Down Memory Lane

Tonight I had "dad duty" again... but I don't have any spectacular stories to share about my great successes or anything like that. It was a normal night, but one that took me down memory lane as I took my boys on a walk around the neighborhood. Brock was riding his skateboard and I'm pushing Jake in the jogging stroller and I had this flashback looking down into the stroller and thinking back to when I was running Brock around in it.

I used to go on my afternoon run and take Brock to the lake to go feed the ducks when we lived in Birmingham. He would always be excited about feeding the ducks but was always more excited about the bread. I remember looking down once to see him munching down on the old, crusty, almost moldy bread that was for the ducks with a big grin on his face (sorry Brooke, I don't think I told you about that). Being a great dad, I just reminded him to save some for the ducks. But it never failed that we would finally make it to the lake and Brock would be sound asleep in the stroller.

I'm remembering this while heading back home tonight and there goes Jake - off to sleep. Normally I would be very excited about that other than I still had to feed him once more before bed. But I just couldn't get over the fact that Brock used to fit in the same stroller that Jake was riding in.

What a blessing to be a dad... and to take walks down memory lane.

Farewell Faithful Tahoe

Today I sit down to write after watching my Tahoe of nearly 8 years drive off into the sunset. Well... actually it was already dark, but just go with it. It seems strange that you would be sad about seeing your old car go bye-bye knowing it is being upgraded to a newer and shiner replacement. But I just think back on the memories. The many students it has carried around over the years. The family trips to the beach and to visit relatives. The many trips up forest roads to lead the guys and me to a trailhead. Hauling around trailers, boats and other loads. But then I think about the bad things... the less than 13 MPG and costing close to $75 to fill the tank at one time. The expensive replacement parts and automotive bills.

It's funny how we get attached to things. I don't think it is all that bad. As long as it stays in the proper 'kingdom' perspective. Moths and rust do corrupt and thieves do break in and steal. I think holding loosely to worldly possessions and investing in eternal things - the Word of God and souls - is where I'll focus.

So I say farewell faithful Tahoe. Thanks for the journey... the people we saw and the places we went. I enjoyed our 117,000 miles we shared together.

Beyond the Message: Homosexuality Pt. 2

Hopefully you guys were enlightened to hear about this topic from someone with a first-hand perspective on the subject of homosexuality. To me, the message that came through loud and clear in her story was God's love for her and God's love for all humanity. Sin breaks God's heart - no matter the sin. But God in His grace and mercy continues to pursue us with the hope that we will accept His forgiveness and repent (which means turn our back on) from our sin. I would challenge you to take some time and reflect on your heart and life today. Not just on this subject, but just God's pursuit of your heart and the 'dirtiness' that is found in it.

Moving from God's pursuit of us should be how we pursue others with God's love! Whether homosexual, transgender or anyone struggling with sexual confusion; I challenge you to take the advice your heard last night and separate the person from the lifestyle (sin) they are living in. See them through Christ's eyes and move towards them in Christ's love.

Finally, I want to encourage you again in what you heard last night. If you are struggling with homosexuality, sexual confusion or any secret in your heart - please talk to someone. I'm here, the rest of our student staff, Pastors and our Bold Appeals Ministry stand ready just to listen. We want to hear your heart and story and simply walk alongside you. No one should walk this journey alone! Please email me todd@wildwoodstudents.com if you have any questions or want to talk further.

Why Does God Allow Evil?

I'm sure many of you have been struggling and grieving over the loss of innocent life and the unthinkable tragedy that has occurred on Virginia Tech's campus. I am still in the process of trying to understand how a person (gunman) can reach the depths of despair and evil or whatever led him to commit such violence. My heart goes out to the community of college students and faculty as well as to the families who lost loved ones.

Why do babies die just moments after entering the world?

Why are their diseases with no cure?

Why did on April 19, 1995...168 “good” people die in the Oklahoma City Bombing - Murrah Federal Building?

