2006-12-26

Year in Jesus?

'Nightline': The Year in Jesus
From Mega Churches to the Controversy of Hollywood Stars and Their Religious Beliefs

Click HERE for full story.

Nightline did a year in review for Jesus. Describing some of the more national covered events and people of 2006 in the realm of Christianity. Kind of interesting to look back on.
-T-

2006-12-07

Dumb Criminal

Man Picks Wrong Time to Use Bogus Check

Season 6 of "24"

Click on picture to go to the new season trailor....

A Junior High Moment

Here's a recent headline from www.space.com
Uranus Has a Dark Spot

A Wasted 100

I just realized that I missed the 100th post. I guess I wasted it on a news article about a man who grunts too much.

Yeah!
-T-

Talk about Tough Love

Kid arrested for playing with Christmas present

This is one mother you do not mess with.
-T-

Seeking Employment

Police: 15-Year-Old Steals Bus, Drives Route Collecting Fares

Sounds like he was just in need of a job.
-T-

This is gross

http://www.nopeitssoap.com/
Principal suspended for giving kid a ‘wedgie’

Scientology?

Here is a link to a report on Scientology from RollingStone Mag.
It seems to be a fair article, asking what is it and why would it make Tom Cruise so nutty. It definitely answers a lot of questions about what it is and what they believe.

What were they thinking?

Tesco condemned for selling pole dancing toy

Squirrels go nust on crack

CLICK HERE

Which forces me ask..."How would you know?"
-T-

The Church You Know...

This web-site plays off the NBC "The More You Know" service ad campaign.
Down right hilarious. I want the t-shirt.

CLICK HERE

Yet another article from TIME Mag

God vs. Science
We revere faith and scientific progress, hunger for miracles and for MRIs. But are the worldviews compatible? TIME convenes a debate

This is an interesting article if you are interested in the struggle between faith and science ability to "answers" the mysteries of our world.

Enjoy!

-T-

Another TIME Mag article on youth ministry


How to Get Teens Excited About God
Youth ministers are seeking clues in the results of a new survey of teens and the church, which shows a spiritual longing that is often not fulfilled

In Touch With Jesus

Sugarcoated, MTV-style youth ministry is so over. Bible-based worship is packing teens in pews now.


from TIME magazine. Click HERE to read the article.

A ban on all religion?

"From my point of view, I would ban religion completely. Organized religion doesn't seem to work. It turns people into really hateful lemmings and it's not really compassionate." - Elton John

You can read more of Elton John's statement HERE.

I'm a little torn by the comments made by Sir Elton. While I think it's pretty shortsighted and intolerant of him to not allow a person of faith to have the opinion that homosexuality is wrong, I wonder if this reaction is due to the unloving response Christians have shown the gay community.

It's hard to live a response like Jesus' because Jesus never encounter a homosexual in the scriptures. But we do know that Jesus loved sinners and responded to sinners with demonstrations of love. And we know that Jesus was stern and confronting in the way he addressed believers who did not demonstrate love.

I am not in anyway condoning homosexuality. Just like I wouldn't condone any kind of sexual immorality. But I do believe we need to be a people who love the unlovably...just like God loved us.

-T-

The Lazy Man's Soap

You have to be pretty lazy to buy this. How hard is it to lather yourself up with a bar of soap or scrub yourself with a loofah.
But if you are CLICK HERE.

I'll probably have to purchase some.
-T-

Tired of MySpace?

Here is another community networking site call VOX

click here

I personally like it better than myspace, which to me is too cluttered.
My VOX is www.trevorscott.vox.com

-T-

Don't strain yourself!

Man Escorted From Planet Fitness Gym For Grunting

This is....funny?
-T-

Go Green

For those of you who find yourself concerned about the enviroment and the future of our earth. Personally I'm not a fanatic, because if this world were to die it would mean Jesus' return was imminent, but I do feel that one of the core responsibilities of men and women is to care for our world. I think that's what God assigned to Adam and Eve.

Anyways if your concerned here is a helpful, useful website:

http://www.worldchanging.com/

-T-

a beautiful blog tribute

Here is a blog entry by a guy named Bob Carlton in tribute to Mike Yaconelli. Yaconelli was a guru of sorts in youth minister/ministry circles. He was definitely someone who helped me catch a glimpse of the wreckless love of God through his teaching, writings and life.

Blog Entry Here.

-T-

Something about this news story stinks.

Flatulence, not turbulence forces plane landing in Nashville

Can you imagine the terrorist buying cans and cans of refried beans.
-T-

Present Ideas

63 Gift Ideas for Under $10

Quote:

"My children will not remember the words of wisdom I've passed along over the years, nor will yours remember the good advice you've given. However, etched in their minds and planted in their hearts is a permanent picture of who you are and how you've lived before them."
- Dorothy Kelley Patterson, Parents in Ministry (co-written by Armour Patterson)

2006-11-27

What's Really Going on in the O.C.

Dirty Dancing Banned in the O.C.
Freak Dancing Is Too Hot for a California High School
By LAURA COVERSON
***********************************************
Click on the story title for the whole report.
Personal I am glad to see this. I wish that our society didn't have to respond to these extremes. Someone might try and say that our culture has always thought that the dancing of youth was too extreme. They might point our Elvis Presley wiggling his hips or the movie Footloose.
But this is something entirely different.
The "dancing" this article is speaking is far and away beyond "dancing". It is essentially a simulated sex act that is unfit for public display. Unfortunately the youth of today have full access to this behavior in half the videos played on MTV, which is promoting this as appropriate behavior.

