Courage.
Strong. Strength. Faith.
Taking a leap. Jumping off. Its the backflip into the pool.
Its getting up early in the morning when it hurts. Taking a cold shower when the hot water is gone.
We are all courageous sometimes. We choose to bite our tongues and not say what is deserved.
Sometimes we open our mouths and say what is needed.
Maybe you have prayed for someone out loud.
Or trusted a friend to keep a secret. Or said sorry first.
Courage is doing what is more difficult. Eating a salad rather than the cheeseburger.
Or maybe for you its eating the cheeseburger rather than the water. Water cannot be eaten.
It allowing someone else to make decisions...and living with them.
Marriage is courageous. Getting a job is courageous.
Paying for someone's lunch is courageous.
So is sharing Jesus with another person.
So is dying for your faith.
So is putting faith in Jesus.
So is praying, even secretly, for your friends.
Peter and John had courage. It would have been easier to walk by the paralytic.
That was the accepted thing to do. That was the normal thing to do.
It would have been simpler to smile and nod to the Jewish religious authorities.
But they didn't.
They proclaimed that which was real. And tangible and lovely. They proclaimed Jesus.
Courage isn't as hard as we think it is.
We save this word for superheroes and firemen. We allow Dateline and the CBS Evening News to monopolize this word – we begin to believe that only people born with or thrust into extreme places of difficulty are worthy of being called courageous.
I don't mean to say that these people who do amazing things shouldn't be called courageous, but we should also recognize the fact that our selfishness and greed are the biggest deterrents for each of us.
It is our sin nature which keeps us from being heroic and bold and courageous.
We don't want to be uncomfortable, we don't want to be challenged, we are lazy and we don't want to reach our potential for fear of a new expectation being thrust upon us.
Tomorrow when you face your sin nature – and when you allow Jesus' re-making work to be more powerful within you – you are being courageous.
Who knows where that courage will lead.
Your ordinary life might not feel so ordinary anymore.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Ordinary Dancing
Ordinary.
Plain.
Normal.
We are. I am. You are.
We exist only for a moment, a gasp of time. Today here and gone tomorrow. Life slips away and we have one chance.
A chance.
A roll of the dice.
We have been dealt a hand. And its ordinary.
Not the same as Jim, Bob, Larry or Joe. Susie, Sally, Joceyln or Jessica may be able to pen a slightly different tale - But its normal.
What is normal? Breathing. Sleeping and waking. Getting sick, getting better, dying and disappointment and being good at something, but not everything.
Not being in control. Having a bad habit that we try to break. Wanting to be loved. Wanting to be significant.
Sin is normal. It reeks and is disgusting, but it is normal. Ordinary.
Complaining. Backing out of promises. Thinking sick, but acting healthy.
All of this and much is the dance floor of life. On our circumstances and upon the hand that we have been dealt we express, through our actions and attitudes, our response.
There are some dancers who sit on the sidelines wishing that the floor was different. They hang their heads regretting failure. Or they sit envious of the place on the floor that another gets.
Bitter and dark these dancers gradually die – never having really danced.
There are others who try to fix the floor. They tear it to pieces, trying to ascertain why it is built the way it is. They toil and struggle, carefully diagnosing each splinter, so that one day they might be able to rebuild the floor.
Well meaning and hard working – these dancers die having deconstructed life only to have ran out of time to rebuild it.
But the most beautiful dancers are the ones who lightly tread on the floor – their response is not dictated by the floor, but is simply a soft response to the music.
Light, free and full of love – these dancers fulfill their purpose and never regret the dance floor.
Plain.
Normal.
We are. I am. You are.
We exist only for a moment, a gasp of time. Today here and gone tomorrow. Life slips away and we have one chance.
A chance.
A roll of the dice.
We have been dealt a hand. And its ordinary.
Not the same as Jim, Bob, Larry or Joe. Susie, Sally, Joceyln or Jessica may be able to pen a slightly different tale - But its normal.
What is normal? Breathing. Sleeping and waking. Getting sick, getting better, dying and disappointment and being good at something, but not everything.
Not being in control. Having a bad habit that we try to break. Wanting to be loved. Wanting to be significant.
Sin is normal. It reeks and is disgusting, but it is normal. Ordinary.
Complaining. Backing out of promises. Thinking sick, but acting healthy.
All of this and much is the dance floor of life. On our circumstances and upon the hand that we have been dealt we express, through our actions and attitudes, our response.
There are some dancers who sit on the sidelines wishing that the floor was different. They hang their heads regretting failure. Or they sit envious of the place on the floor that another gets.
Bitter and dark these dancers gradually die – never having really danced.
There are others who try to fix the floor. They tear it to pieces, trying to ascertain why it is built the way it is. They toil and struggle, carefully diagnosing each splinter, so that one day they might be able to rebuild the floor.
Well meaning and hard working – these dancers die having deconstructed life only to have ran out of time to rebuild it.
But the most beautiful dancers are the ones who lightly tread on the floor – their response is not dictated by the floor, but is simply a soft response to the music.
Light, free and full of love – these dancers fulfill their purpose and never regret the dance floor.
Friday, March 28, 2008
On the road
Well - after 6 hours at Disneyland we are headed home.
