Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Confession...

I know it's completely selfish, but I love it when I come in to the office and that little "MSG for You" sign is not on my phone.

What little things brighten your day?

Monday, June 16, 2008

Just for Monday...

The sun FINALLY came out. Now life can get back to normal.

Here's a few of the finer moments that I find worthwhile mentioning on a Monday afternoon.
  • Watched Don't Mess With the Zohan. Can I recommend it? Sure, if you don't mind innuendos and bare bottoms. I'll admit that I laughed my way through the movie as I find John Turturro (incidentally have you ever seen Brain Donors?) hilarious! And the surprise appearance of Dave Matthews as a redneck puppy-hater was worth worth a few chuckles too!
  • Monday is double-stamp day at Taco del Mar. Can anyone say "burrito"?
  • My wife is abandoning us for the week as she heads to Winnipeg for a wedding. Start the poll now as to whether the three of us will survive without her.
  • Did you see the the Turkey comeback at Euro 2008? WOW!
  • I played soccer yesterday afternoon without a knee brace for the first time in almost 3 years!
That's all for today. I hope you're looking forward to another profound Tuesday post. (That's tomorrow , in case you forgot what day it is. I'm here to help!)

Thursday, June 12, 2008

test...

this is a test...
i will not destroy you...
Blogged with the Flock Browser

So it ends...

Last night was our last official mid-week event for our students. We're now into "summer scheduling" until September. And I could swear I heard an audible sigh of relief from everyone last night.

Lately the energy and enthusiasm has been down, and last night it seemed to be up a bit more than usual. And no, I don't think that everyone was getting their second wind. I think everyone is just longing for some sort of break in the routine.

Which makes me wonder about church calendars.

And please don't confuse this with me saying that ministry only happens in September through May (sometimes June if you're doing something cool).

When does the ministry year end?

I've seen churches that end off their calendar year in May and they give ALL their volunteers 3 months off to recharge and rest. I've seen churches that go from September right through until the end of June and then give certain ministries a break for 2 months. And I suppose there are churches out there that go year round and never stop anything.

What do you do? Why do you do it?

Monday, June 09, 2008

What is wrong with me...

My small group left an hour ago.
Erin's still out with her small group doing some bowling.
I'm trying to work on a year end video for our students.
And I'm watching/listening to Nashville Star?!?!
What is wrong with me?

Friday, June 06, 2008

Update on life...

Things have been moving around here. For example, yesterday I couldn't find the TV remote for a whole 2 minutes.

Other than that, here's life in a nutshell:
  • Erin (I'd link her blog her but let's be realistic...she has forgotten how to blog) and I tried to go out and watch Indiana Jones. There were only 5 seats open in the theater so we opted for an evening at home. I watched Cops.
  • Went out and bought Indiana Jones Lego for the Wii. No, we don't even own a Wii. But we do have access to a couple so we thought it'd be a fun investment. And yes, all four of us play it.
  • I received commendations this week for a couple of big picture questions that I raised in a staff meeting. I feel smart now.
  • I am entering the last week of student ministry stuff before the summer schedule starts. It will be a crazy week. If you don't hear from me by next Friday, please send someone to find me.
And I should probably update the Reading Contest:

Book #17 - Visioneering by Andy Stanley
Is everything this guy writes gold? I mean sheesh...he makes it sound so easy and simple...and obvious. This book works through developing vision and traces Nehemiah's journey and parallels some of the things leaders may face when trying to follow through with their dreams.

Book #18 - What Matters Most by Doug Fields
Erin doesn't want me to count this book because it only has 100 or so pages. I don't care. I've read this book before and it challenges me to rethink the way I view my schedule and how I spend my time. With the chaos of the last few weeks I decided I should re-read it and then work through some elements of it, which I'm doing in my journal time. Excellent book!

Book # 19 - D.B. by Elwood Reid
I was hoping for more of a story about the legendary DB Cooper and what he did to pull off one of the most daring hijacks and escapes ever. (I'm a big fan of escape stories.) But this book was disappointing. I guess I expected more about the the big heist, and less about what DB may have done with his time in Mexico after the escape.

