The Duck Commander Family - Book Review...

Finally back to reading and writing some book reviews on a blog that has been silent for a little while.  I am sure most of you have fallen into the craze that is Duck Dynasty.  What is not to love, a great family of American people with great beards and even better hearts.  Still unsure how women like that would fall for bearded country folk like the Robertson men.  For all of you Parks and Rec fans, it brings to light the same confusion that takes place when you think of Jerry & Gale Gergich.  Anyway, this post is specifically about the Duck Commander Family book that was released a couple of years ago, authored by Wille & Korie Robertson.

It is an interesting read that brings you into the lives of the entire Robertson family before they were apart of the reality show Duck Dynasty.  Thus giving the reader some insight into what makes their family and business work the way it does.  One of the most unique parts of the book is each chapter is named after a famous Robertson family recipe, which at the end of each chapter is shared with the reader.  But what I appreciated most from this book was the brutal honesty that can be found within the pages.  They were very truthful in the words that they shared about where their family came from whether it been good or bad.  All the words were shared as honestly as possible and in a world filled with "reality" tv, this is something to be appreciated.

The book brings to light some of the marital/family issues that took place among Phil & Kay, the tough starts for Willie & Korie, as well as a birth of the Duck Commander franchise.  Overall it reminds the reader of how family always comes first.  You may love what you do, but if you are not able to come home at 5pm with a family who loves you know matter what your first quarter numbers were, then it is not worth it.  This book brings back the importance of family before business, something that the working american must be reminded of on a daily basis.



till another day,



normallyINDIE.

A Great Conversation...

As many of you know I am currently working as a Sales Associate at Urban Outfitters at the Fashion Mall @ Keystone at the Crossing.  I have had the opportunity over the past couple of months to have some great conversations with some great people that I otherwise would not have met.  Although I am currently not serving vocationally at a church, I have had a lot of opportunities to serve his church through his ministry.  The opportunities I have had to speak with some great people has reminded me about the importance of making yourself available for the holy spirit.  He reminded me that even if you are not excepting it, it is important to understand that when you make yourself available, a conversation will happen.

For so much time over the past two years I have been involved with leading other people to be available for the holy spirit and have conversations with people they care about life, ministry, & who God is to them.  I spent so much time doing the leading that I forgot to have those conversations myself.  It has not been until now that God has shown me the importance of doing this as a leader.  If I am going to lead people, I am realizing now that I need to have the conversations myself.

Working at Urban Outfitters over the past couple of months has shown me how powerful our God is.  As I look toward to the future whatever ministry I have the opportunity to serve in whether it be vocationally or on a volunteer basis, I will never forget the importance of the little conversations.



till another day,




normallyINDIE

Boy Meets World...

For my birthday I had the idea to go back to my childhood and purchase a great set of DVDs from the 90s.  The TV show being one that I spent much of my time enjoying after school with a snack (the good old days), Boy Meets World.  If you grew up in the mid to late 90s you knew what Boy Meets World was and it had the same premise of most of those after school family drama/comedies.  Great family, goofy brother, & funny teacher that seem to always get in trouble, but most of all have a story to tell in a quick 30 minutes.  Watching all of the seasons in a row makes me realize the cheesy nature of the show, but it also reminds me of the life lessons that I learned while I was young.  Even more it reminds me of the lessons that I need to learn now.

I recently had a conversation with a great friend and that friend reminded me of the amazing life that I truly have.  I have been blessed for the past 5 years to have known an amazing woman, introduced to her in October 2008.  We were two different people back then, young and stupid, but little did I know that she would be the person I would have the honor of spending the rest of my life with her.  A young 19 year old kid who was blessed with an 18 year old girl who was loving enough to give me a chance.  5 years later our love continues to grow daily, our family continues to grow, but most of all we continue to understand and value the fact that our love is what is most important.

A great friend of mine reminds me that even if everything in your life seems to be in shambles, you must understand that love is the thing that reigns true through all things.  It reigns true because it was love that God ordained from the beginning.  The love that he made an example of when he sacrificed his son for the entire world.  This is the example that we have the opportunity to follow and I am so blessed to have a wife to share this type of love with.  Life may be stressful, life may be hard, but love is all i need.


till another day,



normallyINDIE

The Big Move...

