more scared about the pain the may suffer or humiliation of getting out that they hide.  They may never advance against the opposition and may never send a paintball into the field of play.  However,  they often succeed in lasting until the end of the game but really haven’t experienced anything.

Spiritually God has called us to be warriors NOT wimps.  In fact we have been instructed to “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11).

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Doctor Doctor

November 2, 2012 — Leave a comment

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Last Thursday was one of those days where I just felt BAD.  Which isn’t a good thing to happen when the next day you leave with a bus full of teenagers for the weekend.  So I went to see the doctor.  Have you ever realized how long it takes to see the doctor?  You arrive at the doctor’s office to sit in a waiting room filled with the most pathetic looking individuals (not to be outdone by yourself).  I mean really the only worse collection of human beings would be at your local hospital’s ER.  So you sit in the petrie dish of germs that is the waiting room.  And they make sure you understand why this room is called the WAITING room!!  Then through the fog of congestion and funk you’re suffering from you hear a familiar sound.  You aren’t sure what it is at first.  But then you realize it’s your name.  You jump to your feet and and yell “HERE!”  As if you won bingo.  As you are led back to your room you look back at the suffering souls and smirk just enough to rub in your victory.  Much like you did as child being picked for dodgeball.  If you weren’t an adult you’d throw in, “Nanny Nanny Boo Boo…” and stick your tongue out at them.  Your victory is short lived as you are moved into another waiting room.  They don’t name it this but many times you wait longer in this room than you do in the actual waiting room.  You sit in the exam room waiting for the doctor.  All this waiting is so you can meet with the one person who has the ability to make you well.

With all this waiting I couldn’t help but think of the passage in Mark where Jesus says it’s the sick who need a doctor.

Mark 2:17

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Jesus is the only one who can heal us.  He is the only one with the cure for the disease I have and I should pursue him relentlessly like the woman in Mark 5.

Mark 5:24-34

 24 So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. 30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” 31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’” 32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

This woman knew who was able to heal her and stopped at nothing to be in the presence of Jesus.  I can see her battling through the crowd.  People yelling:

“You aren’t allowed to be here!!!”

“She’s sick.”

“Get away from me!!”

Despite all of this she fights to stick her hand out only to brush him in the midst of the crowd.

We often don’t pursue Jesus like we should.  We think we can concoct some home remedy to fix our sin problem.  Or that it will just go away like a cold over time.  Instead of realizing sin is a terminal illness and I must seek out the only doctor with the cure.

Maybe you gave the God thing a shot and didn’t see the results you wanted.  My question for you is did you seek him?  Did you search for him holding nothing back going all out?  Cause I know, from experience, when I wimp out and get tired of waiting and leave the place I know I can get well things only get WORSE.

Matthew 7:7-8

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

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