Book #20 - I Became a Christian and All I Got Was This Lousy Shirt by Vince Antonucci
This was an impulse buy when I was picking up grad gifts (don't worry, they aren't those typical cheesy grad gifts) at the local Christian ripoff...I mean, retail establishment. The book was 25% off, so we went for it. I don't remember the last time I finished a book in one day (other than the Fields book I mentioned earlier), but this was an easy read that was fairly funny. I was struck by a portion on how we tend to view our life with Jesus as a relationship and he wonders if that is an adequate description. But that's another post entirely, that I'll likely never get around to.

Monday, June 02, 2008

What I learned today...

This morning my car was in the shop so I headed down to Starbucks to read and eavesdrop....ummm...I mean interact with people.

I'm actually a huge introvert so I don't really go out of my way to engage people in conversation at coffee shops. I usually keep to myself while I read.

Today I learned that having an interview at Starbucks could net you a free drink. I'm still not sure if that is a sign that the interview went well (in a "hey, we like you, so have a drink on us" kind of way) or if it went poorly ( in a "hey, here's a drink to cheer you up and keep you hopeful while it appeases our guilt for saying no" kind of way).

I also learned of someone's economic status as she and her friend discussed economics, jobs, investment property and putting $12,000 a month into savings. Seriously?!?! $12,000 a month? My brief, however rudimentary, math skills tell me that you ma'am are making a pile of coin.

I know, I know...it's none of my business. But in case you decide to air your financial laundry to the world, my advice to you is please don't do it in a small, cramped coffee shop where everyone can hear EVERYTHING you are saying.

Which now leads me to a question. When you spend time in a coffee shop, do you have your iPod on and your headphones in? Or do you listen to the conversations happening around you?

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Wednesday review...

My students (and probably leaders) are reaching their limit. They've been going strong for the past year and it's getting to that point in the calendar when everyone gets a little restless. Students start disappearing for grads, schoolwork and jobs. Some college students vanish for the summer while others return home to help out.

So we decided to take a breather and do things old school with "A Night of Play".

Middle School and High School all together for one purpose and one purpose only, to PLAY.

No worship team set up & take down, no MediaShout, no random videos.

No "talk" to somehow redeem the evening.

The goal was to play, relax, laugh and just BE together.

But somewhere in that mix I completely missed something. And I feel like a complete idiot, because it's something that should be common sense by now. As soon as I tell you what it is you will likely shake you head and say "tsk, tsk, tsk...you had it coming old man."

Allow me to back up a little bit.

One of our leaders brought us a giant box of packing peanuts. I decided to throw all our prizes in the box so kids could walk up to the stage, reach in and grab a random item. We put Coke, mini-cereal boxes, silly putty and candy into the box. My wife and I also found water guns on sale, so we tossed a few of those (by few, I mean 10) into the mix.

Yeah...water guns. What was I thinking?!?!

Almost 75% of our students left the premises with water on them. I was drenched from head to toe. There was water EVERYWHERE! And I'm not talking about outside. We pretty much had an all out water war inside the Youth Centre.

And let me tell you that it sure was funny.

So, now you tell me...was this a rookie mistake or did I actually know what I was doing?

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Teens & BO...

One of the things I've learned over my years of working with teenagers is that they can smell bad. If you haven't experienced the odors that can emanate from a group of middle schoolers, please count yourself lucky.

Lately, we've been noticing a rise in the smells at our youth events. (I mean a literal rise as you can actually see the smell before it arrives at your nasal passage.) There are a few students that obviously have not been educated in regards to proper social hygiene and it's becoming slightly awkward.

We're trying to think of how we can approach the issue without hurting feelings while at the same time trying to prevent what could become "social suicide". It's obvious to many, but so far no one has complained or "made a big stink" about it.

My intern suggested asking some deodorant-making companies for free samples that we could give away, so we may look into that.

