Daily Grind

Wherever You Go

2009-10-01T10:14:00.003-05:00

Wherever we go today...
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deut 31:6)
Anywhere...
But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. (Gen 39:20-21)
God is with us...
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deut 31:8)
So we should press on...
Therefore go and make disciples... And surely I am with you always, to the very end. (Matt 28:19)
And not be afraid...
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (Josh 1:9)

The Vine, The Branches

2009-08-04T12:18:00.000-05:00

Inspired by my online devo I am setting a couple goals:
1. Stay connected to the vine. (John 15)
- God is the gardener. Gotta let him prune when necessary; and nourish daily. If I remain in him, he will remain in me, and my life will bear fruit. If I cut myself off, I won't see any good fruit come out of my life or ministry. I'll dry up and be good for nothing.
2. Stay mingled with the branches.
- I need to remember to stay in fellowship with others - for encouragement, for challenge, for support. 'Love each other' (v.17 ) implies that we stay connected. I need to make calls, make an effort to check up on people, make an effort to be vulnerable about my struggles.
Funny that it seems #1 may be easier than #2. But both are imperative. 'No branch can bear fruit by itself' (v.4) isn't just about having some time alone with God. 'Remain in me' means worshiping with my life, but also serving with others; praying alone and together; meditating solo and also carrying each others burdens.
It's about camaraderie, both vertical and horizontal. And either one, without the other, misses the point.

I remember, I remember...

2009-06-24T10:58:00.000-05:00

Reading a little from the book dedicated to mourning and sorrow. (Lamentations 3)
The author writes about his grief: "I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall ...and my soul is downcast within me."
Basically, he reflects on his trials, but also how he has wandered away from God. And how all of this has caused him bitterness and frustration.
How often has affliction caused us to wander? Why do struggles often lead us away from God? You think we would have learned by now. In trials, Job was tempted to 'curse God and die'. In truth, that is our main temptation: to lose faith in the face of hardship.
It's the same old story: things are going well, we praise God. Things turn for the worse, and we have a decision to make - do we thank God for the struggle, or do we lose faith?
In a cloud of frustration, it's hard to remember that trials are meant to develop perseverance and maturity in us. God allows us to struggle because it has the potential to make us whole. It's his desire to make us whole. (see James 1)
If anything, let's take a cue from the Lamenter and remember our past wandering, and how that brings nothing but grief. Let us remember our former trials and how God worked in them to bring us strength, when we allowed it. May we allow it today.

And Gentlenesss for All

2009-06-18T11:18:00.000-05:00

Couched in between two of my favorite verses is this kind reminder, "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." (Philippians 4:5)
Usually, that's not a tough one for me. But when facing a trial or struggle, it becomes a challenge to be gentle to everyone. Especially when some people really push your buttons... I am supposed to be gentle in my response?
Some definitions: "The quality or state of being gentle, especially in mildness of manners or disposition. Benignly gracious or kind in manner. Not harsh or stern. Mild, considerate and tender. Honorable, noble, distinguished."
Wow, that's a tall order. Not harsh or stern? Considerate and tender? Honorable, distinguished? All of that is supposed to be evident in my life to everyone? Everyone?!?
OK, I'm going to need some help here with that. I need to start thinking about how gracious God is toward me; how kind he is to always hear my needs; how he gently restores me daily.
I guess I need to grow some of that fruit - patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control to name a few. Interesting that they all seem to share a common theme. All blessing me to bless others. In gentleness.
So today I'll be taking a few deep breaths, keeping my eyes on things above, and making an effort today to be gentle to you and everyone else. (But it would really help if you would all be gentle toward me, too! Thanks!)

Panic vs Inspiration

2009-06-01T11:24:00.000-05:00

It is much easier to do something than to trust in God; we mistake panic for inspiration. That is why there are so few fellow workers with God and so many workers for Him. We would far rather work for God than believe in Him. [Oswald Chambers, June 1]

Hmmm.... I would rather do than believe, I think. There must be a balance somewhere. Surely, God wants us to do something: Faith without works is still dead I'm told (James 2:17) -- action must accompany our belief. But what happens when faith does not accompany action? It's like shooting aimlessly in the dark; working for God but not with him. I wonder what kind of day we would have if we started with faith, and then added action? Perhaps if we seek him first, we'd find some inspiration for our daily grind...

The Art of Perfect Casting

2008-06-03T11:19:00.002-05:00

Cast all your cares on him because he cares for you. -1Peter 5:7

Young Life president Denny Rydberg recently commented about this verse: "Unfortunately, I've seen in my own life and the lives of those around me, that we don't readily cast our anxieties and cares on Him. Maybe we feel it's a sign of weakness to even think we have anxieties... Or maybe we simply forget in the heat and pressure of living life.

"Or maybe, and this is even more dangerous, we don't believe God is big enough or strong enough or loving enough to handle what we're facing. Sometimes, our thinking is skewed. We see our problems, cares and anxieties as BIG and God as small. We might never say that in those words but we act like that.

"Instead we need to think of our problems as small compared to the all-encompassing strength and love of the Lord. And we need to cast our cares on Him because he does care for us."

Well said, Denny. Like a fisher who casts his nets each morning, so should we make a list every day of each care we have; make a regular habit of admitting our concerns and then give them to God, trusting that he is big enough, strong enough, and really does love us enough to handle them. And trust even more that in casting those on him, he will then prepare us as for the cares of each day, even the ones yet unseen.

