EXALT Youth Ministries

WORLD VISION Gifts in Kind Distribution Center

2010-09-08T10:21:00.007-04:00

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Grad Night 2010

2010-09-08T10:17:00.003-04:00

Grad Night 2010

Pictured: Pastor J., Ben Heath, Andrew Nuttall, Sarah Southwell, Rachel English,

Hannah Crone, Elwood Meyers, Nathan Hamm, Ashley Maier

World Vision 30 Hour Famine

2010-07-15T11:37:00.004-04:00

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2010-04-21T21:17:00.007-04:00

[ ] Everyone must bring (2) cans of juice concentrate or $4 and we will purchase it for you

Fasting: Friday April 23^rd 8 AM à Saturday 24^th 2:00 PM

Event Begins at the Nazarene Church & Concludes at Pleasant Community Church:

Friday April 23^rd 4 PM à Saturday 24^th 2:30 – 3:00 PM

We will be finishing the Famine at Pleasant Community Church in Pleasant Twp. on Saturday.

[ ] Can your parents help transport students over to Pleasant Community? Please let J. know!

~ Orange is the color of World Vision who heads up the 30 HOUR FAMINE. So, either wear orange to school on Friday or make a handmade Tee that somehow represents the FAMINE! We WANT people to ask questions!

~ The FAMINE starts with YOU at school on Friday! Starting at 8:00 AM we will no longer eat any solid food. Only consume liquids! Water and fruit juices are best. It is in your best interest to avoid soda and energy drinks. The caffeine and carbonation will wreck you… seriously! Caffeine is a diuretic and will rob you of fluids… that’s no good when you’re counting on fluids for thirty hours. Let me say it again… AVOID SODA & ENERGY DRINKS! Also, avoid orange juice as it is very acidic and won’t sit well in your stomach. Skipping lunch on Day 1 will be the easiest!

~ Pastor J. will be at WAHS during all 3 lunch periods starting at 10:45. You will be able to go outside (weather permitting) and join him for prayer and discussion! This has already been approved by the school administration!

~ Show up to the DOCKS Friday night between 4:00-4:30PM. Registration will run for that ½ hour and you will need to bring all the money you raised in the envelope that was handed to you! Make sure the total on the outside matches what is on the inside!

~ BRING: FAMINE funds that you raised / Bible & Pen / Sleeping Bag & Pillow / Typical overnight stuff / Change of clothes / TENNIS SHOES / Weather appropriate outdoor wear / WATER BOTTLE/ ear plugs if you’re a light sleeper….someone will be snoring.

~ Medical Conditions: If you have a medical condition that requires you to eat or if you are diabetic you MUST take personal responsibility for anything needed to get you through the event. I would recommend eating as little as possible to stay healthy and pick boring foods (enjoying your food would discredit the event). South Beach Living makes a good protein based meal replacement bar that can be found in the breakfast aisle of most grocery stores near the Pop-Tarts. Your food will be kept and consumed away from the rest of us. See Pastor J. when you arrive if this applies to you.

Our last activity will be a meal to break-the-fast. Plan on being picked up 2:30 – 3:00 PM Saturday. We will be ending the FAMINE at Pleasant Community Church at 673 Pleasant Dr. in Pleasant Twp. Students need to be picked up there.

~ The last thing you need to bring is an open mind that’s willing to learn and grow. A heart that’s willing to meet Jesus Christ in a way you’ve never seen before. Even if you’ve done the Famine before, we hope that you leave your expectations at home. We may not play your favorite game. We may or may not have your favorite flavor of juice. That’s OK because it’s not about you, it’s about little kids around the world who are going without food all the time… and they don’t know that when 30 hours is up… they get to again!

If you have questions this week please call or e-mail us so we can help!

Pastor J pastorj@kinzua.net

Pastor Aaron aaron@time4rev.com

Coincidence?Maybe Concert 4/13/2010

2010-04-21T14:13:00.008-04:00

Coincidence?Maybe Concert 4/13/2010

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Coincidence?Maybe returned for an intimate evening of sharing

the motivation and message behind their music and lives!

If you didn't know... Pastor J. is a former founding member of the band

and was honored to be brought up on stage to do an "oldie" with Denver and Travis!

PRAYER STATIONS 3/30/2010

2010-03-31T07:25:00.004-04:00

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Diane Kelly 5k Memorial Run [Warren, PA] 3/20/2010

2010-03-22T13:44:00.005-04:00

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Click for Story & Results from the Warren Times Observer

Placings left-to-right according to Age Division:

B-Russ 4th / Preston Perrotti 2nd / Nathan Moore 1st / Ben Heath 3rd / Samuel Heath 6th

STILL WAITING Concert / Lock-In 3-12-2010

2010-03-17T11:53:00.007-04:00

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Time4Revolution Winter Retreat [@ Mission Meadows] 2/26-28/2010

2010-03-17T11:28:00.010-04:00

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BIBLE QUIZZING [Butler Christ Outreach] 2-20-10

2010-03-17T10:48:00.005-04:00

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Christmas Party [White Elephant Gift Exchange] 12-20-09

2010-03-17T09:56:00.008-04:00

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Coincidence Maybe Concert 11-17-2009

2010-03-17T08:43:00.015-04:00

Coincidence?Maybe [with special guest Jared Mahone] made its way to our neck of the woods... finally! Pastor J. played drums back in college as a founding member of this band that has changed some faces... but never their focus to relate the ups and downs of living a life for God in the grace of Jesus Christ. Lead singer Travis and drummer Denver are remaining members of the "old days" and were gracious enough to even let J. sit in on a song!

EXALT Costume Contest (6th Annual) ~ IMAGE

2009-10-28T12:20:00.016-04:00

We all have an IMAGE problem. I mean, we're usually not happy with the way others see us or we get so fixated on it that we begin to create a way in which we want to be seen. The problem is that, if we were to be honest, it's a waste of breath... at least ours. The prophet Jeremiah delivers God's word to people who spent a lot of time creating IMAGES of themselves or other gods (for us this can be "celebrity worship" or "materialism"). They worshipped these images and God says, "Every man is senseless and without knowledge; every goldsmith is shamed by his idols. His images are a fraud; they have no breath in them." (Jer. 51:17)

Breath... it's a pretty important part of living isn't it? When God created man in HIS image there was something about breath that was necessary for mankind to truly live! So in Genesis 2:7 we find that God "breathed the breath of life" so man could fully live! Halloween is the most honest of all seasonal events because it's the one day that most people acknowledge openly and honestly that we are trying to be someone/something we are not! It may be ugly and repulsive or an exaggerated version or type of image... but it's certainly not the one we were created in... or how we were meant to live.

When Jesus is allowed into the life of a person God literally breathes a new spiritual life into their being. He needs to wreck the image that each of us has created... wasted our own breath on... and Re-IMAGE us more and more like Jesus! If you want to truly live then I encourage you to stop self-creating and allow God to begin the work re-IMAGING you more and more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18)!

