Goin bald???

Okay, so it has officially gotten HOT here in Florida, and although the beach is nice I unfortunately can't get down there every day to enjoy it... It was nice on Monday though. So with the heat I am thinking of shaving my head to keep me a bit cooler. I have done it before, and without facial hair I look like uncle fester...but since I have a wicked chin wig going on right now it would probably look not too bad. So what do you think? Here is a pic of what it looked like the first time I did it...
Considering going bald....
-Matt

All good things...

Well, as I expected it to do, all good things must come to an end. Today is the last day of escape for me. This afternoon I have to head a couple of hours north to Gainesville where I'll be until Saturday for our District Assembly (equivalent of District conference in the WC). It's not that I don't enjoy this event, it is just that I hate to leave what I have enjoyed so much for the last few days. It is bye bye Disney magic and hanging by the pool reading and back to business as usual. I guess this is all a part of life until someday when I may....I say may....be able to retire. Vacations are great though and I am so glad the Lord provided this opportunity to get away for a few days. So in an effort to make the most of it I am off to Epcot for awhile today, and then a quick stop to get a new shirt (I hadn't expected being here this extra week, but with grandma's death I decided to take a couple of extra days and so I really don't have the clothes I need for DA). Regardless I am going to make the most of this last day of freedom! Have a great day and I'll be sure to give you the lowdown tomorrow on Epcot and maybe muse a bit about District Assembly.

On my mind today...

So yesterday was a bit of a yuck day, it rained so a park was out of the question. Knowing this I hit the road and explored Orlando heading out and seeing the church where I did my mission trip 15 years ago and doing a little shopping at the Mall at Millenia. It was cool to see the church, not a whole lot has changed and I didn't get to see the pastor, but it was still cool to reminisce. I am in ministry today because of that trip and the only reason I went initially was so I could go to Disney for the first time in my life. Funny how the Lord uses things we intend for our glory for His.

After that I picked up a copy of Jeff Dunham's arguing with myself DVD @ Wally world. I highly recommend it if you like ventriloquists. It's not cheesy and it is hysterical, very well done. There is a little language in the video, but you can choose to watch it with "bleeps" or "without." I watched the unbleeped version and there isn't a whole lot of language, but I recommend watching the bleeped first if you get easily offended. Check it out though.

Last night Meg and I headed to Magic Kingdom. We got to do almost everything we wanted and topped the night off with Space Mountain, which still has to be one of the best coasters around. We "watched" the fireworks show "Wishes" as we were leaving and let me tell you, it was AMAZING...maybe it was the Disney "magic" mixed with an awesome soundtrack, but I believe it is one of the best shows I have every seen. There is just something about the fireworks going on with the backdrop of the castle. If you plan a trip to Disney...DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW!

This morning, I dropped Meg off and headed to Animal Kingdom for a few hours. I definitely recommend the new Expedition Everest. It is a great coaster once again mixed with the effects, there are times when you really feel like you are going to get hit by the Yeti...and the backwards portion of the coaster pulls some excellent G's. Any coaster buff won't want to miss this one. Then of course I had to hit "It's tough to be a bug," which is a great 4D attraction. I also recommend Dinosaur and the spinning coaster Primevil Whirl, although they can be a bit rough on the rides themselves. Animal Kingdom is definitely worth the time if you are planning a trip.

Well I am off to pick up Meg...and then we are off to Animal Kingdom for a run on Everest and anything else we can get in together. We are gonna end the night with dinner at Rainforrest Cafe which is one of the best ones I've ever seen. Well until next time...
Walkin and talkin with the animals...
-Matt

Everything I needed to know about church I learned at Disney...

