thoughts from where I sit

Fathers Day 2011

Benjamin Burrows — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:04:42 +0000

I was sitting in my office yesterday afternoon thinking about my message for tonight at Crave. Fathers Day in years past has always been a bit difficult for me. My Parents divorced when I was 4 and Frankly I just never got over it. I felt short changed and ill equipped to be a father myself. I love my dad very much and am grateful for the things that I have learned from him over the years,even when he was unaware that I was watching. But it was only in the last couple of years that I became aware that despite the shortcomings that I did see there was a great deal to be learned from this man.

First, believe in yourself. My dad taught me how to do this, probably better than anyone else. I watched my dad continue to be who he was with as much scrutiny and pressure as any man should be able to handle. It has helped me walk through the last year. He wasn’t perfect but he was aware that he wasn’t.

Second, hard work pays off. We have all heard that phrase “work smarter not harder.” I think that is one of the problems with my generation. We have become lazy. I remember watching my dad work from sun up to sun down…..he worked hard and still does. I would like to think that my work ethic comes from him.

Thirdly, its never to little to late. On my 29th birthday, 25 years after my parents got divorced, i stood in my dads driveway saying our last goodbyes before we left on the adventure of a lifetime(moving to Florence) and watched my dad break down and cry. It was the culmination of 25 years worth of tears and frustration of thoughts of would I see in him the man that he really was or if i would just remember the fact that he left….

Dad today on Fathers Day 2011 I want you to know that I am thankful, thankful for all that has happened in my life. It has made me who I am today. I am a Husband and a Father, I am a son, and I have you to thank for that. I love you.

In addition to my dad there are a few other men who have had a tremendous impact on my life;

first, my father in law Emilio. I would be a very confused and misunderstood man had it not been for and mom. Your investment in my life is being deposited in generations of young people who will change the world. thnx dad.

Pastor Ken Hope, I remember a conversation at a gas station that changed my life forever. Jason and I asked you where you saw us in 10 years, your reply ” i see you standing before thousands preaching the gospel.” That comment along with constant reassurance that I could do it has made the difference. Thnx, PK

Pastor Rusty Nelson, I remember sitting at your feet a little over a year ago question what I should do next. You reminded me of what you did and how it turned out. When I think of fathers, you come to mind for me, because you have been able to look past who you saw and see the call. thnx Ps. Rusty

Pastor Bill Davis. I remember the first conversation we had about me coming to Florence, Lauren and I got in the car and said “if we get an offer from them we have to take it.” I believe in you and the call that is on your life. and I am grateful that you gave this kid a shot to do what I am doing. thnx Ps. Bill

Uncle Dan Sneed. Wow….there is not words to say of that amount that you put your neck out there for me. You really have been a father to me, but more than that you are a father to my generation, when you really have no reason to. thnx for not only paving the way, but for taking us with you.

Jason Lee Jones. We will forever be friends no matter the distance. You are a source of constant inspiration to me and countless others. I remember when there were no kids in the picture and life was care free…..those were good times, but the best is yet to come.

James Varnadore and Steve Lorenz. The Sixstringmafia will forever and always be one of my favorite things. You guys are some of the greatest fathers I know and some of the greatest friends I have ever had.

Pastor Chris Mitchell. I have been a fan since our cruise. It has been an honor to work alongside of you the past 2 years. You love for God is contagious and you have taught me a great deal about youth ministry. thnx for helping me keep my head on straight and for continuing to push me to be all that God has called me to be.

Finally I would like to thank God for not leaving me where He found me. I was a rough kid and He made sure that there were men in my life to look to and look up to. I will forever be “Chasing Him.”

its all a matter of perspective.

Benjamin Burrows — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 18:13:17 +0000

Today is June 12 2010. Nearly a week ago my wife and I along with the other Pastors of the church we were at resigned for our positions. There are so many people who have questions and without a doubt opinions. I am one of them. Why did things happen the way they did? Will the students who three weeks ago loved me and trusted me ever do so again? What happens to next week when there is no pay check? the list of questions is quite long and it gets longer with each passing day.
Today is June 12 2010. The boys and I went for a ride to the store to pick up a few things early this morning and I did something I’ve never done before….I let Micah ride in the front seat. He is old enough by Alabama law and the air bag was off for all who were concerned! As we drove down streets we drive every day there was a different look in his eyes. They were filled with amazement and wonder. it was at this point that it hit me; he was seeing this very familiar landscape from a different perspective. Its all about perspective!
Today is June 12 2010. On the eve of the day of our first service as Church of the Shoals I am excited and terrified. In the last three years my wife and I have helped merge two churches and grow a great youth ministry in Daytona Beach, been part of an amazing church in Florence, Alabama with a great group of students, and now plant a brand new work. life can’t get any more exciting than this. For every student that will read this and many of you might not, but I want you all to know that if we hurt you in anyway then we are very sorry, it was never our intention. To any parents that feel we did you an injustice again please forgive us.
Today is June 12 2010. With all that has conspired in the past three weeks I have decided to change my perspective on how this thing looks. It all been father filtered and he holds our world in His hands. hopefully it won’t be so long until my next post. Chasing Him, ben

