Favre is a Class Act
Sunday, December 31, 2006
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Don't know how many of you caught Brett Favre on tonight's final regular season game on Sunday Night Football, but it certainly looks like this might be his last football game. He's a class act and has brought so much to the sport. Farewell, Brett ... thanks for a great run.JG
PS: Come back next season.
posted by Unknown @ 11:32 PM |
Just Finished 6 Weekend Services
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Whew! All of the Saddleback New Year's Eve Family Services are over, this is hard work! We had an absolute blast, and attendance was really solid considering the holiday and all as well. Some people even came back with their neighbors or brought back the family to enjoy it a second time. So fun! But, glad it's over ... time for football, football and then football.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 8:55 PM |
I Want To Talk to My Teens About Addiction
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JG
posted by Unknown @ 5:56 PM |
Rick Warren's Next Book
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Lots of people have asked about Rick's next book, and the OC Register today published an interview with Rick where he talks about the project. Looking forward to it for sure!
JGQ: When will we see your next book?
In January, both Kay and I will begin working on new books. I'm going to update and revise "The Purpose-Driven Church," which I wrote in 1995 ... for pastors. I'm revising it, and we're going to write the new one for the average member of the church, the everyman and everywoman. (It will be about) what is my role in my congregation? And I'm going to put it in a 40-day format like "The Purpose-Driven Life." Kay is going to be writing a new book, too, on surrender. Surrendering my plans in life for God's plans.
posted by Unknown @ 5:51 PM |
The Reformation Generation
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Just saw this in the Christian Post, Rick and Kay spoke to thousands of students this week, passing the Reformation Generation torch on. Here's a clip:
“We’re still dealing with the stigma and ignorance in this country and it’s got to be erased,” he said, alluding to the current situation of churches in America regarding the disease. Commenting on the absolute significance of churches being involved, Haas said, “It is a killer if it does not have the appropriate social nets and the appropriate care that could be provided by the community.”JG
Warren highlighted how this is precisely the reason why he had come to this convention. “This is what we are praying – for second reformation of the church,” he told The Christian Post on Thursday, identifying the students at Urbana as part of the reformation generation.
“God’s timing is perfect. I see a spiritual hunger, I see a spiritual readiness, the willingness to commit, and a willingness to sacrifice; and all of these things coming in together … has created a kairos moment – the right time for a reformation to take place.”
Kay Warren, Rick Warren’s wife, stressed the importance of students picking up the task of reformation. “We are handing the next generation – these students, these 22,000 students who are sitting here – a pandemic we have failed to stop,” she indicated at the press conference.
“It is the most thrilling thing I can imagine – to know that they are going to get it, and they are going to care, and they are going to do something.”
posted by Unknown @ 5:49 PM |
Book Review: The Worship Answer Book
Saturday, December 30, 2006
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I finished this book not to long ago and forgot to review it - it's written by Rick Muchow, the worship pastor at Saddleback Church.
It's a solid book with 54 legitimate questions and good answers. Some of the answers are somewhat obvious, sure, but there's plenty of good insight in his years of leading worship that you should really read and consider for yourself. My favorite questions are "How loud is too loud" and "Where did the dancing go?"
He supports the answers and thoughts with Scriptures, and even deals with churches that are doing split services or transitioning to a more contemporary model. Good stuff!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:29 PM |
Indiana Jones 4 to Film in 2007
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How great is this news?Director George Lucas said Friday filming for the much-anticipated "Indiana Jones" movie will begin next year and he promised it will be "the best one yet."JGLucas said he and director Steven Spielberg recently finalized the script, which stars Harrison Ford, who appeared in the three earlier flicks.
"It's going to be fantastic. It's going to be the best one yet," the 62-year-old filmmaker said during an interview at the Beverly Wilshire hotel where he took a break from his duties as grand marshal for the Rose Parade.
Exact film locations have not been decided yet, but Lucas said part of the movie will be shot in Los Angeles. The fourth chapter of the "Indiana Jones" saga, which will hit theaters in May 2008, has been in development for over a decade with several screenwriters taking a crack at the script, but it only recently gained momentum.
While Lucas kept mum about the plot, he promised the latest action flick will be a "character piece" that will include "very interesting mysteries."
"I think it's going to be really cool," Lucas said.
posted by Unknown @ 10:41 AM |
Rick on Good Morning America
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Didn't know if you caught Pastor Rick on Good Morning America this week, just saw that it was online as well. Check it out if you're interested in some of his thoughts on organized religions and the outlook for 2007. Here's what he said on Meet the Press last week, too. Oh, and here at the White House Summit on Malaria. Busy week?
JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:30 AM |
Family Service This Weekend at Saddleback
Friday, December 29, 2006
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We're going to have a unique service in big church this weekend at Saddleback, and I'm partially responsible for what happens on stage. Scary, I know. Among the things planned is we're doing "family church" so kids from 1st grade on up will be in the service. Should be cool. We're also playing an edited version of the Jonah video, playing Sit Down If ... and staging a moment where Rick Muchow 'breaks a guitar string' and then runs off stage for a video adventure. Pastor Tom is preaching on the Past, Present and Future which should be inspiring.
Oh, and we're doing a Race This! and using the free New Year's countdown from SYM, too! Should be hilarious ...
JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:42 PM |
Movie Review: Deja Vu
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Just watched what I think might be the undiscovered movie of winter.Deja Vu ... it stars Denzel Washington, Val Kilmer and Hally-Berry-look-a-like Paula Patton. I went to see it with Tony this morning - a nice birthday treat from him. I had never heard of it, and the people I mentioned today seemed confused by the marketing and/or story.
I'm here to clear that up. The movie is great. I don't want to spoil it, since there's plenty of interesting twists and turns in the film. It kind of has a Terminator-CSI-sci-fi kick to it (which sounds bizarre as I read this over again), but it's still grounded in the present day. Honestly, it's now my favorite Denzel film, and a wonderful post-Christmas movie surprise.
It's been out for over a month and finally just broke even for the production costs. That tells you people just aren't going to see it. In fact, we drove 18 miles today to find a theater that was playing it. And I'm suggesting you do the same. A-
JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:39 PM |
Emergency Bell on the Elevator
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We visited some friends in the hospital tonight, and as we were heading out the elevator the kids were messing with the buttons. When the emergency alarm briefly went off, I let them know that was unacceptable and promptly corrected them. A few minutes later it happened again! I was ready to give them a full on scolding, but then realized they were no where near the elevator buttons this time.
The whole time I was leaning on the control panel on the other side and setting off the alarm with my butt. Sheesh.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:37 PM |
New Category on SYM
Thursday, December 28, 2006
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Last week we added an international category to the site, and today we added in a Downloads section to the website. Just click on the main menu and you'll see it there among the normal selections ... sermons, small groups, media, etc ...
