Last night we hosted Grade 12 "Appy Nite".
Today we hosted a youth leader meeting and "potluck".
Tomorrow we host our high school small groups.
Somehow we misjudged the schedule! Oh well. It's been a blast, and these are the parts of the job that I probably wouldn't trade for anything in the world.
Since tomorrow is officially December, I'm curious as to when you start decorating for the holidays.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
It should snow...
I just think that would be kind of fun.
I'm recovering from soccer (a loss), watching a little hockey (Habs vs. Sabres), and awaiting the arrival of my grade 12 students. We planned a night of appetizers and hanging out. I know, I know...tough job, eh?
What did you do today?
I'm recovering from soccer (a loss), watching a little hockey (Habs vs. Sabres), and awaiting the arrival of my grade 12 students. We planned a night of appetizers and hanging out. I know, I know...tough job, eh?
What did you do today?
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tuesdays aren't so bad...
Every once in a while I have a day that disappears so quickly that I hardly have a chance to accomplish anything on the "to do" list.
Today was one of those days.
People took over. And I don't begrudge that one bit. It was a good day. It was a day that reminded me of why I do what I do. It was a day to see people's hearts. It was a day to see tears, laughter, hope and sadness. It was a day to see the reality of life. It was a day to see God at work.
Today I was reminded that people are important. (Yes, I need that reminder every once in a while.)
So, with that thought in mind, I thought this video that I stumbled across was very fitting. A collection of people from around the world singing and playing along with "Stand By Me". Check out the site here.
Today was one of those days.
People took over. And I don't begrudge that one bit. It was a good day. It was a day that reminded me of why I do what I do. It was a day to see people's hearts. It was a day to see tears, laughter, hope and sadness. It was a day to see the reality of life. It was a day to see God at work.
Today I was reminded that people are important. (Yes, I need that reminder every once in a while.)
So, with that thought in mind, I thought this video that I stumbled across was very fitting. A collection of people from around the world singing and playing along with "Stand By Me". Check out the site here.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Saint Patrick...
Regardless of his recent outbursts and shenanigans as a head coach, I don't think you can argue that Patrick Roy was one of the greatest goalies ever.I absolutely admired this man growing up. I remember my stint as a floor/street hockey goalie where I was always "wearing" the number 33. I remember being willing to trade away almost any hockey card in order to add to my Patrick Roy card collection. I remember when I traded for that elusive rookie card. Sure, it wasn't in pristine condition, but it was still his rookie card.
And now nobody else will wear 33 on the back of a Habs jersey.
A great way to honor a living legend.
But I will confess that the Maple Leafs have way cooler banners to honor their legends.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Indulge me...
It's been a little bonkers these last few weeks at youth. Everyone seems to have been a little out of sorts. It's the kind of thing where you look around and you know that nobody is getting "it". Everyone seems to be off.
You ever have those nights?
Well, tonight we changed the schedule up a little bit.
We set aside time for students to share. Sure, there was lots of awkward silence. But that was ok. We gave them permission to be awkward. And they went with it.
And it was beautiful. They talked. They sat there. They looked confused. They started to share stories of life. Sure, some of it wasn't the most profound. Most of it wasn't that deep. But it was students starting to open up.
We had also planned to do some shoe box building tonight for Operation Christmas Child. With the recent mood, I was prepared for the worst. I thought we would be lucky to fill a handful of boxes. I was saying 4-5 tops. And that's me being optimistic.
Can I just say, that my students kicked ass tonight. Can I even say that? I hope so, because they did. They absolutely hit it out of the park. They blew my mind.
We actually had to drop the "teaching" time to build the boxes. Then we prayed over the boxes.
The students prayed.
This is big, because these students are normally silent when you ask them to pray.
It was a beautiful night.
Thanks for indulging me.
You ever have those nights?
Well, tonight we changed the schedule up a little bit.
