Bingley

Bingley and Emily had their first show this weekend and they did great! Bingley was entered in the Old English Sheepdog male puppy class on both Saturday and Sunday. After about four hours of intermittent grooming (yes, it was that much) he competed in the ring. On Saturday he won first in his class and went on to get reserve winner for the dogs. On Sunday he got frieked out by a few things in the ring but still placed second in his class! We're very proud of our boy!! I'm so glad Emily has a hobby she really enjoys. Here they are a bit blurry:



I'm looking forward to Christmas but we really miss the white stuff. My entire family will be in MT for Christmas except for us so I'm missing family, too.

Snow!

Emily and I - mostly myself - are really missing home (that's Kalispell, Montana) right about now. Today was a snow day! They had 12 inches of the white stuff and with the temperature hovering right above 0 degrees Faranheit!

It would be about this time that we would be busted up from sledding our guts out all day! I have become all to aware that Floridians bring out the winter jackets at about 65 degrees...

On a different note Devon, Emily's brother visited us from West Point! It was awesome having him here all week with Em and I. We played some Pinochle and alot of Munchkin!

Lastly, we made myriad lefses (or lefse). It's a family tradition from Norway on Emily and my side. Devon helped us out on Thanksgiving day morning and we got 40 of them made. If you don't know what Lefse is go to this website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lefse
It gives a modest defintion. And just so you know the best way to eat lefse is to spread it with Kaukauna cheese! Mmmm.

http://www.kaukaunacheese.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gobble, Gobble!

Dork...and Dork

Emily and I make quite the dorky couple. I came up with the pretzel thing...but she is the one who has half of a dog body!

Finally....

Well Emily and I had a wonderful weekend! Jeff and Rikki (from college) came to visit us! We had lots of fun with them, going to beaches, St. Augustine, and just hanging out. Here are some pictures of them last few days:

Busy, busy, busy

I can't believe it's been so long since last I wrote anything. I have been REALLY busy. The week of the 21st was our Fall Fest - we had about 800-900 people on our campus at church! It was awesome, but involved some intense sound moving pyrotechnics...

Then on Monday, when I was hoping to rest a bit, one my adult leaders had a stroke. He is the father of the family that has basically adopted us in FL. He's an amazing guy. He will be OK....alot of rehab and alot of hospital time. Needless to say Kim and I were very busy this past week with he and his family. Thankfully, God has been good to us!

Thanks for taking the time to read my stuff...

Seminary

Just to let the world know, I didn't get into the Distance Learning program that I wanted for Seminary. Oh well. I act all non-chalant, and people offer the socially acceptable responses, but frankly it kinda sucks. On the one hand I am wondering what I have done wrong in my life that I should deserve not to do something that I believe God wants me to do. On the other hand I hear God telling me to just be quiet, sit back, and enjoy life so that I can see what's sitting down the road around the next corner. Doesn't make it any easier though....

You have 3 minutes and 5 questions...

1. What is "name" of the heaviest element ever made?
2. Braveheart Mel or Robinhood: Men in tights Mel?
3. Who's more to blaim: Google or Microsoft?
4. Do we nuke the North Koreans?
5. Reese's Pieces or Reeses' Piecees?
   

Sunny Days

I reject sunny days. Not that I hate them on their own. It's just that I hate them in the never-ending pattern of Floridian non-seasonality. I just realized that it is mid-October and only now are we seeing any relief from the Sun's endless reserves of heat - like on constantly living with your head looking in to check on something in the oven.

I really want to write a book but realize that I am not a writer. Perhaps I should just tell the story and have someone else write it. Oh Andrew??????

If people thought less about themselves and actually looked up to see the wake left over from their actions the world would be a better place and my job would be easier.

I love my wife. There is no end to the deluge of junk that she puts up with. Thanks.

Friends. Real and true friends. They are the most blessed thing on this planet. They are family.

If you don't have one, go adopt a pet. Animals are the coolest.


