Media Coverage

I generally focus on spiritual and/or personal stuff on my blog, but I came across this today and had to share. With the election this close, you must have figured a guy with a minor in Political Science would have to mention something. Whether you like or agree with Bill O'Reilly at all, these statistics are pretty amazing.

Render Unto...

I have not been blogging much lately because we are having one of those weird computer issues in the office where I cannot access my blog from there. Anyway...

Tonight, I was able to be a part of something unique and interesting happening at the Rochester Church. For the month of October, we have conducted a Wednesday night series entitled "Render Unto..." The purpose of this series was to hear from four different people in the church regarding how faith shapes their politics.

While I disagree with each of the presenters in some way, I have a tremendous amount of respect for each of these men for the willingness to share their convictions in a public setting such as this. They knew in advance that some people would not agree with their views. They were probably also aware that some people would react in a negative fashion towards some of their opinions. But, they all offered to present in light of these things.

Tonight, in the fifth and final evening of the series, I was asked to serve as moderator for a panel featuring all four men. This was an honor and a challenge. Over the last week or so, members of the Rochester Church have given me questions that they hoped the panel would answer. I had to consider all the questions and decide how to choose the ones that would make it to Wednesday night.

This was not an easy task. There were a lot of good questions. I had to eliminate some, reword some, and combine others. In addition, I listened to all four presenters' talks twice in the last 5 days. It has been quite an interesting week.

Tonight when we gathered together, I attempted to frame the evening with the idea that this is a time of dialogue. One of the things I learned this week from listening to these men, and subsequently shared with the crowd, was that we need to listen to people's stories before we react to their positions. We all bring a unique story to the conversation, and that story shapes who we are and how we act and react.

After a brief introduction, we spent about 40 minutes engaged in healthy discussion. In all, I believe we addressed six of the questions I had prepared for the evening. We covered issues ranging from the role of government to the sensitive subjects of homosexual marriage and abortion.

One of the things that impressed me most, was the way all four men handled themselves. I have watched plenty of political talk shows over the years, and inevitably, someone on the panel always loses their cool, resorts to cliches, or just gets plain nasty. There was none of this - zero!

I closed out the night by refering to Jesus' words to His disciples:

"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." (John 13:34-35)

If we want to be the body of Christ to the world, our primary identity cannot be our positions. I agree that we need to stand up for what is right. We cannot ignore morals and convictions. But, when we stand so firmly for our position that we are not even willing to listen to our brothers and sisters in love, then what are we fighting for?

shine!
Jason

Does God have one person chosen for you?

Last night I attended a Parenting for Purity seminar at a local church here in the Rochester Hills area. I am not one to talk bad about other churches, so I will not name the church. My point here is not to bash anyone, but to consider the question you find in the title of this post.

While I fundamentally agreed with much of the practical aspects of the presentation last night, I disagree with several of the "pillars" of purity the speaker discussed. He believes that, "God has a specific person He intends for someone to marry." His next two pillars state that, "It is God's responsibility to bring two people together" and "God reveals to a person who that specific person is."

If you read some of the essays I posted here during my grad class with Dr. Rubel Shelly, you have already read some of my thoughts on the overall issue of free will and determinism. I also wrote a lengthy term paper for the class examining this topic. (If you care to read this "enthralling" piece, I would be glad to share it with you.) ;-)

Here is my struggle with the idea that God has one special person picked out for you:

Does God really determine the details of our lives and pick things out for us? I find it hard to believe that God has picked out everyone's mate and has arranged everything for that to happen. If he has, why is the divorce rate so high? Those who believe God has chosen that person would argue that you ended up with the wrong one.

Well, if God is really in control enough of my life to pick my spouse, shouldn't He make sure I end up with that person? If I don't pick the right person, is that sin, since it is - in essence - disobeying God?

Having an "arranged" marriage from God is not really the core issue, and I understand that. Essentially, this view emerges from a broader approach to Scripture and God. There are those who believe in determinism, which basically teaches that God has a plan for your life and that every detail is already determined by God. Your job is to figure out what that plan is.

I have to disagree.

I agree that God has created each of us with unique gifts, personalities, and passions. We are made for a purpose. And we are made for a plan. But I don't believe that God has scripted the details of that plan.

