Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Expectations
I had breakfast this morning with an ex-church planting wife. Her and her husband started a church in Texas and then, after 10 years felt called to move. Can I just say that I love when God puts people in my life who have experienced similar things as me. It's so helpful to know that someone understands, at least to some degree, what I'm going through (which, by the way, is why I'm so pumped that God had me start this blog. Not only have I been through the church planting process, but I'm about to enter into it again, which hopefully will be helpful to you in your ministry).
So, back to breakfast...
I asked her a bunch of questions about her experience and how she handled certain situations. She was so open and honest and I loved it. One of the things she said was that when she left her church she had a lot of expectations. She had expectations for the people that she was leaving, as well as expectations for her new church. She cautioned me against this, saying that no one met any of her expectations and so she ended up miserable and bitter. She said that I will have the potential to end up disappointed if I put my expectations in people or their behavior or my situations. In her words, "It's got to be about you and God and following Him in obedience without placing any expectations on anyone but Him." Pretty wise.
I mean how many times have you expected something from someone only to end up disappointed and bitter? My friend was talking specifically about expectations I might have with leaving Forefront and moving to Las Vegas, but I think we can all apply it to our daily lives as well. How often has one of your volunteers let you down? You thought they were going to do something and they didn't. You are left feeling angry, hurt and miserable. Or maybe you have expectations of your husband. When he doesn't meet them you are disappointed. He may or may not even know what your expectations are, but he's going to find out when he gets home!!!!
The idea of only putting expectations on God is so much safer. He is someone that we can rely on and trust in confidently. He may not give us what we want, but we can rest in knowing that He's got it under control. We are His kids and He loves us. He also has our best interests in mind (even though it might not seem like it at the time). And when we put expectations on God we let people off the hook. And so our relationships are healthier. The "above and beyond" that we expect from people will no longer be just what we expected, but instead it will be a surprise; something you weren't counting on. So as you go about your day, try to focus on what your expectations are, either on people or situations and bring them to God. Ask Him to help you, to give you understanding and to see things from His perspective. You never know, you might just end up surprised!
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So, back to breakfast...
I asked her a bunch of questions about her experience and how she handled certain situations. She was so open and honest and I loved it. One of the things she said was that when she left her church she had a lot of expectations. She had expectations for the people that she was leaving, as well as expectations for her new church. She cautioned me against this, saying that no one met any of her expectations and so she ended up miserable and bitter. She said that I will have the potential to end up disappointed if I put my expectations in people or their behavior or my situations. In her words, "It's got to be about you and God and following Him in obedience without placing any expectations on anyone but Him." Pretty wise.
I mean how many times have you expected something from someone only to end up disappointed and bitter? My friend was talking specifically about expectations I might have with leaving Forefront and moving to Las Vegas, but I think we can all apply it to our daily lives as well. How often has one of your volunteers let you down? You thought they were going to do something and they didn't. You are left feeling angry, hurt and miserable. Or maybe you have expectations of your husband. When he doesn't meet them you are disappointed. He may or may not even know what your expectations are, but he's going to find out when he gets home!!!!
The idea of only putting expectations on God is so much safer. He is someone that we can rely on and trust in confidently. He may not give us what we want, but we can rest in knowing that He's got it under control. We are His kids and He loves us. He also has our best interests in mind (even though it might not seem like it at the time). And when we put expectations on God we let people off the hook. And so our relationships are healthier. The "above and beyond" that we expect from people will no longer be just what we expected, but instead it will be a surprise; something you weren't counting on. So as you go about your day, try to focus on what your expectations are, either on people or situations and bring them to God. Ask Him to help you, to give you understanding and to see things from His perspective. You never know, you might just end up surprised!
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Monday, November 17, 2008
Conference
Vince spoke at a conference this weekend in Hershey, PA. We toured the Hershey Museum and of course ate a ton of chocolate. It was freezing, which made me very happy that I am moving to Vegas. I grew up in Buffalo, NY where I had my fill of snow. I'm good for the next 50 years.
The drive from Virginia to Pennsylvania was beautiful. Fall is my favorite season. I am going to miss the leaves turning, the apple picking, pumpkin carving, hay rides, etc. that I'm accustomed to. I'm sure they carve pumpkins in Vegas, but I think it's kind of weird to do it in shorts.
