The best sermon...

Once again, I learned an easy lesson the hard way. All week long, I have been trying to figure out what I was supposed to preach. I read, I prayed, I pondered, but nothing would come together. I was supposed to kickoff our new series Community 4-1-1 and I had nothing! On Saturday night, I almost decided to preach the text that I had planned for the conclusion/summary week, but I just wasn't settled about it. So, I went to bed and set the alarm for 5am so I could get up and hoepfully have some great revelation to put down on paper. As I climbed out of bed at 6:16am, I realized that I was doomed. I don't work this way. I plan my sermons weeks in advance and write my outlines by the Monday or Tuesday before. I do this so God has all week to "preach" the sermon to me. I seldom have the application of the topic masstered in my own life, but I at least want to give God a chance to begin the molding/shaping process. It also gives me a chance to see it happening around me before preaching about it. (whatever the "it" is that week) Anyway, I climbed into the shower and cried out to God and there it was. It was as if He had been trying to tell me all week long and I hadn't been listening. You see, all week, I had been asking for a sermon that would excite and encourage our church family about joing or leading a LIFE Group, and He had been trying to tell me that I wasn't supposed to preach. Well, sometimes (alot of times) I can be pretty thick headed, but I got it and we had a great time together yesterday. Some of you already know the outcome, but for those who don't, I will explain. Instead of me urging, encouraging, and begging people to try something a little scary or uncomfortable, we asked people who have truly experienced "community" through being in a LIFE Group to share. And they did... I think it was the best sermon on "living in community" that I have ever heard. From all walks of life, ages, and backgrounds they came. It was awesome to hear the difference that sharing life with others can make. One of our core values is "community" and another is "people" and now we see why. It's not that we didn't know already, but it was incredible to hear how much of a difference it makes when people let down their guards, sacrifice of the lives and time, and enter into "community" together. It is almost as if God wanted us to be his "body" or something. My prayer for today is that all people could/will know Jesus personally, but not indiviually. We are better together.
IT'S ABOUT WE, NOT JUST ME!

Cars?

Last night, my family went to see cars at the dollar theater. I was glad for 2 things: 1) Dollar theaters still exist. Well it was really 1.75 a person, but that is still super cheap. I usually wait for movies to come out on dvd because I just can't see paying $8 to go sit in a room and watch a movie with strangers and I can't even hit pause if I need another drink or to go to the bathroom. But, $1.75 is cool. I can deal with it. 2) I am glad that we went to see Cars. I have had so many people tell me that it was a great movie for both kids and adults, and I am a sucker for a good cartoon. But, my girls were gone alot this Summer. Amee was in Europe and Ashley went to Grandma's in Pennsylvania. Then, we all went to camp. Anyway, the movie came and went without us getting to see it in the BIG theater. So, we were super glad to find it in the $ theater.

Okay, I just rambled alot and I haven't gotten to my review. When leaving, Beth and I were discussing how crazy it is that you can become so endeared to a cartoon, cars of all things. Our props go out Disney/Pixar once again for another good movie that captures your heart. But, the main thing I liked about the movie was demonstration of "life change" through discipleship. In case you haven't seen it, I won't spoil it for you. But, the writers of CARS clearly see the benefit of leading by example and discipling people "along the way". I loved the end! I think Jesus said it best in Matthew 20:16, "So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last."

Was that verse about racing? :)

Anyway, this movie is a "must see." If you get a chance, go to the $ theater, but if you don't see it in a theater, rent the dvd. It's worth it!

Friends rock...

Over the last couple of days, I have gotten in touch with several friends from high school. I hadn't heard from some of them for over 20 years. Wow, the memories that come flooding back. Some great ones and some that... we'll just leave some in the past. It's probably better for everyone if we leave some of that stuff marked off as "we were crazy kids" and just leave it at that. It is going to be alot of fun to get to know everyone again.
I also got to have a great conversation with my buddy keith who will be coming home from Iraq very soon. Man, do I love that guy. He shared with me anote that my youngest daughter gave him before he left. In her most heartfelt and tactful way, she wrote, "just don't die." He knows the implications that were in that statement. We love him like family and can't wait for him to get home. Along with the rest of the families and friends with someone serving around the world, we say "Just don't die. And we are praying for you guys as you serve around the world."
Finally, I got an incredibly uplifting email from a good friend this morning. What an encouragement!
I guess what I am trying to say with all of this is: we need to recognize the role we play in each other's lives. Friends matter! We need to be sure to take time to love the people that God puts in our lives. (and to be loved by them as well) If someone comes to your mind today, don't just let the thought go. Give them a call or go see them. You never know the impact it could have. You know it would mean the world to you. (whether you'll admit it or not)

Sooner born...

I was asked today if I ever lived in Oklahoma and I realized that I didn't have anything in my profile about the blood that runs deep in my veins. For the record:
I am Sooner born,
and Sooner bred,
and when I die,
I'll be Sooner dead!
Hopefully that clears up the confusion.
I mean c'mon, the 2nd job I ever had was selling cokes in the OU stadium so I could watch for free. I was 13 years old and I made a good $50 bucks every home game and I got to see some of the best players of all times hit the turf where legends were made.
Now, I am sitting in Colorado and watching my boys struggle against Washington of all teams. Well, at least it's not St. Mary's schhool for the blind, but close. It was sad that Bomar had to get caught taking money. The Alumni Assoc. strikes again. Well, the name Sooner is derived from cheating anyway isn't it. Just kidding, not about the name, but that I would endorse cheating. I think it's rotten. Especially when it messes up chances of doing well. I huess that is enough ranting. I'm going to watch the rest of the game now.
By the way, who wanted to know about Oklahoma anyway. :)

Back in action...

Well, after many months of not posting here, I am back. I have been lazy for the most part, but I have tried other blog type websites (ie.-myspace, etc...) and I'm back for several reasons. The main reason is that I dynamically route this into our church website and then I don't have to teach people new ways to find out what's on my mind.

I was something to go back over my last post here and find that it was about my good buddy Keith who is in Iraq. He was just leaving and now he is only a week away from returning from his first tour of duty. Man, do we ever miss him! It will be great to have him back and hopefully (prayerfully) he won't be sent out again or at least not anytime in the near future.

Good to be back,
Jonas