Young Adult Bonfire Photos (10/20)

from Chris Austin

Land Prayer Walk Photos (10/21)

from Chris Austin

Discover Card: Friend or Foe?

by Heather Myer

College students are often lured into filing credit card applications in exchange for freebees. At SMSU, I readily traded my information with Discover Card for a 2-XL t-shirt that hung on my size medium frame, Master Card for a cd-holder, Visa for a lunch box, and American Express for a poster. Commerce Bank offered a free gym bag for opening a spare line of credit. Express, Fashion Bug, Old Navy, Best Buy, Gap, Target, and the Limited received my patronage in exchange for 10% off at the time of purchase. By the end of my Freshman year, over 10 credit cards were tossed in a drawer, unused and inactivated. They were the souvenirs of free prizes, slightly discounted items, and very large t-shirts. These cards were eventually cut up and discarded. Only Discover outlasted the attack. The card’s survival was ensured by a tempting cash back bonus deal and a clever Union Jack logo. A Britophile at heart, it was unthinkable for me to cut up the emblem of the United Kingdom. It was as close to London as I’d ever managed to get. Perhaps using it would allow me to take a trip abroad one day.

After graduating college, I could no longer depend on student loans, grants, and scholarships for financial support. It didn’t take long to learn that despite my education, I had little business sense. Rather than learn to manage and juggle my budget, I began to use my Discover Card to cushion times of need, irresponsibility, and impulsive buys. Vacations to CA, CO, TX, and FL, unnecessary clothing, extravagant dinner parties, and an addiction to Barnes and Noble caused my debt to swell. Discover became an unruly monster that often reared its ugly head. As the balance grew, my credit limit rose from $1,000 to over $10,000. Soon, the burden was daunting, with no end in sight. Desperate for freedom, I trapped the vile temptress in a block of ice. In a matter of weeks, the card was easily thawed and back to its wicked ways. Though unpredictable and untamable, I could not bear to destroy the instrument of my financial despair. What if I might need it? It looked so lonesome and frightened next to the scissors. Giving it a second chance, I foolishly placed it back into my wallet.

Using my Discover Card has became a viscous cycle. I pay it off, only to incur more debt. This year alone, I’ve paid my debt three times, and once again have a triple digit balance. I long to be cut loose from the ties that bind me. My heart has become burdened for freedom from the shackles of slavery. America won the Revolutionary War in 1783, an infant land breaking forth from its tyrannical heritage. It is high time I follow in the footsteps of my forefathers. So long Discover, my adversary since 1997. Farewell Union Jack, for I am an American and you are not my flag. Auf Wiedershen cash back bonus, you never profited much. Good-bye my size 2-XL tee that never fit. Yielding the scissors and with a triumphant cry of victory, I bid my credit card a fond adieu. It now lies in shards. I am free!

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. —Proverbs 22:7

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www.discovercard.com

Jon's Song Diary

• Staring at the Sun—TV on the Radio
  You know if you stare at it head on it'll burn your eyes out. I once took a pair of binoculars and stared at the sun for over an hour.
• Leaving New York—R.E.M.
  Little known fact. Every single time I type New York I type it as N-e-w--Y-o-u--r-k. Why is that?
• Extreme Ways—Moby
  What's wrong with the world? Moby...that's what. I try to hate the man, but then I think...would Jason Bourne be the same without this song?
• Silhouette—Driveblind
  This song must be played at the appropriate level, and yes, my cube-neighbors at work think I am very annoying.
• Ganja Babe—Michael Franti
  He sounds like he is in love.
• All These Things That I've Done—The Killers
  If the goal is to pack out stadiums this song is a decent start. A word of advice, if you are going to use a choir in your song you have got to do better than, "I've got soul, but I'm not a soldier." What the heck?
• Comeback (Light Therapy)—Josh Rouse
  When I dance-walk there is a 62% chance that this song is running through my head.

Something's Got To Give

by Sarah Austin

I never thought I'd be the girl who slacked on her quiet times, but ever since I married Chris and started grad school, I've struggled with consistency in that area. In the last month or so, the Lord's been convicting me, prodding me to get back in the saddle. For a few weeks, I tried reading my Bible before I went to sleep, which proved problematic because by the time I crawl into bed at 11 o'clock, I'm exhausted, and the last thing I want to do is read.

