Turkey Day...

Happy Thanksgiving. Hope you're enjoying some decent time with family or friends.

I'm lacking the energy and creativity to do anything substantial here, so I'll just give you a little update.

• I've been listening to 2 albums regularly lately. Hope Rising by Fee and Church Music by David Crowder*Band. Both are worth buying.
  
• Preached about surrendering to Jesus in church yesterday.
• Erin baptized one of our high school girls during the service. She's scared to death of crowds and public speaking, she surrendered and went through with it.
  
• So cool to see a pile of paper at the foot of the cross representing the things people were surrendering to Jesus.
• Went out to play photographer's assistant while Erin took family pictures for some friends.
• Got shot by an airsoft gun. (Thanks Cheryl, for gifting Erin with a firearm.)
• We went to a late showing of Couples Retreat. Not phenomenal, but kind of funny. It contains some interesting conversation starters about marriage and relationships.
• Eating turkey tonight with the upstairs neighbors (Erin's parents, in case you didn't know).
• Leading worship in church next week.
• Planning on playing some guitar today.
• Anticipating the David Crowder*Band concert next Sunday night.
  

Sigh...

This frustration has been brewing inside of me since they announced the current NHL schedule.

My Habs visit the area so rarely, and when they do they come on a Wednesday night?!?!

Here's hoping they can give those Canucks an 0-4 start to their season. It would sure be funny.

I just need to remember to record the game so I can watch it after youth tonight.

Too late to take it back...

Ever say something that you turned out to regret?

Last month I had a couple of middle schoolers ask to paint my face at our church kick off. I politely, but adamantly, declined for two reasons:

1. I was heading out to the golf course that afternoon and face paint makes golfers more angry than they already are.
2. I dislike face paint.

I made some comment that if they both showed up at our Tuesday middle school event together one week I would let them paint my face. Well, as it turns out they showed up tonight with a brand new package of face paints.

The repercussions? Three of us had our faces destroyed.

But I kept my word. That's got to be worth something, right?

Getting there...

I'm lined up to preach in the contemporary service at church this Sunday.

The topic is about being fully surrendered to Jesus. We're going to look at one of Jesus' more outrageous claims that a person must hate (yeah, we're not shying away from the ESV language that actually includes the word "hate") their family and their own life in order to be His disciple.

Crazy stuff from a human perspective. Hate my family? Uh...yeah...sure Jesus. What about all that love stuff that you talked about? How do you explain that?

I'll be the first to say that passages like this make me question my level of surrender to Jesus.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm wrestling with this sermon.

I know that too many of us (yours truly included) are happy with our plastic Jesus tucked away in our pockets where He can't really bother us. We'll pull Him out whenever it's convenient for us.

And I don't think that's an accurate working definition of being fully surrendered.

I'm praying that the words of this passage will push many out of their little "Jesus box" and that their eyes would be open to how He calls each of us to fully live for Him.

NYWC recap...

One week later, here's my notes from a talk that Shane Hipps gave at NYWC. It started out slow, but as he went on I found myself drawn in and challenged by what he said.

• Adam's first task was a creative project: naming the animals
• We are made to create, just like God creates
• Technology is representative of our God-given creative gifts
• Technology is inevitable
• Technology has an unintended consequence; it's not bad but it can do things that are bad
• The clock was originally invented to help people connect with God; now the clock connects us more to money than to God
• We need to be fully present here AND now
• The only thing that exists is this moment
• Face to face conversations are becoming more infrequent and awkward
• We are blinded to the power of physical presence in the world
• Be there. Be physically there.
• "Where two or more are gathered...": It's about presence.
• How do you communicate presence over email, Facebook, and Twitter?
• The incarnation shows us that presence is at the centre of Christian faith
• We need to periodically fast from technology
• The most meaningful transformation will happen, not online but within physical presence
• Practice what it means to be here and now
• Stop depriving the world of what it needs: the WHOLE you!

This completely resonates with me. I can get so caught up in technology that I forget to be present in the lives of others. I can get so caught up in planning and organizing and leading that I can often overlook the people right in front of me.

We've made some changes to our student ministry this year so we could work on teh very same principal: be present. We're calling it intentional proximity and we've asked all of our leaders to go out of their way to be present in the lives of our students.

It reminds me of a comment from Modern Family the other night. The one character, Jay, is asked what the key to being a good dad is. His closing thought was that "90% of being a dad is just showing up."

Are you showing up in the lives of those around you?

For my wife...

A random photo, about which I offer no context.

YM Confession #1...

I'm learning that I don't always do youth ministry right.

This is my confession:

Somewhere along the line I bought into the idea that a good youth ministry would put the Bible passage they were studying on a screen with a cool background so students could read along as you studied. I would read the verse(s) and they would read along on a screen or a handout, or sometimes just sit and listen.

Then this summer it dawned on us that maybe that wasn't the best approach. Maybe we should try to get them to actually bring their Bible and then encourage them to open their Bibles and read along.

Seems so simple, doesn't it?

And tonight I was reminded why we need to get students opening their Bibles when we study a passage. Most kids have no clue where to find anything. It takes some kids that have grown up with a Bible as much time to find a specific book, chapter and verse as it does the kids who have never had a Bible.

Sure, it's faster to put it on a screen. It saves 3-4 minutes of "where is that" and "what book" and "what page number" and "huh" types of questions. It's way less awkward to just have someone double click the mouse. It's less chaotic to have everyone trying to find Bibles that have been pushed under couches or left hidden under jackets. But it isn't doing the students any favors.

By taking the time to find a book, chapter and verse, they are learning. They start to become familiar with what a Bible looks like, how it's organized, and where they can find certain books. It's a teaching moment within a teaching moment.

