Matt Yount

Be Humble

2012-02-16T09:00:00.002-05:00

Love this parenthetical phrase I read (actually "listened" to) this morning from Numbers 12:3...

"(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)"

In my (humble) opinion, Moses is maybe the greatest leader of all time. He constantly had to deal with challenges, complaining, straying, grumbling, disobedience, etc. Yet he tirelessly and faithfully, in partnership with God, led the people of God through 40 years of desert wandering (it was "desert travel" literally and figuratively). The story of Moses' leadership is so human, so realistic. Yet so divinely anointed. There's reluctance and frustration and anger and weariness and messiness and crying out to God. And there's God's provision and leading and power. It's a great story. It inspires me.

When you consider all things, though, Moses had every opportunity, every right even, to think pretty highly of himself. After all, the people he was put in charge of were not just any people - they were the people of God! And there were lots of them (we're talking hundreds of thousands, probably millions of people). And we're talking being the lead leader for 40 years! Plus, Moses got to have special God encounters and conversations with God that no one else did. Yes, if anyone had reason to think highly of himself, it was Moses. Which is why I think this description of Moses is so significant and so powerful. In the midst of all the power and position, Moses "was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth." He wasn't proud. He wasn't arrogant. He understood who God was, who he was, and he didn't confuse the two!

Lord, keep me humble!

** Of course, after writing this, I started having this thought... Isn't Moses credited with writing the first 5 books of the Bible? So did he write this about himself? If Moses wrote that Moses was "more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth," doesn't that sort of void the truth of the statement then? Genuinely humble people don't claim to be the most humble person on the planet, cause then you're being prideful. My uneducated theory is, since it was a parenthetical statement, the Spirit of God inspired Moses (or someone who helped write these words) to include this description. So, regardless of who wrote it, it is in the Bible. The Bible is God-breathed. So, it's true! Moses was very humble! And if we want to be good leaders, it's a quality we must cultivate too!

Books +

2012-02-09T16:33:00.002-05:00

An initiative I 100% endorse! Click here for details.

Disciples

2012-02-08T16:15:00.002-05:00

I keep coming back to this truth by Mike Breen . . .

If you seek to build the church, you sometimes get disciples.

If you make disciples, you always get the church.

The Guys

2012-02-08T13:44:00.003-05:00

These guys cause me great joy!

Super Bowl

2012-02-07T22:42:00.002-05:00

For the first time in a long time we didn't throw a Super Bowl Party this year. Instead, we enjoyed a relaxing evening of food and fun with the Roberts. It was a great night, enjoyed it very much! (Ceci, this is you guys making the 2012 blog book!).

Dave and Zane wishing the Chargers were in the Super Bowl (like that will ever happen!)

And Again, Riley Trails

2012-02-07T22:29:00.002-05:00

We enjoyed another afternoon of hiking this past Sunday at Riley Trails.

Super Bowl Pre-Game Game

2012-02-07T22:24:00.000-05:00

The neighborhood boys were loving the no-snow, sunshiney day Sunday. Their football game was just as exciting as the Super Bowl!

Go Fish

2012-02-04T14:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Reese and I were walking in to an organization's office at the exact time they were draining their fish aquarium (only a couple inches of water was remaining in it, and seven fish). They were getting ready to throw it in the dumpster after releasing the remaining fish into a pond (apparently they had unsuccessfully tried to sell it and/or give it away). The next thing I know it is in the back of my truck. The next thing I know after that is that it is sitting in my house.

Strange Things Are Happening

2012-02-04T13:20:00.003-05:00

Not sure how long this is going to last, but absolutely loving it! Thinking about getting a head start on landscape projects!

February 4, 2012 (note I said "FEBRUARY!"). What's missing (but not missed)?

These strange orange circles have been showing up in the forecast a lot!

Catching Up: Fall Photos

2012-02-03T09:12:00.001-05:00

Finally downloaded some photos to the computer we took this fall with a friend's camera (thanks Tara). Thought I'd throw a few on the blog.

Snow's Back! (for a few days)

2012-01-30T21:23:00.002-05:00

What a bizarre, extra-mild winter this has been (and continues to be!). January has been pretty snow-less, until yesterday when we got dumped on in about a three-hour stretch Sunday morning! For a while there I wasn't sure anyone was going to show up at our second gathering yesterday morning at VP! But the snow had stopped and the sun was back out in the afternoon. I am digging the fact that it seems like the sun is shining more this winter. Supposed to be in the mid to high 40's and sunny the rest of the week.

January 27, 2012

January 29, 2012

Hana and Jacee

the back hill

Riley Trails, Again

2012-01-30T21:13:00.000-05:00

It was SO NICE this past Friday I headed back out to Riley Trails for some more hiking, again taking Kenai (and also this time Mike and Sydney) for a walk (taking the dogs for a walk, not Mike - though he walked too).

Me and Kenai

Mike, Sydney and Kenai (Mike is the two-legged one)

Lumber Jack Day

2012-01-30T20:59:00.000-05:00

This past Friday (January 27) I helped at "Lumber Jack Day" with Levi's class at Rose Park. I was only there for the activities, but apparently they had flap jacks for lunch and everything. Real lumber jack stuff!

Levi the Lumber Jack!

Jesus > Religion

2012-01-23T20:31:00.001-05:00

We used this video at VP on Sunday. Fit awesomely with Steve's January 22 message titled "Clarifying the Gospel" from Acts 15. Impressive young man! This 22 year old's video poem received over 16 million hits on YouTube in less than two weeks. He was recently featured on CBS "This Morning" (here's the link for the interview).

No Snow. Lots of Rain.

2012-01-23T20:13:00.000-05:00

It's January 23, and it is raining! The pond at VictoryPoint is swelling!

Riley Trails

2012-01-23T20:10:00.001-05:00

This past Saturday (21st) was a beautiful, cold, sunny winter day. Kenai and I took a long walk, exploring more of the trails at Riley Trails.

We're brought "Flat Mabel" with us to the trails.

