tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110594732024-03-07T07:57:39.059-06:00Youth Ministry Hilarity!Wacky stuff from the fun, exciting, depressing, easy, hard, anxious, happy world of youth ministry!Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.comBlogger357125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-35802244345330609712011-11-01T17:46:00.002-05:002011-11-01T17:46:45.089-05:00To Church or Not To Church?Every day now, my inbox is filled anew with requests to join new websites, or add someone as a friend, or join an online group. I have reached a point where I have to try 5 different passwords because I belong to so many sites! On Facebook, I'm a member of about 20 groups, whether they are for social purposes, or a product that I like, or a sports team.
What keeps me coming back to these sites?
Well, to be honest...I visit the sites that have something to offer...to ME! My interest wanes if they don't post new content every week or so. Giveaways are nice; don't ask for contributions, though. I really don't want to contribute anything, whether it's money or an article, or my opinion, or my information. I just want your stuff!
Unfortunately, this seems to be a growing attitude towards the church.
If I'm going to come to church, what's in it for me?
Can I get everything done my way?
I really don't want to get involved, I just want to watch.
I'll gladly take a handout, I just don't want to give you my information or a contribution. Oh, and don't ask me to donate my time either.
Everyone at church needs to pursue me as their best friend. If I don't have friends in two weeks...I'm gone. No, I don't have time to join a group that visits newcomers to our church. I don't have time to make friends with everybody!!
Many run from churches at the first sign of disagreement. Conflict resolution is a lost discipline among individuals.
Churches contain people. Sinful people. Relationships with these people are sometimes messy and need regular maintenance. Being a member of a church isn't just about what you can get from it, but what can you contribute?
Is there a problem in your church? Before you give up, I beg you, ask how you can be a part of the solution. Don't give up on church, God didn't!Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-65287799824005462972011-09-07T00:06:00.000-05:002011-09-07T00:06:31.349-05:00Taking the Family to CampAs a youth minister, my family usually does not get to attend long, weekend trips. So, it was a joyful blessing when they got to tag along this past weekend to a rally held at our summer camp...Nebraska Youth Camp. Not only did I want my boys there just for their presence, but also so they could start to enjoy camp the way I've enjoyed it.
For those in youth ministry, it's a great idea to take your kids to "work" and make sure they enjoy being with you during ministry activities. Church offices should be family friendly. Hopefully, the other staff at your church loves your kids and shows it when they come to visit.
But, back to camp...
We decided to hike around the large pond. Fischer discovered a small dock that I had never seen. Milkweed, caterpillars and monarch butterflies were scattered all over the side of the path. Birds and squirrels jumped playfully from tree to tree. A fish leaped out of the water as if it had legs. The pathway itself was small, but clear...until we reached the northeast corner.
"Ouch! Honey, there are stickers," my wife said calmly.
Fischer noticed some on his pants. "Daddy, help me!"
I picked them off and we continued.
Tracy screamed. She had stepped on a sticker. Yes, she was wearing flip flops. No, I don't know why!
This startled Fischer, who looked down at his own pants again and found more stickers. He proceeded to roll up his pants and found a dozen more on the inside of his pants. His face immediately went red and he started to cry.
"Oh, nooooooo!"
"Fischer, let's just keep going..."
"I can't...we'll never make it!" he droned.
"Fischer, it's OK..."
"SOMEBODY SAVE UUUUUUUUUUUUUSSSSSSS!!!"
I don't have to tell you that we survived the evil, sticker monsters.
Other than that, they kids thoroughly enjoyed the camp. Dirt to play in, tetherballs to hit, swings, a pond with some rocks that are great for throwing, and a bunch of teenagers to give them attention.
Stickers aren't really a problem in the summer. So hopefully the boys won't be too scared to go to camp on their own in a few years!Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-36167182430564027592011-08-27T20:50:00.002-05:002011-08-27T21:02:35.622-05:00Fischer's FirstsFischer has had a few "firsts" lately. It's so exciting watching these things happen through his eyes.
