So here I sit, one day after Christmas. The day we celebrate the birth of Jesus. And in my devotions I'm reading about Jesus' death. What struck me was this: The contrast between these two stories and how awesome and powerful and VERY well known they both are. BUT, what about all the stories in between. What about all the things that Jesus did between His birth and death. What about those stories? As I've talked about before, I love to read and meditate on the lesser known (or at least the lesser talked about) passages in the Bible about Jesus' ministry. As Jeff talks about, we can kind of just pass by these incredible stories and totally miss what they meant then and what they mean to us here in 2007.
Then this thought: What about you and me? What are we doing between our birth and death. Go to any cemetery and look at any gravestone and what do you see? You see the "pertinent" info--the name, date of arrival, date of death, etc. BUT what you don't see is what I think is most important information. And that is this-- What did that person do with their "dash"? That little dash-mark on the stone between their birth and death is what I want to know about. I want to what they did with their life-- their "dash". What is their story, ESPECIALLY their God story?
So, again, what about you and me? What are we doing with OUR dash. Five, ten, even fifty years from now, what are people going to say we did, or are doing, with our lives?
In the future, when people look back on the "history" of Cheyenne and Element Church, I don't want them to say or think " Wow, look what so-and-so did." Or even "Wow look what Element Church did" I want them to say this--"Wow, look what GOD did in Cheyenne!" "Look at what God can do with and through people that simply obey and then go do."
Grant
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Fireworks
One of the pastor's blogs that I follow was talking about not getting complacent and comfortable in our life. He was telling how as a teenager he used to work at a fireworks stand and as a result is almost numb to the power and beauty of fireworks. He then paralleled that concept to the Christian life and how we can so easily become complacent. How we can take for granted ALL that God has done for us and is continuing to do.
So it got me thinking about my own life and what in my life would be my version of working in a fireworks stand. What is my version of "stopping to smell the roses"? And then it hit me--sunrises. I LOVE sunrises. The beauty, the splendor, the amazing colors just take my breath away. But... how easily I can take them for granted. In my sixteen years with Frito-Lay I have seen almost six thousand sunrises. Six thousand! Yet how easily I can just assume that tomorrow the sun will come up again and it will be beautiful and I can just go on living my life.
I never want to to that. I never want to be that man that takes all that God has done for me and treat it like yesterday's news. Where I've come from, where I'm at, and where God is taking me IS a miracle. May I never forget that. May you.
Grant
So it got me thinking about my own life and what in my life would be my version of working in a fireworks stand. What is my version of "stopping to smell the roses"? And then it hit me--sunrises. I LOVE sunrises. The beauty, the splendor, the amazing colors just take my breath away. But... how easily I can take them for granted. In my sixteen years with Frito-Lay I have seen almost six thousand sunrises. Six thousand! Yet how easily I can just assume that tomorrow the sun will come up again and it will be beautiful and I can just go on living my life.
I never want to to that. I never want to be that man that takes all that God has done for me and treat it like yesterday's news. Where I've come from, where I'm at, and where God is taking me IS a miracle. May I never forget that. May you.
Grant
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Random Thoughts
Just some thoughts that have been on my heart.......
--Our volunteers at Element Church ROCK! Seriously they are amazing. Sometimes on Sunday morning I take a moment and just stand back and watch and listen. I am blown away. I know Jeff and Adam feel the same way. I could, and probably should, go on. But I really just wanted to say to those of you that volunteer at Element--THANK YOU! I hope God blesses you as much as you are a blessing to me and others. I have received many compliments about our First Impressions team (ushers and greeters). We have actually had people tell us that the reason they came back to Element Church is because someone said "Hi" to them and made them feel welcome. WOW.
--A personal journal entry the other day went something like this---" I will continue to write down in this book my concerns, my victories, my frustrations, my praises, etc. BUT this morning I really feel God saying 'Grant, just PRAY' " Then I was reminded of a blog from another pastor I had recently read---"God again reminded me that He can do way more with my simple obedience than I can do in a lifetime of planning" So simple. Just pray and obey.
