The Life and Times of Jeff...

Some pics from Cambodia

2009-06-03T17:42:00.006-04:00

Yup, that's me behind the monkey.

Our group at one of the old Buddhist Temples.

That's right I got a picture with a monk. In case your wondering it was a real monk.

I was not expecting a whole fish...it was good though.

For security reasons I can't put up pictures of the girls that we got to be with.
Part of the church service on Sunday morning.

Typical scene in Cambodia

Overwhelming response

2009-06-03T14:28:00.003-04:00

I wish that is what I could say about the typical church in America. Overwhelming response. Unfortunately, I guess it isn't. We need to do something about this huge problem that is affecting our world.

So again I ask, what are we going to do?

Time for action...

2009-05-22T09:53:00.002-04:00

So what can we do? We are half way around the world from most of these places. What can we do all the way over here? I'm glad you asked because we can do a lot. But first I want to challenge you to think about it.

Come up with something that can help in this fight against human trafficking. Don't sell yourself short. This 15 year old boy wrote a book about abolishing modern-day slavery. Here are some other ideas from people just like you.

So what do you have? What are your ideas? I want to hear them, and I want to act. Knowing about such a problem is the first step, but Jesus says that if we just know and don't act we are a fool.

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
-James 2:14-18

So what are we going to do?

Human Trafficking

2009-05-19T12:46:00.003-04:00

Here are some great introductory websites to read about modern day slavery and human trafficking:

http://www.antislavery.org/homepage/antislavery/modern.htm

http://www.chaste.org.uk/sextrafficking/

http://www.castla.org/definition-of-the-issue

Here is the website of the organization that we worked with specifically in Cambodia:
http://www.freedomforgirls.com/RaphaHouse/NEWhome.htm

Here is another organization that we got to see while in Cambodia:
http://www.ijm.org/

Please take time to look at the websites and learn about the huge problem that is facing this world today.

Cambodia

2009-05-19T12:40:00.002-04:00

It's interesting that the last time that I updated this was for the last mission trip that I was on in New Orleans. We are going back to New Orleans in about 4 weeks, but I still got a lot to think about from Cambodia. The people are so different, the culture is deep, and the customs are sometimes confusing. With all that, I still fell in love with the country.

Please keep checking back as I update this with pictures from the trip, places you can go to learn more about human trafficking, and hopefully we can have a healthy discussion on this topic.

-Jeff

Awesome game

2008-08-20T17:31:00.001-04:00

Scribble

Help the Ink Blots get to the finish flags.

Play this free game now!!

New Orleans

2008-07-03T10:47:00.000-04:00

Memorizing Scripture

2008-05-07T15:38:00.000-04:00

Tips to memorize scripture:

Repetition- This is how you memorize most other things in life. You sing a song over and over again until you are singing it in your head without even knowing it. Repeat a verse over and over again. If it is a short verses read the whole thing, if it is a long passage then break it up into pieces.

Have a plan- Maybe it is to have a new verse memorized every week, maybe it is 3 verses memorized a week. Whatever it is, stick to it! This will help you track your progress and see how far you have come.

Use the memory cards- These are designed to be small and portable. You can stick them to your computer, your binder, or even your backpack. Anywhere that you will see them and remember the verse. I keep my right on my computer because that is what I stare at all day long. The verse will pop out to me when I need encouragement or a reminder.

Chew on it- Not literally, but ponder it, think about it, meditate on it. Is there a deeper meaning to this verse? Do you understand all the words? Really digging in to the verse will not only help you understand it more, but also will help you remember it.

I hope this helps you to memorize scripture more, and find a passion for God’s living and active words.

Gotta have Faith.

2008-04-23T15:48:00.003-04:00

Even if you haven't heard the George Micheal song called Faith (it's probably better if you haven't), you should hopefully have a good understanding of what faith is. We talked about it today in youth group if you were there but here are some more thoughts:

The Bible says this in Matthew 21:18-22:

Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withered.
When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked.
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Since no mountains have been tossed around recently does this mean that we don't have real faith? Does it mean that doubting our faith sometimes is bad?

Let me know what you think.

A true story

2008-04-10T12:20:00.000-04:00

The History of Youth Ministry

Interesting Book

2008-04-08T11:00:00.002-04:00

I am not reading this book currently, but would like to. I have read many interviews with the author and comments from those that have read the book. The idea in itself is interesting. A man that lives everything from the Bible out literally. That means no clothes that are mixed threads, he wore all white, no bacon, and many, many ,many more. Here is a link to an article and review of the book.

Amazing...

2008-03-25T12:59:00.000-04:00

Just amazing...

Hard to decide...

2008-03-20T09:19:00.001-04:00

I don't know who I like better....Allison or Brock...

Don't send a lame eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

Chuck Norris...

2008-03-10T15:44:00.001-04:00

Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door.

Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.

Chuck Norris counted to infinity - twice.