<br />His two bottom teeth have been "jiggly" lately, but I haven't forced anything.
<br /> I remember the horrendous experience of my own dad saying, "Lemme grab the pliers and we'll pop that tooth right out!" I remember strings and doorknobs and gobs of blood and sobbing.
<br />So, Fischer has allowed me to reach in his mouth several times and just wiggle the tooth.
<br />But, last week, it must have really been bothering him. He wanted me to remove it! It was already lying flat in his mouth. With a quick twist, it squirted through my fingers and we had to pick it up off the floor.
<br />"It didn't even hurt, Daddy!" he said through his now toothless smile.
<br />
<br />Last night he had his first sleepover with a friend. Ahhh...the sleepover! It's every kid's dream and every parent's...well, you know! If you never experienced a sleepover as a kid, your childhood is not complete! Even the teenagers I work with at church still LOVE it when we have a lock-in! Me? I'm getting too old for that!
<br />You want to guess what Fischer's biggest problem was?
<br />They slept in a tent in the backyard, and...the "bugs were too loud!" He was the last one awake, and actually came in to tell his host parents about the loud bugs.
<br /><SIGH!> That's my CITY BOY!Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-62783138567889518032011-08-22T15:40:00.002-05:002011-08-22T15:44:06.241-05:00Our Youth RallySo, last night our youth group sat down to iron out some details for our annual youth rally. Among the topics was, "Who should we get as our speaker?"
<br />Our teenagers are fantastic. I asked them to list some qualities of the person they wanted to bring in. I was prepared for descriptors like, "spiritual giant," "thought-provoking and deep," or "inspirational."
<br />You know what we came up with?
<br />BALD and HAS A COOL ACCENTFranklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-30366230947173026832011-08-01T21:38:00.003-05:002011-08-01T22:07:18.865-05:00Appreciate Your VolunteersThere is a group of people that make me smile when I think about them: VOLUNTEERS!<br />Volunteers are the pillars of the church. Without volunteers, chairs would not get set up, meals would not be cooked, classes would not be taught, and church vans would not be driven. Without volunteers, ministry would be EXTREMELY difficult. <br />Most volunteers do not realize the importance of their role.<br />1. Ministers cannot conjure up "ministry excitement" all the time. They NEED church members to take up the torch, to back them up, to be excited and supportive. In fact, truth be told, programs are BETTER when volunteers play an integral part in planning them!<br />2. Ministers cannot do all the work. They either need help planning or executing the programs for their ministries.<br />3. Volunteers keep ministers honest. As a youth minister, one of the things I struggle with the most is being paid for my job. Would I still do it if I wasn't paid? Could I? Then I see someone volunteering to be the youth worker for a small church, and I think, "YES! If I weren't paid, I would want to be like THAT person!"<br /><br />I try to tell those small-church volunteers how much I appreciate them. At our annual youth rally, I don't want them to pay admission. Last year, I was blessed to pull them into a room and try to give them some encouragement and resources.<br />In fact, I probably show my appreciation to other volunteers better than the volunteers at my own church!<br />As far as my own volunteers, I am still learning. Notes, emails, phone calls, a personal thank-you...but more is coming! I hope I will always keep learning how to encourage my volunteers and give them ownership of our church's ministry to young people.Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-34961961217825546902011-06-21T18:23:00.004-05:002011-06-21T18:27:29.430-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wy_goMI6nddrhVGR_Jh1q8RCTULp-WRSxMKshNVY8FXRSnvLrJHhHJdiyHxW38hEvDz3vjHi_rXe_iKfyDYQt7RG1w-vBRLlonUJYK-btXn5bCaKMwl4XXxsv_zvW0tR9-0u/s1600/_DSC0702re.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wy_goMI6nddrhVGR_Jh1q8RCTULp-WRSxMKshNVY8FXRSnvLrJHhHJdiyHxW38hEvDz3vjHi_rXe_iKfyDYQt7RG1w-vBRLlonUJYK-btXn5bCaKMwl4XXxsv_zvW0tR9-0u/s400/_DSC0702re.