Hey Guys,
Just wanted to let you know that due to inclement weather, our pastoral staff has decided to cancel all events for Monday, Dec. 15th. This includes our scheduled service night. We will reschedule for January sometime. Our next bible study will be January 5th. Have a great holiday season!!! Drive safe.
In Christ,
SOLD OUT staff
Monday, December 15, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Monday Night....A Chance To Serve
Hey Sell Outs,
Just wanted to let any of you interested know about our Service Night on Monday night. Instead of the normal Monday night bible study, we're going to put our faith into action and go into our community and make a difference.
Together we are going to serve in various ares in Salem and impact others around this holiday season. Your fellow Sell Outs have chosen three 'service projects' that YOU can be a part of on Monday night. We'll still feed you pizza and maybe some cookies and drinks afterwards. The three service projects will be:
-serving free hot chocolate and cider at the the Salem Bus Transit Mall
-visiting Avamere assisted living home to encourage and sing carols to residents there.
-a prayer walk around Salem Evangelical Church, praying for staff and kids.
Come and bring friends that are interested in serving and together, we'll be the hands and feet of Christ, making a difference through His love and Spirit.
We'll meet at the church at 6:00pm and be done close to 8:00pm. Hope to see you there.
In Christ,
Ryan
Monday, December 8, 2008
Life Before Life: Where is Home?
Yo Sell Outs, Kevin Rodgers here again,
At work, I usually listen to the christian music I have packed on my iPhone, and today was no different. But today I was struck with an idea when I heard some song lyrics. I can't recall the exact lyrics, but, as in a few other songs in my collection, they dealt with "going BACK to Him". It was then I thought of this idea: Did we exist in Heaven before being born on Earth? I'd like to think so. If so, It's no wonder why we're burning with a desire to return to Him. To return to the "pearly gates" if you will. There's no doubt that Heaven is our TRUE home. We're just stopping by on Earth for a quick visit, so it's important to spend this quick little blip of time glorifying God and spreading his word ensure God leaves the key under the mat.
I can't help but think about back when Pastor Randy was leading the Monday night group when he would talk sometimes about just how AWESOME Heaven is going to be. So no matter what happens in this CRAZY economy, remember, our TRUE home awaits us.
At work, I usually listen to the christian music I have packed on my iPhone, and today was no different. But today I was struck with an idea when I heard some song lyrics. I can't recall the exact lyrics, but, as in a few other songs in my collection, they dealt with "going BACK to Him". It was then I thought of this idea: Did we exist in Heaven before being born on Earth? I'd like to think so. If so, It's no wonder why we're burning with a desire to return to Him. To return to the "pearly gates" if you will. There's no doubt that Heaven is our TRUE home. We're just stopping by on Earth for a quick visit, so it's important to spend this quick little blip of time glorifying God and spreading his word ensure God leaves the key under the mat.
I can't help but think about back when Pastor Randy was leading the Monday night group when he would talk sometimes about just how AWESOME Heaven is going to be. So no matter what happens in this CRAZY economy, remember, our TRUE home awaits us.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Will you jump?
Hey guys! It's Michelle. So I've never done this before, but Ryan's been asking me to write something, so i thought i would give it shot. Plus, i don't want to study for finals anymore:)
As Megan mentioned earlier, some of us ladies are reading a book right now titled "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World". It has been so good to dig deeper into these two ladies and their interaction with Jesus. It has definitely opened up my eyes to some things. This last chapter it talked about taking the leap into God's love. This really sparked a thought for me that I've been pondering every sense. I've always known God as my Savior. It's not hard for me to admit that I need one, that I've sinned and fallen short many times. What I do struggle with is surrendering. I don't like giving up control because it's so unknown. Being someone who frequently struggles with fear and anxiety the unknown is a pretty scary thing; and someone asking me to give up every ounce of control, well that's beyond frightening.
But that's what calling Jesus, "Lord", is all about. He's calling us, more personally me, to completely surrender and let Him be Lord of our lives.
That's what it means to be "Sold Out." it's kinda hard to be sold out when you haven't yet named Him Lord in your life. The author proposes a question from Jesus, "Will you give me your all?"
Total abandonment was what he demanded, and nothing less. I have to admit I'm scared to make that jump. But I know that he's like a Father waiting in the swimming pool for his little child to jump in for the first time. As the little one stands on the edge scared and trembling, His arms are open wide, waiting to catch you so you don't go under, gently saying "Jump, I'm here, I'm not going anywhere" and when we do, He's there, ready to catch us and ready to take control of our lives and send us on an adventure we NEVER could have planned ourselves. The journey He has for us is beyond our comprehension, but we have to surrender to it first.
It's an every day decision I have to make. Will I jump? honestly there's some days I don't, I hold so tightly to my plans because I'm so afraid of the unknown. But there's days that I do, and it's the most amazing feeling, knowing that you don't have to be in control! that the Lord will take care of me and everything that needs to get done, I just have to let Him.
So, what's the point of all this? I don't really know, I just felt like writing something, and this has been something on my heart a lot lately. However, I do challenge you to ask yourself the tough questions... is He your Lord? and as he gently asks you, "Will you give me your all?" will you jump into his arms and surrender?
Monday, November 17, 2008
A great weekend
Hey Sell Outs, Lee here. Just wanted to reflect a bit on this past weekend. I helped out with several other guys from Sold Out at the SEC high school guys purity retreat at Drift Creek Lodge. I believe we had 8 or 9 guys that helped out, cooking and serving food. It was a great weekend.
Several girls from Sold Out helped out at the female version of the retreat in Milwaukee...post some stories here!
I'm obviously speaking from the guys' retreat perspective and I'm sure there are some great stories from the girl's retreat. It was just great to be an example and serve the high schoolers as they encountered a very important retreat, which hit on huge topics. Us Sell Outs had a great time as well, spending time in our own group during small group times and while cooking food and serving the students.
For me, this weekend solidified the notion I have believed about this Sold Out ministry since around April or May -- we are a family. In our small group times this weekend, we emphasized the importance of being transparent (that is, being open and honest about what's going on in our lives so that others can listen, help and encourage). It's huge... if something is going on in your life, it is easy to fall into the trap of isolation and seclusion where no one knows what you are dealing with. However, with encouragement from our brothers and sisters (and ultimately with the help of God and His Spirit), we can overcome the difficulties life dishes out.
And I'll be honest, the retreat -- even though I'm not in high school -- was a good reminder for me. I learned things right alongside the high school students. It was great to serve them and attempt to bridge any gap that may exist between the high schoolers and college-age kids at our church. I played the box along with Kory on the guitar for some small worship sessions and it was truly awesome to hear the praises being raised from the group. I got goosebumps because it was so powerful.
