Primal: A quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity

I recently have been reading a new Book that just came out in stores today - By Mark Batterson called "Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity." It is a good book that has a great message. I look forward to reading other books by Batterson.

I found that this book carries with it a host of ideas that are practical and true to the nature of Christianity - getting to our Primal beginnings and living the way that we were called to live.

One of the many lessons that I have gleaned from this book is - to not lose my awareness - awareness of the Holy Spirit - awareness of People and - the awareness of God's activity all around me. If I am not aware of these things... - I don't even want to think about that!!!

If you are interesting purchasing the book click here.

Brown House Scream

Over the Easter Weekend, cousins from North Dakota and Minnesota came to visit - it is amazing what boys will do - on their OWN!!!!!

Sorry I could not figure out how to turn it - so get ready for some neck exercises!!!

Burning Questions

Spooner Wesleyan Youth has been going through a series called, "Burning Questions."
We have talked about a lot of various topics that the teens have submitted to me anonymously. Tough questions such as R-rated movies - Swearing - Prayer - Cultures and Languages.

Tonight we are talking about Divorce - something that a majority of people have been effected by some way or another - either we know someone who has been divorced or our parents have been divorced or we have been divorced.

I think that Divorce has been somewhat epidemic in our world - but the truth of bible has not changed and Matthew 19 really hits it hard.

Tonight I will try my best to be sensitive but truthful and allow the Word of God to be the target for how teenagers really look at marriage.

Lack of blogging - but still reading

I read some great posts today from Perry Noble and Craig Groeschel - Checking them out and allow God to speak to you.

Craig talks about failure - Failure is something that we all have to deal with and something that we all hate - I can't stand failure but I have to recognize that I am going to fail - but I get to choose if that is going to stop me or if I will continue on... on the surface I want to quit and never risk anything - never take the chance to do what God has commanded me to do - but that is on the surface - Deep down - I want to carry on - I want to strive to do what God wants me to do, even if I fail - it is okay.

Perry spends time talking about church planting and some of the myths that come along with it. I am not a church planter but there are some myths that are universal.

Enjoy

Is it Random???

Here are some things that I am thinking about - some totally random and some relevant (maybe).

• I have the most amazing Family - A wonderful wife that loves me - and I love her - two great boys that keep me on my toes .
• Last night at Youth - the High Schoolers watched and discussed some huge topics - Sex and Dating - wow - they are doing so well with it - Very pleased - excited about what God is going to do in their lives when it comes to that intimate part of their lives.
• I am so excited about Burning Questions - our next "series" in Youth - anything can be asked. The teens are asking great questions - God please use this for your glory!!
• The Minnesota Twins are still my Team but I wonder what they are going to do this year.
• I am excited that I get to take my boys to a TWINS game this year - I am so excited.
• Even though camps are not until summer - I am already excited about what can and what will happen to the teens that go to camp - Empty Me - is our Theme and I beleive that is what we all need to do.
• Guatemala - heading there this summer - Mission Trip with 12 Teens from the Youth - what a chance to serve and to be changed for a life time.
• I am excited about the new teens coming to youth.
• Premarital counseling is so much fun.
• Teens are great - they have so many questions and struggles - two teens are especially on my heart - both have stated that they are not "Christians." What I do know is that is not the end - God loves them and I do too, I just hope they don't go off the deepend. Deep down I know it is not about being a "Christian" but it is about being in relationship with Jesus that really matters.

I know kind of random but that is what is on my mind.

"The Getaway"

Had a wonderful couple of days at a Wisconsin District of the Wesleyan Church - Pastor and Spouse Retreat - "The Getaway." Not only did we have a great time to connect with other pastors from our District but we were also challenged by our Speaker. Dr. Jim did a fantastic job. There are times when we all need to be reminded that it is through the power, grace, strength of God that any of us can do ministry - we cannot do it on our own - we think we can but in all reality we can't - plain and simple.

Get back to putting first things first - That is God and your relationship with Him.

Caleb

Last week I posted something about my youngest Son Lucas and this week I thought I would post something about Caleb - My oldest Son.

This morning I had to get up a little earlier then normal - okay a little more then a little - but not a lot - what would that be - ANYWAY - Caleb woke up early and came in to bathroom where I was getting ready - the first thing he said was - "Moring Dad" - at the moment I thought nothing of it - but now that I am sitting here in my office - I am really impressed with what My Son did.

Here's the point - the first thing that he wanted to do this morning was to tell me good morning - The second thing he said was - "I just wanted to say Good Morning." How often do I just take the first thing that I say in the morning to My Father in Heaven and say "Good Morning." Pretty convicting for me this morning. I hope that I can take what my son has taught me and apply it to my everyday life. Hey loves me enough that he wants to greet me in the morning - as if I am the first thing he is thinking of!!!!

Thank you Caleb for loving me the way you do. Thank Lord God Almighty for showing me your love for me - through my son!