Wired Jr. High Ministry

After months of brainstorming names for the Jr. High department and getting a look for it, (thank you Sarti Designs) we are ready to kick off our name this Sunday to the students. Im really excited about it. I think that it will carry out of the church into the schools and we will have an identity to the unchurched students.
This Sunday will include t-shirts, banners, games, a new resource booth and a pancake feed. I will also explain why I came up with the name WIRED.

Why I love Jr. Highers!!!

Unfortunately, about a week ago one of my worship leaders for the Jr. High had to step down. This kind of left me up the creek for this past Sunday. I called a few people to step in but no one could. So this past Sunday, I had the privilege (or burden) to step up and lead the Jr. high in worship.
I really hate doing this. I mean hate, from the deep pit of my stomach. I am not gifted in this area, I have no business attempting this and I do not want the program to be a one man show, but I really wanted us to worship through song. So after a few minutes of brainstorming ways to cancel worship for the day, I went in and got my guitar out of the office.
So I prayed and started playing.
As we were singing, I realized that I was not successfully playing and singing at the same time. I was going too slow. So I came up with an idea.
I told all the students that the only way I can play at the pace of the song is if I hear you guys sing. So I completely stopped singing and just listened to 50 Jr. high students sing to God while I played. It was amazing. There were even guys singing.
I love Jr. highers because they just want a leader that is real. They don't care how talented you are. They don't care if you mess up. They just want someone to love them and lead them.

If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.

In my entire career of youth ministry, I have never been as excited as I am now about an upcoming event. No its not camp or a mission trip (although it probably should be.) But May 16th, I signed 10 of my students up for a dodge ball tournament. There is a new venue in town who is putting this on. Winning team gets $500.
I will coach our way to victory. We will practice day and night until we are tournament ready.
To be honest, since these are jr. high students we will probably get owned in the first round but it should be a fun night.

The Village

I just started listening to the podcast of Matt Chandler. He is the pastor of The Village church in Dallas. I have heard him a few times before while living in Dallas. He is one of the best communicators I have ever listened to. The Village is a young church that is exploding in the Dallas area. I definitely recommend downloading a sermon or two on the ipod.

A proud uncle!

Only 6 and already a huge Dallas Maverick fan.
I think Im going to cry...

The Donald

No, not Trump. Off tomorrow to see Donald Miller at Fresno Pacific University.
Will be a long day but hopefully a good one.

You’re not FoxWorthy

Just noticed that Jeff Foxworthy will not be hosting the CMT awards tonight. Instead it will be 15 year old Hannah Montana and her dad. (doesn't she do enough already?) I'm not going to lie, I am a little disappointed. I really don't think the show will be the same. Not only is Foxworthy really funny but you probably remember him showing off his serious side at the end of last years awards with is passionate speech on why he loves country music. I will watch because I love country but Jeff will be missed.

Jeff's Speech
"I started thinking about why I like country music and doing this show so much, and here's what I came up with, y'all.

"I like country music because it's about the things in life that really matter. It ain't about braggin' about how you're gonna mess somebody up, or how somebody ain't respectin' ya. It's about love, family, friends -- with a few beers, a cheap woman and a two-timin' man thrown in for spice. It doesn't take political sides, even with things as ugly as war. Instead, it celebrates the brave men and women who go to fight 'em, the price they pay to do it and the longin' we have for them to return home to the ones that they love.

"It's about kids and how there ain't nothin' like 'em. I get tired of hearin' about how bad kids are today, because there are a lot of great kids out there that just need somebody to love 'em and believe in 'em. Country folks love their kids and they will jack you up if you try to mess with 'em!

"People in country music don't forget the people that allow them to do what they do for a livin'. They sign autographs and they take pictures with the fans because they know without 'em most of us entertainers would be gettin' a lot dirtier in the course of our workday. We are thankful that people want to hear the songs and the jokes that we write. Country music doesn't have to be politically correct. We sing about God because we believe in Him. We are not trying to offend anybody, but the evidence that we have seen of Him in our small little lives trumps your opinion about whether or not He exists.

"We love country music because it touches us where we live. It's about mommas, and when they were hot, and when they are unappreciated, and when they were dyin'. It's about daddies and the difficulties they have sometimes at tellin' the people that they work so hard to protect and provide for how they feel about 'em.

