Whose Power?

When Isaiah was just a little guy he was drawn to the espresso maker. Now I'd like to think that was because his dad is a coffee drinker, but no, he just wanted to press the glowing red button that starts the pump and pulls the shot.

He wanted so desperately to push the button on his own, but 1 year old fingers aren't strong enough to overcome the resistance of the spring loaded button. That's probably a built-in safety feature so 1 year olds can't get access to caffeine without their parent's approval.

Now there was a way for him to press the button all the way down but it required something else...me. As Isaiah placed his finger on the button, I put my finger on his and provided the force for starting the machine.

Sometimes this seems like a picture of how God works. The metaphor doesn't carry all the way through. But I know that's been me, trying to accomplish something that there is no way I could do on my own, but when I obey and step out in faith, God shows up and provides what's needed. Sometimes that's power, other times it's patience.

This is the way it's supposed to be though. Jesus sent His disciples out with His authority to obey Him in something they couldn't do in their own power.

Then Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20

So will you step out in faith to press a button you're not strong enough to press on your own?

Fear

Frightening things happen in life. Who calms your storm?

I had the chance to preach at our church last Sunday on fear. Hope it may be helpful to you!

Somebody always offers chocolate

I love snacks.

Particularly snacks with chocolate...or sugar...or really any kind of junk that fits in between the 3 squares a day.

Around the turn of the year I decided that I needed to change this habit. So along with cutting back my coffee intake, I lessened my junk eating during the day. I did this for numerous reasons (health, teeth, self-control, to support exercising instead of exercising to support snacking, etc.)

At first it was easy, as are most resolutions. But that lasted for a week and things got difficult.

You see, there always seems to be someone offering me chocolate. It could be at home, or most definitely at the office. And really, how can you say no?

But the truth is no matter what it is your're trying to quit or cut back on, there's always going to be someone offering you that very thing...often for free!

So I've learned to be ready, know what I'm going to eat before a situation...and act accordingly.

How do you deal with the tempting situations you face?

Viewing Difficulty

How do you view the tough circumstances of life? What is your go-to lens when...

• a health crisis happens.
• a difficult issue (or two or three) at work arises.
• money is tight...and you've been good on your budget!
• ...something doesn't go the way it should or the way you wanted it to go.

Now obviously there are things we can do in these and many other circumstances, but how do you primarily view the situation?

Maybe it's a guy thing, maybe it's a me thing, but I want to know what I can do to resolve the situation. It's easy for me to become anxious over the problem until I find a solution.

So it amazes me that when Paul went through difficulties he had a very different lens...trust.

Indeed we felt as if the sentence of death had been passed against us, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. - 2 Corinthians 1:9

In a dire circumstance, Paul's default, go-to lens is trust in God.

May our viewing difficulty turn into viewing difficulty as an opportunity to trust God.

To prepare or not to prepare...

Last weekend we traveled with a group to a water/theme park 3 hours away. About to head down the cannonball slide (10 ft. drop in a tube then 8 ft. drop into pool), I thought, should I take off my sunglasses? The answer was yes, but I didn't and when you hit the water after dropping 18 ft. the glasses pop off your head. As I surfaced, I felt them go past my feet. The lifeguards whistled for me to move on as I attempted to get them. Fortunately the lifeguards make dives every 30 minutes and recovered my sunglasses as well as a 3 others.

Later that day our group decided to go on one more roller coaster ride (it had a loop and corkscrew). Having turned in my locker key, I took all my possessions with me to this final ride. I put my keys in my pocket and thought, should I leave these behind in my bag? The answer was yes, but I didn't and after two times through the coaster, including 6 times going upside-down...the keys were gone. Fortunately we had a spare set. I'm still waiting for the park to find them!

I got lucky in both instances...well, we had prepared for the loosing keys by bringing an extra set. But it brought back a statement made by Dr. Gerry Breshears during a recent sermon on Matthew 25.

"You can not borrow preparedness."

I joked with a co-worker that this should be her life quote because she lives by this and we succeed for it. In fact, when she's away, I've had to learn to make sure we're fully prepared with all the little details I think can wait, because in reality, they can't.

So what are you waiting on, procrastinating in? What are those things that I know I should prepare for but for whatever reason you haven't? A test, a meeting, an important conversation, a trip, the next stage in life...or as Dr. Breshears spoke on, ready for Jesus?

