tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278356542024-03-07T01:42:13.640-08:00WideOpen - Jeff MyersJeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.comBlogger705125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-35819720034366514812011-07-07T16:58:00.000-07:002011-07-07T17:30:38.686-07:00Hope in God<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKK0QptSAH7lPofsW6oC9SpkeVkxIzv12WTijzQwICHOWzi_0nMm9ry3B-1dVmTITRM8uaU9WiQFCeOmQpLlTkGw5Mwcn-iZaXlcnvmnB9qlSOEs1opU1zeqJRnZjiLdaAdbEggQ/s1600/depression-causes1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKK0QptSAH7lPofsW6oC9SpkeVkxIzv12WTijzQwICHOWzi_0nMm9ry3B-1dVmTITRM8uaU9WiQFCeOmQpLlTkGw5Mwcn-iZaXlcnvmnB9qlSOEs1opU1zeqJRnZjiLdaAdbEggQ/s200/depression-causes1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626772202195125954" /></a>I've been studying the Psalms lately and a verse stuck out to me the other day.<div></div><blockquote><div>Psalm 43:5</div><div>Why are you cast down, O my soul,</div><div>and why are you in turmoil within me?</div><div>Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,</div><div>my salvation and my God.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>I know lots of people who struggle with depression. I'm one of them sometimes. What I've come to know in my own struggles is that it ultimately comes down to a choice. I have to choose to get unstuck. I'm not trying to oversimplify, but the first step is not wanting to be down and then changing your thoughts and actions. The truth is it can take a long time to get there. </div><div><br /></div><div>This verse just made me think of all the times I've been down and looking for solutions in a hundred different places. Wishing for better finances, a saner family, a thinner waistline, more success, etc... It's a great reminder that we have ONE hope. Focus on him. Focus on your relationship with God, his grace, his gifts, his calling on your life, advancing his Kingdom and caring for his children. Hope in God!</div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-39784424787775489392011-07-07T15:12:00.000-07:002011-07-07T15:14:42.708-07:00Blogging AgainI've decided to start blogging again. I've been missing it and think the habit of writing regularly is good for me. Start checking it out occasionally. I look forward to sharing!Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-48647989676877718032010-12-11T22:37:00.001-08:002010-12-11T22:44:03.197-08:00Dixon Teen Center Makeover w/Isaiah Being Interviewed<script type='text/javascript' src='http://video.sacramento.cbslocal.com/global/video/videoplayer.js?rnd=553186;hostDomain=video.sacramento.cbslocal.com;playerWidth=480;playerHeight=385;isShowIcon=true;clipId=5375521;flvUri=;partnerclipid=;adTag=News;advertisingZone=CBS.SAC/worldnowplayer;enableAds=false;landingPage=null;islandingPageoverride=false;playerType=STANDARD_EMBEDDEDscript'></script>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-59793211722139482912010-12-09T10:02:00.000-08:002010-12-09T10:15:48.482-08:00Faith, Hope, & LoveI often talk to people struggling through difficult circumstances. Relational, moral, occupational, financial, or health issues. Generally speaking, this is true--one of the greatest statements of faith in the wake of difficult circumstances is to claim the truth that "for those who love God all things work together for good." God loves us so much, that he will take the tough times of those who place their faith in him and use those tough times as a catalyst for hope, and ultimately good.<div><br /></div><div>The next time you're faced with a trial or a failure, claim that truth. What seems like a failure now, will soon be transformed into a good thing--a victory--by the God who loves you. It could be the thing you were so sure was the best plan for your life, was actually less than best. Trust that God knows what's best for you and loves you enough to work out the best for you even before you know it's the best!</div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-9382718133041297502010-12-05T22:48:00.000-08:002010-12-05T22:58:04.378-08:00Searching For God Knows What<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBpaDmCBjAyD0rVeuQLAZI7Xycc89ImpcpCKWfiBWCEwmLobUUL6AzZvlSOwHj2DFuPt7ciuURZZTt3xgu3_oZ4BFQhxZuNnoh7sf65grES2-SxGKZoXYQrWhJJwlNDaAWsSuVg/s1600/1400202752.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBpaDmCBjAyD0rVeuQLAZI7Xycc89ImpcpCKWfiBWCEwmLobUUL6AzZvlSOwHj2DFuPt7ciuURZZTt3xgu3_oZ4BFQhxZuNnoh7sf65grES2-SxGKZoXYQrWhJJwlNDaAWsSuVg/s200/1400202752.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547459450643219362" /></a>I'm a big fan of Donald Miller's book, <b><i>Blue Like Jazz</i></b>. So when I picked up his book, <b><i>Searching For God Knows What</i></b>, I expected a similar reading experience. <b><i>BLJ</i></b> was raw, honest, humorous, and just resounded with my soul. <b><i>SFGKW</i></b> came off as if Miller was trying too hard to be clever. There was just something missing. It wasn't awful. It just didn't strike the strong chord that <b><i>Jazz</i></b> did. So I guess this is a mixed review. I'm not saying it's not worth reading; but if you haven't read <b><i>Jazz</i></b>, read that instead.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; "><i>Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their </i></span><a href="http://brb.thomasnelson.com/" target="_blank" title="Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger Site" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204); text-decoration: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; "><i>Book Review Blogger program</i></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; "><i>. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</i></span></span></div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-56850908172444662022010-12-02T12:12:00.000-08:002010-12-02T12:34:57.558-08:00Contentment (and the blog lives!)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFU8YyOpd59iSpQWsn5v1c3O3i-WLGgfJmrO91w5z4qbQpx3ZwtPzSXDn9UolwLv3AStLAj9D5FItyoMUzA378zpKRz1WyXOccS60ALS5R0K2ro64HrD8NJWS-X5m29FLqgK3Q8g/s1600/XmasNightmare.002.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFU8YyOpd59iSpQWsn5v1c3O3i-WLGgfJmrO91w5z4qbQpx3ZwtPzSXDn9UolwLv3AStLAj9D5FItyoMUzA378zpKRz1WyXOccS60ALS5R0K2ro64HrD8NJWS-X5m29FLqgK3Q8g/s200/XmasNightmare.002.