Hey Friends!
As some of you know, last year Youthmark was a sponsor of and tried to get the word out for Charity:Water. Well, we are once again (the Aabys and Youthmark) trying to spread the word.
Please go to Elisabeth’s blog, RIGHT NOW, seriously, RIGHT NOW… Click HERE if you don’t know how to get there. She has something way more important to say than anything you can read here right now!
Grace,
Brian
I’m coming off of a terrific weekend, and in particular a Sunday that was very needed.
My brother-in-law flew up from Southern California to spend the weekend with us. He and I have been in the same Fantasy Basketball league for the last several years; this year we decided to do a live draft and get everyone together. Scott made the trip up to spend time with the family here and get to meet (in person) all the others in the league.
We had a great time together the whole time, but Sunday was the best and very needed for me.
It’s been a busy/hectic/stressful last couple weeks for me. It seems like a lot of Youthmark stuff was all coming together and once and if I wanted to every waking minute could be spent doing Youthmark related projects. So, Scott’s visit couldn’t have come at a worse, or better time! It forced me to take a break, relax and just be! Sunday specifically was that forced break.
We started the day by picking up my Dad (Mom was out of town) and had my family and Scott go up to 67, for Breakfast. Great grub and awesome atmosphere. Got back in time for second service at church. Came home for lunch and some relax time before heading over to another church to play basketball with all the guys from our fantasy league. Because I’ve gotten in good physical shape (a shape other than “round”), I was able to play well (at least I had my stamina).
After hoops Scott and I came back to finish the prep work for dinner with all the guys back at my house. Grilled up some steak and chicken and really enjoyed the fellowship with all the FBL guys! After dinner we had the Fantasy League Draft and a lot of laughter!
I didn’t do a thing for Youthmark (okay, snuck in a couple quick emails that needed to be tended to, but never really had to think too much). It was a wonderful break!
Oh wait, almost forgot, as I was getting ready for bed I saw on someone’s Tweet that U2 had a live feed of their LA concert on Youtube! Elisabeth and I watched most of it online, we lost sleep, but oh boy, it was worth it!
Refreshing to get back at it today. Please pray for a the upcoming lunches and that those who come to preview Youthmark Mission Ventures would see a great potential partner in Youthmark!
Grace,
Brian
Even though I woke up Thursday morning with a bit of a sore throat that would later turn in to more of a real sore throat, I wouldn’t let that ruin the weekend. It was a great weekend at the Aaby home. Here are a few of the highlights.
Friday: Did some good prep work for the EXPOSED conference (btw, today is the deadline for early bird pricing). I had a great interview with a police officer who goes undercover online through MySpace and Facebook (I’ll talk about this at the conference). Took Halle to her soccer practice and Elisabeth and I caught up on a few shows we had on our DVR (we love the Amazing Race).
Saturday: Elisabeth did a few consignment sales as I spent the morning with the kids at home. Then we did a family outing to Chipotle for lunch and then off to Halle’s Soccer game (where we discovered Will is a natural). I multi-tasked and got some Youthmark postcards prepped for delivery (I’ll post about this mailing soon). We got home in time to watch the UW/ND refs give the game back to Notre Dame. Halle made her biking debut on the Soos Creek trail, she and I rode a little over 2 miles (which I was giddy to do because I hadn’t ridden in a couple days because of my sore throat). On Saturday night we were able to watch the second half of the Amazing Race premier from the previous week.
Sunday: The moment we’ve been waiting for for many, many months (but nearly as long as the long-term members of Faith Baptist). “A New Day At Faith” began yesterday. The new Lead Pastor was installed at Faith. I look forward to seeing what happens at Faith and the way God uses the leadership team with a new team member. The morning was very festive, complete with donuts and coffee prior to the service (because people were arriving early for the “all church” service), extended time of worship through song (started 15 minutes prior to the service), a message from the heart from Pastor John (did some foundational vision casting, which very much included the idea of “change” so that we’re reaching the next generation) and a lunch in the courtyard after (which was fun for us to catch up with some friends who are checking out Faith).
After Church I was able to get back on my bike for my real ride around the Lake Youngs Reservoir (about 12 miles) and then another ride with Halle on the Soos Creek Trail. We made a great connection with a neighbor (this has been a REAL answer to prayer, I have a burden to get to know our neighborhood). In the evening I started the major re-shifting to create an office space for Youthmark at our house. Though I don’t really “office” at home, the piles were starting to add up and we found ourselves in need of some office space so that the piles have a place to be organized!