We set aside time for students to share. Sure, there was lots of awkward silence. But that was ok. We gave them permission to be awkward. And they went with it.
And it was beautiful. They talked. They sat there. They looked confused. They started to share stories of life. Sure, some of it wasn't the most profound. Most of it wasn't that deep. But it was students starting to open up.
We had also planned to do some shoe box building tonight for Operation Christmas Child. With the recent mood, I was prepared for the worst. I thought we would be lucky to fill a handful of boxes. I was saying 4-5 tops. And that's me being optimistic.
Can I just say, that my students kicked ass tonight. Can I even say that? I hope so, because they did. They absolutely hit it out of the park. They blew my mind.
We actually had to drop the "teaching" time to build the boxes. Then we prayed over the boxes.
The students prayed.
This is big, because these students are normally silent when you ask them to pray.
It was a beautiful night.
Thanks for indulging me.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
A bunch of random stuff...
I feeling a little all over today.
I just finished book #46. It was Watchmen, a graphic novel from the late 80's. I saw a teaser trailer online for the upcoming 2009 release of a movie based on the "comic" and had no interest because I had never heard of it. Then I noticed the hype starting on a few movie blogs I read and I got curious. So courtesy of the library (and a 5 week waiting period) I was able to get my hands on a copy.
My review? Uh...it's a comic book based on superheroes, masked adventurers, a blue man that can transport himself to Mars, and a bunch more stuff that's too strange to sum up.
Did I like it? I'm not thrilled, but I'll go watch the movie just to see how it translates into today's cinematic medium.
Currently listening to: Coldplay's "Viva La Vida"
So, this afternoon we (me and the interns) planned a "work day" for our Youth Centre. Really it was only a 3.5 hour block to add wheels to some couches, label soem mailboxes, clean up our stage area and try to fix our drum platform.
We told our students for the last few weeks that anyone who came to help out could have some free food.
So, how many students show up? 1. That's right. One.
Does it bother me? Maybe a bit. But then I remind myself that my students are still kids. And kids do things like this.
Waiting to watch: The Office, 30 Rock, Indiana Jones, and a few more $0.88 rentals that Erin picked up today. It's been a while since I did an $0.88 review. Maybe I'll enlighten you all.
Work thing I have to do on my day off: Website.
We're trying to get our website up and running. Seriously, we've had this up since before I started. We NEVER touch it. But we're close to the new one being launched, so that means I need all the student ministry info in.
Yeah, I know what you're thinking. Why am I blogging when I should be working?
Because I believe that procrastination is an art form that is only mastered with much practice.
One day I will teach you how you too can become a master procrastinator.
And seriously, I just needed to veg out.
I just finished book #46. It was Watchmen, a graphic novel from the late 80's. I saw a teaser trailer online for the upcoming 2009 release of a movie based on the "comic" and had no interest because I had never heard of it. Then I noticed the hype starting on a few movie blogs I read and I got curious. So courtesy of the library (and a 5 week waiting period) I was able to get my hands on a copy.
My review? Uh...it's a comic book based on superheroes, masked adventurers, a blue man that can transport himself to Mars, and a bunch more stuff that's too strange to sum up.
Did I like it? I'm not thrilled, but I'll go watch the movie just to see how it translates into today's cinematic medium.
Currently listening to: Coldplay's "Viva La Vida"
So, this afternoon we (me and the interns) planned a "work day" for our Youth Centre. Really it was only a 3.5 hour block to add wheels to some couches, label soem mailboxes, clean up our stage area and try to fix our drum platform.
We told our students for the last few weeks that anyone who came to help out could have some free food.
So, how many students show up? 1. That's right. One.
Does it bother me? Maybe a bit. But then I remind myself that my students are still kids. And kids do things like this.
Waiting to watch: The Office, 30 Rock, Indiana Jones, and a few more $0.88 rentals that Erin picked up today. It's been a while since I did an $0.88 review. Maybe I'll enlighten you all.
