Today was Daybreak Community Church's fourth annual Gingerbread House Family Fun Morning.

Yesterday was a very special service for me. I felt the Lord had given me an idea, and instead of tucking it away and saying, “I can’t do that,” I said, “why not?” The preaching series is called Yellow, Red, Orange (inspired by Reggie Joiner and his book entitled Think Orange) and I am trying to teach how God has designed the church and the home and how they are to work together.

So this Sunday was Red, and my goal was to show how parents aren’t perfect. There are no perfect parents in Scripture (excluding Jesus, Mary, and Joseph). Yet, God seeks to show the world His story of redemption, grace, and unconditional love through imperfect people (and their imperfect families).

Also, in Duet. 6 God described through Moses how important it is for those who have been freed from slavery are not to forget that “God is One” – He must be number one. So God seeks to tell His story through imperfect people as His people seek to live for. But there is also one big next step that we miss – that being that we are to take our children along with us in this learning journey. We seek after God, and we take our kids with us, and as we go we talk about what we are doing, what happened, how we feel, and point them constantly to Christ. We are to try things for God that stretch us, challenge us, and take us out of our comfort zone – so that when we grow, so do our kids. They see their mom and dad doing things that require faith, and spiritual strength and courage – so they are willing to follow their example.

To illustrate this process, I connected climbing ropes to the ceiling of where we have church, and Caleb and I climbed to the top (of our spiritual mountain). He and I touched the rafter of a 15-20 foot ceiling, and we did it together.

So today, let me encourage you to quit trying to be perfect and cooperate with what the Holy Spirit is seeking to do in your heart. Follow Him and He will seek to push you to do something great for Him. Take your kids with you, and talk about it as you go. Let me know what happens.

Today was our first Pack 277 "Go-See-It" when and we visited the Frederick 911 Center.  It was a huge facilites where multiple municipal agencies share resources, personnel, and the building itself.  We had a tour guide who allowed the rambuncious Cub Scouts to see the inner workings of the dispatch unit.  Our leader was an older gentlemen who seemed to have forgtotten the five second attention span of a seven year old, so he gave a very detailed explanation of every aspect of the operation. His colorful montogue included stories of funny 911 stories.  Thank you Frederick 911 for all you do, and the service you provide to our community. 

Friday was awards day for children at Brunswick Elementary School. Hannah-Grace won the "Good Friend" award for being helpful and an encourager to others. Caleb won the "Being A Hard Worker in Class" award for .... well I think you get the idea. It was fun to see their faces when their names were called and they didn't expect to get anything. I think that is when life is the most fun, when you receive a validation for something you didn't realize about yourself and at a time when you don't expect it. God often times blesses us by showing us things He has built into us that makes us unique and special to others, while doing it at a time when we most need it or feel especially blessed. Have a great day knowing that you were created unique and special and look for ways to bless others.

Tomorrow I will begin the second half of a leadership training course offered by the Boy Scouts of America called the Wood badge. This portion is predominately outdoors, where we cook all our food, eat, and live outdoors for three days. When I signed up for this in July it seems like an awesome idea. But now it is the middle of October in Maryland, and the weather is calling for rain and cold weather. I have been battling a head cold for over a week, but have lots of medicine. So I have everything packed in water resistant bags, I purchased a backpacking tarp, along with some waterproof pants, and am looking forward to seeing how it goes. Last month when I went for the first half, my camera died after three pictures, so this time I am hoping to get a lot more pictures to share. Kimberly (my wife) can not understand why anyone would want to do this -- I just keep telling her "it for the children." No not really, I have just found a hobby. Check back in a few days and I'll (prayerfully) post some pictures.

A few years ago I met with a group of pastors and we enjoyed a time of sharing the struggles of leadership, but the conversation quickly turned serious when we talked about change. We had preached from our pulpits how other people should change, but we seriously disagreed on how change comes about and what role the leader plays in that process. Every one of these pastors have moved away, six men who became frustrated with change had all dealt with the change process differently. It was at this time that I became even more entrenched in my belief that things that are of real worth, genuine, and will have longevity require a fight and take serious life long effort. In the following discussion I would like to share two characteristics that I believe leaders must possess if they are going to see long term and meaningful change take place.

First, there must be a recognition that easy fixes and flashy light shows are not going to bring about long term change. There are so many leaders who are drawn to the newest fad, current book, or whatever someone else has told them was cool and would turn things around. So they put much trust and effort into bringing about this effort – as if a sermon series, a projector, a slick brochure, or web site is going to change everything. I’ve tried it and it doesn’t work. One new thing (change in dress, turning down the lights, turning up the lights, videos, handing out post cards, having a special event, etc…..Ad nauseam) will not have a lasting change, so quit waiting for that new, big, cool thing to come along to fix everything – it’s not coming.