That's all for today.

Booking It

So I am reading for the second or third time a series by Christopher Paolini (A Montana native by the way). The first book is called "Eragon" and the second is called "Eldest." For those of you who don't know I am a huge lover of fantasy! I read Tolkien 15 times before it was cool. Anyway, I have had this notion about perhaps writing a fantasy novel for some time. I think I may be crazy - especially when I know there are Andrews and Ethans that are much more suited to the whole English language writing thing, but I think I will continue flirting with my ideas and characters and what not. I really don't know what I am doing considering that I haven't had an english class since Schelhaas my freshman year of college. The cool thing is, it doesn't even matter if no one reads it. I just want to create it as a parable to the "Life about fun!" lie that perpetuates our daily existence.

I thought you would like to know.


On a lighter note here are the pics of Bingley from yesterday. He's getting huge!


Isn't my wife beautiful?


I hope your day is filled with a moment of God's free gift of grace! How cool is that!?

Yay....back from Austin and other stuff

Well - I am back from Austin, TX and had a great time. I was the at the National Youth Workers Convention. I also got to spend some time with my Dad and my stepmom Margaret! All I can say is that it was good - but I don't want to look at barbecue or mexican food for another month!

TJ Link, one of my fellow Dordt Grads was there. It was cool seeing someone else from Dordt again!

I learned lots of stuff and lots of stuff I learned again! It's amazing how little I remember my classes from College....uh...whoops.....

Anyway, I am off to go plan and prep for Youth Group tonight.


In closing - take a minute to remember grace and actually rest in that thought. Nothing we do earns anything from God and he doesn't care if we screw up or if we are unsuccessful at our jobs, he just loves us! Cool!

Austin, TX

Just a quick note to let you all know that I will be out of town for a week starting Tuesday! I am going to the National Youth Worker's Convention in Austin TX (where my dad lives).

It should be a fun time!

Thanks everyone!

Our Little Friend!

Here is our newest pet who has decided to move into into our little pond/fountian/stream thing that I made. Here he (or she) is shown hanging out on our new fern!











From what I can tell I have identified it as a Florida Banded Water Snake! It isn't dangerous or poisonous so we just let him roam! If you know your snakes and find out it is poisonous just let me know!

Casting Crowns - Voice of Truth

"Voice of Truth"

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat and then
on to the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand

But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy, you never win!"
"You never win!"

Chorus:
But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes
to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone

Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name
And he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

Chorus:
But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
On top of them lookin' down
I soar with the wings of EAGLES
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me

Chorus:
But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe-

I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the Voice of truth
I will listen and believe
Cause Jesus you are the voice of truth
And I will listen to you, you are-

Bingley and Snowing

So here is our boys first trip to the beach. As you can see he was much more insterested in the goingson than in the camera!













On a completely seperate note I had the best dream ever as the alarm went off this morning. I was back home in the house I grew up in with my youth group. I was just telling them what I saw as the perfect day - a cold winter day with soft light filtering through the smoky cloud-covered sky, with big, fluffy snow flakes starting to fall on the already snow-filled ground - when it started to happen. The snow fell and the sky was the perfect mixture of light and dark.

It was an awesome thing to wake up to! I miss that cold fluffy stuff!

It's been so long since I blogged that I feel a little guilty. I have been extremely busy!

I just sent (about 15 minutes ago) my application for Western Seminary's Distance Learning Program. Yay! Finally done! I am at peace with the whole process and now it's in God's hands and the hands of a bunch of old guys. nothing I can do but wait.

Everything has been going pretty well. Emily and I wish we got more time together. Ministry cuts out the family time - but we both love our jobs!

Bingley is huge! If blogger will ever let me upload pics I will put some up!

other than that life is good.

g'day mates!

So here is Binley and Emily's Parents. they spent the weekend with us. It was awesome...lots of Pinochle and another card game called hand and foot. Fun, fun!