It took us about 2 hours to get out of the LA area...and we took what we thought would be the way with the least amount of traffic.
As i write we are about 3 hours south of Sacramento.
Greg is at the wheel - he has been a great partner this week. He and I have had several great conversations. I really value his relationship with the Lord.
The team is a bit hyper - after all of these great bonding experiences and a day at Disneyland they are going nuts! It is fun to see the relationships developing.
Pray for no snow tomorrow!
It took us about 2 hours to get out of the LA area...and we took what we thought would be the way with the least amount of traffic.
As i write we are about 3 hours south of Sacramento.
Greg is at the wheel - he has been a great partner this week. He and I have had several great conversations. I really value his relationship with the Lord.
The team is a bit hyper - after all of these great bonding experiences and a day at Disneyland they are going nuts! It is fun to see the relationships developing.
Pray for no snow tomorrow!
Church in the City
We attended church last night at Angelus Temple. It seats around 4,000 people and it was packed on a Thursday night.
They put on quite the mid-week presentation...moving worship, dancers...and a guest speaker from Illinois.
Our students were really touched. I myself was challenged to be the best pastor and leader that I can be. I am moved to be a bigger dreamer and to not all god to only exist in what I know or have experienced.
I am excited for the opportunities that are before us. We really have the resource and people power to impact our church.
This morning we are at Disneyland. It is a bit anticlimactic.
The Dream Center puts a large amount of energy and resource into its effort to draw people to the ultimate source of light and glory. Disneyland put that energy and effort into creating an experience that numbs people or distracts them.
I am not saying that D-land is evil - but we should recognize what it is. Oooh...thats challenging, eh?
I am looking forward to the conversations with the students after this contrasting experience.
Do pray for us...we travel to Sacramento this afternoon - about 8 hours (with traffic) - and then we will be up bright and early tomorrow so we can arrive in Hillsboro by 3pm.
Also - pray for the weather to be favorable. Snow on the passes would put a damper on things.
Greetings from Adventureland...
They put on quite the mid-week presentation...moving worship, dancers...and a guest speaker from Illinois.
Our students were really touched. I myself was challenged to be the best pastor and leader that I can be. I am moved to be a bigger dreamer and to not all god to only exist in what I know or have experienced.
I am excited for the opportunities that are before us. We really have the resource and people power to impact our church.
This morning we are at Disneyland. It is a bit anticlimactic.
The Dream Center puts a large amount of energy and resource into its effort to draw people to the ultimate source of light and glory. Disneyland put that energy and effort into creating an experience that numbs people or distracts them.
I am not saying that D-land is evil - but we should recognize what it is. Oooh...thats challenging, eh?
I am looking forward to the conversations with the students after this contrasting experience.
Do pray for us...we travel to Sacramento this afternoon - about 8 hours (with traffic) - and then we will be up bright and early tomorrow so we can arrive in Hillsboro by 3pm.
Also - pray for the weather to be favorable. Snow on the passes would put a damper on things.
Greetings from Adventureland...
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Street Witnessing - Day 5 PM
There is nothing more intimidating to the Christian than cold turkey evangelism. I have never liked it - maybe more because of me than the actual task.
This sort of action requires such a deep amount of trust, humility and courage.
I was so proud of our students...they didn't back down and gave it their best shot.
We were sent by the Dream Center to Pasadena City College. That didn't make the task seem any easier. Going to talk to young people who think they know more than they do isn't the sort of environment that soothes apprehension.
I myself was apprehensive.
We were given a survey to use as a tool to begin spiritual conversations.
Our students - in pairs - boldly approached college students. They met ex-catholics, Buddhists and agnostics.
They engaged the people and had opportunity to pray with several.
Wow.
One young lady prayed a prayer of faith in Jesus for the first time.
Praise the Lord.
Our time is drawing to a close here at the Dream Center - but we know that we are going to go home not the same.
Praise the Lord for that!
This sort of action requires such a deep amount of trust, humility and courage.
I was so proud of our students...they didn't back down and gave it their best shot.
We were sent by the Dream Center to Pasadena City College. That didn't make the task seem any easier. Going to talk to young people who think they know more than they do isn't the sort of environment that soothes apprehension.
I myself was apprehensive.
We were given a survey to use as a tool to begin spiritual conversations.
Our students - in pairs - boldly approached college students. They met ex-catholics, Buddhists and agnostics.
They engaged the people and had opportunity to pray with several.
Wow.
One young lady prayed a prayer of faith in Jesus for the first time.
Praise the Lord.
Our time is drawing to a close here at the Dream Center - but we know that we are going to go home not the same.
Praise the Lord for that!
Tools in LA - Day 5 AM
We have such a great team.
I am so impressed by the collective ability of the group to just plain "go for it."
This morning we were placed at the mercy of the onsite "discipleship" team. The discipleship team consists of rehabilitated guys who are charged with the massive task of keeping the grounds around the Dream Center neat and tidy.
We painted.
We swept.
We trimmed and cut and cleared.
Josh and I were sent to Angelus Temple. We were given 2 brooms and a well-used dustpan. We swept all the leaves, trash and dirt from the sidewalks, gutters and street.
We were then given a long hose and a push broom. Just behind Sister Aimee's house we attached that hose to a water source.