This week, I made a pact with myself and my community group that I would get up every morning at 5 to pray and study my Bible. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings were awesome, and the time I spent with the Lord was wonderful. Today, however, was a different story. Five o'clock rolled around, and I could not drag myself out of bed. Here's why:

• I can't go to bed much earlier than 11 o'clock any given night because Chris and I spend time together in the evenings.
• I'm training for a half marathon (about five hours a week)and will be training for a full marathon this winter (about ten hours a week). I run in the mornings before work, so I have to be up by 6 o'clock.
• Endurance sports require sleep. That's when the body recovers and repairs itself. I've studied myself, and I function best with 8–9 hours of sleep, especially when my weekly mileage increases.
• I also work eight hours a day and do the normal house-wifely things.

Something has to give, people. Now I know that being a Christ-follower requires sacrifice and discipline, and I want desperately to have the discipline of daily time with the Lord, and I'm ready to sacrifice to do that, but I don't know what to do with these other roles and responsibilities. I mean, it's good to spend time with my husband. That's pretty important. And it's good to sleep and exercise. When I don't sleep, I'm too tired to exercise. When I don't exercise, I don't manage stress well. When I'm not managing my stress, I overeat and gain weight, which is what happened to me in grad school and is why I got into running in the first place.

I know I'm not the only one who struggles with this. Everyone I know is busy. More than likely, I'm placing too much importance on the running and the sleep. It's just that the running is the one thing I have that is in no way related to LifePoint, and the people who I run with need Jesus. That certainly doesn't make the measuring of priorities any easier because we should all be both pouring our lives into people who don't know Jesus and spending daily time with him in addition to our other roles and responsibilities.

I'm curious to know how you, other LifePointers, handle this struggle. If I figure anything out, I'll let you know.

Ozark Choirs Sing to the Lord

by Donovan Dobbs

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. —Psalm 100

This is just one of the songs the Ozark High School choirs sang last week at the first choir concert of the school year. At least four of the songs gave praise and honor to God. Two of the songs were even sung in Hebrew. As I sat in the audience, I was thankful that at least one secular school in America is not afraid to give glory to God. It was motivating and uplifting.

Lifepoint youth were well represented in the choir. I know of at least four teens who are active in our church who were members of the various choirs—men’s choir, JV choir, women’s choir, and chorale. It was nice to see them sing publicly and openly to the Lord.

The next to the last two songs of the evening were "My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord" and "Praise His Holy Name" and were song by the Chorale. They both were upbeat and definitely lifted praise to God. After the end of "Praise His Holy Name," the crowd stood and clapped!

I am thankful that my new hometown allows its high school to sing to the Lord. We never know how God will use the words of the songs to reach another person for him. I can hardly wait for the Christmas production.

Choose Your Own Adventure

by Heather Myer

“There are no accidents in art…only happy little mistakes,” Bob Ross cheerfully exclaimed as he painted a happy little cloud above a rolling hillside. The late Bob Ross, a PBS forefather of television paint-along shows, was equally known for his optimism as his artwork. Can the same be said for life? There are no accidents in life, only happy little mistakes. Today’s society would not agree with Bob.

We live in a culture where so many people treat life as a Choose Your Own Adventure book. Many believe that each decision directly effects the next. For example, you are hungry. You can decide to eat lunch at McAlister’s Deli (turn to page 32) or at the Rib Crib (turn to page 68). After your meal at McAlister’s Deli, you discover that you’ve won $5,000 when you call to take a customer-satisfaction survey. With this money, you can pay your deceased half-brother’s lingering debt (turn to page 56) or travel to Quintana Roo in search hidden Myan treasure (turn to page 124). However, if you choose the Rib Crib, you narrowly miss certain doom by choking on a mouthful of chopped brisket, only to be rescued by an employee who knows the Heimlich maneuver. You can ask your rescuer out on a date (turn to page 139) or sue Rib Crib for not chopping their brisket well (turn to page 91).

