Tim

The Retreat Is Done - Give Praise to God!!!

2012-02-10T13:21:00.003-06:00

The retreat is over and it was amazing! I believe God did great things. I could share about it all for hours. To summarize – I got to know over 50 people’s names (and every time I learned a name I had a conversation). I was very well received by students and was impressed by their attentiveness, questions, and hearts (from one on one conversations, to sitting in on a variety of small groups, to table conversation, to a time of sharing we had). On the last morning I led worship (I taught some new songs) and then there was a long time of sharing. It was amazing. Let me share a few highlights of that.

· I am scared to go back to England – and I don’t want to leave. I have to know that God is with me or I won’t talk to anyone. I need to find my identity in Christ.

· Before I came to this retreat – worship was a really shallow thing. I just did it to please God. But now I realize it’s something that I am supposed to enjoy and God too.

· I feel like I don’t live up to the standards others put on me. Now I don’t want to let any stickers stick – only what God says matters (stickers is a reference to something I read about identity in Christ).

· (Cameroonian said this – a huge answer to prayer) I came here just to mess around – I’m not really into God – I wasn’t really like you guys – into God and loving God. It really got to me – it pushed me to taking my first step into loving God –

Benjamin has been doing great and is enjoying Cameroon. Today was the first day he didn’t feel great. Tomorrow we hope to get to a village which would be great. We hope to find more ministry to do while here – and have a little fun.

Please praise God with us and pray:

- For God to bring people to minister to and ministry opportunities.

- For health and safety – especially for Benjamin now

- For the students at RFIS as I am sure there will be many ways they will be tempted in the coming days.

Tuesday Night

2012-02-07T16:22:00.003-06:00

My heart is overflowing with thankfulness and praise to God. He IS answering your prayers. I have seen him working in lives and have been encouraged by many generous words – the most common so far – “I never take notes when we have speakers but I am this week.” Give God the praise that He is touching hearts and lives. I’ve had some very rich and deep conversations with students about a variety of subjects. I’ve also talked to one young lady with a very heave heart – she needs courage to deal with her pain – pray for her. Many students who at first seemed to want nothing to do with me have let me into their lives a bit. The food is great. The weather has been cooler than normal (so cool that some Africans have been cold – of course, I was sweating). This place we are staying is incredibly nice – I couldn’t have imagined it would be so nice and comfortable (and it even has wireless internet). Benjamin is doing great on every level.

I speak on Brokenness and Surrender tomorrow morning. Tomorrow night I will be using the 10^th commandment to talk about finding our satisfaction and joy in Jesus. Thursday morning I think I will lead worship – but I don’t speak. We had home Thursday afternoon (back to Yaounde). I leave the country next Tuesday. There is so much I could tell you. I will leave you with 3 prayer requests.

1) My heart is burdnened for some students who are unsaved (most in that category are from Cameroon).

2) There are many students who have hurt in their lives – and need to forgive – pray for them.

3) Keep praying that God would pour me out and use me in many lives (and work in me too).

Update - old stuff

2012-02-07T16:15:00.003-06:00

I wasn't able to access my blog until now - so here is some old stuff I sent out that got to eail but not blog ... 2 different days

Oldest first

We are in Africa (Yaounde, Cameroon). We arrived safely – met all our planes in plenty of time. The flights were less than half full.

A few highlights – praise God with me

- Eating home-made pizza our first night here with some missinoary families

- Sleeping – 11 hours – last night

- Being with family – we are staying with my Uncle Phil and Aunt Suzanne Falconer – anyone that knows them knows that they are superb hosts – over the top

- Seeing, smelling, hearing, touching, tasting Africa again – and with Benjamin

- Benjamin is doing great after sleep – I think tomorrow we’ll both be feeling closer to normal

While I could share a ton of prayer requests, let me just give a couple – so you can focus on it. Pray big!!!

PRAY

- For the retreat – for me as I put the finishing touches on stuff and for God to be working (just overheard a student tell a friend that he doesn’t want to go on retreat)
- For Benjamin to thrive and enjoy Afric a – to fall in love with it – and to be used by God in ministry
- For sleep, energy, safety, and logistics to all go well.

We are so blessed! Ponder anew what the Almighty can do, if with His love He befriend Thee!!!

Newer Update

We are healthy, happy, and very well taken care of in every way by Uncle Phil and Aunt Suzanne. We walked about 30 minutes to a bilingual church. It was a challenging eperience for Benjamin – from the heat to the fact that he can’t understand the English of Cameroonians – especially over a very poor speaker system. The normal 2 hour service was made longer by a special focus on youth. It was wonderful for Tim to be in Church in Africa. Then this afternoon we also played some soccer with a bunch of missionary kids. Good times

We leave the house before 7 tomorrow morning to meet at school. After getting all ready, we hope to leave on 2 buses by 7:30. I speak once tomorrow evening (see my blog for more info – youthpastortimo@blogspot.com) and then twice on Tuesday and Wednesday. I may lead worship on Thursday morning.

I will likely not be able to email or anything until the retreat is over. I am very thankful for having met more than 10 students already (between hanging out at the sports tournaments at RFIS on Saturday and playing soccer today). I am praying that stuents are open to the message I am bringing from the start.

So many obvious things to pray for... here are the top 3.

1) For God’s Word to be very clearly proclaimed and to find rich soil to grow in.
2) For relationships to develop with students and to be able to make an impact that way.
3) For Benjamin’s and my heart – that God would work in us

I could list so many other things, and I hope you think ofmany other things to pray for.

Pray Big!!! Let’s see what God might do!

Last Prayer Update Before Leaving the U.S.

2012-02-01T14:10:00.003-06:00

We board the plane in Minneapolis Thursday morning. We fly to New Jersey and spend about 6 hours there. Then a 3 hour stop in Brussels before arriving in Yaounde. While there are many, many things you could pray for, let me give you 3 key ones on my heart now.

1) For travel mercies in every way. It would be great to have opportunities to share God's love with many around us as we travel.

2) For wisdom and the Spirit's guiding as I put the finishing touches on the messages I'll be sharing.

3) For my wife and family - for peace, safety, joy, and unity while we are gone. These will be some long days and nights for Lori. Thankfully her parents will be around for a good bit of the week.

I speak once on Monday and twice on Tuesday and Wednesday. My theme is "From the Inside Out." I'll be staying with my aunt and uncle (Phil and Suzanne Falconer). We are hoping to be able to minister in ways beyond the retreat - we'll see what God brings about.

On the way back we will be stopping in Zurich overnight and a good friend from my days at Moody Bible Institute will be meeting us.

I'll do my utmost to get things posted on here often.

Retreat Schedule

2012-02-01T08:54:00.002-06:00

This may or may not help you pray - here is the retreat Schedule.

Almost There...

2012-01-31T13:14:00.004-06:00

We are getting close and there is a ton to do. I covet your prayers more than ever.

Top Prayer Requests Before We Leave

- For more prayer warriors to get on board

- For grace, peace, and wisdom as I finish about 1001 last minute details

- For us to walk In His Steps every step of the way

Praise God for so many "little" answered prayers and blessings we didn't imagine.

- Benjamin was given money that he has to give to someone there - such a wonderful gift (Blessing Money).

- I've had a number of people volunteer to help take care of my family here while we are gone.

- I have others here volunteering to teach and lead while I'm gone.

- Others have provided a variety of things I needed or wanted for the trip (from a camera to compression packing bags, to a netbook...)

- Nearly all the costs have been met by generous friends - praise the Lord!

I hope to send updates out as often as possibly while in Africa. We'll see how that works.

Please pray BIG.

More To Do For The Trip

2012-01-25T08:21:00.002-06:00

I was just asked to put some devotional stuff together for the trip - they have a quiet time each day. So that's been added to my plate. Please pray for me as I work on this.

My theme is mostly put together - one detail to tweak. Pray for guidance as I work on these lessons.

Pray too for all that I have to get done for ministry here while I'm gone.

Thank you sooo much.

Theme, Prayer, Updates

2012-01-23T11:28:00.002-06:00

PLEASE pray for me as I finish figuring out the direction I'm going with my theme (From The Inside Out). I shared my theme ideas and wanted some feedback on any direction to take with it, but some of the feedback I've received has complicated things rather than clarified. I really want to get to work on stuff today.

Pray for my wife and family while I'm gone. New baby and busy kids with me gone. She will have some family help, but it will be a stretch for her.

Pray for us as we pack and prepare and try to figure out what to take and what not to take.

Pray for God to do great things in the hearts of the students we are going to minister to.

UPDATE

I don't have all the updated information from the Church, but I believe God has provided around $4000 (some promised, but most of it here). This is very humbling and a huge blessing.

I've had some cool blessings - someone gave me a camera to take and someone else is letting me borrow their laptop. We are so blessed.

Please pray big!!!

Theme for Speaking? More Prayer... Support

2012-01-18T09:33:00.004-06:00

SOME UPDATES

THEME:

I have been eagerly waiting for their theme so I could begin working on speaking. They said...

Something on joy, focusing on Philippians
A study of part (or all) of the book of Ephesians
A section of your choice from the book of Romans
OR wherever God leads you.

If you have suggestions, let me know. (SERIOUSLY)

Here are my initial thoughts.

Theme - From The Inside Out

Romans 12:1-2 (How God Changes us - we don't change ourselves; 2 lessons)
John 15 - Abiding
Matthew 18 - Forgiveness
Possibly... Identity In Christ (could do 1 to 3 lessons or more)
Brokenness / Surrender - I would use John 20-21 ...
Something on Making Disciples (Discipleship is Relationships)

PRAYER (I plan to just share a few requests often, rather than long lists)

Pray for me as I work on what to speak on and on putting it together. I am hoping to not simply stand up and talk at them each session (I may do a few like that, but I want to mix it up and maximize our time in God's Word)
Pray for God's Spirit to have His way - the man in charge of the retreat shared that they believe there has been an extra amount of spiritual warfare in the past year or two
Pray Big - Pray the biggest spiritual prayers for the students and myself as you can... Be specific.

PRAISE GOD - we have our passports back with our Visas so we are good to go!!!!

God keeps surprising us with financial support for the trip. I estimate the costs at around $5000 (you can see an earlier post to get details) and we are close to $2500. I don't want to say that I don't expect to raise all that (because I don't doubt God's ability)... but we do expect to pay for some of the trip out of our long term emergency fund... which is a great use for it. We are very thankful for all that has been given. If you do give, please, please pray that the money is used for great things for God.

I want to apologize for not posting this info sooner. I will try to do a better job.

If you are planning to pray for me but I don't know about it, I would be so encouraged to know. Thanks!

Prayer Requests from RFIS

2012-01-11T10:58:00.003-06:00

I just received some answers to questions that I had for those in charge of the retreat I am speaking at. I wanted to pass on some prayer requests to those who will pray.

Here are there Requests:

- a few weeks before we left for Christmas break we discovered that the stoves and refrigerators at the center where we will be holding Retreat are in disrepair and will not be adequate for our needs. So, the person in charge of meals is working on finding other ways of keeping us all fed. Please pray that people in the community step up to help her with this, and that the arrangements that need to be made can come together and go smoothly, as the quality of the meals is a major factor in determining how well kids feel Retreat goes.

- please pray that I would be on top of things and would not forget any major (or minor) details as we continue our planning for the Retreat. (Kevin is his name)

- pray that God would be working in the hearts of the kids, preparing them for the message that He has for them during Retreat. Also pray that God would move powerfully in the lives of the students during the week of Retreat, and that the changes He works in their lives would continue well beyond that week.

IN ADDITION

They don't have a theme yet - and I am chompin on the bit - wish I knew what to be preparing for. Pray that this information is figured out soon so I can get to work.

I need to ammend the previous update on money - we have received $1920 so far. What a crazy amount. I keep praying - God - don't let this generous giving go to waste.

Pray BIG, please. Be specific.