Basically, if you want a resource now - you can hit this exclusive category and see what's available for download. Just add it to the cart, buy it and we'll send you the link to grab it immediately. Great for a last minute talk, media illustration or grabbing a outline that fits with where you heart has been preparing. We'll be adding in a bunch of new features to that section in the coming days, but it's alive!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:22 PM |
Movie Review: Open Season
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The movie is pretty straightforward fare - there's a circus performing bear that has a sugar binge through town and gets kicked into the wild. A few side notes appear now and again, but basically afterthoughts to the 90-minute central plotline.The big battle sequence in the final 1/3 of the film is the reason to watch the whole movie, it's a bit of food-fight-mixed-with-Braveheart that has some genuinely funny moments you'll enjoy. But still it lacks the punch and complexity of a Pixar story (A+) and the solid humor and timing of Dreamworks (A-) and often resorts to bodily language humor instead of something humor.
The ending is ultimately unsatisfying, I thought of several alternate endings that would have made a more powerful point then what happens on screen. Maybe the DVD will include one?
Still though, the kids loved it; therefore, so did I. Take the family to the cheap seats or rent it on DVD in a few weeks. B-
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:15 PM |
$1 Theater in Irvine
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Got a chance to get out tonight and enjoy a movie with the kids. Best $14 we ever spent. Wait, how do you take a family of 6 to the theaters and still get a Coke and popcorn?
Since OC ticket prices are over $10 a seat now in the legit theaters, from time to time we enjoy the cheap seats. The movie print has more hair and dirt on it like you had dragged it behind a car for 4 hours, the theater is ridiculously messy and $1 hot dogs are the cheapest tube steaks on the planet. But, it's a great night out, they always have a family movie playing and it's LOUD because everyone else brought their kids, too.
So we fit right in.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:08 PM |
Birthday Gift Roundup
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Had a great birthday. Here's some of the gift highlights:
- Nike racquetball shoes
- Sony HD ear buds for my iPod
- Xbox quick charger
- Water mister
- Ektelon raquetball glove
- $100 cash
- Xbox 360 wireless controller
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:02 PM |
Frozen in Carbonite
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Had a fun idea today ... the kids were pretty excited to get some new Star Wars guys for Christmas but the newness was already wearing off. I decided to put both of the new Han Solo figures in the freezer to recreate the carbonite scene from Empire Strikes Back. This is so much fun - the kids are having so much fun with it!JG
posted by Unknown @ 12:47 PM |
32 ... Not Even Close to 40
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So I've gotten 4 calls this morning with birthday wishes - one of them was from the birthday police, and the other 3 all referenced me being close enough to 40 to consider early retirement and/or stronger health insurance because of my age.
For the record, the age of 32 officially rounds down to 30, it doesn't round up to 40. At least, that's what I'm going to say until 36, when I invent a more detailed equation to still be considered young.
Either way ... thanks for all the birthday love!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 12:26 PM |
I'm in Rainbow 6
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
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Look out world ... here I come.JG
posted by Unknown @ 12:19 PM |
High School Musical
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
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Try to get it out of your head. You can't ...
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:08 PM |
Lazy Tuesday
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This is going to be a journey. Teaching kids how to ride a bike, even with training wheels, is quite difficult. You don't think about it anymore, but all of that coordination doesn't come easy to a 3-year-old. Not to mention them being deathly afraid of cars.
Today was a sweet veg day, just hanging out around the house after returning a few items, breakfast at Denny's and buying Rainbow Six for the 360. I'll enjoy that late tonight with a hot plate of leftovers.
Life is good ... and I just introduced my family to High School Musical Tonight, too. May have been a mistake - I can't get "Get Your Head in the Game" out of my head. Argh!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:00 PM |
An iTunes Run: Volume 3
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Just bought a few more songs on iTunes with my gift card ...
Coldplay - Fix You
Lincoln Brewster - Everlasting God
Michael W. Smith - Oh Lord, You're Beautiful
Christina Aguilera - Hurt
Meant to Live - Switchfoot
JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:51 PM |
Game Review: Call of Duty 3
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Just finished the single player campaign for the Xbox 360's Call of Duty 3. The game definitely has a sharp look to it, and overall the presentation is pretty solid.But I think there's something lacking in the delivery of the game, as it does get repetitive at times and the controls at times can be cumbersome. The Jeep controls terribly, but other risks pay off - setting bombs is interesting and rotating the control sticks to fire mortars and anti-tank cannons shows promise. Unfortunately, there's just not enough variety in the weapons for me to really get into them and a couple times the game was frustratingly difficult and/or buggy if you didn't get it exactly right as the programmer's intended.
Oh, the game is good - worth playing for sure and a step ahead of the original. But still, after playing Gears of War and Rainbow 6, there's something about this formula that is starting to show it's age. B
JG
posted by Unknown @ 12:07 AM |
Great Christmas Gifts
Monday, December 25, 2006
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Got some amazing gifts this year! It was more fun watching the kids and their gifts and all that jazz, but still managed to score some nice stuff.
- Xbox 360 Vision Camera
- Windows Live PC Camera
- $50 to Gamestop - (read: Rainbow 6 for the Xbox 360)
- An amazing whole-house air purifier
- A nice Old Navy shirt
- $50 cash
- A nice engraved knife
posted by Unknown @ 9:25 PM |
Our First Family Christmas
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We didn't get on a plane this year - we aren't driving anywhere for the holidays.In fact, this is the first year we haven't traveled somewhere for the holidays ... well, I guess, ever! This is the real classic Christmas for us - from the red brick fireplace with 4 stockings, a Christmas tree with piles of inexpensive yet thoughtful gifts underneath, bikes for the boys and a play kitchen for the girl.
And yes, in case you're wondering - I put the bikes together myself. I feel it's kinda a rite of passage for a father of boys (read: I'm too cheap to spring for the $25 assembly fee). I just made that up tonight, but I like it ...
Christmas Eve ... actually Christmas Day, now ... 12:45 AM and Santa's getting tired. Merry Christmas from the Griffins!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 12:30 AM |
Saddleback on Fox
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Just finished watching the Saddleback service on Fox - and went to a grand total five of them live this weekend, too. You can catch the service on Fox News all tonight and tomorrow, so be sure to watch for the man in the street videos, because that's me! All 1.335 seconds ... I know, my mom called and told me that was how long I was on national television. How fun ...
Merry Christmas!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 12:20 AM |
Lazy Shepherd
Saturday, December 23, 2006
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From Mariner's Church, just down the road ...
JG
posted by Unknown @ 9:51 PM |
Last Day of the 12 Days of Christmas
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Glad it's over ... if you missed any of the freebies - and there were some REALLY good ones - you can grab them from the sale page and I'll be adding them to the Freebies section in the weeks ahead. Done!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 9:44 PM |
Game Review: Assault Heroes
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Assault Heroes is the new hero of Xbox Live Arcade!It's a fantastic $10 game from Xbox Live arcade that puts you in a little jeep armed with a ton of weapons - you basically defeat hordes of enemies in somewhat of a Smash-TV-meets-Contra -meets-1942-on-wheels. Beat it in one afternoon with the boys, but it's super fun and worth the download. A-
JG
posted by Unknown @ 8:15 PM |
Selling Baby Formula Coupons on eBay?
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We had a baby this year, so we get inundated with junk mail for the little one. My favorite is coupons for baby formula, because we never ever have used them. Typically we just toss them into the trash, but a friend just gave us a heads up - eBay! Apparently, the $7 coupon they send is worth about $5 on eBay ... who knew?
