Archive for September, 2010
Raising Girls Is A Wee Bit Different
I’m thankful I was made aware of this fact early in my life, long before I had kids. My good friend and fishing buddy Bill Watkins had two daughters. If ever there was an unlikely candidate of being a daddy to daughters, Bill was it. He was a former general contractor turned football coach. And he was a good coach at that, managing to get 5 stars of talent out of 2 and 3 star kids. He was tough but fair, demanding yet respectful. He loved the Lord, his girls (wife & two daughters), football, and fishing. And most of the time in that order.
I was one of the luckiest guys on the earth in that he spent the few days off he had taking me fishing with him. We’d take his boat to Lake Ray Roberts with the hopes of getting into some largemouth. Sometimes we even caught fish. Other times we fixed the boat, dodged thunderstorms, bailed water, or outran tornadoes. It was always an adventure.
And we always talked. About anything. He was a rare friend that you could be completely silent with or talk all day long. Didn’t have to pretend or filter anything. We talked fishing and football and faith, he’d bring up kids and parenting every now and then. Since Amy and I had no kids at the time, I knew a lot more about parenting than I do now. In fact, I wish I was as good of a parent now as I was then — with no real world experiences or real kids getting in the way. But Bill was always vulnerable about raising girls and how inadequate he felt most of the time.
One of Bill’s favorite lines was “Having kids changes your world, having girls changes the universe.”
I remember asking him – “Seriously, Bill. How hard can it be? Look at you and then look at how awesome your daughters turned out. If you can pull that off – I like my chances.”
He’d smirk at me, shake his head and mumble…”You’re only saving grace is Amy” and keep fishing.
I’ve got my own two gorgeous daughters now and I know exactly what he was saying. Bill was gracious enough to let me live in my stupidity at the time. And I often wish for those Friday morning fishing trips now if only to give Bill an opportunity to see how right he was about so many things.
Raising girls is another universe. I had someone brag on my girls to me the other day saying they appreciate their outgoing, self-sufficient personalities and how helpful they are. Most of that is due to their mother and the awesome job she does with modeling what a woman of God looks like.
But some of that is also because of Bill Watkins and his effect on me.
To raise girls who know who they are in Christ. That their value is in the depth of their character, not the width of their waist. That they are complete and whole in Christ alone, no need for a boyfriend or a man. I want them to know that they are gifted and called by God to serve with Him and for Him, that their gender is not a hindrance in their walk with Christ. That they are not princesses that need to be rescued or damsels in distress but rather arrows in the hand of a skilled warrior. If they yield to His skill and aim, they will make an impact far beyond what they imagine.
That the big deals start with little deals, being kind is better than being right, being honest is better than being liked, and being funny is better than being a diva. And one day, when they are 34 and there is room for another man in their life, I want them to make sure he is more in love with Jesus than he is with them.
And if he ever touches them, I don’t mind going back to jail.
Bama, Broncos, and Fantasy Land
I’m 2-1 in both fantasy leagues. Big losses this weekend thanks to Frank Gore not scoring and Adrian Peterson finally finding the end zone against me. Overall, still feel pretty solid in both leagues. Playoff team but not sure if we’re championship material.
The Broncos showed the nation that after two years of major trades and drastic measures – they still can’t run the ball, score touchdowns, or rush the passer. That is the frustration of it all – they are the same team with the same issues when they fired Shanahan. Sunday was particularly painful when a decent running game puts Denver in the lead and at least gives them a chance to compete.
And are we getting to a point to call Knowshon Moreno a bust? I was excited with the pick two years ago but he has yet to show that flash or power that he had at Georgia. The good news? Orton looks solid which may mean Tebow plays running back later this year.
The number 1 college football team in the nation – your Alabama Crimson Tide! The Tide looked lost the first half against Arkansas. Defensively, this team isn’t near the team that last year’s team was. With 10 new starters on defense, one had to expect some let down. Ryan Mallet exposed their weakness in the first half with relative ease.
But that’s why they play two halves of football and the second half was classic Alabama football. Play pressure defense and when the opposing team makes a mistake – make them pay for it dearly. Oh, and hand the ball to #22 early and often. Any questions as to who the Number 1 back was in Alabama or in the country that matter were answered on Saturday. Mark Ingram is a beast. Any offensive game plan that doesn’t include him getting the ball 30 times a game is a mistake.
I have a lot of friends in Arkansas and the good-natured teasing went back and forth during the game. (Actually it mainly was coming AT me since Alabama was behind the whole game…) But the truth of the matter is that I pull for the Hogs 51 weeks a year except against Alabama. I’ve seen this script before at Arkansas – incredible offense, exciting team for 3 quarters then the wheels fall off in the 4th. And while it makes for great television, I’m convinced that Hog fans have a 7 year shorter life span because of this.
