http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?b=2 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=64

 “Well, that's a bit of a gray area.”

I was catching up on some blog reading this weekend and came across that phrase a lot. Almost too much. And it got me thinking.

Now, I get that there are things in the Bible that are adiophra - not really addressed - a.k.a. gray areas. However, I think oftentimes we abuse this phrase. Instead of using it to say it’s an area we can’t really say with certainty is right or wrong and therefore have absolutely no right to tell others whether it’s right or wrong, I wonder if we use it as an excuse. I wonder if we use it as an excuse to allow ourselves to satisfy our desires without guilt. You know like if we are 100% honest with ourselves we probably shouldn’t be doing it but the Bible doesn’t explicitly say it’s forbidden so we call it a gray area and all is well?

I’m not saying everything is black and white, but I’m not sure saying so much is a gray area is the right way to go either. What do you think? Are we using our gray crayons just a little too much?
]]> 1263181020 Sun, 10 Jan 2010 21:37:00 -0600 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=62 Stephen Proctor was sending crazy late night DMs on twitter. Anne Jackson (@flowerdust) had sparked a conversation on Twitter earlier in the day about coaching and mentoring. Proctor thought he’d be funny & say he was starting worshipVJ coaching network (by the way, his next DM said NOT!!!!!!!!!!! hahaha). That sparked a conversation though about coaching. Is it good? Necessary? That led into the whole idea of “church idols” (elevating someone in the church world who we think is doing amazing stuff to the point that we worship the person not the God who gifted them). That led to the thought that sparked this blog post. The essential part of the conversation went like his:

Me: “As someone said at a conference I attended this fall we have to get behind the cross & let God use us. If we try to stand in front with him in the background we fail.”

Proctor: “In other words, God shouldn’t be a motion “background.”

Me: “VERY true! God should be the foreground image covering all and we are the background text peeking through simply trying to help people connect the dots.”

Proctor: There you go. Now go write that into a blog post.

That nugget of wisdom I’d heard at a conference - it was from Stacy Spencer who I heard speak at STORY. WOW! Amazing. I had never heard of him before that but will never forget him. Not only is he one of the best speakers I have heard but his content was rock solid. My notes from Stacy’s talk say this: Telling the story is about getting behind Calvary’s cross to tell the story so someone can see Jesus.

Back to the twitter conversation: God shouldn’t be a motion background. God should NEVER be in the background, that’s where we belong. He should be the foreground image over which nothing else can cover. Yes, God supports us and holds us up and i that way is our background but the minute we try to outshine him we have failed. The minute we think we can tell the story better than the cross can tell the story we’ve failed.

Our roll is to put God in the foreground by putting ourselves in the background. That whole “you shall have no other gods before me” includes ourselves in case you were wondering! That includes our media, our videos, our photos, our music, our cool typefaces, all of it. When we try to stand in front of the cross and tell the story we are in the way of what’s most important. However, when we get behind the cross and reflect it with our lives, in our churches, with our music, through our visuals, then God can and will use us as his tools to communicate His Story in a powerful and meaningful way.

Now, how does that apply to your specific area of ministry? Ready, set, share!]]> 1260415260 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:21:00 -0600 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=61 @worshipvj dropped this tweet: attn media peeps: which would best describe yourself? a lot of science with a littler art - or - a lot of art with a little science? My initial response to Stephen was “honestly think i’m about half science half art rt now & lk it. i was science bf i was art, but gain a better balance everyday”

That question has been pestering me since Saturday. To be honest I’m still wrestling with it and haven’t completely sorted it out in my head yet. I’m wrestling to figure out if I am personally more art or more science. More importantly, however, I’m wrestling to figure out if it matters and if so WHY it matters.

My first step in my search was an attempt at defining “science” and “art.” According to Webster science is the state of knowing; knowledge as distinguished from ignorance or misunderstanding while art is the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects. My initial response was based off of the misunderstanding that art isn’t systematic. But I’m beginning to think it is. Isn’t that part of “conscious use of skill and creative imagination?”I think maybe art is the putting into practice of science (the knowing)

Okay, but what, if anything, does this have to do with worship media and why does it matter? I firmly believe that if you don’t have a philosophy of visual worship you are setting yourself up for failure. Perhaps no philosophy = pure science. A philosophy takes the science (the knowledge) and applies it consciously and practically to a practice, in this case, visual worship. Example: you may KNOW what meaning and significance of different colors. However, unless you consciously use them at the right time in the right environment that knowledge means very little. I would argue that without art you aren’t leading visual worship. You are simply projecting pretty images and maybe some words on a screen. That being said, I also would argue that art is impossible without science (the knowledge). Without science as a foundation art carries much less meaning and significance. Using the color example, if you don’t know the meaning and significance of colors you likely won’t use them at fitting times in worship.

Conclusion (as of now): a balance of both is necessary and it matters because both are needed for a practical philosophy which ultimately determines your WHY of visual worship which is the most important part.

Okay, so do you agree? Disagree? Where do you fall?
 

