Spanky Speaks

"Who Do You Say That I Am?"

2011-08-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus asks his disciples a very important question..."Who do people say that I am." The disciples gave him a variety of answers, and then he asked THE question. This is the question that all of us, Christian or not, must answer..."Who do YOU say that I am?" The disciple Peter was quick to answer, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." I believe that all of us are faced with this question everyday. Non-Christians or Atheists cannot avoid this question either. Jesus changed the world, and even they must come to terms with who he is. They may say he was nothing more than a good man or teacher, but they still must confront Jesus. That is why it is vitally important that we, as Christians, answer this question daily. When asked, I'm sure most Christians would say that Jesus is the Messiah, just as Peter did. But what if others are looking for the answer without asking the question? What if people who are seeking Jesus are trying to find him by examining our lives? What answer would they discover? Yes, it is grace that saves us, but will others see Jesus when they see us? Will others come to know the living Messiah because of the way we live? In no way am I saying that Christians should be perfect (we cannot achieve such lofty expectations), but I am saying that we should be trying to answer this question in all areas of our lives. Do we show Jesus in our work, in our play, in our relationships, at the ballgame, in traffic, in our anger or frustrations, in our everyday dealings. "Who do you say that I am?" Jesus asks the question everyday. What is your answer today?

Almost Heaven Part 2

2011-08-08T07:39:00.000-07:00

On the last night of our West Virginia trip, Pr. Mark took our group to a place called "Beauty Mountain." This was a viewing area high in the mountains overlooking the New River Gorge. It's name was understated. This view was gorgeous. We arrived as the sun was setting over the mountains, creating a very serene atmosphere. Pr. Mark instructed us all to sit in silence and take in all that God had to say to us. For at least 10 minutes we worshipped in the silence, yet heard so much. As I gazed over the amazing creation, I felt really small. The mighty river below, that we raced down the day before, seemed almost insignificant. The vastness of the scenery overwhelmed me and I wondered to God, "Who Am I?" Sometimes I feel very important and big. Sometimes I feel that this world could not survive without me, and I have a jaded view of my significance. But on that mountain I felt like a speck of sand on the beach, or a wave on the ocean. This world has long existed before me and will long exist after I'm gone. It was a humbling moment. But, then, I heard God speak to me, saying, "yes, I created all this long before there was you. And yes, my creation is much bigger than you. But you are still more important to me than all of it. Remember, I did not die for the mountains, the rivers, or the setting sun, I died for you. This creation will all end someday, but you will be with me forever in paradise." Of all the wonders that God has created, He still loves us more than all of it. That is also a humbling thought, but a life-giving humbling thought at that! Amen.

Almost Heaven...

2011-08-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

Almost Heaven, West Virginia! I just recently returned from a Sr. High trip to West Virginia, where we did volunteer work with the National Parks and then did some whitewater rafting on the New River, & "duckying" on the Gauley River (A "ducky" is an inflatable kayak). The trip involved both hard work and hard play. Our work in the parks seemed unspiritual, but it was hard work and much appreciated by the park rangers. Our evenings were spent playing in the water and bonding as a group. It was a good week. The high point for me was probably on Thursday. Most of the day was spent on the Gauley River where "Old Man River" was laughing at me! The river definitely knows how to humble the proudest of egos. I felt confident going in that I could handle my ducky and not be taken victim like other novices. There were 54 of us, plus river guides, duckying down the river that day. After falling out of my ducky into the first 3 rapids, I was embarrassed, my confidence clearly shaken, and my ego sorely bruised. Luckily for me, thanks to the help of the amazing river guides, that was all that was bruised. As the trip down the river continued, the words to the song "You Never Let Go" started playing in my head. "Oh no, you never let go, through the calm and through the storm. Oh no, you never let go, in every high and every low. Oh no, you never let go, Lord. You never let go of me." The more I sang those words, the more my worries and fears subsided. And yes, I started to figure out how to survive the rapids. I only dumped in one more time out of about 20 more opportunities. What I learned on the river that day was a great metaphor for life. There are times when we can float along peacefully, enjoying the beauty around us (it was gorgeous!), and the company of our loved ones. Those are great times. There are also times when others are in troubled waters and we are called upon to lift them back to safety. It feels good to be a "hero," helping others in their time of need. And then there are times when we can't hold on and the river is taking us for a ride, washing over us, and we are helpless. It stinks to need help from others, but without it, I could have been swept under a rock and possibly drowned. I didn't care how I got back in my ducky, I just wanted back in! Yes it was humbling, but that is what community is all about. Helping when you can, receiving help when you need it, and being thankful for those that were on the ride with you! At the end of the day, only about 5 people didn't fall in the river, but we were all glad to have survived it together. We were all proud of one another, not for our "duckying" abilities, but for the community we had on (and IN) that river. I truly believe Jesus was at the center of it. Remembering that He never let's go of us, AND being surrounded by such a great community, was what kept me going and ultimately provided for me an awesomely spiritual experience. I truly believe that God's greatest gift to us is Jesus, and His next greatest gift to us is one another. Thanks, "Old Man River" for reminding me of what our Christian lives are all about. Amen.