Turning junk mail into cash ... hmmm ... what else have we got around here?
JG
posted by Unknown @ 8:01 PM |
Tag ... Things You Don't Know About Me
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Allison tagged me, so here are 5 things that you may or may not know about me:
- 1) I was once in a movie with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. Far and Away directed by Ron Howard. Pretty cool - on set for a week, met all of them. Tom is short.
- 2) I am the co-owner of the largest Star Wars fansite on the internet. Visit TheForce.Net - 53,000,000 geeks can't be wrong.
- 3) I've been on the Price is Right, won the last challenge, got on stage and kissed Bob Barker on the cheek. True story. He tasted like plastic.
- 4) I had my appendix out my freshman year of college and missed the finals in my biology class. That partially explains the D.
- 5) My biggest coup in life was getting my wife to marry me - the trick was moving fast - we were engaged after 6 months of dating and married 8 months later. Here we are 11 years later ... who knew?
JG
posted by Unknown @ 9:07 AM |
Surviving Christmas
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Good stuff.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 8:18 AM |
Stuff From My Friends Blogs: Volume 12
Friday, December 22, 2006
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It's the weekend, so you can expect a roundup of blog goodies and notable updates from my friends' digital slice of life. Here's the hits and misses since last Friday:
- Natalie is a dancing elf
- Nadim adds 2 new resources to SYM
- Allison has the Best Week Ever
- Kurt is picked as Time's Man of the Year
- Treece does southern food
- Pouge is Home Sweet Home
- Puddles finds a great gag
- Rob still has the mohawk
- If Tony ever becomes a CEO, he's ready
- Jason dabbles in video
- Ask Mike why teens do stupid things
- Johnny turns 31
- Philip learns web text abbreviations
- Tagg lets us know about parents
posted by Unknown @ 11:32 PM |
Saddleback Christmas Services
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Just watched the first of 13 Christmas services at Saddleback. It's going to be SO great to see it on TV! The crowd was so excited and the message was terrific. So many people have heard about Pastor Rick and the church, it'll be awesome they finally get to see it in person and for themselves. Expect a strong message and clear presentation of the Good News.
Merry Christmas!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 7:55 PM |
Movie Review: The Good Shepherd
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Went to The Good Shepherd today and was bored to tears. I'm embarrassed for recommending the movie to the team - and they sure won't let me live that down. And it's not a quick one either - 167 painful minutes. Argh!Who knew the creation of the CIA would be so boring? D-
JG
posted by Unknown @ 5:11 PM |
New Resource Category on SYM
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We got a suggestion this morning from one of our customers to add an international section for some of our non-English resources at Simply Youth Ministry. It sounded like a good idea - so we did it today. Check it out - just click resources and you'll see a new section - international, yeah!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:15 AM |
An iTunes Run: Volume 2
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So I'm pretty excited to be getting these iTunes gift cards for Christmas. I've been wanting to score some music recently, in addition to all of the CDs I rip into the program. Anyhow, if you're looking for something to get me for my birthday next week (yeah, right), you can always give the gift of music.
Here's the next 5 that I boughtsee also: Volume 1
Hillsong United - Came to My Rescue
a-ha - Take On Me
Taylor Hicks - Do I Make You Proud
Kelly Clarkson - Since U Been Gone
Bryan Adams - Everything I Do
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:06 AM |
Google Searches That Lead Here: Volume 22
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As you might have expected, it's time for another list of the Google searches that led here this week. I've taken out many of the redundant ones - Saddleback on Fox was in there a 100 times. Here's the latest since last Friday.
Actual Google searches that led here this week
saddleback on fox
simply youth ministry blog
jesus + christmas + youth +talks
youth ministry christmas quiz
north point community church andy stanley teaching ilife
the office christmas special
obama humour
youth group christmas quiz
mfuge 2007 myspace
simply youth ministries
this is my everything this is my offering lyrics
christmas growth chart
ministers/pastors salaries in central new york
christmas jokes youth group
michael primicerio health insurance texas
xbox 360 outsells ps3
black on xbox 360
catfish graphic myspace
managing money god's way
john snyder wildside saddleback church
reformation generation
video clips on "life without limbs"
mckee laguna beach quit 2006
saddleback community church
how to break the addition to pronography on the internet
why some people dont believe in christmas
polydot printing specialists california
chain car how to
pdym conference promo video
does leland chapman smoke
the giant fish cracken
san diego "best breakfast burrito"
pirate-reality-show
church finder saddleback
flannelgraph asbestos
man on the street interview about the meaning of christmas
blasphemy challenge
free christmas trees for the poor people in rockford
students low-cost chipotle ads draw 18 million viewers
collinsworth family singing
zune media player filled with pronography
high school musical dance routines
ed young sermon manger cross
saddleback hsm interns
Google searches I wish led here
the 18% challenge
what do do when a friend grows a mowhawk
strength will rise
in love with Jeremy Camp
dare and share
discipline to write a book
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:00 AM |
Digg the SYM Podcast
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So we're done with the podcast for the year? What's a guy to do? Well, Edward wrote in and said you could Digg it, for one. You could review it on Pluggd, too. And there's always PodcastAlley! Its always fun to have 3 more usernames and passwords, anyhow, right?
JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:06 AM |
Movie Review: Rocky Balboa
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It's a Rocky movie. And it's the last in a storied line of films. OK, in a great first couple of films, then kinda went-down-hill-from-there line of films. Still though, you have to appreciate Rocky's big screen success, even if you don't full appreciate or resonate with the story.It's a good show - surprisingly thoughtful and emotional, that starts off a bit slowly to set up the characters then makes a strong run to the end. You can almost tell when the real movie starts. At first it felt like the film was going to be a bit too reflective, but it does eventually get away from the flashbacks and the sorrow of losing his wife and in the end while it more then nods to the past some new emotions and storylines emerged. There's some inspirational moments, classic lines and funny quips that make it memorable - though some of the best stuff is in the trailer for sure.
All in all, a feel-good rocky movie that is a solid endcap to a great franchise. B+
JG
posted by Unknown @ 9:52 AM |
Rick on Meet the Press
Thursday, December 21, 2006
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If there's an appearance on TV that I don't want to miss by our pastor it's this weekend's Meet the Press special, "Faith in America." Looks super. Here's some details from Think Progress:
JGThis weekend, NBC will air a special edition of Meet the Press addressing “Faith in America.” The only two guests scheduled are evangelist Rick Warren, author of “Purpose Driven Life,” and Newsweek editor Jon Meacham, author of “American Gospel.” NBC says the two will discuss the questions, “Can religion unite the country for the greater good and what role will God and values play in the 2008 presidential election?”
Though Rick Warren recently invited progressive Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) to speak to his California megachurch, Warren’s position on cultural issues skews far-right:
Warren is entirely orthodox when it comes to the culture wars: Like other evangelicals, he opposes abortion, gay marriage, stem-cell research, human cloning, and euthanasia. What’s more, on the eve of last year’s Presidential election, he wrote that those five moral issues are “nonnegotiable” and “not even debatable.” Leaving no doubt about his political leanings — Bush allied himself with evangelicals on all those issues — Warren urged pastors to “encourage every Christian you know to vote” and “pray for godly leaders to be elected.”
posted by Unknown @ 11:21 PM |
An iTunes Run
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So I got a $25 giftcard to iTunes for helping host the Christmas staff party - what were the first songs I purchased on the new computer immediately after redeeming the card?
