Lets get Wyld...

What i stand for?

2009-03-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

A friend said the other day. " I stand for...." I want to be known for that. Not what I am against.

So I have been thinking about it.

This is what i stand for.

I stand for Love. That no matter what is happening i am going to love you no matter what. Even if you spit back in my face, I will stand and say. " I still love you."

I stand for redemption. That through Christ their is healing, their is peace, their is purpose in life.

I stand for serving others, even if they hate it.

I stand for compassion, for the hurting, and lost.

I stand for what Christ represents. I will die on that hill.

When i die, That is what I want to be remembered for. That Christ was living through me, and that people saw Christ.

I will not, and ever stand on a hill and die for....

Being anti- abortion

Being Anti- premarital sex

Being for War

Being Anti- democrat, or republican.

Being Anti- muslim

Being Anti- Mormonism

Being Anti- Judaism

Being Anti- Homosexual

THough i dont agree with alot of these things, or believe in them.

I WILL NOT DIE FOR THESE.

I WILL DIE FOR CHRIST!!!

I will not stand on a corner with a sign being against something, if I do. I hope a car hits me. So i can be reminded by Christ when i meet him, i was wasting my time. When i could of built a relationship with someone that could of known him.

Yea.... just a thought.....

B-

Just a random and very cynical thought.

2009-03-03T10:23:00.000-08:00

Thoughts.

I ask myselfe, am I so stuck on a way of how things are done and methods, than asking the question what can I do, what can i let go. To morph for the good. God forbid, if i use the word, change, relevant, or modern. We get so comfortable with being mediocre because we sell ourselves short, and dont believe in a powerful God that can do anything in our lives. We create a club, that we dont want him to be part of.

Its a club, because we dont change, we do the same things every service.

When Christ healed someone, or did some type of miracle it was NEVER the same way. So why do church's think that everything has to be the same thing every time. Only one way to reach someone, only one way to worship, only one way to have a small group, only one way to be fed, only ONE WAY TO DO CHURCH.

Some church's they get so stuck in a way of doing service, they should hand out instruction sheets to visitor christians about the church, or an explanation to non believers of why they do what they do.

Should be something like this. you get offended, is because you do this or something close to this.

Step 1-Enter room then proceed to sit. If you see someone wave. During the service you will be instructed to say hi to someone near you. You will have only 27 seconds to do so. USE IT WISELY!!!!

Step 2- When music starts proceed to stand for Worship, or chill music "for ye sinners that dont know Christ."

Step 3- When music stops, and the main speaker stands on stage and does not have an instrument this is the point where you sit. Heathens, sit down and shut up, and hopefully the announcements will fill you with the spirit. If not, please refrain from standing or walking around at this time.

Step 4- When main speaker leaves, please stand with everyone for another song. You must conform. Heathens again, you should stand, if not you will stick out like a sore thumb.

Step 5- When the gentlemen that are over 40, moves to the front, they will be men, not women. They will have bags, this is a moment where you sit down again. Standing during special music is prohibited. It makes people confused when trying to send the tithing bag through the isles.

Step 6- When the music stops, the main speaker will stand on stage. You will need to listen very carefully, he will say stand for the word of God. (They will use scriptures later on in message, but only this time will the congregation will stand.) Heathens, when everyone is standing, you must stand. Even if you dont believe it, or know Jesus. You must go with the flow, everyone does. It is expected of you.

Step 7- Please sit after the prayer, cause everyone stands and pray.

Step 8- After the message, or talk. Their will be some more music played. Wait till about 30 people stand, then that will be your que to stand.

Step 9- After music is done and the worship leader dismisses you then exit the room.

If done correctly you should have stood 4 times, and sat 4 times.

Congratulations you have passed your first sunday!!! Keep this paper near you every sunday till you nail it down. Then you will be an official church goer. These steps become revised after 10 years.

When we do things, we should always ask the question " Why am I doing this? What am I trying to accomplish? Does this Glorify God? What is Gods will?

Will people Get offended if we do what God wants us to do? If the answer is yes, resort to telling them that their are other church's. Christ was offensive to the churchy people. The people that sit in the same seat every day, and act like a lobbyist. Shame on any church leadership that their decision is swayed because of donations, or material stuff.

The only person to sway your decision is Christ, and it should only be Christ.

Weekend adventure.

2009-03-03T09:31:00.000-08:00

I was invited to spend the weekend with Kennewick-Richland Younglife crew. I was blessed to do programming for them. As Ross and I headed up there God was doing a work in me, which I am still trying to figure out the full jest of it. Took alot of pics from the weekend, and so enjoy.

Every morning I would wake up, and take a 10 min walk out to the beach. First time coming over that hill, the waves roared loudly, the mist settled lightly. God was present.

I thought to myself. This is him, this creation reflects his character. He is so powerful, but never ending gentle too.

I would read psalms out loud every morning from this log. Praising him, and asking him to show me and sharpen me to be a man, that is worthy of a wife, worthy to be called father of little ones one day.

One thing that is burdensome is that I have no idea what I am doing, or where I am going. I have given up on that thought along time ago. I have no peace with school, but I am still going to get my degree. I dont think my life has the plan of being an educator. But more..... I am so uncomfortable right now, that all i do it hold on to dear life with Christ. He will get me through it, he will carry me when i fall, and stand next to me through the thick and thin.

Life is so simple from the outside. But on the inside it is one big web. Our thoughts, our emotions, our struggles, our burdens. They will either push us, and be used for greatness. Or they will wrap us up, and hold us down.

Its up to us, to either allow Christ to tear the web apart, and put it back together a plan created by him, or we dwell within it. Never going to escape.

Bring a song of praise...

2009-02-24T09:54:00.000-08:00

Aola!!!

Lately I have been struggling to keep my head above water. Alot going on, mainly with school. I am studying harder than before and fighting the temptation of being distracted and doing something else.

Took a logice test today and it was tough..... I dont know if I did great on it or not. But one thing i love about God. Is that when we are hurting or struggling he comes through. He carries us.

Last night I woke up from a nightmare that was so intense that I was in tears and my soul itself was aching. IM not going to get into what it was, because it was too much. But one thing is that when ever we are hurting or aching. God is their to catch us when we come running.

He wont deny, or step aside. He will run right at us, and come crashing in like noones business.

Im reading psalm 29 today, and it is amazing to see how powerful he is.

For his voice is:

majestic

powerful

shakes the deserts and world

Rips apart the world

Strikes like lightening

Thunders

Our response to it is!!! Praise him and scream "GLORY!!!"

I cant get over that part, i get chills go down my spine when the most awesome and powerful God is doing his thing and to the world its freakishly scary we scream. "GLORY!!" I love that!!!

Then he comes back to tell us, that he is king, and he will give strength, and peace to his people.

That pumps me up!!!

Well today we have creative planning meeting today and im looking forward to it.

