Following the Compass Point

Recently, the world was introduced to the new movie, "The Golden Compass" based on a trilogy written by an outspoken atheist, Phillip Pullman. My wife and I have seen the trailers and both felt it would be a fun adventure to watch.

Then, I started getting emails from family and friends warning me not to go see the movie. The emails also pointed out how the movie was not appropriate for children, even though they reported it was masquerading as a "childrens" movie.

This uproar has sparked several thoughts on the subject. One relates to how we raise our kids and the other is my thoughts on whether to see the movie or not.

During the last few years, we've been blessed with movies based on works from believers including J.R.R. Tolkein and C.S. Lewis. It's easy to see how parents can begin to let their guard down when it relates to letting their children see fantasy, holiday films. However, as I prepare for the days when we have kids, my wife and I have discussed what films we would or would not allow our children to see. We're hoping we'll remember a few rules of thumb. Our children should not see a movie that we haven't thoroughly checked out. Even the movies based on Lewis and Tolkein's works are quite dramatic and frightening - not the best for children. Among the Christian community, I see so many parents trusting heresay in relation to movies, trusting that if Family B will let their kids go, then it must be OK. I believe parents must be careful - we want our children protected, which means parents have to go the extra mile and be willing to use the dreaded "N" word (yes, we can say it, the dreaded "No") for any movie that we have misgivings about. Movies are not a requirement for the upbringing of our children.

Second, as it relates to watching a movie that is based on the work of an atheist, consider the world around us. We have little to no misgivings about watching a "family" movie like "Fred Claus" that preaches that every child is good and deserves lots of presents (which definitely conflicts with what we find in scripture about the sinful nature of mankind from birth) and uses wonderful Christmas songs like, "Silent Night" with all references to Christ skillfully edited out. Is it better to watch something that is stealthfully "non-religious" or something that blatently talks about a world without a god? I would have to say that I'd rather know that the movie I watch is "non" Christian than to have one that diludes Christian values to the point that following them endangers a person to become "good" which the Bible clearly says does not get us to heaven.

So, those are my thoughts. I hope everyone chooses to see their holiday movies carefully - no matter who the author of the original work was.

What is Reverb?

This week, Emily and I had the opportunity to be a part of an incredible conference in Atlanta, Ga. The Catalyst Conference brings 11,000 young church leaders from throughout the country together for a wild, action-packed two day conference. The worship time was fast-paced and authentic (complete with 20-somethings, hands-raised, and jumping high!), the speakers were provocative and radical, and the sum effect was REVERB. The theme for this year was how important our actions are to those around us. The reminder that what we do has a reverb effect to those around us was perfect. Emily and I were really encouraged about our church leadership activities - and even our activities interacting with other folks - making sure we show God's love to everyone we come in contact with.

Here are a few pics:

Our seats were just a few rows back from the stage - incredible view. We were part of a group called ICC and Daystar Fellowship church in Greensboro. Over 45 other people came with the group.

A great view from the top of the center. An amazing sight - thousands of young leaders incredibly on fire for God!

Each worship time was like a mini concert. And, all the praise was for Him!

Well, one of our favorite speakers was Dave Ramsey, a Christian financial expert. We loved it when he told the crowd that their old beat up cars that they affectionately refer to as "my Dave car" wasn't cool. See, Dave strongly recommends that people not purchase new cars because of the loss of value in the first years and to never go into debt for a car. Because of this, everyone's beat-up-but-paid-for cars carried Dave's name - he said he'd prefer us to call our newer-nice-but-paid-for cars that we can afford once we're out of debt "my Dave car."

OK - So I haven't posted lately...

I'm going to use the "I've been busy" excuse this time. You know, moving tends to take up some of your time. But, I definitely wanted to post a picture of a very special gift from my lovely wife for our anniversary. Marriage is so sweet!

Yes, it's a fabulous, beautiful tool chest - 5 feet of spectacular tool storage!