As many of you may know, Jenny and I recently moved to a new state and a new home.  Detroit, MI has been our home for the last year, but after an amazing opportunity to pursue a wonderful job at Element Three.  Her dream job and our dream opportunity to be close to our family, friends, & one of our favorite states.   Jenny is truly an Indiana girl and we are so happy to be here.

We recently moved in the Carmel Landing apartments in Carmel/Westfield, IN and we could not be happier.  We were so blessed to find a great apartment in a great community.  Not to mention Indie could not be happier to have found a new home with a patio a yard and much more.  He is so excited to have friends (Mr. Boo & many others) although he is saddened to be without his best friends from Michigan, Hershey & Max.

We are so happy to be in this place, but I am sad that we left behind some great friends and students in Michigan.  We miss you all so much and hope to see you very soon.  We are always praying for you and Twin Oaks has a special place in our hearts.  

till another day, 

normallyINDIE

Uprising headed to the DR...

I remember in High School and the opportunity that I had to go on my first missions trip with Oasis Student Ministries (at the time).  We ventured down with G.O. Ministries and I could not have imagined what was in store for us as we served a pastor in Hato Del Yaque, Dominican Republic.  The relationships I made and the bonds that continue to run deep are amazing, not to mention I was able to communicate a little bit with my knowledge of the Spanish language.  

Now, as a Student Ministries Pastor I have the honor of bringing along 4 students of my own & 2 adults on a trip with G.O. Ministries.  We will be headed to none other than Hato Del Yaque and staying at the church that my team from Oasis built.  Such a great thing to be a part of and I cannot imagine what God has in store for the students from the Uprising.  I know it is going to be a stressful, exciting, passionate, scary, and amazing week.  God is going to move in mighty ways and I am so excited to be apart of it.  

To keep updated make sure you follow my Facebook Page as well as the Uprising Facebook.  Also, GO Ministries will be keeping an update on the team's progress on their Team Tracker website.  (Team Tracker Site) .   We continually ask for your prayers as the week is going up very fast.  

till another day, 

normallyINDIE. 

Thank You...

I want to officially thank all those who call Twin Oaks Christian Church & the Uprising.  Below is my letter of Resignation as the Student Ministries Pastor here.  Thank you so much for all that you have done and all that God is continuing to do.

Dear Twin Oaks Family, 

Jenny and I are so honored to be able to call this place home and specifically have the opportunity to work with you as members on a regular basis.  I, Alec, have been so blessed to be lead by a great man in Randy Wheeler and could not be more excited about where the future of Twin Oaks, specifically the Uprising, is headed under his Christ-centered leadership.  

With all of that being said, Jenny and I must regretfully inform you that as of July 24th I have resigned as the Student Ministries Pastor here at Twin Oaks CC.  Jenny and I will be pursuing a job opportunity for her in the graphic design field in Indianapolis, IN effective immediately.  We have spent the last two weeks praying over this decision and although it hurts us so much to leave a church family that has been so loving and wonderful, we are 100% positive that this is what/where God is calling our family to next.  Jenny and I are still very much looking forward to spending a week with your students in the Dominican Republic as well as finishing the summer Uprising Events, but our final Sunday will be August 25th, 2013. 

It has been such a blessing to come under the leadership of an dynamic Pastor and staff.  We could not be more heart-broken to leave a church family that is truly doing the work that God has called them to.  I fully trust that God has already ordained the next Student Ministries Pastor for the position and I am so excited to see the powerful impact Pastor Randy and this entire church family is going to have on this community despite our departure.  

You all have been so loving toward us and we could not be more honored to have spent the time getting to know Randy, the Elders, and our entire team.  You all are such amazing men and women of God.  

God Bless, 

Alec M. Tod 

So Many Books...

