Confessions of a Worship Pastor

"Everyone please find your seat, or don't." Sunday Morning Download 4.3.11

2011-04-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed last Sunday at ACF. If you missed it, we removed all the chairs from the room for the morning. (Other than a small section for those who needed them) I loved the confusion as people walked in! No one knew where to sit, or what to do. What ensued was a chaotic, disorganized, jumbled mass of people sitting on the floor...I loved it.

Someone walked by the sound board and said "Just another week at ACF!"

Another person said, "Your going to have to do a few weeks of NORMAL so that the AB-NORMAL continues to surprise people."

I think i'd agree. DIFFERENT seems to be our NORMAL at ACF. I really enjoy that. What I loved about this week was how our worship time seemed so authentic. Why? Well theres something about chairs and tighty rows of people that sometimes feels a little sterile...almost mechanical. I love seeing people worship from where they stand, wherever they stand. I think it translates well into REAL LIFE. We respond to God WHEREVER we are. In our routine, and amidst the chaos. Worship can happen EVERYWHERE and ANYWHERE.

My biggest fear is that singing to God would become routine...in a bad way. You know what I mean right? There's nothing wrong with my routine, until IT happens.

When I lived in Colorado, I had a morning routine. This one particular morning I work up late, threw on some clothes, and headed out to my truck. I started it up, threw it in reverse and then BAM! I backed right into my wife's cute little Saturn. The hitch made a nice dimple in the hood and I was ticked. I just didn't THINK! It wasn't her fault. I was in my routine.

What happens when worship turns into a thoughtless, emotionless, part of your routine? Theres nothing wrong with having a HABIT of worship as long as that HABIT is a RESPONSE to who Christ is. If it's not, it will end up being about as powerful as brushing your teeth on a regular basis. (Which you definitely should do)

This past Sunday broke us out of our Habits. People sat next to people they have never met before. NO one had THEIR seat (You don't own a seat by the way). It was beautiful.

After about 20 minutes people started squirming. I'm sure there were some butts getting sore. But then I saw people begin to lean against each other, back to back. It was happening all over the room. What an awesome picture of the BODY of Christ. We naturally respond to a situation by holding each other up, Back to Back, together. So cool.

-This is our last week of ONE service on a Sunday! So crazy. I remember my first week leading at ACF. I played one set, and went home feeling like I had ripped someone off! I had come from a church with three services, so after leading only one, I felt like I should go mop the floor or something. Starting April 17th we're meeting at 9 and 11. WRITE IT DOWN!

-Easter is coming together. I am stoked about the testimonies being shared.
Trailer HERE

-Are you ready to celebrate the empty tomb?

-I just finished putting together a TON of music for our team. I'm seriously blessed to have such awesome people to serve with! There can be such drama amongst musicians/artist types...I know, I am one. But our team of people work SO well together. I'm confident in their hearts for quality music and giving all praise to GOD and GOD ALONE.

My coffee is cold.

Grace and peace,
Brian

The Physical

2011-03-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

I posted this to my Facebook yesterday, and it's still working on me.

‎"A good leader will, in time, disappoint everyone." -Leading with a Limp.
At first glance, this is heartbreaking. But at second glance, it dispels the myth of utopia, everyone is happy, no one gives, and everyone wins leadership. It also reinforces a leaders job to make GOOD decisions over EASY ones.

For about 8 years, I've been in a process of coming to terms with my calling. Yea, I know it seems like it shouldn't take that long. It's becoming apparent to me that walking in my calling is a little like getting a physical...stay with me.

Do you remember these procedures? Who's idea was it to take a kid, during the most insecure time of his life, and send him regularly into a cold doctors office to get "Checked Out" by a total stranger? I used to dread the word "Physical." I moved around a lot as a kid so this meant putting down roots in new states on a regular basis. It seemed like every move I would end up needing a physical as part of my acceptance into a new school district or soccer team. It was embarrassing. It was revealing. It was uncomfortable. But once it was done, I had a new confidence in myself (In an awkward sort of way). The doctor would walk out with the information needed to assess my health, and return with the news: "Your Good to go!" (I was a healthy kid, and part of me actually enjoyed the challenge of filling up that little Dixie cup without going over the line.)

Back to my calling.

Doesn't it seem that the things you were most meant to do often bring you the most anxiety, and in the end, the most joy?

Why is this?

So much of who I AM is wrapped up in what I DO. I battle to know my identity aside from my performance. I feel a responsibility to my abilities while also trying to remember who I am without those things. So when I stand before other people, bearing my calling, I'm always hoping to hear affirmation and most of the time I do. Living in your call is a little like getting a physical. It's nerve wrecking. It's uncomfortable. But it's also affirming.

When I'm found in my call, there is a deep, earthy, spiritual, part of me that cries out, "I'm home."

But what happens when you hear the words, "I think we need to do a few more tests?" What? You mean I'm not ok? What happens when you bear your call and not EVERYONE is affirming and encouraging? What will you do?

What if your calling wasn't necessarily tied to your abilities? What if your calling wasn't defined by your confidence? What if your call wasn't driven by the accolades of others?

(Read about Moses Call in Exodus 4. God calls AND He Equips)

Now I'm not saying that we don't solicit wisdom from other people. Often I think the people closest to us will see our call before we do. But, it's not about them or their affirmation. It's not about everyone always being pleased with your performance. We often assume that our CALL is what we are GOOD at. Sometimes that will be the case. But here's what I've seen in my life:

My abilities have given me clues about my calling, but I NEVER feel like my performance is up to the task. It sends me into a place of dependence and humility. When I operate in my call I'm often surprised by the results.

Who is God calling you to be? Who is God equipping you to be? How are you honoring your call? Don't be afraid.

Sunday Morning Download 3.20

2011-03-21T15:12:00.000-07:00

It was another great week at ACF Church! If you haven't been around, we're working through "The Story." It's a compilation of mostly scripture and some commentary that will give us a view of the entire bible in 32 weeks. Loving it so far. Amanda and I read our chapter on Sat night together this week. I have to admit, I have never been good at routine study with my wife. There always seems to be a reason to put it off, or I make excuses that I'm discipling my family in other ways...but when we read God's word together, it's POWERFUL! Trying to lead well in this.

This week we discussed "Transition" as we talked about the Israelites leaving what they know and heading out into the unknown wilderness. Rod began talking about the passover and did a great job of bringing us into the moment by painting red blood (valspar paint) onto a door frame. The visual really sent the point home. It's interesting that God required "ACTION." Part of me asks, "If God knew their hearts, did he really need them to sacrifice a lamb and paint it's blood on the door frame?" But reality is that our obedience is an overflow of our hearts just as it was for them. I also love how God always asks for the purest and best sacrifice available. No leftovers for God. Sacrifice was to COST something to God's people. What are you sacrificing to God? Did it cost you something?

I found myself considering all the transition we've seen in our time in Alaska. I love where we are, but I think we've hit a dangerous point of transition. We've entered the "Comfort" stage. It's where we are confident in our friendships, we feel at home in our surroundings, and we know where to find good sushi. It's dangerous because comfort always causes me to relax into a routine of self dependence and shallow vision. When I find myself in the early stages of transition, I long for stability. Once I find it, I have to be intentional about pressing on ahead.

Eagle River is such a transitional community. I thought these words were so useful for our people.

18 baptisms on Sunday! Are you serious?! So cool. It's awesome to see people come up out of the water. I think people almost look different when they come out of the water. It seems like we've entered a routine of seeing people find new life in Christ on an almost weekly basis! So beyond us and our planning. God us using the CHURCH to spread the Good news. Apparently the good news that people are hearing, really IS GOOD NEWS! It's not always the case. I'm grateful that it is.

Amanda brought Cadence out to see the baptisms downstairs. It was an emotional and tear filled experience for many people. Cadence asked, "Mommy, why was the one girl so afraid of the water?" It's hard to explain the emotions of getting baptized to a 4year old. :)

We finished up the set by leading Mighty to Save on the Ukulele and Djembe! (In honor of the Luau this Saturday) I'm thinking this should be a weekly occurrence. Going to experiment with some effects and maybe a little distortion? We'll see. :)

Grace and Peace

My Orphan Blog

2011-01-05T14:31:00.000-08:00

They say that the first step is admitting it. "Hi, I'm Brian, and I have neglected my blog."

It's been a wild few months and I haven't seemed to put any of it down on the screen. Why? It could be that on my list of "Must-do's", my blog has hovered near the bottom, somewhere between emptying the lint trap and changing the batteries in the smoke detectors.

It could also be my struggle with the whole philosophy of blogging. I guess its not much different than someone reading words out of a book, or status updates on Facebook. I think it's fine for everyone else to do it. In fact, there are some blogs that I LOVE reading. But none the less, I wonder" Do I think that I am THAT important? Does anyone really want to read the things that rattle around in my head? Do I have anything worth saying?"

These are the same questions I wrestle with every time I step up to speak. Yep, almost every time I hear a voice saying, "You are wasting your time. Anything you say has already been said AND with more eloquence than you will ever muster." It's a bit of a battle. And yet, I continue walking, open my mouth, and speak sometimes out of obedience or obligation, but sometimes out of an overflow of my heart. That's when it's the best for me. It's only mildly rehearsed, marginally prepared, but mostly off the cuff when I feel like God speaks best through me. I often get done and wonder..."what did I just say?" Then fear creeps in...uh oh...."what did I just say...crud."

So, today, I thought I'd blog. Life has been exciting lately. As a father, I've been falling more in love with my little girls. As a husband, I've seen such beauty in my wife lately. As a leader, people continue to amaze me. Our church continues to see lives being changed through this ancient message! It's overwhelming. When I least expect it, God moves and shows me where I fit in HIS story of redemption in Eagle River and around the world.

I'm finding that my CYNICISM clouds my VISION. It sounds crazy but I get bored with what I know to be TRUTH. The story that changed the world can easily become about as impacting to me as "If You Give a Moose a Muffin" which I read to Cadence often.
But, in a variety of ways lately, I've found such power in cliche, overused phrases and stories from a book with more copies worldwide than any other book thats ever been printed. There is POWER in the blood. I, however, am a broken vessel. God is Good. And HE'S in control! I have faith. But I need a new kind of faith. Faith like a child. What would Jesus do? He would pray. He would go up to a mountain and communicate with His father until there was clarity. I'm trying to depend on God and depend on prayer. Why? Because He is Good, and His love endures forever.

...Cliche....truth...is still truth.

Click Below
If You Give a Moose a Muffin

In Short

2010-09-21T17:35:00.001-07:00

Here's the past week of my life...in short.

Went to Kodiak.

Rode the Tustumena! Also known as the "Trusty Tusty." 12 hr ferry ride, truck, kids and all.

Camped during a salmon run in bear country...with lots of loaded guns in the tent.

Drove to the other side of the island and broke my Dodge.

Snapped main shaft of my NV4500...in case you were curious.

Had Eric, a guy we barely know haul us all out of the sand, onto his trailer and back into town.

No parts in Kodiak.

Spent the night at Eric's house.

Drove Eric's truck all over the island the next day.

Eric is one nice dude!

Towed Dodge onto the Trusty Tusty.... 135$ in Kodiak
Towed Dodge off the Trusty Tusty.... 85$ in Homer

Slept 2 nights on a Foggy wet coastal spit in a tent with the kiddos. They all did GREAT!

Devin and Sara came to the rescue with a borrowed truck and flatbed!

Visited another church on Sunday...it was good, but weird. Like going to someone elses family reunion. But always so good to see how other people do church!

Back in the office.
-Heard that Mason and the team did an awesome job on Sunday!
-Heard 3 people made decisions for Christ!
-Got about 40 people signed up for membership class! What!? (Just to put that in perspective...ACF currently has 50 official members)
-Got the stage set for "1st and 10" our next series starting SUNDAY! It's the "MAN Stage." Ha!
-Prepping for Breakaway tonight!

-Picked up a freezer full of moose meat from our moose hunt. Pic below

There it is...in short.

And now, We ACT!

2010-09-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

And now, WE ACT!
The past couple of months in "LIP SERVICE" at ACF I think have been life changing for our church. It's been weeks of honestly looking at us as individuals and as a BODY and challenging the status quo. Are you different? I know I am.

This week, we as one body will GO and ACT upon what we've been talking about. This is SERVICE SUNDAY! It's where we cancel church (GASP) and head out into the city to serve our community in hopes of showing Gods love in a practical way. I'm stoked!

-We ended up with a ton of awesome projects! We're demolishing a barn, a fence, and and some trees. (WE apparently like to demolish stuff because those sign ups filled up FIRST) We're serving a couple of family's in need by doing a slew of home repairs! I don't have time to lay out their stories but ACF is stepping in at a time of NEED. And then we'll be sending a MOB into a neighborhood to clean up, mow, clean and rake. After that...we BBQ. If you haven't signed up yet, come anyway! We'll help you get plugged into a project on Sunday.

-It's been crazy around the office. Ever feel like that at home? Where you pass your wife in the hall and think to yourself, "It seems like it's been forever since I've seen her." I saw Rod the other day and it was a similar feeling (In a dude sort of way). We've been running around like crazy to help every week be the best opportunity for people to BEGIN and ADVANCE in their journey toward God.

-OK, so here's the buzz of the week. Ready for this? The City has made plans to run a road right through the current ACF building. That's right. As a leadership, this is shocking, and a little scary. But we recognize two things: 1) This is GODS church, not ours. He's got a BIGGER plan than us. 2) The church is NOT the building. It's kind of ironic that on the week of a city council meeting, we're doing Service Sunday. I don't know about you, but I think God is in this. But, this building has been an awesome tool for ministry. IT would be difficult to lose it.

So, we'll be attending the meeting tonight. And YOU are invited. We think it's our job to assert ourselves where we can in a way that communicates whats happening through ACF Church! We are partners with the city and our desire is to work WITH the city to make it a better place. This is new territory for us. Pray.

-I got done with last Sunday and just had to laugh. You know, you can plan and prep, but sometimes things still go wrong. We had flow issues, sound issues and other issues. It's always difficult when I feel like the "production" side of things doesn't go well. Rod and I often pray that God would overwhelm the distractions. Whether they come from technical errors or from within ourselves, our goal is for people to meet with their God when we gather. Many times it happens, dispite us. I'm SO THANKFUL for his grace.

-We're a couple of weeks into BREAKAWAY Student ministries for the year. I'm stoked about our students and especially excited about the team of leaders we have! They all have a heart to see lives changed. So cool to have a team.

-Next week, the Cooks go to KODIAK! Yep, we're taking a little family vacation. We're taking the ferry across to the island and hoping to get in some great hiking, scenery and relaxation.

Grace and peace,
Brian

Red Carpet Reflections

2010-08-31T23:41:00.000-07:00

Sounds like a cheezy TV series right? Last Sunday was one of the most exciting mornings I've seen at ACF Church! We rolled out the red carpet, minus the carpet!

-We're coming to the end of our "LIP SERVICE" series and to communicate our challange to be a "welcoming community" we had every peroson from our greeting teem show up early and get in to character as a bunch of groupies! As people arrived for church, they were greeted by a crowd of screaming fans! The music was bumping through the windows. People were getting autographs, taking pictures and Rod was doing interviews. We had a live video feed going into the sanctuary so that after you ran the gauntlet, you could sit and watch other people react to all the attention. It was amazing! Some were terrified, others embarrassed, but I think everyone was blown away by the sense of belonging.

-Heard a couple people say that they could hear the comotion from their house!

- What if people felt like that every week they came to church? What if they felt this overwhelming sense of belonging and family?

-Rod was rocking the "BOAZ" suit. At one point I heard him ask, "Is that a Vera Wang?" I thought I was going to die!.... The man knows way too much about fashion.

-On a "SOLES 4 SOULS" side note: We announced that a shipping company decided to completely cover shipping for our 800+ pairs of shoes donated! WOW!
The team really felt solid this week! It had been two weeks since I led worship last, but it felt like forever! Was good to get back in the groove. We introduced "Chosen Generation" which I think was a great fit for the challange to BE the church.

THIS NEXT SUNDAY, we'll be blasting people through the signup tables for Service Sunday! It's going to be nuts! We're hoping to get everyone plugged in and headed to a project. I drove around today locking in the neighborhoods for the neighborhood projects. There are going to be red shirts EVERYWHERE in Eagle River!

I'm headed to pick up my brother, sister in law and nephew from the airport in 3 hours! We're really looking forward to hanging with them. Hoping to give them a REAL Alaska experience. What better place to start than...the STATE FAIR!

Off to do other things to stay awake,
Grace and Peace,
Brian

Fears for Tears

2010-08-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

John 11:32-35
When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. "Where have you laid him?" he asked.
"Come and see, Lord," they replied.

Jesus wept.

I was sitting with Amanda the other day watching a movie. The music swelled, the couple kissed, and she cried, as usual. It's not uncommon to see my wife tear up during the "moment" in a movie. At this particular time, I felt myself tearing up a bit too, but like any good man, I chewed it back and kept my composure. Ahhh...success.

We like movies that MOVE us. Movies that wake up parts of our soul that we tend to ignore or suppress. We walk away feeling like 2 hours and 10 bucks were spent well.

Jesus was mourning with Mary over the death of Lazarus. So He cried. It's a little perplexing because we know the rest of the story, and Jesus must have also. Jesus ends up walking into the tomb and raising Lazarus from the dead! But, Mary doesn't know that yet. So, they weep together.
-Maybe Jesus wanted to connect with Mary so he whipped up a couple of tears.
-Maybe He wanted to communicate his compassion to the people around him.
-Maybe He thought the tears would say "Hey, I'm human too!"

Or maybe, Jesus simply responded to the moment with an authentic expression of his feelings. Weird...

I've often struggled with PUBLIC tears. When we see people cry, in front, we tend to make judgement calls about their heart and motifs. I used to go to a church in North Dakota (Because what else would you do in -100 below). Every week our pastor would get through half of his sermon and then break down. He would WEEP. I'm not talking about minor voice inflection through a few tears...I mean WEEP! All over that oak pulpit. And I would be embarrassed...for him and for me. It felt awkward. I remember bringing a friend to church and praying, "Dear Jesus, keep the pastor from crying today."

How do you respond when you see someone cry? Is it uncomfortable? Or maybe, it moves you to connect with a part of yourself that you have labored to ignore. In the past few weeks, I've seen and felt a movement of something inside of me that is OVERWHELMING. When God moves, it can touch parts of our soul that nothing else can. And often in my life, when my soul is touched, I respond with tears. But, there's always fear. What if we, like Jesus, had the confidence to simply respond to the moment honestly and authentically. What if we let the people around us do the same without judgement?

I think back to those days at the Nodak church and wonder, "What was God doing in this mans life that he could barely read the word without weeping?" I don't think he was trying to MOVE the people in the church. I don't think he was trying to show how sensitive he was. I don't think the tears were for US. They just were. What was embarrassment, is now respect.

Honestly, there's something powerful about seeing someone cry. When Amanda cries, I want to cry. It spreads in a room like wildfire! Be moved. Allow your heart to break, allow your heart to rejoice... with or without tears. IT changes us. It's not about losing masculinity or gaining femininity. Tears are neither. It's about having a DEEP soul and giving yourself the gift of authenticity, however that may look for you.

Tears are tied to the DEEPEST of feelings and emotions. The strongest men will cry at the loss of a friend or during their wedding vows, and then struggle to show emotion over the life they find in Christ! Maybe you aren't emotional, or you can't remember the last time you cried. Don't get me wrong, it's not all about emotion or tears. Following God takes a deep commitment to TRUTH and ACTION. But, when we think of our God isn't it appropriate that, at times, we would respond with tears?

Allow the people around you the freedom just to BE. You can thank them for their tears... but they aren't for YOU. Just allow God to move. You will be different having let your pride fall and your eyes swell with the moment. It's difficult, I agree. I'm sweating just typing about it.

On to other manlier subjects,
Brian:.

Anticipating great things

2010-08-19T15:47:00.000-07:00

I'm pumped for the next couple of weeks around ACF! It's been an awesome summer and I think AMAZING things have only begun to happen around here.

-Last week I was given the chance to speak about AUTHENTIC Grace. I was nervous and anxious as ususal. I'm always hoping to say something that matters. After about a minute of speaking at near light speed, I calmed down and was able to share my heart. Was a great morning.

-Mason led and did an amazing job with the team! I played bass for a change. Really enjoyed sitting in the back and being LED instead of LEADING.

-This week we've got the African Childrens Choir performing at ACF. This will be the first "choir" at ACF since I've been here, maybe the first ever. It's gonna be amazing. These kids are going to blow you away with not only their energy, but also their passion. I am anticipating great things!

-The following week, AUGUST 29th, is going to be a BLAST! I'm always excited to try new things to communicate a message to ACF, but both Rod and I are pumped for this one. You need to: move your fishing trip, take your echinacea 2 days before so you aren't sick, go to bed early so you wake up in time, and fuel the car up the day before so you don't run out of gas on the way!
If you have been considering inviting that friend from work or neighbor from down the street, this will be the week! They won't forget coming to ACF for a long time...in a good way. Don't worry, we won't be asking you to give up your ipods, shoes, computers, car keys, or cell phones...at least not this week.
I am Anticipating great things!

That's it for now. Picking up some friends from the Air Port!

I'm headed out with Devin to go hunting tomorrow morning. I'm psyched! Pray for much ammo to be spent in the next 48 hrs.

With You,
Brian:.

Shoes

2010-08-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

Sunday was an AMAZING step for ACF Church. If you weren't there, you missed an awesome movement!

