I was walking down the street in SF the other day and saw a guy carrying a sign and wearing a shirt that said "Jesus loves you." I noticed it, but kept walking not being too struck by it, I do work in Berkeley after all and see some strange stuff. But then the thought struck me how odd it would be to see someone carrying a sign or wearing a shirt that said "Buddha loves you." Any number of other religious founders or icons would have been equally as strange. Why is that?
Perhaps this is just my perspective and please correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems that the idea of a personal, intimate, loving, one-on-one relationship with God Himself is not a very common idea among world religions, perhaps the one Jesus started being the only one with this idea at the center. (Of course Jesus didn't really come to start a religion, but that's how we talk.)
A chord is struck in my heart when I think of God desiring to know me, reach out to me, make Himself known to me, and love me. To think the God who created everything and owes absolutely nothing to anyone would want to know me! And yet I have the sense that I was created for just such a thing. This very well may be the most powerful evidence for me that the God of the Bible, that Jesus, is the one true God.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
The Holiday Season is Here!
It's beginning to feel a lot like the holiday season. The students are beginning to disappear to wherever it is they go when finals come, we brought our Christmas tree in the house yesterday, it's getting chilly outside (at least for the Bay Area, read 40s :)), we had our Christmas service at New Church this past Sunday (complete with a children's pageant, Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, angels, and an alligator...), AND we rented Home Alone on Saturday which we hadn't seen for years!!
Our Christmas tree (left), and the children's Christmas pageant at church (right).
I'm excited for this holiday season as usual, but even more so as it's our first one since we've been married. I'm looking forward to beginning some traditions and knowing this will be the first of many Christmases for us as the Childs family!
We'll be spending Christmas week up in Sacramento with Steve's parents, sister, brother-in-law, and new niece Natalie!!! If you happen to be around the area please let us know, we're having a get-together at our house sometime during that week.
How can you resist that face?!
I'm looking forward to some down time after a pretty busy semester, especially here at the end. I'm hoping to have some time to catch up with many of you during the break, so don't hesitate to drop me a line to get the ball rolling.
Our Christmas tree (left), and the children's Christmas pageant at church (right).
I'm excited for this holiday season as usual, but even more so as it's our first one since we've been married. I'm looking forward to beginning some traditions and knowing this will be the first of many Christmases for us as the Childs family!
We'll be spending Christmas week up in Sacramento with Steve's parents, sister, brother-in-law, and new niece Natalie!!! If you happen to be around the area please let us know, we're having a get-together at our house sometime during that week.
How can you resist that face?!
I'm looking forward to some down time after a pretty busy semester, especially here at the end. I'm hoping to have some time to catch up with many of you during the break, so don't hesitate to drop me a line to get the ball rolling.
Friday, October 24, 2008
College Life Fall Retreat
Always one of the highlights of the year, a couple weekends ago we took the students away to Lake Tahoe to spend time with the Lord, with one another, and just be refreshed. It turned out to feel more like a winter retreat than a fall one with the lows around 20 degrees and the highs in the upper 30s. Still on our morning car rally/scavenger hunt 10 of them jumped in Lake Tahoe with their clothes on. :) Gotta love college students!
We spent time in Philippians 2 over the weekend and it was a really good reminder about the kind of attitude the Lord desires for us to have, and how that attitude of humility and service to one another is really the way that we become a community that loves and supports one another, and is then able to accomplish the mission we've been given to be lights in the world. I'm praying that we all will be reminded of these lessons in the weeks and months to come.
A few pics from our time:
We spent time in Philippians 2 over the weekend and it was a really good reminder about the kind of attitude the Lord desires for us to have, and how that attitude of humility and service to one another is really the way that we become a community that loves and supports one another, and is then able to accomplish the mission we've been given to be lights in the world. I'm praying that we all will be reminded of these lessons in the weeks and months to come.
