Great Experience

I wanted to take a moment and share with you a great experience I had. Now I know that many of you are already "Apple Believers", yet some of you are like me and still maintain our PC identity.

I must admit, my first computer was a mac, and because I was in business, I was forced to switch to PC. The main reason I have not switched back has been cost. The cost is substantial. However, with the advent of cloud computing and other web based apps, this cost differential is diminishing fast.

Autumn and I both have i-phones (yes I know we are trendy..deal!) and Friday AT&T joined the 21st century and added MMS to iPhones. I downloaded the carrier settings and updated my phone, and it worked great. Autumn not so lucky. It crashed. It died. It is over.

So began the recovery process. I followed all the various steps, ideas, methods on Apple' site and the Internet. No luck. The my worst fear set in. Call tech support!

So, I made an appointment with tech support (which is what you do with Apple) and I also made an appointment for the Apple store in Modesto for later that same day...just in case.

Sunday came, they called right on time. Unfortunately Ed could not fix my iPhone, however, he did teach me a lot of tricks and short cuts that are hard to find elsewhere. Ed was a guy who knew the iPhone. That is what he did...and he did it well. So we both agreed I should go to the Apple store. So I went.

I had a 3:30 appointment. I arrived at 3:10. I checked in. I was seen at 3:15. Phone confirmed dead at 3:16. New phone issued at 3:21. Driving out of the parking lot at 3:28.

Apple...when it comes to customer service...you do it right! Not only did your staff speak a language I can understand, but they actually knew what they were talking about. They actually understood what I was wanting and handled it accordingly. Thank you!

I am now sold on Apple. The next time I need a computer, I will seriously consider the switch to a Macbook. The added cost is totally worth it for the level of support I got!

So, to make this a "spiritual" thing...which I don't have to but will. Compare the service I received from Apple to the service we provide to those that visit our church. How do we match up?

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. This week, I found a great illustration that I think we all fall victim to sometimes. Watch and be changed!

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!

Man, You've Changed!

Well, I finally finished it. The hard work is over!

What am I talking about? Well, yesterday morning, I finished my SHAPE profile for the third time. The last time I did it was in 2006...just 3 years ago.

So, being the Planner/Producer that I am, I pulled out my profile from 3 years ago and began comparing. My spiritual gifts and my spiritual pathways didn't change much.

My growth markers and my heart has changed. It has changed a lot. It was really interesting to read about what was on my heart 3 years ago, versus what was on my heart today. Of course, it makes sense that the ministries I am doing at the time are reflected most in my answers; that is where my heart is at the time. In reading the differences and seeing where my heart was vs. where my heart is today was exciting.

Did that mean my heart was in the wrong place before? Does it mean that I wasn't where I should be. Not necessarily. The fact is, if everything had been identical that would have scared me. That would have meant I wasn't growing or maturing. The fact that there is change is a good thing.

How about you? Have you changed? Are you the same today as you were 3 years ago? I sure hope not!

Most exciting part....looking forward to where we will be 3 years from now! See ya then!

Recovery

This is my oldest son, Jordan. He is 9 years old.

Yesterday, he had gum graft surgery done in his mouth. He is now home on the couch recovering. He did great yesterday. He handled himself very well, and "took it like a man"!

I am very proud of him.

As a result, he is being treated like a king right now. He has 4 people waiting on him hand and foot. Which I am not sure what exactly that means, because he didn't have anything done to his hands or feet...but that's another story.

Nonetheless, there is nothing like a sickness, health issue, surgery, or any other thing that has a healing or recovery period to bring a family together. We love to be able to care for one another during a difficult time. We have all been on the giving end and the receiving end of our family care center. Regardless of which side you are on, you definitely feel loved!

I love my family and am glad I get to be apart of it. Get well soon, Jordan! I am proud of you.

Play it safe!

I wrote a twitter last week, some of you caught it. I thought I would take a few minutes and elaborate on it. Something that I have learned through joining Equip Church is this:

If you want to get Satan to leave you alone....play life safe!

It seems that ever since we stepped out in faith, in response to God's calling, we have been under constant attack from the enemy. When it isn't family health, it is financial stuff like a broken washing machine, or little words of doubt in my mind. Just as we move pass one attack and survive, here comes another.

