Discipleship Basics

UPDATE
To an aspiring writer, it is said that Hemingway wrote, “You shouldn’t write if you can’t write.” That resonates with me. In the last few years, I’ve wanted to write, but didn’t. Now, there seems to be not motivation, but desire.

One of the ways I’m beginning this journey is through articles that I intended on publishing, but didn’t get around to it. Today’s post, in particular, comes from an afternoon spent with my brother in 2019. I hope it’s helpful as you make disciples. Cheers.

INTRO
Last weekend, Chango and I visited my brother, Meme, at his workshop in my parents’ house. My brother loves woodworking and is fascinated by hand crafted Japanese tools and various saws. Chango was building a wooden target out of 2x4’s and needed help reinforcing the boards by adding back support and needed Meme’s help.

What I witnessed was probably one of the most basic and effective ways to communicate discipleship. Here are three observations I made during our time:

1. I DO, YOU WATCH
Before hanging out with Meme, Chango had measured the sections of the board that he needed cut, but didn’t double check his markings or his math. When Meme checked his work, he went back and taught Chango the golden rule of woodworking, “measure twice, cut once.” Meme busted out his tape measure and special pencil and showed Chango the importance of measuring correctly, patiently, and with the right metrics.

Once he corrected Chango’s measurements, he taught him how to hold the saw and cut correctly. Afterward, Meme laid support pieces on top of the target and showed Chango how to drill and screw wooden screws (I don’t know the technical term).

Here’s my point, Meme’s job was to teach the “how” and the “why.” Chango’s job was to observe while asking questions along the way. When Jesus tells His disciples, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28), the word for “teaching” isn’t so much a classroom-type of learning, re-learning through experience and correction. There is a space in discipleship that involves bringing someone along with you as you share life with them and teach them as you go.

2. I DO, YOU HELP
After drilling and securing the first portion of the target, Meme moved on to the middle piece only this time, he grabbed Chango’s hand to teach him positioning and what to expect. Additionally, he was going to observe Chango along the way.

When we consider the four gospel accounts, we see Jesus not only teaching the disciples formally, but informally. He includes them in things such as teaching them how to pray or how to speak of the kingdom. In discipleship, there is a space that includes folding others into what you’re already doing in your walk with Jesus, adjusting as you move forward.

3. YOU DO, I WATCH
For the last piece, Meme told Chango, “now you know, so let me see it.” Chango secured and fastened the final piece by himself and Meme was at his side. In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus promises the disciples (and us) that He will be with them always. They were given a responsibility and commission, but were never on their own or never not making disciples. Discipleship is never in the context of isolation, but community.

FINAL THOUGHTS
One final observation about the time with Meme: it wasn’t a formally scheduled session. This was Chango hanging out with his Tio in real time over the course of an afternoon. In many cases, discipleship is reduced to a formal meeting over charred coffee at Starbucks and while that may happen on occasion, discipleship is an invitation through everyday ordinary life to know and live like Jesus.

Discipleship is an absolute necessity in the Christian life. The lie is that you can be a follower of Jesus without being a disciple. Friend, that’s stupid. It’s not found in the pages of Scripture and is a foreign concept to God’s word. Therefore, let us heed the command of Christ to make disciples who know and live like Jesus.

Summer Hobby: Cocktails

I have written a few articles on my enjoyment for coffee and cigars and I realized something about myself this summer, regarding hobbies. I really enjoy learning about and investing in hobbies that force me to slow down and think through a process; almost like a delayed gratification. Earlier this summer, I picked up making cocktails and they have been a lot of fun and have learned a great deal about them. I don’t know if I’m any good, but I’m certainly having fun and my wife is very gracious when she says that my gold rush is like the “nectar of the gods.”

If you have the time, you should definitely pick up a couple of hobbies and interests. I think they’re very healthy because they can provide you with an outlet or help you in processing a few things that are on your mind. I am pretty sure there are incredible physical and emotional benefits to hobbies that I am unaware of so if you want to do some research, tell me what you find. But I do know, at least, they’re a great tool and outlet.