A few pics from our time:
Monday, September 22, 2008
Procrastination and the Joy of Work
You know that feeling of knowing you need to or should do something, but just really not wanting to do it? Yea, me either. Ok, there was this one time last week...maybe a picture will tell a thousand words:
The thought expressed in this picture is very tempting to believe, but I think it's one of the deceptions that steals our joy in life.
Last week I was sitting there with a couple hours to work with, some dishes in the sink I needed to wash and a Bible study that needed some preparation. Audrey was heading out of the house so I was left to my own devices. Now, this feeling doesn't always come over me, but it definitely happens fairly often. The feeling of just really not wanting to tackle the job I have in front of me, just a real feeling of a lack of motivation or excitement about anything. And these jobs were not super difficult per se, but it was just more the temptation to be lazy and do nothing verses putting some effort into getting something done. It was honestly a struggle, but I finally decided to get my hands dirty, or clean, and wash some dishes. And it struck me as I began to get into it how my motivation dramatically picked up and I was really enjoying the chore, not just trudging through it. By the end I was excited and looking forward to the other job I had in front of me. This feeling compared to the feeling I probably would have had if I had chosen to procrastinate: more feelings of demotivation, combined probably with a bit of guilt for choosing to be lazy, and a feeling of lost time where I was feeling bad about my choice while not getting anything done.
Ironically, or not, the Bible passage that I studied that day included this:
"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Hebrews 3:13
It struck me that it is the deceitfulness of sin at work in my heart during those times of wanting to procrastinate and be lazy. The lie is that doing what my flesh wants is going to be better in the end than doing what I know God designed me for, one of those things definitely being work. There is of course a time and place for rest, but at least for me, my struggle is more often against laziness than workaholism. And actually, I feel like work and rest go hand-in-hand, one not really fully being able to come without the other. I think of the Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve walked with God in the cool of the evening after a long day of work. It strikes me as quite a restful time, but what would it have been without the hard work of the day leading up to it?
In the end what really struck me was that I want to know and experience more of the kind of fulfillment in work that God intended for us, but I realize that with my fallen nature it is going to take tough times of deciding against my natural desires, much tougher than choosing to wash the dishes, to keep my heart soft and able to choose God's way over my own.
Apparently there is a book by a CEO who tried to put some of these principles of finding joy in our work into practice at his company. I haven't read it, but I think I might check it out. Here's the book:
The thought expressed in this picture is very tempting to believe, but I think it's one of the deceptions that steals our joy in life.
Last week I was sitting there with a couple hours to work with, some dishes in the sink I needed to wash and a Bible study that needed some preparation. Audrey was heading out of the house so I was left to my own devices. Now, this feeling doesn't always come over me, but it definitely happens fairly often. The feeling of just really not wanting to tackle the job I have in front of me, just a real feeling of a lack of motivation or excitement about anything. And these jobs were not super difficult per se, but it was just more the temptation to be lazy and do nothing verses putting some effort into getting something done. It was honestly a struggle, but I finally decided to get my hands dirty, or clean, and wash some dishes. And it struck me as I began to get into it how my motivation dramatically picked up and I was really enjoying the chore, not just trudging through it. By the end I was excited and looking forward to the other job I had in front of me. This feeling compared to the feeling I probably would have had if I had chosen to procrastinate: more feelings of demotivation, combined probably with a bit of guilt for choosing to be lazy, and a feeling of lost time where I was feeling bad about my choice while not getting anything done.
Ironically, or not, the Bible passage that I studied that day included this:
"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Hebrews 3:13
It struck me that it is the deceitfulness of sin at work in my heart during those times of wanting to procrastinate and be lazy. The lie is that doing what my flesh wants is going to be better in the end than doing what I know God designed me for, one of those things definitely being work. There is of course a time and place for rest, but at least for me, my struggle is more often against laziness than workaholism. And actually, I feel like work and rest go hand-in-hand, one not really fully being able to come without the other. I think of the Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve walked with God in the cool of the evening after a long day of work. It strikes me as quite a restful time, but what would it have been without the hard work of the day leading up to it?
