thejarred.com

they left everything...

2009-02-05T10:19:00.002-05:00

and followed Jesus. Matthew says, "...he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him." Mark puts it this way, "And immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and followed Him." Luke simply says they left everything and followed him.

When you read the words of Luke with the words of Matthew and Mark, the enormity of the situation really bleeds through. They didn't just leave...they left their career (which was probably a business passed from generation to generation), as well as their dad...in a boat. Mark goes as far as to say they left immediately. They didn't jump out of the boat and swim (I'd like to think they got a little wet though); they rowed to the shore (kinda like Dina) and left everything behind (hallelu-jah).

Let's be honest...sometimes working in the ministry is hard. Sometimes I would like to just get up and go to my house in Waverly to hang out with my parents and reminisce about the way life used to be...you know...before God called me away from what was comfortable. I'm sure Jen would love to do the same, but that's not what I'm here for. Sure...I'd love to move closer to family, because it would be easier for my girls to see their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins; and I wouldn't have to use all of my vacation days to do so, but I have to remind myself of who I'm following. I'm here to follow Christ...wherever that may be. We've gotta get out of the vessel that keeps afloat the things which make us comfortable, and follow Him.

Sometimes we have to leave "everything."

JM

make an impact...

2009-01-28T23:09:00.002-05:00

This is our new look as a student ministry. This logo should serve as a constant reminder of the direction of 3:fifteen student ministries. Know the What/Own the Hope/Invest to Invite. The three prongs of the crown represent the three parts of our direction. It also represents the 3 in 1 Peter 3:15.

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to any one who asks for the reason of the hope that you have, but do this with gentleness and respect.

It's my prayer that our students want to leave a mark on their culture, families, and schools. It's my prayer that this image will help them to remember what God is calling them to do.

the snow falls...

2009-01-19T20:00:00.002-05:00

...and the landscape changes with each crystallized rain drop that reaches the ground. Each snowflake is unique yet equally beautiful. A constant reminder of the body of Christ and the beauty of each individual which makes it up. We are truly many, yet we can change the landscape as well.

One of the most interesting changes the snow brings is the reflection of light to a once dull and dark canvas. The faded green and tan ground has been covered by a bright white acrylic laced with the sparkle of an eye of a man in love...it's beauty is magnificent. The snow's reflection of the moon brings new life to the dark and the still. I hope the body of Christ reflects in like manner. May we bring light to a world that is dark and still...life to a people with a void in the shape of a cross.

If you face a school closing...take a walk outside and look at the message around you and hopefully you'll be reminded of the light you should be and could be. The potential that you have to change the landscape and reflect His beauty is major and hopefully you seize your opportunity...

As the snow falls, fall with it and reflect the beauty of our God.

the idea of following...

2009-01-05T10:12:00.002-05:00

Not many people like to follow...I'm guessing it's why most want to be the "leader" in a rousing game of Follow the Leader. You really only play the game so you can have an opportunity to be the leader. You can't sit on the sidelines and watch others play then decide to play and automatically be promoted to "leader." It just doesn't happen that way.

In John 20:18-19, Jesus tells Peter to "Follow me." It wasn't unusual for Jesus to ask people to follow him, but there was something unusual this time. In verse 18, Jesus sheds a little insight on the type of death Peter was going to have. In fact, it was "the kind of death he was to glorify God." It was after Jesus said this that He told Peter to follow. "So Peter...you're going to die...and not in a cool way...Follow Me!" The account of Peter after this encounter with the risen Christ reveals that Peter did just that. He followed Christ. He went and preached the Gospel to a lost and dying world. He followed...even to his death.

Peter got involved in the game. He wasn't sitting on the sidelines watching, hoping to be a leader...He followed first, then he lead. We get ahead of ourselves sometimes...we want to be a leader before we follow. Well, it doesn't work that way. We follow in order to one day lead. We follow the Scriptures...we follow our mentors...we follow Christ! It's only then that we are fit to lead.

So who wants to play a rousing game of Follow the Leader...We'll be all time followers, because there's already one all time Leader...