Chuck Norris destroyed the periodic table, because he only recognizes the element of surprise.

I am literally lol.

Find more at www.chucknorrisfacts.com

This is Great...

2008-03-05T11:31:00.002-05:00

This article is great. I love the quote "Shanon wrote that he was very familiar with the affects of the ayahuasca plant, having 'partaken of the ... brew about 160 times in various locales and contexts.'"

Over the Hill

2008-03-03T13:51:00.002-05:00

Well this is my 51st post and that means...nothing. I don't have any fireworks to shoot off, or any wonderful way of celebrating. However I do have a cool link for those that like ipods. You should definitely create a new fashion statement at church with these. Well I hope that everyone in the small group is working on your "assignment" and if you need any help just let me know.

-Jeff

I know, I know....

2008-01-22T10:46:00.000-05:00

Things have been busy with the holidays, and there is really no excuse for not posting in almost a month. Since then there has been many practices for Impact, a parent potluck, and we started back with small group. If you are in teh small group, or even if you aren't, make sure you check out this. Hope everyone is enjoying their time back at school, and till I see you again, peace.

Allison's first post

2007-12-27T11:45:00.000-05:00

Hey guys, this is Allison posting on Jeff's blog. I asked Jeff if I could post an entry because I wanted to introduce you to something. The link below will provide you an opportunity to get a glimpse of the secret life of girls. When I first saw it, it changed my life and the lives of my three roommates at the time. So, without futher ado, make sure your volume is up and click http://www.homestarrunner.com/tgs1.html and get ready to forget everything you ever thought you knew about girls. Btw, Kristen makes a guest appearance.

Christmas time

2007-12-20T11:55:00.000-05:00

It might have been a Silent Night two thousand years ago, but not any more: http://www.myfoxwghp.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=5257845&version=10&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

It's beggining to look a lot like Christmas...or is it?

2007-12-14T10:39:00.000-05:00

The church is buzzing with activity as we are getting geared up for our Christmas Drive-thru. I was reading this article and thought I would pass it on to you. It has some interesting historical insights to the things we see and the songs we sing during the Christmas season.

Hope everyone is ready for tonight!

Hey Hey Hey

2007-12-11T10:36:00.000-05:00

Well It has been a while since I posted anything. Mainly because of the holidays coming up and yada yada yada... I though I would take a break from all the fun holiday stuff with its bright lights and cheerful songs and give you this link:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071207/en_nm/germany_scientology_dc;_ylt=AtsUSmzzGlUIcMS7FGuanm2s0NUE

The link is pretty interesting since we were studying Scientology not to long ago in small group. I was going to say more about it, but I can't figure out how to stop the underlining. Stop underlining my words. Stop I say!

If you still want to get high on Christams pictures and santa, here is a great place to go: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/entertainment/holiday/sfl-scaredofsanta-ugc,0,7181908.ugcphotogallery

The Christmas season

2007-11-29T13:32:00.000-05:00

As the Christmas season approaches I always look forward to dancing like an elf. Wait, what? Well anyways go and check this out: http://elfyourself.com/
You can put pictures of your loved ones, or no so loved ones on a dancing elf. Always a good time. Comment with a link to your finished product.

I'm Back

2007-11-26T09:49:00.000-05:00

Well It's been an eventful few weekends, and for those who sorely missed me, I'm back. I know, I know, you can barely contain yourself. For those of you who are still reading and actually care, I had a great time at the National Youth Workers Convention (yes, they have conventions for youth workers), and I also had a great time camping. I think the convention was the best because I got to hear great speakers, get some wonderful resources, and all the free t-shirts were nice too.

I think the count was up to 12 free t-shirts for me, a few for Allison, and also a free t-shirt to the first person who mentions this blog to me. Either email me or leave a comment and you get a free t-shirt. I do have different sizes depending on who it is.

Free t-shirts are just one more reason to be happy during this post-Thanksgiving week.

2 Corinthains 13:1-14

2007-11-10T10:46:00.000-05:00

Yes I know it seemed like I was dead, and I practically was. I has my wisdom teeth pulled on Thursday morning so I have been out of it for quit some time now.

On with the scripture!

Paul has many good things to say in this last chapter of 2 Corinthians but one thing that I want to dwell on, and I hope you dwell on is his words in verse 11. "Aim for perfection..." I like that. It's simple, short, and not complicated. Although when it comes down to doing it, it isn't simple, short, or uncomplicated. Aiming for perfection is a hard thing that takes time and can even take a lifetime. I hope we can all aim for perfection, and I hope these past few weeks have given us the encouragement and strive to aim for that perfection.

well I think my pain medication is getting to me, I better go.

Hope to see everyone at Impact practice on Sunday.

2 Corinthians 12:11-21

2007-11-07T14:51:00.000-05:00

In this passage you can really see the love that Paul has for this church. I feel like this relationship is like a father and his rebellious teenager. Paul keeps asking them and pleading with them to accept God's word and him, but they don't seem to care. Paul's heart really goes out to this church since he is the one that started it, and he wants to see it prosper.

