Accountable to One

Back to the Basics

2006-10-31T10:24:00.000-08:00

I've been really challenged by a book I'm reading by Andy Stanley called "The Best Question Ever" - and the simplicity of the basics in life. The basics of spending daily time with Christ; exercising; managing your money; all these items are key - and need to be done - but missing here and there does not change your life completely... BUT there is the truth of the cumulative effect.

That was an interesting thought! We can go through life not seeing the impact of regular ongoing practices - like a consistent drip - it sure does make a difference - ever have a leaky roof? Want to see your walk with Christ go to a deeper level - be consistent in your times with Him. Want to see your relationship with your wife or husband be better - invest consistent time day in and day out - don't just try and recover from 6 months of dry ground on a "romantic weekend".

I have a dog and two daughters - I don't put them on the same level; but in all 3 of their lives there is definitely lessons for me to learn on the importance of consistency! People get confused with mixed messages (dogs as well) - so I am striving in my kids lives to love them regularly. I find so often (after a long day or week) that I am not the same Dad as when I am on vacation. Now that might sound like I'm trying to be "perfect" but I think the reality for me is just being more level - giving less swing in the pendulum of my life.

And I pray the same for my walk with Jesus; I don't want to be a person who lives out my faith in only two ways - mountain top or desert. Let's learn to be consistent - and I believe if we go back to that basic - we'll end up with a lot more even path.

God Bless,

Tim O.

The Big Game!

2006-10-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note - because I know everybody will be focused on the PSU game today - and that's very good. I'm sure the coaches and the players have spent the week gearing up, checking plays, watching films, all with the hope of performing at their maximum level. I am challenged by this thought: "Do I take my role as God's Ambassador, with the purpose of offering His redemption to a broken and confused world on a collision course with eternity separated from God, as serious as the teams who are playing a "game" today?"

I'm embarrassed that the answer is no - but the good news is that it doesn't have to stay that way - it's game week every week - prep, train, and execute all that you have learned - the team is counting on your role in this! (And those who will be shown Christ by your actions will forever remember that "play".)

God Bless,

Tim O.

God is Watching

2006-10-11T22:38:00.000-07:00

At the end of the day after all the details are covered, and the deadlines are met - do you ever consider the fact that God watched everything you did today? Do you ever think about how He knew your thoughts and saw where your eyes drifted? He knows what we did and did not catch your attention - he knows when you passed by those who were in need - and looked to please those cheered your name.

God is watching! I heard a talk show host tell a man struggling with internet pornography to put pictures of his wife and kids and loved ones all around the computer screen. She told him that every time he had the desire or urge to go where he shouldn't - and see what he need not see - that he should look into the eyes of his loved ones - and be the man he wanted to be for them.

That got me thinking - the more I surround my life with the images of God (the Scriptures, fellowship, accountability, and friends that love Him) the less likely I am to willfully sin against my God. It is when I forget He is there - because of my lack of reminders - that I tend to respond to my "natural self". I do not want to respond to my human nature - but to my Spiritual nature - honoring God with my daily life (everyday).

He is watching - He is there - make Him proud!

God Bless,

Tim O.

Plan Ahead before you Fall Behind

2006-10-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed that it's when life gets a little crazy that the simple things become like 50 lbs. Dumbbells - yeah you can handle them - but it takes a lot more effort. I think when we think ahead, looking at our weeks and months - planning backwards from the events and chores - we'll find we don't Fall Behind. There is no worse feeling than being overwhelmed and feeling like you "don't know what to do" - I live there more than I want. Sometimes we have too much on our plates and without great planning and organization - we will be paralyzed or as I picture it - in a body cast - unable to function.

Plan ahead - group projects into categories. Start with what you dislike the most - and then knock it out! You'll feel relieved and refreshed when that "monkey" is off your back. It will give you energy and creativity to do the things you were created to do - no guilt - no pressure.

I also heard from a friend today something that makes so much sense when feeling overwhelmed... take some time away from the issue. Go and rest - maybe a vacation is what you need - maybe a weekend away - or even a day away - or even 1 hour of peace. In my role I take 1 day a month and go away to focus on my relationship with Jesus - and in doing that I gain a perspective that helps me to walk more clearly - seeing things in the proper light! His Light!

God Bless,

Tim O.

There's No Place Like Home

2006-10-06T16:09:00.000-07:00

Five days in luxury - living large - my own room on the 10th floor of a gorgeous hotel overlooking part of Lake Michigan - fancy meals with more salmon than I eat in a year... And all I wanted to do was get home.

It's amazing that in the midst of so much "cool" - the longing of my heart was to be with my family, my church, my friends, and my team. Yeah, everything else was great - but all that doesn't compare to a hug and a kiss from the people I love. The chance to make a difference in my town - to laugh with my closest partners.

There is no place like home - and I was yearning to be there! I wonder how in my life I could get my heart to long for Heaven the same way. In my intellect I know I want to be with the Father - Philippians 1:21 - "to live is Christ; to die is gain." But in my life emotionally I put so many things before Him. That I would desire as deeply to be at home with my Father as I am to being home with my family and friends. There is no place like home - and there is no place like the Father's arms.

Game Films: Learning From The Past

2006-10-05T19:40:00.000-07:00

Most of us don't spend much time looking back. We are always looking forward - trying to decide what our next hill will be. We are running so hard - we are aligns afraid to look back (we might run into something). I applaud that energy and desire - but I also see that when I personally am running hard - looking as far ahead as possible - I start to forget the past. I forget the lessons I've learned and the friends who walk with me have learned.

The remembrance of the past is the wisest way to walk in the future. There is a difference in being "stuck" in the past - and learning from it. As children we had experiences - those experiences have changed how we do things. If you were burnt by a stove - you were more careful - if you were careless around a strange dog (watch the comments) then you are more careful in the future. My thought is - why don't I learn what to avoid when I'm striving to be more like Jesus?

I know the pitfalls - I know that when I don't get enough rest I'm not as relational and caring as I should be - I know that when I am stressed I stop worrying about others feelings - and only care to get the job done. I know that when I'm not busy I become more lazy - and when I am not spending quality time focused in prayer, the Scriptures, and fellowship with other followers of Jesus - that I become a person I don't really want to be.

