Anatomy of a teenage fundraiser...

So the church had a car show yesterday and the teens worked the concessions to make money for the youth ministry. In light of that and previous fundraiser experiences over the summer I thought about what a teenage fundraiser really looks like...

Pastor Matt: Hey guys, we've got some events coming up before too awful long and it is going to cost money for you to go so it is really important for you to show up at the fundraisers so you can have money to go. Even if you aren't planning on coming to this event, you should work it so you have money in your account for future events so you can go when we grab dinner at CiCi's or something...

Teens: When is it? What are we doing? Do we have to work it?

Pastor Matt (to parents): Parents, it is really important that your children be at the fundraiser so they can pay for the event coming up

Parents: They aren't going on that trip, it is too expensive

Pastor Matt: That is why we are having the fundraisers to help pay for it

Parents: But they probably aren't going to that event anyway

Pastor Matt: It would be good for them to work it though just so they can have money in their account the next time they want to do something.

Parents: Well, we'll see, I am not making any guarantees.

The day of the event comes, a few teens show up, but the ones that really need to be there...Aren't

Teens: Pastor Matt I can't afford to go to the event because I don't have enough money to go

Parents: My kids doesn't have enough money to go on the trip...Why do they always have to be so expensive. We don't have that kind of money

Pastor Matt: Well we had three fundraisers, none of which your child was at.

Parents: I didn't know anything about it.

Pastor Matt: It was in the bulletin, an announcement was made, and it was mentioned in the parent email newsletter.

Parents: Well they are still a part of the youth ministry, they should get the money anyway, isn't that what the youth budget is for?

Pastor Matt: It helps, but we only had so much to put towards this event, I have already put that money in your student's account. I am sorry, but I can't pay your child's way, we just don't enough money. Remember in the future that they NEED to be at the fundraisers.

Parents: well I am just going to have to speak to the pastor about this....

Anyone else ever have an experience like this? Am I crazy?

-Matt

Thoughts on words...

We all remember the slogan we learned early in school..."Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Yeah...RIGHT! I wish is were that easy. I remember trying that in school only to be beat up for saying it (yeah it's okay, picture the little fat kid you all know saying it...That was me when I was young but I laugh about it now. Besides, I wasn't fat, I was "husky" which we all know was mom's way of trying to make me feel better). The truth is though, words really do hurt. If it is worthy enough to be mentioned in the Bible (check out James) then it must be worthy of note. I just don't get it though why people still use hurtful words. Here are some reasons I think...

• It makes them feel better
• It helps them "fit in"
• They want to share their "concerns"
• It is being done in an effort to "keep you informed" (which is what I will share about)

It's so funny how the enemy works, I haven't even been home from the convention for a week and someone felt the need to share "what they had heard" Wednesday night after youth group. It isn't anything I haven't heard already...Why students don't like me here, why our numbers are "dropping" since we went to a middle high/senior high format (which they aren't), and basically everything else I am doing "wrong" right now. It would be really easy to get discouraged and want to quit (like I felt before the convention), but for the first time I felt the Lord just surround me with the realization that it was just "words." Simply put, it doesn't matter. Also for the first time, I really felt like the Lord gave Meg and I the words to say back to this person in confronting these issues. It doesn't mean the words will stop-I am learning you just can't please everyone (which is hard for me-I am a people pleaser) and you can't reach everyone. So here are my thoughts on words-I don't know if they will work for you, but they are working for me:

About people:

1. People are people-They are who they are and we can't change them
2. Sometimes people do stupid things-Hey I'll be the first to admit I am guilty as charged, I can't tell you the number of times I have had to go back and apologize for the things I have said (sometimes unintentionally, but most of the time with the specific goal of getting back at them)
3. "hurt" people hurt people-We all have tough times in our lives and what I have noticed is that we tend to want to hurt others when we are hurting (again guilty as charged). Each person who feels the need to criticize me right now is going through a tough time in their own lives and maybe I am just an easy outlet for them because they have some "control" over my situation as the youth pastor
4. I can't change their minds-but God can. The only thing I can do is pray for the people who feel the need to put me down.

About words:

1. They are just that, words and only that. They have no bearing on who I am as an individual or how my relationship with Christ is
2. Anything coming from anyone other than the source is gossip, no questions asked. This person felt the need to tell us what was going on because she was "concerned" but it was her version of what was said. I know most of it is true because I have heard it from multiple sources, but only what comes from the source is really what was said
3. They don't need to be heard-we asked this person not to come tell us anymore what people are saying because of how it has hurt us in the past. I welcome criticism and concerns, but only if they come from the source who said it.

