Deurty

2006 is around the corner. The last week of 2005 promised to be relaxing and family oriented. But, what I received was a hectic, emotionally draining and fulfilling week. I had a wedding and two funerals. OF course the funerals were not planned in advance... they rarely are. :) I enjoyed helping serve people, but time with my family took a large blow. But, the Deurs are okay and we are enjoying a little time at my folks right now as we race toward the new year. 2006 promises a year of getting things done. I will lose weight. And I will get the list of things I've been putting off done. In this new year we are expecting baby number 3! Anyways - have a Happy New Year!!! Kiss the Troll, sd

The Christmas Eve gatherings were special times as a church family. Steve Thompson did a nice job laying out the candlelight gathering and the team was great. Vicki's dad (pictured above) came to town and hung out with us from Christmas Eve until today. We had a good time catching up and the kids enjoyed having him around the house. We made a trip to Detroit for Christmas. We currently have a team in Gulfport, Mississippi doing some relief work following Hurricane Katrina. They made it down there and will be there from December 26-31. I was hoping to go, but I have a wedding to do for my cousin - which will be nice. But I also have two funerals this week. This has turned out to be a very busy week that was supposed to be light. The joys. :) Well - this is uninspiring so I say good bye and talk to you soon. giddy up, sd

Gearing up for our Christmas Eve gatherings... You are welcome to join us for a Christmas Eve Gathering. 4 pm - Family Gathering 7 pm - Family Gathering 11 pm - Candlelight Gathering All located at Grand Haven Christian School on the corner of Grant and Ferry in Grand Haven. "Nothing. No light, no time, no substance, no matter - the Voice was there. Before anything moved, mutated or mated, Jesus, God's Voice, was there with God from the kick-off. How come? 'Cos Jesus, 'God's Voice', is God. Before anything began, they had always been. Before there was even anywhere to be, they were there." "Jesus got the name 'God's Voice' because he just spoke and stuff started. From nothing to everything, sparked only by the Voice. There's nothing that doesn't have the phrase 'made by Jesus' stamped on it somewhere. His words were life itself, and they lit people's lives - his light could blast its way into th...

I am addicted to food and last night I overdosed thanks to Doug McConnell. Doug is a Watermarker who became a follower of Jesus last year. Doug is a master chef and put together a seven course meal last night for the staff. It was amazing! On that note - I am hopefully - once again - to try to launch a weight loss/get healthy program in the new year. I don't think I have done that before... hmmmm Wednesday. January 7, 2004 [excerpt from my blog:] "I joined a gym and worked out for the first time today. I am trying to lose 20 pounds in 10 weeks. Anyways - I am enjoying the program I am on at the moment." Saturday, January 1, 2005 [excerpt from my blog:] "My goal in 2005 is to get into healthy shape. We are talking about serious weight loss..." I sense a pattern. sd

I am FINALLY adding links. If you want to be added let me know. :) I need to get more links - so send em if you got em - especially if "deurty" is a place you hang out. Shabbat Shalom sd

When it comes time to pray for people to get well there is one meaningful prayer that seems to be always uttered... "Guide the doctor's hands." With so many prayers for the doctor's hands you have to believe that they are the nicest looking hands on the planet. Doctor's also must be excellent drivers and fooseball players. Interestingly enough however, they are notoriously poor at writing with those same guided hands. Now don't get me wrong - I totally believe that God has given us science and physicians to bring healing. For this I thank God. For this reason I utilize medical means to get well and encourage everyone to do the same. I pop a pill and at the same time send up a prayer for healing from God. I guess I may be a bit tired of praying for God to guide hands and want to start asking for God to just heal. What if I put as much trust in God as the great physician as my doctor? I pray that God would grow my faith in His faithfulness. Roman hands, ...

Smooth as Snoop Dogg. Today we had our wood burner inspected. It passed, however the guy told us it would be smart to avoid using it. I am so glad I spent the money finding out that we have a wood burner in our home that is up to code, but could result in smoke and loss of life. I guess I am stretching the conversation a bit, but in the end - we are not using it. I am a Pistons fan and I am proud. I am however a bit concerned that the stones might get a little lazy on defense... but it may just be paranoid thoughts after defense minded Larry Brown left town. But, it has been fun watching them. I have been consuming a healthy diet of two Bible teachers lately. Benny Hinn and .... what the? Just kidding... Actually I have been listening to Dwight Prior from the Center for Judiac Christian Studies and John Wimber from the Vineyard Church. I just finished listening to some interesting insights from Dwight on the Tri-Unity of God. I have been learning about healing from Wimber. An...

I think that the context in which we say something makes all the difference. For example: The guy who recently was shot at the airport for saying he had a "bomb" could say this at the Hub and we would think he was joking around, but at the airport you never even whisper or jokingly say you have a bomb. In a crowded theater you don't yell "fire." In a church you don't say a swear word unless you are reading from the King James Bible and talking about donkeys. :) Any other words in which the context is everything? sd

Well, I am sitting here with a scratchy voice after a late night meeting. I was able to spend time with my folks, which is a treat. My mom always keeps Dove Bars stocked - which I dig. One thing that I could blog about, that is way too easy and tired, is the constant drone about whether or not we can call this season "Christmas" or whether or not we can have "Christmas songs" or "Christmas trees" instead of "Festive" songs, seasons or trees... I find getting up in arms about this is pointless and not worth our time. What do you think? If you don't think... what do you eat? sd

Well the HUB open house went well. We had lots of tasty food brought by lots of fun people. We had a great turn out of people. It was wall to wall people chatting, laughing and having a good time. Thanks to all who stopped in, brought stuff, ate stuff and hung out. I am again amazed at the people God has put together to be Watermark. I am full from Dayquil, sd

Recently I have been studying the word "love" in the Bible and finding it to be more about action than emotion. This has been a good study that reminds me to live out acts of kindness and to practically show love rather than just try to feel something for people. Can God command us to have feelings for Him and for others? Can God command us to practically show kindness, generosity and service to others? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Everyone is invited to our HUB open house this Sunday evening from 4-7 pm. Drop in, eat, say hey and bug out. Late- sd

I saw a little of the American Movie Awards last night and the performances stunk. Just because someone is allegedly famous does not mean they should be allowed to think they can sing. Lindsay Lohan and Hillary Duff are classic examples. They should be on the show, "But can they sing?" on VH1... and the answer would be... "no they can't." :) Any ways - it seems like image and celebrity clouds the brain and you start believing things about yourself that aren't necessarily true. For example - if I was a celebrity - I may think I can blog and have important things to say. :) But... I don't. So I wish you a happy Thanksgiving and I thank the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for His lovingkindness and for the relationships we enjoy. If you were a celebrity, what would you get talked into doing that you probably shouldn't be doing? ECHAD! sd

One of the things I was reminded of at my week long seminar was that the Western worldview is dualistic. In other words - we break up our bodies and our lives into little compartments. I have a body, I have a soul, I have a spirit, I have a mind, etc... But the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is a God who created us good and whole - not a bunch of parts - with some being good and some needed to be overcome. The physical which we often see as bad is actually good and not something we need to rise above. So - I was reminded that God has given us everything and that we should respond with thanks. During the conference Dwight (the teacher) mentioned that we should give thanks at all occasions and even mentioned that there were prayer of thanks for even our times of using the restroom. (Thank you God for opening our... you get the picture.) In other words, be thankful for even the little, basic, things we take forgranted. So the next time you are in the restroom say thanks. :) Thank...