God has called us as followers to come together - to have community. I think one of the key reasons is that it gives me exposure to a lot of "learning experiences" that I can learn from a distance - and not have to necessarily experience it first hand. But the problem is - we have to intentionally slow down and review.

Almost every serious sports team I know looks at game films - not of just the upcoming teams - but of their own team and how they played. They look to see what mistakes - even small ones - that cost them a greater finish. I challenge you as I challenge myself - be a student of history - your own and the community you are walking with. Learn - and change! Remember, knowing your errors is of no value - until you act upon what you have learned.

God Bless,

Tim O.

Community Begins with Connection

2006-10-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

Community! I believe we all want to experience the feeling of being part of a group - of being cared for and actually missed when we are not there. The television show Cheers said it best in the theme song, "where everybody knows your name"... And then as Norm would enter - the crowd would all yell "Norm!" If you watched the show the question that would go through your head (if you watched it very long) was - didn't these guys have a home life? Why did they keep coming back to the bar? It wasn't the atmosphere or any fancy stuff - it was the connection.

Few of us walk into our homes or offices and hear the cheer of our name. (Unless you have little one's - but with age that will start to fade as they grow older and more self absorbed.) Why wouldn't a place like "Cheers" be significant in your life? A place where your name is cheered and people actually listened and cared about you and your day. The idea of "Cheers" captured so many people because the "strangers" became like family (and the families became strangers - the sad part). The connection was made - but it was not around what was best - it was at the cost of the ones they really loved.

Each of us have so many options for connection - but I believe connection with our family needs to be first and foremost. I will always push myself, my family, and my team to connect with those who are outside of our home, church, and faith... The community at large. But we cannot reach the community (and impact them) if we have our legs cut out from underneath us when it comes to our families. As a husband and a father I have two critical responsibilities - to make sure I am living a life of integrity based on what I say I believe; and secondly that I am connected to my family and meeting their needs. It is only after both of these are handled that I have anything to offer to my world.

Something I am starting to ponder - is that Community (and the act of making connection) is time consuming and is often inconvenient! The development of Community will interrupt your life and will upset your schedule and your ordered life. If we are going to be there for people - unfortunately it will mean stepping out - walking into problems (because often that is when we are needed) which always come at the wrong time. But the truth is that if people really matter - then it is a sacrifice that we are willing to make.

Today as you live your life - look for opportunities to give away parts of your life. Hold lightly to your preconceived intentions - and instead ask God to bring into your life people who you can serve and connect with. Once you do that - God will honor that prayer - and you will have the opportunity to connect and receive community - or ignore the truth around you - and stay disconnected and alone.

In the life of Christ; we have the chance for everybody to know our name (at least in the circles we travel) and we have a chance to create circles of friends that is gigantic compared to our current situations. Remember that we were formed to be together - and that Community begins with Connection.

God Bless,

Tim O.

Joy In The Walk - Over...

2005-11-10T00:31:00.000-08:00

I hope this note finds you at a time when you are able to relax and just focus for a minute on all that Christ has blessed you with. I tell you - sometimes we race through life - doing all we can to find happiness in "stuff" and the joy of life is found in the simple things of the day. I had a lot of stress on Wednesday - and felt like I just didn't stop running - and was just beat... on my way to my next meeting...but then Amy walked into the room.

Amy, my 10 year old daughter had the greatest news - no we didn't win the lottery, or inherit a million dollars. She didn't get straight "A's" or clean the entire house herself... She did a "back walk-over" (not sure it's the right name - but you get the idea it's gymnastic - and not something I should try). Now that isn't that huge a deal compared to world peace - but for Amy - who for literally 2 years has been trying - it was close to an Olympic Gold.

The simple things - the joys of life - don't let them pass by in search of happiness. God has a purpose for you life - TODAY! Don't miss it looking for something "out there" when it might be in the kid next to you - or the friend who laughs at your jokes - or the smile from a stranger.
Look for God - and you will find Him! Have a great day!

Life Minus Love, Equals Empty!

2005-10-26T01:15:00.000-07:00

I called home today as I traveled - and was talking to my wife when I heard my youngest daughter come stomping through the front door! She was coming home from school - and the poor kid had to walk home in the cold rain from the bus stop (we are so unkind). The funny thing was listening to this little one jab at my wife with comments like, "What kind of mother are you... leaving me to walk home in the rain..." and lots of comments about other parents picking up there kids. It was so cute listening to the humor in her voice and realizing the friendship our kids have with us. And yet we are very much their parents - they know the hardline that both Mom and Dad draw concerning school work, their disciplines, chores, and attitudes - but yet they still feel free to laugh - and let us be part of their humorous worlds.

I'm aware a day may come when that is not the case - but I'm sure thankful for the moments we have - like wet kids with a smile! It's all about life - the life we live as a family is based deeply on our faith in God - and our respect for one another. We do our best to care - and love each other as Christ has loved us. I know what a bad Dad I can be some days - when life has taken more out of me than I should allow - and then I bark at my girls who are still learning how to live. A Dad minus love is simply a drill sergeant... and not only do my girls then feel uncared for - but I feel empty and hollow.

God created us to love and to be loved by Him - and to love others! When you subtract love from your day to day actions and schedule - what do you become? Let's remember that life minus love is empty - and so to fill our lives with meaning, purpose, joy, hope, and significance - we have to add love! Love covers up all the dumb stuff that creeps out of our lives - So love hard and stumble less. The key to becoming all God wants for us is found in Love and that's how we become all we want to be!

God Bless,

Tim O.

The Cost of Freedom

2005-10-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

I'm returning home today from being out of town for 4 days - I'm ready to get home to my bed, my own schedule, and my family! I miss my girls and have had some sweet conversations with them over the phone - but it has only been 4 days. I am sitting down at the airport - considering all I have to get back to - and all I have been challenged with on my trip. As I am sitting here another plane is loading and I see a family, 2 young boys, a mom and a dad. The kids reminded me of my 2 girls the way they clung to the parents - holding hands and such... With one difference. The dad was wearing army fatigues and was obviously being deployed - leaving his family. The tenderness of the one child - who in the 5 minutes I watched hugged his dad - 10 times - brought me to tears.

