The Romans: Alumni of ACTS

Recommended Resources: "The Return of the Prodigal Son" by Henri Nouwen

2011-04-28T21:23:00.000-05:00

Both the simplest and best endorsement of this book I can give is that my husband, flipping through my copy, remarked, "You know, you shouldn't have marked in this book. It turned out to be pointless, since you underlined practically every sentence."
It's true - I am typically a very light marker in books, but I furiously underlined sentence after sentence in this fantastic book. Henri Nouwen found himself captivated by a Rembrandt painting depicting the prodigal son's return home. Nouwen spent hours studying the painting and could not get the scene out of his mind. From this experience a desire grew within him to explore the parable of the prodigal son on a deep level, and the result is this book.
The book is divided into three sections, one each for the principal characters of the parable: the prodigal, the father, and the older brother. Nouwen also cleverly weaves in the story of Rembrandt's own life. There are profound insights throughout about each character. The elder brother section is particularly convicting, as his section of the story is so often overlooked while we focus solely on the prodigal.
I could go on, but instead I will simply end by saying: read this book. Soon. And, have your highlighter handy.

Recommended Resources: "Renovation of the Heart" by Dallas Willard

2011-04-16T17:33:00.003-05:00

I am beginning an occasional series on 'recommended resources' to help us grow, develop, learn, and deepen our faith. If you have a resource you'd like to write about, leave a comment or send me an email.

My church small group recently finished reading Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard. It was hard, dense, time-consuming, and occasionally confusing. It was also very good. Not good in the sense that I couldn't wait to read my weekly chapter, but good in the sense that I grew while reading this book, and continue to be impacted by it. And really, isn't that what our Christian reading should be all about?
Willard explains the various parts that make up our whole being -- the body, mind, and soul, among others -- and how to submit each to being renovated in Christ's image. Some in my group did not like Willard's breaking down the person into these various parts, but I found it to be extremely helpful. Various parts of myself I had never even considered before were explained in depth, and I learned how to utilize each in growing closer to God.
Willard does a tremendous job throughout the book of emphasizing the need for us as Christians to do the work of becoming more Christlike, while also reminding us that it is God's grace alone that allows us to seek Him. This is a very difficult balance, but Willard explains it well. While Renovation of the Heart is on the surface about human works, Willard makes it clear our works would be impossible without God and His grace.
I strongly recommend reading this book with at least one other person, or a group if possible. You will want to discuss it with them, and will likely need the accountability to act on what you learn through this book. It is very tempting to read Renovation of the Heart, agree with it, and yet do nothing, because what Willard proposes is just plain hard. But it's good.

Garage Sale!

2011-04-05T12:54:00.000-05:00

The ACTS/Retired Mens' garage sale is almost here! As we know, this is a major fundraiser for ACTS each year. If you are in the St. Louis area, please consider stopping in to shop or donate.
Donations will be accepted THIS FRIDAY from 7am to 7pm at McKnight Road Church of Christ. The sale will be THIS SATURDAY from 7am to 1pm, also at McKnight Road.
Hope to see you there!

This blog has been very quiet this year, but check back starting next week for a new series on 'recommended reading.'

Help needed from St. Louis alumni!

2011-01-20T13:08:00.000-06:00

The ACTS carnival is this Sunday, and A.J. is unexpectedly in need of several people to help.

The carnival will run from 11:30am - 3:30pm in the McKnight Road gym. Volunteers are needed for 2-hour shifts to help with games, prizes, food, or other odd jobs. This event is always very fun for both participants and volunteers alike, not to mention a very important fundraiser for ACTS.

If you are able to take a shift, please email A.J. ASAP at ajb77@sbcglobal.net

A need

2010-10-29T14:10:00.000-05:00

It's been a difficult fall for my husband and me. He has been struggling with unemployment for two years now. He's had some part-time jobs and some full-time jobs that got our hopes up only to fall through, but nothing permanent. We're frustrated, sad, and very, very tired.
This has been a period of growth for us as well, particularly in our trust of God. It's one thing to say you believe His promises, but it's another thing to have that trust tested on a daily basis. It's hard, but you do grow.
I will probably write more about the lessons we've learned at some point, but not today. Today I want to ask who you know that is unemployed or underemployed -- I don't think there's a person in this country right now who doesn't know someone in that condition. Could you be an instrument to provide support? What do they need, and what can you do? It could be prayer, a gift card for groceries or Walmart, some meals, or even just a hug. It will mean more than you likely imagine.
My husband and I could not have made it through this time without the prayers and help of our family and friends. Dealing with this is hard -- really hard. But we have seen God move in numerous ways in our life, and in nearly all those instances, He has used the people around us to show His care and provision. There have been many days I thought I was reaching the end of my endurance, only to have a friend show up with a meal, an anonymous gift card appear in our mail, or someone pull me aside at church to tell me they have been praying for us. Each time I gain strength from God to keep going just a little longer.
I am not writing this post to benefit myself. I do not want anything except prayer from this group. I am writing this post because despite the constant news coverage on unemployment and the economy, this is an easy problem to ignore if it doesn't touch you personally. So I am here to tell you that it is hard, and someone you know might just need your help. What can God do through you, for them?

ACTS pictures

2010-09-27T07:35:00.000-05:00

Finally:

Opening Bible verse and prayer in the Bennetts' backyard

Don't worry - Susan's cooking is as delicious as ever

Bible study was in the back yard that night

Where are the pictures?

2010-09-23T11:05:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the delay in posting pictures - I'm having some technical issues but I think I'll get it straightened out.

ACTS visit

2010-09-20T13:14:00.000-05:00

My husband and I were able to attend ACTS last Friday night. We played dodge ball, ate Susan's delicious cooking, and joined the ACTS students in a study of "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. Nearly thirty people attended in total. Thank you to A.J. and the ACTS students for welcoming us.
I will add pictures in a day or two.

ACTS prayer

2010-09-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you for joining our twenty-one days of prayer for ACTS students. Today is the twenty-first and final day of this series, but of course students can use your prayer support throughout the year.
For today, please pray again that students will establish helpful, healthy, Godly routines to carry them throughout their college years. Pray that they will grow in their faith each day, and that their example will help draw others towards Christ.

ACTS prayer

2010-09-15T07:20:00.000-05:00

Today, pray that as ACTS students continue in their college careers, they will receive wise and Godly advice on their classes and major. Pray that they will be able to finish their degree in a reasonable amount of time, and that they will use their time in college to learn and prepare themselves for a career.

ACTS prayer

2010-09-14T07:15:00.000-05:00

Pray for ACTS students in their relationship with their roommate. As we all likely remember, a good roommate can be a huge blessing while a not-so-good roommate can be.....well, not so good. Pray for patience and flexibility and that ACTS students will be an effective witness of Christ.

ACTS prayer

2010-09-13T07:38:00.000-05:00

Recently there were two attacks on Wash U students by a robber and rapist. Thankfully he has been caught, but please pray today for the safety of all students at Wash U this school year.

ACTS prayer

2010-09-12T07:24:00.000-05:00

Saturday's prayer: Pray for wisdom, strength, and courage to flee temptation when it arises.

Sunday's prayer: Pray that ACTS students would honor God with their every word and action, and that they would be a light to others on the Wash U campus

ACTS prayer

2010-09-10T06:53:00.001-05:00

Continue today to pray for those ACTS students who are new to college. Pray that they will establish healthy, beneficial habits and patterns that will continue throughout their college years.

ACTS prayer

2010-09-09T07:44:00.000-05:00

Today, pray for the administration of Wash U. Pray that their hearts will be open to having a vibrant campus ministry presence at Wash U, and that they will serve the students well.

ACTS prayer

2010-09-08T07:22:00.000-05:00

Yikes, I don't know what is going on. I thought I posted yesterday but it is nowhere to be found...weird. Again, I apologize.

Tuesday's prayer: Pray that students will have wisdom in choosing classes and majors, and that they will be open to God's direction throughout their college career.

Wednesday's prayer: Pray that ACTS students will be bold within their classes to speak up about the Gospel and their beliefs when appropriate. Pray for the students who hear them, as well, that their hearts and minds will be open to differing views.

ACTS prayers

2010-09-06T08:01:00.000-05:00

SO sorry I missed posting yesterday!

Monday's prayer: Pray that students will be refreshed and energized on their day off.

Sunday's prayer: Pray that ACTS members will form vibrant, authentic relationships within both ACTS and their church. Pray that they will gain perspective and insight from those they meet who are not students, and that they will be strengthened and encouraged by other ACTS members.

ACTS prayer

2010-09-04T07:23:00.000-05:00

Please continue to pray for freshman as they begin their college careers and form habits that many will keep throughout their time at school. Pray that they will include God in each day, that they will form constructive friendships, and that they will have wisdom in all they face.

ACTS prayer

2010-09-03T06:57:00.002-05:00

Pray that God will prepare the hearts of those attending ACTS tonight to learn and grow.

