Day 29: The 29-Minute Challenge

DAY 29: THE 29-MINUTE CHALLENGE

It's the final day of the "29-Minute" Challenge! All month our youth group has been reading together through the "One Minute Bible" with the goal of reading at least one minute per day each day of the month. Here's the verse that really got my attention this morning when I read it:

"For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us." ~Isaiah 33:22

A few things come to mind as I reflect on that verse...

The word "judge" causes most people to bristle when they hear it. Either they picture being looked down upon & condemned by others OR they picture having to sit in a courtroom waiting for a verdict they probably won't agree with. But every community loves a good judge who seeks justice for everyone involved. There was a judge in my hometown of Shelbyville when I was growing up named Judge Sanders. He was loved by many in our community because he punished wrongdoing but always gave the wrongdoer a chance to atone for what they did wrong. He was firm and fair, the perfect balance for teenagers looking to genuinely repent of the wrongs they did. Judge Sanders' goal was caring for the victims and the wrongdoers, a true testament to his character.

We tend to dislike the idea that God punishes sin. But if he just sat on the sideline and said, "The heck with it! Do what you want," then how could he be considered a good judge? God punishes sin because it hurts us. It strains our relationship with him and our relationships with each other. God punishes sin because it protects us. That seems kind of weird, but think about it: When you do something wrong & face consequences for it, doesn't that make you less likely to do it again? And doesn't that benefit not only you, but other people, too?

And even when we DO mess up & do something wrong, Jesus doesn't wait there to bring down the hammer on us. He's not the tempter. Satan is. Jesus wants to see us win the temptation, to cheer us on toward doing what's right & helping us get right back up when we fail. He wants to see us grow & learn from our mistakes, just like Judge Sanders did all those years in juvenile court.

God is Judge. Jesus is Judge. The Holy Spirit is Judge. And a good Judge at that. So good to know He's in control regardless of what verdict any court this side of heaven hands down.

What did Jesus say to YOU today?

It's Summer ... So What? (Part 2)

As youth pastors, what are we to do with our summers?
For most of us, the summer is just as busy as the rest of the year, just in a different way
Yet, summertime is also a key time for us and for our ministries
One of the first things we need to be diligent about during the summer is to REST.
So, what else?

PLAN

Let's be honest, it's easy to get lazy during the summer
However, it is so key that we be intentionally and actively planning
Based on how you run your ministry calendar this may be planning for the year or for just the first semester.
In our context our goal during the summer is to plan out these things:

• The overall theme and direction of our ministry for the next year
• Specific series (and lessons to go with those series) for the entire school year
• Retreats & Camps
• Event nights and special events

If you don't aim for anything you don't hit anyting
Aim for something
Find some time and seek God's face asking Him to give you insight and wisdom;
And then start the hard work of planning!

What are you planning for next year?

I Might Need to Get a Few of These!

Tie-Not Water Balloon Filler & Tying Tool

Effortlessly fill and tie water balloons in a matter of seconds.

$9.95 In Stock Item #2886 Calculate Shipping Qty: + Add to Wishlist Think this item is cool? Email a Friend

Overview: The Tie-Not is to water balloon wars what the invention of gun powder was to real wars: a total game-changer. The Tie-Not allows you to fill and tie water balloons in seconds. It's so easy that it almost appears magical. Screw the Tie-Not onto the end of any garden hose and use the orange plunger to control the flow of water into your balloon. Then wrap the balloon around the Tie-Not, thread the neck through the slot, and pull the balloon off the device. It's now tied and ready for battle, and it only took a matter of seconds! The Tie-Not comes with over 100 balloons. Please note that it is designed to fit all standard U.S. garden hoses. All Tie-Not fillers are light blue, but the slotted tool (purple in our photos) comes in various colors. For people who like: gifts for kids, made in the usa, toys, water fun Features & specs: Dimensons: 4" x 4.5" x 1.25" Fill and tie a water balloon in seconds! Fits any standard (U.S.) garden hose Includes over 100 water balloons Made in the USA Instruction manual (what's this?): Download (PDF)

You may also like: Pumponator Balloon Pumping Station $19.95   Apple Tree-to-Be Kit $21.95

Watch our Water Balloon Filler & Tying Tool video

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Makes tying and filling water balloons easy!

The Tie-Not is an ingenious device for quickly and easily filling and tying water balloons. With a little practice, you can create a water balloon in under 5 seconds. This will have a profound and positive impact on your ability to wage a powerful water balloon war.

