Other things....

Life Matters...Committed to a cause

2010-12-22T18:53:00.004-06:00

You ever think about what you are really committed to in life? First off, I'd have to say I'm committed to my family. As a husband and dad, I'm committed to working to pay the bills so we can have a place to live, food to eat, etc. And I'm committed to my work. It seems you have to be committed to work, I mean after all, you spend more that 1/3 of your time at work. I do like my job, like what I do, but sometimes it can overwhelm you. There are times when it feels like work is taking over who you are.

The basics...but what about people who are really committed to a cause.

I don't know that I'm really committed to a great "cause". Sometimes I feel like I'm living in Safe Mode. Which in America really isn't that bad of a thing, I'm just not sure that's the way God wants us to live. We've become so comfortable with our way of life, we make God fit into our life and not the other way around. Think about it...we want such and such for a car (or nice little red truck). We need to live in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. We need to work for a company that provides great benefits like good pay and health insurance. Oh yeah, we need to also be stashing away money in a 401k for that early retirement we are planning on.

But is that what God really wants for us? Is that how we as Christians should be living our lives?To be comfortable all of the time? Jesus didn't live a comfortable life and neither did the guys that followed him. He gave up everything. They gave up everything. I've got a lot of questions about this subject and not a lot of answers.

Life Matters...what do you call God?

2010-05-30T21:19:00.002-05:00

I just started reading a book this summer, along with my two girls. It's by Craig Groechel and it's called "Christian Atheist". One of the things he talked about was the relationship we have with God and what do we call him. When we talk to him, how do we address him? Is he "Provider"? Or "Father"? Or do you call him "Friend"?

This was interesting for me to think about. God wants us to talk to him all of the time. Not just when we sit down for dinner. Not just when we are in a pinch or need something. He wants us to talk to Him all of the time. "God, what do you think about this?" "God, how should I handle this?" He wants all of us all of the time. Let's try talking to Him and see what happens...

Todd Nincehelser

Life Matters - Life as I see it...

2010-02-15T18:48:00.002-06:00

I haven't posted a blog for quite some time. It's been a struggle finding the extra time to just sit down and put my thoughts into words. So, I'm going to try and get back into the swing of things and hopefully I can be more consistent. At least for a little while... :)

Do you ever feel like life is passing you by? I'm 45 years old now and I kid you not, it just seems like a couple of years ago I was in high school playing basketball, driving up and down Main Street in my Mustang, living in the moment.

Now, twenty plus years later, my kids are growing up right before my eyes. My son doesn't shoot baskets with me anymore. I no longer have my little girls crawling up on my lap when I come home from work. There was an instant peace I felt when I sat in my chair and just held them. I miss that.

Even so, I'm excited to see what God has in store for me in the future. While the older I get, the more I look forward to His ultimate return, my earthly desires want to see my children grow up and have their own families.

God has so blessed my family and me. I take it for granted and really shouldn't. While things don't always seem to go the way "I" think they should, hind-site has proven God to be true to His word and His promises. He never fails to prove to me He is in control and knows what He's doing. Do I question him? Yep. Do I doubt? Yep. Thankfully He forgives and forgets.

**For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.

~ Hebrews 8:12

Life matters...and so does tennis

2009-09-03T09:22:00.002-05:00

Hey folks,

How’s your week going? I hope it’s going good. It’s Thursday and we’re on the downhill side to a three day weekend…woo-hoo!!

My daughter and I went over to the lake yesterday and played tennis and it brought back some fun memories. I really like tennis. The first time I played (I was probably in the 5^th grade) was when my neighbor took his boy and me over to the tennis courts off of 21^st street by Hi-Crest Community Center. This is how old I am…we played with wooden racquets..ugh. That doesn’t even register to the younger folks. It’s like saying you rode a horse & buggy to school or you communicated on a telephone via “party line”.

Well, after a few times playing, I talked my dad into buying me a real aluminum racquet and he & I would go play tennis at the junior high. What I really remember about playing back then was my dad would come home from working 10 hour days (he was an electrician) and there I would be waiting holding my racquet ready to go play. I can remember only a couple of times when my dad said he didn’t feel like going. I’m sure there were more times than that when he didn’t “feel” like it, but he did anyway. As a parent, I think about that often. I hope I’m as giving of “my time” as my dad was.

All of that just to share a good message I read this week from the New Rebellion devotional. It’s called “Imitate That Serve”. (Get it? Serve? Tennis?...)