ACTS prayer

2010-09-02T08:45:00.000-05:00

Please pray for any ACTS students, particularly freshman, who are looking for a church to attend during the school year. Pray they would have wisdom in selecting a Godly church where they can learn, grow, and serve.

ACTS prayer

2010-09-01T08:57:00.002-05:00

ACTS prayer for today: Please pray for safe travel in the ACTS van this year, wherever it may go.

Proverbs 31

2010-08-31T08:44:00.000-05:00

Verse 8-9: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Exactly how to best speak up for the poor and voiceless is a matter of debate, but what is absolutely clear from this and many, many other passages is that we must do so. Are you?

This is the end of our Proverbs series. I hope you have learned from our time in the book, and will turn to it in the future for guidance and direction.

ACTS prayer: Pray that the student leaders of ACTS will:
1) Have a good start to their school year
2) Have wisdom in balancing their schoolwork with ACTS
3) Be effective in reaching out to those considering ACTS
4) Be a positive, Godly influence on the Wash U campus

Proverbs 30

2010-08-30T08:46:00.000-05:00

Verse 7-9: "I ask you, God, to let me have two things before I die: keep me from lying, and let me be neither rich nor poor. So give me only as much food as I need. If I have more, I might say that I do not need you. But if I am poor, I might steal and bring disgrace on my God."
These verses display a deep contentment few seem to have. How often do you or I look over our lives and say, I have enough? I don't need any more. It's such a simple statement and yet so difficult to say. I also appreciate that this author recognizes there can legitimately be a time of too little. And yet, his definition of 'too little' and mine are radically different. I think I know whose is right.
Reading these verses, I also found myself wondering what two thing I would ask of God before I die. I don't have an answer yet, but it is an interesting question. Take some time today to think it over. What two things would you ask of God? Why those? Why not something else? What motivates your decision? Do you think those are two things God would be pleased to give you?

ACTS prayer: Pray for ACTS Fridays. Pray that students will be willing to give a meeting a try, that they will come with hearts and ears open, and that healthy relationships will be formed there.

Proverbs 29

2010-08-29T22:37:00.000-05:00

Verse 25: "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."

ACTS prayer: Pray that the administration of Wash U will not raise any barriers to ACTS operating on campus.

Proverbs 28

2010-08-29T22:33:00.000-05:00

Verse 13: "You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up; then God will show mercy to you."

ACTS prayer for today: That new students at Wash U will establish beneficial habits and routines for themselves as they begin their college years

Proverbs 27, and ACTS prayers

2010-08-27T06:42:00.000-05:00

You know those verses in the Bible that stop you short, the ones that grab your attention and remind you who you truly are, deep down inside? Verse 19 of chapter 27 of Proverbs is one of those verses: "It is your own face that you see reflected in the water and it is your own self that you see in your heart."
I am very fast to take ownership of my strengths. Sometimes I even tell my husband he needs to compliment me, right now, because I am very clever or funny or cute or whatever. But a funny thing happens when I or someone else notices a weakness in me. I refuse to make that weakness a part of me. Instead, it's a temptation. Or a struggle. Or a burden. Or even a sin. But it's not really me, not a part of who I am, not attached to myself. I won't own it.
That's why I am glad there are verses like this one to remind me that yes, the ugly parts of my heart are all mine, whether I admit to owning them or not. I am incapable of separating them from myself, just as I cannot change my reflection in water.
And that complete inability is why I am especially glad there are verses like Isaiah 53:4-6: "But he endured the suffering that should have been ours, the pain that we should have borne. All the while we thought that his suffering was punishment sent by God. But because of our sins he was wounded, beaten because of the evil we did. We are healed by the punishment he suffered, made whole by the blows he received. All of us were like sheep that were lost, each of us going his own way. But the Lord made the punishment fall on him, the punishment all of us deserved."

ACTS prayer for today: Decisions will be made over the next few days about how best to follow up with freshman who have expressed interest in ACTS. Please pray for:
1) Wisdom in decision making
2) Energy to implement follow ups
3) Direction from God to those who are considering ACTS.

I will be out of town over the weekend and may not be able to post until I return Sunday night...stayed tuned.

And now for something completely different...

2010-08-26T21:51:00.000-05:00

Students are back on the Wash U campus and ACTS has begun recruiting freshman for the new school year. The next 21 days are a critical period for recruiting and retaining students. Many habits are formed during the beginning of college that continue through the years. Thinking back on my own freshman year, I met every one of my future roommates during our very first week of school, and only had one close friend I did not meet at that time.
Please be in prayer that God will move in a powerful way through ACTS, particularly during the next 21 days. Pray that students will be open to learning and growing in their relationship with God, and that the leaders of ACTS will have wisdom as they begin the year.
As we wrap up our Proverbs series, I will also be posting a specific ACTS prayer topic for each of the next 21 days. Please take a moment each day to join us in praying for our ACTS brothers and sisters.

Proverbs 26

2010-08-26T07:26:00.000-05:00

Two related verses today, 20 and 21:
"Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, quarreling stops.
Charcoal keeps the embers glowing, wood keeps the fire burning, and troublemakers keep arguments alive."
Have you ever tried to fight with someone who simply refused to go along? My husband is a master - he just won't participate in my arguments. I go to him with a complaint, geared up and ready for a fight, ready for even more fuel to be added to the fire of my anger. Instead, though, I find myself with a patient listener who apologizes, and if appropriate explains his behavior. He doesn't yell and he doesn't start listing his own complaints. Every time this happens, no matter how angry I began the argument, I can feel my bitterness melt away. Like fire, anger really does need constant feeding.
How do you treat the fires around you? Do you smother them, or add fuel? How many arguments and quarrels do you see around you, and what can you do to put them out?

Proverbs 25

2010-08-25T07:52:00.000-05:00

Verse 4: "Take the impurities out of silver and the artist can produce a thing of beauty."

Proverbs 24

2010-08-24T07:59:00.000-05:00

Verse 26: "An honest answer is a sign of true friendship."
It is easy to be honest about many things, but not everything. It is hard to be honest when I see a friend who is slowly, subtly hurting herself. Maybe she is dating the wrong man, or being lazy at work, or speaking too harshly to her husband. Those times are when honest answers are most needed, and most difficult to give.
Personally, I am usually too afraid to speak up, too afraid I will offend a friend. But after having spent this month in the book of Proverbs, I am reminded of its many verses dealing with wisdom and foolishness, as well as the verses stating that a wise person invites criticism. There is no guarantee a friend will react appropriately to an honest answer, but I will try not to let fear prevent me from demonstrating friendship any more.

Proverbs 24

2010-08-23T07:46:00.000-05:00

Verse 17: "Don't be envious of sinful people; let reverence for the Lord be the concern of your life."
Being envious is hard work. It takes a lot of time and a lot of effort -- time and effort that are not bringing anyone closer to God.
Just as the book of Matthew tells us that it is impossible to serve both God and money, in the same way our mind cannot focus on both envy and reverence for the Lord. We have to choose one. So, the only question is, where is your focus?

Proverbs 22

2010-08-22T14:15:00.000-05:00

Verse 5: "In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them."

Proverbs 21

2010-08-21T20:53:00.001-05:00

Two related verses today. First, verse 3: "Do what is right and fair; that pleases the Lord more than bringing Him sacrifices." Next, verse 27: "The Lord hates it when wicked people offer him sacrifices, especially if they do it from evil motives."
Unlike the author of Proverbs, we live in a time when God no longer requires sacrifices. So what do these verses mean to us today? I think we can still find plenty of insight in them.
My church recently gave a sermon series on the Apostle's Creed, and one of its main points was 'you do what you believe'. Meaning, if you say exercise is important but then you sit in your chair day after day, you must not really believe exercise is so important. Similarly, if a parent says their children are the priority of their life but then that parent takes a traveling job to earn six figures, maybe they didn't really mean it. The point is, our actions show our true beliefs far better than our words do. It's a simple point, but one that's easy to forget, and I think it helps to make sense of these verses.
Do you only spend time with God on Sunday morning, for an hour or so at church? Do you pray for insight from God but then do what you want anyway? Do you truly care about what the Bible says about money, prayer, anger, gossip, you name it, or do you avoid those certain verses you know will be convicting? I think today's verses are essentially raising these types of questions. Do you worship God with your entire life, or only when it's time to make a sacrifice? Do you serve Him because you want to, or so you can gain something? It's easy to blow off these questions with an easy answer, but I encourage you to respond not with your words, but with your actions.

Proverbs 20

2010-08-21T20:53:00.000-05:00

I apologize that this post is almost two days late. I won't bore you with the details, but I was unable to access my account until now. I will return to posting tomorrow morning.

Verse 22: "Don't take it on yourself to repay a wrong. Trust the Lord and He will make it right."
This is one of those verses that put us in our place, reminding us that we are not God. Adam and Eve sinned by trying to be like God, and humans have been prone to the same fault ever since. I appreciate reminders such as this verse that I am not in charge, that there is someone above me. It really takes a huge burden off our shoulders.

