Laurie was out of town yesterday, so I made the 6 a.m. Sunday morning airport run to pick up Jeanne. She did this whirlwind trip to Seattle, leaving Friday morning and flying back all throughout the night on Saturday.
On the way to her house she said she was tired (that was a first) and asked if I wanted to speak for her Sunday night at our church's women's ministry deal. I told her I could whip something up, "no problem." Inside, I was thinking "Judy, what in the world are you agreeing to?" Long story short, I actually had a great time. I spoke on "Who will fight for this generation?" The cool thing about adult ministry over youth ministry is they actually say "thank you." However, still would take youth ministry over it any day.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
A Bee's Haven
When I got back from Easter I was telling Jeanne how it must of rained yellow dirt while I was gone ... my car was covered. She laughed and said that's not dirt, that's pollen. Glad I don't have allergies!
Never Saw That Before
I was working late and took a break to look out the window and walks by a FOX! Seen pictures, but never one upclose and personal. Don't know why I shared that, but a fox in the city seemed unique to me. Do foxes bite?
You Know You Are Tired When...
I'm one of those people who doesn't need much sleep ... in fact, one of the MC students introduced me to his mom this week saying this is "Judy, she's awesome...she's has this superpower that enables her to go without sleep." Anyway, while that was an exaggeration, it was funny this weekend. I pulled a really, really late nighter on Thursday night. So on Friday, I laid down to take a nap at 7 p.m., just needed to close my eyes for a few. When I woke up, it as 9 ... so my blurry vision thought, after a few seconds I realized it wasn't 9 p.m., but actually 6 a.m. So much for my superpower.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Source and Youth Leader's Coach
It's late and I got to get on home ... but Jeanne's Source, HOME SWEET HOME, and Youth Leaders's Coach, 15 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU ARE BORED WITH YOUR OWN YOUTH SERVICE are ready for FED-EX!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
An Encouraging Word Can Make Your Day Better!
It was just an "ok" day until I got this email from a friend I think the world of back home...
Just wanted to give you a shout out. Was going to comment on your blog (which, btw, I love), but decided to shoot you an email instead.
Sorry I missed you this weekend. Thought I might catch you after the noon service (hey, my spies are everywhere). I've been thinking a lot about how much of an impact you've had on my life. It seems like I'm constantly running into situations where I hear your words of wisdom echoing in my head!
The one that has really come into play a lot lately is "When kids come to us with a problem, they usually aren't looking for an answer. What they need from us is an ear, a hug, and a prayer."
Don't know if it's a coincidence, or if it's the direction God is taking my ministry, but it seems like lately I've had a lot of kids that have come to me with stuff going on in their life. That use to freak me out, because my default mode is to think I have to be the "Answer Guy" and solve the problem, which is just way too much to expect.
Now, though, I hear you saying that, and I just take a deep breath and focus on really hearing them and letting them know I'm there with them in that moment. It is amazing how much of a difference that seems to make for them. It makes me determined to be even more intentional about communicating that I have time for them, that I want to be there.
Anyways, I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you and love you. You are a blessing! I was just talking to some kids this week and they were saying how much they miss you.
When you've made an impact on someones life, even in small ways, and see it ripple out further, it's a cool thing.
Thank you my dear friend for making my day!
Just wanted to give you a shout out. Was going to comment on your blog (which, btw, I love), but decided to shoot you an email instead.
Sorry I missed you this weekend. Thought I might catch you after the noon service (hey, my spies are everywhere). I've been thinking a lot about how much of an impact you've had on my life. It seems like I'm constantly running into situations where I hear your words of wisdom echoing in my head!
The one that has really come into play a lot lately is "When kids come to us with a problem, they usually aren't looking for an answer. What they need from us is an ear, a hug, and a prayer."
Don't know if it's a coincidence, or if it's the direction God is taking my ministry, but it seems like lately I've had a lot of kids that have come to me with stuff going on in their life. That use to freak me out, because my default mode is to think I have to be the "Answer Guy" and solve the problem, which is just way too much to expect.
Now, though, I hear you saying that, and I just take a deep breath and focus on really hearing them and letting them know I'm there with them in that moment. It is amazing how much of a difference that seems to make for them. It makes me determined to be even more intentional about communicating that I have time for them, that I want to be there.
Anyways, I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you and love you. You are a blessing! I was just talking to some kids this week and they were saying how much they miss you.
When you've made an impact on someones life, even in small ways, and see it ripple out further, it's a cool thing.
