Today in church we had a guest speaker by the name of Dr. John Bosman. He did a great job. He was talking about Going over to the Oher Side. The passage he used was at the end of Mark 4 where Jesus has the disciples go to the other side of the lake and in the process they hit a storm and He calms it. Here were some of the points.
There was and is a purpose. The Other Side is the Promise Land of Provision. However, to get there you have to lift the anchor, untie the boat or cut the rope of where you are to where you're supposed to be. You'll have to get out of your comfort zone.
If you want to get something you've never had you are going to have to do things you've never done.
You can't get to your future destiny anchored in yesterday. Forget the past and what parents did or didn't do, said or didn't say, leaders did or didn't do... Cut the hurt, pain and failure, even victory and success (wish you would seen when ....) Bitterness can grow like cancer.
Do something that will disturb all of Hell and bring all of Heaven to its feet.
Even though Jesus told them to go to the other side, they still faced a storm. You can be in the center of God's Will and still hit a storm. In fact, you'll face more storms than you ever thought. Satan attacks those who are next in line for a promotion. If Jesus commands you, He will pull you through. Storms of life aren't meant to destroy us but to give us a fresh revelation of who God is.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
FIRST PODCAST IS DONE
Youth Leader's Coach Podcast #1 - The Launch is finished. The goal is to have it available for all within the next two weeks. Jeanne, Jodan, Alex, Dave and I are on it talking about Jeanne's new book - Uncensored about Friendships, Dating and SEX. I've read three chapters and guarantee you that there is no book out there like it. It's ... one word ... DIRECT! Some of the chapter titles will crack you up.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Leaders are Bleeders
Leaders are bleeders! If you want to lead you have to be willing to bleed. The world is looking for peoople who are willing to pay the price.
That was one of the quotes that stuck in my head yesterday when I was on a conference call with Dr. Samuel Huddleston, the Assistant Superintendent of the North California and Nevada District of Assemblies of God. The topic of the month was "How to more effectively minister to African American youth."
You could tell that it was a subject matter that the predominately white youth pastors on the line wanted to discuss but never really had an opportunity to talk about out loud.
He began by making it clear that in some areas of the country you can't be diverse. If you live in a town that is predominately white, you might not be able to become racially diverse but maybe you should focus on being economically diverse ... you probably have some poor people. A couple other key points he hit on...
It's not about the color of skin but our sin.
If you're not doing well on diversity, take a look at your leadership team. What color/gender/etc. are they? Be HONEST when it comes to building your team. Tell them what you are trying to do. But personally, just be yourself ... don't try to conform to try and fit in. People, in particular kids, can tell a fake.
People will follow where the leaders lead. Be intentional about building relationships with people who are different than you.
Don't harp on race. But when racial issues pop their ugly head up, deal with them.
Once again, you have to be intentional. When you get serious, it becomes painful. It takes relationship.
He told a great story of about how two of the largest campus groups in the state were being run by woman, but the only woman on the leadership team that gave oversight for the state was taking notes. He asked "why?" When they didn't give a good enough explanation, he got the women's numbers and made it happen.
When dealing with racism, he gave a great idea on how to bring it up in such a way that people get it. Instead of just talking about a particular color of skin like black and white, he said have some kids share about negative experiences they have had being a man, woman, black, white, etc. Take it beyond race. After a couple of people share their story, ask the question "Now, what can we do about it?"
Give permission for people to tell you if you do something wrong or offend them. When we're honest and talk face to face then we can deal with it.
It's not about you ... you've been called to lead the parade, not be the parade.
That was one of the quotes that stuck in my head yesterday when I was on a conference call with Dr. Samuel Huddleston, the Assistant Superintendent of the North California and Nevada District of Assemblies of God. The topic of the month was "How to more effectively minister to African American youth."
You could tell that it was a subject matter that the predominately white youth pastors on the line wanted to discuss but never really had an opportunity to talk about out loud.
He began by making it clear that in some areas of the country you can't be diverse. If you live in a town that is predominately white, you might not be able to become racially diverse but maybe you should focus on being economically diverse ... you probably have some poor people. A couple other key points he hit on...
It's not about the color of skin but our sin.
If you're not doing well on diversity, take a look at your leadership team. What color/gender/etc. are they? Be HONEST when it comes to building your team. Tell them what you are trying to do. But personally, just be yourself ... don't try to conform to try and fit in. People, in particular kids, can tell a fake.
People will follow where the leaders lead. Be intentional about building relationships with people who are different than you.