JM

a list of some gifts...

2008-12-30T09:07:00.003-05:00

Besides the obvious church answer of "Jesus," I'm going to share with you some of my favorite gifts from Christmas...

-Orange Jay Cutler Bronco jersey
-The North Face jacket
-CHC (Cold Hard Cash) with which I'm going to buy Mario Kart as illusive as that my be right
now.
-Gift cards: with which I bought season 1 of Chuck
-Iron Man
-Chronicles of Narnia
-A toothbrush that sings
-A Union Hoodie (Go Dawgs)
-Pixar Monopoly: random but awesome
-Vandy mug
-Radio to listen to Vandy games while I'm at the game
-Vandy hat
-A frame of three photos of me as a baby: one with my mom, one with my dad, and one with
GeeGee
-Wii Underwear

I'm probably forgetting something, but that's alright...you don't need to know my whole life I don't guess. But all I know is my daughters had a fun week...

JM

what's so perfect about imperfection...

2008-12-08T16:14:00.003-05:00

I was listening to my iPod the other day and on one of the podcasts I listen to a statement was made about God's "perfect" plan. For some reason on this day, that phrase struck me as odd. It's an oxymoron of sorts (from man's perspective anyway). There's not too much about me that's perfect. As hard as it is for me to admit that, it's the truth. In fact, there's nothing perfect about you either. Some of you probably need to go chew on that one for a little while.

The fact remains, we are in no way perfect. We are marred creations designed by the hands of a Perfect Creator. And it's at this crossroads where we find the perfect in the imperfection. God has designed His imperfect people to bring about His Perfect plan.

Even what He sees as His perfect plan, we sometimes mistake as imperfection. Death, murder, sin, cancer, MS, etc.; we all see these as horrible things, and truthfully they are, but somehow they all fit into perfection. They all are designed to reach the ultimate goal, which is the exaltation of the Mastermind. From this day on it's still going to be hard for me to see what so perfect about the trials and tribulations I have faced and will face, but maybe they will remind me that with these imperfections come a revelation of the will of the Most High.

I guess that's what's so perfect about imperfections...

when theory becomes reality...

2008-12-01T13:53:00.002-05:00

I always knew in the back of my mind the "nerd" factor was probably pretty high when it comes to me...all the signs were there so I'm sure it's no surprise to those fortunate enough to know me: GI Joe til 7th grade (maybe 8th), Trumpet (1st and 2nd chair), the fact that chemical equations seem cool, lack of social life with the ladies in high school...but today it became all too real.

A comment was made on the radio that being without a certain item would be as bad as a Jedi without a light-saber. In my car (alone) I yelled back at the radio, "Well, without a light-saber how could he be a Jedi? We all know a Jedi wouldn't be caught without a light-saber!"

It was in this moment reality struck. This shadow of a thought became out-right truth! I'm a nerd and I'm lucky Jen married me before she realized the truth. She thought the nerd'dom was in my past...little did she know it's full steam ahead.

the beginning of rememberance...

2008-11-19T11:19:00.002-05:00

...It's that time of year again! When Fall fades into a new season and one can see the end of football. We have another month left of Autumn, then comes Winter which seems to have already started. I've seen flurries on 3 occasions and pictures have popped up on significant snowfalls to the east of us. But that's not all...I see Christmas decorations up everywhere. I'll have to admit I already have two trees up at my house, but not outside. One would think with our economic environment there would be a shortage of Blow-up Santa Snow Globe sightings, but I've counted 4 this morning...Should I remind you it's November 19th. I would've expected to have seen these things towards the end of next week, but I guess people want to be joyful a little early this year. Who can really blame them? So what if people want to remember Christmas a six weeks early this year?

It's during these times I remember what life used to be like. The traditions of Christmas from when I was a child. It's fun to remember...maybe that's why decorations seem to be going up earlier and earlier every year...people want to remember what life used to be like. As a child there were no worries. I knew I was getting stuff for Christmas, but I didn't have to worry about how I was going to pay for it. As we decorated the girls' tree, the innocence radiated from from their smiles. Maybe, this will be something they remember when they become young ladies.