So, how did I get into making cocktails? I think it’s a mix of realizing that I like something that slows me down and insecurity. For starters, and I’ve already mentioned this, when it comes to coffee, cigars, cooking, and weightlifting I find a great deal of myself invested in these areas because they provide me with delayed gratification, serve as outlets, they help me process a lot that’s on my mind, and they are interests that I can share with my friends and family. I think cocktails are similar. It takes a little bit of time getting everything together, takes some basic knowledge, and has some technique involved. The insecurity for me came from learning that I don’t generally like to drink whiskey or bourbon neat. Does that make me less of a man? It’s foolish, but it certainly did and still does come across my mind, but as I have been learning more about cocktails, I don’t care.

I think making cocktails is fun and I have been able to share some of my learned skills with my family and friends and either they really did enjoy what I made or they’re super gracious; hopefully a mix of both. Also, apart from buying liquor, cocktail making is fairly inexpensive. All of the ingredients are cheap and can be made at home which was very surprising to me. I think any skill or interest you want to invest in can have a level of intimidation because you (at least I am) can be exposed to the fancy video production, clever filters, and advanced experience and knowledge from others.

FAVORITE COCKTAILS SO FAR?

Here are my top five favorite cocktails that I really enjoy, but am still tinkering with:

1. Gordon’s Cup
A Gordon’s Cup, I think, can be enjoyed any time of the day. It’s a gin based drink with a hint of sweetness and plenty of citrus from lime, cucumbers, and salt. There are a few different versions out there, but this particular one is certainly my favorite. And I’m also not ashamed to say, I really like gin. It’s pretty legit. Further, here in Texas, it’s over 100 degrees almost every day so having something as refreshing as a Gordon’s Cup really helps.

2. Gold Rush
Another sweet drink. This is a whiskey based drink that is, as my wife say, the “nectar of the gods.” The honey syrup compliments the whiskey so well that mixing it is almost invigorating. There is some lemon which helps bring your soul to life on a hot day.

3. Irish Buck
Also, another whiskey based drink that’s really easy to make. It’s whiskey and ginger ale and it’s magical on a hot summer day.

4. Moscow Mule
I just learned how to make this one a few days ago and I have been tinkering with this one the most. The first time I made it, the ginger beer was almost too over powering for me and that was a little too much heat. I’ve messed with it a few times since then and I’m really digging this vodka based drink. The sweetness I use is a simple syrup, but I’m looking to make a ginger syrup to remove the simple syrup and ginger beer in the future.

5. Carreta (Ranch Water)
This is always going to be a favorite of mine because it was the first cocktail I learned how to make after my friend James introduced me. It’s tequila, lime, and mineral water; less is certainly more and this is the perfect drink on a hot summer day, after a long day, brunch, and everything in between. It’s certainly a staple for me and always will be.

I have learned how to make other drinks, but I’m either still tinkering with them for me to find full enjoyment or I simply didn’t like them afterward. For instance, I made my wife and I a Whiskey Sour and she loved it because she digs frothy drinks and this one requires using an egg white so it foams really nice, but I wasn’t feeling it. It wasn’t bad, but I’m not sure that I like my cocktails frothy.

Either way, if you’re looking to learn a thing or two and not interested in doing too much reading, then I recommend How To Drink on YouTube. Greg is an amateur bartender and does a great job in walking you through the making of cocktails; not to mention his video production quality is excellent.

What are some of your favorite hobbies and interests?

The Confessional Taco Podcast

During the month of June, I made a post and released a few details on the start of a new podcast that I’m doing with my friend Serge called The Confessional Taco. I’m pretty excited about this project for multiple reasons and we are stoked to share this experience with you as we dive into the Christian faith from the depths of Mexican-American culture.

The response has been great so far and we’re hoping to have a lot of fun with our topics and the variety of interviews we’re looking at having. For the months of June and July, we’re fine tuning a lot of the behind the scenes stuff like the website, audio, and listening platforms. But if you’re interested in learning a little more, visit the website for all of the details.

Once you’re on the website, you’ll notice “The Weekly Taco” link at the top of the page and you can listen to our 10 minute trailer as we work through some of the details in conversation concerning The Confessional Taco. Starting in August, we will be releasing new episodes every Tuesday morning.