Society teaches us to view each choice as a paramount decision, with life-altering events. That life’s path is the combination of our past decisions. Is our future dependant on the twists and turns of our past? If so, the pros and cons of our options must be carefully weighed. Each opportunity leads to future success or failure. Could you decide between traveling to Chicago for pizza or Philadelphia for a steak sandwich? Would you attend an educational seminar in Cancun or Denver? Might an Apple or a Hewlett-Packard laptop best meet your purposes? Should you train to run half a marathon or bike the MS 150? What if you could either pursue mission opportunities in Japan or study art in London? Is it best to rent a house in Springfield or buy one in Ozark? Would you join the Army to help fight the War on Terror or finish your Master’s Degree in Counseling? Is teaching high school students arithmetic your future path or should you enter the business world? Would your free time best be devoted to leading a church ministry or working at Express? What about working at the blood bank or serving as a Navy nurse? We cannot rely on our own strength for any of these options. With God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

Does it ultimately matter if you go to Philly for a philly-cheese or Chicago for a deep-dish? God will work in all things for the good of those who love him, who have been called to his purpose (Romans 8:28). Does it ultimately matter if art is pursued in London versus missions in Tokyo? God will work in all things for the good of those who love him, who are called to his purpose. How do we know his purpose? Search the Bible. Psalm 119:130 says, “The unfolding of your Word gives light.” Ask him. Fall to your knees and ask our Maker what he would have you do. God is the grand creator of our lives, the Maker of the universe. Where can we go that he will not be? What can we do that he will not know?

“Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go to the heavens, you are there. If I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there, your hand will guide me. Your right hand will hold me fast,” Psalm 139:7–10.

Psalm 139:1–4 states that he has searched you. He knows you. He knows when you sit and when you stand. He is familiar with all of your ways. He knows your very thoughts. Before you speak, he knows the words that will be on your tongue. God knows you completely. Our maker knows each move we make, every word we utter. If you choose to holiday in Cancun or Denver, God will be there. If you rent a house or buy one, his hand will guide you. If you dine at either McAlister’s Deli or the Rib Crib, he will hold you. All things work together for those who know the Lord and who are called to his purpose. Perhaps Bob Ross was onto something.

—http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Ross

The Ponderings of a Heather

Repetitive Thought Process

Should I stay or should I go now?
Should I stay or should I go now?
If I go there will be trouble
An’ if I stay it will be double
So come on and let me know!
Should I stay or should I go?
—The Clash

Application

Kindly refer to the Choose Your Own Adventure/Bob Ross post.

Jon's Song Diary

• Pumps and a Bump—Hammer
  Does anyone remember how disturbing this video was? I was a teenager when it came out, and I couldn't eat sausage for years. I don't think Hammer went bankrupt...I think all his money went toward reparations for all the damage done by this video.
• River—Terry Reid
  There is nothing like kicking back in your canoe and floating down this river. This guy turned down Jimmy Page, thus opening the door for Robert Plant.
• Been Caught Stealing—Jane's Addiction
  Have I told you about my baseball collection? Remind me to tell you about my "Mama Said Knock You Out" cassette single. Speaking of cassette singles...if you find yourself around the Denver area tell John Lashmet I want him to return my House of Pain single (and my copy of Fletch).
• Promise—Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
  This song is proof positive that we shouldn't be afraid of new things.
• Let Me Be—Xavier Rudd
  I wonder if I was born in Australia would I feel the same way as the guy who wrote this song, or would I be to busy hanging out with the mighty Koala.
• One Blood—Terence Jay
  I want to join a firm...at least...I would have during my earlier years. I have a feeling my nickname would have been "The Major 2: Electric Boogaloo."
• Take Your Mama—Scissor Sisters
  Another great song for all your dance-walking needs.

Impel Fall Retreat 2007 Video

90 Minutes in Heaven

by Sarah Austin

I must admit that when my mother recommended Don Piper's 90 Minutes in Heaven, I was skeptical. A guy dies, goes to heaven, and comes back to life to tell about it? Right.

In fact, I really had no intention of reading the book until 1) I found a copy to borrow (or rather, it found me) and 2) I found myself without anything to read. I had no excuse to not read it. Funny how that works sometimes.

The title sums up the book's plot, but there's a bit more to it than a dead guy spending 90 minutes in heaven. The author—Piper—dies in a car accident. The paramedics announce him dead at the scene and simply have to wait for a judge to come and make it official. While the accident clean up continues, a pastor who is stuck in the traffic behind the accident, walks to the scene and starts a conversation with a cop. He feels the Holy Spirit prompting him to pray for the dead guy (at the time, the pastor didn't know the dead guy was also a pastor and that they had both been traveling home from the same pastors conference). The pastor crawls into the back hatch of the dead guy's car, puts his hand on his shoulder, and starts praying for him.

