Snow Days

It's snowing...again...or is it still? This winter reminds me of the ones I experienced as a kid. It's to the point where I can hardly get the snow piled higher at the end of my drive way.

If we're going to live in Minnesota we can complain about it or enjoy it. I am going to enjoy it. I think it's a great time to go sledding. My family likes to go to the local golf course. They have a great hill that if you go fast enough you can almost make it into the Mississippi River.

Maybe I'll see you there.

Life Goals

It's the day after Christmas and we are at Darla's parents, Arvin & Shirley Kuglin. We woke up to the sound of Christmas music on an organ. Turns out that that they won some music lessons at the Dakota County Fair. It has been a dream of Arvin's for the past 50 years to play the organ. After a few lessons they bought this organ as a Christmas gift for each other.

In the video he is playing "Just A Closer Walk With Thee".

You may have had a dream for a long time and are wondering if you will ever accomplish it. Never give up! Keep the dreams alive. Arvin is 79 years young and just crossed of one more from his list.

Have you even made a list? If not, as you approach a new year, this would be a perfect time to put down on paper some life goals.

I need to cut this short as I'm going back to hear some more music.

Merry Christmas

The Thompson's would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Settlers of Catan

One of my families favorite games to play is Settlers of Catan. We just finished playing two games and I am happy to announce that I won both.

I sound pretty humble huh.

Usually when I play and Darla also plays, she smokes me...in everything. I have to share this rare happening with everyone.

Go Packers?!

Special thanks to Lisa for this bumper sticker. She is a huge Packer fan. She bleeds green & yellow like the guy in the commercial. I told Lisa that I would be a Packer fan for today but that would be it. The Vikings know how to make it suspensful for their fans. I don't know why they can't put it away when they need to.

Well,here it goes. GO PACKERS!

Weather Related Announcement

Due to the weather, our 8 AM service for December 21 is canceled. We hope to see you at Sunday School at 9:30.

Christmas Program Practice

It's that time of year. Kids in churches all over are practicing hard, preparing to share the wonderful message of Jesus Christ's birth.
"Godz Kids" from Living Hope will be presenting the Christmas program this Sunday. Our Rice campus kids will share in the morning service at 9:30 at Rice Elementary. Our kids from the Little Falls campus will be performing this Sunday night at 6:30. Their program is entitled "Ella - A Shepherds Daughter".

Refreshments will be served following the evening program and everyone in attendance will receive a gift.

This is also the night that we receive an offering for Hillcrest Children's Home. Come prepared to bless them.

Shorts during a winter storm?

Today I had the excitement of preaching all three of our services. Traveling down to Rice was an adventure. I was glad I have four wheel drive. I love snow storms, but not on a Sunday morning. When I got to Rice I saw Gilbert, playing guitar...in shorts. He's from Hawaii! I had to take a picture after I was done shaking my head and smiling. If you were not able to make it today, we will upload the podcast tomorrow.

The Auto Bail Out

I just thought of a way that the government could help the auto industry as well as the economy. Why don't they give us about $20,000 per household and then we can all go buy a new vehicle? What model and color would you like? If you're in Minnesota right now I would go for some type of four-wheel drive vehicle.

Points of Pain

I just read this article on a link from our church's website to the A/G national website. It's about a former North Central classmate of mine. I just finished chatting with him on Facebook.

Points of pain and ministry

If you want to reach people for Christ, Senior Pastor Chuck Kish and his Bethel Assembly of God congregation in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, have determined the church needs to be found at people's points of pain - the point where people are asking questions and hurting the most.

In order to meet that need, the church decided to do what other churches have done - place chaplains with the police department and hospitals.

"Since the Vision of Transformation began and the local church was enabled to credential individuals," explains Kish, "it has opened the door to our church being involved in chaplaincy ministries."

However, about a year ago, the church went where few - if any - other churches had gone before. Placing a chaplain in a local bar. Having a chaplain available in a bar may seem to be a contradiction, but Kish explains it's a perfect place for a chaplain to be if his or her purpose is to be available at a person's point of pain and need.