We met up with old friends this weekend. It was great to reconnect. There were a bunch of people there from the church I went to when I first became a Christian. Introducing my kids to the people who played a huge part in my Christian journey was cool.
One of the things that struck me about this weekend was how crazy people think we are. No one said, "Vegas is going to be amazing!" Everyone was like, "Whoa, better you than me!" "I could never minister there!" "You're going to be on Satan's turf!" It wasn't that they weren't encouraging; it was more of a collective "Wow!"
In 1 Corinthians 4:10 Paul talks about being a fool for Christ. I realize he means it as a compliment, but sometimes I wonder if it's just plain foolish. I wonder if we are nuts...like certifiably nuts for doing this! In the world's eye we are crazy. But in God's eyes we are obedient. Kind of like in Ezekiel 4 where God asks him to cook his food "using human excrement for fuel."
Do people think that you are crazy for being a church planter? Do they question your calling? Do they think you've gone bananas?
I love Nicole Nordeman. She is a brilliant singer/songwriter. Read the lyrics to "Fool For You" and ask God to encourage you in your foolishness!
There are times when faith and common sense do not align
When hardcore evidence of you is hard to find
And I am silenced in the face of argumentative debate
And its a long hill its a lonely climb
Cause they want proof
They want proof of all these mysteries I claim
Cause only fools believe would want to chant a dead man's name
Maybe its true, yeah but..........
Chorus:
I'll be a fool for you (fool for you)
Oh because you asked me too
A simpleton who's seemingly naive
I do believe
You came and made yourself a fool for me
I admit that in my darkest hours I've asked what if
What if we've created some kind of man made faith like this
Out of good intention, or emotional invention
And after life is through there will be no you
Cause they want proof of all these miracles I claim
Cause only fools believe that men can walk on waves
Maybe its true, yeah but.......Chorus
Unaware of popularity
Unconcerned with dignity
You've made me free
That's proof enough for me
Oh, Oh yeah...........
I'd be a fool for you (fool for you)
Oh if you ask me too
A simpleton who's only thinking of
The cause of love
I will speak Jesus' name
If that makes me crazy
They can call me great
I'm happy to be seemingly naive
I do believe you came and made yourself a fool for me
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The drive from Virginia to Pennsylvania was beautiful. Fall is my favorite season. I am going to miss the leaves turning, the apple picking, pumpkin carving, hay rides, etc. that I'm accustomed to. I'm sure they carve pumpkins in Vegas, but I think it's kind of weird to do it in shorts.
We met up with old friends this weekend. It was great to reconnect. There were a bunch of people there from the church I went to when I first became a Christian. Introducing my kids to the people who played a huge part in my Christian journey was cool.
One of the things that struck me about this weekend was how crazy people think we are. No one said, "Vegas is going to be amazing!" Everyone was like, "Whoa, better you than me!" "I could never minister there!" "You're going to be on Satan's turf!" It wasn't that they weren't encouraging; it was more of a collective "Wow!"
In 1 Corinthians 4:10 Paul talks about being a fool for Christ. I realize he means it as a compliment, but sometimes I wonder if it's just plain foolish. I wonder if we are nuts...like certifiably nuts for doing this! In the world's eye we are crazy. But in God's eyes we are obedient. Kind of like in Ezekiel 4 where God asks him to cook his food "using human excrement for fuel."
Do people think that you are crazy for being a church planter? Do they question your calling? Do they think you've gone bananas?
I love Nicole Nordeman. She is a brilliant singer/songwriter. Read the lyrics to "Fool For You" and ask God to encourage you in your foolishness!
There are times when faith and common sense do not align
When hardcore evidence of you is hard to find
And I am silenced in the face of argumentative debate
And its a long hill its a lonely climb
Cause they want proof
They want proof of all these mysteries I claim
Cause only fools believe would want to chant a dead man's name
Maybe its true, yeah but..........
Chorus:
I'll be a fool for you (fool for you)
Oh because you asked me too
A simpleton who's seemingly naive
I do believe
You came and made yourself a fool for me
I admit that in my darkest hours I've asked what if
What if we've created some kind of man made faith like this
Out of good intention, or emotional invention
And after life is through there will be no you
Cause they want proof of all these miracles I claim
Cause only fools believe that men can walk on waves
Maybe its true, yeah but.......Chorus
Unaware of popularity
Unconcerned with dignity
You've made me free
That's proof enough for me
Oh, Oh yeah...........