After the game, the analysts were putting most of the loss on Ryan Mallet and his 3 INTs. I’m not sure that is completely fair. Ryan Mallet was the reason the Hogs had a chance to win in the first place. A great QB (which Mallet is) can put your team in a position to win but running the ball and stopping the run is the difference between good teams and championship teams. Arkansas couldn’t put the nail in the coffin and Alabama had enough moxy and horses to pull a win out of disaster on Saturday.
Florida is next up for the Tide in Tuscaloosa.
The Ghost Town of Peterton, KS
Click on images for slide show or full screen pics.
Kids had the day off so after some lunch we headed to explore the abandon ghost town of Peterton, KS. Peterton is located 2 miles north of Osage City, 4 miles south of Burlingame off of Hwy 56. One of the only websites I could find about Kansas ghost towns said there were a few buildings to explore. In its heyday, Peterton was said to have 4 churches and twice as many brothels.
We drove out to the site and the only thing we could find were barns. Fortunately, the mail was being delivered and I waved down the lady to ask her about the town of Peterton.
“You’re standing in the middle of it.”
The fellow she was delivering mail to walked out to the road to hear what we were talking about. After being reluctant to talk to a city slicker from Topeka, he finally warmed up to tell me all he knew about the old town of Peterton.
“It’s all gone. All of it. It used to be call the ‘N***** Acres’ because…well, that’s where all the blacks lived. But if you go up to this road and to the T junction and head back east, there are a few buildings left. There’s not much left. Now, there’s an oldtimer in Osage City, he’s 98 and if he catch him on a good day – he can tell you stories that will make your hair stand on end.”
We found the buildings but to there was no way to tell what they once were. One was burned to the ground and you could tell three different stages of building. Camber found some kind of figurine in the ash but most of the site is now used for dumping trash.
Fortunately the weather was great and that made the day enjoyable in spite of a less than awesome find on our first Kansas Ghost Town Adventure. We’ll try again but Peterton is not on the return list.
We did find a cool park in Burlingame and stopped by one of the “Mom and Pop” stores downtown for ice cream but it was closed.
We Still Doing See You At The Pole?
As I was dropping Cooper off at school yesterday, I noticed about 12 to 13 students gathered around the flagpole.
“Holy cow, man. How did we miss this? Today is See You At The Pole?”
Cooper: “Yeah…I guess it is.”
We just sat there for a moment and then Coop said, “Should I go to that instead of my club meeting?”
“Do what you think God is telling you to do.”
“I’m going on to my club meeting.”
“Great choice.”
I then hugged him & kissed him and told him to make wise choices in a loud voice.
Okay – I didn’t do that last line. Would never do that.
But as far as choices go, Cooper made a great one right then and there. Go to a club meeting with other students where the vast majority do NOT know Jesus and be the church with them? Or withdraw around a pole to pray for the school then never engage in NON-believing relationship the rest of the year?
I’m not anti-SYATP. I just don’t want to hear how it’s one of the most important things a student or a student pastor can do on a middle school or high school campus. It’s not. It’s not even in the top 200. And what started out as a cool tool to connect other student believers at the beginning of the school year, has morphed into a combative standoff with school administrations in some cities. Isn’t that the exact OPPOSITE of what we’re supposed to be doing?
If we really want to see God change a campus, join a club or a team and start being the Church in that context. SYIOCISIJN is what we need… See You Involved On Campus In Something In Jesus’ Name. And it needs to be all year long as we teach and coach students how to church in their school, how to be a person of blessing in Jesus’ name on their team, in the classrooms, with their friends.
What To Pray For…
I asked her “How do you want me to pray?”
She smiled. “Pray for healing….but….” She paused to look out the window. “I’m not afraid to die. I’m going to see Jesus. I just don’t want to suffer. I don’t want that for my family.”
She turned back to look at me. She was smiling with eyes bright and clear. There wasn’t a hint of resentment or bitterness. There was no dread or self-pity. Just a prayer that sounded a lot like Paul’s prayer – “for me to live is Christ, to die is gain.”
She didn’t sound like someone who’d been told that the tumor was cancerous and inoperable. She didn’t sound like someone who knew that her “homecoming” was near. And she then waited for me to pray.
I don’t want to pray for acceptance of this. I don’t want this to be the verdict. I can’t count how many meals we ate at her table or how many naps our kids took upstairs. How many football games in front of the fireplace? Or tears of laughter at her crazy stories? How many hours of sleep did we bypass for card games and movies?
She always had ice cream, she always had room for one more around the table. She modeled how to love others with the gift of hospitality. She had a basement full of playpens, high chairs, toddler toys, bouncy seats, sippee cups, small spoons, and bibs. She had that cool Fisher Price barn with the mooing cow barn doors and the hammer and big wooden nails bench. If you were a young family with small kids, she was a lifesaver. We could go over and not have to pack up the house to do it.
