I Quit

This week has hit me hard with the realization that I didn't resign my last youth pastor position. No. I quit.

I quit on God. No trust in Him or sense of personal perseverance on my part to stick it out, work through the tough stuff, and get through the dark tunnel to the other side of success, blessing, impact, character growth, and/or leadership (whatever you want to call it).

I quit on my family. I had a real opportunity to engage in a tough, hard, and difficult season so as to model for them God will see us through - no matter what is on the other side of through. To say to them no matter what, your hubby/daddy is going to keep on keepin on.

I quit on my team, ministry, and students. I had the chance to demonstrate faith and diligence. Faith that declares that we live for a big God who comes through in faithful and miraculous ways when we lean into Him. Diligence that shows what pastors, shepherd, leaders do for their flock when the night gets dark, the scary things show up, and the pain sets in.

I quit on me. I had the chance to develop spiritual muscle, but instead skipped out for easier things. Less painful things. Maybe even less fruitful things. I hated the weight room when I was in high school. Though I did the work required of me, I never went the extra mile to really get to the next level or strength and conditioning. And so it was at GCC in Indy. I don't know what that "next level" would have been for me and it's not to say that I haven't grown a ton in this new direction, I have taken. But it does say that I regret quitting and not sticking it out to what else God had in store for me.

Do I feel that the church I worked for quit on me in some way. Absolutely. But I can't (couldn't) fully control that. I can only control my actions, behavior, character, and leadership. That in turn impacts (controls?) the church, school, or organization that I work for, but at the end of the day, only I can control what I can control. And I controlled it by quitting...eeerrr...resigning.

Right or wrong. Good or bad. Wise or unwise. God's way or my way. It makes no difference now. It is what it is. It's in the past. I'm learning from it. Hopefully, I will be a smarter quitter and tougher "sticker"in the future. God, help me!

I'm so glad You don't quit on me.

p.s. To read more about what sparked this reflection, pick up Seth Godin's book, The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When To Quit (and When to Stick).












(bu to my mom for buying me the book)

Prayer of the Weak

Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sign of the Apocalypse

I think Jesus will be showing up sometime Sunday night or early Monday morning after this church celebrates the 4th of July and the 2nd amendment by having the congregation pack heat on that Sunday!

I've heard of bringing a friend to church. I've even heard of bringing food to donate. But NEVER have I heard of bringing your Smith & Wesson to church as a symbol of worship.

Seriously, come back today, Lord. Come back today!

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A Kentucky pastor is inviting his flock to bring guns to church to celebrate the Fourth of July and the Second Amendment.

New Bethel Church is welcoming "responsible handgun owners" to wear their firearms inside the church June 27, a Saturday. An ad says there will be a handgun raffle, patriotic music and information on gun safety.

"We're just going to celebrate the upcoming theme of the birth of our nation," said pastor Ken Pagano. "And we're not ashamed to say that there was a strong belief in God and firearms — without that this country wouldn't be here."

Read more here.

The NBA Finals: Showtime. Laker Time.

I love the NBA Finals...especially when the Lakers are in it. This should be a good series verses the Orlando Magic and the beast that is Dwight Howard.

But I am calling my shot. Lakers are too deep. Defensive length is too much. They are too hungry after last years ars kicking they got from the Celtics. And Kobe aka the Black Mamba has a will that is too strong and a game that is too good.

Lakers in 6.

Shake it; don't fake it!

Where Is The Light?

This map is a great visual of where Christians are populated and where the gospel needs to go. It should humble and challenge us to consider how we will be a part of expanding God's kingdom into to darkened regions of the world.

Mindset. Money. Means. Mission.

Mindset = how will you/I think and pray differently in light of this?

Money = how will you give to get the gospel "there"?

Means = what can you do to serve these people, nations, and organizations that need us?

Mission = how will we live locally, nationally, globally to share this wonderful gospel?


(bu to Brian Larson, a friend from seminary)

The Tonight Show with Conan O'Briend

Are you staying up for tonight for the big debut? If you are a Late Show with David Letterman fan will be converting now that Conan is on earlier? Or will you switch simply for the first week and then go back to Letterman?

I, for one, think I am making the switch...for good. I am a long time Letterman fan from the days of dropping stuff off a 5 story building and Larry "Bud" Melman. But recently Letterman has lost his edge (except for the coup of having U2 as the guest band for an entire week...genius!) and gotten way too political.