In the end what really struck me was that I want to know and experience more of the kind of fulfillment in work that God intended for us, but I realize that with my fallen nature it is going to take tough times of deciding against my natural desires, much tougher than choosing to wash the dishes, to keep my heart soft and able to choose God's way over my own.
Apparently there is a book by a CEO who tried to put some of these principles of finding joy in our work into practice at his company. I haven't read it, but I think I might check it out. Here's the book:
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Jesus in Berkeley?
For so many who consider themselves followers of Jesus, when they decide that UC Berkeley will be their university of choice, find that what soon follows is warnings from parents, friends, pastors, etc. about how dangerous such a place can be for to their faith. Guard your faith when you go to Berkeley.
What many people don't seem to realize is that Jesus in alive and well in Berkeley, changing hearts, drawing people to Himself, and living in the people who make up the quite numerous churches and campus ministries in town.
On August 28th, 2008 in Pauley Ballroom in the center of campus 28 different churches and campus ministries sponsored an event to welcome new and returning students, and to display the fact that Jesus is in Berkeley, and that His followers love one another and care mostly that He is glorified, not that our individual efforts succeed. It was a beautiful picture of a small step toward what Jesus prayed for in John 17- that we would be brought to complete unity SO THAT the world may believe that God sent Jesus, and know that God loves them just as He loves Jesus.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Trip Down the Coast
Last Saturday (8/2) Audrey and I took advantage of our last free Saturday until we don't know when to take a drive down the coast to the Big Sur area to go for a nice hike through the redwoods. What we forgot was that there were huge fires there not too long ago and so the trail we wanted to take was closed. We didn't learn this until we had eaten our picnic lunch, changed shoes, put together our day pack, put on sunscreen, loaded up on water, and then walked 50 feet to the trail head where it was roped off saying that the trail was closed. :)
There was a 1/4 mile trail down to the coast where there was a gorgeous waterfall and cove, so that was pretty cool. Then we drove back up to just south of Monterey and hiked around the Point Lobos State Reserve. Lots of birds, cool rock formations and sea lions in those parts.
All in all it was a terrific day out in the beautiful California sun leaving our worries behind in Berkeley at least for a day. Here's some pics from our day.
There was a 1/4 mile trail down to the coast where there was a gorgeous waterfall and cove, so that was pretty cool. Then we drove back up to just south of Monterey and hiked around the Point Lobos State Reserve. Lots of birds, cool rock formations and sea lions in those parts.
All in all it was a terrific day out in the beautiful California sun leaving our worries behind in Berkeley at least for a day. Here's some pics from our day.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
No church, no problem?
I've been thinking and reading a lot recently about people's view on the church. What is it for? What does God desire from churches? Are churches becoming unnecessary, or will they become so in the future? Jesus talked about building His church on "this rock." What did he mean? Visible church vs. invisible church?
My very short take on it all: God intends for us to live out our commitment to Him within the context of a church community, both visible and invisible. We cannot do without the web of relationships that comes from being a committed member of a church body, at least we cannot do very well.
Granted the church has its problems today, just as it always has, but what can we expect? The church is made up of people in desperate need of grace from God, and who continue to struggle to live how God desires even, and perhaps especially, after they join the community. We should not do away with hospitals because we find sick people there, that's the whole reason for the hospital. Healing sick people is not the only, or main, purpose of the church, but it is one of them, and God desires for that to happen first and foremost within His church.
Anyway, here's some links to stuff I've been reading that touches on these issues in one way or another. Would love to hear your thoughts!
Books:
The Shack, William P. Young
The Reason for God, Timothy Keller
Articles:
http://www.modernreformation.org/default.php?page=articledisplay&var1=ArtRead&var2=946&var3=issuedisplay&var4=IssRead&var5=100 (Courtesy of Bill Barnes)
My very short take on it all: God intends for us to live out our commitment to Him within the context of a church community, both visible and invisible. We cannot do without the web of relationships that comes from being a committed member of a church body, at least we cannot do very well.