09 club,

2009-02-14T16:33:00.000-08:00

Well last night we had the first 09 club of the year.

We kinda dubbed it the love club, but some students where a little hesitant on it, so we scaled back on it.

We had one student break his wrist, and upper forearm. We were playing 300 and he was sprinting to the wall to be safe from getting tagged and he was tagged right before and lost balance and went right into it. The wall won..... He is doing fine, and is wanting to come back to club. XD

Thoughts about last night.

-Giving a kid a box of chocolates and downing it, takes massive concentration. We had a couple gag reflexes but two out of the 5 finished and actually tied!!!!

- NEVER EVER GIVE out pixie stixs to middle schoolers. One of our leaders brought them, for the kids which was cool. But we realized that instead of eating it, they wanted to pour it in our hair and other kids hair. We didnt have dry scalp, it was pixie dust.

- Their is alot of dead beat parents out there, but my job is to make sure they get home safe, and will go the extra mile to make sure of it. God called me to love on kids, this is the territory that comes with it. We can take the attitude that the parents need to do their jobs, if the parents are getting drunk and passing out. Their parents are failing. who am i on telling the kid off, and telling them they cant be coming to club because their parents wont pick them up. I have a car, my leaders have cars.

- I almost ended up going to different bars in down town kennewick last night trying to find a kids parent because they were locked out of the house and had no way of getting in.

- We had a ton of kids, and a bunch of new ones also.

- I found my character. Frankie from cali.

- Leaders straight up took over and dominated. So thankful for them.

Storms...

2009-01-30T08:24:00.000-08:00

Well i havent posted for a while, and I need to get back on it.

Lately I have been so busy, I took 5 classes last quarter and did amazingly well with coming out with a 4.0, 3.8,3.4,3.4,3.2 in my classes. I think that is probably the best i have ever done but the toughest quarter.

So i started logic this quarter and math, and its been pretty smooth. Except logic is kicking my butt, but I am blessed to have a friend who is tutoring me.

But lately things have been hectic around here.

Will not go into detail about what, because their is no need to say it. But some things I am learning.

When ever something comes up, our direct duty is to protect. It doesnt hurt to put on an extra cover, but do it in a way where its in love.

When things go terribly wrong, go to Scripture look at the teachings of Christ and look at what he wants us to do. Dont pick and choose the scripture, live it all out.

Pray alot, lots of prayer is needed for direction. We can choose to lead with our emotions and will most likely have us off the trail doing what we shouldnt.

- When God speaks, its not for his benefit, it is for us.

- Sometimes leaders will not like you. Because you call them to a higher place, and because you are younger they are threatened. They are threatened because they dont think the younger generation gets it. But what they miss is that they do. SOmetimes the younger ones are more intuned with the LORD than any of them. They are listening, watching, learning what the older people do and the older generation will freak out because we see everything.

- Sin is black and white, but the person is uniquely different. The kingdom comes first, not reputation.

- The last thing, and it may seem gloomy. But here it is. When we live our lives, not fully understanding what God wants us to do and claim we are Christians and make the LORDs name out to be something he is not- God gets angry. WHen we claim we are christians and we live in sin, and thinks its dandy- God gets angry. When we claim to be christians and you do not want to reconcile but bring more division for your own selfish purpose- God gets angry. When we claim we are Christians and we act like wimps when it comes to decisions- God gets angry. When we claim to be Christians and we are content and arrogant and that we are on top of the world and their is nothing that can hinder my way of life cause im always right because its all about me- God gets angry.

Do you know what he will say if we dont repent and get back to him and we keep up on our stupid crap?

Book of Amos

" Prepare to meet your GOD."

~God

Its not a gesture, its a promise that God will take care of you, he will handle you, and clean you up, and show you where you went wrong. The context of the scripture is that Israel was doing all those things, and didnt give a rats butt about GOd. But God has another plan for that....

I pray I dont have a conversation like that with GOD and hear those words.

Soundwaves

2008-11-18T17:30:00.000-08:00

Here is the ruff outline of what i am doing thursday night.

Louder series
Soundwaves- what you producing?

Good people bring good things out of the good stored up in their heart, and evil people bring evil things out of the evil stored up in their heart. For out of the overflow the heart the mouth speaks. Luke 6:45

Soundwaves- Sound is vibration transmitted through a solid, liquid, or gas;
A sound that penetrates anything and everything that is in existence

Your a soundbox!

Our sounds come from one place only

Above all else, guard your heart it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23

What sounds are you giving off?

But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander Matthew 15:18-19

Being a Christian isn’t about learning to edit and filter your behavior but to monitor and guard your heart. Jesus says everything of life comes from your heart. It controls your relationships.   Harsh words and un-characteristic actions come from a condition of the heart.  We begin to learn behavior modifications very early – as children.  You do and don’t do certain things because of the consequences. We learn what to do and say so that life goes well and then something happens and we think, wow, where did that come from? We develop filters and monitor our behavior.  We’ve learned to apply filters according to the situation we’re in. Our filters become more and more sophisticated as a seasoned Christian. But sometimes, something breaks through your worn down filter.

The heart. Not the organ that pumps blood through our veins, but that invisible, intangible place where we experience love, compassion, contempt, and jealousy.

We need to learn not just to “filter” our behavior but to monitor (deal with) our hearts
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Ezekiel 36:25-27  

I got a tat!!

2008-11-11T20:04:00.001-08:00

Some of you may be wondering.... “WHY?”

Because my tat reminds me of things far more than you realize. Its not a idol. Its not something that is mysticism. But of more. It is a story. A story of where I was a year ago.

Last year, I was asked by Rich Ward if I was willing to do wyldlife. Part of younglife but for middle school level. I prayed and felt the Lord saying. GO FOR IT.

But its more than that moment, its more..... Sometimes we have things around us, that remind us of a time, or a place or an event.

Such, as you have walls at home covered with your kids, when you look at them you might think. I remember the day when he or she was born, just by looking at a picture of their child who is a teenager. A teenager. That memory, that image brings up feelings and emotions.

-That I have become a mother or father on such and such a day.
-This is brand new life, and this was the time when my life was changed.
When God called me to be the man that my family needs.
That my child made the decision to do things for the Lord that you couldnt even think of!!

Maybe when you stand outside your house, and you look at your car, or your home thoughts come.

-I worked hard at school, to get here.
-God was so good to me. When he pulled me out of nothing and gave me this.
-God gave me the ability to provide for my family, and this is my best!!!
IN this home, I had a conversation with my child about God and he accepted him!!
Remember that thanksgiving where the family came together and we all ate in love, and no fighting.

We all carry items that bring memories, back. Some of us, have them on walls, that have a ring on the finger, or decide to permanently wear it.

That is what I decided to do.

It was thought about, prayed about.

But more than that, it was my decision. Noone that I know of told me these past couple months, when I say couple, im saying a year to get a tat.

