Guy Kawasaki and company just added a “Christianity” category yesterday to Alltop and my blog was added to the list of fine blogs there. That makes two Christian categories on Alltop, with the prior addition of the Modern Church category.

Alltop provides an excellent service by collecting stories from 'all the top' sites on the world wide web and makes it easy for you, the reader, to follow them. You can search more than 100 topics including everything from women's pants to automobiles and everything in between...and now, Christianity. Go check it out... and send Guy an email thanking him for adding me.

Labels: Blog Shout, Creative, Marketing, Resources, Site Shout

I took a little walk down to the water this morning. I live one block from the Chesapeake Bay (what you see pictured above) just minutes from Virginia Beach. I took my camera and snapped a shot of the water this morning, so you could see my current view of things... and while I was down at the water I ran into this little guy.

Labels: Personal, Photo Gallery

One of the cool chicks I read regularly now is Kem Meyer, the Communications Director at Granger Community Church.

It's Kem's 40th birthday this weekend. So her husband and a friend have hijacked her blog and her twitter account and have her weekend packed with lots of activities to celebrate her big day. Mark sent me a letter asking me to help get 100 of you to go to her blog and wish her a happy birthday by leaving a comment... so I'm spreading the word like a beast!

You can leave a comment here, drop an email or create a special video to send some love her way. If you don't know Kem, send her a message anyway and tell her I sent ya. Oh, and help me spread the word!

If you click here you can read the comments or even watch some of the birthday greetings sent to her by video.

Labels: Blog Shout, Communicating, Marketing, Random

10 days ago I published the details to a little Blog Banner Contest I would run through August 31. I've heard lots of talk... but have seen no action. So I thought I'd give you a heads-up that the deadline is coming up.


The creative genius who designs my personal favorite will not only get prominent mentions from my blog but will also get mentions to my entire network (near 2,000 subscribers - including all social networking sites and my personal newsletter). Additionally, you'll receive $50.00 in free resources.

Check the original post for contest details and specifics.

Submissions should be emailed by August 31, 2008, 2:00pm (est). Participants may submit as many entries as they like. Contest closes on August 31, 2008.

Labels: Blog Shout, Creative, Marketing, Resources, Youth Pastors

Thats what I'm talkin about. I love when people leave comments. I got this one (pictured above) today. And by the way, even if you leave some food for thought... a good pushback... or links to goodness, I welcome them.

Thats for reading guys.

To leave some comment love:
All you have to do is click on the 'comments' link under each headline [title] and you are good to go!

Labels: Random

Tuesday night we had an incredible time during my very first broadcast. Approximately 20 people showed up... which was pretty good considering it was a night-chat and the Democratic Convention was going on. The reviews were pretty good... and people who stopped by said they "had fun." I don't have a regular broadcast schedule set-up... but you can plan for Tuesdays and Thursdays, as those are my best days to do a LIVE chat. Right now I'm planning to do regular Tuesday evening broadcasts (around 9.30pm, EST) and Thursday afternoons (around 3.30pm, EST). I'd encourage you to follow my twitter for the latest notifications, as I post tweet notifications before posting anywhere else.

So I'll be chatting LIVE this afternoon UStream.tv, via my broadcast channel. You don't have to be a registered user (although other viewers like to be able to identify whose in the chat room -- as well as myself) to participate. Stop by at 3.30pm, EST this afternoon for a LIVE chat with yours truly. We'll be chatting about everything I'm sure - so stop by and hang with us. . . and as promised I'll be giving away some resource (for free) to a lucky person in the room.

follow me on Twitter for updates and pre-show notifications.

Labels: Life on Life, Media, Students Only, Technology, Youth Pastors

"Making clothes together in our studio makes us feel complete. We probably sound like a group of grannies in a knitting circle but it's the truth and it gives us some control over our visual identity. When you are a big band and everyone is taking shots at you, the more things you can do together the better."- Chris Martin, on the members of Coldplay's personal hobby

I found this rather hilarious and quite interesting... but regardless, I'm loving their new song Viva La Vida. It is one of my top ten most listened to songs right now.