Before I came to this conference I announced to my wife and to myself that I would stay quiet and not get goofy and just listen. Well, I didn't keep that promise. You see I have this thing about my brain. When we are in serious discussions and intense deliberations I start making humorous connections... and then I say it just loud enough for a few to hear. In other words - I can't stop goofing off. I am listening well, asking questions, learning a ton, writing pads of notes, but yet giving into those moments that pop in my head. The good news is - a few people get it - especially Rav (rabbi) Yoshonis. The bad news is - everyone else looks like I have pizza on my face. :) In anycase - I am having a great time and I thank God for this awesome opportunity. Late, sd

One great point being made repeatedly is that God loves us. HE is filled with lovingkindness and He keeps His promises. I have appreciated being reminded of this truth. The classic thinking of God as the big meanie in the sky waiting to pounce seems to want to creep into my view of God, but I am reminded that I am God's beloved. Switching gears - I saw "derailed" last night. It was a good movie idea that ran out of time and just transformed the life of the main character in five minutes. In other words it wasn't believable, but still entertaining. There are some horrible scenes of violence and a theme of adultery that made my heart sick with frustration, but it showed a bit of the fruits of walking down that path in an extreme way. Following God and His guidance brings life - to miss that mark is to see death. Time to sit down, journal, watch TV, call my wife, pray or just take a nap. We have sessions that go almost 2 hours four times a day. But, I am having fu...

I am participating in a conference called, "Through Messiah's Eyes." This is a Jewish roots conference that deals with the life of Jesus and being a follower of Jesus. I am hanging out with Pete Yoshonis (my friend, my coach, my rabbi, my huckleberry.) I feel like I am trying to drink from a fire hydrant, but the good things is that I have a big mouth. The material is refreshing and interesting and they encourage questions. So, I asked, "What do you think will happen next on Lost?" That didn't go over well. Just kidding, but there was a funny moment when the instructor (Dwight Prior) mentioned that a rabbi's disciples (apprentices) would spend all their time with the rabbi to learn how to live like the rabbi. Apparently there was a mention somewhere that the rabbi's best disciple or student was even able to be under the rabbi's bed while he makes love to his wife to even learn how to be like the rabbi in that regard. So, I thought about aski...

"I'll take a Diet Coke." I say this right after ordering a two cheeseburger extra value meal. Like that is going to help. Anyways - I have enjoyed teaching with Steve and Nate. The last couple of weeks we have done tag team styled teaching and it has been a nice change of pace. I am more relaxed and enjoy learning from them as we go. I have really realized how special our team is. I really enjoy the team that has been fitted together. Some people on our team have made great sacrifices to give their best time to the mission. Others could be doing something more prestigous, or profitable or even easier, but have given their all to God for this calling. We have fun together, we work hard together, we share life together and we pray together and we seek God together. So, I want to say that I love the team that God has fitted together and I thank God that I get to be a part of this. Heads up on something. Have you read through the gospels and noticed how many times Jes...

If you've seen that Taco Bell commercial you know the line... "I'm Full!" If I was as savy and gifted as my father I could turn that line into a devotional thought equipped with clever layers of humor. But, it is just a segway to say that, "I am happy." Here are a few thoughts on being happy: I don't think that the point of life is to be happy, but I really like being happy. samx sd

I just had one of those fantastic "church planting" moments. I am sitting in our HUB (office/meeting space) which is located in a shopping area. We are next to "Curves" (a women's workout facility), near an appliance store and across the road from a local pharmacy with an old soda fountain. (They make their own root beer.) Anyways - on our door it says, "Gatherings: Sundays @ Grand Haven High School..." and it tells the times we meet. Just a second a go I heard two women talking loudly outside and one women reads the door and says, "What the hell is Watermark?" I stood up (previously unseen through the big windows as I sat at my desk) and walked toward the door. They saw me and left quickly. Funny. I'm afraid that they may have thought that I stood up in a not friendly way - I just reacted and popped up like a jack in the box. Oh well... Just when you start thinking that things are humming along and you want to get a big head you...

I am Mr. Mom. Some things I learned the last few days of being home alone with my kids while my wife is sunning her pregnant bod on the beaches of Florida... 1) I can run a dish washer. 2) I can run a washer and dryer. 3) I can make a lunch. 4) I can do homework with my daughter. 5) I can pick up the house. 6) I can make a meal for a life group meeting. I have been reminded of all the daily things my wife does that I take for granted. I have done all these things before, but when I occasionally do them, I make sure she knows and I get credit. But alas, she quietly, faithfully, makes the family go and for that she is priceless. I think I am going to try to help more around the house... :) I am surviving. I have really enjoyed reading Henri Nouwin's book called, "Life of the Beloved." Good stuff maynard. I have zits, sd

I admit that I enjoy(ed) - 1) Dungeons and Dragons 2) Rick Astley 3) Star Trek the Next Generation 4) The Left Behind book series 5) Wearing cut off jean shorts I have more, but I am ashamed that I may get laughed off this blog. What are some of your guilty pleasures? Air Supply? Saved by the Bell? My wife is going to Florida for a few days so I will be alone with the two kiddos. I am looking forward to my time with them. Holla back, sd This is my Rabbi: (Can you say Emmaus Road? Rock on!)

Well, I am getting closer to finishing this stinking template. I have a new layout, but I am far from being done. Add links... Pics... Adjust some things... By then no one will be reading and I'll just shut the whole enchilada down! :) Dibs - aka: my dad - just celebrated his 57th birthday. He is a stud of gigantic proportions. I'll be back and hopefully with something to say. sleepy, sd

I still don't like the page - so I will be changing it. Sorry - I promise to get cracking on this when I get some free time and I have creative energy. My dream would be to start a podcast of deurty deeds. :) With a TV show. I gotta get home to see LOST. Just got done with our prayer meeting - good stuff. Deurty will be back and better.... Backstreat's back alright! sd

Returned from the Brooklyn Tabernacle and NYC. I can't even begin to write all the impacting moments, lessons, encouragements and challenges... But, I will mention one thought. I am hungry to be a man of prayer and church of prayer... at the prayer meeting on Tuesday evening there was a level of desperation and hunger for God that was overwhelming. There was understanding that God alone can heal the issue at hand and that drove the fervency of the prayers. In the desperation for God there is freedom, because you are not concerned with what others around you think - you are only focused on the One who can answer the cry of your heart. Freedom in dependency. Call me a fool - I don't care. Call me a fanatic - I am unaffected. Call me a freak - you may be right, but I know that Jesus is my King and I don't just dabble in following Him. There is no soap box because I don't shower and there is no high horse because only girls dig horses. :) My dad (Dibs) led our tri...