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P.S. - For more wisdom from Proctor check out www.worshipvj.com
]]> 1260332760 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:26:00 -0600 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=56
We sit in the main sessions at conferences and listen to speakers who talk primarily about the WHY. They remind us to focus on the WHY and that in the end the WHY is what really matters. We nod our heads and utter verbal agreements to what they are saying.

Fast forward one hour, at most, to the labs or breakout sessions and it seems as though we have completely forgotten about the WHY. The questions that are asked oftentimes aren’t completely answered by the presenters. I think that’s because you cannot fully answer the WHAT until you understand the WHY. And the WHY is different for all of us. If you know who you are and WHY you do what you do the what naturally flows out of that. When I look around at churches or individuals who we would say “don’t get ‘it’” more often than not it’s because they have completely forgotten about or couldn’t ever define the WHY.

Everything that Jesus did while he was here on earth flowed from WHY he was here - redemption, love, and service. And most of his lessons focused on WHY. More often than not God gives us guiding principles, principles that focus on the WHY, not 3 step, 5 step, or 7 step solutions. Why then do we find a need to have one for everything we do in the church?

WHY did you put that image on the screen? WHY did you sing that song? WHY is your church using twitter? WHY that video? That sermon series? That event? That print piece? That font? WHY did you focus that light where you did at the intensity that you did? WHY?

Because bottom line, if we can’t answer WHY then the what will not be effective long term. Now I get that it’s easy to lose sight of the WHY. It happens to me too. I would just encourage us to challenge ourselves to always go back to it. We may just wake up one day to realize that working from the WHY has become a habit.

Do you stay focused on the WHY? What are some tips you can share for keeping that focus? ]]> 1258394760 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:06:00 -0600 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=54                                

 
I have been living in the world of visual worship for six years now. God has taught me a thing or two along the way. I’ve used a variety of tools, changed my “best practices” countless times, and my philosophy probably as many. But through all of that I had one question I couldn’t get a good answer for: why use simple colored backgrounds, backgrounds that are visually less saturated?

I mean, I have visited several churches and by far the majority of them use colors 90% of the time. Sure, they look neat and can be all flashy, but for me they do very little to enhance worship. Not only do churches use them but video companies have produced them in mass and continue to do so. I couldn’t help but think there was something magical abut these backgrounds that I was missing.

Well today, I had a brief conversation with Mr WorshipVJ himself, Stephen Proctor, and the lightbulb came on. His answer to that question made complete sense and made me think “aha, I get it!” In short, his answer was not only can we use colors to create certain moods, but perhaps more importantly we can use less visually saturated backgrounds to great an ebb an flow that is necessary in visual worship. You see we need highs and lows in order to have either. You can’t get to the mountaintop unless you start from the bottom. And the mountaintop isn’t nearly as sweet if you stay there all of the time. In visual worship terms: you use visual simplicity to create space where you prepare people for something more. But if it’s more all of the time it becomes too much. The opposite is also true however. If it’s all colors all of the time you are missing out on the essence and power of visual worship.

Seems so simple, doesn’t it? But then, I guess most “lightbulb moments” do. What was the last “lightbulb moment” you had?

P.S. - If you want to learn a thing or two yourself from Stephen, check him out at www.worshipvj.com


]]> 1257912120 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:02:00 -0600 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=53

Something has been stirring inside me for the last couple of months. Despite the fact that I am fighting giving in because I know it’s going to be uncomfortable recent experiences have left me feeling compelled to share my story. As I was reminded at the STORY conference week before last, we each have a story to tell - stories that are part of the greatest story every told. God can and will use our stories to reach people for his Kingdom if we are willing to tell them. In telling them, however, we must be more than transparent - we must be vulnerable.

And so with that, I begin my story. My story is one of a girl who his admittedly broken and scarred. A girl who feels like she has hit rock bottom more than once in her life. But in the end a girl who has hope. And not just any hope, but the greatest hope. The hope that one day all of the hurt, the pain, the sadness, everything that breaks her, will disappear and she will spend eternity in Heaven with her Savior.

I actually sat down and wrote my story, or the highlights of my life story, a week ago. I was still working up the courage to actually post it on my blog when I realized I was fooling myself. I had told my story, I had been transparent, but I hadn’t been vulnerable. And so, after a few more battles with myself I sat down and began again. This time around I left out the life story and focused on the part I really felt compelled to tell which is also of course the part I least wanted to tell.

That part of the story begins at the end of summer, just as I was getting ready to start my junior year of college. My hands had started to hurt, and not just that, they were stiff and swollen. I couldn’t turn on and off faucets, couldn’t open jars or soda bottles, couldn’t pour milk from a gallon jug. Basically, I knew something wasn’t right. And I knew from having two grandmothers who had arthritis that what I was experiencing was an awful lot like what they experienced. So, to the doctor I went. After testing and a visit to a Rheumatologist they came to the diagnosis of Rheumatory Arthritis. I started some medication and all was going well...until.

