We have come a long way...

Last night was a great night hanging out with friends. We first went to Gameworks and played tons of video games together, but it didn't end there. We all went back to our hotel rooms and grabbed our computers to hang out some more.

I realize all the time that I don't know near enough about technology. This proved it!! It was a tech class just for me. Funny thing is, I still am way behind. All I can say is...we have come a long way. This internet thing might be taking off. =0) This was a picture of what the RAND Corporation (1954) thought the home computer would look like in 2004. Too Funny!!

Crowder version...

A little better, huh?

Jesus is my friend...

Part of our day we were sharing funny videos or stories and this video was shared with our team. It was funny enough that I thought I should share with my friends...





Also, today a great time with our leadership team today. We evaluated events as well as planned for our future together. Our new slogan will be www.iycm.com, "on the journey together". Having friendships and ministry partners is absolutely priceless!

I don't know why anyone would want to do it alone!

Leadership Council...

Wow, this has been a crazy weekend! I had a great time traveling with the family and speaking in Odin, IL. Again, it's amazing to see all the different cultures as I travel the state. So far I have found around 4. People leaving with in a couple hours proximity and their lives are led so different. Odin was definitely a traditional style church who truly has a passion for the lost. God gave me a word on reaching people close to you. Not targeting a certain age, but to begin reaching the people close to them. It's hard to ask a gray hair to reach a teenager, but they have to start somewhere.

Today I am in rainy Schaumburg, IL. I am here meeting with some great youth pastors and talking about the future of our ministries. I know it will prove to be productive time as well as a great time to be there for each other!! Having friends join you for the journey! It doesn't get any better than that!

Familiar sight...

It seems like this has become a familiar sight for me to look at, a hotel room. Sometimes alone, while others (like today), with the family. I have heard of people talking about homes away from home, but I don't think I'll ever look at a hotel room that way. Nothing could ever replace being at home.

What this does, however, is helps me appreciate home more. It helps me long for the nights I get to spend in my own bed! The time I get to share with the family! I always want to remember the blessings of home and family. I pray it's something we ALL never forget!!

Just relax...

Have you ever seen a picture and thought that it resembled you or how you feel?

Yesterday I had a great conversation with a friend of mine. The truth be told, I have been on the road a tremendous amount of late. As always, the one's closest to you pay the biggest price. Anyway, at the end of our conversation he said, "I'm just thinking of your family, don't over do it". So, once I hung up the phone, I began to evaluate. Am I sacrificing my family for the sake of work? We all know that the work never completely gets done.

On another note, I went home after work and was hugging and loving on my kids. My daughter Karyssa had tears in her eyes because she found out that daddy was leaving again. Some things I can't change, however, this one I can. Of course, the person I contacted to cancel was the most understanding person in the world.

Tonight just became date night. Just me and the family!! We should all probably do more of this, huh?

For now, just relax!!

We're going to need more monkeys...

I have been sitting here in my office getting caught up before I begin traveling again (tomorrow). I have finally completed getting everything in order!

So, since I was finally able to stop and breathe, I thought I would catch up on reading the blogs of people who are closest to me. I have to admit, it hit me that while I was reading blogs and beginning to update this one, I was also twittering (microblog - will blog about a different day) with those who follow me. Seemed so ironic that community means something so much different than it used to. I certainly hope that this never replaces the personal time we purpose to spend with people. When I think of life's greatest memories, it always includes people more than events. Isn't that the way it should be? Although, I love staying connected so easily now!!

I can't believe...

I can't believe what some people are made to live through. I had a friend of mine send some pictures of the damage done by Hurricane Ike. Absolutely unbelievable!

As you can see in the pictures (click on picture to see full size), areas were demolished. I try to imagine how I would respond to the tragedy and loss that these people have endured, but seem to come up empty. I don't think I could ever truly understand without experiencing it myself.

I can say this, we need to pray that this situation can give each of us the opportunity to help. To try and make a difference in these families lives. To look beyond ourselves so they can see God's love for them through us. Remember to keep these families in prayer. The storm has passed, but for some, it's just the beginning!

Third world country...

I was in a small town this weekend on the Iowa border speaking. The name of the town is Warsaw. The picture below are pics in Warsaw right beside the Mississippi River. It was a fun morning.

On another note, I was certainly an eye opener. I thought I lived in a small town (Carlinville, IL). There is one thing that traveling does for someone, it opens your eyes to what it is like in so many different regions.