Do your students a favor and ditch the screen for an actual Bible.

No more summer...

Arriving back in Abbotsford late last night (actually, this morning) after being in LA for the weekend was kind of like getting slapped in the face with a cold, wet, dead fish after spending a weekend not getting hit in the face with a cold, wet, dead fish.

(I was never really good at analogies.)

It's cold, wet and cloudy here. It wasn't in LA. (Smoggy, yes. But 30+ degree weather usually burns that off.)

I originally hoped to do a little more blogging from the NYWC, but I got sidetracked by spending time with my wife and processing all that I was taking in.

In the weekend I was challenged, irritated, encouraged, overjoyed, amused, entertained, taught, bored, tired, excited and emotional. The marks of a good weekend where my heart and mind were fully engaged.

It was a weekend where I didn't feel out of place because of what I do.

A weekend where I was reminded to keep doing what I do.

A weekend surrounded by others who get it.

A weekend where I didn't feel too old or too young.

A weekend I love to be part of.

And now it's back to the cold and the wet. But I'm not bummed about it. I'm excited. I'm looking forward to diving back into the mix with my leaders, my students and my church. (Well...actually Jesus' church, but you know what I mean.)

So, a heartfelt thank-you to the crew at Youth Specialties. These weekends are a highlight of my year and I am grateful for how God has worked in my life through these times.

If you've never been and you work with students, just go. Next year: Nashville.

NYWC (day #1)...

The alarm started buzzing this morning at 3:30am.

That's stupid early and I am so tired.

But I get to spend the weekend with a beautiful woman while taking in some warm weather, listening to music, listening to people talk about a subject I love: student ministry.

In an unrelated note, hotels charge way too much to get online. If I am spending this much money to stay in a hotel, I should get free internet. I guess I should be happy with free valet parking, but I must be too demanding.

Sunday review...

Just a blur of a day today, but it was great.

• Surprised by 15 bodies in our new Sunday morning early morning...uh..."Sunday school"...class. It was suggested we call it Tangent because we're always on one.
• The traditional & contemporary services officially kicked off. I can't comment on the traditional because of being at the Tangent class, but Jamie (young adults pastor) knocked the preaching out of the park in the later service. A friend of mine, Brennan, co-led worship (a brand new experience for him in this setting) and he hit it out of the park. All our volunteers were cruising in their jobs. The energy and enthusiasm was great. And I think the whole theme set a tone for what we want to come. We want to be a church that is serious about people following Jesus and not just playing around with a plastic Jesus.
• Had lunch with the previously mentioned friend while my kids ripped around the McDonald's playland.
• Watched the Manchester derby. Oh. My. Goodness. Epic game, or what?!?! I'd be proud to wear Michael Owen's name and #7 on my next United shirt any day.
• Got a little grocery shopping done.
• Gearing up for the official opening of our new youth room on Tuesday night with our new middle school ministry.
• Counting down the days until NYWC in LA.
• Eagerly awaiting the new David Crowder*Band album. I hope it doesn't take 2 weeks to get my pre-order.

How was your day?

Ready and almost ready...

The ready?

The renovations at the church are pretty much complete. The rehearsals are almost finished. People have been recruited. Signs have been printed. And starting this Sunday we launch into 2 services. I'm stoked. I think this has the potential to be a very good thing for our church.

The almost ready?

We had our youth kick off on Wednesday. A great turnout of old faces combined with new faces. We explained some of the changes for the upcoming year and we all headed over to our new youth room pray over it. Now we're painting and moving furniture and setting up sound equipment. It should be ready to go by Tuesday.

But it's been a long week that had a few...uh...moments of...uh...stress. Yeah...stress.

So I'm taking an evening to hang out and watch some new TV.

And then it's back to painting tomorrow.

Almost ready.

Lots of ink...

Let the Crowder overwhelming continue.

Check out a new song by David Crowder*Band while watching a time lapse of them signing a pile of vinyl.

More DC*B...

I shall try to overwhelm you with all things Crowder this week.

Something big...

Saw this for the first time this weekend, and then I saw it on Los' site again this morning. I think it's cool and can't help but wonder how they got everyone on board to do this.

I think it's confirmation that we should all fear Oprah.

Vinyl Crowder...

This is one "Christian" band that I still get excited about when they release albums or go on tour. I've place my pre-order and have tickets for their October 18th stop here in Abby. Have you?

Start of the season...

My soccer team had its first official exhibition game of the season. Lots of new faces meant that we spent the first 15-20 minutes scrambling as we tried to figure out positions and how guys play.

We were 1 down in no time flat. when a ball didn't get cleared out of the box after a corner kick.

Then a little while later I got sent into the top left of the box with a through ball. I couldn't reach it, so I slid in and tried to chip it up with my left. And to my luck, the keeper was sliding out toward me and the ball just sailed over his head and into the net.

Then they scored. Then we scored. Then they scored. Then we scored.

Then I got free on a run and fired one in on goal but the keeper kicked out the save. As I chased down the ball I got taken down by their defender. He managed to connect with my inner thigh and my calf at the same time. It's was a brutal play that should have brought out a card, but the ref must have felt generous.

So it's 3-3, and after a quick break on the side I head back out on the field. Then I get sprung by another great through ball only to hear the whistle. Offside. What?!?! No where close to offside. The ref is apparently making the call from 40 yards away.

Then a minute later I pounce on a mistake by their keeper and a defender. I look up, see their keeper way off his line and figure it's worth a try from 35 yards. I hit it and it landed in the net.

Final, 4-3. Good start for the season, but I'm definitely feeling things now. I may be unable to walk tomorrow. And I think I need to start running, because I was sucking wind.

