tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3422513190116173302024-02-06T20:09:23.803-07:00WallflowerSit back, watch, and learn. Then make your own mark on the world.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-64364010485676842852011-03-01T11:54:00.001-07:002011-03-25T13:38:45.613-06:00Finding the FaithfulLast night I went to a discipleship training class. We had a speaker named Dr. D. Michael Henderson, author of <i>The Ladder of Faithfulness</i>. What I loved about this training session was the focus on what God is doing <i>right now</i>, in our lives and in the lives of our students, and how does He want us to be involved? Dr. Henderson emphasized the need to find the faithful in our groups and in our life. Find the people who are receptive to what you are teaching and intentionally disciple them and show them how to grow and in turn disciple others. One of the most easily done recommendations that he gave was to showcase what you want to produce. Our students don't want to hear about what they should be doing, but they want (and need) to <i>see</i> us doing what you want them to do.<br />
<br />
One thing we can easily lose sight of is that discipleship is just as important if not more than evangelizing. As we disciple students we get them past the seeker and believer stage, hopefully past the worker stage and into the shepherd stage, where they can be discipling others. Evangelism should happen in this context. Don't get me wrong, I believe it is our mission to make Christlike disciple of all nations, and that includes introducing people to Christ, but we can easily focus so much on introducing people to Christ that we never get them past the "baby Christian" stage. We never ween them off the milk and get them on the meat, and this is what Jesus has commanded us to do. This is what it means to make Christlike disciples.<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thewallflo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1615791019&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-74444759573144216512010-11-30T10:52:00.001-07:002010-11-30T10:55:05.264-07:00What is my calling?God has been using the text for the class I'm taking right now to talk to me. Sometimes it's funny how once I finally get something, I can look back and see all the ways that God was sharing this single message with me, and how many times I didn't get it.<br />
<br />
Every person that God has created has a calling. That calling is not stagnant, it changes throughout your lifetime. It probably won't be a drastic change, but as your life circumstances change, so will your calling. Sometime we might define God's calling on our life by our own understanding, instead of waiting for God to reveal how He has defined our calling. God doesn't give us the whole picture, but just glimpses at a time. He gives us enough to act in obedience to each step as it is revealed. Sometimes, we may even neglect what God is calling us to do right now, because we're so focused on something we consider to be more important.The truth is though, that God doesn't need us to save the world, He needs us to be obedient. We may not see the significance in the calling we currently have but that does not mean that there is none. God isn't about busywork. He doesn't give us things to do to keep us out of trouble. He is growing us, and preparing us for how our calling will change in the future.<br />
<br />
Sometimes we are inclined to dwell in the past, or to look longingly to the future. But we can't live there. When we are consumed with the past or the future, we miss out on the present. I want to encourage you to be fully present, everyday, everywhere. View what God is showing you in your world, see what he is doing right now, and hear what he wants you to do, right now.<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thewallflo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0830822542&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-84567470025374628052010-09-24T09:16:00.000-06:002010-09-24T09:16:15.021-06:00In the SilenceI found this powerful video on the <a href="http://engageworship.org/">Engage Worship</a> website. Great message, and something we all need to be reminded of.<br />
<br />
<object height="270" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=10822123&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=10822123&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="270"></embed></object><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/10822123">In the silence</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3232670">Sam Hargreaves</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-75796966644130543552010-09-21T08:34:00.000-06:002010-09-21T08:34:27.376-06:00Within me: Poetry of WorshipI thought I'd share something more personal, since my lovely brother thinks I need to share some of my other writings. Enjoy, and if you don't, don't tell me you hate it!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Within Me</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It Flows</div><div style="text-align: center;">a mighty, torrential current</div><div style="text-align: center;">flowing forth from the breach</div><div style="text-align: center;">through flesh and bone.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It meets us where we're at,</div><div style="text-align: center;">saturates the soul.</div><div style="text-align: center;">through agony and torment</div><div style="text-align: center;">it's made pure.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cleansing and revealing</div><div style="text-align: center;">enveloped absolutely</div><div style="text-align: center;">holy and true</div><div style="text-align: center;">endless and pure</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Love of God within me.</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-26342080449869127672010-09-20T17:03:00.001-06:002010-09-20T17:05:14.064-06:00Do You really know who you are and what you want?I'm sure you've all had times when it seemed like you were too busy to breathe, let alone update your blog, right?! Life has been crazy. Anyway, enough of my excuses. I do actually have something to write about.<br />