-T-

Welcome to the world of paradox

From the web-site www.ysmarko.com. Marko is the president of Youth Specialties, an organization that creates resources for youth pastors, youth and parents.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to the world of paradox!
If you have a preteen or a young teen living in your home, you gain a whole new appreciation for the concept of paradox. These wonderful kids completely embody every meaning of the word. In so many areas, they seem to be both one thing, as well as the polar opposite! (This can be quite maddening, and paradoxically, quite exciting!) It’s all about transition, baby.
Here’s a list of a few you might notice:
Young teens can be incredibly trusting, but will only listen to someone who’s honest and transparent. Young teens (and especially preteens) don’t have the jaded skepticism of their older teen brothers and sisters. They are very willing to trust – a wonderful characteristic that shouldn’t be missed. This time of life is, in many ways, a last-stop refueling station into the long desert drive of adolescence. Take this opportunity to build on that trust, to show that your word is good.
At the same time, they are beginning to develop a more adult sense of the baloney-detection. If you want to be an example to your young teen, if you want to continue in a role of impacting their lives, it’s essential that you do so through a commitment to honesty and vulnerability. This can be pretty tough, even threatening. When you’re wrong, it’s crucial that you admit it. If they sniff out insincerity or hypocrisy in your or your words, you’ll quickly lose your place of leadership in their lives.
They’ll catch less than you’d think, yet they’re savvier than you’d expect. This is a tricky one, but so true! Because the life of a young teen is all about change (physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, psychological), they have a huge tendency to “in-one-ear-out-the-other” behavior. You’ve certainly experienced this! You explained to your daughter why a certain behavior is a bad choice, and two weeks later, she seems to have no memory of that discussion. Often that’s because she really doesn’t have a memory of that discussion!
But at the same time, young teens are developing a very savvy ability to see through charades, to understand when they’re being marketed to, and to be aware of consequences. Often what happens with kids this age is that they are savvy enough to understand a situation, but not enough to apply it to their lives.
They want to be treated like adults, but have the opportunity to act like children. This has enormous implications. They’re caught in an in-between world. They know where they want to go: they know they want to be treated like adults, to have more freedoms, to make more decisions on their own, to not be treated as if they were 4th graders. It’s important to talk to young teens with an adult voice, and to begin the move to a come-alongside perspective.
But at the same time, they are still very much children, and need the opportunity to act that out, without pressure to grow up too soon. A girl may move out of her childhood music choices, but still love to play with Barbie dolls. Allow her to live in that place. A boy may desire to sit at the adult table at family gatherings, but still keep a childhood stuffed animal on his bed. Don’t rush them into adulthood, but don’t treat them like little kids anymore either.
Some are really young adults, while some are really children, and most are both. The reality is this: it’s not that the young teen living in your home is either a child or a young adult (with some magic line being crossed at some point); it’s that she’s both, at the same time. Young teens aren’t just in-between, they’re in an overlap zone – childhood remains, while they’ve already stepped into the young adult world.
Living with paradox isn’t easy! But it’s not only the reality of the young teen years, it’s somehow part of God’s wonderful design for this transition to healthy independence and adulthood. Have fun!

2006-11-17

"Deliver Us From the F-Word"

This article is for anyone else who finds the F-Word to be somewhat over-played. You can read it below or go to the original website HERE.

Author: Rick Lawrence
I was standing in a high school lobby eavesdropping on kids' conversations. No matter what the subject, the f-word was the universal choice of modifiers.
That's those unchurched kids for you.
Not so fast.
When we asked a couple of Christian student leaders to keep a journal of what they saw, heard, and experienced during a 10-day youth group trip, they painted a picture of spiritually hungry, morally determined kids whose one compulsive vice was cursing. For example, one wrote: "Aside from everyone's (self included) fondness for four-letter words, it was a nearly spiritually flawless day."
An isolated observation? Hardly. A Chicago Sun-Times poll of 10,000 kids found that "more and more kids are being exposed to curse words at an early age, and 'traditional' curse words such as 'hell' and 'damn' have been replaced by words once considered too vulgar for adults."
Youth leaders everywhere tell me they've heard an alarming increase in cursing over the last few years. Infractions range from the ubiquitous and casual use of the f-word to rude, suggestive, and sometimes vicious references about other people. One youth minister told me a teenage guy in his group e-mailed a female adult leader to ask what she does when she "gets horny."
What's going on here? Why do kids—even Christian kids—feel so comfortable with foul language? And how does it impact their spiritual growth?
Why Kids Use ProfanityKids swear because profanity conveys strong emotions. And strong emotions are the norm when you're a teenager. According to Timothy Jay, author of Cursing In America, teenagers also use curse words as a tool to separate themselves from adults. But why such a sharp upswing in foul language? Libby Barron, a senior at Jordan High School in Durham, North Carolina, explains, "We're desensitized to the profanity displayed in the media. We don't even notice it anymore."When researchers tracked kids living in a remote Canadian town that did not have television until 1973, they observed a 161% increase in "biting, shoving, and name-calling among first- and second-graders two years after the introduction of television."
What We Can Do We know profanity isn't nice, but is it a sin? When Jesus called the Pharisees a "brood of vipers," was he cursing them? It's important we answer these questions because kids who hear "it's bad because it's bad" are more—not less—likely to swear. They need to know why it's bad so they can stand against it. So help them forswear swearing by teaching them...
• Words have power. We either build up or tear down with them. And profanity almost always tears down. That's why Scripture is full of warnings against cursing, including Proverbs 13:3; Matthew 12:34-37; Romans 12:14; Ephesians 4:29 and 5:4; Colossians 3:8 and 4:6; Titus 2:7-8; and James 3:8-10. "Profane" means "to treat something sacred with abuse, irreverence, or contempt..." So when kids use the f-word, they treat something sacred (the act of intercourse) with contempt. Ask kids to keep a running tally of the number of profanities they hear during one day at school or one night of TV-watching. Have them report back, then ask: Were you surprised at what you learned? Why or why not? What makes profanity bad? How does swearing impact your relationship with Jesus? Why does God tell us not to use profanity?
• Cursing makes others stumble. We're warned by God that if our actions cause others to stumble, we're violating our calling to love our neighbors as ourselves. Tell kids the truth—according to researchers, people who curse are respected less in our society and have fewer deep relationships. Challenge kids to use only "prayer" words—if they wouldn't use the word in conversation with God, then it's not appropriate in any other context. Give kids alternative—and attention—grabbing-words that can substitute for profanity. Shakespearean words are a good-n-goofy choice (a pox upon you!) or try words such as drivel, hogwash, or balderdash.
Kids won't change their habits if we tell them swearing is merely an issue of niceness. But those who love God will change if it's a gospel issue. It's up to us to help them see why it is.

Rick Lawrence has been editor of GROUP Magazine for 18 years. He recently authored JC Q's: 150 Jesus-Centered Discussion Questions (Group).

Very hopeful!!!

