Josh E's Blog

One of My VBS Testimonies from 2009

2009-07-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

This is one of the testimonies I have from Vacation Bible School this year. I wrote it for our church bulletin. (As of today, it hasn't actually run yet =)

The 2009 VBS Assembly Team has an awesome testimony. Appropriately, that testimony is contained in a song that we sang and taught the kids. That song not only tells our story, it also became the theme of everything we did that week. And for the VBS Assembly Team MC, that testimony is mine, too:

“My God, He made a way; my God He saved the day—forever we will shout Your praise. This world will fade away but Your word remains forever—Jesus, we will shout Your praise!” (“Saved The Day,” by Planetshakers)

I have never not had an amazing VBS experience, and this year was no exception. God built my faith incrementally this VBS through several simple, personal and powerful demonstrations of His amazing grace.

On Wednesday night of VBS week I felt a cold coming on. By Thursday morning, I was sick. Not violently ill, but sick enough that I would have stayed home had it been any other week. My response to the acute awareness of what was going on in my body almost surprised me. While I initially—for just a short time—felt disappointed, by the time the AM assembly started that Thursday, I was…excited about being sick!

Let me assure you; I am NOT a masochist. I DON’T like being sick, and am perfectly happy to let people (like my wife) know when I’m not feeling good. But that Thursday was different. I didn’t consider going home an option. Consequently, I was left with a decision to make: Do I crumble and crawl up into a ball (of self-pity, moaning and groaning, frustration, disappointment, etc.), OR… do I lean on Jesus all the more? God reminded me of what He spoke to Paul, in response to Paul’s plea that God take away the particular affliction he was experiencing: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is perfected in your weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

That was the beginning of an unceasing flow of Grace that carried me through the next 5 assemblies that Thursday and Friday. My excitement grew as I saw the potential for God to do what I knew I could not. And that’s just what happened.

I’ll summarize the rest of the week. I didn’t just barely make it through those two days; rather, I felt like I was soaring, excelling—again, not at all because of anything in me, but by the enabling grace of God. I felt great during each assembly… but within an hour of its end, I felt like I could collapse. Yet, without fail, I felt great again during the next one! It was so evident to me that this was all God that I found myself laughing about it periodically. During the in-between times, I was toast…but had ALL I needed while on stage.

On Sunday following VBS, my mother-in-law told me she felt so bad and was so sorry I was sick during the week. I told her, “I know it sounds crazy, but I’m actually glad I got sick!,” and then proceeded to share with her the testimony I’m sharing with you. God’s grace IS indeed sufficient; I know it because He says it AND I experienced it. I don’t believe God gave me a cold. But I do believe that because of my decision to lean on Him for His grace that He was able to force my unfavorable situation into something great. That’s exactly what He loves to do. “My God, He saved the day!” And He did it in a very practical and easy-for-me-to-understand kind of way. Because of that, I give Him praise.

Concluding Thoughts About Our Recent Spanish Bible Study, Part 2

2009-06-06T14:03:00.001-07:00

Continued from the previous post...

I was a bit nervous leading up to teaching--not extremely so, but more so than I generally experience. Over the course of the past six weeks, I've come to realize how much I'm concerned with getting it right: choosing the right vocabulary word, using the right verb tense, and so on. This is, in part, because I don't want to be wrong (can you say "pride"?), and in part because as a teacher, it's important to me be accurate. These two factors have been at the root of my hesitancy to speak the language in the past. Nonetheless, I went for it. I took my time (at times it seemed to me to be painfully slow), and trusted the Lord to lead/help me, and felt satisfied as I concluded.

Later in the week a woman from the study passed on a comment her husband made about what I shared on Sunday: "I wouldn't want to hurt Josh's feelings... but I got more out of his teaching in Spanish than from any of his teachings in English!"

I hope it doesn't seem self-congratulatory to add this comment. I mention it as an illustration of God's grace and faithfulness. It's not that I'm without ability; I can speak Spanish. (There--I said it! This is something I have opted NOT to say in the past.) It's in the form of a question that I sense God's continuing challenge (and encouragement) to me about this part of my life: "Will you accept My invitation to reposition your gaze? You will continue to be amazed by what I can do when you stop looking at yourself and instead look at Me."

Wow.

I felt and feel no condemnation or scolding in His tone or His words. Rather, I feel freshly reminded that it's by HIS grace that amazing things transpire--not by my ability or efforts, so that I don't end up taking the credit for things that I feel comfortable doing, or feel unnecessarily hesitant about stepping into things that are a stretch. He's the One who assumes the responsibility for completing what He starts; my responsibility is to partner with Him, and follow through in order to experience that completion.