Okay, so maybe I'm crazy, but I love Disney. Being back in Orlando this week until having to go to Gainesville for District Assembly on Thursday I have had the chance to hang out at the parks. I love going there, I can't describe it, but there is just something about them that makes me feel different. As I was walking around yesterday I began to think you know there are a few things we can learn from Disney that may help us as a church. First, they go all out when it comes to making you feel welcome. As you approach the parks you see elements that show you that you are about to enter into another "world." Everything is "fun," the parking attendants welcome you with a little "dance" as they direct you, are smiling as they point, and are approachable on any level to help make you feel welcome and that they are glad you are here. If there is one thing that concerns me it is the amount of people we are losing at our churches because they do not feel "welcome." I think it is time we start going out of our way to welcome people. The next thing I noticed is that they do everything 150%. Employees are not employees, they are "cast members" and a part of the grand scheme that is Disney. Everything they do affects the image of the company, and even the street sweepers seem glad to be there and willing to assist wherever they can. The parks look like the fantasy world you are in, the ride queues have theming, and you literally are made to be a part of the world that is "Disney." Even the cheesy dialogues and corny jokes are done well and you just feel like there is a pride in being "Disney." There is an identity there, if they can be this excited and go this all out for a theme park, what can we do as a church when we have an eternal message and no charge for admission (okay some of you might consider tithing an admission charge)? How many times have we settled for "status quo" Christianity" instead of going above and beyond with the message of Christ. Finally, Disney always seems to be thinking outside the box. As they grow, they are introducing new ideas and trying new things, and once again, you get to be a part of this. I am not saying go out and accept the syncretism and toleration that the world proclaims, but isn't it time we start thinking big since we serve a big God? These are just my thoughts and I could be wrong, but I know I feel different when I go to Disney. I just have to wonder if we couldn't do so much more for Christ if we would just apply some of these same concepts to our walks with Christ. What do you think? Are there more? Am I wrong? Let me know...
Living in a "small world" and serving a BIG God...
-Matt

Bird flu?

Given the ridiculously hokey movies that was on last night about bird flu-which I didn't even bother watching, I needed to pass this on to you all because I am a little concerned. Most of you know that we moved to Florida this last year and everything is great here...Until now. They have unfortunately discovered the first cases of bird flu here in Florida and I am pretty sure that this could be a bad thing. They have quarantined us and we are being closely watched. I have been trying to prevent this from being shown in the media, but I thought I would post a picture from the scene just so you know how desperate it is. Please pray for us and that this doesn't mutate and spread to all of us here...

Okay so obviously this was designed to give you a laugh, and I got an extra special kick out of it given the fact that our youth are doing a "flamingo" fundraiser right now. Have a great day, be blessed and laugh because life is too short not to have fun!

Saying goodbye to grandma...

It is with a heavy heart and sadness that I write today's blog. I had to say goodbye to my grandma this morning. I initially started to say goodbye to her 3 years ago when they diagnosed her with bone cancer, but she fought through it and made it through several milestones that I wanted her to be at such as my ordination and getting married. There were times that I thought she would pass, but each time she beat every obstacle and seemed to come back for more. I was beginning to think that she was invincible. A couple of weeks ago, she informed us that they wanted her to go on kidney dialysis, and she was not going to do it. At that point and time I knew it wouldn't be long. The funny thing was, I had had a dream that she died on our birthday the night before i found this information out (we share a birthday and this year would have been a milestone for both of us). She had decided that she was going to not do dialysis or chemo any longer because her quality of life was getting worse with each day. She was ready to go home and be with the Lord when it was time. The doctors had said though that things might not have been as bad as originally thought and she might be okay for a while longer. So even though I was preparing to say goodbye, I didn't quite think it would be this soon. She went into the hospital yesterday with trouble breathing and retaining fluid real bad. I didn't want to admit it, but I had a hunch this might be it. Knowing this I prayed that if she was going to suffer the Lord would just take her home. I guess He answered my prayers. Last night she was resting comfortably and went to sleep. She woke up long enough to talk a little bit to my Uncle who was by her side and then she went to sleep again...this time though she woke up with Jesus standing there arms wide open welcoming her home. It is hard to say goodbye, and I will miss her, but I know she is in Heaven with grandpa again worshipping God for eternity together. We had a great relationship, I wish I could have seen her face to face one last time, which wasn't possible since I am in Florida, but I got to talk to her right before all this happened and she said she was ready no matter what happened. She always knew what to say, when to say it and was always there when I needed her most. I'll miss you grandma and I'll see you one day when I get there.