"Country music is about new love and it's about old love. It's about gettin' drunk and gettin' sober. It's about leavin' and it's about comin' home. It's real music sung by real people for real people, the people that make up the backbone of this country. You can call us rednecks if you want. We're not offended, 'cause we know what we're all about. We get up and go to work, we get up and go to church, and we get up and go to war when necessary.

"All we ask for is a few songs to carry us along the way, and that's why I love this show, because it ain't some self-important Hollywood hype with the winners determined by somebody else. On this show, you decide who goes home with a trophy and you get to dance and sing along with the people that bring you the songs of your life."

Mens Retreat Overview

Just got back from our annual men's retreat. This is one event that I really look forward to every year. We go up to a christian camp in the mountains and just chill. Being a pastor at the church you might assume I know almost everybody at the church but the truth is I probably know about 20%. This retreat gives all of the guys a chance to connect.
Here are a few highlights:
Golf tournament - came in last.
Disc Golf
Football
Foosball tournament
Ping Pong tournament
Risk until 3:30 in the morning
guitar workshop
paintball

Video Game Review

If you are in youth ministry you have probably heard about this game. Some of my students were talking about it so I decided to rent it.
You play as Jimmy, a 15-year-old delinquent who's been expelled from seven other schools. After his mother and step-father dump him in a corrupt boarding school, Jimmy must find a way to go from social outcast to schoolyard hero. It's filled with the typical cliques that are in every school.(bullies, nerds, jocks, preppies, greasers) and out of school (townies). The entire game is filled with missions that include ditching class, running from cops, fighting the football team, picking up girls, pulling pranks, and pretty much anything else that a rebellious teenager would want to do. Thats probably why students would like the game. They can get into trouble without really getting into trouble. Although filled with cursing, getting in fights, stealing, and crude humor, the game is somewhat addicting and your students will most likely love it. It will also teach them ways to pulloff pranks and get away with it. Save yourself time and brain cells by not renting this game,and tell your students not to rent it either.

My Idol Predictions

Everyone has them. Although no one on the show is quite like past idol winners such as Kelly and Carrie, there is some pretty good talent.
So here are my predictions for the final 8 Idol Contestants.

8.
She has managed to survive many weeks in the bottom 3 but it is her time to go.

7.
Very talented but not that popular.

6.
Not that talented but very popular. Should of gone earlier.

5.
My favorite contestant but not the best.

4.
Great singer but kind of scary.

3.
I think he should win it all but he will be forgot about.

2.
Will be very successful. He is the Daughtry of the group.

AND THE WINNER IS....
1.
I do not like this guy. Great singer but no personality and he always looks like he is half asleep. But unfortunately he will be the next American Idol and we will hear him every five minutes on the radio.

How many stars?

For all you "Friends" fanatics out there (Josh and Allison are the only 2 I know of), I was wondering how many celebrities you could guess that made guest appearances on the show. (with out cheating)
Here are the ones I could come up: 25 of them
John Stamos
Rebecca Romijn
Jon Lovitz
Elle Macpherson
Robin Williams
Billy Crystal
Ben Stiller
Susan Sarandon
Charlie Sheen
David Arquette
Reese Witherspoon
Christina Applegate
Tom Selek
Jason Alexander
Julia Roberts
Jon Claude Van Dam
Danny Devito
Soleil Moon Frye
Charlton Heston
Alec Baldwin
Bruce Willis
Dakota Fanning
Brad Pitt
Denise Richards
Freddie Prinze Jr.

Office Exercises

If there is one thing that I do not like about my job it is the fact that I have to spend so much time at a desk. I would much rather be hanging out with students. But most of the time I am working on the weekend stuff or logistical crud, so I am on my butt most of the day. So this post is for all of those office workers out there that want to stay in shape. Here are some diagrams of some exercises that will help. So go ahead and get buff. I believe in you.


Office Tips:
• Take mini-walks - Walk during coffee breaks. Arrange a walk-and-talk instead of a sit-and-talk meeting.
• Climb stairs Walk at least some of the distance up or down in office buildings.
• Park and walk - Park farther away from the office (or the store when shopping), instead of trying to get as close as possible.
• Walk on your lunch break - You’ll return refreshed. Wear comfortable shoes.
• Move while on the phone - Stand and move around while talking on the phone. Do some stretches.
• Swing your arms, turn your neck, or wiggle your toes — any kind of movement helps.

