Brainstorming MADE
Friday, June 30, 2006
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We've got a new series of videos we're producing for the PDYM Student Leadership conference in a few weeks. Here's a shot of the white board from Fields' office when the team (Jake, Jason and I) were done last night. It will eventually become the 4-episode story of a regular student named Hillary that is "made" into a student leader who is part of the greeting ministry. Good stuff.JG
posted by Unknown @ 4:33 PM |
Shaun Dances to DDR
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Fun moment from the staff retreat - High School pastor Shaun Blakeney and intern assistant Ryanne Dearden on Dance Dance Revolution at Boomers!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 4:29 PM |
Total Embarrasement
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OK, Treece did his latest Shuffle Up and Deal and it spotlights me today. Argh - I'm more than a little embarrased. I need less CCM on my iPod!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:12 AM |
SYM Podcast Video Up!
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The Simply Youth Ministry Video Podcast is now up complete with links and a new eBay auction featuring Mr. Matthew McGill. Check it out today!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:17 AM |
Money Doesn't Equal Happiness
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A new study today talks about money not buying happiness. If you're teaching soon on money or the emptiness in a heart, this might make a good reference.
Your next raise might buy you a more lavish vacation, a better car, or a few extra bedrooms, but it's not likely to buy you much happiness.But according to this study, they DO get more sleep.
Measuring the quality of people's daily lives via surveys, the results of a study published in the June 30 issue of journal Science reveals that income plays a rather insignificant role in day-to-day happiness.
Although most people imagine that if they had more money they could do more fun things and perhaps be happier, the reality seems to be that those with higher incomes tend to be tenser, and spend less time on simple leisurely activities.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 9:48 AM |
More Than Meets the Eye
Thursday, June 29, 2006
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The Transformers teaser trailer is out now and I have to admit I'm a bit underwhelmed. I love the concept, I think it has intense potential, but that didn't do it for me. Come on Michael Bay - deliver me my childhood in live-action!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 5:00 PM |
SYM Podcast 22
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Just finished recording the SYM Podcast Episode 22. Pretty good show, everyone was slammed this week so I "prepped" the show so we started calling it the "Josh-cast." That sounds dangerous, doesn't it? Maybe that was so Fields could have someone to blame if it bombed? Hahahah ...
Anyhow, let us know if it was any good, it'll be up in iTunes tonight with a running time of a cool 40 minutes. Yes!
JG
UPDATE: Audio is up!
posted by Unknown @ 4:53 PM |
Stephen is a Crack Pot
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You need to read Kurt's highlights of the staff retreat and see this great picture of Stephen and his little Suburban accident. Good times!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 12:22 PM |
Best. Worship. Video. Ever.
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This is the opening video from the PD Worship Conference this year. Some of my good friends put it together ... they are amazingly talented. Spread it around!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:36 AM |
Superman Returns Review
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Watched Superman Returns this week in Palm Springs with a gaggle of friends. Pretty solid flick, appreciated some of the nods to the classic films and it definitely takes off on it's own as well. The short version? Solid, I give it an A.Some observations:
- This is a movie about Superman, yet it spins out almost like the journey of Lois Lane.
- The airplane crash has some of the best effects I've ever seen. This is why the budget crossed 200M. Love it! I would see it again just for this sequence.
- You REALLY get a sense of Superman's super-human strength. From the airplane to the gatling gun to the finale, we REALLY see how strong he is. Modern-day effects are in full force here.
- The trailers didn't give it all away! There's a few surprises I won't spoil all of them here.
- The movie plays a bit slow, would have love to have seen another action sequence in there and/or some edits to get it to the 2-hour mark. There's some really quiet scenes that could be considered poingnant or boring.
- Casting an unknown as Superman was great. Brandon is pretty good, though a bit wooden in the first couple of scenes I thought.
- Only a few times did the special effects drop below absolutely amazing.
- Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor was great, though I did want to see a stronger ending with his character. Did anyone else feel let down at all?
- Did you notice there's 2 small pieces of Kryptonite left on earth? The small shard in the doctor's office, and the blade that Lois tosses into the ocean. The camera is very intentional about these two pieces, which could be artistic, or sequel-promising. Wait a minute, isn't there a big chunk in space, and isn't there tons of it still at the bottom of the ocean? And how come kryptonite affects him so much in one scene, and not in any other. Hold on, OK, OK ... I think I'm thinking about this too much.