As I reflect is was a fairly uneventful weekend (there wasn’t any “major” event), but it was a weekend that I cherished! Praising God for time with my family and the tasks we were able to complete!
Grace,
Brian
Next Saturday, October 10, 2009 I will speaking at an event entitled, EXPOSED. You might be able to help me with some of the content for this seminar geared toward helping parents, teachers and even teens become more knowledgeable about Teens & Tech.
So, if you are a teen or young adult who is pretty savvy on the net, please consider a way you might be able to help and contact me at my email (brian at youthmark dot com).
There are three ways that jump out at me as ways you may be able to contribute before, during and after the event.
Some of the things that could prime-the-pump to get your thoughts moving…
What do adults not know about the Internet and Technology that they should know?
What would your social life look like without the Internet or your cell?
These stories should be specific to any of the following:
Email, Instant Messaging, Gaming, Live Chats, Facebook, MySpace, Texting/Sexting, blogs, online predators/stalking, Internet Bullying & Harassment, etc.
If you are interested in helping please do let me know (I’d prefer you respond via email). The main seminar is from 1:00-4:00 PM next Saturday, however there is training seminar for the Family Academy teachers from 10:00 to Noon, so there are options for two different times to help.
If nothing else, could I solicit your prayers for this event and to help those in need gain exposure in these areas?
Grace,
Brian
Next Saturday, October 10, 2009 I will be speaking at an event hosted by Family Academy.
EXPOSED is the name of the event is geared for parents, youth workers, teachers and even students who want to be educated on the technologies our teens are dealing with and the potential dangers, snares and positives these technologies may produce.
Take a look at their website and click on the flyer on the right to get all the information. I’d be excited to see you at the event. It’s an honor to be asked to speak!
Grace,
Brian
A Call To Christians…
Pretty exciting stuff happening in the lives of believers here, at least this is what I am sensing. I’m so hopeful that we will continue to see believers step up in their pursuit of sharing Christ with those who do not know Jesus as Lord. For too long we have thought that missions means “over there.” The way I read Acts 1:8 is that “mission” means “everywhere” (our immediate area, those that are different within our area, just outside our immediate area and then all across the land–that’s my interpretation of “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth).
Greg Stier (President of Dare 2 Share) and I just exchanged a couple emails along these lines and I am happy to see he commented on my last post. I did the same on his blog (gregstier.org) under a post by Greg. Go check it out and comment on his blog here.
If you don’t feel a heart for the unsaved, if you don’t sense a calling to your neighborhood/coffee shop/school/workplace, if you’re not moved to share your faith with those who don’t know Jesus, then I will say something quite bold–You may not know Jesus. Please don’t just blow over those words, read them, contemplate them, take them before the Lord and consider.
I’m proud to read some the emails and FB messages a number of you have given me along the lines of your “relaunch” into your mission field (campus, club and community). Keep it up for His glory! Prayer, care and share!
The more you pray for the lost, the more you care for them and the more you want to share with them. Start with prayer. Witness what Jesus did with His message and how He got it out (by word & deed, not just deed). Look at the Apostles, see how Peter was the first to step out in faith after Jesus ascended in Acts 1. In Acts 2, 3, 4, etc. we see the Disciples begin to actively share (in word and deed, not just deed) Here we are 2000 years later–it’s time for every Believer to “step up” and pray, care and share.
Amen?
Amen!
Grace,
Brian
Do you remember the old song? ”Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other’s gold” The question, which one is which?
The last two weeks have been “silver and gold” weeks for me. One in which I was able to hang with some great friends from my past while at the same time I have been able to meet some great folk who will most likely play a role in my future (as friends and ministry partners).
A few of the relational highlights:
Some of my new & old "national" Youth Ministry friends
Reunions: Over the last couple weeks I have been able to get back together with many friends in the northwest, many of whom are in networks of youth pastors I meet with. Like today, I was able to grab lunch with Nathan and Eric (guys who both served with me as an Apprentice, when I was youth pastoring); or yesterday, having coffee with Aaron, after two different network meetings with people like Jeremy, Serena, Nick and Brian. And just two days ago, I had lunch with Wescott.