House Update - a week away

Yes - It's only a week away from completion! The walk-through inspection will be next Friday (today is Sunday). The following Friday is closing! It still amazes us of God's blessings on us. The house is coming together nicely. Enjoy these pics!

Emily unlocking the front door (first time unlocking - before this you could just walk in!)

Emily on the back patio with the view down the hill to the neighbors in the next development.

So much fun!

The dining room - we're already pulling it into photoshop to figure out colors!

The kitchen - appliances are in - we love it!

They're finishing up the light fixture installations.

We had to take the obligatory "Emily walking into the mud room" picture - I think this is the fourth version of it (we started it when they hung the doors)

The bathroom is looking so nice!

Wow - God Is AMAZING!

Well, our new house is almost complete. The construction company is planning to complete the home on March 22. And, our house is under contract, 2 weeks after going on the market. It's been amazing! At this point, we're planning to move sometime during the week of March 24th. God has been taking care of all the details - and we're excited to trust him with the rest of the move!

Here's some pics of the new house - enjoy!

The Future Is Moving

Just some great photos of our house that's under construction in Winston-Salem.

The view from our back window...

The front of the house...

Looking out the front window to the park up the hill.

Again, the front of the house (but with the excited couple!)

"Honey, I'm home!" (through the garage door)

Looking through the kitchen to the back door...

Our fireplace & media niche in the downstairs living room...

Emily shows James where our master bathroom's toilet will be (I couldn't resist posting this one!)

A Capital Vacation

So, off we went to DC for a few days. My old seminary roommate offered to let us stay with him and his wife in their DC apartment - and it was perfect. Located just across the Potomac in Crystal City, we had an easy metro ride to the sites of DC.

Our first night, we ate at a cool DC diner - Ben's Chili Bowl. It's got a cool atmosphere, with pictures of famous visitors in the past, plus great hot dogs and awesome chili. Prepare yourself if you get two hotdogs plus fries - it's a lot of food for two people!

We checked out the National Cathedral - it was incredible. Such a wonderful place to go and just look at the incredible architecture God gives man the ability to craft!


We took a day to check out the monuments. It was a very busy day - lots of walking. But, we got some incredible pictures, and just enjoyed seeing sights together.


Yes - that's ice! It was so cold the reflecting pool between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial was froze over. Not solid-through though, as an unsuspecting couple near us found out (splash!).

At the end of our full day of monument walking, we got to see the sunset - a perfect DC postcard.

Our final day was Sunday. We visited Capital Hill Baptist Church - a great church just a few blocks from the Capitol. Check it out if you're ever in DC on a Sunday.

Who says you need a fireplace?

We decided to hang our stockings by the fireplace! Well, it works, doesn't it? :-)

Turkey day and Christmas decorating!

Well, it's hard to believe it's already the holidays! Emily and I will be celebrating our second Christmas together as a married couple in just a few weeks! This week, we visited my parents in the mountains, where my wife delivered to them an incredible feast with a beautiful turkey. We then visited our favorite tree farm in West Jefferson, looking for that perfect tree. We brought it back with us late Thursday night and decorated a couple of days later. We even got to enjoy an afternoon at the Nutcracker ballet. God has been so good to us - giving us a joyful holiday season to enjoy friends, family, and the bounty of His blessings to us! Enjoy the photos!

Summer Summary

Yes, well, I know many folks have been shocked that I haven't been blogging as regularly as they expected. Well, it's just that nothing exciting's been happening. OK, that's probably not quite a true statement. During the summer, I was working two jobs - my part-time job at the church and a part-time contract programming job with a company in Hickory. It turned out to be a very heavy workload, lots to juggle, so most other things fell to the wayside.

So, God decided it was time to answer my prayers about ways to reduce my stress. In September, the church informed me that they wouldn't be able to hire me full-time starting in 2007 as expected. That was a sad note, considering the church understood that if I could only continue working both part-time jobs for the next few months (before I'd be pulling my hair out) and that I felt it was time for us to look for a full-time ministry role. Full-time could mean a regular full-time job and then a ministry role that allows me to actively help lead - so, it's not 100% based on a full-time church job.

