For those of you who don't know already, I'm a huge fan of Switchfoot. They have a podcast that I follow. It's available for free on iTunes. Something to note is you have to convert it to play on an iPod. Anyway, here's the video.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Snow!
There are few things in VA that I enjoy more than snow. For several reasons, but the following are the most significant:
1. The many uses of snow: snow cream, snow men, snow forts, and of course snowball fights
2. It RARELY occurs in Virginia.
Now, technically, we get snow in the form of freezing precipitation about once a year, but rarely do we get enough to do anything with it or shut down schools. Snow doesn't count as snow if schools don't close, that's just me. Anyway, this year, I went out and measured in my yard and we had just over 6 inches. That's a ton of snow! Today I built a midget snowman. I say midget, because the only way it could be a "man" is if it was a midget.
I hope everyone reading this enjoyed the snow and has been outside to enjoy it. It's something everyone should take advantage of.
Snow also reminds me of a few passages of Scripture. Psalm 51 and Job 38 come to mind.
In Psalm 51, David writes one of his most famous psalms after Nathan has revealed to him his sin with Bathsheba. There he cries out to God for forgiveness and says, "wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." Snow's pretty white, so to be washed that clean creates a beautiful image of how Christ washes away our sins. In Job 38, God is in the middle of what I like to call "the Job smackdown" Here God is displaying and describing to Job His power and might and just how huge and glorious he is. He asks Job several rhetorical questions including the one we find in verse 22 which says, "Have you entered the storehouses of snow, or have you seen the storehouses of hail," Basically saying, "Job, I am God, you are not. I have storehouses of snow that you've never seen."
So from these 2 scriptures we get a great picture of God's power, might, and mercy. He loves us enough to forgive us and make us whiter than snow, but He also is powerful and mighty enough to create winter storms like the one we saw this weekend. I hope this blog and the snow will remind you of that.
1. The many uses of snow: snow cream, snow men, snow forts, and of course snowball fights
2. It RARELY occurs in Virginia.
Now, technically, we get snow in the form of freezing precipitation about once a year, but rarely do we get enough to do anything with it or shut down schools. Snow doesn't count as snow if schools don't close, that's just me. Anyway, this year, I went out and measured in my yard and we had just over 6 inches. That's a ton of snow! Today I built a midget snowman. I say midget, because the only way it could be a "man" is if it was a midget.
I hope everyone reading this enjoyed the snow and has been outside to enjoy it. It's something everyone should take advantage of.
Snow also reminds me of a few passages of Scripture. Psalm 51 and Job 38 come to mind.
In Psalm 51, David writes one of his most famous psalms after Nathan has revealed to him his sin with Bathsheba. There he cries out to God for forgiveness and says, "wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." Snow's pretty white, so to be washed that clean creates a beautiful image of how Christ washes away our sins. In Job 38, God is in the middle of what I like to call "the Job smackdown" Here God is displaying and describing to Job His power and might and just how huge and glorious he is. He asks Job several rhetorical questions including the one we find in verse 22 which says, "Have you entered the storehouses of snow, or have you seen the storehouses of hail," Basically saying, "Job, I am God, you are not. I have storehouses of snow that you've never seen."
So from these 2 scriptures we get a great picture of God's power, might, and mercy. He loves us enough to forgive us and make us whiter than snow, but He also is powerful and mighty enough to create winter storms like the one we saw this weekend. I hope this blog and the snow will remind you of that.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Awakening: Passion 2010
A New Year is generally sign of new beginnings and I would have to say that this year was definitely not an exception. This year I went to Passion 2010. For those of you who are unfamiliar with what Passion is, here's a little bit of what it is. It's a time where students and young adults between the ages of 18-26 come together to glorify God, worship together , and hear teachings from some of the best speakers around. But more than that, it's a time to meet God, glorify His name, and do our part to bring justice to the world the 4 days we are there.
This year the speakers were Beth Moore, Francis Chan, Andy Stanley, Louie Giglio, and John Piper. The worship leaders were Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Charlie Hall, David Crowder*Band, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill, Fee, and Hillsong United. All of the people involved did a fantastic job of not just making Passion an event, but a time where hearts were united to glorify God and to awaken to a new revelation of who God is. For me, it was as if God was saying, "Hey, you want to see a little more of who I am? Here you go!" I was blown away and for a brief time, I felt like I got to experience what heaven is going to be like. It was that great and now, I can't wait to see where God is going to bring me.