Labels: Celebrities, Culture, Music, Random, Videos

For those of you that are into politics you'll enjoy this. Donald Miller delivered the closing benediction at the opening ceremony of the Democratic National Convention. For months now he and Barack Obama have apparently been emailing each other. Well today on his new blog, Don Miller shared the emails with the general public! (Woah) Of course, I had to read them. . . and if you want to, click here.

By the way, I've since added Don Miller to my blogroll. Not so much because of this post of his... but because I have a new interest in Don Miller. I thoroughly enjoyed Blue Like Jazz so much that I'm re-reading it right now and find him incredibly insightful, witty and a great human being.

 Subscribe to this blog in a feed reader.

Labels: Culture, Hot Topics, Issues, Politics, Random

In the teaching series Unstoppable, Craig Groeschel made an announcement from the stage that their church would no longer have "church members." They basically stated they would be "killing them off." No, not literally.

"We're killing church members. Not like killing them dead, although there've been members I've wanted to kill in the past, but we are just killing membership, you know. It's it's going away, and the reason is because for years and years we've done it, and we just did it because other people did it and in my mind, it always kind of bothered me some because I thought, 'Well, if you are a believer, you're already a member of the family of God, but you still join a church because that's what you do,' and so we just said, 'Well, we're not going to do just what everyone's done before because, instead of joining a church, we hope that you'll see yourself as joining a movement. And instead of joining and being a member of a church like you would a country club or something, instead, we hope that you will see yourself, not as a member, but as a partner, as someone who is called by God, set apart by God, to partner with other believers to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ."

"God doesn't call the prepared. He prepares the called." (from the same series) (read Ephesians 4:11-12)

(graphic: courtesy of Catalyst)

Labels: Church, Communicating, Culture, Issues, Leadership, Youth Pastors

Who did not get an Olympic medal? The creators of the themed-ads we all saw during this year's Olympics. One of my favorites was the VISA commercial where Morgan Freeman congratulates Michael Phelps on winning the most gold medals of anyone - ever. It may be because I like anything where Morgan Freeman speaks. He is definitely my new James Earl Jones.

Fourth Place Medals determined the best Olympic commercial and awarded it to this one:


Nike's ad depicts the various images of life on the way to Olympic glory are complimented by the Killers' song "All These Things That I Have Done."

What was your favorite? What was the worst?

Click here to visit the FPM page.

Labels: celebrtiies, Creative, Culture, Marketing, Music, Sports, Television, Videos

Labels: Random, Straight Up Funny

I'll be chatting LIVE tonight for the very first time on UStream.tv, via my broadcast channel. You don't have to be a registered user (although other viewers like to be able to identify whose in the chat room -- as well as myself) to participate. Stop by at 9:30pm, EST tonight for a LIVE chat with yours truly. We'll be chatting about everything tonight I'm sure - so stop by and hang with us.

Someone suggested I dress up for the occasion... (like in a "tutu"). Yea, I don't see that happening.


follow me on Twitter for updates and pre-show notifications.

Labels: Life on Life, Life on Life.tv

One of the most underrated bloggers in the youth ministry world today is Tim Schmoyer.

Tim has a blog called "Life in Student Ministry," which is one of the best how-to blogs I've ever seen. I toot this guy's horn a lot because his stuff is so good. You can find very practical things on his site and walk away with free resources, which is worth your time. Today Tim launched something pretty incredible. He has created a free mentorship program for youth ministers who have been in the field for two years or less.

You'll get to know Tim a little bit better soon as I have snagged him for one of my Life on Life interviews here on my blog. Keep watching for that!

I urge you to check out Life in Student Ministry (Tim Schmoyer) today and tell him I sent ya!