More Praise, Prayer and Money

2012-01-09T08:55:00.004-06:00

BIG PRAISE - the Travel Document agency I am using to get my Visa let me know that they should have it back on the 12th. This is great and is the last major known logistical pre-trip hurdle for us. I am sure there will be some more, but this was the last piece of the puzzle that I know about.

I've had a couple more people say they will pray for me - which is wonderful. I fear that many people mean to pray for me but haven't told me... and I don't have to know the names of everyone praying. But I also think many will easily forget - and if I have their names, we can contact them and remind them. So if you plan to pray for me, I'd really love to know.

I was really humbled this weekend. I was at IMPACT - a senior high conference put on the by the E. Free Central District Youth Pastors. I ran into a wonderful Senior Pastor friend who was there with his students for the weekend. He shared with me that He will be praying for us and that his family was going to support us. They gave us our biggest gift yet. I was blown away and feel very inadequate. It pushes me to pray more for God to do great things and to really desire many more prayer warriors.

As far as money goes, with pledged money and money that has come in since my last update, we are now at $1700 - which is amazing.

I am trying to figure out what kinds of little gifts and such I can bring on the trip. I also often "bribe" students I'm teaching with candy - anyone know if chocolate candy travels well in an airplane?

5 Praying People/Couples

2012-01-05T17:33:00.003-06:00

I am so thankful for the 5 couples/individuals that have agreed to pray for me while I am in Cameroon. I know family members will be praying. I look forward to hearing from many more who will commit to praying for us from Feb 2 - 16.

No pressure to commit and I don't want people to commit who aren't sure they can pray.

Who knows what God might do?

Praises and Prayer

2012-01-03T16:38:00.002-06:00

I want to give God praise for all He has done for this trip and give an update on prayer.

Praise God for only spending $10 on medicines (seems impossible, but it's true) for the trip. Praise God for getting tickets at a reasonable price and having those details worked out. Praise God that for our layover in Zurich, an old friend (Alex M) is able to come spend time with us. Praise God for people beginning to commit to praying as well as more people planning to help support us on this trip.

My simple top prayer request right now is that our Visas will get back to us in a timely manner. I sent out a letter (which I may post on here) asking for prayer in which I said - "It would be a tragedy for us to take this trip in my own strength and without the prayer backing of godly friends who love me." So I really want to find people who will commit to praying for us each day while we are there. Please pray for God to accomplish great things - and that I will at least sense this, even if I can't see all that He is doing.

I am sure you can figure out many more things to pray for.

Prayer Update Mostly

2011-12-31T16:11:00.002-06:00

I mentioned that I've sent for my visa and have my passport (actually, it's in the mail to apply for a visa). So I am shifting gears a bit - as far as I don't need prayer for getting shots and passport stuff.

So some top prayer request.

1) Possibly most importantly - for a bunch of people who will commit to pray for us each day we are gone - F e b r u a r y second through the sixteenth.

2) That God would do great things in, through, and in spite of Benjamin and me

3) For guidance on preparing for speaking (I am still waiting on a topic)

4) For travel mercies

5) For money. God has already moved in people's hearts to give $1200. I think the trip will be around $5000. Again, we are expecting to pay for part of this trip ourselves.

6) For the Visa to get done in time for us to go

7) For wisdom in preparing and grace for my family

Dougisms

2011-12-29T10:14:00.004-06:00

Doug is a good friend of mine and he says amazing things all the time. Usually they make me laugh, but so often there is deep truth mixed in there. So here is one I just heard. I am going to keep posting them as I get them.

"Lord, let me shovel dung in heaven, just don't give up on me."

Tickets Purchased - Visa App on the way - Money in and out

2011-12-29T09:10:00.002-06:00

We just got back from a wonderful Christmas weekend (and vacation) with my family (parents, siblings and spouses and kid). Going into the weekend I didn't have my Visa stuff already - I was mostly waiting on ticketing info which you need to get a visa.

Last night I purchased that (thanks David L at Best Mission Travel) so now I am sending in my Visa application. The total costs for both of our tickets was around $3250 - I didn't see the two ticket prices added together, but that should be within $50).

So that is money out... but money in - God provided another $400 over Christmas break - so we have somehow received a total of $1200 so far. Note the line at the very bottom of this note.

I would love to get a group of people who would commit to pray for me (and my family) for the 14 days I'm gone. February 2-16. (FYI - I am a bit fearful to post too much info on here - thankfully my in-laws will be hanging with the Fam - and of course, God is sovereign).

UPDATED PRAYER REQUESTS

Pray that the Visas would get processed quickly

Pray for the leadership at RFIS that they would select the topic for me soon and that it would be perfect

Pray for me as I prep for speaking - whenever I get the info.Pray for people to commit to praying for me (25 would be great)

Pray for money to come in - I'm humbled by all that has come in already - and we expect to spend some of our own money - but I won't lie - we are praying that God provides in big ways.

Pray for Benjamin - that God would be shaping his heart and life through this trip

Pray that this trip would also be great for our whole family

Make Joachim's quote a prod to pray big too (be prodded to pray for me and for yourself)

"Ponder anew what the Almighty can do, if with His love He befriend thee." - Joachim Neander.

Document Headaches

2011-12-22T14:55:00.003-06:00

Please pray for us as we try to get all our documents in order. In the past when I've traveled, it's always been my parents doing this dirty work. Now it's me.

The short version.

Both Benjamin and I needed a new passport. To get mine, I had to have a birth certificate with my parents names on it (which I didn't have). The complicated part there was that I was born abroad and so had to figure out where to apply for it and what was needed. When I received that, then I sent away for our passports. Now I am in the Visa application process - which is not easy or fun. I am waiting to purchase my plane tickets - then I can send for the Visa.

Please, please pray that tickets and Visa would get taken care of quickly.

Money for the Missions Trip

2011-12-22T14:45:00.003-06:00

I thought I'd put up our most recent extended family pic.

How much will the trip cost? I don't know for sure. Shots, pills, passports, and visas are at about $1500. I believe the tickets will be $1500 + each. That gets us up to $4500. Other costs should be minimal... I hope.

Do you expect to raise it all? While that would be amazing, I believe we will be spending some of our own money on this trip.

If you want to give: Make a check out to "Grace E. Free Church" and designate it to "Cameroon Missions Trip". You can send it to me or to the Church. Both addresses are - Eagle Grove, IA 50533. Mine is 1101 W Broadway. The Church's is 1220 S. Commercial Avenue St.

To date, we've been given $800 towards the trip - which seems enormous.

It's easy to worry about the money, but I have yet to see God make a mistake.

Missions Trip To Cameroon, Africa

2011-12-22T14:30:00.003-06:00

I have been invited to speak at the Rain Forest International School in Cameroon, Africa. It's a school run by Christians that primarily serves missionaries, but does have quite a few students who are not MKs. The High School students go on a Spiritual Retreat each February where they spend 4 days away from the School being taught, discussing spiritual things, and also having a lot of fun together.

All my Aunts and Uncles are serving in Cameroon as missionaries and one of them is on the committee that works on this retreat. When I was first asked to speak at the retreat I told my Aunt that there was no way I could spend the kind of money it would cost on the retreat. She responded by asking if I was unwilling to ask for support. So we prayed about it and believe God is calling me to do this.

We also began to ponder the opportunity to take Benjamin along with me. He is incredibly well behaved, gets along well with people of all ages, and can easily entertain himself. This seems like a once in a life time opportunity for him - and so we are planning to bring him along.

One of the huge challenges is to raise the money for the trip. We also want to find some people to commit to praying for us each day while we are there.

"Life Is Not Fair" and Apologetics

2010-03-15T11:11:00.004-05:00

I think one of the greatest arguments for the existence of God is the sense of fairness (or unfairness) in each one of us. We have an inborn desire for justice. This clear to anyone who has kids. "It's not fair" is a very popular refrain in my house. If we are just random atoms, where does this strong desire come from? I believe everyone in the world feels this pull. And we feel it in so many realms... legally, financially, giftedness, physical appearance, ... Ironically, we are so self-centered that our desire for fairness is highly skewed. Many Americans complain about poverty. What??? It's often been said that the poorest in America are richer than most of the world. This is more true than we know. I think this perverted view of fairness we have is most damning when it comes to issues of sin and salvation. So many people don't think they need Jesus because they compare themselves to "worse sinners". Thankfully, it's not our jobs to figure out fairness - and in the end - only God knows our hearts and His justice is holy and perfect.

God's Word Preached - in person or online...

2010-03-08T08:33:00.004-06:00

What is the difference between listening to a sermon on the radio and being with the gathered Body of Christ and hearing that sermon live? God can use either one however He wants to. But should we expect it to be a very different experience? This thought came to mind as I was pondering the proliferation of podcasts listened to and sermons downloaded.

What's the Big Deal With Astrology?

2010-02-24T10:43:00.002-06:00

I am very concerned by how many people are into Astrology. I've even seen some sad attempts to justify it by Scripture. I think believer's should not mess with it at all. I think it's very dangerous, yet seems harmless - making it even more dangerous. The Bible is pretty clear on it too. People end up ordering their lives around something other than the Bible. People label and judge people because of astrology. People trust it rather than God. The list goes on and on. Here are a few links that might be helpful. Please don't be deceived by it's "harmless" allure.

http://www.gty.org/Resources/Questions/QA204_What-is-the-biblical-teaching-on-astrology

http://www.scribd.com/doc/26985817/Jesus-Christ-Versus-the-Occult-John-Piper

http://catholicism.suite101.com/article.cfm/horoscopes_god_and_you

Pray for me

2010-02-22T16:24:00.002-06:00

Lots on my plate - and some of it seems important - or bigger than usual. I covet your prayers this week - and I expect attacks from the evil one. I should get some good time with my wife this week too - pray that it is very fruitful and beneficial for her.

A Biblical Worldview Doesn't Fix Everything

2010-02-06T22:26:00.002-06:00

There are number of "important" christian leaders that stress the importance of having a Biblical Worldview. While I believe we should all be striving for that, it isn't really the core. It's very possible to have an amazingly biblical worldview and still be wicked as ever on the inside. It's easy for recovering legalists like myself to hold to a worldview without ever letting it effect our hearts. Sometimes when I read about worldview I think these people believe we just need to "educate" christians on worldview to fix our problems... but of course, that is humanism. Education won't cut it.

Does your Worldview work?

2010-02-04T10:14:00.000-06:00

We all have a worldview - and it is shaped by too many things. The Bible must be our worldview shaper. Very few of us often reflect on our worldview. An important part of worldview is making sure it works in the real world. This link makes that clear.

How Should We Go About Making Disciples?

2010-02-04T09:02:00.003-06:00

Discipleship is a key word, a popular word, and even Biblical (crazy, huh). Jesus never called us to make converts. He started his ministry calling people to follow him and fish for men. He spent 3 years pouring into 12 men, and 11 of them did really well. His last words were to go and make disciples. I want to be the kind of man that makes disciples who makes disciples that make disciples. But how do you do that? Ask 100 godly Christians how they got to where they are, and you'll get 100 different answers. My guess is that few of those answers will involve a Church program. I find it fascinating that there are no real, clear-cut formulas about Christianity in the Bible. We aren't told steps of methods for making disciples. We aren't even told exactly what the full "Gospel" is (1 Corinthians 15 has a simple summary, but other passages show us its much bigger than that). So how do we make disciples? I so easily want to answer that question with a program based on a bunch of doctrine. Yet much of discipleship is relationally oriented. Discipleship doesn't happen enough if we just wait for it to naturally take place. On the other hand, we can't force it. So how do you balance the challenge of organic discipleship verses intentional (maybe even programmed) discipleship? What are the core parts of discipleship (what common denominators would there be in the stories of those 100 Christians you asked about how they got discipled)? What are the key roadblocks? How can we do a better job of making disciples who make disciples?

I need your help with Movie Illustrations.

2008-07-07T16:27:00.001-05:00

I'm speaking at a Senior High Camp in a couple weeks. I'm looking for DVD illustrations - illustrations from movies.

I'd love any recommendations you have. Here are some topics.

Forgiveness
Love
Humility

Or maybe you know an amazing story about one of those topics.