We scrubbed the whole sidewalk - Josh on the hose and Isaac on the push broom scrubber.
Juliana and Brittany painted in Angelus' Temple. They painted on an official Historical Landmark in Los Angeles! How cool is that?!
We had a great morning. We served in a practical, blister causing way. It was refreshing and invigorating! (And Michelle's health was great!)
I am so impressed by the collective ability of the group to just plain "go for it."
This morning we were placed at the mercy of the onsite "discipleship" team. The discipleship team consists of rehabilitated guys who are charged with the massive task of keeping the grounds around the Dream Center neat and tidy.
We painted.
We swept.
We trimmed and cut and cleared.
Josh and I were sent to Angelus Temple. We were given 2 brooms and a well-used dustpan. We swept all the leaves, trash and dirt from the sidewalks, gutters and street.
We were then given a long hose and a push broom. Just behind Sister Aimee's house we attached that hose to a water source.
We scrubbed the whole sidewalk - Josh on the hose and Isaac on the push broom scrubber.
Juliana and Brittany painted in Angelus' Temple. They painted on an official Historical Landmark in Los Angeles! How cool is that?!
We had a great morning. We served in a practical, blister causing way. It was refreshing and invigorating! (And Michelle's health was great!)
Metro Kids - Day 4 PM
Tu hablas espanol?
We spent Wednesday afternoon helping with a weekly outreach to a low income, mostly Hispanic area. "Metro Kids" takes Sunday school to the neighborhoods of LA.
We helped set up, played with the kids, joined the program festivities and our Nicole led all of the girls in singing and motions to all the songs. She did great!
I was able to pray with 5 little boys at the conclusion - "Pray for my daddy - he smokes and drinks a lot - my mom works a lot - my dad is really sick - my mom has 14 children...its why we are really busy..."
Our hearts were moved to compassion as we served. We were all excited to see the potential for our church's daily outreach to Mckinney Park this summer.
Unfortunately Michelle became dehydrated yesterday afternoon, so her and Edna stayed behind. After resting for the afternoon she was much better.
We are all in good health today - but keep praying for us!
We spent Wednesday afternoon helping with a weekly outreach to a low income, mostly Hispanic area. "Metro Kids" takes Sunday school to the neighborhoods of LA.
We helped set up, played with the kids, joined the program festivities and our Nicole led all of the girls in singing and motions to all the songs. She did great!
I was able to pray with 5 little boys at the conclusion - "Pray for my daddy - he smokes and drinks a lot - my mom works a lot - my dad is really sick - my mom has 14 children...its why we are really busy..."
Our hearts were moved to compassion as we served. We were all excited to see the potential for our church's daily outreach to Mckinney Park this summer.
Unfortunately Michelle became dehydrated yesterday afternoon, so her and Edna stayed behind. After resting for the afternoon she was much better.
We are all in good health today - but keep praying for us!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Loading the Food Trucks - Day 4 am
Today we had the privilege of loading the food trucks that go out for delivery this afternoon.I personally love this sort of work. It reminds me of my days loading trucks for UPS at the Ontario Hub while I was in college.
The boys formed lines (like sandbag lines) and filled up 4 Fed-Ex trucks with pinto beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, lemons, tangerines, snow peas and grapefruit juice.
Our lovelies filled bags with lemons and tangerines.
It was a blast flexing our muscles, calling out the number of boxes loaded and watching those trucks fill up quickly. We worked up a sweat, but thankfully the LA sun wasn't too warm this morning. It was probably 70 degrees and partly smoggy...
After loading we were moved to the trash/recycling area to clean up. I also loved this - breaking down hundreds of cardboard boxes reminds me of working food service in college (before I worked for UPS).We got that done with leftover time to help with cleaning the streets around the Dream Center. It was "fun" to observe who has worked hard at sweeping before and who looked as if they have never picked up a broom before.
Nicole was especially proficient with the broom! Her, Josh and I attacked the pavement with gusto!
All in all our team is wonderful! Everyone is working hard...several of the leaders around here have mentioned how much they are impressed as we work together!
This afternoon we will travel to South Central LA to work with the "Metro Kids" program. I am not clear on all of the details, but I know it includes tons of children and outreach!
LA Mission Trip Day #4
The team got to get involved with real front line ministry today. After a tour of the campus the team jumped into the back of some Fed-Ex like trucks and left for some poor neighborhoods to deliver food. People were waiting for the truck and so overjoyed to receive this mercy gift from the Lord.
The team made 3 stops. Simon played "Simon Says" with the children. The girls played "duck-duck goose" and held and prayed over babies.
What an experience. And, yes, the team rode in the back of the Fed-Ex truck with no seat belts...living by faith...
"Why are you here?"
last night we had the opportunity to sit in the men's discipleship meeting here at the Dream Center. These (200+) men are going through a 1-2 year program that rehabilitates them for life.
Some of them are here because of court orders. Some are here because of family and wanting to really recover.
The speaker challenged us all- why are we here? His answer was simple. We are all here for relationship with God. We are have been purposed to be here and as such we should respond to his relationship to us.
It was deeply moving to observe these men respond to God. Some are deeper into the program and are beginning to find true victory, but many have been here for a short time - only 15% actually graduate from the program.