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546185973037322338" /></a>I haven't posted anything to the blog in about 6 months. I needed a break from it, but lately I've been feeling the urge to share again. <div><br /></div><div>Last Sunday I started a new series called AVOIDING THE NIGHTMARE AFTER CHRISTMAS. We're just looking at some sound Biblical financial principles. Last week I talked about contentment. I really do believe that contentment is one of the strongest indicators of spiritual maturity.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday we looked at 4 ways to cultivate contentment in our lives, but now I wanted to bring up a counter-point. Buying stuff is not always wrong! In fact, often, it's necessary or helpful. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you make a purchase:</div><div><br /></div><div><ol><li>Do I have the money for this?</li><li>Do I only want it because it's shiny and new?</li><li>How will this item improve my work/life?</li><li>Have I shopped for the best deal or read user reviews?</li><li>Is there anything more important I should be spending this money on?</li><li>Is this purchase good stewardship of the money God has entrusted to me?</li></ol><div>There's nothing wrong with treating yourself once in a while. After all, you work hard for your money. Just remember, that it's called a "treat" because it's something different/special. If you never say no to your shopping urges, it's not a treat -- it's just undisciplined, unwise discontent.</div></div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-86313474987322028252010-06-03T12:03:00.000-07:002010-06-03T12:49:06.826-07:00Into Thin Air<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmUxiUTNeMgO4PFeJf51HeYVfbpjDJSvljp_6KYYchtH3IH1lKHpvckl9ighYOZeBwll48WVtI0R1hAxACQPVDKYT8-ampmuEgDDex67-QLG0A23pAZsxavw150Lzjp8tn-_gwA/s1600/Into+Thin+Air.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 138px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmUxiUTNeMgO4PFeJf51HeYVfbpjDJSvljp_6KYYchtH3IH1lKHpvckl9ighYOZeBwll48WVtI0R1hAxACQPVDKYT8-ampmuEgDDex67-QLG0A23pAZsxavw150Lzjp8tn-_gwA/s200/Into+Thin+Air.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478635892795175810" /></a>I finished another book last night -- Jon Krakauer's <b><i>Into Thin Air</i></b>. This is the story of the deadliest single day and year in Mt. Everest's climbing history. On May 10, 1996, 8 climbers lost their lives (and a total of 15 for the entire '96 climbing season). Krakauer was on assignment from Outside Magazine to write about the commercialization of Everest expeditions. Due to a deadly storm that hit on their summit day, the content of his article and subsequent book changed dramatically. Of the 11 expedition members on Krakauer's team, 5 lost their lives.<div><br /></div><div>I loved this book as much or more as I loved Richard Preston's <b><i>The Wild Trees</i></b>. It was truly a page-turner. I have to admit I'm somewhat fascinated with the whole Everest thing and mountaineering, though I've never attempted it myself. I've actually set a goal to climb a fourteener in the next couple of years. I want to climb something like Shasta to see if it's a sport I'd actually enjoy (or if I just enjoy reading about it). Don't know that I'd ever attempt Everest, but I totally understand it.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of the aspects of <b><i>Into Thin Air</i></b> I found interesting was the way Krakauer depicted the loneliness of climbing Everest. Krakauer is an experienced climber and all his previous expeditions were very team-oriented. But evidently there's something about the nature of climbing Everest that forces the climber to really depend on themselves and overcome their own mental and physical anguish, despite the fact that their supported by a team of dozens. It honestly made me think of church work.</div><div><br /></div><div>In church we definitely have a team of people to rely on as we follow Jesus and tackle different missions, but sometimes I experience crushing loneliness in ministry. Maybe it's the nature of ministry, maybe it's a ploy of our enemy... Whatever it is, it can easily be crippling. I've often described discipleship as a team sport that requires incredible individual effort. My point is that no one can do discipleship for you. They can encourage you, support you, equip you... But ultimately, like Everest, it requires you making the decision to put one foot in front of the other and keep going.</div><div><br /></div><div>Part of this incredible story was a man named Beck Weathers. Who was twice left for dead on the mountain. He had been stranded, exposed overnight, severely frostbitten, and more. No one on his team could conceive a reality where he would be able to recover and make it down the mountain. He was once assumed dead, then found alive, and then abandoned as a lost cause -- left for dead (which is the title of his own book). To everyone's surprise though, he came walking on his own power, mummy-like, into camp. After another brutal night on the mountain he was even closer to death. His team decided to leave him on the mountain a second time! Beck was able to rally though and get down the mountain.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's just a reminder to me that in this process of being a disciple of Jesus Christ, whether you feel left for dead, or are considering leaving someone behind that seems to be a lost cause --- I don't believe "lost cause" is in God's dictionary. Ask and allow the Holy Spirit to give you the extra power to keep going (or to help someone else keep going).</div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-84557172605125561672010-06-02T14:07:00.000-07:002010-06-02T14:23:16.800-07:00Jesus Manifesto<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPipkAS5xQJTuOoEZ8ikW_4iPqoEvKYbrLtXqpO7UZDUiZlfCDDSCORuK9pPdpTWkpMUhIyzUgLOGqKnofgXjPNfTCplde4s1rXyWVXSGZ3ixU9Iyf9XP2NNLcRJuysni70m5ztA/s1600/9781596443853.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPipkAS5xQJTuOoEZ8ikW_4iPqoEvKYbrLtXqpO7UZDUiZlfCDDSCORuK9pPdpTWkpMUhIyzUgLOGqKnofgXjPNfTCplde4s1rXyWVXSGZ3ixU9Iyf9XP2NNLcRJuysni70m5ztA/s200/9781596443853.