We're in the beginning of remembering what life used to be like and in a few weeks we'll be released from those thoughts back into the life that has become the norm longing to return eleven months later...who knows it could be earlier.

So here's to the giant Frosty sitting in someone's front yard right now!!!

A Nashville Roundtable...

2008-11-11T21:43:00.002-05:00

...well it's not really a round table as much as it is 7 tables placed together to make it look like a circle. For a moment I felt as if I were awaiting a command from the great Arthur. After returning from my thoughts of the valiant, we began the day of discussion looking at Jesus and moving to the topic of joy. The knights of the simi-round table come from different parts of this land, including one from Canada, one from California, and one from Denver...Go Broncos! The others hail from the south. The discussion varied from heavy to light, but the subjects stayed constant and the result was a curriculum that hopefully finds its way into many student ministries for a Sunday morning option.

We end tomorrow, but I'm excited about the relationships that began around that grouping of tables. With the help of Twitter and facebook the distance between my colleagues and myself isn't really that far. Thanks for the laughs boys...and ladies.

Nashville Day 1

2008-11-10T21:03:00.002-05:00

So here I am sitting in a hotel room watching Monday Night Football after a day of travel and a couple of hours in a meeting. It's been a good day, but I am a little tired. I guess I'm getting old, but I'm ok with that...kinda.

I'm here as an "ideator." Sounds like a really cool name made up by Walt Disney, but I'm just a guy giving ideas to the writers at LifeWay for the new KNOWN material for students. It's a true privilege for me to be asked to come here, although I'm not too sure my ideas are worth it, but tomorrow we get too it - 8am-6pm filled with ideas being thrown across tables. So more on the life of an Ideator later...

loving me while I could've cared less...

2008-10-20T09:49:00.002-05:00

If you're an Oswald Chambers reader, then today you read the same devotion I did. If you're not an Oswald Chambers ready, then I can only encourage you to begin. Today, Mr. Chambers brought a truth to my mind from a passage I've uttered on many occasions.

"...but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Rom. 5:8

Ahh, the Roman Road. This passage has become a brick in the way to Jesus, but today it became a reminder (or a light-bulb for a thought that has never occurred to me for that matter). Christ died for me when I could've cared less for him. When I was a sinner, God loved me. I know we quote scripture like John 3:16, but it's almost as if these passages from God's Word have become secret messages for those who don't know Him yet, and we forget they are still applicable to our growth in Christ. When speaking on sanctification, Oswald Chambers says this, "It is a holiness based on agonizing repentance, a sense of inexpressible shame and degradation, and also on the amazing realization that the love of God demonstrated itself to me while I cared nothing for Him."

Sanctification is the process a believer goes through in striving to be more like Christ. Part of this process is realizing that God loved me when I wasn't returning the favor. This thought simply jumped out at me and I couldn't let it go. It's a truth that I needed to write about in order for me to remember it's value (and that's a sad reality to admit...I have to do something like this in order to remember something like that).

Maybe it was the way he wrote it and the eloquence of his pen, but this truth spoke to me today. And if you read Oswald today, maybe something different jumped out to you, but to me it was the truth of God's love...and I think it will leave a mark!

this beautiful death

2008-10-02T12:50:00.005-05:00

It's interesting how you wake up one day and it's completely different than the one before. It's gotten cool here in the foothills of the Smokies. I just woke up one day and had the urge to throw on a hoodie. A walk to the van was deserving of shoes rather than the flip flops I had grown accustomed to. When I breathe I get of a sense of refreshment like a dip in the pool after a long days work in the yard.

The change isn't only in the brush of the breeze...it's also evident on the fringe of the leaves. It's like a small taste of what's yet to come; almost as if the trees are restraining themselves from bursting forth in jubilation of finally having some new color. Much like a teenage girl when she's told it's time for a new wardrobe. I can feel the giddiness now. Can you?

What shouldn't be lost in this changing of seasons is the reality of death. Not to sound too morbid, but isn't that what all this is about? The leaves lose their chloroform unveiling the true hue of each God-made leaf, which is quickly followed by death. This death is beautiful for those who stop to notice. That's kind of a weird phrase...since when is death beautiful?