This coming November, I'll be transitioning out of my church job and focus on my other job. Then, we'll wait to see what God opens up for us! Keep praying!

On more enjoyable notes, October turned out to be visit central for the Rotens. We had visits from the Hall family (and got to go there a few weeks later, see the pictures below) and went on a birthday weekend. Over the next few weeks, we have two more weekends planned out, plus a trip to DC in December. What an exciting time!

Here's some pics from the recent trip to Hickory. How do you like my first time carving a pumpkin?

Finally over "the mono"

It's been an interesting last few weeks!  About 6 weeks ago, I started feeling very tired and sore.  After a couple of weeks like that, I came down with a sore throat and sick feeling.  The doctor said I probably had mono - and that heart-warming prescription of "rest, sleep, no exerting yourself" but no drugs!

Took a couple more weeks to get over that part, and another to get back to feeling like I have some energy.  Oh, and of course, I developed something like strep on top of mono.  Thankfully, there were antibiotics for that!

But, I have to say, during the illness, I truly appreciated how much my wife took care of me and the house.  She tried her best not to have me deal with any problems - just recouperate.  Thanks sweetie! 

And the holidays begin!

Recently, it was pointed out that I haven't blogged in a while. Yes, there's very little that can be said to excuse that reality. But, in my defense, I don't like to blog unless I've got something to say that people would actually care about :-).

Since it's the holidays, and everyone loves holiday pics, here goes!

Emily and her wonderful Thanksgiving meal!

Our 7 foot tree before it was cut in West Jefferson, NC (Ashe county)

Our tree after it was put up and decorated! OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE!

More living room decorations (tree reflect in mirror)

The front is decorated with frasir fir garland, wreath and lots of lights!

We went to the grocery store and came back with a kitty...

Ok, not the usual title for one of my blogs, but a funny story, nonetheless. Emily and I were heading to the grocery store yesterday and a girl in front of the store had a cage of 3 kittens she needed to give away. Emily and I have been wanting a kitty... so... we impulsively took the little boy. Afterwards, we kept looking at each other, saying "Oh, my goodness...we have a kitten...oh my."

Now, we're into day 2, and well, Titus (the kitty, aka Titus Leo Roten, III) is a very rambuncious kitten. But, we are really like him. He's a bit crazy (just like a kitten, and a Roten), and, well, adorable.

So, no deep theological implications here, just a little overwhelming that we now have a responsibility when we were just settling in to married life. God is neat.

Lots of Questions

I recently finished reading the New Testament (a 4 month project turned into a 10 month project thanks to the wedding and finishing up seminary). I have to say that over the years, especially after having spent time studying the history and background of the scriptures, I have grown to really enjoy reading through the different books. As a sci-fi buff, I really have to say that the book of Revelation is really one of the most interesting books. It's vivid imagery and it's prophetic voice really makes the mind wander! And, well, I am the king of the wandering mind!

So, anyway. When I was reading, there were lots of questions that kept popping into my mind. For example, of the 12 foundations of the new city, each are to be labeled with the name of the one of the 12 apostles. I started wondering who the 12 are? Is it the original twelve (and, if it is, how would that be, since I really don't think Judas will be a foundation of the city) or is it another twelve, which may include Paul, Luke or others. Then, there was the statement that there won't be anymore oceans. No oceans? This weekend, me and Emily are visiting her brother in Virginia Beach, and I have to say, the ocean is one of the most beautiful things in God's creation!

What conclusion I came to was that with God in our very presence, we would not be bothered that there wouldn't be any ocean - and big deal if the high mountains have been leveled (again in Revelation). The reality is that nothing really compares to actually living in the presence of our great God. That, of course, is a WOW kind of thought. We find ourselves so bothered by questions, and even seminaries and churches are often split in ungodly anger over the mysteries of God. How interesting that in the end, nothing else will matter - even the creature comforts and the incredibly beautiful creation that God has given us. Nothing else but the beauty of our Lord and how He has saved us to spend eternity with Him.