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620818622906277138" /></a><br /><br />I hijacked my husband's blog so I could enter into the I Heart Faces competition. The theme this week is "Let's Hear It For The Boys." I know a lot about boys(having three myself), so I figured this one would be easy. However I did decide to use this photo of two brothers. They make me smile. They have been clients of mine for several years. :)Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-42729990747258383792011-05-10T14:32:00.002-05:002011-05-10T17:19:23.733-05:00"Love Wins" ReviewSeveral people asked if I would put out a review of this book by Rob Bell. Because of the scope of the book, I cannot do it justice in just one review. This will be a general review of the entire work.<br /><br />Author's Assertions<br />Bell asserts several things in this book, unfortunately, he is also vague enough to leave you wondering where he stands on several points. Here are some things (in my understanding) he is trying to assert...<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">God loves everyone, no matter there background or baggage.</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">There are many "Jesus-es" in the world</span>. He is different, depending on who you talk to.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Heaven is not some hazy, far off realm for all good people</span>. God will re-make the earth and live with His people. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">There is no hell</span>. Jesus paid the price of death for all men, all sins, all at once. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Everyone will live with God in heaven-on-earth one day</span>. Not one person will be lost.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Hell is reaping the natural consequences of your sins</span>. (For example, if you commit adultery, you may be estranged from your family.)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Every heart, no matter how hard, will one day be melted, and will love God.<br />God loves everyone, no matter their race, gender or religion.</span><br /><br />Things I liked about the book...<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The fact that God's love always wins</span>. Even the worst person can be changed by seeing God's love in action. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The assertion that we will be surprised to see some people in heaven</span>. (God's grace is bigger than my grace!)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bell's attempt to utilize a LOT of scripture references in his book</span>.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The attempt to open a conversation with non-believers who are "turned off" by the concept of a loving God who would send people to hell.</span><br /><br />Things I didn't like...<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pick-a-scripture methodology</span>. The author picks a BUNCH of scriptures when he is trying to make a point, instead of examining the scriptures in their context. Some Old Testament verses that are clearly allegorical, he says are real references to heaven. Some New Testament verses that are real descriptions of heaven, he says are allegorical. (Wish I could go into more detail here, but I won't for now. For a good article on the topic of proof-texting, go to <a href="http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/14435.htm">http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/14435.htm</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Lack of bibliography</span> - There is one section in which Bell asserts that MANY church fathers believed that EVERYONE would be saved. He proceeds to name the church fathers who supposedly said this, but then fails to provide the sources. (To be fair, perhaps I didn't see this because I read it on a Kindle.)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Leaves too many open ends</span> - The author asks many questions (and many of them are good questions!) However, I can immediately fire some questions back that need answering. For example, if everyone is going to be saved...<br />Couldn't God have figured out some other way to save people? I mean, is He is so loving, why in the world would He sacrifice His son? (We get angry that God would send people to hell, but not that He had His son murdered?)<br />Where is the motivation to live a God-honoring life? (If I'm going to be saved, why in the world should I be a youth minister? I might as well make tons of money, cheat on my wife, and have lots of fun!!)<br />Why does God make reference to those who are "set apart" or "chosen people?" How can you be set apart if we are all headed for the same destination?<br />Will Satan get to return to heaven?<br />What about justice? (His idea of "everybody sitting at the same table" in heaven sounds good, but tell that to someone who has been grievously wronged or attacked!)