<br />
I'm preparing for youth group on Wednesday and I wanted to go deeper into a discussion that we started a couple of weeks ago. Media and marketing and how the message we get from them affects our lives. I watched a documentary that originally aired on PBS a while ago, 2001, I think, called <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/cool/">The Merchants of Cool</a>. It was eye-opening to say the least. I think that it would be good for youth workers to watch. <br />
<br />
With increasing frequency we see all the ways that companies market directly to teens. This isn't new and it honestly isn't going anywhere any time soon. One of the segments talked about how in an effort to understand teenagers so they can effectively market to them, researchers delve into the world of teenagers to really get to know them. They then create an image they think that the teens should want. They think they are portraying teenagers, but teenagers are really just emulating what they see in the media, so neither is ever really true. It's a feedback loop. This is scary when you think about the long term affect this can have on the younger generation. A generation who no longer thinks for themselves, but lives their life in the embodiment of what they "should" be, and not who they are. <br />
<br />
This makes clear the ever increasing difficult Christian teenagers face when trying to life their faith in a world that mocks and scorns them. While unbelievers spout off about how believers don't think for themselves and they are brainwashed, one has to wonder the example being shown to all through the media. Are they not also being programed and shown what to think and feel.<br />
<br />
What this really shows us is how important it is for children and teens to have people in their life who they can talk to , those they can trust. We have to teach our children and those under our care, that the world will always try to corrupt us, and separate us from the will of God. Living the truth is not easy, it's about persevering in the faith and trust in God ultimately and throwing the thoughts ans opinions of the media, and advertisers out the window. So how do we teach this to teens who are immersed in media messages that teach them the opposite?<br />
<br />
Anyone with any ideas they want to share on counteracting this message?<br />
<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thewallflo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0310273137&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thewallflo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0830833374&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-65212708015748745182010-06-18T09:52:00.000-06:002010-06-18T09:52:26.514-06:00The Creation of Idols<i>"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:2-3</i><br />
<br />
These words from Exodus are well known, but not always well understood. As the Israelites wandered the desert, God gave them commandments to follow to keep them faithful to Him. Most people believe that because they have never cast a golden calf and bowed down to worship it as the Israelites did, they therefore have never worshiped an idol. What too few people realize is that this verse clearly tells us, “You shall have no god <i>before</i> me.” This means that anytime we have put something ahead of our devotion to God we have, in fact, placed an idol above God. <br />
<br />
Are idols only things like friends, movies, music; physical things of importance? Not at all, in fact, many things that seem good can become idols. Our feeling can become idols, and so can our love for a child, or spouse. Our education can become an idol, or our skills and talents. We can make ourselves idols, or even a mentor, or pastor can become our idol. Physical objects are not the only things that can become idols to us, but anything that takes the highest place of importance in our life is an idol. In The Great Divorce, C. S. Lewis writes:<br />
<br />
"No natural feelings are high or low, holy or unholy, in themselves. They are all holy when God’s hand is on the rein. They all go bad when they set up on their own and make themselves into false gods."<br />
<br />
God not only desires, but deserve our worship; to be our number one priority. What do you choose? What in your life is higher than your devotion to God; your relationship with Christ? What can you do to change it? <br />
<br />
Lewis, C.S. <i>The Great Divorce.</i> New York: Harper Collins, 2001. Print.<br />
<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thewallflo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B001S37KYM&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thewallflo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0060653027&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-46060633807224605782010-06-16T21:41:00.000-06:002010-06-16T21:41:09.912-06:00Growing Up and Going DeeperThe craziness has officially taken over. In the midst of the choas I wrote a devotional that I shared during a Rite of Passage ceremony for one of our graduating teens. I thought I'd share it with you all. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Devotional: Growing deeper and moving forward</b><br />