A Prayer for Grads

2008-05-06T09:26:00.003-05:00

Attended my first graduation party for May grads. Always fun. Always nice to reminisce. Reminds me every time of the same anticipation I felt way back when... the hope and excitement... looking forward to the end of finals... the end of a very long chapter in life.
Started Philippians this morning, and found a nice prayer for grads. Thought I would share it with you... it's my prayer for all of you:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Grace and peace because I know it can be an anxious time right now; praying with joy because I know that God has great plans for each of you; confident that God will continue his good work in you.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:2-11)

As you face the 'real world' may your love grow deeper and wider; may you know God's wisdom to guide you in the big decisions ahead; and may your soul continue to grow fruit that brings glory and praise to God.
Here's to you, graduates! Congratulations!!!

Death and Faith

2008-04-10T10:57:00.002-05:00

What does this mean, Am I willing to die for my faith? Maybe the question should be, Am I willing to die for someone else's faith?

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8 (NIV)

God demonstrated his love through Christ dying for us, while we were still opposed to God. So how do we demonstrate his love for the world? It seems if I follow this passage, then I need to be willing to make sacrifices for those around me. I need to die to self in order to reach people who don't know God's love. I need to be humbled in order to love those who have offended me. I must be willing to sacrifice anything, everything to follow Jesus' example.
Who will I truly love today? In words, or in "death"?

Take Heart!

2008-01-24T10:06:00.000-06:00

I am coming to remember again how important it is to be still before God; to take time each day to rest in him. And in that peace allow God to prepare your heart for whatever lies ahead.
It's so easy to get distracted, especially when things are going fine. But next thing you know, you get sideswiped, ready or not. You might react with woe, anger or fear; or you might be able to handle it with grace and patience, because you let God get you ready.
Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Even Jesus knew trouble was inevitable. And he offered hope. But it's easier to 'take heart' and trust God if I am practicing the presence of God every day. I have to do my part so God can do his part.
It's funny how we get mad at God for 'letting bad things happen'; and all the while he wanted to ready us, knowing what was coming. But we didn't take the time.
"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." (Psalm 27:14) There seems to be a causality: we can be strong and take heart if we take time each day to wait for the Lord. He usually doesn't tell us what's coming, but we really can trust that he is getting us ready for the day; getting us ready to trust him whatever may come.

Eat Your Vegetables

2007-08-28T12:08:00.000-05:00

Still reading Oswald Chambers... someday I'll switch to another devo...
Today, something interesting: "Prayer is not a normal part of the life of the natural man. We hear it said that a person’s life will suffer if he doesn’t pray, but I question that. What will suffer is the life of the Son of God in him, which is nourished not by food, but by prayer."
Interesting way to put it. I had to get up and dwell on that for about 20 min. Obviously prayer is important - Jesus prayed for hours each day - so he was 'feeding' his spirit through prayer? One scripture comes to mind... Jesus said we don't "live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matt 4:4; Deut 8:3) So as we commune with God, we feed our spiritual self, just as food nourishes our physical self. OK... that makes sense. It may be too simple, though. Too simple and difficult for us in our busy wireless society to take some time each day and get unplugged to enjoy some delicious prayer.
"When a person is born again from above, the life of the Son of God is born in him, and he can either starve or nourish that life. Prayer is the way that the life of God in us is nourished. Our common ideas regarding prayer are not found in the New Testament. We look upon prayer simply as a means of getting things for ourselves, but the biblical purpose of prayer is that we may get to know God Himself." (My Utmost) Mmm, mmm, good!?!

Conundrum

2007-07-18T11:16:00.000-05:00

I read this today: "Many people begin coming to God once they stop being religious." How interesting and probably true. The problem is that God seems to have set up the Church as the place where he wants people to come to know him best. The Bible seems to be full of indication that the being a Christian means being in community. (ex. "Let us not give up meeting together... but let us encourage one another" Heb 10:25)
The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. At least that's the way I read it. But how do you come to God and yet avoid the religiosity of his church? Or a better way to say it: Is it possible for the Church to be non-religious?
Well, maybe. If God wants us to be in a 'relationship' and not 'religion', then maybe that's what he has in mind for the Church as well. A church based on relationships, not ritual. Now that I think about it, I know some churches who are getting it right, for the most part. Too bad so many are still missing the point.

I keep forgetting...

2007-06-28T10:10:00.000-05:00

...that God chooses me first. I keep thinking that I have some great idea for God, or some great motivation to serve God. But really he moves first, and then I just respond (hopefully). Paul said, "I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus *took hold* of me." (Phil.3:12)
We serve God and others today because he chose us to do so, in whatever thing is laid before us. "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Eph.2:10) He wants to 'take hold' of us today, and use us for good. May we all respond today, in each opportunity, with humility and grace.

Prayer... it's everywhere

2007-06-21T10:10:00.000-05:00

Doing a series on "Time Alone with God" in youth group, about how much God wants to spend time with us. And how refreshing it can be to spend time with him...
Everywhere I look, it seems God is speaking the same to me. Expecially about praying for others, and how important that is. And how much of a blessing it can be.
I'm reading things like, "The Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends" (Job 42:10) - an interesting causality.
And that thinking only about self can be "an unhealthy habit", and a source for unnecessary worry. Some energy might be better spent with God and for others.

