Posted by Addis Andy on Dec 30, 2009 in
Spiritual Growth It’s that time of year again. Every channel on TV has one of those greatest/worst 100 of the year shows. You can’t turn on the radio without audibly stumbling over a top 40 countdown of every style and genre out there.
It’s just natural at the end of the year to look back and remember before we press on into the new.
I hate this time of year.
Not just because it contrasts with the Christmas Season (the absolute best time of the year), or even because I don’t like looking back. In fact, it’s just the opposite.
I hate this kind of looking back, because it doesn’t do anything for our future. It’s a waste of time and energy.
Tags: activate, Acts 15, Bible, Chasing Daylight, Erwin, goals, luke 14, Luke 9, Mark 12, Mark 2, Matt 28, plans, Prov 13, Psalm 20, Uprising
Posted by Addis Andy on Nov 23, 2009 in
Spiritual Growth As a pastor of a decade and a half now, I have sat through some pretty rough family counseling sessions.
You’d be amazed at the harsh things people can say to each other… or, maybe you wouldn’t be. I guess that’s even sadder.
Some of the barbs that get thrown include:
If you cared about me at all…
I don’t think I can love you anymore…
You’re an idiot…
I just wish I was as important to you as your sister is…
It’s me or the XBOX (seriously, I’ve heard this one)…
I can’t stand to be around you anymore…
Ouch! After a few of those, it’s a little awkward trying to schedule the next meeting. I never know if they are planning on being together in a week, or if I’ll have to visit one of them in the county clink where they now reside for stabbing their mate.
Tags: 1 Thess 5, Bible, Erwin McManus, maturity, perspective, Spiritual Growth, thanks, Thanksgiving
Posted by Addis Andy on Oct 9, 2009 in
Spiritual Growth I’m a people watcher.
It’s not only a pass time, it’s a passion.
When Kathy and I are short on money, we often make people watching our low budget entertainment for date night. For example, last night we spent 2.5 hours on a strategically positioned couch at the coffeeshop in Hastings and just drank it in.
In whispered tones like the National Geographic photographer crouched in the bushes just a few feet upwind from an African lion (idiot, by the way… said in love) who documents his close encounter on film, Kat and I whisper to each other:
“Think they’re a couple?”
“Friends or sisters?”
“Dude, she is mad. She’d stab him if we all weren’t here…”
“Do we know him?”
“I’d never let you out of the house wearing that.” (Obviously, a Kat only statement)
“Hey, I think those two are watching us… quick, act normal.”
Tags: Acts 23, argue, Bible, debate, Hebrews 4, maturity, mouth, Nobel Peace Prize, President Obama, speak
Posted by Addis Andy on Sep 15, 2009 in
Leadership Journals,
Spiritual Growth For those who are not geographically aware of this bloggers location, the following statement won’t mean much:
It’s State Fair time!
Living three blocks from the fairgrounds is a good or bad thing depending upon what you think of the fair.
The Addis from high atop the Weenie Wheel.
The Addis from high atop the Weenie Wheel.
I get most of my fair jollies just sitting on the front porch. Watching the parade of happy people walking to the fair early in the day as they park somewhere beyond my house.
And, then, I am blessed with the occasional treasure of seeing the exact same people coming back later that night… transformed.
Tired, broke, sun burnt or freezing (it’s Kansas, you know) and almost always “less happy.”
This people watching is a little thing I have learned to enjoy in the last seven years of living here in Hutch. I do it every year as I listen to the concerts from the comfort of my porch swing.
You know what else doesn’t change? The Fair!
That’s amazing to me.
Tags: Air Supply, Bible, change, fear, growth, Mark 2:21-22, maturity, obedience, Phil 1:6, Spiritual Growth, State Fair
Posted by Addis Andy on Aug 31, 2009 in
Bible Stuff,
Spiritual Growth Dealing with conflict.
Everyone deals with it, but the question is how do you deal. There are constructive and destructive ways to deal with almost anything including conflict, criticism and stupidity.
Hmm… that last descriptor is less from my Bible Study and more from the movie I just caught last night: GI JOE.
I so loved it. I was 11 again.
If one of the JOEs ran into conflict they’d blow it up, punch it in the face, or just kill it.
And, as machismo and testosterone driven as that is (and, oh so appealing for so many situations), I don’t think it’s the answer for the Christ follower in conflict.
Tags: Acts 21, anger, Bible, conflict, GI JOE, maturity, obedience, relationships, Spiritual Growth
Posted by Addis Andy on Jul 3, 2009 in
Spiritual Growth I write this blog to you from the corner of the snack shop at YouthFrontZone Camp in Edgerton, Ks. I’ve had the privilege of being the camp pastor here for the last four years and it’s starting to feel like a second home.
