Archive for the 'My Wife' Category

The autopsy of a church planter

Published
by
Nathan Griffis
on 30 April 2009
in Church Planting, Church of God, City of Weston Florida, Health, InDependence Church, My Life, My Wife, Parenting, Random Ramblings and The Word
. 7 Comments

Somebody asked me yesterday what it was like to not have to prepare for Sunday. Well I wrote this blog a while back titled 6 days till Sunday which has been the story of my life for the past 16 months straight. Even though I recently have switched over to Facebook to spout off random thoughts, this blog still remains the behind the scenes look at the life of a husband, father, and church planter. I just have been busy with the stuff below and haven’t had time to blog much. (And outsourcing my blog didn’t work)

 

So I wanted to journal my thoughts as I close the chapter of my life at InDependence Church. As many of you know this past Sunday was my last official Sunday at InDependence. Over the next week or so I will be working on transferring over all of the other “stuff” that goes along with this job like, banking, taxes, facilities, marketing, leadership, staff info, etc. etc. etc.

 

Many of my pastoral friends have called to check up on me to see how I am doing. My wife asked me yesterday if it feels to me like we are offering our kid up for adoption after you have brought it into this world and raised it for two years… In a sense yes but God has given me incredible peace and confidence that I am doing what is best for me, my family and InDependence.

 

To not so quickly recap:

Continue reading ‘The autopsy of a church planter’

Tales from Ireland

Published
by
Nathan Griffis
on 10 March 2009
in Church Planting, My Life and My Wife
. 0 Comments

Today my wife and son visited the ruins of a church in Ireland that dated mid 600AD. From what my wife could remember from her years of Latin she believes that a tombstone at the site was that of the Pastor and his wife.

 

Seeing that she began to question what it was like for them. What challenges did they face? I guess she feels a connection with them given our current positions as pastor and wife.

 

Now she has me thinking. Will we do this until we die or until Jesus comes back? Can we be obedient enough for Him to desire to use us for that amount of time? Can we keep the passion to serve and the compassion for the lost? Can we make it through the periods of physical, mental and emotional tiredness? Will we be able to maintain enough faith to stair in the face of adversity and still declare all things are possible? Can we overcome temptation (lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life)?

 

The part that I found very cool was that they are presumably buried at the church where they pastored. For us I don’t think the school would be to keen on that but this says some things to me. Maybe it was nothing like this but to me I see a couple who were able to say yes to the above questions.

 

Even though it would be neat to hear their story I don’t have to because most all stories that I hear from pastors include struggles, temptations, trials, victories, grace and deliverance. I know that ours does and now more than ever I want to be able to say yes to the above questions. I don’t care about being buried at a church but I do want to stand before God someday and as He looks over my record for Him to see these things.

 

So today I pray God lead me where you want me. Plant me, grow me, and prune me as necessary, so that I may produce good fruit for your kingdom all the days of my life.

Bi-Vo

Published
by
Nathan Griffis
on 3 February 2009
in Church Planting, City of Weston Florida, InDependence Church, My Life, My Wife and Random Ramblings
. 0 Comments

No this isn’t some new term to describe someone’s sexual persuasion, but is short for Bi-Vocational. In my case, and in the case of the writer of this great blog entry, this refers to Bi-Vocational Pastor. I have been doing this for a little over a year now and have encountered a majority of the things listed. So I thought I would share it for my pastor friends out there or for those who are considering planting a church.

 

Reagarding the gaining weight issue… I would suggest an extended fast because that is why many people think you do them anyway.

Never underestimate “skrappy”

Published
by
Nathan Griffis
on 14 January 2009
in Church Planting, My Life, My Wife and Random Ramblings
. 0 Comments

No real post here but this is the type of random thought that I will post on my future Facebook page. I know that is probably so “yesterday”. But now that my wife is on there and there are men who are requesting to be her “friend” I figured it is time to make my presence known. Weighing in at a whoping 144lbs I just want to say “never underestimate skrappy”. Because if there is anything that I have learned in the last couple of years as a church planter is how to keep fighting…

Reason #227 why I am angry my wife stopped blogging…

Published
by
Nathan Griffis
on 12 December 2008
in InDependence Church, My Wife and The Word
. 1 Comment

This is the devotion my wife prepared for our church Christmas Party tomorrow. (so if you are coming don’t ruin it by taking a sneak peak) 

