10 years

It was 10 years ago this coming week that I came on staff full-time at NMC. Over the time I'm in Florida, I've prepared several posts reflecting back on those 10 years. Enjoy!

Blogcation

Tomorrow morning, Janelle and I board a plane to head to Florida for a week. We're celebrating our 9th anniversary like it's our 10th. The schedule works much better for the just the two of us (Katylynn is staying with Grandparents) to do a trip this year than it does next.

I'm pulling of the e-grid.
No blog, facebook, email, twitter, texting, etc.
In fact, I'm probably leaving my cell phone at home. I'm definitely not taking a computer with me. It's about Janelle and I.

There's some posts set to pop up while I'm gone, so you may not even notice my absence.

"Freakin' Awesome!"

Those are the two words I said as I read these verses in John 16 this morning...

¹⁶And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— ¹⁷the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

If you are a follower of Christ, HE lives IN you! This mystery should and does revolutionize the way you live. Sometimes we just need to be reminded.

Consider yourself reminded today.

Youtubesday - FAIL!

Poll Results for April 20-26

There are some new polls up that will last for two weeks.


WHICH SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER WILL MAKE THE MOST IN THE BOX OFFICE?

XMen: Origins	2 (5%)
Transformers 2	7 (19%)
GI Joe	2 (5%)
Harry Potter	21 (58%)
Star Trek	4 (11%)
Angels & Demons	0 (0%)

Votes: 36


CUBS PREDICTION:

World Champs	14 (41%)
NL Champs	4 (11%)
Division Series Champs	8 (23%)
Out in First round	3 (8%)
No Playoffs	5 (14%)

Votes: 34


WHITE SOX PREDICTION:

World Series Champs	3 (8%)
AL Champs	7 (20%)
Division Series Champs	4 (11%)
Out in 1st round	7 (20%)
No playoffs	14 (40%)

Votes: 35

Loving the White Sox Hatorade being served up on this blog!

Brain-Drain

Headed to Brainstorm for this:

74 registered for Senior High Camp as of yesterday... and it's only the first deadline!

Friday 5: Things I'm going to do

My wife and daughter are heading up to Michigan with my mom, neice, and sister-in-law for a women's weekend away. I'm bachelor for the weekend. Here's what I plan to do:

1. Watch at least 2 movies in the theater that Janelle wouldn't ever want to watch.
2. Eat only foods that come out of a can or a freezer.
3. Sleep.
4. Play some softball.
5. Get a little lonely, because I'm not a bachelor anymore, and I kind of like the two ladies in my life.
   

Friday 5: Strong Opinions

1. The NBA Playoffs are a joke. The finals won't actually start for another 40+ days.
2. The celebration surrounding graduating Seniors is great, but may be one step too close to worship.
   
3. Far too many Christians are living by the slogan "In Fox News We Trust." (actually, you could replace Fox New with "Glen Beck", "Rush Limbaugh", "Rob Bell", "Francis Chan", "Bill O'Reilly", "Dave Ramsey", etc. There's only one name meant to go in that spot)
   
4. Far too many Christians are living in fear of the wrong thing. As Erwin McManus (in Barbarian Way) states, "What we fear is what we're subject to; our fears define our master." I seek to fear ONE, and only ONE.
5. I've gotten too used to God.
   

Seniors Reflect

I'm doing a 4 week session with our Seniors during Sunday Morning Youth Class that focuses on the transition from Student Ministries into what's next. Yesterday, to start off, I asked the the students to come up with Three 3's in their life up to this point... 3 significant spiritual friendships, 3 significant mentors, and 3 significant spiritual milestones.
I then went around the room and asked each of the students to share one set of their "Threes". All of them chose to either share their friendships or mentors (which I found very interesting... people trumped experiences). The room kind of turned into a worship setting, thanking God for the people in our lives. What struck me was that every single one of the individuals who shared three spiritual mentors made mention of at least one Small Group Leader (several did two, and one gal named three). What was very encouraging was the "Whys" that were shared...

• He was the key in getting me consistently in TAWG (Time Alone With God).
• She helped me see me the way God sees me.
• He has just always been there. Not having a dad, that meant a lot.
• She's was the one who has confronted me, but loved me at the same time.
• For the past two years, he's been like my second dad, which is kinda cool... even when he agreed with my dad and I disagreed, he's been great to have around.

This is exactly why I believe in our Small Group Ministry. It's also why I'm convinced we need passionate, godly, committed adults to dive into the lives of students. Whoever you are, wherever you are, have you stepped up to the call to invest in others?

There's no wiser investment (especially when considering the current market).