Fun Typing Game

2008-06-25T09:43:00.003-05:00

I learned to type on a real typewriter - with Jan Erickson - room #3 at UBAC. No girls were in the class. The first day she told us to make sure we threw the carriage return hard enough. Before the day was over, she told us to take it easy on it - cause we were having way too much fun throwing it hard. I loved typing and did well. Computers have allowed my fingers to become lazy - too lazy.

I was looking for a spam filter - and I always go to Kim Komando's web site to find such stuff - cause she does the research to figure out what is best. While there, I thought I'd look at some of the other stuff she has - and I came across a typing game. Basically - you choose to race - others join the race, and then you go - typing whatever paragraph is put up in front of you. Little cars are shown by each person's name - so you can see your place in the race as you type. I don't know why, but it's fun. You have to do one word at a time - I mean - if you are typing fast and mess up one word but keep typing - you have to go back and fix that one word and then go to the next word - you can't just jump up to where you were. Anyway - it's fun - and if you want to waste some time and enjoy typing - check it out.

http://play.typeracer.com/

FYI - my best words per minute so far is 106. I usually get 70-85. That includes the time it takes to fix mistakes. The fastest I've seen is 137ish. I type that fast, but I make mistakes - which is a killer.

Life Update...

2008-06-25T09:13:00.003-05:00

Summer is officially just started, buy my summer has been screaming by for weeks now - and the relaxing part of summer is still far away.

We just returned from our annual summers missions trip to the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. We stay in Wood in the Native American Community Building (a gym with a kitchen and bathrooms) - population 70. We love on kids all day long and do a Kids' Club. We also try to develop relationships with anyone we can in town. We saw God work in a variety of ways - in our lives, in the children's lives, and in the lives of people in the community. I'll share more on this in a later post.

We've already been to one wedding (cousin - Etienne) - in Dixon, IL. I am doing 2 weddings on back to back weekends for students who graduated from our youth group here. I'm missing out on some weddings of friends and former youth back in Michigan.

I am speaking at Senior High Camp at Hidden Acres this summer (6 sessions). I have preached twice and will be preaching again in one week.

My kids are amazing. They are well behaved, a joy, and incredibly cute. There are new stories nearly every day. Benjamin joined us on our missions trip - and that was great. My wife is amazing - she just keeps going and going - with so much to do.

I should mention we've had a little water in our basement - seeping through the walls - but we don't have padding under the carpet and only some of the carpet got wet - so we just lifted it up and aired it out - now we are trying to put our basement back together.

We are looking forward to 2 family vacations. First - Branson - with a family from Church. Second - near the Wisconsin Dells. Both vacations were found/booked through VRBO.com (vacation rental by owner). Unless you have tons of money to throw around, a vacation of 3 days or more should be booked through them (assuming they have a location where you are going). The price is about the same, sometimes less, than a hotel, and you end up with a beautiful house or condo or cabin. You gotta check it out (we've used them many times and have had many friends start using them - and everyone has loved it).

God continues to provide for us in wonderful ways. He gets the Glory!!!

What are the dangers of using DVD curriculum?

2008-05-13T13:14:00.002-05:00

We are blessed in this country with an abundance of great Bible resources. I have been blessed by many of them. Our church uses DVD curriculum for adult Sunday School and Home Bible Fellowships quite a bit.

I've had this growing sense in me that we should be very careful to limit our use of DVD teaching (and similar) .

What are the dangers in the local body of regularly using a DVD curriculum or lesson? I really am hoping for some great answers.

My Cute Kids

2008-05-12T11:30:00.002-05:00

On Saturday there was a District Track meet in Eagle Grove. I said to my kids in an excited voice - "Do you want to go to a track meet?"

Elise responded - "I love track meets!"

I replied - "What is a track meet?"

She smiled and shrugged her shoulders - having no clue at all.

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We went and had fun. Jonathan loved lying down in the mud/grass and also sitting in it and scootching his behind across it. Go Eagles!!

Is God Humble?

2008-05-12T11:28:00.002-05:00

Is God humble? I ran across such an idea lately. I'd love to hear what you think (I'll put my short response to it up sometime soon).

What happened to dreams?

2008-05-08T09:59:00.002-05:00

I was reading a note a local student did on facebook - one of those that asks all sorts of questions. This student is one that came to youth group for a short time. As I was reading through the note, the question was asked - "Do you want to get married some day." The answer - "No. I don't want to do that."

I suppose that isn't earth shattering news, but I do remember when I asked students 10 years ago - do you think anyone goes into marriage thinking they'll get divorced - everyone thought that was a bit silly. I think things have changed. It's a sad world where the hope of a committed, loving, relationship with a spouse is not even a dream.

This student comes from a broken home - and a rough home - which doesn't surprise anyone. Things have changed. I try to imagine what kind of relationship this student hopes for or dreams for? And where do kids fit in? What about love? What about trust?

Our society, especially on the younger end, is increasingly unable to live relationally. For all our technological relational helps (texting, cell phones, facebook, email, blogs), I think we are losing the ability to really live relationally. None of the above mentioned things can take the place of a real conversation, face to face. And certainly, in real relationships, you can't just hang up or log off when it gets tough.

I'm not suggesting technology is ruining us. Clearly a huge part of our problem goes back to the break down of the family (and where is the Church in all this?). But I do think our technology is hurting us relationally - at least for deeper relationships.

I haven't thought this through well. I'm just dumping my heart out on here. My heart breaks for this young person.

I was wrong... Ephesians 4 Outline

2008-05-01T11:47:00.003-05:00

I was wrong in my Ephesians 4 outline. PJ (Pastor John) hooked me up with some Greek help. The following is the basic (it is not going to tab it over as it should - so you'll have to figure that out yourself). The NIV flow of thought and the NAS fooled me a bit. Hopefully this makes some sense. Again, I haven't totally figured out the wording correctly. Of course, now I have to understand the passage, get a preaching outline, and write the sermon. Hope my wife loves me as I ignore her a bit and work on it.

I. Walk in a Manner worthy of your calling

A. Humility and Gentleness

B. Patience (forbearing.. love)

II. Results in an eagerness to Maintain the Unity of Spirit

A. Unity explained more

1. One Spirit

2. One Lord

3. One Father

B. The Spirit gave many gifts which lead to unity

1. Spiritual gifts are given by Jesus and because of grace

2. Jesus has earned the right to give the gifts

3. Spiritual Gifts are given to prepare believers for works of service

4. Spirit gave variety (not just one) of gifts

5. Gifts are for equipping the saints

C. Results of being unified by using the gifts of the Spirit

1. No longer children

2. We will grow up in Christ

Pray for me

2008-04-28T10:47:00.003-05:00

Please pray for me.
I am going to our District's Youth Pastor Mentoring Retreat today.
Tomorrow my dad is having prostate cancer surgery.
Wednesday we are going a concert of prayer - at youth group - with the whole Church.
Sunday - I'm preaching and leading worship at the new church plant in Webster City (and I'll be doing that the following week).
Pray for my wife - she has our kids and more to deal with (and she is amazing).

Thanks.

Ephesians 4 - more thoughts...

2008-04-28T10:43:00.002-05:00

Every commentator will tell you that chatpers 1-3 are theology and chapters 4-6 are the practical side of that. In chapters 4-6, the word "walk" keeps occuring - marking off sections, I believe. 4:1; 4:17; 5:1; 5:8; 5:15; Then note that in chapter 6:10-11 - we have the word "Finally" - and then the word "stand firm" - which definitely is another physical body word.

I say all that because I think it points to 4:1-16 being it's own section - and if it is, I think the one command - "To walk in a manner worthy of our calling" is the main idea. I guess I'm saying I like my outline more and more. I'm so frustrated because I can't find an outline like mine - but I don't think I'm crazy. I'm either on to something or on something.

Ephesians 4:1-16

2008-04-22T13:13:00.004-05:00

When I outline a passage (I'll be preaching on this one), I try to do it so that it follows the author's thought process. I rarely find commentators or preachers that do that. The following is my attempt at a Thought Outline of Ephesians 4:1-16. These are not clever titles or even complete thoughts - but I think it's pretty stinking close. Possibly the first three sub points under the first heading should be made into 4 or 5 points. I realize very few care - but - I'm hoping for some feedback.

What is the (thought) OUTLINE of Ephesians 4 (esp versese 1-16)?

2008-04-21T15:05:00.003-05:00

What is the (thought) OUTLINE of Ephesians 4 (esp versese 1-16)?

It's amazing how poorly people outline - or how good they are at coming up with some sort of thematic outline - but one that does not let the text speak for itself. I'm sure I'm old and crazy and too narrow-minded - but... in a bit of searching online, I have found nothing close to an outline of Ephesians 4 that represents Paul's flow of thought.

I'm focusing on Eph 4:1-16. I can say that the main point is NOT UNITY. Unity takes up the most space, but it is not the main point (or if it is, it certainly is called something else first).

It seems that verse 3 is one of the subpoints of verse 1 (walk in a manner worthyof the calling you received). I realize few people take time to read my blog - and fewer still will have time to give me some good answers - but maybe someone will get where I'm going. Anyone? Anyone?

I suppose I could rant about "Thematic" expository preaching. So often the theme seems to take away from the text. I know - it's taught as the way to do it (and no - I haven't had a preaching class and I don't even know what it's really called). It frustrates me.

I guess I'm hoping someone out there will see Ephesians 4 as I do (which I hope is what Paul was aiming at in his writing).

I'm done ranting - for now. I'll try to post my outline soon.

Worst Time Of The Year - For Sports

2008-04-21T14:14:00.003-05:00

I dread spring when it comes to watching sports. Football is done. College basketball is done. I don't have cable so I can't see soccer. The NBA has just about lost me. Baseball never had me. I listen to talk radio a lot - but at this time of the year - there's nothing. NASCAR bores me. Hockey's so-so. Honestly - I get more excited about watching golf than any other spring sport.

The Good News: The Minnesota Vikings are undefeated right now - tied for first place in the NFC North and in the playoff hunt. Go Vikings!

What is the "unity in the faith"?

2008-04-21T14:11:00.003-05:00

Ephesians 4 speaks of the unity of the Spirit in verse 3; unity in (or "of" - ESV) the faith in verse 13. What is "unity in the faith"? What does it look like practically? What doesn't it mean - and why?

I'm going to be preaching on Ephesians 4 in Webster City - May 4 and 11. I'm sure I'll have some other questions about Ephesians 4.

Creation and Science - Genesis 1 - Dr. John H. Walton - WOW

2008-04-14T10:00:00.003-05:00

Through Google Alerts I get updates on my favorite professor ever (Dr. John Walton – Old Testament professor in the Wheaton Ph. D program; formerly of Moody). I found a lecture (his voice with his PowerPoint) that he gave on Genesis 1-2 and creation. I had the privilege of eating breakfast with him every day for about 2 years in college. My love for God’s Word was brought to new heights (it had already been elevated just by being at Moody, but Dr. Walton is a man of the text – not of trends or presuppositions). A friend of mine who I believe is currently in the Ph. D program at Wheaton told me that Dr. Walton is ranked in the top ten in the world when it comes to Old Testament scholars. I say all this hoping you’ll at least listen to the first 15 to 20 minutes of the lecture – I believe it’s about an hour. It’s amazing and will really make you think. One of the many things I adore about Dr. Walton – he teaches 6^th grade Sunday School – to help him continually work at communicating to young people. He’s a stud (in a very OT professor type way).

A simple summary (very poor summary) – Israelite and ANE (Ancient Near East) literature focused on function, not on form or scientific theory. He looks at the text (he’s very Bible driven – and as intellectually honest as anyone I’ve ever met) and takes you places you may not want to go – but it’s very well done. So the 6 days of creation are not trying to teach about how long days were or how things were done scientifically, but were really there to show that God put in place time, weather, and vegetation (which are as important as just about anything for anyone living in the ANE). I’m blown away – don’t know what to think. For some reason, the little box I’ve put God in doesn’t really dig a potential change in my worldview. He’s not liberal by any means, but it’s definitely a different approach (different than any theory you’ve heard). This is not a very good summary – but listen and give the man a chance.

