Well, the yearly April Road Show is complete for 2009!
Youth Conference at FBBC, Iowa Association of Regular Baptist Church's annual meetings and this year a trip to Grand Rapids for the ordination counsel for Pastor Brian Cederquist.
I returned home to Clear Lake at about 10 PM on Saturday evening and was up and ready to preach on Sunday morning. Needless to say I'm still trying to get me feet back up under myself! Quite tired and feeling the effect of an on coming head cold, but very thankful for safety in travel and the opportunity to be challenged by God's Word from a number of great preachers.
Looking forward to getting back to a regular schedule and being able to file a few blog posts, letting you in on some great days I've enjoyed over the past week and a half!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
FBBC Youth Conference
Had the opportunity to attend the youth conference at Faith Baptist Bible College last week.
There were over 200 young people there from all over the mid-west. The purpose of the youth conference is two fold, first, to encourage these teen to strive to live more effectively for God and second, expose them to the college campus in Ankeny.
We arrived on Thursday evening for supper, an evening service and an activity. This years BIG activity was playing the old game show "Let's Make A Deal". Yep, it was just a corny as it sounds but everyone really seem to get into it and have a lot of fun!
Friday morning is the opportunity for the teens to get to attend classes and chapel at the college. there is a wide range from which to choose as well as choices to look in depth into certain majors offered at FBBC. The afternoon is filled with all kinds of activities from ultimate Frisbee to soccer games to trips to the big mall in Des Moines. There is an evening service and then everyone goes ice skating, with the day finished off by a killer game of dodge ball!
Saturday morning begins with a 5K walk/run for anyone who might be interested and this brings out the college students as well as the visiting teens! This is one of the favorite events at the FBBC youth conference every year. An abbreviated chapel service takes place and we are on the road by just afternoon.
A good time was had by all and I'm already looking forward to next year!
There were over 200 young people there from all over the mid-west. The purpose of the youth conference is two fold, first, to encourage these teen to strive to live more effectively for God and second, expose them to the college campus in Ankeny.
We arrived on Thursday evening for supper, an evening service and an activity. This years BIG activity was playing the old game show "Let's Make A Deal". Yep, it was just a corny as it sounds but everyone really seem to get into it and have a lot of fun!
Friday morning is the opportunity for the teens to get to attend classes and chapel at the college. there is a wide range from which to choose as well as choices to look in depth into certain majors offered at FBBC. The afternoon is filled with all kinds of activities from ultimate Frisbee to soccer games to trips to the big mall in Des Moines. There is an evening service and then everyone goes ice skating, with the day finished off by a killer game of dodge ball!
Saturday morning begins with a 5K walk/run for anyone who might be interested and this brings out the college students as well as the visiting teens! This is one of the favorite events at the FBBC youth conference every year. An abbreviated chapel service takes place and we are on the road by just afternoon.
A good time was had by all and I'm already looking forward to next year!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
On The Road!
Just a quick note to let you know that I'm on the road!
As soon as I get an opportunity, I'll be posting blogs on the FBBC Youth Conference, IARBC Annual State Meeting, and the Ordination Counsel of Brian Cederquest.
Hope all is well with you and I'll be posting again soon!
Pastor Steve
As soon as I get an opportunity, I'll be posting blogs on the FBBC Youth Conference, IARBC Annual State Meeting, and the Ordination Counsel of Brian Cederquest.
Hope all is well with you and I'll be posting again soon!
Pastor Steve
Monday, April 13, 2009
Monday Morning Alarm Clock
I got this via e-mail and thought it was funny!
Stupid Alarm Clock
What do you think?
Stupid Alarm Clock
What do you think?
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Big Saturday
Last year in May I invited a couple of Philip's friends over for what I called a "Big Breakfast". Saturday morning the boys were all home for Easter and as I am want to do I had them all back for a repeat "Big Breakfast".
The boys showed up around 9 AM and it was on! 2 college age boys, 1 high school senior, my mother in law and 2 daughters made the guest list and this group piled through 14 eggs scrambled, 1.5 pounds of bacon, 1 pound of hash browns with onions and biscuits with sausage gravy.
They ate almost every bit of it!