God is an unparalleled multi-tasker! Once again, I stand amazed by how much God has in mind to do in and through His kids when they say YES to Him. The Bible study is over (for now =), but the work God is doing in me continues on.

Concluding Thoughts About Our Recent Spanish Bible Study, Part 1

2009-06-06T13:16:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we concluded our 6-week Spanish Bible study. We covered the first 6 chapters of Disfruta tu diario vivir con Dios (Enjoying Your Journey With God, by Daniel Brown). We ended with the chapter entitled "Reading Your Bible"; the teacher was yours truly.

I'll mention just a few highlights from the past six weeks. Forget saving the best for last: the absolute highlight for us was the richness we all experienced in being together--stepping out of our English-speaking comfort zone and into exciting new frontiers of communication. Also great was the teaching: in six weeks we heard from five different teachers, each with their own unique giftings sharing from their own particular experiences in their walk with Jesus. As a result, we left the Fireside Room each Sunday feeling refreshed, encouraged and built up in our faith. And, of course, I can't NOT mention the edibles. Pan Dulce, donuts, homemade cookies, an especially tasty fruit salad containing, among other oh-so-satisfying ingredients, fresh, sweet, juicy mango (I ate three bowls), and lots more. These are among the many wonderful things that made our time together each week so delightful.

To be continued...

The Spanish Challenge

2009-05-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

The Spanish Bible study begins with a story. During our mission trip to Juarez, Mexico, last summer, I sensed God instruct me to "Go for it!." He was challenging me to boldly speak Spanish during our mission.

I studied Spanish for 3 1/2 years in High School, a couple semesters at Cabrillo, and attended several classes at UCSC, including a couple Spanish Lit classes, in which I read books and wrote papers (in Spanish!). During that time, I got to use the language outside of the classroom in a couple restaurant jobs I worked back then.

More recently, though, I haven't had much of an ongoing opportunity to speak this Latin-based tongue. And even when there have been chances to hablar (like when I'm at Taqueria Los Gordos ordering some carnitas), I've found myself feeling (and acting) hesitant and timid. The result? NO se habla el Espanol.

Enter the challenge. Would I step out and speak while in Juarez? I did... and it was awesome to see how God met me in my Spanish-speaking-faith-steps. Once I decided it was ok to make mistakes, my timidity began deflating little by little, like a tire with a slow leak, until it was all but gone.

Upon my return home from Mexico, two things were clear to me: 1) the fear of speaking continued to nip at my heels and 2) I felt I was being invited to do still more with my ability to speak. Fast-forward to Disfruta tu diario vivir con Dios--the Bible Study! 3 weeks in, I am becoming more aware of a desire God has placed in my heart to share His love and His ways in a language that many people speak here in our neck of the woods. Where will it all lead us? I don't know. Yet, once again, I'm encouraged by our small beginnings.

Spanish Bible Study

2009-05-03T08:26:00.001-07:00

Today is the second of six Sundays during which we are studying the Bible--in Spanish! Last week, 13 of us convened in the Fireside room to take a journey together through Chapter 1 of Disfruta tu diario vivir con Dios (Enjoying Your Journey With God). While an occasional English word was spoken in order to clarify something, or to ask how to say a word (Cómo se dice?), we all committed ourselves to speak Spanish for the ensuing 90 minutes.

A couple of people in the group had invited Spanish-speaking friends who had said they wanted to attend, but didn't end up making it. Far from disappointed about this, I was--and still am--very excited and hopeful about this study for two reasons:

We are a collection of people who would not normally come together--as one group. Because we have a common interest/ability (speaking Spanish), we have good reason to assemble!
This is the beginning of something new! What will come? God knows. As I looked around the room last weekend I thought, "Wow! Thank You, God! This is a group of people who could lead an ongoing Spanish language ministry!"

Will the latter come about? We'll see. I know that at the moment, I'm no hater of small beginnings.

Whether or not a "new" person will be at the study this morning, I'm looking forward to what God does to unify (and grow!) our little Spanish-speaking clan. I do think we're on to something, though, and am eager to follow God's lead.

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Feel The Burn!

2009-01-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

I've been riding my bike to the office a few times per week again (now that the wonderful-but-routine-interrupting holidays have passed =). Tuesday morning I cranked it up a notch and made the 6-ish mile ride from my house in 20 minutes. That felt great(!) but was accompanied by a good "burn" in my lungs from sucking all that air!