I am trying to figure out how to get rid of my old comment stuff so I can get comments again. I'll work on it later. For now just verbalize your feelings. There, doesn't that feel better? I am going to be in NYC for the next few days. Hitting some sites, smelling some smells (on me) and praying at the Brooklyn Tabernacle. Looking forward to this hit and run experience with a small crew of ten. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done... on earth as it is in heaven. sd

I am alive. I guess that I need to change my comment set up because the current system is shutting down. I spent the weekend speaking at Spring Arbor University's "Spiritual Life Retreat." I spoke Saturday, Sunday and then Monday for chapel. It was a good experience overall. But, I missed my family heaps and was so glad to see them. We recently hired a part time administrative person and I can not wait until she starts, because I am ready to unload work and get into the groove of what I should be focused on. Anyways - gotta jet. happy, happy, joy, joy, sd

Remember that today was tomorrow yesterday. Pointless post. Bye Bye, sd

On Monday I turn 34. I am well and truly about to enter into my MID thirties. When my parents were this age I was 11 and in fifth grade. Wierd. On another note we (Vicki) is pregnant. If you think of it - please pray for a healthy complete pregnancy. We have had two miscarriages since we've started this journey of having kids and we are always cautiously optimistic. So - any ideas for names? We have a girl's name picked out, but we are looking for a boy name. I have my ideas, but they are not well liked by the wider social order of my life. So - what do you think? I debated on whether to tell you blog readers this information, because things might not go the distance, but I guess I'd rather have you know and pray. Thanks - that would be such a gift to our family. Speaking again this week about prayer and giving some basic ways and ideas on how to pray. Equipping stuff... Had a great time with other pastors yesterday at a prayer retreat. Prayed together, sang, t...

Had a great time with the Yates from Auckland, NZ. Great time of refreshment and encouragement for us and hopefully for them. I love all things international. I was always the kid making friends with the exchange student. I was always the guy making the outsider feel comfortable. I loved living in Australia. I loved going to New Zealand. The world is BIG and it is fun to see the BIG picture when we step out of our slice of life. Anyways - I realized again that I need to make international connects for my soul. Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire has been great. The level of prayer in my own life has been impacted and we are hearing great stories from groups and people. Thanks be to God. We are now Podcasting messages. Search under: Watermark Podcast in the itunes directory. Late - sd

Went to Chicago yesterday with the Yates to show them around the big city life of America. Stopped in at Willow Creek to show them the big church life of America. Ate at Giordanos to let them experience the big eating life of America. Drove them in my mini-van to give them the big family man travel of America. My country tis of thee, Sweet land of pizza, sd ps -> INXS is dead to me. JD is a Hutchence wanna be. I live in the past with their amazing songs and I choose to blot out their future. So let it be written...so let it be done.

Mike and Michelle Yates from Auckland New Zealand are here. We have a partnership with their church, Shore Grace, and we are looking forward to seeing that partnership deepen and develop. Should be a fun week with them. It would be great to see the flying kiwi as well, but alas he is "called" to some chump religious work in Auckland. :) miss ya kiwi and family. Anyways - we have started our "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" conversation series. I shared today about prayer of rebellion against the way things are. We need to clean up some loose ends for the gatherings, but otherwise things are going smoothly. I just am realizing more and more that I do not know most of the people who are apart of Watermark. New faces. Times they are a changing...but keep the core! Keep the values! The Lions got utterly destroyed today. AHHHHHH! I hate the Lions - how they wooo you into believing that this could be the year - only to squash it like a grape. Joey bites. The defense...

"Prayer cannot truly be taught by principles and seminars and symposiums. It has to be born out of a whole environment of felt need. If I say, 'I ought to pray,' I will soon run out of motivation and quit; the flesh is too strong. I have to be driven to pray." Jim Cymbala from "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire." As a church we need to have more than 'need.' We need desperation. We need dependence. We must be driven. If I pray and ask for these things - will I receive them through experiences that scare and shake me from my middle class stupor? God give me courage to even pray. This past week's gathering was a lot of fun and was a great kick off for the elements of our life together, but I still find myself thinking about the prior week's gathering and the message of involvement in our local community. LOVE INC and other great local ministries shared and we took time to chat about Hurrican Katrina. I want to be involved with Jesus' work a...

Speaking at a young adult retreat in Allegan for Kentwood Community Church. Looking forward to it, but can't believe I'm doing it before our big launch kick off Sunday. Not the smartest move, but it should be a recharge in its own way. Please take a second to pray that God would speak through me and energize me and give me clarity of thought and that the message would find a home within people. Speaking about Sharing our lives and our faith. If you aren't the praying type then just say - good luck sucker! :) Gotta jet. Autumn is doing great in school and I am looking forward to the fall season of ministry, but not the weather. I usually love the fall season (hence naming my daughter after it) but this year I need to have summer around longer!!!!! Rock star INXS update and opinion: TY - Glad they wiped that stupid grin off his face and made him cry (he always looks like he is going to.) The speach at the end had me mystified. (get it? INXS song?) JORDIS - an early f...

Some guys from Watermark headed down to Mississippi to help with hurricane relief through "World Hope." You can keep updated on what is going on through their blog: "His Hands and Feet." His Hands and Feet Pray, give, go - to help others live. Deurty

After spending a day in Chicago to celebrate my daughter's sixth birthday I again was reminded at how crappy Detroit is as a city to visit. Chicago is on the water...like Detroit. But - somehow Detroit looks like a war zone with boarded up buildings and Chicago is a family friendly fun place that for the most part is clean. Bummer for us who love Detroit sports... Going into the city is an in and out venture. How much pre-thought do we miss for the sake of immediate gain? The pain of doing the right thing... the costly thing... the thing that has a big pay off long term... may often look like the wrong thing in the moment compared to the quick fix of success. Stay on target, sd

1 Corinthians 11:26 "For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord's death until he comes again." This is a great line from the Apostle Paul about the Lord's Supper. In that moment the present (every time you eat...), the past (the Lord's death), and the future (until he comes again) is coming together. Mystic Steve is about to talk: there are times when I am worshipping God - in song - in Communion - in prayer - in serving - in which (to use a Stephen King line) time gets thin. The great cloud of witnesses are beside me in the present... Those who have gone before us are present in the same activity of worship to God. The present seems more clear - more purposeful - more thin. And the future rushes back - the hope of new creation fills my vision. Past, present and future in one moment. Tom Wright wrote about these types of themes in his book: "The meal Jesus gave us." I have borrowed ideas from his book for my...