We talked about being "world changers" both locally and globally. Rod rocked the message and then we ended the service with a challenge. Lara Madden came up and did an awesome job sharing her heart for giving shoes to people in need. Then we revealed our partnership with Soles 4 Souls, an organization birthed after hurricane Katrina. They give shoes to people both in country and around the world. They are even distributing shoes right here in Alaska!

So the challenge was made, "Would you consider giving your shoes? But not tomorrow, not after church, the shoes off your feet." We walked into a time of worship and ACF responded! People of all ages came up and gave of the shoes off their feet. They were inconvenienced for the KINGDOM. Very cool! The pile was awesome to see.

-I watched one little girl come up and give her shoes. And then she thought that might not be enough, so she left her socks too.

-I heard of one Student who had worked all summer for his new pair of sneakers! All summer! And he came up, and gave his shoes.

-i saw people who I know have VERY little, give the shoes off their feet to people who have even less.

-It was awesome to see people walking around after service without shoes. There were bare footprints across the parking lot. I could hear people laughing and groaning as they walked over the metal grating, out of the building. The energy was awesome as we gave shoes to a REAL need. I even saw some people come right back with bags of shoes! They have been coming in all week and we hope to see another pile this Sunday!

-When we do things like this, we expand our vision. We get a small picture of what some people experience every day. A little part of our materialism and selfishness dies and a new health begins. We get perspective.

-I walked proudly through Fred Meyer on the way home to buy some hot dog buns without shoes on my feet. It was funny to watch people look, but try not to look!

-I've been amazed this week by some people who are Amazing servants.

-Heard of one person who Re-committed their lives to Christ this weekend! AWESOME! How many others were permanently changed by this simple step of faith?

Things like this make us FOREVER different. They allow us to see our circumstances from a higher vantage point and it affects more than our shoe count. It affects the way we look at the people around us and the way we deal with our day to day disappointments, challenges and struggles. It helps us to have a KINGDOM perspective as we walk through our days. What other things are you bound to? What are the things that OWN you? How can you use them to impact the KINGDOM?

-I spent some time with some great friends out wheeling in Puritan creek last weekend. That ALWAYS fires me up. We had a blast found some great mud and rocks to wheel and even saw some sunshine!

-I'm finishing up my message for this weekend. Looking forward to sharing some thoughts on GRACE. Talk about a MASSIVE topic! It's unreal to see how grace is written into every page of scripture. What, you don't think we can give LIP SERVICE to grace?
Let's talk about it.

-Got some new hoodies in for BREAKAWY this week. It's official, we're a youth ministry, we have hoodies. I bet you didn't know that youth ministries are forced to sit in nose bleed section of heaven if they don't have OFFICIAL youth ministry swag. Yep, it's true. So, we're safe. Hoodies are being distributed.

My coffee is getting cold. Time to go.
Brian:.

10 Things I assume you know...

2010-08-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

10 things I assume you know....

Thing Number 1: If my blinker is on, I'd like to switch lanes PLEASE. Then I owe you an obligatory head nod, or at least a 3 finger steering wheel wave.

Thing Number 2: If you borrow someones truck, you should bring it back with at least as much fuel in the tank as you left with, or possibly a fresh wax to show that you'd like to borrow it again.

Thing Number 3: If you're in the bathroom, just ignore my call. It's important, but not THAT important.

Thing Number 4: It's rude to text at the checkout counter...Checkers are people too.

Thing Number 5: Jitters coffee beats Starbucks any day.

Thing Number 6: Treat every gun as if it were loaded.

Thing Number 7: Diesels don't have spark plugs...so don't try to change them.

Thing Number 8: Jesus wasn't born in a barn.

Thing Number 9: It's not ALWAYS winter in Alaska.

Thing Number 10: Everything I want to teach about.

I've realized lately, that I assume a LOT about people. It's clear that I have a lot to learn but I easily assume that once I find knowledge, everyone else must have found it before me. You've been there right? You're standing with a bunch of friends and someone starts talking about the best way to stalk a moose in the woods, and you, being the self-respecting man that you are, nod your head in agreement as if you had any idea that staking a moose was even an option! Everyone seems to be in the loop, except you. Your only hope of retaining some semblance of masculinity is to change the subject to something you are more familiar with or pray to God that no one asks what you think. (Sorry ladies, you might not relate to that one)

We have a LOT to learn. Let's start there.

It seems like when I am putting notes together to teach, I'm always hearing, "They know that already. That's been said enough. Every one's got that figured out. There is nothing left to say." It's not that I need to say things that are NEW, but I surely want to say things that MATTER.

Are you saying things that MATTER? Maybe what you have to say is EXACTLY what they need to hear. Or maybe your ability to communicate will help turn KNOWLEDGE into ACTION in their lives. I'm going to try to assume less about people and hope that people assume less about me. There are many things that I'm sure we need to hear.

Brian:.

Pain and Joy

2010-07-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

The past couple of weeks have been spiked with a little of both "PAIN" and "JOY."
Let's begin with the pain:
Amanda and I heard last week that some close family friends of ours here in Eagle River had lost their youngest son. It's the kind of news that twists your guts into a knot. Amanda knew their son much better than I did, and she's said often in the past few days "I just keep thinking about it." We're told he fell off a ladder while working during the hottest day of the summer. The circumstances are a little unknown, but the pain and loss is clear and real for the family and friends.
Amanda gave me the news while I was mowing the lawn and it stopped me in my tracks. We stood there and talked for a few minutes while processing the reality of our, and everyone elses, frail humanity. After a few minutes I continued on mowing and it almost felt wrong. Like, "here I am mowing a lawn, and people are grieving." It's the kind of news that makes tall grass seem insignificant.
After finishing up around the house, we went over to see the family and show our support and love for them. I'm telling you, I witnessed a new kind of pain. To hug a mother that's just lost her son. We stood and munched on some crackers and cheeze that someone had brought over. We talked and helped plan. We listened, and our daughters gave out a lot of hugs. Although their was pain, it was also a sweet moment to see our children bringing a sense of warmth to people who needed it.

At the begining of the summer we took an offroading trip to Kings River with a new group of guys. Although we didn't know them before the trip, Devin and I had built some great friendships by the end. We kept commenting about one young guy in the group. He'd just graduated high school and was wheeling a sick little toyota that was kicking butt in the snow! Keith attend a Christian school in anchorage and had a love for wheeling. About a week ago, he was involved in an accident while out doing what he loved, fell in a whirlpool and sadly drowned. Yesterday Devin and I attended his funeral and witnessed some of the impact Keith had on the world around him. We saw hoards of people come to celebrate Keiths life. At the end of the service, numerous people raised their hands to recieve Jesus as their savior. Again, pain...and joy.

During the service Keiths dad shared about their lives together, the fun they had, and all the way's he loved and respected his son. During the service, Devin leaned over to me and whispered, "can you imagine having to bury your son?" I couldn't... And as we watched this man pour his heart out, my eyes were drawn to the cross behind him where a father experienced a similar kind of pain watching his son bear the weight of sin but knowing beyond the shadow of a doubt that they would be together one day. Pain...and joy.

Sunday was a sort of oasis of joy as I watched people get baptized and go public with their NEW LIVES in Christ. Watching people come out of the water is overwhelming. It's like their eyes are different when they come out. Something supernatural happens in that galvonized stock tank that I cant explain. It was good to be a part of it, to worship around it, and then to eat lots of food in celebration of it!

Pain and Joy. Maybe we know them both at their greatest when they are found together. I don't know. But they both remind me to live life on purpose.

What will you do with your day? Will you create a story that changes lives? I hope and pray I will.

Sunday Morning Download 7/18

2010-07-20T16:04:00.000-07:00

I just came into the office and thought I'd get back on board with my blog. It's been a little while since I've written. I hope you've spent some time over at awkwardsexblog.com! It's been a wild month!

We just got back from Life 2010! Amanda and I took some students down for our national youth conference. As always, God was present and we came back different having spent time with HIM. It's always life changing to be in a room with 6500 other worshippers. You want to see what it means to worship with ABANDON? Go to LIFE Conf. I love the way these students give it all during worship! Back at the Hotel room, we talked the last night about how this SAME God exists in Eagle River, Alaska. He doesn't exist MORE in Kentucky than in Alaska...in fact, I'd say He's more present in Alaska than anywhere! Look around! (That was bad theology, I know) We need to worship like the wholeness of God's presence is surrounding us!

Last Sunday we kicked off our "Lip Service" series. It was a blast to poke a little fun at the way our minds wander during worship. I could barely contain myself! The topic was one of the heaviest words that we deal with as Christians... "Hypocrisy." Just the term sends chills up our backs. We bristle at being called hypocrites. But, what are we doing about it? Reality is that we can all find hypocrisy in our lives and yet we put our game faces on and head to church like nothing is wrong. Jesus compares it to cleaning the outside of a glass while the inside is filthy! (Matt 23:25) That Jesus guy had a way with words. How does this topic land on you? Do you cringe? I heard someone Sunday say "That message was for ME!" I love the honesty! Hold on to your seats, there's lot more HONESTY on its way! If you bristle at the topic of HYPOCRISY, what does that mean for your spiritual well being?

This next Sunday we hit a topic that might send chills up your back more so than last week! We believe in ACF so much that we as a leadership team will be taking a faith step. Don't miss it!

I wasn't feeling it Sunday. Ever been there? Sometimes I walk into worship, ready to go, pumped about being together! Sunday, wasn't that way for me. I felt like God wanted to challenge me a little. It was like God was hitting me with my own words. If you've ever taught before, you know how that feels. I walked into Church and things weren't the same as in Kentucky. SURPRISE! No screaming teenagers...(Maybe 1 or two) No bumping into people to get the best seat. No Derwin Gray. No stadium seating. It was different. I'm so glad God doesn't allow our atmosphere to affect his presence....but sometimes it feels like it. Right? Sometimes God seems to show up more in some places than others. But the fullness of God resides within us and around us. He's always available. I'm just not sure we often walk into church on Sunday expecting to get HIT with the PRESENCE of GOD! Like ALL of Him. The kind of collision that sends us to our knees. But we desire for it.

It's not always EMOTIONAL, but it can be AUTHENTIC. That's what we need to be asking for and expecting. An AUTHENTIC collision with God. And THEN, we respond obediently to that experience. Maybe with tears. Maybe with shouting or clapping. Maybe with raising our hands. But we HAVE to respond. Whenever someone in the bible catches a glimpse of God, they collapse in worship. It's like their knees give out and they fall to the ground. When you meet God, it begs a response.

Sometimes I might challenge us to respond in unison by singing a song together or raising our hands together. Other times we have to find our place of worship and respond to God from there, however that might look. God wants us to come EXPECTING to meet with God, and WILLING to respond to HIM whatever our environment.

See you Sunday!
Brian:.

Let me direct your attention to the blog around the corner!

2010-06-08T17:58:00.000-07:00

I'll be spending most of my blogging time at
awkwardsexblog.com
for the next month!

Today, we begin the 30daysexchallange and last week we started our Sexual Revolution series at ACF Church. It's going to be wildly awesome to see how God works through this. HOLD ON!

Check the blog. Would love to see your comments and thoughts!
Brian

Grace +

2010-05-18T15:13:00.000-07:00

Ahh Springtime... Trees are blooming, temperatures are rising and love is in the air. What a perfect time for "SEXUAL REVOLUTION!"

I'm getting pumped for this next series. Get ready church. Get ready for honesty and freedom! We are really praying over this series hoping that God will break chains and bring wholeness to the hurting. As we study, I'm praying that God reveals major and minor twists in our understanding of sex and relationships. I know that God will help me personally to grow in this area. I'm praying for openness to the Spirits movement on stuff that isn't even on my radar! If people come, and are willing to take part of the challenges that are given, God is going to blow the roof off! Get Ready!

Settled into my new office. I'm telling you, it makes a difference to come into a sunny, above-ground office in the morning. Increases my mood just by coming in here!

We had our last week of Breakaway for the year. What an awesome group of students. It's been an incredible year. I remember last year at this time there was no youth ministry at ACF Church...at all. We started with nothing and gained a ton of stability, vision and about 25 regular students attending this year! Last week: 2 first time commitments to Christ, 4 re commitments, 2 who want to be baptized and 1 minor epileptic seizure.(She's ok BTW) I'll call that a big week! This Friday we're camping-in at the church all night! I've already started juicing on some Rock Star.

7 years of marriage, 2 kids, 3 homes, 3 states, much laughter, and a TON of growth was celebrated last night. Amanda and I had our anniversary. It was incredible to think back to where we've come from and who we have become with the help of each other. Can't wait for what's to come!

I really enjoyed the set on Sunday. Psalm 118 is always a blast to sing and play! It's fun to try new things as a team. It's an honor to be able to watch our people worship. Everyone has their own way of connecting with God during that time. Lot's off freedom to be YOU and worship HIM.

I've been spending some time in the Book of Acts. In Chapter 15, Paul and Barnabas encounter a teaching that causes a ton of tension. Check it!

5Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses."

6The apostles and elders met to consider this question. 7After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? 11No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."

This moment in time was pivotal. What if Peter hadn't set things straight? What if the council had decided that grace + circumcision = Salvation??? This was a BIG deal.

I'm reminded of all the "Grace +'s" in my life. I think of how easy a shift it was for people to add things to grace. Whenever you have a "Grace +" in your life, what you are saying to God is that Jesus...just wasn't enough. This cuts me to the core...and it should. As I'm reading in Acts, not only is it clear that the Gentiles don't need to be circumcised to be saved, but they are encouraged to STAY that way so that they can share this message of hope with people in their culture.

Sometimes we don't give people the "Grace +'s" off the top. We help them find Jesus...and THEN the list comes out. "Ok, now that Jesus is your Lord, you need to look a little more like ME." Paul encourages us to leverage our CULTURE for the KINGDOM. Be Christ-ian, Right where you are.

Expanded Territory

2010-05-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

So it's a big week around ACF Church!
On Sunday, Boaz talked about our moving party THIS SATURDAY starting at HIGH NOON. (12:00)
So maybe your thinking, so what? What's so exciting about offices? Does office space really matter in the grand scheme of God's plan for ACF Church? Good questions.

A few years back, a hugely popular book was released called "The Prayer of Jabez." It's a book based on 1 Chronicles 4:10. Jabez cries out to God and asks for blessing and expanded territory. It's a powerful and dangerous prayer, as many are. The idea of expanded territory goes beyond real estate to our influence on the people around us. This is certainly my prayer for us as a church! And it's happening in so many ways.

Our acquiring the "little blue building across the parking lot" means more to me than an office that doesn't have yellow carpet (Which I've actually grown quite fond of). It's about the bigger implications! God has grown our church in a year to the point that we will be needing our current offices for classrooms and nursery rooms. YAY GOD! We are praying together about new staff and they will need a place to work! We simply believe that God is always preparing us in tangible and non tangible ways for the NEXT thing He's going to do. We want to be in step with God's plans.

Bottom line for me. Buildings are nothing more than tools for accomplishing the vision. This move isn't about geographically stretching our feet out. It's another step toward what God wants to do through us, and that's worth getting excited about! Praise God that acquiring real estate isn't our deepest aspiration as a church. It is however so very easy to lose track of our mission when we don't keep our STUFF in its rightful place in our hearts. When our VISION is watered down to getting tools instead of reaching the lost, we've gotten the cart before the horse. My prayer is that we would never be a church who's greatest aspiration is to gather THINGS. If vision ends at getting stuff... I'd rather be wheeling.

ACF CHURCH, we have DEEP vision. Every microphone, speaker, TV, building, book, T-shirt, invite card, amp, coffee cup and folding table is about one thing....PEOPLE. Be a part of the VISION.

Every week Boaz gets a pile of communication cards on his desk. The first box I always look for is the "I would like to commit my life to Christ" box. We're seeing more and more of these boxes checked! ACF, you are a part of helping people find life and hope in JESUS! Our work, is NOT in vain.

We're getting pumped up for the next series "Sexual Revolution" starting June 6th! If you have NEVER invited a friend to ACF Church, I personally think this is your best opportunity yet to bring a friend. This issue is SO relevant. Maybe you know a mom who's got teenage boys or girls. Maybe you know someone who struggles in this area. Maybe you have a friend who thinks they could never relate to God. Bring them! We want to see people walk into freedom and fullness through "Sexual Revolution." It's about SEX, but it's also about the God who designed it.
We're woking on a set design to bring the theme home. Gonna be awesome.

We're trying to get paint on the walls before Saturday. Stop in and say hi! In fact, bring a brush and give a hand.

See you Saturday. It's more than a moving party. It's a celebration and a confirmation of what God's doing through US!

Hot Tub Staff Meetings...

2010-04-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

There's something woven into our being that NEEDS to be part of "Greater Things." It's the part that groans when you realize that it's been weeks since you've done something to serve anyone but yourself. It's the part that takes your breath away when you respond to a need with compassion and get the sense that YOU have become part of someones story...a good part. We all want to be part of GREATER things! That's my heart today for myself, you, us, ACF Church and the greater Body of Christ. To be part of Greater things.

When we find ourselves celebrating victories from weeks, months, or years ago, we should be reminded of TODAY. What WILL we, or HAVE we done TODAY that will matter in weeks, months, or years? It's good to remember, but for me, it's often an excuse for inaction, lazyness and low expectations out of my life.

I just returned from our District Conference in Portland. Talk about green and beautiful! Man, I could use more of that. But even greater than the scenery, was what I felt like God was speaking to me. After a few days of spending time with much wiser and more experienced men than myself, my brain was mush. There was so much to take in and process. But, one thing stood out. I felt like God was challanging me, "So you want to be part of something greater, have you asked?" My answer? Well, sort of...maybe? Once in a while? God kept urging me... "Ask, but not just on your own, not just as a church staff or leadership team, All of you....ask."

Rod and I spent some great time together talking vision, thinking back on the past year and planning for whats to come. One night we had a "Hot Tub Staff Meeting," which I'm convinced was God's original intended location for church staff meetings, and we were able to share our hearts for ACF Church. It always comes back to helping PEOPLE find JESUS and how we can be part of that comission. I walked away with more of a desire than ever to see God do "Greater things" in and through us. What if we, all of us, asked...together.

What if we asked God to offer us a divine perspective into the lives around us and then He amplified our ability to recognize needs and opportunites to be servants?

What if we asked for the chance to represent God in a way that results in countless numbers of people turning their hearts over to Him?

What if we asked to be part of GREATER THINGS in Eagle River and beyond, and God chose to use us in ways that we could have never imagined?

Consider what happened in Acts 4 as Peter and John prayed.
"Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:
" 'Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together
against the Lord
and against his Anointed One. Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Let's ask together, and expect the ground to shake. God, do GREATER THINGS in and though us!

Easter Download - "This is no time for Solitaire!"

2010-04-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

Had an amazing Easter this year at ACF. If you were there, I felt like there was an energy and electricity in the room during worship that blew me away! It was undeniable that something supernatural was happening as we gathered. We came together to worship the RISEN KING! And I imagine He was pleased.

-Bagpipes! Ha. I wasn't sure how this was going to work out, but the Alaska Pipe Band offered to kick off our service with Amazing Grace on the pipes. I'm not sure there was a dry eye in the house. They did a great job! It was followed up by a testimony video of people from ACF talking about all the things Christ saved them from. Amazing.

-"The DOOR". Easter this year was called "The Door." Rod did an awesome job presenting an opportunity for FREEDOM through Christ. The question he kept asking was, "What if you were to walk across this stage, say a prayer and step through this door and experience FREEDOM like never before? What if? Greater things have happend on this day."

So the doors and stage came together (Thanks to all our helpers BTW) but when I'm doing prep work for a service I'm always praying that God uses the tangible to affect the un-tangible...to change hearts. I wasn't sure how many people would actually respond to the invitation to come across the stage. Ministry is a wild ride. You prep, you pray, you rehearse, and then you LET GO of your investment and leave the rest up to God. HE moved on Sunday! I think almost everyone in the room walked across that stage. Some came up as families and couples. Some held eachother and prayed as they prepared to walk through the door. Some walked through like it was a PARTY! Awesome. People walked into all kinds of Freedom.

So now what? It's the week after Easter? Is anything different for you? I would encourage you to ACCELERATE your walk with God and your PURSUIT of the LOST! Easter isn't the End all of services. It's merely a celebration of what God has done and will do! Don't believe the lies- You did your job. You came to church. You invited that friend once. You didn't invite that friend, so you can wait until Christmas. You have bigger and better things to worry about than the spiritual transformation of yourself and others. What's bigger than THAT??!

This is no time for Solitaire! We've been on an Office binge at our house. Love that show! In every other scene, if you look at their computers, what's on the screen? Solitaire! It's helarious. It's a picture of how they waste time as an office. After Easter is no time for Solitaire. We're praying for more people this week than last week at ACF. Eagle River is still full of people without the HOPE and FREEDOM of Jesus. Keep building these relationships. Keep moving ahead with your mission.

Looking forward to Sunday!
-Brian

Easter, Work, and Tricycling in the street.

2010-03-30T15:50:00.001-07:00

Ahhh...It's Easter. To steal a comparison, this is the "Super Bowl" of Church services. (Or at least a tie with Christmas.) I'm not much of a football fan so I'll draw a comparison to the "Easter Jeep Safari" of Church services. The parts and pieces are coming together and it's getting me FIRED UP...get it? ...

SO, what's the big deal? For me, it's a variety of things.
This time of year reminds me of my desperate need to be saved, forgiven, broken and healed by Jesus. Really? What kind of "Church worker" needs to be reminded about Jesus? Well people, I'm a picture of what most of us experience. I spend a full work week doing "God's work" so to say, and sometimes get to the end of my week and wonder "Where was God in all of this?"

