Some Quick Hits

• It's a Girl!
• conVERGE = Awesomesauce.
• Final interviews for our SOAR Summer Internship this week.  Fantastic candidates this year.
• Words With Friends.
• Blogger's block (a strange form of writer's block) for about 6 months now.
• Need to slow my brain down.

From Brown CIty, Michigan

It's been 2 1/2 weeks since I've put anything up here.  You can read the post below to see why.  In the time that I haven't written, there's been a ton going on.  I'm now at the Missionary Church Michigan District's Family Camp in Brown City, Michigan where I'm speaking to the High School Youth.  Janelle and the kids will be driving up tomorrow to join me for the rest of the week.  Here's a few quick shots on what's been going on.

• We were featured on the Lifesong for Orphans Blog 2 weeks ago.  Lifesong played a role in our adoption in providing a matching grant.
• Moses broke his leg 2 weeks ago.  He fell off our bed when we weren't in the room (he's been able to crawl off by himself), so we don't know exactly what happened.  It's either some weak bones due to malnutrition or he caught it some strange way.  It was a clean break, but it was set right in place.  He's not in a cast, but can't put any weight on it for 4 weeks.  We're filling him up with calcium and praying for a quick healing.
• The NMC Student Ministries Team has been all over the place.  Jess Noelle, Kyle Neeley and our SOAR Interns ran a fantastic NMC Preteen Camp August 1-3.  Geoff Cocanower was the Director at the Missionary Church North Central District's Teen Camp, and all reports are that he did a fantastic job!  Chris Lehane is leading worship up here with me, and as an added bonus our Senior Pastor Dave Engbrecht begins speaking to the entire camp tonight!  Two-a-days are in full swing, and the school year is just around the corner.  I'm grateful to be a part of a team that loves making a difference for the sake of the Kingdom at NMC and away from NMC!
• SOAR is winding down. I have been blessed with 4 FANTASTIC interns this Summer.  With our travel to Uganda and the making adjustments with Moses at home, I have not been able to be around with them as much as I'd like.  The time we have had together has been great, and they have been an amazing group to work with.  3 graduate from college next year.  If your looking for a youth pastor in a year, let me know, I have 3 top-notch candidates!
• We are ready to stay at home for a while.  I counted it up last night, since taking Moses into our custody June 23 till next Saturday, August 13, Moses and Katylynn will have spent 20 nights in a bed other than their home.  I will have spent 26.  God has been faithful, and we have had some great times together.  We're ready to settle in for a little bit!

25 Random Things

Saw Kristy and Alyssa did this, and it seemed like a decent activity to do while enjoying this snowed-in day of low action.

1. Katylynn's current favorite song: "The Earth is Yours" by Gungor.
2. One of my current favorite activities is coming home from the church and dancing with Katylynn to "The Earth is Yours" by Gungor.
3. Since I put a world map up in my office, I feel like my prayer life has been enhanced.
4. I am fairly addicted to Potato Chips and French Onion Dip.
5. I eat Macaroni and Cheese for a meal at least once a week.
6. We just rearranged our bedroom for the 3rd time since we've been in this house.
7. Our dog has really bad cataracts and we think he's going deaf.
8. I'm currently watching Beauty and the Beast.  It's the first time I've watched the movie in it's entirety.
9. Former NMC student and current friend Adam just got married to my new friend Emily.  Emily just landed the lead role of Belle in the Beauty and the Beast tour.  Way to go Emily!
10. I enjoy shoveling snow almost as much as I enjoy Junior High Girls basketball games.
11. Since starting at NMC, I don't think there's been a full Wednesday where the office was closed and our evening services were canceled. 
12. Watching Dallas frantically try to address 1" of snow in preparation for the Super Bowl is quite humorous.
13. If and episode of the Office or Seinfeld is on TV, I could probably find it entertaining no matter how recently I previously saw it.
14. I've made the switch to a smart phone.  In the end, the switch is saving us $$.  If it wouldn't be helping our budget, I don't think I could justify needing it.
15. I really don't like the NBA.  I'm not a big fan of College Basketball's regular season.  I enjoy watching baseball and playing softball.  I love the NFL.  If you were to ask me to rank my favorite sports, I'd take 1. Basketball  2. Baseball 3. Football. 
16. I think the Steelers will win the Super Bowl by a touchdown.
17. I can do a pretty decent "Kevin" from the Office.
18. I showered at 2 p.m. today.
19. My wardrobe is probably 70% what has been given to me.  Don't include my underwear, and it's more like 85%.
20. On my bucket list, going to every continent, including Anarctica.  I only have Australia and Antarctica left.
21. Also on my bucket list, get a book published.
22. Janelle and often talk about "retiring" in Orlando and working part time at Walt Disney World in some role where we can be a blessing to families who are harried and trying to make the most of their vacation.
23. I probably drink 6-8 cans of diet pop per day. 
24. I probably drink 0 cups of coffee per day.
25. Okay, this wasn't quite as fun as I thought it would be.