- I want to see this in IMAX 3-D, too! Did you hear that whole "when Clark takes off his glasses, put yours on" deal? LOVE it.
- Does Routh sound exactly like Tom Cruise or is it just me?
- Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane was good. The press seems to be identifying her as the weak point, but she was just fine in my opinion.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 12:38 AM |
The HSM Podcast Returns
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HSM has a weekly podcast you might want to check out. Get an inside look at one of the ways that Saddleback Church communicates to high schoolers through iTunes. Shaun, Doug, Donnie and more join in on the fun each week. Now up to 10 episodes!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 12:02 AM |
The Problem with Parents
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
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Kurt has a great post on problem parents that every youth worker should read. Good stuff, here's some of it as a tease:
We opened our registration for summer camp last night. YIKES! Hundreds of parents showed up to get in line before the 6:00 p.m. opening. Because our camp usually fills up very quickly, we've been forced to create a 'hard start time' to make it as fair for everybody as possible. Now that registration is open, they can sign up whenever they want, but for opening day, it's 6:00 p.m......period.JG
Of course there are always parents who think simple guidelines and structures don't apply to them (and we wonder why we have students who think the same way...but I digress). Last night, we had one parent who simply couldn't accept the fact that we wouldn't allow her to drop her registration off before 6:00. Despite the fact that there were parents waiting in a long line, she insisted she be given the right to drop her daughter's registration off early so she could get on with her other plans.
posted by Unknown @ 11:33 PM |
Our Little Crocs Experiment
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Kurt, Shaun, Doug and I planned a little experiment at the staff retreat in Palm Springs. We would wear Crocs all week and take the abuse, hoping to make a few converts from our clan. We would talk about how comfortable they were, how they were worth the funky look. No one could talk about the gimic we were doing, no one could bash them on the side, we had to pitch that we were in love with them outright and they were the best thing since Wonderbread.Anyhow, not sure if it worked, but I got a nice pair of sandals out of the deal, albiet they look SO akward and a bit too Euro-stylish for a big guy like me. Kurt can almost pull them off, Shaun actually makes them look cool, but Elliot and I just looked silly.
Oh well, at least they're somewhat comfortable and totally fungal-resistant.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:32 PM |
Jason Fills in at Passion
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I was gone on the student ministry staff retreat until just a few hours ago, so Jason filled in for me at Passion at Saddleback this weekend. Apparently it wasn't as easy as I make it look, according to his story.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:12 PM |
Rick in Newsweek
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Then, something really extraordinary happens. Warren describes it as a rocket-ship ride. In 2002, he published a book that began with the words "It's not about you." The message was simple: by serving others, you serve God. Since its publication, "The Purpose Driven Life" has sold 30 million copies in English, making it by some accounts the best-selling hardcover ever. It is a phenomenon, a movement. It has given Warren access to world leaders at Davos, to corporate chiefs and rock stars. It has generated "tens of millions of dollars," Warren says—enough for him to pay his own salary back to his church, retroactively, for the past 25 years, enough to launch three foundations. "PDL" allows Warren to "reverse tithe": he gives away 90 percent of what he earns.JG
Now things get exciting. Another pastor might be content to diversify into "PDL" DVDs and gift books, but Warren is more ambitious. If "2.3 billion people in the world claim to be followers of Jesus," then why not take the next step and mobilize those people to do important things, like stop poverty, improve literacy, feed the hungry, heal the sick? Conventional relief organizations are fine, but why not tap what Warren calls "the faith sector," the armies of motivated religious volunteers who are sick and tired of polarizing rhetoric and professional crusaders? "The old paradigm was, 'You pay, you pray, you get out of the way'," he explains, but in today's global and wired world, troops of caring volunteers can be deployed to communities in need with the push of a button. Such was the case on Christmas 2004, when Warren, awake and online at 4:30 a.m., received news of a massive underwater earthquake via e-mail from a pastor in Sri Lanka. Warren, who has an e-mail list of 200,000 pastors worldwide, notified churches in Thailand and Indonesia, that immediately mobilized volunteers to tsunami disaster sites. "It's universal distribution," he says, excitedly. "There's a church in every village in the world ... the potential sits there like a sleeping giant."
