I was really pleased with youth group went last night. There were some unexpected people that came and to be honest, I love that. So the big question, how do you teach about living an integrity filled life to a generation that fudges everything? Integrity is a tough one, but so very vital to living a life worth living.
Some of the students shared about how doing the right thing are not accepted. I know this to be true, but it leaves me floored every time I’m confronted with it. When was doing the right thing the wrong thing. Well, too be honest it’s not just the teens of this generation that struggle with that. If you’re an adult reading this do you remember being a teen, you never wanted to come across as a goodie-two-shoes and integrity would take a back seat.
I am convinced that unless you are one very sick individual you know what the right thing to do is. That doesn’t mean we always act on that knowledge, but more often than not we know what the right thing to do is. Keep that thought for just a moment.
Some of the students also voiced that they try not to care what others think of them. If this is true and we do, deep down, know what is right then why don’t we step out and try something different and do the right thing? The answer is easy; it’s because of sin, yes that icky topic. Sin does keep us from being the person God created us to be, but that doesn’t mean we have to let it win all the time.
How’s is life working for you? (Sorry, bad take off from Dr. Phil) Government official, pastors, teachers, lawyers, doctors, you name it; have failed at modeling integrity to us and the younger generations. If life isn’t working so great for you then stand with me and do something different. Live a life that stands for integrity.
Proverbs 13:6 says, “A God-loyal life keeps you on track; sin dumps the wicked in the ditch.” This is basically saying, “Live a life of godly integrity and you will stay on track, but for sin it will only through you to the wayside.” Let’s get out of the ditch and run on the track.
Blessings,
Pastor Scott
I'm just a man seeking God's face...
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
After Thoughts...Goal Oriented
This version of After Thoughts is not really on the subject of being Goal Oriented. Even though I am a youth pastor and love what I do, last night I my mind was not on the kids. Many of you know what has been going on with my in-laws, but if you don't let me catch you up to speed.
Last Thursday night they lost everything (except their lives and the dog) to a house fire. The fire was due to a gas leak and they are truly lucky to be alive. Here is a link to see some of the fire pictures: http://www.sanjuanislander.com/groups/fire_orcas/01-08-2009.shtml .
As if this wasn't enough Kim's dad, Doug, was coming down to Seattle from their property in the San Juan Islands. He still works as a dentist and had a couple of patients lined up for Monday. It was going to be a good distraction from dealing with the loss of so much. On the drive down his right hip dislocates. This is a hip that has been replaced twice in recent history. So, Sunday night they got to a hospital in Seattle and the doctors were trying to pop his hip back into place. The doctors couldn't get it back in so they were going to do it surgically on Monday. Oh yeah I forgot to mention that Kim and Luke headed up to meet her parents in Seattle. The surgery took quite a while and later that evening they found out why. His hip joint was so full of infection that it popped it out of the socket. Ouch!!! So, instead of resetting his hip they cleaned out the socket and don't plan to re-set it for another 6 or so weeks. Yes, that's right his leg is attached only by flesh and tissue.
I found this little bit of information out on Tuesday, which is also youth group night. Needless to say I felt very distracted. I think I gave a talk and played a game, but I really don't remember much from the last few days.
So how does this tie into being "Goal Oriented"? It doesn't. God does things that at times we can't understand and at time He allows things to happen that seem out of control. But I believe in a God who is in control and nothing is by accident. That doesn't mean that this kind of things are easy, matter of fact they are very hard, but God had a plan when He created the universe, He had a plan when He created Adam and Eve and He has plans for you and me. We don't always get what happens, but I know I can rest in the fact that He does understand. For that I am eternally grateful.
My prayer if for Doug and Jeri. Let them grieve the loss of a home (which in many ways is like losing a loved one). May they continue to be thankful for life and life abundantly. I also pray for healing, both physical and emotional. May God be with Doug and Jeri and they adjust to what is going to be a different lifestyle than they had before.
For those of you reading this, please take inventory of your life. Not just material things, but what truly matters to you. If it is stuff understand that it can be taken away in a matter of seconds. If the things that matter most are people, then make sure they know that. Hold them close and make sure they know that you care about them.
Blessings on you,
Pastor Scott
Last Thursday night they lost everything (except their lives and the dog) to a house fire. The fire was due to a gas leak and they are truly lucky to be alive. Here is a link to see some of the fire pictures: http://www.sanjuanislander.com/groups/fire_orcas/01-08-2009.shtml .
As if this wasn't enough Kim's dad, Doug, was coming down to Seattle from their property in the San Juan Islands. He still works as a dentist and had a couple of patients lined up for Monday. It was going to be a good distraction from dealing with the loss of so much. On the drive down his right hip dislocates. This is a hip that has been replaced twice in recent history. So, Sunday night they got to a hospital in Seattle and the doctors were trying to pop his hip back into place. The doctors couldn't get it back in so they were going to do it surgically on Monday. Oh yeah I forgot to mention that Kim and Luke headed up to meet her parents in Seattle. The surgery took quite a while and later that evening they found out why. His hip joint was so full of infection that it popped it out of the socket. Ouch!!! So, instead of resetting his hip they cleaned out the socket and don't plan to re-set it for another 6 or so weeks. Yes, that's right his leg is attached only by flesh and tissue.