I'd be a fool for you (fool for you)
Oh if you ask me too
A simpleton who's only thinking of
The cause of love
I will speak Jesus' name
If that makes me crazy
They can call me great
I'm happy to be seemingly naive
I do believe you came and made yourself a fool for me
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Wednesday, November 12, 2008
I Am Legend
We had lunch on Sunday with a very successful/powerful Christian man and his family (I'm fighting the urge to name drop). We had amazing conversations about the work he does and how it impacts Christians in America and around the world. He gave us great advice and encouragement as we get ready to plant this church on the Vegas Strip.
He talked about how over the years he has faced many obstacles. He shared his ups and downs and how his job affects his family and their safety at times.
The level of faith in this man and his family was awesome to witness. They are doing what they know God called them to do. They do it without excuse or apology. I want to be more like them.
Sunday's sermon was about the movie, "I Am Legend." The premise of the sermon was that we have an opportunity to do amazing things with our lives. We can leave a legacy and impact the world in huge ways. The sermon got me thinking about my own life and how I really want my life to make a difference. I want to leave a legacy. I want to turn the world upside down.
As I've been thinking about this, I get the sense from God that He wants YOU to know that you ARE leaving a legacy. If you are involved in church planting you ARE making an impact on this world for Him. We ARE turning the world upside down.
Take a few minutes and think about all the cool things that God has done through you at your church, in people's lives, and as a result of your faith and obedience. I know it's much easier for me to see other people and be amazed at their faith or obedience, all the while discounting my own. Fight the urge to compare and simply look at your life. Look at the church you've planted. Look at the people in your sphere of influence. You ARE turning the world upside down!
YOU are Legend!
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He talked about how over the years he has faced many obstacles. He shared his ups and downs and how his job affects his family and their safety at times.
The level of faith in this man and his family was awesome to witness. They are doing what they know God called them to do. They do it without excuse or apology. I want to be more like them.
Sunday's sermon was about the movie, "I Am Legend." The premise of the sermon was that we have an opportunity to do amazing things with our lives. We can leave a legacy and impact the world in huge ways. The sermon got me thinking about my own life and how I really want my life to make a difference. I want to leave a legacy. I want to turn the world upside down.
As I've been thinking about this, I get the sense from God that He wants YOU to know that you ARE leaving a legacy. If you are involved in church planting you ARE making an impact on this world for Him. We ARE turning the world upside down.
Take a few minutes and think about all the cool things that God has done through you at your church, in people's lives, and as a result of your faith and obedience. I know it's much easier for me to see other people and be amazed at their faith or obedience, all the while discounting my own. Fight the urge to compare and simply look at your life. Look at the church you've planted. Look at the people in your sphere of influence. You ARE turning the world upside down!
YOU are Legend!
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Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Could It Be SATAN?
I love the old Church Lady skits from Saturday Night Live. It totally cracks me up. I'm beginning to feel like the Church Lady because it sure feels like Satan is on the move! I'm not one of those I-see-Satan-behind-every-bush kind of Christians. But I also have a healthy understanding of him and how he works. I get the feeling that he's not very happy that we are starting a church on the Vegas Strip.
Here's a small sampling of what's been going on:
1. Several of our launch team members have had things happen that have led them to make the decision not to come to Vegas.
2. The day before our house closed was one of the worst days of my life. If I told you everything that went down, you wouldn't believe me.
3. Our house in Vegas has been vandalized. They stole our water softener and tried to steal our pool pump.
4. One of our launch team members just suffered a miscarriage (please pray).
5. Fundraising isn't going as well as we hoped.
My natural inclination is to quit; to hide under the covers and say, "Just Kidding!" Obviously this isn't what God wants me to do in this situation. Prayer plays a huge role in battling spiritual warfare (please pray). I also think during times like these it's important to remind myself how awesome God is and how hard He's working on our behalf. It's so easy to focus on the negative and to feel like a victim, but God keeps reminding me that He is in charge and that He's moving!
Here's a small sampling of what God's been doing:
1. We were able to rent back from the new owners of our house until December 20th. This gave us an extra month to pack!
2. Not only did our house sell in one day, but Robb and Shaula's house sold in the first weekend!
3. Vince's replacement at Forefront, Jason Bedell, is amazing! The timing of everything has worked out perfectly.
4. Even though fundraising isn't going as well as we hoped, people and churches are supporting us financially! The generosity of people has been amazing, especially considering the bad economic situation we're in. We also receive checks out of nowhere, from people we never expected to hear from.
