Blockbuster Movies and Overseas Adoption

Today is Father's Day. This is the one day I "fo sho" get special treatment. Every year I anticipate this holiday several days leading up to it.

During my time of relaxation, I watched a movie with my wife and oldest daughter (the other 4 caught bits and pieces as they ran in and out of the room...why can't they do that during commercials...another story).

The movie is titled, "The Pursuit of Happyness." It is a tear-jerker as well as it is motivating. I particularly liked it because it did not focus on Chris Gardner's future wealth. It focused on his determination. How much of the "american dream" is focused on wealth? It seemed as if this man in the movie just wanted to take care of his family and did so with a reckless abandon. I was so motivated. I love movies or stories that nudge me to examine what I am doing in life.

This leads me to a couple in our church,a Doug and Virginia. Doug and Virginia are a relatively quiet couple. They seem very pleasant. My 6 yr. old daughter enjoys being in their Sunday School class...it is funny because I catch myself trying not to call Doug, "Mr. Doug." Anyway, this couple has amazed me.

Right now, they are overseas picking up their beautiful daughter. Just like the aforementioned movie...they are DOING IT! People doing big things...that motivates me. Doug and Virginia have done all of this in a very humble way. I know they will be good parents.
As a father of 5, I guess it is intuition??? I know this because:

1. Doug has good taste in music...particularly heavy metal music.
2. Virginia's attitude after the baby shower. She seemed so stoked after her baby shower. Her blogs are great to read as well.

I am so happy for them. I am even happy for my 22 month old daughter because she will have a new friend in the nursery.

What are you doing with your life? What are you pursuing? Is it of much value?

Motivated,

David

Catching Up!

Sorry this blog posting is so late. I have tried to narrow down what I want to blog about.

The past few weeks have been a roller-coaster of a ride. While things have been up and down, one of the highlights was seeing my friend Jerry. Jerry and I go way back. I met Jerry when he was a hyper, overconfident , squeaky voiced 13 yr old. It was so funny watching Jerry try to develop his swagger.

J-Millz was the kid every Youth Pastor wants in a Student Ministry. We stayed together all through middle and high school. I always had in my mind he had the potential to do big things. However, part of me was afraid he would slip into mediocrity. Jerry proved me wrong and joined the military.

With about 18 mos. under his belt (9 of which have been overseas), he has grown up quite a bit.
We had breakfast together and it was good to hear of his future plans. Just hearing a 20 yr old with a plan is encouraging enough. I am glad he has decided to date someone else who is "goal oriented" as well. He told me his girlfriend will earn her Bachelor's Degree this summer and promises not to rest until she gets him in the classroom.

I realize all of this sounds mushy and boring, but when you work with young people, you always hope for the best, and sometimes the best never happens. My friend, Beaver told me that the biggest frustration of being a Youth Minister is not always seeing the fruit of your labor.

Well, God brings the harvest. I don't think He is finished with J-Millz just yet.

Peace,
DK

My New Favorite People

I gotta say...I like people. You would think that is normal, but it seems like I know a lot of people who...for whatever reason...don't like people.

I love meeting new people, especially getting to know them. Well this past Wed night, I got to know some guys. They are now on my top list of Bros.

They are a band named "Our Hero's End." While they came and visited our Student Ministry before, I never really got to hang with these guys. This time I did and I enjoyed their company. I am always encouraged when I see young people "doing things." The guys from "OHE" were all about our students. I am also tired of seeing new indie groups acting like the next big thing! I hope they remain "grounded"and God fills up their calendar.

These guys are the real deal. Check out their Twitter or myspace.

Dave

Back In The Swing of Things

I guess it was when I turned 32 that I realized I was in a new new phase of my life. It was as if an internal light switch went off inside my body. It was telling me that I am not the same...PHYSICALLY! I am a guy... I thought to myself..."WAIT A SECOND, this can't be happening. I mean sure, I am not as muscular as I was 5 yrs ago, but I am fine physically.

I realized it after participating in a lock-in at church. It took days to get back in the swing of things.
Then I realized how important being "in the swing of things" really was.

What about our spiritual lives? Christians often talk about being in and out of seasons. Can we get "out of the swing of things?" If so, how do we get back?

1. PRAY - In Mark 1:35, we learn from the example set by Jesus. It says Jesus got up early in the morning. He wasn't kidding around. I don't know if the word "early" is in my vocabulary. It also says He went to a desolate place. He obviously didn't want to be distracted.

2. PRAISE - Psalm 147:1 says, "Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting." Many would agree that getting back in the swing of things may require doing things that would please God. Well, the psalmist in this particular passage says that it is appropriate to sing a song of praise. Actually, it says "fitting." I noticed that it doesn't tell us to give God a "shout out" when things are personally going well. It tells us it is appropriate....finish reading the chapter. Praise Him because of who He is.

3. SERVE - In Matthew 4:10, Jesus slams satan with Scripture. He used Deuteronomy 6:13, "You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve."
If you are "out" of things spiritually, now would be a good time to check your gauges. Whom are you serving? Who gets you? Your job or God. I'm not knocking hard work, but sometimes that gets us off track. Even Jesus says we can't serve two masters. We can't love God and money.

If you are hanging on and trying to get back on track, maybe you can start with one or more of these suggestions. Let us know if you have any suggestions or how we can help.

Blessings,
David

I Got Shot By My Students

Today, I am quite sore! Yesterday, I went with some students of our church on a paintball adventure...it more like a piantball meyhem! It was SWEEEET! I am so impressed with the binding that can take place using a CO2 filled gun and pellets that splatter on the impact of 300 ft per second. We were challenged by a group from a rather large church in our area. I don't want to drop names....OK..Valley View!!!

My pal, Paul is the MS Minister there, so we hooked up with them and had fun...fun because we dusted them!

I gotta say, I am blessed to work with cool people. I am around some incredible students. I have learned along the way that if you really want to influence students, you have to meet them on their level...even if it takes getting shot.

God is Good! Take it to the street!

Dave

Welcome!

Welcome to my Blog!

Hopefully, you landed here via SJCC website. Regulary, I will be sounding off on a variety of topics. I will be hitting on upcoming events involving "true north student ministry". If I can be of assistance to you, please let me know.