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Convenient Cross?
[Pastor Nate]
08/18/2010
By Rovenstine, Nate
It has been a long time since my last blog....and I have a good excuse. My computer won't pull up the church web page. Seriously. I can pull up any other web page I try, but to get to the web page of the organization in which I am the servant leader means I have to go to another computer. It such a hassle.
Jesus said that we are to take up our cross daily to follow him. I am often reminded of how hard it is for me to take up my cross. Our world whores after convenience. We lust for it with deep passion. If its not easy, it doesn't get done. The cross is never convenient. It is old, rugged, splintery, heavy, bloody, sweaty, teary, and hard.
In a world where convenience is king, the cross is a peasant.
I'm really glad Jesus carried the cross for me. Am I willing to carry it for him? Are you?
I think carrying the cross means going the extra mile, serving the extra hour, giving up our rights, listening one more time, setting aside time to read the Bible once again, etc. It is practical, difficult, and hard.
Help me Lord.
Alone
[Pastor Nate]
06/30/2010
By Rovenstine, Nate
Recently, my wife Janet and daughter Kylie went to visit our eldest daughter,Chelsea. I was left "home alone." I did not need to set traps in my home to protect it from bumbling bandits. Instead, I had freedom! I could eat what, when, and where I desired. It was awesome.....for about 24 hours.
The freedom of calling the shots soon lost its luster to the joy of losing relationship.
God sought us out for relationship. It cost him his only Son. He did this so we could be in relationship with him.
Often we choose to do things "our way." We want to be free from the bondage of God's expectations.
But soon we discover that this freedom means a loss of relationship, and we long for the constraints of relationship which give us the freedom of love.
God came to restore relationship with us. Embrace the boundaries that this relationship offers, and find the joy of freedom in them.
Meeting neighbors
[Pastor Nate]
04/22/2010
By Rovenstine, Nate
I've talked before about the wet spot in my back yard in this blog. During the dry years, this wet spot is a nuisance. With the wet summer, fall, and winter that we've experienced, this wet spot is taking over my back yard. I'm pretty sure that I have a spring or fissure in my back yard. About 1/3 of it is saturated all the time. This saturation overflows into my neighbor's yard. Since the rainy season, we've met. He is rightfully curious about where this water is coming from. With my permission and blessing, he channeled the water to the vacant lot behnid us. When they began to build a house there, I met the landscaping contractor who followed the water upstream to my back yard. Having a spring in your back yard is a great way to meet people.
Which leaves me with a question: What is flowing downstream from your yard?
A brave cop
[Pastor Nate]
04/09/2010
By Rovenstine, Nate
Cops are brave. They confront criminals, stand in traffic, go into empty buildings, and throw in an occasional high speed chase.
But no cop was braver than the cop that gave President Ulysses Grant a speeding ticket for going too fast in his horse drawn carriage.
I heard that tid bit on the History Channel today.
So many thoughts go through my head:
"Horse drawn carriages go fast enough to get a speeding ticket?"
"Did the Secret Service carriage also get a ticket?"
"Did the cop know he was stopping the President?"
"Where was the president going in such a hurry?"
"Did the President pay the fine, or show up in court"
And then I think: Can we give out tickets to politicians of all stripes today?
Don't get me started.........................
The cap
[Pastor Nate]
03/17/2010
By Rovenstine, Nate
I was in the "Not So" Kwik Shop today. If you know me, you know my patience wears thin in these places, but God is working on me. I'm trying to relax, interact with customers and employees, and learn to enjoy the extra moments that this place affords me. So, while standing in line, instead of fuming, I began talking to the other customers about the caps on sale. These caps were torn--on purpose, and sold for $20. I couldn't unload an old hat at a garage sale for $.20!! I made several humorous comments about the audacity of selling torn hats for full price. Noone laughed.
So now I have a choice:
Be quiet in the "Not So" Kwik Shop, fuming because the line is long.
OR: Be the unknown comic, in fear of the sound of the gong......
I've always secretly loved the stage.
