If any of you have paid attention lately to the Ministry world, you have probably heard of the Elevation Church in North Carolina (if I am not mistaken). He started that church after many years of dreaming, hoping, questioning, and trusting God. Just 6 years later he is worshipping with 10,000 believers from the area, not to mention millions around the world through their digital footprint. It is so exciting to see a guy that is committed to the call God has given him to do some amazing things including ministering to a church he attends as well as to the people that are listening, reading, and watching him speak.
A couple of years ago he released a book called, "Sun Stand Still" that challenged its' readers to believe like Joshua did when he asked the sun to literally stand still. The amazing thing in that story is that God came through, supernaturally. He challenged me to personally start challenging God to answer supernatural prayers that if they were answered could only be pointed back to him. This book changed the way I thought about the idea of dreaming, prayer, and a passionate relationship with God.
Most recently, Steven Furtick released a second book entitled "Greater", this time challenging his readers to realize that their life is and will be greater than they could ever imagine if they merely obeyed, sacrificed, and faith in the fact that God has called them to do something.
Beside the fact that his writing style makes it easy for even a new believer to get engaged, it is a book that does not leave you thinking that you have it all figured out. It does the exact opposite. As you will see in the next two blog posts, this book challenged me to rethink what I am doing in my life. It made me ask the question, "How am I leading my students that God has blessed me to minister to live a much greater life?" This book challenged me to question how I am living my life today. Am I really living the greater life God has called me to? Where will I be in 50 years and at that point will I feel that I truly capitalized on all that God has given me? Will Jesus say come join me in paradise good and faithful servant?
These are just a few of the questions that will surely come to mind as you read through this book and if you are someone who wants to take their life with God to another level, I strongly suggest getting a copy of both "Sun Stand Still" & "Greater" by Steven Furtick. Allow the writings of a great man of God change the relationship that you have with Christ.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Indie Thoughts // Normal Mind
Showing posts with label Trust. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trust. Show all posts
Monday, November 5, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Our First Home...
It has been quite awhile since I have been able to blog, but I am going to promise you that will stop this week. I will begin back on my weekly tradition this week.
From where I left off, my beautiful wife Jennifer and I had a pretty big decision to make. Beginning of August we were approached by a Pastor in Michigan about the opportunity for a position in youth ministry. From the very beginning of conversations with Randy Wheeler we were excited about the opportunity, but most of all saddened by the fact that it meant we would be leaving our home in Cincinnati.
I started my time at Groesbeck Church in January of 2012 fresh out of college and ready to see what God had in store. I could not have asked for more. My time spent at Groesbeck was great and an amazing learning experience as I had an opportunity to work with some great students and volunteers at the After School Program as well as mold the minds of our six student leaders. Nothing excited me more than to see the passion in the eyes of the students of CHAOS//Student Ministries. It truly was a wonderful experience.
But as you know, we felt that when we were offered the position of Student Ministries Pastor at Twin Oaks Christian Church we truly felt that God was calling us out of our ministry at Groesbeck and to partner with him in a new city, a new church, and a new home. It was a huge risk, but my wife and I find that the best situations always come out of a little risk.
Therefore, as of August 31st, 2012 we began to call Southgate, MI and Twin Oaks Christian Church our home.
Again, Groesbeck Church, thank you so much for the hospitality, the friendship, the love, and the fun that we had with you all for a short time. We will be praying for you and the journey that you guys are on.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
From where I left off, my beautiful wife Jennifer and I had a pretty big decision to make. Beginning of August we were approached by a Pastor in Michigan about the opportunity for a position in youth ministry. From the very beginning of conversations with Randy Wheeler we were excited about the opportunity, but most of all saddened by the fact that it meant we would be leaving our home in Cincinnati.
I started my time at Groesbeck Church in January of 2012 fresh out of college and ready to see what God had in store. I could not have asked for more. My time spent at Groesbeck was great and an amazing learning experience as I had an opportunity to work with some great students and volunteers at the After School Program as well as mold the minds of our six student leaders. Nothing excited me more than to see the passion in the eyes of the students of CHAOS//Student Ministries. It truly was a wonderful experience.
But as you know, we felt that when we were offered the position of Student Ministries Pastor at Twin Oaks Christian Church we truly felt that God was calling us out of our ministry at Groesbeck and to partner with him in a new city, a new church, and a new home. It was a huge risk, but my wife and I find that the best situations always come out of a little risk.
Therefore, as of August 31st, 2012 we began to call Southgate, MI and Twin Oaks Christian Church our home.
Again, Groesbeck Church, thank you so much for the hospitality, the friendship, the love, and the fun that we had with you all for a short time. We will be praying for you and the journey that you guys are on.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Just another week...
Yes, it is the middle of August 2012 and there is really not much to talk about in life. We are in the midst of something amazing here at Groesbeck Church with a rebranding campaign in full swing. We are just one month away from the relaunch of our Contemporary Service at 11:00am on Sundays and we could not be more excited about the opportunities that are going to come our way as we begin to serve the church.
But when I really think about it...what seems to keep coming to my mind is why we do what we do? What is the purpose of living a life as a pastor to a congregation of people who are looking for something. It is really just that. All of us inside are seeking something in our lives whether it be fame, fortune, love, happiness, but all of those things still really cannot fill the void that seems to get more vast every second of every day. That is the amazing gift that we pastors have the opportunity to share on a weekly basis.
The idea that hope can be find in a relationship with Christ Jesus and Christ Jesus alone. It makes all those other things seem insignificant. It brings to light the reason that we pastors stay up late and wake up early, visit the sick, preach on sundays, counsel during the week, because there is a community we are a part of that is looking for something. We have that something and it is our job to show that to them.
God has revealed in me that despite all things, he power and hope reigns true in all things. It is an exciting feeling and most of all a feeling that makes me want to drive to work every morning. A feeling that excites me when I have the chance to interact with students. A chance that excites me when I am able to share the gospel with a student and they get it. There is not a better feeling in life then knowing that you shared the gift of life with someone, the gift of life in Jesus Christ.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Monday, May 21, 2012
802 Main St...
As you know my beautiful wife and I have had the amazing opportunity of moving into a wonderful new city, the city of Cincinnati. With this comes new places to see, eat, drink, listen, play, etc. Therefore this blog is dedicated to those places.
Coffee Shops
We live just south of Over the Rhine (one of the best districts to live in in Cincinnati) and there are some great coffee shops in this area. There is always Starbuck's on fifth street, but what I find to be the best in the area is Coffee Emporium. This is a staple in the area located on Central Parkway and it comes with a full roaster as well as breakfast bar on the weekends. They always have great local coffee brewing, the best chocolate chip cookies I have ever had (a meal in itself), and not to mention outside seating that gives you the opportunity to sip on a cup and check out the great city. Next is Iris Book Cafe, just a little bit further down Main St. Tucked in between a great group of stores in OTR you will find some wonderful vegan food options as well as some great brewed iced teas and coffees.
Dining Spots
We have begun the practice of a date night once a week where we are able to get out of the house and check out a new local place. Our top spots so far have been Arnold's (the oldest bar in Cincinnati), Cincy by the Slice, and especially Graeter's Ice cream. Each of these place's has there speciality and we continue to try new things each time we go, especially graeter's.
These are just a couple of our favorite places in Cincinnati. We are so excited to continue to try new things and venture out on journeys across the city. Keep checking up and look at what is happening in our world.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
50 and counting...
Almost 11 months ago I set out on a mission to write a blog post once a week, and although there have a few weeks where it has not been a priority (finals week, wedding, honeymoon) I did seem to find a way to catch up and always stay on pace to reach my goal. I am proud to say that although I have yet to hit the 1 year mark I have hit 50. That's right 50 posts (1 each week for the last 50 weeks).
Now for many of you this may just be a blog therefore what's the big deal when you read 50 posts. But for me this is a journal that goes through the moments of my life that have been influential from moving to Indianapolis, to marrying my wonderful wife, and ultimately moving back to Cincinnati to pursue a career in ministry.
As I look back on all 50 of these posts, I see high points during this year as well as low points that deserve a moment of reflection, each in their own special way. I have changed over these past 50 posts and it can be seen through my writing and studying.
If anything, this blog has been an outlet for me to speak my mind to whoever is listening, but most of all share my concerns about this world with the Lord. There is something truly freeing about putting words to a page. It trully can be a form of medication for a person that is struggling with anything from doubt to depression and happiness to joy.