At the conclusion of the teaching some worship music was put on and for 40 minutes everyone responded in prayer to the Lord. I was moved to lift up my family in prayer. I prayed prayers of thanksgiving and prayers of intercession. May I be a husband and a father that leads my kids to Jesus.
Thanks for your prayers..today we load food trucks in the morning and then reach out to homeless youth at night.
The team made 3 stops. Simon played "Simon Says" with the children. The girls played "duck-duck goose" and held and prayed over babies.
What an experience. And, yes, the team rode in the back of the Fed-Ex truck with no seat belts...living by faith...
"Why are you here?"
last night we had the opportunity to sit in the men's discipleship meeting here at the Dream Center. These (200+) men are going through a 1-2 year program that rehabilitates them for life.
Some of them are here because of court orders. Some are here because of family and wanting to really recover.
The speaker challenged us all- why are we here? His answer was simple. We are all here for relationship with God. We are have been purposed to be here and as such we should respond to his relationship to us.
It was deeply moving to observe these men respond to God. Some are deeper into the program and are beginning to find true victory, but many have been here for a short time - only 15% actually graduate from the program.
At the conclusion of the teaching some worship music was put on and for 40 minutes everyone responded in prayer to the Lord. I was moved to lift up my family in prayer. I prayed prayers of thanksgiving and prayers of intercession. May I be a husband and a father that leads my kids to Jesus.
Thanks for your prayers..today we load food trucks in the morning and then reach out to homeless youth at night.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
LA Mission Trip - Day #3
10.5 years ago I was on a road trip down I-5 to LA. I was a small town boy from Creswell, Oregon following a dream that the Lord had birthed in my heart. The dream was simple - to follow Jesus with all that I had. That passion led me to Foursquare's bible college in San Dimas, California. I remember being so overwhelmed by the vastness of LA. I was used to a town of 4,000 - with the big city of 150,000+ 10 miles away.
Culture shock.
“Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
Nathanael hadn't yet seen that it is not place of birth or immediate circumstantial power that dictates one's ability to influence the world. Jesus calls whom he wills and then fills that person and molds them so that even the overlooked can dramatically influence the world.
The students on this trip are catching a vision that is bigger than themselves. A part of that vision may include LIFE Pacific College.
Yesterday we were able to take the official tour of the LIFE campus. I was impressed with the facility upgrades and improvements, but even more so I was glad to hear that the foundational mission of the college is being retained. LIFE is working hard to be an excellent training center for ministers of the good news. Our students were skeptical until they listened to Professor Larry Powers teach Prison Epistles. Larry shared how he sees his own life as a Dixie cup. His life is to be filled with the living water of Christ so that others may partake and be refreshed - but then thrown away.
Larry sees himself as a vessel to be used by the Lord - the Lord is not the vessel that glorifies Larry.
A passion for knowledge and training has been birthed. A passion for God's redemptive mission is being cultivated.
After our morning at LIFE we traveled to the Dream Center to get settled there. They didn't have us scheduled for any ministry yesterday afternoon or evening so we went out on our own mission. We drove up to Griffith Observatory to see LA from up high.
We took to time to pray and listen to what the Lord was speaking to each of us - about this particular week of serving, but also to listen to his heart for the city.
On the way home we had dinner at McDonald's. We met a homeless drunk named Paul on the way out. Our students ministered to him and listened to the Lord's leading. After 15 minutes of conversation (good job Michelle!) and a fish sandwich we all felt that we had done all that we could do for this man. He wanted money, but we didn't feel that the Holy Spirit was leading in that way.
We prayed for Paul. And then we took time to talk as a team about what we felt and what we learned from that experience. We shared our fears and encouraged one another that hearing the Lord in situations like that isn't as difficult as we like to make it.
Paul didn't want help. So we prayed that he would respond to the Lord's grace - and that he would respond to his own deficiency.
Today is the grand tour of the Dream Center and the first official ministry effort - all afternoon and evening serving!
Continue to pray please!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Day 2 on the Road
We are currently HERE
As we are driving through the San Joaquin Valley I am reminded of how blessed we are in Oregon. It isn't to say that God loves us more or that God hasn't provided great things in the SJ Valley (look at Kevin Hughes - thank God for him!)
The trees. The green. The Ducks. Just kidding about that one.
It is March and we are turning on the AC...I am glad that isn't often necessary in Oregon.
The team is doing great...it is about 12:30 - we left Sacramento at 10:30. Greg is taking leg one of the driving and I will take the 2nd half. God bless him for taking a load of the driving!
We should arrive in San Dimas around 5pm unless we hit something unforeseen.
We pray that you are all enjoying Easter with friends and family.
As we are driving through the San Joaquin Valley I am reminded of how blessed we are in Oregon. It isn't to say that God loves us more or that God hasn't provided great things in the SJ Valley (look at Kevin Hughes - thank God for him!)
The trees. The green. The Ducks. Just kidding about that one.
It is March and we are turning on the AC...I am glad that isn't often necessary in Oregon.
The team is doing great...it is about 12:30 - we left Sacramento at 10:30. Greg is taking leg one of the driving and I will take the 2nd half. God bless him for taking a load of the driving!
We should arrive in San Dimas around 5pm unless we hit something unforeseen.