Thank you my dear friend for making my day!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Cadre Legacy Reunion and Randomness
Mind dump...
Jeanne and I spent time on the way home from lunch at the Atlanta Bread Company planning for Cadre Legacy's Reunion. So far, I've only been apart of pulling off what someone else has planned. This is my first opportunity to be on the brainstorming side. It's been good times. She's brilliant ... Dave's brilliant ... hopefully, one day too, I will become brilliant ... just kidding. We've got some pretty cool stuff planned. Pray for sunshine and the 25-30 youth pastors that will be apart of it, may it be refreshing to their souls.
One year from tonight, our NYLC conference will be history ... over, completo. I told Jeanne that we need to make sure we take time to do a victory dance the night afterwards and eat at PF Changs. Way too often, I finish one thing and rush onto the gazillion other things that piled up while I was doing the one thing. I'm absolutely horrible at taking the time to celebrate the win and give Jesus thanks. She texted back and said they took 3 days off after the conference in 05 and even ate at PF Changs ... score! Pray that we seal the deal on a few things so we can move forward in a couple of other areas so thousands of youth pastors will have the opportunity to be encouraged and trained. Pray that you and I both take the time to celebrate God grace, mercy and victories before moving onto the next thing.
I spent Easter weekend at home. GCC's glow stick viral weekend rocked. My sister and her husband spent hours sanding and refinishing their hardwood floors. Mental note to self: stick with carpet. It was fun watching them work together though. I got to see my great niece. She's the cutest. I miss her ... and, of course, the rest of my fam and friends too. Karen, Hilary, Wendy, Tammy, Blake, the amazing Ekema sisters and I made Easter Baskets for the YWCA again ... 42 of them and they were jammed packed. It's like the fourth year running. It reminded me of the importance of traditions. As I do youth ministry, I need to remember that more often ... traditions mark you, especially when they involve serving. I'm making some great new friends her in the ATL. It's been fun, but I forgot how long it takes for lasting friendship to take root. Pray for traditions in my family and yours.
It was a great night at Oxygen. Dave knocked it out of the park talking about amnesia ... our forgetfulness and need to remember. I sat with a 6th grade girl who lives at some kind of boarding school (I don't think it's necessarily the good kind). Her name was Holly. I wish you could hear some of the stories of the kids in this youth ministry, it'd rip you up. I love doing ministry here, but wish I had more time. In the next few days, I hope to take my Mexico mission team to downtown Atlanta to work with Church on the Street again. Pray that our hearts would not grow numb to the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual pain locally and globally.
It was just the home team tonight, MC is on Spring Break. I miss the "MC hallway dwellers" (that's what I call them at lunchtime when there are a bunch of them sitting in the hallway on their laptops). They really light up my days with smiles and laughter. I can't imagine this summer when we are going to have to do life without them. The good news is that there will be even more next year. Interviews are ahead for next year, pray the right ones are selected for whatever reason God might intend.
Looking forward to Friday. I'm going to spend some long needed qualtiy time with Jesus on Stone Mountain. I've got the itch to write again. It's supposed to be sunny and 77. Sun, Stone Mountain and 77 are good for my soul. Pray for the stuff swirling in my head.
Pray for the 20 I'm taking to Back2Back in Mexico in 2 1/2 weeks. We're going to serve the poor, but the reality is that a bunch of them are poor and finances are tight. In faith, I fronted some of the money ... pray that they work hard on their spring break and people are beyond generous.
This post is too long ... thanks for listening ... and praying!
Jeanne and I spent time on the way home from lunch at the Atlanta Bread Company planning for Cadre Legacy's Reunion. So far, I've only been apart of pulling off what someone else has planned. This is my first opportunity to be on the brainstorming side. It's been good times. She's brilliant ... Dave's brilliant ... hopefully, one day too, I will become brilliant ... just kidding. We've got some pretty cool stuff planned. Pray for sunshine and the 25-30 youth pastors that will be apart of it, may it be refreshing to their souls.
One year from tonight, our NYLC conference will be history ... over, completo. I told Jeanne that we need to make sure we take time to do a victory dance the night afterwards and eat at PF Changs. Way too often, I finish one thing and rush onto the gazillion other things that piled up while I was doing the one thing. I'm absolutely horrible at taking the time to celebrate the win and give Jesus thanks. She texted back and said they took 3 days off after the conference in 05 and even ate at PF Changs ... score! Pray that we seal the deal on a few things so we can move forward in a couple of other areas so thousands of youth pastors will have the opportunity to be encouraged and trained. Pray that you and I both take the time to celebrate God grace, mercy and victories before moving onto the next thing.