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

2007-11-06T13:26:00.001-05:00

Now the first part of this passage is pretty weird. Paul says that if he was to brag, he would brag about such things as seeing a third heaven and being in paradise. There are some commentators that think Paul is talking about himself here, not someone else. I don't know what to think of it other than it must be awesome if "He heard inexpressible things, thing that a man is not permitted to tell." I wonder if they aren't allowed to tell it, or just couldn't even if they tried.

The second part of this passage I will leave up to Matthew Henry:
"The apostle gives an account of the method God took to keep him humble, and to prevent his being lifted up above measure, on account of the visions and revelations he had. We are not told what this thorn in the flesh was, whether some great trouble, or some great temptation. But God often brings this good out of evil, that the reproaches of our enemies help to hide pride from us. If God loves us, he will keep us from being exalted above measure; and spiritual burdens are ordered to cure spiritual pride. This thorn in the flesh is said to be a messenger of Satan which he sent for evil; but God designed it, and overruled it for good. Prayer is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every malady; and when we are afflicted with thorns in the flesh, we should give ourselves to prayer. If an answer be not given to the first prayer, nor to the second, we are to continue praying. Troubles are sent to teach us to pray; and are continued, to teach us to continue instant in prayer. Though God accepts the prayer of faith, yet he does not always give what is asked for: as he sometimes grants in wrath, so he sometimes denies in love. When God does not take away our troubles and temptations, yet, if he gives grace enough for us, we have no reason to complain. Grace signifies the good-will of God towards us, and that is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort in all afflictions and distresses. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thus his grace is manifested and magnified. When we are weak in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we feel that we are weak in ourselves, then we go to Christ, receive strength from him, and enjoy most the supplies of Divine strength and grace."

2 Corinthians 11:1-33

2007-11-05T14:02:00.000-05:00

There is a whole lot of stuff that could be talked about just from this one chapter. Foolishness, boasting, trials, temptation, persecution, false apostles, the devil, angels, etc... You get my point. One thing that I did want to talk about is what Paul mentions in verse 4. Paul says that we shouldn't follow any other Jesus than what he preached. He isn't saying that there are a bunch of guys named Jesus and we need to follow the right one, but he is saying that we need to know what Jesus was like, and not make him into some other person that he wasn't. Here is a great article from Relevant Magazine. Check it out at http://relevantmagazine.com/god_article.php?id=7430
I think he hits the nail right on the head.

2 Corinthians 10:1-18

2007-11-02T11:18:00.000-04:00

Paul again starts out having to defend himself and his apostleship. Apparently some people were making fun of Paul because his words were harsh but he wasn't much to listen to face to face. Paul addresses this head on because he wants to stop this thinking. Another problem that these people were facing was a lot of bragging. I don't know exactly what they were bragging about, but Paul didn't like it. If you read ahead or just wait until Monday to read it you will see that Paul the one that doesn't brag really had something to brag about.

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

2007-11-01T14:21:00.000-04:00

Well this was a nice short passage of scripture that is pretty straightforward. Paul talks about giving money to the Lord's work. As I have been researching things about Islam (A study we are doing in small group), I have found that they are required to give a certain amount of their income. I wonder how much giving at Poinciana would increase if we made people give with force. It would probably be a lot better than it is now. But does God really want that money? Does God want what we don't want to give him?...Nope. This is exactly what Paul is saying in this passage.

2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5

2007-10-31T14:10:00.000-04:00

See, in the time when Paul was writing this, there was no "Bible Colleges" or really any way to truly know whether someone was teaching the things of Jesus. Sure they could talk with the apostles, but there was no Bible to test peoples words or no internet to look up the truth (since everything on the internet is true!). Paul is about to send Titus to the church to help spread the word and build the church. Paul is assuring the church that Titus has the credentials and he really is teaching the word of God.

2 Corinthians 8:1-15

2007-10-30T14:42:00.000-04:00

Paul starts bragging on some other churches to show the possibility of what can happen when people are generous. Not generous because they wanted to show off, and not even gerouse because they had a lot of extra money lying around. Paul says that these people were in extreme poverty and even through their rough trials they gave money. They were still thanking God for his grace. They understood that the little they had still came from God.

I wonder if we have this mindset. Sure we give on Sunday's, but do we really give as much as we can. We are collecting money on Wednesday nights to give to our adopted child in Tanzania. Right now we don't have enough to give him a Christmas present. Even if you have little, please think about giving this Wednesday so he can have a present to open on Christmas.

2 Corinthians 6:3-7:16

2007-10-29T14:18:00.000-04:00

Well Here goes for Saturday and Monday.

Paul talks about a lot of things in these passages and I want to hit on a few of them. One is how open Paul is with his love for the church. Paul understands that the church is God's design of fellowship and worship for his Children. Sometimes we criticize the church for being strict, or boring, or any number of things. But Paul really lets us see his love for the church, specifically for those that were in Corinth.