It only happens once a year, and it is worth every bit of work that it takes.
If you have not figured it out yet, I love to cook! I had a friend tell me not to long age that if I would ever open a restaurant, he would pay to eat my cooking. It's an idea but ... I got the greatest job in the world and a really fun hobby!
My day did not end there ... we enjoyed a great spring day! I found time to clean my garage, set out my turkey decoys and air out my hunting blind. Amy, Philip and I even squeezed in some time for fishing.
Overall, a great day!
The boys showed up around 9 AM and it was on! 2 college age boys, 1 high school senior, my mother in law and 2 daughters made the guest list and this group piled through 14 eggs scrambled, 1.5 pounds of bacon, 1 pound of hash browns with onions and biscuits with sausage gravy.
They ate almost every bit of it!
It only happens once a year, and it is worth every bit of work that it takes.
If you have not figured it out yet, I love to cook! I had a friend tell me not to long age that if I would ever open a restaurant, he would pay to eat my cooking. It's an idea but ... I got the greatest job in the world and a really fun hobby!
My day did not end there ... we enjoyed a great spring day! I found time to clean my garage, set out my turkey decoys and air out my hunting blind. Amy, Philip and I even squeezed in some time for fishing.
Overall, a great day!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Thursday Night Supper Club Version 1.0
Thursday evening, Lynn and I invited some friends over for a special supper of Graziano's Italian sausage, big green salad w/ veggies and Mocha Punch. Everyone really seemed to enjoy the food and the great conversation.
I put a note on my Facebook page and there seemed to be some interest about the menu and how I prepared the food.
Here we go:
Graziano's Sausage Sandwiches: 1/4 pound patty grilled, served on a hard roll w/ pizza sauce and garlic spread. Mozzarella cheese and about 10 minutes in a 350 degrees oven, wrapped on foil to melt the cheese. Serve piping hot!
Big Green Salad: Two bags of Romain Lettuce and as much of the following as you feel you can handle! Red, yellow and orange peppers, red onion, carrots and cucumbers. Top with a bit of red wine vinaigrette.
Mocha Punch: Ingredients: 6 cups water, 1/2 cup instant chocolate drink mix, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup instant coffee granules, 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream, 1/2 gallon chocolate ice cream.
Directions: In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Remove from the heat. Add drink mix, sugar and coffee; stir until dissolved. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
About 30 minutes before serving, pour mixture into a large punch bowl. Add ice cream by scoopfuls; stir until partially melted.
Yield: 20-25 servings (about 5 quarts).
Now it is all up to you!
Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!
PS: I almost forgot...Special thanks to Barb Betz for providing the fixins for the punch!
I put a note on my Facebook page and there seemed to be some interest about the menu and how I prepared the food.
Here we go:
Graziano's Sausage Sandwiches: 1/4 pound patty grilled, served on a hard roll w/ pizza sauce and garlic spread. Mozzarella cheese and about 10 minutes in a 350 degrees oven, wrapped on foil to melt the cheese. Serve piping hot!
Big Green Salad: Two bags of Romain Lettuce and as much of the following as you feel you can handle! Red, yellow and orange peppers, red onion, carrots and cucumbers. Top with a bit of red wine vinaigrette.
Mocha Punch: Ingredients: 6 cups water, 1/2 cup instant chocolate drink mix, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup instant coffee granules, 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream, 1/2 gallon chocolate ice cream.
Directions: In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Remove from the heat. Add drink mix, sugar and coffee; stir until dissolved. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
About 30 minutes before serving, pour mixture into a large punch bowl. Add ice cream by scoopfuls; stir until partially melted.
Yield: 20-25 servings (about 5 quarts).
Now it is all up to you!
Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!
PS: I almost forgot...Special thanks to Barb Betz for providing the fixins for the punch!
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Palm Sunday & A Guitar Fellowship?
Sundays services were excellent!
In our adult Sunday school class we're working through the book "Respectable Sin" written by Jerry Bridges.
The author challenges us in that he says we (Biblical Christians) have done a pretty good job dealing with the "big sins" (abortion, infidelity, etc.) but not so much the "respectable" sin in our personal lives. He makes the point that in God's eyes there is no distinction between big and small sin, God sees sin as sin.
