T's Weekly Thought: Where Your Treasure Is...

Hey Everyone!

As you can imagine - some of your parents come talk to me from time to time asking questions like, "what can I do to get my son/daughter involved in church?"  "should I make my kids go to church?" "how do I make church a priority?".

I can't help but think of my own upbringing where church wasn't a weekly decision.  A "choice".  Nope.  Every Sunday that's just what my family did.  In fact, it was the ONLY guarantee in our weekly schedule.  Sundays my family went to church.  So whether we were tired, or had homework, out late Saturday night or our teams were playing games - it didn't matter.......my family was in church.  And that was that.

Unfortunately, it's not always fun to tell parents that I think church and their youth's relationship with Christ is a matter of priority.  The bottom line is.......we make time for those things most important to us.  So.....if we say that our family is important - we spend time with them, we make time for them, we make them a priority.  And if our relationship with God is important......well, same thing here.  Then it shows by our priorities.  Not by what's convenient.

There's a great passage in Matthew 6 - where Jesus speaks to this. He says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

I think Jesus is saying......spend time on what matters.  What's lasting.  What counts.

I have parents and youth tell me all the time that they/their kids just don't have time to go to church.  That WOW is RIGHT in the middle of homework and Sundays is their only day to sleep in - their club soccer games are on Sundays......and 2 hours on Wednesdays for church is ridiculous.

My only response is......how convenient was the cross? 

Now I know Jesus didn't have the pressures and the schedules that we do today......but something tells me that even if he did - his life would have looked exactly the same.  He would have lived his life to make others better.  He would have only showed love.  Spent time with his family.  And he would still die so that we might live. 

What are your treasures?  What do you value most?  Are those things honorable?  And does your life reflect those answers? 

My prayer is that we can evaluate our lives.  What we value most.  And then have the courage to live accordingly.  No matter the cost.

I love you.  Always will.

T

LiveLove

      

     We here at the youth department knew we wanted youth to have the opportunity to live out their faith every week in a real life, serving, loving way. We wanted them to LiveLove. So about six months ago an announcement was made that we would kick off a service opportunity where Sr. High youth could LiveLove every Sunday morning. Since then, almost 200 of our youth have started serving regularly in the Cornerstone Cafe, in leading small groups in Children’s, Confirmation, and with the Jr High Thrive. LiveLove youth are greeters, are working lights, are running sound, and much more. LiveLove is literally changing the church, because so many amazing youth are being the church. 

     

     “My name is Payton Stewart and I am a senior at Highland Park High School and participate in the Live Love program. I work with the second graders by helping them come in the classroom and sit down, stay focused during the group lesson, and help lead a small group. I love being able to help these kids grow in and explore their relationships with God as well as trying to provide a good example for them. If they can see how a teenager makes time for God in her schedule, maybe they will remember this when they get busy, now or in the future. I also like getting to know kids I would otherwise never get to know. It is so joyful to have a kid ask me to sit with them, be in my small group, or even simply remember my name. They teach me as much as I teach then. They help remind me that sometimes the simple answers are the best answers. I truly love being with these kids every Sunday morning. While sometimes it is hard to keep the kids on track, I know they have learned something new about God or their faith when they leave church.” Payton Stewart

     “When I was fresh out of Confirmation and on my way to becoming a part of the Jr. High program at HPUMC, I was so intimidated by the older kids and the youth leaders and the church in general, that my faith began to weaken. I didn't go to church very often, I didn’t pray very much, and I never really thought about God. About a year after confirmation, my friend Emily told me to sign up for the spring break mission trip, so I decided I might as well go. On this trip, I was able to get to know some older girls who led my small group, and they helped me turn everything around. They showed me God’s love and they helped me to grow stronger in my faith all the way throughout my junior year in High School, and now that I am a senior I want to do the same. Livelove is a great way to be a role model in the church, whether it’s leading a 7th or 8th grade small group, or helping out with elementary kids, or even working in the sound booth. It is a way to give back to the church, as well as help others. I don’t know where I would be now if I had never met those girls, and I know LiveLove will provide great role models, just like them.”Caroline Nelson

     

Race To Nowhere

I want to encourage each of you to attend this incredible film and discussion to follow.  I worry all the time - and not just for the youth - but my own children - "How much is too much??"

The Race to Nowhere will definitely get your attention - and hopefully create some great discussion for you and your youth!

Hope to see you THIS SUNDAY evening!  

Read below for details.....

Love, 

T

Please join us for a film screening of "Race to Nowhere: The Darkside of  America's Achievement Culture" on  Sunday, September 25th at 6pm at Highland Park United Methodist Church. This film will take an in depth look at the pressure our children are  under in our current education system and achievement culture.   Are we pushing our kids too far, too fast, at the expense of their childhood?   Where will these children as adults find their value?   Are we leaving enough room in their schedules for them to become  who God created them to be? We will take a look at these questions and more with a panel discussion  led by Rev. Paul Rasmussen, Dr. Brad Schwall, and Gregg Medlyn, LPC, LMFT. "An education film that gets it" Washington Post "Must see movie" NY Times "Another Inconvenient Truth" George Lucas Educational Foundation Click here to view the trailer  and register for this event. - Bring Friends - For more information on the film and the grass roots efforts to promote change, visit:  http://www.racetonowhere.com/. For more information, please contact Andi Fancher at 214.523.2286or fanchera@hpumc.org. <><><><>

T's Weekly Thought: Live As If...