Quick Hits

• Wednesday, I'm sharing with our Senior High Students about how to navigate the times when it seems like God is silent... that is I'll be sharing this if the blizzard of the century doesn't strike.
• Thursday, I head down to Fort Wayne to begin working with Remedy.fm on a new show they'll be offering called "Converge".
• Sunday, I'm in the box on Sunday morning.  I'll be taking the first two weeks of a February series we're doing called "God is ______". 
• Sunday is also our student registration deadline for "Enslave Me," and event our students are doing to raise awareness on the issue of human trafficking and get funds to ministries seeking to put an end to modern day slavery.  More info on the event HERE.

There's a good week ahead.

10 Random Thoughts:

1. I really like putting a warm pair of socks on when it is cold outside.  At the same time, I hate going to sleep with socks on.
2. I've been consistently watching Conan on TBS.  I was expecting a little more "outside of the box" actions to change up late night.  Still, Conan's delivery and humor crack me up.
3. I'd be okay if Winter Formals and Prom became a thing of the past by the time my daughter is in High School.
4. I'm baffled by how quickly we want to lament on how busy we are, when in reality the majority of our busyness comes down to our own choice to be busy.
5. Hearing Katylynn try to say "ornament" is a hoot... it usually comes out "Ormanent".
6. I would really like to be putting my son in bed tonight.  Instead, tonight it will be midday where he is, and he has no idea who I am.
7. I wonder how you would fill in this blank today? God is ____________.
8. Following Jesus is the best decision I ever made.
9. Marrying Janelle was the next best decision I ever made.
10. I'm excited to start up the 60 Days of Beauty Project tomorrow.  It's been fun doing practice runs over the past 4 days trying to decide, if I were to post a thing of beauty from the day, what it would be.  There have been some that make me laugh, some that move me, and some that just make me stop and think.  Tomorrow will be the first post, and it will be the moment of beauty I encountered today.

Some Random Thoughts

• Today is Janelle's birthday. I'm a big fan.
• Katylynn is well into potty training. She's now telling us when she has to go. Next stop, no diapers at bedtime.
• Jim Joyce blew it last night on a call that would've given Armando Gallaraga a Perfect game (and the 3rd in a month). Proof that instant replay needs to be brought in. BUT, maybe more impressive was the response of Joyce to say he blew it. He then, in tears, went to Gallaraga and apologized. Gallaraga was unbelievably gracious in his response. Some awesome responses of seeking and giving forgiveness. One other thought, I hope Bud Selig changes the call, which they are now saying is within his power.
• "Don't allow people with no life ruin your life." Heard Colin Cowherd say that this morning concerning the backlash toward Jim Joyce all over blogdom and sports nerd-dom. A great thought.
• As I prepare to speak at a youth conference at the end of June, I'm reminded that God's plan is bigger, God's call is personal, and God's power is key... man, that could preach!
• Katylynn just looked at Janelle, said "I have to go potty," and dropped her pants in the middle of the family room. They are now running back to the bathroom. Good times!
  

