Love. Laugh. Learn. Live.

Real Encounter

2011-05-18T10:05:00.002-05:00

I worked at the bike shop a couple weekends ago with a guy named Brad Bennett. A stand up, passionate, hard working, Christ loving man of God. Brad is the founder of Real Encounter Ministries. Brad and the other professionals use action sports as a platform to share the life changing message of Jesus Christ.

Check out the video to see how their ministry works.

Confirmation Sunday

2011-05-01T22:28:00.003-05:00

The best Confirmation Class i've ever been a part of. What a blessing these students are!

Jesus on Twitter

2011-04-27T10:38:00.002-05:00

I saw this video at my parents church (FBC Ellisville) over Easter weekend.

Types of Love

2011-04-05T12:52:00.003-05:00

(Schweitzer Youth - 2010 High School Mission Trip)

There is a lack of love. A lack of friendship. A lack of community. All because of sin.

We see this in Genesis, where God creates the man and the woman for the purpose of oneness. They have friendship, and intimacy , and loving affection, but, sin comes and immediately they hide from each other. They hide from God. They cover themselves. Shame enters into the human equation. There is separation between the man and the woman and God, and the man and the woman and each other and that's what sin does. Sin isolates us from God. It also isolates from one another. It ills life, and it kills love, and it kills oneness, as God has created us to have.

This has come to be such a pressing matter in our culture today that we live in a world that is almost completely void of real Christ-like biblical love.

C.S. Lewis talks about Need Love and Gift Love. He says that need love is where I love you, because you do something for me that is beneficial. That is a contractual sort of love where, "Well, you make me feel good, so I love you," or "You do kind things for me, so I love you," or "You meet a need that I think I have, so I love you."

He says that Christ-like love is a gift love where, "I give affection to you with no demands or expectations in return. It is a covenantal and not contractual love. It is not predicated upon terms. It is just given freely, and graciously, and happily, without ever expecting that you will give it back to me or make up for it, or that this ever in any way be an equal giving of love."

So, what kind of love are you giving to your friends, family, co-workers, strangers?

Need Love?
or
Gift Love?

Samson Cryopreserved

2011-02-28T14:51:00.005-06:00

Did you know that Samson, from biblical stories, was cryogenically frozen back in 1200 B.C.? I thought he died with the Philistines in the book of Judges. But as I was watching ESPN the other day, I think I was proved wrong. I guess people back in the day knew he'd be good for something, so they brought him back and he's now playing for the French National Rugby Union team.

Check out this video for some of Sebastien Chabal's (Samson's) highlights as a rugby player.

STL 9 - ANA 3

2011-02-20T08:39:00.004-06:00

Angela and I traveled to St. Louis this weekend to visit my family and go to the Blues game last night. It was one for the record books. Stewart & Shattenkirk, welcome to the team!

Game Highlights

Two in Seven Seconds

PostGame Interview: Stewart, Oshie, and McDonald

Generation to Generation

2011-02-16T10:04:00.002-06:00

We have a new Sermon Series coming up that deals with the different generations within the church and how we, as a church, can use this to our advantage.

What's the Big Deal about Jesus?

2011-02-08T14:18:00.002-06:00

The Schweitzer UMC staff gives their opinions on the question:

What's the Big Deal about Jesus?

Aaron Rodgers' Faith

2011-02-07T10:23:00.007-06:00

Aaron Rodgers isn't just a NFL quarterback, and Super Bowl MVP. He's also a mentor off the field. Check out this article about Aaron Rodgers and how his faith has shaped his game.

Click HERE to read the article.

God is not a White Man

2011-01-31T10:15:00.001-06:00

"God is not a White Man"

Gungor

Big Shoes to Fill

2011-01-24T11:25:00.002-06:00

Joshua 1:2-3

Verse 2

"Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them."

I read this the other day and instantly felt unworthy. Not the kind of unworthy where you beat yourself up about all those things about yourself that aren't perfect but unworthy in the sense that there are some tasks in life that are HUGE and that cause you to rely on a strength/power completely other than your own the whole time you engage it. That's what I felt.

Then God makes this sweet promise...

Verse 3

"I promise you what I promised Moses: 'Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you.'"

It seems that often all we see is the task before us rather than combining that with the promises God has already given us. Verse 2 in isolation seems undoable until verse 2 rolls around and reminds us how Moses was operating all along. I wonder how many of us need the reminder daily that we have the opportunity to operate with the provision of God for our lives... doesn't mean it'll be easy but it does mean our steps are blessed when they're ordered by God!

If Verse 3 isn't enough to get Joshua fired up and ready, then check out Verse 5.

Verse 5

"No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you."

That is God saying "I got your back!" What would this mean for us if we believe God was "For us" like this? I'm not saying that God is saying to us what He said to Joshua in the same way that he said it to Joshua.... BUT check out what Jesus says to us in John 14:12...

Hard to Follow

2011-01-18T11:11:00.001-06:00

There is a leadership saying in the book, IT, that says a leader can only lead people as far as they have gone themselves.

But there's one thing of this truth that we need to be careful of, especially when it comes to the way we communicate to inspire and motivate the people we're trying to lead.

A person walking ten miles ahead of you is a hard person to follow.

It's one thing to say you've been ten miles ahead and you're going to lead them to the destination. It's another thing to tell people that "I'm ten miles ahead, come find me." Leaders lead the way. Leaders should inspire people to raise their game by their life and what they say. Leaders can only take people as far as they have gone themselves. But they also have to live and communicate in such a way that the people following them believe it's possible to get to where they're going as well.

In your leadership, try to be an example that people can aspire to be like while still being a person that people can relate to. Then you'll be able to lead people to where you've been.

Bear Grylls' Faith

2011-01-10T10:52:00.003-06:00

My Church is Awesome

2010-12-20T15:12:00.002-06:00

Just take a look. You can't argue that God is doing some amazing things at Schweitzer UMC.

Enjoying People's Failure

2010-12-14T12:46:00.007-06:00

It's a sad day when you're more excited to see the team you hate lose rather than the team you love win.

I've experienced this recently. I used to simply cheer for the Blues and against the Chicago Blackhawks. But after last year, I started to become more interested in seeing the Blackhawks lose than my Blues win. Partly because the Blues had a bad season last year, but also because I've just grown to hate Chicago so much that I'd rather see them fail tan see my own team win.

Many churches and individuals fall in to this same mindset. They almost get more excited when they see bad things happen to ministries they disagree with rather than for the good things God is doing in their own church.

For a sports fan, it's sad. For the Church, it is tragic. Anytime we get to the point where we're rejoicing over the failtures of other churches, we should weep. And then repent!

I wonder sometimes if the problem is that it's hard for us to accept the fact that Jesus loved and died for the church down the street just as much as He did for our own church. The church across the nation too.

That includes the church that fell apart because their pastor had an affair.
The church whose music you abhor that's failing.
The church that went bankrupt.
The church that tries too hard to be relevant or the church that you think caters to a traditional crowd. And neither is growing.

