Cage Match

I worked a lot on the crates this week, and I'm excited to put two into the rotation this week. There are a couple minor things, to take care of, but they're ready for service.

Two down, two to go.

--Ben

One Of Those Sabbaths

Friday's are my day of rest. Before God ever instituted the law for his people that required one day in seven for rest, He led by example. It is a practice that I believe each believer should follow. We know that the Sabbath is for man, and not the other way around. It isn't the kind of thing that should stand over us like a master, but we should use it to master our lives.

Today is one of those days when I have so much work, I could have worked straight through today. But the question is, "Can I trust that God will accomplish more through me in six days than I could in seven?"

It's really like every other practice in honoring God, it's about the faith with which we do it.

Most weeks that's not a big deal, but today was one of those Sabbaths.

--Ben

Beautiful Weather

Supposed to be some nice weather rolling in today. Yesterday was nice, but today is supposed to be even better. I'm glad that these crates have me working outside this week. Here are some quick thoughts:

• Two of our carts will be used this weekend: Sound cart and instrument cart.
• Yesterday I scouted a new neighborhood to drop door hangers today.
• We are weeding out equipment on our trailer that we don't need, I've offered it to other church planters, and a couple have called. So glad to help them.
• I've heard of several families away this week, so bring friends this Sunday.
• Fast/Feast is coming up. Someone asked "What are we fasting for?" We're fasting for solidarity of spirit. One people, one church, one voice calling out to God for direction for our church and help among the spiritual struggle that our church is going through.
• I've recently heard from Matt Boyer, friend and former pastor at SRC. He has been laid off from his job and needs prayer for his next one.

--Ben

If Stealing's A Sin

Let me take you back about 6 months. We had a small pile of "found" money at the church. That means it was money we weren't expecting and was about $800.00. We started talking about trying to use the money to improve our setup/teardown crew by building or purchasing cargo crates on wheels.

I mentioned it to my friend Phil at Pasadena A/G. Their church had recently be given a large cargo crate, and couldn't find a use for it. So they passed it to me if I wanted it. We found that we could carry our entire sound system in it. It cut our sound setup by half. Fantastic. Then we picked up another box on wheels for our children's ministry area. Terrific.

A couple weeks ago we started trying to track down more of the crates, and found a company about an hour away that had three used. I called and inquired, and events looked as though they wouldn't work out for a while. We kept trying to line up a time to pick them up, and we kept getting put off, and finally they said we could come, but now there were only two. The price was $150/pc. but because we were a church they'd knock it down to $125.00/pc.

So I went down Monday to pick them up disappointed that there would only be two. When I got there, I ended up finding 5 on the premises. I loaded up the three I had come for and asked the fellow who to make the check out to and for how much. Then my negotiating skills kicked in. (Which is essentially shut up and let God work). The guy says, "Hmm. Did I say $80 or $90/pc? So I said, "I'm good with $80" thinking that I was getting a great discount. Then I just sat there, and he says, "Just make the check for $180.00." That's $60.00/pc. better than 50% off. It was awesome. I wrote the check and walked quickly to the truck, and drove away as fast I could while maintaining safety. My heart was racing and I was hugely excited that God had just helped us that way with a great deal. I called about a dozen people on my way back to Pasadena to tell them what had just happened and how I credited it to the Lord. One person I called I joked, "If stealing's a sin I need to confess." I just couldn't believe what a great deal we got. It totally reminded me of our early days and the Blue Drums. For those that don't know that story check it out HERE.

So this week I've been working on a couple of them to out fit them with shelves for the storage and transport of our equipment. We'll be customizing the trailer over the next couple weeks too to haul them, but it is going to greatly streamline our setup/teardown. Stay tuned.

--Ben

Sitting Down At Church

Sunday was a great experience for me as I already mentioned. The band did great, and one of the reasons that we're moving this way is so that I can care for people better. That's what much of Pastoring is about. However, with responsibilities that have me rehearsing before service I usually have little time to actually talk with people outside of the service.

