An article I wrote for a denomination newsletter.

My father was in the Navy for 29 years. This meant frequent and sometimes long deployments where he could not be around very much. I didn’t have as much time with my father as other kids my age did but I also valued the time and the things he taught me more than other kids my age. When I was thirteen my dad came home with a small slip of paper that had a quote on it from a book he was reading. Dad told me that he wanted me to have the quote and he encouraged me to live by the words it contained.

Over the years I kept the paper in my wallet and would come across it at oddly appropriate times. Finally the paper became so worn I had to remove it from my wallet, hoping to salvage it in a keepsake box but realizing it would never make it I threw it away. It didn’t matter though. The words that the unevenly cut piece of paper contained had long been imprinted on my mind and had worked their way into my heart and often pervaded my thinking.

The quote has many variations but this is the one my father gave me: Far better is it to dare mighty things to win glorious triumphs and suffer much defeat than to live in the grey twilight where one does not suffer much nor enjoy much.

It’s better to go for something big, something impacting, and possibly (or even likely) fail than to play it safe. Because when you play it safe you may never have to suffer the agony of defeat but neither will you ever enjoy the exhilaration of victory.

Reggie McNeal states in his book The Present Future that just 4% of those born after 1976 consider themselves born again. I have quoted this statistic several times when speaking about church planting and have even heard it quoted from other’s pulpits. I was in conversation with a church worker a few weeks ago and he quoted me this statistic and I just smiled. I wondered if he even knew the source of the statistic, coming from Thom Rainer but quoted by Reggie McNeal. Regardless of the source or even its accuracy I have never heard this number argued.

A quick glance at the previous generations: Busters (born between 1965-1976) and Boomers (born between 1946-1965) claim 15% and 35% born again respectively. At this rate the children of the current generation will claim less than 1% born again! To some of us this statistic has become trite or perhaps so overbearing it’s less painful if we just ignore it. What’s much harder to ignore is when you see your children leave the church as they read adulthood, which is what we have seen and will continue to see unless something changes. I have never encountered a more fitting time to be called to action to “dare mighty things”.

This solution is not programmatic but quite pragmatic and likely will be problematic- but worth every effort. It is a mindset that must pervade our thinking if we hope to see the gospel of Jesus Christ thrive.

Jesus never promised his disciples an easy life instead he told them to leave and take no money. He warned them that people would reject them and not give them shelter. He called them sheep with no protector. He warned them that they would be flogged and hated for what they represented. He said that who ever finds his life will lose it and whoever loses his life will find it.

Maybe Jesus was just painting a worst-case scenario? Maybe not! Just read the book of Acts, it appears he was right about all of those things. Jesus was possibly the worst motivational speaker ever! He broke all the rules of discipleship and all the rules of rallying people to his cause yet he began the most successful movement in history with a handful of underdogs and saying things that were hard to hear.

Church has become a very comfortable thing for all of us ranging from paid staff to infrequent visitors. We are far removed from the days of dangerous Christianity, the Christianity that Jesus inspired and warned about to his first followers. We seldom blaze new paths or even try things that could possibly fail. We try so hard to minimize failure that we also eliminate any chance of success.

The call to church planting was incredibly frightening for Heather and I. It is easily something that could grip me with fear if I let it because the reality of the situation is that we might FAIL. Fortunately when we were faced with the decision to pursue a dangerous ministry God gave us the courage to go for it. Regularly I remember those warnings of Christ in Matthew 10 and I remember the quote my father gave me- the two go so well together!

Here we are in Suffolk not certain of success but certain that God delights in people willing to be adventurous to expand his kingdom. Let me encourage you to remember or perhaps discover for the first time the adventurous lifestyle you were called to when you signed on as a follower of Jesus Christ. Adventure is not just for church planters but for all followers of Christ. There is nothing safe in following Jesus Christ but there is much victory to be gained for those willing to step out and ask God for the victories while embracing and not fearing failure.

Honesty: We were talking at Stabucks last night for our Wednesday night group. I'm not really sure what brought us to it but we got to talking about the ways of God and frankly stuff that he does or has done that has disappoint us or pissed us off. I'm sure groups of Christians get together to do the same thing. Keep in mind we are all friends, and all believers and all honest. One of the guys starts sharing about what sparked his journey to the faith but then away from the faith. It was spoken in honesty and from the heart which I value more than any other attribute about a person. While talking he was honest about his disgust with God at times and even gave an hand gesture to mark the occasion in our minds forever. I couldn't help but chuckle at what people were seeing that might have been watching our group. But I couldn't help but be proud of our group being willing to be honest to each other and to God. You know I believe and I act as if God can handle my anger. He can handle me being upset with him and he can handle us forgetting that he is God in heaven and we are not or that we are the clay and he is the potter. But he is the God who allowed Jacob to wrestle him and win and the God that was willing to die on the cross for us so that we may live!

From Psalm 22
Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even when I was still nursing. From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God. Do not be far from me for trouble is near and there is no one to help. (New Cerda Version)

From Psalm 24
The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his sould to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (NIV)


¿Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?
¿Who may stand in his holy place?

This is one of those delayed blog entries. I’m sitting in Starbucks, the new one in Suffolk, and they don’t have wifi yet. I’m also assuming that this Starbucks will be a t-mobile hotspot which means it will cost money. It seems that my general hangout is the only Starbucks in the world that has free wifi…don’t tell anyone.

Fatherhood: Yesterday was my 2nd father’s day and two days before that my 5 year anniversary. I find it really incredible and a great privilege that I get to celebrate the two relationships that mean the most to me so close together.

Our anniversary went great. We went down to the beach and ate at Catch 31, where BJ works, and then we checked out the art festival taking place on the board walk and then went down to the water for a few minutes. Nathan liked the beach and wasn’t afraid of the water…he kept trying to run into the water by himself.

Yesterday we went to church and then took my dad out to lunch. Dad gave me a great little book by Tim Russert. He’s the guy that does Meet the Press and this is a 2nd book about fathers. I started reading it yesterday while Nathan and heather were getting some afternoon naps. I got a good way through it and it’s a great little book. Celebrating fathers’ and their positive influence on their kids. All of the stories are heartwarming and make you fell good about fathers. It’s a great gift especially from my father.

It’s interesting because I have been feeling a strong call of God to focus on the father relationship of God. Mainly to bring attention to it and to revel in the beauty of this relationship we have. So pure, so strong, so solid. Earthly fathers, even the best ones, make tragic and life altering mistakes when dealing with their children. John Eldgridge talks about this and is one of his primary focuses. He’s onto something. One thing that I value so much in my relationship with Nathan is the fact that I get to show to Nathan the father heart of God. That’s one of the roles God gives father’s, to show and display his love. One of the greatest hesistations of people in allowing God to have their hearts and lives is that the have a mistrust of father’s.

This whole theme fits in with another book I’m reading called Why men hate going to church. I think the title is funny and that’s why I bought the book. I think the author is onto something and basising his ideas on his opinion alone I have to say I like his opinion. He’s not saying anything new- just something seldom said.

God the Father…what does that mean? What should it mean?

Peanut Butter: I was on Nathan duty the other night so I figured we'd have peanut butter for dinner. I gave him a spoonful and he went for it then I decided I'd better give him some crackers to help wash it down. Viola'.

Quote: One of my players mom works for 106.9 the fox which is a classic rock station. She is part of the morning show. Someone was asking her about the upcoming Willie Nelson concert and if she'd be going. She says "I'm not going anywhere near that man, Willie Nelson is gross."

Tony Dungy head coach of the Colts speaks about the tragic loss of his son. written by one of my Around the Horn favorites, Michael Smith.

5: Tomorrow Heather and I have been married for 5 years. I can't express in words how much I love Heather and how great she is. She is the most unselfish person I know and anyone should be blessed to be able to call her friend. She is my best friend and closest companion and an incredible mother to our son, Nathan. Heather, I love you with all of my heart!