U.S. experiment uses AIDS to fight AIDS
How interesting is this news article? Could this be a solution to our world's most feared epidemic?
This reminds me of stories I heard in middle school science about how many of our vaccines were discovered.

-T-

Extreme Sports

This website is dedicated to the extreme sport of ironing.

If anyone is interested and needs to practice let me know and I'll bring my laundry by.
-T-

This is just gross...


... and yet I want to visit it.




-T-

Another scary news article...

Australia Senate lifts ban on cloning

I'll be honest and admit that there are days when I would like to see what advances can be made through the development of cloning.
But my imagination only leads me to believe that the negative results will far out way the positive.

Just another reason to pray?

Another reason to pray for the difficult questions that this life has to offer and that we as Christians need to respond to.

I don't know about you but things like me only remind me how much I need my God.

-T-

I find this incredibly scary...

Puberty Hitting Girls as Young as 4 Years Old

Parents I find this article incredibly sobering. When people say that the world is changing, it is in more ways than we realize it.

How does the church respond proactively to this kind of news?

Thinking from the children's ministry angle, how does this affect the way we minister to children?

2006-11-01

A Commercial for Dove

I love the honesty and brillance of the Dove campany to introduce the reality of beauty in our society.

Truth is a very powerful weapon. No wonder Jesus said that the "truth would set you free."

Whenever truth is present the threat of lies and fear lose all power. The only probablem with Truth is it requires Trust, which unfortunately we lack in abundance.

-T-

2006-10-27

Elvis vs. Cobain

A recent report clains that Kurt Cobain (of Nirvana fame) out-earned Elvis Presley this past year, among dead celebrities.
(read story here...Cobain bumps off Elvis as top-earning dead celeb
This is the first time in the six years of the study that Elvis has been beaten.

However according to GoogleFight.com Elvis defeats Cobain 5,820,000 to 2,830,000. (as of October 27, 2006)

The INVOLVED Generation

Here is a fancinating article about the current teenage generations passion to be involved...

Generation Y gets involved

Along with the web-site are some more links that bring to light characteristics and qualities of Generation Y.

In the article we read about students who are becoming actively involved in the causes of their world. They are active in issues of AIDS, poverty, education, the enviroment, etc.

My question is this: In light of this article what would our student's ministry look like if we became actively involved in the things that students are already concerned and involved with. What if our student's ministry created opportunities to lead our city in cleaning our enviroment? What if our student's ministry created opportunities to redeem someone from poverty? What if our student's ministry created opportunities to collect and distribute resources to single mothers, orphans and prisoners.

This is the student ministry I want to be apart of. I do not want to be a youth pastor who becomes a social planner. While I love hanging with student's at Six Flags, or the high school football game, I want to be about something more than recreation.

Thoughts?
-T-

Pee & Poo?


This is so incredibly silly that I can't understand why I want it. Actually it's pretty gross when I think about it.
Then again I've never been sure why you would want to purchase underwear meant for others to see. Who is going around showing people the pictures of the un-mentionables?

Click on the picture for the web-site.

-T-


Here's an interesting story.

Captain Underpants and the peeved principal

While I think that the girls were being creative in their costumes, I think that they probably knew they would be pushing the envelope of what is acceptable.
I'm reminded of a student, during my ninth grade year, who came dressed as a giant condom, and then acted like he didn't understand while the school administration asked him to take it off.

If you are going to push boundaries you have an idea that others may be offended and upset. Nudity, vulgarity and bathroom humor, even if it's the hint of the idea, will always push boundaries.

If you push boundaries, do not come back with, "I don't understand why their upset." You have a clue. Just take responsibility.

I more turned off by the fact that others try to convince me that they are clueless, than the issue behind their cluelessness.

-T-

Don't Mess With Bambi!!

This is a great story...

Deer Chases Boy, Uses Him as Human Salt Lick

The video is great too.

-T-

2006-10-19

Incredibly Entertaining?

Click on the site below and see one of the most bizarre clips ever...

Thriller goes to Bollywood

-T-

The Sad State of Our Culture

This story makes me sad. The fact that we are such a "sue" happy people, unwilling to take responsiblity for our own actions, and even less willing to forgive with ease.
There was a time when children could ride bikes with full body armor, or could play "war" in the woods, or...oh I could go on and on.

Here's the story...
School bans tag, other chase games
Something had to happen that set a precident for this school proceed with these actions.

Sad,
Sad,
Sad!

-T-

Promoting a little "Green" Peace


If you, along with Leonardo DiCaprio, have a passion for perserving and saving our enviroment then this website may interest you. It has a lot of helpful tips on how to conserve and preserve our enviroment in your everyday life.

-T-

How Rich are You?

Click HERE to find out how rich you are when compared to everyone on earth.

If you only receive a $20 allowance once a week, you are the 2,552,385,365th richest person in the world.
That puts you in the top 42.53% of the wealthest people in the world.
So at only $20 a week you are more wealthy than half the population of the earth.

A very sobering web-site.
We truly are a blessed people.

-T-

Every Stat You'll Ever Need!


If you are a baseball nut like me then this site will definitely appeal to you. A person could literally spend hours looking up statistics and facts about the greatest game ever.

Click HERE.

-T-

Sounds like the makings of another country song!

Really though this is just another reason to not like cats.

"Dog Saves Owner, Dies Trying to Save Cat"

-T-

Um...

This news story caught my eye. Obviously it's a positive thing to see this strip club go out of business and being replaced with a ministry that is promoting our God, but this seems wierd....

Strip Club Attracts Youth Ministry

I can definitely see this youth minister getting a lot of phone calls from parents.

2006-10-13

For Police Sketch Artist

Here is another cool site where you can practice your police sketch art. Click HERE.
Careful now one could spend hours creating with this site.
-T-

Fans Jackson Pollock Fans

Jackson Pollock was known for painting large murals with a splatter technique. He originated the painting style that people most refer to by saying, "a child could do that."

Here is one of his paintings....

Now you too can paint a Pollock by clicking HERE. Very cool site that you can get lost in.

2006-10-06

Speechless

I honestly don't know what to say in response to this article.

Huge Breast Implants Save Woman From Car Crash

I'm somewhere between shocked and amazed.
-T-

I'd rather see the 49ers

Man's Lost Gnome Attends Steelers Game

Crime may not pay, but it can still be a little funny. He's a original thief. Do you think the gnome had his own seat at the game?