You may not agree with other churches, but we're all Christ's bride. And before He died for all of us, he prayed that all of us would be one. Not that we'd rejoice when one of us falls. Do what you will, but I'd rather not be opposed to the prayers of Jesus. Lets be honest, he had a rather powerful and effective prayer life. I'm not going to waste any time trying to undermine Him.

When you see other churches fail, even if it's because of their own sin or stupidity, don't praise God for their failure. Pray to Him for their restoration. But first, how about praising God for your own successes? Praise God for His faithfulness in your church. In your life. That's where your most intense worship should be anyways, right?

Holiday Blues

2010-12-08T09:07:00.016-06:00

A young kid named Michael Houska has a bone disease that is deteriorating his bones. He can't walk, much less skate. Therefore, Michael doesn't have much to smile about these days. Until, the entire St Louis Blues roster stopped by the children's hospital to say hello.

In addition to talking with the kids, the players brought gifts and signed autographs for them, leaving lasting memories in a place that most children would prefer to forget.

"We put a smile on their faces and we try to make the best of the moment and have fun with the kids," said Colaiacovo. "There's nothing like seeing a kid smile."

St Louis Blues Forward & Enforcer Cam Janssen, and Forward David Backes sign autographs

St Louis Blues Forward, David Backes, hangs out with Michael Houska in Hospital

David Backes, Cam Janssen, and Stefan Della Rovere pose for a picture with a child

Backes, Janssen, and Della Rovere pose for a picture

Janssen takes a break from fighting on the ice to play air hockey with a child

Backes, Janssen, and Della Rovere pose for a picture with a teenager in the hospital

Luke 5:1-11

Jesus spoke to the disciples, and told them to put their nets into deep water and try to catch something. Simon, believing in Jesus, cast out his nets. The catch was so big, that his nets began to break, and Simon had to call in reinforcements. When Simon saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and told Him to go away because he was a sinful man. But Jesus said, "Don't be afraid; from now on, you will fish for people."

Jesus showed Simon and the rest of the fisherman that he could use anything to bless people. In this case, he used the fisherman's equipment to share his power.

The St. Louis Blues players have fame. They are put on a pedestal by many, and therefore have an opportunity, if they choose, to share the Good News with anyone they come in contact with.

What blessings do you have in your life that you are able to put to use in order to bring glory to God and share His Good News?

Bring Light to the Fight

2010-11-21T14:14:00.002-06:00

Hockey gets a bad rap sometimes because of the fighting that takes place during the game. Some people do not understand it. Here's a video to shed some light on the fighting in Hockey.

Galilee 2011 Promo

2010-11-17T18:02:00.001-06:00

Galilee Promo from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Interested vs. Intrusive

2010-11-17T16:43:00.002-06:00

If you have kids or work with students and your heart is to really help them navigate the rough teen years, you understand that this is not an easy task.

Adults, with your (in my own eyes, i am not an adult yet) years of wisdom, experience, and ultimately Convergent Thinking you have tendency to be EXTREMELY intrusive as students begin to process the Big Issues in their life because we want to help them:

- sort it out

- make the right decision

- avoid any heartache and/or pain

- understand truth/consequences/reality

This works great if we have the relational equity to do it but if not, this can blow up in our face in the form of a student completely shutting down to any influence or input we want to have in their life WHEN THEY TRULY NEED US THE MOST. (We know that, they don't necessarily know or if they do, they don't acknowledge it)

(IMPORTANT NOTE: Parents, don't assume you have that relational equity just because they're your child. If you haven't taken the time to truly 'sow' seed, the relational dynamic seed, there is no possible way you can 'reap' the harvest of that type of relational seed.)

In this post, I'm just trying to raise awareness of this cultural reality. I have no solutions. If you have any, feel free to comment below and help us all out.

As we try to embrace this youth culture, my encouragement to us all (myself included) is that we learn the balance between being INTERESTED and being INTRUSIVE, so that we can be even effective in reaching this generation for Jesus!

Mystery Hour Yoga

2010-11-16T14:31:00.002-06:00

There is a monthly Late Night talk show here in Springfield called The Mystery Hour with Jeff Houghton. Each month, he presents a improvised monologue based on a suggestion from an audience member, a local band plays, and Jeff invites guests from around the area to interview.

My parents were in town last weekend for my Mom's birthday, and we went to the Mystery Hour. And good thing we did!

We got the unique pleasure to see Janie Wilson, a member of Schweitzer UMC (where I am the Director of Youth), teach Jeff Houghton some Yoga.

Take a look.

Conan

2010-11-08T13:11:00.000-06:00

Conan starts tonight on TBS at 10pm! Don't miss it!

Monster Mash

2010-10-28T12:35:00.002-05:00

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

2010-10-26T17:17:00.002-05:00

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

2010-10-18T13:40:00.002-05:00

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

2010-10-14T09:56:00.009-05:00

I need your help.

Hull Jersey

vs.

Oshie Jersey

Which should I get?

Formula

2010-10-13T14:11:00.003-05:00

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

2010-10-11T13:08:00.002-05:00

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

2010-10-10T11:54:00.002-05:00

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.

Healing Story

2010-09-23T10:04:00.006-05:00

Stan & Ruth Burgess share their powerful healing story. This video was shown over last weekend at Schweitzer UMC's services.

2010 Mantreat

2010-09-20T11:15:00.005-05:00

The High School men of Schweitzer's Youth Group embarked on the 2nd Annual Mantreat. We took the guys down to Jasper, AR to camp over night on Saturday night, and then got up early, and drove to Compton, AR on Sunday morning. We then hiked down to Hemmed-In Hollow where the guys got to check out the 200+ foot waterfall (largest between the Rockies and Appalachians). We went from 2000 ft. at the trailhead down to 720 ft. above sea level at the bottom of the waterfall over a 2.5 mile hike. We also got to take a dip in the Buffalo River. This is a picture of all the guys and chaperones once we hiked back out of Hemmed-In Hollow.

2010 Mantreat

2010-09-20T11:15:00.003-05:00

The High School men of Schweitzer's Youth Group embarked on the 2nd Annual Mantreat. We took the guys down to Jasper, AR to camp over night on Saturday night, and then got up early, and drove to Compton, AR on Sunday morning. We then hiked down to Hemmed-In Hollow where the guys got to check out the 200+ foot waterfall (largest between the Rockies and Appalachians) and also take a dip in the Buffalo River. This is a picture of all the guys and chaperones once we hiked back out of Hemmed-In Hollow.

NT90: Day 2

2010-09-02T10:28:00.003-05:00

Sept. 2, 2010

Day 2: Matthew 6-9

The Golden Rule. Jesus probably isn't just concerned that we know the "rule" as much as he is that we live the "golden life." This idea of doing for others what we would want done for ourselves summarizes Jesus' teaching to his disciples about how to live for others. It also captures the spirit of the law of the OT and the teaching of the prophets. In other words, living to bless others is God's will for us in all of our relationships. We are not here to live for ourselves, but to live for others. God can use it in ways we would never anticipate to touch the lives of others.