Good to be back on the pitch again.

Book #34...

Jesus Loves You This I Know
Craig Gross & Jason Harper

Who does Jesus love? Me? You?

Has the phrase "Jesus loves you" been stripped of all meaning?

This book was an excellent reminder that those words still have significance. Jesus loves you. And me. He loves the ones that don't fit. He loves the ones that do. He loves the ones with all the baggage and the ones who pretend they don't have any. He loves the broken and the jaded, the passionate and the boring. He loves the lost and the found.

Through a variety of first hand experiences, Craig and Jason share how they have come to believe that Jesus loves everyone. The porn stars, the crooks, the drunks, the religious elite. Jesus loves them. And these two guys are willing to live that out, even when it gets difficult.

Having grown up in the church, and having been personally wounded in the past by those who claim to love Jesus, the hardest hitting chapter dealt with the fact that Jesus loves the "religious". You know...the fundamentalists. The ones who claim they know Jesus the best. The ones who's lives are often seem to be filled with the least love.

Yes, He loves them too. And by default, I am called to love them.

Yeah...I'm a work in progress.

This was a great book with a reminder that many of us need on a daily (or maybe hourly) basis. At least, I know I need it.

Buy the book.

Take the church challenge.

Get a free video.

Listen to this song.

Mess of Me...

New Switchfoot.

These guys sound good when they rock.

Fall Viewing...

We enjoy our TV watching around here, and it's always nice to see the return of some of our favorite shows each fall. I'm hoping this one turns out to be good:


What are you looking forward to watching?

Book # 33...

Kurt & Scott's Junior High Adventure
Kurt Johnston & Scott Rubin

This is a collection of Kurt's articles that have appeared in Group magazine over the years. (Kurt's the junior high pastor at Saddleback, and he's being doing this a long time. I've got a great deal of respect for guys like him & Scott.)

The only difference between the Group articles and this book is that Scott has gone through and added comments throughout the articles. It's a short read, but it's a great collection of resources for anyone who works with junior high students.

With the launch of our new middle school ministry night this fall, I was looking to get in the junior high/middle school head space, and as my friends will tell you, I don't have to stretch too far.

My only beef about this book was that the price was way too high for such a small book.

The Fixer...

Some random things:

I'm loving the new Pearl Jam song.

It's Thursday afternoon and I'm taking a break. I've had this weekend booked off for a while and it's my last chance to catch my breath before the fall routine settles in.

Our staff retreat at Kawkawa was productive and tiring. Tuesday had us working until 11:00pm. and Wednesday we were back at it at 8:00am. But we did find a few minutes for some beach volleyball and a quick swim in the lake (well, at least 4 of us did).

It's movie night tonight! I've got my $0.88 rental and looking forward to relaxing with my wife.

Erin has an interview for her school program today and I'm sure she'll do great.

I have a confession...I'm listening to the Black Eyed Peas right now.

My kids are currently trying to find a football in the neighbor's yard.

I'm scheduled to teach during two services this fall. The topics? Fully surrendering to Jesus. And porn.

I'm also doing some preliminary work on developing a church project for us to fight sexual exploitation and battle some injustice in our world. If you've got any ideas or want to help out, let me know.

I have a book waiting at the library that I'm looking forward to reading this weekend.

Staff Retreat...

Tomorrow our pastoral staff team is taking off for a 2 day retreat at Camp Kawkawa. We're doing some brainstorming and planning for our teaching schedule for the upcoming year and we're trying to get some service design done in four of our upcoming contemporary services.

Taking off with the staff for something like this is another new adventure for me, and I've never been a part of a massive planning process like this in my 9 years of full time ministry, but I'm super stoked for it.

I love the creative process and the idea of asking "what about..." and "what if..." and seeing where God leads us is something I'm looking forward to.

I love watching how the ideas are birthed and how they grow and morph.

I love seeing a team come up with an idea that is bigger than what any one individual could have come up with.

And I love the fact that we can just dream and talk and see where it leads.

You'll have to let is know this fall how it all turns out.

Book #32...

I've been falling behind on my reading lately. The TV and sleep have been winning out on a regular basis, and that's not necessarily good for me. Well, maybe the sleep is. The TV definitely isn't.

The Scarecrow
Michael Connelly

I'm lacking the energy to actually write a review. I tried this book after seeing it on a bestsellers list. And I enjoyed reading it. Simple as that.

It's official...

We made a fairly significant change to our student ministry schedule for the fall. We're adding a Tuesday night event just for our grade 7 & 8 students. Our Wednesday night stays the same for our high school crowd.

But there's another exciting piece of information that got the official thumbs up on Thursday night.

But I'm not going to spill the beans yet.

I'll keep you posted as things develop. But I think it will be a great improvement for our student ministry.

Wheels...

With Erin starting school this fall in Coquitlam we were in a place where we knew a second car would certainly be helpful. We've been able to make it with one car for a number of years, but it seems to get a little more chaotic each year that the kids get older.

So we started hunting during my vacation. I scoured Craigslist and BuyAndSell and Auto Trader. We drove around looking at car lots. We test drove used cars and new cars. We made phone calls and sent emails. We even put a deposit on one car, only to back out after doing some more homework.

But then along come two of the most generous friends a person could ever hope for. They offer to buy us a car. Uh...yeah. Their rationale? They know a pastoral salary isn't much and they know that we're trying to get Erin to school, so they felt like they were in a place where they could help out.

This was a humbling process for me. At first I struggled with it...a lot. I felt like it was an expense that I should be responsible for. It was something that I should do. People shouldn't be buying me cars. But the more that we talked about it, the more I felt God trying to get through to me.

