Death was Everywhere...and no one cared(in fact they enjoyed it).

Myrtle Beach has become one of my favorite places ever. Beth and I headed there a few months ago to spend time with Beth's side of the family. Our goals for the week were lay out on the beach, maybe read a book (which we actually did accomplish), and drink Starbucks everyday(did you think we wouldn't accomplish that?).

One morning we were walking on the beach and there were thousands of sea shells that had been left on the shore by the morning tide. We saw dozens of people with their faces looking straight down to the sand to find that perfect sea shell. 

I realized that all these people were finding beauty in something tragic. Everyone of these shells use to be a living creature.  

Now, to be honest, I don't have any emotional attachment to those sea creatures that have met their end. But, what I do know is that the things that we see as beautiful, attractive, enticing, fulfilling, and exciting aren't always(maybe even usually) life giving. Many of them steer the direction of our souls just slightly enough that our pursuit of Christ is off course. 

Ron Kopicko, Chaplain at Spring Arbor University, says this, "The road and gate that leads to destruction is a majestic, trendy and modern looking road and gate compared to the one that leads to life."

Don't get sucked into that attractive deceit. 

¹³ “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell^[f] is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. ¹⁴ But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. - Matthew 7

Would God Say 'Shut up!'?

The Sound of Silence

Simon and Garfunkel are the first two things that come to my mind when I think about silence. The second thing that comes to my mind is, “I'm very thankful my last name isn't Garfunkel”. When it comes to being silent, I am a fat, lazy, couch potato. Let me explain.

 The Story

A few weeks back Beth and I were in New Jersey visiting her extended family for her cousin Bryan's graduation (Congrats, Bryan!). Thursday afternoon the house emptied as people went to help set up for Bryan's open house. I stayed behind. 

I sat in an Adirondack chair on their deck with the intention of just being silent before God. Something I don't do very often, but would love to be more disciplined at doing. I quickly learned that being silent is a lot like working out. 

As I sat there, I couldn't focus on listening to God. This was the first time I had stopped to think all week. All of my thoughts from the past week just kept falling into my head like marbles in that game Kerplunk (I think that's what it was called). One right after another. I need to do this. I forgot to do that. I wish I was thinner. 

I wish... 

If only... 

I... 

I... 

I realized I wasn't listening to God anymore. Because this was my first time stopping to listen to Him, I wasn't ready to fully listen. I had to push myself out of the way first.

Sit down and shut up...please.

I wonder if God gets frustrated like parents do. I wonder if God sometimes has to walk into a different room to keep His cool. Does God often want to grab us by our ear, sit us in a chair, and say, “Would you please just shut up and listen?”

Don't let that give you a tainted image of God, but if it challenges you to improve your behavior knowing that He could do that to you and it would be justified, than let it. 

Learning to listen takes time, discipline, and a strong will to persist. 

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When was the last time you stopped to listen to God? (Don't feel guilty if you haven't, just do something about it.) 

What was it like?

Have you ever set aside 15 minutes a day just to listen? Let's try it this week. Let me know how it goes!

Ben then Peter then (Reina, Chris, Joey...)

Unknown Influence

Ben with his family. 

This past Sunday, I was able to see one of the most influential men in my life. I hadn't seen him in years and I don't think he realizes the strong effect he had on my life and many others. 


His name is Ben. He was the worship leader for the youth group I was a part of back in 8th grade. In 10th grade, he lead worship on a winter retreat I was a part of and I will never forget that Saturday night. I came up to Ben after realizing that God wanted me to do more with my life and I told Ben I wanted to learn how to lead worship. 

Seeing Beyond Yourself

Ben responded with, 'Yes!' In that moment, whether Ben knew it or not, he was saying yes to more work for him yes in the short term, but a potentially fruitful reward in the long term. 


Ben taught me how to make copies. How to pick out songs. How to choose band members. How to make sure that the drummer knows that when you pick your right leg off the floor it means you want him to bring the song to a mellow feel. How to lead people in worship of our heavenly Father. 


Next Step
Because Ben was willing to invest in me, I have been able to pass on those skills to several other worship leaders who have come up through the Student Ministries at gracespring. They have been poured into by others as well, but they all have a little reflection of Ben because they have a reflection of me. 


On Sunday, Ben was able to meet Joey (my Music Ministry Mentee or M&M&M) and hear Reina (one of our other worship leaders) lead a band practice. Two very cool moments, eight years in the making. 


Thank you Ben, for being willing to invest in a pimple faced 10th grader. Thank you for being faithful to God's call on your life. 

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Who could you invest into?

