Enjoying People's Failure

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

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

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

Galilee Promo from Tim Smith on Vimeo.

Interested vs. Intrusive

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

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

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