thoughts about the past weekend ~ a great (but busy) weekend. Saturday we made a trip to North Bend to visit my father-in-law - it was a nice trip other than the sun reflecting off the snow into my face (anyone seen my sunglasses?) that evening we had a friend over cooked up some pasta and watched a movie. Sunday was a full day with worship, house hunting and youth group.
this weeks to dos ~ well there is always the check book and bills (that's for today) - we're headed to Omaha tonight to celebrate with family for my brothers and my bday - looking forward to that. also prepping for a lock-in this weekend at the church, a super bowl party with the youth, a couple of meetings and then dads bday later in the week - oh and the pleasure of turning 27 next Monday.
book I'm reading ~ not much progress in this area in the past week...
thoughts on the coming week ~ ready for it!
think about a thought ~ which is better; seeing your shadow or not seeing your shadow?
Scripture to skim ~ 'you tell me' what are you in this week?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Madness begins
Okay, maybe it's not madness - but the busy time of this youth group year starts now. Here is a bit of a 'look-ahead' for whats to come second semester.
This weekend we have not one but two events - one being our Beach Party Lock-in - where we'll look at 3 sessions of GOSPEL journey Maui as well as other fun beach party like and lock-in like activities. We end that Sunday with worship (11:30) and then at 4:30 head to our Super Bowl Party. Oh, don't forget we're taking the Souper Bowl offering too.
Then in Feb we'll wrap up the Maui series and then head to Dare-2-Share. Add in the beginnings of the next TEC weekend and we've got a full month.
March greets us with probably one of the toughest series for the youth group year: "Untouchables; You're Thinking About Them, We're Talking About Them." It's a four part series looking at some of the 'toughest' (sometimes not talked about) issues facing today's teens. Please pray for the group (youth, leaders & the congregation) as we open up discussion here. March also means Spring Break for our Students. We're planning a bowling trip for our RIPPLE group - kinda excited about this one. And I think this break might also mean a re-match against First Pres at Laser Quest - that is if they're not afraid to play again - oh, and if they follow through on washing my car.
April brings Easter - and with it so much more for our group. This year the 30-Hour Famine will fall on Easter weekend - we'll begin on Good Friday - end Saturday around lunch time and then our youth will lead the 8a service Easter Morning. I think this will be a VERY powerful experience for the group - I'm excited for this!
May brings our end of year events: the annual EoYCT (End of Year Camping Trips) for our Jr. & Sr. High groups. An End of School Year Bash at WAVE. A BBQ celebration or something with RIPPLE and the last of our Missions camp prep meetings.
And lastly (for this posts purposes anyway) is the 2009 Summer Missions camp - June 12-19. I think we've about go the bus full. This is going to be a "rock-your-face-off" experience!
So, there you have it - the madness starts now and doesn't end until June - well at least I hope it ends, or takes a break after the trip.
His,
~C
This weekend we have not one but two events - one being our Beach Party Lock-in - where we'll look at 3 sessions of GOSPEL journey Maui as well as other fun beach party like and lock-in like activities. We end that Sunday with worship (11:30) and then at 4:30 head to our Super Bowl Party. Oh, don't forget we're taking the Souper Bowl offering too.
Then in Feb we'll wrap up the Maui series and then head to Dare-2-Share. Add in the beginnings of the next TEC weekend and we've got a full month.
March greets us with probably one of the toughest series for the youth group year: "Untouchables; You're Thinking About Them, We're Talking About Them." It's a four part series looking at some of the 'toughest' (sometimes not talked about) issues facing today's teens. Please pray for the group (youth, leaders & the congregation) as we open up discussion here. March also means Spring Break for our Students. We're planning a bowling trip for our RIPPLE group - kinda excited about this one. And I think this break might also mean a re-match against First Pres at Laser Quest - that is if they're not afraid to play again - oh, and if they follow through on washing my car.
April brings Easter - and with it so much more for our group. This year the 30-Hour Famine will fall on Easter weekend - we'll begin on Good Friday - end Saturday around lunch time and then our youth will lead the 8a service Easter Morning. I think this will be a VERY powerful experience for the group - I'm excited for this!