On the other hand, Conan is fresh, different, innovative, and a guy I'd rather have a beer with on a Friday night (as opposed to Letterman unless he's buying). Maybe I'm just jumping on the bandwagon since I couldn't stay up for Late Night all these years. Maybe I'm just ready for something different.

So tonight at 11:35pm EST, I will be tuning into NBC and seeing how Conan rolls in his new digs and his new time slot.

What about you? Who will you be watching, for how long, and why? I'm so nosy!

If I Had a Mulligan in Youth Ministry

Thought this post over on Jesus Creed by Chris Folmsbee was thoughtful, honest, inspiring, and timely. Some really good stuff.

- Act theologically before methodologically
- Be more of a spiritual director than a program director
- Hire a parent to be a part of our youth staff
- Spend more time investing in interns/co-pastors
- Experiment with more learner-centered education models
- Ask less of my volunteers and yet equip them more
- Communicate change to the church leaders, staff and parents more
- Create more opportunities for students to "learn up" instead of me "teaching down"
- Celebrate the successes in the lives of students with greater regularity and intensity
- Worry less about the retreat themes and spend more time with the students on the retreats.
- Take students on way more spiritual retreats
- Work hard to be more collaborative with the youth workers in my city
- Take more time off to be with my wife and kids
- Be more intentional with a confirmation process
- Find time to laugh and play more
- Be more grace-filled with students who were goofing off and causing trouble
- Try to learn more from the staff instead of thinking I have all the answers
- Take the criticism of others more seriously and less defensively
- Meet with my spiritual director more often
- Take personal retreats more often
- Be way more missional and a lot less attractional in my approach or model
- Try and get more pulpit time to advocate for the students in the church and community
- Pray more and develop a team of people to pray with
- Provide inspiring training for the parent of the students
- Call the students to greater levels of holiness
- Spend a lot more time creating opportunities for students to practice justice
- Allow the more artistic students opportunities to express themselves and their love for God.
- Teach much more conversationally
- Try to enter into the joy, pain, loss, doubt, hurt, etc. of the students and their families

Out of this there are few that really challenge me as I look at my run in youth ministry as a pastor and now volunteer: Students/holiness, pray/develop people who pray, personal retreats, opportunities to learn up, worry less about retreat themes, hire a parent, and take criticism more seriously/less defensively (tough one for me)

Prayer of the Weak

Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Let's Go Pens!

I really am loving hockey more and more as the years go on. Thanks to my bro-in-law, Don, and his passion for hockey and Jim Rome and his radio show for getting the word out about the game. There may be no greater playoff run then the one 16 teams make in the NHL playoffs.

With that being said, the Pittsburgh Penguins are playing against the Detroit Red Wings for the right to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup. My heart hopes the Pens can win this in 7 games, but my head says that it will be the Red Wings in 5 or 6.

Here's to Fluery standing on his head and Malkin and Crosby and Co. playing like hockey gods!

Let's Go Pens!

Sorry I'm Late

This makes me happy. It's a little video that combines two things I really enjoy: film/video and photography.

mmm...mullets

Those of you that know me know that dig mullets. I love everything about the mullet. I even sported a soccer mullet in high school. Every fantasy sports team I tinker with from football to basketball has a mullet theme. It's weird, I know, but it's me. It's deep. It's life.

In light of that, my friend Graham, sent me the most amazing menu snapshot ever. I may have to road trip to Cambodia to get me a taste of some good mullet.

Memorial Day 2009

To those that have and continue to serve their family, friends, and fellow countrymen, know that we are grateful for your service and sacrifice. May you know today, May 25, 2009, that your country is proud of you and grateful for you. We pray for you strength, courage, wisdom, and honor as you give your life to keep us free, home and brave.

Where Love Is

I am not sure how I got thinking about it. Kelly and I were sitting on the couch watching either Lost or American Idol. It was probably something in one of the shows we were watching or it might have been a commercial, but something got me thinking about three amazing words/one amazing truth in the Bible: God is love (1 John 4:8).

Now this thought has been brewing for a few days now. I must admit, I'm not sure I have thought it out fully to it's logical extent, but I think what I'm about to share makes sense. Also, other, more intelligent, godly, thoughtful people before me have probably discussed, written, and spoken about this very topic long before I stumbled upon it (if you know of someone/some book, let me know).

