Wooster Grace to host Encompass World Partners Executive Briefing

On Monday, February 20 at 7:00 pm in the Student Ministries Center at Wooster (Grace), OH, Encompass World Partners (formerly GBIM) will share about the big changes they have catalyzed. Everyone is invited!

Executive Director, Dave Guiles, will be sharing some of the background for the recent changes. Come hear about the new name and logo as well as ask questions about the upcoming relocation to Atlanta, GA.

Please take the opportunity to come hear in person what is going on and why adjustments are being made.Encompass World Partners will serve light refreshments. Please come to this casual, family meeting.

You can RSVP in several ways:

• Call Encompass World Partners asking for Samantha Muntz at (574) 268-1888 ext 49.
• Go to Encompass World Partners website to sign up.
• Scan code below and sign up.

What is your totem?

Spinning top Inception

thanks to nolanfans.com for image
Last night I watched Inception with Cord, Dave, Mike, and Jeff. I joined them last minute.  I loved the movie. It was like the Matrix; but challenging to follow from the start.

In the movie, the only way to discern reality from dream is to craft a totem (link spoiler warning: please stop, if you have not seen the movie; then follow link after you see the movie) that will clarify you are dreaming or you are in reality.  As I reviewed the movie in my mind as I drove home, it occurred to me that the Bible is my totem.

The Bible not only clarifies reality, "In the beginning God create the heavens and the earth;" but it also defines reality.  The first ten chapters of the Bible sets the parameters for life here on earth. The last chapters of the Bible sketches the outcome of life on earth and into eternity.  I praise God for the Bible which defines reality.  The Bible is meant for the real practical-world of life; not just the factual, cerebral knowledge in your head.

As Ellie points out from her comments linked below that totems serve as "wake-up calls" from the dream state.  Likewise, the Bible is also a "wake-up call" for those who are not facing reality from a biblical worldview. 

For other thought-provoking  reviews, include, but are not limited to:

• Visit the official website: you'll have to dig into the site to find the movie synopsis.
• Ellie has an interesting perspective about the movie 
• You can also view the trailer and a clip easist from the imdb website.
• Mali Elfman of Screen Cave posted an interview with director Christopher Nolan

I wonder what you think about my connection that the Bible could be considered as a totem as portrayed in the movie, Inception.

Leave a legacy like Tim Russert

photo from celebrity.elle.com

Pastor Bob shared on Father's Day in his sermon how father's need to be reminded that your children are watching your decisions you make in life. My decision as a father affects the destiny of my children. Whoa! What a responsibility.

His message has its application in the life of Tim Russert. Russert exemplified a heart for faith and family. As a father whose faith mattered and whose family mattered as well, I find his example where our children will still remember the kind of father we were. Luke Russert shares his reflections upon his father's life--his father, Tim Russert, died from a massive heart attack on Friday, June 13. His memorial service is going to be shown today at 4:30 on MSNBC. You can view other recollections of a man who impacted those around him regarding his choice to value his faith and his family.

I trust that you will see the disonance in your life and choose to apply the message that Pastor Bob shared about five major decisions every father faces. May you decide to be a difference-maker in the lives of those around you--Tim Russert did, a father who passionately embraced faith and who passionately loved his family. Russert exemplified that leadership shows strength over laziness. I want to show leadership in my family, not laziness.

I went to the park near the Nick Amster/Ida Sue schools last night to "walk" with my family and mother-in-law, Margie Buriff. As I strolled around the loop, I ate a quick sandwich, apple, and drink. Then the boys wanted me to play soccer with them. After a full day, a full stomach, and a full lap, I thought of saying not this time; but I recall the challenge from the Bible that Pastor Bob shared--leadership or laziness; presents or presence; consistency or convenient. It would be lazy for me to give an excuse. It would have been more convenient to offer a reason for not playing. But praise God I won that battle and chose leadership and consistency so that I can remain present in my family's life. I am still on the journey for learning how to be a great father. The battle is daily. So I choose to unsheath my sword to battle to make decisions that will lead my family in a God-honoring way.

It's no secret

My son and I watched the movie, Kung Fu Panda yesterday. We enjoyed spending time together but I came to a conclusion from the movie which I will share below.





The movie is funny but action-packed (for a animated movie). I heard more adults laugh than children. I enjoyed the movie. You can see movie stills which show good CG-animation.




STOP SPOILER ALERT!


If you haven't seen it yet, I may spoil it for you so stop reading. Bookmark or recall the date of my post and then come back after you see it so you can comment on my post.





As we trotted from the sidewalk and across the street into the parking lot, I shared with my son the insight that from my perspective there is no magic formula for living for God all your life. It's simply choosing to follow God each day. The simplistic thought--"there is no secret recipe," moved me to remunerate upon my own journey with God. "There's no secret formula for following God all your life."

The God of the universe who created all things wanted a relationship with people. He initiated the relationship but we as human beings chose to disobey. Then God made a way to restore humankind's relationship with Him. Now I must reflect on His provision, decide for myself, and then choose to follow Him everyday. Too simplistic? Too good to be true? It may seem so, but there is no secret scroll, no esoteric formula, no superhuman heroics. It's belief put into action. I believe what God says and I act upon that knowledge, choosing to follow God, each and every day.

For God says, "Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I'll come right in and sit down to supper with you (Revelation 3:20--The Message)." He wants a relationship, not robots, not rules, but a relationship with me and with you.

To follow God is to simply by faith believe and choose to follow Him everyday. There is no secret formula. Just believe. I wonder what you think is the simplest way to view following God. Share your attempts with me.