today's stream of consciousness

FIRST THOUGHT: We saw National Treasure: Book of Secrets on Christmas Day. It was a terrific movie. My dad even stayed awake for the whole thing. My brother Ben, however, nodded off a few times.

NEXT THOUGHT: One of the previews was for the new Chronicles of Narnia movie coming out in May of next year. Prince Caspian is next up. It looks to be great as well. Three cheers for C.S. ol' chap!

THE NEXT THOUGHT: Seeing that preview made Clairey want to see the first one again (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe). So, we watched it tonight. It was great. Aslan (the Lion) was powerful, bold, courageous, humble, and he gave his life for the life of another. The image of the Lion of Judah from the revelation looks like this "Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." Revelation 5:5 A powerful image of a powerful savior.

THE LAST THOUGHT: Today, during a meeting, we were talking about Jesus (certainly a good topic on any day for any meeting). More specifically, we were talking about how Jesus doesn't need my help to make Him more presentable to people. Jesus plus something is always good, but just JESUS... now that's revolutionary! Which reminded me of one of my favorite quotes from Dorothy Sayers. It goes something like this...

"The people who hanged Christ never, to do them justice, accused him of being a bore — on the contrary, they thought him too dynamic to be safe. It has been left for later generations to muffle up that shattering personality and surround him with an atmosphere of tedium. We have very efficiently pared the claws of the Lion of Judah, certified him ‘meek and mild,’ and recommended him as a fitting household pet for pale curates and pious old ladies.”

I want no part in muffling up the shattering personality of the Revolutionary One. So, here's the question... In any way have I been bored with Jesus, the Lion of Judah?

If so... nothing is wrong with Him... something is wrong with me.

more later,

VAN

my new favorite commercial

Check this out. I wish this would actually happen. It would be refreshing.

More later,
VAN

running thoughts 1

I set out for my Friday morning run. Since I was running alone today I thought I'd just stay around my neighborhood. We have a 3.4 mile loop that weaves through our "unsidewalked" streets.
As the sound of the screen door hit my ears the scent of fresh baked cookies hit my nose. (That is a really wonderful smell.) In fact for the whole time I was running I was more acutely aware of the smells and fragrances in the neighborhood. The vital goodness of espresso wafting from the coffee hut on the corner, fresh cut lumber at a house being built on North Park, the fresh scent of Downy coming from a laundry vent, a wood burning stove, even a bonfire at the River Road park. Nice.
Then there is always the "wonderful" scent of car exhaust. Not a most excellent thing when you're gasping for air. In fact... it stinks. That's what got me thinking. What stinks in my life? attitudes? actions? or perceptions? Certainly too much to blog on today.
Next I smelled the fresh baked cookie thing. (Is there some sort of community bake sale going on today?) It was all over the neighborhood.
My next thought was about the story in John 12 and the woman who broke the jar of perfume and annointed Jesus. The phrase that leaps out from the passage is "The house was filled with the fragrance." This woman had many things in her history that qualified for the descriptive "stinky", but here her actions resulted in a pleasing fragrance.
So, here's the question: What's the fragrance of my heart? When people are roaming around the neighborhood of my life are my actions, attitudes and perceptions like the smell of fresh baked cookies or lung stopping car exhaust?
Just my thoughts while I was running today. Remember, when you run the O2 level gets a little decreased, so I can't be responsible for everything I think!
more later,
VAN

Lonely Places

Lots of folks feel lonely at this season of the year. But there is a different kind of lonely place.

Luke 5:16 says

"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely place and prayed."

I'm not much for lonely places. Solitude drains me. I feel anxious, bored, vulnerable and well... lonely. On the other hand, being with people energizes me. Yet I have been discovering that this part of my journey with Jesus is critical to my growth.

If Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed, then there is certainly something in it of value for me. Jesus, the Lord, pulling away from outside influences, to a place of personal face to face with God. Removed from all men's perceptions (either that boosted his ego or drug him down) he could just... be, listen, hear, obey. And above it all... tell His Father that He loved Him.

I pray that God will continue to lead me into this area of lonely places each day.

Jesus knew that lonely places aren't so bad if God is there. Now I know that too!
VAN

Right. Right?

I heard a statement today that I know I will be pondering for many days ahead. It was simply this... "we've been trained to do things right, but not enough time is spent simply doing the right things."

I can think of countless times that I've worked so hard to do whatever I do, completely right. I know that is good. It is noble when I'm mowing the lawn, finishing a project, editing a document, or whatever. But I sometimes wonder if my focus is off. Am I doing things right but neglecting the right things.

I think the hard part about this statement will be the obvious frustration that we experience in not knowing what the right things are. SO... we simply just do what's in front of us... in the rightest way possible. I guess there is nothing wrong with that... unless I neglect doing what is right.