I'd like to say I'm a typical parent. Maybe more spacey than some. But sometimes I'll bring Cadence outside while I'm tinkering on a vehicle or another project. I'll get busy. I'll bust my knuckles. I'll strip a bolt. I'll get stumped with a wiring problem and it's really all I can see...until...that moment when I think. "Where's Cadence?" Oh, she’s just riding her tricycle in the street...WHAT!

Tunnel Vision, Naval Gazing, whatever you want to call it. You can spend years working FOR God and never be WITH God. He's calling to you. He hasn't gotten too busy, we have. We get caught up in the trappings of spirituality rather than the SPIRT Himself.
Isaiah 53 is one of my favorite Easter Passages:
3 He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
He was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

Have you forgotten? Been to busy? Or maybe the shock has worn off.

But this passage only tells part of the story. When the book closes, and the war is over, God wins. He WINS! And as we accept and receive these truths, we too have FREEDOM. This is what Easter is all about. If you think you have no chains, you are mistaken. If you feel sufficient carrying the weight on your own, there is more weight to come. Explore your inadequacies. It's scary, but it WILL be ok. Then allow God to take them upon Himself. This is the beginning of healing.

Sure, you should work for God. Bust your knuckles for Him. Bleed for Him as He bled for you. Shed sweat and tears to share the gift with the world. But work itself, even God's work, makes for an insufficient IDOL. The only one worshipping is God Himself. Experience God in FULLNESS this Easter! Get fired up!

God of Justice

2010-03-24T12:35:00.000-07:00

It's been a wild couple of weeks. It seems like lot of things are coming to a head right before Easter....as usual!

-We've jumped into Act 2 of Joshua "The Battle Begins." It's been wild to explore some of the mysteries of how God moves and why He moves. If you have been reading along, you can't read through this part of Joshua without, at least for a second, wondering if the God we worship is really "Good." It's ok to wonder, and question and explore. We're doing it as a church and in our community groups. The more I study this, the more I realize God's goodness.

This week Rod unpacked Joshua 6. It's the story of Jericho. You remember the kids song right? "Joshua fought the battle of Jericho , Jericho, Jericho. Joshua fought the battle of Jericho...and then he and his men killed every living being in the city....." Crappy kids song right. Seriously God? This makes me wonder. But as we discuss and explore, we see that our God knows perfect justice and He is the only one who could make such a command. We see the lostness of the people of Jericho. Boaz also did a comparison between this instance and Sodom and Gomorrah. Two similar accounts of which we seem to respond completely differently based on our judgments of "Justice" and who deserves punishment. As I study, I'm reminded of how small my perspective can be.

-Had a great worship set on Sunday. We welcomed Rebecca this week as she sang BU Vocals. Great Job! I love seeing our team grow with new talent and true worshippers!

-We've been doing some work on our projection system. Dwayne has reworked some things and fixed all of our screen issues! I love that guy. It's crazy how clear our videos are now! We were fighting blurry images and some distracting lines that would walk their way up the screen during the morning. Feels good to have that working better. Just in time for Movie Night this weekend! Princess Bride is still one of my favorites.

-Boaz and I have been working on Easter. I'll include a bumper video at the bottom. (Thanks Zoe) This years event is called "The Door." Going to have some great opportunities to respond to God!

-Gas buy down 2010 is NEXT SATURDAY! Man, it's coming quick. We got the banner hung at the Shell last week and the buzz begins. Church, I'm really excited for this. The second year we do events like this will almost always be BIGGER than the last. The word is out from last year and people are thirsty for some cheap petrol. You DO NOT want to miss helping out. Sign up for a shift. I promise you will be blessed more than the people you are blessing!

-Breakaway has been awesome! These students are crazy cool. We're studying the gifts of the Spirit and are having some great conversations about tough issues. Love seeing new kids almost every week! 2 are being baptized this weekend! AWESOME!

-I'm pumped for Baptisms. This Sunday we have some scheduled baptisms and we are praying that God would move people to go public with their faith right on the spot! Pray that people would come READY and OPEN.

-As for me, I just picked up the bow. My dad sent his old compound down with Amanda's parents last month and I've been shooting in the back yard. It's a great outlet...especially when I stop losing arrows in the snow. I figure I'll find them with the mower in the spring.

-Got the Jeep ready for the road this summer. Mud flaps, fender flares, and all tuned up. I'm excited to go cruise around and hit the dirt this Summer.

Stop and listen this week,
-Brian

A Story Worth Telling

2010-03-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading Don Miller's "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" and as usual, im (at least temporarily) motivated to make life better. This book is worth reading. It's disturbing, challenging and enjoyable depending upon your drive to make healthy changes to your existence. Don places us all in a "story" and questions if we have one that's worth talking about. It's a good question. He also makes an observation that we, and the people around us, often remember less than half of our lives. That's less than half of a lifetime doing things that aren't memorable, life changing, or significant to people...or could it also be that I miss/forget some of the "GOOD" stories my life has to offer, trading them for the latest and greatest definition of "fulfilling life" given to me by reality tv? I'm sure it's someone elses fault. But I DO know that I want to make memories. Some memories are of pain, some are of joy, but at least they are worth recalling and retelling.

Books, like movies, get into my head a little. I know some people that read a book or watch a movie and walk out as if the world was the same. To me, it isn't. I throw myself into the drama and walk away looking for it's meaning in my little world. It's just how I'm wired.

So blog readers, (Thanks for reading by the way, because I could monologue in the shower if I didn't care to share my thoughts) I'm at least slightly motivated to spend more time making stories... than reliving them. To help in the process, I've created a little test for myself. This test will help determine my success in the "My Best Life Now"(Thanks Joel) Challenge.

If I spent more time reading Peterson's Offroad Mag than I spent reading God's word. -10
If I applied the brakes instead of the gas while approaching a small woodland creature on the Glen. +5
If I ignored Avery's screaming until Amanda woke up and took care of it. -10
If I Fasted for a meal. +5
If I Fasted for a meal, and put it on Facebook to show everyone how much closer to the big G I am than them.-4
If I tip my waitress more than 10%. +5
If I trip my waitress. -5
If I talk about how cool it would be to shoot a bear this year but make no actual plans of doing it. -10
If I shovel my neighbors driveway. +10
If I give something away to someone more in need that myself. +10
If I ignore the guy with his hood up and convince myself that he's just "letting his engine breathe." -10
If I have a sincere conversation with the Checker at Wal-Mart instead of pretending I'm listening. +5
If I take my family snowshoeing. +15
If I take my wife on a date. +15
If I tell Cadence how beautiful she is. +15
If I resist calling Avery "My little Screamer." +5

I'm sure I'll come up with more. What would you do today if you wanted to make your life a story worth telling?

Breathing it in.

2010-02-28T16:49:00.000-08:00

Just finally feeling like I can stop and breathe for a minute. Great morning at ACF. If you missed it, JB Hecock shared about their ministry in Russia. ACF is partnering with him and his family to reach the people in St. Petersburg. I'm pumped! ACF gets to help plant a church in Russia! This city is dark, really dark, and the Hecocks are going to be doing some amazing things in there! (along with roasting some serious coffee) More to come!

-Next week we wrap up Act 1 of Joshua! I'm excited for Act 2 as the battle begins. Going to wrestle with some seriously difficult passages. We've got some fun plans to mix up the stage in prep for "battle." This would be a great week to jump into the series so bring a few friends!

I spent last Saturday at a Willow Creek video conference with our worship team. I really enjoyed this chance to hang with them outside of Sunday morning. Tyler, from Community Covenant, and I had been talking about equipping our teams so this conference was a great way to do that. Tyler pulled it off, and we really got to just show up and be blessed. Here were some thoughts that stuck out. Some of the best stuff was from a National Geographic photographer talking about accessing creativity. His passion was contagious!

-Make your life art
-Creativity is a moment. It's like falling in love. It's when you can appreciate the beauty of all things.
-Get stoked on life, and overflow with creativity.
-Jesus wrestled with Jacob to a draw. God brings us to a place of exposure and brokenness to lead from.
-Our art is a picture of life and of death.
-Death is the best context for hope.
-There was a story of a girl who struggled with suicide. She was moved and freed during a Sunday morning service. She came up to a pastor a week later to share her story. She had gotten tattoos over the scars on her wrists of the Hebrew word for GRACE to remind her of what God had done in her life. POWERFUL! and CREATIVE.
-Creativity begins with "WONDER"

-We had a great past couple of weeks with Amanda's parents Cliff and Linda. We really enjoy hanging with them. Lots to learn from their life experience, plus they are just easy to have around. During their time here we got to visit the "Double Musky" restaurant in Girdwood. Seriously people, the best steak ever. (The Food Network agrees)
We also took a drive to Seward and hit the Aquatic Center. Cadence had a blast looking at all the fish.

-Got to spend some time installing the motor into my 1950 Chevy truck project apply named "Mater." There's a ways to go, but it's nice to have the motor and trans mounts done. Feels like I could just fire it up and drive away...but no breaks or steering as of yet.

-Last night Cadence prayed that Jesus would feel better. Nice.

-The kids are up and it's time to go hang in front of the fire. Have an awesome week!

Sunday Morning Download

2010-02-16T12:13:00.000-08:00

Ahhh....love is in the air. Just thinking back through my week. Saturday was a HUGE day around ACF. Our Students put on a dinner to raise funds to help the HAITI victims.(More info a few posts down) The event went off without a hitch...well a couple spilled plates of food and some technical stove issues. But, it was awesome. The food was incredible and I think it was a blast for all the couples who attended. We stayed late and got everything cleaned up and set up for Sunday morning. Big night. I was so impressed with our teens. We had around 18 students serving food, cleaning dishes, greeting and running the whole event. For me, this was huge. You may not know, but until this school year, ACF didn't have a student ministry at all. NOTHING. We've come to a place where we have a solid group of teens showing up every week to hang and grow together. To have this many students give up their time to serve the people of Haiti is HUGE! While their friends spent the night playing video games, watching movies and drinking Rock Stars, they were dressed in black and white serving food at a banquet. These guys are leading the way! Watch out for the Breakaway students....they just might change the world.

BOAZ is suffering in Hawaii this week so I had the run of things on Sunday. Things went pretty smoothly as far as I could tell. Steve Berg tag teamed a message with Mike who is doing mission work in northern Vietnam. It was challenging and motivating to hear his story. Probably the most moving part for me was when he shared that he was headed into a city in Vietnam that housed a few million people and there was only one Christian church....one! And that one church folks, is a CMA (Christian and Missionary Alliance) church like ACF. Amazing. It felt good to be a part of whats going on there. Don't miss this next Sunday! We're going to be sharing about a partnership that ACF is starting in another mission field that's much closer to home!

We introduced a new song called "Like a Fire" this weekend. The piano stuff in this one was great. Stormi really pulled it off. The set felt solid and worship happened. Love to hear the voices! We had a mix of old familiar tunes with some brand new. It felt like it worked. I'm really enjoying our team. Brittany sang this week and did an amazing job. Look for some more people to be up there soon. God is bringing talent to ACF! So cool.

Gotta prep for tonight. Breakaway is at our place. Off to stock up on Pizza rolls and Pepsi.
More to come!

Sunday Morning Download

2010-02-04T11:37:00.000-08:00

Sitting here in the coffee shop reflecting. It's a good thing to do....reflect. I've found it to be so important in life. Often I wait until life is falling apart, a relationship is broken, or I feel a little bit lost and THEN i take time to reflect back asking the question, "How did I get here?" But I've realized how oblivious I can be. There's so much going on around me that I miss. So I find it helpful to retrace my steps in a day or week in search of life lessons. It's like when you lose your wallet. You take a mental journey from now backwards in hopes of remembering where you left that stupid thing. (It's in that last place you look...which would just make sense)

Reflection is healthy until I find myself second guessing every decision or statement I've made in a day. When I look back, I see how many options there were. How vast the opportunities. And then I wonder, did I do what was best in that moment. My goal is to learn without dwelling on the missed opportunites. I'm always second guessing myself, which leads to paralasys. I'd rather WALK in humility and recieve grace. Maybe thats the core. Are we worthy of grace? Grace from God? Grace from eachother? I don't often feel it. But I know it's true. We have to WALK, talk and make decisions knowing we wear the clothing of grace.

Last Sunday was super encouraging. What a week! We're walking through Joshua and I'm amazed at the life lessons that are seen in this book. Some great thoughts from Boaz this week. One of the most thought provoking was the discussion about Rahab as she hid the spies. In the moment, she lied to protect them. God used it for good.(Like He does for us all the time) The question remains, was that the right decision for her in the moment, or was God just redeeming her broken decision?(We may never know) But, it's a good discussion and a great question for us to ask ourselves. Would God have me compromise for this situation because it seems like it would serve a GREATER purpose? Or is my perspective on the situation so small that I think God needs MY help to get the job done.

My generation struggles with the blacks and whites of our faith. Is that "REALLY" wrong? It seems so right? Can't it be right for me, and wrong for you? Well, for some things I believe that's true. There are the "grey" areas of scripture. But, not all things are "grey." In fact as we study the New Testamant, the bar of holiness seems to be raised. Where murder was wrong in the OT, we read that murder in the "heart" is sin in the NT. Where adultry was wrong in the OT, we read that lust in the "heart" is sin in the NT. The bar for holiness seems more unreachable than ever. Only through Jesus are we made holy. I'd like all things to be subjective, but unfortunately "right and wrong" exist in the bible. Can we go against God's word with the best of intentions and have it be all right? If I were Rahab, maybe I would have done the same thing. I'm not sure it would have been God's "best" plan for me though.

Awesome set on Sunday. Our team is really growing musically. We've also got some new musicians coming in! I love seeing new tallent in the church. We had a HUGE sunday as far as attendance goes! Love seeing lots of people. It's so encouraging to share that time with everyone. The more we grow, the more people get to hear the message God has called us to share. Keep it up church! Praying that God continues to move in our church and the others in Eagle River!

Working through a series in Youth ministry called "The Talk." A discussion about sex, dating and relationships. It's been awesome to hear these students open up. Great discussions. I always learn things when we talk about this stuff. Amanda and I have really enjoyed being transparent with these students.

That's it for now.
Be part of the revolution,
Brian

Stuff Christians Like

2010-01-29T13:04:00.001-08:00

I don't post a lot of links on here, but I had to share my new favorite time killer.

Stuff Christians Like

I really enjoyed his "How metro is your worship leader" test. Truth be told, it fits Boaz a little better than myself. But don't tell him I said that.

Jon Acuff takes a satiracle look at the Christian culture. It's good to laugh at ourselves! It's also convicting to take a closer look at what we may consider to be normal. He even gives some real props to the "Stuff White People Like" Blog he got his inspiration from.

Do good this week.
Brian

Sunday Morning Download

2010-01-28T17:44:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday I just wasn't feeling it. Ever been there? You get up, come to church, sing a little, drink some coffee, act like your reading along, daydream a bit, sing a little more, hop in the car and wonder "what just happened?"

Not sure what it was, but sometimes I'm not feeling it. But I recognize that feelings can be dangerous and they are often undependable reflections of reality. Reality is, we gathered as a church, we sang songs of praise to a God that is worthy, we heard God's word preached, and if nothing else, I was obedient. I thank God for the times that I "feel" it, but my true colors show when I don't. God is Good, and I'm glad my feelings don't affect that.

Had the team mixed up a bit with Mike on drums and Tyler playing lead. It was funny to see Ty without sticks! Ha! He did a great job though. Mike has got a great feel for the music too! Things were a little rough around the edges musically and we're still working out some kinks in the system. We recently installed all new amps, crossover and EQ. Thanks for your grace church. Keep on worshipping.

-Introducing a new song this week! That's always fun for me and the team. We love stretching ourselves and learning new music. It keeps things fresh for us and for the church.

-I mentioned in my previous blog that the LIFE conference students did something awesome! They chose to give all the proceeds from our upcoming banquet to send to Haiti relief. We sensed God moving, so we moved with Him....I've been a little stressed though. So, I'm sitting before Breakaway yesterday and someone comes into my office and makes a LARGE donation to LIFE. I was blown away. As soon as we took a step, God stepped up and started filling in the Gap. Love it when people hear of a need and just go help meet it. Very cool.

-ACF has been steady attendance wise. The new people that are showing up blow my mind! Every week I'm looking out into a ton of new faces. It's awesome! I feel like God is doing something right now around here. There's this spiritual buzz going on. Not sure what, but from every angle it seems like He's prepping ACF for the next stage. What's your part in it? How is God telling you to partner with Him and ACF to reach more people with the message? Do it, you won't be sorry.

Have dinner for Haiti.

2010-01-25T22:49:00.001-08:00

That's what some people in Eagle River will be doing on February 13th at ACF Church.

Here's the story:
For the past couple of months, our student ministry has been planning a trip to Kentucky for our National Youth conference. It's an event that happens every 3 years and we will be heading down in July to attend. As you know, everything costs more in Alaska. The price tag on this trip is 1,400 per student! I know, a lot of money, but the investment into the lives of these teens is well worth it.

So we came up with some fundraising ideas. The primary event being a "Sweetheart Banquet" held at the church. We are inviting couples to buy tickets to come enjoy an evening out with a 4 course meal (The food is going to be amazing!), entertainment, and music. All proceeds would go to Life Conference....until.

The news channels erupted with news about the disaster in Haiti. The images are heart breaking and the need is undeniable. The Christian and Missionary Alliance, has an organization called CAMA (Compassion and mercy Associates) who are on the ground in Haiti working as you read this and they need our support. So...

Our students, their families and our youth ministry has made the decision to take 100% of the money from the Sweetheart Banquet and use it to support relief efforts in Haiti. It didn't make sense. Life Conference is on it's way. But as one student said, "I think they need the money more than we do." Sometimes we're called to do things that seem "foolish" and trust that God will fill in the gap. That's what's happening in our youth ministry right now! I'm personally amazed.

So, buy a ticket! They are sold in groups of 4 so that you can bring a couple with you for dinner. Or, if you are single, buy a ticket and bring 3 friends to enjoy an awesome meal out for a GREAT cause!

There are only a limited number of seats for this event. Students will be selling tickets in the ACF foyer before and after services for the next 2 weeks. The cost is 100$ for 4 seats. Have you been wondering how you can help the people in Haiti? This is it.

Massah, Meribah and the Man in Charge.

2010-01-20T14:14:00.000-08:00

Exodus 17:5-7
The LORD answered Moses, "Walk on ahead of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink." So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the LORD saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?"

I was reading this passage today about Moses and the Israelites. The Israelites have set out from the Desert if Sin to "the places God commanded." I can imagine their struggle as their faith was stretched and tested. They were following their leader, following God but questioning the leadership of them both. God had just provided manna and quail, but it was a new day and the people responded to seemingly hopeless circumstances the way that most people would. They were ticked off and looking for someone to blame.

It was such a moment that they even renamed the place Massah and Meribah.
Massah: means testing
Meribah: means to quarrel

They were being tested, they tested God and they responded by quarreling with Moses and each other.... Who can blame them right? The water was gone. GONE! The livestock were dying. People were dying.... and Bear Grylls was no where to be seen.

How did Moses feel? The man in Charge. He was leading people into places that required great faith! And it turns out that obedience to God doesn't always provide us with the things we "want." Sometimes we follow God or our leaders into desert places and wonder, "did we make a wrong turn?"

As a leader, I can default to "safe" decisions. It's much easier to take the well beaten path that others have paved for me. The outcome seems to be more predictable. I can plod along being a mediocre leader and planting mediocrity into my ministries and the people who are around me. SAFETY RULES.... or at least, it gets us by.... for a time.

But I'm always thinking about the 75 year old me. The one wearing a red and black plad shirt, sitting in the bay window, smoking a pipe, and thinking back upon my years wondering, "What if I could have been better than mediocre?
Scary.... Welp, no turning back now. Hope heaven is better than this!"

Its one thing to make decisions that put myself at risk. It's another to challenge those who I'm leading to take BIG risks. It's something I'm doing right now, and Its a little freaky. But it's what leadership is all about!

There are people who will follow a leader through a lifetime of safe decisions. For some people, it's enough to simply exist. Moses probibly lost some people. There were those who said "This guy is nuts! I'm taking my ball and going home...to continue existing." Through seemingly safe decisions, our church, our ministries, our families, our jobs, and our marriages could probibly exist.....But what if they could THRIVE?

What if we were to stop, listen....................................... and act upon the leading of God? One thing God has taught me in the last year is that safety and security don't exist outside of obedience to God. Even obedience to God may result in pain.....but it's worth it. Will it be easy? no. Will we make mistakes? Yes. Will you end up being a 75 year old with a story that actually matters? Most definitely.

Image, perception and reality.

2010-01-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

"What's wrong with Image?" you ask. Well, the way people perceive me has always been at the forefront of my mind. It's odd, and kind of embarrassing. Honestly, I immediately think "Maybe it's my inner female reaching for the surface." Image doesn't matter right? People's perception is determined by their own baggage, inferences, and worldview and why should I really care what they come up with if I am being who I am called to be. Right? In life and in ministry, this battle rages on. The battle between what actually "is," what is "perceived" and what happens when they collide.

I just sat down in a coffee shop. I grabbed by laptop bag from my green 1996 Chevy Blazer with the missing grill, bad paint job, and Peterbuilt emblem, walked in and ordered a Caramel Latte. While I was waiting, I stood there wearing what looks like the classic European man bag "It's a laptop...back off" and checked my e-mail on the newest addition to my technological family, an iphone.

Image and perception always stick out like a neon sign in the world around me. I constantly think about what the people around me see and perceive. It affects me personally and in ministry. But really, I do the same thing. I'm always trying to see through the smoke to understand the core of peoples motivation. It can be healthy, and unhealthy.