<br /><br />Overall, there are many questions left after reading the book. The author makes some compelling arguments, and some that fall absolutely flat. He is a thinker...I'm not sure he is a scholar. Read the book if you want to start a study (or an argument) but beware. Be willing to open up God's word and check it out for yourself!Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-46838068786235562002011-04-14T22:31:00.002-05:002011-04-14T22:45:04.702-05:00We Love Justice...YEAH, RIGHT!I'm reading Rob Bell's new book, Love Wins. I must say, it's living up to its controversial hype!<br />The total review will be held off until I finish the book. Perhaps I can be a little more fair then.<br />However, there was one line in the book that made me laugh out loud the other day as I read it.<br /><br />"We love justice."<br /><br />First of all, let me give some context. The author was saying that we tend to naturally enjoy it when justice is served.<br />Now, my thoughts on that...<br />REALLY?!<br /><br />When I got home the other day, I was told a story about my 2 and 1/2 year old son. Apparently, he went missing for 10-15 minutes. My wife and mother-in-law were almost in hysterics, combing every inch of the house without success. They then asked the neighbors to join in on the hunt. Nothing.<br />The terrible thought began to come up that maybe he was down by the railroad tracks about two blocks away.<br />Before they ran down to the tracks, they decided to look around the house one last time.<br />And finally, they found Garrison...<br />...hiding in Grandma's bed, under the covers, completely silent...<br />...eating berry-flavored Rolaids!<br /><br />Now, why did he NOT call out and let them know where he was?<br />Because he was afraid of being caught...he was afraid of JUSTICE!<br />I agree with Bell that we love justice...when we have been wronged and the OTHER PERSON gets their "just desserts." But, we don't like it when WE get what's coming to us!Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-18125308543604072622011-03-09T15:58:00.000-06:002011-03-09T15:58:15.525-06:00Stethoscope<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bYI_aOyCn9Y?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />This is a funny video that illustrates some serious truths...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What would people see/hear in YOUR heart?</span><br />At this year's National Conference on Youth Ministries, I was really impacted by one of the speaker's questions. He said, "What would your children say if I asked them to list the top five people that you loved?" <br />'Good question!' I thought. 'I think I would do pretty good!'<br />Then, he brought the point home...<br />"...would Jesus make that list?"<br />Can people REALLY tell what's important to me without me having to REASSURE them?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">When I look at others, do I just see what everybody else sees? Or do I see what's in their heart?</span><br />"How's work? What's the weather like there?"<br />Really? THAT is all we've got to talk about?<br />While small talk is necessary (when you run out of things to say) it shouldn't be the ONLY conversations that you have! I want to know others deeply (and for them to know me.) I want to know what makes their heart race, and what makes it stop in fear. I want to be able to help when there's a problem, instead of asking, once again, if they've seen any good movies lately.Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-70578438535820051412011-03-06T23:35:00.000-06:002011-03-06T23:35:55.779-06:00What Faith Can Do By Kutless<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WiBNkZHOBI8?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br /><br />I've decided to do "The Week of Videos!" <br />Feeling very blessed today. Blessed to have a relationship with God. I feel like God will stand beside me no matter what obstacles I face, and even when I let myself get in the way. <br />I love what our preacher, Jim White, said today about David and Goliath..."We've got the story all wrong. We say, 'Poor David,' but it was GOLIATH that NEVER STOOD A CHANCE!"<br />And, that story illustrates what faith can do...Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-88998349524697608602011-03-04T12:10:00.002-06:002011-03-04T13:57:34.106-06:00Little ChangesWhen you look at the same thing every day, and things start to change, you will notice the change!<br /><br />Yes, this is a little update on my P90Xperiment!<br />I'm into Week 5. I have not lot lost a lot of weight (probably only 4 or 5 lbs.) And, I have cheated several times on diet and skipped several workouts because I was on vacation.