Thursday, December 31, 2009
Jack Bauer interrogates Santa
This is so random...it actually fires me up for the next season of 24!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Bible Stories Told via Google Earth
The Crucifixion.
The parting of the Red Sea.
Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Noah's Ark.
via: uphaa
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The Internet. & Our Need for Community
It's amazing to see how far technology has come...
Also...It's interesting to hear the comments about a persons longing and desire for "connectivity"...and "community". I couldn't agree more! The Internet has been so successful BECAUSE everyone identifies with the need for relationships!
Guess what?!?! That's HOW we were created! Yes, CREATED! We were made for relationship...with GOD and with others.
That's why I love the Church! And THAT'S why being connected to a church HAS to be our priority!
Is it for you? Why or why not?
Also...It's interesting to hear the comments about a persons longing and desire for "connectivity"...and "community". I couldn't agree more! The Internet has been so successful BECAUSE everyone identifies with the need for relationships!
Guess what?!?! That's HOW we were created! Yes, CREATED! We were made for relationship...with GOD and with others.
That's why I love the Church! And THAT'S why being connected to a church HAS to be our priority!
Is it for you? Why or why not?
Today, I got fired.
Today, I got fired.
Actually, a more accurate way to put it would be: Today, I fired myself. This isn’t the first time I’ve had to do this…and it probably won’t be the last.
I continually find myself employed by this thing called pride…hired on to manage peoples perceptions of me. It’s never ending, grueling work with a horrible salary and zero benefits. Yet I can’t seem to avoid its allure.
Being a people-pleaser has been, for most of my life, a part-time job. I can’t believe how many precious minutes of my life have been spent trying to please others, trying to fit in, and trying to be seen as someone who “gets it”…whatever “it” is.
The truth is, the harder I try to constantly maintain my image to the people around me…the more I’m really just slaving away in a dead-end job.
The more time I spend trying to manage the perception that others have of me…the more I stay stuck.
-Stuck in old habits.
-Stuck in old patterns.
-Stuck in the same routines.
Why? Well, because they work.
How do I know? Well, people seem to like me, accept me, and look up to me. Why would I want to change that?
Well, if my purpose was to merely appease and pacify people, then there would be no reason to change…no reason to fire myself.
But I know and am convinced that 1) I ultimately CAN’T please people and 2) I wasn’t CALLED to. My calling in this life is fixed in pleasing God, which only through Christ is possible, and leaves zilch room for my “pride factory” and people-pleasing tendencies. Living out this calling has implications.
It means:
-Saying the hard thing to someone, even if it puts our friendship at odds.
-Doing the hard, unpopular thing because it’s right.
It also means:
-Being willing to receive admonishing words from a mentor, even if it hurts.
-Being vulnerable and allow people I trust to speak into my life, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Living out the Christ-centered calling God has placed on my life won’t always bring comfort and popularity, but will always produce completeness and fulfillment.
Stop slaving away for your pride. Stop living your life to merely keep people liking you. You were called for something greater than yourself!
Pride doesn’t pay. Fire yourself.
Actually, a more accurate way to put it would be: Today, I fired myself. This isn’t the first time I’ve had to do this…and it probably won’t be the last.
I continually find myself employed by this thing called pride…hired on to manage peoples perceptions of me. It’s never ending, grueling work with a horrible salary and zero benefits. Yet I can’t seem to avoid its allure.
Being a people-pleaser has been, for most of my life, a part-time job. I can’t believe how many precious minutes of my life have been spent trying to please others, trying to fit in, and trying to be seen as someone who “gets it”…whatever “it” is.
The truth is, the harder I try to constantly maintain my image to the people around me…the more I’m really just slaving away in a dead-end job.
The more time I spend trying to manage the perception that others have of me…the more I stay stuck.
-Stuck in old habits.
-Stuck in old patterns.
-Stuck in the same routines.
Why? Well, because they work.
How do I know? Well, people seem to like me, accept me, and look up to me. Why would I want to change that?
Well, if my purpose was to merely appease and pacify people, then there would be no reason to change…no reason to fire myself.