Miss U.S.A. and Tough Questions

I think I've made it quite clear through multiple posts that I find much frustration on how Christians seems to be known what we are against over what we are for. Yet, what does a follower of Christ do when directly asked concerning his/her beliefs.
Carrie Prejaan professes to be a Christian.
She is also Miss California, and 1st Runner Up in the Miss USA competition.
Many think Carrie is not Miss USA due to her straight answer concerning a belief she has.

Watch what happened, as well as the response of Perez Hilton (the one who asked the question) and Carrie after the fact on the Today Show.
If you know the story, Matt Lauer interviews Perez at 3:20, and Carrie at 6:40.




I am not a fan of beauty pageants (for multiple reasons), but I find this story both fascinating and inspiring. I actually transcribed Carrie's responses to Lauer's questions because they were so rich with thoughts to discuss and consider.

Bottom line, I find it quite impressive that a gal who had likely spent a significant amount of time, talents and energy to achieve a dream would knowingly lay that on the line for the sake of her beliefs.

Carrie chose to be different (a.k.a set apart, a.k.a "holy"). For that, I applaud her.

Alone v. Being Lonely

Our Young Adults asked me to come in last night and close up a series they've been doing on spiritual disciplines. I shared on the Discipline of solitude. Here's the points and steps I shared.

Some Observations on Solitude:

1. Solitude and silence can go hand in hand.
   Solitude can be noisy, but we have to usher in silence to in hopes to hear the God's holy noise.
   
2. Solitude is about more than audible silence.
   There's visual, emotional, relational, and even spiritual noise that we may need to remove at times.
   
3. Solitude can be synonymous with being alone, but is the antithesis of loneliness.
   The goal is contentment in it just being you and God.
   
4. Solitude is the key to mastering healthy TAWG (Time Alone With God).
   A key in TAWG is Alone. We must learn to be fed directly from God and His word and not simply through others.
   
5. Solitude is vital to healthy identity and compassion toward others.

Some Basic Steps:

• Find consistent Time Alone With God.
• Take advantage of the little solitudes throughout the day.
• Create your own Fortress of Solitude.
• Set up MAWGs, NAWGs, and/or DAWGs. (mornings lone, nights alone, days alone)
  
• Fast from noise producers.

Poll Results: April 13-19

Last week's results. There's some new polls up for this week.

WOULD YOU RATHER LIVE WHERE IT IS ALWAYS EXACTLY

92 Degrees & Humid	27 (39%)
59 Degrees & Breezy	41 (60%)

Votes: 68


BEST FRUIT

Strawberry	34 (49%)
Banana	11 (15%)
Blueberry	10 (14%)
Grape	4 (5%)
Apple	10 (14%)

Votes: 69


EXCLUDING SUMMER, WHICH SCHOOL BREAK IS THE MOST ANTICIPATED?

Thanksgiving	2 (2%)
Christmas/Winter	41 (61%)
Spring	24 (35%)

Votes: 67

10 Years Ago...

This is a sad anniversary.
Columbine.
Tragedy on so many levels.
Much Changed.
I'm not sure there was much change in teen world immediately, but there was a lot of change in parent, adult, youth ministry, and education world.
I think the ripples of change in teen world have been very significant since that day
Looking back on all that happened, there is also some amazing ministry as a product of that day. I'll never forget that Wednesday Night in 2003 when Darrel Scott (Rachel Scott's father) shared to a packed NorthWood High School Gym. Hundreds responded to follow Christ.

Not much more I wanted to say, but just that I pause to remember.Some other bloggers thoughts here, here, and here.

Parenting Teens and Tweens

Our Student Ministries Staff is offering a 5-week Wednesday Night session for parents of 5th-12th Grade...
I made up a new phrase for my session with parents...

IMPLICATORY PARENTING*:
What is it? Here's the definition I made up for the phrase I made up...
Taking time to consider the implication of a child's environment, actions, and activities in order to best raise and support him/her toward spiritual health.

Or more simply stated... looking and asking, "So what does this all mean?"


We took time to look at this scientifically or statistically. What is the world our kids are growing up in. We took time to discuss some of the implications of what this video tells us...



Some of the thoughts parents shared (obviously I'm paraphrasing):

• This world is changing so fast that we need to focus on instilling and teaching values that can be translated throughout all the changes rather than simply responding to one single technology, trend, etc. (brilliant observation, I might add).
• Many of these trends create new opportunities for kids to engage in sinful activity, but they also create incredible opportunities to advance the Kingdom.
• We need to be ready for students to struggle a little with their college educations due to the incredible informational change curve. When they are considering a change in major, it may be a good idea!
• "Is the Amish church accepting new members?" (this was a good laugh)

We took an anonymous survey (only asked for grade and gender) of our students concerning some of the technology they are involved in as well as asked about some of the big struggles statistics are saying students are involved in (porn on the web, cheating in school, lying, texting pics with nudity -a.k.a. "sexting"). I shared those results with parents. I won't be sharing those on this blog (if you want to know them, you'll have to come on May 13 where we'll dive into them a little more).