Or Why on April 21, 1999 at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado did 12 students, 1 teacher, 2 shooters die and 28 people were left wounded... worst school shooting in history.

Perhaps the most tragic event of your lifetime… September 11, 2001… Why did nearly 3,000 people die at the hands of terrorists?

And most recently, why would 33 college students lose their lives at the hands of a troubled college student at Virginia Tech University on April 16, 2007?

Anytime something tragic occurs that we can't fit into a box or understand, the question of "Why would God allow evil?" or "Why do bad things happen to good people?" arises. I've heard that question asked over and over again during my time in student ministry.

I really believe that asking the “why” question is really the wrong question. It will not change what happened and it will not take away the pain. Blaming God is not the answer because it lets the real problem off the hook. The problem of evil and the influence of Satan on the world.

The main reason that bad things happen to good people is the fact that we live in a fallen world. Sin is the reason. We are living in a war zone and we get caught in the crossfire. All the people who died at the hands of the terrorists died because those men were committing sin. They decided that they were going to act in an evil manner and those people got caught in the crossfire that resulted. Behind the question of “Why do bad things happen to good people?” stands the holiness of God and his perfect righteousness. Our understanding of God is grounded in the teaching of Scripture that he is the just Judge. The Judge of all of the earth always does right.

Here are some great questions to ask: Do I know God? Have I accepted His love and forgiveness of my sin? Have I found a purpose and meaning in life? Can I live knowing that God is in control even in a fallen, sinful world?

Jesus said in John 16:33, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." You need to know that you never cry alone, God is with you all the time, and He is reaching out to you. God never promised a life without pain and suffering, but He promised us that He would be there for us!

Beyond the Message: Homosexuality Pt. 1

OK guys... you know the drill by now. I have too much to say every week and not enough time each Wednesday night to cover it all. So, let's go beyond the message on homosexuality.

Like I said last night, I realize that this is an extremely difficult topic to talk about because for many of us it hits close to home. And that can be direct - like personal struggles, a family member or a close friend; or it can be indirect - like jokes, the "gay" voice, names, stereotypes and flat out rejection. Unfortunately it has been an "untouchable" topic for the church or has been the way for many Christians to enact the justice of God while yielding the Bible as their weapon of choice.

Let me saying a word to those of you that are dealing with this directly. Maybe the message last night hit you between the eyes. If you’re struggling with homosexuality, thoughts or the whole arena of your sexuality is confusing and you are feeling alone, my heart goes out to you. I can't even imagine what it’s like for you when you go home at night and you are mentally tormented. Please do not wrestle this battle alone. Do not push God out of your life. God is dying to be a part of your inward battle and your struggle. He accepts you and He loves you and He wants to help you work through it. Please don’t push Him away.

I think probably one of the worst things we can do as people who struggle with sins, whatever they may be, is to keep it silent. Because if we keep something silent it just eats us up inside. I want to encourage you to talk to somebody. Get open. I know all of us on staff here at the Wood are ready and would be happy to talk with you. Maybe you can understand it this way - just as the hospital is there and a place for people with broken bones, so is the church a place for people with broken lives.

For those of you that are dealing with this indirectly, let me encourage you to simply evaluate your thoughts on this topic. Why is it easier for you to reject rather than accept? Why is it easier to laugh and participate in the "gay" jokes and comments? Why is it easier for you to stereotype and keep your distance than move towards someone with the love of Christ? So my challenge to you guys is to do some serious evaluation. Strive to be accepting - loving people right where they are for who they are. Acceptance and toleration are not the same! Our challenge is to see people through the eyes of Christ and act accordingly. Remember - you have the message of life and your mission is to give it away!

My prayer is that our student ministry would be a place where people can come in their brokenness and feel safe and accepted and a place where they can come and work through their "stuff." Because the truth is we all have stuff. We all have struggles, we all have broken lives. In some area we all need help. And we need each other. I encourage you to get help.

