Navigating your 20's

Used with permission from Microsoft

I'm turning 30 tomorrow. It hasn't sunk in yet and I really don't feel this old but my birth date tells me I am. Since this is the last day in my 20's, I decided to compile 7 pieces of wisdom I've found during this terrific season.

1. Direction. Don't try to forge your own path apart from God's guidance. Grow close to God and let Him guide you. Your 20's can be an incredible time for God to use you. Volunteer in your church and community. Go on as many feasible mission trips as you are led to. This is a pivotal season where God prepares you with wisdom and gifts to be used the rest of your life.

2. Family. Don't forget about your family. Appreciate the time you have with them. Ask your grandparents and parents to share about their experiences and get as  much wisdom as you can.

3. Regret. Don't waste your life on trivial things. In the end they don't compare to experiencing God's presence and the people in your life.

Used with permission from Microsoft

4. Marriage. In all the mushy movies they say, "Listen to your heart," or "Follow your heart." Don't do it! The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?, (Jer. 17:9, ESV). Let God lead you in who to marry and you will know who, why, and when to marry. Relationships need to be on God's timing, not ours. Refusing to do things God's way will mess up your life. I have many friends that are divorced now.

5. Money. Don't make money your god and don't waste your money. I was into sports cars and motorcycles in my 20's. I wasted a lot of money on them that could have been used to pay down my student loans or save for a house. Credit cards can be very dangerous but very good for building credit. Interest is high, usually at least 13% or more. I recommend ONLY using a credit card for a laptop for school and gas for your car. Never pay the minimum payment. Pay as much as you can each month. If possible, pay it off each month to keep interest from accruing. This will build your credit so that when your ready to buy a house you can get a terrific rate on a loan.

6. Education. If you're not sure what to do, pray and do a lot of research. There are many 4 year degrees that are a surplus right now and a 2 year degree or technical school can be more advantageous. Determine where you want to live. Talk to people in any field you are interested in to get a feel for the job. Choose your college carefully. Weigh the costs vs the education you are receiving. There may be a better alternative. School loans have to be paid back! Borrow the minimal amount you need and work a job. If you get a refund check leftover from the loan, use it to pay back your loan.

7. Have fun! This is an exciting season. It is a season full of many different paths and unknowns. Use this season wisely to create wonderful memories. 

Proverbs 3:1-7
My son, do not forget my teaching,
    but let your heart keep my commandments,
² for length of days and years of life
    and peace they will add to you.

³ Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
    bind them around your neck;
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
⁴ So you will find favor and good success
    in the sight of God and man.

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.
⁷ Be not wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

Sources Cited:

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. 

Thrown Away

Recently, my wife and I bought our first record player. We like visiting antique stores and always run into someone's old vinyl collection. People usually let these go for $1, so over the last few months we picked up quite a few. We set it up near Christmas and first played a Bing Crosby album. My wife exclaimed, "I feel like I'm listening to music for the first time in my life." I agreed. The old record’s resonance brought a new richness and warmth to our home. Honestly, we've had so much more enjoyment listening to vinyl than we ever have with CD's or MP3's. Some of our albums were very dirty and old, but with a little work sound fantastic. These vinyl sellers don't know what they have. It's good to know that while they are being tossed out for next to nothing some of us are putting them to use again. 

In my last post (click here) I wrote about how I brought an original iMac back to life that was being thrown out. The restoration took some time and effort but it was worth it. 

Used with permission from Microsoft

I believe we have a trend of throwing away things that still have purpose. Take people for instance: Homeless, illegal immigrants, convicts, sex offenders, drug addicts, even people dubbed "white trash." Most of these people have either lived a difficult life, made bad decisions, or both. Their history and legal situation may limit their opportunities. (Example: Sex offenders should not be allowed around children and the people they hurt) 

 

But as a basic human being, if we crossed paths with them, knowing their history and status, would we treat them as if they weren't human?

