How Long Have You Been Ignoring Your Check Engine Light?

Since I could drive, I have always wanted a manual transmission vehicle. Thanks to my father and brother-in-law, I am now driving a 5 speed Honda Civic! I had no idea of what needed to be done, or how to do it! They were patient with me as they explained what was wrong and what needed to be done, and how I could help.


Working on this car was tedious and the labor was spread out over two, maybe three, months of weekends finding more and more issues and things that needed to be fixed or replaced. The biggest repair was replacing the broken engine with a newer one from the junk yard. The hood was a tight fit in the first place, but moving an engine around makes it a bit smaller. We had to remove pieces in order, get things out, replaced and put it all back in again without forgetting any bolts! Fortunately the venture was completed with minimal pieces left over after an entire day of work, much Mountain Dew and 12 McDoubles.


This process reminded me of the refining process that God does on our lives. We're so incredibly complex in the way we are put together, beyond the physical construction. Many times my spiritual "check engine" light comes on and I have no idea what to do. God is so patient with me, as He, in His perfect timing, reveals to me the areas that I haven't been maintaining on a healthy basis. I can be pretty stubborn, but His patience is bigger!

Once I am willing to listen, the Holy Spirit works and helps repair the areas of my life that are rusty, in need of repair, or even completely broken!

Recently, I attended an event in the U of M Marriuci Arena called Unite. It was a night of worship and prayer held on the National Day of Prayer in partner with Pulse Campus and PraiseFM. This four hour gathering was lead almost completely by volunteers, and was a great experience. Many different campuses came together to worship our Creator through different means. Additional pictures can be seen on PraiseFM's flickr page.


As much as I enjoyed it, I had a major struggle. I was raised in a non-denom church, but it was baptist based. That being the case, the congregation remains very stationary, and a few hands might go up occasionally. The Unite gathering was quite charismatic from what I am used to. Immediately I began to grow bitter towards the things I was seeing. That's when God flipped the check engine light on! I realized that there is no one way to worship God! Even if there was, who am I to decide what that looks like? King David wasn't exactly the most reserved when worshiping the Lord!

In 2 Samuel 6, David "dances and leaps before the Lord" and is called out on his actions:

When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” v20

David is not embarrassed, but explains his actions with reason:

²¹ David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD. ²² I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.”

Am I like Michal? Do I become bitter and spiteful when others are worshiping the Lord in a different way? I pray that God would melt my heart if I ever am.

Where in your life does the "check engine" light come on? How can you let God perform maintenance in that area?

You can ignore the indicators that are there for your benefit, but how much better could things be if you didn't?

God Doesn't Take A Spring Break

The past quarter of classes was strenuous, and I am so very glad for the past week I've had for spring break, to get away and relax. This is the first year that I have traveled anywhere for spring break. In the past I've sat around at home and relaxed / worked. This year, a friend randomly asked me if I'd like to come to South Carolina with her and some other friends. Immediately (and much to her surprise) I accepted and made my plans to accompany the group.

My most anticipated part of the trip was seeing the ocean for the first time, and being able stand on the coast and look out into the vast expanse. This is the coast line that I was at:


An absolute amazing experience for me and was incredibly humbling. Looking out, unable to see an end of the ocean. God is so amazing with His creation, and I am so small when compared to everything else He has created. He has created the HUGE ocean, but He also has the creativity for the vast colors on the smallest of birds and gave them an amazing intelligence:



God has created something so huge and powerful, and something so intricate and beautiful -- what does that say for us? How awesome is it to know that WE are created in God's image and that He loves us so much and gave us dominion over all this amazing creation. Gah! It simply blows my mind.

Being in a different place with people I'm not normally around is difficult, and circumstances have only made it increasingly difficult. I see his Ocean like power taking control of circumstances that seem to be adrift; His amazing creativity knowing the plans for me, where my imagination falls so short; and providing the capacity and intellect to scratch the surface of understanding who He is and how we can tap into this power and creativity through the Holy Spirit. How amazing is our God!

"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you."
Jeremiah 32:17

Triangle Friendship

Currently I've been going through a lapse of judgment, and listening to the boy bands of the late nineties. Everything from Backstreet Boys to the Spice Girls. As sad as this is, it made me think back over the years I've been attending school.

