Boo!

Ahh, once again it's cold and it's trick-or-treat time...

The kids started the evening at Pearl Street in Boulder with some friends...

Then on to Rock Creek...

And you never know what you'll find...

Maybe a nice jack-o-lantern...

Or a spooky one...

Or three...

The kids had fun...

Emmaus Road

So, I thought I'd drop an update on the blog for Emmaus Road. As many of you know, ER is the church we are involved with as launch team members. Back in February, the Tighe's uprooted from Nebraska and made the transition to the Front Range of Colorado. We have been Boulder County residents ever since and are excited to be a part of the ER ministry.

God has been working on us personally in many ways. Jan and I have been overwhelmed with all that God is teaching us and how he is shaping us to be more like him each and every week we are here. We have been burdened with the lesson over and over that God desires us to live holy, set apart and to live simply. He has been teaching us all over again what faith is all about and continues to change our hearts from the pursuit of our own interests to his interests. He has also been stripping away our possessions so that we are free to live for him and without the heaviness of debt.

Our children, Jonatha (5) and Aidan (4) have been so resilient and gracious in the move. I have been amazed at how they both have pushed through some tough emotional times leaving their friends and familiarity in Nebraska. Both have been willing to make sacrifices with us in order to live here, which is certainly more expensive. And, I have enjoyed watching our kids build new friendships with the other families involved at Emmaus, as well as with kids in the neighborhood. Time has been a great helper, as well, in allowing them to move forward and feel rooted in Colorado.

We praise God for:
The Cheeks, Luses, Brinkers, Kautzs, Deans (all launch team members)
Brian Collins and Bridgette Sorget (our very close friends and neighbors)
Patrick Applebee, Zach Ryburn (close friends and co-workers)
Many, many acquaintances we have made through doing life in our neighborhood
Our jobs and God's provision of income
Our health and peace

We pray for:
Those needing Christ who are in our lives
Wisdom to live simply and without personal wants
Continued success in establishing real relationships with people and growing the kingdom

And, of course, we are so thankful for your prayer support for our ministry...keep it up!

Peter

Habakkuk 3:18-19 "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights."

Pics: Stolen from my buddy Josh Luse (Boulder, CO)

Dream Job

When you sit in a cube for 8 hours a day, Monday-Friday, you dream of doing some physical labor. It's only natural. I not only dream of doing something physical, I dream of being outdoors in the snow, typically with a snowboard strapped to my feet. So, it only figures I would love working at a ski resort. I told Kris Cheek just last Wednesday that next season I would probably try to work at a resort for the winter on weekends, mostly so I could get a free pass. Well on Friday I learned Eldora Ski Resort was doing a job fair, so I checked things out.

And since I can't earn a living doing my dream job, I decided to do it part-time. On Saturday, I was offered the job. I will be scanning tickets/passes at the lifts. I will have a great opportunity to meet people from all over the world and work primarily with local Boulder County residents. And I imagine it'll be the sweetest $8/hr job I'll ever have!

Go to www.eldora.com for details on the mountain.

I'm dreaming...

22"...that's right. 22" of blessing from God last night alone at Loveland Pass. Almost as if he is saying, "Peter, you don't feel so good today. Call in sick and go snowboarding. It's healthy, beneficial therapy for life."

Okay, so God isn't saying that. But, I can wish can't I?

Balance

Balance...in Boulder this word may mean at peace with oneself or to find yourself in balance with the earth. Scripturally, I think it means denying myself so that my focus is on returning my resources back to the Creator who gave in the first place.

"The ocean is a great receiver, but it is also a generous distributor. What the rivers bring, it returns to the earth in the form of clouds and rain. The man who takes everything but makes no return is out of joint with the universe."
(Spurgeon)

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.
(Luke 9:23)

Just as the ocean receives, it returns. It's dividends are life sustaining resources, probably too many to document. Yet, how often do I receive and fail to yield returns honoring to God...oh too often.

May today be a day of returning, bringing balance. May today be a day where I think not of myself, but others. May today remind me that I do not live for myself. God gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we may find eternal life. He only asks that we deny ourselves in our daily living so others may see that truth. I'd say it's a fair exchange!

Peter

Superman

Sometimes I think myself to be Superman. I think I have the ability to change a heart spiritually or bring passion into another's soul. Quite the opposite is true. When thinking I am Superman, I am actually more Jack Black. Maybe a little confident, but mostly pretty dorky and clutsy.

I find there is only one person who can move a soul to faith, or bring desire to one's heart for God...that would be God himself. The work of the Spirit is a mysterious thing. Many, many times I have tried to lead my daughter into spiritual conversations. Many, many times she has changed the subject on me mid-sentence. I saw the work of the Spirit before my very eyes last night when my daughter initiated the conversation blogged previously below.

