Fix!

Fix it! Love this...just fix it. Men...it's time to step up and "FIX IT."

Calling....

I get to share this weekend on one of my favorite passages in the entire Bible. It's one of those passages that years ago as I was reading almost jumped out 3-D off the page at me. It honestly solved a mystery for me that I think had existed in my life for over 20 years. The question I had wrestled with (subconsciously mostly) was, "what can God do with some guy who talks a lot, a guy who looks at things differently than everyone else and a guy that usually gets himself in trouble for weird, strange and some off the wall ideas." I knew that in ministry it could SOMETIMES "pay off" because I helped people see God in a new way...but because I wasn't like everyone else, it almost seemed like people "tolerated" the "unique angle" at which I approached things...and even acted nice when some of those "unique ideas" worked.

Then this verse smacked me up side the head. You ready...here it is..."We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to to the good works that he prepared in advance for us to do." (insert cool music crescendo here) And there it was. The creator behind the creation (me) revealed himself and solved the mystery. "I'm no accident." While I had worked to convince hundreds of people that THEY were no accident, the truth of it had never gripped me or penetrated my own heart and head. I guess the number of times I got in trouble for "talking" outweighed the simple truth that the creator of the universe made me... and made me like that on purpose. The countless laughs I experienced as I threw out an idea, concept or thought had somehow outweighed THE TRUTH that God had uniquely wired my brain to think differently. (In fairness to them, because of the way I use humor people often simply thought I was joking. Sometimes I would even laugh with them to try and convince them I wasn't serious) Thanks Paul for including that little line in your letter to the church at Ephesus! Not sure how much they needed to hear it, but it solved a pretty big mystery for me!

Here I sit years later sometime still coming to grips with the fact that God has wired me differently than anyone else on the planet...but I'm excited about the fact that the creator of the universe has something specific and unique picked out for me to do that will have an eternal impact for HIM! The really funny, ironic and creative part is...he's going to use the very things that earned me strange looks, "time out's" and revoked meeting invitations to do it. I can't express how much this verse means to me. I can't wait to share this passage on Sunday as the Teaching Pastor at Sonrise...a position (and location) that is rewarding, welcoming and utilizing my creativity. A position that allows me to talk for a living and gives me the opportunity to introduce people to the One who created me...as strange, different, unique and off the wall as I may be.

My RESET friend.

I need a RESET every now and then. I can get carried away with my "American thinking"...the kind of thinking that leads to internal dialogue like, "I deserve more"...or "Ya, I'll take the larger one...because I need it" ...or...things like: excessive frustration over missed opportunity, too many emotions over mis- appropriated credit or blown gaskets from small inconveniences.

My friend Joe has provided me with a RESET on more than one occasion. With comments like, "ya, I'm frustrated too at the fact that little kids in Africa will die today because they don't have clean water." Or comments like, "I don't care as long as God gets the credit." RESET...COMPLETE. He is a guys who embodies John 17:4. He's not a "Glory Seeker". Joe is a guy who doesn't care about "credit". A win for the Kingdom is a win for the Kingdom...and Joe doesn't need the credit. (this blog entry will actually make him very uncomfortable) As a matter of fact, I think he often goes out of his way to make sure he doesn't get the credit. I need to be more like Joe. When I see him do that, it's like a RESET for me. When he smacks me with one of "those statements" it makes me want to laugh, cry and then crawl under a table and hide because of my selfishness...Those times help me to realize I need a RESET and I need to be more like JESUS. It's almost like being around him helps me keep my life in perspective. I think everyone needs a "RESET" friend. Thanks Joe!

Blog entry to see who is still following

Well, it's been a while...a long while since my last entry. Many times I have looked at Deanna's blog and thought, "I should start writing again." I refuse to say that this is the beginning of that (did that once before) but I must say that I kind of miss it. What do I miss? Not really sure. Not like there was ever a large audience of followers. Who knows.

Recently (within the last two months) a friend asked me why I quit blogging. The only thing I could think of at the time was that I was working on a couple of writing projects that forced me to write and I was potentially using up all of the words on those projects. Now that I am looking back on what I have written thus far, maybe it's because I don't always have a lot to say. Either way...tonight's ramblings will force me to consider beginning my blogging journey...again.

