Honestly is it that hard to understand?

Monday Monday

2009-09-28T14:59:00.002-04:00

Well today I had the privileged to go with Chloe on her very first field trip. Kristen and I went with her class and the rest of the Palmer center. We had a blast, but all those 2-4 year olds wore me out.

Craig said some great things on Sunday during his sermon Sunday but one of the things that really stuck out was in reference to how children can bring about the happiest moments of your life and also some of the most disappointing moments as well. I know those times will come and I am sure one day Chloe and Elijah will bring about heart ache, but I also know that there is nothing they could ever do to make me stop loving them.

Isn't great that God tells us the same thing. There is nothing we can do to be seperated from his love (Rom 8). We can run away from him, deny him, ignore him, and yet God will always be standing there with arms wide open.

God is truly an amazing God.

Thursday Thoughts

2009-09-24T09:46:00.002-04:00

Thursday's for me always seem to be the day I think the most. I guess it is the last office day of the week for me and Wednesday is over (longest day of the week) and I just have time to stop and think.

Today my thoughts seem to be wrapped around the idea of needing to slow down a bit. It has been non-stop crazy for the last few weeks. Lots of youth events, meetings, planning, and family stuff going on. It is so easy for me to just move from one task to the next and never stop to think about myself and where I am heading.

One of my favorite books I have read in the past year is Contemplative Youth Ministry by Mark Yaconelli. The book is surrounded by the idea on how we need to make sure we are filling ourselves first.

Are you someone who fills yourself up first or last? We need to be about filling our spiritual cups up so that we are able to fill those up around us.

That is my Thursday thought.

Intentional Listening

2009-09-16T11:27:00.002-04:00

How often during the day do you pause to listen to the things around you? In fact right now what do you hear? Right now in the background I have Pandora music. I am listening to my created status based around the Dave Crowder Band. I have found this to be much better than the normal espn radio I usually listen to.

I have had several quiet nights at home that past few weeks and I have had time to just stop and listen. Of course the weekend was filled with many many football games since Kristen was gone. I have found it peaceful and relaxing to take some time and just listen. Listen to what God is speaking to me, what my heart is saying, what others are saying and even what the world is saying.

It seems these days everyone has something to say about nothing and anything. I believe we live in a culture where what most people want is to be heard.

I guess for me I need to stop talking so much or distracting myself with pointless things and just listen. I believe that when I am doing this I am growing and learning the most. So may this serve as an encouragement to stop, look and listen.

On another note my fantasy teams went 1 and 1 this week. The Colts won, but the Titans loss. The biggest loss this week was ND to Michigan. Irish will bounce back and probably still make some type of BCS bowl (haha).

Watch It

2009-09-10T14:47:00.003-04:00

Well today on the way back from lunch I was listening to ESPN radio and Colin Cowherd was talking about a story that recently hit the press. No this wasn't a story about the latest US Open scores or the upcoming NFL season this was a story about a Conservative Christian republican man from CA who resigned yesterday after reports came out about him talking about his 2 mistresses.

Colin spent the next minute ranting about this man and used the phrase "Christian Conservative" over and over. It was quit irritating and somewhat embarrassing. I felt awful for the bad rep Christians all over the world were getting at that moment.

I want that 2 minute segment to stick with me today and remind me of that challenge I have as a Christian to watch what I say, do, see, act and watch.

1 Peter 2:11-12 "Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

We must constantly abstain from our sinful nature and realize that people are watching our every moves. I want those around me to praise God because of the way I am living.

In other news I am really stoked about the NFL season. It's my favorite time of the year. Tonight by my side will be chips and queso, pizza rolls and IBC Root Beer.

Back at it

2009-09-09T13:37:00.002-04:00

Well I have decided to try and start blogging again. I really liked having a place to ramble a little and maybe complain about some stuff, but more importantly just share what's going on. I hope that as I get back into this I will be better at updating.

I don't have a lot of time today so this is just a post to let anyone out there who might read this that I am still alive.

A good time to start ANEW

2008-11-24T14:08:00.002-05:00

Well it is always hard to get my mind back into blogging mode. I guess its because I am not a big writter or that I don't always share my feelings that well. Maybe it is just because blogging takes time and my time is well... worth a lot.

This past weekend was our yearly fall retreat. This is now the 6th fall retreat I have been a part of here at Northeast CoC. I have had some great memories over the past years and today I will share my top 10 memories I can think of right now.

10. Mas Sam

9. Affirmation time when everyone told me they used to not like me

8. Football - (except those time when people want to fight and agrue)

7. The "Kyle" pumpkin

6. Praying over those who were buried in the ground

5. D's voice cracking during his skit. (But really the skit was awesome)

4. Nick being painted Red (again the skit was amazing)

3. John Stephenson's talk where he used a pool of mud

1. 2008 Saturday Night Cardboard Testimonies

I couldn't think of a 10th one but I am sure I will think of one later. It has been amazing to see lives being transformed over the past 6 years. I can't wait to see what God has in store for the next 6. Have a great day.

