Why am I still wearing my nametag?

Ah, three dee why see. Maybe I'll post something more on it, but for now... What happens when Jeff goes jousting? Find out here:

Improvise

It has been said that necessity is the mother of all invention. So, may I present to you this: What do you do when you have to wrap presents and cut paper, only to have forgotten you broke off one of the handles of the scissors? Simple. Just take said instrument, an old "together" carabiner from 3DYC, and some duct tape, and wha-la...

A yearly event turned competition

On to bigger and better things...

Over a year ago, I had the privilege of meeting Dan the Graphics man, through the Derry Prenkert. This guy loves to go fishing, so that alone makes him cool. This fall, we participated in a Fantasy Football league, in which he crushed everyone. Apparently, he's slightly competitive when it comes to certain things.

For the last three years or so, I would take time off from drinking caffeinated pop, lasting about three months. The other day, Dan and I got onto the subject of refraining from this vice. Next thing you know, it has turned into a contest of who can go the longest without drinking any pop whatsoever. The winner gets the pure joy and satisfaction of victory over his foe.

So starting January 2nd, 2008, it is on. Anyone else dare to partake in this contest?

No Guitar Hero here.

I was listening to talk radio today(like I do most days), and heard this story. Merry Christmas, son!

I have forsaken my first love.

Contrary to what the title suggests, this is not a post about spiritual things... or is it? We shall see.

I must confess, I have been unfaithful. I don't exactly remember when I first fell in love, I think it was way back when life was simpler. Way back when Sunday nights held the routine of popcorn and ice cream while watching MacGyver. I think my father is responsible for introducing me, but it was so long ago. We shared many great memories... numerous vacations, went to ballgames, and spent everyday life together. There were times where we were separated, but it made the the times together all the more sweeter. Life was great, until about three weeks ago.

Two people, that I shall not name, led me astray with an unspeakable mistress. On a dare, I spent a few minutes with her, and I haven't been the same. There is something alluring about this new attraction, yet so very wrong at the same time. In the end, I think it was meant to be. My parents warned me that this would happen, and they themselves are examples to this dark occurrence.

I suppose it would be impolite to not say goodbye.It was a good run.

But now, here we go...

Time to embrace the season

Its that time of year again. I've been accused of being a Grinch on more than one occasion, so here you go...

My Grinch name is:

Grouchygrinch Jerkypants

Discover your Grinch name here...

The Family

Through Hell and back...

I hate shopping.

I loathe shopping.

Especially around this time of year. But for some reason, the the thought of a Christmas gift for one of the parental units was enough for my siblings and myself to bestow upon me the cup of completing the task of gift acquisition.

As I stood in line for much longer than I cared and was annoyed by cell phones, the two high schoolers who were buying a 360, (they were so lazy one procured a shopping cart to set it in, and promptly abandoned it after checkout in the Electronics section, only to leave me and the cashier shaking our heads at them) and everyone else, I noticed several things.

A) I still hate shopping, especially around people.
B) I'm stupid for going out in the crowds.
C) I saw many people from church, and guess how many were male... that's right, zero.

Oh well, at least I did not wake up early for it. And now, with such a feeling of accomplishment, I don't feel like I need to do one more productive thing today.

Frustrating... yet relieved.

I had this theory about a storyline in a t.v. show.
I forgot to share it with others.
I found out I'm right.

Here's to the magical picture box that so easily entertains me.

Serenity...Now.

Wow. Its been a crazy past two weeks. First the F3 tornado and all the running around as a result, then the Fall Shabang and all the running around for that. A little over a month ago, I had planned a little getaway for this weekend. Little did I know then that it was impeccable timing.
I am currently sitting in a coffeehouse on historic Main Street in a city, two states away.
Its been a good trip, once again, I've been able to hang out with a friend who has moved on from Northern Indiana. Other than that, I haven't done a whole lot.

So where exactly am I? Well I'm in a pretty historical city. It's neighboring city currently has this going on. This is the place where This city was the original capital of the Show Me State.