Don't harp on race. But when racial issues pop their ugly head up, deal with them.
Once again, you have to be intentional. When you get serious, it becomes painful. It takes relationship.
He told a great story of about how two of the largest campus groups in the state were being run by woman, but the only woman on the leadership team that gave oversight for the state was taking notes. He asked "why?" When they didn't give a good enough explanation, he got the women's numbers and made it happen.
When dealing with racism, he gave a great idea on how to bring it up in such a way that people get it. Instead of just talking about a particular color of skin like black and white, he said have some kids share about negative experiences they have had being a man, woman, black, white, etc. Take it beyond race. After a couple of people share their story, ask the question "Now, what can we do about it?"
Give permission for people to tell you if you do something wrong or offend them. When we're honest and talk face to face then we can deal with it.
It's not about you ... you've been called to lead the parade, not be the parade.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Podcast
So Jeanne records her first podcast tomorrow, based on research here are a few things she needs/might want to try...
· Need techno, rock style or digital juice and tag line
· Need transition music, so that you can divide it up
· It's ok to mention the website two or three times
· Interviewing people seems to be a nice trend
· Record everything, then play clips and talk about them
· Talk about current events
· Use lots of humor
· Have some kind of mailbag (i.e. way for listeners to ask questions)
· Play music/song every once and awhile
· Maybe a competition of some sort before NYLC or when Uncensored comes out.
· Some podcasts you can't fast forward or rewind. It's very annoying.
· Close with the same or different tag line and theme music
I loved Catalyst's podcast, but Relevant's wasn't for me (however, it has 30,000 listeners so it must be for someone). I thought they did a great job with the most recent Countdown to Innovate. I laughed at the use of Bart Simpson's voice on the #1 Catholic Podcast - Daily Breakfast.
Thanks Karen for your help with this! You rock friend! Hang in there, that wrist is almost healed!
· Need techno, rock style or digital juice and tag line
· Need transition music, so that you can divide it up
· It's ok to mention the website two or three times
· Interviewing people seems to be a nice trend
· Record everything, then play clips and talk about them
· Talk about current events
· Use lots of humor
· Have some kind of mailbag (i.e. way for listeners to ask questions)
· Play music/song every once and awhile
· Maybe a competition of some sort before NYLC or when Uncensored comes out.
· Some podcasts you can't fast forward or rewind. It's very annoying.
· Close with the same or different tag line and theme music
I loved Catalyst's podcast, but Relevant's wasn't for me (however, it has 30,000 listeners so it must be for someone). I thought they did a great job with the most recent Countdown to Innovate. I laughed at the use of Bart Simpson's voice on the #1 Catholic Podcast - Daily Breakfast.
Thanks Karen for your help with this! You rock friend! Hang in there, that wrist is almost healed!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Spaghetti Junction in Atlanta
I live about a mile from this intersection in Atlanta. It's known as the Spaghetti Junction. I've been driving it less a month and have figured out one thing for certain. I'm grateful I go south on 285 East in the mornings. I wouldn't want to be going the other direction, nor would I want to have to get on 85. That would be a new definition of traffic jam nightmare. I think the average rate of speed going those directions is 5mph...maybe, some days I don't think they go that fast!
Today's Top Podcast
Youth Leader's Coach is launching a podcast within the next two weeks, so I was asking Kem the 411 on what she knew about great podcasts. Among some brilliant advice, she encouraged me to take a stroll through the top ones and see what I could learn from them... "after all they are number one for a reason." If you're curious, the top twenty-five today in the category of "Religion & Spirituality" are below...
1. Joel Osteen Audio Podcast – Joel Osteen
2. Joel Osteen Video Podcast – Joel Osteen
3. Joyce Meyer Radio Podcast – Joyce Meyer Ministries
4. North Point Ministries – Andy Stanley
5. Desiring God Sermon Audio – John Piper
6. Mars Hill Bible Church – Mars Hill Bible Church
7. Insight for Living – Church Swindoll
8. Nooma – Rob Bell
9. Focus on the Family – Dr. James Dobson
10. 1 Year Daily Audio Bible – Brian Hardin
11. InTouch – Dr. Charles Stanley
12. Zencast
13. Let My People Think – Ravi Zacharias
14. Living on the Edge – Chip Ingram
15. The Relevant Podcast – Relevant Magazine
16. Mosaic – Erin McManus
17. Mars Hill Church Sermon – Mark Driscoll
18. Joyce Meyer TV Podcast – Joyce Meyer Ministries
19. Truth for Life Broadcast – Alistair Begg
20. Creflo Dollar Ministries – Dr. Creflo Dollar
21. Renewing Your Mind – Dr. R.C. Sproul
22. Hillsong Church – Hillsong Church Sydney
23. The Village Church – Matt Chandler
24. Joyce Meyer TV Audio Podcast – Joyce Meyer Ministries
25. A New Beginning – Greg Laurie
I find it interesting that Joyce Meyer is in there rippin' it up. Joel Osteen actually came in #13 for all podcasts.