Salt and Light?

Does the Bible not command us to be salt and light? Are we not supposed to make sure that we are doing everything in our power to make a difference in the world? The last time I checked, that was the case, but maybe I am wrong. I am not sure what some people read when they open Matthew 5:13-16, but I look at it and here is what I see in the latter part of those verses...
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify youth Father in Heaven."

Okay so maybe I am crazy, but those verses to me say that first I need to do my best to live my life above reproach, and then do whatever necessary through whatever means are provided to take the message of the gospel to a lost and dying world. Right? Am I off on this one? Evidently according to some people I am, here is the situation...I finally after much thinking and praying signed up for a myspace account. Most of you may be saying big deal, but obviously it has been getting a lot of flack recently about stuff that is online. I know this to be true, that is why I was so hesitant to sign up. However, I have found that teens will actually speak their mind there, open up about stuff they won't say in person and for once they take their masks off, because unfortunately we all still wear masks even at church (I'll be the first to admit it, I hate it, but sometimes as a pastor I have to wear a mask in order to keep my job...We can't be real).

So here is why I myspace....1. It allows me to keep in touch with my teens-it works as well if not better than a phone call. 2. It allows me to let them know of events coming up. 3. It helps me see what they are really thinking, and opens a door in a non-threatening way. 4. It may be a place where someone who sees me as a "friend" begins to ask some spiritual questions (I mention this because someone was upset that my pic was on a top 8 list next to a kid with a foul display name-I hate this, but I can't control where this kid puts my name. Obviously to him I am somewhat important, and imagine if someone looking comes along and sees my profile in the midst of the other stuff and clicks on it and then maybe starts asking spiritual questions. 5. It is out there, it is popular,and it can be used as a way of spreading light just as much as it can be used to spread darkness.

So I am going to continue to have a myspace...It has allowed me to be encouraged by former teens as well as catch up with people from my ministry since the beginning. It may not be the best avenue of spreading the gospel, but it is one more way to live out Matthew 5:14 in my book. Maybe I am wrong, what do you think?

-Matt

I'm a bad blogger...

Okay so as of late, I have been a bad blogger...I guess trying to finish up a master's will do that to you. If I can just get this class done only one more left!!! So since I haven't had the chance to put a real post on here recently, let me just offer some advice that I heard recently....HERE GOES....

"Never argue with and idiot...they'll only drag you down and beat you with experience!"

I'll try to be better-My class is done next week, and Meg is going to Orlando for 2 weeks of training for her soon to be promotion (YEAH GOD!) and I am going with her for a week. Since she will be in training all day I am planning on stayin close to the pool and catching up on some books I've been wanting to read, and I plan to post more often starting next week!

One final though for all you American Idol fans- Kellie Pickler is finally gone...YES! Now if Taylor Hicks can only pull it off, but there is some great competition yet to come. And for you survivor fans, I think Terry has got it in the bag, but we'll see.

By the way, and then I am finally done, for you myspacers...I have a site there now, my profile name is reverenddude

Until next week (or maybe a little earlier),

-Matt

Weight discrimination???

I posted this on my weight loss blog/journal, but I wanted to throw it out there to see if people think I am off base or if there is some validity to this. Let me know what you think...

