A mini rant.

I'm a big fan of M. Night Shyamalan. There hasn't been a single movie of his I didn't like. I'm tired of hearing all these people complaining that his movies don't do what they expect them to do. This guy creates his own movies, and if you can't enjoy his creations, then too bad. I think far too often people will see a movie trailer and go to the movie with preconceived notions about what is going to happen and when they are wrong, they complain about it. How many people out there are creating something new, not a remake of a 70's horror movie, a remake of some other movie, a comic book or a sequel (to milk the money out of the franchise)?

With that being said, I loved The Happening. It definitely warrants the rated "R" status... not for the faint of heart.

Random pics from DCGO retreat

What do a bunch of guys do at 7 in the morning at Prairie Camp?

Disappointed

I miss Henschen's that used to be at the corner of S.R.19 and C.R.50. It was so convenient to have a good gas station near by. They sold to store to some other people, and they didn't keep it running. For the past two or three months, the have been closed. However, they still had the price of $3.03 on the sign. It had been regular entertainment for me to watch people pull up, attempt to pump gas, head to the door to go inside and say something is wrong with the pump, only to realize that no one is there and they are closed. Of course, I go to take a picture today and realize they took the price down.

Mountain Dew Challenge

I suppose its time for me to weigh in on this go-round. Day 44 of no pop is coming to an end. My arch-nemesis of the challenge wussed out ages ago. I have no real reason to keep going on. At this point, I would consider it an honor to lose to the other two contestants, but alas, I will press on.
Here's to another 31 days...

The Team

Here is the DCGO Team ... New Life and NMC combined:
I'm excited about this trip for several reasons:

• The personal testimonies of these kids are amazing. We've heard stories of growing up in the religion of church, stories of hurt in relationships, lost loved ones, doing a good job of "going through the motions", and battles with depression. It is so clear to see the Christ has showed up and even wrecked these kids for the Kingdom.
• There has been a difficult time securing some of the other leaders for this trip. I think God has a purpose and a plan behind it and it is going to be awesome to see it play out.
• These kids have no clue what there are signed up for... I can't wait to see God show up in mighty ways this next week.
• This is my fifth trip like this, and I have no clue what I signed up for (I do, but I don't)... each trip is different and I can't wait to see what God wants to show me on this trip about my life, my relationship with him, and my calling in life.

Ways to pray for this trip...

1. First of all, pray for Pastor Jason. Pray that he would take this time to continue to heal physically, as he won't be going with us. With that pray that he would not be discouraged as a result of not going, and that God would just take this time to speak to him in a new way.
2. Pray for Pastors Chris and Brad. Ask that God with give the them wisdom and clarity to lead this group of students. Along with them, Pray for Kelsey Bullock, Katelynn Miller, Peggy Bearss, Leslie Yoder, Craig Helfrich, Dustin Gill, and myself. Pray that we too would have the wisdom to ask the right questions to our students and to be patient with them.
3. Pray that the students will understand that success is obedience to God... nothing more, nothing less.
4. Pray that comfort zones will be stepped out of. Pray that we are put into situations where God has to show up, or we look like a bunch of failures.
   
5. Pray for clarity for all of us to realize the divine appointments that are set before us.
   

All is well

I feel as if Nappanee is complete again.


Now if we can get one of these, it would be next to Heaven on Earth.

Umm...

Wow.

Where has Jeff been in the last week?

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.
Psalm 42:11

Part one...check.

Part two...check.

Part three...Boo-Yah!

The List

Ok. Time for a list.
I've been contemplating this for a while, but there are some things I want to do this sumer and year. So, with out further ado, here are some things I want to do this year.
1. Go fishing with my boat at least six times: One of those with my dad.
2. Go golfing at least three times. If I go, its usually only twice.
3. Make it to a cubs game at Wrigley Field: never been there.
4. Head up to Chicago again to go see Wicked, Stomp, Blue Man Group, or something of the like.
5. Sell my car. I'm tired of it sitting in my drive way. As soon as I put an alternator in it, its go time.
6. Learn to play guitar.
7. Take more time to spend more time alone with God time. This one will happen. I'm tired of being shallow in my relationship with Christ. Along with that, I want to work on my journaling. I suck at it, so really there is either only room for improvement, or no change at all. I want the former over the latter.
8. Speak less. I want to be able to learn from those around me and not just say thing to say things.
9. Go wake boarding at least once.
10. Ride jet skis at least twice.

So long, Showplace

Last night I was hanging out with a couple of gentlemen, both of drinking age. We were going to go see Prince Caspian, a rated PG movie. Apparently after 9pm on Friday and Saturday, anyone looking under the age of 25 has to show i.d. I suppose we'd be ok if everyone had their i.d.'s with them, but they didn't. Still, a stupid rule.

I won't be going back anytime soon.

The Name Game

In the past months, I've been introduced to The Office on NBC. I am no Steve Carell fan, but I do like the show. If you don't know me, I'm kind of a sci-fi nerd. It just so happens that I share a lot of of the same entertainment interests of the one and only Dwight Schrute. Dwight is known to like movies and shows like Star Wars, LOTR, 24, Heroes, Lost, and Battlestar Galactica.