But here it is...if God is love then where ever/whenever an act of love is performed in the world, God is there. Any act of love done by any person, God is there at work: moving, caring, loving, and sharing of Himself with those loving and being loved. Sure that logic works for Mother Theresa, Billy Graham, or your grandmother, but what about Hitler? Osama Bin-Laden? The bully that picks on you, your friends, and even his own dog? When they truly engage in an act of love, is God there?

Now this does not mean that everyone who does an act of love is a knower of God and follower of His son, Jesus. This line of logic does not speak so much about us as people, but all about God who is an interactive, initiative taking divine being who uses all sorts of means and ways to share with people His love for them. That's a big, awesome, and amazing God.

What a great encouragement for followers of Jesus who think that God can't/won't/doesn't use them to make an impact for the Kingdom. What a great spring board to talk with those who don't know, love and follow Jesus to say something like, "Can we have a conversation about this love that share with others and where it comes from?"

Does this make sense? Does the logic/truth breakdown somewhere that I am missing? Does this impact you like it did me? How can you and I use this to encourage other followers of Jesus? How can you and I use this to engage people with the reality of the Gospel?

Prayer of the Weak

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Prayer of the Weak

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Third Time's a Charm?

We'll just have to wait and see if the old adage is true.

I had a third interview today with Dublin City Schools for the school counseling position that is open at Jerome High School. Overall the interview went well. Good dialog. Good connection. Good questions. Hopefully good answers.

I was interviewed by the building principal, asst. principal, and one of the school counselors. We met for about 45-50 minutes where I answered the usual questions dealing with strengths/weaknesses, strengths I bring to the team, good counseling experiences/bad ones, handling team conflict, etc. I got a change to ask questions at the end: what do they love about working at Jerome, what is difficult about working at Jerome, current state of the counseling dept., and leadership style/expectations of the building principal.

Now we wait. I think they should call by the end of next week. The team that I met with will send their recommendation to the central office where the person they send will meet with people at the central office (one last time...what the?! more interviews? formality?) where they finally(?) make a final decision. They are looking to have the position filled by June 1.

As I drove home, I had the usual regrets about missing a couple of opportunities to share about the strengths and experience I have been given that qualify me to be - hopefully - a good school counselor. But those second guesses/missed opps are what they are...missed. I can't do anything about it. And I'm ok with that. I'll learn from the experience and use it in the next interview process if Dublin does not work out.

Thanks for listening. Thanks for praying. Thanks for joining me (and Kelly and the kids) on this ride God has us on.

I wonder where it will stop? Hhhmmm.

P.S. I didn't get the job. Got a call a week or so ago letting me know I didn't make it to the final two. They told me I did a great job and interviewed very well, but they advanced two candidates with more education/school counseling experience. It's all good. God is faithful and I will keep pluggin' along by applying and working my networks and contacts. Thanks for praying with me on this one!

Prayer of the Weak

Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Parker is One Hand Old Today

It's been a quiet week for me on the blog front. Lots going on with internship, finishing up grad school, finding a job, and, oh yeah, family, spiritual life, and mowing my lawn. I'm not crying. It's just a full plate. That's all.

Besides life being full, life is also crazy. My son, Parker, is 5 today. Five freaking years old. Wow.

What an amazing little boy full of life, love, and character. I am so proud to be his daddy. My prayer for him today is that he would continue to grow big and strong: physically, intellectually, and spiritually. But I'm adding to that prayer today. I'm adding...brave.

May, God, in His infinite grace, wisdom, and might, fill your life with bravery, Parker. Bravery to stand up for what is right when everything screams do wrong. Bravery to love no matter what. Bravery to hate sin more than anything else. Bravery to pursue purity and holiness. Bravery to be godly, spend time with godly people, and walk with God Himself.

I love you, Wild Man. Always and forever. No matter what. I am forever grateful that you are my boy.

Prayer of the Weak

O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Gangsta Rap: Bert and Ernie Style

In light of the last post being uplifting and full of hope, this music video is full of hilarity and nasty...nasty in the form of parody: Bert and Ernie doing gangsta rap. Awesome! Not sure what these guys are rapping about but the fact that someone put it Sesame Street characters cracks me up!



(bu to Ramsey via Facebook)