"It's not uncommon for people to deal with their problems with alcohol, trying to bury or forget their pains," Kish says. "In one instance, a woman was contemplating suicide, but the bartender sent her to talk with the bar chaplain. The woman really opened up to the chaplain and was able to resolve some of her problems - she was open to the gospel message, and although she hasn't made a decision for Christ yet, we are believing she will."

However, as unique and forward thinking as having a chaplain in a bar is, the church has recently gone into a whole new area of chaplaincy that, according to what Kish has been told by Pennsylvania state representatives, is the very first chaplaincy effort of its type in the United States.

"I came upon a car accident where two 18-year-olds were killed," Kish recalls. "I saw the EMT pull back the sheet on one of the bodies. I saw his face as he turned away, and I thought 'he really needs a chaplain.'"

Due to the church's successful and overwhelmingly positive impact in other areas with their community chaplains, when the opportunity came for Kish to present his idea to the local Cumberland Goodwill EMT director, their chaplaincy program's reputation preceded him. The director surprised Kish by his eager acceptance of Kish's idea of placing chaplains in the cabs of EMS (Emergency Medical Service) vehicles.

"We now have chaplains riding in the cabs of ambulances - EMS chaplains," Kish says. "It's a true point of pain."

However, the chaplains aren't just helping the EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) "debrief" and deal with what they've witnessed, they make themselves available to assist the EMTs and ride with the victims - people who very well may be contemplating serious life questions and perhaps even facing death. It's possibly one of the most intense opportunities for a chaplain to meet a person at their "point of pain."

Arriving at the scene of an accident with the EMT crew, EMS Chaplains Frank Poley (left) and Jack Rau of Bethel AG offer help as they calm the passenger and driver of a vehicle.

"It takes a special person to be an EMS chaplain," Kish admits. "They must have the gifts of helps, hospitality and a strong stomach. So, far, we've had numerous opportunities to pray with EMTs and victims - including praying with a man who was able to confirm his faith in Christ before dying."

Kish says that since this is a "first of its kind" effort, there are no training manuals for this type of work. In fact, he says they're keeping a log of experiences as they go through "on the job" training. In the future, they plan to use what they've learned to provide training for more chaplains from their congregation as well as from other congregations.

"Our chaplaincy program has not only received an overwhelmingly positive response," Kish says, "but the people involved have begun to see the city differently - they really fall in love with the community and have a passion for the people in it."

Although Bethel Assembly of God has already expanded ministry boundaries through their "points of pain" approach, they're far from done. Kish says that they now also have a funeral chaplain and feel like they've just scratched the surface.

"We're looking to put a chaplain in with 9-1-1 operators," Kish says. "I want us to touch our community at every point of pain where people are asking about life, death, purpose, the future . . . the power of the gospel brings change!"

Grandma's Quilts

Darla's mom has been making quilts for her grandkids for a few years now. She started with the oldest and is working her way down to the youngest, Andrew. Wednesday night Kelsey and Alyssa received theirs. Nothing like grandma's quilt on a cold Minnesota night.

HTC touch pro

I am attemping to use my new cell phone to do this blog. So far Iam really liking all of the features. I am attemping to upload a picture and will try a video later.

Husky Hockey

Andrew and I had the opportunity to go to the St. Cloud State Husky Hockey game tonight. They won 4-2 against Denver. Special thanks to Rob for the two tickets.


I love sitting in the first row where you can feel the checks as they crash into the boards. It reminds me of my younger days.

WWF combines with hockey.

I especially enjoyed watching #11, Jared Festler. He was always exciting to see when he played for the Little Falls Flyers. It's nice to have him close to home. He had two assists tonight and nearly a goal if he wouldn't have been tripped up as you can see in the video.

Blizzard, the Husky mascot was having a good time.

Deer Hunters of Living Hope

I am asking attenders of Living Hope to submit their 2008 deer hunting pictures. We want to celebrate with those who were successful. After a week or two of submissions, we'll have people vote for the top kill. Perhaps I'll even give out a little prize.

