Wordless Wednesday

May

May is Brain Cancer Awareness Month.  You might remember that in the past I've posted about Kate McRae and her family, friends of some of my friends who live in Phoenix.  Would you pray for her and her family as they finish up radiation treatments and begin to find out what lies ahead in their journey?

You can follow Kate's Story here ... www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate

Orange 2010

Kudos to the reThink team at Northpoint for providing the Orange Conference online this year!

If you're interested in hearing some of the top speakers in the country go to...

www.makingoforange.com

for live streaming of the conference!

Wordless Wednesday

The Past 8 Weeks

For those of you who don't know, the past 8 weeks have been some of the busiest most amazing weeks of my life!  It all began the last weekend of Februray when we did this and has continued in a way that only God could carry on.  We've seen this and these and even a marching band.  Ultimately though, I've witnessed changed life after changed life.

This past weekend we welcomed more than one thousand kiddos through the doors and thousands more adults.  The last eight weeks have been nothing short of experiencing God in a constant way.

Yet, through it all God has been working on me.  Its a work that isn't finished, but that seriously began last fall when I transitioned from overseeing 3-5's to 0-5's ... a transition I was ready for, but that would have never done on my own ... God knew that.  I enjoy having the control, knowing exactly what's going to happen and how it's going to happen.  Knowing that rooms are well covered for weekends and that everyone knows exactly what to do, but that's what God has been working on me about.  And in a lot of ways He's taken all control away.  It's hard to grow quickly and stay in complete control.  But, that's ok, because its really not me who needs the control ... it's God. 

So, for all of us control freaks leading ministries, families, lives ... take my advice ... just let God have the control ... its so much easier that way :-)

And with that, I'm going to get back on the blogging train ... sharing thoughts and life ... instead of trying to control what's happening :-)

Music Monday

My Church

This past weekend was powerful ... not that the last six or so haven't been.  So, maybe the better way to put it is that this past weekend was extra powerful.  Yet, I don't know that it was actually what happened in the service that struck me as one of the most powerful parts ... its actually what will happen next week and the weeks to come.

Before reading on, do me a favor and watch this.  Don't just be overcome by the power of the moment, but ask yourself what your response would be if that was your friend, your small group leader, your child's sunday school teacher walking across the stage...



...and that is one thing that I LOVE about my church.  More than 40 people told their story on stage last weekend ... they didn't think twice about people's reactions to their story, they knew that their story is part of God's story, so they proudly walked across the stage last weekend to exclaim what God has done!

And this weekend ... they won't be outcast, but will instead be loved and embraced by their friends and others they may not know as we rejoice together over the work that God is doing.  I don't know about you, but I think it takes a lot of courage to do that, but thankfully I've found a place where you can be exactly who you are and you'll be loved just because God loves you.

Wordless Wednesday

Grand Opening...

Sometimes we do things a little different...

Thursday's Tip

No, I haven't quit blogging, just have had a bit of writer's block lately and since life has been pretty busy, I haven't really stopped to think about what I should write.

However, I had an experience this past week that I want to share, because I think its something that we should be mindful of.

After three years at my current apartment, it's time for a change ... so in a few months I'll be moving into a brand new place.  Now, the place I'm at has been juts fine, but the new place has a little more to offer, so I'm choosing to move - in the end, its going to be a better fit for me.

Which, brings me to what I want to share...

"It's going to be a better fit for me" ... there's lots of reasons why, and I won't bore you with all the details, but that's what it comes down to - and sometimes I hear volunteers say that when choosing to serve in another ministry, age level, or even service time.  When I hear that from someone I honor it, I don't question it - I know that between them and God, they know what's best.  So, on a weekly basis I have these types of conversations.

This past week I had to have the conversation with my current place about moving and well, it was met with friction and an attempt to nearly beg me to stay where I am ... listing all the "bad" things they had heard ... it literally made me WANT to move.

Yet, it was such a reminder of what people want to hear ... we all want to be encouraged to do what is best, not questioned and begged to stay.  So, let this be a reminder that as you work with other's, encourage them to do what's best ... for them ... even if that means you might lose them in your ministry area ... maybe God has something better for them ... don't get in the way of that!

Wordless Wednesday

Go Butler!!!

Yay for the Butler Bulldogs from Indy ... good luck on Monday night in the National Championship!!!

Wordless Wednesday

It's Not About Being Safe

No Worries

Kuyasa Kids

I had the opportunity to hear the Kuyasa Kids Choir perform at Northview.  They are an amazing group of children from South Africa who share their joy with everyone they meet.  Below is one of the songs they sang tonight and a little more about their ministry.

"Put Your Feet Down"

I had the opportunity to experience the ocean last week.  Now, I've been to three of the world's four oceans ... seen them all but the Arctic Ocean and been in three different countries when seeing the other three, but I've never ventured in.  There's something about fish swimming in there with you and not being able to see the bottom that just freaks me out ... let alone there are jellyfish and sharks that could get you too.  But this time, a friend convinced me that riding on the waves far outweighed the thoughts of fishies, jellyfish, and sharks ... so in (to the VERY cold) Atlantic I went last week. 