<br />
As we grow and move into different stages of our life, it is important for us to realize that our spiritual life makes the same movement: from a spiritual baby, to a spiritual adult. This idea is illustrated in Hebrews 5:13-14, <i>“Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.</i>” <br />
<br />
But as we move into a deeper relationship with God it can seem that He is farther from us than when we were spiritual babies. We tend to feel his spirit less, but why? <br />
<br />
John of the Cross, in his work <i>Purifying the Soul</i> wrote about the reasons why God would remove our spiritual consolations. When we are very new to our spiritual walk we tend to become very diligent in spiritual disciplines such as prayer and reading our bible, but there is a danger of becoming satisfied with our spiritual works and ourselves. Our hearts can also grow attached to the feeling of the spirit and begin to “focus on the affect rather than on the substance of the devotion.” John of the Cross states that “a soul will never grow until it is able to let go of the tight grasp it has on God.” It is important for all believers to remember that Satan does not want us to grow into a deeper relationship with God and he will try to disrupt that in any way that he can, so we must be on our guard. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us, <i>“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”</i> <br />
<br />
As we grow we must remember to be patient and wait for what God has for us and wait for His timing. We may find it difficult to wait on God, but if we believe that His timing is perfect than who are we to argue with God over the when and how of His plans for us. We must guard against feelings of displeasure with the growth of others, and put aside any feelings of self-righteousness, and become humble before God. As John of the Cross says, “True spirituality consists in perseverance, patience, and humility.”<br />
<br />
With all this take heart, God sees all of our imperfections and does not throw us aside, but rather urges us to grow up. <br />
<br />
<br />
John of the Cross. ”Purifying the Soul.” <i>Devotional Classics. Ed. Richard J Foster and James Bryan Smith. New York: Harper Collins, 2005. Print.<br />
<br />
<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thewallflo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0060777508&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thewallflo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0935216146&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe></i>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-62400721777417904962010-04-27T16:00:00.003-06:002010-04-27T16:02:25.366-06:00God's gifts to usSadly it has been a while. Life has a way of making you prioritize, and that is the reason for such a long break since my last post. I wanted to share something with you all real quick. This week in bible study we are studying Acts Chapter 2, and what Pentecost provided for us. In Acts 2:41-47 there is a list of things that God has given to all of us. I thought I would share that list with you. It was enlightening to me, I hope it is for you as well.<br />
<br />
We see here some gifts that God had given the crowd. This same gifts he offers to us. They are:<br />
• <i>Repentance</i>- our ability to turn towards God is a gift<br />
• Baptism- physical action to demonstrate God’s ability to wash us inside, to clean us.<br />
• <i>Forgiveness</i>- through forgiveness God wipes away the guilt of our past.<br />
• <i>The Holy Spirit</i>- enables the reception of all other gifts, and also enables the fulfillment of God’s commands<br />
• <i>Salvation</i>- God saves us from all the separates us from Him<br />
• <i>Teaching</i>- Go has provided us with people who can teach us about God, His love, and His commands.<br />
• <i>Fellowship</i>- God gives us each other, we should give freely and completely to each other<br />
• <i/>Breaking of the Bread</i>- Communion, a way to remember Christ’s life and death and what it means for us<br />
• <i>Prayer</i>- The ability to be in communication with God<br />
• <i>Ongoing Miracles</i>- Jesus’ work is continued through us<br />
• <i>Worship</i>- We get to praise our Father for His goodness and justice<br />
• <i>Witness</i>- God uses us as vessels for the Holy Spirit to add to His kingdom.<br />
<br />
<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thewallflo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0830723617&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thewallflo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0883684527&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-64546214807742619872010-04-01T07:04:00.002-06:002010-04-01T07:07:00.193-06:00Holy WeekSince it's Holy week and Easter is just around the corner, I thought I'd share this powerful video with you. This is the spoken poetry of Amena Brown. I love the emotion she puts into this message. Have a good Easter!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<object width="500" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nl40wVuCJUA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nl40wVuCJUA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thewallflo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000QEJ0CE&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thewallflo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0031D7YSY&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-33432313364502653882010-03-24T11:49:00.001-06:002010-03-24T12:26:02.204-06:00The Most Dangerous of all Sins?If asked what is the worst sin you could commit, I'd probably answer, "there is no sin worse than another." This is true, but do I always act like this is true, or are there things that feel worse? If we are all honest with ourselves I think that there would be sins that we all think of as worse. Be it murder, adultery, lying, cheating, or gossip and slander. Right now, gossip feels really bad to me. It really bothers me (that's not a strong enough word, but it's what I'm going to go with) to see someone go through traumatic event after traumatic event, and on the brink of overcoming, or perhaps even just on the other side of overcoming, gossip comes in to tear down all the work God did. How easily we give control over to Satan, because of how we <i>feel</i>. <br />
