Tag: Ministry

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What’s Next?

Aaron

Now that we are officially staying, my mind has been running in overdrive. What are we going to do next? What will that look like? Who’s on first? The answers to these and many other questions will be forthcoming in the next few weeks. I can, with certainty, report that the items below are just a few of the many things that I plan to jump into 100% in the coming weeks. 1. All Pro Dad (First Saturday of every month @ Chick-Fil-A) 2. Sunday Night L.I.F.E. Group (Starts Sunday) 3. 80’s party at our house as a House Warming … Continue reading What’s Next?

FaithLeave a comment

What's Next?

Aaron

Now that we are officially staying, my mind has been running in overdrive. What are we going to do next? What will that look like? Who’s on first? The answers to these and many other questions will be forthcoming in the next few weeks. I can, with certainty, report that the items below are just a few of the many things that I plan to jump into 100% in the coming weeks. 1. All Pro Dad (First Saturday of every month @ Chick-Fil-A) 2. Sunday Night L.I.F.E. Group (Starts Sunday) 3. 80’s party at our house as a House Warming … Continue reading What's Next?

Faith1 Comment

Teachable Tuesday

Aaron

I’m off to Cleveland the next few days for an event at Jacobs Progressive Field. In my absense, I’m going to let Mark Hall take over the blog today with another teaching video. A great reminder as I head off to do another presentation in another location, that my job is not why I am going. I’ve got a much greater purpose for driving to Cleveland. I have a much larger goal than delivering another speech. Continue reading Teachable Tuesday

Faith, Leadership, MusicLeave a comment

Give Me Your Eyes

Aaron

There is no other song that lyrically describes where my head is right now. You might have noted that in posts like this one, this one, and this one. Or maybe here, here and even here. I guess the point is that God has been working on this area of my life for several weeks. To hear and see this video this morning was right on time. Again, lyrically, it sums it up. I couldn’t help but note that it takes place in an airport. Many of those posts come from my time in the same places. It doesn’t matter … Continue reading Give Me Your Eyes

Faith, Family5 Comments

I Ordered Mine!

Aaron

I can’t believe it has been two years since roughly 30 other men and I went through the book “Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge. Something special happened over the course of the 8 weeks within this group. Although we have all continued on our own journeys, I think what happened in “Wild at Heart” has stayed in “Wild at Heart”. It was something I will never forget. One of the men that joined us for the 8 weeks is a man named Ken Neff. While I did not know Ken before WAH started, I had the honor of getting … Continue reading I Ordered Mine!

Faith1 Comment

Get Expelled This Summer…Again!

Aaron

I received an email this evening from a subscriber to my blog that has an opportunity for each of us to consider. It is my honor to share something this important through my site. Below is an excerpt of the email I received… “I am subscriber of your blog…..I have enjoyed reading and listening your blog for sometime now…. Can you help me with something? I am in charge of the re-release of our film Expelled…The goal is to gain 1,000 new theaters to release the film….over the summer…We are booking new theaters now… The caveat is that we need … Continue reading Get Expelled This Summer…Again!

Faith3 Comments

New Links

Aaron

I have been on what I consider a “blog sabbatical” for a few weeks now. It has been a time of refreshment and recharging. It has also been a much needed time to re-evaluate some things. While I have been away, I have had the absolute honor and blessing of receiving three separate email opportunities to link to other blogs. Below are three new blogs that have extended to offer to exchange links and offerings to Arms Wide Open. I’m thankful that they found something of value here and were willing to pass it along. Check out these links when … Continue reading New Links

Faith2 Comments

Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude

Aaron

I have had the absolute blessing on several occasions to meet people from the blog world either through my travel or theirs. It happened again tonight as my family and I had the honor of meeting a family that I have the ultimate respect for. Many of you in the blogging community know Rindy Walton and her son Matt. I don’t remember how or where, but somewhere “the matrix” connected our paths. Rindy and Matt’s blogs are more examples of what I’d like mine to be when it grows up. It was even better to meet them live and in … Continue reading Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude

Family4 Comments

The Less Fortunate

Aaron

The topic for All Pro Dad in the month of April (April 5th) is “Caring for the less fortunate“. I’d like to compile a list of the places and organizations that people contribute to for the Dads and their kids. They can be local organizations or opportunities to give across the world. I’m also looking for ideas and creative ways that Dad’s and their kids can make a difference in the life of someone less fortunate. It doesn’t always have to be money. Your responses and ideas are much appreciated! So…What are some ways that you care for the less … Continue reading The Less Fortunate

Faith, Music6 Comments

Quotable

Aaron

“Today there are thousands of people sitting in church pews every Sunday who look like they’ve got it together on the outside but are broken on the inside. People who want to grab a Christian brother or sister by the shoulders and shout, “I’m not together! I’m in trouble! My relationship with God is terrible! I feel like a fake!” Instead, they pass out another bulletin or stack another chair, afraid to reach out, because everyone else looks like they have life’s problems whipped” –Michael English from the book “The Prodigal Comes Home“ “Stained Glass Masquerade” by Casting Crowns Continue reading Quotable

Misc2 Comments

The “Eckstein Effect”

Aaron

I was thinking about David Eckstein in my hotel this morning. Wait…that didn’t come out right. What I meant to say was that when it comes to faith and my time on this earth, I want to be like David Eckstein. Let me explain… If you follow baseball at all, you know that David Eckstein is a shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays. He has also played for the Anaheim Angels and won a World Series ring (and Series MVP) with the St. Louis Cardinals. Yet if you passed him in a mall or airport, you would have no idea … Continue reading The “Eckstein Effect”

Misc2 Comments

The "Eckstein Effect"

Aaron

I was thinking about David Eckstein in my hotel this morning. Wait…that didn’t come out right. What I meant to say was that when it comes to faith and my time on this earth, I want to be like David Eckstein. Let me explain… If you follow baseball at all, you know that David Eckstein is a shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays. He has also played for the Anaheim Angels and won a World Series ring (and Series MVP) with the St. Louis Cardinals. Yet if you passed him in a mall or airport, you would have no idea … Continue reading The "Eckstein Effect"

Faith7 Comments

Walking the Walk…

Aaron

“You can say what you think, but you will live what you believe” – Mark Hall I witnessed something today that still has me reflecting on it. Simply put, I witnessed two friends “walking the walk” in their lives. They probably don’t know I noticed. My guess is that they are not even aware that anyone noticed. I would also bet the house that they are not even thinking “I sure hope someone saw that”. It’s not in their nature. It’s not their style. It is how they live what they believe. What I saw today on two separate occasions … Continue reading Walking the Walk…

MiscLeave a comment

Playing Catch Up

Aaron

One of the most remarkable things that has happened over the years with this little blog of mine is that others have helped to contribute to it. In that way, it’s all of our blog and not just mine. I am humbled and honored when people send me links, podcasts, stories, and other blogs that they think are of value. Often they recommend that I post them so that you all get the benefit of seeing, hearing or reading them as well. With all of the madness the past several weeks, I am WAY behind on getting much of this … Continue reading Playing Catch Up

MiscLeave a comment

Ask Anything

Aaron

Wow…3 posts today. I am SPENT! For all of you Mark Driscoll fans (or haters) out there, check out his latest idea called “Ask Anything“. He explains the purpose of the site (in true Driscoll fashion) in the video clip below. Hopefully he will podcast the series when he preaches it. The book should be a good read as well. Vote early, vote often! Continue reading Ask Anything

Music30 Comments

The 21st Time

Aaron

I am really digging this CD by a group called “Monk and Neagle” called “The 21st Time“. The song in the video below is incredible on so many levels. The third verse is worth watching the entire video for. Especially at this time of year and with some recent challenges that God has laid on my heart. I’ll review the entire CD eventually, but couldn’t wait to get “The 21st Time” to the web. Continue reading The 21st Time

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The Lord of the Gift

Aaron

One blessing I can never put into words is the blessing of some great friends in my life. I say this not to boast, rather that I am amazed at the way that God has intertwined our lives in his providence. As I was reading about spiritual gifts in “If You Want to Walk on Water” by John Ortberg, I couldn’t help but think of two friends in particular. Both have given me gifts recently that are irreplaceable, unforgettable and treasured. Both gifts were not necessary, but were given because both of these individuals have, what I consider, the spiritual … Continue reading The Lord of the Gift

