Bike Tour 2005 Freedom

Bike Tour Devotions

On Sunday we leave for our bike tour to the C&O Canal riding into Washington D.C. Following are the verses we will use for the devotions during the week. What a great bunch of verses to memorize. We'll work on it during the week. Why not get a head start so you can lead you team.

Day 1 Romans 8:1-4
Life in the Spirit 1So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death. 3The law of Moses could not save us, because of our sinful nature. But God put into effect a different plan to save us. He sent his own Son in a human body like ours, except that ours are sinful. God destroyed sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4He did this so that the requirement of the law would be fully accomplished for us© who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.

Day 2 Romans 8:5-8
5Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace. 7For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. 8That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.

Day 3 Romans 8:9-11
9But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them are not Christians at all.) 10Since Christ lives within you, even though your body will die because of sin, your spirit is alive because you have been made right with God. 11The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as he raised Christ from the dead, he will give life to your mortal body by this same Spirit living within you.

Day 4 Romans 8:12-14 12
So, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit you turn from it and its evil deeds, you will live. 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

Day 5 Romans 8:15-17
15 So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family — calling him “Father, dear Father.” 16For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God’s children. 17And since we are his children, we will share his treasures—for everything God gives to his Son, Christ, is ours, too. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

Day 6 Romans 8:18-25
The Future Glory 18Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. 19For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. 20Against its will, everything on earth was subjected to God’s curse. 21All creation anticipates the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us. 24Now that we are saved, we eagerly look forward to this freedom. For if you already have something, you don’t need to hope for it. 25But if we look forward to something we don’t have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently.

Day 7 Romans 8:26-30
26And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don’t even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 28And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters. 30And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And he gave them right standing with himself, and he promised them his glory

ACC Tournament Update

Being the 4th seed in the ACC tournament isn't working out too badly for the "Noles. No. 1 seed Georgia Tech is losing as I write to 8th seed Wake Forest. WF had to win two games just to get into this game against the Jackets. The Jackets, as the #1 seed, had a bye and are playing in their first game of the tournament.

#2 Seed Clemson & #3 Miami are already in the loser's bracket with opening round losses.

The #4 'Noles won in odd fashion against North Carolina. Florida State, who has beaten the Heals 4 out of 4 so far this year (3 of the 4 have been won in the bottom of the final inning!)gave up a tying run in the top of the 9th inning on a strikeout followed by a throwing error after a dropped ball by the catcher. The 'Noles came back and won it on an error by Carolina in the 12th.

Anything can happen in a tournament with this many good teams but you have to love being the only team out of the top five in the winner's bracket after round 1.

tags: baseball College Baseball Florida State

Lord of the Rings & Bike Seats

I had an interesting conversations with Doug Shoulders today. He told me he was watching the behind the scenes footage from Lord of the Rings. Specifically the part where Merry & Pippin are being carried by trees. In the footage they appear to be in a lot of pain. The behind the scenes footage explains that it is more than a mere appearance...they are in pain. And the reason...they are sitting on bicycle seats. Just a little something to think about before we take off on Sunday for our whirlwind tour of the C&O Canal. Anybody seen my powder?

Can Your Pleasure Rescue You?

"Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen! Let them rescue you in your hour of
distress!"
(Judges 10:14)

Those words had to feel like a kick in the stomach. What about us? What would happen if God said to us, when we find ourselves in a tight spot, 'all that stuff you've been finding pleasure in...see if it can get you out of your jam.' Way more often than we'd like to admit we find our pleasure everywhere but in God and than we get in a tight spot or life just gets way too much to handle we come crying to Him to rescue us. If we find our pleasure in Him than our pleasure can see us through anything.

tags: God

Senior Banquet 2005

Usually around this time my mind is going into panic mode...how are we going to continue without this great core of leaders God has blessed us with? Frankly, I love this group of students. But I think it is finally dawning on me as we prepare to say goodbye to this group, that they are the answer to last years prayer. And God will provide again. He always does. It will be very exciting to see what God does in the lives of these students. God reminded me at C3 how incredible He is at changing lives. I ran into one of our former students in the hotel elevator. He was at the conference also because he has just taken a position as a youth coordinator in a church where he now lives. I would not have seen that one coming on his senior night...but God did. With this group you can see it coming. The potential in this group to have major impacts on our society is unlimited. It's going to be fun to watch. And I know God is preparing another great group to come right up behind them and help change the student culture right here in Tallahassee. A year from now I'll be posting their pictures and wondering...how are we going to get along without this group?

RED SOX ROCK!!!!!!

I just want to take a moment and say how much I absolutely love the Red Sox. They are the most AWESOME MLB Team in the country. I'm so happy they beat the Yankees in the world series because everyone knows the Yankees are losers!

Also I'd like to take this opportunity to say just how incredible Diane Ashburn is. She's fun, committed and along with Shandra, does pretty much all my work. Like right now, I'm out getting Ice Cream while Shandra and Diane are slaving away planning the events for the next year. I'd also like to take this opportunity to say how marvelous Calyn Reber is. She is the best Drama Leader in the world and is an expert X-Box destroyer.