The scripture is filled with people who did things right and somehow missed the kingdom. Pharisees, rich young rulers, and 3rd Kings of Israel. But I think that when my focus is on how right I am doing things... my focus is really on me. "seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness" -- maybe it's about priority.. maybe its about getting my attention on Jesus' priorities.

still thinking about this.
VAN

Hours of Miles... the stuff of life!

I've driven thousands of miles with Erica. We started doing long car trips early on in our relationship. Our first long trip was to Southern California to go to my brother's wedding. I still remember her feet perched up on the dash of the car, magazine open on her lap with that beautiful look of contentment on her face.

Over the years and hours of miles the scene has been very similar to that first journey. Except, in 1991 we added a passenger. Then again in 1995. And another in 1999. And our final addition to the car trip crew came in 2002. (incidentally the car seems smaller now... for some reason?)

Today, we made our yearly sojourn from Eugene to the central coast of California to be with my family for Thanksgiving. A 12-hour journey we have made at least 30 or 40 times in the last 16 years. But this afternoon I was overcome with gratitude for my best friend over in the passenger seat. Feet perched up on the dash, magazine open on her lap, and that beautiful look of contentment on her face.

We have listened to thousands of songs, read dozens of books, munched on good snacks, hashed out many of life's problems and watched our family grow. As I looked in my rear view mirror this afternoon at my two teenage daughters and my the other two munchkins watching Hairspray on the DVD, I was reminded that its not 1988 anymore. And... can I tell you how glad I am about that. Because in "life's rear view mirror" I see thousands of memories, moments and miles that I am honored to have lived and traveled with best friend... and our kids.

more thankful than before,
VAN

Working 5 to 8

We are so often concerned with our work and what we do from 8 to 5. I suppose we should be way more concerned about what we do from 5 to 8... at night. This is especially true for me. Those three hours are really precious in the grand scheme of my life. Those 180 minutes are the time after work when my kids are home and awake. Those are the moments we spend around the dinner table, readying lunches for the next day, baths, and just general getting ready for bed activities.

Yet, there is so much that I allow to vy for that time. Work that must get done before tomorrow, phone calls that I've put off until the end of the day, or worse yet, a little time watching Mike Rowe investigate yet another of America's "Dirty Jobs".

I attended a talk by Wayne Cordeiro this past summer. He was talking about how we spend our time. But Cordeiro shared some thoughts gave me some significant insight.

He said that:

• 80% of what I do anybody can do.


• 15% of what I do anybody with training can do.


• and only 5% of what I do only I can do.

WHAT? I guess it's true that anybody can sleep, eat, drive, answer the phone, etc. And anybody can be trained to do the work I do. And it's even more true that only I can be a husband to my wife, a father to my children, only I can grow in Christ (I can't delegate that one), only I can discover and use my spiritual gifts, and only I can encourage myself in the Lord (as David did) and present an inspired me to the world, my family and to God.

How I invest those 72 minutes (5% of 24 hours) a day is of utmost importance to these incredible people and to my spiritual growth. This thought is extremely challenging but it is also clarifying. It just makes the real priority really clear.

I guess Jesus said it best when He said to "seek first the kingdom of God (His ways and His purposes) and His righteousness then all these things (the 95%) will be added."

How might we change the way we think about the 72-180 minutes that we invest from 5 -8? What are your thoughts?

More on this later,

VAN

Sometimes things surprise you.. a lot!

I'm back. Romania was great. Very busy. Which is why I haven't blogged in a while. I appreciate many of you checking in with me letting me know that you're reading. Sorry for the gap in time since I wrote.

Anyways... the trip was full of surprises. An amazing change in the economy of Romania. The amazing opportunities that I had to preach. The amazing people that I had the privilege of working with. The amazing miracles that I see God doing in that wonderful land. AND the surprising recognition of how lucky I am to be doing what I'm doing right now among the church family in Eugene.

When I returned from Romania, Erica showed me a video from her cousin's blog. You may have seen it... but it is absolutely remarkable. I was just as surprised as Simon Cowell. It's a youtube clip from "Britain's Got Talent" about a contestant named Paul Potts. (not to be confused with Pol Pot the former communist leader of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia)

You should watch it. I think you'll like it. It made me think that I don't ever want to get to the place where I can't be surprised or amazed. God has many things ahead to show us, I want to be humble before God so much that I can truly be amazed by what He does. Whether it's in Romania, in Eugene, or even through a mobile phone salesman from Great Britain.

More later.
VAN

HERE'S THE VIDEO:

Helmet Head

We've arrived in Oradea, Romania after 30 hours of travel. I was here with a team from Willamette in 1996 and to say that things have changed would be an understatement. Things are radically different!

In many ways, what used to look like a post war depressed city, now looks like any average thriving valley town in the central valley of California. Construction galore, Romania's versions of Costco and Home Depot right next door to each other and … COLOR. Everywhere. Normal colors and bright colors. Bright lime green houses. Rich red/almost pink houses. Kids that look like kids. Cool clothes, cell phones, and freedom.