[Ladies Winner: Spencer & Erin Kondak / Dude Winner: Brandon "Chic Magnet" Grimm]

See You At The Pole 9/23/09

2009-09-24T11:12:00.007-04:00

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SONFEST Trip 2009 [Mount Vernon Nazarene University]

2009-09-24T10:39:00.008-04:00

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Music Review: NeedtoBreathe ~ The Outsiders

2009-09-24T09:54:00.006-04:00

Rarely do I listen to a band that stops me in my tracks and really speaks deep into my soul. Familiar with NeedtoBreathe and their early work, namely hit single Shine On from their 2006 debut DAYLIGHT, I had not been moved to further explore their music until a friend of mine plastered his FaceBook page one day with glowing reviews (thanks Matt)! Respecting his taste in music I streamed The Outsiders and found that this once overproduced Christian rock band had transformed into a raw and rootsy acoustic driven band offering Southern Rock and Soul complete with a hint of mandolin and harmonica! This is clearly a band that had earned the respect and confidence of their label to explore who they are without compromising to demands of marketing and potential sales. Success has followed this leap of faith as the disc landed at #20 on Billboards top 100 album sales in early September 2009.

For Fans of: Kings of Leon, Third Day, Big Daddy Weave, GOOD MUSIC

WWJT ~ What would Jesus Tweet?

2009-09-01T11:43:00.006-04:00

SHORT ATTENTION SPAN FAITH
~ Brett McKracken [Relevant Magazine]

How can we spend time with God when we're always plugged in?

My TV has 500 channels. My iPod has 7,000 songs. My Internet has like 30 billion pages. I have a cell phone with Internet and email. I’m never more than a phone call away from my parents. There are about 60 ways I can communicate electronically with any given person. So why is it like pulling teeth to get me to spend more than a few minutes each day talking to the Creator of the universe?

That’s what technology has done to us. Our sped-up, hyper-efficient, media-saturated world seems to be making it harder than ever to live pious, simple, disciplined Christian lives. There are just so many other options—a world of irrelevant and unimportant activity to engage in—and it’s all so terrifyingly accessible.

Important things like real community, prayer and Bible reading often get crowded out. Quite simply: We’re all just too freaking busy. While most of our new technologies are in theory meant to save us time, our lives are becoming decidedly more busy and our free time is dwindling to almost nil.

Why isn’t the ability to write emails on the bus helping to streamline our lives and make things simpler? Perhaps it’s because we can now write emails on the bus. We used to read books for fun on the bus. We used to just sit there and contemplate. Now, we can think of nothing better to do than stare down at our phone and try to think of a task that can be accomplished during this “downtime.”

The thought of sitting still and doing nothing is unfathomable. The prospect of simply hanging out and thinking for an extended period of time—well, it’s just so unproductive.

Unsurprisingly, this frenzied, obsessive-compulsive proclivity toward being digital busybodies has harmful effects on Christian disciplines like Bible study and prayer. After all, it’s pretty tedious to just sit and pray for an hour when there are Hulu videos to browse, “What Ninja Turtle are you?” quizzes to take and online “community” to cultivate. If we’re not wired, plugged in and communicating with the world at all times, it seems like such a waste of time.

If you've read this far you have clearly resisted all the temptation discussed in this article. Yet, you don't "think" you have the time to continue reading it... BUT you really should. The full article can be found by clicking HERE

Music Review: Francesca Battistelli ~ MY PAPER HEART

2009-08-27T09:54:00.004-04:00

With her music showing up everywhere from television, movie trailers, and both mainstream and Christian radio I honestly first heard Francesca Battistelli's hit single Free to be Me when a student at teen camp sang it for our talent night. A few weeks later my wife, Ashley, says "I heard this great song... go check it out"! You guessed it... same song. Later that week while walking through town with my son we saw a poster on a store front advertising that she would be in concert... in Warren the first week of September. Immediately I contacted the venue and started promoting the concert. Francesca's debut album MY PAPER HEART speaks of life, love, and the hope and promise of life yet to be lived. She speaks into the life of the listener who can identify with her finding a place in life with very little answers as to who and where she should be while looking to the Lord for the answers. Young women especially can identify and should listen deeply to the contemplative lyrics found. Every song is catchy and you will find this an album of music that will follow you long after listened too! Ashley would add that Beautiful Beautiful is her favorite track!

For Fans of: Colbie Calait, GOOD MUSIC

Time 4 Revolution ~ Warren, PA 4th of July Parade

2009-07-04T22:13:00.013-04:00

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Warren County Post Office Food Drive

2009-07-03T22:12:00.008-04:00

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30 Hour FAMINE Pictures & Video

2009-05-24T13:18:00.011-04:00

You've Been OBSERVED

2009-05-08T09:25:00.006-04:00

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2009 30 HOUR FAMINE Group Picture

2009-04-25T16:59:00.007-04:00

30 Hour FAMINE Information

2009-04-16T19:25:00.015-04:00

World Vision 30 Hour Famine April 24th & 25th

[] Everyone must bring (2) cans of juice concentrate or $4 and we will purchase it for you

Fasting:

Friday April 24^th 8 AM à Saturday 25^th 2:00 PM

Event at the church runs:

Friday April 24^th 6 PM à Saturday 25^th 2:30 – 3:00 PM

~ ORANGE is the color of World Vision who heads up the 30 HOUR FAMINE. So, either wear orange to school on Friday or make a handmade Tee that somehow represents the FAMINE! We WANT people to ask questions!

~ Show up to the DOCKS Friday night between 6:00 – 7:00 PM. Registration will run for an hour and you will need to bring all the money $$$ you raised in the envelope that I handed you! Our Kick-Off service will begin @ 7:30!

~ BRING: FAMINE funds that you raised / Bible & Pen / Sleeping Bag & Pillow / Typical overnight stuff / Change of clothes / TENNIS SHOES / Weather appropriate outdoor wear / WATER BOTTLE

Our last activity will be a meal to break-the-fast. Plan on being picked up 2:30 – 3:00 PM Saturday.

Please focus on the words written by the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:11-13 ~ 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

I’m excited to see what God can do when we empty ourselves and allow Him to refill us!

Pastor J. pastorj@kinzua.net

This is why... this why... this why we're fat!

2009-04-08T15:16:00.004-04:00

[Pictured: Corn-Dog Casserole]

Obesity in America

America is one of the richest, most progressive countries in the world. Shouldn't it be one of the healthiest too? Maybe it should, but the sad truth is that Americans are some of the unhealthiest people in the world. Even though we are living in a country with great economic power and technological advancement, we are also living in a country with the smallest fund of practical nutritional knowledge. We are living in a land plagued with obesity.

America is home to the most obese people in the world. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), obesity in adults has increased by 60% within the past twenty years and obesity in children has tripled in the past thirty years. A staggering 33% of American adults are obese and obesity-related deaths have climbed to more than 300,000 a year, second only to tobacco-related deaths.

All that to say... You've GOTTA check out this link:

This Is Why You're Fat

LIVE Responsibly LOVE Responsibly

2009-04-02T10:52:00.005-04:00

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Jay Michael Concert

2009-03-25T14:08:00.009-04:00

myspace.com/meetjaymichael

You've Been OBSERVED

2009-03-25T12:28:00.006-04:00

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Brokenness ~ Pastor Aaron

2009-03-23T12:12:00.004-04:00

We rent. I kind of like it.....purely for lazy reasons. I don't have to mow the lawn. When something isn't working right...I don't have to figure out how it gets fixed.

