Fortune Cookies

Is Sending Flowers Evangelistic?

2012-01-20T17:34:00.001-05:00

It could be if you purchase your Valentines Day flowers here. Thanks to the good folks at In Bloom Flowers and Gifts (click here for more info), 10% of every dozen roses ordered / delivered on Valentines Day 2012 will be donated to the recipient of our Valentines for Toledo benefit concert - SAIL (School for Autistically Impaired Learners). BIG thanks and WTG for pleasing your sweet heart AND helping autistic kids in Toledo continue to receive the personalized education they need. Here's In Bloom's address: 203 Conant Street, Maumee OH 43537

Valentines for Toledo?

2012-01-20T16:32:00.004-05:00

On Saturday evening February 18, 2012 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm, YOU and a guest (or guests!!!) are cordially invited to attend the Valentines for Toledo benefit concert featuring local Toledo singer Sheri LaFontaine.

Admission is free but 100% of the LOVE offering collected during intermission will be given to SAIL (School for Autistically Impaired Learners. Click here to learn more about them). David Putano, music therapist who works at SAIL, will introduce us to some students from SAIL in addition to Dr. Marion Boss the Executive Director.

Save 90 minutes to warm your heart and touch some one else's in Jesus' name this Valentines Day weekend. It just might be the sweetest thing you do!!! Reception to follow. You do NOT have to be a member of Toledo First Church to participate. Click here for map and directions.

Love HIV Orphans Like Crazy?

2012-01-20T15:19:00.000-05:00

"Michou, a fragile-looking 17 year old girl found our makeshift clinic in Fond Paul village, several miles away from Eden Garden. She presented herself for treatment to nurse Elizabeth who sadly determined that there was not much we could do for Michou except make her more comfortable, ease her pain and rehydrate her. Unfortunately, Michou was suffering from end-stage H.I.V., and told Elizabeth that her parents and family had abandoned her. From the unmistakable look of pain and desperation in her face and eyes, it was clear to us that Michou was enduring the last days of her disease alone and in the worst environment."

"Elizabeth began an IV line of re-hydration fluids, and a mattress was laid on the floor for her where she was cared for. She was given water, and when she could eat, some nuts and a granola bar.""At the end of the day, Elizabeth determined that she did not want Michou to go home by herself because she was so weak. So Charles, nurse Erin, interpreter TiTi, and Arden volunteered to walk her to her village up the mountain a mile or so away. And although Charles and Arden walked on each side of her, Michou stumbled and fell hard on the ground, scratching her elbows and knees. She sobbed quietly on the ground, tears flowing, as she could not get up.""Charles and Arden helped her up and took turns carrying Michou home. Sensing that she was a burden on Charles and Arden (whose huffing and puffing indicated that they were struggling with the uphill walk), Michou whispered that she would try to walk. They got to her village, found her two room home, and placed her on a mat. After praying with her, they left her bottles of water and protein bars, and later sent some supplies for her wounds and skin with another person. Michou was silent, and could not even wave goodbye. Her eyes were full of sadness."

"On Saturday afternoon, a group led by Elizabeth, and including Glenn, Sean, Kurt, Stacey, Ron and Arden decided to visit Michou at her home to give her more supplies and food. Unfortunately, Michou was not there, so they left the supplies with her family, who we couldn't even be sure that they would give them to Michou. Shortly after our group got back to Eden Garden, they were surprised to see Michou and her sister who walked at least three miles in the hot sun to Eden Garden to see us. They heard that we had visited Michou’s home. Michou told her sister that she knew “the Americans would never leave her.” After some refreshments, we were able to put take her home with a bag of medicines, clothes, towels, water, food and some money. When we said goodbye, Michou hugged and kissed Arden on the cheek, as did her sister. We saw a smile on her face for the first time. And this time, she was able to wave goodbye." The following true story took place in Haiti January 2012 (click here for more info) and reminded me that God loves HIV orphans like crazy!!! Do we?

Who Can We Learn From?

2012-01-20T15:01:00.001-05:00

Barry Black, chaplain of the US Senate, and Wintley Phipps, founder of Dream Academy, tell stories of who they have learned from. Worth 45 minutes of your time. Enjoy!!!

Joe Gibbs Second?

2012-01-08T07:55:00.001-05:00

Joe Gibbs was the coach of the Washington Redskins. His autobiography Fourth And One is great. Enjoy!!!

Save the Dates?

2012-01-04T16:42:00.002-05:00

January 14 @ 7pm - Film Fest "Earthlings"
January 17 @ 6:30pm - Internet Safety Class for Community
January 21 @ 7:00pm - Guys Night Out: Professional Bull Riding @ Huntington
February 4 @ 6:30pm - International Food Fest
February 5 @ 6pm - Souper Bowl of Caring
February 11 @ 7pm - Film Fest "The Adventists"
February 18 @ 7pm - Valentines for Toledo Concert benefiting S.A.I.L. (School for Autistic Impaired Learners)
March 3 @ 7pm - Talent Show
March 10 @ 7pm - Film Fest with Toledo Junior Academy "Dolphin Tale"
March 11 and 18 from 1-5pm - Haven of Hope Service Project
March 25 - Scrapbooking Class for Community
April 1 - Ohio Ministry University
April 7-8 Baptisms / Easter
April 13-15 - Music Festival and Academy Days
May 19-20 - Men's Retreat
June 9-10 - Rev It Up Biker Camp Meeting
June 10-16 - Truth Is Jesus! Camp Meeting
July 15, 22, and 29 from 1-5pm - Haven of Hope Service Project

Click here to import dates into iCal

Click here to import dates to other applications

Wanna Throw A Souper Bowl Party?

2012-01-04T16:16:00.002-05:00

Here's how to throw a Souper Bowl Party that helps your church tackle hunger in the community.

Build or buy a small Souper Bowl trophy to give to your child / grandchild / student who collects the most cans between now and the big game FEB 5, 2012 @ 6pm
Encourage people to fast from fast food or from going out to eat for a month and donate the cost of what they would have spent instead
Create a Souper Bowl of Caring cheer or song or rap to share in church or post online
Pass giant soup bowls or real football helmets during church to collect additional offerings
Write, perform, and upload a skit about hunger or the least of these
Collect hunger stats from www.feedingamerica.org and post them in bulletins and newsletters with links and invites to your Souper Bowl party
Invite and bring homeless people or the elderly to your Souper Bowl of Caring party
Wear your fave team's jersey
Watch the game together and celebrate your Souper Bowl of Caring results @ Halftime
For more ideas, to register your group and get free stuff to advertise go to www.souperbowl.org

Souper Caring?

2012-01-04T13:07:00.002-05:00

Did you know 207,700 Ohioans go to bed hungry and 35% of them are children under 18? Did you know 1 out of 10 of them are under 5? And that 8% of them are seniors 65 years or older that must often choose between eating and paying their rent or mortgage? (for more info, see www.feedingamerica.org) Obviously, hunger does not age discriminate.

After the holidays, the generous donations of the season have been used for those who needed help during that time. But, the need for nutritious food is a continuing struggle. So this new year we are partnering with the Toledo Northwest Ohio Food Bank by collecting canned goods (especially the urgently needed items below). You can bring them each week to church where we will again be hosting the live Super Bowl football game FEB 5, 2012 @ 6pm. Free pizza, drinks, and snacks provided with donated dollars or items below.

Let's continue to be Souper Caring in 2012 since Jesus said, "Whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 25:40. Here are the Urgently Needed Food Items: Peanut ButterCerealSaltine Crackers100% JuicesApple Sauce, Peaches, Pears, Fruit CocktailMacaroni and Cheese, Ramen Noodles and Other Dry Pasta Dried BeansSpaghetti Sauce, Tomato Sauce, RavioliCanned Beef or Chicken, Tuna FishStews and Soups, Green Beans, Corn, Peas and Other Canned Vegetables. Please no perishables, frozen foods, glass jars or baby food.

Power of Music?

2012-01-04T08:17:00.001-05:00

Generations of people in the church fight about it. It's nice to see in this video music that stops the fighting. Literally. Enjoy!!!
The Power of Music from Life File Videos on Vimeo.

A New Year Beginning?

2012-01-02T14:20:00.001-05:00

I like this new year's vid. Enjoy!!!

Love Muggers Like Crazy?

2011-12-08T07:11:00.001-05:00

Julio Diaz has a daily routine. Every night, the 31-year-old social worker ends his hour-long subway commute to the Bronx one stop early, just so he can eat at his favorite diner. But one night, as Diaz stepped off the No. 6 train and onto a nearly empty platform, his evening took an unexpected turn. He was walking toward the stairs when a teenage boy approached and pulled out a knife. "He wants my money, so I just gave him my wallet and told him, 'Here you go,'" Diaz says. As the teen began to walk away, Diaz told him, "Hey, wait a minute. You forgot something. If you're going to be robbing people for the rest of the night, you might as well take my coat to keep you warm."

The would-be robber looked at his would-be victim, "like what's going on here?" Diaz says. "He asked me, 'Why are you doing this?'" Diaz replied: "If you're willing to risk your freedom for a few dollars, then I guess you must really need the money. I mean, all I wanted to do was get dinner and if you really want to join me ... hey, you're more than welcome. "You know, I just felt maybe he really needs help," Diaz says.Diaz says he and the teen went into the diner and sat in a booth. "The manager comes by, the dishwashers come by, the waiters come by to say hi," Diaz says. "The kid was like, 'You know everybody here. Do you own this place?'" "No, I just eat here a lot," Diaz says he told the teen. "He says, 'But you're even nice to the dishwasher.'" Diaz replied, "Well, haven't you been taught you should be nice to everybody?" "Yea, but I didn't think people actually behaved that way," the teen said.Diaz asked him what he wanted out of life. "He just had almost a sad face," Diaz says. The teen couldn't answer Diaz — or he didn't want to.