If you know me at all, you know how much I love to read.  There is nothing like grabbing your favorite coffee and your favorite book (not to mention highlighter) and studying.  I have spent much of my summer doing just that as I have slowly finishing the books I have in my library in the hopes that in the next couple of years I will have all of my books read.  Here is a list of some recommended reading I would suggest if you are looking for something to get you through until the school year or to lead you into the great winter months.

1.  Altar Ego - Craig Groeschel

2.  Draw the Circle (40 Day Prayer Challenge) - Mark Batterson

3.  Deep & Wide - Andy Stanley

4.  Everyday Church - Chester & Timms

5.  Love Like Jesus - Judah Smith

These are just a couple of some amazing books that I strongly suggest you grab a copy of.  Each of these men has inspired me in a way that I could not image always pointing the finger at God for their success and most of all drawing me closer to my creator.  That is what I am so blessed with, not the knowledge, but the relationship with my loving God that is a product of this.



till another day,





normallyINDIE.

Let Go & Let God...

I had the honor and privilege of taking 11 High School students & 5 adults to CIY Move in Holland, MI this past week.  For those of you who don't know, Move is a Nationwide HS week of worship that takes place at numerous locations throughout the summer months.  It has been going on for many years now and more specifically I have been going to CIY Move since the summer of 2005 (5 Times as a student, 3 times as a leader, missing 2011 & 2012).  This week of worship, intentional growth, and fellowship was one of the most formidable weeks of my teenage years, therefore I jumped at the possibility of leading a group of students from the Uprising.

After lack of interest forced us to lower our numbers, I was discouraged wonder whether it was even worth it for us to go on the trip all together.  But the second I stepped onto the campus, boy was I wrong.  God began working in my heart, our adults' hearts, and in the hearts of our students immediatly.  Little did we know that we would have the opportunity by the end of the week to baptize 5 students, 2 students rededicate their lives, and 6 students commit to full-time vocational ministry.  Here is just a glimpse of the week that changed the Uprising forever.

This was just a glimpse into the amazing week that our students and adults had at CIY Move.  I encourage you to check out The Uprising on Facebook or Instagram (@uprising_sm) as well as get in touch with some of the students that went on the trip.  Ask them about their experience and I am sure you will be encouraged.  

till another day, 

normallyINDIE 

the Modern Christian...

I recently had the honor of preaching a 2 week series at Twin Oaks CC centered on the idea of modern day christianity.  God has recently put a lot of feelings on my heart regarding the "christian" world's interaction with the real world and how most of the time that is limiting the gospel.  Here is the graphic that went along with the series as well as the videos from both weeks.  Enjoy:

Designed by Turquoise Feathers Studio, LLC. 

5/19/13 - The Modern Christian - How the World Sees Us

5/26/13 - The Modern Christian - How we Must Respond

till another day, 

normallyINDIE 

Wet Feet...

If you haven't already, I strongly urge you to purchase the book Circle Maker by Mark Batterson.  It is a great story about a faith journey for National Community Church.  Most of all it teaches us as pastor to reinvent the way that we pray and the way that we interact with our Lord.  But what I have found most recently is the way that I pray is being forever changed.  The way I think about my relationship with God is coming alive through the way that I communicate with him.

I just recently started the Draw the Circle 40 Day Prayer Challenge that is laid out in the book and the companion.  Reading today I found a text that was so empowering.  That is the story of the Israelities crossing the Jordan River.

It is explained that the Israelities were making along journey to the promise land and they were on the cusp of finally making it there and the only thing that stood in their way was the mighty Jordan River during flood season.  This was the most intimidating thing that they faced since the parting of the Red Sea.  Yet another daunting task that they had to face in order to achieve what God called them to.  But what is interesting about this story is that God called the Israelities to take the first step.  He promised them that when they go their feet wet, the River would be stopped and they would walk across on dry ground.  Therefore they had a decision to make, would they wait for God to make something happen before or would they be willing to get their feet wet and make the first move.