Well our shower has been a problem for awhile now. Not a big problem...but our landlady (who is SUPER COOL for having to live next to our noise) is getting it fixed. Basically everything got ripped out and they're throwing up new stuff.

That begins said, there have been guys walking through our house all week long (which I'm not a big fan of as you can imagine)

So the other morning Corban looks into the bathroom and sees what you see above. He said something like, "Dad are they fixing our tub?" "Yeah it should be done in the next couple days." Then he said, "But why did they break things if they're fixing it?" Without totally thinking what I was saying, "Well sometimes things need to be broken before they can be fixed the right way." For some reason he was OK with that explanation.

As the day went along and I walked past our broken bathroom, I contemplated what I said to my son. I wonder if we're not often too proud to be broken. I don't like admitting that something's wrong. That I need to be fixed. I'm fine just the way I am. Status quo. I'm good to go. I can point to some major periods of my life where I wanted nothing to do with brokenness. My ego and my pride got in the way.

Pastor Mike teaches a lot on reconciliation and forgiving one another. I am constantly challenged by that. As the worship leader I try to select music that goes along with the general theme of the week. Can I just tell you that there are tons of songs about forgiveness and repentance as it deals with us and God....but very little (or I'm looking in the wrong places) the deal with forgiveness between ourselves. [I've joked with him recently that I'm just going to start writing songs about forgiveness so I have something ready for our fellowship next time he preaches on it]

I've never broken a major bone in my body. My understanding though is that the doctor has to "set" the bone just right so that it will heal properly. I've also heard of a doctor needing to re-break the bone because it's not healed properly. From what I've read, if the bone heals wrong, it might be very problematic, or possibly not useable.

If we're brutally honest with ourselves, we don't want God to point out problem areas in our lives that need ripped apart so we can get it fixed properly. If we're brutally honest with ourselves we don't want to ask forgiveness of people because that would also admit that we have problems in our lives. We're willing to let the bone set even if it's at a funny angle. We don't really want the dust and clutter of someone walking through our living room to fix the job the right way. We'll just let the mold and mildew rot areas of our lives out.

Please hear me when I say that this is self-examination, not condemnation. I'm not pointing fingers. I'm saying that far too often my pride hinders the needed brokenness in my life.

How about you? Am I off base here? Also, do you know any good worship songs/hymns that deal with person to person forgiveness and repentance?

~ Pastor Aaron (Pleasant Community Church / Time 4 Revolution Dude)

Time 4 Revolution SPRING Retreat

2009-03-05T11:47:00.008-05:00

Time 4 REVOLUTION Spring Retreat @ Mission Meadow’s March 6-8

Mission Meadows Christian Camp

Taking two... for the OTHER team!

2009-02-17T21:58:00.004-05:00

Team's gesture supports grieving opponent

ESPN.com news services Updated:

February 17, 2009, 7:46 PM ET

Two missed free throws, ordinarily the cause of a coach's headache, became the symbol of sportsmanship in a Milwaukee boys basketball game earlier this month.

Milwaukee Madison senior Johntell Franklin, who lost his mother, Carlitha, to cancer on Saturday, Feb. 7, decided he wanted to play in that night's game against DeKalb (Ill.) High School after previously indicating he would sit out.

He arrived at the gym in the second quarter, but Franklin's name was not in the scorebook because his coach, Aaron Womack Jr., didn't expect him to be there.

Rules dictated Womack would have to be assessed a technical, but he was prepared to put Franklin in the game anyway. DeKalb coach Dave Rohlman and his players knew of the situation, and told the referees they did not want the call.

As a principal, school, school district staff, and community you should all feel immense pride for the remarkable job that the coaching staff is doing in not only coaching these young men, but teaching them how to be leaders.

--Milwaukee Madison boys basketball coach Aaron Womack Jr.

The referees had no choice. But Rohlman did.

"I gathered my kids and said, 'Who wants to take these free throws?'" Rohlman said, recounting the game to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Darius McNeal put up his hand. I said, 'You realize you're going to miss, right?' He nodded his head."

McNeal, a senior point guard, went to the line. The Milwaukee Madison players stayed by their bench, waiting for the free throws. Instead of seeing the ball go through the net, they saw the ball on the court, rolling over the end line.

"I turned around and saw the ref pick up the ball and hand it back to the player," Womack said in the Journal Sentinel. "And then [McNeal] did the same thing again."

Said Rohlman: "Darius set up for a regular free throw, but he only shot it two or three feet in front of him. It bounced once or twice and just rolled past the basket."

"I did it for the guy who lost his mom," McNeal told the newspaper. "It was the right thing to do."

Womack, overwhelmed by DeKalb's gesture, wrote a letter to the DeKalb Daily Chronicle, which had first reported the story.

"As a principal, school, school district staff, and community you should all feel immense pride for the remarkable job that the coaching staff is doing in not only coaching these young men, but teaching them how to be leaders," Womack wrote.

Rohlman said in the paper. "We got lots of positive calls and e-mails because of it. Even though we lost the game, it was a true life lesson, and it's not one our kids are going to forget anytime soon."

Live Responsibly... Love Responsibly!

2009-02-17T15:22:00.009-05:00

A week ago Saturday our community, and teens/families in our church, suffered the loss of 19 year old Andrew Marketich. Andrew was very close to one of our families in the church, a number of students, and I knew him through my work at the local Christian school where he graduated from in 2006.

I was asked to co-officiate the funeral and embraced the opportunity to help in any way possible. It was very difficult to spend 3 hours at the viewing and repeatedly witness people physically, emotionally, and spiritually go through that part of the grieving process. The most tragic reality was that many of Andrews peers do not have a living understanding of Jesus Christ. Though many others do, I cannot escape the eternal dangers of those who choose to live a silent faith among their peers and those they have the greatest influence. This thought came out as a rather emotional challenge to my students this past Sunday morning. When will WE share the hope that changes everything... including times like this! If we do not... what does that say?

^{Matthew 10:32-33 ~ 32}"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. ³³But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

Please pray for the Marketich family and Andrews friends. Andrew leaves behind three brothers and one sister. Pray that those of his friends who know the living Christ will have opportunity to share with those that do not. Be responsible with the hope you've been given through Jesus. LIVE RESPONSIBLY! LOVE RESPONSIBLY!

Peace & Rest

2009-01-26T08:33:00.007-05:00

[Pastor J. 1/26/09] We all intrinsically desire peace & rest. It pervades our physical, emotional, and spiritual longings. We unfortunately have often become so turned off by spiritual representatives that we try and focus that search and place our hope in the political and intellectual. Well, you won't ever find peace in the political arena (historically proven). The intellectual on the other hand is the desire to pursue... but pursue what? I mean... doesn't that need to be identified. In fact, go ahead and pursue disproving something but at least you've got a focus... and you may be shocked at the proof you find!?!?

John 14: 27 ~ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Matthew 11:28-29 ~ "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

These are the words of Jesus... not of a politician, world leader, mega church Pastor... Jesus who at the very least legitimately WAS someone (then & more so now) that the world took significant interest in, and as a historical figure has not been disproved... nor has his way of BEING! Who is Jesus beyond that? Well, critics from then until now have and continue to pursue that question... as do you and I... at least at some point.

