Guilty by Association

Ever been called out by someone?

This week, after the Tebow family announced that they would be involved with an add during the Super Bowl sponsoring the theme "Celebrate Family Celebrate Life" they got it with both barrels.

I am sure you have heard by now that Tim Tebow's mother was encouraged by her doctors to "abort" her fifth son to avoid serious medical complications. It's funny how making a choice like that could lead to being labeled as an "anti equality, anti-choice, homophobic" which is exactly what a national coalition of women's groups defined in a letter describing Focus on the Family for their stance in supporting the ad (they are helping back the 30 second commercial featuring the Tebow's decision to not abort Tim as a baby). Guilty by as association, huh?

Tebow is about as real of a guy as you could ever meet. His life backs up what he believes. Mission trips, prison ministry, working with the less fortunate. Come on, the guy is an unreal role model. Don't get me wrong. I am by no means a Florida fan (Rock Chalk all the way) but I still have to respect the guy.

Just google Tebow's name. The top searches show him crying, show pictures of his girl friend, you know, all that stuff that takes shots at him as opposed to leading us down a road that highlights how great of a college athlete and role model he really is for so many.

I am not surprised though, and we shouldn't either. Paul reminds us that when we decide to live a Godly life, we will be persecuted (Anyone who wants to live all out for Christ is in for a lot of trouble; there's no getting around it...the Message 2 Tim 3:12) If God said it, you can bet it will happen.

Next time you take a hit for wanting to do the right thing in God's eyes, just remember that you will be guilty by association because you are in the huddle with Christ. I will never be ashamed to be associated with Him, and neither should you.

The Road in Iowa

What a week. The trail was sure fun as we made our trek through Iowa, but it was also interesting to say the least.

Making the trip from Omaha to Des Monies was like seeing a rolling auto salvage yard that stretched for 120 miles.

We saw dozens of crashed vehicles, turned over cars, and upside down 18 wheelers. It was incredible as far as crashes.

Somehow we made our way through Des Monies Klife without running off the blizzard ridden road to spend some hang out time with Ric Radcliff and his crew. His klife was rockin and we had a blast with the kids over at the klife house.



During the week Chris Williams and I had the opportunity to stop by Compass Ministries in Omaha. It was fun to see them minister to kids after school with meals, fun, tutoring, and some bible lessons. It's a sweet ministry for sure. I had the chance to make some new friends while we were there.



We also made a stop by another KAA Kaleo spot to meet Doug and check out his work at "The Spot" where urban youth in Iowa City have the coolest place in the world to come and hang out, have fun, and learn more about Christ. It was an amazing time there with kids, staff and interviews.





We left Iowa City last night at 9:30pm and drove all night to beat the ice storm. I am worn out today but it sure was a blast.

Omaha

Omaha Klife was our stop tonight. Battle of the Bands led the way for some Jr High and Sr High clubs tonight, while we slipped in the Movie Tour video and a few kamp stories. It's neat to know that Klife has grown to over 40 cities now. Where ever we visit these days, it seems we run into Klife folks.

After the show we bolted to a near by Village Inn to thaw out. Matt and Mark Demmel, along with Tim Ebers surfaced at the show so we had a quick Kwest reunion. That's another nice thing about traveling. There is always someone old or new from the Westside and plenty of stories to catch up on. It was a sweet night for sure.

By the way, it's even more cold tonight than it was yesterday. Where is that Florida trail?

Cool Down

Chris Williams and I crawled into a kamp van this morning and left for Nebraska. While some other fortunate Kanakuk Movie travelers visited sun kissed states like Florida and California, we put on long underwear and headed to the frozen tundra.

The further north we drove the further the temperature dropped. As I sit in our Hampton Inn tonight, the wind is howling at the window sounding like a cheap Hoover vacuum cleaner with carpet stuck in the rollers.