This is the issue that rescinates so much with my life because so much of the time what God is calling me to is so close, but I spend my life waiting for God to make the first move, when in fact God is waiting on me to get my feet wet.  I don't know how close I have been to the dreams God has ordained me for and I am waiting for him to move.  But this text suggests something so different.  That is the idea that sometimes, God is waiting for us to step out in faith and say "I know it doesn't look like it now, but if I get my feet wet and step into the raging Jordan, then you will complete your side of the bargain and allow us to walk on dry ground."  How many times are we waiting for God's will to be revealed in our lives when in fact God is waiting for us to step out in faith, so that he could then reveal his will in us?

What things are holding you back from truly stepping into the river and saying God I am ready and willing for you to part it.  So much of the time we spend our time so close to our dreams when in fact they are there for the taking if we are willing to make the first move.

God is saying it is time for us to move, are you willing to take the first step and truly get your feet WET.



till another day,




normallyINDIE.

My Little Brother...

Last week my wife and I had the privilege of being apart of my little brother Zachary's High School Graduation.  I guess what seems to baffle me most is the fact that he is old enough to graduate High School.  To me my little brother will always be just that, my little brother.  The person I talk with, the person who is my best friend, the person who was the best man at my wedding, and the person I will care for till the end of my days.  We have spent so much time together over the years and despite the fact that we are 5 years apart, we have always had a bond like no other.  A bond that can only be understand if you have a brother or sister of your own.  

But of course, my brother is no longer little.  He is actually a couple inches taller than me and I am pretty sure he can now beat me at basketball.  He has a girlfriend, Lindsey Peoples, of 10 month who is a great addition to our family, he as agreed to pursue of life of ministry at Johnson University in Knoxville, TN, and he could not be more wacky (check out his posts on vine).  But despite all of that, what I love most about my brother is he has never been afraid to be himself.  He would never change his character or personality for anyone and if you didn't like it, well then tough luck.  I admire that in him and strive to be more like that in my life.  I strive to stick to my convictions and character even when it is not the popular thing to do.  I strive to be the person God has created me to be, preach the word God has created me to preach, and lead my family the way God has called me to lead.  He may not know it, but I learn that from him and I look up to him everyday of my life.  I admire is outlook on life, I admire his courage, and I most of all admire his heart for relationships.  

Zachy, I am so excited for you and your future in ministry and in life.  I want you to know that I have and always will look up to you and most of all, no matter what, I am here for you.  You and Lindsay will always have a home at the Tod household (Alec & Jenny Edition) and we will care for you no matter what.  Thank you for your fortitude, your leadership, and your example.  I am so excited to be able to say I will have a true brother in ministry and I am here for you as you begin your journey.  I love you. 

Jenny, Alec, Zachy, Lindsey

till another day, 

normallyINDIE

InstaUpdate...

Every once in awhile I like to do something I like to call an InstaUpdate on this blog.  That is just updating you on one of my favorite iOS apps that makes me feel like a real photographer (when in fact my pictures are awful).  I take pictures of about everything and enjoy seeing what my friends have to say both close friends and those famous people we all love to follow.  Here are a couple pictures from the past couple months that I especially liked.  Enjoy:

1st Tourney as the Assistant Golf Coach for Trenton HS

Inspired by Opening Day 2013 & the Struggle I have with living in Detroit, but loving the Cards

One of my new favorite hobbies.  Chemex & Toddy Iced Coffee

My Brother & I's Senior Bricks @ Normal West HS

The Environment @ the Uprising SM

Working on Golf Game, Shooting in the 70s

Keep up to date on all things normallyINDIE on twitter @normallyINDIE & instagram @normallyindie.  Be looking out for more blog updates to come.


till another day,





normallyINDIE

Trains, Trains, & More Trains...

We had the opportunity this past weekend to head down to Indianapolis with 4 student leaders from the Uprising to begin our first annual student leadership trip.  We ventured down to Downtown Indianapolis, IN and stayed at the Crown Plaza Union Station hotel.  If you are familiar with the Union Station, you know that it is a working train station & you can hear the sounds of trains throughout the night (sometimes scary, but very cool) you can also have the chance to stay in a repurposed train car.  Although we did not get a chance to stay in the actual train car we did get to act like we were fresh out of a Harry Potter movie :).