First 5 songs I purchased? Easy!Hmmm ... looking at this, I think I'm listening to a little too much Ryan Seacrest Top 40. Maybe the next 5 will branch out a bit more? I'll keep you posted - please comment me some recommendations!
Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
Avril Lavigne - Keep Holding On
JoJo - Too Little, Too Late
Rascal Flats - Life is a Highway
Rascal Flats - What Hurts the Most
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:09 PM |
Rob Has a Mohawk
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Usually I would save this for my "Stuff from My Friend's Blogs" post at the end of the week, but this one is so priceless I can't resist posting it early. Rob has a Mohawk. Love it!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:06 PM |
Movie Review: Over the Hedge
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Just watched Over the Hedge with the kids - it's not a Pixar film for sure, but it's really fun.
The kids loved it, and althought the storyline and humor isn't as complex as we might like to appreciate as adults, it's a fun film for the whole family. Pretty straightforward stuff, solid animation and some definitely laugh-out-loud moments.
If you didn't see it in the theater, consider planning a Christmas family night during the slow week ahead.
Good stuff! B+
JG
posted by Unknown @ 8:11 PM |
The New Computer
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Yes ... it's here, just in time for the holidays. Not, it's not a Mac, but it is a HUGE upgrade from what I had previously. Now the challenge of getting all the software like I like it and all the settings right. SUCH an imporovement ... and the good news is that they recovered most of the data from the hard drive, too.
Computer life is looking up!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 4:15 PM |
1,000 Posts and Counting
SimplyJosh.com has now moved to DownloadYouthMinistry.com - follow this link to visit the new site with new posts everyday!
Crossed 1,000 posts this week on ye ol' blog. Haven't figured out exactly how to celebrate the milestone, but for now, there's tons of old posts in the archives (links by month in the right-hand side of this page) that you might want to check out as you dink around work today. Yeah!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 1:28 PM |
Life is Too Short to Use Toothpaste You Don't Like
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Somewhere in the past 10 years of marriage, I must have liked green gel toothpaste.At least, that's what my wife thought. Maybe I changed my mind, or maybe I never did like it in the first place but we somehow ended up buying it again each time we ran low. So this morning, I threw out all of the AIM and bought some cinnamon Crest for a changeup.
Life is too short to use toothpaste you don't like.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 9:26 AM |
Man on the Street: Where Do You Want to See Peace?
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
SimplyJosh.com has now moved to DownloadYouthMinistry.com - follow this link to visit the new site with new posts everyday!
3 of 3 man on the street question videos we made for church this weekend. Here's the first one and here's the second, too.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:22 PM |
People on the Blog Right Now: Volume 7
SimplyJosh.com has now moved to DownloadYouthMinistry.com - follow this link to visit the new site with new posts everyday!
Here's an international-flavored People on the Blog right now. I'll list all of the cities outside of the US that have kicked back with us on the site today.
Cities (non-US) where people visited from todayJG
Canada
Markham, Thunder Bay, Boonsville, MooseJaw, Saskatoon, Halifax, Newport Corner, Aylmer, Winnipeg, Hunter River
UK
Gloucester, Eccles, London, Havant, Harbury
Australia
Applecross, Westmead, Holgate
Egypt
Al Azbakiyah
Greece
Athens
Korea
Seoul
Denmark
Copenhagen
Singapore
(no data)
posted by Unknown @ 10:55 PM |
Flushless Toilets: Are They Safe?
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So in the new student ministry offices there's several new flushless toilets. Is this even sanitary? Inquiring minds want to know, and I turned to some TreeHuggers for help. Here's a clip of the process:For those not familiar with the fascinating world of urinal technology: "Conventional urinals use at least three liters of water per flush (about a gallon), whereas flushless urinals need neither water nor a flushing system [...] Special glazes give sanitary-ware urinals a pore-free surface, while urinals made of synthetic material have a long-lasting gel coating that repels liquids. The urine flows off the smooth surface of the urinal into a siphon. [...]JG
The siphon contains a liquid sealant that has a specific density that is lighter-than-water. This floats to the top, allowing the urine to flow through it and away, taking any odors with it. The liquid sealant remains in the siphon. Flushless urinals have no joints or cracks in which bacteria can colonize. The special surface repels most liquids and impurities. Cleaning therefore involves less cost and effort than with conventional systems, and strong toilet cleaners are unnecessary."
posted by Unknown @ 4:50 PM |
Man on the Street: What Are You Celebrating This Christmas?
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2 of 3 man on the street question videos we made for church this weekend. Here's the first one here.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 12:12 PM |
Best. Gift. Ever.
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Taffy gave us 50 lbs of Phillipino rice for Christmas. Here's a shot of it under the tree. Perfect!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 12:01 PM |
The Blasphemy Challenge
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This is interesting. They're all over YouTube, too. It would be interesting to see someone start the "I believe" campaign on YouTube and see how that spread, too. Honestly, the stories are pretty powerful ...
JG
posted by Unknown @ 12:47 AM |
Will it Blend?
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The iPod.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 12:41 AM |
Happy New Year Race This!
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One of the most popular new products at SYM this Fall has been Race This!, and interactive dot race style game to play in youth ministries. Today for the 12 Days of Christmas, we've got an exclusive NEW Race This available for free to download as well.
Enjoy it and use it to bring in the New Year!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 12:36 AM |
Damage
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
SimplyJosh.com has now moved to DownloadYouthMinistry.com - follow this link to visit the new site with new posts everyday!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 6:05 PM |
Free Winter Motion Backgrounds
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Did you grab the 2 Free Motion Backgrounds from the 12 Days of Christmas at SYM? Do it! The red one reminds me of Starbucks ...
JG
posted by Unknown @ 1:49 PM |
A Google for Podcasts
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Just reading in Wired about what they're calling the Google of the podcast world - it's called Pluggd and you've got to check out the demo of the HearHere technology. It's amazing. Wow, seriously impressed.JG
posted by Unknown @ 1:31 PM |
So Much for Selling My Car ...
SimplyJosh.com has now moved to DownloadYouthMinistry.com - follow this link to visit the new site with new posts everyday!
Wondering why there hasn't been a blog update this morning?
Well, aside from having back-to-back breakfast and lunch meetings, a lady did a U-turn right into oncoming traffic today and got hit. I was the oncoming traffic - pictures forthcoming.
Fortunately no one was hurt and it was 100% her fault, but still an inconvenience. And so much for selling the car ... shoot.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 1:17 PM |
Saddleback Christmas on Fox: Show Times
Monday, December 18, 2006
SimplyJosh.com has now moved to DownloadYouthMinistry.com - follow this link to visit the new site with new posts everyday!
Although these are subject to change, the current schedule is:
December 24, 2006: 8-9pm, 10-11pm ESTOf course, the best thing to do is to check local programming schedules if you want to catch it.