The World of Blogs

2008-05-19T10:10:00.002-04:00

You know what I find funny? All the different blogs out there offering advice. Everybody has an opinion, thought or suggestion on how you should handle a situation. Recently I have been reading lots of blogs. It might be a blog on how to use different software, maybe some youth ministers blog on how you should do ministry, recently I read some blogs from parents about various parenting tips or baby products. It is amazing how much information is really out there. Some people think I am a computer genuis, but really I just ask google for help he/she or it always has the answer.

With all the knowledge out there I fear that what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy is coming true

"2 Timothy 4:1-4
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. "

I am not one who is big on church tradtions, but I am one who believes that we can't water down the message. It is so easy to try and conform God into our image instead of allowing God to conform us into His image.

Have a great day and be blessed.

- Kyle

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T22:41:00.000-04:00

This is the best video ever.

Walking with Chloe

2008-02-05T23:03:00.000-05:00

well for the past few weeks Chloe has began taking her first steps. The first day she could get 2 or 3 steps in and tonight she walked from the living room to the kitchen. It is awesome to see her moving around. Here is a little video of Chloe walking.

What to say

2008-01-08T10:30:00.000-05:00

I would like to point you to a great post written by my buddy D. Here he talks about hope. I encourage you to read it.

As for me. Well I have zero deep thoughts today. I didn't get past the first round in fantasy football again this year. Oh well it happens. Christmas and New Years were great execpt for when I got sick. Everything else is just kind of moving along.

The past few days I have been kind of bla. You know that feeling where you wonder what's going on. Am I living life or am I just riding down the streams of life going where ever the current takes me. I guess everyone few months or so I have some good down time and some time to reflect on everything. How my ministry is going? how my relationships with others are? Am I being a good father and husband? am I happy with where I am? Do I feel burnt out? Reflection is a major part in my life. I love to be able to take some time to just sit and reflect on life. I don't want to just wander aimlessly around, but to have a goal set in mind. If I aim at nothing I will surly hit it.

Well back to sitting here and thinking about everything. I like thinking sometimes, but I try not to make a habbit of it.

back at it

2007-12-12T08:42:00.000-05:00

Well the semester is over and I am finally done with my huge paper. I don't have a ton of time so here are some updates.

1. Fantasy football regular season is over and I finished 10-4 tied for the best record in my league. Playoffs start next week and I am ready to take the crown. In 7 years of playing fantasy football I have now made the playoffs 6 times. and I am yet to get past the first round. Maybe I can't win the big game, or there is to much pressure. Well I feel like I have a chance this year.

2. Grad school is over

3. Christmas is almost here and I am ready to play some football this over break.

Well that about wraps it up for now. Just had to get my fingers moving this morning.

You and I

2007-11-15T09:40:00.000-05:00

I don't know the church that made this video, but I know for a face they know what it means to worship. I am not here to debate the use of instruments or songs they sing as you may see in their video, but what I see here is a group of people that worship with their lives. They understand that worship is more than just an hour a week, but worship is lifestyle. I want to be able to live that life style, where whatever I am doing I am worshiping God. I hope everyone has a blessed thanksgiving and a wonderful weekend ahead.

What a weekend

2007-11-13T11:26:00.000-05:00

Well this has happened to be one of the best weekends in 2007. Our fall retreat was this past weekend, and it was an amazing retreat. It was great to get away from everything and spend time with the people I love most, and spend time getting closer to God. I wish I could recap everything, but my brain is still fried. It was a great weekend.

So Sunday night came and I was trying hard to not fall asleep during the colts game, I woke up to see the score 23-0 and the announcer talking about peytons's 4th interception. I knew we would have a big let down game, but I thought we would still pull of the victory, but then mr automatic himself missed his 2nd field goal of the night and we went on to lose the game. I am not worried at all. I figure we are out of luck now to get home field advantage for the playoffs so we can just relax a little and get some of our players healthy and then if we face the pats again we will be ready to go.

No deep thoughts today. Go read Dylan's blog if you are in need of a deep thought.

Kyle

Well.. Its Monday

2007-11-05T12:30:00.000-05:00

Once again I am faced with a Monday that frankly I am excited about. The extra hour of sleep I got this weekend was great and much needed. For the first time I can remember I didn't waste my extra hour playing video games or watching TV, but I went to bed. I feel great for having done that.

I am sure you are interested in hearing my take on the Colts vs. Pats game. Well I thought both teams played great, I felt like I was watching a playoff or superbowl game and I will give Tom Brady and the pats a pat on the back for pulling out the win. The colts played a great game, I was very impressed with Joseph Addai again this week. If the Pats are being considered the greateast NFL team ever I would say that goes to show just how good the colts are. The colts D stopped brady for most of the game and gave up a few big plays near the end that might of cost us the game. Peyton played a respectable game, but in order to beat the Pat's he is going to have to play flawless. I believe we will probably see NE again in the AFC championship in foxboro. My hope is that the titans will win the wildcard and play NE 1st or 2nd round and get a chance to beat them and meet Indy in the AFC championship which at that point one of my teams is giong to the superbowl. So I will not say the pats are a bad team, they are a great team and were better than us yesterday. I know we can beat them and hopefully we will play them again and things will be different.

