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)