Kiss: I forgot about this until this morning and I'm not really sure what brought it up. I live very near my Grandparents and with my Grandma being almost 91 and Grandad trailing 10 years behind at almost 81 I figure I better get over to see them as frequently as I can manage. You have to understand my Grandad. He's from upstate New York but he swears he's never going back and he calls himself a damn yankee. He carries a gun all the time, even while cutting his grass, and he's a republican because they let you carry guns. He believes 9/11 was a government conspiracy. He loads his own ammo and tells me that if his house ever catches fire and I'm anywhere near it to just run. He also tells me that if we're ever attacked by another country or even our own we're to meet at his house and I'm to bring my guns. His nickname for me growing up was Porkchop and fathead. He has manuevers that can inflict pain on any child aged 2-99, they are known as the "one finger hurt" and the "ham". But one thing we always know about Grandad is that he'll do anything for us and he loves us very much.

So with all that said about my Grandad last time I was leaving his house he gave me a big hug..and he kissed me on the cheek.

Then on Saturday after the wedding I was officiating the grooms father who I know pretty welll gave me a big hug...and kissed me on the cheek. I was surprised but not bothered. It was a surprisingly appropriate thing to do. So there it is maybe the kiss is coming back.

Revolution: I just finished reading Revolution by George Barna. I wouldn't say it's one of the more life changing books I've read but it was interesting and sparked some interesting thought in my brain. It's ironic because I genuinely have a heart that is passionate about the Church of Jesus Christ. I recognize that this church is going to look different as time passes particularly with a mere 4% of our generation claiming to be born again. The idea of The Revolution that Barna has observed says that there is actually a moderately large group of people following the teachings of the bible, claiming Jesus Christ as Lord, and serving others with the love of Jesus Christ but not affiliated with any local body of believers.

One of my ministry friends here in Suffolk is a youth pastor at a fairly large Baptist church. Gary is a great guy whom I respect not just as a ministry partner but also sort of as an older ministry brother. He's wise, he thinks before he speaks and God is doing phenomenal work through him in his student ministry. I also have other ministry friends that are Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian or whatever else denomination comes to mind. They value their denomination and are bonded to it. The reason I bring this up is because the idea of revolution and what it means for denominations is not encouraging. But what it means for the kingdom of God is very encouraging.

I'm left standing in the middle. I do not believe it is essential for a person to be a part of an organized local "church" but I do believe being a part of an organic body of believers is essential to spiritual growth. So catch the semantics the organized church is not always an organic body of believers but a social fraternity or a swell program for the kids.

The rub is, and why I brought up my Baptist friend in the first place is that people by nature are not disciplined. They go to work because they’ll get fired if they don’t and people in general stay healthy and lose weight because they don’t want to die at an early age. We drive the speed limit because we don’t want a ticket, etc, etc. So basically what I’m saying if left in our own depravity people will resist being in community. By removing the responsibility or obligation of going to church people will in turn stop being part of a community of believers. It’s that dichotomy of discipline and passionate love. In a perfect world we would all be in love with Jesus and his people and would love going to be part of our community groups but in reality we live in a fallen sinful world where in bursts we are in love and in bursts we despise the bondage of being bound in community. Our bondage is our liberation though and that’s the irony. When we bind ourselves to others we are in turn made free and are free to be who we are. (sounds like song lyrics brewing!)

Well I've sufficiently walked all over this one and all over the place in the process. So read the book it's worth the $10 and the 130 pages it's printed on. Even if you disagree...

0-3: Ouch! US loses to Czech. We actually got crushed. The best part of it for me was the fact that I was watching it in a sports bar with a bunch of other Americans. Americans excited about soccer- it was a neat feeling. I hope we do better against Italy on Saturday. I'll also be anxious to see how Brasil does tomorrow against Crotia. Because if Brasil isn't careful they are going to be upset by Czech in the tournament round. Netherlands looked good as well.

Truth: Truth be told I'm also rooting for Mexio in the cup.

Rolling: World Cup play has begun I was able to watch some of the first half of the Germany game yesterdy and am currently watching England and Paraguay. It's a great thing I tell you. Just being curious I wanted to see how much the WC official ball was...$130...holy crap!

But the matches are free so I'll stick with those.

Stuck: I just finished reading Between a rock and a hard place by Aron Ralston (google either). Most people are familar with his story if not his name. He is the guy that was hiking through a slot canyon when a large boulder fell on him and trapped his arm. Here he remained trapped for 5 days with minimal food and water. He had to resort to drinking his own urine. A hundred and some hours with no sleep and hypothermia threatening at night, the story is amazing.

I've got some quotes from the book that I might post in a few days- I'm just too lazy to go and find them right now.

Roll it back baby: Last night at Harbor Park was "roll back the clock night". Which means that hot dogs, drinks and popcorn were 25 cents each. It's a heck of a deal. We paid $8.50 for our tickets to watch the baseball game and then only a few bucks to eat like hot dog kings.

PDL: Tonight we are starting a book study at Starbucks from 8-9pm. The book is Purpose Driven Life and while I know it's dated I also know there are plenty of people wanting to read it that never go to it in the first place. I really have no idea what to expect and I was merely doing this out of obedience to what God was telling me to do. So I'm excited about tonight I know it will be good and just trusting him to bring out the right people.

Wedding: I will be officiating my first wedding. I woke up Sunday night at about 2 am and remembered I didn't have a suit to wear. So on monday I rushed around to a few suit places found someone with one I liked and made sure I could get it in time for not only the wedding but in time to leave for the wedding. The couple is one that I've known for about 4 and a half years now and I don't think I could ask for a better couple for my first wedding. They are very much in love and have been very wise in their relationship.

The comes up right as Heather and I are celebrating our 5 year anniversary. In many ways I can't believe it's been 5 years and then in others it feels every bit of 5 years (that's a good thing).

First of all: Hockey is still going on? I had no idea!

Wall: Our tournament is double elimination and we've already lost once so if we lose again we're out for the season. Tonight we played the Yankees and I'll spare the suspense- we won. Funny moment worth mentioning. Noah has been scared of the ball all year and I can't get him to pay attention on the bases, in other words it's pretty tough for me to play him in the infield. The problem is he's a smart kid and he knows that the infield is where the good kids play. Lately he's been doing well and is a lot less afraid of the ball. Still not ready for infield but doing much better. Well tonight was Noah's night because me in my moment of insanity and empathy I put him in at second base. Noah calls out to his mom "hey mom I'm playing second." "oh you're batting second?" "No I'm playing second base" Noah's mom says "Dear God..." and crosses herself as she speaks.

I'm not sure if my connection with Blogger is good right now so this entry might be a waste but we'll see. It's been a long weekend since I posted...

Too tight: Do you ever tie your shoes too tight? Generally I don't notice I've done this until I'm sitting in a tight place like an airplane or a cramped car. Then no matter how much I try to ignore it the cramped feeling comes over me and I can't sit still and start going crazy podering the whole time if this infact is what Hell might be like. I also figure that this is what it might be like to be stuck in a box without enough room like solitary confinement but not the american style the turkish prison style.

This is what it felt like to watch the Jennifer Aniston/Vince Vaughn movie The Break Up. I would actually prefer getting punched in the face a few times as opposed to having watch this movie ever again. It was horrendous! If you feel the need to waste $8 on this movie don't...if you still need to waste the $8 then you can send a check to my address- email for more information. nick@suffolk-bridge.org

Lost: Not the TV show but with the same result. After a rain out on Saturday and sitting in the BLAZING sun for 2 hours on sunday we finally played our first playoff game. The kids played ok but not as good as they can and they made some very critical errors at pretty much the worst possible time. But what was most discouraging them acting so poorly in the dugout. Stuff we've dealt with over and over and over again this season and they are still doing like spitting sunflower seeds at each other. My person favorite, waiting till someone spits a seed and then trying to run into it so you can tell on them. Playing in the dirt while at shortstop and the list goes on.

We play what might be our final game tonight. If we lose we're done for the season if we win we will play on Friday, frankly I just want our kids to play their best and to end the season on positive note whether that's win or lose.

Worry: While on vacation I really felt God talking to me about not worrying so much. I find this a reaccuring theme in my life but one that I don't mind working on. The worry was in regards to what God has called me to do and encouraging me to work but not worry at planting this church. God will provide and I will be faithful. The thought kept occuring that if it's all stripped away- all of it. I'll still be ok and even better than ok because I'll be a child of God.