I recognize the cost this war on terror has had on our military - all the lives being displaced - men and women leaving their homes and going to serve. But when you watch the impact of that deployment on the children of the soldiers - WOW - what a sacrifice and cost. As I watched from a distance - tears ran down my face as I watched these folks (who got to the back of the line for boarding) hugged, and hugged, and kissed. I thought of the love of these kids - and the pain of letting one they love so much go - knowing the possibilities of never seeing them again.

It caused me to consider all that God did when he gave up His only Son - knowing what he was going into - and what the future held. The cost for our salvation (who He loved so dearly) was the life of His Son. I think of the moment when Jesus left the throne and headed to earth. The tears - maybe - the thought of separation - and the reality of the Cross.

Let us never get complacent on the cost of war - or the cost of salvation. There is an incredible cost - and it affects lives! After you read this give your kids a hug - kiss your spouse - and be thankful for all the freedom you experience daily. And then take a moment and thank God for what He gave when He sacrificed His only Son for us - Freedom always has a price!

God Bless,

Tim

By Grace Alone!

2005-10-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

We live in a time where you get what you deserve! Both good and bad! And I'm all for people living with the consequences of their actions - and I'm always excited when good things come into peoples lives (win the lottery, have a baby, etc...). But when we take this you earned it mentality into our spiritual lives - we start to walk on shaky ground. The Bible is so clear that we have nothing to boast - that all we have we have because God acted - He alone took the initiative to come to us and love us - just where we were - whether living self-righteously like the older brother - or like the prodigal son - God still comes out to us.

Grace - God's Grace is all we need - and it's his desire for us! So offer it to others - and live it out today!

God Bless,

Tim O.

Purpose in Purging

2005-10-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

Many of you have started along with me the 40 Days of Purpose - using Rick Warren's book The Purpose Driven Life. Today as I read day 3 I was challenged by the incredible opportunity to purge from my life all the things that do not support my purpose. Now that can be really scary - like a child giving up a favorite pillow (one of 100) - they don't really need it - but the thought of not having it is too much. I am challenging you - as I was challenged to find your purpose! And when you have done that - to begin with critical eyes to look and see what in your life - does not encourage or direct you towards your purpose - and eliminate it!

I am praying for God to bring more folks into my life who can stand with me - to take on some of the tasks that I carry - but more out of necessity than gifting... And to run with me - using their calling and gifts to help us reach more kids and adults for the Kingdom.

May God Bless you as you find your purpose!

God Bless,

Tim O.

Our Behavior Comes From Our Belief

2005-10-04T00:56:00.000-07:00

Everyday we make choices about what we will value. The proof is never in the words we say - but rather the things we do. Our values and beliefs are the catalyst that generate our behaviors. So the question is what are you and I allowing to form our values and beliefs. Are we listening to what the world is telling us about success? How many cars and homes do you need to have? If we listen to good moral people - it's love your kids and spouse - and do the best you can! But how do you handle personal failure? If you get into the right "fundamentalist" church you might be told real success is found in consecutive Sundays in attendance, or the number of days in a row that you've read the Bible... But what does God have to say about that?

If you want to know how to live - stop looking around at all the rest of us that are fumbling daily (cause I've only known of one Perfect man!). As a people we keep looking to "role models" - people who demonstrate true living - the right values, beliefs, and behaviors... and we keep getting disappointed. Maybe we should look at the only one with integrity who said - "When you see me - you see my Heavenly Father". You see if we are looking for a way to live - a model - God has already given us one... but maybe we don't like that answer. That doesn't take away the credibility of the answer!

The Bible is very clear that our living - if we want it to meet His approval - is not about doing stuff, owning stuff, being a model Mom or Dad, or reading 5,000 verses a month. It's about laying our lives before His Son - setting our life on the alter before our King - and swearing our allegiance to His way - His will - and His values. So yeah, be a great parent - or a great kid! Seek to be successful - and give back to your community and the world - and read that Bible - but stop trying to win God's approval - it's already been won - by His Son.

Now we have to embrace it - make it who we are - that will change our values, attitude and ultimately our behavior. If you are involved in some bad stuff - whatever it might be - pride, self focus, sexual sin, anger... let it go! Ask the one in control of all power and who can calm the sea to calm your life - and to give you the staying power to make things right - to His Glory!

Live like God intended - and you'll never miss a thing! God will meet all our needs beyond our greatest imagination!

God Bless,

Tim O.

God Is Still God

2005-09-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

Often in the midst of life - we lose our focus - we lose perspective! I have been spinning so many plates these last couple weeks - and as of this week a couple come to a close. And now "regular life" comes back - right? What is regular life - it's life surrendered to Christ - experiencing him daily in the good and the bad - the slow and the fast! I need to work at some focus in the middle of the storm - I really find myself yelling out, "Lord, don't you care that I am drowning" - and then... after 3 deep breaths and a chance to get focus - I hear him whisper - be still.

In the midst of hurricanes, gas prices, the war on terror, and a general unrest among people - we have to be the ones calling people to be still - to wait on the hand of God and be patient.

Look for chances this week to be still - and find recognize that "God is still God"

God Bless,

Tim O.

Finding Life in Your Life!

2005-09-21T22:31:00.005-07:00

Have you ever noticed that in the hurry of life - sometimes we are missing the purpose? Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in our jobs, family, kids activities, our activities, small groups, church, and so much more... that we forget to enjoy any of it. I have really been thinking about that lately. I have this great new home - a nice TV room, deck, and living area - I have a great chair I love - and a couple adventure books I have yet to open... and I'm wondering "when will I get to enjoy these things?"

I'm not wasting time - but am I choosing the best use of my time. Maybe something will have to go "undone". Maybe I'll have to hand off something I really enjoy - to others who can do them (not exactly as I would do it...) and then I can use that time for life!