We pray that you are all enjoying Easter with friends and family.
LA Mission Morning #2
Last night we took time to express to one another our thoughts and feelings so far into the trip. I was so glad to hear everyone be honest. Yes, we had a fantastic day but the team expressed that we are anxious to serve, that we aren't sure what we are getting into and that we feel the need to bond closer before we serve in a radical way.
I also expressed to the team my personal pain - being here in Sacramento brings back so many memories of my late mother-in-law.
After sharing for the better part of an hour we prayed...the prayers were simple but heartfelt.
This morning we will eat breakfast together and then have a team bible study. We will be studying Psalm 107. It is one of my favorite psalms - both because of the incredible content, but also because of the poetic structure.
We appreciate your prayers and support!
We are in his will and being sustained by him!
I also expressed to the team my personal pain - being here in Sacramento brings back so many memories of my late mother-in-law.
After sharing for the better part of an hour we prayed...the prayers were simple but heartfelt.
This morning we will eat breakfast together and then have a team bible study. We will be studying Psalm 107. It is one of my favorite psalms - both because of the incredible content, but also because of the poetic structure.
4 Some wandered in the wilderness,Lord, we thank you for your light and love. We thank you that you have led us to spiritual safety. We thank you for Easter! Thank you that death had no hold on you! Thank you for providing a way for us to be back in relationship with you.
lost and homeless.
5 Hungry and thirsty,
they nearly died.
6 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,
and he rescued them from their distress.
7 He led them straight to safety,
to a city where they could live.
8 Let them praise the Lord for his great love
and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
9 For he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
We appreciate your prayers and support!
We are in his will and being sustained by him!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
A Day on the Road
Wow...what a day...
It has been beautiful and peaceful. We have such a wonderful team of young (and older) people.
We have had such a good time.
Thank you Jesus for the wisdom and insight to travel over 2 days rather than all at once. We are almost to Sacramento and everyone has energy.
We will meet and pray as a team tonight...we will ask God to guide us and direct us.
Also, we may be attending church in the morning in Sacramento! (We just need to find an early service so we can be on our way - but a sunrise service feels too early!)
Happy Easter...Jesus rocks!
It has been beautiful and peaceful. We have such a wonderful team of young (and older) people.
We have had such a good time.Thank you Jesus for the wisdom and insight to travel over 2 days rather than all at once. We are almost to Sacramento and everyone has energy.
We will meet and pray as a team tonight...we will ask God to guide us and direct us.
Also, we may be attending church in the morning in Sacramento! (We just need to find an early service so we can be on our way - but a sunrise service feels too early!)
Happy Easter...Jesus rocks!
LA Mission Trip Day One
5am - Alarm goes off. I must say that I have never woke up super excited on the first day of a mission trip. Today was no exception. I wasn't dreading going or stressed.
I simply felt tired. I wonder if Paul ever just felt tired.
Not sleepy tired - but weary. Ministry is awesome and there is nothing that I would rather do...but there are times where I wish for less work...
6am - all packed and ready to go - time to spend time in the word. Today Philippians 1:27
6:30am - at the church to load up with Joshua, Greg, Patti and Matty! Thanks for the help guys...Josh, as usual, was very organized and ready to go.
7am - team begins to arrive. A couple of our 4 teenage girls were late...I hope this isn't a trend!
7:30am - Pastor Marc Shaw shows up to pray for our team.
7:45am - A last stop in to say goodbye to my wonderful family. I will miss them so much!
We are now on the road - about 40 miles away from my hometown - Creswell, OR. We will stop there for fuel...
Keep us in your prayers!
Isaac and the team
(Joshua, Simon, Greg, Edna, Nicole, Michelle, Juliana, Brittany)
I simply felt tired. I wonder if Paul ever just felt tired.
Not sleepy tired - but weary. Ministry is awesome and there is nothing that I would rather do...but there are times where I wish for less work...
6am - all packed and ready to go - time to spend time in the word. Today Philippians 1:27
Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.Jesus - help the 9 of us on the trip to be able to live as citizens of heaven. I don't want this to be a trip - but a time of being an agent of change for the kingdom. I pray for your guidance.
6:30am - at the church to load up with Joshua, Greg, Patti and Matty! Thanks for the help guys...Josh, as usual, was very organized and ready to go.
7am - team begins to arrive. A couple of our 4 teenage girls were late...I hope this isn't a trend!
7:30am - Pastor Marc Shaw shows up to pray for our team.
7:45am - A last stop in to say goodbye to my wonderful family. I will miss them so much!
We are now on the road - about 40 miles away from my hometown - Creswell, OR. We will stop there for fuel...
Keep us in your prayers!
Isaac and the team
(Joshua, Simon, Greg, Edna, Nicole, Michelle, Juliana, Brittany)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
A day...
Josh and I walked.
Josh, Tami, Jeff and I talked about what we read.
Josh and I drove to church.
We prayed as a staff.
Josh and I measured.
Josh and I went over a task list.
Josh and I worked on the task list.
I completed an expense report.
Dede and I ate a McDonald's lunch.
Dede and I went for a walk.
I met Simon's mom.
I received a cuckoo clock from Simon's mom.
Simon and I met.
Simon and I prayed.
Scott, Josh and I drove through Burgerville.
