Noob Evangelism

During the month of January, the student ministry at Vero Christian Church is cleaning the church building. The crew that cleaned today as usual had a great time while working around the building. In fact, one member of the crew, who shall remain nameless, gave me a good back slap. Of course, the back slap included a name tag which reads, "My name is NOOB." Great fun when you are hanging with teenagers.

I took the name tag off my back, and put it where it belongs: on the front of my shirt. We finished up the cleaning, and I left for a quick stop at the bank. Now, I had already been to my favorite branch of the bank once earlier in the day. I have teased around with one of the tellers for several years, we call each other "trouble" and ask if each other has been behaving. Of course, we haven't. Now, there is a relatively new teller who sits next to my "fave." I always ask her if she is making sure my "fave" is behaving, just trying to draw her into the friendship, raise a smile, etc.

When I came in this evening still wearing my name tag, the newer teller called me over to her window, by calling me by my name tag. I laughed and said something about my students loving me, casually mentioning that we had been cleaning the church building. Newer Teller looks surprised, and asks if I am a minister. Busted, I tell her that I am an associate minister working in the area of music and students. She can't believe that I am a minister, saying she thought I was a "heathen." My "fave" and I both get a big laugh because she has known I am in the ministry for at least five years now. I laughingly respond that I am gonna have to pray for the teller over her "heathen" remark, and by now I have the attention of all the tellers...being the only customer in the bank and all. One of the other tellers even jokes that she had some oil if we needed to anoint the new teller and pray over her. We all shared several good-natured laughs. Then, the conversation turned a little more serious.

After letting them all know that I serve at Vero Christian Church the newer teller says that she had been thinking about coming to our church to visit, since she lives in the neighborhood right across Oslo Road from where the church building is located. While saying that she would be out of town this weekend, she declares in front of her co-workers that she was going to tell her boyfriend and they would come for a visit to VCC next weekend.

All because I wore a name tag declaring to be a "Noob." All because one of my students slapped it on my back in jest. Who knows, "Noob Evangelism" might just catch on.

Taco Bell, Part 2

Standing in line for 40 minutes to get tacos wasn't enough for me. After enjoying the Taco Party at lunch yesterday (as previously discussed in this blog), I took my Bride on a 20-Cent Taco Party experience yesterday evening. The lines were actually a tad longer, and we parked in the same spot I had at lunch time.

As my Bride and I dutifully took our place in the cue, people around us were astounded to learn that it was my 2nd trip to the Bell for the day. I simply told them, "it is a social event." Lightening the mood proved to be most effective. Instead of people being grumpy that there were actually waiting in a line that would prove to last almost a full hour to get tacos from Taco Bell, we laughed, we smiled, we got to know each other just a little bit. It was, dare I say it...fun.

The lady in line behind us was dismayed to learn of the 10 tacos per customer limit. She had 3 teenage boys and a husband at home awaiting a bounty of tacos. Since my Bride & I were only getting 10 tacos between the two of us, we volunteered to place an order for her. After all, 20 tacos sure beats 10! She was amazed that we were willing to do that. Come on, all we did was place the order, she forked over the $2.14 for the purchase of those ten tacos! My Bride continued the conversation with this lady, coming to know where she attends church (and she is a nominal attender), letting her know about Vero Christian Church, found out her occupation and told her about someone in our church who is in need of the services she provides.

Another lady had two toddler girls with her, both of whom were extremely well behaved and quite cute. She did have another adult with her to help take care of the girls, but by the time our 55 minute wait for those delicious tacos was over, we had gotten to know her, and the ladies all joked some female joke that I tried to stay out of, if you catch my drift.

The point is, we saw the taco cue as an opportunity to let the light of Jesus shine in our lives. The folks around us were engaged in light-hearted conversation with people around them, who had before this experience, been strangers. We talked about church matters, talked about our kids, talked about work and made connections. We enjoyed each others company while standing in a Taco Bell for nearly an hour waiting to pick up our precious order of 20-cent tacos.

God will show up in the strangest places if you just remember to bring Him along. After all, He is there anyway, so you might as well acknowledge Him and allow Him to be the life of the "party." Even while standing in line for cheap tacos.