Determination

2007-06-15T11:08:00.000-05:00

I had a conversation with a friend yesterday. She was frustrated because she felt like crap but had lots of youth ministry stuff she was committed to this week. She wondered honestly, why would God allow her to get sick if he called her to serve in these things.
The 'sinful world' notwithstanding, it's a fair question. A genuine heart follows the call to serve in some area, only to find when you get there, you just don't feel like doing it.
It made me think about the disciples, who on foot or camel, had to follow Jesus many a mile. Sure we have the record of the cool stuff that happened when they got there, but I'd love to hear their thoughts between cities. I'm sure the travel was wearisome. Not to mention how often they were confused even in the thick of miracles and teachings.
My advice to my friend... sometimes we need to follow when we don't feel like it. We must trust that God is still in control, even if we are feeling yucky, or hurt, or unmotivated. Of course we need to be totally honest about our feelings, let him know that we could use some help; express our frustration - David did throughout the Psalms - and share our burdens with others. And finally voice our continued trust, our commitment to follow despite our crap.
"God will not make me think like Jesus— I have to do it myself. I have to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5)." Good advice. It takes determination; it takes remembering our original commitment. And it means coming as a child, trusting that our loving Father won't give us more than he knows we can withstand; that he has a purpose in it, even if just to draw us back to him.

Rupture

2007-05-21T14:47:00.000-05:00

Thanks for all the emails and comments to "get well soon". It's actually going to take about 6 months, so pray for patience. ;)
Wanted to fill you in on the story, b/c so many people have been asking...
It was Thanksgiving weekend, and dad and I were moving a mattress upstairs from the basement. We have an open stairway, and dad carrying the top end. Halfway up, the mattress gets stuck around the corner, and my dad trips and falls off the stairs, onto a desk, and onto the floor.
In a crazy moment my instinct was to try to 'catch' him or at least try to break his fall. Unsuccessful. I am not a super hero (not yet).
After the mayhem he ended up fine, and it looked like I pulled or strained my right bicep. He called a specialist and he said to let it heal for 3 months. So I did. There was little to no pain, and the muscle wasn't balled up like you see in sports injuries, so I figured it would be fine.
Turns out after 3 months, it looked the same, so one MRI later, I am told that one of my biceps was ruptured (yes, there are two bicep muscles in each arm). The surgery was scheduled and the rest is painful history.
Friday, I go in to get the splint and stitches removed, and then 6 weeks of wearing a brace (and hopefully driving again!). Then 4 months of rehab and I'm (almost) as good as new. However, I will be looking for another superpower to weild, since that whole super strength/speed thing didn't quite work out.

Cha cha cha changes

2007-01-19T09:47:00.000-06:00

My friend Elizabeth said: "The unknown absolutely kills me. I want to know what I am doing next. I want to know what kind of changes to expect... Curse you, change. Curse you."
Too true. I like the change that I initiate. Buy new clothes, get a haircut, rearrange my CD collection.
But most change just happens to us. We are not in control. Or sometimes we make a decision (our choice) but it comes with other changes we didn't see in the contract. It's like riding the Mamba at Worlds of Fun. You get on the ride willingly, then begin to question the decision. You're locked in, and have to face what's ahead, no turning back. Up the first hill, ok that's not so bad. Then down... and you're screaming your lungs out. Wait a minute, that was fun, this isn't so bad. Then another massive hill and a few sharp turns, holy crap. You think you're getting used to it, stick your hands in the air (like you just don't care), and then the last turn and you pull them down because those huge support beams threaten to rip your arm off.
Yeah, that's kind of like life. We think we're in the driver's seat, but we're really sitting in the back of the bus. We make choices, we get on different busses, but when each ride starts someone else is driving.
Enough metaphors. It reminds me of a Bible passage that talks about God knowing the plans he has for us, plans to prosper and not to harm us, to give us a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) So my real challenge is whether or not I trust the driver. Do I believe that he knows what is best, that he will guide me through each change that comes my way?

Of course, it also depends on whether or not I've gotten on the right bus.

A Festivus for the Rest of Us

2006-12-23T14:32:00.000-06:00

MILWAUKEE: "Kevin Campanella hates buying and receiving Christmas presents that he says inevitably disappoint. This year, no such worries. Campanella plans to seek "serenity now" by celebrating Festivus, a wacky holiday popularized in a 1997 "Seinfeld" episode." -Associated Press 12/21/06

At first glance, this seems like a slap in the face of Father Christmas. But a more careful examination of the holiday reveals more:

In protest of Christmas' commercialism, character Frank Costanza puts up an unadorned aluminum pole instead of a tree. Billed as "Festivus for the rest of us," the holiday celebrated by the Costanza clan on Dec. 23 features an airing of grievances and feats of strength in which a guest must pin the host before the party ends. (Seinfeld 12/18/97)

A unique protest, no doubt. Which might beg the question, what am I doing to "protest Christmas' commercialism"? Or am I just like everyone else, all caught up in the shopping frenzy?

It seems a revival of the alternative holiday might be just what we need. But if we air any grievances, let's gripe about our own lack of holiday spirit. In the Festivus spirit, let's give more to local charities (and perhaps volunteer?). At the very least, we should move that nativity scene out from under all those gifts under our tree. Now I'm not advocating we abandon Christmas, but if 'Christmas' means buying gifts in the 21st century, then we might need a new paradigm to refocus and celebrate the birth of our Savior. And Festivus just might fit the bill. (Besides, wrestling could be a fun new tradition.)

[see also www.whatisfestivus.com or the Festivus blog]

Ring Them Bells

2006-12-13T00:17:00.000-06:00

I was inspired by my friend Elizabeth's recent post (here)... it reminded me of a Bob Dylan song...
Ring them bells, ye heathen From the city that dreams,
Ring them bells from the sanctuaries Cross the valleys and streams,
For they're deep and they're wide And the world's on its side
And time is running backwards And so is the bride.
I saw a Salvation Army bell-ringer again today... here's a neat idea: keep some $1 bills handy when you go shopping, and be sure to bless that bucket this Christmas season...
Ring them bells Sweet Martha, For the poor man's son,
Ring them bells so the world will know That God is one.
Oh the shepherd is asleep Where the willows weep
And the mountains are filled With lost sheep.
[PS. Does anyone remember the First Call version? I had to ask because it was one of my favorite groups from the 90's (now defunct ala PFR (another great band); They recorded it on their Human Song album. It was good... thought I would let you know. Done rambling now.]

