Category Random/Rant

35,000 Foot Blog Post

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

 

 

Beautiful day today, eh?

Beautiful day today, eh?

 

Greetings from 35,000 feet.  We are on our flight from Seattle to Phoenix for the Lifeboat “Last Hoorah.” The first group is headed down about five hours ahead of the second.  On this flight I have five of the guys who have helped shape one another’s lives for the last several years.  Alex, Frankie, Dylan, Ricky and Naked Steve (I’ll explain) are sitting around me and are quite thrilled to be headed south for this fantastic time together.  We’ll be joined by Micah (my co-leader, aka, “Little Buddy), John D., Brandon and Tim. 

In 1997 I became a “C-Group” leader of the freshman guys at First EPC.  In four years I grew very deep with that group of young men.  We spent the first two years sharing life and the book of James.  The last two years of their high school career we continued to encourage one another as we trekked through the book of Romans.  I NEVER thought I would grow as close to a group of young men as I did that group.  I thought wrong.

In 2004 I became the “Lifeboat” leader for the freshman guys at BPPC.  In the last four years we have shared life and the book of Acts.  This a diverse group, I love each one of these guys.  I count it a privilege to have them as part of my life.

Throughout the trip I think I will take the time to post about each of these young men… I’ll start tomorrow!

Many hours have now passed, the first group has arrived, we did the Costco shopping, first look at the house (and first swim) then we hit Chili’s for dinner.  I have now made my way back down near the airport am awaiting the second group.  Can’t wait to see their reaction to the house!

At no point leading up to the trip did the guys ever ask anything about the house… well, it’s pretty great.  We received a fantastic rate, less than if we used a hotel.  But the amenities are so great.  Take a look at how we’re being spoiled this week here!

Looking forward to this great time with these young men!

Grace,
Brian

A Lot of Hurt Going Around

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

Elisabeth and I were chatting online today (no, not in the same house, though we have done that before) and it seems like a lot of our friends and family are going through a season of suffering.  It is interesting, because simultaneously I see and hear of great things happening in the lives of our family and friends at the same time.  

Our friends, Dave and Deanne, are moving from CA to the NW to be chuch-plant missionaries (they are going to coach new pastors who are planting the much needed churches in the NW).  Friends, Byron and Shannon, just got married this last week.  We have other friends getting married soon, some having babies soon, and others starting a new venture.  I have family members who have just returned from missions; got accepted to a new exciting opportunity; and ones who just expanded their family.  Very cool stuff!

But the suffering in the lives of others we are close to still exists in big ways.  We have a friend who just lost a baby niece.  Another who had a grandmother just die.  I have a friend from a previous church who is struggling with her mom’s cancer.  Just today a good friend of ours let us know about a significant mass on his liver.  Just prior to that email, I received an instant message from a young man saying that his cousin had just died this morning.  Very tough stuff.

I do not know why the Lord works in His mysterious ways.  But I do know He has provided examples for us as to how we are to respond.  I am drawn to the ends of chapters one and two of Job.  I hope these passages can encourage you to stay strong in your sorrows and celebrate the gifts He continues to bestow upon us.

Job 1:20-22: At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Job 2:9-10 His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

I have a heavy heart for those suffering; however, I am choosing to praise God for the great things He is doing in the trials and in the triumphs.  They often go hand-in-hand.

Grace,
Brian

Balancing Act

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

One of my favorite park activities growing up was the teeter totter… I had friends that were bigger than me, and could keep me in the “up” position because of their weight.  And I had a brother who was smaller than me who I could cause to crash by jumping off (yes, I could be can be a punk at times).  The art of the teeter-totter is when you found the person who weighed the same and you could maintain that perfect balance.

It’s been awhile since I have written specifically about Youthmark.  I want to keep my blog balanced between family, spirituality, Youthmark and perhaps a little humor from time to time.  To be honest, I think my family, my faith and Youthmark will actually provide most of the humor! 

