Shane Ash

• I am stoked about the upcoming baptism weeks at nbc…it’s a great time to celebrate the life-change that is happening around us. We hope this “changed” series changes us even more…
• Yesterday evening we hosted the first ever impromptu ping pong open at nbc. It was a smashing success with huge crowds of fans and inspiring action on the tennis table. A previous show-me state all-star put on a show and dominated the lesser opponents. During the trophy presentation champion Jeff was over heard saying, “I knew I could beat these chumps. Show-me, show-me, now you know me.”
• I hear there is a badminton challenge coming up…I wonder if Jeff lettered in badminton too.
• I learned something valuable about preaching the last few weeks. The more of God’s story the better…personal illustrations are sometimes helpful, but if a sermon is more about my story than God’s…what are we really calling people too?
• Well, so much for the Cavs sweeping…now for my next prediction: Bengals 11-5. (Hey, there’s nothing wrong with hope.)
• I can’t believe it has almost been a full year since we moved to Missouri. In lots of ways it feels like only a few weeks…in other ways it feels like it’s time to retire. But wow, what an awesome year it has been. We have fallen in love with a bunch of people who share a common goal of being as close to Jesus as we can get…and everyday I count it a blessing to be part of what is happening at nbc.
• I don’t even know how to write this sentence…so I will just say this, “I want my mullet back.” Or maybe I should say…I want my pride back.

• Yesterday was fun…I love preaching the story of the early church. If we pay attention to the story of God that is underlining the stories in the book of Acts…we just might catch a glimpse of what could be for the local church.
• Only two more Sundays in this series…and we are only in chapter four…gonna be some long messages the next two weeks.
• I am super proud of my buddy Matt Slawson for his willingness and courage to step into the world to be a influence for Christ…he will be leaving in a couple of weeks  for Africa and would love your support. Among other things, he will be partnering with the Nazarene Aids Task-force in Swaziland (check out this video).  Just think, you can give a few bucks to Matt and you will be a part of some amazing work in Swaziland this summer too! If you don’t know Matt, let me know…I can get you his address…here is his newsletter…
• If I have not said so yet…I am totally stoked about this summer at nbc…we will be doing a June series called “changed” that’s keeping me up at night because I am so excited. True life-change happensstill today…and we have a ton of stories to tell at nbc…God is good.

Whoa…it’s been over a couple of weeks now since posting…the unintentional break has been good…busy, but good. I guess it means I have a lot more to talk about today. Here is an unorganized list of thoughts flowing through my mind…some church stuff, some life stuff, and some random stuff too.

• I am now a Cavs fan…I am a witness. Which builds my current fan-ship to the Bengals, Cavs, and KU. I really don’t care about the rest…however, my boy Sam now loves the Royals (he calls them the Royal-tee’s).
• We are almost done with the ‘remodel’ of the office/teen area…paint is amazing.
• It’s been four weeks since we transitioned our Sunday morning schedule…I am loving the conversation time together and the involvement of tons of new people. We are continuing to pay attention and make adjustments as they are needed…
• I am becoming more convinced of the value of simple conversation…it’s in the opening of ourselves that we are changed…and the Spirit of God dwelling in us is given the chance to work. God often speaks audibly and it sounds a lot like the sound of your voice.
• I am nearing the one year mark of being a ”new” pastor…but I think I am going to hang on to the “new” title for a little longer. Occasionally it comes in handy.
• One thing I don’t want to hang on to any more is a certain house in Cincinnati…
• We have been working on two series for this summer that I am completely stoked about…the first one is just flat out amazing…I can’t wait for June 7th to get here. Here is a teaser for ya…”_____ happens”
• I have been learning a lot about myself and my leadership persona the last few weeks. If we listen in the midst of complements and criticism we can hear truth. Sometimes the truth hurts…but always the truth helps.
• One thing (of many) I was not prepared for in leadership was how to handle myself when others disappoint. I have determined to not grow hardened by the pain…instead to allow the bruises to be reminders of my own ability to disappoint.
• And one last thought…Cavs will sweep. 

• I am loving the ”witnesses” series we are in right now. It is a new approach for us…first time to teach straight through a book in the Bible. And I like the fact that we are walking right along with the story of the early church…almost in the same time line as they first experienced it.
• We are growing into our new Sunday morning routine…slowly. Yesterday I experienced an incredible conversation time…it was exactly what we had hoped for…growing together in our understanding of how to live out being Christian.
• I am looking forward to visiting Cincinnati this week…it has been a little more than 9 months since we moved and it is strange to feel like a visitor to a place we lived for 12 years.
• Don’t tell my sister that I told the “weed” story yesterday…it will only get me in more trouble.
• btw…I am wondering if all the recent tornado warnings are just part of the Missouri mystique??

Aahhhh…monday musings. I guess this is becoming a regular routine.

• For me, the statement that is still ringing in my mind from yesterday is, “saying ‘Jesus is Lord’ is not just a declaration of his role…it is also a declaration of our heart.” Our lives are the PROOF of His Lordship.
• One word can probably describe yesterday’s message…crap. You had to be there…it was a terrible illustration…but it was memorable.
• If you want to know…I have NC going all the way.
• Ok, I am going to practice a little transparency…I need to step up my prayer life.  We are on verge of growing deeper at nbc and because we are not settling for the easy and shallow…we are under spiritual distraction more than ever before. The evil one hates it when we begin to get real…and wow, we are  feeling the heat.
• This next Sunday is going to be awesome…I love the video we are using…and I am ready to preach…and lives are going to be changed by the truth and depth of God’s love.
• Life may not be fair…but God is still good.
• The purple scooter is no more…it is now painted a classy flat black. Oh yea, low-ri-der. My pride has been restored.
• I know I have said it a lot…but seriously where did all that snow come from?
• Did I mention that it feels like we knocked to loud and all of hell has decided to join forces against us…in some ways, it makes me smile inside because I know that we are making a dent in the gates…
• This week will you pray with me for the church? Pray for our upcoming change that God would use it to deepen the spiritual walk of us all.