I went home for Christmas that year and returned to campus two weeks before classes were due to start. By the time classes started that semester I could hardly walk up the stairs. I had to push and pull myself in order to stand up from a chair. When sitting I couldn’t lift my foot off of the ground no matter how hard I thought about it. Freaked out I called my doctor. His first question, “Are you paralyzed? Did you hurt your back?” “Maybe it’s a pinched nerve,” he said. But there was no pain. There was only the inability to move.

After tests and specialists and a trip to the Mayo Clinic I was diagnosed with Dermatomyositis. In church we have pastor words. Well, that’s a doctor word for arthritis of the muscles. In my daily life this means pain in my muscles, swollen and painful joints, extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing, and just overall exhaustion. I ain’t gonna lie, there are days when I don’t want to get out of bed. When I wake up and the pain is there immediately I don’t want to move. There are points in my life when I am not only physically exhausted but also emotionally and spiritually exhausted.

Let me back up a second. My condition is something I strive very hard to hide. I feel that once people know, they immediately look at me differently. Typically it is one of two reactions. Either they look at me and say “you are so strong” “wow, I’m so impressed” and the focus turns to me and I’m not about that. The second reaction is that people think I am weak or fragile and therefore don’t ask things of me because they don’t want to be a burden or be overbearing. You may be asking what reaction I would like people to have. That’s a pretty easy answer. I would like people to look at me and knowing my story say “Wow, God is good. He works in crazy ways, but he is good even through pain and suffering, he is good.”

Now trust me, I don’t always have that reaction. It’s not always easy to step back and look at my life and say “God is good.” I’ll be honest, there are times when my sinful nature gets the best of me and I simply get angry, feel sorry for myself, and ask why. For the first couple of years after I was diagnosed as much as I tried to hide it, I was depressed. I put on a strong happy face but inside I was deeply hurting. I was miserable in every way. My disease consumed me.

But thankfully, that isn’t where I stayed. I finally got over myself and realized that none of it, not even my disease is about me. It’s about what God is doing through me. That brings with it an incredible sense of freedom. A pressure to be a certain way is lifted. My self confidence and identity became fully rooted in Him and not in any piece of myself. And who am I to hide what God is doing and pretend like it’s not there? That doesn’t mean it’s always pretty or that it always looks like others think a Christian is supposed to look, but it’s me. Every broken, angry, frustrated piece of it is me. And like Paul in 2 Corinthians, I believe that when I am at my weakest, God gets the most glory. Because who gives me the strength to make it through, to persevere? Him and him alone. 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

What story are you trying to hide? Don’t be afraid of your brokeness - embrace it and let God’s glory shine through!

]]> 1257825420 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:57:00 -0600 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=52 “Why are you still here?” His answer: “Christians, you are here because God wants you to invest in someone’s eternity.”

Wow! That was like a punch in the gut for me. Working at a church, I do the church thing every day. It is my life. But how often do I personally invest in someone else’s eternity? If I’m honest, I’m ashamed of the answer.

Today I hit the streets of Appleton to shoot a video for worship on Sunday that reminded me of the urgency of the work God has called us to do. There are so many people in Appleton, young and old, who don’t have saving faith. I have to continually ask myself what I am doing to invest in their eternity. I talked with parents who desperately want their child to find their way back to church and rekindle that personal relationship with Jesus. Again, I have to ask myself, what am I doing to invest in their children’s eternity.

God has called me and you, not just the church, to share our faith. How will you do that today?]]> 1252453620 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:47:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=51
Wondering what these exciting things are that I’m referring to? Well then today is your day. Here's a little sneak peek.

September is Beyond Sunday month at The CORE. This is a program that will span both of our campuses - downtown here at The CORE and in North Appleton at St. Peter. The goal is to provide opportunities for you to dive deeper into the Word and take your faith beyond what happens in worship. It includes small groups (a.k.a. Neighborhoods here at The CORE) and a Wednesday night Bible Study for the whole family (a.k.a. Fuel) which will be held here at The CORE starting at the end of the month.

We will also be launching our service teams here at The CORE. I have had so many people come to me and say, “If there is anything I can ever to do help, let me know” Well, great news! Now is your chance! There are a variety of opportunities that should allow everyone to find a place to get plugged in.

We will share more details as the month goes on. For now, start praying about it. Where might God be guiding you to plug in? How will you jump deeper into the Word? Are you ready for the challenge? Stay tuned for more details. ]]> 1252185180 Sat, 05 Sep 2009 16:13:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=50
We started Jonah tonight at The CORE and I forgot how much I love that story and how much I can relate to Jonah. So often like him I disobey God because my way seems more comfortable or easier.

For me, going away to high school and moving into a dorm away from home at the age of 13 was a bit uncomfortable. Going to college in a different state at a school where I knew no one was a bit uncomfortable. Walking into a church I’d never been to in Milwaukee and getting involved, talking to people I didn’t know - that was uncomfortable. Getting sick when I was in college forcing me to be less independent and admit weakness was extremely uncomfortable. Moving back to a “small town” coming to Appleton from the city of Milwaukee I loved so much was uncomfortable.