Another thing that Paul brings up is being "Unequally yoked." What he means by this, is don't date, or get in a serious relationship with someone who isn't a Christian, or someone who doesn't believe in God. As Paul puts it, what business does light have with darkness. Too many times have I heard teenagers say that their new girlfriend or boyfriend isn't Christian, but they are dating them so that they can "convert" them. As you can imagine, this hardly ever happens, and normally it goes the other way. Normally the Christian compromises their values and beliefs.

Chapter 7 continues Paul's excitement for the Church, and he talks about the last letter that he wrote to them. The last letter that he wrote would be...1 Corinthians. Good Job! Although it was a harsh letter he says that he doesn't regret writing it because it was for their betterment.

Shalom!

2 Corinthians 5:1-6:2

2007-10-26T13:31:00.000-04:00

I think sometimes we don't understand the importance of baptism and the entire change that one goes through when becoming a Christian. In fact some people who have been "Christians" their entire lives try not to be "Christians." People who didn't grow up in the church, or they didn't have Christian parents tend to understand this change more.

Obviously I am generalizing and this isn't true for everyone, but try and follow along. When one grows up outside the church, and then they come to know the Lord, they understand they need to change and they need to turn away from their old lifestyles and the way that they were living. But when one grows up in the church and has always been following Christ, they try to follow after the pattern of the world, but still be a Christian. It's like a target.
As someone who has just become Christian they try to get as close as they can to the center, or just like Christ. As a seasoned Christian they tend to get as far away from the center, but yet still stay in the target.

Paul clearly says that we are all new creations. We are different from those around us. We have different priorities (we're not caught up in getting money and fame). We have different passions (helping the sick and poor).

Stick to the center of the target!

See you at the Pumpkin Patch Party tomorrow. Remember if you can beat my pumpkin Carving you get a free T-Shirt!

No School!!

2007-10-25T20:04:00.001-04:00

Hey if you don't have school tomorrow then give me a call. Maybe we can hang out, or maybe I'll take you out to lunch. (727)492-5017

2 Corinthians 4

2007-10-24T13:31:00.001-04:00

This Chapter gives us some great inspiration, but yet it keeps us humble. I think you will just have to wait for tonight to hear more...

2 Corinthians 3:7-18

2007-10-23T13:35:00.000-04:00

2 Corinthians 3 really has some great stuff. Being a Jew by birth and growing up having the best Jewish education, Paul constantly goes back to the Old Testament to show the power of the New Testament. This is what happens in verses 7-18.

Paul points out that the Old Testament law just brought death (vs 7), It brought death because by giving a bunch of do's and dont's, the law pointed out sin. Before the law people had a concept of right and wrong but no real boundaries. Now that they had boundaries, it was a sin to go past those. It's kind of like ignorance. I can't be held liable for something that I don't know. But once I know that thing, then I am under obligation to do something about it. Does that make sense?

So Paul says if this Old Testament law that you follow and obey is so great, how much greater is the new testament, the one that comes with grace and the Holy Spirit? The New Testament unveils the face and character of God.

Good stuff...

2 Corinthians 1:12-3:6

2007-10-22T15:19:00.000-04:00

I am making up for Saturday and posting both Saturday and Monday today.

In Chapter 1 and the beginning of 2, Paul talks about why he didn't visit the Corinthians again. He wanted to, and he says he wasn't like some people int he world who change their minds about everything. He took the decision seriously and decided not to visit. I think this is an example of how we should follow up on our word. I know I can be accused of not following through on things and I think that hurts my character and reputation. Paul says we shouldn't say yes and no in the same breath.

People in Corinth continued to question Paul's authority and whether or not they should really listen to him. After all he wasn't one of the 12 disciples nor was he a follower of Jesus when he was on earth. Paul continued to fight this battle of people doubting, and at the end of chapter 2 he kind of tells them that he doesn't need official documentation or letters. Just look at the lives of the people that he has impacted. Look at the churches that he has started. They are his letters. His verification that he is doing the Lord's work.

2 Corinthians 1:1-11

2007-10-19T13:06:00.000-04:00

Well it's like a new start. A new book, a new....well just a new book I guess.

Paul starts off this book with an uplifting look on a negative thing. HE talks about suffering for the cross. When we stand up for Jesus, and especially back in Paul's day, he would most likely suffer for it. Persecution was huge at this time and still is in some part of the world. There are some places where there is a very low life expectancy for Christians. Meaning if you are a Christian you can expect to live for about 7 months before being killed or jailed for your beliefs. Now I heard it was 7 months but I don't know if that is true or not. But this is the type of suffering Paul is talking about. But he says keep your head up. Don't let it get you down. You should be assured of your faith and salvation since this suffering is coming your way. Satan is doing his best to try to turn you away, but he is loosing.

Keep your head up when suffering for the gospel!