Jesus, My Hero!

2011-04-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

On this the holiest of weeks for Christians, I have been encouraged by my Men's group to write why Jesus is my hero. So here goes...
Jesus, you are my hero because you are always changing the old and making them new. You changed the course of history. Dates and times are based on your life. You changed entire cultures and their tradtions. You changed our view of God, how we know God, and how to draw near to God. We don't have to work to get to you, you came to us. You changed religion to relationship. You give us your unconditional love, grace, and forgiveness through your sacrafice instead of our having to earn your love. Because of your resurrection you have conquered the grave, changing our fear of death, and giving us eternal life!
You continue to change hardened hearts, drawing them to you through that love that you lavishly provide for us. Yes, Jesus, you are always changing the old for new, but you are never changing. You are our rock that doesn't roll. You are Alpha and Omega. Yes, you are the same always, but we never will be when we live our lives for you. Jesus, Thank you for being my hero.

Mission Trip Post #4- Wednesday Night

2010-08-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

Wow! Today was our best day. Everyone felt fulfilled in the work that we did. My group served lunch at the Salvation Army to an extremely diverse clientele. Others switched to work with the elderly and others did Kids Club for the first time. We were all blessed by and through the work that we did today. I must confess that my group's day started a bit rough. We were an hour late for our worksite because we set out for the wrong Salvation Army. To make matters worse, we got lost looking for the place that we weren't supposed to go to. Sometimes I am not so bright! When we called to get corrected, we were told that our site was about 5 minutes away from the church. Oh well, at least we got to see new parts of Brooklyn.
The real power of the day came in the evening. We got to go have fun at the world famous boardwalk area known as Coney Island! We rode the "Wonder Wheel," played games, ate coney dogs, and had some much needed fun. When we returned for the evening worship time, the spirit really moved us. "Club" time is what they call it when all 65 of us gather together to sing, listen to a helpful talk about the day's theme, and pray together. The other part of the night is spent in our own church groups. That is when our kids had a time of spiritual purging. The mood had already been set in the large group, and we continued it in a powerful, Holy Spirit filled way. We affirmed one another, forgave one another (for those who needed to do that), sang togeher, cried together, prayed together, and knocked down some major walls spiritually. Our youth became more real to one another and to God tonight, because He became more real to them.We were weak, but Christ was definitely strong in our weakness. I am very excited for tomorrow's day of service and tomorrow night's grand finale. The Holy Spirit is moving, and I am just trying to hang on to it for our kids' sake. I'll see you tomorrow. Keep praying! Amen!!!

Mission Trip Post #3-Wednesday Morning

2010-08-04T05:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry gang, that I didn't write last night, but immediate sleep sounded better. Yesterday was a good day, too. We repeated our work sites and will be switching sites today. My group will be going to the Salvation Army, while others will be switching to elderly care homes or kids club (VBS) sites. Our youth who have been working with the elderly have been pleased. They are meeting many people of great diversity, and with wisdom in their stories. I told you earlier that we are in a neighborhood with pockets of diversity. One section is Chinese, another Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Hassidic Jews, etc. They asked us last night if we live in cities with "pockets" of diversity. I told them that we live in the Swedish ghetto with a few Germans and Danes mixed in. I said it has explosive potential, but we maintain the peace pretty well. It's interesting that the peace in Brooklyn is kept pretty well. We are free to walk in these neighborhoods in our free time (not night time), with an adult. We have not felt threatened or unwelcomed at all. To me, that is a taste of the Kingdom of God. We are not where we should be in our integration, especially of the Gospel, but getting a taste makes me want to strive for more.
OK, I'll give details of our new work sites tonight after we visit Coney Isand. Amen.

