When I get to heaven, I want to ask God a question. It's not a tough one, just one that comes up whenever we have to do a funeral for someone.
Why?
He was only 47 years old, just getting things going in his life with a new home - sort of a new beginning.
Why?
He was just getting some family relationships resolved and mended. They were heading in the right direction and getting better.
Why?
Only God has the answer. It's what I tell families all the time, but it doesn't bring comfort any faster. We don't know why God calls people home in their prime, just as life begins, or just before something major in their life happens.
However, I do know this. God has a plan and a purpose for everything in life. How I deal with those events and things that happen reflect what I truly believe about my God. I still want to know why - but I certainly cannot dwell on it while I'm here, because there is more work for me to do for my God. He knows our hurt and will heal us - if we let Him.
I'm saddened for the loss of my friend, John Fraire, this week. I'm glad because he is with my God right now and not in pain. To be honest, I'm jealous! He's with Dad!
Don't spend too much time asking the "Why?" question when life throws you a curve ball. Remember that you have a purpose and a job to do for the Kingdom. Ask God to show you the next step and get after it. I promise, He will bless you like crazy!!!
See ya in church...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
The "Empty" Stage
This week, I announced that our worship team will be taking a break for a couple/few weeks. Before I continue, let me assure you that there is not an 'issue' with the staff, the team or the congregation. This is intentional time to reflect, reconnect with God, and refresh ourselves.
I take my role as Creative Arts/Worship Pastor very seriously. I know that God has called me to this church for this ministry and this season of the life of the church. The reason I know this is that I spend time with Him, seeking Him and trying to live to honor Him.
And I expect nothing less from my teams. I want them to wrestle with God, to seek hard after Him and to live lives that honor Him.
I'm also a realist. I do this for a living. However, with the exception of Aaron, everyone else is volunteer and has another life outside these four walls. They have jobs, family, hobbies, etc. that compete for their time. Add to that weekly rehearsals and practice time along with 2 services each week - time becomes a precious commodity.
So I've asked our team to take some time to rest. Instead of rehearsing and 'working' the music, we'll take some time to pray, seek God and perhaps even fast (as needed). Our goal is to ignite the passion that we have for worshiping God, and allow us to take our worship to another level. It's not about how we sound, how we look or how well we play together. That is a by product of a committed team that loves God and wants to use the skills, gifts and abilities that He has given them to bring honor to Him.
I am more interested in the heart of the team and who gets first place in their lives. It has to be God - period! Anything less is missing the mark. And if we're ALL honest, we can say that there are times when God is not where He needs to be in our lives.
We're going to take some time to talk with Him about where He is in our own lives. Then we're going to ask Him if we're doing what He has called us to do - are we in the right place for this season of our lives? It will be fun, interesting and anxious all at the same time.
Pray for us to hear God and hear His plan/will for our lives. Pray for me to know that the direction He is calling me to lead this ministry is indeed His plan and His will.
I'll see you in church, from the empty stage - for now!
I take my role as Creative Arts/Worship Pastor very seriously. I know that God has called me to this church for this ministry and this season of the life of the church. The reason I know this is that I spend time with Him, seeking Him and trying to live to honor Him.
And I expect nothing less from my teams. I want them to wrestle with God, to seek hard after Him and to live lives that honor Him.
I'm also a realist. I do this for a living. However, with the exception of Aaron, everyone else is volunteer and has another life outside these four walls. They have jobs, family, hobbies, etc. that compete for their time. Add to that weekly rehearsals and practice time along with 2 services each week - time becomes a precious commodity.
So I've asked our team to take some time to rest. Instead of rehearsing and 'working' the music, we'll take some time to pray, seek God and perhaps even fast (as needed). Our goal is to ignite the passion that we have for worshiping God, and allow us to take our worship to another level. It's not about how we sound, how we look or how well we play together. That is a by product of a committed team that loves God and wants to use the skills, gifts and abilities that He has given them to bring honor to Him.
I am more interested in the heart of the team and who gets first place in their lives. It has to be God - period! Anything less is missing the mark. And if we're ALL honest, we can say that there are times when God is not where He needs to be in our lives.
We're going to take some time to talk with Him about where He is in our own lives. Then we're going to ask Him if we're doing what He has called us to do - are we in the right place for this season of our lives? It will be fun, interesting and anxious all at the same time.
Pray for us to hear God and hear His plan/will for our lives. Pray for me to know that the direction He is calling me to lead this ministry is indeed His plan and His will.
I'll see you in church, from the empty stage - for now!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Always Learning
We all make mistakes. Sometimes, there are those that are not seen, and it's between us and God. Other times the family sees/hears it and it's just between us and them.
And then there are times when our mistakes make it into the public eye. For some, the public eye is work, the classroom, etc. For others - like me - mistakes are very public because I sometimes have an open mic!
I've learned over my life that you have to own up to what you do and say, especially when it hurts or offends someone else. That's not always easy - but I believe it's always right.
I've had to own up and apologize here lately, not only to the congregation but also to individuals. In every situation, and I mean EVERY situation, I've been blessed with learning something in those encounters. Whether it's something about me or the person I'm speaking with, I truly consider that to be a blessing.