I didnt do it for cool looks. ( that is why I put it, on my back its not revealed.)
I didnt do it so everyone can know. ( No one knew I was getting a tat until two days before, and it was only a few.)

I didnt do it cause im a Christian, and I am so edgy ( Making choices to be known, is ascending. Christ called us to die to that, to be free from wanting to be better at everything)

I did it, because it means something.

When I look at my tat...

I remember that 3 years ago, I was never thinking of doing youth work. But God got ahold of me and it changed.

I remember that over the several years I have been influenced, and trained, and loved by a leader. Because of him, He has helped me become the man I want to be. I look up to him, how he treats his family, and be a dad just like him. Because of his patience, and wisdom and calling me on my crap. I have become sharpened to do ministry better and was able to take on a ministry of my Own. His name is Chad Nygren. Because of this great man of GOd, I was trained to be able to take on the Gates of Hell.

I remember during a huge transition in my life of loosing my brother, it pushed me more into why I do ministry. The world is broken and needs rescuing. I have been given a task by God, to go after the kids who need Him.

I remember that God is sovereign, and loves every single one of us. He is using everyone to do his will. Even though we do it differently, and mess it up. He is still using us.

When I look at my tat, that is what I see. The tat is a remembrance for me and the road that I have travelled and will be traveling... Its not a message to the world, or to joina click. Its for me, and me alone.

summer camp update 2

2008-09-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

Thats us!!

They had a break dance class, so i took it with the guys... We learned some moves. Oh yea

watch out!!!!

Was a 50 foot swing, takes you up, and i pull the lever. Freaky but so much fun!!!!

Sunrise over camp.

Woop woop, ready to go for the Gold!!

Wyldlife Camp, unbelievable, God rocks the boat.

2008-08-24T23:29:00.000-07:00

Here is some quick clips of camp, i have tons and will be posting my thoughts soon, just so much to comprehend. You know? WHen God gets involved all bets are off on understanding everything and what went on. I cant remember all of it, it was crazy!!!!

Enjoy!!!

Dakota my man, dropped in on the first day we were there and hit the massive foam pit!!!

Who is going GQ?

The guys from 302(cabin number)

Kennewick Wyldlife all together ans one big family. (Note:my arms is in the way of my face)

We were the Olypmic cannon ball team, from Cooka Bura ISLE. We represent!!!

Go team GO!!!

This is Chuck & Norris, they where studs!!!

Me getting dominated at the carnival.

The guys and I messing around in the park.

Where is the beach?

Superman!!!

Kick back, brush the shoulders off......

2008-08-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

This week has been crazy!!!!!

-We had 56 kids come to youth group thursday night. We had slip-n-slide and it was a blast. I got to teach and it was fun, didnt feel nervous like i have before.

- All the students money is in for camp. Praise GOD... it has taken alot of stress off my shoulders. So now i just havin to finish up some things for camp, and we are good to go!!!

- Praise our father, for he has been faithful and got us every date we requested for wyldlife. Also i give an awesome big thank you to Lorie Cannard. She has been such a big help getting all the paper work in for registration and insurance, and other stuff too for the school district. She is AWESOME!!!!!

- Taking 27 kids to camp next week. Be praying for them.

- All the epicenter leaders are starting to come back to town, and we are going to get ready for our fall training. Its going to be sweet!!!

-All in All everything is good, THE LORD IS SWEET!!!!

anyways chat with you later.

Camps...Miners....Running

2008-07-29T20:48:00.000-07:00

Wow what a day.....

Spent the day with Chad going up to naches and checking out camps. It was pretty freakin sweet.

Ate at miners with chad, he blessed me with eating there. I LOVED THE BIG FATTY BURGER AND FRIES.

But one thing i enjoy today was going for a run on Kamiakins track. Ran for a mile and half. Then walked 3. IT was intense. I havent worked out for a while.

Anyways as i was walking and listening to music, and a message by perry noble. I got to enjoy the sunset. It was beautiful.

Anyways im teaching at living room church middle school youth group tomm and im stoked. So going to relax and take some water in and get ready for BIG BROTHER>.....

Sunday Night madness.....with a topping of baptism's

2008-07-27T17:34:00.000-07:00

-We got dunking going on tonight at 6pm. Looking forward to it. Some middle schoolers are getting baptized and yea its going to be sweet!!!!

- Bible study tonight at rich's house. We are doing mark 3, i missed last week. Over slept, pathetic i am!!!

- Want to give a shout out to my GOD. He has been faithful and has bringing new kids to middleschool every week. Its been sick. We usually dwindle too 15 to 20 kids because of summer and they all check out.

- But we have been hitting between 40-50. WOO HOO. Heck yea!!!!!
- I wonder what the school year is going to look like!!!!

- So anyways update later on.

Zombie night!!!

2008-07-26T23:04:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a pretty laid back day.

Boat races are going on..... didnt attend. Not a big fan.

Had an awesome surprise visit from some of my high schoolers. Jared, Hillary, and Emily.

This crew serves with me on the Epicenter middle school team. They rock, so i took them across the street to albertsons and we picked up some grub and head back to my apartment to watch an cult classic 70's film. Dawn Of the Dead.

We laughed at the FX quality that was used in the movie, and also the cheesy music. But it was fun. Discussing where to escape to, conserve the ammo. We got into it.

Watched Flyleaf on Rock Block, the Gospel channel on my television. She rocks, would like to meet her sometime. XD

Say a prayer for my good friend Katy. Tomorrow she is going to start her one month tour of duty as a work crew boss. She will be leading a team of 5 girls to clean, cook, and more for 100 kids. Pray that they serve faithfully with a heart of gratitude. That they are making a difference, and playing a role in people to see Christ.

well anyways im heading to bed, going to seek the Lord for a little bit and head off to church tomm morning.

Random

2008-07-22T22:39:00.000-07:00

Well this is what we do in middle school. WE GET CRAZY!!! WITH THE SENSE OFd. JESUS GETS CRAZY TOO.

So today was a busy day.

Winter camp stuff.

Helped Katy with top secret stuff for camp.

Saw chris and adam, it was some good laughs in the office today.

I got all wyldlife papers signed ready to go.

So yes, i watched big brother tonight and was dissapointed they didnt backdoor libra. Boy is she nasty. Always starting fights, and she was caught with one of her insensitive comments and was called on it. She freaked as any person who takes correcting bad. Though the old dude didnt do it tactfully.

I am looking into doing big brother with some friends. I think it would be sweet to go on their as a christian wiling to live it out.

Yahoo....

2008-07-21T18:25:00.001-07:00

So sitting here I just finished up my last assignment before my final on wed for my drug and health class.

Today was a busy day.

I ordered the girls supplies for summer camp. Oh they are going to be so stoked. I am actually jealous and trying to out do katy on her idea.

I doubt i will up her one. But my pride is keeping me from taking it like a man. hahaha

We raised alot of money for summer camp. Those kids can rake it in like nobodies business.