But, do you have any other ideas or suggestions of what we could do to educate these students without making them feel singled out?

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Book contest update...

I forget what number I'm officially on. I'll double check, but I think Erin finally took the lead. Oh well, at least I held her at bay for 5 months. I should be proud of that.

Here's what I've finished reading lately:

Deep Justice in a Broken World -
by Chap Clark & Kara Powell
I read this one as I prepared for my sermon on Micah 6:8. It's one of those books that frustrated me to no end while still causing me to dream big. There were moments when I was left with that typical feeling of "I'm not doing enough. I suck." yet I found that it was balanced out with "What can I do?"

I'd recommend reading the book if you're currently thinking about how you can get students involved in doing justice or if you are currently involved (or would like to be involved) in some type of justice ministry in your community or church. It also contains some very good discussion starters and personal reflection questions at the end of each chapter that will help you think through the practical "what can I do" type of questions.

Why We're Not Emergent (By Two Guys Who Should Be) -
by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck
I've read a lot of emerging/emergent books over the past few years, so I thought I'd give this one a go as one of the opposing voices against the emerging church. I was a little skeptical, because I find any book that tends to speak against something usually does so in a very arbitrary manner that often leads to taking things out of context from a small number of sources.

This book takes the typical swings at Brain McLaren, Doug Pagitt, Rob Bell, Dan Kimball (and the another usual emerging types), but I found that they actually carried themselves quite well. I felt they didn't come across as "You suck because MY way is right", but they really tried to engage in some good arguments about some issues in the emerging movement.

All that said, if you're at all intrigued or interested by the emerging church, this may be a good book to read through as it will show you part of the flip side of the coin (if that makes any sense).

When the Wind Blows and Double Cross - by James Patterson
Nothing significant here. I was just looking for some more fiction to read and since I liked Patterson's other stuff I didn't stray far. But "When the Wind Blows" was a little weird even for me. I mean, it's a thriller/mystery about genetic experiments that cause children to have wings which they can fly with. "Double Cross" was a pick up from the library before my four day work break and it was ok.

Random Tuesdayness...

Just in case you wanted to know:
  • I think "Greatest Hits" CDs are one of the biggest scams in the music industry. Please keep in mind that this comes from a big Dave Matthews fan who has yet to shell out coin for "The Best of What's Around" although the fact that it comes with a second disc of live songs would justify the spending.
  • Is it just me or is "Christian music" actually getting worse?
  • I saw Indiana Jones 4 last night with my small group. I was oddly perplexed, confused, fascinated, annoyed and entertained by the entire experience.
  • I ate cereal for breakfast. While you likely do not find it noteworthy, I do have two little known facts that will make this information more memorable for you: (1) it's been almost 6 years since I have eaten cereal because I think that breakfast is one of the biggest scams going (up there with greatest hits CDs) and (2) I ate Indiana Jones cereal.
  • I need to write some book reviews, plan a games night for my students and generally catch up on emails after my last 4 days off of work.
  • You will hear from me again shortly
  • What did YOU eat for breakfast?

Monday, May 26, 2008

Honk again...

How often do you use your car horn?
I, for one reason or another, don't use that wonderful object of "frustration identification" quite enough.

A few weeks ago we loaded up the family for a trip south so we could eat out.
(After all, the only way to celebrate Mother's Day is to eat at The Outback.)
As we waited in line we found ourselves next to one our youth leaders (who is incidentally from the USA and was headed home from church).

So we rolled down the window and had a nice little chat to kill time as we waited.
Since the line we were in wasn't going anywhere that quickly we let a space develop between us and the car that was directly in front of us.
Keep in mind that the vehicle in front of us was still about 3 or 4 car lengths from even entering the border crossing.

Then it happened...HONK!
What?!?! You've got to be kidding me!
The person behind me had the nerve to honk, as if I was preventing them from getting to their destination.
Ok, I have a hard enough time understanding the "quick honkers" who lay on the horn if someone sits idle at a green light for more than 2 nanoseconds, but this was utterly ridiculous!