<br />But, I am noticing a change!<br />It starts when you take a second look at yourself in the mirror. You notice that one of your chins is missing. Then, as the excitement builds, you notice one or two less rolls in the ole tummy! Your neck...even your fat fingers start to look different.<br />To someone who doesn't see you all the time, the change may seem rather small, even non-existent. <br />I can feel the change. I can feel myself getting stronger. I can stretch further than I've stretched before. I don't tire as easily. <br /><br />If you are working at improving some aspect of your life, the best evaluator is YOU! <br />An ancient Greek scholar (we're not sure who) came up with the wise phrase: KNOW THYSELF.<br />YOU are the best one to evaluate yourself, because you know who you are! <br />Too often we base our evaluations on the opinions or results of others. <br />"Honey, I just don't see how this is helping..."<br />"Well, when I did it, I lost 175 lbs, so you're SURE to have similar results!"<br /><br />If I compare myself to Tony Horton (creator of P90X), then I'm a miserable failure! But if I compare myself to where I was, then I'm no longer a couch potato, and this is good!<br />The Bible puts it this way, "Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, <span style="font-style:italic;">without comparing himself to somebody else</span>, for each one should carry his own load." (Galatians 6:4-5)<br /><br />Are you down on yourself? Quit comparing yourself to someone else! Learn to see the little changes and be proud!Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-21815262575862336622011-01-20T15:21:00.002-06:002011-01-20T15:30:22.899-06:00P90X...the name alone is enough to strike fear into the hearts of the..."not so fit." <br />Yes, I asked for P90X for Christmas and I am on Day 3. I will NOT post pictures of me shirtless...YOU'RE WELCOME! But, I should probably keep track of some other stuff.<br />I am starting at 255 lbs. I wear size 42 jeans and my gut hangs out over them! My eating habits over the holidays have been terrible (as usual!) <br />My goal is to drop at least 30 lbs. and POSSIBLY run a half marathon next January. I plan to go through P90X Lean first, and then go through the regular program.<br />Maybe if I chronicle about it, you kind and beautiful people will give me a shout every once in a while: "DON'T QUIT, FRANKLIN!"<br /><br />Side Note: More importantly, I have been faithful to my daily Bible reading resolution. How are YOU doing?!<br />Blessings,<br />FranklinFranklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-29681528358281292212010-12-24T22:55:00.002-06:002010-12-24T23:12:21.067-06:00Goodbye, AngelsWhat did He say before He left heaven? Were there tears in his eyes?<br />"Goodbye, Michael. Goodbye, Gabriel. I won't be able to see you soon, but I know you'll be around."<br />One last look at his heavenly home. Brilliant colors danced before him. Sights that humans have never even dreamed. Sounds unimaginable floated all around him. To leave this place was to leave joy. <br />Turning, he saw the earth, the people, crying for a savior. Lost in their lives, many of them only lived to serve themselves. His sad eyes saw death there, but also hope.<br />Did he smile? Was there a fist pump as he embarked on this mission?<br />What was it like when He opened his eyes and found himself enclosed in human flesh? Did it feel odd to Him? <br /><br />Thank you, Jesus, for leaving your heavenly home. You left a place where you were constantly praised, and came to earth, where a King immediately tried to have you killed. You left the support of scores of angels, and placed yourself in the hands of a mother and a father. You gave up a great throne for a feeding trough. <br />All this you did, not for you, but for us.<br />You understand us.<br />You know what it is to be human.<br />Thank you.Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-33346375892567433512010-11-16T21:56:00.002-06:002010-11-16T22:06:40.801-06:00Ignite 2010So, we changed our youth rally up this year...name, service projects instead of football game or ice skating, and more of a faith-sharing training conference than a regular youth rally.<br />The teens, some of them unsure of the change, jumped on board and helped make it an amazing weekend!<br />The worship times brought us right into God's throne room (thanks Tim Hall!) and Kerry Cox challenged us to not be so focused on ourselves and rely on God's power to change lives.<br />The service projects were awesome! We received so many good comments...