I am teaching this thursday and its coming together. God has been doing some amazing things, and revealing things to me that i needed correcting. He is indeed amazing.

SOme prayer request.

A good friend, and leader of the middleschool ministry is taking off to camp for month. She is a work crew boss and is going to be leading 5 girls and they will be cleaning the camp. Ucky!!! But she is tougher than I and I ask that you could pray for energy and a great heart towards everything they do.

Talk to you later, going for a walk.

Sunday night reflect....

2008-07-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

Car wash went well yesterday. I thought i put enough sunscreen on but i forgot to get the top of my forehead.

Chad did an awesome Job preaching this morning about the authoritative word of God. It rocks my socks that word of God.

I am enjoying my bed. I have slept on a futon for 6 years and havent had bed sheets and a comforter for like 3. I just been sleeping with a sleeping bag.

BIG DIFFERENCE. i love my bed and never want to get out.

Tomorrow is the day for my counselor apt. I pray that it goes well.

Woo hoo?

2008-07-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

Well today was an eventful day.

God has possibly providing a leader for our girls for camp. Not going to pull the trigger but maybe... so be praying.

Saw the dark knight today. Amazing!!!

They portrayed joker the way he was supposed to be, a maniac that has no reason except wanting to watch the world burn. Evil he is, but man they did an awesome job!! Also they did an excellent job on the character development of bruce wayne, and batman.

Anyways im laying on floor just chillin and listening to POD.

But some thoughts that i have been thinking about the church:

The church is not for us, but for the world.

WHere ever we are at, we are supposed to be a catalyst of change. Change?

To stop what you are doing when someone ask for help.

To reach out to those who are hurting and care.

To meet needs

To love...

That is Gods plan for the church is to change the world.

We will not be able to change it to the full capacity of where God wants it to be, but that is his Job.

Ours is to show everyone who Jesus is, and by that we show it by what we do

INSTEAD OF WHAT WE ARE AGAINST

late night mind dump

2008-07-17T00:09:00.000-07:00

I was supposed to do this last night but i was too tired.

I am blessed to have friends, ones that care and make sure im doing good. Not letting me getting away with anything and calling me on my screw ups.

Took 28 middleschoolers to silverwood. It was amazing, had some great conversation and awesome laughs.

John is teaching tonight i am excited.

"Why do boyz have berries?" I couldnt help myself but laugh.

A good friend of mine was telling me that she has a girl that she is discipling and she was telling me some questions that this girl was asking. It was amazing!!!! SImple, innocent, but boy do they pack a wooping.

When you grow in your faith, questions needs to grow. If they dont, then you have a problem. You dont know everything, and you dont want too.

cold sores suck.

I am looking forward to wyldlife. I am preparing the messages for it. I ask for prayer with where GOd wants me to go with it.

Night time

2008-07-11T21:55:00.000-07:00

Well I had a pretty eventful day.

Woke up with the third reich of ants entering my room. They tried to blitzkrieg me but i got another thing coming. I totally killed them off with a chemical bomb. But it got me back, so i was pretty doped down for the rest of the week.

I enjoyed watching a session by mark yaconelli. Amazing dude, calls it like it is. He has been through youth ministry and back. Wisdom.

One of the comments i loved hearing him say is that " Leaders usually pray before youth group, or they pray after middle school, and asking if their is a God after getting grips on things. " lol

I thought that was funny, but i sure dont do that. Middle schoolers are smarter than alot of people give them credit for.

Looking forward to the 100 year celebration tomm, hopefully all goes well.

But i need to hit the sack, I got to be at the church around 530am. to unload the bounce houses.

yay for mornings. But its for the kids man for the kids. NIGHT ALL

God is Good....all the time.

THoughts from the past couple of days...

2008-07-10T22:56:00.000-07:00

Heaven Rules....

can you get any more simplistic than that?

Hebrews 11- God is not manageable

Faith is Not a formula....

Biblical faith is not confidence in hope

Faith is one step farther than hope, it is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

The bridge between hope and faith is GOds promise. His Grace.

Faith is confidence that God is who He says he is and That HE will do everything he has promised to do.

Great Faith looks like great surrender.

My greatest weakness and time of need is an opportunity for God to work.

Dont evaluate a relationship of where its at. You evaluate a relationship of where its going.

Be prudent and wise.

Every decision I make will be watched.

Thoughts and wonders

2008-07-09T22:38:00.001-07:00

Today was great....

Got to hang real quick over at the Bethel church and stop by and say hi to my good friends Ryan, and Adam. Those Guys are studs.

My dad and I cooked up some Hamburgers for dinner and they were the bomb!!! I ate too much though, i am sure enjoying the albertsons southwestern potatoe salad.

Im bummed that we dont have youth group tomorrow night. I enjoy hearing the kids laugh and have fun. But its all good.

I am taking my holidays that i didnt take earlier this year. THe church was so kind of retroactiving them and telling me to take it or loose it. So i took it..... But i rather be at the church doing stuff.

We are filled for summer camp.

Almost for silverwood.

About to shut down for tonight and do my quite time with the LORD. HE is extremely great!!!

But one thing I realized but never saw it because im not usually out late. Is someone pointed to me that at night the single fathers are out with their kids.

You find them at

denny's

Jack n' Box

Mcdonalds

It breaks my heart, seeing that. It makes me want to be a more a better man and taking everything that comes at me with understanding that the LORD is GOood. But dont get me wrong, those men i see i do not pass judgement on them. My heart goes out to them, I come from a broken him and I know the pains and stress that comes with it.

Its that our generation needs to stand up and get going. NOMORE our kids dont deserve the brokeness.

Wyldlife, Economics, life, and that freakin hot pocket.

2008-05-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

Well today has been an eventful day. Here are my thoughts.

I am getting the hang with economics, I have a test tomm and i feel ok with it. I hope I do a good job. Its getting tougher but im haning in there.

GDP, CPI inflation, stagflation I hate you.....

THis morning i stood in the shower, praying, talking with God. It was interesting. Everything I thought was turned upside down. God basically said" I got this kid" . So i threw my hand up, and say you got it. Trust me, it wasnt the greatest feeling. I thought i had a plan, but it was changed.

We dont like things changed on us do we, we wish we had control.

But its good to be free from it, so i can concentrate on other things.

The start of the morning was the greatest either, i ate this pizza pocket from CBC which was probably made by hot pocket. OMG it almost killed me. Im still having some stomach problems.

Today i had an meeting with Rich Ward the area young life director and gave him a progress report on Wyldlife at Horse Heaven Hill middle school. I am currently the team leader and we had an awesome conversation.

We are set to go for club next month!!!! I am looking forward to hanging with the kids, and also giving the message of Hope to them. To tell them about Jesus love for them.

But some thoughts after the meeting-

This is just the beginning, i dont know why.

I have peace, something else is going to happen.

Like this is playing a part in something else.

Something that will make a new chapter in my life.

