Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
Love Everybody

Live Purposefully

"If you want purpose and meaning and satisfaction and fulfillment and peace and hope and joy and abundant life that lasts forever, look to Jesus,"
Anne Graham Lotz

"You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11

walk the walk

Reporters and city officials gathered at a Chicago railroad station one afternoon in 1953. The person they were meeting was the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize winner. A few minutes after the train came to a stop, a giant of a man - six feet four inches with bushy hair and a large mustache stepped from the train. Cameras flashed. City officials approached him with hands outstretched. Various people began telling him how honored they were to meet him.

The man politely thanked them and then, looking over their heads, asked if he could be excused for a moment. He quickly walked through the crowd until he reached the side of an elderly black woman who was struggling with two large suitcases. He picked up the bags and with a smile, escorted the woman to a bus. After helping her aboard, he wished her a safe journey. As he returned to the greeting party he apologized, "Sorry to have kept you waiting."

The man was Dr. Albert Schweitzer, the famous missionary doctor who had spent his life helping the poor in Africa. In response to Schweitzer’s action, one member of the reception committee said with great admiration to the reporter standing next to him, “That’s the first time I ever saw a sermon walking.”

Ephesians 4:1, "GOD CHOSE YOU TO BE HIS PEOPLE, SO I URGE YOU NOW TO LIVE THE LIFE TO WHICH GOD HAS CALLED YOU."

Anybody can talk the talk, but they don’t walk the walk. Talk is cheap, it doesn’t mean near as much to people what you say as it does what you do. You see our actions speak louder than our words.

Charles Spurgeon, “A man’s life is always more forcible than his speech. When men take stock of him they reckon his deeds as dollars and his words as pennies. If his life and doctrine disagree the mass of onlookers accept his practice and reject his preaching.”

God Wants Our Heart

My cousin Jeff recently showed me a video of a pastor out of Michgan. I really enjoy watchin videos and lessons from this pastor, Rod Bell. He takes stories from everyday life and apply them to bible stories which makes it easier to understand the point he is trying to get across. Here is one recently i came across and wanted to share it with everybody.

God Moment

I'm sure everybody has seen the movie, "The Christmas Story," it's my favorite christmas movie to watch, if you haven't seen it where have you been. Well in the movie charlie the main character who wants the red rider beebee gun makes a visit to santa claus to hopefully convience him he wants the beebee gun. When he gets on his lap he goes blank and cant remeber what to say. At this point his tells himself, "WAKE UP STUPID," well the good lord in the only he knows how spoke that to me.

We have adopted a family at church and i have decided to buy items for the 9 year old boy. As i was shopping for the boy i was buying clothing and shoes and i was picking items up and in my thoughts i was thinking, "ahh' thats too expensive," after saying that a few times i heard it loud and clear, "WAKE UP STUPID."

I was more worried about saying money instead of giving this little boy possibly the best christmas of his life, after that i nearly bought the whole store. Here is my chance to to put smile on somebodies face and spread great joy instead i was focused on, "well if i save money i can get what i want."

This holiday season i want to remind people its alot better to give, to put a smile on somebodies face and spread great joy instead of worring about what will i get for christmas. You know there was young boy one time born on christmas who gave his life for us so we can have a way to God the father, i can't find a better example of its better to give then to recieve. He didn't have to give his life but he did, to put a smile on our face and great joy in our life.

So this holiday season, do what you can to give and not be so worried about recieving, and spread holiday cheer because i would hate for you to hear, "WAKE UP STUPID," and don't forget the most important thing, its a celebration of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY

youth rally

The youth rally saturday night went very well. Everything was awesome and God showed out and showed his glory. We are planning the next rally at our very own NLR Church in January.
I want to say i'm very proud of my youth group who did a outstanding job with their human video. I have a great group of students in the youth group and i love them so much and i'm proud for the stand they take for God.

college life

Well, i can't believe i'm saying it but i'm almost done with my first semseter of college. I have two weeks left of school with finals and i'm done for a month, can i get a witness from the congreation on that one, AMEN BROTHER. I look back and think a year ago i almost backed out of going back to school till my best friend Greg Thompson motivated and encouraged me to go back. I sit down today with my advisor and was surprise to find out i can and actually will be graduating a head of schedule. Instead of 2011, it looks like i will be graduating in late 2009 maybe mid 2010.

It has been a stressful semester of school to be honest, if you don't believe me just ask some of closest friends. Did i reach my goals, not exactly, but there is always next semester to improve from my mistakes and strive to do better. I got a stupid ticket from campus police for improper decal placement and wouldn't you know i got another one today, made me so mad. It's in the right spot if they would just come out and look at with me and actually read their stupid rule book they made up. But you know i'm loving college, yea i know scary to hear coming from me, but it actually has been lots of fun and i can't wait for next semester to start and one day cross that platform and raise my fist in triumph.

wooo pig zooie

To all those razorback haters out there how bout them hogs baby. Hogs do the unthinkable, beat the #1 team in the nation. To all the houston nutt haters, know your role and take a back sit. i'm proud of the hogs and how awesome they did in the game. I bet Les Miles knows how to say Arkansas now, its not Ar-Kansas, but Arkansas dude. D-mac should win the heisman hands down. I can hear Paul Eels now, Touchdown Arkansas Oh My and Hogs Win Hogs Win, Oh My The Hogs beat #1 LSU. GO HOGS.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of the best holidays in america, simply because christmas is only a few weeks away. But sometimes i wonder if we truly give thanks, if we look back on our lives and realize all that God has done for us are giving more thanks instead of demand for more? So i give you my reasons why i'm thankful this holiday season:

1. I'm thankful for my church family. The North Little Rock church is the best church i have ever been to and attended in my life. Everybody is loving, caring, and kind and we are all like one big family. I thank God everyday for my church family.