Sunday I had all the time in the world. I sat down among a group of SRCers and started talking and Terri's eyes got big. She said, "I think this is the first time I've ever seen you sit down at church. You're usually headed somewhere or other." Then she jumped up and fixed me a cup of coffee. I'm not sure what it meant to them, if anything, but it was very meaningful to me. Jesus had a habit of walking through crowds slowly. Me not so much. I'm intentionally trying to find ways to slow my pace, and just be with people. Most people show up to SRC about 5 minutes before service starts, but I want to invite you to come a little earlier, have a muffin (Corrinne's been doing a great job with that) and hang out with me and a great group of friends at SRC. See you Sunday.

--Ben

Band Without Ben

Yesterday at church was awesome. There were so many intangibles that I experienced yesterday, and it was because of the band that went on without me. We have made it a goal this year to move me out of the worship band, so that I can concentrate more on caring for people and preaching. Yesterday was the first attempt, and I gotta say, they were awesome.

I was so proud of them, and I stood there with hands raised, enjoying the music, and thinking "why did we wait two years to do this?" They nailed it. So, to Ryan, Chris, Rob, and Drew I want to say thanks and good job.

Good thing too, because if you guys had stunk I may have had to reach out to this guy....(joke)

Oh Man What A Day

So much going on today, I have been going at it hard core. I have so many updates, but don't have time right now to outline them all. Please stay tuned, and check back later.

--Ben

Back In The Town We Never Left

We're back. We didn't really go far. We found a hotel in the BWI area, and stayed locally. We had a blast swimming last night. The girls love the water. My Ellie can do Humpty Dumpty off the side of the pool forever. And my Sydney wanted to swim without her floaties last night. She has a ways to go, but she sure loves the water. When we go like that Corie and I trade off time with the girls so we can enjoy the stages of each. I take Ellie, while she takes Syd and then we switch.

Just the Fam and the lifeguard last night for an hour and a half. Fantastic time.

Then today we hit a new park (new for our family), Ft. Smallwood Park. Totally different than Kinder Farm. I'll get some pictures up later.

Learned a lesson; 24 hours is not long enough with two kids. There is too much rush and hustle just getting the girls ready and dressed, and hair dried and seated at tables for meals. When we do this with the girls in the future we'll have to have at least 36 hours I think to really make it worth while. Some great moments though.

--Ben

Off The Grid

One of my overseers challenged me this year to keep balance in my life with the following formula: Go on a date with your wife every seven days, Get away for an overnight trip every seven weeks, and take a vacation at least every seven months. So this is the eighth week of the year, we were supposed to go away last week, but were precluded by a number of events. Now we're headed out. I'll be out of contact for the next 24 hours or so.

See you on the flip side.

--Ben

Article Repost

Got this article from a member at SRC. He saw it at CNN.com, and emailed it to me. I'm reposting it here. Enjoy!

--Ben

By Lisa Respers France
CNN

(CNN) -- Jennifer Pedley had very little interest when her husband, Ken, suggested three years ago that they enroll in the Financial Peace University program their church in Brighton, Michigan, was offering.

Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, is seeing an increased need for financial programs.

The couple signed up to learn how to reduce their debt and get on a budget. Partway through the course, a light came on for her, Pedley said.

"I started to see the changes it was making not only in our money but in our relationship," she recalled.

"It was unbelievable, but 80 percent of personal finance is personal. There is so much related to communicating about money and communicating about life."

Now Pedley is facilitating the course at 2/42 Community Church, where many in the area depend on the auto industry for their livelihood and are struggling with a deepening recession.

Throughout the country, places of worship are not just offering prayers for the improvement of their members' finances. They are offering help in the form of classes, seminars and workshops.

Programs that teach debt elimination, financial literacy and money management are gaining popularity among the faithful who are seeking some stability in the midst of uncertain times.

Lynnette Khalfani-Cox is a personal finance expert and author who has launched the Zero Debt Tour, a financial literacy initiative designed to teach people how to better budget, manage credit and debt wisely, and save money.

Khalfani-Cox, who provides the program free for churches, said she is hearing from places of worship, both big and small, nationwide who want to offer resources to their members.

"In faith-based communities, if you ask pastors across the country, many will tell you that attendance is up; however donations are down," said Khalfani-Cox, who is known as the Money Coach. "People are turning to the church for help, whether it's help making their mortgage payment, putting in a prayer request, assistance in finding a job or just getting practical, day-to-day strategies for managing debt."

