Eklektos: Chosen

Christmas Extravaganza P1

2012-01-12T15:09:00.001-06:00

Epic. This is the word I would choose to sum up the MDBC 2011 Christmas party. There was food (Chick-fil-A nuggets, anyone?), there was fun (just check out the pics to verify this) and there was a PHOTO BOOTH. It was awesome. I am going to share some of the pics from the event and let you just judge for yourself.

grub time! segregated tables

glad we had the Greenwood group with us!

pretty girls - Kendall, Candace, Maygan

Curstin & Anna cheers-ing it

boys table

Marissa & Shelby rockin' the Christmas sweaters

more fun

Timmy & Kyle

Christmas carol trivia

Brantley works on more trivia

trivia

decorating live "trees"

Kassie gets all glamorous

Ragan gets wrapped up

Jordan learned never to stay quiet...you get volunteered for stuff

H looked awesome

very creative work!

Rhett - his glasses really came in handy as ornament hangers

Kassie, how cute are you?!

Ragan was such a good sport...she had an ornament hanging out of her mouth!

Jordan...please note the tree skirt on his foot!

I can't tell you how much I laughed during all of this...it was such fun to watch! I can't wait to show you the pics we got from the next game - the Christmas Insta-pose!

Togetherness

2012-01-12T13:59:00.001-06:00

On Lottie Moon night, I decided it would be great to take some pics of the group all together. It seemed a simple enough request. Just scoot together, look at me and smile. This is what happened:

Jody started it all with a push

Although I probably should have just stopped snapping and started correcting, I kept taking pictures.

a little too close for comfort

the girls are really freaked out

Jake pushes back

more chaos

more retaliation

again with the pushing

But, I finally got a good one. Everyone is on THEIR SIDE (although you will note that Jody & Jake had to move places) and everyone is smiling and everyone is looking as angelic as I know they are (somewhere deep inside)! :)

Where Have You Been?

2012-01-10T16:01:00.001-06:00

I've not updated since last year. It has been a crazy, cool, chaotic time as we participated in Operation Christmas Child, LOOP's, the Hanging of the Greens, Lottie Moon, our MDBC Christmas extravaganza and then the Christmas and New Year's holidays...I feel tired just writing all of that!

I will be posting more pics, writing more updates and offering more FREE STUFF on here very soon, so if you promise to start reading again, I promise to start writing again. Deal?

Caramel Apples

2011-11-18T13:30:00.001-06:00

Wednesday nights are a fun time for the youth group. We get together and laugh, play games, study God's Word and once a year, we make caramel apples. This is always a fun time and we decided to dedicate this year's apple dipping party to Debby Thangam who loved this night more than all others. Debby had to graduate and move off to Lubbock where she is now a Red Raider, but we thought of her as we loaded our apples down with all sorts of things that made them devoid of any nutritional benefit.

All photos taken by Rhett Bratcher

apples and M&M's...of course.

the toppings included toffee chips, pecans, M&M's, mini chocolate chips and Oreos.

doesn't that just look like happiness on a stick?

a dentist's worst nightmare!

We have been in a study on gratitude during the month of November. We added "caramel" and "apples" to the list this week. Make sure you come on Wednesdays...you never know what you're going to miss!

OCC in action

2011-11-17T11:24:00.001-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, we gathered on a Thursday night, ate pizza and packed shoe boxes that will travel the globe and quite possibly change the lives of the children who receive them. For us, this was really no big deal, but for those who have never received a gift of their very own, this means everything. This is what Operation Christmas Child looks like:

4 lines with all the items that would be tucked away in boxes divided by age and gender

The boxes that we pack are a mixture of practical and special items - there are toiletries socks and pencils and then small toys, hard candy and stuffed animals. We try to meet needs and also surprise them with a little something extra.

socks, socks and more socks!

Every kid got 3 pairs of socks, unless Ed packed the box...in which case, we're not sure how many socks ended up in the box! :)

these went in the little boy boxes

soft and cuddly toys for the younger kids

toothbrushes are a real luxury for many kids

some of the box packers

more box packers

Before we started going down the lines, we took time and committed the boxes to the Lord. Even though we don't know the specific children who will receive the boxes, we know that God does. We prayed over the boxes and asked the Lord to bless our efforts.

a powerful time of prayer

We also had a stack of Christmas cards - 230 to be exact - that were signed and personalized by each of the people who packed a box. These cards were tucked into the boxes and will be a visible reminder that someone cares for the child who receives it.

Allie hard at work

Ms. Toni, Addie and Taylor fill out cards

packing boxes is hard work...good thing Jake was wearing his sweatband!

the lines moved really quickly!

Bob took the completed boxes and packed them in a large box

little boys aged 2-4 will get these boxes

happy helpers

Pastor Jared worked the quality control center

Ms. Maxine & Ms. Annette were also on the inspection crew

Nora rubber banded each box to keep the contents inside!

It was a wonderful night that helped focus us as we move forward into this busy season. It is more blessed to give than to receive but paradoxically, we receive much when we give much.

Thank you to the Lindley's for all their work in buying and organizing and setting up OCC. It was a HUGE year at MDBC as far as shoeboxes go and we are already looking at doing more in 2012!

Operation Christmas Child

2011-11-02T21:59:00.001-05:00

This is one of the best and busiest times of the year at church. There are so many awesome ways to reach out and give back to our community, starting with Operation Christmas Child (OCC). For some of you, the only way you can keep OCC separate in your mind from LOOPS and Lottie Moon is by remembering the defining feature of the event - shoe boxes.

This year, MDBC is packing 230 shoe boxes with socks, toiletries, coloring books, pencils, combs, candy, and small toys. These boxes are then sorted and processed by Samaritan's Purse and then sent all over the world as a tangible expression of God's love. For many of these kids, this is the first gift that they will ever receive. Many come to know Christ as their Savior through the shoe boxes. It is a powerful ministry...and we got to be involved tonight! We folded and stacked the shoe boxes, getting ready for tomorrow night's packing party.

Many of you have banquets and practices and one even has an oral surgery planned, but this is one seemingly small (but really quite large way) we got to be involved and participate. If you are available, remember tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. - pizza and packing!

Birthday Girls

2011-10-05T15:02:00.002-05:00

Back in August, Allie had a birthday.

Back in September, Courtney had a birthday.

I celebrated with both of them a little late by taking them out for lunch at Whataburger.

They wore tiaras.

It was a good time.

they were the birthday princesses

I also found some random pics of them on my camera...apparently I went out of town and they went to town snapping themselves. These two girls are beautiful, funny, and love the Lord. We are so blessed to have them as a part of our group.

taken at Kali's bridal shower

apparently she didn't want her pic taken

hide and seek...there's a little person behind the chair

Allie & Sierra

I didn't have any embarrassing shots of Allie from the shower...probably because she deleted them. I pray that this coming year is the best one yet in their lives! We love you girls!

Great Minds Dress Alike...

2011-10-05T14:47:00.001-05:00

"Great minds think alike"...you've heard that one, haven't you? Well, it is also true that great minds also dress alike. Need proof? About 6 weeks ago, three lovely ladies from the MDBC youth group showed up on Sunday morning in very similar prints:

Court, Abby Dawn & Allie

And you know how it can be really embarrassing for girls to show up and look like they planned their outfits? These girls didn't care...they even embraced the moment...and each other.

they love each other.

A New School Year

2011-09-29T15:45:00.000-05:00

The 2011 school year has begun...about 6 weeks ago. But I am seriously behind on blogging, so just bear with me as I catch up. The one thing that could bring smiles to the faces of students who were heading back to school was cookie cake. And boy, were there some excited students!

these were the 4 present when the cookie cake was unveiled

Happy New School Year...I thought forever about what to put on it.

we played "telephone pictionary" in Sunday School

Allie and art do not go together

Rhett hard at work

Jordan straggled in...and was baffled by what Rhett drew

Allie and Abby Dawn

Jake & Courtney...cousins!

I am happy to report that the cookie cake was enjoyed by all and that although we had a bumpy couple of weeks right after school started, everyone is now passing their classes and doing well! And it WILL be a great year in school...I am convinced!

Hurricane Season

2011-08-29T23:44:00.000-05:00

Everyone is talking about hurricanes right now. Allie & Courtney jumped in a hurricane simulator at the mall and experienced a small taste what a hurricane is like...and although these destructive forces of nature are no laughing matter, these pictures are.

Farewell, Funday Monday!

2011-08-29T16:35:00.001-05:00

We have had a blast this summer with our Funday Mondays...we have gotten to spend time hanging out, playing games, swimming and laughing. I am already excited about summer 2012! Here is a peek at our very last Funday Monday of the summer...sad day but fun times! :)

sisters at Fuddrucker's

the gentlemen

Spoons championship

the moment when Allie grabbed the final spoon...sorry Berk!

Jake and charades

Courtney not impressed with Jake's acting skills...

Courtney getting ready for her turn

Rhett smoking a straw

Courtney's acting

Allie on the move

air guitar!

I don't remember what Berk was acting out, but I am glad we have this pic.

Anna takes her turn

Jake is excited to be here!

Cole strolls...

a mid-charades hug

Heather gets into it...this was during the challenger round

Berkley versus Rhett

Halee keeps her cool

It was a great time of celebrating summer 2010...Abby Dawn, we missed you at our final hoorah.

Happy Birthday, Memaw!

2011-08-29T15:56:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated the birthday of a special member of the youth department, Ms. Annette, affectionately known as "Memaw".

