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I haven’t posted a blog entry in awhile. The office ladies are wondering if I should delete it if I’m not writing anything. What do you think? Should I write or delete it? Leave a comment to let me know (and if there are no comments, well that’ll help me answer the question too).

So I got a flat tire. And Mike fixed it for me. And then I got another flat tire the very next day. Apparently you’re supposed to take the nail out of the tire before you change the tube. Oops. Sorry Mike. This whole flat tire thing is putting a damper on my Lenten journey.

So on the way to work (in my car), I was sitting at the stop light just outside my apartment complex. A guy rode by on his bike. A few red lights later, the guy on the bike was passing me again. There are six stop lights in less than two miles from my place to work, and four out of the six are usually red when I get to them. Red lights annoy me. Sometimes I think taking the bike is quicker, as I was now witnessing.

I’m not sure I would have noticed the guy on the bike if it hadn’t been for my flat tire experience. I have to admit, some days I dislike the inconvenience of riding the bike to work (or dealing with the flat tire), but without those frustrations I wouldn’t have maybe noticed another human being riding a bike, and I wouldn’t have appreciated my car so much (didn’t I say red lights while driving my car bothered me too?).

I guess I’m learning to notice the little things. To appreciate life. Isn’t that what God wants from me? To love what he has created? Maybe that’s the point of Lent.

Well, it’s almost over.

I’ve been riding the bike to work. And I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from doing so. “What’s up with riding a bike to work? [Read my last post for the explanation] Oh, I like it!” “I’m proud of you.” “That’s awesome.”

While it’s encouraging to hear these responses, I’m reminded of the message from our Ash Wednesday Service (which also addresses the definition of Lent).

Pastor Al’s Ash Wednesday Message
If you missed the message, you can listen to it by clicking here. It’s only 12 minutes and 27 seconds long. Do it. Here are a few quotes and paraphrases from it (also, read Matt 6:1-6, 16-21 for the context).

“Jesus tells us to be careful. Not about the dangers of the world, but the danger that lurks within. It’s tempting to seek the praise of others – to be good, to be right, or to be powerful. He isn’t warning us not to break the 10 commandments, he’s warning us to the temptation of doing good. Acts of charity, fasting, prayer – things we associate with the season of Lent; holy activities.”

I’m being warned about…charity, fasting, and prayer? If you read the passage in Matt 6 Jesus basically says not to do these things so others notice you doing them, thus praising you for your good work. Rather, do them in private and God will see your good works. Hmm, kinda makes blogging about what I’m doing for Lent look like a bad idea.

Don’t judge me.

The message continues, “Jesus wants to look beyond the actions, to the heart of the act.”

“Rather than to judge others, this is a time to do self-examination. Charity, fasting, prayer – a means to dive into our soul. Push aside the things that distract us. We come a little bit closer to the heart of God.”

“Not out of duty or obligation, or to prove to others our faith. Jesus comes to us with compassion because he understands just how much we want others to see us doing good. And he offers us these words so that by engaging in these actions, we’ll come to know our soul and have a window into the heart of God. We’ll see the face of God in those who are with us in this journey.”

What does this all mean?
If Lent isn’t about certain actions, but rather about the heart, then how does giving up chocolate for Lent become more about my heart than the act? Or how does riding a bike instead of driving my car encourage me to dive into my soul? How does any of that help me grow close to the heart of God? Am I doing these things just to look good to others (“Dave, it’s awesome that you’re riding a bike to work”)? Am I doing them because I’m a Lutheran and it’s what I’m supposed to do during Lent? Or is it pushing aside the distractions, allowing me to honestly examine my soul? Do I really take time to do this in my life?

Sorry, just a lot of questions here. I’m still trying to figure out the answers.

More on that, soon.

It wasn’t until I started working for the Lutheran church that I even participated in Lent. Mainly, the act of giving up something secular in order to replace it with something spiritual. Lent is the 40 day journey that begins with Ash Wednesday and ends at Easter. And every year I find myself struggling with what to give up, and why. Should I give up chocolate? Fast food? Getting angry with others? Shaving? Using deodorant? I don’t know. But whatever it is, I’m supposed to somehow feel closer with God. And often I find myself in the same place as when I started. So far, this year is no exception.

My sister-in-law and a friend were in town this past week and they suggested (maybe jokingly) that I give up my car for Lent. The conversation led to some ideas about simply riding a bike to work (it’s only 2 miles) and blogging about my experiences during the 40 days. It could be funny (like pull a radio flyer wagon full of groceries, while wearing spandex) or serious (use it to teach about the meaning of Lent).

Well, courtesy of the Tremose crew, I got a bike. And today I rode it to work, which only took me 9 minutes (sometimes it takes longer to drive). I can’t say at this point that I’m sure of what I will share through the blog, but I’ll try to give a little insight into the Lenten journey. I’ll attempt to answer the question, why am I riding a bike? Stay tuned.

Check out Don Miller’s new book. I think you’ll like it:

What story are you telling? from Rhetorik Creative on Vimeo.

Get the book here

I’m working on an info packet which includes details about upcoming events (Easter Breakfast fundraiser, Mt Cross Confirmation Camp), our Summer 2011 activities schedule (there are a lot), and a what-you-need-to-know-about-confirmation-sunday plan (how to get confirmed at Peace…ooh this will be good). I was wondering if you had any specific questions I could address to help make this packet more helpful. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated. And while I’m at it, are there any other questions about youth ministry in general that I could answer/clarify for you?