Labels: Blog Shout, Resources, Site Shout, Youth Pastors

Sorry, but this was so funny... and so true for me. How about for you? Girls, please, respond in the spirit of Christ. :-)


(ht to Adam Barnett)

Labels: Culture, Random

This will be my first year attending Catalyst as a keynote speaker (J\K). Don't worry, I probably won't even sit near the big stage. Leave that to amazing speakers like Andy Stanley, Craig Groeschel and.. of course, Billy Graham [who I was stoked to see ... and later found out that he will only be speaking by video. :-( ]

Here are some of the featured speakers:


In addition to these guys on the main stage you'll also get to attend the Catalyst Labs along with inspiring leaders like: Dino Rizzo, Perry Noble, John Burke, Dave Ferguson, Mark Batterson and Tim Stevens

Are you planning to attend this year? Have you registered? If not, you should sign up soon! The prices go up after Thursday. When you register, please let the nice folks @ Catalyst know you heard about this year's line-up from yours truly. :-)

Hope to see you there!

[ps] Rob Bell is not apart of the line-up this year. Maybe next year!

Labels: Church, Communicating, Conferences, Creative, Marketing, Resources, Youth Pastors

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.

I think I can say it three weeks in a row... WHEW! What a weekend!

I coordinated a huge community block party for our church this weekend. With the help of some stellar volunteers we reached a LOT of people for Christ.

Saturday was a LONG day... but a good one.

Sunday was also a long day as we had a free luncheon for first time guests (a tie-in from the block party) on Sunday.

Following I went with our children's ministry staff and a number of children from our church to this place called "Jumpin Jelly Beans." Basically its a place where adults get beat up by little kids on inflatables.

... at least that was my experience. I was attacked by15 children who thought we were in a WWE Cage match. I walked away without a scratch (surprisingly) as one of the little kids NAILED me in the jaw.

The Democratic National Convention starts today. You excited?

I heard someone say today that they "plan to vote" but weren't crazy about "Bahama or McClaine." Wow.

Got invited over to a friends' cookout this evening. You gotta love when u get an invitation to a free dinner.

Pet Peeve #56: People who shake your hand but never let go. Um... that happened yesterday.

Concerned about my good friend, Pat Daniels [cancer patient]. She is currently in the hospital. Would you say a prayer for her? I'm hoping I can see her soon even though they are not allowing for visitors.

I announced earlier that Life on Life has a broadcast channel now. I'll be LIVE on UStream.tv at least twice weekly now to chat.

Broadcast times will vary. Occasionally morning, mostly in the afternoon and sometimes late-night.

Sign up to follow me so you'll receive the pre-show notifications. You can also get them regularly through following me via twitter.

I'm currently reading Blue Like Jazz. Donald Miller is hilarious. You definitely need to read this book. Not only is he funny but I've learned a lot about spirituality from reading him.

Currently have a blog banner contest here. If you design a blog banner and submit by the end of the month you may win $50.00 in free resources as well as some serious link love.

Today was a scorcher! I'm so thankful that we didn't have our block party today!

Can't wait to attend Catalyst in October... its going to be awesome.

Dude... Christmas is right around the corner.

Ok, I'm out.

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Labels: Manic Monday Minute

Life on Life is now LIVE on UStream.tv. At least twice weekly I'll be broadcasting live via UStream.tv. I have my own broadcast channel and you can tune in and chat with me.

I'll be live for a minimum of 30 minutes during each session (at various times) and I will cover the modern church today, culture and Christ. Additional topics may range from entertainment to politics... and everything in between. Much of the content; however, will be guided by you -- the viewer!

Topics will be hot and as a word of warning, hilarious. Life on Life will be a unique broadcasting experience with you along for the ride! I encourage you to visit my broadcast channel and follow me so you will know when I will be live. Additionally, you may want to follow me on twitter, as I will post pre-show notifications and announcements regarding the broadcasts.

[ps] I posted a nice little snapshot of my page. Did you notice the random "sexy" banner? I didn't put that there... although its fitting (tee-hee).