History Making Day

On a cold, clear January day, history was made. Yeah, we inaugurated the 44th President of the United States, but I am talking about 20 cent tacos at Taco Bell! Ian and I arrived at the Vero Beach T-Bell with bellies anticipating tacos. Apparently everyone in the free world had the same idea at the same time. Don't they know that there are Taco Bells in other places, too? Being unable to enter the parking lot, I ejected Ian with cash in hand so he could get in what would prove to be the line that went around the world. I parked in a space at the strip mall deal just to the east of the Taco Bell, and made my way over only to find that Ian was a mere five feet inside the building in that line that did indeed extend outside! The mood was festive, as everyone was ready for some cheap lunch (even if their lunch break took them to supper time). Even the employees were laughing it up, with one taco assembler proclaiming that she would have dreams about making tacos tonight. No doubt.

It took a mere 40 minutes for Ian and I to get our precious bags of 10 tacos each (the limit imposed per customer by Taco Bell), and with envious eyes watching our every move, we made our way through the crowd of folks who were still waiting for their number to be up (or at least called). We even got to see our good buddy Greg (one of the two folks who reads this blog), and invited him to bring his supper tacos over to the house. He was still a good 35 minutes away from getting his tacos, so I hated to think of it as lunch since it was already 12:30.

Now, I missed out on the Free Taco day back during the World Series thanks to a scheduled colonoscopy. That is a story for another day. Turtle, Jordan and company say nothing tastes better than a FREE taco, but the 20-cent variety don't taste too bad either. All ten of them. See, I had been fasting and praying before heading to Taco Bell. Now, I am just a-full. And Peggy wants to stop by there to pick up tacos for supper. I might just explode into one big taco salad.

Mobile Blog Test

Just testing my ability to post on my blog from my phone.

A Different Order

Hebrews 7
15 This change has been made very clear since a different priest, who is like Melchizedek, has appeared. 16 Jesus became a priest, not by meeting the physical requirement of belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed. 17 And the psalmist pointed this out when he prophesied,

“You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

18 Yes, the old requirement about the priesthood was set aside because it was weak and useless. 19 For the law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

20 This new system was established with a solemn oath. Aaron’s descendants became priests without such an oath, 21 but there was an oath regarding Jesus. For God said to him,

“The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow:
‘You are a priest forever.’”

22 Because of this oath, Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God.

In preparing for tonight's College Bible study, I am again wrestling with this different order of priesthood as Jesus represents. The story of Melchizedek is told in much greater detail here than it is in Genesis 14:18-20 when the story is first told.

As we continue our study in Hebrews, the college crew is getting a good dose of reinforcement in the idea that the priesthood of Jesus is superior to the priesthood of the Levites under the Law. In fact, it is flat out stated that way in the passage quoted above. But, who is this Melchizedek? What is his story? God has chosen not to reveal much about him, but if Jesus is a priest in Melchizedek's order, then the dude must've been pretty tight with God! That's good enough for me. I don't make that last statement lightly or flippantly. I am say (and I will repeat it) that if it is good enough for God, then it is good enough for me.

That attitude doesn't always make life easier, but it certainly adds clarity.

Be God's,
Scott

Da Bug

I have already chronicled my on-going battle with throat and sinus type issues, and as the meds take full effect, I am now in that stage where the symptoms are worse just before they take the big turn for the better. Last night, I fell asleep sitting up on the couch. It was around 7 o'clock. This morning, I got up as usual, took care of the morning routine, and laid back down while Peggy was getting ready for school. I fell into a deep sleep and she had to wake me up to tell me goodbye. It was then that I decided I would do some work from the house this morning, and take a nap. I slept for a solid two hours. This after a full night's sleep that was extremely peaceful and restful. The gook in my chest is starting to break up now, and I am coughing a little more today. It is time for this stuff to go away! And to think, I was in the doc's office last Thursday for a checkup, and everything was fine. Hey, maybe I am allergic to the doc's office!

Yes, I Love Technology. Always and Forever.