I should mention that my approach to OT (and even NT) hermeneutics is radically shaped by Dr. Walton. His OT Survey book is the best out there. His commentary on Genesis is superb.

Hope you’ll check it out.

http://www.wheaton.edu/physics/research/symposia/conferences03/Sci_Sym.html

What a mess...

2008-04-08T11:40:00.002-05:00

I am getting more into Facebook - what a tool for myself personally, and also for ministry. I've been very saddened to read some students' facebook pages (mostly students who were on the fringe that we've lost). I wish I knew all the reasons we lost them. High school is a mess!!! I don't envy high school believers.

Great Links - Cool Stuff - Personal Radio Station

2008-04-08T11:25:00.003-05:00

I don't keep up on cool internet stuff enough. A recent EFCA Today magazine article mentioned some cool sites. Here are some of the ones I really liked.

Pandora Radio - Listen to Free Internet Radio, Find New Music - choose your artists; it will play just one or a mix; it will also play similar artists; you can say if you like a song or not; you can share your personal radio station with friends; I dig it, actually - and I almost never listen to music (does that make me a bad Christian).

RELEVANT MAGAZINE :: Covering God, Life and Progressive Culture - some pretty fascinating stuff - it makes you think - and you may disagree often

ZIPskinny - Demographics and Census info - type in your zipcode and find out a bunch of demographic info.

If you have great websites that you like - I would LOVE to be told about them.

Why do bad things happen to good people?

2008-04-08T11:20:00.003-05:00

Why do bad things happen to good people? This is the age old question. I am not going to do much to answer it (sorry). I was working on some stuff for Junior High Youth Group and was looking for some stories and came across a message board with this response to the question (this post is mostly because of the quote below - not really to answer the question):

yes bad things happen for a reason
god ignores our plees for help
and our good deeds
then when hes watching us do bad things
KABAAMO
You are attacked by a giraffe with rabies

That last line makes me laugh hard.

The start of a simple answer: We have the question backwards. We should ask - "Why do good things happen to us (we aren't as good as we think we are - or so Scripture says)?"

Intelligent Design - Movie - Ben Stein - Support it!!!

2008-03-31T13:46:00.002-05:00

Ben Stein is helping put out a movie about intelligent design - EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed (click here). There are many people trying to silence this movie - but it is coming out April 18th. While intelligent design does not prove the Bible is true, it does help validate the Bible and is a useful apologetic. The website has trailers, promo stuff, free downloads, and more. It is worth checking out and supporting. Also, R.C. Sproul interviewed Ben Stein - a very good interview - and R.C. Sproul is well versed in this area. Check it out here.

I think this is one movie we really need to promote. You may have heard about a number of professors who have been fired or denied tenure for holding this position (even one at Iowa State). William Lane Craig called them Intellectual Martyrs. Pass this info on.

Creative Theology? Speaking In Tongues

2008-03-31T09:08:00.003-05:00

I don't ever want to be accused of being creative in my theology. That's another word for heretic - which can lead to being burned. But... I've been thinking a bit about the gift of speaking in tongues. I haven't done the research yet - so don't burn me at the stake - but it seems to me that the Acts 2 (day of Pentecost) speaking in tongues was not at all the "gift" of speaking in tongues that Paul writes about in Corinthians. Maybe that idea isn't heresy; maybe it is a normal teaching - but I have not heard it as far as I can remember.

A few reasons for this. There were no interpreters. The disciples were not speaking gibberish, but were rather speaking a known language. It wasn't that just tongues were done just 3 times (as taught by Paul). It does not surprise me that when the Holy Spirit is sent, crazy-big things happen. This does not seem to be what Paul is writing about in Corinthians. I am sure there are many more reasons why Acts 2 does not seem to be the gift of speaking in tongues.

I ramble about this because I am in the process (slowly) or writing my paper for licensure in the Free Church. I have to state my position on different issues - including the cessation or the continuance of the gift of speaking in tongues. By the way - I see no Biblical argument for cessation - at least none that isn't creative with God's Word. Historically and logically I can make the argument for cessation. BUT - if the gift had ceased, I really believe God would have made it clear. I am not a cessationist (not at this point).

Are the languages being spoken in Acts 2 the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues, or was that occasion the Holy Spirit doing a new thing in an amazing way?

Worship Training Resources

2008-03-26T11:42:00.004-05:00

I really enjoy leading worship and I do work at growing in my abilities. Sovereign Grace Music has some good training stuff - for free. They are theologically deep too - what a crazy unpopular combo - good music and deep theology. Their training stuff is here.

My Family Is Amazing

2008-03-25T21:32:00.003-05:00

My wife has been so patient, helpful, and strong. She's put up with me being gone; a kid needing a home for a couple nights; minstry stuff that takes me away from her last minute; and she is a fantastic mom.

Jonathan is starting to say lots of words - or kind of say them. Yellow = weh-woh. He is passionate and has strong ideas about stuff. He pretend cried today - it was so cute. He loves guitar. He was a total daddy's boy, but now wants mom sometimes instead of dad. He knows about the Vikings - and when he wants to wear Vikings clothes - he raises both hands and shakes them and says - wo - wo (go go, I think).

Elise - she is as cute as a button. She is a mother-hen - which Jonathan doesn't always like. She loves to sing (her top request is "Holy, Holy, Holy") and is so passionate that she often gets in trouble for talking to loudly. She is all girl, but does end up rough-housing with the boys. She loves lotion and lipstick and her many purses and dolls

Benjamin is excelling at school and is a good leader. He continues to love playing piano (chording). He does well at sports and loves to watch them with his dad (especially the NFL - go Vikings). He is a great big brother. He plays with his football guys all the time.

I'm getting ready to coach U6 soccer (Benjamin, our Pastor's daughter, and 2 others) which is always fun. We're getting ready for our summer mission's trip to Rosebud, SD for the 6th summer. We have a busy summer - lots of weddings (and we won't be able to make about half of them - sorry friends). We're also looking forward to some vacations (if you haven't checked out vrbo - you gotta do it). I am slowly working on my licensure paper.

All Scripture Is God- Breathed - The Old Testament

2008-03-25T21:02:00.003-05:00

The New Testament boldly proclaims that "all Scripture is God-breathed" - the Old Testament is inspired God - and then continues - and is useful for "teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." Any believer should gladly affirm that. The problem arises when we begin to look at practice. Few believers spend much time in the Old Testament - and if they do, there are a few key books that are enjoyed (Genesis, Psalms, Proverbs), but so many are unused. There is a very well respected E. Free Pastor that I know in Iowa who in over 25 years of preaching has rarely preached from the Old Testament. I think most Christians agree in practice - negating 2 Timothy 3:16.

In my humble estimation, the reason for this is our lack of a hermeneutic for the Old Testament. What do we do with so many crazy stories? Here is a simplistic and probably unfair summary of two very popular approaches. The Dispensationlist moralizes the OT stories - so that the story of David and Goliath is about being a man who loves God like David - and knowing that God deals with evil men (or something in that vain). The Covenantalist allegorizes the text - so that the story of David and Goliath is about the "Giants in our lives" and how we need the 5 stones of faith, love, God's Word, the Church, and (pick your "stone") - reducing the Bible to Aesop's Fables. Don't laugh - I've heard one of those and read the other. I won't name the author, but a godly, wise, Covenant Pastor (he's dead now) has some great New Testament stuff, but his Old Testament stuff is all allegory (I guess this allows them to think the Church is the New Israel - probably an unfair shot - but it plays a part). I should say that both camps may use the other camp's methods, but in general, I believe the above is true.

So how do we approach the Old Testament? How do we avoid lives that proclaim God to be a liar in 2 Timothy 3:16? (I do think I have some good answers. I didn't make them up - I'm not that smart).

In my view, my biggest hermeneutical challenge is the Gospels. Even John 3:16 is brutally hard to understand (and don't get me started on the Beattitudes).

March Madness Brackets take the heart out of Basketball

2008-03-25T08:30:00.004-05:00

I must confess that I have never been a big college sports fan, though I do love some professional sports. Since I now live in a state bereft of professional sports, I am trying to teach myself to enjoy college sports. I should mention that I married into a Hawkeye family and that we don't have cable, so there are many games I can't see and I don't get the great highlights that ESPN gives.
I filled out my brackets this year online (I have filled them out one other time, but really didn't watch them closely - and was in no competition). 22 of my friends from facebook are also doing it. What I've found is that I can't just root for the team I want to win, but end up torn - though I want certain teams to win, they aren't down to win on my bracket - so I can't really cheer for them. I don't like that. If I wasn't doing reasonably well (among my facebook friends - I'm tied for 3rd) , I really wouldn't enjoy it. I'm not sure I'll fill out brackets again.

Help Me Find Other EFCA Pastor Bloggers...

2008-03-25T08:25:00.003-05:00

There is a Pastor trying to make a list of EFCA bloggers who are Pastors (I guess I count - even as a youth Pastor). If you want to see that list, check it out here. If you know someone who should be added to it, click here. I know some of you must know some, so take a moment to actually hook a brother (brother in Christ) up. Thanks.

Avoiding Hypocrisy - and how it moved me to other problems

2008-03-19T15:49:00.003-05:00

Jesus really rails against hypocrisy in the sermon on the Mount (and other places). He is driving at the point that our heart must be right when we do what we do (pray, give, etc.). I was taught this all my life (a good thing). One false idea that I associated with it (somehow - and I think it may relate to being a recovering legalist) was that really just enjoying something made it a bad motive. I thought that if I really enjoyed helping old people, for instance, that I would lose any reward in heaven because I loved it so much (honestly, I don't mind it, but it isn't my favorite past time). I've known this was a wrong idea in the last 13 years of my life or so, but it took a while to figure that out - and I still battle with it all the time. One very practical way this battle came up was in the area of leading worship. I love playing guitar - and practice can be a blast - and to lead people in worship is wonderful. But somehow I feared truly admitting this - because maybe then because I enjoyed it, the benefit would be lost. I'm sure this makes no sense to some, but others must get this. I didn't admit this truth about my love for leading worship until a couple years ago.

It was just today as Men's Bible Study that we were looking at Matthew 6 and some teaching on hypocrites that I put together where my erroneous thoughts on enjoying serving God came from (maybe not all of them came from being a recovering legalist - but certainly it's played a huge part).

Major Prayer Request...

2008-03-19T15:45:00.004-05:00

A dear friend of mine (many of you know this person, but for safety, I do not want to mention this person's name) is in what seems to be a dangerous situation. Recently this person was beaten for his/her faith - and forced to pay a large amount of money to be released. Lately he/she believes he/she has been followed. Pray for God's hand to "shut the lions' mouths." Thank you.

Read Isaiah 40 as well. Verses 12-18 and the last 4 or so are my favorite.

Church Plant...

2008-03-17T09:40:00.002-05:00

Our small church is in the process of helping plant another Church - in Webster City, IA (the Fort Dodge EFC is helping as well). It's exciting to be in this process and I can't wait to see what God will do. Our family went to Church yesterday over in Webster City - it was good. I think planting a church is a much better option than growing the one you're in bigger. I love it!!

UBAC - Ubangi Academy - Karawa, Zaire, Africa - DRC

2008-03-11T11:38:00.005-05:00

For anyone who is a UBAC alum (Ubangi Academy) - you ought to join the facebook UBAC group. We need to get more of us no there. By UBAC - I mean - the boarding school at Karawa, Zaire, Africa (run by the E. Free Church and the Covenant Church - though now I suppose it should be called the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Lovie Smith's House Was Egged (joke)

2008-03-11T10:58:00.003-05:00

My brother sent me this. It's funny, I think.

Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith's house was egged.Chicago police reported that some individual attempted to "egg" Lovie Smith's house last night.