I don’t remember what I prayed. I didn’t make it very far before the tears started leaking in anyway. I feel so very inadequate in this moment. Small. Insignificant. As if I’m interrupting a private conversation. And this is as it should be because this moment is about her and Jesus.
There is a strength in her faith I do not yet have but hope to one day achieve. But for today…for now…I’m sad. And I’ll honor her prayer because I don’t know what else to pray for…
Every teenage parent needs to read this post…
Right Now.
Except I didn’t write it. A guy named Scott did and it’s right here.
Here’s a highlight –
Keys to Making Your Kids Apathetic About Faith
1) Put academic pursuits above faith-building activities. Encourage your child to put everything else aside for academic gain. Afterall, when they are 24 and not interested in faith and following Christ, you’ll still be thrilled that they got an A in pre-calculus, right? Instead of teaching them balance, teach them that all else comes second to academics. Quick … who graduated in the top 5 of your high school class? Unless you were one of them, I bet you have no idea. I don’t.
2) Chase the gold ball first and foremost. Afterall, your child is a star. Drive 400 miles so your child can play hockey but refuse to take them to a home group bible study because it’s 20 minutes away.
It’s Pork All Week
The Tide gets its first REAL test of the season as it goes to Fayetteville to play the Hogs. The Hogs look very strong this year and they will “bring the wood” on Saturday.
In honor of this, we are eating pork all week at the English house.
Last night, we grilled a huge pork roast. Had enough for leftovers tonight. We’ll do pork chops, pork loin, pork rinds, and bacon.
Little wager for my Arkansas brothers and sisters — when Alabama beats Arkansas, I’ll let you have a guest post here telling me how awesome Alabama is. If by some act of Satan that doesn’t happen — I’ll return the favor.
What I’m looking for on Saturday…
1. Arkansas front 7 vs. Ingram & Peterson.
Best two backs in the country could make it a long day for the Hogs. Stopping the best two backs in the country would make it a long day for the Tide. This is the pivotal battle. Keeping the Arkansas offense on the sideline wouldn’t be a bad thing either for the Tide
2. Special Teams Play
Other than last year, most of the time these two teams play comes down to special teams. Lofton and I were at the game when the Tide lost because of 3 missed field goals and an extra point.
I’m rolling with the Tide. Will be a great game at a great venue on Saturday.
Being Sick On A Sunday
This is very odd for me. I got pretty sick yesterday, sick enough to sit in a waiting room for 3 hours. And we all know how much I love those two things – doctors and waiting. ( I had some kind of allergic reaction. Meant 24 hours of panic followed by the now 24 hours of complete boredom.)
Amy looked at me and asked/commented/commanded, “Are you still thinking about preaching tomorrow?
I called Brandon Gunn. He’s preaching this morning on less than 24 hours notice…and he’ll do fine. He’s in the ultimate win-win situation. If he completely sucks it up (and he won’t), he can blame me. If he hits it out of the park (and he will), he can humbly say “It’s a God thing.” And he’ll mean it.
But it’s odd this morning. A little out of rhythm, a little different.
On a normal Sunday morning, Cayden and I leave the house before everyone else. We’ll sit in the parking lot a bit. If she sees a friend already there or if someone on the worship team has a baby – she’ll bolt inside, leaving me in the dust.
It’s usually there – the only really silent moments of a Sunday morning – that I’ll pray.
Father,
My only Your words come out today…from every single one of us that speak on Your behalf today. My this morning be a connecting point for a hurt person, a lost person. May this morning be the start of a journey and may all that enter this space leave different, changed, inspired, deeper because of their encounter with You.
Then as I walk through the building – I pray by name for the volunteer serving in that area – children’s workers, student ministry staff, kitchen & hospitality crew, library crew, worship team, office people, rest of staff, and life group leaders.
I’ll miss my second family this morning but know they are in good hands.
New Look on Website Checklist
I need to give some link love to the guys over at Graph Paper Press. They have got some sweet looking themes – some for free, some for not. All just sick looking and they have some kind of KU connection because their default pics all involve a Jayhawk. So Rock Chalk and if you are in the market for a new wordpress theme — check ‘em out.
This is the 6th or 7th time I’ve completely redone the theme at the G Sides and we’ve come a longggg way since the Blogger days. Any of you still remember those days?? At any rate — still have a few things to take care of before I’m happy with the new site.
Increase number of pics in banner from 5 to 10.
Fix connect drop down to include twitter, linkedin, facebook, and message archive online.
Fix archive page.
Fix blogroll/blogs I dig page.
update gravatar.
Edit/narrow categories.
Add flickr to social connect dropdown.
Get number of views on posts
Add cool photo plugin that Graph paper runs.