Here's Another just for fun!

Happy Birthday Emily Again!!!!

And no, he is not stuffed!

Seminary and Emily

Happy birthdayEmily!!!!!!!!!!!!

My wife's birthday is today and she is once again the older woman!

I must say, very quickly that she is the greatest woman in the world. Nuff said.

On another note I am currently in the process of applying to Western Seminary in Holland, MI for their distance learning program. It's 5 years, part-time, and at the end of it I get my M-Div. Cool. I really feel at ease with this decision, mostly because I know that that is where I have been headed since before birth. But 24 years of running away from calling is finally at rest and I can get on with my life!!!!!!!! Just know that I am very happy with my decision! It makes me smile. Even the Greek and Hebrew part!

On a lighter note, when the in-laws were here, I got "Cheers mate"d for the first time by some English guy because I held the door open for he and his girl. It was a very moving experience as well!

Cheers mates!

Uhg

Not much to say right now. I've been sick at home for 3 days and just keep feeling worse! Oh joy!

Emily's folks are getting here tomorrow, which is awesome.

Ernesto is passing over us as well starting pretty much right now. Hopefully it won't be too bad!

Later

Hollowness and Victory

I've had this post in mind for a long time, but haven't really had time to post it.

Our church has had some awesome news lately. Last Wed. my youth group had 27 kids....the most ever. It was awesome. We had a water night and played with water balloons and did some squirt gunning. Then in church that Sunday before we had 247 people! If we make our goal of 300 by Christmas the church will have doubled since Em and I came down here! How cool is that! Or is it?

Sometimes the numbers game just seems so hollow. I know it's cool, but unless we really are changing the youth and adults that are coming, do the numbers really matter? The victory just seems hollow.

And then yesterday I had another 27 youth come! It was our regular youth night and even though the numbers were there, if there had been one other person in that room, I think it was a true victory. I felt a power in the Spirit that I had never attained before. I imagine it was like going from the minors to the big leagues and finally reaching that level of, "Oh, I can play at this level!" It was an exciting night for me! My hope is - even though I was "feeling it" - that the Spirit was moving in the hearts of the youth. It was very encouraging!

As per my wife's request here are some more pictures of our Bingley from today!

I hope you enjoy them!

Friends and such

I am just blown away by all the people from college that are still out there kickin' it in the world. Cheers to Jack and Jas, Ethan and Laurel (garage bands rule - now you know), Ethan (fight the good and Godly fight), Josh (God will show you where to go), Pas (good to hear from you), Andrew (I love your whytt), Marcus (tell me how Western is), MikE (mmm...banannas), Myronius, Wes, Dane, Jon, Beth, Adam, and all the other people out there that take the time to let us know what's happening in their lives. Just know how much I appreciate each and every post! Being in Florida tends to make Em and I feel like we're in a wasteland...thanks for making it feel not quite so lonley!

2 Insights

Well, I always seem to start off my posts with "well" so I thought I would do it again. I have been going through one of those God-molding, pain in the butt, "break you down and build you back up again" experiences over the last few weeks. Some of you know what I'm talking about, some don't - but the point is that I have made a realization. I am no longer going to be afraid. I fear everything. I'm really quite the coward. I fear getting out of bed and telling my neighbors to turn the music down. I fear small talk and strangers. I fear correcting people that aren't living the Christ-following life. I fear my mother-in-law! (just kidding Mom)

God has shown me the uselessness of living a life of fear. I need to suck it up and charge down that battle line toward the enemy! In the immortal words of the then sober Mel Gibson, "FREEEEDOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!" (Insert flying sword scene here)

Life is too short, and people are too valuable to live in fear. Just a walk across the room could result in the greatest gift ever given - I don't want to be stuck in my chair because of a little fear!

Well - I guess that might have only been one insight but between Jack and I we'll call it 2!

Well - Great 24 hours on thou!