About change and conflict:

1. Change is necessary-be aware of when things need to be changed.
2. Change is never easy- We have made changes in the youth ministry since we have been here. All of them have been prayed through and done with guidance from the youth leadership board and senior pastor

So of course the enemy would love for me to get discouraged, but I am just not going to this time. God is good and with His help we are going to make it through this. The people who are causing the conflict right now have been since we got here. I have struggled with how to love them from day one, but I think I finally know how. To use the overused Christian cliche I am going to "kill them with kindness." This Sunday I am very deliberately going to go to each of them, let them know I appreciate them, understand their concerns and am glad they are a part of our church. Even if they don't like me I can still pray for them and love on them like everyone else. I am not against them, I am for them-their kids are my kids and I do pray for them daily whether they realize it or not. The prayer is not that they will get on board with my vision, but that God will be very real in their hearts and lives and that He will help them with what they are going through.

So words are words, and with the Lord's help, the won't hurt me.

Trusting the Lord,

-Matt

Final thoughts on Austin and back to reality...

Well, it's over and it's back to reality again. I think I am kind of like Peter at the moment of transfiguration when He asks Jesus why they can't just stay there, build some shrines and worship, but of course Jesus sends them on and it is back to reality because the journey is not ever yet and the battle continues. YS Austin was awesome, and I wish I could have stayed a little longer, but I know that the time to get back to the battle is now. I am so glad I went this year and went to that convention and not another one.

As we were driving home along I 10 which is never fun anywhere you are on it, I was reminded of the journey we are on and how the youth ministry journey is a lot like the road we travel. I know that is a corny cliche, but that's honestly the way I feel right now. As a ministry, we are on a plateau that seems to go on and on forever. However, as we were driving occasionally there were some bright spots that I found cool, like the part of I 10 where you drive across the Louisiana bayou for 20 some odd miles. The swamps are a amazing...Somewhat barren in places, but full of life and growth. There are things there that thrive, but would die any place else. It is the same way on our spiritual journeys and those of our students. Each on of them is in a different place, some are in the valleys full of ups and downs, some are in plateaus where they just seem to maintain their faith (or lack thereof), and some are in the places that are full of life and growth...Even though that growth may seem strange to me and I wonder how they could get anything out of "that" lesson or event. I think in the midst of the discouragement I forgot to realize that just like physical maturity everyone grows spiritually at different speeds. I want my kids to be spiritual all stars and achieve all they can in their relationships with God. I want them to have the same passion that I have and not miss out on what God has planned for them, but I forget that they are kids and need to have room to be that way. Youth ministry is a lot like the parable of the sower. I have to be constantly reminded that I am planting the seeds and only God can make them grow.

Okay enough of trying to make something spiritual out of a long drive. When I wasn't thinking of illustrations we were listening to the seminars that we bought on CD. I am so thankful that is provided as a resource since there were multiple times when I wanted to go to multiple seminars and a long drive is a great time to listen to that stuff.

But all things come to an end and it is back to life and the battle, but I feel like I actually know where I am going now. Here is what I am working on putting into practice now:

1. I need to be more deliberate about my quiet times-it is so easy to write off planning as quiet time, its not
2. I need to be more deliberate about my "Sabbath"-it is time I turn the phone off and hit the white ball (golf) or the beach on my own and spend time just taking in all that god has and stepping back from it all
3. I need to let kids be kids-I need to challenge and push them, but I can only take them as far as they are ready to go
4. I need to be more transparent-It is okay to admit that I don't have it all put together. I still struggle and I make mistakes, I am not perfect
5. God doesn't need me-He can do what He wants without me, I need to praise Him more and realize that I am nothing and He is everything, my programs are nothing if they aren't centered around Him
6. I need to be more deliberate about the time I spend with kids-I DO need to get into the homes more instead of relying completely on online contact, phone calls, school lunches, games, and more. This will allow me to get with the parents and be more visual in the lives of the students
7. I need to disciple someone-I am not sure which kid/s I'll start with, but I need to look for ways to be deliberate in discipling someone (of the same gender of course)
8. I need to be discipled-I have been mentored by several people throughout my spiritual journey, but I need to find someone that I look up to and want to learn from who is willing to mentor me through the things I am facing now.

Well that is all that is on my mind now. I would highly recommend taking in one of the conventions if you can...My next pick would be Cincy because it is the home of the soon to be Super Bowl Champion Cincinnati Bengals AND Skyline chili which cannot be beat in my opinion.

Thanks for reading my thoughts, walking along this journey with me, and praying with me. I am praying for all of you (who I do not know) who are on the same journey.

God is good!

-Matt

Austin Day 4...

Well today, I'll be honest, I took a little bit of Marko's advice and laid somewhat low. I know that the Lord has already dealt with me with what I think needed to happen here, so I just kinda rested some today, but still took in the convention with some freedom to come and go as necessary.

The best part of the day was sitting in on Sean McDowell's (www.planetwisdom.com) seminar "Helping students set sexual standards." Most of it was review for me since I have taken some courses in abstinence education, but the statistics about teenage sexuality never cease to amaze me. The latest one that really shocked me was that 54% of students by 7th grade have participated in oral sex. WOW...I had heard about some thoughts in the past about sex parties with junior highers, but it is still hard to fathom.