It should also be said that the college students raised $724,480.42 for 12 organizations that do ministry all across the world. Not only that, but a family at Passion matched what we gave when the total was $668.597.00. So the total given was $1,393,077.42 ! Wow!
I also met a group of people with whom I bonded during the four days I was there. They were my family group. God used them to speak truth into my life and also had the privilege of being a small part of God moving in their lives. Without a doubt, that was my favorite part. Worship and preaching are good, but what use would it be if I went to Passion and my life didn't change? It would just be an event. Thankfully God showed up and rocked my world.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Christmas
Christmas, it's that time of year where you get together with you're family for a time of fun, giving, and celebration. If you're blessed, you might even get to go to a rocking worship service. This Christmas I got all above the above, but the important thing is that even though I was blessed richly this Christmas, I was able to bless others.
This year and the past 2 Christmases I have been a part of feeding the homeless at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in downtown Newport News. It's just a time where we go to an Episcopal Service then feed those who are less fortunate than us a really good Christmas meal. I consider it one of the best parts of my Christmas.
Another important part of Christmas is Christmas Eve at Waters Edge Church. The opening was one of the most impressive I've seen in my 6 years there. It was a message about how a guy didn't believe in the true meaning of Christmas and then he had an encounter with Jesus. That same message is read in reverse order and the message completely changes. If one of the staff can hook me up with a copy of the text, that would be most appreciated.
I also have to give props to my man Mike Dominice for doing a great guitar solo for the WEC rock version of "Carol of the Bells". He pulled it off. Woohoo
Volunteering was also fun. Watching Christmas movies and making crafts with kids is also fun. I also got beat by my pastor's son in Mancala. I taught him, though, so I guessed he had a good teacher.
For those of you interested in what I actually got for Christmas, I'm not going to put an itemized list, but the David Ferrell version.
1. A bunch of clothes
2. The World of Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse
3. Les Miserables radio drama
4. Money
5. Batman: The Animated Series Volume 2
6. A Meade reflecting telescope
I hope you had a Merry Christmas as well and Happy New Year!
This year and the past 2 Christmases I have been a part of feeding the homeless at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in downtown Newport News. It's just a time where we go to an Episcopal Service then feed those who are less fortunate than us a really good Christmas meal. I consider it one of the best parts of my Christmas.
Another important part of Christmas is Christmas Eve at Waters Edge Church. The opening was one of the most impressive I've seen in my 6 years there. It was a message about how a guy didn't believe in the true meaning of Christmas and then he had an encounter with Jesus. That same message is read in reverse order and the message completely changes. If one of the staff can hook me up with a copy of the text, that would be most appreciated.
I also have to give props to my man Mike Dominice for doing a great guitar solo for the WEC rock version of "Carol of the Bells". He pulled it off. Woohoo
Volunteering was also fun. Watching Christmas movies and making crafts with kids is also fun. I also got beat by my pastor's son in Mancala. I taught him, though, so I guessed he had a good teacher.
For those of you interested in what I actually got for Christmas, I'm not going to put an itemized list, but the David Ferrell version.
1. A bunch of clothes
2. The World of Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse
3. Les Miserables radio drama
4. Money
5. Batman: The Animated Series Volume 2
6. A Meade reflecting telescope
I hope you had a Merry Christmas as well and Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Thanks
It's been a while since I've written on my blog. I think part of it was there I just plain forgot, and the other part was I couldn't come up with something good enough to write on here. So I thought I would extend what I taught to my guys in my 6th grade Community Group. I asked them this week to write an e-mail, card, or letter to someone they are thankful for. So I thought, hmm, I can do a blog entry! aha!
But I can't just list one person. There are so many people in my life for which I'm thankful. So I thought I'd list a few and why I'm thankful for them. So here we go.
The easiest place to start is my parents. If it weren't for them I wouldn't be here, I wouldn't be the man I am, and I also probably wouldn't have met my Savior. Thanks, Mom and Dad!
My brother and sister, Peter and Elisabeth. They are really fun people and I have sooooo many fond memories with them, and they are 2 people that I know really well. They are also 2 people who will call me out if I'm making a fool of myself. Even though they have moved away, we still keep in touch regularly. This Thanksgiving was the first that I didn't spend with my sister, but I am thankful that she's coming home for Christmas!!