His words: "Don't be an idiot. Accept the gift." (loose paraphrase)

So we accepted. And a week or so later we signed all the papers on this little gem.

Yes, it's baby blue.

Yes, it used to be owned by a teenage girl.

But it's got 4 wheels, and it runs pretty good.

And I am learning that sometimes it is harder to receive than it is to give.

I am humbled by the generosity of others.

Thank you my friends.

What I learned at summer camp...

Sure, I was only there for just over two years, but here's what I learned:

• Trying to learn everyone's camp names is confusing. During some prayer time last night before I left I was asking people their real name so I could pray for them. It felt like I was cheating.
  
• Remembering to use my own camp name is down right impossible.
  
• It's been 13 years since I have been on water skis or a wake board, but I can still stand up.
• My body responds much differently than it did 13 years ago after an afternoon of water skiing & tubing. I can hardly move today.
  
• Talking with a student about Jesus for an hour reminds me why I do what I do.
• I can't believe it's been 15-16 years since I last went to camp.

I'll award 10,000 points to anyone who can correctly guess my camp name.

Camp...

I've never been a "camp speaker" before. I'm currently trying to get the rest of my stuff together before I head out to Kawkawa for a couple of days to hang out with their senior high camp. I have NO idea what to expect.

But at least it's supposed to be sunny.

Midsummer Update...

A little bit of recap mixed with a little bit of looking ahead, here's my world in a nutshell (in no particular order):

• Got new (at least to us) wheels. It was a freebie from some AMAZING friends! I'll post some pics soon.
  
• Listening to Owl City
  
• Reading Looking Up by Michael J Fox
• Also reading Kurt & Scott's Junior High Adventure
• Gearing up for some student ministry changes for the fall. Stay tuned!
  
• Trying to get our events calendar and teaching schedule lined up.
  
• Gearing up for some Sunday morning service changes for fall.
• Celebrating 11 years with an amazing woman.
• Trying to fix my PC graphics card. Turns out I'll get a new one for free because of a recall.
• Awaiting the official start of a new EPL season.
• Heading out to speak at Camp Kawkawa for a couple of days early next week.
• Still washing and drying tents in my backyard.
• Preparing for the wedding of two of our friends that I'm residing over next weekend.
• Fixed a shower, even though I'm not entirely convinced that it's not leaking somewhere that I can't see.
• Heading out for a night on the town with some friends to watch some improv.
  

Squatch...

Anyone around here remember a band called Jesse James from the good ole Canadian Bible College days?

They had a song called Squatch. I think it was about the mascot for the now defunct Seattle SuperSonics.

This has no relevance to my post.

Anyways, we spent this past weekend at Sasquatch Provincial Park with some of our students and leaders. Unlike last year, it did not rain the entire weekend. But it did rain enough on the last night there that all our camping gear is soaked.

Said gear is now strewn all over my yard as I try to clean and dry the tents and tarps. This is the part they never train you for in Bible college.

Honest reflections...

I struggle with how I view myself. I find that I regularly battle the thoughts racing through my head that I'm not good enough. And it's not just the little things like I don't think I'm a good enough guitar player, it's the big ones. The ideas that I'm not a good enough husband, father, pastor.

So, I think it was very fitting that I picked up a copy of Jud Wilhite's "Eyes Wide Open" (book #31 of the year if you're keeping track).

When I got the book I was thinking I would just fly right through it, because it's not very long. But as I started reading I knew I had to spend some time processing because it was hitting close to home. I needed to not just read it....I needed to READ it.

Who am I?

What does God see in me?

How do I fully embrace who he created me to be?

How do I live that out on a daily basis?

I'll admit that I'm usually the first one to try and be something I'm not. I have a tendency to put on the masks so others don't see the real me. I tend to keep people at a distance for some reason.

I'm still trying to figure this all out. I'm not sure where I'll end up some days, but I'm thankful for a patient and loving group of family and friends that surround me.

I've got an extra copy of Jud's book on my shelf that I'd be happy to give away. Leave a comment that has something to do with how you view yourself (good, bad or ugly). I'll pick a random comment next Tuesday afternoon and send you the book.

Who am I...

I haven't blogged since last month?!?!

And I apparently give everyone else a hard time for not blogging. Maybe I should do a little self reflection?

With family, friends, youth, reading, guitar playing , tent cleaning and watching Whale Wars, I've found little time left over for anything else.

Oh, and I'm on the hunt for some new TV, so I'd love to hear your recommendations of what's good.

One message...

I know I've got a few preacher/teacher types around here.

I'm wondering if you had one talk, one shot, one chance (cue Eminem music), what would you say?

You pick the setting and the audience.

Book #30...

The Apostle
Brad Thor

It's kind of like reading an episode of 24 meets The Unit.

Decent summer read.

Unspeakable horrors...

This has been floating around for a while, but as a Taylor guitar owner who has always been nervous about taking a guitar on a flight, I felt I should share this.

No end in sight...

It's 36 degrees right now.

With the humidity it feels like 43.

Today I came home from the office and jumped in the pool with the kids.

Now I'm inside and cooking alive.

I love summer!

Have I got a deal for you...

So, we're on the hunt for another vehicle. With Erin starting classes this fall and with me not being able to bum rides off the interns (thanks Ryan & Josh!) I'm going to need some transportation.

So we've succeeded in driving back and forth across the Lower Mainland looking at car lots and haggling with sales people and scoping out websites to find something that works.

Today we got close with a VW. Then we had second thoughts.

Now we're back in the same place we were when we started: no car.

Young and stupid...

This made me chuckle.

How's your timing...

In Seattle there is a giant water thingy (more descriptive words evade me due to the late hour). It shoots water out randomly in all directions. So I did what any good father would do, I offered my kids $1 if they would run and touch the "globe" and then run back to me.

