This creative vid has a powerful message. Check it.
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Labels: Church, Culture, Deep Thoughts, Students Only, Videos, Youth Pastors
My good friend, Dave Daniels, has been doing some incredible work over at ChurchyMedia.com. Dave and his good friend Michael, a pro-audio guru, point churches and organizations to incredible resources through their blog and podcast. Their latest element-o-creative-genius is a thing called "Short Takes" where they provide a nugget of information in just one to two minutes on camera. I urge you to check out their stuff and pass the word about the goodness.
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Labels: Blog Shout, Resources, Technology
Lots of pictures have been circulating around the internet since last Sunday's OSCAR show. Here is one of Diablo Cody the morning after. I'd probably be huggin mine too had I won.
Watching this year's boring Oscars would have been SO worth it for me had Kevin O'Connell won for Sound Mixing for Transformers. This was his 20th nomination for this category! Just my two cents... but if you have received 20 nominations the Academy should hand over a statue!
(ht to Anne Thompson)
Watching this year's boring Oscars would have been SO worth it for me had Kevin O'Connell won for Sound Mixing for Transformers. This was his 20th nomination for this category! Just my two cents... but if you have received 20 nominations the Academy should hand over a statue!
(ht to Anne Thompson)
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Labels: Celebrities, Movies, Photo Gallery, Television
According to the New York Times, the results of a new study are potentially going to prove the stereotype that 16-year-old guys only have ONE CERTAIN THING on their brain is farfetched. 
A study I recently read stated that teen guys in general think of sex every 11 seconds. I wonder what these results mean after this particular study? While we can be sure that this media-driven society sells everything to us with sex which sometimes I think drives us to think about sex more than we should, we must be be fair and give teen guys credit. Guys may have sex on the brain but they are wired for relationships (as we all are) by God himself.
"The report, published in this month’s Journal of Adolescence, paints a far different picture of teen boys than the stereotype of testosterone-fueled youth. Psychology researchers from the State University of New York at Oswego surveyed 105 10th-grade boys whose average age was about 16. The boys, most of whom said they were heterosexual, were given surveys asking them to select various reasons why they asked girls out, dated and pursued physical relationships. Most of the boys had dating experience, and about 40 percent were sexually active.
The boys were asked their reasons for dating and were allowed to mark more than one answer. Notably, being physically attracted to someone wasn’t the primary motivation they gave for dating. More than 80 percent of the boys noted “I really liked the person.'’ Physical attraction and wanting to get to know someone better were the second most popular answers.
Among the boys who had been sexually active, physical desire and wanting to know what sex feels like were among the top three reasons they pursued sex. However, the boys were equally likely to say they pursued sex because they loved their partner. Interestingly, only 14 percent said they sought sex because they wanted to lose their virginity, and 9 percent did so to fit in with friends."
A study I recently read stated that teen guys in general think of sex every 11 seconds. I wonder what these results mean after this particular study? While we can be sure that this media-driven society sells everything to us with sex which sometimes I think drives us to think about sex more than we should, we must be be fair and give teen guys credit. Guys may have sex on the brain but they are wired for relationships (as we all are) by God himself.
What do you think of the results? Does this mean anything for our culture? Will it change your thoughts of teen guys?
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Labels: Culture, Hot Topics, Issues, News, Youth Pastors
There have been many versions of this video posted all over the internet. I originally saw this at the NYWC in November (which may be where it originated also) but I know many churches have used it. This vid was on my mind today as I visited the home of a very depressed lady. She seems to have given up hope, bought into the lies and forgotten the Truth. With that said, bear the repeat.
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(Note to RSS Readers) Embedded Vid in This Post
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Labels: Church, Daily Detox, Students Only, Videos, Youth Pastors
A friend alerted me to Mike Huckabee's scheduled appearance on SNL this past Saturday.
I TiVo'd the show and then fast forwarded through until I found him on the Weekend Update segment. It was straight-up-funny and Huck was a natural!
Also, check my recent post about my chat with Huckabee.
I TiVo'd the show and then fast forwarded through until I found him on the Weekend Update segment. It was straight-up-funny and Huck was a natural!
Also, check my recent post about my chat with Huckabee.
