VACATION HERE WE COME!

WHOO-HOO! It's time for our annual trip to Sun Cove Resort on Lake Wannacut! Every year we travel Northeast to the top of Washington, just a few miles from the Canadian border to relax and spend time with my extended family. We sleep, eat, fish, eat, hang out, eat, read, eat, play golf, eat, fish, and sleep....for 7 straight days! Adios!

S.T.I.R. day twenty-three: Quit Looking So Good

All Summer long our youth ministry, Switch, is going "GOSPELICIOUS". We reading through all the gospels in 90 days and each day we S.T.I.R. it up based on the one verse that really hit us hard that day. 2 Peter 3:1-2 says "Beloved, I now write to you...in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior..." so that's where we got the STIR idea from - that reading Scripture should "stir" us up. Enjoy!

S.cripture: Matthew 23:4 "They crush you with impossible religious demands and never lift a finger to help ease the burden (5) Everything they do is for show...(6)they love to sit at the head of the table...(7)they enjoy the attention they get...(25)full of greed and self-indulgence...(28) You try and look like upright people outwardly, but inside your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.

T.eaching: It doesn't matter how good you look or sound, doing "godly" things.

I.mpact: Yikes. I do enjoy the outward things - I must become focused on what matters.

R.esults: Lord may I not be likened to these that you mention - change my heart and give me a new spirit of meekness and humility. I love You Jesus. Love Brian

Summer S.T.I.R. day twenty-two: Well dressed

All Summer long our youth ministry, Switch, is going "GOSPELICIOUS". We reading through all the gospels in 90 days and each day we S.T.I.R. it up based on the one verse that really hit us hard that day. 2 Peter 3:1-2 says "Beloved, I now write to you...in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior..." so that's where we got the STIR idea from - that reading Scripture should "stir" us up. Enjoy!

S.cripture: Matthew 22:10-11 "So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike, and the banquet hall was filled with guests, he noticed a man who wasn't wearing the proper clothes for a wedding..."

T.eaching: You can't just follow a crowd - you must have ownership of your faith

I.mpact: I must not rely on other pastors or Christians.

R.esponse: Father, I want to be dressed correctly for You. I want to be prepared for the second coming. Continue to shape me and prepare me I pray. Love Brian.

Summer S.T.I.R. day twenty-one: Look who's first

All Summer long our youth ministry, Switch, is going "GOSPELICIOUS". We reading through all the gospels in 90 days and each day we S.T.I.R. it up based on the one verse that really hit us hard that day. 2 Peter 3:1-2 says "Beloved, I now write to you...in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior..." so that's where we got the STIR idea from - that reading Scripture should "stir" us up. Enjoy!

S.cripture: Matthew 21:36 "I assure you, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do."

T.eaching: It doesn't matter what you've done - what matters is that you believe now.

I.mpact: I can be forgiven of all.

R.esponse: Thank you Jesus - that sinners of all kinds such as mysel can enter the Kingdom of heaven because You died for us! I love You. Love Brian

Summer S.T.I.R. day twenty: Serve

All Summer long our youth ministry, Switch, is going "GOSPELICIOUS". We reading through all the gospels in 90 days and each day we S.T.I.R. it up based on the one verse that really hit us hard that day. 2 Peter 3:1-2 says "Beloved, I now write to you...in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior..." so that's where we got the STIR idea from - that reading Scripture should "stir" us up. Enjoy!

S.cripture: Matthew 20:26-27 "But among yyou it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among yo must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must become your slave."

T.eaching: God looks at hearts not titles

I.mpact: Another reminder that God looks behind the scenes.

R.esponse: Father, on a day like today where I have liberty to do whatever I want, I pray that I would honor You. I love You. Love Brian

Summer S.T.I.R. day nineteen: How Important Do You Really Want To Be?

All Summer long our youth ministry, Switch, is going "GOSPELICIOUS". We reading through all the gospels in 90 days and each day we S.T.I.R. it up based on the one verse that really hit us hard that day. 2 Peter 3:1-2 says "Beloved, I now write to you...in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior..." so that's where we got the STIR idea from - that reading Scripture should "stir" us up. Enjoy!

S.cripture: Matthew 19:30 "But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then."

T.eaching: Another reminder that God looks at the secret places, searching for the meek.

I.mpact: What really matters is who I am when no one else is around.

R.esopnse: Father, in just 24 hours I've been stirred to respond to You with greater hunger and appetite. I don't want to look important in front of others yet be considered insignificant in your eyes due to selfishness or pride. I love You God. Love Brian

S.T.I.R. day eighteen: Identify The Mole

All Summer long our youth ministry, Switch, is going "GOSPELICIOUS". We reading through all the gospels in 90 days and each day we S.T.I.R. it up based on the one verse that really hit us hard that day.

2 Peter 3:1-2 says "Beloved, I now write to you...in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior..." so that's where we got the STIR idea from - that reading Scripture should "stir" us up. Enjoy!

S.cripture: Matthew 18:7-8a "How terrible it will be for anyone who causes others to sin. Temptation to do wrong is inevitable but how terrible it will be for the person who does the tempting. So if your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away."

T.eaching: Identify what is tempting you, and cut it off. Someone or something is trying to betray you to sin, and you must rid yourself of that.

I.mpact: I must realize the seriousness of temptation. I must figure out how to cut off things like sleep, laziness, and lack of discipline.