2. I'm thankful for my family at home who has always been supportive throughout my life. They have always been there to help during the hard times and celebrate thru the good times.

3. I'm thankful for the youth group i help look after at church. They are a great bunch of students who have a bright future ahead of them. I truly believe God has great things instore for there lives.

I could go on and on for hours on the many things i'm thankful for, my job, back in school, my health. God has been so good to me, it gives me all the reason's in the world to thank him. What's even better, there is more to come in the coming years. Which means i will have even more to be thankful for. So i ask you today, have you stopped and thanked God for all he has done for you today, or are you too busy asking for more. Thank you God for all you have done for me and what you have instore for me soon!!! I'm very thankful, and will always offer up thanksgiving with my heart and praise always.

A Letter From Hell

My prayer is that i never get a letter from hell from somebody that i should have witness to never did and my prayer is that you never get a letter from hell. Very powerful video that will move you in a mighty way to witness to those around you.

Come Unto Me

Matt 11:28 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

Several years ago, the Wall Street Journal carried a story about Sally, an overly conscientious youngster who made herself miserable over the smallest failures and setbacks. Early one fall, while the leaves were still on the trees, there was an exceptionally heavy snowstorm. Sally’s grandfather took her for a drive and said, "Notice those elms, the branches are so badly broken that the trees may die. But just look at those pines and evergreens. They are completely undamaged by the storm. My child, there are two kinds of trees in the world, the foolish and the wise. An elm holds its branches rigid. As it becomes weighted down, eventually its limbs break. But when an evergreen is loaded, it simply relaxes, lowers its branches, and lets the burden slip away. And so it remains unharmed. Be a pine tree, granddaughter."

People who give up all their cares to the Lord can face life’s burdens much better than those who try to bear the weight themselves. So remeber in life to always be a pine tree.

Resume of the Twelve Disciples

To: Jesus, Son of Joseph
Woodcrafter’s Carpenter Shop
Nazareth 25922

From: Jordan Management Consultants

Dear Sir:
Thank you for submitting the resumes of the twelve men you have picked for managerial positions in your new organization. All of them have now taken our battery of tests; and we have not only run the results through our computer, but also arranged personal interviews for each of them with our psychologist and vocational aptitude consultant.

The profiles of all tests are included, and you will want to study each of them carefully.

As part of our service, we make some general comments for your guidance. This additional insight is given as a result of staff consultation, and comes without any additional fee.

It is our opinion that most of your nominees are lacking in background, education and vocational aptitude for the type of enterprise you are undertaking. They do not have the team concept. We would recommend that you continue your search for persons of experience in managerial ability and proven capability.

Simon Peter is emotionally unstable and given to fits of temper. Andrew has absolutely no qualities of leadership. The two brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, place personal interest above company loyalty. Thomas demonstrates a questioning attitude that would tend to undermine morale. We feel that it is our duty to tell you that Matthew had been blacklisted by the Greater Jerusalem Better Business Bureau; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus definitely have radical leanings, and they both registered a high score on the manic-depressive scale.
One of the candidates, however, shows great potential. He is a man of ability and resourcefulness, meets people well, has a keen business mind, and has contacts in high places. He is highly motivated, ambitious, and responsible. We recommend Judas Iscariot as your controller and right-hand man. All of the other profiles are self-explanatory.
We wish you every success in your new venture.
Sincerely,

Jordan Management Consultants

Don't Give Up!!!

In 1952 Florence Chadwick attempted to swim the chilly ocean waters between Catalina Island and the California shore. She swam through foggy weather and choppy seas for fifteen hours. Her muscles began to cramp, and her resolve weakened. She begged to be taken out of the water, but her mother, riding in a boat alongside, urged her not to give up. She kept trying but grew exhausted and stopped swimming. Aids lifted her out of the water and into the boat. They paddled a few more minutes, the mist broke, and she discovered that the shore was less than a half mile away. “All I could see was the fog,” she explained at a news conference. “I think if I could have seen the shore, I would have made it”

In life there will be times when we went to just give up, throw in the towel, i've been there and i think we all have been there at one point in our life. But take a long look at the shore that awaits you. Don’t be fooled by the fog of the slump. The finish may be only strokes away. God may be, at this moment, lifting his hand to signal Gabriel to grab the trumpet. Angels may be assembling, saints gathering, demons trembling. Stay at it! Stay in the water. Stay in the race. Stay in the fight. Give grace, one more time, swim one more stroke.

Facing Your Giants

"Focus on giants – you stumble. Focus on God – your giants tumble.
Lift your eyes, giant slayer. The God who made a miracle out of David stands ready to make one out of you."
Max Lucado

A TEENAGER'S VIEW OF HEAVEN

I was emailed this powerful story, normally i dont read forwards, but the title caught my attention so i opened it and read it. The story brought tears to my eyes and my prayer is that the story has a powerful impact on you has it did on me:

A TEENAGER'S VIEW OF HEAVEN

17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a
class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later
told his father, Bruce. "It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best
thing I ever wrote.." It also was the last.

Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was
driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce
Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the
wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.

The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family
portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I
think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore
said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision
of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know
I'll see him."

Brian's Essay: The Room...

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the
room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall
covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in
libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order.
But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly
endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near
the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read
"Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards.
I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names
written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I
was.

This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for
my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and
small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and
curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly
opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet
memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would
look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed."
The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird "Books I Have
Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed
at ." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled
at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My
Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never
ceased to be surprised by the contents.

Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I
hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.
Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of
these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this
truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my
signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched", I realized
the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I
shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the
vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run
through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test
its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.

I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost
animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever
see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy
them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter
now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end
and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card.
I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as
steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning
my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

And then I saw it.. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel
With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost
unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three
inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on
one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt.
They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and
cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The
rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever,
ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as
I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly
as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to
watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at
His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.

He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read
every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He
looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't
anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to
cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said
so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end
of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name
over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find
to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't
be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so
alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He
gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the
cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but
the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back
to my side.

He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood
up, and He led me out of the room and into heaven.

Christians

Christians
By Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
And need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Impact Your Future

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the american president during World War 2 and was a Liberal. At this time Hilter was raising up in power and becoming a powerful leader in Germany. Before Hilter became full of power and before the war started many people urged President Roosevelt to step in and shut down Hilter and Germany before it was too late but he offered to be a mediator instead. He also did not want to build up the U.S. army in case war did brake out. He wanted to stay out of the war but also wanted to help the British. Finally President Roosevelt stepped in and helped shut down Hilter. Many have wondered though if President Roosevelt had stepped in sooner would there have been constration camps with lots of inncent jewish lives being killed, would there have ever been a war in Europe, Who knows? I know this much we will never know and can't change what has happened so why focus on what if and if we did this. We can't change what has happened and make the outcome different. When i studied this the other day in one of my classes it dawned on me, this is alot like our chirstian walk. There are times in our live, man i wish i could go back and change this area in my life and then my life would better now then what it is or if i didnt do that then my life wouldnt be the way it is now. A close mentor of mine once told me, "YOU CAN'T CHANGE THE PAST, BUT YOU CAN MAKE A IMPACT ON THE FUTURE." I love what the Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 3:13-14, "13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,* but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
We have to put the past behind us, forgetting it and press on to what lies ahead. You can't change the past or the decisions you made in the past, but you can make a impact on your future, so start making that impact today and be exicted for what God has instore for your future.

Character (1871)

"Character is one of the greatest motive powers in the world. In its noblest embodiments, it exemplifies human nature in its highest forms, for it exhibits man at his best."

Samuel Smiles

Acres of Diamonds

Conwell begins his lecture by telling the story of an ancient Perisan, Ali Hafed, a wealthy farmer who owned a large, prosperous farm. One day, a visitor tells Ali Hafed about diamonds and the immense wealth that they bring to their owners. Hafed becomes restless and discontented, sells his farm, leaves his family, and goes in search of diamonds. In all his travels, he never finds any diamonds, and he dies poor and unhappy. In the meantime, the man who bought Ali Hafed's farm finds a fabulous lode of diamonds in his own garden. Opportunity for success can be found in your own "backyard."

"Acres of Diamonds" Lecture (1870) by Russell Conwell

Choices

"We do choose how we will live, courageously or in cowardice, honorably or dishonorably, with purpose or adrift. We decide what is important and what is trivial in life, we decide what makes us significant and is either what we do or what we refuse to do, we decide - we choose, as we decide and choose, so are our lives formed, we make our choices and then our choices make us, our choices produce acts which produce character and character eventually becomes permanent."

Joseph Epstein

Team 180

Team 180 had their first youth service this past sunday morining and let me tell you it was awesome and the presence of God was very powerful in the service. I want to take this time to say i'm very proud of the group, and the fire that is in them for God, they did a oustanding job with the service. I can't wait for next month's service, because its only going to get better!!!

Rain of Blessings

I came across a very powerful scripture the other day, one i've never read before in the bible and don't recall hearing a preacher preach on it. "IF THERE IS NO WORSHIP IN YOUR LIFE, THERE WILL BE NO RAIN," ZECHARIAH 14:17. In other words, No Worship-No Rain. Alot of times we go to church but we forget why we worship God, i grow concern sometimes they we may lose our true spirit of worship and take God for granted.

When we worship, we are submitting our intellect and our future to God. If you are in a dry season, then began to worship. Do you need it to rain in your bank account, worship, rain into your spirit, worship, rain in your family, worship. In Zechariah we find one of the most empowering principles of the Bible, the key to ending a personal dry spell and releasing a downpour of heaven's blessings, by worshiping God.

So how you get out of the desert, through worship. Where there is worship, rain will come. Every time you raise your hands and praise, drops are forming in the clouds. The more you send up, the thicker the clouds. Sooner or later there will be a cloudburst. So when you get in a dry spell, praise your way through and you will see the rain!

"You don't have to be like the world to have an impact on the world. You don't have to be like the crowd to change the crowd. You don't have to lower yourself down to their level to lift them up to your level. Holiness doesn't seek to be odd. Holiness seeks to be like God."