It was fun trying to keep from burning food and somehow screwing up canned soup. I found a flower-covered apron to ensure I looked like a legit cook. We laughed and had a great time. I debated on whether or not I should go all the way up until last Thursday, but I listened to the Holy Spirit, who was nudging me to go. I'm glad I decided to go.
Be reminded, brothers and sisters, that we are a family in God's church, and especially in our small Sold Out ministry. Be there for one another and we can keep growing strong in the Lord TOGETHER. See ya tonight.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
EMBRACE
Hey, Guys! It's Courtney and this is something I wanted to share with you. Here's a moment to look forward to.....
A daughter lays there crying.
On her knees she sits, hands folded in her lap.
Feeling abandoned, alone, and ashamed.
Her eyes well up with tears and she squeezes them shut.
Her efforts are in vain as tears pour down her face.
She gently raises her chin and opens her eyes.
There, standing in front of her, is her Father.
Her Father in Heaven who has been her everything,
Even when she couldn’t or didn’t remember.
She stands and rushes toward him.
Shame, guilt, sin fall freely from her.
Faster and faster she goes.
Light and burden free she feels.
Time stops as she falls into his open arms.
He holds her tight revealing a pure and loving heart.
A love fills her, a love she’s been waiting for.
One that has drawn her near her entire life and is summed in his grasp.
Her life was hard, but for this….she’d gladly do it again.
It was worth it, she thinks.
Tears continue to fall, not tears of sorrow, but tears of joy.
Squeezing tight, she knows she’ll never let go.
Her Father continues to hold her, soothing her gently.
He won’t ever let her go.
He’s looked forward to this day longer than she has.
Never again will they part.
Home at last, they think.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Having a Mary heart
Hello everybody, this is Megan. Some other ladies from our group and myself are reading a book right now called Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. The book is based off of the passage in Luke where Jesus visits the sisters' home and Martha and Mary have two very different ways of reacting to his visit. I highly recommend this book to the ladies in our group!
In yesterday's reading, I read about how important it is for us to have intimate time with God. Not just time of prayer, not just reading the Bible, or sitting in church, but a time of complete intimacy with our Lord and Savior. The author writes that "Satan enjoys using our hectic schedules, stressed bodies, and emotional upsets in his efforts to put up barriers to our intimacy with God. That's why we need to take a close look at any thought, feeling, or activity that diminishes our appetite for intimacy with God."
I never looked at my intimacy with God in quite that way. The author also compares this with us preparing an incredibly delicious meal for our family and friends to enjoy with us, but then we get a little hungry and snack before dinner and then cannot fully enjoy the meal like everyone else. It's the same with our relationship with God. We should desire a full, complete intimacy with Him, and not spoil our appetites.
"Things like friends, books, and shopping... they may be good things, completely innocent things - but not when they take the edge off of our hunger for God." I think about how often I get on the internet and spend over an hour on facebook looking at friend's pages, or when I play video games, or talk on the phone. Those things are innocent, but when I have taken time for those things throughout my day and then finally settle down to spend time with my Lord; my appetite has been ruined. So I guess my question to all of you is: How hungry are you?
In yesterday's reading, I read about how important it is for us to have intimate time with God. Not just time of prayer, not just reading the Bible, or sitting in church, but a time of complete intimacy with our Lord and Savior. The author writes that "Satan enjoys using our hectic schedules, stressed bodies, and emotional upsets in his efforts to put up barriers to our intimacy with God. That's why we need to take a close look at any thought, feeling, or activity that diminishes our appetite for intimacy with God."
I never looked at my intimacy with God in quite that way. The author also compares this with us preparing an incredibly delicious meal for our family and friends to enjoy with us, but then we get a little hungry and snack before dinner and then cannot fully enjoy the meal like everyone else. It's the same with our relationship with God. We should desire a full, complete intimacy with Him, and not spoil our appetites.
"Things like friends, books, and shopping... they may be good things, completely innocent things - but not when they take the edge off of our hunger for God." I think about how often I get on the internet and spend over an hour on facebook looking at friend's pages, or when I play video games, or talk on the phone. Those things are innocent, but when I have taken time for those things throughout my day and then finally settle down to spend time with my Lord; my appetite has been ruined. So I guess my question to all of you is: How hungry are you?
Superhero Film Festival
We had a great night a few weeks back, hanging out, eating great food, playing crazy games and watching some HILARIOUS videos. Here are a few pics from the evening.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Trinity
Hey Sell Outs, Kevin Rodgers here (again).
Wednesday, during our guys bible study at Ryan and Kealy's place we got into a discussion about marriage and sex. I won't go into details, but Ryan mentioned something that I later elaborated on that I thought was really cool.
We think of God as a trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All separate, but at the same time, all one and the same. I think the same should be said about marriage. The husband, the wife, and God. All separate, but all joined as one.
A long time ago, when Pastor Randy was leading the Monday night group, he was talking about marriage one night. He said you should always marry someone for their Godliness. I think this is what he was talking about. Marriage shouldn't be just a union of man and wife, but a godly man and a godly woman joined under God and through God, joining the three as one, a trinity of love.
Wednesday, during our guys bible study at Ryan and Kealy's place we got into a discussion about marriage and sex. I won't go into details, but Ryan mentioned something that I later elaborated on that I thought was really cool.
We think of God as a trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All separate, but at the same time, all one and the same. I think the same should be said about marriage. The husband, the wife, and God. All separate, but all joined as one.
A long time ago, when Pastor Randy was leading the Monday night group, he was talking about marriage one night. He said you should always marry someone for their Godliness. I think this is what he was talking about. Marriage shouldn't be just a union of man and wife, but a godly man and a godly woman joined under God and through God, joining the three as one, a trinity of love.
Friday, October 24, 2008
12 Instructions for being SOLD OUT!!
Hey guys, while reading Matthew 10 I wrote down 12 instructions from Jesus to his disciples as he sent them out into the world to preach the truth to all who would listen, so here they are.
1. Seek the lost (Matt 10:6)
2. Heal the sick (Matt 10:8)
3. Leave material values and worldly possessions behind (Matt 10:9)
4. Stay with worthy people(Matt 10:11)
5. Be careful of men (Matt 10:17)
6. Stand firm in Christ (Matt 10:22)
7. Never stop preaching the word (Matt 10:23)
8. Remember your place under God (Matt 10:24)
9. Don't be afraid of men (Matt 10:26)
10. Fear the Lord (Matt 10:28)
11. Always acknowledge God (Matt 10:32)
12. Pick up your cross and follow him (Matt 10:38)
These instructions were given to Christ's followers as he released them to the world to show his kindness, compassion, and love to all around them. These instructions were given years and years ago, but they still apply to us today. Everything we need to be completely Sold Out to him, like the ultimate sell outs of the bible!!