Then as I'm thinking these thoughts and just exploring the divine process of not worrying about life we meet these people. They probably worried very little about life but with the abscense of worry didn't come freedom but it seemed like apathy. So I had to ask myself and God what the difference is. They aren't worried but they held jobs with minimal impact on the world, their whole goal in life was to stay alive and have as much fun as they can until they die. It was then that worry didn't seem like such a bad thing as long and I'm worried about the will of God and not the will of Nick.

So I'm not sure where I landed on all of this worry talk- i guess I won't worry about it.

Headphones: I often work at Starbucks, I enjoy the same wifi as I do at home and can work pretty much just the same. Generally I can work with very few distractions aside from the ones I enjoy like meeting people or drinking coffee. Sometimes though I'll put some music on either ipod or computer and enter into my own little world complete with sountrack.

Wearing headphones is funny for two reasons. The first is that people tend to stare more, I'm assuming this happens because they get confused and can't decipher if you're wearing blinders or headphones. The second reason I enjoy wearing them is because if there is someone sitting beside you having a conversation they will reserve what they say to whispers or avoid embarrassing situations but you put those headphones on they assume you're jamming you and they talk completely free about all of life's problems.

Fathom: You might have heard by now about this story. Our friend Kristy went to Taylor University and she told us a month or so ago about the awful accident that killed 5 students when a truck collided with their van. Among the survivors was a young woman that was in a coma and here family was caring for her at bedside. Yesterday they discovered that the daughter they were caring for wasn't their daughter at all but another young woman that was involved in the accident. Their daughter had been killed in the accident. Read the complete story here- no commentary will follow. Complete Story

Baseball: Last night was our last regular season game. It's hard to believe it's been three months since we started this thing. The other coaches and I were talking last night and we all agreed it's gone so fast. This has been a great season all of the coaches have gotten along great, the kids have learned so much and I believe I have the most respectful and well behaved teams in our league. All of our players are such good sports when we win and when we lose.

So last night our last regular season game against a team that we are way better than but have beat us as often as we've beaten them. The first four innings last night they had our number again. We kept it close but they were just beating us. We were making mental errors that we don't normally make and I thought we were in for a long night. The fifth inning comes and the score is 12-9 and we're loosing. We need at least 4 runs to win. I gather the team in and tell them we need to hit the ball and we need to score lots of runs. Well 20 minutes later the score is 22-12. We batted around the 12 man line up and every player on my team scored but one. The highlight had to be bases loaded and my best batter gets up to bat. He crushes a ball like I haven't seen crushed in our league as soon as he hit it I knew he had a triple but I was hoping he could go for the in the park homerun. He scored 3 runs on the triple and that's when the damage was too much for the other team to overcome. We had beat them to oblivion. They managed 1 run in the bottom of the 5th to make it 22-13 but they never stood another chance.

It was a great way to end our regular season and a great way to head into the tournament. I think we're going into the tournament a #2 seed in our division and #3 or 4 overall in the league. Not bad.

9-8 on the season...one game over .500.

Marker: Hand someone a 20 dollar bill at a store and more often than not they whip out one of those counterfeit identifier pens and put a mark on the bill you just handed them. As they make the mark I always hold my breath and feel like a criminal. I've never counterfeited a bill in my life and only, during the lean years, have I even entertained the thought. But send me to a grocery store with a 20 and I feel like an instant criminal. What if the mark deems my bill fake what do I do. Do I go to jail? Get invested by the Secret Service? Basically what I concluded is that I'm out $20 bucks. But then this leads to multiple other thoughts. Why do I get stuck with the bad $20? What about the person I got it from? So in the end for peace of mind I now carry around a countefeit pen and when cashiers hand me money a put a nice little mark on the money and if it turns black...they're busted! I'm calling the cops of them. Citizens On Patrol!

Counterfeit: While on vacation to Mexico I was able to reread two books that made a huge impact when I first read them. The first I read was Through Painted Deserts by Donald Miller. I originally read this book in August 2005 as I began to wrap up ministry at Emmanuel where I was a youth pastor. He talks about the adventure of life and the beauty of leaving home so you can one day return to it. It was an interesting analogy because I was about to return to the home of my youth. The second book I read was Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. I cracked it open in the airport of Acapulco and by the time we boarded the plane in Atlanta I had 20 short pages to left and was able to finish the book in one travel day. I think that book is best read that way and I was so happy to revisit so many truths that shook my thinking those years ago but removed what seemed to be spiritual scales that were covering my eyes to truth of the universe as well as truth of Christ and his Bride, the church.

I began this thought sometime in our travels home last week and I'll finish it here: The heart, the mind, the whatever you want to call it that sees beauty and feels beauty is created by God. I suppose if we wanted we could reduce it to science and explain that when we see something beautiful like a sunset or a woman a chemical washes over our brains and this stimulation is why beauty is so amazing...but why would be do that? There's no romance in science. "You know baby, as we sit here and gaze at this sunset and as I gaze at your beautiful face I feel the chemicals wash over my brain and...ME LIKEY! So let's make out. Is your brain doing the same thing?"

God created us to experience beauty both the emotion of it as well as the euphoric feeling of it. This is a God given thing and I believe an experience that ultimately draws us into relationship with him. The problem comes when like everything else we begin to meddle and discover we can make a counterfeit experience for ourselves rather than being give and take we can make it all take. As the serpents voice echoes "go ahead and take the fruit and shortcut this relationship with God. If you bite you don't need his wisdom of good and evil you'll know it all-shortcut-shortcut" So we take the shortcut and we meddle and we discover than rather than enjoy a womans beauty in the way God created we experience casual sex or pornography or masturbation (oh crap did he just say the "M" word?) and we shortcut. We create this counterfeit experience that is neither right morally or experientally nor is it how God intended it and with this shortcut comes the briars and the thorns and the scrapes and the scars and the PAIN. Rather than experience the sun and the moon and the trees and the stars as beauty and let the romance and the chemicals wash over our brains we smoke crack and shoot heroin and shortcut and with the shortcut comes the briars and the thorns and the scapes and the PAIN.

Maybe those are two very extreme examples but let that idea trickle down and how often do we shortcut something that God intended and how often to we experience the result of pain? I feel compelled and convicted to stop shortcutting, maybe I've taken care of the "big things" but not the "smaller things" because afterall what good is a counterfeit experience...it's just counterfeit and painful.

Perhaps you thought since I was on vacation last week I would take a little time to relax but no...the mullet search continued.

I found two gems...



The Jerri Curl Mullet



The airport mexi mullet

While we went to Acapulco, Mexico for vacation it was definately a learning experience for me. I have seen poverty before and a little side trip we took into the mountains of Acapulco just reminded me of the oppression of poverty and our responsibility to do something about it.

This is a adorable little girl playing with her toys in the windowsill of a run down store.



There is a half mile stretch from the Pacific ocean to the Lagoon and this wooded trail covers the walk to the lagoon.



From an island looking over Acapulco Bay and onto where our hotel was.



These people are street vendors who come running when they see us rich Americans walk by. I really took the picture because the little boy is wearing a Washington Redskins shirt.



From the inside of a late 60's Volkswagon Bug beside a guy almost as big as me.



The famous cliff divers. They charge 35 pesos to see them or roughly $3.50 american.



Just minutes from the tourist resort where the cliff divers jump was this room filled with trash. It just shows the paradox of the wealth and poverty found in Mexico.



The sun decends taken from our hotel window.



Heather and I on a boat in the lagoon.



This is a little snack bar on the lagoon where we pulled up to get drinks and stretch our legs.



Ice cold refreshing yet blazing hot!



I assume people still walk on this pier but I wasn't testing it.



Little girl sleeping in a hammock while her mom sold stuff to the tourists.



This is a little ghetto of sorts, basically just shacks but if you look closely you'll see the thousands of wires- those are powerlines to the shacks.



The sun breaking through the clouds.

World Cup: I was commenting a few weeks back about soccer and how it gets shunned in th US. At the time I didn’t realize I would be in Mexico so close to the start of the World Cup (June 9). It’s pretty cool here. There are posters and in Wal-Mart (Yes Mexico has wal-mart) there are 20 oz coke bottles in red, white and green. There are world cup soccer balls and other cool stuff. It’s neat to be in a country that loves soccer.

