Favorite Books of 2009

I originally thought this was going to be sooo easy because I bought A LOT of books in 2009. I just realized that buying books and reading them are two very different things! So…this list is gonna be a little smaller than I thought:

1. Crazy Love by Francis Chan

I loved this book! It challenged me to look at my life and want to do more/give more/love more. Not out of obligation but out of love. This book challenges you to be more like Christ, to take God at His word and to live out what Christ calls us to live.

2. The Shack by William p. Young

I had heard some criticism of this book so it took me a few months to finally read it. WOW…am I glad that I did!  I realize that there is some criticism about the theology in this book but let’s remember it IS fiction. For myself the question is, did God get bigger in my life? Did he capture more of my heart because of this book? In my life He did. I wept, I prayed, it broke me. I have actually bought 3 extra copies as gifts because I really believe this book draws people closer to God. Unlike most books I read this book would be a great read for non Christians as well as Christians.

3. Simple Church by Thom Rainer & Eric Geiger

This book urges us to simplify down to our ultimate objective…developing followers of Jesus Christ. All our plans and processes need to fall in line and work towards that objective. Everything else must go. We have many good ideas, but ultimately our focus needs to be on following Christ and leading others to do the same. Adding more programs, events, plans, etc. will not necessarily help. Most of the time more is actually less. More stuff activity can detract from the process. Be willing to say “no” to stuff that doesn’t develop followers of Christ. Be willing to eliminate stuff you are already doing if it isn’t part of the simple process of making disciples.

4. To Own A Dragon by Donald Miller & John Macmurray

I’ve read other books by Donald Miller and I love how he writes. I wasn’t disappointed by this one. I love his authenticity. This book is basically about his own personal journey to fill the void left by the lack of a father. I laughed. I cried. I could relate to a lot of his stories. I think this is a great read whether you lacked a father growing up or not.

5. The Unchurched Next Door by Thom Rainer

I bought this book because I thought it might increase my ability to share my faith. I also wanted to know what unchurched people where thinking. I was shocked (in a good way) about some of the things he found out in his research. Here are a few:

- Most of the unchurched are concerned for their families. Their moral values are not radically different from ours.

- Most of the unchurched are not anti-church or anti-Christian. Yes, some have been burned by bad experiences with churches and with Christians, but as a rule they tend to be forgiving. And they do not typically judge all Christians by one bad experience.

6. Going Rogue by Sarah Palin

OK I admit it…I haven’t actually read this one yet. My friend Leigh Anne LOVED this book! (maybe I should have let her write this) This book had to go on list because I love Sarah Palin and because Leigh Anne loaned me this book a month ago! So this book is #3 on my to read list.

I’m currently reading Revolution by Dino Rizzo (lovin it!!!) and Youth Ministry 3.0 by Mark Oestreicher.

One little life-changing question….

What would love do?

A few weeks ago one of our pastors shared a story about a church who started asking themselves “what would love do?” before making decisions or reacting to things. I couldn’t stop thinking about this one little question. It reminded me of years ago when the WWJD bracelets/bumper stickers where everywhere. But the one big difference was, it was easy to get around the WWJD because I am not Jesus. (I know we should be Christ-like, but let’s face it NONE of us are perfect)

I started asking myself “what would love do?” and I was kinda shocked at how often “love” would respond much differently than I would. I was catching on that this would be more than just a cute little saying that I could add on to my next youth sermon. This could change everything!

I couldn’t wait to share this with the youth. I wanted to give them something to remind them so I made 100 WWLD bracelets (just like the WWJD bracelets except I replaced the J with a red heart). I handed them out and shared how I was going to wear mine and ask myself WWLD before I react or respond. By the time I went to bed that night, I had received several text messages about how the bracelets were working. I also noticed that a lot of teens were adding [wwld?] at the end of their facebook/myspace statuses. I was excited! This was catching on! But here is actually the most exciting part of this story:

Shortly after getting the bracelets we heard about Haiti. A group of teens decided that we HAD to do something to help so they decided to start selling WWLD bracelets for $2. They sold over 100 bracelets the first day! Our goal is to sell 1,000 bracelets ($1,500 for Haiti!). I’ve also heard many stories of how they are about to share their faith with teachers, friends and family using these bracelets! They didn’t stop there…they have also designed Love Revolution tshirts and are planning a Love Revolution Benefit Concert. We already have several bands lined up who are willing to donate their time. It’s pretty amazing how much we can change things if we all do SOMETHING.

I keep hearing in my spirit “this is the heart of God”. I really think God is doing something BIG. Not just at Heartland but everywhere. When we start loving the way God loves, our churches won’t be big enough to hold all the people. The heart of God sees the people all around us (our neighbors, co-wokers, single moms, fatherless kids, drug addicts, hurting teens) and He is asking US to do whatever it takes, no matter the cost.

Yes! I think it’s time for a Love Revolution!!!

Goth night at Rock Youth

This was one of my favorite nights! We had a lot of new “Goth” teens come to youth for the first time & 4 teens accepted Christ! I love our youth group! I love our leaders. I love our teens. I love that no one is judged by the clothes they wear and that everyone is welcome. Teens, if you’re looking for a place where you “fit in” check us out every Wednesday 6-9pm at 705 E Jefferson St.

On a lighter note…check out my new trip pants. True story…I actually tripped (fell down) in my trip pants! lol

Single Moms…

I love single moms. I was raised by a single mom and I was a single mom myself for 5 years. I understand the loneliness, the feeling of inadequacy and the guilt. I believe being a single mom is the toughest job on the planet.

So today I want to encourage single moms.