Their timing was pretty good, so I lost a couple of bucks.



Becca was the first one there and back.







Aidan took some convincing, but he eventually made it.







My timing was not so good. I clearly underestimated how much water was being spewed forth by this thing.






Erin's timing was ok on the first run, but then I convinced all of them to hold still a while longer so I could take a picture. The waited while I fiddled with the camera. And then the water cooperated.












In other words, I may have been out a couple of bucks, but I got the last laugh!

When the good stuff sucks...

Did you ever have one of those moments where you remember something being much better than it actually is later on in life?

You know, those times where you remember a TV show or movie being funny, only to find out later in life upon watching it again that it wasn't. Or that restaurant you once loved has become a complete and utter disappointment. Or that relative you thought was funny turns out not to be funny at all.

I experienced one of those moments last night. After spending the day at the Seattle zoo and attending a service at Mars Hill we headed for home. There's a new Carl's Jr so I was able to convince Erin (she hates the place) that we should stop (I think she loves me too much sometimes, because she lets me do things like this).

I ordered my jalapeño burger and my chili cheese fries and then settled in for what I was thinking would be a great meal.

Not so fast. In fact, I'd easily rank it as one of the worst meals I have ever eaten.

Soggy buns, bland chicken, terrible service, tasteless fries...shall I continue.

It was the first time in a long time that I actually didn't even finish my meal.

So, when was the last time you were disappointed by something you thought was going to be good?

Where did everyone go...

Is it just me, or does it seem like everyone is dropping off the blogosphere?

I've lost count of the sheer number of people who have either completely given up their blogging, or at the very least they have taken a summer break.

I say this with no disdain whatsoever. In fact I have a great level of respect for anyone who recognizes how they need to change priorities and then has the fortitude to follow through with it.

But I wonder if Twitter has not hastened the death of blogging?

I use my blogs to try and keep up with people, some who are close friends while others are minor celebrities. Now most of those people are using Twitter which means I fairly regularly hear about what they're up to. Which seems to do away with any need to blog, right?

Be honest, are you thinking of giving up blogging too?

Book #29...

8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter
W. Bruce Cameron

This was the basis for the TV show starring John Ritter some years back. I finally remembered to look for it at the library. It's a stinking funny book that makes me nervous when I consider the fact that I'll have a teenage daughter in just over 6 years. Yikes!

When I think of my daughter dating, all I can think of are the crazy dad stories. You know, the ones where the dad answers the door in a bathrobe or while sharpening knives.

Anyone else going to play the crazy dad role?

The sun did it...

You think I would have learned after last year's debacle that I should put on sunscreen before heading out to the beach.

Apparently I didn't and now, after spending the afternoon lounging by the ocean, my flesh feels like it's on fire and getting hotter by the minute.

And my wife is showing me no sympathy.

I refuse to post photos of this one because I've gained a little weight since last year's topless photo and I'm feeling all self-conscious.

How about you...

What are you reading these days?

Next on my list:

• The Apostle by Brad Thor
• The Raw Shark Texts
• Eyes Wide Open by Jud Wilhite

Book #28...

Run For Your Life
James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

Sooner or later you think I would stop reading Patterson books since I haven't been too pleased with them in some time. But I saw this one in the 7 day only pile at the library and I thought it might be better since it was part of a different series.

It's not a great book, but it's not horrible either. This seems to be the theme with the Patterson books. So I think I really will try something else.

Winky face, winky face...

Do yourself a favor and watch this.

In fact, do yourself a favor and watch the three previous Rocumentaries as well.

Book #27...

Deliberate Simplicity
Dave Browning

Dave is the founding pastor of Christ the King Community Church. I've never visited a CTK church, but I've heard good things from a few of our pastoral staff that have. And since we've got some major changes going down at our church these days I figured I would read a little about how some others are doing church.

The big idea? Do less, but be intentional and authentic, and do what you can to help it multiply.

It almost seems to echo some of the same things you would hear from a guy like Craig Groeschel, who has a similar concept where their church focuses only on a handful of things and they do those few things well.

Then it makes me wonder about my own church ministry?

How much do we/I over complicate things?

What would we/I do to simplify?

What few things could we/I do really well to have an impact on people/students in our community?

Things that make you go hmmm....

Staycation...

I'm in the middle of two weeks off. And instead of trying to make a run for someplace warmer we opted for spending last weekend in Seattle. And now we're back and sticking around until I head back to work next Thursday for an all day sermon planning meeting.

This staycation is good.

I've got a stack of books to read, a stack of movies to watch, guitars and amps to be played, and a great family to hang out with.

Today's agenda? Not sure. We're making it up as we go.

Vacation update 2.0...

There are still clouds in the sky.

I'm still working on some reading.

I've watched a movie.

I played Call of Duty 4 until 1Am last night.

It's a rough life.

You may now return to your regularly scheduled events.

Book #26...

The Strain
Guillermo Del Toro & Chuck Hogan

Occasionally I'll take a look through Amazon or Barnes & Noble to see what other people are reading. This book popped up on the list and seemed to be getting some pretty good reviews, so I headed on over to the library to pick it up.

First of all, it's a vampire book. Actually, it's the first book in a trilogy and I don't know if you can classify it as a typical vampire book.

The basic idea is that a vampire virus (think outbreak) has been deliberately unleashed on New York and a few key people must band together to end it.

It's not a book for the faint of heart, but it was a very compelling and entertaining read. The unfortunate part is that part 2 & 3 don't release until 2010 and 2011 respectively.

And if vampires aren't your thing...don't judge me.

Book #25...