But I know and am convinced that 1) I ultimately CAN’T please people and 2) I wasn’t CALLED to. My calling in this life is fixed in pleasing God, which only through Christ is possible, and leaves zilch room for my “pride factory” and people-pleasing tendencies. Living out this calling has implications.
It means:
-Saying the hard thing to someone, even if it puts our friendship at odds.
-Doing the hard, unpopular thing because it’s right.
It also means:
-Being willing to receive admonishing words from a mentor, even if it hurts.
-Being vulnerable and allow people I trust to speak into my life, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Living out the Christ-centered calling God has placed on my life won’t always bring comfort and popularity, but will always produce completeness and fulfillment.
Stop slaving away for your pride. Stop living your life to merely keep people liking you. You were called for something greater than yourself!
Pride doesn’t pay. Fire yourself.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Seacoast Office-episode 5
With the church-wide Baptisms only a week away, Jonathan decides to take the plunge...for the 14th time.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Our Judeo-Christian Nation
A friend passed this on to me. It's another reminder of how far our country has swerved off the original course that was set at the birth of our Nation.
Yes, it feels like you're watching C-Span, but it's worth it.
Yes, it feels like you're watching C-Span, but it's worth it.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Seacoast Office-episode 4
Seacoast is excited to have the Nuncios as a part of the family! Meanwhile, Jonathan discovers his "gifting" in music and expresses to Bob his desire to lead the musical worship on Sunday mornings.
Seacoast Office-episode 3
Because serving is a priority at Seacoast, Jonathan is excited to implement some of his new recruiting ideas in hopes of finding people to serve in the Children's Ministry.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Steve Jobs on Youth Ministry
Steve Jobs, the mind behind Apple, sounds like he has some good thoughts on youth ministry.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Seacoast Office-Episode 2
Here's the sequel to Episode 1 from the videos we made to promo the "30 Years of Service" celebration we had for Pastor Rick.
"BIO" my story. His Glory.
This series is utilizing one of the greatest tools we have in ministering to others...our story. Over the last few weeks we've had some of our staff upfront sharing their life story/journey with the HSM...and it's been legit!!!
Here's a few reasons WHY "BIO" has been awesomely awesome!
1) No prep for me. (Before you call me a lazy bum let me throw out a disclaimer: I've needed a break from speaking AND this list is in NO particular order of importance or significance...Ok, I'm glad I got that out:)
2) It gets the staff involved.
3) Students get to know these OLD people and realize that they're not that different or perfect as they once thought.
4) The power of God's Grace is manifested in the stories of men and women, who've screwed up, sought repentance, and are now living redeemed and restored lives. That's just plain powerful!
5) What's happened in the past could've been used to destroy my friends, but God had a better plan that has brought these people here to this place, this church, at this specific time, to be used by Him, for His glory!
...and that too is just straight out powerful!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
The Internet...not so long ago
It's amazing to see how far technology has come:
It's also interesting to hear the comments about a persons longing and desire for "connectivity"...and "community". I couldn't agree more! The Internet has been so successful BECAUSE everyone identifies with the need for relationships!
Guess what?!?! That's HOW we were created! Yes, CREATED! We were made for relationship...with GOD and with others.
That's why I love the Church! And THAT'S why being connected to a church HAS to be our priority!
Is it for you? Why or why not?
It's also interesting to hear the comments about a persons longing and desire for "connectivity"...and "community". I couldn't agree more! The Internet has been so successful BECAUSE everyone identifies with the need for relationships!
Guess what?!?! That's HOW we were created! Yes, CREATED! We were made for relationship...with GOD and with others.
That's why I love the Church! And THAT'S why being connected to a church HAS to be our priority!
Is it for you? Why or why not?
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
A World Without Atonement
My awesome Father-in-Law, John, emailed this to me. It was pretty powerful so I thought I'd share. Also, it was cool to see a site like Splicd that allows you to make clips so easily with You Tube vids. Perfect for us youth ministry dudes!
Dear Study Group,
There are many things that you and I are thankful for because we belong to Christ. But one blessing I just seem to take for granted is atonement.