(Note to RSS Readers) Embedded Vid in This Post
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Labels: Celebrities, Mike Huckabee, Politics, Straight Up Funny, Television, Videos
I read an article months ago written by Ergun Caner. Since reading that article, not only did it humble me but I've felt compelled to bring some attention to the article because I feel it presents a solid word to young leaders. So, here it is... "Recently, I sat in the packed auditorium of Thomas Road Baptist Church, and I actually shivered.[Read the rest here]
It was not cold. It was not pain. It was dread.
Joined with tens of thousands of Christians, my wife and I paid our final respects to our pastor, Dr. Jerry Falwell. Dignitaries walked across the stage. Greetings were given from the White House. Condolences were offered. Along with songs by the choir, Drs. Franklin Graham and Jerry Vines preached powerful messages.
The shiver that went up my spine, however, had nothing to do with the proceedings, or the grief we all feel.
In each corner of the sanctuary, men of renown walked slowly, even carefully. They were more than compatriots of the chancellor of our Liberty University; they are members of a singular generation. We are slowly watching the end of an era. Our heroes are either dying or retiring.
Think about it. The generation of men and women who are now entering their twilight years were more than just visionaries; they were trailblazers. They were part of the first generation that called the first full-time youth ministers. They built the first generation of church gymnasiums. They were the first generation to speak on a national stage in television ministries. They ushered in the era of the "megachurch."
The names are familiar to all Christians: Adrian Rogers, W.A. Criswell, Herschel H. Hobbs, Jerry Falwell. Men such as these do not come along often. Men with the courage to act on a vision much larger than themselves. Men who dared to believe that God could do something larger than the status quo. Every year at the Southern Baptist Convention, I watch the men of this generation. They are walking much more slowly now. They have retired from their pulpits, or they have assumed less active roles in ministry.
I shuddered because my generation is not ready."
Craig Groeschel also spoke of listening to wisdom today here.
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Labels: Church, Culture, Deep Thoughts, Issues, Leadership, Students Only, Youth Pastors
“"I believe that the greatest trick of the devil is not to get us into some sort of evil but rather have us wasting time. If he can sink a man’s heart into habit, he will prevent his heart from engaging God." --Donald Miller, Blue Like Jazz
(ht to Josh Treece)
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Labels: Daily Detox
I'd like to provide you, o blog reader, with links to goodness:
Here are some things I ran across today...
MSNBC told us Starbucks would close for 3 hours today to retrain staff.
Church Marketing Sucks followed up with a great article about it.
Collide offered thoughts on Leeland's (LOVE EM!) new album release today.
Vince brought the controversial topic of Homosexuality to the blog.
Craig got us talking about the survey-results-just-released on Americans dropping out, switching faiths.
Tim Stevens gave us some very practical advice on money.
Ben Arment let us WiBo attenders know about a day-after opportunity.
Lifeway sells Bibles for 50% off this week.
What did I miss?
Here are some things I ran across today...
What did I miss?
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Labels: Blog Shout, Linkalicious, Random
Ok American Idol fans... just imagine if Rhianna were in the Hollywood round. This might be what song we'd find her singing as its actually a vintage clip of Rhianna (Real name: Robyn Fenty) singing HERO in High School.
Randy Jackson would probably respond "Dawg, I like you dawg... but it was 'a bit pitchy' dawg. Good job overall. I've worked with Mariah. She and I are dawgs. Give it up for Robyn dawg! Yea Yea!"
Randy Jackson would probably respond "Dawg, I like you dawg... but it was 'a bit pitchy' dawg. Good job overall. I've worked with Mariah. She and I are dawgs. Give it up for Robyn dawg! Yea Yea!"
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Labels: Celebrities, Music, Random, Students Only, Television, Videos, Youth Pastors
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
--Maya Angelou
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Labels: Daily Detox
Manic Monday Minute is a serious mind-dump that will probably take you one minute to read. Here are some thoughts going through my head right now...
Its the Manic Monday Minute wrapped nicely for your enjoyment!
What?
It's been a long weekend.
I'm tired.
Some dogs in the backyard have been waking me up occasionally. Apparently they are my back-up alarm.
My mother called my blog "cute" the other day.
I love her.
A friend of mine got me a free ticket to see a Blue Man Group show and I can't go! That stinketh.