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478289423006504354" /></a>Last night I finished reading <b><i>Jesus Manifesto</i></b> by Leonard Sweet & Frank Viola. The subtitle of this book is "Restoring the Supremacy and Sovereignty of Jesus Christ." I REALLY LOVED THIS BOOK! <b><i>Jesus Manifesto</i></b> is equal parts guidance for Christian living and layman's theology. It's been a while since I read a book that was more singularly focused on Jesus that this book. <b><i>Jesus Manifesto</i></b> does a great job of connecting the dots of our faith. Sweet & Viola are able to write in a style that seamlessly weaves Scripture throughout this narrative of salvation, Kingdom, and Christo-centric living. I seriously wish I could get every person in my church to read this book. I think they would have a much clearer view of Jesus, atonement, justification, and what their response to all of this should be.<div><br /></div><div>I'm going to give this little book the highest praise I can think of by saying, if it catches on, <b><i>Jesus Manifesto</i></b> has the potential to be the 21st century answer to C.S. Lewis's <b><i>Mere Christianity</i></b>. Please read this book! It'll be a priceless investment of your time.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; "><i>Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their </i></span><a href="http://brb.thomasnelson.com/" target="_blank" title="Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger Site" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204); text-decoration: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; "><i>Book Review Blogger program</i></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; "><i>. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</i></span></span></div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-23900361761955989032010-06-02T13:41:00.000-07:002010-06-02T14:05:30.321-07:00FaithfulLast night Jamie and I were laying in bed talking and she asked me how I was feeling about the church. I told her I felt very good about Living Hope. I still love this church almost as much as my own family and love being her pastor. I also told Jamie that sometimes it's easy to feel impatient, though. I know for some pastors things move lightening-fast. We hear stories of churches that grow from 4 to 4,000 in 4 years, or churches that had a vision for a big mission or ministry and God dropped a $4,000,000 gift in their laps and it moved from dream to reality overnight. But for the other 99.9% of us, ministry moves a little slower.<div><br /></div><div>Even though I'm a big dreamer and fully expect God to blow us away with all that he'll accomplish in and through Living Hope Church, I told Jamie last night that I'm not at all discouraged by the slow pace. The reason is that I have this overwhelming sense that we're being faithful. I believe we are seeking the face of Jesus earnestly. I believe we are loving each other sincerely. I believe that we are serving this community and the rest of the world humbly. And I believe we give of ourselves and our resources sacrificially. In the end, that's what we're called to do. The question will be, "Were you faithful?"</div><div><br /></div><div>That's not to say, that we couldn't write a 200 page book on all the ways we could improve our ministries and all the people that we're not reaching that we could and should be reaching. But I feel like we're serving God faithfully. We'll continue to allow him to change and improve us and we'll trust him for the increase. I would rather us be a healthy, faithful church that grows according to God's timeline, than for us to manufacture unnatural growth because we covet what other churches have.</div><div><br /></div><div>I write all this to say, Living Hopers, if you're serving God faithfully, keep it up. Keep serving, loving, worshipping, giving, praying, studying, sharing, and dreaming! If you're not, then get on board, because we need you!</div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-4767704523692001692010-05-13T16:14:00.000-07:002010-05-13T16:32:48.899-07:00Plan B<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwMYWD7JsOLAdlZ89Cj30Qf7oXCS1GtS24TQ34QfGJ9O-TPl5WKZU_KBM4vHnbA0Nqe3JB2VU9u4lpVLL5If008QW6y_qbl2MlNIImUVH9aNGaiC4qbTvHuGhMuC5z-Ek-5P3cQ/s1600/0849946506.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 129px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwMYWD7JsOLAdlZ89Cj30Qf7oXCS1GtS24TQ34QfGJ9O-TPl5WKZU_KBM4vHnbA0Nqe3JB2VU9u4lpVLL5If008QW6y_qbl2MlNIImUVH9aNGaiC4qbTvHuGhMuC5z-Ek-5P3cQ/s200/0849946506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470901521211923202" /></a>There has been a decent amount of hype around Pete Wilson's new book <b><i>Plan B</i></b>. Wilson is, I believe, a first-time author and pastor of the Cross Point Church in Nashville. The subtitle of <b><i>Plan B</i></b> is "What do you do when God doesn't show up the way you thought he would?" The short of it, from my view, is that <b><i>Plan B</i></b> reads like an awesome sermon series and an okay book on how to deal with disappointment, grief, etc...<div><br /></div><div><b><i>Plan B</i></b> really is an encouraging book. I would definitely give it to anyone dealing with tough circumstances in their life. Wilson does a good job of giving Biblical and real-life examples to support his topics/chapters. If I'm honest, though, I felt like there was too much time spent re-telling Biblical stories. That may sound like horrible criticism for a Christian book, but there's a fine line between content that makes a good sermon and content that makes a good book.</div><div><br /></div><div>Honestly, though, I'm not sure why I'm coming across as critical as I am, because I found much of the book to be very encouraging. My favorite line of the whole book is:</div><div><br /></div><div></div><blockquote><div>"Your dreams may not be happening, and things aren't turning out the way you expected, but that doesn't mean your life is spinning out of control. It just means you're not in control."</div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>That one's a keeper!