"Leadership" It is a magical word. A sacred word to those who want to make a difference. It is something we try to measure. But I wonder if my view of how I am as a "leader" is warped by the people around me. Could I believe I am a better "leader" than I am because people around me are immature or won't tell the truth...? Or could it be that I have self-bias? Probably. :) Could even those of us who have been called a "leader" be fooling ourselves? Can you even discuss leadership apart from who you are and the people around you? It is a relational thing. Thinking outloud. I like Erwin McManus' thought... (paraphrased) "Everyone is always talking about trying to become a leader and I am trying to figure out still how to be a follower." (of Christ.) mmmmmmm chocolate milk. sd

I enjoy the show: Rockstar INXS. First of all, I have been an INXS fan for a long time. I love the songs - especially their older stuff. Now with this new show with people trying out for lead singer of the band I have listening to old stuff again. Fun. Anyways - I am pulling for Marty and Jordis. For those of you who watch - who do you want to win? None of them, however, is Michael Hutchence. Autumn got into the school closest to our home and now we are waiting to see if she will be in class with her friends from Kindy... She is "just a little scared" about first grade. :) Family is a treasure, sd

I am in Holland at my parent's home. I am in the home of the Deurty Old Man! Family in town... Marios pizza at Tunnel Park... Kids swimming in diapers... One day I will be old and I will put on an adult sized diaper and I will call that "freedom." hmmmmm... Baptism celebration this Sunday. One gathering: 10 am. Dunking begins at 6pm at Northbeach in Ferrysburg. Baptism is the best moment in being a pastor. IT is like the Superbowl.. the payoff... the picture of the journey in motion... Why do I keep doing these dots.........? Anyways - I thought I would check in. I am still giving thought, prayer and conversation about who a pastor is and what a pastor is called to do. The idea that I become a symbol of niceness for the surrounding culture - a chaplain to it - makes me want to throw up. Place head in toilet - hear the cries for needs to be met - open mouth and empty the stomach's contents. MMMMMMMM I feel better. I am reading the final book in Stephen King...

This past Sunday I read from a journal entry of mine regarding new life in God. Here it is... "I died in '85. It has been 20 years... 20 years of walking, breathing, feeling, touching... but dead. 20 years of singing, talking, relating, writing... but dead. Steven Jay Deur died in '85. Steven Jay Deur is now alive. And I begin to understand this more and more and more each year. My life is not really mine. My hopes have been invaded. A new heart has been created. My dreams have been directed. My lifestyle has been corrected. Life began 20 years ago when I died. I pray I will understand that more each day. I hope to live like this in every way. That I am not my own. I have been bouht with a price. When I laid my life down in that gym 20 years ago and walked out new with Christ."

"I'm always saying something that's just the edge of something more." - Robert Frost I have been reading Robert Frost's poems lately. I am trying to reach my emotions. In anycase the quote above made me think of preaching... ...the limiting nature of it to communicate a limitless God... ...the shortness of it to tell a story that reaches into eternity... but those words... those divine words that are read... ...those sacred moments when words bloom in our hearts... are used to change and move us forward to more... love action hope conviction Truth So - that is the quote for the moment until it leads to more. planting hope, sd

Great Coast Guard Parade! About 75+ Watermarkers passed out over 4,000 bottles of water to a thirsty crowd while the not so tender sounds of Kramer Co. brought a smile to their faces. It was an awesome time and I found myself again loving the God who loves and knows the name of each person in the crowd. It was one of those..."this is big" moments...when you realize that we play a small part, BUT a part in seeing God's Kingdom moved forward. The team did an amazing job led by Steve Thompson. Everyone did great... from Brad organizing Kramer and creative stuff to Jay and Sue getting physical with the water. Great stuff! Good job team! I had a very peaceful and perfect vacation. Thanks for your prayers and interest and support. renovated, sd

About to head up north for vacation. Traverse City area. Good times, great timing, epic family, fond memories and a huge side of beef from "Boones" Steakhouse. Giddy up. Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. sd

I am sitting in Panera Bread in Alpine. I have finished day two of my study/prep time in a cabin overlooking the Muskegon River. Here is the stuff I wanted to get done in four full days: > Write two messages for August. (I am almost done with one and I will not get the second done.) > Write Rapids One experience (aka: class). I hope to work on this, but it is doubtful that now will be the time. > Read "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" for fall preparation. (Two more chapters to go.) (Thinking about using this book for our fall series and have everyone read it together.) > Read "Hearing God" by Dallas Willard for fall series prep. (Still have to get to it. This will be a priority.) > Organize and layout my messages for a young adult retreat in September. (I will need to take time for this.) > Read, "The Contemplative Pastor" (got done with one chapter and like it alot... won't get done with much more.) ETC.... ETC.... there ...

Went to a new mexican place last night (La Luna) in Grand Haven. It was disappointing for a restaurant. My wife summed it up well: "I could have made that!" :) I am a huge fan of mexican food... So here is my challenge. Where is the best mexican food in West Michigan? Also rate them if you have a few. 10 being outstanding and 1 being poo poo. For example. In this area I would say that Prueblo is great with an eight rating. Atmosphere is good. Endless chips and salsa. Good guac. Big portions. Healthy and light tasting. BUT not authentic and not Tex Mex style if you are into that. What do you think? sd Time for my lunch appointment...

Hope is built on something Something is built on Hope there is a difference between reality and truth. hope, sd

Well I finished the book! It was a great read and especially helpful for those of us who are pastors. I like to call it, "Wild at Heart for Pastors." But I never finished, "Wild at Heart," because I was out beating my chest and saving my wife from fire breathing dragons. Anyways, I was challenged and now I have to re-read the good bits and figure out how to put it into action. What if I did not read a new book until I thoroughly captured what God wanted me to grab and actualll practice living it out first....? Here are some good bits that made me think... they are set in a wider context that gives it more punch, but here are some lines: "Necessary pastors manage people, putting them in boxes and groups by age, gender, ethnicity, and so on. Unnecessary pastors engender communities in which they themselves participate." "The deep symbol of sin is one we also often trivialize by terming it merely a mistake. Many sins we euphemize; for example, we ...

In light of my last post I found the following quote from Marva Dawn from the book: "The Unnecessary Pastor" both freeing and again challenging... "We must always be vigilent against thinking that we can grow ourselves in faith and faith-life or that we, pastoral servants, are "necessary" to the formation of congregation members." Boom. Guilty as charged and free as a bird. sd

Hi. I am a sinner. (That means I'm broken on the deepest levels for you non-religous types.) :) I'm not perfect - but you know that. Anyways - here is one of my sins but also one of my most difficult issues for me... I feel like everything depends on me. That somehow I am responsible for everything. That somehow I have power and I am expected to carry everything and keep everything together. Now - what is this sin? It is prideful to think everything depends on me. It plays out in wierd ways... As a kid I would panic when my younger cousins would fight and I would assume responsibility for them and fear getting in trouble for not being a better rolemodel or influencing the kids better... I always felt responsible for my friends and their actions... be the role model... As a pastor - I would accept other people's problems, their dissappointments, their frustrations all personally like it all hinges on me. BUT - I have proof that it all depends on me (aka: I am a god)...

we have been planning like mad people as we gear up for the upcoming ministry season. church stuff happens in waves for us pastor types... it rotates around the school season for the most part. so we are laying out conversation series for the year ahead... so... what do you think should be discussed, taught and looked at over the next year? just curious. :) be good. one series we are looking at and that i am excited about is "the wussification of Jesus." this will be a time to re-examine Jesus and His movement and understand what it means to follow Him. heaven isn't too far away... - warrant sd

I am sitting next to Mike Willis. He is the man child. See you tomorrow at the Waterfront! sd