That a bomb is about to happen and i dont know what.

can i get any more descriptive?

The question is, what is it?

Before i go, i wanted to talk about something that happened today that was amazing.

I was talking to my good friend kjell and i was explaining to him that i feel that my world has turned upside down and i have no idea what is going to happen.

Out of the blue, His beautiful 3 year old daughter came up to me and looked staright at me and said" Brandyn, Dont worry its going to be ok."

I almost fell on my face, this was shear divine i think. She wasnt really hearing what was being said and that happened. God spoke through her to me. She was right, I dont need to worry. She then ran off to go laugh and climb on the wall. I realized that she has no care in life, that is where my faith needs to be.

Is to have a mind of a child and not get caught up in life, but enjoy it, laugh at it, go climb walls and giggle. That is where God calls us to be.

Thanks little one.

Tiring night...

2008-05-09T21:43:00.000-07:00

Today has been long....

- I got to spend time with the middle schoolers with lunch, and also be a volunteer to look out over their social gathering today. It was a blast, played basketball with tons of different kids, and built relationships with alot of them.

ALso a friend gave me their tickets to the sports comedy that was tonight, and I got to take a good friend of mine and we had alot of fun.

- Chad's first kiss, i will never forget. lol

So anyways i am posting my notes for the first Angel lesson series. I am teaching 2 parts on angels and the last class on demonology. So it will be interesting and alot of fun.

So here is the first part of the series.

I decided to go through a basic understanding of what angles are and next time will be what they can do.

Introduction: Angels have been part of our culture if we like it our not.
Touch by an angel
Comic books about angels
Television shows about angels
Music about angels
Most likely you have been educated by the secular world on what angles are and what they do.

So what are Angles:
• They are created, spiritual beings with moral judgment and high intelligence, but without physical bodies.

Created spiritual beings-
• Angels have not always existed
o They were part of the creation when God created the Universe
• Neh. 9:6
 6You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.
• Ps. 148:2, 5
 2Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created.
• Angels are host’s of heaven or armies of heaven in this passage

• Angels have moral judgement and free will

o We see that they sinned, they have choice
o 2 peter 2:4
• 4God didn't let the rebel angels off the hook, but jailed them in hell till Judgment Day. (msg)
o jude 6
• And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home–these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day

• They have high intelligence as they speak to people

• Matt 28:5
 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
• Acts 12:6-11
 6The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance.7Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.8Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him.9Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision.10They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.11Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.”
• Sing praises to God
o rev. 4:11
• 1“You are worthy, our Lord and God,to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

Since angles are spirits they do not ordinarily have physical bodies.
• Heb 1:14
o Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Therefore they cannot usually be seen by us unless God gives us a special ability to see them.

• Numbers 22:31
o Then the LORD opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown.
• 2 kings 6:17
o And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
• Luke 2:13
o Where the angles appear out of nowhere

Their ordinary activities are guarding and protecting us
• Ps. 34:7
o The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
• Psalm 91:11
o 1For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
• heb 1:14
o Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
They worship with us
• Hebrews 12:22
o But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly,

Names of angels
• Throught scriptures different words are used to describe angels.
•
• Sons of God
o Job 1:6, 2:1
• Holy ones
o Psalms 89:5, 7
• Spirits
o Hebrews 1:14
• Watchers
o Daniel 4:13, 17, 23
• Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, and authorities
o Col 1:16

lemon poached salmon salad, a pretzel and a pint of good ol root beer.

2008-04-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

Well i am coming home..... and those dots mean joy!!!!!!

I have learned alot, and i cant wait to come home. I am excited to teach others what i have learned and join in with others on loving kids.

Today was a great day, sleeping in. We also went to get some lunch and dinner. Did some studying and got some more do, so i will do that on the plane ride home. All i can say this was one of my most expensive trips i have been on.

Thank you mom for everything, i mean everything. I love you.

To my friends who are excited to see me, because what i have learned. I have received the texts and i am more than blessed to give you what i have been taught. We are all in this together!!!!!

We are all on the same team and we have an awesome God!!!!!

One thing i challenge everyone...... is in the middle of your day. ( i have been challenging myself too)

Just stop, what ever you are doing and say. "I am Glad you are my God."

Alot of us, pray throughout the day, but do we ever just stop, feel the passion and just say it?

I come to tears when I do it, I feel his love, and presence. Their is no words to describe it.

LAtely i have been praying and things are different. I come to tears in them. I dont know why, but it happens. I am lucky, that he loves me.

Night all!!!!! See ya soon!!!!

B-

2008-04-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

Well i didnt post yesterday because i was tired. So this is one of two post today. Life is pretty different in Chicago. I am anxious on getting back to the tri cities. I have been haring that its been warm and sunny. Not here its been freezing and snowing. Im not saying i didnt enjoy it, i love it. But i am not a city guy, i like my space. I miss the trees, the grass, and desert, and especially those stupid tumble weeds. They are a blessing trust me.

When you see Tumble weeds, you know there is some form of life around you other than humans.

They honk alot, here. Making a split second on where to turn, they honk and flip you stuff.

I had to laugh, because i thought to myself, what if one day they honk and some and the dude stops the car and gets out. That would be funny to see.

It was a awesome broadway, it was my first one that i have seen. I enjoyed the story line alot. Those who think that they are sisters, they werent. They were college room mates lol.
Drove by the stadium.
The pier, I didnt get a chance to see it, which is fine i was getting tired of sitting and being in the city. Also that is lake michigan.
I didnt get the pic fast enough, but it actually says EFFEN. I thought it was funny.
Freezing!!!!!! I had my sweatshirt, Sweater under it, long sleeve button up shirt, and also a tshirt. 4 layers and i was freezing.
Amazing how high these buildings are, remarkable that we can build these things when they are next to several sky risers.
Oh had to take a pic of this. This is where i probably would been my last place where i took a breath. I almost got hit. IT would of been my fault.

here is the situation....

I was looking at the cross walk. I dont know what i was doing.

I think i was dazed or something so i actually stood in the middle of the cross walk and looked up the street and saw a car coming.

In washington cars usually stop when you are in the middle of the street. Stupid of me of thinking they are the same way.

So as i was watching this big cadillac car coming right at me, going about 40 chad grabbed me from behind and i watched the cadillac speeding by, not even slowing down.

I shook my head and i couldnt find the stop light or anything and trying to figure out how to cross i looked up and to my right and found it. PIC BELOW
You tell me if that is easy to find?
Loads of people to see wicked.

Warning!!! Illegal photo taken. I was not supposed to take pics when i entered the theater, they where stricked about that too. So as my sneakiness pertains to me i snuck a pic from my sweater, just one. They where hunting everyone that had cameras.
Sunday middleschool at willow creek.
The service was amazing, i learned so much and also it was fun because bill hybels gave his church a spanking. About being late, and how we dont come together. More about it, but it was basically showing how your actions will either show everyone you are a growing in Christ, or a Christ centered person. We all want to be christ centered.

