Rookie, Tenderfoot, Freshman, Newbie, Servant, Friend

YOUTH NEWS JUNE 4TH, 2006...AND CLASS NOTES

2006-06-04T15:23:00.000-05:00

I am so sorry! I did not update last week with the youth news. I am so sorry for all of those who have been checking this and relying on this for information. So here is this for this week.

Look down @ the bottom for what we studied in class.

Girls/Guys Devos start on Tuesday, June 6th. Girls: Meet @Anna RobinsonÂs house @ 7pm, or @ the building @ 6:30 f you need a ride. Guys: Meet @ the building @ 7pm. BRING YOUR BIBLES!

Mission Trip Meeting: All HS students and Parents, please stick around after VBS on Wednesday night, the 7th, for a meeting about mission trip details. Cost, location, what to bring, pictures, and safety will be discussed. And side note, the dates for the trip are July 2-8.

JH/HS Devo: Our second summer devotional series is this Thursday. Our theme will be "EPIC: Everyone Perfect In Christ" Meet @ 7pm, @ the youth room. We will finish by 9pm. Bring your friends.

Royals Baseball and Christian Family Day... Saturday, June 10th. Special musical guest: "BY The Tree." Tickets are $20, plus food. We are leaving the building @ 11am and return @9:30pm. We will buy our tickets at the gate when we arrive.

Worlds of Fun Day... Tuesday, June 13th. Cost is $35, plus any extra food you want. Lunch will be provided. Deadline is June 7th.

We Are Here To Serve You! We want to help you out at anytime, in any way we can. Give us a call! Robert: 633-4383 Natasha: 608-2101 Brett: 806-438-9259

Summer Camps:
Zentih: June 18th-23rd. Cost: $185 Cornerstone: July 9th-14th. Cost: $165 Chihowa: (JH & HS) July 23rd-28th. Cost: $130. All camps can still be signed up for. Forms are in the youth room on the bulletin board.

"Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." -Rom. 12:16
As Christians, we must often put the needs of others above our own. But I think what we get from it is well worth it. Try it sometime, you might be surprised!

Class notes:
We looked this morning at two main passages: 1 Samuel 13:13-14 and 1 Samuel 15.
We saw how Samuel told the people a man had been appointed king over Israel, despite his and God's protest. Non the less, God "sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people."(13:14) From this we can conclude that Saul was a man who sought after the heart of God.Godd established this as a requirement for king b/c the people willfolloww wherever the king will go.

Moving on to chapter 15, we see where God gave Saul orders tocompletlyy destroy the Amalekites and everything that belongs to them. Saul set out for war with his army and destroyed them, but spared King Agag and many sheep and cattle. This "grieved" the Lord and Samuel was troubled and cried to God all night.
The next day, Samuel went to find Saul, and was told he went to Carmel to "set up a monument in his own honor." Samuel went to confront Saul, and was met with excuses and blame on others. Samuel let Saul know that God enjoys obedience rather than sacrifice, and God has rejected Saul as king over Israel.
The two main points we made were these:
1. God no longer supported Saul in his kingship due to his disobedience. God seemed as though He was a littleunfairr and harsh in His dealing with Saul, but when you are in a leadership position like that, you have to be held to higher standards.
2. God said "I reject you as king of my people," But it was not a rejection of Saul as his child. Samuel seems to make the distiction fairly clear. He didn't say "God rejects you" and stops. He is specific about the rejection as Saul as king. But did God remove Saul from hispositionn right away? I think not. He just no longer supported him in that instance.
Ultimately, GOD WILL NEVER REJECT US AS HIS CHILDREN.

YOUTH NEWS MAY 21, 2006

2006-05-21T08:55:00.000-05:00

Today is Natasha's and my Anniversary. 2 Years she's been putting up with me!

Heathstone and Devo:
TODAY is Hearthstone and JH/HS Devo! Meet here
at 6pm, we will take the vans, sing, then head straight
to the Myers house for the Devo. We will return by 9pm.
***Bring $2 to help offset the cost for food.***

JH/HS Summer devotional series will start on June 1st @ 7pm. It will continue every Thursday night Except when we are at Camp. Come with your bible, bring your friends, be ready to dive deep into the word!

Royals Baseball and Christian Family Day... Saturday, June 10th. Special musical guest: "BY The Tree." Tickets are $20, plus food. Deadline is May 31st.

