Intersection

Being the Church

2009-10-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, was a glorious day here at MHBC. Six teams gave presentations concerning ministries they implemented through a five week movement of service called Operation:Neighbor. The six groups were assigned the task of implementing a short term ministry initiative that would meet the needs of individuals whose needs are not being met in our community. Each team was given $400 to use toward the completion of their project, and told they had 5 weeks to complete the endeavor.
These groups, involving over 100 of our church folks, did the following short-term ministry projects:
*a fair for foster children and their families
*collected shoes for those without shoes and cleaned the yards of foreclosed homes to help beautify the neighborhood
*a car clinic to teach ladies in the area how to care for their automobiles
*an AARP driving school to help senior adults save on auto insurance and replenishing the church's food pantry
* a party for the parents that bring children to our child care center, a major painting job of the rooms that the child care center uses, and early morning coffee and pastries for the parents on their way to work
*a baby shower for five pregnant teens from a local high school

As I sat and listened to the reports through tears in my eyes, it hit me- this is what being a missional church is all about. Teams of people working together to meet specific needs in our context. I also realized that several significant things had been accomplished:
1. The love of Christ has been shared with those who are typically overlooked.
2. More people were involved in front-line ministry in these five weeks than in any other time of the year. Many of the usual workers participated, but so many more who are not involved became part of a team.
3. There was an amazing sense of unity behind the desire to please God by meeting the needs of others.
4. No paid Christians (staff people) were allowed to participate on the teams and it became obvious that God can use anybody, not just those who are paid professionals.

The common thing that we heard over and over from people went something like this: "I can't believe that a church is actually doing something to help the community."
Two conclusions: First, we know that we are making significant progress in connecting to our community. Second, it is a shame that a church is getting noticed for what should be normal activity amongst the body of Christ.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to experience Operation:Neighbor.

Taking Things for Granted

2009-10-08T10:41:00.001-07:00

It is true for me, that I don't realize how good I have it until something is taken away. We are in the process of having new A/C units installed in the church building, so we are spending a few days without A/C. It just so happens that we are having near record high tempatures for the month of October, which means the building is HOT! I chickened out and went to a different part of the building to work, but I have been reminded how I take things like air conditioners for granted. This has caused me to stop, reflect, and be thankful for things that I commonly overlook as expected parts of my day: a car that runs, a seemingly endless water supply, a grocery store continually supplied with food, etc. So, today, it is the little things, that quickly become big things when lost, for which I am grateful. What is on your list?

"Cut me, Mickey!"

2009-09-30T07:52:00.000-07:00

The month of September has been pretty lousy. So much so, that I feel like a prize fighter. I have been getting body blow after body blow after body blow, then before I realize it, I am face down on the canvas hit by a punch that caught me off guard. Oh I landed some good punches occasionally, but I was clearly down in the point standings this month. Then, all of a sudden, I find myself sprawled out on the canvas, woozy from a long fight, wondering what just happened. It is there on the canvas that I have to decide, "Is this fight really worth it?" "Is it time to throw in the towel?" "Do I admit defeat?" Or... do I crawl over to the ropes, pull myself up, catch my breath, and turn around and start swinging again?

As it turns out, I am pretty darn stubborn! Even when it seems like I have no chance to come back and win the fight, deep down, there is this great disdain for losing that makes me swing even harder than I did before. I might lose, but they will have to carry me out of the ring before I give up. Maybe I am stupid and stubborn, I don't know- but it seems to me if something is worth fighting for, I might as well fight to the death. September clearly kicked my butt and alas, I must admit defeat. But thankfully, this is the last day of September, so I live on to fight again, better prepared, better equipped, and more determined.

Here is my question- How do you react when you find that life has dealt a blow that knocks you onto the canvas? What makes you get back up? What passages of Scripture do you turn to? Who do you call to help you get up? How do you mourn your defeats? What advice do you have for others facing tough times? Just curious.