Mike, speaking at Lake Retreat
In addition to the networking reunions, over the last couple weeks I have been blessed by reunions with friends from outside of the immediate area. Two weeks ago I got to spend the greater part of two days with Jeramy outside of San Diego. Any opportunity to spend time with a best friend is awesome. Then last week in Georgia I was able to grab time with friends like Bo Boshers and my mentor Barry St. Clair (and then later Roger Palmer, who is a friend who works with Barry). And then this last weekend I spoke for friend Nate Lindseth while also enjoying time with friend (and former Laker I might add), Mike Penberthy at Lake Retreat with another friend who works at the camp, Eric Sivertson.
New: As I said, one is silver and the other’s gold, but which is which? I think the Lord has brought me into contact with some new “gold” (or at minimum, silver) over these last few weeks as well. How God will use these people to shape me as man of God and our ministry, is yet to be seen, but I get excited about new friendships with the likes of T. Ray, Brian, Bubba, Mike, Alon and a few more! Whew, good stuff.
surrounded by Gold
Now it’s nice to be home with my biggest gems, my family, and worship together our most treasured friend, Jesus.
I count it a privilege to lift up my friends (and family) in prayer. It is nice to know we are supported by many friends lifting us up in prayer as well. I look forward to reunions with you who are my friends and I look forward to the many new friends God will provide in the future!
Grace,
Brian
I was down in Southern California for the last couple of days.
Quick catch up:
Flew in on Tuesday night headed straight up to my in-laws and was able to catch the last few innings of the Mariners game (loss) in Anaheim. A great steak salad (thanks Karen).
Wednesday met with a CPA (something about having a company and needing to pay taxes on stuff, wasn’t really paying attention?… I kid of course). Worked on the prospectus for Youthmark Mission Ventures (coming along nicely) and had dinner with even more in-laws (a fantastic dinner, great laughter with the nephew and nieces).
Thursday drove south to the greater San Diego area, had a morning coffee with the Youth Pastor from Pine Valley (looks like they’re doing a YMV next summer), lunch with best-bud Jeramy at the Spaghetti Factory, coffee with Josh from Emmanuel Faith (Youth Pastor who did a Gulf Coast mission this last year) then dinner with Jeramy and Jerusha and family. Jeramy and I caught a late-night movie then too (I honestly can’t remember the last time I went to a movie).
Brian and Jeramy, 9.11.09
Friday I had a very relaxing time with Jeramy, lots of catching up and spurring each other on. We went out to a local coffee place, Escondido Joe’s, for long coffee (sat outside) then lunch at Chili’s (gotta love the bottomless chili and salad). I am thankful that God allowed this time for us to catch up. Was truly a rich time.
I was planning on seeing Paco (aka Daniel) up at Biola, but he’s not feeling well (I didn’t want to bring sickness home to the kids) and I seized the opportunity to fly home early (flight scheduled for 8:45 PM, home at 11:30, instead got on a flight at 3:30 and was home by 6:00). I made it to the airport with maybe 15 seconds to spare (no kidding). Was able to share Jesus on the flight with my seat neighbor.
Landed at 6:00, which was perfect timing–some friends of ours from Phoenix are in town and had called when I was deciding on if I should come home early, they asked if we could have dinner tonight. So, JP and Andrea picked me up, we picked up Qdoba and we got home just as Elisabeth and the kids were coming home from soccer practice (Halle).
So stoked to be home early!
Great week. I have a lot to get done as a result, but we blessed by time with extended family, work relationships, friends and now being home with my family!
Grace,
Brian
So, yesterday I posted a funny prank that some comedy show pulled on a bunch of unsuspecting folk. A great idea, funny stuff. Yes, I have some great pranks I have had pulled on me and that I/we have pulled on others. A recent one I may even post about soon. However, I eluded to a similar bathroom one yesterday. Here’s the rest of that story.
Some of you know a former student of mine, we’ll call him “Eric,” because, that is his actual name (no protecting the victims here). When Elisabeth and I accepted a call to move from Seattle to Phoenix, a few of our students came over and were so gracious in helping us prepare to move (doing general packing, clean-up, etc.). Well, Eric was relatively new to our group and going into his freshman year when we were moving on. How cool was it that a young guy like this would be so giving? Very cool, thanks Eric!
As our day progressed his older brother, we’ll call him “Byron” (yep, that’s him), had to leave, Eric volunteered to keep helping and another student, whom Eric had just met, “Michael” said he would take Eric under his wing (and figure out how to get Eric home).
