Lives of Influence

Jennifer and I have been in a discussion lately about people who lived lives that had aspects that were worth emulating. I think, for our family and for discussion, that it would be a very interesting idea to compile a list of people that led meaningful lives our lives that stood for certain values. I know that the list could become pretty large, but I would love to get the input of my friends and family on this.

Obviously for us, Saints Nicolas, Francis and Benedict, Robert and Elizabeth Elliot, C.S. Lewis, Martin Luther, George Muller, William Wilberforce, Martin Luther King Jr., Rich Mullins are just a few. Recently, through our children's History classes, we have been talking about Roger Williams - minister/author/colonial leader. (pictured here)

Please think for a minute and leave a comment with a few of your own ideas. (everyone must participate!)

Video Hosting

I've been all over the place in the past two years using different sites for video hosting. They either stop working after a while or become too raunchy. So I guess I am going to make the move to YouTube since everyone else in the free world has. Check out my video channel and see some of the videos that I have switched over from various sites to YouTube. The capture here is from a video that highlights the kick-off of the new ministry at Sterling College in Kansas. Cick here to go to my YouTube channel.

bankrupt

bankrupt
Originally uploaded by Jerod McPherson.

This is one of a few thoughts that have really hit home with me this week at Subiaco Abbey. It is so easy to believe your own press. What I feel like this time alone is saying to me is, "fancy words, moral stands and even the best performances mean little if I don't understand what it is to love and be loved." (Sounds like the lyrics to the Eden Ahbez song Nature Boy, but it's true enough for me). I'm nothing without the knowledge and the experience of the love of God for me His handpicked adopted son. I am also nothing if I don't reflect the same love to those around me. This love is 'fuerte y dulce" yet it is very tricky to duplicate.

Bringing two things I like together

O.K. time for confessions. I like that Will Farrell guy. Obviously, He is funny, but I think He's quick on his feet and is starting to show that He is a good actor. (Well...we'll see about that last thought). Another guilty pleasure of mine is musicals. Farrell was great in his on-screen portrayal of Franz Liebkind in The Producers. (for the record, I also like Broderick in musicals as well). Last night on Dave, Farrell revealed His newest ambition. Watch the video here

New Friends in Mexico

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Originally uploaded by Jerod McPherson.

A few years ago we met Sarai Ameca-Servin and her sister Landy. These girls father is the leader of the recently started CMA Mexico. They attended some of our events there at Iron Mountain and we became friends. They have asked us to come to their home and spend time with the students in their community ever since the first time we had met them. This trip to Huatusco gave us the perfect opportunity. I was amazed when a great group of teenagers came out to have fun with us. It was strained at times for me (some of my jokes just don't translate) but it was incredible to watch God touch so many of their soft hearts. We loved the young people there in Huatusco and hope to go back soon. Click on the picture to see more shots of the CMA Youth Movement from our recent trip to Mexico

Dirty Bandit

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Originally uploaded by Jerod McPherson.

This is the Suzuki Bandit 1200 that I rode from my back porch to Huatusco, Mexico and back. In this picture it is covered with mud from all the riding in rain that we did on that particular day. I am not going to lie to you...that is a long way to ride a motorcycle. Nearly 4000 miles in 10 days (including a 3 day rest in the middle). But I can honestly say that it was a fun trip. Aside from the bike ride and all the work, I did get to spend 3 wonderful days with my honey in Mexico. I told her how special she was to me that I would ride 2000 miles on a motorcycle just to spend a night with her!

Community Art Project at Changing of the Colors

This year's Youth Movement events at the Changing of the Colors Rally were the best ever. To kick things off we had Vineyard Worship Leader Jeremy Riddle and his band. They were great and all of the students enjoyed them. Later MUZZLELOADER rocked the house and we tried some things that we have never done before: like a 120 lb. sandbox for a prayer altar and this...a community art project. As a worship response time one night we together, all 130 or so teens that were there painted a picture. This shot was taken right in the middle of all ministry/mayhem/masterpiece.

Me and the Boys

Fall pics 009
Originally uploaded by Jerod McPherson.

This photo was taken over 4 weeks ago. It has taken me this long to get around to posting it. This was the day that all of our craziness for the month of October started in earnest. As we posed for this shot, we were getting ready to head to church, where MUZZLELOADER lead worship that morning. That afternoon started the CMA Leadership Conference, where Jennifer and I lead worship. Both events were very good. We had a number of CMA Youth Movement Leaders at the conference and hosted a prayer and dessert meeting in our home one of the nights. I have posted some pictures of that evening. It was very awesome to have leaders from different states and countries. To be able to pray with them while they sat on our couch was quite an honor. We are constantly amazed at the opportunities that God gives us.
The truth is I wanted to post this shot, because I could not be any prouder of my two sons. They are doing so well in there school work, maintaining a soft heart before God and hopefully becoming people who know how to love. Many, many thanks to God for His working in their lives and mine. The last rally here on Iron Mountain was especially impactful for their lives. I can only imagine where God is wanting to take them.

McPherson Summer Travel 2006

Threw together a quick slide video of some of the pics from this summer. We took almost 1000 pictures in a few months. It's hard to decide which ones to share, but here are some of the interesting ones. Click here to watch the video.

Zoe's Pig Tails

Zoe's Pig Tails
Originally uploaded by Jerod McPherson.

OK, every once in a while it's just important to stop and look at your children. I did that today and I was amazed at what I saw. They are growing and changing at a rate that is almost impossible to keep up with. They learn more new words, complete more new thoughts, and connect more dots than you ever dreamed they could. It is really awesome to watch the progression in the photos that we have took over the last 3 years. We are incredibly blessed by God to have the family that we have. We don't really want to take it for granted.