Author Brian Aaby

NTOY Surprise

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Each week I am a part of a local Youth Pastor network.  The guys I have been teaming with for the last five years reside (or at least serve) in the greater Burien area.  This last week ( a week ago tomorrow), I had two minor “brushes with fame.”  Both of these guys would be upset for saying they were famous, but I will, because they sort of are.

images2The second came as I was about to leave.  I walked over to the corner booth of the coffee shop and introduced myself to Mark Driscoll (“One of the Pastors at Mars Hill Church of Ballard”).  Nice guy.  We joked about a few things and he came over and introduced himself to  the rest of the network.

The first “brush” came about an hour earlier when all the network was teasing Schlaud about his wedding and all the details. I received a call from an out of state area code.  The man on the other end of the call said something to the effect of, “tell them such-n-such story!”  I was obviouslyimages-12confused.  First, how did this guy know I was talking about weddings?  I thought maybe my pocket had accidentally sent a call and now my “friend” was calling back and letting me know he could hear everything.  After a few more awkward exchanges (with me racking my brain trying to figure out who I was speaking to) he said, “look around the cafe!”  

Mike Geisen, one of my two best friends growing up was across the room.  Mike is the National Teacher of the Year (he was up in Seattle for a speaking engagement).  This year has been crazy for him, you can read about his endeavors here.  

We chatted for about 15 minutes and then I made my way back to the other guys.  But before we were done speaking we set up a late night appointment.  A surprise for our other best bud, Jeff.  More tomorrow…

Grace,
Brian

Keeping up with Halle

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Halle, for her seventh birthday, was given six brand-new books from her Nonni and Poppi (her grandparents, Elisabeth’s folks).  Each of these books was about 75-80 pages in length (for 8 to 10 year olds).  She finished them in less than two hours.  All of them.  Two hours.  Are you serious?

 

Almost finished!

Almost finished!

For my 36th (wow, I’m 36), in December, I borrowed a book from our friends Duane and Sue.  It is probably 400 pages (don’t have it with me, otherwise I’d look), but I’m still not finished.  However, it is good.  I am a big John Grisham fan.

 

I grew up reading the sports page and not too many books.  In fact, it wasn’t until I was a couple years into marriage I remember truly reading a book just for pleasure (all other books, though some were enjoyable, were for classes).  

The Appeal, though very good, is not my favorite of the Grisham books, I look forward to reading Playing For Pizza and A Painted House, next (both Grisham novels).

I’m also going to read the next in the Bourne series (thanks mom).  So, you have any suggestions for other authors I might like, given I like Ludlum and Grisham?  I need suggestions if I want to keep reading at the same pace as my seven year old daughter!

Happy reading (might finish the Appeal tonight)!

Grace,

Brian

Three Down, One to Go

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The Rose Hill gang has been a fun youth group to hang out with this weekend at Lake Retreat.  Thus far I have had three talks with the fourth and final being delivered on Sunday morning.  It has been especially nice for me (and  a real blessing, thanks Doug) because I have been able to come home at night.  Living less than 30 minutes from the camp afforded me the fantastic opportunity to be in my own bed after formal programming at the camp.

 

Halle and Audrey? Nah.

Halle and Audrey? Nah.

On top of the “at home” benefit, the rest of my little Aaby family trekked out to LR for lunch and some afternoon “free time.”  With a fairly busy spring of travel (scouting for missions) I was very thankful for this little extra time with the family.  After lunch, while Elisabeth fed Will, I took the girls on a little tour of the camp and to the Paint Ball field (where the group was having a great time).  Halle is a quick learner, so it didn’t surprise me to see her nailing down the freshman with ease, but what really surprised me was how well Audrey picked up the art of shooting the semi-automatic glock.  

 

Okay, the last part was NOT AT ALL TRUE, but I did take them on the tour and they did at least see the paintball course!  Did I have you a little worried about what I am teaching my kids?  Ha.

Speaking of teaching…

The three talks have been received well.  

Talk one:  CROWD OR CHRIST: We part of the crowd, or followers of Christ?

Talk two: HEAVEN OR KIRKLAND? To live is Christ and die is gain!

Talk three: LOST-N-FOUND (OUT): Your sins will find you out, confess first!

Look forward to finishing strong tomorrow.  Pray the students take God’s Truth home and live it out (and while you’re at it, pray I do the same).

Grace,
Brian

Another Update from Last Post

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Had a great discussion with a friend about my last post.  We both could relate to the fear that a person would have in adding the software–causing others to think that the person adding it must have a problem.  The good news, you’re only asking two of your closest friends (who probably already know your heart anyway).

I really like what my friend’s church did in the wake of the Ted Haggard issue a few years ago.  The elders came to pastors and staff and asked each of them to put it on their computers.   They then went before their congregation and explained all the accountability tactics they have in place and I believe they even encouraged others to do the same!