I spent Easter weekend at home. GCC's glow stick viral weekend rocked. My sister and her husband spent hours sanding and refinishing their hardwood floors. Mental note to self: stick with carpet. It was fun watching them work together though. I got to see my great niece. She's the cutest. I miss her ... and, of course, the rest of my fam and friends too. Karen, Hilary, Wendy, Tammy, Blake, the amazing Ekema sisters and I made Easter Baskets for the YWCA again ... 42 of them and they were jammed packed. It's like the fourth year running. It reminded me of the importance of traditions. As I do youth ministry, I need to remember that more often ... traditions mark you, especially when they involve serving. I'm making some great new friends her in the ATL. It's been fun, but I forgot how long it takes for lasting friendship to take root. Pray for traditions in my family and yours.
It was a great night at Oxygen. Dave knocked it out of the park talking about amnesia ... our forgetfulness and need to remember. I sat with a 6th grade girl who lives at some kind of boarding school (I don't think it's necessarily the good kind). Her name was Holly. I wish you could hear some of the stories of the kids in this youth ministry, it'd rip you up. I love doing ministry here, but wish I had more time. In the next few days, I hope to take my Mexico mission team to downtown Atlanta to work with Church on the Street again. Pray that our hearts would not grow numb to the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual pain locally and globally.
It was just the home team tonight, MC is on Spring Break. I miss the "MC hallway dwellers" (that's what I call them at lunchtime when there are a bunch of them sitting in the hallway on their laptops). They really light up my days with smiles and laughter. I can't imagine this summer when we are going to have to do life without them. The good news is that there will be even more next year. Interviews are ahead for next year, pray the right ones are selected for whatever reason God might intend.
Looking forward to Friday. I'm going to spend some long needed qualtiy time with Jesus on Stone Mountain. I've got the itch to write again. It's supposed to be sunny and 77. Sun, Stone Mountain and 77 are good for my soul. Pray for the stuff swirling in my head.
Pray for the 20 I'm taking to Back2Back in Mexico in 2 1/2 weeks. We're going to serve the poor, but the reality is that a bunch of them are poor and finances are tight. In faith, I fronted some of the money ... pray that they work hard on their spring break and people are beyond generous.
This post is too long ... thanks for listening ... and praying!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
People I'd Like to Meet ... Chet Cadieux
Chet Cadieux is the CEO of QuikTrip. I never even heard of him until today when I looked QT up on the internet, but he must have it going on. Every QuikTrip I go to here in Atlanta is packed out. The one by our church, in particular, is even busy at 3 a.m. The pumps are full, the parking spots are taken and the store always has people scurrying around in it. It can't just be that they have cheap fountain drinks that sets them apart. I do know their cashiers are lighting fast ... never seen anything like it ... ever! It's kind of funny though, they talk at the same rate of speed in which they cashier. I wonder if a pre-requisite for working there is that you have to drink a 64 oz Energy Drink before you go on duty. Nonetheless, I would love to interview the guy.
Fun QT facts:
1. They aren't all across the country ... yet.
2. They earned 5.86 billion in revenue in 2004, wonder what 2008 has in store?
3. They are listed in Fortune 500 as one of the 100 Best Companies To Work For
4. Their core values are...
... Be the Best
... Focus Long Term
... Do What's Right for QT
... Never Be Satisfied
... Do the Right Thing
... Focus Long Term
... Do What's Right for QT
... Never Be Satisfied
... Do the Right Thing
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Myspace And Facebook Tell All
Mark Beeson made a fantastic post entitled "Live Smart Young Friend! People Are Watching Us..." here. Thinking about it made me laugh out loud just a few moments ago. I'm looking over some resumes for a friend of mine in Indiana. So, I took the person's name applying for a position and ran a search on myspace. The first one I found shows the guy applying for the position flipping off the camera. Let's see ... I think we can toss that one ... don't ya think?
I Heart the Cadre
We just came off of three days of Cadre Prestige. They fly in on Sunday, spend Monday and Tuesday at Jeanne's house and fly out on Wednesday. It's a whirlwind! A friendship transformation has occurred from the fall to spring that was a cool sight to behold. I honestly believe some of these guys/girls will be lifelong friends. We ended last night at 4 a.m. ... yes, that is correct, 4 a.m. ... it made for early airport runs since the first pick up occurred at 4:45 a.m. (I'm so proud, I didn't have to cover for one MC student this round).