Meanwhile, the dead guy is in heaven. He's welcomed by all the Christians in his life that had gone before him. He sees the pearly gates, he sees the streets paved with gold, and he sees the city of heaven. In heaven, there is music we've never heard and colors we've never seen on earth. Just as he is getting used to the idea of heaven, Piper finds himself back in his car. He had been dead 90 minutes.

The pastor who had prayed Piper back to life had prayed specifically that Piper would have no head or internal injuries, and he didn't. In spite of that miracle, the injuries to Piper's leg and arms were horrific. Piper spends the rest of the book detailing his recovery with the Ilizarov device and how that device and his experience in heaven have allowed him to minister to others in similar situations.

I was a skeptic when I picked up this book, but somehow I know Piper's experience in heaven is true. His description of that place is just how I would've imagined it, and beyond my own imagination, his description makes sense to me. While some have been changed from hearing how Piper recovered, his heavenly experience has changed how I come to worship. Heaven is a real place to me now—almost something tangible. And as I imagine singing with other saints before the Lord's throne, I am excited for that day.

Jon's Song Diary

• Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games—Of Montreal
  This song oozes with Canadianeseness. This is the sound of a person under the influence of the metric system. Unfortunately the Outback Steakhouse has ruined this song, and their chances of me eating at their establishment.
• Amber—Clearlake
  This seems like the kind of song a Blade Runner would listen to. By the way if you hear of any Blade Runner job openings in the area please let me know.
• Multiply—Jamie Lidell
  If I had a noisy neighbor I have a feeling this is what he/she would sound like. There were times when I wouldn't mind the racket. Like when I vacuum.
• Hong Kong—Gorillaz
  I started listening to this song, and 3 months later it was finally over.
• Bittersweet—Big Head Todd & The Monsters
  I was introduced to Sister Sweetly many moons ago, and I have marveled at its light for many moons since.
• We—Neil Diamond
  Love and listen to Neil...often.
• Alpha Beta Gaga—Air
  Whistle while you work, especially you Mrs. Gilion.

Autumn

by Heather Myer

Autumn is upon the Ozarks. The mornings are crisp with mist that lingers low over the hay fields and dew that settles on the grass. Cool morning breezes make mothers pull sweaters over the heads of struggling school children. Afternoon rains wash over the dry earth, refreshing the soil from the summer’s harsh sun. The trees, broken and devastated after last January’s ice storm, are healing and displaying a renewed beauty. The once lush green woods are now shimmering with burgundy, orange, and gold leaves. The birds are migrating south in V-shaped flocks, pausing on telephone lines for rest from their long flight. In the evenings, it is necessary to add a blanket to the bed for warmth.

God is sharing his glories with you today! He has created beautiful and alluring scenery that a brush cannot paint and a camera cannot capture. He is calling you to share serenity with him. This afternoon, set aside your daily routines. Leave the bills, the projects, the worries, and the headaches of life aside. Answer our Lord’s simple request for your presence. Leave the car keys (but not your house key) on the kitchen table. Pull a sweater around your shoulders. Grasp your spouse’s hand if you are married. If you are not, know that you are deeply loved by a King who created this day, this moment, especially for you. Walk beneath a canopy of red and gold maple, elm, and walnut trees. Pause and rest your eyes upon the stillness that penetrates civilization. Gaze upon the rolling hills of the Ozarks. Feel the cool breeze brush upon your cheek and rush through your hair. Let your skin drink in the gentle rays of sun. Listen for the song of the crickets or the gleeful laugh of a child. Sing praises to his name. Ask our Father to allow you to feel his presence. Ask him to take away the empty burdens of your busy day and fill you with a peace that only he can grant. Rejoice in the splendor and majesty of this very moment. Our King created it for you alone.

Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. —Joel 3:23

To the King Eternal

by Heather Myer

Red Sparks flew hap-hazard through the air. Innocent citizens, stunned by freeze rays, fell to the ground. The deafening sound of laser beam fire drew closer. Grasping a cowering tiger named Cringer by the scruff of his trembling neck, Prince Adam dashed behind a boulder. He escaped Evil-Lyn’s spell just in time. A large crater formed in the very spot that Adam stood seconds before. He would not have long. Skeletor’s maniac voice rose above the mounting chaos, “Get him! You fools!“ Having precious little time and only large rock separating freedom and life from capture and doom, Prince Adam reached for his sword hidden beneath his pink tunic. Raising it to the heavens, he cried out, “By the power of Grey Skull! I am He-Man!“ Adam was transformed to none other than a body builder with a fur loin cloth and a metal breast plate. Timid Cringer was transformed into the ferocious Battle Cat. He-Man tossed the large boulder effortlessly at his pursuers. The enormous rock rolled and trapped Two-Bad, Trap Jaw, and Tri-Klops in the crater that Evil-Lyn created moments before. Shouting curses over his shoulder, Skeletor escaped on Panthor. Barely. The citizens of Eternia were safe for another day.