posted by Unknown @ 11:05 PM |
Spiderman 3 Trailer
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Saw this in the theater this week attached to Superman Returns. Looks amazing, and the movie was good, too. Full review in the AM.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:01 PM |
Big Sale at PD
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Just got an email about the big sale over at PD this week. Looks like some pretty good markdowns. Time to stock up!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:39 PM |
Text-Only Teens
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Neil sent me over to check out USA Today for an interesting article on teens and texting. Here's a clip:
To be sure, the monthly bills — as high as $300 — were a problem.JG
But there were other, audible consequences of the fact that Alexandra Smith would pound out more than 1,000 text messages from her Razr cellphone a month: She was chatting — constantly, exhaustively — but she wasn't talking. It got so that Smith's parents were begging her to put the phone to her lips instead of her fingertips.
So these days Smith, 18, is practicing something that came oh-so-naturally to tides of teens before her: the art of vocal gab. Instead of holing up at home and punching out digital dialogue, Smith is making an effort to actually meet up with her three best friends and flex her larynx muscles.
"I figured I should probably go over and learn how to talk to somebody," says the Eugene, Ore., high school senior. "I didn't want to be the dork at college who texts all the time."
She needn't worry. College suitemates, even roommates, pick up their phones to ping each other. Otherwise, they're communicating via instant messaging or the social networking sites MySpace and Facebook.
With their mouths largely shut but their laptops and flip phones open, teenagers' bedrooms are beginning to sound like the library.
posted by Unknown @ 10:17 PM |
Rick to Speak in North Korea
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Don't know if you saw or heard the news that Rick is going to teach in North Korea in the near future. This is a big deal, here's a clip from BeliefNet:
Evangelical pastor Rick Warren has been invited to preach this summer to some 15,000 Christians in North Korea, a communist country infamous not only for its nuclear threats but also for its religious persecution. Warren, author of the bestselling book, "The Purpose-Driven Life," said he would make the trip as part of a nearly 40-day journey to meet with the leaders of 13 foreign countries.JG
posted by Unknown @ 9:31 PM |
Back from Palm Desert
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Just getting back in from a few days with the Student Ministries staff in Palm Desert. We took our annual retreat and swam, laughed and learned! Spent some quality time with my wife and some of my best friends in youth ministry. Expect lots of updates and pictures in the next 24 hours and a SYM podcast tomorrow!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 9:17 PM |
Tuesday 10PM
Saturday, June 24, 2006
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posted by Unknown @ 11:34 AM |
Spiderman 3 Teaser Trailer Description
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Does this sound like the best Spiderman film to date? Without a doubt.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:33 AM |
Weekly HALO 3 Stop
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Since I'm interested in the upcoming HALO 3, one of my weekly stops is Bungie.Net. Every Friday they post a weekly update about the game, always including some juicy tidbits and hints. If you love HALO and/or can't wait to finish the fight, make sure you stop there every weekend. And if you're clueless about HALO ... well then, you're not really in youth ministry, are you?JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:46 AM |
Another Reason Small Groups Are Important
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RC sent me this link to a CNN article that had some interesting information on our circle of friends. Struck a chord with both of us about the importance of small groups:
JGWASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Americans are more socially isolated than they were 20 years ago, separated by work, commuting and the single life, researchers reported on Friday.
Nearly a quarter of people surveyed said they had "zero" close friends with whom to discuss personal matters. More than 50 percent named two or fewer confidants, most often immediate family members, the researchers said.
"This is a big social change, and it indicates something that's not good for our society," said Duke University Professor Lynn Smith-Lovin, lead author on the study to be published in the American Sociological Review. Smith-Lovin's group used data from a national survey of 1,500 American adults that has been ongoing since 1972.
She said it indicated people had a surprising drop in the number of close friends since 1985. At that time, Americans most commonly said they had three close friends whom they had known for a long time, saw often, and with whom they shared a number of interests.