I'm not holding anyone up.
I'm not preventing anyone from getting to their destination.
I'm just passing the time by talking to someone in line next to me.
Please be advised that you will not get there sooner if I pull up 10 feet.

Do you have guidelines for when and where you use the horn?

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Friday or Thursday...

It feels like a Friday.
But it's not, and that is good news.
If it was actually Saturday, this would not be good news.
Well...day #1 of 5 days off consisted of watching The Mist while the kids were at school and while Erin was at the dentist.
I actually somewhat enjoyed the movie. How strange is that?
Anyways, I also watched the penalty kicks from yesterday's Champion's League game again.
It still makes me giddy.
I'm now trying to figure out what to do with the next 4 days.
Any suggestions?

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Glory Glory Man Utd...










I want to dedicate this post to my friend Jon.

I cannot explain the immense joy I shared in watching Drogba (click the link...you'll probably get a chuckle) walk off the field.
(I'll admit that it was not as joyous as my celebration when that final save was made, but I digress.)
All for a slap.
I mean, come on! My kids can hit harder than that.
If you're going to swing at someone, you might as well make it worth it.
Wouldn't you agree?

Anyways, the glorious Double has been won.
Manchester United are the Kings of England and of Europe.
I will sleep well tonight.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

For a Tuesday...

I only have a few minutes.
I will therefore give them to you.
Please don't abuse this privilege.
Instead, please find a TV to watch the Champion's League Final tomorrow.
Yes, I'll be camped out in front of my TV for a couple hours.
No, I won't be in the office.
Yes, I am only working 2 days this week.
This is day #1 and it's not even half over.
After day #2 I get 5 days off.
In those 5 days I hope to see Indiana Jones twice.
(Remember, that I'm a nerd like that.)
Will you watch the soccer game or Indy this week?

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Arrogance...

I hope you don't see me as arrogant.
Even though I'm better than you.
(I'm totally kidding...you know that right?)

I read a blog today that frustrated me and it oozed arrogance.
That "I'm better than you because I did this" kind of thing.

If I come across as arrogant, could you please smack me?

What frustrates you when you read blogs?

Friday, May 16, 2008

Friday...

Both kids are at school for the entire day.
This is a first for us as parents.
It means we get to spend the entire day together.
I'm not sure what we're supposed to do.
Maybe I can get Erin to buy me a scooter.
It's sunny out and it would be fun to drive a scooter.
And I'd be cool because I'd be saving life on planet earth.
That means I'd be saving YOUR life.
Would you appreciate that?

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Crowder vs Cyrus...

Ok, this is just plain funny. If you don't know who Miley Cyrus is you may have to head over to iTunes and listen to a piece of her song "See You Again" to fully appreciate this next video by Mr. David Crowder.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

My body shouts louder...

Every once in a while I hit these moments where my body starts shouting at me. And most of the time I tell it to shut up and leave me alone. It rarely listens to me.

I'm slowly learning that sometimes my body actually wants to communicate something important to me. It's latest message? Slow down.

So, slow shall I go. Or at least I will try to.

I have a weekend (that may actually consist of sunshine every day!) that has one student ministry event. I get Monday off. I have no teaching prep to do this weekend. So I shall try to slow down for a few days.

I only hope that the movie store has some decent movies left by the time I get there tomorrow. Do you have any recommendations of things I should see?

Last week I watched The Darjeeling Limited and Cloverfield. I didn't make it through the first movie, it was just too slow for me. Cloverfield was a rip off. It was only just over an hour long. That alone makes me angry so I won't even get started on the rest of the movie. Seriously, did anyone actually enjoy the movie?

Currently Playing: "Give Yourself Away" by Robbie Seay Band

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Hey there MacGyver...

I stumbled on this over at Granger Community Church's site. Funny stuff, if you know who MacGyver is. Tell me you know who he is.

And if you want to know about every problem MacGyver solved, here's a recap.