Some of the things that we are walking through as respectable sins in our lives are: ungodliness, anxiety & frustration, unthankfulness, pride, selfishness, lack of self-control, anger and many others.
We're really just getting into the real issues now, after covering the introductory material and the reading has really challenged all of us and caused us to grow in our relationship with Christ. Good Stuff!
In our morning service I preached a message on all of the key players in Jerusalem during "Holy Week" beginning with Palm Sunday's arrival by Jesus to his crucifixion. I talked about the crowds of people there, the Roman rulers, the Jewish rulers, the Lord's disciples and Jesus Himself.
In our evening service we observed the Lord's Table or Communion. In this service I brought a short devotional about the suffering of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, at the judgment seat of Pilate called Gabbatha and on a hill just outside the city called Golgotha. Once again reminding us of the incredible suffering and high price our free gift of salvation cost our heavenly Father and our Savior.
Following our evening service we had a time of fellowship for our monthly birthday's. We do this every month and everyone seems to enjoy this time. However, this month was a bit different - many of us brought our guitars and we had in impromptu time of playing and singing! The level of skill varied greatly but that was fine because it gave opportunity to learn and grow. I know it was helpful for me!
It is always a blessing for me as a Pastor to see our church family not only worshiping together but also having fun together. One of our teens commented that we should do this every Sunday evening. Hummmmm.......
In our adult Sunday school class we're working through the book "Respectable Sin" written by Jerry Bridges.
The author challenges us in that he says we (Biblical Christians) have done a pretty good job dealing with the "big sins" (abortion, infidelity, etc.) but not so much the "respectable" sin in our personal lives. He makes the point that in God's eyes there is no distinction between big and small sin, God sees sin as sin.
Some of the things that we are walking through as respectable sins in our lives are: ungodliness, anxiety & frustration, unthankfulness, pride, selfishness, lack of self-control, anger and many others.
We're really just getting into the real issues now, after covering the introductory material and the reading has really challenged all of us and caused us to grow in our relationship with Christ. Good Stuff!
In our morning service I preached a message on all of the key players in Jerusalem during "Holy Week" beginning with Palm Sunday's arrival by Jesus to his crucifixion. I talked about the crowds of people there, the Roman rulers, the Jewish rulers, the Lord's disciples and Jesus Himself.
In our evening service we observed the Lord's Table or Communion. In this service I brought a short devotional about the suffering of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, at the judgment seat of Pilate called Gabbatha and on a hill just outside the city called Golgotha. Once again reminding us of the incredible suffering and high price our free gift of salvation cost our heavenly Father and our Savior.
Following our evening service we had a time of fellowship for our monthly birthday's. We do this every month and everyone seems to enjoy this time. However, this month was a bit different - many of us brought our guitars and we had in impromptu time of playing and singing! The level of skill varied greatly but that was fine because it gave opportunity to learn and grow. I know it was helpful for me!
It is always a blessing for me as a Pastor to see our church family not only worshiping together but also having fun together. One of our teens commented that we should do this every Sunday evening. Hummmmm.......
Sunday, April 05, 2009
A Huge Thank You
I want to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to all of my loyal readers.
I was just notified by my site counter that we cruised by the 10,500 mark for visitors this past week!
Thank you for stopping by and reading and for some of you thanks for leaving comments.
I was just notified by my site counter that we cruised by the 10,500 mark for visitors this past week!
Thank you for stopping by and reading and for some of you thanks for leaving comments.
Talents For Christ
Talents for Christ (TFC) was held Saturday at the Grandview Park Baptist Church in Des Moines.
Talents For Christ helps teens develop their God-given talents for ministry within the local church. It encourages students to prepare and to gain skill for serving the Lord. Students may choose to compete in either the Open category or the Scholarship category. The Open category is for students just developing their skills or students who are not planning on attending one of the participating colleges. If students choose to compete in a Scholarship category, they have the potential of qualifying for college scholarships on the state and national level.
We had a bunch of young people from our church involved, and I could not be more proud of every one of them! They all did their very best in categories from art to Bible knowledge to oral interpretation to piano to female voice and finally, creative writing.
