Category Home and Ministry

One Sentence Random Snip-its From My Life

Brian Aaby Leave a comment

Thought I’d try something new and possibly fun with the blog today.  Since text messaging is the rave and seeing as how some of my posts (okay, almost all of the) the 162 characters allowed in text messages, I thought I’d update you on some things about my life with one sentence updates (and some visual enhancements).  Enjoy.

  • To save cash, I’ve been drinking only drip coffees with Sugar Free Hazelnut (instead of lattes and such).
  • Whenever our daughters do anything funny they ask, “Are you going to blog that?”
  • My fantasy basketball team is 7-5 for the season, tied for 5th place (out of 12).
  • This is my 158th post on this blog, I’ve had over 10,000 visits from folk like you.
  • I’m looking forward to a Lifeboat reunion this Sunday with my class of 2008 LB guys.
  • My current favorite at home beverage is Cherry Coke Zero
  • A few new things entering the Youthmark radar screen have me prayerful/expectant/excited.
  • I think that Facebook is ultimately going to be a great personal evangelism conduit as it has put me back in touch with many of my old friends who knew me before I trusted Christ.
  • My immediate at home “to do” list: assemble a bookshelf, fix all three toilets (they all need new inside stuff) and put away Christmas boxes for the next few weeks.
  • I’m reading John Grisham’s book, “The Appeal” for enjoyment reading.
  • Halle lost another tooth this week.
  • My last phone call with Barry St. Clair (mentor) was our best phone convo yet.
  • Excited to share at the main services at Calvary Chapel South this Sunday (they are doing a YMV).
  • Reading 1 John again for my own personal study; great stuff.

Hope you enjoyed the Snip-its.  I’ll try this again sometime.

Grace,
Brian

Brian Aaby Leave a comment
Wrote my monthly email to our Youthmark Prayer team yesterday, if you’d like to be on that list (which has much more than just the listed requests) I’d love to get you on it.  Please email me at brian@youthmark.com and I’ll add you.  
Anyway, here are this months specific requests:

  • Praise God for the November highlights, the new volunteer position with Young Life, successful launch of Kent/Renton YP network and some wonderful time with my family.
  • Pray for the completion, editing and printing of the Leaders Guide for the Mission Ventures.
  • Pray for the upcoming Colorado consulting opportunity (and specifically pray for more opportunities like this).
  • Pray for more teams to join us on the Youthmark Mission Ventures (about 21-22 teams right now, would love to have 5+ more!).
  • Pray for the students/staff who will make up those teams.
  • Pray for two church retreats I will be speaking at in December and January.
  • Pray for an upcoming trip to LA to talk through some publishing projects and future ministry ideas.
  • Pray for humility, wisdom and grace as we look to serve the greater Youth Ministry field!  We are so thankful to the Lord for the people we get to work with, we want to serve them well!

Grace,
Brian

Development

Brian Aaby 5 Comments

Thought I’d solicit some opinions with this post.  Over a year ago I put together the first major event for Youthmark, entitled, 360º Parenting.  This event did very well and I have received many invitations to repeat the event at various churches.  We will eventually do this, however, we knew for it to have long lasting impact it would need to be more than just an event, so Elisabeth and I have been doing research and have started to write a book which will work in conjunction with the event.

Two weeks ago I was part of a panel discussion for a parenting class at a church, Wednesday I will be speaking at another church (it’s “Parent Night” at this youth group).  And just this week I have had a number of discussions with parents and youth pastors about this same issue of parent/teen relationships.

So, here’s where your opinion comes in.

One of the areas which has been a hot topic revolves around the social networking area.  How much control should a parent have in regard to the use of the internet of his/her child?  Should parents allow pre-teens or teens to have their own facebook or myspace?  If they do allow, should a parent have the password?  What should a parent do when their has been abuse of the internet freedom?  Should parents use cyber-sitters and tattletale?  How can teens “prove” to their parents they are not mistreating it, yet still maintain confidentiality and freedom in relationships?  As a parent, do you check the internet history, cache and trash bins on your computers?  As a parent, how aware of internet issues are you?