The freedom of Romania from communist oppression began in 1989 at Timisoara (that's where we landed today). In the past 18 years it has spread through the whole country. It appears that the mindset and thought processes of the nation of Romania are growing away from and out of the captivity that was broken off of them. There's a renewing of mind happening here.

In the same way the freedom from sin has already been purchased by the shed blood of Jesus on the cross. What's happening in your life and mine is a renewal of our minds, thoughts, emotions and consequently our actions. Romans 12 says "do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of you mind."

Renewing of your mind is something that God is so interested in that he included this in your designer armor. The helmet of salvation is a protection from the lie that we earned our salvation. In the same way that it is foolish to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, it is foolish to think that we somehow earned this great gift of grace. Renewing your mind begins with the clear understanding that "it is by grace you have been, not of works unless anyone should boast."

So put it on today. It'll bring real life, freedom and vivid color to your thoughts, because you'll be free to know that He is the savior of your soul.
Van

Pillow or Shield

The alarm went off at 5:15 AM. I was packed and ready to go, so all it would take to get me to the airport was a quick shower, get dressed and a five minute drive to Eugene Municipal. I thought as I woke this morning that I would so much rather for the Lord to have given me (at least for this day) the "pillow of faith" rather than the shield of faith. Whereupon I could "rest on his unchanging love". But, it is in fact the shield of faith.

It was a rather large shield that Paul would have referenced in his picture of the soldier. Not only big enough for one soldier to be protected by but if coupled with another shield could provide a rather trusty wall of protection.

This protection is so necessary. The scripture says "take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." Those attacks that pierce and burn are things like hopelessness, fear, lies, and accusations. All things that the enemy of our soul would want us to feel the pain of. Hopelessness feels real bad. Fear can be immobilizing. Lies are can be so believable and accusations can seem so founded. YET, because of Jesus we can see with eyes of faith. Hebrews 12 says "fix your eyes on Jesus the AUTHOR and PERFECTOR of your FAITH." He is the source of your faith and will remain the source forever.

So when you want to retreat to the "pillow of faith" and not face the day, instead take up the shield of faith, and stand firm. God is for you today.

AND one more cool thing. When you stand in faith where you are and I stand in faith where I am, we are actually standing together. Even though I'm on my way to Romania and my church family is home in Eugene, when we each take up the shield of faith it matters to all of us.
Taking up my shield,
VAN

Sword...Play.

Memorizing scripture is an extremely worthwhile discipline. It doesn't take a ton of work. Print out the scripture you want to put in your memory bank and pin it to a bulletin board. Or make it the background on your computer. Record it on your cell phone and make it your ring tone. Okay that's a reach.. but you get the point.

Jesus responded to the temptations in the wilderness by quoting scripture. "It is written" Jesus said as he quoted scripture to combat the lies of the enemy. Every temptation that comes to you and I trying to convince you of a lie. The lie is... the temptation will fulfill your need. Temptation says "if you do this you'll feel better" "you'll be happy" "you won't feel lonely"... but temptation cannot deliver and it is insatiable. Giving in to temptation never brings peace, because it always leaves you lacking.

Jesus had memorized the words that he quoted to Satan. Each scripture he used was like a sword. That's the cool thing about this part of the Armor of God.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

What an incredible offensive weapon the Lord has given for us to put on. It is THE way to overcome temptation. So memorize a verse this week. You will be stronger and you will strengthen the whole of the body of Christ as you do.

Go for it.

VAN

To This Weekend and Beyond

We are concluding the series "What to Wear" this weekend as well as bringing to a close our fall emphasis on Renewing Relationships.

Sunday we will look at the God designed wardrobe called the Armor of God. We will conclude the morning service with a special time of prayer. I'm looking forward to it!

After this week I will continue to blog 3-5 times per week on life in Eugene, Oregon and at Willamette. By the way, next month I'm off to a quick trip to Romania (Nov. 1-9). I will be joining a team of folks from California to put on a Pastor's Seminar in Oradea, Romania. President Max Rossi from Bethany University, Scott Hagin (a Pastor from Sacramento) and myself will be leading this much needed seminar for Romanian Pastors sponsored/funded by Green Valley Christian Center in Watsonville, California. Stan Sankey (one of our Willamette leaders) will be joining me on the support team for this event. I'm looking forward to traveling and working with him!

We will bring back an update on the work in Oradea. It'll be fun!

More later,

VAN

My High/Low of the week...

We have a question we use at the dinner table to help us keep updated on each of our kids. The question is: "What was your High of the Day?" and "What was your Low of the Day?" Or High/Low for short. Here's mine for the week.

HIGH: We did a quick trip to Florence this week to do some staff planning. We stayed at a friends house just up from Driftwood Shores, right on the beach. As you may know the weather has been absolutely great all week; even with the few drops of rain. It was no different on the coast. That alone is great... but it gets better.
Tuesday morning I got to get in an early morning run on the beach! Yes, folks that's my high. It was absolutely beautiful... perfect weather, stunning scenery and I felt great. With the small exception of the dead seal that I ran passed it was PERFECT!