Anna Maria Island

2012-01-23T18:22:00.005-05:00

On January 16 my parents flew to Florida, where they will enjoy the sun till April, then head back to Lake City. They recently bought a home on Anna Maria Island (which is available for rent when they are not there - free advertising plug). I eagerly volunteered to drive their car down for them. I left on Saturday night, and met up with them on Monday the 16th (literally 5 minutes behind them pulling into the driveway!) and stayed till Friday the 20th. It was warm and sunny. Not a bad way to spend the middle of January.

Crossing the bridge to Anna Maria Island.

The Gulf of Mexico is just a short 3 minute walk from the house.

Morning walks on the beach.

Trying to take pics of dolphins with my iPhone cam (kind of blurry).

Breakfast on the balcony!

On the way to lunch at the restaurant on the Pier.

Afternoon at the beach.

Their pool.

Aspiring Musician

2012-01-23T18:06:00.003-05:00

Levi on his way to his Tuesday guitar lessons.

Clowning Around

2012-01-23T17:33:00.003-05:00

As part of her role as party coordinator for the January 12 Kid's Hope Party at Great Lakes Elementary, Tori made this "cut-out / photo-op" clown. Reese and I tagged along to help. So, of course I had to get a photo with Tori! Not sure why I had to be the dog, though.

No Snow. Snow. No Snow.

2012-01-08T12:33:00.001-05:00

Weather-wise the new year started out differently than the previous year concluded (but only for a little while). 2011 concluded on a mild note, with a green Christmas, and the last day of the year feeling more like spring than winter. Then on January 1 the snow finally arrived. Enough to make the first snowman of the year. But it didn't last. By January 7 we were back to grass and sunshine and 50 degree weather. Winter is definitely coming in like a lamb! Wonder if Reese will ever get to use that sled grandma got him for Christmas!

January 4, 2012

Hana and Jacee

January 7, 2012

Christmas Memories

2011-12-30T16:39:00.001-05:00

Tori made a window tree for Levi's room.

Up north at Mike and Sue's.

Cousins Elijah and Levi.

A herd of "root deer" at Rob and Mollie's.

A money tree!

Nice ears, Jacee.

The astronomy book Reese has been wanting.

We got a shorter tree this year.

We played Tori's memory game again - for presents!

The boys got Leathermans from Uncle Todd (and band-aids)!

Jacee got a camera.

Reese and Grandma Judy playing chess.

Levi unpacking his stocking from grandma.

The fam!

Reese, Levi and Jacee Christmas morning.

Legos (and Lion's jersey!).

Annual Christmas Fondue.

Warm Times With Good Friends

2011-12-30T16:09:00.000-05:00

Christmas Break with Grace and Edgar at the Warm Friend

The Work of Christmas Now Begins

2011-12-27T13:37:00.004-05:00

Just came across this. Like it...

"When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with the flocks,
then the work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal those broken in spirit,
to feed the hungry,
to release the oppressed,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among all peoples,to make a little music with the heart…
And to radiate the Light of Christ,every day, in every way, in all that we do and in all that we say.
Then the work of Christmas begins." -- Howard Thurman

Kids Tell It Best!

2011-12-12T14:21:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kWq60oyrHVQ

Thanksgiving

2011-12-07T17:26:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving with Tori's mom and our neighbors the Gorters.

Raking

2011-12-07T17:17:00.003-05:00

I'd say it's now a tradition. Every November our life group gets together on a Saturday morning to rake Bob and Arlene's yard. I believe we receive more of a blessing from it than they do!

Some More Huntin' Pics

2011-12-07T17:17:00.001-05:00

Reese and Levi with Grandpa Mike.

Reese and Levi with Uncle Dave.

Advent Conspiracy

2011-12-05T13:02:00.001-05:00

Last year at VP we spent a month this time of year moving through the challenges of the Advent Conspiracy - worship fully, spend less, give more, love all. We called it a "Better Kind of Christmas." And it was! It is good for me to revisit these realities, values and challenges again.

Before and After

2011-11-30T18:41:00.001-05:00

We took our golden-doodle Kenai to the groomer today. She had a lot of snarls and tangles.

Here is BEFORE (good looking dog!) . . .

Here is AFTER (embarrassing! hideous!) . . .

Books +: Why Would You Care?

2011-11-29T20:54:00.000-05:00

Just read this post on Vox's "Books+" blog. The young man who wrote this wrote a powerful piece. Worth a read!

Books +: Why Would You Care?: Why Would You Care? by Andrew Prince As you wake up in the morning from your comfortable bed, you complain about ho...

Needs and Wants

2011-11-29T20:38:00.001-05:00

Read a story online tonight about a teenage girl from Muskegon who was caught up in a Thursday night "Black Friday" mad rush to get one of a limited supply of video games on sale at WalMart in Muskegon last week. She had to be transported by ambulance to a hospital. This made me recall this picture I saw circulating on Facebook a while back.

Halloween

2011-11-02T22:43:00.002-04:00

This year for Halloween we were inspired by our friends the Wilkinsons to be more intentional and relational with our Halloween festivities. I mean, after all, it is a night during the year when most of the neighborhood is out in force! What an ideal opportunity to be missional, to love and to bless people. I've decided I'm not a big fan of creating a "Christian version" of Halloween (not saying all the "trunk or treats" or church parties are bad, especially if their target is the neighborhood). I'm just realizing that Halloween is a great chance for followers of Jesus to engage culture with the love of Jesus, not escape it. So this year instead of just passing out candy, we hauled our portable bonfire pit into the driveway and Reese made us a great fire where people could warm themselves. We set up a table near the firepit and offered everyone a cup of hot chocolate. And Tori was there making homemade donut holes (powdered sugar or straight sugar coating!). Nothing like a warm donut to go with the hot chocolate (and the candy). So simple. And so fun hanging out with neighbors and meeting new ones! I'm thinking this might become a tradition!

Reese's pumpkin (no surprise!)

Levi and Jacee's pumpkins

Levi (he was a "quarter-back")

Neighbors

Jacee and Aliyah (pair of "dice divas")

Neighbor Tai ("Luigi"), Levi and "Mario"

Huntin'

2011-11-02T22:20:00.001-04:00

Took all of last week off for some bow hunting up north. It was a rainy week, and I think I was a week early for the rut (need to go the first week of November next year) but it was great to just get away and decompress and enjoy the woods. Good times seeing family and hunting with dad and brothers. I hunted 11 times, but only saw deer a few of those hunts. Passed on some does early in the week (which I now regret), and saw a small buck the end of the week. My brother Dave bagged a 6 point.