Basically what the devotion talked about was that people usually imitate the people they admire. Our kids can quite accurately emulate their parents. Teens model their piers in dress, talk, and values. Young professionals climbing the corporate ladder find a leader and imitate them. But Paul said that we need to follow the example of Christ and His passion for the world.

There are many important things Jesus did, and as Believers, we should be imitating the things of Christ:

Compassion, willingness to give up personal comfort to reach the lost, prayer life, discernment, passion for the truth, faith of miracles, reliance on His Father, joy during hard times, kindness, relationships with friends.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2

Have a great rest of the week!!

Todd Nincehelser

Ps – My youngest daughter is pretty good at tennis. She’s the only member of my family that can hit it over the net consistently and not make me feel like a ball boy at Wimbledon. : )

http://www.shawneeheights.org

Various thoughts

2009-08-26T21:36:00.001-05:00

Various thoughts...

Hey folks...in Sunday morning Fear No Evil Bible Class, we'll be finishing up the "God is Compassionate" chapter and moving on to Chapter 3 - "How Long, O Lord?" A little more study on suffering and evil from the old testament books that include the Prophets and Writings. Hope to see you there Sunday morning @ 9:30.

Pray for our country...we are living in historic times. Our country needs God...

Pray for people who have lost their jobs.

Pray for a chance to share the Gospel with someone...soon.

Below is a link to a short video. It's called Plastic Jesus. I think you'll "get it" after you watch it.

http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=e52499be711fb54303ff&utm_source=newsletter0826&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weeklytopvideos

Have a good rest of the week!

Todd Nince

http://reslehecnin.blogspot.com/

http://www.shawneeheights.org/

Life Matters - evil in the world, being a dad (not the same thing)

2009-08-12T19:58:00.001-05:00

I just want to tell you a couple of things that were an encouragement to me this past week. On Sunday morning in our Bible class (that's at 9:30 am), we are studying "suffering & evil". You might say, "I get enough of that during the week, why in the world do I want to hear about gloom & doom on Sunday mornings too!". Well, it's not exactly like that. We really had some good discussion about who's responsible for the evil and suffering that happens on earth. Is it God's will? Is it because man has messed everything up? Is God punishing us?

In fact, the discussion was so good, that we didn't get too far into the lesson. So, I want to give you a couple of things we didn't cover so you can be thinking about them...

Read Daniel 3:13-18. We know the story about Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego. Here are three guys who refused to bow down to the king's golden image. These guys believed that their God had the power necessary to deliver them. But the most amazing thing I get out of reading the story now is in verse 18..."but even if He does not (deliver us), let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."

These guys were willing and ready to go to the mat for their God. They knew what the consequences would be if they refused to bow down to the false god, but they chose their God.

This story also blends right in with the scripture from Sunday morning worship. Proverbs 3:5-7 -Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Sometimes things happen that we don't understand. This past week my uncle, 63 years old with no major physical problems, was stung by a wasp and died within a couple of hours. We question, "why did this happen?" How come? What's the purpose? Why now?

Sometime things occur through the process of life. My daughter left for college this past week (gulp!). The little girl that used to sit on my lap, run and hug me when I got home (well she still does do that) is now starting the next chapter of her life, and "dad" just doesn't think she's ready for the the nasty, evil world that's waiting her...There are too many unknowns out there. She's too naive. She's not ready for college. She won't know what to do. I won't be there to hold her when she's sad..."trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding...He shall direct your paths."

God is in control and get this...He know's what He's doing. Our plans are not His plans. Are we really, truly giving everything over to Him. Do we really trust Him to take it?

Have a great rest of the week!! Hope to see you Sunday!

Todd Nince

http://www.shawneeheights.org/

http://reslehecnin.blogspot.com/

Life Matters - job, kids, ...priorities

2009-07-30T23:04:00.001-05:00

Hey folks...I hope everyone is having a great week. Those of us who have kids are realizing that summer is just about over and the school year is just a couple of weeks away. There are even a couple of us who will be taking our daughters to other states far away from home (gulp!!). I'm sure I'll be sharing some of my feelings about that in the near future.

I had a change in my job this week that will require me to stretch myself in some ways that might not be comfortable. Pray for me. I hope I will allow God to use me in whatever way He shows me. Easier to say, harder to actually follow through...

I found this devotional that really spoke to me this week. I hope it makes you think like it did me...

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but on thing I do; forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 NASB

Priorities

Paul had about as many responsibilities as you can imagine--dozens of churches needing his oversight, new cities yet to head the good news, life-threatening opposition all around. But in the midst of these cares and concerns, Paul's heart was gripped by one consuming passion; the person and presence of Jesus Christ.