To close, I shared experientially (meaning from my observation over the past 12 years working here) the implications of a healthy parent/teen relationship. I took about 5-6 individuals in each of the following categories, as well as 2-3 three that were the opposite of that category, and tried to find some common threads. Here's some of my conclusions.

I would define "healthy" where there is open communication, shared respect, spiritual leadership and mentoring fromt he parent (over just being a buddy),

Guys who have a healthy relationship with their mother tend to...

• be more respectful to women.
• be sought after by gals.
• look out for the "underdog."
• display a keen sensitivity to the Holy Spirit (this is an added bonus, didn't share it Wednesday, but it struck me as I've continued to reflect)

Guys who have a healthy relationship with their father tend to...

• show respect to authority.
• step up when there is a leadership gap.
• be passionate lovers of Christ (if their father is).

Gals who have a healthy relationship with their mother tend to...

• disply more compassion.
• dave healthier friendships.
• show a healthier decision-making process.

Gals who have a healthy relationship with their father tend to...

• "date around" less.
• have a healthy self-image.
• avoid the "disorder" struggles (eating disorders, self mutilation, etc.)
• eat more meat (totally kidding)
  

These cannot be labeled as all true, all the time, nor are they only present in those with healthy relationships. They were simply the common threads I saw where there were healthy relationship, and the common lack I saw where there were unhealthy relationships.

It was a great time sharing and being with parents. We have some great ones at NMC!

*Although I made up the phrase Implicatory parenting, it is inspired by the phrase Implicatory preaching, which is explained by Doug Pagitt in his book Preaching Reimagined.

Friday 5: Dates I'm looking forward to.

1. May 1-8: Janelle and I are heading to Florida to Celebrate Anniversary #10 on #9. Next year, the schedule just won't allow it.
   
2. May 10: Mother's Day. I have a cool one, and I'm married to a hot one.
   
3. May 24: Preaching on that Sunday morning. Honoring the Grads.
   
4. July 1-5: All my side of the family is spending some time together in Ludington. The 4th is awesome up there. The 4th is also my dad's Birthday.
   
5. July 10-14: Senior High Summer Camp. BRACE YOURSELF. It's gonna be awesome!
   

Playground Time!

So I get to the playround and there is slides, bridges, swings, tires, tunnels. Where do i go first? DIRT.

-Katylynn

The Evolution of David Cummings

I received an email with this picture today. I laughed, then decided I needed to post it here for all to enjoy!

Grieving... The First Holiday

Easter has never been a huge one at mom and dad's place (there were definitely big traditions with both sets of Grandparents in the younger years), but the day was filled with little reminders...

• My Grandpa leading us in the lunch time prayer instead.
  
• Talking Cubs baseball, and not having him there to add his two cents.
• After the Easter egg hunt, mom standing alone as the grandkids took account of their acquisitions.

It was topped off with our first visit to the grave site since the burial. We planted some flowers.
It was actually a very enjoyable day together. Katylynn had an absolute blast. It just felt a little incomplete.

A short disclaimer to explain that these posts concerning grief are part personal reflection, and part allotting space for those readers who have walked through tragedy to know they aren't walking alone. They are not intended to garner extra sympathy.

Poll time

Some new polls are up for this week. Come and vote.

Easter

I am humbled and broken because of the Cross.

I rejoice and LIVE because the tomb is empty.
I serve a risen Savior.

15 Years Ago Today

It was Spring Break my Junior year in High School. I was with my church youth group traveling back from Florida on a charter bus. somebody was listening to the radio on their walkman and told everybody.

"Kurt Cobain is dead. They found him with a shotgun. It looks like he shot himself."

Obviously, many would say this event does not merit the "Where were you when..." type of memory that goes with events like JFK's assassination, Columbine, 9/11, etc. Oddly enough, in many ways, Cobain's death was one of the most significant moments for Generation X.

Name Yourself Day

I found out today is a special holiday while watching Mike and Mike in the Morning on ESPN2. From the website Holiday Insights...

Name Yourself Day

When : Always April 9th
Name Yourself Day is your chance to give yourself whatever name you'd like...for a day. If you like your name, then change your name for just today. If you don't like your name, use today to select a new name for life!
Participating in Name Yourself Day is simple and easy. Go ahead, give it a try. Change your first, or middle, or last name. Or, change them all. Give yourself a cool and catchy nickname. Once you've selected your name, you've gotta communicate it to all of your family and friends. This could prove to be the hard part. It will likely take time for your new name to catch on.