Miss your bible, or left it at home, dont fret barrow one for middle school service. Ductape for those intense driven kids. LOL
Good bye city of Chicago, i will see ya later.

Well i say goodbye to my good friend.

2008-04-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

I lost my hat..... I shall remember you. I think i left it at a pizza place in INDIANA. Which i will not be returning.

One thing i have learned today.

- Toll booths SUCK!!!!!! I went through 10 toll booths. I spent 20 dollars to go and fro between chicago, and indiana.
We went to Granger Church which was sweet. What i was most fascinated was the entry way for kids to get to the classrooms. They go by slide and drop a whole floor. Here are some pics.

I asked chad, if we could one day have slide tubes for middleschool. He said no.... ;(

Oh and here is a pic of the bathroom at one of our reststops. It was so creepy, i felt i was in some type of horror movie, their are gates that come down and everything. CREEPY!!!!

But yes, i know this is short. Little sad that i lost my hat.......

See ya tomm. Going to see a broadway with 3 guys. Think about that...

The conference is over.... ;(

2008-04-11T21:05:00.001-07:00

Well today was the last day of the conference... Sad day indeed. I have been eating up everything they have been teaching.

I now understand the hunger the students of jesus times had when the jewish leaders would teach the students about the word. They would dip their fingers In honey and drip it in the students mouth and say that the word is like honey.

The taste of the word is so delicious!!

I hope that next year we can get more leaders to come!!! I will work hard on fundraising for more to come. This event is life changing and I feel that the Lord has sharpened me more, and my faith in the Lord has grown alot. I mean alot....

Tomorrow we are heading to indianna. We are going to attend Granger church. Also meet up with micahs cousin’s. He is pretty stoked. Micah is one of our students that went on the trip with us. He has been enjoying it, and also seeing him learn more about worship and what the lord wants from his is awesome!!!!!

Here is some of my notes from today, not all but a little sample...

-The more professional we become the more we loose the idea of why we are loving kids and serving them.
There has been a 5 year study, on what is the percentage of students that faithfully served the lord during their years in highschool leave the Lord after graduating.

18 months after graduation only 50% will still faithfully serve.

What I mean serving is following jesus, not sleeping around, getting drunk, doing drugs,

-The goal of youth ministry is where will they be after graduation. ( we have been hitting that mark.)

-Deep ministry means we ask then act.

What gospel are we feeding the kids.
Most church’s feed guilt
Most church’s feed a quite petty grace

We need to teach Guilt that we have fallen short. Not this turn or BURN!!
We need to teach Grace but not petty!!
But one thing we need to also teach is Gratitude

That our lives that we live is one big thank you note to GOD

-Is doubt welcomed in your table( yes, we do the texting questions. Also we have done a doubt night, which another one is coming. I love them)

-Church’s look at youth as put them at the little kids table. While they eat at the adults table.

-How can our kids take their rightful place at God’s Diverse Kingdom Table?

A model church’s follow today which is not healthy is that the church’s gives the resources to the youth ministry.
But the youth workers take care of the kids. The church becomes absent from the kids.

We need to train students to feed themselves after graduation.

-Are we teaching kids how to recover when they fall? Do they know that the Lord will take care of them?

We are the pioneers of changing the church. Our generation has the power to change.

Well the pictures are out of order, the program to paste the pics on this web blog is a nuisance I must say!!

This is the closest i could get of getting a pic of the whole church. Mind you it is even bigger on the other side.
Getting ready to take off from the Hotel. I was not bloated, there was a very distasteful smell in the car. I think micah did it...
Super target, not just any target but a SUPER TARGET. Yea they have everything from food, to dog food. With the area its there form of walmart. But people that live in mansions dont do walmart? I dont know. We have gone here pretty much every other night. It was a blessing to have, they had my earplugs for sleeping.
Early morning walking into the conference. Boy am i white.... i need a tan.
Kinda blurry but you can get a feel on how huge the church is. Three stories.
On our way out of the church. THis is the other side where you cant see from the first pic.
Micah and Brandon( middleschool worship pastor) He has such an amazing heart and one thing i love about the people at this church which has over 14,000 people. They dont know everything and they still ask questions. They ask questions from leaders and pastors that have a church of 500. That is humbling because it shows that God works in everyone and doesnt matter how big your church is, we all have something to bring to the table.
Worship was sick...
Man why do i pick the blurry ones. This guy wrote the book." They like Jesus, but not the church." Awesome dude. I couldnt get over his hair though. it actually is the style from happy days. But I finally understood why he keeps it that way is because he used to be in a punk rock band in great britian and it was much taller. he just likes th style, and he knows his stuff too. OH MAN!!!!
Micah and I are just chillin like villians!!!

Well i dont know if i will have a blog up tomm because i will be getting back late, but hopefully i will. peace!!!!

B-

Round 2..... ding ding ding

2008-04-10T20:04:00.001-07:00

The conference has been incredible. I have learned so much and i cant wait to get back and apply it to the youth and my life. I have already started applying certain changes to my life at this moment which will be good not only to me but others.

-This conference not only spoke to me that i have some un-grieved grief in my life that must come out. I am not yet free. My boat is still full. LUKE 5

-I have over extended myself to certain areas of my life and I need to start saying no, not always yes. I need stop and think and reflect of the things I have said yes too. Things keep coming up through friends, and ideas and people speaking. I feel the Lord is telling me that I need to get a grip on things before I burn out.

We use busyness as a drug in our lives.

- I have found my passion again, praise the Lord. I am blessed that he provided me a way to come and join other youth workers around the world to come and grow in Jesus and help our students with what we learn.

-I met two crazy dudes today!!!!!
David Bailey- its not how you say it. He is from Northern Ireland and was one of the most raddest dudes. I gt his info and has invited me to Ireland when i get a chance. Im thinking in a couple of years. I got a goal to go somewhere else at this moment.

Bjkell- He is a senior pastor in norway. Amazing dude, awesome story. Too much to write, just ask me when you see me. you will be blown away!!!

Anyways enjoy the pics!!!

I hope next year I get to go to this conference again.

On our way to lunch, yesterday. I forgot to post this.
Tired I am. My day started at 5:50 am. Conference started at 7:30. I know to early getting up huh? No way.... I was so excited to learn more. I cant get enough. This isnt a conference of self help, this place sharpens you like noones business. This morning I had coffee with bryan who is the highschool youth pastor of the church. I love his heart when he said they dont have it all figured out. It was refreshing to come together with other pastors of other church's and bring our questions to the table. Some of us delt with things that can give insight to others. Bryan spoke alot of truth and wisdom into me.

I had an humbling moment in the group.

- They looked at me when I explained to them what the Lord is doing, with church and Wyldlife. They stood back and started asking me questions as if i was the leader.