</div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-31405910170132860732010-04-20T10:57:00.000-07:002010-04-20T11:16:28.585-07:00Change Your Lenses<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaltWlX92vWglxxHTYlg-3EDWVhG2fBeoHDMIZUoFDzL3q_qPle6eaWy1S0rLXH_S1ox38s-9XsTL4so3NxOjLoLyKLJcvK5a3huGyA3J5vehLML4lB8SkFCCe7d4IxaoIzvcOg/s1600/Photo+on+2010-04-20+at+10.59.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaltWlX92vWglxxHTYlg-3EDWVhG2fBeoHDMIZUoFDzL3q_qPle6eaWy1S0rLXH_S1ox38s-9XsTL4so3NxOjLoLyKLJcvK5a3huGyA3J5vehLML4lB8SkFCCe7d4IxaoIzvcOg/s320/Photo+on+2010-04-20+at+10.59.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462283331949539762" /></a>So yesterday I got new glasses for my birthday. I needed them really bad. My dog had chewed all the plastic off of one arm of my old pair and it was down to the pointy wire and I stabbed myself in the head every time I put them on.<div><br /></div><div>I've had that old pair for about 7 years. I felt like my prescription was probably the same, but did the eye exam anyway to make sure. Sure enough, my eyes had held steady for the last seven years and my prescription was exactly the same. So I wasn't expecting a big difference in my vision when I put on the new pair. Boy, was I wrong!</div><div><br /></div><div>What I didn't realize was that my old lenses were plastic and had turned a pretty significant shade of yellow. When I put on the new pair I felt like I stepped into a completely different world. The effect of the old pair was similar to viewing the whole world through a sort of sepia tone--all the colors were dull and I didn't realize it. Now I'm seeing bright, vibrant, vivid colors and it's amazing! Who knows how many years I'd been viewing a duller version of the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wonder if there's some area of your life that you need to view through new lenses? Maybe it's your family or your job or your church. Maybe bitterness or familiarity or pessimism has caused you to miss out on the vibrant beauty that's right in front of your eyes. Try to change your lenses and allow yourself to remember why you loved those people in the first place. Allow yourself to hope and dream good things for those people again.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you really have the guts, try seeing yourself through a new lens! How would we look if we could see ourselves through the lenses that God sees us through?</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>1 Corinthians 13:12 (ESV)</i></b></div><div><i>For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.</i></div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-81107379971879007532010-04-17T14:02:00.000-07:002010-04-17T17:16:47.891-07:00A Couple More John Muir Quotes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc96FEqiOsgauFzn_643McaME2FQbAvS5oS_CEk3QpPUIW4GkgXFFkdrrcIbhB8K0NltXGHS-Tju7Dsh4x8qcge4d5kQUcI-r6kLV6_DeVpIU9rmD8meRF4KFed8EErpFXNHk4hg/s1600/John_Muir_in_yosemite_400.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 155px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc96FEqiOsgauFzn_643McaME2FQbAvS5oS_CEk3QpPUIW4GkgXFFkdrrcIbhB8K0NltXGHS-Tju7Dsh4x8qcge4d5kQUcI-r6kLV6_DeVpIU9rmD8meRF4KFed8EErpFXNHk4hg/s200/John_Muir_in_yosemite_400.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461221954934458562" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>No synonym for God is so perfect as Beauty. Whether as seen carving the lines of the mountains with glaciers, or gathering matter into stars, or planning the movements of water, or gardening--still all is Beauty!</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>And regarding the damming of Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy Valley, considered by many second only in beauty to the Yosemite Valley itself:</div><div><br /></div><div></div><blockquote><div>The temple-destroyers, devotees of ravaging commercialism, seem to have a perfect contempt for Nature, and, instead of lifting their eyes to the God of the mountains, lift them to the Almighty Dollar. Dam Hetch Hetchy! As well dam for water tanks the people's cathedrals and churches, for no holier temple has ever been consecrated by the heart of man.</div></blockquote><div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Hetch Hetchy was dammed in the 1920's and is now the Hetch Hetchy Resevoir which provides water to the city of San Francisco. Ironic that a city that probably has a higher percentage of bleeding-heart liberals and conservationists than any other city on the planet, drink from the travesty that is Hetch Hetchy Resevoir.</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BTXK8sM8KyeUGzo4HnJKusb2Ud25S7Wz9rd7z5fNlKJysc2GJam4hoYL9By2hsG0vZGbexi3f09LAvc87v4Y9FnUHdMgbBUb-tVZD3LfCbtUln0v-IAgFvVed4jo6Nbgdb_brg/s400/hetchhetchy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461221451491910290" /></div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-22311552016110157152010-04-16T21:30:00.000-07:002010-04-16T21:58:22.790-07:00The Wilderness World of John Muir<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4paOD60oYuDz6gtBaAYzy0tjYV784LCR9XAr1G8WsAOlEo1h0R2C67pJUVzQ_c4BEThKCnSGMW914srLs_Z1-cK1iIPoM2lKsx90Jw3uMStPNg8XOmzjQ0em14FH4vZPWCY-Tlw/s1600/0618127518.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4paOD60oYuDz6gtBaAYzy0tjYV784LCR9XAr1G8WsAOlEo1h0R2C67pJUVzQ_c4BEThKCnSGMW914srLs_Z1-cK1iIPoM2lKsx90Jw3uMStPNg8XOmzjQ0em14FH4vZPWCY-Tlw/s200/0618127518.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460965619734404802" /></a>I've been reading <b><i>The Wilderness World of John Muir: a selection of his collected work</i></b> edited by Edwin Way Teale. I have thoroughly enjoyed this. I was kind of turned on to Muir by the Ken Burns documentary The National Parks. Muir is viewed by most as the original conservationist, but he was so much more than that. John Muir was also a worship leader! He led this nation in worshipping God alongside of his creation. He showed us the rocks and the hills crying out to their maker and challenged us to get out there with them and join in.