Allow me to apologize on behalf of anyone who has ever represented... and subsequently embarrassed Jesus simultaneously. I'm not Jesus... they aren't either! You may have searched your candidate, political party, philosophical standing, or reason for being a Buffalo Bills fan... and whatever else you hold closely... but do you have peace and rest? When life is not peaceful and rest will not come... do you still have it?

At the age of 18 I encountered Jesus... not the church, not a charismatic orator (in fact, it was a very humble and simple man), not an emotionally fueled concert/worship service... simply Jesus in a field in Ohio. A field in Ohio? Really? Well, he did like to hang out in the countryside after all... I guess he found peace and rest there!

Movie Rental Suggestion: HENRY POOLE IS HERE

2009-01-24T20:59:00.005-05:00

Movie Rental Suggestion: HENRY POOLE IS HERE

Inaugural Prayer ~ Rev. Rick Warren

2009-01-21T07:03:00.004-05:00

Rev. Rick Warren ~ Inaugural Prayer Jan. 20, 2009 [Please play the video and read along]

Almighty God, our father, everything we see and everything we can’t see exists because of you alone. It all comes form you, it all belongs to you, it all exists for your glory. History is your story. The Scripture tells us, ‘Hear, oh Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one’ and you are the compassionate and merciful one and you are loving to everyone you have made.

Now today we rejoice not only in America’s peaceful transfer of power for the 43rd time, we celebrate a hinge-point of history with the inauguration of our first African American president of the united states. We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility, where a a son of an African Immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership. And we know today that Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in heaven.

Give to our new president, Barack Obama, the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity. Bless and protect him, his family, Vice President Biden, the Cabinet and every one of our freely elected leaders.

Help us, oh God, to remember that we are Americans. United not by race or religion or by blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all. When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you, forgive us.

When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone, forgive us. when we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the earth with the respect that they deserve, forgive us. And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches and civility in our attitudes—even when we differ.

Help us to share, to serve and to seek the common good of all. May all people of good will today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet. And may we never forget that one day, all nations, all people will stand accountable before You. We now commit our new president and his wife Michelle and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.

I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life—Yeshua, Esa, Jesus, Jesus—who taught us to pray:

Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be they name. They kingdom come, they will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

We the People...

2009-01-20T10:55:00.011-05:00

We the People…

When the freedom of choice is removed… it will be replaced with resentment! When the freedom of choice is upheld... responsibility to the consequences accompanies.

[Jan. 20, 2009 ~ Pastor J.] A mere 54 years removed from Rosa Parks refusal to give up her bus seat (Dec. 1, 1955 Montgomery AL), the United States will inaugurate the first African American President of the United States. Truly African (father) Caucasian (mother), President Obama was overwhelmingly elected by “we the people”. We the people are called to support and pray for this President as any of the past and any to come. We live in one of the most challenging times this young nation has ever faced… the task at hand is monumental!

I am very proud of our nation’s ability to not only elect a President of color, but to also have seriously considered two females for such high appointments (Senator Clinton / Governor Palin). I am equally proud of the confidence entrusted to former Secretary of State Rice and future Secretary of State Clinton. I am proud of our nation.

Galatians 3:27-29 ~ for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

My pride turns to remorse and regret that a nation under God and founded on Christian principal once strongly turned its back on the word of God. Minimizing and even eliminating personal freedom based on gender and race. Then, through the conviction of a Christian man with the word of God guiding his message of peace… Martin Luther King Jr. helped reform the landscape of this great nation. I am only three generations removed from a national and social shift that radically challenged and transformed. I am proud of this nation.

John 6:14-15 ~ After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.

Jesus kingdom is a heavenly kingdom. We as Christians are a redeemed people who will one day enjoy a fully redeemed earth. Jesus reign is an eternal reign. When we the people accept Christ as Lord we are then challenged to a radical shift of motivation and condition of our heart. When this happens the kingdom is among us! Pray for our President and, as a reflection of the heart of this nation, may God bless the U.S.A.!

Life!

2009-01-16T12:22:00.007-05:00

The photo at left is of Courtney Hope Fabian who was born after just 27 weeks. She is honestly a "miracle baby"... as well as the daughter of my cousin Misty. She currently weighs 2 lbs. 13 oz. ~ Pastor J.

[From http://www.troubledwith.com/ ] A sunrise reminds us that every day is a miracle in progress. The conception and birth of a baby is a tangible example of complex creation at its finest. The smile of a child with Down Syndrome reflects innocent joy. And even the wrinkled, knowing eyes of the elderly give us a sense of something eternal ... bigger than ourselves. Life is sacred. Whether in the womb or aged, healthy or terminal, outwardly "beautiful" or obviously "imperfect," we are made in God's image.

January 18-25 is Sanctity of Human Life week. This is our opportunity to celebrate the unique worth of every human soul. The stories we've collected are affirmations of truth: Regardless of appearance, age or ability, life is of inestimable value.

NEW Sponsored Child through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries

2009-01-16T10:34:00.003-05:00

Child Sponsorship is one of the most significant ways that you can get involved in the life of someone in another country and be an example of Jesus!

Click on the picture below to meet Wesley our new sponsored child!

Matthew 25:35-40 ~ 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

You've Been OBSERVED

2009-01-15T11:34:00.004-05:00

Click on the picture to ENLARGE it!

Sports Science just starting to discover the science of God!

2009-01-13T13:22:00.009-05:00

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

[Jesus] "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

" 30The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, [Jesus] "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place."

Thought from Pastor J. ~ 1st I'm not good at this myself. 2nd Teenagers can stop the Jekyl & Hyde effects of sleep deprivation if they'd just understand how they're made! Most of you spend countless droning hours on the internet (in fact, it may be 1 AM as you are reading this) every weekend and throughout the week. You can't get up in the morning or your parents bark at you for sleeping in until 2 PM on Saturday. We also live in a culture (adults too) that stresses more work in less time. What happens is that our body starts to bark back! Well guess what, the science of God created us and the Word of God reminds us of that fact. Yet for those who think that's all wash... here's an article from THE OREGONIAN posted by Jason Quick January 11, 2009

The scene was last month in Boston, at the end of a practice. [NBA's Portland Trailblazers] Head Coach Nate McMillan had huddled the team and was delivering his usual day-before-a-game speech. Only this time, his speech had a catch. Instead of the typical "get-to-bed-early" advice, McMillan encouraged his players to stay up late. Really late. "He was like, 'You all go out, curfew is 2 a.m.,'" LaMarcus Aldridge said. "We all had to laugh."

By then, the players understood McMillan's reasoning. He wanted the team to stay up late in order to keep their bodies, and sleep patterns, on Portland time. It was all part of the Blazers' new approach to how they travel, and more specifically, how they sleep when they travel. Flight departures were altered. Morning shootarounds canceled. Curfews relaxed. All so the Blazers players could get better sleep.

At the seed of the changes was Dr. Charles Czeisler, a gray-haired professor who works at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital and heads Harvard Medical School's Division of Sleep Medicine. Czeisler, who has also worked with NASA astronauts and the U.S. Olympic Committee, stresses the importance of getting enough sleep each night and keeping the body's internal clocks in sync by maintaining consistent sleep patterns. Inside the Blazers locker room, he has become known simply as "The Sleep Doctor."