Christmas 2009

Benjamin Burrows — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:41:17 +0000

I have not blogged in some time…..I feel like there has been so much that has taken place over the last weeks or months that I don’t know where to start! I find myself this time of year trying to reflect on the last 11 months wondering, thinking, dissecting to see if I could have done better, made less mistakes or in some way made more of impact on those around me. I answer my own question with a resounding YES! I preach, teach, and do what I say is my very best to model what authentic Christianity is and yet I know way down that I could have given more, prayer more, acted more…….Christ like. I think if we all took a moment to reflect on the past year that we would all say the same thing, at least I hope that I’m not alone!
This year has been, well its been tough. I know that those who read this probably feel the same way, but it is in these times that I learn what I am really made of…..and the reality is that I am a man. A man formed in the image of one who is in a word magnificent! My mom used to tell my that I had a lot of what it takes to get along. I have come to the place where I am aware that in all actuality I have a lot less than what it takes to get along, but there is one who is in a word magnificent!
I had a friend that some time ago he said ” at Christmas time I turn into an 8 year old kid.” I have used this over the years to describe how much I love any holiday involving presents, especially when they were for me, but this year I am incredibly grateful to have been able to buy presents for my boys who like their father love opening presents.
When the Bible says that he who finds a wife finds a good thing, I think that I have the best! I have two sons who love me and a group of students who are hungry for more of God. My prayer as this year ends is that my wife would see in me the man of God that I so desperately want to be, that my boys would know that I love them more than any words could possibly express, and that the students at Thrive would know beyond a shadow of doubt that they have captured the heart of this youth pastor and that the best is just ahead of us!
Merry Christmas to all.

He has not, can not forget you

Benjamin Burrows — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:15:36 +0000

I was pondering somethings this morning as I made breakfast fro my boys and began to wonder. As a Youth Pastor I am aware that those years of junior and senior high are…..well confusing! I know that this may bring on some scrutiny from fellow Pastors and maybe even some friends but stick with me. When I was younger in the Lord I remember the feeling like I was miles away from the Him at times and really feeling like I would never measure up. I know that may come to as a surprise to some of you who know well, but there was something about God that made me feel incredibly secure and really insecure at the same time! does that make sense? I am aware that it’s a maturity thing for all the very mature out there, and that it was and can even be from time to time a misunderstanding of how much He really loves us.
I found myself this morning reading Isaiah 49:16; See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands your walls are ever before me. That is a seriously comforting verse. I think the thing that stuck out most was the fact that it says “I have engraved you on the palms of my hands not your name! That is I have engraved you…..all of you, your life, your sins, your destiny, your temptations, your circumstances, all of who you are and I will not, have not, cannot forget you ever! Today no matter who you are, or what you’re going through know this that God not only see’s you, but furiously longs to be with you. have a great day and share this with someone today.

Are you watching!

Benjamin Burrows — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:09:58 +0000

I was doing a little studying today after our staff meeting (which is not something I usually get to do) and was reading in Ezekiel chapter 33. This chapter in my opinion is a job description for each person who considers them self a follower of Christ. This is what I mean:
“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for [a] his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.
There is a clear charge to each believer that says you are to open your mouth and speak. I understand what Saint Francis was saying to preach the Gospel and if necessary use words, but it seems to be a little contradictory to God’s Word. Still not convinced that you need to open your mouth, let me bring another scripture to attention. Romans 10:14; How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Not sure about you, but I want my feet to be beautiful. I want to tell the world about Him. I have been so blessed to have spent the last year of my life with an amazing group of young people. They have taught me more than they will ever know. My hope and prayer is that each one of them walks in the fullness of what God has for their lives. That they would never forget to open their mouths and tell people about Him, and that they would love with such a passion that all men would know that they are His. To the youth at Thrive you are amazing and Your Youth Pastor believe in you big time and love you. Go after Him today and everyday after this one. much love! PB

Gethsemane, Appalachian trail and other thoughts

Benjamin Burrows — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:55:52 +0000

I have been pondering Gethsemane for sometime. I wonder what it must have been like for Jesus to feel literally the weight of the world on His shoulders. Being all God I’m sure it wasn’t not a problem, but the all man side that I would imagine was a whole other story. Hebrews tell us that for the joy set before Him He endured the cross. Have you ever thought about that. You are His joy, and to me that is refreshing, reassuring, and comforting. We have been in Alabama for almost a year, how time as flown, we have made new friends while not forgetting our old friends. We have experienced more intimate moments with the Lord and a drawing of His presence unlike anything before. There have been times of where we have felt like we were being pressed on every side, but He is faithful and we are…..and you are His joy.