--I will try to blog more. Honestly, it kind of freaks me out that other people actually read them. I hope it helps. It does help me to collect my thoughts and type them out.
Grant
--Our volunteers at Element Church ROCK! Seriously they are amazing. Sometimes on Sunday morning I take a moment and just stand back and watch and listen. I am blown away. I know Jeff and Adam feel the same way. I could, and probably should, go on. But I really just wanted to say to those of you that volunteer at Element--THANK YOU! I hope God blesses you as much as you are a blessing to me and others. I have received many compliments about our First Impressions team (ushers and greeters). We have actually had people tell us that the reason they came back to Element Church is because someone said "Hi" to them and made them feel welcome. WOW.
--A personal journal entry the other day went something like this---" I will continue to write down in this book my concerns, my victories, my frustrations, my praises, etc. BUT this morning I really feel God saying 'Grant, just PRAY' " Then I was reminded of a blog from another pastor I had recently read---"God again reminded me that He can do way more with my simple obedience than I can do in a lifetime of planning" So simple. Just pray and obey.
--I will try to blog more. Honestly, it kind of freaks me out that other people actually read them. I hope it helps. It does help me to collect my thoughts and type them out.
Grant
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thankful
Soooo much to be thankful for. Obvious ones are salvation, the Gospel, the Bible, family, friends, health, my calling, my job, etc. Sooo much to be thankful for!
Today I'm going to talk about my family---specifically my wife and my two sons.
Let's start with my two sons Morgan and Nathan. Boys, if you are reading this--I LOVE YOU and am extremely proud of you! You are both amazing young men that have met Jesus and let Him guide and shape who you are. The fact that I get to be a part in the process of guiding and teaching you is both humbling and empowering. You are both HUGE blessings in my life.
Every Sunday, Morgan and Nathan start their day before 6 AM. That's what time they need to be up and rolling to help Element Church happen on Sunday morning. What is the average (I hesitate to use the word average, couldn't think of a better word and chances are if your reading this your kids aren't "average" either) kid doing in America at 6 AM on Sunday morning. Most of them are NOT getting out of bed to go help Mom and Dad and the rest of the team set up for church. I tell them all the time how proud I am of them, how much I love them, and how vital they are to what we do on Sunday. Morgan plays bass guitar on the praise band and Nathan is the light tech, but they both do so much more than that on Sunday's. I hope they know how vital they are to the team and know that they ARE making a difference in God's Kingdom.
Now let's talk about my wife, Terri Lynn. WOW. Where to begin? Terri Lynn, I LOVE and CHERISH YOU!
You are an amazing wife, mother, friend, help-meet, but MOST importantly you have a HUGE heart for the LORD. How you have supported and encouraged me since ( and before) we got the call on our lives to move to Cheyenne and help plant Element Church is priceless. Thank you! I am the man I am today because of YOU. Thank You! You were the first one in our family to meet the LORD. I was the last. Those years between those two events were not easy I'm sure. Thank you for staying the course, fighting the good fight, and having everyone praying for me. I hope that in some small way the man and husband God is shaping me into is your reward for all those years.
In my opinion, one of the "watershed" moments in every man's life is this---the moment that he finally comes to the realization what a HUGE blessing and gift from God his wife is. It was for me anyway. The day I realized what a precious and priceless gift Terri Lynn is, well let's just say I've never been the same. I believe that women are the "crown-jewel" of God's creation. Sadly , so many times they are not treated that way.
I almost missed it. The fact that my wife is a gift not a possession. Someone to be cherished not bossed around. When I see other men "out there" who have yet to figure this out, well honestly, I want to kick them and hug them. OK, I want to kick them first to get there attention and then hug and encourage them to get it right. Then I have to remember that I too was once like them, so then I try to remember to love them where they're at and pray for them.
I want to end by thanking God for all that He has done in my life and all He is continuing to do with and through me. I am truly AMAZED! Thank You LORD!