I pray that over the next 50 posts I continuelly to see my life changed as well as the lives of others around me to be changed, not because I can write words to a page, but because the living God speaks through me. That is my prayer for this blog and my prayer for the community I am apart of, that they would all, someday be transformed by the power of the Gospel.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Now for many of you this may just be a blog therefore what's the big deal when you read 50 posts. But for me this is a journal that goes through the moments of my life that have been influential from moving to Indianapolis, to marrying my wonderful wife, and ultimately moving back to Cincinnati to pursue a career in ministry.
As I look back on all 50 of these posts, I see high points during this year as well as low points that deserve a moment of reflection, each in their own special way. I have changed over these past 50 posts and it can be seen through my writing and studying.
If anything, this blog has been an outlet for me to speak my mind to whoever is listening, but most of all share my concerns about this world with the Lord. There is something truly freeing about putting words to a page. It trully can be a form of medication for a person that is struggling with anything from doubt to depression and happiness to joy.
I pray that over the next 50 posts I continuelly to see my life changed as well as the lives of others around me to be changed, not because I can write words to a page, but because the living God speaks through me. That is my prayer for this blog and my prayer for the community I am apart of, that they would all, someday be transformed by the power of the Gospel.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Monday, March 5, 2012
To Your Story...
Last night at CHAOS//Sunday Night Benji and I led the students through an exercise as a part of our Crash Series (series dedicated to shamelessly pursuing the mission of Jesus Christ). We encouraged the students to ask themselves a few questions about their relationship with Jesus and in the midst of this establish their story. This practice is not something revolutionary to the church, but it is a form of evangelism that seems to be effective when it comes to truly loving people in the name of Christ. With this being said, we asked them to think about what their lives were like in these three situations
Before they met Jesus
When they met Jesus
After they met Jesus
Each of these stages of their lives, no matter where they were in their relationship with Jesus, brought to life some important ideas and reflections. But it got me thinking about my story, so I thought I would share it with you.
Before I met Jesus...
I was raised with two parents that felt it would be beneficial for us to go to church. Therefore, my family and I attended Harvest Christian Church in St. Charles, MO. This was the place I was introduced to the idea of church and what it meant to be a regular church member (not necessarily a follower of Christ, for I was still 5 years old when we attended here), but this was the place my mother decided to follow Christ for the first time. It was a long journey for her, but you will have to ask her for her story. Shortly after this my father got a job in Wellington, FL and we were off. Our next stop in this journey of faith was at New Hope Community Church. This is where much of my religious beginning took place. I began to realize what the bible was, who God was, and Jesus' purpose for coming to this earth.
When I met Jesus...
Only a few years later, I attended a Vacation Bible School (super cheesy I know), and during their invitation time with my group, I found myself walking toward the front of the room. I was not sure why, but I merely felt a tug on my heart that being in relationship with Jesus was the purpose of our lives here on Earth. It was like that missing piece that I did not even know was missing was finally in my grasp. Little did I know, my father was attending a Promise Keepers event in Atlanta, GA and during the same week he encountered Christ for the first time. He too chose to follow Christ with his life, giving me the push I needed to follow in his footsteps and be baptized into the faith. There is just something about a father son relationship that brought us together that day and I will never forget it.
After I met Jesus...
Although I was now in relationship with the savior of the world, I was quickly learning that there were a lot of problems in this world and I was going to have to suffer through a lot. Just a few years later we were relocated away from our church home back up north to Illinois. This was especially hard for our family because we truly felt our family was in Florida, but we chose to trust God and he brought us, as a family, to Bloomington-Normal, IL. We then found a church home at Eastview Christian Church and me with OASIS Student Ministries. These years in Junior High and High School are what led me to believe that the Lord was calling me into vocational full-time ministry. Before this was able to happen, I had to endure some suffering. During my 8th Grade & Freshman year of high school, I struggled with severe anxiety and depression. It was a long battle that God led me through, but as he finally did, he set on my heart that I would never allow a student to feel inferior or worthless. But now it was my job to teach students of the hope and power that comes through a relationship with the living God. Through much prayer and conversations with men I trust, I came to the conclusion that I would pursue a degree in youth ministry from Cincinnati Christian University. It was at this point that Jesus truly made me into the man I am today. At college, I was given the opportunity to work with Bloc Ministries in Price Hill and for some reason he gave me a hurt for the intercity students in Cincinnati. Not to mention he allowed me the privilege to marry the most amazing partner in ministry Jennifer Schroeder (#31012). As I continued on my journey the Lord led me to Groesbeck United Methodist Church and CHAOS//SM to do ministry alongside Benji Sayre and the rest of the staff at Groesbeck. TO BE CONTINUED...
As I look back at my story I hope that it will change of the lives of those who read it, not because it is about me, but because it will show people the power of the cross and the redemption that is found in a relationship with Jesus. I pray that as you read this you begin to write your story for the Lord is speaking to you everyday and even today he is adding a line to the poem that is our lives.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Before they met Jesus
When they met Jesus
After they met Jesus
Each of these stages of their lives, no matter where they were in their relationship with Jesus, brought to life some important ideas and reflections. But it got me thinking about my story, so I thought I would share it with you.
Before I met Jesus...
I was raised with two parents that felt it would be beneficial for us to go to church. Therefore, my family and I attended Harvest Christian Church in St. Charles, MO. This was the place I was introduced to the idea of church and what it meant to be a regular church member (not necessarily a follower of Christ, for I was still 5 years old when we attended here), but this was the place my mother decided to follow Christ for the first time. It was a long journey for her, but you will have to ask her for her story. Shortly after this my father got a job in Wellington, FL and we were off. Our next stop in this journey of faith was at New Hope Community Church. This is where much of my religious beginning took place. I began to realize what the bible was, who God was, and Jesus' purpose for coming to this earth.
When I met Jesus...
Only a few years later, I attended a Vacation Bible School (super cheesy I know), and during their invitation time with my group, I found myself walking toward the front of the room. I was not sure why, but I merely felt a tug on my heart that being in relationship with Jesus was the purpose of our lives here on Earth. It was like that missing piece that I did not even know was missing was finally in my grasp. Little did I know, my father was attending a Promise Keepers event in Atlanta, GA and during the same week he encountered Christ for the first time. He too chose to follow Christ with his life, giving me the push I needed to follow in his footsteps and be baptized into the faith. There is just something about a father son relationship that brought us together that day and I will never forget it.
After I met Jesus...
Although I was now in relationship with the savior of the world, I was quickly learning that there were a lot of problems in this world and I was going to have to suffer through a lot. Just a few years later we were relocated away from our church home back up north to Illinois. This was especially hard for our family because we truly felt our family was in Florida, but we chose to trust God and he brought us, as a family, to Bloomington-Normal, IL. We then found a church home at Eastview Christian Church and me with OASIS Student Ministries. These years in Junior High and High School are what led me to believe that the Lord was calling me into vocational full-time ministry. Before this was able to happen, I had to endure some suffering. During my 8th Grade & Freshman year of high school, I struggled with severe anxiety and depression. It was a long battle that God led me through, but as he finally did, he set on my heart that I would never allow a student to feel inferior or worthless. But now it was my job to teach students of the hope and power that comes through a relationship with the living God. Through much prayer and conversations with men I trust, I came to the conclusion that I would pursue a degree in youth ministry from Cincinnati Christian University. It was at this point that Jesus truly made me into the man I am today. At college, I was given the opportunity to work with Bloc Ministries in Price Hill and for some reason he gave me a hurt for the intercity students in Cincinnati. Not to mention he allowed me the privilege to marry the most amazing partner in ministry Jennifer Schroeder (#31012). As I continued on my journey the Lord led me to Groesbeck United Methodist Church and CHAOS//SM to do ministry alongside Benji Sayre and the rest of the staff at Groesbeck. TO BE CONTINUED...
As I look back at my story I hope that it will change of the lives of those who read it, not because it is about me, but because it will show people the power of the cross and the redemption that is found in a relationship with Jesus. I pray that as you read this you begin to write your story for the Lord is speaking to you everyday and even today he is adding a line to the poem that is our lives.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Down to Single Digits...
If you have been following either or our blogs for the last year and a half you know that Jennifer Schroeder of Turquoise Feathers and Alec Tod of normallyINDIE are tying the knot in just 9 days. This marks the end of a very long journey that began way back when in October of 2008 when I first laid eyes of my future bride. It has been a long 3.5 years since that first day we met, but we have made it here and I could not be happier.
