Mark's Journey

Raise Your Hand if you Feel Like You Mess Up as a Parent

If you are a parent, do you ever feel like you don't do it very well?  As a parent, I have enjoyed the series this month at The Journey called Family Tree.  I have learned some things and been reminded of other things.  But here is the truth about how I feel about parenting.  Are you ready?...

Most times I feel like I need to be a better parent.  Most times, I feel like I am not consistent enough, I need to spend more time, I need to lead better, I need to engage more.  Now, I do feel like I have done some good things as a parent.  It's not like I feel like a complete failure.  But even so, I consistently feel like I could do better.

But there are some things I have learned along the way which helps.  (1) My kids need to know that I am not perfect.  When I mess up I have to admit it and ask for forgiveness.  This can actually teach them about love, grace, and forgiveness.  (2) I am trusting God to make up for where I fall short.  I want to teach my kids about God and encourage their own relationship with him.  That way, hopefully they will trust God even though I mess up.  They can get guidance from God when I am not perfect and I do the wrong thing.

I don't think God expects us to be perfect parents.  And because of that, he asks us to rely on him when we fall short.

Friday Mind Dump!

• I have had some great, challenging, fun, interesting, hard, mind-expanding conversations with Paul and Matt this week about new stuff, old stuff, developing leaders, growing ourselves, investing in people, and taking next steps.
• I have lots to learn and lots of ways I need to grow up and grow out (this doesn't mean fatter!).  It means to grow in my faith and leadership.
• I have talked to some amazing Journeyers lately who are taking big steps.
• I am wondering if the Bears are turning a corner toward being a better team.  Probably not, but I am hopeful.
• I agree with Matt's blog...Lions lose again this week.
• I have had several car repair expenses lately.  I'm getting tired of those.
• I need to do a little yard work tomorrow.  Anyone else?
• The parenting series we are in is good. Guess what?  We have to parent...and parent well every day.

Have a great weekend!

 

 

 

 

Don't go it alone

One of the things that I have learned over the years as I am in a relationship with Jesus and try to follow him is that I can't do it alone.  I am a person that can get distracted from what's important.  I can easily lose my focus.  Temptation can be a struggle.  I can become more selfish.  But when I am around other people who can encourage me and are trying to follow Jesus like I am, my relationship with Him is stronger.  The Gatherings at The Journey help with that and being in that environment.

But the Journey Networks and Journey Groups are also designed to encourage us and help us in our relationship with God.  We can get encouraged and reminded of what is important and to take our next step.  That is why my wife and I and kids are all in a Network and Journey Group (Journey Teens for my kids).  In fact, we believe that if someone ONLY goes to a Gathering on a Sunday, and never takes further steps beyond that, it will generally be more difficult for that person to stay in a connecting relationship with God for a long time.  We need others.  We can't do it alone.  We are not made to figure it out alone.

So, are you trying to go it alone?  How's that going?  Check out our Networks and Groups to get connected with others to keep taking those steps.

Love what I'm seeing!

There are some great things happening with Journeyers that I want to share with you.  This is a celebration blog!

-We are launching several Journey Groups this fall.  We have some new people that are jumping in.  The group my wife and I are in starts this week!

-Three of the four Networks have made a great impact in their community so far in October.  Over 75 Journeyers have participated so far.  Another Network has their projects next week.

-RIGHT NOW...there is a Journey family in Ethiopia that is picking up the two boys they are adopting.  They have been in the adoption process for many months and now they finally get their kids.  They get back home late next week.

-We are taking steps of faith as a church.  As we look to the future, the next site, Networks, we are doing some things that require us to depend on God.  This can some times be difficult, but very good.  We must celebrate God's faithfulness to us and that we can depend on Him.

Water in Kenya!

Have you had a drink of water today from a drinking fountain or a bottle?  Have you washed your hands in a sink with running water?  Did you take a shower?  I have done all of them today.  And if you have too, think about this...  This available water would be a luxery at the House of Hope Orphanage in Kenya. This is where our 2 Kenya teams have visited and served.  

    

Right now they have to buy water in tanks, which is expensive, or collect rain water into tanks.

But we need you to pray right now.  Someone has donated money for them to drill a well for water right on their property!  I just found out that so far they have drilled to 131 meters.  And they may have drill to 180-200 to reach water.  So please pray.  The job can be challenging, things can go wrong.  But pray that they will hit water soon.

Steve Jobs...and you

Steve Jobs has left his mark in our world.  Upon his death stories are unfolding about the kind of man he was and how his company and innovations has influenced our world.  Even if you are not an Apple Product user, you are still influenced by the technology every where you go.  He was a visionary.  His legacy will be forever seen and known.  The technology he brought to the world will have ripple effects throught out history.

But what about you?  What mark are you leaving in our world?  Upon your death, what kind of stories will be told about what you brought to this world?  I am not talking about what great inventions you will come up with.  I am talking about your legacy.   Will it ripple through history?

The life we live now is the beginning of a legacy that carries throughout history.  How are you influencing your kids?  That will also influence your grand kids, and great grand kids, and so on.

Jesus changed the course of history.  And if we follow Jesus, we will change the course of history with those that come after us.  What stories of your family tree will be told because you decided to follow Jesus, or because you didn't?   What themes of your family tree will exist that can be pointed back to you?

First Local Network Projects

"Yep.  This is what we had hoped for."  These were my thoughts on Saturday as we kicked off some local projects in our Networks.  The Tri-Cities and Fruitport Networks kicked of the month by making a huge impact in their communities.  We had about 55 people involved in the two projects.  The Norton Shores and North Networks kick off later this month.

Tri-Cities worked with Love Inc. at a new homeless shelter in Grand Haven.  It will be used as temporary housing to help people get back on their feet.  It may be for someone who is in a dangerous situation and needs a place to go.  It could also be for someone who is evicted or in poverty.  They will be offering housing along with programs to help people.  The Network did some prep work on the facility.

Fruitport Network helped out a family with yard and house work.  They have 2 small children and the dad has had major back problems for months and has been unable to do anything around their home.  We did yard clean up, painting, repairs, building, cleaning, etc.  The family was so grateful.

It was awesome to go into our community and make a real difference.  I can't wait to continue to see what God will be doing in the days, months, and years to come!

First Local Network Projects

"Yep.  This is what we had hoped for."  These were my thoughts on Saturday as we kicked off some local projects in our Networks.  The Tri-Cities and Fruitport Networks kicked of the month by making a huge impact in their communities.  We had about 55 people involved in the two projects.  The Norton Shores and North Networks kick off later this month.

Tri-Cities worked with Love Inc. at a new homeless shelter in Grand Haven.  It will be used as temporary housing to help people get back on their feet.  It may be for someone who is in a dangerous situation and needs a place to go.  It could also be for someone who is evicted or in poverty.  They will be offering housing along with programs to help people.  The Network did some prep work on the facility.

Fruitport Network helped out a family with yard and house work.  They have 2 small children and the dad has had major back problems for months and has been unable to do anything around their home.  We did yard clean up, painting, repairs, building, cleaning, etc.  The family was so grateful.

It was awesome to go into our community and make a real difference.  I can't wait to continue to see what God will be doing in the days, months, and years to come!