If we follow that argument to its logical conclusion, then God has determined when I will eat, what kind of car I drive, and more. If God maps out the details of my life, it's not really my life; it's His.

I believe that we have the free will to make choices about our lives. We will choose the job we want. We will live where we want to live. We will marry whom we choose to marry.

I do believe that God knows who we will marry. While God may not control our lives, He is aware of the choices we will make. However, His foreknowledge does not equate to His controlling our choices.

I believe that our task is not to seek out the one person God has prepared for us. Rather, we are to select someone who shares our values as a Christ-follower and then be the person God wants us to be in that relationship. Marriage is not about finding the person God picked out for us; it's about being Christ to the person we pick.

As I said earlier, outside of this significant disagreement, I found myself agreeing with much of what I heard. While our starting point is different, I agree with the idea that we must be faithful to our spouse long before we meet them.

The speaker argued that since God has already chosen someone, you should be faithful to them even before you meet them. I agree in principle with his point. Whether you meet your future spouse at 5, 15, 25, or later, you must prepare yourself to be the best partner you can be for that person.

What does that look like? It means you live the same way before your wedding as you do after. Would you have a sexual relationship with someone else besides your wife or husband? (I would hope you answer no.) So what makes it any different before you get married? If giving away a part of yourself emotionally or physically is bad when you are married, how can giving away a part of yourself emotionally or physically be good before you get married?

I know that some people will argue that you need to "learn" before you meet that person so you can be a better spouse. So let me get this straight. If I give away parts of my heart (through emotional and/or physical bonding) to someone else, that will make me a better partner in my marriage?

I find it hard to believe that memories of ex-boyfriends/girlfriends and the times you had with them will make you a stronger spouse. When times get tough in marriage (and they do in every marriage), how many of us want our spouse thinking back to that high school or college sweetheart (who they didn't have to share the struggles of day-to-day life with) and comparing us to them?

While I don't believe that God has one person picked out for you, I do believe that He wants you to pick one person. But before that day comes, your responsibility is to focus on your own walk with God and become the best man or woman for your future partner. When we take our eyes off of that goal and look to fill our selfish desires, everyone will lose and the world will suffer.

shine!
Jason

Old? or Young?

Over the last week, I have had two conflicting events regarding my age. One made me realize how old I am, while the other reassured me that I am still young in some ways.

Last Saturday was our Annual 180 Harvest Party. One of the staples of this event has become the football game. This is the one tackle football game we play each year. (As a side note, the older teen boys do a great job of controlling themselves when it comes to tackling the girls and younger kids. I am impressed.)

I didn’t feel that old during the game, although the next youngest player was at least twenty years my junior. What I lacked in speed I made up for in size. Not many teenage boys weigh in at over 200 pounds, so once I got going, I could be difficult to stop.

It was the next morning that I was reminded of my age. I have a new found respect for NFL players near the end of their career still playing into their mid and late thirties. Although they have trainers, medication, and more, they still have bodies that are over thirty years old. This whole experience reminded me that I am not in my twenties any more (and thirties for much longer).

But then, Wednesday came. I had a meeting with two other area youth ministers, one of which is about five years older than me. Let’s call him Jim. Anyway, Jim offers to buy breakfast for me and the other guy. While we are ordering, Jim asks if I would like to add something else to my order. The lady ringing us up looks at us and says, “Is this your son?”

I immediately had a huge grin on my face, and Jim gives me this look that says, “I’ll never hear the end of this.” Then we explain that we are not related. I thought it was pretty funny. I am not sure if Jim completely agrees with me on this one.

So, in the span of a few days I went from feeling like the old guy to the kid. I never changed ages. I still live in the same body. It’s all about perspective.

Which makes we wonder, how often we look at life’s circumstances and make them more or less important than they really are because of our perspective? I look back on situations in my life where I either overreacted or failed to react sufficiently because of my perspective.

This is the value of community. It provides a group of people who can offer varying perspectives on whatever is happening in our lives.