It is when we throw off our old self and put on the new. It's beautiful to realize that we were dead in our trespasses and sin, but we have been made alive in Christ. How about when we realize that we are a new creation...the old has passed away? Our old self must die in order for us to have a new life in Christ. Now that's a beautiful death! Putting to death our own desires in order to be in line with the desires of Christ...have you ever heard of anything more beautiful?

Sure...the canvas of the Smokies is going to be a wonderful thing to behold when it succumbs to its beautiful death, but it's in that moment I pray I'm reminded of its meaning by the Painter.

21...

2008-09-22T10:07:00.002-05:00

It's not about becoming "legal." It's more than a card game where millions of people lose money in Vegas. It's way more than a number worn by a former right fielder of the Chicago Cubs.

It is the national ranking of my Vanderbilt Commodores! How about that? Pretty crazy, right? Besides us, who would've ever thought Vandy would be ranked? Everyone has grown accustomed to them being the SEC punching bag. But not this year. This year is different. Surely you can tell. Everyone thought that Vandy would lose this past weekend, especially falling behind 17-7. But this is not your Vandy of old. This is a second half Vandy. A Vandy that gets stronger rather than weaker as the game rolls on. Just ask Jevon Snead about Vanderbilt.

I've got to proclaim it while it lasts. It's like life...you never know when it's going to end.

But here's the facts...Vandy is #1 in the SEC, #21 in the nation, 4-0, ahead of UT (pretty much all that matters), and we're getting ready to play a pretty big game in a couple of weeks. Could Vandy go to 5-0?..Absolutely!!! There's no doubt in my mind.

I'm just excited to live in the now where we're 21 and UT's not...

Go DORES!

so it's been a while...

2008-09-18T08:38:00.003-05:00

...my bad! My daughters are growing up, and it's been a little too fast if you ask me. Maybe I've brought it on myself. I know, I know...kids are going to grow up no matter what, but maybe I've secretly encouraged it. I've noticed that Meredith and Mikayla go through phases of things I can't wait for them to be able to do. Allow me to explain. When they were on formula, I couldn't wait for them to drink milk because it's cheaper. When they were in diapers, I couldn't wait for them to go to potty and put on pull-ups and big girl panties. When they were eating rice cereal, I couldn't wait for them to be able to feed themselves (I would like to take that one back, because the mess has become much bigger). There's a natural progression and the end result is me having to to less (I'm so lazy).

Now we're at the next level. I can't wait for the girls to go number two and wipe themselves. I've been wiping little girl booties for the past three years and I'm ready for a break. As much as I don't want them to grow up, I'm ready for this next step and then I'll stop. I've said that a lot...it's like I'm never satisfied.

I wish I had that "never satisfied" attitude everyday in my walk with Christ. I know I'm fully satisfied in Christ, but I don't strive for more. Sometimes I feel like I've reached the pinnacle and I've become complacent. I forget that I need to keep growing and keep moving. Isn't this what sanctification is all about. The process of becoming more like Christ...the growing up into the head which is Christ.

I'm glad my girls didn't get to the pull-up stage and decide...this is it...I'm done...I don't have to go to potty 'cause I got the bag thing that catches it all. Sure it gets a little mushy and that's a little uncomfortable, but I got my dad to wipe it off and put another poop catcher on me (I'm guessing that's what they would name it instead of a pull-up or diaper). I'm so very grateful we showed them there was a another step.

I need to continually remind myself that I haven't attained the prize yet. I haven't reached the end...I've still got a way to go.

I'm guessing the story may be the same for you...

Relationship Revolution...

2008-09-02T14:27:00.002-05:00

After sitting and talking to some students God moved me in a different direction for last weeks lesson. I'm going to be honest with you right now, I don't like changing my messages. But it's in those moments that I'm glad that I'm reminded that it's not about me. To hear of the struggles that believing students have in relationships is a little overwhelming, but to also hear that young Christian guys are leading our young ladies into temptation and visa versa. I understand the temptation...I've been there, but I think I've been staring through rose-colored glasses.