It was COLD ... I mean really, really cold, but the cold was quickly forgotten as I began riding the waves on a boogie board (or maybe I was just frozen and numb at that point).  It was FUN!!!  I loved the waves, but I kept finding myself struggling ... getting knocked in the head by a wave, having trouble keeping my board with me, or an array of other issues.  And each time I would begin to struggle my friend would say ... "Put your feet down!" 

I was having trouble keeping myself afloat in the water ... but ... it wasn't that deep and I could touch - but I was so wrapped up in staying above the waves that I would forget to just put my feet down ... I had just always pictured the ocean as this deep body of water that you can't touch the bottom of.  Obviously though when you're that close to shore that isn't the case ... even though I felt like it was.

At one point as I was trying to stay on top of the waves I realized that sometimes this is how it is in life.  I (maybe you too) get so caught up in all the junk and sin going on around me, in my own life, and in the lives of others - yet God is saying "Put your feet down!" ... stand on Me, on my Truth, on my Word ... I'm right here.  Just like the sand was right there God is too and He wants us to stand on Him, rest in Him, and trust that He is what will keep us going even when the waves of sin are crashing into us. 

So, as you go about your day ... just remember to put your feet down and stand on God ... you don't have to do life alone ... He's right there!

Wordless Wednesday

Fort Lauderdale

I've been on vacation the last several days.  And while I have a moment to update the blog I thought I'd share with you a few pictures of this beautiful place!  The weather has been better than what we've had at home, but "cold" for the locals standards.  It hasn't stopped us from playing in the ocean, even with temps in the low to mid 70's and winds upwards of 30mph!

Flamingo Road

I had a chance to attend Flamingo Road tonight with a friend.  It's late so I will share more later ... but I was intrigued with their internet campus.  If you happen to miss church this weekend or don't attend church, but are interested in checking something out go to the website below ... they have more than 3000 in attendance each weekend over the internet from countries around the world!  God is using Flamingo Road in mighty ways!

Click here to visit Flamingo Road online!

A Word

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (The Message)

God our God!  God the one and only!  Love God, your God with your whole heart: love Him with all that's in you, love Him with all you've got!

Forgotten God

Forgotten God, by Francis Chan

... having LOVED Crazy Love (his first book) - I knew that this couldn't be a bad read and having just read Crazy Love I figured just by the title that this book had to be about how we get so wrapped up in ourselves and our own lives that we forget about God and His role in our life.

...I was WRONG

...Forgotten God isn't about how we forget about God ... its about how there's a third part of the Trinity that we forget ... the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit and I have quite a history ... you see ... I knew He existed, but I had NO IDEA who, how, why, what, etc He fit into the Trinity.  I'm not quite even sure I understood that there was a Trinity.  I wasn't really raised in the church and only began attending as I entered my high school years. 

It was a Southern Baptist Church. 

To say the least, Southern Baptists are fairly conservative when it comes to the Holy Spirit - He's there, but they'd just prefer to keep Him in a box acknowledge His work in the big moments and contribute the rest to the skill of the preaching, programs, etc.

My first day of college was the first time I had ever had the Trinity explained to me.  I knew at that moment that I was WAY over my head and knew absolutely nothing about the Bible, Jesus, God, and especially the Holy Spirit.  I spent the next four years learning about all those things, but have still preferred to keep the Holy Spirit in the box that He's always been in - safe - right where I have the control.

I began reading Forgotten God on the plane earlier this week and in the first sixty pages it has already challenged me about my understanding of the Holy Spirit.  Not only that, but it has challenged me to ask myself the question of "am I allowing the Holy Spirit to control my life ... or am I controlling it?"

It's a question I'm working through as I read the rest of this book, but for now if you would like to take a fresh look at the Holy Spirit ... maybe even learn about Him for the first time - check out Francis Chan's new book Forgotten God - it is well worth the read!

Wordless Wednesday

Vacation

Today I head out of town to a location much, much warmer than the midwest.  It's been a long time since I've been on vacation, but after three years here in Indiana it is more than overdue!  Life is incredibly busy right now, but when is it not?  So ... I am off to a beach with some books, some cards, my music, camera, and macbook ... looking forward to an incredible week of fun with friends.  We have no plans ... kind of tough for a planner like me, but I'm looking forward to the change of pace and getting away from the "normal".  Look for stories, photos, and thoughts upon my return :-)

Music Monday

Living It Out

Ashley Molina is one of my volunteers at Northview.  Currently, she is serving in Nicaragua at a school for the deaf.  Below is an article I featured on Ashley during last month's Volunteer Newsletter.

God, Sign Language, people, children, service – those are just a few of the things that Ashley Molina, an eighteen year old high school graduate, is passionate about. Currently, Ashley is serving for the next three months at a Christian School for the Deaf in Nicaragua – learning Nicaraguan Sign Language, while serving as a dorm chaperon, planning games and meals, and working as a teachers aid at the school, but her story doesn’t begin there. It has been a journey as she has learned to live out her faith and follow the calling that God has placed on her heart.

