Deurty

Tonight we are supposed to get lots and lots of snow... So that means I will be up late looking at forecasts and up very early to drive the roads and talk to people in the know about the roads. There will be phone calls about whether or not we are canceling a gathering. Then if we don't cancel - which I tend to not do - someone will come up to me at the gathering and say, "Why didn't you cancel? It is dangerous! You should have canceled!" Then I wonder why in the world they are standing before me if it is so dangerous. I try to say, "We want people to know we are here and if you feel like it is too dangerous for you to come then please stay home and stay safe - there is no pressure for you to come." Anyways - I expect all these things in the next 24 hours so it should be fun. God give me patience, wisdom, good counsel, and help the snow blow over and hit only Grand Rapids. Amen. If Santa can get out in a blizzard - surely we can - even without Rudolph...

This tradition must stop! The most terrifying time of the year! sd

Last year at this time we remembered World AIDS Day in Johannesburg, South Africa. While we were there we met this little family in a township. These little kids had recently lost both of their parents to AIDS. Their grandmother was now caring for them. Today we remember, we pray, and we get involved. On this day I remember these kids and their parents. To get involved in bringing hope and life: Vox United World Vision It is past time for the church to "show up." sd PS - I am the church.

I had the awesome opportunity to go to the Catalyst One Day event in Granger, IN. The conference featured Craig Groeschel of LifeChurch.TV and Andy Stanley from Northpoint. During the entire conference: the singing, the teaching, the breaks, and the activities I observed people on iphones and laptops Twittering away... I like Twittering. It is my new favorite way to "blog" and stay in the loop. I twitter somewhat regularly. However, I thought it was a little obscene to see guys sitting down engrossed in thumb tapping what was happening while others stood and participated. I may be WAY judgemental on this, but I wonder how much we miss in our attempt to share what is going on. Remember that question: "if a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it - does it still make a sound?" Today's version could be: "am I really having an experience if I am not twittering about it? I like to share what is going on and what I'm thinking with friend...

I like Facebook. It was made for someone like me. I'm a sentimental freak. I like catching up with old friends and getting a whiff of their current life. I also like to share things that I care about with folks on facebook. One really cool website that provides outstanding perspective is: Global Rich List. I love this site because when we as American's talk about needing more money and stuff it is obscene - especially as we reflect on the world around us... often as close as our own city. So - I wanted to let people know about this site, but it was repeatedly blocked. Apparently users thought it was offensive. So it got me to thinking... Who would block a site to reveal where you stand economically in the world? I think it comes down to what people think the motivation of the site is. As you look at the site it becomes obvious (at least if you land in the top % of incomes) that it is about thinking differently about money, being rich, spending, and the impact you can m...

One of my favorite movies is "The Castle" from Australia. Here is a montage of some clips of Daryl John Kerrigan. What's a pulpit? sd

We gathered in "the round" today. Here is a pic of me chatting from the center about generosity. BRAD took this picture. I thought doing it in the round was a nice change. We've done it before, but not like this... The benefits for us: > It was an easy change to make that added some excitement. > It got everyone out of their usual routine and seats. > The band was behind us which reminded us that worship music isn't performance. > People got to see people in a different setting. > The room felt more cozy and warm. > The sound was great. > Everyone facing the center was an image of putting God at the center of our $. The downsides for us: > Sone people didn't like to be looked at during the singing. > I had to concentrate more on where I looked as I spoke so I didn't spin. > Everyone at some point had to look at my backside - maybe that is a benefit. > Took a bit longer to set the room up. Overall it was a great morning becau...

A friend of mine uses the phrase, "Showing Up." I like that phrase. As a follower of Jesus I think this phrase fits who I am supposed to be and what I'm supposed to do. Jesus showed up - "The Word became flesh and lived among us for a while..." I like this about Jesus - He comes down - He comes to us - He wraps Himself with flesh and blood. He shows up. Jesus showed up while He lived among us - He didn't come to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. Jesus showed up in His actions and met practical and spiritual needs. He forgave people, loved them, fed them, healed them, and gave His very life for them. How can the church (the Body of Jesus) show up in this season of financial difficulties? What if the church was known for radical generosity? What if we showed up to meet practical needs around us - with our skills, our cash, and our lives? I like the end result that Jesus talks about... 'People will see your good deeds ...