<br />
Think about it, we work really hard to be obedient to God, it isn't easy. It takes a lot of surrender, and denying what <i>we</i> think is best for us. But have you ever noticed how easy it is to be obedient to Satan? Let's face it, when we indulge in things that we know are in opposition to God's will, we are being obedient to Satan. <br />
<br />
There is a saying, "Nothing comes easy". Think about that. My visual of nothing is a void, void leads me to darkness, Satan is darkness. Serving Satan is easy. If you want to really do God's will, it will never be easy, but it will always be worth it. We know what "nothing" gets us; separation from God. So, however Satan attacks us, whatever sin we indulge in; it all separates us from God. Every sin is a death penalty. <i>This</i> is why the mercy Christ pours out is so amazing.<br />
<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thewallflo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1581580568&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-53534854462004770592010-03-11T07:24:00.002-07:002010-03-11T07:26:59.892-07:00Who are you??Last night we talked about Who we are. It was pretty cool to see some of the kids in deep thought. When I asked them who are you, some of them laughed at the question and told me their names and age and what not, but then I asked them, "but who are you really?" There response was, "that's a hard question to answer." I love to see them really thinking about it. Our discussion lead to if they could change who they were, change others, and how they looked at themselves and the "bad guys" in their lives.<br />
<br />
I have a great bunch of kids, and I love seeing them get it. I want to share a video clip we used last night. the camera work isn't great, but the message was perfect for what we were discussing. Have a good week everyone!<br />
<br />
<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cNvMrZSvPOM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cNvMrZSvPOM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thewallflo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0805446893&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-17242160278236187882010-03-09T11:48:00.007-07:002010-06-18T16:37:49.997-06:00Relational Ministry and the theology of Incarnation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yUu6Eve_ssNlMoH9w6p2BdX5FUNEX6jSJGE3RtyZKBcBwnwHiysQmSr-0O75v4urviG6fo_MHoaAqaBMgWFCUM0IwFB1c70tIW5spXju9N2qdlTelrfU8_Ley5Ys-DSk87K9Sey4slg/s1600-h/revisitingrelationalyouthministry.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446716216331872978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yUu6Eve_ssNlMoH9w6p2BdX5FUNEX6jSJGE3RtyZKBcBwnwHiysQmSr-0O75v4urviG6fo_MHoaAqaBMgWFCUM0IwFB1c70tIW5spXju9N2qdlTelrfU8_Ley5Ys-DSk87K9Sey4slg/s320/revisitingrelationalyouthministry.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 211px;" /></a><br />
I have been reading a book that was recommended to me called <span style="font-style: italic;">Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry</span> by Andrew Root. Let me start by saying what an insightful, and inspiring book! Since our church is just starting a youth ministry, I have been putting a lot of time and effort into the approach that God is calling for in regards to youth ministry. It is easy to come up with a list of "do's" and "don't do's" taken from the experience of others, but what is best for me, for our church, our youth? How can I make sure that my focus starts on and remains with what is best for the youth?<br />
<br />
In his book, Root said, "A relational youth ministry of place-sharing (sharing a place with someone; entering into their world) is practiced from the belief that Jesus is alive and active in the world." He goes on to say, "If our incarnational ministry is constructed solely from How? (How can I use Christ's ministry? "How?" is used as the premise of Bonhoeffer's theology of "How?" being a question of disobedience and unbelief, not really getting at the message that Christ gave us) the goal of the practice can easily slide into figuring out how to get adolescents to participate, rather than discovering and supporting the distinct who (Who is Jesus?) that each adolescent is in his or her person."<br />
<br />
The idea here being are you using relational ministry to influence youth? The idea of, "if I build a relationship with these kids then I can influence them to participate in youth group, and also influence them as far as their spiritual journey is concerned." Root purposed that a "ministry of influence has very little to do with the incarnation."<br />
<br />