<div><br /></div><div>I highly recommend this book! Here's an excerpt I read today from Muir's essay titled "Shadow Lake". Early in the history of Yosemite NP, shepherds grazing their herds in the park was a big problem. They decimated the landscape and Muir fought hard (along with the soldiers stationed in the park) to keep them out. One of Muir's favorite spots was Shadow Lake (now Lake Washburn) about 8 miles from the Valley. In his essay, Muir describes the beauty of this lake in the fall. All the colors of the turning leaves and wildflowers were stunning. Few people knew about this spot, and Muir didn't tell many about it, hoping to keep it pure. Then...</div><div><br /></div><div></div><blockquote><div>On my last visit, as I was sauntering along the shore on the</div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 209px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVttzGW5c1mRMYiggpK47ixIFLWIHdmmSCWemC8zpydSNgryBijYJkOTxFoB91klk9ZpGYi3Dhyu6NC0Hx83n2bGq3tFCpVaK29AcoaODJQDCUf2G7M8SR0y2m6cQgpTffCeNGg/s320/John_Muir.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460965359837766402" />strip of sand between the water and sod, reading the tracks of the wild animals that live here, I was startled by a human track, which I at once saw belonged to some shepherd;...and after tracing it a few minutes I began to fear that he might be seeking pasturage; for what else could he be seeking? Returning from the glaciers shortly afterward, my worst fears were realized. A trail had been made down the mountain-side from the north, and all the gardens and meadows were destroyed by a horde of hoofed locusts, as if swept by a fire. The money-changers were in the temple.</div></blockquote><div></div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-90391076488823527672010-04-12T12:44:00.000-07:002010-04-12T13:05:30.617-07:00The Story I'm InChris Brogan, author of <b><i>Trust Agents</i></b>, is giving away 100 copies of Donald Miller's <b><i>A Million Miles in a Thousand Years</i></b> (<a href="http://www.chrisbrogan.com/importance-of-story/">here</a>). All you have to do is blog about the impact of story in your own life. <i>(By the way, if you're a reader, one of the best reasons to set up a Twitter account and follow authors and publishers, is they're constantly giving away books. I seriously get tons of free books this way.)</i><div><br /></div><div>I love to think of my life in terms of story. Doing so is in itself an act of faith I think. If I admit that I'm in the middle of a story, it's also admitting that there is an Author of my life who knows how the story ends. Of course, as a Christ-follower, I'm aware that my story isn't really my story. I'm not the star. I'm just a bit player in His story.</div><div><br /></div><div>But when I think back through my life it is definitely the more dramatic parts that have shaped who I am today and continue to shape who I'll be. I think a perfect example of this is all the different churches I've served in. I've stated before that I've served on staff at several different churches. A few were great; most were dysfunctional. Through the years I often wondered why I had to endure all those experiences. But it all became crystal-clear when I was interviewing for my current position as pastor of Living Hope Church. The elders asked me to share my philosophy of pastoring and ministry. As I began to speak and share different qualities that were important to me, the faces of all the pastors I had previously served under started flashing through my mind. I realized I was sharing things that each of these men had taught me. Even the guys that I didn't see eye-to-eye with about everything! Suddenly, I had this moment of clarity. God had lessons for me to learn from each of them before I was ready to take the lead myself. I'm sure each of them had pastors that taught them, they taught me, I'll teach others, and the story goes on.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope that my story is really just the middle chapter of a larger story that will continue in the people's lives that I've touched.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you are bored with your story, maybe it's because you're not doing anything. Even though I believe God is the Author, I also believe that he won't force his story on you. Make some decisions in your life that require faith or growth or courage. You'll start to see your story come to life again!</div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-36634077761836852882010-04-09T11:07:00.000-07:002010-04-09T11:40:30.665-07:00Cultivate Generosity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-yhMsWW3CR7HA9grut-QMnOLMNpVsVYlwu6xW6PWbygTWTzwvrfLfJZ8LLWV76uADxyYGLYHIoOW3XVcrhsHmXJUPIk49Cy4EPlORxnyqCZkc4qlHMwYWi8rT0lauLz-4Z39QA/s1600/Shelsilverstein.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-yhMsWW3CR7HA9grut-QMnOLMNpVsVYlwu6xW6PWbygTWTzwvrfLfJZ8LLWV76uADxyYGLYHIoOW3XVcrhsHmXJUPIk49Cy4EPlORxnyqCZkc4qlHMwYWi8rT0lauLz-4Z39QA/s320/Shelsilverstein.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458209427881862690" /></a>I recently read one of the saddest reports I've ever read. It stated that only 3-5% of U.S. Christians actually tithe on their income. The Biblical definition of tithing is to give 10% of your income to support the work of the Lord. (A much higher percentage gives a lesser amount though.) However, we're called throughout the Bible to give a tenth.<div><br /></div><div>Let me ask you a personal question. What's your attitude about tithing or charitable giving? 2 Corinthians 9 tells us that God loves a cheerful giver. Why is this important? Can't he just be happy that we're giving regardless of our attitude? Actually, no.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think too many Christians view tithing as just another duty to God. But God's intent is not to collect dues, it is to help us cultivate a spirit of generosity and grow our faith. This is something that I think we can all get behind. Nobody wants to be stingy. We would all like to think of ourselves as generous people, right? And who doesn't want to be MORE faithful?</div><div><br /></div><div>April 15 is coming up and the IRS is busy collecting taxes. Can I admit something? I have NEVER written a check to the IRS with a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart! In fact, the emotional response is usually pretty negative. I hate paying taxes! Don't get me wrong--I understand the benefit of paying taxes. I know that we get many great services and our quality of life is better because of our taxes. But that doesn't change the fact that it still feels like highway robbery.