Jimmy

"Quite sitting one your butts, listening to what I say - Go DO something."
James 1:22 (Ian On-the-fly Translation or the "I Ought")

The past 2 days I have been priveledge to be able to attend the conference on Leadership put on by Willow Creek. Bottom line - it's good stuff. I'm not gonna sit here preaching to you what they said. Instead I am telling you, (no nice "urging" or "asking") insisting that you get off your butt and do something to live your Christian walk.

All you have to do is click on this link. Nuff Said.

www.one.org

If this doesn't pull at your heart strings, you aren't human. Do something. It doesn't have to be this - but DO something.

Addictiion and Shotgun...

So I am getting a little addicted to this whole blogging thing. It's a great way to keep in touch with so many and now even the g-rents are figuring this whole thing out!

The thing I wanted to post today is for your enjoyment. It's a bit of an inside thing so hopefully you can appreciate it with a little background info. In high school I went out to lunch every day with the same group of 4-5 guys. Every day we vied for shotgun and everyday I somehow managed to steal it away from my Best-man, Matt. What follows is an accurate account of:

The Shotgun Chronicles of FHS
Presented by: Virgil

Day 1: Approaching Car

Ian yells, "Shotgun"
Ian gets shotgun.

Day 2: Stepping Outside

Matt yells, "Shotgun"
Ian says, "You have to be in sight of car!"
Argument ensues
Ian gets shotgun

Day 3: Stepping Outside
Ian yells, "Shotgun"
Matt says, "You have to be in sight of car!"
Argument ensues.
Ian gets shotgun.

Day 4: Still Inside on Way to Car
Mat yells, "Shotgun"
Ian says, "You have to be outside!"
Argument ensues.
Ian gets shotgun.

Day 5: Still Inside on Way to Car
Ian yells, "Shotgun"
Matt says, "You have to be outside!"
Argument ensues.
Ian gets shotgun.

Day 6: 2nd Period Theatre as Lit.
Matt yells, "Shotty"
Ian says, "You have to be on the way to the car!"
Argument ensues.
Ian gets shotty.

Day 7: 2nd Period Theatre as Lit.
Ian yells, "Shotgun"
Matt says, "You have to be on the way to the car!"
Argument ensues.
Ian gets shotty.

Day 8: Stepping Ouside on Way to Car.
Matt yells, "Shotgun"
Ian says, "You have to be the first to touch the car!"
Ian runs to car and yells, "Shotgun"
Argument ensues.
Ian gets shotgun.

Day 9: Stepping Outside on Way to Car
Matt runs to car and yells, "Shotgun"
Ian yells, "Shotty" before Matt reaches car.
Matt says, "You have to be the first to touch the car!"
Argument ensues.
Ian gets shotgun.

Day 10: On Way to Car
Ian yells, "Shotgun!"
Matt says, Does it really !*$%ing matter?"
Argument ensures
Ian gets shotty.

Day 11:On Way Out the Door.
Dinosaurs and aliens begin chasing them to the car.
Matt (as they are running to car for their lives) yells, Shotgun!"
Ian smirks. Trips Matt.
Dinosaurs eat Matt and stop chasing them to car.
Ian smirks, but feels bad
A little.
Not much.
Maybe not that bad.
Ian gets shotgun.

Shotgun

!

This has been a Virgil Studios Production

I just wanted to give everyone a taste of what Em and I are missing right about now. This is our favorite spot up in Glacier National Park, near our home town of Kalispell, Montana. This is Avalanche lake as stiched together by my brother Paul. Beautfiul huh?

This One is for Ethan and Laurel

This is our kitty, Taylor just after we got him. Click over to Ethan and Laurel's blog to see theirs. They could be twins!









http://ethanandlaurel.blogspot.com/

Bingley and Sleeping and Leading and Politics

Here's our boy Bingley and what he thinks is another Old English Sheepdog puppy (our cat Glacier).

Just wanted you to get another look at him.