When the bill arrived, Diaz told the teen, "Look, I guess you're going to have to pay for this bill 'cause you have my money and I can't pay for this. So if you give me my wallet back, I'll gladly treat you." The teen "didn't even think about it" and returned the wallet, Diaz says. "I gave him $20 ... I figure maybe it'll help him. I don't know."Diaz says he asked for something in return — the teen's knife — "and he gave it to me." Afterward, when Diaz told his mother what happened, she said, "You're the type of kid that if someone asked you for the time, you gave them your watch." "I figure, you know, if you treat people right, you can only hope that they treat you right. It's as simple as it gets in this complicated world."Produced for Morning Edition by Michael Garofalo March 28, 2008. Click here to listen to his story.
Photo courtesy StoryCorps

Merry Christmas Card Quiz 2011?

2011-12-01T15:27:00.001-05:00

1. Which actually happened?

A. Both Joshua and Lydia both went to summer camp for the first time alone

B. Joshua brushed his teeth every day

C. Joshua rode his Ripstik down a huge hill and didn’t break anything

D. Both A and C

2. What did Mike’s church do this year to show people that God loves them like crazy?

A. Raised money for The Daughter Project helping victims of sexual trafficking in NW Ohio

B. Hosted Valentines for Haiti concert benefiting earthquake victims

C. Nothing

D. Both A and B

3. What did Mike do in 2011?

A. Talked about social media at a Media Summit in California for pastors

B. Prayed for two hours with thousands of people @ Brooklyn Tabernacle in NYC

C. Helped a team of pastors organize a week long Camp Meeting in Ohio

D. All of the above

4. What does Jackie like about her family?

A. That the kids are old enough to help out around the house
B. That the kids are growing up
C. That Barkley never grows up
D. Both A and C

5. What was Joshua and Lydia’s favorite movie?

A. Earthlings

B. Call + Response

C. The Conscientious Objector

D. Despicable Me

6. Joshua [age 12] loves:

A. Hexbugs

B. Guitar Lessons

C. K12 Home School

D. All of the above

7. Lydia [age 9½] loves:

A. Gymnastics class

B. Kids choir @ church

C. Morning worship @ breakfast table with dad

D. All of the above

8. Jackie...

A. Dabbled in working full time for six months

B. Could NOT believe Mike learned to cook this year

C. Loves bargain hunting with Lydia

D. All of the above

9. Mike’s favorite books read include:

A. All Is Grace by Brennan Manning

B. Leadership Is Dead by Jeremie Kubicek

C. The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists by Eleanor D. Payson

D. All of the above

10. What else did Mike’s church do?

A. Hosted a Reading Revelation book club

B. Streams online and archives all of their services @www.tfsda.org

C. Picnicked with Purpose giving away Lemonade in the summer and hot Apple Cider in the fall

D. All of the above

➘ Answers: They're all D!!!

>7 Fortunate—Bam!!!

>5 Unfortunate—Serenity now!!!

>3 A misfortune—You’re fired!!!

Please keep in contact!!!

facebook: mike4tune

iTunes: Toledo First

twitter: @mike4tune

website: tfsda.org

How Hungry?

2011-12-01T10:49:00.001-05:00

How hungry are we for the Advent or coming of God and His word? The Kimyal Tribe live in the Eastern Highlands of West Papua, Indonesia are VERY hungry!!! They are sustenance farmers who were untouched by the outside world until missionaries Phil & Phyliss Masters brought the Gospel to their area in 1963. Phil Masters was martyred in 1968 when he and fellow missionary Stan Dale were killed and cannibalized by the Yale tribe (click here for more info). But the missionaries that came after have been witnesses to the Kimyals' love and desire for the Word of God.

It reminded me of some verses in Isaiah 40 which says, "Listen! It's the voice of someone shouting, 'Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD! The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.' Shout, and do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah, 'Your God is coming!' He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young." Enjoy!!!

In Her Shoes?

2011-11-27T09:28:00.001-05:00

Isaiah 9:6 says, "Unto us a child is born..." And because Jesus came and lived and died, that makes every child precious. Especially the millions of women and girls being trafficked as slaves in the sex industry around the world. That's why every week in December, at Toledo First Church we're collecting a second offering to benefit The Daughter Project (click here for more info) which is a local non-profit organization dedicated to helping girls recover from the trauma of human sex trafficking and preventing the trafficking of girls in Toledo. They believe God is outraged not only by those who enslave others but also by those who are able but unwilling to help the victims. Will you join us in helping them? What would happen if we gave these children as much for Christmas as we are spending on our our own? Watch this sobering video below if you're not sure yet.

Unto This Child As Well?

2011-11-27T08:51:00.001-05:00

Did you know that according to the United Nations, 25 million people are being trafficked today? It is the 2nd most profitable activity in the world for organized crime. The FBI says 15k people are trafficked into the USA every year. Nearly 2k of our own Ohio youth are enslaved by sex traffickers last year making Toledo, Ohio number one per capita and number four nationwide for sex trafficking!!!

To combat this evil, we're going to have guest speakers adding to my Advent remarks each week. Rep.Teresa Fedor will be here next from Columbus. She's a politician using her voice and influence to stop trafficking. Sister Sandy from S.T.O.P. will be next followed by Jeff Wilbarger from The Daughter Project (click here for more info) the third week. Though we are still behind in our 2011 local church budget needs, we will unashamedly be collecting an additional offering each week to help this organization help more children. Their goal is to build and operate a recovery home for adolescent girls who have been rescued by law enforcement agents.

100% of monies payable to Toledo First marked The Daughter Project on the memo line will be donated (click here for mailing address). Thanks for considering spending AS MUCH on these kids this Christmas as you do on your own kids or grandkids. Below is thought provoking music video. Selah!!!

What's Love Look Like in Public?

2011-11-27T08:19:00.001-05:00

"Never forget justice is what love looks like in public" - Cornell West.

A Song About Child Trafficking?

2011-11-27T07:58:00.001-05:00

This song isn't originally about the trafficking of children. But the slide show is. Selah (which mean pause and calmly think about)

Is A Better Day Coming?

2011-11-24T08:06:00.001-05:00

Love this vid from ShareFaith. Enjoy!!!

Psalm 100?

2011-11-24T07:42:00.001-05:00

Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people. Enter his gates with thanksgiving. Go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. - Psalm 100:3-4 (NLT) Graphics from ShareFaith. Get your own subscription here.

Giving Thanks and Trusting Jesus?

2011-11-22T17:45:00.001-05:00

I hope YOU can join me this Saturday, November 26, @ Toledo First Church @ 11am (click here for map and directions or go to www.tfsda.org to watch online) for a very special service based on giving thanks and trusting in Jesus. This service will be participatory and involve many prayers, testimonies and songs of faith and trust. Specifically, we will be praying for Jim and Anna, Emmett and Eniko, Burg and Lu and others who are facing life-defining challenges.

But it won't be the same without you!!!So as Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) says, "6Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

Please help me spread the word by inviting your friends and family since what they experience may help them think about prayers of request, prayers in general, and our trust in Jesus in new ways. May you and your families experience an abundant measure of joy and peace and renewed faith and trust in Jesus this holiday season!!!

Must War Heroes Carry Guns?

2011-11-10T21:20:00.000-05:00

Desmond T. Doss didn't think so. The Conscientious Objector is a multiple award-winning documentary which tells the incredible true story of a World War II hero who never once touched a firearm. It is an inspiring and life-affirming account of a peaceful man whose religious beliefs spurred him to renounce all weapons and, in the process, allowed for him to save countless lives as a medic on the front lines. Eventually, his heroism led to being a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor.

YOU are invited to our first installment of Film Fest Saturday night November 19 @ 7pm. Click here for a map and directions. Feel free to bring some popcorn, chips, or drink to share and stay for the discussion afterward.

But Now I'm Found?

2011-10-12T08:11:00.000-04:00

Love this vid. Enjoy!!!

What Are You Missing?

2011-09-28T16:58:00.003-04:00

On a cold January morning in 2007, at a Washington DC Metro Station, one of the greatest musicians in the world played six Bach pieces on a violin worth $3.5 million dollars for about an hour. One of the pieces he played is one of the most intricate pieces of music ever written (for more on this story, click here to read the Washington Post article).

While he played, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.About 4 minutes later, the violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk. At 6 minutes, a young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again. At 10 minutes, a 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent without exception forced their children to move on quickly. Bell collected a total of $32 for music he played, but two nights before he played the same set of music to a sold out crowd in Boston each paying about $100/ seat. After 1 hour, he finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.

His incognito concert in DC was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. This experiment raised several questions one of which must be: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made, how many other things are we missing as we rush through life?

Have You Seen Graceroots?

2011-09-28T07:18:00.000-04:00

Graceroots Movement is an online community of believers who think that the church is more body than building. Like the apostle Paul in Acts 20:24 (NLT) who said, "My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God", they believe there is no message more important or necessary in today’s world than grace. No “church clothes,” offering collection or evangelistic prophecy series here. Just GRACE. A grace that reminds us that we are free, important to the mission of Jesus Christ and empowered to continue to share the message with others through personal ministry and volunteerism.

This site is a source for personal articles and blog posts written by young adult authors and speakers, recorded sermons and services from young adult churches across America, music samples from quality Christian artists, video illustrations and messages on applicable topics. They also provide news updates on young adult ministries and service opportunities available across the nation. I'm delighted to periodically contribute content to this new venture. If you love Fortune Cookies, you'll love Graceroots!!! Help me spread the word. Check out Graceroots (click pic for more) and subscribe (by clicking here) today!!!