Tacos:: here is a “duh” statement for you. In Mexico there are lots of tacos. But not tacos like we know tacos. Basically a taco here is a layer of corn tortillas about the size of the palm of your hand. Generally a layer is about 6 tortillas and then on top is some meat, depending on what you order. On the side they bring some salsa, and then a variety of small dishes of hot sauces for your tacos. It’s that simple. If you count the meal we ate on Sunday at home and minus the Chic-Fil-A at the airport on Monday I have had Mexican food, tacos to be specific 4 of my last 5 meals. It’s great!

It should be noted that the preceding blogs were written during my travel to and from Mexico as well as while we were there as well. The reason why you are getting these entries about a week late is because there is not a free wifi hotspot to be found in Mexico. I’m not sure if I’ll go back and edit the dates of these so they are posted correctly or if I’ll just let you figure it out.

Listening To: I like to give credit where credit is due especially with bands and speakers that I hear and especially in the church world where bands and speakers get their business through word of mouth. Graham Davis (and his band) played our retreat this year. Musically they were excellent and Graham proved to be not just a music player but an actual worship leader. His heart was evident when he shared with the students and when he played and they took notice and their hearts were moved. It’s amazing when you can end a retreat weekend and see most every kid worshipping from his/her heart.

Did I mention they also rocked! Not all the time, which can get annoying, but at very appropriate time they just rocked out for Jesus. It was great. Graham told me his website was down but when it’s up you can find it at Graham Davis Band.

Horse: I turn on espn last night and there is a big breaking news story about about Barbado which is the horse that won the Kentucky Derby and shattered it’s leg while running the preakness. All in the news and on the front page of what I believe was the New York Times is this horse. The Horse might die. Truth- I don’t give a crap. It’s a horse. If this were a professional athlete that got drilled in the face with a baseball and was near death I would care. If this was a football player that broke his back and might be paralyzed for the rest of his life I would care. But a horse…I don’t care.

It probably made me especially sensitive because I was on my way to Mexico when I was seeing these headlines. Mexico is not the most impoverished country in the world I know there but there is poverty in it’s tourist cities that make 99% of places in the US look like luxury. In the end I was thinking about all the kids in the US and in Mexico that are starving to death or going without medical care that will ultimately lead to their death and there is some horse getting more attention…sick human nature.

Instrument: Tonight I spoke at our district's annual youth retreat. I have been to this retreat 5 times now, 4 as a youth pastor and this year as one of the keynote speakers. I asked our prayer teams to pray for this night for sometime and I asked our church to pray. As Heather and I were talking this afternoon I had such a peace but a peace that was one of power. God was telling me he was going to use me mightily in the student's lives. I wasn't worred about it I was trying I didn't feel like I needed to perform. Basically I felt God say- Nick you are going to be my instrument tonight. As I was experiencing all of this Heather said -Nick I know God is going to use you tonight in an amazing way.

We talked for a while in exciting anticipation of what God was going to do. The night came and I have never been so at peace and comfortable. I wish I could explain it in words but I don't believe I can. It was honestly the feeling an instrument would get if it got feelings. Tonight I was the instrument that made beautiful music and the power was literally the breath of God. This sounds bad but I didn't care. I didn't care if one kid was impacted because I was the instrument of God. It was amazing, possibly one of the most amazing experiences as a public speaker. It wasn't about me, not about me at all!

Facedown



Purpose Driven Cafe

We're on the Web: I almost forgot. We're on the web- www.suffolk-bridge.org or The Bridge Church

World Cup: First a little history. I played soccer growing up. I played soccer when people didn't play soccer. Soccer was the sport that kids played because their parent's didn't want them to get hurt playing football. I'm guess I played soccer because in Football you have to play according to your weight class. Probably good thing I didn't play football or as a 10 year old I would have been playing with 18 year olds. As I grew up I really loved soccer but to other kids it just wasn't football.

Then in the past 10 years or so with soccer gaining popularity and the beginning of a Major League Soccer and the women doing so well in the World Cup (winning it all 2 times in the last 4 cups and finishing in the top 3 in all of them) soccer is a little more respectable.

I was pleased to see that ESPN is going to cover the games that will go on for a month starting June 9. The U.S. is ranked 4th in the world. You won't grasp that magnitude of that ranking but let's just say it's amazing. So consider this my plug for World Cup soccer, the rest of the world goes crazy and as for me any my house we will join the PANDEMONIUM!

Eavesdropping: I find it funny that that word makes perfect sense but we probably don't catch it most of the time. Eaves- the place where the roof overhangs the wall of the house. I guess back in the old days people would stand under the eaves and listen in on conversations in the house. I also find it funny that right now I'm listening in on a conversation between a pastor and his youth pastor. I happen to know the pastor and as of 5 minutes ago I met the youth pastor. They're both nice guys and their church is in full support of the Bridge and have even supplied us some great resources, I like them a ton. But now as I listen in to this conversation the YP is kind of getting chewed out as much as can happen in Starbucks but what I'm hearing is griping. Basically the gripe is feeding the sheep. Feeding the sheep is dangerous business because sheep get fickle and then they bit you. The irony of it all is that sheep can feed themselves.

My Jesus: I'm a big fan of Rich Mullins and Derek Webb. Rich Mullins because he was willing to sing songs about Jesus in a blunt and honest fashion that could have been controversial, and I'm sure in his time they were. I like Derek Webb for the same reason but where Rich Mullins sang about Christ, Derek Webb sings about the church in a beautiful, blunt, controversial fashion. And on that same note Todd Agnew has a new song out called My Jesus. It's actually been out a few months and if you listen to Christian radio you've probably heard it and if you haven't...check it out!

The Bible vs. The Da Vinci Code: This was the headline on the front page of yesterday's paper. My first thought...is that a joke? Is it? I'm not threatened at all by the Da Vinci Code, the book or the movie. In fact I think I've recommened this book just like every other interesting book I've read. All I ask is to have the opportunity to talk about it with you afterward.

The Bible vs. the Da Vinci Code I'm sure it was an attempt to make an interesting headline but c'mon. The Bible the best selling book of all time with true historical facts, archeological evidence vs. The 3 year old partially plagarized work of fiction? Doesn't seem fair really. The Bible which has been translated into most known languages and sold over 6 Billion copies vs. the Da Vinci code that has sold...well not 6 billion copies.

Baseball: We played games on Friday night and Saturday morning which is the little league equivalent of a double header. Back to back games spells disaster for my team because we have 2 pitchers and in Little League they can't pitch on back to back days. So Friday night we played a very tough team and my strategy was to just pitch kids that had potential and hope for the best. Both of my pitchers did great and our bats kept us in the game. In true Cardiac A's fashion we took it into the 6th and tied it up but couldn't go ahead a run so we ended up loosing a tied game via the tie breaker. But we played a very good team and almost beat them at the end of the night we were 5-6- 1 game under .500.

Saturday we played a team we beat by one run previous and I went into the game only having 1 pitcher. I didn't tell Tyler he was going to pitch the whole game and honestly I didn't know if his arm could handle it. He had done it before but you can only ask a 9 year old to bail his team out so many times. His first inning was rough but after that he caught fire and struck out 6 batters in a row. He ended up pitching the full 5 innings and we won the game 10-6. It wasn't as close as the score tells. All in all it was a great victory and a good weekend of baseball. We have 5 games left and with a 6-6 record I'm hoping to end the season a few games over .500. In reality we are capable of winning every game we have left but I'm not banking on it.

Cookout: We hosted a cookout on Saturday as a way to invite our friends and coworkers to meet The Bridge Church. Our goal was to have more than 30 people at the cookout and at one point I counted 35 or so. Mission accomplished. It was a good event not because we were able to build some bridges but I feel I learned something. Events like the cookout are going to reach the easy people- the low lying fruit. It's going to take something else, something more exceptional to reach the harder to reach yet equally needing higher fruit. That doesn't mean there is no merit in things like this. I think it taught us how to act like a body of believers by doing things in the community and meeting people while we are out there, it reminded us to invite and bring and it compelled me to do greater more exeptional things.