I know I am the only person in the world who feels stretched thin... but what are you going to do to fix it? If we change nothing - nothing will change! Time will not expand one day and offer me more hours. I am going to have to choose where I am spending them - and I'll have to use a criteria that reflects my goals and purpose for my life. I would encourage all of us - myself included - to take some time - put out our goals for the next 5 years (what we want life to look like) and then do the same for 6 months. If you don't have a target you will definitely miss it. I feel sometimes like the guy with the gatling gun - I'm shooting lots of bullets but none are hitting the target (because I don't know what the target is...).

Christ said that He has come to give us life - and life to the fullest... He doesn't mean quantity - He means quality! Let's use His words as our guide to laying out our path.

God Bless,

Tim O.

Trust Begins When You Let Go!

2005-09-17T01:10:00.000-07:00

Over and over we hear people talk about trusting God with areas of their life. The talk of faith that we must all "let go and let God"... Ever try it? Seriously, in day to day life - how much do you truly trust to God (alone)? If I'm honest - very little! I'm like the little kid who knows nothing about cars - standing in the garage with a team of experts from Ford - trying to determine and fix the problem with a car. Why do I feel like I need to be involved?

When Gwyn was giving birth to our first daughter Kelly and the doctors had to do an emergency operation - I was nervous - and wanted desperately to get in the operating room. Why? There was nothing I could do - and as I realized that - as I stood in the hall by myself... a huge peace came over me - she's in my Fathers hands.

This week as I have felt some of that tension that comes from losing control of situations - I have found myself - in calm moments realizing that at that moment - my input (work or words) would be of little help - I have found myself lying in the arms of Christ.

Really trusting God begins with REALLY letting GO! Are there some areas you need to consider letting God run with - while you step back and let Him go? Think about it. Part of God's plan needs your involvement - but some of it needs you to sit back and allow the expert to fix the problem. God wants to come to the rescue - to be our hero! Are you going to let HIM?

A Better Place To Be

2005-09-16T01:01:00.000-07:00

Harry Chapin is one of my all time favorite musicians - he died in the early 80's but he was known as the great storyteller! He wrote about everything -mostly things he had experienced - at least in some way. He applied for a taxi drivers licenses - and then wrote a song about being a driver and picking up his old girlfriend. He sang about life - and his music has lived on with guys like me that enjoy it (kind of folkish... Gwyn gets mad when we take long trips because I always insist on listening to him)

In the introduction of one of his songs he speaks of Watertown, NY - a place I have been dozens of times - and he uses a line, "I spent a week there one afternoon". I don't know why I've always liked that - but today I felt like I experienced a week full of stress this afternoon. Lots of things happening - and yet my reaction (much to my own surprise) has been to not get upset - but to trust Christ! Sometime it rains - but what is getting upset or frustrated going to do to help you solve the problem? Sometimes you'll be disappointed - but don't run from it - learn from it. I've got to keep telling myself that God has me where I am - in this time - and place - for a purpose. And nobody, no circumstance, or statement should steal from me the joy of being in God's place!

I hope no matter what you go through today - that you feel like you are in God's place! There is no better place to be! I'm praying for all of you I invited to check out this blog - and if you are one that was not invited - you are welcome and I'll be praying for you as well. May God use my struggles to help you to find peace and balance in your life - as He is using it in my life.

God Bless,

Tim O.

Your Life: Viruses and Foxes Are Out There!

2005-09-14T22:31:00.000-07:00

In the last couple weeks I have been helping some friends with computer problems. In both cases the complaints were that the computers were running slower and not doing what they wanted. They were getting all kinds of error messages and had irritating pop-ups coming as they tried to perform normal day to day functions. It was in the midst of removing 5,600 bad files and such on the one system (only 3200 on the other) that I thought about life - and how stuff fills my "life/hardrive" and maybe not immediately - but over time starts to cause my life not run the way it was intended.

I begin getting error messages like, "kids are out of control", "marriage overload", and "life out of resources". I start experiencing "pop-ups" - interruptions that pull my attention from what I'm trying to do with my life - distractions that take me down roads that look "enticing" - only to bring on more problems that prevent me from living as God intended.

It's the little stuff that fills our lives - the little files - they intrude sometime in small pockets - we don't even notice. It's yes to this, or no to that, and all of a sudden these little decisions we've made are adding up to major problems. I think of the passage in the Song of Solomon chapter 2 that talks about the "little foxes" that crawl into our lives and cause us problems. As people of faith we setup safeguards to keep us from the "large" predators - but the small ones make their way under and through our fences - and become big problems in our lives.

From a virus to a fox - our lives are under attack. If you want to follow Christ's call in your life you need to be aware of both, and have your "anti-virus" protection fully implemented. In our faith this means daily time with Christ - prayer, the Word, and fellowship with other believers. With a daily uplink with our Father - we will keep our hearts and minds focused on what God has called us to do; to bring glory to Him by obeying His commandments - love God & love one another!

My thought for today - bring God glory! Love God through your relationship with His Son - and love your friends, family, and our world with the love that only God can provide!

God Bless,

Tim O.

2005-09-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching Coach Carter - an interesting movie that really demonstrates the impact a person who cares enough can have on a group of people and even an entire community. The story is based on a real life coach (Coach Carter, Richmond CA) who left the "right side" of the tracks - and in his Mercedes drove to the tough urban school that he had graduated from. He left behind all the "high brow" living he had earned - and reached out to a very tough group of undisciplined kids. He made an impact because he kept coming back - and he held them to standards that required them to stretch and not stay comfortably where they were.

Starting this Wednesday I am going to be training volunteers from Juniata College, in Huntingdon, PA to be Young Life leaders. I couldn't help but wonder if each of them served in a role - like a coach Carter - caring for teenagers - expecting from them better than they even expected from themselves - what a difference it could make. In Young Life we are called to not only be positive role models - but to share the message of a God who left His throne - entering our broken and troubled worlds with a purpose to change our lives today and for eternity.

Leaving our worlds - be it a coach from the right side of town - going to the wrong side; or a volunteer leader leaving the college campus to reach out to teenagers - God has demonstrated that He wants us to leave our safety zones and GO! From the very beginning of Jesus commission of the disciples he told them, "Go therefore..." What's keeping you from going to the people, places, and situations that He has called you to!