With that in mind, the thing I am wrestling with is how do you present abstinence and sexual purity to junior highers. There is no way to avoid it anymore, we have to cover it. The hard thing is parents do not want to believe that their middle schoolers would be participating in such things (or even know about them). We have to begin covering it though in a relevant manner with them. I know there are several great resources for older students, but does anyone know of any for middle school? I cannot think of any, in fact I am considering using that as a proposal for my upcoming master's project...Coming up with some type of relevant middle school purity material.

Here is what I think about middle school purity and how to address it:

1. It must be covered!
2. Parents must be involved/give input-they must stay educated and we need to help them however possible
3. It must be simple but relevant
4. It needs to be specific, but not too detailed as to give "ideas"

I am honestly unsure how to handle it. I know living in an area that has a high population of sexually active teens that I must address it, but my parents do not want me to cover it with them. Any suggestions?

It will probably be Tuesday before I post final Austin thoughts since I've got an 11 hour drive ahead of me tomorrow, but I'll get it posted as soon as possible

See ya then!

-Matt

Austin Day 3...

Paradigm shifts are never easy. And it appears, at least for my ministry that I am about to be in the midst of one. I think not realizing a need to change has potentially been the source of some of my recent struggles, but only time will tell. Here is what happened today:

I started the morning out in Jim Burns session on partnering parents. Some of this was review as I have already been using some of his homewords material since last year, but some of it is new. The first bit of a paradigm shift that needs to take place is parental involvement. I have been trying to include my parents in my ministry for some time now, but according to Burns I have been giving them too much of an option to opt out. He suggested upping the quality of what we offer them and make it a bit of a requirement, just like a sport or social club would have. The fact is, every parent should be involved in some way. This will be difficult for me I think as some of my parents are the proverbial "thorn" that Paul talks about. I pray that I can find new and better ways to involve my parents and minister to them more effectively.

The second paradigm shift that is going to be difficult is the idea of changing how I do things. Roland Martinson spoke this morning about having a ministry versus a monster. The whole concept here is about not building our ministries around ourselves and the program itself so as when we leave it creates a monster for the person who comes in after us. The real shift that needs to take place is in creating God followers and not jut consumers. It isn't about the entertainment, but about the relationship with Christ.

Donald Miller reaffirmed this tonight in his message about the change that has taken place within the church over the years. What we have created is a church full of consumers who are looking for the best product out there. We (perhaps unintentionally) have turned ourselves into "Corporation Jesus" as he put it, but what we really need to become is more like a family and not a business.

Can I say that this concept is very difficult for me to grasp since I have invested a lot of time and money in becoming culture savvy and knowing how to provide a quality program that compares to what the world has to offer. All through my college experience I was told that we have to radically change the world by being culturally relevant and offering something just as good as what the world has. So am I now to have to unlearn that? It will be difficult, but I have a feeling I need to let my kids know that I have missed the boat. I have spent so much time trying to entertain them instead of showing them a radical Jesus who is calling them to a radical life change that may be uncomfortable.

So this journey may be a difficult one, but I am willing to give it a shot. I'm not going to go out and encourage my kids to become a monastic society who remove themselves from the world, but I think I have some relearning to do as it relates to understanding and embracing culture and still pointing kids to family style Jesus.

What do you think?
-Matt

A death wish?

Okay some may say that I am crazy and that I have a death wish for what I am about to do today. I am going to wear my Ohio State jersey in Austin. I am hoping that everyone is too preoccupied with the Red River shootout to worry about little old me today, but in all seriousness I am hoping just to have some fun with people today at the convention. After all they ruined our season last year and I've got a right to brag this year don't I? All in good fun though, no harm...I just hope I don't come across that one die hard fan (but hopefully they are up in Dallas watching the game) who desires my life as a sacrifice to Bevo the mascot. I'll hold off on saying go Sooners though...Maybe.

Until tonight...GO BUCKS and BOOMER SOONER (oops I said it)!
-Matt

Austin day 2...

Can I just say that it feels good to laugh again, it feels good to just step back and not feel like I am hiding anymore. I think I had forgotten what it was like to be ministered to by God and just to enjoy life. I am so glad that I chose to put aside my pride and get the help I needed through Mark Yaconelli's critical concerns course. I have decided that I am not going to hide behind a mask anymore. I had this crazy misconception that as a youth pastor I had to have everything figured out...But you know what, I don't and that is okay! I have learned that it is through that weakness that God can use me most. I finally understand why the Lord started out my week with messages from our speaker at retreat about being a "wounded healer." It is okay to be in the storm. Mark ended the session today by having us actually "experience" the passage by getting in the boat. We were either going to be Peter, who wanted out of the storm so bad that he asked God to call him to Him, or we were going to be the disciples who stayed in the boat. I wanted so bad to be Peter and leave the boat, but I felt like I was supposed to stay in the boat, in the midst of the storm for a while longer...Learning to trust the Lord.