Are Christians Crazy For Filtering the Internet?

2011-09-27T20:37:00.000-04:00

Did you know 9 of 10 kids aged 8-16 have viewed pornography on the Internet, often in the process of doing homework? Did you know 70 percent of all 15-17 year-olds who have ever gone online have "accidentally stumbled" across pornography online and that 23 percent stumble upon it "very" or "somewhat" often? Did you know that 1 in 5 children ages 10-17 have received a sexual solicitation over the Internet? Houston, we have a problem!!! (click here for sources)

But thanks to the good folks at Blue Coat, adults have a very simple but incredibly powerful solution called K9 Web Protection (click pics for more info). When you have it turned on, it blocks any computer user from viewing Web sites that contain unwanted content from more than 60 different categories of content, including pornography, hate/racism/violence, gambling and malware/spyware. Blue Coat Systems has been very successful selling a version of this Web Protection software to 81% of the Fortune® Global 500 companies and other large corporations so their employees actually work at work.

But when they became successful, and were looking for ways to give back to the community, they realized the best thing they could do is simply offer a free version of their Web filtering service for home users. So they did. And it is AWESOME!!! 2,788,906 home users use it every day including me.

The reasons they are awesome (aside from being FREE!!!) is that K9 will run on any Windows or Mac computer no matter what Internet Service Provider delivers your Internet connection and also works with whatever Internet browser you choose (Firefox, Safari, Chrome, Explorer). It's commercial-grade filtering technology and central database doesn't have to be "trained" to teach it which kinds of Web sites you want to block. It starts working as soon as you sign up, download, and type in the password they email you.They also have free versions of their software available for most mobile devices (search K9 in the app store). I HIGHLY RECOMMEND K9 Web Protection for use on all your computers and mobile devices. Please use it and tell all your family and friends about Blue Coat and K9 Web Protection. It is the least we can do to thank an incredible company and protect our kids and even our own eyes from stuff we cannot "unsee." You'd be crazy not to!!!

Who Will We Thank This Year?

2011-09-26T19:26:00.003-04:00

For the past four years, around Thanksgiving, our church has taken time during worship to recognize the dedicated volunteers that work behind the scenes in our church (sometimes for years without being thanked!!!) for Jesus' sake. This year, on November 19, 2011 we will be hosting the 5th Annual Little Minnow Awards and we are again accepting your nominations in the church office. In previous years, categories we've thanked include long-time 50 year members and "pillars" of our church in addition to Sabbath School teachers and Deacons and most recently church treasurers.

Who will we thank God for this year? Plan to be in church November 19 to find out! And feel free to submit your Little Minnow Award nominations between now and November 12 to the church office. Romans 12:8-9 (NLT) says, "If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."

Can The Best Pastors Be Women?

2011-09-26T17:26:00.000-04:00

Pastor Rebekah Liu is a seminary student pursuing a Ph.D. in New Testament Studies specializing in the Book of Revelation at Andrews University. She was raised in a staunchly communist family and community but was converted at 17, baptized at 18, and at 19 began preaching and doing other pastoral ministry in house churches.

Since becoming Christians, she and her mother and brother have raised up 400 home churches that now has 10k members led by four pastors three of whom are women.She currently pastors the Chinese congregation at Andrews University and will be speaking in Dayton, Ohio on October 22 during Acts 2011 — a convocation of Ohio Adventists celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the book Acts of the Apostles.

I’m looking forward to attending this gathering and I’m hoping with enough notice, some of you will join me and come hear her story with me. She is living proof that women can become the best pastors and prophetic voices in the Adventist Church and our world today just like the prophet Joel predicted (cf. Joel 2:28-29). Go to ohioadventist.org to register by OCT 14 for the free meal provided or see Pastor Mike for car pooling info.

Reflecting and Remembering?

2011-09-11T09:46:00.001-04:00

The 9/11 Pentagon Memorial is designed so that the nation may remember and reflect on the events that occurred on September 11, 2001.

Guided tours of the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial are not offered.

The memorial is meant to be experienced on a more personal level.

Skate or Die?

2011-09-05T12:39:00.000-04:00

D.C. skateboarding legend Darren Harper overcame a life full of obstacles. He used skateboarding as a way to refocus his life, which had spiraled into drugs and crime. Click here to read the entire September 4, 2011 WaPo article by Dave Sheinin. Enjoy!!!(Video courtesy B.J. Koubaroulis and Dave Sheinin, Photos courtesy Eli Sinkus)

Think of Your Creator?

2011-09-05T08:41:00.001-04:00

Theo Jansen lives in Holland and for over 20 years has been creating beach creatures made from PVC pipes that draw their energy from the wind. Doing so has given him a greater appreciation of our Creator when Jesus created all the real animals (cf. Hebrews 1:2). And it has helped him reflect on what he wants to leave as his legacy. Enjoy!!! Then ask yourself: What makes you think of your Creator? What will you leave behind that will help others think about Jesus?

Blown Away?

2011-09-04T18:16:00.000-04:00

Last week five year old Jane braved the winds and the rain falling from Hurricane Irene even in Doylestown, PA to record these adorable and simultaneously informative weather reports. They reminded me that Jesus said storms like these would increase in severity and frequency like a woman in labor (Matthew 24:8). Which for many of us in Irene's path is bad!

But Jesus also said in the same chapter (Matthew 24:14) that after that, the Gospel would go to the whole world and then the end would come. So as my friend Samir says, "If it's not good, it's not the end!" In the meantime, Jesus promises to sustain us throughout the storms of our lives. Hebrews 1:2,4 (NLT) says, "And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. He sustains everything by the mighty power of his command." Why? I think it's because He loves us like crazy, wants us to "take care”, and not be “blown away.” Thanks Jane!!!

Lover or Prostitute?

2011-09-04T17:24:00.001-04:00

David Ryser in a brilliant one page article entitled "Lover or Prostitute?" (click pic and scroll to page 4 of PDF to read article in its entirety) recalls a quote from Sam Pascoe that goes something like this: "Christianity started in Palestine as a fellowship; it moved to Greece and became a philosophy; it moved to Italy and became an institution; it moved to Europe and became a culture; it came to America and became a business.” But isn't the church supposed to be a body (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:27)? And if a body becomes a business, isn't that a prostitute? What's the difference between a lover and a prostitute? They do many of the same things, but a lover does what she does because she loves. A prostitute pretends to love, but only as long as you pay.

What would happen if God stopped paying you? What would happen if He stopped blessing you? What if He never did another thing for you? Would you still love Him like crazy? Why do you serve Him? Are His blessings in your life the gifts of a loving Father, or are they a wage that you have earned or a bribe/payment to love Him? What's it going to be? Lover or prostitute? Click this vid below to see what the latter looks like in worship.

Epicenter of Creativity?

2011-09-04T17:22:00.002-04:00

Hebrews 1:2 (NLT) tells us Jesus was in Genesis. "Through the Son He created the universe." So rightly understood, Jesus has always been the source of creativity. And long ago, His followers embraced creativity. Churches were epicenters of cultural and artistic creativity. Think about all the famous art in the middle centuries. Who commissioned and paid for its creation? The church! Who pioneered new technologies to get God’s word and subsequently all words into print? The Gutenberg Bible! And who made an award winning Doritos commercial for the Super Bowl? A pastor named Erwin McManus and a team of Christians in California (click pic to read all about it). Enjoy!!! And ask yourself, how can churches become epicenters of cultural and artistic creativity once again?

A Modern Day Lydia?

2011-08-25T10:30:00.005-04:00

A birthday safari in Africa changed Kim's life forever. She saw hundreds of little girls in old and tattered clothes. So, when she returned to her suburban Detroit home, even though she couldn't sew, she decided to sew 1,000 dresses for them!!! Her idea spread and just three years later a hundred thousand dresses poured in. Now like a modern day Lydia (Acts 16), preparing the finest purple clothes for royalty (and dresses of all other colors), she sends clothes all over the world for children of the King of Kings!!! Amen?!!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

In The Key Of Genius?

2011-08-24T20:28:00.009-04:00

Derek Paravicini, now in his late twenties, was born premature at 25 weeks and as a result of the oxygen therapy required to save his life, lost his sight. His development was affected too. It later became apparent that he had severe learning difficulties. However, he soon acquired a fascination for music and sound, and, by the age of four, had taught himself to play a large number of melodic and complex pieces on the piano. With no visual models to guide him, his technique was chaotic, and even his elbows would frequently be pressed into service, as he strove to reach intervals beyond the span of his tiny hands until serendipitously he received some training from a gifted piano teacher.

Derek's talent, love of music, and - above all - the ability to communicate through sound means he will continue to thrill audiences for years to come in the UK and abroad. Click the pics to read more about him on his website and in his new book In The Key Of Genius. When I watched the 2 minute clip below, it reminded me of the Beautiful Things lyrics from Gungor. Enjoy both short vids below!!!

Could all that is lost ever be found? / Could a garden come up from this ground? / All around hope is springing up / Out of chaos life is being found / You make beautiful things out of the dust / You make beautiful things out of us

Are Tatoos Taboo?

2011-08-24T20:16:00.007-04:00

There's only one verse in the Bible that talks about tatoos (Leviticus 19:28). And most Christians think it does so negatively. But why don't the same folks say the same things about prohibiting hair cuts or facial hair? (which are the prohibitions of the verse right before). Take a look at this interesting 10 minute take on tatoos by Aussie believer Mark Brown. And click his tatoo pic for more. What if some tatoos are not taboo?

Crazier Next Year?

