Journey Church Blog

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0000

We have moved!

Follow us at

http://www.lifeisajourney.org/blog

Cardboard Testimonies

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 23:18:00 +0000

Journey Church Restoration from Jarrod Kinman on Vimeo.

A Book...

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:52:00 +0000

Yesterday in the message the point was made to research and rely upon the Scriptures. A book that I found helpful in that cause has been Lee Strobel's Case For Christ. In it he interviews leading scholars in his quest to see if the New Testament record is reliable and if there are any external evidences for Christ.

Many of the guys Stobel interviews have written the text books for the Bible classes I have taken over the years. The interview style used in the book is both engaging and easier to follow than some of the text books I have read!

You may want to consider picking a copy of this book up for yourself.

Joe

Mexico Update 2

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:14:00 +0000

Wow! Again an amazing day! When we went to visit the family on Monday Carmena told us that when we came back today, she would make us lunch! Boy was that a lunch! Home made carne asada, guacamole, types of salsa, and tortillas! I told Carmena that the next time I have Carne Asada, I would be dissapointed! We took one of our friends from the beach so that he could be our translater. We were able to communicate a lot better! Today Mikayla went down with us and they were all excited to see her! It was an amazing day! We learned a lot about the family since we had a translater to communicate for us! The kids are just a huge part of my life and I love every last one of them! That whole family has impacted my life so much and I feel a lot more grateful for what I have considering the conditions they are living in! I truly feel like they are family! When we were talking to Carmena, she told us that when Kati, the oldest daughter, had her Quinceañera, she wanted us to be down there! What an honor! Yet again it was hard saying goodbye but we all knew that we would see them again! I can't wait until this summer to go on the next mission! These people truly have impacted my life TREMENDOUSLY!

Ginny Tippery

Mexico Update

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:05:00 +0000

Some of our peeps are down in Mexico for spring break.. here is how they are spending it! So proud of these young women and their heart for God and people! Way to go!!!

Hey Joe! Megan and I wanted to post a blog on the website! We went to visit Migueal and Carmena today and wanted to share our experience! Please post this on the website! Thank you!

Wow! What an amazing way to spend the day! When we came down, we told our parents that we needed to go and see the family! Today was that day! We left the house about 10:30 am and hit the dirt roads that led to the house of Miguel, Carmena, and their 7 children (the house that we built on the mission) When we arrived at the house no one was home except for Jorge and Angel. They told us that the rest of the family was somewhere. We had a hard time communicating but within 15 minutes Megan, Angel, Doug and I (Ginny) were in the truck and Angel was giving us directions to find the rest of the family. When we arrived we realized that he took us to the bus station, where Miguel was leaving to go to work. They immediately recognized Megan and I and came running with huge smiles! What a great welcome! We talked for a little bit and then Doug and Angel were back in the car to go get everyone else! Megan and I stayed at the bus station with the family. (Amazing how there is so much talk about the drug wars down here but Megan and I stayed with the family feeling completely safe!) When the rest of our clan came, Miguel was able to talk for about 5 minutes and then he had to leave to go to work. It was hard seeing the way the kids reacted when their dad had to leave. We almost started crying with them. We all piled back into the cars and went back to their house! We spent about 3 hours with them and told them we would be back on Thursday with Mikayla Cappello, one of the other girls that went on the mission with us. Carmena told us that she would make us all Carne Asada, Guacamole, and Tortillas for dinner. I asked her if she needed help paying for the ingredients knowing that my family would help and thinking that i could give her my 20 dollars for souviners to help buy the stuff to make dinner. She told us that we only needed to go and eat and we didn't need to help at all because it was her thanks for EVERYTHING! When we finally said goodbye, I told them that I would be back in 3 days and that we would bring a translater so that we could communicate better! It was overall an amazing day and a great way to spend a day of our vacation! Next time we come down, we will have to visit 2 families considering that we are going on the mission again in July! We drove away waving and blowing kisses! We knew that we would see each other again so there were no tears of sadness but a warm heart and a smile on our face!

