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(1.25.10) - REFLECTIONS ON A TOUGH DAY
It's after 1:00am at the end of a tough day. I'm not tired, but feeling reflective. You see, a student passed away a couple days ago from a local school and was friends with some of the students I disciple. This is the sixth student who has died in two months who was close to people I know. It's one of those days where it seems fatiguing to be fighting so hard for students. I also was listening to a friend share about his awesome student ministry experiences and remembered the days when I was doing so much more of it and seemed so satisfied doing so. This is the realization that I've had, and even though it's not too particularly comforting I know it is the truth: I am doing the work God has called me to do at this moment in time, in this season of life. It may not be directly affecting as many lives in the same ways as I had done in the past, but it is what God is calling me to do now. While I may not be seeing as much fruit as I had in previous times, it still is fruit; it is still obedience to God. That is all God calls us to when we serve him - obedience. It may not be the same as it was before, it may even seem less effective than before, but the point is it is still service to God. It is still affecting lives for eternity and when combined with all He has done in the past eight years it paints a wonderful picture of the true character of God and His calling on my life. Somehow, it all seems worth it and I wouldn't trade the work he is doing in through my life for anything in the world.
(1.25.10) - THE ROSE BOWL
On the first day of the new decade, I was present for OSU's epic win over Oregon in the 2010 Rose Bowl in sunny Pasadena, CA. It has been a long time since I have taken a vacation and I could not think of a better way to spend it than cheering on the Buckeyes with my actor friend John. The game made history and I will remember the experience for the frest of my life. There are also very few things better than going to an amusement park and taking a walk around the neighborhood in short sleeves at the beginning of January. It was also really fun to take this picture.
(1.25.10) - TOP 10 SONGS OF 2009
The following is a list of the ten most meaningful songs to me this past year:
10. Oh Lord, To You (Gary Sadler) - After hearing this song in December 2002, it has remained one of my absolute favorite worship songs. The song itself is about worship and dedication to God "early in the morning and late in the night". The chorus represents one of the primary goals of my life, work, and worship: "May our praises rise as incense oh Lord, to You"
9. Your Love Never Fails (Chris Quilala) - A somewhat lesser known song, this song focuses in the redemptive power of God to make good things come out of difficult circumstances. I really hope the Church embraces this as a worship song because I can see it being meaningful to many.
8. Meet With Me (Ten Shekel Shirt) - Another classic & favorite worship song. I love how it invites the presence of God during worship and highlights what His amazing power can do. "As I wait, you make me strong..."
7. Oh, Happiness (David Crowder*Band) - The creative mind of David Crowder never ceases to amaze me. I love the chorus to this song. After I stopped laughing and how outrageous the words are, I started to think about the fact that they are true and their implications mean life to the entire world. "Oh, happiness: there's grace enough for us and the whole human race!"
6. Stronger (Hillsong) - Another song that also was on the 2008 list. This is an amazing 21st century hymn that simply states the power of God to crush sin and our response to this power. It is also an absolute favorite song to play & sing in corporate worship. "So let Your Name be lifted higher..."
5. I Stand Amazed (How Marvelous) (Charles H. Gabriel) - One of my favorite things to do as a youth leader is to share God's truth to students who are struggling with Satan's lies. At one point this year I was talking to a student who thought he was the scum of the earth because of his sin. A few days later I sent him the lyrics to this song and in so doing reminded myself of the amazing grace, love, and forgiveness of Jesus Christ and His power to resurrect the dead places of our hearts.
4. Two Hands (Jars of Clay) - It was good to hear some good new sounds from Jars of Clay this year. This is a great sounding, simple worship song that focuses on praising God.
3. Arms Open Wide (Hillsong United) - A wise pastor once told me that one of the best things God can hear is His people asking for more of Him. This song highlights the joy of giving yourself to God and letting Him use you however He wants.
2. Can I Lie Here? (David Crowder*Band) - A very interesting song (to say the least), but nonetheless a simple declaration of the joys of being in the presence of God. "Oh, how lovely this place to be with You, to be with You..."
1. Crown Him With Many Crowns (Matthew Bridges) - I'm surprised, yet humbled that the song that has personally meant the most to me this past year is a hymn that has been sung by the Church for over 150 years. This song puts God squarely in the center of worship, with my sole responsibility bringing Him glory - one of the goals of my life. "Hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity".