5. Even though things were rough the day before our closing, we did close on our house!
I know God wants us in Vegas. We knew before we made our decision that this wasn't going to be easy. We knew that Satan wouldn't be happy and that we needed to be prepared.
I guess this is what we've been preparing for!
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Here's a small sampling of what's been going on:
1. Several of our launch team members have had things happen that have led them to make the decision not to come to Vegas.
2. The day before our house closed was one of the worst days of my life. If I told you everything that went down, you wouldn't believe me.
3. Our house in Vegas has been vandalized. They stole our water softener and tried to steal our pool pump.
4. One of our launch team members just suffered a miscarriage (please pray).
5. Fundraising isn't going as well as we hoped.
My natural inclination is to quit; to hide under the covers and say, "Just Kidding!" Obviously this isn't what God wants me to do in this situation. Prayer plays a huge role in battling spiritual warfare (please pray). I also think during times like these it's important to remind myself how awesome God is and how hard He's working on our behalf. It's so easy to focus on the negative and to feel like a victim, but God keeps reminding me that He is in charge and that He's moving!
Here's a small sampling of what God's been doing:
1. We were able to rent back from the new owners of our house until December 20th. This gave us an extra month to pack!
2. Not only did our house sell in one day, but Robb and Shaula's house sold in the first weekend!
3. Vince's replacement at Forefront, Jason Bedell, is amazing! The timing of everything has worked out perfectly.
4. Even though fundraising isn't going as well as we hoped, people and churches are supporting us financially! The generosity of people has been amazing, especially considering the bad economic situation we're in. We also receive checks out of nowhere, from people we never expected to hear from.
5. Even though things were rough the day before our closing, we did close on our house!
I know God wants us in Vegas. We knew before we made our decision that this wasn't going to be easy. We knew that Satan wouldn't be happy and that we needed to be prepared.
I guess this is what we've been preparing for!
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Sunday, November 2, 2008
You're Going to Raise Your Kids in Las Vegas? Part 5
I talked last post about the fears I have about raising my son in Las Vegas. My daughter is a different story altogether. Here is Marissa in a nutshell: Beautiful, Energetic, Performer, Extrovert. She is going to love this place...a little too much I fear!
When we visited Vegas in August we rented a car. The airport has buses that take you to the car rental terminal. Like most buses this one was equipped with poles to hold onto in case you have to stand. Within minutes she was swinging on the pole and dancing like a mad woman. Of course as a 7 year old this was innocent fun. But what happens when she's 15 and living in Sin City, where the lure of the Strip shines brightly over the whole city?
Once again I am full of fear and questions like: Why am I doing this? I want to protect my babies! I don't want her to idolize the beautiful strippers, cocktail waitresses, dancers and other women we build relationships with! How do I keep her grounded in the TRUTH when there is so much working against her? God, are you sure about this, etc. etc.
It's times like this that I have to calm myself down. I have to live out and believe verses that talk about being still and knowing that He really is God (Psalm 46:10). I have to decide to believe that God has her best interest in mind; that her name really is engraved on the palms of his hands (Isaiah 49:16). And I have to remember that without a shadow of a doubt, He wants us in Vegas which means He wants Marissa in Vegas.
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When we visited Vegas in August we rented a car. The airport has buses that take you to the car rental terminal. Like most buses this one was equipped with poles to hold onto in case you have to stand. Within minutes she was swinging on the pole and dancing like a mad woman. Of course as a 7 year old this was innocent fun. But what happens when she's 15 and living in Sin City, where the lure of the Strip shines brightly over the whole city?
Once again I am full of fear and questions like: Why am I doing this? I want to protect my babies! I don't want her to idolize the beautiful strippers, cocktail waitresses, dancers and other women we build relationships with! How do I keep her grounded in the TRUTH when there is so much working against her? God, are you sure about this, etc. etc.
It's times like this that I have to calm myself down. I have to live out and believe verses that talk about being still and knowing that He really is God (Psalm 46:10). I have to decide to believe that God has her best interest in mind; that her name really is engraved on the palms of his hands (Isaiah 49:16). And I have to remember that without a shadow of a doubt, He wants us in Vegas which means He wants Marissa in Vegas.
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