Many of us are even hard pressed to give definition to the word. It barely appears outside the Pentateuch(1st 5 books of the Bible). Yet atonement just might be the most important blessing we are given in this world.
Please watch this powerful 2 minute video clip from ER to experience a demonstration of our human need for atonement.
Watch THIS clip from E.R. (you'll have to click back to this post for the rest of this commentary).
Only through God in Christ can we know that we are forgiven. Like the dying doctor, how devastating it would be not to know that there is a God -- and that He will accept us! No other religion gives that assurance. And, the chaplain's postmodern/new age remedy was even worse: "It's up to each person to decide."
The dying doctor needed real answers now: Is there a God? What's going to happen to me when I die? How do I know I'm forgiven for killing an innocent man? He needed a real chaplain with real answers.
I never thought of myself before as a chaplain, but after that video I can't help but think of myself as one now. "Chaplains to the world" (or as Paul called us "ambassadors") -- you and I have been commissioned. All the chaplain had to know, believe and communicate was two verses from the Bible (2 Corinthians 5:19-20) and there would have been a happy ending for all instead of screams of -- "Get out! Get out! Get out!"
God was in Christ reconciling every one of us to Himself -- not counting our sins against us. We as Christians are Christ's ambassadors (chaplains) commissioned to tell those who don't know Him how they can be reconciled to God.
It is so true! No worldview accounts for the way things are around us like Biblical Christianity does. Our Heavenly Father's Love expands far beyond our understanding and nothing we do will ever be beyond His Grace! In Him there is the forgiveness of sins! In Jesus Christ, there IS atonement!
The challenge is: NOT keeping that to myself!
Dear Study Group,
There are many things that you and I are thankful for because we belong to Christ. But one blessing I just seem to take for granted is atonement.
Many of us are even hard pressed to give definition to the word. It barely appears outside the Pentateuch(1st 5 books of the Bible). Yet atonement just might be the most important blessing we are given in this world.
Please watch this powerful 2 minute video clip from ER to experience a demonstration of our human need for atonement.
Watch THIS clip from E.R. (you'll have to click back to this post for the rest of this commentary).
Only through God in Christ can we know that we are forgiven. Like the dying doctor, how devastating it would be not to know that there is a God -- and that He will accept us! No other religion gives that assurance. And, the chaplain's postmodern/new age remedy was even worse: "It's up to each person to decide."
The dying doctor needed real answers now: Is there a God? What's going to happen to me when I die? How do I know I'm forgiven for killing an innocent man? He needed a real chaplain with real answers.
I never thought of myself before as a chaplain, but after that video I can't help but think of myself as one now. "Chaplains to the world" (or as Paul called us "ambassadors") -- you and I have been commissioned. All the chaplain had to know, believe and communicate was two verses from the Bible (2 Corinthians 5:19-20) and there would have been a happy ending for all instead of screams of -- "Get out! Get out! Get out!"
God was in Christ reconciling every one of us to Himself -- not counting our sins against us. We as Christians are Christ's ambassadors (chaplains) commissioned to tell those who don't know Him how they can be reconciled to God.
It is so true! No worldview accounts for the way things are around us like Biblical Christianity does. Our Heavenly Father's Love expands far beyond our understanding and nothing we do will ever be beyond His Grace! In Him there is the forgiveness of sins! In Jesus Christ, there IS atonement!
The challenge is: NOT keeping that to myself!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Dr. Seahorse
I was stoked to see what Trevor and Mark did down at the Flood Church a couple weeks ago. They're both rad, talented guys and their new project, Dr. Seahorse, is pretty legit!
They describe their music as, "The Postal Service meets Michael Jackson".
I didn't fully understand the Michael Jackson part until I watched the video. Now...I think I see it:)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Star Wars: retold by someone who has never seen it.
First off, I LOVE Star Wars! This was funny to watch...especially with the animation.
It made me think of the way people seem to view the Jesus, the Bible and Christianity. From the outside, it all kinda sounds like Dark Side of the Force, Luke Skywalker, and Ewoks all over again. Weird ingredients to an even weirder story.