Dave

Mike

Dad

Levi (and Jacee)

2011-11-02T22:12:00.002-04:00

Jacee

2011-11-02T21:37:00.002-04:00

Catching Up: Cranes

2011-11-02T21:19:00.001-04:00

This year's annual trek to Crane's Orchard was extra special - Tori's brother Todd from Alaska was in town and joined us! It was a beautiful day, and the best part, as always, was the cider, donuts and apple-cinnamon ice cream!

Catching Up: Labor Day

2011-11-02T20:52:00.001-04:00

We had our annual Labor Day breakfast by the channel at the Holland State Park again this year. Cool and windy this year, but the pancakes and bacon still tasted good!

Catching Up: Fall Soccer

2011-11-02T20:41:00.003-04:00

This fall Reese played on the Holland Christian Middle School 7th grade boy's soccer team. He is in the big leagues now! He played sweeper and helped direct and anchor the defense. Bigger field, bigger league - I'm proud of the way he played and the way he represented the school. The team had a good season. (we've got more pics, but right now they are on a friend's camera)

Catching Up: Fall Soccer

2011-11-02T20:37:00.001-04:00

This fall Levi played on a township soccer team of 3rd/4th graders. He did great! Very aggressive this year. One game he scored 3 goals! Also a great defender. The benefits of playing against an older brother and neighborhood boys on traveling teams. The team really improved from the beginning to the end of the season. Really appreciate the dads who coach. He began the season not knowing any of the boys, and concluded the season with a bunch of new friends.

Catching Up: Pergola

2011-11-02T20:23:00.001-04:00

ALL summer Tori has been talking about wanting me to build a pergola on the deck. If you don't know what a pergola is, it is a Latin word (I think) meaning "weekend project that will take all month, inspire lots of swearing, double the amount of deck you now have to stain, and will probably fall down anyway." So on Labor Day weekend I started building a pergola. Actually, while it did take way longer than a Saturday morning, I am pleased with how it turned out, especially considering we sort of created it as we went and that we worked on it together (and actually worked well together!). Next spring we'll get it stained and Tori wants to grow plants or vines on it and hang lights. Should be fun to hang out under, and hopefully it will provide some much needed shade for our deck in the afternoons and evenings.

Catching Up: Boy Band

2011-11-02T20:11:00.001-04:00

Levi and Kobe (whose dream of forming a neighborhood boy band seems to have come and gone) entertained us one summer night the end of August with an outdoor concert (complete with key lime pie - thanks Yoko!).

Catching Up: Cran Hill Ranch

2011-11-02T20:06:00.000-04:00

The end of August we spent a long weekend at Cran Hill with my brother Mike and sister Mollie and their families. Between the beautiful weather, the great food, the horses, the frog and turtle races, the ice cream, the camp fires and the fun family fellowship - a great time was had by all!

Reese shoot'n .22

We spent a lot of time on the beach.

Orange pop from the camp store was a hit!

Can never have too much bacon.

Saturday's turtle and frog races.

He wasn't the fastest turtle.

Reese.

Brother Mike cookin' the corn.

Yum.

Breakfast.

Just isn't camping without homemade donuts.

Elijah and Levi

Waiting to ride the horses (again!)

Jacee.

Hunting turtles

Disciples

2011-10-06T08:25:00.002-04:00

"If you make disciples, you always get the Church. If you make the church, you rarely get disciples." - Mike Breen.

One of my favorite quotes from last week's "Sentralized" Conference in Kansas City. Great conference!

Follow Me

2011-09-28T20:11:00.000-04:00

Saw this on a friend's FB page today. Funny. Social media has indeed redefined words in our culture.

Christian or Disciple?

2011-08-31T09:48:00.000-04:00

Are you a "Christian" or a "disciple?" Is there a difference? There shouldn't be, but there most certainly is.

I continue to be both challenged and inspired by Dallas Willard's book The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus's Essential Teachings on Discipleship. Thanks for the book recommendation, Rick!

Willard notes ...
The word "disciple" occurs 269 in the New Testament. "Christian" is found three times and was first introduced to refer precisely to disciples of Jesus. ... The New Testament is a book about disciples, by disciples, and for disciples of Jesus Christ.

He continues ...
For at least several decades the churches of the Western world have not made discipleship a condition of being a Christian. One is not required to be, or to intend to be, a disciple in order to become a Christian, and one may remain a Christian without any signs of progress toward or in discipleship. Contemporary American churches in particular do not require following Christ in his example, spirit, and teachings as a condition of membership - either of entering into or continuing in fellowship of a denomination or local church. I would be glad to learn of any exception to this claim, but it would only serve to highlight its general validity and make the general rule more glaring. So far as the visible Christian institutions of our day are concerned, discipleship clearly is optional.

This convicts me. This challenges me. Because I'm convinced Willard is right. My title is "Pastor of Discipleship," yet I feel like I'm just now starting to fully understand discipleship. I think for me "discipleship" has been mostly confined to the realm of knowledge. Need to learn more about God, need to know more about the Bible. That's not true. Learning, memorizing, etc. do have a role in discipleship, but as someone has said, we are all educated way beyond our level of obedience. That's where discipleship comes alive - in obedience (in doing what we already know). It's in doing what Jesus says, not simply knowing what Jesus says. The words we all long to hear someday when we stand before God are "well done, good and faithful servant." They won't be, "well believed" or "well known" or "well intended" etc. It's "well done." Jesus said that whoever hears his words and puts them into practice - that is the wise person. The person who doesn't put them into practice - that's foolish!

Willard defines a disciple as "one who, intent upon becoming Christ-like and so dwelling in his "faith and practice," systematically and progressively rearranges his affairs to that end." Discipleship must lead to life change, life transformation - or it isn't really discipleship (but that might be "Christianity"). There's no getting around the cost, the sacrifice, the life-long pursuit of whole-life obedience.

I don't want to be a "Christian." I want to be a disciple.

By the way (spoiler alert!), the "great omission" from the "great commission" is that absence of actually making real disciples. The American church is good at making Christians. But Jesus didn't call us to make Christians. He said to make disciples.