Quick Hits

• Last Saturday Janelle and I met with Jamie and Jolinda Lengacher to talk details on our upcoming IMPACT trip to Kenya. We will be working with orphans, reaching out to share God's unconditional love with prostitutes, worshipping with Kenyans on Easter Sunday, encouraging those who are working daily with "the least of these", and connecting with the Maasai Project church planters we have been partnering with since 2007.
  
• Met with the one and only Caleb Bislow yesterday to talk about the second leg of my Africa trip in April. God's thrown a few curves our way, and I'm excited about a potential adventure into the Kenyan bush as well as an additional country or two in our stops.
  
• Tonight, we start a 3 week series called I.D. It's all about who we are in Christ. Cindi Lantz is taking the first to weeks to talk Labels, Lies, and Liberating Truths. It's top-shelf stuff that and I'm pumped to see how God uses it.
• Tomorrow, Janelle and I get our Yellow Fever Shots for Kenya then spend some time with Kory and Alison Lantz. Love what God's doing in and through the Transformation.
• Speaking of the Transformation, our Dodge Ball Tournament to raise money for the Basketball Project at Keller Park Church is next weekend. Teams need to be registered by Wednesday, March 24 (more info on dodgeball here).
• This Sunday I'm in the box. Message Title - "This is not Growth". We're going to draw pictures of mountains and stick figures. Pretty pumped.

Thursday Randomness

• Janelle and I leave with 10 students for Kenya 3 weeks from today. I'll be going on to Rwanda after our time in Kenya. I will be gone a total of 19 days.
• I have to get me taxes done before I leave. I don't like doing my taxes. I do like getting money back when I'm done. If I have to pay more money, I want to throw things.
• It's absolutely amazing what sunshine and warmer weather can do for our souls.
• It's really enjoyable to give stuff away to people. It's really hard for me to get to the point where I'm willing to give though. I want to recapture a heart that is quick to be generous.
• Did Glenn Beck just call me a communist? -sigh-
• Normally, I have some reason to buy into the belief the Cubs have done something to make this "the year." I don't feel that way this year. Probably means they're going to have a great year.
• I have much respect for Trace Rorie as a person and worship leader after working with him for 4 days.
• My Camry has 208,000 miles on it and the engine sounds great. I can't open the driver's side door from my side. It really needs to be cleaned. That's all. Just a few facts.
• Preaching next Sunday, and I have about 10 ideas on where to head. Praying God will direct me to the 1.
• I love my wife and daughter. I'm continually blessed by both.
• I think Hurley or Jack will be the chosen one. I also think Sawyer is going to con Locke (or Black Smoke Monster) before the season is over. I love LOST.
  
• This week's episode of Chuck was hilarious and touching. I really like that show.
• And, that's a wrap.
  

On My Radar

• Skype: I've done stuff with Skype before, but since we have internet at home, we're loving the potential. Katylynn can talk to and see her Nanny and Bubby in Fort Wayne, or her cousins in North Carolina. When I'm out of town but able to find an internet connection, we can see each other as well!
• Fanning the Flame: I met with Karl and Trace last night. It's going to be a great 4 nights for our Senior High Students March 7-10.
• Isaiah 6: I finished week 2 of a 3 week series looking at Isaiah's vision and calling. This study has been so good for me. I love God's Word and what I learn from it.
  
• SYMC: Heading out for Chicago tomorrow to attend the Simply Youth Ministry Conference. Excited to spend some time with my teammates, network, and get some great training.
  

On My Radar

• KIN Shoe Drive. One of our students was inspired by the story of TOMs shoes. He was looking for a way to do something similar, and our upcoming IMPACT trip to Kenya has provided an opportunity.
  
• LOST. Best TV show out there.
• Spring Training. My Cubs did little to boost my hopes, so maybe this is the year. My Yankees made quite a few moves. Can they repeat?
• Fanning the Flame. NMC's 4 night event set aside for spiritual renewal... March 7-10. This year in High School we have Karl Black speaking and Trace Rorie leading worship.