Megan and Ginny

Handling The Word...

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:13:00 +0000

Yesterday in the message I referenced a book. Here is a link to it on Amazon.

Here are some of the guidelines that are unpacked in the book:

- Examine the immediate context: the passage as a whole, the book as a whole.

- Identify figurative language and determine its literal meaning.

- Analyzing the structure of the basic unit of thought, the sentence.

- Base your study on the historical, physical, and cultural setting.

If you are a teacher this book is a must! If you are a student of the Bible or need help in reading it for understanding then buy it now!

Hope you find it helpful,

Joe

Generosity

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 22:09:00 +0000

In good times people are generous out of their excess, in times like today, people are generous out of their poverty. The dollar amount might be the same, but the sacrifice, meaningfulness, and reward for it is greater!

This week we helped many families who live within miles of our office. They are not strangers on the streets of a distant city, but friends and familiar faces from around the corner. The pantry, AOK fund, and individuals in our church are living out their faith. I am excited for them for it is truly better to give than to receive.

If you would like to get in on the blessing please contact us at the office for pantry needs and other items we could help facilitate in your name.

On the journey with you,

Joe

Personal Growth

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:35:00 +0000

In the last year I have had numerous sources stretch me in my personal growth as a leader, pastor, and disciple. The older I get the more I realize how badly I need to constantly improve. In the younger years it was all to easy to ignore or be ignorant of my need, but now it is impossible to overlook it.

How am I attempting to grow? I am walking down three different avenues. First, praying that God will change me! I need his help for sure and want any change to be directed by him. Second, asking for help from others who I know and respect. Mentors, peers, and anyone else that is open to giving me some pointers. Third, I am reading a lot more than I ever have in my life. I have a goal of 50 books this year which would be nearly double of last year, but not as many as it should be. I have a friend who read over 300 books last year! Now granted he is a fast reader and a bit of a nerd, but inspiring none the less.

My guess is you need to grow as well. Do you have a plan, a strategy, and some avenues to walk down yourself. If you have a good one pass it on - learn and return!

Joe

The blog...

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:34:00 +0000

Hey gang, it has been nearly 6 months since we started this blog! Yippeee right? I wanted to take today's post to give you some info about some changes and thoughts.

First, we will be cutting our frequency of posts back to every other day. A great way to keep up to date with this blog is to use a reader tool. I use my google home page, but there are other options out there.

Second, I am looking for contributions to the blog. Do you have a desire to write? Are you reading something that you would like to pass onto others? How about a good quote, favorite site, or a interesting article. If you have anything that you would think would be of benefit please email it to me.

Third, thanks for reading!

Joe

The Tube

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:54:00 +0000

Today Vaughn and Lisa challenged us to consider turning off the television for a day, week, or even reducing the tv we watch over the whole seasons of Lent. We knew this was coming so we announced to the family last night at dinner that we were going to be leaving the tv off all day today. Thankfully nobody chucked their dinner at me, but tonight is American Idol and I don't think my girls remembered so we will see how that goes!

As you take the step to leave the power button off, how about you fill that time with some of all of these ideas.

1) Take a walk - it does not get better than this weather

2) Play a board game - if you have not done this is awhile you will have a great time

3) Go get dessert - stop by the ice cream shop (okay sugar before bed... maybe not)

4) Read a story together - grab the bible and read a story

5) Go to be early - many times I stay up later just to watch something that is useless.

Thanks Vaughn and Lisa for helping us take this step!

Joe

Our daily bread...

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:29:00 +0000

Josh and Heather contributed to the Lent Devotional today out of Matthew chapter 4. In this passage we find Jesus in the wilderness fasting and praying before he moves into his public ministry. As Josh and Heather pointed out, it is after the time of fasting that the enemy seizes the opportunity to distract & destroy Jesus.