She got her own sash that proclaimed that she was the "birthday princess"!

chocolate eclairs

birthday banner

Memaw and the MDBC students

After our mini-party for Memaw, we got down to our Bible study. And I thought it might be fun to snap some pics of what happens during a typical Sunday morning teaching session:

team #1 - Jordan, Abby & Allie are running into some trouble

team #2 - Rhett, Jake & Courtney are working just fine

the teams were working their way through a passage of Scripture and listing out commands given...

Courtney hard at work

Rhett is ready with back-up if Court needs it!

Allie took over because Jordan's writing was too...creative to read.

We want to remember to pray for Ms. Annette. She has been sick and we want her to feel better soon so that she can join us again! We love you, Memaw!

a little bit of that...

2011-08-12T13:57:00.000-05:00

We had Nerd Night a couple of weeks ago...and had a blast! We watched Napoleon Dynamite on our new blow-up screen and enjoyed a quesadilla bar. It was a good time. Here are the pics to prove it.

time to get your nerd on!

nerd cousins

a nerd cluster

Abby Dawn gets her pants all pulled up

Jake's briefcase full of tricks

quesadilla time!

nerd games!

Jake & Michael team up...nerd power!

the goal was to separate the pinks

tater tot catch

the competition was fierce!

Amber & Katie

the nerds are ready to watch Napoleon Dynamite

Jake's hat...no words.

a little bit of this...

2011-08-12T12:51:00.001-05:00

It has been a while, folks. Let me give you some highlights of the recent months:

Intensity Camp, Brownwood, TX:

it was SOOOO HOT!

Rec time!

Rabid Reindeer!

we met some new friends

Preston scored in water kick ball

the girls managed to get on this water sausage floatie thing

Courtney took a leap of faith...and got Blobbed.

we saw the boys occasionally during free time

we had a photo shoot!

we hugged alot

the guys

the girls

all of us

Preston was a contestant on The Price is Right

Abby grew a moustache...kind-of.

We had a blast hanging out together all week and we can't wait to do it again next year. Who will YOU be bringing to come with us?

Oops...

2011-07-12T14:57:00.000-05:00

Sorry I have fallen off the blogging bandwagon. I have been busy - there was VBS, there was vacation for me in California and then there was the post-VBS and post-vacation slump. I think I am back. Lots of stuff to report on, lots of pics to share, lots of news to catch you up on. One thing at a time, though.

These pics are from Tacos & Trivia, one of our late nights after VBS. Enjoy!

Funday Monday

2011-06-15T11:09:00.000-05:00

We had a BLAST at this week's Funday Monday. We hit Optimist Park for a picnic and some keep away and then headed across Grandview to go swimming at Shelley's house. And Shelley was ready for us - she had squirt guns, water balloons and a host of other Nerf products for us! Here are some shots of our fun in the sun:

Allie & Courtney trying to stay afloat the raft

I caught up with Lauren

water balloon war

this pic could not have been timed any better - look at the balloon exploding on Courtney's head!

Hope you guys will make it a point to join us for next week's FUNDAY MONDAY - snowcones after VBS!

Sports Day

2011-06-13T10:26:00.000-05:00

Sports Day 2011 was awesome. No one died. Everyone remained friends. Here are some of the highlilghts:

basketball time!

one of the teams - those in Texas orange don't look ready for the shot!

Jacob shoots!

Patricia at bat in kickball

good kick!

the other team discussing their line-up

Pastor Jared was on the mound...and using all sorts of signs.

Robbie was the other pitcher

Katie kicks...and Rhett is ready in the background

Katie gets out and has to take the walk of shame back home.

Michael is ready to do business

Steven!

the Prisonball field

the couple that plays together, stays together.

3 teammates in prison, waiting to be released.

Michael & Allie get ready to tag team

Mark Boring winds up

Jake & Allie throwing balls at someone

Allie & Jake...still friends?

"LeJordan "

I'm not really sure why some people were hardly photographed at all...it was bright and hot and I was refereeing in between shots. Check out the album on Facebook for even more pics from the day!

Amplify Christ

2011-06-09T12:48:00.000-05:00

Happy to unveil one of the new MDBC Youth t-shirts:

They will be here in one week. #getexcitednow.

F.T.O.

2011-06-09T11:25:00.000-05:00

Tuesday was a good day. We went out into the surrounding neighborhoods. We distributed door hangers. And then we headed to Chick-fil-A for the afterparty. It was indeed a good day.

Can you say, "We ♥ Chick-fil-A"?

I love outtakes.

Jake & the other guys

the girls...outtake

the ladies

Robbie & a waffle fry.

Last night in her braces

she was excited about getting them off!

and slightly embarassed by all the attention on her mouth!

Thank you for coming and helping us spread the word about Mission Dorado Baptist Church! God is doing some incredible things here and we want others to be a part of that too! :) Don't forget about our HUGE VBS advertising campaign that is happening this Sunday! You won't want to miss it!

Kung Fu Panda

2011-06-09T10:55:00.000-05:00

Rhett & I had not made it in yet...but we won't take it personally.

FUNDAY MONDAY was a big success. We went and saw Kung Fu Panda 2 and although I had not seen the first one, I must say I was really inspired by the second one. There was laughter, action and a little tragedy. It was also nice to go and not have a billion people in the theater with you. This week's FUNDAY MONDAY is a picnic lunch and some playing in the park followed by swimming at Shelley Moore's house. Details are on the Facebook page. Check it out.

Funday Mondays

2011-06-02T14:58:00.000-05:00

I have some BIG NEWS for you guys. Have your calendar nearby? Go ahead and cross out ~~Monday~~ and in its place write this: FUNDAY.
That's right, Monday is now Funday. For almost every Monday during the summer, we are going to have some fun excursion/activities planned on Mondays. You should be receiving your calendars in the mail very soon, but let me just give you this teaser:

Monday, June 6th - Kung Fu Panda. Time and further info will be found on the FB page.
Monday, June 13th - picnic & swimming
Monday, June 20th - VBS & then snowcones
Monday, June 27th - game day & pizza @ church

I am really excited about starting the week off with some fun times together...I hope that you guys will make sure and bring a friend or two every FUNDAY. You know that you are going to be tired of lying around the house and watching tv by then! :) Text or call me if you need more info or have questions!

Nature Shots Take 2

2011-06-02T14:27:00.000-05:00

Allie's "Snake in the Grass" shot

Jake's "Lone Tree" shot

Allie's shot of Jordan shooting

whose shot is this?

is this another of Jake's pics? I can't remember!

Courtney playing "cousin tag"

3 pretty girls

sibling power!

Floatin' Away...

2011-06-02T13:18:00.000-05:00

Here are some more pics of our Floats 4 Finals Party - although not many people had floats and a shocking number of students did not have any finals (except for Abby's world geography test & Courtney's crossword puzzle in English!). It was still fun and I have already warned many people that we will be eating ice cream ALL SUMMER LONG! :)

Abby Dawn tried a new combo - chocolate & Dr. Pepper - and she said it was delicious!

Preston did a classic Root Beer and vanilla ice cream float

Anna had a vanilla ice cream/choc chip cookie combo...turn head sideways

close-up of her creation

Courtney with braces...next week, she will no longer have them!

Anna & Berk

Thanks for coming and celebrating the unofficial start of summer with us!

Float Fail?

2011-06-02T11:26:00.000-05:00

Last night we had Floats 4 Finals...and the results were mixed. People liked the ice cream. People liked the Coke. People did not like them together...at least the majority of them.

vanilla AND chocolate...living on the edge

Bonham power! Preston & Abby both went for the floats!

Allie snagged an Asian

confusion...Blake didn't want to be caught on camera.

Courtney had her Coke and her ice cream separately...just turn your head sideways to see the pic properly.

my "float"...a little of both ice creams, but I never got around to adding the Coke.

More pics coming soon...if Blogger cooperates.

Nature Pics

2011-06-01T10:16:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday, we took a little "nature" walk. You guys were supposed to take a picture of something interesting and then we were going to go inside and discuss why we were taking pics in the parking lot and what that had to do with the Bible. Here are some of the shots you guys came up with:

Rhett's "Half Branch, Half Dumpster" shot

Rhett's "Tree: Take Two" shot

Courtney's "Pinecone on Gravel" shot

Abby Dawn's "Birdseye View of Dying Bush" shot

Jordan's "Sunlight through Branches" shot

Allie and Jake's shots did not make it on my camera. I will try to get them from Allie and post them! Although we didn't have much nature to work with, we did discover the truth of our Bible study lesson: God shows Himself through nature.

Floats 4 Finals

2011-05-31T14:58:00.000-05:00

I know that all of you have missed my blogging...right? :) Well, good news is that I am back! Just wanted to let you all know that this Wednesday we are having Floats 4 Finals. You will get to build your own Coke float and then vote on the new youth group t-shirt! That's right, we are getting some new t-shirts...and they are really cool. But don't take my word for it - come and see for yourself. We will keep the evening to an hour so that you busy bees can get home and resume studying! Come and bring a friend!

Changes

2011-05-17T14:22:00.000-05:00

In less than a week, our new pastor will be here. God has been moving in such an incredible way at our church lately. In the past two weeks, we have had 9 people join our church. Our attendance is back on track with what it was last year at this time. Every single thing that it seemed we had "lost" has been restored to us, oftentimes in greater portions than it was before. 2011 is proving to be a year of great celebration and joy as we watch God give His best to us. So, without further ado, here is our pastor, Jared Wellman and his beautiful wife, Amanda.