Labels: Church, Creative, Culture, Hot Topics, Issues, Life on Life, Marketing, Media, Technology, Television, Videos, Youth Pastors

This will blow your mind. A little mid-afternoon distraction for you... and a look into the future of animation.



Get this: Emily is not real. She was created by Image Metrics in California, the same company that created the graphics for the game Grand Theft Auto.

"Ninety per cent of the work is convincing people that the eyes are real,” Mike Starkenburg, chief operating officer of Image Metrics, said.

The subtlety of the timing of eye movements is a big one. People also have a natural asymmetry - for instance, in the muscles in the side of their face. Those types of imperfections aren’t that significant but they are what makes people look real."

Link to more

Labels: Creative, Culture, Marketing, Movies, Students Only, Technology, Television, Videos, Youth Pastors

I spent some time online last night visiting ExposedPastor.com for the first time.

Barefoot Community Church (in North Myrtle Beach, SC!) has created quite a buzz with their current series "Exposed Pastor." The premise is that the pastor and his family have agreed to live their lives before cameras for over approximately 15 hours daily to share the authenticity of the Christian life with those who don't know Christ. Pastor Clay Nesmith stated "we want to leverage our resources to reach people where they are (the internet) and interact with them." So from 5:30am to 10:30pm daily he sits in front of the camera and answers questions from those who log-on and chat with him.

During my 2 hour experience online last night Clay (and his wife Kim) sat together on their couch and interacted with chatters, answering whatever questions they had in regards to Christ, the Church or theology. Several other pastors stopped by to visit and interact as well. And to make things even more interesting they gave away several free resources during my time on the site. I even learned that Clay is a CIU Alum, like yours truly.

I encourage you to check this site out and pass the word about the great work Barefoot is doing. Stop by ExposedPastor.com today and tell Clay and Kim that I sent you.

Labels: Blog Shout, Church, Creative, Culture, Hot Topics, Issues, Marketing, News, Resources, Site Shout, Youth Pastors

I want to freshen up my blog with another banner. With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to include YOU in the process. If you design a blog banner that I end up using on my site, I'll prominently link to your site and tell the world how artistically gifted you are. If enough quality submissions come in, I'll rotate the banners and give everyone some link love. The creative genius who designs my personal favorite will get a few extras (see details following).

Here are the guidelines:

You must include the domain name (terracecrawford.com)

Banner has to be 800 pixels wide but no more than 940.

Prefer primary colors: Red, Black and White

Some things to consider:

Incorporating theme: Life on Life

Secondary tag\blog topics: Culture, Christ and the Church

Graphics reflecting blog topics\theme

The creative genius who designs my personal favorite will not only get prominent mentions from my blog but will also get mentions to my entire network (near 2,000 subscribers - including all social networking sites and my personal newsletter). Additionally, you'll receive $50.00 in free resources.

Submissions should be emailed by August 31, 2008, 2:00pm (est). Participants may submit as many entries as they like. Contest closes on August 31, 2008.

Labels: Blog Shout, Creative, Marketing, Resources, Youth Pastors

I love a good vid. I started not to post this but I laughed so histerically, love American Idol and was so impressed by the creativity that I had to share.

My good friend Ben Arment shared this on his blog today. It's a vid that pastor Tony McCullom of Fusion Church used for one of their teaching series.




So what's the best vid you've seen recently for a teaching series? Share some link love in the comments.

Labels: Celebrities, Church, Creative, Culture, Marketing, Resources, Technology, Videos, Youth Pastors

I am currently reading "Wild Goose Chase" by Mark Batterson, which releases today nationwide. I was able to get my hands on an advanced copy and an additional copy (which I gave away last week here on the blog - who says it doesn't pay to visit terracecrawford.com?)

Mark is the Lead Pastor of National Community Church, widely recognized as one of America’s most innovative churches, which meets in movie theatres and metro stops throughout the DC area. I read his blog daily and am loving this book!

In a nutshell, Wild Goose Chase is an exploration of the pursuit of the Holy Spirit.