The only thing better than a strained throat for a worship minister, is having a worship minister's microphone fizzle out on him in the midst of the services. I had the privilege of having both situations occur this morning. What fun.

The rest of the praise team did a fantastic job of rolling right along with or without me. I'm working on getting my throat healed back up, but the microphone situation? Well, we're working on it.

To quote Kip's song from "Napoleon Dynamite": Yes, I love technology, but not as much as you, you see. Still, I love technology. Always and forever."

Throat Afire

Okay, so yesterday, I went to the doctor's office for a routine visit. Everything was fine. By praise team rehearsal time last night, my voice was going all weak, and my throat felt funny. So, I didn't yell and scream as my college football hero (Tim Tebow) led the Gators to another National Championship. This morning when I got up, my throat was on fire, and I could feel the effects of infection in my right ear as well. Beautiful.

I called the doc, got some antibiotics, and basically rested all morning. My afternoon was filled to overflowing with responsibilities: radio station voice tracking (yeah, a little more bass and nasal than usual), picking up my prescriptions, picking up Peggy's car from the shop, and oh my goodness...I forgot about the fact that the month of January is the youth group's turn to clean the church building! Oh yeah, we're supposed to meet at 4 p.m. Fridays to do this act of service. Good thing a concerned Mom called me at 4:15 (while I was in Walgreens getting my prescription...well only one of the two I am supposed to have, but that's another story). So, I flew to the church building, and we got the crew going at it.

Now, Peggy has gone to the store for some soup, and I am going to call it an early evening. Sore throats and worship leading are a bad combination, and I gotta get this thing whipped before Sunday. Oh, did I mention that we are going to Kissimmee tomorrow to help the Emily's move into a new apartment at school?

What is in a name?

Interesting reading from the One Year Chronological Bible from Genesis and Chronicles today. I was checking out the meaning of names, since Esau means "hairy" and Jacob means "deceiver" and those names seem to fit those characters perfectly. So what about my name? I am "painted warrior" "beautiful at birth." Blount My Bride is "Pearl" " "friend." Our baby girl is "Rival;emulating" "friend" while our middle child is "God is forgiving" "painted warrior." Our eldest is "beautiful at birth" "my God is the Lord" and his bride is "Father is rejoicing" "God is gracious."

Very interesting study this morning, and I am so glad to see that our names truly do reflect our personalities. I am married to a Pearl of a woman who is my best friend. Our daughter does emulate her Mama, and their friendship is stronger than ever. Our middle child knows the forgiveness of God in a very real way, and he is a mighty warrior for Christ's Kingdom. Our eldest was beautiful at birth in my eyes (not so much for his Mama, but that is a story for another day, oh "smurf baby"), and his life reflects the fact that "God is his Lord" while his bride certainly is a cause for a "Father to rejoice" and she reflects in her life the fact that "God is gracious."

What's in a name? More than we Americans like to think. By the way, I found the meanings of our names by visiting the website: Baby Names World.

For my devotional thoughts on this topic, see my devo blog at Putting It Blountly. This is the "painted warrior" who was "beautiful at birth" wishing you and yours a blessed day!

Putting It Blountly

Okay, so for the past couple of days as I have started getting back into the blogging habit, I have double posted devotional thoughts on both this blog and on the blog I originally had set up for devotional type thoughts. The name of that blog is Putting It Blountly which is an obvious play on the (mis)pronunciation of my last name. So, this blog will go back to mostly being inane ramblings about life in general, and the other blog will have more of the devotional feel to it. Don't say that you haven't been warned!

Speaking of inane life-happenings...had a "Power Lunch" with Jim Adams of Sebastian Christian Church and Ron Matthews of Southside Christian Church of Fort Pierce today. Food at the Olive Garden was wonderful, and the company was even better. It is so nice to get to hang out with some guys who want to see teens in our area connect with other Christian teens who don't happen to attend the same congregation. One of the things I have missed the most in the 8 1/2 years I have lived in Florida is a sense of camaraderie among Restoration Movement Churches. There are a number of reasons why this hasn't happened to this point, none of which are of any concern to me. This is a new year and there is a new hope (and attitude) that encourages me. Ron, Jim, and I even have our next "Power Lunch" scheduled. Oh, I'd tell ya, but then I'd have to...well you get the point. *grin*

My prayer is that from this tiny band of motley guys can grow a regional network of Restoration Movement churches deciding and desiring to do more events together. It is good for the students, and it brings honor to our Lord.