Anyways, it is good to get away. But have no fear, all will return to normal Monday morning.

As for now, I want pay may respects in a picture tribute to a fine establishment currently missing from Naptown.

Here's to you, Kentaco Bell.

Phrase of the week

"Serenity Now!!!"

A.D.D., or just lack of desire?

As I try to fall asleep, my mind races as to what all I have to do tomorrow. There is all the tearing down, setting up and everything else that involves getting the church ready for Wednesday night. But, there is also Wed. Night Youth, which leads me to think of what to attempt to do in Small Groups.
One thing I've noticed as of late, whether it be in Sunday School, Church Service, or Wed. Night, is the fact that these kids don't bring their Bibles to church.

Why is that?

Is it because "they just forgot", they were in a hurry, or is it something more?

Now, I'm not saying that bringing your Bible to church is the end-all of being complete in Christ, but isn't it a small indicator of something deeper taking place in one's life?

Here is my thought process on this one: Little Billy has accepted Christ as his Lord and Saviour. Little Billy understands that God is pursuing a relationship with him, and desires for him to do the same. Little Billy wants to do what ever it takes to draw close to his personal Saviour. Little Billy reads his Bible at home and hungers to learn more about him. Little Billy takes his Bible to church to follow along in Sunday School and in service. As a result, Little Billy participates and asks questions, and even takes notes on things that stand out to him.

Is this too far-fetched? You tell me. I think the problem is that somewhere along the line, something is failing in this storyline. I think its because it is not taking place at home. I think, as a result of not diving into a personal relationship with Christ, they don't show up to church wanting to learn or pay attention. I think there are too many distractions in their lives.

So, as a leader, what do I do? Should I throw my hands up in the air, like I just don't care? No. I should remember that for me to speak into the lives of students, or anyone, I need to live by example, and not give up.

Irony

This evening, I was talking to a gentleman at church. We talked about the tornado and swapped some stories. He pointed something out to me:

"Most tornadoes go after the mobile homes. This one decided to go after the factory that makes the mobile homes."

Here are some pics I took of the aftermath.

The Storm.

• Heard about a tornado, decided to check on my parents... power was shut off as I left from Naptown
  
• Took a different way back to church... took over an hour to get home
• Church opened as a shelter, helped run power from generators
• Told to go get rest at around 3 am
• Power restored about an hour ago
  

1. I was reminded of the awesome power of God and his authority
2. I was worried about a lot of friends and people from church
3. I was overwhelmed with compassion for those who have lost so much
   

Big Baby, tiny baby

I happen to frequent the Drudge Report on a regular basis to keep up on current events and whatnot. Every once in a while, there will be stories posted that are odd, or even amazing. Wednesday evening, I noticed a story about a Big Baby. You can find it here.
Just a short while ago, I noticed a story about a Tiny Baby. You can find it here.

In my heart there rings a melody...

Have you ever had one of those songs stuck in your head? Not one of the obnoxious ones, but a good one, say a worship song. Last Wednesday, I heard that Hillsong came out with another album. I got it and listened to it at work. One song in particular has been stuck in my head and my heart. Here's the words to Saviour King.

Verse 1
And now the weak say I have strength
By the spirit of power that raised Christ from the dead
And now the poor stand and confess
That my portion is ? and I'm more blessed

Pre-chorus
Let now our hearts burn with a flame
A fire consuming all for your Son's holy name
And with the heavens we declare
You are our king

Chorus
We love you Lord, we worship you
You are our God, you alone are good

You asked your Son to carry this
The heavy cross our weight of sin

I love you Lord, I worship you
Hope which was lost, now stands renewed
I give my life to honor this
The love of Christ, the savior king

Verse 2
Let now your church shine as the bride
That you soar in your heart as you offered up your life
Let now the lost be welcomed home
By the saved and redeemed those adopted as your own

Ending
I give my life to honor this
The love of Christ, the savior king

Going to Work

There are times when going to work isn't fun. I'm sure there are those of you out there that know this feeling: It seems that you can do everything right without recognition or reward, but as soon as you make a mistake(yes I make mistakes ,too), people let you know about it.