My list of “uncomfortables” could go on and on. Yet in hindsight I see God’s hand in every single one of them and rejoice that he is so much wiser than I am and in control of my life. Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable for God. He always has a plan.

How have you seen God work through the uncomfortable situations in your life? What has he taught you through those times?
]]> 1250483460 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 23:31:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=49 Echo Conference this week and loving being surrounded by other creatives who have a heart for echoing the Gospel through media and technology. So cool. Tonight Phil Vischer, the creator of Veggie Tales, spoke. Words cannot fully express everything he said and how much it hit me (literally like getting punched in the gut over and over) but it was phenomenal. One of those talks you hear and think to yourself: I need to replay that about once every other week when I’m starting to veer off track.

He talked a lot about dreams and callings and what happens when our dreams come true and when they fail. What stuck with me the most was this:

“When God gives you a dream, and then he shows up in it and it comes to life, and the suddenly it dies, maybe God wants to know what’s more important - him or the dream.” Wow! I definitely need to hear that, but I don’t want to I’ll tell you that. See the problem comes in that we begin to latch our personal and very specific outcomes onto the dreams and callings God has placed in our hearts. When we do that, it doesn’t take long for him to get pushed out of the way and our dream becomes our idol.

So next time you feel like your dream is dying, take a good long hard look and consider if God may be behind it teaching you a lesson, pruning you, and drawing you back to him.

What dreams do you have? What dreams have you had that have died? Looking back can you see God’s hand in it all?]]> 1248932460 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:41:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=47 “You’re such a tool.”

Has anyone ever said that to you before? Most of the time that phrase carries a very negative connotation. But, I’d like to suggest a different understanding.

I am a tool.

I am a tool of God. I don’t stop and thank Him enough for his grace. The grace that he chooses to use me as a tool for his kingdom.

I heard Ski say recently: “You don’t look at a house recently built and say, ‘Wow! That hammer, those saws, they really did a great job.’ No, you look at the people who put the power behind those tools and say ‘Wow! Those builders did a great job! The same is true of you and I. We’re just tools. God does the work.’”

So true. Seems so simple. Yet, we forget that all too often. None of us deserve to be tools for God, but I feel blessed that I am.

What about you? Are you a tool? How is God using your for His kingdom?]]> 1248121560 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:26:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=46 What would you do if you had only one year to live?”

Honestly, without too much thinking, I had an answer. I would take all of the medicine I needed to take so that I would have the strength and health to travel the world. I want to see God’s beautiful creation and tell people about Jesus.

Then I got to thinking, why do we have this idea that we need to wait until death is looking us in the eye to live out our dreams? What is it about pending death that gives us the courage to take risks and live freely, chasing our crazy dreams?

What about you? What would you do if you have only one year to live?

Why wait?
]]> 1247419020 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 12:17:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=44 really been here in quite a long time. I mean it’s the first time I am mentally and emotionally present more than just physically. And the thought kept recurring to me tonight how awesome our God is that he creates us with the ability to adapt.

You see, the environment, the culture, the “world” that I function in while with my family is so very different from the one I live in on a daily basis. And even the “world” I live in on a daily basis differs based on where I’m at and who I’m with. I love that my God has created me with the ability to function and thrive in all of those “worlds.” He created me with a personality and interests that are so complex that each of my “worlds” highlights a different piece of it.

Do you see that ability in yourself? Did God create you as a multi-faceted person or are you pretty one size fits all? (I’m guessing you’re more multi-faceted than you think)]]> 1247198520 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:02:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=43


When I was in college my roommate and I had a goldfish. Joey was a big goldfish and had a nice big tank all to himself. He was fun to watch. He also served another purpose. My roommate and I could tell what kind of day the other had had with the answer to a simple question: Do you feel sorry for Joey today or do you wish you were him?

You see, on a good day you felt sorry for Joey because who would want to be stuck in a tank when there is so much fun to be had in the world. But on a not so good day, you wished you were Joey so all you had to worry about was swimming, and eating, and swimming some more.



What about you? Do you feel sorry for Joey today or wish you were him?  ]]> 1246394880 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:48:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=42  A week away, but time again for Tweets of the Week. Lots of wisdom to share this week.



 
@pinkhairedgirl Up late thinking on why God chooses to orchestrate what He does -- and how humbling it is to see Him glue the pieces together.

I do this often and I never cease to be amazed at what an incredible God we serve who cares not only about the big picture but every last detail as well.

@TomZiglar I never worry. I know who I am, and Whose I am.- Zig Ziglar

As a Christian, I know I am a child of God created for a unique purpose. I belong to him. I have to ask if my life always reflects that.

@jamesdalman If you want to build your brand, live your promise.

I think this is true for churches as well. Don’t try to sell the church or sell the Gospel. The Gospel is powerful and changes lives in spite of what we do. But let people see the transforming power of the Gospel in your life. Live your faith. Be the church.

@ScottWilliams Your Life Is A Story... What story are you telling?

Great question!