I can't tell you how excited all of us in the office are to work with Jared. We are anticipating great things. Pray that the Wellman's move to Odessa will be a smooth one and that our church will be ready to jump in and be obedient to the things God is calling us to!

D-Now Activities

2011-05-16T15:16:00.000-05:00

bell tower, anyone?

yikes...it was steep and scary.

learning about bell towers and snipers...no joke.

some of the boys on the bell tower tour

Hymn art project

designing a canvas to portray lyrics from a hymn

Annie discussing color

the boys working on design

discussion

Baskin Robbins!

some of the ladies pre-ice cream

vanilla

some sort of tropical ice

the boys debate design

finished canvas

D-Now Games

2011-05-16T14:50:00.000-05:00

I am going to be heavy on pictures, light on words in these next few posts. I just wanted to share pieces of the weekend with you guys who didn't make it. Here is a peek at the games we played:

D-Now Camp-out

2011-05-16T14:16:00.000-05:00

If you missed this past weekend's D-Now camp-out, then you missed an awesome weekend filled with fun, Bible study and a little adventure (the water hose incident of 2011, anyone?). We had a great time partnering with Fellowship Baptist of Greenwood and we are looking forward to many more times together. Here are some shots of the weekend's opening event: TENT BUILDING. Enjoy watching the teamwork and the frustration!

surveying the situation

attempting to put it together

spreading out the tent

Truman always ready with a smile.

the girls are confused

more confused girls

teamwork makes dreamwork

pieces

a little muscle goes a long way

working together

one tent finished!

they thought they were almost done...but then they realized the cover had been put on backwards!

Sweet Halee

Cereal Killers

2011-05-12T11:45:00.000-05:00

I really have no words...almost. Last night's Cereal Bar was an epic success! We had every sugary, multi-colored, unhealthy cereal possible...along with one box of Special K. It was so awesome to be able to eat the cereals that as a child, I was denied. Here are some of the pics of the evening, complete with the "taste testing" shots...don't hate me! :)

a selection of the cereals

taste testing cups set up

Lucky Charms milk...gross.

Golden Grahams milk...gross.

Rhett went NUTS for the Cookie Crisp!

Abby Dawn and her Apple Jacks

Courtney & the Fruity Pebbles, aka fruit flavored rice krispies.

Allie loved her Cocoa Krispies, also known as chocolate rice krispies

Katie & the Golden Crisp which got mixed reviews.

Preston with the Lucky Charms...what were those 4 original shapes?! :)

The Birthday Princess and her grahams.

red neck cereal eating.

Trix are for kids...college kids, that is.

Court & Anna

Robbie reminds us that cereal can be healthy!

It was a fun night filled with sugar and milk! Thanks for bringing your favorite box of cereal to share with us. I look forward to more theme nights this summer! :)

Cereal Bar

2011-05-06T13:14:00.000-05:00

Next Wednesday night we will be having a cereal bar. That means you need to bring your favorite cereal to share with the group. We are going to be playing some games with cereal (including a blindfolded "Name that Cereal" contest).
Here is what the church will provide:

bowls
spoons
1% milk
juice

You must bring:

yourself
a cereal
a friend (hey, why not?)

This is going to be a fun time! Come and represent your cereal!

If any of you were thinking about bringing Sugar Krinkles, don't. This is CREEPY!

Focus & Finish

2011-05-06T13:04:00.001-05:00

We had a good Wednesday night this past week. We started the evening off with milk and cookies and let's be honest, how do you top that? Even though Allie and I were mentally scarred while waiting at Golden Corral for 40 minutes, the chocolate chip cookies we got were WORTH IT! :)

Nehemiah has been an awesome book - so much wisdom and so many practical leadership lessons. This week we were in chapter 6 where Sanballat and the gang returned to cause more problems for Nehemiah. They tried distracting, threatening and frightening him, but Nehemiah would not be moved from the work at hand because, as he said, "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down."

The two major principles that came out of the lesson for us were these:
1. FOCUS!

We have to block out distractions (remember Michael and the balloon game?) and learn to say "no" to even good things so that we can devote ourselves wholeheartedly to the great things God has called us to.
We must also choose to believe what God has said in faith over reacting in fear (remember Abby Dawn and the dodge balls?) to the threats and criticism of others. With every obstacle, Nehemiah remembered God's promises to His people and he persevered.

2. FINISH!
There are many people who begin a great work, but never finish it...thus falling short of God's vision and their calling. Working on a God-sized project can be long, tiring and time consuming, but we will never see the good He brings out of it and receive the blessing of obedience if we do not finish the project! Fight through discouragement and fatigue and keep your eyes on the prize. Remember what Paul said - run in such a way as to win!

School is winding down. Summer is so close you can almost taste it. But, that doesn't mean that your job at school is over. You must focus and finish. Do you have someone in your classes that you know you need to share the love of Christ with? Do it now. Do you have a friend you need to make things right with? Do it now. Has God called you to do something that you have put off? Focus and Finish.

Giftcards & BIG NEWS

2011-05-03T15:12:00.000-05:00

Well, I have given away two iTunes giftcards. The winners didn't necessarily follow all directions to get there, but hey...they did it! :) I think part of the problem was that I had back-to-back giveaways and so you guys were just overwhelmed, but I learned this: the way to your hearts is through iTunes! Forget Sonic and Target and even Chick-fil-A, all you people want is iTunes! :)

If you missed church this past Sunday, you missed a really big day. There was a giant announcement that happened in the evening service...are you curious yet? Well, as soon as I can, I will post more info!

Summer Camp

2011-05-02T13:49:00.000-05:00

Summer is almost here.
Camp is almost here.
We better get busy!
This summer, I would like to take us to camp in the Austin area. The dates are June 6th-10th. You guys get out of school the Thursday before and then would hop in a van on Monday with your friends and head to church camp. What an awesome way to start off your summer! This particular camp is different than any one we've ever been to before - it is a camp that is intentional about evangelism. You will be challenged and equipped at this camp to take the good news of Jesus Christ and share it with your friends, classmates and even family members.

I am really excited about this possibility...the camp is awesome and will allow you to meet and mingle with other teens from all over the state. The cost of this camp is going to be $175. If the cost is the only thing that stands in the way of you going to camp, please let me know. We have money in a fund for things JUST LIKE THIS! Please let me know so that we can use it to help you get to camp!

Fight!

2011-04-20T22:57:00.000-05:00

Well, I promised another opportunity for you guys to give me some feedback. I must say I am very pleased with all the review we have been doing. It is safe to say that you are retaining alot of information about Nehemiah, his call, God's plan and the application for our lives.

Tonight I will make this short and sweet. Nehemiah 4 is about preparing for battle while being faithful to the work God has called us to. What are the weapons God has given us? Who is our battle against?

You must name one piece of spiritual armor and also describe the battle we face (declare the enemy).

Up for grabs is an iTunes giftcard. Limit: 2 people.

Wall Builders

2011-04-07T14:11:00.000-05:00

If you have not been here on Wednesday nights, you have been missing some awesome truths from God's Word. We are in the middle of a new series called "Wall Builders." It is a study of Nehemiah. This past week, we looked into chapter 3 where we read through a long list of names we couldn't pronounce. Those names represented people who worked on different parts of the wall around Jerusalem. While it would have been easy to glaze over the third chapter and say, "There's really nothing important happening here," we know this: All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable...and I believe that "all" means even those rather long, confusing lists of people and places that really mean very little to us.

Last night, however, we saw some incredible lessons from Nehemiah 3. Among them are these:
God-sized jobs require that we...
1. step outside our abilities
2. leave behind our pride/positions
3. get dirty!

Out of the list Nehemiah gives us, we looked at several individuals who stood out. Who was YOUR favorite? What did God show you through last night? There is a $10 Sonic giftcard up for grabs to the first two responders.

Jordan "Balla" Blackmon

2011-04-07T14:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday is an important day. Sunday is always an important day because it is the day that we come together and lay aside all the pressures and stress of life and open God's Word. We talk, we laugh, we share, we learn and this week, you can add "we party" to the list because it is JORDAN's 15th BIRTHDAY...on Sunday!

Here's what you can look forward to:
cookie cake
special "Jordan games"
lesson from 1 John 3

You won't want to miss it!

Celebrating Hafasha

2011-03-30T17:11:00.000-05:00

Nothing says "party" like Chick-fil-A

The birthday boy's cupcakes

Hafasha has no clue who Buzz and Woody are, but I knew the Toy Story rings would be a hit!

Making his poster greeting card

A few of us gathered up to take a pic with the finished product

I have big news, too - we got a letter from Hafasha with a NEW PICTURE inside! You won't believe how grown-up he is! If you are there tonight, I will read it to you!

Spring is Coming...

2011-03-30T16:55:00.001-05:00

Image credit

We planted the seed while the tears of our grief soaked the ground
The sky lost its sun, and the world lost its green to lifeless brown
Now the chilling wind has turned the earth hard as stone
And silently seed rise beneath ice and snow

And my heart's heavy now
But I'm not letting go of this hope I have that tells me

Spring is coming, Spring is coming
And all we've been hoping and longing for soon will appear
Spring is coming, Spring is coming
It won't be long now, it's just about here

Hear the birds start to sing
Feel the life in the breeze
Watch the ice melt away
The kids are coming out to play

Feel the sun on your skin
Growing strong and warm again
Watch the ground: there's something moving
Something is breaking through...