Fare Thee Well

2006-11-29T17:33:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to say I officially broke out the winter coat today, and have ceremoniously bid fall goodbye. ;( Yes, this makes me sad. Hope you are all doing well! No youth group tonight, due to the crazy weather... maybe we will all get a snow day tomorrow?!? :)

Consistency

2006-11-25T14:49:00.000-06:00

It is around this time of year that I start thinking about evaluation. I like to look over my year, sort of a 'check up', and then look ahead to set goals and reevaluate purposes for the new year.
One benchmark for my year is always consistency. Did I stay on track with my purposes, or did I end up all over the map? Oswald has some thoughts on this...
"Most of us are not consistent spiritually because we are more concerned about being consistent externally. ...But Paul’s consistency was down deep in the fundamentals. The great basis of his consistency was the agony of God in the redemption of the world, namely, the Cross of Christ."
So the question is begged, "Where is my foundation?" Did I stay close to the cross in my daily grind, or did I waver from time to time, or week to week? There is no doubt that when I stay close to the cross, "the energy of God is released".

God's Will or Mine?

2006-10-20T15:34:00.000-05:00

Growing in Christ is not a question of whether God is willing... he is. But is it my will? Am I willing to let God do in me everything that has been made possible through the the Cross of Christ? (My Utmost)
All that Jesus made possible becomes mine through the free and loving gift of God. We must remember the promise from Romans 8:31: "So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us?"
When it is not 'my will' to become all that God made me to be, to not allow Jesus to work in my life, then it must be because I doubt his love, or that I doubt he knows what is absolutely best for me. And how preposterous is that? How could I ever doubt God's care as a loving Father after his demonstration on the cross?
"The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture." (Romans 8:34-35)
No, nothing we do or anyone else does can separate us from the love of God. We can only decide not to accept his love today, and ignore the work he wants to do in us. And then we make ourselves out to be fools, I suppose.

Can't Hear God?

2006-10-11T16:17:00.000-05:00

"When you cannot hear God, you will find that He has trusted you in the most intimate way possible... with absolute silence" (My Utmost)
Kind of an interesting perspective. And isn't is always the way - if we just change our view, get it in line with truth...
So the assertion here is that when God is silent, it's not a bad thing. He is actually trusting you to trust him, as if you have enough faith to do it. As if you believe that God's timing is perfect, and that he is moving on your behalf, even though you can't see, hear, or feel it.

Where did it go?

2006-10-06T11:19:00.000-05:00

Today's entry disappeared... it was a pretty good one. I'm not sure what happened, but Blogger seems to be having some difficulty this morning. Perhaps they need more bandwidth.

From Vision to Reality

2006-10-04T12:43:00.000-05:00

"Thank God for being able to see all that you have not yet been." (more). On the 'mountaintop' we can see for miles. It is here that God gives us vision for who we are meant to be. But it is in the valley that the vision is realized.
"Consider it joy when you face trials...". It is the testing of our faith which develops perseverance and maturity... making us 'complete' (James 1:2-4). We cannot find this on the mountain. And it is our choice... "whether we will let the vision be turned into actual character depends on us, not on God." He gives us a glimpse, and then provides the means by which we shall be changed.
Trials come to refine our faith. (1 Peter 1:5-7) If we forget this, if we do not rejoice in this, then we miss the point entirely. And we are sure to be miserable.

Please be Seated

2006-09-29T11:17:00.000-05:00

Much of the time we think of the promise of God referring to 'that day'. "We will be raised with him" or "We will reign with him" come ot mind.
But look at this peculiar passage from Ephesians 2:6 "For he raised us from the dead along with Christ, and we are seated with him in the heavenly realms--all because we are one with Christ Jesus" (full passage)
We are seated with him in the heavenly realms. At this moment, as children of God, we are seated with Christ. We have access now to all the power and resources of Heaven. Why we continue to try to live by the earth's ways and means is beyond me.

Have It Your Way?

2006-09-28T14:16:00.000-05:00

I remember the old Burger King commercial jingle... "Have it your way... have it your way!" Perhaps we should be singing that to God...
"If you are hard and vindictive, insistent on having your own way, and always certain that the other person is more likely to be in the wrong than you are, then there are whole areas of your nature that have never been transformed by His gaze." (more at: My Utmost)
A wake-up call of sorts... Am I aware of any areas in my life that still need to be transformed? Am I willing to ask God to show me?

The Reaction of My Life...

2006-08-30T10:17:00.000-05:00

I thought this was a different perspective...
"Once you have the right relationship with God... remember that whatever your circumstances may be, you have been placed in them by God. And God uses the reaction of your life to your circumstances to fulfill His purpose," (more here).
Interesting that God wants to use "the reaction of my life". How often do I find myself in a crappy situation and I react like a bratty kid? Or at least on the inside cuss and fuss... Looks like I need some more fruit growing on this tree.

God's Incredible Waste?

2006-08-10T09:21:00.000-05:00

I read this today and I learned something...
"Look at God’s incredible waste of His saints, according to the world’s judgment. God seems to plant His saints in the most useless places. Yet Jesus never measured His life by how or where He was of the greatest use. God places His saints where they will bring the most glory to Him, and we are totally incapable of judging where that may be." [more here: My Utmost for His Highest]
I am encouraged because no matter what, as I am seeking God I can trust that I am where I am supposed to be. Nice.