May brings our end of year events: the annual EoYCT (End of Year Camping Trips) for our Jr. & Sr. High groups. An End of School Year Bash at WAVE. A BBQ celebration or something with RIPPLE and the last of our Missions camp prep meetings.
And lastly (for this posts purposes anyway) is the 2009 Summer Missions camp - June 12-19. I think we've about go the bus full. This is going to be a "rock-your-face-off" experience!
So, there you have it - the madness starts now and doesn't end until June - well at least I hope it ends, or takes a break after the trip.
His,
~C
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Bdays Begin
Today begins "Birthday Week" for my family. In the next 9 days we have 4 birthdays (my brothers, my dads, my uncles and my own) to celebrate. Sounds fun right? Ha!
Normally we will either get together for dinner at my parents or go out to eat (location is up to the bday boy). So, you might think - 'oh cool, 3 bday celebrations in about a weeks time.' Sounds fun right? Well, this year in order to 'simplify' things and work better with schedules my brother, Tim and I decided we would combine our dinners into one and hit up a 'nicer' restaurant. Now, if you're following that would really be two dinners (as we don't get together, at least with my immediate family for my uncles bday) one for Tim and I and the other for my dad.
Here is how this next week or so is shaping out:
The moral of the story is: trying to simplify things doesn't always accomplish what you set out to do. Happy Birthday Tim & Dad!
~C
Normally we will either get together for dinner at my parents or go out to eat (location is up to the bday boy). So, you might think - 'oh cool, 3 bday celebrations in about a weeks time.' Sounds fun right? Well, this year in order to 'simplify' things and work better with schedules my brother, Tim and I decided we would combine our dinners into one and hit up a 'nicer' restaurant. Now, if you're following that would really be two dinners (as we don't get together, at least with my immediate family for my uncles bday) one for Tim and I and the other for my dad.
Here is how this next week or so is shaping out:
- Last night we went over to my parents house for what was originally supposed to be cake and gifts for Tim. We ended up having dinner, cake and gifts!
- Tuesday we will go to Omaha (Melting Pot) for dinner where Tim and I decided to go and "combine to make things easier."
- Friday we will do something for my dads bday - dinner and then cake gifts etc...
- Tuesday (2/3) we will go over to my folks for cake or something and gifts for my bday. And who knows dinner might get thrown in there too!
The moral of the story is: trying to simplify things doesn't always accomplish what you set out to do. Happy Birthday Tim & Dad!
~C
Friday, January 23, 2009
Teen's "saving themselves"...
My usual morning routine includes reading the news both locally on the Journal Star web and then heading over to CNN. This morning I came across an article that caught my eye: "What is Virginity Worth Today?"
Go ahead take a few minutes to read this article. Granted it's written/based on a 22 year-old woman I still think it has value as a discussion topic - especially with our teens.
So, are you a teen checking out this article: then comment on this post and let me know what your take on this is...what is virginity worth today? How do you feel about this? How do your peers feel?
Are you a parent: what is your first reaction? how do you plan to discuss (or continue to discuss) this and other areas of sexuality with your child?
Lastly, other adults: just tell me what you think?
His,
~C
Go ahead take a few minutes to read this article. Granted it's written/based on a 22 year-old woman I still think it has value as a discussion topic - especially with our teens.
So, are you a teen checking out this article: then comment on this post and let me know what your take on this is...what is virginity worth today? How do you feel about this? How do your peers feel?
Are you a parent: what is your first reaction? how do you plan to discuss (or continue to discuss) this and other areas of sexuality with your child?
Lastly, other adults: just tell me what you think?