Proverbs 19

2010-08-19T07:42:00.001-05:00

Verse 21: "People may plan all kinds of things, but the Lord's will is going to be done."

Proverbs 18

2010-08-18T07:28:00.000-05:00

Verse 10-11: "The Lord is like a strong tower, where the righteous can go and be safe. Rich people, however, imagine that their wealth protects them like high, strong walls around a city."
These verses have become particularly relevant to me during my husband's unemployment. Him being without a job and our subsequent substantial drop in income has forced me to face what I depend on for security. I'm sorry to say it often is not God.
Over time I have learned that my emotional state is a pretty good indicator of where I am placing my trust, of whether I am allowing God to be my 'strong tower' or not. For many months after Drew first became unemployed, I was terrified. All the time. That doesn't happen when you are truly trusting the Lord. I refused to believe the dozens upon dozens of verses spread through the Bible about God as our defender, protector, and strong tower. I just knew He was not going to protect us. Instead, we were going to become destitute any day, and it was up to me to stop it. If I could just prepare enough, hold down expenses enough, plan well enough, I thought, we would be okay. It was not a fun time. I was terrified and under a great deal of strain trying to hold everything together. It quickly became apparent I could not be my own strong tower -- no one can. You start to crumble pretty fast.
My father finally pointed out the sinful pattern I had fallen into, and over time God helped me to release my fear. Since then I have had to watch for other emotions, however, that show I am again not depending on the Lord. Anger. Envy. Despair. They all make appearances; but not, as I have learned, when I am truly resting in the Lord's protection. Those emotions come when I am again trying to grab control, when I am not allowing God to reassure and protect me, when I have drifted too far away.
I see these experiences echoed within Isaiah chapter 30, verses 19-21, which says: "The Lord is compassionate, and when you cry to Him for help, He will answer you. The Lord will make you go through hard times, but He Himself will be there to teach you, and you will not have to search for Him any more. If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear His voice behind you saying, "Here is the road. Follow it."What area of your life are you trying to control, without God's help? It's there. What do you not trust Him to get quite right? What do you feel you must do by yourself, or it will never happen? In what situation would you become undone, and why? Could it be that you are trying to be your own tower?

Proverbs 17

2010-08-17T07:48:00.002-05:00

Another verse that speaks for itself, verse 13: "If you repay good with evil, you will never get evil out of your house."

Proverbs 16

2010-08-16T19:43:00.000-05:00

I apologize for the late posting today - it was unexpected or I would have posted a warning yesterday. I will be back to posting in the morning tomorrow.
Verse 2: "All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord."
We live in a society enamored with individual autonomy. Do whatever you want, most would say. Judge for yourself. If it feels right to you, it is right. I appreciate this reminder that we easily deceive ourselves, and that external standards do apply even if we choose not to recognize them.

Proverbs 15

2010-08-15T13:49:00.000-05:00

Verse 7: "Knowledge is spread by people who are wise, not by fools."
After I chose this verse, I began thinking about my sources for knowledge. I read the newspaper and books, I talk to family and friends, I look online. I consider most of these sources wise, but what about the ones that aren't? Why do I look to fools for knowledge, and expect to gain anything?
And then there are those sources I consider harmless -- many movies, TV shows, books, and so on. They aren't "bad," but it would be quite a stretch to consider them wise. Rather than separating my sources of knowledge into categories of 'good,' 'harmless,' and 'bad,' as I currently do, I think only two categories would be better: 'wise' and 'foolish.'
What about you? How do you decide what to peruse and what to stay away from? How do you judge if a person or source is wise or foolish?

Proverbs 14

2010-08-14T08:17:00.000-05:00

Verse 31: "If you oppress poor people, you insult the God who made them; but kindness shown to the poor is an act of worship."
I always find Biblical passages dealing with the poor a bit tricky, as I have to continually remind myself I do not belong in the poor category. My husband has been unable to find full-time work for nearly two years. Our budget has been extremely tight during that time, but we are not poor. We have a nice apartment with heating and air conditioning, and never once have we gone without food. When I turn the faucet on, water comes out. We even have clothes to wear, and nearly all of it fits and does not have holes. I am frequently tempted to self-pity, and when I am I like to put myself into the place of the poor person, but that is neither accurate nor fair. Without even getting into global standards of living, there are many people in this country who are truly poor, and I am not one of them. I need to protect them from oppression, not the other way around.
I am left with one major question from this verse: how often do I oppress the poor without stopping to realize what I have done? There are many forms of subtle oppression, so easy to miss as I go about my day pitying myself. I don't think of myself as an oppressor, but I wonder if God does at times.
What can we do to ensure we are showing kindness to the poor, rather than oppressing them?

Proverbs 13

2010-08-13T06:51:00.000-05:00

Verse 24: "If you don't punish your children, you don't love them. If you do love them, you will correct them."
I do not have any children myself, but I believe this verse is applicable to any relationship - friends, siblings, parents, you name it. This concept is one that my thoroughly middle child, peace-at-all-costs-loving brain has a very, very difficult time remembering. I know this verse to be true, yet I forget it daily. And on top of that, there are the times when I actually don't forget, but instead let my fear conquer me. I default to keeping peace, whatever the cost, when I should be demonstrating love by correcting those who need it.
How do you know when a correction would be the most loving action to take? How do you then give that correction? How do people usually react?

Proverbs 12

2010-08-12T07:46:00.000-05:00

Verse 26: "The righteous person is a guide to his friend, but the path of the wicked leads them astray."
Who are your guides? Whose faith do you admire? What has that person done to help you along your way? Today, I encourage you to think about the righteous people who have guided your life, and how you can do the same for others.

Proverbs 11

2010-08-11T07:44:00.000-05:00

Verse 24, from the Message translation: "The world of the generous gets larger and larger, the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller."
I've been trying to come up with some wise thoughts to add to this verse, but is speaks so well on its own I've decided it doesn't need anything added from me.

Proverbs 10

2010-08-10T06:40:00.000-05:00

Verse 19: "The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin. If you are wise, you will keep quiet."
Our society seems to have completely lost the idea that talk can be not only unnecessary, but even harmful. I appreciate this reminder to guard my words and use only those that are needed.

Proverbs 9

2010-08-09T08:29:00.000-05:00

Verse 8-9: "Never correct conceited people; they will hate you for it. But if you correct the wise, they will respect you. Anything you say to the wise will make them wiser. Whatever you tell the righteous will add to their knowledge."
In passages with broad descriptions such as this, I like to do a self-check and see if I could fit into the description given. Do I respect those who correct me? Am I wiser after corrections? Or do I hate those who correct me? How about you?

Proverbs 8

2010-08-08T07:47:00.000-05:00

Are you noticing a major theme?
Verse 10 - Wisdom is the speaker: "Choose my instruction instead of silver; choose knowledge rather than the finest gold."
One thing I appreciate about Proverbs is how direct it is - there is no mistaking the author's point, as there can be in other books. And clearly Solomon, the author, thinks wisdom is really, really important.
James does too, and he even tells us exactly how to gain wisdom in verse 5 of his letter: "But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all."

Proverbs 7

2010-08-07T17:13:00.000-05:00

Today's verse comes with a question. First though, verse three: "Keep my teaching with you all the time; write it on your heart."

What is your favorite method of keeping God's teachings with you? We all know Scripture memorization is a useful tool; is this your primary method, or something else? If you do regularly memorize Scripture, how do you go about doing it?

Personally, I read several chapters from various books of the Bible each night, and I also listen to a lot of Christian podcasts, usually while driving or doing housework. Some of the podcasts are sermons, some are not. I particularly like the podcast from apologetics.com as it does an excellent job of teaching Christians how to think through culture. This sharpened thinking in turn helps me to better keep God's teachings with me at all times.

How about you?

Proverbs 6

2010-08-06T06:51:00.000-05:00

I work with children, and one of the things I must remember at work is that children are terrible at predicting the consequences of their actions. They don't realize that they're likely to fall down and get hurt when they play on the stairs. They have no idea that playing outside on a hot day will make them need extra water. They just don't know, and so I must carefully watch their actions and predict what may occur from them. If they or someone else is likely to be hurt, I stop what they are doing.
I am reminded of this by today's verses, 27 and 28: "Can you carry fire against your chest without burning your clothes? Can you walk on hot coals without burning your feet?" These come in the middle of a section containing several dire warnings about sin, the major point being that sin does have consequences -- always.
You and I know that. But just like the children I work with, we forget to look ahead, to predict the logical conclusion of our actions. We think that one little lie won't do any harm. We think we can be cranky to our spouse and it won't matter.
But remember: fire burns. Always.

*Tomorrow's post will not be up until the evening.

Proverbs 5

2010-08-05T08:36:00.002-05:00

Verse 22: "The sins of the wicked are a trap. They get caught in the net of their own sin."

I think we all can attest to that.