While we work on all of the BTS material, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Stay posted and we hope that you enjoy!

Summer 2019 Reading List

The summer months are right around the corner and one of the things our staff team has been really trying to push is getting some extra time in this season to disconnect and invest a little more time in areas or hobbies we enjoy. For me, that’s certainly a reading list. Over these next two weeks, my family and I are taking a vacation and I’m looking forward to spending some time in a couple of books.

So, for summer 2019, here are the books I’m reading:

The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch
I’m really looking forward to this read. I have listened to a few podcasts review and reference this book. Crouch, from what I understand, does a great job in supplying the reader with hard data along with how he and his family operate when it comes to screen freedoms. As Chango (my son) gets older, Rebecca and I are looking to hook him up with a phone, but we want to digest a couple of practices or rhythms that we may not even be applying.

Rhythms of Grace by Mike Cosper
This is another book I’ve heard referenced a great deal in recent podcast listens. One of the ongoing conversations I’ve been having with staff and other friends has been on the depth and study of liturgy. I think the central piece of a Sunday gathering is and should be the Word of God and I personally believe that our services should be better shaped by the Word of God for the people of God. I love liturgy saturated in scripture, but I wish to better learn how that shapes what we do on Sunday mornings at Storehouse McAllen.

Holiness by J.C. Ryle
I have read Holiness once before and it’s one of those books that should be read multiple times by Christians. I believe it’s that impactful. Bishop Ryle’s classic, Holiness is, in my opinion, the best book on the pursuit of personal holiness. He is both convicting and comforting; challenging and pastoral. Ryle essentially challenges his readers in the practice of holiness as it is formed out of our understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Throw by Ruben Degollado
My very good friend and brother published this book earlier this year and the reviews are astounding. I’m very excited to read this book that takes place in the 80’s here in the Valley. I meant to read it earlier this year, but wanted to give it my undivided attention as he provides so many cultural references like la llorna that I wish to enjoy it at a pace. If you don’t follow Ruben, you should.

The Apostle’s Creed by Al Mohler
We’re kicking off a new series later this summer on the Apostle’s Creed and I’ve been diving into some study over the past few months, but Al Mohler’s new book was just released so I couldn’t help myself to check it out. I’m really excited about this series as the Apostle’s Creed is not only a great and historical creed held by many evangelical church, it’s also a cultural value in the Valley. Also, our graphic designer/production guru, Everett, has done a phenomenal job with the graphic:

That’s all I have for this summer. I’d love to hear what you’re reading. What do you suggest for additional reads this summer?

Saturday Coaching And Your Garage Gym

Over the weekend, a friend of mine invited me out to help him coach a small group of athletes at Bronc Fitness in Edinburg on the positioning and dynamics of the clean and power clean. If you’re unfamiliar with these barbell movements, check them out here and here.

Needless to say, I was pretty thrilled at the opportunity. It’s been a little more than two years since I have coached any group of athletes or ran anything Bear Stout related. Unsurprisingly, I missed being in a strength and conditioning gym and I missed having a group of athletes eager to learn a few nuggets here and there for their pursuit of a personal record.

In 2017, I brought all things strength and conditioning to an abrupt halt in order to focus and give all of my attention to replanting Storehouse McAllen and caring for my family in the midst of a new season. I really wanted to figure out a way to continue Bear Stout, but something had to give and it wasn’t going to be my family and the Lord had made it very clear to me through His word to lead our church by serving them.

Perhaps, some day in the future, the doors will open again for Bear Stout and I’ll have another small group of athletes that I’ll be privileged to coach. I love seeing the light bulb turn on for an athlete or seeing them achieve their goals—big or small. I love the grunt work the barbell forces upon a person and the spin on a good bar is one of the most pleasant sounds to my ear.