Work thing I have to do on my day off: Website.
We're trying to get our website up and running. Seriously, we've had this up since before I started. We NEVER touch it. But we're close to the new one being launched, so that means I need all the student ministry info in.
Yeah, I know what you're thinking. Why am I blogging when I should be working?
Because I believe that procrastination is an art form that is only mastered with much practice.
One day I will teach you how you too can become a master procrastinator.
And seriously, I just needed to veg out.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Remember...
I grew up attending a Remembrance Day service almost every year. My grandpa was a veteran and I think it was one of the things my family did to show respect for him and all the other Canadians who fought in the wars.
I haven't been to a service for years now. In fact, today I could hardly drag my sorry butt off the couch for more that 10 minutes at a time. (Which makes me think that something is seriously wrong with me. Because it's not like I was sick or anything.)
A day to honor those that gave up the safety of their homes to fight, and all I can do is lie on my couch. Pathetic, eh?
So, here's to those who fought.
Along the same line of thought.
What are your thoughts about referring to those who are currently fighting overseas as "fighting for our freedom"?
Just curious.
I haven't been to a service for years now. In fact, today I could hardly drag my sorry butt off the couch for more that 10 minutes at a time. (Which makes me think that something is seriously wrong with me. Because it's not like I was sick or anything.)
A day to honor those that gave up the safety of their homes to fight, and all I can do is lie on my couch. Pathetic, eh?
So, here's to those who fought.
Along the same line of thought.
What are your thoughts about referring to those who are currently fighting overseas as "fighting for our freedom"?
Just curious.
Monday, November 10, 2008
New design...
If you subscribe through an RSS feeder, you won't see any changes.
But I decided that it was time for some housecleaning. So I changed the layout of the site.
I'm not completely happy with it.
I was tempted to do a switch over to another blogging site due to the fact that I just don't like most of the blog layouts that are provided for Blogger.
But that seemed like a lot of work.
Happy reading!
But I decided that it was time for some housecleaning. So I changed the layout of the site.
I'm not completely happy with it.
I was tempted to do a switch over to another blogging site due to the fact that I just don't like most of the blog layouts that are provided for Blogger.
But that seemed like a lot of work.
Happy reading!
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Saturday in the rain...
All the fields in Abbotsford are closed today. That we'll see the sun again in May.
You think I'm kidding?
Now we've got more free time today that is normally dedicated to Abbotsford soccer pitches.
Here's a random look at a rain filled day.
Absolutely disappointed about this game.
Currently disappointed with this game.
I hope I won't be disappointed by this game.
The kids are off to a party for part of the afternoon.
Tonight Erin and I scored free tickets to the Chilliwack Bruins.
I should probably go over my songs for tomorrow as I'm leading the contemporary worship for the morning service.
I think I'll go find one of my books.
You think I'm kidding?
Now we've got more free time today that is normally dedicated to Abbotsford soccer pitches.
Here's a random look at a rain filled day.
Absolutely disappointed about this game.
Currently disappointed with this game.
I hope I won't be disappointed by this game.
The kids are off to a party for part of the afternoon.
Tonight Erin and I scored free tickets to the Chilliwack Bruins.
I should probably go over my songs for tomorrow as I'm leading the contemporary worship for the morning service.
I think I'll go find one of my books.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
The contest update...
Not to be confused with "the contest", this is the other contest.
I think Erin gave up. But I'm still tracking my numbers because that is where I find my value. (I'm kidding, of course.) Here's how my reading has been going. Some of this you already know, so stick with me ok. Pat me on the back and tell me you like my hair or something. I've had a bad week.
Book #42 - In the Woods by Tana French
I was looking for some new fiction. I can't even remember how I decided on this one. I think it might have been suggested on Amazon or something. Either way, it was a beast of a book that took me some time to work through. I thought it was great writing especially to start out, but I was thoroughly disappointed with the ending.