Quick Hits

• 50 people purchased shirts. Thanks!
• $1,138.78. was given by our 5th-12th students for Earthquake relief. Awesome!
• I'm trying to get my message notes turned in and having trouble putting it all together. Not awesome!
• Janelle, Katylynn and I leave for somewhere sunny after church Sunday. Super Awesome!
  

I Just Don't Get It

• Getting email on your cell phone.
  
• HGTV.
  
• Recreational running.
  
• The Wakarusa Pumpkin Tree.
  
• Paying the extra $$ for organic food.
  
• Glenn Beck.
  
• Swine flu panic.
• House (the TV show).
• Neckties.
• Love for Tom Brady.

Weekend Snapshots

• Friday Evening: A run to watch Fairfields streak end.
• Saturday Morning: At Feed the Children with 150 of my closest friends. 3005 boxes of food and personal care products reading to head out to some kids in need.
• Saturday Early Afternoon: Disc Golf at Little Big Horn. Probably my least favorite course in the area.
• Saturday Afternoon: Watching the Notre Dame Game. Great game. I'm far from a die-hard Irish fan, but I'm pulling for them this year.
• Saturday Evening: Lots of laughs with the Katylynn. She had the "jumpies". Then played "Daddy chase Katy", and finished out seperating our Dora toys from our the vegetables.
• Sunday Morning: Great message from Don. Fun discussions in our OT class.
  
• Sunday Afternoon: Watched the Bears because the NFL's programming rules are just stupid; but hey, I knew the Colts would win anyway... 4-0 baby!
• Sunday Evening: GrowU at NMC. Dr. Chad Meister shares concerning Moral and Religious relativism. Fantastic stuff.
• More Sunday Evening: Came home to put Katylynn to bed. She prayed with me for the first time; repeating me when I'd say, "God, thanks for mommy... God, thanks for Daddy... God, thanks for Nanny and Bubby (grandma & grandpa Lister)... God, thanks for Sadie (friend). By far, the highlight of the weekend.

*The weekend was interlaced with various visits to the recycle bins to collect coke caps and codes from 12 and 24 packs of Coke.

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.

Some Major Annoyances...

(All fairly petty, and of little eternal value)

1. The volume of TV commercials v. the Volume of TV shows.
2. Sports fans who blame the outcome of a game on officiating.
3. The SR 19 stop light in Wakarusa by Interra Credit Union (formerly FBCU).
4. While we're on that road, buggies on SR 19.
   
5. The NBC promotion hype surrounding ER... ("the last episode before the season finale... seriously??)
6. Gas price fluctuation.
   
7. The Religious Right.
8. Anybody who wears a cell phone ear piece without speaking on it (unless driving).
9. The Old Navy Commercial with the mannequins.
10. "Dressing Up."
    

Some Strong Opinions:

1. Baseball has sadly become the Orient's (Japan and Korea) pastime more than America's pastime. I think we've lost something more significant than a game.
2. Office pools are a form of gambling.
3. As a club, the Cubs are stronger this year than last. This is the year.
4. Although LOST has lost some steam, it's still the best show on TV, and might be the most creative show ever.
   
5. The body of Christ should be more generous than ever in the midst of financial crisis.
6. As a whole, pastors in the American Church are doing far too much "ministry", and parishioners are doing far too little. Both "p"s can shoulder the blame for this.
7. The implications of text messaging are far more significant than we are thinking; and I'm afraid those implications are largely negative.
   
8. The greatest detriment or assistance to a teenage girls spiritual growth is the relationship with her father.
9. We are far less busy than we think, and far more frivolous than we realize.
10. I am too afraid of what people think of me.
    

25 Random Things

This thing has been going around on Facebook like crazy, and I've been "tagged" about 20 times. I'm supposed to post 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about myself. I'm also supposed to tag 25 people to do the same. I'll post the 25, but no tagging for me. I think most anybody I'd be interested in hearing from has been tagged.