Max Lucado

Laughter Is Good Medicine

Ancient Greeks believed humor was essential to the healing process. Studies now show that it's no joke-laughter is strong medicine. Just look at the many wonderful things a good belly laugh can do for your body:

-Muscles tighten, then relax, toning them gently and reliving tension.
-You breathe faster, taking in more oxygen, riding the body of bad air.
-Your heart rate, pulse and blood pressure increase, improving circulation.
-Experts now believe it increases your immune system in fighting off disease.
-The brain is stimulated, releasing chemicals called endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.

Powerful Video

Pastor Greg had this video in his blog and wanted to share with others also. This is a very powerful video, be looking for team 180 to do this skit on a youth service sunday.

NEVER GIVE UP ON SOMEBODY OR SOMEBODIES

Its been a while since i last posted in my blog. I have found that its hard to find something to write or post something on a daily basis in a blog. I was thinking today at work and you know ever since i began youth ministry work 5yrs ago, the one thing i always told myself was to never give up on somebody, somebodies, or a group of students and i've stuck true to that promise to this day and never backed down from it. I will never and i mean never give up on a youth or a youth group. I will always fight to the very end to rescue them. Was there times i could have given up, oh absoultely, but i didnt no matter how mad i got, how angry the group or the student made me, when i was disappointed in them, or when we disagreed on something. I could read a list of names of students and youth groups i didnt give up on and how great God has blessed their life, i actually saw alot of students this year at camp that ive been praying for to come home to jesus and get things right with God and they did that at the alter. What am i trying to say, no matter if they dont pay attention cause believe me sometimes they wont, if all they want to do is talk and goof off, they will from time to time, if they want to run from the truth and try to hide, believe me they will run their pretty little chicken legs off at times, you stand right there beside them thru it all, thru the good times and the bad with arms wide open ready to take them back and with a shoulder for them to cry on. Don't let anybody, any church, or anything tell you otherwise or try to convince you your wasting your time, they will never get it, they will never understand. Today i pray you never give up on somebody, somebodies, or a youth group cause you never know when they may turn into a TEAM 180.

youth generation

I've recently started reading a new book entitled, "BATTLE CRY FOR A GENERATION, THE FIGHT TO SAVE AMERICA'S YOUTH," BY RON LUCE. There was a part of the book that really stuck hard with my heart, the percentage of Bible-based believers has steadily decreased since the Builder generation. There have been 4 generation to date including the one we live in now. The table was published in the book:
Builders (born 1927-1945): 65% Bible-based believers
Boomers (born 1946-1964): 35% Bible-based believers
Busters (born 1965-1983): 16% Bible-based believers
Bridgers/Millennials/Why (born 1984-present): 4% Bible-based believers
These stats shocked me when i first was reading it and it still does. The percentage of bible-based believers is steadily decreasing, we see the way our world is now, imagine what it will be like if we don't reach out to our youth generation and help them in their christian journey. Ron Luce also wrote in the book and has this powerful statement to say, "WHATEVER DIRECTION THIS NEW GENERATION TAKES, SO IT WILL TAKE THE NATION." I believe the time is now, a holy urgency burns in my soul to capture the heart of this generation NOW while teens are still open to the life-changing message of the Gospel of Christ. This is what keeps me awake at night, today is our moment of greatest opportunity. We must capture their hearts while they are young. We have a short window of 5 to 7 years before most of them will be into their 20s and set the pace for American culture. Our nation is truly at a crossroad. What we do in the next 5 years could affect the next 50 to 100 years of American history. This is our moment, our defining moment to help set this youth generation on fire for God.

camp

Well i've made it back from camp and all i've got to say is WOW!!! God did amazing work in youth camp 07. Many kids lives were changed by God, i'm really excited to see a fire and passion build in my youth group's lives after camp. There full of ideas and things they want to do at church. We spoke with Pastor Greg about different things we would like to do, tune in sunday morining to find out what Team 180 is planning, thats right Team 180. Camp was a huge blessing for me also, it gave me a chance to recharge my batteries and relight my fire that was still burning but not as bright as it once was. I had a great time at camp, got bite by tons of chiggers, broke a few things here and there, but most importantly heard from God. I recall one night in service as i was working the sound booth i was raising my hands in worship and i heard the voice of God saying to me, "its okay child daddy is here," and i could see my heavenly father pick me up by the hands that were raised and put me in his lap and craddle me. It broke me down inside. There was a powerful move in the services with fire falling down on our youth generation. Camp was a wonderful success with God showing up, showing out, and showing his glory.

Senior Camp

Well i'm heading off to senior camp. This is my favorite time of summer when i go to youth camp to be apart of the staff. I love working with youth and helping them. The camp im working in is the same camp that helped changed my life, funny thing is one day i never knew i would be working in it. It's amazing how God changes our life and uses it to help shape those around us. My heart cries out for the youth of the nation, i love them so much and know deep down that have something bright inside them and i pray that one day it will shine forth bright out of them. Too many people call them our tommorrow generation, thats not true, they are our now generation, this very second generation. I ask for your prayers and join in praying if your reading this blog, my prayer and vision is that we MOBILIZES, DISCIPLES, AND EQUIP THE YOUTH OF THE NATION, TO LOVE AND CARE FOR THEM, AND TO OFFER NOURISHMENT TO OUR SPIRITUALLY HUNGRY YOUTH GENERATION and when the youth get to camp that they catch on fire for God, then when they go back home nothing or nobody will put that fire out instead that somebody or something will pour holy gasonline on that fire so that it can blaze brighter for those around them.