Hey Everyone!

 

I recently heard a great quote......."The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are."

 

I can't help but think of Paul's sermon yesterday about weakness when I think about this quote.  I loved his sermon.  I loved it because I think we ALL spend an inordinate amount of time running from who we are - ESPECIALLY when it comes to our weaknesses.

 

I was reminded yesterday just how weak I really am.  How much I need God....and how often I pretend I don't.  That I am "just fine". 

 

I am not "just fine". 

 

And when I thought about it.....is anyone??  I mean, I think most of us are TRYING - but do we all have it all figured out? 

 

Nope.

 

Honestly, I have a lot of hard days.  I don't have it all figured out.  I miss people that I love that I've lost.  A lot.  There are some days I miss them so much I don't feel like pretending like I don't.  Some days I just want to stay home and cry.

 

I'm insecure.  I care too much what people think.  I am a perfectionist.  I worry if my home or my children or my marriage or my body or work and ALL my relationships aren't PERFECT -and not just appear perfect but aren't PERFECT, that I'm a failure.

 

I'm one of the hardest people on ME that I know.

 

I thought a lot about that yesterday.  What little "slack" I give myself and how I try so hard to be enough - that I forget that I'm just not. 

 

No one is.

 

But the beauty of this quote is.......in spite of me -it's a privilege to be ME.  God created ME.  With all my fears, insecurities, short-comings and failures.  And just like Paul reminded us yesterday from 2 Corinthians when God spoke to the apostle Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

 

What an awesome promise from God!  That right when I don't feel good enough - strong enough - that's EXACTLY when Christ will show up if I let Him.  Gosh, why do I forget that??

 

That quote is perfect.  It is a privilege to be me.  It's a privilege to wake up today and have another shot at another day.....in spite of ME.  And in those moments where the parts of me that I don't necessarily like creep in and start to take over - I actually can call on the One who created me. Who loves me.  Who's on my side......ready to help.

 

I don't care who you are - what your weaknesses are.  This is what I know.  It is a privilege to be YOU.  In spite of your weaknesses - you can be better, stronger.....and you do matter.  Your life DOES make a difference.  You are a gift.....and your life - your presence is a blessing.  A REAL blessing on this earth. 

 

Live as if it is a privilege to be YOU.  Because you know something.........it is.

 

I love you.  Always will.

 

T

T's Weekly Thought: You Don't Throw A Whole Life Away...

Hey Guys!

Hope you are doing terrific!  I hope you know how blessed I feel to work with you all.......I have the best job in the world!

So.......every Friday Topher (my husband, for those of you who don't know) goes to a Bible study.  This past week his buddy Brent shared with the group a story about a dog he had found in the bushes.......all beat up.  Seemingly hit by a car.  Brent paid attention. He took the time to get her out.  Pick her up......take her to the vet.  Come to find out, this little dog - that Brent named Anabelle - appeared to have been it by a car.  And........was pregnant. None of the little ones living inside her were alive.  But....sweet Brent took care of her.  Got her the care she needed at a local vet.  Anabelle had surgery.....and Brent took her home.  He prayed for the best.  Giving her lots of love along the way......

Topher showed me a picture of Anabelle. Oh my gosh, she was so stickin cute that I thought - as soon as she gets better and can hold her own - I want Anabelle.  Precious. 

Sweet Anabelle didn't make it.  Brent sent an email on Saturday saying that her body was shutting down - and she just didn't make it.  I was so sad.......She was so sweet.......

But honestly - I choked up for another reason.  I was so happy and relieved that Anabelle didn't die alone in the bushes.  That my friend Brent noticed her.....and not only that - took the time.....the time to pick her up, get her help....and love her the last few precious hours of her life on earth.  Anabelle's last few hours were spent being loved and cared for. What more could you ask for?

I couldn't help but wonder how many people passed Anabelle.  Were there others that passed by - but didn't have the time, money, energy, inclination to help one of God's precious creatures in need? 

And then I thought of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).  The great parable that Christ shared with us about how often it's actually the GOOD people that pass.......keep on walking.....don't have time to help.  To care.  To love.  And yet the most unlikely reached out.  Helped.  Loved.

One of my favorite movies is Seabiscuit.  In the movie a very unlikely horse becomes one of the all time thoroughbreds........and yet he was smaller, had a gimpy leg.....chronically beaten up!  He was one of the winningest horses of all time.  His owner - when questioned, "Why Seabiscuit??  Why such an unlikely horse?"  He replied, "You don't throw a whole life away just because it's banged up a little."  Simply one of my most memorable movie quotes.........

Anabelle was a little banged up.  In the parable......the man traveling who was beat up, left for dead.....was more than banged up.  Don't we all know someone.....a little banged up?  Someone who might need a second chance?  Someone to believe they were worth the effort to help?