Acts 2:17 " 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.' "

The same Spirit that brought upon the life changing events in Acts is the same Spirit at work today. God has promised his Holy Spirit to those who believe and has sealed them for eternity (Ephesians 4:30). Isn't it comforting to know God is at work in our hearts? Isn't it comforting to know he does the mighty work in saving souls? Our responsibility as believers is to deliver the message, then allow God to do the spiritual changing work.

Oh...and the sad thing is, I wouldn't even look this good in that outfit!

Peter

Day of Salvation

Jan and I have been praying for Jonatha and Aidan for quite some time to begin to understand for themselves what it means to know God personally. We have always desired that their faith would be their own and not their parent's faith.

Tonight Jonatha expressed to me that she didn't want anything for Christmas. I asked her why and she said "I just want God's Spirit for Christmas...nothing else." I asked her if she understood how she can have God's Spirit and she said, "If I believe in Jesus."

So we discussed what it means to believe that Jesus' death on the cross was payment for our sin and that, if we choose not to believe, we will spend eternity without him. We have had this talk many times before, but something was different tonight. She truly seemed to understand and want to do something about it. We decided to pray about it and nail it down for her and make sure that she has made this decision.

After praying to God that she believes, she continued praying, "God, I guess I have two daddies because you are always with me." And I listened as she prayed and told God she believes in him and loves him.

As a parent, these words are sweet to my soul. It brings me great joy to hear that my daughter understands the Gospel and she has accepted what Jesus has done for her. Now I can take comfort in knowing she will be with us in heaven.

Praise God!

Luke 18:16 "But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

Constant Cleansing

HE . . . BEGAN TO WASH THE DISCIPLES' FEET. ”John 13:5

The Lord Jesus loves His people so much that every day He is still doing for them much that is analogous to washing their soiled feet. Their poorest actions He accepts; their deepest sorrow He feels; their slenderest wish He hears; and their every transgression He forgives. He is still their servant as well as their Friend and Master. He not only performs majestic deeds for them, when in all His priestly garb and function He stands up to plead for them, but He also humbly, patiently goes among His people with the basin and the towel.

I was reading my Truth for Life devotional and realized just how much of a reality this is in my personal life. The older my children get, the more I begin to see my sinfulness in them. It's not a slam on my kids, it's a gut check for me. When my son holds his fist in defiance at me after being corrected, or when my daughter responds with hurtful statements because she feels I have been unfair, I am dreadfully reminded they are just a reflection of my behavior toward my heavenly Father.

Yet, in his infinite grace, he forgives me. Again, then again, then again. If you think for an instance that you make it through even one day without sin, you are truly a fool. For even the slightest thought that is not completely in step with Jesus himself is a sinful act. If the momentary worldly desire creeps into your mind for just a split second, you fall short of God's standard. So, what do we do with this? We go to the One who promises to wash us. He is prepared to cleanse us because he loves us so much. All the more, he does this for us day in and day out. And more than just forgiving us, he is ready and eager to provide for us all that we need. He is a generous God who promises to take care of us...to give us the food we need to eat, to give us the strength we need to overcome trial and hardship, to reveal his glorious self in amazing us with his sudden provision. And I could go on...

Pretty humbling to consider just how desperate I really am for God when I think upon my selfishness and sinfulness. And pretty humbling to consider his response of grace.

--Peter

Infinite Compassion

God Feels Your Pain By Dr. James MacDonald

“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13

Compassion is the capacity to feel what another person is feeling. It’s meaning it when you say, “My heart is there with you, man. I know what you’re going through.” Do you know someone who is hurting right now? Do you have a friend or family member who’s in a painful circumstance? Maybe their marriage is in trouble, or they’ve just lost something important-like their job or their health or their hope. Are you thinking of someone? You really feel for them.
But as much as we’d like it to be more, our compassion capacity is pretty limited. Wouldn’t you agree? There comes a point when we admit that we’re kind of maxed out with our own stuff. But listen, God’s compassion is unlimited ; it’s infinite. His compassion is His commitment to us.

Psalm 69:16, “O Lord, Your lovingkindness is good, and great is Your compassion. ”

Psalm 103:4, “He redeems your life from the pit, and He crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion. ”

Compassion is like a banner God writes over your life. He not only sees your situation, He not only understands it, He feels it. If you’re hurting today, perplexed or discouraged, God doesn’t just see you; He doesn’t just know about your hurt; He feels it. When circumstances are such that you don’t know what will happen up ahead, God wants you to know that you can rely on Him. He’s a rock that you can stand on. Why does He show me such great compassion? . . . Because He loves you. When God describes Himself as compassionate, He links it with His lovingkindness. Listen to Psalm 103:14: “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust . . . But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him.”

Today, tell someone who could use some good news of God’s great compassion about His great love for them. This good word will strengthen you both.