As Rich Mullins would say:
Be God's

Faith & Obedience Test

From today's reading in the One Year Chronological Bible...

Genesis 22
1a Later on, God tested Abraham’s faith and obedience.

Abraham has already packed up his family and left the land of his forefathers to take up residence in the land promised to him & his descendents. Abraham has been faithful and obedient in believing that he would be the Father of a Great Nation even when he was 99 years old. Abraham has already been described as one whose faith was credited to him as righteousness, and he has already been described as a friend of God. Yet, in Genesis 22, we read that God was going to test Abraham’s faith and obedience. If Abraham was not immune to further tests from God, why should I think that I would be? I am certainly no Abraham! May I always pass the test, and may all who follow Christ do the same.

Impossible? No!

From today's reading of the One Year Chronological Bible:

Genesis 18
14a “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

God is speaking here to Abraham after Sarah has laughed at the news that she will bear a son to Abraham in one year. Abraham is 99 years old, and Sarah is approaching 90. Of course the answer to God’s question about Himself is, NO! Remember when an angel of the Lord told Mary that she would conceive a child, and that her cousin Elizabeth (long thought to have been barren) was pregnant? Luke 1:37 says, “For nothing is impossible with God.” God is not just in the baby business; God is in the business of doing the impossible. Nothing is too hard for the Lord, and if I am doing my best to follow Him, and His direction for my life…well He will take care of the obstacles and opportunities that present themselves along the way.


Be God's,
Scott

My Responsibility

I am reading the Chronological One Year Bible this year, just to mix up my daily devotional reading a bit. I've done the one year Bible reading plan each year for over a decade now, and decided to change things up a bit this year. From today's reading in Genesis 17 (New Living Translation), I saw this: 9 Then God said to Abraham, “Your responsibility is to obey the terms of the covenant. You and all your descendants have this continual responsibility." It has me thinking about my responsibility as a child of Abraham (spiritually). The New Covenant is summed up by Jesus when He said that we should love God with all we are and all we have AND we should love people the way God loves them (love your neighbor as yourself). My responsibility is live that way. It isn't easy, but it is my responsibility as a child of God. I often fail to live up to my responsibility, but it is my responsibility nonetheless.

May 2009 be one of accepting my responsibility, embracing it, and running headlong to Jesus with it. May this be the year that you do the same.

Oh, What A Night

Blogging from my iPod Touch can be an adventure, but nothing like the adventure of a youth all-nighter with a couple other churches. Yes, I (a card carrying member of AARP) led/hosted a youth all-nighter last night. Let the jokes begin.

Let me say a big thanks to Ron Matthews of Southside Christian in Ft. Pierce and Jimmy Adams of Sebastian Christian for all the did to ensure the success of the event. To my college crew: Ian, Emily, Turtle, Jordan, & Kevin: Beeg thanks! To Greg (one of the two readers of this blog) and Anne: you are the BEST sponsors ever! To my Bride: how could I ever survive without you? You are the best part of me.

With a water line break at 1:30ish, we saved the church building from being totally flooded. Yeah, doing an all-nighter saved the church building! The break was construction related, not student related. Thinking about what could have happened had no one been around when the flooding started last night...well as one of our Elders put it: "God was in it" for us to have been there for the all-nighter. Yes, He was.

Now it is time to head back to bed and rest up for a day of leading praise & worship at VCC. Man, do I ever have a lot for which to be thankful! God RAWKS!

Life Mulligan

On August 27, 1985, God gave me a Life Mulligan. Yep, I got a "do over." I was buried in the watery grave of baptism, and raised into a newness of life.

