Speaking @ That Thing

/ Jason Morris / Leave a comment

If you had one week to speak to high school students, what would you say to them?

That Thing is rapidly approaching! It’s an honor and a privilege to have been invited to speak to senior high students for a week. The big question is, “What do I say?”

The goal is to challenge, encourage, motivate, and inspire our students to live out their faith. Rather than viewing their faith as something passive where they simply attend church services and Bible studies, the desire is to help them develop a faith that is active. We want to help build up a generation of students who take seriously the call to “love God and love your neighbor as yourself.” 

I’ve been having a great week focusing in on the journey. So far, it’s been more helpful to plan the messages together, as a whole, instead of compartmentalizing every message.

I’ve been challenged and inspired throughout the time of preparation. There have been moments when I’ve been tempted to add in an unnecessary joke or story because the students might think I’m funny. But, they won’t be fooled. And, the end goal isn’t to get a bunch of high school kids to approve of me.

I’d invite you to pray for me…during the preparations and during the week of camp (July 5-10). Ask that God would speak to and through me. Also, pray for the students. Ask that God would open their hearts and minds to receive whatever it is that He has in store for them.

It’s Been a Long Time

/ Jason Morris / Leave a comment

Well, it’s been far too long since my last post. Things have been slightly crazy. I’m planning to update more frequently.

We’ve been doing a fair amount of traveling…mainly to visit family…but also for my schooling.

Speaking of school, that has taken up a fair amount of my time. But, pastoral leadership and administration is now behind me!

I preached the last two Sunday’s…so sermon prep ate up a good portion of the time that I wasn’t working on school or traveling.

On another note, I’m really enjoying my new pair of Toms Shoes that Em & Sammie gave me for Father’s Day. They are awesome! It’s always good to know that the money spent on you went to a good cause. If you haven’t heard about Toms Shoes, I encourage you to check them out! Socially conscious footware…it’s a good idea!

This week, I’m working on messages for That Thing. It’s rapidly approaching. I’ll be speaking the week of July 5th (pretty much twice daily). For those of you who are the praying type, I’d appreciate your prayers for my preparations and for the whole week of this awesome student conference.

Also, this week is Annual Conference for the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. A major plus is that it’s practically in my backyard…at Emen’s on the Ball State Campus. Coming home each evening will be nice. And, knowing that the Heorot is just down the road is even better!

Bad Judgment

/ Jason Morris / Leave a comment

Most likely we all do it. We see a person or group of people and make a snap judgment. We write them off and cast our verdicts on what kind of person we have just encountered. Sometimes we are correct in our judgments. And, there are other times when we get slapped in the face.

Yesterday, while out for a walk, I had one of those “slapped in the face” moments.

Our neighborhood has several different “pockets”. These pockets are generally categorized by socio-economic levels based on the condition and style of the houses, vehicles, and occupants. We live in a mid-level pocket. If one were to walk in a two block radius of our house, you would hit both low and high-level pockets.

During my walk, I turned down a street that led me into a low-level pocket. The homes and vehicles are in disrepair. In all honesty, the people are generally dirty and lack teeth.

As soon as I turned the corner, a large, loud, dirty old truck came speeding out of a driveway and down the road. My initial thought was, “Wow. We’re all really impressed.” My next thought was, “stupid white trash.”

Then, there was an interaction with the people still outside the house. They said “hello” and asked how old my daughter was. We began a simple conversation. They asked to see her pretty curls. They were older and harmless (just to relieve the grandparents reading this). We had a brief chat and then one of the ladies asked if it would be okay to give Sammie a sucker. She went into the house and brought out a really nice and colorful lollipop.

So, then, I found myself feeling like a jerk. Here I had passed judgment…believing that these people were ignorant and useless. Turns out they were really nice people who simply wanted to interact with their neighbors and give a gift. That was a slap in the face.

I’m too quick to pass judgment. I too often write people off before I even take a chance to get to know them. This experience has opened my eyes. I need to slow down and take into consideration that there are times when my quick judgments are too harsh.

Luke 6:37- “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

Happy Birthday Sammie!

/ Jason Morris / 1 Comment

Today we will celebrate Samantha’s 3rd birthday! We’re excited…she’s excited…our family is excited. 

She specifically told me that she wanted a Strawberry Shortcake birthday cake. So, Concannon’s has come through and we will be enjoying a very tasty cake! I’m looking forward to the day when she tells me she wants Concannon’s famous chocolate & creme layer cake!

So, we will be gathering with our family to celebrate the life of our very special little girl!

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Not Surprised

/ Jason Morris / Leave a comment

Unfortunately, I am never surprised at the ridiculously rude behavior at various programs and events in and around Muncie. I sometimes wonder if the inability to show others respect is actually a part of the core curriculum of our school system. 

In all honesty, I can’t blame the students for their poor behavior because it is all-too-obvious that it comes from the top-down. Grandparents passed it onto parents who, in turn, passed it on down to their children. 

This evening at Emily’s  spring program, I observed the following:

– Parents letting their children wander aimlessly through the gymnasium during the performance

– Parents and children standing right next to Emily as she directed, taking pictures, videos, and in some cases trying to talk to their child

– Parents answering phone calls and carrying on conversations while remaining seated. 

– Parents having loud conversations with other parents during the performance

At one point, the principal actually addressed the crowd. She asked, “Who came to see the kids perform? Isn’t that why we’re hear? So, let’s turn off the cell phones and pagers. Let’s stop talking. And, let’s listen.” 

It’s sad that it does not surprise me that this happened this evening. We are at a point in time in which many people simply don’t know how to behave in public. 

I wish this only happened at school programs. But, I see it everywhere…the grocery, the mall, Lowes, the movies…even the church. 

Generally, I want to lash out at these people and say, “If these people weren’t so stupid, maybe they’d understand how to behave.” I want to look at these people and say, “Listen idiots…look at the example you are setting for your children and grandchildren. Are you really all that surprised that you have problems with them?”

But, then, I realize that my thoughts are not filled with grace, mercy, compassion, or love. The truth is…many of these folks simply don’t know any better. No one ever set an example for them. No one ever gave them opportunities to learn many of the things I take for granted. 

Then, I find myself thinking…”At least they are here.” Some kids missed out on the experience because their parents were unwilling to show up. Some kids participate, but have no one special in the audience. And, so, I find just a glimmer of hope in the fact that these parents at least care enough to show up…to be there for their children. Showing up is sometimes the best thing parents can ever do for their children.

A friend shared this verse with me the other day…

“…You must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forvie the person who offends you…” (Colossians 3:12-13)