Be there or suck. :) We had a great staff retreat the past couple of days walking through the Five Dysfunctions of a Team. It is always refreshing to take a looksie in the mirror and see how God has wired each one of us and where each of us need to grow and stretch. Anyways - it was a good time of growth for our team. This Sunday we are at the Waterfront and I will be chatting about being an apprentice of Jesus. I'm Died For! :) Later- sd

I rode my bike yesterday instead of driving my exhaust free honda and my back end and legs hurt. But at least I saved a lot of money on car insurance by switching to Geico - just kidding. Anyways - we are checking out for a few days to visit my sister and brother in law in Indiana. Tonight is the Pistons!!! Sunday is with Ron! And I can't stop yelling!!!! :) generosity is awesome when you are on the receiving end.... what the? sd

The Deurty one is no longer online at home. Why? > Too much money that could be spent better. > Too much time spent in front of the computer that could be spent better. Anyways - I will still give updates from the HUB (office) when I get a chance during the day. We finished the "DRIVEN" series on Sundays. Overall, I felt good about it. I loved seeing how God is driven to see His purposes accomplished and how the whole Bible interconnects to share that story. This Sunday, my friend, mentor, ex-chaplain, etc... is coming to speak. His name is Ron Kopicko. He rocks and if you get the chance come to the gathering. By the way I went and heard the band, "Legacy" at Jack's in Spring Lake. Good band - fun covers. But, I have not seen older drunk people in a long time. Funny. bzflag is addicting, sd

Cheer up - you are breathing! sd

i am too much of a people pleaser to blog. i am too much of a people pleaser to not blog. great night of celebrating our awesome kid's servants at the HUB! Doug M. did an epic job with desert. Celebrating is a good thing and I need to remember to do it more often. Looking forward to Ron Kopicko speaking next week Sunday. I really enjoy Ron's teaching and ability to challenge and leave you hungry to know the Bible more. Inspite of my rage I am still just a rat in a cage, sd

Pistons played BIG. I think a redesign of "deurty" may be needed... but I am unsure of what to do. Anyone have ideas? "now i am fine on my own..." -mesa county fair tomorrow is message prep day in a big way! sd

well.... the pistons are playing like poo poo poo. tomorrow - or i guess today is a meeting heavy day. i want to see people fight for their marriage! so.... the 'driven' teachings have been going pretty good. our softball team got beat 65 to 5 or something outrageous. my attitude went a bit south during the game - how can it not? okay.... time for bed. time to take my chill pill. :) the deurty one has left the blogsphere... sd

Feeling like some Chinese food, sd

DEEEEEETROIT BAAASKETTBBBALLLL! shaq-fu say goodbye to you! sd

Just got back from our Sunday afternoon life group. Did the family swimming thing! Lots of fun. Harrison acts like a little old man. Sitting in his chair, giving odd little looks, not wanting to break his routine... asking to read the paper... well maybe not that. This morning seemed to go fairly smoothly. Surf City launched the summer camp stuff and I heard it went great. I get to teach the kiddos in a few weeks and plan on bringing the hell - fire - and brimstone! :) I just found a gray chest hair. I am getting old. Just pulled it out. ouch. Have a great Sunday! I might break my dutch reformed heritage and mow my grass on Sunday! I may be struck dead. I think I am safe since the sabbath is technically Friday at sundown to Saturday at sundown. (aka - Jewish Saturday). How can we sleep when our beds are burning? sd

Went to two graduation open houses today with the kids. Good times! I got to connect and reconnect with some people. I need to spend some time preparing for tomorrow's teaching time. I have such high hopes for the whole three weeks that I fear that this first week will never meet my EMERGING expectations. I was able to serve our local district for a couple of days at the church planting assessment center. This is a four day intensive experience to help identify potential church planters (people who start churches...) I was reminded again to be about the basics and to be faithful. The whole time was a great refresher for me - even though you are in a constant state of giving out. Had a fire last night in the backyard. This was awesome. Vicki and I chilled out and chatted until late. Good stuff. I love my wife and I am proud of her. Today is my dad and mom's anniversary. GOTO the DAVE DEUR link on the left and leave a comment of congrats to the big fella and my madre....

Kevin "the stine" posted a video of our rag tag softball crew on a site. His honey did the video work. I cut it down to put my swing in slow motion so I could study the mechanics... I must say it is a horrible swing... I am babying that knee... See if you have any suggestions. softball.mov softball guy, sd

Vicki has been working just about everyday for the past few days and will continue to do so for the next week and a half... This means I have a fair bit of alone time with the kids in the evenings. This is fun, but requires a higher level of patience that I typically do not have laying around. Things are going smoothly and I am enjoying myself... so far. :) The weather rocks. I am starting a three week focus at the gatherings called, "DRIVEN." It is about God from the Bible. Should be fun. Jumping back and forth in the Bible is fun and cool how it fits together. I'll like it even if everyone is sleeping. (as long as they don't snore.) By the way - we are going to be having our sunday morning gathering gig at the waterfront stadium on july 3rd. come heckle. come moon us from your boat. just kidding... don't do it - you know who you are! har har har jar jar binks. what the? I just found out that a guy and his family that are a part of watermark used to...

Right now I am outdoors, under the stars, next to the fire and I am saying hello to you. My wireless connection reaches me out here in my backyard. Tonight was the first campfire in the Deur weed field we call a backyard. Tonight the first smore was sacrificed for the atonement of all summer hot dogs. They faced the scorching fire. This Sunday we have some friends joining us for one of the gatherings. These friends are not usually doing the church thing - so it has made me again think about what they will experience and I wonder how they will feel. I guess that I would want them: 1. To deepen our friendship. 2. To experience God in some way. Sense God's love for them. 3. Feel loved and accepted by Watermarkers. 4. Have fun. People sometimes may think that inviting someone along to a gathering is a tactical move to get them to sign on to the church. But, for me, more and more it is about just inviting someone into my life. It is deepening a friendship. I would compare i...

Today is the fourth Wednesday of the month which means it was my Day Alone With God. I started today in Holland and later ended up at Rosy Mound Trails. I went to a few different spots and journaled, prayed and mostly read. I am reading a book entitled, "The Unnecessary Pastor." I have really enjoyed it and I have received a lot of encouragement and challenge from it. There was a moment in which I caught the scent of pine trees and moss in the summer heat. (at least I think that is what I smelled...) It totally brought me back to when I was in grade school and spent every day all day in the vast woods behind my house. It is amazing how powerful a scent is...I was seven again. I even climbed a tree. (I got off the designated path... I guess that is called sin.) :) Anyways - it was a soul enriching and meaningful time. Here are some photos of the park... What is everyone doing for Memorial Day? sd

Courage. What defines you as a leader is not that you are the smartest or the first one with an idea. What makes you a leader is that you have the courage to act...to pull the trigger...to step forward...to enact change. If I only had a brain, sd

So I took my day off today and saw Star Wars III. I really liked it and look forward to seeing "A New Hope" again as a result. There is something big and powerful about a sweeping story. I guess that is why people try to impose their view of history... control the story and you control the future. Kinda. At least if you can get your hands on the story and re-make it - then you can motivate people - change opinions - etc... Stories are freaking powerful. What stories influence and impact who we are? What story have we joined and live in? Why am I even talking about this? Anyways it was a good movie. But then again - I am a Sci-Fi Geek! :) May the deurt be with you, sd

looks like a good week ahead with the weather. I think I am going to have to take some time to walk the Rosy Mound Trails. I always get perspective and sense God in those times. Romans 1:12 says "From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God." I like this passage because it speaks of the experience I have when I am around a camp fire, or in the woods, or swimming in Lake Michigan at sunset, or... anytime in creation. Anyways - have an amazing day! sd PS - 24 is coming to a close next Minday night! Two hour wrap up!