Now, since I know some of you are wondering. For each of us, what "playing it safe" looks like will be different. What you need to do is look at what God is calling you to do vs. what you feel comfortable doing. For some, playing it safe is church hopping so you never have to connect and serve with a family. For others it might be a pew sitter and slipping out early every Sunday, for others it may be staying somewhere if God is calling you elsewhere...missions, full time church staff, or in my case volunteering with a church plant.

The fact is, God is calling us to follow him. For many years, I did that half-hearted. I kinda did, but also kinda did what felt safe. As a result Satan did not see me as a threat and left me alone. He may be thinking the same of you. However, once you start following God's calling for your life, Satan will become concerned...and I assure you he will come a knocking!

Let me leave you with this: Are you where God is calling you to be? If not, let me encourage you to find out what/where that is and do it! No matter the attacks, God will get you through! Trust me...I am in it right now!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. This week, I found a great illustration that I think we all fall victim to sometimes. Watch and be changed!

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!

Great Ham Sandwich

Today, I was home alone for lunch, so I decided to make a ham sandwich. It wasn't anything spectacular, or made any different then last time. Yet, for some reason today's ham sandwich was extra delicious.

Was it the fact that I toasted the bread a bit longer? Was it the second slice of cheese? Did I put a bit more mayonnaise then usual? Perhaps it was a little extra ham? Maybe it was the type of ham?

I am not really sure. It could have been the whole package, all I know is that it was one great sandwich!

While I was enjoying this great sandwich I got to thinking about the church. What is it that makes a good service into a great service? Is it the music? Is it the preaching? Is it the greeters? Is it the hearts of the people?

Aside from the almighty God doing his thing, do you know what ingredients are making your services great? More importantly, are you thinking about it? If you are not, I know the people visiting your church are!

Sit back and take a look at a good service and great service. What is different between them? If you figure that out, you will have one delicious ham sandwich!

What a weekend!

I thought I would quickly give you an update on our life. We had a really busy weekend, which I imagine is a sign of things to come now that we are part of a church plant.

So briefly, here is how we spent our weekend:

• Friday Night - 3 hour meeting with Hazenbergs to receive Equip Leadership Training. After all, we are late to the party!


• Saturday Morning - Jordan's belt test in Oakdale - (Yes, he passed with flying colors...he is now a yellow belt)


• Saturday Afternoon- Lunch/Swimming at my Dad's for his birthday.


• Saturday Evening - Dinner/Games with some new friends. Love building relationships!


• Sunday AM - Set-up church, have church, tear down church (So that's what they mean when they say portable church is hectic!)


• Sunday Lunch - Invited a family (of 6) to our house for lunch and hanging out. (Still Love building relationships!)


• Sunday Afternoon - Men's BBQ and planning meeting. (Big hamburgers! Yum!)


• Sunday Evening - Back to Hazenbergs for membership class training.

That pretty much sums up my weekend. Oh yeah, I even slipped in a 45 min nap on Sunday. I am not sure how, but I did. So, that is our new life for awhile. I am sure it will slow down here and there, but since I start ref'n soccer this Saturday, I will have plenty of stuff to fill my week!

Hope your weekend was less eventful!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. This week, I found a great illustration that I think we all fall victim to sometimes. Watch and be changed!

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!

Top 100

Well, the list of the Top 100 Church blogs came out last Friday. I surely expected to see my name on the list, but alas, no such luck! Maybe next year!
(Note- that is humor, I would never expect my name on the list, I can't believe you actually thought I was serious.)

Nonetheless, if you are a blog reader or love to read, check out the list of who most people are reading. I quickly spotted 10 or more that I have in my reader...and a few I am going to add.

Do you spot anyone you follow?

Check out the list here: Church Relevance.com

Lunch Meeting

This last Tuesday I had a very interesting and uplifting lunch. I met a guy for lunch that comes from a denominational background, far different from what I am used to.

We were able to talk for almost 3 hours over lunch. During which time we talked about quite a few things. One of those things was what we believe and why.

As we were discussing many topics, such as, gifts of the Spirit, "Once saved always saved", and other "controversial" theological topics, I began to realize something about my walk. A lot of what I believed, was not based on my own understanding, but rather my indoctrination by the first churches I attended as a Christian.