I found this little bit of information out on Tuesday, which is also youth group night. Needless to say I felt very distracted. I think I gave a talk and played a game, but I really don't remember much from the last few days.
So how does this tie into being "Goal Oriented"? It doesn't. God does things that at times we can't understand and at time He allows things to happen that seem out of control. But I believe in a God who is in control and nothing is by accident. That doesn't mean that this kind of things are easy, matter of fact they are very hard, but God had a plan when He created the universe, He had a plan when He created Adam and Eve and He has plans for you and me. We don't always get what happens, but I know I can rest in the fact that He does understand. For that I am eternally grateful.
My prayer if for Doug and Jeri. Let them grieve the loss of a home (which in many ways is like losing a loved one). May they continue to be thankful for life and life abundantly. I also pray for healing, both physical and emotional. May God be with Doug and Jeri and they adjust to what is going to be a different lifestyle than they had before.
For those of you reading this, please take inventory of your life. Not just material things, but what truly matters to you. If it is stuff understand that it can be taken away in a matter of seconds. If the things that matter most are people, then make sure they know that. Hold them close and make sure they know that you care about them.
Blessings on you,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
After Thoughts...Gift Exchange
Sorry I don't have anything hugely spiritual here. We just got done with our 80's White Elephant Gift Exchange (Yes, for you older readers and by that I mean anyone over the age of 30, I did say 80's). We, well some more than others dressed up in their best 80's outfit (sorry, can't find my download cord to get the pics of the camera, they'll come tomorrow). See we had a huge winter storm come through our area in December so we had to cancel our gift exchange and I got to thinking, why cancel, just reschedule!
We had a lot of fun...candy, cookies, pop and presents usually do that for teens. I was a great chance to let the teens be teens, to laugh and have some fun. It's hard for me to understand that the only ones who were alive in the 80's were the leaders, non of the kids were born yet, yikes where does time go.
Any who, it feels good to get back into the grove of things from being off for a few weeks. I can't wait to see what God does in their live.
Have a great week,
Pastor Scott
We had a lot of fun...candy, cookies, pop and presents usually do that for teens. I was a great chance to let the teens be teens, to laugh and have some fun. It's hard for me to understand that the only ones who were alive in the 80's were the leaders, non of the kids were born yet, yikes where does time go.
Any who, it feels good to get back into the grove of things from being off for a few weeks. I can't wait to see what God does in their live.
Have a great week,
Pastor Scott
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Father, please forgive me...
Father, please forgive me for I have sinned. I have not blogged in many months. There are many reasons I could give for my lack of writing, but I call on you Father to look past my faults and lack of focus.
Any who, hope you all are doing well. We are about to enter into a new year and somewhere on my list of to do's in 2009 is to blog more frequently. I had an idea to create "After Thoughts". Since we have been studying character during our mid-week youth ministry I thought I could shoot down quick "after thoughts" shortly after all the teens have gone. I'm kinda excited about this idea and hope it gives me a bit more accountability to blog more.
Other than that, I was reflecting on 2008. I have several highlights. Last January I performed my first wedding (thanks Andy & Erin), in June I got to baptize 5 teens during our mission trip to Cibecue, Arizona, in August had a great family vacation with the Meyer's and McKee's on the Oregon coast, in September I began running again (after a year off since back surgery), celebrated lucky number 13 years of marriage, and totally revamped our youth ministry.
This has been a huge year and like always I thank God for what He has done. As we head into 2009 I encourage you to seek God more and more. His ways are incredible and will bring peace and understanding into your lives.
Have a safe and wonderful New Year's Eve.
Blessings,
Pastor Scott
Any who, hope you all are doing well. We are about to enter into a new year and somewhere on my list of to do's in 2009 is to blog more frequently. I had an idea to create "After Thoughts". Since we have been studying character during our mid-week youth ministry I thought I could shoot down quick "after thoughts" shortly after all the teens have gone. I'm kinda excited about this idea and hope it gives me a bit more accountability to blog more.
Other than that, I was reflecting on 2008. I have several highlights. Last January I performed my first wedding (thanks Andy & Erin), in June I got to baptize 5 teens during our mission trip to Cibecue, Arizona, in August had a great family vacation with the Meyer's and McKee's on the Oregon coast, in September I began running again (after a year off since back surgery), celebrated lucky number 13 years of marriage, and totally revamped our youth ministry.
This has been a huge year and like always I thank God for what He has done. As we head into 2009 I encourage you to seek God more and more. His ways are incredible and will bring peace and understanding into your lives.