Here's an excerpt from the book's introduction:

"Most of us have no idea where we’re going most of the time. Perfect. Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit–An Geadh-Glas, or ‘the Wild Goose.’ The name hints at mystery. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger, an air of unpredictability surround Him. And while the name may sound a little sacrilegious, I cannot think of a better description of what it’s like to follow the Spirit through life. I think the Celtic Christians were on to something….Most of us will have no idea where we are going most of the time. And I know that is unsettling. But circumstantial uncertainty also goes by another name: Adventure.”

Ok, I have some more to read... so I've got to jet. I hope to have a complete review of the book for you soon... but in the meantime, go order your copy today!

Wild Goose Chase official site
Mark Batterson's official blog

Labels: Books, Church, Creative, Leadership, Marketing, News, Personal, Resources, Youth Pastors

My good friends Churchy Dave and Jason Bedell broke the news yesterday about a new network they have formed for creative minds in the 757 area code.

If you are passionate about music, worship, arts, video/production, graphic design, sketch/drama, comedy or painting you'll probably want to join them for their first meet-up scheduled for September 16th! I know I'll be there.

Check out sevenfivesevenarts.com for more information.

Labels: Church, Creative, Culture, Hot Topics, Marketing, Media, News, Resources, Technology, Youth Pastors

What do you do when you've been deemed "The Greatest?" Michael Phelps has won 8 gold medals in Beijing, broken every record and is being upheld as the greatest olympian ever!

Is there room for improvement? Phelps seems to be handling these moments with humility. I've even heard him comment in interviews that "he did not feel he did his personal best." Wha? You just won the gold medal! Um, actually 8 of them... bringing your total to 14?

I've never been deemed 'the best' or 'the greatest' but it makes me wonder how I'd handle myself if I were.

How about you? When you are at the 'top of your game' (according to your audience, congregants, peers) do you still feel like there is room for improvement? or do you become complacent with your current status and not provide your personal best?

(Image: courtesy, Getty Images)

Labels: Celebrities, Hot Topics, Issues, Leadership, Random, Sports, Youth Pastors

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.

Whew! What a weekend.

Just got back from South Carolina last night.

Had a great weekend with my family.

Got to officiate my cousin, Hanna's, wedding on a beautiful lawn (by the water) in Georgetown, SC.

Also got to see my grandmothers and my grandfather.

Many people have been praying for them. Thank you.

Attended church with the charismatics yesterday. Its actually the church I grew up in - love it!

The pastor didn't even get to preach! He just ended up praying over people. It was pretty powerful.

My family and I got to worship together. It was great.

My sister has a new kitty. I had a great time playing and harassing him. Most people think I hate pets. I'm not a hata.

Please pray with me for GREAT weather on Saturday here. We're coordinating a huge block party for our community and hope people turnout.

Just watched Rick Warren on Larry King Live. I have so much respect for that man.

You been watching the Olympics? Blown away by Michael Phelps. That kid is amazing.

I spoke with someone earlier who was ticked off. He went out tonight to eat at a restaurant and wanted to watch the Redskins game. They changed the channel to tune into the Olympics. HA!

A friend who attends Revolution Church told me that Gary Lamb accidently dropped the "F" bomb in his service on Sunday. AWKWARD. He has a different take on what happened.

Researching trends today in prep for a conference in September.

This guy is coming for a visit soon. He wants to hang with me. Can't wait!

Currently reading Mark Batterson's new book Wild Goose Chase. It will be released nationwide tomorrow, August 19.

Wanted to go down to the beach today. I had some time but chose to chill at home instead. Maybe tomorrow!

Ok, I'm tired. Peace.

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Labels: Manic Monday Minute

If you didn't get to catch Saddleback's Civil Forum this weekend, courtesy of CNN or Fox News, you sure missed a great broadcast. Rick Warren got Barack Obama and John McCain together on the same stage for the first time since running for president. Warren sat down with each candidate, separately, for one hour and asked them questions ranging from leadership to their personal faith in Jesus Christ.