Granted the church has its problems today, just as it always has, but what can we expect? The church is made up of people in desperate need of grace from God, and who continue to struggle to live how God desires even, and perhaps especially, after they join the community. We should not do away with hospitals because we find sick people there, that's the whole reason for the hospital. Healing sick people is not the only, or main, purpose of the church, but it is one of them, and God desires for that to happen first and foremost within His church.
Anyway, here's some links to stuff I've been reading that touches on these issues in one way or another. Would love to hear your thoughts!
Books:
The Shack, William P. Young
The Reason for God, Timothy Keller
Articles:
http://www.modernreformation.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Sermon Prep
I'm always amazed how preparing a sermon is different every time, and yet God somehow always comes through to get across what He has on His mind. Inevitably there is a point in my preparation process where I think, yea this isn't going well, and what am I going to say on Sunday? Which isn't a good feeling at the time, but it drives me back to asking God to do His work through my preparation, which of course is a very good thing. I am somewhere around that point right now preparing for this Sunday, and remembering that it's happened before gives me some encouragement, and an assurance that God will come through this time as well. So now, to the task of bringing the thoughts and insights of the last few days together into something coherent and God-willing helpful for others.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Childs Family Backpacking Trip Summer 2008
It's a tradition 43 years in the making. My mom and her dad first found this secret spot in the summer of 1965. Most years since, parts of the Doyle/Childs family have made the 6 mile trek in to enjoy the pine tree forests, drinkable spring water, rainbow and brook trout (yum!), and just time away from the hustle and bustle of life.
Audrey was an honorary member of the family last summer, but got to be a full fledged member this year.
Here we are preparing to set out on our hike:
In camp:
Friend in the forest:
Fish for breakfast:
Audrey was an honorary member of the family last summer, but got to be a full fledged member this year.
Here we are preparing to set out on our hike:
In camp:
Friend in the forest:
Fish for breakfast:
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
g3 men's backpacking trip
I was reminded this past weekend how much I love the outdoors, especially in the Sierra Mountains. The smell of pine trees, clean air, and dirt in your hair. :)
It's so easy to get caught up in all the craziness of modern society and lose sight of what's important in life. But somehow taking some time out, slowing down, and just walking around in the middle of a forest, by a lake, up a mountain of rock boulders, gives me some perspective on things.
This past weekend I got to spend a couple days with 4 other great guys from g3 (New Church's young adult group) up at Lake Margaret near Kirkwood ski resort. It was such a blessing to enjoy some unhurried time together hiking, swimming, telling stories, playing the bean game, and much more.
It makes me want to get out to the mountains more often, we'll see what we can do.
Steve
Here's some pics from our trip:
It's so easy to get caught up in all the craziness of modern society and lose sight of what's important in life. But somehow taking some time out, slowing down, and just walking around in the middle of a forest, by a lake, up a mountain of rock boulders, gives me some perspective on things.
This past weekend I got to spend a couple days with 4 other great guys from g3 (New Church's young adult group) up at Lake Margaret near Kirkwood ski resort. It was such a blessing to enjoy some unhurried time together hiking, swimming, telling stories, playing the bean game, and much more.
It makes me want to get out to the mountains more often, we'll see what we can do.
Steve
Here's some pics from our trip:
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| g3 Men's Backpackin |
Monday, June 30, 2008
College Life Summer Kick-Off
On Thursday the 26th, we kicked off the summer with the college students with a BBQ at our place, some worship, lots of fun puzzles and some brainstorming about events for the summer.
It was great to see a lot of folks again and catch up with what's been going on in their lives, and it's always great to host people at our place.
We decided to work our way through the book of James this summer as we meet on Thursday nights.
Here's a link to a few pictures from the night:
It was great to see a lot of folks again and catch up with what's been going on in their lives, and it's always great to host people at our place.
We decided to work our way through the book of James this summer as we meet on Thursday nights.
