One of the best comedy writers in the world has unleashed his Year in Review and it is absolute must-read. Hilarious and at times painful, click on over to read Dave Barry’s Year in Review 2009.

Christmas Concert

All are invited to Christmas Concert at Christ Community Church this Sunday at 6:00PM. There will be old Christmas carols along with new. A dessert social will follow. Please plan to attend. http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=192377484579&ref=mf

shopping carts

Shopping Cart Guy: I see this all the time and it drives me nuts! Some guy finishes loading his groceries into his car and proceeds to either prop his cart up on the nearest divider, leave his cart in the middle of the empty spot to his right, or roll his cart to a stop directly behind the car parked to his left. Seriously?
Go to any store parking lot and you'll see a pasture of confused carts randomly dispersed like antisocial cattle. It's ridiculous! It amazes me that strategically placed areas, designated for carts, with big signs that say, "CARTS GO HERE", have absolutely no effect on the self-absorbed minds of these shoppers. Do they realize that some poor worker has to go out and wrangle up all of these rogue carts that they left to the side? Are they just not aware of the fact that people can't park in the spot is being occupied by their cart? Are they just too important to walk that cart over to it's designated area with all of its friends?
So, what do I do about this? I help out by not only putting my cart away, I grab at least 3 other carts sitting around put them away as well. It's a sad thing that I've never ran into a situation where I did't have 3 other carts to grab. It's inconsiderate and flat out rude to put your cart anywhere other than the designated cart area. You take up parking spots can cause more work for the guy who has to wrangle up all the carts. Think about other people and walk the 50ft to put your cart away.

------ MMS ------From: 4049097557/TYPE=PLMNSent: Dec 1, 2009 8:06 PMpooped after her christmas photo shootSent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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Nywc

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NYWC

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Fw:

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Game day

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Ys conf and natalie - a great day

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Oops burnt tortilla shells - so much for dinner

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Game day

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Sweetness

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Michigan here I come

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3:30am on way to michigan

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Game DaySent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry


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Ask yourself

“What commitments do you want to shape your life?”

Talking Points

Proverbs 18:13 says, “He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame.” How hard is it for us to control the words we choose to let come out of our mouths? Can you think of any examples where you wished you had said “no” to your words before you let them go?

Copied from Real World Parents

Take a minute to read Colossians 4:2-6 to prepare your heart and mind to discuss some of the following questions during any available teachable moments that spring up this week.

Talking Points:
*What does it mean to you to be completely committed to something? What are some of the things in your life you’d say your 100 percent devoted to?
Which of those things would you say is the most valuable to you?
*How big of a deal is prayer in your life? Is it just a chore you know you should do—or an essential part of your day that you can’t imagine living without?
When does prayer feel the most valuable or “essential” to you?
*What are 10 things you’d say you’re thankful for today?
What are 3 things we could maybe ask for God’s help with today?
Have you ever thought about praying that more and more people will trust in Jesus and become Christians? Could we ask God for that in our town? In your school? In our church?
*If you were going to regularly pray for 3-4 people in your life to become Christians, who would go on that list? Why do you think those people come to mind?
What would be some good things for us to pray for your youth leaders or for our pastor at church?
*Do you have any Christian friends who act like different people when they’re with unbelievers than with other Christians? Is that a problem?
Should we talk and act “more Christian” or “less Christian” when we’re with unsaved people?
*Do you ever think about the way our family makes God look to people who know we believe in Jesus? How could we do better at that?
*Do you have any projects or jobs in your life that you think have been given to you by God? If so, what?
*How would you define the word “grace”?

