Life Unscripted

Recently in my life . .

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:33:00 +0000

Just finished camp season in Student Ministries, so I hope to blog more and soon. We'll see! Here are a few pics from my recent adventures that include:

awful double ankle sprain
one ride in the auto cart at Walmart
One trip to Panama City - 20hours in a bus
one mullet

priceless

More from Me

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:12:00 +0000

Great weekend. Busy, but great. Here's a quick recap, and one thought to ponder:

cookout at my brothers in PA. trip went well, gino cried for 45 minutes each way, but the steak and my gourmet brother's cooking was worth it.
busy day on Sunday. Great morning in HSM and MSM, then a cookout with some of our team and a parent/student meeting for our BigStuf trip to Florida - can't wait to see the beach.
got invited to the new waterpark in Ulrichsville on Friday - so I am taking Nico - he'll love it
went to Ikea and I think its impossible to go there and not spend money and not feel crowded. I think its worth it.

Ok - so on to the thought - not sure that I'm the only one that feels this, but there is a real tension and tug between helping people and helping yourself - I think I know where I am supposed to land on this, but that doesn't mean the tension doesn't exist.

A fast of sorts

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:46:00 +0000

So it's been almost 30 days since my last post - a fast? not really. This past week a few people have asked me about the silence. And really, no great answer. Sometimes I feel like writing and others I don't.

Not a good answer I know, but it's an honest one.

So, here is an update from my recent happenings:

finished MSM camp for 7/8th graders and it was AMAZING. There's a video here to check out - tell us what you think
My pepper plants that I started from seed are doing ok. I did have to call in the reinforcements from a source back home - thanks Frank. (sound like the mafia?)
I'm taking the family to the Cleveland Zoo tomorrow. I can't wait to see the Lions
I'm speaking this Sunday in church - in the big room - about us knowing our limits
I popped in a rob bell Nooma video yesterday for an idea, and Rob Bell deserves capital letters for sure still
gino, our 5 month old, is belly laughing - there is nothing more pure than hearing that.

So that's a small window into my life.

I'll be back.

Go Speed Racer

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:17:00 +0000

Check this out - I - made a very important purchase today vintage cartoons that I watched when I was young, and that my son loves!

Classic Speed Racer - buy two, get one free!

Go Speed Racer Go!

Scorched Earth

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:06:00 +0000

Read a very interesting article today about Roger Clemens. Click here to read it.

In the article, the author refers to Roger's I'm totally innocent, it's all lies position as Scorched Earth. According to attorneys, going Scorched Earth means that you are claiming to be 100% innocent.

We all look at Roger and think - man this is a crazy situation, and most of us believe he is guilty, at least at some level. So here is what this makes me want to know - is anyone every 100% innocent. Ever?

Think about it this way:

motives are easily hidden, and action is mostly what we would consider factual proof. So your motives could be hidden behind an action that missed the mark
what about thinking something but not doing it - I believe that the Bible talks about this as being just as bad
and what about the times where we technically didn't do anything, yet knew that we were inciting a riot in the other person by what we say or don't say

I guess this is leading nowhere, but to a deadend - whenever conflict emerges, or accusations occur - neither party is 100% innocent, we both are the cause of why the situation reached its current state.

I can't believe I am writing about this. I hate shows about crime detectives because they are so simple and always follow the same formula. So you won't catch me watching CSI or Law & Order, although my brother looks identically like the guy on L & O.

Seacrest - Out.

Random thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Thu, 15 May 2008 19:57:00 +0000

It's Thursday, and the weekend should be pretty fun as it approaches. Here are my highlights:

Taking Nico to see Thomas the Tank Engine on Saturday - should be lots of kids, crying and come home with empty pockets
Get to plant some extra things in my garden and cut my grass
Hangtime with the family - always fun
Softball game on Friday night - hoping to go 3 for 4
Going to my cousin's softball game tonight - fun to watch the cuz play.

that's it - oh yea - and some fun on Sunday morning in HSM and MSM

Ketching-Up

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:28:00 +0000

Now there is a random Pittsburgh reference for you. Hope you got it.