Nowadays, I get to satisfy my coaching itch when friends come over and workout with me in my garage gym which is one of my favorite places. It also seems as if the trend of a garage gym is gaining more popularity and I’m often asked what should be the “must have” pieces of equipment. So, in honor of this weekend’s clinic. Here are my top 5 pieces of equipment you must have in your garage gym:

GARAGE GYM ESSENTIALS

1. SQUAT RACK

In my opinion, the best kind of squat rack you can purchase is a yoke. A yoke is going to be one of the most, if not the most, versatile pieces of equipment you can get. On a yoke, here are some of the things you can accomplish:

1. Carries (you’re looking at 3-4 variations);

2. Squats, Bench (any press, really) and Deads: The yoke can be setup for your squatting preference, variations of the bench press, and rack deadlifts;

3. Sled: The yoke already has ski’s at the bottom so you can push or pull it like a sled;

4. Pull Ups: depending on your height and the height of the yoke, you can bust out some nasty fat-bar pull ups;

5. Accessories: You’ll need to purchase j-cups for squatting or pressing (not expensive), but you can always add rings to the yoke to get ring dips or rows in;

6. Storage: If you’re limited on space (or cash), it’s a great piece of equipment that can store your bumpers;

If you have the cash or can save a little extra, I would seriously consider buying a yoke. A general squat rack is great, but you may be limited on what you can do.

2. BUMPERS

I love the sound of metal plates clanging and banging, but for some they’re not as optimal because you’re going to drop some good money and the last thing you want to do is drop some metal plates from the overhead position and see them crack. Additionally and depending on the brand, metal plates can rust. So, in my opinion, you should purchase a set of bumper plates.

There’s so much competition out there that you can find some really good deals off of places like Fringe Sport or Titan Fitness. Further, bumpers were made to be dropped and they may (depending on the brand) last you longer.

3. A GOOD BARBELL

Because you’re keeping it simple, you’re going to want to purchase a good bar. You want a bar that can take a hit, spins well, and is designed for a variety of lifts and lifting styles. One of the very first bars I bought was the Wonder Bar from Fringe Sport and I love it. It’s one of the more economic bars, but it does such a great job and is a versatile bar. A good barbell is going to run you a little over $200, but if this garage gym is going to be your jam, then you want to load it with good equipment.

I’m not saying everything in your gym needs to be top of the line, but there must be a few pieces of equipment that are special buys and a good barbell is definitely one of them.

4. STRENGTH BANDS

Strength bands are amazing because like everything else I’ve listed, they’re versatile. Strength bands help you with everything from assistance exercises, accessory movements, dynamic warm-ups, therapy, and mobility. Go buy some.

5. ACCESSORY ESSENTIALS

I actually struggled to think of the 5th essential because the yoke takes care of so many of your needs. However, here are a couple of accessory pieces of equipment I would consider:

1. J-Cups: You’re going to need these for setting up your squats or presses on a yoke;

2. Rings: Buy wooden rings (they’ll last longer); rings can hang from your pull-up bar and serve a multitude of exercises;

3. Pull-Up Bar: If you’re unable to purchase a yoke, then be sure to get a good pull-up bar;

4. Dumbells or Kettle Bells A good pair of dumbells can go a long way;

5. Chalk: Don’t be the person that doesn’t have good chalk in their gym;

6. Sleeves: Knee sleeves, elbow sleeves, etc.

7. Mobility Equipment: If you’re mobility sucks, invest in some good rollers

There are a ton of accessories that you can purchase, it just depends what you’re going for and how simple you’d like to start off.

COST

If all of this is intimidating and sounds pretty expensive, that’s because it is. BUT in the long run, you’re actually saving a great deal of money. And since I love data, here’s an infographic from Garage Gym Reviews to help give you a rough breakdown of owning a garage gym verses paying for a monthly membership at a local gym:

A garage gym, I think, is the best way to go especially if you have that busy life-style. It’s really convenient and best of all, it’s yours. You make whatever you want out of it with the music set at “11.” I hope this helps you with your strength and conditioning needs. And one last thing I would encourage: be diligent in your research; don’t just listen to what I’ve written here or even the infographic. Find out what you want to do and what’s going to work for your goals.

And if you have any questions on the garage gym life, I’d love to chat. If you need help with a couple of recommendations on equipment, then I’d love to chat there too.