Worlds of Fun Day... Tuesday, June 13th. Cost is $35, plus any extra food you want. Lunch will be provided. Deadline is June 7th.

Summer Camps:
Zentih: June 18th-23rd. Cost: $165 Get registration forms in youth room.
Cornerstone: July 9th-14th. Cost: $165 Forms in youth room.
Chihowa: (JH & HS) July 23rd-28th. Cost: $130. Forms in youth room.

"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."
-Paul (II Thess. 2:16-17)

YOUTH NEWS MAY 14, 2006

2006-05-16T10:41:00.000-05:00

Senior Sunday
We want to congratulate all seniors this morning. Austin, Daniel, Lindsay, Leslie, and James, we are very proud of you! You will forever be in our hearts and prayers. ***Come honor the seniors tonight @ 7pm in Rm. 11.***

Heathstone and Devo:
May 21st, is Hearthstone and JH/HS Devo! Meet here at 6pm, we will take the vans, sing, then head straight to the Myers house for the Devo. We will return by 9pm. ***Bring $2 to help offset the cost for food.***

JH/HS Summer devotional series will start on June 1st @ 7pm. It will continue every Thursday night Except when we are at Camp. Come with your bible, bring your friends, be ready to dive deep into the word!

Royals Baseball and Christian Family Day... Saturday, June 10th.
Special musical guest: "BY The Tree." Tickets are $20, plus food.
Deadline is May 31st.

Worlds of Fun Day... Tuesday, June 13th. Cost is $35, plus any
extra food you want. Lunch will be provided. Deadline is June 7th.

Summer Camps:
Zentih: June 18th-23rd. Cost: $165 Get registration forms in youth room.
Cornerstone: July 9th-14th. Cost: $165 Forms in youth room.
Chihowa: (JH & HS) July 23rd-28th. Cost: $130. Forms in youth room.

"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child." ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty
Honor your mother today, and tomorrow. She deserves more than one day.

YOUTH NEWS MAY 7, 2006

2006-05-08T17:28:00.000-05:00

Today:
T.N.T Training @ 1:30pm - 5pm
Location: Youth Room
Dinner will be provided.

May 14: Sr. Sunday
We will make a presentation to the seniors in the AM after announcements in worship. That night, we will have a Senior Reception in Rm 11 that you all are invited to. Starts @ 7pm. Come wish them well on their next stage of life.

Heathstone and Devo:
May 21st, is Hearthstone and JH/HS Devo! Meet here at 6pm, we will take the vans, sing, then head straight to the Myers house for the Devo. We will return by 9pm

JH/HS Summer devotional series will start on June 1st @ 7pm. Come with your bible, bring your friends, be ready to dive deep into the word!

Sat., June 10th, Royals Baseball game and concert by "By The Tree"

Summer Camps:
Zentih: June 18th-23rd. Cost: $165 Get registration forms in youth room.
Cornerstone: July 9th-14th. Cost: $165 Forms in youth room.
Chihowa: (JH & HS) July 23rd-28th. Cost: $130. Forms in youth room.

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything." I John 3:18-20

For the Storms...

2006-05-02T18:35:00.000-05:00

Several weeks ago I gave a lesson on the storms of life, citing these four points:
1) Stroms are inevitable, they are going to come. God may choose to calm the storm you are in, and He may not. He may choose to calm the storm within you. But storms are certain to come. 2) Your safest place in any storm is with God.
3) The toughest part of any storm is enduring the silence of God. He doesn't always move the way we think he should, but that is where faith kicks in. Faith helps os to say, "God I can't see you working in this storm, but I trust that you are, and I will wait on you.
4) If God is in your boat, it isn't going to sink.
This song by Casting Crowns explains perfectly what I think our attitude sould be towards life in the midst of a storm...