Straight Paths

Ah, more of the simplicity theme hitting home for me this month. Here is a devotion taken from the Upper Room. I like it's simple message...Peter

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

WHEN my husband and I visited Arches National Monument in Utah, we ventured onto a trail to seek a better view of a sandstone arch towering in the distance. The desert sand path quickly disappeared as we walked across a plain of huge granite rocks. There were only an occasional cactus, the rocks, and us.

Some ranger had laid a trail of rock piles to mark the way. Each small tower of three rocks had a big metal stake driven through it. I wondered why the trailblazer had gone to so much effort. The markers didn't seem necessary. With each step, we drew nearer to the arch.
When we began the trek back, we had a sudden shock. We could not see the main trail, the parking lot, or a single person. Feeling mounting anxiety, I searched for one of those markers. At last, I saw one. We progressed slowly, finding the markers one by one. Not until the last 10 yards were we able to see the main road.

Likewise, at times in our daily living we may think we can see the way to our destinations. We plunge forward, only to discover too late that it is no longer clear which way to go. We may feel confused or overwhelmed. Our God, however, knows the best route and guides us through the Bible, sermons, or a wise counselor's words. God is our trustworthy trailblazer.

I hike quite a bit here in CO. One thing I like about hiking is the trail reveals new beauty each and every time. You can hike the same path 100 times and find something new each time. It may not be a huge discovery, rather something small or insignificant. But, it's a new revelation each trip. Another thing about hiking is the change in the trail on the descent. Now, the trail is almost not recognizable. In unmarked hiking, this is not a nice surprise. It generates anxiety in our bodies. I did some unmarked hiking with Jonatha and Aidan a couple of months ago and experienced this first-hand. The only saving feture was the nearby creek. We weren't even too far from a road, and I still felt anxious and lost almost.

God never operates that way. He marks our paths. He reveals Himself in our lostness. He guides us with His loving hand of grace. We need not fear the hike, nor should we attempt to mark it with our own resources. I am challenged constantly to allow God to mark my steps and always lead me home. Take joy today knowing that whatever path you're taking, God has marked your way home and is eager for you to return. If you're on His path, take joy knowing you are in your Father's lead.

--Peter

Picture - never Summer Range, Rocky Mt. Nat'l Park (source: Around Colorado)

Snow Day

View from my office...pure torture. It's not like I haven't been jonesin' for some pow, and I gotta look at this all day while at my desk, knowing I can't strap up and burn a few runs down the pass. Of course, it could be much worse - I could be staring at Lincoln County courthouse knowing the mountains are 4 hours away like last winter. Living here has its perks.

God's creation is a beautiful thing. I was listening to Matt Redman's "Lead us Up the Mountain" this morning during my commute to work. It's a spontaneous worship piece from his album Face Down. It says, "Lead us up the mountain, lead us to the place Your glory dwells, God." That's it...sung over and over and over again until you can't help but worship. The Rockies outside my door everyday remind me that God's glory is so much bigger. God's glory cannot be contained when on display in his creation. We cannot assign God a dwelling place so small as these mountains, yet he dwells in our hearts. He chose to inhabit those of us who believe in Him. He chose to live among us, as one of us. You would think this decision would remove his glory. Just the opposite.

I hope today you find a moment to find God's glory in your life. It may be in a quiet moment reading his Word. Or a celebratory time of singing at your local church service. Maybe an adventurous trek across some rugged terrain. Whatever it may be, sing in your heart, "Lead us up the mountain, lead us to the place your glory dwells, God."

Doing Life Means Getting Dirty

At Emmaus Road, our home church body, we often speak of "doing life" together. That simply means living out our faith with those around us, or engaging our culture. This concept is simple in philosophy, yet very difficult practically. Why? Because doing life with people means getting dirty. It means extending our love for people beyond the things we love about them. It means loving those who aren't very lovable. It means making ourselves vulnerable emotionally and being transparent with each other. Going even deeper, it means doing life with those who even hurt us.

The following is a great, thought-provoking article which can also be found at www.emmausroadonline.org.