@Tomplay RT@PhilCooke Don't be distracted by small victories...

Always stay focused on your end goal.



What kind of wisdom have you found on twitter? 

]]> 1246387140 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:39:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=40
@kirkfamily: There is one thing I know that will never change. I was lost and Jesus found me, I was blind but now I see!!

AMEN!!

@Tomplay: We all tend to set short range and long range goals.... But let's not forget the eternity range goal.

@ScottWilliams: Some people make a difference... and some people just make noise. DON'T BE NOISY!

@bsalley: RT @UnknownFilms: #BizTip When thinking outside The Box, be careful not to just create ANOTHER box. / / This is a gr8 tip for churches 2

@kemmeyer:Grace and license are not the same thing.

God’s grace and forgiveness doesn’t give us an excuse to go on sinning.]]> 1245186180 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:03:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=39
shawnabartz: Do you hear that? That's the sound of progress... becoming more of what He wants me to be. God is so good! Can I get an 'amen'? :)
This one reminds me of a favorite quote. “I am not what I out to be. I am not what I want to be. I am not what I hope to be. But still, I am not what I used to be. And by the grace of God, I am what I am.” - John Newton

RevRunWisdom: God can turn wine in2 water but he cant turn ur whining in2 anything. Stop bein a wino & pray!
Just makes me laugh. Shouldn’t though, I’m guilty of this far too often.

jennicatron: I'm fighting the "ought to's" to enjoy the "want to's" today
I do this a lot. Too often the “ought to’s” win. That’s sad.

MarkBatterson: don't accumulate possessions. accumulate experiences

kirkfamily: 2 often we love w/ words or tongue,but not w/actions. U can talk until ur blue in the face, but your heart will always b read in your actions

MarkLWaltz: "Accepting you are a freak w/a freakish life will help you not freak out.”

xajondee: i should be in bed, but my to-do list doesn't include sleep.
So true!!

]]> 1244498400 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:00:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=37
Yeah, that look you just got on your face was the one I gave him. That “Are you crazy?” look. He went on to say, “Absolutely, praise God. Praise God that Satan cares that much about me. That I am that much of a threat to him. That I scare him that much that he takes time out to try and rattle my cage. Praise God.”

Wow! I was completely shocked, convicted, and inspired all at the same time. How different my life would be if I approached everything from that standpoint. If I took the perspective of my friend. The challenges and struggles of life would seem much smaller and less burdensome if I looked at them as a blessing because it meant the amazing things God was doing through me were driving Satan crazy.

How do you look at the challenges and struggles that come into your life? Do they cause you to get angry and frustrated? Or do you praise God for them?]]> 1244490780 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:53:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=35
I have to be honest. Growing up, I learned that grace was “God’s undeserved love” but I’m not sure I ever learned what mercy was. A couple of years ago I heard a gentleman giving a speech tell a great story describing the difference between those two words. Every time I hear either one of them, I think of that story. I’d like to share it with you.

One day a dad came home from work and said to his young son, “Let’s go get an ice cream cone.” The boy looked at his dad confused. He asked why they were going to get ice cream. You see, usually the boy had to earn such rewards. His dad said he wanted to teach him a lesson and ice cream was going to help.

So, the two headed out to get ice cream. As they were enjoying their treat, the dad said to his son. “You didn’t deserve this ice cream. You did nothing to earn it. Just as you do nothing to earn God’s love. In fact, you don’t deserve his love. But, he gives it to you anyway. That my son, is what we call grace.” The child nodded and smiled at his father. He said, “Dad, I like grace.”

The two finished their treat and headed home. Later in the evening the young boy got into trouble. He and his father both knew it was something he should be punished for. As the father prepared to dole out his son’s punishment he suddenly stopped. The boy looked at his father in disbelief. His father looked back at him and said, “Son. I’m going to teach you a different kind of lesson right now. You deserve this punishment. You did something wrong and you know the consequences. But, I’m not going to punish you.” The child looked at his father in amazement and simply said, “But I don’t understand, dad.” His father proceeded to explain that he was showing the boy mercy. “You see,” he said, “God’s mercy is when he doesn’t give us the punishment that we deserve. The ice cream you got earlier tonight was grace, it was something good you didn’t deserve. But not receiving this punishment that you do deserve, that’s mercy.”

The boy recalled in his mind the ice cream from earlier in the evening. He looked at his father with a big smile and said, “Dad, I LIKE grace. But I LOVE mercy.”


