This is a week of trying to catch up.  Making some connections with people, working ahead on projects, etc.  There is no way I'll get everything done that I want/need to this week, but hopefully we'll drain enough water out of the lake so it won't overtop the dam.

For the blog, that means today is link day.  When I surf the web, I collect pages that interest me and that I think others might enjoy.  I often try to turn them into blog posts and/or radio shows.  Always, the tabs open on my browser grow faster than my ability to keep up with them in blog posts.   So today I give you a list of links with a quick commentary and the hope that I may revisit some of them in a future blog post.  Here we go.

Bishop Eddie Long, who has been accused (not charged or convicted) of inappropriate behavior, was "crowned" in a church service.  First link is about that.  Second is about his apology to Jews who were offended by the ceremonies Jewish overtones.  Real apology should be for further making such a mockery of shepherding.  http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/02/10302804-controversial-georgia-bishop-crowned-king-at-church

http://www.thegrio.com/local/atlanta/eddie-long-apologizes-for-coronation-video.php

This link is about how stores collect information about your shopping habits so that they can send you marketing material.  The (not so) funny part of the story was when an outraged father confronted the store about sending his teen daughter a coupon for baby products, not knowing his daughter was pregnant.  The store knew because of her purchases.  On the one hand, it is scary the personal stuff that is out there about us.  On the other hand it says alot about secrets.  Good potential blog post about what God brings to light.  http://lifeinc.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/17/10436494-what-target-knows-about-you-and-perhaps-your-pregnancy

This one surprised me.  Boys, a new face of anorexia.  http://dailynightly.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/22/10477185-boys-dying-to-be-thin-the-new-face-of-anorexia

This one is rich in blog potential.  What atheists can learn from religion.  It has some points I would agree with while missing the overall point completely.  http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/26/opinion/de-botton-religion-atheists/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

An opinion piece about how we sugarcoat the Bible.  Some good points and interesting thoughts.  http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/02/25/my-take-stop-sugarcoating-the-bible/?hpt=hp_c3

I had one more, but I think I may save that one for my next blog post.  Now I can close a bunch of tabs on my browser.  Enjoy

A few years ago, a Christian friend of mine surprised me when he told me and others that he saw accountability as a negative word.  He saw the exposing of sin as the airing of "dirty laundry" and did not think he should have to be open to others about such things.  I recently came across this article that came from a ministry called Pastor's Toolbox.  I repost it here.

Accountability is a basic requirement for anyone enrolled in the school of Christ —— where the curriculum calls for humility and honesty. Our weaknesses worsen when we hide them. That doesn‘t mean reveal all to everyone, but it does mean we voluntarily humble ourselves by becoming accountable to at least one other Christian who is STRONG enough to tell us the truth in love.

1. You need to be open and authentic.  An accountability relationship requires openness, voluntary submission, a trustworthy partner and consistency. Openness is the backbone of Christian accountability. We're told to confess our sins to one another and to pray for each other so we may be healed. There‘s a certain power to confessing our sins to someone else because it drains the strength from those sins.  The relationship is worthless if you only reveal minor problems to your accountability partner, managing your image like some spiritual spin—doctor. The areas where you most fear exposure are probably the ones whereyou need the most help.

2. You need to hear a godly perspective.  A friend of mine used to say, "There is no such thing as a Lone Ranger Christian." Thinking we can handle it alone is a lie Satan sends us. When things really count, we need someone to stretch us, not only to broaden our perspectives, but also to help us see things more clearly. Accountability also reveals your blind spots —— which are areas of sin in your life that either you cannot see or refuse to acknowledge. The funny thing about blind spots is that often everybody can see them but you. For example, when I get angry, I tend to add a touch of sarcasm to my voice. I never knew I was doing that until someone pointed it out.

3. You need a trustworthy partner.  Perhaps the most important step in becoming accountable is finding a trustworthy partner or group in which to confide. They need to be authentic and real people who don't play games. Yet, they need to be able to speak the truth in love. Accountability partners who wink at your sin or suggest that's just the way you are aren't going to stretch you very far.

4. You need to be consistent.  The final aspect of accountability is consistency, or maintaining a regular schedule with your accountability partner. It does little good to be accountable to someone who you only see every few weeks. Not only does that make it easier for your sin list to grow, it also makes it easier to hide your failures.  Structure can help you in your accountability as you follow a routine that gives little room for temptation.  Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to adhere to God's standards rather than to the world's standards. I always find it much more difficult to sin in the presence of other Christians I respect.

