Andy Frizzell

Derek, A Son of God

2012-01-31T12:09:00.000-08:00

I never knew what to do with Derek. He sat in the back of the class, most of the time with headphones in, and took frequent bathroom breaks during discussion groups. He has been in and out of our ministry for the last two years, showing up for Sunday and then again at the occasional gathering but then disappearing again. This all changed a month ago. Derek showed up to class January 8th with a smile on his face, head phones out, and a desire to be there, I mean really be there. He was tracking with what we were talking about and following along in his own Bible. He signed up for our Winter Camp and (to my surprise) showed up early, packed and ready for the bus ride up the mountain. During the weekend we all watched as God broke this young man down. Something had started in his heart the week before and culminated in a Saturday night confessional and a desire to take on Jesus in baptism.

I am so grateful that God has brought Derek into my life and given me a second chance with him. I had always been somewhat intimidated by the stand-offish 14 year old with the frown and distant gaze. All that time I gave him space and thought it was best for him to "work it out" or "grow out of it." The opposite was true. He needed men to step into his life to give him a purpose, a blessing. The most wonderful thing about this story is the men that have surrounded Derek. He now has a core group of men as a support system when he doesn't know where else to turn. We pray for him everyday and stay connected with him through out the week. I praise God today for opening my eyes and placing Derek in my life when I was afraid to place myself in his.

God give me a heart of grace and a spirit of courage that I do not allow myself to be blinded to the needs of the teens around me. Thank you for this reminder and continue to work in me so that I can see what you are doing in our ministry and city.

122/GO

2012-01-24T13:54:00.000-08:00

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

James 1:22

Sunday Night our youth ministry participated in the 122/GO project put on by FHU and the Montagues (Brad and Kristi). The live event was focused around the verse above and challenged our youth to think about what was happening in their lives "between sundays." The event united youth ministries from all over the world. It was a great eye opener for our ministry in being able to see the incredible stories of teens in the southeast and how their dreams are affecting so many lives. Our group has already started conversations about how we can deepen our involvement in our homeless and celebrate recovery ministries and also how to help with "THE VAN" ministries and others like it. I am so thankful for the work that Brad and Kristi do on the FHU campus and I am always encouraged by their passion.

Check out videos from the event at: http://www.fhu.edu/go/

There are even some Fresno shout-outs!

Every Teardrop is a Waterfall

2012-01-22T14:52:00.000-08:00

We sat circled in a dark cold cabin on a Saturday night in Oakhurst, CA, crying. Ten men all struggling with the Spirit, wrestling with demons, and calling on the name of the Lord. I did not grow up in an emotional family, youth group, or church family but on this night I found myself in the middle of a group of young men with tears flowing freely and emotions squarely on my sleeve. It was beautiful! It was messy! It was REAL!
Even before this I was flanked by my Seniors at our upper bowl devotional talking about our year ahead and the spiritual expectations I had for them. Just being in their presence brought tears to my eyes. They have come exceptionally far. These teens, several of who at one point would rather be anywhere else than a youth retreat, are now spiritual leaders within our youth group. I am consistently amazed by how in tune with the spirit our teens are. They allow themselves to get wrapped up and lost in moments with God. They rally to each other's aid and are ready to pray with each other at anytime. They are truly building a safe haven for each other. A place where they can come and experience God without fear of the normal teenage angst and drama. A place of encouragement and acceptance. As I sat and listened to 17-18 year old men pour out their prayers on each other's behalf I stopped and thanked God for allowing me to be a witness to this beautiful moment.

Winter Camp 2012: Jars of Clay

2012-01-22T14:39:00.000-08:00

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹ For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. ¹² So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." 2 Corinthians 4:7-12

Some of you may have noticed that about 100 of us were missing from Sunday morning worship service. Don't worry we weren't "back-sliding." We were actually in Oakhurst for our annual Winter Camp at YBC. This year we all focused our attention on the passage above, from 2 Corinthians 4. Our teens, counselors, and staff all took time to study this passage through worship, keynote lessons, breakout groups, upper and lower bowl devotionals, and cabin devotionals. I am so grateful for our support team that worked so hard to make this a very deep and spiritually enriching weekend for our student ministry. We had over 80 campers and over 30 staff members.

Here is a breakdown of some of the preparation that went into the weekend and stories that resulted from our weekend on God's Mountain:

This year we wanted to be more intentional in our preparation for the weekend. I wanted the staff to go into the weekend with focused hearts on how we planned to see God in our teens and show God to our teens. To do this we had all of our staff take the time to do a daily devotional leading up to the weekend, from Sunday to Friday. Everyday we had a selected reading, several questions to think about, and a prayer prompt directing us to God with a focus on our time with the teens.

When we arrived on site we led the teens through a couple of games and showed a video our ministry made to help illustrate Tim Parish's Friday night keynote. The rest of the weekend we turned the keynote duties over to Eli Hooper with our breakout groups following each lesson. We used the breakout groups as ways for our teens to process the lessons and have time for prayer request and confession.

Saturday night we do a devotional time where we visually illustrate our theme. With this year's theme being "jars of clay" we had our group broken into Jr and Sr high with counselors leading each age group in an interactive devotional experience. We had 6 counselors hold clay flower jars with candles in them and tell life experience stories about life pre camp, at camp, and after camp with each counselor talking about how they extinguished their flame only days after leaving camp. Our teens then were encouraged to take the time to light each other's spiritual candles. We gave them an hour to talk and bless each other with this time leading into more specific cabin devotional time.

I have been incredibly blessed this week by the excitement, spiritual fervor, and focus that our teens have exhibited since being home. A big thank you to all of our staff for the time and energy they all put in to making this the best Winter Camp yet!

The Legacy

2011-12-20T23:33:00.000-08:00

Recently we received an incredible gift. With the addition of Eden and the new schedule we keep as parents we found it hard to be everywhere we needed to be with one car. In the process of searching for a car I talked to multiple church members to keep a look out for us. Two weeks ago I received a call from JoAnn Glock with a lead on a car, not just any car, her car (by way of her sister, Jean Miller). JoAnn and Jean decided that they were going to give us their Subaru Legacy wagon. I was beyond excited. I have always been partial to subarus but never had the opportunity to own one. And you couldn't beat the price.

This week I have been thinking about the name on the back of the car, Legacy. By passing the car on to us JoAnn and Jean have allowed us to share in their "legacy." When Jean handed me the car keys she talked about how I was part of the family now. I can't imagine a better legacy to be carrying on. These two women have been a part of the Woodward Park and Palm Ave church family for their entire lives and have the work they have done for this family is immeasurable. Every time I get behind the wheel I am reminded of their example and love for the Lord and his church. I am so grateful to carry on their "Legacy"

5 Years: The Wooden Anniversary

2011-12-16T09:34:00.000-08:00

Five years ago today I stood on the platform at the Hendersonville church of Christ in Tennessee and professed my love and committed my life to the beautiful Ashley Parker. I still remember sitting in the auditorium surrounded by my best friends/groomsman watching the slide show as the ceremony started and smiling. I haven't stopped smiling. Everyday has literally been a new adventure for us. we have traveled from sea to shining sea with all of the squabbles and laughter in between. Ashley is more than a soul mate. She is me and I am her. I am thankful for the first five years and pray i live to see 55 more.

Father, thank you for bringing Ashley into my life and completing a broken individual. Her love is a daily reminder of your care and concern for me. Thank you for loving and caring for me so deeply.

December Youth Calendar

2011-12-02T10:10:00.001-08:00

A Time for Thanks #30: Jesus

2011-12-01T13:36:00.001-08:00

As we start December it is now time for me to switch my focus back to my reading in the book of Common Prayer. The first month pulls me in to an Advent reading with the focus being on the coming Messiah. As I close my month of thanks and start a month of praise I feel that there is no better way to close than giving thanks to our Lord and Savior. Today, as all days, I am thankful for the birth, life, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. I am a redeemed sinner, saved by grace, through death on the cross. I can never be thankful enough.

A Time for Thanks #29: Woodward Park church of Christ

2011-12-01T13:26:00.001-08:00

As we landed in Sacramento Tuesday night all I could think about was getting back to the office Wednesday morning, and back to the work at Woodward Park. Is that weird? I hope so! I am so thankful for the family of believers we are privileged to work with at the Woodward Park church of Christ.

I am thankful for our elders and the freedoms they give me to be me and do the work that God has called me to do. I am thankful for our deacons (especially our youth deacons and wives) for the time they devote to the day to day activities and keeping us in running order. I am thankful for our families and the task they have taken on of raising spiritually invested children. I am beyond thankful for our youth ministry and consistently blown away by the maturity and devotion I see in our teens. I am thankful for an office staff that can work together and enjoys time together outside of the office. Most of all I am thankful for the love and acceptance we feel congregation wide from a family that literally saved my spiritual life 4 years ago. Thank You!

A Time for Thanks #28: Mountains

2011-11-30T10:08:00.001-08:00

In the spring of 2005 I went on a spring break trip to work with the campus ministry at Virginia Tech. While we were on campus an activist group handed us these stickers (above). I cannot think of a more appropriate sticker for the back of my car. I am thankful that God saw fit to create mountain ranges. As a child I fell in love with the Smoky Mountains of the East. After graduating college Ashley and I moved into the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee. When we moved to California I got the privilege of experiencing the beauty of the Sierra Nevada range and today I came back to the Rocky Mountain National Park. I am not sure I have ever felt closer to God than when I am in the mountains.

The mountains are calling and I must go.

Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.

John Muir

A Time for Thanks #27: Times of Worship

2011-11-30T09:58:00.001-08:00

On this Sunday I am thankful for times of worship both corporate and private. This morning and evening we enjoyed a worship service together in Denver and I got to watch as my father in law held my daughter through the service. Moments like these remind me why we get together to worship as a body. I was immensely encouraged just by that moment let alone the words we sang and the prayers that were offered up. I have had the privilege to worship with church families all over the USA, Canada, Mexico, Belgium, Scotland, Honduras, and Finland. In all of those situations it has been good to be with the family of God.

I am also thankful for moments of private worship. I am a social person and love to be surrounded by people, but since making our trip to Europe to study abroad I found peace with God in solitude. I am thankful for trips to National Parks, long walks, daily runs, closet time, and even sitting alone in our auditorium at Woodward Park. I find myself humming or singing old hymns as I shop for groceries or praying as I mow my grass and for these times I am thankful.

A Time for Thanks #26: Family Game Nights

2011-11-28T18:29:00.001-08:00

Tonight I beat Keith Parker in Monopoly. Yes that's right I beat the financial wizard himself at "his" game. I am thankful for family game nights. I grew up in a gaming family. When all of our cousins came in to town it was always skip bo, yahtzee, phase 10, bananagrams, catch phrase, spades, or various board games. I have great memories playing "cut throat" skip bo with a grandmother that refused to lose her 5-9 year old grandkids. I remember fondly the competitive banter and epic battles between the "hubs" and "pips." I loved watching new additions to the family squirm through the first few games trying to figure out just how much smack they could throw in the mix. In fact Ashley solidified herself as a member of the family because of her value in game nights. After a night of getting the best of my father in law, I am thankful for family game nights.