Here are my thoughts after viewing the broadcast...

Rick Warren is THE man. Say what you want to but the man is just incredible. He is a man of great talent and influence and handles his platform well. Thank God for his leadership, character and for being a great role model to leaders in the modern church today.

Obama has great charisma and is a great orator but he did not shine in this forum in my opinion. Obama seemed to take a moment to consider each question and provide a thoughtful response but wasn't as clear or as direct as I feel he needs to be at this point in the game. McCain; however, was ready, poised and delivered a clear, confident answer and literally captivated the audience. There was a clear contrast here.

Obama clearly dispelled the rumor that he is a muslim. He stated that he puts his faith in Jesus Christ.

If I ever run for president remind me never to accept an invitation to a civil forum on the presidency with Rick Warren. Dang... he asked the hard questions didn't he?!

I am still undecided as to who I will vote for in this election; however, based on this forum John McCain may have secured my vote. He was what I needed him to be - strong, confident, clear, thoughtful, deep, articulate, witty and honest.

I was hoping the candidates would hint at a running mate, although I did not expect them to... nor did I expect Rick Warren to ask them. [I wish they would pick one already! I have my fingers still crossed (and I know its a long-shot) that McCain chooses Huckabee. That would definitely secure my vote. THERE, I said it.]

Click here for video footage from the forum.

Tonight Rick Warren is scheduled to appear on Larry King Live (CNN) to discuss his thoughts on the forum and what happened behind the scenes.

Labels: Celebrities, Church, Culture, Hot Topics, Media, Politics, Television, Youth Pastors

I stumbled across a site this weekend that I'm sure you'll love... Church Media Design.tv. Brad Zimmerman offers tips, tricks and how to for the church media designer.

I watched several episodes of his podcast and it was not only interesting but a learning experience for me. I highly recommend you check his stuff out.

Thank Brad for the goodness he serves up and tell him that I sent ya!

Labels: Church, Creative, Marketing, Media, Resources, Site Shout, Youth Pastors

This year's Horatio Alger report on the "State of Our Nation's Youth," paints a relatively optimistic portrait of students despite the world's malaise. Here are some highlights:

Students are optimistic about their own future and their own abilities, but have grown markedly less optimistic about the country's future.

Hope and optimism about the future of the country has declined 22 points in just five years from 75% in 2003 to 53% today. [I would guess this is on par with adult feelings about the future of our country as well]

Still they realize the role the election could play in shaping the future....

75% of students say they care who wins the presidential election.

The top issues for teens?

1. The economy/jobs (34%)
2. War in Iraq (31%)
3. Environment/global warming (28%)
4. Education (25%)
5. Health care (16%)
6. Terrorism & national security (13%)
7. Civil liberties & civil rights (11%)
8. Moral values (10%)

The vast majority of students say they are very confident (62%) or fairly confident (31%) about achieving their own goals in life [all that self esteem emphasis obviously paid off]

What would improve students' quality of education? The majority of students (38%) said more up-to-date technology. Second was better job training. [hello. wake up call to schools, teens want their education to be relevant to their future]

30% reported having been bullied online (vs. 54% offline). And only 16% said someone had intentionally posted something mean or hurtful about them on-line. [this reaffirms that it's an issue, but also puts it in perspective]

Their role models? Family's first at 57% (up 10 points from 2005). Entertainers and sports figures are both down from 2005 to 9% and 4% (entertainers dropped 2 points while sports figures dropped one)

Time spent online? There are different versions of these stats, but here's there's: Students spend a lot of time online, both for entertainment (85%) and for schoolwork (78%)...

You can download the full report here.

Labels: Church, Culture, Hot Topics, Issues, Marketing, News, Resources, Youth Pastors

Here is a new word and a new documentary for your radar - "RELIGULOUS." Bill Mahr is known for is comedy and for his stance against religion. His latest creation is what he calls "Religulous," a portmanteau derived from the words "religion" and "ridiculous," implying the satirical nature of his new documentary that is meant to mock the concept of organized religion and the problems it brings about.