Note: Name Yourself Day is not the same as Middle Name Pride Day.

Origin of "Name Yourself Day": Our research did not find the creator, or the origin of this day.

I would like to announce that today my name is Aragorn Jack-Bauer Prenkert.

I asked Katylynn what she would like her name to be, she will be going by the name Ninnie No-No Prenkert.
(Ninnie is how she Minnie Mouse's name).

Come on, join the fun... what is your name today?

Who Made Who?

Today, a little thought running through my head...

"Does God exist for me (a), or do I exist for God (b)."

I think I trip up in my life most often when I live by (a).
I think I find myself at my healthiest when I live by (b)

Things that don't make sense when living by (a) bring questions and frustration.
Things that don't make sense when living by (b) bring a mystery and wonder to my questions.

It seems like life would be filled with more obligation when living with (b), but I'm finding that to not be the case. I actually believe living by (b) brings a greater sense of freedom.

This may seem too obvious, but (a) mentality is "me-driven" while (b) mentality is "He-Driven". I like (b) better.

The Gathering of the Geeks

This Spring Break week, we are doing a few gatherings for Junior and Senior High students who are still in the area. This is the one I'm most excited about. It's been something talked about often among NMC students, and it is finally happening.

(EXTENDED EDITION) MOVIE MARATHON.
-All three movies, back to back.

Schedule of Events:
10:00 a.m. - The Council pulls together at Rivendell (a.k.a. the NMC Fieldhouse)
- 2nd Breakfast to be provided (a.k.a. donuts)
- Viewing guidelines will be agreed upon.
10:30 - Fellowship of the Ring Viewing Begins

Lembas Bread available at lunchtime (a.k.a Pizza to non-Elvish folk)

2:20 p.m. (approx.) - Two Towers Viewing Begins

6:10 (approx.) - Dinner Break. Suggested Dining is the at The Prancing Pony (a.k.a. La Fogata)

7:30 - Return of the King Viewing Begins

12:00 a.m. - A Moment of Silence.

12:02 a.m. - The Fellowship Parts

What to Bring:

• Your own seating (any type of seating is welcome, you're responsible to get it there and get it out).
• Any snacks or drinks you'd like (soda and candy available for purchase)
• $5 for lunch, and money for Supper (on your own)
• Feel free to invite any Senior High Guys interested in coming.
• NOT FOR THE WEAK AT HEART. ONLY COME IF YOU PLAN TO WATCH THE MOVIES. THIS IS NOT GAME/BASKETBALL/DODGEBALL/ETC.

Sorry Ladies. This is a GUYS ONLY EVENT. If you are a High School guy or older, and interested in coming, let me know.

Cue "The Office" Theme Song

Vance refrigeration. Cracks me up every time I pass it.

Death and Taxes

"In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes."

-Ben Franklin

This little statement has taken on a new meaning for me this year. A yearly tradition for my dad and I was sitting down together to do my taxes. As I started, I sent out this Twitter/Facebook update:
Working on my taxes for the first time without my dad. As if either of those realities didn't suck enough, they're combined tonight.
So, at 5:30, I headed up to my mom's store, sat at the computer my dad would use to figure it all up, and went to work. As terrible as I thought it would be, it was actually very enjoyable. I'm sure it helped that we have a nice return coming to us (thank you Katylynn... adoption is a HUGE tax break!), but I think it was a great way to remember and rejoice in what an awesome dad I've been blessed with.

• For the past 10 years, he did this for me. For 6 of those years, he did it without a computer program. He did it, as much of what he did, without complaint or frustration or expecting anything in return.
  
• Everything on the tax program he used was in incredible order. We had never once talked about what I would do if something happened to him, but it was set up perfectly for me to pick up and run with it.
• He had prepped me to use the program much better than I realized. He subtly had taught me the ins and outs of figuring up things as he explained how to enter the figures and deductions in.

Oddly enough, two wrongs made a right for me last night. It was good for me.

Friday 5: Thoughts on Jay Cutler Trade

The Denver Broncos traded QB Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears for 2 First round draft picks and Kyle Orton. I'm a Colts fan through and through. I enjoy seeing the Bears succeed, yet I also greatly enjoy seeing Bears fans emotionally crushed... quite paradoxical and very unpastorly of me, I know.