Joshua Pothen, my best friend for 15 plus years. Josh is one person outside of my immediate family who I can talk to about literally anything going on my life and feel completely comfortable. This year he moved up north, but it's amazing how he's been there when I need a friend to talk to. Thanks Josh!
My collective Community Group. This is my 6th group, but it's always amazing how God grows you through a group of completely different people. It's one of those times during my week where I can just chill, be myself, and talk about what matters most. Pretty sweet.
My 6th grade guys Community Group. This is my first year with 6th grade guys, and let's just say it's been challenging, but in a good way. I think it's the challenging things in life that test us and grow us to be better people. It can get crazy at times, but just when I think they're not listening, they come up with a good answer. Plus there's a satisfying feeling that comes with impacting lives for Christ.
Bobby Pegram. My co-leader for my 6th grade group. His passion for Christ is about as equally as fiery as his red hair and he's a senior in high school, proof positive that the next generation hasn't lost sight of God, and that's something I'm extremely thankful for. He has a strong desire to impact his community and his circle of influence with the Gospel. He's my second hand man and always brings a healthy balance to the group. If it weren't for that, there are nights when I'd probably go insane, so thanks Bobby!
WEC. I've been going to the same church for over 6 1/2 years and there's no end in sight. To be part of a church from it's inception and see it grow from 50 people to close to 2000 has been quite a ride. We've changed throughout the years in certain areas, but there are several things that remain constant that I'm thankful for, the main ones being that we always focus on the outsider and that we aren't dead. We are alive and have seen and continue to see so many lives go from lost to found and that's something to shout about!
The list could keep going, but as you can see I have much to be thankful for. Many times I feel like being negative and my thoughts take me to unhealthy places when I start to complain, but when I take time to see what I've been given, the blindfold is removed and I see how God has always provided for me. So I leave you with this line from an old hymn.
Count your many blessings
Count them one by one.
Count your many blessings
See what God has done.
But I can't just list one person. There are so many people in my life for which I'm thankful. So I thought I'd list a few and why I'm thankful for them. So here we go.
The easiest place to start is my parents. If it weren't for them I wouldn't be here, I wouldn't be the man I am, and I also probably wouldn't have met my Savior. Thanks, Mom and Dad!
My brother and sister, Peter and Elisabeth. They are really fun people and I have sooooo many fond memories with them, and they are 2 people that I know really well. They are also 2 people who will call me out if I'm making a fool of myself. Even though they have moved away, we still keep in touch regularly. This Thanksgiving was the first that I didn't spend with my sister, but I am thankful that she's coming home for Christmas!!
Joshua Pothen, my best friend for 15 plus years. Josh is one person outside of my immediate family who I can talk to about literally anything going on my life and feel completely comfortable. This year he moved up north, but it's amazing how he's been there when I need a friend to talk to. Thanks Josh!
My collective Community Group. This is my 6th group, but it's always amazing how God grows you through a group of completely different people. It's one of those times during my week where I can just chill, be myself, and talk about what matters most. Pretty sweet.
My 6th grade guys Community Group. This is my first year with 6th grade guys, and let's just say it's been challenging, but in a good way. I think it's the challenging things in life that test us and grow us to be better people. It can get crazy at times, but just when I think they're not listening, they come up with a good answer. Plus there's a satisfying feeling that comes with impacting lives for Christ.
Bobby Pegram. My co-leader for my 6th grade group. His passion for Christ is about as equally as fiery as his red hair and he's a senior in high school, proof positive that the next generation hasn't lost sight of God, and that's something I'm extremely thankful for. He has a strong desire to impact his community and his circle of influence with the Gospel. He's my second hand man and always brings a healthy balance to the group. If it weren't for that, there are nights when I'd probably go insane, so thanks Bobby!
WEC. I've been going to the same church for over 6 1/2 years and there's no end in sight. To be part of a church from it's inception and see it grow from 50 people to close to 2000 has been quite a ride. We've changed throughout the years in certain areas, but there are several things that remain constant that I'm thankful for, the main ones being that we always focus on the outsider and that we aren't dead. We are alive and have seen and continue to see so many lives go from lost to found and that's something to shout about!
