Well, we went to a sweet theme park, near Allentown, PA, yesterday with the students. Dorney Park is superfly. And the students were even better. They rocked...no injuries, no real fights...all fun and fantastic!
Serious, it was great...it was sweltering hot, but it was great. Mt. Dew Icee's never tasted so good.
I got to bop around from group to group and experience the park with and through them. I started off with the Jr. Hi guys who went directly to the highest roller coaster there, the Steel Force. It was awesome. We got on the front cart without having to wait longer than 3 minutes. It was a 205 foot drop, and pretty thrilling. Sauder and DJ were quite the thrill seekers. We rode in the front at first and then went to the back. You gotta get the extreme perspectives.
After hanging out with them, we went to lunch and then I bopped around with Casey and his grandmother, Donna. They liked the tame side of the park, so we lounged in the Wave Pool and went around the Lazy River thing. Wow, that water was wonderfully cold. Waterfalls everywhere...
Then I hopped over to Josh, Bryce, Alecia, Tiana, Allie, and Nicole's group. we had a blast on the steel force, the Talon, Hang Time (my favorite), Revolution, and Dominator (takes you up really high and then drops you...it freaked me out...). They were tons of fun. We got Josh, who is afraid of roller coaster type things, to go on the Talon and the Hang Time, but he was spent after those two.
After them, I hung with Evan, Brian, Holly, Jared, Holly's friend, Koren and Rick Dodd. We rode the Hydra and the Comet. I was feeling sick after that one...definitely not good to eat a bucket of fries and then get on a roller coaster...ew. They had a good mix going in their group...real easy going and fun.
Then I went with Izzy, Marissa, Tia (M.'s friend), Amanda and Leah, to the Carousel and Mouse Chase...that was stellar. I don't think the Carousel will ever get old.
Well, lots of good times...it's just good to hang with the students in large packs.
We have a great bunch of students...
Well, I'll be joining up with Aubrey tomorrow to finish up her vacation with her family in NC. Should be fun. Gotta drive through tonight...
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Monday, July 25, 2005
Weekend is over
Well, the weekend is over.
The sermon went really well, I think. Used a bit of Dallas Willard's explanation of kingdom (the sphere where what I want done is done) and had people figure out their kingdom and talked about getting God's kingdom in that. Explained that the prophets were looking for God's kingdom as shalom, which is more than peace, which is completion, wholeness, righting of the wrongs. And when we think of heaven of the afterlife, we think of that type of place. Then I moved to talk about how sometimes we make our following after Christ, our understanding of his message, more about what's going to happen to me after we die. And I talked about the Rwandan genocide and how it was supposedly a dominant Christian nation. What we saw there was the opposite of shalom, we saw destruction, something that tore from wholeness, that caused incompletion. Then I went to our lives...are our lives bringing the shalom, or causing incompletion. Then I talked about Jesus' emphasis on this life now, that the kingdom is now...and how he wants to move into our sphere of influence, into our kingdoms...It was good.
Then I had some youthworkers over to our house. It was cool to have them over. We haven't had any youth workers to our new house yet, so it was fun. matt forsythe, 7 foot 7 guy, nearly got his head chopped off by the ceiling fans, and had to crouch in our upper bedroom.
It was a good weekend...except for one fact. Aubrey wasn't here. She's in NC with her family, and I'll join her on Wednesday, but...it's not the same without her around. Gosh, I miss that girl.
The sermon went really well, I think. Used a bit of Dallas Willard's explanation of kingdom (the sphere where what I want done is done) and had people figure out their kingdom and talked about getting God's kingdom in that. Explained that the prophets were looking for God's kingdom as shalom, which is more than peace, which is completion, wholeness, righting of the wrongs. And when we think of heaven of the afterlife, we think of that type of place. Then I moved to talk about how sometimes we make our following after Christ, our understanding of his message, more about what's going to happen to me after we die. And I talked about the Rwandan genocide and how it was supposedly a dominant Christian nation. What we saw there was the opposite of shalom, we saw destruction, something that tore from wholeness, that caused incompletion. Then I went to our lives...are our lives bringing the shalom, or causing incompletion. Then I talked about Jesus' emphasis on this life now, that the kingdom is now...and how he wants to move into our sphere of influence, into our kingdoms...It was good.