That all-compelling prize motivated Paul to lay aside all the fears, all the uncertainties, and fix his attention on God. Obedience to this call was his one thing. What's your? To hold on to Christ as Paul did, you also will have to dispense with lesser things. You, too, will need to forget what lies behind and reach for the goal. Salvation isn't the end; salvation is the beginning! - The Book of Days - Living the New Rebellion, day 185

Have a great weekend!!

Todd Nince

http://reslehecnin.blogspot.com/

http://www.shawneeheights.org/

Life Matters - Other gods...

2009-07-16T21:57:00.001-05:00

Hey all,

I know it's been a long time since I've sent out an email. I could use the excuse of having "writer's block" but I know you probably wouldn't buy it. So, no excuses except to say that I'm going to try and get back into the groove of writing more again. Let me just say up front that if you want taken off of this email, just let me know...no hard feelings or questions asked.

The other night at our Small Group meeting we talked about Elijah and those "other gods" we put before the One, True God. We all do it...whether it's money, sports, family, church, working out, jobs, food, material stuff, etc., we all put things that are "temporary" in front of God and many times, in place of God. We had some good discussion amongst the group about the things we struggle with daily and how we as Christians need to encourage each other. (That means during the week and not just on Sunday mornings when we see each other at church).

Also, going along with what God's trying to get through my thick skull (so says Tamra), Catherine Lischke posted something on Facebook that really hit home with me..."Are the things we're living for, worth Christ dying for?". Wow...think about that one for a minute. We get so caught up in our own lives, our own desires, our own busyness, we really don't think about what Christ's desire is for our lives.

On another note...I really would encourage you to get involved in a Small Group @ SHBC. You can connect with other folks who go through the ups and downs of life just like you do. Get involved, it's worth it!

God Bless,

Todd Nince

http://www.shawneeheights.org

Manila - A Dad's Perspective 2

2009-01-22T21:46:00.003-06:00

Well, Kev's been "out of communication" range for almost a week now. Another week to go before being able to find out what's going on. I was up late one night a couple of days before he left for the camp. It was nice to get to "IM" with him for awhile just by myself. Usually the whole family is standing around the computer waiting their turn to talk or IM with him.

We "talked" about everything for about an hour...politics, church, Filipino's, food, people...it was good. He was excited about heading to the camp and maybe a little "anxious" too. I can't wait to hear what he's doing and how he's fitting in to what God wants him to do.

My nerves about him being on the other side of the world have been reduced somewhat. You know, we get busy with our lives and fill the void. I've really submerged myself in working on our church website. Yet, I find myself saying all the time, "I wish I could have Kevin look at this," or "geez, I need Kevin to show me how to do this." Can't wait to IM him when he gets back to civilization...:)

Gone to Manila - A dad's perspective

2009-01-15T20:31:00.003-06:00

It has been only about a 1 1/2 weeks since Kevin left for the Philippines and for some strange reason it seems longer. Maybe it's because I'm the only guy (again) in a house full of ladies...:)

Back in August when Kevin told his mom & I that he was going on a mission trip with Ben to the Philippines I must say we really didn't want him to go. Mom was really against it, ya know the dangers, leaving the country, leaving school, etc. Of course me being me, I worried more about the cost, why now and not summer, why a full 3 months instead of a summer trip...

It wasn't too long before God started working on my heart...you see Kevin is the absolute opposite of me in many ways. So much so that I'm many times envious of him. He's not afraid to try anything. He makes friends easily. He's outgoing. He's not afraid to fail. He's not afraid to succeed. He doesn't worry.

So my heart and gut softened to the idea. Now the worries about the cost, travel, safety, etc. didn't leave, but I started becoming excited for him. I've never seen him want something so much as to go on this trip.

As I sat down by myself at the airport at KCI on Jan. 6, I watched him from a distance. Here was my boy who I've wrestled with, played ping-pong with, went to soccer games with, taught in Awana with, etc., for 21 years...and here he is doing exactly what God wants him to do...wow, as a dad I really felt good right then.

My eyes welled up a little bit as we watched the plane take off and head off into the early morning sky. I just said a very short prayer..."He's yours Lord. Use him."

More "dad" thoughts to come...

It's about grace...