A Time for Thanks #25: Pictures

2011-11-28T18:23:00.001-08:00

Now this post will come as a surprise to Janie, but I am very thankful for all of the pictures that have documented the special memories of my life. Today we bought a new camera to capture all of the special moments in the life of Eden Claire. So the circle starts again. I am sure that one day she will frown and scowl at the camera just like I did when mom pointed it in my direction but until then flash away.

A Time for Thanks #24: Thanksgiving Dinner

2011-11-25T15:59:00.001-08:00

I love Thanksgiving day! I am especially thankful for the staple thanksgiving dinner foods. Today I am thankful for the spread before me: honeybaked ham, green bean casserole, corn casserole, sweet potato casserole, mac and cheese, deviled eggs, homemade rolls, pumpkin pie, and chocolate cobbler. I am thankful for Ashley, Jessica, and Sandra for all their hard work making a feast for the rest of us.

A Time for Thanks #23: Tradition

2011-11-24T22:10:00.001-08:00

Tonight, after arriving in Denver, we talked about the tradition in the Parker family to go to Krispy Kreme donuts the night before Thanksgiving on their way to Alabama. Just the words Krispy Kreme had me salivating. As we were discussing it Ashley made a plea to keep the tradition alive even though we wouldn't be driving to grandmas house. We mapped the nearest store and realized it was 30 minutes away. I know that for some this distance would be a deterrent but its tradition and come on this is a Krispy Kreme donut we are talking about. So we all hopped in the van and gladly drove the 30 minutes to keep the tradition alive. On this night I am thankful for family traditions.

A Time for Thanks #22: Travel (Planes, Trains, and Automobiles)

2011-11-22T10:32:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow we fly out to Denver, CO for our first family Thanksgiving in four years which brings me to today's thanks. Today I am thankful for the opportunities Ashley and I have been given to get out and see the beauty of the Western United States. Since moving to California we have seen the state from Eureka to San Diego and all of God's creation in between. We have also had opportunities to travel to Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Alaska, and Canada. In her short life Eden will have been on a plane four times by February and seen 5 different states. I am thankful for our semester abroad in Belgium which opened my eyes to the endless possibilities when it comes to hopping in a car, catching a plane, or riding the rails. Lord, thank you for opening doors of travel for us.

A Time for Thanks #21: FHU

2011-11-21T11:25:00.001-08:00

It has been 5 years since I was in my senior year at Freed Hardeman University, living in room 115 in Brigance dormitory, acting as president for XBX social club, surviving mono, and trying to help my fiance get a wedding together. I am thankful for those days. I am thankful that from 2003 to 2007 I chose to attend FHU. I am thankful for FHU mostly for the people that God brought into my life because of my college choice. My facebook news feed is filled with friends engaged in the mission of God. I will always be thankful for how I was challenged most by fellow students to pursue the heart of God. Here is a small representation of the memories I am thankful for from my time in and around Henderson, TN.
- Freshman Year Interface: The group I was placed in was an all star group
- Paul Gray, 2nd floor, four man room with Paavo, Rett, and Miika
- Spring Break Missions to Pensacola, FL, Virginia Tech, and Center, KY
- Makin Music
- Angry Gnome
- Maywood Retreats
- Having constant prayer partners and friends to do life with
- Coffee and Music Appreciation with Neil Segars
- Working at Luray where my Great Grandad, Grand father and father had been before me
- Working at Bethel Springs w/ Dr. Lipe, Terry Edwards, and Tony Allen esp. the breakfast meetings at Jack's
- Bills BBQ with the Bills Crew
- Officer's Retreats
- The last week in Brigance Fall 2006
- Years of Horizons
- Being an interface leader for 2 years
- Europe trip: This was the life defining part of my FHU existence
- Sharing a year on campus with my sister
- Campus wide devos on Tuesday and Thursdays
- LOST w/ the Alsbrooks
- Office Nights
- Scary Movie Nights (Paavo never made it through a whole movie in our two years of attempts)
- 533 Hill Ave
- The Orange incident
- Finding and marrying Ashley

I am sure I have missed some terribly important experiences but that is always what happens when you try to make lists like this. Thank you to everyone who made my FHU experience memorable.

A Time for Thanks #20: Rain

2011-11-20T14:11:00.001-08:00

I know you think I must have ran out of things to be thankful for if I am thankful for rain, but I am very thankful for God's sprinkler system. Before we moved to California I was not a fan of the cold wet days that plague Tennessee in the spring, especially since the whole FHU campus is a flood plain. Now that we live in one of the biggest agricultural counties in the nation I join with members of our congregation in prayer for rain. I have come to see the renewal that comes with the rain physically and spiritually. The change of the view in Fresno after the rain is enough to be thankful to God for the wet days. It is always a beautiful sight to wake up and see the smog replaced with stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Thank you Lord for your rain and renewal

A Time for Thanks #19: Tennessee Football

2011-11-19T17:01:00.001-08:00

On this Saturday I am thankful for the Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt game playing over my laptop with the voices of the Vols play by play crew painting the picture for me. I love Tennessee Vols football. I have as long as I can remember. As a child I would sit for hours watching old highlights and bowl game, memorizing stats of players from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. I grew up with Andy Kelly, Heath Shuler, Peyton Manning, Carl Pickens, Jamal Lewis, Jason Witten, Al Wilson, John Henderson, and Leonard Little with the voice of John Ward providing the excitement with his "give him six, touchdown Tennessee." Moving to California has only strengthened my love for my home state and her boys of fall. Go Big Orange!

A Time for Thanks #18: Siblings

2011-11-18T12:00:00.001-08:00

Today I am thankful for my sister, brother in law, sister in law and their spouses. I have been blessed with siblings that love God and challenge me daily to be a better big brother.

Betsy
I am thankful for my sister, who has been a best friend for our entire life together. I don't know what my parents did to foster that relationship in our home but I am so thankful for their efforts. Its hard to even put into words the things I am thankful for when thinking of our relationship. I'll to bullet point memories:
- Car trips and fruit roll ups
- Being too cool posing for all of mom's pictures
- Allowing me to dictate what we did and how we did it (Played the same sports, liked the same music, food, and clothes)
- Car rides to High School and making the perfect playlist
- Being the gate keeper when it came to girlfriends (Betsy was stone cold)
- Being one of the hardest workers and best leaders I have ever been around
- Picking the right husband (Aaron we love you, even if Arkansas obliterated TN this year)
- Devoting herself to God's work in a foreign country with low pay, high expectations, and the joy of working with college students

Jessica
- Accepting me as a brother from the very beginning
- Always wanting a goodnight/ goodbye hug
- Seeking God in all things and honoring Him above all
- Going through a dark time in life and coming out the other side stronger and more faithful
- Finding a great husband (who we get to enjoy Thanksgiving with next week in Denver)
- Being a great caretaker, teacher, and #1 fan for Pete

Pete
- Your phone calls
- Listening to my sermon tapes and memorizing the punchlines
- Providing endless story material
- Your love for God and allowing me to see what is meant by the faith of a child, even at 29
- Making others happy even when you are annoying the family
- Being an inspiration to everyone you meet

A Time for Thanks #17: Free Coffee

2011-11-17T10:36:00.001-08:00

Four the next week (17-21) Starbucks is running a buy one get one free deal on all of their holiday drinks. Thanks to Howard Schultz and all the people at Starbucks for this giveaway.

Click Here for more details

A Time for Thanks #16: Short Term Missions

2011-11-16T09:56:00.001-08:00

Growing up as the son of a youth minister we didn't take vacations, we took mission scouting trips with fun side trips tossed in and for that I am thankful. Our family went to places like Monatgut, LA; Black Mtn, NC; Ontario, Canada; Cedar Key, FL; Alachua, FL; Jackson, KY; and others. Trips like these are the spring board that brought us to California and Betsy and Aaron to Belgium. In mission classes in college the effectiveness of short term missions was always debated usually to the conclusion that it wasn't worth your time unless you committed to years of service to that field. I am glad my father never listened. Short term mission trips changed my life and perspective on service to God. I am grateful to men like Trent Wheeler (FL), Adam Barr (Scotland), Jarrod Brown (Honduras), Don Neyland (Montagut, LA), Mike Soto (Portland, OR), Nathan House (GP, OR), and Mike Hefley (Mariposa, CA) for allowing me to be apart of their mission and experience God in the midst of their community.

A Time for Thanks #15: EHCS

2011-11-15T09:59:00.001-08:00

Today I am thankful that my parents made the necessary sacrifices to send me to Ezell Harding Christian School. I am thankful that my graduating class was under 100 people and that I was able to have personal relationships with much of the faculty. Because of the size of our school I was able to participate in a wide variety of leadership, athletic, and spiritual activities that would not have been possible anywhere else. I still pray for the success of Ezell Harding weekly and have nothing but great memories from my time there. A big thanks to all of the faculty, staff, and class of 2003 for being such a pivotal part of my life.

A Time for Thanks #14: Mondays!

2011-11-14T15:55:00.001-08:00

I love Mondays! Yes you read that right. I said I LOVE MONDAYS. Mondays have been my day off since graduating from college and starting full time ministry. They have been a time for me to rest, reflect, pray, nap, catch up with reading, and connect with Ashley (and now Eden). My Mondays have evolved from the first day off at Willow Ave til today. When we were in Cookeville they were days of rest and reading usually spent walking to one of the local coffee shops to read the latest "thought provoking" Christian living book. Once we moved to California, Monday became a traveling day, in which we would familiarize ourselves with our surroundings (and coffee shops) usually ending up at the Central Coast, Bay Area, Yosemite, or Kings Canyon. Now they are family days. Days where I can help around the house, get yard work done, and hold my daughter. One thing that hasn't changed is my thankfulness to the Elders for allowing me this day to take a Sabbath.

A Time for Thanks #13: Children's Ministry

2011-11-13T15:27:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for anyone capable of running and handling any kind of children's ministry program. This morning I worked with our children's worship and came face to face with the beast. I am grateful for the dedicated souls who have the energy and mental stamina to consistently work with 4-8 year olds on a regular basis. Our God Squad is an awesome ministry and I am thankful for everyone who takes the time to organize and work with their events. That being said, I am very thankful that I work with teens instead of pre-teens.

A Time for Thanks #12: Running with Pete

2011-11-11T12:22:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow I will be running 13.1 mi along the beautiful coastline of Santa Barbara. I am thankful today for running and the use of my legs. When I run (especially long distances) I am reminded of something my brother Pete says often. For those of you who don't know Pete, he is in a wheelchair, and when asked what he will do when he gets to Heaven Pete always responds "go running." Tomorrow I will be running for Pete while longing for the day that we can run together in Heaven.

A Time for Thanks #11: Freedom

2011-11-11T12:16:00.001-08:00

On 11-11-11 I am thankful for the freedom I enjoy as an American but more importantly I am reminded of the freedom I enjoy in Christ. I am thankful for Veterans Day because it always helps to remind me of God's love for me and the freedom I was given through his son's death.