“I want to paint a picture for you. It’s December 26th and you’re sitting on your couch. You look around your house and you see the evidence that Christmas did come and go. You see little pieces of wrapping paper that didn’t make it into the big bundles of trash that were carted out and then little Johnny runs in and his hearts broken because his gift card to Game Stop is missing and you tell him to go look in the big bundles of trash that are outside. Then, little Susie comes running down the stairs and the collectible figurine that Grandma bought has been broken. You’re too tired to get out the super glue and so you sit and ponder and your wonder, “Why was it that this Christmas was no different”. Oh, you set out way before Christmas to make sure that this Christmas was Christ-centered. You set out to make sure that this Christmas was going to be different. This Christmas there was going to be less focus on finances and more focus on giving. Less doing, and more being. Less commercialism, and more Christ. But as you sit and you ponder on that December 26th you realize that this Christmas was no different than any other because, you see, your heart had not changed. Christmas is born out of a heart that is focused on Christ. Christmas literally means “more of Christ”. It’s a time if the year that you set apart, not only with your family and your celebrations, but we are to set Christ apart in our heart… yet here we are. Continue reading ‘Reason #227 why I am angry my wife stopped blogging…’

Stories Week 2

Published
by
Nathan Griffis
on 2 December 2008
in City of Weston Florida, InDependence Church and My Wife
. 0 Comments

Everybody does these Sunday wrap-up things and I just haven’t for really no apparent reason. But I do want to take just a moment to say that this past Sunday my wife spoke for the first time at InDependence. I have to say she did an amazing job. I knew that she would.

 

I wish we could have podcasted it but we had some issues with the recording of it. She shared her story and related it to David (in the Bible not David from the previous week). It was a strong word and I am so proud to have her as my wife. I can’t wait to ask her to speak again but I have to wait a little while so I don’t ruin a great thing.

Band of Gypsies

Published
by
Nathan Griffis
on 21 November 2008
in My Life, My Wife and Parenting
. 2 Comments

So last night I went and checked out our new house for the first time. That’s right the Griffis family is like a band of gypsies. We moved about 4 months ago into an apartment in Plantation to save on some money. Now thanks to the current housing market we are able to move back into a house in Weston for $25/month less than we are currently paying for our apartment and storage unit.

 

There are obviously some amenity benefits to living in a house over an apartment. For example, you don’t hear footsteps over your head or arguing neighbors. Or there is the pipes rattling every time somebody flushes. You don’t have to know your neighbors schedule by the closing of doors.

 

For me I am only awake at home for +/- 6 hrs per day and I sleep like a rock. But for my wife and son this was a very hard transition and I feel like a better husband and dad to be able to get them out. Now my son will have a safe place to ride his bike. We will be able to take family strolls at night without being next to busy streets. My wife will feel safe enough to resume her morning runs.

 

There is a small yard to play croquet or tag and a screened in patio to entertain our guests. My son’s toy area will no longer be what many would consider the dining area and he will once again have an area designated to home school. Depending on if we can get our current furniture to work my wife may get her own little reading nook. I almost forgot the garden tub to recreate a spa environment at a much reduced price.

 

There is a great community playground and we will be really close to our old neighborhood where Owen has some friends that he has been missing. My wife did all the leg work finding the house and found us a real bargain. Now all that is left to do is move over the next few weeks so that we can host our church Christmas Party.

I kissed a girl… and I liked it

Published
by
Nathan Griffis
on 1 November 2008
in My Wife and The Word
. 1 Comment

My wife quit blogging and for those of you who were privelaged enough to read it, you know how great she is at it. I hijacked this from our daily e-votional as a part of the New Testament Challenge and thought I would share:

 

“For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature,they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error” 2 Peter 2:18.

 

“I Kissed a Girl” is the title of a song that was recently number one on popular radio stations for many weeks. It’s been performed live on the Fox Network TV show, “Dancing with the Stars.” It was also the number one iTunes download this past summer. “I Kissed a Girl - and I Liked It,” as the lyrics go, has become a trendy saying, even printed on t-shirts for teen girls and women. However, it is not just a trendy saying - it’s a deceptive enticement.