6 miles sounds long. But 20 minutes really isn't that long when compared to 26.2 (marathon), or 112 (the cycling portion of the Iron Man!) I'm pretty good at sprints (Tuesday morning); the long distance is more challenging.

The apostle Paul compares life in God to a long-distance race. In His kindness, God is revealing (more) sprint-like patterns in my life. I'm grateful for this because I want to develop endurance. I do well with things for a stretch of time (Bible reading, journaling, blogging!!!--all of which have tapered off in the recent month or so); but there's plenty of room to improve my long-haul pace.

I've never run a marathon, but I know there's discomfort involved: the lungs burn, the legs fatigue and cramp, and the body is stretched beyond what's comfortable. It requires great discipline--in the form of commitment, determination, ongoing conditioning, and follow-through--to finish the race.

I hear the Lord calling me into more (the fullness of life stuff that Jesus promises me, us). Getting that stuff requires something of me; right now, it's this kind of discipline, along with a increased willingness to endure discomfort. It's the last thing my flesh wants, but I know better, so I'm choosing the burn! I know the benefit that will come because I've experience it before. Today I'm ready for more.

American Idol

2008-11-07T08:51:00.000-08:00

I can be obsessive when it comes to certain things. About a week or so ago, I had my own American Idol experience.

I love stuff: the latest electronic gadgets, clothes, bike parts, and more. My recent obsession was new stuff for my bike. For a period of a couple days, I became preoccupied with this. When I'm planning a purchase, I want to do my research. I read reviews, compare prices, etc. This isn't bad in itself. However, when it came to these recent events, I let myself be consumed. The amount of time, thought/focus, and energy I spent on my quest literally spent me.

The Bible says that those who follow idols become like them. Idols are deaf (don't hear), mute (don't speak), and they're without breath (i.e, they're dead!). Consequently, they can't give life (or any other worthwhile provision) to us.

My obsession left me dry. I got a glimpse of what it's like to really serve something other than the Lord. It was tiring (I was exhausted by the end of the second day) and draining (I really felt like life had been sucked out of me)--and I felt very thin.

How important it is to keep my focus on God! How depleting it is to give my heart away to another! Not only do I end up empty and unsatisfied, but those who I lead (not least of all, my wife and kids) suffer as well. And that simply won't do.

Journal Entry

2008-10-27T22:02:00.001-07:00

I've noticed that my blogging has decreased as I have given more time to journaling. So, I'm going share a little of that time with you. I hope it will encourage and challenge you. I know my Bible-reading time has been enriched as of late, and I am hearing God whisper to me as I write my thoughts down on paper. Here are some of those thoughts, organized as I wrote them down, "SOAP"-style in my Life Journal:

"Shady Characters"

"But the Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city." (Acts 17:5)

Those nasty Pharisees! Always stirring up trouble for our heroes. This is at least the second reference in Acts to the jealousy that the religious leaders experienced as they witnessed the awesome power of God through the relatively uneducated disciples. Jealousy motivated their acts of persecution against the early church. The people who believed they knew 1) the answers and 2) the real God, were watching rookies preach a new Gospel that radically transformed lives and won peoples' devotion.

We've all got a little Pharisee in us, and sometimes he rears his ugly head. I wonder where and how often I've stirred up trouble in the spiritual realm--by inciting and partnering with "bad characters"--because I am jealous of what another believer is experiencing (success, promotion, recognition, etc.). I know I am guilty of this sin.

Who are these shady agents? They're not an angry mob pursuing a specific person... No--they're much worse: bitterness, division, resentment, anger...and the list goes on. Rather than blatantly singling out an apostle to stone, these insidious assassins sneakily seek to undermine and sink whole groups of God's people--by setting them against each other.

Dear God, please investigate my heart! Search me, know me and reveal any hurtful way in me. It's only when I'm convicted of my own sin and respond to Your invitation to truly repent, that I can be lead in Your everlasting way.

Less Is More

2008-10-07T15:56:00.000-07:00

Brevity. Some things are better left unsaid. Sometimes less is more.

I'm not generally know for being short-winded. That's funny! For so much of my life I was fearful of speaking in front of people. Now I'm working on saying more by talking less.

When my wife and I started working with 4th and 5th grade (almost 10 years ago!), one of the 5th graders oft reminded us of his favorite verse: "Jesus wept" (John 11:35). No, he wasn't sadistic! And he didn't dislike Jesus!!! He just liked to get to the point. No reason to complicate or dilute things with excessive words!

