basic algebra (as told by our sound engineer)

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Sound sucks + God showing up = greatness
Sound working great + God showing up = more greatness
Sound working great + God not showing up = terrible
Sound sucks + God not showing up = even more terrible

Summation:  Take “Sound” out of the equation and the constant remains.  Namely … God.

How true is that?  This conversation started with me (and my limited thinking) saying, “man I gotta get ready for my talk, it’s gotta be good!”  My friend and co-worker gently reminded me of this basic algebraic equation.  If God doesn’t show up when I’m speaking; if the Holy Spirit doesn’t move in the hearts of the teens I’m speaking to…it doesn’t matter how great my talk is.

now, this doesn’t give us youth pastors an excuse not to prep.  My statement still stands that “I need to prepare.” But my goodness, all too often I forget to get on my face and beg God to show up through my words.

Proverbs 21:31 – The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.

learn to follow

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Today we had our second “young leaders meeting” with our Senior Pastor, Brad Powell. Every two months I sit with 15-ish other young leaders from NorthRidge and we glean wisdom from Brad…as well as talk about the things that we’re dealing with.  Truthfully, I really am enjoying it.

One thing stuck out today.  Loyalty.  Being faithful to the organization you are working for.  We concluded that many young leaders want the success that a “seasoned point leader” often experiences.  However, we are not willing to follow someone (learning along the way) in order to get there.  I suppose it’s our “fast-food” mentality.

Brad discussed how Joshua was loyal to Moses.  Even though they were two different leaders…Moses was the leader, and Joshua was following.  Some questions I pondered…

What can I learn from the leader I’m following? In what areas can I become more obedient to my leader?

I Need You

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There are those songs that, when heard, bring goose-bumps and right perspective.  This is one of those songs.  It defines Christianity so well.  It is called “I need You” and can be found on Kristian Stanfill’s new EP.

i am frail, broken easily

without fail, my strength keeps failing me

all alone, i’m powerless

to lift myself from the pit that i am in


I need you Jesus (2x)


so from your throne in heavens light

descended down into my broken life

to right the wrong, to make a way

to bear the load that i deserve to bear alone


I need you Jesus (2x)

I need clean hands, I can’t…You can

I need you Jesus


on the cross for my behalf

the son of God bore the fathers wrath

by his blood, the scars and pain,

the perfect son took the fall and took our place


i need you Jesus (2x)

I need clean hands, I can’t…You can

I need you Jesus


it is Grace, and unfailing Love

the risen King gave his hand to us

to lift us up from the pit

and set our feet upon a rock that ever stands

a break from routine

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On Tuesday of this week I am heading up to Lake City, MI.  Velocity’s “spring retreat” is at Timber Wolf Lake Camp this year.

our objective:  confirm final details with camp; film 2 or 3 promo videos

I am looking forward to spending time with Kevin…a volunteer at NorthRidge.  He has been through some rough times, but at the end of the day he trusts the God he serves.  so cool.

twlc_map

It’s Monday

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Monday is the day I have off.  In fact, everyone at NorthRidge has Monday off.  The building is closed.  I couldn’t go to the office even if I wanted to.  So, with the extra “down” time I have on Mondays…it only seems appropriate to take time to reflect, as well as look ahead.

  • Velocity:  We had our big “Super Bowl” bash last night.  It was a great time.  Lots of stuff going on.  Crud, Euchre, Poker, Paper Football…they all had their own tourneys.  Our theater was packed with students watching the game.
  • Currently Reading: Just finished Youth Ministry 3.0, in the middle of Tribes and The Blessed Life
  • Looking forward to:  Tomorrow I get to drive up to Timber Wolf Lake Camp and do some video promos for our Weekend Experience in April.  I’m going with my good friend Kevin.  Crazy fun times.
  • Putting off:  Well, this week needs to be the week I solidify Velocity’s summer trips.  Where we’re going and what we’re doing.