Embarassing Gym Moment #2

The other night I was continuing my quest to get buff.
I was walking back to the locker room after a tough workout. I was listening to my ipod as I was getting dressed. The ipod was pretty loud. This pretty big guy tapped me on the shoulder and asked "What the hell are you listening to?"
Not knowing how to avoid the question or to respond with a witty answer, I swallowed my pride and admitted that I was listening to

Josh and Puddles' Book Club

I've never loved to read.

Books have never been appealing to me. Maybe it was the many years of English teachers shoving pointless novels down my throat. But I have recently realized that the teachers are gone and I must self motivate myself to further my education. It might be more enjoyable now due to the fact that I will not be graded.
So I decided to accept the invitation to this book club that Josh has started.

Josh has already mentioned the books that he has recommended.
Kitchen Confidential and Gilead. To be quite honest, Kitchen confidential was the only of these two that sound some what interesting but being the adventurous, open minded person I am, I chose to dedicate my time to tackle these books.

There is already one book that I started reading a few nights ago.
The Shack by William P. Young.
It is a Christian fiction novel about a man who meets up with God in a shack.
I am only in the 6th chapter and it has already jump started numerous questions about God, dealing with tragedy, and where He is in a world filled with pain. Ill let you know what I think when I'm done.

Pick up a book and join the club.
A special thank you to Josh for the graphic. I figured that since my name is in it, I could steal it.

Small Group Curriculum

One of the biggest struggles I have had since being a Jr. High pastor is trying to figure out what small group curriculum works best for the students.
With the curriculum I have used, I always get one of two responses from the small group leaders.
1. It is not challenging enough
2. It is over their heads. It would be better for high school students.

Trying to find that balance has not been easy.
I guess the real question to ask, is not whose curriculum you are using or book you are going through but what topics are the students interested in? What will make them ask questions?

Just food for thought.

Are you smarter than a 5th grader?

I just got an email with this 5th grade question. I actually answered it quicker than I thought I would. Can you figure it out? Ill give you a cookie.

There are 7 girls in a bus.

Each girl has 7 backpacks.

In each backpack, there are 7 big cats.

For ever big cat, there are 7 little cats.

Question: How many legs are there in the bus??

Big Brother 9

I posted a while back that I was auditioning for big brother 9. It is a reality television show where you have to live in a house with 15 other people. I didnt get picked. But after watching the preview for it, I am so glad. I think God was looking out for me.
This year the theme is "Till death do us part". They match you up with who they think your perfect match is and make you do everything together including sleeping in the same bed. The show has always been a little trashy but I think this year will be over the top.

Embarrassing Gym Moment #1

I have been going to the gym consistently for about a month now.
There have already been 4 very embarrassing things that have happeed to me.
First one:
I was finishing up my fourth set of bench pressing. I did not have a spotter.
After about 4 reps, I cant push up the weights anymore. Im just trying to keep it from caving in on my chest. After about 2 minutes, I am completely helpless but no one around is noticing. Having my ipod on, I guess I didnt realize how loud I was but I screamed for help. 4 people ran over to help and laugh at me at the same time.
The funny thing is that there wasnt that much weight on the bar.

I'm Tired

There is really no reason for me to be. From what I know, I live a pretty normal lifestyle. I work, go to the gym, try to eat somewhat heathy, but for some reason I am constantly tired.
This actually makes me a little nervous. Back in 2002, I was diagnosed with mononucleosis. To most people mono is not a big deal. You have it for a couple weeks and then you are back to normal. I had a pretty severe case of it. It wasnt until about 9 months later until I started feeling better. It was horrible. I would not wish it upon my worst enemy.
I dont think its possible to get mono again but if there is any nutritious expert out there, I would really love for you to give me any advice what so ever on how to have more energy. The only thing I will not do is drink coffee. Seriously. I refuse to get addicted. I dont want to be one of those who need 3 grande frappuccinos a day.

Church Marketing Sucks

I am in the midst of revamping my Jr. High Ministry bulletin.
I came across this website that shows different, out of the box ideas that other ministries are coming up with to promote there events, services, etc..
It is filled with many ideas... Some great, some very controversial.
Check it out.