Ashley’s journey to where she is now begins almost a year ago when she chose to spend Spring Break of her Junior year serving with a team from North Beach in Nicaragua.  It was her first experience with missions, but one that has changed her life forever. While there, Ashley, and fifteen of her peers from North Beach served in a multitude of ways during Holy Week. From handing out rice and beans at a food distribution site to running a sports camp for students at a local school; the teens built relationships with the people in Managua and Los Pricilles.

Upon returning from Nicaragua, Ashley was contacted by K.Paul Maurer, Missions Pastor at Northview, about serving at Brookside Community Church. Ashley said that, “God calls us to serve more than ten days a year – you don’t need to send money, time is more important.” With this in mind, Ashley took the opportunity to begin serving here in Indianapolis with the Summer Program at Brookside Community Church. Over the past eight months, Ashley has built relationships with the children at Brookside while helping with homework, joining them on field trips to the local swimming pool, and eating meals alongside them – all while teaching them about a God who knows and loves them!

Brookside has not been Ashley’s only involvement in Northview’s Ministries over the last several months. In addition to attending North Beach on Sunday evenings, Ashley has served in The Sea with the three and four year olds each Sunday morning at 9 a.m. and with an elementary age child through the GraceWorks Ministry on Sundays at 10:45 a.m.

Over the last several months Ashley has found many ways that God has used her gift of sign language and her love for people to serve others. She has been willing to follow God’s leading in her life and He is using her to accomplish His plan.

Ashley will be spending the next three months in Managua, Nicaragua with missionaries Matt and Eva Barlow. Please join Studio 6.7 in praying for Ashley and her time in Nicaragua. She will be returning early this summer.

A Word

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. 
Always be prepared to give an answer to 

everyone who asks you to give the reason 
for the hope that you have. But do this with 

gentleness and respect,”

- 1 Peter 3:15

Wordless Wednesday

Blogging for Kenya

I came across this on a blog I follow from time to time. At first, I have to admit, I was a little unsure of the whole idea. While I didn't know that much about it - it sounded to me like Compassion was taking bloggers to another country to "show" them something - to show them a life that we'll never know and ask them to tell the rest of us about how the people in Kenya live.

BUT

I was wrong in so many ways. More than likely only a small percentage of the millions who follow these six blogs will ever travel to Kenya and experience life there. BUT through the words of these bloggers millions have been made aware of the life of the people in Kenya.

Not only have they made millions aware of a life most of us will never know - they've called us to action. This was one of my concerns when I heard about this ... why are they just going to "see" ... why aren't they going to "do" something. Wrong I was! They are "doing" more by "seeing" than they would have ever been able to accomplish with just their mere hands.

They have called us to action to do something ... whether its for a child in Kenya or a child across the street they are challenging their readers to do something for someone less fortunate.

You see, these six bloggers are doing more for the children in Kenya and around the world by telling their story and being their voice than they ever could have done with their mere hands. The children of Kenya have had a voice this week - they have had their stories told ... I hope these six blogs move you the way they've moved me this week...

MckMama

Brad Ruggles

Kristen Welch

Kent Shaffer

LV Hanson

Ryan Detzel

And if God so leads you ... you too can sponsor a child through Compassion International.

Speechless

Like I said in my last post ... "this weekend is going to be pretty special" and it so was. To the point that I have no idea what to say...

I have the privilege each weekend of experiencing all three services - attending one and walking the early childhood hall during the other two - although I'm always "on call" for any "massive vomit" situations! Like I said, its a privilege that especially on these really really cool weekends that I get to experience it with everyone during all of the services.

This past weekend was no different as Steve asked at the end of each service for anyone who wanted to, to come up and be baptized. It was the first time we had done this, so there was no way to know what to expect. God was there and moved in so many hearts - leading more than 300 to be baptized during the three services.

I'm still trying to process it all ... but I know one thing that I've taken away from this weekend is that we don't dream big enough ... God is more powerful, mighty, and amazing than we are and more than we will ever understand and when He shows up in a mighty way lives are changed forever! Our supply of about 60 shirts and shorts didn't even come close to the number that actually responded during each service - leaving us to "warm" wet towels for those yet to be baptized!

I'm also reminded of a devotional I heard about a month ago ... it was about stepping out in faith and having God meet you there. It's much like what David did when he faced Goliath - he stepped out and God met him there. I'm so excited for all of those who "stepped out" this weekend in faith - God met each of them where they were and gave them the courage to come forward ... what a great reminder to me to step out in faith and dream God-sized dreams.

God is BIGGER than anything we will understand and MIGHTIER than anything we will ever face!


Dream big :-)

Here's just a tiny part of what went on this weekend...

Baptism

This is baptism weekend ... and its not only going to be special ... its going to be a memorable one as people in service are given the opportunity to respond immediately and be baptized!