Now I Can't Walk

I love my first-born. He's full of energy, loves to learn and enjoys laughing. But sometimes he throws in the towel.

He might be walking along, trip on something and fall. He might have been kneeling too long in one position and try and get up with that leg-numbing pain. He might spill something on the way to the table.

These are all things that invariably happen to any toddler.

Usually his response is to go with the flow, follow our cues and move on. But sometimes, he says, Oh no, now I can't walk. Now I can't eat. Or my favorite, Now I can't go to bed! (He really knows how to extend the bedtime routine!)

Fortunately he gets over the pain/shame of whatever happened pretty quick and we walk/run/eat/sleep as planned.

As funny as those moments are (and as much as I try not to laugh out loud), I've come to realize that I do this too. Maybe you do as well.

• That email sits in the inbox far too long...now I can't reply or have a good relationship.
• That project hasn't been started and is overdue...now it's too late to ever begin.
• I slept in and didn't get going on the ideal routine I wanted...now I can't have a good day.
• Someone did something that I didn't like...now I can't treat them with love.

Some of these we face are simple and petty, some are big. Some are plans that just didn't go our way, sometimes we get hurt. It's a learning process for both my son and I that, in spite of hurt, fear, procrastination, or things not going our way, we can continue on.

So what about you? What's holding you back? What's got you thinking you can't take the next step? I'll bet it's not really as big as we make it out to be.

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

- Philippians 3:13-14

From Fight to Freedom

New skills are a pain to learn.

I'm helping a friend of mine learn how to play the drums. Now part of the problem is that I'm teaching him and not a drum instructor. But after the first session, his right hand did not want to move at different time from the left hand or his right foot. And we have yet to add the left foot.

Your brain fights these until repeated practice wins.

My other friend Jon and I had coffee the other day. (anytime you're in Molalla and need some coffee, Main Street Coffee is the place to go!) But he's been learning a ton of new skills in music and leading in worship. One of those new skills is using a click-track. For those non-musicians, a click-track keeps the beat in your ear to help you keep consistent time.

Now I've never played live with a click track. I think it might be rather annoying. So I asked how that goes, and the process for the band. He described a process that goes like this:

Fight - Focus - Freedom

Stage 1 is Fight. You abhor the click-track. It is frustrating and annoying. You wish it would go away.

Stage 2 is Focus. It's not your friend quite yet, but you realize it's helping you accomplish something greater, and stay in time as a band. But your focus is on the click-track, not the music or worship for that matter!

Stage 3 is Freedom. Your brain, your coordination, your team...is so used to playing with it that it becomes the background stability that give you the launchpad to play and sing freely.

I've see this true as I lean new skills, whether from musical instruments, to leading, to...ahem...keeping my desk clean, to learning to trust and follow the Holy Spirit.

So what are you leaning? Keep at it. Hopefully you move on into Freedom.

Welcome back?

If you're reading this, congrats, I can't believe you still check this blog out considering the last post was in 2010!

How I've missed this place. For many reasons, to share thoughts, practice writing, cement lessons and ideas in my own mind and more.

But since 2010 we now have an almost 3 year old and almost 4 month old. This really is a great time in life! They may have contributed to my lack of energy in blogging.

So this time around, I'm aiming for some regularity. We'll start with once a week. That should leave time for the important things in life, family, ministry, reading, reflection, and playing music.

Catch ya here later.

Isaiah smiling!

It's hard to believe that he's already one month old!

Chosen & Given

We have many relationships with others in life—some chosen, and some given.

My relationship with my wife Alison was chosen. After some time of knowing her we chose to date. After some time of dating we chose to become engaged. And after being engaged, we chose to take it all the way with marriage. It's a great thing! We love each other and chose to commit to life together as husband and wife. I chose to marry her and stay with her knowing her gifting and the things that irritate, knowing what she likes and doesn't. I chose her, and thankfully, she chose me back!

My relationship with my son Isaiah was given. Sure, Alison and I had the desire for a child, but everything about this relationship is given. I didn't choose Isaiah knowing what he likes and what drives him crazy. I don't know what his gifting or the things that irritate me will be. I don't know if he'll like to play music, sports, video games, or just play in the dirt. With Isaiah, I get who I get. I get who he is.

One must decide well with the chosen relationship of marriage so they can face their given relationships—with all the late nights, rude awakenings, poopy diapers, and great joy—fully unified and confident in running the whole race, side by side.

And yes, I chose well!