Weight discrimination???
Does anyone else believe that this exists? I know that people out there have proven that racial prejudices and discrimination exist, but I am sure now more than ever that weight discrimination exists as well. I'm already convinced it exists at amusement parks, I can't ride the rides I want to ride (which is one reason I am losing this weight), and they claim that for safety reasons they have to have certain restrictions...I don't buy it, I can remember riding world record breaking roller coasters as a kid with nothing but a lap bar that didn't come anywhere near my waist. Anyway, that is beside the point, but I am more convinced now than ever that it does exist. I think my wife has been overlooked for a promotion twice now for her weight even though I can't prove it and they would deny it if she every tried to accuse them of it...But when the people they put in the position are less qualified and only weigh 125 max something is up if you ask me. But the real reason I want to know is because it seems that people listen to skinny people more than they listen to people who are overweight. Just because I am not sports oriented and pencil thin does that mean that my ideas aren't as good? It sure seems that way. Anyone else every feel this way? Anyway, I am just venting because of some stuff that happened today-I had the same idea as someone, mentioned it and they ignored it-15 minutes later someone else made the same suggestion and they said hey what a great idea...What's the deal? Okay, I am done venting...What do you think, am I off base? The battle is raging on, I know I am still losing as the new pants I bought are fitting better than ever, but I still can't see any results. Day by day!!! That's all I can do I am afraid

Running and not being chased...

okay, so it has been awhile since I've blogged, it has been crazy recently. All is good though. The biggest thing that has happened is that last Saturday (the 11th) I participated in the largest prediction run in America. A few of you know that one of my goals for this year as I get in shape was to run a 5k. Well I actually walked more than I ran, but still got it done. Check out my weight loss blog at http://mattmjourney.blogspot.com for all the details and a couple of pics.

Until next time...
-Matt

Mardi Gras

Being in Pensacola is a new adventure for us. We love the area, and there are alot of fun things to do. In February, we got our first taste of a southern tradition (family style) in the event called Mardi Gras. Of course, New Orleans is where are the bad stuff happens with Mardi Gras, but the event actually started in Mobile. Pensacola also has a family friendly version in their parades (held in the daytime) and we got to go this year, with mom and dad. Even though it rained, we had a great time. Here are a few of the pictures we took after the parade. Mom and dad actually went home with 530 strands of beads...

Mom got this Miller hat-some guy placed it on her head. It is so funny because my mom has NEVER drank a day in her life, mix the hat with all the beads that she got and you get quite the party animal.

Dad, mom, and Megan really got into the spirit at the parade. I kind of hung back trying to keep dry because it was raining (a cold rain) and I had on a tshirt. I tried to keep mom dry since she was sitting ankle deep in a puddle, but once the rain stopped it was back to bead collecting. Crazy they are!

I had to put this picture of mom and Megan in, becuase with the amount of beads they have it looks like they were quite the part animals.

Okay, my dad had a little too much fun, and not one drop of alcohol. It proves you don't have to drink to have fun. I tried to convince him that this was a family event and flashing wasn't around, but I guess he just got caught up in the moment...

So after the rain, I was kind of not into Mardi Gras as much since I got soaked, but when we got home, my dad convinced me to lighten up a bit and get in one last "flash"...It's scary, i know.

Well Mardi Gras was quite the experience. It was fun, but the best part was having my folks down...did I mention they've been down here three times since Christmas? I think they are just trying to escape the cold up north.

Thanks guys for coming to see us! We miss you lots!

a Race war?

So I've been watching the news these last couple of days and I am beginning to wonder if pretty soon we aren't going to have another war to worry about-a new race war. It is a new world living down here in the south, and I'll be honest, it was a bit of a shock when I saw that Alabama celebrates a dual holiday on MLK day...they also celebrate the legacy of Robert E Lee and his birthday...now that was a new one for this yankee. In addition to that I turn on the news and I see Hillary Clinton running her mouth as always about how the House is run like a "plantation" good marketing move on her part to say it in an all black church service. Then they show good ole Ray Nagin...gotta love the man and what does he say? New Orleans is going to be rebuilt as a "chocolate city." I just wonder and I get a little nervous when I see and here stuff like this if we aren't on the verge of another race war like what was fought during the Civil rights days of the 60's. I don't know, what do you think, but living here in Pensacola (Or lower Alabama-being as close as we are) I can definitely see some riffs between people of different races and I just wonder...time will tell I guess