If you were to steal a gnome, where would you take him?
-T-

Why you should always be nice to teachers

Of course she was a Canadian school teacher. American teachers could never save that much money.
-T-

That's 20 Jr. Frostys from Wendys!

Florida man takes 50-foot dive for $20

Have you every found yourself here?
-T-

Beam Me Up Scotty!

Teleportation is coming! No more long commutes between home and work!

Scientists teleport two different objects

I don't know how it works, but with current gas prices (although they are getting better) and the numerous car wrecks I see each week, I don't care!

-T-

Too Comfortable?

A church in Scotland was using this image to advertise their church.
I'm all for a church that promotes a "come as you are" enviroment, but this may be a little too much.
But it does have something to say to us.
Are we the type of church community and family that welcomes everyone who steps through the door, despite their personal failures and success?
Are we excited about everyone who enter our church?
-T-

Sounds like another BLOCKBUSTER movie!

Escaped Hamster Forces Plane to Land

-T-

Famous Last Words

Click here for a cool site that collects famous last words.

-T-

2006-09-15

An interesting quote

I read this quote today and was curious of your opinions.

"What is youth except a man or a woman before it is ready or fit to be seen?" - Evelyn Waugh

What do you think? -T-

Are you the 12%?

Here is another article documenting the rapid departure of teenagers from the church.

88% of Evangelical Children Leave the Church After High School
-T-

Hearing the voice of God?...

...maybe He's calling you to build the largest aluminum foil ball. James Frank Kotera heard God calling him to build the largest ball of twine.

Or maybe God will call you to; feed the poor, visit the elderly, comfort sick children in a hospital, tutor a child, raise money for cancer victims...

-T-

My kind of Golfing...

http://www.everybodysgolfclub.com/
-T-

Does God want you to be rich?

Time magazine recent asked the question, "Does God want you to be rich?" There is a large movement in America that is declaring with Godly obedience comes financial blessings.

I have my own personal opinion, but I would like to hear from you students. Read the attached article and your Bibles of course and let's hear you thoughts.

-T-

The internet has something for everyone
















Enough Said.
-T-

A Recent survey reveals...

This is an interesting article. According to the study, after students leave high school and transition into young adulthood the risk of giving up on the church increases dramatically. I find it interesting that the article claims that while students are disenfranchised with the church they are not any less spiritual.
As a church leader, specifically to youth, I want to reveal a Jesus who is recklessly in love with all people and has presented a better life, a greater experience than any other option available.
-T-

2006-09-07

JOURNALING: Sept 6th - 13th

Wednesday Sept 6th – Tuesday Sept 12th 2006

Scriptures to Read:
6 Chapters
Galatians
Ephesians
1 Timothy
5 Chapters
1 Thessalonians
James
1 Peter
1 John
Read one of these books of the Bible next week. Just one. Split it up and make it manageable.

Journaling Assignments:
Day 1
Decide on which book you are going to read…and begin reading it. Create a reading chart.
Day 2 Create a list of your top five favorite songs for the week.
Day 3 Get some exercise; shoot some hoops, jump on a trampoline, go for a run, something physically active.
Day 4 Write an encouraging note for your parent/s and leave it for them to read.
Day 5 Tape an encouraging verse from book of the Bible you’re reading and write it on a 3x5 card. Tape it to your bathroom mirror. Read it each morning for two weeks.
Day 6 Take a walk around your block and pray for your neighbors as you pass their house.

A tragic loss...

Besides his television work, Steve Irwin directed the Australian Zoo and was a major figure in the conservation and preservation of animals and animal habitats.
Watching his television show was thrilling and educational. I truly connected with his passion and energy for God's creation.
I honestly find myself mourning his death.
-T-

Not quite a G.I Joe

Are these to be played with? I can hear little Timmy now, "My Nixon figure just resigned from Office."

Click on the figure for more Presidental dolls. I'm having trouble paying $29.95 for one, but I guess History teachers everywhere are going crazy.

-T-

Christian Rock: Good Music or a Weird Sub-Culture?

I'd like to hear some of you opinions about Christian Music.
Click on the picture for a Rolling Stone's photojournalist impression of Christian Rock Music.
----------------------------------------
Is her impression a fair take on Christian Music?
Do you enjoy Christian Music?
If so what are some of your favorite bands?

Belated Birthday Present Ideas...

...or I can even wait for Christmas to recieve this new 103 inch plasma TV developed by Panasonic. You might have to pool some $ together with others because apparently it's running for only $80,000.

I'll go ahead and say thanks now...I want you to know my gratitude as you mortgage your home.
"Thanks bunches!!!" (with 3 exclamation marks)
-Trevor-

JOURNALING: August 30th - Sept 6th

Wednesday August 30th – Tuesday September 6th 2006

Scriptures to Read:
Day 1: Genesis. 1:1 Genesis 2:7 Exodus. 3:14 Exodus 6:2-3 Exodus 15:11 Exodus 20:1-6 Leviticus 22:2;
Day 2: 1 Chronicles 29:10 Psalm 19:1-3 Isaiah 43:3,15 Isaiah 48:16 Isaiah 64:8 Jeremiah 10:10 Jeremiah 17:13
Day 3: Matthew 6:9-10 Matthew 7:11 Matthew 23:9 Matthew 28:19 Mark 1:9-11
Day 4: John 4:24 John 5:26,32-37 John 10:30,36 John 14:6-13,16-26 John 17:1-8
Day 5: Acts 1:7 Romans 8:14-15 1 Corinthians 8:6 Galatians 4:6 Ephesians 4:6 Philippians 2:6
Day 6: Colossians 1:15 1 Timothy 1:17 Hebrews 11:6 Hebrews 12:9 1 Peter 1:17 1 John. 5:7

WITH EACH VERSE THIS WEEK ASK THE QUESTION “WHAT DOES THIS SAY ABOUT GOD?”