1 Corinthians 16

2007-10-18T15:54:00.001-04:00

Well this is the last chapter in 1 Corinthians, and Paul is really just tying up a few loose ends. He greets some people specifically, and gives them a few last iinstructions.

One thing that I like about Paul is in the end where he asks the Lord to come soon. Right in verse 22. It is this saying that they had in Aramaic. They said "Marana tha." Meaning: Come, oh Lord!. So next time you see me, just say "Marana tha." The sooner Christ comes, the sooner we get to be with him and away fromt he pains of this world.

Marana tha!

1 Corinthians 15:35-58

2007-10-17T11:37:00.000-04:00

I love Paul's word pictures that he uses. He talks about the body being like a seed, and our new bodies, once we are raised, is what comes out of that seed. Paul is trying to hit home the point of a physical resurrection. There were some people who didn't believe that we will be resurected, or that it will be a physical thing. Jesus was the first fruits of this.

By that I mean Jesus was the first one like this, and all will follow. Jesus' body after the resurrection was different that normally, but still had some of the same characteristics. For instance Jesus ate with his disciples. We know that he could physically touch and chew the food. He wasn't invisible or just a vision, because then he could eat with them. But he was different in that he could disguise himself and walk through walls. That's right, walk through walls. In John 20 it says that the doors were shut but he appeared by them. That's some crazy stuff.

Hey if your going to be a church tonight we are going to ask the question: What is so important about Christ's resurrection? So be prepared with an answer.

1 Corinthians 15:1-34

2007-10-16T13:38:00.000-04:00

Chapter 15 says something interesting about the topic of Mormonism. Yeah Mormonism. If you weren't at small group on Sunday then this would seem really out of place, but if you were there then you understand what we are talking about.

Mormons believe that Jesus went to America the visit a lost tribe of Israel. 1 Cor. 15:3-8 would disprove this. Paul says he was the last one that Jesus visited. Interesting... This visit was rather strange and left Paul blinded and unable to really say much. You can read more about it in Acts 9 or 22. Just a thought I had while reading this.

I briefly talked about this new heavenly body on Wednesday night but Paul does a much better job than I do at it, so make sure you read it.

1 Corinthians 14

2007-10-15T13:04:00.000-04:00

So lets talk a little about speaking in tongues.

There is two ways to interpret this word "Tongues". It can either be another language, or glossolalia. That's right glossolalia (Yeah I learned that word today too). Glossolalia would be speaking a different language that no one understood. Speaking your own mumblings and words that only you could understand.

On the day of Pentecost Jesus' disciples spoke in tongues, but they were speaking other languages that the people understood. The people were in awe because they knew those people weren't from where they were. It would kind of be like me speaking English to myself but someone hearing Spanish. This was necessary because well...there weren't any Christians that knew other languages yet. There was no Bible either so it couldn't be translated yet. This was necessary for the spread of the gospel. This speaking in other languages continued in the early church (Including Corinth obviously). After the first 20 years or so, speaking in tongues was pretty much obsolete. So people revived it in the form of utterances and a language that is only intelligible to them (glossolalia). This happened around 1905-1908.

Out of this grew the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. Some churches continue to practice this glossolalia in service. If you ever experience going to a church that includes this in the service, it doesn't tend to be how Paul outlines it in the end of chapter 14. People tend to yell out, start singing, speak to themselves, and so forth.

If you want to read and learn more about this go to this link: http://markmoore.org/resources/essays/tongues.html
The author of this is Mark Moore, and he is a much smarter man that I am. His essay includes everything form history to linguistic samples of people talking in tongues.

1 Corintians 13- Love

2007-10-12T09:14:00.001-04:00

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?"
The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.
So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."

Rebecca- age 8

"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."

Billy - age 4

"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."

Karl - age 5

"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs."

Chrissy - age 6

"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."

Terri - age 4

"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."

Danny - age 7

"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more.
My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss"

Emily - age 8

"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."

Bobby - age 7

"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,"

Nikka - age 6
(we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)

"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."

Noelle - age 7

"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."

Tommy - age 6

"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.

He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."

Cindy - age 8

"My mommy loves me more than anybody
You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night."

Clare - age 6

"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."

Elaine-age 5

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford."

Chris - age 7

"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."

Mary Ann - age 4

"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones."

Lauren - age 4

"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." (what an image)

Karen - age 7

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross."

Mark - age 6

"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."

Jessica - age 8

And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge.

The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.

Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.

When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said,

"Nothing, I just helped him cry"

1 Corinthians12:12-31

2007-10-11T16:01:00.000-04:00

Sorry I didn't blog earlier, I was at the dentist...blahh

Anyways...on to the text.

Paul talks about the body and ears and feet. He is trying to get the point across about unity. Unity was such a huge part in the early church. They shared with each other, they gave money to those that needed it, they did chores for those that weren't physically capable. Sometimes I wonder were that unity has gone. Sure we still do stuff together and we don't fight. But there seemed to be such a close bond between these people in the early church. If you don't believe me read Acts 2:42-47. Maybe we have just put other priorities in the way. We value work and "success" too much. I don't know, just a thought.