Scott made me laugh.
Josh (different one), Jessica and I met.
Josh and I put together the cuckoo clock.
Josh and I drove to my house.
Owen hid from me.
Jenna talked to me.
Melody arrived at my house.
Josh, Owen and I set the table.
Donia reset the table.
Melody, Josh, Donia, Owen, Jenna and I ate chicken salad.
Donia fried homemade donuts.
Melody, Josh, Donia, Owen, Jenna and I ate donuts.
Melody, Josh, Owen, Jenna and I walked to the big circle.
Donia and I put the kids to bed.
Melody drove Josh home.
I got in bed.
I am going to bed.
Josh, Tami, Jeff and I talked about what we read.
Josh and I drove to church.
We prayed as a staff.
Josh and I measured.
Josh and I went over a task list.
Josh and I worked on the task list.
I completed an expense report.
Dede and I ate a McDonald's lunch.
Dede and I went for a walk.
I met Simon's mom.
I received a cuckoo clock from Simon's mom.
Simon and I met.
Simon and I prayed.
Scott, Josh and I drove through Burgerville.
Scott made me laugh.
Josh (different one), Jessica and I met.
Josh and I put together the cuckoo clock.
Josh and I drove to my house.
Owen hid from me.
Jenna talked to me.
Melody arrived at my house.
Josh, Owen and I set the table.
Donia reset the table.
Melody, Josh, Donia, Owen, Jenna and I ate chicken salad.
Donia fried homemade donuts.
Melody, Josh, Donia, Owen, Jenna and I ate donuts.
Melody, Josh, Owen, Jenna and I walked to the big circle.
Donia and I put the kids to bed.
Melody drove Josh home.
I got in bed.
I am going to bed.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Fruit of Salvation - Philippians
May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—theFruit.
righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring
much glory and praise to God.
Philippians
The fulfillment of a cycle.
Seeds - gestation - pollination - growth - blossom - fruit
I am no botanist. But I do see the complicated process that is required for fruit to be born. I look outside at this moment and the trees are still enduring the long winter. And prior to that the fall stole their fruit and robbed them of their leaves, and yet, in their dying we saw beauty.
All around I see the myriad of ways by which God is proclaiming life through death.
Paul encourages me to be filled with the fruit that Jesus' death brings. I am just the harvester of that which Christ did for me and in me. There is nothing that I have done that grants me this fruit. I am not the planter - what I have sown is death and sin.
But, during my own dark spring of planting, which can only bear death, there was another - who planted the seeds of salvation into the fabric of history so that while the hot summer sun of sin bears down and wreaks destruction on my field, I am set free in the fall to receive the fruit of the life-giver.
And so, carrying this gift of love and grace I re-enter the winter months of this world. All is dark and cold, and yet I now have opportunity to distribute the evidences of a bountiful harvest.
For this basket of fruit in my arms cannot be hidden in my pantry. This stuff is for giving and showing off!
Patience
Love
Peace
Kindness
Gentleness
Self-Control
What gift will I be today?
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Great people make the world great
I have no doubt of the things that God is doing in my life.
I have received a new vision for my life over the last couple of months. I know that I am called to be a leader and to make efforts in my life to become the best leader that I can be.
God places people in our lives that are able, from varying distances, to influence and stir us to greater depths of character and, for me, leadership.
Up close I have several people who I invite to influence my life. My senior pastor - Marc Shaw - and I have a meeting scheduled every week so that he can influence me. Sometimes life is crazy and we don't connect in the way that I would like, but nonetheless he influences me to become a better man of character. I very much appreciate the way that he has given me space to become the man that I am supposed to be. I feel that he respects me as a leader and a pastor and has given me "space in the pasture" for lead and discover.
I also invite Tami Firman into my life to teach me how to lead people. Anyone that has been around Tami for any length of time knows that she tackles major efforts with other people. However, she doesn't just "use" people, but through these projects she finds ways to disciple and pastor people. Tami also meets with me weekly.
I carry a briefcase bag around that has the company name "Ruralite" screen printed on the side. Russell Green recently noticed me carrying books and notes around in a baby gap bag and he found that not becoming to my manhood or leadership, so he provided me a much better alternative. This small gesture of generosity i a great example of how Russell consistently interacts with me.
He didn't show up at my office one day and insist on dragging me through some image or efficiency makeover. instead, he has built relationship with me enough to notice the things of my leadership that can be helped. And in the context of the conversation of friendship Russell is able to shape me.
My life and leadership are also profoundly shaped by people who are not as close in geography to me. As a result of the distance I intereact with them at a different level. My father for instance influences me every day as he leads his congregation in Creswell, Oregon. He has served there faithfully for 20 years - pastoring, shepherding, teaching and leading. Every once in a while I get an update of the ministry there and what strikes me over and over is the consistent character that my dad has exhibited. He has always sought to honor people. And if you have been around people very long - you know that people don't often deserve unswerving patience, humility and love. But if you have been around Jon Hovet you have no doubt been affected by his Jesus like consistency and love.
My dad reminds me that this life is not a sprint, but a marathon. (Perhaps it is appropriate that he runs multiple marathons each year). He reminds me that I need to do the small things well - I need to serve people, I need to serve my family and I need to be devoted to God's word. He shows me how to think of "others more highly" than myself (Philippians). I love that, from a slight distance, God uses my dad as a constant example of Jesus the shepherd.