"I think it has done wonders for our team," Brandon Roy said.

After going 7-14 last season in games played two or more time zones away, the Blazers are 7-2 this season heading into this week's four-game trip that starts Monday in Chicago and continues through Philadelphia, New Jersey and Charlotte.

"Sleep can provide a tactical advantage, and it is largely unrecognized in sports," Dr. Czeisler said.

The problem, according to the players, was that the departure often followed a home game the night before, which usually keeps the players awake until at least 2 a.m. To catch the morning flight, the players would often get only three hours sleep before they had to wake, pack and get to the airport. The players would instantly fall asleep on the plane, ignoring the need to eat both breakfast and lunch. When they arrived in the east for practice, they were not only tired and irritable, they were hungry.

The first change was moving the team's departure from Portland from 8 a.m. to noon. This allowed the players the chance to attain 8 hours of sleep after the previous night's home game against Minnesota. Team staff noticed a change immediately. The players were lively as they boarded Blazer One, the team's private jet, at Portland International Airport. They ate. And they interacted with each other.

"In the first place, I like to sleep in, so I loved it," Travis Outlaw said. "But you could just tell a difference on the plane. Everyone seemed more ready for the day. Instead of everyone not talking and saying they were going to sleep, you saw everybody laughing and joking."

It was the simplest way to incorporate Czeisler's theory of maintaining the body's circadian rhythms, which essentially resets the body's processes through its own internal clock. By staying on the same sleep cycle, the body would remain balanced.

"This is a relatively simple way to take advantage of their talent to the fullest," Czeisler said. "In the same way the team needs to stay in sync with each other on the court, they need to be in sync internally and physiologically, in order to perform."

Said Blazers player Lamarcus Aldridge, later: "We're young, baby. We'll do anything if it's going to help us win."

Tim Tebow: More than a Football Player

2009-01-07T13:53:00.028-05:00

National Champion, Heisman Trophy Winner, College Football's version of SuperMan! Love him or hate him for these titles... Tim Tebow is first and foremost a follower of Jesus! Despite the fact that he and the Gators owned my beloved Ohio State Buckeyes 3 years ago in the National Championship game, I have grown to admire Tim Tebow for his life-witness. Please enjoy the following excerpts from an article that ran on Espn.com 1/6/2009

Back in July, in a ballroom in a Birmingham, Ala., hotel during Southeastern Conference media days, a reporter asked Tim Tebow the following question:

"I don't mean to sound cynical, but between winning the national championship and winning the Heisman, saving the world in the Philippines and all, did you ever, like, sneak a cigarette when you were in high school? Do you ever do anything wrong? Do you feel like everything off the field is sort of on cruise control for you?"

Tebow's reaction was better. His response, in part:

"You know, everybody, they can look and say how easy it is. But it's definitely not that easy. The difference is 'cause not many people want to wake up at 5, go through workouts, go speak to young kids, go back, eat lunch, go to class, go to tutoring, go speak at a prison at night, come back. I mean, more people would do those things; they just don't want to sacrifice. ...So if it's cynical or whatnot, that's fine. If people don't believe it, that's fine. There's always going to be naysayers, people that are going to say it's fake. But that's fine because you can't control everybody. But I can control what I do, my attitude, how I approach the situation. So how I approach the situation is I want to do everything in my power that football gives me to influence as many people as I can for the good because that's gonna mean so much more when it's all said and done than just playing football and winning championships."

Tebow has quarterbacked Florida to its second BCS National Championship Game in his three years at the school. He nearly won the Heisman for a second straight season. If the Gators beat Oklahoma on Thursday and he comes back for his senior year, he has a chance to become the most decorated college football player of all time. Yet none of those are the most important statistics or milestones in Tebow's life. These are: 11 prison visits to preach Christianity to inmates (pictured); annual trips to the country of his birth, the Philippines, to assist his father's missionary work there... There are plenty of athletes who talk the pious talk. Plenty of athletes who write scripture on their eye black the way Tebow does or thank God after victories. But how many have walked the walk like Tebow -- walked it into the prisons, into the slums of the Philippines, into the hearts of people in need of a role model? How many, at age 21, have done as much work on behalf of those less fortunate?

EXALT Game Night 12/30/2008

2008-12-30T23:06:00.006-05:00

NYI/Breakaway Group After Christmas Party

2008-12-29T14:26:00.009-05:00

Some Christmas Thoughts from some "Wise-Men"

2008-12-24T11:57:00.008-05:00

Merry Christmas dear friend! The theme of Advent underscores what we aspire to ~ The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. Jesus came into the world as a loving, transforming presence, leaving us an example of our calling.

So today, Christians are to be present in the world (not cocooned). We are a loving presence in the world (not just combative) and a transforming presence (not conformed). We are to transform the world by who we are and by the culture we create. Our mission is to rekindle the spiritual, intellectual and creative legacy of Christians in culture. ~ Dick Staub

Cal Thomas: FAITH IS THE ULTIMATE GIFT
Examples of faith abound at this time of year. There is the faith children put in Santa Claus to bring them stuff that magically no one seems to have paid for. Call it a "bailout" for kids. There is adult faith which believes that a Bernard Madoff can do what no one else can: guarantee a consistent rate of return on money invested with him while others who invest the legal and old-fashioned way experience the normal ebb and flow of the stock market.

Then there is the messianic-like faith many have placed in Barack Obama, the faux messiah of our time, who has been sent by the political gods to deliver us, if not from our sins, than at least from George W. Bush. (Bloggers note ~ This is not intended to slander or endorse any political party or our President-elect. Keep reading for the connection with "misplaced faith")

A Broadway play and film called "Doubt" has won fans, many of whom probably do when it comes to God. Bill Maher made a movie about faith, mocking those who believe in God and ignoring the warnings, "The fool has said in his heart 'There is no God'" (Psalm 14:1) and "the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing" (1 Corinthians 1:18). If Maher thinks the Christmas story is foolish, isn't that evidence he is perishing?

Shoplifting increases during the Christmas season and so does its spiritual equivalent: those who want the blessings of Christmas without paying the price. Laura Miller, a staff writer for Salon, engaged in this practice in a New York Times column, "It's a Narnia Christmas." Miller said about the C.S. Lewis classic, "That I'm not a Christian doesn't much hinder my enjoyment of either the holiday or the book."

Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia" series was not meant solely to entertain, though entertaining it is. The books are metaphors for great truths. Elsewhere, Lewis writes that those who claim Jesus as just a great teacher have it wrong. Lewis said Jesus is either who He said He is -- the Son of God -- or a liar, a fool, or deranged. Call him anything you like, said Lewis, but don't call Him a great teacher. That is an option He does not allow. Besides, how can anyone be a great teacher if he teaches something that is not true?The mockers and doubters have always been with us. They have nothing new to say. Their unbelief is as familiar as it is predictable.

Faith is a gift, the ultimate gift. It is of far greater and eternal value than anything to be found under a Christmas tree. While clothes and toys wear out or are forgotten, faith lasts. It has the additional benefit of already having been bought and paid for by Someone else. It is the "substance of things hoped for, the assurance of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).