They have great facilities, an excellent staff and some fo the most unique programs I have every seen. But, probably the most ringing endorsement comes from my boys Noah and Nathan who say this is their “most favorite camp ever”, which is a huge statement because my boys… they’ve seen lot of camp.
When I ask what their favorite part is, it’s hard for them to decide:
Is it the paramilitary game NIGHTSTRIKE played late at night when they cut all the lights at camp
Is it the grossly enormous free standing water slide that has a 30 second drop
Is it the 50s Pool Party, the Renaissance fair, the daily HYPE sessions of dancing, goofy games and indoor dodgeball
Is it the all access free pass they get to the snack shop as the camp pastor’s kids (I think this might be it, but that’s just me)
Whatever it is, I love doing this camp, because my kids love it so much. And, this camp is really unusual because of its facilities and programming.
However, there is one thing that makes this camp identical to the hundreds of other camps I have been to over the years… the kiddos.
Tags: adulthood, Camp, Chuck Stecker, Hebrews 5:14, parenting, Spiritual Growth, YouthFrontZone, Zip Line
Posted by Addis Andy on Jun 26, 2009 in
Spiritual Growth Just got back from an incredible trip overseas and I have more to communicate than I could ever hope to pour out in a single sermon, blog or conversation. So, whoever shows up at church this weekend… God help them.
One of the great parts of this recent road trip was the opportunity to visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus and actually stand where the Apostle Paul stood. You know, to not guess, but to whip out the old Holy Bible and read the chapter and verse and quote what he said standing on the very spot he said it.
Kinda cool. Felt a little like a time machine with the flux capacitor kicked into high gear.
So, here I am this morning trying to reintegrate/catch up on the week we missed and I decided to reread some of the passages connected to the places I’d just seen.
Right out of Acts 19 while Paul was visiting Ephesus is this crazy, funny story:
Tags: Acts 19, Bible, Ephesus, Failure, maturity, obedience, Spiritual Growth, trust
Posted by Addis Andy on Jun 10, 2009 in
Spiritual Growth I have a love hate relationship with my IPOD.
More than 8000 songs from classical, to 80s, to Bluegrass, to Heavy Metal (Christian, of course), to audiobooks, to podcasts/sermons, to some stuff I can’t even begin to apply genre too.
Then there are days worth of video (seasons of Dr Who for me and Spongebob for the kiddos), games, pictures and even text files.
I have the 160 GB Classic monster… that’s the part I love.
The part I hate… trying to listen to it in my car.
I have tried nearly a dozen of those little wireless FM transmitters only to be dismally disappointed every stinking time!
I plug it in, turn it on and tune it up expecting to hear that crystal clear digital joy. But, what I get would make a leisure suit wearing, El Camino driving, eight track aficionado smirk at me with disgust (sorry to all your dads).
Tags: Acts 16, Acts 17, Acts 20, Acts 21, Bible, Bishop TD JAKES, Chris Tomlin, discipleship, Dr Who, IPOD, listening, Spiritual Growth, Spongebob, Stryper
Posted by Addis Andy on May 12, 2009 in
Spiritual Growth Last night I had the privilege of speaking to Christian Challenge, the college aged ministry meeting here in the Hutchinson area.
I spoke on the issue of contentment, and as weird as it sounds… I have been totally fired up about contentment! This spring I have spoken at half a dozen schools and colleges and have talked about contentment almost every time (even at our own SURGE Bible Study once). But, last night I finally got it on video.
Hope you enjoy!
Tags: Bible, college, contentment, maturity, money, Philippians, Spiritual Growth, wealth, www.globalrichlist.com
Posted by Addis Andy on Feb 7, 2009 in
Spiritual Growth I just spent the last week working with the students of Corn Bible Academy in Corn, Ok… okay, let’s get this out of our system… yes, they were the children of the corn. Corny, eh? I was completely impressed with the students and staff of this small Christian school and had a great time with them as a teacher/pastor for their spiritual emphasis week. During the week we had a Q&A time which lead to this video on dealing with temptation. The focus verse is 1 Corinthians 10:13: No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (1 Co 10:12-13). Grand Rapids: Zondervan. Also, stay tuned to the bitter end for the bloopers. I got real bored on the trip home. Four hours of, well, Oklahoma and Kansas. There’s a mindnumbing afternoon. Enjoy!
Tags: 1 Corinthians 10, Bible, obedience, Spiritual Growth, temptation