His,
~C
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tuesday's Two-Cents
thoughts about the past week(end) ~ the past week saw a lot of prep work on our summer Missions Camp - it was fun and exciting to get things underway. Sunday Steph and I went to look at more houses - our first two stops were a bust - no agent at the first open house, on to the second and we found the house had been sold already - we moved on and actually got into some houses...the hunt continues
this weeks to dos ~ tomorrow I will have a high school student shadowing my while at work - I'm looking forward to an eventful day. later in the week the fam is celebrating my brothers 25th birthday with dinner a probably a few gifts.
book that i'm reading ~ Hope & Healing for Kids Who Cut ~ I'm a ways into this book and will likely have it finished by the end of the week. I'm learning some great stuff about such a "tough" topic that is overshadowing the lives of our young folks.
tunes that triggered ~ I've been listening to some David Crowder Band this past week - I guess I'm mentally psyching myself for the worship experience with DCB in a few weeks.
think about a thought ~ (question of the week) - favorite concert you've attended - and why?
this weeks to dos ~ tomorrow I will have a high school student shadowing my while at work - I'm looking forward to an eventful day. later in the week the fam is celebrating my brothers 25th birthday with dinner a probably a few gifts.
book that i'm reading ~ Hope & Healing for Kids Who Cut ~ I'm a ways into this book and will likely have it finished by the end of the week. I'm learning some great stuff about such a "tough" topic that is overshadowing the lives of our young folks.
tunes that triggered ~ I've been listening to some David Crowder Band this past week - I guess I'm mentally psyching myself for the worship experience with DCB in a few weeks.
think about a thought ~ (question of the week) - favorite concert you've attended - and why?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
To Ponder...
"There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life."
- The slogan atheist Richard Dawkins has placed on 30 London buses during the month of January, quoted on Crosswalk.com
What do you think?
What do you think?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Tuesday's Two-Cents
thoughts about the past week(end) ~ it was a busy weekend - a Parenting Seminar hosted at GSPC - where I'm excited to say we sponsored all the Compassion children sent for the seminar...we also had a great time with the parents who did sign up to attend. Sun had a leadership meeting for WAVE and then our second part in our current GOSPEL series.
this week's to-dos ~ today RELAX - I'm feeling the effects of 'running non-stop' over the weekend. the remainder of the week will see a few meetings, and some time to hang out with youth during finals week! Over all it should be a pretty 'regular' week - I'm hoping to get some things cleaned up and finished at the office.
book I'm reading ~ well still in Romans - need to get caught up on my thoughts on what we've read so far. I'm also hoping to start (and maybe finish) Hope and Healing For Kids Who Cut today - it should be a quick but good read!
tunes that triggered ~ I didn't really listen to much music this week and all that I did was mostly David Crowder....so DCb get's it for this week.
think about a thought ~ why have one of these if no one is going to respond to them?
Scripture to skim ~ Romans 8
this week's to-dos ~ today RELAX - I'm feeling the effects of 'running non-stop' over the weekend. the remainder of the week will see a few meetings, and some time to hang out with youth during finals week! Over all it should be a pretty 'regular' week - I'm hoping to get some things cleaned up and finished at the office.
book I'm reading ~ well still in Romans - need to get caught up on my thoughts on what we've read so far. I'm also hoping to start (and maybe finish) Hope and Healing For Kids Who Cut today - it should be a quick but good read!
tunes that triggered ~ I didn't really listen to much music this week and all that I did was mostly David Crowder....so DCb get's it for this week.
think about a thought ~ why have one of these if no one is going to respond to them?
Scripture to skim ~ Romans 8
Teen Character
Josephson Institute's 2008 Report Card on the Ethics of American Youth, is based on a survey of nearly 30,000 high school students.
Survey of teens reveals entrenched habits of dishonesty — stealing, lying, and cheating rates climb to alarming rates...check out the results here!
Survey of teens reveals entrenched habits of dishonesty — stealing, lying, and cheating rates climb to alarming rates...check out the results here!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
A letter to Bruno...
Dear Bruno,
You ruined my day. Actually you ruined several days of mine over the past several weeks. But don't think that this is any way a bad thing. Ministry is messy - and I've learned over the last nine years that messy, ruined ministry is some of the best. It's in those ruined plans and messy ministry where I find some of my most cherished encounters with youth and with our God.
So, thank you for your email. Thank you for completely 'ruining' what I had planned to work on while in the office, thank you for being you and most importantly thank you for still being alive. I don't know what we (your family, friends, and even myself) would do if you left us too early.