Then I had some youthworkers over to our house. It was cool to have them over. We haven't had any youth workers to our new house yet, so it was fun. matt forsythe, 7 foot 7 guy, nearly got his head chopped off by the ceiling fans, and had to crouch in our upper bedroom.
It was a good weekend...except for one fact. Aubrey wasn't here. She's in NC with her family, and I'll join her on Wednesday, but...it's not the same without her around. Gosh, I miss that girl.
Friday, July 22, 2005
Possible Themes for the Fall and Winter
OK, I've got a short list of things for the fall. Not sure of the order or how they'll be carried out...I'm thinking of having a verse for the month, something that the students can get used to seeing and maybe take in memory.
Pain-how to handle it, how God feels about it, how to help a friend, what does grief look like
Justice-IJM's stuff for 5 weeks, ending with the 30 hour famine...I'm really looking forward to this.
Wisdom-How to make wise choices regarding friendships, parties, parents, the future
Life like Christ-a couple weeks to see how he lived and what it meant for his disciples and what it means for us as his followers
Advent-Opening our lives to His presence, living in the "now" of his kingdom, welcoming Him into everything we do
Sex Retold-glories of sex, downfalls of sex, healthy habits
I'm also thinking of having a class for Juniors and Seniors on Sunday mornings for college prep. Talk about how to prepare for future, talk about fears, talk about possible new ideas they might encounter that might rock their world and faith (things I wish I had heard before I went to college, things that made me doubt most of what I believed, things that most young high school students aren't prepared for, but that maybe juniors and seniors are).
Pain-how to handle it, how God feels about it, how to help a friend, what does grief look like
Justice-IJM's stuff for 5 weeks, ending with the 30 hour famine...I'm really looking forward to this.
Wisdom-How to make wise choices regarding friendships, parties, parents, the future
Life like Christ-a couple weeks to see how he lived and what it meant for his disciples and what it means for us as his followers
Advent-Opening our lives to His presence, living in the "now" of his kingdom, welcoming Him into everything we do
Sex Retold-glories of sex, downfalls of sex, healthy habits
I'm also thinking of having a class for Juniors and Seniors on Sunday mornings for college prep. Talk about how to prepare for future, talk about fears, talk about possible new ideas they might encounter that might rock their world and faith (things I wish I had heard before I went to college, things that made me doubt most of what I believed, things that most young high school students aren't prepared for, but that maybe juniors and seniors are).
The Birds are gone
Sadly, the birds have left us with an empty nest. I thought they'd be around longer, but I guess they grow up incredibly fast.
Today I am working on what the themes are going to be for the youth group this fall. Currently I am thinking about how to talk about suffering and social justice in ways that are swallowable and applicable. I think we might have a series on pain, and a series on oppression. We'll probably use IJM's stuff they did through Youth Specialties (The Justice Mission).
I am looking forward to this fall and what God's going to do in our groups. We have an awesome group of teenagers who are excited about what God is doing and who want to walk with Him and help others do the same.
Today I am working on what the themes are going to be for the youth group this fall. Currently I am thinking about how to talk about suffering and social justice in ways that are swallowable and applicable. I think we might have a series on pain, and a series on oppression. We'll probably use IJM's stuff they did through Youth Specialties (The Justice Mission).
I am looking forward to this fall and what God's going to do in our groups. We have an awesome group of teenagers who are excited about what God is doing and who want to walk with Him and help others do the same.
NYC 2007
Well, at General Assembly (the world gathering of Nazarenes), they announced where NYC USA will be in 2007. It's going to be in the city of arches, the St. Louis. And what's even cooler is that my good friend, Brian Hull (www.gilborules.blogspot.com), is going to be working real hard on making it the best NYC experience yet.
If you want to see more about it go to www.waterfirewind.com. I think they have an excellent theme. Check out the video they have on there too. It's rad. The site isn't fully operatable, but they're going to have a blog for the event...that should be flippin sweet.
And I gotta give a shout out to my friends at Panera Bread for providing us with the best and only free wireless in York County. Thanks Panera. You rock!