2011-08-23T15:47:00.012-04:00

For the last few years, the Toledo First Church has hosted an annual car show. Regardless of weather, this ordinary outreach with really cool cars (click here to see some), fresh squeezed lemonade, and live 50's and 60's tunes has consistently delivered smiles galore and resulted in priceless friendships being developed in our community. Money from its proceeds were raised to comfort kids with cancer and even more was added to a fund to build a gymnasium for Toledo Junior Academy (a K-8 Christian elementary school) and James Meade Learning Center (an infant to preschool Christian daycare).

Though we will not be hosting a 2011 Car Show due to scheduling difficulties, plan for a 2012 return that's even bigger and better than ever. Stay tuned to www.kidzcrazycarshow.org for more info.

The Porcelain Unicorn?

2011-08-19T16:35:00.010-04:00

Philips and the renowned director/producer, Ridley Scott, recently launched a global filmmaker competition dubbed the: “Tell It Your Way” Film Making Contest. The entrants were given total freedom of expression but could only use six lines of dialogue and no more than three minutes of film. The grand prize winner was entitled The Porcelain Unicorn. Click the triangular play button below to see why it won!!!

Doesn't God Love Hetero and Homosexuals Like Crazy?

2011-08-19T10:42:00.008-04:00

Tim Keller, author of The Prodigal God, thinks so. If you have 15 minutes to listen to his thought provoking interview from Columbia University, please do. His conclusions remind me of the Old Testament prophet Ezekiel's who said Sodom's sins had more to do with not loving like crazy than sexual promiscuity. Ezekiel 16:49, "Sodom's sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door. She was proud and committed detestable sins, so I wiped her out, as you have seen." Doesn't God love hetero and homosexuals like crazy?

The Born Supremacy?

2011-08-18T11:06:00.017-04:00

In the first century AD, Christians suffered insults and persecution but stood side by side with those imprisoned for their faith (Hebrews 10:32,34). But as time went by, they grew weary and drifted away (Hebrews 2:1) and began to neglect their faith (Hebrews 2:2). Sin's deceitfulness began to harden their hearts (Hebrews 3:13-16) and they failed to grow spiritually (Hebrews 5:11-14). They gradually quit gathering for church (Hebrews 10:25) and some may have even publicly renounced Jesus (cf. Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:26-31; 12:15-17). Does anyone else recognize the similarities between those Christians back then and those today? No wonder the author of the book of Hebrews called the sermon he wrote a "work of exhortation" (Hebrews 13:22)!!!

Toledo First Church voted on what book of the Bible they wanted me to sermonize from next so our back-to-school sermon series, based on the New Testament book of Hebrews, is called The Born Supremacy. To many Christians, this book remains a mystery because its language of priests and sacrifices confuses them. But if we begin at the beginning and let the Word speak to us in its terms not ours, we can grasp its meaning. If the tired Christians in the first century who caught a glimpse of the supremacy of Jesus were renewed, revived, and invigorated after reading this letter about who Jesus is, what He accomplished on the cross, and what He is doing as our heavenly high priest, you can be too!!! Plan to bring a friend and join us Saturdays starting September 3 @ 11am!!! Click here for map and directions. You do NOT have to be a member of Toledo First Church to participate.

All Is Grace?

2011-08-08T15:38:00.004-04:00

How do I know God loves us like crazy? Brennan told me. I'm SO glad I got to hear him live in Cleveland a few years ago. He had a serious fall recently,and is still alive but not able to speak much anymore. If you haven't read The Ragamuffin Gospel yet, you and your kids and your grandkids and pretty much everyone you care about should. I'm going to get his memoir All Is Grace (click below to read more about it). Acts 20:32 (NLT) says, "And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself."

Ten Years Later?

2011-08-07T07:38:00.006-04:00

On September 11, 2001, New Yorkers witnessed their fellow Americans' inspirational potential for generosity and sacrifice as aid from across the nation flowed into the city. The documentary New York Says Thank You follows the participants of this landmark public service initiative as they commemorate the anniversary of 9/11 each year by rebuilding homes, hospitals, schools, and churches destroyed by disaster. In the process they share stories of survival and hope, and bring a patriotic message of gratitude and solidarity to survivors of tragedy nationwide. Remember!!!

Got A Big But?

2011-08-06T18:20:00.006-04:00

The Veracity Project equips the Christian church to contend for the faith with high impact media. This is one of my faves. Enjoy!!!

Buy your own copy here: http://www.theveracityproject.com/store/index.php/films/big-but.html

Shall We Shape Culture?

2011-08-02T09:55:00.007-04:00

I am SO looking forward to hearing Gabe Lyons at the 7th Annual Conference on Innovation taking place in Columbus, Ohio OCT 2-4, 2011 (click above for more info). This 36 year old author of the 2007 book I previously reviewed and recommended on Fortune Cookies called unChristian has written another called The Next Christians (click vid below for a preview).

In it, Lyons stresses the activation of a network of "restorers who will work with anyone to see goodness go forward in the world and evil pressed back." These "next Christians," as Lyons calls them in the title of his 2010 book, "are socially conscious, grounded in their gospel commitment, and optimistic that when their faith is practiced according to the ways of Jesus, it is complementary to cultural reforms that value all human beings, all human flourishing, and all spiritual traditions." Read the entire recent USA Today article here. And don't forget, early bird $99 registration for the Conference on Innovation ends AUG 11, 2011 so if you want to go OCT 2-4 as part of my group, consider this your personal invitation and let me know before then!!! (You'll need to get there or carpool with me from Toledo and share/pay half the hotel room with someone else from our group but your registration fee will be covered. Shall we shape culture together? I hope so!!!

Summer Jobs?

2011-08-02T07:55:00.008-04:00

Joshua (turning 12 in a few days) and Lydia (9 years old) have been working hard this summer. I'm SO proud of them!!! WTG!!!

A Modern Wonder Woman?

2011-07-31T08:26:00.015-04:00

Four years ago, Katie Davis was homecoming queen at her high school in Brentwood, Tennessee. She had a yellow convertible and planned to study nursing in college. But those plans changed. Today, she's in Uganda, sharing her home with 13 orphaned or abandoned girls, ages 2 to 15. Davis is the legal guardian or foster mother for all of them, and hopes to one day adopt them. She reminds me of a modern wonder woman, who like Esther in the Bible, decided to use her beauty and influence to live for God in such a time as this. Click the pics for more info about Katie. Click here to listen to her inspiring interview on NPR. And click here to watch / listen / read more about Esther. Photos courtesy of Stylianos Papardelas

Will Christ Trump Country This Weekend?

2011-06-29T14:14:00.009-04:00

This weekend, churches across the land will be focusing on country. This vid reminds us that rightly understood, Christ trumps country. Enjoy!!! (And BIG thank you and WTG to ShareFaith for making theologically powerful vids AND making them available for a 7 day free trial. Click the yellow link for more info and consider a ShareFaith video subscription for your church.)

An Interdependence Day Prayer?

2011-06-29T11:31:00.007-04:00

Heavenly Father, You are the real foundation of nations, raising them up to serve and care for the people dwelling inside and outside their boundaries / Thank You for raising up a nation devoted to freedom and interdependence on You / Please bless this country with your Spirit so like Abraham and the followers You called before us, we can be a blessing to others

Help us not to squander our abundance on frivolity / May our strength always be on the side of justice / Help our leaders to be strong enough to seek peace and reject the myth of redemptive violence / May the great, strong hearts of our people be open to cheerful, and when necessary, sacrificial giving / Help our giving to benefit America but also the World / Especially the millions of women and children enslaved throughout it / More than at any time in earth's history / May all who seek citizenship be welcomed here / And may our legacy be one of enduring equality and liberty

We, the people, still believe there is hope for the least, the last, and the lost because once we were too, but now are found / On this Interdependence Day, and every day till we see Jesus face to face, may we the people continue to put our hope in You

- a personal prayer adapted from multiple scriptures and sources

Will You Picnic With Purpose?

2011-06-27T20:15:00.002-04:00

Jesus did all the time. Matthew 14:15-21 says he did so with 5k plus people! We probably won't have that many at ours after church on July 16, but hopefully, we'll have a few hundred. Because in addition to our church members, who bring their friends and family who might never walk into a church but would walk into a park for a delicious meal, we will again be serving smiles and lots of fresh squeezed ice cold lemonade to all the walkers, joggers, and proud doggie owners walking by our picnic (plus doggie biscuits for the dogs!!!). Pastor Daniel is organizing a corn hole tournament and Donna will once again be taking on all challengers in ladder ball. Sabbath afternoon promises to be a delightful day full of good fellowship, games, and worship. Jesus always picnicked with purpose. Will you?

Does Keenan Know God Loves Him Like Crazy?

2011-06-01T21:16:00.012-04:00

Keenan Cahill is far from your average high-schooler. For one thing, he has overcome incredible adversity, suffering from a rare genetic disorder called Mucopolysaccaridosis (MPS-6) since birth. For another, at the young age of 15, Cahill has already achieved international superstardom from behind a webcam in his childhood bedroom no less by lip-syncing todays top 40 hits. It was his cover of Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” that first threw Cahill into the spotlight earning 36 million views on YouTube and a legion of adoring fans including Katy Perry herself.

But it was Keenan's honesty about his condition that inspired a Chicago news team to ham it up in his bedroom helping him remind others that talent, no matter how much adversity its presented, can overcome all obstacles. I don't know if Keenan knows God loves him like crazy, but I'm sure He does!!! And I think God thinks it's pretty cool how one sick kid could inspire 36 million people without leaving his bedroom!!! WTG Keenan!!!

A Media Imperative?