There is a world waiting to be reached - act on that quiet voice that is leading you to love that neighbor, co-worker, stranger, family member, or friend. God is calling you to action - So GO!

God Bless,

Tim O.

Jesus is Like a Vacuum

2005-09-11T22:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, that might be a little odd as a title - but those are the words of my youngest daughter when searching in a magazine for pictures that represent Jesus in our churches learning center time. When asked by her teacher, "Why is Jesus like a vacuum?" She responded, "Because He sucks away all the Sin in our lives!" Oh, from the mouths of babes. I am so proud of her - and the wisdom she already possesses. At the age of ten, I bet she has heard 300 sermons - 100 Young Life Club talks - and a whole lot of Bible studies, leaderships, and Campaigners.

The great truth she spoke is not a truth we have pounded into her - but it is one she has quietly learned by words, messages, and God's Spirit in her. God has allowed her in on that secret - and taught it to her the way He often teaches us... it takes time... sometimes years of faithfully stumbling forward - to learn truths that will forever direct us.

May the words of a little girl reach your heart today - that you will allow Jesus to "suck all the sin away" in your life. His death on the cross was not for some of our sin - but all of it - to make us right with our Father - and to allow us to have healthy, caring, loving relationships with our brothers and sisters in the faith.

Look to the Scriptures today - and ask God to show you a simple truth - I'd love to know what He's teaching you! Share this Blog with your friends - and lets get the world thinking about the simple truths of faith in Christ. Thanks Amy Jo!

God Bless,

Tim O.

2005-09-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

The calm after the storm... How do you respond to God's Grace after a hectic or hard time in your life. I've been listening to some in the wake of the Katrina tragedy who are feeling the presence of God like never before - and yet the cost was the loss of everything. I have heard others who are bitter and asking where is God. All of us heard people questioning "why did God allow this to happen?" on September 12, 2001 - and yet for many it was what brought them back to the church, and to faith. I was just catching the last part of a movie on TV with my daughter when the one character - just awaking from a coma, said - "It took a coma for me to realize how empty my life was..."

This past couple weeks I have been building up for our Young Life Golf Tourney - and now it's over. The best thing is that I feel like I can breathe - a little - but I have noticed; that rather than resting in the "calm" - I am preparing and gearing up for the next "storm" or time of crazy work.

I don't know if you are preparing for a storm - or just came through one - but just like Jello - in either case there is definitely room for Jesus. He specializes in storm calming - maybe you read how he calmed the storm with a sentence. The issue was people asked for his involvement - I would offer to you today the thought of "Are you asking Christ to be involved in your life?".

He's more than able! If the storm is over - take some time and thank Him for how you have come through it - even if it was with nothing - the people who survived Katrina are glad to be alive - are you?

God Bless friends - have a great day!

Tim O.

Not Done Yet

2005-09-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

Gwyn and I were talking last night - I was telling her all my concerns about things with our house that are not "finished" yet; the phones not right (but better than yesterday), the Internet Connection (started working late last night) and all the other little things - like my office in the dining room waiting for the office to be finished... and then it hit me!

Gwyn is thankful for all that has happened so smoothly - I only focus on the rough spots. She's not pleased either - but in the quiet moments at night - when we reflect on all that God has done for us - I think her attitude rises to the top. It caused me to start thinking about how I'm glad God my Father isn't judging me on where I am today. I'm not complete - and won't be till I stand before Him face to face - but that's not an excuse to show up in shambles either.

I'm not done and your not done! I don't want God judging me on how bad I really am - and I don't think you want me judging you on where you are in the process either (and I don't want you judging me). We're not done yet! God is being patient - maybe I should be a little bit as well. Gwyn wasn't oblivious to the problems - but she was choosing not to focus on them. My biggest problems in life come when I focus on people's "unfinished business" - and allow that to affect my attitude toward them and the things they do.

I've got to start offering the amount of grace that Christ has offered me - that "while we were yet sinning" He died for us. Being critical is not necessarily the same as being wise - keeping your criticisms to yourself might be the wisest move any of us could make. That person isn't finished yet - and remember neither are you!

Now how does this kind of thinking affect my call to be Christ like? Not at all - that's still the call - but I don't need every guest in my house telling me what is wrong - because some people don't know what they are talking about. The same with our lives - allow the Scriptures and some select people into your life - whose opinions and challenges you trust and respect... And then act on them.

God is challenging me to change my focus from other peoples issues to mine! I can't change anyone else's actions (if they don't buy in) - but I certainly can change mine. Let's this weekend work on changing what we can - and learning to be patient with the things we can't.

God Bless,

Tim O.

The Blessings of My Daughters

2005-09-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

Two of the greatest joys in my life would have to be my girls. They make me laugh - they make me proud - they make me mad - they drive me crazy - and they break my heart when I see them struggle. I've been so fortunate that most of the time for me is the mixture of pride and laughter. Currently they are so very involved in their worlds - and as a Dad I get a little sad... I'm by no means sitting around bored - but I'm noticing them not being around as much - last our was nearly 4 hours of dance - that meant eating dinner at 4:30 p.m. - and staying up late finishing homework. When we finally had the chance to say prayers - they were exhausted and just wanted to hug. They aren't doing bad things - they are just crazy busy.

The analogy in my life - I get so busy doing good things (and dumb things) that I miss chance to just hang with my Father - to spend time (in a figurative sense) of laying in his arms - and trusting Him with my fears, battles, and exhaustions. That's my challenge today - get sometime with my girls - and spend sometime with My God and Father. That I would be made more like Him - and would in turn love my wife, kids, family, friends, and all the people places in my life - like He would.

Thanks for all the positive feedback on this Blog - I am just trying to keep everyone up to date on life in Central PA!

God Bless,

Tim O.

Taking a Bite Out of Crime!

2005-09-07T13:52:00.000-07:00

Today was my court hearing for the dogs that attacked me back in June. I met with the owner, his attorney, the neighbor who called the dogs off of me, and the dog warden. We came to a settlement of how the dogs should be handled that was satisfactory to myself and the neighbor - and that keeps the dogs with the owner - but in a secured area. So all is good - and I watched God protect my heart - and the relationship I have with that family. Today after school I saw the young girl whoms family owns the dogs - she was completely oblivious to the court hearing - and was asking me about what nights she was going to get to host Young Life this Fall.