I can see his point here, especially when I think about how a kid would feel if they discovered that the relationship I had been building with them was instigated on my part as means to influence them. I can imagine a sense of betrayal. If we truly want to have a relational ministry we have to be place sharers, entering into the personal hell of others and walking along side of them. Does this mean we hid who we are? Absolutely not! If God is a big part of our life than we would share Him, and encourage our youth. It's all about our approach.<br />
<br />
In order for this to be practical, I really have to delve deeply into who Christ is. Anyway, just some pondering thoughts. I would most definitely recommend this book. While it is written with a emphasize on youth ministries, it would be good for anyone who really wants to dig into the theology of incarnation.<br />
<br />
Root, Andrew. <span style="font-style: italic;">Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry</span>. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2007. print.<br />
<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thewallflo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0830834885&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-38674907737651276752010-03-06T16:49:00.004-07:002010-06-18T16:39:44.347-06:00Church for the perfect"I'd like to go back to church, but I need to get my ducks in a row first."<br />
<br />
Have you ever heard some say something like this? I find it odd that there are people with a viewpoint of the church being where you go when you have everything together, when in reality the church is where you should be while your getting your life in order. So the question is, why do people think this? <br />
<br />
When faced with "church people" who are "perfect" it is easy for people who are far from perfect to develop this viewpoint. So are we making it harder for God to work in the lives of people when we adopt this attitude of perfection within the church? Can you see how not being real and authentic can prevent people from seeking God, when they think they have to get straight first?<br />
<br />
Look at what God tells us in Psalm 34:18: "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." God wants to work in the live of the brokenhearted, the forgotten, and lost. We have to stop relying on our own strength and give our lives to Christ. He is the one who can change us, not anyone else, including our self. <br />
<br />
The church has to stop pretending to be something it is not, and be real and honest with people, sharing the glory of Christ. Apart from Him we all fall short. We need Christ, why pretend like we don't?<br />
<br />
<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thewallflo-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1434768511&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-91162981892794885132010-03-03T07:40:00.002-07:002010-03-03T07:49:47.653-07:00Who is God?As I was preparing for bible study tonight, God laid on my heart a kid who may have the wrong idea about who God is. I pulled out a few verses from the bible that tells us who He is. I wonder, do any of you have the wrong idea about who God is? Do you know Him, His heart?<br /><br /> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">2 Samuel 22:32-33</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the rock besides our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.”<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Psalms 62:5-8<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.”<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Isaiah 61:1-3<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“The spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them the crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.”<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Matthew 22:32<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“Have you not read what God has said to you, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Romans 5:5-8<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“…Hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possible dare to die. But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">1 Corinthians 10:13<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Hebrews 4:12-13<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">1 John 4:15-16<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in Him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.”<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Romans 6:23<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><br /></span><b style="">Psalms 48:14<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“For this God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.”<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Psalms 73:26<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">There are many, many more. So who is God? God is love, my refuge, my strength, my salvation...and yours too.<br /><i style=""><o:p></o:p></i></p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-15180679499879368512010-02-25T21:06:00.005-07:002010-03-07T06:46:07.536-07:00Pictures from Park City<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfO8U287Iuqo9dR7Jq_uP7okPhRtgNcJeh5DDyP_7B41DlCI0m656fzI8NPxTW-EBBjEUDXzP9nrdavyxqZMpKnFunwikNFHZM_CTaVP7M1tH5sI6PDYtVA2pTxsGIcEYtsMAJ2TVelng/s1600-h/-CRW_5213.jpg"><br /></a><br /><br />We had a really great time today at Park City. We had a bit of a hard time slowing down though. So use to speeding through everything. As promised here are some pictures, you might not notice, but I was chewing gum in every picture. These were the ones where I didn't look like a cow chewing the cud. Steve will never hire me to be a model. Steve always wants to do pictures of me, but I make it so difficult that he usually wonders why he wanted to in the first place . What can I say, I'm a brat!