When transformed, He-Man’s strength was compared to none. Although Prince Adam was respected as an heir to the throne, tales of He-Man’s wisdom and valiant deeds were carried to the far corners of Eternia. No one knew the identity of the scantily clad warrior who looked so very much like Prince Adam. It was strange that his parents, Queen Marlena and King Randor, did not recognize even the voice of their son, nor his bizarre disappearances whenever He-Man was near. By pledging to the power of Grey Skull, a castle named for its uncanny resemblance to a skull, Adam used his sword of power to unleash his hidden strength and fight the powers of darkness. He protected the innocent, freed the indentured, and combated the oppressors. He-Man was beloved through out Eternia in a way that Prince Adam could never be. He won the hearts of the common people and the royal court alike. Though he was honored as a prince, Adam did not have a similar respect among the people as a warrior, rescuer, redeemer, or hero. Without his sword of power, Prince Adam could no more become He-Man than Fergie, the former Duchess of York, could become the Queen of England. Most every child of the '80s is well acquainted with He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. Not all have become acquainted with a true source of honor, strength, and power that can be realized. Not all have been knighted in the purpose of the King of Kings.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. —1 Timothy 1:17

We have a King and a God who is eternal, immortal, invisible. The glory and honor are his. Forever. This verse is so powerful! As Christ followers, we are able to have a close relationship with our Father-King. We are loved by our God-Prince. Ephesians 6:12 tells us that we have an enemy that is very real. Our plight is against “powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.“ We are told that we will have fellowship in sharing in his sufferings (Phillipians 3:10). As knights of Christ, we have a quest to go into the world and preach the good news to all creation (Mark 16:15). As warriors of the King, we are to dress in the full armor of God. We are to stand firm, wearing the belt of truth, protect ourselves with the breastplate of righteousness, prepare our feet with the readiness of the gospel, use the shield of faith to extinguish Lucifer’s fiery arrows, and wear the helmet of salvation. We are to raise our swords—the Word of God—to the heavens (Ephesians 6:13-17) and be renewed by the transformation of our minds (Romans 12:2). We have a very real quest, a sworn enemy, a full suit of armor, and a redeemer. Now to the King Eternal. By his grace, may we fight the good fight, and may we keep the faith.

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He-Man Illustration Source

Jon's Song Diary

• Intimate Secretary—The Raconteurs
  I truly believe Jack White is a figment of my imagination. Something not really there. I think, therefore Jack White is. Since he is a figment of my imagination and you have no idea who he is...trust me when I say he needs to go away.
• Whoever You Are—Geggy Tah
  You know how people describe bands by saying "Oh, they are the next Beatles". There was a time in my life when I believed with all of my heart that Geggy Tah wouldn't be the next anything. They would be the first Geggy Tah, and they have yet to disappoint me.
• Orange Sky—Alexi Murdoch
  I had a dream last night, but there were no orange skies involved.
• The Shining—Badly Drawn Boy
  Is this what creation sounds like? Who knows, but this song got me thinking about creation today.
• Chesapeake—Portastatic
  I have a tree in my front yard. It has very pretty flowers, but it smells really bad. It reminds me that sometimes even the prettiest girls will fart.
• Cold Beverage—G. Love & Special Sauce
  As many of you know my favorite drink of all time is IBC Root Beer. Please send all cases of IBC Root Beer to Lifepoint Church C/O Jon Goings.
• Burden in My Hand—Soundgarden
  When Chris Cornell broke up Soundgarden he acquired a special gift from the gods and now...anything he touches turns to crap.

Hatches—A Comparison

by Heather Myer

Group viewings of ABC’s LOST after Acoustic Night are a time honored tradition for Life Point’s young adults. LOST is not only good for learning clever nicknames, but also excellent for exploring bizarre links between Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the mysterious hatch. The hatch is buried in the midst of an island jungle where polar bears freely roam, mysterious wisps of smoke act as security systems, and children are readily abducted by the ‘Others.’