Speaking of trust, I am convinced now more than ever that trust is the lesson the Lord is wanting me to learn this weekend. I really feel like I have dealt with the Lord in my own heart and now it is time to simply trust Him for the outcome. Everything that was said today pointed right to that. Buster Soaries spoke about astonishing faith and how I must think of what God can do in ways that I could never imagine-meaning He may do something He has never done IF I trust Him (all things are possible with Him). God specializes in things that have never happened before...Not that I am some great person, but God can do something in the lives of my young people that I would never expect if I will just get out of the way and trust that HE can do it better than I can. Mike Pilavachi reaffirmed that tonight by talking about how Jesus did wondrous miracles, but He did through experiences-successes AND failures, and often more through the latter. He made an interesting point that stood out (actually it may just have been the way I interpreted it) when he said that if everything is going the way we want it to, we can't learn. I guess it is time that I step back and realize that maybe my failures are just ways that the Lord is trying to mold and shape me into the minister than He needs me to be.

The final thing that really got me tonight when Mike was speaking was the concept of "that youth group kid." We all know who they are, they are the one that we are praying will go to another church because they are a distraction or burden in ours. I have to admit, I have prayed that in every church I have been at. I was really convicted of that tonight and I need to apologize to some kids who I have wronged-because I should have been praying that God would use them AS THEY ARE to reach others in the kingdom. There are a few of these kids who I have pushed and challenged and confronted in ways that I shouldn't have all in the name of trying to help them become all they can be with God...What I forgot was that they are on a journey as well, and God can get their attention and use them just as they are right now.

So a lot has been happening, God has really been dealing with me. I feel like if I learn nothing else this weekend I have already learned so much, but I know that with three more days left there are more lessons to be learned.

Thanks Lord for opening my eyes and showing me what I need to work on, forgive me for forgetting how to listen and turning away to myself when I should have been turning to you. It is not about me, but about you! Help me to get out of the way and let you be the God that you are. I am not an expert, I am only a broken and willing vessel willing to be used by you. Help me to minister in spite of myself...Amen

See ya tomorrow!
-Matt

Austin day 1

Okay, so obviously I made it to Austin...Needless to say, for once mapquest was right and the trip was a little longer than I thought. However, so far it has proven well worth it. Even though I had the opportunity, I honestly couldn't sleep in this morning, I think deep down I was anticipating what would come today.

This year I am not alone at the convention, I brought Scott with me. He and his wife are my true youth sponsors, they will do anything you ask whenever needed and lift Megan and I up daily in prayer. I honestly do not know what I would do without their help, so I am glad he will have the opportunity to be fed this year as well.

I am not going to lie. I have been saying for a while that I would talk about how ministry is going, but I have been putting it off, because I wanted to put on a good front that everything was okay. Honestly for a long while I have felt like I have been dying inside, and the only thing that has kept me going in youth ministry is the encouragement that this convention brings every year,along with the occasional blessing that someone passes on to me at the least expected time. Last year was a life changing experience, but this year to me was going to be make or break. I was ready to give up. I have felt like I have been pushing and pushing without any results and have felt attacked by parents and apathy among the youth ministry students and leaders. So I really had been contemplating whether or not I was cut out for this...Or whether it was even worth it or of I was God's man or was just in God's way. There was a lot of "me" and a lot of sulking and complaining...I truly had developed a "poor me" mentality.

So with all that said, this convention has already been a wake up call. I chose to take Mark Yaconelli's critical concerns course called "Becoming the beloved-healing your identity in Christ." Obviously, the word healing stood out the most to me because I have felt broken for sometime now. I had the chance to take this last year and honestly felt like God wanted me to do the soul care option last year, but I was hesitant because that kind of stuff was just not for me, and I was coming to learn new stuff, not get away and "retreat" to grow spiritually. This year though, I couldn't get past the fact that I needed this aspect of the convention this year and I have not been disappointed. After today I already feel like God is working and showing me more of who He is, who I am through Him, and who He wants me to be.

This convention for me will be a "Sabbath." I am resting, and focusing on nothing but the Lord. I am shutting my phone off (except when I talk to my wife) and I am spending more time with him and learning who I am through me. The biggest thing that the Lord has shown me so far through this "retreat" is that it is not about me...But about Him. He doesn't need me for His work to get done. It is a blessing to me that He has chosen to use me, but He could do it without me. I think I have spent too much time making the ministry mine, and not enough making it His.

I am learning how to step aside and allow the Lord to love me. I get so caught up in what people think about me, that I miss what really matters. He has gifted me, He has made me unique and all He wants is for me to offer myself to Him to be used.

