Willow Creek Group Life Conference

I am here in S. Barrington at Willow Creek Community Church's Group Life Conference. We have already heard our first speaker, John Burke, on the topic of community and the need for it. It starts all the way back in Genesis when God says that it is not good for man to be alone. Then the greatest breakdown in community took place when Adam and Eve sinned and man became alienated from God, themselves, and one another.

Group life (small groups) is designed to restore that community that was lost in the fall. God knows that us humans grow best in the context of community.

Good stuff. Tye out.

Homecoming Queen

Homecoming was this weekend and our daughter, Morgan, was escorted by Andy Struik. They doubled with Krista and TJ for a wonderful evening - at least that is what we heard.

Special thanks to the McCright's for having the group over to their place after the dance. Thanks also to Kelly McCright for the cool hairdo. Thanks to Susie for helping Morgan get ready and to Allyson for taking the pics and shuttling Morgan around as she got ready.

One thing we noticed about homecoming and girls is that it starts weeks prior to the big event with the selection of the dress, then there is the nails, hair, and the getting ready.

The boys? Shower, dress, pick up date. End.

Morgan, we are so proud of you! You looked so beautiful, as always, and we couldn't love you any more than we already do! Love, dad.

P.S. The school did not elect Morgan to be the homecoming queen, but I want everyone to know I think they made a BIG mistake in not doing so!

Bloomsberry Farm

After Mackenzie's soccer game we headed out to Atkins, Iowa to see Bloomsbury Farm where they have a 10 acre Corn Maze among a lot of other cool things for young and old alike. We started into the corn maze at about 1:10 PM and we finished "the puzzle" at about 2:50 PM, an hour and forty-five minutes later. It was a lot of fun. Click here for more pcis.

I was curious the whole time how they did the maze - it's amazing, no pun intended. Click here to read about it. Each year they do a different theme. It was a perfect day and it was especially good to have Allyson home to go with us! What a great day!

Font Conference

If you are familiar with the various fonts (fonts are the things that make your type look the way it does) you will thoroughly enjoy this video. It is extremely creative but there is some language. Consider yourself warned. Enjoy!

We went Geocaching today

Gina, Lauren, Brenda, Tye, Jen, Peggy, Angie

Every 5th Tuesday of the month our staff has a party and we often play games like bag-o, team building games, etc. One time we even played tug of war. Today after enjoying a great lunch featuring three different soups and assorted breads and appetizers, we headed over to Noel Ridge park to go Geocaching.

Geocaching is a sport where you use a GPS unit to find hidden containers. We had a lot of fun and even got a little exercise on a beautiful day.

But the best part was hanging out with the gals who I work with in a different context. It was a lot of fun. And I am glad our organization values teamship and helps us do things to bring the team together. Tye out.

My son's video work - Fall Fest Promo

Every year our children's ministry at NCBC puts on an incredible, indoor, festival as an alternative to "trick or treating" and it is always a big hit with our church families. Even though it is classified as an outreach, I am not sure that the unchurched will come to church on this night when trick or treating is the feature. Any how...

NCBC will NOT be having its annual fall fest because Eight Days of hope will be using our entire building as we reach out to families affected by the flood. So, we have to change our strategy, and if you ask me it is time. (but I doubt anyone asked me)

In order to communicate this change in strategy, my son Andrew and our Young Adult Pastor, Erin Bird, did a video and it is REALLY good. I also love this style of video. Check it:

Fireproof - the movie

Someone just sent me this vid from the Today Show about the new movie Fireproof. The star, Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains) was interviewed by two women - I don't know who they are. During the interview I want you notice the women's response to Kirk's comments about his marriage and his integrity. They are practically drooling over these "archaic" concepts of commitment and love. Interesting, especially in light of the current culture. Watch this:


Men's Fraternity kicked off this past week with over 180 men in attendance in three sessions. Our topic this season is Winning at Work and Home and we are going to be talking a lot about a man and his relationship with his wife, or even significant other. This movie, though I have not seen it yet, seems like one that ties in perfectly with what our men will be studying this year. It is my prayer that every single man in our church AND Cedar Rapids could attend this training and then begin applying the concepts that make for healthy relationships. Please join us!

