Category Aaby Family

Get Out Of Our Pews! Reflections After Tragedies

Brian Aaby 2 Comments

As if it were yesterday, I remember taking a geography test of the 50 states. I remember struggling with some of midwest and most definitely with the New England states. Which one is Vermont and which is Connecticut? Even so, I was still among the first students done and our third grade teacher always encouraged us to, read, work on other classwork or put our heads down and rest if we were ever waiting for others to finish tests and quizzes. I wasn’t a reader, I didn’t like schoolwork, so I ALWAYS chose head-down and quite honestly, there were times I fell asleep!

In my wildest nightmare I cannot imagine being awakened by the sound of gunshots.

I can’t help but think that some young boy or girl at Sandy Hook Elementary had his or her sweet daydreams interrupted by the evil reality of bullets flying through the air seeking to put to death all hope. How are we to respond?

Unfortunately schools, malls and movie theaters are no longer the safe-havens we once thought they were.

If this were not Newtown, CT, but was my own community, how would I respond? If I found out my neighbor had a son or daughter wounded, or even worse, killed, how would I respond? 

I hate to say this, but I wonder if I’d even know? Of course I’d know about the incident, but would I know that my neighbor was directly affected? And even if I found out they were victims of this violence, what would I do?

Without relationship would I even choose to invest?

Sure, I’d pray for them, but without relationship, would they even know that I wanted to pray with them?

Christians, it’s time for us to get out of our pews (or nice padded Sunday seats that most of us experience at our weekly gatherings). It’s time for us to know, love and do life with our neighbors. It’s time to invest in their trials and celebrate their triumphs! The good news should be active.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, the early church was founded by the early believers gathering together (just as we do); they would meet together, study the teachings together, break bread together and pray together… as a result God added to their number daily those who were placing their trust in Jesus. Scripture tells us that they had favor with ALL THE PEOPLE. This means that though they gathered and prioritized these four elements, they didn’t just gather, they dispersed. They met the needs of others (Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:32-37).

Have we forgotten to disperse? Have we neglected to meet the (physical, spiritual, emotional and relational) needs of others?

Are we prioritizing our gatherings like church, Bible studies, youth group and small group but forgetting to disperse? Have we forgotten to be the church because we’re too busy gathering as the church? The good news is meant to be active!

How will we have favor with all the people if we don’t prioritize dispersing?

It’s time for us to wake-up and invest in relationships with our neighbors, teammates, classmates and co-workers (churched and unchurched). Our pride and fear of rejection should not prevent us from applying God’s highest commands to love him and love others. In real relationship, our neighbors will know where we stand with Jesus and even if they choose not to believe, it won’t be because they never heard or saw our love for God and our love for others!

Knowing our neighbors will certainly not prevent all tragedies. But maybe, just maybe, personal investment in our neighbors will lead to less loneliness? If nothing else, the investment in these relationships will lead to knowing how to step in in the midst of these tragedies.

It’s time for us to get out of our pews!

Grace,
Brian

13 Things To Consider for 2013

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

I’m not a new year’s resolution type-a-guy. I’m not against them, to be honest, I just put off thinking about them until December 31 and by then I’d just be making a resolution on a whim.

Instead of a resolution, I created 13 considerations to think about between now and the New Year. Perhaps a few of things will become more than areas I just consider, but truly become things I commit to.

I invite you to the journey… make some assessments and see if any of these considerations for 2013 are ones you want to embrace.