My Civic Duty

So today was a first ever for me. Jury Duty. I don't know how I've escaped it so far and I only say it that way because that is the impression I had about serving from others I've heard talk about Jury Duty. I've never seen anyone jumping for joy at the mailbox with a summons to serve as a juror before. But to be honest, it sounded somewhat intriguing to me and of course, I wanted to perform my civic duty as an upstanding citizen of Leon County.

So it was an early morning having to be at the courthouse at 8am. Can I say that I'm so glad I don't work downtown?! That is not a fun commute. Upon checking in we get herded into a room that seats about 150 with over 200 prospective jurors there. Starting to look like a government operation already. Fortunately I was prepared for a long day of boredom (since they said we would be waiting around alot through the selection process) so I brought a magazine, book and my laptop for some mean games of solitaire.

After 4 previous jury pools went out they finally called my name. Excited for a change of scenery and to be out of a crowded room, I got my badge and followed the clerk upstairs. I've never done the court thing before and don't really care for Law and Order so I didn't know what was next. But I quickly found out... more sitting around waiting.

To make a long day into a short story, I did get to actually go into a courtroom, listen to all the judge question potential jurors, listen to all the attorneys do it all over again - all the while going through the answers to the questions in my head. Somehow I figured when I said occupation was "pastor" that would be a strike against me. I'm sure the defense isn't hip on people who believe in absolute truth.

I sat and sat some more. We got dismissed, we came back in... rinse and repeat that process. When it was all said and done I never did anything. So much for my civic duty. I sat around all day with total strangers and was never even asked a question. Most around me were glad they didn't have to serve or come back next week for a trial. I kept thinking, "Well, at least if that happened today wouldn't have been a total waste." And it cost me 5 bucks to park and 10 for lunch. So my civic duty actually cost me money. Go figure.

I'd like to somehow say this experience had great spiritual implications in my life. Nope. Not that I can think of right now. Just another day in the journey of this thing called life.

Three Days Later He Rose!

Some of you are guessing the title of this post refers to the line in the song I sang on Easter. I guess that is partially correct. I enjoyed singing, but after singing for multiple rehearsals and three times on Sunday morning it becomes difficult to get the song out of your head. Not trying to knock on David Phelps, but as one of my students said, "That song sounds like 'Hotel California' with different words." Pretty funny observation about the guitar riffs in the song.

It was a remarkable Easter. Not that all Easters aren't spectacular in the life of a Christian and I guess technically in the life of a Christian every day is Easter (or we should live it that way). But I'm amazed that in my life I tend to minimize the resurrection. I love the crucifixion - not in a sick way - but with the understanding that is where my life began, where my sins were forgiven and my eternity sealed. I think the cross deserves the recognition and allegiance I attempt to give it.


But since the resurrection was so 'miraculous' I tend not to know what to do with it. I understand the importance that the Savior we serve isn't dead, but lives to make intercession for us. And that we will see Him face to face one day. But I was challenged Sunday with the question of "What do we do with the resurrection?" Meaning, it has to be more than just a historical truth - more than just a miracle.

"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead" (Philippians 3:10-11). There it is. That is what the resurrection must mean to me. What a powerful statement Paul makes. That to really know Christ it comes through knowing Him from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday, but we don't stop there. We have to experience the power of Easter Sunday. Because three days later He rose!

Can Good Friday Really Be Good?

On the way to school this morning, Brock and I had our normal devotional and prayer time. Although this morning, Brock asked a great question as we were talking about today in history. He asked, "Dad, how can it be a good day? Why is it called Good Friday when Jesus died?" I thought that was a very perceptive question for an eight year old.

I've heard through the years that the word good used to have a secondary meaning of holy, but I since I'm not an etymological expert, I've never done any research into the phrase "Good Friday". I do know that throughout history there have been instances where the words God and good got switched around because of their similarity. For instance, the phrase "God be with you" is just "good-bye" today. So I guess it might be a possibility that Good Friday was originally God’s Friday.