Over five years ago I started this blog. When I started I enjoyed sitting down and giving updates on my life, what I was experiencing, and sharing things that where on my mind and heart. Many of the earlier posts were longer... The word "rant" started to creep into the vocabularies of bloggers. I have to admit that I would much rather check in on someone through TWITTER or Facebook for quick updates or thoughts now. So - as this blog morphs into something else in the future (trying to figure that out still) - I encourage you to join the TWITTER universe and follow me here. Twittdeur, sd

Today I humbly announce that I am running for President of the United States in 2024. I ask for your prayers, your support, and all the money you can start raising. :) Just kidding - kind of, Have a great election day, Steve

Check out this little survey that examines where the church and politics intersect in your mind. I was scored as a Quiet Critic. Anyways take it here. How do you score? sd

With the economy sputtering, stocks falling, and fear running rampant we are taking a five week journey in God's Word to get our personal finances "Back in the Black." (I give props to Mikey Morgan's old church for the title name. Eastlake Community Church in San Diego.) I look forward to exploring the Bible and how we can experience financial peace and freedom in the midst of this chaotic time. You are invited. Grand Haven High School - 9:15 and 11:00 am. Get more information here. sd

Remember. The. Orphan. Peder Eide benefit concert Thursday, November 13 , at Fellowship Reformed Church at 7;00p.m. a special event is taking place involving five area families each adopting from Ethiopia, (including us!) national singer, songwriter & speaker Peder Eide, Bethany Christian Services & Compassion International staff. We will be joining together this evening for a time of praise, worship and to raise awareness about the needs of the orphans in the world. Everyone is welcome! *a freewill offering will be taken during the concert to financially assist the 5 familys in bringing their children home. FYI sd

This video is from Australia and does an excellent job at challenging our attitudes on what matters and stuff... Enjoy, sd

This Sunday, October 12th, is Watermark Church's fifth birthday. Unbelievable!!! I looked back at the blog archive in October 2003 and read through some of the old posts - fun stuff. I am so thankful for my amazing wife and family who have been so supportive and great partners in this journey. I thank God for the people we've been able to live life alongside of. I am so appreciative of the gifted staff I've been fortunate to work with. As we look forward to the next five years I am excited about the challenges in front of us and the dreams that God is birthing in our faith community. I hope to start blogging more about the future in the near future. :) So - thanks God for letting us be on this journey for the past five years! sd This is my favorite type of image from our five years together.

October 1992 - the month we started dating. Today Vicki and I celebrate fourteen years of marriage! I am so thankful for her. Loving my honey, sd

i have been using Twitter a bit and have enjoyed keeping up with what people are up to. To follow me and check it out - go to: Twitter. If you sign up and join the ride let me know and I'll follow what you are up to... Have a swell day, sd

I was recently thinking about who the greatest lead singers / frontmen / frontwomen are. Here is the question for you: "If you could have the charisma, looks, and talent of any lead singer / front person who would you be?" I would have the voice and vibe of Ian Astbury , from the Cult, if I had to choose. Owwwww Yeah! sd How about you? Comment and give props to your favorite lead!

Did you know that you can help entrepreneurs launch new businesses and provide for their families all over the world through becoming a lender? The "Bank of You" can make a practical impact in the third world! Check out KIVA and learn more about this interesting way to impact the world for the cost of a night out to Applebees. On a side note - I am devastated that summer is over. The worst part is the constant "in your face" reminders of this reality when shopping at the store and seeing Halloween junk out already!!!! Please - put it away! Not until October for the love! Have a great day, sd

Seven week series on the book of Acts starting September 7th. Take the leap, sd

Our adoption blog is finally up. It is Heart of Adoption. Thanks for your encouragement and support. sd

What does a bold life look like? This was his final speech before his death. Be bold , sd

I have a theory about West Michigan. I think that people generally in West Michigan believe that they understand Christianity and the church. Therefore, we need to reveal a Christianity and church that they don't understand. This is what we see in the book of Acts in the New Testament. The church was so generous, so selfless, and breaking down all kinds of walls that it became magnetic. I dream of the day we see the church being an alternative transformation community that becomes magnetic. I dream of the day that the way we live together makes people shake their heads and wonder if they have been misled regarding being a follower of Jesus. So here is my little statement again, "People believe they understand Christianity and the Church. We must show them Christianity and the Church they do not understand." I have a dream, sd

Bill Hybels has a book that discusses the power that comes from identifying and leaning into your Holy Discontent. What is that thing that moves you to say, "That's it! I can't take it any more! Things must change!" What is your issue/hot button topic/area of passion/thing that needs to be changed? sd Today I had an emotional holy discontent moment regarding abortion. What's yours?