The next Cadre (Legacy) is in 18 days, Mexico the week after that, then another Cadre (Litmus) on it's heels (literally, it begins 18 hours after I land).
We had a great night of worship at Oxygen tonight and now I'm on to finishing up reviewing the edits of Source and Youth Leader's Coach.
Good times ... good times ... but I'm glad I'm taking a few days off this weekend.
The next Cadre (Legacy) is in 18 days, Mexico the week after that, then another Cadre (Litmus) on it's heels (literally, it begins 18 hours after I land).
We had a great night of worship at Oxygen tonight and now I'm on to finishing up reviewing the edits of Source and Youth Leader's Coach.
Good times ... good times ... but I'm glad I'm taking a few days off this weekend.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Are you ok?
You know it's good to be loved ... no, let me correct that, it's great! I received a ton of phone calls and emails asking "Am I ok?" We've had some pretty wicked weather here in Atlanta, that's for sure. I would say that Indiana weather is slow and long (like when a snow storm sits on top of you FOREVER!) and Atlanta weather is fast. The storms in recent days raced through here! It hailed so hard last night that I thought my car was going to have new found dimples, but it weathered the storm (too bad it didn't weather the rock the semi shot at my window the night before on 285) .
It's been a tough couple of days. Today we had to let one of our MC student go for significant poor choices. She was one of my favorites and has leadership giftings oozing out of her. I got the chance to talk with her right before she left for home. I hope she heard me. She seemed to, but the days ahead will say for sure.
Then, tonight we cancelled our 02 event "Find Your Leader" because of weather. Thay take their weather a little more seriously than we do in Indiana. I did get to hang with my Mexico Back2Back team for a couple of hours today. We brainstormed stuff, cooked a Mexican lunch together, then watched August Rush for fun. I had a teach time deal I was going to do, but the meeting took place right after the MC student was let go, so the timing seemed off.
Well, that's been my weekend in a nutshell, along with Cadre prep.
It's been a tough couple of days. Today we had to let one of our MC student go for significant poor choices. She was one of my favorites and has leadership giftings oozing out of her. I got the chance to talk with her right before she left for home. I hope she heard me. She seemed to, but the days ahead will say for sure.
Then, tonight we cancelled our 02 event "Find Your Leader" because of weather. Thay take their weather a little more seriously than we do in Indiana. I did get to hang with my Mexico Back2Back team for a couple of hours today. We brainstormed stuff, cooked a Mexican lunch together, then watched August Rush for fun. I had a teach time deal I was going to do, but the meeting took place right after the MC student was let go, so the timing seemed off.
Well, that's been my weekend in a nutshell, along with Cadre prep.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Thoughts on Master's Commission Atlanta
Just came out of a missions team meeting for Back2Back in Mexico. We had an incredible time learning all about Back2Back (I made them read the booklet in groups of 3-4 and act out a couple of skits - the human soccerball and lice ones were particularly funny), diving into Lesson 1 of the devo and just laughing hystarically at Bacari translating it all into street language. I came away thinking how much I love this intern'ish like program we run for nearly 90 students. If fact, I think it's just about one of the coolest thing on earth ... but at the same time, ever so messy ... messy ... messy. It's a pretty ginormous undertaking, even at its finest. When you live up close to so many people, eventually who people "really are" surfaces. And when they surface, we have the oportunity to embrace, encourage, confront, correct and redirect, and all that good stuff. However, if you're not up for the Master's Level Course in Relationship Building 501, I don't suggest it. But, if you are, I don't think there is anything more rewarding. Some of our future business leaders, senior pastors and youth pastors are in our midst. I'm pretty much sold on the program.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
The Hoosier Takes Them All
We had a great small group 02 night. We're still averaging 40 in our junior high group. While I love playing a significant role in the junior high ministry, I'm getting the itch to dive in deeper. We have AMAZING kids.
This weekend we're heading to the park to hang out, throw a football and other stuff on Friday. Then on Saturday, we're doing a "Find Your Leaders" hunt at the mall. I've never done the mall deal before, but it sounds like a total blast. Basically in a nutshell, the leaders of the group dress up in such a way that it makes it difficult for the kids to spot them. Then the students walk the mall looking for them. I don't know if they gather their signatures or what, but it should be a hoot.
One of the highlights of tonight was when some of the girls and big boys were playing knockout in the gym. With nothing but pure net, I took out the last guy in the line ... it was a beautiful sight to behold. This Hoosier's got skill ... maybe I should of warned them ... NOT!