The strangest thing though, that has perhaps challenged me the most is the issue of "suffering." I have done a lot of whining to those who are close to me. I think even though I put on a pretty good mask of being all together I have not been a good example to those around me because I have been negative. Because of my hurt I was trying to hurt others and pretend that my life was so bad and that I was the victim. I was whining and wanted everyone to pat me on the back and say "it's not your fault, it's okay." What really challenged me though was the thought that suffering is a part of ministry. I do not want to put myself on a pedestal, and make myself look like I am God's chosen one, because I am not anyone special...Anyone who is in ministry suffers at some time. These recent times have just been mine and I wanted to be the victim. The interesting thought though is that maybe the Lord wants us to suffer...So He can suffer with us. This was a shocking thought for me...We're not to be the victims, but to rejoice in those times and realize that Jesus suffers with us. Look at the disciples, the closer they got to Jesus, the tougher times got. It is all about trust and surrendering it to Him. I think for too long, I have made this my ministry and not allowed it to be the Lord's. I am doing the best I can, but I need to make it His ministry. Times will be tough, but He has placed me there for a reason and in the midst of trials I need to trust Jesus and not Matt.

This convention has already been life changing to me and will be more and more everyday as I seek to draw closer to Jesus. I'll close with this...During one of the contemplative prayer times we drew a picture and colored it. My picture was of a landscape with a river running through it and a big oak on top of a hill. The river had red running through it to represent the wounds I have felt with broken relationships, harsh words, and more. The tree was barren, but with roots digging deep into the ground and some new life growing on it. There was one lone tombstone on the horizon and the sun was setting in the background. The tombstone was my "self" dying and the new growth represented the growth that has occurred and continues to occur as I try to find less of me and more of Him. I think I am at a crossroads, and am nearing a time of radical growth in my life. My only prayer is that there will be less of me and more of Him on a daily basis.

I am so glad I came...Even though at the beginning I felt like I was crawling, I now feel like I am walking with the Lord as he nurses me back to a spiritual "health" that I have missed. Times have been tough, and may remain that way for some time. BUT, the Lord is faithful, He suffers with me and I know I am not alone. Thanks YS for ministering to me and offering this convention!

More to come as the weekend goes on!

Seeking new life,
-Matt

On the road again...

So the last few days have been interesting...Started out Monday afternoon at our district's Pastors/wives retreat in Panama City Beach, FL (yeah suffering for Jesus) and now I am in happy Austin, TX (DOWN WITH THE HORNS!!!) for the Austin Youth Specialties convention. I'm gonna plan on blogging about the event as I go through it starting tomorrow with my critical concerns course and then more as the week goes on. I'll also try to get back in with my thoughts soon about the other new shows I've checked out, "Ugly Betty," and "Friday Night Lights." Off to YS to recoup and be refreshed!

-Matt

Go see this movie!

If you have not seen the movie "Facing the Giants" yet, I would highly recommend going to see it. It is playing in select theaters and most cities will have at least one theater that shows it. If you are not aware of this movie it received a PG-13 meeting because the ACLU and the MPAA felt that it was too blatantly Christian and offensive to those who are not believers. If you don't know the backstory behind this movie, it was made by a church in Georgia. The main character who also wrote and directed the film is the media pastor at his church. It is a great story that will inspire you to stick it out through tough times and honestly has a decent storyline. Being a movie buff I found that it had a little bit of a slow start, but once it got going it was a great film...And the football footage isn't bad either. This movie was funded entirely by the church itself and was finally picked up by Samuel Goldwyn pictures to be distributed. Take your youth groups to see it and encourage your churches to go see it as well. It didn't quite make the top 10 this weekend, but it was number 12 so it should be around for another week or so. If you want more information about the movie you can find it at www.facingthegiants.com

-Matt

Nothing spiritual here...just tv

Okay so just for the fun of it, I thought I would throw my thoughts out here on all things new for the prime time this fall. I'll have to admit, the lineup seems to be pretty good and there are still some new shows to premier so I can't wait to see how the full season pans out. And the cool thing is, we now have a DVR so I can catch the shows that are on during youth or at the same time as another show I want to see...I love technology! So anyway, here goes nothing...

Survivor: Cook Islands- Everyone who knows me knows that Survivor has been my favorite show since it premiered in 2000. I have stuck with it through all 12 seasons, some of which were just "ok" and I have to admit, this year is shaking up to be a good one! I really liked the idea of a racial division among the tribes and those people who have nothing better than do but complain just need to shut up. IT IS NOT CREATING STEREOTYPES-no more than any other season...of course unfortunately this should cease to be an issue to night as Burnett throws in his next new "twist" and shuffles the tribes again. I say let it play out as it is until the normal merge time and lets see what happens. I think the season is going to be great though...my favorite is Cao Boi, but I doubt he'll make it to the end.

The Amazing Race 10- I love this show, but I'll be honest, it is getting a little tired. You can only go around the world and have so many challenges so many times, but I'll stick with it this time solely for the entertainment of the Coal Miner family from Kentucky...talk about sterotypes, there is your example. They are hysterical though...at least she is. Watch it and you'll see what I am talking about.