Every baptism weekend it takes me back to a conversation I had about a year ago with a five year old. This little boy had been pulled from class and was sitting with me in the hallway until he could settle down and return to class. As we were sitting in the hallway the live baptisms were on the screens ... which led to this conversation...

Kid: "Can I be bap-ti-tized?"

Me: "Yes, when you're a little older"

Kid: "Oh, well ... when I get bap-ti-tized can I wear my swimmies?" (swimmie = flotation device)

Me: "I don't think you'll need your swimmies"

Kid: "Yes I will, can I wear them?"

Me: (now trying not to bust out laughing) "I'm sure if you need your swimmies they'll let you wear them"


Oh how I hope I see the day this kid wears his swimmies into the water on Baptism Weekend :-)

Four of Four

I saw this on a friend's blog ... and since I LOVE photography ... I just HAD to join in!

Go to wherever you keep your photos, for me its iPhoto :-) and go to the 4th folder, then open the 4th photo and explain it.

Here's mine...


This is such a cool photo and a memory of a weekend that probably changed myself and my church in unbelievable ways. It was taken from the roof of the Wheeler Building (10 stories) on the near-east side of Indianapolis during Good Neighbor Weekend (hosted by Northview). I was on a video crew that weekend, which is why we made it onto the roof - below us on every story of the building were teams working to paint, carpet, repair, and prepare the building for Wheeler Ministries to use. What's even cooler though is that looking at this photo, there were really thousands of Northview people in it ... spread all across Indianapolis that morning and throughout that weekend in October 2007 - loving people and serving the community.

I'll never forget that weekend. We canceled services, gathered for a moment of prayer and then just spread out all over! There were teams that painted, served meals, landscaped ... did all sorts of things from the south side to way north of carmel ... more than three thousand people serving and serving. What's cooler though is that it didn't end that weekend ... it turned into "Good Neighbor" ... a way of living, a way of loving your neighbor as yourself.

Thursday's Tip

Tweens ::: 9-11 Year Olds

Found in the Stadium and Arena, they're often called the "tweens" - they're in transition from being a child to a teenager and are caught in the midst of a changing world. Coming to the realization of the world around them, tweens are no longer egocentric; they now understand that there is a world that exists outside their own. Friendships are very important at this age. The "tween" thinks about the future, is goal oriented, has great ideas, but struggles to follow through, and enjoys games with more complex rules. The girls in this age group are also typically two years ahead of the boys in maturity.

At this stage, the tween has begun to realize that adults make mistakes too and may defy or belittle authority. They would rather be with their friends than their parents and can at times be cruel to their peers through the use of “put downs”. The tween also sees things as either right or wrong and does not allow for a difference of opinion.

The family is still the central influence in the child’s life, but it is important to them that they belong to a group of friends, often of the same gender. At this age, they realize that actions have consequences and are beginning to take responsibility for their actions.

What does this mean for me as a volunteer?

As a volunteer in this age group it is important to connect with both the child and their family, since the family still has a great amount of influence into the life of the child. Providing opportunities for them to lead in times of reading, discussion, and prayer is also important. Share your story, this age group has realized that adults mess up too and make mistakes, so incorporate your own stories and lessons into your discussions with this age group. Be open and willing to talk with the child about issues that concern them, they are likely to share their thoughts and opinions. Watch for children who may be excluded from groups or “put down” by other children. Encourage groups to incorporate “outsiders” into their group and to only use encouraging words with their peers. Finally, encourage the child and their family to take part in service projects. Studio 6.7 offers Family Service Projects quarterly and the Good Neighbor website is always available for families to find projects that interest them.

Wordless Wednesday

Power of a Name

The power of someone's name is like nothing else in the universe. It is something that we all have and identifies who we are. When you say someone's name, often, you immediately have a picture of that person in your mind. Not only is it a reference for you, but it also says to the person that the name belongs to that you care about them, you know their name, and you are interested in who they are and what they do.

In the book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie says that:

"We should be aware of the magic contained in a name and realize that this single item is wholly and completely owned by the person with whom we are dealing . . . and nobody else. The name sets the individual apart; it makes him or her unique among all others.

The information we are imparting or the quest we are making takes on a special importance when we approach the situation with the name of the individual. From the waitress to the senior executive, the name will work magic as we deal with others.” (Carnegie, 1981, p. 83)

As a Studio 6.7 Volunteer you can have a HUGE impact just by stating the name of a parent or child in your conversations with them. Northview is a huge place, but through the use of a name, you help it to seem just a little smaller and more personal to the families you work with.

Here’s a challenge: this weekend (or the next time you serve): make a point to look at the nametag of each parent you encounter and use their name when greeting them and their child.