This last week was a mix of joy and struggle.  There were times I felt balanced, times I know I let the totter crash and other times I felt I was being lifted high (supported, yet vulnerable).  I was under the self-imposed gun of getting the things done for Youthmark that needed to get done before my Lifeboat trip; yet my week was also consumed with getting ready to preach at Boulevard Park (which was a lot of fun to do this morning, great to see so many loving faces).  I am beginning to understand that balance of the time it will take for certain aspects of my job.  However, I have little-clue right now what it is going to take to keep the balance of perspective and control.

I want to be a person who is seeking help where help is needed; but I also don’t want to be ruled by the help or opinion of others.  Balance is needed.

I am working on an informational brochure, so-to-speak, for the mission side of Youthmark.  To begin I have been writing copy (the written material) for the piece.  On top of that I am gathering ideas for the icons, logos, pictures, etc. As the project comes to the point where it is time to put ideas to action (as in produce the brochure) I find myself in need of help in some areas, but wanting/needing to keep things the way I originally intended as well.  How much control am I willing to yield?

I am young in the business side of things.  I am not skilled in many areas of the “industry” but I also want things done a certain way–with my heart, my passion and my vision.  The contrast is between being confident/driven and arrogant/domineering.  I want the first, and I abhor the second.  I want to be a learner who applies not a self-driven stubborn man who thinks he can do it on his own.

I am thankful for those the Lord has provided me as “help.”  Your influence, your expertise and your experience is invaluable to me.  I can’t wait to have your marks on these Youthmark projects.

However, I am also driven by my vision for things being done a certain way.  I pray I may find the balance. May I be a person who listens to critique, advice and encouragement.  And may I be a person who can apply those if applicable or graciously not apply those same critiques or advice if it stands in contrast to what my intention for any particular project is calling me to do.  I had much smarter/experienced people helping me this week–yet some of their advice/opinions clashed with each other or my ideas.  Fortunately for me, these friends are all humble people who love and support the Aabys and Youthmark.  I thank God for their help and encouragement; I am learning much from them.

Ahh, balance.  May I find that sweet spot in the middle.  May I trust all those that are on the other end of the totter.  May they trust me as well.  

I have to remember, as a child I liked the teeter totter.  Perhaps I can learn to like this adult teeter totter as well?

Grace,
Brian

Looking Forward… Discipleship

Brian Aaby 2 Comments

A week or two ago I started a new series on this blog (who am I kidding? everything I do right now on this blog is “new”).  I called it, “Looking Forward.”  This series will be a semi-regular post.  Today, I am using my Discipleship Relationships as the subject for this LF (and for fun I added some real and funny links).

In the next…

…hour I look forward to finishing the menu/grocery list and some final details for my upcoming trip with my Lifeboat (small group of guys I discipled for the last 4 years at BPPC).  

…day I am looking forward to shooting the guys an email reminding them of the money they owe me, the last minute details, the money they owe me, the packing list, and the money they owe me (I have paid for everything upfront, so, yeah, reimbursements are needed… ha).

…week I look forward to spending several days with these young men that mean a lot to me.  We are heading to Phoenix, AZ for a “last hoorah.”  Micah Egger and I have been co-leading this group for four years and for the last three we have talked, as a group, about doing something special at the end of their senior year.  The guys wanted guaranteed hot weather for a reasonable price.  So we’re renting a house, van and doing most of our meals at the house (to save money on going out).  Here is the itinerary for our trip:

Tuesday: Fly in, shop, pool time, “Lifeboat” time (we’re going to continue our study time, we finished Acts, but we’re going to do some review and concentrate on a few key things to launch into life).

Wednesday: AZ Diamondbacks game by day, pool time and Lifeboat

Thursday: EARLY wake up (5:00 AM), drive to the Grand Canyon (spend several hours there), then come down a back way to Sedona and Slide Rock.  Dinner out.

Friday: Relax day, pool, area mall, movies, some of our guys will have some friends visit (as will I, I used to pastor in Phoenix). Lifeboat at night.

Saturday: Some site-seeing and then the big thing on the agenda is a big “Last Supper” (Lifeboat) as a group.

Sunday: Church, lunch out and flight home.