Welcome to the journey...

Teenagers: Heather and I went back to Frederick which is the place of our first and only youth ministry. We went back to do a final session of premartial counseling with a couple that is getting married in about a month. They are good friends and it was great to see them as well as some of the other great friends that we left behind...like the O'Neals! But what I had mixed emotions about was the fact that we would be seeing and interacting with our old youth group. Don't get me wrong I love those kids but they now have a new youth pastor and I don't want to do anything to hinder his impact with them. Being back with them for the short time that I was reminded me of how difficult youth ministry was at times. My wife, Heather, described it best when she said working with teenagers is like juggling little time bombs. The emotional roller coaster that they live on, them not knowing if they want to follow God one day or do their own thing the next day. All of this coupled with the fact that you have them for several hours a week and their parent's or friends have them the remaining week to destroy all the work God is leading you to do. I think youth ministry is incredibly valuable but I don't regret leaving it. But I am reminded of the hard road so many youth pastor's and workers are going to have to walk because the gospel they preach and the idea of making good decisions is not only counter cultural but counter parental and counter peer.

Serious: While this entry will come across as cynical and sarcastic I still think it's worth a read from most churches and pastors that I know. I have a tip that will change the way you do church. It will be call for a radical reformation of behaviors. It will attack the very core of your being a "loving" church but by listening you will be taking one step in a series of thousands in the right direction. While I can't make your heart follow I do hope these words help...and here they are.

I realize your church loves each other but perhaps the most painful thing for a visitor to experience while visitng your church is your "club" activities. These include the meet and greet time, the "prayer" time for each others needs complete with passing the microphone, and basically any kind of hand holding at the end of the service. I don't mean to be cruel but I don't care if Sheila's Uncle Mike is in the nursing home and I certainly don't want to spend 10 minutes on this topic (5 to hear you explain it 3 for the pastor to interpret what you said to the congregation and 2 to pray for it).

Beat Down: My baseball team laid down it's first official beat down last night. We had received a few and I guess last night was the night we wanted to give one. In the first three innings our defense was unbelievable and I think we threw out 2 or 3 guys stealing. We also made some great plays off batted balls. In the last two innings the pitching was amazing and 5 of the 6 outs came on strikeouts. Final score was 7-1 and two hits worth mentioning was the rbi double scoring a run from first and the BASES CLEARING TRIPLE (3 RBI's).

bzz: I was reading some blogs on my list and I came across an idea new to me. I have read the book The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell and in the book the talks about how different people are catalysts for explosive change- it seems that this trait isn't learned but rather just a natural talent. I have also read Purple Cow by Seth Godin which is a marketing book and promotes being remarkable to be seen. Both books talk abou the out datedness of television and radio commercials and how word of mouth is the best way to inform others of new products. People don't choose products because they are the best they choose them because they are the most heard. Basically popularity makes a product...popular. Sounds overly simple but it's true.

So this new idea is not new at all but new to me. A w.o.m (word of mouth) marketing firm that uses your average joe to get the new products. I signed up. You can to at bzzagent.com.

Add: We added 4 to our launch team last night. This is great news! In the coming weeks we will also be releasing our website and some publicity items to announce our website opening.

Friends:: Sunday and yesterday my friend Tim was down visiting and going over some ministry I'm going to do at his camp this summer. Tim is a friend that is a kindred spirit with me and we seem to share an outlook on life. I actually met him in Colorado Springs in the summer of '02 when he was a youth pastor in York, PA and I was in Frederick, MD. Before too long Tim moved on to camp ministry in the York area and I was still in Frederick. Tim and I have spent more time in the car together travelling to all of our meetings and retreats than most married couples. So naturally time in the car is time in conversations. In case you can't tell by now I really value my friendship with Tim, I have to say it's definately unique but incredibly valuable.

So anyway he was visiting yesterday so I did what I would normally do I called up one of my friends here and we all three hung out. I'm not sure this is the litmus test of friendships but I think it's a good indicator. When you merge two friends or two sets of friends from different states and different ministry it's really determines if you are who you say you are. For instance if one group of my friends is very conservative and prudish and another group wild and crazy then there is a lack of consistency in my life and probably an indicator that my character is not consistence. I believe this is called Cognitive Dissonance.

So yesterday when Brandon, Tim and I were spending time together I was relieved to see that we all were having a good time and that I was being who I am...all the time.

Fries: I like french fries but I like regular fries better than shoestring fries and steak fries so when I'm ordering fries I ask what kind they serve. Because if they serve the kind I don't like I'll get potato salad or a baked potato- something that is better for me. So yesterday when I asked what kind of fries they had the waiter looked at me and says "french fries" in a tone that indicated I was a moron. Anger.

Then Tim asked what "blackened" was. The waiter looked at him and said "it's...blackened". This was when I concluded that he didn't actually have the ability to form a thought on his own he merely immitated back the sound he had just heard come from our mouths.

Cardiac: I didn't know when I signed up to coach that I was going to be the coach of the cardiac A's. We won both games this week which improved our record to 5-4. Cardiac A's- well all 5 of our five wins 3 have been by 1 run and another by 2. Our last two games- top of the last inning bases loaded and we need to hold them and we only have 1 out. Both times we got an out at home and then a strikeout at the plate to win the game for us. It's been a ton of fun and we've beaten some really good teams. It's great because some teams don't take us real serious and then all of a sudden *bam* the game is wrapping up and we've got a lead. Most of us the kids are really improving and we've having a great time.

Starting Point: North Point (Atlanta) puts out a slightly outdated but excellend small group resource called Starting Point. You can find there store by going to www.northpoint.org and snooping around. While it is a small group curriculum set it comes with audio cd's that can be listened to that are worth the price alone so you need not feel obligated to use it as curriculum if that's just not you. It covers simple foundational truths in scripture like the authenticity and authority of the Bible, Jesus Christ and our relationship with him.

Ecclesiastes: Solomon was really depressed when he wrote this. I guess I've never really paused to comprehend the gravity of the words or perhaps as I get older the words mean more to me. The first 5 chapters are simply all the things Solomon has put his hand to all his life and worked so hard to achieve and he is calling them all worthless. How sad- how insightful.

Everyone is Equal: I've been having a continued DIALOGUE with a parent of a player on my team. Her main complaint is that her son isn't playing the whole game. For this I am truly sorry, it must stink having to sit the bench but as a coach I feel I'm obligated to help the kids have fun and having fun generally revolves around winning. There are people that will argue this but in team organized sports there is little else that is more fun that winning and right now at 3-4 we are having a fair amout of fun.

So this mother wants her kid to play all 6 innings of every game but the fact is he's not very good so that's not going to happen. Yesterday she was tell me that her son's high intellect is actually his greatest weakness. He's so smart that he doesn't need to pay attention to his teachers or coaches. He is also so smart that he kind of always does his own thing...he changing. :Complete Truth: as she is telling me about the supreme intellect of her son he is playing in the field where we are about to practice. I can hear him talking to a bug that he had caught, then suddenly he starts frolicking with this grasshopper. Now I'm no child specialist but I can assure you one thing...that is not the sign of a genious.

life is good
Originally uploaded by drnickcerda.

Nathan sporting his 'Life is Good' hat.

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.
Ecclesiastes 5:1-2

bridge card
Originally uploaded by drnickcerda.

Here is the card I've been working on and am about to order. The website isn't up yet but should be in the next week or so.

Abnormal: I know this is abnormal but thought some of you might enjoy hearing about it. To date I have only shared this with one other person- my wife. I have a desire, a sick and twisted desire.

Here goes: Today I went to a printing business to ask about some prices and products that they have. I'm interested in getting some "first touch" things done for The Bridge. So I'm sitting down with the owner and I've told him what I wanted and am interested in getting. He is breaking out magazines and getting very excited about his product and excited about the business we're going to generate for him. My desire- without explanation to just get up and leave. The guy was very nice and I'm happy to give him my business so it's not like I want to make him mad I would just love to see his face of shock. I think the desire is to just do something so socially retarded to see what the reaction is.

Now one of my friends is going to do this to me one day and I'm going to get to learn firsthand what the reaction is...until then I can only imagine.