That is just a sampling of the questions we are asking and being asked, would love the public opinion… pick one, pick all, I’d love your thoughts on any of them!

Grace,
Brian

Last Week, This Week

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

 

We just got back from a trip to California, it was a “working vacation,” as I like to call it.  Really, got a lot of rest, time with family and some great stuff done for Youthmark as well. I thought it would be good to post a few of the things we were able to do while in SoCal, so I’ll start with a great picture of what we were able to do last week at this time, and what I did this morning!

Grace,
Brian

 

Last Week...

Last Week...

 

This morning

This morning

Halle, 1-2-3-Jump!

Halle, 1-2-3-Jump!

 

Ditto for Audrey!

Ditto for Audrey!

Contract Fulfilled

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

Several years ago I made an agreement with one of my young sophomores in high school.  Kevin had walked into a party wearing an old yellow polo-type shirt.  It was one he had purchased at a consignment store to use on a summer mission as a scrubby shirt to paint or do work in.  Even as a sophomore in high 

A sample Goldenboy Shirt

A sample Goldenboy Shirt

school the shirt was already starting to show a little midriff (not a good look; especially for a guy).  Kevin, knowing he was dressed a little strange for this party said, “check out my shirt Brian!”  For some reason, my immediate response, “Kev, if you wear that shirt everyday to school this year, I’ll take you on an all-expense paid trip to Disneyland.”

Long story short… Goldenboy (aka Kevin) took the challenge and completed it.  I fulfilled my duty by taking him to Disneyland as well!  I’ll have to share the whole story later because it included a presidential campaign, huge youth group growth, a 3 minute piece on the Local news and a call from The Tonight Show with an invite to be on Jay’s show!

Fast forward several years, I’m the new guy at Boulevard Park and I meet one of my brand-new Freshmen guys, Frankie.  Frankie, as a frosh, looked a little like Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite–complete with the puberty produced mustache!  So, first time I met Frankie I stated, “Frankie, if you don’t shave all the way through your graduation day, I’ll take you on an all expense paid trip to Ruth’s Chris Steak House (yes, I learned my lesson in terms of the expense of a prize).

Frankie on our Lifeboat trip to AZ

Frankie on our Lifeboat trip to AZ

Long story short, Frankie graduated in June, and last night we enjoyed Ruth’s Chris!  Frankie has since shaved and now looks younger than he did the day I met him.  Great time, great food and contract fulfilled!

By the way, these were never “bets,” they were all “Christian Agreements!”

 

Grace,

Brian

The Highlights

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

A long, but good day.  Here are the high points (praises) of my Wednesday (and in order).

1. Got to cuddle with Will for quite some time tonight.  Got special time with Halle taking and picking her up from Pioneer Girls and got to play with Audrey while Halle was gone (and Elisabeth & Will were out with E’s sis tonight).

2. Got to eat dinner (made on our brand new stove) with the family for the second night in a row!!! (Plus my wife made her awesome meatloaf).

3. Had a fantastic network meeting with the Burien/Normandy Park YP’s and presented YMV’s to three other Youth Pastors (individually) in Kirkland, Bothell and Woodinville.

4. Had coffee or tea from 3 different companies at 4 different locations (Tully’s, Starbucks, Starbucks and Peet’s).

Now, it is time to go to bed (no worries, the caffeine consumption ended by 5:00 PM).  If you’re reading this in the morning, please pray for the Kent/Renton Youth Leader breakfast!  Hoping to get a network started and to be able to share about the Mission Ventures!