Fix gallery settings of Fancybox.
add mobile version of website
What about the footer? Keep it as is? Or add one column to format and put the stuff in the column?
The LIFE Series takes a twist
Our current series has an interesting story behind it. Our mantra at Western Hills is Love God, Live Connected, Serve All. A believer needs to traveling in these three key areas – worship, transformative small group, and service – for them to be maturing in Christ Jesus. The church then is a conduit to participate in these activities. Those two simple statements pack a lot of punch in terms of programming (or lack thereof) and preaching. Quite bluntly it means asking the question is what we do and what we say line up with Love, Live, and Serve?
Take our current series (LIFE: Living Connected in a Disconnected World) for example. When we put this on the calendar (last year) it was a value decision. If Love, Live, and Serve are real values and really core, we are going to HAVE to teach on them…consistently and creatively. Not enough to JUST illustrate them, put them on the walls, in the bulletin, and in the announcements.
While the last 4 weeks of this series have been good, I’m amped about how we are closing out the series over the next 4 weeks. We’ve looked at the theoretical and practical implications of living connected and why it’s important. Now it’s time to hear some real life stories how a life group experience really changes people and how that change impacts the world around them. Here is the journey in front of us for the next 4 weeks. I’m super amped about the twist in the series!!
John Mark – how he discovers his identity and gifts.
Barnabas – how an investor of resources and time develops others.
Ruth & Naomi – how fierce loyalty and belonging led to believing.
Zipporah – how keeping others accountable led to the Exodus.
Stepping In The Jordan
Joshua 3:5
Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.”
This past Sunday, I told our congregation about what God had been saying to us as staff and council of the last few months. If you didn’t hear the message — go here now and listen to it. Basically, over the last 9 months we think God has revealed the WHAT and the WHO but not the HOW…and He’s not going to reveal the HOW until we’re obedient with what He’s already told us. And the story of Joshua keeps ringing in my mind….
I do expect God to do great things. I do expect the days ahead are better than the days behind. I know the Lord is still in the miracle business and pray to that end. I think the team and people that He is bringing together at Western Hills is setting the church up for success for the next decade or longer.
But I’m pretty sure that I missed those first two words that Joshua said for the better part of my life — Consecrate yourself.
consecrate – the solemn dedication to a special purpose or service, usually religious, to associate with the sacred.
Get ready, get oriented around God again, remember your purpose, remember the point.
This hit me this week — where do spend most of my prayer time? If you listened to me long enough and didn’t know God better, you’d probably think God is incredibly reluctant to bless me or the people around me. Nothing could be further from the truth but think about how much time we spend begging God to show up and show off, pull another miracle out of the hat compared to how much time we spend consecrating ourselves to Him.
It doesn’t even compare, does it? Yet – God tells them to get ready. “I’ve proven my character, time for you to prove yours because I’m about to do something amazing amongst you.”
How do we do that, though? What does that look like? How do we consecrate ourselves for the work of God in our work or school or home? What does stepping in the Jordan look like for us at Western Hills?
Understand the awesomeness of the situation. Joshua didn’t have to convince the people that while they had God’s promise, they also had a significant barrier in seeing that promise fulfilled. It was staring them right in the face – the Jordan river at flood stage plus fortified cities waiting to fight them. In spite of obstacles, they were able to see God as bigger, stronger, and higher.
For us, the economy is a significant barrier. With giving at 15% below budget, we will need a significant increase in giving for this to work into 2011. But we can’t deny the incredible opportunity to develop spiritual leaders, the harvest God is bringing to us, and the community we have to BE the church for. It’s an awesome situation.
Understand God wants to bless His people. He wants to bless all people in all places with the ultimate blessing – Himself. He wants to bless us with His presence, with answered prayers, with changed lives. And that’s the mission we are chasing. So our direction is right.
Starts with a new rhythm of worship. The Hebrews had a history of taking God for granted, becoming ritualistic and hollow in their worship, and at times ignoring God altogether. The reminder to consecrate themselves is a command to not get complacent in our journey with God.
It’s why we use the mantra – Love God, Live Connected, and Serve All at Western Hills. To remind us that worship is more than just music and teaching on Sunday but a lifestyle that manifests care and blessing to others, that serves beyond ourselves.
I encourage you this month to find a new rhythm of worship, to consecrate yourself for this journey ahead of us. For some of us that is going to mean finding other people to connect with and do life with. For others, serving at the Rescue Mission or McCarter for the first time. For some of us, it may mean getting in the rhythm of giving a portion of our income back to God for the first time.
Can’t wait to get our feet wet.
Reggie McNeal and the Future of Church
I had the incredible honor of listening to Reggie talk yesterday. I’ve read his books, I’ve heard him multiple times – he never gets old. It’s like listening to Yoda…and he’s about that same height. My favorite quotes from yesterday.