Mission Trip Post #2- Monday Night

2010-08-02T21:07:00.000-07:00

We survived our first day at our worksites in Brooklyn with a mixed bag of responses. Most of our group were working with elementary aged children, while some worked with the elderly. Not everyone had a moving experience. Some of us were left feeling useless and wondering what good we were doing. Others were very inspired and even one was moved to tears. Kyrstin met a boy at VBS who told her that he had recently witnessed a shooting. A handful of other children were talking about other, similar, experiences that saddened our hearts. We all agreed that 6 & 7 year olds should not have these experiences. Despite the variance of emotions and expriences, just on day one, we all believed that God was at work and that we would all be challenged in many different ways. We have been talking about stepping out of our comfort zones and trying to see the world around us with God's eyes. This is not easily done, but it is definitely worthwhile. We will keep striving toward those goals as we journey into day 2.
Personally, my highlight of the day was singing, loudly, in the subway station! There is nothing like praising God in unique places. I'll talk to you all tomorrow. Please keep the prayers rolling. Amen.

p.s. The Brooklyn Bridge is very cool! We got our picture taken with some aspiring models. How fun!

Mission Trip Post #1- Sunday Night

2010-08-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

We made it to Brooklyn! We weren't the last ones and we made it without incident. We did get a little turned around in Newark, NJ, but that was just a hiccup. Kathy and Dawn split the driving in one van and I, miraculously, (with the help of a bottle of "5 hour energy" and some great worship songs) drove the entire trip on only 3 hours of sleep. God is good! I never felt tired, or that I was putting any of our kids in jeopardy. Overall, the trip took appoximately 14 hours, including the stops. The kids were great. They mostly slept, but we did have some fun interactions as well. We arrived in Brooklyn driving through Staten Island. We could see the Statue of Liberty off in the distance as we crossed from the island to Brooklyn. We arrived at our church by traveling through a smaller, but highly populated version of Chinatown. The community we are in is highly diverse with "neighborhoods" sectioned off in different ethnicities. I mentioned the large Chinese section. In addition, we are close to a Puerto Rican community, Hassidic Jewish community, Indian, and Middle Eastern communities as well. We begin our work tomorrow, and I am very excited for our youth to be working amongst and with this broad range of diverse people. Now, I am off to pass out! Good night and Amen!

1 down. 1 to go!

2010-07-31T05:54:00.000-07:00

One week that is! Yes, this is my busiest time of the year, but also the most rewarding. We just finished our week of Vacation Bible School for our "youngins." It is a fantastic week, with high energy and passion for Jesus. We learn Bible verses, do crafts, play games, swim, and rock out with the band "Captive Free." They are a part of an organization called "Youth Encounter" and are always a featured addition to our VBS exprience. Check them out at youthencounter.org. They always do a great job of creating the enthusiasm in our kids. We now have many kids coming back to help when they get older. It's great to see that their experience leads them to want to give back. Even through college, they come because they love to be at VBS. I love that, and I hope that always will be the case.
The next week is our Sr. High mission trip to Brooklyn, NY. 18 of us will be traveling in 2 vans and driving in the middle of the night to get there. This will be a powerful week for our youth and I am excited for them. Please pray for our safety as we travel (that 3 drivers will stay awake!), and that the Holy Spirit would be so powerful that our kids would come back energized to always be Christ's hands and feet.
I'll try to blog every day while on the trip. Talk to you soon. Amen.

Real Life?

