Well we are deep into the camping season now. I figured I put in about 80 hrs last week during Sr. High camp. There is a lot of stuff to supervise. I am really beginning to appreciate all the work our former manager put into the camp. I guess I knew it was coming, but still it is tough.
I added to my own stress last week to boot. I am a people pleaser. I have trouble making decisions and then second guess them every time. In the end I tend to judge my work by how others react. (That is a mistake by the way!) So last week, when I realized there was no way I was going to make everyone happy it really bothered me. Hearing complaints from people, who's opinion I feel is important, hurts.
I just had my 50th birthday and you would think a guy like me would realize there are always politics and power struggles within every organization-Christian ministry is no exception. If we all acted like Jesus he would not have needed to come to earth as our Savior.
So what's the right thing to do?
When you have been called by God, or hired by an employer, you need to do the job the best you that you know how. That doesn't mean you shouldn't listen to criticism. Sometimes other people are right about us! The bible says a wise man listens to the counsel of his friends. But once you have weighed out the advice of others you must proceed the way you see best, always remaining within the authority given to you by the position, and never allow the feelings and attitudes of others distract you from the task.
The Apostle Paul was all about that!
He faced a lot of opposition to his ministry but he never lost sight of the mission. (I'm certainly not saying that I am experiencing "opposition" like Paul did!) But Paul also faced times when he was opposed by his friends who felt he was going in the wrong direction. Paul left his friend Barnabas (the first Christian to trust him!) when they had a disagreement. (Acts 15: 36-41) Paul confronted the Apostle Peter-to his face- when Peter was acting like a hypocrite.(Galatians 2:11-15)
A good leader must follow what he or she believes is the right path to take.
Now, I give you fair warning because the heart is deceitful and wicked beyond cure-You must check your own motives, biases, and goals to make sure that you are not acting in opposition to God if you are in Christian ministry, or your employer if you are a leader in business.
A good leader acts with humility, understanding that he too might fail. (Galatians 6:1-4)
Once you are sure your motives are pure and your direction is sound, proceed without letting the voices of your detractors hinder you.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Blessed Exhaustion!
Wow! has it been a whole month since I last wrote? I can't believe how I let the time get away from me. If you want to know the truth, I have been running from one priority to the next without thinking even two or three days down the road. It has been crazy and taking time to type out this blog was a low priority.
If I came to your church this spring for a visit you heard my "Rest for Elijah" message. I have to confess I have violated all the principles I teach in that lesson this past month. In fact, our pastor here in Charles City was preaching on the fear of loneliness this past weekend and my wife slapped me upside the head. You see, I have been on a little bit of a pity party because I have been so busy getting the camp ready for the summer season, and quite frankly, it seemed as though no one was helping. I felt all alone. Pastor says that kind of loneliness is bad. Duh!
(I feel much better now by the way. Our summer staff is here, many of the things I hoped to get done before the season started have been completed and Theresa and I actually took part of the weekend off for John's birthday.)
But do you know something? Even in my struggle with being exhausted there were times when I'd step back and realize God had personally put me in this ministry-and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
It was interesting, pastor was preaching from II Timothy 4. I have often referred to this passage myself. Paul tells his faithful helper that he had "fought the good fight" and "kept the faith." He had finished the race well and now a crown awaited him from the Lord. Paul laid it all on the line to serve the Lord. Paul was not leaving anything in his tank. He was going to expend every drop of energy he had for the Lord. As every coach will tell his players "Leave it all out on the court. Don't hold anything back!"
I got the idea for this blog from Sam B. He brought a group of teens up to work a few weeks ago and in their down time showed a clip from the movie "Facing the giants." It is your typical feel good football movie about a struggling team and a coach who pushed his players to leave it all on the field. The clip he showed made me realize I wanted to be just like that player, who, being exhausted, carried another player, on his back, while crawling across the length of the field. He had given everything. He was completely spent. That's what I want to do.
When I look back on life I don't want to have any regrets about what I should have done.
So, yes I am exhausted. Yes, some days I feel like there is no one working along side of me.
But that is OK because I know the prize that awaits me from the Lord, as long as I keep the faith and remain steadfast in the work.
Blessed Exhaustion!
So, how about you, are you "leaving it all on the court" for the Lord?
If I came to your church this spring for a visit you heard my "Rest for Elijah" message. I have to confess I have violated all the principles I teach in that lesson this past month. In fact, our pastor here in Charles City was preaching on the fear of loneliness this past weekend and my wife slapped me upside the head. You see, I have been on a little bit of a pity party because I have been so busy getting the camp ready for the summer season, and quite frankly, it seemed as though no one was helping. I felt all alone. Pastor says that kind of loneliness is bad. Duh!
(I feel much better now by the way. Our summer staff is here, many of the things I hoped to get done before the season started have been completed and Theresa and I actually took part of the weekend off for John's birthday.)
But do you know something? Even in my struggle with being exhausted there were times when I'd step back and realize God had personally put me in this ministry-and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
It was interesting, pastor was preaching from II Timothy 4. I have often referred to this passage myself. Paul tells his faithful helper that he had "fought the good fight" and "kept the faith." He had finished the race well and now a crown awaited him from the Lord. Paul laid it all on the line to serve the Lord. Paul was not leaving anything in his tank. He was going to expend every drop of energy he had for the Lord. As every coach will tell his players "Leave it all out on the court. Don't hold anything back!"
I got the idea for this blog from Sam B. He brought a group of teens up to work a few weeks ago and in their down time showed a clip from the movie "Facing the giants." It is your typical feel good football movie about a struggling team and a coach who pushed his players to leave it all on the field. The clip he showed made me realize I wanted to be just like that player, who, being exhausted, carried another player, on his back, while crawling across the length of the field. He had given everything. He was completely spent. That's what I want to do.
When I look back on life I don't want to have any regrets about what I should have done.
So, yes I am exhausted. Yes, some days I feel like there is no one working along side of me.
But that is OK because I know the prize that awaits me from the Lord, as long as I keep the faith and remain steadfast in the work.
Blessed Exhaustion!
So, how about you, are you "leaving it all on the court" for the Lord?
Monday, May 2, 2011
Some are chosen and some are not
Wow! The spring has sprung and we are going 90 miles an hour! There is a lot happening here at Cedar Springs-we are getting ready for a busy season.
I'm tied up right now working on summer staffing. We have gone through a ton of applications and interviewed lots of people. The thing that strikes me most about the process is the number of qualified people that would be good to have on staff here. I didn't expect so many interested people! That is a good thing. My problem is that I only have about 17 positions to fill. I am going to have to pick, for instance, between two people for our activities and grounds team, when I'd rather hire both. Unfortunately I'm going to have to tell some of these folks I can't hire them. I have to choose some, and leave some out-and I don't want to do that!
I'm glad Jesus doesn't have my dilemma. I have to choose between good people who want to be a part of our team. But Jesus accepts everyone who calls on His name. He doesn't leave anyone out!