Word of the Week: Exponentially

Punctuation of the Week: -

United 93: I have heard and read mixed opinion and emotions about this upcoming movie. For the most part I can force it to the back recesses of my mind where it has probably lived since September 12, 2001. I think that's the problem with this movie, or rather the problem I have with this movie and articles have alluded to this fact. It is said that people that lived through the 9/11 tragedy and survivors of those that died give their blessing for the movies, television shows and books that are written are ok with them being released while others, like myself, are not.

One factor in this I want to mention is that these people were face to face with this horrible experience while the rest of us were watching from our living rooms. The tragedy occurred in NY, DC and PA for the victims but on our couches in our homes for the rest of us. Don't get me wrong I know the victims families suffered exponentially more than any of us but they have been forced to carry on while I think somedays we can vividly take ourselves back to September 11 and relive it or to September 12 and pretend like it never happened, because except for longer lines in the airport and a suspicion for people of middle eastern decent it really didn't change my life much.

Frankly I think the timing of this movie is tasteless, awful, and a truthful but ugly nature of movie makers. I guess their mentality is strike while the iron is hot or before the bodies are cold. It hasn't even been 5 years. If Saving Private Ryan waited over 50 years to depict WWII then certainly they can wait just a few more.

I wonder why a Columbine movie hasn't been made yet...afterall it has been 7 years as of last Thursday.

Polos
Originally uploaded by drnickcerda.

Here is a picture of Nathan and I sporting our polos this morning. I think he looks unusually old in this picture but it's still amazing how fast he is growing.

DaVinci: Out of curiousity I went out and bought the book. I plan on watching the movie so I wanted to read the book first. There is one thing we need to remember when talking about this book...IT'S FICTION! The author admits to this- he does however leave the door open for people to misconstrue what he says in the book...he likes it this way. What good would it do to say...this entire book is filled with fiction and it's all lies don't believe any of it but I hope you enjoy the book. People like fiction laced with truth..or the façade of truth. This is what Dan Brown did. He wanted to get people riled up...he did.

This book is a conspiracy theory, like the easter bunny, santa claus, Elvis being abducted and us never landing on the moon.

The first 250 pages are purely action/mystery/thriller. It's a good book if not the best written. I've been interested all the way through. Then like clock work when you his page 250 all sanity is thrown out the window. In 3 pages he discredits the canon, council of nicene, divinity of Christ, and credibility and content of the dead sea scrolls among others.

Literally he drops an atomic word bomb on all these topics without ever giving decent reason why or sufficient evidence that his words have merit. He puts equal merit of a painting crafted in 1498 as he does text dated back to the first century A.D....but again this is a fiction book. The great part is that I think they are all questions worth answering and considering. So I don't buy all the hype. Educate your people, teach them that what they believe in reliable but if someone has an opposing thought it's not that big of a deal.

A couple sources you might consider.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticisms_of_The_Da_Vinci_Code

These are the only true "facts" Dan Brown admits to on his website.
http://www.danbrown.com/secrets/bizarre_facts/davinci_code.html

700: Today I did something I have never done before...well several things. I saw a tv show being done live. I got to sit in the control room and watch the camera, light, audio, and producers all do their thing. Granted I know it doesn't rank very high on the cool factor scale but I really enjoyed it.

Our friend, Heather, is a producer for the 700 club. She is 25 years old and to be doing what she is doing is pretty amazing. It was really neat to see her in her element and busting chops to get the show done right. It makes me want to go to all of our other friends jobs to see them in action.

Words: I posted a quote from Augustine probably about a year ago and after looking for it for the last 10 minutes I've given up. "Quitter!" (edit: I found the quote...seems it's from a' Kempis not Augustine)

Although we cannot always preserve our recollection, yet we must do so from time to time, and at least once a day, either in the morning or in the evening. In the morning form your intention, and at night examine your conduct, what you have done, said, and thought during the day, for in each of these you may have often offended both God and your neighbor. -Thomas 'a Kempis

The quote spoke of waking up and setting your resolved to follow God and strive for holiness. I really enjoy the thought and so I can honestly say not a day goes by that I don't stand in the shower and announce to myself my resolve to follow God today with all of my heart, in this I also resolve to be a good husband, father, friend and pastor. The amazing this is that it is often during this time that God speaks back to me. This morning I was reminded of a Bible verse that and old aquaintance from college asked me about a few months back.

Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat it's fruit.

Being completely honest I don't even know what the second part means but the first part is pretty clear. My words- that I speak to others have the power of either life or death which I choose to give is up to me. I want my words to bring life. So I read the rest of the chapter and really gleaned much from some of the proverbs. My favorite was:

Proverbs 18:6 A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.

Bonds: I am NOT a fan of Barry Bonds whatsoever, 0% emphatically against all that he has done, stands for and how he has tainted baseball. He is the epitomy of all that is wrong with professional sports and for this reason I delight is his misery- I am a horrible person.

I believe that Bonds has set up for himself this attitude. People don't feel like they owe him anything because he has never felt he owed anyone anything. He has played baseball for him and to get his. Well it looks like he’s finally getting what he’s worked so hard for…emptiness.

There is part of me that feels bad for him. And to be completely honest this part of me that has sympathy is growing every day. I do feel bad for him because when I see him I see a shell of a man both literally and figuratively.

Daddy, It's HOT!: I went to my first AAA basebally game yesterday. Norfolk is home of the Norfolk Tides which is a AAA farm team for the New Yorks Mets. It's typically pretty good basebally and they don't charge incredibly much for a ticket. So after a deli lunch Brandon and I headed over to the game. We're both in shorts and gray shirts so we're in pretty good summer attire. The temperature is about 85 degrees and we're sitting in the straight sun with no reprive. All of a sudden Brandon stands up and says "It's too hot, I'm getting something to drink." So he come back with a drink and the game goes on. It's hot but not stifling and there is a nice breeze off the water. Suddenly Brandon says again "it's hot- I'm leaving". So we get up and change seats.

I say all that to say...What a woman!

Lunch: I just had a great lunch with a pastor, two to be precise. They are from a local church with an interesting story. They used to be old and southern baptist and frankly they were dying. The pastor returned to the church and in the course of 7 years had turned the church around. They are thriving and just constantly growing. What is amazing is that this pastor initiated contact with me and wanted to have lunch with me all on the week of Easter. He took the time to ask about me and when I left the lunch I felt like I had two new friends not to mention the resource kit he is ordering and mailing to me.

.500: Because of a forfeit my minor league team is now 2-2 or in baseball terms .500. The team that forfeited to us was the team that beat the poo out of us the first game of the season. We ended up scrimmaging which was very good for my team. The guys played well. We had very minimal errors and everyone played smart. Hooray for the A's.

Taxes: I got my taxes done yesterday. Whoo-hoo we're getting money back for the first time in 4 years.

Boot Camp: I stumbled upon this Mac news yesterday and thought it worth posting. Apple is aware that Mac users still must use PC software some of the time. Because of this new mac users or potential mac users are hesistant to make the switch or when they do make the switch still must keep their pc around to use about 10% of the time. With the new dual core intel chip in the macs the options are appearing limitless as to how this new mac can be used. Apple just released a beta (test) program that allows you to install and use Windows XP on your Mac. The amazing this is that a Mac can actually be started up in Windows and will operate only as a windows machine when it is in this "mode" and the same for the apple machine. The programs never share memory and are completely independant from each other.

The down side is that the windows side is still very vulnerable to viruses and bugs...same as a regular pc machine. I'm continually amazed at Apple's innovation and willingness to recognize the competition and work with it. Read more about it here-http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp

Wholesale: Christianity wholesale. What does this mean? What does it mean to be a wholesaler of Christianity? I'll be exploring this idea in the next few days.

Anxiety: I remember as a teenager I would sometimes feel so overwhelmed with anxiety. It was generally when I quieted my life enough to listen to either my conscience or the conviction of the Holy Spirit. When these times came I would not quite sick but something very uncomfortable stirring within me. Now the feeling of anxiety comes when I know there is something unpleasant on the horizon- like gathering all of my tax papers.