Jeff Foy, manager of training and evaluation for the [Latter Day Saints] Employment Resource Services, said traffic has increased to the church's Web site, which offers resources on family finances and employment assistance.

It's very difficult to reach someone spiritually if they are struggling temporally, Foy said, and some have had to sacrifice time with family and church to pay the bills.

"We see a lot of our members perhaps that wouldn't ordinarily be working on a Sunday that are working on a Sunday instead of attending some of their meetings," he said.

The Rev. Steve O'Dell of 2/42 Community Church said he believes that people have a desire to give more of their time and money but just don't have the means.

That's why programs that help get them on track financially are beneficial, he said.

"A lot of people are imprisoned by debt," said O'Dell, whose church has expanded the number of Financial Peace University sessions to meet the growing need.

"If people are in place where they are not going further and further into debt and all of their money isn't going into paying off debt, then financially they are freed up to give to things they would like to give to," he added. "Whether that's the church or charitable organizations or places that reach out to people in times of need."

Joel Schwartz is director of the "Moving from Debt to Assets program, which was founded in 2005 by the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization. It offers sessions on finances, a peer support group and private sessions with a financial counselor.

Schwartz said that since its inception, Moving from Debt to Assets has graduated more than 400 participants and now has half of its groups run in languages other than English.

What makes his program and others like it so effective is that they are offered through organizations that have a relationship with those participating, Schwartz said.

"It's embedded in institutions that are part of the fabric of people's lives," he said. "This creates a lot of opportunity for reinforcement. People who see each other every Sunday can say, 'How are you doing paying down those credit card debts? I know you are working hard on that.' "

Programs like Financial Peace University and Crown Financial Ministries, which have components that speak directly to biblical principles about money, have been seen as integral to the ministry.

At Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, a stewardship workshop series based on Crown Financial Ministries "Road to Financial Freedom" offers topics like "Who's in Control?" which covers God's responsibilities versus those of the believer, and "A Slave to the Lender," about living debt-free.

Kevin Stacia teaches stewardship at Ebenezer and said that with everyone from the wealthy to the disadvantaged being affected by the economy, it makes sense for churches to offer such programs.

"We always want members of the church and our community to be grounded in how God wants us to manage the things he has entrusted us with," Stacia said. "We want to give people an avenue to get knowledge and understanding."

Cheryl Spiva has attended the series and said education is the key.

Spiva retired at 45 from her position as senior vice president of sales for the southeast division of the investment group Charles Schwab and said financial education programs can be empowering.

"Often, people don't really know what to do with their money," she said. "If you give them tools, they become more confident and they make better choices."

Jennifer Pedley said she and her husband have benefited from learning how to manage their money more effectively.

They have paid off a car and their credit cards and are well on their way to being debt-free.

Pedley said they are also much better off in the current economy than had they not taken the course.

'When we took [the course], people had questions like, 'How do I budget vacations and going out to dinner?' " she said. "Now it's, 'How can I pay my mortgage and save my house?' "

And despite her initial resistance, Pedley said, she views it as a learning and growing experience.

"I never realized how practical the Bible is about money," she said. "It just makes so much sense."

Cage Match

We are trying to get cargo cages for our FaithWorks setup team. Unfortunately we have been put off for several weeks, were all lined up for today, and then got the call that we couldn't pick them up today. Now we're looking at Monday. Hopefully soon.

--Ben

Studying For Sunday

I'm studying for Sunday's message, Financial Fundamentals: Practically Speaking. It is a simple look at practical methods of financial stewardship. The principles of managing finances are nothing more than natural laws: Sowing and Reaping, Storing and Eating, Discipline and Delayed Gratification. It's plain Vanilla, yet every year the same principles touch people in new ways. And for those that weren't here for last years discussion, it's a look at a fundamental element of discipleship.

This Sunday however, I have been looking much more toward the why question, not the how. Let me explain. Much of our attention for stewardship is based on the how of it all. How do you save, how do you spend, how do you budget, etc.

But Christian Spirituality is much more concerned with the why of it all. God doesn't just give us instructions because he is some type of cosmic puppet master. It's because he has a plan of redemption. Get this: God has expectations of how we use our money so that the world can be saved. And I'm not just talking about giving to missionaries. God's people are His plan A to reach the world. And every part of our Spirituality is a part of His plan to redeem them.