That story just helps lay out the difference as well as the meaning of those two words so clearly in my mind. In my opinion, they’re both great words. And they’re both words that can only be rooted in our Heavenly Father. Without his loving example we wouldn’t know what grace or mercy was like. ]]> 1243874340 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:39:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=34
@pwilson RT @MichaelHyatt: “If you are still here, then you have not completed your life’s purpose.” The Noticer by @AndyAndrews {Get busy and let God use you to change the world!}

@andrew_statezny playing Yahtzee with my parents, E and @amystats over Skype video call {Wow. That’s just crazy to me. Technology can bring families together even over distances to do everything from engaging in conversation to playing Yahtzee. Just so cool!}

@loswhit When yr kids look back when facing the choice 2 chase their dream or live in normalcy, wht will yr actions have taught them? {I don’t have kids yet, but wow, this makes me think. What kind of example am I setting for others? What kind of example are you setting for others?}

@T_NutzIf you are going to doubt something in your life doubt your limitations!!! {I need to work on this one.}

@tonymorganlive" If you don't love people, you can't fake it." -chris hodges {So true. Trust me, I’ve tried. You can respect everyone out of Christian love, but you’re not going to love everybody. Be real in who you are. Don’t be fake.}

@Astro_Mike From orbit: We see 16 sunrises and sunsets in 24 hrs, each one spectacular as the sun lights up the atmosphere in a spectrum of colors. {Just amazing that he is twittering from space. Again, what technology can do. I can only imagine the natural beauty up there.}]]> 1243365240 Tue, 26 May 2009 14:14:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=33
Well, let me tell you, I’ve tried, for much of my life, to prove that wrong. I am by nature an introvert. Most of the time I am much happier being by myself. While I enjoy people around people at times it takes a lot of energy out of me and after a few hours I’m usually exhausted. I love extroverts, I admire their ability to interact with people all of the time and not get tired, but that’s just not me.

Despite my best attempts though, I have been unsuccessful. In fact, as I’ve gotten older especially over the last 3 years or so, I realize more and more just how connected to other people I am and how much we all need each other. Others help us see and understand things about ourselves we can’t see for ourselves. They hold us accountable. They remind us who we are, what we believe, and what we’re all about. They bring us back down to earth when we’re flying too high and they help us up when we’re in the valleys.

At different seasons in my life I’ve had different people who, when I’m with them, make everything seem right with the world. I pray you can say the same. If not, even if you’re an introvert, I encourage you to find that person or even those people. That person who reminds you who you are and what you’re about. Who knows just the right thing to say, just the right thing to do, and helps life make sense when it gets cloudy.

We all need those people. Yes, I can admit that even I am not an island.]]> 1243112160 Sat, 23 May 2009 15:56:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=31
I have been to Seattle a couple of times before and have never been disappointed. But, the weather this time was absolutely gorgeous. As I marveled at the mountains surrounding me on all sides as I drove on the freeway through downtown Seattle I had two thoughts. 1: I wondered if people who live there appreciate the beauty. 2: I marveled at what an amazing God and creator we have. So often we rush through life, checking off our to do lists, and doing what we do. But, every once in a while we get a chance to just sit and admire his beauty. I did that yesterday for several hours. Just sat at the beach watching the water, listening to the waves, feeling the cool breeze from the water balancing the warm sunshine, and admiring the mountains in the distance. I was thankful that my God created me with the ability to just sit and enjoy such natural beauty. That he uses such experiences to rejuvinate me and make everything seem right with the world. And I can tell you that my personal relationship with my Savior is much stronger after that rejuvination and sense of renewal.

What do you enjoy? What rejuvinates you? Take some time in the next few days to marvel at what an amazing God we have and be rejuvinated by his power and love. ]]> 1243046040 Fri, 22 May 2009 21:34:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=32
I pray this isn’t your church. If it is how are you going to fix it? God’s Word is powerful but it doesn’t no good if people don’t hear it because they’re sleeping or they’ve tuned out. ]]> 1243046040 Fri, 22 May 2009 21:34:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=30

@AnnCurry: "In life, be of service to others. Then you"ll know it mattered you were here." -my dad Bob {Reminds me of a favorite quote: What are we here for if not to make life less difficult for others?}

@quotesnack: RT @quotegarden "Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you." ~Robert Fulghum {You are a role model whether you choose to be or not. The choice to be a positive or negative one, however, is yours.}

@mediapeople: RT @NACDB RT@bsalley: When the product is right, you don't have to be a great marketer.- Lee Iacocca {Getting the product right is the hard part. If it’s right, people will share it and do your marketing for you.}

@loswhit: Jesus opted 4 relationship over respect when He choose us. He chose not 2 get what he deserved so He could be w/us. - @andystanley {Wow! If I am going to model Christ’s love in my life, I need to work on this!}

@ScottWilliams: Leaders make leaders, that make leaders...! Are you making a bologna sandwich, making people do a job or Making Leaders? {GREAT question!}


Have you found any wisdom on twitter? Don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with us here.

