Keith Thompson

Grandma's "Plot"

2009-06-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

On our way to my parent's cabin in Pine City, we stopped in the small community of Bock. It is here where my Grandma Lovlein and her parents are buried. Certain memories flood through my mind. My grandma use to work at Tonka Toys. I always thought she had the coolest job, making the toys I played with.

My other memory is of her visits to our house. She always brought us a bag of m & m's.

I am inspired to make this weekend a memory filled one for my kids and their grandparents.

Facebook Username

2009-06-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

I just set up my facebook username. Unfortunately my top choices were already gone. You can now go directly to my facebook sight by typing in the link www.facebook.com/revkeiththompson If you are on facebook and want a username, I would do it asap.

Grilling...not

2009-05-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

Today after church I was thinking, "Memorial weekend, I've got to grill at least once". I thought I would check to make sure I had enough propaine and that everything was working fine. Was I suprised. As you can see from the picture, everything was rusted out. I went to buy some "universal" parts only to find out my grill must not be from this universe.

Have you ever been saving up for a certain item, only to have something break down and need to be replaced. Sometimes it's so hard to get ahead.

If anyone knows of a good grill that you are happy with, please leave me a comment.

Happy Day!

2009-05-22T19:35:00.001-07:00

It's a happy day! For over a month my phone has not been syncing with my computer. To say the least, I have been out of sync. Today I was brave and decided I would do a hard reset. A hard reset means that I delete everything on my phone and start fresh. That is a scary thing. My phone has become my brain. Instead of keeping things in my head, it all goes to my HTC TouchPro.

A miracle happened. Everything is working and my phone and computer have reconciled. They are now talking again. Life Lesson Learned...every relationship is fixable.

Perhaps it is time for you to do a "hard reset". Somebody wronged you and you are not talking with them. As hard as it is, forgive, let go, reconcile. It's amazing how freeing it is to let go of the past and start fresh. If your life is out of sync, it's time to get it back in sync. HAPPY DAY!

Yard WORK!

2009-05-20T16:28:00.001-07:00

Last summer I began a huge undertaking. I removed about 60 trees from the back yard. I just hauled in 48 yards of black dirt and have it spread out. After picking out 1,000,000 rocks I am now ready to seed. I'm trying to decide if I should put in a sprinkling system first. One thing always leads to another. "I might as well...."

Have you ever tackled a project that eventually tackled you?

If any one is available to help in the next week let me know. I am offering a steak dinner. Cooked to perfection by yours truly.

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

2009-05-08T13:25:00.000-07:00

I serve on the board of Healthy Communities Collaborative (HCC) of Morrison County which began its roots with the support of CHI - Catholic Health Initiatives. St. Gabriel’s Hospital is a Market-based Organization (MBO) of CHI.

Catholic Health Initiatives has strong feelings of ministry surrounding creating “healthier communities.” Communities in which good health describes lifestyle, environment, social and economic as well as physical health and wellness of its community members.
The leadership of St. Gabriel’s hospital understood that building a healthy community in Morrison County would depend upon gaining the support of others in the community.

Key stakeholders and community members met together in the spring of 2002 and accomplished the following:

• They further defined what health meant (physical, spiritual, social, environmental, economic)
• They defined community as: government, recreation, housing, education, natural environment, medical, arts, media, churches, residents, culture, and heritage.

On Friday, May 15th at 5PM, there will be a spaghetti dinner fundraiser that will take place at Camp Ripley. If you would like to purchase tickets (which include entrance into the Battle of the Band competition that follows the dinner) please email me at kthompson4585@gmail.com by Sunday, May 10th.

The cost is only $9. Proceeds go to build a healthier Morrison County!!!

Brett Favre a Viking?

2009-05-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

The chatter in the sports world today is all about Brett Favre and the possibility that he will come out of retirement yet again, this time to play for the Minnesota Vikings.

Last night I saw a news reporter interviewing some packer fans in a Wisconsin bar. Most of them were appalled to think that their god, Favre, could be dressed in Viking purple.

I have never liked Brett. It's not because of who he is as an athlete, to deny his talent would be ridiculous. It's not because of who he is as a person. From what I have read, he is a great family man. I respect him for that. I have never liked him because he played for the Packers. Growing up in Minnesota, there is no other team to cheer for than the Vikings. There has been times his talent beat the Vikings but there has been more times that he was simply lucky. That always frustrated me. It seemed like the majority of times he would somehow pull out a victory.