Proverbs 4

2010-08-04T08:45:00.000-05:00

Proverbs was written by Solomon, who was made the wisest man on earth by God. So, take today's verse from someone who knows: "Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do. Whatever else you get, get insight." (Verse 7)

Proverbs 3

2010-08-03T06:47:00.000-05:00

Today's verse is from the Message translation. If you are unfamiliar with the Message, it's a paraphrase translation of the Bible, but that's an issue for another day.
Anyway, verses 27 and 28 are my choice: 'Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God's hand for that person. Don't tell your neighbor, "Maybe some other time," or, "Try me tomorrow," when the money's right there in your pocket.'

A few months ago a friend called me, needing help. Her husband was at work all day, and she was caring for the four(!) foster children they had only recently taken into their home. The night before she had been stricken with severe pain from a kidney stone. The children are old enough to take care of themselves for the most part, but my friend was worried and scared. She wanted someone to come over just in case she would need to go the hospital again, and she wanted to know if my husband and I could do that for her.
Now, this was a worthy cause, but it was not in my plans for the day. I had invited the members of my small group, this friend included, to a cookout at our house that very night. The food wasn't yet ready and my apartment wasn't yet clean, so I asked my friend to try some other people and call me back only if I was really needed.
I am ashamed to admit I even thought those words, much less said them out loud to my friend. But I did. She graciously agreed to contact other people, and ended the phone call. I went back to scrubbing my kitchen. Pretty soon though God started whispering in my ear, convicting me. Really? Scrubbing was the most important thing for me to do at that time? My friend could invite four strangers into her life, allowing them to upend her schedule every day, but I couldn't make one single adjustment to a silly cookout? I had the ability to help her when she was in need, and I had just turned her down cold.
Thankfully my friend did call me back. I'm amazed she was willing to speak to me, but she was incredibly gracious. I apologized, then we canceled the cookout and drove to her house. We spent the afternoon watching an inane movie with the kids and left after another set of friends arrived.
I still have the huge pack of hot dogs I planned to cook that day in my freezer. They'll probably never be eaten, but I have kept them as a reminder not to walk away from my friends -- or anyone else -- when they need me.

Proverbs 2

2010-08-02T07:48:00.000-05:00

Verse 6: "It is the Lord who gives wisdom; from Him come knowledge and understanding."

This verse stands out to me because it states something so different from how I usually think. I don't often turn to God for knowledge and understanding. Instead I read more, ask more questions, think more, observe more, and the like, forgetting where my knowledge -- all knowledge -- actually comes from. Study is a good thing, but only God can truly grant understanding.

Proverbs 1

2010-08-01T19:14:00.000-05:00

I will try to post earlier in the day in the future....

The verse that stood out to me the most from this chapter was verse 7: "To have knowledge, you must first have reverence for the Lord." I am a very detail-focused, organized, list-oriented person, and I like this straightforward, no-nonsense verse. It reminds me to keep both my priorities and tasks in order.

Proverbs in August

2010-07-29T12:19:00.000-05:00

The associate pastor of my church is a big proponent of a monthly Proverbs reading plan. It's as simple as can be: the book of Proverbs has thirty-one chapters, so you read one chapter a day, corresponding with the date - chapter one on the first of the month, chapter two on the second of the month, and so on.
Proverbs is one of the books of the Bible I read the most. Every time I return to it I am again amazed at the huge amount of wisdom packed into every chapter of this short book.
For each day of August, I will be reading one chapter of Proverbs, then posting the one or two verses that stood out to me the most and why. I challenge you to read through Proverbs as well, then post your own standout section as well as your thoughts. It doesn't have to be long; I expect my own posts will not be most days. Hopefully we can use this exercise to dig a little deeper into this wonderful book and learn from one another as we do so.
Happy reading!

Stretch Marks

2010-07-22T16:34:00.000-05:00

By guest blogger, Nancy K.

In December, my husband and I are expecting our first child. The first few months of this journey have been filled with excitement, anticipation, nervousness, and joy as we prepare to meet our son. My body is changing with each day. Hopefully, our overly busy schedules will be changing, and I know our lives will be surely changed forever.

Last week, nine of my dear friends gathered together at my house for a time of intentionally sharing our lives on a deeper level than our usual visits. A few girls shared that they felt God was revealing parts of their character to them that were ugly. They felt lost on which direction to go with the revelation, but they desired to quickly get rid of those unpleasant aspects of their lives. Anyone who has ever felt God calling them to make a life change of any sort knows that it can be uncomfortable, awkward, and even painful.

I began to think about my physical body, changing every day. Although I am only 5 months along in my pregnancy, I already feel like my insides are getting smashed together. My skin is stretching, and my tummy growing. Some days are uncomfortable, awkward, and even painful. (And I have a long way to go!) However, the end result – the beautiful, miraculous end result is a precious new life. I can only imagine that when we meet our son, every stretch mark and every moment of discomfort all will be worth it.

When it comes to our spiritual lives, we are at times called by God to get rid of pieces of our old selves, so that over time we can become more like Jesus by God's grace. Paul talks about this journey in Ephesians 4:22-24, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Sometimes that requires us to stretch beyond old habits, lifestyles, and even friends in uncomfortable, awkward, and even painful ways.

However, just like pregnancy, the end result is a beautiful, precious new life, transformed in mind, body and soul to reflect our perfect Savior. Once God has completed His work in that area of our lives, we are freed from it, and every stretch mark and moment of fleeting discomfort will be all worth it.

About the guest blogger: Nancy was part of the ACTS group from 2001 – 2005. She has experienced ACTS through the role of student, intern, and alumna. ACTS holds a special place in her heart because through ACTS she learned about Jesus, became a committed follower of Christ, and was given the opportunity to bring that Good News to others. As an added bonus, she met her husband, Louis. They have been married for 3 joyful years and are expecting a son in December.

More to come

2010-06-21T21:05:00.000-05:00

I owe a huge apology for doing such a poor job of posting to this blog lately. I have been working on a post for weeks about some lessons God has been teaching me lately, but I am not happy with it yet and don't want to post until I am. I have been searching for other post topics in the meantime but haven't come up with anything. I prefer to post nothing at all rather than substandard work, so that unfortunately has left this blog too silent for too long. I promise to return when I am ready and to make that as soon as possible. In the meantime, if you are interested in writing a guest post, please contact me to set that up. I would appreciate the help.
Also, send in your database information!

A prayer

2010-05-04T22:00:00.000-05:00

ACTS senior Brittany Huhmann shared the following prayer at the ACTS senior sendoff - it is beautiful so I wanted to share it with you as well:

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am
following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though
I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in
the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me
to face my perils alone.

- Thomas Merton, "Thoughts in Solitude"

Senior Sendoff - the end

2010-05-02T19:30:00.001-05:00

The ACTS senior sendoff was a huge success - thank you!! to the many Romans who attended to support the ACTS seniors. We are thrilled to have them as the newest members of our group. They all shared 'a word' at the sendoff, and their talks were filled with both challenges and encouragement. I think God is going to use this group of mature believers in big ways. Stay strong, fellow Romans!

Now - for next year -- just how do I spell sendoff??? Sendoff? Send-off? Send off?

ACTS seniors 2010

Member directory

2010-04-29T15:22:00.000-05:00

If you would like to be included in the upcoming Romans directory, fill out the form below and email it to pointe84@gmail.com The directory will be available to Romans members only, probably through Google documents, although that decision is not final yet - I'm still looking for input if anyone has a better idea. Leave blank or incomplete any fields you do not want included in your directory entry - anything you send WILL be included and therefore accessible to any other Roman.

Name (include maiden name if relevant):
Address:
Email:
Phone:
School and Graduation Year:
Current career:

Go and Wash

2010-04-27T11:23:00.000-05:00

I really, truly enjoy reading the Old Testament, which I realize is a bit weird. (Even I get bored to tears slogging through Leviticus, though.) I love that God teaches us through stories, I love how raw and authentic the people are, I love how confusing and weird it sometimes is, (a prophet sending bears to attack children? wrestling with God? What?!), and I love the 'forgotten' stories that I bump into. You know, the weird, profound, short anecdotes sprinkled throughout the Old Testament that we all forget because we don't read them often enough.
I ran into one such story last night. I comes from 2 Kings, chapter 5. The story deals with Naaman, a Syrian army commander. There are several layers to the story, but in a nutshell, Naaman had leprosy and went to the prophet Elisha to be healed. He did not meet Elisha, however. Instead, Elisha sent one his servants outside to meet Naaman and deliver a message. Go wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River, the servant said to Naaman, and you will be healed. Here's what happened next, from verses 11-14:

'But Naaman left in a rage, saying, "I thought that he would at least come out to me, pray to the Lord his God, wave his hand over the diseased spot, and cure me! Besides, aren't the rivers in Abana and Parpar, back in Damascus, better than any river in Israel? I could have washed in them and been cured!"
His servants went up to him and said, "Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something difficult, you would have done it. Now why can't you just wash yourself, as he said, and be cured?"