Your budget and financial stewardship means the difference between a world redeemed and a world separated from God. Bold words, but if they're true, you'd better tune in Sunday to find out the responsibility God is putting on us. See you there.

--Ben

My Girls

I love my girls...

The girls saw the snow falling this morning. It was another of Nature's teases. They started bounding around my mother's house chanting, "It's Snowing". Unfortunately, it is supposed to change over to rain and then to all rain, so there will be no accumulation. Poor Girls.

In other news I got to go to Kinder Park the other day with my family. Took some time to just be dad for a while. Last Christmas we got one of the best gifts anyone has ever given us as their pastor. We got an annual pass to the parks in our area. Most parks around here are free, but there are a few that the county maintains that have a $5.00 charge. With this pass we can enter any of them all year. It's wonderful, and it's family centered. (I've always appreciated the gifts that are designed to help us spend time together. Like gift cards to restaurants we always use for dates for my wife and I.)

The best thing about Kinder Park is that it has a farm operating with livestock. The girls loved the play area, but they also really enjoy the animals. Here are some pictures of our trip, I know it's a lot, but I hope you enjoy them.

The Refrigerator Repair

Yesterday I called the repairman to come and service our refrigerator. He walked in and immediately unscrewed the cover on the back, reached in and pulled out a part and said here's your problem. No testing, no looking, just bam, here's your problem.

As he switched out the part he told me that the likelihood was that since this one part had gone up, the condenser had gone up as well. If that was the case, I should just buy a new fridge. When the moment of truth came, he told me to cross my fingers. Instead I said a prayer.

Like a champ, it started running. He looked at me and said, "You're one of the lucky ones." I replied that I just considered myself blessed. Took an opportunity to share my faith with him, that I entrust those things to God, and that's how I live my life. I asked him if he attended church, and he said, "No, I don't really go to church. I live in Harford county." (Sometimes people have strange reasons for not going to church.)

--Ben

Out And About

Today I'll be out in the community. I've heard the business term "managing by wandering around". I suppose my day will be a bit that way. I have two hundred door hangers, and some invite cards, a cell phone, and a list of calls to make. So it should be a full day.

--Ben

Maybe The Israelites Were On To Something

In the Exodus the God told his people to collect only enough Manna for the day they needed it, with one exception on the day before Sabbath. If they collected too much it would spoil.

Well, in modern life we enjoy the convinces of refrigeration, that is until we stop enjoying the conveniences of said refrigeration. Over the weekend our freezer went up, and the puddle oozed out of the bottom and onto the floor. All kinds of juices and mixes that concoct the grossest of fare. So I had to dump much of it, and scrub the freezer. I've got it looking really pretty for the repair man on his way to the house now. Dumping all that food, made me think...Maybe the Israelites were onto something.

--Ben

I Feel Good

I was just noticing that this is the best I've felt on a Monday in a while. Not sure why, but I just feel good. I hope you're Monday is feeling good too.

--Ben

Don't Forget

Tomorrow we're hosting Bill Parks of Baltimore Teen Challenge. It will be a great service as he shares the vision, story, and needs of Teen Challenge in Baltimore. We want to encourage you to invite friends that you believe have an interest in Teen Challenge's mission to addicts in and around Baltimore.

--Ben

Well...

Two Girls and Old Halls

Today I'm off and hanging out with my girls all day. Corie invited us to the school she is working in to introduce us to the class during their Valentine party. The girls loved it; especially the icing from the cup cakes that is now encrusted all over them. (Sorry no pictures)

Corie is working in the school that I attended growing up. In many ways the school has changed greatly, in many ways it is still the same. It is interesting to walk through those halls, and remember things I never would if I wasn't in that space.

--Ben

Ellie Likes It

This week we have been so blessed by friends at SRC. They have been bringing meals each night this week, and it has made a huge difference for Corie as she's gone back to work, but is still recovering. It's been quite a variety so far this week. Last night was Lasanga, and we want to thank everyone for their care. I thought I might share with you how much we appreciate it, by showing you just how much Ellie likes it.

Thanks everyone,

Ben

Doubters

Picking up on the idea of doubters from yesterday's post. I was introduced to this painting last night on LOST. Caravaggio painted this depiction of Thomas at the turn of the 17th century. Interesting...