I can't bring myself to the place of cheering for Favre as a Viking. Somehow my brain just doesn't allow me that option. If the Vikings do get Favre, and they do happen to win the Superbowl, all the Wisconsin cheese heads (and the Minnesota ones) will all be saying something like "The Vikings couldn't do it on their own. They had to have an old, retired Packer".

Red Green closes his show with the guys at the lodge saying something like, "I'm a guy, I can change. If I have to".

There is a small chance I could change. I did come around and start cheering for Darren Sharper when he took a step in the right direction and turned from green to purple.

Andrew's Bday

2009-05-05T13:52:00.001-07:00

At 3:45 today, Andrew turned 10. I can't believe my baby is getting so ols. We knew years before he was born that we would have an Andrew. He is an awesome kid that brings our family a lot of laughter and joy.

Alyssa Gets Braces

2009-05-05T13:27:00.001-07:00

I just returned from St. Cloud where Alyssa had braces put on. I could buy a decent used car for the same amount of money. The good thing is that we just made the final payment on Kelsey's.

It definately is worth it. I always wished that I had them when I was young.

I'm a Winner

2009-04-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

I have a few blogs that I like to follow. One of those is The Mobile Spoon. It has a lot of helpful tips for my HTC TouchPro cell phone. The blogger was encouraging people to follow him on Twitter. He was doing a random drawing for everyone that signed up, giving away Calendar Touch.

I WON!!!!

This program would have cost $24.95. It combines my calendar and task list into one, besides a whole lot more.

By the way, you can find me on Twitter. www.twitter.com/keiththompson As of now I do not have a prize give away. I'll do some thinking on that though.

Happy Birthday Kelsey

2009-04-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

Today was a very productive day. I worked on my Sunday message, finished my report for our churches annual report, had lunch with my wife, looked at lawn mowers, drove to Brainerd to watch Alyssa's 7th grade softball game and Kelsey's 9th grade game.

Kelsey is celebrating her birthday today. After supper (at 8 PM) she opened up her presents and we sang a "Thompson Family" version of happy birthday. Before bed we will enjoy some dessert!

I can't believe my baby is old enough to get her driving permit. It just doesn't right. She will be a fun one behind the wheel

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELSEY! We love you!

Marian Nichols

2009-04-03T17:35:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night Marian Nichols attended our volunteer minister's appreciation party. On Saturday morning at about 4 AM, Marian passed away. This was certainly a shock to our church.

When I became the Lead Pastor of Living Hope, I began attending a Tuesday morning prayer time. It consisted of several older ladies of the church. When these "saints" prayed, it was as if God put everything else on hold and gave these ladies His full attention. I know that's not theologically correct, but that's what it felt like to me. My life has been greatly impacted by these ladies. Over the years, one by one, they entered heaven. Over the last couple of years it was mostly Marian and I that met for prayer. I calculated the estimated number of times that we would have prayed together. It came to just over 700!

We would always end our prayer time with a song, mostly the old ones. There was a few times she would stump me, but to my surprise, on a few occasions, I was actually able to pull and old song out of the hat that she didn't know.

As a Pastor, I realize that I am called to impact the lives of those in my church and community. Often times, this gets reversed and they impact my life. This is certainly the case with Marian.

The negative -My Tuesday's will never be the same.
The Positive - My life will never be the same!

Thank you Marian.

Wild Game Dinner

2009-03-24T19:46:00.000-07:00

Tonight was Living Hopes annual Wild Game Dinner. It's always an adventure to eat the variety of food that is brought in. I love it!

Our speaker was "Walleye Dan", a professional guide out of Brainerd. He also loves to hunt turkey. I loved his turkey calls. If I was a turkey, I would have responded.

This is a night for us to not only enjoy as men from the church but to create a none threatening open door to church for men who are not yet following Jesus. Hopefully they can see men that love adventure and Jesus.

Use Your Gift

2009-03-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

In yesterday's message I shared about Jesus' passion for His bride, the church. How every follower of His has been given a gift, a ministry, that He calls us to. It's amazing how lives are truly impacted and changed when every part of the body works together, as a team.

The video helped me to drive home the point that no one person can do it on their own. I hope you enjoy it.

Happy Birthday Darla!

2009-03-23T10:36:00.001-07:00

I want to wish my wife Darla a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! She is the most incredible woman ever. Most men "marry up" and I am certainly no exception. God is so good to have given me someone who loves me the way she does. I value her above no other. She is my best friend and I enjoy spending every moment I can with her.