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJUZtO8YmgHzti8oh7DeDkXoqfxl5i-kE6_ZlkN5Zw2T_k4AQ8VdIDKhmTtn9F74HGg-TBFLe4wWkApLqsqo2KWj95zg1XqYeFI8ZaHabbpsvRDy6W-k99LK8SDYhLH31D6BVxnoG2Ac/s1600-h/-CRW_5174.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJUZtO8YmgHzti8oh7DeDkXoqfxl5i-kE6_ZlkN5Zw2T_k4AQ8VdIDKhmTtn9F74HGg-TBFLe4wWkApLqsqo2KWj95zg1XqYeFI8ZaHabbpsvRDy6W-k99LK8SDYhLH31D6BVxnoG2Ac/s320/-CRW_5174.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442400074118780002" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTuhWjYqNcfvNC8pvSwAGwgmElcSbxTTu5YV_5x7pLRd3niUhvnMA5I4PKBM1Th22fhbIwueZH4OblulbYph-UC37w11fz_qix1o0Ykbf1yhK5eB0uTiK8leSQU9zVn6VwxdU4qHpS3E/s1600-h/-CRW_5204.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTuhWjYqNcfvNC8pvSwAGwgmElcSbxTTu5YV_5x7pLRd3niUhvnMA5I4PKBM1Th22fhbIwueZH4OblulbYph-UC37w11fz_qix1o0Ykbf1yhK5eB0uTiK8leSQU9zVn6VwxdU4qHpS3E/s320/-CRW_5204.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442400114671588034" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCe0GKJ1LUrhmOMFKL5AJdNP4gLEznJUSfjxH2mrAq3SYda_Xjl18D-U8CY77PcQoeBk5oEo4jTUl2aS_u-iAtwCNOX6U67zIkA3dZI6qs9vOSYoVqWdG52WMty_Ex42lsRm4z8PydRw/s1600-h/-CRW_5190-Edit.jpg"><br /></a>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-41472296363161502532010-02-25T07:23:00.003-07:002010-02-25T07:29:38.403-07:00Just the Two of UsToday Steve and I are dropping the kiddos of at their nanny's and heading up to Park City for the day. I'm really excited. We try to have a date night as often as is possible, but they usually involve us eating out, which the kids have programmed us to do at lightning speed, and then trying to figure out what to do next. When we were dating we never had this problem, but now as we are older, these escapes from our kids leave us without an idea of what to do next.<br /><br />It's for this reason that I'm excited to go to Park City. We get to shop, and take pictures (duh!! anyone imagine Steve without his camera?) and really have a chance to decompress and enjoy each other. I'll make sure I post some pictures of our day for you all.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-81030965320120140512010-02-23T11:00:00.004-07:002010-02-23T12:26:28.521-07:00The Call to be Real and AuthenticLast night I attend the SDMI conference at Salt Lake 1st church. What a wonderful time! I really enjoyed the NYI Seminar. It's funny, sometimes in life you think things are coincidences, but really God always provides us with what we need. I've bee feeling the call in my life to become real, authentic, vulnerable even. I'll bet you'll never guess what we talked about last night?! Being real.<br /><br />As youth leaders, we have to be authentic to our youth. Our actions have to reflect our words, and when they don't we need to be up front with them about it. There are some really tough topics that teens are dealing with, and if we aren't real with them, they won't trust us.<br /><br />This makes me thing of the movie that just came out, <span style="font-style: italic;">To Save a Life</span>. I know after seeing the trailer for the movie I am inspired to try to challenges my teens to be courageous in their faith, and to break away from social norms, and embrace Christ-like actions. To also be courageous enough to ask for help when they feel hopeless, and alone. They won't come to me if I don't have a relationship with them, and I can't do that without being real.<br />This is my challenge to myself.<br /><br />Haven't heard of <span style="font-style: italic;">To Save a Life</span>? Watch this trailer for the movie. for more information, visit their website <a href="http://www.tosavealifeleaders.com/">HERE</a><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz_-Xpcb_k-3opknHuqmUR13vFYrfTx3aIZ5j1QhmvfLaVH9sHJE6DE0j_R-l5x6Jkq6zKzSLIn3wcSLuGGRQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-66899269404639630872010-02-20T21:24:00.002-07:002010-02-25T07:18:05.165-07:00Puddles of GoldThis morning we left before dawn on our road trip. On I-84, just as the sun breaks over the horizon it hits bits and pieces of brush sticking out of the snowy hills and turns the landscape into a white oasis splattered with puddles of gold from heaven. <span style=""> </span>It’s in these moments that the unspeakable and undeniable glory of God is evident. It’s in these moments were coincidental “explosions” of matter are so unlikely. God is laying His creation before us. All we have to do is open our eyes to His glory, the creation He made for us.<p></p><p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1</p><p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">"since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Romans 1:19-20 </p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-9573400762372874182010-02-19T08:11:00.004-07:002010-02-19T08:31:54.405-07:00Over the hills, and through the woodsSaturday we are hopping in the car at 6am and driving 3 hours to visit my grandma in Idaho. My grandma has been in Idaho for at least 4 years now, but I haven't seen her in 12 years!! Due to whatever circumstance was upon us, we could never make it up there when my parents went. She's never met my kids, or my husband. It's almost ridiculous really. I'm hoping that this trip will open the door for many more trips to see grandma.<br /><br />Growing up as a military brat, we never lived close to any extended family, so I don't have any kind of relationship with any of my grandparents, none of my aunts and uncles really, nor my cousins. When you live on a military base, and every other kids is in the exact same boat, this doesn't seem so weird. Now that I have been in Utah for 11 years (wow, really.... that long??) Every one's extended family practically lives down the street, they know who (or even that they have) 2nd and 3rd cousins. It makes me realize that I missed out on something pretty special.