I really hate this. Not so much for me being told what i did wrong, but the fact that I get upset and frustrated and come down on myself much harder than most others do.

How do you deal with this, those three of you that might be reading? Here's the best that i can think of.

Slow down...

Take deep breaths...

Remember God is still on the throne...

Deal with the outcome.

Hmm. Remember God is still on the throne. Its kinda funny as even as I type this, that thought puts everything back into perspective. Thanks for listening, I think I'm gonna be okay now.

Going to church

Going to church is a hard thing to do when you work there all week. I have to be honest, I'm a poor attendee of NMC. There are two reasons for this:
A. Its my own fault. I wake up late, miss my alarm clock, and so forth.
B. Its because of work. Its hard to catch a complete service while wearing the pager. There are also more and more instances of people calling me or asking me to take care of something, because the secret is getting out that I work at the church.

In the last month, I've had the opportunity to go to The Connection twice. That makes the Grande total of Connection services I've been to three times (not including the two times I ran Media Shout).

Lately, my boss and i have been trying to get a good schedule so all of us facility people that work on Sundays can have a shot at an uninterrupted service.

In the past three weeks, my hours at the church have been getting little loopy. When can you do when your help decides to go to college? Bit it in a sense has been a blessing as a result. As I have to do more of the grunt work again, I have found myself attending church in Georgia, and California.

Podcasting is a gift from the Almighty. In recent days I've been confronted, convicted, challenged, and encouraged in my life. Now I know its not a replacement for attending a service at NMC, but it has been helping me put church into work during the week, w when at times on Sundays the work takes away from church.

If you are a little sluggish on knowing what podcasts are out there, check out my favorite four...
North Point Community Church - Andy Stanley
Mars Hill Bible Church - Rob Bell
Mosaic - Erwin McManus
Cornerstone Church - Francis Chan

This one's for you, Cam

Umbrella

Wake Up!!!

What do you do when you are awakened at 5 am by a call about an alarm going off at the church, and can't go back to sleep? You mess around with the camera. I tried to get some picks of the lunar eclipse, but the clouds weren't cooperating.

Pics from Sunday

Yeah, its a lot of pics, and sure I should delete some of them. But I think it takes away from the feel of it. So, enjoy!

Baptism and prayer room

So long, Christian Light (Bookstore)

Christian Light Bookstore in Nap-town is in what seems to be a snail's pace process of closing shop. I had been meaning to stop by for one last hurrah, and today was the day. Much to my delight , everything in the store is 70% off the original price. Needless to say I took advantage of it. I bought me a NASB Bible, a book by Donald Miller, and about 12 cds, in which 6 are cds I plan to hand out to a few people.

In other unrelated news, I despise Arby's again. I had been slowly warming up to the "5 for $5.95". Apparently now its "5 for $6.95".

Right now I hear a girlfriend voice being used in the house.

Where's Dave? (Just wanted to see if you are reading this.)

Its weird and sad not having all, or at least most of the SOAR kids around. Granted the two that are left behind are cool, but there was something about a bigger group, maybe because it was entertaining to see the personality clashes. Maybe because each one of them taught me something this summer.

I finally got my latest shipment of random shirts...two weeks after ordering them. But its all good. I'm just glad they came.

I'm anxious anticipating the arrival of Small Groups. I'm excited to jump in again with the same guys.

Wed night before the storm

Me and the nieces

Simpsonize Me

Well, everybody is doing it. So I figured, what the heck, I might as well try. Here's what came out:

What If His People Prayed?

Yes, I just referenced a Casting Crowns song. Forgive me, please. But, that is what is going on right now. There is a group of leaders and students taking shifts all night long to kick start (his overdue life as a star... sorry, A.D.D. moment) a week long of 24hr a day prayer leading up to school. I "wussed out" to quote Derry, a few minutes ago to attempt to get quality sleep in my bed.
I really enjoyed going on a prayer walk through the church. Hopefully as a body, we could do this more often.