I mean, when all you hear is the strange stories about a God who kills thousands of people for disobeying him but really LOVES you...
That he has a son whose mom was a virgin...
That this son walked on water, and supposedly is now living inside of people who believe in him...
Without understanding the plot and context of all those things, I can see why some people have a skewed view of God and His Church. The Bible is full of weird, crazy, and mysterious things!
But, pick up the Bible, read it and soon discover...from COVER to COVER, God's Story makes sense! HIS PLOT to create the Human Race, reveal Himself, rescue us, restore us, and redeem us is clearly seen!
Nothings disconnected. Every character, every story, every victory, and every defeat is a part of HIS PLAN!!!
In the same way you wouldn't watch this video and think you've seen Star Wars...You probably wouldn't want to say you know God if you haven't spent the time to read what He says.
Get to know God by feasting on His words and His thoughts found in the Bible.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Rush hour traffic CAN be fun!
Powered windows? No, thanks.
Powered locks? No, thanks.
Cruise Control? No, thanks.
A Gatling Gun? Yes, please!
Powered locks? No, thanks.
Cruise Control? No, thanks.
A Gatling Gun? Yes, please!
How Rich Are You?
This is a site a came across a while ago and possibly even posted about, but it's a good reminder.
If you're like me, you've probably spent an absurd amount of time wishing you had more money to buy more stuff...never content with what you already have...salivating as you think of your next "purchase"...that next "thing" that supposedly will make your life more complete...
Yes. I confess. I've been there...and probably will again.
But, the truth is...I AM blessed. I have ALL I need in Christ. He ALONE completes me and quenches my thirst. He ALWAYS provides. This world has NOTHING for me...except a grave.
My Prayer: Proverbs 30:7-9
Tilt Shift Photos
These are just a few of my first attempts at applying the "tilt shift" effect to old pics. Try it out here. I love the "Mr Rogers Neighborhood" feel you can create. Use it right and it miniaturizes life!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunday Night Thoughts and...Tilt-Shift Action
I love Sunday nights. Especially tonight. I'm just hanging out with my amazing wife, who is currently serenading me on her guitar and "playing for kisses." That's a currency I'll never run out of!
Also, I'm just plain STOKED about the season of life God has us in right now. One of the biggest blessings of our life is our church, Seacoast. We don't just work at Seacoast or attend there on Sundays...WE BELONG to the family there!
Mentors, spiritual shepherds, and true God-centered community has permeated our life and ministry here. I don't know how I survived life a few years back when 'going' to church was just that...going. I didn't have a clue what it meant to 'BE' a part of Christ's Body at a local church!
I was merely a "Sunday Night Spectator"...And I wondered why I felt alone.
I was isolated.
Well, all that to say...Praise Jesus for the Church!
On a totally different topic, I'm obsessed with tilt shift photography! I couldn't stop thinking about it all week! I'll have to post some pics soon!
Also, I'm just plain STOKED about the season of life God has us in right now. One of the biggest blessings of our life is our church, Seacoast. We don't just work at Seacoast or attend there on Sundays...WE BELONG to the family there!
Mentors, spiritual shepherds, and true God-centered community has permeated our life and ministry here. I don't know how I survived life a few years back when 'going' to church was just that...going. I didn't have a clue what it meant to 'BE' a part of Christ's Body at a local church!
I was merely a "Sunday Night Spectator"...And I wondered why I felt alone.
I was isolated.
Well, all that to say...Praise Jesus for the Church!
On a totally different topic, I'm obsessed with tilt shift photography! I couldn't stop thinking about it all week! I'll have to post some pics soon!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
"Old Time Religion"
I'd consider myself one of those "church kids". You know...the, "I've heard it all before! I know all this!", kinda guy???
But I've also realized there's a difference between knowing about God, and actually KNOWING God. At church, it's easy to get caught up in the motions of DOING without even KNOWING why we DO what we DO. There's seems to be a lot of "traditions" that are apart of a church service that are not understood, therefore are not practiced or appreciated.
This series is all about answering that question: Why do we DO what we DO at church and what does it all mean?
Starts Feb.1!!!
Be There!
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