It should be noted that Thomas died near Madras, India. That means that he was among those who went the farthest to tell the story of Christ. Doubters make good tellers, when their doubts are satisfied.

--Ben

Innovative Leadership Experience

Last year I had the privilege of being in a class with Dr. Robert Rhoden as part of my graduate studies. He told us about a mentoring group that he hosts with the students of VFCC. They select a few of the potential leaders from the student body through an application process and then host meetings throughout the school year to offer mentorship. Part of the experience is a tour of leadership in which Dr. Rhoden leverages relationships that he has with outstanding leaders around the mid-atlantic. He sets up a five day experience that takes these students off campus to D.C. where they interact with Leaders like Mark Batterson, Barry Black (chaplain of the Senate), and others. It is really meant to be a stretching type of experience. Stretching students to think beyond the boundaries of what they may have envisioned for their future.

Dr. Rhoden has invited me to be part of it. I'll be attending March 25-28th. I'm really excited about it and thankful for the opportunity.

--Ben

Whisker Goals

Just got, read, and digested the latest Fast Company Magazine. Struck by one article on whisker goals. It builds on the theory of Ken Blanchard's One Minute Manager, the idea is breaking things into a small and determined amount of time. For instance the things that you hate doing, procrastinate on, or try to avoid are things you should set whisker goals on. Whisker goals are things that are as close to the status quo as possible, but require a determined approach, with limited time committed.

For instance, the author referenced a woman who needed to lose weight. Her doctor recommended marching in place for one minute a day in front of the television. That regimen did nothing for her health, but it excited her to think of what else she could do with one minute a day. When she returned her doctor added another minute, and eventually worked her into a full workout that helped her.

Kind of a different approach to think what's the least, little thing I can do to change the status quo. But there are many applications where that is enough to make a big difference.

--Ben

Need An Outlet, This Is It

Right now the news is dominated by the stimulus package being passed in the congress. I would like to register my complaint against it. I think that everything we've been told so far is ridiculous. I guess I got most upset when over the lunch hour I heard that in negotiations today the package was reduced to $790,000,000,000. Amazing to me since last week it was at just over $750,000,000,000. We're throwing Billions around like it's no big thing. I read articles that list all these stupid programs getting money 30 million for this, 300 million for that. And the thing that always bothers me most is that it only ever adds up to a couple billion dollars. There's hundreds of billions of dollars that are going who-knows-where. We actually do, but they're not being discussed, nationalized health-care and other nationalization projects that instead of being voted on for their merit are coming into existence simply because we fund them. Unbelievable.

And the kicker WCBM reported today that because of the reduction (I'm paraphrasing closely), "Unfortunately, President Obama won't get quite as many tax cuts as he promised." This is unreal. I love that the President said the other night that "the government was the only institution left with the resources to put an end to the crisis." Last I checked we were in the hole when it came to our national debt. So when he says the government has the resources, what he means is they're the only institution that doesn't have anyone stopping them from over-extending themselves. Themselves being us. They're spending our money, strapping our futures, all while not providing a real answer.

This legisislation is going to have long-term dramatic impact on the American way of life.

------
Ok, so I usually don't comment on political things like this on this blog. I'm in no way endorsing a political party or agenda. Just expressing my opinion and the way I see things. I'd prefer to be wrong about my prediction of the future, but I'm afraid I'm not.

--Ben

A Church For Doubters

I have been persuaded since early on in the life of Severn River Church, that we would be a church for doubters. To be honest, I'm not sure what that means to the degree that God wants to do something, but time and again I find myself wrestling in my mind with issues that are related to doubters.

I hope one day to have a well synthesized understanding of what it might look like to have a church for doubters. I think we can honestly say that there are a number of doubters in and around SRC.

I love doubters. (The civil ones anyway.)

I love to hear their thoughts, and questions. It spurs me to think in new and deeper ways. They further my faith.

--Ben

Guest Speaker

This Sunday I'm very excited to host Bill Parks as our teacher for the morning. Bill is the executive director of Teen Challenge Baltimore. He has been ministering out of this area for many years, and grew up in Dundalk.