It becomes even more valuable when it is a multi-generational community because the range of perspectives multiplies significantly. This is one of the reasons I cringe when students gather in groups apart from the larger community and shut out those who might offer a different perspective. Adults might look old in some ways, but they have much to offer to those who find themselves at a different place on the journey.

shine!
Jason

 

Joey

Back in April when I spoke at a youth rally in Beamsville, Ontario, I met a young man named Joey Merling. Joey was no ordinary teenager. That was obvious from the moment I met him and his noticeable lack of hair.

As Joey and I sat to talk, it seemed like hair was the only thing the cancer had taken from Joey. The more I spoke with him, the more I was amazed at his faith. Here was a teenager who was facing death square in the eye, but his faith remained strong.

I am sure that in darker, lonelier moments, Joey would ask the questions all of us would:

Why me?

Did I do something to deserve this?

Why can’t I have a “full” life?

If we are honest, all of us have moments when we ask those questions…and many more. Some of us question God. Others question if God is there. Others even question God’s existence.

I talk with teenagers every week who encounter a variety of struggles and difficulties. Some of them are the direct result of decisions they have made. Others are the result of the actions of other people. Some of them deal with situations that seem to come out of nowhere.

God never promised us a carefree life. He never promised it would easy. As a matter of fact, Scripture tells us to expect difficult times.

Joey’s difficult times came to an end this past week. He lost his struggle with cancer at the age of 18. After a courageous battle, Joey is experiencing the ultimate victory.

Although my time with him was brief, Joey Merling left a mark on my life. He reminded me that life is not about me. He demonstrated an incredible faith and outlook on life.

When I complain about things that are not all that important, sometimes I remember sitting in the gymnasium at Great Lakes and talking with Joey about life and his battle. The words he shared about his faith echo in my mind.

Some people spend their whole lives hoping to make an impact. They dream about becoming a celebrity or achieving success in a sport or other endeavor.

Joey Merling was a superstar in the Kingdom of God. He is not famous. He never graced the front cover of “Us” magazine or appeared on a Disney Channel show. But he lived a life that far surpassed the lives of most people.

In eighteen years, Joey made a more significant impact in this world than many people make in eighty years. He did more than talk the talk…he walked it. And in the process, he brought the Kingdom of God to life everywhere he went. I can’t wait to see him again someday and sit down for another talk.

shine!
Jason

 

Revive

Today I was enjoying a 'Revive' Vitamin Water and read this on the label:
"If you woke up tired, you probably need more sleep. If you woke up drooling at your desk, you probably need a new job. If you woke up with a headache, on a ferris wheel at the Idaho State Fair, wearing a toga, you probably need answers. Not to mention this product."
Sometimes ministry is the same way. You can wake up sleep deprived, on the floor in some house, wondering what the day holds.
The difference is that we are revived by the Spirit of the God who offers living water. The only 'product' I need is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He is the source of real revival.

shine!
Jason

Focus: HOPE

This week I had an exciting meeting down in Detroit. I met with several people who work with Focus: HOPE. This is an organization that aims to celebrate diversity and help build up their community.

Here is Focus: HOPE’s Mission Statement:
"Recognizing the
dignity and beauty of every person, we pledge intelligent and practical
action to overcome racism, poverty and injustice. And to build a
metropolitan community where all people may live in freedom, harmony,
trust and affection. Black and white, yellow, brown and red from
Detroit and its suburbs of every economic status, national origin and
religious persuasion we join in this covenant." (Adopted March 8, 1968)

Starting on November 9, our ministry will partner with Focus: HOPE
one Sunday a month to interact with some of the children in the
community. In some ways, this will look much like a smaller version of
our Mission: Cincinnati summer mission trip. We plan to engage in
activities with the children as well as help with things like reading.

I am looking forward to our time in Detroit with the children.
Please be praying for our group, the children, and the community where
we will be taking the love of Jesus.

shine!
Jason

Back in the flow...kinda

Have you ever jumped out of a car while it is moving? Then a little later tried to jump back in while it's still driving down the road?

I think I kinda know what that feels like now.

I am still not 100% back in the swing of things since my vacation. I don't know if that is good, bad, or both.

It could mean that I was away too long and got out of the groove. In that case, it's a bad thing.

