We had an awesome night with our guests, Mark Stearns and Ps. Alex from Lincoln Village. The stories and opportunities to make a difference in peoples lives were so inspirational.
All of us have the potential to influence those around me, all we have to do is choose to do so.
Mark Stearns shared his journey of growing up in a poor, violent family. By the age of 14, he was already caught up in drugs, alcohol and the ways of the street. In high school, he was on a 3 month acid trip at the bottom of life when he went over to a fella’s house to beat him up… that young man led him to the the understanding of God’s goodness. Mark gave his life over and immediately, the tracers and blurs of his acid trip disappeared. That was the beginning.
Mark shared how he started a farm to feed the poor, all of the perseverance along the way. And in 2002, the Lincoln Village project was begun in which they began purchasing the area off of Meridian Street in North Huntsville. The school in that area, whose reading and math levels were at the 20th percentile have been transformed to now scoring in the 90% ranking.
Any of us can bring about change if we’ll just act on the things that give us passion.
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The two dates of an epitaph are merely the beginning and the end. Yet, that dash in the middle is the sum total of our existence… When all of this life was started, God had a plan.
There are so many cliche’ responses to the “meaning of life”, but the truth is, life is not about what we do as much as it is who we are. God is about taking our hearts and weaving in the realities of His Kingdom into our every day… bringing practical, relevant and tangible difference to our lives.
Meaning is found, not in our conditioned responses, but in our experiences and expressions of God’s character and nature. We are invited to come alive within Christ-like influence, not obligation, performance or expectation. It’s about our “BEING”, no our doing.
Meaning comes when purpose is found.
Purpose comes at the feet of Jesus - not church membership or attendance; not good works; and not in saying all the right lingo… The simplicity of Christ’s Gospel is found in a personal, intimate connection to the one who is there for you, accepts you as you are, releases you of all your junk, believes in you for all He placed in you… God has a plan to make you prosper and not to harm you.
God is enamored at all that you are… will you let Him love you like that?
If you ask someone about what their strengths are, many times you’ll get a couple of answers.
If you ask that same person what their weaknesses are, they’ll share a whole bunch of them… Why is that?
We seem to focus on our weaknesses far more than our strengths. In fact, we expend alot of effort trying to hide our weaknesses from those around us. But yet, God doesn’t even focus on our weakness… He’s focused on our incredible power, strength and potential.
Listen in as Bruce pulls apart the story of Peter and walking on water- if you missed it, watch the video below first and then listen to the podcast.
I challenge you to take some time, look into yourself, and respond to the questions posed at the end…
RENOWN will host a Golf Challenge at The Ledges on Monday, August 25th, 2008. Our goal is to raise $100,000 at this event. The Golf Challenge event is a vehicle through which players “raise friends and funds” to support the vision of RENOWN ministries here in the local community.
The world is experiencing many struggles, numerous dilemmas of varying magnitude that appear to be changing the trajectory of life as we know it. From the environment to the economy to global relations, resignation and loss of hope seem the easiest responses.
However, this is not the time for fear or timidity; Renown believes this generation can change the world! We’re investing in our community’s young adults (ages 18-35) believing we will ignite young leaders in Huntsville with the intent that their passions will reverb to other states, nations, and continents.
We have reached more than 400 young adults since going public in August of 2006 involving mentoring, guidance and counsel for spiritual, relational and career issues. We are connecting with young adults in a unique manner and inspiring them to see beyond themselves, providing opportunities to serve others. This past year, we’ve already sent one team to Haiti and another to Pearlington, MS, to assist in Katrina relief efforts. Additionally, once a month, we send a team to our own local neighborhood in need, Lincoln Village.
It’s a fact that up to 75% of young adults do not go to church, although they do admit to having an interest in spiritual concepts and experiences. Renown is reaching out to these young adults who might not consider a church, but desperately need the Gospel.
Will you help us?
On Monday, August 25, 2008, we will be holding the second annual Renown Golf Challenge at The Ledges. Our goal is to raise $100,000 to support the ministry offered by Renown as it builds future leaders of moral and ethical integrity. Through these efforts, our young adults are making a positive impact on their families, churches, and community at large.
Will you please join me in this opportunity to support Renown’s mission by sponsoring me as I play in this golf event? I need 20 sponsors who will pledge $50 to $100, or more. Would you consider being a $100 sponsor? Another option for giving: your business can be a hole sponsor for $250!
As a supporter, you will receive a letter stating how much you pledged with details on where to send your tax deductible contribution. Please fill out the enclosed sponsorship form as soon as possible. Thank you for your participation! I’m excited to be able to partner with you in this endeavor as we change the world, one young adult at a time!
Sincerely,
Angus Nelson, Huntsville Director
Renown
PO Box 923
Huntsville, AL 35804
email me at: angus [Email address: angus #AT# renownhuntsville.com - replace #AT# with @ ]
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This month’s conversation has been about “Going Deep”, the things we want to talk about, deal with, but often times find ourselves avoiding. Dealing with your junk, this week’s topic, is especially challenging because none of us want to even think about it, much less talk about it.
