New Topic

Last Wednesday (11/3) we introduced the topic that we’re going to be hitting on for the next few weeks…Spiritual Disciplines.

When I first think about discipline, I think about why we do things.  In high school I had a friend that I played tennis with.  He was really good.  He practiced all the time.  The thing that amazed me most was how many times he would serve during practice.  He would serve 100-200 times each practice.  His form was great, which was why I asked him why he served so many times each day.  His reply, “I don’t want to have to think about my serve.”

God’s call for spiritual discipline is not for his benefit, but rather for ours.  His interest lies in changing us…not controlling our lives.  We don’t accidentally stumble into God’s perspective of life.  We can’t just try at God’s perspective.  This is something we have to train for.  We have to train our heart to see the way God sees.

Stay tuned

The Affirming Friend

Here’s a recap of the past lesson from Checkpoint (our Wednesday night Bible studies).

1. Jesus–Compassionate Friend (10.6.2010)
2. Jonathan–Selfless Friend (10.13.2010)
3. Barnabas–Affirming Friend (10.20.2010)

 

During last weeks lesson on Affirming Friends, we looked at 2 aspects of this:

1. Being a friend the builds up rather than tears down
2. Being a friend that doesn’t give up on your friends.

 

After Paul’s conversion (Acts 9), he had no “home”.  Very few people wanted him around because of what he did before he met Jesus on the road to Damascus.  First, Ananias questioned God, but ultimately took Paul in.  Then, when Paul wanted to meet with the believers they were afraid and only let him in when he was accompanied with Barnabas.

Ananias and Barnabas didn’t judge Paul by his past mistakes, but forgave him and walked by him with patience and love.

Paul needed a safe place.  Paul needed people who would love him, forgive him, and walk beside him.  Imagine what would have happened with Paul if God would not have provided him with those people.

Is the Mid-County Youth Group a place where people can feel accepted, and not judged?  Can it be their “safe place”?

Visit to OC

I’m a fan of road trips…seriously, I love them.  I love to drive.  I love to get to know the people I’m with better.  This trip to OC was a little different though.  I was lucky enough to take my family with me, AND get to see my brother and his family (who live in Edmond, OK).  So the 3 girls that came with us were free from me for the weekend for the most part (and with NY).  :)

I had been to Oklahoma Christian University before, and really liked the school, but I wanted some of my youth group kids to be able to see it as well.  I like visiting colleges when it’s not a “special” high school weekend.  I feel like the admissions people really put their best foor forward (which they should), but I want the kids I bring to see a regular weekend.  A weekend with college kids, no parents, and none of the frill…just a regular college weekend.

OC did not disappoint.  All 3 of the girls that came really liked the school.  In fact, one of them went in to the trip not wanting to like the school because she didn’t want to make a more difficult decision next year.  Well, she does, and I’m glad for it.  I love that our Christian schools have so much to offer, and display it so well.

We also had the chance to visit Oklahoma City and some of their fun spots (even on a rainy weekend).

• Big Truck Tacos (a GREAT little taco joint with some fun choices)
• Cuppies & Joe (Cupcakes and coffee that are great)

St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes

Laura made these cupcakes for St. Patrick’s Day.  I guess they were the rainbow leading to the pot o’ gold or something like that.  She got the recipe from a magazine, website, or something like that.  All I know is that they were really good, and every time I bit into one I thought it looked so cool.  So after my 8th one, I decided to take a picture.  She wrote about them too.

Youth Ministers and Teachers Everywhere!

I’m sure all of you Youth Ministers out there have seen this game show already, but I feel like I need to write a thank you letter to NBC.  “Minute To Win It” is a gold mine of easy games and competitions for your youth groups, families, friends, whatever.  

I’ve got an area wide Jr. High retreat coming up, and you can bet that these games, or a modified version of them, will be played.  The’ve even posted all of the rules for the games on NBC’s website.

The show does get a little hard to watch with Guy Fieri as the host, but watching the actual games is hilarious and entertaining.  Watch an episode, and then imagine Jr. High students doing those challenges.  I can’t wait!