The hatch must have been inspired by an MRI. They both are large intimidating round objects. Equally mysterious to a first-time visitor, seemingly endless red numbers count time backwards on both devices. If a patient looks hard enough at the MRI, 4,8,15,16,23, and 42 can all been seen. Both contraptions have thunderous rumbling and beeping noises that leave the hearer half deaf despite pink ear plugs. The magnetic pull of an MRI causes a gentle tugging sensation, while the hatch caused Oceanic Flight 815 to fall from the sky.

One is strapped down during an MRI and must not move. Strangers to the hatch are either bound and gagged or doomed to an eternity of pressing a button. When told to type the numbers 4,8,15,16,23,42 into a computer every 108 minutes for the better part of Season 2, Dr. Jack Shephard sensibly objected. When told to remain perfectly still for 25 minutes during an MRI, all I could think of was how perfectly lovely a good kick into the air would feel.

A constant source of impending doom, the hatch could easily blow up an entire island. John Locke had faith that he was destined to be on the island for a purpose. He did not fully understand that purpose, but blindly believed his destiny was linked to the island and therefore the hatch. Over time, his faith waned. Locke did not have a clear purpose.

An MRI creates a panicked claustrophobia that is due in part to the bodily damage it might reveal and intensified by the machine‘s thundering noise. Knowing that I was destined to be at my appointment due to a distinct plan that my Father had for me, caused the panic to fade. Trust that no matter what the results might bear and faith the Holy Spirit would calm me, allowed my discomfort to pass. By meditating on him, the monstrous roar of the machine lessened. By singing praises unto him, 25 minutes without fidgeting quickly passed.

If only Locke’s faith had been in our Father rather than an uncharted island sustained by a magnetic explosive hatch! Unfortunately, fans of LOST must impatiently wait until Spring 2008 to discover what happens on the island. Thankfully, MRI results are available within 3-5 business days plus a doctor’s office call back.

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. —Isaiah 12:2

-----IAmATVJunkie.com

Walk for Life 2007 Photos

from Alicia Gunn

Guys Gather for Men's Fall Kick-Off

by Donovan Dobbs

On Monday September 24, we had the first fall gathering of the men of Lifepoint. It was great! We ate real man food (fried fish, fried potatoes, and cookies) that was cooked like real men should cook (outside over open flames). A little over 20 men showed up to eat and fellowship. It was nice to see men fishing with their sons. Men talking and getting to develop new relationships. Men deepening old relationships.

In his message, Lane spoke about authentic manhood. This made me think "Is that when I can whoop anyone else in the church?" or "Is that when I am always right about everything and my wife knows it?" I wonder if that is what some think is the right and proper view of manhood. My question would be "Is that your view of authentic manhood?" The world has so skewed the view of manhood that at times it has infiltrated the church. This is the view that men should be tough at all costs. Men should be right at all costs. Serving and sacrifice are weakness and bad.

God from the beginning has had the plan for manhood. Lane brought out the point that the first man (Adam) was designed for and had a relationship with God. Since his sin, we have not been able to have a complete relationship with God. Just like us, Adam thought something was better than his relationship with God. He took that relationship so lightly that he threw it away for nothing. We are not any different. Jesus continually wants to build a relationship with us yet we ignore or dismiss him. We allow so much to take priority in our lives other than Christ. Who gets most of your thought, time, and heart? Christ or everything else—work, activities, playing, building our dreams, etc.? As the old saying goes, "Actions speak louder than words." What are your actions saying? Do you have authentic manhood using God's standards?

Come join us at the next men's gathering on Monday, 10/29 (check E.notes in the coming weeks). Let us gain authentic manhood together!

The Biggest Loser

by Heather Myer

Each Tuesday night, promptly at 7:00 PM, I eagerly lounge on the couch before a certain television show and enjoy dinner. The Biggest Loser (TBL) depicts obese adults struggling to cleanse their toxic lifestyles in favor of healthy diet and exercise habits. Rather than grazing on carrot sticks and hummus, TBL tempts me to sip on Diet Dr Pepper with a fist full of Twizzlers in one hand and a bowl of White Cheddar Cheese Its in the other. The contestants on the ranch beat themselves up to purge excess pounds, while I quite happily pack on more.