Please pray the guys going:  Brian, Micah, Steve, Tim, Brandon, Alex, Ricky, Dylan, Frankie and John D. (and while you’re at it, pray for the few guys that couldn’t make it, we are sad: Nick, Josh, Jesse and John F.)

2008 Guys Lifeboat

2008 Guys Lifeboat

 

…month I am looking forward to renewing my one-on-one discipleship with Ricky Judd and seeing our guys get involved in their ministries at their churches and at their schools.  Several of the guys are staying local and will be involved at BPPC and other local churches.  So I will get to stay in close contact with them.

…year I am excited to see where God leads us (my family) in terms of a church.  I am most looking forward to getting involved with a small group of young men to disciple again.  My “C-Group” from First EPC and my “Lifeboat” at BPPC have been the highlights of my 16 year career as a Youth Pastor and I can’t wait to do a small group as a volunteer like all my wonderful lay staff members have done with me for years… these are the true heroes in youth ministry!

Father, I am so thankful for the years of youth ministry you have given me and specifically for the two small groups I have been privileged to lead, with the likes of Peter Beringer (FEPC) and Micah Egger (BPPC).  I pray you will continue to use me in shaping the lives of young men!

Grace,
Brian

Non-Addictions and Needed Interruptions

Brian Aaby 3 Comments

I was reading a couple different blog posts last night, both blogs were dealing with perception; how others must view these particular bloggers.  Got me thinking… I don’t want to be driven by what people think of me, but from time to time I do want to change misperceptions.

Before you think this is going to be a deep and personal post.  It isn’t.  I just want to clear up a common misperception.  People think I am addicted to coffee.  And as I look back over my posts, and if I were an outsider looking at my life, I could see where people must think this!  After all, I am at a coffee shop EVERYDAY.  But here’s the scoop.  It is my office.  Cheap rent (typically $2 for an iced tea, plus free or cheap  refills, or $3-$4 for a latte).   So before you send me to CAFFEINE ANONYMOUS, know this, I probably drink way less coffee than you’d think, I probably get a coffee based drink twice a week and get tea the other two or three times.  

I’m “posted” at a new coffee shop (to me).  The Kona Kai Coffee shop in Kent (on 4th).  Great little place with a Hawaiian theme (and Kona coffee).    Was feeling the need for some change… a needed interruption from my normal Starbucks office places.  I am working on my sermon and some mission stuff.  I just got another needed interruption.  Jeramy Clark (best friend, besides Elisabeth of course) gave me a call and we were able to catch up for the last half hour.  I can remember a time when Jer and I would be able to talk for hours (because our schedules were so much more free).  But now, if we get a half hour every other week we both feel blessed.  So, Jeramy, thanks for that needed interruption of encouragement, laughter and prayer concerns.

If you’re feeling a little in a rut, a little too predictable or stuck in the same place, try something different today.  Call someone you haven’t talked to in awhile… perhaps you’ll get that needed interruption or you’ll be the needed interruption for another!

Grace,

Brian

Back In The Saddle

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

 

Not this kind of saddle...

Not this kind of saddle...

I am sitting in my saddle at the Benson Starbucks (for those dying to know from yesterday).  I am beginning my sermon prep for preaching this Sunday at Boulevard Park.  This will be my first sermon since making Youthmark my full-time venture (though I did do a wedding on Saturday… that was certainly not a sermon).

I have the privilege of bringing a message from 1 John 3:11-21.  This is a fantastic passage, I’d really appreciate your prayers as I jump back into Pastor mode of preparing a message.  I did faithfully work ahead on some of my Youthmark items last week to make the time to do sermon prep this week.  However, one of my projects for Youthmark does require some extra attention.  Your prayers are greatly appreciated. Speaking of prayer…

Elisabeth and I have some big decisions to make in regard to our kitchen… we have been milking our old stove for all she is worth.  As of this morning we have use of one burner (the three other burners are not working, and the oven is now permanently locked because the door broke).  We need to replace the stove/range, and since we are making that change, do we go ahead and make the three or four other needed changes/updates to our kitchen?  Wisdom needed.  Thanks for your prayers.