The report stated: "An empty egg carton was recovered at the scene. Two eggs hit Mr. Smith's house, three eggs went over his house and hit his neighbor's back door, two eggs hit the houses of each of his next-door neighbors, and the remaining three eggs were found broken on the ground near the carton from where the individual threw them. Looking at what was hit, police officials say they are considering Bears quarterback Rex Grossman as the primary suspect."

Providence of God in the Life Of Joseph by Steve Farrar

2008-03-10T11:18:00.003-05:00

I heard a fantastic message a year ago from Steve Farrar (Men's Ministries) - about the Providence of God in the life of Joseph. I managed to take great notes which I can't find today (my filing system fails me yet again). Someone put the notes they took on their blog. It is really great. You can check it out here.

It's a fantastic reminder!

Our Church Webpage... Lessons

2008-03-06T15:43:00.002-06:00

Not very exciting - but we keep adding to and updating our church webpage. I've put a bunch of lessons on there (PowerPoint and Documents). It is worth it to check out the illustration on "Grace - Fantastic Illustration" - click here for that directly - I think it will work like this. I know my source for it was Beth Moore (indirectly) - but not sure where she got it from.

My Teaching Lessons Are Here

This is not a Postmodern Age

2008-03-05T14:24:00.004-06:00

I just heard William Lane Craig (EFCA - Central District Conference in Des Moines) make the statement that we do not live in a postmodern age. Rather, we still are in the modern age (science and technology are what we firmly hope in), but we lack the intelligence of former years - so we have a dumbed-down society. I don't want to put words in his mouth - but I have been thinking thoughts along these lines. He did blame youth pastors for propagating this "postmodern" myth in the Church (and he is speaking especially of the Emergent group). I find all this fascinating and hope to think more on it.

I've been simply arguing that if we are postmodern, it won't last long, because it's a bankrupt way to live - and you really can't live it out. If you accidentally eat rat poison, you better hope the words on the label actually have meaning /truth.

Check out Our Church Website

2008-02-26T11:18:00.002-06:00

My Pastor (the great and humble, John Nett - a.k.a. PJ) and I have been working on our Church's website. It's not done and has to be updated constantly. We're not expert web designer's by any means. We'd love suggestions and help. A few key places I'd love to have you check out are:

Pictures of Stuff We've Done
Sermons - even one from me if you scroll down towards the bottom
Links - I need help making this a great page - if you have any links you highly recommend, let me know (it is going to be a massive work in progress)
Games - if you need a great game to play - group game or up front game - I think this list is pretty solid. If you have suggestions for a game I'm missing, hook a brother up.

We've been working hard on this page - so hoping a few of my friends will check it out.

Grandma's Funeral (Lori's Grandma) - Mormor

2008-02-21T09:33:00.004-06:00

I had the honor and privilege of performing the ceremony for the funeral of my wife's grandma - Varla Olesen - fondly known as Mormor (mother's mother in Danish). She came to America at age 40 from Denmark. I immediately fell in love with her the moment I met her. What a fantastic woman (and I hear her husband was amazing too).

It was tough, but wonderful, to do the ceremony. A highlight for me was the great grand-children singing "Holy, Holy, Holy" during the ceremony. Our two oldest would sing that to her the last few times we visited. She wanted to hear it once more - but we didn't get back to her. It was a special moment - and my girl, Elise, belted it out the second time through when the congregation joined us.

This life is short. So many quotes come to mind.

Jim Elliot - "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."

Only one life, 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last.

Here are some lines from the message I wrote - not that they are amazing, but they are true and she was an inspiration.

I’m told that in these last few years, Mormor was in pain so often – but she always prayed for her grandkids – each one by name. How does someone in pain think of others so much??
God loves to take all those bad things that happen to us and work them out for good. But what good is it – whose good is it? Verse 29 starts with the word “for” – it is going to explain what the good is of verse 28. The good that things are working towards is that you and I be conformed to the likeness of His Son – that we become more like Jesus.
Mormor did a lot of beautiful work. I really liked the cards she made from dried flowers (look at bulletin) – she took dead flowers – something that we see as worthless – wasted – and she made masterpieces out of them. That’s what God is doing - He is using even the painful parts of our lives that we don’t like - to make us more like Jesus. I can say that Mormor was able to think of others when she was in pain, because she had spent her life being made more and more like Jesus.

In the last months of her life, Mormor often prayed – “Jesus, just take me home”. You see, this world is not our home. To those who don’t know Jesus, this world is as close to heaven as you’ll ever get. But to those who know Jesus, this world is as close to hell as you’ll ever get.
I had the privilege of spending a week at Shepherd’s Home – a home for mentally and physically handicapped adults. The man who ran it asked me – what do you think we have to clean the most around here. I had no idea. He said – the windows. Because everyone here knows Jesus is going to return in the clouds, just as he left – and they will meet him in the air and get new bodies – and they press their hands and face up to the windows watching for Him.
We are not home yet. But Mormor is. She has fought the good fight – she’s finished the race – and now she is Home. I’m going to miss you Mormor, we all are. But we are so happy for you. Thank you for the life you lived, the way you loved, the prayers you prayed, and the example you set.

A life verse for a single woman

2008-02-21T09:30:00.002-06:00

"Have mercy on me, O God, for men hotly pursue me" ~psalm 56:1
If you are a single lady, claim this as your life verse :)
I didn't figure this brilliance out, but saw it on an old friend's facebook account. It's a great verse.

Missions Trips - More Than Just A Week

2008-02-21T09:14:00.002-06:00

Mission’s Trips – More than just a week.

Our youth group goes to the Rosebud Reservation each summer on a mission’s trip. We also try to visit at least once during the year. This will be our 6^th summer going. We were told early on that this is no “love ‘em and leave em’” kind of trip. That doesn’t work well anywhere, and is especially true with Native American ministry. So we have built relationships that continue to grow over the years. On our last visit I received my own key for the Native American Community Center in the town we visit. That was amazing to me.

Our national youth conference (Challenge) is every other year. It is a challenging thing to do both a Mission’s Trip and a $500+ national conference during a summer. I am prone to think that the Trip ($200) is worth more – and... – if we don’t go every summer, we’ve wasted years of relationships. We are still offering both this summer, but I can say that I am not sure it’s a great way to do it – especially if I want to be purpose driven.

I’m done Rambling.

Favorite New Song - Glorious Day - by Todd Agnew

2008-02-21T08:50:00.004-06:00

Glorious Day by Todd Agnew. I listen to it here.

I rarely listen to our local Christian station, but yesterday morning I thought I wanted to listen to some music and decided to see what they had playing (usually it's not my favorite music). Glorious Day was playing - and it's really an old hymn - One Day - that I new growing up. The words are the Gospel story - well done. Todd Agnew breathes great life and passion in this new music he put to them. I chorded it out (simply - probably needs slight tweaking) too. I am going to put that below. I don't think I am allowed to put lyrics with the chords. So you can look them up via a google search for Todd Agnew lyrics to Glorious Day or however you choose. It's worth listening to. I think we may try to use it in youth group in Church. Somehow it has ear candy that really grabs me - and the lyrics and music fit so well.

Glorious Day - Sung By Todd Agnew

Michael Bleeker - 2006 Bleeker Publishing - Music
Words by J. Wilbur Chapman (originally titled “One Day”)
Ino Records / 2007
As a hymn, was copyrighted 1977 by Integrity
It’s in the Key of D – He starts singing with no musical intro – and comes in with the guitar on the G

Verse
G D/F#
G D (or D/F#)
G D/F#
G D
Chorus
G D/F#
G Em
D/F# G
A D

Interlude:
G D G D ????

Karma, Cheating, Character, and the SuperBowl (and the Vikings)

2008-02-04T09:48:00.000-06:00

I've been meaning to write some of this for a while - and after the game last night, I just had to write a bit.

When a person cheats in one area, you can be sure it's not an isolated incident. I've seen this in my life countless times. When I find a way to rationalize sin (or whatever), I find that I do it in other areas too. When Bill Belichick was caught cheating earlier this year, my first reaction was - you never got caught the first time, and if he's cheating this way, he's cheating other ways. That's why a person's private life always affects their public life.

If I believed in Karma, the SuperBowl would be proof. I got way too much joy in seeing the Patriots lose. Certainly they were a great team, but when someone cheats, it sure is nice to see it catch up with them. I think I lost site of grace - but maybe that's another a story for another time.

I talked to quite a few teens this last weekend and asked who they wanted to win the Superbowl. Most wanted the Giants to win. I then asked if they were cheering for the Giants or against the Patriots. Most were cheering against the Patriots. I found that interesting.

By the way, the Minnesota Vikings are undefeated right now and tied for first in the NFL playoff hunt!!

Worship Wars: Hymns Verses Contemporary Worship

2008-01-30T09:34:00.000-06:00

A few years ago I received the following as an email forward. It put so much of the Worship Wars stuff into perspective. I only received the first half of it the first time - a few months later, someone had added the second half.

An old farmer went to the city one weekend and attended the big city church. He came home and his wife asked him how it was. "Well," said the farmer, "It was good. They did something different, however. They sang praise choruses instead of hymns." "Praise choruses," said his wife, "What are those?" "Oh, they're okay. They're sort of like hymns, only different," said the farmer.
"Well, what's the difference?" asked his wife.
The farmer said, "Well it's like this ‑ If I were to say to you: `Martha, the cows are in the corn,' well that would be a hymn. If, on the other hand, I were to say to you:

Martha Martha, Martha, Oh, Martha, MARTHA, MARTHA,
the cows, the big cows, the brown cows, the black cows,
the white cows, the black and white cows,
the COWS, COWS, COWS are in the corn,
are in the corn, are in the corn, are in the corn,
the CORN, CORN, CORN,
then, if I were to repeat the whole thing two or three times, well that would be a praise chorus."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As luck would have it, the exact same Sunday a young, new Christian from the city church attended the small town church. He came home and his wife asked him how it was. "Well," said the young man, "It was good. They did something different, however. They sang hymns instead of regular songs."
"Hymns," said his wife, "What are those?"
"Oh, they're okay. They're sort of like regular songs, only different," said the young man.
"Well, what's the difference?" asked his wife.
The young man said, "Well it's like this ‑ If I were to say to you, `Martha, the cows are in the corn,' well that would be a regular song. If, on the other hand, I were to say to you:

Oh Martha, dear Martha, hear Thou my cry
Inclinest thine ear to the words of my mouth.
Turn Thou Thy whole wondrous ear by and by
To the righteous, inimitable, glorious truth.

For the way of the animals who can explain
There in their heads is no shadow of sense,
Hearkenest they in God's sun or his rain
Unless from the mild, tempting corn they are fenced.

Yea those cows in glad bovine, rebellious delight,
Have broke free their shackles, their warm pens eschewed.
Then goaded by minions of darkness and night
They all my mild Chilliwack sweet corn have chewed.

So look to that bright shining day by and by,
Where all foul corruptions of earth are reborn.
Where no vicious animal makes my soul cry
And I no longer see those foul cows in the corn.

Then, if I were to do only verses one, three, and four and do a key change on the last verse, well that would be a hymn."

Leading Musical Worship; Paul Baloche DVDs, etc...

2008-01-28T09:41:00.001-06:00

I think I first publicly (and privately) admitted how much I enjoyed leading musical worship about 2 years ago. I actually don't do it as often as I used to.

Some of my high school students are going to be leading worship at Hidden Acres this weekend. It's a wonderful chance for them and for me. We're not amazing musicians (in fact, none of us are above average (though some of them may be, some day). It is amazing how the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts. I guess I'm asking for prayer.

Here are a few thoughts on leading worship (and I'll ask some questions at the end).

The most simple principle and its practical ramifications.

Principle: More than anything else, it is imperative that those leading worship are worshiping.

Ramifications:
The obvious - my walk with Christ must be growing - and our team must be spiritually together.
We must eliminate as many distractions as we can.

From a musical standpoint: We must so know what we are doing up there, that we can focus on Jesus (rather than on notes, theory, dynamics, plan, etc...).
SO - we must practice well - and really know what we are doing.