This morning Sherrie shared stories about helping at a hospital in Kenya for one month. The stories again reminded me about what is important and how I complain about the dumbest things. Thanks God. I was reading and studying for our conversation series in June and one of the concepts I was reading about was about being thankful. In one of the Jewish feasts they would celebrate God's blessings and thank God for all He had given them. Part of the celebration was inviting the less fortunate to feast with you... the thought was - you are not truly thankful unless you invite those in need with what you have been given. It was a way to give God thanks. Anyways - we have been given soooo very much and I want to use our time, talents and treasure to invest in things that God is interested in... I will save a little to spend on Cold Stone. sd

The garage is clean. The gutters are cleaned out. The lawn is cut. The grill is ready for use. The fire pit is calling... I love it when things that I hate doing get done. The monkey is off my back. I threw that monkey down and danced on his head. (I did not harm any animals.) :) You are still in the running for America's next top model, sd

Last night I was in a group of people who went through something we call "Rapids III: Wired." This class exprience helps you discover your spiritual gifts, personality, passions, etc... Anyways - one of the questions was the classic, "If time, money and opportunity wasn't a factor what would you do?" It is an interesting question... (When you are in full time ministry with a "call" attached to your role - is it wrong to say anything but full time ministry?) :) I guess for me I would love to perform and create. Perform on stage - in comedy - maybe improv. Create and direct movies. Maybe I will make one of those horrible Christian movies talking about the end of the world and how you better get yourself ready or you are toast in hell! PREACH IT! What? Just kidding.... So... how about you? And - is money, time and opportunity really stopping us? Is it "The grass is always greener" situation? Are you sick of my questions? Are you ...

Being a pastor is at its heart being a servant in Jesus name. (Following His example.) But, I so often want to be at the center. I so often want to look out for myself first. I so often want to defend myself by cutting apart another. I so often want to control. I so often want my life to be MY life. I am glad no one is perfect, but I wish I could get myself to believe it...even others! :) I am learning to stay focused on Jesus - on His life - on His words - on Him... and then serving the best I can. I'll let God fill in the rest... (Notice I said "let?" Who is really in control.) Dog Gone it! Done dirt cheap, sd

I am waiting on line for the next available representative... I can't get through on a line to vote for my "american idol..." I can't get through when I call a radio station to be the ninth caller... I can't get through on a radio program... But, when I pray - the God of the Universe listens. Pretty cool. sd

Mother's Day has come and gone. It was a good day celebrating. My mom did a great job sharing in the gatherings. I was afraid she would tell the story of me as a young kid wetting my pants and trying to cover it up with dirt so no one would realize what I had done. So instead of a wet spot - there would be a mud spot. All because I was having too much fun in the woods and didn't want to take time to water some trees. Crazy. As a kid I actually thought my folks didn't notice. As a kid I thought I outsmarted my parents. But, as I get older, I realize that they knew and just let some things go. I think if my son wets his pants in a similar manner I will point and laugh at him in front of his peers. Just kidding. :) Have a swell day. sd

This week Sunday my mom is speaking at the gathering. She and my dad both work at Central Wesleyan Church in Holland and df marriage and family talks to other churches. My mom and dad had interesting journeys into full time ministry. My dad got into it after being a successful salesman. I am proud of them both for their faith, their marriage and their willingness to step out into the unknown following God. Anyways - I am glad she will be sharing with us. The band is going to play an intro. song. It will be a remake of "Stacy's mom." They changed some of the words, but it will go, "Stevie's mom has got it going on..." Funny. LOST is a great show. I love how they do the backstory! It made me realize again that I give more grace and understanding to people when I know their story. I just re-read some of "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" and there was a quote that said something like this, "When someone else fails we assume it is becau...

I know I have complained in the past about this, but please do not call me a whiner. (Let me see who will be the first to jump down to comments to call me that or some other form...) Anyways here is the thing... I don't know what I like to do. I see people who have these cool hobbies... golfing, camping, hiking, sailing, bike riding, music, etc... I want to find something that I would be decent at - maybe even get good at - that I would be passionate about doing... As a kid I always seemed to know what I liked to do with spare time and now I feel like a backward dunce who has forgotten how to have fun doing stuff. I chalk a lot of this up to my season of life with two young kids and a role at work that has a lot of responsibility and takes a lot of emotional energy. I just don't want to be forty and wondering how to make friends and what do I do for fun beside talk about church. Some potential hobbies: I like campfires and last summer did them in my back yard. Is that a...

Tomorrow I am having what us religous folks in full time ministry refer to as a "Day Alone With God." Or to get cheesy and stupid: a DAWG. (A BIG DOG!) Anyways, the point is that God is with us all the time so why make an appointment with the big kahuna? The point is - that life rushes by and things seem to crowd out time for my soul to drink and be refreshed and led. So I plan one day alone with God a month. (unfortunately I do not consistently take them because something else creeps in! hence the need for them!) So I do a few different things. Write in my journal, go for a long walk, read my Bible, pray, listen for God's voice, chat with a spiritual mentor, read a book that causes me to go deeper, relax, stop, get quiet and just "BE." Anyways - that will be me tomorrow - my soul drinking from living water. I need to make these times more of a priority. Shoulda, woulda, shut up and do it! :) Deurty DAWG done cheap, sd

SOFTBALL ANYONE? We are trying to solidify a team for Monday night softball. Let us know ASAP! If you are interested let me know: steve.deur@iamwatermark.com. Tomorrow is a planning day for the summer and some future issues. I always have high hopes for those types of meetings, but I usually have unrealistic expectations about how much can be accomplished in that little time. I wonder what it would be like if we spent that "planning" time and used it more as a "listening" to God time...? I guess having both is important. I don't get NASCAR. sd

These are screen shots from the movie, "End of the Road" by Kevin Stinehart. I play a small part as a waiter. Kevin did a great job with the film. Check out a preview and see some old school footage of Mike Morgan and Brad Zimmerman at the link below. End of the Road Pizza Shooters! sd

Hubbing it... I have enjoyed the Psalm 23 conversation series. I have been challenged to reflect and rest more. Thanks to everyone for their recent insights into the world of food. I'll leave you another question... What is the best coffee shop/hang out in the Tri-cities? We all know who the best didge player is. Aye, sd

Here is my new prayer: "Rub a dub dub, thanks for the Hub." We had a great day of painting and putting together furniture at the Watermark Hub. (The Hub is our new office/meeting place in Washington Squarepants.) The following people were involved: (the names may be altered to make them sound smarter.) Carter Clarky Steve Deurty Vicki Deurty Merrit Lucas Jessi Lucas Jordan Lucas Nathan Smith Jennifer Smith Wallace Harrison Sarai Harrison Jay Z McCammon Suzie McCammon Keegan Richards Bradley Zimmerman Stevie T. brought food and tools. Wade B. stopped in... My folks - Super Dave and "G" gave us the pomo thumbs up. Overall it was a good time! Thanks everyone for your work and encouragement! We did not get enough paint (that is what we get for listening to the Home Depot dude.) The colors are interesting and I like it... you can be the judge. We have a little more work to do and we'll be set. Stop on by: 1114 Washington Ave. Grand Haven We even have a phone numbe...