Not only is this a journey that is coming to an end, but it is launching a much longer journey that was ordained by God. It is launching into and eternity of love that we will be spending together. An eternity of love that will be modeled after the unconditional love that is found in the arms of Jesus Christ.
But that is all good and swell, but it has not been an easy road to get to where we are today. It has taken growth, a humble spirit, prayer, love, and commitment to get to where we are today. But most of all it has taken sacrifice. Not the easy stuff that most people think of like giving up the remote, food choices, money, or radio stations (although all of those do happen), it has taken the denying of myself for the betterment of my bride. For she is just that, my bride that, like Jesus does for the church, I must sacrifice myself for her betterment. It takes the sacrifice of dreams, future plans, and job choices for the betterment of her. But I know what many of you will say, why would anyone get married when you have to give up everything that you hold dear and I would have this to say to the skeptic. There is nothing like giving up everything for another person, only for them to do the same for you. Just as I have given up my dreams, future, and jobs for the betterment of Jennifer, Jennifer has denied herself only to support me. She has sacrificially trusted the Lord with our relationship even to the point of moving from her home for the past 22 years to start a new home with me here in Cincinnati, OH. She did not do so because there was something in it for her or because she was forced, it did so because she, like me, has chosen everyday to deny herself for me.
That is why people who fall in love, stay with one another for all of eternity. They have realized that they must wake up everyday and deny themselves for the betterment of the love of their lives. For there is nothing better than giving your life to someone and them doing the same.
So as I prepare to read my vows of promise to my future bride, today I vow that I will deny myself for Jennifer only to wake up tomorrow and do it all over again.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Not only is this a journey that is coming to an end, but it is launching a much longer journey that was ordained by God. It is launching into and eternity of love that we will be spending together. An eternity of love that will be modeled after the unconditional love that is found in the arms of Jesus Christ.
But that is all good and swell, but it has not been an easy road to get to where we are today. It has taken growth, a humble spirit, prayer, love, and commitment to get to where we are today. But most of all it has taken sacrifice. Not the easy stuff that most people think of like giving up the remote, food choices, money, or radio stations (although all of those do happen), it has taken the denying of myself for the betterment of my bride. For she is just that, my bride that, like Jesus does for the church, I must sacrifice myself for her betterment. It takes the sacrifice of dreams, future plans, and job choices for the betterment of her. But I know what many of you will say, why would anyone get married when you have to give up everything that you hold dear and I would have this to say to the skeptic. There is nothing like giving up everything for another person, only for them to do the same for you. Just as I have given up my dreams, future, and jobs for the betterment of Jennifer, Jennifer has denied herself only to support me. She has sacrificially trusted the Lord with our relationship even to the point of moving from her home for the past 22 years to start a new home with me here in Cincinnati, OH. She did not do so because there was something in it for her or because she was forced, it did so because she, like me, has chosen everyday to deny herself for me.
That is why people who fall in love, stay with one another for all of eternity. They have realized that they must wake up everyday and deny themselves for the betterment of the love of their lives. For there is nothing better than giving your life to someone and them doing the same.
So as I prepare to read my vows of promise to my future bride, today I vow that I will deny myself for Jennifer only to wake up tomorrow and do it all over again.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Time for a Change...
The last three months have brought a lot of excitement to Jennifer and I's life. We have been given the opportunity to live in a great apartment in the heart of Cincinnati, I have started the perfect job for me at Groesbeck United Methodist Church as their Community Youth Pastor, and not to mention we are getting married in just 10 days. With all of this has come a lot of excitement, sadness, and change, but despite all of this the Lord seems to always speak through those around us to encourage, lift up, and prove to us that he is in control.
This past sunday at Groesbeck we were blessed with the opportunity of hearing our denominational leaders speak to us in regards to what 5 things we do great, what 5 things we do not so great, and what 5 things will change our church for the better. They called the latter 5 prescriptions to bring this congregation out of a plateau and into a substational incline. For many people this can seem threatening, a group of outsiders telling us how to run our church, not gonna lie that is how I felt at the beginning. But I realized that all good businesses and organizations must go through a period of guidance and it is a huge blessing to have talented people help us reach more and more people with the gospel. I began to realize that my pride was hindering us from truly reaching the 2,200 students that go to Colerain HS for the gospel. But the Lord has given us a second chance to become a church that is most worried about the thousands of people that have never set foot in our doors, instead of the 300 that call this place home.
These prescriptions are not only a challenge, but they are just that a cure for the decline we have been facing. Although there could be a thousand reasons for where we are at as a church currently, those no longer matter. God has given us an amazing chance to take what we have been given, trust in him and run with it wholeheartedly.
For all of those that are reading this from Groesbeck UMC I promise to you all that no matter what happens on March 25th, I have trusted in the Lord with CHAOS//SM and in whatever direction he believes we should take it is the direction that it will be going. I have began running toward the Lord and I hope to bring as many of you a long as I can and I truly believe that these 5 prescriptions are like getting a brand new pair of running shoes. The Lord has given us an advantage, a head start, for this race he calls "spreading the gospel" and we need to tie those laces and start running.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
This past sunday at Groesbeck we were blessed with the opportunity of hearing our denominational leaders speak to us in regards to what 5 things we do great, what 5 things we do not so great, and what 5 things will change our church for the better. They called the latter 5 prescriptions to bring this congregation out of a plateau and into a substational incline. For many people this can seem threatening, a group of outsiders telling us how to run our church, not gonna lie that is how I felt at the beginning. But I realized that all good businesses and organizations must go through a period of guidance and it is a huge blessing to have talented people help us reach more and more people with the gospel. I began to realize that my pride was hindering us from truly reaching the 2,200 students that go to Colerain HS for the gospel. But the Lord has given us a second chance to become a church that is most worried about the thousands of people that have never set foot in our doors, instead of the 300 that call this place home.
These prescriptions are not only a challenge, but they are just that a cure for the decline we have been facing. Although there could be a thousand reasons for where we are at as a church currently, those no longer matter. God has given us an amazing chance to take what we have been given, trust in him and run with it wholeheartedly.
For all of those that are reading this from Groesbeck UMC I promise to you all that no matter what happens on March 25th, I have trusted in the Lord with CHAOS//SM and in whatever direction he believes we should take it is the direction that it will be going. I have began running toward the Lord and I hope to bring as many of you a long as I can and I truly believe that these 5 prescriptions are like getting a brand new pair of running shoes. The Lord has given us an advantage, a head start, for this race he calls "spreading the gospel" and we need to tie those laces and start running.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Book Review - Redemption by Mike Wilkerson...
As of recently I have spent some time being engaged by the Re:Lit group that is a part of the Crossway Publishing Company. Begin by Pastor Mark Driscoll, this program was built to collect a group of writers that are committed to speaking the truth about spiritual, biblical, and societal issues in a text format. Many of you may recognize this from the popular book Doctrine by Mark Driscoll. Although this book is on my list to read/purchase it is not the book I found myself reading recently. Instead, I got my hands on Redemption by Mike Wilkerson. Mike is a pastor at Seattle's Mars Hill Church (which Mark Driscoll calls home as well) and he lead their counseling program. With this in mind, I felt the author would bring a fresh perspective to the problem of pain that so many authors have tried to tackle over the years.
The format being some what interesting began with the author diving into the story of the the Israelites and their problem with suffering, idol worship, and death. Intermixed with this biblical story from the Old Testament are real life stories of christians and non-christians alike who are struggling with a God that not only allows suffering in this world, but has allowed suffering to take over their lives. The pages are covered in the tears and blood of those who are suffering because of the sins and destruction of this world. But what this book doesn't do is point the finger at each individual person's sin, instead, it focuses on the hope and redemption that can be found through a relationship with Christ and his church. It calls those who are suffering fall on their knees in prayer and call on the hope of a savior that died for their sins. It also calls the church to have arms open wide for those who are suffering to come running. The author's writers calls the church to get out of the judgement seat and instead kneel down with those who are suffering and love them.
I could not agree more with this idea. I have dealt with problems of suffering myself, as well as been involved with people who are suffering through personal sin, addictions, and other "idols" that seem to steal their worship. I have been encouraged to not only kneel down with these people, but to allow them to share the burdens they feel on the shoulders of the church. For the church is supposed to be a place of redemption and hope. Right now the church is a place of judgement and condemnation and I do not want to be that type of Christian. I am constantly in prayer that God will change me and allow the redemption of the cross to flow through me.