Summer

2011-08-22T22:06:00.000-04:00

This picture says "summer!" My new favorite picture.

"Man Nite" Last Night

2011-08-22T22:04:00.000-04:00

Man night last night with Dave, Steve and Nate. ALWAYS a good time.

Driveway Graffiti

2011-08-22T21:52:00.001-04:00

Somebody's been "tagging" my driveway with graffiti. Now's she's getting bold and signing her work!

"Red Dawn"

2011-08-22T21:47:00.002-04:00

Duct Tape + Grass =

2011-08-22T21:46:00.000-04:00

... a homemade gilly suit! Love the boy's creativity. Even used camo duct tape!

Makeover

2011-08-17T22:09:00.000-04:00

Just doing a little braggin' on the females in this family. Tori and Jacee spent most of last week giving Jacee's room a makeover. Most of the time I had no idea what was going on up there because the door was shut (even locked sometimes). The only time I was allowed in was to hang stuff on the walls. Tori cut out all the wall words (the "tree") with a cricket (some cool machine of Tara's - not sure how to spell it so I spell it like our cat's name, "Cricket."). I must say though, I was very impressed when I got to see the final product! Very creative girls! Reality is settling in, though. It no longer looks like a little girl's room (horses, etc.). She's growing up!

Caterpillars!

2011-08-06T13:31:00.002-04:00

Our landscaping has suddenly become infested with caterpillars! Big ones! Any suggestions?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Wednesdays

2011-08-03T08:20:00.000-04:00

Wednesday mornings are my favorite day of the week! On Wednesday mornings I spend about an hour and a half at the Warm Friend downtown Holland and play Aggravation with my friends Edgar, Barry and Grace (and others). They truly bless me!

Warrior Dash Pics

2011-08-02T21:03:00.002-04:00

We had a BLAST at Warrior Dash this past Saturday! An absolute ball with the Folletts! Already registered for next year! Here's a few pics of the fun (thanks for pics, Tara, and for letting Tori use your awesome camera!).

Gearing up!

Mud run? We thought it was a viking luau!

Game faces.

Hot wife!

Running for the post-race turkey leg.

Here we go!

Scott, me and Tara on the top.

More mud!

That was fun!

There's mud in my shorts.

Donated shoes to a charity (I think they clean them first).

Warrior Wash.

Finally, the turkey legs!

Another Good "Willard"

2011-08-01T11:40:00.003-04:00

"The point isn't to get people into heaven after they die, but to get people into heaven before they die."

- Dallas Willard

The good news is the kingdom is available now. You don't have to wait. So, you "evangelize" people toward whole-life discipleship right-now rather than toward heaven.

For more, check out Doug Paul's posts "Top 10 Reasons Missional Communities Fail."

Warrior Dash

2011-07-27T20:02:00.000-04:00

This Saturday. 3.1 miles. 12 grueling obstacles (like fire and barbed wire). Mud. Lots of mud. Me, Crozier, Scott and Tara. And thousands of other people. And viking helmets. And turkey legs. Its Warrior Dash! I can't wait! Check out the Michigan course here.

Faster Pastor

2011-07-27T19:19:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday night we attended the "Faster Pastor" Race at Berlin Raceway in Marne, MI. Over 60 pastors from all over West Michigan competed in eleven 5-lap heats (with the heat winners then racing to see who was the "fastest pastor"). What a blast! Our pastor did great! Steve led for three laps before being passed - but he was still a close third in the end! A great night of fun!

A Disciple

2011-07-27T09:31:00.000-04:00

I like this definition ...

"... disciples of Jesus are people who do not just profess certain views as their own but apply their growing understanding of life in the Kingdom of the Heavens to every aspect of their life on earth."

Dallas Willard

The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus's Essential Teachings on Discipleship

Happy Birthday Levi!

2011-07-25T10:24:00.003-04:00

Levi turned 9 on the 25th! A few photos from our celebrations on Sunday and Monday...

Birthday breakfast at IHOP.

On your birthday you get to use the "Special Plate"

Levi wanted one thing - a guitar!

Practicing for the band (with the neighborhood boys)

Instead of cake, an XL flurry at Captain Sundae!

Silver Lake

2011-07-18T22:14:00.001-04:00

Had a GREAT time camping at Jellystone Campground (aka "Yogi Bear") in Silver Lake these past six days (many of them with the Augustines!). Great times. Great friends. Great weather. Great memories. Lot of photos here, I know (I apologize - it's because I print each year's worth of blog posts/photos into a memory book). If you want to see more photos from the vacation, check out my Facebook page.

Jacee and Tori made donuts one morning.

Connor (Reese's buddy), Reese and Cam getting ready to go in the dunes.

Rob!

Reese

Friends and fam!

Reese and Connor (thinking Yogi's needs deodorant).

Pizzas on the grill.

"Test Hill"

Hanging out at Lake Michigan.

Pizza at the beach.

Country Dairy on the way home (lunch with the Eschenburgs - and bottomless chocolate milk!)

Levi

Storm!

2011-07-11T23:16:00.001-04:00

Been surfing the growing number of photos online of the damage caused by this morning's storms in West Michigan. Short, but intense winds, rain, lightening. Wow! Powerful! Lot of destruction. Check out a growing gallery of photos at MLive here.

River Avenue, Holland

Pine Street, Holland

Hope College

Camp Geneva

2011-07-11T20:32:00.002-04:00

Levi was at Camp Geneva from Monday, July 11 to Saturday, July 16 with three of his buddies from school. The little guy is becoming a big guy! I'm excited for the camp memories he'll make!

Beach Picnic

2011-07-11T20:28:00.000-04:00

It was spontaneous and last minute, but last night most of our life group gathered together at the Holland State Park for a little potluck cookout and swimming. Beautiful night! Beautiful friends!

Garden

2011-07-08T10:20:00.000-04:00

We beefed up our little backyard corner garden this year with some walls and better soil (I turned a Saturday morning project into an entire weekend project - which must mean I'm getting better). We didn't get it planted till after Memorial Day, but it is starting to come alive. Fun to see the growth!