Northview

I have to admit, God has blessed me with an incredible opportunity over the last two and a half years to work with some amazing people at an amazing church. As this staff team has come together over the last few years its been amazing to watch everyone - both the staff team and congregation - working towards the goal of reaching our community. This past weekend we added one more piece to the puzzle with the opening of our new Auditorium. With the additional seats (we doubled our seating capacity) we now have space for new people to join us ... potentially those who have never heard the message of Jesus Christ before. It was a very, very exciting weekend ... here's a small glimpse of one of the opening songs the worship team and band did live on the stage before we entered into worship!

Check us out here: www.northviewchurch.us

Picture This ::: GraceWorks

During Picture This earlier this month we honored one of our GraceGivers. He is a freshman in high school and is very committed to serving each weekend in the ministry. He and the little boy he serves have become friends and look forward to spending time together.

One of the girls at church wrote this great article about the Christopher Beltz Award that was given to Gregg. You can read it here.

You may remember that Christopher was one of the kids in our ministry, who passes away last winter ... I was excited to honor his memory this year at our dinner and am excited to continue to honor Christopher in the years to come!

A Word

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ever imagined,

according to His power that is at work within us..."

Ephesians 3:20

Wordless Wednesday

Thoughts on Puke...

"help massive vomit"

Those are the exact words that came to my phone less than five minutes after sitting down in service last Saturday night! After leaving service (yes ... the only seat I could find was near the front!) I got back to the room where it had happened and well, to spare you the details I had to ask which child was sick since there were three kids covered in it.

But, here's the deal ... this was the fourth weekend in a row that I've had a situation like this! It's been a rough winter with many many cases of the stomach flu (thankfully, I haven't had it yet!) And to be honest I've gone from not able to handle it to not having a problem with cleaning it up in four weeks.

In the midst of the past few weeks I read this blog post about puke - you too can read it here! It really got me thinking about what would happen if we responded to sin the same way our body responds to being ill. When we're physically ill our body attempts to rid itself of the illness in whatever way possible. But, when we're spiritually ill we make little attempt to rid ourself of the sin.

What would your life look like if you "puked" your sin and just got rid of it?

Not that I want to puke every time I sin, I do want to react to it as if I did puke ... basically I'm saying that when I sin I want it to be a big enough deal to me that I change ... I change what I'm doing, who I'm around - whatever circumstances led me into a situation where I sinned.

Chapter 5 ::: Skeeples and Lomes

Now, did that peak your interest? Well, you're just going to have to read Think Orange to figure out just what a Skeeple and a Lome is!

Order your copy of Think Orange by clicking here.

Love Has Come

Observations on Curling ... and Life

Curling ... I can't even give you a definition or a single rule. In my mind it is something played on ice that involves human beings, a large rock, and some brooms. Yet, it intrigues me. I found myself sitting in front of the television for several hours this past week engulfed in Curling and as I sat there pondering what on earth they were doing with this large rock ... I began to ponder the things of life.

You see, I realized that curling doesn't make sense to me for one simple reason ... there's no celebration. Hours passed ... no one smiled, no one jumped up and down, horns didn't sound and lights didn't flash. I don't understand the rules of hockey either, but I do know that when they jump up and down and hug each other it is a good thing ... and over the years I've correlated that response to the fact that the little black puck is always inside the little net. Same thing with football ... when the ball lands at the end of the field in a players arms and they jump up and down ... well it must be good!

There has been no moment in Curling yet where I have watched a reaction and said ... something good just happened ... and it has left me utterly confused and unable to figure out the sport of curling.

Yet, as I watched it, I realized that for this same reason we need to celebrate the good things in life. We need to celebrate when a child makes a good choice, another year that passes, the time with friends ... for it is our celebrations that help us and others to identify what is good in our lives.

So, what are you going to celebrate today?

Wordless Wednesday

Chapter 4 ::: Both/And

From Reggie Joiner - Think Orange - Page 79...

"When it comes to entities that God has created specifically to make disciples and accomplish His mission, there is the church ... the family ... and ... nothing else"

The church can't change the next generation on its own ... the family can't change the next generation on its own ... its a both/and situation. The only way to change the next generation is a both/and approach where the church and the family work together - each realizing the others importance in ministering to the next generation.

When the church assumes that the parent knows what to do and how to do it - the process breaks down, just as it does when the parent assumes that the church knows what support they need in raising their child. As silos - the church and the family can't reach the next generation effectively, but together they can have a HUGE impact!

Chapter 3 ::: The Family

It is the smallest unit of society - the family. God created ... the family is intended to show us how God loves here on earth. You don't earn a mother or father's love ... just as you don't earn God's. Our family influences us and helps to mold who we are - yet somewhere along the way I think we lost what it truly means to be a family. In keeping up with the Jones' we've forgotten what quality family time looks like. It's not just being together, but actually interacting in a meaningful way that has a lifelong impact on a child.

God hasn't called anyone to be a perfect parent ... in fact, there is no example of a perfect parent in the Bible. But there are numerous examples of parents - living, making mistakes, acknowledging their downfalls, and interacting with their children.

The family is an integral part of a child's life ... it displays the heart of God.