2011-05-22T14:53:00.005-04:00

Do followers of Jesus have a media imperative? Brian Solis from briansolis.com thinks so. He says 65% of the emerging "Millenial Generation" is disconnected from online stuff less than an hour a day! So if you want to reach them, that's where they are! And when we try, he says the acronym to keep in mind is not Keep It Simple Stupid. It's KISS = Keep it significant and shareable!

Obsessed With Church?

2011-05-16T00:25:00.005-04:00

This vid reminds me of a quote from a book I'm reading right now. "This ecclesiocentric obsession means that primarily we mine both Scripture and culture for our own needs. We're so preoccupied with church questions that neither biblical narratives nor culture can become the places where God addresses us and challenges us to be converted" (Missional: Joining God in the Neighborhood, Baker Books, 2011) p.48. What do you think? Are Christians obsessed with church, money, and members? If we are, what can we do about it? What will you?

A Godly Sacrifice?

2011-05-15T08:53:00.002-04:00

Stories like this one about Francisco ‘Paco’ Rodriguez remind me that God loves us like crazy and has a plan for your life—even after sin and brokenness often threaten [and sometimes] take it. Save 17 minutes to watch this vid some time. It moved me.

Can Christians Change the World?

2011-05-02T16:15:00.035-04:00

Mother Teresa said, "Small things done with great love change the world." James Hunter, author of To Change the World might say it this way: "Small things done by networks of individuals and their institutions faithfully partnering with others over time change the world."

This book isn't an easy read because the first half undermines the "small things." Remember the Chicken Soup for the Soul story about the little boy on a beach littered with stranded starfish that picks one up and tosses it back into the ocean? That one was saved, but Hunter's point in the first half of the book is the vast majority of the "starfish" left on the "beach" [my analogy not his] prove Christians haven't really changed most of it. And never will if we continue to think the world primarily changes simply by altruistic individuals in power whether they're liberal or conservative.

As much as I hate to admit it (because I detest self-serving institutions and the hierarchy that runs them), if Hunter is right, individuals in institutions willing to make sacrifices so others flourish can change the world (so maybe there's a place for some of them)! IF Christians change the way they think about and pursue change. That's the good news you eventually reach if you read the rest of this book. Click pics for more info.

Best Rendition of 'How Great Thou Art'?

2011-05-02T08:45:00.007-04:00

Millions of Americans have heard Carrie Underwood sing this stirring rendition of How Great Thou Art. Have you?

My Fave Apps?

2011-04-27T11:01:00.017-04:00

Aside from carrying thousands of songs from my iTunes library, five of the latest Toledo First Church podcasts and six "Jesus books" [Jesus on audiobook by Walter Wangerin Jr is great for kids and what we're listening to for family worship, click for details], what I like most about my iPhone is its apps especially some that Pastor Anna showed me recently. Here are a few of my faves. If you have some too, do share!!!

Dragon Dictation [free] records what I say and is amazingly accurate in turning the content into an email I can easily edit [if necessary] then send with the push of a button instead of texting messages on the tiny keys or typing them later on the computer.

Dropbox [free] is worth adding to your PC or Mac even if you don't use a smartphone because it allows you to sync content when online to more than one of your computers [or someone else's if you invite them] by simply dragging a file into a folder on your computer.

JotNot Pro [99 cents] turns your phone into an amazingly accurate scanner for pics and Word docs. Amazing really.

For seven more good apps, click pic or here to read Chis McConnells' article "10 Essential iPhone Apps for Pastors and Other Church Workers" in Outlook Magazine.

Have You Watched Earthlings?

2011-04-27T09:44:00.019-04:00

Earthlings may be the single most thought provoking documentary I have ever seen in my life. It simultaneously disturbs and inspires. Not for little kids, I still think parents and churches and high-schools [with parental consent] should watch it and talk about it.

If God loves us like crazy, don't you think He loves the animals He created just as much? Shouldn't we? Especially since God told us to take loving care of them [what "dominion" really means cf. Genesis 1:26]? Click the triangular play button below for the Earthlings preview or click here to watch the entire 95 minute film for free. It's makers offer it free because they're pretty sure after watching it, you'll buy it and share it with your friends and family. They were right. That's what I did. The first five people who request a copy by emailing me your name and US Postal service address to mike4tune@gmail.com will receive the Earthlings DVD free.

Make the Connection. EARTHLINGS.com

Trip of a Lifetime?

2011-04-24T14:12:00.018-04:00

Some of you know Jackie and I [back row middle] went with a bunch of pastor friends to Israel in January 2010. Seeing the places Jesus walked made the Bible "come alive" in ways you must experience to understand and I have wanted to return ever since!!! So I want you to know I am planning an eight-day tour back to Israel JAN 23 - 30, 2012. The tour is approx. $2500/person [not including travel to NYC where we depart] but will include visits to Tiberias, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Mount of Beatitudes, Site of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, Capernaum, the River Jordan, Mount Carmel, Caesarea, the Dead Sea, Masada, Ein Gedi, Qumran, the Garden Tomb, Calvary, Pool of Bethesda, Garden of Gethsemane, Mt. Moriah, Mount of Olives, the Western Wall, the Via Dolorosa, Bethlehem, the Kidron Valley, the Room of the Last Supper, and King David’s Tomb [click pics to see some of these places].

I'm hoping with enough notice, some of you may be able to join me! You do NOT have to be a pastor, Adventist, or a member of Toledo First Church to participate. If we get 30+ people to sign up, we get our own coach bus in Israel and hopefully Menachem my fave tour guide extraordinaire from last time!!! Click here for all the details and to download a flyer.

Happy Resurrection?

2011-04-24T10:02:00.003-04:00

He raised us from the dead along with Christ so God can point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace!!! — Ephesians 2:6-7 NLT (photo taken by me from inside Garden Tomb in Jerusalem January 2010)

For His Glory?

2011-04-22T07:31:00.012-04:00

Years ago a monumental study of young people revealed that emphasizing grace, actively participating in community service, and teaching children how to pray, read, and share during family times of worship are three of the most significant factors that contribute to whether they will see God as significant and the church as a positive place to stay when they're adults [for more info read Valuegenesis]. This summer, you're invited to see how these things can work in your lives today.

We make time for sporting events [go Caps!!!] and theme parks [Sea World rocks!!!]. But when was the last time you and your family intentionally set a week aside to worship God and serve those He loves like crazy all together? Camp Meeting JUN 12-18 is coming fast and YOU are invited to join me there!!! Click above pic for details and room / RV reservations. Click here for a schedule of the week. And click here for bios and speakers. You do NOT need to be Adventist or a member of Toledo First Church to participate!!!

Your Easter Prayer?

2011-04-22T06:30:00.005-04:00

I thank you, Lord Jesus, for becoming a human being so I do not have to pretend or try to be God / I thank you, Lord Jesus, for becoming finite and limited so I do not have to pretend that I am infinite and limitless / I thank you, crucified God, for becoming mortal
so I do not have to try to make myself immortal / I thank you, Lord Jesus, for becoming inferior so I do not have to pretend that I am superior to anyone /I thank you for being crucified outside the walls, for being expelled and excluded like the sinners and outcasts, so you can meet me where I feel that I am, always outside the walls of worthiness.

I thank you for becoming weak, Lord Jesus, so I don’t have to be strong / I thank you for being willing to be considered imperfect and strange, so I do not have to be perfect and normal / I thank you, Jesus, for being willing to be disapproved of, so I do not have to try so hard to be approved and liked / I thank you for being considered a failure, so I do not have to give my life trying to pretend I’m a success / I thank you for being wrong by the standards of religion and state, so I do not have to be right anywhere, even in my own mind / Into your hands I commit my spirit. Adapted from Hope Against Darkness, p. 38

Are You Amazed?

2011-04-21T16:06:00.004-04:00

This vid reminds me Easter isn't about eggs. Enjoy!!!

Fortune Family Update?

2011-04-11T09:49:00.020-04:00

The last few weeks we've been on the road. First stop? Greeneville, TN for my 94 year old grandma Mabel's memorial service. Aside from forgetting my Bible before the service and botching the words I thought I had memorized to Psalm 23 in the KJV, it went okay. I learned my grandma whistled alto in a trio back in the day. Why? Because she loved Jesus like crazy!!! So I reminded my family that one day, "The Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the dead in Christ will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words." [The dozen pink roses are from Toledo First Church. Thank you!!!]

Second stop? Florida! Jackie's grandma and grandpa and my brother and his fam live in Florida so since we were halfway there, we drove there for the kids Spring Break. Though it rained hard a few days, Joshua and Lydia did enjoy feeding the Sting Rays and Dolphins @ Sea World and watching the sharks!!!

Third stop? Mount Vernon for 2011 Worship Fest. I chaperoned the boys in grades 5-8 and our kids from TJA sang their hearts out. Joshua also learned how to do puppets. What fun!!! The entire Worship Fest will be archived @ www.ohioadventist.org

Rev It Up Revival?

2011-04-11T08:14:00.006-04:00

The freedom of the open road, the rush of the wind in your face, and the thrill of an IMAX® theater view of the world are things a person must experience to really understand. And knowing Jesus isn’t any different. To show biker enthusiasts this, there's an event occurring soon [June 2-5] I'm happy to share and invite you to invite your friends to join [click pic or see below for more info].

So please pick up some flyers to share from church and share them with your biker friends. Offer to go WITH THEM to this event. You and they may be eternally grateful you did!!! Download a brochure here. Contact my biker pastor friend Tom @ 740.739.0750 or TomHughes@BibleBiker.com for even more info. Call this number to make room reservations or RV / Camping sites @ 740.397.5411 extension 228 or email sshafer@mvacademy.org. Click here to register for FREE meals

21st Century Samaritans?