Although the trains were great, we had much more in store with this adventure to Indianapolis.  Starting in January of this year we begin to meet together with a group of student leaders from the Uprising Student Ministries.  We meet once a week to develop and grow as leaders and have the opportunity lead our Growth Groups which happen every other week on Sunday Night.  These are groups that are 100% student led and are great opportunities for students to grow as they are being taught by other students.

In Indianapolis, we were gifted with the opportunity to spend some time with Shane Combs who is the Director of Student Ministries at Bridgeway Community Church in Fishers, IN.  He is not only the pastor at this church, but is a great friend and brother in Christ.  I have had the honor of working with him in the past and could not have been happier to invite him to join us.

Shane Combs had so many great things to share with our students, but I would like to share with you some keys that stuck out to me as he shared them to us.

First of all in order to be a Leader you must first be a follower.  It is important to look at the leaders of the bible and realize first that they had to be leaders in order to understand how to be a leader.  Some keys he had the students write down were as follows

1.  Must be ALERT
        Be aware of What Jesus is doing in your life & your ministry
2.  Must be BRAVE
         What if no one else believes in Jesus, would you still follow him
3.  Committed
          You are so crazy, zealous that you will follow even to the point that it seems crazy

He also shared in our second session some nuggets that were important to keep in mind as our students lead our ministry.  They are as follows:

1.  Leaders Lead
        Leaders do just that, there is no time off of being a leader.  If you are a true leader you ALWAYS      
2.  Law of the Lid
        You will never be able to lead someone past the point of your leadership, must continue to learn
3.  What you allow to be inspected, will be expected
         Must let someone into what is wrong w/ you, a mentor that can push you and teach you

These were just a few of the points that he was able to share with our students and they were so motivated by his wisdom and knowledge when it came to student leadership.  I am so excited to see them implement what they learned into their daily lives.  God is doing some great things in our students lives and I am so excited to be apart of it.



till another day,




normallyINDIE.

Can't stop singing...

As a celebration for the fact that the weather is nice and I just got my driver's side window fixed (now It rolls down again), I wanted to put together a list of songs that I just cannot stop singing.  Some of them are really embarrassing, but that is my life.  Some of them are from some great friends of mine and some of them are from some people I wish were great friends of mine.  Either way I hope you will enjoy them, download them, and support the artists that created them.  Here goes: 

1.  Same Love - Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis (feat. Mary Lambert) - The Heist 

2.  Mirrors - Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience

3.  10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) - Rend Collective Experiment - Campfire 

4.  Noises - Mike Mains & the Branches - Calm Down, Everything is Fine (Not Yet Released)

5.  Preacher - OneRepublic - Native 

6.  Relentless - Hillsong United - Zion 

7.  My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark - Fall Out Boy - Save Rock and Roll 

8.  Stay - Rihanna (feat. Mikky Ekko) - Unapologetic 

9.  Home - Belle Histoire - Dreamers 

10.  White Sands - Mount Moriah - Miracle Temple 

All of these records are great and I am so excited to keep belting them out with the windows rolled down as the warm weather continues to roll in.  Make sure and comment below with your list of songs you just love to belt out.  Also, an extra shout out to Belle Histoire & Mike Mains & the Branches.  These are two great bands from Cincinnati and Michigan that are trying to make a living doing what they love.  I have had the honor of meeting them before and they are some great guys.  You would never go wrong grabbing any of their stuff.  

till another day, 

normallyINDIE. 

The Masters...

If you know me or know a golfer you probably know what the word "Masters" means.  It may seem like a mundane word that describes someone who is at the top of their field (whatever that may be), but for a golfer "The Masters" caps the best week of the year.

Early in April every year the best of the best in the sport of golf are invited to pay homage to the great Bobby Jones as they compete in the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in August, GA.  Since 1934, this tournament has invited the best of the best to play in an invitation only event at the most prestigious golf clubs in the world.  Augusta National Golf club is a special place where only the privileged have been given the opportunity to play its beautifully landscaped 18 holes.  It is not like your local club even in the slightest bit, in order to become a member you must be invited.  After being invited the fees are anywhere from $10,000 - $30,000, thus allowing the best of the best in their field to be members.  Each member has the ability to play the course as well as attend the Masters tournament, but they are only able to invite one guest.  The guest you invite must pass a rigorous background check as well as leave all electronics in their room when they go out to play.  There are no cart paths and caddies are given to each member each round.  It brings the tradition back to playing a round of golf and it is truly the way golf should be played.