I've been thinking a lot about the Life Mulligan we get through Jesus as I prepare to preach a sermon on that subject on Dec. 28th. I sought some input from some preacher types that I respect, and even heard back from a few of them.

As 2008 comes to a close, I know that I need to utilize that Mulligan once again. To renew my dedication to Christ, and to His Word. To be a better husband, father, and minister of the Gospel of Christ. I am so glad that God is patient with me.

I pray that the new year ahead provides the opportunity for you to start fresh. Don't be afraid to make resolutions because God doesn't give us a spirit of fear, that is satan whispering in our ears. Don't be afraid to step out of the comfort zone and do something BIG for God. Nothing is impossible for God, and if we are following God, well, you get the point.

Besides, as Henry Ford put it: "Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently."

As for me, I want to share the resolution Paul proclaimed to the Church at Corinth: "I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." (1 Cor. 2:2)

May this Holy Season of Christmas and the approaching New Year give us strength, comfort, and the resolve to do bigger things for the Kingdom of Christ than we did over the past year.

Be God's,
Scott

Family

Having labored in youth & family life ministries for the past 21 years, I think I may have a vested interest in the subject. Being a dad of three adult (yikes, I hate to have to write that) children...well four counting my newest daughter, Abi who married Elliott almost two years ago...I guess you can say that I have been there, done that. Funny thing about parenting: it never stops. Guess, I am gaining some of that wisdom that comes with age in that regard.

Another "funny" thing is that since satan hates us, he must try to do whatever he can to take us off task. In my situation, if satan can create havoc in my family life, wow, what a victory he would have. Well, he keeps trying. There are several situations going on these days that are not for public consumption, suffice it to say that the attacks are coming from all quarters. Not just from situations involving my kids, but my dad & sister as well. I have a brother who can't stay out of the hospital due to severe physical problems that have baffled the docs. Yeah, literally from every "front" I am under attack by the evil one. But, you know what? God is still in control. God will guide me one step at a time (I don't even think in terms of one day at a time any more).

The storms of family life are howling all around me, but I will hang on to the promise that God is with me. He will never leave, nor forsake me. I am not alone. I have Jesus, my Beautiful Bride, and the prayers of dear brothers & sisters in Christ. I have no need for anything else.

These storms will pass, and God will be glorified.

Redeaux

Or is that "Redo"? Yeah, that's it.

For some time now, I have limped along in the blogosphere not really blogging, but wishing that I did. This is my attempt to dive back into those murky waters. Yeah, the two folks who stumbled upon my blog in the past may wonder why the url has changed, but hey, they can still get here relatively easily and will now have an easier web address to remember.

2008 is proving to be the year of the Challenge. While in many respects, the year has been fantastic, there are other aspects of life that have risen up to bite me, big time.

An ongoing struggle with and for Ian constantly takes two steps forward and three steps back. Please jut keep him in your prayers. That's all I have to say publicly about that.

Over the past year, my sister succumbed to a serious drug addiction, and having control of my dad's finances, ruined him financially. I am now trying to help dig him out of a monster hole. My sister meanwhile has numerous legal troubles that do not involve dad or me. Keep them in your prayers. Pray for me as I try to help get dad back into something resuming financial stability. We are a LONG WAYS from there at the moment. That's all I have to say publicly about that.

Meanwhile, things are going well with the church. There is a spirit of enthusiasm, cooperation, and willingness that I haven't seen in a long time. We moved into a new building this year, culminating some 10 years worth of planning. The combination of being in the new location and the leadership exhibited by our preacher, Steve Jones, has us on an unprecedented growth track at VCC. As of this writing, we have had 31 baptisms, and 16 transfers of membership since April. To God be the glory!

My Bride battled pneumonia earlier this year, and a stress fracture in a foot this Fall,. so health-wise, this hasn't been a stellar year for Peggy. Her job situation has changed somewhat, although she is still primarily at Garden City Elementary school in Fort Pierce.

Emily is now a freshman (actually will officially be a sophomore in the Spring) at Florida Christian College. She seems to have adapted to "college life" quite well, and for that I am extremely grateful.