Being missional starts with the understanding that Christianity is not a western philosophy but an encounter with the real person of Jesus.
I’m not here to help you do church better. I’m here to challenge you to BE the church FOR your community, not just IN your community.
The Church, not A church. When people say “a church” they reveal that they don’t get it. We are THE church. We church wherever we go.
Missional Church is a redundant term.
Missional is simply the people of God partnering with Him in His redemptive mission in the world. He is already at work, we are to be a people of blessing in that work.
The Church is a people of blessing. This mission predates the church because blessing is the character of God himself. See Genesis 12.
How can we practice being the church? Start asking “how can we be a people of blessing?” How can we bless at our jobs, schools, clubs, social circles, city, community?
Every church ought to have at least one school they have adopted. Showing up at a school once a year to paint the playground is NOT a partnership. Pray for those teachers, provide school supplies, ask them – “what do you need to help you overcome the obstacles that you are facing?”
The problems of our community first manifest themselves in our schools.
We aren’t the point. The Church isn’t the point. Thinking the point is the church is like thinking the airport is the point of travel. We go to places and the airport is the means to the ends. It’s a vital part of our journey but the journey isn’t about spending time in the airport. The Airport is a tool. Same for church – she is a connector to real LIFE and Kingdom.
One of the largest obstacles we face in the West is the Outsource Mindset. We outsource everything – car maintenance, lawn mowing, education and even spiritual formation. Program based churches feed this monster. What is needed is more people-development, more life on life, as we go, in the middle of life church.
Football thoughts and a new look at the G sides
It was a weekend of football and that gave me time during commercials and halftimes to throw down a new look on the blog. I like it and will be tweaking it over the next few weeks, getting it all spiffy. I was due for a change…I like change.
Alabama
Tide looked strong and more balanced on offense than they have ever been. It’s obvious that the defense has 9 new starters and will make some mistakes but so far they’ve had the talent to overcome them. 2-0 and off to a great start.
Denver Broncos
About what I thought. Offense is better, defense can be run rough shod over, and they still make bonehead mistakes and penalties in crunch time. WR’s will be fine without Marshall, Orton is a good QB but not great enough to overcome mistakes. At least we didn’t look like the Raiders…
SEC vs. ACC vs. Big Ten
SEC is still the top level football conference. ACC was the talk of the gurus being the next in line. After what happened to VT and Georgia Tech and Miami and Florida State this weekend, I think all that talk can now subside. The Big Ten (which is now 12 while the Big 12 will soon be 10…irony…) is really the next line and will push the SEC for football dominance. Ohio State looks great and the rest of the conference looks pretty decent – Penn State, MSU, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa.
New Blog Look
It’s a slick look and I like it. Most folks read this through a RSS reader or Facebook so I’m not sure what exactly the pay off is of having a slick website other than first impressions and bragging rights. Will update pics regularly.
2010 NFL Prognostications
Actual conversation…
Amy: Ohh yuck. The time of the year when I become a football widow…and you’re going to start blogging about boring football more now.
Grant: You don’t read my blog anyway.
Amy: I do….when I remember.
Grant: Yes. This is the time of year you become a football widow. See ya’ in February.
Okay – I didn’t say the last line…but I thought it. On with the useless that I do every year.
NFC Picks
Divisional Winners: Dallas, Green Bay, New Orleans, San Francisco
Wildcards: Minnesota, Atlanta
NFC Conference Game: Green Bay & New Orleans
Conference Champion: New Orleans
NFC Comments:
I don’t really trust Dallas or Minnesota to stay healthy or drama free for a whole season. That leaves Green Bay and New Orleans. I like both of them, both solid teams. Picked NO just because…I like their unis more than GB.
AFC Picks:
Divisional Winners: New England, Baltimore, Indianapolis, San Diego
Wildcards: Houston, Pittsburgh
NFC Conference Game: Indianapolis, Baltimore
Conference Champion: Indianapolis
AFC Comments:
I changed my wildcard teams about 5 times. Tennessee? New York? Cincinnati? Miami? And every combination after that. It’s to close to feel confident about any picks. Why Houston and Pitt? They are the deepest and could withstand injuries the best…maybe. I think Baltimore and Indy are the cream of the crop. Either one could go to the BIG GAME and win.
Super Bowl Pick:
Indy over New Orleans
Yeah — I’ve stressed over having a rematch of the Super Bowl the year before but since I’m never right, this pretty locks up that it won’t happen.
Let the games begin!
The Nines Highlights, Part 1
This isn’t all the speakers but these were the ones that resonated the most with me.
Dino Rizzo
1 Samuel 15. Stay small so that God can stay big. The big hinges on the small. The small is – writing thank you notes, shaking hands, being available, staying connected, noticing people.