Following the Tigers makes me so crazy angry that I should take a break. The bullpen is awful. I can't rant any more without crossing a line somewhere... So with that - I say - a year that could have been was flushed. sd

Our paperwork is in Ethiopia. Now we wait... and wait... Pray for patience. We are very excited! sd

This weekend the Coast Guard Festival commences. We are working with at least 17 other churches in serving the community. To learn more or get involved in the prayer vigil go to: SHORELINE PRAYS. sd

Saw Batman. The Joker is an absolute terrorist. Great acting by Heath Ledger. Batman's masked voice is annoying. It is amazing how the Joker has gone from a laughing goof ball to a force of pure darkness and evil... Could it be the post 9/11 world? It was a great movie - although it seemed to have a few endings, but I like long movies. I like to get my money's worth. It's business time, sd Best movie of the summer is....? What do you think?

Here are more quotes on being a pastor... From "The Contemplative Pastor." "Is there any way that I can live with these people and love them without being shaped by the golden-calf culture? How can I keep from settling into the salary and benefits of a checkout clerk in a store for religious consumers? How can I avoid metamorphosis from the holy vocation of pastor into a promising career in religious sales?" "People are uncomfortable with mystery (God) and mess (themselves). They avoid both mystery and mess by devising programs and hiring pastors to manage them." "But prayer is not a work that pastors are often asked to do except in ceremonial ways. Most pastoral work actually erodes prayer. The reason is obvious: people are not comfortable with God in their lives. They prefer something less awesome and more informal. Something, in fact, like the pastor. Reassuring, accessible, easygoing. People would rather talk to the pastor than to God. ...

From Eugene Peterson's book, "Under the Unpredictable Plant" "Somehow we American pastors, without really noticing what was happening, got our vocations redefined in the terms of American careerism." "...the vocation of pastor has to do with living out the implications of the word of God in community, not sailing off into the exotic seas of religion in search of fame and fortune." "I find that resentment of the congregation is the 'sin crouching at the door' every time I enter or leave the church." Pastors are people, sd

Well - I'm playing around with Twitter. Check it out mine HERE You can follow me on this thing and if you do it - I can follow you. I am not sure why you would want to, but it is a new toy to play with for now. SHOW, sd

Well - our paperwork and all our stuff is on its way to Washington DC and soon to Ethiopia! We are excited and need to grow in the area of patience. I am thinking about shutting this blog down in its current form and relaunching with a different format - etc... Or I'll catch my fourth wind and low ahead. I have made Deurty.com a resource site with stuff - but I think I may want to change that as well. When I get some time I'll figure it out. Thanks sd

Vicki and I just completed all our paperwork for the adoption. We still will have a long wait, but at least the little details are done! Now we learn patience and trust God. I hope to be starting an adoption blog soon with that journey. sd

This morning I checked with WoodTv and Wzzm and both said that no rain would hit the lakeshore. East of GR would get rain, but not until the afternoon. In other words - don't worry - have your gathering outdoors! Yeah right. It rained just as Thompson began to speak. (Prophetic?) "On target weather" is shooting blanks baby! Our local weather has burned me well I must confess... They will suffer the consequences. :) Here's to good weather for next sunday! sd

I found this "open letter to a church shopper" by Kelly Adkins at Tim Stevens blog. Anyways I thought it was good and wanted to share it with you. Dearest Career Church Hopper: I met you again on Wednesday, the same person smiling at me through a different face, telling me that you've been shopping for churches for months now, and that darn it, you "just can't find one (you) like." The music's too rocky at this one, you said; the preacher too funny at that one. The latest one might make the cut, though: you'd had the pastor and his wife over the previous evening for a little "dinner audition" -- your words, not mine -- and he said things that made you feel good and comfortable, things that you already agree with, so you're thinking about sticking around. At the very least, you could get your teaching from this church and your worship from that one. I'm sure we'll run into each other again, but before we do, I'd like...