Elementary school - Everyone is a friend.
I walked to school everyday in elementary school, with a neighbor. Eric and I were best of friends for those four years, often spending the day at one anther's houses. At school, anyone would would respond to your talking was a friend. It was a time of building social skills and learning to kick a ball at least half way across the gym while playing "Mat Ball"

Middle School - Friends change drastically.
Upon entering the middle school (7/8th Grades) everything changes quickly. All four of the elementary schools combined into the same building adding new faces and classmates. Separation was still in place though "colors" of students, [Core curriculum spread between teams of teachers to better manage the large number of students] and maintaining friendships across colors was difficult. This was a chance to make new friends, with more authenticity. Since recess was no longer provided, people were looking for more then a pal to play ball with for a half-hour.

High School - Friend groups become cliques.
High school years are the foundation for building your reputation. The fine-arts you are involved in (band, orchestra, newspaper, theater, ... ) place you in a group that becomes tight knit as you continue over the four years together. People will do almost anything to move up in reputation, even if it might cost a friendship.

This was when I first realized that the "Everyone is a friend" value was gone. The one time that people really needed a friend they could rely on, was the time that they were getting pushed to the bottom of the dogpile. Authenticity is not a word in the average high school student's vocabulary.

Community College - Friends are few and far between.
For me college is such a whirlwind of emotions. Attending a community college for a year was one of the most trying things I have done. Looking for friends, I only found acquaintances. The consistency was only found in the seat you sat in and the people around you. Surrounded by thousands of people, I felt like I was the only one there. Fortunately, I could look to my workplace for a sense of belonging. Work became the thing I looked forward too, as I had people who genuinely cared for my company ready to work together for the evening. I thank God for those people, truly and deeply do.

College Campus - Friends are intricate.
As you mature and learn to deal with people, the way you make and keep friendships grows with you. Through course work, I've been reading the book: Relationships: How to Make Bad Relationships Better and Good Relationships Great By Parrott, Leslie L. Parrott. This book focuses on all aspects of relations, but spoke most to me on friendship.

Friends, according to Parrott, are not circular (cf Circle of Freinds) but triangular.
As seen above, our friends consists of multiple levels. Ranging from Acquaintances, Core, and Intimate friends. This idea of levels of friends has been so foreign to me, but as I began to reflect on my past each category of school would place people on some level of the triangle. We also talked about "friends of the road" and how many friends in our lives are not meant to be lifelong friends, but simply help us though our daily life for a season or two.

Living at a college full of daily interaction with the body of students, I cannot help but keep this triangle in the back of my mind. Not that I "rate" everyone that I talk with, deciding where to file them on the shelf, and for how long will I keep them there, but trying to build bonds with people who are also looking for the same thing. Being in a Christian environment, much of the ministry department falls on the bottom category as I share classes with the same general audience. As the year has stretched over halfway, I am still unsure of the intimate list.

My core friends have been uplifting and encouraging, although they don't have a clue. When I feel down and lonely, someone will come and sit with me or strike up a conversation that is authentic and intentional; this is encouraging that I've chosen people who truly care about me as a friend and view me as I view them. I was even asked about housing for next year, and if I'd be willing to room. The Lord truly provides uplifting when you need it the most. I am so encouraged and appreciative of this friend, and feel honored to call him such.

Friends come and go, but "there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" who wants to know you above and beyond any triangle of classification. He can provide healing when you're hurt and encouragement when you're in the slumps. He is not a "friend of the road" but will be there for you when ever you need, and even when you think that you don't. He stands ready, all you have to do is let Him help.

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

Joseph M Scriven 1855

Show your friends how appreciative of them you are this week.

Matthew Brice.

Happy Black Fri-- Thanksgiving!

The holiday shopping season accounts for $500 billion in sales to year and Black Friday generates about $10 billion of that. Although Black Friday has been awesome for me the past several years, this year I am looking forward to Thanksgiving, not shopping.

Thanksgiving is a time to be deadly honest with those you love about the thanks you have for them. My family means a lot to me, and I'm glad to be able to spend another November with them this year.

Sarah was married this past month and I now have a brother-in-law that I am extremely thankful for and will have the opportunity to get to know further as we spend time together.

My family means the world to me, although it may not always show. I always thought I'd be happy to be away from home, but now I look forward to going home. Not being around you family, really makes you value the time that you do have together. This Thursday will be a delightful time to relax and enjoy each others presence without an expectation of sorts.

Not only my family, but friends who I have long missed. Everyone returns from their campuses and I'll have a chance to reunite with those whom value me as much as I value them!