NT90: Day 1

2010-09-01T16:23:00.003-05:00

Sept. 1, 2010

Day 1: Matthew 1-5

What if the fullfillment of God's greatest promises depended on my faithfulness (or yours)? That's a tough question to answer. But Matt. 1:23-24 emphasize how this happened with Joseph and Mary. In very simple terms, Matthew tells us how God spoke his will through the prophets and angels as well as how Joseph and Mary obeyed what God told them to do. That's still the same way God's promises to people come true in today's world. God uses the simple obedience in little or big matters to make known his promised salvation. We will not always know why God calls us to some task, challenge, or opportunity, but we can be sure that he will use our faithfulness to him, to his glory and our greater good.

Rare Breed

2010-08-31T14:21:00.000-05:00

As a church, SUMC is about to start serving at Rare Breed, as well as provide dinners for the youth there. This is a video shot and edited by Zak Lampert.

Hoverboard

2010-08-26T09:33:00.003-05:00

Anyone who is a fan of Back to the Future, your dreams have come true. French artist, Nils Guadagnin, has done the impossible. Or so we thought. He's recreated the hoverboard from Back to the Future II. And it works! As long as no one stands on it.

To read more, click here.

Change

2010-08-24T11:11:00.002-05:00

If you've never been one to take the obvious path, then this blog entry is for you. When God created leaders, he equipped them with an unsettling urge to unpack, undo, and unearth methods. This explains the reason you question everything around you. IT's the reason you have such strong opinions - and such a strong desire to share them. God wired us that way as leaders.

Here are 5 ways to challenge the process in your organization without inadvertently challenging the people in your organization:

1) When an instruction is given, follow through now; debrief later.

You need to clearly express, "I am clearly on your team and under your authority." It doesn't mean you can't ask, "Why?" But you do so in the clear context of serving the organization at large. And in your own style and your own way, you must learn to communicate both: I am under your authority. Can we talk about it?"

2) Never verbalize your frustration with the process in front of other team members.

It's okay to think different. And it's okay to challenge. But the method you use, and the play you choose is critical. Everybody who has authority is also under authority. So we have to learn how to walk that fine line- not shrinking back from challenging, but at the same time not challenging in the wrong way and therefore losing our leverage with those that we hope to influence and bring change to. Support publicly; challenge privately. Reverse those two things and you surrender your authority as a leader within your organization.

3) Don't confuse your insights with moral imperatives

Sometimes when leaders are geared up and passionate about an area of ministry, there's a temptation to justify flat-out rebellion for the sake of the mission and the cause. God has you where He has you for a purpose. On one hand you can't shut down your leadership instincts. But on the other hand, you can't work against the authority God has placed over you. God is using you not only to do your current ministry, but also prepare you for whatever else He has for you.

4) If you don't learn to lead under, you probably wont' have as many opportunities to lead over

Your ability to lead others is directly related to your ability to follow others. Acknowledging authority means recognizing what it means to be responsible as well as what it means to be accountable. It's not simply one or the other. When you sign up to participate in authority, you automatically ascribe to the concept of following. As a result, your ability to lead will never far exceed your ability to follow.

5) When you can't follow, then it's time to get off the team

If you start to have these feelings, then it's a good idea to ask yourself if God might be prompting you to move on. There comes a time to get off the team. If you aren't listening carefully, you could expose yourself and others to temptations you'd rather avoid. Don't give opportunity for frustration or anger to lead you. Allow God to lead you in His time to do whatever else He has for you.

- from a Catalyst study -

To Save A Life

2010-08-19T09:56:00.002-05:00

Jake Taylor has everything. He has a beautiful girl, he's the champion in basketball and beer pong, and everyone loves him. Then, an old childhood friend, whom Jake used to be friends with, commits suicide. Jake begins to think. He wonders what he could've done to save his friend's life. A youth minister tells him that Jake needs God. So Jake becomes a Christian. However, things begin to spin out of control. His dad is cheating on his mom, his girlfriend is pregnant, and his former friends ridicule and mock him. During all this, Jake is going to realize just what it means to be a Christian and how, to save a life.

Angela and I watched this movie recently, and loved it! If you have time, go buy it, rent it, download it, whatever. Just watch it!

Ruins of Truth

2010-08-17T12:48:00.002-05:00

As with many of the ruins in Rome, there are several layers of history in the same place. The Romans had a habit or building things on top of things. Some emperors would tear down their predecessor's palace and build their own palace right on top of it.

Recently, I can't help but wonder if our generation have conveniently forgotten how inconvenient it can be to follow in the TRUE footsteps of Christ. I can't help but wonder if we have dulled down the truths of Christianity and settled for superficialities. I can't help but wonder if we have accepted a form of Christianity that is more knswledgable but less powerful, more civilized but less compassionate, more acceptable but less authentic than what Jesus taught back in the day.

Over the last 2,ooo years, Christianity has evolved in a lot of ways. Theologians have given us creeds and different canons. Churches have added bells, steeples, pews, pulpits, hymnals, organs, committees, etc.

And I wonder if the accumulated layers of Christian traditions and institutions have obscured the truth that lies beneath.

100 People

2010-08-12T10:32:00.002-05:00

What would the make up of the world be like if it was reduced to 100 people?

Check out these thought-provoking numbers. More info can be found here.

50 would be female

50 would be male

20 would be children

80 would be adults

14 of whom would be 65 and older

There would be:

61 Asians

12 Europeans

13 Africans

14 people from the Western Hemisphere

There would be:

31 Christians

21 Muslims

14 Hindus

6 Buddhists

12 people who practice other religions

16 people who would not be aligned with a religion

17 would speak a Chinese dialect

8 would speak Hindustani

8 would speak English

7 would speak Spanish

4 would speak Arabic

4 would speak Russian

52 would speak other languages

82 would be able to read and write

18 would not

1 would have a college education

1 would own a computer

83 would have access to safe drinking water

17 would have no clean, safe water to drink

What response do you feel compelled to make?

If the world were more like the Kingdom of God, how would these numbers be different?

Why Do We Worship

2010-08-09T12:47:00.001-05:00

A video shown at Schweitzer UMC services this last weekend (8/8).

Who Do You Love?

2010-08-04T14:35:00.006-05:00

Who do you love more?

Your girl or your bike?

I'll never forget the first time I saw you.

Bike Wife

I wanted you instantly.

Bike Wife

I often find myself daydreaming about you.

Bike Wife

There's more than 1 photo of you on my desk.

Bike Wife

I love showing you off to my friends.

Bike Wife

My friends often remark how attractive you are.

Bike Wife

In a typical week, we spend 5 or more hours of quality time together.

Bike Wife

When you're around, I look at you with adoration and longing.

Bike Wife

In the last three months, I've spent more than $250 on you.

Bike Wife

I desperately want to take you to Italy.

Bike Wife

You make my heart beat faster.

Bike Wife

You make me feel young again.

Bike Wife

You have taken me places and shown me things I never thought I would see.

Bike Wife

When I'm alone with you, I'm at peace with the world.

Bike Wife

You were made for me.

Bike Wife

I can't live without you.

Bike Wife

I will never upgrade to a newer model.