December 25, 2006: 12-1am, 6-7am, 10-11am, 2-3pm EST
NOTE: This is the EST broadcast schedule and actual broadcast times change based on the time zone of the viewer.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 5:12 PM |
ILM and Pirates 2
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A friend just pointed out this fantastic website Industrial Light and Magic put together to showcase some of the work that went into Pirates 2. Pretty cool stuff!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 5:08 PM |
Man on the Street: What Do You Need to be Saved From?
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1 of 3 man on the street question videos we made for church this weekend. I'll post the others after the Christmas special airs on FOX. Fun - I think they turned out nice.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 12:46 PM |
Podcast 37 In the Can
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Just recorded a new podcast this morning, and I've yet to upload a little funny video that Doug and I did while we were in Indy for the upcoming Group conference. Look for both late today or tomorrow morning for sure!
JG
UPDATE: The one from Indy is up!
posted by Unknown @ 11:44 AM |
Do You Need Cable Anymore?
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Wired has a new article on using only broadband for television needs. Is it possible to live in a world without cable? Here's a clip of the results and observations:
JGI downloaded a few programs, signed up for a 16-episode pack of Jon Stewart, and on Nov. 3, the experiment began.
What happened after that was a bit surprising.
Weird. That's the only way to describe the feeling of the first few days. While the social benefits of TV watching are debatable, the experience does bring the family into the same room -- at least physically.
Suddenly, our family was not sitting together in the living room watching television -- except for the occasional DVD movie -- but instead scattered around the house. My wife and I watched our shows on our office computers, and our kids watched theirs on a laptop in the kitchen. Within a few days, the diaspora driven by digital content already made the house seem, well, less homey.
This was all the more surprising because television has never been the center of our family life. Before the experiment began, my wife and I were already watching far less TV than the average household, which analyst firm Nielsen Media Research pegged at over 8 hours per day during the 2005-2006 television season. We'd already begun talking about canceling our cable TV subscription, when Wired News asked me to play guinea pig.
But it became clear that watching content on the same devices on which we did our jobs and home finances robbed us of some intangible benefit. By wanting to watch videos in a central location, I was not in the minority, either, said Joseph Laszlo, research director for Jupiter Research. "The big issue that prevents more people from going completely to the internet is being able to watch their shows on the preferred device -- the TV."
posted by Unknown @ 9:27 AM |
The Church Office: Episode 2
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Just put up another freebie at SYM last night for the 12 Days of Christmas. Today we're giving away The Church Office, a parody of youth workers and NBC's The Office. Enjoy it and pick up some resources while you're there, too!JG
posted by Unknown @ 8:27 AM |
Yul Wins Survivor
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Yul won the latest season of Survivor last night - and honestly, I couldn't be more pleased. He was an amazing strategist, very well spoken and represented the Asian community well. Although, in the end, very little was even played as far as race goes (except the bookends of the show) since the majority of it was Survivor and that was a little twist to get people into the season and/or boost the ratings.Next season, one tribe lives in luxury while another has to just survive on nothing. You know I'll be there for that one!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 8:24 AM |
iPod Vending Machine
Sunday, December 17, 2006
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Insert credit card. It drops out a $300 iPod. I swear soon you'll be able to buy the keys to a car this way and drive off. Now wait a minute ... there's an idea ...JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:09 PM |
Visit to Grace Community Church
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Visited some friends up in LA today, and stopped by Grace Community Church for the end of the service with John MacArthur. You can probably listen to the message in the coming week right here if you're interested. Good times!JG
posted by Unknown @ 1:05 PM |
Accident
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Spent the better part of tonight very unexpectantly at the hospital with some friends that were in a pretty bad car accident tonight. Mother and son were discharged, but the dad is going to be in a while with some pretty serious stuff. Pray for them if you would ...
JG
posted by Unknown @ 1:31 AM |
Stuff From My Friend's Blogs: Volume 11
Saturday, December 16, 2006
SimplyJosh.com has now moved to DownloadYouthMinistry.com - follow this link to visit the new site with new posts everyday!
Every weekend you can rest assured I'll visit all of my friends' blogs and report back on some of the good stuff you might have missed. There's some worth reading daily, you should check them out. Anyhow, here's the notables:
- Nadim's baby is crawling
- Allison is addicted to Veronica Mars
- Josh gets us in to WSOPC
- Kurt's daughter is in his ministry
- Puddles loves the new Texas Stadium
- Ken copes with tragedy
- Adam loves commercials from the 80's
- Johnny laments Wednesday night TV
- Courtney brought Barf Dip
- Dodgeball broken ankle from Chris
- Good death preparation advice from Lyndale
posted by Unknown @ 12:16 PM |
12 Days of Christmas: Day 4
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JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:48 AM |
Gifts for a New Youth Worker
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I got an email this week from a friend who was looking to gift his son-in-law with a few youth pastor gifts this Christmas. Here's what I sent him, in case there's a special youth worker in your life that could use a nice gift here's some ideas.
Good to hear from you man … here’s what I would do.JG
Click here to visit the store
then I would start with some of the basics
First 2 Years in Youth Ministry
Purpose Driven Youth Ministry
What Matters Most
Living on Purpose
Youth Worker Training on the Go
The Youth Builder
PDYM Training Kit
Help! I’m a Volunteer Youth Worker
PS: Use the promo code tendollars in the checkout and get $10 off, too!
posted by Unknown @ 8:08 AM |
Google Searches That Lead Here: Volume 21
Friday, December 15, 2006
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Right on time this week is a roundup of some of the newer searches that led to this space on the web this week. Love it ...
Google searches that led here this week
josh bernoff blog
world series of pop culture
saddleback christmas service
christmas is a time to love lyrics
2006 email contact church pastors in holland
christmas talks for youth
deal or no deal sermon series
fox saddleback broadcast
erik thornton starbucks
youth growth chart
christmas youth group film
jessica alba au mtv movie awards transparence
ryan meeks seahawks
lifehurtsgodheals
why people dont believe in christmas
short christmas talks for youth
shamu show on tape
orange county chopper surprise season finale
christmas is a time to love
download pirates 2 picture of sparrow attacking cracken
youth group christmas quiz
deal no deal "biggest winner"
free christmas music downloads
kay warren saddleback's hiv/aids task force
20 reasons you cant believe what you read in an internet profile
are you paying your youth pastor enough
how much margin is in a chic-fil-a product
simply youth ministry 12 days of freebies
ektelon revenge
chocolate hug
if i make them all believe it, maybe i'll believe it too
worldliness #14 - summary - alcohol mp3
ryan jones saddleback church
afterwards reactions on the summit at saddleback church
dennis bellesi
north point community church andy stanley teaching ilife
Google searches I wish led here
putting the fun in fundamentalism
saddlecreek at northpoint
The Fish
Secular music in the church
Zune vs. iPod
All I want for Christmas is to skydive
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:17 PM |
The Journey
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Went to The Journey this week at church. It's a pretty amazing experience and just what I needed this holiday season. Whew ... just me and one of my sons, taking in the story of Christ, with a beautiful message of the gospel woven throughout. The invitation was so clear at the end, and the entire night was powerful. Nice.JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:12 PM |
Gears of War Sells 2M
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Shoot, this thing is exploding. 2 million copies in 6 weeks."We've always held high hopes for Gears of War, but we never expected such an overwhelmingly positive response from critics and gamers all over the world," said Michael Capps, president, Epic Games. "I can't describe how stoked our team is right now. Our fans can absolutely count on Epic to keep delivering new gameplay through Xbox Live."