Today I'm going to talk about my family---specifically my wife and my two sons.
Let's start with my two sons Morgan and Nathan. Boys, if you are reading this--I LOVE YOU and am extremely proud of you! You are both amazing young men that have met Jesus and let Him guide and shape who you are. The fact that I get to be a part in the process of guiding and teaching you is both humbling and empowering. You are both HUGE blessings in my life.
Every Sunday, Morgan and Nathan start their day before 6 AM. That's what time they need to be up and rolling to help Element Church happen on Sunday morning. What is the average (I hesitate to use the word average, couldn't think of a better word and chances are if your reading this your kids aren't "average" either) kid doing in America at 6 AM on Sunday morning. Most of them are NOT getting out of bed to go help Mom and Dad and the rest of the team set up for church. I tell them all the time how proud I am of them, how much I love them, and how vital they are to what we do on Sunday. Morgan plays bass guitar on the praise band and Nathan is the light tech, but they both do so much more than that on Sunday's. I hope they know how vital they are to the team and know that they ARE making a difference in God's Kingdom.
Now let's talk about my wife, Terri Lynn. WOW. Where to begin? Terri Lynn, I LOVE and CHERISH YOU!
You are an amazing wife, mother, friend, help-meet, but MOST importantly you have a HUGE heart for the LORD. How you have supported and encouraged me since ( and before) we got the call on our lives to move to Cheyenne and help plant Element Church is priceless. Thank you! I am the man I am today because of YOU. Thank You! You were the first one in our family to meet the LORD. I was the last. Those years between those two events were not easy I'm sure. Thank you for staying the course, fighting the good fight, and having everyone praying for me. I hope that in some small way the man and husband God is shaping me into is your reward for all those years.
In my opinion, one of the "watershed" moments in every man's life is this---the moment that he finally comes to the realization what a HUGE blessing and gift from God his wife is. It was for me anyway. The day I realized what a precious and priceless gift Terri Lynn is, well let's just say I've never been the same. I believe that women are the "crown-jewel" of God's creation. Sadly , so many times they are not treated that way.
I almost missed it. The fact that my wife is a gift not a possession. Someone to be cherished not bossed around. When I see other men "out there" who have yet to figure this out, well honestly, I want to kick them and hug them. OK, I want to kick them first to get there attention and then hug and encourage them to get it right. Then I have to remember that I too was once like them, so then I try to remember to love them where they're at and pray for them.
I want to end by thanking God for all that He has done in my life and all He is continuing to do with and through me. I am truly AMAZED! Thank You LORD!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Finding Where I Fit
In the short life of Element Church and my short time as one of it's leaders I have learned something very powerful. Let me start by saying that I take no credit for the idea or concept as being "original" . I'm sure I learned it on a blog or in a book or somewhere else. But it has been huge for me.
It has to do with when I am trying to help someone find where they "fit" at Element Church when it comes to serving. The conversation usually goes something like this---
Bob (not his real name) approaches me and tells me he wants to serve. Usually Bob will ask me what we need. My response- "Bob I appreciate your willingness to serve, and to serve where we need you, but I first want to know what your passionate about or where you feel called" Bob-"What?" I continue-" Here's what I know, if your serving in an area that you love or even feel called to, then it will show on your face. The reverse is also true. If your serving somewhere just to fill a hole then that too will show on your face. So tell me first what you LOVE and we'll see where that fits in what we do."
Many times I have seen "Bob's" whole demeanor change. From one of "duty" to one of enthusiasm.
I can not tell how freeing this has been for me and for our awesome volunteers. Already I have witnessed many people take total ownership of their role and make it better and more powerful then I could have. I truly believe that when people find where they fit it totally allows them to be who they were created to be.
Now let me say that like any other rule there is always the exception. I have also seen someone hesitate when challenged to get out of their comfort zone, when it comes to filling a role or a need, only to see that person totally embrace that new role when they find that they actually enjoy it. All they really needed is someone to ask them and believe in them and help them along the way.