Here's a link to a few pictures from the night:
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| CL Summer Kick-Off |
Thursday, June 19, 2008
DC/NYC trip
Audrey and I just returned from a week in Washington DC and New York City. The occasion was to visit Audrey's sister, Esther, as she had some time off work last week. We took the opportunity to see some other old friends out in the area as well. Got to see our friends Tim and Dawn just a few days before they had their first baby, Emma Grace, congrats you guys!
It was a great trip in a few ways, first it was nice to just get away and relax and be refreshed a bit. Second it was great to see friends again and catch up with what's going on in their lives. And third it gave me (Steve) a chance to reflect on all that God's been doing lately in our lives and in the life of New Church. Describing what's been going on lately really helped give me perspective on why I'm doing what I'm doing and a greater appreciation for how good God is and how much He's been doing in our midst.
I came back really excited about what God has in store for the ministry here at New Church, it's definitely a time of change and transition, but more and more I'm sensing it's also a time of growth and really good new things on the horizon.
Here's a couple pictures from our trip, and a link to a few more:
It was a great trip in a few ways, first it was nice to just get away and relax and be refreshed a bit. Second it was great to see friends again and catch up with what's going on in their lives. And third it gave me (Steve) a chance to reflect on all that God's been doing lately in our lives and in the life of New Church. Describing what's been going on lately really helped give me perspective on why I'm doing what I'm doing and a greater appreciation for how good God is and how much He's been doing in our midst.
I came back really excited about what God has in store for the ministry here at New Church, it's definitely a time of change and transition, but more and more I'm sensing it's also a time of growth and really good new things on the horizon.
Here's a couple pictures from our trip, and a link to a few more:
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| DC/NY Trip |
Friday, May 23, 2008
College Life End of Year Party
It was a joyful time to celebrate with many of the students, remembering the good times and good things of this past year. And thanking God for all that He has done in each of us and in the community. It was sad, and yet exciting to pray for the several seniors who are graduating and heading in different directions. Our hope is that their time spent with us at New Church and with College Life has prepared them in some small way to live as intentional followers of Jesus the rest of their lives, and use the gifts they've been given in the churches where they find themselves over the coming years, whether that be here or elsewhere.
It's been a joy to be a part of their lives for this short time, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the Lord does in their lives as they move on from here.
Here's a couple pictures from the celebration time at our (Audrey and I's) apt. a little over two weeks ago. Enjoy!
Steve
It's been a joy to be a part of their lives for this short time, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the Lord does in their lives as they move on from here.
Here's a couple pictures from the celebration time at our (Audrey and I's) apt. a little over two weeks ago. Enjoy!
Steve
Thursday, May 1, 2008
End of Year Craziness
For two weeks now I've meant to sit down and write something about all that's been going on, but there's been so much that I haven't had a chance. Some things that have been happening that I'm hoping to write more about:
Ordination Ceremony 4/27
Housewarming 4/26
Last Spiritual Leadership Seminar 4/30
Last Bible study 4/29
Audrey's new job and our adjustment to that...
Last College Life Leadership gathering- 4/20
Graduation Sunday and the Dwight Way Partnership- 5/4
Jesus in Berkeley 2008
Trip to San Diego- 5/1-5/4
Yea, I think that'll keep me busy for a while. So yea, just to say I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, but lots has been happening.
Ordination Ceremony 4/27
Housewarming 4/26
Last Spiritual Leadership Seminar 4/30
Last Bible study 4/29
Audrey's new job and our adjustment to that...
Last College Life Leadership gathering- 4/20
Graduation Sunday and the Dwight Way Partnership- 5/4
Jesus in Berkeley 2008
Trip to San Diego- 5/1-5/4
Yea, I think that'll keep me busy for a while. So yea, just to say I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, but lots has been happening.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Spiritual Leadership Seminar
Every Wednesday evening in April (2nd-30th) 18 students plus Audrey and I have been, and will be, meeting on campus to discuss issues surrounding spiritual leadership. It was really encouraging for me to see the great response as we invited people to consider coming to the class. The 18 students represent close to half of the students we have regularly attending bible studies and College Life events.