If you like gardening, I encourage you to check out my friend Mike Wilkinson's gardening website. Here's the link: "No Fear Gardening: Gardening Advice for the Horticulturally Impaired." It is very informative! I've learned a lot from his site!

The 4th. North. And Fireworks.

2011-07-08T10:08:00.001-04:00

Levi, Elijah, AJ and Reese

Tori supervised the crafts for the kids this year (they made shirts)

One of the adults received a gas mask as a white elephant gift. Now it is Levi's!

Elijah and Wall E (courtesy of Uncle Rob)

At the parade (sporting the shirts they made, and with bags ready for candy)

Holland State Park (met up with the Folletts)

Fireworks (obviously)

Jake looking like he wants to bury Reese's feet!

It was a BEAUTIFUL July 4 holiday weekend this year! We've had so many gorgeous days in a row (warm and sunny) - love it! Tori and the kids drove north to Lake City on Friday (1st), and I joined them on Sunday afternoon (3rd) after preaching in the morning at VP. While up north we enjoyed the annual "Kroes Family Christmas in July" gathering at the lake (where Lonnie and I remain undefeated corn hole champions), we had the chance on Sunday and Monday to see family we don't really don't see very often (some only once a year), and we were showered with candy from all the entries in the "Greatest Fourth in the North" July 4 parade in Lake City. We wrapped up the holiday by getting back to Holland in time for the fireworks at the Holland State Park. All in all, a fun extended weekend!

Not Your Typical Lemonade Stand!

2011-07-08T09:51:00.000-04:00

Last week our neighbor Karen across the street set up a lemonade, coffee and cookie stand in her driveway (she makes GREAT cookies!). Your cost was your age in cents (so it cost me 41 cents for a coffee and cookie - actually I also had lemonade and a second cookie - what a bargain!). Just a simple way of creating and cultivating community. We hung out in their driveway for a long time, even as it started to rain (we just moved into the garage). We LOVE our neighborhood (especially our neighbors!).

Are You Dangerous?

2011-07-06T09:05:00.003-04:00

"That's right! Ice... Man. I am dangerous!" (Maverick, Top Gun)

I shared the following quote from Mike Yaconelli this past Sunday. I LOVE everything Yaconelli wrote. If you have never read his stuff, check out Dangerous Wonder and/or Messy Spirituality. This is a quote from Dangerous Wonder ...

“If Christianity is simply about being nice I'm not interested... I'm ready for a Christianity that "ruins" my life, that captures my heart and makes me uncomfortable. I want to be filled with an astonishment which is so captivating that I am considered wild and unpredictable and... well... dangerous. Yes, I want to be "dangerous" to a dull and boring religion. I want a faith that is considered “dangerous” by our predictable and monotonous culture.”

Mike's words made me think of Alan Hirsch's words at the end of Right Here, Right Now: Everyday Mission for Everyday People. Hirsch writes...

"By and large the church as we know it (in the West) tends to embody a culture of social restraint and risk aversion. We do not tend to think of "church" as a place where we are likely to experience life-defying adventure ... or any at all for that matter. Now clearly there is a role for creating a safe environment to raise children and to worship, but when our need for safety overwhelms our vision for a better world, and stifles our sense of obligation to this mission, then there is a need for a serious rethink. The church that Jesus built should be a place of learning and adventurous discipleship . . . The truth is, mission is risky . . . We do well to consider that Jesus is always "dangerous" to our all-too-human penchant for safety and security."

Are you a dangerous Christian? Or are you a risk-averter? What about me? Am I a threat to Satan? Does my desire for safety and comfort trump my following Jesus fully? Am I simply playing it safe? I don't know if we each have a "guardian angel" or not, but if we do, is mine begging me to give him something dangerous to do? Causing me to take a "serious rethink."

Tigers

2011-06-27T09:05:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I wrapped up a week of vacation with Reese, Levi and myself enjoying a day at Comerica Park. It was an absolutely beautiful day for a baseball game! The Tiger's bats came alive in the 8th inning and the Tigers came from behind to win 8-2 against the D-Backs. Before the game the Tiger's organization retired Sparky Anderson's #11. A lot of the "who's who" from Sparky's era were down on the field for the ceremony (Lou, Gibby, Trammell, etc.). It was a moving tribute (it caused me to think of my grandma - she LOVED the Tigers, was always watching them!). I'm glad we were there. Good memories with the boys!

Dunk Tank

2011-06-24T09:55:00.000-04:00

Our neighbor Kobe had a birthday party a few weeks ago, complete with a dunk tank! It made a big splash in the neighborhood. Never mind that it was cool and breezy, kids had a blast! Here's a few pics.

Lake Days

2011-06-23T16:48:00.001-04:00

I'm on vacation this week. After a wedding this past Saturday I joined the family up north at the parent's lake house for a relaxing Father's Day and some R&R, then we joined some friends at a cottage on Hess Lake for a night. You can never spend enough days at the lake in the summer (unfortunately we don't get up there enough!).

pontoon "tubing" with the cousins

"I'm the king of the world!"

Reese tubing (wearing his pink vest!)

who wants to go next?

Levi tubing

kayaking on Hess Lake

with the Hoeve's at Hess Lake

Little League

2011-06-23T16:39:00.001-04:00

Our little league season came to a conclusion this past Tuesday. It was a fun season watching the boys improve and continue to learn the game. Levi was a Oriole this season and played on the 9-year old league (his first year of live-arm pitching). I was an assistant coach with his team, and while we didn't win a lot of games, the boys definitely got better as the season progressed. Reese was a Cardinal this season and played in the 10-12 year old division. He too was a joy to watch. Like Levi's team, the Cardinals didn't win very many games this season, but they did make it to the second round of the playoffs before being eliminated.

neighbor Kobe and Levi

slugger Levi up to bat

Reese

neighbor boys and Levi "watching" Reese at bat

Regional Gatherings

2011-06-23T16:09:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago (on Sunday morning, June 12) instead of gathering as the church at our building on Ransom Street, VP gathered (in a scattered sort of way) throughout the community as we hosted three simultaneous gatherings in area parks. We simply wanted to help VPers meet other VPers from their "regional neighborhood," and to continue to emphasize that where you live (your immediate neighborhood and your regional neighborhood) is a natural place to join God on mission in His Kingdom. Northsiders gathered at Tunnel Park, Zeelanders gathered at Huizenga Park and southside and city folk gathered at Kollen Park. It was great gathering, great fellowship, great conversation and prayer, and great food. We're doing it again on August 21. Here's a few pics from the Tunnel and Huizenga Park gatherings (I'll try to add some from Kollen some time).