You know, in the job hunt you have to be very persistant and sell yourself or employers won't even look at you. But not Jesus. If you yield your life to Him, and call on His name, (Romans 10:9-10)He answers and accepts you as His own. You don't have to go through a difficult application and interview process and you don't have to "sweat it out," waiting for a call from the HR department.
I'm glad our Savior is so inclusive because I would never be good enough to pass an interview with Him. I'd never meet up to the standard!
So if you are looking for a job I probably can't hire you, but if you are looking for a Savior, Jesus will accept you, without a doubt!
I'm tied up right now working on summer staffing. We have gone through a ton of applications and interviewed lots of people. The thing that strikes me most about the process is the number of qualified people that would be good to have on staff here. I didn't expect so many interested people! That is a good thing. My problem is that I only have about 17 positions to fill. I am going to have to pick, for instance, between two people for our activities and grounds team, when I'd rather hire both. Unfortunately I'm going to have to tell some of these folks I can't hire them. I have to choose some, and leave some out-and I don't want to do that!
I'm glad Jesus doesn't have my dilemma. I have to choose between good people who want to be a part of our team. But Jesus accepts everyone who calls on His name. He doesn't leave anyone out!
You know, in the job hunt you have to be very persistant and sell yourself or employers won't even look at you. But not Jesus. If you yield your life to Him, and call on His name, (Romans 10:9-10)He answers and accepts you as His own. You don't have to go through a difficult application and interview process and you don't have to "sweat it out," waiting for a call from the HR department.
I'm glad our Savior is so inclusive because I would never be good enough to pass an interview with Him. I'd never meet up to the standard!
So if you are looking for a job I probably can't hire you, but if you are looking for a Savior, Jesus will accept you, without a doubt!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Cleansed by fire
I haven't had a chance to update my blog for awhile because the weather has turned nice and I am busy outside. There is a lot to do around here after the snow melts! One of the things we are working on is picking up sticks and raking leaves.
As most of you know, if you burn off the leaves in the spring it helps the grass grow back better.
Fire is God's way of cleansing nature. I was talking with the naturalist from Floyd county the other day and she said they were going to be busy this week burning the prairie off at the Fossil and Prairie Center in Rockford. They do this because the prairie grasses are heartier than most weeds and trees and after a burn the only plants that grow back are the ones you want.
So the conservation folks use fire to cleanse the prairie.
God uses fire to cleanse us as well.
In the Old Testament God uses the word picture of a refiner of Silver or gold. The precious metal is put through the fire to burn off the "Dross" or impurities. In the book of Malachi, God is described as the "refiners fire" (3:2), purifying His people.
How do you suppose God "refines" His people today?
Personally, I have seen God refining me with difficult circumstances. We all have situations in our lives that we would rather not face. Conflicts and challenges bring stress into our lives and often times we want to avoid these situations. We complain to God "Why me!" But these circumstances are used by God to make us better people. When I have a conflict with another person for instance, I can choose to use it for God's glory. Ken Sandy, in his book "The Peace Maker" suggests that conflict brings us three opportunities. 1) Glorify God (by turning to Him for help in resolving the situation); 2) Serve others (The bible teaches us to consider other's needs before your own [Phil. 2:3-4]), 3) To grow in Christ (As we handle each conflict with a spiritual perspective we become more like Christ.)
If you are searching for a trouble free, pain free life you are making a big mistake. We do not enjoy difficult circumstances, but each of us is put through the fire for a reason. God wants you to be more like Him.
You know something. I was angry, if you read our "Caringbridge" site, when John was diagnosed with cancer. I was angry with God. Why should a faithful servant like myself have to endure such a painful family circumstance?
But I will tell you this, as painful as those first few months were, I wouldn't trade them for anything! God taught us to trust in Him, he used us to minister to others, and we became more mature in our faith because of it.
God is good, all the time! He cares for us and He knows what is best for us. And just like your earthly father, Our Heavenly Father uses difficult circumstances in our lives to "discipline" (train) us to be more like Him.
Fire is God's way of cleansing nature. I was talking with the naturalist from Floyd county the other day and she said they were going to be busy this week burning the prairie off at the Fossil and Prairie Center in Rockford. They do this because the prairie grasses are heartier than most weeds and trees and after a burn the only plants that grow back are the ones you want.
So the conservation folks use fire to cleanse the prairie.
God uses fire to cleanse us as well.
In the Old Testament God uses the word picture of a refiner of Silver or gold. The precious metal is put through the fire to burn off the "Dross" or impurities. In the book of Malachi, God is described as the "refiners fire" (3:2), purifying His people.
How do you suppose God "refines" His people today?
Personally, I have seen God refining me with difficult circumstances. We all have situations in our lives that we would rather not face. Conflicts and challenges bring stress into our lives and often times we want to avoid these situations. We complain to God "Why me!" But these circumstances are used by God to make us better people. When I have a conflict with another person for instance, I can choose to use it for God's glory. Ken Sandy, in his book "The Peace Maker" suggests that conflict brings us three opportunities. 1) Glorify God (by turning to Him for help in resolving the situation); 2) Serve others (The bible teaches us to consider other's needs before your own [Phil. 2:3-4]), 3) To grow in Christ (As we handle each conflict with a spiritual perspective we become more like Christ.)
If you are searching for a trouble free, pain free life you are making a big mistake. We do not enjoy difficult circumstances, but each of us is put through the fire for a reason. God wants you to be more like Him.
You know something. I was angry, if you read our "Caringbridge" site, when John was diagnosed with cancer. I was angry with God. Why should a faithful servant like myself have to endure such a painful family circumstance?
But I will tell you this, as painful as those first few months were, I wouldn't trade them for anything! God taught us to trust in Him, he used us to minister to others, and we became more mature in our faith because of it.
God is good, all the time! He cares for us and He knows what is best for us. And just like your earthly father, Our Heavenly Father uses difficult circumstances in our lives to "discipline" (train) us to be more like Him.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Keeping your guard up
I talked about the conference we attended last time. I'd like to share another story from there if I could. We went a day early because they were having some extra workshops and I took in the "Hazardous Tree Removal" seminar. It was an all day event and it was very helpful. The presentor was from FISTA (Forest Industry Safety and Training Alliance). He has 30 years of experience in the logging industry. We spent the morning in class learning about handling the chainsaw safety, proper safety equipment, etc. In the afternoon we went outdoors to practice safe felling techniques. Our focus was on "Bore Cutting" a tree. This allows you to "fall" the tree just about anywhere you want it to go. It was amazing! I have heard of "bore cutting" but didn't know how to do it. The guy took a tree that was leaning a good 4 feet in one direction and dropped it in the opposite direction. He was good. But as good as he was, and as much expereince as he had, he still made a potentially deadly mistake. It was on the very first tree he cut down. It was an Ash about 12 inches in diameter, so not a huge tree by any means. He missed his mark by just a little bit and it got hung up between two trees as it fell. He talked about what happened and then he was going to cut it free and get it on the ground so it was safe. He was cutting about 12 ft off of the log when it came free and swung towards him, taking his feet out from under him and he toppled right over the log-saw still running- head first to the ground. Fortunately, the tree was stopped prematurely-just as it connected with his legs-by another tree, or he would have broke both of his legs (or worse).