Bike Wife

ANYWAY

2010-08-02T15:22:00.004-05:00

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered,

LOVE THEM ANYWAY

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives,

DO GOOD ANYWAY

If you are successful, you win false freinds and true enemies,

SUCCEED ANYWAY

The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow,

DO GOOD ANYWAY

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable,

BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY

What you spent year building may be destroyed overnight,

BUILD ANYWAY

People really need help but may attack you if you help them,

HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth,

GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU'VE GOT ANYWAY

-- Mother Teresa --

Beautiful. Revolting.

2010-07-26T12:50:00.002-05:00

Both words describe the kingdom of God as demonstrated by Jesus. In life, Jesus consistently portrayed the beauty of God's kingdom, and in doing so, revolted against the world's greed, pride, and oppression.

In recent years, Christians have been seduced by the mindset that 'Jesus opposed.' Attempting to mingle faith with politics, we have proceeded as if Jesus' kingdom were of this world. It hasn't worked. Instead, we have done a bunch of damage to the gospel.

The kingdom isn't primarily about believing different things; it's about living a radically different way.

It's not about conquering the world for Jesus; it's about serving the world like Jesus.

It's not about going to church; it's about being the church.

It's not primarily about confessing Jesus; it's about loving like Jesus.

Wasted Faith

2010-07-15T22:45:00.002-05:00

When we pray or have faith for something and it doesn't happen, there's a tendency to think that the prayers were wasted or that the faith was wasted. And so we don't even want to bother again.

In actuality, God never wastes our faith. If you pray for something and that particular thing doesn't happen, who's to say God isn't taking the faith and the prayers that you prayed about that situation and posting them to another account in your life that you're going to see at a future time?

You may pray that God would sell your house and your house doesn't sell. But maybe in seven years, you get a deal on a house that is life-changing that you never could have imagined at the time. Or maybe you have been unable to have children and you're praying desperately and faithfully that God will give you a child. In your mind, you're thinking that means that you'll get pregnant. Nothing happens. But maybe three years later you have the opportunity to adopt and have the child you were praying for so faithfully. Now you can't imagine your life without that child.

Who's to say that God did not take the faith that you exerted toward one prayer that He chose not to answer, and apply your faith to answer another prayer that you didn't even know to pray?

God is not wasting your faith. He has not wasted your prayers. He has something for you. It just might be something you didn't know you were asking for at the time.

Mission Trip Video

2010-07-11T18:45:00.001-05:00

The video that was played in the service at Schweitzer this morning.

SUMC High School Mission Trip Video from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Mission Trip Mid-Week Recap

2010-07-07T20:26:00.000-05:00

Mission Trip Mid-Week Recap

Mission Trip Mid-Week Recap from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Beautiful Things

2010-06-29T20:17:00.001-05:00

Be ready to hear this song (Beautiful Things) in worship at Schweitzer UMC this Sunday by GUNGOR.

Camp Galilee Day 5 Recap

2010-06-26T08:50:00.001-05:00

Camp Galilee Day 5 Recap from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Camp Galilee Day 4 Recap

2010-06-25T07:25:00.001-05:00

Camp Galilee Day 4 Recap from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Camp Galilee Day 3 Recap

2010-06-24T07:35:00.000-05:00

Camp Galilee Day 3 Recap from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Camp Galilee Day 2 Recap

2010-06-23T09:39:00.000-05:00

Camp Galilee Day 2 Recap from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Camp Galilee Day 1 Recap

2010-06-22T08:34:00.001-05:00

Camp Galilee from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

BROOMBALL

2010-06-17T16:15:00.002-05:00

BROOMBALL!!! from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

The Middle Road

2010-06-14T12:02:00.001-05:00

Pool Party

2010-06-10T15:28:00.001-05:00

Youth Pool Party

Youth Pool Party from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Why Sunday?

2010-06-10T11:22:00.002-05:00

Do you know why Sunday is called, Sunday?

In the Greco-Roman world, the days of the week were named after the planets. When the emperor Aurelian in 321 made the first day of the week Sunday, "the venerable days of the Sun," the Lord's Day as we know it today became official in the Christian community.

Who knew...

The Extra Degree

2010-06-08T14:22:00.003-05:00

At 211 degrees, water is hot.

At 212, it boils

And with boiling water, comes steam.

And steam can power a locomotive.

One extra degree makes all the difference.

And, the one extra degree of effort in life separates the good from the great.

The average margin of victory for the last 25 years in all of Golf's major tournaments combined was less than three strokes.

The margin for victory between an Olympic Gold Medal and no medal at all is extremely small.

In the 2004 Mens 800m race, the margin of victory was .71 seconds.

At the Indy 500, the average margin for victory for the past 10 years has been 1.54 seconds.

On average, the winner took home $1,278,813.

The second place prize was $621,321.

A difference of $657,492.

Where is the Extra Degree in your own life, and will you take advantage of it?

To learn more about this, click here.

Dear Chacos

2010-06-07T14:35:00.004-05:00

To my Chacos,

I have left you outside in the rain, sticky with mud, but you did not complain.

I have tromped through sticker weeds, but you protected me.

I have carelessly jumped from boulder to boulder, never once thinking you would cancel your loyalty to me and my safety.

I have walked miles upon miles in you, and you never quit on me.

You are my Chacos, and I love you.

I have worn you to church, smart and sophisticated with khaki pants.

I have worn you camping, dusty with campground dirt and burning embers.

I have worn you hiking, pushing you to your absolute performance limits.

I have never worn you with socks, believing you to have all the style you need in your own design.

You have never failed me.

I bought you 2 years ago. At the time, I didn't know of the beginning of a true, committed relationship.

You have never been re-soled. You have never frayed. You are as pure as the day I brought you home.

From the bottom of my heart,

Thank You.

Hope & Cynicism

2010-06-06T09:18:00.004-05:00

The world can change. And Switchfoot lead-singer Jon Foreman believes it, too. Read this article and be inspired!

From the Huffington Post:

"Our fears come from real places of pain. Opposition can create opportunity, true. But the opposition can also demolish us. Sometimes the happily ever after does not come for us in this life. Our heroine Joan, was captured and burned at the stake at the age of 19. Such a horrible, unnecessary ending. Charles VII could have offered ransom. He owed her so much and yet, her king, that she helped to crown, sat idly by while Joan of Arc was captured and tried. It's a brutal end fo a story that was going along so well, certainly not what Disney or Michael Jordan are looking for.

And yet, even in her death, Joan of Arc remained true to what she believed. She didn't try simply because she knew she would win, she tried because she knew that what was right: because it's the noble, moral, authentic thing to do.

"If anything could have discouraged her, the state of France in 1429 should have." says historian Kelly DeVries. She had no reason to believe that she could accomplish anything, let alone turn the tide for France and be martyred for her honorable actions. Joan of Arc is a symbol of audacious hope in the face of difficult times.

Yes, I have my dragons to fight. Yes, I have my fears. But I still have my breath in my lungs, I still have blood in my veins. I cannot sit idly by. I refuse to just let the village burn. I'd rather side with the illiterate farm girl who hears things than the cynics that hear nothing. I want to see beauty come from the ashes around me. Even if I fall, I will burn at the stake knowing that my fumes supported a good cause. Far better to fall at building a magnificent world than to succeed in monochromatic survival..."