In Christ,
Courtney
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Fully divine, yet fully human
Hey Sell Outs, Kevin Rodgers here.
Ryan said something on Monday that I thought was awesome. He was talking about how we usually don't think about how Jesus, the son of God, though fully divine, was still fully human. He got tired, got hungry, got tempted by sin, and, of course, got hurt.
Jesus, at the last supper said "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." (Luke 22:15-16) and "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."(Luke 22:17-18). If he were just fully divine, he would have said "Here, I bless you with this food, eat, drink, and be merry." Instead he's saying "I EAGERLY want to SHARE this meal WITH YOU." Well, doesn't he still eagerly desire to spend time with us? He may not be able to sit down and chill with us at Starbucks for a mocha, but he's always there, EAGERLY desiring for us to quiet down our lives and focus on the wisdom he gives and how we can use it to grow closer to him. So do it.
Ryan said something on Monday that I thought was awesome. He was talking about how we usually don't think about how Jesus, the son of God, though fully divine, was still fully human. He got tired, got hungry, got tempted by sin, and, of course, got hurt.
Jesus, at the last supper said "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." (Luke 22:15-16) and "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."(Luke 22:17-18). If he were just fully divine, he would have said "Here, I bless you with this food, eat, drink, and be merry." Instead he's saying "I EAGERLY want to SHARE this meal WITH YOU." Well, doesn't he still eagerly desire to spend time with us? He may not be able to sit down and chill with us at Starbucks for a mocha, but he's always there, EAGERLY desiring for us to quiet down our lives and focus on the wisdom he gives and how we can use it to grow closer to him. So do it.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
in light of eternity....
so. here i am. posting a blog. oh, this is lindy by the way. and i'm not just posting because ryan asked me to :)...i've been thinking that i need to post this blog soon anyways.
so what God has really been driving home for me lately, starting even since jared died last february, is having an eternal mind set. it's like God's put toby mac's song loose my soul on repeat in my brain and it's been my sound track for life these last few weeks. and i actually LOVE it. :) especially this chunk...."Father God i am clay in your hands. help me to stay that way through all life's demands...i don't wanna gain the whole world and loose my soul."
when we try to grasp how tiny our lives here are on earth in the spectrum of eternity...it seems that we can basically take anything. how do our 100 (to be generous) measly years here on earth compare to the billions of trillions of melleniums of centuries of decades that we will spend in Heaven in the arms of Jesus with those we love most?
suddenly, we can handle the prospect of living our entire lifes as a missionary way easier! the idea of living in a strange, third world country away from those we love, eating weird foods, and using squaty potties the rest of our lifes isn't so scary. i mean we have all of ETERNITY to spend with most of the people we were away from (and then some) and to eat any kind of food we want, and if there will be no more squaty potties then why not? PLUS if we can reep rewards from our sacrifices on earth AND in Heaven? shoot, sign me up! skipping a few shopping sprees that we didn't need anyways isn't so intense...you can't take your mall bags with you anyways. hurt feelings and arguments fade faster and easier....i mean will we really remember them in Heaven anyways? we can handle the loss of a love one that much easier if we remember that they will meet up with us in Heaven. pain and sickness that we go through takes less of a toll on our attitude when we realize that our ETERNAL bodies will be perfect. even the nerd that talegates us and then cuts us off is less frustrating, because we won't be dealing with that. :)
even before ryan talked about this a few mondays ago, i've been really thinking and trying to make this a part of my life. when we have an eternal perspective, everything changes, or at least it should. the way we spend our time changes. the way we use our money changes. how much time we envest into service changes. the focus of our relationships change. the way we make small and little choices changes. our entire lifes change. the way we think, react, envest and spend like will be completely changed. if we let it, this an eternal mindset can completely turn our world upside down. and i believe that the eternal focus that Jesus lived out was one of the major keys to his ministry. and HE's the only man who lived just 33 years and yet 2,000 years later...his revolution still is alive and well. but it's up to us to keep it that way.
so what God has really been driving home for me lately, starting even since jared died last february, is having an eternal mind set. it's like God's put toby mac's song loose my soul on repeat in my brain and it's been my sound track for life these last few weeks. and i actually LOVE it. :) especially this chunk...."Father God i am clay in your hands. help me to stay that way through all life's demands...i don't wanna gain the whole world and loose my soul."
when we try to grasp how tiny our lives here are on earth in the spectrum of eternity...it seems that we can basically take anything. how do our 100 (to be generous) measly years here on earth compare to the billions of trillions of melleniums of centuries of decades that we will spend in Heaven in the arms of Jesus with those we love most?
suddenly, we can handle the prospect of living our entire lifes as a missionary way easier! the idea of living in a strange, third world country away from those we love, eating weird foods, and using squaty potties the rest of our lifes isn't so scary. i mean we have all of ETERNITY to spend with most of the people we were away from (and then some) and to eat any kind of food we want, and if there will be no more squaty potties then why not? PLUS if we can reep rewards from our sacrifices on earth AND in Heaven? shoot, sign me up! skipping a few shopping sprees that we didn't need anyways isn't so intense...you can't take your mall bags with you anyways. hurt feelings and arguments fade faster and easier....i mean will we really remember them in Heaven anyways? we can handle the loss of a love one that much easier if we remember that they will meet up with us in Heaven. pain and sickness that we go through takes less of a toll on our attitude when we realize that our ETERNAL bodies will be perfect. even the nerd that talegates us and then cuts us off is less frustrating, because we won't be dealing with that. :)
even before ryan talked about this a few mondays ago, i've been really thinking and trying to make this a part of my life. when we have an eternal perspective, everything changes, or at least it should. the way we spend our time changes. the way we use our money changes. how much time we envest into service changes. the focus of our relationships change. the way we make small and little choices changes. our entire lifes change. the way we think, react, envest and spend like will be completely changed. if we let it, this an eternal mindset can completely turn our world upside down. and i believe that the eternal focus that Jesus lived out was one of the major keys to his ministry. and HE's the only man who lived just 33 years and yet 2,000 years later...his revolution still is alive and well. but it's up to us to keep it that way.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Jer. 29:10-14 -- A quick look
Hey guys, quick thought about a well-known verse and its context.
Today I was reading Jeremiah 29, home of the famous verse 11 ("For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.")