Ethan Alver #1

Ethan Alvar #2
Ethan Alvar #3

Chris Olin on left. A 5 & a 7 point buck. His nephew on the right with his 10 pointer. Don't worry, his nephew is not eligible for the prize :)

Gabi Drill and her nice doe

Callan Drill and his 6 point buck.

Linda Tatro and her 6 point buck.


Dan Olsen...three...wow

Dan Tonder's dream deer


Shelley Starz...10 point buck.

The Big Hunt?

Watch the video first, then read the results.

No, I didn't get the 20 point buck. I did however get a shot at one. I was in the middle of my morning exercise routine while in the deer stand (actually, just trying to stay warm). Suddenly I noticed two deer running through the field just over 100 yards away. I managed one shot at the buck. It didn't appear that I hit it. It started to run in a direction that may have given me another shot. Unfortunately by the time I was ready to take the second shot it was behind some trees. It crossed the road and went into the woods that I was talking about in my video.

In regards to the book, "Sinner", by Tedd Dekker, I finished it. What a great book. I love this author. Tedd really foreshadows some great, and scary, thoughts about our countries belief regarding tolerance and free speech. It really is a thought provoker. The time may soon be approaching where a Christian with a Biblical world view will not just be considered intolerant, but illegal.

It's ironic how those who are angry and hateful towards Christians do not see their hatred as being intolerant.

I do believe that we Christians have brought on some peoples hatred, not because we are acting like Jesus, but because we have not loved as Christ did. He is the perfect example of how one can love people deeply, while maintaining and encouraging others to live a holy life.

Happy Birthday Billy Graham

Today is Billy Graham's 90th Birthday!

Rev. Billy Graham is the most respected minister in America, perhaps the world. He has lived a life of integrity, is a man of great influence upon leaders and upon average people, and most importantly, has preached the gospel without compromise.

I appreciate how he always preached with compassion and on a level that all could understand.

If you would like to send him a birthday wish just click on this link.

The Pick

My daughter Alyssa just had her first game of basketball for the season. As a father, I like to be involved in my kids athletic games, sometimes even coaching. One game I never played much was basketball. In my years of pastoring in Little Falls I have been to hundreds of games and have learned a little bit. You have to understand that I grew up playing hockey. I would spend hours OUTSIDE in the freezing, sub-zero temps, enjoying every minute of it.

I say all of this to simply set up this video. My daughter Alyssa was involved in a "pick" which allowed her teammate to score. I'm not quite sure it was a totally legal pick but it was sure fun to watch.

Speed The Light

I just received this email from Mark & Janie. They are missionaries that our church supports and our youth have raised money for. Mark grew up in our church. We are so proud to claim him as one of our own.


"Janie and I just bought our new STL car, and understand that you provided part of the purchase price. Thank you so much for your continued support for us. We are so blessed to have such a solid, caring church behind us. We love and appreciate you. Please pass along our heartfelt thanks to the youth and anyone else that may have played a role in this.

We bought a Honda CRV as you can see in the picture. It will be a blessing to us and to the churches and people we serve here for a long time.

Blessings!

Mark & Janie"

I am not only proud of Mark & Janie but of our incredible youth. Under the leadership of Pastor Bobby, they have captured the heart of missions and know what it is to sacrifice to share the message of Jesus.

I watch my three kids that are a part of Motion Student Ministries here at Living Hope. I know they don't make much money, yet they continue to surprise me at what they give to Speed the Light. I pray that this attitude of giving will continue on in the lives of our young people even as they grow older and take on the financial reality of life as an adult.

Post Elections

I am sure that most people are filled with intense emotions today. Whether the individuals you voted for were elected or not may determine how you feel today. Perhaps you're simply excited that the political commercials will now come to an end; at least for a few weeks. I heard a political consultant tell of how President-elect Obama started campaigning about two years ago. He stated that it could start a trend in the future. Could you imagine two plus years of these commercials. The couches at the psychologist offices would be filled.