Again, a WOW kind of thought!

Married! (or not?)

Emily and I are finally getting rested up from our busy last few weeks. June 4, our wedding day, went very well. In fact, it was one of the best days of my life. Knowing that God was joining me and Emily together formally for life was a great worship experience, and our wedding ceremony reflected that. We participated in a communion and a servant-declaring foot washing. Many individuals told us later what a biblical, spiritual experience it was.

So, the last few weeks were filled with our honeymoon in Gatlinburg, a week and a half of house set-up and returns to jobs, and then a few days at Carowinds in Charlotte for a Christian concert weekend (and a second honeymoon). Things just seemed to be getting back to normal when yesterday, our pastor received a letter. It said that our marriage license form was rejected...apparently someone forgot to put in a couple of dates. So...are we married?

Well, of course the answer is "yes." Matthew 19:6 says, "So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." There are two things that happen at Christian marriage ceremonies - they fill out legal paperwork with witnesses to gain legal recognition as married and they go before God with family and friends surrounding them, and vow to stay true to one another, entering into a holy covenant. Many people today consider marriage a contract, and once either party violates the terms of the contract, the remaining party is free to end the marriage. That, sadly, leads a lot of individuals to the big D - without really understanding that God is calling them to stay together for their entire lives. Marriage, as I'm learning, takes work, and Em and I haven't even hit any big issues. But, I know that we are in this for life, and we both know our responsibility is to God first - He is not only the author of our salvation, but our reason for living each day - married and not married.

Just 25 Days Left!

If you can believe it, there's only 25 days left until Emily and I get married - that means there's only 17 days left until graduation and then my move into our new house! WOW!

God has been so good to me and Emily. I just wanted to take a moment and thank HIM for his blessings. There have been so many bumps in the road for us the last few months - car crashes, unexpected expenses and so forth - but God has always been there, seemingly one step ahead. A week before the car crash, for example, Emily and I were discussing when we'd replace her car, and that the couple we'd bought our house from was interested in selling their car, too. And, here we are a few weeks later, and that, indeed, is our path.

Matthew 6:8 says, "...for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." What an amazing promise to rely on. When life is busy, wonderful, complicated, or in complete chaos, we can always trust in His grace and power!

One last thing - Here's a list of some folks that really have helped us over the last few months. This, by no means, is a complete list, and if someone has been left out that has made a contribution, please let me know! I would hate to overlook such special folks!

Mom and Dad (Roten)
Mom and Dad (Mattix)
Mike & Tory McCartney
Mike & LeAnne Gable
Jeremy & Kristie Smith
Michael and Mary Moore
Sarah and Kevin Spillman
Dean and Chris Mattix
Marc Brooks
Just about anyone at North Wake Church and the Woodall small group

and, yes, I'm sure I've left out some of the most important people. Good thing the internet allows you to make immediate updates to things that are published!

Too Busy?

Emily and I are heading down the home stretch for our wedding preparations. And, graduation is coming up in less than 3 months, too! Oh, not to mention the freelance web design projects I have to complete and the house purchase that we're in the midst of. It is indeed a very busy time.

But, is it "too busy?" I've been belly-aching and complaining over the past several months about the crazy schedules that we're all having to keep, but our outreach pastor brought us a message on the need for intentional evangelism, in spite of our busy schedules. One point he made rang true with me. He said that God planned for each of us to be alive during this period of history - and that our lives are no busier than He wants them to be. With that said, knowing that we still have the command to "made disciples," it starts becoming evident that if God is indeed in control, we must conclude that God will provide all we need to succeed in our calling and to one day hear him say "well done."

It's amazing to think that in spite of our business, God is still at work. And, perhaps because of something in us that He placed there, we are acutely able to succeed in our callilngs by God's empowerment.

Who do we think we are?

I have become convinced that many times we forget who we are. Or, maybe more importantly, what we are. Sometimes we cannot see the forest for the trees.

