01/09/2012
After an entire year of blogging only once, I thought I would at least update the world as to what is going on with my life.
First off resolutions from last year … I did about 50/50.
Of the ones that I didn’t finish up, I was most disappointed over not getting into a sword fight as well as not doing video reviews on my favorite hobby (board games). I also didn’t strike it rich with the gold panning, but Rob and I should prevail … at least when we get to heaven … because I heard something about streets of gold.
I was surprised at how many I was able to accomplish from my list. I finished reading several books that I was in the middle of, ran two marathons, turned 40 and painted the outside of the house, even started my second masters degree (MBA).
Enough with that.
Many of you know that I used to be a pastor. God had allowed me to experience selfish stupidity and then step away from being a pastor. It was amazing to think how much of my identity was wrapped around that title/position. Not being a pastor allowed me to struggle with what was I really if I wasn’t a pastor. I have discovered quite a bit about who I am and have also been able to help others with similar discoveries. It is amazing to think what a powerful God could actually do with us weak fleshy things with bones.
God has also brought many new friends into my life that have spoken to me words of wisdom. Also reshaped former friendships and made them stronger.
Prior to me leaving the role of pastor, I had been struggling with a perceived call on my life to start a new church. It started with a desire to see young people know about Jesus and then finding out some things about the way people view the world and then understanding that many don’t believe in an objective truth, etc. Basically, I found out that the world had changed rapidly, even during my time! I was now on the outside looking in with being “cutting edge”. How could I see others come to know the joy that I have in my life that comes through a faith in Jesus?
God shelved me for a period of time to let me learn and reconnect with people and himself in a different way.
This past year I have been meeting almost weekly with a young man that has great maturity and evidence that God is working within him, his name is Chad. We started a friendship a few years ago through church where he was the youth pastor at the time. Similar paths of development ministry-wise. About two years ago, we went to a conference in Denver with another friend. We were smacked across the head with this idea that, from the moment we heard it, we knew right away that was something we should do. That was the only seminar that I remembered. In this past year, he had asked if I could mentor him during the course of a specialized training for church planters. As we met, it was evident that God began stirring in both of us a desire to reach people in the community in a different way than others have. In no way bashing our current church or any others, but it is a way that allows us to reach out to people that will not step foot in a church for whatever reasons.
I have been stoicly excited about this process because it has been a while since God had called me originally to start a new church. I had always struggled with “are you sure you want me” balanced with an unhealthy “of course it HAS to be me” (which is part of the reason why I was out for a while). Along with this notion for grasping at the wrong form of identity.
A few months ago we drew up the papers to be officially recognized as a non-profit organization. Chad and I are leading the organization (PAX) in it’s infancy and taking things a step at a time. We are meeting with a core group of people that God has placed together for us to reach out to the Salem, Keizer, Albany, Corvallis area. I am not gonna lie, I get really nervous sometimes about what God has in store for us and anxious to see how the finances would work out to bring both of us on to a paid position so that we are allowed to focus where we need to be focusing (if that’s the plan from God).
One of the incredible things about what is going on happened a few months ago. I had walked into our new church’s downtown office that we share with a friend, I had recognized that “Hey … I am a pastor again”. Some might not think of it as a big deal, but what had occurred to me at the time was that I wasn’t striving for this responsibility. It’s as if God laid it right in my hands. Quite different than before with this title … a lot different. I am trying not to use it to gain respect, that comes from God working within me. I even try shying away from having it on a business card. I am just like anyone else being used as a tool by God.
What do you place your identity or value in?
Currently Mer and I are still serving at our current church until June of this year. While doing see we are involved in both the new church and the current church. Me more so as I am helping with some foundational things at PAX. The next 6 months will be a very busy time for us as a family and we would really enjoy your prayers for wisdom and peace as we do our part in this role.
More to come as I can.
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06/05/2011
Just a little over 3 months ago I was approached at work to help manage the Urgent Care at the hospital. This would be in addition to my normal responsibilities of managing the registration department. The original time frame was about 4 months as an interim. Then either apply for the job or go back to job #1.
It has been a challenge to say the least.