Journaling Assignments:
Day 1 Which verse today was your favorite? Draw a picture of God.
Day 2 Which verse today was your favorite? Ask a friend, “Who is God?”, and journal their answer.
Day 3 Which verse today was your favorite? What does Omnipresent mean? Be as still as you can and listen for God? Is God with you?
Day 4 Which verse today was your favorite? What does Omnipotent mean? Compare and contrast God to Superman.
Day 5 Which verse today was your favorite? What does Omniscient mean? What are your favorite web-sites to use when researching for a homework assignment?
Day 6 Which verse today was your favorite? Bring a boiled egg to youth group.

2006-08-25

Flipper ain't so friendly

Be careful the next time you pet a dolphin at SeaWorld. Click HERE for the full story.

Never to Young to YouTube

Click HERE to read about a English man who has started using You Tube at the age of 78.

Technology is not just a young man's game!

Journaling: August 23rd - 30th

Wednesday August 23rd – Tuesday August 30th 2006

Scriptures to Read:
(read in each version. follow the breakdown from the message version)
Day 1: James 5.13-15
Day 2: James 5.16-18
Day 3: James 5.19-20
Day 4: Ephesians 6.18
Day 5: Philippians 4.6
Day 6: Revelations 8.3-4

Journaling Assignments:
Day 1 Journal your thoughts on some of the TV preachers who perform healing services. Do you believe in physical healings?
Day 2 Call someone you trust and confession your sins. Ask them to pray for you. Journal your thoughts.
Day 3 Today scripture reading comes after talk on prayer. Journal a list of friends who do not know Christ. Prayer over your list. Write down an idea of how you are going to show each person individually God’s love. (The do it)
Day 4 Listen to a worship album or sing some worship songs. As you sing pay attention to the lyrics. Use the song as an avenue for prayer. You can visit http://www.davidcrowderband.com/ or http://www.christomlin.com/ or www.268generation.com for worship music.
Day 5 Offer a massage to someone. As you massage their shoulders, or back, or hands, pray that God is able to relieve them from the burdens they carry. Journal thoughts and questions.
Day 6 Light a candle or some kind of incense (something legal). As the smoke rises use this as form of prayer and mediation. As you breathe in the smell of the incense imagine God giving His attention to you and your prayer. As you breathe out watch the smoke rise and offer your requests, concerns and joys through prayer. Journal thoughts and questions.

Journaling: August 16th - 23rd

Wednesday August 16th – Tuesday August 23rd 2006

Scriptures to Read:
(read in each version. follow the breakdown from the message version)
Day 1: James 4:13-17
Day 2: James 5:1-3
Day 3: James 5:4-6
Day 4: James 5:7-9
Day 5: James 5:10-11
Day 6: James 5:12

Journaling Assignments:
Day 1 Reread James 4:17, memorize this verse, spend the day meditating on this verse. Journal thoughts.
Day 2 Do some quick research on the internet and find out some info on our world’s poverty. Journal your notes as well as your comparative thoughts on today’s scriptures with your research.
Day 3 Read today’s scripture in light of yesterday’s scripture. Is James speaking to you? How can you help the poor? Research an organization that helps the poor and consider how you can get involved.
Day 4 Are you anticipating the return of Jesus? Go outside and lay down staring at the clouds. As you are laying down Meditate and Pray. Maranatha means “Come Lord Jesus”, uses this word as you meditate and pray.
Day 5 James encourages his readers to consider the prophets as examples of patience in sufferings. Create a list of Biblical examples as well as current examples for you to remember during times of suffering or struggle.
Day 6 Use your creativity and find an avenue to express Christ’s return. Music, video, write a narrative, draw, paint, sculpt, serve, tell, etc.

2006-08-09

Journaling: August 9th - 16

Wednesday August 9th – Tuesday August 16th 2006

Scriptures to Read:
(read in each version. follow the breakdown from the message version)
Day 1: James 3:13-16
Day 2: James 3:17-18
Day 3: James 4:1-3
Day 4: James 4:4-6
Day 5: James 4:7-10
Day 6: James 4:11-12

Thoughts to Journal:
Thursday August 10th 2 Questions to Journal: Who is wise among you? What do you think of Trevor’s constant “Make wise choices” statement?
Friday August 11th Skip lunch today and read and pray for your teachers, classmates, and your coming school year.
Saturday August 12th Write a friend an encouraging note. Buy a stamp and mail it to them.
Sunday August 13th Go to Church, journal your notes of the pastor’s sermon.
Monday August 14th Journal your thoughts and feelings from your first day back to school.
Tuesday August 15th Journal a description of how you feel after you sin without mentioning the specific sin.
Wednesday August 16th Rest

Every Jeopardy Answer and Question EVER!!

This website is an archieve of every Jeopardy answer and questions from all 22 seasons. Amazing!
I like to test my knowledge against Ken Jennings from season 21.

-T-

2006-08-03

Scout Honor?















Thin Mints thief? Girl Scout leader charged
Woman accused of stealing $5,000 of troop’s cookie dough


Do you think she'll earn a badge for this?
-T-

Journaling: Wednesday August 2nd - 8th

Scriptures to Read:
(read in each version. follow the breakdown from the message version)
Day 1: James 3:1-2
Day 2: James 3:3-5
Day 3: James 3:5-6
Day 4: James 3:7-10
Day 5: James 3:10-12
Day 6: Matthew 7:15-23

Thoughts to Journal:
Day 1: Who was your favorite teacher and why?
Day 2: Today’s reading uses a couple of word pictures to describe the power of the tongue. Can you think of some similar examples?
Day 3: Today’s reading uses the example of a small spark to describe the power of the tongue. Light a candle and meditate on today’s reading while you watch the flame. Journal your thoughts.
Day 4: Today’s reading talks about how sometimes we are two-faced when we speak. Journal an example from your life when this is true. How does this make you feel about yourself?
Day 5: Spend the day speak only what builds others up or spend a day in silence. Journal your struggles and blessings.
Day 6: Google “pruning” and take some notes as to how and why (and what if you don’t know what “pruning” is).

"Human" Beat Boxes

This is fun. It's too bad I don't have any real talent or else I might make some incredible music with this site.

Chick HERE

Bluff or No Bluff

This site test you on random trivia questions. You can compare your scores against others. Interesting.

Click HERE

If Your Ever This Bored


ILLEGAL, VIOLENT TEEN FIGHT CLUBS FACE POLICE CRACKDOWN.

If you are ever this bored that beating someone else or being beaten sounds like the only thing that will satisfy, please talk to me. I can guarantee that there is more to this life. I find this to be incredibly sad.