This weekend we're heading to the park to hang out, throw a football and other stuff on Friday. Then on Saturday, we're doing a "Find Your Leaders" hunt at the mall. I've never done the mall deal before, but it sounds like a total blast. Basically in a nutshell, the leaders of the group dress up in such a way that it makes it difficult for the kids to spot them. Then the students walk the mall looking for them. I don't know if they gather their signatures or what, but it should be a hoot.
One of the highlights of tonight was when some of the girls and big boys were playing knockout in the gym. With nothing but pure net, I took out the last guy in the line ... it was a beautiful sight to behold. This Hoosier's got skill ... maybe I should of warned them ... NOT!
Home for the Holiday
I'm not sad to say that I've been back home in Indiana about every 6-8 weeks since moving to Atlanta ... some for great reasons, others not so much. I'm looking forward to being home for Easter weekend soon. We've got a couple of great months ahead, but they have the potential to kick us in our tail. Here are just a few of the "big chunks" ...
March 17-18 ... Cadre Prestige Advance for about 40 youth pastors
April 7-8 ... Cadre Legacy Reunion for about 30 youth pastors
April 13-19 ... Back2Back Mission Trip in Monterray Mexico with 20 MC Students
April 21-22 ... Cadre Litmus Advance for about 35 youth pastors
May 2-3 ... Oxygen Spring Retreat for about 250 students and leaders
May 12-13 ... Cadre Epic Advance for about 40 youth pastors
That doesn't include any youth groups stuff, NYLC 2009 conference prep, product development, conference calls, web development, Source and YLC monthly resource production, staff oversight to the technical arts and accounting departments, etc. Does it sound like I'm whinning ... well, I think I might be! The goal in all of it is to stay sane, be fully present in each one, and maybe even celebrate a few moments before moving on to the next event. The good news is that I have AMAZING teammates all around.
March 17-18 ... Cadre Prestige Advance for about 40 youth pastors
April 7-8 ... Cadre Legacy Reunion for about 30 youth pastors
April 13-19 ... Back2Back Mission Trip in Monterray Mexico with 20 MC Students
April 21-22 ... Cadre Litmus Advance for about 35 youth pastors
May 2-3 ... Oxygen Spring Retreat for about 250 students and leaders
May 12-13 ... Cadre Epic Advance for about 40 youth pastors
That doesn't include any youth groups stuff, NYLC 2009 conference prep, product development, conference calls, web development, Source and YLC monthly resource production, staff oversight to the technical arts and accounting departments, etc. Does it sound like I'm whinning ... well, I think I might be! The goal in all of it is to stay sane, be fully present in each one, and maybe even celebrate a few moments before moving on to the next event. The good news is that I have AMAZING teammates all around.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Ten Secret Needs A Student Will Never Tell You They Have
1. I need to FEEL like you really WANT TO BE WITH ME.
2. I need ENCOURAGEMENT, probably more than I care to admit.
3. I need you to REMEMBER my name. It's my most valuable possession.
4. I need you to ask me about my HOPES, DREAMS, FAMILY AND LIFE.
5. I need SPRINKLINGS of WISDOM, but not too much. We are all educated way beyond our level of obedience.
6. I need you to CHALLENGE me to stay in the game.
7. When I mess up, I need you to not ABANDON me.
8. I need you to INVITE me to be a part of YOUR life.
9. I need you NOT to always have an AGENDA.
10. I need you to give me appropriate HUGS and tell me that you LOVE me ... A LOT!
2. I need ENCOURAGEMENT, probably more than I care to admit.
3. I need you to REMEMBER my name. It's my most valuable possession.
4. I need you to ask me about my HOPES, DREAMS, FAMILY AND LIFE.
5. I need SPRINKLINGS of WISDOM, but not too much. We are all educated way beyond our level of obedience.
6. I need you to CHALLENGE me to stay in the game.
7. When I mess up, I need you to not ABANDON me.
8. I need you to INVITE me to be a part of YOUR life.
9. I need you NOT to always have an AGENDA.
10. I need you to give me appropriate HUGS and tell me that you LOVE me ... A LOT!
Sunday, March 09, 2008
It Felt Good To Come Up For Air
I just got back into town from Kansas City. Josh Mayo and I kicked back in the airport and talked middle school ministry, then Mike and I went to dinner and dreamed ministry God-size dreams.