I need help

Okay to some of you that is an understatement...see Olmstead I already knew what you were going to say before you said it. Anyway, something is driving me nuts. I know how to add pictures to my blog, but for the life of me I cannot get a picture added to my profile. Can someone walk me through how to do it? I know I can take a picture from a posting and use that, but if I need to resiz it to fit how do I do that? Someone please help, I want to put a picture of us up on my profile page. thanks! I'll write more later on what is going on these last few days!

How would you answer this one?

Since every once in awhile I throw something youth ministry related up on here I thought I would toss this one out to see what those few of you who read this might have to say on this topic...Here's the scenario, while I was home I ran into a student who was from one of the youth groups that I used to speak at often when I was in Ohio (no John S. This is not you). I asked him how he was doing and how things were going in his ministry. He kind of hesitated and gave me the typical youth pastor answer, but I could tell there was more to the story. There were a couple of people around, so when I got him alone I asked him what was really going on. He was sharing with me how he is really struggling in his ministry right now. He went on to explain how things were really tough. After asking a little bit more he shared how he is really wrestling with whether or not he should stay at this church and he doesn't seem to be getting any real direction from the Lord (no clear answer). To give you a little more background this is the church he took right out of college, he served there for a year and then got married to a girl from his school that he had been dating for some time. The two of them are now serving in this church together. She is really having a tough time since it is 600 miles from anything familiar and she has yet to find a job...Basically she hates it there and is really struggling with being there. This has caused him to struggle since things are not going as well as he would like them to be at the church either. He said he doesn't want to be a youth ministry "statistic" (under 18 months) and really cares for his kids, but is just having a tough time seeing the Lord in all of this since his wife is having such a tough time. He asked me if he should resign and start over somewhere new (closer to home) or stay put and stick with it. I told him that I really couldn't give him a definite answer, but to pray with him and walk with him through whatever decision he made. So how do you answer a question like that? Our roles in ministry and the Christian faith are in this order-God, family, church right? There is a big part of me that wanted to tell him to uproot and go with his feeling so he could better minister to and "with" his wife (if she isn't happy he can't give his all to his ministry-believe me I've been there), but there is also the part of me that says if God calls you to a place then you need to be faithful there. What are your thoughts on this? How would you have answered him? I guess I copped out on him by not giving him my opinion, but I didn't feel like I could do anything but pray for him. I'm going to be following up with him so any thoughts?
Until next time...
-Matt

New Year's Revolution

Have you ever been on a journey that wasn't easy or fought a battle many times that you have never won? Well that is right where I am at. The new year is always a time when we make resolutions...I HATE resolutions, that's why this year I am not making any. However, I have asked the Lord to help me start a new year's revolution in a couple of different areas. First I have asked Him to really break through into the lives of my teens this year. We are making progress, but it is a tough battle and the enemy is trying very hard to keep them from achieving their potential in Christ. With His help this will be their year to finally "get it" and make big strides in their walks with Him. On a personal level, for those of you who know me I have fought a battle with my weight pretty much all of my life and I have reached a point where if things don't change I know I will be taking years off of my life if I haven't already. 2006 is going to be a year of revolution for me, I really believe it. Please pray for my teens and also for me as we fight these battles. Also if you are interested in following my personal battle I have started a new blog that will deal specifically with my weight battle. The site is http://mattmjourney.blogspot.com Thanks for your friendship and prayers and may 2006 be a year of New Year's Revolutions for you as well.
In Him,
-Matt

I'm dreaming of a warm Christmas...