Pipe Cleaner Dancing

This is just too cool not to share. I have literally wasted too much time on this.
Make sure you turn on your speakers because the music is great.

Click HERE

2006-08-01

Abraham Notes


Part of this week's journaling experience was to wikipedia or google Abraham and take some notes. I know, I know...homework. Anyways, below are some of my notes taken. Feel free to add some of yours as well.

-T-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham

Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Bahá'í Faith are sometimes referred to as the "Abrahamic religions", because of the role Abraham plays in their holy books and beliefs. In the Hebrew Bible and the Qur'an, Abraham is described as a patriarch blessed by God (the Jewish people called him "Father Abraham"), and promised great things. Jews and Christians consider him father of the people of Israel through his son Isaac; Muslims regard him as the father of the Arabs through his son Ishmael. In Christian belief, Abraham is a model of faith, and his intention to obey God by offering up Isaac is seen as a foreshadowing of God's offering of his son, Jesus. In Islam, Abraham obeyed God by offering up Ishmael and is considered to be one of the most important prophets sent by God. In the Bahá'í Faith, Bahá'u'lláh, its founder, is said to be a descendant of Abraham through his wife Keturah; Bahá'ís see Abraham as a Manifestation of God.

The traditional view in Christianity is that the chief promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12 is that through Abraham's seed, all the people of earth would be blessed. Notwithstanding this, John the Baptist specifically taught that merely being of Abraham's seed was no guarantee of salvation. The promise in Genesis is considered to have been fulfilled through Abraham's seed, Jesus. It is also a consequence of this promise that Christianity is open to people of all races and not limited to Jews.

Dumb Criminals

Ohio Bar Waitress Asks for ID, Gets Her Stolen Driver's License Back
I give the give the girl some credit for thinking something was wrong when the waitress took a minute...but that's it. Click on the headline for full story.
-T-

2006-07-27

Things To Do Before I Die?

Here is my list that I have started working on...

1. Visit every Major League Baseball park (2 down, 28 to go)
2. Visit the Middle East
3. Write the novel that keeps floating in my mind.
4. Pitch a television show to someone who can do something about it.
5. Print "Faux Poes Foes" on a black t-shirt
6. Complete my Spider-Man Comics collection
7.

I'll be adding to this as I go. Feel free to post some of your ideas.

Journaling: Wednesday July 26th - August 2nd

Wednesday July 26th 2006 – Tuesday August 2nd 2006

Scriptures to Read:
(read in each version and highlight or circle particular phrases you like)
Day 1: James 2:14-17
Day 2: James 2:18
Day 3: James 2:19-20
Day 4: James 2:21-24
Day 5: James 2:25-26
Day 6: James 2:18 and 26 (New Living Translation)

Thoughts to Journal:
Day 1: Begin a list of things you want to do before you die.
Day 2: What makes a person a “Christian” (in the first century Christian was a derogatory term literally meaning “a Christ follower”)? As you journal these thoughts keep today’s verse in mind.
Day 3: Find an object in your home that “works” by doing nothing at all. Journal a description about that object, maybe draw a sketch as well.
Day 4: Google or Wikipedia some notes on Abraham. Write your notes or print and paste your notes.
Day 5: It’s amazing that Rahab, a prostitute, is used as an “example” in the Bible. What don’t you like about yourself that God overlooks and is still willing to use you. Warning: this is a chance to confess your sins and struggles. Be honest and brutal. 1 John 1:9
Day 6: Make a list of three things you can do this week to “live your faith”.

2006-07-21

Today's Front Pages

This is a cool web-site where you can view the front pages of newspapers from all over the country. Click here to check it out.

2nd Oddest Headline

Wow! Two crazy headlines in one day. Click on the headline to read the whole story.

My favorite part is that he "may" lose his job. Apparently it's not clear whether or not he should be releaved of his job.

The Oddest Headline For A News Story EVER!!!

This is an amazing headline. I wonder what the editor was thinking when he allowed this to be printed. Click on the headline for the whole story.

Police arrest naked man after he flails car with a stolen pigeon

2006-07-20

Journaling: Wednesday July 19th - July 25th


Wednesday July 19th, 2006 – Tuesday July 25th, 2006

I just want to remind you to take some steps into the deeper waters of God this week. It's not the safest place, or the easiest place, but I know it to be the better place. Live IT now....

Scriptures to Read:
(read in each version & highlight or circle particular phrases you like)
Day 1: James 2:1-4
Day 2: James 2:5-7
Day 3: James 2:8-11
Day 4: James 2:12-13
Day 5: James 2:10 New International Version only
Day 6: James 2:1-13 New Living Translation only

Thoughts to Journal:
Day 1: Who in your life do you feel you discriminate against? Who do you feel you show extra favor too?
Day 2: How did Jesus demonstrate “choosing the down and out” in his life? Is this encouraging?
Day 3: What does today’s Scripture along with Romans 3:23 tell us?
Day 4: What does today’s Scripture along with Matthew 23:37-40 (specifically 39) tell us?
Day 5: With the summer half way over, what do you still want to do this summer that you haven’t done yet?
Day 6: What are your three favorite highlights from this summer so far?

delirious?

I think I'll be going to the concert. The web-site says $20-$23 in advance. Let me know if you want to go.
If you are wondering who delirious? is (and that is how they spell their name), click on this web-site here.

An Important Invention...

This post may seem a little junior high"ish" but I feel that it's an important product to promote. You can purchase this wonderful soap here.

2006-07-13

Journaling: Wednesday July 12th - July 18th

Wednesday July 12th, 2006 – Tuesday July 18th, 2006

Scriptures to Read:
(read in each version and highlight or circle particular phrases you like)
Day 1: James 1:19-21
Day 2: James 1:22-24
Day 3: James 1:25
Day 4: James 1:26-27
Day 5: James 1:25 New Living Translation only
Day 6: James 1:25 The Message only

Thoughts to Journal:
Day 1: James speaks of the dangers of anger in one’s life. How does anger present itself in your life? What is James “cure” for the angered soul?
Day 2: Think of an example from the world of music, TV, movies etc. that reminds you of this person in today’s verses.
Day 3: Journal your thoughts on today’s verse.
Day 4: What does James call true religion? What gets confused with religion today?
Day 5: You’ve been reading from 5 different versions of the Bible? Which is your favorite and why?
Day 6: Write a prayer outlining three reasons for why you are thankful that you know Trevor.