To my surprise, I had not read that verse in its context before (or at least did not recall doing so). It’s pretty amazing on its own and even better when you read what’s around it. Ultimately, the passage (especially verses 10 through 14) is about persistence and faith that God has a perfect master plan, even if we don’t see it. By the way, this is from a letter written by Jeremiah to those who had been exiled to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. Check it out:
10 This is what the LORD says: "You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. 11 For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you," says the LORD. "I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land."
-Jer. 29:10-14, NLT
To me, the cool part of this passage is in verses 12 and 13, where God tells us that when we pray, He listens. And if we look for him (wholeheartedly, of course), we WILL find Him. Sometimes we might feel like He is distant or that we are not able to reach God, but this passage says He’s right there.
This concept can be applied to anything or any situation we encounter. It’s pretty cool that we have a God that listens to us and looks out for us.
Hope to see you tonight at Sold Out.
-Lee
Today I was reading Jeremiah 29, home of the famous verse 11 ("For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.")
To my surprise, I had not read that verse in its context before (or at least did not recall doing so). It’s pretty amazing on its own and even better when you read what’s around it. Ultimately, the passage (especially verses 10 through 14) is about persistence and faith that God has a perfect master plan, even if we don’t see it. By the way, this is from a letter written by Jeremiah to those who had been exiled to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. Check it out:
10 This is what the LORD says: "You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. 11 For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you," says the LORD. "I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land."
-Jer. 29:10-14, NLT
To me, the cool part of this passage is in verses 12 and 13, where God tells us that when we pray, He listens. And if we look for him (wholeheartedly, of course), we WILL find Him. Sometimes we might feel like He is distant or that we are not able to reach God, but this passage says He’s right there.
This concept can be applied to anything or any situation we encounter. It’s pretty cool that we have a God that listens to us and looks out for us.
Hope to see you tonight at Sold Out.
-Lee
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Impact of Music
Lee here... What's up Sell Outs?
I'm a firm believer that music has a way of speaking to me in ways that other things cannot. God gave music to us as a gift. Have you ever experienced a song that really hits home with you? I heard David Crowder say once that worship music allows us to articulate our faith. There are some times when the best way to explain why we do what we do as Christians is through a song.
Anyways, all of that leads me to this -- Last night there were two songs that came to mind that re-emphasized what God was teaching us through Ryan.
Ryan talked about how we often experience the desire to clean ourselves up before approaching God. Let's be honest here. That will never happen. Satan tries to get us to believe that we need to clean ourselves up before we go to God so then he can clean us more. Isn't God able to clean us up entirely, to take us in our imperfections and make us pure and whole again? The song that came to mind in regards to this is called "Come Ye Sinners." One verse touches directly on this idea:
"Come, ye weary, heavy-laden
Lost and ruined by the fall
If you tarry 'til you're better
You will never come at all"
God desires us to approach Him where we are at, sin and all. If we try to "clean" ourselves before doing that, we'll never go to God at all. We are essentially creating a standard of perfection, or at least improvement, that we will never reach on our own. Therefore, we never get to the point where we feel we're ready to approach God. It's all about allowing the Lord to carry our burdens. If we tarry (wait or delay), it's likely we will never even approach God to allow Him to work on us.
The other song touched on the idea of hiding in the strength of the Lord. Ryan termed it hiding in His robe. Some may think this is weakness -- hiding from the dangers that we encounter. However, there is no other source of strength that can empower us more than if we hide and dwell in God's presence.
When we had our quiet time last night, the song "In Your Presence" really captured that concept for me. These lyrics are really powerful:
"In Your presence, that's where I am strong
In Your presence, O Lord my God
In Your presence, that's where I belong
Seeking Your face, touching Your grace
In the cleft of the Rock
In Your presence O God
I want to go where the rivers cannot overflow me
Where my feet are on the rock
I want to hide where the blazing fire cannot burn me
In Your presence O God"
If we are in Christ's robe, in His presence, the fires and rivers we encounter cannot harm us.
These two songs emphasized that all we need to do (and all God wants for us to do) is run to Him wherever we are at and hide in his presence. He is a conqueror and we gain strength in His presence. After all, we are His children (you are a child of the King!), and one of the highest priorities for a father is to protect his children.
-Lee Clarkson
I'm a firm believer that music has a way of speaking to me in ways that other things cannot. God gave music to us as a gift. Have you ever experienced a song that really hits home with you? I heard David Crowder say once that worship music allows us to articulate our faith. There are some times when the best way to explain why we do what we do as Christians is through a song.
Anyways, all of that leads me to this -- Last night there were two songs that came to mind that re-emphasized what God was teaching us through Ryan.
Ryan talked about how we often experience the desire to clean ourselves up before approaching God. Let's be honest here. That will never happen. Satan tries to get us to believe that we need to clean ourselves up before we go to God so then he can clean us more. Isn't God able to clean us up entirely, to take us in our imperfections and make us pure and whole again? The song that came to mind in regards to this is called "Come Ye Sinners." One verse touches directly on this idea:
"Come, ye weary, heavy-laden
Lost and ruined by the fall
If you tarry 'til you're better
You will never come at all"
God desires us to approach Him where we are at, sin and all. If we try to "clean" ourselves before doing that, we'll never go to God at all. We are essentially creating a standard of perfection, or at least improvement, that we will never reach on our own. Therefore, we never get to the point where we feel we're ready to approach God. It's all about allowing the Lord to carry our burdens. If we tarry (wait or delay), it's likely we will never even approach God to allow Him to work on us.
The other song touched on the idea of hiding in the strength of the Lord. Ryan termed it hiding in His robe. Some may think this is weakness -- hiding from the dangers that we encounter. However, there is no other source of strength that can empower us more than if we hide and dwell in God's presence.
When we had our quiet time last night, the song "In Your Presence" really captured that concept for me. These lyrics are really powerful:
"In Your presence, that's where I am strong
In Your presence, O Lord my God
In Your presence, that's where I belong
Seeking Your face, touching Your grace
In the cleft of the Rock
In Your presence O God
I want to go where the rivers cannot overflow me
Where my feet are on the rock
I want to hide where the blazing fire cannot burn me
In Your presence O God"
If we are in Christ's robe, in His presence, the fires and rivers we encounter cannot harm us.
These two songs emphasized that all we need to do (and all God wants for us to do) is run to Him wherever we are at and hide in his presence. He is a conqueror and we gain strength in His presence. After all, we are His children (you are a child of the King!), and one of the highest priorities for a father is to protect his children.
-Lee Clarkson
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Pumpkin Painting Party!!!