Soul Cravings
Erwin McManus

After the April trip down to Catalyst where I heard Erwin speak, I decided I would track down a few of his books. I have 3 or 4 already sitting on my shelf that I've read in years gone by, but I don't remember much about them.

Soul Cravings was broken down into short little entries, most of which were 2-3 pages long. The content seemed a little roller-coasterish to me, in the sense that some of the entries were really inspiring and would rattle around inside my head, while other entries seemed to be filler.

"Is it possible..."

As I read that phrase over and over, I couldn't help envision Erwin sitting on his stool trying to inspire a room full of people.

I love some of the questions he asks. He does seem to have a way of inspiring hope.

So, I guess I'll just say I'm of mixed minds about the book.

Vacation update 1,0...

It's day one and it's raining. Raining?!?! Vacation is supposed to be sunshine and beaches and I spent most of today on the couch. That's not right.

On the plus side I was able to get some reading done as Becca hovered around with Lego and Aidan was wreaking havoc at a friend's house. Erin? She was working.

If you're looking for some music, I'd recommend Zach Williams. Start with the song "James" and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

PS...

I forgot to mention that it's VACATION TIME!!!

So, that last post will be the last bit of "shop talk" around here for the next couple of weeks. You'll have to settle for the occasional family photo and my ongoing reading list.

It won't blow your mind, but I'll blog anyways.

This fall...

Ok, a little background info might be needed here, so stick with me.

Our church has been trying for some time to come up with some sort of Sunday morning service "model" that works for the majority of our congregation. And last fall we decided to try out a format that sees us start our service with traditional worship elements (usually music) before going into some "family stuff" and the preaching, and then ending with some contemporary elements (usually music).

But it wasn't working. Some were mad that people were coming late to the service, even though we gave them permission to do so. Others were mad that some were leaving early, even though we gave them permission to do so. The music was too loud for some, and not loud enough for others. It was too new for some, and not new enough for others.

And in the midst of it people were leaving. Handfuls of people walking away because they couldn't take it any more.

As a leader in this church, it was hard to watch. And it was abundantly clear that something needed to be done now. It was time for something different.

So the staff huddled for the better part of May & June and we prayed. We dreamed. We vented. We talked. We planned.

We prepared a proposal and put ti into the hands of our elders who, in turn, prayed and dreamed and wrestled and talked about what to do.

The end result, which was officially approved on Thursday and was announced this morning, was that we need to go to a two service format. As of September 20th we will officially have two services.

Both will be led by the pastoral staff, but each service will look completely different. One will be "traditional" in an attempt to honor and connect with the aged among us. One will be "contemporary" in an attempt to honor and connect with the young among us.

So, what happens when you split a congregation in 2 and place them in a room that seats 1700? It feels empty and void. So, we're renovating the facility. Removing pews, changing the lighting, revamping the stage, updating the foyer and the "breezeway". All in an effort to bring people together. Shrink the gap that exists and foster relationship building.

This is deeper than a cosmetic makeover. It goes deep into the heart of who we are as a church and what we feel we need to become in order to continue to help people have their lives transformed by Jesus.

The leadership (staff & elders) of the church were so convinced of this that they alone on Thursday night pledged to cover over half of the bill for the renovations. That alone should show you how serious we are. And if you could hear the heart of those that sat around the table and discussed this, you would see that they get this.

So, it's time for a new chapter.

I'm stoked about this. It will make life look differently for all of us staffers in the fall, but I can't wait. I think we have an opportunity before us that is full of potential. I think we can become what we need to become in order to have an impact for Jesus in our city.

And as always, I'll keep you posted as we go.

Let's try this again...

There's a big announcement coming this Sunday during the morning service.

An announcement that comes after countless hours of prayer, planning, discussing and dreaming.

An announcement that will likely have ripple effects for years to come.

The drama is building isn't it?

I'll honestly say that this is the first time in 9 years of full time ministry that I've been a part of something like this. And I'm stoked!

So, if you're in the area, swing by the building and find out what's about to happen. Chances are you might want to be part of this.

Bring on July...

I'm looking forward to tomorrow. It feels a little strange having a day off in the middle of the week, but I'm not going to complain too much.

We're heading out to watch the parade and I'll also be keeping an eye on the NHL free agent signings, hoping that Bob Gainey can put together a stellar team for the fall.

Today he ditched Higgins for Gomez. Decent start.

So, what are you planning for Canada Day?

Closer...

Every time Sir Swarls (aka The Intern) wears his red t-shirt with the word "closer" on it I have a hard time deciding whether he is making a statement that he is a closer, as in closing pitcher, or he is closer, as in "closer to crazy than other people".

Today I use the term "closer" as in "I am closer to vacation than last week."

Two Seattle City Passes arrived today in the mail via Air Miles. One more kids pass is on its way, and we'll have to fork out a few dollars for the fourth. But that means that we'll be shelling out a mere $39 US dollars for all four of us to:

• Travel to the top of the Space Needle
  
• Visit the aquarium
• Visit the zoo
• Visit the Science Center and watch an IMAX flick
• Visit the Science Fiction Museum (or the Museum of Flight)
• Go on a harbor cruise

We are closer to vacation! We are desperately needing this and I am super excited to spend some time with just my family in a city that we love to visit.

Inside my head...

As I may have mentioned before, sometimes I hear voices in my head.

In an attempt to explain myself, as well as hopefully give you a little insight into what goes through my head when I'm involved with leading worship at our church on a given Sunday, let me share this with you.

Back story: we have two "worship through music" portions of our service. One is traditional and the other is contemporary. The message is sandwiched in between with some other church family type stuff.