So last week we started a revolution. I hope it will be a revolution in the dating world (of which I am far removed...and only successful once). I think students should change culture rather than allow culture to change them. We've become complacent, and in doing so we've allowed the enemy to gain too much ground in the battle for purity and holiness.

I simply challenged our students to change dating. I know this isn't a new idea, but I want our students to change the image of dating. It's not a step to the bedroom...it's a step towards God. And the only way to revolt is to follow the Leader...to keep Christ at the center of each relationship.

I was encouraged when I read some blogs of one of our couples. They want to lead in the revolution. I know it's not going to be easy, but they're trying. They making boundaries and for some they will be extreme, but the truth is...following Christ is extreme. (Please resist the urge to make some kind of logo or catchphrase using "Xtreme" or "X" or something...it's a little over done and cheesy).

Check our their blogs: www.liviesthoughts.blogspot.com and www.mitchellsmind.blogspot.com

Maybe, just maybe, after reading these...you'll catch hold of the revolution (unless you're already married...if that's the case, congratulations!).

ahhh...Wrigley...

2008-08-26T13:41:00.007-05:00

The "w" flying high...

Ryno's number retired at Wrigley

Our view from the back...

He's a Cards fan, but he's wearing a cubs hat...he knows what up...

...where Ryne Sandberg spent all but one year of his major league career...where Harry Caray used to sing take me out to the ball game as the crowd stretched in the middle of the seventh...where the ivy grows to cover a brick wall. This is very hallowed ground.

It's not like an opportunity comes like this comes around very often. How many more chances will I have to take in a game at the great Wrigley Field. I simply hope this was not my last. There's an overwhelming feeling of tradition and history (not really a topic of high value on my dry erase board) as soon as you walk in to these confines which have always been so friendly for those who make the pilgrimage. The smell of hotdogs, cut grass, and beer...you may can get that at Fenway, but I guarantee you it's still a little different. I could've done without the smell of beer, but it probably wouldn't have been the same.

Our seats were as far away from the field as you could get, but in no way was I removed from the game. The other fans won't let that happen. It didn't matter if it was a single or a fly ball that had a chance of going out (no matter how small of a chance), the crowd showed it's appreciation by a grand applause. It truly is a glorious place...a glorious atmosphere.

And this is a place made by man a long time ago. I can only imagine what it's going to be like in heaven. The applause, the praise, the grandeur of it all. I'm excited that I'm going to get to be apart of that.

But for right now, I'm pretty happy with something kinda close...minus the beer.

there's a buzz in the air...

2008-08-18T14:34:00.002-05:00

...I just wish it was my air. Everywhere I turn I read about or hear students talking about starting college in a couple of days, or moving in a couple of days. It's almost contagious...too bad it's not. I can remember moving into the dorms at Union and laying in bed the first night thinking about the unknown, of which I was standing at the starting line.

There was a freshness about college. It was the beginning of something new, and perhaps something great. The fact was, I didn't know what was ahead; all I knew was I was on my way. What an intimidating feeling in that moment. I was moving ahead, but I had no clue what God had in store. The excitement of those days still carries on in my memories and in my emotions. Sometimes I wish I was back there, laying in that bed. Don't get me wrong, God has truly blessed my life with a loving wife and beautiful children, but sometimes it's good to go back and remember that feeling of faith. I didn't know God was going to bring me to where I am now. I only knew it was unknown. There was a story waiting to be written, and I was only at the title of chapter one.

That's where these students stand now (or lay, depending on what time it is when you read this, but I guarantee they go to be later than you). They're at the edge of the unknown. They've moved from a place of knowing it all (or so they thought), to a place of independence mixed with dependence on God. It's an awesome place to be!

I hope the story being written is one pointing to Jesus. I hope it's one that will glorify their Creator. It may be unknown to you and me, but to God it's already been written. It's just written in invisible ink.

a moving truck, a student...