Part of me simply hates going with the flow. I naturally want to rub cultural norms the wrong way. When I "fit in" it bothers me. I don't want to fit in. But here I am, fitting in nicely. I'll unpack that more another time.

Perception deeply affects the way we do ministry also. What people perceive may not be what's true. So do we chase down peoples perceptions? What happens when peoples perceptions collide with reality? Do we change the way we do ministry? Do we try to change what people perceive?

Do you remember those books that came out in the mid 90's? If you stared at the photo long enough, crossed your eyes and blinked a lot, a 3d image would magically appear! Amazing! Totally worth 30 bones! We like to see beyond the facade to the deeper picture. But sometimes we see things that arent really there. Our perception differs from reality. Our desires/baggage/perspective/pride causes us to imagine things as different than they really are. Sometimes I would look at normal pictures the same way (cross eyed...blinking) and nothing. Sometimes what you see, is what you get.

I look at Jesus life and much of what He did/said could have been(and was) perceived as wrong, sinful, or unchristian. The truth of His message was offensive and abrasive to some people, especially the religious. it was the fragrance of life to others. We experience the same today (2 Corinthians 2:16). There was something different about Jesus. (and in other ways, He fit right in) He seemed to respect the culture in which He did ministry. He used it and leveraged it for His message.

My inner battle with image and perception rages on. You're maybe thinking, "Give yourself a break man, its ok to strive to be culturally relevant and efficient." In some ways, I'm fine with it. Don't get me wrong. Im not opposed to technology or the ebb and flow of pop culture. I would just never want to sacrifice myself , my calling, my values, or my identity, on the altar of looking progressive.

I want to be different with a purpose. Being counter cultural just to buck the system is an outlet for my inner 13 year old. Being counter cultural in ways that amplify the message of Jesus, now there's a higher calling.

My Plans- Post Christmas Highlights

2009-12-21T14:34:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking a lot about my plans lately. Like some of you, I like to have things all figured out before I get there, wherever "there" might be....It's how I am, but it drives me nuts. In fact, some times I plan to have unplanned evenings, days, experiences just to offset my plans. Sometimes life requires that we become regimented, and thats ok. But I feel most alive when I can be spontaneous and respond to the situation at hand.

Here's a window into my brain. Sometimes when situations are uncertain, I like to envision all possible outcomes and mentally process each of them while creating a plan to respond to each situation accordingly. I see this often times in ministry. Don't get me wrong, planning ahead is good. It's good to have contingency plans and backup systems in place. We do this often. But, the one thing I've found that I can't plan...is people. It turns out, that I can try to systematically plan my own responses to a situation, but the people around me will respond as they will... It complicates things, but it gently, and sometimes not so gently erodes my need to control and understand every situation I'm in. Maybe my need for spontaneity is driven by a part of me that knows the deep dark parts of my heart...the part that wonders where God is when things don't go as they were supposed to. Maybe it's my need to control the situation. Either way, Spontaneity causes me to be flexible and gracious with myself and others. It's good.

In a position of leadership, theres a certain amount of influence given to you not by your title, but by the people whom you are leading. I heard someone say, "If you're leading, and no one is following, you're just out for a walk." I find myself trying to lead in a manner worth following. Jesus did this. He had the authority of the title of Rabbi, but there was so much more. It was clear that Jesus was more than a man with a title, He was a leader and someone worth following. No matter what happens in the next phases of ACF church, even if my plans change, I hope people look at us, see Jesus, and start walking toward Him. That' my plan.

Here's my Christmas Download.

-What an amazing couple of weeks around here! Boaz and I have been worked up for weeks about "The Story" our Christmas Eve production. All I can say is...WOW. The event went off without a hitch, the house was packed, and Gods story was loud and clearly communicated through a story of a military man who saw a need, enlisted, was sent into battle and ultimately sacrificed for a larger purpose. (Jesus) It was told from the perspective of his wife at a birthday party planned to celebrate his life, a few years later. (Christmas)

-Our worship team did awesome! They practiced and ran through things on Tuesday. Then they came early Chtistmas eve so that this event would rock. Please thank these guys and gals when you see them. They sacrifice a lot because they get the vision. I had someone come up and say "That was the best Christmas music I've ever heard..and I normally hate Christmas music." lol. Awesome and humbling.

-The kids were all down stairs having a jammi party during the service. Thanks to all the Childrens workers who chose to serve on their Christmas Eve!

-The week before Christmas we planed to do baptisms during the service. 3 were planned and 7 additional people decided to get baptized that morning on the spot!!!! Seriously church, God is doing something. It's good to be a part of it. We did it via video feed to the stock tank in the basement and at one point Boaz looked in the camera and said "Ok more people are coming. It's going to be a minute. Back to you Brian..." HA! It was like a news cast. We filled in with a spontaneous song and finished up the baptisms. This had to be one of my favorite Sundays at ACF yet.

A guy was walking out of the church with his family and said "Dude, that was emotional...and I don't get emotional. But I was tearing up...and junk." He's right, it's powerful to see people get baptised. Maybe the biggest event in someones life! And it was cool to hear the church errupt after each baptism. The tank was down stairs so people were doing the floor stomp like we were on bleachers at a football game. Awesome!

-As a family, this was our first Alaska Christmas. We had a huge group over on Christmas day. I think we stacked 35 people into our home. It was nuts. All good friends. We spent the morning opening presents with the kids and going snowshoeing.

-The next day we drove up to North Pole Alaska for a day. It was good to get on the road and burn a few gallons of grease in the veggie truck. We took Cadence to see the "REAL" Santa at Santa's house. Turns out, Santa has a Canadian accent and likes Alabama football. Amanda was elated!

-The church is all un-decorated. Looks a little bare without the decorations....just like our house. We're getting set for our next series in the book of Joshua! Hang on, this is going to be a ride!

-Back in the groove this week. I'm giving my brain a rest right now from sermon prep. Boaz is working on vision stuff this week so I'm bringin' the Word on Sunday. I'm also leading worship. Pray for my voice to hold up.

Sunday Afternoon Download.

2009-12-13T17:04:00.000-08:00

Check out our bumper vid for "The Story" an ACF Christmas Eve production.

It was a good morning today as we talked about managing our time in a Godly way. Rod preached the entire sermon from an exercise bike. He talked about waking up, getting on the bike, riding all day long, and then collapsing into bed without once thinking "What is God doing around me?" We have to work margin into our lives. Good stuff. Listen online HERE (Should be up in a day or two)

-We also announced that we are "MOVING" the service from Dec. 27th to Christmas Eve. That's right church don't come to the building on Sunday the 27th. Spend the day with your family and lost friends. Be intentional about the way you spend your time this day. We are helping you find margin....here it is. An open morning. How are you going to spend it?
We also just want to thank all of the people who make Sunday morning's happen around ACF. Our teams work hard to provide an excellent experience on Sun. We value you and our services so much that we are moving all of our resources to "The Story" for the week.

-Attendance was up a little this AM from last week. Lots of rotation as people come and go on vacation. Glad to see a few of my fav people back!

-"Where's the downbeat? Oh yea, I think it was back there..." We had a few rough spots musically this morning. I've also been fighting off a cold that doesn't help. Whenever this happens I can't help but be so glad that people aren't really there for us. Good music is entertaining for a while, but people want to experience a real community of people, authentic worship and a personal and powerful God. That's why people come. I always hate to see the music fall apart but I love how gracious people are. Our team is doing some tough music! Seriously, we love to challenge ourselves and use our gifts in a way that will serve the body. Thanks for the honor of allowing us to be a part of your worship.

-Still working on "The Story." We're praying that God uses this evening to change lives! So, if you've seen the bumper vid, you might be thinking "How does the military connect with the Christmas story?" You're going to have to come and find out!

-The trees outside are amazing! The fog has put a thick layer of frost on every tree in the area. It's gorgeous!

-We had our annual Thanks-mas party last night. We had a big group of awesome friends over, ate fried food, fried a turkey (had a minor grease fire...thanks Rod) and Amanda made some chocolate covered bacon. I know, but it really is good. Try it!
Ok, veg time.

Breakaway Promo Vid

2009-12-02T21:57:00.000-08:00

Check out the Promo vid for Breakaway that one of our students made!

Back in it!

2009-11-30T15:16:00.000-08:00

It's good to be back. Amanda and I flew in Sat night and were at ACF on Sunday morning. Other than leading one song, I was able to just come and be part of the Church for a change. It was odd. It's hard to shut down the part of me that sees only the mechanics of a service to simply enjoy being with God's people.

A Big thanks to our teams for filling in while I was gone! We've got some amazing and talented people serving in the worship, sound and media ministries. Justin filled in at Breakaway while I was gone also and I heard great things! Soo good to not do this alone. Serving along side you guys makes this a blast.

First thing I noticed when I got to church was the decorations. ACF is DECKED OUT with Christmas lights and trees! It looked awesome! Our foyer is also a nice new shade of tan. Come ready for some Christmas music this next Sunday!

My time away was great. I spent some great time with my Dad, our family and catching up with some dear friends. I wondered how it might feel to go back for the first time since we moved. Would I wish I was back in Colorado/Wyo? Would I miss my family/friends? Would it be hard to leave?

It was awesome to catch up, but this time, leaving felt different. We knew that we had friends, and new family here in Alaska. If you live in AK, you know how far away it can feel. I'm not sure how people make it without a church family. Coming back, I really appreciate what we have here in Alaska. Bottom line, it's where we are and God is calling us to "BE HERE." Personally, I can spend a lot of time looking forward to what might be next or looking back to what was. But here we are, and I don't want to miss today.

I heard that we had over 100 people at ACF for our last movie night! Lets double it for the Christmas party/movie night this Sat @ 5:00 PM! We're watching Elf...only the best Christmas movie ever.

Spent the day processing Sir Walter the Large Bodied Whitetail. I got a nice 8 point deer while I was in Missouri. Here's how it went down:
It had been raining for days. I decided to go out for the morning hunt while the other guys stayed in bed.....wimps. It's raining, and nothing is moving...but then, it stopped. All of a sudden I hear on the radio that the other guys are hitting the woods while the rain is taking a rest. 5 minutes later I hear a KAPOW! From one ridge over. Dad gets on the radio and says, "I think I got one!".......Stink...the guys been in the woods for 5 minutes and gets a deer! I've been here for 2 hours of squirrel observation and nothing. Then God opened up the heavens and dropped Sir Walter right into one of my shooting lanes. I saw antlers before I saw deer and knew he was going to be a nice one. He took one step and I squoshed off a 70 yard shot from Dads 30.06 through the Missouri forest. My bullet hit its mark and the deer hit the ground.

Then dad comes on the radio. (Now don't forget that he had just shot at a deer that ran off.) He says, "Just tell me one thing....was it limping?" Turns out Dad ended up shooting a golden retriever sized doe that took a dirt nap about 50 yards from where it was shot. It's ok Dad, they always look bigger from a distance...or was it the other way around. Either way, the Cook boys got on the board with 2 deer this morning. We flew with 2 coolers of deer meat shoved in the overhead compartment. The Freezer is full.

It's good to be back in it.

The Countdown Begins

2009-11-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

Got some vacation coming up! Lot's to do. We've got some great teams around ACF to fill in for our ministries.

Sunday @ ACF!
We're flying through our God's Economy series around here. It's been amazing to hear about people who have been impacted by a changed perspective. Very cool! Got some encouraging e-mails this week.

Let me tell you, our worship ministry is growing! Last week we had Mike and Stormi join us on the team. You guys both rocked it! Thanks for stepping in! It's so cool to have enough volunteers to create a healthy rotation. I've been praying for God to bring us each piece of a full band. Specifically, I pray for tallented, positive, gracious, team players who will pour their hearts out to God through worship. I know, sort of specific, but that's what we want right!? You get what you ask for..and thats what we've gotten.
Let me just brag on these guys a bit. If you've been in bands, groups, or on worship teams before, you know there can be such drama. It comes with the personallity mix of most artisits. But this team has been such a breeze to work with. You guys are united and gracious. Thanks for giving it your all!

Last Sunday we talked about our "Future."
Quote of the day, "Extorting pillaging and robbing-.... Go forth" Yep, that didn't come out right. But it was funny right?

Worship Set:
You're Love Never Fails
All I Need is You
How He Loves
It is Well
Sweetly Broken
Sing to The King

Had our biggest week in attendance yet! Lots of new people showing up. Lot's of people plugging in and becoming part of the ACF team! Love it.

We're talking this week about "God's Kids" Invite someone who could use some words about parenting and kids!
See you Sunday!

Prayers to an Unknown God?

2009-10-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

So where do they go? Really. If there is no God, or the God you think might exist could care less, where do your prayers go? Why Pray?

Prayer is a powerful thing. There's something about taking our needs or the needs around us and casting them toward someone bigger. When there's a missing child, even people who haven't explored God find themselves saying "My prayers are with you." When a friend is losing a loved one, people often say, "My prayers are with you." What is it about prayer that is so attractive and even culturally acceptable? Is it that the word "prayer" is just generic enough to include everyone? Is it that praying for someone at least is a sign of the care and compassion our culture is thirsty for?

When we say, "My prayers are with you," we communicate a variety of things:
- This issue is out of my league. I can't do much to help.

- Your pain matters to me. When I leave this conversation, I'll be thinking of you and your situation.

- Maybe there is someone bigger than all of us who can (and might) do something about this. I'm recognizing a "higher power" of some kind.

Theres just something accessible about prayer. It seems to make sense to a lot of people. I think there's something woven into every person that needs to believe that they aren't the most powerful thing out there. If we look around, we see that our ability to "control" things is very limited. When we are at the end of ourselves, who picks up the slack? Can we only rely on other people to help?

Here's what happened to Peter when people prayed:
Acts 12:
1 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. 4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.
5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.

8 Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.

No matter where you are at with God, Try prayer. Maybe God is a lot closer than He seems. Maybe the one true God, will reveal Himself to you through the ins and outs of your daily activities, or through a miraculous sign of His love. Either way, He's real, and He's worth talking to, listening to, and watching for.

Service Sunday

2009-10-21T22:18:00.001-07:00

The Video says it all. What a great Sunday for ACF, Eagle River and Anchorage! ACF, you made a difference!

Video 1

2009-10-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

My TV is busted. It works, but it's got a problem. It started about a year ago. Up in the left hand corner of my screen, in bright green, it says "Video 1." I do NOT know how to remove it! I've pressed every button on the remote, explored all of the menus, and even toyed with the idea of getting a new flat screen just to release myself from thinking about my technological inadequacies. Instead, we've just gotten used to it.

It's been months since I've even noticed it. Funny how you can train the mind to ignore things. Last time we watched a DVD, it was driving me nuts! I couldn't ignore it anymore. I tried to expand my vision a bit, think about the plot, listen to the sound of the movie, focus on the picture behind the bright green letters, but it was still there...staring at me.

When I look at my world, I respond to problems, negativity, sin, or weakness in similar ways. Sometimes, I try to ignore it, but it's still there. I might get angry with it and offer it way too much attention. Or, I might look for a way to remove the issue completely. There might be a time and a place for each of these responses, but here are some thoughts.

-Are you pretending there aren't letters on the screen.
***What are you ignoring that needs attention? The imagination is not powerful enough to alter reality. You can't close your eyes, click your heels, find your happy place, and expect for things to just disappear.

-Have you completely missed the movie because you've been so busy staring at the problem? ***What are you giving too much authority to? Has your vision narrowed to the point that all you can see are green letters? What is God doing that you are missing because of your perspective?

-Have you thrown away the TV too soon?
***Where have you missed an opportunity for growth because you've avoided tension completely? Have you ran away from the first hint of conflict for fear of revealing your own inadequacies to yourself and others?

I think I'll put up with the green letters for a little longer. But, Christmas is ah' coming!

The Thorn

2009-10-08T17:58:00.000-07:00

-Boaz and I spent some time this morning mapping out Christmas Eve. This thing is taking on a life of its own. Now, can we pull it off!? I think so. Some great creativity flowing around the office this AM.

-Had lunch with the local CMA Pastors. It's great to spend time with these guys. I really like hearing all of their perspectives on ministry. We all "do" church a little different, but our hearts allign around the mission. Nothing brings more joy to the group than stories about people turning their lives around. Good stuff happening in Alaska through the CMA! Blessed to serve with these guys.

-Had an awesome night at Breakaway on Tuesday. About 18 students and a few leaders have been coming to hang with us. I really love these students. There is a lot of insight, maturity and thirst in the room when we get together. There's also a lot of screwing around that happens! FYI, we're in the market for a video projector and new sound system for the youth loft. Let me know if you stumble across a smokin deal.

-Been thinking on Corinthians 12:9. This is where Paul talks about his "Thorn" in the flesh. It's that seemingly unending struggle that God hasn't freed Paul from. A lot of people have speculated about what the "thorn" actually was. But, for me, what matters is that it was still there. Paul has been pleading with God to take it away and still, He struggles through. This is a passage that I both hate, love, and deeply relate to. Corinthians 12:9 is God responding to Pauls prayers with "My strength is made perfect in your weakness." Uggg..not a fan of this response. When I struggle and toil, I want freedom. I want strength for myself, so that I can overcome, so that I can feel better, so that I can make it on my own. God comes in and tells us that sometimes He allows us to struggle so that we must tap into the power of God's strength rather than our own. It's a tough lesson. Most us us would rather just see God remove the thorn. Instead, He picks us up, and carries us through our troubles... and the result is a humbled man who once again remembers His need for a Savior.
What if we could get all cleaned up? Completely? Inside and out? What need would I have for God? I think God knows how selfish I can become when things are perfect. Sometimes "peace" looks like freedom from our troubles. Other times "peace" is turning to a God who empowers us to endure them.

Sunday Morning Download

2009-10-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a big couple of weeks around ACF. Lots of amazing stuff happening! I've actually had that "post summer camp" feeling a little. As we build up to the different services and events for ACF, it takes a ton of emotional energy. After it goes down, there's always a bit of a let down. I often spend too much time focusing on things I could have done better. It's important to challange ourselves, but I've got to walk away knowing that God is working in ways I will never see. But, by His grace, He's also working in ways that I can see. Very Cool!

-Heard about a lot of monday morning conversations about Service Sunday. You know the normal question, "What did you do this weekend?" It resulted in a lot of good talks about the Church. I actually heard that the Alliance Church in Anchorage got a few phone calls from people with needs who saw us on the news. So, they called in to ask for some help. The guys were happy to help callers out! We couldn't have planned that.

-We got a call from a woman on Wed. who needed a hand after Service Sunday had gone down. She's dying of terminal cancer, has diabetes and was in a tough spot. She just needed help moving her stuff out of her home. So, our Community group leaders put everything on hold for wed night and ACF descended upon her little basement appartment. It was done in record time! She and her caretaker mentioned how emotional it was to see all these people. I love it! Service Sunday wasn't just a One Day Event, but the beginning of something much bigger.

-Saturday morning we had our mens breakfast. 3 of us took turns giving "Manswers" about being a good husband, father and leader. Good talk and awesome food!

-Sunday we kicked off our God's Economy Series! I really enjoyed the morning. Had some great elements in the service. Rod talked about having God's eyes for the things in the world around us. This is the theme through the whole series! We got to watch the highlight video for Service Sunday that Rod put together. It came out awesome.

-Lost another breaker during the worship set. Once again, didn't skip a beat. We're going to see what we can do about it. But, worship continued. This is what comes with setting up camp in a building this old.

-Had a creative meeting about Christmas Eve this week also. I love the direction we're going. It's going to be a powerful service! Start mentioning it to friends and family. It's the one service that the unchurched are most likely to check out. We've got to take advantage of that for the Kingdom. So, we're going to pull out all the stops to give God the most opportunity to move! I'm praying that lives are changed through this event!

Set List for 10-4:
Salvation is Here
God of This City
From the Inside Out
Jesus Paid it All
Oceans From the Rain
O Praise Him

Service Sunday Download

2009-09-30T12:17:00.000-07:00

Talk about an amazing day for ACF. I was so impressed with our team leaders and volunteers on Sunday! We met at 9 am and went into the community to serve the Eagle River/Chugiak/Anchorage Area as our act of worship. I woke up that morning a little nervous about the whole thing. We wanted for it to be a great experience for both ACF'ers and the people being served! Then I realized, "How can we screw this up. We're canceling church to go serve people." Sure enough, God moved, people were helped and the energy at the BBQ was amazing. Nothing builds energy in the church like stepping outside of ourselves into someone elses story.

-Heard the Anchorage Fire Dept. guys were blown away by the gift baskets, cookies and snacks delivered.

-Teams were: painting, doing electrical repairs, drywall, raking, splitting wood, hauling off trash, cleaning windows, mowing and various other things. One team adopted a neighborhood and went door to door offering free services to homeowners. Another team did some repairs at the Heart to Heart Crisis Pregnancy Center. Another team did some painting for the Eagle River parks and rec. Red shirts were all over the place!

-A couple of the families decided to join us for the BBQ! very cool! One elderly man said "That work would have taken me weeks!" Your team did it in a few hours!

-It was awesome to see people rubbing shoulders and getting dirty with people they hadn't met before. I think a lot of good friendships were sparked by serving next to each other.

-When the day was done, Eagle River was a little different because of ACF. IT's good to be a part of it.

-Been working on the stage a lot. We're mixing things up a little, changing the lights, and adding some new fabric.

-Here's the news clip. The highlight video will be shown this Sunday! Don't miss it. Along with the kick off of our "God's Economy Series"

C U @ the POLE!