Criticism

2009-08-27T12:14:00.000-07:00

I hate to admit it, but what people think about me really matters to me. So, when people criticise me, it hurts. Now, I know without any hesitation that some of the criticism I get is well deserved- in fact, it is probably not that hard to find faults in who I am and what I do. There are times that I am very appreciative of constructive criticism if I know and understand the heart of the one who gives it, but most of the time, that is not the case. Typically, though, I can be alone, think about it and accept it as constructive.

Sometimes, however, the criticism is ridiculous, rude, and unnecessary. For example, I am growing a beard, I don't know if I am going to keep it or not, just experiementing. Last night, someone told me that I look horrible and should shave it off immediately. My response was simply, "I am trying to look more like Jesus." That was not what I wanted to say, but those were the words that came out.

The question then is this- how should we, as followers of Christ, respond to critics?
Let me know what you think.

A New Office= Big Change

2009-08-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

For seven years, I have used the same space for my office. A space that has been comfortable, convenient, and a consistent part of my life week after week after week. Last Thursday, I moved upstairs, directly above my old office to a new room that will be my home away from home. In the process of this move, I have discovered several things about myself and about life.
First of all, I have realized that deep down I must be a slob. After seven years of storing, filing, and stuffing things in my office, I discovered that in that time span, one can create a huge mess, or at least I can. It was embarrassing to see all of the trash bags that I filled with things that should have been discarded years ago. I even found some chocolate golf balls (yes, I said chocolate golf balls) that were at least 6 years old. I have no idea why I was saving them, because normally they would not have lasted 6 minutes.
Secondly, I have been reminded that life is a trade-off. My new office is great in many ways. It is larger than the old one. It is brightly painted and cheery. In fact one of the walls is my favorite color- orange. It is also amazingly quiet and allows me plenty of time for deep reflection, uninterupted prayer time, and focus. On the other hand, my new office is like being in an isolation booth- it is almost creepy at times. Thus far, I treasure the moments when people come to see me- quite unusual for an INTJ. I no longer have a private rest room, and I can already tell that I am eventually going to dread walking up and down the stairs. Life really is a trade-off.
Thirdly, I have been reminded that staying the same is much easier than change. Not better, just easier. I guess that is why it is so hard for us to gravitate toward something new-we become incredibly comfortable with what we know and with what is familiar.
So, if you have a chance, come by and check it out- I would enjoy the company.

It Goes Too Fast

2009-05-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

This year marks the 25th anniversary of my high school graduation. Tomorrow, my son graduates high school. How the heck did that happen? I remember, as if it were yesterday, gazing through the window at Hillcrest Baptist Hospital in Waco with a goofy grin on my face thinking, "that's my boy!" I remember Josh learning to walk by chasing after a cookie that someone was holding in front of him at church. I remember... I could go on and on. What is really amazing to me though, is the fact that I look into his eyes and I see that the little boy has become a man. Don't get me wrong, he still has a whole lot to learn about life, but he has become a man.
I have always heard how hard it was to parent teens, but I must honestly say, he made it a piece of cake: he is considerate, compasionate, generous, loving, and content. He has been a joy to parent.

I can't wait to see what God is going to do through his life. There has even been some talk of ministering to the poor in a third world country, who knows. But this I do know, Josh, God has something really cool planned for your life and I pray that you will reach your full potential in Him. Don't let anybody tell you that you can't or that your dreams are impossible. I pray that you will seek God everyday and that you will find the godly woman that God has picked for you. I also pray that your family will change whatever part of the world you will call home.

Please know that your Mom and I are here for you, we love you, and we are proud to call you son. You are awesome. Congratulations!

Children are Expensive

2009-05-05T05:21:00.000-07:00

$200,000! That is what the projected cost of raising a child born in 2007 would be when that child reaches the age of 18. This is based on the "typical" middle income family. That number seems a bit low to me, but let's assume that it is correct. What could you do with an extra 200 grand? Imagine the possibilities: a new house, a traveling adventure, a better retirement. If you have multiple children then- imagine.