Here's a look into the fun girl's night on Friday painting pumpkins and making pizzas!
Keep an eye out for more girl's events later this fall!!! See you at the SuperHero Film Festival!
Keep an eye out for more girl's events later this fall!!! See you at the SuperHero Film Festival!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Faith gives us "Undeserved privilege"
1) Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
2) Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
-Romans 5: 1-2 NLT (emphasis added)
I read these two verses the other night and was struck by verse two. "Undeserved privilege." It sums up a very basic idea of Christianity in that we don't deserve to be saved (think Romans 3:23). Yet, God loves us anyway. Amazing. And, Christ died for us anyway. Wow.
To me, this is a reminder that a relationship with God is an opportunity we have been given by Him -- because He WANTS it, not because of anything I've done. This isn't meant to be a negative, where we focus on our sinful nature and tendency to screw up that relationship. We're going to sin. If the Holy Spirit is in us, however, we will have the desire to steer away from sin as much as possible.
Bottom line -- this is a hope verse. God is patient with us. We have the opportunity to pick ourselves up after stumbling (with His help, of course) and "confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory."
-Lee Clarkson
2) Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
-Romans 5: 1-2 NLT (emphasis added)
I read these two verses the other night and was struck by verse two. "Undeserved privilege." It sums up a very basic idea of Christianity in that we don't deserve to be saved (think Romans 3:23). Yet, God loves us anyway. Amazing. And, Christ died for us anyway. Wow.
To me, this is a reminder that a relationship with God is an opportunity we have been given by Him -- because He WANTS it, not because of anything I've done. This isn't meant to be a negative, where we focus on our sinful nature and tendency to screw up that relationship. We're going to sin. If the Holy Spirit is in us, however, we will have the desire to steer away from sin as much as possible.
Bottom line -- this is a hope verse. God is patient with us. We have the opportunity to pick ourselves up after stumbling (with His help, of course) and "confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory."
-Lee Clarkson
Saturday, September 27, 2008
world changer
so this is something i ran across a while ago when i was checking out some missions agencys. i think i found it on the teenmania web site...a while ago. hope you all like it...i thought it was pretty epic and way too cool to keep all to myself. :) - lindy
Today, I will live honorably through my thoughts, actions and speech. I choose to be full of faith; I will not only be a hearer, but a doer of the Word of God. I will serve before I demand, I will love and not hate, and I will give before I take. Today, I choose to make a difference in this world and to be a part of something bigger than myself. I choose to dedicate my life to prayer and ask God for his miraculous power and the courage to do the impossible. I will make Godly relatioships a priority in my life as I esteem others higher than myself. Today, I will live my life in such a way that I will Change the World.
Today, I will live honorably through my thoughts, actions and speech. I choose to be full of faith; I will not only be a hearer, but a doer of the Word of God. I will serve before I demand, I will love and not hate, and I will give before I take. Today, I choose to make a difference in this world and to be a part of something bigger than myself. I choose to dedicate my life to prayer and ask God for his miraculous power and the courage to do the impossible. I will make Godly relatioships a priority in my life as I esteem others higher than myself. Today, I will live my life in such a way that I will Change the World.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
What's Your Favorite Worship Song?
What's your favorite worship song or songs and why? Post a comment below and let us know!
on being Jesus' chaucer.
hey there my fellow sell outs! it's lindy.
so the other day after our student leadership meeting (and that was really exciting and good!) i was home and just hanging out...didn't really have a lot to do... so i ended up popping in a kinghts tale. (i promise, this really is going somewhere! :D) so for those of you who don't know what this movie is about...really all you need to know is that every time a knight competes in his sport, an announcer comes out to introduce their knight to the crowd and gets them all excited and everything. that's all their job is...making sure that the crowd knows who their master is. but the main knight of this movie...well his anouncer, chuacer, takes this to a whole new level. he doesn't just do a simple one or two line intro. like "my lords and lady's it is my pleasure to give you sir..." and then they're done. psh...no. that's not good enough for chaucer's master, sir orich. he gives him a grand intro. something like "ladies and gentlemen...and everyone else NOT sitting on cushen. [reffering to the peasants] today, today, you find yourself equals. for you are all equally blessed to be in the presence of my lord. for it is my pleasure, my honor, nay my privolige to introduce you..." and he continues to go on for like PARAGRAPHS just like bragging about him. but he doesn't say one word about himself. it's all about the master.
so as i was waching this movie, somehow, this aspect of the movie reminded me of a chapter i read in a max lucado devotional called "it's not about me". the words in the first chapter rang in my mind...."when God looks at the center of the universe, he doesn't look at you...lesser orbs that's us. appriciated. valued. loved dearly. but cenrtal? essential? critical? nope. sorry. the world does not revolve around us. our comfort is not God's priority...we exist to make a big deal out of him." WOW. just like the anouncer's job in the movie...our one and only job is to make the name and work of Christ famous. we are loved. but we are NOT the centepiece. we are to tell everyone else about the centerpiece. but i want to be like chaucer and have the wisdom to see that no short, blah intro isn't enough for my LORD. what if we looked at that speech in terms of our faith and translated it to Christ? like "ladies and gentlemen. we are all equals here today. for the blood of Christ has covered all our sins equally. i give you the King of Kings, Lord and Creator of it all. The one All Poweful and Knowing One. the Redeemer, Lover, Friend and Resucer of all man kind....my Jesus..." i mean of course, needless to say, we're probably not going to walk down the streets or into work or whatever and make that grand announcment. but we can live our lives in such a way to let all our actions and love do all the talking for us. we can be living so that every action might as well be shouting that speech at the top of our lungs. and of course, we can look for and take chances to give verbal testimony to God and His work.
through God's power and in His name, i want to change the world. not just my city, state country, or continent...i mean WORLD. (see my note on facebook if you need any more explaination.) and i've been praying about what i can do to get this thing going. and all of a sudden it all came together. (crazy how God can even use a movie of all things...) i had an "ah-ha moment". i realized that when i find my place, and get my perspective on God and eternity - where it belongs - and LIVE that...THAT will change the world. when i humble myself and love, then choice by choice, minute by minute make concious efforts to put others before myself...that will get this revolution going. change begins when we remember that it's not about our dreams, feelings, lives or desires. it's about GOD. when we keep our job as God's announcers at the front of our hearts and minds and live that, that will bring about the change and hope of Christ that we so desprately need. this will look different for eveyone else. it may be something small like obeying a prompt from the Spirit to smile at a stranger. or it could be something as big as allowing God to raise you up into the next billy grahm. and then of course there's everything else in between that can have an impact on others. either way, the gates of hell are stormed and the Kingdom of God is advanced. the point is when we obey God, the possibilities are endless.
i'm so glad that i have you all as a family to share my passion and live life with. i'm blessed by you as a group and i thank God when i think of you....and i loose sleep like ryan after student leadership meetings. ;) ok...i'm out. hope you all have a good week and i look forward to monday.