This verse also reminds me of the importance of the youth and kids in the church. Everyone has a vital role to play in the church, and when they don't step up and you their talents and gifts, then the church suffers. This includes the youth helping out the adults, and also the adults helping out the youth.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

2007-10-10T14:29:00.000-04:00

Paul starts to talk about spiritual gifts in this passage. Spiritual gifts are one of the things that some churches are divided over. But Paul emphasis how we should have unity over these gifts. Verse 4 shows this when he says "Yes there are different gift, but they are all from the same place, the same Spirit" (Jeff's version). In order for a church (or youth group) to be successful, everyone must participate with the gift that God has given them.

Now the end of this passage talks about speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues is a very controversial topic for many churches and people. Some churches still practice speaking in tongues (you will know it when you walk int he door) and other churches do not practice speaking in tongues (which would include us).

Paul will continue this topic of speaking in tongues and we will try to uncover what it exactly means.

1 Corinthians 11:17-33

2007-10-09T10:48:00.000-04:00

Growing up I went to a church called "Christian reformed Church." When we would take communion (they only did it a few times a year) everyone would hold the bread and hold the juice, and then they would take it together. I don't know if they did it because of this verse or not, but I think this verse should make us think. Should we take communion as one, or should we take it separately like we do? How did they seem to do it back when Paul was writing this?

1 Corinthians 10:23-11:16

2007-10-08T10:20:00.000-04:00

Saturday's are bad days for me so again today I will includes Saturday's reading with today's.

This first passage in chapter 10 talks about something that we mentioned the first week. Some of these people were hung up on following the Old Testament laws about eating and cleanliness. Paul is telling them to give it up. He gives some further instructions on it, but he is pretty much saying, Give it up.

Now we get to some interesting scripture. Not that the other stuff isn't good, but this scripture is hardly read or talked about. Maybe it is because we don't understand it. Apparently a woman is always supposed to have her head covered when she prays or prophesies, and a man is supposed to have his head uncovered. Paul seems to give a reason for this, but it doesn't seem to make sense. Thoughts anyone?? Paul also talks about the partnership and dependence that both man has for woman, and woman has for man.

I also think it is funny when Paul says long hair is a disgrace to men. Take that Orlando Bloom!

1 Corinthians 10:14-22

2007-10-05T10:25:00.000-04:00

Well today's scripture is pretty short, so I read it through a few times. Paul talks about idols and how the Lords supper or communion is not an idol. It's not a representation of Jesus, but it is participation in what Christ did.

I think sometimes people do not understand the seriousness that should be take during the lords supper. It isn't just a custom or a ritual that we do at church, but is an act that was set up by Christ himself for us to remember every week his sacrifice.

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

2007-10-04T15:29:00.000-04:00

Well I read Acts 10:1-13 thinking I was reading 1 Corinthians and it made no sense. Luckily I am smarting than it seems and I found 1 Corinthians.

I'm glad I did find it because it has some great encouraging words. Paul reminds us of the old times when people failed God, so he killed them. He lists many instances when this happened and he tells us that this should be an example for us. Then he gives us the encouragement that we will never be tempted beyond what we can handle. There is always a way out of sin, whether it be through a situation or maybe another person.

Hopefully the small group will be a place for people to come and get help out of the sins that they might be in.

1 Corinthians 9:1-27

2007-10-03T14:24:00.001-04:00

Well I do have to apologize again. I did not post yesterday but that doesn't mean it was my fault. My internet wasn't working and therefore I could not post. But I am doing all of chapter 9 today.

Does anyone know what it means to be an Apostle? Paul talks about being an apostle at the beginning of this chapter and I just wanted to see if anyone had a good definition or anything. What is the difference between apostle and disciple? Or apostle and preacher?

Paul takes about how he shared Christ with people and how he would become what the people are to better reach them. We will talk about this a little tonight. One quick thought on this. If Paul is changing to reach more people, doesn't this seem a little deceptive. He changes who he is to help people. Why couldn't he do it as who he was? Why change who you are?

1 Corinthians 7:25-40 & 8:1-13

2007-10-01T13:46:00.000-04:00

Yeah I missed Saturday again. I do apologize. The scripture for Saturday(7:25-40) is really a continuation and repetition of what was said earlier in the chapter. So I won't dwell on it.

Chapter 8 starts off with something I don 't agree with but it must be true if it is in the Bible. It says; "We know that we all posses knowledge." I would challenge Paul on that by showing him some people that I know, but that's not really relevant to what Paul is getting at. This whole chapter is pretty short and can be summed up like this. "Don't do something that is going to cause someone else to sin." Even if it isn't a sin for you, it might be for someone else, or it might lead someone down a road that they don't want to go.