LOW:
1. Went to the fundraiser for Vanessa Grossnicklaus at Papa's. That's not the low part.

[by the way, it was a great night to see all those a part of the Willamette Community coming together to support Pete and Vanessa].

2. Anyway, ate some great pizza. LOVE THE PAPA'S PIZZA... That's not the low part.
3. Went home and felt... bad. I haven't eaten that much cheese and pepperoni in months. It was quite a shock to the system. That's the low part :-(

Lesson learned.
Running on the beach... GOOD!
Eating multiple slices of Pepperoni Pizza.. BAD!
Eating the pizza was easy. Running on the beach was a challenge.

Brings to mind another lesson I've learned.
Choosing my own way... Easy.
Humbling myself before God... a challenge.

This application is clear.

"You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to, instead...he humbled himself in obedience to God." Ephesians 2:5,6, 8 (NLT)

This scripture helps me... If Jesus can do this... I can too!

More later,
VAN

a blog to check out

I tend to blog at night. That's when the opportunity tends to present itself. Tonight is no different.

I mentioned a blog during the talk on Sunday. My sis-in-law (Sue) is an author and is currently writing a book, that I think will be called "Confessions of a Tired Supergirl". Anyway, Sue is one of the funniest people I know and she married a dude (my brother-in-law) that just point blank makes me laugh. So they are quite a pair. They have three great boys under the age of 6 and are pioneering a church in Palo Alto, California. It's a privilege to be related to them.

Anyway, Sue has a blog that you should check out. She writes funny, inspirational, life stuff that makes your heart glad. Her target audience is other "tired supergirls" (or tsg's as she calls them) of which I am not one. I am however, a proud brother-in-law and I think you should check it out. I think it'll be good for you even if you're an "rested" supergirl or even like me, more of a "a little sleepy" superdude!

More later.
VAN

Here's the link to the original post to give the beginning idea of the "tired supergirl" thing.

The problem with being "the speaker"

The problem with being "the speaker" is that you remember everything "the speaker" said. This last weekend we talked about the God designed garment that he has prepared for you and I... a garment called Gratitude.

The average person will remember a few things spoken by "the speaker"... some only one thing. Like those who noticed that I referenced the BALTIMORE COLTS rather than the Colts who currently reside in Indiana. My son Samuel (the 8 year old football stat fanatic) was appalled that I made such a blunder. "Dad it is the Baltimore Ravens, and the Indianapolis Colts." I guess it's because when I was an 8 year football stat fanatic the Colts were in Maryland. Oh well.

Anyway, this week my gratitude clothing has been more holey than holy. This morning I wanted to exit my day through the backdoor of complaining. I just didn't want to face the day. But I recalled that "the speaker"said I should "Enter my day through the Gateway of Praise".

So, I tried it.

"God, you are Lord of heaven and earth. You are so good, so true, so real. I love you and I thank you for the plan you have for me in this day. I'm glad to go with you in this day. Thank you in advance for leading me in it."

I've had a great day. God was with me. He blessed me. He led me. Amazing. Grace.

So, if you didn't remember what "the speaker" said (and I don't blame if you didn't) here's the words you should commit to memory. "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thess. 5:18

Nice!

Van

One more thought on Submission...

It happens quite often at our house. I come into the kitchen around 6 pm and Erica is making an incredible dinner I grab her and give her a hug... and then it happens.

Out of nowhere comes the sound of "size 3" feet slapping against the saltillo tile, then little padded hands sliding into the space between us, as we look down we see the smushed cherub cheek of 5 year old Hope Caroline making her way into the "love sandwich".

All of our kids have done this... It's almost like we send out a beacon signal... "THE BIG PEOPLE ARE HUGGING IN THE KITCHEN" and they come a runnin'! Why? they don't want to miss out on the deal. They don't want to be on the outside of the love... they want to be in the middle of the action.

I'm like that too... I don't want to miss the reality of God's love. As I read the Gospels I see this incredible submitted relationship of Jesus and the Father. John is the only gospel writer who records the other words of Jesus while he prayed in the garden. Chapter 17 records his prayer for himself, for his disciples, and for all believers. The focus of his prayers for believers is that they would be one. "I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one..."

Jesus in complete submission to God (especially in this moment when He asks if there is any way that the "cup" would pass from him) is asking for you and I to get in on the action. That we would be one just like he was with the Father. HOW? Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

What a powerful "beacon" we can send out to the world around us...

THE JESUS PEOPLE ARE LOVING EACH OTHER AT THE CHURCH...

Jesus said when we do this, people would know that Jesus is the Son of God

and that God really loves them.

"May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know

that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." John 17:23

Fun stuff.

VAN

A New Series

This weekend we start a new series within our fall focus on Renewing Relationships. We're calling it "What to Wear".