-lindy
so the other day after our student leadership meeting (and that was really exciting and good!) i was home and just hanging out...didn't really have a lot to do... so i ended up popping in a kinghts tale. (i promise, this really is going somewhere! :D) so for those of you who don't know what this movie is about...really all you need to know is that every time a knight competes in his sport, an announcer comes out to introduce their knight to the crowd and gets them all excited and everything. that's all their job is...making sure that the crowd knows who their master is. but the main knight of this movie...well his anouncer, chuacer, takes this to a whole new level. he doesn't just do a simple one or two line intro. like "my lords and lady's it is my pleasure to give you sir..." and then they're done. psh...no. that's not good enough for chaucer's master, sir orich. he gives him a grand intro. something like "ladies and gentlemen...and everyone else NOT sitting on cushen. [reffering to the peasants] today, today, you find yourself equals. for you are all equally blessed to be in the presence of my lord. for it is my pleasure, my honor, nay my privolige to introduce you..." and he continues to go on for like PARAGRAPHS just like bragging about him. but he doesn't say one word about himself. it's all about the master.
so as i was waching this movie, somehow, this aspect of the movie reminded me of a chapter i read in a max lucado devotional called "it's not about me". the words in the first chapter rang in my mind...."when God looks at the center of the universe, he doesn't look at you...lesser orbs that's us. appriciated. valued. loved dearly. but cenrtal? essential? critical? nope. sorry. the world does not revolve around us. our comfort is not God's priority...we exist to make a big deal out of him." WOW. just like the anouncer's job in the movie...our one and only job is to make the name and work of Christ famous. we are loved. but we are NOT the centepiece. we are to tell everyone else about the centerpiece. but i want to be like chaucer and have the wisdom to see that no short, blah intro isn't enough for my LORD. what if we looked at that speech in terms of our faith and translated it to Christ? like "ladies and gentlemen. we are all equals here today. for the blood of Christ has covered all our sins equally. i give you the King of Kings, Lord and Creator of it all. The one All Poweful and Knowing One. the Redeemer, Lover, Friend and Resucer of all man kind....my Jesus..." i mean of course, needless to say, we're probably not going to walk down the streets or into work or whatever and make that grand announcment. but we can live our lives in such a way to let all our actions and love do all the talking for us. we can be living so that every action might as well be shouting that speech at the top of our lungs. and of course, we can look for and take chances to give verbal testimony to God and His work.
through God's power and in His name, i want to change the world. not just my city, state country, or continent...i mean WORLD. (see my note on facebook if you need any more explaination.) and i've been praying about what i can do to get this thing going. and all of a sudden it all came together. (crazy how God can even use a movie of all things...) i had an "ah-ha moment". i realized that when i find my place, and get my perspective on God and eternity - where it belongs - and LIVE that...THAT will change the world. when i humble myself and love, then choice by choice, minute by minute make concious efforts to put others before myself...that will get this revolution going. change begins when we remember that it's not about our dreams, feelings, lives or desires. it's about GOD. when we keep our job as God's announcers at the front of our hearts and minds and live that, that will bring about the change and hope of Christ that we so desprately need. this will look different for eveyone else. it may be something small like obeying a prompt from the Spirit to smile at a stranger. or it could be something as big as allowing God to raise you up into the next billy grahm. and then of course there's everything else in between that can have an impact on others. either way, the gates of hell are stormed and the Kingdom of God is advanced. the point is when we obey God, the possibilities are endless.
i'm so glad that i have you all as a family to share my passion and live life with. i'm blessed by you as a group and i thank God when i think of you....and i loose sleep like ryan after student leadership meetings. ;) ok...i'm out. hope you all have a good week and i look forward to monday.
-lindy
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Sold Out Theme Song??
What's up Sell Outs?
I got to thinking today about the last song we sang last night at Sold Out, called "The Stand" by Hillsong United. We played that song for the first time yesterday, and to be honest, I was just intent on learning the song so we could play it. When I listened to it at work yesterday and when we practiced before group last night, I wasn't really focusing on the lyrics. All I had in mind was what I would be doing/playing at different points in the song. It was a powerful song, but I hadn't completely grasped the power of the words we sang until today.
Something Ryan said last night as we practiced stuck with me. He said that he loved this line of the song: "So I'll stand / With arms high and heart abandoned." That hit me today as I listened to the song again. And I began to focus on the lyrics. Right now, I honestly cannot think of a song which more prefectly describes our ministry in Sold Out (and Christianity, period, for that matter) than "The Stand."
I would encourage you to really pay attention to the words of the song (I included them below). I cannot wait to play this again because now I "get" the meaning of this song.
It can be our rallying cry, our defense for why we are doing what we are doing in this ministry. "All I am is Yours."
-Lee Clarkson
---------------
THE STAND - Hillsong United
You stood before creation
Eternity within Your hand
You spoke the earth into motion
My soul now to stand
You stood before my failure
Carried the Cross for my shame
My sin weighed upon Your shoulders
My soul now to stand
So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You
So I'll walk upon salvation
Your Spirit alive in me
This life to declare Your promise
My soul now to stand
So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You
So I'll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all
So I'll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours
I got to thinking today about the last song we sang last night at Sold Out, called "The Stand" by Hillsong United. We played that song for the first time yesterday, and to be honest, I was just intent on learning the song so we could play it. When I listened to it at work yesterday and when we practiced before group last night, I wasn't really focusing on the lyrics. All I had in mind was what I would be doing/playing at different points in the song. It was a powerful song, but I hadn't completely grasped the power of the words we sang until today.
Something Ryan said last night as we practiced stuck with me. He said that he loved this line of the song: "So I'll stand / With arms high and heart abandoned." That hit me today as I listened to the song again. And I began to focus on the lyrics. Right now, I honestly cannot think of a song which more prefectly describes our ministry in Sold Out (and Christianity, period, for that matter) than "The Stand."
I would encourage you to really pay attention to the words of the song (I included them below). I cannot wait to play this again because now I "get" the meaning of this song.
It can be our rallying cry, our defense for why we are doing what we are doing in this ministry. "All I am is Yours."