Big Arms

Isaiah flexing for the camera

My boy is a strong little guy. Yet not strong enough to do everything (nor much) for himself. Though he and we are learning how to adjust to life together, Alison and I want what's best for him, and we are here to help him.

Sometimes when he's crying, I'll wrap him up in my arms like I'm swaddling him, letting him know that I'm right there protecting him, working for his best, solving his problems. And yet, he cries. I imagine now that it must be hard as a parent to watch your kids bang their head against the wall so to speak as they try to solve problems in the wrong way. Because you know their needs, you know how to protect them.

And yet, it reminds me of our Father, the one who holds us in His big arms. Yet I squirm and fuss, trying to solve my own problems, forgetting I'm in His hands.

Check out this video of J.J. Heller singing Your Hands.

May we remember to rely on our Strong Tower (Psalm 46), and rest in His big arms.

Nothing & Everything Changes

There isn't much better than being a parent. I've been told this by many, but now having an almost week-old son,  I know they're right!

Isaiah Aaron Geist was born Monday, September 27, 2010 at 10:34pm, weighing in at 9lbs, 1oz. and measuring  20 1/2". He is a joy and a blessing, just like Psalm 127:3 "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him."

It's amazing to me how this small (yet very big) event changed nothing and everything all at once. You see having a child changed nothing about me: I'm still as selfish, have the same fears, passions, desires, I didn't magically learn a new song to sing.

And yet, everything changed: There are now three in our home, my schedule changed, I'm now a father and Alison is a mother, there's lots more crying...by all parties involved, and the rest of my life is going to be different.

And all this happened in an instant.

A surprise gift from mom

I received a surprise gift of my mom's creativity and handiwork today, created in 1982. Apparently she actually painted/did calligraphy of this scripture for many new moms and their babies. This one was given to Vicki at our church for the birth of her son.

Today, Vicki paid it forward, so to speak, and gave this calligraphy in a new frame to Alison and I. We'll hang it above our changing table and remember to pass my mom's legacy down to our son.

Thank you Vicki!

Crater Lake 2010

With more pictures to come, check out a glimpse of our family's trip to Crater Lake.

Benham Falls

Here we are in Sunriver, enjoying the sun where it's actually cooler than Portland. Crazy! Here Larry, Patrick and I ride the trails to Benham Falls. It was pretty fun. We took the trail with many rocks, branches and hills on the way for a total of 12.2 miles. Thank goodness for mountain bikes and low gears!

It's gonna be a boy!

Many moments, big and small alike, have passed by since the last entry here on this blog. While I could go into excuses about why not, or promises on how this digital chronicler will be filled soon again...I won't.

Yet, this moment is too big to pass. Yes, if your eyes drifted downward already, you've seen the ultrasound of my (wait my? I'm going to be a dad?!) child. The cool thing about this ultrasound—taken May 3—is that while I've not posted the revealing photo, this 20-week scan shows that we are going to have a son! How crazy is that?!

I'm sure I'll have more to post soon...no promises!

Sunriver 09

Ali and I are finishing up our vacation at Sunriver with her family and what a restful time it's been! We've enjoyed the typical stay here with much biking, swimming, reading, eating and playing games. I learned how to play bridge last night but can't for the life of me fathom why there would be a game where one person doesn't get to play each round?!!! I don't think bridge is for me; I'll stick with whist.

I haven't snapped too many photos but the sky and deer have been fun to shoot. Here are a few of my favorites.

Birthday song

Now that I can take video with the phone, I thought I'd get one of
Alison bringing my birthday cup cake, but she grabbed the camera and
key shooting.

March - June Recap

What a ride! I'm beginning to wonder if life ever stops changing and settles into a routine. I don't think it does, but it's sure been good overall. Here's a snapshot of the busy & life-changing past season.

Moving on: Just as the 30 Hour Famine ended, my friend, mentor & boss, Brian Eberly, moved on from his role as youth pastor at Grace Point into the unknown of what comes next. Though I miss working closely with him, he has settled down at Rock Harbor, Pastoring students there. I look forward to getting our groups together for local events!

Taxes: Taxes are never fun, but when your wife is a tax accountant, it's a whole new level. Mostly I just don't see her for 3 months...so I was glad when April 15th came around and my Ali returned home.

Beach Retreat: As soon as tax season finished, I entered the full swing of Retreat Season...planning games, sessions and more. What a great time we had though, exploring the theme One. Check out the pictures.