2009-09-23T12:32:00.002-07:00

-This morning was cold and frosty! The mountains have a nice layer of snow on them already. I woke up to the sound of running water through my walls. Our heater has some air in the system, so when the heat kicks in, you would think there is a major water leak! Gotta get that fixed....I was warm in my bed but excited to go out and pray with some of our students. This morning, students around the nation gathered at the flag pole before school to pray together for "SEE YOU AT THE POLE." It's an amazingly powerful experience!

-We got a ton of signups last week for Service Sunday. We're really expecting to see God to use this event for things way beyond us and our plans. Who knows what the weather will be like. It's been rainy lately, but this thing is going down rain or shine! If you haven't signed up for a project, come anyway! We've got a few great options for walk in's. These project leaders are doing a great job of prepping. I'm glad to have such a willing team. DON'T FORGET! BE THERE AT 9 AM!!!

-It's good to have a week off for the worship team. These people give a lot of time to ACF. I'm glad we can all skip a Thursday, although I will miss jamming together. I'm looking for more vocallists/instrumentalists by the way. If you've got tallent, and a passion for worship, shoot me an e-mail at brian@acfak.org. We'll do an eppisode of "ACF's Got Tallent" to pick the next additions to the team....maybe not.

-We just finished up our X-Trials series. What a great study of James. We're looking forward to kicking off our God's Economy series. Boaz and I have been dreaming up some fun stuff to communicate the message! I'm looking forward to redesigning the stage. Change is goooooood!

-Our God's Economy bumper just hit the BIG SCREEN! Go to a movie in ER a few minutes early and check it out! It's rotating through begfore the start of every movie. Last week, Rod asked everyone at ACF to invite 1 person to the next series. Can you imagine? What if every other seat was filled with a person who needs to hear what God sees in this messy world we live in?

-Still seeing a lot of new faces every Sunday! Very cool. Last week I met another couple from Elmendorf. We're really getting a lot of military families at ACF which rocks. Growing up as an Air Force kid, I feel a certain kinship with people in the armed forces.

-I heard that someone who works across the street saw the ACF sign and felt God saying "You should go there." So, she showed up on a Wed night and there just HAPPENED to be a womens study going on, so she just HAPPENED to get welcomed right in, and she just HAPPENED to like the people enough to come to church Sunday. Love how things just HAPPEN.

-Got our urban mission this Sat! Meet at ACF at 2:00 to get the dogs ready. We'll leave at 3:00 to head down town with the dogs, coffee, etc. and bless people near the bus station. Cool stuff has been happening down there. Join us!

C U AT THe

2009-09-23T12:32:00.001-07:00

Jesus, do you think you can fly?

2009-09-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

Did you ever see that move "The Good Son" with Macaulay Culkin? It was a crazy flick. All of a sudden cute little Kevin from Home Alone turns into a freaky disturbed kid that wants nothing more than to bring Chaos to the world around him. In one scene his friend is dangeling from the top of a tree house by one hand and instead of pulling him up, Macaualy asks his friend, "So, do you think you can fly?"
I had nightmares.... :)

I was reading in Matthew 4 yesterday about the temptation of Jesus. Jesus had been fasting for 40 days. He was tired, weak and hungry. Then he experiences the whole force of Satans temptation. He deals directly with the enemy himself!

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." 4 But he answered, "It is written,

"'Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,

"'He will command his angels concerning you,' and on their hands they will bear you up,lest you strike your foot against a stone.'"

7Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." 10Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written,

"'You shall worship the Lord your God
and him only shall you serve.'"

11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

A few things occour to me as I read this. First off, Satan picked the best time to tempt Jesus. He was tired, hungry and probibly lonely. Sometimes when we feel temptation, we just need to grab a burger! Seriously, just take a nap, get some food, and then go into battle. But realize that when the body is tired, it can be difficult to see the enemy.

It's also an amazing picutre in my head. Here's the Son of God standing with the pinnacle of all evil. He's being tempted by the very worst! I wonder how many of us have actually been tempted by Satan himself. We recognize temptation sometimes comes from within our own selves. Sometimes it may come from outside in a demonic form...but also from Satan Himslef who is not omnipresent like our God. Sometimes it's hard to tell where our temptation is coming from, but whats more important is what we do with that temptation.

Just a note: Satan knew the Word. I often forget how well versed in scripture the enemy is. He can twist the truth to work for his own good....we can do the same. But, jesus was the King of quoting scripture in response to temptation. Do we have a good enough foundation of God's word to respond to temptation with scripture?

So they are standing like 45 stories above the ground and Satan tempts Jesus with jumping from the building. This is the temptation that stuck out most to me. It's sort of like Satan says "So Jesus, do you think you can fly? The angels will rescue you and think of the people who would believe if they saw you jump from a building and fly away! A little sensationalism won't hurt anyone right?"

Jesus understood that to presume God's protection wouldn't be right. How many of us presume things upon God. Like we have the power to back God into a corner with our own demands. It's a trap. It's our way of trying to gain some semblence of control over this untamable God. You can't assume things onto God.

For instance, I couldn't run out into the street in front of a logging truck and say "Ok God, you have got to cause this semi to swerve and miss me. If you don't, it must have been your will for me to die." We can't presume things upon God. He's a powerful and untamable God who's ways are higher than ours. He's uncontrolable, but He loves us.

Recognize temptation in your world. It may not be easy to see. Keep your eyes open for it. Identify it. Then respond to it with truth and action. You can't control God, so don't try. Just know that He loves you...know it....realize it....recieve it.

Sunday Afternoon Download

2009-09-13T18:59:00.000-07:00

Just sitting here in front of the Packers game downloading after a great morning!
It's been an awesome week around here! Some cool God moments. Some long days...but so worth it.

-Had our "Night of Remembrance" on Friday night. I really didn't know what to expect for this night. Rod walked us through 5 stages of grief and offered opportunities for everyone to "let go" in a tactile way. It's amazing the way that we deal with things. I see these 5 stages in a variety of areas of my life. It's often how I deal with God when life isn't going my way. It was a great night to "let go" of anything that was weighing us down. People put roses on the altar, dropped rocks in the sand, lit candles, nailed things to the cross, and took communion together. We worshipped between each element. It was great to get on our knees together.

-On Sat night ACF turned into Munchkin land. Where did all the 3-5 year olds come from? It was nuts. 60-70 people at the church to watch a movie and eat spaghetti. Nuts....but FUN! We've got some great volunteers who made all the food. Shout out to Pat and Bert! Nice job.

-Got a call from our drummer that he had a meeting this morning and couldn't make pre service rehearsal. Never know how the music is going to work when we can't get warmed up before service. Tyler got out early and we had just enough time to hit a couple of songs before service. All I can say is Boaz preached a "meaty" sermon. Good stuff! Where's the meat? It's at ACF. Some good thoughts on Grief and healing to finish up James. Don't miss next week. We're going to do something a little different to look back through James!

-Had a good talk with the team before service this morning. People come to a church for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes it's the preaching, sometimes the worship music, sometimes the Kaldi-Bro's Coffee (Which rocks by the way). I was telling the team how we want to offer God the best music we can, and we want ACF to be a church that understands the vastness of worship. We read all over scripture the way that people are prone to worship the mediums of worship rather than the Creator. We are just as susceptible to this today...
The set was going great until the breaker for our amps blew in the middle of our last song. I've experienced this before. Normally you reset...tell a bad joke...maybe sing another song. But the church didn't skip a beat. It was as if the team could have walked off stage and worship would have continued! If you've ever lead worship, you know how good of a feeling that is. Someone told me they thought it was planned at first. I wish all of our mistakes looked planned. The guys flipped the breaker just in time for the 2nd chorus of "The Time Has Come." Awesome.

God's Economy Bumper

2009-09-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

Grab the YouTube link and shoot an e-mail invite (e-vite) to a friend for our next series "God's Economy!"

Ahh Mondays....or Tuesdays

2009-09-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

Just getting geared up for the week. I took yesterday off and went with the fam out to Sutton to do some Jeeping. We had a great time. It's always worth the effort to take the family out to do stuff like this. Cadence loves bouncing around in the Jeep. Avery just sleeps through all the fun. She'll be a wheeler soon! We saw some killer scenery and I actually found some fun boulders to play on with the Jeep. It was good to get my rock crawling fix.

It's going to be a big week. We've got Breakaway tonight.(Blindfolded Lawnmower Racing is going to rock) Got baby consecrations on Sunday. We're doing a "Night of Remembrance" service on Friday that is going to be a great time of worship and letting go. Almost everyone I know has lost someone in their lives. We all deal with loss. This Friday we're going to gather to REMEMBER and LET GO....and WORSHIP. Don't miss it! Going to have the band up to help lead worship and we're doing some tangible things to help us remember and release. Going to be a big week for worship teamers. This is official "Hug a worship team member" week. Let them know they are appreciated.
Friday, 7:00 at ACF!

We had a great turn out last Sunday esp. for Labor Day weekend! I had a sore throat and was really struggling to lead. I was so glad for Cameronn to help fill in. I told the team before service "This is one of those weeks that helps me remember how little of this is about ME! Truth be told, people aren't here to see us, they just want Jesus." Good reminder...It was really good to hear every one's voices so loud and clear.
Set:
Let God Arise-Tomlin
We are Hungry-Fee
Your Grace is Enough- Tomlin
O For a Thousand Tongues-Crowder
From the Inside Out-Hillsong

-Rod came up on stage wearing a tux and confessed that he is stinking filthy rich! Ha! His point was that as a man with a home, clothes, food and change in his pocket he is one of the richest people in the world! James calls us to see everything as God's to be used for His glory. That's money, stuff, resources, time...everything.

Off to staff meeting with "Boaz". I was thinking when we were singing "We are Hungry" What if everyone came thirsty for God on Sundays? What if we prepared as families the night before to gather in worship? What if everyone was covering our morning in prayer as they drove to church? How would that impact out services and our effectiveness as a church? That's my request. It's Tuesday, we have 4 days to prepare our hearts for Sunday morning's worship. Let's come thirsty.

A Steady Flow of Coolness.

2009-09-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

It seems like theres been this "steady flow of coolness" around ACF. Seriously, last Sunday was amazing. It was another packed week for us, and the service was awesome. I keep hearing from people that God is working. It's so encouraging.
-Got a call from a friend who woke up early Sun morning with "Mighty to Save" ringing in his ears. He said God was speaking some much needed comfort to him through the song so he and his wife sat up in bed and sang it together. Then they came into church and guess what the last song in the set was! That rocks man.
-Had a newcomer tell me that "Something powerful is happening here."
-I've talked with at least 4 people in the last month who would like to be in full time ministry some day!
-People are really responding during worship. I love seeing people kneel, sing, clap, raise their hands, weep and rejoice together. Very unifying.

Often as someone in ministry, I look at the structure of our services. I can't really see past the pieces and parts of the morning as a whole. I often leave the morning thinking about what went wrong instead of how God moved. So, good heart check. God is moving, people are responding, it's very cool.

We did baptisms which is always awesome. Congrats to all of you! You will never be the same. I was stoked to see Daniel jump in the tank with all his clothes on to make a public commitment to Christ. He prayed with Rod right after the service and jumped right in the tank! That's how we do it Church! Like a disciple factory. Let's keep bringing in the lost and sending out the saved! Coolness.

Attendance at ACF has been on a steady rise. IF you look at our chart for the past 2 months, you see that almost every week we have grown. We're not exploding. It's not the church in Acts where hundreds are being added every day. But, family by family, person by person, people are coming in the doors looking for a place to belong. This IS the place for you. I love that not every one of our new people is churched. We seem to attract people from all stages of their spiritual journey. Coolness.

Our next series is going to be great. Rod and I have been locking ourselves in the office coming up with ideas for the next few months. Yesterday we were making plans for Christmas Eve! Ha! I love being ahead of the game. Coolness.

Every day this week ACF has brought coffee, doughnuts and snacks for teachers at different schools in the community. They set up a table with a sign that says, "Thanks for serving our Kids." Coolness.

Projects are coming in for Service Sunday! We still need more, but things are coming together. Coolness.

Had our second Breakaway youth meeting last night! I'm really loving our group. These students are awesome. We discussed finding our identities in Christ rather than Sin. Some great thoughts from these students!

So, it's this steady flow of coolness. I'm so thankful to look around me and see things happening. When you're in leadership, sometimes you feel like that guy that won the world record for spinning 28 basketballs on his body! Remember that video? It was insanity. If one ball dropped, they all would come crashing down. I've felt like that in ministry before. Like everything balances on me. But, people are stepping up into ministry, and I sense God's hand on our Church. What's happening is way beyond me, and I love it.

Coffee Shop Thoughts 8-26

2009-08-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

Just thinking back to another great Sunday at ACF. I was so pumped for Sunday that I could barely sleep after rehearsal on Thursday! It's the first time in 6 months that I've been able to play in a group with bass, drums, electric, acoustic and BG vocals. I was stoked! The music just worked and Sunday's set went awesome!

Everyone meet Mike. Mike is our newest team member. He's a big teddy bear of a bass player...Seriously dude, you're just a softy, I can tell. So if you haven't met Mike, go say hi. Mike and his family moved here a few months ago from a little town called Grand Junction.....YES! Grand Junction! They lived next door to the people who watched Cadence every Thursday. Small world.

If there's one thing i'm learning, it's not to take anything for granted in ministry. If you are in ministry, then you are being spoiled. Yep, you might not think so...often I don't think so. But, in one way or another, you/I have more resources, more people, more musicians, better equipment...than someone else in ministry. I'm sort of a "What's next" kind of guy. I'm always looking ahead and trying to make our ministries more effective for the Kingdom. It's not a bad thing. We all know that a church dies without vision. But, this drive often causes me to be discouraged and unsatisfied with where I am at...right now...today. I can often miss the blessings right in front of me because I'm gazing off into the distance thinking, "Wouldn't it be cool if we were there!!!"

-41 kids downstairs this week!

-Had a fun set:
Psalm 118- Shane and Shane
We Are Hungry- Fee
How He Loves Us- Jesus Culture
Sing to the King- Passion
The Time has Come- United

-We had our first Breakaway youth meeting last night. Some awesome students here at ACF! Looking forward to this year. Enjoyed our spontaneous marshmallow war...fun stuff.

-Did some filming with Rod "BOAZ" yesterday for our next series! We had like 45 minutes of footage for three X 30 second bumper vids. More to come!

-We're getting some great projects in for Service Sunday but we need a lot more! If you have been putting it off, now is the time to talk to the old lady across the street, the co-worker, or the friend in need. Deadline is Sept 6th! About a week left!

-Dinner with Amanda at Ruby's tonight. I've got a great family.

What's your R-Value?

2009-08-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

When we were looking for a house here in Alaska, one of the first things I would inspect would be the attic. I wanted to see how well the house was insulated. A good home has a high R-Value.

The R-Value is a construction term that is describing a homes thermal resistance(Insulation). It's the ratio of temperature difference across an insulator.

So what's your R-value?

Insulation is good right? We want to keep the bad stuff out. As Christians we recognize the tensions of a life in this "Now, but not yet" Kingdom. God reigns, but sin still runs rampant in our world. So, we increase our R-value right? We insulate ourselves and our families from the bad, so that we can look more like Christ. It makes sense, sort of... There should certainly be a difference in the way I live. But what about the people? Have we assumed that the best way to take sin out of our lives is to avoid people who are dirty with sin? Looking like Christ means a lot more than just avoiding bad things, it means emitting good things.

If Christianity is all about avoiding bad things, then it's time to live in a monastery. We can all shave our heads, dawn our brown robes and spend the rest of our lives in a closed Christian community.

This weekend, ACF did our monthly Urban Mission. We gathered up a ton of hot dogs, coffee, womens supplies, and took a group down to mid-town Anchorage. I ran into a guy named John. John had a bit of a tick and smelled like alcohol, which isn't unusual, but he communicated fairly well. So, we talked.

He told me about his life in A-town. He lived in a tent down by the water. It's been rainy so he was just happy to have a tent this year. I asked him about his story so we sat down. As we were talking, he reached into his backpack. All of a sudden, I got nervous. "What's this guy doing? Is there a weapon in there? Is my wife going to see me get in a fight with a homeless guy?" He pulled out a bag of pills.

I looked at John and said, "John, are you addicted?" His response was interesting. He said, "Im not addicted, I'm afflicted. In 1986 I got AIDS. I made a decision and I've been paying for it ever since. Now I take these pills to stay alive." I got really uncomfortable. Here was a picture of brokenness in the world, right around me. It's one thing to "know" people have needs, it's another to reach out and touch someone with AIDS. Talk about bringing it home. I'm sure we'll see John again.

We've got to place ourselves in situations that cause us to rub shoulders with brokenness. It's uncomfortable and we'd rather just stare at the MP3 player in our SUV's than make eye contact with a beggar. Lift up your eyes, and look around. There are physically and spiritually bankrupt people everywhere. Jesus took time in the mountains to fast, he had his disciples to encourage him, but he was also often found next to dirty, diseased people who didn't believe what he believed.

How He Loves Us

2009-08-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

What a story! Good grief. Grab a box of tissues and listen to this guys story and song. I think we'll sing it soon.

The Pool.

2009-08-11T10:30:00.001-07:00

I've been doing some reading this week about the purpose of the church. It's amazing to look around and see all of the different ways of doing ministry. Churches are doing their best to find creative ways to make Christ relevant to a rapidly changing culture when they gather. But, have we unintentionally made the means the end?

As I look at our church, I often talk about Sunday morning as being a "diving board." We put a lot of time and thought into our gatherings. It's often the "first touch" of ACF for a new person. When people are new to the city, or looking for a church, they often begin by attending a service. Our hope is that our services are a celebration of what God did last week, and an encouragement to live more like Christ this next week. It's like a diving board, and your week, is the pool.

I'm not devaluing worship, or a good sermon. These are both incredibly important in the life of a Christ follower. But, as we strive for an impacting service, I'm convicted that "it" wouldn't become the point.... "The Pool."

It happens a lot. A group of leaders create an awesome worship experience on Sunday morning. The music is awesome. The preaching is awesome. The people are awesome. I felt welcomed. I sang some cool tunes to God. I felt the Spirit moving! Before long, the gathering becomes the point "The Pool" instead of a diving board. The means, have become the end.

I want us to do both. We need to gather together, encourage each other, share our joys and pains. We desperately need to worship corporately....passionately...from our guts! We need to communicate truth in a relevant way, and we will continue to strive for that. But, my prayer is that these gatherings would help people look more like Jesus. I know, it sounds simple. Maybe it sounds like a given. But, it's not. We can sing cool songs, and learn good stuff until the day we die....having never surrendered ourselves to Jesus. You can spend a lifetime in Church, and eternity away from God.

This is where our series in James brings me. We've got to look different because of Him. Like we talked last week, there is grace! Deep grace. Even James, "the overzealous T-Ball coach" talks about grace in his book. But, this kind of grace is a catalyst for change in our lives. As we keep ramping up for Service Sunday, I'm thinking "This is what we're supposed to be doing!" Get in the pool.

The past couple of weeks have been stretching for me. It takes a ton of work and energy to preach! Big Kuddos to Rod for doing it every week! I'm stressed until I do it, but looking back, it was fun. It will be good to lead worship this week. Danny is on to bring the Word! Looking forward to this.

-Both weeks I heard people who were challanged by this antient message. One guy told me, "You were speaking to ME today." That's cool.

-Heard one person say last weeks message answered prayers for her. How cool! The tongue is a tough thing to tame.

-Multiple people told me they were going to get their tongues pierced...figuratively. Very cool! I talked about letting the Holy Spirit pierce our tongues like James challanges us.

-Had to sort of wing the worship set this weeek. It was a little rough but God was worshipped. We prayed for Tyler (Drummer dude) and his friends in Cali. Tyler lost a long time friend to cancer. 20 years old....Can't believe this. We prayed mostly for his friends mother who lost her husband to the same cancer a year ago.

-Met a couple of new families. I can't keep track of you all, but I'm glad you're here!

-I got to show the picture of Cadence making "poo art" in her crib. We talked about dabbeling in Gossip and Slander. When we dabble in our sin, we get our crap all over everyone else. Ha! I'm glad for a church who can handle this kind of illustration.

-

Ready for the River

2009-08-05T18:19:00.001-07:00

Just got my snorkel done on the Jeep. It seems like everywhere you drive around here leads you to a river or mud bog. So, I decided to remedy the problem with some sewage pipe and hose clamps. I'm ready for the deep stuff now. I figure "I" will drown before the jeep does. :)

Service Sunday, a sermon, and other stuff.

2009-08-05T17:47:00.000-07:00

Crazy week folks. Rod has been out of town so I'm sitting in as the "go-to" man. Just talked to him today and he's been relaxing and getting in some great skiing/boarding time on the lake. Poor Sucker.

Sunday was great. I preached through our next passage in the book of James. Here were a few bullet points:
- "Before you light the Christmas tree, get a burn permit." :)
- "This passage helps us see foolishness in our own lives if we claim faith but don’t have works."
- “As we struggle with this, we often fall into one of two traps: Doing good for the wrong reasons, or doing nothing!”
- “God doesn’t save us because we’re good, we do good because He saved us.”
- “Unproductive faith cannot save because it’s not genuine!”
- “We don’t want to be people that occasionally do service, we want to be a church of servants.”

This was a great passage to study. We've got to get our heads around grace to really understand how to live as Christians. Once we get the cost of grace we avoid cheapening it and serve out of an overflow of our hearts.

Next week we're talking about the power of the tongue. It's a good thing my mouth never gets me into trouble. It's going to be fun to unpack.