Those lyrics are from one of my favorite songs about springtime, "Spring is Coming" by Steven Curtis Chapman. God is doing some exciting, new things at Mission Dorado Baptist Church. We don't want you to miss any of it! Spring is a time of promise, new life and hope. Spring is the season of the Resurrection. Spring is a fresh start. Aren't you glad that God gave us Spring? What is your favorite thing about this time of year?

Happy Birthday Hafasha!

2011-03-23T11:22:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was an important day for an important member of our youth group. We are going to celebrate tonight, although the guest of honor will not be present. You see, the guest of honor lives in Kampala, Uganda. We have actually never met him in person. If he lived in Odessa, he would go to school with you and might even be a part of our youth group. He would be in the running for the school's "smartest" or "most likely to succeed" award because we consistently get reports that he is in the top of his class in Uganda. He would definitely be a soccer star, although he would refer to it as "football". We have supported this amazing boy financially for three years, I believe. Our money pays for his education, his health care, clothing, food and spiritual training. Our money is providing hope for him and his family. His name is Hafasha and yesterday was his 15th birthday. He had no say in where he would be born, what family he would be born into and what economic situation he would have and yet those factors have largely shaped his life and his future. But here is where we come in...

In the year 2007, I was introduced to an organization called Compassion International, a Christian ministry that provides education, medical care and spiritual instruction through child sponsorship. I was an unemployed college grad, but when I surveyed the table full of packets that featured children around the world needing a sponsor, I couldn't turn away. I knew that I had enough in savings to pay the $32/month to change a child's life. I have been hooked ever since. I have expanded my little sponsorship family to include another boy in Uganda, a girl in Rwanda and a girl in India. And the truth is, I could do more...we could do more. It is a real HONOR for you and me to have the financial ability to invest in the future of our peers around the world.

All this to say, tonight at church we will be having a birthday celebration in honor of our dear friend, Hafasha. We will take pictures to send to him. We will spend time praying for him. We will make him some birthday cards. Come and help us celebrate Hafasha!

Sundays in 1st John

2011-03-22T10:41:00.000-05:00

We have been going through the book of First John in Sunday School and boy, oh boy have we had some incredible times in God's Word. For those of you who have not been around, here is some of what you have missed:

-The book was written by one of Jesus' closest friends, His disciple named John. He was an eyewitness to Jesus' life and death and resurrection. This gives John an incredible amount of credibility as a source...in fact, he begins the book by listing some of his "credentials"-

"What was from the beginning, what we have heard , what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life...what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ." 1 John 1:1, 3

- One of John's motivations in writing is so that fellowship may be shared, fellowship with believers and fellowship with God. We saw that the word translated "felllowship" comes from the Greek word koinōnia

which means: fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, intimacy.

The God of the universe wants to be in community with you! He wants to have an intimate, true, deep participation in your life...doesn't that just blow your mind? And the relationship among believers should be the same. God built us for community!

- John has also been giving some reality checks to all who identify themselves as believers in Jesus. He, in fact, tells them that some of their lives prove them to be liars. John drops the "liar" bomb frequently, just in the first chapter he uses it three times (which is impressive considering that there are only 10 verses in the first chapter):

"If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth..." v.6
"If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us." v.9
"If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His Word is not in us." v. 10
Ouch! John is pretty serious about this and we should be too...we spent time asking ourselves the togh questions -
Am I walking in the light or in darkness? (We looked at other Scriptures to see what each of those looked like)

Am I being honest about the sin in my life?

Have I confessed (agreed with God about) my sin and turned from it?

Do I share community with God and with other believers?

And that was just the first chapter...we are working our way through chapter 2 right now and it has been incredible! If you haven't been in Sunday School, get yourself there! God's Word is living and active and He invites you to open it and interact with it!

All these images were found during my search "light vs. dark" on Google images...I thought some of you boys might really like this Star Wars one.

Just Dip It.

2011-03-17T16:01:00.001-05:00

If I had to answer the question, "What is fondue?" one time, I had to answer it a million. But, now everyone knows the answer. Fondue is a fancy way to say you get to play with your food. Fondue is fun. Fondue is a great way to eat your fruits and veggies because you take them and dip them in either cheese or chocolate sauce. Fondue is awesome. Here are some pics from the fondue party of over a week ago. And just because I feel like I should use it as much as possible, "fondue".

Abby and Preston getting ready to fondue

Preston decided to roast a marshmallow over one of the Sterno burners.

People all lined up and ready to dip - three cheeses, three chocolates.

Courtney is EXCITED!

yummy fruits

an assortment of meat

Caught in the middle of fonduing.

Shelley's chocolate orange fondue was FABULOUS!

Rhett stole my camera for a while...he probably doesn't have a career in photography

Another Rhett original...look at the cheese on Misty's spoon!

me and Millie - sisters fonduing.

Chris Tibbets said, "I'm coming to the fondue party. By the way, what's fondue?" True story.

Shelley told us that if you dropped your morsel in the fondue, you had to kiss the person to your right...or say a Bible verse. We had a lot of John 3:16 happening.

Michael!

Berkley!

After we got through fonduing, the adults came in from prayer meeting and joined in the fun. It was an awesome, creative, tasty way to kick off Spring Break 2011! Thank you again to Shelley who came up with the idea and then made it a reality!

The Easter Experience

2011-03-08T14:59:00.000-06:00

On Sunday, March 20th, we will be breaking for six weeks from "Vintage Jesus" in order to start a special series leading up to Easter. The Easter Experience will take you inside the passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ by looking through the eyes of those who were closest to Jesus. Although you would probably agree that Easter is an important event on the Christian calendar, do you really know how vital it is to your faith? Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15 that "if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain." The truth of Easter changes everything.

Have you experienced Easter? Do you know someone who needs to experience Easter? Bring them with you on March 20th at 5:30 p.m. There is no greater gift than the gift of eternal life. The gospel came to you on its way to someone else...who is that person? Who does God want you to share with this Easter?

Fondue Party

2011-03-07T11:04:00.000-06:00

We will be having our long-awaited fondue party THIS WEDNESDAY at 6:30 p.m. It is going to be a lot of fun - after all, the point of fondue is to dip bread, veggies and meats into cheese sauce and then dip fruits into chocolate...how can you go wrong with that?!

Invite a friend. Shelley Moore is heading up this event for us and we are looking forward to all being together before people scatter for Spring Break!

Preston Bieber

2011-02-25T15:26:00.000-06:00

We had a little birthday celebration this Wednesday. Rhett selected the Elmo cupcakes...I wanted Justin Bieber.

I wanted Justin Bieber cupcakes b/c somehow, this guy got the nickname Preston Bieber. No idea how it happened, but it has stuck...much to Preston's dismay!

Preston didn't like the paparazzi.

Celebrities are so sensitive.

Finally, we caught him on camera...Happy Birthday, Preston Bieber! You are awesome...we hope this year is one of great growth and blessing!

More Winners

2011-02-25T15:17:00.001-06:00

All the giveaways close this Sunday morning at 12:00 a.m. We have had some great responses and more than that, you have discovered or re-discovered the blog. I am so grateful for that. This is where all your announcements and info will be coming from now on. I will do my best to keep it up-to-date.

This week, I will be in Dallas for the Evangelism Conference, but everything will follow a normal schedule. Don't miss the LAST of our Teens in the Bible series this Sunday morning, Vintage Jesus on Sunday night and the new Wednesday night series!

Abby Dawn and her iTunes giftcard!

Berkley and her Target giftcard

Allie and her Target giftcard

Thank You!

2011-02-23T12:55:00.000-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, we got to say "Thank You!" to some very important people to our youth group. Bill Bill and Memaw are more than just our department directors, they make sure that important things get done.

Bill Bill drives us anywhere we need to go.
Memaw makes us treats every Sunday morning.
Bill Bill hand delivers water, juice and Cokes to us.
Memaw surprises us with little gifts at every holiday.

Together, they are a set of grandparents who love us, cheer us on, and believe in us.
We were super excited to celebrate "I Love My Church!" day by getting the altar flowers for them. Thank you, Bill Bill and Memaw!

Proof

2011-02-18T13:08:00.000-06:00

Remember the first giveaway I offered? It was to those who answered a question about the "Teens in the Bible" series. Rhett was the first and the last to answer. There is still a chance for others to win in that giveaway, but just through the next week.

ENCOUNTER:giveaway

2011-02-15T15:04:00.000-06:00

I promised you that this post would come. In the fall of 2010, we began an exciting (and sometimes uncomfortable) new series on Wednesday nights entitled "Encounter." The idea was simple - we were going to look in the Gospels for instances where Jesus encountered people. We saw that Jesus rarely encountered people at church - He usually went to the places the people were. He spoke to tax collectors, touched lepers, spoke to children and Gentiles...in short, He broke all "the rules." We decided to follow the example Jesus left us and ended up at skate parks and nursing homes, running parties for kids with parents in prison and cleaning buildings that minister to pregnant teens.

What have you learned through ENCOUNTER? What was your favorite community outreach? What did God reveal to you about the kind of person He wants you to be? What surprised you about Jesus' encounters? What surprised you about your own?

Answer any of those questions and win a giftcard.

Cocoa and S'mores

2011-02-09T12:23:00.000-06:00

those marshmallows look so happy!

Yum, yum, yum!

This is the cocoa I made last week...not quite as appetizing as Google's hot cocoa!

Tonight, we will be having ENCOUNTER at the church at 6:30 p.m. There will be cocoa and oven made S'mores, so be on time! I will also unveil a new way to win something on the blog this week! It is going to be a great night, so don't miss out!

Wanna Win Something?