They were almost as likely to name four or five friends, and the relationships often sprang from their neighborhoods or communities. Ties to a close network of friends create a social safety net that is good for society, and for the individual. Research has linked social support and civic participation to a longer life, Smith-Lovin said.
posted by Unknown @ 10:42 AM |
Soccer is for Fakers
Friday, June 23, 2006
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Are soccer players good actors or what? Send them to Hollywood!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 4:42 PM |
Rick Makes Forbes Celebrity List
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I think of him more as an influencer really than a celebrity - but Rick Warren made the Forbes Top 100 list at number 60 a couple of weeks ago. Here's what they had to say about him and here's a link to the complete list, too:
When religious publisher Zondervan released California pastor Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life," it expected robust sales of about a quarter-million copies. There are now 24 million copies in print, with Zondervan unloading 100,000 copies over the Christmas season alone. And the book achieved mainstream notoriety in 2005 when kidnap victim Ashley Smith said that she used its techniques to persuade her captor to release her. Warren also runs the Web site Pastors.com, where he peddles "Purpose Driven" spinoffs.Reason he made the list: Intelligent, Trustworthy. So true.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 4:28 PM |
Shuffle Up and Rock Out
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Treece has got up this week's Shuffle Up and Deal featuring the first 5 songs on the iPod of Saddleback Church junior high pastor Kurt Johnston. Apparently he likes to rock out ... and $5 says he edited his list to look somewhat cooler than he really is.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 4:19 PM |
Father's Day Tradition
Thursday, June 22, 2006
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Each year for Father's Day we head to the ballpark for an afternoon of fun. This past Sunday we drove up to Anaheim and hit the Angels vs. the Padres. The sun was killer and we were in the "cheap seats" out in right field. They call it the family section, but that really means the section we couldn't sell for more than maybe $6 a ticket because it feels like a frying pan. The family was covered in a thick coat of SPF 4trillion all day and we manged to stay for nearly 8 innings of the desert-heat slug fest.It was a great time, though it gets more complicated each year because we keep adding kids. It's so much fun, too, its worth it all. I love being a dad - Angela is the best wife and mother and the kids are all angels.
But next year, I'm hunting for some seats in the shade.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:20 PM |
The Controller Debate
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Interesting article in Business Week about video game controllers. I think the Xbox 360's wireless controller is near perfect, amazing for a 2nd generation console to get it soooo right. Anyhow, here's a clip, head there for the complete story:
Months after the Wii's wand was introduced, we're still eagerly lapping up every newly released detail. Also stirring up conversation is market leader Sony's decision to implement tilt-sensing in the PlayStation 3 controller. That decision has led to piles of Internet forum "discussions" and garnered the attention of executives from Nintendo and Microsoft, who since E3 have either downplayed the feature, laughed it off or screamed "copy-cat!"JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:05 PM |
Chic-Fil-A Offers Marriage Counseling
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Another first for Chic-Fil-A, according to USA Today. When will they open one closer than Irvine? I've got no problem driving there and love the people, but I would get to go even more often if it wasn't so far away. What a generous move this is:
JGWith a 57-year marriage as a model, the founder of Chick-fil-A wants to help the marital unions of his workers, too.S. Truett Cathy, 85, has implemented all sorts of marriage-friendly policies and programs for the 600 employees at his 39-year-old company's Atlanta-based headquarters, as well as for the 900 franchise operators who run its 1,250 fast-food restaurants across the country. Offerings range from seminars and marriage retreats to lunchtime sessions and counseling from on-call psychologists.
And now Chick-fil-A's marriage and family-strengthening policies have earned Cathy an award, to be presented Saturday at the national Smart Marriages Conference in Atlanta, which begins today.
"You can't expect people to do well in their business if they've got problems at home," Cathy says. He says Chick-fil-A spends millions a year on programs to help couples enrich their relationships.
posted by Unknown @ 11:03 PM |
SYM Podcast Episode 20.5
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OK, Fields couldn't make the podcast this week, so we put up a temporary show featuring Natalie and McGill. Grab it in iTunes and get ready for next week's real show.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 4:53 PM |
No More Black Beans
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I'm sad today ... I've just come to terms with a terrible truth. El Pollo Loco no longer serves black beans. Yes, I called the comment hotline. Yes, I got $1 off my next meal. Yes, I mentioned my sadness to the shift manager. But none of those things solace me.One of the cheapest and best burrito runs has come to a sad end. The black bean burrito served faithfully for the past 20 years at the infamous California resturant, but the came to an end just months before the contract was to expire. A lot like Dan Rather, from what I gather. The BRC - beans, rice, cheese ... substitute black beans and still just $1.00. Well, depending on the cashier.
Black beans were a staple during the Nixon administration and the free love period of the 60s, their familiar face always a welcome sight inside any burrito. We bid you a fond farewell, Mr. Black Bean, we barely knew you.