If you are struggling with suffering, the problem of pain, or any other afflictions please speak with someone you trust or speak with me through twitter: @normallyINDIE or Facebook: Alec Tod.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
The format being some what interesting began with the author diving into the story of the the Israelites and their problem with suffering, idol worship, and death. Intermixed with this biblical story from the Old Testament are real life stories of christians and non-christians alike who are struggling with a God that not only allows suffering in this world, but has allowed suffering to take over their lives. The pages are covered in the tears and blood of those who are suffering because of the sins and destruction of this world. But what this book doesn't do is point the finger at each individual person's sin, instead, it focuses on the hope and redemption that can be found through a relationship with Christ and his church. It calls those who are suffering fall on their knees in prayer and call on the hope of a savior that died for their sins. It also calls the church to have arms open wide for those who are suffering to come running. The author's writers calls the church to get out of the judgement seat and instead kneel down with those who are suffering and love them.
I could not agree more with this idea. I have dealt with problems of suffering myself, as well as been involved with people who are suffering through personal sin, addictions, and other "idols" that seem to steal their worship. I have been encouraged to not only kneel down with these people, but to allow them to share the burdens they feel on the shoulders of the church. For the church is supposed to be a place of redemption and hope. Right now the church is a place of judgement and condemnation and I do not want to be that type of Christian. I am constantly in prayer that God will change me and allow the redemption of the cross to flow through me.
If you are struggling with suffering, the problem of pain, or any other afflictions please speak with someone you trust or speak with me through twitter: @normallyINDIE or Facebook: Alec Tod.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Here We Go...
Today marks the last day of my internship at Emmanuel Church of Greenwood, Movement Student Ministries and the last day of my college career at Cincinnati Christian University. Upon the completion of my internship this friday I will officially be graduating from college with a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies and Youth Ministry. It has been an exciting 3.5 years of college, but that is not what I am here to write about. It is an end of an era with Greenwood, IN. I have spent the last nine months of my life working at my beautiful fiancé's home church working with the Student Ministries team. I had the honor and privilege of working with a youth pastor named Shane Combs who has taught me how to be a man of God that truly cares for every person he sees including strangers, his family, and especially his wife. He has been a perfect example for me as a man and I am so excited to be partnering in ministry with him in the future.
Speaking of the future, last weekend I had received some amazing news. As many of you know it has been a long journey of applying for jobs, searching interviewing, and praying. In October I had the opportunity to interview with Benji Sayre of Groesbeck United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, OH. This job I found on the work database of CCU's website under the title of Community Youth Coordinator. Benji explained this job as a split between a co-youth pastor and a director of their after school program called CHAOS which caters to intercity high school and jr. high students in the Colerain area. After working with Bloc Ministries in the West Price Hill area for the past two years, this job really enticed me. At the end of the interview they gave me an opportunity to interview for a second time with the church search team. Although this interview was a little later than I would have liked it to be, it took place December 3rd at 10am. I was interviewed in three separate rooms by three separates groups of people. Although I was not used to this format, I felt that I thrived in it. Jenny and I then took some time to head to our favorite coffee shop in Cincinnati (Corner Bloc Coffee Shop). This is when I got the call I had been waiting for for the past six months. Benji gave me a call and let me know they are offering me the position as the Community Youth Coordinator for Groesbeck United Methodist Church Student Ministries. This was the answer to our prayers and Jennifer and I had been waiting for months for this to happen. It became official on Tuesday morning when I accepted the offer to work with the church.
It is a new beginning that will lead my future wife Jennifer and I to a new home in Cincinnati and on January 2nd I begin the journey of ministry that I have been praying for since my call to ministry when I was sixteen years old. We could not be more excited for the fact that God is leading us and we are merely following. It if were me I would have loved to have gotten the first job that I applied for in June, but little did I know since the opportunity I had a Bloc in 2009, God had been grooming me for this type of ministry.
But with new beginnings comes goodbyes. I would love to take this time to mention those people that truly ministered to me in the past eight months. I have spent countless hours talking with Shane Combs and Jason Beck, two men that I would trust my life with, Thank You. I have spent hours drinking coffee with Adam Ferrel, a high school student I am truly excited to see God minister through him. He motivates me every day to become more and more like Christ, Thank You. Eating lunches with Dallas Havens, talking about college and working through issues that completely can cripple us, Thank You. Every Tuesday morning at 6am, spending an hour studying scripture with my McTuesday boys. Working with my student small group leaders Makenzie Essig and Miranda Gladish, Thank You. Lastly, flying planes, working through family issues, and praying together with Jennifer & I's small group leaders, Ralph and Lucy Hill, Thank You. All of these people have had such an amazing influence on my life and I am so ready to continue in ministry with them over the next couple of years. But it truly saddens me to leave this family here in Greenwood and move to our new home.
But what I do understand is that God is going to provide people for this new season of life that will teach us and provide us with the opportunity for growth. This season of life here in Greenwood, IN God has been preparing us the next opportunity. This next opportunity is leading Jennifer and I to Groesbeck United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, OH and we could not be more honored to partner with God in this. We are praising God and saying thank you everyday and cannot wait for what is to come. Here we Go...
till another Day,
normallyINDIE
Speaking of the future, last weekend I had received some amazing news. As many of you know it has been a long journey of applying for jobs, searching interviewing, and praying. In October I had the opportunity to interview with Benji Sayre of Groesbeck United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, OH. This job I found on the work database of CCU's website under the title of Community Youth Coordinator. Benji explained this job as a split between a co-youth pastor and a director of their after school program called CHAOS which caters to intercity high school and jr. high students in the Colerain area. After working with Bloc Ministries in the West Price Hill area for the past two years, this job really enticed me. At the end of the interview they gave me an opportunity to interview for a second time with the church search team. Although this interview was a little later than I would have liked it to be, it took place December 3rd at 10am. I was interviewed in three separate rooms by three separates groups of people. Although I was not used to this format, I felt that I thrived in it. Jenny and I then took some time to head to our favorite coffee shop in Cincinnati (Corner Bloc Coffee Shop). This is when I got the call I had been waiting for for the past six months. Benji gave me a call and let me know they are offering me the position as the Community Youth Coordinator for Groesbeck United Methodist Church Student Ministries. This was the answer to our prayers and Jennifer and I had been waiting for months for this to happen. It became official on Tuesday morning when I accepted the offer to work with the church.
It is a new beginning that will lead my future wife Jennifer and I to a new home in Cincinnati and on January 2nd I begin the journey of ministry that I have been praying for since my call to ministry when I was sixteen years old. We could not be more excited for the fact that God is leading us and we are merely following. It if were me I would have loved to have gotten the first job that I applied for in June, but little did I know since the opportunity I had a Bloc in 2009, God had been grooming me for this type of ministry.
But with new beginnings comes goodbyes. I would love to take this time to mention those people that truly ministered to me in the past eight months. I have spent countless hours talking with Shane Combs and Jason Beck, two men that I would trust my life with, Thank You. I have spent hours drinking coffee with Adam Ferrel, a high school student I am truly excited to see God minister through him. He motivates me every day to become more and more like Christ, Thank You. Eating lunches with Dallas Havens, talking about college and working through issues that completely can cripple us, Thank You. Every Tuesday morning at 6am, spending an hour studying scripture with my McTuesday boys. Working with my student small group leaders Makenzie Essig and Miranda Gladish, Thank You. Lastly, flying planes, working through family issues, and praying together with Jennifer & I's small group leaders, Ralph and Lucy Hill, Thank You. All of these people have had such an amazing influence on my life and I am so ready to continue in ministry with them over the next couple of years. But it truly saddens me to leave this family here in Greenwood and move to our new home.
But what I do understand is that God is going to provide people for this new season of life that will teach us and provide us with the opportunity for growth. This season of life here in Greenwood, IN God has been preparing us the next opportunity. This next opportunity is leading Jennifer and I to Groesbeck United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, OH and we could not be more honored to partner with God in this. We are praising God and saying thank you everyday and cannot wait for what is to come. Here we Go...
till another Day,
normallyINDIE
Friday, November 18, 2011
Sabbath...
Sitting in staff meeting on Monday at Emmanuel Church of Greenwood, I did not really know what to expect. It always seems to be something different and exciting every week. This week we had free Chickfila breakfast and coffee which is always nice, but beyond that there seemed to be a sense of importance to the day. I did not really know what to think until our senior pastor Danny Anderson came up to the front of the room to give us our Staff Development piece for the day. On a side note, at most of our staff meetings Danny, or another member of the staff, gets up in the front of the room and gives us a nugget of truth that we like to call Staff Development. It can be anything from inspiration, to a challenge, but this week was really exciting. He decided to talk about the subject of taking a Sabbath.