Convention

Covention went very well this year, even though it seemed like the attendance was down from the past couple of years, there was a great spirit of unity and joy in the convention. Brother Pense is a great man of God who has a great vision for our region. The best thing is he is wanting to re-establish connectivity and provide mutual support for each of our youth groups throughout the region. He is wanting to strengthen the effectiveness of our youth ministries throughout our region, i support him 100% and i'm very exicted with the vision he has for youth ministry in our region. I myself have been appointed to district youth minister over one of the district's in arkansas. I've been in contact today with the district overseer and have places and dates set for youth rally's. I'm exicted and ask for your prayer to help reach young people with the message of Jesus Christ; help them grow through discipleship; train and equip them, and help lead them into spiritual maturity.

Grace

I've done alot of thinking about grace lately. You know in life we make mistakes, in my life i make mistakes and fail. Sometimes i'm disobendiant, sometimes i just fail and miss the mark and i find myself sometimes on the ground and i've caused pain in my own life. The greatest thing is that our heavely father doesn't come by and kick us when were down. He picks us up and calls us out by name, "my son my daughter i love you," and he takes us back so lovenly. And i've thought about that alot lately, cause sometimes i struggle with the grace of god, after saying i'm sorry for doing this one thing, then an hour later doing the samething again and i wonder God do you still love me, do you still care no matter what? The thing is that when Jesus died on the cross his blood was shed so we could have that forgiveness and have that grace. In the power of what he has done allows to have where Paul writes and says, "There is now no condemantion for those who are in christ Jesus,". But that doesnt just give us a license to say hey i'm going to do whatever i want to do, i'm going to go off and do what i want cause God's going to forgive me. If we truely understood, if i Robert House truely understood how much he did for me and what he went thru for me the thought that should come in my mind and all our minds is the scripture that says, "We should lay our lives down as a living scarifice which is holy and acceptable unto him which is our reasonable service." We should say, "God here am i," as Isaiah said i'm a man of unclean lips, here am i, i'm yours to be used in any way possible, that should be our heart just knowing who Jesus really is and what he has done for us.

Come Home Running

Oh heart of mine, why must you stray?
From one so fair you run away
And one more time you have to pay
The heaviness of needless shame

Oh heart of mine, come back home
You've been too long out on your own
And He's been there all along
Watching for you down the road

So come home running
His arms are open wide
His name is Jesus
He understands
He is the answer
You are looking for
So come home running
Just as you are

Oh child of God so dearly loved
And ransomed by the Savior's blood
And called by name, Daughter and Son
Wrapped in the robe of righteousness
Chris Tomlin

"It's our privilege to not only raise our hands in worship but also to combine the visible with the invisible in a rising stream of praise and adoration sent directly to our Father."
Shirley Dobson

Live Abundantly

"God is the giver, and we are the receivers. And his richest gifts are bestowed not upon those who do the greatest things, but upon those who accept His abundance and His grace."
Hannah Whitall Smith

Happy Birthday America

My favorite subject in school has always been history, i love study about events in the past that have helped to change our world. Here are some intresting facts about the 4th of July. On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain and Democracy was born. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave" so they can begin their American Dream. The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. Congress established Independence Day as a holiday in 1870, and in 1938 Congress reaffirmed it as a holiday. Patrick Henry once said, "Our country was founded on the Gospel of Jesus Christ." Of the 55 men who formed the Constitution, 52 were active members of their church. Thomas Jefferson called the bible the cornerstone for American Liberty. So this 4th of July lets not forget those who fought and are fighting to give us our freedom, and lets not forget that our country was founded on the gospel of Jesus Christ. "ONE NATION UNDER GOD" HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA.

Christian comedian Rich Praytor, pledge of allegiance

Could this be what the pledge of allegiance will be like in the future!!!

Dumb, Outrageous Church Bulletins

Here are some funny outrageous church bulletins, im sure we've all seen some in our days. For example one that Brother Guy shared with me and Bro. Greg at men's retreat, "This is private property those who cross over onto this land will be persucated to the fullest extent. Sisters of Mercy."

A.R.K

"If you wanna change the world, start by first building a ark. one Act of Random Kindness a day (ARK)"

"When you God ask for patience's, he doesnt just give you patience's he put's things in your path to help you be learn patience's. When you ask God for your family to be closer, he doesn't just say poof, he creates moments to help draw your family closer together."

Evan Almighty

Family

The past couple of days i had a chance to spend time with family from my dad's side. It was really great to visit with everybody and catch up on old times. A couple of them came all the way from New Jeresey. I was asked about a email address so here it is for my family who views this: jesusfreak2710@hotmail.com

DONE!!!

One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation.
Satan had just departed from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting.
"Yes, sir, I just caught a World full of people down there. I set me a trap and used a little bait. I knew they couldn't resist. Got 'em all!"
"What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked.
Satan replied, "Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how to hate and abuse each other, how to drink and smoke and curse. I'm gonna teach them how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna have fun!"
"And what will you do when you get done with them?" Jesus asked.
"Oh, I'll kill 'em," Satan glared proudly.
"How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked
"Oh, you don't want those people. They ain't no good. See, you'll take them and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, curse you then kill you. You don't want those people!!"
"How much?" He asked again.
Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, "All your blood, tears, and your life."
Jesus said without hesitation, "DONE!"
Then He paid the price.
- Isn't it funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the World's going to Hell?
- Isn't it funny how someone can say "I believe in God" but still follow Satan?
- Isn't it funny how you can repost a thousand jokes through bulletins and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending bulletins regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing?
- Isn't it funny how I can be more worried about what other people think of me than what God thinks of me.