A Time for Thanks #10: Home Churches

2011-11-10T10:15:00.001-08:00

In my life I have been involved in three church families for 3+ years Jackson Park, Crieve Hall and Woodward Park. I am thankful for those church families and the investment so many people in those congregations have made in me. There are so many life defining moments that happened in these three congregations from the generous outpouring of life experience shared by so many close friends and mentors. If I tried to thank every individual I would be typing through the night. I

One of the greatest things about my college career were the opportunities to learn from other congregations and become an active part in their work through summer internships or being hired on during the school year. I loved my time at Concord Road with Joe Wells; Southern Hills with Ken Reed; Mt Juliet with Phil Waggoner, David Shannon, and Andrew Phillips; Savannah with David Baker, Chuck Morris, and Josh Schwartz; Luray with Michael Whitworth; Bethel Springs with Dr. Lipe, Terry, Neil, and Tony; Willow Ave with Clarence and Mike. I feel like I could walk into any of these church families today and feel like I was back home. Today I am thankful for all of my church homes. Thanks to all of the congregations that allowed me to be a part of your youth ministries for the summer and beyond!

A Time for Thanks #9: Music

2011-11-09T22:11:00.000-08:00

After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music. - Aldous Huxley

Today I am thankful for music. I am thankful for parents who introduced me to classics (James Taylor, Chicago, Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot, the Beatles, and Don McLean) that have shaped my music taste. I am thankful for friends who have contributed to the stack of cds, records, and mp3 files that clutter my house and hard drive. I am thankful for a wife who could just sit and listen to a record and discuss why the new record just isn't the same and how they've changed their sound.

My life has always had a soundtrack. When I was in college I even burned a set of cds for every phase of my life with songs that were either prevalent or relevant to that age. I still associate trips, seasons, holidays, and even our wedding with different songs. I am especially thankful for live music. There is nothing like seeing an artist pouring out their soul in a song as you share the moment with them.

God gave us Music that we might pray without words.

This is a quote I read outside an opera house in Europe and I think it best sums up why I am thankful for the gift of music

Thank you Lord for the gift of music as an avenue of expression

A Time for Thanks #8: WPYG

2011-11-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

I love the question: "When are you going to step up to the pulpit and really do ministry?" Well here you go. I am going to try to help you with your query. I am thankful for our youth ministry because:

The commitment I see in the lives of our teens
The questions they ask that their parents are afraid to ask
The desire to grow and search for Him in their lives
That we can have fun in everything we do; study, class, small group, mission trips, six flags, etc
I have seen boys become men and girls become women of God
We have sent out missionaries and ministry students but most importantly they all understand that no matter their profession they are all missionaries and ministry students
They are self leading, we have set up a program where they now teach each other, promote events among themselves, and create and plan upcoming activities
You get to watch squirrely awkward seventh graders become true friends who ask you deep life questions on the Senior Retreat
Watching shy students charge boldly into a laundry mat, in another state, offering to wash your clothes in the name of Jesus
Taking them out of their comfort zone and watching them thrive in true ministry circumstances

I am continually inspired by the lives of our teens and the struggles (or perceived struggles) of their lives. I offer God my thanks everyday that I am able to wake up and do this all over again. I am thankful for every member of the WPYG, their families and our elders for the support they give to our ministry.

A Time for Thanks #7: Grace

2011-11-08T13:25:00.000-08:00

I spent yesterday with friends in Grass Valley planning Winter Camp and enjoying great conversation with close friends. I was reminded by multiple stories shared yesterday the power of grace. We recounted stories of our teen years, mistakes made, and how we came back to God. As we talked I became aware of the amount of grace that had been extended to me in all ages and phases of my life.

Saying that I would like to reintroduce myself to you: Hi, may name is Andy, and I am a sinner redeemed by God.

Today I am thankful for the grace of God and the graciousness of friends, family, and the members of the Woodward Park church of Christ. I am thankful that even in my imperfections I am forgiven, loved, and cherished by God. I have been extended an overwhelming amount of grace throughout my life and can never repay the kindness of others. Thank you all for the grace you have shown me in my life and most of all to God for the grace that floods my soul.

"Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me"

A Time for Thanks #6: Fall

2011-11-07T16:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had our Family Devotional with the youth group and United Parents at the Lee's house and I was reminded how much I love fall. I know I have written about my love for fall before but it bears repeating, I LOVE FALL! I am thankful for the leaves and the beautiful colors floating through our neighborhood. I am thankful for long afternoons raking and bagging in flannels and boots. I am thankful for pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin bagels (Uncle Harrys), Pumpkin pie, and Jamie Perry's pumpkin cookies. I am thankful for football season and the boys of fall. I am thankful for the memories that I have of all of the fall retreats to Hy lake, short mountain, maywood, whispering pines, and all the FHU weekends. I am always mindful of Acton and Huntsville thanksgivings and skipping turkey to go for the BBQ (pulled pork, not an actual grill) at the Frizzell thanksgiving celebration. For all of the memories of Autumn I am thankful.

"Father, Thank you for seasons and the beauty we see in the changing world."

A Time for Thanks #5: Support System

2011-11-05T10:44:00.001-07:00

On Thursday I went with Cedric Rowe over to one of the drug and rehabilitation housing units to meet about a partnership we are forming to minister to their residents. During our visit to the facility the head of the unit took us to the cafeteria area to see our meeting space. When we walked in we were instantly greeted with "Lean on Me" playing over the pa system. In the cafeteria over one hundred of the residents had gathered to sing together to practice for their graduation from the program. I was blown away. Not by their voices or their harmonies but by the emotion in their faces as they sang words that I have taken for granted all of my life. They NEEDED somebody to lean on.

Today I am so thankful for all the people in my life who had allowed me to lean on them. I was reminded of how blessed I was and how the success in my life has come because of an incredible support system. To all that have allowed me to lean on you- Thank You!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Time for Thanks #4: Fatherhood

2011-11-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

As I watched my wife and daughter go through airport security from behind TSA barricades I had my first overwhelming feeling of helplessness as a father. Ashley was leaving for a trip across country with Eden for the first time without daddy. It hit me in that moment that I am daddy, and I like being daddy. It is still surreal to look into that little girls face and know that she is mine and I am hers. Today I am thankful for that. I am thankful that I have embarked on this new phase of life and God is blessing me with these feelings and instincts. I am also reminded of how thankful I am for my own father and the life lessons he instilled in me. I pray that I can be half the father to Eden that Tim was to me.

A Time for Thanks #3: Family Legacy (Grand Parents)

2011-11-03T21:08:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Ashley flies back to Tennessee to be with her family as they gather around the bed of her ailing grandfather Ben Parker. I can't even begin to share my thankfulness and the debt I owe my grandparents and Ashley's. All four sets of our grandparents are Christians. All of them have been married 50+ years. We have been given an incredible legacy by all of our grandparents. As Ashley goes to meet her family I know that as they all stand around grandpa Ben they will be able to share the stories that define all of us who have been blessed by him. Today I am incredibly thankful for their love, care, discipline, but most importantly allowing us to stand on the shoulders of four beautiful marriages as we start our family.

Please keep Ben Parker and the Parker family in your prayers as he is in the CCU at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville

A Time of Thanks #2: Janie Frizzell

2011-11-02T11:02:00.000-07:00

This is a momentous day in the history of the world. On this day the mother of all mothers was born. Today I am thankful for Janie Sue Whitehurst Frizzell, the mother. She has been not only a mother to me and Betsy but to all of our friends, spouses, and even the homeless our friends would bring in (ask Aarek Farmer). I never knew how much mom really loved me until I saw the way she looked at Eden the day she was born, then I understood. I am thankful for mom because:
My life has been one of the most documented (photos of everything) lives ever
She attended literally every event of my life
Her hugs are unparalleled
She makes a mean breakfast casserole
She gave me whatever creative/artistic qualities I have
She nurtured a great relationship between me and Betsy that has lasted our whole lives
She has been our biggest fan and shamelessly promoted us for everything even if Betsy and I didn't want the attention
Of the love she showed for dad everyday and how she built him up as a superhero in our eyes
Continually nurturing my faith along with every 2 year old at Jackson Park/Crieve Hall with "I Love to Pat the Bible"
For making up crazy songs that all had the same tune and singing them with reckless abandon to soothe us
This is just a brief list of how thankful I am for Janie on her birthday, Happy Birthday!

A Time for Thanks #1: Ashley Parker Frizzell

2011-11-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

In the last several years it has become a custom of mine to take daily account of things I am thankful for in the month of November. This year I am going to try to blog a note of praise daily for the blessings God continues to rain on me. I hope this will be a great reminder to me of all I have been given and how unworthy I am of all of it. May it also be a blessing to you as you consider what you are thankful for this month and always.

Ashley Nicole Parker Frizzell

On the first day of this month of thanks I can think of no blessing that is bigger than the gift God gave me with bringing Ashley into my life. November 9th will mark 7 years together (dating, engaged, and married). I am amazed that with every passing day we grow closer. I am thankful for the following:

3 months in Europe and our engagement in Bruges

Beginning our married relationship in Henderson, TN surrounded by loving friends

Walks in the fall down Washington Ave to downtown Cookeville

Hikes in the East TN Mountains

Long car trips just for the conversation

Moving with me cross country to follow a dream

Living the California Adventure everyday and not taking any of it for granted

Always being up for a spur of the moment road trip (even with a baby in tow)

Always looking for the next cup of coffee

Sharing passions in everything

Literally completing me

Understanding that everything is spiritual and God can be found anywhere and in everything

Being my constant companion and the first face I see for the last 4 years and 10 months.

For all of these things and so much more I am forever thankful for the blessing of my beautiful wife.

November Youth Calendar

2011-10-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

Run in Such a Way Update

2011-10-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

We are only 3 weeks away from the Half Marathon that I have been training for since the end of the summer. On November 12th I will be in Santa Barbara to run the Santa Barbara International Half Marathon. It has been a really good experience for me to learn to train on my own and gaining the greater discipline required to stick with a running schedule. So now I can turn my attention to the actual race and course. If your going to run a half marathon you might as well run it in Santa Barbara with a finish line looking at the Pacific Ocean. Hopefully this will be enough motivation to get through the 13.1 mi. This is my last week of long miles and then the next two weeks will be taper weeks to rest before the race.
Also I now have the app that allows to get cheers from facebook. So if you see on my wall that I am on a run you can leave a post and I will hear it as I run, pretty cool, huh!