Jenni Catron
Real leaders navigate through the gray. Nehemiah did this, beyond the problem to the solution to HOW the solution should be pursued. Gray is an opportunity to hear God and obey Him.
John Bishop
Until he dealt with his own son’s addiction to heroin, he never really understood the heart of the Father in Luke 15. Then we did it changed everything. Risk everything so that everyone can know Jesus.
Frank Turk
Loved this guy — simple concept of gamechanger — treat people as if they really exist and they belong to Jesus.
Dave Ferguson
A movement requires a YES reflex. When we ask HOW we sow seeds of doubt. HOW is a strategy answer to a VISION question. YES does NOT mean we fund it or staff it. YES is permission to dream and explore. YES is a coute de ta against clergy only ministry.
Eric Bramlett
The importance of saying NO. Funny. Not sure how many people got his humor at our site.
Scott Williams
Personally — my favorite one this morning. Change your perspective, change the game. What you see is often what you look for. “Is this a black church or a white church?” That’s the stupidest question ever. What he was really asking was – “Will I be accepted there?” Diversity on the stage will equal diversity in the pews.
Jorge Acevedo
Move from a heroic solo leader to a team generative leader. Can’t have every single decision flow through one single person. Set up processes and teams that elevate and advance the vision and values.
Troy Gramling
Don’t trust a spiritual leader without a limp. Not all pain is good pain but some pain must be endured because it helps us heal faster.
Toby Slough
Powerful story of the awesomeness of authenticity in leadership.
Don’t Miss This Sunday
This Sunday we are taking a pause in our current series LIFE for a HUGE announcement.
How big? HUGE big…Monster BIG. Like — I can’t even tell you how BIG, you’re just going to have to experience it.
Here’s what I can say – this Sunday is a culmination of over 9 months of prayer and a living application of what we have been walking through in our current series – LIFE. Am I overstating? I don’t think so.
LIFE has focused on how we are spiritual first and we were designed for intimate relationship. We NEED both VERTICAL (with God) and HORIZONTAL (with each other) intimacy. God wired us this way and Jesus modeled to us what this looks like by His life on earth. It’s why the early church copied Jesus’ model of life-on-life, small group discipleship.
The point of all of this is to hear from God and be changed by Him to look like Jesus so we can serve others. Everything hinges on this – hearing from God then our obedience to what we heard. If we don’t hear from God, at best it is all legalism – at worst it’s a glorified “look at me” show. If we want to really experience LIFE to its fullest, we’ve got to hear from God and get on His agenda and plan – not ours.
Because He knows more than we do. And he loves more than we do.
Sunday I have the AWESOME opportunity to share a story of all of this in action. A story very close to home, a story that is going to have a HUGE impact on our church for YEARS to come. You do NOT want to miss it. Then Sunday night we giving another opportunity to interact with this story firsthand, 6 to 7.30 pm.
I am honored and humbled to be serving at a church where the words we speak are more than just words. It’s really how we are trying to do life.
Praise God and see ya’ Sunday.
Tuesday Morning with Mark 14:12-31
My morning notes from our Council Bible Study yesterday morning.
It’s possible to fool yourself into thinking you are deeper and more mature than what you really are. All around the table secure in themselves that they would not betray or abandon Jesus.
Jesus calls out there faults before the supper – “One will betray me, all will scatter” – then serves them the meal anyway. Our character is not the point of the Last Supper — Jesus’ is.
Jesus took focal point of Jewish religion and made it about Himself. It would be like me showing up to Christmas dinner and saying “This holiday is about me and my birth in a Methodist hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Remember me always.”
Actually, it wouldn’t be anything like that because anyone could see through the sham. With Jesus – because of his character, his teachings, and his miracles – this shift of Exodus being focal point of faith to Himself as focal point makes complete sense. Scenes like this (and others) makes me wonder if those people who think Jesus was just a nice, good teacher have ever read the Bible.
Jesus took, blessed, broke, then gave. Great pattern of how God uses us in His work – takes us, blesses us, breaks us, then gives us out. There must be a breaking point. Disciples were in the middle of theirs that night.
Jesus tells them specifically – I will die, resurrect, and see you again in Galilee. Jesus will go before us in our times of darkness and trials. He is before us and on the other side. Stay in the car.
2010 Broncos Prediction
My buddy Stan Ball has been ribbing me about my 2010 Broncos -wanting my take on this season so he can (I presume) rub it in at some date and time later.
My good friend and former cohort in crime David Baumgartner has made his prediction. A very middle of the road 8-8. Mediocrity at its best. (Talking about Denver, not David.) Let me say a couple of general thoughts then I’ll get to the record.
First, if any of the front 7 on defense gets hurt, this defense is going to look like the Saints…..of the 80′s. Majorly thin on the line and linebacker positions. Yes, Denver has great/outstanding DB’s but nobody is going to need to pass when they can rush for 300 yards a game.