Brad Z. has a growing and glowing web tv show called Church Media Design . He also has been recognized for his work on our IAMMARKED site at Church Relevance where it was added to the top 85 church web sites. Congrats to Brad and well done! sd To learn more about Brad go to: Vinmark Productions.

Read this article from CNN that reveals the plight of thousands of Ethiopian children. I have been reading Ethiopian news with some regularity and have a growing passion for this remarkable and legendary country. I hope to post news that I find interesting from time to time. It is in times like this that I pray the church (that I myself) would sacrificially serve and meet needs. Jesus commanded those of us who call ourselves Christians, in John 13, to love one another as He has loved us. Through this sacrificial love for one another the wider world begins to recognize us as followers of Jesus. It begins with love - love that is active - love that moves. Love is as love does. Is it in me? Lord may it be, sd

Hey. Here are a couple announcements from your Deurty friend. 1. I just started a NING page for Watermark. Check it out and feel free to join here. 2. Tomorrow is Thompson's birthday. (37) See his blog link to the right. 3. We are close to launching our adoption blog - I'll keep you in the loop. 4. I am very excited about our "Because of You" Celebration Sunday. June 8! 5. My wife made an amazing Meat Loaf tonight. She rocks! 6. I am looking for a good summer read - any suggestions? Killing me softly, sd

Vicki's grandfather passed away this weekend at the ripe old age of 103 and a half. He was born in 1904. Imagine what he saw in his life... He was too young for World War 1 and too old for World War 2. James Sergent was a great man of faith, family, and faithfulness. 103 sounds good to me, sd

My buddy Pete shredding the Anthem. sd

I wanted to share with you that Vicki and I are in the front-end of a process to adopt a child from Ethiopia. Where do I begin... Vicki has always been interested in adopting a child and I (being a fella) was a bit more practical and thought it was a great idea... for someone else. But, a few years ago we began to consider adoption on a deeper level. We checked into it a little bit, but then decided to try for another child. We had Willem. He rocks by the way. So, now fast forward a couple years to early 2007. I started to a more in-depth personal study on the good news = "The Kingdom of God." God's Word revealed to me how addicted I am to myself, comfort, control, and financial security. It also opened my heart to people who are hurting and in need of God's love and practical assistance. I also had a lot of opportunity to do a study on God's view of the poor, the widow, the stranger, and the orphan... I finally got around to preaching on the "Kingdo...

Deurty.com is what I've been working on lately. I am posting some past messages, articles, and highlights. I will be starting another blog down the road for another reason that I will share with you in the next week... We are doing a study on the cross of Jesus for the next four weeks. I have really enjoyed the study and have been moved. The weather has been amazing! sd

There was a report on the "Today" show about people having the same name as you and finding them on the web. Have you ever "googled" or "yahooed" your name? Do you pop up? How popular are you in the electronic listing? Anyways - I like to type in the name's of people I know under "images" in Google and see what my friend's namesakes look like. Here are some examples: Brad Zimmerman Steve Thompson Brett Jones With the web the world shrinks and we find out that we aren't the only person with our name. Someone else has the audacity to run around their town with your name! I found out that there were two other Steve Deurs in the Holland/Zeeland area when I was in college. I worked with one at a grocery store and I met another one at a camp. Strange. So - what comes up when you google your name? At least we still have our fingerprint, sd

Vacation is something I look forward to. I usually feel tired and in a rut by the time a vacation finally rolls around. So when the vacation begins I find that it takes me at least two-three days to totally wind down, get into a new state of mind, and let things go back home. When this happens it is like a band aid. I am cut up a bit - worn down - and scabbed up - vacation is placed neatly over my body and soul. For a little while I am aware of the band aid - it feels different - it smells different - I still feel a bit of pain under it - I am a man with a cut in need of a band aid. But over time I forget about the band aid. I adjust - it seems to be a part of me - natural - doing its healing work... THIS IS WHEN I EMERGE TRULY ON VACATION. BUT, then I return home. It takes two to three days for me to actually let a vacation work on me, but it seems like an hour after I return home - I am ripped out of the warm cozy womb of vacation and thrown into the cold world of reality - wher...