I guess I'll have to make them at home now.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 4:47 PM |
Poolwatch: Episode 1
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I didn't know how to share the story here, so fortunately Leigh talks about a little pool incident we had over here a few nights ago. My kids are very confident in their swimming ability ... a little too confident. Anyhow, check out his new blog and leave a comment while you're there, too.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 12:01 AM |
The Most Anticipated 360 Title In Our House
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
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The first game on the original Xbox was amazing, and it wouldn't surprise me if the 360 sequel prequel is even better. My kids love it ... or I should say, they loved watching me play it.I bought it for them, but it was so great I don't think they ever got to play. Well, I couldn't be more happy with this follow-up coming this Fall. The Classic Trilogy Lego Star Wars - it's a childhood dream (... ahem ...) come true!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:33 PM |
Great Weekend at Saddleback
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I forgot to post about church this week!It was fantastic, we started a new series called Worship from A to Z and all of the points start with the consecutive letters of the alphabet. This week was A-F and singing was never mentioned once! It was a great time, Pastor Rick taught expositionally through the passage and the story of Jehosophat ("J-Fat" as the kids would have called him). My venue, Passion, gets a bit down in the summer months and we're starting to see that, but it was VERY fun night honoring fathers and learning about worshiping 24/7 in everything we do.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:05 PM |
My Plate This Week
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Been cranking on PDYM Student Leadership tasks this week, as my job centers around the programming for the event and being the on-stage host. Looks like some pretty busy weeks ahead for the team!
At SYM we're cranking on digital downloads of resources, as well as a new community section of the website with Blogs, forums, polls and more. It's really going to be great at some point in the near future. I think we're shooting for a soft launch of the community section a week from Friday. We've also added tons of new bundles, too, here's some of the stuff that's now off my plate and on the website.
NEW DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCESGod's Extreme Makeover
The Power of Sex
Made
Camp in a Can Vol 2 - Fill it Up
Leaders Are Learners: Student Edition
and more ...
NEW RESOURCE BUNDLES
Sex Series Bundle
Purpose Bundle
Made and Exposed Bundle
Transcript Bundle
Junior High Books Bundle
Miles to Cross 5-pack
Fresh Start and 2nd Greatest Story
and more...
JG
posted by Unknown @ 9:21 PM |
Carbon Freeze with Action Figures
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My favorite movie of all time, the best sequence ... recreated with action figures. Thanks to Treece for the pointer.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:23 AM |
Wierd Al Parody of "You're Beautiful"
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So I mentioned the workplace parody of "You're Beautiful" the other day and Ryan let me know that Weird Al had a geek parody of the song for download for free as well. Gotta love Trekkies ... check it out!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 9:17 AM |
Blazing Angels Review - Xbox 360
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Just finished Blazing Angels for the Xbox 360 last weekend - great game.I'm really into first person shooters and flying games the most on my 360, with an adventure game or maybe a sports title thrown in here or there. The control was a bit wacky overall and sometimes the cinema screens you couldn't skip were unfortunate. Actually, now that I think about it, the voice acting was poor and repetitive and the mission difficulty was sporatic. Hmmm ... the camera angles were akward, and the AI of my wingmen was at best passable.
But hey, I still liked it. I'd give it a solid B, though I'm hoping that Over G Fighters (which comes out next week!) owns my 360 for a while this summer.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 9:08 AM |
NBA Finals End with a Thud
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The Miami Heat took the NBA Championship last night, pretty exciting finish since there were down a couple of games and came back to win it all. Too bad Shaq's not in LA anymore, eh? But I think the most exciting part of the whole series was millionaire Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. I think I followed him more than the actual games themselves. I just can't tell if he's totally cool or a complete moron.
So I watched him on Letterman the other night, and listened to his comments about Trump and it was all very interesting. I appreciated the perspective on wealth and hearing his journey to billions, though it's pretty difficult to know if the anecdotes were true or not. And I've been reading about his NBA fines and following his blog with great interest. Is he just a spoiled rich guy? Or is he a half-mad genius?