The Biggest Loser 3- I liked the idea of starting with 50 people from 50 states, but I am disappointed that they cut it down so quick. I know they sent those people home and they are still competing there, but only 2 will make it back to the ranch. what kind of message does that send to the other 34? I suppose they will all lose the weight, but it still doesn't seem right. I do like this show, I wish they spent a little more time on the people and less on the weigh in, but I think it is okay. This show is losing steam for me, but I will keep watching it because it continues to inspire me to keep fighting my own battle. The only issue I have with it is that obviously these people have an advantage that we don't. They are removed from their "worlds" for three months and excercise for 2 to 3 hours a day with a personal trainer, sure they are going to drop 15-20 lbs a week at first.

Well enough of reality tv though. I am beginning to get a little wary of it, and more keeps coming it seems...so lets look at the new dramas and comedies that I have liked so far.

Heroes- There were teasers all through the summer about this new show and I'll admit, the main reason I checked it out was because of those...however after watching the premier episode I am convinced that this is going to be one of the best shows of the season. Sure it plays on my being a fan of comics, but I think the story set up is really cool...people learning they have secret abilities. I look forward to watching this one pan out throughout the season.

Jericho-After two episodes, I am hooked on this show. I think it will rival Lost in its viewership this fall. The story begins with the return of a prodigal son to a small Kansas town followed by the appearance of a mushroom cloud in the distance. Was it an accident, an attack or what? Now throw the whole town into this with no way of finding out and see how the show develops. My only fear in this is how "close" it is to current events. I am pretty sure nothing like this will happen any time soon and it plays on people's fears, but the story is great. Where has the lost son been, who is the mysterous black man that knows so much? Was it just Denver and Atlanta? Watch and see what happens. I am hooked and will watch this all season.

Studio 60-I'm not a huge fan of Matthew Perry, but I do like Aaron Sorkin and the West Wing so I wanted to check this show out. I'll have to admit I was a little leary of this one at first, but have been hooked. If you ever wondered what it is like backstage at a late night show, check this out. The story revolves around two producers who are hired by the show that fired them 2 1/2 years ago after the current producer makes a live rant on the show and gets fired. You would be amazed though at how "true" some of the things were that were said in the speech. I thought it was great and have been watching ever since...can anyone say SNL? It sure reminds me of it just a little bit (circa when Collin Quinn got fired for using Weekend Update to tell Lorne Michaels what he really thought-insert your favorite "f-bomb" here live on tv). Definitely check this one out.

The Class-The only comedy to really catch my eyes this season (sure My Name is Earl and the office are still winners) is The Class on CBS Monday nights. The concept behind this one revolves around a guy who brings back together characters from his third grade class to celebrate the first time he met his girlfriend. I am a little disappointed in the promotion of some things I don't agree with, but the story catches me because we can all think of someone from our classes who is like the characters from the show. Definitely check it out.

So there is dose of what I have been hooked on so far. Some of the returners are going to be turning up the heat I am sure (Lost, ER-which started good this season, and more), and there are some premiering next week (Friday night lights), so I won't make my final decision until later. The only real disappointment for me was that they cancelled Invasion after one season. That show was really intriguing to me.

So what are your thoughts...are there others I need to see and am missing? Do you agree or disagree with me. Let me know.

Rock the Universe 2006

So as I mentioned on September 8th and 9th we took the teens on our annual trip to Rock the Universe, a two day Christian music festival held at Universal Orlando resort. This is always one of our most popular trips each year...And one of the most tiring for me, but it is always awesome. This year featured the biggest names in Christian music on three stages. Most of the bands were pretty awesome, I got to see two of my favorites, Skillet (who have a new album coming out October 3rd-GO BUY IT!) and MxPx...But one in particular surprised me that he was on the docket...Remember Al Denson? Curiosity caught my attention and I was going to go see part of his show, but I had to take a teen to the hospital for dehydration so I missed almost all of the concerts Saturday night (but I did get to see the Ohio State Texas game since I was in the emergency room and there was a TV-could it have been divine intervention?) I can't add any pictures for some reason for now so I'll have to wait on those, but it was an awesome event and I can't wait until next year.

56.29

Okay, so as many of you know, I ran (walked) my third 5k this weekend. Each time I pull a little more time off the clock even though I still cannot run the full distance. I finished this one (the Marine Corps Aviation charity 5k) in 56 minutes and 29 seconds according to the official timing. This is my best time yet. I tried to jog at first (which is hard not to do when you have 2000 chanting Marines behind you and the race begins with a cannon), but had to walk about a quarter of a mile in because of TERRIBLE shin splints. If anyone knows how to prevent these, please let me know as they are killing my ability to jog a race. I was pleased overall and my time is slowly improving, but the best part is I am down 25 pounds since the beginning of the year. I still have a long way to go, but I'll make it! I did finally get some good running shoes after the race which should help with the shin splints some (thanks Runner's World of Pensacola!). Until next time...
-Matt