Have a safe and wonderful New Year's Eve.
Blessings,
Pastor Scott
Sunday, September 28, 2008
I just about messed my shorts...
Okay, so I am back to running and I must admit it feels great. But this last Monday I had the poop scared out of me while on my morning jog. I had been awake since 3:30am and could never fall back to sleep, so after watching Sportscenter and the news I get ready for my run. I head out of the house around 6am. It is still dark outside, but that has never bothered me, less cars, less distractions. As I run out of the neighborhoods, past Makayla’s school and a couple of churches I head out to the farm lands that surround Dallas.
There is a field that had been recently plowed that buts up to the road that I am running on. I notice something dark in the field but very close to the road, but since it is still dark I don’t give much notice to it. I’ve got the music pumping and my mind is in some far of thought. When I get to about fifteen feet of this dark something I think I see something move and I try focus on this dark something.
Now, I am not a small man, nor am I a stealth runner, but this object which is gaining my attention still hasn’t moved much, if at all. Now, I am maybe ten feet from this something when it explodes into movement. At this I think I did poop my pants. I realize that this dark object in not one object, but rather three coyotes having their morning road kill. Every hair on my body stood on end. Here is where I begin to get a little spooked.
The coyotes never left their morning meal out of their sight. They may have stepped back 15-20 feet and as I passed their breakfast I could see them coming back. We’re they thinking, “There goes an after breakfast snack?” I was praying hard and I could help look back over my shoulder. It became apparent the coyotes were not interested in me I was able to begin to focus on the road ahead, but I have to admit, I was distracted. Remember, it is still dark out and there are still many shadows that now seem to be lurking danger.
This is how life is much of the time. We have a goal, for me it was a morning run, but many times it could be something to do with your job, your education or your family. You’re energized by moving toward that goal, but you can’t truly see what is ahead of you, but you continue on. Then no matter what you’re going after trouble comes up. It doesn’t matter if you’re a person of faith or totally against any religious beliefs, something goes wrong or trials come up.
That is when the rubber meets the road. When those trials arise do you stop what you are doing on go back to where you came? Do you continue to go forward, but still look back over our shoulder? Do you continue to go forward, but are scared of every thing that could be the next scary trial? Or do you let the past be just that, the past? Do you acknowledge what happen, regroup from the situation and then just plow forward?
I must admit, I continued to move forward, but was nervous about every shadow that was lurking in front of me. It is amazing the power of fear, but the Bible tells us to, “Fear not.” I think many of us let fear control our dreams and the passions God has placed on our lives. I beg you; I implore you, don’t give in to fear. We were created to live free of fear, free from the cages that bind us. Let God reign and live the life He created you to live.
Blessings,
Pastor Scott
There is a field that had been recently plowed that buts up to the road that I am running on. I notice something dark in the field but very close to the road, but since it is still dark I don’t give much notice to it. I’ve got the music pumping and my mind is in some far of thought. When I get to about fifteen feet of this dark something I think I see something move and I try focus on this dark something.
Now, I am not a small man, nor am I a stealth runner, but this object which is gaining my attention still hasn’t moved much, if at all. Now, I am maybe ten feet from this something when it explodes into movement. At this I think I did poop my pants. I realize that this dark object in not one object, but rather three coyotes having their morning road kill. Every hair on my body stood on end. Here is where I begin to get a little spooked.
The coyotes never left their morning meal out of their sight. They may have stepped back 15-20 feet and as I passed their breakfast I could see them coming back. We’re they thinking, “There goes an after breakfast snack?” I was praying hard and I could help look back over my shoulder. It became apparent the coyotes were not interested in me I was able to begin to focus on the road ahead, but I have to admit, I was distracted. Remember, it is still dark out and there are still many shadows that now seem to be lurking danger.
This is how life is much of the time. We have a goal, for me it was a morning run, but many times it could be something to do with your job, your education or your family. You’re energized by moving toward that goal, but you can’t truly see what is ahead of you, but you continue on. Then no matter what you’re going after trouble comes up. It doesn’t matter if you’re a person of faith or totally against any religious beliefs, something goes wrong or trials come up.
That is when the rubber meets the road. When those trials arise do you stop what you are doing on go back to where you came? Do you continue to go forward, but still look back over our shoulder? Do you continue to go forward, but are scared of every thing that could be the next scary trial? Or do you let the past be just that, the past? Do you acknowledge what happen, regroup from the situation and then just plow forward?
I must admit, I continued to move forward, but was nervous about every shadow that was lurking in front of me. It is amazing the power of fear, but the Bible tells us to, “Fear not.” I think many of us let fear control our dreams and the passions God has placed on our lives. I beg you; I implore you, don’t give in to fear. We were created to live free of fear, free from the cages that bind us. Let God reign and live the life He created you to live.
Blessings,
Pastor Scott
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