2008-11-19T21:41:00.002-06:00

Hey folks, Sorry about my inconsistent "mid-week" emails lately. I'm trying to get back on schedule so bear with me. We had a really good discussion last Sunday as we went over a few more instances in Mark where Jesus "challenged" the Pharisees and others. I hope through the "Tough Sayings of Jesus" series we've done over the last couple of months you've maybe looked at Jesus in a little different way. I hope those images of Jesus in a white robe (or "cream" colored), or the soft, delicate, Jesus are something that you've kind of reconsidered.

This coming Sunday we're going to discuss a pretty interesting topic based on a book some of us have read...Why Men Hate Going to Church. I think it will spur some interesting comments and discussion, so please plan to be here on Sunday morning. In a few weeks, we'll be starting a new series. Our goal is to have maybe 3 or 4 different Sunday morning Bible studies you can choose from. To accomplish this we're going to need some volunteers to teach them. If you might be interested in teaching a Sunday morning Bible study, please let Pastor John or me know as soon as possible.

On a final note...This week on my way in to work I was listening to a song by Matthew West called "Only Grace". Below is a link to a video on Godtube.com. Check it out. It really hit me.http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=639acb17b035ab8963f1

Also, the same day I got to work and read my daily devotional. It's no accident when God makes a point in more than one way. This day He was making sure I understood His grace. Here's a blurb from my devotional - The New Rebellion... Yes, God is aggressive in grace. He's gone head-to-head with sin and won. And you're the beneficiary! Sin will no longer have bragging rights over you; you're forgiven. But grace is more than forgiveness, more than just the elimination of a debt or threat; grace is the power of God given to you to become the woman or man He designed you to be. Grace restores your destiny and places you in the winner's circle. Now when sin tries to rear its ugly head again--and it will--you have the power to take him down. Grace will always conquer your fears, defeat your pride, and overcome your greed. Through grace, you become a partner with heaven and a world-changer. When life feels threatening and dangerous, find your place in the grace of God and relax. You're the threat now! Have a great rest of the week and hope to see ya on Sunday! Todd Nince

Veteran's Day...thanks

2008-11-11T09:30:00.003-06:00

I'm so glad for those who have served our country. A simple "thanks" just doesn't seem to be enough. If you know a person who has served or is serving, I would encourage you to buy a gift card to a restaurant and give it to someone who has served or is serving in the military. What would even be great is to give it to someone in the military you don't know. The encouragement to that person/family would be awesome. Just do it...

Thanks,
Todd Nince...

Financial mess we're in

2008-10-03T21:04:00.005-05:00

I found this to be an interesting article...check it out.

'THE PRIVATE SECTOR got us into this mess. The government has to get us out of it."

That's Barney Frank's story, and he's sticking to it. As the Massachusetts Democrat has explained it in recent days, the current financial crisis is the spawn of the free market run amok, with the political class guilty only of failing to rein the capitalists in. The Wall Street meltdown was caused by "bad decisions that were made by people in the private sector," Frank said; the country is in dire straits today "thanks to a conservative philosophy that says the market knows best." And that philosophy goes "back to Ronald Reagan, when at his inauguration he said, 'Government is not the answer to our problems; government is the problem.' "

In fact, that isn't what Reagan said. His actual words were: "In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem." Were he president today, he would be saying much the same thing...(continue)

Life Matters - Tough Sayings

2008-10-02T12:16:00.001-05:00

Hey,

I hope you are having a good week whether you're at school, work, home, or wherever.

I was reminded yesterday in my devotional that there is a reward for obedience to God... Watching our nation go through a financial crisis this past week or two should be a reminder to all of us that what we have isn't ours, it's God's.

I talked to Jared (Financial Advisor type) last week about this whole up & down of the stock market. I don't know how he has any hair left going to a job that depends on the financial market...but God put him there for a reason. He told me he just tries to remember it's His to do with what He desires.

Malachi 3:10 NIV says "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."

Do you believe God can supply every need you have? But do you believe that He will supply? Yes, this verse is talking about tithe but are we trusting God with not only our money, but everything? If we are giving God what is His, (time, money, family, etc.) He says He will throw open the floodgates of blessing.

In our Bible study on Sunday morning, we are going to finish up talking about being desperate and pure, and how those two things can go hand in hand when we seek Jesus.

Have a great week!

Life Matters - Tough Sayings

2008-09-11T21:23:00.002-05:00

How's your week going? I'm going to be up front and honest with you...mine has been somewhat overwhelming. At least at work it has been crazy for me. I know there are those of you who are also struggling with the day to day trials and tribulations in life. Sometimes it's hard to just give it to God. I don't know why, but it is.