I felt a little embarrassed for him, and it was quite awkward, but we all laughed it off.
So how could a guy with so much experience make a mistake like that? Well first off, that's the danger of logging. Trees are sometimes unpredictable. They do things even the most experienced logger can not anticipate. Secondly, I think he underestimated that tree. He thought it was a piece of cake and didn't take all the necessary precautions. And thirdly, he was distracted from his work because he was busy teaching us at the same time he was felling that tree.
There's a lesson in this story for Christians.
We live in a world dominated by our adversary, the devil. He wants to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). The bible warns us in many places to be on gaurd against his evil schemes.
Unfortunately many Christains don't heed these warnings.
We don't realize that, while not "all-knowing", the devil is a spiritual being with great knowledge and he can and will be unpredictable in his attacks against us. He is going to "hit us where we least expect him."
Similarly, we seriously underestimate him. A recent survey concluded that most Americans don't even believe there is a "literal" Satan. Underestimating your enemy is always disasterous.
Finally, we should be careful not to be distracted. We live in a physical world. We see, we touch and we feel. We go to work, purchase the items we need, raise our families and go on vacation. Life is all around us and we don't realize that there is a spiritual world, that is just as real, all around us as well. In fact, we are primarily spiritual beings, not physical. This body, your career-this planet-are all only temperary, but we have an eternal soul that will live forever. We are spiritual beings and there are spiritual forces working all around us. Now, it is not like Star Wars, with "the dark side." The forces of evil (Satan) have already been defeated. Satan is not equal to God! But God has allowed him the power to influence human beings for a time. Therefore, the bible warns us, to be on gaurd at all times. We must be vigilant, constantly working to strengthen our relationship with Christ, who as defeated our enemy, so that we will not be taken captive by the enemy and his evil schemes.
So don't let Satan distract you. "Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).
I felt a little embarrassed for him, and it was quite awkward, but we all laughed it off.
So how could a guy with so much experience make a mistake like that? Well first off, that's the danger of logging. Trees are sometimes unpredictable. They do things even the most experienced logger can not anticipate. Secondly, I think he underestimated that tree. He thought it was a piece of cake and didn't take all the necessary precautions. And thirdly, he was distracted from his work because he was busy teaching us at the same time he was felling that tree.
There's a lesson in this story for Christians.
We live in a world dominated by our adversary, the devil. He wants to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). The bible warns us in many places to be on gaurd against his evil schemes.
Unfortunately many Christains don't heed these warnings.
We don't realize that, while not "all-knowing", the devil is a spiritual being with great knowledge and he can and will be unpredictable in his attacks against us. He is going to "hit us where we least expect him."
Similarly, we seriously underestimate him. A recent survey concluded that most Americans don't even believe there is a "literal" Satan. Underestimating your enemy is always disasterous.
Finally, we should be careful not to be distracted. We live in a physical world. We see, we touch and we feel. We go to work, purchase the items we need, raise our families and go on vacation. Life is all around us and we don't realize that there is a spiritual world, that is just as real, all around us as well. In fact, we are primarily spiritual beings, not physical. This body, your career-this planet-are all only temperary, but we have an eternal soul that will live forever. We are spiritual beings and there are spiritual forces working all around us. Now, it is not like Star Wars, with "the dark side." The forces of evil (Satan) have already been defeated. Satan is not equal to God! But God has allowed him the power to influence human beings for a time. Therefore, the bible warns us, to be on gaurd at all times. We must be vigilant, constantly working to strengthen our relationship with Christ, who as defeated our enemy, so that we will not be taken captive by the enemy and his evil schemes.
So don't let Satan distract you. "Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).
Friday, March 18, 2011
Team Work
Theresa and I were able to attend a conference this week. It was sponsored by the Christain Camp and Conference Association. (3CA) Cedar Springs is a member camp. It was at a beautiful camp in Westboro Wisconsin. I went with just a little apprehension. We are a small camp with lots of needs. I knew who would be there. I knew there would be a lot of camps who had great facilities and tons of resources backing them. I expected to feel overwhelmed, intimidated and, yes-jealous. Fortunately I didn't let these feelings stop us from going.
It turned out to be a little overwhelming, but over-all I walked away feeling incredibly energized. I learned a whole lot of stuff. Most beneficial for me was the Hazardous tree removal workshop. We have a lot of those and now I'm more confident in dealing with them. But beyond all of the new stuff I learned I gained something else much more valuable. I gained a family who cares and are there to help.
Let me be honest for a minute. I wasn't sure about going there because these guys are the competition if you think about it from a business standpoint. I met many folks from camps in Iowa who are drawing from the same population base as we are-but not a single one of them treated Theresa and I as the competition. It was a little weird. They were excited to meet us and treated us as part of the team.
Now isn't that the point? Christians should live and act differently from the rest of the world. These folks had the right perspective, they see the bigger picture; they realize that we are all on the same team with one goal-to reach people for Jesus and share His love. As Christians, no matter what church we go to, or what camp we operate, we are all working for the same boss with the same bottom line. We are not in competition with each other.
Now, I don't mean to sound naive, like this is the first time I have realized this. This is a principle that I preached on and trained my leaders in. But if we are all honest with ourselves sometimes the ideal is not the reality. Too often we do not work with each other, preferring instead to go it alone, not wanting to share the work-or the success. That's a shame because, when it comes to the Kingdom, we can accomplish so much more when we work together. It's the most important business in the world, why are we letting jealousy and pride keep us from accomplishing our goal?
The apostle Paul was really upset with the church in Corinth. They had a problem treating each other with respect. The some of them thought they were "better" than other members in the church because of the spiritual gifts they had. Paul gave them a tongue lashing making the point that we are all parts of one body, working together to accomplish the work God has for us. He makes the case that love is the most important gift and we need to practice it towards one another. (1 Corinthians 12-14)
So I'm excited about the new relationships we have made. I look forward to having the Iowa members of the 3CA over to our camp so they can give us some pointers. And as often as I get the chance I intend on stopping by their camps too.
It turned out to be a little overwhelming, but over-all I walked away feeling incredibly energized. I learned a whole lot of stuff. Most beneficial for me was the Hazardous tree removal workshop. We have a lot of those and now I'm more confident in dealing with them. But beyond all of the new stuff I learned I gained something else much more valuable. I gained a family who cares and are there to help.
Let me be honest for a minute. I wasn't sure about going there because these guys are the competition if you think about it from a business standpoint. I met many folks from camps in Iowa who are drawing from the same population base as we are-but not a single one of them treated Theresa and I as the competition. It was a little weird. They were excited to meet us and treated us as part of the team.