I was twittering (an online microblog) and wrote that I was leaving Warsaw, then added I think it is a third world country. Now, we all know that is neither true, nor do I want people to think I didn't like the town. It's just different. Just like someone coming to Carlinville could feel the same. Believe me!! =0)

Right now I'm just thankful for the opportunity to meet new people all the time and speak into their lives. I hope I always speak the right things!

Neue...

Neue is the new relevant for ministry leaders. I started my subscription and really look forward to seeing the new format as well as the new material. If you haven't checked it out yet, google it and give it a gander.

It's pretty cool that one of our own, Scott Hodges, has been asked to do some writing and blogging for them.

For us ministry leaders, is there anything more important than learning how to minister to our churches more effectively?

Starbucks in the GPS...

Driving down the road, yet again, I decided that I needed some caffeine and a chance to follow up with some emails. I punch in Starbucks on my GPS only to be led to the closest Panera. Seems odd? Something is certainly not right about this. I wonder how this could happen in the first place.

Anyway, I've sat down to catch up and relax for just a few minutes. After a speeding ticket last night and almost being ran off the road twice today, I am wondering if I have planned my schedule wrong...oh well, I am sitting down enjoying a quad shot latte!

After another banquet, I'll head home for a couple days. I am speaking in Warsaw, IL this Sunday so my short break from driving will only last around 36 hours. I'll take what I can get!

Dedicated...

In my traveling this week, I came across this sign and crashed plane. It struck me funny that someone would take the time and money necessary to make this happen. The cost to purchase and transport a crashed plane; then, have it set up as if it could have crashed there. The purchasing and installation of the sign being put in place. It all seems like a lot of work and money for something most people will never see. It's hidden on one of the back roads of IL that I just happened to be traveling.

I wonder how many times I haven't taken the time to give proper respect to something or someone? I think today was a life lesson for me. It never seems to fail, that everyday life is a classroom if I pay close enough attention.

Of course, with the crash in the stock market, I also pray it's something that everyone's investments live through!

Chicago Cubs!!!!!!!!!

I just have to take a moment today and give tons of praise and credit to Carlos Zambrano of the Chicago Cubs! To be able to pitch a no-hitter in today's field of players is remarkable; let alone knowing it's the hottest team in the National League since the All-Star break.

I have been a Cubs fan since I was 6 years old! Although our ability to follow our favorite teams has changed, my loyalty has not! I can remember running home from school every spring and fall just to try and catch the end of the their games on WGN. It was one of the few channels you could get without cable! Of course, this was before night baseball at Wrigley!

Now, times sure have changed!! I follow the Cubbies on my iphone for pretty much every game they play. I can see the game pitch for pitch in the palm of my hand. Here I was driving from a Northern Region Banquet to another night in a hotel, watching my favorite team play a great game of baseball! So, although times change, I'll be a Cubbies fan til the end.

Isn't a hundred years long enough!!!!

NFL...

It seems strange that the NFL season has started and this is the first time I've mentioned it. I guess it's because today will be the first day I'll be able to watch a couple games.

I am definitely a Indianapolis Colts fan and hoping they turn it all around. They had a tough game against the Chicago Bears last week. Of course, it was Peyton's first game to be taking snaps. I am sure they will turn the corner and race towards the playoffs.

This also allows me to kick some tail in Fantasy Football too! That's always fun.

The devil...

I have to admit, traveling can sure do a person in. It would be pretty easy to forget about discipline and eat whatever you want any time you want...as long as it's in the budget. =0)

"Discipline", now that's almost a cuss word at times. I normally enjoy going for a nice jog, however, I can't say that I feel the same way about treadmills. Being completely transparent, I think they were invented to benefit people, but at times seem like the devil himself.

Running has never came hard for me. Tonight, not so. It seemed like I could barely run 3.5 miles. When in reality, I should be able to run 5 or 6. If I'm not careful, one day I'll be singing a Chris Farley song. Yeah, that's right, "Fat guy in a little coat"!! Just kidding!

I have started this trip with the desire to have an encounter with God. This is probably part of that journey. That I would realize that discipline is the basics of worship. Pray I keep after it!

Camp...

It's been great meeting with the camp commitee today. It is a relief to know that there's a group of leaders that love camp and the students as much as I do. Let me tell you, that's a lot.

