Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Thursday Thinkback

Here are some random thoughts of the past week as it closes to an end; as well as, some thoughts of the upcoming weekend:

• Josh McDowell came and spoke Sunday at New Life. Wow!
• Josh had some real challenges for me. He really got me thinking.
• Ana's funeral Sunday really had me reviewing my walk with Christ.
• Sunday was a pretty thought provoking day!
• I took Monday off to get caught up on some rest and to spend some time with God.
• Monday was a great day for me!
• There is some crazy stuff going on over the next few months. I really want to know how God is going to work it all out.
• One of our friends is getting married on Saturday. I am sure that will be a crazy fun wedding!
• Finally a Kit Lloyd concert I can attend. That should be fun.
• Things are definitely going to be busy next week. Stormi is staying with us all week.
• Stormi has to be at work everyday at 6AM. Guess who gets to take her?
• Did a really good study of Romans on Monday. That was needed!
• Looking forward to another great Friday of Wild at Heart with my men's group!
• I drink WAY to much coffee.....oh well! At least it is not soda.
• I think I am addicted to cool technological gadgets...is that bad?
• I need to pray more!

See ya on Sunday!

Playing it safe

Do you play it safe? Is everything just right, so why mess it up?

That is a good description of me. I can make endless changes at work, at church or for someone else. However, when it comes to my family and I, change is dangerous...or at least that is the image I portray.

Do I like playing it safe? Certainly not. Who really does? We all want to be the "risk taker" and "adventurer", however for some of us, that is harder to do than others.

As I mentioned yesterday, I attended a funeral of someone who definitely didn't play it safe. during the open mic time, a guy got up to speak. He was about 6 ft 2, 300 pounds, shaved bald with a super huge goatee. He carried the image of a "big scary biker dude". When he got up to speak, he was very brief. He commented how great Ana was, and then told everyone there they need Jesus Christ. They need to find him today or someday soon. He then sat down.

No eloquent speech. No fancy words. Just bold and straight to the point. It made me say Wow....I am a wuss when it comes to talking about my God. The God who saved me from all eternity in Hell. Why is that I am so safe?

The solution... yeah, like I am THAT smart. I imagine it has something to do with the level of faith and trust we have in God. The more we have, the easier it is to take risks for Him. How do we build that faith and trust? I imagine more time with Him.

So, have you overcome being safe? What was your solution?

What will people say about me?

The other day I had the privilege of working a memorial service for a new friend who went to be with the Lord. Ana was a new friend, who I had just met over the last couple of weeks. She seemed like a very nice, Godly person when I met her. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to get to know her any more. She died last week and is now with God in Heaven.

On Sunday, they had a memorial service for her. Autumn and I had a chance to serve and be a part of the service. I must admit, I was very tired and not really looking forward to it, only because I had already been there all day running church services.

What I had a chance to experience was not people saying nice things of Ana. I experienced people sharing stories of a woman who lived by Faith in God. Who trusted in Him for everything, and responded with action every time God asked her. When Pastor Greg asked how many people had experienced this from Ana, almost everyone of the 162 people present raised a hand.

It got me thinking. When I die, do I want people to say nice things of me? I don't think so. I want people to say that I lived by faith, followed God when ever He asked it of me.

How about you? Do you want people to think you are nice?

Backpacking Pt3

In this final post about my backpacking trip, I want to expand a bit from the my first post on backpacking, I wrote here. One of the things I talked about was the need to focus on God for my strength and nothing else.

It can be really easy for us to get caught up in working, doing church, spending time with family, etc. and loose focus. Loose focus of what? It may just depend. For Autumn and I, are focus is what God wants to do with us in the next season of our lives.

Unfortunately, with my ADD/OCD mind it is too easy to get distracted on many many things. I need to be restarted sometimes, just like my PC (No Mac/PC jokes please!). That is what backpacking does for me. As I was struggling to hike, and began focusing on Him for strength, I was able to let go of everything.

The benefit for me, was that, while my mind was clear of all the debris of life, I am able to truly focus on what God wants me to. Since I am unable to be polluted by Internet, email, twitter, facebook, friends, and family, I am able to stay focused on God for an unusually extended amount of time. It is in that time that God can speak some amazing things, if we are listening.

Let me encourage you. If you are having trouble focusing right now, do something/go somewhere which will force you to clear your mind and focus on Him, and do so for an extended period of time. It will do some amazing things for you.