Now isn't that the point? Christians should live and act differently from the rest of the world. These folks had the right perspective, they see the bigger picture; they realize that we are all on the same team with one goal-to reach people for Jesus and share His love. As Christians, no matter what church we go to, or what camp we operate, we are all working for the same boss with the same bottom line. We are not in competition with each other.
Now, I don't mean to sound naive, like this is the first time I have realized this. This is a principle that I preached on and trained my leaders in. But if we are all honest with ourselves sometimes the ideal is not the reality. Too often we do not work with each other, preferring instead to go it alone, not wanting to share the work-or the success. That's a shame because, when it comes to the Kingdom, we can accomplish so much more when we work together. It's the most important business in the world, why are we letting jealousy and pride keep us from accomplishing our goal?
The apostle Paul was really upset with the church in Corinth. They had a problem treating each other with respect. The some of them thought they were "better" than other members in the church because of the spiritual gifts they had. Paul gave them a tongue lashing making the point that we are all parts of one body, working together to accomplish the work God has for us. He makes the case that love is the most important gift and we need to practice it towards one another. (1 Corinthians 12-14)
So I'm excited about the new relationships we have made. I look forward to having the Iowa members of the 3CA over to our camp so they can give us some pointers. And as often as I get the chance I intend on stopping by their camps too.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Call the Experts!
A group of guys from the Fayette church came over to work on our new tabernacle rooms this past weekend. I thought I was ready for them with just a few little wiring details to finish. I am not a contractor but I know enough to be dangerous. I figured I could work on this stuff and keep ahead of them. What I didn't take into account was the fact that these guys were experts. They didn't take half the time I would have in completing the job.
There are 3 (with baths) 12'x16' rooms. I figured they'd get the ceilings done and maybe a wall or two. They arrived on Friday afternoon about 4pm and by 7 they had the first room completely done. I was working in the other two and began to feel the pressure. (Thank goodness one of their guys, who couldn't stay overnight, came early to help me!) I got up early on Saturday to get ahead of them but it didn't help much. By the time they were on the 3rd room they were tripping over me. Now, I think I got everything done, and I think it was done right, but I would have liked the opportunity for someone to check my work before the sheet rock went up. Now, if I wired the smoke alarms into the electrical outlet wiring we won't know until we power it up, and that will be a problem.
I tell you all of this to make a couple of points. First, thank God for experts who are willing to come and serve the Lord by working at the camp! They do the job right and it looks good. Secondly, what is an expert anyway? An expert is someone who has done a task enough to know everything there is to know about it. They can handle challenges when they arise and because they have done the job enough, they do good work.
When it comes to our Faith we should all be experts!
We should not only know what we believe, but why we believe it too. I hear so many times, often from my own lips, that "I worry about sharing my faith because I don't know what to say" or, "I don't like to get into debates with people about faith because I might say the wrong thing." Those are not good excuses, they are a cop out!
So how do we learn what we should know? It's just like contractors. They hang sheet rock so much they can do it with their eyes closed. We need to live the Christian life, not just talk about it.
As we live the Christian life, as set out for us by the Lord in the bible, we are able to share it more effectively. We need to be so proficient at the principles of Christian living that we are effect witnesses all the time-even when it's necessary to use words!
So how about you? Are you and expert?
I don't mean to make you feel guilty. I ask you that question to challenge you to do something about your inadequacy. Here's what I suggest you do: Pray about it. Ask Jesus to mold you and shape you to be more like Him. If you are serious, and you are persistant, He will change you into a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17).
He will transform you into an expert!
And remember, it is not something that happens over night. Roger and his men didn't become experts at hanging sheet rock after their first job! The Christian way of life is a process. Keep in mind what the apostle Paul had to say: "Not that I have already obtained all this (Christian maturity), or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." (Philippians 3:12)
There are 3 (with baths) 12'x16' rooms. I figured they'd get the ceilings done and maybe a wall or two. They arrived on Friday afternoon about 4pm and by 7 they had the first room completely done. I was working in the other two and began to feel the pressure. (Thank goodness one of their guys, who couldn't stay overnight, came early to help me!) I got up early on Saturday to get ahead of them but it didn't help much. By the time they were on the 3rd room they were tripping over me. Now, I think I got everything done, and I think it was done right, but I would have liked the opportunity for someone to check my work before the sheet rock went up. Now, if I wired the smoke alarms into the electrical outlet wiring we won't know until we power it up, and that will be a problem.
I tell you all of this to make a couple of points. First, thank God for experts who are willing to come and serve the Lord by working at the camp! They do the job right and it looks good. Secondly, what is an expert anyway? An expert is someone who has done a task enough to know everything there is to know about it. They can handle challenges when they arise and because they have done the job enough, they do good work.
When it comes to our Faith we should all be experts!
We should not only know what we believe, but why we believe it too. I hear so many times, often from my own lips, that "I worry about sharing my faith because I don't know what to say" or, "I don't like to get into debates with people about faith because I might say the wrong thing." Those are not good excuses, they are a cop out!
So how do we learn what we should know? It's just like contractors. They hang sheet rock so much they can do it with their eyes closed. We need to live the Christian life, not just talk about it.
As we live the Christian life, as set out for us by the Lord in the bible, we are able to share it more effectively. We need to be so proficient at the principles of Christian living that we are effect witnesses all the time-even when it's necessary to use words!
So how about you? Are you and expert?
I don't mean to make you feel guilty. I ask you that question to challenge you to do something about your inadequacy. Here's what I suggest you do: Pray about it. Ask Jesus to mold you and shape you to be more like Him. If you are serious, and you are persistant, He will change you into a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17).
He will transform you into an expert!
And remember, it is not something that happens over night. Roger and his men didn't become experts at hanging sheet rock after their first job! The Christian way of life is a process. Keep in mind what the apostle Paul had to say: "Not that I have already obtained all this (Christian maturity), or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." (Philippians 3:12)
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Family Reunion
Theresa and I are beginning the spring season by visiting churches to promote the camp. We had the pleasure of being in La Porte City, at our home church this past Sunday. It was like a great family reunion only better. Usually at family reunions there are folks there that you don't know but they insist on giving you hugs and kisses and there are folks there that you would rather not see-but not so with our reunion in La Porte City. It was great to see old friends that I hadn't seen in years. Theresa and I spent many years at that church, growing in Christ, and we have many fond memories of our time there. Reconnecting with everyone was great. I was standing in the foyer talking with one person and I saw several others I had to talk to...one right after another! It was like, well, Heaven.
In chapter 19 of the book of Revelation John describes the vision he has of the "wedding feast of the Lamb." All of those who have placed their trust in Christ will be reunited there together with the Savior. What a fantastic reunion that will be!
We really enjoyed our time in La Porte. I hope to visit there again soon. Theresa really enjoyed singing with the worship team. And they blessed us with many gifts! We will be able to finance one of our priority work projects in the dining hall because of their generosity. But as much as we enjoyed our time there, I wait for, with much more anticipation, that great reunion we will all have together in Heaven.