The truth, however, is that we as parents are making an investment. An investment in the future. Not only are we investing in the possibility of being grandparents, but really we are investing in the future of our world. Imagine the possibilities: what if your child is the one who grows up to find the cure for cancer? what if your child becomes president of the United States? what if your child is the school teacher who changes in a positive direction the lives of hundreds of children? what if yours is the child who saves lives of those in a burning building? what if yours is the child who finds a way to thwart starvation in our world? what if your child is the one who starts a non-profit that changes the future for millions of people? what if your child grows up, gets married, and is a great spouse and parent and impacts those in their nuclear family?what if your child takes the greatest news in the world, that Jesus loves them, to a place that has never heard before?

I guess $200,000 is a small price to pay for changing the world.

I also hope they remember this investment when they pick my nursing home.

Family

2009-04-22T08:54:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I performed the marriage ceremony for my niece and her new husband. As a part of that event, my wife's family from Texas was here to participate in the festivities. It was an awesome time of connecting with some folks that we love very much. You see, I am fortunate in that I even have a great Mother-in-law. As fourteen of us spent hours together in our home, I was reminded how important family is, and how important people are. Specifically, I was reminded how significant those closest to us really are. Throughout our life time, we don't really connect closely with that many people. We, of course, know a lot of people, and have many that we would consider friends, but when it comes to those folks that come into our homes and really feel at home and we still feel like it is home while they are there, the numbers become quite small. In their book about relationships, concerning those individuals that feel at home, Will Miller and Glen Sparks call it Refrigerator Rights. Those with refrigerator rights are the folks that come into our homes and open up the frig without asking permission. When you think about it, those are the most significant people in your life. I hope that you will recognize those people in your life and treasure them as a precious gift. I know I do (as long as they don't drink all of the milk).

Gran

2008-11-03T07:47:00.000-08:00

This past week, I returned to Texas to officiate the funeral of my grandmother, whom we affectionately called Gran. As we celebrated her 99 years of life, several thoughts crossed my mind:

1. She really embodied the life of a Christ-follower. She was sacrificial in her love, and clearly made her relationship with God the center of her worldview.

2. Life as a human being ends. I know that sounds obvious, but even the longest of lives come to a screeching halt. Our time here is temporary, a drop in the bucket really, and each and every day should be lived as an incredible blessing from God.

3. After God, people matter most. God has blessed each of us with special people in our lives and we should take the time and energy to make them a priority-be the first to call, tell them you love them, apologize, and make time for them. We never know how long we will have them in our lives, nor how long we will be around.

4. Heaven will be an awesome place. As we participate in that great reunion in the presence of God, it will be a blast to be reconnected with those who have gone before us. In fact, whatever life throws at us now, can not possibly compare to the joy that Heaven will bring.

I thank God for Gran. She was awesome and I am grateful that she is where she wants to be.

WOW!!!!!

2008-09-22T10:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the culmination of an amazing time in the life of our church. After months of preparation, we officially called an African-American to serve on our staff here at MHBC. What was so incredible was the fact that not only was this individual called, but he was voted on unanimously, and was received with great enthusaism. As a 72 year-old Anglo church, that was an amazing step forward for us as we strive to reach everyone in the community surrounding our church campus. God has blessed us with the opportunity to reach children and youth from all backgrounds, but we have been unable to connect to their families. I pray that yesterday was the first step in building new bridges to those of different ethnicities in our community and city.

It has always baffled me that we go to work with people from different backgrounds, we workout at the gym with people of different races, we dine in the same restaraunts with those that are unlike us, and even cheer on our children at sporting events with those from different cultures, yet we are unable,too many times, to be united by the one thing that should unite us the most: our love for Jesus.

I don't know what the future looks like for MHBC, but I can't wait to see what God is going to do next!

A Team Sport

2008-09-10T13:06:00.000-07:00

As football season gets going full speed, I am reminded of the significance of team. There are so many talented players that play football week after week, yet they rarely win. Some teams, in fact, are loaded with talent, yet they seem unable to pull together to outscore their opponent. Many times, the problem is that all the talent in the world can not win unless the individuals realize that they are part of the whole. The team must become more important than the individual if success is going to be a reality.
Church is the same way. Success, defined as honoring God, does not occur in the life of the church unless the whole becomes more important than the individual. Like a talented football team that can not win, a church with loads of talented people, plenty of financial stability, and beautiful buildings can not accomplish success if they do not work together to pursue a common goal. Team is essential if the church is going to become everything God intends it to be.

