iPhone Follow Up

Some of you may know that when I purchased my iPhone my wife, Katie, jokingly made a proposal. She said that I could get an iPhone if we had another child. I said, "Sure." This was when we thought there was no way we could purchase the phone. However, I came up with a plan that would make sure the phone didn't cost us any money. That is how I really got the phone. On the other hand, this man was not so lucky.

Things I Love About My iPhone

As many of you know, I have an iPhone, and it is completely and totally awesome. I know there are those of you out there who would love nothing more than to see each and every iPhone combust into thin air, but, call me a fanboy if you wish, I think it is the best thing since sliced bread. "Why do you love it so much?" you might ask. Here are the top 10 things I love about my iPhone:

10. It has a nice shiny apple on the back.
9. The size. You have to hold one to understand how thin this thing is. Fits in your front pocket nicely.
8. Web Browsing. No more mobile web for me!
7. WiFi. I love being in a coffee shop surrounded by people with laptops and knowing I can do most of what their doing with my phone.
6. The screen. It is absolutely beautiful.
5. Google Maps. I have used this app more than any other to find directions and to show off.
4. Syncing. Finally a phone that syncs seamlessly with my stuff on the mac.
3. The keyboard. I know some have complained, but I type 3-5 times faster on it than I did on my Treo.
2. The best iPod ever. It just keeps getting better.
1. THIS THING IS COOL!!!! I love pulling it out and having someone say, "Hey! Is that an iPhone?"And I say with big smile, "Yes, it is."

Something To Keep In Mind For All Youth Pastors

Doug Fields is a wonderful writer, speaker, and pastor to youth and other youth pastors across the country. His latest article truly speaks to not only the mindset I should have, but also to my colleague's. Take a look at the pondering of whether we should have more events or more prayers for the upcoming year.

Second Day At My New Call

Yes, I know I should have written something about my first day, but things were just a bit busy. But I am in now, and it has been an awesome reception. Everyone is excited I am here, and I can certainly confess my excitement about being at such a vibrant, spirit-filled church. There is so much to go through right now from records of the past to meetings with the appropriate people. However, my first mission is to get to know these youth. I need to know their names, their parents names, and the names of their pet gecko. (Actually, I am not into lizards that much, so I hope they have dogs instead.) There is certainly a long road ahead, but I am willing to travel it knowing that Christ is walking right beside me.

Moved In

Even though I don't start until Wednesday, I got permission to get my stuff moved into my new office. There are a few things that came to mind as I surveyed the new space I will be in at Sardis Presbyterian Church. First, it is nice to have a couch back in my office. I had one before, but this hasn't been the case lately. I thoroughly enjoy having a place where youth and adults can be comfortable. It is also nice to have a place to read in a space more comfortable than an office chair. Another thing is that my office is in the same area as the other pastoral staff. In the past two years my office has been located away from the rest of the staff, which made me think this is how they all viewed the youth ministry of the church: separate from everything else. Finally, the view from my window is unlike any I have had before. As I look out, I get a nice view of the church cemetary. At first, this might creep people out. But I actually think it is rather cool. Pardon me while I get a little heavy on the theological side, but it is as if the saints of the past are right with me. It is a reminder of those who have come before me who have built this church with everything from their wallets to their presence. It doesn't make me feel weird. In fact, it makes me feel more at peace. That's my office.

Three Days Before I Start My New Call

It is the Sunday before I begin my new call as Associate Pastor for Youth at Sardis Presbyterian Church. I am going through a myriad of emotions. From anxiety to excitement (Are these the same thing?); from anticipation to hesitancy. After spending a week working at the Montreat Youth Conference as a small group leader, I am reminded of the tight community the church has, and how that community allows one to look at everything with hope. I believe that is where I am the most. I am hopeful this call will be one where God can use me to do some amazing things. I know I will have both ups and downs. But at the end of it all, I can rest knowing my hope is in Jesus Christ who has called me to this new church to do God's will.

So here is the list of things I need to get done:

• Pack up all my office stuff to move into my new office.
• Get the Macbook prepared.
• Reread some youth ministry books to refresh my memory on good ways to start a call.
• Pray
• Pray
• Pray

The clock is ticking, and Wednesday will be here before I know it. I am ready! (I hope.)