WPYG Spotlight: Trent Bacus

2011-10-25T15:20:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Trent Bacus, our WPYG Spotlight recipient:

Trent is a Senior at Hoover High School

Trent Enjoys:

Social Networking (especially twitter)

His truck, and driving in general

Family (including his crazy extended family)

Video Games

The Fashion Family of Furniture Stores ( "There is nothing like it in all of California")

Cartoons, especially The Regular Show and Adventure Time

Jamba Juice smoothies (Well at least smoothies that don't make his head swell up like a beach ball)

Not drinking soda or eating sweets

Capture the Flag and Airsoft

His sisters Emma and Julia

Throwing Lemons into the neighbors pool

Leadership Council

Mariposa VBS trips

Dressing like a woman for Halloween (Taylor Swift last year)

Service Weekend with Lompoc YG

2011-10-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

This weekend we have the Lompoc Youth Group coming in to partner with us in a service and prayer filled Saturday. If you need the schedule or updates on what we are doing and where please check our WPYG Facebook page. Here is a brief description of Saturdays events:

Morning in Service: 9am- 12pm
The teens have the choice of 3 different service opportunities:
West Care Fresno: Clothing give away, BBQ, and Halloween Games with the families
Pyle Elementary School: Yard work and clean up project
Baking and Visitation: Baking cookies and visiting members of WPCOC

Afternoon in Prayer: 1:30pm-4pm
We have 20 prayer stations set up for our teens to take time to pray specifically for things that we might forget about in daily prayer. They will have over an hour devoted to this project and have time at each station to spend time talking to God.

BBQ and Corn Maze: 5:30- 9:30
We will have a BBQ and then head off to the Fresno Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze (Ave 7 & 99)

Looking forward to seeing all of you at 9am Saturday morning!

1 Month In...

2011-10-20T10:41:00.000-07:00

Life has most certainly changed. If you have been following this blog for any length of time you know that we have been blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Eden Claire. We have now been parents for a month and we are more confused than the first day we brought her home. She has us wrapped around her little fingers. Our life has been tremendously blessed and the three of us continue to grow together everyday. Thank you all for your prayers, meals, calls, emails, and facebook posts.

Here are some pictures from her first trip to the Coast:

3 Years+

2011-10-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

July 27th marked the beginning of our 4th year here, meaning I have been a resident of the Golden State for 3 years. I remember the excitement of the drive from Tennessee to California. The plans, prayers, tears, phone calls to Fresno and back to Nashville and then finally getting here and starting the work. The last 3 years have been a huge blessing and honestly helped me to find my place in God's service. I left Tennessee lost and frustrated with my own faith and the work at Woodward Park has given me new life.
In my time here in Fresno: (This is by no means an exhaustive list and I tried to specifically not mention names because I was sure to leave out very important people. You are all a part of this list in some way.)

Personal
God has broken me and built me back up.
I never cried until I moved, now I cry weekly, I am touched by everything (yes it even makes me uncomfortable).
Fallen deeply in love with my beautiful wife who was my best friend but became so much more through the move and first year of our ministry in CA
We have traveled from end to end of this beautiful state trying the best coffee CA has to offer (the "independent" coffee shop total is up to 58).
In this time we have lived in two different houses, in two wonderful communities (Tower) (Woodward Park), with a short stay in an apartment.
Adopted a dog, Ella
God blessed us with burning up our car and granted us the opportunity to purchase our first "reliable" car.
We have run four half marathons and Ashley ran a full marathon
Made wonderful friends all over the state
Enjoyed Holidays as adoptive members of families and felt like a real member of the family
We were blessed with a daughter who has effectively changed everything for the better.
Rediscovered a dormant love for the ocean, while regaining a healthy fear for its power (ask for the story some time)
Been in awe of the majesty of God's creation, there is nothing like the state and National Parks of California
Understanding the value of family and the true definition of the word
Becoming aware of the blessing it was to grow up in Tennessee and more importantly Nashville

Ministry
We have seen 3 excellent classes graduate and move on to great things
Watched God take hold of teen's lives and do things with them no one had ever imagined
Enjoyed the excitement of VBS in Mariposa (2x)
Led LOVE trips to Oregon (Portland, Grants Pass) with a great friend and made close friends along the way
Having three devoted deacon families and never having enough work for all of our Youth Volunteers
Worked with 3 amazingly gifted interns with entirely different personalities, skill sets, and backgrounds
Truly blessed to work with the best unpaid, unofficial servant ever!
Watched our college age group go from nothing to something seemingly over night.
Enjoyed working with two different preachers, part-time/ full time college minister, 9 different elders and of course Joe Boe
Being a part of the creation and movement of the UP group and class
Enjoying the YBC phenomenon (3x)
Served Lompoc annually
Went from being Locked In to Locked Out
Loving the opportunity to have a 2nd youth group once a year at the Tahoe Family Encampment
Watching teens all over the state devote themselves to Christ and taking him on in baptism
Being introduced to ministers who will have an enduring impact on my life and walk with God
Finding a love for preaching that I didn't know was there
Mornings in Prayer
Chik Fil A "Wisdom Breakfast"
Wednesday Ministers Lunches
Valley Youth Ministers Meetings
Overwhelmed by the diversity and love I see in our teens in the best way possible
Waking up every morning knowing that no matter what I have the best "job" in the world with a loving church family that allows me to be me and use my gifts to serve.

I am forever grateful and humbled by the opportunity to serve with my wonderful family at the Woodward Park church of Christ. I know three years is not a long time and honestly I feel like we have just begun but I thought that it was important to reflect as we look forward to year 4.

"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations."

Thank you to the Woodward Park church family for blessing our lives for the last 3 years and helping us to make Fresno home.

Picture from Californialicious tumblr

Sticky Faith, Is Youth Ministry Working?

2011-10-12T11:37:00.000-07:00

Many of the "youth/student ministry" books that have come out in the last several years have pointed to the current model of youth ministry failing teenagers because of the reliance on a single person/ministry rather than building strong families or equipping families in equipping their teens. My role as a youth minister has been shifting here at Woodward Park over the last two years and this book, Sticky Faith, and this podcast help to sum up the reasons why. Rather than giving a book review or a treatise on what youth ministry is or should be take a minute to listen to this podcast from 3 friends of mine: Rusty, Craig, and Barry.They interview Kara Powell, author of Sticky Faith. She has accumulated great research and has something to say about how to help our teens find their own faith rather than walking away.

Podcast: http://studentminister.com/

GO! Fresno Recap

2011-10-11T13:58:00.000-07:00

Creativity has never been a particular strong point for me but I feel like I can appreciate when someone is doing something that should be promoted or copied. With that being said we used our Teen/College Workshop to spin off of a camp that happened at FHU this summer. GO! Camp which was the brainchild of Brad Montague is a camp that was created to empower teens to find sustainable service opportunities in their areas and giving them the tools and motivation to get started.We invited many of the Central Valley churches to inspire valley teens to do the same.

It was a great day for us! We had over 100 students and volunteers working with Poverello House, Pyle Elementary School, and Westcare Rehabilitation Facility, We selected projects that could be sustainable for our group and worked to develop relationships that can be continued on a weekly/ monthly basis.

Poverello House:
We sent 30 students to Poverello House Fresno to serve on the lunch line, food preparation, sack lunch production, warehouse projects, and sorting clothing for giveaways. The Poverello House is one of the biggest organizations in Fresno working with and for the homeless of our city. Our students came back with ideas for how to better serve this organization and the homeless of Fresno. It was a great experience for us because many of our students have never seen that side of Fresno or knew that these needs existed in our own city.

Pyle Elementary School:
Cherie Walters is the principal at Pyle Elementary School in the Fresno Unified School District and she had expressed the need to me for school supplies, kleenex, and hand sanitizer for her class rooms. We were surprised that over a month into the school year this was still a need so we asked for donations from all of the teens that came to GO! Fresno. We took in $500 toward shopping for these supplies! We sent 35+ students and volunteers out to purchase supplies for the students and faculty at Pyle. This is a relationship that we will be able to continue throughout the year. Working with Cherie we will continue to provide lawn care and maintenance, school supplies, underwear/ socks, and anything else that may be needed.

Westcare Rehabilitation Facility:
We have partnered with the Westcare facility of Fresno to do a monthly clothing, toiletry drive plus BBQs and children's events. We sent out 40 students and volunteers to purchase and put together toiletry bags that will go to families living at Westcare. We were able to purchase $200 worth of toiletries from the 99cent store which added up to toiletries for 10-12 families for the next several months. This will be the first of many toiletry drop offs we will make at the westcare complex. The relationships we will build through this with the families will be the lasting legacy.

In the afternoon Eli Hooper, from Grass Valley, talked to our teens about the call to go into our community and show our neighbors that God's people are here. We ended with small groups allowing the teens time to react to the opportunities of the day.

Special Thanks to the GO! FHU team and to all here in Fresno that made GO! Fresno a success

SGW 2011

2011-09-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

This week is our annual Spiritual Growth Workshop here at the Woodward Park church of Christ. We have already been blessed by messages from C.L. Thomas, Paul Methvin, Kevin Schwiger, and Ralph Gilmore with more to come from Eli Hooper, Keith Parker, Nick Perez, Jimmy Hurd, Tim Parish, Ron Bamburg, and Michael Crowder.

This year we picked our theme early and decided to try to pick something direct and concise. So we decided that we wanted to work together to have a better understanding of evangelism and work toward a plan of how we can be a better church family for our home in Fresno. We settled on: GO! Matthew 28:19. Our theme is directed to the individual and the whole of the church on how we can grow in our own faith and share that with others. If you are in the area we would love for you to stop in and spend time with us. For more information check out wpcoc.com

I hope you will be blessed by the weekend and that you will be inspired to GO!

Matthew 28:19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,"

California

2011-09-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

In the last dew days we have had a continual flow of music in the house to keep Eden engaged and calm. This is one of those songs that has defined the last few years of our life and will be one that defines her life for a while to come. Enjoy!

Joey Ryan- California

She's Here!

2011-09-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

Early Friday morning we were woken up by a call from St Agnes Hospital. It was time. After a day of waiting for an open bed we were now going in to have our baby girl. It was 2am when we left the house, "go bags" in tow. We checked in and were sent up to the sixth floor to our home for the next 12 hours, room 631. By 3am Ashley was hooked up with an IV and pitocin flowing through her veins. We spent the next 12 hours praying, watching LOST, visiting with family members, and taking numerous pictures. At 3:29pm with both grandmothers, Allie Knutsen, and an anxious father, Eden Claire entered the world weighing 7lbs 11oz at 21 in long.
Mother and daughter are healthy and doing very well trying to get rest at home. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and your comments.

Teen Workshop 2011: GO! Fresno

2011-09-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

Its that time of year again. Football is back in full swing. Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back at Starbucks. Our 100 degree weather is dropping into the 90s consistently. It can only mean one thing. It's time for our annual Spiritual Growth Workshop. This year's theme is: GO! One of the best parts of the SGW is our opportunity to host the Teen Workshop at Maple Creek Elementary School. God has blessed us to continue to grow over the last few years and we have even added a college age portion to our Teen Workshop.

This year we have a great line up for all of you interested in joining us. Here is a breakdown of what we are doing. For the full schedule or more info on housing and specific service opportunities please email me at andy@wpcoc.com

You are invited to:

GO!