2008-08-11T07:52:00.002-05:00

...and friends left wondering. There are times in ministry that can take you by surprise - students moving would be one of those times. I can get used to students growing up and going off to college, but it's a little more difficult when students come to you with tears in their eyes and tell you their dad got a new job and apparently all the family members have to move too. That's a hard thing to handle. When students grow up in your ministry, sending them to college is a good thing. Sure there are some things you still wish you could've taught them, but you've done your best. When students move, it's like marking a progress report as incomplete. Believe it or not, there's a lot of thoughts that go through a pastor's head.

I feel as if I have been left wondering. Wondering if I did enough to get them ready for life. Did they learn enough because who knows what the next guy's going to teach them. Do they understand ministry and missions enough that they can apply it to their lives where they are now, even though they are not under my tutelage.

Then I'm reminded that no matter how much I would love for them to stay, God's plan is way cooler than anything I could ever think up...and believe you me I can think up some pretty cool stuff! Even though Forrest's departure was unexpected, I know she will do an excellent job of living for Christ in her new school, church, and community.

Forrest - I simply want you to leave your mark...not like Stump, but like Christ!

JM

(For more about Forrest, go and read her blog...it's on the right...the forrest)

worship...

2008-07-27T17:48:00.003-05:00

...at EMBC was a little different today. Our students lead in worship and let me just say it was an amazing time. I didn't really get to share it all on the video (I was a little distracted), but our students did an amazing job of leading us to the mercy seat of God. For the first time in a Sunday morning service, our students worshipped like it was just them and God. Wow...words cannot express what happened in the lives of our students in Brooklyn, but at least for one week they brought it home. Please pray that we continue to leave our mark on our church and our culture...

home sweet home...

2008-07-26T18:36:00.003-05:00

so we're finally home, but I made this on our bus ride home. Everything was so fresh and in no way did I want it to get stale...

thanks for the memories Brooklyn students...

getting ready...

2008-07-18T15:58:00.002-05:00

...for New York!

nine wonderful...

2008-07-14T14:43:00.002-05:00

...years! I know, I know, I'm supposed to say that, but it is true - they have been wonderful. Last week Jen and I celebrated our nine year anniversary. It's crazy to think I got married so young, but hey, Jen was younger than me. In those nine years we've lived in 5 different places, served in 4 wonderful student ministries (two part time, two full), driven 6 different cars (not a boasting...you haven't seen the cars we drove), went to seminary, taught in three different school systems, and had two wonderful daughters (some would call them Georgia peaches). Who said getting married is settling down? I would disagree with that statement.

Sure we're a lot like transients, but I guess that's what Jesus meant when he was telling his followers they won't know where they're going to lay their head.

Anyway...we celebrated our nine years by going out and getting a Wii. That's right, we got the coolest game system in the world. How cool is my wife...pretty dang cool if you ask me. She was totally into going out and getting the Wii. Jen's actually gotten pretty good at it. Next...Wii Fit. Just think how fit I'll be after the next nine years.

All I'm saying is I have a great family and I'm excited about the future. I'm praying I won't be moving in the next nine years (don't you think 5 times is enough), but I'm also praying for God's guidence in my family.

Who knows what God has in store, but I'm thankful for what He's in our past.

leaving a...

2008-07-09T15:05:00.002-05:00

...mark with a coffee cup is one of those no-no's that will get you in trouble with your great-grandmother, one of those people who receives applications, and the person who does your laundry. If you do you're own laundry then you have no one to be mad at but yourself. I love Starbucks, but one of my favorite places to drink coffee is the Cracker Barrel. For some, I have just blasphemed the name of the little god that's in charge of making coffee beans grow, but for my readers 50 and up (I don't think I have any), you're just excited that someone is talking about your hang-out spot! Cracker Barrel coffee is actually pretty good. The smell of barn, mixed with fire, mixed with coffee...it doesn't get a lot better than that.

