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.

Children's Ministry in the Home

Used with permission from Microsoft

Children's Ministry is not only a vital function of the church, but more importantly of the home.

In the book of Proverbs we find this principle: Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6, ESV). 

Although this verse applies to any caretaker of children, it begins first with the parents. In our society, school, television, and babysitters are often the main influence on a child's upbringing. Many parents, due to work, children's sports, divorce, and other situations, do not have adequate time to train their children so they rely on the church. But, while the church does have powerful influence on children, it's only for a few hours out of the week. That's why not only is it important to find a church with an effective children's ministry, but it's also why parents need to step up and lead in their child's spiritual development. 

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise (Deut. 6:4-7, ESV). 

What if we began to carve out time each week to apply this principle? What would it look like?

First, begin by setting goals to create daily opportunities to pour into your children. Be creative, and when your child is grown, he or she will have a lot of good memories and behavior from the effort you took to build them up in Christ and in their identity. At bedtime, it's good to do a short devotional, then pray over your children. (If you don't pray for your children daily, please begin and see what the Lord will do!) The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working (James 5:16b, ESV). After church, your child probably comes home with papers. Go over those papers, talk about the lesson they heard, and help your child learn Bible verses. At one family's house I visited, they took erasable markers and wrote Scriptures on their bathroom mirrors  for their children to learn. 

Also, pay special attention to who has influence over your child. This can be adults, siblings, or other children. A person of influence can be good or bad, but we are more prone to see bad influence rather than good. I suggest watching for, and partnering with, people of good influence. If your child adores his older brother or sister, talk to that older child and ask them to help you. It will give the older child a greater sense of purpose and responsibility in the household. Another example, if your child has a favorite children's pastor or volunteer, treat them to lunch after church or on the weekend. Do the same with the family of your child's best friend. Barbeques in the summer are a great way to create positive relationships. Increasing good influence is a great way to help your child. 

With persons of bad influence, it is sometimes hard to limit exposure. Always begin praying for that person and that your child would be an influence to them. If possible, and if necessary, limit your child's exposure to them. Do this in a way that shows unconditional love, but conditional time. Your child's spiritual development is more important than the relationship with that person. 

Things to take home:

• As parents you need to step up and lead in your child's spiritual development.
• Begin by setting goals to create daily opportunities to pour into them.
• Pray for your children and show interest in what they are learning.
• Partner with those who are a good influence on your child.
• Pray for those who are a bad influence and take action if necessary.

And remember, you are the priests of the home. You set the spiritual atmosphere.

God bless you!

-Seth

Sources Cited:

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