It is so quiet right now.
American Idol tomorrow!
Gosh, I'm hungry.
I thought I took politics too seriously. Check this.
Why do I feel like this is the end of a week?
I'm stoked about our mission trip to Philly this summer!
Why do I have a red dot on my hand?
I'm missing my dad today. Been thinking of him a lot lately.
I see things in myself that remind me of him sometimes.
I thought Jon Stewart did a great job hosting last night. It was boring Oscar show overall but he was excellent.
Enjoyed Tim Stevens' post-Oscar reflection today.
I saw the movie Vantage Point over the weekend with Dave, Kim and some friends. Man... what an intense movie! I was stressed out the whole time watching it - lol. VERY good though.
I have a 2 LITER bottle of Coca Cola on my desk, a 16oz can of Mountain Dew and a small bottle of water. What is wrong with this picture?
Wow, I'm ridiculously tired.
Had the best Starbucks coffee yesterday.
I'm typically a Frapp-only guy but I branched out yesterday.
I'm doing some praisin today over friends that God has given to me. Had an incredibly encouraging convo with a friend yesterday. It was a milestone for us - no doubt.
Our attendance was down yesterday. So many people are siccck!
I think I offended a guy today. I didn't mean to. Me and my big mouth!
Is this your first time visiting my blog? If so, welcome.
I really feel like a loser on Mondays.
I have to submit my weight to Youth Specialties for this Bigger Loser contest. I've only lost 4 lbs. in 3 weeks. I know, its good... but its NOT great at all.
There are SO many conferences that I would love to attend.
Oh well, I pick and choose.
Gotta run... thanks for reading!
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Labels: Manic Monday Minute
This is cool! 207 actors FREEZE at the same time @ Grand Central.
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Labels: Creative, Students Only, Videos, Youth Pastors
“It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, it is why he does it."
--A.W. Tozer
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Labels: Daily Detox
Remember the time when my friend Dave and I made a short vid with The Skit Guys as part of a podcast we use to do? I revisited some of those old videos today and had some laughs.
(Note to RSS Readers) Embedded Vid in This Post
(Note to RSS Readers) Embedded Vid in This Post
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Labels: Remember the Time?, Straight Up Funny, Videos, Youth Pastors
For months now I have walked into my office and some days there is a CD waiting for me. I always find a CD that has been duplicated (or pirated!) and someone has written on the CD (in Sharpie) the name of the band whose music is on the CD. Here are some of the bands\artists left behind for me: Black Eyed Sceva, Seven Day Jesus, Third Day, Jeff Deyo, Washerman's Field, Sugartooth & Friends(what?), Harvey's Hip-Hop(?), Jeff Searles and others. None of these artists are favorites of mine and others are bands I've never even heard of!
Who is this mystery man? I wish I knew. I'd call in Robert Stack, host of the show that use to creep-me-out Unsolved Mysteries but he is dead.
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Labels: Music, Random, Straight Up Funny, Students Only, Youth Pastors
I am not an expert (and don't claim to be) on blogging and actually still fairly new to the blogosphere. Since I've been surfing around in the last few months I've run across a TON of posts about the dos and dont's of blogging but I'd only recommend a handful. Here are links to a few posts that I really enjoyed, appreciated and found very practical. Is there a post/blog that should have made this list? Comment or email me.
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Labels: Blog Shout, Marketing, Random, Resources, Technology, Youth Pastors
What is YOUR song? Maybe its your favorite song, but I'm not talking about a song you like. I'm talking about a song you CONNECT with. It may be a song that describes the feelings you have. It may resonate with you in a way you cannot describe. It is your life song. Your theme song. If there was a movie made about your life, this song would definitely be in it. So what song is it?
My song would probably be "I'll Give" by The Small Town Poets.
There is something about this song that resonates with me. I never tire of this song and I've listened to it for years. The lyrics are great and I like the music.
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Labels: Daily Detox, Music, Personal
Life on Life is a new feature where I interview leaders from around the country who are doing this thing called LIFE. In this interview, Ben Arment, founder of The WhiteBoard Sessions and church planter, shares his life with us.
Me: What book(s) have most shaped you?
Ben: Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels, Aqua Church by Leonard Sweet, and Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala.