Book #43 - Churched by Matthew Paul Turner
My review is here. A free book that was a quick read filled with chuckles.
Book #44 - Youth Ministry 3.0 by Mark Oestreicher
My review is here. Marko's review of my review is here. Seriously, it was a little strange to find my words on someone else's blog. Anyways, this book a must read for you if you work with students. It'll make your head hurt. But it will probably be good for you.
Book #45 - The Gun Seller by Hugh Laurie
You know him as Dr. House, but he's also a really funny author. I wasn't too impressed by the story of an arms dealer with a conscience, but the writing kept me in it until the end.
As for what I'm currently reading, I have two books in the works that I can't seem to find enough time to read lately. Since I'm taking the upcoming Monday off, and since Tuesday is a stat holiday, I should be able to catch up.
Ha! Wishful thinking.
What are you currently reading?
I think Erin gave up. But I'm still tracking my numbers because that is where I find my value. (I'm kidding, of course.) Here's how my reading has been going. Some of this you already know, so stick with me ok. Pat me on the back and tell me you like my hair or something. I've had a bad week.
Book #42 - In the Woods by Tana French
I was looking for some new fiction. I can't even remember how I decided on this one. I think it might have been suggested on Amazon or something. Either way, it was a beast of a book that took me some time to work through. I thought it was great writing especially to start out, but I was thoroughly disappointed with the ending.
Book #43 - Churched by Matthew Paul Turner
My review is here. A free book that was a quick read filled with chuckles.
Book #44 - Youth Ministry 3.0 by Mark Oestreicher
My review is here. Marko's review of my review is here. Seriously, it was a little strange to find my words on someone else's blog. Anyways, this book a must read for you if you work with students. It'll make your head hurt. But it will probably be good for you.
Book #45 - The Gun Seller by Hugh Laurie
You know him as Dr. House, but he's also a really funny author. I wasn't too impressed by the story of an arms dealer with a conscience, but the writing kept me in it until the end.
As for what I'm currently reading, I have two books in the works that I can't seem to find enough time to read lately. Since I'm taking the upcoming Monday off, and since Tuesday is a stat holiday, I should be able to catch up.
Ha! Wishful thinking.
What are you currently reading?
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Do you know who John Williams is...
In lieu of my political commentary I will now share this gem with you. It's the entire story of Star Wars as sang to the tunes of John Williams.
You don't know who John Williams is? You'll remember as soon as you watch this video.
This video ate up over 12 minutes of my precious life yesterday. But all 12 minutes were filled with immense joy.
You don't know who John Williams is? You'll remember as soon as you watch this video.
This video ate up over 12 minutes of my precious life yesterday. But all 12 minutes were filled with immense joy.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Monday musings...
I'm taking the day off after weeks of "gentle" reminders from my wife and from my exec pastor that I'm needing to take a break.
(Yes, I'm aware that I have some really good people around me.)
It's not like I don't take time off. It's that I don't take enough time off.
So today I slept in while Erin drove the kids to school. Then I cleaned up the house a little because I didn't know what else to do. I did some reading. Now I'm catching up on some blog reading. I'll probably play a little guitar sometime soon as well. And I'll just avoid the phone and my email.
I'll come out of my shell for high school small groups tonight, but that's about it.
For my fellow pastor types, when was the last time you took a day off? What did you do?
(Yes, I'm aware that I have some really good people around me.)
It's not like I don't take time off. It's that I don't take enough time off.
So today I slept in while Erin drove the kids to school. Then I cleaned up the house a little because I didn't know what else to do. I did some reading. Now I'm catching up on some blog reading. I'll probably play a little guitar sometime soon as well. And I'll just avoid the phone and my email.
I'll come out of my shell for high school small groups tonight, but that's about it.
For my fellow pastor types, when was the last time you took a day off? What did you do?
Saturday, November 01, 2008
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