But I have to think that we call it Good Friday because, it really is a good day. In fact, calling it a good day seems like a gross understatement. It is with great mourning and respect that I approach this topic, but I have to weigh the balance of knowing the rest of the story.

You see, all that tragedy was not in vain. Rather, it brought about the greatest good there could be. We can have life. We can be forgiven. We can know purpose and meaning in our journey. We can again have a relationship with God. And we can have life eternally.

If Jesus had just died... I'm doubtful Good Friday would have been the choice phrase to commemorate His crucifixion. But we do not grieve like people without hope (Thess. 4:13) because three days later He rose! And that is good!

Beyond the Message: Prejudice

I just wanted to say to you students that I appreciate your honesty and responses to tackling this tough subject of prejudice last night. If you felt somewhat uncomfortable or were challenged to evaluate your thoughts and actions on this subject, then great!

Where do we go with this, though? I would hope that we aren’t ok with holding on to our prejudices, so here’s three things: (1) Reach out, make the effort to get to know someone, (2) Watch your words and (3) Learn to respect and celebrate differences.

Reach out, make the effort to get to know someone. The simplest answer to dealing with our prejudices is to make friends. If prejudice builds walls then the opposite of that is to build bridges to other people and to make friendships. I would like to suggest to you that you see people as human and not just as skin color, not just as style of clothes or whatever. There’s more in common than you might suspect. We are all a bundle of talents and hopes and fears and dreams and insecurities. Reach out and make a friend. That’s how you can do something with your prejudice.

Watch your words. I’ve always been amazed and really hurt when I’ve heard some of the jokes or harsh words that students in my ministry, people in my family and even myself have said. I think about some of the stuff we say to each other and when we say words that cut and kill one another. Usually these careless words are rationalized away by saying, it’s just a joke. I just was kidding. People say that as if a joke were powerless to wound and rip and tear someone to pieces. I firmly believe that if most of us would just shut our mouths a lot of damage would be avoided. If we would just watch what’s happening in this little two-inch area of our body and just be more sensitive, more compassionate with our mouths then a lot of pain wouldn’t happen, wouldn’t exist.

The last one says learn to respect and celebrate differences. Again, this series and this message is about speaking the truth to you. Differences do exist. I don’t think we should ignore differences. I don’t think we should pretend they’re not there or deny them. We need to acknowledge them and realize they’re there.

There’s differences between the way people talk and the way people think about family and the way people even worship God. It’s important if you’re going to reach out is how can you respect these differences where you can look at them and think, “That kind of bothers me but I’m going to respect it.” I think we should move to an area of respect where you can look at someone and say, “That’s great about you, about your culture.” Then finally celebrate. That just means to be excited with somebody about their differences. I think that is the key, the final place, when you can be with someone who is totally different from you and be excited about their differences and not let that bother you.

We’ve talked about a simple problem. It’s simple to describe. Prejudice just means judging others based on fear or inaccurate assumptions. Even though this is a simple problem – the consequences are devastating. We talked about a solution and it’s a simple solution to just put some steps on a page and say, reach out in friendship. But even though it’s simple, it’s so difficult, it’s hard.

I encourage you to take a hard look at your life, get some time alone today, maybe before you go to bed, maybe it’s just 10 minutes or whatever. Stop and think, is prejudice an area of your life where God wants to work? If so, it’s my prayer that you can open yourself up to His leading.

Happy Birthday Brock!

Just a little "dad" post here to brag about my oldest. We celebrated his birthday this weekend and it's sometimes hard for me to believe that I'm a parent of an 8-year old. I'm very proud of the young man that he is becoming. We got to participate in a father/son campout this weekend with our church and Brock brought his own tent and slept in it all by himself right next to my tent. So the transition to manhood is already underway! I know God has an incredible plan for his life and I'm excited that I have the opportunity to watch in unfold and share in the journey. He's becoming quite an athlete and excels in school. He has a great love for his family and friends and loves being connected to the life of the church (especially when he gets to come upstairs and hang out with the students). I'm just proud of him. I love you son... Happy 8th birthday!