CareerBuilder Monk-e-Mail

2006-04-05T15:13:00.000-05:00

Have you seen this? You've got to try it! Best thing on the web this week, hands down! http://www.careerbuilder.com/monk-e-mail/

The Muppets are on Movies.com

2006-01-20T14:36:00.000-06:00

Have you seen this new web show? Pretty hilarious...
Statler & Waldorf: From the Balcony - the voices have changed a bit, and the humor is less cheesy. I laughed out loud. Really.

Holiday Spirit

2005-12-03T02:19:00.000-06:00

Some nice diversions offered on cnet.com as screen savers for the holidays. Download one now here. And Happy Early Christmas! (yes I know it's only Dec 3)

True cost of Christmas: $18,348.87?

2005-12-01T13:45:00.000-06:00

According to MSN, the cost of Christmas has gone up. Well, I could have told you that! But I was surprised to find I could get a French hen for only $15! Check it out here.

This makes me hungry...

2005-11-29T13:35:00.000-06:00

Cute flash site here: MuffinFilms

My Brother the Movie Star

2005-11-24T04:27:00.000-06:00

My brother, Nathan Inzerillo, is now an official movie star, at least according to the Internet Movie Database! Way to go, bro! You are the coolest brother ever!

Oh yeah, he's also in a film debuting in an Italian film festival in Toronto. How cool is that???

Funny Commercials

2005-11-11T23:09:00.000-06:00

I found this tonight and it was pretty funny...

The new commercials for Sierra Mist, as well as the funnier out-takes.

www.mist-takes.com

And hey, my October post is missing. hmmm... that's strange. I sent a post...it's gone. Let's see if this one makes it... Maybe that Matrix stuff isn't just fiction after all...

Sonic

2005-09-16T12:17:00.000-05:00

I tried this and I like it. The best thing I have ever had at Sonic. Of course I was driving and the hot juices dripped down all over my shirt and shorts, which didn't come out in the wash. Now this burrito is a love/hate relationship.

The nutrition info on this item is not available yet, so I am safe for now. I guess I could call the 800 number... nah!

Looking for the serious stuff? The thoughtful, introspective entries are now at Xanga!

Oatmeal Crisp Almond

2005-08-23T21:35:00.000-05:00

I realized today that I do not really buy off-brand cereals anymore. I used to rather enjoy knowing I saved a few dollars because I always bought the store brand. And don't get me wrong, I still buy Best Choice juice and Sam's Choice salsa (better than Pace!). But now that I'm more concerned about my health, I am tending to buy more whole grains (including cereals), and fresh fruits and veggies are plentiful. You might even say there's a plethora of healthy food in my fridge.
So, as far as good cereal goes, I like the new Total Honey Clusters, Kellogg's Crunchy Blends Granola Cereal w/Raisins... but my favorite (for the moment) is Oatmeal Crisp Almond (that's Beau's new fav, too - though he does like his Post Honeycomb...)

ESUVEE

2005-07-19T11:00:00.000-05:00

Have you see the ESUVEE page? Kind of an innovative way to promote safe driving...

You can watch the TV ad here, too. Pretty cool...

I need an iPod

2005-07-05T22:37:00.000-05:00

A youth minister friend told me once that summer is a busy time. You ain't kiddin'! If April is busy for accountants, then June/July is tax season for youth ministry! Of course, I say this now, and watch Fall be busier than ever...
Summer is camp season, and therefore also fund-raising season. We had a successful car wash, are preparing for a Spaghetti Dinner, and today received our shipment of 300 Northland discount cards to sell later this month.
And tonight I mowed, and I definitely need an iPod. I think it would definitely make mowing a more pleasant experience. And I know this because driving home I saw a guy mowing and he had an iPod (or some mp3 player) and seemed to be enjoying himself. Anyone know where I can get one cheap?

Postscript: Starting now, my Xanga site will continue to be a 'diary' of sorts, and this blogger site will convert to my random thoughts/reviews/etc. (no longer a duplicate of the Xanga). Check back soon for my Star Wars III review soon! (thumbs up, in case you couldn't guess)

Patience is a Virtue...

2005-05-18T22:53:00.000-05:00

Whew... it's been a while! Lot's of good things happening at Winnwood! We've been going through the fruit of the Spirit on Wednesday nights... tonight was 'patience' and the kids were pretty rowdy - a great object lesson for the adult leaders and I!
We have a great group coming on Wednesday nights - about 30-40 kids and 1/3 of them are neighborhood kids, many of which are not 'church kids'. Some of them keep inviting new kids each week! It's amazing how great the 'outreach' is working and we haven't really done anything to reach out. God is working. There is no doubt about it.
By the way, Star Wars III comes out at midnight tonight (Wednesday). I have already had two kids meals at Burger King this week to collect some of the 31 toys. Hope to see the movie in the next few days...
God bless, and press on! ~Peter.

Let Go, and Respond

2005-04-08T12:31:00.000-05:00

Inspired by my friend Elizabeth's last blog entry, I post this...
Let go, and respond to the immediate needs around you. Don't get caught in some false perception of yourself. There will always be another person more gifted than you. And don't perceive your position as important, but be ready to serve at any moment. If you can let go of who you think you are, you will become free - ready to love others. If you learn to see your impermanence, you will be able to live for the moment and not miss opportunities to love by pushing things into the future. (Thich Nhat Hanh)
...or as Elizabeth said, "We are to serve in the things that are in our hands. God ordains us to do the work we are given for the day. Who is to say that the work God gives us today is any less important or sacred than the work He will give us years from now?"