We fast forward.
Mike ends up taking Eric over to Mike’s house before transporting Eric home. As soon as they get to Mike’s (then vacated) house, Eric asks to use the restroom. Well, this was a five-plus-minute restroom break, not the garden variety one minute break. So, while Eric is using the downstairs, just-off-the-family-room, bathroom, Mike goes upstairs to attend to some business. Meanwhile, back down stairs all of Mike’s family comes home and makes themselves comfortable in the family room (next to said bathroom, with said stranger–”Eric” inside).
What would you do?
Keep in mind, Eric is new.
The family has never met Eric.
Yet, he is in their restroom with the family assuming NOBODY is home.
What do you do if you’re Eric and you hear all the noise of strange voices inside the family room?
What do you do if you’re the family and a strange 14-year old kid walks out?
Eric did eventually come back out, several minutes later. He introduced himself to the family (who still to this day must be wondering why he was in there for so long?).
Oh, the awkwardness. I love it.
On a different, yet similar note: I can’t wait for The Office to come back on, its situations like this that make that show a huge success!
Grace,
Brian
Fall marks a season of “new beginnings” (seems redundant huh?). And, as I continue the tradition of Top 5 Tuesdays, I thought I’d explore the top five reasons I’m excited about the fall of 2009. The criteria for today’s top five–can be anything that has me excited that the season is changing from summer to fall, and as I peruse my reasonings, you’ll find that there isn’t a consistent thread, it’s quite the diverse list.
So, with no further ado, here is the list:
Honorable Mentions: Fall Foods (looking forward to some of the warm yummy stuff Elisabeth makes), Soccer on Saturdays (the girls are both playing soccer this year) and Will Walking (he’s bound to take his first real steps any day now)
Five: Football. I’m a big sports fan. Period. But for whatever reason this season I seem to be looking forward to football with great expectation. Perhaps its the fact that I have a specific high school that I get to follow (whereas in years past I have had students at various schools, now I can concentrate on my alma mater and the place I lead YL). Maybe I’m excited about football because of the renewed hopes for UW football? I could have renewed enthusiasm for the Seahawks because of a healthy Matt Hasselbeck or a new coach? Like I said, for whatever reason, I’m excited. Are you ready for some football?
Four: Projects and People. The fall marks the return to some regular meetings. Tuesday will often lead to a Youth Pastor network in West Seattle, Wednesday is my time with the Burien area Youth Pastors (and La Costa for lunch, YUM). I’m looking forward to the regular meeting with the Kent/Renton Youth Leaders as well. On top of the regular meetings the fall also brings me the time to meet with individual Youth Pastors to share about Youthmark and specifically the YMV’s for 2010. And last but not least in this category, the fall is bringing me some time, dedicated office time, to get the projects done that need to get done.
Missing From This Pic: US!
Three: Young Life. I became a Young Life leader at Kentridge High School late last fall and really began to invest as 2009 began. This last summer I was part of a group of about 50 students and leaders from Kentridge who traveled to Washington Family Ranch for summer camp. Well, this year, I return as a volunteer, only this year, I return to take on a class as well. Whereas last year I was sort of a “catch all” leader, this year I get to concentrate on those brand new students to KR. And the extra special blessing–Elisabeth is joining the KR team to work with the KR Frosh girls! Woo-hoo!
Two: Down Time With TV. First, understand I am not a huge fan of the ol’ tube. With that being said, there is NOTHING on during the summer that draws me to the TV (besides sports of course). Well, as the networks bring back regular programming I can honestly say that The Office, Survivor and The Amazing Race have me excited for a couple hours of down time during the week.
One: Routine. I love the summer for the sense of non-routine, but I am so excited to have a somewhat regular, predictable schedule. Even the non-predictable travel has become predictable for me, meaning, I know that it will happen and we (Elisabeth and I) know how to adjust our schedules to make it work. I like knowing that the girls have school at X time, that Will should get a regular nap at Y. With the sense of routine I’m hoping to have a more predictable date night with Elisabeth! Though I like change, I like what the change from summer to fall will bring–routine.
What are some of the things you’re looking forward to this fall? What does the change of seasons bring/mean for you?
Back to the projects and people; I like this routine (cuz it will free me up for some football and TV after Young Life)… Ha, look at that , I tied them all together!
Grace,
Brian