Top Lists

Top 10 Increasing Web Searches on Bing - 10/9/09

1. presidents cup
2. paranormal activity
3. phillies
4. costumes
5. halloween costumes
6. giant squid
7. teacup pigs
8. mandisa
9. top chef
10. nasa
Source: Bing

Top 10 U.S. Websites - 10/9/09

1. Google
2. Yahoo!
3. Facebook
4. YouTube
5. MySpace
6. Wikipedia
7. Windows Live
8. Craigslist.org
9. Blogger.com
10. eBay
Source: Alexa

iTunes Top 10 Downloaded Songs - 10/9/09

1. 3
- Britney Spears
2. Party in the U.S.A.
- Miley Cyrus
3. Whatcha Say
- Jason DeRulo
4. One Less Lonely Girl
- Justin Bieber
5. Fireflies
- Owl City
6. It's My Life/Confessions pt2
- Glee Cast
7. Down (feat. Lil Wayne)
- Jay Sean
8. Paparazzi
- Lady GaGa
9. Replay
- lyaz
10. I Gotta Feeling
- Black Eyed Peas
Source: Apple iTunes

Top 10 TV Shows in Prime Time - Week Ending 10/4/09

1. NCIS
2. Dancing With The Stars
3. NBC Sunday Night Football
4. NCIS: Los Angeles
5. The Mentalist
6. CSI
7. Grey's Anatomy
8. Desperate Housewives
9. CSI: Miami
10. The Good Wife
Source: Nielsen Media

Top 5 Movies - Week Ending 10/1/09

1. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
2. Surrogates
3. Fame (2009)
4. The Informant!
5. Pandorum
Source: Box Office Mojo

Favorite Ministry Memories Summer 2009

VBS - Great seeing so many CCYouth working with the 100+ elementary students. Our theme again was Splash-tacular.

DCLA FUND RAISING - Lots of hard work, lots of fun. Auction was a huge success. Much thanks to Dana Coggins for her vision and leadership in this event. Also, thanks to the Howe family and our auctioneer Steve Carter (www.cartercalls.com), thanks also for all those business that donated. Christ Community Church really stepped up to allow the students of CCC to go to this event.

DCLA - Unbelievable we took 29 people to DC for a great time. Starfield was awesome. Francis Chan was our students favorite speaker. Shane Claiborne was super also. The bus ride was great even with the tire blow out.

Lake Days - Always a favorite!

Pool Party - Thanks to the Apgar's (Laura, Shannon, Kim & Bruce) for allowing us to come to your house and use your pool.

WOW! August 9th, 2009 at 10:00AM Nate called me as I was just getting ready to teach Sunday School and told me they (Nate and Molly) were on the way to the hospital to have our first grandchild (there first baby.) I put a video in asked Laura to take charge and we took off for Atlanta. We arrived at the hospital at 1:11PM and Natalie Lauren Perry was born at 3:18PM. What a day. So, much fun being a grandparent.

WOW!

Much has gone on since last blog;
1. School is out. We (CCYouth) had 4 Students graduate. What a bitter sweet time for me. I love these kids and want to see them to succeed, but hate to see them go. They have become such leaders.
2. VBS week after school was out. We had 106 students register, 50 co-workers, 25 CCyouth student helpers, 4 professions of faith, no injuries, 4 water slides, and a splash-tacular time was had by all.
3. Two days on the lake with CCYouth. 20 people on the lake, 95+ tempature. Always a great time. Never a bad day on the lake.
4. Working on details for DCLA. Disappointed in that a couple of students have changed their minds after spending $200+ on their entrance fee. We will attempt to find others to go in their place. Also, found out Hampton Inn had lost (cancelled) our reservation. Spent two hours on the phone with them and finally got new reservations in bigger rooms that were cheaper than the original rooms I booked. (God is good).
5. Worship is scheduled through all of July for CCC. Many hours with Pastor Jerry and others regarding this, plus hours entering things into computers etc. etc.
6. Two weddings, which were fun. Requires lots of set-up and reset-up.
7. Got my CDL. YES! I am qualified to drive our bus now.
8. Going to Discovery Island tonightto splash out hunger for Fishes and Loaves.

Crazy Love.

Reminded again today about how crazy in love with me, God is. WOW! God in love with me. I wish I could really get my hands around this. He loves me so much He sent His Son to live a perfect life for me then to die a horrible death to cleanse me. Then His Son obeyed the call and died for me. How can I be so apathetic about this. I ought to be bouncing off the walls for a God that loves me so. Help me Lord to live Mark 12:30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. This is my prayer for tonight.