This weekend, while I did some ministry stuff, it felt like I hit the pause button and took time to breathe. Words cannot even describe how busy life has been over the last eight weeks. I know when I hear myself say out loud, "I have to slow this thing down," I'm too busy. But this weekend, other than the two leader breakout sessions I did, I got to chill on the sidelines. I was able to laugh at the skitiots, stand in awe of the sand art guy, be wowed by the science guy, be a proud friend watching my pals do their thing on stage with excellence, and take advantage of my pathway to Jesus by entering into worship.
Sometimes, I forget how healthly it is to take a break now and then. It was good for my soul.
This weekend, while I did some ministry stuff, it felt like I hit the pause button and took time to breathe. Words cannot even describe how busy life has been over the last eight weeks. I know when I hear myself say out loud, "I have to slow this thing down," I'm too busy. But this weekend, other than the two leader breakout sessions I did, I got to chill on the sidelines. I was able to laugh at the skitiots, stand in awe of the sand art guy, be wowed by the science guy, be a proud friend watching my pals do their thing on stage with excellence, and take advantage of my pathway to Jesus by entering into worship.
Sometimes, I forget how healthly it is to take a break now and then. It was good for my soul.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Stuck in the Middle Conference
Just finished up my leader breakout sessions at the Stuck in the Middle student conference in Kansas City. It was on "Redefining Success in Middle School Small Groups" I loved it, loved it, loved it and got a great response.
The Stuck conference is being put on by my good friend, Sean Meade. Sean and I got to know each other at the Summit a couple of years ago. He's doing an amazing job of creating a middle school conference that is both fun and spiritually engaging. The theme is the "The Story". I'm so looking forward to hearing Sean speak tonight.
I give five start ratings to...
***** Jason Raitz spoke for the first two general sessions. I met Jason at the Summit as well and have been looking forward to hearing him speak. He is an AMAZING storyteller and connected with the students.
***** Joe Castillo did this SAND ART stuff that rocked my world. Seriously, it was an art form that held the students captive and, most importantly, was all about telling the creation story of God.
***** Steven Jacobs (aka Jake the Science Guy) works for Discovery Network. Among other cool things, he blew up a balloon with some funky gases in it and created a explosion you could hear and feel in your chest. He tied all of his experiments to a teaching on the Holy Spirit, which was AWESOME.
The uniqueness of Jason with his storytelling, Joe with his sand art and Jake's display of crazy science experiments turned the head of this, somewhat jaded, conference goer.
The Stuck conference is being put on by my good friend, Sean Meade. Sean and I got to know each other at the Summit a couple of years ago. He's doing an amazing job of creating a middle school conference that is both fun and spiritually engaging. The theme is the "The Story". I'm so looking forward to hearing Sean speak tonight.
I give five start ratings to...
***** Jason Raitz spoke for the first two general sessions. I met Jason at the Summit as well and have been looking forward to hearing him speak. He is an AMAZING storyteller and connected with the students.
***** Joe Castillo did this SAND ART stuff that rocked my world. Seriously, it was an art form that held the students captive and, most importantly, was all about telling the creation story of God.
***** Steven Jacobs (aka Jake the Science Guy) works for Discovery Network. Among other cool things, he blew up a balloon with some funky gases in it and created a explosion you could hear and feel in your chest. He tied all of his experiments to a teaching on the Holy Spirit, which was AWESOME.
The uniqueness of Jason with his storytelling, Joe with his sand art and Jake's display of crazy science experiments turned the head of this, somewhat jaded, conference goer.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Third time in as many weeks
Three times over the last three weeks I've been asked this question, "If you were hiring a middle school pastor, what is the one thing you would look for in that individual?" I couldn't come up one one, but landed on two...
1. Integrity and character above reproach.
2. An authentic love for middle school students.
Of course, skill set is up there, but I've come to the conclusion that a good chunk of that can be taught.
1. Integrity and character above reproach.
2. An authentic love for middle school students.
Of course, skill set is up there, but I've come to the conclusion that a good chunk of that can be taught.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Zowee, what a week and it's only Wednesday
Let me have a moment to brag on my boss before I share nuggets of wisdom. Honestly, Jeanne is quite possible the hardest working person I've ever met (and one of the smartest ones too). I've walked with her through the last few days, not doing the half the hard stuff she's doing. Here's her week...
Sunday
Preached the Sunday morning servie
Did the church luncheon that moved into the Business Meeting
Entertained YLC board members coming into town
Monday and Tuesday
Knocked it out of the park running the board meeting that let's just say was very successful, but went from 9 a.m. until late in the evening.