Thirty years ago God put the dream of a Teen Challenge Center on his heart, and now three decades later he is seeing it become a reality. They have already held a meet & greet event for the community. They are working on renovating their building to be prepared for opening in April. In fact, the HVAC work was done over the last couple weeks. The plumber is starting today, and the electrician is starting next week; from what I hear.

Bill had a limited, but significant voice in my spiritual development. It was through a message I heard him preach that I opened my heart to missions and serving needs around the world. I'm sure that his challenge this week will lead all of us to a greater heart for Baltimore.

--Ben

TONIGHT

It's On!!! Small Group. So excited about the group that God is bringing together. I have been praying for a couple weeks about the people that God will bring. I believe that he is putting together a good group. I don't think people come to growth groups by accident. I believe that they come by the direction of God. Tonight, we are going to start a journey of personal and spiritual growth together. People who have been part of groups with me and people that haven't been for a very long time, and people that have never been are coming to be part of this group. So thankful that God is going to use our house as a place where He will meet with us and change us.

If you attend another church, I hope you have a place where you can know and be known by others. It may be a Sunday School class or small group. Wherever it is you need to be there.

If you attend SRC, then you know our vision for discipling people like Christ is expressed in Weekend Service, Growth Groups and Prayer Group. Get involved.

--Ben

Prayer

Wow, gotta say that when you get the chance, you should go pray with some pentecostal people. Today I was prayed for by my pastor, Don. He called me out in front of everyone and put me front and center to lay hands on me and pray. It was a releasing and formative few minutes. When Don prays for you his body travails unlike anyone I've ever seen, but his prayers are genuine and his eyes run with tears. Not the kind that are fake, but more the authentic tears of a father. Today he instructed me to look to Acts 20:24 and to read it in many versions to gain a good understanding. It says, "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."

None of these things moves me. I stand steady in the grace of Christ. God's call today was faithfulness. Nothing more. Just be faithful.

It was a great encouragement to me, I hope God's word will speak to you today as well.

--Ben

When A Pastor Mourns

I spoke yesterday morning at Severn River Church, and I learned something that I had never experienced before. When a pastor mourns, the church mourns. I don't think I learned that in my studies, but I learned it yesterday.

I can't tell you how reassuring it was to worship yesterday with people that I love. Lifting my voice and hands with them, praying and being prayed for, being embraced, and all that SRC was yesterday was a great blessing. But it just seemed like our "get up and go" had "got up and went". That was, I'm sure, a byproduct of my own demeanor. I hope I wasn't too much of a downer for everyone else.

Generally speaking, being a pastor is a pretty good gig. I get to be with people. I get to serve God full-time and get paid for it. I get to learn new things. And I get to preach. You see, I was created to preach. I love it. I will speak whenever, and wherever. Love it, love it, love it.

But when you get a week like last week, and you're in the small church situation like I am with no associate pastor to hand off the message, and you end up with events that stack up unexpectedly into the weekend, and... (just kidding that was way too many conjunctions).

I had to preach. I had a choice. I could go ahead with a message about stewardship of money that was planned, or I could share my life and hopefully show an example of how to deal with tragedies. I decided to be transparent, and hopefully, through the pain I was dealing with, help someone else in their pain.

I acknowledged from the start that I could have gone one of two ways, either cover it up and not really address it, or emotionally vomit all over the people. It was my intention to do neither, but somewhere in the middle to find a solid middle ground; openly transparent, but respectively didactic. I'm not sure how it turned out actually. If you'd like to judge you can listen here.

I see many people who struggle through painful situations and they call me in to help and counsel. I thought perhaps the best way going forward was to use my life as an example to show others. These are the things I do when I hurt. These are the things you should do as well.

I hope that my life will serve as a good example. Like Paul told the Thessalonians, "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us."

--Ben

Sincere Thanks

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to jump on here and thank everyone for their care over the last week. In conversation today I noted that last week was probably the worst week of my life. That statement made me pause and reflect. The blog is so impersonal. Really it is. It's fun, and useful and valuable, but it is impersonal. What isn't impersonal is the comments, calls, cards in the mail, meals, hugs, and tears that you all shared with us this week. Corie, is doing much better, still tired, but feeling good. We are blessed. Thanks.