Elliott & Abi are doing well, and while we don't ge tto see them nearly as often as we would like, we are thankful for cell phones and the internet!

Now, with that brief "catch-up" let's see how often I get back on here to blog about something of "importance." Yeah, right.

Be God's,
Scott

Tis the Season...

...to remember Christ's birth!

Yeah, to the two of you who used to read this blog, I am back with an update. Life is coming at me full speed these days, and it is time to stop for a few minutes and reflect on my Lord and Savior Jesus!

I am so amazed that God loves me. I know what a wretch I am. Those aren't just words, that is the flat-out truth. What I deserve is the hottest flames of hell, but because of Jesus, I won't get what I deserve. I take great comfort in that thought as I struggle on every day with the challenges this life throws my way.

I am not only blessed to have my salvation through Jesus, Whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, but to be married to Peggy. She is my "Jesus-in-the-flesh." Peggy is not just the wife of my dreams, the mother of our children, she is my soul-mate in the Christian sense of the word! Thank you, Peggy, for being my Plum Woman!

May God's richest blessings be upon those who stumble across this blog. Merry Christmas to you, and know that this blog entry will not be the last one to express that sentiment.

Habitat Forming

Every Saturday morning since July 12th, Vero Christian Church has had volunteers working at Grace Woods. That is the Habitat for Humanity subdivision going up close to Thompson Elementary school in the southern part of Indian River County. See, we as a congregation are sponsoring one of the homes being constructed in that subdivision as the labor sponsor. The home will be occupied by members of our congregation. Since July 12th, I have learned much about construction. I am the least skilled of the laborers you would find on a construction site. I teasingly have told the construction supervisors that my skill level ends at "carrying heavy things." Nevertheless, I have not only carried heavy things (helping to fly trusses on five different homes), I have done roofing work, soffit work, set pre-hung doors inside a home, and various other odds and ends as needed. Members of our congregation have been out sometimes in force, sometimes in pairs, but we have been out every Saturday watching, participating, and marveling at the ministry of Habitat for Humanity. Homes are dedicated and people move in every couple of weeks. The sense of satisfaction from a hard morning's work easily outweighs the sore muscles and physical exhaustion of working in the Florida summer heat.

Our work with Habitat is a habit forming endeavor. I pray that more from our congregation will catch the fever, and that after the home we are sponsoring is finished, we can still have a crew out for Habitat on a regular basis.

Last week's VCC crew, pictured with this post included: Katie, Becky, Bob, Tim, Turtle and me (I took the picture, so I am not in it).

Sappy Birthday To Me

I turn 50 tomorrow. There, I’ve said it and we can get that out of the way. Anyone who has known me for very long at all, knows that I am not big into my own birthday scene. It’s just another number, and I really don’t care. I get much more excited about my spiritual birthday (I turned 23 on August 27th) than I do about my physical birthday. However, I know that others like to celebrate, so I am trying to do better about being gracious in all of that hoopla.

I must tell you though, that my beautiful Bride Peggy outdid herself this year. Yes, we have already celebrated my birthday. Peggy arranged for all our our children (Ian, Emily, Elliott, and Abi) to be at the house Monday evening for a Surprise party. Oh, I mean a “Suprise” party...at least that is what the cake called it. We love Publix cakes, but love their hearts, they spell worse than I could ever hope to spell. The cake tastes delicious, and that is all that matters.

Having my family around me to celebrate my birthday is all I could ever wish for. I don’t need any gifts (although Emily’s purchase of some Turkish Delight did indeed get me singing the David Crowder Band song of the same name). I don’t want any gifts. I just want to be surrounded by the people I love the most. That is what Peggy provided for me this year. She is the best!

Of course Elliott had to photoshop a little “suprise” picture that wound up as the desktop photo on my iBook. Very funny. Very funny indeed.

Emily had to take off for school Monday night, and Ian had to work all day yesterday (as did Peggy), but Elliott, Abi, Jayla and I got to hang out, and it was one of the more relaxing days I have had in a long time.

I am truly blessed to be surrounded by a loving family. Yes, my birthday hasn’t officially taken place yet, but it has already been the best one ever!