If you want to see more about it go to www.waterfirewind.com. I think they have an excellent theme. Check out the video they have on there too. It's rad. The site isn't fully operatable, but they're going to have a blog for the event...that should be flippin sweet.
And I gotta give a shout out to my friends at Panera Bread for providing us with the best and only free wireless in York County. Thanks Panera. You rock!
Thursday, July 21, 2005
The Birds Are Out
Well, we looked out the window this morning and the birds have escaped. They are learning to fly around the bushes in the back. I tried to sneak up and get a picture of one, but it lunged at me and pulled out a lightsaber...ok, it didn't really do that, but it did jump away so that I couldn't get a good pic.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Teaching this weekend
So, I'm teaching on Saturday and Sunday at our church. I'm still wrestling with what to talk about. But I think I am being led to talk about how heaven is breaking into our daily existence, that the reign of God is coming through us Christians. I might do a little bit about how we were originally created to help take care of the earth (first commandment) and how Jesus' first commandment to love others is part of the restoration and recreation of the earth...a continuation of the original first commandment.
We'll see...I'm taking a good portion of tomorrow to finish it...I'll be writing some of it tonight too.
We'll see...I'm taking a good portion of tomorrow to finish it...I'll be writing some of it tonight too.
The Baby Birds are here
Yay, we got back from our missions trip and found that our bird under the window has had her babies. Now they cheep at her and scrawn around their little heads trying to get food. There are three of them. I can't wait to watch them learn to fly and stuff. I just hope they don't get caught in the branches of the bush.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Arms Wide Open Part 2
Well, we returned from AZ on Saturday night. They held us in the air for an extra hour because of the storm. Crazy watching the lightening from above the storm. I'm glad the pilots know what they are doing.
Wow, mission trips really create a sense of family within the group that goes. It's amazing how that happens. It's easier to share joys, to share frustrations...I think there is something supernatural in the gathering of people for a common purpose. Even if its not Christian, I think something happens there. My uncle told me about some experiences he has had (free of reefer) when a bunch of drummers gathered in a circle for a session in the woods. it sounded a lot like what happens on missions trips or camps. The cool part about following Christ, is that we know the source of that phenomenon.
Further highlights:
Dancing with the Indian Dancers on Tuesday night. They have beautiful movements and we got to join them on a couple dances. My favorite dance was this one a boy did with hoops. He did all these crazy things with the hoops, things I can't explain in print...you just have to see it.
Seeing the Grand Canyon. Holy mess, that place is awesome. Over 40 miles long, average 10 miles across (18 is the max), over 1 mile deep. The curves and drop offs are breathtaking. Ryan and Bryce scared us a bit when they got close to the edge, but nobody in our group died.
Sunset across AZ. We gathered by the crosses for devo's with the sunset.
Devotions by Tim and Scottie. They are great guys and had some quality things to say to our group. Kylie was supposed to go, but our week got crammed.
Worship with the Sun Valley staff. Our fella's led worship and we had a gathering the following night.
The Buffer. Cleaning floors has never been so crazy. The first day, Joann (youth worker lady)couldn't figure it out, so she had Jordan sit on the buffer while she buffed the floor. Then I thought I had it figured out until it threw me into the wall. Whew, floor buffers are crazy. It reminded me of Ernest Goes to Jail.
Here's what we did for the campus: we built a fence at the entrance, cleaned the classroom floors (not an easy task), did some landscaping, built a deck, painted the deck, tested out the playground equipment (not requested, but we did it with pleasure), raced golf carts.
If you want to check out Sun Valley's website it's www.indianschool.org.
I'm glad we went. You really get to see what's in the hearts of your students. And we have some quality students who have servant hearts.
Wow, mission trips really create a sense of family within the group that goes. It's amazing how that happens. It's easier to share joys, to share frustrations...I think there is something supernatural in the gathering of people for a common purpose. Even if its not Christian, I think something happens there. My uncle told me about some experiences he has had (free of reefer) when a bunch of drummers gathered in a circle for a session in the woods. it sounded a lot like what happens on missions trips or camps. The cool part about following Christ, is that we know the source of that phenomenon.
Further highlights:
Dancing with the Indian Dancers on Tuesday night. They have beautiful movements and we got to join them on a couple dances. My favorite dance was this one a boy did with hoops. He did all these crazy things with the hoops, things I can't explain in print...you just have to see it.