--Ben

FROM THURSDAY

Dear Friends,

Yesterday at the Doctor's office, we found out that our pregnancy isn't viable. We experienced a Molar Pregnancy, and are no longer expecting. Corie will need surgery, so we'd ask for your prayers.

--Ben

How's Corie?

This is a question on many people's minds, so I wanted to give hopefully the last installment of updates for Corie. Hopefully from here it is smooth sailing.

While in surgery Corie lost two liters of blood. The surgery took more than twice the average time for this procedure, and because of the dramatic blood loss, they wanted to be sure and observe her for a while, thus the stay over in the hospital. This evening they released her to come home. She is very weak, and will spend the next couple days in bed recovering. The doctor said that throughout the surgery her blood pressure and heart rate stayed strong, so there was no need for a transfusion.

Thank you to all those who joined me in offering prayers for Corie. I don't know how someone maintains blood pressure and heart rate when close to half of your blood is leaking out of your body, but I'm sure prayer didn't hurt the situation.

I figure transparency may be the best way to offer discipleship -- that is helping others grow in their faith in Christ. This was my experience. Yesterday my devotional reading from the Psalms was from chapter 68. In verses 11-13 in The Message translation it says this, "The Lord gave the word; thousands called out the good news: "Kings of the armies are on the run, on the run!" While housewives, safe and sound back home, divide up the plunder, the plunder of Canaanite gold and silver." I read this scripture while Corie was in surgery. It informed my prayer and gave me peace. That my housewife would be home again safe and sound. I thank God that she is.

...Now to divide up that gold and silver. :-)

--Ben

Getting Better

Corie is feeling much better. The Doctor expects to release her later this afternoon.

--Ben

Home Now

Corie is in a room at the hospital. She lost a lot of blood during the surgery, but her color was coming back when I left. The Staff said that she was fine, and getting stronger. They expect her to stay overnight, and be released tomorrow.

It made for a long day for her and me. I came home so she could sleep in whatever peace the nursing staff allows. Thanks for everyone's prayers.

--Ben

Update On Corie

Corie is out of surgery. Unfortunately, she had a complication during the procedure that has resulted in a problem with bleeding. It'll be at least an hour till I can see her. They've decided to keep her overnight to monitor her blood counts. So this day is getting very long, and we continue to appreciate your prayers.

-Ben

Today

Corie is going in for her procedure today. She had a bad night with a lot of abdominal pain. Please pray for her today.

We have already faced the inevitable situation where you run into a friend out and about, and they congratulate us on the pregnancy. I feel bad, because it puts them in an awkward position when we have to tell them the news. I would appreciate you passing the word around.

--Ben

Big Brother's Name Is Google

Found this article today. File this under: Odd things that go through Ben's brain...

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/04/earlyshow/leisure/gamesgadgetsgizmos/main4774320.shtml?tag=topHome;topStories

It is a pretty interesting look at a new software that makes GPS tracking available for cell phones. I guess the applications are for families that want to keep track of children, wives that want to keep track of husbands, and the like.

Wow, it's amazing to see where we've come in 250 years as a country. If this technology is available in the private sector, then we can be reasonably sure the government has it. I guess I feel glad if they're tracking a terrorists phone, but do we want them tracking ours? I'd say when our nation began their was a pretty healthy skepticism about governments, we've come a long way.

I know a friend that would prefer to live "off the grid". It seems the boundaries are getting pushed further and further out.

--Ben

First Doctor's Visit

Today is our first visit to the OBGYN. We were supposed to go last week, but the ice storm changed the plan. It is always exciting to go to these appointments. I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to attend almost every appointment Corie's had for her pregnancies. We're really interested to find out if our current OB is planning to work out of BWMC. They are supposed to open a maternity center in September which is when we're due. It would be really cool to break in a brand new place like that, and be 3 minutes from the house. We'll see.

--Ben

Rhetoric

I'm a student of rhetoric, the words we use to communicate ideas. The fact is that anyone who spends their career speaking for a living is bound to have a file of gaffes. Some are amplified because of setting in which they occur. I saw this and found it funny. This is hyperbole to the max. Nancy Pelosi claims that 500 million Americans a month are losing their jobs. There are roughly 300 million Americans in total. Like the "read my lips" pledge of George H. W. Bush or any of the words made up by George W. These things tickle me.