We've been hanging around the HUB (office/meeting space) the past two days. It is pretty cool to have our own space, but it needs a lot of work... (Furniture, chairs, copy machine, office stuff, etc...) We are going to be having a bit of a working bee around the HUB. This Saturday from 9-1 pm. We'll be painting, putting stuff together and getting stuff organized. Want to come and help? You can stop by and say hello... Went to Coldstone with Vic and the kids and my dad tonight. My dad is such an awesome friend and I am proud of him. We had a good time and good ice cream. I am excited that a Coldstone is coming to GH. IF you could pick any restaurant to come to Grand Haven (or your town) what would it be? I would choose Outback Steakhouse. I love that place and their food. What do you think? Wanna start a franchise? Which one? hungry bumpkin, sd

The deurt and fam is home. Great time away. More to be said. Time for bed. sd

I added the home of the Big Dog. Link says: "Big Bow Wow forum." Packing and gearing up for vacation. I feel like Clark Griswald. sd

I have four eyes. I finally went out and picked up a pair of glasses. I have had two pairs of glasses in the past thirteen years that I rarely if ever wore. However, now my squinting has become painful and I can't read the menu at McDonald's (not that I have to.) So - I now will be trying to wear my glasses when I am out and about. We'll see... The office space is coming together and we should be able to move in tomorrow a little bit. I had keys made today and things are looking good! I am excited. The address is 1114 Washington, Grand Haven, MI 49417. We'll also have a phone in the future with some cheesy voice on the answering machine telling people that we are out golfing. (That was for you Wade.) Anyways -we are pulling together stuff for our trip and finalizing this Sunday. I can't see clearly now... sd

When I was a kid I told my neighborhood friends that my dad was really David Banner and not David Deur. In other words... my dad was the incredible hulk. This made me the son of the incredible hulk and I could also turn green and make my blue eyes glow in rage... so for heavens sake don't make me angry, you wouldn't like it when I'm angry. I offered proof of this by showing them a picture I colored of my dad. Crazy. But the kids were younger and I enjoyed the fun of feeling connected to the TV show that I loved so much as a kid. My dad still is my hero and he doesn't have to turn green to earn that spot. (He just needs to give the green if you know what I mean! Just kidding - that just popped in my head... dumb.) AWESOME day today. Hung out a bit with Wade and also made good headway on this week's "conversation chat message talk sermon." :) We are assembling camping stuff and the McCammon's have EVERYTHING! Thank you God for friends who know w...

This is a small picture of our campsite at Ft. Desoto. I can't wait to jump in the car with the kids and drive. The drive to Florida is almost as fun as the hanging out in Florida. I love a good twenty hour drive! I am sick and wrong. Some of my best memories growing up was traveling with my family. I think a big trip is a greenhouse for famly growth. Sometimes - most of the time - it comes out of some kind of mini-crisis on the trip or something not going totally as planned. Those shared experiences are awesome and talked about for years. So anyways - that is our campsite. Now we just need to figure out how to camp. :) deurty deeds, sd

Gatherings at 9:30 and 11:00 am @ GHHS. Come as you are (but no speedos) and celebrate. It aint gonna kill ya - it is resurrection day! :) sd

Proof in the bodily resurrection of Jesus. Huh? Just goes to show that how you look on the outside doesn't always match up on what is inside. Went to the easter egg hunt in central park today. I love that. Hanging out - seeing people - getting hardly any eggs - BUT a great tradition and community connection. We then hung out with my hair artist and her husband the dRummer dude at Mancinos. Good to hang out with them. They are a lot of fun and it is easy to relax with them and just chill. Have a happy easter! Resurrection Joe, sd

I CAN SEE SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For the love come to us oh mighty sun! Bathe us in your golden beams! Fry our skin! Make my skin peel! Peel away the funk that is winter! Well Vicki and I decided to go camping (in a tent) to florida. So - yeah - we'll keep you posted, but the key thing to know is that we don't know what we are doing. To top it off - we don't have any gear. So we will be mooching off friends. (I mean - giving friends an opportunity to serve us.) :) See you on EASTER SUNDAY! The invitation is still open to all you suckas! :) sd

Preparing for Easter Sunday message. I wonder what I will be sharing about.... hmmm.... maybe the FREAKING RESURRECTION?! :) Anyways - can you speak about the resurrection without going into the back story? I mean the way way way back story...? I have thought about it and because we have many people who are green about God's Word and the whole 'Jesus Liberation Movement' (as Rob Lacey calls it) we need to put the resurrection and the cross in context. Otherwise we have no idea why the resurrection and the cross and Jesus for that matter is important and why it matters and how it impacts each person. So - how far back do you go? To Jesus' beginning of his ministry and his teachings and what he said and foreshadowed? To the prophets? To Israel? To the first people and sin entering the world? I'm gonna give a super fast background on Sunday I think to get us all on the same page. I'll start with Adam and Eve and God's original design of life with Him ...

I have been doing some study on the resurrection of Jesus and I have found it interesting on a lot of different levels. I find the historical study fascinating. I also have enjoyed the theological framework of the resurrection and its absolute importance. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15 shares some thoughts and I leave them briefly with you with minimal commentary from deurty: "...Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas (Peter), then to the twelve." This little statement is a creed repeated by Paul that is placed within three years of Jesus' death and resurrection. This is then one of the first Christian creeds or in other words... this was on the first ever Christian's lips as they shared about Jesus. So often we hear about the substitutionary work of the cross and this is HUGE, but the Christian movement at its heart is a resurrecti...

Can we not come up with our own ideas? Pathetic, but true. :) It seems like making these kind of t-shirt designs produce a good profit... why not jump on the witness wearable band wagon! Any ideas? If we need a t-shirt to show we are a follower of Jesus then it tells me that my life isn't doing the job. Or I am just being silly. I am down with G-O-D and I have a shirt with Jesus on it (or at least a popular picture of him) but I don't wear it for people to make people repent... I just like it. So I am taking clever ideas for t-shirt and bumper sticker designs and phrases! My son has a remarkably quick gag relfex and sensitive stomach. I watched him do his best "exorcist" impersonation after drinking his milk too fast and too furious. huevos, sd

This sign could represent the reality of how "church growth" happens nowadays. I know us pastor types don't mean it, but how much of our "marketing," "programs," "articles," "concerts," and "such" are really directed toward churched people and not people who may be without a faith community and interested in connecting into one? I think it is easy to watch other churches around you and see them more as competition rather than partners. I think it's enjoyable to hear how your church is better than another one or your preaching is better or whatever. 75% of the churches in the USA are taking a nose dive. 25 % of the churches are growing. Of that 25%... 24% are growing because people are moving to another church... (transfer growth). 1% of the churches growing are actually growing because people are joining a faith community for the first time. Anyways - I would like Watermark to be a 1% church. This has implications! ...