There's a show on the TLC channel with a similiar name called What Not to Wear. It's a show where the hosts ambush people who have a severe fashion problem. They offer them $5,000 to buy a new wardrobe with the only requirement being that they give up all of their current clothes and they purchase new clothes according to some new rules.

My girls love watching it. Samuel and I aren't too into it, but we have only one cable box and they outnumber us 2 to 1. (it does make us more grateful for the NFL channel.)

I do have to say that the "victims" (the fashion challenged) actually look better at the end the show. And it strikes me that the show is less about what NOT to wear and more about what they SHOULD wear.

So... that got me thinking... the scripture is clear about things we should put off... anger, malice, lust etc. , But, I believe the Lord is equally concerned with what we actually "put on". So, where going to talk about three of those things; gratitude, humility and the armor of God.

All within the context of relationships. It'll be fun.

VAN

Prayer ... again.

I've been reading a challenging book... it's an old book written sometime after 1912. It's entitled "The Prayer Life - The Inner Chamber and the deepest secret of Pentecost." It was written in response to a conference of ministers at Stellenbosch, South Africa, April 11-14, 1912.

The topic of the conference was "the low state of spiritual life which marked the Church generally." I have been amazed, as in the past with the writings of guys like A.W. Tozer and Oswald Chambers, that the "problems" of the past are strikingly similiar to problems of today!

Prayerlessness was the main topic of discussion at this conference 95 years ago. Here's a quote:

"They(conference attendees) did not dare to make any promise to the Lord to live and pray as He would have them; they felt it impossible. Such confessions gradually led to the great truth, that the only power for a new prayer life is to be found in an entirely new relation to our blessed Savior. It is as we see in Him the Lord who saves us from sin-- thesin of prayerlessness--and our faith yields itself to a life of closer intercourse with Him, that a life in His love and fellowship will make prayer to Him the natural expression of our soul's life."

God could make it really hard on us... to come to him and all. But, no spiritual gymnastics are required. Just open your mouth, your ears and your heart. Be genuine...be real. Submit to God what you think... then open the Word and say back to him what He thinks. Then just listen. God will speak... He's been waiting for us to listen.

Boy, do I want prayer to become a "natural expression of my soul's life!" I'll bet you do to.

Van

Prayer as Submission

Praying is something I naturally resist.

Even though it comes easier when I'm under the pressure of the moment...

• like when the expense account is greater than the income account or
• when my kid runs out into the street with a car coming down the road, or
• when I reach the very end of my strength;

...it doesn't come easy when things are spinning along great. Why? I guess when my need isn't as evident my desire to pray isn't either.

I don't like it that I resist praying. You'd think after SO many times of praying and seeing God work, feeling His touch or hearing His voice, I'd remember. I do know more now than I did 20 years ago and I "just do it" more and more, because I know how great it is. But I still resist it.

I know it is simply about pride. I like not needing help. But I'm learning more and more how to submit to God and start with praying rather than simply stumbling onto it as a last resort. When I was 17 years old and doubting God's existence, it was the words of 1 Peter 5:6 that were a turning point for me...

"Humble yourselves... under God's mighty hand

that He may lift you up in due time.

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."

Come to think of it... these words are a turning point for me today.
Hope they will be for you too!
VAN

A new poll about couple prayer

The problem with a poll like the one to your right is that if the answer isn't "daily" you feel bad.
So, I wanted you to know that is not the intent. The hope is to get a sense for where couples are in this area. Even Erica and I struggle with not only making time, but actually breaking in on the routine to say "let's pray together." Everytime we do... it is really good. But it is a challenge with the schedules that we have and the lack of recognition of its extreme value.
Oh, I think we know it's "so valuable", but I always think if I really knew HOW significant it was to my relationship with God, my wife, my kids and with you, wouldn't I pray more often with the "love of my life"?

It's a bit scary to be vunerable like this, except that you live a real life too. And I hope you will be encouraged to pursue this simple but profound opportunity; to pray to the one who IS complete knowledge, complete power, and completely able.

If you want a better marriage. Pray with your spouse. Try it tonight.
Give it a go!


VAN

Prayer Help has arrived!

You gotta check out this great tool online for prayer reminders. It's called echoprayer.com. It was the idea of a believer in Southern California. At first he charged for it and then quickly realized it was too important to keep people away from it due to cost. So it's free!

You simply enter your prayer list (give it a title and details) and your done. You can set custom reminders for specific prayers you want to pray for people (re: appointments etc.) or you can just have the system send you reminders for your request in random order. It can send the reminders to your email or even text message you. ALSO, it's a terrific way to keep a journal of answered prayers. In each email you get to remind you to prayer, there is a link to take you back to the EchoPrayer website so you can update the request or edit it. It's great. It has helped me to remember to prayer all throughout the day.