Naaman did then go and wash seven times, and he was completely cured just as Elisha said.
I think this story has a lot to teach us about our relationship with God, and how we treat His commands. Naaman wanted a big show made over his healing. He wanted a fuss, and he especially wanted some work and sweat involved. I think if Elisha had said, Naaman, you must travel many miles to be healed, or Naaman, you must present many sacrifices or spend many hours in prayer, Naaman would have done it. He truly wanted to be healed. Yet when the solution was simple, Naaman wasn't ready for it. Elisha said, go, wash, be healed, and Naaman very nearly missed his chance. It wasn't big or showy or complicated, and so it must not be right, he thought.
I want to be closer to God, and yet I don't always read my Bible. I want to know His will, and yet I don't always pray. I want to impact the world around me for Christ, and yet I don't know my next-door neighbors.
If God told me to do something hard and complicated, I think I would do it. But first, will I do the simple things? Will you?

Senior Sendoff

2010-04-21T16:52:00.001-05:00

The ACTS Senior sendoff is fast approaching. It will take place next Friday, April 30 at 6:30. Email me or check the ACTS website for the address - it is NOT at the Bennetts'.
We would love to have as many Romans as possible attend this event. Myself, Drew McKeown, Kendra Bertlesen, and Louis Krelle will be leading a very informal presentation to the soon-to-graduate ACTS seniors about our Romans group. We will introduce them to the Romans' purpose and vision as well as encourage and challenge them to continue as a member of a strong Christian community, wherever they find themselves in the future. As you probably remember, graduating from college is exciting but also a bit scary. There are so many issues to deal with, from paying bills to finding and keeping a job to possibly moving to a new area. Let's take this great opportunity to support and encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ as they enter this new phase of their life.
Questions? Leave a comment or email me and I'll get back to you ASAP.

Member directory

2010-04-20T14:12:00.000-05:00

Myself, A.J., and three other Romans members met in St. Louis last weekend to brainstorm ideas both for the senior send-off and future ways this group can support and encourage both our members and ACTS. It was a really constructive meeting - thanks to everyone who made it!
One of the ideas we would like to implement is to create a member directory. It will list contact information as well as career information. It could then be used to help us reconnect or meet for the first time, and also potentially to help one another. If, for example, a Roman was moving to a new city or interested in starting a career in engineering, they could check the directory and see if there might be someone who could help. By entering your information you would be saying you are willing to be contacted and perhaps offer help, depending on the situation and your availability.
I have a few questions for the group before I begin to compile a directory. Please comment and let me know your opinions:

1) What format would be most useful for you? A Word document sent as an email attachment? A post on this blog? Something else? I am going to rule out posting it on the ACTS website as that is less private than this blog.
2) Would you prefer full addresses to be listed, or only city?
3) Anything else that should be included?

Next week I will post a form to fill in if you want to be included in the directory.

Quick ACTS Update

2010-04-13T14:45:00.000-05:00

This year's ACTS yard sale was a success - $1,900 was raised. All proceeds will go towards the ACTS Panama missions trip this summer.
Ross and Chrissy, two current ACTS seniors, announced their engagement to be married! They will tie the knot in the summer of 2011.
And last but not least, Wesley and Andrea Hilliard (2009 ACTS Grads) welcomed their first baby, a girl, recently. Mom, Dad and baby are doing great!

ACTS Update

2010-03-16T20:27:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Samantha Thibodeaux, the current ACTS-WU president, held the last ACTS officers meeting of the '09-'10 school year. Three new officers were nominated, three others are teaming to be Friday Ambassadors, and one other will be part of the Core group development team along with A.J. and Jayson Vincent. April 30th will be the Senior Sendoff End of Year Party. Nine ACTS Seniors Graduate this year! St. Louis Romans will be hearing more soon about how they can help with this year's Senior Sendoff - watch your email.
A.J. is interested in hearing from former ACTS officers who are following this blog - comment on this post or send him an email please. Also, if anyone has a favorite memory to share from your own Senior Sendoff, please take a moment to write it in the comments.
And finally, don't forget the ACTS garage sale is coming up on April 10th. All proceeds will go to ACTS Students in Missions. If you are in St. Louis, come buy some stuff and give to a great cause, or if you'd like to help Students in Missions financially without attending, send a check to Mid-County Church of Christ, P.O. Box 20033, St. Louis, MO 63144. Write "ACTS SIMS" on the memo line so it is credited to the correct account please.

Enjoy St. Patrick's Day everyone! Check out this brief article to learn a little more about this great saint.

Lies

2010-03-16T00:14:00.001-05:00

My husband is unfailingly honest. I have never known him to tell a lie, to myself or anyone else, in the two and a half years we have known each other. I've seen him tell the truth even when it cost him, when it would have been easier and less painful to hide the truth. And yet he doesn't.
But despite this evidence, I regularly think of him as a liar. He tells me I am beautiful and wonderful and too hard on myself, and I don't believe him. I simply think - he's lying.
Why do I do that? The answer is complicated and would be irrelevant to this blog, except that as I was thinking about this earlier I realized that this problem, this whole issue of listening to a small ugly voice in my head rather than my husband's voice, is larger than just my marriage. I do the same thing to God, every day.
I don't always believe God when He says in the Bible I can trust Him. Same thing when He says I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I definitely don't believe it when He says He's forgotten my sins, that He views me as His beloved bride who is white as snow. And then there are other days, far more frequent than I like to admit, when I don't believe God when He says that sin is a big deal, that my thoughts and actions matter, that there are consequences for disobedience. Every Good Friday there is a part of me that is incredulous that Christ had to die for me, and me alone, that my sins by themselves are weighty enough to cause Him to suffer as He did. Surely, this part of myself says, God doesn't really mean what He says. That fearfully and wonderfully made stuff sounds nice, but really? Did You forget, while it was being written, that I would be reading that passage some day, God? Didn't You have a murderer or thief and their actions in mind when You went to the cross - didn't they add a bit more to Your agony than me? Come on now, really?
I know the answers, of course. But if I truly took those answers seriously, wouldn't my life look different?
When I think of my husband as a liar, something ugly happens. I can't accept the love he is trying to show me, can't grow closer to him, because I'm too busy thinking, refuting what he just said. I think of all the ways I'm not beautiful or should be even harder on myself, and I drown out his voice. All he wants to do is grow just a little more in love, but it isn't going to happen. Not then. Not with me calling him a liar.
What would my life look like if I believed God, all the time? What if I treated my body and my life as having been fearfully and wonderfully made, every day? What if I really understood the weight of my sin on Good Friday? What if I put my sins in the past forever, as God already has? What would that look like? I don't know, because I've been too busy drowning out God's voice, calling Him a liar.

"I Don't Want My Children to be Happy"

2010-03-14T00:22:00.000-06:00

My mother-in-law posted this link on her Facebook page yesterday, to a blog post titled "I Don't Want My Children to be Happy," and I absolutely love it. I thank God that my parents raised me with a very similar philosophy, and it struck me as I read that God Himself approaches all of us in much the same way. He is not concerned with our superficial happiness, but something much deeper - and better. Read this - it's awesome.

Wednesdays at the library

2010-03-04T22:12:00.000-06:00

Right now, due to my weird work schedule I have an hour to kill every Wednesday afternoon in downtown St. Louis. I spend those hours at the central library. It is convenient, quiet, and most important, free. Seemed like a great idea. But there was one thing I didn't take into account.
There are homeless people at the downtown library. A lot of them. They are outside, they are inside, sometimes they even sit right next to me. And they make me uncomfortable. I am not proud of it, but it's the truth.
They make me uncomfortable because they are needy, and I didn't plan to help needy people on my Wednesday work breaks. All I want to do is sit quietly, writing lesson plans or reading, and yet there they are, needing food, money, a place to sleep, counseling, who knows. I become distracted, wondering where they will go when the library closes, or if I should give them money, or even look at them. I wonder what they think of me as I sit in comfortable clothes with a backpack stuffed full. Not stuffed with all my possessions as theirs are, just books. Oh, and a snack so I don't feel a moment's hunger. I become less productive with all these thoughts racing in my head, and I don't like it. Wasn't in the plans. I have work to do.
The problem of homelessness is vast, and complicated, and I understand very, very little of it. I don't intend to solve it on Wednesday afternoons. And yet I feel God using my discomfort to teach me. At a different time, in a different place, with some preparation, I might feel ready to take on homelessness, in my own small way. Yet God put me there, in the library, on a Wednesday afternoon, with a spare hour. He also put some homeless people there.
God doesn't call me to help people when it is convenient, when I planned and prepared and wrote it in my agenda. I am called to help others whenever possible, every day. It is their agenda, their need, that matters, not mine.
I once heard Francis Chan speak, and he asked a very simple yet profound question that has remained with me for years: do you want to know, really, what God wants to do with your life? The funny thing is, my immediate reaction was -- no. No thank you God, I'm comfortable as is. No need to use me for big and glorious things. I'm quite happy in my anonymous corner. Thanks anyway. And I am constantly tempted to give the same answer, not only on Wednesdays. In his talk though, Chan reminded us that while God's plan usually involves mess and discomfort and struggle, it is good -- and far, far better than anything we can imagine for ourselves. All I have to do is make myself available, loosening my deathgrip on my agenda and turning it over to Him.
I don't know what this means for me and my Wednesdays at the library. I have no answers yet. I know I can't change the world, probably not even one person's world, in an hour. And yet God continues to ask me -- which agenda do you want to follow?