True change requires that we seek the face of the Lord and wait on Him. He will give you eyes to see the true problem (sin, rebellion, shallow devotion to Him, a lack of holiness, etc…). We get so focused on wanting to grow so that we don’t deal with the genuine problems. They only get worse, and covering them up with a flashy slide show won’t fix it. So pray and ask God to help you identify what the real issues are, and not what so-and-so said would grow your church/ministry over night. LEADER, what has the Lord told you that needs to be addressed, and what does His Word have to say about it?

Second, are you willing to stay put until the Lord brings it about? Psalm 24:14 says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (ESV) I only know of a hand full of church planters that have remained where they were when Kimberly and I first came to Frederick almost ten years ago. Many of our friends from seminary have moved several times to several different churches. In talking with them, there is a predictable pattern. There is a honeymoon period (1.5 to 2 years), then there is the first push back or crisis and suddenly they don’t feel “called” there anymore. So they move on, and on, and on, and on.

Leaders have to have the courage to stay the course, and sometimes all you can do and accomplish is to stay, and keep trying, keep pushing. Every true leader understands that they carry a burden, it is always with them, and they always feel it. It never ever goes away. I am always a pastor, I am never “off the clock” and the burden is never lifted, and as much as I may want a break, it’s always there. We become so consumed with pride as time passes by and we feel as though we aren’t going to be the next Andy Stanley, or Ed Young, or Mark Driscal if I can’t deal with (insert your problem), and I should be writing books by now not (insert another problem), and I have to accept that this is where God has called me, and this is what God has tasked me to do. Pride, pride, pride.

I believe that if God wants me to be Andy Stanley, then as I seek to serve the Lord, and give Him all that I am, He will work it out. Enter ambition. How do I balance my godly ambition with prideful arrogance? What have you been called to do? If that is unclear please stop what you are doing, and pray – go away, come back after you have heard from the Lord. No really, stop reading blogs, reading books, and pray and spend time with the Lord. LEADER. If we don’t know where we are going, how do we expect people to follow us? Did we think leadership would be easy? If we run away when the load becomes heavy, how will those who God has called become the people God has designed them to be? Let someone else do it? LEADER?

Paul said, in Romans 10:14 “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

Did you see it? Someone needs to be there to preach, and eventually they will preach it. they have not all obeyed (rebellion, push back, and gossiping), but faith comes from hearing (that’s you leading, teaching, preaching, again, and again, and again). This process takes time, and it won’t happen over night.
It is this calling that will give you courage to get out of bed, to put your feet on the floor and face “them” one more time. To preach with all your heart to “them,” and to keep pushing what God has shown you even though “they” keep saying, “it won’t work, it costs too much, or we’ve done that and it didn’t work.” Your center of this calling will give you a long term vision and ability to see down the road, where no one else can see yet, and to stay put, and keep pushing on. One day, it will happen, you will see “them” taking the next step. If you leave too soon you will miss the wonder of their first steps – when “they” learn to walk, run…….preach!

Leader, we are kindred spirits you and I. We know something others don’t. We feel the weight others don’t understand. Let me encourage you, I am here, and Lord willing I will be here tomorrow, and the next day and I am waiting on the Lord. Let me encourage you to stay one more day, keep pushing, you are changing your world and making a difference – stay focused on the long term vision of seeing your people not as they are today, but what God is shaping them to become.

So I was listening to NPR (I know, I know) at they were doing a book review discussion of Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. They discussed many things including the last line of the book, "and it was still hot." Anyway that day the commercial came on television for the book to become a movie. Something snapped within me and I went out and bought the book. We had checked it out of the library years ago, but I wanted them to love the books and to "rumpus" around before they saw it on a movie screen. I wanted them to love the book first -- before it in their brain as a movie. There are just some books that should stay books! Any thoughts?

Tonight at Cub Scouts we had several interesting things happen. First Patti S. ,and her daughter EmmS., came out as a guest to teach the guys some beginners first aid. They learned how to deal with a cut finger, put on a sling for a broken arm, and check their/or another’s pulse. They were unusually “active” but I think they will remember the chocolate band aids for a long time.
We also, began having a “Denner.” The boys were introduced to the democratic system where they had the opportunity to vote for the boy in their den who should hold this leadership position. The Denner leads in the Pledge of Allegiance, is responsible for the den flag, carries himself “like a leader” and gets to wear a sweet looking yellow cord on their shoulder. So, all the boys voted for themselves with two of the five writing “me.” We then had to discuss the importance of writing the name (and not “me”) on the cards. After the revote one of the boys voted for someone other than himself and Caleb won. So Caleb won his first official election by a very narrow margin (1). He was sworn into office, where he pledged to serve with to the best of his ability. Joshua is not taking it very well. He has pointed out several things that Caleb is doing that he feels a “Denner” shouldn’t do, including not stepping down and letting his brother have the cool shoulder cord and carry the den flag.
Caleb has not stopped smiling and I think if I went up there to his room, he would be smiling in his sleep.