Roles with Our Names on Them

2005-03-24T12:35:00.000-06:00

by Barbara Brown Taylor: "Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter"
The story of Good Friday is one that can happen anywhere at any time, and we are as likely to be the perpetrators as the victims. I doubt that many of us will end up playing Caiaphas or Pilate. They may have given Jesus the death sentence, but what about Judas, Peter, and all those who fled? Those are the roles with our names on them.
Whenever someone famous gets in trouble, the press focuses on his friends. Do they support him or do they say that they had seen trouble coming? One of the worst things a friend can say is what Peter said: We weren't friends, exactly. Acquaintances might be a better word. Actually, we just worked together. Not really even together. Just near each other. I didn't know him well.

Confidence in Waiting

2005-03-04T11:08:00.000-06:00

Being means: not numbering and counting, but ripening like a tree, which doesn’t force its sap, and stands confidently in the storms of spring, not afraid that afterward summer may not come. It does come. But it comes only to those who are patient, who are there as if eternity lay before them, so unconcernedly silent and vast. I learn it every day of my life, learn it with pain I am grateful for: patience is everything! [Rainer Maria Rilke]

I am feeling blessed - because somehow, in the last nine months, I have felt a peace that passes understanding. And now in this new position, it is an easy transition. Not like going from empty to full, but from one place to another, just the same. God's hand on me last month was no different than it is now. Because I trusted him then, I continue to trust him now - the waiting is over, in a sense, but the waiting continues. It is a good place to be. It is faith - and even that is God's gift to me. ~Peter.

Job

2005-02-27T23:46:00.000-06:00

At 5:00pm today I accepted a position at Winnwood Baptist Church as their new Associate Pastor of Students and Outreach. Glory to God. I start Tuesday. Thanks for your prayers and support these last nine months.

Time for an update...

2005-02-23T12:44:00.000-06:00

Thanks for your prayers as I am looking seriously at a church in KC - they are looking at me for their youth/outreach position. It is very exciting, and I go this Sunday to share my story during their service. Have had a good time so far meeting people and getting to know the students... trusting God in all of this to put me where he wants me.

Now What? Back to Normal?

2005-02-01T11:56:00.000-06:00

It was in the personal tragedy we felt our unity. Waves swept away Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians with a ferocious indifference. Once again, unified in the face of catastrophe, we hit the pause button on our own man-made conflicts. But I also watch us inch back to "normal." On Page One, the fury of nature shares space again with the folly of humanity. The victims of nature make room for the victims of man-made conflict. It's impossible to watch this unfold and not wonder why people need tragedy to remind us of our humanity. And why we manufacture disaster when nature provides quite enough of its own. (Ellen Goodman, The Boston Globe, January 9, 2005)
And what about me? As I continue to search for a job, somehow I long for normalcy. Yet I also long to reach out and let God use me to reach humanity; Christ's love through me touching the hurting and lost.

The Spud Goes to the Dark Side?

2005-01-18T14:39:00.000-06:00

Yahoo! News - Top Stories Photos - AP
Check this out - a Darth Vader Mr. Potato Head - aka Darth Tater. Hilarious!

What If? Musings on the Tsunami

2005-01-11T11:44:00.000-06:00

What if we grasped the moment that is now
(don't ask me when; don't ask me how)
and every person on the street
became the most important one to meet?

What if the Hindu fishermen
(the ones their Muslim neighbors sheltered in a mosque)
called on all Indians of whatever faith
to end sectarian strife?

What if the Tamil Tigers
(who lost so many children in the waves)
decided not to send any more
child soldiers to fight their Sri Lankan war?

What if in the USA
(tell me, why can't it happen today?)
the Christians put their weapons away
and disarmed their enemies with love?

What if the Laskar mujahedeen
(who killed Christians on the Malukus)
called on their brothers and sisters worldwide
to embrace nonviolence and peace?

Why can't it happen now
(while hands are helping and hearts are hurting)
that we remove all obstacles
to make this and much, much more possible?

Or will our hands and hearts and minds
(united now in a common humanity)
trade shovels, grief, and generosity
for guns and greed and animosity?

What if we grasped the moment that is now
(now we know when; now we know how)
and not put off what we can do today
for tomorrow, when all could be washed away?"

I think Bill's on to something here... and I have some to add...
What if we didn't hope someone else dealt with the problem in Asia?
What you and I actually got involved in helping out our neighbor?
What if this was an extension of what we were already doing locally?
What if?

How can we pray?

2005-01-06T16:55:00.000-06:00

SOUTHERN ASIA. How can Christians pray effectively for the areas of southern Asia hit by the catastrophic tsunami of December 26, 2004?

According to one local missionary, "The most critical prayer is for the survivors, the people of Aceh, and the other countries in Asia that have been hurt by this--but specifically for the people of Aceh. This is an area of Indonesia that has been completely locked down for the last 18 months to outside media and aid workers. For decades it has been embroiled in a civil war with the Indonesian government. So this really represents a phenomenal opportunity for the rest of the world--and for the body of Christ--to step up and make an impact. It's an opportunity to (show them) there are people that love them and want to care for them through this difficult time....This will be a phenomenal time for the people of Aceh to understand who Christ is." (http://www.imb.org/)

Merry New Year

2005-01-02T18:44:00.000-06:00

Happy Holidays, everyone! I am excited about 2005 and, well, the future in general. What's up with me? ...A quick update: I'm still looking for a job, still selling stuff on eBay, and still living in Liberty, MO.
I'm working on setting some goals for the new year, and the first one is to find the list of goals I made last year (oops). One goal I have for 2005 is to blog more about what I'm learning each week. I used to journal a lot, and would like to get that started again using this nifty new forum. I'll let you know how it goes. I promise to keep it short...
Along those lines, let me end by wishing everyone a blessed and risky New Year! Thanks for your thoughts and prayers and ongoing friendship.
-Peter.
(View more holiday greetings by clicking on Merry New Year above.)