This way, it is the elders asking, rather than a pastor volunteering it and having others assume he is a porn addict.

So, my hope is that people will take this seriously.  If you are “Joe” or “Sally” reader, not only can you add the software for yourself, but you could also suggest it to your elders that all staff computers have the software.  As you read in the stats yesterday, nearly 60% of Pastors think this is one of the biggest issues facing the church; we can’t keep ignoring it.

And to calm all fears; no, I am not working sales for X3, no financial kickback… oh yeah, it’s free anyway!

Grace,
Brian

Risky Breakfast in Bellevue

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(UPDATED Thursday afternoon): I just returned from a breakfast in Bellevue.  Food was great; fellowship was great (sat with some good ministry friends) and the subject was pretty risky for this group!

Bellevue Christian hosted this Pastors/Ministry Breakfast and asked the founder (Craig) from XXXChurch to come and share about the ministry.  XXXchurch.com exists to help people who have, will have or deal with people who have a problem with internet pornography.  Which, according to statistics, almost every person reading this post has consumed it (intentionally or unintentionally) in some way or another (this is certainly not a accusation that you are dealing with a problem, however it is a plea for all of us to deal with THE PROBLEM).  

X3 is the accountability software they produced/distribute (free) at www.xxxchurch.com.  It is available in both mac and pc.  I was very impressed with the presentation and thankful that Craig and others are speaking honestly about an area that has really influenced (read: HURT) millions of lives/families.

Interesting story, a few years ago xxxchurch was asked to provide a cd of their software to all the participants at a large national conference.  They handed out 9000 copies of this software to pastors/leaders.  They had installed a tracking mechanism simply to count how many people registered out of the 9000.  83.  Craig said that hundreds of pastors/leaders had thanked them for the software, said things like, “this is sooo needed in our church,” etc. etc.  Hmmm?  Only 83/9000 used it.  

What is the problem? Well, the problem is that a Pastor, Leader, Youth Pastor, etc. might think that having the program means that others will believe they HAVE a problem.  Will pride be the reason a person doesn’t seek accountability?  Quick side note: This issue is not just a “male” issue either.  Experts predict that 40% of pornography is viewed by/purchased by females.

Here’s how it works: You have the software (download for free here) and you then ask two accountability partners to receive the report, via email, of any questionable web sites visited by the registered computer.  The two accountability friends would then be responsible to contact the person who may have surfed in dangerous waters.  So the problem (pride): If a person loads the software onto his/her computer it may be assumed that he/she has a problem rather than just assuming they want to live a pure life.  

Quick Facts (provided by xxxchurch):

·         53% of Christian men consume pornography

·         57% of pastors call pornography the most sexually damaging issue for their congregations

·         69% of pastors started looking at porn out of curiosity

·         World wide porn industry is: $57 billion; feeding the population of Sudan for a year: $15 billion.

·         Porn revenue is larger than all combined revenues of all professional football, baseball and basketball franchises

·         Worldwide visitors to pornographic web sites: 72 million annually

·         90% of 8-16 year olds have viewed porn online (most while doing homework)

·         Experts believe that a porn addiction may be harder to break than a heroin addiction

So… here’s the risk:  Will you do it? I am going to.  My wife and another best friend will soon be asked (by x3 software) to be my accountability, NOT because I have a problem, but because I want to strive for holiness in all aspects of my life.  Anyone else going to risk?

Grace,
Brian

Adrenaline Rush

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December 12, 2006: I received my video ipod from my generous gifting in-laws.

 

 

addiction? yes.

addiction? yes.

January 27, 2007: I open the ipod box and start to figure out how the whole itunes purchasing works.  I had been told that 24, the TV series, was very good, so, I thought this could be my first purchase.  I risked, and purchased all of season 1 (they were in season 6 at the time).  I think I made the purchase at about 11:00 PM and had a flight the next morning with Brad and Schlaud (two friends doing a scout trip with me for a mission).

 

January 28, 2007: “Ding” the airplane bell rang, indicating it was now safe to turn on portable electronics.  I pulled out the ipod, plugged in the ear buds and began episode one, season one of 24.  Within 15 minutes I turned to Schlaud and said, “I’m hooked.”

April 14, 2007: I was completely caught up with 24 and ready to watch the last 4-5 episodes of season 6.  I wasn’t lying when I said I was hooked.  Many a night I found myself going to bed at 11:00 and watching not one, not two, but sometimes three episodes of 24.  

S0, the writers strike of 2008 had me extremely bummed out about 24 (thus we’ve had a year and a half hiatus from 24).

 

Go Jack!

Go Jack!

January 11 and 12, 2009: It’s back and as good as ever.  Ahhh, the adrenaline is flowing and I am very, very happy to have this little indulgence.  I don’t mind you confronting me about idols, adrenaline addiction, etc.; but please don’t call to do so on Mondays between 9:00 and 10:00 PM.