From Reggie Joiner - Think Orange Page 50

"Although the concept of family has had different expressions in every generation, it has always been significant to our existence. Governments are organized, walls are build, and battles are fought for the sake of families. It is the core of civilization and a primary influence on the human condition."

Picture This

Last week we had our annual Volunteer Dinner. It's always a great time as we honor our current volunteers and take a look back over the past year of ministry!

A fun, new feature this year was the use of a remote camera that allowed guests to take their own pictures! Check it out on our Flickr Site.

Chapter 2 ::: The Light

The church - a light - yellow.

The mission of the church is to shine a light on who God is - this is what it was created for. It was not intended to shine a broad light on political issues, church politics, the unchurched, homeless, or anything else - it was solely intended to shine a light on WHO God is ... the rest are spin offs of shining that light to the community.

Reggie Joiner says it best on page 36 of Think Orange ...

"What is sacred is the mission of the church .... Our mission is not to preserve the local church as it presently exists in its various forms or models; our mission is to be the church."

So often, I feel that we get caught up in preserving the local church, or trying to make it what we want it. We argue over whether to drink coffee in the worship center, have a guitar and drums on stage, play secular songs or traditional hymns, dress-up or dress-down, and the list could go on and on and on ... there isn't a day that goes by where some church somewhere in the world loses focus of its light and wanders off course. Ultimately, what matters is someone's relationship with God ... not the things we argue over on a daily basis.

There's a lot at stake as the church shines it light, yet - if done in the proper way that illuminates WHO God is the next generation will be impacted in ways we can't even imagine - they'll grow spiritually and love others as God intended us to love them.

2010 Favorites

What were your favorite Super Bowl commercials this year?

Personally, I enjoyed McDonald's remake of the Jordan-Bird challenges...

And I have to give it to Google with an incredibly classy ad...

Wordless Wednesday

Chapter 1 ::: Orange

Red + Yellow = Orange ... OR ... Church + Family = A Stronger Influence.

Think Orange is a new way of thinking about the partnership between the church and the family, or maybe its really an old way of thinking re-found. Partnering the church and the family isn't much different than what was done in Biblical times, but its something that we've moved away from. In Think Orange the thought is to come back to that original way of thinking - to combine the two main influences in a child's life, instead of pitting them against each other.

Over the next few weeks I'll be blogging through Think Orange and hope that you'll join me in discussion, thoughts, reading, and even trying it out in your own life!

From Reggie Joiner (Chapter 1, Page 26)

"Both groups are simultaneously hard at work to build faith in children, but the problem is that they are not working in sync. Working on the same thing at the same time is not as effective as working on the same thing at the same time with the same strategy."

Music Monday

Typically, I don't post along with Music Monday ... but ... today I will!

Many of you have probably heard God of Wonders.

For me, when I hear it, I can't help but be taken back to a beach along the Indian Ocean, just outside of East London, South Africa after dark listening to the waves roll in nearly 8 years ago.

It was a night that I will never forget as we sang this song with a lone guitar and our voices, staring at the stars above. For me, it was the night that everything came together - the night I realized that God was the same on this side of the world as He is on the other side. The night I realized the world was bigger than my world and God was bigger than my view of Him. That night forever changed me.

Psalm 19:1-4

¹ The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
² Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
³ They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.
⁴ Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.

Colts

Its hard not to get sucked into Colts mania in this town! So today, I will be cheering for them in the SuperBowl - Go Colts!

A Word

¹As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ²Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:1-5

Oh Where, Oh Where

... have I been?

Good question! February 2010 will be one of those months that I'll look back on and realize just how busy it was ... but in the midst of it I'm just getting what needs to be done, done ... lists are my best friend right now!

My taxes are done ... that's the first thing off the list - the government doesn't like you to be late :-)

Our volunteer celebration is behind us! It was a great night last Tuesday - a evening I look forward to all year, as we truly get to celebrate the previous year, have a nice evening dinner, and actually talk with the volunteers who serve the kids each weekend ... instead of just checking in with them while they work with the kids! It was a great night!

Now, the new building is here ... three more weeks and we'll be shifting service times, reorganizing volunteer schedules, and settling into a "new" routine!

What an exciting month ahead!

Happy February!!!

Wordless Wednesday

The Faith Community

"Christianity is an individual journey lived out in community"

As those words rolled from the pastor's tongue last weekend I couldn't help, but to reflect on my own journey ... its been a personal journey for me, but one that without the community around me I would never be where I am today. This statement finally put into words what I have been wanting to share on here for awhile, but just couldn't figure out what I was wanting to express ... those words above are it! Your faith is personal ... but you can't do it alone!

Last October, during my brother's wedding, this became very evident to me. I'm not real emotional, but there came a moment during the ceremony when a close friend was just behind me singing a solo and I looked up and two of the groomsmen were guys who had walked alongside my brother an I during some very difficult times - when our faith was very young ... they, along with others helped to shape us into the people we are today. As I looked up at those three men, and thought of others who weren't there that I day I was taken back to a little more than seven years ago when those were the same men attending my dad's funeral - a man they had never met, but who through their selfless actions helped us to understand what the church body truly was - a family. There are several people who have come alongside me in my journey over the last 11-12 years and who have helped me grow in my relationship with Christ - to them I am forever grateful!