Happy Birthday Darla!

Flyer Boys Basketball Headed Back to State

2009-03-19T22:27:00.000-07:00

In dramatic fashion, the Little Falls Flyers Boys Basketball team upset #1 seed Apollo Eagles 63-62. If you were at the game you might have been thinking, "deja vu". Last year the Flyers beat the Eagles with a tip in by Danny Kornbaum, just as the clock expired. This year it was again, Danny, this time he drove the base line and made a lay up with about 5.5 seconds to go. That basket gave the Flyers the lead. Apollo had one last shot that hit the rim and bounced off, ending the game. (Video of last three minutes)

Ron Kornbaum is being interviewed by a reporter from the St. Cloud Times.

Danny is on the phone, making reservations for Disney World.

Another one point game!

I was so impressed that the Flyers never quit. In the last four minutes, trailing by 10, they fouled as quick as they could, sending the Eagles to the free throw line. At first it didn't appear to be working, as Apollo kept making the shots. In my opinion the game started to turn in the Flyers direction when Nick was fouled from beyond the three point line. He made all three free throw attempts.

The Flyers will play at the state tournement on Wednesday, March 25th at Williams Arena.

GO FLYERS!

American Idol

2009-03-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

For all of you American Idol fans out there (Lisa S. especially), I want to strongly suggest the person you should vote for, DANNY GOKEY.

Above is a picture of Danny with friend's of mine. In the middle is Danny Gokey, on the right is my friend, Pastor Chris Castilleja and on the left is his wife Jen.

Danny recently lost his wife and was encouraged by Pastor Chris to try out for American Idol. If Chris ever has him come to his church I am going to try and book him at Living Hope.

VOTE GOKEY!!!

The Scary thing about Facebook

2009-03-16T13:21:00.001-07:00

I recently became friends on Facebook with my former youth pastor's wife. It didn't take long and she was uploading photos from the past. This is perhaps one of the scariest things about Facebook. You never know what others might dig up on you. (I hope you've lived a clean life :) )

I know, you are dealing with a little jealousy right now. You are wondering how Darla and I still look so young, just like this photo taken in the early 80's. We really haven't changed much, Hah!!!

I absolutely love Darla's smile in this picture. When she saw it, she let out one of her infamous laughs.

I think Living Hope should have a little fun by doing a "blast from the past". It would be hilarious to go through old pictures of everyone and catch a glimpse of our transformation.

Thieves Take Church Equipment

2009-03-15T19:29:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine, Trent Redman, who pastors Valley Creek Church, discovered all of the equipment for their portable church was stolen.

Every week they set up and tear down just like we do for the Rice campus of Living Hope.

It looks like the thieves stole the trailer that was stored throughout the week at another church. It was found early today on Springside Drive in St. Paul.

Trent estimates that more than $50,000 in equipment was stolen. The only thing they left behind were the bibles.

Despite the lack of equipment, church went on this morning.

An article/video on Kare11's website written by Julianna Olsen said, "With most everything stolen, packing up the trailer after services was a whole lot easier Sunday. Valley Creek Church may be portable, but its members know the church's most important parts are permanent.

'It's not about a building. It's not about equipment,' Redmann said. 'All of those things can be replaced. It's about people.'"

Please pray for this church that God would provide the equipment needed by next Sunday. Somehow I think that what the Devil meant for evil, God is going to use for good. I believe God will provide new equipment and the publicity will bring people to the church.

Tourney Time!

2009-03-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

I am at the xcel energy center for the state high school hockey tournament. Little Falls plays Breck today in the semi-finals.

This brings back great memories for me. As a kid and teen I would always get out of school to watch it on tv. This is the fifth year in a row Little Falls has made it. It's fun to watch it live and make new memories with my family.

GO FLYERS!!!!!

Men's Advance

2009-03-06T12:10:00.001-08:00

In just a few hours I will be on the church bus with 20 other men, heading to Lake Geneva Christian Center for Men's Advance. This is always a great time for me to go deeper in my walk with God as well as my relationship to the men of Living Hope.

A fun thing we have done since we attended Promise Keeper's in Iowa is to have a "girlie pillow award". Usually the winners pillow is pink, has lace and a flowered print. What teen- age boy would have ever dreamed that when they became a man and were married that their pillow would look like that?

Along with the pillow award is the "snoring award". We have some guys that cause the richter scale to warn of an earthquake. I usually pack my earplugs or headphones. It does help, but if I don't get to sleep before they do it's hopeless.