For those of you who weren't able to be at Bible Study last Sunday morning, we talked a little bit about how sometimes we have doubts or maybe we question what God is or isn't doing in our lives. I like what Michael Kelly said in the book: "Our definition of faith should be more than the absence of doubt; instead, doubt can be an essential element to the process of faith. We have faith in something bigger than our doubts and questions. We don't have to fear them. If we can push hard into our questions instead of hiding them, we trust God to be bigger. And He is. God is big enough to receive us, doubts and all. Doubts and questions do not counter faith; instead, they should push us deeper." Think about that for a moment. Even though we have doubts, God promises to never leave us, He's always there. He's always ready to take us back when we've pushed Him away.

This coming Sunday we're going to be looking at Mark 10:20-26...the rich, young ruler. Read up on that scripture and notice what Jesus says to the young ruler. It's one of the tough sayings of Jesus..."You have to give up everything".

Todd Nince...

Life Matters - God helps with life's troubles

2008-08-17T17:32:00.005-05:00

In Sunday morning Bible study we've been talking about suffering...and how even those of us who are Christians sometimes suffer.

Do we suffer like Paul suffered? Do we suffer like Job suffered? I would say "no", but sometimes we do have things in our lives that sure make us feel like the world is crashing down on us. I get that feeling everytime I have a plumbing problem at my house... : )

If there is good to come of suffering, it would be that it helps us grow spiritually. Suffering keeps us dependent on God.

Endurance...I'm sure you've all seen some of our Olympic swimmers in their races. It's amazing to me how much training and endurance these athletes have!! I have a hard time doing the back-float let alone swimming the way they do. We, as Christians, need to have the spiritual endurance to meet the challenges that life and the world throws at us every day. Is it easy? Can we do it alone? No.

We must rely on God to help us. He promises us that much in Romans 8. "no temptation or trial can separate us from God." Our goal is to be like Christ. Hebrews 12 says, "looking unto Jesus, ...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." If Jesus can endure the cross, we can endure life's trials and sufferings.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=3a44ada9659d13ab2f1a

Enough said...

2008-08-04T07:56:00.002-05:00

At Sunday Night Evening Service, Bro Lee talked about a passage from Matthew 10. Jesus is talking to his disciples about going out and spreading the Good News. But He also warned of persecution. I'm not going to try and elaborate on some of the things that Bro Lee talked about. I'm going to just give you the Word and ask you to think, ponder, and pray about it this week.

Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves, but beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but he Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone throught the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes....Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. ~Matthew 10:16-26

God's Provision & Blessings

2008-07-19T09:42:00.003-05:00

So how was your week? I actually had a pretty good week myself. No critical problems at work. No big problems at home within the Nincehelser clan. No vehicle breakdowns or mishaps. It was a "smooth" week for the most part. I know what you're thinking...."boy, is he going to pay for it next week." Well, maybe so, but I got up this morning and realized once again, that God has really blessed my life and He blessed this week.

Yesterday, Tamra had some minor surgery to remove some tissue from her shoulder. I was probably more concerned about the procedure than she was, but it turned out okay. We'll know a little more when she goes back for a check up, but everything went the way it was supposed to yesterday. You know, we are blessed to live in a country where if we have something wrong with us, we have people who can usually figure out what the problem is and patch us up.

Last night I went to the Friday Night Youth event at the church. The "old man" (that would be me), really had a blast even though the only thing not hurting this morning are the fingers I'm using to type out this note...We played Ultimate Frisbee, Dodgeball, and the finished up with some game that involved whacking each other over the head with a styrofoam noodle. I know what you're probably thinking this time too..."way too old to be doing that". One thing Kevin talked about during the Bible devotion time was God's provision. How God takes care of even the birds and we are more important than they are (yes, WE, human beings, are more important than the birds, animals, etc.) God always provides, He always cares for us, and He blesses us more than we ever deserve.

The question that comes to me then is why would people deliberatly choose to walk down a path without God, without His provisions and blessings. I can't imagine going through life not having God with me. How do people get through the difficulties in life without praying?

We need to be vigilant when praying for those who are lost (friends, relatives, co-workers, etc.) but we also need to be aware of the opportunities God gives us to reach out and share the Gospel to others. That's what I'm praying for...

Rahab...an unlikely heroine

2008-07-06T15:41:00.002-05:00

Hey folks,

I hope everyone is having a good summer so far. Let me know if you've gone anywhere fun on vacation yet this summer. Maybe I can live vicariously through your vacation since it doesn't look like the Nincehelser's will be going any place special.