• Ignoring them if they talk to you
• Acting as if they don't exist when they are right in front of you
• Glaring at them 
• Doing something to hurt them

I understand we have to protect ourselves and our families. I'm not suggesting you put yourself in harm's way and I understand there is great evil in this world. Protect yourself and your family, but don't sacrifice your humanity towards another person, regardless of their past and situation. When we treat others as less than human, we malign both our humanity and theirs. 

Soul probing questions:

• Judgment - Are we too quick to write certain people off?  
• 2nd Chances - Do we believe that people can truly change?
• Mercy - Is there anyone not worth helping?

In general, I think we are quick to judge and throw away, but I'm sure glad God isn't. We have all messed up, but He is patient with us. If we repent of our ways and turn to Jesus, we receive new identities, clean slates. Part of our new identity includes loving all people as you love yourself. Matthew 7:12 is commonly known as the "Golden Rule." So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets, (Matt. 7:12, ESV). 

We are to be people of restoration, hope, and mercy. If you really want to make a difference, I challenge you to not throw people away or write them off so quickly. 

 

 

 

Sources Cited:

 

All Scripture is ESV: The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

Reviving an iMac G3

Recently I was blessed with 2 iMac G3's. The iMac came out in the late 1990's after Steve Jobs came back to Apple. Most of the desktop computers then were big, square, and beige. 

The iMac was a revolutionary design in the computer industry. It was offered in many different colors and the case is transparent so you see all its parts. 

The two I were given are the later "slot-loading" models (no CD tray). The first one is a 2001 Indigo model. 

It features the following:

• 500MHz Power PC G3

• 256MB of ram

• ATI Video Card - 16mb video ram

• 20gb hard drive

• 2 USB ports 

• 2 FireWire ports

• 56k modem

• Ethernet

• Dual headphone jacks

• Speaker jack

• Microphone jack

• CD-Rom

This machine was running OS 9.2.2 but some of the system files and extensions were missing. I had to transfer some files from the other iMac to get the CD-ROM working. I decided on upgrading to OS X Panther (10.3). OS X Tiger (10.4) will run on the G3 but is harder to install, more expensive, and might be a little slower.

Parts for this era of iMac are cheap on eBay and I ordered 1gb of ram, a new PRAM battery (keeps the system time & settings), an airport adapter and card so it will have wi-fi, and also OS X Panther. The upgrades cost me about $55 including shipping. I had a little bit of Christmas money left over for the project. Later on I may upgrade the hard drive. 20gb isn't a lot but I don't plan on storing very much on it. 

I replaced the PRAM battery first. My fingers were barely able to reach it through the access door. With the aid of a screw driver I carefully got it loose. The Airport Adapter and Card were next in line. I connected them together then attached the WiFi antenna to the card. The RAM is located directly below the Airport Card. Only one slot was being used, 256mb! I inserted (2) 512mb chips. 

It started up fine. I set the date and time and went to the Apple System Profiler in OS 9 and the upgrades were recognized. I also had previously checked the firmware. It must be 4.1.9 or you will have installation problems. http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1283?viewlocale=en_US  If you have problems this is a very helpful link: http://www.gileskennedy.com/panthereatsimac/problemsolver/

Since firmware was up to date I proceded with the installation. I did an "erase and install" so that the previous OS and it's applications would be wiped out. I customized the install deselecting most of the foreign language support to save space. However, once completed the airport could not connect to our network. I connected the imac via Ethernet to the router and updated from 10.3 to 10.3.9. Panther is no longer supported via the software update option in the system. You have to manually install the updates. I haven't installed all of them yet but plan to.

For all the updates you can still go to www.apple.com and search for "os x 10.3 update"

Here are two important ones:

10.3.9 Update - http://support.apple.com/downloads/Mac_OS_X_Update_10_3_9

Airport - http://support.apple.com/kb/DL455

OS X is running great and is so much better than 9! I have around 16gb left and put the computer in our kitchen to use it for recipes, music, etc. 