What an answer to prayer! My greatest fear was that this would hurt my relationship with them . I needed to do the hard thing - to tell the truth; even if it meant taking the dogs away from their owners - I prayed that God would protect the relationship I have with this family - and keep us friends. Well that happened!

I learned again that if we do what is right - it might not always be pain free (this certainly has not been) but it will produce the right fruit. I am now more than ever clear that standing for the truth - no matter the cost - is where God is honored. Tough love is sometimes telling the truth - even when it is hard to hear. Paul, through out the New Testament tells us that we are sinners - and in need of God's cure - hard words - and yet truth that if accepted as a starting point - and a solution is sought - can lead to peace and balance in your life.

Tough love - not easy - but Truth is the best foundation to build a life and future upon.

God Bless,

Tim O.

It's Here!

2005-09-06T20:20:00.001-07:00

Well, Labor Day is over - and the Fall is in full swing! A great football game kicked off the season last weekend with Altoona and Hollidaysburg in the annual backyard bowl. With so many friends that cheer both sides - it's never fun to see who wins those games. I'm just thankful that in my role in YL I have the chance to spend most my time invest in relationships and not watching the game. I only look away from conversations when I hear the crowd scream. It's incredible some of the athletic talent we have in this area. We have some big games this week with Altoona and Hollidaysburg playing each other in soccer (girls I think). It's amazing the energy and commitment it takes to reach the level that some of these young athletes have already reached.

I am challenged by all the pre-season effort that has gone into getting ready for the 10-20 games they'll play this fall - and how I take so lightly the preparation for me to be able to "play the game of life" and love my friends, family, and strangers for the sake of the King who I claim I serve with all my heart. We get so caught up in the truly useless things (in view of eternity) that consume our lives - and we place on the back burner the commands of the King. Boy, am I guilty - are you? Do you ever take the time to evaluate where you put your time and energy - and what God will say when you get before Him?

I'm certainly not saying that all we do - and sports; work; hobbies; and such are bad - I just wonder how they stack up - and how short that stack may look before a King who is looking for different trophy's, achievements, and awards! It all comes down to our purpose - what is yours?
Let our community know how you balance all the demands of family, activities, church, and such - and still love your Lord - and serve Christ - grow in Him - and reach the world for Him. It's possible - but it's going to take a clarification of our goals and purpose!

God Bless,

Tim O.

Leave behind the junk!

2005-08-24T22:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm about to pack up my old keyboard and computer for a couple of days - hopefully I'll be up and running by this Sunday. We are moving on Friday - and it's been a great process in helping me to let go of the stuff in my life. It's also helped me to question "why do I have all this stuff?" Do you ever take the time to look at all the stuff we accumulate? I am by no means a packrat - and yet I have stuff that I just need to let go of - stuff that is really holding me in the past - not encouraging me to look forward. In the midst of this "purging" I have realized how much of my heart is holding on to past pains - hurts - disappointments - betrayal - guilt - and anger. Now I can rationalize why I need 15 power strips (those electric things you can plug a million things into... I could open a store!) - but I cannot rationalize why it is healthy to not move on from my past emotionally. My anger at the past does not make me a better person - it makes me a tentative - hardened person today.

How about you? What are you holding on to emotionally, physically, socially, or spiritually that is unhealthy? It won't make your life better keeping it around - get rid of it! "As far as the east is from the west..." (Psalm 103) - Paul says to throw off all sin that dogs your feet - all the stuff (adherence to the law for salvation) - that keeps you from running like an Olympic runner. Maybe you are thinking, "I'll never experience life like that... " Well you definitely won't if you don't strip off - and get rid of the stuff holding you back!

For me to go forward - with any kind of speed or purpose - to experience joy and success - I have to let go of a ton of the items I'm holding onto...2 Corinthians 5:17..."The old has gone the new has come". We need to move beyond our scared current states. Kathy Mattea, a country singer who I like and whose song I played on Sunday - also wrote a song and the jest of it was this, "You have to dance, like nobody's watching, sing like no one can hear, love like you'll never get hurt..." That's the part for me - forgiving and allowing people fresh starts! That's the key to forgiveness - holding nothing against the person - seeing them as a new creation in Christ (even if God is still working on bringing them to him).

I have some folks in my life that are challenging my patience - I'm sure you do too - but remember the grace offered you by Christ - and do your best to deal with the past - leave it at your old address - and start new today - this very day - start new in Christ!

God Bless,

Tim O.

Moving and God's Inspection!

2005-08-16T23:23:00.000-07:00

I hate the thought of packing up boxes and moving - and yet at the same time - the process of purging the items we don't need - and focusing on what we do is very exciting. The old is gone - the new has come! On August 26th I'll be entering my 7th home in 18 years of marriage. So based on those numbers you realize I have inspected some homes and signed some mortgages in the past. This is the fourth home we've owned (the rest were apartments) - and this is the first time I have ever hired a home inspector! I am so very glad - he was incredible! He checked every nook and cranny - and gave me a 35 page report telling me all I would ever want to know about this house.

It was in the midst of his searching that I considered that God knows my life even better than this guy now knows my future home. I started to feel a little uncomfortable with someone knowing me that well - my SINS would not stay hidden from His glance - and my character (who I really am) would be front and center. It is in this that I find such peace in knowing that Christ died for my sins - that God sees the blood of His Son. But I was challenged the other night in my reading of Henry Blackaby; his challenge was to live like one responding to One who gave it all! I realize that usually I am responding like a selfish kid - giving back to God scraps of goodness and acts of kindness - a peace offerings - but not a heart felt response to His incredible gift in Christ.

Are you living like one that has been saved from the Lions Den? Like one who was pulled out of the deep water? Or are you living like a brat - and giving only mouth service?

I'm wrestling with my attitude - I want to be more like Jesus? How about you?

Have a great week!

God Bless,

Tim O.