No matter how you voted, don't forget that God has asked us in His Word to pray for those who are authorities over us. The Assemblies of God General Superintandant, George Wood, has a great video that you should watch. He addresses some key points that we be good for us to apply. George Wood

Vote

I just returned from voting. It was good to see that there was a steady flow of people. If you are reading this blog today and have not made your way to vote, stop, grab your keys and go. You can finish reading this when you return.

I believe it is the duty of every American, certainly every believer in Jesus Christ, to get out and cast our vote. I also encourage you to vote based on Biblical values!

New Gadget Added

Not that I'm egotistical or anything. I'm really just curious to find out if there is anyone that follows my blog. I have added a gadget on the right side tool bar entitled, "Followers". I would love to have you add yourself to the list.

Steak Dinner

Thanks to a special friend of the church, those who attended church on Sunday were blessed by a great steak dinner.

Steak you could cut with a plastic knife

(Tim-our favorite butcher from Fergus Falls & his daughter)

Sunday was a fantastic day at Living Hope. We had our semi-annual, Combined Campus Celebration with about 320 in attendance. It was also our first Sunday that people could make a pledge towards our "Impacting Generations" capital campaign. So far, with 24 pledges in, we are at around $130,000+ towards our goal of $1.3 million. (If you would like more info you can go to www.ourgreathope.org or email me).

The church also blessed the pastors and their families for Pastor Appreciation Sunday. Thanks to everyone for the kind words and gifts. We are so blessed to be able to minister to an incredible group of people.

Fall Fun

One of my favorite things to do in the Fall is a hayride. This afternoon, our Rice campus was blessed to be able to enjoy a great time at the Schwab's. Nothing like a smore to go with the evening. By the way, I am the best smore maker ever. Cooked to perfection.




When I was in high school, our church youth group had a lot of hayrides. The name of my home town would probably give that away...Farmington.
Some of us were a little wild. We enjoyed stuffing hay down the backs of everyone and pulling each other off the wagon. I was only run over once, right across the leg.

My wife strongly advised me to refrain from pulling her off the wagon today. She reminded me that I would be the one paying for her chiropractic bill.

It's no fun growing old.

Vietnam Moving Wall

A replica that is half the size of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, is currently on display at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley. The memorial has 64 panels, each filled with the names of 58,200 American soldiers who died during the Vietnam War. It arrived Thursday and will remain on display in Little Falls 24 hours a day until Monday.

I believe this memorial is vital, especially to those who fought in Vietnam. I pray that this memorial can bring some healing to those who faced unmentionable horrors; both the soldier and their family. When my uncle returned from the Vietnam war, according to my mom, he was never the same. I can't even begin to imagine what these soldiers went through in a great effort to provide freedom and democracy for others. I've seen a few war movies and usually find myself thinking "I would be scared to death".

I am so thankful to the men and women of our country who are willing to lay their life on the line for our freedom and the freedom of others. I pray that my children will come to appreciate the sacrifices of others that have allowed them to enjoy the freedoms of the U.S.

All gave some. Some gave all.

Strong & Loving

In my personal time with the Lord this morning, I was reading Psalm 62. As I read verse 11 it jumped off the page at me. "One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving..."

The first thing I noticed is that it appears that God and David are having a little communication problem. The verse says that God spoke one thing. Nothing wrong with that. The potential problem comes when David says that he heard two things. I don't know about you, but in the relationships I'm in, if one thing is said and two things are heard...that's big time trouble.

The stuff that really jumped out at me was what David heard. God is strong and loving. I love that about God. Those two characteristics of God give me so much peace. He loves me and He is strong!

What if we changed just one or both of those characteristics to be the opposite in description of God?
What if...
...God were weak and loving. He would care very deeply for me, but would be without power to do anything about it. Not good! I need a God who loves me and has the power to change me and/or to change the situations of life that I face.

...God were strong and hateful. We've all seen the superhero movies. There is always a villain who has stumbled upon some way of attaining power. They are also dealing with something from their past that has caused them deep pain. Vengeance becomes their goal in life and so they begin to terrorize the world.