I bluntly said I have no idea what I am doing, never will, and that is why I am here." ( I pointed to bryan ) and said " This guy is who to ask questions. Not me."

I sat thinking afterwards and realized that i have been richly blessed on what is going on in my life and speaking into kids. For them to think i knew what i was doing was nice, but i dont. The disciples never knew what they were doing. I think I will stick with that and follow after Jesus and let him take care of it all.
Sessions where in these chairs, for an hour and half, they got a little uncomfortable. I did four sessions in them and boy let me tell you. It was worth every moment.
Lunch time!!! Time to bust out the macs, and check the email, and start working on ideas and concepts for the youth ministry.

This guy was a stud. Though i felt he could beat the life out of me. He was HUGE!!! But what an amazing heart. We went through C.S. Lewis writings and looked at the gospel from a different perspective. One of the things that he made a point was-

"When you tell your kids 5 things, you need to go do, or step by step application you rob the Gospel of its love, and beauty and mystery, and STORY!!!"

DID I TELL YOU I LOVE THAT!!!!

The worship room of the church can hold more people than the tricities coliseum.
We got to see the world premiere of Nooma 20. Shells. It was sweet all i can say. I wish i could write more, and post my notes from todays sessions but oh man. 6 pages of small notes is way to much to type right now.

Good night all!!!!

First day in the conference

2008-04-09T18:29:00.001-07:00

Thank the Lord for Coffee in the morning, I needed it. The smell of starbucks feels like i back at home. I have not drank it for a while but oh my, it was delightful every time i took a sip.

Our Hotel looks like a Bunker for the US milita

ry. Kinda creepy i might add.

We arrived at 7:45 am. The church is so huge i wish i could of Got a pic of the whole thing but its so huge i cant. Its a little bigger than cbc, if you put all their buildings together. Enjoy the pics, i still have yet to venture through the whole thing.

Sweet waterfall huh? But where does it go?

This is where it goes, two floors down. This is the area where the kids classes are.

They have a lake that covers the one side of it, oh and did i mention they do all their baptisms in the lake? Fishing anyone? Cheesy i know.

Im tired, as always. The starbucks hasn't kicked in yet, me going to the bathroom to pee yes, but im still waiting for the energy.

Chicago pizza baby!!!!!

Yes, the day is over. I have more pics, but man i tell you the HTML coding to get the pics up and stuff is a pain in the butt. I have learned alot and im looking forward to the next couple of days and what the Lord has got instore.

Thanks sis for letting me barrow your camera.

love ya!!!!

Sessions of today, alot of writing i say....

2008-04-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

Notes from the conference:

All I can say is that I am learning alot!!! We had three sessions so I will start with the first one. It was given by brian Mclaren. He is a controversial character, he is one of the top provoking characters in post modernism in Christianity. I am not going to sit and go over why or why not he is cool. He did only touch a little on scripture and Jesus wasnt really preached. God’s Ecology was preached and that is when you run into problems of using scripture to justify and edify your agenda. But anyways he did bring up some Good questions that I wont deny and I did enjoy his talking. But anyways lets get back to it. If anything read session 2 it was my favorite if you dont want to read alot. hehehe

Session 1

We can shift the ineffectiveness of ministry.

When we are living our lives we need to be clear of the message that we are giving.

What role do we have in preparing the younger generations?

Are we influencing them to make a difference?

What is the church passionate about today?

Make two list and the first list will be what the church is dealing with.

For example:( This is for example does not reflect FBC, this is what he used as an example)
Tongues
Jeans
Clothes
Color of the building

Second list will be the secular world.
Global warming
Poverty
The oppressed, injustice
The marginalized

Do they have anything in common?

What does the message of Jesus mean for issues of today. Not religious stuff but Jesus.

Four Global Crisis
Properity system- We are consuming more than the world can output.
Equity crisis- Poverty/ rich are getting richer the gap of the rich and poor is huge.
Crisis of peace- The poor becomes unrest/ The rich sell weapons to the poor, the poor uses the weapons.
Framing Story- Crisis of purpose/spirituality Our religions are failing to provide a purpose that is capable of healing.

Religions
Sadducees= Dominator/empire
Zealots= Redemptive war/ holy war
Pharisees= Revenge/ scapegoat
Essences= isolation/withdrawal

Today religion is similar to the religious situation in Jesus day

Jesus makes peace by shedding his blood
Caesar Makes peace by shedding others blood.

Session 2( my favorite session)

When we are in youth ministry we need to be able to connect with kids at a level

To laugh with them
To Cry with them
To know their secrets
To create a community

LUKE 5

Youth Ministry is designed to Break you.

The calling into youth ministry is not to be a counselor, program director, games leader, but to be a spiritual leader.

To be a spiritual leader, you need to be in the spirit. Youth ministry can be your spiritual discipline.

God calls us to be broken and free.

When working with kids, it draws up everything that is unhealed, broken, cracks.

Thank the Lord for the kids.

If Youth ministry was easy we would not rely on God. It would be smooth where we would not need him.
-Not being perfect , brings you to your knees and in prayer.
-Are you willing to do nothing, so God can use you.
When was the last time I felt empty, available to God.

Today youth ministy is not rated on numbers.

WE EQUATE GOD WITH SUCCESS IN TODAYS AGE/ ITS THE AMERICAN WAY

If we look at the minstry of Christ. When he got farther into it, The less people are around.

Look at the bible, when people are blessed, they become abandoned. Jesus was blessed, the apostles ditched him.

When they were blessed, they were left alone, and killed.

Part of our calling
Is to grieve

I have un grieved grief.

Todays world, parents substitute relationships with T.V. And computers. Put the computer and tv in the room and let the kid stay infront of it. ALL THE TIME. No relationships are built.

The worlds perfect baby is:
Doesnt cry
Dont need to hold the baby
No relationships are being created.

Jesus looks at children
They cry
They need to be held.
So relationships are created, and love is shown and shared.

Youth Workers/leaders/pastors/volunteers
We are a bandaid
It breaks down
We will suffer if we dont grieve

Our desire is to love kids, and God is all we need, not toys, not the latest music, or clothes, or hip media. God will provide.

GOD HAS BEEN MINISTERING TO THE KIDS BEFORE THEY WHERE BORN IN THE WOMB, HE MINSTERS TO THEM WHEN THEY GROW UP, AND STILL WILL MINISTER TO THEM AFTER THEY LEAVE YOUR YOUTH GROUP AND GROW INTO ADULTS. GOD DOESNT STOP MINISTERING.

Let Go of it all, Dont put God in a box. Be sensitive to the spirit so the Lord can work.

Signs of grieving
Suffering- having an empty boat
Prayer- allow yourself to attend the presence of the God
You become more aware of your problems when you are silent.

Cancer Lady- She was grateful for the cancer, because she almost missed life.
Busyness- We become so busy that we dont give permission to take a day off.

Do you practice sabbath? Go out, be with friends, eat good food, dance, sing, laugh. REST!!!