Me: You are a blogger. What have you learned through blogging? What do you enjoy about it?
Ben: I love encouraging other church planters. By sharing my difficult experiences, it actually strengthens other guys on the field. Also, I love connecting with other leaders throughout the country. I've been able to meet people I would have never known without blogging.
Me: Greatest life lesson?
Ben: I would say -- as a pastor, I need to surround myself with a godly group of men who will be my allies and watch my back.
Me: Greatest leadership lesson?
Ben: You have to love people before they'll let you lead them.
Me: Most embarassing moment from the platform?
Ben: I was sick with the flu, amped-up on DayQuil. The wooziness got to be a bit much for me, and I almost passed out. While listening to the recording of the sermon later on, I realized I hadn't said anything that made sense. I apparently don't communicate well when I'm taking medication. =)
Me: Where do you turn for inspiration (besides Christ Jesus of course)?
Ben: I turn to magazines! HOW, Fast Company, Wired, Live Design... I read magazines with a pen and write extensive notes to myself.
Me: Considering you are a church-planter, what is the most noteable advice you would provide other church planters with?
Ben: Don't plant a church without raising up a passionate core group of people to do it with you!
Me: What is the biggest lesson you've learned through your family?
Ben: My faults as a human being have been reflected back at me through my two boys. They copy everything I do... but mostly the bad stuff.
Me: What do you dislike most about ministry?
Ben: I'm not a natural shepherd, so I hate letting people down with how I respond to their needs. I try to empower the true shepherds in our church to carry out their gifts and compensate for me, but eventually, I let someone down.
Me: What do you like most about ministry?
Ben: I love reaching lost people for Christ and seeing their lives transform.
Me: Hobbies?
Ben: I read and blog, but I do need to get a hobby. Any suggestions?
Me: What is something that most people don't know about you?
Ben: I interned at the White House with Monica Lewinsky in 1995.
Me: What book(s) have most shaped you?
Ben: Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels, Aqua Church by Leonard Sweet, and Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala.
Me: You are a blogger. What have you learned through blogging? What do you enjoy about it?
Ben: I love encouraging other church planters. By sharing my difficult experiences, it actually strengthens other guys on the field. Also, I love connecting with other leaders throughout the country. I've been able to meet people I would have never known without blogging.
Me: Greatest life lesson?
Ben: I would say -- as a pastor, I need to surround myself with a godly group of men who will be my allies and watch my back.
Me: Greatest leadership lesson?Ben: You have to love people before they'll let you lead them.
Me: Most embarassing moment from the platform?
Ben: I was sick with the flu, amped-up on DayQuil. The wooziness got to be a bit much for me, and I almost passed out. While listening to the recording of the sermon later on, I realized I hadn't said anything that made sense. I apparently don't communicate well when I'm taking medication. =)
Me: Where do you turn for inspiration (besides Christ Jesus of course)?
Ben: I turn to magazines! HOW, Fast Company, Wired, Live Design... I read magazines with a pen and write extensive notes to myself.
Me: Considering you are a church-planter, what is the most noteable advice you would provide other church planters with?
Ben: Don't plant a church without raising up a passionate core group of people to do it with you!
Me: What is the biggest lesson you've learned through your family?
Ben: My faults as a human being have been reflected back at me through my two boys. They copy everything I do... but mostly the bad stuff.
Me: What do you dislike most about ministry?
Ben: I'm not a natural shepherd, so I hate letting people down with how I respond to their needs. I try to empower the true shepherds in our church to carry out their gifts and compensate for me, but eventually, I let someone down.
Me: What do you like most about ministry?
Ben: I love reaching lost people for Christ and seeing their lives transform.
Me: Hobbies?
Ben: I read and blog, but I do need to get a hobby. Any suggestions?
Me: What is something that most people don't know about you?
Ben: I interned at the White House with Monica Lewinsky in 1995.
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Labels: Leadership, Life on Life
This postcard I found online made me feel a range of emotions. It also made me wonder how many of you have spouses who hate your jobs? or vice versa? If you wish to remain annonymous and don't want to comment, send me an email.
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Labels: Daily Detox, Hot Topics, Issues, Youth Pastors
Fellow blogger Tim Liu just alerted me that my blog was featured in this week's edition of the Youth Specialties update. Thanks YS!