]]> 1242152520 Tue, 12 May 2009 13:22:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=28
@holycowcreative: Pride is a dangerous thing. Not showing how proud you are of your people...just as dangerous. {People need to feel appreciated!}

@kevinjbradford: RT @waynemansfield: You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you. -Walt Disney {Just so true!}

@Tomplay: There will come that forever day when those that pushed you away from sharing Jesus, will wish you hadn't walked away so easily. {It’s the easy thing to do most of the time, but stick with it. Pray that God gives you the perseverance not to give up on people}

@RevRunWisdom: To avoid criticsm.. Do nuthin.. say nuthin... BE nuthin {Again, just so true. In the end the only approval that matters is God’s}

@DMosley: Here's a #quote for this morning: "Bloom where you're planted." What does this mean to you? {Never underestimate just being in a place. God puts you where he needs you at different seasons in your life. Do what you can where you are and use the gifts he has given you.}


And this one, just because it made me laugh:

@kemmeyer: Always amused when working with churches. The "lady that cuts checks" is not going to be in for a month. Is she an astronaut? (via @GodsMac)]]> 1241580720 Tue, 05 May 2009 22:32:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=27
@RevRunWisdomOne: way 2 surely fail is 2 try 2 please every 1.. (He who trims himself to suit everybody will whittle himself away) Be U.

@dccurry: (RT @robwegner @gccwired) (Part 1): “FANS are impressed, FOLLOWERS are devoted!" (Part 2): Are you a FAN of Jesus or a FOLLOWER of Jesus?"

@jfietzer: I am the devils worst nightmare .... And I LOVE IT!

@jackalopekid this guy took a picture everyday of his life http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/15131

@T_Nutz QOTD: "The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about." Oscar Wilde

]]> 1240948380 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:53:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=26
Jesus is my friend. Jesus is my shelter from the world. But most importantly Jesus is my Savior. Who is Jesus to you?]]> 1240350300 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:45:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=23
On Sunday Ski said or rather shouted (if you were there you know I’m serious) “Churches want to put out their hand to help people out of the mud, but that’s not what our Savior does. Our Savior climbs in the mud with you and pulls you up and helps you out. That’s what we’re about.” We are about that because we recognize that Christ has pulled us from the mud countless times and he calls us to reflect that love for His glory.

That means sometimes we’re going to be uncomfortable. We’re going to do things we never wanted to or thought we’d do. But there are people who are hurting. People who need Jesus. And the way in which we bring them the good news of the Gospel is by climbing into the mud and getting dirty. We can’t picky about who or when or where, we just have to do it.

When was the last time you jumped in the mud to help someone else out? Who in your life right now is in the mud and needs your help?]]> 1237933140 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:19:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=22
I have been trying every day to find at least one “God moment” to focus on. Now, don’t get me wrong, of course every moment is a God moment in a sense. But, to me, “God moments” are those moments when God really comes alive for me, when fingerprints of his grace and power are all over this world, when I am so deeply convicted of my faith that I want to jump up and down with excitement and tell the whole world. In those moments, I am totally in awe and honestly cannot find the words to express how great our God is. Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in the craziness of life and focus so much on WHAT I do that I forget WHY I do it and WHO I do it for. Focusing on “God moments” reminds me WHY I live my life the way I do and WHO I live it for.

Well, today was one big long gigantic “God moment.” I couldn’t pick just a moment, I don’t know that I could even pick a favorite. It’s a toss up between watching from afar a struggling 27 year old patiently teach a crazy hyper 7 year old boy how to play the ukulele, hearing of a 19 year old homeless man in our church mumble under his breath “there really are nice people in this world,” seeing an 18 year old very pregnant girl devour 4, 5, 6 hot dogs along with pizza and cookies, and honestly the list could go on. And seriously, God so blessed me today that I got to experience all of those “God moments” and more. Reflecting on it all I am honestly nearly moved to tears of joy for the first time in a long time. Our God is so amazingly good. Contrary to the quote above, today is one day I will definitely remember. But, I will remember it in moments, in “God moments.”

Do you take note of the “God moments” in your life? I pray his amazing power and grace is real to you and consumes your life. ]]> 1237700400 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:40:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=21
Here at The CORE today we have had 8-15 people from one of the homeless shelters in Appleton stop in. They’ve been fed, given something to drink, and of course heard that Jesus still loves them and forgives them in spite of all of the mistakes they have made. And can I tell you something? Each of those individuals has now made an impact on my life. Perhaps it is a very small impact, but nonetheless an impact because we are all connected. At the end of the day, we are the same. We are poor miserable sinners in need of a Savior. And if you think otherwise, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you are missing the truth.

I am someone who remembers people, I remember experiences, I remember conversations, I remember faces. And when I stop to think about all of the people I have come into contact with in my life I can’t help but thank God for those experiences and deeply regret the times that I wasn’t aware of others, that I thought myself too good to interact with certain people. He uses people to do his work here on earth, how humbling is that!

Have you stopped to thank God lately for the people he allows to come into your life - Even if for a very brief moment?]]> 1237673460 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 17:11:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=20 1237600140 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:49:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=19
We have had tons of different people in and out of The CORE in the last two days. For me, this means lots of people watching - or people observing if your prefer that term. Call it what you want, but I pay attention to people’s actions, to their body languages; perhaps almost more than their words at times. And let me tell you what, God has blessed us with some amazing people around here. People who live the quote above, people who may not perform some dramatic ministry but participate in ministry simply by being in a certain place at a certain time.