...God were weak and hateful. If this were the characteristics of a person they would probably be an individual who is very much alone. They've pushed everybody away who should matter to them. They are abusive to themselves and no longer care about life.

Be encouraged today! Your God is STRONG AND LOVING!

"One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving..." Psalm 62:11

Fireproof

The movie "Fireproof" is doing really well and I was happy to hear that it is coming to an area theater. The "Parkwood 18" in Waite Park will start showing it on Friday, October 17. The times are 1:40 PM, 4:15 PM, 6:45 PM & 9:15 PM.

Living Hope Church is in the second week of Life Groups, studying the "Fireproof" material. The Little Falls campus has just over 100 adults involved and our Rice campus has nearly 30! I believe this series will have incredible results in marriages and relationships in general. The family is worth fighting for and I am so grateful to the church that produced this film.

If you live in the Little Falls, MN or Rice, MN area and would like to get involved in this study, feel free to call Living Hope Church at 320-632-4365 or email me at keith@ourgreathope.org

The Edge

I want to invite you to join a work crew from Living Hope Church. We would like to go down to Winona to help Chuck & Steph Peterson. They have just planted a church called "The Edge".

If you are available for a couple of days within the next two weeks, please email me at keith@ourgreathope.org or call me at 320-632-4365

Men with a Passion

I just returned home from spending three days at Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, ND. The college invited several guest to come and share about ministry in rural America. The President of Trinity, Jack Strom, is passionate about training their students to reach rural America.

One of the individuals I was blessed to hear from was Zollie Smith.

Zollie L. Smith Jr. was elected executive director of Assemblies of God U.S. Missions at the 52nd General Council in August 2007. Smith coordinates the ministries of six departments: Church Planting; Chaplaincy Ministries; Teen Challenge International, USA; Chi Alpha Campus Ministries; Intercultural Ministries; and U.S. Mission America Placement Service (MAPS).

Prior to U.S. missions, Smith served as the Executive Presbyter representing the Ethnic Fellowships and as president of the National Black Fellowship. He served the New Jersey District of the Assemblies of God as assistant superintendent (1998-2005) and as executive secretary (2005-07).

Smith served as pastor of Eternal Life Christian Center (ELCC) of the Assemblies of God, Somerset, New Jersey for 15 years. During his pastorate, the church grew to over 300 members and completed a $2.7 million educational enrichment center. Prior to ELCC, Smith pioneered a church that later became Plainfield Assembly of God, a New Jersey district affiliate.

Smith has spent his life in service as a former police officer/detective; U.S. Postal Inspector; and Airborne Infantryman in the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. (Info. from www.ag.org) (Watch a video of Zollie, ff to 30 minutes)

Zollie Smith is a man with a passion. His heart can be described in one phrase, "That none parish". Zollie encouraged those in attendance to make an impact where you are and to not get discouraged when it's not going your way. '"The steps of a righteous person are ordered of the Lord'". I was personally refreshed by Zollie's vision to reach America with the Good News of Jesus Christ. I feel blessed to have such incredible leadership in the Assemblies of God.

Cowboy Church

I am currently attending a symposium at Trinity Bible College on churches in rural America. One of the presenters is Duke Edwards. In the spring of 2006 he started the Wray Cowboy Church. He was born and raised in Washington state and started riding bulls professionally in Canada at the age of 16. In 1996 he was rookie of the year and final champion in Canada and in 1997 he was the Season Champion Bullrider for the Canadian Pro Rodeo. In September of 1999 he found God and started to do ministry with the PBR. In 2005 we moved to Holyoke, CO and began the planning for Cowboy Church.

When I asked Duke, "how many bones have you broke"? His response was, "it would be easier to tell you which bones I have not broken". That's nuts! How does one decide that they're going to jump on a bull, strap themselves to it, open a gate and hang on with all your might. Actually it sounds like a blast!

I love the diversity of the body of Christ. Each one of us is so unique and are called to reach out to a variety of people. I am wondering if Cowboy Church would work in my community. Maybe "Farmers Church" or "Military Church".