<br />We collected 431 lbs. of food from the neighborhood around our church (delivered to a local food pantry); we decorated cookies and took them to a local nursing home, a fire station (where they ASSURED us they would be eaten quickly!), and the teachers at Cody Elementary school. <br />Teens got to see the wonderful work happening at Open Door Mission and Hope Center. The teens helped out in both places with high commendations.<br />Overall, teens were encouraged to share their faith with their friends and try something dangerous for God. I think that is a success!<br /><br />P.S. I have not forgotten about my "Why I Miss Jim" series. Here's why I missed Jim during our youth rally...he is my "pick up the youth rally speaker" person!Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-27126915359309050812010-10-28T21:29:00.002-05:002010-10-28T21:31:47.472-05:00Why I'm GLAD Jim Is GoneIn case you didn't read my last post, our minister, Jim, is taking a 6 week sabbatical.<br />Today, one reason I'm GLAD Jim is gone...<br /><br />SO THAT I CAN RAID HIS OFFICE AND STEAL HIS BOOKS! Mwaaahahahahahaaaaaaa!<br /><br />Happy Sabbatical, big guy!Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-5853638440025688092010-10-26T19:39:00.002-05:002010-10-26T19:47:53.372-05:00Why I Will Miss JimOur pulpit minister will be taking a much needed sabbatical for the next 40 days or so. It will really be odd around the office without him there. Therefore, in honor of his absence, I will be posting the reasons I miss him around the office, some serious, and some not!<br />Reason #1: I can't fake like I'm busy so that he will have to take the "weird" phone calls! ;)<br /><br />Have a great time, Jim! Praying for God to refresh your spirit!Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-57311290609031788022010-09-16T02:01:00.002-05:002010-09-16T02:19:58.198-05:00Birth and Brain CellsThey say that women lose significant brain cells when a child is born, which has spawned many jokes and given my wife an excuse when she "forgets something."<br />Men don't seem to obtain this particular problem...or do they?<br />This morning, after taking a shower, I realized that I had forgotten to bring my underwear in the bathroom with me. I asked my wife to check the bag I had brought with me to the hospital. She and her mother quickly discovered that I has forgotten to pack any underwear at all!<br />Within moments I found out that I also failed to pack socks and my pair of shorts were missing the button. (Luckily I had a belt to hold them together!)<br />Cursing myself, I reached down to grab my deodorant and instead sprayed under my arms with cologne! <br />I don't remember being this "out of it" when the other kids were born. I think men must lose their brain cells after the THIRD child is born!!!Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-470130422881991622010-08-26T23:26:00.002-05:002010-08-26T23:50:33.496-05:00Do-It-YourselfFinally, I am coming to the realization that you just can't do it yourself in youth ministry.<br />This was the first year I had two interns. Do I regret it? No way! <br />But I would be lying if I told you that I wasn't a little worried. Worried that the interns would slack off on the job? Worried that they would be insufficient?<br />NO! I was worried that they would SUCCEED!<br />And succeed they did.<br />I witnessed them in action. Their classes were fantastic. They were funnier than me. They were up on all the latest trends! And above all, I watched them have some deep spiritual conversations with teens...without me!<br />This disturbed me at first. It made me think that I was losing touch and declining in effectiveness. It really made me wrestle with my ego.<br />So what's my conclusion?<br />The teens ought to thank God that I'm not their only hope, their only contact, and their only adult friend! God knew what He was doing when he sent those interns our way!<br />Why should God only do His work through me? It makes WAY more sense to use a lot of people!<br />More interns, more contacts for lost and hurting teenagers, more godly people, more God...and less of me. Thank you for teaching me, Father!Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-69784810936282272782010-07-27T20:45:00.002-05:002010-07-27T20:51:51.019-05:00Next Wood Baby...My wife is due September 19th.<br />She went in for an ultrasound and doctor visit today. Our son is already like 6 and 1/2 pounds!!! <br />The doctor told my wife he thinks we will be spending some time in the NICU. Her blood sugars have been high (gestational diabetes) which means her body does not break down sugars very well, and so she has been sharing a high sugar blood concoction with our son. That must be why he is so huge!