I think back to when Jeff first asked me to work with the youth. At first, I really didn't think it was for me. Looking back, those years were HUGE for me! I was the one being blessed by my willingness to serve. I was the one that was learning and maturing every Wednesday getting to hear Jeff preach. I was the one getting shaped for something more. I can't imagine not having that part of my story.
So what does the church need? My opinion--the church needs people totally sold out for Jesus that are willing to "serve", whatever that looks like in their lives. So find where you fit and GO FOR IT!
It has to do with when I am trying to help someone find where they "fit" at Element Church when it comes to serving. The conversation usually goes something like this---
Bob (not his real name) approaches me and tells me he wants to serve. Usually Bob will ask me what we need. My response- "Bob I appreciate your willingness to serve, and to serve where we need you, but I first want to know what your passionate about or where you feel called" Bob-"What?" I continue-" Here's what I know, if your serving in an area that you love or even feel called to, then it will show on your face. The reverse is also true. If your serving somewhere just to fill a hole then that too will show on your face. So tell me first what you LOVE and we'll see where that fits in what we do."
Many times I have seen "Bob's" whole demeanor change. From one of "duty" to one of enthusiasm.
I can not tell how freeing this has been for me and for our awesome volunteers. Already I have witnessed many people take total ownership of their role and make it better and more powerful then I could have. I truly believe that when people find where they fit it totally allows them to be who they were created to be.
Now let me say that like any other rule there is always the exception. I have also seen someone hesitate when challenged to get out of their comfort zone, when it comes to filling a role or a need, only to see that person totally embrace that new role when they find that they actually enjoy it. All they really needed is someone to ask them and believe in them and help them along the way.
I think back to when Jeff first asked me to work with the youth. At first, I really didn't think it was for me. Looking back, those years were HUGE for me! I was the one being blessed by my willingness to serve. I was the one that was learning and maturing every Wednesday getting to hear Jeff preach. I was the one getting shaped for something more. I can't imagine not having that part of my story.
So what does the church need? My opinion--the church needs people totally sold out for Jesus that are willing to "serve", whatever that looks like in their lives. So find where you fit and GO FOR IT!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Believe
A couple of years ago I was listening to one of my favorite "radio" pastors and he made a statement that has stuck with me. To me it was challenging and exciting all at the same time. His question/challenge went something like this--"Are you simply reading the Book of Acts or are you believing and living the Book of Acts?" Wow. He went on to ask if your simply reading the Bible or are you living the Bible. That really challenged me. When I'm reading the Bible what am I thinking. Do I believe the God of the Bible lives today? Or is it just a bunch of stories that was good for it's time and those things can't really happen today.
Well, I don't know about you, but I BELIEVE! The same God that performed all those signs and miracles IS the same God that LIVES today!
The other day I was at a pastor's prayer meeting and I felt God direct me to the Book of Acts. In particular Chapter 2;41,47. Verse 47 ends with this statement--"And the LORD added to their number daily those who were being saved." I believe!
I believe God desires to add to His numbers daily. I believe God desires to add DAILY those in Cheyenne who are being saved. I believe it. I've seen it. But here's the catch--I believed it BEFORE I saw it happen. I have been praying, and will continue to pray, daily for those that are lost to find LIFE in Jesus Christ.
One of the blogging pastors that I've really connected with recently talked about that very thing.http://johnatkinson.typepad.com/pastor_john_atkinson/2007/10/ill-believe-it-.html. Read it. Hope it challenges you and encourages you like it did me.
Well, I don't know about you, but I BELIEVE! The same God that performed all those signs and miracles IS the same God that LIVES today!
The other day I was at a pastor's prayer meeting and I felt God direct me to the Book of Acts. In particular Chapter 2;41,47. Verse 47 ends with this statement--"And the LORD added to their number daily those who were being saved." I believe!
I believe God desires to add to His numbers daily. I believe God desires to add DAILY those in Cheyenne who are being saved. I believe it. I've seen it. But here's the catch--I believed it BEFORE I saw it happen. I have been praying, and will continue to pray, daily for those that are lost to find LIFE in Jesus Christ.