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the other hand, I've never written a tithe check in anger. Why? Because it feels good to support what God is doing around the world! In fact, I love getting that giving report from the church at the end of the year. Not because of pride, but because I'm always amazed that we were able to give away so much on so little! That report is a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness. When we bless God, he blesses us! The money goes a little further. The appliances last a little longer. Bargains occasionally land in our laps. God provides!</div><div><br /></div><div>We don't suffer a lot of persecution in the U.S. and I believe a result of that is that our faith is untested and weak. However, I think one of the best ways you can test and grow your faith is to grow your generosity! Take the abundance that God has blessed you with, and turn it into an exercise in faith. Make a commitment to live with less, so God's Kingdom can do more. You'll never regret it. It may not be easy or comfortable, but you'll never regret it!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Proverbs 11:24-25 (ESV)</b></div><div><i>One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.</i></div><div><i>Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,</i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>and one who waters will himself be watered.</i></div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-81105363410646264112010-04-08T15:17:00.000-07:002010-04-08T15:28:44.384-07:00Everyone Communicates, Few Connect<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvViH0VLb2Rv-2_PPrffv8v6jbEOhax3xdjxS_D7ebqZTswwZqWzPYMMftDvm6p_6-L9GRJBbm9SBs9_rtlNg6VAnT7udNbsdtnJfXb7E_JG1TxPhIY5OMm4OZw18ZgDqxS9jeg/s1600/_225_350_Book.155.cover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvViH0VLb2Rv-2_PPrffv8v6jbEOhax3xdjxS_D7ebqZTswwZqWzPYMMftDvm6p_6-L9GRJBbm9SBs9_rtlNg6VAnT7udNbsdtnJfXb7E_JG1TxPhIY5OMm4OZw18ZgDqxS9jeg/s200/_225_350_Book.155.cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457896518446079186" /></a>I'm reviewing a copy of John C. Maxwell's new book <b><i>Everyone Communicates, Few Connect</i></b> for Thomas Nelson Publisher's <a href="http://booksneeze.com/#frombrb">Booksneeze</a> blogger review program. If you have a blog it's a great way to get free books.<div><br /></div><div>I've always been a fan of Maxwell's leadership books. I especially enjoyed his last two: <b><i>Put Your Dream to the Test</i></b> and <b><i>Talent is Never Enough</i></b>. Regretfully, that was not the case with this latest book. I seriously couldn't finish it and just skimmed the last 3/4 of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>When writing this book, Maxwell posted chapters online and invited stories and feedback from the public. This book is so bloated with that content and quotes from other books it is almost unbearable. It feels like there is very little original content here. In fact, if you removed all the outside stories, quotes, anecdotes...if feels like Maxwell's original content wouldn't amount to more than a pamphlet.</div><div><br /></div><div>I realize that Maxwell's writing style has always leaned heavily on anecdotal material, but this somehow felt over the top. John Maxwell has written dozens of truly excellent books, but you can probably pass on this one.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; "><i>Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their </i></span><a href="http://brb.thomasnelson.com/" target="_blank" title="Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger Site" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204); text-decoration: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; "><i>Book Review Blogger program</i></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; "><i>. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</i></span></span></div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-77879090142016798732010-04-07T21:11:00.000-07:002010-04-07T21:17:06.916-07:00Christ is Risen...Now What?I've been hearing great reports from churches all over about great Easter services. Living Hope had a fun, record-breaking day as well. So two questions:<div><br /></div><div>1) Pastors/Churches: What are you doing to follow up Easter this weekend?</div><div><br /></div><div>2) Church-goers: Will you re-invite your friends again this weekend? (I say hit'em up again. Don't wait till Christmas to invite them back!)</div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-64676095815726146902010-04-05T12:52:00.000-07:002010-04-05T23:30:18.904-07:00Deep Church<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNj__4NzcOwijIzHkVF5JKEFfXSgRRtFkA7Rb2AKNn_dFZ6Aldef51fpKDzzTgJ8tY1xc3RAuPOMWXD_Q966X5LM4ZTT5knL79UbpLqWcbwVHNzbq7uGwBsEzNBuIpi8CuW91K-w/s1600/deep-church-200x300.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNj__4NzcOwijIzHkVF5JKEFfXSgRRtFkA7Rb2AKNn_dFZ6Aldef51fpKDzzTgJ8tY1xc3RAuPOMWXD_Q966X5LM4ZTT5knL79UbpLqWcbwVHNzbq7uGwBsEzNBuIpi8CuW91K-w/s200/deep-church-200x300.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456747069347535202" /></a>I recently finished reading <b><i>Deep Church: A Third Way Beyond Emerging and Traditional</i></b> by Jim Belcher. If you're a pastor, get this book and read it. You won't regret it.<div><br /></div><div>I've been fascinated with the whole emerging church movement for several years now. I've read tons of books about it, been on the bandwagon, off the bandwagon, etc... Like everyone in the emerging church camp, I've always struggled with feelings of disappointment in the state of the modern/traditional church. Most of the time whenever I would read an emergent author or hear a speaker, they were writing/speaking about things I was already thinking and/or trying or, at least, considering trying.</div><div><br /></div><div>But what initially started as a conversation about changing church methodology, changed into a conversation about changing theology. That's when the emergents jumped the shark (or "nuked the fridge" I believe is the newer terminology).