I wonder: Are you going to be there?
(Romans 10:9-10)
Monday, February 21, 2011
Extreme Sports
One of my jobs here at Cedar Springs is to create new programming, so I'm looking around, doing some research. I've noticed that extreme sports are very popular these days. One camp in the Appalachian mountains has a zip line tour through the tops of trees and over deep canyons. So, you are "flying" through the trees with a harness attached to your back, high above the ground. They promote the "tour" as an "exhilarating experience." I'll say!
Well, we have our own version of "extreme sports" at Cedar Springs. Granted, it's not as thrilling as the zip line tour I just mentioned, but it isn't bad. I've been working really hard on getting a good snow tubing run built here. I may have mentioned previously that it has not been easy. I could not get the tubes to zip down the hill like I envisioned. Well, the temps warmed up and melted some of the snow, so much so that I didn't think we would be able to use the run any more. I was wrong. It melted just enough to give the run a nice icy covering. The group of boys we had Friday/Sat morning had a blast, but the run was really "workin good" for the group that came Sat. night. So good that we blew past the end of the run and we had to be careful not to run into the trees. I don't know how fast we were going, but sitting low to the ground it felt like about 40 mph. I had the run lit with spot-lights but in the darkness you weren't sure where you were going. And, coming out of the first big bank, you're weren't sure if you would stay on the track or jump right over the protective berms I have along the sides of the run.
It was awesome!
So why do some human beings love the thrill of living on the edge? Experts tell us that in these situations the brain releases a chemical that stimulates our system. It's kind of like getting high on drugs.
I once asked a guy why he liked to bungee jump. (I think that's crazy!) He said "There's nothing like the rush of bungee jumping."
The problem we have gotten ourselves into is that with every rush, we need something more, and now we have become a culture that is never satisfied. We feel empty inside. People today chase after the next new and exciting activity or they chase after material wealth to find something to give their lives meaning.
So I"m not a psychologist, but I believe for some, participating in extreme sports is a way for them to feel fulfilled. I don't have that problem. In July of 1995 I experienced the most extreme moment anyone could ever have. I met the Savior.
It was at the PK event in Minneapolis. I had been running from Him for years, I was lost and at the end of myself, and He came to me. I felt His presence flow into me from my outstretched finger tips to the depths of my heart. It was Him-Jesus-through the power of the Holy Spirit of God. I was "born of the Spirit." (John 3:1-21)
I have been forever changed because of that experience, and I am not in need of any other thrill.
Many of you who have not experienced this personal connection with God are thinking right now that I am a religious nut or you are thinking, "I'm happy for you!" but you don't know what you are missing out on.
I can not, scientifically or otherwise, define for you what is different about my experience and those who practice meditation and connect with their spirit guides, or Native Americans who connect with the "great spirit" through their rituals, or any other religious experience people might have-but it is different!
Jesus said that "you will know the Truth and the truth shall set you free." This is the truth-"No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)
I wonder, have you met this Jesus yet? Meeting Him is the only "extreme" experience you will ever need!
Well, we have our own version of "extreme sports" at Cedar Springs. Granted, it's not as thrilling as the zip line tour I just mentioned, but it isn't bad. I've been working really hard on getting a good snow tubing run built here. I may have mentioned previously that it has not been easy. I could not get the tubes to zip down the hill like I envisioned. Well, the temps warmed up and melted some of the snow, so much so that I didn't think we would be able to use the run any more. I was wrong. It melted just enough to give the run a nice icy covering. The group of boys we had Friday/Sat morning had a blast, but the run was really "workin good" for the group that came Sat. night. So good that we blew past the end of the run and we had to be careful not to run into the trees. I don't know how fast we were going, but sitting low to the ground it felt like about 40 mph. I had the run lit with spot-lights but in the darkness you weren't sure where you were going. And, coming out of the first big bank, you're weren't sure if you would stay on the track or jump right over the protective berms I have along the sides of the run.
So why do some human beings love the thrill of living on the edge? Experts tell us that in these situations the brain releases a chemical that stimulates our system. It's kind of like getting high on drugs.
I once asked a guy why he liked to bungee jump. (I think that's crazy!) He said "There's nothing like the rush of bungee jumping."
The problem we have gotten ourselves into is that with every rush, we need something more, and now we have become a culture that is never satisfied. We feel empty inside. People today chase after the next new and exciting activity or they chase after material wealth to find something to give their lives meaning.
So I"m not a psychologist, but I believe for some, participating in extreme sports is a way for them to feel fulfilled. I don't have that problem. In July of 1995 I experienced the most extreme moment anyone could ever have. I met the Savior.
It was at the PK event in Minneapolis. I had been running from Him for years, I was lost and at the end of myself, and He came to me. I felt His presence flow into me from my outstretched finger tips to the depths of my heart. It was Him-Jesus-through the power of the Holy Spirit of God. I was "born of the Spirit." (John 3:1-21)
I have been forever changed because of that experience, and I am not in need of any other thrill.
Many of you who have not experienced this personal connection with God are thinking right now that I am a religious nut or you are thinking, "I'm happy for you!" but you don't know what you are missing out on.
I can not, scientifically or otherwise, define for you what is different about my experience and those who practice meditation and connect with their spirit guides, or Native Americans who connect with the "great spirit" through their rituals, or any other religious experience people might have-but it is different!
Jesus said that "you will know the Truth and the truth shall set you free." This is the truth-"No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)
I wonder, have you met this Jesus yet? Meeting Him is the only "extreme" experience you will ever need!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Like a child
Kids are different than adults.
When this group arrived I watched as they unloaded everything they needed for the weekend, and it occurred to me that the girls didn't have much to do with getting to camp, their leaders and parents took care of all the details for them. The girls didn't need to worry about anything-they were taken care of by their leaders-their job was to have fun.
Sometimes I wish adults had it so easy. It would be nice if we didn't have to worry about putting food on the table, making sure our kids have everything they need, keeping the house in order, and planning for the future. Kids just have to decide what they are going to play next.
I say I wish adults had it so easy, but don't they?
We spend a lot of time worrying and most of it is unnecessary. We fret over every little detail in life as if it were the end of the world if it doesn't come out just they way we plan. We run around like a chicken with its head cut off, and I wonder, is all of the effort really worth it?
Jesus asks the question "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" He says that in Matthew chapter 6 where He tells us not to trust in ourselves but to trust in God. He tells us that The Father provides for us all that we need-much like the leaders took care of those girls this past weekend! Those girls didn't worry about whether everything was going to turn out alright, and we should not worry either. Our heavenly Father knows what we need, even before we ask.
I have a statement from John MacArthur tucked into my bible in Matthew chapter 6. He said "You can't change the past but you can ruin the present by worrying about the future." Too many of us ruin the present because we worry and fret too much. We need to learn how to slow down, trust God, and enjoy the life He has given us-just like kids do!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Prespective
Life is all about perspective isn't it?