Here is the trailer:



Additionally, Mahr and company have launched a website for all things religulous called Disbeliefnet, which covers everything from the heretic press to mock ads for the XXXChurch, provides a "blasphemy box" and a verse for the moment like this one:

The documentary was slated for release at Easter but due to the writer's strike it has been pushed back for release this October.

(Source: Wikipedia, Disbeliefnet)

Labels: Celebrities, Church, Creative, Culture, Hot Topics, Issues, Marketing, Movies, News, Youth Pastors

I've got my eye on the marketing industry to students... but I have a little help. This world of marketing to teens, tweens and Gen Y constantly changes and its hard to keep up. One of the best decisions I made over a year ago was tapping Y-Pulse for insight. Daily I receive updates from this mainstream publication in my inbox... and it consistently provides some helpful insight into my audience.

Recently Y-Pulse's editor shared "10 Free Resources every Youth Marketer Should be Using." If you work with students you'll find some of these very helpful and will want to bookmark them. I'm including the list (with her comments) in this post for quick reference:

1. MTV News Whatever your thoughts are on the relevance of MTV, the channel invests heavily in researching their demographic and knowing what teens (collective) want. Reading MTV News online is basically reading headlines handpicked by editors who are deciding what entertainment news is most relevant to their audience. It's worth checking on a daily basis. You can also sign up for MTV Sticky, a free trend email from MTV's research department.

2. Cynopsis Kids - If you're trying to reach tweens and want to stay on top of the latest news in licensing, kids/tween TV and movies, this daily newsletter is a must read.

3. TrendCentral- Yes, they are an advertiser. You can go to the site or sign up for their newsletter.

4. My High School Journalism Obviously this site is dead during the summer months when school's out, but this fall you should definitely check in on a weekly basis. This is the gateway to loads of high school newspaper websites and a way to see what teens think are important issues both at their school and in the world.

5. Next Great Thing Youth. Mobile. Trends. Fleishman's blog description says it all. They do nice roundups of youth oriented mobile links along with more in-depth posts on what's happening in this space.

6. Trends & Tudes - Harris Interactive (a sponsor of Ypulse Research) has a monthly e-newsletter that highlights research they've done for their clients. They don't just offer numbers but always offer insights you can pull from the research, whether it's on bullying at school or college students today.

7. The Pew Internet & American Life Project - Pew produces free reports on how teens are using the internet. Every one is a free goldmine of information.

8. CNET/Digital Kids Coverage This used to be a blog but now is a way to search CNET News for all of their youth and technology oriented stories and posts.

9. Danah Boyd's Research Danah is one of the few academics who consciously strives to make as much of her research free and available online. Not only that, it's required reading if you're focused on youth and social media.

10. Youth Media Exchange If you are interested in social change and want to know what young people all over the world are concerned about, YME is a great resource and a truly international youth activism site. Worth checking to get a global pulse of what youth activists are thinking (and doing) around the world. Also a great resource for corporations looking to partner or create global pro-social campaigns.

Labels: Church, Creative, Culture, Hot Topics, Issues, Marketing, News, Resources, Youth Pastors

Are you kidding me with this?


I think I just puked a little in my mouth.

(ht to Len)

Labels: Church, Creative, Culture, Hot Topics, Issues, Marketing, Movies, Music, Television, Youth Pastors

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.

Whew! What a weekend.

Didn't feel like I had one. So many engagements, so little time.

4 parties later, its Monday! HA

I weighed in two days ago and had literally lost 10 pounds.

After all the parties this past weekend I'm pretty sure I gained them back.

Yesterday's service was great.

Pastor (Dr. B as I sometimes call him) didn't even stay on his notes. He came down from the platform and just spoke from his heart. Love when that happens!

Got a nap yesterday. My body knows when its Sunday!

My grandmother (dad's mom) was diagnosed with breast cancer and had surgery on Friday. She is doing considerably well. Thank you for your prayers.