Remember, prayer doesn't fit us for the greater work... it IS the greater work!
Check it out,
VAN

Eternity Video

Hey, I was finally able to transfer over the live footage from the service on the 23rd. Here's the whole illustration. Hope you like it!
Van

Today I witnessed a risk

Today I was privileged to participate in memorial service for Aaron Loomis who died tragically in a car accident last thursday. His friends and family gathered in the Willamette sanctuary to remember and celebrate. They are certainly in need of God's comfort and strength as they grieve this tragic loss. Please remember Chrissy (wife), Annie (mom) and especially his 8 year son. (red-headed , just like my Samuel)

His best friend Toby spoke clearly about his love for his friend and his love for God. He read John 14 and said very clearly that Jesus wants us to have a relationship with each one of us.

Then during the open mic session one of Aaron's friends (from Jr. High) walk from the back of the room, took the mic and shared some stories from his history with Aaron... mostly getting in trouble. Then he talked transparently, powerfully, and passionately about a time in his life 12 years ago when he reached the end and decided to put a gun into his mouth and call it quits.

He said "if it wasn't for my uncle's prayers for me (His dad had passed away when he was seven) I don't believe that the skin from my friends right hand that got wedged in the hammer of the gun and stopped the firing mechanism would have stopped me from killing myself." He then went to a Promise Keepers gathering at Autzen Stadium and gave his heart to the Lord. Now he has a great wife and kids. His life is on a different path than it would have been.

That was the risk I witnessed today. Risky, but wow was it great. I believe the Lord is going to use this day and the words that were "heard" to help some people discover a vital relationship with God.

VAN

Last Evening

Last night we met in the sanctuary at Willamette to pray for marriages and for our community. In conversation with a friend today we reflected that it always seems hard to get motivated to make it to a prayer time, but everytime I have left the meeting I always feel better. That's how it is with things that are good for you. It was a very good time last evening. I know the Lord is already answering our prayers.

Van

Risk in the Old Testament

As I was researching the topic of risk this past month, I discovered that in the Old Testament the concept of risk is evident in all the Bible characters from Noah to Abraham and Isaac to Nehemiah. It is amazing to see those that are listed in Hebrews 11 (click here to check it out!) are those that "put it on the line." In fact it says,

"Through acts of faith, they toppled kingdoms, made justice work, took the promises for themselves. They were protected from lions, fires, and sword thrusts, turned disadvantage to advantage, won battles, routed alien armies. Women received their loved ones back from the dead. There were those who, under torture, refused to give in and go free, preferring something better: resurrection. Others braved abuse and whips, and, yes, chains and dungeons. We have stories of those who were stoned, sawed in two, murdered in cold blood; stories of vagrants wandering the earth in animal skins, homeless, friendless, powerless—the world didn't deserve them!—making their way as best they could on the cruel edges of the world."

WOW! Sounds risky... but real exciting from where I sit. Makes me not want to sit any longer. I pray that all of us would gain an inspiration and courage to take up the challenges that the Lord would lead us to. Use the gifts God has entrusted you with today.

Put them on the line!

Van

p.s. If you can't read the Helen Keller quote above here it is: "Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing."

RISK?

A friend came up to me after the service and said that the quote from Mark Twain was one of her favorite quotes of all time. I thought I'd put it up here for us all to see again.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines.
Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain

Looking forward to what God has for us as a church body. Risk and all!
Van

P.S. I must also post a correction. I was informed after service that I mis-stated the cause of Alyson's fear in the story from when she was two. She was not afraid of the boogie-man, but rather ... seals. Yep... seals and whales too. I stand corrected!

Thanks for voting...

The voting ends today for the poll. I'm pleasantly surprised by the results. Thanks so much for participating.

I've also heard many comments about unique conversations that you have had this week, because of asking some of the questions from the "Take Out Talk" box. I realize more and more that our spouses, kids, family, friends and colleagues are dynamic people... ever changing and growing. If I stop "getting to know them" I'm going to miss out on some pretty cool stuff and forfeit the chance to be in their corner, cheering them on.

So keep talking, keep asking questions and keep being an affirmer. That what God's been doing with you!

Van

Affirm the Person, Confront the Issue - Desperate for Affirmation #3

In his book Caring Enough to Confront, David Augsburger says the most effective way to deal with conflict is to "affirm the person and confront the issue." We most often do something more like "confront the person, yell about the issue." Yet, affirmation provides the basis from which all confrontation can be received. Someone could easily misunderstand this phrase to be a formula: like "say something nice about the person and then clock 'em with your frustration."

For instance... John, you know that I love you... and your a really great guy. But are you a complete idiot?...

How could you do that to me!!!

Yet the ratio between affirmation and confrontation is not 50/50 but more like 99 to 1. Living your life as an affirmer with your spouse, kids, colleagues, and friends makes the times when confrontation is necessary (and it is necessary!) so much more effective.

Give it a try!