Two Birthdays

I am 27 years old now.

I've been to 38 out of 50 states.
Been to Canada four times.
Been to Thailand twice.
I've broken my nose twice.
I've totaled two cars... neither of them mine.
Received one ticket, which was later taken off my record. (Disregarding a traffic signal)
I've held seven different jobs so far/with about three duplicates.
I've about three years of college in the bag.
Attended five churches so far.
Been on zero dates/been in zero relationships.


I am 11 years old now.

I've been apart of ministry at four churches so far.
Been on seven mission trips
Led five different small groups at NMC.
Been a part of __ students' lives.
Slowly starting to understand what being a Christ follower is all about.




I feel like an old man. Yet I feel like a little boy.

Pics from Mon and Tues

A post that is way overdue.

This is something that I should've posted a long time ago. I want to give a quick thanks to a warrior for the kingdom. I met this guy six or seven years ago, but that isn't that important. Frankly, it took me a while to appreciate this guy in the beginning, I was immature and didn't handle things well in several situations.

But here is where the story gets better. I was in over my head at 3DYC one year. I was in charge of a youth group and it was rough. I had to deal with some rough kids, and I had no idea what to do. I needed prayer. God had to humble me and told me that I needed to apologize to this guy and asked him to pray for me. I think through that God restored something in me.

I had the opportunity to go to Semp three summers ago. (Nygo this year, merge last year, then Semp) I had a great time with him. I was impressed with his wisdom, his leadership and his insights into ministry. I also loved the time when we crushed a couple of students in euchre

The last two summers, I have been given the opportunity to participate in Jr high summer camp at NMC. I loved the chances to see him in action, in his element.

Its been said by Derry Prenkert that this guy is one of, if not THE reason that Senior High Student Ministries is where it is today. I would agree wholeheartedly.

Thank You for putting up with me way back when.
Thank You for your countless hours of planning and spending time with the students.
Thank You for for your love of God, and through that God's love moves through you.
Thank You for your example of a Christ Follower.

Thank you Jason Thompson.

This is a test.

Blueberry Campfires

One of the highlights so far this summer involves slowing down, being open and real amongst friends. It also involves sitting on the porch around the "Blueberry Campfire" which consists of my two blueberry scented candles.

I've enjoyed it for several reasons. This my seem contradictory, but I am an introvert by nature. I draw energy from being alone rather than spending time with people. However, lately I've had this increasing desire to connect with people. Its almost like this hermit is feeling human again.

So, if you got nothing going on at say 10:45 pm, give me a call. Chances are you'll find me relaxing with some amazing people as the smell of blueberries in the air

Yes, I'm back.

Its been a crazy past three weeks. 1. New York for NYGO. 2. The work week on steroids, and purchasing this... My new baby, a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport. She needs a name, so come take a ride with me to help me name her.

3. Senior/Junior High Summer Camps. with all of that done now, I have the opportunity to actually slow back down to normal summer pace.

Summer Camps were great. My favorite non-spiritual highlights were:

• Driving a jet ski for the first time in my life
• paint balling with the students
• Seeing my creation in all its glory:

492 20oz Gatorade bottles and 28-30 rolls of duct tape in the raft, 15 bottles for each of the four oars. It was an awesome view to watch the cardboard boat races.

• Finally getting to ride Maverick on my third trip to Cedar Point for the summer

Its taking me a while to process the Spiritual highlights. Some of them are:

• Be careful when praying prayers... God may just answer them (like help in not being selfish)
• Praying in the prayer room at 3 a.m. after Cedar Point.
• Remembering to play like a child every once and a while

I was reminded once again how fun it is to work with Jr Highers. I love that you can earn their respect and get into their lives through being silly and they think you are the coolest. Something as simple as a pig hat can do wonders. So can catching a bird bare-handed.