Get to see family this weekend... as I'm headed to South Carolina for a wedding.

Just got off the phone with my sister. She has a new kitten she named "Amigo." Sounds like the kitten has a little hispanic flava. Can't wait to see him!

Uh oh... that sound means my cell is dying. Need to recharge.

Been watching some of the Olympics. The USA is doing so well. I'm proud of our athletes.

I think Michael Phelps could single-handedly represent. That kid is amazing.

What are you diggin?

Been researching trends today in prep for a conference in September.

Threw up a nice little Capture the Caption contest today.

You can win a copy of Mark Batterson's new book Wild Goose Chase before you can buy it!

I'm craving a slurpee right now.

Just challenged the youth ministry network I lead to a game of minigolf this Thursday. Game ON!

I'm currently re-reading Blue Like Jazz. Donald Miller is so stinkin funny.

Weather has been awesome last couple of days! Just awesome.

Ok, I've gotta jet.

Lots of meetings and a funeral tomorrow!

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Labels: Manic Monday Minute

Steven Furtick and the fellowship of Elevation Church have been praying to baptize over 1,000 people during their Awakening series and this past weekend they baptized 1,044! Holy smokes.

What amazing things have you seen in your churches and communities? God is on the move.

Labels: Church, Culture, Hot Topics, Issues, Random

Ok, Blog readers... in the good spirit of competition and, of course, non-stop hilarity, I welcome Capture the Caption, number three...and this is a special win it before you can buy it contest! For this installment you can win a copy of Mark Batterson's Wild Goose Chase, before its nationwide release (August 19).

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Can you capture the caption?

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Guidelines:

Leave your caption entry in comments.

Keep it clean.

You may enter more than once.

Tell your friends, share some link love.

Have fun!

Winner receives: A FREE copy of Mark Batterson's new book Wild Goose Chase! (**Win it Before you Can Buy it!**)

Note:

Top contenders will be included in posts.

Winner to be chosen and announced on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 11:00am.

The winner is... "Wanda keeps the dream alive after a particularly stirring "So You Think You Can Dance" finale."(Shawna)

(Contest closed at 11.00am, August 14,2008; Winner announced.)

Labels: Capture the Caption, Resources

The internet is a buzz about the Olympic Games that begin today in Beijing, China. I'm excited about the games too. I found a few snapshots from rehearsals, to the beautiful gardens to the opening ceremony itself that I thought I'd share with you. ;-)







Will you be watching? What sport are you most looking forward to? Any special Olympic parties or festivities planned?

(Photos without tag courtesy of AP)

Labels: Creative, Hot Topics, Marketing, Media, News, Photo Gallery, Random, Television

Yesterday I twittered this:

This afternoon this:

I also want to thank my church family and friends for your continued prayers.

Labels: Personal

In case you missed it, the Steven Curtis Chapman family on Good Morning America speaking about their tragic loss of their daughter, Maria.


I have so much respect for this family. If you didn't catch this interview, you should check it out.

Additionally, you may catch the entire Chapman family on CNN's Larry King Live tonight. Check your local listings.

No doubt good has come from the tragedy. Over 500,000 dollars has been raised in Maria's memory already... and will help families who wish to adopt. If you'd like to donate to Maria's Miracle Fund, click here.

Labels: Celebrities, Church, Culture, Hot Topics, Music, News, Youth Pastors

Right now I'd like to be at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. I have several friends twittering the event... and that doesn't help matters. It's okay though... I have plenty to do. Gearing up for a one-day camp I'm coordinating in our community tomorrow and planning a special trip to South Carolina for next week. So my plate runneth over.

I did have a little twitter fun this morning posting one of my latest name-dropping gags.


Have fun guys... we'll continue to live the summit vicariously through your twitter fingers.

For more on Willow Creek's Leadership summit, click here.
To follow me on twitter, click here.

(ht to Tim Stevens for the Twitpic)

Labels: Communicating, Conferences, Creative, Marketing, Random, Resources, Youth Pastors