Praise You In This Storm

Written by Mark Hall / Music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

If there ever were a test of our faith - if there ever were a test of the motives of our worship - it is when a storm rolls into our lives. We watched and prayed for a precious little girl named Erin Edwards struggle with a deadly disease for several years. The courage, the witness, and the worship of Erin's mother Laurie inspired this song. Sometimes God calms our storms. Sometimes He chooses to ride them with us.
Romans 8:28 / 2 Corinthians. 4:16-18 Psalm 42:5 / Psalm 121:1-2 Job 1:20-21 / Daniel 3:16-18

2005 Club Zoo Music (BMI) / SWECS Music (BMI) (adm. by EMI CMG Publishing) / Word Music, LLC (ASCAP) / Banahama Tunes (ASCAP) (adm. by Word Music, LLC)

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
And stepped in and saved the day
Once again, I say Amen, and it is still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear you whisper through the rain
I’m with youAs your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I’ll Praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
You are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I’ve cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will Praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find you

I lift my eyes into the hills
Where does my help come from
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of heaven and earth

YOUTH NEWS APRIL 30, 2006

2006-04-30T17:19:00.000-05:00

TODAY:
5th Sunday Singing @ Southside in Lawrence. Vans leave @ 5:30pm

Tallgrass Jamboree
Sorry it had to be canceled for this weekend, but we are going to reschedule it. Maybe somewhere around late August or September. You’ll know as soon as I know.

T. N. T.
“Tots Need Teens” There is still time for you to sign up for an interview with Kathy. Don’t miss out. Our children really need you. You can be a great influence to them. Reminder: Training day is May 7th (next week), 1:30-5:30pm. Dinner will be provided.

UPCOMING DATES:
May 2-6: Pepperdine Lectures
May 7: T.N.T Training
May 14: Senior Recognition Day
May 21: Hearthstone then Devotional

brett.womble@student.oc.edu
natasha.klutts@sbcglobal.net
http://www.cym-topeka.org
This is our new website! Still a work in progress, but we got it going on now! Any Ideas on what could make it better?

“My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my strength is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.”
1 Samuel 2:1

What we studied in class:
1 Samuel 3- How God called Samuel and listening to his call for our lives.

YOUTH NEWS APRIL23rd, 2006

2006-04-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

TODAY:
LTC Chorus practice 3:30pm. Just Kidding!
LTC Awards will be presented today after worship, along with a choir performance and drama.
6pm—Hearthstone
7:15pm—JH/HS Devotional in Youth House
Ladies: Dessert or Chips/fruit
Gentlemen: Drinks

Tallgrass Jamboree
This weekend, Friday night and Saturday. We will finish by 2pm. Bring your Sleeping bag and tent if you have one. Eat dinner B4 you come. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided. A van will be leaving from the building @ 6pm. If you plan to drive yourself, or your parents are taking you, please be there @ 7pm. Please feel free to ask if you have any other questions.

T. N. T.
“Tots Need Teens” Some dates have changed for this program that will help people’s schedules. You need to get your applications in TODAY and sign up for an interview time ASAP. The training day is May 7th, 1:30-5:30pm. Dinner will be provided.
We care very much about our children in this church family, and we take their education very seriously. I order for them to learn their best, you have to be the best teacher, and that is what this application and training is designed for. The training gets everyone up to the same level to be the best teacher we can be.

Our interns for the summer are Natasha klutts and Brett Womble. Send them an email to let them know how excited you are!
Natasha.klutts@sbcglobal.net ; brett.womble@student.oc.edu

“He has shown you, o man, what is good. And what does the lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your god.”
Micah 6:8

What we studies in class today... 1 Samuel 1 and 2

2006-03-13T20:07:00.000-06:00

A couple of weeks ago I preached my first "offical" Sunday AM sermon for Central. A little rusty I must admit, rough around the edges, but okay. A couple (and I mean two) people have said something to the fact of making it so others could get a hold of it, so here you go: a link to the site.

http://www.cofccentral-topeka.org/files/Robert-Klutts-2-26-06.mp3

Right-click on the link, click "save as..." and choose the destination on your computer to save it to there. Hope you enjoy.

Robert

A Rolling Stone...

2006-02-22T14:07:00.000-06:00

Have you ever wondered why the stone was rolled away from entrance of Jesus' tomb? Okay, just think about it. In John 20:19, the disciples had gathered, behind closed and locked doors, and "Jesus came and stood among them," and again in verse 26, the doors were locked and "Jesus came and stood among them," to show Thomas. Luke 24:30-32, Jesus is eating with two disciples and they did not recognize him. But soon, "their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight." Then in 36 and 37, they were all standing around talking about this, and he appeared to them again, startling them as if they had seen a ghost.