This morning I took some time to recollect and reread the story of Jesus' triumphial entry. I've probably heard it a hundred times before and this time I took away the feeling of anxiety. Not for myself but a little bit of an understanding of what Jesus must have been feeling. Mentally I believe he was line up, he was ready to go but emotionally the knowing thought that your death is coming soon must have been unbearable. Jesus continued to speak and to teach and to put the final touches on his preparation of the disciples and world for life after his coming...but he was human...he understood anxiety.

The rest of this week I hope to journey through the passion week and I pray that God teaches me new things about his gift to us.

Winner: We went into our game on Saturday 0-2. We played teh 0-2 Angels so I felt like for the first time we were off to a victory. Tyler was the first to pitch and he pitched 3 great innings and we scored all 3 of our runs every inning. Then the rain hit, I would have loved to finish the game because we were rolling but the rain caused a delay and we left having played half the game and winning 9-6.

The rain out was rescheduled for the next day, sunday. I barely had enough kids to play (9) and I had to pitch a kid that is still working out the kinks. Our first inning we did well on the bases and once again scored all three of our runs. Then they got up to bat and scored all 3 of their runs. So we head into the 5th inning up only 12-9. They pitch a new pitcher and completely shut us down. That inning, due to a some great pitching, they only score 2 runs. Then we get up to bat and...get shut out again. So here we are bottom of the 6th inning winning 12-11. In minor league there is no overtime. At the end of the game if it is tied the game ends and you look back at previous innings and the last person that was winning wins the game. So for the other team it's all or nothing because we had been winning the entire game.

So bottom of the 6th and Mike is pitching really well. We get 2 quick outs and then Mike walks a guy. He steals second and then third. Next pitch is a passed ball and the kid scores a run. 12-12. Then the batter gets walked so they have the winning run on base and their best hitter up to bat. The kids steals second. This is not good. The next pitch comes...The kid at bat absolutely crushes the ball, I'm stunned. We had been winning the whole game only to loose it in the last play of the game. Back to the crushed ball. This ball is flying and hard. Right between my first and second baseman...Tyler my second baseman sticks out his glove and *whack* catches the line drive. 3 outs..game over...We win.

It was crazy!

Club: I've owned a Mac for about three weeks now and I have been learning lots and am comfortable with using the computer. It's been fun. I've noticed a few things his past week about mac users. First of all it's like a club and if a mac user sees you with a mac they like you immediately and want to talk with youa bout...macs. Because of this I have noticed one other thing. There are lots of homosexual mac users.

Game: We had our second game last night and we lost. But while we lost we played much much better than our last game. We had 2 innings where my team got all 3 outs and the innining didn't end automatically because of runs scored. My team played heard and most of the time they played smart. I really really don't mind loosing as long as we do those two things.

Akeelah: I'm a pretty big Starbucks fan which mean I like their coffee, I like the way they run their company, I like the way they deal with their employees and I like how they do business. Of course all of these things I only understand in the things I have read and heard because I have never worked at one. Generally I think they do stuff that is pretty smart and makes them a step better. I walk in the other day and I see an advertisement for Akeelah and the Bee about an inner city girl that makes a run at the National Spelling Bee championship...sounds like a thriller. I just don't understand why they (Starbucks) would align themselves with a movie like this. I also don't understand why they (movie companies) would make a movie like this. Of course now that Starbucks has endorsed it the movie should do quite well...but they won't get my $8.50!

Behind the Word
Originally uploaded by drnickcerda.

Where's Nathan? Behind the commentaries just under The Present Future.

Colors

colors
Originally uploaded by drnickcerda.

Another set of doors also taken in Norfolk, VA. The blue door could be yours if you have the money!

Ivy

Ivy
Originally uploaded by drnickcerda.

I like doors. This was taken in Norfolk, VA.

1st Game: It wasn't pretty but we played our first game today. We scored 6 runs and ran the bases very well. The bad news is the other team scored 15 runs. We made lots of mental errors but I honestly believe we can compete with the other teams...but we have to stop making the mental mistakes.

Highlight: In our league all 12 players bat even though only 9 can play in the field. So when I say our 12th batter was up to bat it's understood that he is not only the weakest hitter but probably the weakest fielder as well. Well Calvin is our 12th man. Calvin is one of my favorite kids, possibly because he does the funniest stuff possible and the other reason is that Calvin has some disabilities. He's has what is called a delay which means it takes him longer than other kids to process stuff. You see why this might be a problem in baseball! So Calvin is our 12th hitter and almost every other kid had struck out...most looking. So Calvin gets up there and fouls off a few good pitches and works his count to 3-2. At this point in the game we're in the 3 inning and soooo many of the kids had struck out, I was so discouraged. So Calvin is doing really well just by fouling off the ball, I got a little excited. Then at full count he gets a good piece and hits a blooper to third and gets our first hit of the season. Calvin, the kid with the delay, got our first hit. I laughed at the irony and then I almost cried. I'm not being dramatic about that, I honestly almost cried a few times...especially when I gave Calvin the game ball for getting the first hit of the season. I think it showed me so much of God's grace that Calvin would get the first hit. I'm not sure it was God helping Calvin hit that ball but I think the illustration is beautiful. Because in truth we're all a good bit of "Calvin", we're the underdog, destined underachiever, and frankly a little slow but God does really amazing things through us. Thank goodness!

Feed ME!

Feed ME!
Originally uploaded by drnickcerda.

Nathan figured since Brandon was allowed to eat the whole carton of ice cream that he should be allowed some as well. This is Nathan's best rendition of "FEED ME!"

Praise

Praise
Originally uploaded by drnickcerda.

I probably wouldn't believe this so I won't be upset if you don't. In church it's hilarious that Nathan will raise his hands during the worship songs. Since Nathan was born I pray that he will understand God's love even now and will worship God with all of his heart and understand God at a young age. So I thought it ironic but figured he just loved to mimic people. This morning I put on a worship cd while I cleaned the kitched and Nathan finished up his breakfast in his high chair. Right when the lyrics said 'we stand and lift up our hands' Nathan raise his hand and kept it up. I thought it coinincidence but he kept doing it at different parts. He doesn't do this with other music...Frankly I think it's amazing.

Iddo: My son's name is Nathan. We choose the name because it means "gift of God" and we really do view Nathan as a gift of God to us. I also really like the name Nathan because he of course was a prophet in the Bible that was prophet to King David and Solomon. I haven't told Heather yet but I thought we'd continue to use the names of non-writing prophets and specifically prophets that ministered to the kings. Abijah was the king that followed Rehoboam's son Abijah, a very godly king. The prophet that ministered during that time was named Iddo. So Iddo it is!

Gaze: For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him...2 Chronicles 16:9 (sorry it was wrong earlier)

Racism: I was working at Starbucks this morning and man I was into it. I don't think I've gotten as much done in 2 hours in a long long time. I guess the two african-american women talking at a table near me noticed because one of them asked me what I was working on so hard for such a long time. I explained to her I was a church planter in the area and I was working on a timeline to submit for friday. She told me where she went to church and gave me her opinion on what church was all about. She was a great lady and our conversation that followed was very good, it even drug in the other lady sitting with her. One of the most interesting topics that came up was racism in the church. She is the one that brought it up and was explaining to me that her church at one point was 100% black and white people were not welcome. She said one of the largest struggles her current pastor has had is teaching the elderly in the congregation that their racism will not be tolerated. She told me about some success in this area and it was just eye opening to me. It felt great that she would open up about such a typically taboo subject.

Name: I'm sick of calling people and getting a generic voicemail. "you have reached 757-988-4356..." At that point I hang up. If you won't take 5 minutes to set up your voice mail account I'm not taking 30 seconds to leave you a message. I want to be reassured it's you. Tell me your name, tell me something funny, witty or just plain stupid, tell me you're glad I called and that you want me to have a good day. I tell you back in my day...

Crazy?: I'm not positive but I'm pretty sure the lady sitting at the table in front of me is pretending her little tape recorder is a cell phone. Or maybe it really is a cell phone and she's getting her friend to dictate to her notes over her cell phone, on speaker phone in the middle of Starbucks.

