The Griffin

One of the young men in my student ministry has started a blog. Check out the new blog from the sensational David Griffin. I will also add him to my links.

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Today was the first day that my wife and I subbed on the same campus. Ithought it was pretty cool to know that just down the hall a ways my wife was teaching Music Theory and Music History while I was teaching French I and II! I know, I know-little things make me happy. I just think it's cool. We do it again tomorrow, but this time we get to wear jeans!

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I gotta run. We are having an Elders/Ministers meeting in a few. I will be back soon.

You Might Be A Member Of The Church Of Christ IF...

This is just too humorous to pass up. Those of you that have been in the Church of Christ for a while will have quite a chuckle when you read this.

You Might Be A Member Of The Church Of Christ IF...

you know exactly what song I'm talking about when I ask you to turn to number 728b.

you could recite all the books of the Bible before you could even read them.

you know the first and third verse of nearly every song.

you actually know what a "ready recollection" is and have been thoroughly "guide-guard-and-directed" all your life. (If you're really a member, you know that "guide-guard-and-directed" must be followed by "and-bring-us-back-at-the-next-appointed-time.")

you can actually read shape notes.

you recognize any of these ministers by first name alone: Landon,Reuel, Prentice, Rubel, Norvel, Flavil, Furman or Batsell.

you think your chosen pew is "sacred" and no one else should sit in your spot.

you think the Bible questions on Jeopardy are way too easy.

you decide which Bible translation to use based on how Acts 2:38 reads.

you immediately reach for your wallet when you hear the phrase, "Now, separate and apart from the Lord's Supper"

you know all the words to all the verses of Trust and Obey.

you've ever ridden a JOY bus. (And, of course, you know that JOY stands for "Jesus" first, "Others" second and "Yourself" last.)

when you're happy and you know it, you clap your hands, stomp your feet and shout "Amen!"

you've ever wondered who Ebon Pinion was.

you've been to a wedding or a funeral where "the invitation" was offered.

you've stood for 13 verses of Just As I Am with the last stanza sung softly.

Brownie Points

Keep those emails coming. Boy, there are many highly literate people out there reading this blog. I had better step things up a notch! Arika, you are the winner with the first correct definition. I give to thee these much coveted brownie points.

Fun Bumper Sticker

Brownie Points to the first person that gives me the definition of this one. Ready? Here it is:

"Eschew Obfuscation."

What do you think?

Strawberry Fields Forever

I had a wonderful time at the youth ministry seminar this past Saturday morning. The topic was on point. I believe the speaker hit the nail on the head in that we need to reignite the passion in our ministry to youth. Even though they may not seem to care about anything, every teen and tween that we, as youth leaders, work with have a great passion for something. The key is for youth ministers and youth helpers to take that passion and direct it toward a deeper, fuller, more meaningful life in Jesus Christ.

It can happen! Here are some important things that I gleaned from The Core Seminar to remember when in the process of rekindling powerful passion in youth:

1) Anchor your ministry in the truth of scripture.
This is the most important. God'd Word is the only life manual we have. It cannot be
changed to fit our wants. We must never water down the Word while changing
methodologies of teaching it.

2) Be there in the community.
We must be willing to go to the schools, support the group in their various extracurricular
activities, be in their homes and truly be a part of their community.

3) Be willing to be uncomfortable.
Change is never easy for anybody. Neither is living a life of daily sacrifice. God never
intended for our walk in this life to be a rosy cakewalk full of health and wealth. He also
does not want us to get stuck in a rut doing things the way we like to do them. Being a
disciple of Christ is so much more than that. It is a daily death to ourselves and our
desires. Being uncomfortable stretches us and breaks us out of status-quo thinking.

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Saturday evening I went out to the Sweetberry Farm where a couple of the teens in my youth group work. I had a neat time watching them in action as they cut and reattached busted water lines. David and Josh were really cool for taking time out to show me around and help me pick some strawberries for my wife. I also was able to test the strawberry-pecan ice cream that they make on site. Thank you guys for everything. I will be back soon to pick, sing and shoot the breeze with my sweetie in tow.

Weekend

This weekend Elizabeth is away for a Spiritual Spa in Kerrville with other ladies from the congregation. I pray that it serves as a time for renewal and growth for all of them.