Live Passionately

Romans 12:11, "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the lord."

Are you passionate about your life, your loved ones, your work, and your faith? As a believer who has been saved by a risen Christ, you should be. When you allow Christ to reign over your heart-when you worship him with words, thoughts, prayers, and deeds-your life can become a glorious adventure. And then, when you live passionately, and when you share your passion with others, God will most certainly bless you and yours...today and forever.

"You don't have to advertise a fire. Get on fire for God and the world will come to watch you burn." John Wesley

CHOOSE TO BE A BLESSING

i really dont know how to explain what's on my heart right now, but i will do my best to share with you. There is a song out called, The Blessing by John Waller. I never really listen to the words of the song till recently a really good friend of mine shared some things that was on her heart. She mentioned this song and i actually listened to the words and it broke me up inside. Here are the words to the song The Blessing:

Let it be said of us
While we walked among the living
Let it be said of us
By the ones we leave behind
Let it be said of us
That we lived to be a blessing for life

Let it be said of us
That we gave to reach the dying
Let it be said of us
By the fruit we leave behind
Let it be said of us
That our legacy is blessing for life

This day
You set life, you set death right before us,
This day
Every blessing and curse is a choice now
And we will choose to be a blessing for life

Let it be said of us
That our hearts belonged to Jesus Let it be said of us
That we spoke the words of life
Let it be said of us
That our heritage is blessing for life

For your Kingdom, for our Children
For the sake of every nation

You know we live in a generation today that lacks respect, lacks commitment and i dont mean job but family, wants only to blend in and be part of a group, there is too many indians and not enough chiefs. Families dont make time for church or god, people dont make time to visit the sick in hosiptals or take time to call and encourage people from their church, youth are selling out to the things in this world, plain and simple alot of this generation's fruit is rotten and stinks. How do we change this, CHOOSE TO BE A BLESSING FOR LIFE. Applying the words to this song is a good way to start. I want it to be said of me that my heart blongs to jesus, that i spoke the words of life, that my heritage is a blessing for life, and i choose to be a blessing for life, will you make the same commitment and help change this generation. For God's kingdom, for our childrens sake, for the sake of every nation, will you choose to be a blessing for life???
EPHESIANS 5:1, "Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do"

Psalm 97

I have many favorite scriptures but this one is at the top of the list:

1 The LORD is king!
Let the earth rejoice!
Let the farthest coastlands be glad.
2 Dark clouds surround him.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire spreads ahead of him
and burns up all his foes.
4 His lightning flashes out across the world.
The earth sees and trembles.
5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness;
every nation sees his glory.
7 Those who worship idols are disgraced—
all who brag about their worthless gods—
for every god must bow to him.
8 Jerusalem* has heard and rejoiced,
and all the towns of Judah are glad
because of your justice, O LORD!
9 For you, O LORD, are supreme over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.

OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!!!

Father's Day

Today is father's day as we all know, its day we celebrate and say thank you to all the dad's in the world, i just wish i had one more chance to tell my dad thank you. As some you know my father passed away November 9, 1996. Father's day has always been a hard holiday for me to get thru. I didnt spend much time with my father even though he made all the time in the world for me and my brother. My mother and father were divorced when i was a young boy so we saw my father on weekends. My father worked two jobs and did everything he could to make me and my brother happy, what did i do in return nothing, not a thank you, i love you or anything. I just wanted to go to his house to hang with friends. I've always wanted to go back and take just one day to tell my father how much he meant to me, how much i love him. But i know i cant. But i know one day when i cross over into glory the first person i will see standing at those pearly white gates with arms open wide will be my daddy and i will get to see him again one day and tell just truley how much he meant to me and that i love him. Till then i just gotta keep living my life for God. So i say today if your father is still alive do everythin you can to tell him how much you love him, how much you appreciate him, how much he means to you. Give him a big special hug today, cause you never know when one day he will never be around.

Prayer

“If we put so little heart into our prayers, we cannot expect God to put much heart into answering them.”
R. A. Torrey

I asked God for strength that I might achieve
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey
I asked for health that I might do greater things
I was given infirmity that I might do better things
I asked for riches that I might be happy
I was given poverty that I might be wise
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life
I was given life that I might enjoy all things
I got nothing that I asked for – but everything I had hoped for
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered
I am among all men most richly blessed.
unknown confederate soldier

“True prayer is asking God for what He wants.”
W. Barclay

I'm Back

Well, i'm back from kids camp, what blast it was to work in camp. It was a awesome time and i had alot of fun with the kids. Here is notes from my journel that i kept:

Friday June 8: I got to camp and helped finish setting everything up. Later that night me, gary, and andrew went coon hunting, yea were kinda redneck. The bus was in the ball field and we were told it wasnt running right. So we hoped on the bus hoping to solve the problem when we saw alot of buttons we couldnt resist and had to push. The red lights started flashing and would not shut off, finally we had to disconnet the battery for the lights to go off. We fixed the problem with the bus and it was running good. Best part i got to drive it around the ball field, never drove a bus before in my life. I did really good expect for the volleyball poles i ran into it. Oh yea, we never got any coons.
Saturday June 9: Kids arrived at camp, boy there was alot of them 56 total. It was a wild day, but with alot of fun. It was hard getting the kids to go to sleep, last time i check my clock it was 2:45 and they were still up running around. I could use some of that energy. Best part of the whole day was at night service, i lead a group of kids in the lords prayer of salvation. It was all i could do to keep from crying has i held a couple of them in my arms. God bless the little kids.
Sunday June 10: The day was filled with lots of fun stuff. During staff down time me, andrew, and josh went riding on the fourwheelers, you didnt know i could drive a fourwheeler, sometimes at 30 mph. We hit hills on the ball field and had the fourwheelers off the ground, i just about had to change my pants a couple of times. During the night service i was part of a human video which was awesome.
Monday June 10: We took the kids swimming, there was a crazy lady there walking around so we had to call the cops. She was a little bit strange to say the least. On the way back since we took my car cause the bus couldnt hold all the kids me, josh, and the three kids in my car made a pit stop by taco bell, at last real food. I let the kids stay up as late at the wanted too, not a smart thing as i didnt get any sleep at all.

Kids camp was a wonderful time full of joy and happiness. I look forward to next year and working in camp.

Kids Camp

The next couple of days my blog will be silent as many of you know i will be heading off to work in kids camp. Working in camp is something i always love and enjoy doing. I will bring back pics and will a keep a journey of everything that happened the three days im there and post it on my blog when i get back. See you soon!!!
"You live. You love! You forgive and never give up!!!!"

bad teaching strategies.

Here are a few tips for avoiding bad teaching strategies.

"If I have the language perfectly and speak like a native, and have not His love for them, I am nothing. If I have diplomas and degrees and know all the up-to-date methods, and have not His touch of understanding love, I am nothing. If I am able to argue successfully against the religions of the people and make fools of them, and have not His wooing note, I am nothing. If I have all faith and great ideals and magnificent plans, and not His love that sweats and bleeds and weeps and prays and pleads, I am nothing. If I give my clothes and money to them, and have not His love for them, I am nothing.
If I surrender all prospects, leave home and friends, make the sacrifices of a missionary career, and turn sour and selfish amid the daily annoyances and slights of a missionary life, and have not the love that yields its rights, its leisures, its pet plans, I am nothing. Virtue has ceased to go out of me. If I can heal all manner of sickness and disease, but wound hearts and hurt feelings for want of His love that is kind, I am nothing. If I can write articles or publish books that win applause, but fail to transcribe the Word of the Cross into the language of His love, I am nothing."
South African Pioneer

1 Corinthians 13:13, "Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love."

Congrats Youth

I want to take this moment and praise the youth of our church for another succesful year of school. Aaron, Bailey, Jacob, Kat, Sabrina and Britney i'm proud of you guys and the hard work and dedication you put into this year of school. Way to Go!!!

"This is what we were taught to do, it's getting knocked down, and you're raised -- it's in your spirit and soul -- you get back up! It's just, you never been hit like this before. You don't mind getting hit and criticized about a philosophy or a play. But it's being hit this way that is different. But boy, you're raised -- 'It's third-and-8. Let's go.' You get back up. You go."

Coach Houston Nutt

(Mac/PC parody) #4

okay here it is the last christian vs. christ follower. hope you like it.

working out

Well i finally did what i said i was going to do at the beginning of the year, i went back to they gym sunday and started working out. I'm feeling it today,i think i over did my first day cause i cant even lift my arms my muscles are very sore. This video shows what it was like for going back to gym.

(Mac/PC parody) #3

Okay here is what everybody has been waiting for, christian/christ follower part 3. Don't laugh too hard!!!

"My one aim in life is to secure personal holiness, for without being holy myself, I cannot promote real holiness in others."