FRESNO

7th Grade- College Age

September 23-24th

Friday 23rd: 6:30-10pm

Saturday 24th: 9am-4pm

Our keynote speakers are:

Keith Parker and Eli Hooper

Cost: $10 per person

Friday: Night Dessert, Coffee, and Soda

Breakfast & Lunch are provided

Friday and Saturday night singing under the big tent

T-Shirt included

Bring work clothes

A Note from a Grandfather to his Granddaughter

2011-09-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

Your grandmother and I are packing our bag to leave Nashville and we are excited about traveling to Fresno, CA on Wednesday for your birth. This afternoon I talked with your aunt Betsy and uncle Aaron on skype. They are in Belgium working with Freed-Hardeman's study abroad program. They are also very excited about your birth. I am grateful that today we have the technology for us to see each other as we talk through computers so we will be able to see you when we are in Nashville and Betsy will be able to see you in Belgium.

This weekend your great grandparents, Ray and Patsy Frizzell will celebrate their 59th anniversary. I am very grateful for them and their example in marriage and family life. You have a very rich family life. You have a very rich family heritage on both sides of your family. Rich in faith, in love, in joy, in loyalty, and in character.

Eden, we pray for you daily and will continue in our prayers for you. In this world we all face troubles, trials, weakness, sin, and sorrow. Your name reminds me that we do not live for this world but for Heaven, Paradise, our second Eden. While we are here we point others to Christ and try to bring a little bit of Heaven to earth. No matter what we face in this life, we know that God is with us and will help us with what we need.

May God bless you to be a little bit of Heaven on earth. May you be a blessing to many people as you reflect Christ in your life. May you be a blessing for Christ and for his church. May God bless you and your wonderful Christian parents to show other families what God wants in family life. May you chose wisely and have a Christian family of your own some day. May you always trust the Lord and be faithful and loyal to Him, all the days of your life and go home to Heaven.

You are my granddaughter whom I love, in you I am well pleased.

With Love,

Pop

(or whatever you decide to call me)

God of Beauty

2011-09-07T13:14:00.000-07:00

"A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease."

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings."

- John Muir

"Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals."

Psalm 36:6

Thoughts that I found important as we were camping two weeks ago in the Santa Cruz Mountains at Big Basin State Park.

September Events

2011-09-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

Inadequacy

2011-08-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

One of the things that comes up frequently in conversation with teens is the feeling of inadequacy. This ranks high on the list of concerns and prayer requests that I receive on a weekly basis. In talking to teens about their perceived inadequacies I am forced to face my own. With Eden's due date just ten days away I often wonder will I be a good father? Will I give her everything she needs to succeed? Will I show her Christ in every word, action, and decision of my life? But my inadequacies don't stop with the idea of fatherhood. I also question my spiritual leadership, youth ministry, and example. I listen to teens talk about school, family, sports, extracurricular, prayer life, study time, and being a daily example of Jesus and I let them know they are not the only ones that struggle with inadequacy and insecurity.

When praying about my frustrations and those of our teens I enjoy wrapping myself in verses like Psalm 42. Every summer I spend the mornings with our interns praying through the Psalms. By the end of the summer we have read and prayed all of the Psalms twice. This summer I noticed that these passages became a part of my life. They were constantly on my heart and particularly when the feeling of inadequacy crept in. We all struggle with feeling like we are not good enough whatever profession or phase of life we are in. I hope today you will take time to realize that it is God who strengthens you and makes you adequate and not a job, friend, or popular opinion. You are loved. Find a the renewing waters of God and quench your thirst.

As a father concerned for his own daughters insecurities and inadequacies here is what I have decided to tell my daughter every night as she falls asleep (Thanks to the Help):

You are kind

You are smart

You are important

May you be reminded that you are all of these things and more in God.

Morning in Prayer

2011-08-24T08:23:00.000-07:00

Schools in the Valley are all back in session as of Monday, which means back to the fall schedule. Fall for me as a youth minister is a great time to regroup, refocus, and dream about the future. One of the most renewing things we do during the school year is our Mornings in Prayer. Once a week I meet with students for prayer before they go to morning classes. We have 11 high schools and 9 middle schools represented in our group this year so I only meet with each school group 3 times a semester. These mornings are precious to me because it gives us all time to reconnect with each other and our Father. Our students have serious concerns and desires and that prayer time is crucial to their daily focus. This morning was our first MiP session of the new school year and I already feel refreshed. I'm glad to be back!

May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:2

Pictures

2011-08-23T12:59:00.001-07:00

Over the summer we were excited to have Boo, Amanda and Evie Scott, friends from Freed Hardeman, come out to stay with us for 3 days. Boo is the campus minister for OU in Norman, OK so I know how precious his vacation time is and I am so grateful they used some of it to spend time with us. They have been our best friends as a couple since we were both married. During their stay Amanda took maternity pictures for us. Here are some of the pictures plus a link to Amanda's blog for more info and pictures: Amanda Scott Photography

He can not come to me, but one day I will go to him

2011-08-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of the most challenging days in my time in ministry. I conducted the graveside service for the son of two former youth group members, Corey and Marissa Cline. Marissa gave birth to twin boys, Micah and McKai, on July 26th. The boys were born at 26 weeks both weighing under 2 pounds each clinging to life. On August 5th McKai passed away after battling with a bacterial infection. How do you prepare for something like that? What do you say to a family dealing with that much grief?

As I sat with Corey in Starbucks yesterday morning discussing the funeral that was only a couple hours away he talked about trust. I was blown away. He had trust that there was more to come out of his hurt. He trusted God would give him strength and direction to use this life experience. As we talked about David's reaction to his child's passing (1 Samuel 12) I was struck by just how much faith Corey had through this hardship. In the last month Corey has literally grown up before my eyes. He was a carefree teen who barely graduated high school, with a dark past that was forced upon him looking to connect with God through our group and his relationship with Marissa. Now he is an employed husband, father, and provider. The maturity in his voice as he talked about the experience, the hurt, and the comfort he and Marissa felt in the words of so many friends and family was a gift from God.

After the service the family did something truly beautiful. As we closed a great-grandfather went to the back of the tent and started passing out balloons. We all stood in a circle as Marissa thanked us all for the support and love the had received and on three we all released our balloons. The family wanted to do this as a physical representation of the trust they have in their Father. Releasing that balloon represented releasing their son to be with his father in heaven.

Philippians 3:20-21: "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. "

The broken body McKai was born with is now being renewed as a glorious body in Heaven!

Please continue to pray for Corey, Marissa and the health of Micah who is now stable and being attended to in the NICU at Fresno Community Hospital.

YBC!

2011-08-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

The best week of our summer is always our time at "God's Mountain," Yosemite Bible Camp. This year we had a record attendance and a very inspiring theme, "Turn the World Upside Down." We has a large number of older campers which gave us a huge pool of quality leaders, which really made for a rich camp experience. As always a lot of thanks goes to all of the cooks, counselor, crafts, snack shack, teachers, handymen, tech guys, and everyone else who did such a great job to make the overall experience one to remember. Special thanks to Mike Avedikian for always going above and beyond as the camp director. One of the best things about working at Woodward Park is beign able to go as a counselor to camp. It gives me so much more time to work with teens one on one and make connections with visitors. We had 7 baptisms this year from 3 different congregations. Erin Cliff did a great job documenting everything that happened this year. To see a small sampling of pictures from YBC 2011 GO HERE: WYPG FACEBOOK

Life Gets in the Way

2011-08-03T11:47:00.000-07:00

Its been a while. When I have been off the blog for awhile that means that life has been busy. This has been a great month of service, growth, and spiritual renewal. Over the next few days I will be posting about some of the experiences of the last month (VBS, Mariposa, Tahoe Family Encampment, and our Intern Trip). For now check out the updated events, books, and info part of the blog. Thanks!

Grants Pass pt. 2

2011-06-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

We were blessed to take 26 on our trip to Oregon and I wanted to take the time to rundown the group list:

Matt Phillips (Our fearless yet emotional leader)

Randy Jacobs (The rugged retiree, wealth of knowledge, and also our week long photographer)

Andy Frizzell (The Coordinator)

Ashley Frizzell (Team Mom)

Tyler White (Never met a stranger)

Garrett Lane (pro-strawberry picker)

Chad Davis (Oregon Vortex)

Zach Gaines (part time song leader, full time hugger)

Samantha Medina (Phosphate connoisseur)

Amanda Sharpton (Deep and Meaningful)

Ashley Sharpton (giggle box)

Carlie Walters (ahhh yeaaahhh)

Ashley Gaffney (gave her life to Christ on our rafting trip)

Nicole Mason (Left her heart with the Rescue mission)

Chelseah Davis (Encouraging Spirit, always looking for others best interest

Jenna Houston (Rescue Mission and Retirement center All-Star)

Courtney Lock (Servant Heart, working hard wherever she was placed)

Ashlyn Hooper (Best attitude, spent much of the week sick but did not let that get her down)

Erika Carley (A consistent daily MVP, everyone who worked with her loved her attitude)

Megan Butz (the Traveler/Trooper, it was her first time out of the valley and she rocked it)

Curtis Kerner (Prayer Warrior, Counselor)

JD Berry (Team Leader)

Stephen Hardie (Full time song leader, all around handyman and jack of all trades)

Jared Houston (Dyson and Blade's favorite)

Daniel Rodriguez (Ronnie Jr.)

Adam Williams (The Seer of the Unseen)

This team worked incredibly hard and touched lives in the Grants Pass community. We want to also take the time to thank all of our host families and work project hosts:

- Reaching Our Community Food Bank

- Josephine Co. Food Bank

- Grants Pass Rescue Mission

- Soup Kitchen

- Carriage House Retirement Facility

- Highland House Retirement Facility

- Oregon Bookstore

- The Grants Pass Pharmacy and their wonderful Phosphate Staff

- Miss Shelley's Preschool and Early Learning Center

- Savage St. church of Christ

- The Henshaw Family

We also want to say a special thank you the the House family. Nathan, Dara, Tia, Dysen, and Blade all went out of their way to make us comfortable and believe in our mission. Nathan worked closely with us from day one to make sure this was a successful endeavor which God blessed beyond our wildest dreams.

Logo by Marcy Holland

LOVE GRANTS PASS: Unity Jump

2011-06-21T10:53:00.001-07:00

The last two years we have started our summer with a combined mission trip with our college age group. Last year we went to Portland, OR and this year we headed back up north to Grants Pass, OR. If you checked out the Grants Pass Scout Trip post you already know about the planning that went in to the trip and the service opportunities we were able to partner in so I won't repeat myself. What I want to talk about is the way I saw eyes opened to the work God is doing in their lives.

We worked really hard to foster a commitment to group unity in the mission of: LOVE GRANTS PASS. We started with a rafting trip on the Rogue River which forced the group to rely on each other to navigate the rapids. One of the most touching moments was seeing our group at a jumping rock half way down the river. Several of our students had no desire to jump or had a fear of heights. So as we were there watching student after student jump I started to see conversations happening, encouraging the fearful to test the waters. When I looked back up several were climbing to the top with the help of others and taking the leap hand in hand. That moment really set the tone for the rest of the week.