My point - practicing well and having everyone really know what is going on is key.

I just bought some DVDs by Paul Baloche. They aren't as deep as I hoped for, but are very good stuff. My summary of 2 of them.

Worship Band Workshop (or something close to that title) was very good. Summary - dynamics; playing less; not filling the same space (if piano is playing around middle C - guitar should move up higher); metronome; Dynamics!; Less is more

Creating Flow - Summary: Choosing Songs so that they flow together - so there isn't distracting dead time or hard stops. Keys - tempo, key of song, key changes, not ending a song all the time - more fading into the next one.

Do you use a metronome much (personally or in worship practice with the full band)?
What worship resources do you know about that are worthwhile?
How much do you work on flow in worship? What helps you do this?

Buying Grace?? - Legalism

2008-01-21T10:59:00.000-06:00

"Legalism is like trying to buy grace."

This is a new phrase that I made up (though someone has probably made it up before me).

My pastor and I were talking about "Christian legalism" last week - he was asking for an illustration - and we got carried away talking about legalism in general (I am a recovering legalist). I like rules and could easily live with rules. For years God has been working in me to change my heart (I still follow nearly all of the same "rules", but my heart has changed).

Let me clarify what I mean by Christian legalism. It is not simply have a rule in a gray area (that is a conviction - and is a good thing). Legalism rears its ugly head when my conviction leads me to conclude that you are less spiritual because you do what I don't do (or don't do what I do). Let me say again that having convictions in gray areas is a good thing - the other option would be to be a moral zombie (maybe that's too harsh).

I got to thinking more about legalism - and realized I so easily try to "buy grace" from God. I think that if I do my devos, love my family, help hurting people, go to prayer meeting... - that God will love me more - or at least be more impressed with me (I also try buy grace by NOT doing things as well). Unconsciously, I am so often trying to buy grace. But the problem is that buying grace is impossible - grace must be unmerited, otherwise it's not grace.

I believe a word for "buying grace" is Simony - (the attempt to buy grace for money named after Simon the sorcerer rebuked by Peter in Acts). At one point in history (sparking the Reformation) - this was seen in the sale of indulgences - "As the gold in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs." I just don't think we've come that from there - at least I haven't. It's a daily struggle.

How are you trying to buy grace? Any thoughts?

Rosebud Visit

2008-01-15T20:24:00.000-06:00

I took a few students out to Wood, SD, to visit the kids we work with every summer. We left early Friday morning and returned on Sunday. It was a bit disheartening. The student we had the most hope in tried to commit suicide, stole from a bar, and is now in Oregon for school (probably a good thing). Other students we've known for years have been removed from their homes (some for counseling and a safer home; others because they've started the abusive practices that they formerly endured). So few Native Americans were there.

There was some good. A kid who was gone last summer but who we knew from previous summers was back - and we thought he was doing better. I now have a key to the Native American Community Building (to keep). There were some relationships that were strengthened.

We trust that God, in His sovereignty, still has plans for each student we've spent time with. We plan to head back this summer - and we'll see who God brings our way.

Mike Huckabee

2008-01-03T17:19:00.000-06:00

I think Mike Huckabee is the best option we have - and a pretty good one at that. I have heard many attacks on him - and every single one that I've checked out, his response / answers are great. If you haven't checked out his site, here it is.
http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=Home.Home

Our Family Christmas Letter

2007-12-20T22:22:00.000-06:00

Dear Loved Ones,

Our lives are changing fast as our family grows older. We are grateful for our faithful God who doesn’t change. He still doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve and His loving-kindness endures forever. Join us in giving Him the glory for this past year.

We’re very thankful to God for a year of overall good health (a quick ER visit confirming Lori has acid reflux was a good reminder of how blessed we are). We are grateful for the Church Family we are in. It’s great having extended family living relatively nearby (though Lori’s parents moved to Waterloo, it’s about the same distance away as before).

We had some wonderful times together as a family: Detroit for Corey Wright’s wedding – and enjoyed the Detroit Zoo (very good); a quick vacation to Omaha (zoo was good; children’s museum was fun); our first garage sale; a wonderful week in Wisconsin with the extended Olson side; we built a swing set which our kids love; Lori and Tim went to the EFCA Youth Pastor Refresher – “Rebound” in Daytona Beach Florida – a much needed retreat. We removed some carpet and now have more hardwood floor (thanks, Eric, for your help).

Jonathan, at 18 months, is our social child - the family PR guy. He’s a happy, smiley boy and has a tender heart (he cries when someone gets hurt). He’s a “daddy’s boy” and has to have his “bupp bupp” to sleep (he sucks on his burp rag).

Elise is passionate about life – everything is “all-out”. She’s a typical girl that loves dolls, purses, helping mom, and doing her aunts’ hair. A year ago we were worried about her speech, but she’s made up for any lack of speech and isn’t slowing down. She thinks it’s funny to get the “hippupps”. Now that she’s 3, she has stopped sucking her thumb (Great Grandpa is thrilled). She had the privilege of being a flower girl in Steve and Amber Rick’s wedding (she cried all the way down the aisle). She says adorable things all the time. (ask us for stories – we love to quote her). She loves to sing – and requests “Holy, Holy, Holy” every day. She has a tender heart and loves to be a mother hen to her ailing great grandmother.

Benjamin is 6 and in Kindergarten (all day, 5 days a week). He does well in anything he works at. He loves sports and has had fun playing community organized sports – soccer, t-ball, wrestling practice (ask him about his incredible soccer coach). He is a great reader, loves math, and is a quiet leader. He loves the Minnesota Vikings (got 2 autographed balls during training camp and just went to the Metrodome to watch them play the Bears). He loves to play piano (he plays chords – and sings his heart out on worship songs – with a Mac Powell sort of voice). He enjoyed being the ring bearer in Corey Wright’s wedding.

Lori says her life doesn’t change much – so getting a new vacuum was one of the highlights of her year (so far, it actually works well – a new concept in vacuums for our family). She enjoyed another year at “Hearts At Home” with her sister and some friends. She had taken a year off from youth group and is now back helping again (Tim is thrilled). She still loves popcorn (gotta use the “stir-crazy”). She enjoys singing in a ladies’ quartet (Tim thinks they are pretty amazing).

Tim loves being a dad and husband. He’s now getting the incredible privilege to do some weddings of former youth students. He makes Danish (Swedish) pancakes as well as pizza each week with his kids. He’s started working on his paper for being licensed with the EFCA and is also a part of the EFCA Central District Student Ministry Team. He still enjoys his job (has a great pastor, some wonderful youth leaders, and is seeing students grow in their faith as well as students coming to faith). We saw God bless our annual trip to the Rosebud Reservation more than ever this year.

You are always in our hearts and we’d love to hear from you – electronically, snail mail, or in person.

Grace & Peace,

The Olson Family

More Zaire Pics

2007-12-10T11:58:00.000-06:00

Here are some more pics.

Zaire - My Home

2007-12-06T09:49:00.000-06:00

I was born and raised in Zaire, Africa - now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo - formerly the Belgian Congo. It's a place I love and miss. I am ever so thankful to God for the chance to grow up there. The missionary community was a wonderful place for me. Playing soccer, eating great food, having great friends (from Africa, Europe, and North America), gaining a world view - all wonderful benefits of my time there. I dream of taking my family there some day (I'd shed a lot of tears doing that - and have to hold them back right now just thinking about it). An old MK (missionary kid) friend of mine just went back a year or so ago with a group of people going to for ministry. He sent me 4 CDs of pics and videos he took. I am going to put a few pics on here. I wish I knew how to put captions under them. I could tell hours of stories about the places in each picture. So here are a few pictures of home.

Theology and me...

2007-12-04T11:15:00.001-06:00

I have often wished I was smart enough to be a theologian or a philosopher. It's clear that I'm not that smart (of course we are all theologians and philosophers - but I don't mean it in that way). I got to sit through my Pastor's Ordination Council. It's pretty brutal. I really do enjoy studying Scripture and I think my logical ability is better than average... but... I've got a long way to go. I'm working on my licensure paper - and it's tough (only 20 pages - 12 of them on the EFCA Statement Of Faith - which isn't nearly enough room). I'm trying to work on it each night I'm home (rather than being out at events). Our computer is down now so it's on hold for a bit. Should be back at it later this week. It's tough and after Pastor John's Ordination Council, I'm a bit scared. If anyone of my friends out there wants to read what I write and critique it, let me know.

Boy Feed Girl

2007-12-04T09:41:00.001-06:00

Once a year our high school youth group puts on Boy Feed Girl. It's a chance for our guys to treat our girls as precious sister's in Christ, rather than a potential date. We do this by planning a fun evening that includes food and some sort of atmosphere and activity that they will enjoy. This year we did a medieval theme and I thought it was fantastic. It was more work than we've ever done - by far. I'm sure it wasn't perfect and certainly parts of it were more to a guys liking than a girls (we did some sword fighting). I love this event (and also the Girl Feed Boy event). I'll get pics on here when I get them on my computer.

Vikings Thoughts

2007-12-04T09:36:00.000-06:00

Three weeks ago the Vikings were 3-6 and everyone was mad at the coach. Now we've won 3 in a row and are in a 3 way tie to be the 2nd wild card team in the NFC. Adrian Peterson is back from injury, T-Jack has played 3 games in a row, our offense has put some points and numbers up through the air... It seems like a dream. While I won't be surprised if we tank, maybe we're turning a corner. We've got great potential - a lot of our players are young. Adrian Peterson is more than phenomenal. His second touchdown run on Sunday against the Lions was crazy - the way he faked the Lions player out of his shoes (he's still looking for them) and then strutted into the end zone. We're good at falling apart, but maybe they will learn how to win and how to avoid falling apart. I'm hopeful. We just need the cards and Lions to lose a game or two. Go Vikes!!!

Chester Taylor is 23rd in rushing and Adrian Peterson is first - that's a crazy stat.

More Pics

2007-11-20T13:25:00.000-06:00

Here are some more pics.

Family Pics and News

2007-11-20T13:11:00.000-06:00

Jonathan had his first hair cut last night (trim). He looks like a boy now. Elise is getting more and more beautiful like her mom. Benjamin is one busy little guy - I'm afraid to see what might happen when he gets into junior high school. He is now 6 and Elise will be 3 in a couple weeks. Lori and I were blessed to go to Rebound (the EFCA national youth pastor refresher) in Florida.
So here are some recent pics.

Preaching Again

2007-11-20T13:09:00.000-06:00

I'm preaching again. My wonderful Pastor is celebrating Christmas with his extended family over Thanksgiving break. I'm doing something I've almost never done - a retread - I'm going to take last year's ecumenical service and edit it and pray over it and change it - make it longer than the 12 minutes I was allowed. I think a key is going to be praying about it and making sure it burns in me before I preach it. You can pray for me on that one.

It's horrible of me to have used this so rarely lately. I'll have to do a post of some family stuff.

Adrian Peterson - Minnesota Vikings

2007-10-18T09:22:00.000-05:00

The Minnesota Vikings, without doubt, have the best backup running back in the NFL. Adrian Peterson set records on Sunday against the Bears. What a stud. If you haven't checked it out, you gotta do it (click here - then click on "Week 6: Adrian Peterson highlights - you'll have to scroll a bit to find it). He's amazing - and a rookie. I must give props to the O-line - they played like studs. I'm still in awe of Adrian. If he doesn't get hurt, watch out NFL.

Blitz - Junior High Lock In

2007-10-11T09:32:00.000-05:00

Our junior high students are going to Blitz this Friday night - all night long. It's Valley E. Free Church's annual Junior High Lock-in - for anyone in the state, I guess. It costs $35 and includes lots of insanity - ice skating, swimming, a band, games, pizza, bowling, chaos, and a guaranteed head ache. I guess for much of the night we'll be bussed around the city to different places for these activities. It's definitely evangelistic.

Sounds like fun to me. I dread the next two days - I'm always pooped after a lock-in. At least I'm not in charge.