It‘s true no man is an island. We‘re responsible for each other, and our Christian growth is dependent upon close relationships with other fellow believers as we transparently learn to love one another.

Copyright 2002, Jon Walker. Used by permission

I don't think I want to have anything more to do with sports, especially going to sporting events.  Here are my reasons.

1. Every time I went, they asked me for money.
2. The people with whom I had to sit didn't seem very friendly.
3. The seats were too hard and not at all comfortable.
4. I went to many games, but the coach never came to visit me.
5. The referee made a decision I couldn't agree with.
6. Some of the people there were hypocrites: they came to see their friends and see what others were doing instead of to see the game.
7. Some games went into overtime, and I was late getting home.
8. The band played some numbers that I didn't know or didn't like.
9. It seems the games are often scheduled when I wanted to do other things.
10. I was made to go to games by my parents when I was growing up.
11. I recently read a book on sports and I think I know more than the coaches do anyway.
12. I don't want to take my kids to any games because I want them to chose for themselves what sport they like best.

With apologies to those who use these same rationalizations to avoid attending Church.

(reprinted from a bulletin I saw)

This is a post about my posting.  That gives it a good metaphysical touch does it not?  This past week saw absolutely no posts from me on the blog.  For once, this was not the result of undisciplined procrastination.  Instead, it was all about absence.  I needed to meet with my mom and a lawyer this week as we work on putting mom's future affairs all in order and since we were going to be over there, Mom asked to take the kids and give Sarah and I a night out for Valentines Day.  It was glorious.  We went out to dinner together and rented a hotel room for the night in Waterville.  A quick 18 hour vacation get-away that really refreshed us.   It did mean that for 48 hours I didn't really even use the computer and definately was not thinking about the blog.  :)

Returning dropped us back into business.  Pastor Mac was away and we had people in the hospital, a family preparing for a funeral, plus the normal week stuff.  End of week was quite a fleury of activity, so no blog post.  But it was a great week and neat to see all that God did.  We wrapped up the week by mourning and celebrating with the Mills/Clemens family as they said goodbye to their mom.  A special time of getting to know better an amazing family.

Nate did a great job preaching yesterday.  I was very convicted by his message on Thankfulness.  It is so easy to complain, especially when things don't go our way, or the way we think they ought to go.  I loved his reminder of what we deserve before God and how every day that we aren't in hell is a day for great thankfulness!  Very challenging.

Now this week will be interesting as well.  My inlaws have the kids for three days which is ment to give Sarah and I some time to get some major projects done around the house.  The house was way too quiet when we got up this morning and we are really missing them already, but hopefully we can get a lot accomplished so that we can really enjoy them when they get back.  Even though we will be extra busy this week again because of this, I will still try to get at least one blog post squeezed in this week.

Overall, I am so thankful for all that God has blessed me with.  God has given me so much  more than I deserve.  I so enjoy the close, intimate friendship I have with the love of my life, Sarah.  I am so thankful for three wonderful children (and 1 on the way).  This week I had to sit down to have a big heart to heart with my daughter about an issue and it turned into such a precious time of learning together about how we are to live Jesus.  I am so thankful for such a close relationship with my kids.   I am also thankful for a wonderful church family where we can talk about things, be honest with each other, be transparent about our weaknesses, and work together to love one another, deal with our sins, and work together to make disciples.  Thank you God!

Over 40 people came out this afternoon for our Grand Assembly at Bean's Corner.  The purpose of our meeting was to look at who we are, what we are doing, and where God is taking us.  It was a great meeting.  I'm sure not every moment was exciting, but as we worked through issues with our constitution, looked at what the Holy Spirit's role is in running and building the church, and brainstormed together on how we move forward, I had a great time!   My favorite part came near the end where there were so many people who wanted to share ideas and thoughts about our Assimilation ministry and the prayer needs of our church.

I feel like we are just getting started on this adventure even though we have been laying the ground work for five years.  I am excited to see so many people taking the initiative and taking the lead on things.  I like that in five years of pastoring at BCBC, my role has continued to shrink as more and more people are stepping up to take care of things.  This has left me free to continue to be used to train, disciple, and look ahead to where God seems to be taking us and what we need to have as we follow Him there.

So overall, I am SO THANKFUL for the church family and all the leaders who were there today.  To have a church with more than 40 leaders (not everyone could make it) is a remarkable thing.  Of course, we are all following the lead of Christ and that will give us unity even in our diversity.   Our Commission is to Make Disciples and today I had the incredible priviledge of working with over 40 disciples and experienced the power that resides in the Body of Christ!