It reminded me of the need for Christ and the safety I feel when I charge in to life hand in hand with Jesus. As I was standing there as a witness in this unifying moment I could only think of Proverbs 3:5-6. May we trust in God as we leap into the depths of life and not be afraid no matter how far the drop seems.

Senior Sunday!

2011-05-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we will be honoring our High School Seniors. We have 7 Seniors from 6 different high schools from all over the valley. I have been blessed to work with this group for the last three years and have grown to love every one of them. This group has latched on to what we want to be and do as a ministry and has truly lived that out. We will miss them! They have been a huge blessing to me, our youth group, the Woodward Park church family and I know they will be a blessing to all those the come in contact with in the future. Here is the list!

Zach Gaines: Sanger High School

Chad Davis: Sanger High School

Trent Bates: Central Valley Christian

Garrett Lane: Clovis East High School

Tyler White: Clovis North High School

Andrew Stuckey: Caruthers High School

Sam Medina: Fresno High School

Grants Pass Scouting Trip

2011-05-17T11:11:00.001-07:00

As soon as school is out every summer we pack up and take our show on the road. Our first stop is the Senior/College Age Mission Trip. This year we are going with the group to Grants Pass, OR to work with the Savage St. church of Christ. Last weekend Ashley and I went up on a scouting to get an idea of the work that could be done in our week in town.

Our hosts were Nathan and Dara House. Nathan is the associate minister for the Savage St church and works with the young adults and youth. Nathan and Dara have three kids: Tia, Blade and Dysen. They were the best hosts/tour guides/mission planning family we could ask for. We had so much fun while putting together a great week of service for our College Age. Thanks again to the House family.

Here is a look at the works we will be involved in while in GP!

The ROC Food Bank

Grants Pass Soup Kitchen

Homeless Men's and Women's Shelters

Pregnancy Care Center

Laundry Love

VBS Promotion and set up

Coffee Ministry

Landscaping

Painting

Senior Home visitation, singing, and game day

Pre school puppet shows

"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name"

Philippians 2:5-9

Ministers Retreat: Pacific Grove

2011-05-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

Once a year we take time to get away as ministers and reflect on what is going on in the congregation and where we are going in the year to come. It is always a blessing to sit as a staff and discuss strengths, weaknesses, dreams, vision, and direction. This year we went to the Lighthouse Lodge in Pacific Grove, CA. The environment was perfect for quality time together and I came back refreshed and refocused for the summer ahead.

One of the things that came out of the minister's retreat is the establishment of a once a quarter "Unity Service." As a congregation we have 6 languages represented and we all have our own worship meetings and rarely share time together. That's all going to change. May 29th we will have a service in which all languages will be represented (Spanish, English, Hmong, Cambodian, Laotian, and ASL). We hope that you will come and be with us Sunday afternoon May 29th!

(Picture: Lover's Point, Pacific Grove, CA: My Wednesday run took me by this point)

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

Here are two great and very different videos to help you celebrate your Mother!

Serious

Mothers Day from praisepalace on Vimeo.

Funny

Trip Home

2011-05-09T09:47:00.001-07:00

Since I last posted:

Ashley and I went home for 10 days in which time we:

Gathered ideas for ministry from round table conversations with several ministry teams

Led an outpost devotional for the Crieve Hall teens

Preached in Kennett Missouri and spent time with Betsy and Aaron (sister and brother in law)

Officiated 2 weddings (Walker, Wood)

Spent time with all 4 sets of grandparents

Had a baby shower

Ran in to Taylor Swift at Fido's

Saw how trendy Nashville is becoming

Experienced what pregnancy was doing to our parents

Made a funeral home visit in Lawrenceburg, TN

Took Tyler White and Nicole Mason to FHU

Stayed with the Seagars

Caught up with the Ashleys

And saw dear friends from Finland

I say all that to say that we are blessed to have two homes. When I leave one to go to the other I remain busy. We are blessed with great friends, family, and responsibilities in both locations. I am so grateful for every conversation, interaction, opportunity, and belly rub that we received this week (ok Ashley was the only one receiving belly rubs).

I also want to thank and offer a special prayer for the Wood and Walker families. We were so blessed to be a part of your wedding days. You both mean so much to us and had beautiful ceremonies. We know that you will have long and happy marriages because God is the focus of your lives.

"May the Lord bless you and keep you and make his face shine upon you."

Lompoc

2011-04-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

With all of the excitement of our announcement I didn't get a chance to talk about our service weekend to Lompoc. This is always the biggest weekend of our Spring! It was another great weekend full of stories and moments of seeing God showing up in the lives of the Lompoc community. Here are pictures from the weekend. ( Note: We didn't have the camera for the service projects in the morning) Thanks to Chad for the pictures

Eden Claire

2011-04-12T13:27:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to share the news from today's doctors appointment. We are going to be having a baby......girl. Eden Claire is healthy and growing and will be here in 4 months. In the months since finding out that Ashley was pregnant I find myself reading for advice or fatherhood quotes. One of my favorite all time authors is Henry David Thoreau. In talking about children he says:

"Every child begins the world again..."

It is my hope that as we go through these next few months we will prepare for our world to begin again. I pray that I will show a love for the Lord that is contagious. That my daughter can look in my eyes and know that she is loved not only by her father on earth but also her father in heaven. I know my heart will melt. I know that she will be the most beautiful girl I have ever seen (other than her mother of course). And I know that everyday will be an adventure that I will not be ready for but that God will equip me for in time. I am blessed

Run in Such A Way...

2011-04-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

One of my love/hate pastimes is running. It can be the best part of my day and/or the worst part. For the last three years Ashley and I have picked a half marathon a year to run. This year I will be running solo since Ashley is currently pregnant and our child will only be 2 months old on the day of the race. This will be the first race I do solo and the first time I have trained by myself. I am a social runner, actually I am a "social everything." I love to be surrounded by people in everything I do. So here I go trying to tap into another aspect of my life and some time alone in running. My official training schedule begins in June but as for now I am doing 10-12 mi a week to get ready for the longer weeks ahead. Here is my race schedule from now until race day:

March 12, 2011: Brian Sturgeon 4mi Run

April 16, 2011: Run for the Reef 5k

June 4, 2011: Cross the River 10k Run

July 4, 2011: Freedom 4mi Run

September: TBD

October 29: Susan Komen 5k Run

November 12, 2011: Santa Barbara International Half Marathon

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

WPYG Spotlight: Ethan Yarbrough

2011-04-06T10:22:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Ethan Yarbrough, our WPYG Spotlight recipient:

Ethan is a Junior at Immanuel Christian School

Ethan Enjoys:

Hunting (shooting at stuff)

Fishing

Singing and leading Singing

Video Games

Life on the Farm

Reedley and the mountains

Ford Broncos

Star Wars (especially his brothers Star Wars impressions)

His baby niece Sophia

Family

Baseball

Blowing up stuff with cousin Andrew

the beautiful town of Caruthers

looking like Rodger (well at least walking like him)

the Yarbrough walk

the TV show Castle

telling stories

He dislikes:

crutches and physical therapy

90 Day Challenge

2011-04-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

As a congregation we have embarked on a challenge to the read the Bible through in 90 Days. I love the way this reading plan is set up because you get a big picture view of scripture instead of a chapter here or a verse there. Tim has set up a blog with questions and thoughts for us as we read through together. Check it out:http://timparish.blogspot.com/

I know your family will benefit from this reading.

April Preview

2011-03-31T10:50:00.000-07:00

The Core

- Sunday Class: The Importance of….: 4/ 3, 10, 17, 24

- MiP: (Mornings in Prayer): 4/6, 12, 26: On Tuesdays/ Wednesdays this month we are going to meet for prayer before school. We will meet at a site in between multiple schools for breakfast and prayer. Schools this month: Buchanan/North, Kastner/West/Hoover, Central

Inside/out

- Wednesday Bible study: Girls and Guys Split: 4/ 6, 13, 20, 27

- Devo @ the Bacus’: 4/3, 5pm: Guys bring drinks and chips, girls bring desserts

- Small Group with the College Age: 4/17: 7pm: 11^th and 12^th grades are going to meet at the Frizzells house for small group with the college age. Eat before you come

HimPact

- Lompoc Service Trip: 4/ 8-10: We will be going to work with the church in Lompoc for a AWESOME weekend of service! Make sure to bring $30, work clothes, and clothes for the beach. You don’t want to miss this weekend! Look for more info on the welcome center.

- Apt Outreach Easter Project: 4/16: 10am to1pm: Easter Egg hunt, activities, and food for the families from the Plaza Terrace Apts.

Tnt

- Lunch Bunch: EASTER EDITION: 4/18: 1-3pm: The legendary Lunch Bunch Easter egg hunt: prizes include gift cards to Jamba Juice, Itunes, Target, Cold Stone, plus Primetime meal tickets, and tons of candy! Bring money for lunch

WPYG Spotlight: Breanne Avedikian

2011-03-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Breanne Avedikian, our WPYG Spotlight recipient:

Bre is a Junior at Buchanan High School

Bre Enjoys:

Badminton

Hanging out with friends

Singing

Music (She has a new playlist weekly)

Cycling class at GB3 (esp. cycling music)

Shopping (She's Fancy!)

Bear Pride

Reading

Making lip sync videos

Family

ACU

Making sure the Youth Room and Events are in order

Her dog Bailey (who pees every time I come to the house)

Accessories

The Unbelievable Facebook posting between Bre and Allison

Just Dance

Texas

Senior Retreat- Morro Bay Edition

2011-03-29T10:14:00.000-07:00

This weekend I took our Senior guys to the coast for our Senior Retreat. We started this last year as a way to honor our Seniors and give them an idea of what the summer will look like. This year we switched our focus slightly and focused more on the individuals over the group. We have 7 Seniors 6 guys, and 1 girl (we have another trip planned for Sam). The weekend was built around directed prayer and discussion times where all of the guys had a chance to think, pray, and discuss the last 6 years in the youth group.

We started the first night with an hour spent in scripture and prayer looking toward their futures. In the discussion time the guys opened up about all of the stress and worry that comes with this time of transition in life. It was a great reminder to me of the tumultuous time between graduation and college/job. In their conversations they clung to passages like: Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 19:21, Matthew 6:24-34.

Our next time together was used as a time for reflection. They were to reflect on the youth ministry. What is working, what is not? What are their favorite events? What events need to be cut? Who are the people that have been your role models and confidants? This is such a rewarding discussion because it allowed me to see what we are doing well, what needs to change, and what could be done in the next 6 months to really help and equip are Seniors as they leave.

The last devotional time we set up a confessional for the guys to come and take time to sit down with me one on one to talk about anything and everything. It was a beautiful night. The guys opened up and we wrestled with sin, stress, frustrations, the past, and the future. During this time I gifted each of the guys with what the Spirit is doing in them and what their future should look like in Christ.