Quick ACTS update

2010-03-03T11:10:00.000-06:00

The annual ACTS garage sale is fast approaching! It will be on Saturday, April 10th from 7am - 1pm at McKnight Road Church of Christ. They will be accepting donations for the sale on Friday, April 9th from 7am - 6pm, also at McKnight. Items should be clean and in good condition.
In other news, ACTS will be joining a trip to Panama from July 1st through the 9th. At least four students will be traveling, and Susan will be leading the group.
Also, Bethany Melchers, a student at Harding University and a member of ACTS when in St. Louis, will be leaving next Tuesday for Chile. She will spend two and a half months there as part of a study abroad program. Obviously, conditions in Chile have changed over the past week. Please pray for her safety and for her ability to help in Christ's name in the wake of the earthquakes.

Do Something Now

2010-02-25T22:21:00.000-06:00

A few years ago ACTS began a program called Do Something Now, based on a campaign of the same name run by Passion Conferences. The idea is simple: to create simple steps used to serve others and glorify God. ACTS has participated in a variety of projects, and continues to do so.
Right now ACTS is preparing to participate in a chocolate-selling campaign for the anti-slavery group Not For Sale. Students will be selling chocolate bars on the Wash U campus on February 26th and 27th to raise money. What does this have to do with us Romans? Plenty.
Please pray for the students as they participate in this project - that they will learn, engage others, and raise a ton of money for a great cause. If you are interested in purchasing a chocolate bar yourself, comment on this posting and we'll see what we can do. Or, if you'd like to give to this or another Do Something Now cause, check out this list of projects on the ACTS website that are currently ongoing.
One of my prayers for this group is that we will be able to give back, either to ACTS or another organization, a small amount of the blessings we received from ACTS.

Character counts

2010-02-24T00:22:00.000-06:00

Recently I attended a professional development seminar on character education in public schools. It was quite interesting. The presenter was engaging, a true expert in the field, and it was obvious he has studied the topic long and hard. Yet throughout the seminar I was bothered by a gaping hole in the presentation.
Virtually everyone, Christian or not, would agree it is a good thing to teach children 'character' in some way, shape, or form. We would argue about the means, the location, who would be the teacher, but probably not that it should happen in some capacity. Yet the glaring problem never addressed in the seminar is this: just what, exactly, should students be taught, and even more importantly, why? Our presenter essentially skipped over these questions, yet in doing so he knocked the foundation out from his own arguments.
I suspect I could stop any number of random people on the street, ask them what topics should be taught in character education, and receive remarkably similar answers. They'd say the same words you are likely thinking of: honesty. Integrity. Caring. Kindness. Empathy. Self-control. But what about those few people who wouldn't agree? What about the ones who would say, no, honesty shouldn't be taught because I haven't always been honest and I've come out ahead for it. What about those who would say, forget empathy, teach the kids to always look out for number one - themselves. What do we do with those responses? The answer is not as simple as it seems, not in this context.
Remember this presentation was given to a group of educators in a public school system. We aren't allowed to discuss religion, can't mention God, can't assume others have the same beliefs. How can we then choose a foundation for our character education? Let's go back to my strangers on the street. What basis do I have for disagreeing with the one who says dishonesty may get my students ahead in the world, or the other who wants them to learn selfishness? Remove the arguments from religion I would want to give and all you have left is the argument that everyone should follow the social norms and ethics dictated by society. At least that's the one I always hear. Yet this argument falls apart very quickly when examined. The man with the good job he earned by lying on his résumé could present a compelling case that he didn't hurt anyone, least of all society. He does well in his work, no one will ever know, now he has the chance to actually improve society through his job, etc., etc. The woman who always looked out for herself doesn't particularly care about those she hurt along the way, and society at large rarely does either. Society is concerned with large-scale, broad strokes, not individual hurts along the way. Call it morality, call it character, call it ethics, but it can't stand without the legs religion gives it.
Even more problematic than the question of what character qualities to teach my students, though, I was left with the question of why. Just why, exactly, do they need to learn compassion? In my mind I could almost hear a teacher saying, We are doing quite well in our little corner of the world and we have a test coming up, thank you very much, so why should I use my limited instruction time to teach compassion for strangers? Or, another might say, some of my students may be accepted into a good college they could not otherwise dream of if they learn to discreetly cheat on tests. No harm, no foul, right?
Yet something recoils in me as I type those words, and probably did in you as you read them. As Christians it is easy to know where that comes from - the Holy Spirit informing our conscience, or being our conscience, however you want to say it. But remember we are in a public realm now - no religion allowed. And yet again I ask, why is it important for my students to learn character? And again I reply, there is no satisfactory answer without invoking religion.Character education is based on an implied or explicit system of morality, but without a foundation rooted in something larger than ourselves, larger than our society, larger even than our world, the system quickly falls apart. Apply some stress, some pressure, some extraneous circumstance, and it can no longer stand.
Few if any of you are educators, so I am not concerned about the application of this post to public schoolchildren. I write instead to remind you to be thoughtful, and be aware. I wonder just how much, if any, actual good will come from the presentation given by this very learned expert. I don't know how many people caught the fatal mistake in it, and I am left to wonder how many truly lasting lessons will be taught as a result. I fear it will be very, very few. Even the student with a wonderful teacher teaching a wonderful lesson on honesty will face temptation in that same area later on, perhaps even the same day. And then what? The carefully presented lesson will likely crumble into a heap under the pressure.
Everyone -- everyone -- has some system of morality they live by, consciously or not. For ourselves, let us be sure we are always basing our morality on God's word. For others, let us gently, humbly, lovingly, and where appropriate be willing to challenge their assumptions, to ask them what their moral foundation is and how it works. Ask questions, gently but firmly point out inconsistencies, and pray. I write this as someone who has a terrible track record of doing so, but would like to become better. I hope this reminder helps you as well.

The ad...you know which one

2010-02-09T18:47:00.000-06:00

Two weeks ago I had never heard of Tim Tebow. Even today I wouldn't recognize him if he tackled me in the street. Yet he's been in my thoughts often lately.
You've likely heard all about the controversy over Tebow's Super Bowl ad, and you may have even watched it during the first quarter of the game Sunday. (No? Watch the ad, plus an additional video telling 'the rest of the story' at Focus on the Family's website.) I watched the Super Bowl in a group containing several other Romans, and we actually burst into laughter as soon as the commercial was over. All that hype, all that name-calling, all the hand-wringing for....that? If it hadn't been for all the pre-game coverage I wouldn't have ever known what the commercial was about. It was about as controversial as a kitten.
I was busy mentally composing a post blasting the ad's critics, who before the commercial even aired loudly condemned both it and Focus on the Family for sponsoring it. But then I realized that approach was both too easy and largely unhelpful. I can use this post to focus on them, or I can examine myself and my own reaction.
I can only imagine how foolish those who prematurely condemned the ad felt after its airing. All their anger, all their outrage, over that? Oops. Yet how often have we, as a Christian community, howled in outrage over a subject we were similarly ignorant about? How many people angrily denounced Harry Potter or Twilight when they had never even read a line? What about Brokeback Mountain? You name it, we've criticized out of ignorance. I am not for a second suggesting we expose ourselves to sources we believe may be harmful. God is not impressed when we purposefully place ourselves in harm's way. But the Tebow ad was a powerful reminder that before I open my mouth, I need to gather the facts as much as possible, and then adjust my volume level to match my knowledge.
The ad also reminded me that a belief isn't a belief until it's acted on. I can insist I am pro-life until I am blue in the face, but until I act on those words, they are all but worthless. Every baby requires a lifetime of care, which tragically sometimes their parents are not willing or able to provide. What are we going to do about that? What am I going to do? How helpful is it to ensure a baby is born but then do nothing to provide for him or her after? I contend it's far better than nothing, but not good enough. It is easy to condemn those who look to abortion as an option. It is far, far more difficult to provide for them and their babies.
I pray the Tebow ad will be a catalyst to some great conversations about life, abortion, courage, and family. Rarely is there an easy way to bring up these topics, especially when we are among people who may not agree with us. I hope we can all use this valuable opportunity provided by, of all things, a commercial.

Carnival: the end

2010-01-24T19:07:00.000-06:00

Thank you to alumni Louis and Nancy Krelle, Darrick White, Drew McKeown, and Jayson Vincent for volunteering at the carnival today. (And if I missed you, my apologies and let me know!) The event was a definite success, with nearly $4000 raised to support ACTS. It was also a great opportunity for current students, alumni, and church members to meet or catch up, not to mention families to enjoy a Sunday afternoon together. Again, thank you!