My brother Joe and his family came up to camp over Christmas break. We were forced to move into the dining hall, as most of you know, because the furnace went out in the house. Well, while Joe was here we did some woodsplitting-it's what we do for fun! For those of you who have been on the camp, you know the old picnic shelter that we used for stacking split wood. Well, as you can see by the photo, it came crashing down under the weight of all the snow we had. That is a very interesting story. We were working there for a couple of hours in the morning and knocked off for lunch. When we came back an hour later the building had collapsed right on our work.
Now, right away I had a brilliant idea. I could take a photo and use it as a fund raising promo for the camp. "Look, we need your money!" But Joe, having a different perspective said "No, you'd better not do that!" I thought it was a great idea but he got me thinking. I had told him that some of our district leaders would like to close the camp, feeling God's resources would be better served elsewhere. Joe said "They will see this and say the camp is in dis-repair, no sense in putting any more money into it." And he is right, some folks will have that persective. And then I thought, maybe others will see that the furnace just quit, and the roof of this shed collapsed (incidently, the furnace in the dining hall was acting up at the same time), maybe we hired the wrong guy and I'll get fired-"look at all the money you are costing us, Mark!"
Finally, I came to the right perspective: God was watching over us, protecting us as He always does, and He sent us to lunch at just the right moment. In doing so we were protected from injury when the roof collapsed!
God is so good to us!
So life is all about persective.
As a follower of Christ we should not have a negative persective on life. We have a loving, heavenly Father watching over us. Yes, difficult times will come. Bad things happen to good people. But God is with us through it all. And He has prepared a place for us to be with Him for all eternity!
What more could we ask for!
Psalm 139
My brother Joe and his family came up to camp over Christmas break. We were forced to move into the dining hall, as most of you know, because the furnace went out in the house. Well, while Joe was here we did some woodsplitting-it's what we do for fun! For those of you who have been on the camp, you know the old picnic shelter that we used for stacking split wood. Well, as you can see by the photo, it came crashing down under the weight of all the snow we had. That is a very interesting story. We were working there for a couple of hours in the morning and knocked off for lunch. When we came back an hour later the building had collapsed right on our work.
Now, right away I had a brilliant idea. I could take a photo and use it as a fund raising promo for the camp. "Look, we need your money!" But Joe, having a different perspective said "No, you'd better not do that!" I thought it was a great idea but he got me thinking. I had told him that some of our district leaders would like to close the camp, feeling God's resources would be better served elsewhere. Joe said "They will see this and say the camp is in dis-repair, no sense in putting any more money into it." And he is right, some folks will have that persective. And then I thought, maybe others will see that the furnace just quit, and the roof of this shed collapsed (incidently, the furnace in the dining hall was acting up at the same time), maybe we hired the wrong guy and I'll get fired-"look at all the money you are costing us, Mark!"
Finally, I came to the right perspective: God was watching over us, protecting us as He always does, and He sent us to lunch at just the right moment. In doing so we were protected from injury when the roof collapsed!
God is so good to us!
So life is all about persective.
As a follower of Christ we should not have a negative persective on life. We have a loving, heavenly Father watching over us. Yes, difficult times will come. Bad things happen to good people. But God is with us through it all. And He has prepared a place for us to be with Him for all eternity!
What more could we ask for!
Psalm 139
Monday, January 31, 2011
Walking sticks
When I was a kid, living on the Cedar River south of Gilbertville, I loved to be in the woods. I would often spend time there. One day while goofing off in the woods I found this cool looking vine that had wrapped itself around a small tree. I cut the vine out and took a portion of the tree home to make a walking stick. I was busy working on peeling off the bark when my dad saw what I was doing and decided to help me. Dad was never a really involved father, he provided the income for the family and handed out discipline, but he didn't spend much time nurturing us kids, so when he got involved in my project it was something special. He suggested that after we got the bark peeled we should sand down the knots a little so they were smooth and put some lacquer finish on it. It was a time I will always remember. I still have that walking stick, its here with me in my office.
In this day and age the family is taking quite a beating. Many man and women have corrupted and abused it, some would have us redefine it and some wish the state would take it's place. But the family is God's foundation for any society. Without the family cultures cease to exist. God taught His people about the importance of family, and how it is His tool for teaching the next generation.
In the book of Deuteronomy God gave the Law to Moses and commanded him to pass it on to his children so that each successive generation would know and worship Him. (Duet. 6:6-9) It is a great responsibility for us parents, but revealing God is not the only information we should be passing on to our children and grandchildren. We should be teaching them about life, relationships, enduring trials, and caring for others. This can only happen if parents and grandparents are purposeful with their children, spending time with each of them, carefully-and wisely, nurturing them. It's a sad story, but I was working at a "hunters breakfast" one time, it was sponsored by our men's group, the guys were all there and some brought their sons to help too. One father, while washing the dishes was using the time to nurture his son. The problem was he was teaching him to be hateful towards the wealthy, the professional, and the educator. In his mind, the only "just" people in God's eye were the uneducated, blue collar, common folk. He was teaching his son to be suspicious and jealous of others.
I tell you this story to illustrate how important our role as parents and grandparents is. We must be careful-and wise to take time with our children and grandchildren, "training them up in the way that they should go." (Proverbs 22:6)
I'm attending First Wesleyan Church in Charles City now. Our pastor, Dennis Bachman, is doing a series of messages on "Time." His words inspired this blog. "We must be careful about how we use the time God has given us." (Psalm 90:12) That's so true.
So here's my sales pitch. Life is very busy. It is easy for us to get caught up in the urgent and forget about the important. What are you doing to enjoy life and share that love of life with your family? I have a great place for you to slow down a little and "redeem the time" with your children and grand-children. Bring them to camp! In fact, we are organizing day camps for June 6-7 and one of them will be "Walking Sticks." The kids will be able to make their own walking stick and we will go for a hike. Why not take the day off, or invite your parents to bring your son or daughter to camp for the day. You only have so much time with your children and grandchildren when they are young. Why not use it wisely.
In this day and age the family is taking quite a beating. Many man and women have corrupted and abused it, some would have us redefine it and some wish the state would take it's place. But the family is God's foundation for any society. Without the family cultures cease to exist. God taught His people about the importance of family, and how it is His tool for teaching the next generation.
In the book of Deuteronomy God gave the Law to Moses and commanded him to pass it on to his children so that each successive generation would know and worship Him. (Duet. 6:6-9) It is a great responsibility for us parents, but revealing God is not the only information we should be passing on to our children and grandchildren. We should be teaching them about life, relationships, enduring trials, and caring for others. This can only happen if parents and grandparents are purposeful with their children, spending time with each of them, carefully-and wisely, nurturing them. It's a sad story, but I was working at a "hunters breakfast" one time, it was sponsored by our men's group, the guys were all there and some brought their sons to help too. One father, while washing the dishes was using the time to nurture his son. The problem was he was teaching him to be hateful towards the wealthy, the professional, and the educator. In his mind, the only "just" people in God's eye were the uneducated, blue collar, common folk. He was teaching his son to be suspicious and jealous of others.