In order to help our worship pastor out, I offered to lead the contemporary portion this week with a scaled back "youth band". Only 5 of us were on stage compared to the usual (I kid you not) 8-10.

I picked the songs last week, hoping that we could pull it off with the minimal practice time we had available to us, because of the building being used for a grad ceremony on our typical practice night. I was also trying to get the songs to fit with the message theme as best I could, without ever having heard the actual sermon but knowing a little bit of the big idea.

Cut to this morning where I was a little on edge. Sweaty, shaky, nervous. I wasn't doubting the song selection per say, but I was doubting the transition from the sermon and into the contemporary portion.

Then as I listened to the sermon, I kept having a mini song race through my brain. It's one of those impromptu songs that only has about 2 lines and we have only actually practiced once as a band...ever.

But I can't shake the song. I can't shake the idea that with a little lyrical change it would be a perfect fit. It seems like it has to be done.

But we don't have words on the screen for it.

We haven't nailed it in practice.

But the message seems to fit so perfectly.

The voice in my head is very convincing. And I can't get it to leave me alone.

So...do I do it? Or do I stick to what is?

I traded a quick note with my wife. She added confirmation.

So, we tried it. I asked for people to reflect as they listened and then to join in as they were ready to make the statement:

I may be down, but I will rise
I once was bound, God set me free.

Then we headed into these tunes:

• Glory to God Forever
• Holding Nothing Back
• Let the Praises Ring
  

Normally I wouldn't share this here. I hate to make things seem like the songs make the morning. But this morning I was able to participate in the music unlike I have ever done before. The song choices resonated with my heart and my head. The response from everyone was participatory and enthusiastic. It was like everything clicked.

With that being said, I still wrestle with that one transition.

It seems strange that one little piece of the service can cause my brain to race so much.

I just hope it wasn't a distraction to anyone who was there.

Book #24...

The Big Bad Wolf
James Patterson

I think I know why my mom found this in the discount bin at her local library. Oh well...at least I didn't spend money on it.

Happy Saturday...

Waking up to cinnamon buns and the sun shinning sure can change the outlook on a day. Yes, I am that shallow.

Now it's time to figure out what exactly to do from this list:

• clean up the house
• fix the patches of lawn that aren't growing grass
• spread the gravel
• wash the car
• finish my reading
• play some guitar

Then later tonight it's off to paintball with our students. I've been threatening Josh for months that we will do an intern hunt. He hides, and we all track him down to shoot him. Sounds like fun, eh?

Recruiting...

Fort all you student ministry type people, I'm wondering how you recruit leaders.

What works for you?

What's your system for recruiting?

My year end thoughts...

Sorry about that last post. Got a little trigger-happy with the "publish" button.

But here's something that has got me giddy as a school girl these days.

It's become apparent to a few of our student ministry leaders that our student ministry needs some tweaking in some significant places.

We've seen a year of stabilizing things.

Significant relationships, a growing music & worship band ministry, a Thursday afternoon trial drop in, new faces, a full time intern.

But, it has also been apparent that a few things need some extra attention. So yesterday, I sat down with Josh and Erin. We spent almost 4 hours talking student ministry. We reflected on the surveys that were returned from our students. We reflected on the parent meeting from Wednesday night. And we tried to sift.

We talked long term.

We talked about what was working.

We were honest about what was not working.

We dreamed.

We brainstormed.

We scribbled on a white board.

Ad you know what, we have some great things starting to come together. Things that get me excited and anxiously looking forward to fall.

Sure, we've got some leg work to do. Particularly in the area of recruiting leaders, but it's exciting.

And this is one of the things I love about my job.

What...

1. ...are you listening to lately?

2. ...are you in the midst of reading?

3. ...are you looking forward to?

Come on...

We're taking a group of our recent grads camping for one night. It's one last chance to get them together to hang out.

But...it's cloudy and calling for rain.

Come on!

Tuesday night musings...

Life these days is unlike I've ever experienced.

If it's not one thing, it's another.

If it's not another thing, it's the one thing.

The projects are piled to the sky.

The list of things to do appears endless.

The challenges seem insurmountable.

But there are dreams...

...amidst the frustrations...

...beyond the obstacles...

...there is a little bit of hope.

That's more than enough.

Isn't it?

Gas in the tank...

The ministry schedule is winding down.

The internship is coming to a close.

Holidays are looming.

School is ending.

But...some things are just beginning.

I just hope there's enough gas in the tank, because I'm stoked.

Book #23...

Sustainable Youth Ministry
Mark DeVries

Remember this post from a few weeks ago? It got me thinking about our current student ministry systems (or lack thereof). I started working my way through DeVries book and was finding some of the same themes coming through.

This was one of those books that only fueled a fire that was starting to burn. The questions that are currently racing through my mind about the ministry I provide leadership to, and the dreams that are beginning remind me that I am doing what God has called me to do.

Mark shares some of the insights he has gained over his lengthy student ministry career. This wasn't one of those "do these 3 simple programs and you will grow" kind of books. It's a book about the systems we often create, or fail to create, in student ministry.

I'd like to think that I have a lot of this student ministry thing figured out, but then I read a book like this that reminds me of how much I need to keep growing. And it inspires me as to what our church can do to continue to have an impact in the life of students in our community.

This will be one of those books that stays within an arms reach so that it can be resourced often.

If you are currently working in a church with students, you should definitely read this book.

Book #22...

The Fine Line
Kary Oberbrunner

As Christians we are called to be in the world but not of it, right? But what on earth does that kind of life look like?!?!

Kary brings it down to the fact that people tend to be in one of three camps.

The Separatists are the ones who hide from culture and, in doing so, cease to be relevant to those around them and have no impact for Jesus.