I stumbled across the NBC video rewind, and saw that you can watch the first season of The "A" Team online. In high school, I went on a mission trip to Florida. While we were down there, we got on to the subject of that t.v. show, and so we started giving each other nickname from that show, and others. I was dubbed Murdock, because he was the crazy one, and apparently everyone thought it fit me.

The character of Murdock is played by Dwight schultz.

Jeff's nickname is Murdock, Murdock is played by Dwight Schultz, Dwight Schultz -> Dwight Schrute?

I've officialy spent to much sitting in the coffee house.

Frustrating.

I love Christian music. When I first entered into a relationship with Christ at the age of 16, I dived into the Christian music hardcore. I listened only to Christian music, (except for Country, when I had to ride the bus to and from school) went to as many concerts as I could, and had a wardrobe composed heavily of band t-shirts. A.D.D. moment: My shirts have been moving on to their final resting place, one by one over the years. Its been a sad transition.

As of late, it has been difficult to make it to the concerts as time progresses. I'm older, I don't listen only to Christian music- so i don't hear the announcements, (rock, talk radio, etc.) and all around I'm always busy when the concerts happen.

Several months ago I heard about two of my favorite bands are going to be in the area:David Crowder Band is going to be @ the Elco on June 19. I will be on the DCGO trip.

Delirious?, with lead singer Martin Smith (second on right) Have written songs including "I could sing of your love forever", "Shout to the North", "My Glorious", "Did you Feel the Mountains Tremble?", "Majesty"and "Rain down" They will be playing in Ft. Wayne on July 12. This is during Sr. High Summer Camp.

Observations from a coffee house

I like hanging out at coffee houses. I have done it in Kansas City, St. Charles, and Nappanee. Ok, so I don't do it much, but there is something about it that allows me to slow down, collect my thoughts, and post stuff on this blog. My main observation that is spurring this post is this: Do you ever get slightly annoyed by something, which is not a big deal? So what happens when you start to think about the small annoyance? Well, if you're anything like me, it get really annoyed by it, or them.

This instance is brought to you by the ladies who are taking time to connect and talk and talk and talk... nonstop. To be honest, its not a bad thing, it has reminded me of something... do I talk the time to actually listen, or am I just wanting for my turn to jump into a conversation?

Harty Boys

You might find this amusing:

The problem of Red Bull

I don't know if it the cause or the effect... maybe its just the typical run of the mill miscreants of Nappanee, but I just watched as a adolescent disposed of his spent can of Red Bull outside the Coffee Shop door. Let the discussing the spiritual meanings of this begin...

A tale of text messaging.

So, two Sundays ago, I was minding my own business as I was heading to service in The Connection. During service, I received multiple text messages.

Text message number one was from, a Jr. High pastor wanting me to get the attention of the person next to me.

Text message number two was from a youth who not thrilled about the lyrics on the side screens during worship...

 I just got off the phone with jesus and he said to put the words on the middle
screen. Or you shall be shunned!

I had ran Shout during the On Fire Rallies, but that was the last time. Why this is my responsibility, I don't know

Text message number three was a pic from another person in the youth:
With the artistic help of the one and only Carter Ammerman, I replied with this:

I then got a response of ... Touche.

Maybe I should turn my phone off more often.

Remember me?

Hello Blogging world, Its been a while. I'm Hanging out at Main Street Coffee House and its time to return to blogspot...

Really cool stuff

Ok, I'm still up for some reason I don't know. I stumbled across something on the internet, and its awesome. This guy has discovered some really cool things you can do with a wii remote:

Here is where I got the video.
Here is his website.

The five dollar bill

So yesterday as I was meandering around the summit city, I noticed something. The new 5 dollar bill got a make over:What is with adding purple to the dollar? Is purple the only solution in the war against counterfeit money?

Greetings from a land far, far away... or several counties anyways.

What a glorious day today. There is just something about getting away that breathes life back into one's soul. Kinda sad that I have to get away from church to do so. Anyways, the whole plan is do take it easy these next days. I'm just making stuff up as I go.
Between last night and this morning, I realized something through observing my nieces. There is no filter on their minds. They aren't afraid to ask many questions and they will speak their mind. Maybe it is the innocence in their inquiries of life, but something about them reminded me of a passage of scripture in Matthew 18.

1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"

2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Now, I'm not saying I want to be the greatest in heaven, but verse 3 is what struck me. How often do I try to have everything figured out, and act like I have arrived at the destination of being a "Christian". I need to continuing pursuing a child-like faith, and keep from having the mindset of having figured this whole thing out.

Okay, now for a random story. Until this morning, I have never been served breakfast in bed. Ellie, the 8 yr old in the middle of the pic is the reason for the end of this "I never...". Coupled with that, I do believe this is the first time I ate cereal with milk in it. Call me crazy, but I've never been keen on that concept. What am I going to do, not eat it? My niece took the time to prepare it for me.