Carnival, again

2010-01-18T18:25:00.001-06:00

A.J. has requested that alumni who are available and interested come help at the carnival this Sunday, January 24th at McKnight Road Church of Christ. We would love to have at least one game completely run by alumni. This is a great opportunity for those of us who live in St. Louis to support ACTS, as well as form connections with current members and supporters of ACTS. And best of all, it's a really fun event!
Are you in? The carnival will run from 11:30-3:30. Sign up for a 2-hour shift at the beginning or end, or stay for the entire time. My husband Drew and I will be working from 1:30-3:30, and I've heard it on good authority that Louis Krelle will be working the entire time. If you can come, please comment on this post and let us know to expect you.
Hope to see you there!

Carnival

2010-01-06T12:58:00.000-06:00

If you are in St. Louis, the ACTS annual carnival is fast approaching - January 24th from 11:30 to 3:30 at McKnight Road Church of Christ. Hope to see you there!

The reason

2009-12-16T23:44:00.003-06:00

I have been making an effort this December to keep 'the reason for the season' in mind. For as long as I can remember, I have capital-L Loved Christmas time - the beautiful decorations, the fun music, the presents, the parties, and on and on. But it is often very difficult to remember this whole list is only because the creator of the universe sent His son down so that He could be born only to....die. Because of me and my sins.
It would be easy to start a rant against politically correct, secular culture destroying my Christmas contemplations, but it would not be fair. I am responsible for my own often-wandering focus. So my question is, how do you turn your attention to Jesus, His birth, His love, His life, the miracle of it all during Christmas time? How do you tune out distractions so you can worship?

When I was a child my family had Advent devotionals every night during the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Each day had a particular symbol on the Advent calendar, and each symbol had a specific meaning and Bible verse that went with it. We would go through that day's symbol, sing Christmas carols, and pray. It was a wonderful tradition that did a great job of preparing our hearts for Christmas day.
I have tried to spend more time in prayer, especially giving thanks for the season and what I love about it. Christmas time is a gift from God, and I have tried to tell Him 'thank you' more often.
I am also working to be more mindful of the lyrics to familiar Christmas carols as I sing or listen to them. I have been listening to the same Christmas songs for twenty-five years now and it is very easy to go through a song without giving a second thought to its meaning. I just put my brain and mouth on autopilot and off I go. But, these songs have been sung for decades or even centuries for a reason - they are beautiful, and they are meaningful. When I remember that I have a much more meaningful worship time.
On that note (sorry for the horrible pun), I leave you with this:

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wise men from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Let's go

2009-11-24T15:28:00.002-06:00

I have been having random, inexplicable Internet problems lately which delayed this post even further, but finally, here it is:

So what is this group anyway? A social network? A continuing Bible study for those no longer in college? A support system for the current members of ACTS?
Let's start dreaming.
What do you want? What do you envision this group becoming? Do we want to be primarily focused on our own members or focused on others? We can't do it all, but we can do some of it really well. ACTS equipped us for that.
With all that said, a while back I asked A.J. for his wish list from our group. These are some of the ideas he mentioned, in his words:

We definitely need finances but who doesn't? It would be nice if there was some kind of goal that the group would rally behind.
Ideas:
* Base support for a full-time Intern - $12,000-$15,000 a year
* Student Missions Scholarship Fund - to be used for students going on missions (Panama, Uganda, Honduras or even Southern Christian Childrens Home). Anything would help but setting a $ goal would probably be most effective. Maybe someone would take this and run with it. It would take rallying Alumni around the idea.

* Going to a conference together.

* Returning to St. Louis and meeting Alumni. This could be done during the Carnival in January or the Seniors End of Year Celebration in late April.

* There could also be a special day or weekend such as a Student Spiritual Leadership Development Conference - that could be put on by Alumi.

*On Fridays we do a lot of testimonials now so people could come to that, or something I think would be really cool is to have video testimonials from Alumni. If someone knows how to do that then people wouldn't have to leave home/set aside travel time ect...yet our current students could link to the past and Alumni could share all kinds of things, do funny videos etc... There is no limit to what we could do.

Of course I'd be more than willing to help with any of these things.

Let me know ways in which I can help you make things happen. I'm willing to do anything. Someone suggested that I spend some time traveling and meeting with Alumni from out of town. I'd be willing to do that also if there were interest.

I am not including this as pressure but to make us aware of what the needs of ACTS are. Do we want to work to meet them, or do something else?
Okay, discuss.

You must see this.

2009-11-14T19:58:00.001-06:00

Hello friends,
The 'wish list' is coming soon. Promise.
I do not in any way intend for this blog to become my personal soapbox, but I must share this with you. I just returned a few hours ago from a women's retreat through my church. While there I heard about this amazing organization called Advent Conspiracy. I just checked out their website, watched the opening video, and shocked myself by bursting into tears. You know how it feels when you find something that you didn't even realize you were looking for? That's how I feel right now.
Go. Check it out. Now.

Neglectful

2009-11-06T22:16:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone,
I have been in the middle of a very busy period and haven't had time to post lately. I apologize for the quiet period.
I have received A.J.'s 'wish list' of ideas for how our group can help the current ACTS group, and I will post it soon. In the meantime, please continue to pray and brainstorm ideas for how we can best serve them. And, send in your profile if you haven't done so already!
More to come soon...have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Member Profile: Kristal Matlock

2009-10-16T18:26:00.003-05:00

My name: Kristal Matlock
Current hometown: KC always has my heart, but I live in Columbia, MO
College attended: Wash. U.
Degree earned and year graduated: B.A. in African & African-American Studies in 2008
Occupation: Student "doctor" aka Medical Student @ Mizzou--Class of 2012
Church home: Currently Fairview Road Church of Christ (McKnight still has my heart too!)
Spouse: TBA--right now I'm Mrs. Med school; Susan, I may need your help on this one ;-)
Children: Not that I'm aware of

Favorite ACTS memory: In no particular order: SSG!!!! (I love you, sisters! We'll always have Chocolate Bar), Uganda! (everything but the "bathrooms"), Senior Farewell for Class of 2008,

AJ's stories (and how animated he got telling them), every dish Susan has ever made,

Lambert's Cafe and taking shortcuts through the corn maze, decorating for Thanksgiving dinner,

being sassy and letting you all know how "special" you are, giving Latrell strikes,

going to that one church with the cool worship service one time a month,

nights at Coffee Cartel, trip to Morrilton, Arkansas, Sunday lunches at McKnight, ACTS Christmas parties, Do Something Now--tabling in Wohl

Main lesson God taught me through ACTS: I learned that being a Christian is not about fulfilling a checklist and that living according to God's will and not my own plan is so much sweeter. I also learned that having strong connections and good, clean fun with Godly, passionate people is way better than any party on Friday night.

Main lesson God is teaching me right now: God is working on my attitude toward my enemies and convicting me to pray for them and let go of all the wrongs people have done to me in the past. I think this is going to take a while...

Anything else?: I am so thankful for ACTS and the mark it has left on all of these generations. Keep doing what you're doing because it is truly a blessing and kept me afloat through so many obstacles in college.

ACTS update, from A.J.

2009-10-06T09:35:00.000-05:00

ACTS kicked off our 12th year on the campuses at the end of August. For those of you out there from "back in the day," just because it has been a few years doesn't mean we are doing the same thing! This year for the first time we have Worship without Walls (WwW), which is a student-led worship at Wash. U. It normally takes place outside on the Swamp, but when the weather is bad we go to Mudd Multi-Purpose Room. WwW meets at noon on Sundays and has had about 15 students attending over the first few weeks. The students are loving it, and several visitors have been coming. Their hope is to reach students who don't know Christ. We are also in the 3rd year of DoSomethingNow - both planned and spontaneous service opportunities. "Cores" are what we now call our on-campus Bible studies, and don't worry, we have Fridays, still an ACTS favorite. City Museum, Laser Tag, Corn Maze and Thanksgiving on Campus are some of the favorite activities over the last couple years.

Please look in on what is going on! We are currently on facebook at Association of Christian Truth Seekers. Our webpage is acts-stl.com and it includes a Google Calendar of Events and of course the ACTS Alumni Blog.

A quick story: We have a freshman student this year who came to visit Wash U. last year. She had contacted campus ministry groups at each of the universities she visited because that was a big part of her determining what school to attend. Well, we were lucky enough for her to make a visit to ACTS on the Friday she was in town. It ended up being a great night -- we had one of our spontaneous DoSomethingNow nights when flooding trashed a nearby home and the owners desperately needed help cleaning up the muck and mess. ACTS to the rescue! The interesting part is that our visitor got right into the cleanup but wasn't dressed for the occasion. She had to catch a plane back to Hawaii right after ACTS and didn't have time to clean up. She loved the closeness and faith in action of ACTS. She chose Washington University and now we are blessed to not only have her as a part of ACTS but about 5 other freshmen from her dorm.

P.S. from Kirsten - Please be in prayer over how our alumni group can serve ACTS this year and in the future. I would like for us to brainstorm ideas very soon, both for those in St. Louis and those far away. Feel free to comment with any ideas or questions on this post, and watch for a follow-up to come soon.