  1. Who is a person I did not spend much (if any) time with in 2012 that I’d like to reconnect with in 2013?
  2. What are some ways I’d like to cut back on online social networking and step forward in-person socializing?
  3. What are some (new) ways I can serve, encourage, pray for and bless my wife?
  4. What is a possession I will give away (or sell) in 2013 in order to bless someone else?
  5. What is one specific and meaningful date I can plan for each one of my kids?
  6. Knowing we are one year closer to Jesus’ return, who are three people that I’d like pray for, care for and (hopefully see opportunity) to share the gospel with?
  7. What is something I want to do this year that most people would be surprised by?
  8. What is a segment or book of the Bible I don’t know as well as I’d like that I will take steps to know more?
  9. What restaurant have I not been to that I will go to in 2013?
  10. What are three areas of my life that I currently see as areas in need of strengthening?
  11. Who are three people in my life that I see as “strong or experienced” in the above mentioned areas that I can have a coffee/meal with for a one-time (or more) mentoring time?
  12. What book (among the scores that have been suggested) have I not read yet that I will FINALLY read?
  13. Who is one person (outside of my family) that I will specifically make it my goal to bless and encourage for the entire 2013 year?

Any other questions you’d like to share that could cause us all to think? Which of the above list sparked some deep thoughts for you?

Grace,

Brian

The Most Important Poll You’ll Ever Take

Brian Aaby 2 Comments

Yes, it was worth it to interrupt your holiday weekend to come to this all-too-important Blog-Poll.

Those lovely election phone calls and polls you took were semi-imporant… but they’re no match for this one!

This is one to be prepared for and perhaps even prayed about. Be careful you’re not drugged out on tryptophan when attempting this doozy of a poll.

Yep, it’s time for the Impossible Thanksgiving Day Poll.

WARNING: Much time and thought has gone into the preparation of said poll. Think through your answer and be ready to give an account for your answer. The way this economy, global warming, traffic delays and zoo overcrowding are looking, this hypothetical may soon very well be our reality.

Don’t hesitate to comment below and share why you chose to omit such an important aspect of someone else’s Thanksgiving Day tradition!

Grace,
Brian

Making Tents and How You Can Help!

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In prayer, by faith, we believe God is moving and using Youthmark and we’d love for you to consider this unique way of partnering (SPOILER ALERT: NO we’re not looking for you to write a support check)…

When we launched Youthmark in 2008 we had several people ask if they could support us (financially), but Elisabeth and I really wanted to explore what it would look like to do Youthmark as a ministry/business. Though Youthmark is certainly missional, we didn’t see ourselves as vocational missionaries. We simply asked for those making the offers to support other missions/ministries but implored them to pray for us!

Well, four plus years in and though we’re making changes, we’re still saying the same thing! We are moving toward producing other resources for the student ministry field. By faith we believe this is what God has called us to do, but it is risky to leave the “known” and explore the unknown.

As we continue to “make tents” (1 Cor. 18:1-3), we are confident that God will continue to provide for us. Besides creating resources, I believe there is one other arena that God will use to provide for us that also fits within my gift and passion set: Teaching. Training. Inspiring.

I love speaking, training and inspiring people for a life of mission here, there and anywhere. I believe it is my calling to train people (students, leaders, parents, etc.) in everyday opportunities we have to be used for the cause of Christ (Mission51).

If you are at a church, school or parachurch and looking for someone to come in speak and/or help create an event and experience where training and inspiration can be provided I’d love for you to consider partnering with me/us! I “play well with others” in that I can simply be a speaker/trainer for you, but I REALLY love the entire process where we dream, scheme, plot, plan and especially pray for the right direction for these events!

I said “us” above, because the under-discovered talent in the Aaby family is Elisabeth. She is such a gifted speaker, I’d love to see God use her to bless your ministries as well… Elisabeth is at her best speaking to women (youth, young adults, moms and at women Bible studies, etc.).

You can click here to see what sort of events I typically speak at and specifically what things have been on the calendar in 2012.

We prayerfully consider all opportunities and simply hope the asking party has done the same as they consider a budget for travel and honorarium. We want to work with our partners to develop a budget that honors God and each other!

Shoot me an email (brian at youthmark dot com), Tweet, Facebook message or even comment your interest and I’ll be happy to follow up with you. We can talk dates, times, desires, etc. as we begin the conversation!

We’d love your prayers as we make this transition in our lives and as God develops these new partnerships!