One of the blogging pastors that I've really connected with recently talked about that very thing.http://johnatkinson.typepad.com/pastor_john_atkinson/2007/10/ill-believe-it-.html. Read it. Hope it challenges you and encourages you like it did me.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Almost here
It's almost here. Sunday we officially "launch". It's been nineteen months. WOW.
February 28th (about 11 A.M.)2006 is the first time Jeff and I first talked about this. So I've been thinking a lot about some of the events since that moment. I'll share a few key ones---
Later that night, I told Terri Lynn in the car on the way to a basketball game. So here's Jeff and Sabrina and Terri Lynn and myself all about to bust at the seams with excitment and we trying very hard to act "normal" because no one else knows. I don't remember who we played, if we won, any of the details. Other than being TOTALLY excited.
Then there was the morning we told the boys. We let them stay home from school(at least for the morning). We let them sleep in, cooked them breakfast, then broke the news to them. My boys went from being "normal" kids in school and youth to being pastor's kids. And let me say that they have been AWESOME. Most of the labels and pressures that go with being a "PK" are NOT fair, but that's another blog for another day.
Then there was the time I told my father-in-law (Big T). We sat in his Tyson truck on our sidestreet at our house in Gillette and shared some smiles, some excitement and some tears. He kept saying "That's GREAT". I don't think he even made it out of our subdivision before he called Jan (my mother-in-law) and told her.
Then there was the time I told my parents. Let's just say it went "different" from when I told my in-laws.
I/We have been to many seminars and classes and read many books and have learned a ton. SO much I could share, and maybe I will later.
So I've had all these thoughts and memories going through my mind, and in my normal devotions I came across some very powerfull words(at least for me).
I'm in the Book of Zechariah. Yesterday I read Chapter 8. Some bullet points--"I am consumed with passion for my people" says the LORD, "Be strong and finish the task" says the LORD, "All this may seem impossible to you, but is anything impossible for Me?" Says the LORD, "I will rescue them and they will be my people" say the LORD, and finally "And they will say 'Please let us walk with you, for we have heard that God is with you' ". WOW.!
February 28th (about 11 A.M.)2006 is the first time Jeff and I first talked about this. So I've been thinking a lot about some of the events since that moment. I'll share a few key ones---
Later that night, I told Terri Lynn in the car on the way to a basketball game. So here's Jeff and Sabrina and Terri Lynn and myself all about to bust at the seams with excitment and we trying very hard to act "normal" because no one else knows. I don't remember who we played, if we won, any of the details. Other than being TOTALLY excited.
Then there was the morning we told the boys. We let them stay home from school(at least for the morning). We let them sleep in, cooked them breakfast, then broke the news to them. My boys went from being "normal" kids in school and youth to being pastor's kids. And let me say that they have been AWESOME. Most of the labels and pressures that go with being a "PK" are NOT fair, but that's another blog for another day.
Then there was the time I told my father-in-law (Big T). We sat in his Tyson truck on our sidestreet at our house in Gillette and shared some smiles, some excitement and some tears. He kept saying "That's GREAT". I don't think he even made it out of our subdivision before he called Jan (my mother-in-law) and told her.
Then there was the time I told my parents. Let's just say it went "different" from when I told my in-laws.
I/We have been to many seminars and classes and read many books and have learned a ton. SO much I could share, and maybe I will later.
So I've had all these thoughts and memories going through my mind, and in my normal devotions I came across some very powerfull words(at least for me).
I'm in the Book of Zechariah. Yesterday I read Chapter 8. Some bullet points--"I am consumed with passion for my people" says the LORD, "Be strong and finish the task" says the LORD, "All this may seem impossible to you, but is anything impossible for Me?" Says the LORD, "I will rescue them and they will be my people" say the LORD, and finally "And they will say 'Please let us walk with you, for we have heard that God is with you' ". WOW.!
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