Member Profile: TK Durkota

2009-10-03T14:39:00.000-05:00

My name: TK (as far as most of you know)
Current hometown: Youngwood, PA
College attended: Allegheny College and Wash U
Degree earned and year graduated: Physics from Allegheny and Civil Engineering from Wash U, both in 2008
Occupation: Civil Engineer
Church home: Depends on the home. My favorite is McLane in Erie, PA
Spouse: Does imaginary count?
Children: Not even with my imaginary wife
Favorite ACTS memory: Hurricane Bennett
Main lesson God is teaching me right now: Going to church Saturday night is preferable to 9:30 Sunday morning. And that there should be a midnight worship with black light, a fog machine, and rock music.
Anything else?: Is it too late to change my favorite memory to Susan's cooking?

Otherwise?

2009-09-24T22:12:00.000-05:00

When you're not checking this blog, where else do you visit online for your spiritual growth and development?
Personally, I do not do much Christian reading/research on the Internet - I'm a book nerd myself. Any recommendations? My personal favorite is Stuff Christians Like - if you have not seen this and laughed yourself silly, do it now! I have also recently been listening to a series of podcasts on the history of Rome - okay that is not directly Christian, but it is helping me learn more about the culture of the NT world.
Yup, that's all I got. Add more. = )

And the winner is...

2009-09-14T21:51:00.006-05:00

Before I announce the winner of our group naming contest, a quick explanation is in order.
The original plan was for the group to vote on the top three entries to come up with a group name. However, we did not have enough entries to make that possible. And so without further ado, the winner is...

Romans

(Get it?...think about it...after Acts comes...?)

Congratulations to Kendra Grimes, our winner! Your fabulous prize will be delivered in a short time.

Member Profile: Folu Okunade

2009-09-13T18:14:00.003-05:00

My name: Folu Okunade
Current hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa
College attended: WashU
Degree earned and year graduated: Business degree in managerial economics and strategy, 2005
Occupation: IT/Process Consultant
Church home: Valley Vineyard, in jo-burg
Spouse: No news there folks!
Children: I'm still a child myself
Favorite ACTS memory: I'll be ultra-original and say "so many"! In no particular order:
1. Uganda trip
2. Mission trip to TN
3. Alvin James "breaking his back" on the first day of the mission trip and "conveniently" missing out on all the hard labor!
4. Sitting shotgun w/A.J. and finding out just how white he is
5. Def passion (was that 05?)
6. My north city kids
7. Doing random things with random people, especially Cody
8. The list goes on and on...
Main lesson God taught me through ACTS: The importance of Christian brothers and sisters and mentors. The unconditional love of Christ. "Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"...
Main lesson God is teaching me right now: The importance of Christian brothers and sisters and mentors. The unconditional love of Christ...I'm hard headed! Also, trying to live according to His will rather than decide on my own will and ask Him to bless it later.
Anything else?: Next mission trip should be to South Africa. Uganda, again, would do too.

ACTS webpage

2009-09-08T14:30:00.003-05:00

In the near future I will be posting a more detailed update on ACTS and their plans for this year, but in the meantime check out their webpage. Katie Casey, whose profile is below, did a great job putting it together.
And don't forget about the group naming contest! Six days are left to enter.

Member Profile: Katie Casey

2009-09-03T22:26:00.004-05:00

My name: Katie (Hosack) Kasey
Current hometown: Louisburg, Kansas
College attended: Wash U
Degree earned and year graduated: B.A.S. in English Literature & International Studies, 2006
Occupation: Realtor, Wife
Church home: Grace Community Church in Spring Hill, KS where Eli and I just became the Jr. High Ministry Coordinators!
Spouse: Eli Casey
Children: 2 dogs, 1 frog, and a newly adopted fish!
Favorite ACTS memory: SO MANY!!!! Probably the first 3/12 group, but that would never have happened if it hadn't been for Passion 2005.
Main lesson God taught me through ACTS: ACTS really solidified my relationship with God in a time in my life where it could have gone either way for better or for worse. I really learned that you can have all the education, degrees, money, good job, friends, family, prestige, and approval in the world, but have NOTHING without Jesus.
Main lesson God is teaching me right now: To be patient! UGH. Why do I have to learn this one over and over and over and over?!?!?

Member Profile: Kirsten McKeown

2009-08-31T22:39:00.003-05:00

All right, that's it, I haven't received more profiles yet so now you are stuck with mine. Lame, I know.

My name: Kirsten (Gandenberger) McKeown
Current hometown: St. Louis (Maplewood if my more specific husband was asked)
College attended: Webster University
Degree earned and year graduated: Dance, '07
Occupation: Dance teacher and baby-sitter
Church home: Rooftop Community Church
Spouse: Drew
Children: Nope
Favorite ACTS memory: My first ever ACTS experience, traveling to Long Beach, Mississippi to help with Hurricane Katrina clean-up. We met amazing, inspiring people, ate incredible food (butter makes EVERYTHING better), and re-shingled a house all by ourselves.
Main lesson God taught me through ACTS: Quit feeling sorry for yourself and go help someone who has it worse than you
Main lesson God is teaching me right now: To trust Him and stop worrying
Anything else?: Send in those profiles!

Member Profile: Kendra Grimes

2009-08-28T14:43:00.005-05:00

We have our first profile, who just happens to be the previously mentioned ACTS bride #4! Thanks, Kendra.

My name : Kendra (Grimes) Bertlesen - or will be on September 19, 2009!

Current hometown: St. Louis
College attended: Wash-U (via Centenary College)
Degree earned and year graduated: Civil Engineering (Geology from Centenary) Dec '06
Occupation: Civil Engineer, Parsons Corp. I am currently designing storm sewers.
Church home: University United Methodist Church
Spouse: Keith Bertelsen - whom I met in "Upper ACTS" The Bible study still going strong in St. Louis for a slightly more mature crowd.
Children: not for a few years - besides Belle, my cat
Favorite ACTS memory: so many! I might have to pick Jellico, for the beauty of the surroundings and the bonding with new and old friends and the craziness of digging a trench through clay under a house when it's snowing outside.
Main lesson God taught me through ACTS: He's there and He cares about you even when you aren't paying attention to Him. Also to see God in every person I encounter.
Main lesson God is teaching me right now: How to become a loving wife!

On the Jellico trip

Welcome!

2009-07-29T14:26:00.001-05:00

Hello and welcome to the official blog of the ACTS alumni group.
First order of business: ACTS alumni group is a rather boring name, don't you think? So, I am announcing a

contest

to name this group.

Send your entries to pointe84@gmail.com with 'ACTS name' in the subject line. We as a group will vote on the top three entries, and there will be a prize awarded to the winner...it might maybe be something to do with ACTS, who knows? Deadline for submission is September 14, and you may submit as many entries as you like.
Okay by now you may be wondering, who is writing this blog, and where did this group come from? My name is Kirsten (Gandenberger) McKeown. My husband Drew and I were the third couple (that we know of) to meet through ACTS and marry. Couple number four is coming up in September! I am now finished with school (Webster, '07) and teaching dance in St. Louis. While having lunch with A.J. recently he mentioned that he would love to see an alumni group get started and I agreed to take on the job.
This is NOT my group, though. I'm only getting it started. This is OUR group, and my hope is that it will develop in the direction we, together, decide to take it.
Having said that, I have several tasks/goals/ideas for us as we get started. Please submit your ideas, thoughts, comments, requests, and information (more on that in a minute) on what you see below as well as your thoughts on how you would like to see the group develop, either by commenting or emailing me so I can post your message as a seperate entry.

#1 is the naming contest. We need a good one. Send those ideas in. pointe84@gmail.com

#2 is to periodically post short updates on what the current ACTS group and its members are up to. I will post this information, but if anyone attends an event and would like to write up your impressions, that would be welcome too. This year is going to be a big one! Lots of changes are coming. More information will be posted soon, but for now please keep the group, its members, and A.J. in your prayers as it starts a new year.

#3 is a quickie, but very important. Please check in with fellow ACTS alumni you are in touch with and make sure they are aware of this blog. A.J. has given me all the contact information he has, but we are sure to have missed many people. Please help! This group will only be as strong as its members.

#4 is to catch us up on YOU. Many of us have never met, some of us have not seen each other in years, and the rest of us will definitely find it interesting to read posts about people we already know well. = ) Anyway, please EMAIL the completed form below about yourself to, again, pointe84@gmail.com. I will then post your info just as you wrote it to the blog.

My name (if this has changed since you were in ACTS, please let us know):
Current hometown:
College attended:
Degree earned and year graduated:
Occupation:
Church home:
Spouse:
Children:
Favorite ACTS memory:
Main lesson God taught me through ACTS:
Main lesson God is teaching me right now:
Anything else?:
(For Kirsten's information only): Is it all right for your information to be used in future ACTS newsletters?
Please feel free to attach 1-3 pictures of yourself to be posted with your entry.