My favorite part of Men's Advance is the opportunity for us men to be real. We share our struggles, heartaches, short-comings, dreams and passions. We share our hearts in a way that makes us vulnerable yet stronger.

If you have a moment, I would appreciate you praying that God would do a great work in our hearts.

Life Groups

2009-03-02T16:21:00.000-08:00

I like to read the blogs of other pastors. I often find that I am challenged, encouraged and gather great insight.

Craig Groeschel, pastor of Lifechurch recently wrote something in his blog that I want to pass on to you. It really echoes how I feel about Life Groups.

"I still love small groups because:

They follow the early church model of meeting in homes.
They are a tremendous tool for discipleship. I prefer small groups to Wednesday night large group teaching because it gives people a chance to interact. I prefer small groups to Sunday School simply because you don’t have to build the expensive extra classroom space.
They get more people involved using their gifts of hospitality, teaching, exhortation, etc.
They engage the body of Christ in pastoral care. Instead of the pastors being the only ones who care for believers, small groups spread the load and utilize gifted lay people.
They build leaders.
Done well, they become a tremendous tool of retention. People want to be needed and known. Small groups make both possible.
They have unlimited meeting space. You can’t run out of homes, restaurants, apartments, or coffee shops in which to meet.
They have unlimited meeting times. In today’s busy world, a once-a-week discipleship opportunity will not work for the majority of your church. Small groups offer unlimited times to meet.
They have changed my life. My family’s small group is like our extended family. God has used them to bless us in untold ways."

At Living Hope Church, we have found that Life Groups have brought just that, "Life"! People connecting, sharing, growing, worshiping, loving and reaching out. I am so blessed by the leaders and those who open up their homes. The leaders of these groups have become an extension of our pastoral team. It has provided an avenue for us to carry out much of the mission of our church and a way for people to be ministered to and to minister.

Ben Hanowski Ties and then Sets Record

2009-02-20T06:28:00.000-08:00

Little Falls Flyer, Senior Forward, Ben Hanowski ties and then sets the record in Minnesota High School Boys Hockey for most career points. The goal that tied the record came when the Flyers were skating short-handed. St. Cloud Apollo had a five on three advantage. At first it appeared that a save was made on Hanowski's shot, as if in slow motion, the puck trickled over the goal line. Moments later, in the same video, the flyers scored a second short-handed goal.

Hanowski's record setting point came on a well placed wrist shot over the goalies glove, into the upper corner. The crowd, estimated by some to be around 2,000, went nuts.

Hanowski, who will be playing for St. Cloud State next year, started the season 108 points behind Johnny Pohl's record for most career points. Pohl set the record when he played for Red Wing High School from 1995 to 1998. He accumulated 378 points during that time.
It took Johnny Pohl 112 games to reach his long standing record of 378 total points. Hanowski did it in 111 games.

Although the record is a great achievement, Ben would be the first to tell you that it doesn't compare to the team goal of heading back to the state tournament to bring home some hardware.

Congratulations to the entire Flyer hockey team on their perfect regular season record! The Little Falls community is proud of you.

Blog for Mobile Phones

2009-02-17T09:34:00.001-08:00

If you would like to follow my blog by using your phone, you can click here and it will bring you to a more "cell phone friendly" website that will not use as much data.

Sermon Length

2009-02-15T12:50:00.000-08:00

I was reading another pastor's blog today and he was asking the question, "How long do most pastors preach for"? As I read the comments I noticed that most were around 30 minutes. I generally preach for about that time also. It wasn't always that way however.

Mark Batterson's blog got me thinking about the first time I ever preached. I was in high school and my youth pastor had asked me to preach to my peers in a youth group setting.

I worked hard on my message for a couple of weeks and when the night finally arrived I was done preaching in about 5-10 minutes. My youth pastor had to come up and add on another 20 minutes. I laugh now thinking, "It takes me five minutes just to introduce my message".

I don't know if there is a right length of time for a pastor to share a message. There are many factors to consider such as the audience, the topic, consideration for the children's workers, being obedient to God with whatever He has given you and if there are time restraints because of multiple services. I think the attention span of most allow for around 30 minutes.

At Living Hope Church, where I pastor, we meet in two locations. On the Sunday's when I am preaching at both, I am more conscious of the length in our first service because I need to allow time to visit people after and still get to our second service on time.

I am curious about your thoughts. Jot me a note.