THE MONKEY IS OFF THE BACK OF THE DETROIT TIGERS! I resume my chocolate eating tomorrow at Cold Stone. Bless you boys - finally a win! Enjoying vacation, sd

Please disregard my last post as young and dumb idealism. After another absolutely ugly loss and an 0-6 record I, Steve Deur, hereby commit to fast from my favorite thing (chocolate) until they have a win. Every time I crave chocolate I will pray for the Tigers. This may be shallow and meaningless, but I have an ache in my tummy. It may be gas or it may be heart break. No choco till win! sd

When I was a kid I enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers play on television with my dad, my uncles, some cousins, and my grandpa Van Wieren. The game was filled with names like Trammell, Parish, and Morris. One other name always seemed to find its way to the end of the game when everything seemed to matter more. That name was Gibson. Kirk Gibson, or as my grandpa called him, "Big Boy." Big Boy always seemed to be up when they needed a hit most and the air inside the family room of my grand parent's home was electric and filled with anxious feelings. Often if it got too intense I think my grandpa actually turned off the television or walked away. I could here him saying things like, "it is over..." "here they go again." (I don't know if those were the words, but I remember the feeling. The idea was - "they will blow it or not come through... especially Big Boy." So just turn it off now and spare yourself the pain.) Anyways - I am a ...

1:05 pm - Monday. Opening Day of Detroit Tiger Baseball! Bless you boys, sd

Currently I am addicted to playing "Settlers of Catan." It is a board game that involves trading, expanding territory, and building up settlements. Anyways - I enjoy the idea of using the resources of the island of Catan for my own gain. (Just kidding - I am a good steward of the Catan resources like every good little Christian should be... but oh wait - this isn't real life! I forget because I am played a lot of Dungeons and Dragons as a kid and I think all this is real!) :) So anyways - I really like the game and recommend you try it or buy it or whatever. Here is a link to learn more... Settlers of Catan Here is how I feel while posting this. Have a great day and pray for sun and warmth! sd

Today is "good" Friday. God for your love I am thankful. While we were uninterested, uninspired, undecided, and unbelieving... Jesus died for us. Amen

We have hopped on another 24/7 prayer train this week leading up to Resurrection Sunday. To participate or check it out a bit go to: Shoreline Prays Check out the local article: Watermark in the news. I always enjoy the prayer times - they are moments when I actually stop to reflect... otherwise I find life to easily become a lot of flailing about with little understanding or direction. Have a great week! sd

I am enjoying reading through the book of Proverbs this month. There are 31 chapters in Proverbs and 31 days in March = one a day. If you want to get some wisdom for life - Proverbs is a great book to read. It is quick, concise, and helpful. Do you have a favorite Proverb that isn't actually a Proverb? You know... ones like: "Cleanliness is next to godliness." "If you don't have anything nice - don't say anything at all." "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Lay on us your best wisdom, sd

Style that goes a mile.

This Sunday we are checking the "Word on the Street" regarding money as well as looking at Proverbs dealing with riches. So, let me ask you... how much money would it take to make you feel happy/secure? I think people tend to throw out numbers like: $1,000,000, but I am curious what everyone thinks. Have you ever hoped to win the lotto and then realized you haven't ever played it? What? sd

Today i realized that I like New York City, but I despise New York City sport teams. I like Chicago and really enjoy spending time there, but I can't stand Chicago teams. I have great dislike for the city of Detroit, but love the sport teams. Go Tigers! sd

The days of kick the can in the front yard, of Saturday morning cartoons being cool, of Donkey Kong, of running around the neighborhood without a care in the world and no fear of predators. I had a great childhood and for that I am thankful. As you can see from this photo - I also had a great fashion role model in my father. He is showing big time! sd

I have been reading a great book by the title above. It is the story of a woman who tries to help as many orphaned kids as possible in the wave of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. The book is inspiring because it deals with self sacrifice as well as providing compelling information about HIV/AIDS and Ethiopia. One quote from the book that addressed the lack of help given to Africa in the midst of the HIV/AIDS pandemic was challenging: Stephen Lewis calls the voluble hobnobbing of experts on the subject of global health and orphans "speakathons"; they "give credence," he writes, "to the proposition that if you talk about something for long enough, the illusion will be created that progress in the world of reports, analyses, figures, tables, diagrams, and at least a thousand PowerPoint presentations, not to overlook throbbing intellectual rumination, but very little progress that's discernible in the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children on the ground." So her...