DCLA Auction

I am very excited about the Auction this Saturday night! It will be this Saturday night at 6PM in the youth room. Below is a sampling of the items in the auction. Come see for yourself how much more there is, you will be surprised. If for some reason you cannot be at the auction but would like to bid on something, send me an email and I will see that your bid is placed. But, I would encourage you to come, this is going to be fun. All of this will make our DCLA trip a reality.

Night at local Hampton Inn
Day at Coggin's Pool
1996 Jeep Cherokee
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Night at Wingate Hotel
Arizona gift cardt
Rain Tech gift card
Portrait by local artist
Movie Pass
Moe's gift card
Stax Grill gift card
$125 toward personal trainer
3 months free tanning bed
O'Charley's gift card
$50 gift card Spa @ West End
Pony Party
Computer Tune Up
$100 to be used at Events Decor & More
Landscaping Advice
Day on the lake with JP and his boat (7)
Outdoor speakers
Dinner for 2 with Pastor Roger and Jeanne
Camp over at the McConnell's
Hand-made rocking chair
One month free at Curves
TV wall mount service
3 1/2 hours voice lessons
Home cooked meal (Gordon's)
Photo session (MacCrossan's)
Cakes
Pies
MUCH MUCH MUCH MORE...........

32nd Anniversary

Carolyn and I just spent a lovely couple of days in Charleston, SC. We just spent much time with each other. We walked miles, took many pictures of things we wanted, we ate at great restaurants, walked the open air market, visited with Billy & Nicole Smith (saw there baby boy Noah at MUSC Children's hospital) and we ate dessert whenever we wanted too. We viewed the city from our rooftop at 10am as well as 10pm. We went to the beach at 10pm under the moon light. We had a great time just the two of us with no schedule. We need to do this more often.

Anniversary

Hard to believe this Thursday is my 32nd anniversary. I was telling e3 students how many hours I talked with C on the phone as we were in middle school and high school and the phone was attached to the wall with a 3 foot cord. The dial was rotary and her number was 329-2522 (I might call that number and see who has it now). I still can remember the excitment to call her and how i could hardly wait for Sunday's to come, so I could see her.

We will be going to Charleston to spend our anniversary. Looking forward to the time away with just Carolyn. Those times are always special.

Endurance

Colossians 1:11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,

Thank you Carolyn for reminding me that we do not have to ask for strength instead God has me on an IV and continues to give me the strength and endurance to carry on.

God's glorious power!

Parents Newletter

Trying something new. A new newsletter has been posted on the ccyouth website. Please check it out and let me know what you think. Www.ccyouth.org go to menu and then click on parents.

Christ Died for Us.

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”- Romans 5:6-8

Andrew Night @ e3

WOW! Great night, e3 students were challenged to ask a friend to attend e3 with them. They did and we had a great night. Pizza, games, worship and praise. Thank you all.

JP

Great Fun

After a long typical Sunday. Taught Sunday School, Middle School Youth and much pushing of DCLA, then over to Carolyn's mom's house for a visit. We pulled up to our stop sign to see Expedition with window paint on it that says "Love you Jim," "Just Married," "C + P" in hearts. Carolyn will love driving it to work at 4AM. People will think we had a wild weekend. Thanks let me guess Kody, Auston, and Chris. Love you guys.

JP

The Gospel

Copied from John Piper's blog;

Seek to see and feel the gospel as bigger as years go by rather than smaller.

Our temptation is to think that the gospel is for beginners and then we go on to greater things. But the real challenge is to see the gospel as the greatest thing—and getting greater all the time.

The Gospel gets bigger when, in your heart,

grace gets bigger;
Christ gets greater;
his death gets more wonderful;
his resurrection gets more astonishing;
the work of the Spirit gets mightier;
the power of the gospel gets more pervasive;
its global extent gets wider;
your own sin gets uglier;
the devil gets more evil;
the gospel's roots in eternity go deeper;
its connections with everything in the Bible and in the world get stronger;
and the magnitude of its celebration in eternity gets louder.
So keep this in mind: Never let the gospel get smaller in your heart.

Pray that it won’t. Read solid books on it. Sing about it. Tell someone about it who is ignorant or unsure about it.