2011-04-10T20:07:00.003-04:00

"You don't have to know somebody to do good for somebody." That's what one anonymous Mennonite told NBC News recently when a reporter asked why over 5 years after hurricane Katrina, teams of volunteers from Wisconsin and as far away as Canada continue to pour into Louisiana to help their neighbors a week at a time. With no fanfare. Ulterior motives. Or strings attached. Click play button below to see what I mean.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

God of Justice?

2011-03-21T17:34:00.003-04:00

This guy in my church made this vid. Enjoy!!!

God of Justice from John Hood Jr on Vimeo.

Earthquake Reminders?

2011-03-21T16:49:00.017-04:00

On March 11, 2011 the largest earthquake in Japan’s history triggered a devastating tsunami. According to the United States Geological Survey [USGS],this most recent Japanese earthquake and subsequent tsunami, while falling into the major category of anticipated seismic activity and breaking Japan’s previous record for largest earthquake in its history, does not break the consistent trend of one major 8.0 [or greater] quake per year the last 100 years [click pic above for more on trend], is not the largest recorded earthquake in magnitude the last 100 years [the earthquake in Chile on May 22, 1960 is still the biggest quake in the world on record with a magnitude of 9.5], and hopefully will not rival the most destructive January 23, 1556 earthquake that killed 830k people in China [click separate green links for more info].

I think it’s important for Christians to know and understand these larger seismic trends and historical facts so we don’t over-exaggerate the signs of the times when proclaiming the surety of Jesus’ Second Coming. Jesus came the first time. Right on God’s time. And regardless of life as we know it, He will come a second time [click Bible pic for more on that]. All earthquakes, whatever their magnitude, whenever they occur, are supposed to remind us of this!!!

Back to Basics?

2011-03-21T16:17:00.008-04:00

Rest on the Sabbath. Heed Old Testament dietary codes. And be ready for Jesus to return at any moment. If these practices sound quaint or antiquated, think again. They're hallmarks of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the fastest-growing Christian denomination in North America. G. Jeffrey MacDonald wrote a great piece on my church denomination in a recent USA Today article. My fave line?

"The church has seen some of its strongest gains come in non-religious regions such as the Pacific Northwest. In Washington, for instance, the denomination has established 'Christian cafes,' where people can relax and ask questions without feeling the pressures of church. "You're not necessarily inviting them to church," Bryant said. "You're just sitting around, talking with people, building relationships — and slowly talking to them about Christ." What a concept!!! Click pic to read the entire article.

Crazy Animals?

2011-03-03T07:24:00.002-05:00

God loves us like crazy and some of these animals He made are crazy. Enjoy!!!

Reading Revelation?

2011-03-03T07:12:00.004-05:00

Previously during Soup for You, we've read books about suffering like The Shack illuminating the way God looks at the battle between good and evil. We've learned that God wants us to live like crazy because we are loved like crazy in The Ragamuffin Gospel. Because Hurt People Hurt People, we better understand the small and large ways we hurt and how God can mend our broken hearts. We still have a few copies of Lee Vendon's book It's All About Him skillfully explaining why Christianity is primarily about Who

you know not what you do. If you didn't get one yet, there's still time to do so and join us!

But starting Wednesday April 13, 2011 @ 6pm during Soup for You, Reading Revelation is the name of the next class we're offering to church members and the community. For years people have been fascinated by the strange symbols and ominous forebodings contained within the pages of the last book of the Bible. But if it's really a book revealing [what "revelation" means] Jesus, don't you think we should be able to learn more about Jesus from it? That has always been my fave teacher Jon Paulien's assertion I heard over and over fifteen years ago as I sat in the New Testament classes he taught while I was in seminary.

Recently, Paulien's new chapter by chapter presentations of Revelation have been printed which we'll be reading as well [Cost $10 while supplies last see www.revelationhope.com for more info]. Won't it be wonderful to know that the victory has already been won and that we have absolutely nothing to fear as long as we cling to Jesus? Join us!

Generation Rain?

2011-03-03T07:06:00.004-05:00

God really blessed during Generation Rain. That's the name of the high school Bible retreat I was speaking at last weekend at Mt.Aetna Camp in Hagerstown, MD. Nearly 200 high schoolers, most of whom do not attend Highland View Academy, the Adventist boarding school next door, descended for the weekend. The worship was vibrant led by an entirely student praise team. The prayer and art rooms were full. Four youth were baptized SAT night and another planned to do so in their home church!!!

Previous years focused on calling and equipping young people while this year's theme was all about releasing them to serve and do mission to change the world. I used 1 Samuel 3, Exodus 3, Matthew 26, and Luke 10 to encourage them to get ready [Samuel], listen up [Moses], show up [Jesus], and keep up [disciples] their serving. I reminded them that with 33 million teens in America spending $150billion/year, that if enough of them organized themselves online, they could by themselves pay for wells to be drilled in every remote place on earth for $10billion. I told them that today there are 30 million women and children in slavery and that Toledo is the #1 most trafficked city in America per capita. That God looks at this and is displeased that there is no justice. That He is appalled there is no one to intervene [cf. Isaiah 59:15-16].

For more info on modern day slavery right here in Toledo, see www.thedaughterproject.org And PTL that God promised to rain down his Holy Spirit on the young and the old [cf. Joel 2:28]!!!

Happy Valentines Day?

2011-02-11T13:28:00.000-05:00

What Your Sign?

2011-02-02T17:00:00.012-05:00

Here's ours. Anyone else think it's ironic we're collecting soup but eating pizza LOL?!! Think people would come for some split pea instead? Join us for all the action on a 25' screen and tons of fun this SUN FEB 6 @ 6:30pm. Admission? Free with canned goods.

Then don't forget, on SAT FEB 12 @ 7pm, we're hosting a piano concert with Mary Grace - a one armed piano player who plays amazing music for Jesus!!! [click here for more info on her]. You and your sweetheart will be amazed and encouraged by her story and music. The concert is free, but 100% of the collected offering will benefit orphans in Haiti's Eden Garden Orphanage. Join us and bring some friends for Christ's sake [as my friend Charles likes to say]!!! Click her for map and directions.

How's Haiti?

2011-02-02T15:32:00.003-05:00

Some friends from the New Hope Church in MD went to Haiti last year to find out. Click the vid to see what they found. And make plans to attend the Valentines for Haiti benefit concert SAT FEB 12 @ 7pm [click here for map and directions].

Untitled from New Hope Adventist on Vimeo.

Fear Not?

2011-02-02T14:32:00.015-05:00

1 John 4:18 says perfect love casts out fear. But as my friend Bobby accurately points point out, perfect fear also casts out love. Could that be why 16-29 year olds say the Christians they know are "hypocritical", "insensitive", "judgmental", and "unChristian"? This Valentines Day, do something loving and read UnChristian: What a New Generation Thinks About Christianity...And Why It Matters [click pic more info] or click the vid below to get a another snapshot of how perfect love and radical empathy can still cast out fear.

Mission Trip to America?

2011-01-19T16:13:00.005-05:00

My friend Dave shared this in church a few weeks ago. It is the most moving and powerful little video I've seen recently. Please watch it and remind yourself that the minute you walk outside your door, you've begun your Mission Trip to America!!!

Love At First Sight?

2011-01-19T14:23:00.015-05:00

In August 2010, I told you about a book on CD that has had a tremendous impact in our home entitled Preparing for Adolescence by Dr. James Dobson [click here to read that post].What we're still doing is listening to 15 minute segments of this content before Josh goes to sleep [will do the same thing with Lydia soon!!!] pausing when necessary, to laugh, talk, or wonder about what was just said.

While this content contains some of the most helpful ways to discuss Biblical issues of sexuality, CD#5 also contains a very helpful 10 point quiz on true love between a man and woman. So much so that in 2011 I'm discussing each of them during chapels on Fridays with the kids at school. Would you pass this little True / False quiz? Would your kids? If not, maybe you should click the pic and buy your own copy of this content!!! It might save your kids or grandkids a lifetime of therapy and brokenness!!!

Romantic love at first sight occurs between some people.
It's easy to distinguish real love from infatuation.
People who sincerely love each other will not fight and argue.
God selects one particular person for each of us to marry and he will guide us together.
If a man and woman genuinely love each other, then hardships and troubles will have very little effect on their relationship.
It's better to marry the wrong person than to remain single and lonely throughout life.
It's not harmful or sinful to have sexual intercourse before marriage if the couple has a meaningful relationship.
If a couple is genuinely in love, that condition is permanent and will last a lifetime.
Dating for six months or less before marriage is best.
Teenagers are more capable of genuine love than are older people.

PS - Dobson says the answers to all these questions are FALSE including the first because love is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, rude, self-seeking, easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs [1 Cor.13:1-5] and you can't know whether another person loves like that at first sight.

Weekday Veg?

2011-01-19T10:55:00.014-05:00

Becoming vegetarian in a carnivorous culture is a hard change to make. Especially when your son [like mine] is allergic to many of the things that vegetarians eat like nuts, legumes, eggs, cheese, and dairy. But recently I watched this 4 minute talk by Graham Hill who offers a powerful, pragmatic way to do so: Be a weekday veg!!!

It's one way to lose weight, improve your health, reduce cruelty to animals, become a better steward of God's earth, and live longer so you can tell more and more people that God loves them like crazy!!! Click pics for links to a couple related articles on wellness or the triangular play button below.

Abandon God or Abandon Yourself to God?

2011-01-06T21:29:00.006-05:00

Larry Crabb, the wise Christian counselor says, "You can abandon God. Or you can abandon yourself to God." On the cross, even Jesus had to make this choice moving from "Why have you forsaken me?" to "Into your hands I commit my Spirit" [I'm grateful to my pastor friend Samir for pointing this out]. So at the beginning of a new year, it should come as no surprise to us that we too have a choice to make. And the good news is all of us can make either of these choices. No matter how long we've been Christian or even if we've never been!!! We can choose to abandon God. Especially when things go bad or we've been hurt or unfairly treated. Or we can choose to abandon ourselves to God. Who we can choose to believe still loves us like crazy even when everyone in this broken world doesn't.