For the rest of the article, click here.

Good Business

2010-06-02T15:26:00.003-05:00

What makes a great job great?

Here is what Outside magazine wrote, in their article, "Will Work For Good."

Make em’ Sweat

It’s a well-known fact that healthier employees save businesses money.

Destroy the Cubicles

Because inspired people need inspired surroundings. Help create a vibe that encourages a smoother flow of ideas. Management principle: It’s easier to stay calm when your desk sits in a bedroom.

Pay it Forward

Smart business leaders know that community service can inspire innovation and teamwork.

Loosen the Reins

The world needs a company that is built around a set of management principles diametrically opposed to much of modern business orthodoxy. WOrks are encouraged to use half a day per week as “dabble time” to pursue projects. CEO of Great Harvest Bread Co., Mike Ferretti, says, “Giving up control of your business is scary, but doing so will ultimately cement the bond with your team.”

Ignore the Clock

Almost every company on our list (Outside’s “50 Best Places to Work) finds a way to help employees get out of the office. Trusting your team to manage their own hours flies in the face of a trend toward squeezing every waking minute out of your staff, but good companies manage to do it while maintaining high output. As these companies see it, letting workers make time for family or fresh tracks (biking) keeps them energized.

Reduce Your Impact

WIth greenwashing now among the most insidious of corporate marketing tactics, it’s reassuring to see so many businesses adopting honest strategies for environmental responsibility. Basically, going green.

Swag Them

Because nothing shows your staff the love better than free travel, gear, and parties. In addition to free travel opportunities for its staff, Natural Habitat Adventures offers discounted travel (80%) for a family member- to make sure the trip doesn’t feel like work. Parties include bowling night, a Halloween costume party, a Christmas party with fun give-a-ways, etc.

26 Mile Bike Ride

2010-05-29T01:53:00.001-05:00

26 Mile Bike Ride from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Sunset at Haleakala Crater

2010-05-28T21:38:00.000-05:00

Sunset at Haleakala Crater from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Waikani Falls

2010-05-28T01:49:00.002-05:00

Angela and I visited Waikani Falls on The Road to Hana. Neither of us got sick. But it did end up taking us about 7+ hours to finish the drive and see all we wanted to see. Check out Angela's Facebook page to see more videos of our day today in Maui!

Waikani Falls from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Airport Adventures

2010-05-26T20:41:00.000-05:00

San Francisco Airport

People Mover from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Ceremony Video

2010-05-23T14:37:00.002-05:00

This video was played at Angela & I's wedding on May 22, 2010.

Tim & Angela Smith from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Metrosexual Worship Leader

2010-05-17T13:34:00.003-05:00

Wouldn't it be awesome to say, "You'll love my church and the music. We have a 78-point metrosexual worship leader"? Or if you were driving by a church and you saw a hipster "42" in the corner of the sign, you'd know instantly how metro the worship experience was going to be. Jonathan Acuff created an easy rating system to analyze how metrosexual your worship leader is:

1) Has a faux hawk hairstyle..........................................+1

2) Has more product in his hair than your wife.........+1

3) Has Rob Bell-style, black-rimmed glasses.............+1

4) Attends the Catalyst Conference..............................+1

5) Owns white Puma, Vans, or Diesel sneakers.........+2

for each pair

6) Wears jeans on stage.................................................+1

7) Wears designer jeans on stage.................................+1

8) Wears designer ladies jeans on stage.....................+1

9) Wears one of those Castro revolution hats...........+1

10) Drinks coffee you didn't know even existed........+1

11) Has a handlebar mustache......................................+1

12) Good at frisbee but hates getting sweaty.............+1

13) Owns a white belt.....................................................+2

14) Wears a scarf with a t-shirt.....................................+1

15) Wears a winter knit hat even in the summer.......+2

16) Owns a red and black flannel shirt........................+2

17) Named his kid after a color, number, or city.......+2

18) Casually references Norwegian punk bands

you've never heard of..............................................+2

19) Wears a tie.................................................................-1

20) Wears a tie as a belt................................................+2

21) Looks as if he might exfoliate................................+2

22) Has a man bag..........................................................+2

23) Has a tattoo..............................................................+2

24) Has a visible tattoo.................................................+4

25) Wife accompanies him on stage and

plays the tambourine..............................................-4

26) Was formerly in a punk new wave band.............+2

27) Is currently in a punk new wave band.................+3

28) Twitters and updates his blog while

leader worship........................................................+3

29) His toddler dresses better/cooler than you.......+3

30) Owns every NOOMA dvd.......................................+3

The point system is out of 50 points.

0 = Hymnal Hero

50 = Metrotastical

Senior Video

2010-05-17T10:54:00.002-05:00

Schweitzer UMC Senior Video: Class of 2010

Senior Video: Class of 2010 from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Spring in the Ozarks

2010-05-06T13:29:00.002-05:00

A list, from Jeff Houghton, of signs it is spring in the Ozarks...

1) Your lawn has flowered. It will eventually look like grass, just not yet.

2) Your neighbor has busted out the cut off jean shorts you had tried all winter to forget.

3) You hear your tree gently weeping as it blossoms remembering how beautiful it once was before the various ice storms.

4) The fragrance of spring's rebirth wafts into your home as you open your windows. That smell is then overrun by the scent of cooking meth as your sketchy neighbors also open their windows.

5) An abundance of woodland creatures prance about moments before they are hit by an ironic Jeep Liberty.

6) The guy who flips you off while making a left turn into Bass Pro seems kind of friendly about it.

7) Battlefield Mall starts selling weird crap in the parking lot again. Anyone in the market for a rug or fine art?

8) Breathing out of your nose feels like trying to use a hose with a family of squirrels lodged in it.

9) Artfest + Rain

10) It's sunny and warm and raining and cold and hot and sleeting and fire advisory and flash flood warning out today.

If you don't have anything going on Friday night (5/7/10) you should head down to the Skinny Improv theater at 10pm for the Mystery Hour with Jeff Houghton. It's a late night comedy show, that looks a lot like Leno or Letterman, but with local celebrities and local bands instead.

You can also check out Jeff's blog HERE.

Authenticity

2010-05-05T14:02:00.002-05:00

A question has been weighing on me lately...

-- Who is the real Tim? --

I am kind of frightened at my inability to answer it.

When no one is looking, who am I? The question scares me a bit. I can be a master of many roles... and each role is determined by my surroundings. I wear masks that change as the scenes around me change. But doesn't that mean there is a core, a real person that is me who is able to don the variety of masks? Wouldn't that make sense?

I hope so.

But if there is, we haven't spent much time together lately. And it is my goal to start spending time with the real me...

Are you afraid to be yourself?

Do you even know who that is?

Luke 12:7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

TOMS Shoes: One for One

2010-05-03T12:58:00.001-05:00

Appreciation

2010-04-28T13:32:00.002-05:00

God has given us, for some reason, life.

Our appreciation of this gift is the appropriate form of worship.