We using a book called "Spiritual Leadership" by Oswald Sanders to guide our discussions, but we hope it will mostly be used to spark discussion. We've had two meeting already and our third one will be tonight. The last couple went really well, it's been great hearing what they have to say in the discussions. We've asked each of them to take a chapter from the book and lead the class in a short discussion on that chapter, so it's been cool to watch them as they lead the class, see their style and what they find important. We've also had them write a one page reflection each week on one chapter of their choice from the reading, and that may be the best part as Audrey and I get to read what they are struggling through as they read the book and think about what it might mean to be a leader.
A common theme in their reflections so far has been that they never really saw themselves as a leader, or ever really becoming one, but now they are realizing that their perception of what a leader is was too idealistic and that it may be possible that God could use them to lead in His kingdom by serving others (which is what leadership in God's kingdom is all about).
Please pray for these students that they would take to heart the things God is teaching them about what He desires for their lives to be about.
We using a book called "Spiritual Leadership" by Oswald Sanders to guide our discussions, but we hope it will mostly be used to spark discussion. We've had two meeting already and our third one will be tonight. The last couple went really well, it's been great hearing what they have to say in the discussions. We've asked each of them to take a chapter from the book and lead the class in a short discussion on that chapter, so it's been cool to watch them as they lead the class, see their style and what they find important. We've also had them write a one page reflection each week on one chapter of their choice from the reading, and that may be the best part as Audrey and I get to read what they are struggling through as they read the book and think about what it might mean to be a leader.
A common theme in their reflections so far has been that they never really saw themselves as a leader, or ever really becoming one, but now they are realizing that their perception of what a leader is was too idealistic and that it may be possible that God could use them to lead in His kingdom by serving others (which is what leadership in God's kingdom is all about).
Please pray for these students that they would take to heart the things God is teaching them about what He desires for their lives to be about.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Ordination Exam- Passed!
Thanks to those of you who prayed for me this past Thursday. I definitely felt the Lord's presence during the exam. I was still nervous, but it turned out to be a great time together with the pastors and ministry leaders that were there, and I felt like I didn't embarrass myself much at all. It was encouraging to hear their feedback afterward as they encouraged me to really take hold of the calling that I have and go for it.
It's a bit of a strange feeling being on this side of the exam that I had been working toward for so long. There's a sense of relief that it's over, excitement for what comes next, and a little bit of a let down not having that big thing to work toward. But most of all it's humbling to watch what the Lord is doing in my life, and see confirmation from those in ministry already. I hope and pray that the Lord keeps me faithful to the work to which He has called me, and that I hold on dearly to the one who has called me.
For now, it's time to catch up on all those things I put off while I was studying. =)
It's a bit of a strange feeling being on this side of the exam that I had been working toward for so long. There's a sense of relief that it's over, excitement for what comes next, and a little bit of a let down not having that big thing to work toward. But most of all it's humbling to watch what the Lord is doing in my life, and see confirmation from those in ministry already. I hope and pray that the Lord keeps me faithful to the work to which He has called me, and that I hold on dearly to the one who has called me.
For now, it's time to catch up on all those things I put off while I was studying. =)
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Ordination Exam tomorrow!!!
The day I've been studying for the last 4 years will be here tomorrow. The day where I stand in front of 20 or so pastors and ministry leaders and field questions as they try to determine that I am called and prepared for the ministry. My brain feels full of information, and yet doesn't feel full enough. But I also know that it's not mainly about knowing information, but it's about being confident of the call that God has made on my life, and trusting Him enough to follow Him where He leads. I am excited for it to finally be here, and I'm also anxious that I'll forget things, not know things, or just answer poorly. I am so grateful to God for this opportunity and pray that He is glorified through it.
Please pray for me if you have the chance. The exam is Thursday April 3rd at 3:30pm Pacific Time. Thanks so much!