But how do you abandon yourself to God? Well, that's what we're going to be discussing on Wednesday nights during Soup for You starting Wednesday February 2, 2011 @ 6pm. To do so, we'll be using this thought provoking paperback by Lee Vendon called It's All About Him [click pic more info].

The book costs $12.99, but can be yours for $10!!! A limited number of copies are available at church or on Wednesday nights. Why don't you plan on picking up a copy and reading it for yourself or saving one for your son or daughter? Some day they might be eternally glad you did!!!

Valentines for Haiti?

2011-01-06T20:59:00.002-05:00

Mary Grace was born with physical deformities. Her right hand is a stump half past the elbow. And her right foot is 8 inches shorter with only 3 toes. But she never allows her disadvantage to hinder her from fulfilling a desire to produce beautiful music for Jesus. She has played the piano with her left hand and right stump [click vid below to see] in Guam, Germany, Korea, Japan, Philippines, Canada and the USA and has been featured in numerous journals [click here to read one article from the Adventist Review] and television ministries.

But on Saturday, February 12, 2011 she will be our guest as she shares her story of hope, faith, and inner strength to transcend limitations. The free one hour piano concert will start at 7pm and will conclude with a tasty "afterglow". Please pick up the invite cards at church and make plans now to invite your friends and family. 100% of the collected love offering will benefit the Eden Garden Orphanage in Haiti. This ordinary outreach is sponsored by the Toledo First Church of Seventh-day Adventists [click here for map and directions].

Dead Man's Hill?

2011-01-06T20:53:00.004-05:00

That was the name of the hill under the power lines only the bravest bigger kids would sled down in my neighborhood growing up. This one is not as scary. But Lydia used to think so!!! Click the top vid to hear her commentary or the bottom one to see Joshua in action. Enjoy!!!

Is Committed Committed?

2010-12-19T22:11:00.011-05:00

Some people don't think so because they think Christians shouldn't sing anything but overtly Christian or "sacred" songs. Because, they say, God cannot be praised any other way. But for the 2nd season in row, a group of Adventist guys are proving them wrong!!!

In the first season of NBC's "The Sing Off", an Adventist group called Nota with six graduates from Antillean Adventist University in Puerto Rico won the $100,000 cash prize and a recording contract with Epic Records/Sony Music [click here to read the Adventist Review article about their story]. Now, in its second season, the judges on the reality singing competition has whittled the acappella groups competing down to four and these graduates from Forest Lake Academy [Apopka, Florida] and Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama that comprise Committed are also in the running [click top pic for NBC's bio and middle pic for their Facebook page].

Whatever happens, they've promised to continue being committed to God and each other and to use their notoriety to tell others about Jesus. Click the vid below to hear them explain. And PTL that God is finding creative ways for His followers to WIN the right to be heard!!! Tune in tonight to watch Committed @ 8pm EST and don't forget to vote for them at the end of the show!!!

Truth About Poverty?

2010-12-14T14:47:00.019-05:00

When we think of those in poverty, certain questions automatically come to mind. Why don’t they get a job?! Why are they so irresponsible?! Are handouts really all they want or need? What should a church know about serving those in poverty?

These are just some of the questions that will be answered after church potluck on consecutive Sabbath afternoons in January starting January 8 and continuing January 15 and 22 from 1-3pm.

Geared toward churches and organizations who are currently [or who are thinking about] working more intentionally with the poor, these classes teach participants what generational poverty is, the reasons why the poor stay poor, how to really help the poor, and how we can align ourselves with God’s heart for the poor.

Elijah Jones, long time Toledo resident with a wealth of experience serving the poor, will be teaching these classes and facilitating the follow up conversations. Elijah is a friend of Toledo First Church and serves on the Haven of Hope board. If you're at all interested in the next steps Connections takes to a possible storefront location downtown, please make these classes a priority!!!

Your response to these classes will help us determine whether we have the interest or "manpower" we need to proceed with a storefront. The classes are free and open to the public but RSVP @ 419.882.6200 is required.

Merry Christmas Card Quiz 2010?

2010-12-10T16:57:00.015-05:00

1.) In January 2010, what was Mike’s fave part of being in Israel?
a. The Sea of Galilee boat ride
b. Floating in the Dead Sea
c. Worship @ Golgatha and Garden Tomb
d. All of the above [click here or pics above and below to see 30 more from Israel]

2.) In January 2010, what was Jackie’s fave part of being in Israel?
a. Seeing places the Bible describes “come alive”
b. Changing planes in Italy without seeing any of it
c. Menachem, our long-winded tour guide
d. Only A

3.) Which happened?
a. Joshua broke his adult front tooth
b. Joshua won the Daytona 500
c. Joshua won 2nd place in the Pinewood Derby
d. Both A and C

4.) What did Mike’s church do this year to show people that God loves them like crazy?
a. Raised money for victims of NW Ohio Tornado
b. Became the “American Family” for 9 International Students at University of Toledo
c. Nothing
d. Both A and B

5.) What else did Mike’s church do this year to show people that God loves them like crazy?
a. Gave away free Panera Bread every Friday morning
b. Went on a Mission Trip to America in McDowell County, West Virginia - America’s poorest county
c. Threw a Valentines for Africa banquet
d. All of the above

6.) What was Joshua and Lydia’s favorite movie?
a. God Grew Tired of Us
b. Waiting for Superman
c. Praying with Lior
d. Tangled

7.) Joshua [age 11] loves:
a. Designing tracks online
b. Feeding his albino constricting corn snake named “Peaches”
c. Cleaning his room
d. Both A and B

8.) Lydia’s [age 8½] loves:
a. Drawing
b. Singing in church
c. Hannah Montana reruns
d. All of the above

9.) Jackie and Mike...

a. Are still dating 20 years later [still happily married for 14]
b. Got no speeding tickets this year
c. Haven’t even started converting all their Hi8mm tapes to DVD or BluRay
d. All of the above

10.) Mike’s favorite books [click any title for more info] read include:
a. Crazy Love by Francis Chan
b. Who’s Afraid of the Old Testament God? by Alden Thompson
c. Who Stole My Church? by Gordon MacDonald
d. All of the above

>7 Fortunate—Cool as the other side of the pillow
>5 Unfortunate—Missing some grain in the silo
>3 A misfortune—Sharp as a marble

Answers: They're all D!!!

Stay connected online [click any link below]
mike4tune.blogspot.com
facebook.com/mike4tune
facebook.com/jackie4tune
mike4tune@gmail.com
jackie4tune@gmail.com

Random Acts of Culture?

2010-12-05T08:24:00.003-05:00

Random acts of culture by musical groups singing songs in public places have been popping up everywhere from a recent episode of Modern Family to this latest example Rachel sent me most recently. I think it's my fave because of the way it begins in a food court with the soloists braving the crowds all by themselves at first. Would you ever do something like this?

Retooning the Nativity?

2010-12-05T08:13:00.002-05:00

Did you know that neither of the Gospel stories mention Mary traveling by donkey? That the Bible doesn’t mention an inn keeper? Or for that matter an inn? Click triangular play button below to see why.

Christmas Presence?

2010-12-05T08:11:00.001-05:00

Last year during the weeks leading up to Christmas, we partnered with Toledo Junior Academy students and families in giving gifts to local families who could not afford to buy presents. We also raised some money for Serentity Farms — a local non-profit organization specializing in counseling services and therapeutic riding through the use of certified therapy dogs and special horses.

This year, as part of our Christmas Presence series of sermons preceding Christmas, we’re going to be partnering with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency [ADRA] using their 2010 Really Useful Gift Catalog to raise money each week in a special offering for goats! Why? Because item #43 says one breeding doe will give an impoverished family overseas additional income and access to milk for their children. And each goat costs only $70!!!

So when you come to church Sabbaths December 4-25, don’t be surprised to see “the poor man’s cow” tied up inside right beside the other Christmas decorations and manger scenes to help us remember how we can help impoverished families grasp the significance of Jesus’ Presence this Christmas. The wise men gave gold. We're giving goats to help families fight their way out of poverty!!!

Godly Guitars?

2010-11-18T18:37:00.003-05:00

Duane Calkins is a shop teacher in the public school system in Roseville, CA. A member of the Carmichael Seventh-day Adventist Church, Duane works in a setting where he cannot talk about spiritual things. Yet through his authentic, caring witness, his students know they are loved [like crazy!!!]. Do yourself a favor and set aside 6 minutes to watch this vid. I think you'll be glad you did. WTG Duane!!!

Crafting Hearts from CSS Ministry Resources on Vimeo.

Drop and Shop?

2010-11-18T18:26:00.006-05:00

Our church is a mile away from the mall. We're hoping some parents needing to go shopping without the kiddies will drop them off with us while they shop. Everybody does VBS in the summer. We're gonna do it in the winter [click pic for map and diretions]. One thing for sure: These won't be silent nights!!! I bet your church could pull this ordinary outreach off before Christmas too!!!

Enjoying Fall?

2010-11-18T17:34:00.010-05:00

The Federal Pretrial and Probation Officers Association recently honored my friend Lewis Simpson Jr. as their Probation Officer of the Year in Supervision by the Great Lakes Regional District. In addition to doing a great job there, he plays bass in our praise team and together with his wife and daughter has adopted some UT international students as one of our fall ordinary outreaches. WTG!!!