I’m going dark!

Grace,
Brian

P.S. I have Wescott to thank for the addiction, he pushed it on me!

Rose Hill

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I have another Youth Group Winter Retreat coming up soon.  I have enjoyed being able to speak for different groups over the last few months.  I welcome the opportunity to speak at these camps for several reasons:

  • Consistent time in the Scriptures preparing for different messages (especially with the varying themes) is always a plus!
  • Relating with youth from a variety of backgrounds (region, socioeconomics, race, etc.) keeps me up to speed with the youth culture and helps with all other avenues of Youthmark.
  • Getting away with adults who love teens.  Youth Leaders (especially the volunteers) are my heroes!  This group is under-appreciated and I look at these camps as an opportunity to celebrate them.  This is also helpful to get to hear their heart so I can speak to some of those areas in future Projects as well.
  • Some of the camps/retreats give me the opportunity to do some new and/or fun things:  Some camps have had bungee jumping, climbing/repelling, street luge, skiing (snow and water, but never at the same camp, ha), boating, and much more!  
  • Stealing ideas for future camps and retreats… technology, games, skits, and more; show me good stuff and I’ll take it (and sometimes give the credit to others! Ha.)
  • I am often invited to bring my family; we take advantage of this from time to time; I do look forward to camps in the future when I bring just one of my kids  as well.  That dedicated time with just Halle, Audrey or Will will be a lot of fun.  And, Lord willing, I look forward to sometime doing a camp with just me and Elisabeth again too (thanks to great Family loving on our kids).

So, pray for Rose Hill Presbyterian Church as we get to do a retreat together soon! 

Grace,
Brian

Halle is Seven!

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Throughout Elisabeth’s pregnancy with our first I would talk to the little one.  Creating giggles for Elisabeth and anyone who happened to be in the room.  With a deep voice (think baritone) I’d place my mouth close to Elisabeth’s belly and say, “Hello Baby.”  

In the later stages of the pregnancy the little one would respond with kicks and elbows to the ribs (fun for me to watch, not so fun for Elisabeth to feel). 

We were due January 6, that date quickly passed (okay, quick for me, slooooooooowly for Elisabeth), we have a history of big babies in both families (I was over 11 lbs at birth) so the docs were a little concerned our little one could be not-so-little.  So, they scheduled us (us, ha!) to be induced on January 10, at 0-Dark:Thirty in the morning.  

Elisabeth got all the hook ups (wires and drugs) and we were well on our way toward having this little _______ (we didn’t find out the gender).  Well, 26 hours later (and lots of friends wondering why we were the rude parents who never called to tell them what we had on the 10th), the docs finally stopped throwing more bad labor-making drugs into my wife and decided to take the baby out via C-Section.

Without getting gross, the C-Section went fairly well, but afterwards (because of the long labor) it was touch-and-go for Elisabeth, she lost a lot of blood, etc.  Praise God nothing drastic had to be done!

So, back to the product of this C-Section.

The little girl (we were pretty excited to hear/see “it’s a girl”) who was taken from Elisabeth was quickly taken over to the monitoring station (protocol for an emergency C-Section).  She was screaming (nice!  healthy lungs).  I walked over and got my first real glance at this beauty.  With all her might she kept those screams coming… this is until…

“Hello Baby”

With my voice the silence of the room took over.  Her big-eyes opened wide and she looked up at me.  I melted.

A couple hours later and after Elisabeth was able to get her first real long cuddles in, we named her Halle Grace Aaby. 

It’s been seven wonderful years, we are so proud of the way she is developing and so thankful to God for the wonderful gift she is to us, our family, and friends.  Please take the time to pray for Halle today!

 

Halle is 7!

Halle is 7!

We look forward to seeing the way God will use her in the future and celebrate the way He has used her to shape us!

 

Happy Birthday Baby!

Grace,

Brian

Weekend Agenda

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Ahhh, the weekend! Hope yours is filled with rest, fun, relaxation, accomplishments and more.  Here’s what’s happening for me/us:

  • Kentridge High Basketball Game (contact work for where I lead Young Life), the whole fam is going!
  • Out with some former BPPC students to Applebees for late-night appetizers
  • Visit Lake Retreat Camp to check out stage-set up for upcoming Spring Retreat (my brother is leading program for a church so my dad and I are heading out for a quick scout/visit)
  • Hang time with the family
  • Elisabeth going to a movie with Jen, Eric and I will hang out with my kids!
  • B-day party for a new friend of ours from Faith (our new church)
  • Church
  • Halle’s 7th B-Day (Sunday) and party with family!
  • 24 (Sunday night debut of season 7)

Have a great weekend!

Grace,
Brian