I tell you this story to illustrate how important our role as parents and grandparents is. We must be careful-and wise to take time with our children and grandchildren, "training them up in the way that they should go." (Proverbs 22:6)
I'm attending First Wesleyan Church in Charles City now. Our pastor, Dennis Bachman, is doing a series of messages on "Time." His words inspired this blog. "We must be careful about how we use the time God has given us." (Psalm 90:12) That's so true.
So here's my sales pitch. Life is very busy. It is easy for us to get caught up in the urgent and forget about the important. What are you doing to enjoy life and share that love of life with your family? I have a great place for you to slow down a little and "redeem the time" with your children and grand-children. Bring them to camp! In fact, we are organizing day camps for June 6-7 and one of them will be "Walking Sticks." The kids will be able to make their own walking stick and we will go for a hike. Why not take the day off, or invite your parents to bring your son or daughter to camp for the day. You only have so much time with your children and grandchildren when they are young. Why not use it wisely.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Steady as she goes
One of the new things I am experiencing here at Cedar Springs is the winter road conditions. If you have been here you know that we have two lanes that come into the camp. The main entrance (I call it the south entrance) is about 3/4 of a mile with open fields on either side. The north entrance that comes in to the managers house is better protected, but still exposed to the southern winds. So I am rediscovering the hassle of country living and snow drifting across your road.
When I was in school I loved the winter wind because it usually closed the county road that lead to our house and we would not have school. But now that I need to keep the road clear I have a different perspective. Our current method of snow removal is a Farmall 560 (open cab) tractor with a blower mounted off of the PTO. Usually its not too bad of work. I like the feeling of power as I cut through the deep drifts across the road. ( I feel like Tim "the tool-man" Taylor!) But the days when the wind is blowing and the air is biting cold aren't so much fun.
We have experienced some wind the past day or so, and combined with the light snow falls over the past week or so I was expecting some real drifting. I came home from Mason City yesterday, the air temp was about 5 degrees and the wind was blowing about 25 miles an hour. I noticed the snow, blowing over the piles the county maintainer had pushed up on the edges of the gravel road. It was so light and pretty, glistening in the afternoon sun. It sure didn't seem like much of a threat. Being a photographer at heart I was plotting ways to capture the scene on film. In that sliver of time the wind and snow were not a threat to me, or anyone else passing along that road. But that's the thing about the winter wind. She is steady and persistent, working relentlessly for hours, and even days, burying the road with hard-packed snow. It takes a lot of time, even with a lot of wind, but mother nature doesn't give up-she is persistent, knowing that eventually the road will be closed.
That was a valuable lesson for me-a lesson I had learned before, but like most hard-headed human beings, it takes a number of times covering the same lesson before we get it. You see, I came here with great expectation and excitement. (And it has not subsided) And after a couple months I find myself falling behind in my strategic goals. I get frustrated because things are not falling into place as quickly as I had hoped. Does that ever happen to you? I told myself before I arrived at Cedar Springs not to expect too much too quickly, but I just can't help it.
Our problem is we are an compulsive generation looking for instant gratification-wanting everything handed to us immediately. Sometimes the world doesn't work that way and most certainly, God does not work that way! He is as constant as the northern star. We does His work in us and through us slowly and deliberately as the winter wind. (We couldn't handle it any other way!)
And as I watched that snow, blowing steadily across the road, it reminded me that that is how He is working through me here at Cedar Springs. My big plans are aggressive, but they will have to unfold as He sees fit. As an example I had this great idea for a theme oriented camp but I need help from experts in the field to pull it off. Try as I may, I have been unsuccessful at making the proper connections. God seems to be saying the time isn't right. I need to learn to accept that.
So what about you? What situation in your life isn't going the way you had hoped. Is it possible that you are not in God's will? Is it possible that He is attempting to teach you something about waiting on Him? (James 4:13-17)
Some times our plans do not succeed due to errors we have made-perhaps we have not been diligent enough in pursuing that job, or detailed enough to win that contract, or timely enough to land that new client. If that is the case we must work harder at doing the best that we can (1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17). But remember this, at other times our frustration is not due to incompetence but zeal for our own will to be done, and not the Father's will.
Next time you feel like this step back and allow God to work in you, steady and constant, like the winter wind.
When I was in school I loved the winter wind because it usually closed the county road that lead to our house and we would not have school. But now that I need to keep the road clear I have a different perspective. Our current method of snow removal is a Farmall 560 (open cab) tractor with a blower mounted off of the PTO. Usually its not too bad of work. I like the feeling of power as I cut through the deep drifts across the road. ( I feel like Tim "the tool-man" Taylor!) But the days when the wind is blowing and the air is biting cold aren't so much fun.
We have experienced some wind the past day or so, and combined with the light snow falls over the past week or so I was expecting some real drifting. I came home from Mason City yesterday, the air temp was about 5 degrees and the wind was blowing about 25 miles an hour. I noticed the snow, blowing over the piles the county maintainer had pushed up on the edges of the gravel road. It was so light and pretty, glistening in the afternoon sun. It sure didn't seem like much of a threat. Being a photographer at heart I was plotting ways to capture the scene on film. In that sliver of time the wind and snow were not a threat to me, or anyone else passing along that road. But that's the thing about the winter wind. She is steady and persistent, working relentlessly for hours, and even days, burying the road with hard-packed snow. It takes a lot of time, even with a lot of wind, but mother nature doesn't give up-she is persistent, knowing that eventually the road will be closed.
That was a valuable lesson for me-a lesson I had learned before, but like most hard-headed human beings, it takes a number of times covering the same lesson before we get it. You see, I came here with great expectation and excitement. (And it has not subsided) And after a couple months I find myself falling behind in my strategic goals. I get frustrated because things are not falling into place as quickly as I had hoped. Does that ever happen to you? I told myself before I arrived at Cedar Springs not to expect too much too quickly, but I just can't help it.
Our problem is we are an compulsive generation looking for instant gratification-wanting everything handed to us immediately. Sometimes the world doesn't work that way and most certainly, God does not work that way! He is as constant as the northern star. We does His work in us and through us slowly and deliberately as the winter wind. (We couldn't handle it any other way!)
And as I watched that snow, blowing steadily across the road, it reminded me that that is how He is working through me here at Cedar Springs. My big plans are aggressive, but they will have to unfold as He sees fit. As an example I had this great idea for a theme oriented camp but I need help from experts in the field to pull it off. Try as I may, I have been unsuccessful at making the proper connections. God seems to be saying the time isn't right. I need to learn to accept that.