For example, you receive a gift from your father. A very nice gift. Let's say, you wake up on Christmas morning, and you go outside to grab the newspaper (I have no idea if they even deliver the paper on Christmas - do they?), and as you bend down to get the paper, you notice that parked in your driveway is a brand new BMW convertible. Your dad stands behind you, and he says that the car is yours.

I think there is a key questions to ask in this situation, and the questions may get at some of the angst we feel... How do you respond to your dad in an appropriate way?

We all want to live the "Good Life." But the "Good Life" has at least two tenants: to be thankful, and drive the car. Yes, you could ding the BMW, or get a ticket, or any number of less than ideal outcomes might happen. But relax! It's Christmas! Enjoy the gift, and use it well!

Perhaps this is as close to praise as a lost humanity can get.

Shake The Dust

2010-04-27T15:02:00.001-05:00

Diversity

2010-04-20T12:46:00.003-05:00

At first glance, I don't find myself too diverse.

I'm a 6'0", 180 pound white dude with blonde hair that lives in Springfield, MO. One of the least diverse areas I've ever lived in.

So, to say the least, I do not find myself very diverse. And there is nothing wrong with that... because I am blessed to be where I am at in life.

As I grew up learning leadership skills though, I've always valued diversity immensely! Specifically in this area, I not only value diversity, but I've always tried to see it out.

One of the ways I've tried to seek out diversity is through reading... except I hate to read. But I love learning, so because of that I find myself being forced to read. And what I read usually has some diversity to it.

This book above, Miles To Cross: A Spiritual Journey on the Open Road, has a very diverse agenda to it, and I appreciate it.

Mike Howerton discovers diversity in an unusual journey. The book follows him as a college student through Europe by train, America by motorcycle, Britain by hitchhiking, and Central America by any means possible. This is a book with an authentic narrative that reveals a stepping-stone journey to faith. A raw experience which today's generation can identify with.

As a Director of Youth at Schweitzer, if all I read was student ministry books, I feel like i'd become a one-track leader. I believe we become better leaders by engaging a more diverse learning/education process, like Mike Howerton did in his book.

Practice Makes Perfect

2010-04-16T21:15:00.002-05:00

This is a DCI Snare solo from the Independent category at the 2004 championships. This solo got Ivan Pacheco 1st place.

Whose Energy?

2010-04-15T13:35:00.003-05:00

In Colossians 1:29, Paul calls out the energy of his ministry:

"To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me."

It's one thing to do youth ministry will all my energy.

It's another thing to do youth ministry with all his energy.

If I get to do ministry and live life with complete access to the energy of God, it should be fun. It's like going on a spending spree with Warren Buffet's credit card.

If i'm doing youth ministry out of my own energy, it's just a matter of time before the whole thing breaks down and I give up, exhausted and depleted.

Godly living kicks in when my energy ends and the energy of Christ begins.

Colt McCoy & Sam Bradford

2010-04-14T13:08:00.002-05:00

I Am Second.

Colt McCoy & Sam Bradford.

Confirmand's Faith

2010-04-13T08:32:00.002-05:00

At Schweitzer, we recently confirmed 34 Confirmand's this last Sunday. Here is what our Confirmand's had to say about faith and trusting in God.

I am second.

2010-04-08T14:03:00.004-05:00

A new High School message series is about to take off. This Sunday, at 7pm, come out to hear more about what it means to say, "I am second."

Yike Bike

2010-04-08T10:54:00.002-05:00

Call me nerdy, but seeing this today made me want one. Kind of. But not really. But if someone gave me one, I'd take it.

It's called a "Yikebike." It's a bizarre looking, foldable electric bicycle.

Keep/Break/Make

2010-03-30T15:00:00.002-05:00

I was sitting in Sports Clips recently, and read an article about how smart companies make new rules. It was all about redefining markets and challenging the status quo.

What about our Christian life? You can either keep the rules, break the rules, or make the rules.

Some people associate Christianity with keeping the rules. Don't murder or commit adultery; do serve & give to the poor... etc. Of course, God's laws are perfect, and His principles should be honored. But Christianity is so much more than as et of rules to keep. Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Law. We live by grace, through faith. When you try to be a rule keeping kind of Christian, you always come up short, and will probably eventually burn out. You'll also miss the essence of the Gospel.

Some people choose to reject God's Word altogether and break the rules. We've all seen people who profess to be Christians drift off into rebellious, sinful, destructive behavior. Sometimes, they even justify their loose living by claiming that they're expressing their freedom in Christ. How can we, who died to sin, live in it any longer?

Jesus came to make the rules. New rules. To upgrade our paradigms and renovate our hearts in His image. Jesus redefined religion. And those who follow Him should be a part of creating and exemplifying this new standard to the world.

Some people keep the rules

Others end up breaking themselves against the rules.

True followers of jesus make the rules... set the standard, and change the world.

Mondays 4 Men (2)

2010-03-29T13:46:00.005-05:00

A man is dangerous... passionate... strong... etc. You probably wouldn't recognize it from what normally walks around in a pair of slacks. If a man is the image of the Lion of Judah, how come there are so many lonely women, so many kids with no dads, so few men around?

When you look in your heart, do you see something valiant and dangerous? Or do you see anger, lust, or fear? Most of the time, I feel more fearful than I do fierce. As the line from Braveheart has it, "All men die; few men ever really live." The real life of the average man seems to be miles away from his real desires.

Honestly, how do you see yourself? As a man, are words like strong, passionate, and dangerous words you would choose for yourself? Do you have the "man parts" to stand up and ask your people around you what they think of you as a man? What words are you scared they will use? Many men would love to be William Wallace, the dangerous warrior hero, but the problem is, most men see themselves as Robert the Bruce.

Which are you?

Lecrae - Haiti Relief

2010-03-16T13:03:00.000-05:00

Good stuff right here from Lecrae and Haiti Relief efforts.

Mondays 4 Men

2010-03-15T13:24:00.002-05:00

You remember Samson? he's got a pretty impressive masculine resume: killed a lion with his bare hands, pummeled and stripped thirty Philistines when they used his wife against him, and finally, after they burned her to death, he killed a thousand men with the jawbone of a donkey. Not a guy to mess with. But if you notice, all of these events happened when "the Spirit of the Lord came upon him"? I am not advocating a a sort of "macho man" image. I'm not saying we all head off to the gym and then to kick dirt in the faces of wimpy Pharisees. I am wanting to rescue us from a very mistaken image we have of God - especially of Jesus - and therefore of men as his image-bearers.

What kind of God do you want to find in the bible? To Job - who has questioned God's strength, he says:

Do you give the horse his strength

or clothe his neck with a flowing mane?

Do you make him leap like a locust,

striking terror with his proud snorting?

He paws fiercely, rejoicing in his strength,

and charges into the fray.

He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing;

he does not shy away from the sword.

he quiver rattles against his side,

along with the flashing spear and lance.

In frenzied excitement he eats up the ground,

he cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds.

At the blast of the trumpet he snorts, "Aha!"