2011-02-09T12:12:00.000-06:00

I have had several people tell me that they are having trouble leaving comments on the blog. If you want to win something, you have to leave a comment. Here is an easy way to do that - become a follower of the blog. There is a little button that says "follow" on the right hand side of the blog...click on it. If you have a Google, Twitter or Yahoo account, you can sign in with that OR you can choose to create a new Google account using your e-mail address (from any server - hotmail, live, etc). Once you become a follower, you can leave a comment using whatever account you set up. Confused yet? Try it! I am posting other opportunities to win things later this week.

Teens in the Bible

2011-02-07T12:51:00.000-06:00

If you have been in Sunday School anytime in 2011, you know that we have been taking a look at teens in the Bible. What we have seen over and over is that God uses teens to do BIG things for Him. I am offering a $10 gift card to Chick-fil-A or Target to the first TWO people who do the following:

leave a comment at the end of the blog
you must name your favorite Bible teen (so far in our series)
share the lesson God taught you through that teen

I can't wait to hear from you guys...

SuperBowl...Crafting?

2011-02-07T12:21:00.001-06:00

Courtney and her Packer's Crackers

Can you decode the message? We do believe it was key to the Packer's victory!

Three pretty girls

Celebrating Super Bowl Sunday!

This is how the girls spent much of the evening...crafting! We could still HEAR the game!

Courtney's first creation...how cute is that?!

Allie and her rose

Abby Dawn's masterpiece

Addie's headband

Abby's second piece...the felt rose

Courtney's second piece

A touching moment between siblings

That's more like it.

I must admit - for the girls, the Super Bowl is a chance to chat, eat junk food and get creative. We have had parties before where everyone (guys included) gets bored within 5 minutes and then spends the other 3 1/2 hours trying to stay busy. This has led to a twisted ankle at a youth Super Bowl party, heated baketball games and lots and lots of ping pong. This year, we had a blast and made some cute new headbands and fashionable flowers!

This means that as far as the girls as concerned, the Super Bowl was a SUCCESS!

Winter Weather

2011-02-02T13:29:00.000-06:00

I know you guys are bummed that school has not been cancelled...I feel your pain, even though I am not in school. However, I did want to let you know that there will not be any church activites tonight due to all the "winter weather". It is going to be VERY cold, possible snow and ice and let's face it - we don't know how to drive in this weather. Stay home, put on your jammies and curl up in front of the fire! :) I am curling up in front of the foot heater in my office and bundling up in scarves while drinking hocho (hot chocolate). And just because I feel bad that I haven't posted pics in a while, here is the proof:

hot chocolate....yum!

layer, layer, layer...

the trusty floor heater.

it was so cold in my office that my fingernails turned gray!

frozen iceberg in my water bottle after I left it in the car overnight!

Super Bowl Sunday

2011-01-31T11:40:00.000-06:00

It's Super Bowl time! Some people are pumped about this year, some people are disappointed about this year, but all of us win because we use the Super Bowl as an excuse to get together and eat, laugh and fellowship. This Sunday, we will NOT be having discipleship class or evening worship and will instead be gathering at the Bratcher's house for a Super Bowl party.

Here are some details for you:

Sunday, February 6th (yes, girls, the Super Bowl is THIS WEEK!)

starting at 5:00 p.m.

Dinner will be provided but we need for you to bring one of the following items:

a 2 liter drink
chips and dip
dessert

If you need directions to the house, call me and I will get you all fixed up. There are going to be some games and other activities for those who might not care about football enough to watch it for 4 hours (or even 30 minutes!). Go Steelers! Go Packers!

Here we are...

2011-01-14T12:01:00.000-06:00

This year has been crazy, but here we are! 2010 will go down in my books as one of the hardest, but one of the best years in our student ministry. I look forward to seeing all that God has in store for us in the coming year.

Hawaiian Holiday

2011-01-11T14:58:00.000-06:00

The following are scenes from our Christmas party this year. We had a great time! Mele Kalikimaka, y'alll!

New Discipleship Series!

2011-01-05T13:07:00.000-06:00

Vintage Jesus Trailer from The Hub on Vimeo.

I am excited to unveil to you guys the new discipleship series that we will be starting on January 16th at 5:15 p.m. Vintage Jesus taught by Mark Driscoll is a study that provides timeless answers for timely questions. The debate about who exactly Jesus is and what difference that makes in my life rages on today, thousands of years after He walked the earth. Questions like "Is Jesus the only God?", "How human was Jesus?", "Why did Jesus' mom need to be a virgin?", "What did Jesus accomplish on the cross?", 'What difference has Jesus made in history?", and "Why should we worship Jesus?" are just some of the themes we will examine and discuss. This is going to be a great study! Mark your calendars and begin praying that God will reveal truth to our hearts and equip us to distinguish truth from error when it comes to this vital issue.

Hawaiian Christmas Music

2010-12-17T11:21:00.000-06:00

This would be my favorite rendition of the classic (and only) Hawaiian Christmas song, "Mele Kalikimaka". K.T. Tunstall sings this one for you...and sorry, you just have to stare at the black screen.

"Mele Kalikimaka!"

2010-12-17T11:05:00.001-06:00

Who says you have to dream of a white Christmas? I'm dreaming of a tropical Christmas, one where you greet everyone you meet with a hearty, "Mele Kalikimaka!" That, by the way, is "Merry Christmas!" in Hawaiian. You will get your own opportunity to give that greeting and celebrate a tropical Christmas at our youth group Christmas party! Here is the info:

Mele Kalikimaka

Tuesday, December 21st

7:00 - 9:30 p.m. at the church

Wear something bright (Hawaiian shirts welcome!) and come for a good time - we will be having a Christmas luau, playing beach games and making Christmas gifts for our friends at Emeritus Retirement Center.

What to bring: If you are in jhigh or hs, you need to bring a 2 liter drink. All college students can help by setting up, running games and serving. Let me know if you can help!

Gifts: Instead of a gift exchange, we are bringing giftcards ($10 max) to give to one of Courtney's friends whose house burned down a couple of weeks ago. The family is moving into a new place after Christmas, but it will take a lot to replenish their supplies. I suggest Wal-Mart gift cards. If you have questions about this, let me know!

I know Santa...

2010-12-16T23:50:00.000-06:00

This year, when I planned the LOOPS Christmas party, I knew one thing - we had to have a rockin' Santa. For many kids, this is their one chance to talk to Santa and get their picture taken with him. I gave this one a lot of thought. You can't put just anyone in a Santa suit. It was actually Misty who gave me the idea to use our very own Michael Tibbets as Santa Claus. That's right - we didn't get the real Santa, but Michael made an excellent substitute. He is friendly, joyful and GREAT with kids. If Michael should ever desire, he would make a great politician - he has got the baby hold down!

Sometimes serving the Lord looks different than we thought it would. Sometimes, it will mean that you don a wig, a beard, a red suit and Bill Bill's eyeglasses. Michael, thanks for being willing and available to do this...it was no small thing and I know that you were a blessing to many kids!

Coordinating outfits - how cute is that?!

This baby is not sure about Santa!

Santa babysits too!

One of the "biggest" kids that came - Debby meets Santa! :) Debby, you were more excited than the kids!

A Promise Kept

2010-12-13T12:38:00.000-06:00

I just wanted you all to know that Katie did receive her Starbucks gift card for commenting on what she learned from the Philippians study. If any of you guys missed out on that one, there are more opportunities to win stuff all the time - just check in and READ. There might be a giveaway offered that no one has capitalized on! :)

A Christmas HodgePodge

2010-12-13T12:13:00.003-06:00

Okay, I fell off the blogging bandwagon for a couple weeks. I apologize. I want to do a quick recap for those of you who haven't been around for the past couple of events and then also give you a sneak peek at what is still to come. Oh, the excitement!

First off, back in November, we took part in Operation Christmas Child. This is where we fill shoeboxes up with small toys, toiletry items and books and then a ministry called "Samaritan's Purse" distributes them all over the world to children who live in areas where things like a comb and a toothbrush are luxuries. That is what I call a reality check. We had a great turn-out that night - I am not sure if it was the pizza or the shoebox ministry that you wanted to get in on, but I am so thankful for your participation in it! We also took the time to make handwritten notes that went into each box. You never know the power of a simple note - and every child needs to hear that they are special and God loves them very much (I sound just like an episode of Veggie Tales!). I have some pics of this that I need to upload.

The next big event we undertook was Angel Tree aka LOOPS (Loved ones of Prisoners). Side note: did you guys know that "aka" stands for "also known as"? I was out of college before I got that memo! :) We shopped, we wrapped, we decorated and we dressed up for our fabulous Christmas party that was held the first Wednesday in December. This was the first year we had elves...and they were adorable elves, too! I can't tell you how overwhelmed I was with the goodness of God during the party. The fact that He brought 150 people together at our church and allowed us to love, serve and minister to them was just incredible. You guys were awesome with the families, too! Everyone was so appreciative and the day after the party, we had an Angel Tree mom call and tell us how blessed she had been by everyone's kindness and how she and her family would be coming back to visit our church again soon! There were also a couple of people there from other churches in the area and they even remarked on how loving and friendly our church family was!

After LOOPS came Lottie Moon, an offering that is very close to my heart. Once a year we focus in on giving to foreign missions. We take time out to remind ourselves about the need that still exists in the world and then give. Although this is a once a year offering, this is something that should be in front of us all year long. We are living in an exciting time in history. According to the International Mission Board's website, "For the first time, it is conceivable that all people groups can be reached in the coming years with a Gospel presence." Isn't that incredible? The work that the disciples of Christ began could be finished in our lifetime...what can we do to make that a reality? There are two options: Go or Give. Prayer is not an option and should be exercised continually on behalf of the people who need to be reached and also the people attempting to reach them. This year, our class goal was $301.24. I am overwhelmed to report that we doubled that in our giving. YOU gave over $600 to support mission endeavours around the world. I am proud of you and look forward to expanding our involvement in missions - both stateside and internationally!