Gospel of John and Youth Group

2007-10-11T09:18:00.000-05:00

We've been working on the Gospel of John in youth group. A key idea - to know Jesus is to know God. As we've been studying Jesus, I've been astounded by his responses to nearly every question. He masterfully guides conversation and "dodges" giving the expected answer better than a politician.

9The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?"
Jesus should have said - cause I love all people - race isn't an issue - I came to save all the lost. But he instead says - you should have asked me for a drink - if you knew who I was.

Then she says - ? 12Are you greater than our father Jacob,
He should have said - yes - I am the Messiah. But he talks about the water he gives that springs up to eternal life.

This goes on and on. Over and over. Jesus is intentional. Jesus shows sin to seekers without them being upset (though he's tougher on religious leaders who are self-righteous). It's not just John 4. It's nearly every encounter. I've been challenged to be more intentional in my conversations.

I should mention - the Gospels are just about the hardest part of the Bible for me to understand. I struggle with grasping the proper hermeneutic. I'm pretty picky - and I almost think Revelation is easier to study.

If you have any brilliant thoughts on a hermeneutic for the Gospels, hit me with them.

Olson Update - October 10

2007-10-10T23:41:00.000-05:00

Jonathan - He is walking! He loves his dad - and cries every time his dad leaves - and often when his dad leaves the room. He is one smiley boy.

Elise - she is adorable. She starts most days off at around 6 cuddling in bed with mom (and dad). She loves to help. She laughs a lot. She admires her big brother and tries to take care of her little brother.

Benjamin - is playing soccer. He has scored two goals, but mostly plays defense. He is reading at a 3rd grade, 5th month level. He is playing worship songs on the piano (chording - one of his favorite songs has an F#m, Bm, and an E7sus). He enjoys kindergarten and it seems God is giving him a heart for his friends. He should finish his first time through his AWANA sparks book in 2 weeks.

Lori - just got back from a "Hearts At Home" conference. She loved it. She is busy trying to take care of the family. She's helping out with youth group - so she has even less time at home.

Tim - is still busy with the same stuff. Nothing too exciting. He's enjoying working through John with his high school students. It's exciting to see the different students that are coming.

Upcoming Stuff - Tim and Lori are going to Rebound at the end of October - EFC National Youth Pastor conference in Daytona Beach, Florida. Yes, it sounds heavenly. We have some birthdays right around the corner.

So much more is going on. Come over some time and lets catch up on life.

The pic is from family vacation this past summer.

Websites I Love and Use

2007-09-10T10:03:00.001-05:00

I love to save money and save time. I have found a bunch of websites that are fantastic. I'm sure I won't get all of them listed here, but I'll list some. Don't be a doubter, now. These are good.

BIBLE / RELIGIOUS SITES
Reading the Bible online - many versions - check out http://www.biblegateway.com/
John Piper's Site - Desiring God - so much good stuff here - http://www.desiringgod.org/
Apologetics - Ravi Zacharias - http://rzim.org/
Our Church Website - http://graceefc.com/

YOUTH PASTOR SITES
http://pastor2youth.com/index.html
http://www.thesource4ym.com/
For lots of game ideas - I like the above youth pastor siges, and then this site - but beware - some games are not appropriate - duh - http://www.eventwise.co.uk/asp/PartyAnimals.asp

SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL AND HOTEL SITES
Hotels, Flights, more... - I have used this sooooo many times - it's great- http://www.priceline.com/
Cheapest place for flights and hotel that you don't bid on - http://www.kayak.com/
Orbitz, Travelocity, Hotwire - have their good points - but kayak is always as good and most of the time better - and you end up buying directly from the hotel or airline rather than through the kayak.

BUYING STUFF
Ebay is great (I check stuff out in stores - and then buy it on ebay) - http://www.kayak.com/
http://www.overstock.com/ - the name says it all
Pricegrabber searches many sites for what you are looking for - http://www.pricegrabber.com/
Newegg has great electronics stuff at good prices - http://www.newegg.com/
Tip - especially for technology/electronics - go to a search engine -type in what you are looking for and then the words - deals, bargains, rebates - you'll find great deals -
Don't forget about amazon - http://amazon.com/
CBD - great Christian books, music, videos, Bibles and more - pretty good prices - way better than bookstores - http://www.christianbook.com/

SPORTS SITES
Prosportsdaily has the major sports and when you choose your sport and team, it shows you articles from around the internet that it finds. http://prosportsdaily.com/
Video Highlights - NFL.com has great videos each week - I love it - http://www.nfl.com/videos

OTHER SITES
Google Alerts - have a daily or weekly email sent to you with all the info google finds on whatever you choose (I do one on Zaire - the DRC). http://www.google.com/alerts
Blogs have a great wealth of info and stuff you might like - from sports, to God, to whatever you want
RSS feeds can be great (they collect info you want and put it all on one page - google it for more info).
Podcasts - so many amazing people out there - find some you like and get their podcasts daily or weekly
Free sheet music every week - cool video interviews with worship leaders - http://worshiptogether.com/
Great Sudoku site - and check out the squiggly sudokus - they are the best - http://www.dailysudoku.co.uk/sudoku/index.shtml

What are some great sites you love to use? (I know I'm missing many, but this is at least a decent start).

Great Weekend!!!

2007-09-10T09:57:00.000-05:00

This is of no great value - no spiritual depth. I just have to share my simple joy. I love football. I don't spend nearly as much time watching it as I would like to, but I get my time in (I don't have cable so I miss out on lots of good stuff - and I don't do fantasy football - but I do love what I have time for).

This weekend, nearly every team I like won (and the major one I dislike, lost). It started on Thursday with the Colts decimating the Saints (Colts are my AFC team - actually - Peyton Manning is my AFC guy). Then on Friday, our very own Eagle Grove Eagles schooled Webster City. On Saturday, the Hawkeyes won and the UNI Panthers beat up on the Cyclones (I do cheer for them, except when they play the Hawks and the Panthers). On Sunday, my favorite team, the Minnesota Vikings smoked the Falcons 24-3. The icing on the cake was the Chicago Bears losing. Such little things bring such great joy.

May I truly delight only in God!

More cuteness from my kids

2007-09-06T15:46:00.000-05:00

All my kids have their amazing cute moments. Jonathan is just the smiliest guy you will ever meet (he loves to wave and say Hi to everyone in stores). Benjamin, my oldest, is always amazing me.

Elise is almost 3 and is full of passion and has to talk like crazy (Lori's parent say Lori was that way - true story). She is always saying cute things. I recently blogged about how she thinks uncle Dan is amazing. The story continues.

After visiting the Omaha zoo over the weekend we were getting ready for bed. We had sung a few songs and were getting ready to pray. We were talking about the zoo and asked her what her favorite animals were that she saw. She said monkey and lion. Then mom asked her who made them. She said, "Uncle Dan." We said noooo - and so she said, "Aunt Elizabeth." It's bad theology, but it was so cute.

I love being a dad, usually (I'm on my second pair of shorts today - Jonathan's diaper was so nasty this morning that even with 2 of us working on him, I still got poop on my shorts).

Minnesota Vikings Thoughts

2007-08-30T22:33:00.000-05:00

Here's my take on the Vikes.

Their overall defense should improve from last year. If their run defense isn't quite as good, I do expect way more pressure on the QB. We'll get more turnovers and do much better on our pass defense.

Our O-line and run game should be better than last year.

Special teams - not so good. They need to get better fast (especially with our brand of field positions football).

Passing - it's going to be a growing process. I'm afraid we won't get enough good pass attempts because T-Jack fears the interception. We need to have some punch in the Red Zone.

There is potential to be pretty good - but... let's not go there.

My Adorable Daughter

2007-08-30T22:26:00.000-05:00

Elise is 2 and a half, and she is full of passion - Wow!!! She is excited about everything - both in good ways and bad ways. She loves to talk and doesn't stop.

The other night I was giving her a bath - actually - she was doing it all herself - she loves to pour water on her head and shampoo her hair. I told her she was amazing (cause Benjamin hated water on his head at her age). She said - "Me not amazing. Untle Dan Amazing." ("Untle" is how she said uncle). It was very cute. I'm not sure what he did, but he remains on her mind as amazing.

I could tell so many stories (like how she refused to eat her food tonight - and sat at the table a looooooong time until bed time - and she never ate her food).

School Starts For My Son

2007-08-21T11:07:00.000-05:00

My little baby boy (he's 5 now) starts Kindergarten tomorrow. He went to preschool last year (but only 3 days a week and only for 2.5 hours a day). Kindergarten is all day, 5 days a week, at a building that has 8th graders in it. It's hard for me to put my child there. I'm excited for him and I think he has a great teacher (we've been told that by friends). I won't see him at lunch time. I won't have as much influence on him as before (at least not in terms of time spent with him).

I don't doubt God's sovereignty. It's just a scary thing for this dad. I'm sure I'll shed a tear or two tomorrow when I send him into the lion's den.

I don't have a lot of deep thoughts. That's just what's on my heart now.

Update on Olson Life - August 07, 2007

2007-08-07T08:13:00.000-05:00

The biggest news in my life (and the life of my family) is that we had a FANTASTIC week of VACATION up in Wisconsin (Cumberland - the Island City). We rented a big house on a lake and my brother and his wife, my sister, my parents, my grandpa, and a cousin (and my family) spent a week there. We did mostly nothing - eat, sleep, play with kids, do puzzles, swim, sports, read books. Lori used to dread the thought of such a thing, but she loved it too. The biggest challenge was having young kids - especially Jonathan at 13 months - he is a handful - heavy, pretty fast, and into everything (and can reach higher and farther than you think). I am so thankful for a family that knows and loves Jesus.

One simple high light was that on the way up to the Twin Cities (we stayed in Lori's sisters house for a couple days on the way to Wisconsin) we stopped in Mankato for the Minnesota Vikings Training Camp (first day on the field). It was fun to watch practice along with Steve and Amber (I did their wedding a couple months ago). At the end of practice, each player was introduced and through an autographed ball into the stands. The short story is this - two balls were personally handed to Benjamin (these are full sized, autograph balls - half is normal leather, half is a smooth white surface for autographs).

We are back and in the midst of more craziness. We are doing VBS this week (fortunately I am only in charge of music - which allows me and my pastor a chance to play the Eagle Grove Open - that is - the two of us sneak off for an hour and play tennis - if it's not raining). We are doing a garage sale this weekend - and Lori's parents come back from Romania on Thursday.

School starts soon - Benjamin will be going to all day kindergarten. That's exciting and scary. It's hard for me - to realize I won't see him for lunch any more. Lori and I plan to take turns eating lunch with him now and then.

God is faithful, good, mighty, and jealous. He does not treat us as our sins deserve!!!

Home Again - Family Update

2007-07-23T10:04:00.000-05:00

It's been a crazy summer (every summer I say - Next summer will be slower). We just got back from Michigan - former student from our church there got married in Detroit (I co-officiated, Benjamin was the Ring Bearer, and Lori and I sang a duet. It was a wonderful wedding. We also were able to visit our old church in Michigan. That was a wonderful time. I really enjoyed seeing so many old friends.

Our children are doing well - and did incredibly well on this trip. It was not enough sleep, too much driving, and crazy schedules. We are so blessed to have such great children.

We're looking forward to the Olson family vacation (my parents, siblings, grandpa, and cousin are heading to Wisconsin to a cabin for a week). I am so pumped for it. It will be even more fun in a few years when our kids are old enough to feed themselves, go the bathroom by themselves, and sleep in. Still, what a wonderful week it should be.

RAGBRAI is tomorrow - 15000 people biking by our house. Our church is going to be giving out water (I'm in charge). That's my task today - to figure that all out.

All is well enough. God is faithful.

An Easy Week??

2007-07-17T15:38:00.000-05:00

Last week was a week I've been looking forward to all summer long. My first (maybe only) "easy week" where nothing big was going to be happening. God had other plans. My wife started feeling a bit of pain in her stomach on Monday. Late Tuesday night - we went to the E.R. The short of it... Morphine once, the doctor's office, 3 times since then - and one more to come. She's had an ultrasound and is looking forward to an Upper GI (sp??). It's not ulcers. We're waiting. She's been sleeping on the couch for much of the nights (pain only at night, right now, if at all).