Where Are You Headed?

2005-01-01T22:35:00.000-06:00

"Generally speaking, if you want to know who you really are as distinct from who you like to think you are, keep an eye on where your feet take you."
--Frederick Buechner
Some good words for us to ponder as we enter 2005... Especially for those of us who are waiting diligently for direction for our tired feet. :)
Have a blessed and risky New Year!
~Peter.

When Catastrophe Strikes

2004-12-28T13:33:00.000-06:00

Only when we take human existence upon ourselves in its starkest and most humiliating misery—a misery in which nothing has meaning—can we win through to the only possible way to live. Only when we taste the lot of all, when we become involved deeply in world suffering, one in heart with the need of humanity, can we win through to our true vocation. Only when the conscience becomes active, only when love is born out of suffering, only when hardship leads to liberating action, is victory near. (E. Arnold, Lecture, April 1919)
Pray for Asia and make a donation to alleviate suffering at www.worldvision.org.

update

2004-12-06T04:05:00.000-06:00

Someone complained that it was time to update... here you go...

A Hidden Danger
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

Long periods of well-being and comfort are in general dangerous to all. After such prolonged periods, weak souls become incapable of weathering any kind of trial. They are afraid of it. Yet it is a fact that difficult trials and sufferings can facilitate the growth of the soul. I know there is a widespread feeling that if we highly value suffering this is masochism. On the contrary, it is a significant bravery when we respect suffering and understand what burdens it places on our soul.

The Men Behind the Marshmallow

2004-11-10T10:45:00.000-06:00

This is a little old, but worth a read if you're a fan and you want to know the scoop behind HomestarRunner. TIP: Listen to the audio interview and hear all three voices behind the voices.

Two Great Sequels

2004-11-09T11:26:00.000-06:00

Check Coming Soon.net for info about two upcoming movie sequels that I know you are excited about... Spaceballs 2 and Star Wars III. OK maybe you're not as excited as me... but I know you can't wait for Big Momma's House 2!!!

Why Not Today?

2004-11-05T13:29:00.000-06:00

Johann Christoph Arnold

Whether we are saddened or elated by the prospect of another four years, now is not the time for depression or gloating. Jesus called on his followers to be peacemakers, and told them that they would be called the sons of God. This promise still exists for us today. These are simple but powerful words. If they worked in Christ’s time, why shouldn't they work today as we struggle to rid the world of terror? It is easy to pay our taxes, abide by the rule of law, and otherwise dutifully give to Caesar what is Caesar’s. But what about the second half of that commandment? In the end, only when we each become a peacemaker will we achieve the unity that politicians of all stripes are fond of giving lip service to.
The next four years are in your hands.

Vote Now!

2004-10-28T22:38:00.000-05:00

Vote now in the biggest election poll ever taken...
Hip-Hop Debate - Miniclip.com :)

Live Revolutionary Lives...

2004-10-26T12:06:00.000-05:00

"Were they to stir up a political uprising? Were they to fight for positions of power and inflict their will? Were they to form a mass strategy for proclaiming the gospel to every household by the end of the decade?

"No. The life Paul called them to was less dazzling, much simpler..."

More at Soul Journey.

Life on the Edge

2004-10-26T01:10:00.000-05:00

WOW - two entries in one month!!! But I read this excerpt from Sophie Scholl and I had to share... I think we should all have the same heart...

Life on the Edge Sophie Scholl
The real damage is done by those millions who want to "survive." The honest men who just want to be left in peace. Those who don’t want their little lives disturbed by anything bigger than themselves. Those with no sides and no causes. Those who won’t take measure of their own strength, for fear of antagonizing their own weakness. Those who don’t like to make waves-or enemies. Those for whom freedom, honor, truth, and principles are only literature. Those who live small, mate small, die small. It’s the reductionist approach to life: if you keep it small, you’ll keep it under control. If you don’t make any noise, the bogeyman won’t find you. But it’s all an illusion, because they die too, those people who roll up their spirits into tiny little balls so as to be safe. Safe?! From what? Life is always on the edge of death; narrow streets lead to the same place as wide avenues, and a little candle burns itself out just like a flaming torch does. I choose my own way to burn."

What do you think...?

The Wedding

2004-10-14T23:58:00.000-05:00

I meant to blog this last week, but too busy... Anyway, I got to officiate my first wedding a couple weekends ago.
What an experience. I have been in so many weddings, and the "pastor's" role has eluded me (as well as the groom's role) ;) Kate Azerolo is now married to Jamie Hobbs and I got to say, "I now pronounce you man and wife."
It was actually pretty simple, as far as weddings go. I went through all the official language - pretty much followed the outline. But at the end, I was amazed. I married this couple. Like the others who participated, God used me to bless Kate and Jamie in a way that no one else will.
And I thought about our lives - how we all have different gifts, talents, and personalities. And I know once again that God wants to use me and you to bless others in a way that no one else can. He made us one-of-a-kind to do one-of-a-kind things everyday.
As I search for a new 'ministry position', may I continue to be open to being used each day to uniquely minister to those in my path. May you do the same.

