Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
SURGE 2008
This summer's "Middle School" retreat is hopeful to be at Surge at Lake Junaluska the weekend of July 3 - July 6 (Thursday - Sunday). A very firm deadline to sign up is set for Wednesday June 4th.
We're still calling it "Middle School," but will make it available to any of the high schooler's who were unable to participate in the mission trip as well.
Also, as noted above, we are hopeful that it will be there. This is completely contingent upon how many we have sign-up by the June 4th deadline. If we only get a small handful, we will be able to put together our own trip for much cheaper.
Feel free to contact Thad with any questions.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Infuencing
It's is almost a daily realization I have with the girls (daughters Ellie & Ava); I am influencing their lives. Some would argue that their personalities were formed before they were even brought into this world outside of Hannah, but I don't know about that. They are, however, quite easily influenced.
Whether I like it or not, whether I intend it or not...they are influenced by what they are exposed to. The soak it all up like a sponged left out in August then tossed in a pool. The funny thing is, they don't know any better than to exhibit those things that they soak up.
Here's an example of what I mean:
We do not know exactly when Ellie "soaked it up," but if we ever have to make an abrupt stop (or even just slow down) in the car, she says "Come On!! White (right) Now!!" She will also do it if she hears someone honk the horn. She has apparently learned that expressing frustration towards other drivers is quite appropriate. It's crazy ebcause not only does she say those words, but she says it through gritted teeth with a hostility she could only have inherited from me.
There are a few lessons here, but only one I want to mention.
Are we not just as easily influenced?
Now, I know that we have the knowledge of what is socially acceptable behavior and all, so we don't go around exhibiting behaviors of everything we see on TV or hear in music. So I guess we could say "No" to being as easily influenced as a child, since we do not necessarily mimic everything we're exposed to. But I do believe that, like a child, we cannot help but "soak up" at least some of all we are exposed to.
God tells us that "To the pure, all things are pure." - Titus 1:15
It's like the Garden of Eden before the eating of the fruit of the "Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil" (apple, pear, banana...no one really knows). Before partaking, all things were pure to man, but nothing could undo man becoming aware of the presence of evil. When man was pure, it literally was "all good," but Adam and Eve never knew how good it was until it was gone.
So I guess some conclusion is needed 'cause I feel like that was some sort of a ramble.
Realize that "it" will soak into you(kinda like the ebay commercials). Whatever your "it" is, it will stay with you and probably even influence you to some degree. So now you are aware. Just be cautious of what you allow yourself to be exposed to, but even more than that; choose to be exposed to good, and even Godly things so that your perspective of life is not twisted from what God desires for it to be.
Jesus came into this world to give us life, and life abundantly. John 10:10 could also be translated to say "to have life and to have abundance." Either way, He says not that he came to restrict and limit our lives, but rather to give to us a life that is abundantly more full and satisfying that anything this world can give. All we have to do is let Him.
I don't know about you, but I could really use that.
Questions or comments??? Let's hear 'em.
Whether I like it or not, whether I intend it or not...they are influenced by what they are exposed to. The soak it all up like a sponged left out in August then tossed in a pool. The funny thing is, they don't know any better than to exhibit those things that they soak up.
Here's an example of what I mean:
We do not know exactly when Ellie "soaked it up," but if we ever have to make an abrupt stop (or even just slow down) in the car, she says "Come On!! White (right) Now!!" She will also do it if she hears someone honk the horn. She has apparently learned that expressing frustration towards other drivers is quite appropriate. It's crazy ebcause not only does she say those words, but she says it through gritted teeth with a hostility she could only have inherited from me.
There are a few lessons here, but only one I want to mention.
Are we not just as easily influenced?
Now, I know that we have the knowledge of what is socially acceptable behavior and all, so we don't go around exhibiting behaviors of everything we see on TV or hear in music. So I guess we could say "No" to being as easily influenced as a child, since we do not necessarily mimic everything we're exposed to. But I do believe that, like a child, we cannot help but "soak up" at least some of all we are exposed to.
God tells us that "To the pure, all things are pure." - Titus 1:15
It's like the Garden of Eden before the eating of the fruit of the "Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil" (apple, pear, banana...no one really knows). Before partaking, all things were pure to man, but nothing could undo man becoming aware of the presence of evil. When man was pure, it literally was "all good," but Adam and Eve never knew how good it was until it was gone.
So I guess some conclusion is needed 'cause I feel like that was some sort of a ramble.
Realize that "it" will soak into you(kinda like the ebay commercials). Whatever your "it" is, it will stay with you and probably even influence you to some degree. So now you are aware. Just be cautious of what you allow yourself to be exposed to, but even more than that; choose to be exposed to good, and even Godly things so that your perspective of life is not twisted from what God desires for it to be.
Jesus came into this world to give us life, and life abundantly. John 10:10 could also be translated to say "to have life and to have abundance." Either way, He says not that he came to restrict and limit our lives, but rather to give to us a life that is abundantly more full and satisfying that anything this world can give. All we have to do is let Him.
I don't know about you, but I could really use that.
Questions or comments??? Let's hear 'em.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Comin' Home
So I'm back from vacation/conference. Coming home Saturday was similar to Christmas eve. I was so excited to be coming back to the church.
Now understand me here; I'm not referring to the building, or to the office, or to the job, or even to the ministries. When I say I was excited to be coming back to the church, I mean the people. I felt like hugging everyone I came into contact with Sunday morning. I had missed seeing everyone so much in my week off. There are still several folks who weren't able to be at church yesterday that I still have that excitement about seeing again and miss.
So while I was away; know that I missed you.
And when I am here; know that I love you.
ps - If you have ideas or thoughts for the planning meeting Saturday, please come and give input. If you can't make it, or simply don't want to stand out, pass your idea on to me before hand.
Now understand me here; I'm not referring to the building, or to the office, or to the job, or even to the ministries. When I say I was excited to be coming back to the church, I mean the people. I felt like hugging everyone I came into contact with Sunday morning. I had missed seeing everyone so much in my week off. There are still several folks who weren't able to be at church yesterday that I still have that excitement about seeing again and miss.
So while I was away; know that I missed you.
And when I am here; know that I love you.
ps - If you have ideas or thoughts for the planning meeting Saturday, please come and give input. If you can't make it, or simply don't want to stand out, pass your idea on to me before hand.
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