1. Joel Osteen Audio Podcast – Joel Osteen
2. Joel Osteen Video Podcast – Joel Osteen
3. Joyce Meyer Radio Podcast – Joyce Meyer Ministries
4. North Point Ministries – Andy Stanley
5. Desiring God Sermon Audio – John Piper
6. Mars Hill Bible Church – Mars Hill Bible Church
7. Insight for Living – Church Swindoll
8. Nooma – Rob Bell
9. Focus on the Family – Dr. James Dobson
10. 1 Year Daily Audio Bible – Brian Hardin
11. InTouch – Dr. Charles Stanley
12. Zencast
13. Let My People Think – Ravi Zacharias
14. Living on the Edge – Chip Ingram
15. The Relevant Podcast – Relevant Magazine
16. Mosaic – Erin McManus
17. Mars Hill Church Sermon – Mark Driscoll
18. Joyce Meyer TV Podcast – Joyce Meyer Ministries
19. Truth for Life Broadcast – Alistair Begg
20. Creflo Dollar Ministries – Dr. Creflo Dollar
21. Renewing Your Mind – Dr. R.C. Sproul
22. Hillsong Church – Hillsong Church Sydney
23. The Village Church – Matt Chandler
24. Joyce Meyer TV Audio Podcast – Joyce Meyer Ministries
25. A New Beginning – Greg Laurie
I find it interesting that Joyce Meyer is in there rippin' it up. Joel Osteen actually came in #13 for all podcasts.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Story of Ruth
After a service Sunday morning that was AMAZING, but went until 1:30 pm (yes, I'm in the south), Jeanne went from there straight to Alliance and rocked! Then had a meeting and went straight into teaching. She spoke about Ruth. My hand was writing so fast I was having a hard time keeping up. Here are my notes, make sense of what you can.
Reverse the Curse of Generational Patterns
Jeanne: I’m not one that would attribute everything bad that happens to a demonic work, but the Bible does talk about warfare.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
Principality – ruling satanic spirit over certain geography or grouping (ex. family).
"When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation." Matthew 12:43-45
Never pull weeds without planting flowers. Have a weed of worry/fear, replace it with good thoughts. Always replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Whatever you focus on you fuel. Break life defeating patters of earlier generations.
"You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me… Exodus 20:4-5
Deal with generational stuff naturally and spiritually. Be a conduit of blessing.
Story of Naomi and Ruth.
Their husbands died - back then your husband was your means of survival.
Naomi was in Moab. Moab was a land loathed by God
Let Moab wallow in her vomit; let her be an object of ridicule. Jeremiah 48:26
No Ammonite or Moabite or any of his descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even down to the tenth generation. Deuteronomy 23:3
Ruth went with Naomi back to Jerusalem. God is looking for women to be big sisters or moms to this generation. If we just mother our biological kids, there are a whole lot of girls in this generation that will not have the spiritual covering they need.
"Be glad, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have no labor pains; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband." Galatians 4:27
How did they reverse the curse.
1. Got out of Moab (place of known sin) and returned to Bethlehem (place of obedience).
Word of God has nothing to do with emotions but choices. Naomi and Ruth chose.
2. Whatever you mentally focus on you’ll fuel.
"Don't call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter.” Ruth 1:20.
Almighty means El Shadai which means All Sufficient.
3. Got a Kinsman Redeemer (relative comes to redeem a woman) – Jewish law, this was the only way to get back into a family.
Four Qualifications of a Kinsman-Redeemer
1. Related by blood to person he’s redeeming
2. Had to pay the price of redemption
3. Had to be willing to redeem
4. Had to be free himself
Boaz is a picture of Jesus Christ. Ask God to help you not ever take your redemption in life for granted.
Remind Satan he has already handed over the shoe. The shoe was symbolic of legal claim/right to a person. Jesus bought the property rights…no trespassing.