Labor Day delayed...Part 2

I've been in youth ministry now for 10 years and Labor day weekend was actually a culmination of the time that I have spent in my previous two churches. As mentioned before, the main reason we went home Labor Day weekend was to visit the first church I ever pastored in, Main St. Wesleyan church in Elwood, IN. I always tell people it was where I learned how not to do youth ministry...For instance, it was where I took my teens to see a rated R movie when our go kart trip got rained out (come on Robin Williams is always good clean fun right? Did I mention the film was the Birdcage?)-the lesson learned there was always have a backup plan. Of course there were also the times when I took teens home after events one on one without another sponsor and the student was occasionally a girl-lesson learned...DUHHH!!! Thankfully the Lord protected me during my naivete and I am still in ministry today. It was good to see everyone at the church, but after five years of not visiting there, only four people knew who I was at first. I like to think it was because I look considerably different now with the bald head, goatee, and earrings. Once everyone figured out it was me though it was good to share old memories and see some of the teens who are now married with kids...Wow that makes me feel old. I don't know how much of an impact I had there, but there are still a few people around that I ministered to and I have to trust that God planted a few seeds in spite of my many mistakes.

After a large carry in dinner and visiting for a while I headed up to Marion to see a much changed campus and visit my old boss from Good Shepherd Wesleyan, who is now the assistant director for the center for life calling and leadership on campus. I tell people if Main St. Is where I learned how NOT to do ministry, Good Shepherd is where I learned how to do ministry. Here is a picture of Rick and I with his son Andrew in the background...I am beginning to think Andrew will never stop growing since he is almost a foot taller since we left Jackson a year and a half go...

Rick was not only a boss, but a mentor to me, and much of what I have learned about ministry, he has had a hand in. One thing I appreciate most about him is that he ALWAYS pushed me. He would never let me settle. Every time I would think I had reached the top he would follow up with "what can you do to make it better next time." This was frustrating at times, but because he challenged me I grew more in those 4 years than I did in all my previous time as a student and in the ministry. Rick has become more than a boss and mentor, he is my pastor, one of my best friends, and a brother. I think I miss him more than I ever thought I would when we left Jackson.

You have to understand something...For the first year and a half I was there, his family was my family and when Megan and I got married, Cheri (his wife) and the kids adopted us even more to their family. For that matter, we are family...As is illustrated by the picture below with Meg, Cheri, and Julia (who is now a senior-which seems unbelievable to me)...

Megan and I have already made a list of things that we have gleaned from this family that we want to pass on to our own. They are closer than any family we have met. I guess years in ministry will do that to you. Here is one last picture of the kids (sans Ricky who is serving in the US Army and is currently stationed at Ft. Hood. I have had the privilege of watching them grow up and they are like my own brothers and sisters and always will be!

So, we don't make it home very often anymore, but it is great to catch up with family and friends when we do. Thanks guys for being our family and for making this trip awesome.

Well obviously we are back here in Pensacola and last weekend meant Rock the Universe...So I'll have some pics and thoughts on that next time.

Thanks for reading!

-Matt

Amusement Parks

A little side note before I post the next batch of Labor Day pictures...We took the teens to Rock the Universe this weekend, which I'll blog about soon, but here is a blog I posted on my weightloss blog about amusement parks...

If there is anything that is tough for me being overweight it is not being able to ride roller coasters like I want to. Since I have gotten bigger I cannot ride some of the newer ones as well as some old favorites. This is really frustrating, at times embarrassing, and can make you want to eat more at times. BUT...This weekend we took the teens to Rock the Universe at Universal Studios Orlando and I am closer than ever to being able to ride again! I still couldn't get the buckle fastened on the Hulk or Dueling Dragons, but Meg and the teens pointed out that I was closer this year than last...Which is a good thing. I am walking my next 5k this weekend and it is a military sponsored one so I will get to hear the cadences to cheer me on! The battle continues, but I will not quit!

Labor Day...Delayed

Well I am a little behind on blogging right now as September has just been a blur with youth activities and more, so let me start getting caught up by sharing a bit from our trip home for Labor Day. The main reason we went home was to celebrate the 100th anniversary at Main St. Wesleyan Church (the first church I worked in), but we got to visit family and friends as well. Our first stop for the weekend, after driving all night Friday night was home in Frankfort. After a couple quick hours of sleep it was off to grandma's to go through stuff (which was VERY tough, but all a part of coping) and then to the International Sunflower festival. Now for those of you that know my home town, Frankfort is a very small town and honestly there isn't anything "international" or "sunflower" about it, but every other little town has a fall festival so Frankfort has to have its as well. It was cool though as my niece was in the baby competition and took home second place (although I think she should have won). Here is a pic of here with dad and the trophy, although she doesn't look really happy in this picture...

She looks a little bit happier here with Meg and mom...She really is growing up quickly and at times it is tough not being able to be around her, but it is so good to see her when we can!

One of the highlights of the sunflower festival for me though was getting to see my first grade teacher. There are only a few teachers who I count with having a significant impact on my life and Mrs. Case is one of them. She was the first teacher to set a Christlike example for all of her students and she was always available even when I got older. I am a bit bigger now than I was in those days, but it was great to see her!

It was a great weekend and this was just the start of it. I'll put up more pictures with the next post.

This is what youth ministry is really all about...