-Lee Clarkson
---------------
THE STAND - Hillsong United
You stood before creation
Eternity within Your hand
You spoke the earth into motion
My soul now to stand
You stood before my failure
Carried the Cross for my shame
My sin weighed upon Your shoulders
My soul now to stand
So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You
So I'll walk upon salvation
Your Spirit alive in me
This life to declare Your promise
My soul now to stand
So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You
So I'll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all
So I'll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Just a Suggestion for the future
Hey Yall,
I loved all the ideas that were brought up at the leadership meeting today. I think Sold Out is heading in an amazing direction, growing and changing every week, with God leading us every step of the way.
We mentioned a few things at the leadership meeting about serving. As Matt Keller and I have mentioned a few times (and I'm sure Ryan is REALLY sick of hearing about) I think it would be AWESOME getting Sold Out involved with helping out serving at an amazing place called 5 Rock Ranch. For those of you who don't know about it, It's a 107 acre ranch in Yamhill (so it's not too far away for a quick trip every now and then) that used to be a bustling dude ranch called the Flying M Ranch, which opened in 1971. It used to be a place where people got drunk all the time and I'm sure at least a few children were conceived (if you know what I mean). In other words, it was a place of sin. But, a couple of years after the ranch closed down, a REALLY nice couple named Scott and Christy Bradley bought the ranch and are in the process of converting it into a safe haven for fatherless children and single moms. Scott and Christy have always had a place in their hearts for fatherless children, having taken in and mentored dozens of them over the years. Over the past couple of years, I, along with the former Salem Alliance college group Ethos, have helped out several times at the ranch doing stuff like hauling fire wood and painting, and stuff like that, nothing really major. Mostly, it all about the fellowship. I can't describe how amazing it is chilling out at that beautiful place and getting to know all of the amazing, godly people who live and work there. Everybody at 5 Rock Ranch is like one big family. I would love to see Sold Out become part of that extended family sometime in the near future.
--Kevin Rodgers
I loved all the ideas that were brought up at the leadership meeting today. I think Sold Out is heading in an amazing direction, growing and changing every week, with God leading us every step of the way.
We mentioned a few things at the leadership meeting about serving. As Matt Keller and I have mentioned a few times (and I'm sure Ryan is REALLY sick of hearing about) I think it would be AWESOME getting Sold Out involved with helping out serving at an amazing place called 5 Rock Ranch. For those of you who don't know about it, It's a 107 acre ranch in Yamhill (so it's not too far away for a quick trip every now and then) that used to be a bustling dude ranch called the Flying M Ranch, which opened in 1971. It used to be a place where people got drunk all the time and I'm sure at least a few children were conceived (if you know what I mean). In other words, it was a place of sin. But, a couple of years after the ranch closed down, a REALLY nice couple named Scott and Christy Bradley bought the ranch and are in the process of converting it into a safe haven for fatherless children and single moms. Scott and Christy have always had a place in their hearts for fatherless children, having taken in and mentored dozens of them over the years. Over the past couple of years, I, along with the former Salem Alliance college group Ethos, have helped out several times at the ranch doing stuff like hauling fire wood and painting, and stuff like that, nothing really major. Mostly, it all about the fellowship. I can't describe how amazing it is chilling out at that beautiful place and getting to know all of the amazing, godly people who live and work there. Everybody at 5 Rock Ranch is like one big family. I would love to see Sold Out become part of that extended family sometime in the near future.
--Kevin Rodgers
maintaining that relationship
Hey everyone! It's Megan =) I thought I would take this chance to share with all of you what God has been laying on my heart lately. At the end of each day the past week or so I have been reflecting on how I spend my time. How much time did I spend in the word? How much time did I spend in prayer? How much time did I spend in fellowship that honored God? How much time did I spend listening to music that honored God? etc, etc, etc.
Lately I have become quite aware of how the things I see, hear, and talk about during the day affect my relationship and my closeness with my Savior. A few weeks ago Ryan talked about walking in the light. There is no light in the darkness, and if God is light I sure want to be in that light! Over the past week I have tried very hard to monitor what I'm watching on tv or what I'm listening to on the radio. I've tried not to listen to any secular music and it's incredible what a difference that has made for me. Why should that have been such a tough concept for me to grasp? Surround yourself with the things of God and you grow closer to Him. Incredible.
I think back to my time spent in Oaxaca over the summer. I longed to have the hunger to know Christ like they did. To worship like they did. To live like they did. As a group, we discussed that for the people of Oaxaca it comes more easily because they do not have much and rely on God for everything. Along with that, because they do not have much, they have less distractions and less to pull them away from God. I pray that God would help me to be satisfied with less. I pray that He would teach me to desire time in His word more than time in front of the tv. I pray that He would help me to give myself over to Him fully so that I may finally experience all that He has planned for me. I truly believe that all these distractions on earth are keeping me from experiencing the blessed life God wants me to have while I'm here. I want to give Him the chance to use me and move in me, but more than anything I want to know my God more.
I challenge you all to reflect on your relationship with God. We all get busy. We all get tired. But are you surrounding yourself with the things of God so that you may receive the blessings He has for you? I thank the Lord for Monday nights, so that I can come and meet with young adults much like myself who desire a closer relationship with Him. Thank you for your examples and thank you for your faith. Stay in the light this week!
- Megan
Lately I have become quite aware of how the things I see, hear, and talk about during the day affect my relationship and my closeness with my Savior. A few weeks ago Ryan talked about walking in the light. There is no light in the darkness, and if God is light I sure want to be in that light! Over the past week I have tried very hard to monitor what I'm watching on tv or what I'm listening to on the radio. I've tried not to listen to any secular music and it's incredible what a difference that has made for me. Why should that have been such a tough concept for me to grasp? Surround yourself with the things of God and you grow closer to Him. Incredible.
I think back to my time spent in Oaxaca over the summer. I longed to have the hunger to know Christ like they did. To worship like they did. To live like they did. As a group, we discussed that for the people of Oaxaca it comes more easily because they do not have much and rely on God for everything. Along with that, because they do not have much, they have less distractions and less to pull them away from God. I pray that God would help me to be satisfied with less. I pray that He would teach me to desire time in His word more than time in front of the tv. I pray that He would help me to give myself over to Him fully so that I may finally experience all that He has planned for me. I truly believe that all these distractions on earth are keeping me from experiencing the blessed life God wants me to have while I'm here. I want to give Him the chance to use me and move in me, but more than anything I want to know my God more.
I challenge you all to reflect on your relationship with God. We all get busy. We all get tired. But are you surrounding yourself with the things of God so that you may receive the blessings He has for you? I thank the Lord for Monday nights, so that I can come and meet with young adults much like myself who desire a closer relationship with Him. Thank you for your examples and thank you for your faith. Stay in the light this week!