We did go up to Marysville (my home town) this past week for the 4th of July. It was good to see family and just get away from Topeka and go to the "country". All of my kids like to shoot guns so we went out to the farm and did some target practice shooting. I like to shoot but I get a bigger kick out of seeing Kevin, Shelby & Rachel all take turns shooting and figuring out the different types of guns and how they shoot differently. Plus, popping off a few rounds of bullets can be a really good stress-reliever for me..; )

This Sunday in our Bible Study, we looked at the story of Rahab. In Joshua 2, it tells her story of hiding the Israelite spies as they were in her country scouting out the land that was to be theirs. One thing we found interesting was that Rahab knew who the Israelites were before they got there. Apparently she had come to a faith in God before the spies got to her house because in verse 11, she says "the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath". She knew who their God was and what He had done for the people of Israel. She also knew that the God of Israel was a protector and a provider. God ended up protecting her and her family when the Israelites took over Jericho, just as was promised. Let's not forget that Rahab was a hooker, someone we would turn away from, not have anything to do with. But God changed her, and used her to become the vessel he wanted her to be. If you trace the linage of Christ, Rahab had a part in it. (ie Boaz/Obed/Jesse/David).

Do we let God protect and provide for us in our daily lives? Do we show other people through our actions and our witness that we have the same God the Israelites had? The Protector and Provider? Do other people want what we have?

We all have our faults and weaknesses, but God can and does, still use us. We just have to let Him. Let God provide for you. Let Him answer your prayers, and watch Him work in your life.

Have a great week! I'll be praying for you.

Todd Nincehelser
SHBC

ps - Kevin shared this youtube video with the youth department this Sunday. We're going to watch it in our Bible Study class this next week but if you want, you can watch it now. It's inspiring and makes an important statement. Let me know what you think about it.... http://youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ

my dad...

2008-06-21T18:40:00.002-05:00

I know Father's Day has past but I really wanted to write a note on this blog about my dad...

My dad has always, always, gone the extra mile to help me out. There were times when I was a teenager (yeah, long ago), when he would drive into town late at night (or early in the morning) to help me get my car started.

Even before I was a teenager (yeah, even longer ago), I remember he would come home from working all day as an electrician, and would take me and play tennis. I remember the place we played at. I remember the tennis racquet I had. I remember some of the points we played to this very day.

To this day, even when I have my own family, my dad helps me/us out. When my weedeater quit working, he traded me mine old broken down one for his that still works today. When I have a question about anything, from car problems to water heaters, he's just a phone call away. I miss not having him be a close driving distance but that makes the phone calls and even emails on rare occasions all the more meaningful.

I guess what I appreciate the most is his wisdom. I know I can bounce off any question to him, from family problems to Bible questions, to "why does God do things that way" questions, and he always has a word of encouragement, a word of experience, an idea of how to look at things in a different way.

Our family when I grew up, never was big on hugs or saying "I love you", or being all touchy-feely. But I never doubted that my dad loved me. He didn't have to say it, I just knew.

Life Matters - Crossing

2008-06-03T18:19:00.000-05:00

Life's a Journey

Hey folks,

I hope everyone is having a great week so far. It's only Tuesday but I trust everyone has seen the Lord do something in their lives this week even if it might seem small. He's there and He's in control of the big AND little things of life.

Our Sunday Bible Study class is going to be trying some different things throughout the summer. Besides going through a Bible study in Joshua, we're going to do be discussing some topical, "life" subjects. Everyone is welcome to be involved - starting at 9:30 Sunday mornings. At the very least, you'll get a muffin or donut & coffee...; )

This past Sunday we watched a video about the persecution of Christians in the United States. Yes, you read that right, persecution in the United States. It's hard to imagine such a thing but it's happening and we, as Christians, need to be aware of it. Now I know everyone might not be a political junkie like I am, but we're going to be discussing some real, relevant issues over the next few weeks and I hope it's going to be interesting & meaningful.

We're also going to be going through the book of Joshua looking at the different things Joshua struggled with as the new leader of the Israelites. These are things we all deal with in our daily lives...change, rescue, provision, barriers, consequences. This week we'll look at "change", something we see around us all of the time.

Here's the intro to the Bible study we'll be doing over the next few weeks:

Life is a journey. All along the way we reach points where we have to decide if we're going to step out in faith and let God take our lives to a different place, or if we're going to let fear and insecurity paralyze us and keep us from crossing over. Making a crossing always calls for uncommon courage, faith, and obedience.