At this fine dining establishment, they now have different colored coasters for decaf and caffinated coffees. This way you have to look under the cup to see what someone is drinking...go figure! Every now and then an over-zealous server with 5 stars on her apron will pour your coffee. She talking about how her grand-daughter just took her first steps and whoops, there goes coffee all over the table and your new seersucker shorts. After tending to your new (uncomfortable) 2nd degree burn you pick up your cup and there's a ring of coffee that has been left on coaster. The fact remains, the coaster and shorts will never be the same. The coffee and it's little-to-friendly caregiver have left their mark.

Isn't that what God's asking from us? Aren't we supposed to be leaving our mark on our culture? What are we doing to change the world? We must do more! We must leave our mark on our culture, church, and future. If we don't like the direction the ship is going in, then we must turn the wheel and leave our mark.

Here's to leaving a stain that's hard to get out!

the simple...

2008-07-08T12:56:00.003-05:00

It took me a while to actually find the time to sit down and write some stuff out about beach[ed] camp, but here I am and I want to make sure the words written here express those genuine emotions and processes which are in my head. As in any student ministry, there's this dreaded time of the year that will take away needed sleep, time and energy...that event is called camp. I don't know what it is about these 5 days in summer, but it's enough to make any youth pastor want to crawl in a cave and hybernate for 4 months until it's time to start planning for next year. Some of us don't even get four months - as I sit here I'm waiting for a phone call about next years destination. It's already begun for 2009!!!! Are you kidding me?

But this year was different. Sure, the loss of key needs in my life were the same, but this year, I didn't want it to end. New location, new elements to camp, a lot of change...I didn't really know what to expect. We can complain about food and ticks, but we can't complain about the moving of God in this ministry. If you missed it, then I'm sorry that you missed it. I don't say that in a sarcastic or demeaning way at all, 'cause I really am sorry you missed this encounter with the One True and Living God! I'm sorry you weren't there to see God move in the lives of 4 students bringing them to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I'm sorry you missed being ushered to the throne room of God in worship. I'm sorry you missed learning about everything becoming simple in the blood of Christ. It is my hope that our students lead you there every day.

In the chaos and confusion of planning worship, getting checks written, collecting money, doing rooming assignments, writing material, working on videos, working on shirts, laminating name tags, buying candy, buying supplies for [ed] groups, collecting forms, contacting Making Malorie and David, packing all the stuff for camp, making multiple trips to Staples and Wal-Mart, wanting this to be the best beach camp they've ever been to (always my desire), I caught a glimple of the simple. There's nothing in that list that was simple...sure you could pick one or two, but the problem was we were doing them all at the same time. But in all of this stuff, God showed me the simple fact of it is all done to bring Him glory. I could absolutely sit here and boast of all the things that I did, or the team did, to make camp work, but the simple fact remains - It was all done for four students. Four students bringing glory to God, because He saved them from death.

There's no doubt that life changed happened and many people were drawn to God, but four students found out that Christ made the sacrifice simple. Four students found out what it truly means to be loved. Four students can now be called family!

God moved...it's that simple!

tying up...

2008-06-26T20:11:00.003-05:00

...loose ends! The worst part of student ministry - at least for me. These are the things that must be done in order for your event to be better. Better than last year, or the year before. Better than a student expected...that kind of better. I hope you don't misunderstand, I want camp to be better than last year, but it's the little stuff that simply dances on my spine. If you know anything about me, you know I'm a big picture guy. I don't enjoy the details. I don't enjoy going to hobby lobby and buying fabric, or Wal-Mart and buying finger nail polish. These things aren't normally on a youth pastor's list of things to make camp better, but our camp isn't your normal camp. It's those little things that get our students involved and our leaders in "relationship building mode."

So tomorrow, I'm packing up the family and running around Maryville to make sure every Eagle Scout is satisfied with the granny knot I'm about to tie on all these ends. Believe me, I lay awake thinking of all these little things and I'm looking forward to getting a good nights rest. That probably won't happen til July 6th, but maybe tomorrow will help a little.

So here I am, 5 days away from something that's been on my mind since July 6th, 2007. I'm ready to get it going. I'm ready to see what God has in store. I'm ready for students to get it. I'm ready for students to live like they love their salvation. I'm ready for it to be over, so I can start all over.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves...I need to practice my granny knots!