When Vicki and I lived in Australia (1995-1997) we had the joy of leading a group of young people. We called our group, "Xtreme." Now, this was right before everything was called "xtreme" and it was the mid-nineties so cut me some slack. :) Anyways, Vicki and I often reflect on our time in Australia. It was truly the most influential shaping experience in our lives besides getting married and having kids. We rolled into Sydney with five months of marriage under our belt. I was twenty-three and Vicki was twenty-one. We learned how to do life together in Australia. We experienced "life together" in Metric. Well - the little Xtreme group we gathered was born out of nothing. When we started we had one youth contact. I hung around in local schools and met some young people who agreed to hang out. We then gathered more students through a youth contact in another area. Over time this group grew and Vicki and I were able to build some great relationshi...

Some things: I have been putting together a website with past messages and articles for those interested. I will try to do it differently in the future, but it is a start. If you want to read some go to: DEURTY.COM I can't wait for baseball season!!!!!!!!!! Go Tigers! AHHHHHH - I can't wait! Diet Coke tastes better than regular Coke after a year. Cadbury chocolate is better than Hershey's. Facebook is better than MySpace. My dad can beat up your dad. I am hoping Johnny Love can make an appearance at my daughters Valentine party. My boat. sd

Just wanted to encourage you to go to: Church Media Design TV. This site is by our own Brad Zimmermann of Vinmark Productions. Brad is also on our staff doing creative communications. Church Media Designer is a show that can assist you in learning tech stuff that will enhance your communications. Check it out! Watch, comment, and ask questions. Way to go Brad! sd

If you could do one thing and you know you wouldn't fail and you would have the necessary resources to accomplish it... what would you do? (beyond what you already may be doing and loving...) I think of some... > Write, make and star in two movies. (One Sci-Fi and one comedy.) > Be the first chaplain on Mars. > Run for political office - US House of Reps for starters. How about you? sd

As a staff we have been walking through something we call: "Rapids 3: Wired." Nate Smith is walking us through this interactive seminar. We walk through personality, spiritual bent, and spiritual gifting. We then look at how we appear to be wired and how we interact together. Anyways - I came out an ENFP once again. What are you? Here is a relatively quick online test you can take. It also has some descriptions. Personality Test For fellow staff bloggers: Thompson is also an ENFP and Nathan Sean Smith is an INTJ. So share who you are and we'll understand you better - maybe. :) I think Witte was INTJ as well, sd * I know we got responses from this question in October of '06, but I thought I'd open it up again for fresh meat.

If you grew up in the same time frame as me you might remember this photo style... You may even have one! I remember as a kid we called this the "alien picture." There you are with the regular looking photo with a faded profile jetting out. Will Ferrell does this wonderfully. I never did get that style picture. My parents maybe were too traditional or they didn't offer such cutting edge technology to us Christian school kids. Did you get one of these? sd

What things would you like to do/accomplish/experience/change in this upcoming year? For me the list includes: > Better discipline in life -> schedule/rest/eating/solitude/exercise. My question to this is: Is a change of disciplines sustainable? > When given the choice take a risk -> fear is a life killer for me. I think it will preserve me and keep me safe, but it just eats away at me. So when in doubt - risk. > Create -> underneath it all I am an artist and I think I'm starting to again realize that. Growing up I was known as an artist and along the way the office work shoved that part of me out of the way. So, this year I want to create something. Baby steps. So, those are a few, how about you? Another question: who are you pulling for in the election? Democrats: I liked Richardson the best, but he's out - so I'm pulling for Obama. Republicans: I like McCain and Huckabee. Libertarians: Ron Paul (this is where he fits best and he has a refresh...