Check out Kevin’s pics from our confirmation videos, leave a comment below for which one you think he should put for his Facebook profile pic.

Peace Youth Ministry (peaceymin) is giving away UP TO ten (10) $25 Visa Gift cards. Ten (10) NEW first-time Twitter accounts from people in confirmation must be created before 11:59 pm on Thursday, December 09. If less than ten new people sign up, only five (5) $25 Visa Gift cards will be given.

To win you must:

1. Have a profile picture on your Twitter account in which your face can be seen.
2. Follow at least 20 people on your Twitter account including peaceymin.
3. Post one tweet per day from Friday, December 10 to Wednesday, December 15 where you mention someone from confirmation. To do so, type the “@” symbol directly in front of their Twitter user name. For example, to send me a tweet, type something like this: “Hey @dhub I really liked your message last night about money. Thanks for all you do!”
4. Post a comment here on the blog letting us know you read these rules, and tell us your favorite thing about confirmation.

There is a limit of 10 prizes. If more than 10 people qualify, names will be randomly selected. Winners will be announced at confirmation on Wednesday, December 15. Good luck.

Questions? Send us a message. To do so, type “@peaceymin” in the 140 character limit message from your Twitter account.

Hello! This is Kevin Anderson. I am currently in my 3rd year of working with students at Peace. I’d like to begin sharing ministry experiences with you. You may remember Dr. Steve Gerali who spoke at confirmation a few weeks ago. We learned that Steve was one of Dave’s professors in college. While I was in California for school this past fall, I got in touch with Steve (I call him Doc) and had the opportunity to start a mentoring relationship with him.

Dave and I have been talking youth ministry since we met. We have been exploring outlets for communication to help get the message across. This blog is another way to do that. I will be sharing my experiences, tools, thoughts and feelings about youth ministry with you here. Here it goes…

What Do I do When…

Dr. Steven Gerali has written a mammoth book series for the world of youth ministry. He has taken some of the boldest issues in society and shed light, perspective, and guidance for these challenging and often frightening issues. The series includes What Do I Do When…: Teenagers Struggle with Eating Disorders?, Teenagers Question Their Sexuality?, Teenagers Deal with Death?, Teenagers Encounter Bullying and Violence? Teenagers are Victims of Abuse?, Teenagers are Depressed and Contemplate Suicide?, Teenagers are Victims of Abuse? From the beginning of each of these books, Dr. Gerali does an incredible job of informing his readers about the adventure they are about to or already have started. Steve reminds us that even though we are gaining helpful skills by reading these books, we are not professional counselors or caregivers. He says, “So if you don’t get anything else out of this series, get this: The best thing you can do as an effective helper is realize you’re not a trained counselor and you must refer, refer, refer.”

Steve divides his books into 4 descriptive sections which he uses to dissect each of the different issues. Here, I will begin to dig into what Doc describes in each section.

Section 1: Understanding the issue or “presenting problem”
Section 2: Understanding how theology intersects the issue or presenting problem
Section 3: Considering what actions we can take
Section 4: Additional resources

Section 1: Understanding the issue or “presenting problem”:
Each book begins with an epistemology of the issue. He helps us understand what is really going on for each issue. He then explains how often times youth workers get faulty information, and this faulty information can change our actions, which, in return, can end up being destructive to the kid who’s already struggling with the painful issue. He says, “We cannot expect to lead a teenager to the truth of Scripture if we start with a foundation that’s built upon a lie or deception. We must be informed, seeking to understand the presenting problem as learners with a teachable spirit.”

Section 2: Understanding how theology intersects the issue or presenting problem:
Steve does a wonderful job presenting theological insight. “Each book will also cover at least one theological perspective that informs the situation. However, please note I plan to give theological insights from multiple perspectives, so you’ll know the theological voices adolescents and their families hear. Some of these voices may not resonate with your particular view, but it’s important you develop a gracious, loving and understanding heart. Keep in mind you’re dealing with desperate, hurting, and broken people who-in the midst of their pain and struggle-are seeking grace and hope, not someone with theological answers.”

Section 3: Considering what actions we can take:
Doc reminds us that not all of these issues have direct answers. “In this third section, I’ll attempt to provide you with a framework for action, including practical examples, applications, and tips. This will only be a skeletal plan you’ll need to own and tweak to fit the uniqueness of your situation.” He does an excellent job reminding us that not every screw fits into specific holes, “There is rarely one prescribed action for an issue-every situation is unique because of the people involved.” Action steps can often be frightening or intimidating. Steve reminds us that we are not called to be alone through these difficult issues. “So as you follow some of the directives or action steps in these books, remember you must prayerfully seek God in the resolution of the issue.”

Section 4: Additional Resources:
The purpose of these books is not to take up days of your life learning how to deal with these issues. They are meant to be quick, helpful resources. Steve gives us a few outside resources which are professional work. “These Internet sites, books, and organizations can assist you in mobilizing help for teenagers and their families.”

These issues are not easy to deal with. The bottom line, no one is perfect. We all go through seasons of hardship and struggle. I’ll repeat this, you are not called to handle these issues alone. The youth ministry staff’s prayer is that you would take advantage of these incredible resources. We pray that you would be open and engage in the difficult conversations. We want to walk with you through the difficult parts of life. We do not have all the answers, but we are here to help any way possible. So let the conversation begin as we venture and see what God has in store for us!

The conversation will continue next week as I outline “What do I do When Teenagers Encounter Bullying and Violence?”