Thanks

Thanks for your prayers. Corie is feeling much better. Corie has never had a day of morning sickness in pregnancy. No problems other than fatigue. I'll be honest that when she started getting sick last night, my mind raced to the worst conclusion. I guess that's normal for an expecting dad. So thankful today that Corie's feeling better.

Thanks for your prayers.

--Ben

When Everything Changed

Well tonight is not like it was planned. I was supposed to start a growth group tonight, but the schedules of my group were tied up tonight, so we're starting next Tuesday. I am thankful that our group is expanding though next week.

I was also supposed to meet with the Oversight Board tonight, but this evening Corie has gotten very ill. I would ask for your prayers. In fact, she laid down at her parents and is still there. I'm home now with the girls.

When I got home I called to tell the board I wouldn't be able to attend. And then I talked to a person that I wasn't expecting for small group, and didn't know to get in touch with regarding the schedule change, prayed with them, and sent them on their way.

Nothing is going like it was supposed to tonight.

--Ben

Ten People In My Living Room

Just got off the phone with Drew, one of our growth group leaders. He was saying that he didn't know how they could fit more people in his living room. He was honest about his nervousness, but I have great confidence in him. I know he reads here regularly, and that some of his group members do. I thought I'd open the old comment section for shout-outs to Drew and Jenn for the great job they're doing.

Click comment, and leave something for Drew to read.

--Ben

Good Reports

We are running three small groups this semester. And so far two of the groups have started. I talked with Rob, and heard that his group went very well. I also talked to Drew, who is now heading up our small groups, and though I haven't heard from him since his group. I talked and prayed with him and Jenn before the group. I have a lot of confidence in them.

--Ben

Are There Heroes Anymore?

Sometimes I feel like I'm over-saturated with the issue of heroes in our society. We have a television show by that name for crying out loud. We constantly look to media to elevate heroes, but in the undercurrent we also have an increasing desire to see flawed heroes.

In terms of pop culture you could look to Jack Bauer, the counter-terrorism agent that tortures his captives and then deals with the aftermath. He is a hero to some, yet his family has fallen apart, his government has turned against him, and he can hardly sleep at night because of the atrocities he's committed.

Then, of course, there's the show LOST. LOST is my favorite, and has depicted the hero, Jack, in a downward spiral till he's no hero at all, while the flawed characters have been elevated to hero status. We seem to be in a different world than fifty years ago when Superman dominated the comics as the hero of truth, justice, and the American way. Now we doubt that there is any real universal truth, justice is a fluke that seems only available to those wealthy enough to bribe the system, and the American way is clouded with Gitmo, Abu Ghraib and the like.

But tonight I came face to face with people who still have heroes. In fact, they look up to them in such a way that they mimic everything they can about them. They view the shoes of their hero as not to large to try and step into even if they can't fill those same shoes. Their hero presses them to grow and mature, to learn and experience life. When I saw these girls mimicking their mother I was drawn to reflect on the heroes of our lives. I think that one of the chief virtues is simplicity. If we could simplify our lives by finding and mimicking good mentors and heroes, we will one day grow into the shoes that we can't seem to fill right now.

Paul said, "follow me as I follow Christ." It is a Christian practice to find older more mature Christians and learn from and mimick them. Do you have heroes of the faith?

Transitional Nomination Announcement

We are undergoing the transition of governance from a church completely overseen by another church, to one that is able to stand on its own and operate itself. Before the turn of the year an ad hoc group was put together to begin the process, this has been followed up by a member's meeting in which we laid out guidelines for the selection of leaders for our transitional board of directors. An announcement was made yesterday in service and if you'd like to listen you can hear it here.

We will try to keep all information about the nomination and elections as public as possible. As always the best line on information is being there, but for a second chance www.benjaminrainey.com is not a bad source.

--Ben

The Videos Below

The videos I re-posted today from Youtube were used in or related to my message yesterday. You can, as usual, listen to the sermon here. I would like to share my personal feelings about the videos...

The Did You Know video I find very good and stimulating.

The Tithe Rap video, I find humorous only in the most cheesy of senses. If you can't enjoy cheesy and corny humor, then you should probably stay away from it.

--Ben

Did You Know

Tithe Rap