I remember how cool it was going to a Petra concert in 1981 in the Judson College Gym. Back then Christian Rock bands were far and few between. Most of the Christian bands didn't rock out or they weren't very good! When Petra came along we finally had a Christian band that sounded good and we had a guitarist that was as good as most of the guitarists from the Classic Rock bands on the radio. Nowadays, Petra is very tame compared to what is happening with Christian hardcore bands. They really paved the way for the bands that are making great music for Jesus these days! Petra has a great legacy, but they will be forgotten more and more as the days and years go by. I've thought about what legacy that I'm leaving behind or not leaving behind. Some day I'll be forgotten just like the band Petra. It challenges me to try to love the people around me as well as I can. Whether it is a friend, family meember, brother or sister in Christ or someone in my path that I've never met before, I need to love them as well as I can for Jesus. Some day I hope to hear the Lord say well done my good and faithful servant. We should all try live our lives for Jesus! That is the greatest and most lasting legacy.

Ch.... Ch...Ch.....Ch... Choo Choo

Yesterday our youth went on the annual State Fair trip. We started going 4 years ago on the last day of the fair, because of the Powerlight festival which features many good Christian bands and singers. It has marked the end of summer and the beginning of the next school, because many of the students go back to the class room and Pam always starts her official work days at her school. It seems like each stage of life goes a little faster. Like a locamotive train it seems to take a long time to gain speed, but once it's moving fast it only seems to move faster. So when we're young we want to be in the next stage of life so we can have more privileges at home & school. Then we want to drive, go to college, live on our own and so forth. The one thing I was told as a young dad was to enjoy the moment, because before you know it you're kids are all grown up. So I've tried to live that way more than to worry about the future or to wish for the past! So I try enjoy the moment and it sure can be SWEET! I think I've laughed more in the last few years than I used to laugh. I think that's a good sign! Enjoy Today for it is the day that Lord has made for you and me!

The Traveling Guys

I was told of an awesome story of two guys who are currently getting ready to travel the world to do random acts of kindness. They are going to travel to many countries and try to engage people so that they can help them out. They want to break down cultural and racial barriers.
They have left behind great jobs, people and their near future aspirations. It sounds like these guys are Christians, but they don't come right out and say it. Regardless of whether they are Christians or not I think these guys are a great example of doing something incredible for the Lord. We Christians should be the ones leaving everything behind to make a difference in the world! We Christians should be the ones going around and blessing people whom we don't even know, but who need some help or need to be shown love! WoW! It's challenging me in my life.
Check out the website and let me know what you think! www.travelingguys.com

Friends at the Ole home

Last night was really a cool night! It's always fun for Pam & I to have the youth group over to our house! Those warm brownies were scrumpdilicious! Food always helps a party to come together and you all aren't shy about eating it! I'm so excited that our high school group is really taking shape and you high schoolers are committing to the Lord, to each other and committed to reaching out to others! There's nothing like seeing youth become outward and accepting towards others! I hope that continues to grow! The brainstorming of ideas for the coming year is also fun for me! Keep thinking and being creative! God created us to be creative, because we are made in His image! So let me know when you have ideas even if they seem a little out there!

Fuel for the Soul

Our family finally got to go on vacation this summer! It seemed like everyone else had already had their vacation and ours would never come! We had been running around doing lots of fun & meaningful things this summer, but my tank of energy and passion was running low! I knew that we needed a break and we got it. We went camping at Timberlee Christian Camp and had a great time. It always takes a couple days before I stop wondering about things back at the ministry. Finally I shifted gears and it felt wonderful. Don't get me wrong, because I love the ministry, but I needed to take care of myself and get some rest and fun away from my job.
I knew that I was getting "in the zone" when Pam would ask what time it was and I wouldn't know. That made me happy!!!! Then I forgot what day of the month it was and was even happier. I also accomplished one of my spiritual and rest goals when I finished the book by Erwin McMannus "The Barbarian Way". It was a stretching book for me which is what I like to do when I'm resting and when have more time for thinking. I highly recommend that each person takes time to fuel their soul. Our society goes at such a fast pace and we need to slow down once in a while and grow in our faith as we get some rest!