Jesus was like this, too. I remember my pastor saying that God says a lot with very few words. He added (with affection and a knowing smile, by the way) that pastors often use a whole lot of words to say a little. Jesus used simple examples and everyday language. He knew when to start and when to stop. When to speak and when to remain silent.

I'm asking God to help me with this. I want to be a person who is listening for the Spirit--and not just listening to myself talk. This will help me be a better help to the people in my care.

Kingdergarten, Day 12: A Toothbrushing Trauma While Running Late For School!

2008-09-12T11:13:00.000-07:00

This morning God opened my eyes and then proceeded to break my heart.

Jaden and I had a "traumatic" moment this morning during the last step of getting ready for Kindergarten: brushing his teeth! The whole story line isn't essential here. Here's what's important: I allowed myself to become angry with my son for not listening to me. The fact that we were running a bit late only fueled my "fire."

After some tears in the car, I explained to Jaden how both his and my response during the teeth-brushing trauma were off. I told him how I was wrong, and I asked him for his forgiveness. In turn, he apologized to me. I prayed for us in the parking lot, then walked him to class and gave him a big hug as we said goodbye.

On the drive home, I broke while listening to the song, "Jesus Paid It All." When the chorus began ("Oh praise the One who paid my debt, and raised this life up from the dead--Jesus!!!"), I couldn't get the words out for the tears in my eyes and the lump in my throat. "God, help me! I need Your help! I want to be different; I don't want to respond this way anymore!" Over the course of the next hour or so, the Holy Spirit gently convicted my heart about several things that God opened my eyes to this morning. I thanked Him for His amazing grace because without it, I know I would feel hopeless as a father. But...I am forgiven! And, I can be different!

I don't want to respond to my son's disobedience by raising my voice at him in anger. And, I also don't want to miss the opportunity to identify and acknowledge the reason for it. This morning I missed that opportunity. Here's the reason Jaden chose not to follow my instructions this morning: he felt bad he wasn't able to complete his toothbrushing routine in big-boy fashion. I didn't even realize this in the moment; God, in His mercy, pointed it out to me later. (BTW, if you want the whole story, you'll have to ask me. =)

Jaden's reason didn't/doesn't justify his disobedience...BUT because I let anger lead me, I missed the chance to empathize with and feel compassion for my son. I missed out on affirming and encouraging him that God--and his mommy and daddy--are SO proud of him. Boy, do I know what it feels like to "fail" at my own attempts to accomplish something! (Yes, Jaden comes by this honestly.) Perhaps if I had taken the time to address his heart, instead of his actions--even in the heat of feeling rushed by the clock--he would have chosen to change his response...and the trauma would have been cut short...and redeemed right then and there.

This morning started out very difficult... But you know what? This is turning out to be a very good day. I've had a great time with God.

I WANT TO BE DIFFERENT! I WANT TO CHANGE! I make LOTS of mistakes (many each day). What's different about today is that I feel closer to and more intimate with the God who saved me. A hope-infused desire to be different is so... different than wishing I hadn't made a mistake in the first place. The former points to the future God has for me, and the real me He created. The latter... Well, it only leads me into regret (death), shame (death), and hopelessness (more death!).

What I'm experiencing today is fruitful repentance! The Bible speaks of a wordly sorrow that leads to death...and a godly sorrow that leads to conviction, which leads to repentance, which can bring about a changed LIFE. THAT'S what I'm talkin' about! That's what I crave. I know it will lead to only more life--for me, my wife, my boys and the people I lead.

Wow! This was a long entry... My heart is full, and I could write MUCH more. I do have to go now, though; I have a phone call to make. I need to let Jaden know that God helped me understand why he didn't listen this morning.

Kombucha Living

2008-09-05T10:33:00.000-07:00

Though I don't ride a fixie bike and my slimmest jeans aren't technically "skinny", I have been drawn by another trend sweeping The Nation: Kombucha.

Kombucha is a fermented tea that is low in carbs/cals, and is naturally effervescent (it tingles in your mouth when you drink it). It's a "living" food, meaning that it contains live cultures and enzymes, as well as some other stuff that's supposed to be good for you. If you were to look at it with a microscope you'd see some little "creatures" doing the backstroke.

Kombucha has the aroma of an unrinsed Odwalla bottle--after it's been sitting in your recycling bin with the cap on for a couple days. But, I'm telling you, it tastes and feels great!