And yes, I did promise you a sneak peek of things to come, but this post has gotten a little long. I will post again soon!

Thankful

2010-11-29T13:14:00.000-06:00

I may have missed posting this on THE DAY, but I still wanted to say it - I am thankful. 2010 will not be a year soon forgotten. It has been difficult, it has been painful, but it is becoming a year full of promise and hope. I want to share with you just a few of the things I am thankful for -

I am thankful for you all. I have worked in a megachurch and at an international Bible study ministry, but this church has my heart. I am thankful for students who are faithful - not only to come and serve, but students to are faithful to the call of Christ on their lives. You have grown with me and I with you over the past three years and how fabulous it is to now see my graduated students continue the work we do on college campuses.You are rare and I am deeply mindful of the gift you are.

I am thankful also for a church that believes in the authority of God's Word, the importance of missions and the value of people. It is a gift to serve alongside a group of men and women who understand the heart of God - one that beats with a genuine love for people. This love does not exist in words only - it is not enough to say so - you have to live it out. This means sacrifice, hard work, and the willingness to lay down your own rights for another. Ministry is not easy, but it is worth it.

I am thankful for a renewed vision and purpose. When you walk through the fires of adversity, all the trash is burned up and you are reminded - it's all about Him. The silly stuff that people fight about and cry over is shown for what it is and the most important thing of all becomes the glory of God manifested in our lives.

I am thankful that the LORD is good, His lovingkindness is everlasting. If you missed Sunday School a couple weeks ago, you missed this one. Just read Psalm 136 - you'll get the picture.

On a lighter note, I am thankful for chapstick, lotion and good smelling candles, Dr. Pepper and cozy blankets, laughter and friends and all things that glitter.

What are you thankful for? Answer and win a gift card to Sonic or Starbucks.

Matt Chandler, Discipleship & Philippians

2010-11-18T14:26:00.002-06:00

If you have not been in our Sunday night discipleship class, you have been missing out! We have been walking through the book of Philippians, taught by Matt Chandler and then discussed by everyone in class. It has been a challenging class - I have walked out more than once with some spiritual bruises. That being said, it has been one of the most enriching classes I've ever done. If you missed last week, you missed the discussion about mature faith - what it looks like, how it responds to hard times, what it produces in our lives. The text was Philippians 4:4-10. This week, you won't want to miss the session entitled "Polar Opposites". Intrigued? I hope so. If you have learned something or been challenged by something through this study, why don't you share? You can do so by leaving a comment below. We grow when we share what the Lord is doing in our lives and invite the accountability of our community to walk in that truth. Remember the two questions you have to answer to take something from knowledge to application - WHEN? and HOW? Think about it. Respond. And because you are probably all so rusty from not doing this, I will give out a Sonic or Starbucks giftcard to the first one who answers.

If you want to get a small glimpse of what you are missing out on, watch the trailer here.

Back in Action

2010-11-18T14:11:00.000-06:00

Well, my apologies. The blog was AWOL for several months. Sorry about that. But, the good news is that now it is back. This means that I will begin writing again and you will begin not reading it again! :) I will be posting about all of our upcoming events, new studies and exciting opportunities headed your way. We have had some really cool things happen and I want to give you all a chance to weigh in, so check back and do something really crazy - COMMENT. It is easy to do and will make me happy. Try it sometime.

Jerry

2010-05-14T12:50:00.006-05:00

It is an interesting thing for your life, your church and your friends to be the topic of so many conversations. Likewise, it has been fascinating to hear so many “expert” opinions on a situation that none of them were involved in. We would like to take this opportunity to talk about our friend Jerry. He is not someone we have read about; he is someone we have spent the last year getting to know. We came to love him not because of the person he claimed to be, but because of the person he proved to be among us. We did not know his real name or his real age, but our friendship with him was not based on either. He attended Sunday School with us where the guys have a separate class and came on Wednesday nights to our discipleship class. Jerry never attended any of our youth social events. Many in the press have questioned how many “inappropriate relationships” Jerry had with girls in our church. The answer is quite simple – none. He was never alone or unattended with any of us girls and he never pursued a relationship that exceeded friendship with anyone.

There has never been a question about whether or not what Jerry did was wrong – it was. He is now in the process of doing what he needs to do in order to make amends. He has admitted his wrongdoing. We have chosen to have the same response Jesus had when confronted with those who had done wrong, a response of grace. Didn’t Jesus tell the people wanting to stone a woman caught in adultery, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her. (John 8:7)”? We know ourselves well enough to have laid down all of our stones. Our youth group and our church is made up of imperfect people who are loved by a perfect God. Jerry is no less deserving of God’s love and our forgiveness than anyone else.

If you would like to know more about having a personal relationship with God, click here: http://www.everystudent.com/features/gettingconnected.html

Know Truth: A Guest Post

2010-03-08T12:48:00.007-06:00

A Note from Maurie: One of the greatest joys of this blog has been having the opportunity to introduce dear friends from one part of our world to friends in other areas. I am so excited to introduce the lovely Emily Deans to those of you who have not already had the privilege of meeting her. Jessi, Millie and I met Emily about 8 years ago (wow, I can't believe its been that long!) through Precept Ministries and their summer camp for students. Emily has such an inviting presence; she is one of those people that you meet and feel instantly at ease with. She is warm, generous and kind, with a huge heart for God and His Word. In short, knowing her is a gift. Emily, thank you for being an encourager and a friend. We rejoice knowing that dozens of girls are being impacted by your ministry at UGA. Go Bulldogs! :)

Guest Post: First of all, it is a privilege to be able to write after all of these wonderful ladies. I have a lot to live up to in writing after them. :) This past December I graduated from college (finally!) and since then, have had the chance to intern with a ministry to athletes at my alma mater. It’s been a joy to see the Lord work on the hearts of these student athletes, but He’s also doing a work in my own life. Through living life with these young women, I’m reminded of lessons that the Lord taught me when I was in that season of life (which was just a few months ago!).

People used to tell me that college would be the best four years of my life. While I have not experienced much and have only lived for 22 years, my time as a single, college girl WERE some of the most exciting years of my life so far. Why? It was not because it was academically-challenging or because I met some of my best friends or because I drank more coffee than the rest of the student body combined. While those were great aspects of my time at UGA, they did not “make” my college career. What “made” my college experience was two-fold: God revealing Himself to me through His Word, and the Lord giving me opportunities to encourage others in their pursuits of Him. 2 Peter 1:3 says that Jesus Christ’s divine power has given us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him. As a result of knowing Jesus Christ and His Word, I was not shaken by situations or people that stood in opposition to Him. Instead, the Lord was my Rock. He established me in truth so that I would not succumb to the deception that our culture constantly presents us with.

Let me take you back to the fall of my junior year. I’ll never forget the day I walked into my first "Eastern Religions" class. I had recently been on a short-term mission trip to Japan and was captivated by the people and the culture. When I registered for classes, I saw that "Eastern Religions" was an option for fulfilling part of my core requirements and thought that taking the course would be helpful in learning about the culture and beliefs. Little did I know that this class would be far from ordinary or unbiased.

There were about fifty of us students in the room, talking and waiting for the professor to come in. When he did enter the classroom, everyone naturally quieted down and waited for him to address the group. To our surprise, he said nothing. He merely sat in silence at his desk, staring at us. This complete silence lasted for a very awkward twenty minutes. I was confused, but at the same time I was a bit amused at the situation. After a while a blonde girl in the front of the room said in an annoyed, “valley girl” voice (no offense to blondes or to valley girls :) ), “Excuse me, but I’m paying for this class. Are we actually going to learn anything in here!?” Our professor merely turned his silent stare to her, increasing the awkwardness of the situation. Finally, after a long, five more minutes he answered her question with one of his own: “What does it mean ‘to learn’?” He then began a monologue that would define his class for the rest of the semester: there is no Truth, therefore what is there to learn? He would say that everyone is entitled to believe his or her “own” truth, and that no “capital T Truth” applies to all people. Not only that, but anyone who believes in absolute Truth, or in a God for that matter, is clearly delusional or emotionally-unstable.

While I strongly disagree with his worldview, something about that class won my heart. Honestly, it may have been the hilariousness of it (almost every day my professor did something to make the class feel awkward :) ). In spite of the strange behavior of my teacher, I knew that I had been placed in that class for a purpose. That semester ended up being one of the best of my college career. By putting me in that classroom, God had given me the opportunity to engage in conversations with my classmates and professor about Truth, reality, and the existence of an all-powerful God. While this was a challenge for me, I grew tremendously in my walk with Jesus Christ as a result. It was an opportunity to give a reason for the hope that is in me, with gentleness and reverence to my classmates and professor (1 Peter 3:15). And by sharing my beliefs in a winsome way and loving the people around me, I developed great relationships with my professor and classmates. I even got an A in the class! :)

This is just one example of thousands of college classes that do not value, much less acknowledge, the existence of Truth. (Ex: a lot of people say, “What’s true for you may not be true for me” etc.) People are not the enemy! My professor is a person just like me; he is just deceived and in need of a Savior. The reason I chose to attend UGA was the same reason that a lot people choose not to attend - it’s a dark place. But what better place to be a light and to display the love of Christ? The Lord showed me during my time at UGA the importance of knowing truth for myself and resting everything that I am on the Source of truth.