Chris Manginelli was one of the first people to take a chance on me. When he was the interim pastor at Evergreen Christian Center, he hired me to pastor the young adults of the church.
I was clueless. He had previously shepherded these people and had done a great job. And now his ministry was being inherited by a developing, struggling young pastor.
As I progressed in my leadership Chris invested confidence in me. Even when I questioned the fact that he hired me, he still took steps of faith towards me and continually put me in positions of influence. Those investments are paying off now. I am, perhaps, a long term investment, but those risks and patient investments are paying dividends.
Chris now pastors up in Washington. But he still influences me. Mostly it is over the phone - he takes the time to talk pastoring and life stuff with me. And today Donia and I sat with him for a couple of hours, talking life and ministry. We had some good laughs as he recalled me replacing (by accident) the "W" on witch with a "B" during the first full weekend preaching I did at Evergreen.
From afar Chris helps me to become who i am supposed to be. He believes in me.
Chris has recently hired Dave Metsker to be on his staff. I am so jealous. (wink) Dave develops leaders. I wrote all about Dave in a prior post - but he has practically invested so much into me. Just this weekend he has helped me to develop a process to develop my youth leaders! Dave models for me what it truly means to invest others.
These people help me to become who God is asking me to be. Each day I thank God for the wonderful people around me - people that have so much to offer me.
Thank you Jesus...
I have received a new vision for my life over the last couple of months. I know that I am called to be a leader and to make efforts in my life to become the best leader that I can be.
God places people in our lives that are able, from varying distances, to influence and stir us to greater depths of character and, for me, leadership.
Up close I have several people who I invite to influence my life. My senior pastor - Marc Shaw - and I have a meeting scheduled every week so that he can influence me. Sometimes life is crazy and we don't connect in the way that I would like, but nonetheless he influences me to become a better man of character. I very much appreciate the way that he has given me space to become the man that I am supposed to be. I feel that he respects me as a leader and a pastor and has given me "space in the pasture" for lead and discover.
I also invite Tami Firman into my life to teach me how to lead people. Anyone that has been around Tami for any length of time knows that she tackles major efforts with other people. However, she doesn't just "use" people, but through these projects she finds ways to disciple and pastor people. Tami also meets with me weekly.
I carry a briefcase bag around that has the company name "Ruralite" screen printed on the side. Russell Green recently noticed me carrying books and notes around in a baby gap bag and he found that not becoming to my manhood or leadership, so he provided me a much better alternative. This small gesture of generosity i a great example of how Russell consistently interacts with me.
He didn't show up at my office one day and insist on dragging me through some image or efficiency makeover. instead, he has built relationship with me enough to notice the things of my leadership that can be helped. And in the context of the conversation of friendship Russell is able to shape me.
My life and leadership are also profoundly shaped by people who are not as close in geography to me. As a result of the distance I intereact with them at a different level. My father for instance influences me every day as he leads his congregation in Creswell, Oregon. He has served there faithfully for 20 years - pastoring, shepherding, teaching and leading. Every once in a while I get an update of the ministry there and what strikes me over and over is the consistent character that my dad has exhibited. He has always sought to honor people. And if you have been around people very long - you know that people don't often deserve unswerving patience, humility and love. But if you have been around Jon Hovet you have no doubt been affected by his Jesus like consistency and love.
My dad reminds me that this life is not a sprint, but a marathon. (Perhaps it is appropriate that he runs multiple marathons each year). He reminds me that I need to do the small things well - I need to serve people, I need to serve my family and I need to be devoted to God's word. He shows me how to think of "others more highly" than myself (Philippians). I love that, from a slight distance, God uses my dad as a constant example of Jesus the shepherd.
Chris Manginelli was one of the first people to take a chance on me. When he was the interim pastor at Evergreen Christian Center, he hired me to pastor the young adults of the church.
I was clueless. He had previously shepherded these people and had done a great job. And now his ministry was being inherited by a developing, struggling young pastor.
As I progressed in my leadership Chris invested confidence in me. Even when I questioned the fact that he hired me, he still took steps of faith towards me and continually put me in positions of influence. Those investments are paying off now. I am, perhaps, a long term investment, but those risks and patient investments are paying dividends.
Chris now pastors up in Washington. But he still influences me. Mostly it is over the phone - he takes the time to talk pastoring and life stuff with me. And today Donia and I sat with him for a couple of hours, talking life and ministry. We had some good laughs as he recalled me replacing (by accident) the "W" on witch with a "B" during the first full weekend preaching I did at Evergreen.
From afar Chris helps me to become who i am supposed to be. He believes in me.
Chris has recently hired Dave Metsker to be on his staff. I am so jealous. (wink) Dave develops leaders. I wrote all about Dave in a prior post - but he has practically invested so much into me. Just this weekend he has helped me to develop a process to develop my youth leaders! Dave models for me what it truly means to invest others.
These people help me to become who God is asking me to be. Each day I thank God for the wonderful people around me - people that have so much to offer me.
Thank you Jesus...
Overflowing love - Philippians
...I pray that your love would overflow more an more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding...Sometimes I like to float through life without learning and growing.