As you can see there is a bit of competition for scholarships. At our church we have worked very hard to communicate that TFC is NEVER about winning and losing, it is really about developing your talents for the Glory of God and the edification of the folks in our local church.
Let me try to show you what I mean by this example: This afternoon we had the privilege of holding services at an assisted living facility as well as a nursing home in our community. As always we made a reminder announcement in our morning service, following the service, two of our young ladies volunteered to help in the ministry by singing and playing the piano. As far as I'm concerned that is what TFC is all about!
At least .... That is The Way I See It!
More Pictures
Susan preparing to sing in the Female Voice division
Michelle Stephenson w/ Susan, Michelle is Susan's accompanist and help her with her voice.
Oh Yeah, Grandma Cox was there to hear Susan sing but
also got some GG time in with the ever popular EB Cox!
Talents For Christ helps teens develop their God-given talents for ministry within the local church. It encourages students to prepare and to gain skill for serving the Lord. Students may choose to compete in either the Open category or the Scholarship category. The Open category is for students just developing their skills or students who are not planning on attending one of the participating colleges. If students choose to compete in a Scholarship category, they have the potential of qualifying for college scholarships on the state and national level.
We had a bunch of young people from our church involved, and I could not be more proud of every one of them! They all did their very best in categories from art to Bible knowledge to oral interpretation to piano to female voice and finally, creative writing.As you can see there is a bit of competition for scholarships. At our church we have worked very hard to communicate that TFC is NEVER about winning and losing, it is really about developing your talents for the Glory of God and the edification of the folks in our local church.
Let me try to show you what I mean by this example: This afternoon we had the privilege of holding services at an assisted living facility as well as a nursing home in our community. As always we made a reminder announcement in our morning service, following the service, two of our young ladies volunteered to help in the ministry by singing and playing the piano. As far as I'm concerned that is what TFC is all about!
At least .... That is The Way I See It!
More Pictures
Susan preparing to sing in the Female Voice division
Michelle Stephenson w/ Susan, Michelle is Susan's accompanist and help her with her voice.
Oh Yeah, Grandma Cox was there to hear Susan sing butalso got some GG time in with the ever popular EB Cox!
Thursday, April 02, 2009
The More You Hurry The Behinder You Get!
Every have one of those day where you work and work but no matter how hard you try you just don't seem to be able to get ahead?
You just keep putting on foot in front of the other and in realty your making very little if any progress!
I know that feeling and so does this poor girl:
Been there felt like that!
You just keep putting on foot in front of the other and in realty your making very little if any progress!
I know that feeling and so does this poor girl:
Been there felt like that!
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Life Is All About Choices!
The longer I live and am involved in ministry, I'm convinced that life is all about choices. Talk to almost any adult and they will be able to tell you of decisions and choices made as teenagers and young adults that have impacted their lives, for good or bad, to this day.
I know this is true in my life and most of the people I have asked.
Whenever I get the chance to speak to teens and young adults, I usually try and cover this topic somehow because the people in these age groups tend to see them selves as "bullet proof". That the bad things of life happen to others and not to people like themselves. In a sense they see them selves as untouchable.
I have officiated too many funerals and sat for too many hours in the counseling room to be fooled by the thought that it will happen to someone else.
Yesterday I receive a web address for a clip that the Owatonna, Mn. Police Dept. and a local funeral home had put together. This is powerful ... maybe one kid will see it and think twice.
Click Here To View: All About Choices!
I thought is was thought provoking or maybe I'm just getting old.
I know this is true in my life and most of the people I have asked.
Whenever I get the chance to speak to teens and young adults, I usually try and cover this topic somehow because the people in these age groups tend to see them selves as "bullet proof". That the bad things of life happen to others and not to people like themselves. In a sense they see them selves as untouchable.
I have officiated too many funerals and sat for too many hours in the counseling room to be fooled by the thought that it will happen to someone else.
Yesterday I receive a web address for a clip that the Owatonna, Mn. Police Dept. and a local funeral home had put together. This is powerful ... maybe one kid will see it and think twice.
Click Here To View: All About Choices!
I thought is was thought provoking or maybe I'm just getting old.
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