Faith9 Comments

A Complete 180

Aaron

“We’re all looking for love and meaning in our lives. We follow the roads that lead us to drugs or Jesus” –Tim McGraw Have you ever been a part of what was clearly God’s plan? It is one of the most exciting and invigorating things I have ever experienced. Everything just clicks. You start putting the pieces together and realize that God has been up to something for a while. You get a glimpse of the road map and it is incredible how he works. As of today, we are thrilled to announce that you all now get a glimpse … Continue reading A Complete 180

MiscLeave a comment

My Little Secret…

Aaron

This might be subliminal marketing 101, but I have a little secret about an exciting announcement coming next week. If you look around the blog long enough, you will probably find the hidden clues and “easter eggs” as they call them. Bottom line….God is up to something that I think is going to be very cool and I’m honored to be a part of. So, keep your eyes on the site next week (guys especially) as a few of us have a little secret we’re going to let the world in on. Shhh..don’t tell anyone though. Continue reading My Little Secret…

Faith, Music9 Comments

Much Too High a Price

Aaron

My final post from this week of reflection on Easter Sunday. I wasn’t going to post anything else as I wanted to remember that Sunday is coming. But this song came across iTunes today and was one final reminder…He paid much too high a price. Below are some of the lyrics that hit me hard. May I remember, not only at Easter, to remember the high price. “You paid much too high a price for me Your tears, your blood, the pain To have my soul just stirred at times Yet never truly changed. You deserve a fiery love That … Continue reading Much Too High a Price

Faith, Music6 Comments

"Not My Will, but Yours"

Aaron

“It’s my will and I’m not moving. ‘Cause if it’s your will, then nothing can shake me” -DC Talk The regular readers have probably noted that this weeks posts have a somewhat of a theme to them. I guess it’s just a reflection of my thought process and time with God this week. I determined on Sunday to really spend some time in reflection on what this week means. What Friday means and why those that follow Christ celebrate on Easter Sunday. Almost audibly Sunday, the five words “Not my will but yours” came to mind. So I have zeroed … Continue reading "Not My Will, but Yours"

Faith, Music6 Comments

“Not My Will, but Yours”

Aaron

“It’s my will and I’m not moving. ‘Cause if it’s your will, then nothing can shake me” -DC Talk The regular readers have probably noted that this weeks posts have a somewhat of a theme to them. I guess it’s just a reflection of my thought process and time with God this week. I determined on Sunday to really spend some time in reflection on what this week means. What Friday means and why those that follow Christ celebrate on Easter Sunday. Almost audibly Sunday, the five words “Not my will but yours” came to mind. So I have zeroed … Continue reading “Not My Will, but Yours”

Faith1 Comment

Wish

Aaron

Below is another opportunity to pause this week and reflect on what Friday and Sunday are all about. The song is by Brian Littrell of Backstreet Boy fame. This one has not gotten much airplay, if any. When put to video from the movie “The Passion”, it creates a stirring, gut wrenching reminder of what Christ endured for our sin. As the song says “I know I should have been there”. A word of caution, this might not be suitable for the younger viewers as the images come directly from “The Passion”. While the images are at times graphic, I … Continue reading Wish

Faith, Family8 Comments

Get This Party Started!

Aaron

Alright so we’re still a week away from the Easter weekend celebration, but we had cause to start the party a bit early this week. My 4 year old daughter said a prayer with mommy and asked Jesus into her heart! Luke 15:7 says that “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent.” We figure they shouldn’t be the only ones to have all the fun! Below is a little video of my little girl singing before … Continue reading Get This Party Started!

Faith5 Comments

Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day…

Aaron

Poor Lazarus. Imagine if you were not feeling well, I mean REALLY not feeling well and when you prayed your little heart out, someone informed you that Jesus would get back to you in a few days. It would be like the prayer equivalent of leaving a voice mail. In the days of fast food, cell phones, “instant” messages and TIVO, we really have grown accustomed to a response a bit quicker then that haven’t we? I know this blogger sure expects it. When something’s not right in my world, I want instant peace. I want someone somewhere to inform … Continue reading Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day…

Faith5 Comments

Rome Wasn't Built in a Day…

Aaron

Poor Lazarus. Imagine if you were not feeling well, I mean REALLY not feeling well and when you prayed your little heart out, someone informed you that Jesus would get back to you in a few days. It would be like the prayer equivalent of leaving a voice mail. In the days of fast food, cell phones, “instant” messages and TIVO, we really have grown accustomed to a response a bit quicker then that haven’t we? I know this blogger sure expects it. When something’s not right in my world, I want instant peace. I want someone somewhere to inform … Continue reading Rome Wasn't Built in a Day…

Misc12 Comments

I'm Not Ready To Make Nice!