Grace,
Brian

Here he is to worship

Brian Aaby 3 Comments

Great connections with people this week.  Praising the Lord for new friendships, answered prayer and the ability to speak into each others lives.  As you are able, please lift up the following pastors/youth pastors/workers I had the opportunity to (or am yet to) meet with this week:

Patrick (Bellevue); Dave (Bellevue); Stephanie (North Seattle); Steve (University Place); Brent (Tacoma); Alan (West Seattle); Jeremy (West Seattle); Melissa (West Seattle); Kyle (Normandy Park); Carlos (West Seattle); Nathan (West Seattle); Danny (Normandy Park); Chad (Burien); Eric (South Seattle); Mark (Burien); Aaron (Kent); Lane (Enumclaw); Devin (Enumclaw); Wesley (Renton); Adam (Tacoma); Brandon (Renton); Jake (Renton), Joe (Kent); and Mike (Kent).

I told Will (my son) all about it, and all he could do was stand in praise (hand even lifted to the Lord, guess he has some charisma!  Ha).

Grace,
Brian

Will must be praising God! Right?

Will must be praising God! Right?

Blast From My Past

Brian Aaby Leave a comment

This morning I had the opportunity to sip some joe while hanging out with one of my OLD pastors.  Okay, he’s not so old, but he is truly the first Pastor I called “my Pastor.”  

I was saved at age 17, through Young Life (well, more like, through Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Father), but He used Young Life and Malibu.  I then had a senior year with a great Youth Director discipling me and the other senior guys.  I then went south to The Master’s College for my Freshman year of college.  I attended a very large church for most of my Frosh year… Great teaching from Dr. MacArthur, but never could call that place “home.”  Then I got the bug.  The youth ministry bug.  I came home and did an unofficial internship back at the church I attended for my senior year in High School.  During that summer I knew I needed to pursue being involved in the local church youth ministry scene (I was a YL leader my frosh year).  So, upon arrival back at school, I looked for a home church…

In late September of 1992 I pulled into Live Oak Elementary school. Ironically enough, I met a young man, Jeramy Clark, that day as well (washing our hands in the bathroom to add a strange twist).  Little did I know that Jeramy would later become one of the best friends a guy could have nor did I have any idea I would end up being the Youth Pastor at that church: Lake Hills Community Church.

I attended Lake Hills 3-4 times before I asked the Pastor if I could get involved with the youth.  He said, “Sure you can get involved, we have 3-4 jr. highers, they don’t have anyone leading them, go start it.”  Huh? A 19 y/o sophomore in college start a youth group?  It would help you to know that Dave was only about 27 at the time and his elder board was also 3-4 young men (young people don’t always make the wisest decisions).  So, in November of 1992, with about five of my college friends, I started ROC (Reach Out for Christ).  I think the first week we had more staff than students.  Slowly, over the course of the next three years we grew that little group, started a high school ministry and even a Sunday School class that students loved coming to!  But as I look back, I can honestly say that I also experienced my first shepherding from a Pastor.

Today, I got to have coffee with that Pastor, Dave Devries.  He and his lovely bride, Deanne (and daughter Maddie… son Doug is in school in NY) have moved to Seattle to be a coach and shepherd to church-plant pastors.  What a great call, the NW needs Jesus, and in turn, more churches.  I’m thankful the NW Pastors will have Dave around and selfishly I’m stoked to be in closer contact and sharpen one another! 

Grace,
Brian

Things That Are Tough About My Job

Brian Aaby 2 Comments

After three straight posts about the things I’ve been loving about my new career path, I experienced a day in which I made some discoveries of the other side.  So, here’s a quick hit, as to not throw myself into depression (no worries, I’m being somewhat overdramatic on that one) about the tough stuff:

  • Though my job is full of meeting with people, I spend most of my time getting to know the other, rather than being known.  This stands in stark contrast to being on staff at a church where, though you remain busy, you give and take in relationships.  Have a “staff,” “volunteer staff” and “youth group” meant I was knowing and being known.  
  • Because I have spent so much time getting to know youth pastors and networks of youth pastors, I have been on the road (by day) a lot.  Take today for instance… South to Auburn, northwest to Normandy Park, North to Burien, and east to Renton.  Great meetings with individuals and with my network, but in order to do any of my other work (yes, I do have other stuff to do besides just meet with people; like emailing and calling to set up, yes, more meetings!).  So, I find myself doing blog posts, emailing and advance work on other stuff either early in the morning or late at night (after the kids are in bed).  Which generally leads to sleep deprivation (didn’t help that while in Canby I stayed up way to late).
  • I desire to be around the house more than I have been able to as of late. I have loved the flexibility I had as a pastor when it came to “hours.”  Because there were days I would be out until 10:00 PM, I wouldn’t start work until Noon (which afforded me some mornings at home with the fam and Elisabeth a regular half-day “off”).  Well, this has NOT been the case thus far for me/us.  I really miss driving Audrey to her preschool and spending a few minutes watching Halle in her homeschool setting.  And before you “normal” workers (those who work 8-5) start screaming, I want you to hear me, I’m not whining about my job or my hours, I’m simply stating the change I am noticing and how I miss what has been.
  • For those who know I like coffee shops (for the atmosphere, the coffee and/or tea), I have found myself missing the atmosphere a lot.  I am still at coffee shops all the time, but right now, I am there to meet; not to chill out, work and witness.  Now I am there to meet! I long for a two hour stretch at a coffee shop to just surf the net, send some emails and plug in my ear buds!
Okay, wipe the tears away; I’m done with my ONE post about things that are tough.  For encouragement sake, go back and read my last three posts about what I love!  I am thankful for my job, I know others have it way tougher than me!!! Today was a great day, a day in which a lot got done relationally and teams signed up for YMV’s; but even with that, I think it is okay to grieve the past a bit!… Isn’t it?  
Grace,
Brian 

Youthmark Prayer Update

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

I have a wonderful prayer support team!  Several months ago I was challenged to put together a fellowship who were committed to praying for the Aabys and Youthmark.  My hope is that this group will be able to gather three or four times a year and pray together (Youthmark Fellowship Gatherings).  We did one of these in August and I assume we’ll do another in November sometime.

With all that being said; you certainly get updated prayers here, but my email (which I hope to send out about once a month) will be more extensive and specific.  If you’d like to be part of this team, don’t hesitate to email me (brian@youthmark.com) and I’ll get you yesterdays email and put you on the list.  Some of you may have already requested to be on the list but didn’t receive one yesterday, please resend this, my apology.

Here is the prayer update section from yesterday’s email:

Here is the thing that excites me the most!  I have seen the Lord faithfully answer our prayers while we have blogged during rural missions; the strange thing, I almost forgot to specifically ask for prayer while recruiting for these Youthmark Mission Ventures!  Please join me in praying for the following:
  • Please pray specifically for God to overwhelm us with the right groups and the right number of groups.  I am asking for 36 teams (teams of about 12-18).
  • Please pray specifically for the right towns to go to in the regions of: The Gulf Coast; Northern California; Central Idaho; British Columbia; Western Montana and Kauai, Hawaii.
  • Please pray specifically for many contacts to email back in the next 3-5 days so I can set up times to meet with people in late September (giving them time to think, pray, act on the invite in October).
  • Please pray specifically for Elisabeth (home school teacher/mommy for the first time), Halle (specifically for the right social opps), Audrey (in her new 4-y/o class), Will (continued growth, health, development) and me (keeping Jesus and my family as my priorities).
  • I am asking God to show me how to better serve the Youth Workers.  This is an oft-ignored profession and volunteer vocation.  We want to be sacrificial with our own time, talent and treasure to help, encourage and bless the youth workers in this region!  Pray that He shows us great direction in how to do this!
  • We pray for brokenness, humility and submission so we may do everything for His purpose. 
Thanks so much for joining us in prayer, whether it be through the blog and/or my email updates.  We NEED your support in this way!  
Grace,
Brian