I'm not sure I've still come to a decision yet, but I very much respect a guy who puts it on the line for what he believes in.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 8:59 AM |
A Great Father's Day Gift
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
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Got my dad a digital picture frame for Father's Day, went in on it with my older brother and younger sister. Dropped in a 512MB memory card from Best Buy and filled it with pictures of all three families from all across the US. Pretty great gift since all of us are so far apart. Here's what he wrote to us kids last night:Wow. Came today and MOM (of course) commandeered it to look THREE TIMES at every picture! What fun. Cannot say “Thank You” enough, kids. What a special and thoughtful gift. And since Josh said it was for “us” because of our anniversary, it worked double time! Not sure if we will keep it in the kitchen, running pix as we prepare and cook, or . . .Happy Father's Day, old man!
Lots of ideas. Lots of love in every pix.
You’ve chosen wisely, grasshoppers.
Proud Pops
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:31 AM |
Star Wars and Chem on eBay
Monday, June 19, 2006
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Got a few new items up on eBay this week, here's the rundown:
PDYM is CHEM XL Shirt - managed to find another PDYM is Chem shirt as I cleaned up the office this morning. Hey, had nothing better to do since my computer was being upgraded for a couple hours today. Happy bidding!
Jedi Starfighter Mock-Up Packaging - Selling a goodie from my Star Wars collection this week on eBay ... a Hasbro Jedi Starfighter Packaging Mock-Up Prototype from Revenge of the Sith. Got it from a friend who works there from when the film was code-named Birth of an Empire. Check it out.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:09 PM |
A Heart Like David
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Tony Steward wrote an excellent article on 'Being David When You Serve Under Saul" that all in youth ministry should read. Good stuff. Here's a clip from pdymcommunity.com:
JGI believe that there are some of us who have the profound opportunity to follow under great leaders, and learn from their wisdom and experience, be inspired by their profound faith and grace with others, and submit to being refined by their sharp and watchful eyes. I believe most of us would leap at the chance to be under a great leader, to learn from them and grow under their mentorship and encouragement.
But, for most of us that is not the case. For many of us our most profound lessons in leadership come from seeing what one shouldn’t do versus what one should do. We see selfish motivation spoken with spiritual language, we see manipulation and control where freedom should be encouraged, and we see insecurity and intimidation where we should see encouragement and confidence.
I have recently had a glaring example of that kind of experience that I would equate to 1 Samuel 18:9-11: “And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David. … while David was playing the harp, as he usually did. Saul had a spear in his hand and he hurled it, saying to himself, ‘I'll pin David to the wall.’ But David eluded him twice.
Now, before I go any further, this is not the bitter whining of a rightly whipped boy. All of us have weaknesses, and areas that we can drastically improve in – and it would always behoove us to be open to appropriate criticism and accountability. Needless to say, my recent experience falls on both sides of that fence and my hope is that I can share with you some of the lessons I have learned that have helped me to wade out to a positive and constructive resolution.
posted by Unknown @ 10:47 PM |
Stanley Cup
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Apparently, hockey season just ended. Who knew?
JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:42 PM |
"You're Beautiful" Parody
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You've heard this, right? Oh my ... funny workplace parody always makes me smile.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 4:19 PM |
Superman Returns Early
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My friend Josh got to see Superman Returns early. I'm jealous. And it looks like the movie rocks. Check it out.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 4:05 PM |
Nacho Libre Review
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First of all, I have to appreciate the wonder of the marketing campaign.
I think they were directly targeting me, and I sincerely appreciate the effort. I saw Nacho Libre while shopping at the mall, on my Xbox 360, at Angel's Stadium and in my iTunes. I was sent email and backgrounds, given free themes and even a ringtone, too, if I wanted to use it.
Impressive, absolutely impressive.
As for the movie itself, I think it was great. I laughed out loud several times, enjoying great lines, akward situations and painfully brilliant wrestling scenes. Other people had a strong positive reaction to the film, though I've noticed much of the traditional critics' pool could care less. Even watching Epert and Robert this weeked they railed on the film for 15 mnutes.
And I've been quoting Nacho lines all day.
The film has a great style, unique characters and plenty to laugh at. If you like Napoleon, you'll like this. It's not the same, and not quite as good, but Jack Black is great and I truly enjoyed it. The film's greatest asset was Black, but perhaps he was the weakness in the end as well. Napoleon shined because he was an unknown, the entire cast wasn't "B" List - they weren't on ANY list! Black shines because, he's ... well, Jack Black. And while that's fantastic, perhaps casting an unknown would have turned this into an underground hit instead of an almost-mainstream comedy success.
Still, any film that costs 25M to make and scores almost 30M in the first weekend is a smash hit. That's like Superman Returns opening with 250M in July, and he can't fly that high.