1. When I transitioned to doing High School ministry in 1999, I did so with much hesitation. I had every intention and desire to be a Junior High Pastor.
2. I have no allergies.
3. I was in a rock band in High School... Cellophane Dream. Lead singer. We played 2 shows. 1 was aesome. We wrote a few songs, and actually recorded one at Mike's (guitar) dad's recording studio.
4. I have a terrible immune system. I get sick a lot. When I get the flu, it takes me about twice the time to recover.
5. I played 4 years of tennis in High School. In those four years, I played in one varsity match.
6. I was in 4H for 4 years... Swine (all 4 years) & Beef (2 years).
7. I have a fascination with professional wrestling. In 1998, I went to Fort Wayne with several guys for a live taping of WCW Monday Nitro. Diamond Dallas Page came up right beside us. We slapped his back and got on TV.
8. My first road kill was a horse.
9. Thanks to Terry Linhart, I had lunch with Rob Bell (author and Pastor of Mars Hill church in Michigan). TGIFridays in Mishawaka. I believe he had garlic chicken. I can't remember what I had.
   
10. The begining of Summer between my Freshman and Sophomore year, I wrecked my Honda Spree scooter on the way to Driver's Ed. I had a severe concussion and blod clot in my head. I was in ICU for a week, and couldn't do any physical activity (running, jumping, heavy lifting) for the rest of the Summer.
11. Multiple Summers with 2 trips to Kings Island and/or Cedar Point has kind of burned me out on Roller Coasters.
12. This is the first Summer since 1997 I won't be on an IMPACT (Youth Missions) or GO (SEMP, NYGO, etc.).
13. I am tentatively committed to speak for Senior High CDYC (Missionary Church Central District's Youth Conference) in June 2010.
14. People often ask when/if I am going to become a Senior Pastor. I have no desire or intention to do so.
15. I want to write and publish a book.
16. I don't have a Master's degree. I have 3 graduate credits.
17. My wife sang for me at our wedding. It was meant to be a surprise, but I figured it out a couple weeks before. It was still very cool.
18. Janelle and I have a tradition... every time we see a limosuine, one of us will say, "Whoa, it must be Burt Reynolds or somebody." (Can you name that movie?)
19. When I can't sleep, I play the alphabet game. I take a category (movies, NFL athletes, Lord of the Rings characters, etc.) and I go through A-Z naming those in that category. I rarely make it through the entire alphabet.
20. I met a girl (at Cornerstone Music Festival) who dated Prince.
21. I operate best on 10 hours of sleep.
22. Every time I walk toward the entrance to NorthWood High School, a spiritual battle takes place inside me.
23. When I was in Jr High, I traded away what is probably equal to $1,500 worth of Football cards for a single Baseball card worth $30.
24. I've been Skydiving once.
25. I really don't like cell phones. I have one more out of neccessity than desire.
    

Who will be #1000?

I have frequent contact and deep relationship with all 999 of my facebook friends. I don't know if I can take another one. (please read the previous two sentences with the highest level of sarcasm your brain can muster)

Three About Me

Cool idea Steve. I'm ripping it off.

Three jobs I have had in my life: Lifegaurd at Nappanee Public "pee" pool (that's what we called it), Gym Monitor at Bethel College, Delivery boy of "The Paper" for downtown Wakarusa.
Three movies I would watch over and over: Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Italian Job, Dumb and Dumber
Three shows that I watch: LOST, Chuck, Around the Horn.
Three places I have been: Jerusalem, Amazon Jungle, Etna Green.
Three of my favorite foods: Spaghetti, Steak, Ice Cream
Three places I'd rather be right now: Disney World, In a Hot Tub, In bed.
Three friends I think will respond by posting this on their blog: None
Three things I am looking forward to this year: Summer Camp, Anniversary trip with my wife, that thing that I don't know about right now that will likely end up being a huge highlight.
Three jobs I would love to have: Professional Travler, Disney Imagineer, the one I have right now.