Who has invested in you that you may need to call, email, or write a thank you note to?

Who do you have investing in you right now?

Affirmation: So Powerful

That Moment When...
You know that feeling when you say something and you aren't sure whether or not people are going identify with it? As soon as the last word leaves your mouth, your heart starts racing and you're just praying somebody says something like, 'Yeah, I totally know what you mean' or 'Really? Me too!' or even 'I am so glad you said that!' I have often experienced that nightmare come true. When nobody says anything and finally your wife speaks up to recover your dignity as much as possible. (awkward)

Something We All Want
We all want to be affirmed and we all want to have somebody (usually means more from someone we trust) let us know how appreciated and valued we are because of our thoughts and opinion. 


Give it Freely, Genuinely, and Often!
So often we withhold affirmation because we assume the other people already knows it. If they were smart enough to say what they just said, they must know how great what they said was. The same is true with actions. Affirm without expecting anything in return. Affirm without being worried of seeming redundant.


Don't force it. Be real and genuine with your affirmation as well as your confrontation. People value honesty, especially after the fact.


Don't hold back! Let the affirmation, encouragement, and compliments fly! Our communities, schools, work places, etc. could use a strong injection of kindness. 

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. - Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:11

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Who could you affirm today?

How are you going to do it? (Go ahead, put

some special thought into it!)

How, Father? How?

What?? You still blog Peter?


It has been way too long!


Sorry for the absence. I can honestly say that I have missed all of you and have missed sharing the things I am learning with you. I hope you and your family have been well.


A few weeks ago Beth and I headed to Boston and New Jersey to visit some great friends and see family. As we were walking through downtown Boston, I couldn't help but be amazed by the diversity that exists in a city that is only 47 sq. miles. So many different walks of life. So many stories. So many views on education, politics, religion, fashion, and where to get the best plate of fish and chips. 













Every time I travel to a major city I am overwhelmed by the statistical reality that so many people are living without the hope and love of Christ. We traveled to old church after old church and it was so apparent that religion and especially Christianity are considered a thing of the past in modern culture.

Father, how can I make your story come alive?

How can I be a light? 

How can I let them know how much You care? 

“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 

- Jesus Christ

Father, I'm willing.

How do you talk about your beliefs? 


When was the last time you brought up religion in a conversation? What was the result?

What My 'Papa' Has Modeled to Me

Today (June 4) is my father's birthday. He will be...well he's older than 29.

He's the one who's not my mom.

In a world where dad's are often labeled and seen as losers, deadbeats, abusers, lazy, and many other negative things, my dad is none of those things. 

He:

1. Provides Wisdom

Decision after decision in middle school, high school, college and beyond my dad has been a solid rock of perspective that has been a blessing to Beth and I. My heart breaks when I think about the young men in this world who don't have access to that perspective and insight on life. 

2. Models a Loving Husband

Is my dad perfect? Nope. He'd be the first one to tell you that. But, being a loving husband doesn't mean being perfect. It means being patient, kind, unselfish, and faithful. Along with being a provider, defender, and encourager. 

3. Hugs Me

My dad wasn't always this way, but over the past eight years he has become an excellent hugger of his children. When He sees me, one of the first things he does is come up and give me a big hug and ask me how I'm doing. It may seem simple. If you're in middle school or high school reading this, it may seem lame. But, let me tell you that it is one of the greatest acts of love my father exhibits. 

Thank you, Papa. I love you! 

Happy Birthday. 

An Apology & Memorial Day Options for Families

Yesterday I published a post about having fun this weekend. When I wrote that blog, I wasn't thinking about the fact that it would be read on Memorial Day Weekend. So, I would like to apologize for the fact that it did not include any mention of our veterans or suggestions about how families could remember the sacrifices so many military personal have made and are currently making.

My grandfather served in the Air Force following WWII and my brother-in-law currently serves in the Air Force and is stationed down in Del Rio, Texas. I am fully aware of the sacrifices families have to make for their loved ones to protect this country.

But, what I was reminded of is how I take for granted the freedoms we do have. I honestly believe that the women and men who have died to protect this nation would want us to celebrate those freedoms by taking full advantage of them and have some F-U-N with our friends, churches, or families. But, I also believe it's important for us all to remember and for our children to learn about what it has cost to be free. My guess is that most of your are already teaching your children about the privileges and freedoms they have and for that I say, "Well done!"

Here is a link to the MLive page about what events are happening in the greater Kalamazoo area.

http://blog.mlive.com/kalamazoo_gazette_extra/2008/05/memorial_day_events_abound_thr.html

May We Never Forget.