Back to the saddle, resting in/on God’s Word! 

Grace,

Brian

Odd Combinations

Brian Aaby 7 Comments

Every now and then I’ll be standing in line at Starbucks and I’ll hear an order shouted out which just doesn’t seem right… like the “10 pump Vanilla, three sugar, breve latte” (hmm, you think that guy likes it sweet?).  Or a Soy Chai Latte with three pumps chocolate?  Tea with chocolate?  Seriously?  

So, it got me thinking, what odd combinations do I like?  What food combinations do I put together which could make people want to think twice about my sanity and/or taste buds?  I’ve listed a few of mine, you have any?

1. I love mustard on my fries (regular yellow mustard, prefer Heinz).

2. Another mustard one, only this time spicey brown mustard on nacho cheese doritos (even better on spicier nacho cheese doritos).

3. As a cool “diet” item, I love blueberry (or another cool fruit) yogurt spread on blueberry corncakes (rice cakes will suffice if corn isn’t available).

4. Just discovered this one last night; Tapatio Hot Sauce on Papa Murphy’s Pepperoni Pizza (props to John Scott for introducing this one to me).

5. This one is another specific brand… I like Baked Cheetos dipped in Quiznos Honey Mustard sauce (I can do Nacho Cheese Doritos with it too, but prefer the baked Cheetos).

Honorable mention (though I had no idea anyone would think it was odd until Elisabeth informed me): French onion dip with pretzels.

Okay, which ones are gross to you and/or what are your odd combinations?

Hope for some good participation so that I can try some good stuff (just stay away from seafood, it doesn’t go well with ANYTHING!!!)… ha, feel free to list anything!

Grace,

Brian

Benefits of Networking

Brian Aaby 1 Comment

In May of 1995 I was a brand new Youth Pastor in Roseburg, Oregon when I received a phone call from the local Youth For Christ guy inviting me to Mom’s Cafe.  This is where the local Youth Pastor network met once a month for breakfast.  I felt a little bit like the new kid at the new school when I walked into the cafe and heard the laughter of men who were obviously familiar with one another.  I was welcomed well.  They each took the time to introduce themselves and I was given a few minutes to tell my story as well.

After the highly greasy, yet very good, breakfast, Kirk Petersen approached me with his business card in hand and said, call me, I’ll treat you to lunch.  Having been a starving student just 2 weeks prior, I took him up on his offer (I think I waited a full day before calling him, didn’t want to be too forward).  Kirk (and subsequently the entire YP network) welcomed me to Roseburg and the ministry in a very genuine way.

To this day, Kirk is a great friend.  He is now in Portland and still in ministry (though not youth).  He and the other guys in Roseburg helped set a standard of excellence I strive for in networking… that is, to be Biblical. In Acts 2 we read about the believers being devoted to each other, the Apostles teaching, to breaking of bread and to prayer.  Obviously we are supposed to experience this within the context of our local body.  But the refuge aspect of having this outside of your body was very needed for me in Youth Ministry.  

For the last four plus years I have been networked locally with the guys in West Seattle/Burien/Des Moines.  In fact, I am at Olympic Coffee right now, where we have met for the last couple years.  It has been my prayer that I could be a “Kirk Petersen” to the guys in my local network.  I hope the new guys feel welcome and the old guys continue to be devoted to one another, prayer and to the breaking of bread.  We too, have that familiar laugh of men (and ladies) that know each other.   We enjoy being a refuge for one another and we occasionally partner together by doing events for the greater local body!  

It is my hope to be even more involved with networking through Youthmark.  I am a member of the National Network of Youth Ministry, and one things I’d like to see happen the the greater south-end is to see some stronger Youth Ministry networking take place.  Pray that I can help get those started/strengthened.

Whether you’re involved in youth ministry or not, I hope you have a network of people you can do life with. One in which you can spur each other in the Word, spend time in prayer, laugh together (and probably cry too) and, of course, break bread!

Though only one other guy showed up this morning (way to go Schlaud), we will still “break bread” together… off to our favorite local eatery, La Costa! One of the greatest benefits of networking!

Grace,

Brian