I've been journaling recently (I use the Life Journal and its accompanying reading plan), and have been thinking a lot about my faith. Again and again God's word challenges me in this. I want faith to characterize my whole life; that's what the Bible encourages. I want to ever be in hot pursuit of a faith-FULL life, even though on this side of heaven I know I'll never hit perfection. Still, like the apostle Paul, I desire to press on.

God's word is living and active...and so is faith. I believe lots of things that God says. At times I wish that were the sum total of real faith. But it's not. Actively living out what I believe is what makes my faith real. (Help!!!) A quick example: I believe God loves (welcomes, honors, esteems) all His children, and that I am to do the same. And yet, how many times throughout each day do I miss or even avoid this opportunity? In the store, in line at Verve coffee roasters, as I'm dropping my son off at Kindergarten...

A life of living and active faith has an effervescent quality to it. And unlike Kombucha, it doesn't stink! On the contrary, its aroma of is very sweet. More and more, I want that kind of fragrance being released by my life.

2nd Day of Kindergarten

2008-08-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

This morning I dropped Jaden off at school for his second day of Kindergarten. (In classic dad form, I'm continuing to strategize the least-traffic & most time-efficient route; I think I may have determined that this morning!)

This is ALL new for Jessie and me. We're dropping off our little-but-big boy at school. Leaving him in the hands of teachers and school administrators! Yeah, I know--nearly every child goes through these hands but it's kind of a wild experience as a first-time parent to release a child into them! A true rite of passage. (I just wonder if it's more about the parent than the kid!)

Jaden's doing great and having a lot of fun. He told me yesterday the name of a new friend. His teacher is fantastic. (We already knew her; she attends our church!) Still, it's a bit emotional to let go of a season that is now over. Jaden's no longer not in school.

In all of this I am reminded: Jaden isn't mine (and Jessie's) for eternity. He belongs to God. We're not raising him to be primarily our son. We're raising him to prepare him for the life God has destined him to live; we're raising him to be a son of the King. (That's Jesus--not Elvis =)

Children are a blessing from the Lord. And as long as we breathe, Jessie and I plan to declare with gratefulness and joy, "Jaden is our boy!" God grants us that privilege. But we'll also remember that it's not all about us. We'll have many more of these opportunities to release him into new seasons of his future in God.

Back From Vacation

2008-08-19T16:46:00.001-07:00

My family and I just got back from a week-long vacation outside of Auburn. (Doesn't everyone go there?! Where have you been? ;-) We were on the shore of a lake and a short 3 minute drive to the community clubhouse (read: SWIMMING POOL!). We had a fantastic time. The thermometer hit 100 (or higher) pretty much every day. That could have been a problem...but with AC, the pond and the pool, it really wasn't.

Our boys LOVE the water. They both had a fantastic time swimming, playing, laughing, and simply having a lot of fun.

It's interesting: now that we're back, both the boys seem older. They both grew up a little in a period of a week. Jaden's swimming skills improved and his confidence grew. Van learned to say "please" (well, actually "peas"--but he wasn't talking about the veggies we used to tell Jaden were "sweet like candy"). Both matured in good ways.

I love these family vacations. Being together with each other (and in this case, good friends) does something to remind me of what's important in life. These relationships that God gives us are invaluable. Vacation this year challenged me to value them more.

And Another...

2008-08-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

Snapshot #2: The other kids (i.e., all of us!). I was thrilled and overjoyed to witness the 17 people (13 youth and 4 adults) on my team marvel as they experienced God using their lives (talents, giftings, personalities, willingness, etc.) in order to serve other people. (By the way, the group in this photo is the combined group I lead--one of the three sent out to a local Foursquare church; this is Iglesia Torre Fuerte, or "Strong Tower Church!")

How exciting to learn and experience more of who we are made to be and to be convinced of our significance. All 18 of us (not to mention the other 45 or so from other churches in Colorado) came home with a testimony—scratch that—testimonies of what God did through our lives on this mission. What are their testimonies? You can to hear them for yourself at our Thank You Reception! You’ll even get to hear about our adventure climbing a mountain that overlooks El Paso and Juarez. (May that spark your curiosity=)

I hope you can join us for food (Mexican, of course!), photos and stories on Friday, August 8^th, from 6-8pm at The Coastlands Foyer.

Another Snapshot

2008-08-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

Mexico was an awesome experience. In addition to the very fun, upbeat Latin music at the churches we visited, there were many, many wonderful things that took place during our mission. Here's another snapshot...