So the closest relative said to Boaz, "Buy it for yourself." And he removed his sandal. Ruth 4:8
Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. Joshua 1:3
Christ redeemed us… Galatians 3:13
4. Make a spoken proclamation of faith in Christ Words.
Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Ruth 1:16
In the last days Jesus will pour out a sense of spiritual adoption.
Boaz and Ruth had Obed (worshipper of God), then Jesse, then David…then Jesus.
Ruth is mentioned in Matthew 1.
Reverse the Curse of Generational Patterns
Jeanne: I’m not one that would attribute everything bad that happens to a demonic work, but the Bible does talk about warfare.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
Principality – ruling satanic spirit over certain geography or grouping (ex. family).
"When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation." Matthew 12:43-45
Never pull weeds without planting flowers. Have a weed of worry/fear, replace it with good thoughts. Always replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Whatever you focus on you fuel. Break life defeating patters of earlier generations.
"You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me… Exodus 20:4-5
Deal with generational stuff naturally and spiritually. Be a conduit of blessing.
Story of Naomi and Ruth.
Their husbands died - back then your husband was your means of survival.
Naomi was in Moab. Moab was a land loathed by God
Let Moab wallow in her vomit; let her be an object of ridicule. Jeremiah 48:26
No Ammonite or Moabite or any of his descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even down to the tenth generation. Deuteronomy 23:3
Ruth went with Naomi back to Jerusalem. God is looking for women to be big sisters or moms to this generation. If we just mother our biological kids, there are a whole lot of girls in this generation that will not have the spiritual covering they need.
"Be glad, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have no labor pains; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband." Galatians 4:27
How did they reverse the curse.
1. Got out of Moab (place of known sin) and returned to Bethlehem (place of obedience).
Word of God has nothing to do with emotions but choices. Naomi and Ruth chose.
2. Whatever you mentally focus on you’ll fuel.
"Don't call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter.” Ruth 1:20.
Almighty means El Shadai which means All Sufficient.
3. Got a Kinsman Redeemer (relative comes to redeem a woman) – Jewish law, this was the only way to get back into a family.
Four Qualifications of a Kinsman-Redeemer
1. Related by blood to person he’s redeeming
2. Had to pay the price of redemption
3. Had to be willing to redeem
4. Had to be free himself
Boaz is a picture of Jesus Christ. Ask God to help you not ever take your redemption in life for granted.
Remind Satan he has already handed over the shoe. The shoe was symbolic of legal claim/right to a person. Jesus bought the property rights…no trespassing.
So the closest relative said to Boaz, "Buy it for yourself." And he removed his sandal. Ruth 4:8
Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. Joshua 1:3
Christ redeemed us… Galatians 3:13
4. Make a spoken proclamation of faith in Christ Words.
Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Ruth 1:16
In the last days Jesus will pour out a sense of spiritual adoption.
Boaz and Ruth had Obed (worshipper of God), then Jesse, then David…then Jesus.
Ruth is mentioned in Matthew 1.
That was weird
Ok, I'm not going to lie, that last post was a moment for me. In particular, when I said "our youth group Oxygen." I realized I've never said the words, "our youth group..." with any other words behind it than Oasis or Lifeline. Weird.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Jeanne Wisdom
Sat through my first Alliance leadership meeting today of our youth group (Oxygen). It was amazing. Here are a few of the Jeanne wisdom nuggets I took away from it.
1. Profound truth can be best understood through profound relationships.
2. Our loudest sermon is loving someone deeply.
3. There is a problem when you are busy in ministry, but not busy in Jesus.
4. The more you give into sin, the more Hell energizes it.
5. ______ is a choice (you can fill in a lot of blanks there).
6. No matter how much you liked or disliked Tammy Faye, she passed the adversity test. With her dying breath she was pointing people to and praising Jesus.
7. One of David's might ment was Ahithophel, which means my brother is foolish. He was one who ultimately betrayed David. The point is that even the greastest of Davids can put the wrong people up close to them - watch who you surround yourself with.
8. Friends are like elevators, they can take you up or down.
9. We entertain angels unaware.
10. She tipped her hand just a little on what she was speaking about at the closing session of the Assemblies of God General Council in August. It's a big deal - 30,000 of the denomination's key influencers from around the world in the RCA Dome. I'll save that for later.
1. Profound truth can be best understood through profound relationships.
2. Our loudest sermon is loving someone deeply.
3. There is a problem when you are busy in ministry, but not busy in Jesus.
4. The more you give into sin, the more Hell energizes it.
5. ______ is a choice (you can fill in a lot of blanks there).