The Big Apple

2008-07-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

I just returned from my first trip to New York City. It was an exciting place to visit, with an endless list of things to do. I enjoyed the museums, the New York Philharmonic in Central Park, the Broadway shows, and even the subway. Perhaps, though, one of my favorite times was my lunch at ESPN Zone. I walked in and asked to be seated for lunch and the hostess asked me a question I have never been asked at a restaraunt, "Would you like a recliner? They are really comfortable." "A recliner, in a restaraunt," I said, "well, of course I would like a recliner."
The next hour and a half was phenominal. I sat in an amazingly comfortable recliner, with a tray that covered my lap, sitting right in front of two gigantic TV's one showing ESPN and another showing ESPN2 surrounded by a dozen smaller TV's with other sports programing. I don't even remember if the food was any good, because it didn't really matter. "This," I thought, "is how every restaraunt should be."
Yes, New York City is a special place, it is unlike any other city in my experience, but I will always remember that Monday lunch at ESPN Zone- if only it had been football season!

A Computer Virus

2008-05-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

My wife's computer recently had an extremely rude virus. This virus would use pop-ups to let the user know that there were viruses and bad files on the computer that needed to be eliminated and it was impossible to stop the pop-ups from occuring. If you followed the link it provided, you were told that all of the bad files could be eliminated for $69.95. Of course, it is assumed, that they would then use my credit card number to purchase things for themselves. This virus had to go and my frustration level was high. I spent many hours over a four day period trying to rid the computer of this virus, but I was completely unsuccessful. After days of frustration, I realized that I needed outside help. Finally, after dealing with several helpful websites, I broke down and paid S29.99 to download a program that would rid my computer of the program that was making my home computer life miserable. Sure enough, it only took about 30 minutes for the virus to be destroyed, or least eliminated from my computer.

I have noticed in my life, that I am in many ways like a computer with a virus. Besides the reality of being annoying, I am a pretty difficult problem to fix. No simple solution to make me better. No way to delete those personality deficiencies. The only way that I can be changed and made "well" is with outside help. Thankfully, the most proficient and powerful personal transforming agent lives inside of me, and gratefully He has a whole lot of patience!

A Funny Thing Happened At the Golf Course

2008-05-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

Typically, I don't play golf with people I know. Contrary to popular opinion, that is not because I might say something I should not. Though, quite frankly, many times I would like to say non-pastor type words. I do, however, play with people I don't know as a chance to meet new people and perhaps have a Divine appointment on the golf course. Recently, the tables were turned on me. I never tell people what I do for a living unless they ask. Normally, that is quite entertaining as they typically will use language that they would not normally use around a pastor. Then they find out that I am a pastor and they spend the rest of the time apologizing, which ironically is a great time to introduce the subject of grace.
This day, however, it was different. On hole number 15, my cart partner took a deep breath and asked me the question that he had been working up to all day. "Do you go church very often?" I answered, "Yes, I go to church A LOT!" "Really?" he asked, "where do you go?"
It was then that I consider having fun with my new found brother in Christ. I thought about telling him that I was a Buddhist and that I was formally an ant, but instead I came clean with my occupation and church affiliation.
Then, we were able to have an extensive discussion about faith and what it means to us. Honestly, it was refreshing to have someone ask me about my faith on the golf course. I sure am glad I didn't say what I was thinking on hole number 6.

Golf Lessons

2008-04-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

I am taking golf lessons-again! It has been amazing as my new instructor has basically been undoing what my other golf instructor had taught me in the past. You see, golf has been frustrating for me because I am a relatively decent athlete. I can play most sports fairly well, and even have the ability to adjust my game in the misdt of competition. But not in golf, I just stink. My new teacher though, he's different. For the first time, golf seems to make sense to me.
Now let me make it clear, I still stink, but I finally know why I stink. Hopefully, I will improve on the course.
Isn't it amazing how the right teacher, at the right time, can make something that seems obscure make sense when no one else could? So, here is to all the teachers in my past and present, that have made things make sense-you are awesome. May you never stop teaching, and may we all never stop learning.