Retreat:I was asked today to be one of the speakers at this years District Youth Retreat (Mid-Atlantic District of the C&MA). The retreat is May 19-21 and since I was planning on going anyway I'm even more excited. It really is a privilege because the guys that asked me know me very well, they know my flaws and weaknesses and they know my character and...they still asked me. I'm honored.

Cult like behavior?

The fam
Originally uploaded by drnickcerda.

Well here is the follow up to one of the pictures below. My Mom and her fiance, JD, are involved in time period reenactment. They portray business owners in the 1740's-1840's, think colonial Williamsburg. They are really into it and to be at the camp you have to be in time period garb as well. Which explains why I look like a fryar. What I can't explain is why it looks like I'm hiding a series of beachballs under my coat. I think you can click the picture and it will take you to a few other pictures we took this weekend.

Nathanson

Nathanson
Originally uploaded by drnickcerda.

Here is a picture I I took of Nathan on Friday. He needs a haircut but he sure is cute. He's almost 13 months old now and I am continually amazed by him. That's not a typo in the title one of my nicknames for him is Nathanson...kind of like Danielson but I'm not a karate master. I can pretend.

#1:As a church planter for my district I am assigned to preach at various churches around the district. Last week I was at a church in Richmond and generally I only do these about once a month it just worked out that this week I was at Portsmouth. But because Portsmouth is only a few miles from our house it wasn't a big deal. This morning I spoke on the glory of God and how his presence and glory is dependant on the condition of our heart. I started with a look at Solomon's temple and the promise God makes to Haggai about the rebuilding of that temple and then moved New Testament with Christ being the fulfillment of the temple and eventually believers being called the temple because we are know where the Spirit dwells. I felt this sermon needed to be preached and I was obedient to God in this but I had a hard time all week making it into managable piece I felt I could share. I like to put and individual spin on my messages with illustrations or props but was never able to get around to it this week. Either way I believe God honored my words and they penetrated the hearts of the people.

#2:Tonight I gave a message I had given twice before but was able to add some things this afternoon and felt it went better than ever before. Tonight our entire launch team and most of our LiFE Group was at the service and there was an excitement in the air. It was neat to have them there and have them hear and I think even realize the vision for Suffolk. My friend Brandon even shared a bit of his story during the question/comment time and his words are just affirming with what God is doing and is going to do through The Bridge Church.

YUMM

YUMM
Originally uploaded by drnickcerda.

Now this...there is no explaination for this!

the ladies

the ladies
Originally uploaded by drnickcerda.

I'll explain this later...

Baseball: We're one week away from opening day and we finally were able to use the game field. This was great because we were able to work our pitchers and take a game like batting practice and practice some game situations. I have definitely been working out a game strategy in my head and was able to put some of that to work. I have decided that we will be extremely aggressive on the bases and will test the catchers arm every chance we get. The other teams better know what's going on or we're going to burn them.

Now I just need to figure out how to get my players on base because we didn't look real good hitting today. But we have two practices left, Monday and Wednesday and then our first game next saturday at 1:30pm. I'm looking forward to it.

LiFE Group: Thursday nights are our regular LiFE Group night. Last night I believe I counted 11 or 12 in our living room. We took a look at Philippians 3 and the passage where Paul talks about the race before us and the goal and prize we are running the race for. It is honestly one of my favorite passages because it is such a practical way to get a third person view or ourselves and how we are doing on our quest.

The best part of last night was when people began to open up and share how God is moving in their lives.

Practice: I'm a baseball coach for our local little league. I really do enjoy it very much and just enjoy the game of baseball and I enjoy the kids as well. 90% of them are teachable and it's so amazing to see them improving over the course of the past few weeks. Somedays it seems like from practice to practice they get better. Last night we were hitting and 2 of my least athletic kids where batting and I wasn't expecting much out of them, the first pitch Calvin really got a hold of and it went pretty far and pretty fast. I figured he got lucky. The next pitch he lined back at my face and again I figured he got lucky again. Turns out pitch after pitch he kept hitting really well. It was awesome. All of the kids, who know Calvin is a little slow were dumstruck...so was I. Before long the kids were like Go Calvin...I think they were cheering him on to hit me in the face!

So about this practice issue. For some it seems to be optional. I have tried and must have failed because I can't seem to get across the point that if your kid get doesn't practice then he's going to be playing right field 2 innings a game.

The Water

The Water
Originally uploaded by drnickcerda.

Here is shot of the creek by our house. I went for a little walk here this morning.


Encounter: Not the good kind- trust me. I have had 2 frisbee golfers confront me about playing baseball on "their" frisbee golf course. I really don't understand it because I'm not even where they would be throwing disc and it's a public park that has many other facilities besides a frisbee golf course. Today it escalated to swearing- fortunately it wasn't me doing the swearing...

It was a good lesson in "i am NOT".

Freebie: I seem to remember the internet costing money at Starbucks. It's a t-mobile hotspot so it's a paid subscription but right now I'm on it for FREE. Weird but I'll take it.

Funny: Zechariah 5:7-8 Then the cover of lead was raised, and there in the basket sat a woman! He said, "this is wickedness," and he pushed her back in the basket...
I got a good laugh out of that this morning.

Sunday: This Sunday is an important one for me personally. I am preaching at the church I grew up in, The Alliance Church of Portsmouth, VA. I remember back to when I was a kid looking up at the preacher in the pulpit and just wondering if I would ever get a chance to do that as a grown man. Sunday after Sunday God used the sermon time to help me realize my call to bring the scriptures to his people. Needless to say I'm looking forward to it. I'm a bit nervous because I'll be preaching at both the sunday morning and sunday night service, a first for me.

Naked

Nathan has this thing where he thinks it's absolutely hilarious to run around without his clothes on. I mean you let the kid run around the house a few times in the buff and he's happy for hours. He now tries to escape when we get his diaper off just so he can do the naked baby run.

I've been working out at the Y lately and of course this involves locker room changing. I have noticed that like Nathan these old men like to run around in the buff as well. It brings them joy. Sick!

MacBook Pro Wireless issues

Up and rolling. The guy at the apple store was incredibly helpful yesterday and he wasn't trying to sell me a bunch of crap I didn't feel I needed. He answered all of my pc to mac questions and told me he had just made the recent switch over. That fact alone helped me out a ton. He did tell me that MacBook Pro does not work with a linksys wireless router. Well seeing as that's the router I have here at the house I was slightly disgruntled but not enough to change my mind. So I get home last night and sure enough I can't get my new Mac on the wireless network. I played around with it for a good while and to no avail. Finally I gave up and took a shot at it this morning. With the help of my good friend Google I am now up and running on my home wireless network and I kept my linksys router. YES! Here is the link for anyone that might need this information in the future.
http://raibledesigns.com/page/rd?entry=macbook_pro_and_wireless

World of Mac

I couldn't wait till tomorrow. While I do need to go to bed I had to share the news of my entering into the world of Mac. Today I bought my first mac and I am enjoying it. It will be a learning process but I already like some of the features that a pc doesn't offer. I got the MacBook Pro with an 80 Gb hardrive and I opted for the extra 512 mb of memory. Again...more specs tomorrow, just wanted to share the news.

Just having some fun with my new computer...more details tomorrow!

Tonight at the hockey game we went public. Check out our name on the sign! We had a block of tickets and better than 30 come out to watch the game with us. It was a ton of fun...and we were on the sign.

Twins: My friend BJ has a friend named Brandon and as fate would have it I now have a new friend in Brandon. He's a great guy. They played golf today and I ate with them before they headed to play. BJ showed up to lunch looking...and then Brandon showed up looking...exactly the same as BJ. It was just weird and good for a laugh. Here is the ambiguoulsy gay duo now... or maybe the exotically gay duo. Who knows?

Currently reading: Breakout Churches by Thom Ranier- He was inspired and asked to write the book in the fashion of Good to Great by Jim Collins. I haven't even begun the first chapter and I've noticed the theme that was also in purple cow and that theme is good is not great. So basically good is bad. Purple Cow stated that great is bad remarkable is the only way to do. I'd say it's a matter of semantics and personal definations. But the truth and principal is clear.

Shust: He's getting plays on the radio all the time. Let's try this word of mouth epidemic thing. You can hear his songs on his myspace and add them to your own. Aaron Shust's myspace or www.aaronshust.com