Thanks for the collar and leash Gramdma and Grandpa!







I was looking today and saw the last time I posted was Saturday. It just doesn't feel like enough happens some days to interest anyone. Em and I have been so busy with Bingley we haven't had much time for new and exciting stuff. We are playing pinochle lately (which the in-laws will be proud of - no one table talks like your daughter!).

This coming week is thick with stuff. Wednesday we have a parent /youth meeting at church that should be "busy" and Thursday-Saturday our staff is going to the Willow Creek leadership confernce. That'll be fun! Leading is so difficult out in the "real" world. College affords such a different spin on things. Out here leading isn't near as easy and I find the most difficult thing is that in some cases you have to cause tension to relieve a situation. Weird.

Tuesday mornings me and several men from church do a prayer breakfast. A retired pastor comes and this morning was ribbing me for not knowing what voting district I am in! Crap. Since when did I become that uninformed. I pride myself on knowing the issues, the candidates, and their failings! I need to get on the ball. Florida is such a different animal than Montana or Iowa. Everyone make sure you know your stuff come October.

That's all for now!

Here's our new boy! Isn't he cute? Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. (Quit Ian, you're making me sick)

Bingley:

Bingley, our new Old English Sheepdog has arrived! We went down to pick him up yesterday and after a whiny, but uneventful drive back he's settled right into the house! Even the 2 cats tollerate him! He is the cutest little guy that ever was and is getting more and more comfortable here. He enjoys sleeping, eating, going to the bathroom, and on occasion chasing after my head and hair. Emily is so pleased with him that today was in her words the best day of her life! I'm just glad I could make her childhood dream come true.

Thanks to all for praying for Emily and I. THe situation has abated somewhat in the past few days and everything seems semi-back to normal.

I should have some pictures of Bingley up soon!

B-day is fast approaching...

To most of you that makes no sense, but to my wife it makes tons of sense! B is for Bingley in this case, our new Old English Sheepdog puppy and on Friday we get to pick him up! We're super excited! Especially Emily; this is her childhood dream, to own and OES, so you can imagine that sleep comes to her rarely the last few days. We have sent out for shipments of supplies, picked up the crate, and have made numerous additions to our toy supply in the last few weeks to prepare for his arrival and I think we are almost ready. We'll just have to see if Bingley and Glacier and Taylor (our 2 cats) get along! Here's hoping!

Other than that, worship practice was awesome this week. I was feeling good about the actual set of music from the day we planned it, but during practice God took control and was definately in our midst. It's been awesome to see the group go from performance based to worship based in the last 16 months. God is so cool!

Please pray for Emily and I in the weeks to come. Can't share much, but we would appreciate it alot.

Grace and Peace

Just pray for me right now. A big meeting is going on tonight. I hope and pray that God is there and that the truth can be spoken in love. Wish I could share more.

Well - so much for the mission trip. It was awesome but apparently I caught pinkeye somewhere along the way. I've been at home 4 days straight and have another 2 at least to look forward to.

At least I don't think it's the uber-pinkeye that Emily had.

Pray for my health and for Em too.

Being sick is not fun...trying to recover!

If you haven't yet rent or buy "Pride and Prejudice" - but not the new one, the mini-series by AandE. It's the best movie i've ever seen. Just thought you should know.

I love my wife.

Lots of random thoughts.

Blame jack.

This is just a quick update to say that I'm still kickin!

My youth and I were out of town in Macon, GA for almost a week on a mission trip.

It was awesome! I'll write about it later today hopefully. But first I have to go return the rental car and such.

I'm a little sick and worn out from the trip so prayers would be most appreciated.

God is awesome. He's the God.

Later

Can't believe it's been so long since i last posted.

July 4 for em and I was a pretty home-sick-like day.

missing the explosions and such...

hope steven and matt didn't kill themselves.

oh well if they did...hehe...