It could mean that I don't take enough breaks and I am not used to slowing down. (Don't ask my wife for her opinion on this one.) ;-)

Maybe I am just a creature of routine and 12 days out of routine is not routine for me.

Regardless, life can be a challenge when we change things up. That can be a good or bad thing depending on the situation. All that said, I will get back in the flow of blogging soon. I just need to climb all the way back in the speeding car called life in ministry and buckle up. More adventures to follow...

shine!
Jason

Reflections on the dozen days

Two weeks ago today, my family and I departed on our tour of the east coast. Well, not exactly.

The Wednesday we left, we headed down to Belpre, Ohio. I served at the Belpre Church of Christ before I moved to Rochester. It was good to see some old friends. It has been three years since we left Belpre and I really enjoyed seeing some people who were an important part of our life during our time there.

Thursday was our trip to Hilton Head, South Carolina. I spent a few days there and was blessed to perform the marriage ceremony for Anna Collier and Darin Sampson. I met Anna when she was in middle school. Her family used to attend the Amherst Church of Christ when they lived in Ohio. Amherst is where I started my full-time ministry work over nine years ago.

We really enjoyed our time in Hilton Head. In addition to the Collier family, we saw some other friends we knew from our days in the Mid-Ohio Valley.  We also made some new friends, including the family we stayed with while we were there. Matt and Martha are great people and their little girl is adorable.

When we left South Carolina on Sunday, we headed down to Walt Disney World. This was the first time Matthew had been there and Michelle and I had not been there in a few decades.

We spent Monday at EPCOT. It was a little rainy, but my awesome wife was prepared with ponchos and umbrellas. (I am glad we didn't have to spend over $20 to get WDW ponchos.) Even with the rain, we had a blast.

Tuesday was Animal Kingdom day. This is a smaller park, but still very enjoyable. We saw two great shows, another OK show, and rode Expedition Everest twice. Matthew loved the ride. (He has become quite the thrill ride connoisseur.)

On Wednesday, we ventured to Disney Hollywood Studios. Again, Matthew really enjoyed the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. To quote Matthew, "That was awesome!" We also enjoyed the shows, seeing Darth Vader in person, and the Toy Story ride. The Toy Story ride is new and has longer waits, but it's worth it. If you go, make the time to ride it!

We ended our week with two days in the Magic Kingdom. We needed two days to do everything Matthew wanted to do. From rides to shows, parades to fireworks, these were two action-packed days! Matthew was able to ride Space Mountain (twice!), Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (twice!), Splash Mountain, and much more. He also got pictures with and autographs from a lot of characters all week. I could write pages and pages about these two days in the Magic Kingdom, but I know they were a great ending to the week.

I have a lot of great memories, but one of the things I brought home with me is Friday evening. It was about an hour before we had to leave the park and I was standing in line with Matthew to ride the Astro Orbiter ride one more time. As I stood there with my boy, it hit me. It hit me that this moment will never happen again. It hit me that Matthew will never be seven again. It hit me that every moment is precious.

I am a work-a-holic. Sometimes I am a recovering work-a-holic. Other times I have fallen off the wagon.

I was reminded this past week to make time for family. I was reminded this past week to protect time with family. All of the stuff in this world is just that...stuff. But time can never be replaced. Time is the most precious commodity we have and God used this trip to remind me that I have wasted far too much of that commodity in the past. I have a renewed passion to be more intentional about family time. It is the most important investment in the world.

shine!
Jason

Disney - Day 1

Yesterday was a great day at Epcot. Matthew really enjoyed the first day of his Disney experience, which means we enjoyed it, too.
At the end of the day, we were discussing our favorite ride of the day. Each of us had our own. For Matthew, it was Spaceship Earth (because he got to ride inside the big ball). For Michelle, it was Soarin. For me, it was Mission: Space. We all agree that Illuminations was a highlight of the day.
Today, we head to Animal Kingdom. Adventures await!

shine!
Jason

Arise

As I mentioned in a recent post, it was announced in a Parent/Student Meeting a few weeks ago that all students and parents are challenged to serve this year. The parents as a group and the students as a group are each challenged to serve for 2009 hours.

I know that some parents and students are already working to build up their hours. I have been excited to hear how some of our families are already looking for new and exciting ways to serve.