The Hope of The World!

2011-06-16T09:05:00.001-04:00

I continue to groove and resonate with the book Renovation of the Church by Kent Carlson and Mike Lueken. I highly recommend it if you are wrestling, restless, discontent, feeling there has to be more than just a church (gathered)-centered spirituality. Another nugget ...

"The church scattered with a mission is the hope of the World. Some of the world will come to us. But we absolutely have to go to them."

Right on! And we "go to them" every day when we simply go to work, go to school, go to friend's houses, stop to talk to a neighbor, go to the store, go on vacation, etc. It's as simple as viewing whatever you're doing wherever you are as kingdom - as opportunity to live in the bigger story of God's kingdom and to intentionally join God in what He is already up to in the lives of people around us. So many of Jesus' moments with people happened "along the way" as He was going here, going there, doing this, doing that. It's simply seeking to see the people you encounter each day (both the regulars and the new people) the way Jesus sees people, and then responding the way you think Jesus would if He were you (and the good news is as followers we have Jesus IN us to help with that - we just need to let Him live through us!).

Fort

2011-06-12T20:54:00.001-04:00

Reese, Levi and the neighborhood boys had fun this weekend building a fort on the empty lot behind the house. Serves as a fort for neighborhood air soft wars. It took a while to dig such a deep hole and create the canopy - much longer than the fort actually lasted! But they sure were a dedicated, creative bunch!

A view from within.

Beating the Heat

2011-06-12T20:48:00.000-04:00

Tai, Jacee and Aliyah finding relief from the heat!

Catch Up Post: Wax Museum

2011-06-12T20:43:00.000-04:00

For this year's 5th grade wax museum at Rose Park Jacee was Belle Boyd, a spy for the Confederate Army during the Civil War. She did a great job researching, writing and delivering her speech as well as posing like a wax statue for lengths of time. As always, I learned a lot about history from these kids!

"Spying" by listening through a wall.

Catch Up Post: LG Weekend

2011-06-12T20:34:00.001-04:00

Surfing back through the blog I realize I missed sharing some photos from our life group weekend up north this past March. Many of these friendships began when we all did youth ministry together at VP. When I first started at VP I began doing winter weekend leadership retreats with my student ministry leader. As we all faded out of youth ministry we decided to continue as a life group (small group). We've added people over the years, but we've kept up the tradition of a winter weekend away each year. As always, it was good times and lots of laughs with great friends (this year even included a Friday night dinner at Woodys!).

Fishin'

2011-05-31T20:00:00.002-04:00

This past weekend was our annual Memorial Day weekend "Just Guys Fishing Trip." We started doing these trips back in 1992 to the U.P. Last year we stayed closer to home and went to Houghton Lake, which is where we returned again this year. The best part of this year's trip was that both Reese and Levi came with us for the first time. They did great, caught a lot of fish and became expert crew on the boat. The weather was very good this year (unusual), the fishing was mediocre (as always) and the time together with family was awesome (as always). Here's just a few pics from the trip.

Reese caught the first keeper walleye.

Levi caught a beautiful crappie (11-3/4")!

Reese caught an even bigger one (12-1/2")!

We fished till almost 10 PM on Saturday.

Catching the leeches (that got out in the live well).

Beef stick/cigar.

Breakfast at Little Boots.

Reese, Grandpa Mike, Levi.

Reese, Dad, Levi.

Levi ready to catch another one.

Halibut and salmon on the grill.

Last day's catch.

Grandpa Mike, Uncle Rob, Cousin Adam, Uncle Dave, Reese, Me, Cousin Kyle, Levi and Uncle Mike.

Our Noble Ambition . . .

2011-05-25T08:46:00.001-04:00

I'm about half way through the book, Renovation of the Church: What Happens When A Seeker Church Discovers Spiritual Formation by Kent Carlson and Mike Lueken. Love, love, love this book! I can tell this is a book I'm going to finish (I start and then not finish so many books). It seems like every page I've highlighted or underlined something. I am so resonating with their story, and am continually affirmed and challenged in my understanding of and leadership of "discipleship" and church. They guys are so honest about their journey in leading a church through and toward transformation and true discipleship. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone in church leadership wanting to lead transformation from "attractional" to "missional", from "consumer church" to "disiple-making."

An excerpt from their chapter on "Setting Aside Ambition" I read recently . . . "From my perspective the commission Jesus gave us is about making disciples, which is not primarily about decisions for Christ, forgiveness of sins or heaven when we die. Making disciples is excruciatingly more difficult than growing a church. It is a wonderfully inefficient process (I like that description!) that does not often lend itself easily, especially in our North American culture, to mass production. It would be wonderful if the strategic thinking and leadership muscle so prevalent in the large-church circles were more intentionally pursuing this goal. This should be our noble ambition. Perhaps the results of this pursuit might be less impressive outwardly. We may even have to get leaner and meaner in order to make disciples. It would take no small amount of courage and resolve to purse this route."

Continuing ... "I am convinced that we have trained Christians to be demanding consumers, not disciples. If you doubt this, as an experiment try scaling down the services at your church for three months to just prayer and Scripture reading and watch what happens. If this is too frightening, just imagine doing it. What do you think would happen? Once we have created the monster, it never stops demanding to be fed. Consumers demand that we deliver the goods or they will take their business elsewhere. Though this is the creative force behind capitalism, it has little to do with following Christ."

River Bank Through the Years

2011-05-23T22:43:00.000-04:00

Since I just posted about this year's 5th/3rd River Bank Run, and had some fun looking at pictures from past races, I thought I'd share memories "through the years" . . .