(7.13.09) - NEW JOB, NEW APARTMENT
Following graduation and OWjL Camp, a new chapter of my life has begun. I have started my first full time job at the United Methodist Children's Home working with 13-18 year old boys in shelter care as their social worker (case manager, therapist, and other various other roles). This is an incredible job and I am fortunate to be working at such a great agency. I also have moved into a nicer, bigger apartment with several ameneties I have never had before - like a dishwasher and an icemaker. It's amazing how much the little things can make a big difference. It's weird not having to go somewere like church or speech & debate after work. It feels good to go home for the day at 5pm. I'm also taking on new roles at the church, including starting a new high school small group this summer. All things in my life are new - and it is amazingly satisfying.
(7.3.09) - REFLECTIONS ON OWjL CAMP
This was my fifth summer as an OWjL Camp counselor. Words cannot describe how much I enjoy doing this every year. It is a chance for me to be myself, to use the gifts God has given me to help others. It's the three weeks out of the year where I feel the most alive and the most driven. Each of the three weeks this year was great in it's own unique way and I was fortunate to see God do amazing things. I was reminded of the power of love, affirmation, acceptance, and selflessness, being told by many campers that they felt inspired to follow their dreams. I'm not saying I'm all that and a bag of chips, but if more people took the time to tell young people that they matter, that they are perfect just the way God created them, and they have the potential to do great things, I truly think it would change the world. Will that be you?
(5.1.09) - AMAZING SEASON FOR OSU SPEECH & DEBATE TEAM
I am very proud of The Ohio State University Speech & Debate team who had an amazing 2008-09 season. The team doubled it's coaching staff, practically doubled in size, received numerous awards, and had a great time together. The culmination was the NFA National Tournament in which three team members advanced beyond preliminary rounds and placed 9th in Division II out of 15 schools. This is the team's strongest performance at Nationals in years. It has been a privilage and an honor to coach the team these past two years. Congratuations to everyone!
(2.7.09) - MY 25
25. Thanks to those of you who have tagged me in your 25. I've appreciated your honesty and have learned a lot about you
24. This is my 8th school year doing student ministry and I have loved every minute of it
23. I am probably the most organized, structured, anal-retentive person you will ever meet (no, not as bad as Monk)
22. I never get nervous before leading worship or singing a solo, but always get nervous before auditions or adjudicated events
21. I appreciate the way my parents raised me. They led me in the right directions, but still let me make my own choices
20. I enjoy classic literature, especially The Count of Monte Cristo, A Tale of Two Cities, and Lord of the Flies
19. I want to fall in love, get married and have a family more than anything else in the world. In God's time...but the sooner the better!
18. Some of my best experiences have taken place in Honduras
17. My favorite worship song is "Oh Lord, To You"
16. I have a website. You should visit it: www.rootdownonline.com
15. ISFJ
14. For every song on my CD there are three more that I've written and torn up because I didn't like them
13. My life verse is Ephesians 5:19-20
12. I love my sister more than I tell her I do
11. My senior year of high school was the best year of my life. I wish I saw my high school friends more than I do
10. I love camping and the outdoors. I especially love taking time to be with God outdoors
9. I treasure all of my relationships & friendships, past and present, even if we haven't spoken in awhile
8. I am a percussionist by training and entered college as a Music Education major. I thought I had my entire life planned out at 18. It was a long process for God to reshape my dreams, but I am so glad He did.
7. I wrote the alma mater for my high school
6. My top spiritual gift is Disciple Maker
5. My love language is words of affirmation
4. I love it when people take a genuine interest in spending time with me or getting to know my heart
3. I used to have a major pride problem
2. God has given me purpose: to share the love of Christ with high school students and encourage them to reach their full potential in Him.
1. I am just old enough so that the first students I worked with as a young youth worker are getting through college. Seeing how God has molded and shaped your lives truly humbles me. I often thank God for the amazing work he has done in your lives. God has the incredible ability to change lives and I'm constantly astounded, yet unspeakably grateful, that He would chose me to help Him accomplish his mission on earth.
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