Kicking my feet onto the coffee table, I accidentally nudged my Bible onto the floor. Then a truth struck me. Though I may not have an extra 100 pounds to shed, I have an immeasurable spiritual weight on my shoulders. The Word of God lay on my living room floor while I treasured treats of imitation cherry and cheese. When was the last time I had studied the Bible? Lane read to the congregation from Luke on Sunday. Dallas had read a Psalm during Acoustic Night last Wednesday. Had it really been a week? Knowing it was past time to take the weight off, I laid aside my soda and turned off the television. My Father was expecting me to participate in some long neglected exercise.

The unfolding of your word gives light. —Psalm 119:130

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SecretExploits.com
RetiredFoodie.com
WinterBrookGoodies.com

Jon's Song Diary

• (Night Time Is) The Right Time—Ray Charles
  I think about the Cosby Show every time I hear this song.
• The Last Blast—Blue States
  This song is essential for me when I'm coming down from a caffeine high.
• You Can Decide—Field Music
  There is a part in this song that reminds me of the movie Waiting for Guffman. It was at that point of remembrance that I realized I had to include it on this list.
• Knights of Cydonia—Muse
  Life seems so much better when you play this song at maximum volume and you scream along with the chorus.
• Always—Thomas Dybdahl
  Shhhhh. It should be against the law to make noise whilst this song is playing. Don't make me exercise my right to make a citizen's arrest. Shhhhh.
• Mornings Eleven—The Magic Numbers
  This song is so fun. It reminds me of jumping off of the Schulz's deck. Sure...it wasn't really that high, but to a 7 year old me it sure as heck was.

Gathering of Girlfriends 2007 Photos

from Sunshine Loveland

If you attended the Gathering of Girlfriends and want to share your photos, send an e-mail to Sarah Austin for instructions or burn them to a CD and leave it in the LPC office.

Raising a Modern-Day Knight Teaches Fathers — Sons About Authentic Manhood

by Don Emmack

Can you clearly define authentic manhood? Even if you're able to cobble a few thoughts together, can you imagine trying to teach this idea to a young boy? It's a big challenge for most fathers and one where we fail often, yet Robert Lewis' Raising a Modern-Day Knight [RMDK] Bible study attacks this problem head-on.

Like many dads, I didn't receive much Christian guidance as a young man or as a young adult. After 30+ years Christ saved me, but I remember how my life waned absent of true purpose. I don't want my boys to leave the care of my house lost in a fallen world without hope and guidance, yet I feel overwhelmed teaching my sons the right things in life—with no clear plan to fix the problem.

Just imagine, your son is 18 years old, waving good-bye and driving off to college. How would you feel? Is your son equipped to handle the rough ride life will surely bring? Robert Lewis, author of RMDK, presents this sorrowful picture clearly to young dads. Based on his own experiences as a son and father, Lewis gives dads strategies to raise their boys. A six-week series, RMDK exposes many of the pitfalls of fatherhood and teaches men to lead their sons toward authentic manhood.

The study is short, yet the program teaches fathers techniques to raise their sons toward being a real man. It's a clear process to teach boys life lessons marked with appropriate ceremony. As a dad, you exit the program much better equipped and with a precise plan to teach your sons the underpinnings of manhood.

Recently, a dedicated group of fathers from Life Point and Second Baptist joined me in working through the program. I'd love to tell you all the details of the series but it would spoil the fun. First off, no girls allowed! This program is about godly men working together to form an environment for impressionable young boys. Don't worry, there are no secrete handshakes or passwords; however, ceremonies are important and kept private to enhance the memory of the event in the boys' life.

At the end of the program, each dad walks away well-equipped to work through the upcoming years with their boys. Some projects from the program will take years to complete and ultimately provide a road map for future generations in the family. Plus, the camaraderie from the program helps the fellowship of the men's community.

At the end of our first RMDK series, the fathers joined together to take the boys camping. It was the most rainy trip I've ever seen! Thunderstorms raged all night filling the tents with 2 inches of water. While we were wet and muddy, everyone had a good time and I'm certain the boys will always remember the trip.

If your a father of young boys I urge you to take the RMDK program. Better yet, sign up to lead an upcoming program. RMDK is helpful to most fathers, yet the program suits young boys from 6–12 years old. Scott O'dell has volunteered to lead the next RMDK adventure in the first quarter of 2008. Contact him directly for more information.