Whoohoo! The Biggest Loser Is Back

There are not too many good "reality" shows on today, but I have to defend The Biggest Loser. Unlike most of the reality shows, the contestants actually encourage one another, and yes, it is a competition, but they are all in this battle together. If you have never watched it, it is one show worth watching in my opinion. There are some really good themes that I identify with--discipline and lack of discipline, endurance, perseverance, teamwork, eating healthy, life change, and getting in shape just to name a few.

Listening to the contestants share how their choices have affected so many areas of their lives is a good reminder to us all that every area of our lives affect the others. It is all intertwined, our spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional. When one area suffers the whole body suffers.

The season just started last night, and I think that it is on Tuesday nights (not sure-check your local listings). If you are trying to get into better shape or have a pound or two to lose, this show will highly encourage you to step it up a level. Here is last year's winner, before and after.

Very Funny!

A Great Service On Sunday!

We kicked off our next sermon series (The Mountain Message) this past Sunday outside on the front lawn. Jesus preached his famous sermon on the mount on a mount (imagine that). So, we decided to open this series on our little hill. Here are some pics.

And We Wonder Why We're Hated

Havens Corners Church in Blacklick, Ohio (just outside of Columbus) is getting a little flack for their sign out front. Borrowing from Katy Perry's hit song "I Kissed A Girl," the sign reads:

I KISSED A GIRL
AND I LIKED IT
THEN I WENT TO HELL

Dave Allison, pastor of Havens Corners, thinks the sign is a "loving warning to teens." He told The Columbus Dispatch that "The Scriptures tell us that you should not do what the song tells you to do. The Scriptures are not ambiguous on this issue."

It appears that Dave is forgetting that the Scriptures are also not ambiguous on how you're supposed to treat people. Last time I checked, there were more references in the Bible on how to love your neighbor than on how not to love them.

Butch's thoughts-Very catchy song and unfortunately it gets stuck in your head once you hear it (I first heard the song listening to Sports talk on the radio). Horrible message-encouraging young people to experiment with their curiosities. Equally horrible is the approach that this church is taking. Do they honestly think that they are helping, reaching out, or making Christianity attractive to a lost world?

(Article taken from Church Marketing Sucks)

Two New Series This Week

I am pumped about the next two series that we are starting at Journey. The first begins this Sunday as we take a look at the Sermon the Mount-we are calling it The Mountain Message. Tomorrow we will kick things off outside on our front lawn, and we will look at the Beatitudes from a different perspective (Can't wait). There is nothing like outdoor worship!

This Wednesday we start a study looking at the Parables of Christ. We will examine the Jewish setting in which they were told, how the original hearers understood them, and how they apply to us today. Hope to see you there.

Labor Day

Had a relaxing day with the family yesterday. We started the day by sleeping in a little and then having brunch, french toast and sausage. We have wanted to ride our bikes at Moraine State Park for a while, and we finally did it yesterday. What a nice ride along the lake! It is seven and a half miles down and seven and a half back. There were a lot of families and kids on the paved path, and it is a very easy 15 mile windy ride along the lake. Can't wait to check it out later this fall when the leaves are changing. Patsy and I ended the day by swinging by Olive Garden to split our favorite dessert-black tie mousse cake. Mmmmmm.