2010-07-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

It has been almost two weeks since we've been home from LiFest, and almost two weeks since my last blog. Life has returned to what might be labeled "normal." Or at least as normal as my life can be. My speaking duties are behind me for the time being and my youth ministry duties are back in full force. The next two weeks will be spent running VBS and then traveling to Brooklyn, NY to participate in a Youthworks! mission trip. It should be amazing.
Speaking of "real life," my last two weeks have been spent in preparation for these next two big events. In between, I did make time for some "fun." Jen, Allie, and I did spend some vacation time to visit my Dad in northern Michigan (Alpena, where I grew up). After returning to the great town of Sparta, MI, I had the pleasure of playing in a local softball tournament. I love to compete, have fun, and win. Little did I know that I would be doing none of these. I scratched together a team of church league players thinking that the level of competition would be similar to our talent level. Upon arriving at the tourney, we found this not to be true. We were in way over our heads, and about four good players short of being where we should haved been. What was troubling, however, was not how much better the other players were (they were impressive), but rather their attitudes. I got the sense that playing softball and winning trophies was essential to their existance and necessary for their esteem. They walked around like they were extremely important (arrogant, to be exact), and used language that should not be spoken in public. Sadly, their attitudes incited one of my players to respond in kind, setting off a couple of "less than stellar" moments of excessive testosterone emmission. Cooler heads prevailed without major incident, but the atmosphere was set and a pall was cast for the rest of the day. We lost both of our games that day and exited ingloriously. If it sounds like I am sour grapes about losing, I am not. It was more the bad attitudes that ruined my day. It's true, I don't like to lose, but at the end of the day, I had a moment of perspective. I realized that, although I lost badly in a softball tournament, my life is about the victory that I always have in Jesus. I felt badly for the men who place their value in the trophies of this world. When the games are over and their bodies don't allow them to compete any longer, what will their lives be about? I pray that they come to know the Jesus that I know. That they would come to know the Jesus that fills my soul and allows me to feel like a winner even after a loss. I pray that they find a purpose in their life that is bigger than themselves, and realize that true value in life comes from knowing, loving, and serving Jesus. As I went to bed that night, I thanked Jen for the life that we have. I thanked her that we can love Jesus, love each other, and serve Him with our lives. Now that is what I call living a "Real Life." Amen.

Oh, the People You Meet!

2010-07-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

Our time at LiFest has been awesome! (I know, that is such a youth ministry word. Oh well.) Jen, Allie, and I have met some truly amazing people. We've bonded with Noell and Dan from the band "Reilly," I've prayed with Caleb from the band "Sevenglory," talked with Michael Tait from the "Newsboys," Chris the bass player and Mark, the lead singer from "Casting Crowns," and even spoke briefly with Rev. Jim Wallis. All of those people have amazing gifts, and they are using them for the glory of God. What makes our experience at LiFest complete, though, is the meetings I've had with all the wonderful people that are here camping, working, and volunteering. They may not be on stage like the people I've mentioned, but they do have something in common with the "on-stage" folks. They all have a heart for Jesus. It shines through in their conversations, their smiles, and their enthusiasm. No they are not "on-stage," but they are using their gifts to serve God in their churches and communities. This has been a great picture of God's Kingdom...God's people joining together for worship, for fellowship, for inspiration, all in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Rockin' & Rollin' at LiFest!

2010-07-08T15:39:00.000-07:00

God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good (Thank you Peder Eide)! I spoke this morning at LiFest, and I believe God spoke through me and despite of me. Besides, it's His message, not mine. So, of course, it went well. When we carry Christ's Gospel of love, He can do amazing things. I feel very affirmed in what happened today, and I know that I am blessed to be one of many carriers of that carrier of the Gospel. Today's talk was about the power of forgiveness. When we forgive those who have hurt us, I believe powerful things happen in our lives.
1. We show that we have accepted God's gift of grace in our own lives. He always and endlessly forgives and loves us through the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2. We stand in obedience to Jesus, maintaining our fellowship with Him and with those around us. He is all about forgiveness, and He commands us to do the same. When we follow his lead, and obey His commands, we are all better for it!
3. We heal! When we have been hurt, we become broken. And the deeper the hurt, the greater the brokenness. Sometimes justice is needed and warranted, but know this...justice will not heal our brokennesss. Justice will not end our bitterness and anger. Only forgiveness will. I truly believe that complete healing will only happen through forgiveness.
4. We show Christ to the world. We are all called, as Christians, to be witnesses and lights to this hurting and dark world. There may be no more powerful witness to Christ's love than when we forgive those who have hurt us most. The world wants us to seek revenge, but Jesus calls us to forgive. When we do forgive, others will see Jesus. Amen.

Today has been a true blessing as I have met many great people. I have also learned that White Sox fans (Chicago fans) Twins, Vikings (Minnesota), and even Packer fans can be really great people (right Lydia from Fon Du Lac!). I didn't think it was possible, but, once again, I've been proven wrong! Ha Ha! I love you all, and I'll talk to you later. Peace!