I used to think I was a multi-tasker and would be able to handle many things at once. Now, I am not so confident in that skill. I even wonder at times if I “normally” handle too much at once. Maybe we all do. The idea for me handling both was that I would split the time between the two departments equally. Ya know, focus on the top priorities of each area. However, there are a lot of priorities in each area. I was able on my first day to have a nicely split day, but it swiftly erupted into many hours each week above 40.
This past Friday was my last day for working both jobs. Monday I begin the transition away from job #1 and focus solely (or at least 95%) on the new area. Friday was my deadline to wrap up all the projects I had. By mid-afternoon though, I realized that I still had quite a bit left to take on. I decided that my new focus would be to say “no” to anything new for job #1 and then gradually transfer many of the items over to my temporary replacement. I have at least 3 months to do my best in maintaining job #2 and creating a “good” team into a “very good” team. I don’t think I can get there in 3 months, but I think I can begin to get there. Some new opportunities are coming my way.
I am amazed at what God has done with me. I see His hand moving me into places and opportunities that I shouldn’t have or even seem to be qualified for. It’s as if there was a purpose in this. It’s taken me a while to see this though. I kept being focused on wanting a specific job (pastor) that I overlook the possibility to pastor my friends and peers wherever I am and without need for a title. Even though I keep thinking that someone may wake up and say “Hey, what is he doing here?” and then give me the boot, I clearly am in God’s hands throughout this experience. Whatever happens, will happen.
I have learned a lot of organizational skills over the few jobs I have had since leaving the ministry. I have grown considerably in management and leadership skills. Things I may not have been able to pick up quickly before.
I also decided to begin taking an MBA course through Corban University. Just one class a term (which at this rate will take a few years to complete). I am excited about the opportunity for learning more skills to make me an effective leader.
Have you ever been in a situation where you think “Why am I really here?” But also paired with “Something is about to happen…”?
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12/30/2010
Some highlights from 2010:
- Enjoyed 18 years of marriage to my bride.
- Saw both Kenzi and Madi turn 11 and 13 (gasp, my first teenager!)
- I got the biker bug after being asked to preach at a motorcycle rally in the summer. Consequently, it comes with some sweet leather wearin’
- Lost 30 pounds since the summer. I also ran my first 5k marathon.
- Was promoted at the hospital to a Manager position where I am able to utilize my skills more and am liking the growth it is providing in leadership and organization. Also saw a friend from work come to follow Christ.
- Beat Rob at Chess a plethora of times (although, we played plethora x2 amount of games).
- Went on a road trip to Denver (avoided a fallen ladder on the road and ate crocodile) to hang out with Chad and Vin and discuss church management and leadership (and lame jokes).
- Traveled to Orlando for work and experienced my first 1st class ride on the way back (don’t worry, I paid for the upgrade).
- Started a small group on Monday’s nights for church.
- My game board collection is growing and invading our room and most free time is spent with fellow board gaming geeks.
Things I am hoping to do in 2011 (not in any particular order)
- Read through the Bible in one year (haven’t done this for a few years!)
- Start an MBA program focused on (non-profit management)
- Get in a sword fight (preferably planned)
- Make 5 video reviews for board games
- Paint the outside of the house and fix up the cupboards in the kitchen
- Carve or craft something out of wood beyond simple whittling.
- Get down to 235 pounds
- Find some gold that you could see without a magnifying glass
- Run two marathons (at least 5k)
- I am in the midst of several books (non-fiction) — I would like to finish several of them
- … oh yeah … and I’ll be turning 40 this coming year!! Yikes!
What are you hoping to do different this next year?
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11/09/2010
I am writing this from beautiful Florida! I had the privelege of attending a conference for work in Orlando. It has been an experience. I have to admit, I don’t think I could get used to being a traveler. Even with the layover on the way, the butt was numb by the time I landed. I didn’t really sync up the travel plans to maximize my time here. The original plan was to have Mer come join me after a day and we would stay a couple of days later and fly back together. The hotel exterior and interior were oustanding (the room was average).
Due to lack or financial forsight on my side and taxes taking out more of my cashed out vacation time that I had hoped for, we decided not to book Mer a week before going. 
Though with Mer, this adventure would have been really good, I settled in ok. The conference schedule began Monday afternoon and will end Wednesday afternoon. I got a chance to meet some people (but oddly enough, no one from my same field) as well as get to hang around some other employees from Salem Hospital. It was nice getting to know them more as well.
