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?
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
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!
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