Misunderstood

Isn't it strange sometimes how people may misunderstand you, or your intentions?

This weekend, it happened to us. Not that it has never happened before. And not that it has never happened from these people, whom we love deeply. Stacy and I made a decision about an issue that has come about over the last month and a half, and we somehow seem like the bad people. We did not cause the issue, and the issue is far greater a concern than the decision we made, yet, well You know...

Things seemed better today with those involved, but this issue will have to be dealt with again, soon.

Crossover

Well, I went to Crossover last week. It was a lot louder than I ever expected. I could actually feel my stomach vibrating to the music. Weird feeling, never experienced that before. The words on the screen were a little small, hard to read, luckily I knew some of the songs.

Todd's lesson was about the greatest commandments. Loving God, and loving others. He had a good lesson about how sometimes our priorities get confused and we do not put God where he belongs. Which we may also refer to as sin, idolatry.

It may have just been me, but whe I went to H2O and then to Crossover, I felt like JR and Todd thought I might be checking in on them, making sure that they are doing what they are supposed to me doing. I felt that way because they seemed to keep looking at me during the lesson. I hope they didn't feel that way.

I just wanted to see what went on there. I had recently read JR's blog about loving the kids that aren't the "churchy" type of kids. So, I felt convicted that I hadn't even taken the time to check out their ministry, and see the impact that they have on the kids.

I know one visit each will not show me the greater impact that these guys are having, but I did want to see what I was missing.

Be at ease JR and Todd. I support you guys, and we need ya'll to keep ministering to the kids. Thanks for your love and faithfulness to God shown to these kids.

H2O

Well, I finally visited H2O tonight. A little nervous to see what goes on in there at first, since all I have ever experienced of it was from out in the hall, and across the church, where all I could hear were the drums, elec. guitar, and "singing". But, by actually being in there, I was able to understand the words that were being sung (mostly because the words were on the screen), and the music wasn't as jumbled as it sounds from across the church, down the hall. Even though the music was very loud, and a little different than my preferred sound of music, the lyrics were definitely relating praise to God for who He is. That is what really matters. It was loud, though. I also heard a good lesson on prayer from JR. Focussing on being real in your prayer life. No need for any falseness, (God sees through that anyway). Just speak from your heart.
The reason I went tonight was because after speaking to Dan Nelson last week about some issues that some youth are dealing with, and after reading a couple of blogs from several different folks I know, I felt convicted. I haven't spent enough time getting to know, and encouraging the youth, or at least folks younger than I. I was pleasantly surprised with the H2O service and the youth in there.
I am also planning on visiting Crossover, just to get a better feel of where the kids are in their life. Things are much different than they were when I was a youth, "not so long ago".
I also have been convicted that I have not been praying for JR and Todd as I should. I always tend to pray for my pastor, that he would remain sexually pure, and that he would be faithful and not bring reproach on the Name of Christ, yet I have neglected to pray for the other pastors on staff in that manner. I guess it just didn't cross my mind.

May God protect them from the evil one, protect their eyes, bless their marriages, children, families, and increase His kingdom through their ministries. Amen