Understanding Soldiers From Iraq

2004-10-05T01:05:00.000-05:00

Wow - this makes you want to keep praying... and keep faith.

Bruderhof Communities - Understanding Soldiers From Iraq

Sep 11 Update

2004-09-11T13:40:00.000-05:00

I got this from Bruderhof.com and thought I would share it...

Really Important
Antoine de St. Exupery
The only really important time in our lives
is the time we waste with those we love.
Readings for the third anniversary of 9/11

Update
Still sending out resumes and still looking for direction. I am enjoying this time to 'simplify' my life, though...
Started jogging on Sep 1. Working up to a mile (without stopping ;). Make it 1/2 mile yesterday - which it a PR for me (and I used to HATE running)!
Thinking of you all and being thankful on this day for all the friendships God has given. ~Peter.

August is cool

2004-08-14T13:00:00.000-05:00

Well, it’s time for my monthly ;) update…

Still praying and looking. Not much else has changed. I’ve started selling stuff on eBay, and that has been fun! I now have a UPS account :). Feel free to check out my online stuff at http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewSellersOtherItems&userid=rockpeter.

Thoughts…

C.S. Lewis wrote: “The moment you wake up each morning… your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job of each morning consists of shoving them all back, in listening to that other voice, taking the other point of view, letting that other, larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in” [quoted in Timothy Jones, The Art of Prayer, 1997].

That is our first task and our greatest challenge. I must admit that I know all too well the rushing of thoughts and plans at the start of the day. I am learning (again) to quiet my soul and give God my waking thoughts… and try to be open to what HE has planned for my day.

Saudi Arabia: A House Divided?

2004-07-20T18:10:00.000-05:00

This is certainly interesting...

CBN News - Saudi Arabia: A House Divided

What do you think?

Why Change?

2004-07-19T23:40:00.000-05:00

"There is a certain relief in change, even though it be from bad to worse! As I have often found in traveling in a stagecoach, that it is often a comfort to change one's position, and be bruised in a new place."

- Washington Irving

"He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery."

- Harold Wilson

"Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation."

- Robert F. Kennedy

Gladiator

2004-07-04T19:26:00.000-05:00

Just finished watching Gladiator with Jesse, Jake, and Mike. Wow - can you believe I've never seen it?!

OK - so June went by SO FAST and I still don't have a job. ;) I posted my resume at several Christian ministry job sites, and I got my first email today - asking me if I was interested in a youth/worship minister position in Ontario. Yes, Canada. That's pretty exciting. What an adventure.

...Which is why guys like movies like Gladiator - the adventure, the battle... living life and dying for something you believe in. May I live my life that way, even in this transition time. Ready to die daily for my Savior.

Jerry Voll described Jesus' life like this on Bruderhof.com... Jesus lived his life an adventure - with purpose every day. Might I do the same? Might we all?

"As God’s son, Jesus was at the same time flesh and blood. He was real God and real man. When Jesus walked this earth with his disciples he related to them as man to man. They were brothers, some even by blood. This physical relationship extended to all the people with whom Jesus had contact. The multitudes had come to know God as a real person. He worked with them, ate with them, talked with them, challenged them, instructed them, partied with them, trusted them, loved them, died for them, rose for them."

Learning...

2004-07-02T19:21:00.000-05:00

So... like so many before me, I start a weblog, and then leave it be. I had grandiose ideas about getting on here every day or so and typing up my thoughts through this process.

WELL, I'm over a month into this thing. Not much written yet, but to tell you the truth, it's taken a bit of time to process this process, or whatever it is. In any case, I'm ready to write about one of the more recurring themes from the last month...

Faith. I spent the early part of June hurrying to get my resume out and check out every possible lead in the nation. There were like three jobs out there, and I didn't get any of them. And then someone told me to slow down and enjoy this 'process' - to not miss out on what God might want to teach me through this ordeal.

So the latter part of June, while exhausting even more leads and checking out every single college in Kansas and Missouri, I realized that I wasn't going to find something right away - that I was going to have to wait on God. I should keep looking, but really trust that God will open the door when it's God's time. And he knows what's best for me - his timing is perfect.

That's the test, really. Will I 'faith' God to bring me safely to the next thing? Will I trust him to show me where and what it is? I feel peace about it as July begins. Ask me in a few months ;)

READING: Wild At Heart, by John Eldridge

WELCOME to my weblog!

2004-06-24T19:18:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my weblog! It's pretty exciting!!! Thought I would start a little online journal while I am searching for jobs and God's direction for my life .

Here's a copy of the email I sent out in May about my situation... kind of a flashback weblog entry...

-----Original Message-----
From: Peter
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Subject: moving on...

Friends - As some of you probably know by now, my last day at William Jewell College is May 31. I have been praying about this decision for some time, and only until recently have received much affirmation from God and others that I was where I was supposed to be. Only in the last month I began to see that it might be a possibility - and in the last couple weeks God made it clear that it’s time to move on.

While the timing of this is a bit unexpected, I believe that God led me to WJC, and he will lead me on. He has great plans for us all. And during this transition time for me, I greatly appreciate your prayers as I seek God’s fresh direction.

Future plans? Not sure yet, but I still want to do campus ministry somewhere. I love working with college students, and I feel that I have been gifted to do so.

I will miss the students and staff at William Jewell very much, but as I said, through it all, I have sensed God’s presence and direction. I truly believe that God led me here in 1997, and he affirmed that by giving so much fruit to this ministry. And now I believe he will lead me elsewhere - so I am not alone in this at all. At the same time, if you know of any leads, please let me know!

Well, that’s the long story short… I’m happy to share more if you like - just drop me a line.