Our guys would be upset with me if I did not also mention the food we ate during our weekend at the coast. We over ate at every meal and they even tried to complete the now infamous "Peeps challenge" (100 peeps in 10 minutes). Pizza, seafood, home cooked breakfast, fish tacos/burritos, and donuts. I am beyond blessed to be working with these guys. I am excited to see what God has in store for them and can't wait to see them years down the road as men of the kingdom.

WPYG Spotlight: Sam Medina

2011-03-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Samantha Medina our WPYG Spotlight recipient:

Sam is a Senior at Fresno High School

Sam Enjoys:

Jerry Yang

Drawing (check out her work on facebook sometime)

Reading (Bible, anime, other fiction)

Volleyball

Soccer

Track (shot put and discus)

Taking Pictures

Exploring

Beating Jerry in board games

Thinking hard or not at all

You Tube

Hanging out with friends (even LaTatianna)

being "Native"

Having straight up Ninja skillz (Yes with a "z")

Playing Video Games

Food! (She will try anything once, ask her about her octopus experience)

United Parents

2011-03-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

We have started our journey from Youth Ministry to a more family based approach. This transition has taken almost three years and will probably take another two to get to the place we need to be as a ministry. The first phase was stabilizing the youth ministry and establishing a vision, plan, and shifting our focus in calendar planning. Phase two is launching a family class. We began phase two this month with the creation (really a reformation) of a class for families with teens-college age. The positive buzz that has built for this class has been great! It has been refreshing for me to be a part of this class. I have been teaching a teen/college class for the last 4 years without a break or opportunity to teach in a different area of the church so this is a new experience. I am so thankful for the help in dreaming this class and relaunching a place for this group to be together.

I wanted to take the time to say thank you to the all of the parents who came to me looking for options, pushing for something better for their family. Thank you to the elders and ministers for the healthy discussions about what this needs to be for our families. Thanks to Mike Avedikian for his work in dreaming about how this class would look, act, and function. Thanks for Grady Lane, Steve Knutsen, and Joe Boe for their work on getting the room ready for the move.

Yesterday we studied Deuteronomy 6:4-9: May this passage be a blessing to you and your family as it was to us yesterday!

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates

WPYG Spotlight: Megan Lee

2011-03-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Megan Lee (the girl not the gnome) our WPYG Spotlight recipient:

Megan is a Junior at Liberty Madera Ranchos High School

Megan Enjoys:

APUSH and SAT testing!!!!!!

'Chos livin'

Wyatt Gorman

Her brother Garrett's vast intellect and very observant comments (Garrett has also asked me to call him "T Rex Killer," noted)

Being a Valley Champ in Tennis (Go Lady Hawks!)

Her, deceased and now frozen steak patties, cows

Twilight books and movies

Reading and writing (she's working on a novel)

Music (great taste in music)

Service and reaching out to our younger girls

Leadership Council

she once had a Mercedes convertible, she traded for a truck (shes from the Ranchos)

Family Study Fridays

2011-03-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

Today our Family Study takes us through the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). How many times do you think you have studied, heard a sermon on, or been in a class taught about this passage? This is probably one of the most familiar parables to all of us. The story is always the same but the challenge Jesus offers at the end of the parable seems fresh every time I come to this passage:

"Go and do likewise" (v.37)

Tonight talk with your family about how we can live that challenge!

Free Fry Day: Chik Fil A

2011-03-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

Not only did they introduce the banana pudding shake they are also giving away their famous waffle fries today from 2pm-4pm. Check out Chik Fil A at Blackstone and Nees and if you see owner operator Sonja Speck tell her Andy sent you!

WPYG Spotlight: Tyler White

2011-03-01T13:46:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Tyler White our WPYG Spotlight recipient:

Tyler is a Senior at Clovis North High School

Tyler Enjoys:

Football (Played nose guard at CNHS)

Cycling class at GB3

All things mih nuh SOE tuh (Minnesota) Including:

the Vikings

Twins

Golden Gophers

Mall of America

and Hockey

Talking about how much better Clovis North is than whatever school you attend

Buddy the family dog

Mason (but mostly his Chickens)

Wishing his hair was as cool as his mom's

Wearing Nike Lunarglides (only the best running shoe on the market)

Ultimate frisbee (He gives himself made up awards and pep talks)

Leadership Council

Preaching, Leading singing and serving in general

His baby (the Expedition)

All Youth Activities (He is Mr. Consistency)

Auberry Sunday

2011-02-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

Auberry Church of Christ

I love Sundays! This Sunday was extra special with it being the first Sunday in which our Youth Group guys led the worship service for the church in Auberry. I am so thankful for the hearts of our guys. They all did a great job and put a lot of thought and preparation into the lessons they offered to the members in Auberry. Big Thanks to Garrett Lane, Chad Davis, and Tyler White for sermon work, Trent Bacus, Zach Gaines, and Tyler Hinton for the Lord’s supper, and Daniel Cliff and Grant Lane for leading our minds in prayer. The best thing about the day is that it was just a foreshadowing of things to come. We have so much talent and the Lord is doing great things through our young men and women. Thanks to all who traveled with us and offered support.

Fresno Monsters

2011-02-25T14:34:00.000-08:00

FRESNO MONSTERS HOCKEY

Meet at the church building at 6:30 to carpool to Selland Arena

Bring $3 for your ticket

Be back by 10:15pm

Family Study Fridays

2011-02-25T10:42:00.000-08:00

This week in our Family Bible Studies we come across Joshua 24:16-24. This is a passage that graces the walls of many homes. I love walking into a families living room and seeing these words in a painting on the wall. More importantly I love walking into homes where you see these words in practice just by listening to conversations between family members. May we make the same promise and learn to live that promise as a family!

Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! It was the LORD our God himself who brought us and our parents up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because he is our God.”

Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you.”

But the people said to Joshua, “No! We will serve the LORD.”

Then Joshua said, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the LORD.”

“Yes, we are witnesses,” they replied.

“Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.” And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey him.”

The Earth is Yours

2011-02-24T10:57:00.000-08:00

A friend introduced me to Gungor band last fall and ever since this song has been a constant on the iPod. Take a minute to read the lyrics and think about the nature all around you.

The Earth is Yours
Verse 1:
Your voice it thunders
The oaks start twisting
The forest sounds with cedars breaking
The waters see You and start their writhing
From the depths a song is rising

Now it’s rising from the ground

Chorus:
Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy Lord the earth is Yours and singing
Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy Lord
The earth is Yours
The earth is Yours

Verse 2:
Your voice it thunders
The ground is shaking
The might mountains now are trembling
Creation sees You
And starts composing
The fields and trees they start rejoicing.

Now it’s rising from the ground

Bridge:
Now it’s rising from the ground
It’s rising from the ground
Hear us crying out
Hear us crying out

Gungor Band: for more on the band

March Coming Events

2011-02-23T14:55:00.000-08:00

The Core

- Sunday Class: The Importance of: 3/6, 13, 20, 27

- MiP: (Mornings in Prayer): 3/ 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: On Tuesdays this month we are going to meet for prayer before school. We will meet at a site in between multiple schools for breakfast and prayer.

Inside/out

- Wednesday Bible study: Girls and Guys Split: Girls: Stephanie Holcomb, Guys: Matt Holcomb 3/9, 16, 23, 30

- Devo @ the White’s: 3/6, 5pm: Guys bring drinks and chips, girls bring desserts

HimPact

- Hanford Christian Home: 3/13: Our guys will help with the worship service at the Valley Christian Home in Hanford. Bring money for Lunch and Superior Dairy Ice Cream!

- Shaver Lake Sunday: 3/27: Our guys will be leading the worship service for the Shaver Lake church

Tnt

- Guys and Girls Night Out: 3/18: 6-10pm: Bowling, Devotional and Bonding

WPYG Spotlight: Cole Peveto

2011-02-22T11:03:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Cole Peveto (on right) our WPYG Spotlight recipient:

Cole is a Junior at Sierra Charter School

Cole Enjoys:

Music (he introduces me to something new every week)

his iPhone

Making Slideshows (They are legendary! Highlight of the quarter when Cole brings in a new slideshow)

Louisiana (the home state)

LSU and the N.O. Saints

Horror movies

the Fresno Monsters Hockey games

Spicy foods (He's from Louisiana)

Friends

Hanging out at the mall

Riding his bike and on his Dad's motorcycle

Chevy Corvettes

You Tube

Family (he has a new baby niece)

Being loved (Cole is a youth group favorite, probably our MVP)

Youth Activities

Ultimate Awards

2011-02-21T15:57:00.000-08:00

Today for Lunch Bunch we had a great Ultimate frisbee battle. Below are the ultimate superlatives:

MVP: Allison Pettey

Self Proclaimed MVP: Tyler White

Best Trash Talk: Breanne Avedikian

Biggest Bully: Mason White

The "Hey where did he come from?" Award: Garrett Lane

Best Splits During an Ultimate Game: Allie Knutsen

Silent but Deadly: Tyler Hinton

Best Dressed/Defense: Trent Bacus (He had Christmas sock on!)

Justice and Judgement

2011-02-18T10:59:00.000-08:00

In our Family Bible Study for next week we are going to be reading from Deuteronomy 24:10-22 and Luke 7:36-50. In reading these back to back it is interesting to see the contrasts.

Deuteronomy 24:10-22 gives specific instructions on how to take care of those who are poor, needy, widows, orphans, and foreigners. In fact this is the commandment that lands Ruth a husband (see Ruth 2). God desires justice for these people and commands his people to provide.

Luke 7:36-50 tells the story of Jesus having his feet cleansed by a "sinful woman (NIV)." At the time Jesus is at the house of Simon a Pharisee, a man who is well studied in God's law and commandments. As the woman is washing Jesus' feet Simon thinks to himself, "If this man were a prophet he would know what kind of woman is touching him." Jesus goes on to explain himself in a brief story and goes on to bring justice to the woman, forgiving her sins.

How many times do we find ourselves in Simon's shoes. I could fill a book with my own "adventures in missing the point." We know, as Simon knew, the commands of God to bring justice to those in need but instead we find ourselves bringing judgment. May we bless the poor, needy, widows, orphans, foreigners, and yes even the "sinful women" we come in contact with.

Grace and peace

Secret Sisters

2011-02-17T12:24:00.000-08:00

I try to refrain from posting anything about my music preferences or "what I am listening to now" on this blog, but today I am going to break that rule. Last Thursday, Ashley and I drove down to Hollywood to see two friends, the Secret Sisters, from Muscle Shoals, AL perform at a cafe. Laura and Lydia Rogers make up the country duo Secret Sisters. We have known Laura and Lydia since our Freed Hardeman days, Laura was Ashley's suite mate for a year.

Laura left Freed after two years to pursue her musical aspirations at MTSU. Years of singing at family gatherings paid off for the girls when they got the chance to sing for legendary producer T. Bone Burnett. He signed them and started their record soon after. Since the album's release they have played the Letterman show and been features as an "up and coming" band in numerous magazines.