Thank you for letting God work through all of this 'stuff' in your life. Although you probably don't know where He is taking you in all of this - I'm glad that you're beginning to understand that it's part of a plan, part of His great plan for you.
I'm glad that you're okay, that you're in a safer 'place' now and that you're on a journey. Sure, a journey with many steps ahead - but if it ever seems too big, just look back on how far you've already come - nothing can stop you when you walk with Him. I'm thankful that you've allowed me to come along-side of you on this journey - I may not have all the answers for you, but I'm glad that we can do this together.
Lastly for now, Bruno - know that you are LOVED - by your God, your family & friends, and this youth worker who's few days you have ruined - Thank you and I'll see you the next time we chat!
Your Bro In HIM,
~C
You ruined my day. Actually you ruined several days of mine over the past several weeks. But don't think that this is any way a bad thing. Ministry is messy - and I've learned over the last nine years that messy, ruined ministry is some of the best. It's in those ruined plans and messy ministry where I find some of my most cherished encounters with youth and with our God.
So, thank you for your email. Thank you for completely 'ruining' what I had planned to work on while in the office, thank you for being you and most importantly thank you for still being alive. I don't know what we (your family, friends, and even myself) would do if you left us too early.
Thank you for letting God work through all of this 'stuff' in your life. Although you probably don't know where He is taking you in all of this - I'm glad that you're beginning to understand that it's part of a plan, part of His great plan for you.
I'm glad that you're okay, that you're in a safer 'place' now and that you're on a journey. Sure, a journey with many steps ahead - but if it ever seems too big, just look back on how far you've already come - nothing can stop you when you walk with Him. I'm thankful that you've allowed me to come along-side of you on this journey - I may not have all the answers for you, but I'm glad that we can do this together.
Lastly for now, Bruno - know that you are LOVED - by your God, your family & friends, and this youth worker who's few days you have ruined - Thank you and I'll see you the next time we chat!
Your Bro In HIM,
~C
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Tuesday's Two-Cents
thoughts about this past week(end) ~ well it was the end of my vacation - so that was kind of a bummer... I led worship on Sunday with a sermon that was a little out-of-the-box, but I think something we all need to be actively thinking about. And it was good to start back to youth group Sunday night - I'm excited about the series we've just started!
this weeks to-dos ~ well it starts with getting through the piles on my desk, mail, boxes and others stuff that has piled up since before Christmas. prep for a lot of "programs" this week and next as well as the first "real" planning meeting for our Summer Missions Camp - I'm excited about this one!
book i'm reading ~ started Romans this past weekend (1 chapter a day with a buddy o' mine) and I'm kinda stuck on which book to read next - so hopefully by next week I'll have selected something and already be into it.
thoughts on the coming week ~ excited (& bummed too) for the Understanding Your Teenager seminar on Saturday evening...I'm excited for it to happen yet bummed that more parents didn't sing up....can't say we didn't try! I'm also excited to see my DIVE group again - I think it's been about 3 weeks!
Scripture to skim ~ let's give Phil 4 a shot this week!
this weeks to-dos ~ well it starts with getting through the piles on my desk, mail, boxes and others stuff that has piled up since before Christmas. prep for a lot of "programs" this week and next as well as the first "real" planning meeting for our Summer Missions Camp - I'm excited about this one!
book i'm reading ~ started Romans this past weekend (1 chapter a day with a buddy o' mine) and I'm kinda stuck on which book to read next - so hopefully by next week I'll have selected something and already be into it.
thoughts on the coming week ~ excited (& bummed too) for the Understanding Your Teenager seminar on Saturday evening...I'm excited for it to happen yet bummed that more parents didn't sing up....can't say we didn't try! I'm also excited to see my DIVE group again - I think it's been about 3 weeks!
Scripture to skim ~ let's give Phil 4 a shot this week!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Happy New Year
Well, kind of - check out this article from another youth leader - it's kind of his take on the New Year.
Holy New Year,
~C
Holy New Year,
~C
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