The enemy is slick. He has learned to go after us in the weakest moments and take advantage of the physical urges that God has placed in us. So as you draw close to Jesus this week remember that He has beaten the enemy, even in his weakest physical moment, and is there to empower you to fight the good fight of faith and win!

Thanks Josh and Heather,

Joe

Open my mouth...

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 17:06:00 +0000

Today in our Lent Devotional Oscar and Candis challenged us with the words of Peter. He tells us that God is not slow, just patient. Why is he patient? Because his desire is to see people come to understand grace, forgiveness, and wholeness! What a great God! His desires are for our good!

How in the world is he hoping to accomplish this marvelous extension of hope? Through an unlikely source... me and you! Let's take the time this week to share with somebody about what God has done for us and what he can do for others.

See you tomorrow,

Joe

Pens & Paperclips

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:39:00 +0000

Kelly and Joey Wolfer helped us today remember the importance of honesty in all areas of our lives. Most of us would never dare steal something of significant value, but "fudge" in the smaller things. While they may be small to us, they are huge to God!

Today my wife and I filled out our taxes and we were reminded to fill out everything with integrity and honesty. What do we gain if we save on our taxes but loose out on giving honor to God?

Thanks Wolfers for the word today!

Joe

Forgiveness

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:27:00 +0000

Today's devotional in the Journey Lent Devotional booklet was from Pam and Jeff Harris. It starts out... "Oh how many time we lament the shortcoming of being human?" At first I saw the topic and thought they were referring to the person who has offended me, but in the end realized the finger I was pointing at somebody else was the finger that should be pointed back at me! May God make me like him. May I be one who is quick to forgive and keep no records of wrong.

The journey continues,
Joe

Lent 2009

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:54:00 +0000

Today marks the beginning of Lent 2009! If you were at church on Sunday you most likely picked up a copy of your own Journey Lent Devotional. Today's meditation was written by the Jeffersons and is out of Acts chapter 3. If you did not get a copy there will be some available Sunday.

See you soon,
Joe

2 Timothy

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:42:00 +0000

This week we begin a new series called Fight Club. In this series we will be focusing our attention on the letter that the apostle Paul wrote to his friend and disciple, Timothy. At one point in his first letter to Timothy Paul tells him to fight the good fight and then in the second letter he says that he is ready to leave the world because he has personally fought the good fight.

Faith is sometimes classified with words like wimpy, passive, and soft. However, in the Scriptures the strongest and most rugged people are men and women of faith. They endured incredible hardships for the cause and pressed on when many had turned away.

Join us this weekend as we begin to look at what it means to fight for Christ.

Joe

Cardboard

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Cardboard can be used for lots of things, but yesterday might have been the best use! At our 5th Celebration about 25 people stepped out and shared testimonies of how God has worked in their lives. They did this by writing what was true of them in the past on one side of a piece of cardboard and then flipping it over to reveal the reality now thanks to God!

People shared how God has freed them from alcohol, made them better spouses, given them piece, and provided them with a family! It was an honor to be witness to God's work in the lives of others! Thanks to all who shared.

Joe

Happy Birthday Journey

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:54:00 +0000

Happy Birthday Journey! This weekend we celebrate Journey turning 5 years old! This is a huge milestone in our history. Sunday we will hear from people who helped start Journey, celebrate all that has been done over the last 5 years, and look forward to where God is taking us. You won't want to miss it!

Also, this is a great Sunday to invite somebody to see what Journey is all about. Invite a friend or neighbor to come along and join us for this big day.

Joe

Case For Christ

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:14:00 +0000

Lee Strobel was a legal reporter in the Midwest when his wife became a follower of Christ. Annoyed at her conversion and concerned about what this meant for his marriage he began to watch her closely. What he noticed was that she changed in character for the good! This pressed him into a discovery mode process that took over 2 years to complete.

Strobel took his legal reporter skill and applied them to Jesus. For example, are there any eye witness accounts that can confirm Jesus was a real person? Strobel took his journey and put it down in a book called Case For Christ.