- Megan
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Study verse of the day from 1 John
"If anyone claims, 'I am living in the light,' but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves another brother or sister is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble."
1 John 2:9-10
In what way can you show love to a brother in sister in Christ today? An encouraging email, a phone call, helping them out with a project or something else?
Hatred or anger towards a brother or sister in Christ cannot exist in someone who is walking in the light. Allow God's love to live through you in your interaction with others, so that the world might know that Christ is in you.
1 John 2:9-10
In what way can you show love to a brother in sister in Christ today? An encouraging email, a phone call, helping them out with a project or something else?
Hatred or anger towards a brother or sister in Christ cannot exist in someone who is walking in the light. Allow God's love to live through you in your interaction with others, so that the world might know that Christ is in you.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Study verse of the day from 1 John
"Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment--to love one another--is the same message you heard before. Yet it is also new. Jesus LIVED the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it. For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining."
1 John 2:7-8
Are you walking as Jesus did and LIVING out this command, to love one another?
Are you actively listening and caring about the needs and thoughts of others?
Are you treating and seeing them with the eyes of Jesus?
Examine yourself and your relationships today and ask God's Spirit to shine light through your interactions with friends, family and co-workers today.
Check back tomorrow for the next two verses in preparation for our Monday night study.
1 John 2:7-8
Are you walking as Jesus did and LIVING out this command, to love one another?
Are you actively listening and caring about the needs and thoughts of others?
Are you treating and seeing them with the eyes of Jesus?
Examine yourself and your relationships today and ask God's Spirit to shine light through your interactions with friends, family and co-workers today.
Check back tomorrow for the next two verses in preparation for our Monday night study.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Lift-off to the blogosphere... Sold Out style
Hey everybody... Lee here.
I'm glad we have a blog set up because (1) it means we're super cool and with the times and (2) this will hopefully keep people in the loop about what's going on at Sold Out on Mondays and throughout the week. I'm looking forward to reading other's thoughts when they post, and I think it will be fun to post my thoughts on here as well.
Basically I just want to say that I love being there on Monday nights, seeing people, talking with them and just hanging out. Applebee's is always fun as well.
For me, one unique aspect of being at Sold Out is that I'm able to serve the Lord on stage in the worship band. This doesn't make me any more special at all... I feel honored and blessed to be up there. When I'm not worrying about messing up, I'm able to see out into the crowd (when I can actually see them in the dark, haha) and watch you guys worship. There are times when I am able to hear everyone singing OVER the drums and the music in my monitor. And, I have earplugs in! So it's gotta be pretty loud! I think it's awesome to hear and watch others really getting into worshiping the Lord.
One more thought about why Sold Out is really special to me. I helped out Paul Lopez on Sunday night by drumming for the high schoolers. As I was sitting and listening to Garrett speak before we played, there was a bit of talking and some were messing around. In fact, leaders are sitting amongst the students to prevent this and several times had to ask students to listen. I jokingly made the comment last night at Sold Out that I had forgotten how different high school group is from college group. This person said something that really stuck with me: the people here (at Sold Out) want to be here.
It's true. Most of us drive ourselves to the church Monday nights. If not, we ask for a ride. We want to be there. I think that's so awesome. Numbers will never matter because we are a close family that comes with the desire to learn from God's Word and sharpen each other just by hanging out and praying for one another. People from all over the area make the choice to come, even if it's a long drive away. To me, that is very cool and I’m excited to be a part of it.
I hope you share my excitement about the group. It is so cool to see how we are growing and becoming a closer family.
Plus, I can’t wait to wear my "I'm a sell out" shirt.
See you all later!
Lee Clarkson
I'm glad we have a blog set up because (1) it means we're super cool and with the times and (2) this will hopefully keep people in the loop about what's going on at Sold Out on Mondays and throughout the week. I'm looking forward to reading other's thoughts when they post, and I think it will be fun to post my thoughts on here as well.
Basically I just want to say that I love being there on Monday nights, seeing people, talking with them and just hanging out. Applebee's is always fun as well.
For me, one unique aspect of being at Sold Out is that I'm able to serve the Lord on stage in the worship band. This doesn't make me any more special at all... I feel honored and blessed to be up there. When I'm not worrying about messing up, I'm able to see out into the crowd (when I can actually see them in the dark, haha) and watch you guys worship. There are times when I am able to hear everyone singing OVER the drums and the music in my monitor. And, I have earplugs in! So it's gotta be pretty loud! I think it's awesome to hear and watch others really getting into worshiping the Lord.
One more thought about why Sold Out is really special to me. I helped out Paul Lopez on Sunday night by drumming for the high schoolers. As I was sitting and listening to Garrett speak before we played, there was a bit of talking and some were messing around. In fact, leaders are sitting amongst the students to prevent this and several times had to ask students to listen. I jokingly made the comment last night at Sold Out that I had forgotten how different high school group is from college group. This person said something that really stuck with me: the people here (at Sold Out) want to be here.
It's true. Most of us drive ourselves to the church Monday nights. If not, we ask for a ride. We want to be there. I think that's so awesome. Numbers will never matter because we are a close family that comes with the desire to learn from God's Word and sharpen each other just by hanging out and praying for one another. People from all over the area make the choice to come, even if it's a long drive away. To me, that is very cool and I’m excited to be a part of it.
I hope you share my excitement about the group. It is so cool to see how we are growing and becoming a closer family.
Plus, I can’t wait to wear my "I'm a sell out" shirt.
See you all later!
Lee Clarkson
What's In A Name?
Hey Everybody!
Welcome to the 'SOLD OUT' blog page. This is a page founded by the 'SOLD OUT' Ministry at salem evangelical church. A college/career ministry, 'SOLD OUT' is committed to living with 'no reserve, no retreat and no regret' in our relationships with Christ and with each other! We are committed to seeking to know the Truth and to walk in the Light.
This blog will give people in our ministry a chance to write and to share about their journey with Christ and to let you know what has been going on in our ministry. You can check this blogsite often, as we'll be posting hopefully daily and keeping you in the loop as to what is going on.
I love the Fall! Football, turning of the leaves, Tailgate parties, preparing for the holidays, school and just an exciting time to continue to grown and build relationships together.
It is going to be a great year and this blog will be a great chance to interact with each other (as well as through the facebook group: SOLD OUT and our website at www.salemec.com) and learn more about what it means to live a life that is SOLD OUT.
You can post comments, questions or ideas at the bottom of any post in the comment section and together we can start an amazing adventure.
So here we go...
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