Karrpe Diem

Top Five....

2009-03-27T12:10:00.000-07:00

So, for those of us who are less than observant, it's been a while since last post. I have good reasons (in my mind) but nobody likes reading a blog full of excuses. So, to curtail that and make a concise entry, I've decided to compile a Top Five list of happenings in no apparent order. Here goes...

1. Winter Retreat at Camp Barakel. Absolutely amazing and wonderful retreat with the teens in Northern Michigan! Not to be cliche, but the weekend was pretty much anything you'd ever really want in a weekend retreat. It was great to spend time with the teens, not have to organize the entire weekend and just build relationships! Sweet deal! And we won the Broomball Championship. Enough said.

2. March Madness! This is only at the front of my mind because my two teams are fighting their way into the Elite Eight tonight! Go MSU and Syracuse!

3. Winterjam. I can't say that I was sure what to expect out of taking a couple vanloads of mostly Jr. High kids to a concert in Ypsilanti. But I was impressed with the event as a whole and even witnessed a 40-something year old Toby Mac rock out. Scary, but true. And he played Jesus Freak. Pretty much (kinda) my favorite song since I was in 6th grade. Come on, you know you can relate.

4. Growth Groups! We have successfully started three small group studies in youth group that are meeting on Thursday night. It's awesome to know that we have about 20 teens who are serious about their relationship with God and are working together to see their lives become what God desires!

5. Spring! As much as I'd like to say that I appreciate winter (is a half truth a full lie?), I must admit that the sunshine and ability to go outside is a wonderful thing that has allowed plenty of opportunity to grill, toss the baseball, go on walks and even the occasional jog. Wonderful!

Okay, so maybe I squeaked out five, but they're all honest, and I'm under a bit of a time crunch since I have to pick up my wonderful wife from school in 10 minutes and head to Ohio to spend time with the family! Have a great weekend!

He who has ears, let him hear

2009-02-12T09:34:00.000-08:00

Last night was our usual Wednesday Night Jr. High Youth Group. We had the usual variety of kids show up. The boys who feel compelled to throw any object that they can lift at unsuspecting pal, the group of girls who purposefully squeal in glass shattering tones over Twilight (Yes, three months after the movie was released), the kids cramming to memorize their verse for the week, and the group that chooses to let the world continue on while they play foosball with such vigor that we have two perpetually broken foosball tables. I think that gives a fair representation of the setting.

Last night I spoke on how Jesus taught, specifically Matthew 13. My perspective on the passage has recently been influenced by Francis Chan and his book Crazy Love. He challenges the mentality of youth ministry that is carried out with the goal of being bigger and better. His prooftext (Bible college lingo... I apologize.) is Matthew 13. In that popular chapter (or at least verses 1 -9 and 18-23), Jesus admittedly speaks in a way that confuses, and even disappoints, the crowds of "followers."

This brings two obvious reminders to my mind.

As I speak week after week to certain kids who'd rather play a game, listen to their Ipod, write a note to their neighbor or just dismiss the teaching time with blank looks of boredom, I am reminded that Jesus had the same crowd on the banks of Galilee. Jesus spoke to those who would "hear," not those who were deaf. If God Himself could come to terms with not everyone being interested/understanding in his teaching, who am I to think that my message will bring a change in heart, no matter how great the illustrations, how well I speak or what Youtube video I use?

Which brings the next reminder: that I am not God. I cannot force a kid to pay attention. I cannot make the deaf hear. I cannot bring conviction upon a guilty lifestyle. I cannot change a heart. It is only God who can change a heart, change a life, change an attitude, change a lifestyle. It is only I who can do all that I humanly can to bring them into confrontation with God through His Word, without carrying the burden of those who do not hear the truth.

Fireproof Soapbox

2009-02-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to make a more significant post than yesterday's dribble, I have returned to the blog sooner than expected. The inspiration coming from last night's entertainment.

Last night I watched Fireproof. Yes, for the first time. No, I didn't see it in theaters. And no, I did not watch it alone. I invited a bunch of manly men over and we decided to watch it and talk about our feelings. Or maybe it was just Charissa and I.

Anywho, I was pretty well impressed by the movie. Not that I was surprised by that fact, but I am always skeptical of Christian (attempts at) movies. Probably scar tissue left over from watching the Left Behind movies on winter retreats when I was in high school. I diverge...

To avoid writing an entire critique, the strongest point of the movie would certainly be the "relating factor." The movie can be touched by anyone. Whether it is someone who is personally struggling with their spouse, a couple that is marital turmoil or even someone who simply tolerates the world's depiction of an "American Marriage." I found that the movie can be discovered in everyday life as it fights the battles raging within true marriages as well as the "cultural norm" of people accepting men as lusting, selfabsorbed savages and women as damaged stubborn victims of their circumstances which leads to fragile marriages and dangerous misconceptions. What happened to people empowered to defeat lust and overcome damage?

The movie does a great job at not repairing the marriage, but healing the spiritual need for the husband and the wife. The goal of a life thoroughly lived, and a marriage truly loved, is only accomplished through a life lived for Christ in reflecting the unadulterated truth of the Word. Fireproof makes a clear statement for the need of salvation for life, before the salvaging of a marriage, is the power that transcends conventional wisdom which is only found within the wisdom of God's Word.

On a lighter note: I'm glad the one guy didn't get hit by the train. That would have been a tough start.

On a completely different note: Tonight is Junior High Youth Group! Woot!

We Have Liftoff!

2009-02-03T10:52:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm sure that is not by any stretch of the imagination an original title for an initial post on a blog. But considering I've spent the last two days pushing my creative limits, I have come to realize that it wasn't meant to be. I even went to the extreme of stalking others' initial blogs for titles. Still no help. I give in to mediocrity.

Since I'm being honest, this isn't my first blog. Back in the day I had one that was mostly composed with useless insite into my college life. Its failure is pretty self explanatory. This blog however holds more purpose as it is intended to give ponderings on ministry, marriage, life, friendship, books... The possibilities are endless! Look for a new entry each week. (I don't want to set unrealistic goals nor bore you with too much information.)

Thanks for checking in!