I think God is on the move in my life. I feel like a brand new person as a result NYGO and camps. I've been making some mall adjustments here and there in my life, and it feels good. I'm excited to see what God is going to do next.

random text message

I've gotten random texts messages before, but sometimes you get cool ones. Apparently to no fault of the texter, I have no concrete idea as to who it was, but they asked for a scripture verse reference. So, maybe texting isn't completely of the devil

Investigate

Investigate my life and make me clean

Shine upon the darkest place in me

To you my life's an open book

So turn the page and take a look

Upon the life you've made

Always, my days, I'll praise

Verse of the day

Today's verse comes out of Psalms with the designation 42:11... Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Encouraged

Tonight, I went to a prayer meeting for the Senior High student ministries. It was encouraging. Very encouraging. I was encouraged to see students taking time out of their Sunday night to come together as one and lift up their youth group, their friends, their families and everything else. I was encouraged by the leaders that I got to pray with. I'm encouraged to see what God is going to do at summer camp. I'm encouraged to see what God is going to do in the upcoming year in the lives of students. I'm encouraged to see what God is going to do in my life in the coming months.

An update, A soapbox, and A couple bottles of Gatorade.

Well, I'm back from New York City. Nie Go (New York Go) was an incredible trip. (Insert sentence here...)

I'm sitting here with a little Fierce Grape and Berry as i am recouping from another run/bike excursion. Hopefully I didn't try to overdo it this time. It was just me and my friend Jennifer this time around. And now I'm listening to Andrew. That should tell you I'm in a somewhat quieter mood.

I learned a few things as a result of my trip. I still don't like talking to complete strangers. I felt like I was a complete failure at times as a leader. Sometimes for good reason. I allowed myself to not stay connected to God like I should have. I don't like the fact that I think about being lonely. I feel like I am perpetually never going to figure out this Christ follower thing.

On the other hand I learned that there is nothing I can ever do on my own power to "arrive." I learned that when I am connected to God pretty cool things happen through me.

Now, all two of you that read this are probably thinking, "That's some pretty elementary stuff to be learning there, Jeff." Well... it probably is. I learn something, and then for some reason, I end up forgetting it. It seems to me that the people had that problem in the Old Testament as well. Could it be that i am normal? Hmm... The verdict is still out on that.

Anyways, my main take away from my trip is that in order to be an authentic Christ-follower and an authentic witness, I need to continually spend time connecting with God through time with Him. The best way for me to do this would be to do so in the morning. To accomplish this, I need to work on (gulp) Discipline. Along with TawG time and a habit of continually prayer, I need to work on listening better, encouraging, to name a few.

Now I feel like I want to complain or something but I can't do it. I guess I could simply use perpetual prayer. I don't know how to deal with loneliness. I could go into more detail, but I'll let you ask me. I'm going to go pray about it, since i just reminded myself to do so.

I've been tagged.

I've been tagged. You are supposed to put your Ipod on shuffle and write down the first 15 songs. So, here it goes.

1. Fishy by Philmore from Philmore
2. There Is A River by Jars of Clay from Good Monsters
3. Lonely Nation by Switchfoot from Nothing Is Sound
4. Nothing To Say by Andrew Peterson from Carried Along
5. Spinnin' Round by PFR from Goldie's Last Day
6. Take by Skillet from Hey You, I Love Your Soul
7. Love Life by Cross Movement from Human Emergency
8. Let it Rain by Newsboys from Going Public
9. Old West[Demo] by Five Iron Frenzy from The Cheeses of Nazareth
10. Easier Than Love by Switchfoot from Nothing Is Sound
11. Can't Get Away by Rush Of Fools from Rush Of Fools
12. Sure Shot by The O.C. Supertones from Chase The Sun
13. Raise a Voice by Matt Redman from Facedown
14. You Do All Things Well by Chris Tomlin from Arriving
15. You Put This Love In My Heart by Kieth Green from Kieth Green: The Ministry Years Vol. 1 - 1977-1979

I have to be honest (A) I'm not a fan of the whole shuffle concept, and (B) The very first time I hit shuffle I had three songs from the same worship compilation. Now that wasn't very shuffle like.