<br />Because of this, he will probably be born and then tank as far as blood sugars are concerned. Until his body straightens itself out. Doctor also says we will probably need to have him early. So instead of September 19th, it will probably be in between September 5th and 12th. <br /><br />Great. <br />I've had enough of NICU. I hate it. Especially when I'm watching my own kids in there.<br />I told my wife we're done. I know she would love to have a baby girl. I would too!<br />I just don't know if my heart can take another tough pregnancy and possibly another baby in NICU.Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-9646222898652301542010-07-02T23:18:00.003-05:002010-07-02T23:33:52.511-05:00Is That Your Final Answer?Have you ever been asked a question, and later regretted your answer?<br /><br />Perhaps you regretted it because you told the truth...but the truth hurt someone. Or maybe you regretted your answer because it highlighted a weakness in your life.<br /><br />Take a moment to answer these two questions... (and DO NOT read further down until you have answered!!!!!)<br />1. What made you into the person you are today?<br />2. Who are/were your favorite teachers?<br /><br /><br />If you are anything like me, here is how you may have answered:<br />1. My parents, my family, my experiences, my travels, my friends, my wife and kids.<br />2. Mrs. Perkins, Mrs. Moonga, Mr. Mwanza, my dad, Stafford North, Jim Baird.<br /><br />Those are not bad answers. However, could my answers be better?<br /><br />I have been challenged recently to rethink my answers to a lot of questions.<br />In the Bible, Paul answered the first question by saying, "By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace on me was not without effect..." (1 Corinthians 15:10.)<br />How come "the grace of God" was not in my answer? Seems like God's grace ought to be a changing, driving force in my life! My wish now is to answer more questions with God in mind. I hope He becomes more and more a part of my everyday answers! (Thank you, Jim, for sharing this insight!)<br /><br />As far as the second question, this was one I asked in a recent class to the teens. Then I made the point that Jesus was referred to as "teacher," and that if the teens were anything like me, they probably would not list him in their top list of teachers. This, too, needs to change! I hope in the future I would say, "Jesus is one of my favorite teachers...I could listen to Him all day!"<br /><br />My prayer is that you will find "God" appearing in more of your answers when people ask about your life.Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-35631298282479231072010-06-29T11:18:00.002-05:002010-06-29T11:37:36.489-05:00The summer sun warmed our car as we waited at the car repair shop. We had turned in our van, and my wife had run inside to see if it was ready yet.<br />"Dad?" came the small voice from the back seat. It was my four year old. "You have to buckle my seat belt again!"<br />"WHAT? Why?"<br />I turned around to confirm what he had said. It was true. Now, this particular buckle was manufactured by an evil person, because I could not do it from my front seat. It would require me to climb out of my seat, open the door, lean over my other son, and buckle the seat belt. I would have to stand in the hot sun!<br />The anger rising inside me, I threw open the door, yellin...I mean, speaking very loudly, "FISCHER! WHY is it that one minute you can be SO sweet, and the next you are being SO NAUGHTY!!!!"<br /><br />The next millisecond slowed to an eternity, my words ringing in my head: "WHY is it that one minute you can be SO sweet, and the next you are being SO NAUGHTY!"<br /><br />I imagine God laughed during my moment of self-realization. <br /><br />"Well," I thought, "he IS MY son! Here I am calm one moment, and yelling the next! I'm pretty sure God would love to say this to me...over and over again!"<br /><br />Kinda reminds me of this passage in Romans 7:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">21So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! <br /> So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.</span>Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-12686227551837558412010-04-04T19:54:00.003-05:002010-04-04T20:12:23.776-05:00Freaking Out!!I imagine the disciples of Jesus were really FREAKING OUT right about this time of the day (a couple thousand years ago.)