It is so easy to get discouraged in youth ministry because it seems like you don't always get the results you are looking for. It is during times like that when the Lord sends something to get your attention. This video reminds me of why I do what I do. My job is to run the race with the students I minister to and help them to understand that CAN'T and FAILURE are words that need to be deleted from a young Christian's vocabulary. Thanks Lord for reminding me of why I do what I do...may this encourage those of you who are having a tough time as well. Until next time, know that I am praying for all of you who are in the trenches with me!

Anniversary

So today marks three years of being married to the most amazing woman in the world. How cool is that? It is hard to believe that there was actually someone crazy enough out there to spend the rest of their life with someone crazy as me. I honestly don't know what I would do without Megan, she is absolutely amazing. She puts up with every little dumb thing I do and still loves me in spite of it. I always tell people that it took me 7 years to catch her, but I am glad she finally let it happen. So here's to 50 or 60 more awesome years!

Maybe Maurice Clarrett should read Proverbs...

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/5858634?FSO1&ATT=HMA

Well by now if you are a sports fan (especially a Buckeye fan like me), you have probably heard about Maurice Clarrett's latest foray into breaking the law. Let's see, his attorney says he had no intent to hurt someone, yet he had four loaded weapons in his car (including an AK47 style assault rifle) and he was wearing a bulletproof vest. Nahh, he wasn't out to get anyone, he was just on a joyride, wanted to race the cops and was trying to start a new fashion trend....COME ON!!!

What I don't get is how someone with as much talent as Clarrett has (or had-depending on how you look at it) can go so wrong. I mean here is a guy that led the Buckeyes to a national championship, and I am not saying he wasn't good. He was awesome, but I think he got WAY too ahead of himself. He got arrogant and thought he was the best there was and deserved to get what he wanted when he wanted it...NOW. So he bales on the Buckeyes, tries to go into the draft loses the appeal and then when he finally can get into the NFL he is drafted by Denver and then blows it...Come on man you had your shot!

Well we all know it was downhill from there, he holds up someone at a bar in January, goes to jail and then right before the trial pulls this stunt. Here is a man who could have had it all, and now he may well spend a lot of time in jail because of his arrogance.

Maybe Maurice should have read Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Hey Maurice, it's not too late you can still turn your life around and be an example for a generation to come. Turn your heart toward the Lord and listen to Him instead of yourself.

So what about us, most of us don't have what it takes to be a professional athlete, but I think we can all learn from this experience. We can get ahead of ourselves and God when we think we are it. I have been there, done that, and had to live with the scars. Without the Lord we are nothing. He is the source of our talent and gifts and we need to give Him the honor he deserves and let it be known that without Him we are nothing.

It is a shame that a talented young athlete now is behind bars, but we can learn from this, if we will let God lead us.

So what do you think?

Surprised by God

I will never cease to be amazed by the Lord. He always seems to catch us off guard, which is really a "shame on me" for not trusting Him more. Throughout discouragement and frustration, we turn too Him...All too often only as a last resort (again shame on me), but in the midst of all that, He still comes through. I guess it is the "wait" principle that I hate so much. Many of you know the frustrations that Megan and I have had recently with her job. The prayer has always been Lord confirm that she's supposed to be there or provide a way out. I had always operated with the mindset of the bank was where the Lord wanted her to be, but always prayed with her for a way out since I knew she didn't want to be there. Forever though, it seemed that she was going to be at a job that she didn't want to be in, and was just trying to learn to be content with that (I'll let her blog about that-IF she ever gets online).
Well last week we received a phone call out of the blue from a lady with the county school district. She needed to speak with Megan and needed to ASAP. I thought for sure it wouldn't be for a job because school starts next week and surely they wouldn't have still not filled positions. You see Meg had interviewed with this lady for a position earlier in the summer and had been told she was not going to get the positions that were open so we had moved on and accepted the fact that the bank was where she would be for now. Boy were we wrong. Meg called me in tears telling me the lady had offered her a position teaching music three days a week. We called the HR department the next morning to ask about pay and benefits and the HR lady wondered why she was not offered the full time position at another school. Meg said she wasn't sure, but to make a long story short, THEY OFFERED HER A FULL TIME POSITION TEACHING MUSIC! What an answer to prayer...We had been given what we thought was a "no" but God was simply saying "wait." So this next Tuesday amongst excitement and fear my lovely wife begins her teaching career as Mrs. McKee, the music teacher at Navy Point Elementary school-and did I mention the Lord through in better benefits AND a pay increase?
So if you are discouraged and wondering, just remember He hasn't given up and He will provide, it's just his timing and not ours....GOD IS GOOD, even when we are not trusting enough is HIS plan for our lives.
See ya soon...Lots more to blog about this week including our burrito eating contest at Moe's Southwest and the possible soon visit from Tropical Storm Chris
-Matt
(oh and sorry for stealing my wife's thunder, she can blog about this too, but I wanted everyone to know and since she doesn't log on that often, I took the initiative to tell ya'll thanks for your prayers!)