Grace,
Brian

Are You On the Satan List?

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

I’ve been writing for Dare 2 Share Ministries blog the last few months, it’s been a fun adventure and we’ve seen some great comments on the posts. You should go there today and check out any number of great posts from the other contributors.

Which list are you on?

The blog that most recently was published really was inspired by my son!

The creative little dude with a fresh ‘do surprised us by creating a Jesus list and Satan list… I just may reveal nationally which list you’re on, check out the blog post at D2S here.

Praise God for the grace he has given us! I pray that all will know the love of the Jesus and that he will use us, including my little dude, to share that great news with his friends! It’s never too early to share that news!

Grace,
Brian

Urgent Message To Pastors & Elders

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You may have faith, but do you have a faith that anticipates a great work of God?

Your church may have a Youth Ministry program, but are you anticipating God to do a great work through the people that make up that program?

You may hope for revival, but are you willing to challenge your congregation to pray and anticipate that revival for 31 straight days?

“The work has been chiefly amongst the young; . . . few others have been made partakers of it. And indeed it has commonly been so, when God has begun any great work for the revival of his church; he has taken the young people, and has cast off the old and stiff-necked generation.”  ~ Jonathan Edwards, commenting on the First Great Awakening

Elders at our church gifted each family with Pray31

On Monday, October 1, 2012 our church and thousands of churches around the nation will begin Pray31, a one-month, (& approximate) five minute per day, prayer initiative that focuses on praying for our nation. This is not political, it is spiritual. Elected officials will legislate laws that may or may not help the nation look more ethical/moral, but it is only God who can change hearts.

I was recently interviewed by Tim Eldred, the National Spokesperson for Pray31. I am excited about this initiative and we stand together   in hope that God, through Pray31, will unite the hearts of Christians across this country. As a result, I believe we will even then begin to see God at work through the lives of our young adults/teens! To that end, I’m equally excited about something that we (Youthmark) will release very soon (hinted at in the video)!

 

It’s not too late to get involved. Click here and order enough prayer atlases for your church. If you order early this week you’ll be able to pass them out this next Sunday so your church can begin next Monday, October 1!

What’s stopping you? Let’s anticipate God together!

Grace,
Brian

 

Sweet 16 and a Family Va-Ca!

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Wowzers, the last couple weeks have been a blur! The rear view mirror is looking really nice though as it’s been a fun two week stretch.

Coming off a great trip to SoCal where I am working with a fantastic church doing some consulting for their Student Ministries I returned home in time to take Elisabeth up to Seattle for our 16th Anniversary (on July 20). Thank you to Priceline, I scored a 4 Star Hotel for a ridiculously low rate! On top of that we were blessed with a nice financial gift which paid for our dinner at the famous Post Alley Pink Door over Pike Place Market!

After the anniversary little getaway I performed a wedding of one of my former students; it’s always fun to reunite at these celebrations as we get to catch up with people we haven’t seen in quite-some-time.

Then on Sunday, July 22 we went crazy. Up and out around 6:30 a.m. we took a short drive to… MONTANA. Yep, short 11. 5 hour drive to the thriving metropolis of Boulder, MT.  Our three kids in the back of the Avalon has a few challenges, but nothing some car games and the occasional video can’t overcome. With a couple stops for gas, food and coffee the day went by fast. Then the real fun began. We got to meet our little niece! What a cutie! In addition to meeting, holding and cuddling the little one, we enjoyed hanging out with Elisabeth’s sister and our brother-in-law. Being “ranchers” during the summer allowed our kids the opportunity to feed some chickens, ride on a swather (while it was actually cutting hay) and enjoy a real cook-out!

Besides the couple days near Boulder we took the kids to fun Marriott Residence Inn in Helena (another gift from a loved one!). I think we went to the pool 5 times in the two days! When we weren’t training in the pool for the 2020 Summer Games, we enjoyed the sights and sounds of Helena… well, at least we enjoyed the Carousel!