On to the rest of my day. The retreat is coming up and I am working full force on it. I am stoked about the lessons this year and I can't wait to play a little flag football. I am etierh getting slower or the teens are getting faster, because I can't keep up like I used to. Time to start working out again.

Phil 1:6 - being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

This weekend I was once again reminded that God isn't finished with us yet. he will contiune to mold and make me into what he desires. I am just excited I get to be a part of His plan. Have a great week and be mighty.

Kyle

Come Let Us

2007-10-25T14:11:00.000-04:00

Come, let us worship and bow down.
Before the Lord Most Holy. Before the King of Glory
Come and lay your burdens down.
Before the Friend who's faithful. Before the One who's able
For He is our God, and we are His people,
Yes He is our God, and we will never be forsaken
You are our God, and we are Your people,
You are our God, and we will be with You Forever

- Pslam 95

It doesn't get much better than that. I mean the fact that we have such an awesome God. He will never FORSAKE us. God will never leave us. He will be by our side for as long as we shall walk. Nothing can seperate us from the love of God.

I think it is far to easy for me to get caught up in the daily activities that I forget to bow down before the LORD Most Holy. Not only do I miss out on my personal time with God, but when I neglect spending time with God, I am not able to lay my burdens down. I try to carry them with me and I end up getting no where.

So today I ask God to come let me bow down before Him and lay my burdens down. Thank you God for being the God you promised to be.

College Football

2007-10-23T09:51:00.000-04:00

I am not one to talk about college football that much. Everyone who knows me knows I love the NFL and since I am a fan of football I will watch and keep up with college football. Today I want to talk about 3 things. UT fans that make me sick, the big east, and the BCS.

1. UT Fans that make me sick

I am not a big SEC fan, but I respect how great of a football conference they are. When LSU, UK, Bama, UA, FL and the rest of the SEC take the field this year you know you are in for a good game. I honestly do believe that the SEC is the powerhouse in football this year by far, and every UT and SEC would agree with me. Here is the problem I have been hearing after the BAMA loss. When made a bad Alabama team look good. Do you see where the logic fails. How can you say BAMA was bad and you made them look good, if you claim the SEC is the greatest top to bottom. Shouldn't you be saying well look we play great teams each week and either we are the better team or they are, but either way we still play in the SEC. Chew on that one for a bit.

2. Big East
Take a look at thos great logo's to the right. give me a break. Who honestly thinks the big east is a good conference. All they do is beat up on teams like west MI, or east Carolina, Norfolk State, and other little teams. Now don't get me wrong, some of the big east teams have gotten quality wins like USF beating Auburn oh wait that is the only big win the big east as had this season outside their conference. Here is what happens. They beat up on little teams go 4-0 get some notice and then they lose to each other and they get to stay ranked. I mean I think WV is a quality team with great talent and a good coach and they should of never lost South FL. WV is the only team that comes from the big east that deserves to be ranked.

3. BCS - because of a lack of time I will put my top 10 college football teams

10. Kentucky - I still think they are good, they have had tough losses.
9. Michigan - I know you think I am crazy, but they are playing much better and I think they have to much talent when healthy to be a bad team.
8. BC - not sure why i would put them here, but I think they lose this week
7. Oregon - Dennis Dixon - hiesman hopefully could prove how good they are by beating USC this week.
6. Oklahoma - good talent and good coach, they are still a powerhouse
5. WV - White & Slaton - enought said
4. Ohio State - Not a big believer, but I think they are decent
3. USC - Did you see how they crushed ND (j/k) still a quality team
2. FL - They should of beat LSU and we all know it. They are still a great football team.
1. LSU - I still think they are the best team out there.

Have a great day.

Monday's

2007-10-22T11:00:00.000-04:00

Monday oh Monday why did you come today. One of my favorite lines in a movie comes from the movie "Office Space" and I quote "Looks like somebody has a case of the Monday's." I wonder why we dislike Monday so much, maybe it is the fact that our weekends are so great, than when monday comes around we feel let down. We wonder did we enjoy the weekend enough, or maybe it is because we don't like getting back into the weekly routine.

Well I want to make sure you all know today that I love Monday. Monday is a relaxing day for me. Monday is a day for me to say this week is going to be different in my life. I am going to chose today to grow closer to God. I want my worship experience on Sunday to flow over into Monday.

Monday is the night of Monday Night Football. I mean who doesn't love football and speaking of which tonight will be the night my boys go to 6-0. Joseph Addai only needs to get me 44 points to take me to 6-1 on the fanstasy season. That would require him to get 200 rushing or recieving yards combined and 4 tds. Although the Jags have a great D-fense, I think he can do it.

So here is to you Monday, the day we all hate, but I love. Have a great day.

Welcome Back

2007-08-16T14:26:00.001-04:00

Well this is just a little welcome back to me. I have missed my days of constant rambling and complaining and well sharing my excitement with all of you. Not even sure who reads my blogs anymore, but atleast I will be happy to write down my thoughts and keep up with what is going on in my life. So hello to everyone and it is good to be back on the internet. peace out for now.

- Kyle