Aaron

“I’m not ready to make nice, I’m not ready to back down” – Dixie Chicks I was in a store somewhere this weekend and heard the latest offering from the Dixie Chicks on the in-store Musak. I’m not sure why, but I can’t get it out of my head. I even downloaded it from iTunes today. I think I am intrigued by the lyric above because I have been placing in the context of “what would Jesus do”? When conflict arose, what did our Rabbi and teacher do? What are we called to do when conflict meets us at home, … Continue reading I'm Not Ready To Make Nice!

Misc12 Comments

I’m Not Ready To Make Nice!

Aaron

“I’m not ready to make nice, I’m not ready to back down” – Dixie Chicks I was in a store somewhere this weekend and heard the latest offering from the Dixie Chicks on the in-store Musak. I’m not sure why, but I can’t get it out of my head. I even downloaded it from iTunes today. I think I am intrigued by the lyric above because I have been placing in the context of “what would Jesus do”? When conflict arose, what did our Rabbi and teacher do? What are we called to do when conflict meets us at home, … Continue reading I’m Not Ready To Make Nice!

Faith3 Comments

Getting Your Heart Broken

Aaron

For all those thinking I am going to write about my beloved Tar Heels losing a chance to get to the final four, I’m not. Or those that think I am going to tell you about how I missed 3/4 of the game because we were at the Chris Tomlin concert, sorry, no can do. I won’t talk about having my 6 year old give me play-by-play of the final dreadful 30 seconds. I won’t tell of my obsessive clicking of “refresh” on my Treo phone so, not only I could know the score, but all of the Buckeye fans … Continue reading Getting Your Heart Broken

Faith, Music11 Comments

Lose My Soul

Aaron

I’m not gonna lie..I’m not a fan of Tobymac. Well, I should say I wasn’t a fan of Tobymac. Sadly, I don’t have a really good reason except when DC Talk split, I found my allegiance to the group going to Michael Tate. Plus I am not sure I ever recovered from my disappointment that these 3 guys just couldn’t find a way to get along. “Jesus Freak” is still one of the greatest CD’s ever created in Christian music culture. No doubt about it. So when I kept hearing people talk about the latest offering from Tobymac, I will … Continue reading Lose My Soul

Faith7 Comments

We're Not Home Yet…

Aaron

As I write this, I am sitting on my return flight from San Antonio. I’m one day later then I was supposed to be. Due to bad weather last night, my flight was canceled and I was forced to stay over night. I still don’t know where my luggage ended up. It has been an interesting trip. Over the last 2 nights, I have stayed at the world famous “Westin Resort” (which I was informed goes for nearly $300 a night) and a 4 star Omni Hotel last night. Both were not planned, but were arranged due to water damage … Continue reading We're Not Home Yet…

Faith7 Comments

We’re Not Home Yet…

Aaron

As I write this, I am sitting on my return flight from San Antonio. I’m one day later then I was supposed to be. Due to bad weather last night, my flight was canceled and I was forced to stay over night. I still don’t know where my luggage ended up. It has been an interesting trip. Over the last 2 nights, I have stayed at the world famous “Westin Resort” (which I was informed goes for nearly $300 a night) and a 4 star Omni Hotel last night. Both were not planned, but were arranged due to water damage … Continue reading We’re Not Home Yet…

Faith3 Comments

Seven Little Words

Aaron

I don’t really have anything creative to say for this one. It’s basically these seven little words that are occupying a lot of my thoughts and time right now. It’s a season of understanding that God has chosen to place me in. So while I try to figure it out, here’s the video to one of the most lyrically powerful songs I know. “God is God” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Continue reading Seven Little Words