One of my professors at a program I attended in Colorado used to ask his students this question: “Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?” This is a dizzying question that caused me to think a lot about my own worldview. I have seen too many friends go into the college classroom without a sufficient awareness of what they believe and why. They have not developed a relationship with the Truth, Jesus Christ, or studied His Word. They then leave their college campus confused about what is true- if they believe that anything is true at all.
Romans 12:1-2 talks about the change that should occur in the mind of a believer. Paul writes, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” The Greek word for “transformed” is the same word from which we get our word “metamorphosis.” This English word refers to the process of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. In a similar way, as we spend time in the Word the Holy Spirit transforms our attitudes and beliefs to be in sync with what God says, or what is “really real.” Our lives are being conformed to the image of Christ as we allow Scripture to renew our minds. Bible-studying Christians, who the world would label as “delusional,” are actually quite the contrary; we’re becoming aligned with reality.

I was recently informed of the way a banker recognizes counterfeit bills. He studies a real dollar bill, front and back, and learns specific details about it. Then when a fake bill comes his way, he sees that something important is missing that real bills have. He doesn’t spend time studying fake money. He memorizes and studies what is real so that when given a fake he will be able to recognize it immediately. The same principle can apply to our “engaging” the culture today. Every day the world presents us with lies - about what is true, about how we should act, how we should look. We need to know the truth and know reality so that we are equipped when confronted with the lies of the world.

Let’s not wait to get to know the Lord at another time. During this season in life, we have so much time and energy that we can use to study the Word and get to know our Jesus better. He has given us everything we need pertaining to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him. Let’s make it our passion and goal to pursue that knowledge in the strength of the Spirit. As we abide in Jesus Christ and dwell on His Word, He will equip us to lovingly point the world to the Source of grace and truth it so desperately longs for.

From Uganda With Love

2010-01-25T11:21:00.003-06:00

What would make a college girl from Arizona raise $40,000 to build a home for street kids in Uganda?
Why would 2 American girls leave everything and move to Africa to love the unlovable?
What can you do to help?

You have helped sell the necklaces & bracelets. Now come and hear their stories. Abby Tracy & Jessi Torres are coming to town! Wednesday, February 3rd at MDBC, 6:30 p.m. This is going to be a powerful night that reminds us what it looks like to not waste your life. Bring your friends.

"That's so 2009!"

2009-12-31T12:05:00.003-06:00

As the end of this year (and the first decade of the Millennium) draws to a close, I am looking back at 2009 and looking forward to 2010. The dreaded moment of the New Year's celebration is when the family gathers around to make New Year's resolutions. Woof. Not my favorite thing. But this year is different. Rather than thinking about what I want to start doing in the new year, I am making resolutions about what I want to stop doing. Here is my "short" list:

I will stop viewing the unplanned/unwanted as a problem and instead view it as an opportunity.

I will not complain when I am inconvenienced.

I will not buy any more books...unless they are on sale.

I will not spend more time on myself than I do on others.

I will not choose sleep over time with God.

I will not spend money at Target on things that are cute but not necessary.

I will not define "necessary" as something I really, really want.

I will not speak before I think...and then think again.

I will not let the actions of others sidetrack my personal walk with the Lord.

I will not leave all my pictures on my computer waiting to be developed.

I will not make assumptions about the character of others without spending sufficient time getting to know them.

I will not wear any clothing with cartoon characters on it (and just for the record, I never have, but I reaffirm that commitment again.).

What are your resolutions for 2010?

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-29T14:03:00.001-06:00

Youth Christmas Party

2009-12-17T13:29:00.003-06:00

MDBC Youth
Christmas Party
Tuesday, December 22nd
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
MDBC Fellowship Hall
Food -Games - Mission Arlington Gift Drive

FOOD: We will be having Mexican food to eat. The church will be providing meat and tortillas. Each youth group member will be responsible for signing up to bring ONE thing to add to our fiesta.

GAMES: This year we are having a tacky Christmas sweater contest. The tackier, the better. The winner will receive a great gift card! We will also be playing Christmas trivia and much more!

MISSION ARLINGTON GIFT DRIVE: If you went on the Mission Trip to Arlington this summer, you know how little the kids we worked with had. We are trying to bless them by sending them something that will make their Christmas a little bit sweeter. Here is the wish list that I received from Mission Arlington staff:

Arlington Village’s Wish List
Books - esp. ones for older elementary school kids (Babysitter’s Club, Magic Tree House, etc.)
Bibles/Devotional Books - Bibles with application points and devotional thoughts inside them, beside the text
School Uniforms - khaki or navy pants, shorts, skirts, or jumpers; white, navy, or light blue shirts (collar preferred). ANY SIZE of these clothing articles will be able to be given away!
Home Depot gift cards - these are needed for repairs the apartment church needs.
Fooseballs - they have a table, no balls.
After school games - Uno, checkers, Go Fish, etc.
For every gift you bring for the kids of Arlington Village,
you will be entered into a drawing for a special gift basket!

Contact Maurie with any questions.

Tooting My Horn...on behalf of others, of course.

2009-12-15T14:43:00.011-06:00

I ♥ Christmas. I love the lights, the songs, the baking and the tacky Christmas cards that we get! You know which ones I am talking about...the ones where parents brag about their daughter who at 14 is the talk of the town, sure to have her own cd out soon, signed a modeling contract and is working in a lab in her basement to find the cure for cancer in (in her spare time). Or perhaps the 17 yr. old son who is an All-Star baseball, football, track, tennis, soccer, rugby, swimming, golf, and ultimate frisbee athlete who volunteers at the hospital, made a perfect score on his SAT and is deciding between Harvard and Yale? Yeah, I ♥ those cards.

In fact, I am going to take a cue from those overly proud parents and brag on some of "my" kids. Last Thursday, I got to go and see the most fabulous symphonic display ever witnessed in Odessa, Texas. Solamente Strings (aka "Only Strings," don't worry...I speak Spanish), the OHS symphony gave a truly

wonderful performance of some very difficult pieces. And there, sitting front row, looking oh-so-handsome in his red tux and red bow tie was the most dashing and clearly most talented viola player in the entire world, Ryan Wong. And not only is he incredibly gifted on the viola, he was also able to text me just moments before beginning the concert. Can you say "multi-tasker"? And although Ryan would never toot his own horn, I will toot mine on his behalf. He has been granted a HUGE honor by the OHS symphony. After Christmas, Ryan will be one of 10 OHS strings players to go to TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association) conference in 2010 and play strings with a professional quartet from NYC! And because I know you want to see them, here is a YouTube video of the quartet...just imagine Ryan right there with them!

Then, I only had to look a few feet to see another musical prodigy, the beautiful, the cheery, the multi-talented Debby Thangam. She was sitting front row (obviously reserved for only the most important people!) and she was wearing the most incredible flats ever. Aside from being a fashion icon, she WAS playing with the orchestra and she too, was recognized because of her superb talent and supernatural gifts! She advanced to All-Region in her instrument. And she too, was able to text me just moments before she had to perform. My favorite number that the orchestra performed was "Cowboy Christmas" which was classic Christmas carols set to Western themes...so good!

I can't tell you how proud I was to see both Ryan and Debby do something that they are so clearly gifted in and watch them excel. And they both looked great doing their thing. So there. I am a tacky Christmas card mom, just wanting to brag and make all those other Christmas card moms jealous.

Anna's Big (or not so big) Day

2009-12-06T22:26:00.005-06:00

Happy Birthday, Anna! Her birthday was Saturday, November 21st. She was away from family on a basketball trip. Her family had celebrated her brother Rhett's birthday just 4 days before and her sister Addie's 14 days before that. She did not have the best of days. She felt a little overshadowed. So, I am taking this opportunity to share some of the reasons that I love her. Some of the reasons our youth group loves her. Some of the reasons all who know her love her.

A...AUTHENTIC

real, genuine, truthful, candid. If you know Anna, you know that she is honest. She is real. She is who she is and if you don't like it, she doesn't care.

N...NICE

Anna loves people. She loves meeting people, talking to people, cheering for people and sparring with people. This is one of the first things that people comment on when they meet her.

N...NOISY

I can say this because I am related to her and thus spend alot of time with her. She is loud. Boisterous. Crazy. But none of those words start with an "n." She is full of life and spirit spunk and fun. And even though the noise level can be a little much, it is just another piece of who she is...and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

A...ALL-HEART

Underneath her sometimes brusque shell, she is a total softie. She will fight for the underdog, defend the helpless, cry with the sad, rejoice with the happy, and try to right all of society's wrongs. She is all heart. She is deeply affected by the sickness and suffering of those around her and she is just stubborn enough to do something about it.

One thing that proves just how deeply our family cares about her is the pic to the left...nothing says "I love you" like a cookie cake. Anna, we love you, We are so glad you were born. We are so glad that you are who you are. And we hope you realize that we celebrate you more than just on your birthday....we celebrate everyday. Okay, maybe not everyday, but sometimes. :)

A Promise Kept

2009-11-17T10:55:00.003-06:00

Do you remember a couple of months ago when I offered a Rosa's giftcard to the person who commented on the blog and shared one thing that they had learned from the Jesus study on Wednesday nights or our Ephesians series in Sunday School? Well, someone did follow the directions. And although it took me long enough, this person was awarded the promised gift card (is that one word or two?). So, congratulations to.......Allie!
And no, Allie doesn't have any children, that is my cousin Braige she is holding. Apparently Braige was having a bad night. I had to resort to this pic b/c I seem to have misplaced the pics of Allie winning the gift card. Photographic proof is coming, promise!