For most the Sabbath is a worn out term that died with those that practiced it in the Old Testament, but Danny challenged us to take it in a much more literal way. He painted to picture of the Sabbath as a divine law it is to be kept, not only by his pastors and teachers, but by all who call themselves followers of Christ.
The sabbath consisting of three ideas, filling up your emotional, spiritual, and physical tanks. He described it as such, throughout your week all of these tanks drain out what must be kept in us in order for us to do the work Christ called us too. Most of us merely hope that we are sustained enough to survive, but we are called to so much more. We are called at least once a week to take a "Sabbath" consisting of refilling these tanks to the level that is healthy. This can include, but is not limited to, doing things that truly fill you up which for some could be working out, reading, writing, praying, meditating, working on projects. But what is most important is that all the things that your do on your Sabbath are centered on glorifying and thanking God for what he has given you. Truly taking the time to revitalize yourself and your relationship with the Lord, which so often is set aside due to the busy nature of our culture.
Therefore, when Danny challenged us with this idea that we MUST take a Sabbath, I began to think, "am I taking a Sabbath once a week, and if I am what does it look like." I came to the conclusion that my Sabbath is nonexistent. Yes, I have my regular spiritual disciplines that include reading, writing, journaling, and prayer, but I am not taking time to truly glorify the Lord on one day. Am I truly taking a Sabbath?
I am now devoted to finding a time and a place to do just that, take a Sabbath that will refill all of my tanks and glorify Lord in the process. My Sabbath, whatever day that is, will consist of time studying scripture, blogging, journaling, reading books, sipping on coffee at my favorite coffee shop, watching movies, sleeping in, and a little praise and worship with my fiancé. All of these things are the things that truly fill me up and bring glory to God in the process.
Although I am not totally sure how to implement this into my weekly life just yet, I am dedicated to making this a part of my routine and especially a part of my marriage. I have also challenged Jenny with this idea and given her the opportunity to think about what her Sabbath would look like. It being drastically different than mine, she will find a way to fill her tanks once a week and truly glorify the Lord in the process.
I truly thank Danny Anderson for challenging us with this idea and thank the Lord for setting it on his heart to share. I look forward to spending my Sabbath with the Lord and seeing the true life change that comes as a result. I would challenge you to think of this idea yourself and truly begin to examine what your "Sabbath" may look like as your go about your daily life.
till another Day,
normallyINDIE
For most the Sabbath is a worn out term that died with those that practiced it in the Old Testament, but Danny challenged us to take it in a much more literal way. He painted to picture of the Sabbath as a divine law it is to be kept, not only by his pastors and teachers, but by all who call themselves followers of Christ.
The sabbath consisting of three ideas, filling up your emotional, spiritual, and physical tanks. He described it as such, throughout your week all of these tanks drain out what must be kept in us in order for us to do the work Christ called us too. Most of us merely hope that we are sustained enough to survive, but we are called to so much more. We are called at least once a week to take a "Sabbath" consisting of refilling these tanks to the level that is healthy. This can include, but is not limited to, doing things that truly fill you up which for some could be working out, reading, writing, praying, meditating, working on projects. But what is most important is that all the things that your do on your Sabbath are centered on glorifying and thanking God for what he has given you. Truly taking the time to revitalize yourself and your relationship with the Lord, which so often is set aside due to the busy nature of our culture.
Therefore, when Danny challenged us with this idea that we MUST take a Sabbath, I began to think, "am I taking a Sabbath once a week, and if I am what does it look like." I came to the conclusion that my Sabbath is nonexistent. Yes, I have my regular spiritual disciplines that include reading, writing, journaling, and prayer, but I am not taking time to truly glorify the Lord on one day. Am I truly taking a Sabbath?
I am now devoted to finding a time and a place to do just that, take a Sabbath that will refill all of my tanks and glorify Lord in the process. My Sabbath, whatever day that is, will consist of time studying scripture, blogging, journaling, reading books, sipping on coffee at my favorite coffee shop, watching movies, sleeping in, and a little praise and worship with my fiancé. All of these things are the things that truly fill me up and bring glory to God in the process.
Although I am not totally sure how to implement this into my weekly life just yet, I am dedicated to making this a part of my routine and especially a part of my marriage. I have also challenged Jenny with this idea and given her the opportunity to think about what her Sabbath would look like. It being drastically different than mine, she will find a way to fill her tanks once a week and truly glorify the Lord in the process.
I truly thank Danny Anderson for challenging us with this idea and thank the Lord for setting it on his heart to share. I look forward to spending my Sabbath with the Lord and seeing the true life change that comes as a result. I would challenge you to think of this idea yourself and truly begin to examine what your "Sabbath" may look like as your go about your daily life.
till another Day,
normallyINDIE
Senioritis...
It will be 4 short weeks and I, Alec Myles Tod, will be graduating from Cincinnati Christian University with a Bachelor of Sciences in Biblical Studies and Youth Ministry. It was 3 years in the making, but I am finally at the point when I can begin to call myself a college grad. It is one thing to be a college student and have that satisfaction under my belt of learning, but it is yet another to say that I am the first of the immediate Tod family to graduate from college. My mother and father both did not graduate from college for different reasons, therefore growing up and graduating from the school of handwork and discipline. They have worked very hard to get to the position they are in now, specifically my dad, and this is just the next step for me in that hard working journey.
But with this upcoming deadline comes a disease that is contagious and is known as "Senioritis". Yes, I was treated for this disease in the fall of 2007 when I became a High School senior. Throughout High school I was given amazing opportunities to excel and senior year was no exception. But it seemed that I was so concerned about what was going to happen in college the next fall, that I forgot what was right in front of me. Because of my impatience and anticipation, I lost opportunity to speak with people about Jesus Christ. I was so ready to continue on this journey that God calls life, that I did not realize the rest area would be humanity. These lost opportunities have motivated me to become the person I am today, a fully dedicated life to the service of students.
In the same situation, it is only 4 shorts week away and I too will be feeling the true affects of senioritis. I am battling these feelings as week speak with some going for me outside of work at Emmanuel Church of Greenwood. Graduating Dec. 2011, Start a new job Jan. 1 2012, Getting Married (March 10, 2012), walking at commencement May 12, 2012. As these major events have me looking at least 8 months in advance.
But what I have come to realize is that we have been placed in every situation we see ourselves in for a reason. That the most important thing to realize is to passionately spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. For me, in this very moment, I have been placed at both Emmanuel Church of Greenwood and One Mission Society for a specific reason. Although that passion may fizzle, I have begun to realize that worshipping God through the obedience and trusting your life with Christ is what must happen.
As a senior I look forward to every day that I am given and especially the opportunities that are placed before me, whether it be marriage, a job, or merely speaking the truth of the gospel to a person that I meet. I am truly honored to be a small part in the redemption of this earth.
Till another day,
normallyINDIE
But with this upcoming deadline comes a disease that is contagious and is known as "Senioritis". Yes, I was treated for this disease in the fall of 2007 when I became a High School senior. Throughout High school I was given amazing opportunities to excel and senior year was no exception. But it seemed that I was so concerned about what was going to happen in college the next fall, that I forgot what was right in front of me. Because of my impatience and anticipation, I lost opportunity to speak with people about Jesus Christ. I was so ready to continue on this journey that God calls life, that I did not realize the rest area would be humanity. These lost opportunities have motivated me to become the person I am today, a fully dedicated life to the service of students.
In the same situation, it is only 4 shorts week away and I too will be feeling the true affects of senioritis. I am battling these feelings as week speak with some going for me outside of work at Emmanuel Church of Greenwood. Graduating Dec. 2011, Start a new job Jan. 1 2012, Getting Married (March 10, 2012), walking at commencement May 12, 2012. As these major events have me looking at least 8 months in advance.
But what I have come to realize is that we have been placed in every situation we see ourselves in for a reason. That the most important thing to realize is to passionately spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. For me, in this very moment, I have been placed at both Emmanuel Church of Greenwood and One Mission Society for a specific reason. Although that passion may fizzle, I have begun to realize that worshipping God through the obedience and trusting your life with Christ is what must happen.
As a senior I look forward to every day that I am given and especially the opportunities that are placed before me, whether it be marriage, a job, or merely speaking the truth of the gospel to a person that I meet. I am truly honored to be a small part in the redemption of this earth.