2006-07-07

Journaling: Wednesday July 5th - July 11th

Wednesday July 5th, 2006 – Tuesday July 11th, 2006

Scriptures to Read:
(read in each version and highlight or circle particular phrases you like; see Trevor for an explanation)
Day 1: James 1:1-4
Day 2: James 1:5-8
Day 3: James 1:9-11
Day 4: James 1:12
Day 5: James 1:13-15
Day 6: James 1:16-18

Thoughts to Journal:
Day 1: James refers to himself in a unique way, why do you think he does that? And how do you relate?
Day 2: James speaks of presenting your requests before God with confidence. How well do you do this?
Day 3: James writes some thoughts on the humble heart. Journal your thoughts about why a Christian is to be humble.
Day 4: James says that blessings come from trial. Is this true and can you give an example?
Day 5: James mentions the struggle with temptations. Journal some of your struggles and how do you think God is involved in your life during these times?
Day 6: James finds his strength in God, the Father of lights; write a prayer telling God who he is to you.

2006-07-05

How to Fold a Shirt

This may not be the coolest video on the net, but it's one of the coolest. I'm going to try this as soon as I get home. My t-shirts will never take hours to fold anymore!

http://www.howtofoldashirt.net/

2006-06-23

Attending CIY

I will be attending a Christ In Youth conference from Sunday June 25 through Saturday July 1.
I encourage you to visit the CIY website and begin to see what it is all about. I hope that along with Tanglewood Camp we will be able to attend CIY next year.
I plan to take photos and video so that you can catch a glimpse of what is to come!
See you in July!
-T-
www.ciy.com

How Can You Resist Spaghetti Night?

If Saddam had begun his hunger strike after dinner he could have slept in the next morning, missing breakfast, and then he would have just about doubled his time fasting.
-T-

Saddam ends hunger strike after missing one meal
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Saddam Hussein ended a brief hunger strike after missing just one meal in his U.S.-run prison, a U.S. military spokesman said Friday.
The former Iraqi leader had refused lunch Thursday in protest at the killing of one of his lawyers by gunmen, but the spokesman said he ate his evening meal.
Former Saddam aides being held in the same prison had refused to eat three meals since Wednesday evening but ended their fast with the ex-president.
"They all took their dinner meal," the spokesman told Reuters.
Saddam is on trial for crimes against humanity for his role in the 1982 killing of 148 Shi'ites in Dujail. His lead counsel, Khalil al-Dulaimi, has blamed pro-government Shi'ite militias for the murder of his deputy Khamis al-Obaidi Wednesday.
© Reuters 2006. All Rights Reserved.

Beware of Too Much Service!

This article warns of the dangers of a cell phones reception possibilities. Seeing how most students today own a cell phone which is permanent attached to their ears, it would be prudent to heed this article.
-T-

Mobile phone users warned of lightning strike risk
LONDON (Reuters) - People should not use mobile phones outdoors during thunderstorms because of the risk of being struck by lightning, doctors said Friday.
They reported the case of a 15-year-old girl who was using her phone in a park when she was hit during a storm. Although she was revived, she suffered persistent health problems and was using a wheelchair a year after the accident.
"This rare phenomenon is a public health issue, and education is necessary to highlight the risk of using mobile phones outdoors during stormy weather to prevent future fatal consequences from lighting strike injuries," said Swinda Esprit, a doctor at Northwick Park Hospital in England.
Esprit and other doctors at the hospital added in a letter to the British Medical Journal that usually when someone is struck by lightning, the high resistance of the skin conducts the flash over the body in what is known as a flashover.
But if a metal object, such as a phone, is in contact with the skin it disrupts the flashover and increases the odds of internal injuries and death.
The doctors added that three fatal cases of lightning striking people while using mobile phones have been reported in newspapers in China, South Korea and Malaysia.
"The Australian Lightning Protection Standard recommends that metallic objects, including cordless or mobile phones, should not be used (or carried) outdoors during a thunderstorm," Esprit added.
© Reuters 2006. All Rights Reserved.

2006-06-22

Thoughts and Shots from Tanglewood: Summer 2006

ENTER THE SACRED...


...was the theme of our week of camp this year. The idea was that through Spiritual Disciplines (i.e. meditating, fasting, Bible reading, Bible studying, prayer, journaling, solitude, etc.) we move from casual relationship with God, into a passionate relationship with our Creator.

Here's Jessi being launched from the Blob

Matthew in mid flip!



"Superficiality is the curse of our age…. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people."
-Richard Foster, "Celebration of Discipline"
"Silence is frightening because it strips us as nothing else does, throwing us upon the stark realities of our life."
-Dallas Willard, "The Spirit of the Disciplines"
"Stop trying to impress people with your clothes and impress them with your life."
-Richard Foster, "Freedom of Simplicity"

Abbot Agatho frequently admonished his disciple, saying: Never acquire for yourself anything that you might hesitate to give to your brother if he asked you for it, for thus you would be found a transgressor of God's command. If anyone asks, give it to him, and if anyone wants to borrow form you, do not turn away from him.
-from"Wisdom of the Desert: Translations from the 'Verba Seniorum,'" by Thomas Merton

"One of the monks, called Serapion, sold his book of the Gospels and gave the money to those who were hungry, saying: I have sold the book which told me to sell all that I had and give to the poor."
-from"Wisdom of the Desert: Translations from the 'Verba Seniorum,'" by Thomas Merton.
"Those who live prayerfully are constantly ready to receive the breath of God, and to let their lives be renewed and expanded."
-Henri J. M. Nouwen, "With Open Hands"
"Jesus took a towel and a basin and redefined greatness."
-Richard Foster, "Celebration of Discipline"

Journaling: Wednesday June 21st - Tuesday July 5th

This is two weeks worth of journaling. Remember that I will be out of town June 28th, so there will be no youth group until July 5th.
Contact Jessi F. if you are interested in still getting together for a game night or to watch a movie. If you do get together I ask you to remember to continue being respectful to the family whose home you meet in.

