Edit-Ability

I can't begin to express how much having good friends is a value. The last week I have been realizing and attempting to change certain "undesirable" qualities, in various areas of my life. My marriage and my work perception. Now I have always been able to take advice from people, and receive a little constructive criticism, but this week was a little unbearable.

I was having an issue with my wife only 3 weeks into being married and was beginning to feel like a quick failure. I brought the issue to my small group, expecting to hear a "quick fix" or an "easy way out," but realized that was definitely not the case, instead it was brought to my attention rather abruptly, that instead of attempting to fix the problem, I should reflect on my habits and what I could do better. Not what I wanted to hear, but I accepted it.

Second, because I tend to look for ways to improve my performance, attitude and other areas of my personality constantly while working. A friend confronted me on how my perception can be heading the wrong direction. He was very upfront, blunt, and straight to the point, the way I like it. (Except when I'm on the receiving end.) Because I was taken aback by the statement, I began feeling pretty bad about myself and became a little frantic on how to change very quickly. So I called another peer to talk it out. He offered great encouragement and advice on how to change this area of my life. Which I am very glad to say I have listened to.


I read a while back about having edit-ability, by Mark Waltz. It is a great concept based on allowing your peers to look into your life and help you change specific things, as opposed to just being a support system. It has become a very important attribute to learn, not only for my own application but to begin to be an "Editor" for my wife, and other close friends.

Now not everyone needs to be blunt and incredibly straight forward, (my friends are because I tend to need that). But we do need people who will help us become better Christ followers by changing out lives. So if you don't have someone to fill this role in your life, FIND ONE, at least one, or as many as you can. You will be amazed at the amount of growth you will see in your life. If you do have these people, praise God for them and thank them next time you see them.

But because both of my friends read my blog I'll do it here. Thank you Rick and Luke for being blunt when necessary, and caring enough to follow through.

Is High School Ministry DEAD?

Recently I was hanging out with a friend and the topic of our High School Ministry came up, one phrase in particular that caught my attention was "High School Ministry is dead, but no one wants to admit it."

I cant begin to tell you how much I disagree with that statement. High School is not dead, it may be dying in many places but it is not dead. That statement would be like me telling another person "the Church is dead," that would never happen, the reason High School ministry is dying is because it hasn't changed in a long time. Its not relevant to today's youth, all students do these days is text and IM. They can get stimulated by 5 different conversations at once, so the need for a personal connection has changed. A high school service should include this part of todays culture, and so much more.

Our adult service has said "We wont say it Sunday if you cant use it Monday," the same goes for a student, they can come to church but if they don't hear anything that invokes life change and is applicable, they wont want or need to come back. To often when I was in high school (only 3 years ago) did I attend a church service and never use anything I learned the following day at school.

In order for a high school service to "survive" they need to begin to change in these areas and many more. How whould one go about this?

Forcing Change

Its amazing how much we can become unsatisfied with where we are. Unsatisfied with money, (or the lack there of) salary, friends, success, or even our faith. My biggest struggle is probably with the money area. I don't know why, but I tend to directly relate my value to how much money i have in the bank, and how much the company I work for pays me.

This flaw can very easily be frustrating in any scenario, with any job. But can be extremely tough in a ministry role and while working at a church.

I was recently given the opportunity to lead an area in ministry at EastLake, and not even 3 weeks in, I am doubting if the amount of work being put in, is worth it. (According to my value) Here are a few things I have learned.

God values me. - Even if I feel no value in what I do or where I work, God walues what I am doing for His kingdom.

Family values me. - It really doesn't matter how much I do or don't make. My wife love me no matter what.

Friends value me. - Now this isn't always the case, but if the amount of money you make or the success you have is the main factor for the friends you have. Get new friends, they all like me whether I am broke or not.

What other areas do I need to grow in?

I know that in money it affects me, but this also hits me with my spiritual growth. I can attempt to force growth in my walk, but there is a reason why Elders have there name, because they have lived it out, and learned along the way. I cant cram all of the knowledge they have into my 20 year old brain. It wouldn't work. So I really just need to slow down and get better at pacing myself in my growth.

Bottom Line:
I have realized that all of my needs will be taken care of, no matter what.

The only catch is: It's not on my time, it's God's.

Another Tuesday Night

Small Group is amazing! Tons of learning taking place, not only by the "new believers," but by everyone, myself especially. If you don't know me personally, I tend to talk a lot.... A lot, a lot....
Hence the blog. Anyways, I have learned to shut up and let other people talk.

I love being surrounded by people who aren't perfect, people who are just, well, people. They are letting there guard down and I'm reciprocating.

We are planning on doing a group community project sometime soon. I really want to adopt a llama! But I think everyone else is leaning towards the HUGS direction or just helping our local community. I can't wait to get these things rolling, and see how God is going to affect us all by serving other people. I can't wait to see our group take serving to the next level and get other people involved as well.

This just seems to be a great beginning to friendships and growth!

Ever Wish?

You could be really good at something without ever practicing or trying? I do, as lazy as it may make me sound, I wish I never had to practice at music. I wish I had perfect pitch and could play anything just by hearing it once. I was watching the movie August Rush today (mt favorite movie) and it just so happened to re-kindle my love for music. I have always loved music and playing, but have been very focused on other things i.e. wedding, so its been put on the back burner.

I really feel like I should get back on it. It turns out I actually have more time on my hands with not having to drive home at 11 every night. I still practice every so often, but would like to on a regular basis. It would feel pretty good to get back up on stage of some form and play in front of people since its been a while.

I just started volunteering in the High School Group at EastLake and they seem to want and need more musicians, I love the bass guitar so I think thats where I'll start.