Been a bit since I blogged. Thought I get back on the horse with this funny pic. Seriously saw this when driving. Just proof that everything needs to be proofed carefully:

Even car stickers need to be proofed. Spell check anyone?

Conference

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:03:00 +0000

This weekend, we hosted our very first conference - All Access - and had 40 people from Free Methodist churches attend.

Here is what I loved about it:

it's great to talk about your ministry because it allows you to celebrate progress that you've made.
it's great to talk about your ministry because it shows you where you need to improve.
talking to other church workers and volunteers and staff members is always just fun.
remembering that everyone starts somewhere is sobering and great for your pride

here's a pic from Dwight's session on Sunday

Quick Updates

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0000

Here is the skinny:

Nico had his 3rd birthday party last weekend. 3 already?
I planted 24 strawberries in my new garden - did you know that gardening is a new hobby of mine? (cant afford a motorcycle!)
I absolutely love my Moto Q phone - with data plan - keeps me connected
I get relevant magazine, but the depth of the content is somewhat disappointing to me - is that just me?
I love collaborating with Matt and Steve - they keep me fresh!

ok - got a lunch appointment. Gotta go.

But here is a thought for the day - do you celebrate your "wins" enough? I don't.

Videos

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:39:00 +0000

Check it out - our first HSM teaching video.

Monday Freshness

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:51:00 +0000

Sorry that it's been a week or so, but ministry and life have been busy. I only have one one-liner today - and it's something that has wrecked me and encouraged me at the same time.

I met for lunch with someone this week, and here is how they prayed for me:

that God would make me bold and broken at the same time.

And I have been chewing on that phrase and combination platter for about 6 days now and just when I think I am good with it, the depth of that pair shows itself and I realize I'm not there yet.

Just a thought from my life - and by the way - to read more one liners on Monday - surf over here - Lee Ann's Blog.

Wisdom of Nico

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:57:00 +0000

So my son says some pretty funny stuff.

Here was the latest:

Brooke, my wife, told him that he was so cute and she could just eat him up.

To which Nico replied - No, we don't eat people.

Yes, he is right, we are not cannibals.

Monday M 1 Liners

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:11:00 +0000

Ok - been a bit I know, but here are more one-liners.

I know someone who may possibly be on a tv gameshow that competes for 1 million dollars - and I think that is totally cool.
I am so happy that it's spring, but I secretly miss the cold, crisp mornings with snow on the ground and the hope of school cancellations - even though I'm 10+ years out of school.
I have grown up as a tarheel fan and this weekend's loss really didn't give me heartburn.

Totally random - yes. That's the way I like them. O-yea, here's a picture of my staff at a meeting. they really pay attention.

Been a long time . . .

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:48:00 +0000

Last night in the big room - for First Wednesday, a good friend Becki asked me when I would blog again. Point well taken Becki!

We've all been busy, I know, but blogging for me comes in spurts (in other words, i've had 2 sick kids and a sick wife at home for the last week).

So to get back in the swing of things, here is a list of a few random things:

If I were a night club DJ, my name would be the Scribla (yeah that's right)
We are taking 26 senior high students to BigStuf camp in Florida, and this week was our first Chicken BBQ fundraiser. More like workraiser
Here's a blast from the past - Don't be the guy who doesn't know how to silence your own cell phone. No one wants to hear your star spangled banner ringtone, no not even on the 4th of July.
I rearranged my office - here 's a picture - sometimes life needs to be rearranged.
Last -this is a video we made for student ministries. Watch it!

Easter Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:45:00 +0000

Ok - so I promised to email about yesterday, but didn't get to it. I tried to make sure I had family day by not bringing my laptop home. And it worked.

So Easter Sunday at NewPointe was an awesome service. Music and Message - great tie ins - transitions were excellent and lots of people heard about Jesus - isn't that cool? Here is a pic from my seat. Sorry it's from my phone, but interesting angle - from the crowd's perspective.

And here is a picture from home - me and Gino. I tried out the baby carrier and secretly loved it. Guess it's not a secret now. All 13 of my readers know now! And look closely - there is waldo, I mean Matt B in the background. Looks like he's in jail.