Yet, the reality is, our junk, our failures, mistakes and sin, is chewing us up on the inside. It effects our perception, decision making and ultimately determines what part we allow God to play in our lives… there is an answer.
Just like our predecessors, Adam & Eve, we run and hide when confronted with our junk. Yet, the one who cares for us the most, the one who desires to calm your heart and love you no matter what, is the one we’re turning away from.
In this conversation, we connect with our own need to be transparent, honest and vulnerable. Without it, we experience pain emotionally, spiritually and even physically.
1 John 1:9 says that if you confess your junk, He is faithful to forgive us and purify us from all of it.
Lay it all out there, get it off your chest and conscious. Find a person you trust and unload your heaviness.
In Matthew 11:28-30 of the Message translation reads ”Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Listen to this podcast and tell me what you think.
I love the competition, the drama and the adventure of everything Olympic. It goes back to 1980 and the victory of the US hockey team in the winter games. We were a hockey family and therefore, glued to every victory of the Lake Placid journey towards gold. That’s where it all started for me, my love for the olympic flame.
Years later, Mary Lou Retton charmed the world. Our family watched every night even though we were on a family vacation at the time. Each night, at whatever hotel we were at, the television turned on to get the update on how the US team performed.
Over the years, there were Flo Jo, Greg Louganis, the Dream Team, Kari Strug, Michael Phelps, Jamaican Bobsledding, Michael Johnson, Carl Lewis, Michael Phelps again… all of the stories, all of the glory and all of the training that surrounds these games are astounding.
Yet, in and amongst all of the anthem and cheering, someone’s going home having not achieved their hopes. Someone’s going to lose their stride. Someone’s going to feel like a failure. Someone’s going to test positive to enhancements. Someone’s going to remember this time for the rest of their lives… but with regret.
Life is like this.
We don’t always make the best choices or maintain the endurance we must. So many times people get sidetracked or experience loss only to resolve themselves in quitting.
However, there are those of the heart of Derek Redmond in the 92′ Barcelona Games. Derek popped a hamstring only 175 meters from the finish line. You might remember him refusing to quit and hobbled on only one leg to finish his race… along side him, his father assisted him holding the weight of his pain, disappointment and shame.
This week, Renown continues the quest of “Going Deep” as we’ll discuss our own shortcomings, our own failures. Whether it be a missed opportunity, a bad decision or a failed relationship, we will uncover how to deal with your past. We’re going to deal with your junk.
And perhaps, like Derek, there may be times when you too will have to lean on your father to help you finish your race.
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How many of you have ever been really angry with God?
I’ve known people to get mad at God for everything from not winning the Lottery, to losing a loved one.
Have you ever asked yourself: Why do I cringe so often on the inside when I hear another talk about how faithful God is? Why do I feel like throwing up when I hear another so joyfully say that ALL things are possible with God? Could it perhaps be because I feel like He has failed me? that He has not protected me and made anything possible? my parents? that are my hopes and dreams like a vapor to him? and that He does not see the depths of my inner struggle? does He take things away from me?
A fella that God said was “after His own heart” had many complaints. In the book of Psalms, we read about David unleashing his frustrations with God over and over. Yet, despite his frustrations, he kept coming back to the fact that God was his good.
That’s encouraging. Yet, how does that apply to us?
David knew his God. Many of us do not. It’s the difference between setting your foundation on sand vs. stone as Rob Bell points out in his video, “Rain”.
Foundation of Sand - we cry out to God because we HOPE He’ll hear us.
Foundation of Stone - we cry out to God because we KNOW He hears us.
So the real question is, “what do you know about God?” I mean, his character, nature and way is so vitally important to us translating the circumstances around us accurately. If you think that God is an angry and judgmental being, then you will have reason to cast blame because life is based on your PERFORMANCE… However, if you know Him as one that is loving, forgiving and empowering you when life gets challenging, then anger cannot be pointed His direction.
God doesn’t want our perfection or our performance… He is seeking our heart. And in the middle of your greatest tragedies, your heart is revealed.
Go ahead and be mad at God but we cannot twist and turn God and make him do things our way. God loves honesty. Getting angry is a an honest emotion.
Abraham argued with God over Sodom
Jacob wrestled with God
Jonah ran away from God
even Jesus said “Take this cup away from me”
Look, if you harbor questions and complaints for too long, they turn into irritation. Irritation turns into bitterness. Bitterness turns into rage. At that point, your heart will shut out anything God tries to say or do for you… or you may become like some who even think they will “get even” with God if they stop putting their faith in Him, not talk to Him or pretend He’s not there.
Why crummy things happen to people?
I don’t know. Sometimes, stuff happens.
The truth is, we don’t have all the answers as to why anything happens. And trying to blame God is not going to fix anything.
Our westernized minds can’t seem to get wrapped around the fact that there are just some things we may never understand.
Our enemy is not God… nor is it the devil… our greatest enemy is ignorance.
In the midst of your trial or difficulty, it is the time to run TOWARDS God, not away. He DOES care and He DOES want to help. Will you let Him?