Faith cannot be taught (though teaching plays a role). No one is argued to faith, which is why it is fruitless to debate those who lack it. Better to demonstrate the faith one has than berate and belittle people who do not yet have it.

Christmas offers an opportunity to again consider what matters most. Especially this year with the anemic economy and multiple challenges to our misplaced faith in prosperity and politicians, now would be a good time to consider the song lyric: "Fame, if you win it, comes and goes in a minute. Where's the real stuff in life to cling to?"

The answer to that question is to be found where it has always been: Start in the manger and then move to the cross and the empty tomb and consider the carol, "where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in."

You don't have that kind of faith? You asked someone for a Christmas gift, didn't you? Ask God for the ultimate gift.

Quizzing @ the District Center

2008-12-23T14:18:00.006-05:00

Click on the pic to ENLARGE

Presents, Presence, Present-ing... what's it all mean?

2008-12-17T14:13:00.014-05:00

A Story of Presents ~ I have this picture of my grandfather sitting at the very first drum set I ever owned. The picture is undated so honestly I’m not sure which Christmas it was taken… but I was really young. It would be years (until 6^th grade) before I would ever learn how to make something remotely “musical” come from a drum but in hindsight… I see something I didn’t see for a long time. That present ended up being something that I would later offer back to God. Today I play the drums as a spiritual act of worship. The question is: Did God need another drummer?

I love the story of the Little Drummer Boy. Guess what? It’s not in the Bible. The whole concept is… but there is no direct scriptural account to back it up. Rather, we simply find time and time again that God takes those who feel ordinary, unworthy, or with nothing to offer… and welcomes them. They become the first picked when dividing teams on the playground even.

A Story of Presence

John 1:14 ~ The Word became flesh and made his DWELLING AMONG US. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Matthew 1:18-23 ~ … 23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" — which means, “GOD WITH US."

It’s the most baffling of thoughts. That God would subject himself to the mess. Sure, we had seen brief appearances and the use of someone to speak on His behalf… but this time it was personal. The praise chorus Emmanuel states “God with us, revealed in us. His name is called Emmanuel”. Revealed in us… the body of believers. He not only walked among us, but the word of God says that He is in us! He is present!

A Story of Present-ing

Romans 12:1 ~ Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to OFFER YOUR BODIES as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your SPIRITUAL ACT of worship.

What do you have to give this Christmas? A talent, some money, some time? It’s nothing if you haven’t first given what God desires most… you! All the rest will follow. Understand that he wants you and all that comes with it… including the least desirable parts. God doesn’t need another drummer… he desires the willing heart! Will you approach the manger and play for him?

Please Remember This Time of Year

2008-12-05T13:54:00.010-05:00

Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News

When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport , Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac.   During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport , Major Steve Beck described the scene as so powerful: 'See the people in the windows? They sat right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home,' he said 'They will remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should.'

Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News   

The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. 'I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,' she said. 'I think that's what he would have wanted.'

You've Been OBSERVED

2008-12-04T11:46:00.004-05:00

There are still some good Cowboys left in the world!

2008-11-23T20:04:00.004-05:00

Tony Romo made one man very happy, and it had nothing to do with throwing touchdowns. The Dallas Morning News reported on Wednesday that the Cowboys quarterback took a homeless man to the movies recently.

The man, who goes by Doc, was outside a theater in in Dallas when a man came up and offered to pay his way to see a movie. Planning on passing out fliers for a consignment store across the street, Doc declined. But then he realized that he had just turned down Romo.

He ran across the street, asked for the day off and ran back to the theater. Romo and Doc ended up sitting together watching the movie "Role Model." Doc told the newspaper that he informed Romo that he hadn't showered in days.

"Don't worry about that," Romo said, according to the newspaper. "I'm used to locker rooms."

Romo reportedly also changed the tire of a couple on the way home the night of the season opener and showed up to a high school pep rally with actor Will Smith earlier this week. He confirmed the encounter with Doc but wouldn't elaborate.

This latest gesture really impressed Doc.

"For me, it was a blessing," Doc said. "It came at just the right time. It gave me some encouragement and faith in mankind. I just wanted to say thank you."

Would the Real You Please Show Itself?

2008-11-08T09:04:00.007-05:00

Question:

(Pastor J.) i have another problem

You see i lied to my girlfriend....it wasnt big and bad just a smal insignificant lie....but she found out (i said i dont swear much, but i do) i asked her is it so wrong that i lied to get you to like me...........and she said that it wasnt the lie it was that you lied............ this is what she said.

i wasnt mad at you. i was just kinda upset at the fact that you said you were probalbly the nicest guy i would meet and you barely cursed. i thought that was awesome. and u made me smile. im not like other girls. i dont hang out with the cool crowd. i dont follow the hurd. im my own person. i dont care if no one likes me or if they all love me. i will not change or lie just to make someone like me. i understand where your coming from, and i feel horrible just thinking about the stuff you've been through, but dont let that hold you back or change who you really are. dont let it make you soft or too hard. be you. Thats the reason i was upset, because i thought u WERE different from other guys. but then you lied to me and seemed to be just like all the others..

Sometimes my mom tells me she can see the hurt in my eyes. even when im smileing. she tells me they look like pools of sadness drowning me, and pooling me further into the dark. she tells me thats why im losing my friends. thats why my grades drop. thats why my heart still aches. all because i gave up. i dont wanna see the same happen to you. your only a Sophmore. im about to head out into the real world and fight some more. ima give it every last inch of me, my energy, my heart and soul.

Response:

Wow... I get you brother and I believe that part of you (deep down in the core of who you are) is who she is looking for and who you told her you were. And then... there's the part that has been shaped by the circumstances of life and of your own personal decisions. Sounds like she has both of those sides as well. The "I am who I am" side and then the side that isn't "hard" but maybe a little more on the "emo" side! ANY emotional state of our outward self certainly reflects the spiritual state of our inward self! Where we are or aren't with Jesus?

John 16:33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (Jesus Speaking)

Pastor advice ~ Jesus shows us who we really are... he connects us with the core of how and who we were created to BE! It's the only real true way to be who we were meant to be. Funny thing is... it ends up being something/someone far beyond who we ever thought possible (speaking of one's own self). It's like... seriously God, you created me to be this!?!?!? It's more than I ever thought I could be!

Lies affect trust... TRUST is what all relationships revolve around! Don't just be you and I encourage her to not just be who "she" thinks she is. Get deeper with Jesus and he will reveal to you who you were made to be! Dude, when a young man does that for real... girls can't help but be overwhelmed by what God does!

Seek First!

You've Been OBSERVED

2008-11-06T12:01:00.005-05:00

Click on the Pictures to ENLARGE

EXALT Costume Contest (5th Annual)

2008-10-28T22:32:00.011-04:00

Click on the Pic to ENLARGE

Immediacy ~ Pastor Aaron

2008-10-24T17:26:00.013-04:00

Immediacy. Tobiah is all about immediacy. Surprise, surprise. When he wants his diaper changed, he wants it done right now. When he wants your attention, he wants it right now….not when it’s convenient for you. But most of all when he wants to eat, he wants it now. He wails. Granted his wailing is pretty quiet, but its still passionate and full of immediacy.