Happy Belated Birthday!

2009-11-17T10:21:00.006-06:00

I am shocked, absolutely shocked that we are nearing the end of November. How did this happen? Time seems to be rushing by and all I can do is attempt to stay reasonably close to all of the important dates on my calendar. That is why, today, I am wishing Emily Reddell a "happy birthday!" (Nov. 7th is reasonably close to Nov. 17th, right?)

The actual date of her birthday is insignificant; after all, why can't we celebrate Emmster ALL YEAR LONG?! (or at the very least, all month long!) So, Emily, we are so thankful for you and your willingness to give rides, bring snacks, and listen to someone in need. You are a true friend and our youth group is blessed to have you in it! Love you, Em!

Skelton & Skelton

2009-11-09T14:05:00.003-06:00

Just a reminder:

This week we are having our fall revival featuring our pastor Phil Skelton and his own father, Rev. Keith Skelton. It will be a time of singing, examining the Word, and fellowship with one another. If you haven't ever met Phil's parents, you really should! They are sweet people who love and serve the Lord. They also have fabulous British accents and drink tea.

Come and be refreshed! I know that Mondays are hard...let's be honest, they're ROUGH, but if you take time out to listen to the Word, that's an investment in eternity. And before you start telling me that you have homework or a group project or a rehearsal or you just need some time to relax let me give you this verse:

But seek first His kingdon and His righteousness, and all these things (the necessities of life) will be added to you.

Matthew 6:33

Services start at 6:30 p.m. and will go through Wednesday night! Hope to see you there!

Don't Waste Your Life

2009-11-05T12:27:00.002-06:00

Don't Waste Your Life...a new Sunday night discipleship class based on the book of the same title written by John Piper. Be there - 5:30 p.m., MDBC.

Don't Waste Your Life...Lecrae says so.

Don't Waste Your Life...Jesus says so.

Dead Man Walking

2009-11-05T11:10:00.004-06:00

I read this story on the AOL homepage and thought about how weird it must have been to be Ademir Jorge Goncalves, aka "Dead Man." While he had been chilling with friends and drinking some cachaca (a sugarcane liquor drink) at a truck stop (?!) away from home, family members believed him to be in a car crash and even incorrectly identified the body inside the car as Ademir Jorge. So, his family is in mourning and he is out drinking. This would have to be my favorite line of the article: "He did not get word about his own funeral until it was already happening Monday morning."

This puts a whole new spin on the adage, "late to your own funeral." Ademir Jorge Goncalves was indeed late, so he "...rushed to the funeral to let family members know he was not dead." Can you even imagine?!

This story and the humorous irony of it all reminded me of how we live in a land of dead men walking. We spend our days around people who don't know they're dead. We talk to people who don't know they're dead. We sit beside them in class...we work with them...we live with them. And do you know what is ironic? We know they're dead and we have the life they so desperately need.

"But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are the fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, and to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?" 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

If I do say so myself, this ties in perfectly with our study of Ephesians, particularly the 5th chapter in which Paul exhorts believers, "Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil." Remember what the phrase, "making the most of your time" meant? It means "to buy back from the power of another, to redeem." You don't know how those around you will receive the message of Christ...although they may see and hear it as dead and useless to them (an aroma of death to death), the gospel just might be received as life to them!

If I do say so myself, this ties in perfectly with our Sunday Night Discipleship class, Don't Waste Your Life. "What does it profit a man if he gains the world world and yet loses his soul?" (Matt. 6:26) As a Christian, where are your priorities? Where is your heart? Are you more concerned about your popularity or about the eternal destination of another?

I see dead people...its time to do something about it.

Back in the Saddle Again.

2009-10-29T10:50:00.008-05:00

Well, I never thought that I would be utilizing the phrase "back in the saddle", but I am. I have had a wonderful, whirlwind weekend in Houston and am back and trying to catch up on all the things that have piled up on my desk. But first, I do want to give you all a little recap on my weekend.

Many of you weren't quite sure why I was in Houston. I went to celebrate the marriage of a man known to many simply as "Papa Dave." When I lived in Houston, I referred to him as "my Houston dad." I have known him and loved him for many years, dating back to when I first met him in Tennessee a decade ago when I went to Precept Ministries' Boot Camp for students. And no, I am not talking about some freaky disciplinary camp where you get your head shaved and clean floors all day. Boot Camp is a summer camp where the Bible is studied inductively (for more info on all that, click here).

Papa Dave is a man who loves God and His Word deeply. He is a man who loves his family...and his friends deeply. He is a man of integrity and honor. And he is a man who has walked with God through the valley. He lost his wife and the mother of his 7 children many, many years ago and its just been within the last 2 years that he met and started dating a beautiful woman who taught Sunday School in the same department as he. Their wedding was one of the most beautiful, most tender weddings I have ever been a part of and I am so honored that I was there.

I flew back into Midland on Monday, but not before flash flooding delayed my flight by a couple of hours. Once I landed, I discovered that my bags had not. They were, in fact, a couple of hours behind me. Then there was the small detail about that Spanish quiz I had that night in class...and the fact that my wonderful wedding weekend had not been conducive to studying. Then there was the issue of my Spanish workbook being in the lost luggage. It was an eventful Monday, and if there's one thing I don't like its an eventful Monday. But, I am back in the saddle again! Dorothy said it best when she said, "There's no place like home!"

Adults Behaving Badly

2009-10-19T10:53:00.004-05:00

I have been in church all of my life. I am going to estimate that I have sat through 3,900 church services (that's 3 x a week, 52 weeks a year x 25 years). In other words, I am no novice. In those 3,900 services, I have seen some bad behavior. In those 3,900 services, I have been guilty of some bad behavior. More recently, I have had bad behavior reported to me about some of you! But nothing tops what I witnessed yesterday in the services at our church. I witnessed the most offensive, most ridiculous, most callous, most reprehensible behavior EVER! And no, it was not a screaming toddler, a non-silenced cellphone, or a 10 year old with an overactive bladder. It was ADULTS BEHAVING BADLY.

(Names and details have been changed to protect the guilty)

Case #1: During the sermon yesterday morning (which was about revival, for those of you who have already forgotten), I witnessed the first ADULT BEHAVING BADLY. It was an individual who had their Bible out, appeared to be listening somewhat to the sermon and then, suddenly, put their Bible up and pulled out the Clipboard (our church's announcements/upcoming events paper). This individual appeared to have found the most fascinating publication ever written as they pored over each individual article and announcement. It was positively mind-boggling. Had they had that paper in their possession since the Sunday School hour? Yes. Had they had plenty of opportunity to read through it? Yes. Did they know better? Yes. Was I more than a little annoyed? YES! The exact moment in the service could not have been more ironic. Let me tell you what was being read at that moment:

"Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of you conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes off the relish of spiritual things; whatever increases the authority of your body over your mind, that thing for you is sin. " - Susanna Wesley

Was this person's blatant disinterest in the sermon and their voracious appetite for the announcement sheet honoring to God? Were the coming events bringing this person closer to God? Was the weekly attendance report causing them to grow in the knowledge of Him? Hmmm...I'll let you ponder those questions.

Case #2: This ADULT BEHAVING BADLY chose a prominent seat in the evening service only to wear the mask of apathy and disregard the entire time. They also found the Clipboard incredibly fascinating and could in fact hardly look up due to an apparent magnetic force holding their attention. But then, THEN, they graduated from the this to the iPhone. And while there was a sermon preached about the benefits of knowing God, this person texted, updated social sites, perused pics, wrote a paper, and who knows what else.

Now, I know that these 2 individuals are not "bad" people. I know that many of us have been guilty of giving less than our full attention to the sermon. I also know that some of you text during services, even though you think you are smart and crafty enough not to be seen. Let me just tell you - you don't fool anyone. More than any of these behaviors, it is the attitude behind them that disturbs me. If we truly believe that God's Word is living and active and able to penetrate our very souls, if we truly believe that the Bible is inspired (God-breathed) and valuable to teach, instruct, reprove and exhort us, why don't we care to listen to it? Why don't we give it our full attention? Why don't we hunger for His words?

Something is wrong. Its not the world who needs to see God and know God and fall in love with God; its the church.

Happy Birthday, Hollie!

2009-10-13T22:51:00.003-05:00

This weekend at church was very special for us at MDBC...a new look for the youth room was unveiled, we heard a report about our church's building campaign and we celebrated the eve of Hollie Hubnik's Sweet 16! So we did what we felt was our only option and we busted out the Hannah Montana cupcakes. They were indeed "The Best of Both Worlds and took us on "The Climb" to new heights of the sugar rush. It was incredible. Hollie, I am so glad that God sent you and your family our way. You have brought sass, sunshine, and a whole lotta spunk to our group and we wouldn't be the same without you. Keep growing in Him and press on to run the race! I love you!

Berkley McAlpine for Homecoming Queen

2009-10-08T10:21:00.003-05:00

In case you haven't heard, Berkley Marie McAlpine was one of only 6 Senior girls at Permian to be nominated for Homecoming Queen. We are all so excited! This is a BIG deal, even though Berkley is guarding it like a matter of national security. Homecoming for PHS is next weekend, October 16th. Make sure you get your ticket now so that you can come and support her. I am attempting to get a press pass so that I can paparazzi it up, right there on the sidelines. Way to go, Berk!