He catches the scent of battle from afar,

the shout of commanders and the battle cry. (Job 39:19-25)

In the Garden of Gesthemane, in the dead of night, a mob of thugs "carrying torches, lanterns and weapons" comes to take Christ away. Note the cowardice of it - why didn't they take him during the light of day, down in the town? Does Jesus shrink back in fear? No, he goes to face them head-on.

Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"

"Jesus of Nazareth," they replied.

"I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.

Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?"

And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."

"I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." (John 18:4-8)

Talk about strength. The sheer force of Jesus' bold presence knocks the whole posse over. Jesus was not a pale-faced altar boy with his hair parted in the middle, speaking softly, avoiding confrontation, who at last gets himself killed because he has no way out. He works with wood, commands the loyalty of his friends. He is the Lord of hosts, captain of angel armies. And when Christ returns, he is at the head of a dreadful company, mounted on a white horse, with a double-edged sword, his robe dripped in blood (Revelations 19). Now does that sound more like Mother Teresa or William Wallace?

No question about it - there is something fierce in the heart of God. Therefore, shouldn't there be something fierce in the heart of a MAN after God's heart?

The Feminine Heart

2010-03-11T10:04:00.005-06:00

There are three desires that are essential to a woman's heart, which are not entirely different from a man's, but yet they remain distinctly feminine.

Not every woman wants a battle to fight (like men), BUT every woman yearns to be fought for. She wants to be more than noticed - she wants to be wanted. She wants to be pursued. Her childhood dreams of a knight in shining armor coming to rescue her are not girlish fantasies; they are the core of the feminine heart and the life she knows she was made for. In the film, True Lies, Harry fights back for Helen. In The Proposal, Andrew flies back to New York to fight for the love of Margaret. In Ocean's 11, Danny fights to win Tess back from the grasp of Terry Benedict.

Every woman also wants an adventure to share. So many men make the mistake of thinking that the woman is the adventure. But that is where the relationship immediately goes downhill. A woman doesn't want to be the adventure; she wants to be caught up into something greater than herself. A woman once said, "I know myself and I know I'm not the adventure. So when a man makes me the point, I grow bored immediately. I know that story. Take me into one I don't know."

Every woman also wants to have a beauty to unveil. Not to conjure, but to unveil. Most women feel the pressure to be beautiful from very young, but that is not what is being spoken of. There is also a deep desire to simply and truly be the beauty, and be delighted in. Most little girls will remember playing dress up, or wedding day. What she longs for is to capture her daddy's delight. A friend of mine has a little girl, and one time recently, she was standing on a chair, singing at the top of her lungs, a song she learned at school. Do you see me? asks the heart of every girl. And are you captivated by what you see?

The world kills a woman's heart when it tells her to be tough, efficient, and independent. Sadly, Christianity has missed her heart as well sometimes. Walk into some churches in America, have a look around, and ask yourself this question: What is a Christian women? Again, don't listen to what is said, look at what you find there. There is no doubt about it. You'd have to admit a Christian woman is... tired. A lot of the time, all we are offering the feminine soul is pressure to "be a good servant." No one is fighting for her heart; there is no grand adventure to be swept up into; and every woman doubts very much that she has any beauty to unveil.

Confirmation Retreat 2010

2010-03-07T21:42:00.002-06:00

Confirmation Retreat 2010 from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

The Confirmands of Schweitzer UMC traveled to Eminence, MO and hung out at Discovery Ministries. We learned more about ourselves, teamwork, and what our lives might look like with Christ in every aspect of it. Good times were had!

God Sized Questions

2010-03-04T13:54:00.004-06:00

Here is a glimpse at questions the Confirmands of Schweitzer had about God. You might have some of the same questions as a 7th grade student.

- How old is God?

- Where did God come from?

- Why did God make hell?

- What does God look like?

- Is God a boy or a girl?

- How do you know when God is talking to you?

- Where was God when there was nothing?

- Does God eat?

- Does God have parents?

- What race is God?

- Does God sleep?

- Is God real?

Boys & Weapons

2010-03-02T12:39:00.003-06:00

In our staff meeting yesterday morning, the group went on a tangent. Discussing the need for the Church to minister to Men more. And what would it look like if the church was 60% Men instead of the reality which is 40% now.

Capes and swords, bandanas, camouflage and six-shooters-- these are the uniforms of boyhood. Little boys yearn to know they are powerful, they are dangerous, they are someone to be reckoned with. How many parents have tried in vain to prevent little Timmy from playing with guns? Give it up. If you do not supply a boy with weapons, he will make them from whatever materials are at hand. Boys chew their graham crackers into the shape of hand guns at the the breakfast table. At least I did. Every stick or fallen branch is a spear, or better, a bazooka. Despite what many modern educators would say, this is not a psychological disturbance brought on by violent television or video games. Aggression is a part of the masculine design, we are hardwired for it. If we believe that man is made in the image of God, then we would do well to remember that "the LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name" (Ex. 15:3).

Little girls do not invent games where large numbers of people die, where bloodshed is a prerequisite for having fun. Hockey, for example, was not a feminine creation. A boyw ants to attack something -- and so does a man, even if it's only a little white ball on a tee.

"No one is hurt?" "No one wins? What's the point?" The boy is a warrior, the boy is his name. Life needs a man to be fierce -- and fiercely devoted. The wounds he will take throughout his life will cause him to lose heart if all he has been trained to be is soft.

Like it or not, there is something fierce in the heart of every man. We, as a church, should be careful not to burry a man's heart's desires.

A Canadian's Faith

2010-03-01T11:50:00.005-06:00

Mike Fisher, a 27 year old Forward for the Ottawa Senators, is one of a handful of faith-based players in the NHL. This is his testimony...

As a kid, I grew up going to church on Sundays. My parents always stressed this as a central part of my life and I grew up to understand the importance of having a balance in life and finding a purpose through our Creator. I believe we are all gifted in certain areas and it's our responsibility to use these gifts that God has given us for His glory.

Playing hockey in the NHL has been a dream of mine since I was young, and realizing this dream at the age of 19 was an unbelievable experience for me. Its hard for me to describe how lucky I feel to be playing the game I love. I am very fortunate to be able to make a living playing hockey, but I have come to realize that playing in the NHL is only a small part of who I am, and not the part that defines me. As I have grown in my faith, I have come to realize that it is not about religion but relationship. Having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is what I believe truly defines a person and how we find eternal significance. Everything else fades away and becomes wood, hay and straw. Sometimes its very humbling to realize that we are here today and gone tomorrow. I find true comfort in God's grace, knowing that I fall short in many ways, but He's always there for me through the good times and bad - no matter what.

Balumtine'th Day

2010-02-14T14:05:00.002-06:00

Dave Barnes is a singer/songwriter from Nashville, TN with an unbelievable sense of humor. You can check out his music and comedy at DaveBarnes.com.

Adventure is the Key

2010-02-10T12:39:00.003-06:00

Adventure, with all its requisite danger and wildness, is a deeply spiritual longing written into the soul of man. The masculine heart needs a place where nothing is prefabricated, modular, nonfat, zip lock, franchises, on-line, microwavable. Where there are no deadlines, cell phones, or committee meetings. Where there is room for the soul. Where, finally, the geography around us corresponds to the geography of our hearts.