And from what I hear, that expanded content is going to be free, too ...
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:06 PM |
Santa vs. Jesus
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Forgot to mention - they showed this series of Santa vs. Jesus videos in church a few weeks ago at the start of the Christmas series. You can see where they came from here. Fun.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 2:56 PM |
MC of the Group Conference
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Just finished a major programming and planning meeting here for the GROUP youth ministry conference this Spring in Indianapolis.It's a pretty exciting time, we've got some fun bits, some great stories and a powerful lineup of musicians and speakers. It's going to have more of a conversational sound to the main night general sessions, which I think make it feel different from they typical experience.
Should be fun - I get to MC all 3 nights of the event, with some good friends pulling off videos and in the supporting cast, too.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 2:42 PM |
Managing Your Finances God's Way
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My wife just finished this course that is being offered by our church - she's excited as we start the new year to look at our finances again. We're going to have 1 in private school, so with that comes a new level of expense, so we've got to figure out how to make money stretch a bit more. So far the learnings have been great - if you're looking for money help this New Year, this might be something you consider, too.JG
posted by Unknown @ 2:39 PM |
Finished the Man on the Street
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So we interviewed 29 people for the man on the street videos for Saddleback's Christmas special on Fox. It went really well, we got a good variety of answers to the questions. It as fun having more of a full crew there to shoot, and even had a release for them to sign.
We got turned down a few times for people that weren't interested in being on film (I'm calling it the Borat syndrome) but for the most part the response was better than expected. Be sure to tune in to Fox this Christmas!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 2:26 PM |
Elliot Scores Another PS3
Thursday, December 14, 2006
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Doug Elliot scored another PS3, which he promptly put on eBay.JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:29 AM |
Questions for the Fox Video
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So I got the list of 3 questions I'll be asking during the man on the street style videos we're doing for the Christmas service that'll air on FOX. I just got to look over the outline, and as always I continue to be proud of our pastor - like usual, he's going to be presenting a clear message of the Gospel and the true meaning of Christmas to our congregation.
Here's the 3 questions:
- What are you celebrating this Christmas?
- What do you need to be saved from?
- Where would you like to see peace?
posted by Unknown @ 9:10 AM |
1-Hour Office Christmas Special
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Lest you forget.JG
posted by Unknown @ 8:44 AM |
Sexiest Geek on the Planet
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Once again this year I was snubbed. Shoot!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 8:37 AM |
Christmas Memories 2006
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Fun running around the office getting Christmas memories.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 12:30 AM |
Obama Humor
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
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Political and Funny. Rare combination. This is not an endoresment.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:28 PM |
Advertisements Everywhere
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I'm amazed at where advertising is popping up. Of course, I'm not one to talk too much, because I've got Google ads running all over the place and plenty of love for SimplyYouthMinistry.com here on the blog.
But still, I was surprised to see our local Albertsons put 5 LCD screens in the produce department and on the top of each checkout counter. Then I was at the gas station tonight and they installed LCDs on all 16 pumps. And who could forget the ads over the urinals at places like Red Robin's. What's next?
Nothing is sacred, anymore, it seems ...
JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:53 PM |
Google Searches That Lead Here: Volume 20
SimplyJosh.com has now moved to DownloadYouthMinistry.com - follow this link to visit the new site with new posts everyday!
Every week I track the words that people use in Google to find this blog. With my hard drive crash last week, I missed Friday's episode. So here's volume 20 in the series, which I've edited down to some classics and plenty of fresh key words from the search giant - actually searched with and led to here this week.
Actual Google searches that led here this week
obama on leno
fox news saddleback christmas service
psalty's christmas calamity lyrics
vasectomy
simplyyouthministry pick 6
conversation about tomorrow saddleback church
pastor kerry shook
world series of pop culture recap
race against time saddleback's
vintage t.d. jakes' sermons
divinci innovative sound & bass reviews
martial arts teachers deal with "arrogant student"
grarls barkley who cares
christmas at saddleback
new york times "jamie kirby" cocaine
mike meeks pastor
looks good at first glance proverb
zune commercial
do not believe everything you read
sarti immediate care
mom2mine blogspot
what colleges offer music therapy degrease
bill daily oakley
chickfila wonderbread
craig ginn
confessions of middle schoolers
matt mcgill "rescue me"
christmas quiz youth group
i don't believe in church
jensen "smokes like a chimney"
m-fuge 2007 camp pastors
christian nightclub austin
kabahla
wallingford ct wii boxing
josh peters football
saddleback church christmas service fox news
download hsm dvd extras
steve rutenbar "steve rutenbar"
funny jesus videos
best breakfast burrito
is there anyone that fails? is there anyone that falls?
north point community church +stanley +fraud
alexis irvine cpk
guidepost ravioli
student zone
Google searches I wish led here
Saddleback plain Gospel message
Get a second opinion
spiritual journey Christian
Denny's grand slam
date night
going away party
JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:41 PM |
Vader Dad
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Funny!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:16 PM |
SYM Christmas Lunch
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Today is the Christmas lunch for Simply, we're headed out to get sushi and sodas - it's a balmy 74 degrees outside and it'll be 80 when we get back. Doesn't exactly feel like Christmas outside, but they're playing holiday songs on the radio, so it must be. I don't miss winter, but I do miss a white Christmas.JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:15 AM |
12 Days of Christmas
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JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:02 AM |
Let it Move You
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Mike Lamb sent along this video, a spin-off of the recent Pepsi commercial featuring Jimmy Fallon.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:01 AM |
Videos for the Christmas Special
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
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Oh man! I was just asked to do the "man on the street" interviews for Saddleback's Christmas services on FOX. Oh man!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 9:57 PM |
iTunes is On the Way Out?
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Is it just a bad second half of the year, or is iTunes run over? According to Blomberg, sales are declining. The news comes as I just opened up a delightful $25 gift card to grab new songs this Christmas. Interesting!
Apple Computer Inc.'s iTunes music store suffered a 65 percent slump in sales during the first six months of the year, reversing almost two years of gains, according to a Forrester Research Inc. report.JGThe number of iTunes transactions declined 58 percent between January and June of this year, while transaction size fell 17 percent, the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based market- research firm said today. ITunes spokesman Tom Neumayr said the report is ``simply incorrect.''
``ITunes won't save the music business, or Apple,'' analyst Josh Bernoff wrote in the report.
posted by Unknown @ 9:42 PM |
The Heavenly Westin
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I'm totally impressed with this hotel. Apparently they're not all created equal after all? I'm waking up in Indy today at the downtown Westin and loving it. Here's a rundown of this place:
- The Heavenly Bed
- Scented soaps and shampoos
- Double-nozzle shower head
- The shower has that sweet bend out curtain rod
- Free expensive candy handed to you at check-in
- Within easy walking distance to the convention center
JG
PS: When Andy checked in he tried to use his card the dog ate, which was promptly declined and then kept for security purposes. Priceless!
posted by Unknown @ 6:00 AM |
Wisdom Overheard This Week
Monday, December 11, 2006
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When everyone thinks, "How Great Thou Art," keep reminding yourself, how regular I am.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:19 PM |
Flat Fields is on the Move
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Flat Fields is kickin' it in Texas and in Vegas. Check it out!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 11:17 PM |
Stuff From My Friend's Blogs: Volume 10
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Time for another edition of links to my friends' blogs that are noteworthy this week. Could be funny, could be sad, could be downright odd or disturbing. Enjoy!