My encouragement to you is to find that community - no matter how shy you are - let people love you! Our faith isn't something meant to be done on our own ... its meant to be done with others!

Organization

I'm big about being organized ... it helps me be productive. I came across this website that has some great tips ... and some fun downloads that help with organization! Check it out!

http://simplemom.net/tools/downloads/

Pants on the Ground

Wordless Wednesday

World Vision

Music Monday

Massachusetts

What happened this past week was nothing short of miraculous ... and a HUGE reminder to me that we have a God who is bigger than any political race!

It's been more than 45 years since a republican won a senate seat in the state of Massachusetts, yet in a time like this with a health bill about to pass through the government uncontested a republican won and suddenly, everything that's being talked about with the bill has changed.

I don't follow politics all that closely, but I couldn't help to notice this past week that we had been so stressed about what was going to happen, the potential costs of the situation, and the good and bad of the bill that I had completely forgotten that there is a God who is in control even of politics. Yet, He proved that this past week through a change of events, ever reminding each of us that He is there and He knows exactly what is happening ... and has a plan thats bigger than we could ever imagine!

Awkward

I have to share this story, simply because it might be one of the randomest moments I've ever had ... and for you boys its a good lesson on a pick-up line that doesn't work.

I was shoe shopping last week ... my tennis shoes were elderly at 2+ years, so it was time for new ones. While in the shoe store (unnamed store to protect the innocent) I have my Vera Bradley purse with me that was a gift from my sister-in-law. I'm looking at a pair of shoes when from across the store I hear the male manager yell out ... hey thats the Vera Bradley Cupcake Print ... it's my favorite!!!

Now my purse is the Cupcake Print, but at the time I didn't even know that ... and the fact that the store manager did ... and has a favorite Vera Bradley print was just way too creepy. Needless to say, I grabbed a pair of shoes and was quickly on my way!

Love Wins

I was reading a book earlier this week and came across a statement in it. The statement was simply "love wins". The author was talking about a pastor who encourages that to be your first thought when handling a situation ... to make sure that in the end love wins. Whether it is working with someone on a project, talking with a volunteer, a difficult neighbor, a child, a parent ... any encounter throughout the day ... ultimately make sure that "love wins".

This really challenged me that as I handle each situation throughout my day to make sure that in the end "love wins". It's such a simple phrase, but can help us to live Christ-centered lives, because ultimately, Christ loved ... and we should love as He loved.

So, as you go about your day, your week, your encounters both good and bad, be sure that "love wins" ... post it somewhere ... challenge yourself ... and in the end make sure that "love wins"!

Thursday's Tip

Use Technology. That is my tip this week. After learning a HUGE lesson earlier this week.

We have this amazing database program called FellowshipOne ... it can do everything and somehow I forgot about that when setting up our RSVP's for a volunteer dinner. As RSVP's began pouring into my email inbox over the weekend and up until the deadline on Tuesday I began regretting not using the weblink registration feature.

Sometimes it takes messing up something to realize how good you have it and well that's what I did this week. I messed up and didn't use the software we have ... its a lesson I learned in a hard way as I am continuing to dig out of emails.

So, a word to the wise ... use the technology you have - don't do it the hard way :-)

Wordless Wednesday

A Word

¹²Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Philippians 5:12-13

Music Monday

Free Stuff in Indy

This info was passed along to me today! Go and do something fun tomorrow :-)

Attend one of these museums for FREE in celebration of Martin Luther King Day.

Indianapolis Children's Museum, 10am - 5pm

Indiana State Museum (free with the donation of a canned food item), 9am - 5pm

Indianapolis Zoo (free with the donation of a canned food item), 9am - 4pm

Conner Prairie, 10am - 5pm

NCAA Hall of Champions, 10am - 5pm

Eiteljorg Museum (free with the donation of a canned food item), 9am - 5pm

IMAX Theater in White River State Park (free with the donation of a canned food item),

call 317-233-4629 or visit www.imax.com/indy for show times and details

Victory Field (free with the donation of a canned food item), 10am - 2pm

Negro League Memorabilia display and Rowdy will be signing autographs

*All canned food items will be donated to Gleaners Food Bank.

Enjoy some FREE Family Fun!

Alone

I don't think that this could have been said better. Steve Harrigan talks about how alone the people in Haiti feel ... and are. Brit Hume sums it up at the end with a reminder of why we can't forget the people of Haiti. Watch the full video and continue to remember the people of Haiti and pray for them!

The Pilot

“Seeing that a Pilot steers the ship in which we sail, who will never allow us to perish even in the midst of shipwrecks, there is no reason why our minds should be overwhelmed with fear and overcome with weariness”

-John Calvin

God's the Pilot ... let Him steer the ship!