2008 10K (1:01:37)

2009 5K (30:19)

2010 10K (59:16)

2011 10K (57:30)

5th/3rd River Bank Run

2011-05-23T22:29:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, May 14 I once again ran the 10K (6.2 miles) Race at the 5th/3rd River Bank Run. And once again, it rained (but much warmer this year!). I went into this year's race confident, but not feeling as well-trained as last year, so not really going for a good time but just to finish! Surprisingly, I came away with a new PR (personal record). My official chip time this year was 57:30, which averaged out about 9.16 minute/mile (usually I'm a 10 minute mile guy). While I'm not all that speedy, I was pleased with my results. Like I said, I didn't run-train as aggressively this year (I only ran 6 miles once in training - the Saturday before the race, and I only ran 5 miles in training once too), but I credit my NFL Training Camp workouts on the Wii for some of the success (full body and strength training must pay off)!

This was now the fourth year I've participated in the River Bank Run, and the best part of each year is doing it with/for Tara and YFC. It is such a blast being part of a 20-30 person team each year, encouraging each other, traveling together to the race, eating together the night before the race (carbo-loading!) and being part of raising resources to help continue the awesome kingdom work Tara and YFC is doing in the community! To those of you who financially supported me - THANKS!! (thank you notes will be in the mail soon!).

Kenai

2011-05-20T20:08:00.001-04:00

Our golden doodle Kenai was "groomed" today. Hideous! I don't like this look! I told Tori we shouldn't take her out in public till her hair grows back! Only let her outside to go the bathroom after dark! Looks like a foo-foo dog (although maybe she always did).

Tulip Time

2011-05-20T10:51:00.001-04:00

Another Tulip Time has come and gone. As always, it was a fun week to hang out downtown, see people and graze the vendors! And, as always, also glad it is done! We enjoyed the fireworks with friends, Tori Dutch-danced and Levi and Jacee were part of the Thursday children's parade (Reese is "too old" to wear a costume and march in a parade - man they grow up fast!). Here's a few pics from the week.

Missional Community

2011-05-18T08:44:00.000-04:00

Really, really liked this video. Great, tangible picture of people being intentional about re-orienting their lives around joining God on His mission in the everyday. And doing it together, in community.

Soma Communities - Tacoma, WA from Verge Network on Vimeo.

New Look!

2011-05-10T10:00:00.001-04:00

Our daughter Jacee is sporting a new look today! I didn't think someone so cute could get any cuter. I was wrong!

Mario Kart - Neighborhood Style!

2011-05-08T15:24:00.000-04:00

Reese and Levi, and their neighborhood friends Kobe, Alex, Joe and Jeremy, put together a homemade Mario Kart race this afternoon. Lot of duct tape! In addition to racing, they had balls to throw at each other (instead of banana peels) and shields (tote tops) to protect themselves. Love their creativity!

Happy Birthday Jacee!

2011-05-06T09:08:00.000-04:00

Today is Jacee's 11th birthday! We continued the family birthday tradition with breakfast at IHOP (cause we're big fans of ice cream at breakfast!). Happy Birthday beautiful daughter!

A (Kingdom) Investment Opportunity!

2011-05-03T11:59:00.001-04:00

Once again this year I have signed up to run the 10K at the upcoming Fifth Third River Bank Run on May 14. And, once again, I am running to raise support for Tara Follett and her ministry with Youth for Christ. Tara and her husband Scott (and their boys Jake and Caleb) are among our most favorite friends and neighbors! If you’ve heard me talk about Tara before, then you know that I’m convinced that she is doing some of the best youth ministry in Holland with middle school girls at West Ottawa Schools. I love hearing the stories of what God is up to through Tara in the lives of kids. She truly loves these girls. I can think of many stories of kids who wouldn’t have received Christmas presents receiving presents, of families who didn’t have anything to eat receiving food, and of kids who could never afford going to camp getting to go to camp – all because of Tara's dedication to loving these kids and their families in everyday ways.

Tori and I believe in Tara. That’s why it has been our privilege to financially support her on a monthly basis over the years. Tara raises all of her own financial salary and support to be able to work with Youth for Christ. So when the opportunity comes around each year to run this race as a way to help raise additional support for Tara, again, it’s a no-brainer for me to participate.

Will you please consider helping me help Tara? Through this run I am hoping to raise $500 to bless Tara’s ministry. So I am looking for pledges of any amount to help meet this goal. If you can help, you can simply send me a check made payable to Youth For Christ (my address is 2199 South Bristol Street, Holland, MI 49424). Or you can make an online pledge (click the link at the bottom of the page; and be sure to write my name in the phone number field on the second page so that Tara gets credit). All donations over $10 will receive a tax deductable receipt. Another way to help is to consider being a corporate sponsor for this event (details are on the page you link to above).

If you are not able to make a one-time financial donation at this time, thanks for at least considering it. And I ask that you consider remembering Tara and her ministry with kids in your ongoing prayers. Thanks!!

Wild Hogs!

2011-05-01T18:23:00.001-04:00

This afternoon myself, Tori, Jacee and Levi (pedal) biked down to the Ottawa County Fairgrounds for the annual Lakeshore Blessing of the Bikes. What a riot! Hundreds of motorcycles (maybe thousands) of all kinds! We got there just in time for the "blessing." The guy doing the blessing blessed the riders in the name of the one who is "the way" (I think he could have said "Jesus" and it would have been fine!). Best part was the warm sunshine, hanging out with the family, seeing my buddy Steve and his "hog" (20 year old Harley, cool!) and then sitting on the grass and watching all the bikes leave. We biked down to the gas station afterward for some ice cream, and it looked like a fun post-blessing gathering at the Itty Bitty (lot was FULL of bikes), live band and everything!

Laborers, Not Scholars

2011-04-26T14:24:00.002-04:00

Just read a brilliant article by Donal Miller! Great observations and thoughts! He writes . . .

The church in America is led by scholars. Essentially, the Church is a robust school system created around a framework of lectures and discussions and study. We assume this is the way its supposed to be, because this is all we have ever known. I think the scholars have done a good job—but they’ve also recreated the Church in their own image. Churches are essentially schools. They look like schools with lecture halls, classrooms, cafeterias and each new church program is basically a teaching program.

The first disciples were not teachers, they were fishermen, tax collectors and at least one was a Zealot. We don’t know the occupation of the others, but Jesus did not charge educators with the great commission ... read more.