- McGill's new journey
- Leigh is in Paris
- Allison gets a new look for her blog
- Kurt wraps up the weekend
- Josh finds names for nameless things
- Lovato's living Christmas tree
- Stephen wonders WWJD?
- Catch Phrase counseling with Puddles
- Peters gets a Wii
- Courtney rates her new office toilet
- Johnny beats his kids
- Tagg thinks kids grow up too fast
posted by Unknown @ 6:35 PM |
I Want to See Apocalypto
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My dad forwarded these comments about Mel Gibson's latest film - which, incidentally, is the #1 film in America this week. I'm interested in seeing this, actually ...
This is my favorite quote from a review about Mel's new film:JG
"The journey is really from pre-history to the pinnacle of Maya civilization, and it is an astonishing sequence, as fully visualized and as rich in pomp and circumstance as the finest old-school Hollywood epics. It just has more severed heads."
"It's a bloodbath, of course, but to say that isn't enough. Scorsese movies can be a bloodbath, but would Scorsese ever show you a man eating the raw testicles of a wild boar within the first five minutes of screen time? And what about the running motif of beating hearts yanked from living bodies? No, for those excesses one can only turn to Mel."
"Mel Gibson may be a lunatic, but he's our lunatic, and while I wouldn't wish him behind the wheel of a car after happy hour or at a B'nai Brith function anytime, behind a camera is another matter."
posted by Unknown @ 6:30 PM |
Fields is in First Class
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A friend of Doug's hooked him up with an upgrade to first class for the trip today. 1) I'm very jealous, and 2) it has become a fantastic teasing opportunity. We're killing him ... this is the best. Andy and I are with the common folk in the back of the plan.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 5:49 PM |
Fields is in First Class
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A friend of Doug's hooked him up with an upgrade to first class for the trip today. 1) I'm very jealous, and 2) it has become a fantastic teasing opportunity. We're killing him ... this is the best. Andy and I are with the common folk in the back of the plane.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 5:49 PM |
If you're reading this ...
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So I'm on an airplane for a quick trip with Fields and Brazel to Indianapolis. The cool thing? If you're reading this, my new blogger feature worked. I'm writing this on my phone and sending it in via email - supposedly it'll republish the blog and you'll see this.
Cool!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 1:23 PM |
Dare and Share
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Tonight in Passion we tried a new exercise I heard about this week. We had folded strips of paper in the back of the auditorium that were called "dares" that people could take on their way out if they wanted to. We only made like 15 of them, and this week they needed to do the dare, then share about it next week. I think it's going to be pretty cool. Here's some of the ideas we used, would love some comments with more!
- Read the Christmas story to a child this week and report back
- Give a meal to homeless person and have a conversation and report back
- Add $10 to a gift you were going to be cheap on and report back
- Buy something for the person in the office you were going to avoid and report back
- Call your parent/loved one you haven't spoken to in a while and report back
JG
posted by Unknown @ 8:41 AM |
Terminator Christmas
Saturday, December 9, 2006
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Oh, wow.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 6:48 PM |
Growth Chart
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This week marks the annual recording of height from last Christmas for the kids. Here's how much they've grown since last year.
Child 1: 4 inches
Child 2: 4 1/4 inches
Child 3: 4 1/2 inches
Newborn: First Christmas, not enough data
A good year for all of them!
JG
posted by Unknown @ 6:32 PM |
The Dog Ate My Credit Card
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The following is a true story:
Guys,
Tonight my dog chewed up my SYM card.
I'm not kidding. They are sending me out a replacement with a new number. The only way to keep my old number was if Doug called to request it (I told them it would be like having George Bush pull us out of Iraq).
I will have the new card on Monday and will supply the new number to anyone that has anything with recurring billing on my card. Please let me know ifthere are any companies I should watch out for.
Thanks,
Andy
JG
posted by Unknown @ 4:47 PM |
J.O.S.H.
Friday, December 8, 2006
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So I was asked to help with some of the on-stage stuff for the staff Christmas party tonight, which sounded like a blast. It was great fun - always cool to giveaway lots of presents and poke fun at the pastors/culture ... everyone has a good sense of humor about the jokes and it seems to play out OK.Well then Pastor Rick got up and poked fun right back tonight. Here's his acrostic to get back at me for some of the shots across his bow. SO funny:
J - Just laugh anyway
O - Overlook the pathetic puns
S - Smile instead of groan
H - Howl even if the jokes aren't funny
I'll get him back next time ... it's just too bad Christmas only comes once a year. :)
JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:58 PM |
Xbox 360 Outsells the PS3 and Wii
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Game Informer posted the numbers of console sales and surprisingly, the PS3 had less than 200,000 units. The Wii's launch was more than a success, but in a bold move - the 360 sold more than both of them. That's the benefit of a console that doesn't have the launch pains - surely PS3 would sell out everywhere if they could just make more of them. Here's a clip:
On the console side, the data reveals 197,000 PlayStation 3 consoles were sold, which is more than half of the promised 400,000 consoles Sony had plan to ship, which backs the news that Sony only shipped 200,000 consoles at launch. Nintendo more than doubled the PS3 numbers and sold 476,000 Wiis. However Microsoft came out on top selling through 511,000 Xbox 360 consoles.JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:49 PM |
Sit Down If ...
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Played this game at the staff Christmas party tonight. Fun stuff, here's some of the thoughts from my first draft, it changed a bit before we went live on stage.
JGSit Down If ...
• If you are wearing a tuxedo
• if you have facial hair (male or female)
• wearing the same dress as Laura Bush
• have not been to San Celemente for a service yet
• if you are on the PEACE team
• if you worked at Mariner’s before coming on staff here
• if you have ever been on a game show
• if you are wearing shorts
• if you brought your mom as a date
• if you've been to ANY STATE EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI in November/December
• if you are engaged to a staff member
• if you've ever posted a video on You Tube
• if you have a MySpace profile
• if you own a PS3 or Wii
• if you've checked email or texted since this party started
• if you have an annual pass to Sea World or Disneyland
• if you are going bald
• if you don't have Christmas decorations up yet
• if you are over 35
• if you are wearing all black
• if your back has more hair then Chewbacca
posted by Unknown @ 10:45 PM |
The "Loaner" Computer
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OK, so since my hard drive crashed late yesterday (seriously, thanks for the many calls, comments, emails and texts of condolences) the IT team hooked me up with a little VAIO to get me through while they do some data recovery and hopefully a new system. It's pretty slick, but very small for such a large man. Kinda funny ... maybe I should buy a Yaris while I'm at it.Anyhow, here's a shot of it, with a bottle of water nearby for size reference. Tiny, eh?
