Escape 08

This Sunday 35 students and sponsors will be heading down to Bourbon, Missouri to go camping and canoeing.  The plan is to "escape" from some of the pressures, worries and noises in our life and to just be still.  My hope is that we all catch a small glimpse of the Creator of the Universe.  What about you?  How do you escape from some of the noises in your life? I would encourage you to slow down...I don't do this very good!  It is hard for me not to be on the computer or texting or watching tv, etc.  I have to be extremely intentional to slow down and begin to listen for the voice of God.  I pray that as we go and "escape" to Bourbon, that you to may "escape" for even a small amount of time.

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Don't forget that your Embrace 09 deposits of $75 are due this Sunday!

Reaching the Left From the Right

Just finished reading a book that someone in my church recommended to me called, "Reaching the Left From the Right," by Barbara Curtis.  She does a great job of taking some of the social issues of today and looks at them not from the left or the right but from what is really behind these issues.  I have also felt very strongly for a long time that it wasn't good enough to say you are Pro-Life but how was your life reflecting you were Pro-Life.  How are we supporting young mothers who have gotten pregnant unexpectedly?  What are we doing to help those children who are in foster care?  How are we helping those financially that want to adopt?  I am realizing more and more that God is a God of action...not just word!  Mrs. Curtis really challenged me on these subjects to really understand why I do or do not support something of today's social issues and how is my life reflecting what I believe.  

Worlds Largest Ice Cream Social

Don't miss the 7th annual world's largest ice cream social at participating cold stones nationwide. They will be giving away free ice cream tonight from 5 pm to 8 pm with all donations going to the make a wish foundation. Free Ice Cream...Kenedee and I are there!

Jesus is a Friend of Mine remix with Crowder

Not quite as funny as the original but everyone loves Jesus is My Friend.

Student Leadership Team Meeting

Don't forget about our Student Leadership Team (SLT) information meeting this Sunday September 21st at 9 am. Come to this meeting and find out what expectations and requirements there are to be a part of the SLT. This is a great opportunity to use your gifts and serve in our student ministry department.

Jesus Is My Friend by Sonseed

Ummmm....don't know what to say or even think. All I can really say is I am glad "Christian" music has come a long way!

Quick Question #2

I am really excited about college football on the weekends, but I want to know what show you are excited about this fall.

half marathon + hurrican ike= 10 miles

Well the time came for the half marathon and with it came what remained of Hurricane Ike!  After waiting in the wind and rain for 45 minutes for the race to begin, the gun finally sounded and we happily took off.  After finishing mile 8, I noticed a change in the course.  To make a long and sad story short, they had to shorten the race to only 10 miles because some of the course was flooded!  

Have you ever worked really hard for something and it not turn out like you wanted or hoped it would?  What was your response?  I have to admit I was extremely disappointed in how the race turned out.  I trained for 12 weeks for this one morning and because of certain circumstances, it wasn't what I expected.  I am learning in life that things don't always end up like we want them to, however we have the choice how we will respond.  We can either learn from those experiences and move on or continue to dwell on the past.  I am choosing to move on from those events and this race is just a small picture of how life works out sometimes.  Can you move on and learn from your past?  May you choose to live today and allow your past to be the past.

Almost time for the 13.1

Yesterday after spending the day with my family, I decided I should probably go on my final run before the half marathon on Sunday.  I set off on my 3.5 mile run and as I finished the last mile I began to reflect on how far I have come the last 12 weeks.  My first run of the training process was only 2 miles and it took me 20 minutes and I felt it when I finished that day.  I ran the 3.5 yesterday in 26 minutes and felt great.  I have now ran almost 200 miles (Sunday will put me over 200.)  It's been a great journey and it has gotten easier and easier the longer I have been training, but I haven't taken my eyes off of what I set out to accomplish.

This has also been a great spiritual experience for me.  It has given me a lot of time to reflect on where I am on my journey with him.  Just like I have come a long ways in my running, I have also come a long ways in my relationship with him.  However, I am not where I want to be and I am still on the race with him.  I am keeping my eye's on the goal!  Where are you on your journey?  Do you understand it is a daily process that God is renewing and transforming you?  Have you even started on this journey?  I am thankful that God has now been on this journey with me for about 12 years!  Pursue him because he is and has been pursuing you.

*I am feeling good about Sunday, not really worried.  However, during my 12 mile run 2 weeks ago I got a huge blister just below my ankle bone on my right foot.  You can actually see a blood stain on my shoe.  It has not really healed!  Pray that it does OK Sunday!  I will be posting again Sunday about my experience.

Quick Question #1

Good Day

We had a great family day yesterday!  Go read about it here.  This is also my favorite time of year; Oklahoma Sooners football,  bringing out my hoodies, and Pumpkin Spice at starbucks...what could be better.  What are you looking forward to right now?

Priorities

Being a youth pastor, I sometimes have weird hours that I have to work.  Unfortunately, my family is the one that has to suffer sometimes.  However,  I get to take a day off each week and on that day I turn off my phone, don't check email and commit all of myself to them.  I am trying really hard to keep my priorities in check.  I do all I can to keep God number one in my life followed by my family and then my job.  Whenever those things get out of order all of those relationship suffer.  I must keep the important things first and the rest will follow in order.  I am learning to say NO!  

How are your priorities?  What is getting in the way of your relationship with Jesus?  Your job, your friends, your hobbies, an addiction, etc.  I hope that you will evaluate your life today and do what you need to do to get back on track.