Change is Around the Corner

2005-08-07T23:29:00.000-07:00

August is a unique month in what it holds for the next 9 months of our lives. It's still part of the summer and includes all the things we love: vacations, picnics, days at the pool or lake. But it also holds with it the anticipation of change coming as school begins at the end of the month. For many students and parents it marks the transition from high school to college or full-time employment. A lot of parents will see an empty room - clean possibly for the first time in months or years - and one missing face around the dinner table. For parents the house can become either very quiet or can build to a fever pitch of excitement and activity as younger students get involved in so many options.

Change can be so hard for all of us - and yet it is also very exciting. Going off to college, or starting a new job, or position - just puts everything to a new level. For every student their will be new teachers, expectations and relationships - and all the good and bad associated. Sports teams will practice hard in August - and people will begin to prepare for what happens when the "green light" is lit - and the Fall begins.

This is a time to prepare - to set goals and expectations. To prepare your hearts, minds, and energy levels for the demands of starting up the school year. In the summer we can get lazy - but the Fall turns everything back on to full power! If the summer has offered you the excuse of "kicking back" and relaxing - the Fall is calling you to get involved, make commitments and grow! I would challenge you that change is good - and it's coming your way. Don't make the mistake of waiting for options to present themselves. Pray to God and ask Him to show you what to do - to make clear to you your Purpose, Priorities, and Passions - and then get moving!

Procrastination is just an intellectual word for LAZY - let's seize the day and make the most of all the gifts, talents, and passions that God has placed on our hearts. Let's strive to be used (in the good sense) this year! Let's volunteer to help at the school, the church, and in our community. Let's build relationships and be people who make differences instead of excuses!

Get excited - don't dread it - the Fall is coming - August is the month of preparation - start today! Find a friend or spouse to hold you accountable to your goals - pray about them - consistently keep moving - and before you know it - you'll need more goals!

Have a great week and God Bless,

Tim O.

Found: Holiness in the Overwhelming

2005-07-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hope you doing well? The summer is an interesting time - things slow down (at least that's what I'm always told) and yet at the same time things seem to be crazier (this I experience). Then of course we gear up for the fall - which can be crazy - but at the same time you can hit your stride - and things seem to be more manageable. All this to say - I don't know when I should feel overwhelmed... now or should I wait for the fall!

Life can be so funny! I am challenged by the Scriptures that "everything has a season"... and also that in the midst of all I am doing and the plates that are spinning - that God cares more about me than anything I do. My kids care more about me being around (even if all we do is lay on the family room floor and play with the dog) - than they do in any of the things I can "do for them". Last night we had the kitchen sink leaking water from all the places it shouldn't be - had the grill not working - and had to purchase a new oven - but you know what was the biggest stress of the day - helping my daughter grow up and deal with disappointment and heartbreak.

I think God probably feels the same way (without the stress) - all the details of my life are important - but what He really cares about is that I would become the man He desires for me to be. That I would honor Him, and live for Him - and not myself. I pray that God is using situations (whatever they maybe) to pull you towards a clearer understanding of the "right" relationship we need to all have with our Father.

To be holy is not to be self-righteous - but rather to be "God Right". To know Him, and separate ourselves not from the "bad" but instead separate ourselves to HIM. To invest time in knowing Him, following His ways - and becoming like Him in how we treat others and treat ourselves.

We live in a world that would rather us worry about performance than who we are - and yet we serve a God who cares about "who we are" at the core - and how that effects our performance. Faith without works is dead - but works without faith is also dead. To please God it's all about faith - to communicate His love to a broken world - is all about works (actions).

What do you think? How do you balance or attempt to balance both sides to this journey we call the Christian Walk. How is God showing you how to grow and love Him and others more? Share it with us - especially any great verses that speak out to you!

God Bless,

Tim O.

I Trust You Dad!

2005-07-24T23:41:00.000-07:00

At the root of all fear seems to lie a lack of trust. I was cleaning my garage today and had my eldest daughter standing high up on the shelf - handing down items to me. She was a little nervous because of the height - and I encouraged her that I was holding her and she was fine. To which she replied, "I trust you Dad, but I'm still afraid...". She helped me to realize how often I say to God - "Dad, I trust you - but..." She really didn't totally trust me because the situation was beyond her control - and she was uncertain whether or not I could totally protect her.

Even though I hate to admit it - the truth is I feel the same way when it comes to so many areas of my life - the proof is in my action - or should I say my in-action. I will trust Christ in the areas totally out of my control (the big ones!) but on the ones that I can wrap my arms around - well, those I still tend to trust my instinct first. So many great opportunities come into my life - and like my daughter I am afraid to proceed - I say I trust the Father - but I'm still paralyzed by my fear.

What are the top 5 things you would like to do this year? You may not have even written them down, or shared them with anyone else - for fear of them reminding you of your plans and dreams - when either you fail or never start. But I would challenge you pray and ask God to make it clear to you a plan or dream you want to achieve - write it down; and then put down one action that you could do to begin the progress of achieving it - possibly the first step (and maybe the most difficult) will be writing it down and beginning.

And then everyday take a small step towards experiencing that one goal! Don't be afraid - trust that if God has placed this on your heart (and you are seeking His will for your life) that he wants you to have success - and He will be there to catch you if or when you slip.

Don't be afraid - 1 John tells us that "God's perfect love drives out fear" - so let's live in His perfect love - loving Him, and all those around us - and lets live life the way he intended! Like a boat out at sea - not slowly rotting in the harbor and "wishing" we were sailing!

Have a great week and God Bless,

Tim O.

What's Holding You Back?

2005-07-21T03:30:00.000-07:00

I've been really challenged by this phrase; "What's holding you back?". It could be the challenging question for every area of our lives. Think about it - What's holding you back from being ...

... a great parent?
... a loving brother or sister?
... a better student?
... a better employee?
... a better spouse?
... a more loving son or daughter?
... a thinner, stronger, faster, or more healthy you?
... a more compassionate and caring friend?

Or a little differently - What's holding you back from...

... loving Christ more everyday?
... from serving the poor?
... loving the unlovable?
... getting involved in your church?
... sharing your faith with another?
... beginning a personal relationship with Christ?

