Quote of the Week

Here is a quote given from God to one of his servants Joshua:

“I command you—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:9 NLT

Quote of the Week

Here are some quotes from David Kinnaman's book You Lost Me: Why Young Christians are Leaving the Church.

1. Teenagers are some of the most religiously active Americans.
2. American twentysomethings are the least religiously active.

The ages 18-29 are the black hole of church attendance.

A generation of young Christians believes that the churches in which they were raised are not safe and hospitable places to express doubts. Many feel that they have been offered slick or half-baked answers to their thorny, honest questions, and they are rejecting "talking heads" and "talking points" they see among the older generations.

Marriage: A Beautiful Mess

This was us before we got married. Look at me trying to be cool.

This week my wife Kelli and I are celebrating our 6 year anniversary! We have been together now for 8 years. I think marriage is beautiful because here we see the mysterious union of two becoming one. I think marriage is messy because here we see two sinners trying to be one. Not easy. This is why marriage requires divine grace. Two sinners cannot become one without God’s power and goodness. Apart from him we are too prideful and too self-centered.

Where would I be without Jesus? I cannot imagine being a good father and a good husband apart from Christ. Not that I am perfect, but I am certainly better than I would be. I feel blessed to be married for two reasons: God is in the center of our relationship and I have Kelli as my partner.

I am very aware that God has blessed me with a unique woman for a wife. She is sweet, compassionate, and strong. Most people (including her) would not perceive Kelli as “strong.” In our culture we think of “strong” in terms of outgoing, outspoken, and controlling. Kelli is none of these things. She is a shy introvert who would rather jump out of a window then speak in front of a large crowd.

Yet, she has what the Bible calls quiet strength. She is faithful, selfless, and available. She confirmed our decision to move to Kentucky so I could attend Asbury Seminary. She was vocal about our need to sponsor a child through World Vision even though I was in graduate school and we barely had enough to get by. Eating out for us was getting dollar burgers and sharing one drink because we could get free refills (I’m still not sure if that was ethical). She is the one who loves youth ministry just as much as I do. She is always willing to open our house for a youth who needs a place to stay. And she was the one who said “Let’s do it!” when we discussed adoption. Let’s face it; most women would not want the life we have. Most women want new cars, jewelry, amazing vacations…not youth trips and adoptions. I am so grateful God blessed me with such an amazing wife.

Don’t get me wrong, sometimes we are a mess…just like any other couple. But our marriage is a beautiful mess and I love our life together.

Quote of the Week

"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it."

-The Apostle Paul (Colossians 3 Message Translation)

Moms are Awesome

I am someone who is blessed to have a great mom and who has a wife who is an amazing mother as well. Thank you to all the amazing "Moms" out there. Your sacrifice, love, and service is truly incredible.

Oh, and by the way...this video may make emotional people cry. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Quote of the Week

"Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God...such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth."

-John Wesley (founder of Methodism)

Top 10 Reasons to Go on the Mission Trip -part 2

Our Week of Hope mission trip is coming soon!
June 17-22 Nashville, Tennessee
Here are reasons 5-1 for why you should go:

5. Bless others and be blessed by giving and serving.

4. We will let you drive the bus! (just kidding...)

3. Bond with your awesome youth group peeps.

2. Time away to focus on Christ and worship him.

1. Spread the good news of God's love!

AND you get to hang out with this guy...

Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Go On The Mission Trip

Our Week of Hope Mission Trip is coming soon.
June 17-22 Nashville, Tennessee
Here are reasons 10-6 for why you should go:

10. You get to sleep in wonderful conditions!
9. See a new place and meet new people.
8. Hang out with the coolest bus driver EVER! (ED)
7. Unforgettable memories and experiences.
6. More amazing pics of you in the summer slide show.