Backpacking Pt2

As I discussed last week here, I had a chance to do a little backpacking a week or so ago. We had a wonderful time. You can see some pictures, by visiting my facebook page here and checking out the photos.

One of the reasons I love to go backpacking, is the opportunity to experience the creations of God. The first night, we hiked in only a couple of miles. We stayed at a lake called Camp Lake. We found a great camping spot up above the trail. It was a really big spot with lots of room, a great camp fire ring, etc. We could have just hung out there all afternoon/evening and been perfectly happy. It was everything we were looking for in a site.

Once we got our camp set-up, we decided to go nosing around behind our site, through some trees. What we discovered, was that we were actually up on the top of mountain, and less than 20 yards behind us was the edge of the mountain that overlooked the valley below.

That night after dinner, we returned to the spot, were the 3 of us laid down on the granite and starred up at the sky. It was an unbelievable view. We saw stars galore, galaxies, shooting stars...more than you could ever see in the valley.

We almost missed it, because we were so content with our site, there was no reason to go looking around. This is the same reason I backpack. This is the same reason I challenge myself. This is the same reason I question if what we are doing is what God wants us to do.

It is easy to sit back when things are "Right" and say I am content, there is no need to move. However, just over the hill, God may have something so unbelievable for you you wouldn't want to miss it. How will you know? You won't, unless you are looking for it.

Look at everything great in your life (and trust me there is greatness in your life...sometimes it is harder to find then other times), and ask yourself "Does God have something even better waiting for me? I better be looking!"

Psycho Saturday

I titled this post, Psycho Saturday, because today is a bit psycho. I am in town. I am not gone traveling. I am working a bit today, it is kind of weird. As I look, I am actually home most of August. I am not sure why/how it worked out, but I am not complaining. So, in honor of that, here are some random thoughts for you on this psycho Saturday:

• I am going to church tomorrow.
• Hi, I'm Jason and No, this is not my first time here.
• I have been averaging 1 Sunday a month at church. That is pretty bad.
• I could get better odds in Vegas than my church attendance record.
• I really miss church, does it show?
• I am going to all 3 services tomorrow, I really need it! (Naw, actually I am doing sound!)
• We have this guy speaking tomorrow. Should be pretty cool!
• There is a lot going on in our lives right now...most of it good stuff!
• Yeah for me...I have spent more time this summer with my family then any other!
• I have the best wife ever!
• My kids are pretty awesome too!
• What are you doing next Sunday night? Come here a great concert from Kit Lloyd.
• You might even see some familiar faces at the concert.
• Have you figured out a full proof method for hearing God's calling on your life?
• Yeah, me neither.......
• Praise God and I will see ya at Church!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Backpacking Pt1

This last weekend, I went on a backpacking trip. We hiked from Crabtree trail head to Jewelery lake. The total trip was 23 miles round trip.

There are many reasons that people like to go backpacking. For some it is to "commune with nature", become "one" with the land; for others, it may be for physical fitness; others yet, may find peace and tranquility in backpacking away from the modern world.

Those are all great reasons, some of which I can relate to. However, for me the primary reason is for the mental challenge. If you have never been backpacking, then let me explain a bit. We went on a 23 mile round trip hike, carrying a 40lb backpack on my back, with an elevation climb from 7300 ft to 8400 ft, with ups and downs that required us to climb over 3000 ft in total. We had to sleep on the ground, endure mosquitoes, go potty behind trees, and use the lake as a bath.

I realize, for some, I may paint a depressing picture, however, it is very enjoyable for me. I am so busy all of the time. In fact, if I cut stuff from my life to slow down, I fill it with something else. I guess it is how I am wired. The most difficult thing for me is to let go of life and just give up complete control.

With backpacking, I don't have a choice. I cannot survive and complete this hike on my own will power. I simply do not have enough. I have to rely on God to make it through. As I begin focusing on him for strength, it allows me to forget about everything else going on in my life. I am able to let go completely, and fall back to a simple faith of complete trust in Him.

What one thing can you do, that will allow you to restart your system, let go of everything and trust in Him for the will power to survive?

Fellowship

That was what tonight was all about, fellowship!

We attended a bible study tonight at some new friends home. The last few weeks, we have had specific topics, which is typical in a bible study. Tonight was more about fellowship, talking, praying, sharing and a brief time of study.