Look at the heros of the biblical text:

- Moses does not encounter the living God at the mall. He finds him (or is found by him) somewhere out in the deserts of Sinai, a long way from the comforts of Egypt.

- The same is true of Jacob, who has his wrestling match with with God not on the living room sofa but in a wadi somewhere east of the Jabbok, in Mesopotamia.

- Where did the great prophet Elijah go to recover his strength? To the wild.

- As did John the Baptist, and his cousin, Jesus, who is led by the Spirit into the wilderness.

Whatever else those explorers were after, they were also searching for themselves. Deep in a man's heart are some fundamental questions that simply cannot be answered at the kitchen table. Who am I? What am I made of? What am I destined for? It is fear that keeps a man at home where things are neat and orderly and under his control. But the answers to his deepest questions are not to be found on television or in the refrigerator.

If a man is ever to find out who he is and what he's here for, he has got to take that journey for himself. He has got to get his heart back.

Walk or Beg?

2010-02-09T11:06:00.003-06:00

Acts 3:2

Now a man crippled from birch was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts.

Acts 3:6-7

Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong.

These two verses are interesting when you look at them side by side. I think they kind of reflect two different ministry philosophies.

There's a crippled man. He needs help.

One group of people decides to help him by carrying him to the gate to beg everyday. Peter and John decided to help him by reaching down, pulling him up on his feet, and telling him to walk.

The ministry of Schweitzer should be more like the latter. We shouldn't have much interest in carrying people to the gate to beg. We shouldn't coddle and cater and spoon feed.

We'll reach down and help you. We'll impart the healing power of Jesus to you. But you've got to get up and walk. You've got to make a personal investment into studying God's Word for yourself.

How about you? Are you investing too much time in carrying people to the gate and droping them off to beg? Are you the one doing the begging when you should be lifting somebody else's burden?

Take some advice from Peter.

In the name of Jesus, walk.

Filling the City

2010-02-03T12:34:00.002-06:00

Acts 5:28

"We gave you strict orders to teach in this name," he said.

"Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood."

That's what I'm talking about.

If you're going to accuse the church of something, accuse us that:

You have filled your city with the teaching of Jesus.

Church, let's fill our cities with the good news of Christ.

Let's fill the places of poverty with our generosity.

Let's fill our schools with students who are not ashamed of the Gospel.

The future of our cities is empty and desolate without the power and the presence of God.

Let's keep preaching, reaching, giving, and loving until our cities overflow and can't deny it:

You have filled with city with Jesus.

Uncle Sam

2010-02-02T12:24:00.001-06:00

Ryan Miller is the goalie for the Buffalo Sabres and in a few days, he will be in net for the U.S. Men's hockey team. Custom goalie masks have always been one of my favorite little things about hockey, and the mask that Miller had made for the Olympics is no exception. Nothing says America like a tattoo'd Uncle Sam rolling up his sleeves to stab you with what looks like a flaming spear. But seriously, it looks pretty cool.

Hockey Aside

2010-01-13T16:21:00.002-06:00

In the 2006-07 NHL season, the Ottowa Senators came up short of winning their first Stanley Cup since 1927. But lets put hockey aside for a moment, and focus on a story with Senator's Center, Mike Fisher, and a little boy named Elgin Fraser.

Elgin was a 3 year old who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. One of his wishes was the meet the players of the Ottowa Senators. And he did at a practice. He got to skate with the guys, and took a ride in the arms of Mike Fisher, and even was able to score a goal on goalie, Ray Emery. But the story doesn't stop there...

Elgin was at game 4 of the 06-07 Stanley Cup finals in Ottowa, which was a loss. And he got to meet the team again afterward. As cliche as it is, defenseman Chris Phillips promised Elgin that the Sens would win the next game, game 5, against the Buffalo Sabres, in Buffalo. The day before the team left to play game 5, Mike Fisher visited Elgin at his home, and stayed much longer than expected. With no press, no cameras, no words afterwards, Mike Fisher hung out with Elgin for hours at his home, playing with cars, watching movies, talking Hockey, etc. All before heading out to play one of the most important games Mike will play in his life.

The Senators did win Game 5, and Elgin managed to hold on to watch them do it. And died only a few hours after.

My goal is not to write a sob story, to make you cry, to get you to like hockey, or even Mike Fisher. My goal is to show you how far a little old fashion, good heartedness can go. A little boy with a wish. A professional athlete with a kind heart. Equals a team of inspiration.

What is something you can do for someone this week? Mike Fisher could have done plenty of other things with his time than to go visit a fan. Christ probably had plenty of other things to do, but he never passed up a chance to help someone in need, to heal someone, or to sit down and have a heart to heart with someone.

Do you have time in your busy schedule to help someone in need?

Things Jeff's Noticed

2010-01-12T12:59:00.002-06:00

Jeff Houghton hosts a show here in Springfield called "The Mystery Hour." He does a bit where he tells his audience about things he has noticed in life. Here are some examples from his show, last Friday.

- When I came home today I thought my wife surprised me with an HDTV, but it turns out she just dusted off the screen.

- I couldn't get my dog to stop peeing on the carpet, so I have up and started putting carpet cleaner in his water dish.

- My neighbor has had a 'moving sale' every weekend for the last two years.

- I bet that when they were making the seating chard for the typewriter that 'm' and 'n' were really excited to sit by each other because they were already friends.

- My twitter account got hacked, but what sucked most about it was that 'hacked me' is way cooler than regular me.

- That I had an embarassing moment the other day. I asked a woman if she was pregnant... she wasn't... she was a man.

- Sometimes I will put grapes in with my raisin bran. I like to think of it as taking kids on a field trip to an old folks home.

Check out more of Jeff and what he has to say at The Mystery Hour.

Refrigerator Resolutions

2010-01-11T17:06:00.003-06:00

5 Refrigerator Resolutions for 2010

1) I will be more CHILD-LIKE. (matt. 18:3)

2) I will FORGIVE as I've been FORGIVEN. (heb. 12:15)

3) I will become HOMU UNIUS LIBRI or "a person of One Book." (heb. 4:12)

4) I will fight only one ENEMY. (eph. 6:12)

5) I will give my 'SELF' away. (1 john 4:19-21)

Snow at Home

2010-01-03T17:31:00.002-06:00

So today marked my first substantial snow at the new house and my first drive way shoveling experience at my own house. Good day.

Engagement

2009-12-19T23:11:00.002-06:00

On the night of December 17, 2009, I asked Angela Marie Robinett to marry me!

She loves Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO... therefore I took her to the gigantic Christmas tree in the center of Silver Dollar City. There, I gave her an "early" Christmas present, which was a new Bible with the name, Angela Marie Smith engraved. As she read the name on the Bible, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me!

There's the story.

Staff Ping Pong

2009-12-16T14:56:00.002-06:00

This is what happens when the staff need a break from their work. Ping Pong on the office conference table breaks out!

2009 Recap Video

2009-12-14T10:33:00.001-06:00

2009 SUMC Youth Recap Video from Tim Smith on Vimeo.