We get the impression that after Jesus' resurrection, he was not limited by physical human boundaries. Doors were closed and locked and that didn't stop him from appearing. Even death couldn't keep a hold of him. Do you think a huge boulder would stop him? I don't. So what would be the purpose for the stone being rolled away? It wasn't for him. It was for us. He didn't need the stone to move to exit. We needed the stone to roll away for us to enter into the tomb.

Who would believe a group of revolutionists, whose leader was killed, going out and professing that he was alive, spoke to them, and then ascended into heaven? Not many would. But others actually entering the place where they had laid the body, seeing the burial clothes there with no body...What more physical evidence do you need? What more did others need?

I ask you to take the time, like the disciples did, to enter into the tomb. See the evidence of his resurrection, know that he lives today, and go tell others. The stone wasn't rolled away for his resurrection, but for his proclamation.

Legacy Pt. II

2006-02-15T13:49:00.000-06:00

“Passion is Contagious!” This was the slogan one year for my soccer team at York College. We practiced, played, and lived under the notion that the things that we are passionate about, we will accomplish and participate in with eagerness. We also believed that this passion and desire would spread to our teammates, fans, friends, teachers, and the other athletes in other sports. (Soccer was the first sport of the school year.) This theme carried us into our next year and the next year’s theme, “Learn It, Love It, Live It.” Because that is what true passion is, learning all about it and staying updated on it, loving it every step of the way, and living it in your life, day in and day out.
Can you identify what Abraham’s passion was? His passion was for the Lord and he made sure that his son knew it. How many of you would kill your only child because God asked? What was David’s passion? It was for the Lord, and as a king he took the responsibility of a nation’s spirituality very seriously. Do you think these men knew that God would come in human form to save the world through their bloodline? When we talk about Abraham and David, we often look at their big mistakes and see how God can still use imperfect people.
Our passions are obvious, they are remembered, and they are very contagious. Our passions leave legacies that have great effects on generations who follow us. We know that Abraham’s passion was not lying, and David’s passion was not adultery and murder. When people look at your life, they will undoubtedly see mistakes…much like we see with our forefathers of the faith. But the question is, will they see a life full of passion learning from mistakes, or will they see a life of passionate mistakes.
David, when confronted with his sin from a man he didn’t really even like, tore his clothes, wept and changed forever. He saw how that sin affected his passion. And he knew the ramifications it would have on him and his family. But long after the punishment was complete, the passion lived on. Don’t let your legacy be tainted by punishments and hardships. Make sure your passion lives on past your penalties.

Youth Class - 1.29.06

2006-01-31T09:29:00.000-06:00

We have been doing a study over Joshua and Judges which is part of the curriculum plan that we have established. (It just so happens to fall at the same time that LTC's theme is Joshua, Judges and Ruth!) We looked in Joshua and how God gave them the land of Canaan and did amazing things for the eyes of the world to see. God gave the Israelites specific instruction to destroy everyone and not to intermarry...but they failed. And so we enter the time of the Judges....Deliverers of Israel. This week we were in Judges 6 and 7, the story of Gideon. We alked about why God has to contnually remind the Israelites of everything He has done for them in the past(6:7-10). We spent quite a bit of time focused on verse 15, " 'But Lord,' Gideon asked, 'how can I save Israel? my clan is the weakest in Manassah, and I am the least in my family.' "
We talked about why Gideon would not be chosen to be a warrior, but why God chose him above all the rest. Then we talked about what would make us feel inadaquate if God asked us to a big job.
We also focused on what Gideon did right after the Angel gave him the charge. Gideon wanted to bring an offering to the Lord. (6:17ff) The angel touched it with his staff, and fire consumed it. Gideon now knew that God was with him, no matter how inadequate he may be.
The question was posed if they ever feel like Gideon, a lowly man charged with a bid task. But the simply truth is that there are people waiting for us, no matter how weak we are, to at least step up and take action to do the right thing.

Updates...

