We honor our veterans today for their service and sacrifices for our Country and our freedom. I can never say enough to express my gratitude for all that you have done. As a Country, we don’t say thank you enough! Some of you are still living while others have past away, but you will always be appreciated in my heart.
Thank you!
Join the Conversation: Do you have any veterans in your family or amongst your friends that you would like to thank today?
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Kurt Johnston is the Middle School Pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. He’s been an inspiration to thousands of youth pastors across the country for years, especially middle school pastors. As a thank you for all Kurt has done for youth pastors, I thought I would do a little PI (Private Investigator) work to find his long lost twin brother…
Luke and his family are from the Portland, Oregon area and have been attending our church for the last few months. When he walked in the door I had to do a double take because he looks just like Kurt, the pictures I provided are close resemblences, but if they were together in person, it would be even closer.
Luke and Kurt are not really long lost twins, just in case you thought I was serious, but they do look a like.
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I posted a new blog post over at the PDYM Blog today…Go check it out there!
Here’s an excerpt from the article:
There are thousands of youth workers in the virtual world who have a lot to say and a lot to contribute. However the average post on this blog attracts 2 or 3 comments. I personally want to hear from you. We may start a topic, but the point of a blog is to provoke conversation and idea sharing. READ ENTIRE ARTICLE
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Here are a couple of funny videos that spoof the Office. Shane has played these for the students at Fusion. I downloaded them for free from http://www.bluefishtv.com
The Outreach: Starving Kids:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyLqi81ya_s]
The Outreach: Helping the Needy:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP33JdxKl1A]
Join the Conversation: What is a funny video that you could recommend for our viewing pleasure?
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Fall is here. That means cold mornings throughout most of the country. So, I’m just wondering, have you brought out your sweaters yet? I’m just curious because in the south, God’s country, it’s cold in the mornings, in the mid to upper 70′s in the afternoon, and then cool in the evenings. Yesterday on my way home I noticed a guy sitting in the car next to me at the red light wearing a thick, winter style sweater. I had my window down because it was hot! I think some people feel a little cold and dive right into their winter clothes, so how about you? Fill out the poll below to let us know!
[polldaddy poll=1033622]
Thanks for Participating!
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I am blogging at the PDYM Blog today. I will be posting once a week there now, so if you have any ideas for topics please let me know! Here is an excerpt of my article, head on over to the blog and join the conversation there, I would love to know your thoughts on the subject…
Hopefully we all have a strategy to lead our students into a growing relationship with Christ. Some may use the programs (Sunday School or small groups) that are in place at their church to emphasize spiritual growth, while others may emphasize growth outside of “programs” by utilizing tools such as the H.A.B.I.T.S. material.
How much emphasis do you put on involving students in ministry within your discipleship strategy? Is it a key element or do you hold back some of your service projects and ministry opportunities for your more spiritually mature students? READ ENTIRE ARTICLE
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…about his hearts sin condition. Straight from a 5 year old’s mind and heart to his lips. (This conversation took place at MeMaw’s house)
Gavin: MeMaw!
MeMaw: What Gavin?
Gavin: (With hand placed over chest) I hate this sin in my heart
MeMaW: You hate the sin in your heart?
Gavin: Yes, how do I get rid of it?
MeMaw: You have to ask Jesus to get rid of it for you
MeMaw: How did you know about the sin in your heart?
Gavin: From 3D (Our children’s program at church for K-5th Grade)
As a parent I am excited to hear my son acknowledging the ‘sin in his heart‘ and even more his desire to get rid of it and to get it out of his heart…at the age of 5. I am reminded of what Proverbs 22:6 says about teaching our children the right things at a young age so they will stick with it at an older age. That is my daily prayer for my children…that they stay on the right path when Mom and Dad are not around.
I believe education, both secular and spiritually start at home, however I understand that we cannot expect to be the only voice in our children’s lives. That is why I am so thankful for the other voices in my children’s lives, such as 3D at TCAG, my mom-in-law, “Mr. Shane,” and many others who have taken a vested interest in my family. I appreciate my pastor pushing our children’s teams to provide environments that are second to none for the children in our church and the children in our community that have yet to be reached. Just a thought…don’t go at this parenting thing alone!
Other Conversations with a 5 Year Old Posts: Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 – Part 4
Join the Conversation: Any interesting conversations around your house recently?
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After my airline ticket was purchased for the Gathering my uncle moved from L.A. back to Atlanta, so I got stuck in California for a couple of extra days alone. My friend Tom suggested that I go check out the Reagan Library, so I did. Reagan was my President. He was in office from the time I was born until I was 8 years old, and what a great President he was. I was blown away by this place, it is not ultra exciting as it is a museum of sorts, but the videos, the pictures, the letters, and the audio of Reagan playing throughout the building are awesome! The historical items they have on display are very cool. I got to see the very x-ray taken when Reagan was shot. I walked away thinking to myself three thoughts: #1 Reagan was a great leader, #2 Reagan loved his wife, and #3 Reagan loved this country…even if it was at the expense of losing popularity in the world. If you ever get an opportunity…go see it! Semi Valley is beautiful and when you look out at the land surrounding the library, it helps put into perspective how BIG God is and how small we are.
One final personal note. Neither one of our Presidential candidates could stand toe to toe with Reagan. I know McCain likes to say he is a foot soldier in Reagan’s army, but Reagan would probably disagree. On the other hand, if you are an Obama supporter, Reagan would eat your candidate for lunch and still need dessert. The words of Reagan echoing through this Library are powerful, and I could not help but to think how much trouble we will be in if Obama is elected. I will do a post in the coming days about a great story I heard from one of the videos that I watched at the Library, its powerful. Until then, check out the photos below. They are not the greatest as they are from my cell phone camera (Nicki would not let me take her camera). If you click the photo for a second time it will expand into a larger photo.
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Last night the PDYM State Mentors went to Lucky Strike Lanes for a little dinner and bowling.
My Results:
Game #1 3rd place 114 pts
Game #2 4th place (I didn’t get serious until frame 6) 101 pts
Doug Fields showed all the youth pastors how to do it with the high score of the night at 159 and Jim Clark came in a close second with his strong effort of 139.
I even tried a little meditation…the bowling gods still did not smile on me.
I choked like the Chicago Cubs in the pursuit of a World Series Championship.
Despite facing the anger of the bowling gods, I had more fun than I have had in a long time.
It’s sad I only get to hangout with these youth workers once a year. We’ve had a lot of fun.
Unfortunately it all ends today at 3:00 pm PT.
The after party heads to Hollywood afterwards, so who knows what will happen there!
(This is for Ben Taylor)
Join the Conversation: When’s the last time you had a lot of fun?
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