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel.... For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

Crazy Love

Psalm 63:3 reads, “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.” Notice how we are surrounded by God's Love. The air we breath, the nature (God's beauty) we see, the things we need. God's love is all around.

Love is deep, secure, strong, loyal, honest and true. It is displayed through a touch, a word, a look or a smile. Love sustains, guides, protects and is closer than you think.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.—Psalm 139: 8-10

HAIL TO THE VICTORS!

March madness is here! YEAH! This is one of my favorite times of the year. Dana always sets up a competition for us. Michigan beat Clemson (sorry Renee, Dana, Ryan, Molly, Jason, Jessica and any others that might be in our bracket), creating a little split in the family for a little while, but in the end all is good. No counseling needed. The night is winding down and right now I am 12 for 12 in my picks. Pretty impressive for me.

NYMC and Michigan

Back from a week long trip with Nick. We left last Thursday around 9am and arrived in Columbus OH around 4pm. Eva (garmin) took us directly to the hotel. We checked in an then went to Morton's Steak House ($$$). Friday the National Youth Minister's Conference started. Nick attended all the general sessions with me, I also attended the "Flip your youth group" tract with Jeanne Mayo. It was good to see Nick worship and enjoy the sessions. We also went to late night sessions, the skit guys and 100th podcast of Doug and Friends.

General Sessions: Brett and Alex Harris spoke in session one. Kaye Warren spoke in session two. Nick so much enjoyed he bought her book. She is passionate about helping those with HIV/Aids in Africa. Doug Fields spoke in the third session.

Then we went to my mom's and dad's for the remainder of the week. We patched a crack in the living room for them, we put 21 inches of insulation in their attic, carpet on their handicap ramp, and fixed dad's wheel chair along with much visiting. Colin and Brian came over separately to see us. We had dinner at Paul's saw Lynn, Caleb, and Donna.

On Thursday (this week) we left for SC at 3:30am and arrived back home at 3:00PM.

While we were gone Simpsonville received 6 inches of snow. The power went out late Sunday afternoon and was out until Monday afternoon. Dana and Carolyn survived without us. Dana had school canceled two days and a two hour delay the next.

High School Ski Trip 2009

Had a great ski trip. Jason Armstrong was our guest speaker and introduced us to YoungLife. He also spoke to us regarding lifestyle evangelism. No one was hurt, silly games played, great worship. Check out these videos more to come.
Elbow vs. Knees and Dance-off

2009 Ski Trip

Wow! Time is flying. We are one week away from our 10th annual ski trip. Sugar has 60 to 90 inch base and has been extremely cold. This past week one morning it was -06 at the summit. Brrrr! We have close to 30 people going. Looking forward to a great time.

Don't forget your straw, warm clothes, sleeping bags, toiletries, Bible, pen, and your pillow.

We will leave next Thursday at 4PM and return on Monday the 16th at 4PM.

Watch video "Where Memories are Made."

Military Honors Ceremony

Long week this past week with Dean Habrun's Memorial Service, then Matthew Preacher's Memorial Service. At Matthew's he received a gun salute along with taps. It was quite an awesome site. The service men that performed the honors ceremony are quite mysterious. They come in do their part of the service and are just gone. Freedom Fighters also showed up, probably about 20 of them. They lined the sidewalk into the church and held flags. They do not come into the service, they don't speak, they just respectfully stand there with a flag. Nice touch by these veterans.

For those of us who are members of Christ Community Church let us not forget:

Ephesians 6:10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. (MSG)

Memorial Service

"Soar like eagles" Went to Dean Habrun's Memorial Service last night. A great tribute was given by Kathy (Dean's wife). She spoke of his life growing up, their dating years, their kids, and His love for God. WOW! What a strong person Dean was and Kathy is, to be able to stand in front of 100's of people that Dean has touched and talk about his life. Chuck (best friend of Dean) also gave a moving tribute to Dean. He also sang stanza from "On Eagles Wings." Flag Ceremony complete with Taps and flag presentation to Kathy. Pastor Roger also gave a very personal homily (job well done Roger).