We discussed a lot of the basics of camp and how to make them better. Whether it be the administration or activities, each one of us are truly invested to see the largest amount of life change as possible.

It's a pleasure to call all these guys friends!! I know this for sure, our summer camps are going to become some of the best in the country. Maybe you have a comment about camp. Leave a comment and we'll be sure to dialogue about it. It's all for the camper and the lives being changed forever.

I want an encounter...

I looked online to find a picture that would communicate my heart and desire for a real encounter with God.

I think of memories that we constantly have as we pursue Christ. I even think that sometimes we try to survive on what He has done in our lives in the past. Maybe I'm speaking to myself today. As you can see in the picture, she also has fond memories of her past. What about memories for today?

I am preparing to go on a week long trip to plan camps for 2009, evaluate much needed changes, and also meet with other pastors across the northern part of IL to decide our future leadership members. It should be a great time together. While on this trip, I am also seeking a divine encounter with God alone! Lord, let me experience you in a real and vibrant way!! A memory that will last forever and may all who read this experience the same.

Birthday wishes...

I write this blog today not to let everyone know it's my birthday, but to comment on what kind of day it has been.

Now, I'm not sure what everyone else likes to do on their birthday's, but I think personal birthday's should be personal holiday's. A day that you are not expected to do anything!! Let alone be in budget approval meetings or making other work arrangements from the office.

I certainly would have enjoyed being on the golf course thinking about absolutely nothing instead. Then to top it off, a quiet night at home with the family. Does someone have some cheese to go along with my "whine"?

It wasn't all bad. I had a student from my last youth ministry send me a text saying, "don't look at today as another year closer to death, but as another year wiser and more experienced in the field of life...". Too funny!! He said it wasn't even out of a Hallmark card either.

Anyway, all in all a good day. I'm still as feisty as ever...I think? They say the mind is the first thing to go. =0)

Back in the saddle again...

Well, I'm not sure I thought I would have ever said this, "I'm finally back in the office"!

Travel has become a necessity of my job, so the times I have at home are becoming more and more appreciated. If I eat out one more time, I think I am going to go nuts. It's hard to stay disciplined too when you are gone all the time.

Well, three weeks into it (weight watchers), I have lost only 5 pounds. Big whoop, right!!

At least I am moving in the right direction. I haven't caught up with a good friend of mine in Oklahoma City, but hopefully I will soon. Good thing is, I am feeling a ton better already.

Pavement...

I have been seeing a lot of this lately!! Pavement!! It seems like I am going and going and going.

This weekend I have the opportunity to go to East Peoria, IL and emphasize missions to Glad Tidings Assembly. I have some family and friends there, so it should be a fun time.

The more I travel, the more I am growing to appreciate just being home. The time away from the family in proving to be difficult at times. All three of my kids certainly understand and love the fact I get to go and support other churches and youth ministries, but we still miss each other greatly.

Have you ever been in one of those places when you realize what it is that you have taken for granted? I guess that is where I am more and more. Although I try and always keep things in perspective, it's easy to forget the little things. I know God will certainly keep my family safe, however, that understanding doesn't take away the loss I feel at times. It does, however, help me appreciate the time I do have.

Maybe there are others who feel some of what I have been feeling. I pray God sustains you and allows you to experience His very best. Make the most of the time you do have!

Speed the Light...

The last couple days have been an eye opening experience. I have always considered myself as someone who believes in missions and willing to do whatever I can to help get the word out. I have been blown away by other people demonstrating the same heart as I have. In a matter of minutes, over 1 million dollars was raised to help purchase essential transportation and creative communication equiptment so lives can be changed.

More than anything, it has helped me re-evaluate myself and the efforts I am pursuing for people to understand just how much God loves them. Not necessarily in financial means, although that it important, but in a personal one on one effort. I love it when I am challenged this way. I guess that is the competitive spirit inside of me.

So, I pray that I don't miss the opportunity to be that person to point someone in the right direction. That I would put other peoples needs above my own.

Labor Day Activities...

Today has been a quiet day spending time with friends and barbecuing. I needed a day that I didn't have to do anything. I finally got it.

Tomorrow I fly out and head out for some missions' emphasis meetings. I am looking forward to how the students of Illinois will continue to improve their passion and willingness to help our missionaries!

That's all for me today...go, go, go. I need some sleep before leaving at 4:30am to catch my flight.