We ended the service by presenting "Service Sunday" to the church. This is going to be fun. We're canceling church for a Sunday to go out into the area to serve people in the name of Christ. If you know of a need, fill out a project slip and drop it in the bucket in the foyer at ACF. This kind of stuff pumps me up. There's something about canceling our normal services to go "do" the word that says we are the real thing. James calls us to this kind of action and this is how we're ending this series. By identifying needs, and meeting them! More to come....I'm stoked.

Amanda just started work again. Tuesday was interesting. I got the kids up, dressed, fed and out the door after only getting puked on once. Hooray! This parenting thing is tough, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Every night we walk into the kids rooms and watch them sleep. I know, kind of freaky if you're a kid. But, we just get to see what God made and be thankful for giving us this gift. My prayer is always "Oh Lord, just help us not to screw it up too bad."

Double Blog Day.

2009-07-22T14:57:00.000-07:00

Today is double blog day!!! Ok,it is now. I was just sitting here listening to some misic for Sunday. I was on facebook and a friend of mine recommended listening to the new Hillsong United tune "Freedom is Here."

I've been letting that song wash over me for about 30 minutes. Sometimes God just starts speaking and I've learned that you just do what you can to sit still. I don't know about you, but sometimes God's voice is so quiet. When it's loud and clear, its time to shut up.

As I was listening I heard Him say, "Do you think you deserve any of this?" The song is about freedom. The freedom that comes when we receive the grace found through Christ. My answer was, "Yes God, sometimes I think I DO! Sometimes i feel like I've done some good stuff, like I've made some good decisions, and I take this costly grace for granted." God becomes that friend I don't bother calling because I know he loves me enough to stick around anyway. Grace becomes something similar. Ug... I see how this spirit of entitlement spreads through my life sometimes.
A couple of things occur to me:
If I'm entitled to grace, then Christ is worthless.
If I'm entitled to love, then I've forgotten how unlovable I am.
If I'm entitled to freedom, then I've probably cheapened grace and love.

If you're looking for a good read, pick up "Costly Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I need to read this book again. It's written by a man who was martyred for his faith in Christ. He talks about the matter of Cheap Grace. One of the most shaping books Ive ever read
We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us. (2 Corinthians 1:10)

Post Service Contemplation

2009-07-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

What a great week! Man, this last Sunday was one of the most awesome worship times I have experienced at ACF. I don't know what it was. The team was clicking, the room was full and the Spirit was there in a tangible way. Sometimes we can just sense the presence of God in a place and worship just happens. What a great gift from our Creator. I don't know about you, but during those times I get that "This is what I was made for" feeling.

Another packed week around our church. It seems like we're on an upward swing as far as attendance goes. Every week there have been more people than the last. (For more thoughts on attendance, read previous post) I saw a bunch of new families checking out the church and I'm beginning to see people who "were" visitors, plug in and make themselves at home in our community. It's good to see faces on a regular basis and make some new friendships. I can't keep up with who's there, but I love it.

Rod and I are doing some brainstorming for our next series. It's going to be fun. We're hoping to get a promo video and some invite cards made a few weeks before we begin. Hopefully we can get the word out before the series starts this time. We're still working on our timing. When people visit church for the first time, it's good to have an idea of what were talking about. I don't know if you can remember your first visit to church. Things that Christians are used to can really freak out someone who isn't used to church culture...
Where do I sit? Front? Back...maybe I'll sneak in a little late.
Why is everyone singing?
What is this guy talking about? God? Is this stuff for real?
Oh no...they want my money...how much do I put in?
Grape juice? I haven't had grape juice since I was 4 years old!
More singing....I can't sing...but neither can the lady next to me.
Time to leave. Will anyone talk to me? Does anyone care I'm here?

Just some of the thoughts of someone who is new to church. So, help people out and at least give them an invite card so they know what we're discussing. If you're reading this and haven't given church a try, start thinking about it. We all need some answers. Find a good solid church that doesn't just "preach" good stuff. Look at how the church uses its time and resources to see what they believe. Then jump in! You don't know what you're missing until you find a community of people you can live life next to. You might even find out that you have been living without the most important, fulfilling, overwhelming, life giving relationship you could ever have.

We're BBQ'ing this Sunday right after church. Head out back for some food!!!
I'm still working on a couple of sermons. I'm preaching in August. I wish I was more comfortable with it, but It will be good. The book of James is convicting in and of itself. I'll just be presenting truth.
Don't throw fruit,
Brian

"Numbers are people too."

2009-07-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

It's been amazing to see God answer prayers lately. There have been a variety of things that we as a leadership team at ACF have been praying for, and we're seeing God answer those prayers. I know, "of course God answers prayers, why else would we pray!?" But, I have to admit to tossing out half baked, faithless, hopeless prayers just wondering if something will stick. "Faith" hasn't always been my strongest suit. But, somehow, the faith of the person praying impacts the outcome of the prayer. Our prayers, if God allows, can move His hand in the world around us. Still trying to figure that one out.

I was just reading about Moses. Now talk about a man of FAITH! In Exodus 33 we hear that moses talked with God, "face to face"...with God....the creator of all things...the Beginning and the End, the great "I AM!" This is no small feat! I mean, talk about a close relationship. I'm not sure I've got the guts(faith) to ask God to show me His face. Hebrews 11 talks a lot more about the impact of "faithful" men in the world.

So, as I look around at ACF and at my life, I'm beginning to see more and more of God's hand on us. You might know, it's difficult to recognize God "in the Moment." But, he's there, and it's important that we are people who remember God's faithfulness. Because when life seems dark, the memory of answered prayers will help us through. When I read scripture, sometimes I think "not much has changed." We are still a forgetful people. We love being blessed and we praise God for it, but we often curse God when times are tough and we begin to wonder if He's still there. Same story, different time.

Something we as a leadership team have been praying for is GROWTH! At the beginning of the summer, Rod and I were talking through the next series. We were both wondering what would happen around ACF during this summer. I know in Alaska, summer often turns churches into ghost towns. It's when everyone gets out and takes vacation. We've only got a few months of really NICE weather, so people have to make the most of it.

We were left with a decision: do we expect to shrink this summer, and simply try to coast our way through to the fall? Or do we pray big prayers and ask God to grow us through the summer? So, we got together with our Elders and prayed that God would grow our church through the summer. We prayed that He would bring in people from all walks. People who know God. People who don't. People of great maturity, and people at the beginning of their spiritual journey. It's a gutsy, faithful prayer. It's the kind of prayer that doesn't make sense. It's the kind of prayer that could set us up for disappointment. But, we're seeing God do it! In July, often one of the lowest attendance months, ACF has had record attendance!

Maybe you're thinking, what is this fixation with "numbers" in churches? Well, there are a lot of reasons that churches track attendance. But, I know the heart of ACF is to see our church grow for one main reason: "Numbers are people too!" That's it. the fact is that everyone has needs. Everyone has brokenness. Everyone has gifts to give and we believe that knowing God, and hanging out with His people will make a better life for anyone and everyone. Not a perfect life. Not a life without hurt. But a life with the missing element... a life with hope. Where is hope without God? Where is hope without a family of people to lean on. Where is hope when life is all about you? So, numbers matter because numbers represent people who are finding a place to belong right here at ACF. That's what where about, and that's what's happening!

Bringin the Heat!

2009-07-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

Man, i thought this was Alaska! It's been in the upper 80's out lately. I can't believe how stinkin nice it is. Everyone around here says it's NEVER like this...but I'm going to live in my own little delusional world and assume Alaska summers are ALWAYS like this. Amazing.

We headed out to the Russian River on Monday with my mom and dad. We spent the day on the river fishing and enjoying the sun. I saw my first Alaska Grizzly bear. As soon as we hit the beach we looked down river and saw a big grizzly making his way up the shore eating left over fish as he went. It was a rush, but I kept thinking that Cadence and avery would be an appetizer for this bear so maybe we better keep our distance. A few guys got together and yelled at the bear and it ran off.... I thought..."All you have to do is yell at the bear...and it runs off??" I guess there are a few maulings on the river each year...i better remember how to yell.

Another great Sunday last week. Coming into these Holiday weekends we are always wondering what attendance will be like. We had solid attendance despite the big weekend! It was just me and Tyler this weekend leading.
Here's an intro for Tyler. I ran into him at church a couple of weeks ago and I was thinking "That dude looks familiar" Which normally means he came a few weeks before and I just can't remember his name.
Tyler is actually from Grand Junction and spent some time leading worship when he was there! It was fun leading with you dude!
We did sort of an acoustic set and had a blast. Tyler is a solid musician and a real worshipper just like everyone else on the ACF team. It's cool to see God bring new gifted people to ACF.
Our Set this week:
Holy is the Lord
Jesus Paid it All
God of Miracles
Mighty to Save
Sing to the King
Your Love Never Fails

Rod preached a great sermon on "Temptation." Convicting stuff. Quote of the week for Rod was, "Sin is like a freakin gorilla." Ha! I was trying not to bust up laughing during his sermon....I don't know, sometimes things are just funny, but I got the message. Sin can grow up into a strong force in our lives if we allow it.

Off to enjoy the sun...shine.

X-Trials!

2009-07-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

We just started our new series at ACF called "X-Trials" We're working through the book of James. It's going to be crazy challenging for us I think! We want to be a church with meat on its bones. A church that cares about what our God cares about. The X-Trials are the preliminary tryouts for the X-Games. It's where everyone finds out what we're made of. Maybe we talk a good game. Maybe we attend church on a regular basis, or we "know" a lot of good stuff. The book of James challenges us to come to terms with the reality of our spiritual maturity, or non-maturity. Does my life reflect Gods values? In some ways yes, but in many ways, no.

Got a new set up! Here's a fuzzy pic I took with my phone. Yep, that's a motorcycle in the background. It's actually used for ice racing. It ended up looking a little like a yard sale, but I think people will get the theme. :)

My parents fly into town tonight. We've got our first Music ministry BBQ at our place tonight also. The house is finally, mostly, sort of... done. Thanks to Amanda's parents for all the work they did! Who takes a vacation to Alaska to spend most of their time painting and assembling stuff???
Looking forward to some time with my family this week.

A Swift Kick to the Face.

2009-06-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

I spent most of yesterday studying through the Book of James in prep for our next series. Talk about a swift kick to the face! If you haven't read this book, or it's been a while, get back into it. James communicates truth in a no-bull, eat-this, step-up, put-up or shut-up, get up and do something...sort of way.

James is like a trusted mentor that has the authority to speak honestly into our lives. Do you have relationships with anyone like this? In my life, I've had a number of men so graciously choose to invest in my life as a father, husband, pastor, and child of God.(typed in no particular order) I think of these guys almost as spiritual fathers who understand my strengths and weaknesses. Who know how to communicate and challenge me in a way that doesn't crush my spirit, but empowers and encourages me to be better than who I was yesterday.

God's word has authority in my life. I've chosen to believe that it is the inspired word of the most high God. Yep, that means we should listen up. I get a little more choosy with the men I give authority to speak into my world. But, as I read this book, I was challenged to make relationships with people who I can trust enough to speak into my life as well as to be building mentoring relationships with people who might allow me to listen and speak into theirs. It takes time and energy to develop that trust, but I see is as a way for us to invest in the "team."

As Christ followers, we are surely focused on impacting those who don't yet know God. It's imperative! But we have to remember that this is a "team" effort. It takes more than you or I to reach this world. If we buy the team driven approach, we will take the time to build mentoring relationships with people both in and out of the church. It may be a bit of a shift to see that mentoring can happen with people who don't even profess faith in Christ. But, Jesus did it, and we can too.

I think it begins with realizing two things:
-I don't know everything.
"But!"
-I know more than someone.

Knowledge is only part of spiritual maturity. With it comes an ability to actually implement what we know. This is a key theme in James! He often says "What good is it brothers......" Which is James way of saying, "What are you smokin'?" Knowledge without action isn't enough. So in your mentoring relationships, impart knowledge, and demonstrate action.

So find someone to be your James and be James to someone else.

Fast Forward

2009-06-23T15:03:00.000-07:00

Amanda and I have both felt like our lives are in Fast Forward. The weeks seem to fly by and I'm looking back thinking "What just happened?" SO, I'm trying to take time to slow down and reflect on the things around me...I go nuts if I don't. I also often miss God's hand in our lives when I'm just holding on for dear life.

Had a great week. Baby Avery is doing wonderful. She just lost her bellybutton! I know..kind of cool...kind of gross...mostly gross. So, we put it in a ziplock and saved it in the freezer as a keepsake. No, we didn't...if you are a parent and have done this, God have mercy on you. :) Cadence is a great big sister. She's getting so big and learning so much. I can't even keep up.

Service at ACF was awesome this week! We had a full team and I've been experimenting with using a mac during worship to add some simple drum loops and shaker stuff. It really adds a ton if you can get over the fact that it's a loop. Someone commented that Newsboys uses a mac on stage...and If they can, so can we. Next I'm thinking eyeliner and a spinning drum platform. (Go watch Newsboys on Youtube)

It was a full week, attendance wise, for ACF. I think we're building some momentum around here. As I've said before, it feels like churchplanting. I'm not sure I expected that, but here we are! IF you've known a church planter, they are a special breed. IT takes a ton of vision, commitment, and energy. Rod really has the personality for church planting and the drive to make things happen. It's great to partner with him in helping ACF grow and thrive as a church.

We just finished up the Bachelor series. It's been a blast. I'm pumped for the X-trials series that's coming up next. We're doing stage tear down and set up tonight. The book of James has to be one of the most challenging books that I've ever read. Get into it! It will mess you up in the best kind of way. I'll also be preaching during this series.... No, I won't give away the dates so that you can plan your vacations accordingly. I always learn a ton when I preach, so it will be good for me.

I'm off to order a stock tank. We're gonna do some baptisms around here.

"Please stay seated until the seatbelt sign is turned off. Ladies and gentlemen....we've landed."

2009-06-12T23:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a week. I'd like to announce our new addition Averianna Christine Cook! She was born on Wed. and was a healthy 6lbs. 14oz. and 20" long. Amanda did amazing. I'm telling you, theres nothing like seeing the birth of one of your kids. It's amazing! One second there is three of you...and then there is four. Indescribable...

Amanda is recovering extremely well! She says she feels better than after Cadence. I think everything just went smoother. We spent a couple of hours walking up and down the halls at Mat Su. Amanda would stop, grip the handrail and work through contractions. Then inevitably someone would ask if we needed help or a wheelchair. "Nope, we're walking this baby out!" we would respond.

We're now back to the house and getting settled in for the night. Amanda's parents are coming in at 1:02...AM!!!! We're looking forward to spending the next couple of weeks with them.

The next big thing around ACF is our Skating Rink Restoration project. We'll be heading over to Appenglow Elementary to do some work to the public rink. This place is well used during the winter and shows it! We'll be out there painting, doing repairs, and replacing boards...and I'm sure food will be part of this thing, it always is. Don't miss it!

Warp Speed.

2009-06-04T20:50:00.000-07:00

Pardon the "Trek" reference but life is really moving fast right now... So, I wanted to give a quick update. Just got done with worship practice and I'm headed home soon. coming down with a cold and the timing stinks.

-We got ALL of our stuff loaded and unloaded at our new home yesterday! Mark and Michael helped me load for most of the afternoon. Once we got to the house, the people began to multiply! I don't know how many people showed up to help us unload but we got 2 pickups and a 26' box truck unloaded in under an hour! It was total chaos, but it got done and done right. It's good to be part of the church.

-And if that wasn't exciting enough, Amanda went into regular labor at about 8:00. She was having contractions about 5 min apart. We almost went to the hospital but then things slowed down. At her checkup, they sent her home with an emergency birthing kit! The doc said she might not make it to the hospital once this baby decides to come. So, we're really praying for 2 things: 1) I will be able to see this kid get born and 2) We will make it to the hospital instead of delivering at highway marker 45 or something.

-It's truly summer around here. Awesome day today. Nights are still cold though. We had snow in the mountains the other day! Only in Alaska.

-ACF is doing very well. We see new faces every week. This series has been a blast. We're doing prep for our summer series. Had a creative meeting about set design this week. Hoping to do some fun stuff to help communicate the theme. Rod's been doing a great job of communicating the message of Ruth. It's really hit home with me. I've watched God provide in so many ways in our lives in the last 6 months the same way He watched over Ruth.

-I've been reading through James...you should try it. I think it's officially my favorite book of the bible.

-Had our first "Breakaway" youth meeting. It was a blast. We discussed the affects of technology and things like facebook on youth culture. Great conversation!

I'm off for now. It just started raining. Good night!

New Logo

2009-05-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a new logo for ACF. Got a banner on the way to put out by our entrance. Here's a pic.

Post Service Musings

2009-05-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

-Great sermon by Rod today! That's all I gotta say. This part of the book of Ruth really brings the story together. Rod did a great job of capturing this excerpt, and I don't know what he ate for breakfast but it was like the half hour comedy hour...Rod made some funny's! Great morning.

-Fun set this morning. We did an extra song in the post sermon set. It felt a little long, but I think it worked. Beck did some killer Cello stuff on All Creatures. I really enjoy the Cello mixed with Electric lead stuff. It blended really well.

-I did announcements this morning. It was ok. I think I'll leave my guitar on next time. I don't know what it is, but i feel more comfortable speaking with an instrument over my shoulder. Not sure how that's going to work when I preach this summer.

-We left church and went to Wasabi Garden for som sushi. Great friends and great food. A good end to a morning.

-Rod and I have nailed down the summer series. We're going a little different direction than originally planned. I think it's going to be awesome! Don't miss it. We'll have to start working on set design stuff soon.

-I mowed "our" lawn today. Maybe you don't like mowing the lawn, but I'm tellin ya, after a few months of not having a place...I loved mowing the lawn! Going to have the contractors in there this week texturing the ceiling..then carpet..then we move in!

A Big Day

2009-05-20T13:22:00.000-07:00

-We're closing on our home at 4:00 today! Wow, we're excited to settle into a home. We're going to spend the next week doing stuff to the place: Scraping ceilings, painting, carpet. Then, WE MOVE IN! YAHOO!

-Just found out Amanda is dialated to a 3. This baby is on it's way. The doc says that we probibly won't make it to the due date. In fact, we should probibly be camping out in front of the hospital because this kids going to come fast when she decides to.

-I just enjoyed coffee with another worship pastor from Eagle River. It's awesome to meet other like minded guys in ministry. We had a great conversation.

-The ACF Web Page is up and running!
Check it out @ www.acfak.org

-Looking forward to another Sunday. Going to have a full team this week (Minus drums) Still praying that God would bring us a drummer...a good drummer...a humble drummer...how about 3 drummers. Yea, that's what we're praying for.

-Been reading a book. "Integrity" by Dr. Henry Cloud. It's been a great challange. He discusses what he calls the "Wake Principal." He states that everyone in a position leaves a "wake." If you look at the wake a boat leaves behind, you can tell a lot about the boat, how it's running, it's speed, and where it's going. What kind of wake are we leaving behind? How can we improve out wakes? Good thoughts.

Post Rehearsal Musings

2009-05-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

Just had a great Worship Team rehearsal. I'm itemizing receipts, organizing my desk and headed home soon.
Our Electric guy is off this week but we had a cellist sit in! How cool! She's a freshman in high school and rocked the house on the cello. It's gonna be great! Nice job Bek.
We're making our way through the "Bachelor" Series. It's been awesome so far. We just got a new camera that makes us look like we know what we're doing. Weekly, we have been challenging people to "Redeem" something in the world. This is the theme of Ruth.
Here are the video's for week 1 and week 2.

-We're having some fun with this! :)

-New web site is up and running. It's still got some holes, but it should be finished in the next couple of weeks. Visit www.acfak.org

Set for this week:
Awesome is the Lord Most High
Let My Words Be Few
Came to My Rescue
Come Thou Fount
Sing to the King

-House is still shooting to close on the 20th! Pray that all the repairs are made in time and that the paperwork goes through.

-Had an appointment with our doc this week. Baby #2 is "measuring a little small" but we had an ultrasound and things look to be just fine!

-Going to take the jeep out this weekend. Looking forward to getting some mud on the tires.

What "REALLY" Matters?

2009-05-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

I'm enjoying a beautiful day here in Eagle River today. The sun is out, people are milling around, it's just nice....but it still feels like I'm on vacation. Every day, it feels a little more like home, but I'm not there yet.

I was driving home the other day and I started thinking about all the places I've lived. The people I've had friendships with. The experiences and adventures I've had. And all of a sudden life seemed so fleeting. I thought about how my old friends will soon make new friends. They will be JUST fine without me (Which is a good thing!). I thought about how our home in GJ is being lived in by another family, who I'm sure won't be the last to remember the house on Oxbow Rd. as home.

I wondered, what "REALLY" matters? When I'm gone, what kind of footprint will I have made on this earth? Will the world be any different because Brian Cook lived? When you move to a new town, you feel so small. You realize just how BIG this world is and how many people don't even know you exist! But, what difference am I to the people that I live life with here in Eagle River? We have, and will make new friends. We will be closing on a home on the 20th (Hopefully) and life will eventually slow down.

When it does, we need to remember this "new guy in town" feeling. It's a little rough, but it's been a great new start. When we loaded up the truck in Colorado, we had sort of a triage system in place. We separated the stuff that mattered from the stuff that could end up in the landfill. What was worth the effort to bring, and what was junk that we had acquired over the years. I think that's what's happening in our lives right now. It's a new start. We're getting rid of some junk. We're deciding what matters, and what doesn't.

What, no trans fat?

2009-05-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

Jesus needs a new PR.

2009-04-28T16:40:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this image today and wanted to share it with you.
It came with a dialogue between a mother and a child.

"Mommy, what is that?"

