Monster Mash

Last night was our 3rd Annual Monster Mash for the Youth of SUMC. Games were played, food was ate, fellowship was had, and we danced. ALOT. Can't wait til' next year!

How He Loves

John Mark McMilan wrote a song, How He Loves, which was later popularized and sang by The David Crowder Band. In this video, McMilan describes the reasons he wrote the song, and the meaning behind the lyrics. He says,

"This song isn't in celebration of weakness and anger. It's a celebration of a God who would want to hang with us through those things. WHo would want to be a part of our lives through those things. And despite who we are, He would want to be a part of us, be a part of our community, and a part of our family. And that's the kind of LOVE I think I am talking about."

Five Generations

Ready or not, Generation Y is entering adulthood. A new breed has entered our churches and work places, and they are already influencing their worlds. Although they have evolved from previous generations, Generations Y and iY have their own distinct identity.

I Need Your Help

I need your help.

Hull Jersey

vs.

Oshie Jersey

Which should I get?

Formula

Josh Loveless asked,

"You have said before you're trying to create a new language for worship. How did you approach that goal when making this album?"

John Mark McMillan answered,

"Sometimes there is a formula to do music for a living and we learn that formula and the same with church, we learn that formula, we learn what works, and that can be one of the biggest hindrances to really doing something right."

Are the people in your church loving God within a formula? Are the people in your work place working within a formula? Are these people lackadaisical in their worship or work?

It may be time for a change.

What is the new formula you will live by?

Entitled vs. Engaged

Sometimes, we are a generation of people doing things we don't love. People have a "I'm, but" approach to life.

"I'm an accountant, but I want to be an artist."

"I'm a teacher, but I want to be a abolitionist."

"I'm a web developer, but I want to be a youth minister."

We're caught in the endless tension between doing what we have to do - pay the bills, be responsible, make good on college degrees, and what we want to do - feel alive, feel necessary, be part of something bigger than ourselves.

Do you ever feel as though you have a sense of entitlement? That you're entitled to do something bigger and better? Have you ever felt that God was too slow or too impersonal or too disengaged from your heart's desire for something bigger?

What does that look like?

How do you know if you're there?

Entitled people are always exhausted by their dream.

Engaged people are refreshed and energized. Sure, they might be tired from the hard work but they are not drained in a negative way.

Entitled people repel friends the more they talk about their dream because it is laced with disappointment.

Engaged people attract people because the joy of their dream is infectious.

Entitled people believe in the myth of "overnight success."

Engaged people know that working at what they dream about is part of the reward of the experience.

Entitled people wait for a major life change to get started. They make excuses.

Engaged people start right where they are and realize there's no "perfect time" to pursue a dream.

Entitled people see the success of others as a personal insult.

Engaged people celebrate when someone else wins.

Are you entitled, or are you engaged?

Charity : Water

I got the privilege to see Scott Harrison speak about his foundation, Charity : Water at the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta this past week. Check it out.

Will and Jada's Birthday Celebration from charity: water on Vimeo.