Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Thankful

I am thankful for many things...

I am thankful for my wife and child. They are the loves of my life.

I am thankful for my parents and siblings. They've always supported me. I can always count on them.

I am thankful for my friends. I've had many friends to laugh with...to cry with...to share life with.

I am thankful for the pastors who have mentored and encouraged me. I have been blessed to work with great Senior Pastors.

I am thankful for my church. They have loved my family in amazing ways. I am thankful for my youth team. I have no idea what I would do without their help.


I am thankful for the teenagers in our youth group. I've seen many of them grow and mature over that past several years. They inspire me and don't even know it. I am so lucky to be a youth pastor.

I am thankful for college football, southern food, laughter, great music, and nerdy books.

I am thankful for the opportunities that have been given to me. The opportunity for education. The opportunity to preach. The opportunity to adopt. The opportunities to do mission work. The opportunity to be a husband and a father.

I am thankful for Jesus...for saving me...for calling me...for not giving up on me.

"Give thanks to the Lord because he is good. God's faithful love lasts forever!" Psalm 136:1


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Upside Down


Here is a video about a couple whose lives were turned upside down by Jesus. Life with Jesus is upside down because it seems so opposite of our world's values:

Forgiving instead of getting even.
Serving instead of controlling.
Giving instead of getting.
Grace instead of earning.
Peace instead of hate.
Love instead of fear.

I am so thankful Jesus turned my life upside down!




Thursday, November 1, 2012

5 Things Youth Volunteers Need to Hear


My youth team is great and I have no idea where I (or our youth group) would be without them. So...in honor of them and volunteers everywhere, here are five things every volunteer needs to hear.


5. THANK YOU! YOU'RE AWESOME!

4. Don't take things personally...teenagers by nature make all of us feel stupid from time to time.

3. It's ok to be weird...that's why you serve in the youth ministry. 
(see photo to the right)

2. Don't forget to take a break occasionally...the youth group will survive. (come back quickly though!)

1. You ARE making a great impact in the lives of young people, and in my life...even if you don't see the outward results all the time.