The other way to become a member at the most prestigious golf club in the world is win the Masters tournament each year.  As a winner of the tournament, you are now a member for life, given a members Green Jacket, and having a permanent spot in the Champions locker room of the Augusta National clubhouse.  So many amazing golfers call that locker room home the likes of Gene Sarezen, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Jack Nicholas, Nick Faldo, Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson, just to name a few.  It is an amazing place and it is an amazing honor to call yourself a champion that every golfer dreams of.

I had the amazing honor of being able to attend the 2008 Masters with my dad and it was truly magical.  My words cannot accurately describe how powerful the experience truly was and I will forever indebted to my dad for giving me that opportunity.  I am going to do my best to describe my experience, here it goes.

You drive up the grounds and cannot see anything by 15 foot tall privacy bushes, not allowing you to see any of what is behind it until you drive in.  You walk up to the course and it is like you are in another world, one side of the bushes is busy streets, city life, then you walk in and you are in a whole new place.   There are beautiful trees as far as the eye can see, the grass is the greenest it can be, flowers in perfect bloom, truly magical.  You then walk even further and you walk past the tournament gates onto the perfectly mowed grass of Augusta National.  You see the putting green to your left, with the clubhouse beside and the first tee just ahead.  The television does not do it justice, because the colors are unlike anything else I have ever seen.  I have played hundreds of rounds of golf and never in my life have I seen the purist color green in my life.  You walk the fairways and you see that they look like they have jumped out of a painting.  Not one blade of grass is miss cut, the pine straw is always in its' place, the leaves never fall where they shouldn't, the sand is as white as snow,there are never divots on the perfect greens, and the water is as clear as looking in a mirror.  The fairways are sloped, the rough is thick, the greens are fast and the water is a factor like never before.  It is a picture of what I believe heaven would be like someday (if God were a golfer).  This is how God would design his course and it is truly an amazing sight to see.  I will never forget the 2 days that I spent walking those grounds.

Below are some pictures from my experience at the Masters in 2008.

Par 3 12th Green

Par 3 16th Hole

Alec in front of the Main Patron Scoreboard near the First Tee

Tiger Woods @ the Short Game Practice Facility

Dad & I

Each it gets more excited to see the amazing golf tournament that is the Masters and to remember the experience I had at Augusta National.  If you are a golf fan, you must find a way to get there someday and even if you are not take some time to sit down and talk with a golf fan about the Masters means to them.  It is truly an amazing week and I am so excited to see it unfold.

Watch full coverage on www.masters.com, CBS, & ESPN.



till another day,




normallyINDIE

The Bible - Epic MiniSeries...

As many of you may know, The Bible has been center stage over the past 6 weeks and not just because it was Easter two weeks ago, but because the History Channel has aired a 10 part series on The Bible.  Nothing like this has been taken on before by a Director or a group of people, but they decided to take on the entire 66 books of the bible in a 10 hour miniseries.  A daunting task, but courageous to take it on.  

Many of my ministry friends had a lot to say about this series specifically with its' lack of accuracy with the actual scriptures and its' dramatic adaptions, but what I found to be true was that the scriptures were being put on center stage for the past 6 weeks and there were regard viewers like never before.  

As a student minister, I found the Bible miniseries not only to be good, but very beneficial for those I am trying to minister too on a regular basis.  Something that us in students ministries are fighting on a daily basis is the lack of comprehension or understanding of the scriptures.  We are constantly have to communicate and paint a picture from words on a page, that can sometimes be difficult to paint.  But the benefit behind this miniseries is that it does an amazing job of putting faces with the stories.  It allows those that are visual learners the opportunity to engage the scriptures in a new and powerful way.  Thus for those who learn in this way, making the excitement of the scriptures alive and rekindling that fire that may have been lost at a younger age.  