</div><div><br /></div><div>In <b><i>Deep Church</i></b>, Belcher gives the best analysis of the emerging/traditional debate and offers great solutions for those who feel the ecclesiastical angst, but aren't interested in becoming heretics. The chapters "Deep Truth", "Deep Evangelism", and "Deep Gospel" are alone worth the price of the book. Belcher advances the philosophical points of the debate by attempting to encourage both sides to make nice and find common ground. But he also offers great practical guidance on how to develop your own "deep church".</div><div><br /></div><div>Best book I've read on this topic and I'll be re-reading sections of it over and over I'm sure.</div><div><br /></div><div>(One caviat: Belcher writes from a Presbyterian point of view. So you may need to think through translating some of his advice into your own tradition.)</div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-36580919409152947112010-04-04T17:17:00.000-07:002010-04-04T17:56:14.105-07:00The Wisdom of Risk<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfCaYXkFoBdPMk_d1-tCpDhkxYoMftI8RfthGlPCRh9jq_K5hdQ1j-EnkIFatVpcohXdbRkIcguXaPFEngBSnEXIalqcY6T6dI08uzZZv2z-1YkeyPZZ8V_h9p0M-ixHMnn9Clg/s1600/half_dome_from_yosemite_valley.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfCaYXkFoBdPMk_d1-tCpDhkxYoMftI8RfthGlPCRh9jq_K5hdQ1j-EnkIFatVpcohXdbRkIcguXaPFEngBSnEXIalqcY6T6dI08uzZZv2z-1YkeyPZZ8V_h9p0M-ixHMnn9Clg/s320/half_dome_from_yosemite_valley.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456450052443005218" /></a>I've been reading some of John Muir's writings from <b><i>The Wilderness World of John Muir</i></b>. I came across a great quote from his essay <i>"On the Brink of Yosemite Falls"</i>.<div><br /></div><div>Muir is in Yosemite Valley and decides to hike to the top of Yosemite Falls (which is almost 2,500 feet tall). Of course this is before all the improvements and railings and such that you'll find there now. He literally crawls to the edge of one side of the falls to look down and finds that it's not a sheer cliff. There's a slight slope to it so he can't see all the way to the bottom like he hoped. But he also sees just a little ways below there's a 3-inch-wide ledge that he might be able to shimmy down to get a better view. Weighing whether or not the view of a lifetime was worth the danger of free-climbing on to a 3-inch-wide ledge 2,500 feet in the air, he writes this:</div><div><br /></div><div></div><blockquote><div>"If I was to get down to the brink at all that rough edge, which might offer slight finger holds, was the only way. But the slope beside it looked dangerously smooth and steep, and the swift roaring flood beneath, overhead, and beside me was very nerve-trying. I therefore concluded not to venture farther, but did nevertheless."</div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>He later writes that the view and the thrill were so overwhelming that he couldn't sleep for two nights afterward.</div><div><br /></div><div>I believe God calls us to similar risks often, but generally we look over the precipice and "conclude not to venture farther". Faith doesn't always make sense or feel comfortable. Muir also added this thought about that experience:</div><div><br /></div><div></div><blockquote><div>"...I was not distinctly conscious of danger. The tremendous grandeur of the fall...smothered the sense of fear..."</div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Translation: <b><i>The reward crushed the risk!</i></b> When was the last time you took a step of faith in your life and experienced a victory that left you sleepless for two nights?!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)</b></div><div><i><b>Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.</b></i></div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-41241157308795446672010-04-03T09:43:00.000-07:002010-04-03T09:48:22.643-07:00Easter CartoonsHere's some great Easter cartoons that <a href="http://penntiumblog.blogspot.com/">Travis Penn</a> pointed me to. Good stuff!<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOOozUHW_4_eq7Ndagns_oFO0WQRPvXKZV5RaqjlpGtD7cf0mxLFhzShKdqoMIDLq5CfQnASMrLPYBClJZiLoJ61dN_YkDMtgiSBsfbsiEa3Nq-hvWzMJ1kaDkC2leCsS6QA3gQ/s1600/ss-100401-cagle-easter-12.ss_full.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOOozUHW_4_eq7Ndagns_oFO0WQRPvXKZV5RaqjlpGtD7cf0mxLFhzShKdqoMIDLq5CfQnASMrLPYBClJZiLoJ61dN_YkDMtgiSBsfbsiEa3Nq-hvWzMJ1kaDkC2leCsS6QA3gQ/s400/ss-100401-cagle-easter-12.ss_full.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455953701661260722" /></a><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QXd98a0obZXjnKw2OR2raYEBi9HkAF6dGh0YUTBaYZAY1tcCBLSEfiotEZpRenU7eBgQZ_K7fA5CxlIALvhfZwVi0qjbGs4aBycxcJ02qPNNqMgbX7i8KOKzSnKyggoBToJbtQ/s1600/ss-100401-cagle-easter-18.ss_full.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QXd98a0obZXjnKw2OR2raYEBi9HkAF6dGh0YUTBaYZAY1tcCBLSEfiotEZpRenU7eBgQZ_K7fA5CxlIALvhfZwVi0qjbGs4aBycxcJ02qPNNqMgbX7i8KOKzSnKyggoBToJbtQ/s400/ss-100401-cagle-easter-18.ss_full.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455953525514763122" /></a><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hOVJZL9KLmyHh6UgidTBLfiWB5GZ_ULCl6-bsVkuD1bz14zns_F6UvuG5iqmPVT2_cpx3WrY3o4rzevc1cEv8DW3sLx7VXQJsbEk2FTS_VPnEuSuC1t-44MvS2xfLvk-McYYMw/s1600/ss-100401-cagle-easter-15.ss_full.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hOVJZL9KLmyHh6UgidTBLfiWB5GZ_ULCl6-bsVkuD1bz14zns_F6UvuG5iqmPVT2_cpx3WrY3o4rzevc1cEv8DW3sLx7VXQJsbEk2FTS_VPnEuSuC1t-44MvS2xfLvk-McYYMw/s400/ss-100401-cagle-easter-15.ss_full.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455953365085717154" /></a><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9nCbXGLyT1P0xbX-fubwCkDRln9zWydA5GfF4qi10mKoN6EmLcDIDKgGasKSNrlkIc18BOb_pyv8lfHYb6VJ_mfDdS6ATW0iXhn4e4DBpIigIHTrCoFaAKj-zjIU6CPSw9DMGA/s1600/ss-100401-cagle-easter-16.ss_full.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9nCbXGLyT1P0xbX-fubwCkDRln9zWydA5GfF4qi10mKoN6EmLcDIDKgGasKSNrlkIc18BOb_pyv8lfHYb6VJ_mfDdS6ATW0iXhn4e4DBpIigIHTrCoFaAKj-zjIU6CPSw9DMGA/s400/ss-100401-cagle-easter-16.ss_full.