I will leave you with this thought.....
Cabbage: A familiar kitchen-garden vegetable about as large and wise as a man's head.
Ambrose Bierce (1842 - 1914)



GO RED SOX!!!!!!

Christian Music & Diet Coke

Nobodody drinks Diet Coke because they love the flavor. People who drink Diet Coke drink it because of what it doesn't have...calories! If you love Coke but don't want the calories you have to settle for something a little less.

Unfortunatley listening to Christian music can feel like that. Too many times I feel like I am listening to Christian music, not because of the quality of the music, but because of what it doesn't have. It's not the best music available but at least it doesn't have all negative stuff that a lot of secular music contains. What a great day it will be when we can listen to Christian music because it is the best music available.

So here is what I want to know. What Christian artists do you listen to, based completely on your love for their music, not just because they are 'Christian artists'?

tags: music Christian_Music

The Power of Vision

In this case I don't mean the typical rah rah stuff of the great visionary leader seeing way down the road. I mean simply being able to see my hand in front of my face. This week began in panic mode. New Orleans, Radooga, camp, bike trip, vacation plans, family & friends all converging down on me at once. Now after taking a deep breath, cleaning off my desk (that always helps) and taking the time to map out specific things that need to be accomplished and when I can breath easier at least having a plan. That feels better. If just helps to know. Yes, the lists are long and can be intimidating but not nearly as intimidating as the unknown. That knawling feeling of knowing you have a ton to do but not real sure what needs to be done when. Now I can begin eating the elephant one bite at a time.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Last night we produced episode 1 of the Early Late Show. The theme of the show, and next week's is Crazy Little Thing Called Love. Specifically last night we addressed the failure of Hollywood style relationships and gave a great alternative found in Ephesians 5:1,2. Overall I have to say it was a blast. The videos that Calyn, Mr. Jim and the drama team procuded were amazing. I was really blown away by the quality and humor. Another great moment was when in rehearsal Christina let the cat out of the bag that the band had been named the Christian Horton band without their input or even knowledge. The look on David's face was pricelss...but also a great life lesson. If we are not willing to define ourselves people will be more than willing to define us! Anyway, it was great. Everyone worked very hard and it paid off. Hopefully in the process people learned a little about relationships but if not I think we've all learned a great deal about the beauty of working in a team environment.

Loose Ends

Today is my semi-annual panic attack day. It usually comes a couple weeks before summer begins and once again right before school starts back up. This is the time when I realize I have so many loose ends on so many various projects that I do one of several things...

1. Cancel everything
2. Kick the cat (or is it the dog?)
3. Turn on the Opera Babes and read a book.
4. Monster.com (just kidding)
5. Delegate. Delegate. Delegate. (Ed, where are you now?)
6. Quit blogging and get to work.

On a side note. I have to completely agree with Mr. Jim We have some amazing people who volunteer in our ministry. It is amazing how many hours go into this thing and it never gets old seeing people give those hours to ministry with enthusiasm and grace. When I'm not in a panic mode I'll share a little more about this but suffice it to say that I am deeply grateful for each volunteer - drama, band, small group leader, camp co-ordinators on down the line who make it possible for the ministry to have variety and give our students a variety of people they can look up to and see first hand what it looks like to following Christ in the 21st century. Shout out to each one of you. You are the best. And Mr. Jim...welcome to the team and be careful about praying for patience. I did that one time on a bus ride. That's a story for another day. Maybe I'll tell when Scott is out of town.

No Name Dodgers and the Power of Team

The L.A. Dodgers have taken a play from the Yankees' playbook this season and eliminated the names from the back of their jerseys. This reminds me of something...the power of team. The sum is always greater than the parts. I learned this lesson the hard way in college. On a multiple choice test in an education class a random question appeared:

1 + 1 =

a) 2
b) 5
c) None of the above

The correct answer...5. Why - Because the sum is always greater than the individual parts. It's called synergy. The idea is that more is accomplished by 1 and 1 working together than what 1 and 1 would accomplish working as individuals.

That is why I am so excited about the beginning of our upcoming series, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love". It will be a team effort. Calyn & the TREE providing the creative juices for the show, Mr. Jim taking us to the next level with his technological skills, Jed with the stage design, Dave K. & the gang providing the music, the students will provide the energy and spontaneity that will be so critical and hopefully I'll be able to provide something meaningful in the way of content.

It's just a reminder that it is always more fun to accomplish something with a team. We all fall into the trap from time to time of wanting to be known for some individual accomplishment. Somebody notice me! I am important! But being creatures that were born for community I believe we always find more satisfaction when we accomplish something significant as a team.

tags: baseball Dodgers

My Favorite Yankee

During a five day stretch where I got to see the Yanks play the Rays and Roger Clemens single handedly beat the Marlins my favorite gmae of the week took place last night in Tallahassee. That's where my son Josh won the game ball in a game they needed to win to gain a tie for first place in their little league. Josh had the game of his life at third - picking up hot shots and throwing them out at first, running down fly balls, charging slow rollers and zipping them across the diamond to gun down the runners. That on top of a double and a walk at the plate. His coach rewarded him with the game ball. You should have seen the glow on his face. We collect baseballs and we have some good ones...two world series balls signed by every player on the A's World Series teams in '88 and '89, Chipper Jones, J.D. Drew, Stepehen Drew, numerous 'Noles. We now have a new favorite. Way to go Josh.