Despite being a bit on the cool side, the show was really fun. The interviews were encouraging and the potential to have some great staff was certainly energizing for us. It's always neat to see God orchestrate His plan as he picks just the right staff for the exact needs of our kampers who will be in the bunks.

One of the highlights of the night was seeing our campus reps creativity. After the video was over, Brooke and Amanda used the AV equipment to go on line, secure the Vikings/Saints game on the internet, and kicked back to watch while we interviewed. Props to them for their creativity AND their passion for football. I forgot that EVERYONE in Lincoln is a crazy about football.

I like the University of Nebraska. The people are fun, the Union is nice, and it has so much tradition. It's a pretty cool place...literally.

How much Technology for My Middle Schooler is good?

After the movie tour had finished our presentation one evening last week and all of the families had cleared out, a mother and her son came running back into the church to ask a question. The parent explained that her son was doing a speech the next day in school and had to come prepared to either support or defend the point of utilizing social networking, the Internet, and technology for middle school students.

"When do you allow your kids to have access?" they asked. "What level of access is appropriate?" "Do middle schooler's need to be involved this much, or even more?"

We had a good discussion, but honestly did not have the time to dig into things the way I wanted. I walked out of the show that night wondering how he would debate the next day.

If you are looking for some quality thoughts on this subject, check out the Blog site I have attached to this page (Growing up Well) and read the article on technology. It's a thought provoking and very well written piece that just might help you determine how you allow your family to be involved with social networks and cyberspace issues.

Andy Kerckhoff, a former Kanakuk Kamper, Chief, and now Middle School English teacher at Westminster Christian Academy in St. Louis, is incredibly gifted at addressing middle school issues. It's worth your time to read his thoughts on the Internet article.

In the mean time, if you allow your kids to be on Facebook and walk in that world, I hope you have sent a friend request to them and have access to all of their information. Send 'em a message today that you are involved in their lives and let them know you love them. It's part of being a good parent.

By the way, I would love to know what you think about the Blog "Growing up Well." I hope you enjoy it.

When did I see You?

Failing eyesight, that's what I have. Oh, I have never had glasses in my life...until the last few years. Just the reading kind for really small print. I don't use them that much anyway. It's a pride deal.

This week, I started to question whether or not I could really "see" the way I am supposed to see. It may have taken an earthquake or two to wake me up.

The longer I live, the more I wrestle with that passage of scripture found in Matthew 25:31-40. I have not been able to shake it the past few days. I re-read it this morning and it's piercing my heart.

Even the righteous will say in that day, "Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked and clothe you? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to you?"

I need vision.

I ordered a pair of shoes three days ago from Zappos. Typed in the order, gave my credit card, and clicked the mouse. An hour later, they sent me an email telling me that I should expect to get my shoes even earlier than originally planned. I could have them in a day. Great service, and I even got free shipping.

Probably my 10th pair of shoes (if I really am honest and add up the bottom of the closet).

But the earthquake victims still loomed in the back of my mind. What I have done for them? What I am doing for them? How many of them can't even find a shoe?

After that, I went home and discussed some things with Beth and quickly rallied our family to ALL give something as quickly as possible. It still doesn't seem like enough. I heard today that Haiti will not be back to normal (whatever that is) for at least 3 years, while I sit comfortably in my home with new shoes.

You know, I am beginning to think that I can't see that well. I am thankful that God has given the Holy Spirit to me to not only remind me of blurred vision, but also correct my vision. Oh Lord, be Thou my vision...

I could use some good glasses, but I really need Jesus to help me see.

Add This to Your Bucket List

On our tour through Texas, we stumbled on to an old Kanakuk friend and a new must see stop for all Kanakuk folks.

In 1983, the year Kwest opened, Cecil Eager was coaching Tennis at Abilene Christian University. Joe convinced him to take the lead and pioneer our new western theme kamp along with a host of other kamp legends like Joey and Jeanie Staples, Brad and Debbie Friess, not to mention Eric Peterson, Randy Weaks, and Spook LeGrand. We definitely opened with a bang, and have never looked back.