"Oh, Sweetie, that's a picture of how much God loves the world! He loved the world so much that he took a cross made of 4X4s and penetrated the vital organs of a sheep-looking creature just for you, Baby. Doesn't seeing it make you feel loved and hope-filled?"

"Mommy, is that the same sheep that Jesus left the other 99 to go find?"

"No, Baby, I'm sure that's a different sheep."

Even more disturbing is that the sheep in this church banner resembles our retriever/lab Bailey.
I'm not sure what this church was thinking. I'm guessing it's a case of creativity gone bad. I'm sure I've been the culprit before, but this was a good reminder. ACF is dedicated to communicating ancient messages in vivid and understandable ways. We want to be creative and relevant. But, this banner is a clear case of overwhelming the message with the medium. I get it! Jesus..the Lamb who was slain for the sins of the world..(Which is a globe cut in half...3D baby!!! very creative)But, it may be hard to reflect on the grace of Christ while you are taking your children in for counseling.

I like breakfast.

2009-04-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

District Conference Afterthoughts

2009-04-22T22:46:00.001-07:00

I almost finished a book called "The Shack" on the plane to Oregon. Lots of thoughts on that one that I'll have to discuss later. Pick it up! (Don't forget a box of tissues)It will really challange and deepen your understanding of who God is. It's a fictional book, so read it that way.

Tomorrow, we finish our conference here in Oregon. Our district has made an effort to bring in speakers that challenge our thinking and cause us to consider why we do ministry the way we do. Great Stuff!
Some points:
- Over time, people can become addicted to "mountain top" experiences. Our worship services can become like a "sugar high." There is nothing wrong with sugar, or "mountain top" worship experiences. Worship is incredibly valuable to God, and Sunday mornings are a great connecting point for new people! But, people must also have a healthy diet of real world, daily interaction and growth with God.
As Pastors, we need to teach and encourage people to truly experience God for themselves, OUTSIDE of Sunday services. Otherwise we find ourselves trying to provide constant sugar highs or mountain top experiences to build energy...energy that could be provided by living Spirit Led lives on a daily basis. We want ACF to be full of people who are seven day a week Christians.

- "I would trade Five Thousand mountain climbers for five devoted and passionate followers of Christ" - Wow, what a challenge!

- (This is one God has been speaking to me lately) Success in ministry cannot be judged by its outcome, but simply by our obedience to God.

- We do NOT find our worth in what we DO for God, but only in who we are in Christ!

- Just because we don't see things happening, doesn't mean God isn't working.

- There are two approaches to ministry: Mechanical, and Agricultural.
In the Mechanical approach, we believe that if we build systems for ministry, we can control and create a successful outcome. If something isn't working, we simply adjust our systems in effort to create an outcome that we like.
In an agricultural approach, we plant things into the church but we cannot control the rain and the sun that will ultimately produce a harvest. We may do our job, plan(t) the right things, till the soil and still end up with a small or immeasurable harvest (From our perspective). I appreciate this approach because it considers God's hand on our ministries. It doesn't assume that we will be able to "see" all of what God has done through our obedience to His calling. It also releases us from the pressure to "produce" in ministry. It deeply values being Spirit Led and obedient to God's calling in our lives and churches.

What a great district! There are some amazing people that minister in the Pacific Northwest of the CMA. What a welcoming and authentic crowd. We've had some good food too! We had Chipotle yesterday (My Favorite) and Buffalo Wild Wings tonight....yum.

Encouraged.

2009-04-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

For a lot of pastors, Monday is the lowest day of the week. We plan and give everything to make Sunday services as impacting as possible, and then Monday comes. It's sort of that valley after the mountain top experience. I've heard that a lot of guys experience a serious emotional drop on Mondays, but I've never really felt it before. But lately, Monday's have been the most discouraging day of my week.

So, lots of guys take Mondays off to recoup. That's been my pattern since I started at ACF, but it actually just delays my Monday crustyness until Tuesday. So, I'm a real joy in the office on Tuesdays, which is normally the day Rod and I get together and plan things for the following week.

Yesterday, I came in with a crusty attitude, and left totally encouraged! Church, we've got a great lead Pastor. I'm so thankful to have a friendship with Rod, that flows into a working partnership at ACF. Rod seriously loves the church and truly wants to do more than just exist. We both want to be more than just a Sunday morning meeting, but a community of passionate disciples that really does something with our faith. It's awesome to share those convictions and work together to move ACF that direction. Very cool. Thanks for the encouragement dude.

Easter...then what?

2009-04-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

Yep, snow on Easter in Alaska. Go figure.

What a great experience yesterday! Easter is always an exciting time of year around the church. For me, I'm reminded of how forgetful I am, and how amazing God is for sending Jesus. It's a great reminder to live daily in thankfulness for the cross.

Rod had some great words about sacrifice. It's not something we like to talk about a lot, but sacrifice is all over the bible. From beginning to end, we see sacrifice. And, we had an altar on the stage! That's right, kickin it old school with an altar! Every time Rod made a point about sacrifice, he'd slam a hatchet into the wood block. It really sent things home for me.

To set the mood, we had crosses on the stage. Pretty typical Easter decorating, except for the 14' cross on the right side of the stage! I told Rod during the week, "You know you can tell the humility of a church by the size of its cross." Ha! If it's true, ACF is CRAZY humble.

It seems like the voices are getting louder....No, not the ones in my head. You guys are seriously singing! I really sensed a spirit of worship! Love it.

-Had a some new couples and families yesterday, which is always awesome! We've been praying that this church would grow, and it is. Rod and I were talking this week about church growth. We want to grow big, but we also want to grow healthy. I believe that the church can be deep, entertaining, challenging and missional all at once. Jesus attracted the lost with the same message we are preaching today. We don't have to sacrifice depth to reach the lost. So, like Jesus, we want to communicate truth in a way that directly affects our lives here, in 2009 in Eagle River.

-We've been giving out our ACF invite cards ever since the gas buy down. I don't know where they are going, but I'm hoping they make it into the hands of people who need a community like ACF. Keep getting these out to people! You never know what God has been doing in someones life, and maybe an invite is all they will need to come hear about they hope they have in Jesus.

Imagine someone who got filled up at the gas buy down, and then saw us on the news that night, and then read about us in the paper the next morning, and then noticed our banner on Artillery, and then got a personal invite from you! God would be all over that person to try church out! This is a passion of mine. Caring about the lost means spending time with them, getting to know them, helping meet their needs, and even sharing our church with them. This is one of our greatest callings as disciples. Sometimes we convince ourselves that we love the lost, but it's important that our actions show it.

The story doesn't end at Easter. After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to the disciples and gave them what was called "The Great Commission." He told them to "Go and make disciples!" The resurrection of Christ didn't signify the end, but the beginning of a work we are called to be part of today! Here's the harsh truth. If we aren't making disciples, if we avoid the lost, if we hide our faith, we aren't living up to Jesus calling for the Church. Sin can be found in the things we "should be" doing, just as much as the things we "shouldn't be."

What is sin?
sin 1 (sn) n.
1. A transgression of a religious or moral law, especially when deliberate.
2. Theology
a. Deliberate disobedience to the known will of God.
b. A condition of estrangement from God resulting from such disobedience. It's disobedience to God.

I think the motivation for all we do is the cross. We love people and become like Christ out of thankfulness for the cross! We reach out because we can't even fathom life without Christ, and we want to share it with everyone. But, I think it's easy to minimize the importance of obedience to our calling if we don't look at things from a sin perspective also.

(Dude, this is getting long...I told you it's one of my passions)

So, How do our lives reflect our deep desire to see people become disciples? How do our day planners reflect this "GREAT COMMISSION?" Even, how do our checkbooks, our evenings, our friendships, our families reflect this calling? I'm excited to see how God uses ACF to make disciples. Lets give someone an invite card this week. Lets be inconvenienced by serving someone this week. Lets take up a hobby just to spend time with the lost. Lets share family night with a family that needs Jesus. Lets be part of someones story!

Dude, wow, no way, cool, crazy, amazing..

2009-04-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

..is all I can say after our gas buy down!

http://www.ktva.com/video?bcpid=1641243975&bclid=1632695727&bctid=18658156001

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=181024120191&h=-a2MH&u=wnEyh&ref=mf

SO I'm, laying in bed thinking on Friday night..."Who's to say this will work out? God moves as he will, and there's no guarantee that he will use this. We've prayed about it, and it makes sense...but...." I was coming to terms with my own expectations out of the event.

Then we had all our volunteers show up and do a kick butt job of serving. We had a line that was blocking traffic for 4 hours..(A problem and a blessing) and people were so thankful! Nothing pumps up a church like getting outside of itself. I think it was the beginning of momentum. Rod and I have talked a lot about how to get momentum as a church...I think more stuff like this plus some carpet duty just praying for God to move in Eagle River.

I love being part of a serving community! I saw people in our church give up their day off to go serve. It was awesome to hear everyone excitement both before and after the event. There's just something about stepping outside of our own needs and giving to others...something that makes life a little more meaningful, more bearable, more purposeful.

The creative juices have been flowing around the office. Rod and I have been locking ourselves in the office and thinking through the next series as well as our summer and fall series. It's a lot to think through, but I work so much better with a game plan. So, good stuff coming up! Stay tuned.

We excited about our first youth event! On may 5th @ 6:30 we've got our High School "Hot Wing Night." Be there!...if you're in High School.
A little about the name: "Break Away" High School Ministries.

As I was thinking about the youth in our church, and the youth of our area, I wondered, "What do I hope will happen through our youth ministries?" The one common thread was, "Ownership." I truly want for our students to "own" their faith and encounter God on their own terms. I would love it if every student that leaves ACF has walked through the process of wrestling with faith, doubt, and hard questions. In High School, most students are, in many ways, "breaking away" from childhood. They are "breaking away" from their parents beliefs, and finding out what "they" believe. We get to come along side students and parents in this process and encourage the students to find truth in Christ.

I'm stoked for this weekend. Tonight is our Good Friday Service. We've done some cool stuff with the stage and lighting to set the mood as we discuss the death of Christ.

Tomorrow I'm headed to Jim's Creek with Ray (Guy that we're staying with) to do some trail clean up and ATV riding. Should be fun!

Ash Sunday.

2009-03-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

Well, Mount Redoubt finally began to erupt this past week. Most of the ash has avoided our area, but we got a dusting on Saturday night! We went to Wal Mart and they have a huge inventory of face masks and chemistry goggles. This stuff is super corrosive and conductive. So, you gotta be careful with cars and electronics. Haven't seen a whole lot here yet, but south Anchorage got almost an inch.
Volcano Coverage Below:
http://www.ktuu.com/Global/category.asp?C=159292&nav=menu510_2_2

Had another good Sunday. We're still working through our "Snapshots of the Savior" series. This week we talked about brokenness and healing. Rod explained some different philosophies of healing and we took communion. We did a version of the song "Broken" by Lifehouse that went great. Nice lead stuff Mason! During communion, Rod invited people up to be prayed for...God must have been working because we had one person choose to be a Christ follower for the first time! Wow!

-My attitude stunk on Sunday morning. There's been a lot of change in our lives and the end isn't even in sight yet. Numbers were low in the sanctuary at first, I think because of all the ash on people's cars. I was struggling with "leading" worship because my heart wasn't even close to worshipful. As the service progressed, the seats filled up. When it came time to do the set, God had been working on me, so I felt a little better. Then we have someone give their lives to Christ, and I'm reminded of how BIG God is. It's humbling...and exciting!

-Gas Buy Down! Rod is going to hang the banner at Shell this week. It should really get the buzz going. We had to rush the T-shirts so they get here on time...even through the ash.(Hopefully)

-Got an inch of snow last night! But, summer is in sight because it melted off by noon. There's still a good layer of snow in the trees, but it's melting fast. Bring on the GREEN!

Week 2 at ACF.

2009-03-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

-Last Sunday was exciting. Rod preached a great sermon about passion. Every one of us has things that make us angry or "passionate." I used to laugh at Amanda when she would say, "I'm not angry, I'm just passionate." Rod encouraged us to find our passion and use it for God. Great message. I don't know if you've met Rod, but this dude has "passion!" It's exciting to work together because we seem to be passionate about the same things. So, we work odd hours, and stay up half the night dreaming about how to be an effective church that worships, gives, loves and grows passionately. It's sort of a sickness that some Pastors have. I guess it comes from a deep desire to see people encounter God.

We've got to get into a house with a garage so I can purge my mind with a little wrench time.

-The news stations have gotten word of the Gas Buy Down. I was talking with a Channel 2 news rep and he said, "It sounds like we're going to have a mob in Eagle River!" I said, "I sure hope so!"

-We got some great invite cards in the mail yesterday. They look way cool! I heard Alaskans like to see grass, so the front of the card is our ACF logo over a nice field of Bermuda. ooooooooooohhhh....ahhhhhhh.....! Grab a pile and give them out!

-Rod and I had lunch today with some other CMA pastors in Anchorage. It's good to talk and pray with guys that are in ministry. I love hearing stories from guys with years of pastoral experience. They certainly have my respect.

-We got the details planned out for Easter, Good Friday, and the Bachelor series yesterday. My creativity tank is wiped!

-Had an engineer look at the Dragon house today. I think we're moving forward. The crawl space isn't up to code and needs to be dug out. Not a big deal, but it will be some shovel work. Volunteers???

And so it begins!

2009-03-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

So, here's me checking in! It's been a wild ride for the past couple of weeks. The trip to Alaska was amazing and I am so thankful to have a Dad who would spend that kind of time dragging his son and all his junk across the continent. It really meant a lot!

We have settled in to our guest bedroom nicely here in Peters Creek. It's still dark until around 8:00 in the morning so I'm waking up groggy. But, i seem to be able to stay up all night long because it's light till 9:00 or so! This will take some getting used to. I'm downing a lot of coffee. Cadence doesn't seem to care where she sleeps or have much of any clue that "this" is now home....which is nice.

Big news! We finalized an offer on our home this week. It's a foreclosure that needs a lot of work. We're just excited to get into something of our own before baby # 2 comes. We have nicknamed it the "dragon" house. It's got a huge dragon mural painted over the garage! As soon as it warms up, I'm going to slay the dragon with a can of Killz. Should be closing no later than the 14th of April. Pray that the inspection tomorrow goes well.

Gas Buy Down! Well, we hit the ground running here at ACF church. Rod and I have spent hours dreaming and discussing vision to reach this area. I've been here for a week and we're already doing an outreach! Rod and I are a lot alike...scary. ACF will be buying down gas .50 cents per gallon at the Shell station right across the street from the church building. We'll have 20 people per shift handing out invite cards, washing windows and pumping gas. Although gas prices have dropped some, people are still struggling to pay the bills. This will be a huge blessing to people around here! And talk about using God's money/resources in an amazing way. I'm stoked to be part of this community. Every time we give back like this, it combats our self obsession. The Church, in general, can be just as selfish with their resources as any mainstream corporation. I'm excited to see what God does when we are willing to approach our budget and people from a Kingdom perspective.

- Look for the sign up sheets in the foyer this week for the Gas buy down!

I led worship last week and it was an interesting feeling. While I'm singing, I'm thinking..."Well, this is our new church family...wow." It's been a long transition. It will take time to get to know all of you, but you have already been a blessing to us. The worship set went very well! I felt a little off. It's been a while since I have sang that much...through rehearsal and a service. Nice Job Mason and Hannah! You guys are a piece of cake to play with.

- I'm excited about the upcoming series called "The Bachelor". We will be discussing the book of Ruth. Got some good set ideas. Rod might also look a little different...don't miss it!

Brian:.

In Alaska...FINALLY!!!

2009-03-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone...We made it! Great trip. I wanted to do updates, but apparently Canadians don't believe in free wi-fi. Here's the highlights: - One flat tire on my trailer. Found it before it shredded and had it repaired in the middle of the Yukon. -Trailer brakes stopped working. I laid underneath to take a look and there was bear copper wire everywhere! The gravel had chewed up the wires like crazy! I did a little sub zero wiring and got things working again. -Ran into two snow storms. The U-haul did great! Couple times I saw my dad in the rear view as we're climbing a hill... He gets on the radio and says, "floor it son, I'm on your tail and I gotta keep my momentum up!" - we stopped and bought some chains for the U-haul. Didn't need them. -Got stuck in the ditch. I had to take a leak so bad that I pulled over to the side of the road. got back in and the rear end swung around and I was stuck. Four wheel drive wasn't working for some reason. Dad pulled the U-haul ahead and I winched my truck and trailer out of the snow. Hooray for old skool winches! The solenoid on the front end turned out to be the problem. I hit it once with a hammer and things were working again. - Out of Edmonton the road turned into the Baja 1000. Frost heaves every 10 feet for about 10 miles. It actually hurt my back after a while. - Soon they started marking the big heaves in the road with orange flags. Some of these things were like ski jumps! - Pulled into Ft. Nelson and got pulled over by the mounties. They did a random inspection of our load and weren't happy with my break away mechanism....I didn't have one. Got a written warning, and kept moving. -Just outside of Tok Alaska I had to slam on the breaks to miss mama and baby Caribou. It was hilarious! They saw me and the little one was falling all over the ice trying to get off the road. -Hit more snow out of Tok and the roads had about 5 inches of fresh powder. No problem for both rigs, we just went slowly. About 20 miles of the trip from Tok was like driving the monument road...except with no guardrail! Crazy Alaskans. So, we're in town and settling in at some friends house. We're looking at homes and hoping to be in our own place before baby # 2 shows up. Here are a few pics!

Update: Feb 24th, 09'

2009-02-24T20:34:00.000-08:00

Here it is! It's all sinking in that we're moving. We load the truck tomorrow. The house is in shambles, boxes and randomness everywhere. We're eating off paper plates and plastic dinnerware....and then washing them to be reused (A new kind of cheap, even for me!)

Things look to be in order for the drive. I've got all our hotels reserved. The trip is all mapped out. The truck is in tip top shape and the trailers are ready to move!

I'm still processing some of the lessons of this season of our lives. As I have told our story, it seems that God has made a few things very evident to me:

"The only security that exists, is in obedience to our creator."

"People, and seasons come and go, so make the most of the relationships and places I am able to experience today."

"It's ok to say "I love you" to other guys...even if you're not moving a billion miles away..."

"Forgiveness should not be contingent upon my circumstances."

"I still love to lead people in worship, it's in my blood so I better keep doing it."

"I have a CALL into ministry. I'm not sure I could be truly happy doing anything else for a living right now." (This is a new one on me. I used to be envious of those who felt a call. It's not a given. I've been in full time ministry for 6 years because I had a role to fill and a need to meet..and I could pay the bills doing it. Maybe I had the trappings of a calling, but I sure couldn't feel it. Today, we both truly sense a calling.)

"This whole thing would be a little empty without my wife and kiddo to share the adventure with."

"I think God wants someone to give me a Piper P-18 Super Cub....you should pray about it."

Next update ASAP.

Moving update!

2009-02-10T09:49:00.000-08:00

So here's the latest:

-Our home has a contract on it after the first day on the market! Holy cow!

-We will be officially leaving GJ on the 28th of this month. Amanda and Cadence will spend the week in Cheyenne and then fly out to Anchorage. My dad is coming down to drive to AK with me. He's driving the U-haul with our car in tow. I'll be driving the Dodge with my jeep in tow. Should be interesting during the winter! We'll be headed through Montana, up to Edmonton, then Nothwest through the Yukon up to Alaska!

-The house packing is comming nicely. We're going to have a loading party on the 25th. Details to come! if you wanna help!

-I've spent a lot of time talking with Rod, who is currently pastoring in Eagle River. I'm pumped to partner with him in ministry. We are a lot alike and we seem to have the same vision for ministry. It's going to be a fun ride!

- Amanda is planning on contract coding from home once we move. Unfortunately, she can't keep her current position at community as a remote coder. Still figuring that one out.

-When we get to AK, we will be staying with some friends in Eagle River. This family knew Amandas fam. back in Cheyenne. Their words were, "You are staying with us...period." What a load off our minds to have a place to stay as soon as we get in town!

I always hesitate to say, "look what God did." Like..."Wow, a good parking spot, that was SO God!" or "Sweet! It Snowed! That was so God!" Or "Tater tots for lunch??!!! Wow, God, nice one!"

I certainly believe that God has his hands in what happens here on earth, but I'm not sure that every decision and situation was pre planned by the big man. But, as I look at our situation, and how things are coming together, I sense that God is guiding us. I see His hands in this whole move. It's exciting to know that we are being obedient to His call. It builds our faith.

Ive watched Him redeem a tough situation and privide security for my family. I watched all of "my" plans fall through, and then God provided us a future in Alaska. It's as if He's saying, "There is only security in obedience to me." Wow.

Hello Alaska!

2009-01-25T22:14:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official. We're moving to Alaska! We've spent the week here in Eagle River, Alaska with Alliance Christian Fellowship. Shout out to the Alaskans! This is a great community and we are looking forward to being part of this next stage at ACF. The church just moved into a new (to them) buulding. I enjoyed leading worship this morning and really sense that God is doing a work through and in this church. This is a growing community with a large number young military families. I see God using this church to really reach people and fill up this new sanctuary.

So, we're excited, and sad. We will miss all of our incredible friends in Junction. God has placed just the right people into our lives to be a support for us. We're sure He will do the same in Eagle River.

We're headed home Monday night. Then, it ALL begins. Selling the house, fixing things, packing..... Pray that we can sell the house quickly and find just the right home in Eagle River.
Lots going through our minds right now.

21 Road Clip

2008-12-29T13:57:00.001-08:00

Crazy Love

2008-12-28T20:40:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading a book called, "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. He makes the statement that, "Lukewarm Christian" is an oxymoron. There is no such thing! Many of us have misinterpreted scripture to give us the option of being lukewarm.(Rev 3:16) As long as we go to church, sing some songs, serve some people and look a little better than the next guy, we're in! Wrong. Scripture makes it clear that this is an "all or none" sort of thing. This leaves little room for coasting, or status quo living.

