Nathan Neighbors
Follower of Christ, Husband, Father, & Youth Pastor
Today was our third consecutive soccer game with Anderson. By the looks of the parking lot at the field, I would say we’re officially part of the soccer moms (and dads) of America. There are more SUV and Minivans than any Al Gore Tree-Hugger could stand.
Anderson is playing for the 5year old Sharks Team. He has four other teamates who have all played before and Anderson is catching on pretty well. He now knows that he isn’t supposed to touch the ball with his hands like basketball and that he actually needs to run. This has been so much fun, but so hectic on Saturday mornings. At this point it more about the fun, the friends, and the snacks (of course), than it is about the competition (however we are undefeated).
We’re mailing out copies of the Fall 2009 youth newsletter to homes this week. If you didn’t pick up a copy today at church, it will be in your mailbox by Wednesday. This newsletter has all the information you need to get plugged into all the youth activities at Morningside this fall. Be sure to check out the article about our news Sunday night program called, “mside out.” This is a new Sunday night youth strategy that will help teenagers/college students get involved in ministry & missions in our community, while learning more about how God has gifted them for service. If you would like to download a copy of this newsletter now, click here.
For the last 90 days I’ve been encouraging our students at Morningside to read though the entire Bible for their summer reading. Though I love to read God’s Word, I have never actually read the entire Bible. So, when I gave this challenge back in late May, I new I was asking the students to make a big commitment. If I was going to ask them to make it – I had to lead by example. So, on June 1st I began with Genesis 1:1. I even wrote about it in my blog titled, God’s Word This Summer.
Today I finished reading John’s Revelation. This has been the most amazing summer. It has been difficult at times, but so worth the extra 1-2 hours reading His Word. Everyday I was able to see God’s story being played out in my own story. Time after time I saw his Word being fleshed out in the experiences of my day. Because I read the whole Bible in 90 days, I didn’t have much time to do in-depth study of any one passage. However, because it was only 90 days, it was much easier to see all the connections between books because it was easier to remember what I had read.
I’m not sure if any of our students joined me in this adventure, but it made a difference in my life. Even if this reading challenge was just for me, I’m glad I hung on for the ride. God’s word is meant to change the way we think and live. Maybe by taking this step in my walk with Christ and the emphasis I’ve put on the Bible this summer will help these students take the next step in their walk with Christ too.
Nathan Neighbors 