This week has been a real reminder to me regarding the fragile lives we live.
1. Last weekend a visit with my dad (stroke victim)
2. Good friend of mine lost his sister to cancer
3. Dean passes away on Friday
4. Member of our church loses her son to a critical accident
So, say "I love you" to the people you care about, let them know you care for them. Spend time with them. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. I love you, Carolyn, Nick, Nate, Renee, Dana, Ryan, and Molly (the most wonderful family a person could ask for).


Know that God is my Rock
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety (Psalm 18:2).

Metamorphosis - Perseverance

Romans 5:3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us

God uses different things in our lives to strengthen us. Presently I am not suffering. But, I do have close friends and family who are suffering. I am truly learning to pray for them, their well-being, their comfort, and God's grace to be dumped on them as they deal with their conditions.
1. My mom and dad: Dad had a stroke two years ago and has very limited use of his left side
2. Friend of mine (youth pastor): not employed presently, lost his sister (cancer) funeral tomorrow.
3. Couple from my church: who I have grown to LOVE watching as the husband, dad, father-in-law, grandpa lives his last days on this earth. Won't it be glorious for him as he leaves this cancer ridden body and walks into God's glory. Praying for grace for his family and loved ones.
4. Another couple from my church: who recently has been told the wife has maybe two months to live. Also, fighting cancer.

Pray that through these times just as a Caterpillar works to become a beautiful butterfly that we suffer through these times with these loved friends/family and we allow God to mold us into the people HE wants us to be.

Michigan

Carolyn and I arrived around midnight. Had fun on trip here used Dana's garmin and it was accurate. At times when we would eat it would tell us to do u-turns, turn left and left again. In Michigan i did a donut in a parking lot and it had our nose kissing our tail (pretty funny). Saw mom and dad did a few odd jobs for them, then to Paul's for dinner, great visit with his family. Saturday 6 inches of snow as we traveled to Grand Rapids, MI 55 miles to Bailey wedding. Great to see old friends from North Park. Got out of the deep freeze -13 at one point to a high of 23.

On My Way to Michigan

I will be leaving to go to Michigan to visit my mom and dad in Lansing, MI. Also, be visiting good friends in Grand Rapids, MI as we attend a wedding on Saturday. I am a little nervous about the weather. Not really the snow, but the extreme cold. What is the difference between the high of 5 or the low of -4?!? Cold is cold.
Weather for Lansing, MI -
-2°F
Current: Clear
Wind: W at 0 mph
Humidity: 98%Thu

5°F | -4°FFri

9°F | 0°FSat

16°F | 11°FSun

22°F | 11°F

I am looking forward to extended period of time (14 hour drive) with Carolyn (my beautiful bride).

Passionate love with Jesus

Could I be satisfied with a heaven with no Jesus? If heaven had all my friends (especially Carolyn and my family), no sickness (no strokes, dad & no cancer, Dean), all my favorite food (roast beef, mashed potatoes & corn), all my favorite activites (lake keowee a running boat or "M" football), natural beauty (mountans, water falls, sky, etc...), no disasters would I miss Jesus. Let these words be my prayer today:
Psalms 63:1 O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.

3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.

4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.

5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

Genesis 37:2-11
Something was special about Joseph. His father loved him a little more than he loved his other sons, and he didn't even try to hide it. Did you notice the special gift Jacob gave to his son Joseph?

But something else was special about Joseph: God had his hand on him in a unique way. Joseph's dreams were real. God really did plan to lift Joseph up later in life, and his brothers really would bow down to him. Joseph knew he was special--and he let his brothers know it, too.

You're probably really good at something. You may even be good at lots of things. Do you talk with others about your abilities? Do you let them know how good you are? Or do you discount your own gifts as if they're not that big a deal? God doesn't gift us so we can brag about it, nor does he expect us to downplay the gifts he's given us. Rather, he leads us to give all the glory to him for his gifts.

Do you know what spiritual gifts and natural abilities you have? What are they?

How do you talk about your abilities with others?

Do you acknowledge God as the One who made you special?

Pray that God would help you to give him the glory for the gifts he's given to you.

copied from Youth Specialties