Listening to stuff like this...makes me want to write more, but makes me feel dumb at the same time.

Time of year....

This time of year always creates some interesting "stuff" in me. As the year closes, I find myself looking backwards and reflecting on past accomplishments and failures...hopefully more accomplishments. I am finding this year especially interesting. First off, because of our move last year, I skipped this "annual" process. Plus, this coming January marks one year since we moved. It's a lot to look at and think about.

While the list of things this year to "mull over" seems pretty big, the hard part will be looking on these times with "accurate lenses"...knowing I have a God who loves me perfectly and who is far more concerned with the process and journey than the destination. He has walked with me through both the good and the bad, AND the wise and unwise of the last two years whispering quietly in my ear the entire way, "I love you no matter what." Please pray that I remember that as I reflect.

Calling quote

I have been talking about "calling" a lot lately. Not the Verizon-"Can you hear me now?" type of calling. I mean the "calling" thing we talk about in our Jesus circles. The type of calling that leads a person to move 500 mile from home in the middle of winter to the "snow dump" capital of the northeast.

I read a quote a year ago that has been huge. If you read this quote in combination with Ephesians 2:10, you will get a peek into the spiritual journey God has taken me on over the last twelve months. Yes, the same spiritual journey that is leading me to the home of the Bills, Buffalo Wings and soon to be "The Greene's."

"Calling" is a comprehensive picture of he unique path laid out for each of us, consisting of the particular things God has asked us--and sometimes no one else--to do.--Andi Ashworth

"We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to to the good works that he has planned in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

May you find what He is "calling" you to do today.

Movie trailer laughter

I like movie trailers. They are cheap, you save a ton of time over watching the entire movie...you don't end up eating a $16 bucket of popcorn with free refills until you're sick...not that I have done that. Here's one that made me laugh. You may have even seen the movie already, but I thought I'd share this anyway.



"I Want Someone To Eat Cheese With"

Note the irony of the movie title...In case you weren't aware, I can't eat cheese. I have a gag reflex.
(Deanna, if I did eat cheese...I'd want to eat it with you!)

Here it is.

Well, after several months of prayer, conversations, worship moments seasoned by Jesus and quiet moments with my wife and my God...Deanna and I are moving to Buffalo, New York.

My fingers can't keep up fast enough to type what I am feeling and thinking these days. Let me say this first. Deanna and I know this is a God thing! We are not leaving Warsaw and WCC because we are running away from something. We ARE running, but we are attempting to run into the arms of Jesus. We know this is a step of obedience he is calling us to. I didn't go looking for this...I wasn't asked to leave...God brought this opportunity to us. I have not once gone to the internet looking for other jobs or places to pastor. The list of "Holy Spirit happenings" that has brought this about is pretty exhaustive.

To be very specific...I have accepted an offer to work at The Chapel at Crosspoint as their "Director of Kings World". This position involves oversight and leadership of ministry to infants through 4th graders. I also get to help lead and develop their ministry to parents and families. They host a monthly worship service just for kids and their parent called Extreme Family Ministry (XFM)...kids can't get in without parents. If you are familiar with Kidstuf at Northpoint...ya, that's it.

This position will allow me to use my last 12 years in student ministry and combine it with my current role as father to a five year old and one year old. Oh ya, they also want me to help them be more creative, help teach, and they are planting churches all over western New York. I can't tell you how excited we are to be a part of the family at The Chapel. The mission of The Chapel: To reach every man, woman and child in their circle of influence. (Sound familiar?)

This move is also very difficult for us on several levels.
1. We are moving to Buffalo, NY in January. They average 93 inches of snow every year.
2. Our family is in Indiana. My parents are in Muncie and all of Deanna's family is in Warsaw...or within an hour of Warsaw.
3. We love our friends, and will be moving from them.

I will write more later, but I will close with these three thoughts. We would have loved to have sat with each and you on shared this news with you in person. Unfortunately, time does not permit. Know that we care about all of you, even if we were not able to communicate this with you in person. Secondly, please join us as we pray for our house to sell by Christmas. God wants us to pray specifically, so that is what we are doing. Keep your radar up for someone looking for a home. (details here). Lastly, I love my wife and can't imagine this walk without her. Deanna has been a constant support and encouragement over this last season on our life together. Please pray for us...that we will continue to draw closer to each other and to God through this exciting time. (Love you Deanna!)