Wednesday
Preached at Oxygen
Then, spoke with youth pastors/leaders of an Alabama church for over an hour
Then, went out with one of the students in Oxygen for a Coke around 11 p.m. ... can you say, still in the trenches?
Thursday
Among other things, will do do two 2-hour conference calls with youth pastors
This weekend
Is out of town speaking in Houston, then on to Colorado to brainstorm something
So, I know she's exhausted ... shoot, I'm exhausted ... but I sat in tonight on the time with the Alambama leaders. I think I took more note than they did. Here are just a few of the nuggets tossed to them...
One of the leaders asked what the hardest thing she's ever had to deal with. Jeanne went on to talk about her husband getting fired in Rockford. She gave this illustration of what transpired after that using the analogy of corn.
When a kernal of corn falls to the ground, this is what happens...
It becomes invisble in the dirt and, in time, the crusty exterior begins to soften. The starch mixes with the chemicals in the ground and turns it into sugar. From it, a sweetness begins to develop. A sweetness of yourself in Jesus begins to mature. You don't want to grow to fast above ground (that's what weed killer does ... causes it to grow too fast above ground to the point that the root structure can't sustain it). (Note: I totally destroyed that analogy so just read between the lines, you'll get it)
When you're in the spotlight your friends find you, when suddenly you're not, you find your friends.
Not everyone likes a hero but everyone likes someone who makes them feel like a hero.
Most people can't survive their own success. I just choose not to believe my own press reviews.
If you prepare the message and the messanger, God will open up the pulpits.
The largest pulpit is no more annointed than the smallest crowd. How faithful you are with three will detmine how faithful you'll be with 3,000. Success is found in your obedience not in your numbers. Too often we get more caught up in growing our own youth ministry than our own heart for Jesus. Do not despise the day of small beginnings.
My job is to make my leaders heroes.
History will be kind to me because I will write it!
Sunday
Preached the Sunday morning servie
Did the church luncheon that moved into the Business Meeting
Entertained YLC board members coming into town
Monday and Tuesday
Knocked it out of the park running the board meeting that let's just say was very successful, but went from 9 a.m. until late in the evening.
Wednesday
Preached at Oxygen
Then, spoke with youth pastors/leaders of an Alabama church for over an hour
Then, went out with one of the students in Oxygen for a Coke around 11 p.m. ... can you say, still in the trenches?
Thursday
Among other things, will do do two 2-hour conference calls with youth pastors
This weekend
Is out of town speaking in Houston, then on to Colorado to brainstorm something
So, I know she's exhausted ... shoot, I'm exhausted ... but I sat in tonight on the time with the Alambama leaders. I think I took more note than they did. Here are just a few of the nuggets tossed to them...
One of the leaders asked what the hardest thing she's ever had to deal with. Jeanne went on to talk about her husband getting fired in Rockford. She gave this illustration of what transpired after that using the analogy of corn.
When a kernal of corn falls to the ground, this is what happens...
It becomes invisble in the dirt and, in time, the crusty exterior begins to soften. The starch mixes with the chemicals in the ground and turns it into sugar. From it, a sweetness begins to develop. A sweetness of yourself in Jesus begins to mature. You don't want to grow to fast above ground (that's what weed killer does ... causes it to grow too fast above ground to the point that the root structure can't sustain it). (Note: I totally destroyed that analogy so just read between the lines, you'll get it)
When you're in the spotlight your friends find you, when suddenly you're not, you find your friends.
Not everyone likes a hero but everyone likes someone who makes them feel like a hero.
Most people can't survive their own success. I just choose not to believe my own press reviews.
If you prepare the message and the messanger, God will open up the pulpits.
The largest pulpit is no more annointed than the smallest crowd. How faithful you are with three will detmine how faithful you'll be with 3,000. Success is found in your obedience not in your numbers. Too often we get more caught up in growing our own youth ministry than our own heart for Jesus. Do not despise the day of small beginnings.
My job is to make my leaders heroes.
History will be kind to me because I will write it!
Monday, March 03, 2008
Board Meeting #3
I've been a part of three board meetings in the last 2 1/2 weeks (not to be confused with the business meeting). Today and tomorrow is Youth Leader's Coach. I must admit that I've enjoyed all three ... but particularly this one! The people on Jeanne's board are AMAZING and I mean AMAZING men and women of God. We have four new board members joining us and they ROCK!