Van

Character First! - Desperate for Affirmation #2

One of my favorite tools for affirmation is a little card from an organization called Character First! Our society praises mostly on the basis of looks, performance, and productivity. God looks at the heart, and so should we. Praise on the basis of performance puffs someone up... while praising on the basis of character is humbling to the recipient.
Give it a try.

If you'd like a copy of this little card and a little instruction on how to use it, email me at vanclements@hotmail.com and I'll send it to you.

Peace to you!
VAN

P.S. our office computers were down today, so I'll post the PDF's tomorrow.
P.s.s. Thanks for filling out the survey!

So Much to Say! - Desperate for Affirmation #1

WELCOME!
Here's the intro video from Sunday. This is one of my favorite groups. They are a Grammy Award winning a capella jazz group called "Take 6". They are a totally committed group of believers in Jesus.

Fun stuff.

Van

P.S. tomorrow I'll put up the links for the downloadable files of the questions that we put in the TaKe OuT Talk boxes we handed out on Sunday. We will have 50 more available this weekend!

All Things New! - Desperate for Renewal #3

There will come a day... when all things will be made new.

Revelation 21:5 records a scene in heaven..."He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"

I really can't imagine that. I want to grasp it, but my mind is not capable. Yet my heart cries out...YES! and AMEN! Because my Spirit has been made new I can begin to understand. Paul said " if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

I have experienced this and I desire more of his re-newing both in my life and yours.

God is moving today.

Though there will come a day...
a marvelous,
amazing,
mind-blowing day
when all things will be made new...

Today, I can be clothed in newness, for "Now (I'm) dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of (my) new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. (Colossians 3:10)

God is doing a new thing!


So be it!


Van

P.S. The Steven Curtis Chapman CD "All Things New" has been a source of great encouragement for me. It might be for you as well.

The Kacyvenski Story - Desperate for Renewal #2

The Isaiah Kacyvenski story captured my attention certainly because of the obvious great story of redemption that it is... but more than that, it reminded me of the incredible amount of "work" that it is to forgive. Forgiveness can be painful as we work up to it... but there really is nothing more sweet than the moment when we let things go and forgive. It is so worth it.

Kacyvenski's strength to be able to confront and love his father is not only inspirational it is possible for all of us. The parable of the Unmerciful Servant reminds us that we can forgive others because we have been forgiven by God... a whole bunch! (Matthew 18:21-35, to read this story click here)

Forgiveness is part of our work in the miracle of God's renewal in our relationships!

Let's forgive and be forgiven!

More later,

Van

P.S. Here's a cool article about Isaiah. (USA TODAY)

A Place to Start - Desperate for Renewal #1

Yesterday, we (the people of Willamette) started a journey together for the next two months. Our focus is Renewing Relationships. Over the next 60 days we will have many opportunities to let God in to do His work in our lives. Our two sermons series, Desperate Households and What to Wear will lead in opening up subjects that we need to talk, think and pray about.
I am really excited about Connection Point on Thursday nights. The class schedule includes some great opportunities for you to participate with. You can get the PDF of the CP brochure by clicking the link (Connection Point Brochure.pdf) The classes begin this Thursday at 7 PM in the main hallway in the school!

In addition, we have slated a number of special nights for seminars and further exploration. You can read the current brochure that gives dates and times by clicking the link to download the pdf of the brochure. (Renewing Relationships Brochure.pdf)

Yesterday, we began with the greatness of God and his ability to make all things new. The question for us all to ask remains... is God big enough to renew the relationship in my life. Like Zechariah do you ask "How can I be sure of this?" or like Mary do you ask "How will this be?". I encourage you today... believe in the God who is God. Say to God... be it to me according to YOUR word!
More later!
Van

P.S. If you'd like the powerpoint notes from yesterday you can click the link to download a full color pdf version of the slides. (Powerpoint slides from yesterday)

Connecting Flights - Connecting Thoughts

Just got back from a 7 week sabbatical. It was absolutely terrific. A trip to Europe and then outings on the East Coast to Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C. Family, friends, laughter and shared experience. Thousands of miles traveled on land and in air and between June 6th and July 18th I had flown seventeen flights (including three with my whole family - all six of us). All easy and uneventful. Until...

July 19th: We departed D.C. at 2 PM for our 1 hour journey to BWI (Baltimore). I would drop off the rental car and we would check in and wait for our 5:30 PM flight. Our first sign of trouble was a normal happening on the East Coast in the summer... thunder storms. Our departure for ATL would be delayed till 8:30 PM. I met a guy in line... it was his 44th birthday and he was heading home to Atlanta for a party... he just kept saying "I'm missing my party, there's balloons and an ice cream cake." I felt bad for him... I offered him a sleeve of oreo cookies if we didn't make it out. He wasn't impressed.

Then an announcement came over the intercom "the captain would like to get the plane loaded so we can get out as soon as possible." Apparently Air Traffic Control was releasing planes off the runway. So, we boarded quickly only to sit on the runway for an hour. Guess the captain was mistaken.