As God's leader, Joshua demonstrated unwavering determination in winning the land God had promised to his people, and in getting all the tribes of Israel and their families settled in the new land. During this Bible study, we'll take a look at Joshua and the nearly 2 million Israelites as they cross the Jordan River to a new place--a better place, a place unimaginable based on where they stood before they crossed.

The only way to get to the other side of life's challenges and changes is to step out in faith & cross over--just as Joshua and the Israelites did. Like any crossing, it's going to take strength and courage. Are you ready?

Hope to see you Sunday!

Todd Nincehelser
SHBC

Life Matters

2008-05-16T23:07:00.002-05:00

Hey folks,
Well, it's been awhile...our lives have seemingly been so busy lately I just haven't taken the time to sit down at the computer in the evenings. I got some of my garden put in and have been to a lot of soccer games and end of the year, school celebrations. This time of year kind of makes me have mixed feelings about summer. It's the end of a school year and summer is just around the corner, but it also reminds me that my daughter will be senior in high school next year. Now that's where the "mixed feelings" come in...**Any of you guys with young daughters, enjoy them now because believe me, the day they are ready to leave home will come quicker than you can ever imagine.

I know that not all of you have been able to make it to our Sunday morning Bible study but I'm just throwing out the invitation again. You're always welcome no matter if we're well into a series of lessons or not. This month we've been learning more about relationships: our work relationships, family relationships, and church family relationships. It's been interesting to see what God's Word tells us about those things and has hopefully added some insight to help us maintain & create better relationships.

We've covered appreciation, communication, and this week we'll be looking at trust. How can I build trust with others? We'll look at commitment, loyalty, honesty, & consistency. These are the key elements of building trust.

Hope to see you this Sunday!

Todd Nince~

ps - Please be praying for:
Our newlyweds - Jon & Shelby Kingsley
Finals for college & high school kids
The Graff family - Steve's mom
Faithweek & Kids Kamp - logistics

I'm really getting old...

2008-02-27T22:12:00.003-06:00

Okay, so I'm really starting to come to the point that I must really be getting "old". Within the past week I've been down in the back, pinched nerve making me almost helpless to move around, sick with a touch of the flu, and have a metal rod that was ratcheted into my jawbone for a future crown.

I've really felt miserable (physically) for two solid weeks now. There's not a day or night that has gone by that I haven't been in some sort of pain. Nothing serious mind you, but there were times I really felt miserable. I know God is in control and is getting me back to a healthy state, it's just that I'm impatient and want to feel better "now". Patience Todd, patience.

I like what Paul says in Phillipians....

Phillipians 4:12 - I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

God's Amazing Creation

2008-02-19T22:57:00.006-06:00

I'm out here in Colorado at the base of the mountains near Ft. Collins. I've always loved the mountains. To me, the Rocky Mountains are one of the most vivid pictures we have of God's masterful creation. I get tired of hearing how "fragile" the earth is...how we're teetering on the edge of destroying our world via global warming. When I look out at the mountains and see their "majesticness", I can only thank God. "Thanks God, for creating something so beautiful, so powerful, so big, so amazing, it helps us understand, just a little bit, how great You are.

pondering things for 2008 and beyond...

2008-01-16T10:58:00.000-06:00

Well, we are half way into the new year and I'm still debating on whether or not I want to set any goals or make any resolutions. Should I or shouldn't I. I guess the key would be to set up some "makeable" goals and then also throw some out there that are not just easy ones, but ones that might put me out of my comfort zone.

After finishing up the Chase the Lion series in our Sunday morning Bible Study, I'm convinced I need to push myself more than I have in the past. So, I'm going to be putting some things "out there" that I want to do and also some things that I need to do. Not all will need to be accomplished this year but should be things I need to be figuring out. Here's a few to start out...

Life "goals" (not necessarily in order)
1) Go to Hawaii
2) Attend a Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Stadium
3) Start a small business (bookstore, coffee/sandwich shop)
4) Bike across Kansas (BAK)
5) Help Kevin get lasik surgery done
6) Go on a mission trip outside the U.S.
7) Whitewater rafting

2008 Goals
1) Family Mission trip
2) Bike down Pikes Peak w/Kevin
3) Sing in church with my daughters
4) Take a college course
5) Ride bike from Topeka to Lawrence
6) Lose 15 lbs

Christmas? Really??

2007-12-07T21:12:00.000-06:00

I'm having a hard time getting into the Christmas "spirit" this year...I'm not sure why. Sometimes I think it's just because I'm getting older and more cynical about things. I wish I could look at life through the eyes of children again.

Maybe when we get our tree up and decorated in the house, I'll feel more like "Christmas".