2006-01-25T23:19:00.000-06:00

Well, as you can tell, "updating" is not my strong suit. Unless you consider every three months as strong. Maybe it's the fact that I just don't like change. Okay, now I'm just making excuses. To be honest, all the changes in my life have been really good lately. I'm just praying and hoping in God that the changes that are upcoming and inevitable will be great and for the best. (wow, that's a lot of "and"s). (aaannnndddd, I just combined two sentences that basically say the same thing, in one sentence. Now that is talent!)
Back to the point. To all the parents, who may check up on this blog for what their children are learning in class but now don't because the teacher can't take care of business, check it out now! Updated and everything! To my parents, who I know check it regularly, thanks for the encouraging words to press me towards this update. To Natasha, who doesn't go and check it, but it is emailed to her everytime I do update, I love you and I love your hair cut! You look HOTT! And to Kurt....well...now you keep the encouraging words and save them for the next time I don't update for three months. I couldn't have done it without any of you! (enough with the acceptance speech)
Check back later for class notes. I'm even going to put a personal post up. Something awe inspiring or deep and thoughtful. Carl does a good job at those. Maybe I should just copy one of His and put my name on it! Just don't expect me to be as constant as David. (Not "and Goliath,"...Carriger.) Bye for now.
Oh, and speaking of updates, did you notice the picture! Updated! Thanks Kurt! Although, it doesn't come through too well when it's shrunk. I looks like I have a really big front tooth. And Natasha's Hair has changed. For the better of course. And I love it!

Spiritual Disciplines Pt. 3 - Youth Class 11-06-05

2005-11-15T21:45:00.000-06:00

We had talked about the las week about finding and seeking stillness in our lives, and that it was imperative for us find in order that we increase our intimacy with God. We followed that up this week by looking at the last part of Psalm 46:10-

"Be still an know that he is God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

David is telling us not only that being still is imperative, but that stillness leads to worship. We defined the word 'worship.' 'Worship' actually comes from the 'worthship' meaning, of course, to give something or someone worth. And that is our purpose for our "worship" time with God. We discusssed the importance of truly worshiping, and the benefit that it has on our lives. I am not one to deny the benefits that we encounter from worship experiences. It gives us joy, encouragement, a spark for action, a drive to go aout and do, or the desire to worship more. But at times we don't attent certain worship services or class or praise nights because we just don't get anything from it. It doesn't move us like it used to. I don't feel the same afterward.

How is it that a time of "worthship" to God is not important for us to attend because we don't get anything from it?

The designated and planned times to gather for worship should be focused wholy on giving praise, worth, and thanks to the God of our fathers, the Creator and Sustainer. Any sort of movement, feelings, drive, encouragement or spark that we would obtain is simply an added perk.

".....'Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty' or 'Jesus Christ is risen today. Alleluia.' are hymns that have a focus on God as the subject. They call us by his holiness to awe and draw us by the death and ressurection of Christ to salvation, renewed life, and praise. When God is the subject, our character is formed in responce to his.

"In contrast, focusing in worship on me and my feelings and my praising will nuture a character that is inward-turned, that thinks first of self rather than of God."(Dawn, Marva J., Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down, (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids: 1995), Page 109)

Our one and only focus of worship should be God, praising, singing, exalting and loving through stillness of self-intentions. "Where to eat lunch" will be decided afterward. He will still have a crush on you afterward, and you can tell him that you like him too after God has been praised for giving a heart to love.

So my question is: Do you come to Praise, or to be praised in return?

Legacy Part 1

2005-11-15T14:41:00.000-06:00

My Grandpa(mom's dad) died when I was about 5, I think. I really can't remember exactly how old I was, but I do know that I really don't have any memories with him. For the longest time, all I had was a picture of him and I, sitting on his front porch on a hot summer's day, grandpa with his shirt off and me in my diaper. It has always disappointed me a little that I never really got to know him. But all that changed a couple of years ago.

When my grandma was moving from Kansas City to Oklahoma City, to be closer to us, she ran across a bunch of biblical resources belonging to grandpa. Knowing that I was a bible major, she asked if I wanted them, and I jumped at the chance. When I went to pick up the box and looking through it, I found grandpa's bible. Worn, staind, ripped, cover falling off, you knew that it was old, and used! It became an instant treasure. It wasn't until much later that I found what true value it held.

I would venture to say that most people, including myself, do not use those extra blank pages in either end of your bible. Grandpa used every single one. Sermon notes, references, quotes, poems, things to remember. This is one of those:

"I want to be thoroughly used up when I leave this earth,

For the harder I work, the more I live.

I rejoice in life for its own sake,

Life is no brief candle to me.

It is sort of a splendid torch which I have got a hold of for the moment,

And I want to make it burn as brightly as I can

Before passing it on to the future generations."