A leader
[Pastor Nate]
03/10/2010
By Rovenstine, Nate
If you live in Lawrence, Ks., you are are aware of the drastic measures that our school board needs to make to balance their budget for this year. Slicing 5,000,000 from an already slashed budget cuts not only into programs, but also deep into emotions and pocketbooks of individuals as people lose jobs, programs are cut, and buildings are closed. I've watched this unfold, and prayerfully considered what is best for our community.
This blog is not intended to choose sides in this difficult debate, but to commend the leader of the school board, Scott Morgan. I watched as he faced the realities, presented controversial ideas, and then listened to the concerns of the varying constituents. In what I consider to be a great leadership move, he made a proposal that moved the discussion forward. Not everyone will like every aspect of his proposal, but I was impressed by his leadership.
I hope to be such a leader. I want to be able to face reality as it is, listen to the voice of God, chart a clear course, listen carefully to those that I am leading, and then move the group toward a better future.
Thanks, Scott, for being a good leader for our community.
Pray for me, as your pastor, that I can first learn to follow God very closely, and then lead others as God empowers me.
The Gift
[Pastor Nate]
02/10/2010
By Rovenstine, Nate
Its been a cold winter, but I've kept up my outdoor running regimen. This would not have been possible if it weren't for the gift my family gave me for Christmas. They purchased state of the art winter running clothes. There has not been a day this winter that has been too cold for these clothes to handle.
Every time I wear these clothes, I think of my family. Their gift allows me to do something I love, despite the obstacles.
This is what grace does. It is a gift that allows us to be in relationship with God, something we can't do unless he clothes us with his righteousness.
Every time you are able to forgive, love, help, laugh, serve, or do anything of value, remember who has purchased your covering, and be thankful.
How to run fast
[Pastor Nate]
12/15/2009
By Rovenstine, Nate
Today I ran fast.
0 degrees wind chill factor is a greater motivator.
I discovered that cold weather is the key to running fast.
I'm scheduling my next marathon in Alaska.
New Shoes
[Pastor Nate]
12/08/2009
By Rovenstine, Nate
Lately, my feet have been hurting. I knew why, but I didn't want to face the facts. I keep track of how many miles I run in a pair of shoes. I can squeeze about 325-350 miles out of a pair. I've tried every brand on the market, but I get the same result. At about 300 miles, the familiar pains start to show themselves. At about 325, new pains emerge. By the time I'm pushing 350, I know I need new shoes.
But, almost every time, I will try to go "one more day." Sometimes I grab an old pair of shoes and think, "These still feel okay, I'll run in them today." But, alas, they are still broken down. Hibernating in the back of my closet did not repair the damaged insoles.
When I finally get a new pair of shoes.....the relief is instantly noticeable.
I know full well that I can't get over 350 miles on a pair of shoes....and yet, every time, I try.
This is called denial.
"For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God."
Don't be in denial.
Admit you are a sinner. Receive the new life of Jesus.
New shoes wear out. His life is eternal.
A Friend of a Friend
[Pastor Nate]
11/22/2009
By Rovenstine, Nate
A friend sent me a book that was written by his friend.
It is called, "Running with God." It is a series of daily readings from a Christian runner. I'm amazed as I read his entries....amazed that he has written the book that I was going to write!
This book has encouraged me in my running, and in my spiritual journey with God.
As I approach Thanksgiving this year, I'm grateful that God has given me friends who have friends who influence me.
The ripple effect of our lives has a powerful effect on people we don't even know.
Never underestimate the impact of your influence.......
The Last Runner
[Pastor Nate]
11/10/2009
By Rovenstine, Nate
Recently both Lawrence High and Free State High made it to the state cross country meet, held near Lawrence at Rim Rock. (Congrats to Lawrence High for winning)
Due to a large traffic back-up, I arrived late. I illegally parked my car on the side of the road, and ran 1/2 mile just in time to see the last runner go around the curve. I then ran to the next spot on the course, waiting just past the covered bridge as the runners made their way up a treacherous hill. This spot was near the end of the race, so I waited for quite awhile, but finally Roy Wedge from Lawrence High came around the corner leading the pack. Roy is a tremendous runner, and ended up winning the race. Not far behind him was Logan Sloan from Free State, he too is a tremendous runner. The competition at the front of the pack was incredible. As the lead runners past, many spectators left as well, running toward the finish line to see who would win.