So here are 5 somewhat paradoxical thoughts on the Jay Cutler trade:

1. Considering the Bears history with QBs, this could honestly already be the best QB they've ever had without him playing a single down. Kyle Orton looked really good last year and I have a feeling he will do well in Denver... I think he'll have a better statistical season than Jay Cutler.
   
2. Two first round draft picks is a lot for any stud. I'd say it's absolutely ridiculous for any team to do as you are killing yourself for the future. Consider the Bears 1st round draft history, and this is the most brilliant thing they've ever done. (note: Matt Forte was a 2nd round pick last year).
3. Cutler is an elite stud QB. He's exactly what many Bears fans have been dreaming about for years. The Bears love the non-prima donna, bring your lunch to work, no-nonsense guy. Cutler shows signs quite the opposite. The one player from the past who went against this mold is Jim McMahon. Is Cutler a McMahon?
4. Cutler's has a gun for an arm. The passing game should take a huge step up. Who's he going to throw too? Can Devin Hester catch the ball? His best receiver is his Running Back.
5. Cutler has diabetes. I really want him to succeed as a fellow diabetic. Cutler has shown signs of a whiny pathetic attitude. I really want him to flounder to show that charicter counts.
   

Spring Break and a Recession

Tonight I asked how many students aren't going anywhere for Spring Break...

At least 80% of the kids raised their hands. In past years, when I would ask that the Wednesday before Spring Break, maybe 30% would raise their hands. Our kids classically travel with family over Spring Break.

Not as much this year.

We're doing a few random social-type events (Hacienda Lunch, Open Gym, Lord of the Rings Marathon) in light of more people being around next week. Times to build relationship.

Slumdog Millionaire - A Rewatch and a Rant on Viewing Attitudes

I've said the Slumdog Millionaire is the best movie I've seen in the past few years, and easily ranks in my top 5 all-time.

I watched it by myself in the theater, so we rented it last night for Janelle's viewing pleasure and I joined in. It was still fantastic viewing the 2nd time through.

It's a tough movie to watch in sections due to some violent sequences involving kids. Why I would encourage a traditionally "R" audience (age 17 and up) to watch it is due to the fact that, although it is not a true story, the issues facing many children on the streets of India's massive cities are very real.

As I watched the movie, I found myself considering the manner at which I go into my viewing of entertainment. I can think of 3 possible attitudes I will take...

1. Blind Entertainment - Turn my brain off. Get lost in the movie, tv show, or song. Laugh, cheer, cry, and enjoy the story, song, or pictures unfolding before me.
2. Sin Conscious - The constant questioning of, "Should I be watching or listening to this? Is this truly something that I should be finding entertainment in?" This is the "garbage in/garbage out" mentality.
   
3. Student - I'm listening or watching for the redemptive moments. I'm educating myself on a genre, topic or popular trend that can make me more "aware". I'm looking for moments or situations that could generate conversation.

Now, you may think I'm going to say there is one way to go, but I think all three attitudes have validity. I have to be cautious when taking the #1 attitude. I personally feel I can only take this attitude when I have a high level of confidence that what I'm taking in has alot of the stuff Philippians 4:8 talks about. I find myself taking this attitude on re-watches most often.

The #2 (stop for a potty humor reference...) attitude is what I was taught growing up (especially in church). It was a good thing to be taught. Media has significant influence on us. There are lies laced all through the messages overtly and covertly. There is sin depicted on screens and in song that a follower Christ really needs to just avoid. I personally avoid any movie that contains strong sexuality/nudity in it, because I want to guard my heart against seeing women as an object, and I want to honor what was meant to be enjoyed in a married couple. But, if it was all I was taught, it would be incomplete though. I RARELY (the times I do watch are very much due to #3 attitude) watch the horror movies that will rejoice in and take lightly the spiritual realm. Like I said, this is a good approach, but if left to itself, it's incomplete. If I watch or listen to something depicting sin, I am not necessarily sinning (if it was sin, I shouldn't read the Bible).

This is where #3 comes in. Entertainment is not just "entertainment" when taking on this attitude. It is something more. It is looking at art and seeing it's message. It's considering how the echoes of our creators voice are resonating through a storyline. It may even take on a worshipful approach. But the ultimate goal is not simply entertainment... it's something more... education, illustration or inspiration are just a few things that one can pull out.


It's very possible to take an element of all 3 attitudes together when listening or watching. but what's your primary attitude in entertainment? If it's solely #1, you'd be wisest to put attitude #2 into action before partaking. If it's Solely #2, you probably have guarded yourself well against becoming "of the world", but you may be missing out on some great opportunities to engage in this world for the sake of the Kingdom.
If it's solely #3, lighten up every once in while! Laugh a little and enjoy. There are seasons you know...