Everyone deserves to hear the gospel. The message of hope from the Word of God does not change, but the methods do. I am challenged to do whatever it takes (ethically) to reach people for Jesus.

The Apostle Paul said, "I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." 1 Cor. 9:22-23.

Never Been There

Since I have lived in Minnesota all of my life, you may fine this hard to believe. Today I am leaving to go to North Dakota, a place where I have never been. People in the church look a little confused when I tell them I've never crossed the border into North Dakota. I simply remark, "I've never had a reason to go there". Do I need a passport to get in?

I will be spending the next three days at Trinity Bible College. They are having a "Rural Ministry Symposium" of which I will have a small part. Roger Stacy, from the Mn District office has invited me and a couple other Pastor's to share about church planting in rural settings. Two key things I have come to learn about church planting (there are many more) 1. I don't have all the answers, 2. It is God's passion and He has the answers.

I look forward to rubbing shoulders with some of the other speakers. It is in settings like this that I seem to learn so much.

Pray for me that I do not get detained at the border! :)

Reggie Dabbs

Today is a great day in Central Minnesota. Reggie Dabbs, the #1 Youth Communicator in the country will be speaking in the area. He will be in Upsala and Swanville this morning and Pierz this afternoon. He will be back to Pierz tonight at 7 PM. Reggie is joined by the band, OA, which is made up of students from North Central University.

I had the opportunity to get to know Reggie when we were both students at North Central. He has an incredible life story to share. He is a guy that can make you laugh and cry within seconds. I love the way the Reggie is able to be real with the youth about the tough issues they face, yet offer them such great hope.

If you're in the area, you will definitely want to be at Pierz tonight!

Wally Hilgenberg

One of my heroes of the faith passed away yesterday. Wally Hilgenberg, former Viking linebacker died at the age of 66 from ALS.

I first met Wally when I was a young teenager. Wally and his family began attending the same church my family was going to, Christian Life Church in Farmington. As a big Viking fan, I was star struck seeing him in church. There were Sundays when he would bring with him some of his teammates like "Bench warmer" Bob. I had a hard time focusing on the sermons on those days.

Beyond the Viking player was a man that dearly loved his family, the Lord and the outdoors. I became friends with one of his daughters and had a few opportunities to be in their home. I especially enjoyed playing pool. I will never forget seeing the autographed picture that O.J. Simpson signed for Wally. It was a picture of Wally tackling O.J.

I am so grateful for men like Wally. A tough football player, a rugged outdoors man, and a man with a passion for God. I believe that a man who gives his life to Christ doesn't become a sissy, he becomes everything God intended for a man to be. It is in Christ that we live life to the fullest.

Perhaps Wally will now be able to encourage the Lord to give the Vikings some extra help from above.

Transformation

A month ago we began the process of removing several trees in our yard. The first few days we cut down about 25-30. Today we brought the total to 54!

As you look at these pictures you can begin to see the transformation of our yard take place.

Why take down so many trees? Tonight I am actually wondering. I'm stiff and soar! When we moved into this house almost five years ago we thought the "woods" in the back yard was pretty sweet. As the kids have grown we realized that their play area was quite small because of all the trees. The pine trees where planted so close that were looking pretty bad. Several of them were actually dieing. The plan was put into place and the transformation has begun.

We have a vision of a beautiful lawn, an area for a swimming pool, a small baseball/football field, a volleyball court and an area to have a fire. Today I'm tired and feel like leaving the yard as is. I would, but the vision spurs me on to complete the transformation.

My life can be like that. I know that I am a work in progress, being transformed a little at a time. There are moments when I am tired and think it would be easier to stay as I am. The vision that God has given me compels me to press on. To see what the finished product will be if I finish the race, if I allow God to transform me to be more like Jesus.

I love what the Bible says about Jesus. "Who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross". What an example of having a vision and pressing on through the pain to experience the joy.

PS If you have any expertise in making my lawn look like the 13th hole at Augusta National, give me a call.

More pictures will follow as the work continues on.