What do I mean when I say a sin for someone and not for someone else? Does that mean some people can't do things that I can do or visa versa. Well somewhat. Say for instance someone got in trouble and they got on probation from the court. Part of their probation might be that they can't carry or use a weapon. Carrying a weapon isn't a sin, its not illegal. But if it is in your probation that you can't, then it is a sin to do so. If I was to temp my friend to use my gun or to carry it for me ( I know this probably happens everyday in your life) then I am sinning by causing him to sin.

I had some Christian friends that would always do this to me. I knew I had to do homework or be home by a certain time and they would pressure me to stay up or do something with them. They were sinning by doing this. Maybe you pressure your friends to do something against their parents will? Maybe it is something with school? I don't know what it is for you (hopefully not guns) but some of us might need to work on this whole thing of not making our friends sin.

1 Corinthians 7:12-24

2007-09-28T10:04:00.000-04:00

I've heard many times from many students and it normally ends the same way. "No, they (they being their new boyfriend or girlfriend) aren't Christians, but I hope to convert them." Or "No, they aren't really Christian but they have been to church.

First and foremost, going to church means nothing about being a Christian. People go to churches for wedding and funerals or once a year during Christmas. It's about a relationship. Secondly, we aren't supposed to be unequally yoked. In other words people shouldn't be in committed relationships with others who aren't Christian. This passage along with others shows us that we aren't to use marriage or a relationship designed to prepare us for marriage as leverage on someones salvation.

1 Corinthians 7:1-11

2007-09-27T11:10:00.000-04:00

We will see in this chapter how serious God views marriage. Some of you might have parents that have been divorced, but I didn't grow up with that. My parents are still together so I don't know what it is like to have a step-mom or step-dad. I have talked to some people that do and it seems like God knew what he was doing when he instituted marriage. He wants people to be together for life. Statistics have shown that kids who grow up with influences from both a father and mother tend to do better in school and many other aspects of life.

Now that doesn't mean your going to suck at life if your parents are divorced, or if you only have a mom, but it shows that God does have a reason for marriage.

Stay tuned for more.

1 Corinthians 6:12-20

2007-09-26T13:01:00.000-04:00

If you have any doubt about God's law on sexual immorality after this, then... well lets just say you should read it again.

It's pretty clear that sex was designed for marriage and is a thing that God and we as Christians should take very seriously.

Maybe we will talk more about it tonight.

1 Corinthians 6:1-11

2007-09-25T10:28:00.000-04:00

Well since no one that I know of is in a lawsuit then we can skip this part of the chapter.

J J, lol.

Even though this is talking about suing another Christian, which I don't think anyone in the youth group is doing right now, we can still learn something from this. Paul is showing is utter disgust for those that create divisions in the church. He hates that people who love the same God and worship him together could fight one another and even bring in non-Christians to settle their disputes. I like what he says at the end of this chapter. He names a bunch of stuff that God doesn't like, actually I guess it is more than he doesn't like it because they will not inherit the kingdom of God. But right after he names all this stuff he mentions that some of us have been like that but we have been washed. Washed by the blood of the lamb. Then Paul uses some other big words to describe this process of being washed. You should look up some of these words to get a better understanding of them. What does "sanctified" and "justified" really mean anyways.

1 Corinthians 5:1-13

2007-09-24T10:21:00.000-04:00

Well I do have to apologize, i forgot to blog on Saturday, and I even forgot to read. So I'm making it up today by doing all of chapter 5. It's only 13 verses and really one thought throughout the chapter.

Paul takes about a certain man that was sleeping with his Step-Mom. That's pretty wrong no matter who you are. Paul knows it's wrong and he thinks that the church should think it is wrong. But apparently they don't because they haven't done anything about it. What would you do about it, if you heard something like this? Are you supposed to do anything?

I think Paul explains it at the end of the chapter, but I want to get you take on it.

1 Corinthians 4:8-21

2007-09-21T09:14:00.000-04:00

Wow, what a life Paul was living. It doesn't sound too glamorous to me. I like what he says after he talks about these hardships that he was going through. He says ""Therefore I urge you to imitate me." Could you say that about our life? I don't know if I want people to imitate everything that I do. In fact I know that there are some areas of my life that people hopefully won't imitate.

Verse 20 continues to talk about that foolishness and power of God that we discussed on Wednesday. It is really through these first few chapters more than I knew. Verse 20 says "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power."

1 Corinthians 4:1-7

2007-09-20T09:42:00.000-04:00

Today's reading was pretty short and easy. I do like the last verse because it reminds us not to brag or think too highly of ourselves. God gave us the gifts so what are we bragging about? God gave me this awesomely sculpted body, so why do I show it off to everyone (yeah right)? Paul is pretty much saying "Shut your mouth because it wasn't you that made yourself."