I don't know if he wrote it himself or if he got it from someone else. Frankly, I don't care because I know he was speaking from his heart. I may not have had the opportunity to know my grandpa when he was alive, but his heart, his dreams, his beliefs, ideals, feelings, his voice, live on today in the words I read from his bible. His notes that he wrote in bible speak to me today, telling me who he was, and I now know my grandpa. Bcarefulul, because you never know the legacy you are leaving behind you.

Spiritual Disciplines Pt. 2: Youth Class 10-23-05

2005-10-25T17:29:00.000-05:00

What is one of the first things you do when you get in the car? Of course, your seat belt should be number one, check your mirrors, start the car, but then what? If you are like me, or just about anyone else, you mess with the radio. Turn it on, turn it up, turn it down, change the station, find a good one, and on it goes. What happens when you are watching TV and the have some “technical difficulties” and all you see is the station logo? No noise, no music, just a fairly simple screen. The tendency that we all have is that we need to change the channel. The silence is too much to handle. I cannot just sit there, something need to be going on. We have become a culture that is uncomfortable with stillness. But let me tell you this: The attitude of stillness is critical to the quality of your time with God.
Colossians 3:15 says this: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
The notion that Paul is trying to convey is that stillness is an attitude; It is not an arrival point, but a condition of your soul, mind, and heart. And Paul says that it should “rule,” it should be the driving force, the reference point, the main focus. It is an attribute of Christ that Paul sees we need to be mimicking. And it is that same attribute that we have been “called” to. The attitude of stillness can be summarized in two words: silence and peace. You can’t have one without the other. There is no silence without peace, and there is no peace without silence.
Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that He is God; I will be exalted among the heavens, I will be exalted in the earth.”
David is reminding us that in order for quality time with God, stillness is imperative! The Hebrew translation of “be still” literally means “Enough!” or “Stop!” Stillness is not a choice, it is not something to bargain with, it is not a suggestion or a piece of advice. Stillness is a command!
My question is…How much stillness are you offering to God? How much time are you dedicated in where the only sound is your heart beating praises to its creator? How long will you kneel in silence and peace, waiting for the Lord to speak? How long does it until you have had enough and change the channel?

"No Loan for You!" Home Management Pt. 1

2005-10-21T10:18:00.000-05:00

Natasha and I are buying a house. Well, at least we are trying to buy one. You see, we found a very cute, smaller house, but it one of the biggest we have found that fits our price range. And it has two full baths. (Something about Topeka homes, they only like to put in one bathroom.) We haggled and negotiated, and haggled again, just to get the right price, and finally settled on one. Now it is inspection time, while Natasha's father (a loan originator) works for us on our loan situation. The appraisal went through okay, just a few questions on things. Nothing major. The foundational inspector noted some sort of bulge in the wall. Well, the lender (who is kind of, technically, buying the house) didn't like how that sounded. Soooo, no loan. (have you seen the Sienfeld episode where there is the "Soup Nazi" Elaine is holding up the line and he tells her, "No soup for you, come back one year!" Well, that is how I feel. "No loan for you!") The thing of it is, now we have to tear out part of a wall, just so that the guy can see that there is no foundational problem, and a lazy builder didn't make a seam of the sheetrock smooth and level. But the fact is that one tiny little imperfection is keeping us from purchasing a home. The loan company is worried that there is more hidden in there and that it is wouldn't be a good investment.

I love the fact of know that Jesus has already invested a ton into me. He has invested so much that required his blood, sweat, tears, body, soul, mind, strength, heart, love, hope, and prayers. Despite all the many imperfection that he sees in his inspection of me, knowing that they mean more of a disaster behind the wall, he still paid more than enough for me. And you. I don't blame the loan company, they are just making smart financial decisions. But when it comes to the soul, saying "no" is the wrong decision. Jesus said, "I don't care, I want him. I'll pay you triple. Now lets go to work."

I'm Sorry

2005-10-18T22:37:00.000-05:00

Alright, if you are reading this, you know perfectly well that I have not updated this in FOREVER. For that I apologize. The only thing I can say is...Oops. However, if you are reading this now, it shows that you realy do love me, or that you were just that bored that you would check to see if by some chance he updated his blog, even though everytime you look it remains the same as it did a month ans a half ago. For the sake of pride and ego(yours and mine) we will say that it was done out of love and dedication. SO because of that love and determination, I want to thank you. Please know that it will not go unappreciated and unnoticed. Keeplooking, b/c you are about to see many posts to come in the near future. That is a promise. But for now, I must retire. I hope that God is blessing your life tremendously, and that you will find his love every day!