I am reading this book right now and am enjoying it. Maybe it would be a good one for you or a friend of yours?

See you tomorrow,

Joe

Journey Knowledge Course 1

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:19:00 +0000

Last week we had our first Journey Knowledge Course. These courses are designed to help people make adjustments durning this economic downturn we are experiencing. Some of the courses will deal with finding new jobs, a few are on personal finances, and one is on the housing market.

Course 1 was about something we all deal with on a weekly basis that effects us daily... buying food! One of the gals at Journey, Beth Tippery, shared her experience of saving hundreds of dollars a month using Coupon Sense. Check out the website and contact Beth ( dtippery@cox.net ) for more details. She has really helped the Daragos get going and I hope we can maximize this tool going forward.

See you later,

Joe

Saturday Quote

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Be who you are because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

Dr Seuss

Maggie's Place

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:00:00 +0000

On Saturday we will be meeting at Maggie's Place for our U R Loved service project. We will be getting down and dirty there by cleaning the place, pulling weeds, fixing odds and ends, and the like. It is not too late to come and join us!

So pack up the SUV or Mini-Van with the whole family and come ready to work 9-11AM on 45th Ave & Northern. Look for all the cars and Journey window stickers!

See you there,

Joe

Huck Finn

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:00:00 +0000

On Sunday I mentioned I am reading Huck Finn through the help of an audio book. Mark Twain wrote this classic in 1884 and the setting of the book was some 60 years or so before that. Just to give you a picture of what Huck Finn's America was like consider this:

John Quincy Adams was president and had just been the first President selected by the House of Representatives because neither candidate had received the majority of the electoral votes.

There were only 24 states in the good old USA (Arizona was not one of them)

The Civil War had not taken place

Slavery was prevalent and slaves were considered property not human beings

Why do I point all this out? There is one point towards the end of book where Huck is perplexed about what to do about his friend and run away slave, Jim. Should he turn him in to the authorities or help him continue to live in freedom against the law. In a crisis moment, Huck's conscience is telling him to do the "right thing" and turn him in to be punished. He senses that God wants him to be righteous and not help Jim escape. However, in a moment of "weakness" Huck decides he is going to help Jim even if it means he himself will have to go to hell for doing so!

I reflected on this and thought... what a great display of friendship and loyalty, what counter cultural courage, and what a precursor to what is coming for our country and for the slaves themselves!

Then I thought about how interesting it must be to be God. I mean, in one generation something is right and then in just a few years that very same thing becomes wicked to the next generation.

Then I wondered what is in my day and age that is comparable to slavery? Is there something I support now that in a few years or a few hundred years I will be ashamed to have supported? And if there is, which there most likely is, is it even possible that I could know right now what that is and choose any different? And is it possible that Huck actually did the unrighteous thing even though he did what future generations would say is righteous?

Like I said, it must be interesting to be God.

Thoughts?

Joe

St. Athanasius

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:00:00 +0000

St. Athanasius lived in the 4th Century and was part of the Council of Nicaea where he argued for the deity of Christ. I read a good quote by him and thought you might like it as well.

"He became what we are that He might make us what He is."

God is busy at work in us to conform us to the image of His Son, Paul tell us. Our circumstances, the work of the Holy Spirit, and God's end in mind for us is to transform us into Christ's image. Our friend Jack Shaeffel told me recently, "I don't know what God is doing, but I know He is ultimately wanting to make me more like Christ through it."

May we all seek Him who became what we are in order to free us to become what He is!

Have a great day,

Joe

Audio Books

noreply@blogger.com (LifeIsAJourney.org) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Yesterday in the message I referenced a site where I download MP3 versions of books. It is a great site with a variety of books to listen to and thought it might be helpful to you in your desire to read more.

Currently I am listening to Huck Finn, but have downloaded the NIV Bible and some CS Lewis classics as well.

Check it out here.

Joe