6. No matter how much you liked or disliked Tammy Faye, she passed the adversity test. With her dying breath she was pointing people to and praising Jesus.
7. One of David's might ment was Ahithophel, which means my brother is foolish. He was one who ultimately betrayed David. The point is that even the greastest of Davids can put the wrong people up close to them - watch who you surround yourself with.
8. Friends are like elevators, they can take you up or down.
9. We entertain angels unaware.
10. She tipped her hand just a little on what she was speaking about at the closing session of the Assemblies of God General Council in August. It's a big deal - 30,000 of the denomination's key influencers from around the world in the RCA Dome. I'll save that for later.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Life...together
Congrats Karen...today you got your pins out of your wrist...no more sleeping in the chair with Mugsy!
My Move In Crew
It's hard to believe I've been down in Atlanta for only three weeks. Wow! It's seem a lot longer than that. My brain feel like it's about ready to explode with all the new information it's trying to process. I love it but am looking forward to taking a deep breathe when I go home the weekend of August 4 for a bunch of birthdays. What a ride! Hats off to my move in crew. Sorry Sherri but the half put together tv stand is right where you last saw it. I promise I'll finish putting it together...just not today:)
Sheer Brilliance and All Heart
Just finishing reviewing the edits of the next Source and Youth Leader's Coach (new website will be up August 1). It's the third time in three days I've heard the wisdom of Jeanne Mayo - once live and twice on Memorex. Besides being freakishly brialliant, she's all heart. I didn't type it verbatim, but she ended her last Youth Leader's Coach saying something like this...
Some day I would hope that when I’m promoted to be with Jesus there will be a bunch of people who will authentically be able to say in their heart of hearts, “Jeanne Mayo believed in me, she saw the best in me and she told me about it.” What a signature. How good are you at telling people around you legitimately what you see positive in them?
How good am I? Not bad but there is a lot of room for improvement.
Some day I would hope that when I’m promoted to be with Jesus there will be a bunch of people who will authentically be able to say in their heart of hearts, “Jeanne Mayo believed in me, she saw the best in me and she told me about it.” What a signature. How good are you at telling people around you legitimately what you see positive in them?
How good am I? Not bad but there is a lot of room for improvement.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
On the Home Front
Here's a very cool story about a very cool thing going on at my church back home in Granger. Way to go Rob, Jack and the Home Team. You're setting the course!
Sacrificing the Bottomline for Kingdom Causes
Emailed back and forth with Andy Brazelton of Purpose Driven Youth Ministries today. We're working on linking to his website from ours. We were talking about something and he said "there are instances where we will lose money on this but it is worth it in the long run to make healthy relationships with each mentor."
Then talked with Josh Mayo and he said something to the effect, "often times we sacrfiice the bottomline because equipping and mentoring youth pastors is such a big deal for us."
Then I read on Tony Morgan's blog where the profit margin for the Unleash Conference was $1.28 per person. He went on to say, "By the way, we're not idiots. We realize having a profit margin of only $1.28 per person doesn't make good business sense, but we think it makes great Kingdom sense. We can't wait to see how lives will be transformed because of this event."
Seems to be a theme there...I like it.
Then talked with Josh Mayo and he said something to the effect, "often times we sacrfiice the bottomline because equipping and mentoring youth pastors is such a big deal for us."
Then I read on Tony Morgan's blog where the profit margin for the Unleash Conference was $1.28 per person. He went on to say, "By the way, we're not idiots. We realize having a profit margin of only $1.28 per person doesn't make good business sense, but we think it makes great Kingdom sense. We can't wait to see how lives will be transformed because of this event."
Seems to be a theme there...I like it.
Atlanta vs.Granger
Three things you will find in an Atlanta gas station that you won't find in Granger...
1. A gas station that sells HUGE pocket knives that has bars on the windows and bullet proof glass in front of the cashier.
2. A gas station that sells cigarettes individually for 35 cents a piece.
3. A gas station that sells beers individually on ice.
1. A gas station that sells HUGE pocket knives that has bars on the windows and bullet proof glass in front of the cashier.
