Great Caesar's Ghost!

Last night was a great time! Kudos to everyone who dressed up for "Who I Am Not" night! Everyone looked smashing! It was great to see what all of you decided to pretend to be for a night. It really helped with the discussion of Romans 12:2- And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Who we are not is we are not of this world, meaning that we are not the same as the people in it- we are to be set apart (the meaning of the word "holy") and marked as God's people. We are to be non-conformists, being transformed constantly by the renewing of our minds, and this is done by getting more and more into the Bible, and drawing closer to the Lord in prayer.

It was a lot of fun going to the drive-in, too! Superman Returns was a good movie, and it had a lot of truth in it. There are people in this world that don't think it needs a Savior, when in reality it needs one desperately. Our Savior will always be there to save us, and He (in contrast to Superman) is invincible. How awesome that nothing can stop him- not Satan (Lex Luthor... sounds a bit like "Lucifer", eh?), not our disbelief (hey, I can not believe that Germany exists, but that doesn't stop it from being there), and certainly not Kryptonite! It means that we serve Someone Who is the ultimate Superman!

Next week, we are going to spend some more time working on the sketch, as well as having the spiritual birthday party for Caitlin! Come ready for some fun!

News Flash

As Melissa, Lizzy and Caitlin head off for camp tomorrow, I am taking this moment to share some exciting news. We have a new sister in our spiritual family! Caitlin gave her heart to the Lord the other day, and just shared it with me this morning! It's said that the angels in Heaven rejoice when a new believer is added to our number, so Caitlin kickstarted a party in Heaven! Next week (not this week) we will be having a spiritual birthday party for Caitlin! Have a great time at camp, girls! I hope that the Lord speaks to each of you in new and awesome ways; that this is a crossroads of your life, and that you all come back changed in some way, seeking more of Him.

As for the rest of us, don't forget to come dressed up as someone else for Wednesday night! It will be something fun! We might play Freeze Tag again if there are enough people, but if not, we've got other games. Also, don't forget to ask permission from your parents for the drive-in! We'll be seeing Superman Returns, the cost will be about $2/each (I'll cover the difference), and we might be using the Boettchers' pickup. Bring drinks, snacks, jackets (not that you'll need them, but j/i/c), and camping chairs if you have them! See you all on Wednesday!!

Sidewalks and Roadways

I was glad to see that people were willing to try the sidewalk art idea! I thought it was a lot of fun, just making a picture without any stipulations or guidelines other than being "youth group friendly". It fit in really well with the whole idea of being God's workmanship- how He knows everything He put into us, the time it takes, what we mean to Him, and the beauty we give to the world. Everyone did such a great job!

We also had a great first read through for the sketch! Things will be changing a little bit (not a whole lot- just another character and a little edit for Jesus' lines), but we will have a great time with it! I hope everyone has a great week, and try and get some of the lines memorized! I'd like to continue the people in the roles they read on Wednesday: Kenzie as Jamie, Melissa as Leslee, me as Annette, Lizzy as Kayla, Matt as Tony, and SamBob as Jesus... no worries, Caitlin! I'm working a role up for you, and hopefully it will be ready Wednesday! I'll also try and get the slideshow up for everyone to see and give input about, so see you all then!!

A Work of Art

This last meeting was pretty fun! I am totally stoked about getting us into more drama games as time goes on. Story can be a lot of fun, and if we can make that one work, DVD, Goon River, Blindlines, and some of the other ones I have up my sleeve will be awesome! Thanks for being willing to try something new!

This next week, we are focusing on Ephesians 2:10, specifically that we are God's workmanship. If you've ever made something out of clay, blocks, or created anything period, you know what went into every part of it. You know each line, each curve, how much material was needed, and how long it took you to do. In the same way, we are God's workmanship, His works of art- just like a mountain, a river, a flower and a sunset. He knows everything about us- the way we think, how many hairs are on our heads (or falling out of our heads >.<), and how long we will be on this planet to do the job He called us to. We'll talk more about that on Wednesday, and bring the scripts so we can get some practice going on the sketch!!

I Can Do All Things Through Christ

Last week, we talked about being God's untouchables... how awesome is it that Satan can try all that he wants to mess with you, but you are protected by God and His power? Things can and most likely will go wrong sometimes in your lives, but God has your back. It reminds me of my friends Mike and Zach. Mike and Zach enlisted together in the military, but shortly into basic, Mike was sent out because of medical issues. Zach went on to become an MP in Iraq, and one day he went out on patrol in the place of another guy. His friend had been hit earlier that week and had trouble hearing, as well as having just become a father, so Zach took his place. On the patrol, an IED (Impromptu Explosive Device) went off under his Hummer, and he was sent through the air. All he could think of was "God, help me!", and God did. A blast that well could have killed him took half of his leg and left damage on his wrist, neck and other places. God took what Satan invariably meant for harm and worked it for the good, showing Zach that he was being protected. For Mike, God kept him from going over there and being hurt or killed by using a medical condition that Satan would have used for harm. For Zach, God spared his life and showed him that each day truly is a gift.

Right in line with that, tonight's discussion will be on Philippians 4:13- "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." What all does that mean? What does it mean to me and you? We'll look into it tonight! Sometime very soon we will have to go to a movie, so I'll let everyone know when, where and how much! See you tonight!!!