<br />Mary had run to Peter and John (first thing earlier that morning) and, breathless, blurted to them that the tombstone had been rolled away. They had followed her and verified that, indeed, the stone had been removed and the body was not there.<br />Peter and John went home, but Mary SAW Jesus.<br />I imagine it was later in the day, perhaps around supper time, that the disciples were together...probably getting ready to eat a meal together. I imagine they were spooked, because they had been announcing the arrival of the Messiah, and now he was dead. I imagine they were extremely sad, because their friend, mentor, Lord, and traveling companion was gone. I imagine they were coming up with conspiracy theories as to who had stolen the body. I imagine they were afraid for their lives, as they had been the leaders of a new religious movement, but their movement was not stalled.<br /><br />All that changed in a second.<br /><br />ALL OF A SUDDEN, there He was calming their fears and their pain. "Peace be with you!"<br /><br />I honestly can't imagine how I would have reacted. Cry? Laugh nervously? Faint? Hug Him? Refrain from hugging with uncertainty? Touched Him to make sure He was real?<br /><br />But, that was a changing moment for those men. They changed the world starting at that moment. They all died for Jesus, so they must have believed that His resurrection was absolutely real.<br />And they had no concept that this would be the first of many celebrations about the resurrection!<br /><br />Jesus CAME BACK FROM THE DEAD on this day about 2,000 years ago. I AM FREAKING OUT ABOUT THIS RIGHT NOW. IT'S THE MOST AMAZING STORY EVER!Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-25966186877397754832010-04-01T22:13:00.002-05:002010-04-01T22:25:38.207-05:00Lazarus' View on the Resurrection of JesusWell, I really can't say much about the resurrection of Jesus...but, I CAN tell you about my own resurrection experience!<br />I was dead...totally, completely, in-the-ground, dead for four days.<br /><br />My sisters tell me that when my good friend Jesus heard, he came. He was a little late, but he still came. He talked to my sister about resurrection. Spooky stuff, right?<br /><br />He told some folks to roll the stone away from my grave. They objected at first. "He'll stink by now!"<br /><br />All I can say is this: The first voice I remember hearing was that of Jesus. He told me to come out of my grave. I had a burial cloth on my face, and linen wrapped around my body, so I just got up and followed the voice as best I could. Soon, friends were taking off my burial clothes and replacing them with the clothes of the living.<br /><br />I will die again one day. <br /><br />But this time, I'm not scared. I'm not scared because I KNOW the first voice I'll hear after I "fall asleep" is that of Jesus. And, like last time, he will tell me to get up and leave my grave. <br />He raised me from the dead, and later on, he raised himself. <br /><br />One day, His will be the first voice YOU will hear, if you believe...Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-1929274838611177402010-03-14T07:37:00.002-05:002010-03-14T07:47:06.338-05:00Awesome Youth Group ParentsRecently, a parent came to my office to share some concerns. First of all, this person wasn't belligerent or rude. He brought some concerns before me, and let me just say, I could listen to his complaints/critiques ALL DAY! I respect people who can help you examine yourself without feeling belittled.<br />One of the things I was told is that we were doing TOO much in our youth ministry! As we spoke, I realized that I have a major problem. Our teens LOVE being together (a good thing), but I have a problem saying "No" when they want to hang out. I've been saying "Yes" to too many things over the past 4-5 months. <br />I always tell the teens they don't need me to hang out, but somehow I've been sucked back in. Probably because I love them so much!<br />But every once in a while, it's a TRUE BLESSING to have a parent tell you that you're doing too much, and that "It's OK to say NO!"Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11059473.post-17561868974056988072010-03-06T08:15:00.001-06:002010-03-06T08:15:47.929-06:00Starfield Reign In Us<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/V_ZQ9EMT5zw' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/V_ZQ9EMT5zw'/></object></p><p>Another brilliant song by Starfield. Oh, how much better life would be if I let God reign in my life instead of me! Need to learn to let go of more things...let God handle it.</p></div>Franklin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14243783988114081394noreply@blogger.com1