2. A gas station that sells cigarettes individually for 35 cents a piece.
3. A gas station that sells beers individually on ice.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Cultivating Family
Jeanne and I had a extensive phone conversation today. We covered a lot of ground on a lot of different things, but one noteable one was our conversation on signatures. In particular what people's signatures are. Not the thing you put on the bottom of a check, but what marks your life and/or ministry. When it comes to youth ministry, I think Saddleback's would be helping people to have a strategic track to run on through Purpose Diven Youth Ministry (PDYM). Helping youth ministries define and focus on what they want students to know by the time they graduate might be North Point's with its Seven Check Points. Reggie Joiner with reThink will probably put his name on the map when it comes to helping connect children and youth ministries, along with youth ministries and families. Hands down Jeanne's would be cultivating relationships and a sense of family within ministry. I haven't meet anyone who does it better.
Today she talked about how it's easy to find people who can individually create that relational or family dynamic well, but it's a whole different story when it comes to finding people who can authenticically create it in others. I'm looking forward to watching it in action come September when the ninety Master's Commission Atlanta students get here, until then I'm watching her life. She passed with flying colors today. I had sent off a quick email asking for prayer for my dad, who looks like he might be spinning into the manic side of his bi-polar. I told her it wasn't that big of deal, that he probably just needed his meds adjusted but that I would welcome the prayer. Instead of jetting off a quick email, she chose to call instead and started the conversation with "I read your email friend and that's too big of a deal for me not to call." It meant the world to me.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Mac Book Pro and Verizon
It's officially been a month without a crash. I love my MACBOOK PRO. I'm still trying to get used to some of the Mac vs. PC difference, but that's ok. The main frustration is the inability to right click.
I recently got this Verizon adaptor so that I can have internet anywhere. It's gold. Even on the van ride down to Florida I had internet access which proved helpful for the team. It does switch off every now and then, but not the point of annoying me yet. Fun stuff.
Mac and Verizon two thumbs up baby!
I recently got this Verizon adaptor so that I can have internet anywhere. It's gold. Even on the van ride down to Florida I had internet access which proved helpful for the team. It does switch off every now and then, but not the point of annoying me yet. Fun stuff.
Mac and Verizon two thumbs up baby!
Meet Sofia and Ava
Meet Sofia and Ava. I would show you a picture of both, but they are identical twins so no need. The only difference between the two is that one weighs 10 oz. more than the other and one has a tiny birthmark on her toe. I have no idea which one I'm holding in this picture. The cool thing is that their parents do. They can be in the other room and tell which one is crying. Sofia and Ava are miracle babies. The doctors told their parents they wouldn't be able to have kids. I hope Sofia and Ava grow up to be as cool as Jeanna and Jerica...and...Bridget and Erin.
Their parents are Dave and Stefanie Brickey. Dave is one of the co-operational directors of Master Commission Atlanta. Stef helps to disciples the female MC students, in addition to doing a lot of the administrative stuff. They are an AMAZING couple.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Watch what you give away
Cindy emailed me a picture of an Oasis giveaway her kids still have from SIX YEARS AGO. She confessed that she wasn't very happy at first, but now the little guy is part of the family. Good thing I didn't give away a hamster.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Staff Retreat
We just got back from our staff retreat in Florida. Not sure exactly what city we were in but it was somewhere near Destin. I've been taking hits about starting my first week out spending time on the beach in Florida, but trust me...we worked. Don't get me wrong, we had a lot of laughs while working, but for the most part only took time out for meals and one afternoon off. Just so you know, Florida is as hot as you think it is in July. Here are a few things I learned.
1. People wondered how I kept the pace I kept up north, but Jeanne makes me look like I was standing still. It was a sight to behold seeing the Oxygen (youth group), Master's Commission (internship program), Youth Source (youth pastor mentoring and resourcing company), the church (she's the senior pastor's wife) and her speaking schedules all on one calendar. One word ... WOW!
2. Working hard with people you love makes working hard not hard.
3. The structure of Master's Commission here is like something I've never seen. If it works as well in real life (which I'm told it does) as it appears on paper, they've got it goin' on big time. If I had implemented what I've seen here in two weeks up in Granger, I think we would have averaged 1,500 students in the middle school ministry, not 500...not to mention the 50-150 interns we could have easily prepared for ministry of some sort every year. I'm still trying to wrap my arms and mind around all of that...it's huge!
4. Master's Commission Atlanta is going to do some things in the future that will shake up this world. I think God has strategically located it in Atlanta for a reason.
5. The Cadre - the mentoring of youth pastors - is a big deal. I watched Jeanne, after we worked (9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.) and had dinner (7:30 - 9:30 p.m.) faithfully answer email after email. She takes care of people really, really, really well. I love that and hope it's very contagious.