Second, (I can’t believe I’m going to write this) if Orton gets hurt, the good news is we will have one of the top 3 picks in the 2011 draft. Of course, we may not have football in 2011 but that is another story all together. Tebow will be the #2 QB. Only way Tebow starts this year is if the bottom falls out of the Broncos OR Orton gets hurt. Neither Tebow or Quinn are ready to run this offense.
Third, Bronco fans can handle another playoff-less season as long as they see some fight and finish to the Broncos. What I don’t what to see is what I saw at the end of last season. A complete meltdown and collapse.
Lastly, this summer has made me very nervous about the leadership of Josh McDaniels. He’s cut 2 of his top 2 draft picks this summer, signed veterans to larger than normal contracts only to cut them before ever playing a game, and then there is the whole Tebow experiment. And yes — if he hits on Tebow — all will be forgiven and forgotten.
On to the year…
@ Jacksonville – W
Why? Why not.
Seattle – W
Wish they were still in the division because they are more jacked up than we are.
Indianapolis – L
Ugly. This one could get ugly.
@ Tennessee – L
See CJ run. See CJ get 20% of his quest for 2,000 in this single game.
@ Baltimore – L
This is really looking like a 1st place schedule, isn’t it?
NY Jets – W
It’s not that I think Denver is that good. I just don’t think the Jets are that good. I’m not buying the kool aid on the Jets. I hate the Jets anyway.
Oakland – W
I hate the Raiders more than the Jets. And I’ll never pick the Raiders over the Broncos but honestly — the Raiders have talent. And this could be a loss.
@ San Francisco – L
I think they’ll win this one and lose the Raider game but I’m not picking the Raiders. Ever.
Kansas City – W
KC is better this year…we think. I think Cassell was/is a huge bust of a risk and until they get a decent QB, they aren’t going anywhere. IF they run the ball — they destroy the Broncos. But it always seems to take them a game to figure that out.
@ San Diego – L
I agree with David — SD isn’t as good as people think but neither are the Broncos.
St. Louis – W
Another team that I’m thankful I’m not a fan of at this point but Bradford looks like the real deal. So did Cutler.
@ Kansas City – L
They figure out Denver doesn’t have a run defense.
@ Arizona – L
I think this is a win but I have to count it as a loss because…
@ Oakland – W
I’m never picking the Raiders. Ever.
Houston – L
It took Kubiak longer than expected and he’s in a ridiculous division (Colts, Titans, Jags) but Texans are good. They’d win the West if they were in it.
San Diego – L
SD plays strong at the end of the season, Denver has yet to finish a season strong since…oh….Plummer era?
7-9
And the off-season will consist of dealing with rumblings of whether or not Josh McDaniels will remain the Bronco’s head coach and when will Tebow start. But that’s why they play the games.
Alabama 2010 Prediction
It feels like football in Topeka and that is a great thing. Nothing better than wearing shorts and Keens in 60 degree weather. Can’t wait for the first frost!!
And so my annual prediction of the season for the Crimson Tide. This year’s schedule looks brutal and while I think they can repeat as national champions, I doubt they will be undefeated. To the schedule…
09/04/10 vs. San Jose State
I guess they needed the huge payout or ‘Bama wanted a scrimmage. Should roll here.
09/11/10 vs. Penn State
It’s a home game so that is a huge advantage for the Tide. The Tide is more talented than Penn State but … it’s Penn State. They have a habit of playing down and up to the level of their competitor.
This is also the National Championship of All-Time College Uniforms. Both of these looks are awesome and any athlete would be proud to wear either one of these unis.
Pick: Tide
09/18/10 at Duke
Thank God it’s not basketball. Another W.
09/25/10 at Arkansas
And here is where the road gets rocky. It’s AT Arkansas, then Florida, then AT SC. Not an easy 3 game stretch. Alabama always seems to get the upper hand on the Hogs since Saban has been around. Mallet will be better but he doesn’t play defense.
The Tide in another nail-biter.
10/02/10 vs. Florida
Tide could lose this game — but I’m betting no because they’ll be at home and all hyped up. Another close game but no Tebow. He’s wearing another shade of orange and blue.
10/09/10 at South Carolina
This is one of the two games I think ‘Bama will go into flat and have a let down. The other one is the LSU game. Both on the road, both coming off big rival games, both home teams coming off a bye. Just spells ambush for the Tide. I’m picking the Tide to win this one…not as confident going into Death Valley.
10/16/10 vs. Mississippi
Ole Miss could be in for a long year – injuries, NCAA issues, and the always present Houston Nutt discovering another way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Tide wins.
10/23/10 at Tennessee
Another win. Knoxville is one of the coolest stadiums in the world though.