Philippians
A situation presented itself last night that reminded me of how much I need to learn. One of the major projects I oversee has some major holes in it.
Ouch.
But, today I am positioning myself in humility - I declare openly that I have everything to learn. I want to grow in my knowledge of Christ - but also I need and want to grow in my knowledge of ways to represent his excellence in all that I do.
Yes, even my work projects.
As an overseer I am charged with doing things in a way that support and grow people. People don't grow when they haven't been set up for success.
Jesus - I need you today. Please give me knowledge!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Special Favor - Philippians
You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.Or as the NASB says:
you all are partakers of grace with me.We love to feel good. We long to get to places of life that are easy - and in those times we are most likely to talk about the favor and grace of the Lord.
Not for Paul.
Paul talks about the grace of the Lord while he is in chains. And he - in a single breath - ties his own circumstance to that of the people of Philippi - they weren't in chains as he was - but Paul was convinced of the grace and favor of the Lord regardless of circumstance.
In my own life I am seeing where I have been walking the the special grace of the Lord - when I might have so easily walked through this season seeing it as a test of the Lord and not a specific blessing from Him. May I learn to be more like Paul. May I learn to see and walk in the special grace of the Lord - regardless of what that circumstance.
Evergreen Christian Center rocks. THRIVE rocks! IGNITE rocks! May we continue to press into what the Lord has for each of us!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Investing in others
...there has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that theI had the privilege of spending time with one of my mentors today. Dave Metsker invested heavily into my life while I was a college student at LIFE Pacific college. He was also my senior pastor.
God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a
flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears...
Philippians
I have never met someone who is so devoted to developing others. I ran miles and miles with him because he wanted to spend time with me. On a Sunday afternoon - 3 hours after he finished preaching - he would ask for my opinion of the message. I know that he valued my opinion, but I think the most important thing for him was that I saw a leader who is willing to be humble and to be evaluated.
In those days I thought I knew more than I did and valued my thoughts of things far more than I should have. I have no doubt that Dave saw these things...but he saw potential and helped me to achieve it.
As I read this morning in Philippians I was reminded of my primary task - developing people. Christ started a great work in people - and then gave gifts to the church (Ephesians 4) - these gifts of people - evangelists, teachers, pastors and apostles have one task - to equip the saints for works of service.
I have been equipped on my journey by a pastor-teacher.
This week I am going to be taking a look at how I develop others around me. I am going to ask myself - do I leave people better Christians than when they first meet me?
As a pastor, these are hard questions to ask.
Today, Jesus, please help me to be a person that invests.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Philippians - Giving Thanks
...every time I think of you I give thanks to my God...Paul always recognized the value of people. His awareness of the how precious people are did not spring from some desire to see an organization flourish or an an event to happen. He was simply cognizant of God's relationship to people.
In Ephesians Paul speaks of the God who loved us and created us before time began. As a result of this overwhelming love - Paul understood that people matter. People are important.
There are people in my life that I take for granted - sure they do good things and work alongside of me - but may the Lord help me to love and appreciate them for who they are first. May I never be known as a people user - someone who engages with people as if people were super-computers able to perform tasks.
Today - when I think of you - I will pray for you. I wil give thanks for who you are - not what you do or how you perform this life. May Jesus guide me. And guide you.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Thinkpads for Jesus!
Mine rocks
T61
Jesus! Thank you for the new laptop! My other one was going to blow up!
Praise the Lord!
6.5 hours of battery?! This thing must be filled with the Holy Spirit!
T61
Jesus! Thank you for the new laptop! My other one was going to blow up!
Praise the Lord!
6.5 hours of battery?! This thing must be filled with the Holy Spirit!
With the girl
Sometimes it is difficult to do the little things right.
But today - I am with my daughter. And I am learning how to be "with her."
We made a leprechaun trap. It is quite genius really. Duct tape. Foil. A box.
1 hour with the girl.
Now we go to rotate tires on a car. And get some lunch.
With the girl.
Today I am a slave - not to my own ambition - but to what Christ calls me to be...and for now...I am called to be "with the girl."
But today - I am with my daughter. And I am learning how to be "with her."
We made a leprechaun trap. It is quite genius really. Duct tape. Foil. A box.
1 hour with the girl.
Now we go to rotate tires on a car. And get some lunch.
With the girl.
Today I am a slave - not to my own ambition - but to what Christ calls me to be...and for now...I am called to be "with the girl."
Studying Philippians
This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus.What is it to be a slave of Jesus?
Am I bound to him in a way that transcends all normal bounds? Do I consider myself to to a slave - really?
If I have a hero out of ancient history other than Jesus - it would be Paul. And through him I love Timothy. both of them have such a strong sense of who they were - and they both sacrificed so much in their effort to proclaim the good news of Jesus.
What will I sacrifice today? How can I be a slave today? I won't be in chains for the gospel as these men were - but how can I share in their slavery to Christ? How can I identify with the suffering of Jesus today?
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Prayer
I have had the chance to be in prayer with some good friends lately.
Things are not easy - but I am willing to take it all to the Lord in prayer.
May it always be so...
Things are not easy - but I am willing to take it all to the Lord in prayer.
May it always be so...
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