If you are a youth worker and have not checked out Youth Specialties stuff you have been deprived. They are the 'go to' service for anything regarding Youth. I also wanted to give YS kudos for their newest resource, the parent newsletter.
Click here to view the latest update, where my blog was featured.
Click here to sign up for YS Newsletters and Services.
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Labels: Blog Shout, Marketing, Personal, Random, Youth Pastors
Scott Magdalein is a worship leader, owner of a web firm, contributing writer for Church Marketing Sucks and provides advice to all of us in the blogosphere about the do's and don'ts of blogging through his own corner of the web, READSCOTT.COM.Scott interviews bloggers from around the world and asks them 3 questions. Recently he interviewed me and posted the Q&A here today for your enjoyment.
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Labels: Blog Shout, Linkalicious, Personal, Random, Technology, Youth Pastors
“I want my staff members taking risks and making mistakes. That means they're being innovative and it means they're not afraid to try. Now, I don't want them making the same mistake every week - that means they're not learning, and that is bad. But I tell them, 'Make a new mistake every week.' I tell them, 'Show the innovation and creativity to do something really stupid that you've never done before."
--Rick Warren
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Labels: Daily Detox
Manic Monday Minute is a serious mind-dump that will probably take you one minute to read. Here are some thoughts going through my head right now...
Its the Manic Monday Minute kiddos!
Just had a fish sandwich (rare occasion, I promise).
Ok, I apparently lied about posting an interview with Ben Arment here last week. I'll be posting that THIS week.
If I get one more email about an international wanting to wire inheritance money to me...
Lots of new readers to the blog. Welcome guys.
My desk is really messy.
I could barely sleep last night because of the howling winds.
The winds were so fierce I thought we were experiencing a tornado.
I was in a weird mood yesterday... but the students loved it.
Sometimes I'm glad we are not podcasting.
We're planning to launch ours very soon.
Are you podcasting? If so, leave a comment with a link to your stuff so I can check it out!
Congrats to my friend, Shane Kennard, who announced his call to church planting and will soon be moving to New York. I'm excited for you friend.
I lost 3 lbs. this week. Nothing to write home about.
This Coca-Cola needs to leave my desk. That would help.
This was my favorite vid of the week. If you need a laugh, check it out.
Just had a convo with Len Evans. He called me "TerraNce" but I forgive him.
This game is sweeping the nation.
I love the temp today.
WinterJam rocked last night. 9,000 people and they turned away nearly 300 because the arena was full.
I have a new appreciation for Skillet and much respect for MercyMe after last night. The other artists were very good. Over 1,200 decisions made.
I sliced my finger open with a knife Saturday. I hope it heals quick.
I have this cool water bottle on my desk that I got from an Asian resturant.
One of my students thought it was a lava lamp!
Are you working today? I didn't have the day off.
Bummer.
I feel hungover today and I don't even drink.
I'm excited about this week. Little less crazed schedule for me.
Thanks for reading!
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Labels: Manic Monday Minute
“Either your past is serving as a springboard to a better tomorrow, or it is the proverbial albatross keeping you from moving forward today."
--Les Parrott III, (Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda)
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Labels: Daily Detox
Most of us are now very familiar with the tragedy that struck the Northern Illinois University campus on Thursday, where five students died at the hands of one of their own peers. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims families during this time.I think we'd all agree, it is important that we respond to tragedy appropiately. I thought Jonathan McKee offered a great post on this.
Ironically, our student ministry is in the middle of a series I titled "I AM", which is all about getting to know God. On Wednesday evening, just prior to the shooting, our topic was "When Bad Things Happen." Our student ministry committed this week to prayer for those who are still dealing with tragedy (tornadoes, hurricane Katrina, flooding, fires). This morning we added to that list "school shootings."
Whether you are a layperson, pastor, pastor to students or marketplace missionary you can help your neighbors through tragedy. How are you responding?
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Labels: News, Students Only, Youth Pastors
I finished in 7m,10s... which = stinky. Click here to beat my score.
I apologize to the state of Ohio. In a rush I forgot you were a state. I'm an idiot. Lauren, can I join your support group?
(ht to Josh Treece)
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Labels: Random, Straight Up Funny, Students Only, Video Games, Youth Pastors