Please pray for me if you have the chance. The exam is Thursday April 3rd at 3:30pm Pacific Time. Thanks so much!
Monday, March 24, 2008
The hope of the resurrection
"We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." 1 Thessalonians 4:14
Celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus was much more poignant for us this year. On Wednesday of last week we found out that one of the guys who had been coming to our young adult fellowship since the fall had passed away suddenly at work. He was in his twenties and worked at Pixar as a storyboard artist. He had a heart transplant when he was 12, but had been doing great and no one saw it coming. He brought an amazing amount of joy and life to our community, we were so blessed to have him around for the time he was here. I personally wish I had gotten to know him better and enjoy the amazing person God created him to be.
So it was with this at the forefront of our minds that we came to celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord. It brought comfort to us knowing that Justin is now with Christ, which is better by far (Phil. 1:23), and that the hope of the resurrection awaits him, and us, when Christ returns. We are still sad and miss him dearly, but thankfully we can mourn as those who have hope of better things to come.
I hope and pray that the reality of Jesus' death and resurrection and the hope of our own resurrection has hit home for you this Easter season as well! May we learn to put our lives in perspective as David did in this psalm:
"Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah
Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.
But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you."
Psalm 39:4-7
Celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus was much more poignant for us this year. On Wednesday of last week we found out that one of the guys who had been coming to our young adult fellowship since the fall had passed away suddenly at work. He was in his twenties and worked at Pixar as a storyboard artist. He had a heart transplant when he was 12, but had been doing great and no one saw it coming. He brought an amazing amount of joy and life to our community, we were so blessed to have him around for the time he was here. I personally wish I had gotten to know him better and enjoy the amazing person God created him to be.
So it was with this at the forefront of our minds that we came to celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord. It brought comfort to us knowing that Justin is now with Christ, which is better by far (Phil. 1:23), and that the hope of the resurrection awaits him, and us, when Christ returns. We are still sad and miss him dearly, but thankfully we can mourn as those who have hope of better things to come.
I hope and pray that the reality of Jesus' death and resurrection and the hope of our own resurrection has hit home for you this Easter season as well! May we learn to put our lives in perspective as David did in this psalm:
"Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah
Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.
But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you."
Psalm 39:4-7
Friday, March 14, 2008
Has worship lost its luster?
"The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."
I was reminded tonight of the joy of just being in God's presence singing praises to Him along with brothers and sisters in the Lord. I remember during my college days at Cal soaking in every opportunity to worship, even creating them with "Dorm Praise," a weekly gathering of any interested parties at the Clark Kerr dormitory to just sing worship songs until we felt like stopping. I remember a church in Sacramento that used to have huge Sunday evening worship times for college students, several hundred would attend. Perhaps they still go on, I just haven't been around. At Cal, Interpraise used to overflow the capacity of First Pres., and if you didn't get there a half hour ahead of time you had to sit in the balcony or outside. Now most people seem to show up a half hour late, and the pews are sparsely populated.
I really am in no position to judge whether things are going up or going down as a whole. These are just observations I've made in my minute corner of the universe, and it's caused me to wonder, can worship lose its luster? And it's brought me first to ask myself if I have made it my chief aim lately to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. I think I try to consider how I am serving the Lord each day, and of course always come up short. But it seems a more difficult thing to really stop and delight myself in the Lord simply for who He is. But surely a life lived in service to Him must start with a heart enamored with Him.
May my heart be such a one, and may more and more hearts turn to Him, and overflow in worship.
Steve
I was reminded tonight of the joy of just being in God's presence singing praises to Him along with brothers and sisters in the Lord. I remember during my college days at Cal soaking in every opportunity to worship, even creating them with "Dorm Praise," a weekly gathering of any interested parties at the Clark Kerr dormitory to just sing worship songs until we felt like stopping. I remember a church in Sacramento that used to have huge Sunday evening worship times for college students, several hundred would attend. Perhaps they still go on, I just haven't been around. At Cal, Interpraise used to overflow the capacity of First Pres., and if you didn't get there a half hour ahead of time you had to sit in the balcony or outside. Now most people seem to show up a half hour late, and the pews are sparsely populated.