Tomorrow I leave for the fair city of Austin for a Youth Ministry Seminar/Workshop. It will help me further my education in working with teens and tweens. I look forward to my time tomorrow. I will tell you more when I return. I may even have my sweetie post a blog about her time.

Bruce Almighty

We talked last night in class about Bruce Almighty and his main problem. He blamed all of his pain and suffering on a distant, uncaring God. Before being schooled by God on the big picture, Bruce believed that God was either ignorant to the needs of his people or too immature to bring something better for the less fortunate. He blamed God.

Isn't that what we do sometimes? Blame God?

There is many a former Christian that has become so disenchanted with a God that caused or allowed all of the pain and suffering in this world, that they leave everything they grew up believing.

But is God really to blame?

I believe that the answer to that is a resounding NO! I believe that suffering comes from living in a fallen world. I submit to you that the world we see today and the world that God created are not the same.

Why?

Because a nasty little thing called sin entered the picture and changed the world.

Because humans are given the free will and many make horrible choices that hurt their fellow man.

Because Satan and his minions jump at every chance to see us miserable.

That's why.

God is here, though. He does look on to see how we are dealing with it all. And ultimately, He helps us and guides us through His son, Jesus Christ and His Spirit that indwells us. He always makes a way when there seems to be no way. He is so good at that!

A Javelina For Jim

Here is the pic of the Javelina that I blogged about earlier. Jim, here it is so you can stop picking on me!

What In The World Is A Javelina?

Have you ever heard of a Javelina? Me neither!

I first happened upon this strange creature when holding a devo at the home of Chris and Julie Bridges the Sunday evening before last. Not that I saw one close up, but I saw pictures and the cleaned out skull of one that had been hunted down by a member of the family. Turns out that the Bridges family are avid hunters and this peculiar Javelina is one of the animals on their list.

In further research, I found this: The word Javelina is Spanish for spear. They are so named for their spear-like teeth. Common in the southern Texas area, the Javelina can weigh up to 60 pounds. Besides being one of the ugliest creatures in the known world, they also have built-in musk/scent bags that emit a horrible odor. They are not of the pig family, though. Many believe them to be of the rodent persuasion. On top of all of that, they cannot see very well.

When Blogger will allow me, I will add a picture for those of you who have never seen one of these animals.

Quote Of The Day

"When we do what God wants us to do, we are blessed, we are spiritually healthy. God wants us to give a portion of our money to His work on earth. By setting aside money from every check, you are trusting God to provide. He wants you to get over that fear-that fear of trusting Him. It is a scary place, but that is where you have to go as a follower of Christ." - Donald Miller

The Emasculation of Jimmy

I have seen it creeping up ever closer. But, it hit me hard in the face Thursday evening. Elizabeth laid me down in the living room floor and gave me a facial (with complete exfoliant, moisturizer, mask, anti-wrinkle serum and scalp massage) with Berlioz' Symphonie Fantastique playing softly in the background. As if that were not enough, I found myself later watching TLC's What Not To Underwear with her.

What has happened to me? Who am I? Where am I? Have I been abducted by aliens and transformed into a softer version of myself?

Well, I could not just sit back and let the change occur without a fight. So, the very next day I took Elizabeth to the gym and we hit it hard! We lifted heavy weights! We punched and kicked on the punching bag!! And we worked the speed bag over and over again!!! After that I felt back to my ole self again.

Who would have thought that this was in their future when they said I DO? The life of a married man is filled with strange and exciting new things. There is never a dull moment.

Motivational

Last night the girls were treated to a motivational/inspirational lesson from Llano native Laci Leifeste. She has recently been named Woman of the Year at the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was a privilege for the young ladies to learn of her struggles and ultimate triumphs through Jesus. Thank you, Laci, for coming to share with the girls and young ladies.

While they were talking about the common struggles that girls face, the young men and the boys sat in the small fellowship hall and discussed the predominant struggle that adolescent boys encounter. We were honest and frank in our approach to the subject. The time spent in prayer, song and devotion was special.

All in all, last night proved to be a great time to learn more about God's will for our lives when we face the trials of this journey.

Verse Of The Day

"Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as a seal upon your arm;
for love is as strong as death,
its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
It burns like blazing fire,
like a mighty flame.
Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot wash it away.
If one were to give all the wealth
of his house for love,
it would be utterly scorned."
(Song of Solomon 8:6-7)

Sweet Pea Is Coming!