God specifically addresses you in His Word. In Isaiah 54:5-6, he says “For your maker is your husband…the Lord will call you back as if you were a wife deserted and distressed in spirit.” To your children He call himself  “a father to the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5) God promises to be all that you and your kids will ever need. It is comforting to know that it isn’t all up to us. So remember you are NEVER alone and your children will always have a Father who loves them even more than we do.

HUGS to all of  you single moms!!!

Live fully alive!!!

Check out my favorite song on Skillet’s new cd…

“Awake And Alive”

[V1]
I’m at war with the world and they
Try to pull me into the dark
I struggle to find my faith
As I’m slippin’ from your arms

It’s getting harder to stay awake
And my strength is fading fast
You breathe into me at last

[Chorus]
I’m awake I’m alive
Now I know what I believe inside
Now it’s my time
I’ll do what I want ’cause this is my life
here, right now
I’ll stand my ground and never back down
I know what I believe inside
I’m awake and I’m alive

[V2]
I’m at war with the world cause I
Ain’t never gonna sell my soul
I’ve already made up my mind
No matter what I can’t be bought or sold

When my faith is getting weak
And I feel like giving in
You breathe into me again

[Bridge]
Waking up waking up
In the dark
I can feel you in my sleep
In your arms I feel you breathe into me
Forever hold this heart that I will give to you
Forever I will live for you

The problem is not that we are in the world. The problem is that the world is too often in us. We have become way too familiar and way too comfortable with what popular culture is trying to sell us. It’s time to WAKE UP! It’s time to stand up for what we believe and stop buying what the world is selling!

Chris Miller

Pool Party!!!

Hey Rock Youth!

Check it out…we are going to have another POOL PARTY!!!

When & Where:

August 30 2pm-9pm

Miss Chris’ house

What to expect:

Music!

Swimming!

Hangin’ with friends!

Great food! (ok…it’s grilled hotdogs)

What to bring:

Towel

Bag of chips or a 2 liter of pop

Let me know if you need a ride or directions. I am soooo excited to see you guys!!!

Miss Chris

Shreddin The Gnar

Huh??? I know that’s exactly what I thought the first time I heard “shreddin the gnar”. I found out it’s actually a surfer term that means “We’re going to charge it. We’re going to do whatever it takes. We’re going to go BIG. No holding back. We’re going all out!!!”

So what does this mean to ROCK youth?

It means we are going to “shred the gnar” spiritually. We are going BIG, going all out, and doing whatever it takes to engage in spiritual conversations and effectively communicate the mission and message of Jesus!!!

Why???

Because:

- we are talking about life and death

- we believe hell is a real place

- we realize the battle is real

- what matters to God, matters to us

- we know the consequences of not knowing Jesus mean a life without hope, and an eternity separated from God

                                                                                                                                         
I love being part of a youth group where the #1 priority is sharing the love & hope of  Christ that we have found with others. I heard a definition of evangelism recently that I love : Evangelism is one beggar telling another beggar where they found bread.  That is one of the things I love about ROCK youth. Everyone is welcome.  Just because some know Christ it doesn’t make them “better” than anyone else.  No one has a “holier than thou” attitude because we realize that without Christ we are all broken/lost people. 

So I want to challenge everyone to “Shred the Gnar!!!” It’s time to give it all we’ve got!!! The price is to high NOT to.

 

 

Miss Chris

Summer Camp Meeting

It’s not even spring yet, and I am already super excited about summer for a few reasons….

1. No school!

2. It’s flip flop season.  Let’s face it, people, who really wants to wear socks AND shoes all the time?

3. I’m going on an awesome mission trip to Uganda.

4. Summer camp!!!

This year Church of the Heartland has reserved an awesome facility – Rainbow Christian Camp in Converse, Indiana.  Kids camp will be June 4-6, and youth camp will be July 1-3.  This Saturday, March 14, at 1:00 at the Winamac campus is our first planning meeting for SUMMER CAMP!!!!  So if you or someone you know is interested in helping make to make camp awesome for our kids and youth, be sure to show up and bring your creative ideas for camp!

Also, start praying about how God wants you to be involved in summer camp – whether it’s helping send a child to camp, promoting camp to kids you know, serving as a counselor, or participating in one of the many other aspects of camp!  Making camp happen is definitely a team effort, and there are lots of ways to get involved.  We would love to see you there!

Leigh Anne

Dear Rock Youth Team

I was thinking about you guys today & I just wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU!!!
Thank you…
for loving teens uncondintionally
staying late to clean up (when you have to work the next morning)
for believing the best in teens even when you see the worst
being faithful
being positive
for telling the truth in love
for crying with teens at 1am
for being taxi drivers/car counselors
for using your strengths to cover my weaknesses
for being YOU!
I love and appreciate you all and I wanted you to know

.http://www.morethandodgeball.com/?p=5426

 

Love, Chris

Want to change the world in a few months???

“If we dared to live beyond our self-concern, if we refused to shrink from being vulnerable, if we took nothing but a compassionate attitude toward the world, if we were a counterculture to our nation’s lunatic lust for pride of place, power and possessions, if we preferred to be faithful rather than successful, the walls of indifference to Jesus Christ would crumble. A handful of us could be ignored by society, but hundreds, thousands, millions of servants would overwhelm the world. … The call of Jesus Christ is revolutionary. If implemented, we would change the world in a few months.” quote by Brennan Manning

How cool would it be to overwhelm the world?!!! One of my favorite quotes (sorry I can’t remember who said it) “The generation that the world can’t change is the generation that WILL change the world!!!

 

Chris Miller