Like everything else that has been produced about the bible or an interpretation of the scriptures, we must understand just that.  It is an interpretation of the scriptures and the directors did not mean for it to be taken as 100% accurate.  They understood that they would be unable to tackle some big sections of the text as well as making some of it more dramatic than need be.  Some of the main concerns I heard from friends of mine was Samson's ethnicity, their accents, & the emphasis on Mary Magdalene.  What I have to say to all of that is that you are missing the bigger picture.  A layperson who has never read the bible in there life is not concerned as to whether Samson was a powerful, white, jewish man or whether Mary Magdalene spoke in a powerful way amongst the disciples, they are seeing the power of God found in the New Testament and ultimately the hope that comes with Jesus Christ.  

What I found to be true was that the powerful picture of Jesus' death and resurrection was depicted in an amazing way for billions of people to see, many of which will be changed by this.  I do believe that God is saying to us that through this series his name is being glorified.  Although there were some minor details that should have been fixed doesn't change the fact that the gospel was being preached in a new and powerful way.  It is important for us as pastors to recognize this importance, despite our scholarly criticism.  

till another day, 

normallyINDIE. 

Golf Season is Here...

Spring is upon us, the grass is starting to grow, and golf courses are starting to open.  Although it is still in the 30s here in Michigan, slowly but surely golf season is coming.  I have had the honor this year of helping to coach the Trenton HS boys golf team here in Michigan and I could not be more excited.  Nothing gets me driven to work on my game more than, working with others, especially students, to better their game.  It just brings a great start to an already great season that is golf season.  

Some things I would love to see happen this golf season are as follows: 

1.  Shoot Par 

2.  Hit all 18 Fairways in 1 Round 

3.  Play in 3 Amateur Tournaments 

4.  Teach 3 New Golf Clients 

5.  Play 20 Rounds of Golf 

6.  Help our team win the Church Scramble 

7.  Beat my Dad in an official 18 hole round 

8.  Teach my wife, Jenny, how to play the game 

9.  Enjoy myself every time I play 

These are just a few personal goals I would love to see happen as I begin my journey back to playing golf on a regular basis.  I have had a long career with some time off in between and I am hoping to get back to playing regularly.  This giving me the opportunity not only to work with the Trenton students, but also to have meaningful conversations.  There is just something about being on the golf course that truly reminds me of the majesty of our living God.  He created this wonderful world and for 4 hours I have the opportunity to walk, breath, smell, hear, see, everything that he has created.  It is truly a blessing.  

That is what I am looking forward to most as we begin golf season here in Michigan and I am so excited to share that with those i love. 

till another day, 

normallyINDIE. 

Cousin Eddie's Big Day...

I have had the honor of getting to know this man, my cousin, Edward J. Schmidt for the past 10 years of my life.  He is an amazing man of God and has always been one of the main influences in my life.  I am so honored and blessed to have him as a part of our family and could not be happier for his Ordination tomorrow.

Many of you reading this may have met Eddie before, but if you haven't let me explain a little bit about who this man is.

I first met Eddie in Shop class in 7th grade at Chiddix Junior High School.  At the time Eddie and I both were a bit nerdy, but he had a way with words and especially telling jokes.  He was definitely the class clown of the Chiddix Team Titans and was so funny to be around.  I continued to get to know Eddie as we both started to get involved with Remix, mentored under Joel Craig, at Eastview Christian Church, Normal, IL.  We went on our first missions trip together to Cincinnati, OH in 2003 (Know Sweat) followed by a trip to Mexico, 2 Trips to DR/Haiti, & 5 Trips to CIY Move.  We spent so many hours together getting to know each other, but it really wasn't until we decided that we were both going to Cincinnati Christian University that we became family.

At the time I did not know Eddie well, but we thought what the heck, we might as well room together.  There is no other people from our hometown going to CCU so at least we had that going for us.  We could not have been more right.  We spent the rest of our senior year/summer getting to know each other and by the time we came to CCU we were joined at the hip.