At 4 am the other night as I was setting with him giving him a bottle I started wondering where our immediacy is. What are we so passionate about that we need to yell? Or maybe it’s not yelling we need to do. I wonder if we’re missing something. Do we overlook injustice? Do we rationalize evil because we’re “just one church” or “person”? Are we content letting the world just go on around us or are we willing to speak our minds because the Bible says right is right and wrong is wrong? Why don’t we get fed up with things and speak out? Or Yell? Or cry?

Why are only 2% of US Christians willing to do something about AIDS orphans in Africa (there are currently around 13 million children without parents in Africa)? Why do we turn a blind eye to child slavery and trafficking? The US bails out Wall Street for 700 billion but the entire G8 can’t find 25 billion to stop the 25,000 children that die daily from preventable disease (thank you Bono). Where are our priorities in the church? Why aren’t these the biggest problems in our lives?

These are some of the things we should be yelling about. Instead we complain because of the flower arrangements or the music or the lack of a drama team or how we don’t have a puppet ministry anymore or how the pastor changed the order of worship or why we’re not

having enough potlucks or why we’re doing too many potlucks or why if we should call it a potluck or a tureen………

What happened to shouting the Gospel from the mountaintops? What happened to taking care of widows, and orphans and the least of these? When is enough enough? Where is our immediacy?

You've Been OBSERVED

2008-10-24T10:54:00.009-04:00

You've Been OBSERVED...

Brooke Hoffman

Sheffield Middle School

STUDENT OF THE WEEK 10/24/2008

LIVE in the REALITY of JESUS

2008-10-23T10:34:00.013-04:00

Question:
Hey Pastor J

I've been feeling really out of touch with God, and reality....my life is spiraling out of control before my eyes and i cant stop it...but it feels like a car accident could have been avoided, my dad is unemployed and cannot pay child support and will go to jail soon, my mom is sick and has lung problems, and i find myself alone....ive done some things im not proud of during this time in my life and ive gotten in with some baaad people. i just wish there was some way to fix this....it hurts alot..

Response:

Two thoughts:

1. Live with more than the knowledge (head) of Jesus... live IN the REALITY of Jesus (heart)!

God is God but unlike all other world religious views of Him... Jesus makes it possible to not only worship God but to genuinely connect with Him through the Holy Spirit. I'm not saying there are many paths... in fact, Jesus said that nobody comes to the Father... but through Him!

2 Corinthians 13:14 ~ May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Which leads to point #2

2. Jesus clearly left (3) things to us after he took off! = Holy Spirit / The Bible / The Church (other Believers & Followers of Jesus).

I'm convinced that God will not dictate a relationship with us. That's not how it works. Relationships take sacrifice and effort on both ends. I'm also convinced that our part of action is to pursue God through the (3) things mentioned above and if we eliminate, ignore, or overemphasize any of the three... the relationship will be confused, unbalanced, struggle... fade... seem distant!

Yeah bro'... we all fall short of who we desire to be for God... that's why we really need God to inhabit us and make that transformation. The three things I'm talking about are the best possible ways to put ourselves in position for that to happen! Those three things really put us in position to: a) Hear from God b) Allow God to work in our lives. This will not necessarily change our circumstances... but it will change our heart amidst the circumstance!

Jesus speaks of the coming "Counselor" (4) times in the Gospel of John. The writer, John, was no doubt addressing the same spiritual need that you are experiencing... the active work of Jesus in your life even though he is physically absent. That this coming "Counselor" is actually in their (and our) best interest! The spiritual work of Jesus is through the availability of the Holy Spirit and the best way to describe that work is = COUNSELOR! Awesome stuff!

Counselors comfort, listen, teach, point out things that aren't working and show us ways to overcome our own missteps! In fact, Jesus even points out that this is a necessary step for his followers to take... a step of faith! [John 14:16, 26 / John 15:26 / John 16:7]

2 Corinthians 3:18 ~ And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Following Jesus really has two parts: 1) Realizing that sin separates us from the work God wants to do in our lives and is the cause of eternal separation. Once we realize the gift of forgiveness and accept what Jesus has done... something else has to happen. 2) We surrender to the work of Jesus in our heart and life by way of His Holy Spirit (the Counselor). How do we know what that looks like (the reflection mentioned in 2 Cor. 3:18)?

Galatians 5:22-23
22But the fruit (result) of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. ...

Remember that this is not the result of us changing for God... rather God transforming us when we submit to His work within us! It happens both instantly (to some degree) and we also grow in these areas as well!

John also took the first part of his Gospel to articulate that Jesus and the Word of God are synonymous [John 1:1-18] . They are one which leads us to realize that if we want to clearly hear from God... we invest time in His Word (Bible). When this is done we avoid the trappings of hokey pokey new-age stuff... it's clear and it has stood the test of over 2,000 years. God will not contradict His Word! Some like to say that God has revealed a "new" word... or is doing a "new" thing... that it was "revealed" to them in prayer. Really? What does the Bible have to say about it? We do this a lot ourselves... it's very human to adapt God to our ideals, standards, and ultimately our desires. That's never more easier to do than to to neglect or "cut-and-paste" the Word of God.

Hebrews 10:23-25 ~ Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

When we neglect, avoid, or ignore the word of God we easily slip into the trendy (individualistic, post-modern, unbiblical) view that says "I don't need to go to church to be a Christian". Really? The third thing Jesus left is encapsulated in the above scripture from Hebrews. We were never meant to do any of this alone! Sure, there are churches who have been a pretty poor example but we are never to give up on it. It's not about attendance, programs, and ritual... it's about what motivates and compels us to gather.

So now, the church becomes a conduit (tool) of the Counselor (Jesus / Holy Spirit) to one another... and the world! It is of the utmost importance to find and belong to a group of others who follow Jesus. Where we find that... we are never alone!

So, this was a lengthy response but I encourage you from the depth of my heart to seek these 3 things! I promise that you will find something that is missing. Remember, your circumstances may not change... but your heart will be transformed!

Pastor J.

You've Been OBSERVED

2008-10-15T11:59:00.006-04:00

You've been OBSERVED... Preston Perrotti! After a lengthy hiatus we again begin featuring students shutterbugged in our local Warren Times Observer. Today features P2 duking it out in Warren County's most heated rivalry between Eisenhower and WAHS boys soccer teams. Warren entered the game undefeated versus the two loss Knights. After double overtime the game ended in a 2-2 tie! Until next year...
(Click on the pic at left to ENLARGE it)

A Time to Laugh

2008-10-08T08:07:00.004-04:00

A Time to Laugh... en-JOY!

HEAVY METAL FARMER...

CLETUS TAKE THE REEL

LAUGHING BABY (Ethan)

See You At The Pole 9/24/08

2008-09-24T20:47:00.019-04:00

Check the SYATP video featuring Jeremy Camp's NEW single:

"Speaking Louder Than Before" from his upcoming album to be released Nov. 25th

WILLET Concert 9/23/08

2008-09-24T20:18:00.011-04:00

CUBS Clinch! Why Sports make me cry!

2008-09-22T09:35:00.030-04:00

Cubs Clinch!