Wednesday June 21st, 2006 – Tuesday July 5th, 2006

Scriptures to Read:
Psalm 141:2 Matthew 5:43-44
Matthew 6:5-15 Matthew 26:36-46
Mark 11:20-25 Luke 11:1-13
John 17 Acts 2:42
Philippians 4:6 Colossians 4:2-4
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Hebrews 5:7
James 5:13-18

Thoughts to Journal:

#1 Someone recently said, “If you do not pray, you do not have a relationship with Jesus”. Journal your thoughts.
#2 Finish this sentence: “The person I reveal myself the most to is…., because….”
#3 Re-write the Lord’s Prayer in your own words. (Matthew 6:9-13)
#4 Journal: What if…you could spend 24 hours with anyone in the world?
#5 In your own words describe what prayer is.
#6, #7, #8 Write out your prayers for three days.
#9 Journal: Would you rather make a phone call, send a text message, or send an e-mail.
#10 How does God typically respond to your prayers.

2006-06-09

UN-BE-LIEV-ABLE !!!

OK...where to start.
I think I should say that I understand where all of this comes from. (You're asking "where what comes from?"... hang with me I'll get to that). There are "things" in this world that are really great! And Jesus is really great too. And how much better would those "things" in this world be if there was a Jesus version of them? Obviously the greatest EVER!!!!!

Unfortunately this logical thinking doesn't really play out. And you know what I mean. It's those cheesy Christian t-shirts, or those obnoxious bumper stickers, or those bad "end of the world" movies. Those things that make you frustrated your a believer.

And there is plenty of it.

Jesus told us to be LOVE in our culture, not to create a sub-culture that we easily love. Instead of promoting Jesus is a manner that really celebrates who He was and what He was about, we end up with what can probably only be called "Jesus Junk",

I think I'm going to start posting all the Jesus Junk I find. So today the question is; since 1000's of people love the WWE, what if there was a Pro Wresting League for believers?

Well here you go...
http://www.ultimatechristianwrestling.com/index.html

The Top Skylines

This web-site (http://www.diserio.com/top15-skylines.html) has a listing on the top 15 skylines in the world with some honorable mentions.
I think my favorite is Singapore (pictured here).

If I were creating the list my top 5 would probably be:
1. Singapore
2. Pittsburgh, USA
3. Guangzhou, China
4. Sydney, Australia
5. either Dubia, United Arab Emirates with it's desert or Seattle, USA with Mt. Hood in the background.

Feel free to post your top 5..

BEWARE - THIS WILL WASTE YOUR TIME

click here: http://www.googlefight.com/

I'm warning you now that by visiting this web-site you will be sucked into a world that you may never return from. Enter in your "keywords" and the battle begins. The results may not be pretty, but without a doubt there will be results!
And don't tell me that you didn't put your name in there against someone else.

-T-

Desperate for a Pop-Tart

I love Pop-Tarts, but this guy is just ridiculous.
Let this be a lesson to everyone that the lust for Pop Tarts only leads to destruction.
Click on the link below to read the article...

NO YOUTH GROUP JUNE 14th

This is a reminder that there will be no youth group June 14th, due to the fact that several of us will be attending camp.
Keep up with your journaling and we'll meet again on June 21st.
-T-

Journaling Wednesday June 7th, 2006 – Tuesday June 21st, 2006



Wednesday June 7th, 2006 – Tuesday June 13th, 2006

Scriptures to Read:
Nehemiah 9:17
Colossians 2:13-15
2 Chronicles 7:14
Matthew 6:9-13
Luke 23:34
Psalm 130:4
Acts 10:43
Ephesians 1:7
Hebrews 9:22

Thoughts to Journal:
This week the Scriptures are key, so read them carefully, and then use these sentence to practice your journaling.
- If I could pick a nickname for myself, I would choose…
- My parents make me mad when they…
- The best way to eat spaghetti is…
- In the last month in my life, God has…
- If I found a wallet full of cash on the street I would…
- I feel anger when…


Wednesday June 14th, 2006 – Tuesday June 21st, 2006

Scriptures to Read:
Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
Matthew 6:14-15
Mark 11:22-25
1 John 1:9


Thoughts to Journal:
#1 Journal about a time when someone asked for your forgiveness…
#2 Find the lyrics to a song that talk about being hurt by someone else, and write the lyrics in your journal.
#3 Go Online… Google Rembrandt’s “The Return of the Prodigal Son”…print the picture…post it in your journal
#4 Read the Parable of the Lost (or Prodigal) Son…Luke 15:11-32
#5 Meditate on Rembrandt’s picture, and journal your thoughts about the painting and the story in Luke 15.
#6 Finish this sentence…
- “I find it hard to forgive because…”

2006-06-05

"24" Jack Bauer facts

Surely by now you've heard me say something about my obsession with the TV show "24". Below is a list of Jack Bauer facts that has been making the rounds on the internet and through e-mails. I think it's funny. You might have to be a "24" fan to get some of this, but just understand that Jack Bauer is one tough dude.

- Jack Bauer believes in Divine Election because he understands what it means to control everything.
- Jack Bauer is a Complimentarian- everyone submits to him.
- Jack Bauer once questioned the authenticity of the Bible, so he brought the authors back to life and tortured them until he was convinced they were telling the truth.
- Jesus will return when Jack Bauer dies. The problem is that he keeps coming back to life.
- Jack Bauer knows whether the earth is “young” or “old,” but no one’s successfully tortured it out of him.
- For Jack Bauer, confrontation is the only form of evangelism.
- 1/3 of the angels fell when Jack Bauer kicked them out of heaven for not telling him who they worked for.
- Jack Bauer is proof of Intelligent Design.
- Luckily, the Egyptians gave in after the 10th plague because number 11 was going to be Jack Bauer. (HT: Amy)
- The 10 spies gave a bad report because they saw Jack Bauer.
- Jack Bauer is his own accountability partner and community.

Try this game #2

OK this game drove me crazy. Please don't write me about being cruel to animals.
I made it all the way to level 3.

http://www.rrrrthats5rs.com/games/dont-shoot-the-puppy/

2006-06-02

Which Action Hero Are You?



Believe it or not, but according to this quiz (http://quizfarm.com/test.php?q_id=92013&first=yes)
I resemble Indiana Jones.

Go ahead and post which action hero you are!