The conference I attended was primarily focused on getting a good patient satisfaction response from customers. The sessions I particularly enjoyed were around how to interpret data and one final one today around the outpatient area. Looking forward to spending more time focusing on trying to give a better impression to our patients that come through.
I just checked into my flight for tomorrow. I have a front row seat! I am not sure if that is good or bad. I’ll find out, I should have opted for the exit aisle (it was open).
As I am writing this, there is a lobby filled with very happy, boisterously singing people. It makes me miss singing a little. I did have a shot tonight at karaoke on the Univeral Studios City Walk. They had reserved the end of the walk just for conference attendees. Free food and drinks and lots of music. If I had known any of the songs all the way through, I would have tried my first karaoke. Maybe when I go to Japan.
Where was a fun place that you have traveled to for work?
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09/21/2010
I have been wanting to do something “big” for a physical challenge. A few years ago it was doing a big cross-country-run-in-country-up-hills-and-down-hills-and-across-water-thing. Last year it was a triathlon. Neither of which I did.
This year though, I decided last minute to enter a 5k marathon. Why? It was one of those things on my bucket list. “Do something physically challenging”. I think I can do this more than I could do any of the other things. I have been working out trimming the get and getting fit (so far around 17 pounds lost). I do feel better. I know I will most likely stop at least once on the 5k (3.1 mile) journey. But I know will at least finish … last is still finishing.
Have you ever done anything physically challenging and looked back and said to yourself “I am glad I did that?”
Tell us about it.
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08/04/2010
Things are good right now. I can’t complain. My new position at the hospital allows me to utilize my skills better. It definitely is nice having less employees which allows me to focus on the various tasks at hand.
The hours have even allowed me to be home at decent times to spend with the family.
I have even started working out with a trainer (I asked for a tune-up). I have been fairly consistent with working out. I haven’t lost a lot of weight, but I am feeling it. My first goal is to get down to 250 (from 275).
I also had been asked recently to preach to some bikers at a biker rally in Salem-Keizer. So … I of course had to get a motorcycle, because rolling in on a huffy just wouldn’t be cool. And of course, I had to get some leathers on!
Summer is here and is about gone. I can’t believe it.
My next post, I hope to have the beginning of my “bucket list”.
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03/25/2010
God has provided me a wonderful opportunity recently. I can’t share about it just yet, but I promise … it doesn’t involve monkeys. 
It’s actually quite funny in light of a recent post I placed on the internets.
Opportunities are funny though. We are always making choices with each opportunity in front of us … either
- We take the opportunity on
- We don’t take the opportunity on
- We ignore the opportunity (basically meaning we don’t take the opportunity)
But how do we go about making the final choice?
#3 is the easiest one to make
The other two choices are much harder because we are committed to the choice.
I had a hard decision to make recently in regards to future things. I had two options in front of me. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. In this case, one very big advantage. I was a bit stuck as each had merit and had an impact with the family and others.
I sent an email to some men at church to help pray for the decision to be clear. Obviously my family was praying (even the girls) for clarity as well.
God worked. The decision became clearer and clearer even though it was still a hard decision.
I have now said “No” to one option … and am ok with it, even though it would have provided a big advantage to the family.
I am now waiting to make the final decision on option #2. Waiting … but ok with making the decision when pressed to.
It is nice to be presented with options. But we still need to choose.
How do you make decisions?
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02/22/2010
Mer made a statement to me earlier that said something like “What if this is the path you are supposed to be on, but you are so busy trying to get on another path.”
I do have a desire to do something, something good, for my life/career/ministry. I want to be a pastor of a church again. More than anything …
The problem? We are too far in debt. No church could most likely pay the salary I need to get out of debt. Also, per Mer’s comment, I may be missing out on what God is providing right in front of me.
I have had issues with this all of my life, constantly reaching towards the “next” or “what could be”, but not being “in the moment” long enough to enjoy it and see what could be learned.
Jesus, forgive me for overlooking what you have provided for me right now. You have even said, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, today has enough to worry about“.
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11/13/2009
Some more pictures from Mer
My wife has such a good eye for beauty … and so do I, check out who I married!
photo
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