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455953240894505858" /></a><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-17798388854134430902010-04-02T20:04:00.000-07:002010-04-02T20:32:06.222-07:00Remodeling the TempleI wanted to give an update to my <a href="http://jeffwideopen.blogspot.com/2010/03/demons-donuts.html">Demons & Donuts post</a> from several weeks ago. I became convicted that my poor health, over-eating, and lack of exercise were at it's core a spiritual issue for me. I really believe this is not just a temptation, but an attempt by the enemy to cut my ministry short.<div><br /></div><div>So here's the update. In 4 weeks, I've made 3 changes. 1) I'm seriously monitoring my carb intake. This is not an Atkin's thing. It's a necessity thing because of my type-2 diabetes. 2)I've been walking with my buddy L.C. about 3 times a week and riding my bike to work once or twice a week. 3) I've put a halt to the late night snacks/meals.</div><div><br /></div><div>The result is that for the first time since I was diagnosed diabetic I've had some normal blood sugar readings. I also had a blood pressure check today and that was normal. And I've lost about 15 lbs. This is the first time that weight loss hasn't really been my goal. My focus has been almost totally on improving my health. I feel more focused than in the past.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to Jamie for encouraging me and the menu adjustments. Thanks to L.C. for holding me accountable and the encouragement. And thanks to so many of you that have told me you've been praying for me. I'm literally just getting started and have a long way to go. I'd appreciate your continued prayers. </div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-46190350824749657942010-03-28T19:43:00.000-07:002010-03-28T19:46:27.904-07:00Why You Should Invite Someone to Church This WeekWe played this in church this morning. Can't watch it without tearing up! Watch as Maria shares what a difference an Easter invitation to LHC made in her life last year.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/f9FT1PGmW7c&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/f9FT1PGmW7c&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-29770772928316724612010-03-25T22:35:00.000-07:002010-03-26T07:47:37.407-07:00Churches & Video<div style="text-align: left;">I think the use of projection systems in modern churches has been both one of the greatest tools used in worship and one of the most distracting tools used in worship. When done right, the video can really enhance the worship and teaching experience. When done wrong, it distracts from worship and the message. Churches implementing video and projection would be wise to get some training in this area to make sure they're not using it in such a way that defeats the purpose.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>This photo I found online today cracks me up a little. Note to churches: If you're considering featuring live video on your big screen, make sure you're meeting in a room that's big enough that it's actually needed. If the <i>actual</i> band looks bigger than the band on screen, it's not needed. Also, if your live video is making your band look shorter and fatter---not good, either!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioW6mNs0vNTkdQcetKVHm6E97aFLiHGIe6xhCMX4mEAQRA7qZdFdMoWNB6JdD7yIfqS2RE3fRcN3JXX_s1kfwr4QJPvJGCQLsUjiV0kPrDA-h1fiNCalR1O-fxdU4XvlO8iuC4MA/s400/12407_339499733591_63299283591_3424641_7392430_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452815379538139426" /></div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-83919928251187267982010-03-18T00:31:00.000-07:002010-03-18T00:48:04.810-07:00Action Method Notebooks<div style="text-align: left;">I recently purchased a couple of <a href="http://www.actionmethod.com/">The Action Method</a> Notebooks from <a href="http://www.behance.net/">The Behance Network</a> and I really love them. This has quickly become one of my favorite leadership/organizational tools. The whole point of The Action Method is to help move from "idea" to "action". I've had hundreds of meetings where great ideas were tossed around, but in the end nothing happens. The Action Method Notebook is one of their solutions. It's great for use in meetings.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYxUpYGpaw_5KHxzhUDbo5UZvpLqKZKz5mC9JfGLMj7SdQAtNRkMHOguzhtUfW-pUar3O1cBDrq5XqO4vfd-mYedNBDqk1BqqAEYdQJlUT-AfYWpbT2bgZi_BQza3QYbWP5wsuw/s400/behance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449876940858429778" /><div><br /></div><div>There's space at the top to write down your agenda. Instead of lined paper to take notes, it incorporates dots to easier facilitate sketches and such. Along the right-hand side of the page are areas to record action steps after all the brainstorming has taken place. And finally there's an area at the bottom to record backburner items (good ideas to revisit later). It's helped me to focus on making sure the result of meetings is getting things done, instead of just meeting. Plus, the notebooks are on high-quality recycled materials, very attractive, and the suede-like cover feels great in your hands. The notebook is $15. Worth trying!</div><div><br /></div><div>(They also offer a network-style online version of the Action Method and and iPhone app. Both look like they would be valuable tools.)</div></div>Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27835654.post-75050229590305226932010-03-15T15:40:00.000-07:002010-03-15T15:49:07.525-07:00AWAKE(NING)<div style="text-align: left;">I want to put a couple of new worship albums on your radar. These are seriously the best worship albums I've heard in a while. Check them out!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>North Point Live: Awake</b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtE1xRNPrRS70XQAZHlGnZi0OaPLb2WY8EpbxpY5_gF_VIVubPDMhzW_3akdumj9t1xv4UseZQbL4U01SHdjntzYaivft_GVigHxE4Qx5opbB98IRhv8Jf-SKhVAOZZSL1n96M_A/s200/NorthPointLive_Awake.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448995696033990370" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Passion: Awakening</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BiZXxa8g6MWl-ZgM3i1UFqFkXSR4HDVYB-rbWnKsdJNx9uhf58GBRJgqjaJDgaVmYF20he5hFjjXD92E1Emfy3KG2q6GV9reJVH56AgfQQ6LiqTG8Pmch5hxwoFQGSkZpKOL3g/s200/Passion_Awakening.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448995922573444786" />Jeff Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360301384753597682noreply@blogger.com0