 

As a parent, I want to be aware of the things my child is being told by the world. As much as I wish I could guard his eyes and ears so they are not exposed to the deceptive influences that can creep in, I know I can’t be with him all the time. Therefore, I want to be informed so I can help him deal with what comes his way. I need to know what he is exposed to when he leaves the walls of our home.

 

The cries for acceptance and love are loud today. Can you hear them? Just look at what some people, mostly young girls, will do to feel noticed, loved and accepted. Maybe you know someone like this. Maybe you are someone like this.

 

The truth is - we are loved, completed, noticed, and accepted. Maybe not by everyone in this world, but by Someone much greater and much more important than anyone we know - our Creator.

 

We were created in the image of God, but we are not God. We are human and have human feelings. Too often, we use this as an excuse to sin. If God created me to feel this way, then how could it be wrong? Ever since the fall of man we have struggled with sin. That is our human nature, but we have the ability to make choices.

 

The Bible says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2, NIV). I know what it is like to live the world’s way. I’ve been there. The pleasures of this world are enticing but only temporary.

 

We need to guard our hearts and the hearts of those we love by not being persuaded by or giving into the “in thing.” (not referring to The In Church) We are worth far more than that. As sons and daughters of the King, we are deserving of royal treatment. We do not need to “conform to the pattern of this world,” or do inappropriate things for recognition.

 

The song, “I Kissed a Girl” is written and sung by singer/songwriter Katy Perry, who is a wealthy woman today because of it. She’s gaining a lot of attention, popularity, and fame. It may interest you to know that in 2001, she released a Christian album titled “Faith Won’t Fail” under the name Katy Hudson.

 

Not one of us is immune to the influences of the world, and neither are our children. We need to remain intentional, and strongly aware that each of us can be deceived. We can give in to enticing temptations if we are not careful. So let’s prayerfully guard ourselves and our children from going along with worthless boasts and appeals to fleshly desires, often found in popular songs of today. Instead, let’s look to God to fill our mouths with edifying words, and fill our hearts with a strong sense of acceptance that is grounded in Him. 

Happy anniversary!

Published
by
Nathan Griffis
on 18 September 2008
in My Life and My Wife
. 3 Comments

Nine years ago today I married the most amazing woman. Even though I had no clue how great of a package I was getting I knew that I was certainly out of my league. And yes, I still am.  

As I was reflecting today on some of my favorite memories with her I was remembering the song we danced to for our first dance as husband and wife. 

 

 

As I listened to the words of the song I realized one very important lesson to share. Even though you can say it without saying anything at all, don’t forget to say it also. So Harmony Dawn Griffis “I love you.” The last 9 years have been the most amazing journey and I wouldn’t trade one minute with you for the world.  

Take every cheesy line from every sappy love movie (such as “you complete me, and “you make me want to be a better man”) and combine them all together and that only begins to describe the effect that you have had on my life. Well if I keep going people will begin to get nauseous but thanks for being my willow.  

Purpose Driven has a Price

Published
by
Nathan Griffis
on 26 August 2008
in Church Planting, InDependence Church, My Life, My Wife, Parenting and Random Ramblings
. 1 Comment

At breakfast this morning with my buddy Carl we were discussing some of our challenges. This time could easily turn into a one up or simply a complain session. (you thought I was going to say something else but I am working out my salvation) To this point we have been successful in making it an opportunity to encourage one another and offer feedback. 

This morning I was telling him about my desire to establish some priorities and boundaries between ministry and life. I know some really “holy” people just said there is no difference; God has called you to be a pastor, so it is your life. No, it is only a piece… God has called me to be a man, a husband, a father, a friend, a witness, an employee, and a pastor so it is up to me to establish the priorities of these things and establish boundaries.

I have always been aware of the time vacuum that is ministry. I grew up with it and have vowed hundreds of times not to loose site of my priorities. Well, seemingly no matter how conscious I am or how hard I have tried I am missing the mark. God has a way of reminding us of where we are falling short. Sometimes they are subtle redirections and other times they hurt like a dull knife cutting out your heart.

So, I used the word Purpose Driven because that is one of the church planting models that includes the “launching large” concept. Obviously there are others, but I want to share today a price to “launching large” (especially if you don’t make it). The Bible talks about counting your costs and this was one that I didn’t consider and maybe you haven’t either so let me help you learn this so you might not have to pay the same price. Continue reading ‘Purpose Driven has a Price’