Till another day,
normallyINDIE
Sunday, November 6, 2011
6 Weeks and Counting...
Those of you who know me well, would know that I have been working alongside Shane Combs and the rest of the MovementSM staff for the past 7 months. It has been a journey all the way from my first nerve racking days in May of this year, wondering what the summer would, all the way to this moment when I am staring at the calendar and it reads November. Many would believe that at this moment I will begin to be sad and nostalgic, but I am not I just want to express to those that are listening the impact that the Movement Student Ministries as had on my life.
As I said before I came into this ministry without knowing anyone (besides Shane briefly) in May of this year. I jumped right in working on Summer programming, trips, WOODLANDS, with Amber and that time Mitch. It was a great summer of trial and error and getting to know one another, especially getting to know Shane, not only as a boss, but as a true friend. Shane had the opportunity to speak at a conference in Dallas in early August and because of his fear of flying Mitch and I had the chance to drive and tag along. This may have been one of the best bro trips I have taken in a long time. Although, their were ups and downs there were conversations to be had and memories to be made.
We then moved into the heart of the Student Ministries calendar, the fall. This year was especially exciting because there was a vibe of anticipation and excitement. We began Cell Groups and leadership that went off great with over 200 students in the Cell Group ministry. More students every week were coming and hearing about the gospel of Christ, many of them accepting Jesus into their heart for the very first time. There is nothing better than the feeling of when a student truly "gets it".
In the meant time, I began a bible that meets on Tuesday mornings at 6am with 6 promising young minds and a co-leader (Jason Beck) called McTuesdays. This name given to the program by the students reminds us of the day and the fact that we will be enjoying wonderful McDonald's breakfast as we dive deeply into the word of God. We went through much of Genesis, stopping every 4th week to have a Question week where the students can ask anything they would like. This study has not only challenged the students, but it has challenged me to continue to teach at a high level and grow with the students.
My fiancé had the privilege of going on the Cell Group Leadership trip to Gaitlinburg where Jenny fell in love with some amazing young ladies (Mackenzie Essig, Miranda Gladish, and Alex Harrell). She then became the first two's Cell Group Adult Leader and they have been great friends ever since.
Moving forward things have begun to slow down student ministries wise, but only to amp up last week when we threw Block Party 2.0, a fall themed party for all the students involved in Cell Groups (275+). It was so exciting to be a part of such a huge success and we are so excited for Block Party on Ice which is coming soon.
With all of these crazy things that have happened in my 23 weeks here at MovementSM and all the other crazy things that are still to come, God has taught me one thing. He has taught me that despite your attitude or the attitude of those around you, in is your responsibility to glorify him to obedience. Not the obedience of just following his commandments, but true obedience involving trust, peace of mind, love, dedication, gratitude, giving, and sacrifice.
As I finish out these last couple of weeks at MovementSM, sadly, I am so excited for what is to come and what God has in store for Jenny and I. Whatever it may be I am merely excited to obey God in that call and continue to worship him through obedience, with a joyfully, humble heart.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
As I said before I came into this ministry without knowing anyone (besides Shane briefly) in May of this year. I jumped right in working on Summer programming, trips, WOODLANDS, with Amber and that time Mitch. It was a great summer of trial and error and getting to know one another, especially getting to know Shane, not only as a boss, but as a true friend. Shane had the opportunity to speak at a conference in Dallas in early August and because of his fear of flying Mitch and I had the chance to drive and tag along. This may have been one of the best bro trips I have taken in a long time. Although, their were ups and downs there were conversations to be had and memories to be made.
We then moved into the heart of the Student Ministries calendar, the fall. This year was especially exciting because there was a vibe of anticipation and excitement. We began Cell Groups and leadership that went off great with over 200 students in the Cell Group ministry. More students every week were coming and hearing about the gospel of Christ, many of them accepting Jesus into their heart for the very first time. There is nothing better than the feeling of when a student truly "gets it".
In the meant time, I began a bible that meets on Tuesday mornings at 6am with 6 promising young minds and a co-leader (Jason Beck) called McTuesdays. This name given to the program by the students reminds us of the day and the fact that we will be enjoying wonderful McDonald's breakfast as we dive deeply into the word of God. We went through much of Genesis, stopping every 4th week to have a Question week where the students can ask anything they would like. This study has not only challenged the students, but it has challenged me to continue to teach at a high level and grow with the students.
My fiancé had the privilege of going on the Cell Group Leadership trip to Gaitlinburg where Jenny fell in love with some amazing young ladies (Mackenzie Essig, Miranda Gladish, and Alex Harrell). She then became the first two's Cell Group Adult Leader and they have been great friends ever since.
Moving forward things have begun to slow down student ministries wise, but only to amp up last week when we threw Block Party 2.0, a fall themed party for all the students involved in Cell Groups (275+). It was so exciting to be a part of such a huge success and we are so excited for Block Party on Ice which is coming soon.
With all of these crazy things that have happened in my 23 weeks here at MovementSM and all the other crazy things that are still to come, God has taught me one thing. He has taught me that despite your attitude or the attitude of those around you, in is your responsibility to glorify him to obedience. Not the obedience of just following his commandments, but true obedience involving trust, peace of mind, love, dedication, gratitude, giving, and sacrifice.
As I finish out these last couple of weeks at MovementSM, sadly, I am so excited for what is to come and what God has in store for Jenny and I. Whatever it may be I am merely excited to obey God in that call and continue to worship him through obedience, with a joyfully, humble heart.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
An Artist at Work...
As many of you know, Jenny, my wonderful fiancé, and I have begun to spend much of our time at the tattoo shop. We have built a relationship with an amazing tattoo artist named TJ Harmon. We originally met him at randomly when I wanted to get a tattoo to symbolize my love for my beautiful fiancé. We were referred to Irish Ink in Greenwood by a couple friends and I ran into TJ, TJ Harmon to be exact. He did an amazing job with the paint palette tattoo on my right hand and it was a perfect artist-client relationship after that.
Although this isn't the best picture (the Red and the Orange have since then come in much better) it was a perfect tribute to the artist that is my fiancé.
It then got us thinking, "What other tattoos are next?" Jenny then had the honor of working with him to create a truly beautiful memorial tattoo in honor of the wonderful Melvin & Doris Schroeder.
It was truly an honor to be a part of the tattoo process and to make this tattoo a reality. TJ Harmon at this point moved from Irish Ink to a new tattoo shop, because of a misunderstanding with management, called Main Street Tattoo in Old Town Greenwood. After this amazing tattoo, my beautiful fiancé gave me a gift for my birthday. Two Years Early on October 9th, my then girlfriend (Yes, is still Jenny :) ) gave me a tattoo for my birthday.
This year, October 9th 2011, she decided to continue that tradition by surprising me with a trip to Main Street Tattoo and a meeting with TJ Harmon. Seven Hours Later and a lot of pain, this was the product on my left upper arm.
This, still an unfinished piece, is by far my most detailed piece with the shading, deep lines, and colors. I was in awe of how wonderful this work actually turned out and I am so excited to add some color to finish off the shoulder cap and to continue to the elbow. But this is not all. Last week TJ had a special of $50 an hour and Jenny had the wonderful idea of getting a random tattoo that is small, but still important to each of us. so we got each of these tattoos respectively (Jenny on the left, me on the right).
Jenny, a tattoo based on the DCFC song "I'll Follow You Into the Dark" with the date 10-16-09 which is the day I officially ask her to be my girlfriend. Mine on the other hand, was the chi-rho symbol which was used by Constantine on his army's shields. This symbol meaning Christ or power and strength, thus it was placed on my left forearm under the word Power in Greek.
This brings the total tattoo tally for me up to 6 and Jenny up to 7 with many more ideas to come. This long relationship with TJ does not seem to be stopping soon and we are so excited to begin to spend time with him. For all of this would not be possible without the talent and drive to TJ Harmon to do tattoos.
He is truly a master artist and a great friend of ours. If you ever need anything as far as tattoos go, please go to him. This is the beginning of a great relationship and I cannot wait to see how it continues. As Jenny and I grow and mature, so will our relationship with our tattoo master, TJ Harmon.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Move Mountains...
If any of you have been following the posts from the past summer and fall semester, you realize that I have struggled with this idea of trust. Not trust the individuals of the world, but trusting the created of this world.
As many of you know, I am in my final 7 weeks of my internship/college career and will be beginning my life in the real world. The real world of paying for rent, gas, food, shelter, and any wonderful gifts I would love to give my beautiful fiancé Jennifer. This pressure has brought me to either fully trust God or worry about where my future was going to lie. And if I can be completely honest, I have leaned much more toward worry than toward trust. Although I have been praying every single day about my future, that was part of the problem. Although I was praying, I was praying merely about the problem that I claimed to be "ignoring". These faithful prayers only lead to more worry than true, leaving my commitment to God's will for my life dependent on what he was going to do regarding my future career.