1 Corinthians 3:10-23

2007-09-19T11:43:00.000-04:00

The beginning of this passage is talking about how we need to get the fundamental truths about Christ straight (as a foundation) before building on that. There are many beliefs or doctrines in the Bible besides Jesus Christ. Such as communion, the role of elders, baptism, and many others. These beliefs came after understanding Christ and what he has done for us. These beliefs can sadly tear apart churches and families.

The passage then talk about the foolishness of worldly wisdom. Does this mean we shouldn't go to school? Yes it does. Quit school immediatly and become a bum for the rest of your life. No it doesn't mean that. I like what Matthew Henry''s Commentary says on this verse say I'm just going to quote it:

"To have a high opinion of our own wisdom, is but to flatter ourselves; and self-flattery is the next step to self-deceit. The wisdom that worldly men esteem, is foolishness with God. How justly does he despise, and how easily can he baffle and confound it! The thoughts of the wisest men in the world, have vanity, weakness, and folly in them. All this should teach us to be humble, and make us willing to be taught of God, so as not to be led away, by pretences to human wisdom and skill, from the simple truths revealed by Christ. Mankind are very apt to oppose the design of the mercies of God. Observe the spiritual riches of a true believer; "All are yours," even ministers and ordinances. Nay, the world itself is yours."

1 Corinthians 3:1-9

2007-09-18T09:28:00.000-04:00

I hope through this study we will be getting "solid food," and we won't just read the scripture and say the right answers, but we will dwell on what Paul has to say.

Another way to get "solid food" is through the small group that we are going to start. Details are coming...

1 Corinthians 10b-16

2007-09-17T13:02:00.000-04:00

I don't know if you have ever seen the movie Lord of the Rings, but I am currently reading the books and these verses reminded me of them. Maybe because I was just reading them about an hour ago, or maybe it really has to do with the verse.

Here is why I though of the Lord of the Rings: In the Lord of the Rings there is this evil force, or power (not really a person) called Sauron. His embodiment is that of an eye that sits in between two spires on the top of a tall building. This eye is "ever roaming, and see everything." I thought about this eye when I read the first verse of todays scripture. "The Spirit searches all things." I thought about God being able to see everything, even a mans thoughts and feelings. That makes me feel pretty vulnerable and open.

1 Corinthians 2:1-10a

2007-09-15T11:11:00.000-04:00

Sometimes we get caught up in making sure we know everything before sharing God's word. We look at different ways to approach someone about Christ, we make sure we understand the theological differences of Transubstantiation and all that big word stuff. Paul clearly says that he didn't come with all that, but just Jesus Christ.

What a promise that we get for Isaiah 64:4 "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what Got has prepared for those that LOVE him."

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

2007-09-14T09:05:00.000-04:00

I like these verses because it brings up something that we don't think about a lot. The fact that we say our God came down to earth to...die. You think Jesus would have done some Superman move or pulled out some super human power to save us, but instead he died. That doesn't make sense, that's why Paul calls it foolish, and he points out that it is hard for a lot of people to understand.

This verse also gives me encouragement when it talks about Gods weakness being stronger than my strength. So, does God have weaknesses? I though God was all knowing, all powerful, and all that stuff. Does Paul say that God is weak in something?

1 Corinthians 1:1-17

2007-09-13T11:16:00.001-04:00

Well today was the first day for reading Corinthians. If you are in the church youth group then you should have gotten a reading plan for the next five weeks. If not comment and I'll send you one through email.

Day 1: When reading about the division that the church had in Corinth I started to wonder about our youth group and the divisions that we have. Are we divided? Does any group think they are better for any reason? I think we have a great group that is pretty united.

Another thing that really stuck out to me was the last part of the last verse. Vs 17 says "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power." What does Paul mean "words of human wisdom. I thin that he is getting at the fact that Christ dying for us doesn't make sense in our world of " It's all about me." I think tomorrows reading will shed some more light on it.

1 Corinthians

2007-09-12T16:32:00.001-04:00

Hey Guys!

Well I hope you made it here because you are doing the Bible study with the youth group. If your not, feel free to join us. Everyday I will post the scripture that is supposed to be read, and then some thoughts on it.

Stay tuned for tomorrow as it will be the first day to go through Corinthians.

Feel free to leave a comment so that we know who is doing the Bible study together.

First Post...

2007-09-10T13:22:00.000-04:00

I don't know how many people will read this, and if they do read this how many people will care. I hope that I keep it up seeing as it will be somewhat of a journal for my thoughts, but also a glimpse into my world. Why you would want to enter my world? I don't know. Why does anyone really?

Today I have started writing my sermon for Sunday. IT should be interesting as I have a text, but have no idea where the text is going to take me, nor what topic will be the main theme. The text is 1 Kings 13. Yes the whole chapter. It is about a unnamed man of God, and his attempt at ...well I don't really what his main goal was. Maybe you can help me. Was the man trying to change the mind of the king, was he simply showing us the power of God, was it simply a lesson for us?

I hope I can figure this out before Sunday :)