R.esponse: Lord, teach me your ways and put a new hunger for You in my heart. I love You Lord! Love Brian

Baby Prayers: Week Seven

Our baby's growth spurt is officially beginning, though it's not something you can see or feel. At the start of the week your baby measures between 0.16" to 0.2" (4 to 5 mm), but by the end of the week he or she can be half an inch (1.3 cm) long! Our baby's heart is growing larger — from all of our love — creating a small bulge on his or her tiny body. The right and left chambers of the heart begin to form, along with air passages to the lungs. Although your baby's eyes and nose are still on this side of his or her head, they are beginning to develop. The brain is also starting to partition itself into chambers. While the appendix is already in place, the intestines remain partly in the umbilical cord, and won't ascend into your baby's abdomen for a few more weeks. Tiny buds that will become legs begin to form, and the arm buds begin growing. These are already dividing into two sections — one that will form the hand and another that will form the arm and shoulder.

Heart is growing
Eyes beginning to develop
Brain is starting to partition itself into chambers
Legs & Arms begin to shape as buds

Father, thank you so much for our baby. Thank you so much for answering our prayers. One of the happiest days of my life happened on Monday when we saw the ultra sound and a little heart beat in our baby. I continue to come to You and ask for You to be the God of our baby. I ask for your protection as the heart continues to grow. May the heart be strong and whole. Father I ask for your guidance as the Brain begins to take shape and partition itself into chambers. You are the God who gives us a sound mind. I ask for our baby's mind to be complete and sound. As the arms and legs begin to shape and hands, arms and shoulders begin to grow, I ask for wholeness, and completeness - that our baby would take shape according to your original design. I love You Lord. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are my God, and I put my trust in You. I love You. Love Brian

Summer S.T.I.R. day seventeen: Jesus is weird!

All Summer long our youth ministry, Switch, is going "GOSPELICIOUS". We reading through all the gospels in 90 days and each day we S.T.I.R. it up based on the one verse that really hit us hard that day. 2 Peter 3:1-2 says "Beloved, I now write to you...in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior..." so that's where we got the STIR idea from - that reading Scripture should "stir" us up. Enjoy!

S.cripture: Matthew 17:26 "...go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a coin. Take the coin and pay the tax for both of us.

T.eaching: Sometiems Jesus asks us to do things that seem strange to ud.

I.mpact: Obedience + Trust = Increased Faith = Results. Formulas are fine, but what do I need to be obedient in? Will I follow through when it makes me look weird?

R.esponse: Dear Jesus, Thank You for showing me the importance of obedience over my image. I'm not sure why You asked Peter to go get a coin out of a fish, but I'm sure it increased his faith. What a scary concept - yet Lord - increase my faith! Love Brian

Summer S.T.I.R. day sixteen: Never Forget

All Summer long our youth ministry, Switch, is going "GOSPELICIOUS". We reading through all the gospels in 90 days and each day we S.T.I.R. it up based on the one verse that really hit us hard that day. 2 Peter 3:1-2 says "Beloved, I now write to you...in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior..." so that's where we got the STIR idea from - that reading Scripture should "stir" us up. Enjoy!

S.cripture: Matthew 16:8a,11b: Why are you so worried about having no food? Won't you ever understand? Don't you remember the 5000 I fed with five loaves, and the baskets of food that were left over? Don't you remember the 4000 I fed with seven loaves, with baskets of food left over? How could you even think I was talking about food?

T.eaching: We must not forget the past provisions of God to fuel our faith for the present.

I.mpact: I am reminded not to doubt, but be secure in the ability my God has to provide everything I need.

R.esponse: Dear Jesus - thank you for taking care of me and providing everything I need. I am secure in your provision for today. I will stay focused on what truly matters - hearing you speak to me. I love You. Love Brian

Summer S.T.I.R. day fifteen: Ignore the Blind

All Summer long our youth ministry, Switch, is going "GOSPELICIOUS". We reading through all the gospels in 90 days and each day we S.T.I.R. it up based on the one verse that really hit us hard that day. 2 Peter 3:1-2 says "Beloved, I now write to you...in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior..." so that's where we got the STIR idea from - that reading Scripture should "stir" us up. Enjoy!

S.cripture: Matthew 15:13. Jesus replied, "Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be rooted up, so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind..."

T.eaching: Instead of pointing out the Pharisees issues, Jesus said to simply ignore them.

I.mpact: It's important that I don't get caught up in criticizing things I disagree with - what's important is to stay steadfast towards what God has called me to.

R.esponse: Father God, I ask for wisdom to know when to open my mouth and when to keep it shut. Help me to do what is right and give me the guidance I need to do what You have called me to. I love You. In Jesus' Name I ask these things. Amen

Loomis Is Selling Fireworks!

Today I was at the Firework Tent (a fundraiser for our youth ministry) and when I turned around, there was Loomis assuming the role of cashier! It was pretty funny - he just stood there looking around, with his ears pinned back! Ha.

S.T.I.R. day fourteen: The Option of Options

All Summer long our youth ministry, Switch, is going "GOSPELICIOUS". We reading through all the gospels in 90 days and each day we S.T.I.R. it up based on the one verse that really hit us hard that day. 2 Peter 3:1-2 says "Beloved, I now write to you...in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior..." so that's where we got the STIR idea from - that reading Scripture should "stir" us up. Enjoy!

S.cripture: Matthew 14:23 "Afterward he went up into the hills to pray

T.eaching: Jesus chose prayer over other options

I.mpact: I rarely choose prayer over other options. If there are other options, I usually choose them rather than prayer.

R.esponse: Jesus, I want to be like You - I want to know a deep relationship with You, but I find myself doing anything but prayer. Help me Holy Spirit - to choose the things that really matter. I love You. Love Brian