24 of no 24

I missed the last two episodes of 24...I feel out of the loop.

My Small Group Field Trip

Tonight, I took my guys to a Hindu temple in Riverside. We tagged along with CBU and their comparative religion class. The guys had never experienced anything like it and were blown away at some of the things they saw. Here's a few things that happened:

• They witnessed people giving gifts (fruit, money, incense, etc.) to things that had no value.
• They witnessed people praying to nothing.
• They smelled some pretty bizarre smells.
• They understood the importance of reaching the lost with the Good News.

I try to provide a cross cultural experience once a month for my small group. These guys have fellow peers that are practicing Hindu's, as well as other religions, so it was good to put a face with the culture and religion. Hopefully this experience encouraged them to begin to make some contacts and relationships in hopes that they would be able to share the Gospel message.

Overall, a great experience. We walked away with our hearts saddened for those who bow down and pray to nothing and have no hope. May we have the courage to show them to the Truth.

Seminary...update

Totally weird... as soon as I posted my last blog I recieved a phone call from Texas. I'm in!!!!

Seminary...

This week I should find out whether or not I'm accepted to Southwestern Baptist Theoligcal Seminary. I'm extremely excited, but neverous at the same time. A few alumni have stated that I have nothing to worry about...a comforting thought. Nevertheless, if Texas doesn't work out, I have a plan B...I think that's Golden Gate...

Definitions of a starving world

Well...I survived to live another day. I walked away from this weekend training with bizarre sense of emotions. I feel sick to my stomach, I'm really tired, and yet I know that there are people that would kill for my life. A painful reality to the fact that I am a selfish bastard. Here are some cold facts:

• I live to eat, others eat to live
• I own a computer and a vehicle, people can't even read, and walk 6 miles for water
• I don't even walk 6 miles in a week
• Why do suffering and starving people make me emotional?...yes, I cried
• In two days, I will probably will start to feel apathetic...again

God...please continue to keep me uncomfortable, that which I might not forget those who are dying, and dying for a clean drink of water.

ISP

So, I broke away from the group to post this, because I have to. Here are somethings that God has allowed me to see in myself:

• I am a selfish bastard! It's all about me...and I really don't have any concept of sacrifice.
• I am rich! I have to got to witness how others live in poverty...I have not right to even open my mouth.
• I am hungry! Within the last 24 hours I ate the following: 1- bagel, 1- glass of apple juice, 1- PB&J, 2- spoons of rice. I am not starving...I have no idea what starving is!
• I am a leader! God has gifted me...and he IS using me.

More details will follow....God with you!

Intensive Training Weekend

This evening at 6pm, I will embark on a two night three day intensive training weekend for a trip I'm taking in July. I heard that it will be taxing and hard-work. Here's my thoughts:

• Most ITW "really" don't expose you to the "real" issues you find in country.
• It will be a good bonding time with team mates.
• I will lose weight
• I will try and keep a good attitude
• I am not looking forward to a 5am hike...how this further the kingdom?
• I heard that all we get is water and crackers...I'm packing some snack-packs
• We will be sleep deprived
• Rules are meant to be broken

The Java Bliss

Tonight I met with a friend at this new place called Java Bliss. I've meaning to try it out for a few weeks now...glad I did. It was nice place, the coffee was decent and the environment...well... here's what I thought:

• The place looked like Martha Stewart took a creative dump and flung her feces all over the place...coffee and sea foam green do not go together.
• If Ikea and bed, bath and beyond had a love child...this place would be it and Richard Simmons would be a charter member.
• The place also contained games, "connect-Four" are you serious?
• The crowd was that usual "trendy" kids that knew nothing of intelligence, but could tell you what latest t-shirts were at Abercrombie & Fitch.
• They sold ridiculous priced coffee cups...$20? Does it cure cancer too?

That all I have to report. Please stop by and enjoy a nice cup Joe....my bad JAVA!!!

Frustration...

• If there was ever a day where I wanted to quit...tonight would have been that day. My student's were off the hook tonight. Did someone give them a sugar sandwich before they came to church? Now, I understand that Junior Highers are squirrelly...it's who they are, and I am extremely patience with them. But, tonight, they were so rude, not to me, but the other leaders. I literally stood on stage with another leader for 5 mins. till they decided someone was needing their attention...no respect! Man...I need some sleep.

24 and the Newsboys

Is it just me or does Peter Fuller of the Newsboys look a lot like Abu Fayed from 24?

"They don't serve falafel's in hell..." Okay that was just bad humor....sorry!