But it was not until this past Sunday that I began to fully realize what it meant to trust to Lord God with all my heart. As a youth ministry we had the opportunity to visit the Rising at Northside Christian Church in New Albany, IN. We got connected with their ministry because Matt Allman the youth minister at the Rising was a part of OASIS at Eastview Christian Church when I was a student. We have stayed connected over the years and when we, as a youth ministry, were given the opportunity to visit another service, the Rising stuck out.
Matt was the speaker for the night and he spoke on what happens when you truly confide in the Lord. He emphasized the fact that God still moves mountains, you will find peace when you trust in the Lord, and also find Rest in his arms as you allow him to be your protector, provider, and father.
All of this was all things I have heard before, but there was never a better time to realize the fact the God truly WILL bring peace and rest in the Lord. With my life in mind, I have begun to realize through prayer and worship the last couple of days that trusting in the Lord does not only include trusting in him, but also believing the he can truly do miraculous things. With these miraculous things in mind, I have peace in the fact that my God is just that, my God. My father, creator, protecter, and provider that will do just that, provide.
It is not a fact that if God will move mountains, but when God will move mountains. I have found peace is this fact and I am now finding rest.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
As many of you know, I am in my final 7 weeks of my internship/college career and will be beginning my life in the real world. The real world of paying for rent, gas, food, shelter, and any wonderful gifts I would love to give my beautiful fiancé Jennifer. This pressure has brought me to either fully trust God or worry about where my future was going to lie. And if I can be completely honest, I have leaned much more toward worry than toward trust. Although I have been praying every single day about my future, that was part of the problem. Although I was praying, I was praying merely about the problem that I claimed to be "ignoring". These faithful prayers only lead to more worry than true, leaving my commitment to God's will for my life dependent on what he was going to do regarding my future career.
But it was not until this past Sunday that I began to fully realize what it meant to trust to Lord God with all my heart. As a youth ministry we had the opportunity to visit the Rising at Northside Christian Church in New Albany, IN. We got connected with their ministry because Matt Allman the youth minister at the Rising was a part of OASIS at Eastview Christian Church when I was a student. We have stayed connected over the years and when we, as a youth ministry, were given the opportunity to visit another service, the Rising stuck out.
Matt was the speaker for the night and he spoke on what happens when you truly confide in the Lord. He emphasized the fact that God still moves mountains, you will find peace when you trust in the Lord, and also find Rest in his arms as you allow him to be your protector, provider, and father.
All of this was all things I have heard before, but there was never a better time to realize the fact the God truly WILL bring peace and rest in the Lord. With my life in mind, I have begun to realize through prayer and worship the last couple of days that trusting in the Lord does not only include trusting in him, but also believing the he can truly do miraculous things. With these miraculous things in mind, I have peace in the fact that my God is just that, my God. My father, creator, protecter, and provider that will do just that, provide.
It is not a fact that if God will move mountains, but when God will move mountains. I have found peace is this fact and I am now finding rest.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Saturday, September 24, 2011
OUR Big Day...
Those of you who know me personally know that I will be marrying the most amazing woman in the world on March 10th 2012 (just 168 short days away). We are both so anxious to start our life together, living in who knows where, moving into our apartment, getting our first Dog, etc... All of the things that married couples will get to do we are both so excited to bring into our lives. As a part of Turquoise Feathers , Jenny is photographing a wedding this weekend for a couple of great friends. We could not be more happy for Clay and Anya, but I am not gonna lie, jealousy has begun to sink in.
But as I battle with the jealousy and anxiety, I begin to realize that God has brought me to the place that I am on September 24th 2011 for a reason. I am currently a Student Ministry Intern, seeking a full time position and many times I wonder why God has placed me where I am currently. I have become so anxious to move to the next stage of life (job, marriage, new life) that I have begun to forget why God has me where I am today.
As Christians we are called to live in urgency and hope that today will be the day that the Lord, Jesus Christ will return to save us from this wicked world. Therefore, it is important to always live in the moment "making the most of every opportunity" (Eph. 5:15-16) today. In that God has provided for each of us an opportunity to grow and an opportunity to bring glory to God everyday, calling us to take advantage of those opportunity now.
With that being said, although my anxiety for marriage and my new stages of life are normal, they are not what I am called to. God is continuing to move and lead in my life today September 24th 2011. I am seeking the follow the Lord today and if I am given to blessing of the breath of life in the morning, I will do the same.
till another Day,
normallyINDIE
But as I battle with the jealousy and anxiety, I begin to realize that God has brought me to the place that I am on September 24th 2011 for a reason. I am currently a Student Ministry Intern, seeking a full time position and many times I wonder why God has placed me where I am currently. I have become so anxious to move to the next stage of life (job, marriage, new life) that I have begun to forget why God has me where I am today.
As Christians we are called to live in urgency and hope that today will be the day that the Lord, Jesus Christ will return to save us from this wicked world. Therefore, it is important to always live in the moment "making the most of every opportunity" (Eph. 5:15-16) today. In that God has provided for each of us an opportunity to grow and an opportunity to bring glory to God everyday, calling us to take advantage of those opportunity now.
With that being said, although my anxiety for marriage and my new stages of life are normal, they are not what I am called to. God is continuing to move and lead in my life today September 24th 2011. I am seeking the follow the Lord today and if I am given to blessing of the breath of life in the morning, I will do the same.
till another Day,
normallyINDIE
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The Flood...
Recently I have been given the opportunity come to McDonalds here in Greenwood, IN at 6am every Tuesday and meet with a small group of guys from Emmanuel Church. For the past three weeks we have been meeting and I have been teaching and reading through the first couple of biblical stories in Genesis. We will continue to do so for the next 13 weeks over the next couple of months walking through the rest of Genesis, dissecting the context and culture while doing so. This bible study (McTuesdays/Breakfast Club 2.0) was modeled after DM2 at Eastview Christian Church during my years in high school. It gives me an opportunity to teach in an advanced way as well as give the students the opportunity to dive deeper into the scriptures in a way that is unlike Sundays. God has called us to deeply understand his scripture and especially the events and people he used to complete his will.
Specifically this week we were reading/teaching through Genesis 7 - 10 focusing on the Flood. What is interesting that I have found about reading about Noah is the fact that he was a man that walked with God, this being the first human being to be considered to be in relationship with God in this way. He truly was in relationship with him and the only man to do so since the fall and not again until the arrival of Jesus. But this was not what stuck out to me most through these four chapters. The overarching them that seemed to be at the center of this relationship was the fact that Noah trusted God and did not ask questions. Noah trusted God through the construction of a boat unlike anything he had ever seen. Noah trusted God through the actual Flood without knowing when it would cease. Noah trusted God through the ceasing of the rainfall and the reconstruction of the Earth. Without asking questions Noah did what the Lord asked of him, always trusting that God would provide for him.
After finishing the lesson and thinking back on what I taught, I began to bring together the connection between my life and Noah. Although I am not saying that God has chosen to act through me in the magnitude of a Flood, I do believe that he has chosen to do something in me. I am simply in preparation for what is to come in the future. As January looms and my graduation date gets closer and closer, the provision God has given me throughout my life just makes me continue to trust him. The past five months of my life I have been in prayer with God specifically for the provision.
Noah brings to light an amazing story of biblical triumph, but most of all provision. God's provision was at the center of his life and I long to walk with the Lord.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Specifically this week we were reading/teaching through Genesis 7 - 10 focusing on the Flood. What is interesting that I have found about reading about Noah is the fact that he was a man that walked with God, this being the first human being to be considered to be in relationship with God in this way. He truly was in relationship with him and the only man to do so since the fall and not again until the arrival of Jesus. But this was not what stuck out to me most through these four chapters. The overarching them that seemed to be at the center of this relationship was the fact that Noah trusted God and did not ask questions. Noah trusted God through the construction of a boat unlike anything he had ever seen. Noah trusted God through the actual Flood without knowing when it would cease. Noah trusted God through the ceasing of the rainfall and the reconstruction of the Earth. Without asking questions Noah did what the Lord asked of him, always trusting that God would provide for him.