Carla snapped this next pic from some fun we had at Gomez and Morticia's house [Emmett and Eniko] one recent Saturday night. We thoroughly enjoyed the mystery dinner. Even though Frankenstein [Randy] was pretty scary.

This one is taken in Joshua's room with his cousins Conner and Jessica and Maegan's friend Ena. Lydia is holding Joshua's new pet - Peaches the albino corn snake. Which is very docile and tame until Fridays when she snaps the thawed out once frozen mouse Joshua dangles from the top of its cage, constricts around it, and then swallows it whole. It's very national geographic.

Jeff archived this last photo for posterity of Joshua and his 2nd place winning Pinewood Derby car and trophy. No, he didn't get into a fight. The road rash on his face came earlier that evening from taking a face plant on the sidewalk outside the church while goofing around with some friends. He was wearing his other pair of glasses [goggles] at the time because he had broken his "nice" pair of glasses at school earlier. So now both are broken and one of his adult front teeth broke off into tiny pieces. It has since been replaced with a plastic tooth. But who knew he could again be singing, All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth...

Hope you are your families are well and enjoying the season. God is good. All the time!!!

Whose Works?

2010-11-03T20:42:00.007-04:00

If apart from Christ, we can do nothing [John 15:5] but with Christ we can do all things [Philippians 4:13], whose works are we really talking about when the Bible writers repeatedly refer to them? [cf. 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 2:6 etc]. Ours? No. Christ's! That's the only way the brightest minds throughout the history of Christianity have made sense of the verses about "our" works in the Bible. It's why Dietrich Bonhoeffer said:

"The law of God is still in force (Romans 3:31), and still demands fulfillment. And the only way to fulfill the law is by doing good works. But ultimately there is only one good work; the work of God in Christ Jesus...all our good works are the works of God" [The Cost of Discipleship, p.296]. That's what this video my friend Phill sent me reminded me of recently. Enjoy!!!

Connections Under Construction?

2010-11-03T14:48:00.010-04:00

On September 25, the snacks and beverages were laid out for the last time, the praise team played our all-time favorites, and memories and testimonies brought us back through the years. Although it was Connections last service in our building, the message was loud and clear this is not the end of this ministry. Because the church is leaving the buildilng!!!

We still believe God is calling us to a shared ministry in a downtown storefront similar to the one our church first operated in 1899. And we will proceed if God raises up a core team of committed volunteers willing to contribute their time and talents. If you are interested or willing to serve in such an outreach, please contact me @ 419.882.6200 or Ron Szczechowski @ 419.866.8951. Stay tuned to Fortune Cookies for more information. And click the triangular play button below for a little trip down memory lane. Video courtesty Ryan Warner

Ordinary Outreach Galore?

2010-11-03T12:29:00.028-04:00

Fall has provided numerous opportunities for us to show people that God loves them like crazy!!! While local musician Johnny Rodriguez was belting out live 50s and 60s tunes at the 4th annual Kidz Crazy Car Show [click car pics to see more],

I met a guy who invited me to do his wedding the following Saturday night. Which I did and now we're doing post-marital counseling. Another lady who recently relocated to Toledo was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly impressed. And I gave a young family of four looking for a church that lives nearby a tour of the daycare and church. They were thrilled to find a church so close to home they really like and have already asked me to do pre-marital classes with them and their wedding too!!!

Partnering with the University of Toledo International Student Office, six of us were introduced to twelve new friends from the University of Toledo as part of the Toledo International Hospitality Program. We carved pumpkins and played games and since then have enjoyed trips with them to church, our homes for a meal, the art museum, and the bell choir concert. Serving lunch at Cherry Street Mission is also a highlight for the students @ Toledo Junior Academy. Thank you for shouting the Gospel with your lives!!! [to read why ordinary outreach has no hooks or strings attached see Matthew 10:42 and Luke 6:35]

Photos courtesy Shawn Flack and Steve Bills

Why Did Mike Stop Blogging?

2010-10-20T11:19:00.017-04:00

Some of you realized I haven't posted anything on Fortune Cookies since the end of August 2010. Thanks for your encouragement and kinds words. It's good to be missed!!! No, I haven't stopped blogging because everyone already knows God loves them like crazy flaws and all. No, I wasn't on vacation. And no, I'm not sick or in the hospital [although my mom has been in twice in two months...she's better now PTL!!!].

Yes, I'm still convinced based on research inside and outside the Adventist church that meaningful Bible study and worship, active ordinary outreach, and grace based churches are three of the most influential factors that help young people and the increasing number of unchurched Americans all around us develop a positive outlook about God and lasting interest in the church [click here to read more].

So why should we continue to spend ourselves for the sake of the Gospel? Because there are plenty of people from Chile to Holy Toledo and the rapidly growing mission field where you live that are far from God!!! So let's exhaust every avenue and media to show them grace and live the love that still astonishes a watching world. That's what the rescue of those 33 trapped miners reminded me of recently. [BTW, I stopped blogging because my PC died. And my temporary replacement lacked the muscle needed to upload pics and vids. But I've got a MBP now so Fortune Cookies is good to go!!! In the meantime, click the triangular play button below to hear Toledo native Crystal Bowersox belt out her hit "Holy Toledo" and see you in two weeks!!!]

Photo courtesy: Hugo Infante / Government of Chile
From the San José mine, Copiapó, Chile

Film Fest Nominations?

2010-10-20T11:10:00.008-04:00

During the fall and winter, we host a Film Fest once a month at church. Here's some we've watched [or will be watching soon] then discussed so far [for public showings, you must secure permission from the film's distributor and often pay a group viewing fee]. Care to add any nominations? Make plans to be here NOV 20 @ 7pm and bring some friends [click pic for address and directions]. We'll provide the snacks. Which one do YOU want to see first? Click titles for more info.

Amazing Grace

A Man for All Seasons

Born Into Brothels

Boys of Baraka

Brother Sun Sister Moon

Pray the Devil Back to Hell

The Least of These [2002]

The Mission

Waiting for Superman

What Would Jesus Buy?

Culturally Aware?

2010-10-20T11:08:00.001-04:00

Is it important for churches to be culturally aware?

Do Dogs Love Like Crazy?

2010-08-25T16:19:00.015-04:00

Some friends introduced me to this short tune by Wendy Francisco that millions of others have already heard. Already a book and a bazillion other things are being produced with this logo on it [click pic for more info]. As well they should be. Because these lyrics remind us that God [and often our dogs] love us like crazy!!! Here's some pics of Barkley [because I thought he would bark a lot!!! He actually doesn't] as a puppy. Click triangular play button below to enjoy!!!

Why Do Hurt People Hurt People?

2010-08-25T15:37:00.006-04:00

Author and Dr. Sandra Wilson says hurt people hurt others because they themselves have been hurt in large or small ways. But God can help us break that cycle of hurt by offering us His healing and hope. On Wednesday, September 8 @ 6:30pm, we begin our fall Community Book Discussion and YOU are invited! The class is free but books cost $10. Bring some soup for Soup for You @ 6pm followed by discussion of this book [click pic for more info]. Get help for healing your own hurts from friends and spouses, leaders, followers, worshipers, parents, and forgivers. Everyone whether you're Christian or not believes in some kind of life after death. Come learn how to have a relationally healthy and abundant life before as well!!!

Back to School and Mission Field?

2010-08-25T14:24:00.006-04:00

Recently in church I shared how the New Testament book of Acts teaches us that the Holy Spirit comes when we pray [Acts 1:14], when we start using our spiritual gifts [Acts 2:5], when we listen for God [Acts 8:26-29], share more about Jesus [Acts 8:35], and treat where we are as the mission field [Acts 8:36-40]. Click pic to watch / read / listen to me make those points or click the triangular play button below to laugh with J. John, a Canon in the Church of England, describing the first point about prayer. He is LOL funny!!! The audio is perfect, but the video isn't always. Enjoy anyway!!!

Prepared for Adolescence?

2010-08-03T15:43:00.009-04:00

Our son is turning 11 years old in a few days. He "borrowed" my deodorant the other day because he said "his pits stink." I mock-thanked him for sharing [TMI!!!] and seriously-thanked him later for taking more responsibility of his life [now, if he would only take as much interest in cleaning his room before I make him on Fridays!!!]. I share this [with his permission BTW; BIG thanks and WTG to Josh for letting me blog this!!!] because he has become increasingly aware of who he is as a pre-teen recently thanks to an audio book by Dr. James Dobson entitled Preparing for Adolescence [click pic to buy your own].

We stumbled onto this resource a few months ago and have been working through its contents together ever since. With CDs just for parents in addition to CDs for you to listen to with your child, the content will prepare you for "the sex talk" in addition to bravely answering difficult questions about sexuality [such as those surrounding masturbation which Christians usually ignore or leave shrouded in guilt]. Nothing is out of bounds. And everything is answered for boys and girls thoroughly, kindly, and [I believe] Biblically.

Dobson suggests listening to this content on a long road trip over one weekend culminating in a father / son [mother / daughter] fun day s/he picks. We're still going to do that "just us" weekend, but what we're doing before then is listening to 15 minute segments of each CD at night before Josh goes to sleep. We turn all the lights out and lay on his bed and listen, pausing when necessary, to laugh, talk, or wonder about what was just said. The number of questions and honest reactions to the content I thought too complicated for him to understand has staggered me. It has not only given Josh a clearer understanding of what is happening now, it has diminished some of the fears I didn't even know he already had about the future! And it has drawn us closer together. Lydia doesn't know what adolescence is all about yet, but she's already looking forward to it [!!!] so she can go on her "mother / daughter" weekend as soon as she and Jackie finishes the CDs too!!! [PS - This material has been re-packaged and updated recently. The new pic looks like the smaller one above]