Trip to PA

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 14:04:00 +0000

Got back and I am glad to be home in OH. That's a pic from the ride. Took it while driving, that's why it is blurry.

I was in Pennsylvania with the family for Easter. Had a great time, ate well, Nico got lots of Easter Baskets, and got to see the family.

Oh Yea - and we watched Duke lose to WVU. No offense to the family, but this was a highlight to the weekend! Just kidding. My dad put on a killer egg hunt for my cousins, that my brother and I joined in.

I think it became more of a competition between my brother and me vs. my dad. We won.

Anyhoo, I am at church and the Easter service is awesome - lots of people, very exciting, incredible life changing message. I'll post a pic before day's end.

McDonalds

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:17:00 +0000

Highlight of my weekend. I took my son here. I was pretty much the only dude in the playgym for the better part of the first 45 minutes. I caught some odd looks from the other moms. Have dads become that obsolete?

My Dream

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:12:00 +0000

I have crazy hops now that I work at a church! Thanks for the photo JB.

MM One Liners

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:04:00 +0000

Forgive me, it is monday afternoon, but still the same point.

Here they are:

Onions are useful when chopped up and used properly - but they still make you cry and carry a bad smell to get there. Sort of like opening up your life to other people. (thanks to steve conn for this one)
apple computers are not any better than pc's. commercials just say so. (sorry Matt B.)
I dislike when clothing has writing strategically placed in the spot where you sit. Seriously is this necessary?

surf over to Lee Ann's blog for more of these.

Worth Visiting

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 23:00:00 +0000

As many of you may know, Dwight's mother is battling cancer right now. To help spread the word on her story, her family set up a really nice site, where you can read about how much Marie has meant to people.

It is seriously worth visiting. She is an incredible woman.

Click here.

Meet the New Hire

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:47:00 +0000

Ok - so I am playing with my phone today.

Meet Matt Beres - our new hire in student ministry. I've learned alot about Matt so far.

He likes his Mac, and he plays with cups in meetings.

Wisdom of Steve 1

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:05:00 +0000

Yesterday in a meeting- the intern said something that struck me funny.

Talking about Jack Bauer and 24 - and the phrase Go Dark came up. Probably because I said it on Stage to our Middle Schoolers.

So here is the quote - "I know someone who has gone dark. For me to find her would involve a 3 hour horse ride."

Now Steve - that is really dark.

One Liners

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 15:57:00 +0000

This week's thoughts - compacted into 3 sentences: (actually some are questions)

Are backhanded compliments still a compliment?
Can you apologize without saying the words I am sorry?
When you work at a church - Sunday has this amazing ability to arrive with ridiculous regularity.

Check out more of these thoughts by sticking a fork in these thoughts - Lee Ann's blog.

Interesting Class

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:26:00 +0000

Today in my KSU class - taught on conflict. I love that subject because it is so real for every student in the class.

Think about this:

Everyone experiences conflict - so we can all relate to this
We all could be better at handling our conflict
Most of us have some unhealthy tendencies when it comes to expressing conflict

So - because everyone can relate to the topic - I think that's why it is such a fun subject to teach on - that, and I always love learning, and when you teach, you learn as students interact with you.

So - it was a fun morning 4 sure!

Since I am on the subject - here are a few observations on how we process conflict as Americans:

we are deeply interested in winning - so lots of times when we experience a conflict, we seek a winner and loser - when truthfully - the real solution is in the middle
we are deeply infatuated with the present - to the detrimental point of not realizing that giving a little now may hurt, but will be better for my future
there is not conflict until it is expressed - face it - we've all been blindsided by someone who is upset with us and we didn't see it coming because it was never expressed.

Do you have any insights on conflict?

Excited for Tonight

noreply@blogger.com (.) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:26:00 +0000

Wow- we have a cool night planned for our HSM - 9-12thers.

Highlights:

great band
great "don't forget the lyrics" game with a few classic songs
great talk about music and how it affects our lives

This is all part of our gravity series - where we are talking about current things that students say bring them down.

And we don't want that.