"I'm dreaming of a warm Christmas, you know the ones without the snow...where the beaches glisten, and the wind aint whistlin..." Okay so it is a work in progress, but that is the case for me. We were flying into Dayton the other night, the plane turned to make its approach, I looked down, and there is was, the nasty stuff known as snow. I'm definitely ready to head south again. I didn't like the cold before, but now that I live where it is warm most of the time, I hate it even more. I think next year I am going to ask people to come to us for Christmas...let them experience a warm Christmas without the cold and snow. The snow hasn't been falling, but it is on the ground and the wind has been ridiculously cold-it was like 15 below with the wind chill yesterday. I can't take that, even with my winter coat which I kept I am still chilled to the bone. I know, I am a wuss and should just let it be, but I am cold. Then add on top of the cold the in-laws and it makes for an interesting mix. I love being in Ohio and seeing family and friends, but I will definitely be ready to head home come Monday. Have a great Christmas and we'll talk to you soon!
-Matt

So what this passage really says is...

Okay, those of you who had any religion classes at IWU can appreciate this. I am trying to finish an exegesis paper for Dr. Lennox in my latest master's class. I have never been that good at these things, and am really nervous about this one since it is for a 500 level class. Hopefully he will be full of grace this Christmas season. What is an exegesis paper you ask? Well it is basically where you dissect a passage of Scripture to get the real meaning behind it (or how you interpret it) and then how it applies to your life and what it says about God's character. Hopefully I'll do okay on this one, it is on 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 which is a real winner of a passage when it comes to exegeting. Well, I'll do my best and then it is off the the big OH for a few days of winter fun and family. I'll try and post while I'm there, but just in case, Merry Christmas, and we'll see you soon!

-the mattster

A loss of a friend...

This morning I came into the office and Don our music pastor said that I had a message on our church voice mail from one of my teens in Jackson. After listening to the message, I had to sit down. It was from Clint, one of my former teens who I was pretty close to and still interact with when I get the chance. He had left a message Saturday and I didn't get it until today. He was calling to let me know that his mom had passed away Friday unexpectedly. It was a shock to me, she can't be more that 40 some years old. She had had some surgery a couple of years ago and some back troubles, but nothing that you would expect to cause this. I called and talked to Joe, Clint's step dad and he said they still don't know what happened. It is really sad. Here is a woman who started coming to church becuase Clint had gotten involved in youth group. She had gotten plugged into the women's ministry and got saved and was faithful unless down with back pain and couldn't come. She was always an encouragement and would have a hug and a smile waiting on Sundays at church. When I was down, she was always there with a smile to encourage Megan and I. I don't know why the Lord allowed this to happen now, but I know I can rest easy because she is in Heaven today. Thanks Clint for bringing your mom to church and thanks Leesa for being an encouragement to Megan and I. We will miss you, but we'll meet again someday. Joe and Clint, know that I am praying for you and will be glad to listen when you need an ear.