Our theme for this year is built around this challenge to serve. God calls us to be salt and light to the world. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Our faith is not just something we think. It shapes the way we live. We need to let our actions reflect our words.

Isaiah 60:1 says, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.”

This year, the families in our ministry will strive to live their lives in such a way that they shine for God while serving others. Let the glory of the Lord rise upon us.

shine!
Jason

Bad call

This past Sunday, I was watching the end of the football game between the Denver Broncos and the San Diego Chargers. As the Broncos were driving down to score a game-tying touchdown, this weird play happened. (If you follow the NFL at all, I am sure you have heard about this already.)

As the Broncos quarterback went to throw the football, it slipped from his hand as he was pulling his hand back. The referee, Ed Hochuli, blew his whistle and signaled incomplete pass. The problem is that it was never a pass; it was a fumble.

The play was reviewed and instant replay determined that it was a fumble. But according to the rule, once the whistle is blown, the play is dead. Therefore, the Broncos kept the ball at the place of the "incomplete pass." They went on to score a touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion. This gave them a one-point victory.

Following the game, the San Diego coach went on to chide Hochuli for his mistake. I am not excusing the referee's mistake, but coach Norv Turner's attitude was poor. Sure, Hochuli's mistake likely cost his team the game. But has Turner ever made a mistake? Called the wrong play? Put in the wrong players?

I cannot dispute the bad call. I understand Norv's frustration. But to act the way he did was a bit extreme. Maybe the fans need to remember his attitude the next time Turner makes a call that costs his team the game.

It's amazing how often we want to point out someone else's mistake, while we fail to admit - and sometimes even realize - our own shortcomings. Jesus said:

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.

“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye." (Matthew 7:1-5)

We are so good at finding that speck in someone else's eye. But the reality is that we often point out the faults of others so we can ignore our own. If we really want to make things better at work, at school, at home, and even at church, maybe we should start looking at our own logs before pointing our finger at the other person's speck.

shine!
Jason

Cincinnati Connections

This past Wednesday, several of our students shared their Mission: Cincinnati experience with the rest of the Rochester Church. It was an exciting and encouraging time.

Thank you to the adults and students who were a part of our trip this year.

Several of the students shared stories about particular children at the center who had an impact on them. We heard about one girl who chased our van down the street as we left on the last day because she didn’t want to see us go. We heard about a boy who asked us to pray that he could be back with his family, instead of in foster care. These are just a few of the children who touched our hearts while we served in Cincinnati.

Wayne Beason shared his experiences while trying to lead a teen class with some of the teens in the community. His story of frustration leading into breakthrough was definitely a message of determination and perseverance. It was amazing to hear what God was able to accomplish through his teaching team.

We also heard about our experience at the school where we assembled 450 bags of school supplies and prayed with the community resource coordinator and the principal. Prayer in school is alive and well.

Another student talked about Pat Pugh. Pat is the minister in Cincinnati who works in the Millvale community on a daily basis. Pat is a true servant of God. This month, Pat and his church are moving into a new church building. We were blessed to be able to visit the new location and pray over it during our trip.

I have heard a lot of positive comments since Wednesday night. Our students are making an impact in Cincinnati and Rochester Hills. Their example of serving in the Kingdom of God has encouraged and motivated others.

An elder approached me following the presentation about doing “Cincinnati-type” efforts closer to home throughout the year. Two college students came up to me wanting to get involved in missions. I saw parents smiling as their teenage children talked about how God is working in their lives. That’s what it’s all about.

shine!
Jason

Chris Tomlin and John Deere

God speaks to people in strange ways and in unique places. For Balaam, it was through a donkey. Moses, a burning bush. He came to Gideon under an oak tree.

For me, God spoke through a pair of headphones while I was pushing my John Deere lawnmower around the backyard last night.

Ok, maybe it wasn't God's audible voice, but I am convinced it was Him nonetheless.

As I was getting ready to go out to mow, I grabbed my iPhone from the charger, put in my headphones, and started out the back door. I looked at my music and selected one of my favorite albums, Chris Tomlin's See the Morning.