David Sanborn in concert

Sanborn on stage - pic taken with my phone

I had the opportunity to hear saxophonist David Sanborn on Wednesday night in Des Moines (that's in Iowa for those of you in Ohio) thanks to my good friend Dave Kvindlog. And it was an incredible concert. The amazing thing to me was the fact that Sanborn is still playing almost exactly the way he played 30 years ago and even played a lot of the same songs. But it was still incredible.

Back in the early eighties I purchased a Dukoff mouthpiece made popular by Sandborn and pursued a sound similar to his. At one time I could play his style with some success and even today there are times when I am improvising that you might be able to hear his influence in my playing.

The other story here is the band. wow. And that mighty Hammond B-3 organ. If you know me, you know that I love that instrument. It was incredible. Awesome night of jazz. Thanks Dave, both of you. Tye out.

Men's Fraternity Launches with over 180 men!

This past week we launched Men's Fraternity for the third year in a row and we were thrilled to see 180 men show up to three different meetings! This year we are going through Winning at Work and Home which needs no explanation. But in case you have not heard of Men's Fraternity or this curriculum I have posted the weekly topics below.

Click here for days and times for Men's Fraternity.

If you are a man, and was unable to make the first week you can still come on by next week. In fact, you can start at any given time, but of course you would maximize your "investment" by getting on the team and staying all the way through. I sure hope you will seriously consider joining us this week! In any event, here's the topics: (note session #5 guys!)

1. A Man and His Mirrors
2. What Men Need to Know About Women
3. Engaging "Your Woman" Successfully
4. Staying Close to the Woman You Love
5. Improving Your Sex Life
6. How a Man Makes the Money Work at Home
7. The "Good Life" and Where to Find It
8. What Every Dad Needs to Know
9. Dad's Game Plan for Raising Sons and Daughters
10. Maximum Parenting
11. A Man and His Work
12. Two Visions of Work
13. Coming "Alive" at Work
14. Making a Name for Yourself at Work
15. Taking God to Work
16. Launching a Lifelong Winning Streak

See you next week!

Grace 101

As I was reading the New Testament this morning I came across this quote by Jesus in Matthew 11. Many of us carry heavy burdens in the name of religion, or have done it in the past but we don't need to do this. Serving God is a grace thing, not a burden thing. Check it:

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly. Matthew 11:28-30 The Message

I love that part about "burned out on religion?" and "learn the unforced rhythms of grace." So many people who serve the Lord live in fear and trembling that they will never measure up to God - and they are right!!! This is where grace kicks in. When we live our lives as Jesus taught us we no longer live under the tyranny and judgment of some beneficent dictator, but we are free to serve God in the unforced rhythms of grace.

Good leadership embraces change

Even though I have never been one to enjoy change, I have definitely embraced it over the years because in the end I know that change is inevitable. Back in the day when the "worship wars" were in full force change became a theological issue and those who embrace the hymnal as the "only way" and those who wanted change remained at odds.

It is funny to me that people are quite accepting of change when it comes to lifestyle choices: microwave ovens, new cars, better homes, and information technology. Yet when it comes to the "lifestyle" of the church people prefer not to change. And I'm not talking about the core theological doctrines, but to the forms such as music style, dress code, etc.

No matter what you believe about the above, one thing is for sure and that is change is inevitable whether or not you embrace it. For leaders this is a critical component of good leadership. I read the quotes below over at Leadership Wired, a weekly email on leadership from Maximum Impact dot com:

"Change is the law of life and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."
~ John F. Kennedy

"Every generation needs a new revolution."
~ Thomas Jefferson

"The most successful businessman is the man who holds onto the old just as long as it is good, and grabs the new just as soon as it is better."
~ Robert P. Vanderpoel

"If you want to make enemies, try to change something."
~ Woodrow Wilson

"Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him."
~ Dwight D. Eisenhower

Busy, busy week!

I'm too busy. I just realized that it has been a week and a half since I last blogged. Life has been extremely hectic around here as we are launching or preparing to launch a lot of exciting ministry here at NCBC. Here's some highlights from the past week and a half:

• Launching two new ABFs - GPS and ABF@Wash
• Men's Fraternity launching September 23/24.
• Men's Tailgate Party
• Alcoholics Victorious is launching September 18
• Coordinating the launch of our small groups as well as providing training for the hosts.
  
• SWAT team - we are working on the arrival of Eight Days of Hope.
• A couple of bands here in CR are in full swing - no pun intended.
• ABF conference this past weekend with Josh Hunt.