We arrived in Atlanta, GA at 9:30 PM as the jetway door closed for our next plane bound for Portland, OR ... which then departed... without us.... all six of us Clements. So at 9:37 PM I entered the queue for a chance to speak with a representative who would be re-booking "all six of us" on the next available flight to PDX. 2 hours later I had moved 30 feet closer to the front of the line and my family (THANKFULLY) had been picked up by an ANGEL (cleverly disguised as a second cousin, who lived 20 minutes from the airport, whom I had never previously met) to go and bed down for the night... because there was "no room in the inn" and certainly nothing available at the Hampton. (by the way I love Hampton Inn's beds... very comfy)

At 12:30 AM (July 20th) I found out that the soonest we could get seats would be on a flight on Sunday, July 22nd at 8:47 am. Our luggage would beat us home by two whole days. Or we could fly standby through Cincinnati, Detroit, LAX... you get the not-so-pretty picture. So we determined to come back for the standby at 11:15 AM the following day. After a quick night's rest and a serendipitously wonderful breakfast with our "new" family, we rejoined the ranks of the the many, the frustrated, the air travelers.

9:45 AM (July 20th) Security check went well, a quick walk, a short line at the gate, a long list of those wanting to go back to Portland. 40 people in all standing by... we were in queue as 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Only one guy made it off the list and onto the plane... the rest of us could have each had a different flavor at Baskin Robbins. (incidentally, Mint Chip is my favorite flavor.)

11:15 AM (July 20th) In yet another line. Talk on the phone to a Delta representative. She confirmed what every agent had told me... "your best bet is to keep that flight on Sunday AM". Then I met WILLIAM B. I think "B" stood for "brilliant" or "better" or maybe just "Brown"... doesn't matter, William B. got us 6 "confirmed" seats on a flight leaving at 2:30 PM bound for DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) with a "connecting flight" to PDX leaving at 9:30 PM.

2:30 PM (Friday, July 20th) We used our food vouchers for a nice lunch at Chili's too! then boarded the flight bound for home.

5:30 PM We arrive at DFW... quickly to a gate to "CONFIRM" our seats... "3 seats confirmed... 2 more confirmed... nope this last passenger will have to fly standby... " 8 year old Samuel. We told him we'd be sure he had enough money to eat on in case he didn't make it on. He was less than impressed. We were then notified that because we had changed airlines from Delta to "God Bless American!" We would have to go through TSA screening.... No Problem...

6:30 PM Enter the security line... only 5 people in front of us.... but there is one lady with 6 quart sized zip lock bags full of miscellaneous liquids... mostly cologne and perfume. FINALLY, she made it through. Samuel goes through, then me, then Aly, Claire, Hope then Erica. Whew! Then TSA Joe behind the computer screen says "I've got a bag check". We then (all six of us) entered into a very formal, regulated, thorough screening of our carry-on bags and our bodies. I just kept chuckling... and saying "unbelievable..."

7:15 PM A nice dinner at TGiFriday's (never caught the irony in that until just now.)

9:30 PM -- on the flight to PDX in the very back of the plane... but thankful to be there.

11:10 PM -- (incidentally according to our east coast body clocks it's 2 AM) Arrival in PDX along with 4,000 tan families arriving from Hawaii... all cheery and chatty because it's only 6 PM on their body clocks. We found our 8 pieces of luggage... good... except we had 10 bags... a few more inquiries and voila... two more bags. They seemed happy to be reunited with us.

12:35 AM (Saturday, July 21st) Hotel shuttle finally arrives to take us back to our car. The car is still there... we load all the luggage... the kids (who have been absolutely great) get in the car and literally pass out. I fall into the driver's seat prepared for a 2 hour drive home. Emergency brake off, gear to reverse, a look over the shoulder... HEADING HOME!

1 AM Weird noise...actually familiar weird noise... scraping, metallic, flat tire. I pulled back into the parking space, gear into Park. Walked to the front desk right through the Friday night Hotspot Bar at the Airport Holiday Inn. They don't sell fix-a-flat's in the gift shop nor do they have air compressors in the parking lot. THEN.. a 40 something man on a cell phone overhears my dilemma and offers his car for my transport to somewhere to get a fix a flat. We walk to his car, he gives me the keys, he gets in the passenger side, I drive him to the front entrance, he gets out and I'm on my way. I find a fix a flat at an AM/PM, return to the hotel, put his keys in the gas cap door (as directed) FIX the flat... and we're off.

1:30 PM --- only 2 more hours. 1hour and 45 minutes later. I am awakenend by a slap across my face. A self-inflicted wound. That's when Erica stepped in. I pulled off and she took over. I tried to stay awake...I did for 2.9 seconds.

3:30 PM - Home after 7 weeks. You think it was long reading this (or skimming this)... it was much longer living it.

But that's how it is with connecting flights... you have to be patient and constant in your pursuit... because your destination awaits.

Eternity Test Video