So what about you? What situation in your life isn't going the way you had hoped. Is it possible that you are not in God's will? Is it possible that He is attempting to teach you something about waiting on Him? (James 4:13-17)
Some times our plans do not succeed due to errors we have made-perhaps we have not been diligent enough in pursuing that job, or detailed enough to win that contract, or timely enough to land that new client. If that is the case we must work harder at doing the best that we can (1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17). But remember this, at other times our frustration is not due to incompetence but zeal for our own will to be done, and not the Father's will.
Next time you feel like this step back and allow God to work in you, steady and constant, like the winter wind.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Important Me!
Hurray, Hurray!
I'm finally somebody!
No, I'm already in the phone book. I'm somebody because I have a blog!
Actually, Theresa had to set it up for me and I don't know all the correct Internet lingo and abbreviations, but I at least look like I'm somebody.
Of course, having a blog, or face book page, or twitter account doesn't make you somebody important. I have followed a few of those pages from different people and some of them can be a real waste of time; not communicating any thing except the boring details of an ordinary life. (Oh, I'm not talking about YOUR social network page!)
I want my space to be different. I hope I can convey something of value that will help you find true purpose- and importance-in your life.
You see, I am someone important-not because I have a blog spot, but because I am a child of the King.
He created me and even while I was still within my mother's womb He knew all of my days.
It's hard for us to comprehend a Creator who knows each of us perfectly, loves us completely, and believes each of us is important and special.
You know, until you realize that you are a child of the King-and surrender your will to Him-your life won't have any real meaning or purpose-and nothing you do will be important.
But once you discover who you are "In Christ" life has real purpose.
You see, I used to live life for myself-working to satisfy my desire for pleasure. Now that I understand that I am a child of the King, and He has a plan for me-I want everything I do and say to be pleasing to Him. It is the reasonable thing to do-don't you think?
And that gives me an important purpose for living.
So how about You? Have you discovered that you ARE someone important?
I'm finally somebody!
No, I'm already in the phone book. I'm somebody because I have a blog!
Actually, Theresa had to set it up for me and I don't know all the correct Internet lingo and abbreviations, but I at least look like I'm somebody.
Of course, having a blog, or face book page, or twitter account doesn't make you somebody important. I have followed a few of those pages from different people and some of them can be a real waste of time; not communicating any thing except the boring details of an ordinary life. (Oh, I'm not talking about YOUR social network page!)
I want my space to be different. I hope I can convey something of value that will help you find true purpose- and importance-in your life.
You see, I am someone important-not because I have a blog spot, but because I am a child of the King.
He created me and even while I was still within my mother's womb He knew all of my days.
It's hard for us to comprehend a Creator who knows each of us perfectly, loves us completely, and believes each of us is important and special.
You know, until you realize that you are a child of the King-and surrender your will to Him-your life won't have any real meaning or purpose-and nothing you do will be important.
But once you discover who you are "In Christ" life has real purpose.
You see, I used to live life for myself-working to satisfy my desire for pleasure. Now that I understand that I am a child of the King, and He has a plan for me-I want everything I do and say to be pleasing to Him. It is the reasonable thing to do-don't you think?
And that gives me an important purpose for living.
So how about You? Have you discovered that you ARE someone important?
Monday, January 10, 2011
Jan 2011 Newsletter
I fancy myself as a little bit of a handy man. We purchased a house in La Porte City that had a lot of character but needed a lot of attention. It was my goal to remodel each room as we could afford it.
My first project was the main bathroom. The old plaster was falling off of the wall. I figured I could jump right in and repair as I go. The problem was I didn’t have a plan. I tore the plaster off the wall near the bathtub on a week end and realized that I needed to insulate while the wall was exposed. It wasn’t possible for me to run and get some since the Menards was in Waterloo, so I just put the sheetrock on without it. And as I got farther into the project I kept running into other un-anticipated problems. I did not look ahead to plan what I needed. In the end, the bathroom was done, but I was not happy with the work.
I learned two important lessons on that project:
1) Don’t do things halfway (you’ll just have to do them over again)
2) Have a plan for where you want to go.
Since that project, I have improved the work on each successive room I completed. The point being, without a plan you will go nowhere, or you will go in the wrong direction.
That’s where we are right now, at Cedar Springs; we thank Brad Toppin for his years of service to the camp. He has taken the camp from a very low state of repair, to an outstanding looking facility, but as we thought about coming to Cedar Springs, Brad pointed out something important: He worked like crazy to maintain the facility; He could not focus on the future because his energy and resources were required for maintaining what we have. Well Brad, thank you again for your hard work and advice. Now, with his preparation, Theresa and I have been called to take the camp to the next level.
The first step is to create a vision for what God wants to accomplish with the ministry of CS. Our vision can be found in our new mission statement:
“Creating environments for people to experience God”.
Our goal at CS is to create an atmosphere where people who use the camp can get away from the bustle of the world and connect with God. Everything that we do must accomplish that mission. Most of you will agree that we have been doing that already, but in order to become a thriving ministry we must expand what we are already doing. There are many exciting improvements that we are planning and invite each one of you to get on board to make them happen. This newsletter and (soon to be) updated web site is only the beginning.
Dec 2010 Newsletter Article
Greetings in the Name of our
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Theresa and I are excited about the ministry that He has called us to at Cedar Springs Camp. Cedar Springs is a place that is near and dear to our hearts, as it is to yours, I’m sure. We have been active in the ministry at CS since 1995. In July of that year I went to a Promise Keepers event in Minneapolis with my new church family (Trinity Wesleyan, La Porte City, Iowa). It was during that weekend that I surrendered my life to Christ. The following week my pastor invited Theresa and I to come to Cedar Springs Camp for family camp. While we could not spend the whole week, we came to the evening services to hear Tim Elmore preach and challenge us to serve Christ with our entire being. I remember the tabernacle at that time had exterior walls, but they were not finished, and there was only sand and carpet where there is now a concrete floor. (Our two oldest children played in the sand while we listened.) Since that time we have been active in work-weekends, retreats, camps and various boards at CS.
Also during that time God has guided our path as I worked my way through the FLAME classes to ordination in July of 2007. I have served as youth leader at my home church in La Porte City, as an assistant to Rev. J. Richard Ernst at the Church of Promise, Buckingham, Iowa and most recently, I have been ministering to the people at New Hope Wesleyan in Sioux City Iowa as their pastor.
We have four children. Our oldest, Audrey is in her first year of college in Kentucky. John, our oldest son is a sophomore in high school and as many of you know, has been fighting a battle with Lymphoma Cancer. He has currently completed the standard protocol treatments and has begun his maintenance treatments. Mitchell is in 7th grade and he’s our home boy, loving to play by himself with his legos. Sarah is in 6th grade and just like Audrey, she is an active socialite. She is involved in sports and loves to be with her friends. Each one of our children is excited about being at the camp and looks forward to serving the Lord there.
I have much to tell you, but for now I want all of you to know that we value your support of Cedar Springs. We look forward to meeting each and every one of you and hearing your “camp stories.”
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