You know I think about all the people each one of us encounter every single day - people we walk by, blow off, pass over- because we don't have time or energy - or we can't risk the social problems that would come along with caring for someone that's "weird"or broken.......banged up.

If you think about it - didn't Christ do that?  Didn't he pause?  Pick people up? Help them along their way?  Didn't he come for the "unhealthy"?

And he didn't only do that when He was on this earth - but didn't He do that for each one of us on the cross?  I mean....if you think about it......aren't ALL of us a little banged up?  Don't we ALL need a chance? Help?  A hand?

I'm thankful for Brent.  My friend - who saved a dog that was left for dead. 

It was a great reminder of my Savior - and what He did for me.........how selfless his sacrifice.  How great His love.

And a beautiful example of what we can be for others.......there are people ALL AROUND you every single day that not only need, but deserve a second chance.  NEED your grace. Your hand.  Your love.

Look around......and show and give Christ's love.  You never know the difference Christ's love, through you, can make.

I love you.  Always will.

T

T's Weekly Thought: Entitled

Entitled.

 

I would never ever want someone to describe me as Entitled. 

 

Until tonight.  When I looked up the definition and read:

 

1. To give a name or title to.

2. To furnish with a right or claim to something.

 

After reading this I thought - okay, if I was given a name or a title or had a right or claim to something......that's not that bad.  I would guess that I would receive that name or title because I earned it - worked for it. 

 

Then I looked up something else.

 

SENSE of Entitlement:  The idea that one has a right to be given something which others believe should be obtained through effort.

 

Ouch.

 

Maybe that's what I was thinking.  Maybe I would actually really be sad if someone said that I had a SENSE of entitlement.

 

The sad thing is....I think I sometimes do.  And I'm not proud of it.  It's something I believe has been a part of my make-up since early on. 

 

When I was 14 I totally expected to have the latest fashions.  I wanted Jordache Jeans.  (Your version of 7's or J brand or whatever it is you are wearing right now). 

 

At 16 - I totally expected a car.  And a new one.  Even if it meant my dad drove one less desirable than me.  I mean....come ON!  After all, I WAS the teenager! 

 

At 18 - I was going to college.  On my parent's dime.  I was ticked that I had to work or contribute or pay for anything.  It was my parent's decision to have me - why did I have to pay for it??

 

YUK! 

 

The worse part is - this part of me rears it's ugly head from time to time and I have to catch myself and think - who the heck are YOU?  Why are you entitled to that??  Especially when no one else is...........

 

I would like to think this is a problem that only exists in little ol me - but I have to tell you......I think we all have a problem.  I see it almost EVERY SINGLE DAY! 

 

People who don't pick up after themselves.

The complaining about things that don't even exist!!

Someone who cuts in line, cuts someone off or bullies someone because THEY don't have time to wait.

The idea that you deserve something just because you were born.....like a car, your own room, a walk in closet, tory burch, under armor or jimmy choo.

Admitting you were wrong.  Are sorry.  Need forgiveness.

 

I mean people......WE HAVE A PROBLEM!

 

Where did this sense of entitlement come from?  And how do we make it go away?  FAST!

 

I know I may be unusual when I say I love Communion Sunday.........I love it for lots of reasons.  But one thing I love about it - is the reminder.  The reminder that I am nothing.  And Christ is everything. 

 

There is a prayer read in union on Communion Sunday - it's known as The Prayer of Humble Access - "We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy.”

 

But unfortunately, we do.  We trust in ourselves at times.  Ourselves only.  Thinking we know best.  We got it.  We deserve it.  We need it.  It's ours for the taking........

 

And yet - are so quickly reminded that actually.........we don't.

 

And without God.......We aren't much - and deserve nothing. 

 

Every single thing we have in this life is a gift.  Starting with life itself.  And if we could just grasp that.  Just that.......my gosh, how satisfied and complete we would be. 

 

This life is a gift.  We are completely undeserving of God's grace we receive every single day -and yet,  we have it.  So unworthy of His unconditional love - and yet........He gives it.

 

Who are we to think that we deserve - are entitled to more than that? 

 

A king - our Savior - God's son died on a cross for me.  For you. 

 

SENSE of entitlement........do you have one?

 

 I love you.  Always will.

 

T

Second Sunday-A Night Of Worship

We love worship.  We all worship something.  That could be money, school, sports, work, music, or somebody.  We as a church and a youth staff hope that we all worship our Lord and Savior.  Our God is worthy of our praise.  And as we have seen, many of you love to worship God through music and singing.  With this new school year we are starting a new praise and worship opportunity that is just that, worshiping God through music.  So, the second Sunday of every month we will offer a stripped down night of worship called...Second Sunday.  This will be singing praise and worship songs from about 6-7pm in the Youth Basement of HPUMC.  There’s no agenda, no message, no production, just worship through song.  This isn’t a “youth” event or a “college” event.  This is an open door for people to come as they are, to gather together, and worship their creator in spirit and in truth.  We hope you will take the time to participate in this night of worship.  Please pass the word.  The first Second Sunday worship night will be this Sunday, September 11^th.  Let us know if you have any questions.