Emily made some peanut butter cookies...reminded me of the old Sioux Center basement apartment...hehe....

only 6 months till christmas...Walmart should be putting out holiday stuff soon!

Later

Nothing much happening. I am sick and church this morning was a stretch as far as my voice. I have youth tonight, but will be able to function more in an advisory role so that's good! Emily got to spend a wonderful weekend together - going to see our puppy (2 weeks old) being the highlite of the weekend. It was just the first time in a long time Em and I have had 2 days together. It was nice.

The past few days have been awesome! I've been catching up with lots of old college friends...

It's really cool because sometimes it feels like we are on a desert island stuck away from our friends and family. It's nice to hear from Seth, Jack, Ethan and the like! It reminded me how much I relied on my friends for so many years and it feels like I finally have climbed back up out of the pit I dropped down into! I'm sorry if I put anyone off - I am not the best at keeping in touch as you may know........

Thanks to those peeps out there who keep on trucking with me...

So last month we went on a retreat and did a ropes course. Here the Pastor's daughter (the one covered by the ladder) is giving me encouragement, "Don't die Ian."

You may not konw if but I am not he biggest fan of heights...for example:

Last year we went to a theme park (the youth group) and of course the first thing they want me to do is go on the DEATH COASTER or whatever you want to call it. So, I decided by the end of the day that unless I never want to live it down I better go on a roller coaster. I found one that didn't go upside down, so I figured I would give it a shot! We walk up into line and I see 4th graders riding this thing and I am pretty sure that they're yawning...good for them! So, I get on this coaster next to one of my Sr. Highers and they lock us in. By this time I am about ready to pass out for fear. As we pull out of the station I look at Justin and say, "I just want you to know, I'm going to have to hold your hand!" And I did....and I made it through the whole thing! And then some incompotent employee decides that because of the lack of a line we would (without asking me) go again! More hand-holding...more embarrasement!

I hate heights...but I did it! I...I...there are no excuses...doh!

Over the past dozen days I admit that I have been suckered in with 200 million other TV viewers....

I LOVE the World Cup! I admit it. I check websites hourly...read everything...watch almost every game. Soccer is such an awesome sport and it's the great equalizer. I was talking about it with my brother Paul and we noticed how Basketball, baseball, hockey, football - all of these popular US sports are almost impossible for the world to play. In soccer all you need is a ball (made of anything and everything...) and some rocks, sticks, shirts or shoes for goals...

The most powerful and the most populous nations on earth don't really match countries like Brazil or Argentina. It's cool. And if you haven't yet go check out this US website and watch some Studio 90, or check the webblog.

http://www.ussoccer.com/teams/mens/fwc/index.jsp.html

l8r

I was reading in Mark and found this verse (8:38):

"If a person is ashamed of me and my message...I will be ashamed of that person when I return."


The truth in that statement struck me. How often do I (yes, even a youth Pastor) fear letting people know I am a Christian. It is easy to let it fly in the Church - nice and comfy; but I find that when I am faced with the world I will let that little voice of the evil one sneek into my decision making process.

And for what! I need to be fearless - like McBride going up for that header (read my other post!).

Anyway...a little update on my journey...

l8r

Well here I am to start out on this adventure that is blogging. I was reading alot of Dordtite's blogs and thought it was a good way to keep in touch.

For those of you who don't know what's been up since leaving Dordt here's a little update...

Emily and I are in Florida. We miss the cool/cold air and wish we had some snow, but it's pretty cool being next to the ocean. I am working as a youth pastor and she just accepted a position starting in August teaching music at a christian grade school about 40 minutes away. We bought a townhouse in December and love having a place of our own. It's nice not to do the apartment living thing.

We miss having friends and family around. We were just talking about how cool it was to have a brother and sister-in-law so close in Sioux Center (who just had a baby). We really miss the college feel of things - mostly the people.

So there she is - a lil' update on the life...

More to come later...

Well, I just wanted to post to see if this is working. Cool, huh?