So - easy week is done.

We're on our way to Michigan - I'm helping officiate Corey's wedding.

Preaching again... the 10th Commandment (Don't Covet)

2007-07-05T23:22:00.001-05:00

I am preaching again - 2 weeks in a row. I was gone on Monday and Tuesday driving to Wood, SD and back. Wednesday was family and fireworks, and now I'm back in the office (bulletins, sermon, worship, interruptions, and such). Pray for me.

I'm excited to preach on the 10th commandment. I don't feel like I'm doing a great job - and honestly, I don't think I'm doing well in applying it to my life. The biggest point - Don't Covet teaches that we are not to be satisfied with stuff, but we are to be satisfied with God. "God is most glorified when I am most satisfied in Him" (Piper).

It's a great thing to preach on, but I'm finding it hard to do it justice.

Preaching Again - and Again

2007-06-27T10:25:00.000-05:00

"I am a bad youth pastor." This is one of my favorite and true quotes. I say it at least once a week - and often not in jest.

I say it today because I came into the summer just hoping to get through our Mission's Trip to Rosebud (I did a wedding right before the trip) and then begin to worry about the rest of the summer. I think some preaching dates got changed on me. Anyway. I am preaching this Sunday and next Sunday (and both weeks I am getting no sermon stuff done on Monday or Tuesday).

I was sitting at the table this morning trying to figure out what to preach on (often I will use a text I spent a lot of time in while on our Mission's Trip) and made a comment that I had just recently read a blog about a list someone had made of 10 passages he's never heard a sermon on. Benjamin piped up and said, "I've never heard anyone preach about David and Goliath at our church." I got excited about that and I'm in here studying right now.

If you have any insights, thoughts, helps, etc... on this story, let me know. I Samuel 17 has the narrative for us (though I'm going back to 15 in context).

Rosebud 2007 Summer Missions Trip

2007-06-27T09:50:00.000-05:00

God is faithful. He does what no man could do, or even dream.

This was our 5th summer to go to Wood, South Dakota (just a few miles of the Rosebud Reservation). In the past we've stayed in a dorm in Mission, SD (which is on the Rez), but this year God provided for us to stay in the town of Wood (populations 73, the sign says). (The pic is old - I don't have the new ones ready).

We saw God's hand in so many ways. Travel went well (even with me pulling a major idiot move - forgetting to put the pin back in so the hitch would stay on - it came off in Swea City, IA just after some railroad tracks - but not a scratch on anything). There were some professions of faith. We made more inroads in adult relationships than ever before. We were able to take some older kids tubing - which kind of forced them to trust is more and just helped our relationships. God provided an incredible building to stay in and do Kids' Club in (the Native American Community Building in Wood - a gym, 2 bathrooms, nice kitchen, computer room, and utility room - all air conditioned!!!). Our students were touched by God in so many ways.

Probably the biggest highlight for me and something we've been dreaming of for years, David, a 14 year old young man from Wood (we've known since our first day there) is home with us now for a week. We're very excited to have him with us. Please pray for his week here. I was told the day before we left that the non-Native Americans in Wood have said for years that he is a very special young man and has the greatest potential of anyone they know in Wood. He is so polite and is great with my kids. He is smart and kind. I'm loving having him with us. Pray for his schooling next year - none of the options are great so far (gangs are becoming worse and more necessary all over the Rez).

Thanks for all the prayers so many of you prayed.

Ephesians 3:20-21 is true!!!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

When did Jesus know He was God - and other musings???

2007-06-06T08:41:00.000-05:00

I love to ask questions - in life and especially in Bible Study. I'm not bright enough to ask profound questions very often. I read a book by N. T. Wright about 7 years ago and he asked more profound questions in a few minutes than I have in my life. 2 Questions really stuck out to me (though they were hardly the focus of the book). When did Jesus realize He was God? When did Jesus realize He had to die on a cross?

I grew up thinking Jesus always knew that stuff - even in the manger (no crying He makes - yeah right) - I thought he sat there, looking up at His mom, and realized He had to die on the cross. I don't believe that is correct at all.

I don't have a great answer to either of those two questions. I do have a few thoughts from my devotions this morning.

In Luke 17:18-20 - John the Baptist's disciples ask Jesus a question from John - "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?"

John and Jesus must have known about each other - and likely spent time together. Yet, John did not know Jesus was God. In my simply mind, this is evidence that makes it likely that Jesus did not know He was God for quite some time.

I really think that many of the questions Jesus asked in the Temple when He was 12 (Luke 2:39-52) had to do with questions regarding the Messiah - and the Messiah as a suffering servant, rather than the King who was going to overthrow the Romans and set up His Kingdom. I'm sure He asked many questions, but questions related to who the Messiah was were probably a focus.

I could be way off. I assume other, much smarter men, have pondered and even answered these kinds of questions.

What do you think about any of this?

Coveting - and the Character of God and of Man

2007-05-29T08:52:00.000-05:00

I will not repeat my approach and thoughts on the Old Testament and the 10 commandments (so make sure you understand them to understand this). I'm giving you some of the "meat" from my chance to preach Sunday Morning at Hidden Acres. Please note that I believe the 10th commandment (do not covet) teaches everything below and much, much more. The 10 commandments are rich with the character of God. It absolutely blows my mind. Again - I am just giving a brief sketch of this commandment - there is so much more that could and should be said about it.

What does the command not to covet teach about God and man???

The Character of GOD in the 10th Commandment

1. God owns everything. He has to own everything to be able to give it to us. Therefore, I am a steward of all that God has given me. There are many ramifications to this truth.

2. God provides everything - that's why I don't need to covet.

The above was information about God, but let me turn now to the very character of God (to who God is, as compared to what God does or has done)

God is sovereign. Even when Job is told by his wife to curse God and he responds with that statement about being naked from his mother's womb... He says - "The Lord gave and the Lord (NOT SATAN) has taken away. Blessed Be the name of the Lord!" This alone could keep us thinking for a long time.

God is wise. He has to be to know just how to provide for our needs. He does not give randomly or arbitraliy - but as He sees fit. This leads to the truth that God has a personal plan for each one of us (each one of is not to covet - so God must be taking care of each one of us). God's will is exactly what we would want if we knew all the facts (maybe by Gothard??).

God is Good - He is our good father. He'll provide just what we need. Tozer said - "The greatness of God rouses fear within us, but His goodness encourages us not to be afraid of Him. To fear and not be afraid - that is the paradox of faith."

God is gracious (get good things we don't deserve) - not only do we get what we need, but we get sooooo much more than what we need.

God is Jealous. This is the big one. God does not want us to be satisfied with trivial things like power, fame, money, etc... He wants our affections. We are to be satisfied in Him alone - and that is when He is the most glorified (John Piper). I could go on and on right here.

The Character of MAN in the 10th Commandment

We have a very high view of ourselves - we think we deserve lots of stuff. We're selfish and proud.

We have a desire for justice - but we certainly have many skewed ideas about what justice really is. (this desire for justice is one of many apologetics for the existence of God).

We lack faith to really believe God is going to provide for us (like the Israelites trying to collect manna on the Sabbath).

We easily seek everything except God. We are easily satisfied by things that don't satsify. We move from distraction to distraction.

What have I missed - because I am sure there is much more there.

Knowing God

2007-05-25T09:48:00.000-05:00

I get to preach a sermon this weekend (at Hidden Acres) - and I'm preaching on a couple of the 10 commandments. Since I believe that the decalogue is primarily about Knowing God, it's an absolutely exciting thing to preach on it. I want to share a few quotes on this stuff.

Dr. John Walton - His OT Survey Book - first couple pages

“The Old Testament’s objective is not transformed lives, though knowing God should transform one’s life. The Old Testament’s objective is not the adoption of a value system, though a value system would certainly be one outcome of knowing God in a real way. The Old Testament is not a repository of historical role models, dusty hymns, and obscure prophetic sayings, but God’s invitation to hear his story.” God wants us to KNOW HIM!

Tozer Quotes - from the first couple chapters of my favorite book - "Knowledge of the Holy"

The decline of the knowledge of the holy has brought on our troubles... It is impossible to keep our moral practices sound and our inward attitudes right while our idea of God is erroneous or inadequate. If we would bring back spiritual power to our lives , we must begin to think of God more nearly as He is.

The most important fact about any man is not what he at a given time may say or do, but what he in his deep heart conceives God to be like.

I believe there is scarcely an error in doctrine or a failure in applying Christian ethics that cannot be traced finally to imperfect and ignoble thoughts about God.

The heaviest obligation lying upon the Christian Church today is to purify and elevate her concept of God until it is once more worthy of Him…

What a challenge to preach about God and do Him justice.

Pray.

Thoughts on The 10 Commandments (the Decalogue)

2007-05-17T21:28:00.000-05:00

Ancient Near Eastern cultures promoted their king (often with embellishments – scribes liked to live long). Israel also had a bias – to promote The King – and so the OT is God’s Story about Himself.

Decalogue – Primarily Revelatory - God is revealing His character that we may know Him. Reveals God (primarily) – but also the character of Man

When we get to know someone – we talk about our past – the OT is God’s story (His Story = History) about His past – the Decalogue is there to reveal His character)

Old Testament is not primarily stories about Moses or Abraham, but stories about God.
When we focus on them, we lose sight of God (imagine taking a picture and focusing on the background). We won’t find a ton of info about these characters we want to know – because that isn’t the point (was Moses a good father? What was Abe’s favorite sport?). The stories about different characters are there to add depth to God’s story about Himself

Decalogue is one of the shortest and fullest theological statements we have

There is no way to make a rule for every problem in life. Even rules about movies are hard – is it okay to see one movie but not another. Drinking – in Europe, Christians drink. The Jewish took the first five books of the Bible and came up with a commentary on them called the Mishnah. Later, they added to the Mishnah and got the Gemara (the two combined are the Talmud). However, when we know God – we don’t need rules – knowing Him will help us know what to do in every situation.

Each of the 10 Commandments come from God’s character. He could never have chosen to command us to lie. Before one of them was written, they were already true.

Question for thought – are there aspects of God’s character that we know of now that were not revealed in the 10 commandments?

The 10 commandments aren’t multiple choice.

“Which part of ‘Thou shalt not’ didn’t you understand?” - God

I'll post more specific thoughts soon. I'm saddened by how few people use the Old Testament or even understand how to use it. Let me give quick credit to Dr. John H. Walton for many of these thoughts (now a Prof at Wheaton in their Graduate Department - Old Testament).

If you are brave, tell me about how to approach the Old Testament (what hermeneutical rules do you go by?). Tell me what the story of David and Goliath is about.

Wow - Conversations With Teens - breaking my heart

2007-04-24T20:54:00.000-05:00

I recently spent a couple hours (over food) with 2 teenagers. One has recently started going being more involved in Church (don't know where this person is on salvation) and the other is not involved in church at all. I walked away from over 2 hours of conversation just in shock; sad; disheartened; almost hopeless.

They are so hurting - so broken - so far from truth - and The Truth. Their lives have been shattered by too many problems. They aren't giving up, but the solutions they are reaching for won't really help. Even if they could move in with a superb, godly family and live with them for 10 years, I still wonder if that would help. These two are just messes waiting to fall apart.

I don't doubt God's grace, power, or love, but... quite hopeless. I wish I was a poet. My mind and heart just can't express all that I'm thinking and feeling.

Jesus is the answer - but it's an essay question, not true/false. They need so much healing.

What is my response??? Renewed passion to love broken people - and to passionately preach the Word and offer the only hope we have. I need to offer them the body that was broken for us - the one who can truly feel our pain.

I could also mention that they just blabbed (told me so much more about their dark past and pain than I would have imagined they'd tell me in a year of counseling) - and I heard some sad information about kids from youth group. These seem minor right now.

My heart is broken. I am so blessed.