The Parent Link

There is this resource that I just became aware of that is getting me in good with my students parents. Isn't that what youth ministry is all about? It is called Parent Link. It is a monthly newsletter that is set up in a word document that is filled with articles for parents about todays youth. The best part is that it is completely adaptable to fit your needs. So far, this has been a very successful way to continually keep parents informed on what is going on in the ministry.

Go Rangers

Just took a look at the standings and noticed that the Rangers are in 1st place after 2 games. I am going to savor this moment because it will probably be the last.

1.Texas
2.Seattle
3.LA Angels
4.Oakland

Classic Car Wash Video

Im back from my blogging break and I thought I would like to kick it off with this video of me going through a car wash on top of the car. I have seen it done before but no one had told me how bad it hurt.

Where did the time go?

Here is a picture of the graduating class of Trinity Christian High School in Cedar Hill, TX. Class of 1998. Can you find me?
I am about to purchase my flight to Dallas for my 10 year, yes I said 10 year high school reunion. So many thoughts go through my head as I take a road down memory lane through the past 10 years. As I look back I can see where I was. College, Southern California, my current residence, but I can not believe that it has flown by so fast. It really gives me a grasp of reality on how fast life goes by. Do you remember the question that always gets asked when you are about to start a new chapter? Where do you see your self in 5 years, 10, 20? This question usually drowns people in fear. Although I do remember the anxiety attacks and the horrific feeling of not knowing, it was also an exciting time. A time to step out in faith.
I would of never guessed that I would be a Jr. high pastor way out in California but that is the plan God had for me. Its amazing to think that even though I had no clue of what my future holds, God was molding and shaping me for His exact plan.
I am looking forward to the next 10 years because even though I have no idea whats going to happen, God does. (hopefully marriage is somewhere in His plan.)

Help out an old friend...

Just wanted to let all of you know about a good Christian album that just came out. The band is Addison Road. I just picked up the album and I must say that I really enjoyed it. It brings a fresh sound to Christian music. I use to be really good friends with the lead singer and it is exciting to see her dreams come true.
Help them out...

Book Review

As part of the Josh and Puddles book club I decided to find something that was a quick read and beneficial to the ministry while trying to attempt the other 2 books we started out with.
Jim and Casper Go To Church:
A quick read it was. I loved the idea of a former pastor (Jim) teaming up with an atheist (Casper) to visit churches all over the country. It is exciting to think about an "open minded" atheist giving up his time and energy to help all of us to see the perception that a non believer has when he/she walks through the doors of the church.
Here is how I would describe my experience with this book though. When I read it, it tasted good going down but then it left a very unsettling feeling in my stomach. I will call this my Taco Bell book.

The idea is great and there are some very useful ideas that we can take from this but over all I hated this book. Okay, hate may be too strong of a word, oh forget it, I hated this book. Here is why...
Casper the atheist went into each church with his mind made up. Just as a movie critic would watch a movie in an effort to find its flaws, Casper went into each church to point out all the flaws. Some were legit but others were ridiculous. Flaws such as too many lights, hair too slick, too well planned out and so on. He was also very inconsistent with his critiques. For example, the church is too big,the church is not big enough, they are overly friendly, they are not friendly enough, and so on.

The opening pages state that he is open minded but he is completely opposite. I understand what he set out to do to when helped write this book but I highly doubt that many non believers would be this critical if they walked into the doors of a church. I hope not anyways.

Maybe I am being a little too negative but I find something wrong with someone making money off of a book by ripping into the church.

Grade: C+

The People's Superhero

Im not a big SNL fan anymore but this video is pretty dang funny.

Worship Night

Every year our Jr. High ministry has a worship night. We cancel our small groups and meet together to worship God and to teach the students that there are many different ways to express love and worship God.
Tomorrow night is going to look a little different and it makes me a little nervous.
We will worship through song for a little while but then we are going to break out into 4 different areas. The areas include prayer, art, journal, and communion. The students will hopefully discover a new way to express worship to God and not just think of WORSHIP as singing only.
I am really looking forward to this and I believe that God is going to challenge these students and show Himself to them in a way that they have never experienced.