After finishing the lesson and thinking back on what I taught, I began to bring together the connection between my life and Noah. Although I am not saying that God has chosen to act through me in the magnitude of a Flood, I do believe that he has chosen to do something in me. I am simply in preparation for what is to come in the future. As January looms and my graduation date gets closer and closer, the provision God has given me throughout my life just makes me continue to trust him. The past five months of my life I have been in prayer with God specifically for the provision.
Noah brings to light an amazing story of biblical triumph, but most of all provision. God's provision was at the center of his life and I long to walk with the Lord.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Not much of a Camper...
So those of you who know me personally realize that I am not much of a camper. Jenny and I both do not really care to jump in an RV and travel to the Grand Canyon like the Grizwalds. We are just not about the camping thing, so when I signed on to become the intern at MovementSM I found out that we would be going to camp.
Okay, before you think we are a country church that goes camping for a church retreat we went to camp at Woodlands Camp and Retreat center in Cleveland, GA. From what I heard before I got on the wonderful charter buses (with DVDs & WiFi\) was that Woodlands was a plush camp that truly takes care of their campers. So I was excited when we pulled up to the camp and saw the amazing cabins, the beautiful lake, the amazing trails, and the beautiful forest background. Needless to say this would be a comfortable camp for myself to be at home for a week. But what i did not realize going in was that God had a few lessons not only to teach our student ministry, but also us as a staff.
God gave me the opportunity to truly listen to his leadership in my life including trusting him with my career choices coming up (which seem to be a recurring theme in my blogs this summer). God also gave me the opportunity to spend some time with Shane Combs, who is truly a blessing to my life. Even looking back at the decision I had to come to Emmanuel, I began to realize that it was truly God who gave me this opportunity.
The final day of camp I was given the opportunity to worship God, but worship God in a way I had not worshipped in forever.
This summer God has truly become the center of my life, in my future marriage, my decisions, and my personal life. God is everything that I am and everything that I seem to be. God is my life and I look to serve him through everything I do in the future.
Until another Day,
normallyINDIE
Okay, before you think we are a country church that goes camping for a church retreat we went to camp at Woodlands Camp and Retreat center in Cleveland, GA. From what I heard before I got on the wonderful charter buses (with DVDs & WiFi\) was that Woodlands was a plush camp that truly takes care of their campers. So I was excited when we pulled up to the camp and saw the amazing cabins, the beautiful lake, the amazing trails, and the beautiful forest background. Needless to say this would be a comfortable camp for myself to be at home for a week. But what i did not realize going in was that God had a few lessons not only to teach our student ministry, but also us as a staff.
God gave me the opportunity to truly listen to his leadership in my life including trusting him with my career choices coming up (which seem to be a recurring theme in my blogs this summer). God also gave me the opportunity to spend some time with Shane Combs, who is truly a blessing to my life. Even looking back at the decision I had to come to Emmanuel, I began to realize that it was truly God who gave me this opportunity.
The final day of camp I was given the opportunity to worship God, but worship God in a way I had not worshipped in forever.
This summer God has truly become the center of my life, in my future marriage, my decisions, and my personal life. God is everything that I am and everything that I seem to be. God is my life and I look to serve him through everything I do in the future.
Until another Day,
normallyINDIE
Monday, June 27, 2011
My Personal Whirlwind...
Man, what is going on in my life.
As many of you know I am currently the Student Ministries Intern at Emmanuel Church of Greenwood, engaged to a wonderful fiance Jenny Schroeder , and am currently on a quest to Blog Weekly (this one is a little late), read the One Year Bible daily, journal daily, and read 50 pages daily. Although this may seem like a lot, it is these spiritual disciplines that have kept my mind, body, and spirit centralized on God. In all the chaos that is the summer and all the chaos that goes into an internship, planning a wedding, and just daily life in general I know that these four things will stay central to who I am and the spiritual growth that takes place.
What has been the fruits of these spiritual disciplines as they have played out over the past month and a half. I have found a revived sense of strength in knowing that my creator God is central to my life. I have built a renewed trust and hope in him both in my personal decisions as well as our decisions as soon to be newlyweds. I have come around this idea that intentional habits, lead to intentional spiritual growth, thus intentional growth leading to intentional life change, this intentional life change leading to a deepening influence. All of which are imperative to the saving of the lives of the people I am around on a daily basis.
Although my life this past month has been a true whirlwind of emotions, feelings, life change, and chaos, I have found one thing to reign true throughout and that is the fact that "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you." These are the words of Jesus to his disciples in Acts 1 after he revealed to them the fact that they are the ones being called to make disciples across all the world. This overwhelming task would have undoubtedly lead to a wave of emotions and doubt if it were not for this phrase "YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER". Jesus assures us, just as he assured his disciples, that we will receive power if we choose to trust in him with our whole lives.
In the midst of the chaos, I continue to choose Christ on a daily basis and in return I receive power from the Holy Spirit.
I challenge you with the same, you will not be left in weakness.
Till Another Day
normallyINDIE
Acts 1:8
As many of you know I am currently the Student Ministries Intern at Emmanuel Church of Greenwood, engaged to a wonderful fiance Jenny Schroeder , and am currently on a quest to Blog Weekly (this one is a little late), read the One Year Bible daily, journal daily, and read 50 pages daily. Although this may seem like a lot, it is these spiritual disciplines that have kept my mind, body, and spirit centralized on God. In all the chaos that is the summer and all the chaos that goes into an internship, planning a wedding, and just daily life in general I know that these four things will stay central to who I am and the spiritual growth that takes place.
What has been the fruits of these spiritual disciplines as they have played out over the past month and a half. I have found a revived sense of strength in knowing that my creator God is central to my life. I have built a renewed trust and hope in him both in my personal decisions as well as our decisions as soon to be newlyweds. I have come around this idea that intentional habits, lead to intentional spiritual growth, thus intentional growth leading to intentional life change, this intentional life change leading to a deepening influence. All of which are imperative to the saving of the lives of the people I am around on a daily basis.
Although my life this past month has been a true whirlwind of emotions, feelings, life change, and chaos, I have found one thing to reign true throughout and that is the fact that "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you." These are the words of Jesus to his disciples in Acts 1 after he revealed to them the fact that they are the ones being called to make disciples across all the world. This overwhelming task would have undoubtedly lead to a wave of emotions and doubt if it were not for this phrase "YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER". Jesus assures us, just as he assured his disciples, that we will receive power if we choose to trust in him with our whole lives.
In the midst of the chaos, I continue to choose Christ on a daily basis and in return I receive power from the Holy Spirit.
I challenge you with the same, you will not be left in weakness.
Till Another Day
normallyINDIE
Acts 1:8
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Decisions?
As many of you know, I am engaged to the most amazing girl in the world, Jenny Schroeder (www.turquoisefeathers.com) and with this comes a lot of new things. Specifically we have a lot of decisions to make. These decisions range from where we want to go on a date to where do we wanna live. We are visiting a few apartment complexes this coming week and I am currently in the process of applying for church positions for my looming graduation date coming December 2011.
All of these decisions are things that Jenny and I were not ready for, but we are facing them head on. With the decisions that this high of a level, they can easily become overwhelming. But like most people who call themselves followers of God, we say we trust in God to provide. I too find myself saying this, but after saying this I still find myself trying to make a certain outcome happen. For it is easy to trust God when things just keep coming, but when you are in my situation, trusting God is something of its' own. I have found that in order to truly trust God with everything, I must not worry about what is to come. I am looking for a job, but I must trust that God will provide me with exactly what I need. We are looking for a place to live and I must trust God that he will provide a neighborhood for us. Trusting God with the unknown is something I am learning and trusting that God will truly work for the good of those who love him.
If we as believers truly do trust in God that means not worrying about how God is going to work, but just trusting that he will.
God works for the good of those who love him, therefore we must truly trust that he will do so.
All of these decisions are things that Jenny and I were not ready for, but we are facing them head on. With the decisions that this high of a level, they can easily become overwhelming. But like most people who call themselves followers of God, we say we trust in God to provide. I too find myself saying this, but after saying this I still find myself trying to make a certain outcome happen. For it is easy to trust God when things just keep coming, but when you are in my situation, trusting God is something of its' own. I have found that in order to truly trust God with everything, I must not worry about what is to come. I am looking for a job, but I must trust that God will provide me with exactly what I need. We are looking for a place to live and I must trust God that he will provide a neighborhood for us. Trusting God with the unknown is something I am learning and trusting that God will truly work for the good of those who love him.
If we as believers truly do trust in God that means not worrying about how God is going to work, but just trusting that he will.
God works for the good of those who love him, therefore we must truly trust that he will do so.
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