The Conformists are the ones who get so absorbed by culture that they too become irrelevant in having an impact for Jesus.

The Transformists are the few who can walk the fine line and balance the ability to be relevant to those around them while remaining connected to Jesus.

If I was to be honest I'm a conformist with separatist tendencies. I can get consumed by culture, or I can pull back so far that I remove myself completely from certain aspects of it. It's like a pendulum that never stops swinging. I'd rather be a transformist.

"That's what Transformists do. They shape the future by changing the present. They transform the world around them."

I want to be that.

I will gladly place this book on my must read list. Go buy it.

In the meantime, which camp do you fall into?

Book #21...

The Principle of the Path
Andy Stanley

I had BIG expectations for this book. With Andy Stanley’s name was attached to, I was sold on it before I had even read the back cover or the endorsements. Then I started reading and I felt like the wind was getting sucked out of me. The first two chapters were almost reading like a self-help book.

“If you do this, then you will get this.”

“If you change this, this will happen.”

But then Stanley set the record state by stating outright that “This is not a self-help book.” Can the man see into my mind?!?! He completely addressed some of the skepticism that I was starting to feel since the start of the book, and for some reason that gave me enough hope to keep on reading.

I’ll admit that this doesn’t rank up there as my favorite book by Stanley, but nonetheless I find the premise and the content to be worthy enough of some reading time and some consideration for life choices.

The basic premise is that our intentions are not what will determine how our life ends up. Rather, it is the direction we are taking that will dictate (for the most part) where we end up. And, if that happens to be the case, then maybe we have a responsibility to do something about how we are living, particularly if we have an ending location in mind.

Makes sense for the most part, even though it still sounds a little too much like “self-help”. But it was a good read and it might just help give you some food for thought as to where your life is headed.

Book #20...

Violets Are Blue
James Patterson

So, my mom bought a stack of Patterson books at a library sale and sent them my way. And we all know I'm a sucker for free books. But this was a book about vampires for crying out loud! At least I'm not out of pocket anything for this one.

(But I did read it...)

Downloading as I type...

Need I say more?

(And yes, it's legal!)

Unsilent silence...

I just spent the last 24 hours out at Camp Kawkawa.

Intended purpose? Silence.

Mission accomplished? Not entirely.

Was it worth it? Yes.

I did some reading, some journaling, some visioning...visioneering...uh...dreaming. I wrote. I kayaked. I waited. I listened. And amongst other things I heard the music from the camp over that spoke of tequila making someone's clothes fall off and someone else holding a beer while their girlfriend got kissed.

Brought the whole time to a close with a family canoe trip when they came to pick me up.

Now I'm back at home and ready for another week.

Why isn't it normal to do this more often?

Silence...

I have a friend Andrew who has been bugging me for a while that I need to take a silent retreat. In fact, it was something that I was feeling strong enough about that I got our Exec Pastor on board and these mini-retreats became part of my soul care plan for the ministry year.

It also turns out that I'm going to be teaching about the spiritual discipline of silence/solitude next Sunday. And since I've passed things over to Josh for the next few weeks, I figured that now was as good a time as any.

The more I think about it, the more nervous I get.

I'm not a silent guy.

But I think I need to unplug and listen.

Have you ever done a silent retreat? What do you do?

Geek alert...

I've noticed a few mentions of Google Wave throughout the day. So, since Erin was out and about and the kids are in bed, I figured I'd be a total geek and watch this video of Google Wave.

What will be some ministry implications and possibilities of this gem?

Student ministry moment of the week...

I get back to the office yesterday after lunch and I'm looking forward to a solid 2 hour chunk of time where I can do some prep work on some premarital counseling. I've been struggling to even find the time over the last few weeks to work on this project, so I was hopeful that this would be a productive window.

Yeah, the key word being "hopeful".

Instead I had one of my high school guys waiting at the church for me with this comment:

"Hey. I was coming over at 3 for the drop in, so I thought I'd just come now since I wasn't busy."

I think I may adopt a new student ministry motto.

"Students: they're not busy, so why should you be?"

Seriously though, I'm glad that my students feel like they can just stop by and hijack some of my time.

European Champs...

Congratulations Barcelona.

I think it would have been a more interesting game though if Manchester United had actually showed up ready to play.

I don't think I've been this disappointed in how my team played in a long while.

What system...

Yesterday I sat down in the Youth Centre with Jamie and Josh, cracked open a Coke and listened to Andy Stanley talk about systems. (Go buy the DVD here.)

It did more than just inspire me. It rattled me to my core.

"Systems create behaviors."

We are all surrounded by systems. Our family, our work, our sports teams, our churches. And each system will elicit a behavior or action from the individuals involved.

So, what do you do if you don't like the behaviors that are showing up? Do you just get rid of the people? No. You change the system.

Uh...how did I miss this?

I will not change behaviors of my students or volunteers over night. But I can recreate a system that will allow their behaviors to change over time.

As a leader, I need to take responsibility for the systems that I have put in place, whether I did so intentionally or accidentally. Somewhere along the line I have been rewarding the wrong things, which in turn has created a system, which in turn has brought about certain behaviors and attitudes.

I cannot let that continue.

The system needs to change.

I'm neck-deep in asking big questions and re-evaluating how we are currently "doing" student ministry, because I think we've got some poor systems in place.

I'm curious to know, what systems around you need to change?

Quoteworthy...

We occasionally watch Jon & Kate Plus Eight.

It's on in the background right now.

Jon is trying to explain himself and his actions over the last few months. I'll spare you any commentary on that, but he did say something that I found completely profound.

"One day my kids will Google me and I will have to explain myself."

So...what would your kids learn about you if they Googled you?

Does that motivate you to pay attention?