Sweatin' to the Oldies

So Monday night I actually went for a run. Yes, I just said I went for a run. Its amazing the things you'll do when you get kicked out of your place of residence for a while. Along with me, I had the opportunity to listen to some good old friends.


I've been having conversations with different people about the Christian music of the mid to late 90's. I don't know if I'm being nostalgic or what, but I think that this is the best era of Christian music. Argue with me all you want, but I'm sure I'm right. I mean who can be better than groups like:

Five Iron Frenzy
Poor Old Lu

Black Eyed Sceva

BleachJohnny Q. Public

... and I could go on. But I think I got my point across. Feel free to argue with me, or add other bands to the mix.

Saved by the Bell

So lately I've been on a Rob Bell kick. Since buying the number NOOMA 014, I, along with one of my esteemed housemates have been plowing through the previous installments.

I recently bought an Ipod. It took me a while to rip all of my cd's and then put them on there, but I think I'm done. This is exciting because I'm now delving into the world of pod casting. This has been something I've wanted to do for some time. I'm probably behind the time, but I just listen to Rob Bell's message on Matthew 28 from April. For some reason, maybe because of where I am in this whole being a Christian... this message resonated with me. I think its awesome how God's timing is , even when it is simply hearing a message from some guy from some church called Mars Hill.

Redneck Locksmith

Today was a busy day off. I enjoyed seeing a friend who is in the Air Force and is home for a spell.

I got to do some random running around, including picking up this. I've heard Rob speak on this at a National Youthworkers Convention in '02, I think. Good stuff.

Went out to Prairie Camp, to take some pics of the 1st and 2nd graders at Summer Camp. I tell you what... I spent a few hours out there, it felt like a few days. I can't imagine how the counselors handled it. Here are a few shots from it...

These are a pair of my house guests. It was fun to see these guys in action. From what I observed and what I heard, these guys were incredible.

I went to the parent's for a bit, then ended up going back to Prairie Camp to watch a little NMC church league softball. I got to take a few pics there as well. Afterwards, a certain senior happened to lock his keys in his truck. After an hour, two screwdrivers, a broken yardstick, and a coat hanger, we got his door open.

What a weekend

This has been a crazy long weekend.

NYGO retreat... good stuff.

Work at the church.

Accident at the intersection by the house... staying up late praying and turning traffic around.

Sleeping in because of staying up late, but not as late as others.

Church and work.

Hang with the parents.

Two open houses for graduates.

Partially attending church tonight.

Witnessing the aftermath of another probably deadly accident a mile and a half down the road.


What I've been reminded of this weekend...

God's goodness and faithfulness.

People need to be more careful on the road.

Update

Here is an update. Stop pestering me about updating... it only cheapens the pure creativity and the thrill and enjoyment of an original post. See? This is a bad post on my behalf.

Six Flags

On Thursday, I went to Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia. Its been a while since I 've been to a theme park other than Cedar Point or Kings Island, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to do so.

Superman The Escape
Deja Vu

Those were just a sample of the rides. Moat of the rides there were nothing that Cedar point or King's Island wouldn't have. However, there are two rides they have that are pretty sweet.

This is Tatsu. What is so cool about this ride is that your seat gets turned over so you are lying down as if you are flying.

This is X. This ride has seats that flip according to where the train is on the track.

Until the sun goes down over Santa Monica Boulevard...

So, I suppose I should continue where I left off... almost a week ago. After I got settled in at the Hotel Wednesday, I tried to figure out what I was going to do. I decided to head up to Santa Monica to catch a movie at the theatre. From there, I drove down the Boulevard to try to catch the sunset off of the Santa Monica Pier.
Unfortunately, I forgot a little fact; the sun actually sets behind the hills:
It still made for good pics, I suppose. I took a bunch once I got there. here are some of my favorites...

For supper, I decided to hit this joint:

Its kinda hard to take a good picture by yourself, as you can see.

It was a good little outing. What was also great was I got to do this all before watching Lost.