Just saw the new Batman movie and I got tell you, Heath Ledger was incredible in his depiction of a demented criminal. Yet, this actor with all of his brilliance, good looks, talent, fame and money struggled to sleep at night. So much so that he overdosed on both prescription and non-prescription sleeping pills… What’s up with that?
A few weeks ago, Ruslana Korshunova, a beautiful, successful Russian model jumped from her 9th story apartment. A normally happy-go-lucky young lady calls it quits in the prime of her life.
Then there’s Owen Wilson and his suicide attempts last year.
Furthermore, there’s our country - The United States is the richest, most powerful country on the face of the planet. We have more food, more jobs, more cars, more freedom, more education, more opportunities than any other country. Yet, we have more people who always have to have MORE. Personal debt is at an all-time high. More than half of all marriages end in divorce. Millions are hopped up on depression medication, and the self-worth of our society is at an all-time low.
How is it that people are so unhappy and lacking a reason to live?
Perhaps, it’s due to a lack of purpose… It’s one thing to live, it’s another to know why.
If you ask a hundred people how they would define purpose they often respond by saying, purpose is what we are meant to “do” while we’re here on earth; it’s how we make a difference in the world utilizing our gifts and talents. This conventional perspective relies on the ability to somehow know or stumble across that magic thing that is your destiny to fulfill. No wonder many people go through life wondering what their purpose is and not feeling satisfied.
I purpose that purpose is not in what we are “doing”, but in what we are “being”.
Imagine a beautiful jeweled goblet as your life purpose and the glorious wine within it your life. Can you see how your life purpose can shape your whole life as well as give it form and direction?
Can you imagine everything you do in your life pouring from this purposeful vessel of your being-ness? Imagine everything you engage in from doing the dishes to leading a board meeting as a direct expression of your life purpose. How would you feel?
So one needs to truly analyze what it is internally that keeps them from experiencing all that God has to offer them. These are the limitations that we place upon ourselves.
Three questions to ask yourself:
1. What do you believe about God’s love for you?
2. What do you believe God thinks about you?
3. What promises of God are you applying in your life?
I learned that a deep sense of fulfillment, which we are all seeking, comes from just being me, the me that God made me to be.
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The theme this month of Jason Bourne and His search for the “real him” is so applicable to us. We too, know that there’s got to be more to us. And at times, we made even have moments of clarity where we can connect with that “real me”. The challenge we all have is to make that identity a reality.
So many of us know there’s more to our lives. We dream, we imagine. We may even talk about “one day, I’d like to…” Yet, so often, those things never come to pass.
We talked about all of the things that get in our way - fear of failure, procrastination, intimidation, feelings of unworthiness, pressures of success, etc. All of this can get so complicated within our minds and emotions. However, we have been provided with a way to achieve these purposes… It’s a power within us.
There are so many writings within the Bible that speak to our identities being equal with Jesus, meaning “all that He is, we are” in this life. In fact, He even said that we would do greater things than what He did. God repeatedly emphasizes His ability IN us to bring about things that we, in our own efforts, cannot.
We must first put ourselves in a position to grow. Call it what you will, self-development, personal development or as I like to call it - transformation. At some point, we must realize that life as we know it must change. Our habits, fears, inhibitions and low self worth can only be helped by Jesus… that’s where we must surrender our selves to the process that only He can take us through and that’s very personal and specific to each of us. But we must take the first step.
Last night, questions were proposed to stimulate and provoke self awareness. It is the beginning of us laying our lives down and allowing His creative and caring abilities to transform us from the inside out. We are invited, each of us, to follow His lead in changing our lives dramatically and effortlessly.
What’s the difference between making decisions motivated by what I fear vs. what I want?
Which is more important and why, the acceptance of others or the acceptance of myself?
What do others gain by knowing me?
If you’d like explanation on the following questions, please email: angus [Email address: angus #AT# renownhuntsville.com - replace #AT# with @ ]
Are you willing to abandon your comfort zone?
Are you willing to redefine yourself?
Are you willing to go where you never have gone, or where you feared going before?
Are you willing to lose everything?
When you lose yourself will you be able to find yourself again?
To listen to our conversation, click play below, or go to our podcast page.
This past week we celebrated our First Year Anniversary at Shea’s. Now, of course we’ve been around longer than that, just not at Shea’s Express the whole time.
We experienced a rockin’ concert from Ohio Avenue, a fantastic cake courtesy of Shea’s Express, and a question and answer session with author, RON MARQUARDT. Our focus this week was on Place, the origins of where our identity first started. That “place” was in the Garden of Eden. It was fascinating to learn how our entire perception of the world all stems from how we see ourselves… what we think about ourselves impacts how we interact with people, circumstances and even God.
You need to check out the podcast!
Speaking of which, the podcast will be up by this weekend, and hopefully by next week, we will be rolling a little more efficiently, and hopefully be much more media-friendly. We are in the works to offer a podcast that you can subscribe to via iTunes, and also listen to on our website. We are also happy to announce that we will start to share some of the videos that you get to experience on Thursday nights, right here on the blog. Here is an example of a video from the trip some of our people took to Haiti earlier this year…
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