6. Jeanne talks about Sam like Mark talks about Sheila. I love that.
7. I still love students like crazy. After driving 5-6 hours home, we had youth group that night. I was in an 02 group (like Eagle's Nest) named Chosen and totally loved it. We spent some of our time playing basketball. They have a gym here, so I'm a very happy girl. Guess what I found out? Kids in Atlanta are the same as they are in Granger. They're hungry to be loved, desiring for people to call them by name, carrying baggage they've picked up along the way, come in all shapes and sizes, wanting to know they matter and have purpose...
There are probably a couple of dozen other learnings, but some I'll save for later and others I think were meant just for me.
1. People wondered how I kept the pace I kept up north, but Jeanne makes me look like I was standing still. It was a sight to behold seeing the Oxygen (youth group), Master's Commission (internship program), Youth Source (youth pastor mentoring and resourcing company), the church (she's the senior pastor's wife) and her speaking schedules all on one calendar. One word ... WOW!
2. Working hard with people you love makes working hard not hard.
3. The structure of Master's Commission here is like something I've never seen. If it works as well in real life (which I'm told it does) as it appears on paper, they've got it goin' on big time. If I had implemented what I've seen here in two weeks up in Granger, I think we would have averaged 1,500 students in the middle school ministry, not 500...not to mention the 50-150 interns we could have easily prepared for ministry of some sort every year. I'm still trying to wrap my arms and mind around all of that...it's huge!
4. Master's Commission Atlanta is going to do some things in the future that will shake up this world. I think God has strategically located it in Atlanta for a reason.
5. The Cadre - the mentoring of youth pastors - is a big deal. I watched Jeanne, after we worked (9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.) and had dinner (7:30 - 9:30 p.m.) faithfully answer email after email. She takes care of people really, really, really well. I love that and hope it's very contagious.
6. Jeanne talks about Sam like Mark talks about Sheila. I love that.
7. I still love students like crazy. After driving 5-6 hours home, we had youth group that night. I was in an 02 group (like Eagle's Nest) named Chosen and totally loved it. We spent some of our time playing basketball. They have a gym here, so I'm a very happy girl. Guess what I found out? Kids in Atlanta are the same as they are in Granger. They're hungry to be loved, desiring for people to call them by name, carrying baggage they've picked up along the way, come in all shapes and sizes, wanting to know they matter and have purpose...
There are probably a couple of dozen other learnings, but some I'll save for later and others I think were meant just for me.
Monday, July 09, 2007
First post from the ATL (actually FL)
This is a little late for all my bloggin' fans. I made the move down to Atlanta with a WHOLE lot of help from my friends. We arrived in Atlanta at 5 a.m. (it was a really long drive) and crashed at the Marriott. My sister and I got up early to sign my apartment papers. We drove to the apartments which I had not seen yet. I was getting freaked out a little when we passed the nearby prison, graveyard and 4 out of 5 boarded up houses. I was trying to be a strong and fearless girl, but I was getting a little nervous (ok, a lot nervous). Turns out mapquest was wrong. We were totally in the wrong neck of the woods. After a 411 call to Jordan, we found out that my apartment was actually near where we were staying. It is nice...very nice! Better yet, it's less than 10 minutes from Perimeter Mall. I've yet to enter the mall, but have been in the bazillion stores around it. It's a pretty amazing area.
Mike, Scott, Loretta, Whitney, Roxanne, Sherri and I were met there by Jordan, Jay, Alex and Dave. Within 45 minutes all of my stuff was moved in. The power of team...actually family...it out performs an individual ever time. God had a great idea when he created family.
My first week has been amazing, a total whirlwind, but amazing. The apartment and job is everything I'd hoped it be and more. I'm still far from figuring everything out, but I'm getting it. They run hard and are so unified, I love that. They are the same up close and personal as they are from afar.
Right now we are brainstorming the upcoming year near a beach in Florida. I have no idea what town we are in, but it's near Destin. The condo is beautiful. We drove down yesterday and updated the manual on the ride down. Once here Dave, Alex and I giggled late into the night playing with the Mac's Photo Booth Effects. I think we were giddy from the long van ride. The beach is a stones throw but we haven't been there yet. We'll explore that later for today was a full day of brainstorming....seriously 9:30 a.m. straight until after 7 p.m.. I've learned so much in just a short time. We started the day by celebrating what went right last year, which sounds like there was a whole lot. We then moved into how to improve for next year. There is some pretty amazing stuff on the horizon. I can't wait to watch it all unfold. I'll keep you all posted.