Seeing the Grand Canyon. Holy mess, that place is awesome. Over 40 miles long, average 10 miles across (18 is the max), over 1 mile deep. The curves and drop offs are breathtaking. Ryan and Bryce scared us a bit when they got close to the edge, but nobody in our group died.
Sunset across AZ. We gathered by the crosses for devo's with the sunset.
Devotions by Tim and Scottie. They are great guys and had some quality things to say to our group. Kylie was supposed to go, but our week got crammed.
Worship with the Sun Valley staff. Our fella's led worship and we had a gathering the following night.
The Buffer. Cleaning floors has never been so crazy. The first day, Joann (youth worker lady)couldn't figure it out, so she had Jordan sit on the buffer while she buffed the floor. Then I thought I had it figured out until it threw me into the wall. Whew, floor buffers are crazy. It reminded me of Ernest Goes to Jail.
Here's what we did for the campus: we built a fence at the entrance, cleaned the classroom floors (not an easy task), did some landscaping, built a deck, painted the deck, tested out the playground equipment (not requested, but we did it with pleasure), raced golf carts.
If you want to check out Sun Valley's website it's www.indianschool.org.
I'm glad we went. You really get to see what's in the hearts of your students. And we have some quality students who have servant hearts.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Arms Wide Open: Part 1
Well, I'm in Sun Valley, AZ right now with the Sr. Hi Mission Trip Team. It has been a crazy past few days.
There are so many things to write about, to think about, to notice from this trip. It's really hard to take it in. And I don't have much time to type right now. So, I'll just sum up the highlights so far.
Students bonding with other students who I didn't expect to bond together. (Is that understandable?)
Worshipping with the Navajo Indians on Sunday morning and night. They asked us to come back after the morning service, for a spontaneous service. Hearing familiar tunes in the Navajo tongue was a blessing. It reminds me that I am not the sole owner of the gospel. These are not distant cousins who belong to my half-brother, but they are my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. We are bound together by the Spirit who resides in us both.
Flash contests in the van. No, it's not as sick as it sounds. There were some kids who discovered that you can make your disposable camera flash without taking pictures and they did that for at least 45 minutes on the way home.
Bryce got a mohawk.
Trip into Canyon de Chelle. That was awesome. WHew, breathtaking views. I'll post some of the pictures at a later date.
Fun conversations in the van.
Sweet views of the Rocky's from the airplane.
Being 3 hours behind our normal time.
Awesome landscape and skyline. There are no trees out here...just bare land. YOu can see for 70-80 miles. Breathtaking again.
Today was our first day of official work. Wow, it was long and tough, but it was cool to see the students hearts in what we did. They have such a great spirit and are encouraging each other.
Well, I will post more later. Gotta get ready for devos with the sunset.
There are so many things to write about, to think about, to notice from this trip. It's really hard to take it in. And I don't have much time to type right now. So, I'll just sum up the highlights so far.
Students bonding with other students who I didn't expect to bond together. (Is that understandable?)
Worshipping with the Navajo Indians on Sunday morning and night. They asked us to come back after the morning service, for a spontaneous service. Hearing familiar tunes in the Navajo tongue was a blessing. It reminds me that I am not the sole owner of the gospel. These are not distant cousins who belong to my half-brother, but they are my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. We are bound together by the Spirit who resides in us both.
Flash contests in the van. No, it's not as sick as it sounds. There were some kids who discovered that you can make your disposable camera flash without taking pictures and they did that for at least 45 minutes on the way home.
Bryce got a mohawk.
Trip into Canyon de Chelle. That was awesome. WHew, breathtaking views. I'll post some of the pictures at a later date.
Fun conversations in the van.
Sweet views of the Rocky's from the airplane.
Being 3 hours behind our normal time.
Awesome landscape and skyline. There are no trees out here...just bare land. YOu can see for 70-80 miles. Breathtaking again.
Today was our first day of official work. Wow, it was long and tough, but it was cool to see the students hearts in what we did. They have such a great spirit and are encouraging each other.
Well, I will post more later. Gotta get ready for devos with the sunset.
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