This may sound like an odd statement, but bear with me but a moment. When we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord, we place ourselves in subservience to Him. At that point, we do gain the righteousness of Jesus Christ, but we are still infinitely small compared to the infinitely great God. And don't forget that before knowing Christ, we aren't even alive. (Eph 2:4-5 - "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved-- ").

So - who's goals are more important? God's or ours? I think the answer is easy - God's goals are more important. And, God has promised that He will work things that were meant for evil for good, and will work all things out for the good of those who love him. A loving God by his very nature wants the best for us.

Sometimes we cannot see the forest for the trees. As we live our lives serving God, sadly we can sometimes become convinced (by our own pride or the deceitful words of the Evil One) that our niche in ministry is the only way to go, that we know best how to glorify God. We close ourselves off to good counsel, and isolate ourselves from the invigoration of knowing others who are fighting alongside us for God's glory.

Don't let this happen to you. Remember who you are and more importantly who God is. Remember the value of having others around you that can help you see the forest when you've focused on the trees nearest you. Remember to not harden yourself to the possibilities that big changes may be in store. Hey - you may even lose your segment of the forest - and if it's God's will and the forest as a whole will benefit, then to God be the glory!

Preparing for New Ministry

This Sunday, I will begin working at my church as part of the Children's Ministry leadership team. It is an exciting time in my life - new apartment, new fiancee, new year and new job. It's a great blessing to be able to serve in my church that I've enjoyed so much in the last few years. Most people that are finishing up in seminary are forced to look far and wide to find ministry opportunities. It's indeed a blessing that one opened up for me at my own church!

Here's one suggestion I have to those of you who find that your friends, family members and loved ones are preparing to leave for a new ministry - be excited for them! Selfishness seems to rob us of the joy of new opportunities. Of course, it's normal to be disappointed that they aren't going to be around as much as they were. You may even feel as if they are making a mistake, or that the loss of their services may directly hinder your ability to do ministry. But, remember that God is sovereign - in control of all things. I Chronicles 29:11-12 makes it clear:

11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. 12 Riches and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and it is at your discretion that people are made great and given strength. (NLT)

So, the next time you find out that someone is leaving to go to their next phase in ministry - trust the Lord. God may also be working to open a door for someone even better to come into your life and help you in your ministry!

The Spirit of Christmas

What kind of title is that? Some washed out reference to the "peace" that Christmas stands for, right? A reference to some mystical elf spirit that brings joy to all people? No, but take a moment with me to remember Christmas 2004.

This year, I was blessed to spend the holidays with my new fiancee. We have been welcomed so graciously into each other's family, it's almost like we've always belonged there. And that is certainly a testament to God's planning in each of our lives.

One of the most memorable parts of the holiday was a time of worship. Emily and I were just coming back from my parent's home, where my parents gave us some great gifts. Mom and Dad said they knew we could really need the help. And, of course, my parents were right. On the way back, with tears in our eyes, Emily and I discussed how great our God was, how wonderful He was to place such people in our lives. Even more, we discussed how our current financial situation made it impossible for us to give much more than our gratitude and love in return for the gifts. God had chosen the holidays to teach us about humility, love and generosity all at the same time.

The next day was much the same. Emily's family treated me as if I had always been part of the family. Gifts and a family dinner - and even a family talent show afterwards. Once again, I was reminded of God's blessings this year.

And, that brings me back to the Spirit of Christmas. This year, I saw it so clearly. God's gifts to us come in the form of families who love us, gifts from them that not only meet our needs, but exceed our dreams, chances to get to know new family members and to learn more about how to minister directly to those family members. Christmas is the time of year we choose to celebrate the birth of our Savior, and it's amazing how, even in the midst of our traditions, God can stop us for a moment and redirect us directly to Him. Left to our own choices, our Christmases would remain the empty exchange of gifts that seem to be what we want most. Instead, in His sovereignty, God redirects our gaze to Himself - for His Glory we are shown the true Spirit of Christmas.

Phillipians 2:4-11
4 Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. 7 Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, 8 He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death--even to death on a cross.9 For this reason God also highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow-- of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth-- 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.