Haiti

You would have to be living under a rock to not know what happened in Haiti on Tuesday.

The devastation is massive and many are still trapped.

This has been an incredibly busy and stressful week, and for me, its almost been like "just another thing" ... but it shouldn't be. Those are people's lives, it could've been my life, or yours.

So tonight, as the quiet sets in and the week begins to settle down - I'm searching myself, my heart - asking what it is that I can do to help someone in need ... something that won't just last in this time of need, but that will last long beyond it. There will come a day when we won't see the photos on tv ... yet their lives will go on rebuilding from the devastation, and so will mine. How will you remember Haiti, not just today or tomorrow, but for the years to come? Will you continue to pray for them long beyond this time?

For those of you in Indy, there's a prayer service at Northview tomorrow night (Friday) from 6-8pm.

There are also many amazing organizations that you can partner with during this time including Compassion International, Red Cross, and Doctors Without Borders

Sledding

Here's a few pics from the fun we had sledding last weekend at NVCL!

Wordless Wednesday

A Big Mistake

Google or Googol …

Do you know what Google is? Do you know what Googol is?

Google was just voted the most important word of the last ten years … in reality, it was a HUGE mistake. When Google was first created the intention was Googol … a mathematic word. The definition of Googol is: is the large number 10¹⁰⁰, that is, the digit 1 followed by one hundred zeros in decimal representation

But, in a massive mistake the domain name www.google.com was purchased. Can you imagine the frustration and embarrassment felt that day by the people who made the mistake? Yet, Google was just voted the most important word of the decade.

Isn’t it amazing how a BIG mistake can be a BIG accomplishment!

Each one of us are messed up individuals who have made many mistakes, yet God can use those mistakes to make something great … through simple obedience to Him.

Snow

This past week we got quite a bit of snow. Now, here in Indiana people are tough when it snows a lot ... when it snows a little not so much. I think its a "macho" thing ... lots of snow = great driving, schools open, life is normal ... small amounts of snow = terrible driving, schools delayed, and chaos ensues. I will never understand the things that snow does to people.

Including me...

I was leaving my neighborhood this past week following nearly 6 inches of snow when I passed two grown men on the side of the road. One was laying in the snow ... the other was taking his picture. My immediate thought was "look at those grown men acting like children!". Then, as I attempted to turn my head to look at them, I realized I couldn't. You see ... I was wearing 3 pairs of socks, 3 pairs of pants, 3 shirts, a jacket, a winter coat, a hat, and gloves ... thus rendering me unable to move. I myself, was headed to the highest point in Hamilton County to go sledding ... with TONS of children!

It was at that point I decided that we all need to act like kids sometimes ... lay in the snow, go sledding, just do something fun!

So ... go do something fun today! Let yourself act like a child and just enjoy life!

When Stuck...

Here's one idea when you're stuck in an airport!

The News

The news these days isn't always positive, but during some down time a few days ago I turned it on. It was filled with one bad story after another ... until something caught my eye. It was Brit Hume talking about the Tiger Woods Scandal and I quickly wrote it off as more talk and gossip until I listened to what he had to say! Check it out here...

Way to go Brit Hume!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Christmas Eve ... Part 2

As amazing and reflective as Christmas Eve was (read more about it in this post) ... there was a fun side as well! Enjoy the video :-)

2009 1224 XOB Hope Rap Video from Northview Christian Life Church on Vimeo.

A Word

The only thing you can know for sure is that God knows what He is doing.

- Oswald Chambers

Goals

It's that time of year when everyone is setting goals and evaluating themselves and their life.

As my time off comes to a close and this new year gets underway I'm also beginning to think about the things that I want to accomplish this year. I won't bore you with the details, but instead share with you some of the broader ideas I have moving into 2010...

Personally...

-Increased time in God's Word

-Regular exercise

-Increased writing and reading

-Continuing to work on my photography

Professionally...

-Developing additional volunteers and leaders

-Aligning Nursery and Preschool Ministries

-Empowering volunteers to do more

What are your goals for 2010? What do you hope to accomplish this year?

Nicaragua

I want to share with you the blog of one of my amazing high school volunteers at church! Next month she will be heading to Nicaragua to serve God at a school for deaf children. She has an amazing gift of working with children and incredible patience. Please pray for her during her travels and time at the school ... and follow her journey here!

2010

At midnight, a new decade began. 2010 came in without all the hype of 2000 ... but I think it's still a time to pause and reflect.

So much has changed for me in 10 years. I've been to high school ... and college, buried a parent and gained a sister-in-law, learned more about myself than I ever thought I would, moved to a new state (BUT still cheering on the Buckeyes!!!), grown in my relationship with Christ in incredible ways, found new hobbies and ended others, and discovered the things I truly love doing in life.

I pray this year is better than last and that by the end of it I am a better person than I am today ... growing in my relationship with Christ even more than ever before. I'm excited for what this year ... and the next ten have in store!

Happy New Year!!!