Snapshot #1: The kids! Jesus said that if we want to experience life to the fullest—as God designed it to be lived—we need to become like little children. Enter Vacation Bible School—Juarez style! Each of our three teams hosted a three-day VBS at our respective three host churches during the week. The difference in language did not prove to be a “barrier” when if came to connecting with and loving on these precious little ones. The kids got blessed and we regained our own childlike joy and faith. To top it off, some 60 kids made the decision that they wanted to know Jesus as their God and Savior...

South of the Border

2008-07-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

I'm back!!!

I just returned from a mission trip to Juarez, Mexico.

There is so much that happens on a mission trip. It's a challenge to know what to say when asked the question, "So, how was your trip?!" The instruction to my team (17 in addition to me) is to give a "snapshot." We can't tell the whole story to everyone, so let's talk about some key highlights.

That's what this entry is about. A snapshot. In Mexico, our team was over 60 strong (we partnered with several churches from Colorado). We were grouped in 3 teams of about 20 people, and sent out to serve 3 different churches in Ciudad Juarez. Our primary activities included a 3-day VBS and significant construction projects at each of the 3 locations. As a result of the time we spent, we got to partner with the pastors, build relationship with the people, and get energized by the spirit of the kids. It was an awesome and rich time.

What's on my mind this morning is how much gets "done" when people work together. I'm not just talking about projects, though. Each of those 60 plus people has a testimony of what GOD did in them and through them last week. That's a lot of testimonies. Add to that the stories of what GOD did in the locals and you've got a lot more.

One snapshot: 60 kids came to know Jesus through the VBS ministry. Most of them didn't speak any English. I praise God for that!

It's amazing to be part of a family of people going in the same direction, and sharing the same purpose/goals. Jesus is with us when we're with each other. When one suffers, we all feel it; when one rejoices, we all celebrate together. This trip was a powerful illustration of this truth. Now that I'm home, I am freshly encouraged to convince others of their great significance to God. And I'm newly inspired to have a hand in releasing them into new opportunities to be used by God to change the world around them.

On Performing Wedding Ceremonies

2008-07-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

This past week I performed two wedding ceremonies, two days in a row. I had a couple of moments of concern that I might confuse the details and names of the two couples. Fortunately, nothing like that happened during their ceremonies!

With each wedding, I ask the Lord to reveal to me truth about the couple I'm "marrying." With each request, I have seen Him be faithful to show me something of who He has made them to be. I'm not interested in performing a "stock" ceremony; I want it to be personal...and I want to be able to say something life-giving and truth-revealing about the bride and groom in front of their guests.

It is humbling to see the Lord work like this. It really is Him--not me--who knows the people He has created.

This past week, I was reminded again about how important it is for me to ask God to reveal His heart for His people. It's when I do, that I am able to offer something that's so much more than just a nice comment, but that is life-giving and securing. The things He knows to be true of His kids are the things I want to be saying to them more of the time.

Back...to the Future

2008-07-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday reality slapped me in the face. After a GREAT week at VBS, I quickly realized there were many things that needed to get done and not a lot of time to do them.

One such thing was preparing myself--and a teaching--for the weekend services. With the entry of little Larissa Joy into the world (Todd and Hilary's newborn baby girl =) came the opportunity for me to teach in "big church." I was excited and anxious.

The amount of time I had to prepare wasn't the only thing that contributed to my anxiousness. I also discovered I was nervous about teaching the adults in our church family. The last such opportunity was over a year ago.

I found myself entertaining this line of thinking: "I hope I can do as well as the last time..." It wasn't long before God reminded me of His promise: "As good as things may have been in the past, I have even better--and different--things for your future." Immediately, I felt at peace. Why would I aspire to something in the past when I serve a God who's always interested in doing a new thing, and who changes me from glory to glory?

I don't want to go backwards; I want to move forwards. I had a great time in services this past weekend and it's because I was freed up to be who I am today--not backtrack to who I was a year ago.

Even Greater Things

2008-06-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

Now that V-B-S is D-U-N(!), I'm reflecting on the past week and months. I'm choosing to call to mind the things I have heard God say and do.

Mercy, grace, restoration and redemption. I received these as VBS season promises from the Lord back in April. Another: "As good as things have been, even greater things will I, the Lord, do for you in your future."

Today I could write pages about God's grace upon me and the Assembly Team the week of VBS. Everywhere and every time we lacked, God made up the difference--and then some. His grace was sufficient. We learned again that we can ask God...and He will give us what we need. The team prayed a lot during VBS week. We saw God answer those prayers.

I've fallen more in love with VBS this year. Not the event, per se, but the people (not least of all, the kids!), and in short, the whole experience. It's a mission trip for our whole church family. This year, I walk out of VBS with a newfound trust in the Lord.

