Night at the Jazz Club

Tonight some friends and myself drove down to Fullerton to see this fantastic jazz band. Although their name escapes me, their sound is something I can never forget. Imagine Pink Floyd, Sergio Mendes, Herb Albert, Robbie Coltran, Herbie, Louie, and Pedro Perez wrapped into one band and that's what we got.

The music was the only promising contribution to the night. The club was typical (I'm glad it was) and priced just right; except for the drinks (I ordered hot tea and by the time I received it the water was like some peoples faith...Lukewarm). Then there was the seating. The hostess sat us together then sat other strangers at the same strangers. There's nothing like drunk swingers sitting next to someone to make the night entertaining. I think they were turned off after we prayed for our meal and enjoyed the evening without the use of liquor.

Anyway, the night was great. I think I have a cold now....Crap!

The Little Things

Today has been busy! Here's a little glimpse of what happened.

• Sunday morning program.
• Had to pick-up a foose-ball table and drop it off at the church.
• Had to locate the proper address for an event. I made 60 flyers with the wrong address.
• Had to give a devotional at a volunteer meeting. I really hate opening up to people.
• Had to drive (rather quickly) to a JH event.
• Got stuck at the railroad tracks, the train took forever.
• Got chewed out by a parent over the flyer that contained no time. Everyone else seemed to manage just fine.
• Homework to buried my tried body in.

After I reflect upon today I think about one word...Excellence! That what I need to focus on at the moment. Defining the term, understanding what that means within the context of leadership, and implementing this ideal into my leadership matrix. Its the little things that bring about change. I want to be the leader my students think I am.

...I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."

Ephesians 4:1

Refinery Midweek wrap up

Series: One Hit Wonders
Message: What in the Words?
Message Length: About 20 mins.
Game: Average. Some crazy game that involved balloons, shaving cream, and pencils. It was great!
Music: Above average. Absolutely awesome!!! We have some new guys from CBU who are stepping up and taking the band to new levels.
Message Quality: Average. I had good prep time and felt I communicated my one point well.
Video: Haven't made any videos yet...Make this weekend!
Volunteer Interaction: Above average. Students felt known, loved and cared for.
Student response: Above average.
Attendance: Above average. See below.
1st Time Guests: 5

My Stupid Ankle

Lat night I sprained my right ankle. The pain was unbelievable and the idea of being less mobile is killing me. I sprained it while running to truck at my sister's wedding. I hope its not broken...this really sucks!

On student leadership

I am amazed by students (especially junior high students). Just when I think I have figured them out, "poof" they surprise me. We in the process of launching our student leadership program called nucleus (yes...I get make fun of because of this...Thanks Mike) and already before any sort of real promotion I see students step up the plate. Sometimes they need a little help in the right direction, but their hearts are willing to serve. I saw this tonight. After our Wednesday night program there were a few students who hung back to help clean up, and see if there was anything else I needed help with. Totally cool! I am stunned every single day by God's timing and plan for our ministry. Its fun to sit back and watch the excitement unfold.

On growth

As I previously ranted about bean counting, it seems that their is a method to all of this (youth ministry), or more specifically, middle school ministry and bean counting. My friend and coworker Mike offered some excellent advice..."have spiritual growth and numerical growth will happen." This idea has now solidified itself into a visual representation of what has been happening the last few weeks. We are growing, God is moving in the hearts of our junior highers and things are about to change...I can't wait.

Worship

Tonight we didn't have worship. We really sounded terrible and no one really felt into it. Its weird how much I felt uneasy about this. Then OD (one of the coolest guys I know and leads worship for MAG) came in to check things out. I asked him what he would do if he were me...he told me "exactly what you're doing now." So, we worshiped God by other means, Laughter, a good message, and fellowship. Next week will be better...Striving for excellence!

People Pleasing...

There comes a time when a leader must make a decision that does not please a person, even though the decision is based upon the proper action that should be taken. My dilemma is that I am a people pleaser, and so, the decision I have to make will not please a person in particular. Nevertheless, my mind continues to reinforce the need for spiritual integrity and the need to promote this integrity within our daily lives. I think anyone who works in student ministry would agree with this, but, the one it affects possibly will not see as so or maybe they will. My prayer is that rebuking and reconciliation will the foundation of what is discussed and the gentleness will prevail. Students deserve leaders who strive for excellence both publicly and privately.

"...I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received..." Ephesians 4:1a

Mike the Monchichi

Monchichi or Mike engaged in a really bad habit? The world with never know...

The number game

I normally don't care about numbers (meaning 'how much we run' in ministry). But, I find myself becoming more concerned that every other ministry is growing except for the junior high. This is not really true, but I feel that our potential is limited by a number of things. Why am I always thinking about numbers? I hate bean counting!!!