Mag report - GROUP (Sep - Oct 2009)

Here are my thoughts on the newest GROUP magazine:

Something I liked: The interview of Marv Penner and his article, "The best practices of counseling teenagers" are awesome and we need to "remind yourself that we're not shrinks...we're shepherds."

Also, Megan Hutchinson's simple phrases of encouragement every kids needs to hear:
I believe in you
I am here for you
You are going to get through this
You can make good choices
You are talented, gifted, and rare
You matter

???: Jeanne Mayo used talked about goals and quoted a study of Harvard business graduates, "only 13% had goals, & only 3% of that group had written down their goals & an action plan." I remember hearing that when I was in college 10 yrs ago - just wondering if there are more recent studies out there about these stats.

Key Statement: Dave Livermore & Steve Argue made this awesome statement, "Kickoffs, events, & trips usually have a big workup, followed by a big letdown." How true & important to remember.

Creative idea: Stephanie Caro shared some great ideas to try this new school year. One of theme was to take the youth group to one school event per teen. We are doing something like this with our different groups that I think will make a huge difference in our kids lives - thanks Stephanie for the great idea.

Mag report - GROUP (Jul- Aug 2009)

I'm finally getting caught up on all my simple reports. I've read a lot but haven't taken the time to do a report on what I've read. I'm committed to try to remember what I've read and this blog is my main tool to do just that. Here is what I picked up on GROUP Jul-Aug 2009 magazines:

What I liked: Greg Stier's article on "of strippers and missionaries" really was great. I loved this thought, "Equipping kids to consistently live dependent on Jesus is the best thing we can do to set them up for a lifetime of serving and sharing Jesus." The need for our middle schoolers to understand their need for Jesus in their regular daily life is so key to them taking spiritual steps forward.

???: David Hagan's "helpful hint" had a great idea - PEAK groups (Prayer, Encouragement, Accountability, & Knowing God) but he also suggest that the groups should have new leaders every 3 mths which I see as a weakness since the kids and the leaders wouldn't have a chance to really connect. 3 months just isn't enough time to make lasting impact in a kid's life.

Key statement: Duffy Robbins said this "God's not looking for savvy, hip people who know it all; he's looking for teachable people who are willing to have their eyes opened in new ways to his glory."

Something creative: Steve Case's article "The best darn Fall Kickoff idea...period" had a great idea when he shared that we could - "give kids a 'permanent' reminder of a temporary feeling" - temp tattoos are a great idea.

Prayers and Review of Aug 09

I'm back to the Bible reading plan I started a number of years ago (if you want to know how this all started click here). I've made a commitment that I would read through the whole Bible using this plan. It will take some time but what God has been teaching me has all been worith it - thank you Lord. Here are this months prayers:

Lord, may your servants be all about you.

Lord, may I rejoice in all that you are doing in my life and in others around me.

Lord, thank you for clearing my vision and reaching out to me - I am yours.

Lord, there are so many different kinds of people on this earth, may I be open to all of them because they are all made in your image.

Lord, there are so many different kinds of people on this earth, may I be open to all of them because they are all made in your image.

Lord, may my focus - my purpose be about you more and more every day.

Lord, may I have a balance of learning your truth and applying your truth in my life and in those you put around me.

Lord, may I live a life full of glorifying you.

Lord, may I be involved in loving others like you do.

Lord, I want to understand you more - help me.

Lord, may I be your man - focused on loving and honoring you - always.

Lord, you are my life, may I only "work" to bring you glory and honor.

Lord, remind me to look people in the eye and have a desire to actually spend time - face time - with them.

Lord, thank you for making me - me and helping me understand I don't need to compare myself to anyone - I just need to be the Mark Eades that praises you.

Lord, may I be gentle and creative in the way that I spend time with my family and msers.

Lord, open my eyes to your truth more and more so that I might communicated the truth better.

Lord, may your servants keep learning and growing for your glory.

Lord, open my eyes so that I might be consumed by what you want me to be consumed by.

Lord, may I be your useful instrument for the gospel to my family, friends, & the middle school kids.

Lord, may I be pure in everything I do and say.

Lord, may I be a stone that is solid for others to stand on and not stumble.

Lord, may I share when I should share and stay silent when I need to stay silent.

Lord, help me to not just take everyone’s word for fact but keep my mind alert to your truth always.

Lord, may I open your word and drink it in like never before. I'm thirst LORD.

Lord, may I be on the "straight road" to You in everything I do.

Lord, may I grow in understanding you better, thank you for being so patient with me.

Lord, may your truth be found in me.

Lord, may I be about you each day, min, & sec.

Lord, may your complete love drive out everything evil in my life.

Lord, may your testimony shine bright from me.

Lord, your love is so much greater than I could ever think of - thank you & I love you.

Lord, may I focus on your goodness and stay away from what is evil.

Lord, may I be your man, full of what you want me to understand about you and the salvation you brought to this world.