Being a Christian means living with a "crazy" kind of love. The kind of love that caused you to give money to someone in need, with no guarantee as to what it would be spent on. The kind of love that causes you to spend your day off working on someone's home or car. The kind of love that places others needs above your own. The kind of love that obsesses over who God is. The kind of love that is dissatisfied with status quo Christianity. The kind of love that makes the Church what it was intended to be.. The kind of love that you don't have to fake. I want that kind of love.

What Is The Christmas Story?

2008-12-16T18:58:00.000-08:00

Here is a video we made. We went around Junction asking people, "What is the Christmas story?" It's an interesting question. There are a lot of opinions about the origin of what is celebrated today on December 25th. People celebrate for a lot of different reasons. I know what I celebrate on December 25th, take a look at people's responses.

Songs!

2008-12-15T22:29:00.001-08:00

I was just organizing some audio clips on my Laptop tonight. So, I thought I'd share a few with you. These were recorded through the mic on a computer during services, so they aren't very good quality...so instrumental snaffoo's and vocal gronks included! :) But, it was cool to listen to some songs from over the years. Here's a few below.
"You Never Let Go"
(Just a short clip)
Click Below
Click to hear music file

"In The Secret" Hooray for classics!
(Another short one)
Click to hear music file

"You Are The Fire:
Click Below
Click to hear music file

"It Is Well"
Click Below
Click to hear music file

"You're Still the King"
Wrote this one a couple of years ago. It talks about seeking for truth, purpose and security through the world instead of Christ. It also confesses the steadfastness of God despite our wavering.
Click Below
Click to hear music file

I've been thinking a lot about our identity as Christians. We have been re-created and given a new identity. Yet all of us continue to make decisions that don't reflect who we are in Christ. It drives us to dependence on God. It humbles us and continually teaches us how amazing Christ is. Without these "thorns of the flesh" I would likely come to the conclusion that I didn't need God's help. As Paul says, "His grace is sufficient for me...and His strength is made perfect in my weakness." So, I put some thoughts down in a song called "Change my Name." Just a first stab at it.
Click Below
Click to hear music file

The life of a church hopper.

2008-12-14T10:18:00.001-08:00

It's been interesting hopping from church to church. I've never really done it, but now I can relate to the awkwardness that people must feel when visiting churches.
We walk in and two people who we've never met say hi and offer you a handshake. It's nice, but I feel like we should sit down, have a conversation, and get to know each other...eh, no time. Maybe next week.

Trying to avoid any excess eye contact with anyone, I go straight for the coffee bar where I busily mix up the perfect concoction of sugary coffee goodness. After glancing around to see if I know anyone, and making small talk with those I do, we enter the sanctuary. It feels a little like going to someone else's family reunion. Who are these people? I don't know, but it seems like they know each other...It's a pleasant atmosphere, but it doesn't feel like home yet.

Then we search for a seat. Not so far back that we are disconnected from whoever is speaking, not so far forward that we feel like were in the spotlight.

Then worship begins! It's great! But I still can't shut off that part of me that is disassembling the music. When I finally do, I can't help but feel like I should be doing something!... After 6 years of leading worship, I feel most comfortable with a guitar in my arms. Without it, I don't know what to do with my hands...Maybe I'll put them up? Down? Clap? Don't clap... Cross my arms? No, then I look disconnected... So, I settle for adding my own silent drum track to the music by subtly tapping out a rhythm on the chair in front of me while I sing.
.............
Maybe this will get less weird as time goes on. We'll make somewhere home soon. We really enjoyed the Vineyard today, and we buy their vision for actively pursuing the lost in the community and around the world! They are doing wonderful things with their resources! So, we'll see. In the mean time, we'll continue to process and heal. Sunday is the toughest day of the week for us lately. We get a bit of a "puppy dog in the store window" feeling when we drive by our old church. I've never been a puppy dog, or spent much time looking out a store window. But for some reason the illustration works for me. But, then good friends and caring family help us move on to another day.

So, that's life. In case you were wondering!

Elf Family!

2008-12-06T16:02:00.000-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Buddy Miller Tune...

2008-12-04T21:54:00.001-08:00

Listening to some music tonight. A friend of mine sent me this Buddy Miller tune. Might have to be in a chill mood to appreciate it...but sit back, put your feet up, close your eyes, and turn up the volume!

"The Tree"

2008-12-03T19:42:00.000-08:00

Well, we finally got the tree up tonight. It just hasn't been like Christmas around our home this year.(Read previous post) We went to our normal spot (City Market) and bought ourselves a Christmas tree. We got a big, nice, full tree...but I feel like a Charlie Brown tree would be a little more appropriate.

Charlie Brown always had a tree that represented his personality. A little sparse, droopy and bent over, but if you look close enough, there's a small decoration on top. Just a little bit of Joy atop a sorry excuse for a Christmas tree.

I was reminded this week of the meaning of Christmas. Now we all know that it's about little baby Jesus, wise men, snow (in Bethlehem...yea right), a stable, and the beginning of something BIG. For me, this little baby represents something different this year. Jesus is a picture of Christ's faithfulness to humanity. He represents God's deep care and delight in His people.... Despite the brokenness, God sent Jesus as a sign of His faithfulness, to usher in the beginning of His Kingdom.

You see, God loves to redeem brokenness. He is glorified in our weakness. He shows himself loving and powerful when we come to the end of ourselves. This Christmas, we find ourselves praying that God does what He does best. We're asking Him to redeem a broken situation and give us hope. I recognize Jesus as a picture of hope this season, but I'm not sure I really believe it. My mind says hope, while my heart says anxiety and fear. So, although our situation looks a little like the Charlie Brown Christmas tree, the tree in our basement is a sign of what we hope is to come... Fullness, health, light, and lot's of presents!!!

How do I change the blog name....

2008-12-01T10:09:00.000-08:00

Well it's official. As of last week, Amanda and I have turned in our resignation from full time ministry at River of Life. We have loved being a part of this body and we have found ourselves in deep friendships with the people there. Over the past 6 years, I have seen this body grow in their passion and ability to give God their all through worship. It's been amazing to be a part of it!

This church has always considered it's worship music to be "blended." This label comes with its challanges, but I believe that the people of ROL appreicate worship as more than song or style, but as an action of the heart and body of a believer. I've seen young students giving God praise through hymns which are more than a hundred years old. I have watched people from the 60+ generation give God praise through the most contemporay music written today. I've seen people abandon their musical preferances and replace them with a simple desire to praise through any and all music and circumstances. PRAISE GOD!

So what's next for us? Well...we're not sure. We are praying about full time ministry. I won't be sending out a bunch of resume's because we don't want to serve at just "any" church. For us, it's not about just getting a job. We desperately want to serve in a community that is a good fit for us, if that's Gods plan. If not, I may have some opportunities to turn wrenches here in Grand Junction to pay the bills. Our hearts are to be in ministry, and that will not change. Ministry happens no matter where you work. My question for God has been, "Where should I spend my work week to be the most effective kingdom worker." I'm praying that God alligns my passions with His will for us.

Pray for us in this transition. Our faith is being tested.
This song just came to mind. I remember singing this as a kid.
He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be.
It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.
How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me.

He sure is...

Too much time in the woods...

2008-11-11T16:15:00.000-08:00

I spent a couple days alone at the family cabin up at Laramie Peak in Wyoming.

-It was quiet...good quiet.

-Got a couple classes done, and papers written.

-Finished reading "Worship, Old an New" Good read! Check it out.

-Spent an afternoon on the 4-wheeler riding over Albany peak. I ended up in a heard of about 10 mule deer, it was great! It got me excited for whitetail hunting this next week.

-I went to church with my in laws this past weekend. Element Church in Cheyenne Wyoming. www.elementweb.net. Jeff preached a great sermon about the history of worship! How appropriate. It seems like Gods speaking to me from every direction about worship. I'm deeply convicted that we must not allow it to be a point of contention in the church.

Here's a loose history of worship"
-Medieval church: There were chants. Singing was the job of the holiest men in the church.
-Then the people were invited to join in, but had trouble singing the chants.
"There was much grumbling in the church over this change"
-The 18th century birthed hymns and other choruses out of modified pop music and bar melodies. It helped the people use music that they were used to, to praise God.
"There was much grumbling in the church over this change"
- The 19th and 20th centuries brought even more change. Music was not only simplified but integrated! Pastors and composers would set religious texts to folk melodies to encourage congregations to join in the singing. Examples of famous hymns set to popular tunes are "Amazing Grace" and "There is a Fountain."
"There was much grumbling in the church over this change"

Soon artists like Bill Gaither were pushing christian worship music to it's limits by writing songs like "Because He Lives" and "He Touched Me"
"There was much grumbling in the church over this change"
And onward to today...Maranatha, Hillsong, Passion worship Band...Hillsong United..

It's clear that over time music has changed a lot! From overemphasis on external expressions of worship, to internal. From overemphasizing symbols in the church to abandoning all symbols. The Church seems to have a long track record of struggling with "how" we worship.

We often find ourselves clinging to the tools of worship. Heck, I don't see hymnals or organs in Scripture, just like I don't see electric guitars or violins. What's funny, is how the church makes our tools for worship holy. Maybe it's the organ that's holy, and you can't let go of it (We don't have an organ at our church, praise Jesus). Or it could be the beautiful liturgy of your childhood church that's now holy. Maybe the hymnals are so holy that they shouldn't be replaced by a projector. Has the "attire" for church become holy? (What would Jesus wear to worship?) Is your song style holy? (It will always be changing) Since the beginning, man has found itself worshipping the tools, instead of the creator. (Then God sends down fireballs from heaven.)

I've spent a lot of time during my sabbatical thinking about this. We worship pastors are in an interesting predicament when picking music. My heart will always be to serve the church! To listen and watch, and create worship sets that most people can follow! As music changes culturally, it will also change in the church. This is how it's always been. The church responds to culture creating music that people will relate to! Music that's relevant to most people today. If you hate change, you're going to hate worship music here in 5-10 years.

Time out: So maybe you're thinking, if worship is for the "worshippers," then why does music need to change? I can worship just fine to my Hymnal, or Maranatha, or Bill Gaither classics! Please understand that there is much value in the music that we've grown up worshipping to! That's why I'm always integrating hymns and classics.

But, the first hymns were written because the lost were finding Jesus, coming to church, and needed something to worship to. The assumption is that people are coming to know Christ, and coming to church. When they do, they have no church history, no traditions, and historically the clergy responded by giving them songs they could relate to.

The mature Christ follower understands that worship is so much more than song or style, and is able to join with the new converts and give praise to God. (in a perfect world at least) So, my stance is this: New music isn't better or any more worshipful than older music. We simply change style to keep the church's music culturally relevant. Personally, I enjoy integrating classics with music that connects with most people today, especially the upcoming generation. If young people stop coming to church, the church will die. Back to the Blog

SO is it wrong to "like" the music? Absolutely not! I hope you really enjoy the music at your church. But, if liking the music is a prerequisite to worshipping, there is a problem.

In Amos 5:21-23, God is unwilling to receive the songs/offerings of Israel, because of the filth in their hearts. If we are unwilling to worship without "our" kind of music, or there is selfishness or sin in our hearts, are we really offering God our best anyway? Religion and Idolatry can be very visible, or extremely hidden. I've seen both in my life. Music itself can easily become an idol. We can find ourselves defining/evaluating worship based on our own church experiences. Let's search ourselves, and allow God to make us true worshippers.

See what happens when I have time on my hands...sheesh
Thanks for reading.

Here it is!

2008-11-11T16:11:00.000-08:00

Amanda had her first appointment today.
Her due date for our second little squirt is June 18th.
What's you're guess? Boy? Girl? Twins? Twin Girls!!! pray for us.

Christians = "Tightwads"

2008-11-05T19:31:00.000-08:00

What do you think? Is it true? Have you seen this precept proved true in your life or the lives of other Christians around you?
I've been thinking a lot about stewardship and generosity lately. I've been convicted that I can tend to cling to my resources as some form of safety and control. How many of you know that when life gets crazy, and OUT of control, that your grip on your "stuff" gets tighter?
It's like many things. Some people seem to be gifted with generosity, and good stewardship, but others need to learn it. I, for one, pinch pennies till it hurts. Amanda, on the other hand is one of the most responsible stewards who also gives with generosity when she feels led. God was thinking when He put us together.
We are given many examples of generosity in scripture. John the Baptist taught that the man with two tunics should share with the man who has none (Luke 3:11). Zacchaeus the tax collector, when he converted to faith in Jesus, thought it fitting to give half of all he owned to the poor (Luke 19:1-10). Jesus praised a certain widow in the temple who gave away the last pennies she had to live on (Luke 21:1-4). The first Christians in the Jerusalem church willingly sold their own possessions to give to those in need (Acts 2:45).

How do you manage your stuff? Sometimes I think we Christians have misread scripture to define good stewardship as an excuse for greed and control issues with "our" money. Really and truly, we must realize that it isn't ours. The question isn't, "how much will I give?" The question is, "How much dare I keep?"

I'd like to see us step up to our calling to generosity and good stewardship. I see some Christians that give to others, putting their needs above even their own. I also see some of us greedily hoarding our resources like the man who hid his talents (Matt 25:14-19).
-Give something away to someone in need...expect nothing in return.
-Create a "what's mine is yours" atmosphere with your friends.
-Go out to eat, and tip 20% instead of 10%.
-When you hear of a need, listen to the Spirit, and then act!
-Teach your family to serve. (Good stewardship goes beyond "stuff")
-If you're a business owner, pay your employees well! (not just enough to keep them from quitting) If they are worth employing, they are worth good pay.
-If you know of a need that you have been ignoring, don't assume it's someone elses responsibility. Go meet the need.
Let's approach all that we have been given in light of the Kingdom. Like the woman at the well, we need not have much, to be generous givers.

21 rd. Trip with the Fam!

2008-11-04T19:14:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine just got back in town, so we planned a little welcome home run up 21 rd. this past weekend and ended the evening having a little shindig at a buddies place out in Fruita. It was a great day! Amanda and Cadence seemed to have fun, as well as the other ladies that joined us. I got to test out my new winch on the obstacle above. I also sustained more body damage in one day than ever before! Talk about a good time! I had to throw in a pic of Josh's new paint job. He said it was the wife's way of keeping him out of the drivers seat...since it's "her" new ride.

I'll be heading to Cheyenne this Thursday, then a couple days at the family cabin up at Laramie Peak, then I'm off to Missouri to shoot me one of those illusive little whitetails. ROAD TRIP!!!!!

"A Picture of Humanity"-Caution: not for the squeemish.

2008-10-30T15:51:00.000-07:00

I came upstairs to get Cadence after her nap and found this.

Maybe you're thinking, "Was Picasso cryogenically frozen and revived right here in the Cook's house, only to paint his first piece as a mural on Cadence's wall?" Or maybe we left a brown crayon in her bed accidentally. But those of you who are parents, know exactly what happened. She woke up, and instead of crying, decided to entertain herself by doing some finger painting on the walls...with...well...I bet you can guess.
What strikes me is how well this represents us as humans. God gives us directions to help His children live a fulfilling and meaningful life. It's not for His well being, but ours....We pick and choose obedience on our own terms. But, when no one's looking, we dabble and play in our own sin. We fingerpaint brokenness all over our lives and the lives of the people that we share our existance with. We toy with sin as if it won't hurt anyone. I often find myself in the situation pictured above....I struggle, and I toil...Then the Grace of Christ comes in (like that bottle of Lysol) and procclaims "My (Christ's) grace is sufficient for you."

The Cooks, "Unplugged."

2008-10-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

Just got back from 2 days at a friends cabin! It was awesome! Amanda baked me a pie, and we celebrated my birthday. We hit the trails on a 4-wheeler and we read some good books while listening to some Steve Miller Band along with some unnamed Reggae music. It was beautiful. The fireplace was roaring both nights while we stayed warm in the cabin. It's a little uneasy not having a tv or chores to keep us busy, but soon we slipped into relaxation mode and enjoyed being unplugged.

Disconnected, but not...

2008-10-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

We attended 1st Presbyterian church this past Sunday. It was good to just sit, experience, and participate in worship. It was totally refreshing to wake up late, show up with my family, and leave after the service! During the service I found myself from time to time thinking about transitions, lighting, accoustics, sermon illustrations..and all the stuff that goes into creating a service.(The framework) But it didn't take too long to just relax.

I've spent some good time in prayer lately. Some good friends of ours (Drew and Sarah) had a little girl this past week.(Selah) Unfortunately, she was a month premature with some intestinal and heart issues. So, our hearts have been in Denver with them.

Today we got word that Amy Storey (Our Sr. Pastor Rob's daughter) had a biking accident and had suffered a head injury. We think she'll be ok, but it's time to pray.

Ive also been thinking a lot about my calling into ministry. Like anything, church work has it's up's and down's. It's an emotionally draining "job" but it can be such a blessing to serve the church! It's hard to shut off sometimes, but there can be much joy in full time ministry. Many pastors talk about their "calling" into ministry. Mine has always been a little cloudy. I want God to clarify my calling into minstry, as well as my calling to this specific ministry location....If He does such a thing. It gives us a lot of grace in dealing with hard times when we recognize that we are doing what we were "made to do."

You know that feeling? When you are in your element? Sometimes I get that feeling when I'm leading worship and I sense that there is this vertical expression of love happening between us and our God. Real worship changes lives! I believe that. When we truly give of ourselves to God, and express our deep, desperate need for Him, we walk away different. Something I love to be a part of.

On a lighter note: I had an awesome Chai Tea this morning, and got done with my first class of the sabbatical...YAY!

Oh yea, and GO PATRIOTS! (Take that Bronco's fans)

It has begun!

2008-10-16T18:37:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm ending day 2 of my sabbatical.
So far I have:
-Fixed a hole in our ceiling(Had (another)little water leak from the upstairs bathroom)
-Started reading "Leadership handbook of management and admin....Yuck"
-Installed a winch in the Jeep (Tight fit)
Looky!

-Spent some time with Cadence
-and other stuff I can't remember.
It's been good. 28 days left....Tomorrow, I think I'll sleep in, hang with the family, and then winterize the sprinkler system. What will I do, when my "to do" list is done?!

Sabbatical shmabbatical....

2008-10-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

I'll be sort of disconnected, starting October 13th.....more disconnected than ususal. After serving at the church for over 5 years, most of which being full time, I'm taking some time to reset. I can't guarantee a "newer, better" Brian, glowing with holy Jesus beams....but it should be relaxing. You know, as life moves on, things get fuzzy. What am I doing? Why am I doing it? Do I really care about this? What's my purpose? Am I using my life well? What are my dreams?...Stuff I plan on thinking about during this time off.

Ministry at ROL has been exciting, truly a growing and learning experience. I want to make sure that I'm doing things for the right reasons. If there's one thing I'm always pushing in the church, it would be vision. Rob, Dave and I talk for hours about this. I need to be JUST as purposeful about the vision for my family.

Lately, I've been evaluating many aspects of my life. You know the habbits we devlop? And then one day we think about it and realize....there might be a better way? We avoid all kinds of new things, or making changes just because it seems easier to stay as we are. Online bill paying, a newer/faster route to work, our morning routine, new technology, the way we respond to pain/relational tension, our eating habbits, the way we worship,.... I want to approach everything in my life from God's perspective, with openness to change and growth.
I realized recently that I am even devloping habbits in my parenting. The other day Cadence wanted her juice..(pronounced: Doo-ce). She had had enough so I said "no." You would have thought I had drop-kicked her. She squeeled in sheer terror and pain. We dealt with it, and I realized that I had been conditioned. For the first year of her life, we were trying to get her to communicate. So, when she would ask for something, we would reward her by giver her what she wanted. It was our habbit. She asked for something, and we'd run to give it to her.... I realized that we didn't have to give her everything she wanted.

We do a lot of things out of habbit, fear, or desire. I want to be driven by my God given dreams and desires. That's where purpose comes from.

Pre rehearsal musings....

2008-09-18T16:58:00.000-07:00

Just sitting here before worship rehearsal, and I thought I'd put some thoughts down on the screen. It's been a good week. I've been a bit of an emotional mess lately over a variety of issues, some personal, some vocational. It's nice to mellow out a bit. Have you ever been so low that when you come out of it, everything looks, smells, tastes, and feels a little more amazing? I want to stay in that place where my caramel frappuccino tastes incredible, the mountains shout the power of God, I sense love from my friends and family, and there is peace in my spirit.
How is it, that when a piece of my life is out of sorts, that everything else suffers? When my spirit is out of whack, or there's problems in my relationships, nothing is as beautiful as it should be.

This idea of "self obsession" has shown itself in so many ways. When I don't understand, or I feel pain, my eyes are directed toward my self (AKA naval gazing) rather than to God. Yes, I know the right thing to do. I know that God is all knowing and wants His children to trust Him. I know I should, but I have tasted what it is like to choose God-obsession rather than self-obsession and what do you know...God was right! It's a sad thing when Christs followers can do nothing else but focus on themselves. Ministry and worship are traded for wallowing in our circumstances. We become worthless to the Kingdom and our vision narrows to a pin sized picture of our own problems. What about the lost in my life? What about people who are in need? What about worship?....And at times I respond with, "Eh, it doesn't matter, my life sucks." Life becomes a big story about me, instead of the story of God's redeeming work through His people.

God, give me vision and an ability to see my place in your Kingdom work.
That's it for now. Time to put some songs into Media Shout...