Why was that so important that I needed to blog about it?

I think sometimes we can get so caught in bible studies, church, serving, and doing all the things that make us "great" Christians, that we miss out on some of the most important stuff.

As important as it is to grow, study and be faithful in Christ, it is also equally important to just visit, talk and hang-out.... fellowship!

Make sure you get some good fellowship in soon!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Some Pretty Good Stuff!

I mentioned here last week that I was having some problems with my blog reader, and so as a result I was scanning some of my old posts. One of the things that really stuck out was how much better my blog posts were last year, then I feel they have been this year.

I was more consistent, with deeper & more challenging posts. As I look back on that time, I was really digging in the word and serving at the church like crazy. I was truly connected with God. As I connected with God, He was able to speak through me about life, some of which I was able to translate into blog posts.

As I was reviewing these posts, I began to get a little disappointed about where I am today. Then I realized something. I can't look back and compare where I am today with where I was a year ago.

I can't because God is doing 2 different things with me. Last year, He was filling me up with the knowledge of scripture, ministry styles, leadership techniques, etc. This year, He is working on my heart. As I realized that, I became settled.

We are constantly being molded by God. Be careful looking back and comparing today to yesterday. God will be there, and God will be the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.....we on the other hand, hopefully will not!

Thank Him today that He is doing new works in us everyday!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Thursday Thinkback

I haven't sat down and done a Thursday Thinkback since April. I actually like these the most, because I can simply ramble off all the random thoughts stuck in my head...kinda like my twitter. So, here are some random thoughts for you:

• I miss my Welcome Ministry crew!
• I miss Church.
• It hit me this week, I have only been to church like 4 times in the last 3 months.
• I am such a slacker!
• God is doing crazy stuff in me right now, really challenging my heart.
• It can be scary when God challenges our heart.
• I realized I am not a risk-taker....are you?
• Why can't I be a risk-taker? Why do I have to play it safe?
• I really miss NLCC worship!
• OK, I really miss any corporate worship...I will take anything right now.
• We met some great new friends last night. That was fun.
• Is it really possible to overly rely on technology?
• I am backpacking next weekend. I am excited...and terrified!
• Did I mention I miss church?
• I am unsure about what God has planned for my future. Should I be worried?
• I will be back to church on the 26Th. I will see you then!

Looking Back

Today my blog reader had a malfunction and listed each of the blogs I follow with over 200 new posts. Of course these were all old posts, however, I found myself scanning through some of my old posts.

I came across a post that sums up what we talked about last night at our bible study and really where I am right now. I posted it in July of 2008. So, with out any more delay... enjoy:


Pool Noodle Jedi Knight

The other night we went to a friends house for dinner. After dinner, the kids were all playing in the front yard with some pool noodles they had bought. The kids were pretending they were Jedi Knights and the noodles were the light sabers. It was pretty funny to watch them play.

One of the things I noticed is that their youngest daughter and my youngest son were the most aggressive players. They were not afraid to go in for the attack or take a hit, in order to get a hit in. I don't know if they weren't scared or just determined.

The two older kids would sneak around and try to get in a quick hit and then run out of fear of being hit.

It really kind of got me thinking. When I first became a Christian, I was on fire. I wasn't afraid to take a "hit" because I saw it as something necessary for the greater good of the Kingdom. As my Christian walk matures, for some reason I become more afraid of offending people, or being beat up and so we switch from aggressive attacks where we might get hit to carefully planned out quick hits and then retreat.

Why?

I don't want to be that way any more. Doesn't the Bible say we should be more child-like? Well, that is one of the things I am going to focus on with my Walk. God what ever it is, I want to be willing to take a hit, if that is what needs to happen for the greater goal of winning people to Christ.

How about you?

Changes Part 3

This afternoon I was watching M.A.S.H. on tv. Yes, I love watching it. In fact, I have seen every single episode... (no I am not bragging)!

The interesting thing about the sitcom, is that the show is not about laughs, or about entertainment...although they did a good job of both. Each episode has an underlying message relating to war, life issues, etc. The fact is, they do a great job bringing out the unsung pain and sorrow that comes along with defending our country. I realize it is light-hearted and not too serious; just hang in there with me.

