Leaders

     As we get ready to start youth back up again this school year I can't help but think about the great group of seniors we had graduate in May.  They were leaders in the youth group and in the church.  As I reflect I see that the last three years we have had a great group of leaders step up.
     I think the reason we always have a great group of leaders graduate is because of the graduates and because of the younger ones still here.  The graduates set such an example that once they leave the younger ones can't help but step up and fill that leadership void.  I can't wait to see how our current youth step up and fill that void in their own way.  There are many different leadership examples that our youth can model from other youth and adults.
      I can't wait to see how the youth grow as leaders at their various colleges and to see how our youth grow into bigger leadership roles here.

see everyone real soon
kevin

H.O.F.

I was trying to think of something to blog about and I was (maybe still am) experiencing writers block. Then something struck me as I was watching the Hall of Fame Induction of Shannon Sharpe. The most telling part of his speech was about his relationship with his brother. And something he said struck me: "no one but me and my brother will know how it was."

As brothers growing up one constant was that we always knew how the other one felt. And I could never fully explain what it is like having a twin who pretty much knew me as well as I knew myself. And I knew him just as well. I still know how to get Jason from calm to irate in 2.4 seconds flat. No one else knows how and I know at least five of them. Not surprisingly they all have to do with sports. I'm sure he can do the same to me. When I ever get to give a meaningful toast in his honor maybe I will just share all those "key words" with everyone we know.

It's cool trying to explain that to others but only he and I know the full extent of how well we knew each other. Hopefully everyone is able to have a similar friend like that growing up.

Grace&peace
Kevin

Want to Hear God Laugh.....Tell Him You Have Plans

     I've been thinking about plans a lot lately.  Plans for youth in the fall, plans for what direction the youth should go in, weekly chore schedules, plans (or timetable) for having another kid, etc.  (And before anyone starts texting me or Kathy.....no we are not pregnant.  We have just talked about it.  So relax, that's how rumors get started.)
     In regards to plans: sometimes unexpected things happen.  That's life.  When those things do happen how we handle them is very important.  How we as individuals handle them is important.  How we as a church community handle them is important.
     I, and a lot of other people I assume, like to be in control of things.  But I once heard someone say that control is an illusion.  We are not in control, God is in control.  One of the lessons I am still learning is that I cannot and never will be able to completely be in control of every situation.  What I can control is how I react to a given situation.  Do I react in anger or confusion or do I react with optimism and grace?
     I am not in control, God is in control.  I trust that he knows what is best and he has a plan.  And whatever that plan is, it is far and away the best plan.  I have to be able to wrap my mind around that concept and hopefully those of you who read this can wrap your mind around that concept too.

grace&peace
Kevin