John Wesley

helping our youth

I’m reminded of a story about David early in his life. Saul doesn’t like David and with a price on his head and Saul on his trail he runs. The young David does what most youth do when they are looking for help, he goes to church. Today’s youth are searching for purpose. Do you know why they try drugs? Do you know why they are running to motels at the age of 17 or 18? Or why they are in taverns and nightclubs? They are searching for purpose, and the church needs to supply that purpose. School shootings, terrorist attacks, dangerous “designer” drugs, teen suicide pacts. It seems there is no end to the reasons to fear for our teen’s safety and well-being. In today’s world, teens are likely to encounter more ethical and moral temptations, greater spiritual battles, and more emotional and relational struggles than any other generation in history. Young people’s exposure to sexual temptations, school violence, alcohol, and illegal drugs are some dangerous influences that threatens are youth today. My prayer today is that we do what Ahimelech the priest does when youth walks thru our church doors, TO OFFER NOURISHMENT TO OUR SPIRITUALLY HUNGRY YOUTH GENERATION. Ahimelech at first does what most of our churches do in America today, he is afraid when the young man walks through the door. If we can be truthfully honest a lot of times when a young person walks through our church doors we hesitate to reach out to them.In Mark 10:13-14 Jesus tells us how to treat our youth, “AND THEY BROUGHT YOUNG CHILDREN TO HIM, THAT HE SHOULD TOUCH THEM; AND HIS DISCIPLES REBUKED THOSE THAT BROUGHT THEM. BUT WHEN JESUS SAW IT, HE WAS MUCH DISPLEASED, AND SAID UNTO THEM. SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME UNTO ME AND FORBID THEM NOT; FOR OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD.” If we will just help our youth, instead of trying to beat them with a wooden stick, pretty soon we would hear them yelling, I WANT TO BE LIKE MY JESUS NO MATTER THE COST. Plan activities, youth services, or lock in’s for your youth group, spend time with the youth and fellowship with them. Jesus spent time with thieves, sluts, and liars so what is it going to hurt for us when the youth walk through the door to love them, hug them, care about them and their needs instead of condemning them. Jesus doesn’t condemn, so what gives us the right to condemn. God said to catch them and he would clean them, but sometimes though we try to do the cleaning ourselves and end up ruining the catch of the day. Young David ask Ahimelech for some food because he is hungry, David is spiritually hungry in need of nourishment for his soul. The only thing he has is holy bread, but he gives it to David. Ahimelech is wondering if just did the right thing, did he brake the law or obeyed a higher law. He decided the higher call was a hungry soul, rather then dot the I of God’s code; he met the need of God’s child. When our youth our spiritually hungry, what are you doing to feed their hunger? Too many times we don’t feed them and they find nourishment in all the wrong places. David also asks for weapon to defend himself. Are we teaching our youth and equipping them with the weapons needed to defend themselves in the spiritual battle their in or are we just putting them on the front line to be slaughter by the enemy so we can say, “I WAS RIGHT THEY WOULDN’T LAST.” David at this point is like most youth in our generation today, he is desperate for help, he has no place to hide from his battle, no food to eat, no recourse, and no resources. They are desperate and looking to go somewhere for help. My prayer for all of us today is that they can go to God’s sanctuary, to church and that we would open our hearts to them. I pray that each one of us would be an Ahimelech, a church leader with a heart for the desperate souls of our youth. Ahimelech feeds David’s soul and gives him a weapon for his battle. David came to church hungry and weaponless and leaves with a bellyful of bread and the sword of a giant. When youth leave church are their bellies full and equipped for battle or are they looking to the streets to fill their hunger and looking for a shotgun to defend themselves from abuse, neglect, or being made fun of. Pastor and author Eugene Peterson wrote one time and had this comment, “A SANCTUARY IS WHERE WE GET BREAD AND SWORD, STRENGTH FOR THE DAY AND WEAPONS FOR THE FIGHT.” Bread and the whole armor of God, food and equipment, the church exists to provide both to our youth. Do we succeed in doing so? Not always, youth-helping is never a tidy trade. Young people enter church seeking shelter from angry Saul’s such as abuse, neglect, broken hearted, and pressure of society. Ahimelechs of the church (leaders, teachers, pastors,) are called to provide shelter for youth generation. Jesus calls the church to lean in the direction of compassion. At the end of the day, the question is not how many laws were broken but rather, how many desperate David’s (young people) were nourished and equipped? Ahimelech TEACHES THE CHURCH TO PURSUE THE SPIRIT OF THE LAW MORE THAN ITS LETTER. David stumbles in this story, desperate young people will most of the time, but at least he stumbles into the right place-into God’s sanctuary, where God meets and ministers to hopeless hearts. When youth come thru our doors we should bring bread for their souls, and a sword for their struggle. My prayer is that our churches BE A HERO, MOBILIZES, DISCIPLES, AND EQUIP THE YOUTH OF THE NATION, TO LOVE AND CARE FOR THEM, AND TO OFFER NOURISHMENT TO OUR SPIRITUALLY HUNGRY YOUTH GENERATION

(Mac/PC parody) #2

Here is part 2 to christian vs. christ follower. there is four videos, you can find these on godtube.com, i will post each one the next couple days.

Brothers Love

“Brothers don't necessarily have to say anything to each other-they can sit in a room and be together and just be completely comfortable with each other.”
By Leonardo DiCaprio

On May 23, 1980 a screaming baby boy came into this world. That would be the #1 brother in world, my brother Alvin. I thank God for my brother, he has been a great brother whom i'm proud of and proud to call my brother, so thank you Alvin for all that you do and for having a heart after God. Love you bro.

(Mac vs. PC Parody)

Christian Vs. Christ follower, which one are you?

GODWEISER!!!

"I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."
By Michael Jordan

He was defeated for the state legislature in Illinois in 1832
He was defeated for Congress in 1843
He was defeated for Congress again in 1848
He was defeated for the Senate in 1855
He was defeated for Vice presidential ticket in 1856
He was defeated again for the Senate in 1858
He became president in 1860 and lives on history as one of the GREATEST PRESIDENTS IN UNITED STATES.
President Abraham Lincolin

If you never failed, you've never lived.

I had the honor this weekend to work at ladies retreat, it was a great time of refreshing for the ladies of arkansas. It was great joy to finally meet Brother and Sister Wells, i heard so many great things about them it was wonderful to finally meet them in person.

Don't Quit by Jill Wolf

Don't quit when
the tide is lowest,
For it's just about
to turn;
Don't quit over doubts
and questions,
For there's something
you may learn.

Don't quit when
the night is darkest,
For it's just a while
'till dawn;
Don't quit when you've
run the farthest,
For the race is almost won.

Don't quit when
the hill is steepest,
For your goal
is almost nigh;
Don't quit, for you're
not a failure
Until you fail to try.

Congrats to Sabrina and her CAC track team for winning the title at the track meet.

Go Hogs Go. Whoo Pig Zooie.