The list could keep going, but as you can see I have much to be thankful for. Many times I feel like being negative and my thoughts take me to unhealthy places when I start to complain, but when I take time to see what I've been given, the blindfold is removed and I see how God has always provided for me. So I leave you with this line from an old hymn.
Count your many blessings
Count them one by one.
Count your many blessings
See what God has done.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Hello Hurricane
Last Saturday I received something in the mail that I had been waiting almost 3 years for. Little did I know that it would blow my expectations out of the water. I am talking of Switchfoot's new album, Hello Hurricane. Switchfoot is my 2nd favorite band, next to DCTalk. Their last album, Oh! Gravity, was good, but I felt that the band could have done better. The songs were good, but there was something missing. I believe it was the hope that drives the heartbeat of the band.
I ordered the CD/DVD version of Hello Hurricane and immediately wanted to listen to it. I listened to a few songs and then popped in the behind the scenes DVD. The DVD revealed that this was the hardest album the band has ever worked on and for good reason: this was their first truly independent album and they wanted to make it right and something that was truly who Switchfoot was. Jon Foreman, the lead singer, said that the prerequisite for the song being on the album was that you would want to die singing it. While that may sound a bit morose, I believe that is what gave the album it's appeal.
Needless to say, I love the album and believe that it's a tremendous improvement over the last album. I like every song on the album, but here are some of my favorites:
1. Mess of Me
2. Your Love is a Song
3. Free
4. Always
5. The Sound
6. Sing it Out
There is one lyric that is worth mentioning, as I've been pondering it for a while now and it's from the song Always. It says, "Every breath is a second chance." For me this had 2 interpretations that I think are both true but one I like better than the other. The first is that every breath that we take as humans is an opportunity to turn from our wretched nature and turn back to God. The other interpretation is that every breath that we're given by God is an act of grace.
As you can see, one thought relates to the other. As we are given breath by God, it is an act of grace because we as human beings deserve eternal death as our sin separates us from God and thereby the punishment is death. But since Jesus Christ died for our sins, God gives us life and the very breath that we breathe is more than we deserve. Therefore, the gift of life that God gives us should not be used in vain, but be used towards giving Him glory. After all, we are to love one another because He first loved us. But it's an amazing thought that the very air we breathe is more than we deserve and for that gift alone He deserves glory. Yet He blesses us with so much more. How much more then should we live our lives for Him!
These are some of the many thoughts that I have after listening to Switchfoot, which is why I highly recommend the album. It is entertaining, but it also may get you thinking, which I think is a sign of good music. The album is available in stores and on iTunes.
I ordered the CD/DVD version of Hello Hurricane and immediately wanted to listen to it. I listened to a few songs and then popped in the behind the scenes DVD. The DVD revealed that this was the hardest album the band has ever worked on and for good reason: this was their first truly independent album and they wanted to make it right and something that was truly who Switchfoot was. Jon Foreman, the lead singer, said that the prerequisite for the song being on the album was that you would want to die singing it. While that may sound a bit morose, I believe that is what gave the album it's appeal.
Needless to say, I love the album and believe that it's a tremendous improvement over the last album. I like every song on the album, but here are some of my favorites:
1. Mess of Me
2. Your Love is a Song
3. Free
4. Always
5. The Sound
6. Sing it Out
There is one lyric that is worth mentioning, as I've been pondering it for a while now and it's from the song Always. It says, "Every breath is a second chance." For me this had 2 interpretations that I think are both true but one I like better than the other. The first is that every breath that we take as humans is an opportunity to turn from our wretched nature and turn back to God. The other interpretation is that every breath that we're given by God is an act of grace.
As you can see, one thought relates to the other. As we are given breath by God, it is an act of grace because we as human beings deserve eternal death as our sin separates us from God and thereby the punishment is death. But since Jesus Christ died for our sins, God gives us life and the very breath that we breathe is more than we deserve. Therefore, the gift of life that God gives us should not be used in vain, but be used towards giving Him glory. After all, we are to love one another because He first loved us. But it's an amazing thought that the very air we breathe is more than we deserve and for that gift alone He deserves glory. Yet He blesses us with so much more. How much more then should we live our lives for Him!
These are some of the many thoughts that I have after listening to Switchfoot, which is why I highly recommend the album. It is entertaining, but it also may get you thinking, which I think is a sign of good music. The album is available in stores and on iTunes.
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