Are you happy where you are? Then what's holding you back? In the coming weeks we are going to be looking at some of the things we are possibly not doing; and even more importantly the things that are keeping us from becoming what we could be.

God made us in His image - let's not stop growing till we see Him face to face!

God Bless,

Tim O.

Ordinary Attempts

2005-07-17T23:57:00.000-07:00

One of the links on this blog is for Off The Map and I want to strongly encourage you to use the following link http://www.off-the-map.org/oa/ to look at some of the ideas they have in sharing our faith - in a relational manner that everyone can do. I meet very few people who do not struggle with sharing their faith effectivly. Don't get me wrong - I know people share their faith - but how effective are we. In your attempts to let others know about your faith - how many people have labled you, avoided you, or dismissed you. The opposite (and hopefully more frequently), how many people have asked for you to help them discover faith in Christ - because of how you have treated them or the message you have shared.

The Off-The-Map team and there idea of Ordinary Attempts is very exciting - because it shows us how much we can really do in our day to day life. The values of Ordinary Attempts are great...

Think Small... don't change the world just change something.

Say "WOW"... make a big deal out of small stuff.

Do what's doable... it's all you're going to do anyway.

Count what counts... many of the things you can count, don't count. Many of the things you can't count really count. - Albert Einstein

Be yourself... it will intrigue people.

Exploit the ordinary... If ordinary people can't do it, ordinarily it won't get done.

I keep thinking if we want to change the community we live in - we have to change the way we have been living... All we have done up to this point has gotten us to here. As a church if we aren't all doing something - why do we expect something to happen. Why would we expect to see more people come to follow Christ if we are not talking to them?

Read the ideas from this site if you have a minute - and let me know what ordinary moments you have - where you were praying and acting on God's lead to love and care for others.

Have a great day!

God Bless,

Tim O.

The New Emmanuel Community Church Logo

2005-07-12T23:45:00.000-07:00

New ECC Logo

This past May, Emmanuel Community Church turned 5 years old - and every time I am asked about the church it is "the church at the Casino". We started ECC at the Casino for a lot of reasons - but one was the reputation of the Casino in Central PA as the place where special things happen. Proms, graduations, weddings, parties of all sorts, and memories are all connected to the Casino at Lakemont. So we chose to bring people back to a place of great memories - to begin new ones as a family in the faith. Sure we have had some bumps along the way; but to be a place where our mission is clearly to "impact the community with God's accepting and transforming love" and to do that without all the "negative trappings" of the church - is a powerful opportunity.

Our newly formed hospitality team suggested some promotional pieces that people could give out to friends, and signs that would help people find us - we realized that we did not have a logo or image that was recognized. So with all the change we are experiencing - we are excited to implement a new logo that we believe with artistic flare communicates the message of ECC (the cross) and the contemporary fashion and vision we have for reaching others. We hope that the boldness of the colors - and the "church at the Casino" tag with help others to consider joining us on Sunday mornings.

Our hope that this change along with others will energize our church community - and will help us with excitement to bring our friends and neighbors to ECC.

Does Faith Make a Difference?

2005-07-11T17:24:00.000-07:00

Every Sunday morning, countless volunteer hours in the community, small group meetings, and special meetings - all part of experiencing the modern faith community today! The question that can arise in the midst of all this use of energy is the nagging question - "Is it worth it?" The answer begins with determining our point of reference. If my energies and involvement come from trying to make myself right with God (as a guilt offering for my life) then I will always feel like I am behind - because I never stop being guilty. If my response is a payoff for what God has done for me in the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ - then it becomes again a burden of "If Jesus did that for you, can't you at least do this for Him".

The best response I believe is me seeing clearly my need. When I was recently injured a few weeks ago, in my stunned condition, I realized one thing - I need HELP! It was then I went to the Hospital, and obeyed whatever the doctors told me. I knew I was unable to make the situation better - I needed an outsider to heal and restore me to health. The same acknowledgement is the beginning of our faith walk. Recognizing the problem is the beginning - but I also needed to go where the problem could be dealt with - I know a lot of Optometrists; but they could not have dealt with my injuries - the right physician makes all the difference.

Jesus Christ is God's appointed physician. He came to this earth with the sole purpose of making us right with God - and giving us a model for a life that encapsulates peace, patience, and purpose. Faith that makes a difference begins with belief in the right person - and His work to make us right with God.

Our faith is not to be based on earning God's approval, or paying him back for all He's given us; but rather our faith is love in action - responding to His love. Sometimes loving people can be taxing - and a strain on our energy; but loving our Heavenly Father is a natural response to all we have to be thankful for in our lives. Our faith when lived out in response to Christ's love, drives us to do all we can to offer back our time, energies, hopes, and prayers!

This week as you go through all the details of life in 2005; take a moment and consider your faith - do you have real faith (that makes a difference) or are you going through "religious" motions - that are leaving you tired and unsatisfied. It's not the things you are doing; but rather the "WHY" you are doing those things.

What do you think - Is your faith making a difference? How is it impacting your family, your work place, and your inner life?

God Bless,

Tim O.

Who Are You Trying To Please?

2005-07-05T01:23:00.000-07:00

Starting a blog is very interesting - as you consider what one idea - what one thought would best describe the place you would like to communicate with others. I realized with some introspection that I wanted this page to be a place where friends, family, brothers, sisters, and guests could come together and discuss everything from politics, faith, ministry, family, church, and friendship. I wanted to put it all in a tight package that would help us all to remember the focus - and then it hit me. In all I do - for all the reasons - the one that should be at the top is to please my Heavenly Father - that yes as a husband and father I have a responsibility to my wife and daughters, and as a Young Life staff person I have a duty to the staff I serve - and my role at church requires me to care for a lot of peoples concerns - but in reality... I am Accountable to One!

Thus the title of this blog - and a reminder for all of us who get side tracked by the noise of opinion - and confusion. When you can narrow down the pleasing of people - to only One - then life becomes much more focused and simplified.

Let's use this page as a place to consider and discuss the issues of life; always remembering that we have been called to "follow Him" - let us not lose sight of Him or the places He will take us!

God Bless,

Tim O.