It All Adds Up

2005-08-21T07:17:00.000-05:00

5000+ Jesus fed them (Matt. 14:14-21)
70 Jesus commissioned others to go out in twos in preparatory ministry (Lk. 1o:1-17)
12 Jesus appointed twelve (Mark 3:14)
3 Peter, James and John, appear to be ad hoc inner circle (Matt. 17:1; Mark 5:37; 14:33; and with Andrew, Mark 13:3)
1 Disciple is mentioned on the scene at the cross (John 19:26)

Duffy Robbins, This Way to Youth Ministry: An Introduction to the Adventure (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004), 513
3496, 1207, 541, 65, 23, 10, 4, 3, 2, 1
Which number are you?

Praying for Others

2005-07-01T19:30:00.000-05:00

It has recently come to my attention that there was another congregation that prayed the family here at Central a couple of weeks ago. It was a prayer led by one man, but at the congregational worship... Out loud. Now I take this to be a prayer where a multitude of people were praying the same thing from their hearts, just one person was using their lips.
Now am I offended by this? NO! Do I feel as though this congregation looks poorly upon us? Not in the least! Am I shocked? Yes.(Being shocked can be a good thing.) Honored? Highly! Moved? Absolutely!
What they have done is simply exercised a characteristic that we see in the new testament church. Paul advises and asks many times for the prayers of those whom he has already shared the faith with. He asks for them to pray for the work he continually does. He also thanks them for the prayers they have already given.
In Ephesians 6, Paul is encouraging the church in Ephesus about their struggles, and talks about putting on the full armor of God, to defend ourselves against Satan. After he mention all the characteristics, he sums it all up with this:

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

What does "all the saints" mean? The New Living Translation puts it as, "all Christians everywhere." One commentary I read said that the term "saints" was their term for Christians back then. So what does this mean for us?
There are others out there who are working for the same cause we are, and worshiping the same God we are. They even have the same name on their sign as we do. You may have family in another state that worship the same God, and have "Church of Christ" on their Sunday bulletin. Why is it that we don't pray for them? Not your family, but our family in that state. Or what about God's family in the same town that we live in?
In our prayers, we are to thank God for all things, right? Can't we thank God that we are not alone in our city, county, state, or nation? Paul encourages us to pray for all saints everywhere. Can't we ask God to help our brother continue the good work they are doing?
I challenge you to pray for other congregations, in your town. Not a prayer of "Lord, they need your guidance over at that church. They can't get it right." But a humble prayer of, "Father, thank you for our brother over at _______, for their tireless work in your name. Keep Satan's flaming arrows and scheme's far from them, so that your name might be glorified."

Two Left Feet

2005-06-22T01:53:00.000-05:00

Do you ever feel like you're dancing through life with two left feet? Do you ever feel as though it's a dance recital for a full house on Broadway? That seems to be the case with me lately. One thing after another, little mistakes that I have made, and regret, but seen by the what seems like the whole world. All my fault, but partially accidental that could have been avoided of course. Each one being different, and being handled in different ways, but both have the same public humiliation and embarrassment to come along with it. But it is at the after party that seems to be the best part. The remembering, reminiscing, pointing and laughter(at me expenses of course) has all taught me one thing. NEVER DO IT AGAIN! Okay, two things: It's not about me.
This whole time I thought that I was having to give the show of a lifetime. Having the perfect timing, stepping in the right place, every move so smooth and graceful. So much to remember and so much to stay focused on. In fact, most of the time it becomes so much that one simply forgets that they are dancing. Why am I trying do this? What I have come to realize is that fact that so many people are looking to me to see what kind of performance can I give with two left feet. I become so nervous and concentrated that I forgot to just dance.
If I have so many people looking at me, why should I worry. I don't know about you, but I have never seen a dancer with two left feet. Except for the one that God was working for. Peter and his quick-draw mouth, Nicodemus and his Jewish faith, Paul and his letter of persecution. We all make mistakes, some great and some small. Some job threatening, and other good for a laugh. But I think that the after party of the worst dance show in the world is where that real truth come out. If so many people are look at you, just dance. Let God do the work, so that when they are all looking at you, they see Him, and they applauded an amazing performance of a dancing man with two left feet, not the man.