Not a bad weekend after all

What's up folks? Well it is a Monday which is what it is no matter how you look at it, but it is shaping up to be a good day and a great week hopefully. I thought I would blog a few lines and let ya know what has been shakin since my last rant Saturday. Service went well yesterday. I had to don my superhero costume and be "Brad" for kidstuf yesterday (Which is fun except for the fact that I have to put makeup on right now to cover my goatee)- The skit was a funny one and I really enjoyed it. This kids program is starting to take off and more and more of my teens are getting involved in it so it is a double blessing in that it provides them with an opportunity to serve in ministry and feeds the youth group as these kids grow up). I inherited a fundraiser I didn't know about yesterday where the teens are supposed to pass out the Christmas cards and people make donations. It's a lot of work, but hey the teens made 70 bucks yesterday, can't complain about that. After service I decided I would bury the hatchet with this parent who was giving me grief. I decided that if there was ever any way I was going to get them on my side I needed to get this talked through. He just happened to have to lock up yesterday so I spent a few minutes talking with him and everything is fine. He is just as concerned about kids being left out as I am and I think that is why he was so upset the day before. It all boiled down to one of those miscommunication things for me which was a reminder to make sure that people are always OVER informed no matter what (rookies if there are any of you, take note of that). I have been relying too much on the bulletin, power point, and word of mouth. So things are good there. I tried again to plug him into helping on some level (with communication especially-email or whatever) but he like most parents is reluctant to get involved since his daughter is in the youth ministry so no go on that yet. So the weekend was great and did I mention saw LW&W twice and it gets better every time! I'll prob see it again. Everything ended last night with going to Meg's office party at a place here in town called the FishHouse (it is an upscale seafood place I guess). It was alright-a lot of fancy finger food which didn't look that great to me, besides I was more interested in getting home and watching the Survivor:Guatemala finale. I missed the first part of Lydia getting voted out (shame, I kinda wanted her to win), but was able to see the rest. I was pretty shocked though that Danni pulled it off, but I am glad it was her and not Stephanie. They kept claiming that Danni was all about strategy, but I still think it was more about her being in the right place at the right time. Stephanie probably did deserve it since she "played the hardest" and did it twice, but I just didn't like her and it looks like she just burnt too many bridges playing the game. And I wasn't the least bit surprised that Judd showed himself like he did. There is always one. So survivor is done until January or February. It looks like it could be a pretty good season with the whole Exile island thing. Time will tell. Well that is about all for now. Be encouraged, trust the Lord and give him your all. Talk to you soon!
-McKee

Parents are going to be the death of me yet...

Okay, so I'm not going to lie and tell you that everything is perfect today. Honestly I'm having a bad day, and I'm pretty sure that Megan is probably at the house crying too. It is just amazing that there are some people no matter how hard you try you- can't do anything right. I've decided that if there is going to be anything that every runs me out of youth ministry it is going to be parents. So here is what is going on...We decided we were going to do a spontaneous youth trip this weekend to see The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe (www.narnia.com). I had a sign up sheet Wednesday night so I could order tickets. The deal was if you signed up, I pre-ordered a ticket for you, if you didn't you had to take your chances and meet us at the theater. Shouldn't be an issue. Well this morning, I'm at a piano recital at the mall watching one of my junior high teens and my phone rings and it is a dad accusing me of purposely leaving his daughter out of the event and doing things without her. She wasn't there Wednesday because she was sick and missed the announcement. I'm sorry they didn't know, I told the teens to spread the word because I wouldn't be able to call everyone and tell them to meet, but because I knew there would be issues if I didn't let her know about it I tried to call. I looked directly at my youth database and called the number that I have in my teen directory. I didn't get an answer so I just let it be. I talked with a couple of the other teen girls and told them to make sure she knew about it so she could meet us there if she wanted. Well I don't know what happened, but she found out second hand and of course she isn't coming. So what does dad do, he calls and yells at me accusing me of purposely leaving her out and then questioning my integrity by accusing me of not calling since my number didn't pop up on their caller id. Is it my fault that I put the wrong number in the system? I do my best to interpret teen handwriting when I enter a number from a card, but occasionally I get it wrong, so I guess I must have screwed up there, but please don't question my integrity. Of course this is the family that decided to have a little pow wow about me last Sunday night with some other parents trying to stir up trouble and then made me look like an idiot in front of our guest speaker during our TPF (teen parent fellowship) last Sunday night by questioning the things I do indirectly and "asking" him how he does things (implying the way I SHOULD do things). Oh by the way did I mention that they have had several other "issues" with my ministry since I've been here too (dress code, a Bible Study covenant I had the teens sign). I just can't do anything right for them. You know what though, I am done trying. I cannot cater to one family. There are 25 kids in this group and each of them need me as much as the other ones do. It is not about me or about them, but about God and so I press on keeping doing the best that I can do. I'm going to hang in there, I'm going to press on, I know the Lord has us here for a reason, and I am going to keep loving this family even though they hate me. If you are a newbie reading this or are maybe going through something similar, hang in there, don't give up! Sorry for the vent today, it just makes me feel better and I guess shows you that youth pastors have bad days too.

Until the next time-
-Matt