It's been a blast of a holiday weekend for me. Thursday was my birthday/Thanksgiving and I spent it with Rachel and her family. On top of the really good food I got a fresh amazing chocolate cake and some sweet birthday gifts (the old Star Wars trilogy and an Erwin McMannus book).
Saturday, I took my student ministry teens to Paintball Quest in McCalla, AL. My only regret is that paintball was cheaper and I was better in shape. We had a blast!
All in all, it's been a great weekend. It was great to spend time with Rachel and relax. I even got a chance to spend some time with Nathan, Austin, and Marko - three of our college students. Marko...I want a rematch!
Monday, November 27, 2006
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Congratulations Ohio State :)
Sure, the big news today is that Auburn beat Alabama...but I don't care! My favorite team, Ohio State beat rival Michigan today in a nail biter moving on to the Rose Bowl. Great job OSU!
Friday, November 17, 2006
Once again, I'm kicking myself
If you remember back to Christmas time last year, the hot item was the x-box 360. There were limit numbers of the new gaming system and an overabundance of rich parents who just had to have the box for their spoiled little girl or boy. Laughingly, x-boxes were selling on e-bay for thousands of dollars. I remarked to myself that getting an x-box early was a guaranteed way to make some quick cash. I even thought of pre-ordering a PS3 and selling it on eBay.
Oh, why didn't I pre-order a Playstation 3 and sell it on eBay?! They are going for over $6000 right now!!! In the words of Homer Simpson: DOH!
Oh, why didn't I pre-order a Playstation 3 and sell it on eBay?! They are going for over $6000 right now!!! In the words of Homer Simpson: DOH!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
A shameless plug
Christmas is coming and so is my Birthday. This year I get turkey and birthday cake on the same day (by b-day is on Thanksgiving). Are you wanting to get your favorite friend/youth pastor/cool guy that you happened to read his blog today - a present? But what would I like for my birthday/Christmas? Do not fear! I have provided all the 411 you need in my handy-dandy Amazon Wish List. Come on...you know you want to buy me something ;)
Monday, November 06, 2006
Pastors and sin
If you have been following the news you will know that last week the leader of the Association of Evangelicals- Pastor Ted Haggard was accused and admitted to charges of sexual immorality, and illegal drug involvement. Ted Haggard was the pastor at a mega-church of over 14,000 people. The news of this story has rocked the Christian Church here in America. How could such a prominent and popular leader and pastor be a hypocrite? You can read a response letter written by Haggard on New Life's Website.
As I think about this story, I can't help but revisit the truth that Christians all too often idolize our leaders. How is it that we think our pastors and leaders are somehow more holy and pure than we are? The truth of the matter is, they are human just as much as any other person on the planet.
How has this story affected you? How does this change (if at all) your view of pastors and Christian leaders?
Being a pastor myself, I am constantly having to check my motives and struggles so that I can be an effective role model for the teens I minister to. I think it's important to remember that even pastors need accountability and transparency in their lives (maybe even more than the average Christian).
As I read the letter Haggard wrote, something he said stood out to me. He mentioned that when he stopped talking about his struggles and kept them to himself is when he was given over to them.
It's important to remember the necessity of transparency and accountability as a Christian leader. When we start to be secretive about our struggles is when they can most control and dominate our lives and our ministry.
The moral of the story:
As I think about this story, I can't help but revisit the truth that Christians all too often idolize our leaders. How is it that we think our pastors and leaders are somehow more holy and pure than we are? The truth of the matter is, they are human just as much as any other person on the planet.
How has this story affected you? How does this change (if at all) your view of pastors and Christian leaders?
Being a pastor myself, I am constantly having to check my motives and struggles so that I can be an effective role model for the teens I minister to. I think it's important to remember that even pastors need accountability and transparency in their lives (maybe even more than the average Christian).
As I read the letter Haggard wrote, something he said stood out to me. He mentioned that when he stopped talking about his struggles and kept them to himself is when he was given over to them.
When I stopped communicating about my problems, the darkness increased and finally dominated me. As a result, I did things that were contrary to everything I believe.
It's important to remember the necessity of transparency and accountability as a Christian leader. When we start to be secretive about our struggles is when they can most control and dominate our lives and our ministry.
The moral of the story:
- Don't hold your Christian leaders above God - don't let news of a leaders sin drive you away from your faith in God. We need to be careful not to hold our leaders in too high of esteem and we need to make sure that they have accountability in their lives.
- If you are struggling with something - any sin at all, you need to tell someone about it. The Christian life was never meant to be lived solo.
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