Al Gore in the Oval Office?

2007-11-26T17:58:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I wonder about President Bush but one thing you have to give him is that he always takes the high rode. Amazing when you remember that Algore said Bush "betrayed our country".

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071126/D8T5LN900.html

New Orleans - what we'll remember??

2005-09-01T13:07:00.000-05:00

For all of the "good" and heroic stories that will come out of the tragedy of Katrina, what we see on the news right now is what is permeating my thoughts. The looting thugs and gangs who have taken over the city are what we will remember as when look back at the aftermath. This is a pathetic display of "subhuman" people who have no respect for life or respect for property.

Send the guard in with live guns and ammo and take back the city. Shoot those people on the spot who are terrorizing innocent & weak people. Sad to say, but we are no better than the people we complain about over in 3rd world countries who act this way. I'm appalled and I'm saddened at the same time.

Pray for the USA....

My 1965 Mustang

2005-08-26T17:04:00.000-05:00

Todd & Kevin's Project
1965 Mustang
289 ci 4 spd

Hey Chuck....why do you think we are losing in Iraq

2005-08-23T18:53:00.000-05:00

Senator Hagel, what's the deal with you aiding the terrorist cause by questioning our progress over in Iraq. Granted it's not going as well as I would like but I've talked to guys that have come back and the first thing they say is "don't believe what you hear in the media". Well sir, how many marines have you talked to who've come back and said we aren't accomplishing anything??

Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2005 10:12 a.m. EDT

CENTCOM: Successes in Iraq

U.S. military commanders on the ground in Iraq must be scratching their heads in bewilderment over Sen. Chuck Hagel's recent comments painting their efforts as an abject failure.

A day after Hagel trotted out his message of doom and gloom on ABC's "This Week," CENTCOM officials issued a press release listing some of their recent accomplishments - a list of achievements that has somehow escaped the notice of the establishment press.

http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/8/23/101534.shtml

Cindy Sheehan

2005-08-23T15:56:00.000-05:00

How much press is Ms. Sheehan going to get?? I for one am tired of the press coverage. How about a "sit down" interview from the evening news from the family members including her husband who has now filed for divorce. She wants to go public with the way she feels, then her personal life is up for grabs as well.

I want to hear the other side of the story and what they think has sent her over the edge.

Thoughts on school funding, taxes, annexation....WI

2005-03-05T13:25:00.000-06:00

I'm glad the GOP in Kansas is trying to figure out a way to appease the courts concerning school finance WITHOUT raising taxes. More and more, people are being taxed by all levels of government. Whether its the local option increase, property valuation increase, etc., we as a people continue to lose out on income. Our Governor seems bent on raising taxes somewhere, somehow, to fund schools. Look at the statistics for private schools vs. public schools. Teachers are paid less, the schools spend less, and yet they are turning our kids who are well educated and far more advanced in studies that the public schools. Answer??....vouchers. Ah, but there's too much money involved behind the scenes. That and the fact is if we go to a voucher system, the NEA becomes impotent. We can't have that can we.......

It's amazing to me why government cannot control it's spending when taxpayers have to manage their money or end up going to jail if they can't. Not government, all they have to do is find a way to increase taxes be it adding pennies to the gas tax, cigarettes, alcohol, etc. That's government's answer to everything.

How much more will we let government intrude on our lives and take our hard earned money? The answer is until we elect responsible citizens who understand it's our money they are spending everyday.

Get the idea I'm opposed to tax increases? You're right....

Go Bush

2005-03-04T21:30:00.000-06:00

I must say, President Bush is really setting the tone for freedom in the Middle East. Now it looks as though Lebanon might see elections if we can get Syria out of that country. If Bush isn't putting pressure on like he has been in Iraq, none of this happens....period....

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=43154

KU gets a reprieve

2005-02-23T08:36:00.000-06:00

Well, OSU just gave KU the break they needed. With OSU's loss to Nebraska last night, KU now has an even better reason to be pumped up to play OSU this weekend. Let's hope Coach Self can motivate these guys out of the hole they've dug for themselves.

KU Basketball....what's happening??

2005-02-21T21:43:00.000-06:00

Not sure what to think about the Jayhawk basketball team...Could this be the start of the end of these guys or what? I'm beginning to wonder how J.R. Giddens was ever considered a pro prospect. I've heard of shooting slumps but this is rediculous!! But for some reason, Coach Self continues to give him the green light??? He'd be warming the bench if it were me. This ship is going in the wrong direction and there's no one on board willing to turn the thing around.....