Admist your Black Friday shopping, getting the latest and greatest gizmos, be sure to step back and be thankful; thankful for the family that you have, the friends you've grown up with and the other important people in your life that have truely made a difference. Give them a big hug (before they get stuffed on Turkey!), or a friendly note or text message. Everyone can use encouragement, especially in the stress and business that is the holidays.

Keep Your Stick On The Very Slippery Ice
Matthew Brice

Movie Night

This weekend is fall break. Northwestern College (MSP) has quarters, or 'quads' as the local slang is, in which some classes operate. Most classes do run the whole semester, but others are shortened in terms of time and credits. Because this quad is now over, the school has given Monday and Tuesday off.

I took advantage of my light work schedule and spent the weekend home, hanging with my father. You forget how much you enjoy the little things; haning out at McDonald's talking about everything and nothing, or watching a movie with your family and destroying six courts of popcorn in ten minutes flat. You forget how much you enjoy the little things until they're no longer a part of what you do.

That being said, you can create your new little things to do where ever you are. Today my roommate Stephen and I had quite the day! Grabbed lunch, witnessed and helped in a vehicular accident (awesome picture below), watched a quality Vikings game, and proceeded to watch not one but four movies in our dorm room before mozying up the ladders to bed.

Do I miss being home? Absolutely. Although being woken up to help mow the lawn or change the oil doesn't sound relaxing, it's comforting. Something that I will cherish about my family, how we made our own little things to celebrate. That being said, I love being at school. Hanging with my roommate, eating late night Shells and Cheese and watching movies until you cannot follow plot lines any longer, enjoying every bit of it.

My advice for you? Enjoy the little things. And if you don't have any little things to enjoy, make them. The only excuse you have for not enjoying the moment, is you.

Rule Number 32: Enjoy The Little Things.

God Bless you, and teach you new things in every situation.

Matthew Brice

College Life

Two weeks into school and I'm into the swing of things pretty well! I've class every day of the work week, but a different schedule every-other day. Mixing up the work load and keeping things interesting.

Loving it here at Northwestern College, with Christ centered education and people alike. I loving being challenged each and everyday academically as well as by my peers in my own relationship with Christ.

My roommates and I are a great match. We are friends from high-school youth group, and know each-other quite well. Not only are we keeping accountability in every regard, but it's nice to always have someone to 'bro-out' with on the off hours or weekend. Looking forward to growing to be more like Christ with these men of God as well. We decided to read the book of James five times a week, on top of any other reading we might be doing. I'm excited to really learn and understand what this book has to offer! My great HS friend Robbie challenged me to this daily reading, and this is another way to keep accountable.

Our entire dorm (Knutson) is full of great men. We have a bi-weekly prayer gathering to pray for each other and challenges we might have or might face. We are coming together to fight for Christ and Break Though and do amazing things for Christ on our campus .

Loving NWC, and looking forward to an awesome year!!

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy?
Let him sing songs of praise.
James 5:31 (New International Version)

Singing songs of praise everywhere I go!

Go with Christ, show his love in everything you do.

Summer Love

This summer has gone so fast. Throughout high school, I never believed people when I was told that live only moves faster, and to enjoy HS while I could. How I wish I listened to their advice!

Working with the High School Ministry the past year, I've seen things about the 'good old days' that I never realized. How much opportunity there is to get involved with different sports, and organizations, and student groups. How much opportunity I had to share my faith, and didn't.

Regret isn't a word I would use, as I regret very little in my life. It was a learning experience which molded me into who I am today, simply a year later. That being said, the difference between a HS senior and a college freshman are immense in more ways then one (figured that one out this past year too!).

I'm so thankful for my past year as it has been so quick, especially the summer! I don't know what I've done for the past two/three months, but it seems very little to what I have done in the past. Work, and disc-golf? Is that all I've amounted to with my time... wow! I know that I've done much more, but it takes some concentration to see it! :P Friendships would be the biggest thing on my what happened recently list. Wither it's growing close, growing apart, or maintaining them, I have really seen a change in who I call friend.

God's Love is amazing. The college ministry known as 'The College Group' that I attend has been talking about phileo love, which would be best described in modern terms as brotherly or friendship love/affection. I fall so short of what God calls us to be as loving friends. My prayer is to grow in my love for God, and for others, putting Him and them before myself that I may show Christ's love though my everyday actions.

I hope that you're milking all you can out of your summer months, and that your love, phileo love only continues to grow!

I found this on Adam Young's Myspace page, relate fully and leave you with it:

I follow Jesus Christ wholeheartedly. He is my life, my strength, my all.