<br /><br />There are wonderful opportunities for family (immediate) to grow very close to one other on military bases, because you're all each other have, and you know there is always a chance that the enlisted parent can be called away to duty and not make it back home. So I don't regret the way that I was brought up. I am much stronger and more independent because of my experiences. But I am grateful that I have the opportunity to provide for my kids something I never knew. With both sets of grandparents within 15 miles of us, all their aunts, uncle, and cousins within the Wasatch front, they have the chance to build relationships with family that I never had.<br /><br />Perhaps this trip to Idaho to visit my grandma is a chance to take for myself, something I've always wanted. Because really, you're never to old to start building relationships. It's never to late.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-19988793572975109792010-02-16T13:45:00.003-07:002010-02-19T08:33:56.209-07:00The End of the BeginningThis is my last week of my first class. I was a little anxious when I first started. I've been out of school for about 9 years, and I didn't go to college after high school. Questions of whether I could handle it or not crept into my mind frequently. My other concern was the difficulty of online classes, where the learning is very much in my own hands.<br /><br />These past six weeks have been a great time of self discovery. I discovered that my self motivating personality thrives in an online education atmosphere. all my fears about returning to school were also unfounded. It's been wonderful to see that I am 100% capable of this journey I am on, and I can excel. Sometimes you just need that confidence boost as you follow God's calling and see that He really does equip us with all that we need to succeed.<br /><br />1 Peter 1:3 tells us "His divine power has given us <span style="font-style: italic;">everything</span> we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness." can you believe that? He gives us everything we need. When He calls us to do His will, He doesn't just tell us to do it and let us flounder. He gives us the necessary tools. He gave me the confidence I was lacking. Praise God, for His promises are rich and great.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342251319011617330.post-33689528384641796772010-02-15T16:36:00.002-07:002010-02-15T16:59:28.974-07:00A new look, A new purposeAnyone who has previously followed my blog may notice that all my posts are gone. I felt it was time for a little renovation, some remodeling, to reflect that which has taken place in my life. Through a series of events this past year, my calling in life has changed. It started early last spring with a surprising call to surrender.<br /><br />I believe that some do not realize the freedom one receives when they surrender everything, and I do mean everything, to God. I sometimes find it funny how illogical God seems. To the world surrender does not lead to freedom, in the same way that being weak does not lead to strength. God tells us different. He tells us that when we are weak He is strong, and our strength comes from Him. He makes a point to show us that the logic of the world doesn't match the logic of God.<br /><br />During my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">road trip</span> to surrender, God began to lay on my heart the teen girls in my church. I decided to take a leap of faith, answer the call, and I begin mentoring a couple of girls. I built a relationship with them and invested in their lives. One of the girl suffered a very tragic event in July which open the door for me to realize another area where God was calling me. Early in the summer I started thinking about going back to school to become a christian counselor. I repeatedly push the notation aside as a random thought that would not amount to anything of value. After July I began to really become disturbed by the statistics of marriages and the effect divorce has on children, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">particularly</span> teenagers. At this time I felt my calling become a little more defined. God was calling me to invest in the youth of our generation, and to prepare myself to take it to the next step, so I could help foster healing in the hearts of youth from broken homes.<br /><br />After much prayer I took another leap of faith and enrolled at Nazarene Bible College, where I will be working toward my bachelor's in ministry under the program of Christian counselor. Where God takes me at the completion of my education is a mystery to me, but I know it's in God's hands, because I put it there, along with everything else that was coming between my relationship with Him.<br /><br />Just recently I have felt God nudging me further into youth ministries, and feel the call to take a more active role in ministering to the youth (boys and girls) in my church.<br /><br />The point of my story is to redefine the purpose of this blog. I've decided to use it to document my education as well as my spiritual devotion time. To share what's going on in my life, my ministry, and to grow further in Christ, and to share my endeavor in the youth ministry arena.<br /><br />Wish me luck, and your prayers, as always, are greatly appreciated.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16350469562407122860noreply@blogger.com0