After a couple decades of faithfully serving ACU as a tennis coach, followed up in the Athletic Director position, Cecil and his sweet wife Judi are now making dreams come true in Gruene, Texas where they host folks from all over the U.S. at the Gruene Mansion Inn.

Located right next to the "oldest dance floor in Texas" you can relax, do some two-stepping, get some great meals, and even float the Guadalupe river if you want (and get a room over looking the river). Everyone needs to visit this place at least once (check out the Gruene Mansion Inn website...I promise you won't be disappointed).

Good food, good friends, and good old fashion traveling. Did I tell you that I love being on the Movie tour?

I've Been everywhere Man...

Southlake...
Austin...
San Antonio...
Plano...what a week!

I just spent some time in Texas on the Winter Movie Tour, and it sure was fun.
I traveled with Will and Cindy Cunningham, as well as Kay Holiday, and we were able to cover lot's of miles before we ended up back in Branson.

For me, showing the movies this year has been more fun than ever. Tim Oliphant (our video guru and reigning American Gladiator) has orchestrated the absolute best video I have ever seen kamp produce. It tells the story of our mission in a crystal clear way that makes me stand at the back of the room EVERY night and watch it over and over again. I never tire of seeing how Christ is lifted up and how He has changed so many lives over the years.

Families were great. The Chapman family hosted me in Austin. Their son Jake gave up his room for me and let me play with his 9 week old chocolate lab Lacy. Unfortunately, she dug into my backpack and started chewing my gum. I hope she can kick the habit before she gets too much older. She's a great looking dog.

Oh, by the way, let me tell you something you already know. Will Cunningham is just plain gifted. There is no other human being that I know that can do what he does. He is mega creative, mega talented, and mega kind. It's so fun to watch him sing, play, speak, entertain, and encourage.

I may just sign up for family kamp, and you should too. Spending a week with Will and Cindy could just change your life. I know it did mine.

Being on Movie Tour is awesome. Wish you could have been there.

Cold is Cool

I like winter. No, I hate winter.

I can't decide which camp I am in.

I like winter when I am not miserably cold. I like winter when I don't slide our suburban down the driveway and hit a tree. I like winter when I don't have to pay triple the cost on my electric bills that I normally do.

Does that make sense? I like it, but I hate it because all of those things have happened.

I like winter when school is cancelled and the kids spend more time at home. I like winter we you walk outside with fresh fallen snow and you can't hear a sound...it's beautiful. I like winter because I like hot chocolate and it gives me an excuse to drink lots...and I mean gallons.

Yep, what I am really saying is that I don't really hate winter, I secretly love it.

Mostly I like winter because it makes me think that summer is just around the corner. Winter makes me appreciate all those things I get to experience every summer at kamp: high humidity, sweating like there is no tomorrow, big gulps from the drinking fountain till I am bloated like a camel. Ahh, I can't wait.

I do like winter...I don't hate it. It's part of the cycle that reminds me spring and new life are just around the bend, and I get really pumped about that.

Fresh Start

As I look out my office window this morning, I can't help but to start dreaming about summer. Snow is beautiful, nice, and refreshing, but let's be honest, most of us get super excited about the summer months when the blob is full, the humidity is high, and the drinking fountains never shut off.

It's funny how once January 1st comes and goes, it feels like kamp is just around the corner. In fact, I start to get nervous. I fell like I am already behind. There is always so much to do.

I read the enrollment reports for Kwest this morning. Almost sixty kampers signed up for Kwest while I was gone for Christmas. Guys term 4, and Girls terms 3,4, and 5 are all full or close to full. That's good news that gets me motivated to start ordering more helium and balloons, some new basketballs, and some sweet wake boards.

It's crazy how fast summer will be here. Don't blink...the Uncles will be arriving sooner than we all think.

2010 is here. It's time for new adventures, new diets, new workout programs, and