While at CCU we created traditions like Friday Naps, Movie Nights, & Roomie Playlists (Power of Love).  Not to mention became known as those "two annoying guys that always are with each other".  We were a lot to handle, but we had a group of friends that fit like a glove and we could not be happier to still have those relationships today.

Eddie then went our separate ways, as Eddie ventured off to Australia, England, & Florida, I went to work with Bloc Ministries, & met my beautiful wife Jenny in Indianapolis.

Our journeys have led us so many places (Detroit, MI), but one thing is for sure Eddie and I are family and we will stay that way.  Eddie is one of the most kind-hearted, genuine, loving, and comfortable people to be around.  He lights a room the second he walks in and he is a diligent scholar when it comes to understanding God's word.  I look up to him in so many ways and I am so honored to call him my brother in Christ.

Eddie, I am so happy for you and congratulations on your ordination.  Welcome to the ministry my friend and it is going to be such an exciting journey.  One thing is for sure, there will be highs and lows, but you know that Jenny and I will always be here for you.  We love you so very much and couldn't be more proud of our cousin Eddie.



till another day,



normallyINDIE

The Uprising (Update)...

As you may know,  I am currently the Student Ministries Pastor at Twin Oaks Christian Church meaning I am the director of the Uprising Student Ministries.  It is an amazing ministry dedicated to creating a movement of middle school & high school students that are fearlessly making known the gospel in Detroit.  I have been blessed with the opportunity to work in a place like this and most of all be a part of some great student's lives.  I continue to thank God everyday for the opportunities my wife and I have been given.  That being said, I would like to give you a little update on how everything is going and what we have to look forward to in the future.

The Uprising is currently running between 20 - 30 Middle School & High School Students at our Sunday evening service.  We have had 2 - 3 new students consistently for the last month and God is truly blessing us with life change amongst the students that we currently have.  We have been very patient with this growth and our staff is hoping to continue to cultivate and make the best of the situation we are apart of.  We are currently running a Sunday night service that is similar to a church setting with a bit of a twist of fun, food, and shot's at the pot (currently at $40 in Amazon.com gift cards).  Every other sunday night we run our small group programming called Growth Groups.  This is a pilot program that has our student leadership team leading each small group that is segregated based on grade.  It has been an amazing outlet for those that are otherwise outspoken and a good opportunity to dissect what is being said during the sermons and how it applies to their lives.

Looking forward, we are currently in the middle of our fundraising for our Dominican Republic Missions team that will be headed to Hato Del Yaque in August.  Are number to raise is currently at $11,000 and we are so excited to see how God provides for us in the coming months to make this trip happen.  I am so excited for that opportunity for our 4 students.  We are also going to be headed to CIY Move in July.  This will be my 8th Trip to Move & first in 3 years, I could not be more excited to see old friends, see God move amongst our students, and lead our group to make some amazing decisions for God.

God is doing so many amazing things amongst our students and I cannot begin to describe to you all that is taking place.  I am so honored to be serving God in this way and I am so excited to continue to work in his ministry.  It is truly an honor to be apart of his ministry and I am truly blessed.



till another day,



normallyINDIE

Bearing Fruit...

As many of you know, I had the opportunity speak at Twin Oaks CC's main stage.  It was an amazing opportunity to speak to our members that I do not always get.  I had the chance to not only speak to our students and their parents, but also a ton of new visitors that were excited to try our church for the first time.  We are currently in our 40 Days in the Word series this past week being Meaning of the Text.

It was an amazing opportunity to speak to our church and most of all to go through the text of John 15. Never before did I fully think about what it meant to bear fruit and the fact that Jesus has called all of his disciples to do so.  I understood that we need to "bear fruit" we are told that hundreds of times, but never did I really look into the text to understand how to do that.  What I found was amazing.  Like the majority of our faith, it comes down to the idea of remaining in Christ, taking up residency in his arms.  That being the case we will bear fruit, we will see God's glory, and his joy will be made complete in us.  It is as simple as that and the simplicity behind this idea just makes my life that much better.

I serve a creator that has made himself available to us all through is word and I am so excited to continue on this journey of discovery.  If you would like to listen to the message from Twin Oaks CC Click Here



till another day,



normallyINDIE