The fact is, that as we serve in ministry (and staff in full time ministry have it 100 times worse) seeking God and following him can be very difficult. Often times, we just hear about how God used someone to do this or that...what we don't always hear about is all the blood, sweat and prayer that goes into seeking God and God's direction in our lives.

So many of us hear about how God is directing others and we wonder, why is it so much harder for me. The reality...it isn't. Everyone goes through the same difficult process. The key difference is some are natural risk takers and it is easier for them to make decisions completely on faith. For the rest of us "safe people" we are a little less of a risk taker. The result...more stress in determining God's direction for our lives. For me, I have to know absolutely that God is calling me to change or to take on a new direction.

That is the most difficult part of the change process that God is leading us on. I may or may not be called to change anything. Perhaps God is simply teaching me how to follow Him unconditionally with faith. I guess I won't know until it is all over.

Just know this...if you are trying to figure out what God is calling you to do today; you are not alone. We are all in this together.

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is meant to be something enjoyable, if you don't find it funny or enjoyable, then please turn it off.I didn't make them, I simply shared them. Chill out a bit will ya!

Changes Part 2

I am prejudice...and so are you! The fact is we all have prejudices. Many of you are immediately thinking of racial prejudice. I am talking about that, but I am also talking about so much more.

We all have a foundation of prejudices which direct our lives. We have all developed a prejudice towards race, social class, religion, but also to certain businesses, types of businesses, restaurants, parts of the country, automobiles. The fact is I can go on and on about the many different prejudices we have established over our life time.

We have developed those prejudices through the influence of our parents, our surroundings, our experiences (good and bad), fears, and so much more. Since we tend to allow those prejudices to direct much of our lives, we tend (in many cases) to interact with those of similar prejudices. That results in the ability for many of us to live our entire lives without having our prejudices challenged.

Enter God!

As we seek God and begin to invite him to work in our lives, he begins to challenge our prejudices. He questions the opinions we have. Of course, the small ones (Coke vs. Pepsi or Giants vs. A's) he may leave alone; however, the more life impacting prejudices you can expect Him to question.

That is where I am today. God has really been challenging me; making me think about the prejudices I have established over the years. Are they right? Are they healthy? Do I need to rethink them? What does the Bible say about them? These are all questions that are coming up.

As I talked about yesterday, the question is: What am I going to do about it? I can say thanks, but no thanks...or I can take action. I choose action! The best part about it, is when I tell God I want to change, He gives me opportunities to change.

Have you heard the expression, "If you pray for patience, God won't give you patience; He will give you an opportunity to develop patience."? That is what is happening. As I seek Him to change these prejudices, He isn't changing them. Rather, He is giving me opportunities to develop change. Scary? Yes! Exciting? Yes!

God has opened my eyes to so many opportunities to grow, it amazes me. (Of course, it amazes me that I needed that much help in changing... argh!) I am excited to see what is around the next corner.

How about you? Are you willing to sit back and take a look at your prejudices and allow God to challenge you in them?...be careful what you wish for!

Change Part 1

As I mentioned on Monday, and is clearly evident in the blog posts over the last few months, God is doing some major remodeling in my soul. There is change taking place. I wanted to talk a little bit more about that today.

In Monday's post, I mentioned that when God reveals things to us, we have a choice to accept and change or sit and do nothing. I choose to accept and change. Now, it sounds easier than it really is. Let's face it, sometimes when we accept the challenge to change we don't know what that looks like.

What if God is calling you to change something that you believe, could you accept the challenge? What if God is calling you to change what you think of a certain "group" of people, could you accept the challenge? What if God is calling you to step away from your church and into a new ministry, could you accept the challenge? What if God is calling you to sell your house and take your family to another country to serve as missionaries, could you accept the challenge? What if God is calling you to leave your career and enter full time ministry, could you accept the challenge? These are all ways God could use to help change something in your soul, so that you can more openly trust and serve Him.

If God lays everything out and gave you a clear picture of how these changes in your life would be accomplished, your needs met, it would not be that difficult. However, many times God simply says step out, and then allows us to choose with nothing more than faith to trust in. Why is God asking you to change ministries? Does he have a long term plan that requires you to learn to trust in Him more fully first? Who knows!

One thing I have learned is that I am someone who likes structure, planning and security. I know that I have avoided taking chances and accepting change in the past because of my fear to trust completely. I have missed out on some great blessings from God, I am sure. I do not want to do that anymore.

How about you? When God says change, how do you respond?