If we all looked at confronting others about mistakes or offenses that have impacted others as a blessing, I wonder how much more we could learn about them and about our amazing God. I know, for many people it is extremely uncomfortable and even scary to sit down with someone and have that conversation. I know that God gave me the strength and courage to do it when I was that way, and now today I actually look forward to having these conversations. (I know...I'm not really right in the head!)
God has shown me how to learn in all of these situations. And it's the same thing with my family. When I have to have the tough conversations with Sue or our adult kids, I learn something! (It's usually that I'm wrong and Sue was right.)
Someone emailed me last week and hit this on the head. They were saying that they didn't want to continue talking about an issue around me or behind my back as that would be divisive and/or gossip. That doesn't help anyone. I appreciate that. It sums up what we all should be doing. Going and dealing - no matter the outcome. We just need to go, be heard and let God do what He will do with our conversation.
Oh yeah, and we might learn something along the way!
And then there are times when our mistakes make it into the public eye. For some, the public eye is work, the classroom, etc. For others - like me - mistakes are very public because I sometimes have an open mic!
I've learned over my life that you have to own up to what you do and say, especially when it hurts or offends someone else. That's not always easy - but I believe it's always right.
I've had to own up and apologize here lately, not only to the congregation but also to individuals. In every situation, and I mean EVERY situation, I've been blessed with learning something in those encounters. Whether it's something about me or the person I'm speaking with, I truly consider that to be a blessing.
If we all looked at confronting others about mistakes or offenses that have impacted others as a blessing, I wonder how much more we could learn about them and about our amazing God. I know, for many people it is extremely uncomfortable and even scary to sit down with someone and have that conversation. I know that God gave me the strength and courage to do it when I was that way, and now today I actually look forward to having these conversations. (I know...I'm not really right in the head!)
God has shown me how to learn in all of these situations. And it's the same thing with my family. When I have to have the tough conversations with Sue or our adult kids, I learn something! (It's usually that I'm wrong and Sue was right.)
Someone emailed me last week and hit this on the head. They were saying that they didn't want to continue talking about an issue around me or behind my back as that would be divisive and/or gossip. That doesn't help anyone. I appreciate that. It sums up what we all should be doing. Going and dealing - no matter the outcome. We just need to go, be heard and let God do what He will do with our conversation.
Oh yeah, and we might learn something along the way!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Technology Fast
Over the past couple of days I've taken time away from technology to pray, seek God and process some very helpful feedback that I've received via email and the blog.
Let me say that I will never accept this form of medium as ever solving issues that people have with each other. Face to face is my first and preferred method of conflict resolution.
That being said, I appreciate the dialogue that is taking place, even if it is under these circumstances. I need to get better at communicating my heart and passion in a way that honors God, the body and the people we are trying to reach. And I am glad to have people who care enough to say something when I step 'over the line'.
I had the privilege of sitting with a couple last week to talk - face to face - about my words and the direction they feel that we, FBC, are going in. It was good, honest and challenging discussion that helped me to see some things from a different perspective. AND, I was able to understand the tone, the meaning of the words, and ask for clarification when I needed to. (Can't really do that on a blog or email.)
I also took the opportunity to apologize for my choice of words and how it offended them. I have and will continue to do that. [I won't apologize for the passion - that would be saying that God made a mistake in how He wired me.]
As for deleting the post, there was a part that was targeted at the leadership of FBC, not just me. This blog is not for/about the leadership. I didn't feel it appropriate to have an open debate here about that. As for the place/venue, I'm working on that with the leadership so that you will have someplace to make your voice known.
(I am confused that some people say that we don't listen and that the only way to hear the voice is to make an appointment. If you have an issue or concern with your health you go to the doctor. If your child has a problem at school, you go see the teacher or administrator. That is the best way to handle whatever it is you're up against. Why should church be any different?) So, we're going to try to figure out just how to help our FBC people do that.
Trying to follow Him!
Karl
Let me say that I will never accept this form of medium as ever solving issues that people have with each other. Face to face is my first and preferred method of conflict resolution.
That being said, I appreciate the dialogue that is taking place, even if it is under these circumstances. I need to get better at communicating my heart and passion in a way that honors God, the body and the people we are trying to reach. And I am glad to have people who care enough to say something when I step 'over the line'.
I had the privilege of sitting with a couple last week to talk - face to face - about my words and the direction they feel that we, FBC, are going in. It was good, honest and challenging discussion that helped me to see some things from a different perspective. AND, I was able to understand the tone, the meaning of the words, and ask for clarification when I needed to. (Can't really do that on a blog or email.)
I also took the opportunity to apologize for my choice of words and how it offended them. I have and will continue to do that. [I won't apologize for the passion - that would be saying that God made a mistake in how He wired me.]
As for deleting the post, there was a part that was targeted at the leadership of FBC, not just me. This blog is not for/about the leadership. I didn't feel it appropriate to have an open debate here about that. As for the place/venue, I'm working on that with the leadership so that you will have someplace to make your voice known.
(I am confused that some people say that we don't listen and that the only way to hear the voice is to make an appointment. If you have an issue or concern with your health you go to the doctor. If your child has a problem at school, you go see the teacher or administrator. That is the best way to handle whatever it is you're up against. Why should church be any different?) So, we're going to try to figure out just how to help our FBC people do that.
Trying to follow Him!
Karl
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