Here's what I excited about so far...
1. I thought I worked hard...I found some people who worked harder.
2. The team is amazing. It really feels more like a family. Dave gave me a great compliment today when he said that me being here felt so natural.
3. We all took the Leading From Your Strengths test and got a good laugh. I'm still pure lion (with some Beaver), although I've tamed it a little (which is good). I think Jeanne's influence has helped me with that over the last two years. The rest of the team has a lot of Otter and Lion in them. I'm just an Otter wanna be. Alex tells me hanging out with them will bring the Otter out in me. I hope so.
4. I've got a way with babies that I didn't know about. Dave and Stef brought their twins with them. They did EXTREMELY well on the way down even though they both have double ear infections. The last 15 minutes they started getting fussy, but all I had to do was peek my head over the seat and they'd quiet down.
5. The Cadre (mentoring of youth pastors) will be my primary focus and I'm pretty excited about that. I will also have the opportunity to teach the 90 Master Commission students some stuff. That will be cool. Jeanne's also given me the opportunity to teach at Oxygen, but I think I'm going to hold off on that right now until I get grounded.
6. Mike and Scott are coming down for Master's Commission. We're all pretty excited about that.
7. Jordan taught me how to cook a great dish tonight. I now have two recipes.
We'll that's the scoop. I'll be home for my birthday, so I'll see a whole lot of my blogging friends then. Praying you are all well and CAMP ADVENTURE is as AMAZING as always.
Oh yeah...meet Alex. Alex is the Academic Dean and Discipleship Director for the Master's Commission down here.
He's fun, bright, has a great laugh and, as documented in the photo booth, straight pearly whites.
Mike, Scott, Loretta, Whitney, Roxanne, Sherri and I were met there by Jordan, Jay, Alex and Dave. Within 45 minutes all of my stuff was moved in. The power of team...actually family...it out performs an individual ever time. God had a great idea when he created family.
My first week has been amazing, a total whirlwind, but amazing. The apartment and job is everything I'd hoped it be and more. I'm still far from figuring everything out, but I'm getting it. They run hard and are so unified, I love that. They are the same up close and personal as they are from afar.
Right now we are brainstorming the upcoming year near a beach in Florida. I have no idea what town we are in, but it's near Destin. The condo is beautiful. We drove down yesterday and updated the manual on the ride down. Once here Dave, Alex and I giggled late into the night playing with the Mac's Photo Booth Effects. I think we were giddy from the long van ride. The beach is a stones throw but we haven't been there yet. We'll explore that later for today was a full day of brainstorming....seriously 9:30 a.m. straight until after 7 p.m.. I've learned so much in just a short time. We started the day by celebrating what went right last year, which sounds like there was a whole lot. We then moved into how to improve for next year. There is some pretty amazing stuff on the horizon. I can't wait to watch it all unfold. I'll keep you all posted.
Here's what I excited about so far...
1. I thought I worked hard...I found some people who worked harder.
2. The team is amazing. It really feels more like a family. Dave gave me a great compliment today when he said that me being here felt so natural.
3. We all took the Leading From Your Strengths test and got a good laugh. I'm still pure lion (with some Beaver), although I've tamed it a little (which is good). I think Jeanne's influence has helped me with that over the last two years. The rest of the team has a lot of Otter and Lion in them. I'm just an Otter wanna be. Alex tells me hanging out with them will bring the Otter out in me. I hope so.
4. I've got a way with babies that I didn't know about. Dave and Stef brought their twins with them. They did EXTREMELY well on the way down even though they both have double ear infections. The last 15 minutes they started getting fussy, but all I had to do was peek my head over the seat and they'd quiet down.
5. The Cadre (mentoring of youth pastors) will be my primary focus and I'm pretty excited about that. I will also have the opportunity to teach the 90 Master Commission students some stuff. That will be cool. Jeanne's also given me the opportunity to teach at Oxygen, but I think I'm going to hold off on that right now until I get grounded.
6. Mike and Scott are coming down for Master's Commission. We're all pretty excited about that.
7. Jordan taught me how to cook a great dish tonight. I now have two recipes.
We'll that's the scoop. I'll be home for my birthday, so I'll see a whole lot of my blogging friends then. Praying you are all well and CAMP ADVENTURE is as AMAZING as always.
Oh yeah...meet Alex. Alex is the Academic Dean and Discipleship Director for the Master's Commission down here.
He's fun, bright, has a great laugh and, as documented in the photo booth, straight pearly whites.
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