The past week has been a rough one in some ways. At times it has been exhausting. There have been moments of discouragement. I am not saying that life is bad right now, just that this week has seen it's share of down moments.

But as I listened to song after song, my spirits were lifted. Each song seemed to speak to my heart and as I sang along (what a sight this must have been for my neighbors) I could sense the presence of God.

Worship does that. God created us to be touched by music. I believe that He always intended for song to be an expressway to our soul. It was a gift to us. A gift to help us more fully express our love.

Sometimes we misuse our gift. We can allow the wrong things to jump on the expressway and enter into our soul.

I won't go into the details of how I believe music shapes us. I just blogged about that a few weeks back. But I was reminded yesterday evening that what we listen to drastically impacts us.

Like I have said before, I am not a legalist who thinks you should never listen to anything but Christian music. But we must exercise wisdom and caution as we make music selections. I don't think every song we listen to has to be a "happy, clappy" song. There are times for lament. Sorrow is a natural emotion. But what is the underlying message of the songs you are listening to?

David, the greatest songwriter in the history of God's people, wrote a variety of songs. The same man that wrote,

I will exalt you, my God and King,
      and praise your name forever and ever.
I will praise you every day;
      yes, I will praise you forever.
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
      No one can measure his greatness. (Psalm 145:1-3)

also wrote,

O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?
      How long will you look the other way?
How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
      with sorrow in my heart every day?
      How long will my enemy have the upper hand? (Psalm 13:1-2)

The music you listen to doesn't have to be shallow or ignorant of the struggles of life. But at the same time, the lyrics we listen to should be consistent with our faith in God.

God reminded me last night that music matters. While the style isn't usually that important, the message absolutely is. Imagine if instead of listening to Let God Arise and Everlasting God, I had listened to the current top song on the American Top 40, Forever by Chris Brown:

It’s you
And me
Movin’ at the speed of light until eternity

Tonight
Is the night
To join me in the middle of ecstasy
Feel the melody
And the rhythm of the music around you (Around you)

Ima take you there (Ima take u there)
So don’t be scared
I’m right here baby
We can go anywhere (Go anywhere)

But first
It’s your chance take my hand
Come with me

It’s like I waited my whole life
For this one night
It’s gon be me you and the dance floor

‘Cuz we only got one night
Double your pleasure
Double your fun

And dance forever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever ever ever

Forever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever on the dance floor

Feel like we’re on another level
Feels like our love’s intertwined
We can be two rebels
Breakin’ the rules
Me and you
You and I

All you gotta do is watch me (Watch me)
Look what I can do with my feet (My feet)
Baby, feel the beat in time
If only you could take the front seat (Front seat)
Just need u to trust me (Trust me)
Girl (girl) (girl)

It's like I...
It’s like I waited my whole life
For this one night (one night)
It’s gon be me you and the dance floor

‘Cuz we only got one night
Double your pleasure
Double your fun

And dance forever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever ever ever

Forever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever ever ever
Forever on the dance floor

It’s a long way down
You’re so high off the ground
Sendin’ for an angel to break me apart

Girl where did you come from?
Got me so undone
Gaze in your eyes
Got me singing

What a beautiful lady
No if ands or maybes
I'm releasing my heart
It's feelin’ amazing
Theres no one else that matters
You Love me
But I won’t let you fall girl (Let you fall girl)
Ohhhh Ohhhhh Ohhh Ohhhhhh Yeahhh
I won’t let you fall ( Let you fall Let you Fall)
O0ooooh Ohhhhh Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeahh

It's like
It’s like I waited my whole life
For this one night
It’s gon be me you and the dance floor

‘Cuz we only got one night
Double your pleasure
Double your fun

Just wondering which one would help me as I try to "do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with my God." (Micah 6:8)

shine!
Jason

Are you ready for some football?

Finally! The regular season is here.

After a summer of baseball, a decent sport, it's time for America's game. Instead of five minutes of chewing, spitting, and standing, followed by 20 seconds of excitement, it's time for an action-filled sport.

Don't get me wrong. I enjoy baseball. I went to two games this summer - one in Cincinnati and one in Detroit. But football is different.