Tomorrow I’m tanking four of my students for three days in the woods. We are hiking a 33 mile section of the Appalachian trail in North Carolina. should be a good time with great weather and great talks. I love where God has me right now! Not just the job and church and amazing students who challenge me and teach me all the time, but personally what He has been showing me about who I am, what He has for me and how I get to be a part of what He is about to do here in Florence and I believe around the globe. God is………just fill in the blank! He is all that you need Him to be and you re His joy today.

For the students who read this know that this has been the best year of my life and largely because of all of you. love you guys.

Update

Benjamin Burrows — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:20:07 +0000

There has been much that has gone on over the past month or so. Here is a brief update. We have had some of the most amazing youth services this past 6 or so weeks. One occurred when my wife and I were out of town…..it’s always good to know that the world continues to spin even when you’re not where you normally are. the reports that I got back from some of my staff where that and I quote “kids who don’t raise their hands raised their hands, and the entire football team was in a corner praying for one another.” That’s good stuff. When we got back in town I had the task of planning a big 3 day event for our students called 3 degrees. The event included an all day water event where we had a 42 foot water slide, belly flop contest and finished the night off by watching a movie outside on a ten foot projection screen. The other days we played paintball on a field some of the guys and I built, had watermelon eating contest and a watermelon football game. it was a huge success and a lot of fun. Did I mention how much I love my job!
During all this Lauren and I working on getting our house on the market in Florida, tough task from 750 miles away. Needless to say it went on the market Friday the 19th and since then we’ve had 7 people look at it. Tomorrow night is our second compel night of the year entitled LOST! I am expecting big number and for the Holy Spirit to be poured out in ways we’ve not experienced yet. We leave for Florida on Monday for 8 days………and that all I have to say about that! I get the chance to work with amazing people, doing what I was created to do; not sure it gets any better than this. consider yourself updated! we are on a 40 day media fast so I wont be on face book after I post this on there unless I post again. much love, B

Amazing Grace

Benjamin Burrows — Tue, 05 May 2009 21:08:52 +0000

I have been thinking a great deal about grace. Have you ever though about it? “Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.” Their was this, if you will great transaction that took place on the cross where this Jesus, who knew no sin BECAME sin for us 2 Corinthians 5:13-21. Did you here that He became sin. It’s not like He just passed by our sin and forgave us, He became our sin! “Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.”
Grace as been used to excuse poor behavior, when it was intended to set us free. Grace is uncomprehending much like the love of God. the same God who cast the stars in the sky, separated dry land from the sea, is the same God who came to earth to display this grace that we all would be hopelessly lost without. “Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.” Take a moment to think about grace and what it cost.

His Majesty

Benjamin Burrows — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:03:13 +0000

Have you ever given thought about how majestic He is. All of creation displays His majesty. Its quite overwhelming, to think about and ponder the beauty that He creates for us His sons and daughters to enjoy. With a word He created the heavens and the stars. With a word He told water where to stop and dry land to begin. As if this isn’t enough, we see His majesty displayed in full view in the life of a child. More times than not I find myself at a loss for words when I try to express how awesome, magnificent, and holy He is. To worship Him in spirit and truth is to identify with the death and resurrection of Christ. The Lamb slain before the foundations of the world in all His majesty, beauty, and holiness. That is simple put majestic!

Trusting

Benjamin Burrows — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:06:05 +0000

I sit here at my desk typing this post, and having to really make sure I believe it. I trust you God. It is a mystery that we trust and rely on a God who we cannot see with our natural eyes. I sat on the couch and uttered those very words, “I trust you God.” As I did I was flooded with images of times when I was younger and times when Lauren and I were first married, and then times when Micah was born and then some more when Kaleb was born. Despite all that Lauren and I have been through, and continue to go through I can say with all the confidence in the world that “I trust you God”.

He is a good God who is faithful. I refuse to believe anything else. I remember what a Pastor that I was under when I first started this journey used to say….”without a test there can be no testimony.” I remember what my Pastor from back home used say……”when it looks like you’re down to nothing, look up because God is up to something.” He has never sen the righteous forsaken nor His seed begging for bread, and He will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. what do you have need of today? Maybe its healing, Maybe its financial breakthrough, maybe its the love of the father. Whatever it is trust HIM for it for He will never let you down.