I leave this afternoon to pick up my sweet wife from the Austin airport. I am so happy that she is coming home today. I just don't think that we could take another day without. Ok, I will honor my friends request that I do not get too sappy. Oh, I just can't help it! My days and nights are not the same without her-they lack energy, color and the joy of seeing her sweet, smiling face. Where would I be without Elizabeth to comfort me when I am sad, encourage me when I am frustrated, pick me up when I am down and just make me feel great to be in marital bliss? I would be lost, that's where! I could go on, but I will save it to tell her when she flies in tonight.

Debt and Sweat

Last night the youth group met over at the home fo Chris and Julie Bridges for a devotional. (Thank you, Bridges family, for hosting!! Clayton, I hope you recover quickly from your surgery.) In our devotional, we looked at Matthew 6:19-24. In this passage, Jesus talks about where our true possessions and treasures, as Christians, should be. Not here on earth, but in heaven.

I told them briefly about how I used to spend, spend and then spend some more. How stuff (gadgets, gizmos, etc) seemed to take up my life all the while obstructing my view to what was really important: Jesus and His Kingdom! And at the same time how the monster of debt crept in. Scary thing, materialism is.

We looked at ways to remedy the desire to acquire stuff. Richard J. Foster has a lot to say about this in his chapter on simplicity from the great Christian Classic, Celebration of Discipline. Here are 5 points that I spoke on from that chapter:

"1. Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status.

2. Develop a habit of giving things away.

3. Learn to enjoy things without owning them.

4. Look with a healthy skepticism at all "buy now, pay later" schemes.

5. Shun anything that distracts you from seeking first the kingdom of God."

FCA and Bachelors

I spoke for the FCA today at the Marble Falls Middle School. I was able to talk to 3 different groups that came through during lunch time. Each group was composed of about 45 kids. Starting with 8th grade and ending up with 6th grade, I sure had my work cut out for me. I thought that my chances were slim in keeping their attention for 20 minutes while they ate lunch, but I was pleasantly surprised that they were all ears. God works in mysterious ways!!

I am so excited that I am able to be involved with the school system here. I love to be in the middle of community! The youth around here are looking for something to fill the void and they seem to be pretty receptive thus far.

Pray for ole lonesome me as Elizabeth is traveling back to AR with Mandy G and the girls. She will be checking the house back in the Village and spending some time with her mom in Conway. Looks like I am a bachelor once again. At least mine will be coming back on Tuesday. Jim will be alone 'til a week from this Sunday. Keep us in mind as we will be pretty lonely.

It's All About Perspective

Last night's class was for me as well as the youth group. We talked about the inevitability of
having bad days and what we could do when they came our way. One of the solutions was to look at examples in the Bible and how they dealt.

The first example was the prophet Ezekiel. Besides laying on his side for a ridiculous amount of time (430 days to be precise), God told him to eat bread baked over human excrement. God also took his wife and told him not to mourn her death. All of these were for symbolic reasons, but talk about having some bad days!!

We then talked about Job. Lost his wealth. Lost his health. His kids die. His wife tells him to 'curse God and die!' Really ugly, if you ask me.

But after all of that, what did these men do? Did they throw in the towel and turn their backs on God?

No! They continued to seek His will and lean on Him as their main source of strength.

Amazing.

I think we all can learn a lesson or two from these men of old. It really knocks me back into reality and I see that I don't have it so bad after all.

Life is pretty good to me.

If only I would do as they do and lean on my heavenly Father for strength and support, then I would rest assured in the knowledge that 'everything is going to work together for good with my life because I love Him and I am called to live in His will.' (Romans 8:28-loosely paraphrased)

Had A Bad Day

I thought it only appropriate to use Carlson's quote yesterday. For me as well as many others. Yesterday just turned out to be a frustrating day. Have you ever just wanted something to go one way and it completely did not? That was yesterday.

A few things at the office did not go the way I planned. And I thought that was the end of it.

My colleague's wife ran into some trouble with a very nasty DPS worker. Then I thought it was over.

I spoke with my sister over the phone. The whole family is worried about the future. They are struggling with change and a possible move.