Every game really counts. One loss can mean you are in or out of the playoffs. When you only play sixteen times in a season, it makes every Sunday special.

While I am sitting here watching the last game of the first weekend of football, there has already been intrigue. Most of all, the loss of Tom Brady for the season. With one tackle, the landscape of the NFL has changed.

I am ready for some football! In this season of cooling temperatures, colorful leaves, and touchdowns, it's the most wonderful time of the year.

shine!
Jason

A challenge to serve

It’s Students versus Parents for the 2008-2009 Academic Year! From now through July 31, 2009, students and parents are challenged to see how many hours they can serve. Each group (parents and student) is challenged to reach a goal of 2009 hours as a group.

So what counts? Most time spent serving counts. However, if the service involves getting paid, that doesn’t count. Family chores and responsibilities at home do not count either. Outside of that, just about everything is fair game. (If someone participates in a mission trip, they can count up to twenty hours for that trip.)

You may think, wow, 2009 hours is a lot of time. It might be, but think about this. We have over 80 students in our youth group. If each student performs 25 hours of service, that equals 2000 hours. (So a few students need to go the extra mile – or rather, hour.) That is about half an hour a week. Who can’t give half an hour a week?

What makes this goal even more attainable is that any student wishing to go on Mission: Cincinnati will need at least 40 service hours. If the team is the same size as this past summer, thirty-five, then that would be 1400 of the 2009 hours.

Here’s an equally important question. What about the parents? We have over 100 parents in our ministry. They only need about 20 hours each. An even easier task.

Who will come out on top? Only time will tell.

Over the next couple of weeks, there will be more details. I am looking forward to seeing what God can do with 4018 hours of our time over the next 11 months.

So why do this?

My experience over the last decade of serving in youth ministry has taught me that most people experience their most significant spiritual growth when they serve. I really believe that if we can get serious about serving, God will not only impact those around us, He will change us. And in the process we will be shaped more and more into the image of the living God.

shine!
Jason

A historic election

This morning I watched as the pundits debated who McCain would choose. The reporters were looking for an angle so they could break the story. As the morning progressed, potential running mates dropped off the radar. Tim Pawlenty. Mitt Romney. Both were gone. Then the rumors. A plane from Alaska had come in late Thursday evening. Suddenly, we heard a name not known by many...Sarah Palin. Sarah who?

A little over an hour later, John McCain introduced Sarah Palin, governor of Alaska, as his running mate for the 2008 Presidential election.

One thing is for sure. On January 20, 2009, there will either be an African-American or a woman inaugurated. Barack Obama will become President or Sarah Palin will become Vice President.

Last night, on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr's "I have a dream" speech, an African-American accepted the nomination of the Democratic Party to be their Presidential candidate. Less than twenty-four hours later, as our nation celebrates 88 years of women's right to vote in the United States, John McCain named Sarah Polin as only the second woman on the Presidential ticket of a major political party.

This is a watershed moment in the political history of our nation. Regardless of who wins in November, history will be made.

On a side note, I was impressed with John McCain's ad last night. I appreciate his willingness to give Obama the spotlight and take one night off of mudslinging to acknowledge the historical significance of the moment. Whether it was a political move, a sincere message, or a combination of the two, it was a humble gesture.

Now that the historical significance has been acknowledged, let the battle begin. This coming week, the Republican National Convention will take place in Minnesota. Over the next 67 days, we will hear speeches, debates, and more. Time for the circus to move to center stage.

shine!
Jason

All you need is love

Love is so crucial to our Christian walk. I am not talking about the purely emotion-driven love that our culture seems to thrive on. This is not the love that says, "If you love me, you'll..." It's not the love that demands or is self-centered. That is the love that you and I are surrounded by every day.

It's not the love that drives people to say "because we love each other" we can do whatever feels good. It is a love that puts the best interests of the other person first. The real, long-term best interests.

This is the kind of unselfish love that genuinely puts others first. It means loving your parents, even when you disagree with them. It means loving your siblings, even when they drive you crazy. It means loving your friends, even when they let you down.

This is the kind of love that changed the world. While the Roman Empire crumbled, the Kingdom of God grew. While nations have risen and fallen, the Kingdom of God has marched on. While power and violence may rule in the short term, real, godly love will never be defeated.

Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)

When we can learn to love each other as Christians should, the world will notice. In a world where hate is the norm, and selfishness is expected, we can be a light in the middle of darkness. But when we don't look much different than everyone around us, what kind of an impact can we make?

Let's agree to love our friends, and our enemies. Let's search out ways to lay down our lives for those around us. Let's replace selfishness, gossip, and hatred, with selflessness, kind words, and compassion. When we are willing to love like Jesus, we can change the world.

shine!
Jason

 

Olympics, Democrats, golf, and the pursuit of sleep

Last night, the Olympics came to a conclusion. Phelps, Bolt, questionable documentation, censorship, and a variety of other events that provided great theater, the Games of the 29th Olympiad are over. Beijing can go back to normal, whatever that is.

Tonight the circus arrives in town (via TV). The Democratic National Convention kicks off tonight. I must confess I am a bit of a political junkie. (Little-known trivial fact: I have a minor in Political Science) I will do my best to take in the convention. For some reason, no one wanted to plan an event in the Eastern Time Zone, so I will have to continue my sleep deprivation for the next couple of weeks.

I am fascinated by this year's presidential election. For the first time since I was born, the incumbent POTUS (President of the United States) or his VP are not on the ticket. In fairness, I haven't followed politics as closely as I used to. Honestly, I don't have the time or desire to dig into all the details like I used to. But I at least try to be informed. I look forward to seeing how each party will sell it's candidate and platform to the American people.

On a different note, I hit the golf course this morning before 7:00am with one of my teenagers. We had a blast! It was the first time I had walked 18 holes in a long time. And I didn't shoot all that bad considering my lack of recent play. Regardless of the score, it was great to get out and just walk around the course. It was pretty quiet, there were no crowds, and we just enjoyed playing and talking.

I hope Michelle Obama isn't too long-winded tonight. I would like to hear her speech, but I also have to meet my men's group tomorrow morning at 6:00am followed by a day full of appointments, meetings, and ministry. But I get to go home this weekend! :-)

shine!
Jason

The Clone Wars

Today we took Matthew to see Star Wars: The Clone Wars. It was pretty fun to surprise him. :-)  Here is how it went down...

We told Matthew to get in the car because we had a surprise for him. He started guessing immediately. His first guess was Great Lakes Crossing. I said, "Maybe, maybe not." I guess he figured that meant it was the location, because he stopped asking and went out to the car.

After we headed east on M-59 instead of west, he was confused. This wasn't the way to Great Lakes. He looked around, hoping for a clue. Then we got off at the Mound Round exit, and from the back of the car I hear, "This isn't where Great Lakes is." He was checking out every store and sign for a clue.

We pulled into the AMC 30 parking lot and he figured we were going to see a movie, but he had no idea which one. I ran ahead to get the tickets so he wouldn't know. Then, somehow, we got him into the theater without letting him see the sign above the door. (Michelle did a good job of distracting him. Normally, we can't sneak much of anything past him.)

We found a good seat and waited. First the advertisements. Then the previews. Finally, it was show time.

When the LucasFilm logo popped up on the screen, Matthew was intrigued. But then the next thing on the screen brought a huge smile to his face...

"A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..."

Matthew looked up at me and said, "The Clone Wars!" He was grinning from ear to ear.

For the next hour and forty-five minutes were treated to action and adventure. Lasers and lightsabers. Sith and Jedi. I really enjoyed the movie. It stayed true to the Star Wars story and was enjoyable.

I am sure some major Star Wars junkies might find some imperfection or something, but I was thoroughly entertained. Anakin acted like Anakin. Obi-Wan was Obi-Wan. There were a lot of Star Wars "regulars" and a few new characters as well. I was not disappointed.

There was some violence. It is The Clone WARS. But the violence is not graphic and mixed well with the action. There are not many slow moments, and even the slow moments weren't dull. Before I knew it, the movie was over.

Whether you are a big Star Wars fan or not, this is a good movie to go see. I don't like to spend the big money to go to the theater. (Although AMC's new $5 weekday prices make it better.) This movie is worth seeing on the big screen. Enjoy!

shine!
Jason