JG
posted by Unknown @ 3:37 PM |
BBQ in Leucadia
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Just finished up the meetings in Leucadia today and came up with 4 or 5 really good ideas on what's next for Simply Youth Ministry. If you want a sneak peak at what's ahead, look for a survey on the community page middle of next week. Don't want to tip too many cards, but we need to do some research to see if you agree where we're headed to help youth workers is really what you need.Here's a shot of the BBQ place we at at for lunch. The atmosphere was great, the food? Well, I'm just glad I had a good breakfast.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 3:31 PM |
Saddleback on FOX
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Like I mentioned earlier, Saddleback's service is going to be played this Christmas on FOX. And here's the cool part, we're working to make the broadcast point people toward a local church. Here's a clip from a letter sent out from Pastors.com today on the subject.
JGDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I want to point people to YOUR church this Christmas Season!
This year the Fox News Network will broadcast Saddleback’s Christmas service on Christmas Eve, and again on Christmas Day. We’ve come up with a plan to use the broadcast to point people to your congregation. As you know, I made the decision 26 years ago not to televise our weekly services in America because I believe in pastors and the priority of the local church. My heart and goal has always been to strengthen you, not to compete with your ministry. As Saddleback has become well-known, I’ve thought a lot about how to use our national platform to serve your churches.
Let me tell you something that happened in India last year. Billy Graham broadcast a nationwide Christmas television program. This program was used by churches in India to start 750,000 small groups representing every state. Churches encouraged their members to start new small groups by inviting their lost friends to their homes to watch the program. Over 4,000,000 Indians recorded decisions for Christ in those 750,000 new small groups!
So when Fox News asked to broadcast our Christmas service, I said yes, thinking we could help direct people to small groups in YOUR church!
Here’s how the plan will work:
1. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Fox News Channel will broadcast “The Purpose of Christmas - From Saddleback Church.” At the end of the broadcast, I’ll invite people to register their spiritual decision or interest in finding a church by going to a website called http://www.thepeaceplan.com/.2. On that site we’re creating a “Church Finder” list of every church in our network that has either 1) completed 40 Days of Purpose or 2) intends to do 40 Days of Purpose in 2007. Your church needs to be on that list so people in your area can find you!
3. People who request follow-up information from the website will give us their name, email, and zip code. Then we’ll send you the names of people in your area who are looking for a church! We’re paying for this. It’s free to you, and other churches in our network.
All you need to do is click here and provide current information on your church so you'll be listed correctly in the Church Finder on our website. Then, enlist some volunteers from your church family to email the folks we forward on to you right after Christmas. I’m really excited about doing this project together, and I pray it will give all of our churches a boost together as we start 2007.
posted by Unknown @ 2:54 PM |
Best. Breakfast Burrito. Ever.
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Just scored a burrito from A's as we head to Leucadia for a SYM Brainstorming Day. We're looking into 2007 to think about what direction we're supposed to go in the future. Off to a good start, for sure!JG
posted by Unknown @ 7:29 AM |
Hard Drive Failure
Thursday, December 7, 2006
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This is a terrible day. My 80GB hard drive just failed on my work laptop. Oh, man.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 4:11 PM |
Lessons to Learn from Yahoo
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Yahoo is going through a restructure right now, attempting to fix what's wrong with the organization. Tony rounded up some of the lessons that are being learned and made some great observations that we should use some of these ideas in the church. Here's a clip, head there for more:- Lack of Focus -- "We lack a focused, cohesive vision for our company. We want to do everything and be everything -- to everyone. We've known this for years, talk about it incessantly, but do nothing to fundamentally address it...I've heard our strategy described as spreading peanut butter across the myriad opportunities that continue to evolve in the online world. The result: a thin layer of investment spread across everything we do and thus we focus on nothing in particular."
- Misalignment with Vision -- "We are separated into silos that far too frequently don't talk to each other. And when we do talk, it isn't to collaborate on a clearly focused strategy, but rather to argue and fight about ownership, strategies and tactics."
- Relying on Outside Hires -- "Our inclination and proclivity to repeatedly hire leaders from outside the company results in disparate visions of what winning looks like."
posted by Unknown @ 11:52 AM |
Stained Glass Masquerade
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I listen to lots of different types of music, and for some reason, this song from Casting Crowns is the one I can't get out of my head. I need to turn the corner and listen to some Christmas carols, but this was on my iPod today and really is powerful.
Is there anyone that failsJG
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feeling so small
Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover
That I don't belong
So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the heart again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them
Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade
Is there anyone who's been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who's traded
In the altar for a stage
The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart
But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be
Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay
posted by Unknown @ 11:47 AM |
McNutt on Biggest Loser Finale
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My new friend Matthew McNutt is going to be on The Biggest Loser LIVE finale this week - just shot us this note, and thought I would share!
Hey guys ...JG
At NYWC, Doug & Josh had told me to remind you all when I was going to be on the Biggest Loser ... well, the live finale is next Wednesday, December 13th, at 8pm on NBC. I'm actually winging my way out to LA tomorrow night!
And, it's been a month and a half since you guys saw me - but I'm still plugging away! I've dropped another xx-xx pounds.Not much of me left! I'm going for a win, but we'll see what happens. Regardless, it's going to be a lot of fun and I would love for all my youth pastor friends out there to tune in and watch!
Heck, it's live TV. Maybe I can slip a "chem" into the conversation and have 20 million viewers scratching their heads! I think I'd get the prize for the most chem exposure!!!
- Matthew McNutt
www.myspace.com/matthewmcnutt
posted by Unknown @ 11:16 AM |
Review of Sneak King
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As you know, Elliott hooked me up with the new Burger King Xbox 360 games for selling his PS3 on eBay this past week. We're saving a couple as Christmas gifts for the kids, but we opened 1 of the 3 titles tonight: Sneak King. Here's my review:
First of all kudos to Burger King for making these games. This is a stroke of genius - I'll fast forward through a BK advertisement on TV, but I'll sit for 2 hours playing the world's longest commercial. Genius! Gamers love cheap games, especially if they're somewhat innovative or counter-cultural, and likewise we love the Double Whopper. Feels already like this is going to be a good time.JG
Secondly, it looks and plays pretty well. This isn't Gears of War or anything like that, but it is a nice-looking game that is pretty addictive. It's fun, even if a little creepy - is it just me or is the King a little, uh, disturbing? Either way, the game is fun to play. Sneaking up on people and giving them a Crossn'wich or BK coffee has never been more fun. Hmmm ... I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.
Finally, the game has achievements, which ever gamer love to accumulate. One of the best parts of the 360's persistent online LIVE status of the console is friends lists, reputation and Gamerscore. Already unlocked 4 achievements, I'll get the rest tonight!
All in all, a innovative tactic to get gamers into BK, get them back to BK and let them have a bit of fun in the meantime. The game looks nice and is fun to play and best of all, it's an easy boost to my Gamerscore. I just hope Taco Bell or Carl's Jr. is lined up next ... because I'll be first in line to get the games!
posted by Unknown @ 11:10 AM |
Behind the Scenes: White and Nerdy
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
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You know how much I loved the music video. Here's a look behind the scenes of his latest groundbreaking work.
JG
posted by Unknown @ 10:03 PM |