Wedding: May 17 marked a new era in the lives of the Geist family. My dad, Dan married Denise in a hot church sanctuary with a beautifully decorated reception. It was a great weekend as my mom's family was in town and we got to enjoy seeing them too.

New Job: In June, our church voted to bring myself and one other gal on staff, me as the new youth pastor. It has been a great month so far...lots to do...lots of people who need Jesus daily...and a constant reminder of my own need.

Moving on Part 2: Thank goodness for technology! Just a week and half ago, my brother Andrew moved out to South Bend to get his Masters at Notre Dame. I am bummed to see him go but am glad to see him growing and moving on in life. I'm glad for technology because it has never been easier to keep in touch with those far away.

Camp Harlow: After being away from Camp Harlow for 10 plus years, I get to return, this time with a group of high schoolers eager to counsel their first group of day-campers. Wow...I remember my first time in '94 when I took the camp name Wet Willy for a Spring Break camp. That was so long ago, but an important experience in why I love ministry today.

New Decade: On Wednesday, I entered the land of those past their 30th year on this earth. I am truly glad to be here and look forward to the added wisdom and maturity that sometimes come with age. Of course, now I'm almost 20 years older than the 6th graders that just joined our mid-school group!

Moving: After 4 great years in this apartment of ours, Alison and I will move into my dad's house this Summer. It is the house I grew up in and helped build. What fun that will be!

Meeting Moses and getting AIDS: My Famine weekend

I spent a great weekend with the students and leaders of 180 fasting, praying, serving and worshipping during the 30 Hour Famine. Thank you to those of you who donated and prayed for us! So far, and the donations are still coming in, we raised over $2,000 which meets the needs for 6 children this year. Praise God!

Here's a snapshot of our weekend:

The Rally: We met up with many other churches from the Portland area at Beaverton Christian Church. Normally the rally begins with high-energy music, but this year entered quietly while getting marked at health stations. The rally began with a funeral...yes, a funeral for 3 victims of AIDS in Africa. 

When I see stats like about the number of children dying or orphaned by AIDS daily, I fell detached. The number is too great for me to act. But attending a "funeral" for one of those kids brings it home that I can act on behalf of one...and it makes a true difference in that one life.

One of the greatest treats this year's rally was hearing from Moses (pictured), a native Kenyan who would have been a statistic if not for World Vision's work when he was a child. The letters from his sponsor, Julie, are what led Him to following Jesus. What an encouragement for us. We can make a difference around the world!

Worship: We were tired, but AJ led us in worship, reading from Matthew and Isaiah, teaching us to not go around all somber and looking like we were suffering, but to go about as normal. It was great to live out the Isaiah 58 passage in fasting & breaking the chains of injustice.

Though our music was worship, I am convinced that the suffering, fasting, serving, and caring for the oppressed were a pleasing aroma for the Lord. I know He looked down on our students and smiled!

 

Serving: This year, we stayed on site for our service project. This was the most physically demanding year of service in that we spent about 2 hours clearing blackberries from our church property. The students did a great job, not complaining once! All in all, it was a good couple of hours, though I'm not sure what to think about a few of them eagerly volunteering to use the deadly poison spray on the roots....hmm :)

Tribes: Dividing into 5 tribes for the weekend, we played 7 games that had basis in real life challenges that plague the poor of Latin America. They included endurance, mental, strength, balance, and a few blindfold challenges. Pictured are students crossing the Amazon to get to school. My favorite however was the Survivor style endurance challenge where students had to hold a weighted bucket straight out from their body for as long as possible. This challenge represented the long trek back from a river with water for the family to drink, but presented some of the greatest challenge viewing of the weekend!

Speakers: Steve Pringle and Brian Wiggs brought great passion, insight and challenge in how we can continue the spirit of the Famine in our daily lives.

Steve spoke on our passion, how God has uniquely shaped us and our need to remain/abide in Jesus as we live daily. Brian challenged us to be courageous and build relationships with people outside our comfort zone, which is what it takes to care for the least of these.

The Meal: Last but not least, we ended the fast with chicken burritos. But we were asked to stay in the spirit of the Famine and walk silently look through the line, thanking God for the food we have. 

We had a great time and I am so proud of the students who gave up 30 hours of eating to save children's lives. May our attitudes be changed as well. We are so blessed and are called to be a blessing to others.

Check out all of our Famine pictures here.