11/06/10 at LSU
In Red Stick, LA. This is an ambush game and you wouldn’t think so with Saban having coached there but it is. No one (except LSU fans) expects much out of the Bayou Tigers and that’s when they are so dangerous. My head says it’s a loss, my heart thinks it’s a loss.
11/13/10 vs. Mississippi State
Rack ‘em up. It’s a win.
11/18/10 vs. Georgia State
This is Georgia State’s first year to play football and this game could get ugly quick. Why is it on the schedule? Bill Curry, former Alabama coach is starting up this program and needs cash to get some stuff done. “Bama said — come on over. We’ll give you a big fat check along with a big fat punch in the mouth.
11/26/10 vs. Auburn
The other team in Alabama is deeper this year (24 seniors return to this squad) and they’ll be plenty motivated as they pushed Alabama to the 4th quarter last year. It’s on the plains so anything could happen. I’m going with the Tide.
Overall — an 11-1 season and a birth in the SEC championship game. A W there and it’s National Championship game all over again.
To much to hope for?
Sick of Soundbite Theology
Just in case you’ve missed the last 20 years, a soundbite is a short nugget of sound or text that is supposed to explain and define a larger piece of work.
Facebook applied the art of the Soundbite to human relationship, creating a whole new subsystem called “Social Media.” Twitter took this to the next level — you only have 140 characters to get your point across, define who you are, or make a statement. You’ve got a blink, one moment, one chance to make your mark. Miss it – it’s gone. Doubtful you’ll get another chance.
There is much to love about this ‘new’ (not really, new) reality but applying it to theology is suicide for the soul.
Here’s the problem in a nutshell. People are still asking and dealing with the deeper issues of God and life that they did centuries ago. Is there a God? Who is this God? Where does Jesus fit in all of this? What about the problem of evil and suffering? How can I hear God’s voice? How does the Bible apply to everyday life? They just are expecting to get their answers in 140 characters of less.
Not only are the answers longer than 140 characters, the journey to those answers is just as important (in some cases, more important) as the answer itself. By trying to hyperlink to the end answer, they are cheating themselves of the character development that God often takes us through when seeking His face and insight to an issue. And that is what God is ultimately more concerned about in us over our knowledge – our character development.
Taking the long way is better. And messier. And…yeah, longer.
You Know This Needs To Happen…Soon
This awesomeness was designed by Little Mountain Productions. Ahhhh, the bittersweet taste of envy…
The Worship Planning Experience
If you fail to plan, you’ve planned to fail.
…plans are useless, but planning is indispensable. Dwight D. Eisenhower
I’ve been asked quite a bit about our Creative Team at the church and how it functions. Thought I’d give a ‘behind the scenes’ tour this morning.
First, there are about 7 of us and we meet every week (Monday afternoons). Our mission is to create worship environments and experiences that help connect people to God. We spend a little time each week reviewing and evaluating the last service, then start dreaming 2 to 3 weeks ahead.
When we start a series we start thinking physical space – what should the stage look like? What should the room feel like? What elements and props can we use to further push the theme and topic home? What other creative elements should we explore? Drama, dance, lighting, video clips, audience participation — all are a part of this discussion.
We want the worship experience to start before any note or any word is ever spoken. It’s why our worship auditorium has been a coffee shop, a living room, a carpenters workshop, a battleship, a jail cell, and a kitchen just to name a few. I want all the senses (as much as we can) to be involved in worship. We even baked bread one morning when we taught on Jesus saying He was the bread of life.
Almost everyone hears this concept and loves it. And there is much to love. However, it isn’t for everyone. I’ve had a couple of experiences over the years that illustrate this point. If creative, out of the box thinkers who will say whatever comes into their head intimidates you — this isn’t for you. If you are married to an idea and can’t handle someone else ripping it to shreds or changing it to make it better — this isn’t for you. On the other hand, if you don’t mind throwing 12 ideas up at one time just to see which 1 will work — this is perfect for you.
This includes the sermon. It’s open for every one to comment on, change, or critique. I’m the key deliverer but the thoughts and points get prayed on and discussed over in this room first. There have been times where the team has said – “Grant, I don’t think that’s the main point.” Or “Is that the best way to communicate this? How does that tie back into the epic story we think God is trying to tell in this series?”
The root of all of this is the desire to worship Jesus and to provide an environment where others can do the same. We ask that question of every single element and every single service — does this help connect people to God? Furthermore, we don’t stop with that question but push further. Why are we doing this element? How does it fit the rest of the service? How is a lost person or a new in Christ person going to respond to this? Are we doing this just because it is cool or does it have impact and meaning?
The results are nothing sort of stunning. I’ve been amazed at the insight and creativity of our people. They see their artistry with words, canvas, and drywall as a gift of God to be used. It’s a messy, crazy, vulnerable way to “do worship” and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Just thought you’d like to know…