Misc3 Comments

Under the Influence

Aaron

This was a trip I was not looking forward to. The team I met with last week in Baltimore was 2nd best last year in terms of performance. They buy into the concept of which I am hired to get everyone on board with. The team I met with today was the polar opposite of that. They are frustrated, bitter and downright defiant. Like I said, I was not looking forward to this one. Then something funny happened. As I waited for my delayed flight, I just about wrapped up my reading of “Chasing Daylight”. No sooner had they announced the delay … Continue reading Under the Influence

Faith3 Comments

Brotherly Love

Aaron

I just touched down in Philadelphia for the second leg of what I am affectionately calling the “Arms Wide Open” tour. It seems appropriate since I appear to be blogging my little adventures as I go. I guess you can say I am sharing the journey. Ah the “City of Brotherly Love”, Philadelphia. I didn’t learn much in college, but one thing I do sorta remember from “History and Faith” was that there are 3 kinds of love (I think). The only one I really remember is Phileo (SP?), which means – you guessed it – brotherly love. That got … Continue reading Brotherly Love

Faith38 Comments

What Was He Talking About?

Aaron

I bet the line to talk to Paul is going to pretty long in Heaven. There were several things he wrote that I know I could sure use a little clarification on. One of them has got to be the following: “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassing great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I asked the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ … Continue reading What Was He Talking About?

Faith10 Comments

Influence

Aaron

If you ever wondered how to make a man get misty eyed on a flight from Baltimore to Columbus, give him a copy of “Chasing Daylight” by Erwin McManus and see what happens. More specifically, take him directly to Chapter 4 and have him read the story on page 117-121 about “Ron the Gas Station attendant” and “Dave the UPS Driver”. Folks, I thought I was gonna need a tissue. What an incredibly heartbreaking, but powerful story about the impact we have on other peoples lives. The stories to long to repeat here, but the quotes from McManus bear repeating: … Continue reading Influence

Misc3 Comments

Off To a Wonderful Start

Aaron

In the movie “Major League”, Harry Doyle is doing play-by-play for the very first game of the season and says “You can often tell how the season goes by the very first at bat”. Willie Mayes-Hayes promptly hits a dribbler about 2 feet in front of the plate and is tagged out. I sure hope I am not sitting in the middle of one of those moments. As I type this, I am sitting in the airport in Columbus. The fog outside is so thick, I can’t even see that little hallway thing that Jim Carrey fell off of in … Continue reading Off To a Wonderful Start

Faith11 Comments

Are you "Joy Challenged?"

Aaron

In his book “The Life You’ve Always Wanted“, John Ortberg outlines a plan for the spiritual discipline of joy. He recommended that if you find yourself down, depressed, or often “joy challenged”, you should surround yourself with people that bring you joy. He even went so far as to say that we should schedule regular appointments in our busy lives with someone that brings us laughter and joy. Not bad advice. I saw this clip over on Pastor Hawkins site last week and to be honest, wish I knew “Gladys from Austin”. She would be someone I would want to schedule time … Continue reading Are you "Joy Challenged?"

Faith11 Comments

Are you “Joy Challenged?”

Aaron

In his book “The Life You’ve Always Wanted“, John Ortberg outlines a plan for the spiritual discipline of joy. He recommended that if you find yourself down, depressed, or often “joy challenged”, you should surround yourself with people that bring you joy. He even went so far as to say that we should schedule regular appointments in our busy lives with someone that brings us laughter and joy. Not bad advice. I saw this clip over on Pastor Hawkins site last week and to be honest, wish I knew “Gladys from Austin”. She would be someone I would want to schedule time … Continue reading Are you “Joy Challenged?”

Faith, Music6 Comments

Who is Leading Worship?

Aaron

This is posted in honor of the Chris Tomlin concert which was cancelled due to weather tonight. I was really looking forward to it too….. Several months ago a friend and I were discussing, among other things, worship music. The discussion ranged from our eager anticipating of a new worship leader joining our church, to singers like Chris Tomlin. Then came a question which I have pondered for weeks now. He simply said “do you think God will have him (Chris Tomlin) lead worship when we get to heaven?” At first I kinda laughed it off. Yet that question has … Continue reading Who is Leading Worship?