Scott

Big Announcement

Not that there is anyone reading this anymore, but in case you have an RSS feed or in case you check here on occasion, I will be releasing a big annnouncement here in a day or so. God is up to some big stuff in our lives! Can't wait to tell you...both of you who might stumble across this.

Blogging again?

So...am I blogging again...we'll see. Now that Deanna is blogging...I think there may be some competition. Only time will tell.

Superman

I love this kid. Doesn't it look like he is flying. This is him at Camp Adventure going off of the high dive. We think he is amazing. Our prayer is that "lots of people will know about Jesus because of him." We are off to a good start. Thank you God for this little boy/man.

A good day!

Life is good. Fun times here at home today with the family. I am so thankful to God for blessing me. This life is more than I deserve!
Scott

Home Again

We are all home and alive and I haven't gotten any phone calls yet telling me that I forgot a student in Florida. What a great week. I can't wait to see the long term affects this week is going to have on our students. Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement. It meant a ton. Over the next few weeks, I would love to hear from you parents about the change you have maybe seen in your students. We use these stories for fuel during hard times and as encouragement that God is on our side and in charge. As promised, here is a list of the adults who also made this trip possible. I was simply able to be the "up front guy" updating the blog.

Angie Schmitt
Bonnie Swanson
Cathy Laker
Christine Schilling
Lori Rose
Chrissie Smith
Mallery Pierce
Brandon Schmitt
Darcy Meade
Darren Kline
Jeff VanHouten
Nate Stockman
Scott Greene
Troy Hershberger
James Randall
Josh Schmucker

If you know any of them, please pass on your gratitude for all they gave up to give your students an excellent week.

I'll be updating this site for a few more weeks. Please leave your lifechange stories here or e-mail them to me at sgreene@wccconnect.com.

In Christ,
Scott

Session One

DSC08513
Originally uploaded by Scottie G-Bomb.

Session one kicked off with a huge bang. We were all inspired by the opening worship time, the lights, sound and the opportunity to worship with 2000 other people who are here for the same reason...to connect with God. If tonight is any indication, these next few days will prove to be amazing. Thnaks for your prayers!

Scott

Great photo's I didn't take.

I love my kids. I can say that now...I have kids. Two of them. Recently Leslie Wildman took photo's of the boys. These photo's are amazing. I know we will treasure these photo's as they boys grow bigger and older.

The stuff that matters

Here are some pictures from the last week. What a great time. These photo's remind me that as life chugs along sometimes at a frantic, break-neck speed...and the humanness and sin of other people drag us down...these are the things that matter. Thanks God for providing these blessings here on Earth. I'm sure they are a picture of things to come.

Respect for the dog also.

Isn't this cool. Aaron loves Isaac. Now if we can get him to like the dog again. Seems that Isaac's arrival has turned Aaron's attitude toward the dog to the dark side. We now have a "zero tolerance" policy for acts of random meanness committed toward the dog.

Things are good.

Well, Isaac is doing great. Deanna is recovering well and we are adjusting to life with "two". It is exciting and scary all at the same time. Aaron loves Isaac and is great with him. At the same time...Isaac has inspired Aaron to turn up the volume on everything. Aaron has always had extroverted tendencies...those have exploded in the last week.

Mostly though, Deanna and I are thankful. God has blessed us again...and so much more than we deserve. He has brought us Isaac through a crazy journey that we would not have picked...but we wouldn't trade the outcome for anything. Also, friends are coming out of the woodwork and bringing food and gifts. It is amazing. Thank you all for your prayers, desserts, gifts, and your friendship.

Isaac Scott Greene is here. He arrived on May 3rd at 3pm. Yes, we know he was scheduled to arrive on the 9th...be he decided the third sounded better. Deanna and he are both doing well. Aaron has visited several times and LOVES his little brother. They are a great pair. Looks like we may even be going home today (Friday). Thanks for all your prayers. God came through in a major way. Isaac is a blessing!