The Tie-Not makes it fast and easy to fill and tie water balloons.

Use the plunger to fill balloon to desired size

The orange plunger on the top of the Tie-Not controls water flow. Depress it to fill your balloon (over 100 balloons are included with each Tie-Not purchase).

Begin by filling up your balloon using the plunger on the Tie-Not.

Loop balloon around the tool

After the balloon is filled, it will stretch enough so that you can wrap its neck around the tying tool (it's purple in the picture below).

Flip the balloon once over the Tie-Not tying tool.

Thread the end of the balloon through the slot

After you've wrapped the balloon around the tying tool, you'll detach the balloon from the filler and slide it through the slot in the tying tool. The end of the balloon will actually rest in the bottom "pocket" of the tying tool until you're ready to finish the tying process.

Thread the end of your balloon through the slot in the Tie-Not tool.

Quickly pull the balloon to tie it!

The final step is to quickly pull the balloon off the end of the Tie-Not. The balloon is now tied and ready to be thrown at your enemies. The complete tying process takes less than 5 seconds.

In the final step, quickly remove the balloon from the Tie-Not.

Filled and tied in seconds!

The Tie-Not makes filling and tying water balloons child's play. Literally. Kids can learn to use the Tie-Not in a matter of minutes.

The Tie-Not ties a perfect knot in your water balloons.

Includes over 100 balloons to get you started!

Each Tie-Not includes over 100 water balloons so you can start playing immediately! And because you're not having to stretch the ends over a sink faucet or water hose (inevitably leading to holes or tears), every one of these balloons will be usable.

Each Tie-Not includes over one hundred water balloons.

Water balloon wars are fun. Winning them is more fun.

The more ammo you've got, the more havoc you can wreak. With the Tie-Not, you're assured of being able to fill and tie water balloons faster than anyone else. This means you'll be able to pummel friends and enemies with more frequency a la the picture below.

Dominate your water balloon wars with the Tie-Not.

$9.95

http://www.vat19.com/dvds/tie-not-water-balloon-filler-tying-tool.cfm

Stealing Doug's Post and I Don't Care

I realize most of you follow Doug Fields blog, or you should if you don't.  Here is a blatant, stealing copy of his post for the day.  100% of this is Doug Fields writing, I take no credit whatsover.  You can read it at his site as well at www.dougfields.com.  This is rock solid stuff.  How are you doing with this as a leader?

7 ways to VALUE others you work with and/or lead

June 29, 2011 By doug 1 Comment

I had lunch today with a long-term youth ministry friend who is struggling at his church. Long story short, he doesn’t feel valued.Sadly, this friend isn’t alone.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about this concept of value. Value is so very important to the health of individuals and the success of organizations/ministries! It’s been my belief that most people don’t leave ministries, they leave leaders. Typically, they leave leaders who don’t express value.

If you’re a senior pastor, a boss, a ministry leader, someone who oversees volunteers, or simply a human being who wants to be better at valuing others, here are 7 specific ways to value others.

1. Genuinely care for more than what they can offer you and/or your organization
Many leaders view at people as assets. They relate to people in terms of “what they do for me.” While it may be natural and typical for an employee/employer relationship, it’s not beneficial. Value is communicated when you genuinely care for people as human beings and not human doings (and what they can do for you to help you build your kingdom).

2. Give feedback
As a leader, your constructive feedback is vital to an individual feeling valued. Most followers are desperate for validation and they want to be recognized for their contribution. They’ll follow, work and give their heart if they feel like they’re following someone who cares enough about them to give them feedback about their contribution. When you take the time to give specific feedback (even if it’s occasional negative/constructive), you are adding to their personal sense of value. It’s not unusual for a person to work for, serve, volunteer years of service and not get any specific and personal feedback from their “boss”…it’s not unusual, but it’s definitely tragic.

3. Affirm, affirm, affirm
This should go without saying, and unfortunately, many times it does. I know leaders will say, “He knows he’s important to me.” Really? When was the last time you told him? It ought to be often! This is such a basic principle that it’s almost embarrassing to write, but I find it so rare in leaders that it’s worth mentioning and repeating.

4. Take interest in their interests
I have a friend who has worked for and traveled with his boss for several years and his boss never asks him personal questions. My friend said, “You’ve asked me more about myself during this lunch than he’s (my boss) asked me in 5 years.” Sad. If I know you’re interested in me, and I know you care (see #1), then I know that I’m more than a pawn in your strategy to move forward. Your interest beyond “the job” communicates value.