Last weekend Daybreak had it's annual Children's Retreat. It was roughly 24 hours of getting away from the business of life that are in everyone's life (including children) and seeking to refocus the children on their relationship with Christ. We couldn't have even sponsored the retreat if it were not for our parents -- so a huge thank you to all of you guys. Also, Lori Ferguson did an exceptional job this year. She put together a medical theme for us, and we learned how Jesus is our great healer. We are all broken on the inside and it is only Christ that can bring about this spiritual healing. We were scheduled to go through a confidence course but due to the rain we went inside a nearby gym and climbed a rock wall. The adults and kids had fun try to ring the bell at the top of the tower. I walked away with an anticipation for next year and wanting to watch the children throughout this year to see how God will work in the children's lives.

In Acts 6 we see the account of when the early church's beloved leader had become imprisoned they gathered together to pray. While they are praying for Peter, an angel was setting him free and he ran to their gathering. As he knocks on the door the people who were undoubtedly praying for his release don't believe that it was him at the door. Do you see the irony? God answered their prayers, but they couldn't believe he actually would. Why then were they praying? We go to pray corporately because we believe that God hears and answers our prayers.

This Sunday we have pressing things to pray about, but those who will gather -- do we really expect for God to answer our prayers? Let's pray this week in anticipation of a knock at the door.

Acts 12:6-17
"6 Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 9 And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

12 When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” 16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place."

Tonight was the first night of Cub Scouts. Our theme for this month is “Cub Scout Pockets” and the boys brought some items that they collected. Joshua showed his rock collection, Caleb his sea shells, and the other boys brought items like comic books, bakugan balls (bakugan.com). We also began to make leather marble bags. After trying to stamp the leather with leather stamps/punches we found out that the older distressed leather would not take the stamping (it simply rubbed away). So we went on the lacing. We got one stitch and had to stop. We had a great evening, and it was fun to be around the boys again.

Last night we invited George and Lori Fergeson over for a meet and greet with Daybreak Community Church. Over light refreshments we talked about Lori’s joining our church staff as a part time Interim Children’s Ministry Director. Church members had several opportunities to ask her questions, and talk with her about her experience and beliefs. Topics of discussion were implementing change, getting parents on board, curriculum, and sustainability just to mention a few. The evening was pleasant and filled with excitement about the future of the children at Daybreak and our reaching Frederick County for Christ.

prayerfully Lori will begin the first of November.

Like thousands of other children across Maryland, today was the first day of school. We got up in plenty of time, and our goal was to begin a routine that we will do everyday (or at least try our best). it consists of getting dressed, making their beds, and brushing their teeth before they come down stairs. The we eat breakfast, have a family devotion, pray, and they played twister hopscotch, and operation games until the bus came. We took pictures, kissed and hugged, and off they went.

Duet. 6 discusses the importance of creating a family rhythm, Reggie Joiner said in Think Orange, "Moses clearly highlighted certain patterns or times throughout the day that were opportune for teaching. Look closer at what he said, 'talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up.' It is important for parents and leaders to cooperate with the way life naturally happens.'" So the Boswell family is seeking to take advantage of a natural pattern for life in order to further teach our children the things of God.

Also, if we are not careful God becomes what we do on Sunday or at night before we go to bed, and not instill within our children that He is with us all day, everyday. He is there when we are scared on the bus, and he is there when we see a kid who does not have a friend, and he is there when we are around kids who don't believe the same things about God that we do. So we have to be careful not to compartmentalize Jesus into a day, or event -- he must be pushed into every moment of the day, "talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

The Brenzel marked the end of our summer outreach events. We were able to reach a lot of kids with the gospel and to see some volunteers shine.

70 pairs of hand made beautiful ear rings were delivered to my door today for the Honduras team to give out to girls living in the orphanage. Can you imagine the look on their faces when they see them? this act of love was given by a person who realized that she could not go, but she could do something that would share Christ's love to them. She and those who joined her will reach across thousands of miles and touch over 70 girls deeply. May God bless you for your generous heart and love for children. Pray and ask God how you may share Christ's love today.

Whenever I try to post a document from photoshop to blogspot the colors get all messed up -- does anyone out there know why or how to fix it? The same thing happened with my header (the gum in a wrapper), but it turned out kind of cool so I left it.