The performance in L.A. was incredible! Ashley and I couldn't help but thinking about the days when we would beg Laura to play and she would get so embarrassed you thought she would die. To see her work a show that was beyond sold out with the venue packed to capacity (probably over capacity but don't tell the fire marshal), was amazing. We got a chance to catch up with them after the performance and it was as if we had never lost touch. If you like real country music you will love these girls.

Check out their album here: Secret Sisters Album

And website here: Secret Sisters Website

*Picture taken from their album cover, obtained from the website

WPYG Spotlight: Zach Gaines

2011-02-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Zach Gaines our WPYG Spotlight recipient:

Zach is a Senior at Sanger High School

Zach enjoys

Hugs (His nickname is "Sir Hugs A Lot")

Band: He plays tuba

Maple Creek, Clovis West, and Sanger pride

Phineas and Ferb

Alabama (The state, he is an Auburn fan)

Facebook (He will be the 1st to like most statuses)

Making people smile

SF Giants

Compliments (He gives the best if not most random compliments)

Carpooling (He gets rides with the Davis' and Lanes)

Chad (most of the time)

Fresno Grizzlies and Fuego games (He loves mascots)

Firefighting (He will attend Walter St. CC in the fall to fight fires)

Youth Activities

Who Are You, Really?

2011-02-15T08:38:00.001-08:00

This weekend I am headed up to YBC to be a part of the Madera Winter Camp, though with the weather right now it will feel much more like Spring Camp. The theme for the weekend is "Who Are You, Really." With this theme the obligatory youth devotional would go something like this:

We all live double lives.

You guys are one way at school and another way when you are here at church.

So the question is "Who are you, really?"

Deep down, are you the person at school or the individual at church?

Then I would go on to talk about wearing masks or hiding behind false identities.

Wrap it up with a challenge to be the same person all the time and that person is the "church person."

Have you heard that one before?

This morning as I was reading I thought about how this question was put to John the Baptist. In John 1 we see the Jewish leaders essentially asking John "who are you, really?"

Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

These men are not talking to John about being two faced they are are asking him this question because there is an interest in his lifestyle and his message. They had never seen anyone speak as boldly or come with as much authority. They had only read about such men. There was a certain strangeness to John. The leaders just couldn't put their finger on it. I pray that our teens will have a certain strangeness about their lives too.

The problem we see is that our teens are not being asked this question by others, they are being asked this question by us (youth leaders, parents, ministers). WE are the ones challenging their identity. Yes, we all suffer from spiritual split personalities and our teens sometimes more than most but with the amount of time we spend talking about "masks," "two faced," and "church v. school" are we not just cementing this concept? Just questions I have asked myself this week in preparation.

I am excited about my time with the Madera group this weekend and excited to share this concept with them. I pray that our lives will challenge others to ask the same question posed to John " Who are you, really?"

Valentine's w/ Plaza Terrace

2011-02-09T16:21:00.000-08:00

This Friday night we will be hosting the kids from the Plaza Terrace Apartment complex for supper, valentine card/box making and decorating, games, and lots of candy. It all starts at 5:30 and ends at 7pm. Please be early to help set up and get the supplies laid out on the tables.

The Plaza Terrace Apartments is the complex that we adopted and have been working with on a monthly basis for the last 6 months. The residents of the apartments are in various stages of drug rehabilitation and the city provides these apartments to them as they go through their programs. Cedric and Cheryl Rowe have been instrumental in this process and I am very grateful that we can be a part of this ministry with them. As a youth group we prepare, organize, and put on events for the kids of the apartment complex while also providing necessities to these families like toiletries, canned food, baby products, and toilet paper. If your family has not yet been involved with one of our "Apt. Outreach" events please come and help this month. You will be blessed!

Youth Ministry

2011-02-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

The good, the bad, and the ugly of youth ministry. Please take the time to read this: http://www.dalejenkins.com/a-youth-ministers-heart

Thanks Dale

WPYG Spotlight: Chad Davis

2011-02-07T12:42:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Chad Davis our WPYG Spotlight recipient:

Chad is a Senior at Sanger High School

Chad enjoys

Smiling

Taking pictures..... lots and lots of pictures

Video games

Analogies (He comes up with at least 3 every Sunday in class. Priceless!)

SANE-GRRRRR (Yes I misspelled it but this is how he makes me pronounce it)

Leadership Council

Service work

Making others happy

the song Awesome God

Water balloon fights at camp

Zach (most of the time)

Baseball

Youth Activities

Family Bible Studies

2011-02-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

Since the beginning of the year our families at Woodward Park have been following a daily Bible study program that I have had the privilege to put together. Our study packets have and OT reading accompanied with a selection from the Psalms and the next day a NT reading accompanied by a selection from Proverbs. In putting these together I find myself about a month ahead of the schedule and today the process brought me to Psalm 20 and I was reminded of the simple beauty of verse 7.

"some trust in chariots, some in horses but we trust in the name of the LORD our God"

What a beautiful thought for a family to focus on for an evening! I hope your family is taking the time to spend part of your day immersed in God's word. The rewards are eternal!

Fatherhood

2011-02-03T11:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Ashley and I went to our first, of many, doctors appointments to meet and talk about the future birth of our first child. It was mind blowing! I sat in the office and listened to the entire pregnancy story with all of the intricate details, body changes, mind and mood changes, and preparations we need to make to welcome our bundle of joy. Overwhelmed doesn't even describe the feeling when I left the office. When I say overwhelmed I am not distraught or nervous about the future, I am amazed. I am amazed by the miracle that is happening in my wife. When I say overwhelmed I mean Moses at the burning bush. God has given me an exciting and awe inspiring task, fatherhood. Thank you so much for the prayers that have been offered up on our behalf. Please continue to pray with us as we continue this journey for the next 7 months.

Reading Psalm 139 today meant so much more than ever before:

You have searched me, LORD,

and you know me.
^{You know when I sit and when I rise;}
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
^{You discern my going out and my lying down;}
you are familiar with all my ways.
^{Before a word is on my tongue}
you, LORD, know it completely.
^{You hem me in behind and before,}
and you lay your hand upon me.
^{Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,}
too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?
^{If I go up to the heavens, you are there;}
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
^{If I rise on the wings of the dawn,}
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
^{even there your hand will guide me,}
your right hand will hold me fast.
^{If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me}
and the light become night around me,”
^{even the darkness will not be dark to you;}
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
^{I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;}
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
^{My frame was not hidden from you}
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
^{Your eyes saw my unformed body;}
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
^{How precious to me are your thoughts, God!}
How vast is the sum of them!
^{Were I to count them,}
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.

M.i.P. (Morning in Prayer)

2011-02-02T10:01:00.000-08:00

This school year we have started a new program (Morning in Prayer) which takes me to all of our school districts to meet with our teens once a week for prayer before school. I love our Morning in Prayer time! We have 13 high schools and 8 middle schools represented in our youth group plus numerous home-school families, which makes it hard to stay connected to everyone. These mornings give us all the opportunity to reconnect, talk about daily life at their high school, and pray about what the day has in store. This has been a huge blessing to our ministry and has provided insight into the burdens our teens face during the school day. I love the connection time and starting out the day with our teens focused in conversation with God.

Last summer Colton and I spent our mornings praying through the Psalms. This morning I find myself dwelling on Psalm 27:7-9:

"Here my voice when I call, Lord;

be merciful to me and answer me.

My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"

Your face, Lord, will I seek.

Do not hide your face from me,

do not turn your servant away in anger;

you have been my helper.

Do not reject or forsake me, God my Savior."

WPYG Spotlight: Andrew Stuckey

2011-02-01T15:00:00.001-08:00

Congrats to Andrew Stuckey our WPYG Spotlight recipient:

Andrew is a Senior at Caruthers High School

Andrew enjoys

Blowing stuff up

Raisin City

Words of Encouragement (Andrew sends out a mass text to everyone in the youth group with a daily word of encouragement)

Camouflage

His cousins

the 4th of July (see enjoyment #1)

Hair Dye

Making people laugh

Listening

Long walks.... in the country through rows of grape vines

Sewing patches on his jeans (He has "unofficially" ripped 4 pairs if jeans on various youth activities)

Telling stories (especially about past relationships)

Youth Activities

4 Years!

2010-12-16T11:05:00.000-08:00

Today marks our 4 year anniversary. On December 16th, 2006 I pledged myself to the beautiful Ashley Nicole Parker and haven't regretted that decision for a second since (I am not sure she would say the same, ha). Most of all I am thankful for a partner in my spiritual walk. Ashley is an unbelievable companion in all aspects of our life. Over the past four years I have enjoyed:

Her childlike inquisitiveness, this keeps me on my toes and keeps us searching for God in everything we do
The spontaneity that is our life together
Her desire to follow God no matter where He might lead (even California)
The smile she gives before one of her crazy celebratory dances
Her competitiveness in all things (especially board games)
Being a part of the Parker family
Her love for my family
Her heart being open to all people of any walk of life
Her desire to share what we have (In our time in Fresno we have had a revolving door of friends and family living and staying with us)
How she values community in church, with friends and family
How she put on coffee every time she has something serious to talk about (which is 2 to 3 times a day, ha)

These are just a few of the things that have been undeniable blessings to my life in the last 4 years. Tonight we leave for Disneyland to celebrate. We are so thankful to all of you for being a part of the last 4 years and preparing us for this time together.

grace and peace

Andy

Giants Win!

2010-11-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: I am not a baseball fan

When I moved to Fresno Jim Gardner was our preaching minister and to get to know Jim on a deeper level I had to learn to talk baseball. I had not followed baseball for 10 years (since the Braves started to trade away the best pitching staff in MLB). So I set upon the task of picking a team. I had grown up a Braves fan but wanted a team close enough to go see at their home field. Because of the Fresno Grizzlies, Giants Triple A affiliate, and a couple of trips to the ballpark in San Fran to see Tim Lincecum pitch, I went with the Giants. It was a cool experience to see guys who had come through Fresno (Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Buster Posey, Nate Schierholtz, Madison Bumgarner).

Now, I have not waited my whole life, in fact I am shocked that they have done what the have with the roster they put together. The Giants, since I have lived here, have always won and lost on the strength of their pitching because of their weak bats. I love pitching. I guess you could say I am a fan of pitching, not of baseball. So last night we celebrated in Fresno. The Giants Win! For Trunk or Treat I even paid tribute to closer Brian Wilson (pictures below). It was really cool to see long time fans enjoy the moment. One more great night to be a Californian!

We didn't start the fire

2010-10-29T06:43:00.000-07:00

Last week we took our car to a local mechanic to have a routine check of the coolant system advised by the dealership where we had several repairs done a month ago. In a strange twist of events the night after we dropped the car off an electrical fire started which ended up burning the shop down, destroying our VW Jetta and 11 other vehicles. We were in San Francisco with my parents when it happened so we had no clue that our car was, as the insurance adjuster referred to it, a "crispy critter."

Check out the video: http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=7726012

But happy days are here again. The car was totaled and the insurance company did really well by us and we are now the proud owners of this Honda CR-V. For everyone who knew and has been praying for us, Thanks. We go to look at whats left of the Jetta sometime this week. R.I.P.