The second iMac is from about 2000 in blueberry I think.
Specifications:

• 350MHz Power PC G3

• 128mb of ram

• ATI Video Card - 8mb of video ram

• 6.33gb hard drive (that is very noisy)

• All similar i/o's as above minus FireWire.
  
  

It's currently running OS 9.1 and my wife and I are thinking about turning it into an aquarium. We're not sure though. The value of these could go up and a hard drive isn't too expensive. It may have some life in it. Jake Harms has created a really cool aquarium DIY kit for the iMac G3. He also has some other cool projects. See http://www.jakeharms.com/ for more info.

If you can get an iMac G3 for free or very cheap it might be worth holding on too. They make a great conversation piece too. 

DC Talk, Newsboys, & Audio Adrenaline

These were my favorite artists growing up. I listened to them constantly! I had a Sony Discman (portable CD Player) to take them with me on youth trips and vacations. Lately (about 15-20 years later) I've been doing a lot of work at our church. We're renovating part of an old building to have a larger sanctuary. It needs a lot of work and I'm currently finishing out the ceiling. I made a classic Christian hits playlist with these groups' hit songs a while back and decided to play it while I worked. I found it unbelievably energizing!

DC Talk is my favorite of three bands and their lyrics are loaded with God's principles. For example, let's look at "Just between you and me". It is all about forgiveness.

In my pursuit of God
I thirst for holiness
As I approach the Son
I must consider this
Offenses unresolved
Will keep me from the throne
Before I go to Him

My wrong must be atoned

This is Matt 6:14-15 (ESV), For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.  

The Jesus Freak album is my personal favorite from DC Talk and features other hits such as Jesus Freak, What if I stumble, & In the Light. There's even a funny rendition of Jesus Freak. 

My first Newsboys album was Going Public. It's hit tracks were Shine & Spirit Thing. The Take me to Your Leader album is good too. Breakfast is my favorite meal and they have a song which is all about how there is no breakfast in hell. Audio Adrenaline is terrific too. My first album was Don't Censor Me. Big House is probably the most well know song on it. Later I bought Some Kind of Zombie which I really liked too. 

If you were in a youth group in the mid to late 90's get these CDs or tapes out of storage and turn up the volume!

Sources Cited:

1. DC Talk, "Just between you and me." Forefront 1995, Jesus Freak. 

2. All Scripture is ESV: The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

3. Photos courtesy of my collection.

Volunteer Appreciation

Used with permission from Microsoft

In children's ministry you have to hand it to your faithful volunteers. They are the ones always showing up on time, ready to serve. During Christmas programs, Easter, and other events, they are heavily leaned on and willing to take additional shifts when someone doesn't show. It's these volunteers who are the pillars of children's ministry. 

While most churches are good about celebrating Pastor's Appreciation, these behind-the-scenes powerhouses can often go unnoticed. You can find them in the nursery, children's church, and Sunday school. These people need to know what they are doing is making a difference.  Here are a few ways you to show appreciation. A thank you goes a long way, but what if you took it to the next level? How would that affect a volunteers’ view of his or her ministry?

Here are a few ideas:

• $5 Coffee shop gift card & thank you note.

• Treating them to lunch at a nice place.

• Inviting them over for dinner.

• A card with a personal note praising their efforts.

• Box of chocolates, pastries, fruit basket, etc.

• Recognition before the congregation.  
  

Along with your gift, make sure to communicate the following:

• What they are doing is an important service to God. It matters!

• They are helping children to know and grow in Christ.

• They are giving parents opportunities to know and grow in Christ. 

• Lastly, that as their pastor/leader, you love and appreciate them. 
  
  

How often should you do this? It depends on the amount of volunteers you have. In my experience, a monthly basis works well. You can honor one or more a month depending on the amount of help you have. Keep a spreadsheet on who you have honored and the date. That way you keep track. By going above and beyond in appreciation, you are sowing into the ministry and helping to renew your volunteers' passion and dedication. 

Burnout happens, so appreciate your volunteers and give them time to be refreshed. 

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed, (Proverbs 11:25, NLT).

God bless you!

-Seth

Sources Cited:

Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.