But, when I talked to my wife on the phone, she was upset and near tears. I went home to talk with her and be there for her. Everything is okay. It was just a case of the blues.

Yesterday did not go the way I wanted. It did not go the way many wanted.

And I found myself constantly on the verge of losing my patience.

However, I picked up Richard Carlson's Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (And It's All Small Stuff) and began to read. The book hit home and helped me and my Sweetie deal and cope.

That brings me to some song lyrics that have been playing over and over in my head:

'God will make a way
When there seems to be no way
He works in ways
We cannot see
He will make a way for me

He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength
For each new day
He will make a way
He will make a way'

Quote Of The Day

"The quality of patience goes a long way toward your goal of creating a more peaceful and loving self. The more patient you are, the more accepting you will be of what is, rather than insisting that life be exactly as you would like it to be. Without patience, life is extremely frustrating. You are easily annoyed, bothered and irritated. Patience adds a dimension of ease and acceptance to your life. It's essential for inner peace." - Richard Carlson

Saturday

Saturday morning, Elizabeth and I were able to help out with Track and Field over at the Marble Falls High School. We were originally slated, by the inimitable Coach Kyle Futrell, to be pickers but we wound up being hurdle-putter-outers/straighteners/picker-uppers (those being the technical terms-lol). We had a great time spending the morning there with the teens and other members of the church family helping out. It was fun to watch all of the different events: Hurdles, Pole Vault, Long Jump and, of course, all the races.

After spending 3 and a half hours of watching young, lean and muscular bodies in action, we left feeling quite out of shape and in desperate need of strenuous exercise. We slapped on some workout clothes and headed for the gym. 4 chest exercises and 6 miles of cardio later we left in good spirits and a feeling of accomplishment.

Then, we headed over to the Youth House to clean it up in the aftermath of the Marriage Matters seminar. Housing 50+ kids each night made it look like a tornado had been through there.

I had such a great time with my sweetie all day Saturday! It was an awesome day!

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Brooklyn, Ruey and McKayla have already weighed in with their thoughts. The rest of you in the Village-How did the Youth Guy work out yesterday?

Back To Work

Well, here I am back in the office. I have been here all day, but have been busy with meetings and preparation for Sunday. I went to lunch with JimG and then drove over to the Post Office to send in my tax forms. Whew!! That is out of the way!

I feel a little better today, but I am still puny.

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This next segment is for those of you from the Village and surrounding areas.

How are you doing out there, Chae? I see that you have been checking in on my blogsite. I miss you. I hope that Harding University is treating you well.

Mike, Jeff and families: Please know that we all are praying fervently for you during this time of pain. We love you all.

McKayla and Ruey-hang in there. God will make a way when there seems to be no way. Hey, that should be a song...

Steph, I know that you and Jeffrey have made great friends in Iowa by now.

Courtney, I am praying for you and for Mimi Land.

All the rest of you, I really don't know how things are in your lives, but I keep you in my prayers. You can always email me.

Oh, I can't wait to know how the Youth Guy works out this weekend.

I love and miss you all and I hope that you are leaning on each other in this time of transition. Keep in touch.

I am sorry that the blogs have been small and few. I have been a little under the weather lately, all the while working this Marriage Matters seminar. Pretty much making sure that all of the 50+ children(ages starting at 2) were watched while the parents were in the auditorium. I was feeling so bad today that I took a 3 and a half hour nap when I got home from subbing at the school. I think I have the crud.

Thanks go out to all of those that signed up to help me. You will all be pleasantly rewarded. Berrilyn, you are a saint! Elizabeth and I could not have done it without you.

Speaking of the seminar, I want to say that Jerry and Lynn Jones are amazing people. They used just the right amount of facts, humor and Biblically based material while conveying the message of living in a marital relationship for a lifetime. Elizabeth and I were so happy to be a part of something great. Every night we would go home and talk about everything that we had learned that night. What a blessing this has been for all of us in this community!

I will blog again in the morning. I hope that I feel better than I do today.

Lyrics Of The Day

"Jesus, let us come to know You.
Let us see You face to face
Touch us, hold us,
Use us, mold us;
Only let us live in You.
Jesus, draw us ever nearer;
Hold us in Your loving arms.
Wrap us in Your gentle presence,
When the end comes, bring us home."