The dreams these businessmen and businesswomen have are INSPIRING and are going to catapult YLC into the future. What transpired in the board meeting was nothing less than a miracle ... it's every ministry leader's dream. Thank you Jesus!
The dreams these businessmen and businesswomen have are INSPIRING and are going to catapult YLC into the future. What transpired in the board meeting was nothing less than a miracle ... it's every ministry leader's dream. Thank you Jesus!
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Business Meeting
The church had it's annual business meeting after service today ... one word ... BORING! I know I'm not supposed to be negative on the good ol' blog, but oh my gosh! Thank you GCC for never having one of those.
On the bright side, our board members are the coolest of the cool. I'm looking forward to getting to know them more in the coming days. Plus, I serve a great church and senior pastor. However, even their coolness and the fact that this is a great church couldn't help that meeting.
I have VERY mixed emotions on the church members electing new board members I might add. You get the wrong one in there and OUCHY mama. Fortunately that's not going to be a problem for us this go around. While I understand the "why" behind the "what," I'm not diggin' the whole process. GCC I now know why you do what you do even more so than ever before.
On the bright side, our board members are the coolest of the cool. I'm looking forward to getting to know them more in the coming days. Plus, I serve a great church and senior pastor. However, even their coolness and the fact that this is a great church couldn't help that meeting.
I have VERY mixed emotions on the church members electing new board members I might add. You get the wrong one in there and OUCHY mama. Fortunately that's not going to be a problem for us this go around. While I understand the "why" behind the "what," I'm not diggin' the whole process. GCC I now know why you do what you do even more so than ever before.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Source and Youth Leader's Coach
I just finished the edits of this month's Source, Dungeon of Depression, and Youth Leader's Coach, Building Something That Will Last, and it is off to reproduction. The content in the Source is amazing. Among other things, there are two short skits in it that are GOLDEN.
For my friends out there that don't know. They are both monthly resources. The Source contains the audio, notes, fill-ins, skits, discussion questions, stories, etc. of one of Jeanne's teach times each month. Youth Leader's Coach is 60-70 minutes brilliant words of wisdom from the master on leadership each month.
For my friends out there that don't know. They are both monthly resources. The Source contains the audio, notes, fill-ins, skits, discussion questions, stories, etc. of one of Jeanne's teach times each month. Youth Leader's Coach is 60-70 minutes brilliant words of wisdom from the master on leadership each month.
First Four and Many More to Come
When I was at Granger, my heart's desire was to create kickin' cool small group DVD curriculum complete with a 5-7 minute video intro, 5-7 minute video closing, discussion questions, graphics, postcards, etc. Unfortunately there was never time (although compared to my schedule now, I had all the time in the world).
When I came down to Atlanta, I pitched the idea to Jeanne and she had buy-in. So, we took the perfect script, her Uncensored book, and started making DVD curriculum. The first four (each with two videos a piece) came out for the Group Conference in Cinncinati. Honestly, while I'd give the material used for the DVD's an "A+++" rating, I'd only give the DVD's a "B" rating. But, as I told the guys, we're out of the gate. We'll take the next four a level higher with the simple use of a tri-pod, another camera and a little more editng time (with a gazillion things going on around here, we shot, edited and produced the eight videos in two weeks). In fact, Sterling is on his way to pick up a new camera for us now.
We showed a couple of the videos in Jeanne's workshop and they had buy-in too. We sold 140 videos. Evidently we hit a felt need. Below is the DVD cover all jacked up. For some reason instead of the vibrant black and red colors, it imported into my blog gray and blue ... go figure. I'm not a photoshop wizard to know how to fix it.
When I came down to Atlanta, I pitched the idea to Jeanne and she had buy-in. So, we took the perfect script, her Uncensored book, and started making DVD curriculum. The first four (each with two videos a piece) came out for the Group Conference in Cinncinati. Honestly, while I'd give the material used for the DVD's an "A+++" rating, I'd only give the DVD's a "B" rating. But, as I told the guys, we're out of the gate. We'll take the next four a level higher with the simple use of a tri-pod, another camera and a little more editng time (with a gazillion things going on around here, we shot, edited and produced the eight videos in two weeks). In fact, Sterling is on his way to pick up a new camera for us now.
We showed a couple of the videos in Jeanne's workshop and they had buy-in too. We sold 140 videos. Evidently we hit a felt need. Below is the DVD cover all jacked up. For some reason instead of the vibrant black and red colors, it imported into my blog gray and blue ... go figure. I'm not a photoshop wizard to know how to fix it.
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