The joy and excitement of the kids during VBS week is contagious; it got all over me! God is restoring broken places in my life. He is releasing me from places of confinement and into the freedom to be like a child--the child He created me to be.

My challenge today? To continue in the momentum and direction He has begun. VBS is not a 5-day detour that ended by putting me back where I started. I am a different person today; I am in a different place--by His grace. And I ask Him for continued grace to call to mind and walk in the things that He has done. There's no better way I can thank Him than that.

A Brief Pause

2008-06-05T08:05:00.000-07:00

Taking into consideration the date of my last blog entry, it would seem I've taken a break from writing them. This was an unintentional and, hence, unofficial break. This entry, however, is to inform you that I will officially be taking a break from blogging until post-VBS (Vacation Bible School).

Until then... V-B-S is F-U-N!!!

Ornery!

2008-05-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, otherwise they will not come near to you." (Psalm 32:8, 9)

Recently, our clothes dryer broke. Timer died and it stopped producing heat. $90 minimum for a repair estimate and another $60-$100 to fix it. After a couple of weeks of using friends' dryers and searching Craigslist, I found a serious deal. Last night I finished installing our "new" dryer at about 8:30. It cost me 10 bucks.

When I picked it up, the generous seller helped me load it into my van. When I went to unload it last evening at home, I had every intention of pulling it out myself, with the help of my trusty hand truck. I figured it would come out easier than it went in. It didn't. That's because--surprise, surprise--I was trying to do it myself.

A couple was walking their dog down the sidewalk towards me and my initial thought was to try to get the dryer out before they got to me. What is that?! (Hint: That's called PRIDE). I wasn't able to get it out on my own. "Can I give you a hand with that?" It's a bit frustrating but also funny to me now that my temptation was to say "no" to the offer to help. What was I thinking?! I am happy to say, however, that said temptation did not have the final say; rather, it was very fleeting. Instead, I said, "Sure!" As a result, the dryer came out quickly and I thanked the man for his help.

The dryer episode immediately came to mind as I read Psalm 32 this morning. Another translation of verse 9 says this: "Don't be ornery like a horse or mule that needs bit and bridle to stay on track." (The Message). My pattern in similar "dryer-situations" has often included being prideful and ornery. Here's how I apply this instruction and truth to my life today: God's way of doing things works--really well. My way stinks much of the time. I'm grateful that God's way prevailed in this recent example...and I continue to pray for the death of my pride. That's not a "bit and bridle" that I want in my life. It keeps me "in check" in all the wrong ways, and keeps me away from God and His ways that lead to life.

Still Good

2008-05-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

After everything is said and done (and before, and during!), God is still good.

Yesterday, I had what most people call "a bad day." It started out fine but quickly went south about mid-afternoon, and pretty much continued in that direction until I fell asleep! I won't go into why because it's not nearly as important as how I responded. I will tell you that it wasn't any one thing, and that it was both practical and spiritual.

I can't generally do much about the things (circumstances) that help produce a "bad day"... but I can do something with me.

I thank God that I have grown to a point in my relationship with Him where I can be real with what's going on inside of me. (He can see it all, anyway, so no point in trying to deny or hide it!) Yesterday, I let Him know how I was feeling. It wasn't pretty. I didn't try to feign religiousness...and for much of the time, I did this without beating myself up (an all-too familiar pattern from my past).

A lot of things strike me when I read the Bible. Here's a couple: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, REJOICE!"; and "in everything give thanks" (Phil 4:4; 1 Thess5:18). Why? So I can be a "holy" Christian? No! Late last night I finally began to turn the corner on my "bad day" as, one by one, I started thanking God for the people He has brought into my life.

It's hard to stay ticked when I'm thanking God for His goodness. It's always there. I just need to adjust my gaze and force it to find rest in the right place.

Supersize Faith!

2008-04-30T16:22:00.001-07:00

VBS Isn’t Just for the Kids!

I recently attended our first Vacation Bible School (VBS) Worship Team practice for 2008. YEAH!!! Greg Martinez is our leader this year and did a fantastic job of leading us. We spent the first hour of our time together not practicing. This was a GOOD thing! Greg shared with us his heart for the team, and led us a couple very helpful exercises.

First, we were asked to spend a few minutes thinking about and writing down two things that we want to thank/praise/worship God for in this VBS season. Next, we wrote down two things that we want God to do in us in the months to come. After that, Greg pulled us together, has us join hands and pray.