Enjoy - Peter

Doing Life Together
By Dr. James MacDonald

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3
We have a commitment within our church family to "do life together." It's now an 18-year experiment which asks, "Is there a group of people who will love one another no matter what and keep on going together for God?" That's the vision God has given to us-to love, forbear with, and forgive each other, growing together in Christ year after year. As you would expect, it takes a lot of sweat and tears.
Ephesians 4:2-3 hits the bull's-eye of how this commitment works. "Walk . . . with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Eager to maintain means I am willing to work hard at unity-no matter what it costs me. This kind of sacrifice isn't about money or time, it drills down to the core of who you are. The strength behind this pledge is in the sacrifice of yourself.
Your opinions, your entitlements, your injured feelings-these are what you give up for the sake of unity. This is how far you will go to "do life" with your brother and sister in Christ. Always caring, always trying to work it out, always helping. Why, because you like the person? Not always. You do it because you want to honor God.
This concept of sacrificing yourself for the good of your brother was so foreign to the Greek and Roman culture at the time Ephesians was written that Paul had to coin a new word to describe it. He called this attitude humility-the choice to carry a weight rather than inflict a wrong. You may say, "But his opinion is wrong!" Perhaps. But if it's not a doctrinal issue or in conflict with what the Bible clearly teaches, swallow your argument and agree to disagree. What clearer evidence could there be that God is at work in you?
But what if someone disappoints you again after years of patience and love? You may say in frustration, "Do I still have to put up with this?" The answer is, "Yes, you do." God is watching how we treat each other and honors every time we roll up our sleeves to do the hard thing.
That's what we've signed up for in our church body. Though it's easier to tap dance out of relationships as soon as our weaknesses begin to show, we've decided to be followers of Christ who love each other anyway. We don't always get it right, but we're working hard at unity. Why? Because our eyes are on Christ and we want the One who humbled Himself and became obedient unto death to get the greater glory.

Happier With Less

The simple life. God has been teaching me lately to live simply. I blogged recently about this and the lesson continues. I sense God saying, "I'm stripping away the fat in your life, Peter." Why? Because it's not needed. Check out some devotional thoughts from Spurgeon today...

"The best position for a Christian is living wholly and directly on God's grace-remaining where he stood at first-"having nothing, yet possessing everything."2 Let us never for a moment think that our standing is in our sanctification, our mortification, our graces, or our feelings. But be sure of this, that because Christ offered a full atonement, therefore we are saved; for we are complete in Him. Having nothing of our own to trust in, but resting upon the merits of Jesus, His passion and holy life provide us with the only sure ground of confidence. Beloved, when we are brought to a thirsty condition, we are sure to turn eagerly to the fountain of life.

I imagine I am not the only person guilty of thinking that my actions somehow create my peace. I imagine I'm not the only one who compares himself with others. I imagine I'm not the only one thinking my possessions create a sense of security. So, what do I do with all this? I rest on the promise from God that, despite having nothing, I possess everything. I recently lost a very large investment...my house. I chose to do what I believe would honor God above what I believed would benefit me. It wasn't easy. It took some time for me to accept, then even rejoice, in the loss. But now I see the blessing and truly do rejoice. You see, our possessions are not owned by us. They are God's. On a practical point, they own us, you know. When we borrow to own, we really do not own at all. Think about it.

Well, I am amazed at God's grace on me. How often I have chosen the worldly over the spiritual. It must end. I admit my fault in this area and confess I still have a ways to go. But God is good. He is faithful. He is a loving and gentle Father. I rejoice in Him today. I hope you do, as well.

Peter

My Janny

This year has truly been the best year of our marriage in my opinion. I have never felt so close to my wife, and I have seen God teach me so much through her and our relationship. The older I get, the more simple my walk with the Lord and my wife becomes. Life to me isn't about goals, deadlines, achievements...it's about faith, hope and love. I derive no fulfillment in reaching goals, achieving a certain salary, making supervisor, buying a dream home, or attaining social status. I am interested in loving God, loving my family and loving my friends to the point that those around me can't help but be drawn to Jesus. Nothing else in life matters. Our posessions will surely perish one day - they will not follow us to eternity. Our jobs are never secure. Our homes are made with stick and mortar. Our wealth is a gift provision from God and he can withhold it anytime he chooses. Nothing we own is really ours, and nothing we own is eternal.

I look at this picture and I see a gift given to me. I see a blessing I cannot assign words. I hope today you will find time to think upon the eternal blessings God has given you. He has richly blessed us...Ephesians 1:3-10.

Pic: Loveland Pass 12,000 ft.

Family Visit

Mom dropped in for a 4 day visit from Seattle this past week. It was so nice to see her as it's been close to 2 years. We really enjoyed having her here and the kids were pretty bummed when she left. We took a trip up to Dillon/Silverthorn for some foliage viewing and some fun at the lake. These pics were taken at the north end of Lake Dillon Marina. You can see Keystone ski resort in the background.

Having time with my parents is special for us, as both sets of parents live on the west coast. Aidan and I are taking a boys weekend and heading for San Diego next month to see my Dad. These times don't come frequently enough and we cherish them greatly.

Boulder Fall Festival

Fall festival this weekend down on Pearl Street. It was surprisingly warm in the 80's. Kids rode some rides and we walked around with my mom visiting. Jonatha also bungee'd her way for about 15 minutes. The bungee springs you 20 ft up in the air and then down to a trampoline. In other words, Jonatha was in heaven...