Before you get concerned that I drank the kool-aide and will be shaving my head...oops half way there already! I didn't suddenly change who I am and what I believe. However, I am truly questioning why I believe what I believe. Let me explain.

I am not questioning fundamental Christianity. I definitely believe in Jesus and what he did for me on the cross. I am referring to those beliefs that differ between denominations, and even church to church. Does God still perform miracles today? Are there gifts of the Spirit today? Once saved, always saved or can you loose your salvation? These are all questions (and many more) that I have answers for. I am simply asking myself, now, where did these answers come from? Will I change what I believe? Maybe...Maybe not? However, it has prompted me to study those things for myself.

Let me encourage you to do the same. What do you believe? Why? I certainly am not telling you to question your Pastor or church leadership. However, as Christians, I think it is our obligation (and no one else) to study for ourselves to develop the beliefs that we are going to follow.

Crack open that Bible!

Birthday Thoughts

Well, yesterday I celebrated my birthday. Nothing special, no milestone. A whopping 38 years old. Not even half a century yet.

I have been reflecting about it most of today and just wanted to share some random thoughts about it:

• I received more "Happy Birthdays" this year then ever...because of Facebook.
• The more birthdays I have, the less I want to celebrate them.
• The more birthdays I have, the more tired I feel.
• The more birthdays I have, the more I realize how little I know.
• The more birthdays I have, the faster time flies.
• More than ever, I wish I had followed my dreams and not "played it safe".
• I am grateful for the wonderful friends I have in my life.
• I spend way to much time twittering. (The social media not body)
• I have a wonderful family!

Here's to at least another 38!

Funny Friday Fun

Every Friday I post a video that is funny or fun or just plain enjoyable to watch. This week, I found a great illustration that I think we all fall victim to sometimes. Watch and be changed!

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!

Introductions

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, Autumn and I have left New Life to join a church plant. I wanted to take a few minutes and introduce you to our new church.

We have joined the ranks of Equip Church of Turlock. The church is pastored by Greg and Sandy Hazenberg. We are excited to have joined the ranks of some great, Godly, people.

Let me introduce you to this great team:

Far Left, Greg and Sandy Hazenberg (Senior Pastor)

Middle Left, Loraine Swart (Archivist)

Middle Right, Josh and Monica Kemper (Youth Pastor)

Far Right, Dick and Mary Prichard (Christian Education Director, Assimilation Director)

Recently, Sandy mentioned here, Equip was blessed with the addition of Dan and Audra Coburn and family. They will be working to develop the Worship Ministries.

Autumn and I have no clue exactly where we fit in to the Equip puzzle. We are excited with what God is doing at Equip and can't wait to begin serving the team. As Autumn and I begin to move forward, and growing with the team, I am sure there will be a lot more posts about what God is doing at Equip.

For now, though, you have met the team that we honored to join. Say "Hi" the next time you see them!

A Great Line

As I mentioned here on Monday, I have been spending a lot of time focusing on prayer lately. This has been a good thing, as prayer has always been an area of struggle in my life. I have never been a "prayer warrior".

Recently, I began reading a book called Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. The leadership of Equip Church is reading through this book together. In it,there was a line that keeps coming back to me day after day. It goes like this:

Why would He [God] send anyone there [Heaven] who doesn't long for Him passionately here on Earth?

Now, let's not read into the quote, or tear it apart doctrinally. I simply want the meaning of that to sink in for a minute. Re-read it again. As I read it, I basically heard "We live our life here on Earth, never longing to talk to or be with God, but yet when we get to Heaven we expect Him to let us in because of that "one time" when we "accepted" Christ in our heart.

Let me make it clear, I am not questioning your spirituality, or the realism of your relationship with Christ. As I reflected on that statement, I sat back and realized just how selfish our walk with God can be. We portion God off so He only has access to what we want to give Him, but yet we expect Him to do so much in our lives.

This statement pours into my heart everyday as I think about the relationship I thought I had with Christ; that I realize just how selfish my relationship really was. I truly want to seek God, passionately, and spend time with Him everyday, for no other reason than to just be with Him. I pray that I reach that point where God can't wait for me to get to Heaven, because we spent so much time together, passionately, here on Earth.

How about you?