Tonight was day two of our annual Backyard Adventure Camp. We had over 40 kids, plus Daybreak volunteers, plus parents, makes it a full backyard. The most interesting "God sighting" was a boy who probably feels too old to be at the camp. But we made him a jr. helper and group leader. He came yesterday, but was seen riding his bike back and forth in front of our house tonight. After about 20 minutes pas the time after we started, he finally came over, found his group and had a great evening. I believe that he was drawn by God to my house to hear that God is powerful, and that God is with Him whenever he is afraid. This young man is eager to hear about God -- and it was cool to see it happen. We found out later that several of his friends his age asked him to go with them, and he declined choosing to come to BYAC instead.

Today is my 35th birthday. My mom asked how it felt to be half way to 70. Over all the day was uneventful, and calm. Joshua came back home from a visit with Granny, we celebrated james R.'s one year b-day, and the church sent me flowers. Facebook friends sent me tons and tons of "Happy Birthdays", and Kimberly and my parents told me my gift was "in the mail." whatever. You don't have to be 35 to know what that means (just kidding guys). God bless and thank you everybody -- I feel loved.

Today was Caleb's seven year doctor's appointment. Joshua is staying with his grandmother this week so he got out of it (we rescheduled his appointment for the fall). So Isaac, H-G, Caleb, Kimberly, and I (plus a nurse and doctor Tores) crammed into the little examination room, and we went through the battery of tests and examinations. His eyes, ears, abdomen, etc... were checked and everything is fine. As the doctor examined him Caleb did not stop laughing -- he is so ticklish.

The bigger the kids get the smaller that room seems to feel. The exam ends with a shot or shots -- which they ask about all throughout the day -- "will I get a shot?" We say yes, and try to encourage them, and explain how getting a shot is a good thing (fighting diseases, growing healthier, etc..) but this is no comfort to a seven year old. Caleb was asked to urinate in a cup, which was dropped by mistake in the toilet. So we filled it back up at the end of the exam. As I paid, Kimberly helped in this area.

As an aside, have you seen the Everybody Loves Raymond episode where Ray teaches his brother how to mess things up so that his wife wants to do everything, and the wedding invitations accidentally get sent out -- and they are all messed up. Enough said -- now back to peeing in a cup.

Hannah-Grace never stopped smiling, she knew that Caleb was getting a shot. I discovered that the way to make her sit down and be quiet was to threaten for her to have to leave the room. She smiled all the way to the van afterwards. Isaac was a hyper handful who realized that his voice sounded different in this tiny cramped room so he kept yelling to hear himself.

screaming, crying, laughing, smiling, tooting (I'm not even going to go there but yes), it's all apart of a yearly check-up.

So let me know what you think about the video and pictures -- and I do remind you that I do love my son.

Every year I like to try out a new piece of technology, or gadget on my vacation. Last year I purchased a “Flip” digital video camera. It was great for taking to the beach and it only cost me $150. I wanted something that I did not have to constantly worry about it getting salwater or sand in it. I really didn’t expect much for the price tag, but I was greatly pleased with the camera. In order for it to work well it has to be close (about 10-12 feet at a max.)to its’ subject and in fairly bright light – so if you can keep these things in mind it will be a great investment. I could have gotten it cheaper had I ordered it online ($10-20) but I needed it for the trip. This year I ordered a waterproof housing for the camera, as something new to try. It cost $30 almost 40% cheaper than it was last year (1st generation flip), and I ordered it online and had it delivered to the beach house (3-5 days). So for under $200 I have a great underwater/waterproof camera that I would highly recommend to all my friends! http://www.amazon.com/Flip-Video-Underwater-Generation-Camcorders/dp/B0012YSSRK

To tell you the truth I was a little nervous taking my crew of six (the youngest is two) and my mother on a kayak adventure in the Port St. Joe bay. But the nervousness subsided when we found out that the water was not very deep (several times throughout the four hour tour we walked in knee deep water). Isaac, the two year old, whined to be in his mother's boat and once he was there slept for over an hour in her lap. We saw all kinds of sea creatures (snails, horseshoe crab, left handed something,small fish, etc...) and we stopped all along the way to investigate and learn (and rest our arms!). The week had been extremely hot, but today it seemed to cool off, and when we did get hot we just took a dip in the water. The boys (Joshua and Caleb) were on the look out for sunken pirate ships and gold, but alas we didn't find a single "shiver me timbers" clue. My mom was a trooper and I was amazed that she had the arm power to move her boat all along the bay -- even getting away from our group from time to time for her own adventure seeking. We all had fun and I would suggest it to any family as a way to have a nice break from the beach and have the kids discover a neat part of nature.

www.happyourskayak.com