Go ahead, watch it, enjoy it, even tell people you like it. Don't be afraid, it's really a fun PG film that Hollywood needs to make more of. Well done!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 3:54 PM |
Waterproof Bible
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This is a pretty good idea. Been on enough Canadian wilderness adventure camps to see some pretty good Bibles get pretty messed up during 7 days of canoeing and rain-soaked portages.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 12:21 PM |
Great Father's Day Weekend
Sunday, June 18, 2006
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Had a great Father's Day weekend, the kids got me tickets to two events: Nacho Libre and Sunday's Angels game. Both were fantastic, a full review of Nacho and a Father's Day Recap coming Monday once I get up to speed on the day. Looks to be a full week!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:55 PM |
Searching for Direction
Friday, June 16, 2006
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Today I'm at Chic-Fil-A for lunch and taking some alone time to get caught up.
Not just on my follow-up file in my Outlook, which is nice to see dwindling, too - but getting caught up with God, too. I've realized that while I'm not really spiritually dry, I do need Him in a special way for some life decisions I need to make soon. Whenever I stand in a position like this, I'm less of a list guy and like to go with my heart. I see pros and cons as a moment in time present or past, that hardly bring into account what you will bring into the table in the new day. I like to look at a particular culture and then dream about what it could be.
But whether you're a list person or not, we all need spiritual guidance. I want God to show me intellectually on a list, emotionally with my heart and spiritually with His divine guidance. Then, and only then, can I be at true peace with a big decision.
As I read some Scripture this morning during this process, I found the very first verse I read exactly what I needed. Thanks for that, God.
We can gather our thoughts,
but the Lord gives the right answer.
-Proverbs 16:1 (NLT)
JG
posted by Unknown @ 1:39 PM |
Pics from PDC
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Just got some new pictures from the PDC Conference this past May. Some friends from Penn Friends' church in Michigan won a Church Health Award and we got to hook up and do some fun stuff while they were here in So. Cal. Good times!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 1:37 PM |
Wisdom: Don't Be a Fool
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Fools respond with hostility and anger or with laughter and ridicule (Proverbs 29:9). When people react emotionally to the truth, either angrily or scornfully, they are fools. A merely ignorant person expresses puzzlement or confusion; the fool, even after misunderstandings have been clearly addressed, continues to mock, scorn, or attack the truth as something he considers stupid or evil or both.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 1:36 PM |
Jack Black on Jimmy Kimmel Live
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Got to run up to Hollywood tonight with some friends (Jonathan, Adam and Josh which you can see in the picture above) tonight to see Jimmy Kimmel Live. Jack Black was on and was hilarious. Also got to hear Australian band Wolfmother which was fine, but nothing like seeing Jack Black and getting pumped for Nacho Libre. Fun!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 12:50 AM |
Kurt Talks Crocs
Thursday, June 15, 2006
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In Kurt Johnston's blog today he talks a lot about Crocs. Maybe I should get a pair for the upcoming staff retreat, too? Read his thoughts.JG
posted by Unknown @ 1:31 PM |
iPod Everywhere
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I can't think of anything to add to this picture.JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:51 AM |
New on eBay This Week
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New on eBay this week I've got 3 items, and making plans for a few more. Here's what's up for auction this week:
Matt McGill's Sports Instructional Video and Bonus - We put up the shirt off his back and an autographed copy of Small Groups from Start To Finish, too! So funny, right now it's closing in on $50! Check it out, proceeds go to buy goats in Tanzania.JG
Star Wars Galactic Heroes Vallance - We got this for the boys room when we were in an apartment, and now it won't fit their window in the new house. Happy bidding, proceeds go to more action figures for the boys.
XXXL Chem Shirt - I grew a bit too small for this one, I'm currently in a trim XXL. Good times, bid away.
posted by Unknown @ 10:43 AM |
New SYM Podcast Online
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The latest episode of the SYM podcast hit iTunes last night at midnight, I hope you enjoy the show! We crossed the 20 episode mark with discussion about transitioning, pronography and being transparent. Good stuff!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:41 AM |
Roethlisberger Soup Irony
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This made me laugh today. I know it's not a laughing matter, but still ...