5. Do the “little things”
The people who work for and/or serve you (or your ministry) have real lives outside of the “job”. When you acknowledge that reality you communicate value. It’s the little things that send a big message: a card on their birthday, remembering their kids’ names, sending the spouse a gift (flowers or gift certificate) when you’ve asked ‘above and beyond’ from their spouse, an invite to share a meal with no-agenda, an occasional “I appreciate you” letter/gift, etc… Little actions are a big deal!

6. Give them access to your life
All of these ideas communicate something more than an employer/employee relationship. Typically, those who follow you, if they feel cared for by you will also want to spend time with you away from the office/ministry. When you do life with others and invite them into “your world” you once again communicate that life is more than simply working on “your agenda.” Whether it’s sharing meals together, going jogging together, watching TV or sporting events together…the key word is “together” and it screams, “I value you and our relationship.”

7. Make efforts to maximize strengths
Great leaders are always looking to develop others. Selfish leaders look to people to better develop, enhance or promote themselves. You make a huge statement of value when you seek to maximize the skills, gifting and strengths of the individual you are leading. The spoken and unspoken question is, “How can I help you maximize your gifts so you’re most satisfied?” The answer to that question may lead to a place where you lose that person’s service to you. While that reality may not be the best result for you, it’s the best for the individual—and that’s the essence of value.

Many leaders are self-focused.
Many leaders use people.
Many leaders build their kingdom at the expense of others.

Don’t be that type of leader!
Value others and enjoy the benefits of being around people who feel valuable.
Don’t just say you value others—show it!

Pass this on! Everyone can use a little help here. I know people who are dying for value!

What do you think? Thoughts? Comments? Corrections? Questions?

It's Summer ... so what?

As much as I love summer
I've got to admit, I also dread summer
It seems like all summer I walk this tight rope of having way too much going on and wanting to just stop and do nothing
So, as a youth pastor, what should we be doing with our summers?
Over the last few years I've tried to settle into a pattern to make the most of my summers.

REST

This is so key; and it's one that I struggle with (as evidenced by the fact I've already touched on it before - check it out)
Throughout the school year we run so hard.
Writing lessons, teaching lessons, running youth group stuff, connecting with students and leaders
The reality is that the summer is no different.
It seems as if the trips, camps and activities are never-ending.

Guess what ...
They aren't that important
No, really!
All the stuff you've got going on this summer IS important
But it's not THAT important
You need to stop
You need to cancel something
Go hang out at home
Make a dumb memory with your kids
Be intentional about creating space for rest
Model for your students and for your family what it means to just slow down.

This summer if you haven't found time to rest yet
Do it now
Create the space to rest, and know that Jesus will meet you in that place.

Family and Technology

A new Barna Group study titled "How Technology is Influencing Families.

Main points of the article:

1. Parents are just as dependent on technology as are teens and tweens.

2. Most family members, even parents, feel that technology has been a positive influence on their families.

3. Very few adults or youth take substantial breaks from technology.

4. Families experience conflict about technology, but not in predictable ways.

5. Few families have experienced—or expect—churches to address technology.

Here is the link, check it out!

http://www.barna.org/family-kids-articles/488-how-technology-is-influencing-families

Need Leaders? Roll the Dice and Let God Pick 'Em! (new blog post)

This morning I was reading in 1 Chronicles 24 and 25. (How's that for a devo throw down?  I read Chronicles, what do you read?  John?  Pssshhh!)  Anyway, David is appointing the pastors for the Temple, and this weird little detail creeps in.  When they are choosing who will do what, they don't use a personality test, check for who has the degree from the best seminary, or even ask who has the most experience.  They cast lots for all of it.  You know about casting lots, it's the Biblical roll of the dice.  They put the whole thing back in God's lap in a way that risks it all.  Either God controls the roll of the lots, or the Temple will be a mess. 

I'm not advocating tossing dice as leadership development.  But, what is our equivalent?  When we need to provide leadership to one of our ministries, how much do we take on ourselves, and simply ask God to bless it after we make the decision?  How could we change our methods so that we HAVE to depend on God to show up, or we will be dead?  No, seriously, what would that look like?  How would we "cast lots" to find out who to place where in our ministries?

I'm not sure I have answers, but I am going to think on it.  I'd love to hear what all of you think might work.