The "New" Thing

I can't wait to introduce this form of communication at work. "Hey...Chris $%Slap&*...how was Sunday?" Okay, maybe not so much....


The New Thing



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My worst flaw.... (or at least one of my worst flaws)

This semester has been the worst ever. Not so much due to an overload of homework, projects or work. I think it's because of Senioritis. Now, years past, I always regarded senioritis as a myth or a personal issue that some people had. But, now I find myself having no motivation to do anything. I mean, it has gotten to the point where "C's" actually are becoming more acceptable to my academia. This has got to be my worst flaw...

Senioritis is a term used colloquially in the United States and Canada to describe the decreased motivation towards studies displayed by students who are nearing the end of their high school or college careers. It is typically said to include slowness, procrastination, apathy regarding school work, and a tendency towards truancy. Many of these high school and college students find themselves in a type of lame duck situation: their plans are made and a new chapter in their life is about to begin, so finishing the current chapter (the current term separating them from graduation) becomes just a formality or "holding pattern."

Bowling for stolen bikes...

Yesterday we had our "Bowling-4-Friends" event. Here are the highlights and lowlights:

Highlights

• Bowling is tons of fun
• Students actually brought friends this time
• We had an 80's theme
• Good times hanging out with students

Lowlights

• Half of the students who signed up, showed up
• A student got his bike jaked in front of his face
• Driving around the neighborhood looking for the thieves
• No leaders showed up (except me and the JH intern)

As I mentioned before...what makes an event a more appealing than others?

This is funny stuff

The Good Word

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Quite Time

In my pastoral ministry class I have to turn in a weekly overview of my quite time with God. Basically, I am to state how the "Lord spoke to me during the week." Each overview is worth ten points.

Now explain this to me, how does one receive a 7/10 on a quite time? I mean it's MY time with God. What happens and how the Lord chooses to communicate with me is completely subjective. There is no textbook that states that "this HAS to happen in order to have a quite time with God." How can a professor judge whether a quite time is worth 5, 6, 9, or 10 points? Wow, I can't believe this!

Seminary

Well, it's finally done. I have submitted everything and now I have to wait to hear what lies ahead of me in Texas. I was told not to worry...I'm the kind of man they want to have at Southwestern (this information coming from a Southwestern Alumni). We'll see what the Lord has in store for me. Fun times!

the not so SONSet, sonset!

Tonight was one of our Junior High SONset. It's a time of gathering, food, hanging out, games, knowing God on a deeper...you know the "typical" church event stuff. Tonight, we had the worst turn out of any Junior High event we ever had. What happened? Not enough promotion? Something else better came up? Couldn't find the host home? Why do some events flourish while others fall dead to the ground? If you know...write a freaking book on it! This is ridiculous. Why do I try?

We live in a fishbowl

In ministry one must constantly remember that they live in a fishbowl. People are watching them and proving judgment upon one’s character. This is where I often fail. I tend to be oblivious to the demands of character analysis’ that parents, co-workers, friends, students, and why should I? Am I not an individual that can think for myself? Am I not intelligent enough to develop my own sense of belonging in the world? The answer does not lie within the process of my individual need, but in the process of who I affect due to my live as a follower of Jesus Christ. It is true that I am not contained by the mere social choices that people will often tender as profitable action that I must take, but I am contained to the conscience of my own being and the will of God for me life. What then is to be looked upon with disgust or disappointment due to the nation of another individual’s point or view or more carelessly their perception of me as a person? What do I care what people think of me as a person, as long as my ministry is growing and I am (God forbid by some people) doing the will of God? Titus 1:6 tells us “if anyone is above reproach…and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.” I find this verse fitting because it shows me that we as pastors are to be living examples and ultimately sacrifice for the needs of others. Why make a brother stumble, because we want to be our own person. What if they are offended something we say, wear, do, or example? Do we continue to pursue that level of personal infliction or do heed the call and try to compromise? My life is a fishbowl…

My Small Group

For the next few months my small group and I will begin to look at God's global agenda as seen in the Old Testament and as well as the New Testament. I have to say that the group of guys that God has blessed with in my group are sharp. I'm not even joking...these guys are "little theologians." Today, the question of predestination came up. I was shocked! Not only did Patrick say a word that is so foreign to junior highers, but even pronounced it correctly. Needless to say, it was a heavy discussion. I'm blown away...totally awesome!

A new Kind of Book

Just finished "A New Kind of Youth Ministry" by Chris Folmsbee (yes, I read extra books other than my textbooks). I recommend it to everyone. It contains some fresh thoughts, good ideas and it's really not a model.