God commands us to, because we become numb if we dont.

God works when their is brokenness, pain

Jesus takes the disciples back out on the fishing boat and works in them. They were free they didnt have it all together that is why their boat was empty.

IF YOU ARE DOUBTING, CONFUSED, WORRISOME, YOU ARE DOING IT.... YOU ARE BEING A DISCIPLE.

God is trying to break us..... Break us to be free. So dont pretend, be real.

God longs for us to be free.

Students are asking the leaders today.
Do you know how to stay alive?
Do you know how to not become numb?
To have passion, to have ambition in life.
SHOW ME HOW TO GET THERE!!!!

Jesus asks us to hold suffering/ it grows our soul.

I need to have the patience of the lord.
Am I free to hear the cries of others.
Are we willing to have holy indifference's, hold everything lightly and b willing to open to the spirit.

Session 3

When you look at the world, what do you see?
What do you feel?
What if it could be different.

What the unchurch thinks of Christians.
Antigay
Judgemental
Hypocritical

Luke7
Does our lives show the mark of Christianity
Its easier to see what we do, not what we are.

Jesus didnt see a prostitute he saw a child of God who he was madly in love with. God works through our cracks.

Harsh and dreadful lov, is the love that keeps you up at night. Its the love of jesus.

We are called to love our enemies. Doesnt say we cant run from them.

America has domesticated christianity

Am I being an extremist of LOVE OR HATE?

FIND JESUS IN THE MOST DISTRESSING SITUATIONS.

Trippin on over to chicago

2008-04-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

Well I am chillin like a villian here with Micah, Chad, Kjellin the hotel room. We have finally settled in and i am hoping that i will relax tomorrow. Being on the road all day, and being half way across the country in less than 12 hours is pretty surreal if you think about it. I mean i was drinking a evian water bottle infront of walgreens in kennewick yesterday and now im in the city of Palentine, outside of Chicago. THe flight was pretty good, though i had an wondrous adventure in the bathroom stall. I had alot of epiphanies while standing there looking at the toilet.

- The stall is smaller than a casket
- Can people actually fall off the toilet if we got hit with turbulence?
- Is it even possible to rescue them if they did fall off, since it is so small?
- If the toilet flooded we would all be screwed. Especially me since i am sitting next to the stall.

So here are some pics from the trip so far.

Micah and I are chilling at Howard, and Beth's house. They were so kind to openening up their home to us for a night so we can drive over to the airport the next day. Their house is brand new and was built to green standards. I LOVE IT!!!! All wood flooring, just all sorts of crazzy stuff and air purifier. Howard has bad asthma and so does Beth and they havent had any problems for since they moved in. Im digging the House, i say i would love to have one? Question no way. I will work for it one day.

Airborne and Orange Juice, CHad, Kjell, have been hacking a little bit. So I got ready..... ORange Juice, and Airborne, way to boost the immune system. Dont want to breath that recycled air, with all the germs and stuff. Not a clean freak or Germ fanatic, i just dont want to get sick on one of the coolest trips.

Me sleeping listening to my ipod. self explanatory right? I had some amazing dreams though! One that i pray that happens, and also on my flight. I started to freak myself out thinking, if the plane lost a wing, would i survive like the survivors off of oceanic flight 816. I know its fake on the show LOST. But do you ever think about it? What would i first do?

- Save people when we crash land
- Start screaming? Doubt it
- Praise the Lord would be the first thing i would do.
- Find some peanuts they dont really hand out on the flights. lol jk

I made it..... To chicago. More updates tomm!!!

Have a awesome night,

PS. Thanks Mom for everything you have done for me. Love ya.

Fire side chat, with some smores...

2008-03-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

I haven't realized that the kennewick library is pretty peaceful. IN the far back of the building that contains to much knowledge. Stands a gas ridden fireplace. It has the fake wood logs, but the heat is just right on my bare feet. I want to cook some smores?

A part of me today feels burdensome, that my heart is heavy for no apparent reason. Maybe its that nyquill i take before heading to dream land. No i am not self medicating, just trying to kick this cold.

I am heading to chicago in a few weeks, which is pretty amazing. It will be the farthest i have ever been in this Country. I will be gone for 8 or 9 days, which is a long time. I am nervous that my classes wont be so forgiving since i am missing 6 days. Could you pray that they will allow me to do them over the internet. I will be going to chicago with chad, kjell, and one of our students micha. Amazing kid. It will be fun watching him growing and being used by the Lord our God for his purpose. I know whatever that kid gets into, he will take it to the next level and glorify our heavenly creator.

So i have been reading james over and over so im going to do it again because it is one of my favorite books. So here is my reading.

James 1:2 No-matter what the situation, you must consider it with wholeness, pure, all, Joy. Be cheerful, calm, and delight when you enter every trial. This is tough but for good reason we are told this. So we dont jump to any conclusions and put God in a box, and not let him move.

James 1:3 Every time that my faith is tested, it grows, it strengthens, it produces endurance.

James 1:4 Endurance must have its perfect run, we must let it happen not try to force it in a direction because we are not letting endurance do its job. Because when endurance gets done with me. I will lack nothing, and that i will become complete and perfect in that area of the Lords eyes.

James 1:5 I must ask God without disapproval attitude. THe Lord wants to give generously, so if i am need of wisdom of a certain situation i need to shut up, sit down. I need to know that the Lord is Good in everything he does, and he knows what to give.

James 1:6 I need to ask in faith, without doubt. WHen i mean doubting i mean that i cant think to myself what the Lord can or cannot do. He will heal, he will not heal. I need to have an open door as whatever happens happens. SOmetimes we get in this mindset that if i ask any prayers, with expectancy that the Lord will be put in a corner and answer all my prayers.? He is a massive and powerful God. Even the son of God Jesus Died without all his prayers answered. matthew 26:42 Christians that doubt are pushovers. I need to make sure i am not swayed by the world, or other peoples judging opinions.

James 1:7-8 THis is a MAJOR ONE. I HEAR CHRISTIANS SAY THAT WE NEED TO PRAY WITH EXPECTANCY THAT GOD WILL DO WHAT YOU ASK IN PRAYER. THIS SCRIPTURE SAY DIFFERENT. “MAN OUGHT NOT TO EXPECT THAT HE WILL RECIEVE ANYTHING FROM THE LORD.” GOD HAS GIVEN US WHAT WE NEED, WHY DO WE ACT LIKE WE ARE NOT CONTENT WITH WHAT IS GOING ON IN OUR LIVES. HE IS EVERYTHING FOR US.
I better strive to be a straight and narrow arrow, and not double minded. May my yes be yes and no be no.

James 1:9-10 Those who are exalted in this kingdom are the ones who humble themselves. The world is about ascending. Jesus kingdom is about descending. Those that humble themselves in any situation are the glory of the lord. The arrogant will pass away like the flowering grass. Thats intense!!!