Since the church (and me too!) highly value teamship, I have the awesome privilege of working with these awesome teams and seeing a lot of ministry take place that I could not do otherwise.

Governor Sarah Palin speaks the truth - in style

Wow! What else can you say after hearing this hockey mom tonight at the Republican National Convention? Wow. Here's my thoughts:

It's about time someone told the truth about Sen. Obama. His tax and spend ways are going to drive our country into deeper debt and the worse economic condition in years. He says that he identifies with the middle class, all the while planning to tax them into oblivion. And has anyone visited a government health care facility? Let me know how it goes.

My choice for President/Vice President is John McCain/Sarah Palin. Tye out.

Getting high on a Labor Day Weekend - in an AirCam

This morning I headed out the Cedar Rapids Airport (CID) where I met Ed Wischmeyer who graciously offered me a ride in his open cockpit AirCam. I think we flew for around an hour and it was awesome. You can click on the pic for a slideshow. The reason I am all bundled up is Ed had warned me that it would be cold once airborn, but it wasn't! It was actually quite pleasant. I posted a short video of our take off. The AirCam takes off in about 7 seconds.

Also, I spent a few minutes with Randy Hartman of Alpha Omega Aircrafters and you can see him in the last pic or two.

Moving Allyson to St. Ambrose University

(Allyson and Rachel in their dorm room)

On Friday morning we loaded Allyson's stuff, mostly pink things, into the back of the van and headed on out to Davenport, Iowa where Allyson is entering her first year at St. Ambrose University. Sharon Pagel and Robin Koskamp stopped over to help her load and to send her off. Thanks for being here Sharon and Robin! Click on the pic for some more pictures.

We arrived at St. Ambrose around 11 AM and a crew of about six students, all wearing the same "moving crew" t-shirt, descended on our van and started carrying Allyson's stuff up to her new room. When we arrived in the room Rachel, her new roommate, was there to greet her and to help her get her things sorted out and moved in. Thanks Rachel!

There is a Famous Dave's right around the corner so we headed on over there for lunch and then to Sam's Club for some dormitory room necessities: Animal Crackers, bottled water, power bars, cereal, etc.

We are so proud of you Allyson (yes, she reads my blog!)! You are going to have a great first year! Love you!!! Dad out.

A Night at the Kernels Game

We don't typically get a family vacation, so every year we try to do something fun with the family in its place and this year we decided to go to a Cedar Rapids Kernels baseball game. The whole family went including Andrew's significant other, Erica. It was a good game and the company was even better. Click on the pic to see a slide show.

Toward the end of the game Mackenzie was able to get a foul ball that one of the worker's caught and gave her - click here to see pic. It was a fun night! Tye out.

Iowa State Fair with the Clark's

Last Friday our family headed to West Des Moines to reconnect with friends from Cleveland, Ohio who moved to Iowa this summer. Since the state fair was in full swing we decided to head on over to the fair on Saturday. It is a huge event with all the "stuff" that makes a fair: corn dogs, funnel cakes, and some really creamy ice cream. We finished the day off with a few rides, although they were quite expensive. Click here to see a slide show.

Thanks to Greg and Suzanne for hosting us. We had a great time!!! Tye out.

Grace - It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it!

Our church is going through Romans together and after yesterday's services it was absolutely evident that our senior pastor Bob Westfall has been "swept away" by the concept of grace. Grace is a hard truth to grasp because most of us tend not to be grace people. We are taught from childhood that when we do good things, good things happen, and when we do bad things we upset people and they are no longer happy with us. Not with God.

God loves you as much now as he ever could and you could never do anything to make him love you any more or any less. But why do we try? I believe that it is the most audacious, pride-filled attitude that says we can do something to merit God's favor. The reason we try to work on our sin is because deep down we believe that we can "buck up" and do better. We can't.

In our newly formed ABF Dave Kvindlog led us through a study of grace and when we looked at these verses, I knew I had to share them with my readers today:

It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this. Titus 3 The Message

Judy is now an LPN!!!

On Monday Judy took her LPN boards and PASSED so she is now officially an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). It has been a long journey for her and also for the family. We are all so proud of her and I'm so happy for her.

She just wrapped up the summer semester of her clinicals for her RN and has two more semesters to go. She will then take the boards for her RN (Registered Nurse) next summer and voila!!! I am thankful for her "stick-to-it-ness." Congratulations Judy! You worked hard and you deserve this award!!! Tye out.

Friday Humor