Give Thanks For Youth Camp

Earlier this morning a dozen teenagers were baptized in the ocean on Daytona Beach.

It was incredible to witness. But it’s not unique.

Week after week and day after day all summer long tireless youth pastors, parents, college students, and other volunteers are pouring their lives into students. Because of their passion, and because of the grace of the Lord, teenagers across the world are being rescued.

It’s called Youth Camp. It looks a little something like this:

This is a taste of the Youth Camp I’ve been serving with this past week as a game and recreation leader. I’m completely spent from the whole process. And I can’t stop smiling.

In just a few weeks I’ll be taking ten of my own students to Big Stuf camp in Panama City Beach. I pray (and I have faith) God will work in their lives as well.

Today let’s give thanks for Youth Camp. Let’s give thanks for the bands, the speakers, the skit leaders, the rec leaders, the cooks, the nurses, the janitors, the sound techs, the small group leaders, and everyone else who works to bring a life changing experience for teenagers every day across the world this summer.

Let’s give thanks for the students who will never forget these camps.

Let’s give thanks for the real salvation Jesus brings through the beautiful chaos of Youth Camp.

Lift up a prayer today for everyone at Youth Camp today. Lift up a praise knowing in full confidence God is moving in students across the world. Rejoice.

Happy Friday.

Advertisement

The Greatest Catchphrase Of All Time

“I’ll be back.”

“I could’ve been a contender!”

“Toto, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”

“May the force be with you.”

“Houston, we have a problem.”

In 2005 the American Film Institute named the top 100 movie quotes of all time. You probably remember every one of those quotes and maybe 100 more depending on how big of a film buff you are.

What is it that makes these catchphrases so memorable? Continue reading

Bill Gates and The System Reboot

Bill-Gates-Bill-Melinda-Gates-FoundationA few weeks ago “60 Minutes” profiled Bill Gates. You know, the  founder of Microsoft, richest guy in the world, etc.

Check out the interview here if you haven’t yet. It’s worth your time.

Bill Gates may still be making all sorts of money from Microsoft, but the computer company doesn’t take much of his time now.

Currently he works with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation bringing life-saving vaccines to 3rd world countries who need them most.

It’s not that Bill Gates is using his fortunes to do charitable work that’s fascinating. What’s incredible is the level of innovation The Gates Foundation is involved in. Continue reading

What Your Vinyl Collection Says About You

photo (19)Did you celebrate Record Store Day?

Saturday, April 20 was the seventh annual celebration of all things vinyl. My girlfriend and I were proud participants. We drove two hours to Criminal Records in Atlanta to dig through crates of used records and seek out limited edition new releases from some of our favorite artists like Bob Dylan, The Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons, and Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors.

At the end of the day we ended up with just about everything we were looking for. What amazed me though was just how many other people did as well.

When we arrived at Criminal Records on Saturday morning, we saw a line coming out of the store and stretching around the next block. We ended up waiting an hour to get in the store, and then another hour or so to get out of the store.  Continue reading

Average Sucks

Want to know why the Harlem Shake is so popular that a new version appears on Youtube more often than a new baby is born these days? (I didn’t fact check that, but I’m willing to stand by it.)

Because we’re ok with being average.

Look, I’m not judging anyone for creating a Harlem Shake video. In fact I just participated in my first one this weekend. I’m in the back somewhere. I promise.

But the Harlem Shake phenomenon encourages us to just be average. And being average sucks the life out of you. Continue reading

You Can Be Awesome TODAY

Justin Timberlake is lazy. Here’s how you can tell:

How many Beatles songs can you name in ten seconds? (Go with me on this.)

Probably more than you can count on two hands. Can you believe the Fab Four recorded all those songs and countless other ones you know by heart in a span of about 7 years? A dozen of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll albums of all time, all created within just 7 years.

To contrast, Justin Timberlake – singer, producer, actor, all around king of the world – is releasing his eagerly-anticipated third album in March. He released his first solo effort back in 2002.

Just to clarify, that’s 3 Justin Timberlake albums in 11 years, as compared to 12 Beatles albums in 7 years.

What is wrong with that ratio? Continue reading