But I stayed. I waited. I wanted to cheer on the last runner. I know what disappointment during a race feels like. I'm glad for runners like Roy and Logan, but I wanted to cheer on the last runner. He was running just as hard, but not nearly as fast.
Look around your world today. Find the last runner. Cheer her or him on.
The Singing Aunts and Uncles
[Pastor Nate]
10/15/2009
By Rovenstine, Nate
Recently a video was posted by my Uncle Tim of my aunts and uncles in a living room singing, "Heaven Came Down" My grandmother was also singing along. For most, the video would be boring, or insignificant. For me, it was an anchor to my soul. Watching the generation that I've always looked up to sing this song reminded me of why I look up to them. Here's what they decide to do when they get together....to sing praises to God that remind them of their heritage. I was reminded how fortunate I am to be a part of this family.
They are not without fault. They have had their differences. We, like every family, have had our "moments."
But as they grow older, they are still anchored in their heritage, worshipping their creator, and sticking together as family. That's pretty cool.
I hope me and my siblings can leave such a legacy for our children.
Greinke for Cy Young!!!!
[Pastor Nate]
09/30/2009
By Rovenstine, Nate
My blog today is not spiritual. It is an appeal to anyone who cares to listen that I think Zack Greinke should win the Cy Young award this year. This award, given to the best pitcher in the American League belongs in Greinke's hands. His ERA is an amazing 2.06. He has allowed 2 earned run in the last 40 innings pitched. He has fewer wins than several of his competitors, but his team, my beloved Royals, have an abysmal offense, and a shaky defense. I heard today that he has the lowest run support of any pitcher in the American League. Twice he has given up 0 earned runs, and lost. Another 2 times he gave up 1 earned run and lost. He has 16 wins, Sabathia has 19. Sabathia gets tremendous run support from his team, and has a much higher ERA. Greinke could easily have 20 wins right now, and this discussion would be over.
So, if you are a voter in the Cy Young Award race, please heed my plea. VOTE GREINKE!
If you are not a voter in the Cy Young Award race, thank you for letting me vent.
Patience
[Pastor Nate]
09/16/2009
By Rovenstine, Nate
I just wanted an $.85 refill on my Coke. The line at the only open cash register was already long, and many people were heading toward the line. After getting my re-fill, I got in the 11 person deep line. 11 people in a convenience store line makes it an un-convenient store, in my book. My assumption was no-one was available to help with the other cash register. I was wrong. Glancing out of my eye I saw the other employee in the corner of the store.....STRAIGHTENING SANDWICHES!!! 11 PEOPLE IN LINE, AND HE IS WORRIED ABOUT CROOKED SANDWICHES!!!???
What a waste of my valuable time.
So, how did I spend that time? I fumed. I fidgeted. I looked back at the employee trying to convey a "polite," but urgent plea to get his behind to the register so I could pay my $$ and go on with my all important life.
Later I realized that I had missed a chance to meet a new person. I had failed to connect with the eternal souls that stood in the line with me. I didn't smile, say "hi," offer a corny joke, or even whisper a prayer for the other 10 souls waiting in this unbearable line. I had wasted 4 minutes of my life fuming when I could have made an impact, however miniscule, on eternal souls.
I'm hoping that I will learn patience so I can redeem time better in the future.
Disease and Death
[Pastor Nate]
09/10/2009
By Rovenstine, Nate
I read an article about a life long runner in today's paper. His basement is filled with running awards, trophies, and ribbons. I had the privilege of running in a group with him one time. He wouldn't remember me, but I've heard stories about him. He is a running legend in this area.
He has brain cancer.
Disease and death do not care how many miles you've run; how much money you accumulate; or how many friends you acquire.
Disease and death eventually come looking for all of us. I run for a lot of reasons, but out running death is not one of them.
My only hope is that the one who created life also experienced death, so that I can also experience life.
That's a sure hope!