Happy Mother's Day Laurie! 

Craziness

This is not a cry for pity...I know I have made my own bed and now I am laying in it but I feel, in the words of an old friend, wore out.

Wed - Work all day, go to church, go to to late move.
Thurs - drive to Tampa, go to Yankees game (more on my dissapointment with the Yanks when I have more time)
Friday - drive home from Tampa, clean yard for Josh's party
Saturday - work at Piney Z all day clearing trails for STRIVE, go home for Josh's party & sleepover
Tomorrow - church, drive to Ft. Lauderdale for C3 Conference
Monday - C3 Conference all day. Marlins Vs. Astros that night (that'll be fresh air!)
Tuesday - drive home.
Wednesday - back to work.

At least tomorrow's not Mother's Day or I'd really be in trouble. Surely I wouldn't blow mother's day two years in a row.

Can't wait for summer when things slow down. NOT!

Yankees or Bust

I've checked the tickets everyday for the last seven days. The game is tonight at 7:15pm and we are on our way in about an hour. No rain outs...it's in the dome.
Go Yankees!

tags: Yankees baseball

Got 'er Done II

The #16 Seminoles beat the #6 Florida Gators 9-4 last night.Two out of three from the Gators for this young team - job well done. Go 'Noles. No matter what else happens with this young team you'd have to give them kudos for knocking off the No. 6 ranked Gators two out of three games. That to go along with the thumping they put on Miami in Coral Gables after dropping the first two in frustrating games they could have won. Sorry La. Maybe Urban will, "Get 'er done" this fall.

tags: Seminoles Florida_State Gators FSU baseball College_Baseball

Switchfoot & Evangelism

I started to write something about Switchfoot's evangelism (or lack of depending on your perspective). I won't today because I've got something in my eye that's annoying me.

You can read more in their own words at
Sony Music's Switchfoot Forum. Thanks to David Kuder for the link.

tags: God Switchfoot Evangelism

Happy is a Yuppie Word

I went to the Switchfoot concert on Friday at Wild Adventures. The weather was horrible the music great and the concert overall I would have to say was excellent. One thing I would like to have seen though and I know some people will disagree with this, is more from the heart of the artist. When I go to a concert I like to hear the artist talk about the stories behind their songs. Tell me what lead you to write that song…what moves you…what inspires you…is there a story behind the lyrics to your music? There were some vague references…’this song is more than rock & roll to me’ is one comment that was made. That peaked my interest…’oh yea. Why? Tell me. Don’t leave me hangin’” If I just want to hear the songs I can listen to a CD. I know…others would say…I came to hear you play not talk so shut up and sing…I just happen to like it the other way.

With that said there was one song that will be on their new album that sparked my interest. The song is, ‘Happy is a Yuppie Word’. That song really had me longing to hear the story behind the song. Of course they did not offer any information so I did some research. Apparently the song was inspired by a quote by Johnny Cash. Johnny was asked if he was happy. He said, “Happy is such a yuppie word”. He went on to explain that he felt, blessed, but happy probably wasn’t the right word to describe him. It seems like Swithchfoot has captured the essence of Johnny’s thoughts with this song…and the message of the book of Ecclesiastes for that matter. I love the line, ‘nothing in this world could fail me now’. How true is that? If you expect nothing from this world than you won’t be disappointed when this world provides nothing. If you are looking for this world to provide your satisfaction…get ready to be disappointed. The rest of the lyrics follow…

Happy is a Yuppie Word
by jon foreman

everyone dies
everyone loves a fight
nothing is sound
nothing is right side right
the evening comes
when the sun goes down in red
nothing is new
when will all the fighting end?
when will all the fighting end?

happy is a yuppie word
nothing in the world could fail me now
as empty as an argument
running down the life that won’t cash out... cash out

everything fails
everything’ll run its course
a time and a place
[for all of this] nothing war
everything [buys]
[cause] everything’s got a price
nothing is new
when will all us failures rise
When will all the failures rise, rise

happy is a yuppie word
nothing in the world can fail me now
as empty as an argument
running down a life that won’t cash out
everything is meaningless
i want more than simple cash can buy
happy is a yuppie word, word

i’m looking for an orphanage
i'm looking for a bridge I can’t burn down
i don’t believe in emptiness
i’m looking for the kingdom coming down
everything is meaningless
i want more than simple cash can buy
everything is meaningless
happy is a yuppie word
happy is a yuppie word
happy is a yuppie word
happy is a yuppie...

nothing is sound!
nothing is sound!
nothing is sound!
nothing is sound!
nothing is sound!
nothing is sound!
nothing is sound!

happy is a yuppie word
happy is a yuppie word
nothing in the world could fail me now
happy is a yuppie word, word

tags: God Switchfoot Music