How exciting to get a sense of God’s larger purpose! Before the musicians even touched their instruments, and before the singers even listened to any of the songs, we sought God together for His plan for us this season, and came away with something specific and personal.

I’m WAY excited about VBS this year. I am grateful to God for giving me some very specific words about what He wants to do in me over the next few months. Grace, mercy, restoration, redemption. These are some of the things I hear Him saying. And it continues: “The best is NOT behind you; as good as things have been, I have even more in store for you.” I didn’t realize I am in a season of my life where I am in need of renewed hope. Now I do! …And I’m leaning on His promises. He will do SUPERSIZE things in my life this season.

Sticks and Stones

2008-04-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

I just finished teaching Intern Class here at church. Four mornings per week, the interns (and some of the residents) spend an hour together with a different teacher. This morning (Thursday), it was me!

I’ll state for the record, teaching a 7am class is the LAST thing (time) I would chose to do ANYTHING…other than waking up to a cup of coffee while reading my Bible. At this time of day, I feel I have about as much to give as a flattened toad on a Texas highway. Still, I’ve been teaching Intern Class for probably 6+ years at this time…and I love it. It’s a great example to me each week that God’s grace is indeed sufficient for me(!)

This morning, we talked about the unique ways God has made us. To begin, I asked each person to pray a word of thanks to God for some SPECIFIC way He had made them. We didn’t quite get it the first time around, so I had us do that again. THANK YOU, GOD—the second time through was markedly different, as each person identified a very particular spiritual attribute God has placed in them. “YES!!! That’s what I’m talking about!” Such was my exclamation (yes, even at that early hour) following the last prayer.

I closed our time together by emphasizing why it is SO important that we thank God for how He has made us. These are three things that came to mind:

Giving thanks to God frequently (as the Bible says, “always”), grows in us a thankful heart. This will drastically change our outlook on life (increase our joy, hope, etc.)
Thanking God for a specific way He’s made us is a part of acknowledging and receiving His calling on our lives. It’s also makes the statement that we are His possession, His precious children.
The spoken word is HUGELY powerful. That old “Sticks and stones” statement is only half-true (the first half). Words can have a more lasting effect than many physical things we’ve experienced. God SPOKE all creation into existence through words. THAT’S POWER!

I love a lot of things about Intern Class. Just being together with those incredible young people is but one. I end up learning a lot from them. I also love that God uses these class times to encourage, remind, challenge and instruct me.

Today I am freshly reminded of the importance of laying hold of, and declaring, that which is true of me in God. It’s not prideful to that. It’s my statement to God that I’m His…and that I’m REALLY happy about that.

Three Weeks Later

2008-04-24T08:29:00.001-07:00

I just got back from a three week mission trip to Southeast Asia.

KIDDING!

It’s been three whole weeks since my last blog entry. Where does the time go??? My last entry was on the heels of our Spring Break event for the Junior and Senior Highers. Since then, I’ve either been sick (again, with my whole family) OR been in major “go” mode, getting things off the ground for our upcoming mission trip to Colorado and Mexico this summer (not kidding!). Looks like around 20 of us (youth and adults) will be making the journey south of the border in July. I’m VERY excited about all of that!

I’ve also been working on creating a blog for that mission team. It’s going to be (I believe in faith) THE place to go to find out the latest greatest info about our team’s preparations. Here’s a recent entry:

OK, so Saturday’s team serving day with The Coastlands campus fam was out-of-control F-U-N!!! I LOVE what the Interns and Residents have done with their Saturday cleaning responsibilities. There is A LOT that has to get done EVERY week in order to clean the building/grounds and prepare a place to welcome our church family and guests into our church home each weekend.

I am convinced that there are few serving opportunities that are as fun as Saturday cleaning. If you don’t believe me, try it yourself sometime! =) I am grateful for the time our team spent with the campus folks. We can learn a lot about the heart of serving when we do it with people who are walking in it day-in, and day-out.

After a yummy pancake and sausage breakfast, we ventured over to the “Secret Garden” by the front lawn for several games of high-speed Dodge Ball. Then we journeyed back into the building and split up into teams to clean. I think we may have finished in record time, as our Dodge Ball games took a little (lot?) more time than planned! We finished around 12:30 and enjoyed a cheeseburger BBQ lunch courtesy of Michael and Priska and the campus family.

Thanks to everyone for your great attitudes and willingness. You are a GREAT team. Don’t think for a moment that what you gave on Saturday doesn’t matter. IT DOES! And it is preparing your hearts for our soon-coming mission trip.

Until next time…