Don Wulf, A Tribute to the Man

2005-05-02T17:13:00.000-05:00

Natasha's Grandfather in Sturgis, South Dakota passed away this morning. It was something that we have expected for a while, but it still hurts when the time comes. Natasha's last day would have been tomorrow, but she has some great friends/co-workers up at the prison, and they covered her last shifts so she would be able to go up there. She left yesterday. I am sad that I didn't get the opportunity to talk to Don one last time, but I know how he felt about me, and I certainly know how I felt about him. He was a God-fearing man, one that the whole family looked up to. The church in Sturgis will miss him. Don married Mary and became the father to three daughters who were not his own, but he loved as they were, and in time they became his own. They added a fourth daughter to the family, and the rest is history. God has definitely worked through this man, in more ways than one, and to even more people. He is survived by a wife, four daughters, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. The legacy of Don will survive long after him, because the legacy of God's servants always do.
I am reminded of a quote from Harriet Beecher Stowe that says, "The bitterest tears shed over the grave are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone." I truly believe that Don is resting in peace, lounging at the Lord's table, enjoying the fruits of his labor. We should cry tears of mourning, for we know that we will meet again soon. We have said what we needed to say, we have done what we needed to do. And if we haven't, now is the time to do so. Honor the life of Don Wulf by accomplishing that unfinished business for someone else. It what he would have wanted.
We love you Don.

Movin' On

2005-04-27T16:25:00.000-05:00

I haven't kept up with this, but here is the latest scoop.
School this past year was just as it says, school. Busy, I'm glad that it is the last semester. Graduation is on May 7th.
What will I be doing? I'm so glad you asked. I have the opportunity to do God's ministry to the youth of Topeka. Am I qualified? Some seem to think so, but I keep learning everyday. God is very gracious that way. He has been awesome! We were very lucky to be able to find a congregation to call home, Central Church of Christ. We are excited about the opportunity we have, and the new life that we will be starting together.
There is something that I have learned in this whole process though. When Peter and the apostles were in the boat on the sea of Galilee, and the storm rose and they saw Jesus walking on the water, Peter had the faith to step out and walk as well. But he became consumed by his human nature once again, worrying like he did in the boat. But Jesus grabed him, and he began to walk again.
When Natasha and I sent out resumes to many churches, we didn't hear a single reply for about two months, but we still had a complete trust that He would deliver. And He did, as you now know. Our struggle now is that we have less than a month to be in Topeka, and no house. Time is running thin. But once again, I trust God completely. That is when it hit me. Fully trusting God means Always trusting God, not just trusting when things are grim and the waves are crashing. When the waters are calm, we still need the Creator for survival, and the Trust needs to keep on keepin' on.

Here I am

2004-08-19T12:10:00.000-05:00

This is a song that I learned in Japan, from the American missionaries. Yes, it is in English.

Here I am, I don't have much to bring.
But here's my heart, and I lay it at your feet.
Drawing near, your pressence enthroned above.
Hear this prayer of your never ending love.

You are my Lord, you are my King!
This sacrifice of song I bring.
I offer it up to you, my God Most High!
These humble hands I give to you,
In thanks and praise for all you do.
Here I am, hear my heart my God most High.

This is an amazing song of praise, and and amazing prayer. Our God is so great and pwerful, yet he listens to our little prayers and the tiny voices of our hearts.

Japan

2004-08-16T19:05:00.000-05:00

Did you have a good summer? I know I did. But tell me this? Were you a newlywed of one month staying in a room smaller than the jail cells of Alcatraz, with your wife, in bunk-beds. bet you can't beat that.

The food was...okay. The scenery was spectacular. The people were so kind and generous. But seeing God do his thang is something thatI will never forget. I must tell you that there are people inJapan who are now exicted about reading more about Jesus. They are anxious to see how the feeling that they feel now, the feeling that they have never known before, is going to change their life forever. And it will. Please pray that they will not lose thier enthusiasm before they have had a change to learn more of how much Jesus loves them.

One of the hardest thigs that I have have ever had to do is leave the friends that I have seen grow in thier little faith. It was so hard for me to leave them behind with one thing...God. My faith has never grown more in 30 min. than it did that day we left. But I know that he is more than able to take them into his loving arms and protect them from Satan and give them the oppertunities to grow.