Yesterday, I sat and watch a 70+ year old man walk up and make conversation with a stranger who walked into our building. A stranger who may not have a home, who probably hasn’t showered in a couple of days, who may not be in a right state of mind. I took note of that 70 year old man’s actions. His actions tell me there is something different about him.

I sat and watched a middle aged man sit down and make conversation with a young woman visiting our building. She sat in our building for hours and very few people walked up and talked to her. That man may have made her day.

I am someone who always wants to be doing something, always wants results. I want the “dramatic ministry.” I have to stop and remind myself that I am God’s tool. He will use me in the way he sees fit. And sometimes, that may mean talking to a stranger who walks into our building. Because bottom line is, those people are looking for their Savior too. They are watching his people - their actions much more than their words.

What would people think of your actions? What ministry are you doing by simply being present in a place?]]> 1237583460 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:11:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=17
That phrase came to mind as I listened to Ski’s sermon about making disciples this week. Now, typically, that phrase evokes sadness, anger, bitterness, disappoint, and a whole host of negative emotions. But, when that phrase is spoken by our Heavenly Father, it’s a different story. Ski said in his sermon, “It’s not about you, it’s about what is behind you.” How true is that. We have God on our side and his Word behind our attempts to spread the Gospel. He continually whispers in our ears, “It’s not you, it’s me!” Remember that the next time you want to pass up an opportunity to share the Word out of fear.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9b]]> 1237237920 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:12:00 -0500 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=15
I inevitably ask myself, “Why am I feeling this way?” The simple answer: Satan is at work. He wants all of us to have those thoughts. He wants us to give up because God is using us to do great things for his Kingdom. I think it is easy to forget that at the end of the day, while we all have bosses and earthly authorities we must answer to, our ultimate authority, the only one who truly matters, is God. Galatians 1:10 says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not a servant of Christ.” Wow! That last part is like a punch in the face. Trying to please people, working only for people means we are not servants of Christ. You see it’s easy to get discouraged and want to give up the fight if we are focused on winning the approval of people.

Although it is easy to forget, I think when we want to surrender we have to remember our Savior and everything he endured. Hebrews 12:3 reminds us, “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Christ knows what criticism feels like. His job was his life. He worked long hours. He knows and in fact promises that following and serving him isn’t going to be easy. It’s going to be difficult. It’s going to be exhausting. There may be times when we want to give up. But it’s at those times we have to remember who we are working for, who we are serving, and who promises to be there as a refuge and support when we are weary. And that person every time is our Friend and Savior Jesus.

So if you ever feel like throwing in the towel, know that you’re not alone. But also check yourself. Ask yourself why you are feeling that way. And remember all your Savior endured for you. Remember that he feels your pain and he promises to be there, to get you through if you will lean on him.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
- Galatians 6:9

]]> 1236378000 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:20:00 -0600 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=13
To God be the glory - It is one thing to say it, yet another very different to believe it and be convicted of it. But when I make myself take a moment to stop and reflect on the world in which I live I can’t help but think “To God be the glory!”

It has been nothing short of a crazy rollercoaster ride since we embarked on this crazy adventure last fall. I wish words could capture the amazing ways in which God has been glorified through the process and the countless ways in which he has shown his greatness.

I get the question all of the time, “What do you do exactly?” The next question is usually something like, “How do you know how to do all of that?” That answer is easy, I don’t. I learn as I go. God is good and he uses people like me, people like you, to do seemingly impossible things that he might be glorified.

So, as we continue on this journey together let us learn from one another, let us share ideas, let us work for the Kingdom side by side, but most importantly I pray that we remind each other often, “To God be the glory.” It is only by his power and grace that we are able to accomplish anything.
]]> 1235172360 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 17:26:00 -0600 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=14 I can’t say I clearly remember America’s original Dream Team in the 1992 Olympics, but I do remember hearing about it from time to time though mostly in connection to a McDonald’s commercial. Rumor is that team was an incredible group of individuals on and off the court. They had big dreams, lofty goals. They set out to win and win they did.

How big are you willing to dream? Sir Francis Drake wrote the following prayer, "Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves. When our dreams have come true because we dreamed too little. When we arrive safely because we have sailed to close to the shore. Disturb us, Lord." Are your dreams proportionate to the amazing power of your God? Are you willing to dream dreams that can only be accomplished with His help and guidance?

I have the opportunity to dream big dreams for the Kingdom with some pretty amazing and creative people. It’s a blessing for which there are no words. They are a dream team of sorts. And the one advantage we have over the 1992 Dream Team - God is on our team. It is an exciting time here at The CORE as we grow and dream big dreams together. Everyday is a challenge. It is a challenge to force myself outside of my comfort zone to a place of risk, a place of big dreams.
I encourage you to take a look at your dreams, at your goals and dare to dream bigger than yourself. Don’t put God in a box. Let God push you outside of your comfort zone and use you to accomplish great things for the Kingdom. Remember, with Him on your side, you are part of the greatest Dream Team possible.
]]> 1234913160 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:26:00 -0600 http://thevalley.gotocore.com/blog.php?id=29 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 -0600