Welcome the flying yankee kiwi combination that is Rhys Jones! Congrats! Please begin to seriously pray for this child as it is under the unique influence of the flying kiwi. :) Love you guys and big time congrats! sd

HOPE! I see a forty plus degree day approaching! Time to get out the shorts, the sandals, the sunscreen and my mental patient pills because it aint coming fast enough! I have enjoyed teaching the past few weeks about "Share Your Life." I love talking about the Jesus life. I also did a seminar called, "The Missional Life" which was a lot more in depth and practical compared to our Sunday chats. Anyways the favorite thought that popped in my brain was: MORE IS CAUGHT THAN TAUGHT. But through out the New Testament we see that while the focus was on living the Kingdom - there also was a proclaiming piece to it. So people can be TAUGHT WHAT THEY CAUGHT. anyways - since we are all constantly evangelizing each other (try to change my mind on that and you will be evangelizing) I found this conversation series to breath new life into my role as an ambassador in life and word with Jesus Christ. I just wish I could apologize to all of those people who have been hurt by...

Major league bummer and sadness. Dale Witte passed away. Dale is from Spring Lake and has an awesome family. Praying for them... I am sorry I have not been as regular on this. I will figure out what to do with the computer stuff in the next year I'm sure... Throw up a prayer for the Witte's. sd

I just started reading: "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" to my daughter. We are entering chapter three where we see Edmund meeting the Queen and getting hooked on Turkish Delight. (Which by the way is awful stuff.) (For those in Australia or NZ - I used to hate the Turkish Delight sections of the Cadbury 'Snack' Chocolate bars.) :) Anyways - I am really enjoying reading her this book. I love stories like this that make you imagine. I am reading the same book that my mom read to me. I received the whole "Chronicles of Narnia" for perfect attendance in Sunday School as a kid. Yeah for being the kid with a calendar full of stars! Time to go. This Easter we are looking at inviting people to hang with us at the gathering and then come over for dinner. If you are someone who has no place to go for dinner on Easter - let me know. steve.deur@iamwatermark.com If you can't stomach the gathering (church gig) then just come for food. :) Congrats t...

Sometimes people call guys, "fixers." Yet I seem perfectly fine to make do with things half busted and rigged for working order. I adapt. Sometimes I spend more time adapting than actually fixing it. Examples: > Light bulbs don't get replaced regularly. > Car exhaust goes unfixed. > Shower knobs have been broken from day one and require a pliers. > Remote controls busted for over a year and then realizing I can get a universal remote. > An ugly extension chord solving an electical situation in our kitchen that could be sorted out. > A toilet seat with a crack in it stayed on there for monthes - I just used the other one. > Computer broken still and can't really use... Other computer zapped by power outage and needs fixing. N ow using a make shift monitor with my computer with a busted monitor, but this old Gateway monitor keeps zapping and shutting off. Maybe you are getting the picture. In anycase I am the king of jerryrigging - but the pro...

On my way into the school this morning for our gatherings I hit a pot hole in the parking lot and my tire went flat. Gatherings went smoothly for the most part and I enjoyed my time talking with people. Enjoyed the afternoon with family and a killer meal from my mom. Came home and watched America's Funniest Home Videos as a family on the couch together. Put the kids to bed. Ordered a pizza and hot wings (got an extra medium pizza for free thanks to the Tri-Cities books nexgen is selling.) Watched television and chatted with my honey. She went to bed... I am talking to you. Good night.

Today is Harrison's second birthday. It is also my sister's twenty-ninth birthday. Happy Birthday!

What comes to mind when you see the dice above? For me... I must admit... I think of D&D. (Dungeons and Dragons) When I was in middle school/early high school I found myself working on characters for hours on end and playing the game on weekends with a few buddies. I was truly a D&D geek - but not totally, because I was younger than those dudes playing in their mom's basements in their mid-thirties. :) Anyways - I was told not to play anymore by my loving and concerned parents (thanks dad). I think the biggest issue wasn't the SATANIC themes (because there were none in the way we played.) I think the problem was that all my time was spent on it and all my notes and homework (when I took time to do it) had swords and blood and creatures all over it. Anyways - I still played in secret a little bit, but had to watch my back.... oooooo scary. Anyways - it was a fun game. I could turn this into a spiritual devotional moment and talk about why we want to live lives th...

I will not apologize for not blogging lately... (notice how I kind of apologized without really doing it?) Anyways, briefly, quickly, rapidly... YOU ARE WASTING SPACE STEVE GET ON WITH IT! I went to the "Grow Up" conference with Randy Frazee and Joe Meyers. I knew I needed to be there by the title alone! It was good. It was so good it made me ache. I ached, I longed, I hungered for the vision of life that they spoke about... The life you read in the pages of the Bible... the life of impact and health. I have a renewed desire to be a good neighbor. Not to "target" people for conversion. For example: Going to my neighbors home and giving them a plate of cookies and announcing that they are going to be baking for eternity in hell! :) I found that amusing... not that people will bake in hell, but by the thought of tying that comment to a plate of cookies. Would that statement have less punch if I brought store bought cookies? Anyways - I do want to be in relat...

My laptop monitor is fried and I am using the Watermark desktop at the moment until I figure out what to do. It is full on busted and a warranty is long gone... Oh well. I am going to try to hook it up to a monitor and see if I can get stuff from it and use it that way for a while. In the meantime - and advancement I made on my message is toast. The good news is that I wasn't planning on doing a ton of writing for the chat this Sunday, but still - it is a pain. But - at least I have a working computer to use!!! Have a great day! sd

"A good person produces good deeds from a good heart , and an evil person produces evil deeds from an evil heart . Whatever is in your heart determines what you say." - Jesus Christ in Luke 6:44 I watched a leadership teaching from Andy Stanley yesterday and he stated that we lead from our hearts. What is in our hearts will determine how we lead, because it determines how we live. He gave some different examples... like having anger, jealousy, greed, guilt etc... in our hearts and how that impacts our lives and the lives around us. I totally agree with the statement Jesus made and Andy taught about, but I am slow to grow my leadership in the heart. Maybe it is because growing the heart is a long and difficult process. Maybe (most likely) because that growing the heart involves times of quiet and not activity. It grows from times of looking in rather than looking out. It develops from activity that looks like inactivity and the pressing emergencies of the day breathe d...

I walk alone... I walk alone. The potential hub is coming together... A few more signatures and a lot of work and we are good to go. I will fill you all in more when things are more finalized. My face is peeling and it looks like I have a skin disease! LEPER - UNCLEAN - UNCLEAN! But the sun was worth every second! Anyways - that's all I have to say about that. sd