Couldn’t believe how fast the time went by, but Thursday came quickly and it was time to get home so we could enjoy seeing another one of our former students get hitched on Friday!

I am thankful to the Lord for His provision and the gifts He has given us! What a great couple weeks! I love my wife (thanks for 16 great years Elisabeth!), I love my family (can’t believe how much fun we have together) and I love our extended family (especially for gifting us the way you did to make a couple of these things possible) and I love my job (thank you Jesus for letting me serve you in this way)!

Enjoy some of the pics of the last couple weeks below!

Grace,
Brian

The Number Four

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Taking a four month sabbatical from blogging certainly did nothing to make my life slow-down, in fact, over the last four months there have been some really great things that have taken place. So, in celebration of the number four, I give you the Top 4 for the Last Four (months).

#4 Costa Rica Mission Trip

Costa Rica kids!

In April I was able to lead a group of eight college-age students to Nicoya, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. This Youthmark Mission is one-0f-a-kind. Distributing Bibles, speaking in schools and reaching out to entire communities where the Gospel had not been heard was such a blessing!

Joe and Hilary lead at the Portland M:51 Training

#3: Mission51 Retreats

This year’s LIFE Backwards theme will be a blog post in itself. But the “Six City Tour” was simply amazing. Many said “our best yet.” Coincidentally it was our fourth year of offering these things as well! As Youthmark continues to grow, morph and develop, we hope to teach many to do LIFE Backwards!

#2 Consulting & Coaching

w/ Grilled and Regular onions of course!

One of the areas of ministry that brings me life is the area of coaching and consulting. I am fortunate to be doing this on an informal basis with several but also in an official (contracted) capacity as well. One such “official” capacity is with Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, CA. I absolutely love the people there and have bonded well with their staff! A side benefit, of course, to traveling to SoCal is the frequent stops at In-N-Out!

#1: The Family!

The thing that brings me the most joy and the most life is time with my family! Over the last four months I’ve gotten to have several family outings, daddy-daughter dates & daddy-dude outings (can’t call it a “date”). Now, if Elisabeth and I could only find some more time (and free baby sitting… hint hint) for some more Mommy-Daddy Dates!

My hope is the next four months are just as much of a blessing as the last four!

Grace,
Brian

Happenings.

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Thank you for your patience. My little-over one month hiatus from blogging has been a very good thing. It gave me the opportunity to rethink what I want to do with the blog, consider how often I want to post and determine how much time I should put into blogging. So, there are some small changes to be had and some big changes as well.

But before we restart, much has happened over these last 5 weeks, so let’s begin with the happenings:

  • December 12 to January 19 happened.
  • I finished a book (writing… don’t start thinking I read one)!
  • Christmas happened… and it happened to be AWESOME.
  • Speaking at an Oregon winter camp happened.
  • A new year happened.
  • I happened to then speak in Arizona for a few days.
  • Justin Bieber got a tatoo.
  • Elisabeth and I happened to speak at Adelphia Bible School for a week.
  • Halle’s Happy Birthday happened. And Elisabeth’s family happened to be here for said birthday.
  • More. People. Happened. To. Write. One. Word. Sentences.
  • A “Winter Extreme” just happens to be melting right now.
  • I ate a dish filled with Garbanzo beans. That just happened.
  • Oh, January 20th just happened too.

As for what will happen?

I plan to be more focussed this year when blogging. This will probably translate to fewer posts, but with more purpose. I’m not looking to just generate content and post because it’s been awhile, but to post because it’s an overflow of my passions.

I’ll look to give some insights into my faith. Glimpses of my family. Do some utterly stupid posts just for fun and of course share a lot about the stuff that brings in our finances (had to work in another word that started with “f”). I love Jesus, my wife and kids, laughter and working within the student and mission ministry field. So, expect that stuff to dominate the blog!

Blessings on our 2012!

Grace,
Brian