Launching Missional Communities

2011-04-26T09:05:00.002-04:00

Reading "Launching Missional Communities: A Field Guide" by Breen and Absalom. A few thoughts that caught my attention this morning . . .

"Simply put, mission is God's activity of love toward the world. He is a sending God, a going god, a God who incarnates himself in a specific time and context, so that every person may come to know and love him. Each and every follower has this calling ... Going in mission is fundamental to the journey of discipleship and from day one we should view ourselves as missionaries." (p. 24)

"We must change our ideas of what it means to develop a disciple, shifting the emphasis from studying Jesus and all things spiritual in an environment protected from the world, to following Jesus into the world to join him in his redemptive mission." (p. 24)

"... mission is thereby seen as a movement from God to the world; the church is viewed as an instrument for that mission. There is church because there is mission, not vice versa." (p. 25)

"The twentieth century saw the emergence of a Churchless Mission and a Missionless Church." (p. 28)

Party!

2011-04-22T16:28:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow (April 23) VP is throwing a party! This one for our neighbors! If you've ever been to VP you know we have no actual neighbors around our building (just a cornfield). So we've sent out 1,000 invitations to everyone living near the corner of 120th and Riley (our closest "neighborhood" concentration) to come on out for a neighborhood party and Easter egg hunt tomorrow between 11 AM and 2 PM at Eagle Crest School (on the corner there of 120th and Riley). In addition to Easter egg hunts (some awesome people at VP have filled 4,000 eggs!) there will be crafts, face painting, bingo, games, raffle prizes, sack races, runt bikes (have to come see) and of course, hot dogs! This isn't about inviting people to VP. Just simply about meeting and blessing our neighbors (that's the only agenda). So if you live near 120th and Riley, come on out and join us! Plus, it's not supposed to rain tomorrow!

Join Us At the Whitecaps!

2011-04-18T10:40:00.001-04:00

VictoryPoint has reserved the entire left field deck at Fifth Third Ball Park for the Saturday, April 30 baseball game between the West Michigan Whitecaps and the Lansing Lug Nuts. Come on out to the ball park with us! We still have some tickets and would love for you and your family/friends to join us! Game time is 1 PM. Tickets are only $10 each (two and under free) and INCLUDE an all-you-can-eat hamburger and hot dog buffet (along with chips and soft drink) right on the deck! Email me if interested!

Race Well

2011-04-09T10:06:00.001-04:00

Next weekend my buddy Brad (that's him in the picture!) and his team will once again be racing in the 24 Hour LeMons Race at the Gingerman Raceway in South Haven. I'm hoping to go watch this year. Brad is a cool guy with a BIG heart for helping provide clean drinking water for people in Africa. Brad has been to South Africa a couple times, and on his most recent trip was part of a team helping repair wells (and he is planning on going back again this year to continue helping with that effort). Like I said, Brad is a cool guy!
Back to the race. Brad is combining his love for race cars and Africa and is using the race to raise awareness of the plight in Africa and to raise money to repair wells. So Brad has combined with Vox United to "race well!" I encourage you to support Brad in this effort. Click here for details. You can read more about the race here.

Kalahari

2011-04-07T21:12:00.000-04:00

Just got back from 3 days and 2 nights at Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio. What a blast! It was way bigger than I expected. Can only imagine what that place is like in the summer when the outdoor water park, zip line and African zoo park is in full swing. Another great spring break memory with the kids. You can see all the pics on my Facebook page.

Going Public

2011-04-04T16:10:00.001-04:00

A couple Sundays ago at VP we had 29 adults, teens and children "Go Public" with their faith, publicly declaring their commitment to follow Jesus! It was a huge celebration! The stories they told of their lives, about Jesus and why they wanted to "go public" were inspiring! Most of them were also baptized. Three guys from one life group were baptized by their group leaders. Parents were helping baptize their children. It was a joy for me to be able to help baptize my neighbor and her son. What a cool morning!! To view all the photos, click here.

One Day Without Shoes

2011-04-04T08:56:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow, April 5 is Toms Shoes "One Day Without Shoes." I am a big fan of Tom's Shoes. For every pair of Toms shoes you purchase, a free pair of shoes is given to a child/adult around the world who doesn't have ANY shoes. Cool kingdom participation!

Outsourcing Faith

2011-03-29T20:48:00.003-04:00

Sometimes you have something you want to blog about, then you find someone who says what you want to say, only he/she says it way better. This is one of those times! Brian Mosley is right on! He writes . . .

We are living in the age of outsourcing. We pay someone to change our oil, cook our food, care for our yard, clean our clothes and anything else we don’t want to do. And of course we’ve all read the news reports of companies outsourcing business needs to countries around the world.

It’s been years since I got under my car to change the oil.

My family eats out 20-25 of our 90 meals each month.

A company comes by my house monthly to put fertilizer and weed killer on my yard.

IS IT POSSIBLE WE ARE OUTSOURCING OUR FAITH?

We live in an extremely consumer-driven culture that tells us that the customer is number one. The customer is always right. I can have it my way. I deserve the best. This consumerism has crept into the church and turned church members into customers. The church exists to serve me and my family.

To meet my needs. To “feed” me spiritually. To provide relationships. To … entertain me (gulp). keep reading . . .

Hot Dog Wins!

2011-03-23T21:17:00.001-04:00

Tonight was the Pinewood Derby at Harderwyk (they do a great job!). This was Jacee's third year particating, and guess what ... this year we came home with a trophy! "Best of Show" baby! She's always had very creative cars (two years ago her car was a lady bug, last year it was a giant pickle), but she's never won anything. This year she wanted to make a hot dog. Neighbor Andrew helped her cut it out, but Jacee did all the designing, painting and decorating (I just put the wheels on - which is a high pressure job in trying to get a fast car!). Which brings me to my next celebration ... she actually had a fast car this year too. We've never had a fast car. Usually her car is the last to cross the finish line in each of her heats, but tonight she won each of her heats, and she was 4th out of 10 cars in the 5th grade girls division (only two one hundredths off from being third and coming home with another trophy!). Proud girl (and dad!).

POWERFUL

2011-03-15T09:24:00.000-04:00

The Kimyal People Receive the New Testament from UFM Worldwide on Vimeo.

This is powerful. Inspiring. You'll probably cry. In joy. That's good!