One day until LiFest

2010-07-06T07:57:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe that LiFest starts tomorrow. I hope everyone is praying to be in tune with the Holy Spirit while we're there. I don't feel that we have to pray for the Spirit to be there. I know it will be there. It is just a matter of all of us letting the Spirit carry us while we're there.
And speaking of letting the Spirit lead....I had the opportunity to do the preaching at my church on Sunday, July 4th. It was a great day to reflect of freedom. I am thankful for the freedoms we have in this country...freedom to worship regularly, freedom to attend awesome music festivals like LiFest, freedom to live peacefully, etc. The freedom I am most thankful for, however, is the freedom that I have in Christ. I am free from the bondage of sin and fear. I am free to love Him and my neighbor. I am free from even thinking that I have to be perfect or measure up to a certain standard. Now certainly I want to live to please God, but I am free to make mistakes, knowing that we have a gracious, loving God, who always redeems us through His son, and our Lord, Jesus Christ. And, I am free to realize the more I rely on His strength and less on mine, the less mistakes I make. Freedom in Jesus is the best freedom one could ever have. The more I realize that, the better my life is. Amen.

Gearin Up for LiFest!!

2010-07-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe LiFest is only 6 days away. I am thrilled that the good people at Life Promotions have given me an opportunity to be a part of this amazing festival (Thanks Bob! And Jen L. for all your hard work.). I have been to LiFest many times, and I know that the Holy Spirit will be working overtime during our time there. One can't help but be swept up by the excitement of hearing God's word expressed through awesome musicians & speakers. As I think about speaking on Thursday morning (The Power of Forgiveness: 10:30 a.m.-shameless plug), I pray that I would be prepared, but that I would also get out of the Spirit's way so that I might be used the way Christ wants to use me. There are many opportunities to hear God speak to us at LiFest, and I am only one of those, but what a great responsibility! To God be the glory, and may His Holy Spirit be working right now, preparing the hearts of all of us who will be there to speak, to play, to listen, and to worship. Amen!

Church Camp Time!

2010-06-29T12:52:00.000-07:00

Hey Cyberworld. I'm back and ready to start blogging again. As I'm writing this, I am sitting at Stony Lake Lutheran Camp near Michigan's beautiful Lake Michigan coast. I am here with Jr. High students for a week of church camp. For those of you who have "done" church camp, you know what kind of an adventure I'm on! We just got back from the beach on Lake Michigan where the water was warmer than the air! BRRRRRR! But it felt good. (We here in Michigan love swimming in our Great Lakes whenever it's remotely close to being warm.) I still stand in awe of how massive those lakes are and how much bigger is our God who created them. We are focused on creation this week at camp, and the lakes are just another beaming example of what a wonderful creator we have. Even as I stand in awe of the creation, I am still more humbled by the fact that God is always thinking of His children first. Who am I, God, that you are mindful of me? It's good to know that God is mighty and gracious enough to love us more than anything else in all of creation. If you need a reminder of this, just read the passion story in the Gospels to see the depth of God's love through Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Talk to you soon!

Love,
Spanky

Hello World

2008-11-15T13:59:00.000-08:00

Hi! My name is Jeff Amlotte, but most people call me "Spanky." (If you must know, I looked like Spanky from the little rascals when I was young.) I have been a Christian my entire life and have felt Christ's grace throughout. Having served in youth ministry at Mamrelund Lutheran Church for over 10 years, I certainly have needed it! With His grace, life as a youth minister has been great. I am in awe of how God has used me, is using me, and continues to want to use me to further His kingdom. I am also in awe (and very thankful) of the many blessings he has given to me and my family. My wife, Jen, is a great wife, and my 8 month old daughter has been an amazing addition to our family.

I truly enjoy living in Michigan,singing with our praise team on Sunday mornings, playing, watching, and coaching sports (especially football), and having fun with and ministering to teenagers. I have even, recently, been cast for a role in the local production of "Fiddler on the Roof."

I really believe that life is a blessing and that Christ gives us joy to live it abundantly. I am very excited to be able to share that message with the high school youth who will be attending the ELCA statewide youth gathering (www.migathering.org) this December 27-30. I am also thrilled to be sharing this blog with all of you so that, together, we all can further God's kingdom today.
May God bless all of you, and I'll talk to you soon!

In Christ;
Spanky
Jeff Amlotte