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Fall has officially begun.  One of my favorite seasons, and here are just a few reasons why:

– You can wear hoodies and flip-flops at the same time.

– Jumping in leaves. (after someone else rakes them, of course)

– Bonfires!

– Trips to the Cider Mill! (or if you’re from IL, “Apple Orchard”)

– Pumpkin Flavored everything.

– The start of a new NHL season. (although this season makes me tear up a bit so far. 😦  )

– School-Year Routines (Youth Ministry becomes a bit more stable, even during the busy bits)

– New Seasons of ________ (what show are YOU excited about?)

– Putting away the lawn mower for the year.

– No air conditioning bills, and no need for heat yet either.

– One step closer to going sledding!!  (hoping we get more/any snow this year!)

– I thought it’d also be fun to share a video with you of Addie, from about 4 years ago.  We’ve come a long way!!  Why are you excited for the Fall???

I don’t think any of us need to hear another blog telling us about the evils of a particular politician or political party.  You don’t have to look far these days to find a new story or quote that’s being forwarded all over Facebook or Twitter, being “Liked” by thousands of people who don’t care enough to actually research the story before passing it on to all of their own friends.  I’ve heard people slam Romney (not many, admittedly in ministry circles), and many more still express their discuss for our President and his party.  It seems to be one of the few areas in life where prejudice is not only allowed, but embraced.  It’s socially acceptable for someone to make a sweeping statement about all people of a political party…even when that statement is not true, not loving, and not beneficial.

But realizing all of this – is nothing new.  Years ago, books were selling millions of copies that embraced the message that Jesus was not aiming toward partisan politics.  He was announcing the ways of a new system entirely – a Kingdom centered on Him and the Love of God.

The truth is, there are people who love Jesus who find themselves voting in many directions…and motivated by differing key issues.  Another important truth is – our children, not to mention thousands of people who are curious about Jesus – are paying attention to how we speak, what we type, and what we say when many of these issues arise.  This is not a time for us to use scripture out of context to bash another person or party.  The ways of world are to take unrelated facts, partial events, and half-truths and wield them as weapons to deflate and defeat the competition.

John 13:35 says, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.“

 or James 3:9-10, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.“

So what are we to do?

1. Seek Truth.  When you hear a quote, learn the context.  When you hear a story, seek more details.  Be very slow and cautious to use the “forward/share” button.  Try to see/hear it from an opposing perspective, and be willing to learn more.

2. Speak Hope.  So much of politicking is based in “cursing” those we disagree with.  Instead, focus on the Hope you have for the leaders you’re supporting.

3. Pray for our leaders.  Whether they’re “voted in” yet or not, if they’re speaking on a platform, they have leadership and influence.  Pray for them to have wisdom, humility, and to be the kind of leaders who reflect the image of God in how they lead.

4. Love.  Remember when DC Talk said it?  Love is a verb.  We cannot simply smile, believing that no matter what we say, we really do love all people deep down inside.  Love others, talk about what’s on your heart, and ask what is on theirs.  This is a great time of easily opened doors to conversations of depth that we often overlook or misuse by being partisan-minded.  Praying God would give you opportunity to Love on others ahead of time can be a big part of preparing for these moments. 🙂

My kids are young, and we don’t really talk much about “politics” at this point, other than praying for our leaders and teaching them some of their names.  What about your home?  How are you honoring Jesus while guiding your older children/teens through this election year and it’s often complex issues?

I’m addicted to new.

Not in an unhealthy way, mind you.  I have an appreciation for things that have endured time, but even in these things, I think the best way to treasure something that has been around is to continue to discover new ways to experience/appreciate/celebrate it.

But especially in regards to the “stuff” of God, I thrive on “New” happening.   I think that’s one reason in particular I’m drawn to youth ministry.  New things definitely happen everywhere God is moving.  In every area of Church happening throughout our community, there exists the transformational “new” of God.  But in youth ministry, there exists the potential for God’s “new” so close to the surface, all it takes is a prick sometimes, and it can break through in amazing ways.  Many teens are so close to launching into something new, or hungry for a new Hope on their journey – I love being involved in what God is doing there.

I think some of it can stem from the “New” that was offered to me around those same years.

I can never remember how much of my personal story I’ve share in which venues.  If you’ve shared life with me for a while, you’ve heard it many times.  But if you’re fairly new, you may only know a few bits so far.  So here’s a quick summary.

At the age of 10, life changed dramatically for my identity.  Up until that point, I was being formed as a church-going, middle-to-lower class, class clown.  I knew lots of Bible stories, songs, and verses, and how to make girls laugh at me.  Then my birth-father went to prison.  By the generous providing of God through food-stamps, church donations, surrogate family, and a mom who wouldn’t accept losing control of life – we didn’t slide into a defeated life.  Thanks to God’s Love experienced through a church family, and words of Hope from several sources in my life during my teenage years – I was offered a New Identity.  The labels offered to me by the world were continually losing appeal, and into those years God was speaking “Loved.  My child.  Image-bearer.  Gifted to bring My Kingdom. New Creation.”, and more.

True, during many of those days the depth ran about as deep as a DC Talk song.  But as I continued to step into the unknown and rest in Him, the identity God was offering continued to prove true.  And even today, as our family steps into the unknown, relying on God to provide for our family in large ways – we hold fast to His promise that when we are living “in Christ”, THERE is New Creation happening.  We hope that our home will be so caught up in New Creation, that when God returns to make all things new….we will cry out in a joy that the work is being completed!!!