Please PLAY this Video while you read this post!

Being a fan of any given team brings you together with others. Being a fan of a losing team somehow brings you even closer together as you weather another “rebuilding” season. These people have a strange sense of pride that is produced in their perseverance. Being a fan of a winning team comes with some interesting observations as well. Clearly there are fellow “fans” that were rooting for last year’s team that played well and not “your” team (the team that is playing well this season) in which they now root for. It may be that they were rooting for a team last year that their favorite player played for… and this year they root for the Yankees or Red Sox who recently acquired their favorite player in a last minute bid to make the playoffs (moment of silence for Pittsburgh Pirates fans… continue)! Their pride comes in the moment. Not in the past struggles or former accomplishments… not in the prospect of “next season”… but in the right here and right now… WE ROCK! It’s not a bad pride, I mean… New England Patriots fans are waking up to the fact that they got Sheee-Lacked by the Miami Dolphins (9/21/08). The Pat’s who had a 21 game regular season winning streak… got beat by a team that won 1 game last year and the most press they’ve had came at the heels (literally) of former player, Jason Taylor, being a finalist on “Dancing with the Stars”. If you’re a Dolphins fan… WHOOP IT UP… this is your week!

Cubs Clinch! I’m 32 years old and for most of that time I’ve been a Yankees fan. NOW, I became a Yankees fan in the 1980’s when they were LOUSY! I was a fan in the 90’s when they dominated… and I remain a fan today when they somehow find a way to dominate and disappoint on a regular basis within the same season. Cubs fans haven’t had much to celebrate since the 40’s. I’ve ridden the “T” (I think that’s what it’s called… I wanted to look cool with my Chi-Town lingo to bring credibility to this) and have had my breath taken away while going past Wrigley Field. It’s something to behold… a real baseball icon! Yet, the Cubbies really haven’t had the taste of victory in quite sometime. Things are changing and we may have yet another historically losing franchise rise from the ashes much like the Bo-Sox have done the past five years.

Steve Goodman wrote and performed many humorous songs about Chicago, including three about the Chicago Cubs: "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request", "When the Cubs Go Marching In" and "Go, Cubs, Go" (which has frequently been played on Cubs' broadcasts and at Wrigley Field after Cubs wins). The Cubs songs grew out of his fanatical devotion to the team, which included many clubhouse and on-field visits with Cub players. On September 20, 1984, Goodman died, his life finally taken by leukemia. He was only 36. Just four days after Goodman's death, his beloved Chicago Cubs clinched the Eastern Division title in the National League for the first time ever, earning them their first post-season appearance since 1945.

Allow me to bridge the gap…

Romans 5:3-5 ~ Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Remove the spiritual application of this passage and you have every element of every sports movie ever made (OK, I’ve not watched them all… but at least every "Mighty Ducks" movie ever made) Why aren’t we as passionate about rallying behind the cause of Christ as we are about our favorite team? Why are so many “fair-weather” fans? Why do we spend more money on clothing, bumper stickers, lawn flags… more time on-line, at the ballpark/field/stadium or in front of the television… than following after Jesus?

A great sports story makes me cry! Championship montages make me cry! Michael Jordan reduced to a little boy sobbing in his fathers arms after winning his first NBA Championship… makes me cry! The humility of both the winners and losers who display perseverance and hope… makes me cry! A great witness of faith in Jesus makes me cry! The character of Christ and hope produced in us through the struggles of life… makes me cry! A first time move toward Christ… makes me cry! I started following the Yankees in the 80’s… Jesus in the 90’s! Who do you follow?

SONFEST Trip 2008

2008-09-16T15:39:00.020-04:00

September 12-14 marked our 5th year heading out to Mount Vernon Nazarene University for the all day music festival SONFEST! Rain was the keyword as hurricane Ike found its way inland and moved through Ohio into PA. Foiling our plans to enjoy the lakefront home of Mom & Pops Maier, we piled into the (leaky) church van and headed for Grandpa's Cheesebarn (after all... my folks live in Amish Country). Click on Pic to ENLARGE

Having filled our gullets with free samples (some less desirable than others) we headed over to Sweeties chocolate shop for a healthy dose of high fructose corn syrup... and good ol' straight up shhhhuuuuuggggaaaa!

Next was a jaunt to Fin Feather & Fur... kind of a local Cabelas... all your fishin' for and killin' critters and such kinda place. The ladies really dug all the fashionable offerings... not much different than living in NW PA!

The weekend happened to fall on Katie's 18th birthday so we celebrated together as my own was just a few days later. Adon and Jeff showed that tribal differences (BIG 10 College Football loyalties) can be set aside for the sake of community!

Bodies everywhere... 17 people and one baby makes tight quarters no matter where you are! The tunnel has instructions because it's only one lane. You have to pull up... roll down the window and listen for either honking or clopping (remember it's Amish country) and then proceed... honking or clopping as you go!

As Ike poured down upon almost all of Ohio... somehow Mt. Vernon stayed dry... although the joke became "Welcome to SWEAT-FEST" as the weather was 85 degrees with super high humidity!

The day we left the tree that Alex is leaning on fell over due to hurricane Ike's near 80 mph winds... or Alex's armpit shtank!?!?

What is Vision Quest?

2008-09-10T12:00:00.014-04:00

John 4:39-42 (NLT) ~ 39 Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” 40 When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, 41 long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. 42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.”

Vision Quest
1. Designed to encourage Active Application of the Vision
2. Student Teams (3-5) ~ ability to grow
3. Ongoing Team Challenges & Weekly Challenges for points
4. Group Challenges that earn points for every team
5. Motivated by our Vision

Weekly Ongoing Challenges [ # pts. ]
1. [2,000 ] 1st Time Visitor
[3,000 ] 2nd Time Returning
[5,000] 3rd Return / Becomes a Member of your team
* Can be Come-Backers as well!!!
2. [5,000 ] Every Team if our Attendance is up (5) Students from the previous week
3. [2,000 ] Team Member Wins a Game
4. [3,000 ] Blog Submissions: (1x ea. student)

[ ] Our Vision… Your Vision ~ How you have incorporated the Vision into your daily life

[ ] Visionary Response to a Social Issue in your Community/School /Church

Team Challenge [ # pts. ]
1. [20,000 ] Team Community Service Project
__ Submit Idea to Pastor J. for Approval
__ Must have 75% Attendance @ Project
__ Minimum 3 Hour Project
__ Supervisor Sign-Off (Contact Pastor J. if he is unable to witness)
__ Blog Submission Summarizing Project

Random Challenges Tuesday 10/28 Next Week
1. [2,000 ] 5th Annual Costume Contest~ anyone who participates gets the points
2. [3,000 ] Winner

Reinard Family ~ Tobiah's Home!

2008-09-04T20:48:00.008-04:00

Many of you have been praying for the Reinard family as they worked on the adoption of their second child from Ethiopia, Tobiah! You also know that the little man got very very ill upon his arrival to the states a few weeks ago and spent quite some time in the hospital. Well, God is Good and Tobiah is now home with his big brother, Mommy, and Daddy!

[ click the pic to ENLARGE ]

Aaron, Marjorie, Tobiah, Corban

Brothers