But while Roethlisberger won't have to be on a soup-only diet, he missed out on a $2 million Campbell's Chunky Soup commercial that began filming Wednesday at Heinz Field with other Steelers players. Roethlisberger and his stepmother, Brenda, were to have been the stars of the commercial.JG
posted by Unknown @ 8:54 AM |
Jumpstarting Student Leadership
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
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Matt and I wrote an article for Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox. You can check out the full piece on pastors.com and here's a clip:
What are four things you can't get enough of?JG1 – More time with your family
2 – More sleep
3 – More caffeine
4 – More overnight events
OK, so it didn't make a list of the top four things we need, but as youth workers one thing we all want is student leadership. We've got some volunteers, and we're passionately leading the way, but we would love to have some of our youth accept God's call to lead our ministries. We've all read those "youth" stories in the Bible – you know, David, Jeremiah, Timothy, Samuel – and we sincerely believe God wants to use people early in life, but getting there is difficult.
As youth workers, we strongly believe that students can make a real difference in the world. They aren't just the church of tomorrow; they are the church of today. At least, that is what we hope we can train them to become.
Our hope to develop young leaders through the youth in our church is only eclipsed by our struggle to unlock their zeal. There's nothing more painful than seeing the wasted potential of those entrusted to our care or a life mired early by guilt and shame. It can be a pit of despair for most youth workers, but I'm here to say there's hope.
The hope isn't in the outspoken ones who show up to everything. We all have a few "natural leaders," who rise to the challenge. And if you don't have youth like that, you at least have regular students who are fun to be around, and you can count on them to do some basic ministry tasks. But biblical leadership, and therefore our calling, isn't limited to equipping the cute, fun, or popular – much less the kids that attend every single event. They aren't student leaders; they're stalkers.
We are called to prepare all of our students for the work of the ministry. It's a daunting task, but one that must be attempted if we're to adequately prepare the church. To that end, here are a few practical ideas to help jump-start some of the leadership potential in your students and take your ministry to the next level.
posted by Unknown @ 2:30 PM |
Do you Blog or MySpace?
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
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There's a new poll up this week on pdymcommunity.com - check it out and tell us if you have a MySpace or blog! Then post a link in the comments section.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 2:07 PM |
Ostrich Farmers Rejoice!
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So the SYM team went to Fudruckers and I ordered up an ostrich burger. It was more or less a bet from Andy, but I love to eat new foods and this sure sounded like that qualified. Apparently they are selling pretty well. So I ate $4.99 worth of the flightless bird - which roughly equates to 1/3 lb on a sesame seed bun. How great is it that we live in a country that allows us to eat exotic animals on a whim for lunch? And it was actually pretty good, too!And the ostrich farmers rejoiced.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 1:21 PM |
SYM 40|40|40 Sale Videos
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You might have missed the sale, but you can still watch the videos. Good times!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:34 AM |
Video Game Junkie
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This is from SNL circa 1982.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:31 AM |
World Cup ... uh... Mania?
Monday, June 12, 2006
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Is there anyone excited about the World Cup in America?
Apparently not, but from my limited international travels I can assure you we are the only country not whipped into an absolute frenzy right now. The World Cup opener - host country Germany versus Costa Rica was a great game. Actually, the game was average, but the breakfast buffet at the Griffins was unstoppable.
Go USA! ((they're in it, right?))
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:43 PM |
Am I a Good Dad?
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I took the kids to Chucky Cheese's and Krispy Kreme on the same day. I think I'm dancing on that fine line of being a good dad or not. Why don't we just start the mornings off with an espresso, too?
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:29 PM |
Kurt's Monthly Training
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Just a quick note to let you know that we've updated iTunes with the new Kurt Johnston podcast. Episode 17 talks about getting students involved in the summer activities and some fun stuff Wildside is experimenting with this summer. Subscribe today for free monthly training specific to junior high ministry!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 7:07 PM |
Great Weekend at Saddleback
Sunday, June 11, 2006
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Pastor Tom had a great message this weekend at Saddlback that really hit home for me. I was just reading through Proverbs 8 (on June 8) and the topic of wisdom has been on my heart. I tend to listen to people's advice or offers and rely on my own intuition instead of truly asking for God to guide.
It's easy to get caught up in emotional decisions and jump into something that looks good at first glance. The message this week was asking God to direct in each step of your life, bringing Him into every decision and then being willing to follow Him no matter what. Great end to the quick two-week series!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:55 PM |
Gnarls Barkley Performs SW Style
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