I really am in no position to judge whether things are going up or going down as a whole. These are just observations I've made in my minute corner of the universe, and it's caused me to wonder, can worship lose its luster? And it's brought me first to ask myself if I have made it my chief aim lately to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. I think I try to consider how I am serving the Lord each day, and of course always come up short. But it seems a more difficult thing to really stop and delight myself in the Lord simply for who He is. But surely a life lived in service to Him must start with a heart enamored with Him.
May my heart be such a one, and may more and more hearts turn to Him, and overflow in worship.
Steve
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Studying like mad
Ordo Salutis, expiation, Immutability, antinomianism, hypernomianism, verbal plenary inspiration, define God.
These, and other such fun terms and questions make up my review for my ordination exam coming up on April 3rd. The topics vary from Bible Knowledge and Application to Theology of God, Christ, Salvation, etc. to Church History, and practical ministry like counseling and evangelism. Not only do I need to know the stuff, but I have to be able to say it clearly and succinctly in front of a group of 20 or so in response to their questions, which I'm not totally sure what they are going to be.
Definitely great fun! But seriously I am enjoying this review and solidification of my foundation for entering ministry. Although I have to say I am a bit anxious about how it will go, so I would appreciate your prayers. Audrey will be grilling me on my flash cards over the next 3 weeks so pray for her too that I don't get too annoyed with her. :)
I'll keep you updated on how it's going. And see a post about our honeymoon below!
Steve
These, and other such fun terms and questions make up my review for my ordination exam coming up on April 3rd. The topics vary from Bible Knowledge and Application to Theology of God, Christ, Salvation, etc. to Church History, and practical ministry like counseling and evangelism. Not only do I need to know the stuff, but I have to be able to say it clearly and succinctly in front of a group of 20 or so in response to their questions, which I'm not totally sure what they are going to be.
Definitely great fun! But seriously I am enjoying this review and solidification of my foundation for entering ministry. Although I have to say I am a bit anxious about how it will go, so I would appreciate your prayers. Audrey will be grilling me on my flash cards over the next 3 weeks so pray for her too that I don't get too annoyed with her. :)
I'll keep you updated on how it's going. And see a post about our honeymoon below!
Steve
Monday, March 3, 2008
Honeymoon in New Zealand!
"The land of the long white cloud" In the native Maori language that is the name they gave to New Zealand when they discovered it. Audrey and I spent two and a half amazing weeks flying, driving, hiking, kayaking, caving, and boating through this, the most beautiful country I've ever been to.
It was the ultimate vacation as we were able to leave all our worries behind and just relax and enjoy ourselves. I can't remember the last time I was able to really leave everything behind and just chill out. It was awesome! *And* we got to share it with each other, of course the best part!
A couple of our most memorable days were back to back days where we hiked for 10 miles along gorgeous sounds the first day and then kayaked 10 miles along the coast with amazing coves and islands the second day. After exploring some caves the next day we took a few days off and rested, it wasn't that crazy of a honeymoon!
We couldn't have imagined a better beginning to our marriage, and we only hope and pray it is a sign of things to come!
Here's a couple of our favorite pictures from the trip, and a link to many more:
It was the ultimate vacation as we were able to leave all our worries behind and just relax and enjoy ourselves. I can't remember the last time I was able to really leave everything behind and just chill out. It was awesome! *And* we got to share it with each other, of course the best part!
A couple of our most memorable days were back to back days where we hiked for 10 miles along gorgeous sounds the first day and then kayaked 10 miles along the coast with amazing coves and islands the second day. After exploring some caves the next day we took a few days off and rested, it wasn't that crazy of a honeymoon!
We couldn't have imagined a better beginning to our marriage, and we only hope and pray it is a sign of things to come!
Here's a couple of our favorite pictures from the trip, and a link to many more:
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| Honeymoon |