My Part of the Conversation

Thought I’d offer something meaningful today as opposed to previous entry… I have to record any Cardinal news that comes along, because, quite frankly, if it doesn’t involve losing it is either rare or a big-fat lie. Oh well, today’s loser is tomorrow’s dynasty. Look at the Pats. And the Cowboys.

In other news, I’ve been reading a book that I have learned a lot from about the world of teenagers. I first heard about it at the Youth Specialties Convention last September. It is by Dr. Chap Clark and is entitle “Hurt: Inside the World of Today’s Teenagers”. It is profound in that it really challenges how adults try to believe that adolescence is just like it always has been. But that is not the case. Now, it lasts longer (around 15 years). And is Harder. Much harder. It is different and more difficult than ever, and is actually taking longer to become a self-sufficient adult.

Anyway, every chapter is incredibly profound, and it takes me at least a week to get through each one. I have to digest and process all the information. I see so much truth in it that I cannot dismiss any of Dr. Clark’s insights.

If you are a parent, you should read this book. That’s my plug. In fact, I knowing what I do about it now, I would consider it irresponsible for any adult who works with midadolescents (15-18 year olds) or parents to NOT read this book. If you are a teen, check it out and tell me if you think what it says is true.

Here’s the link: Hurt: Inside the World of Today’s Teenagers

Anyway, a section stuck out to me today about family relationships and their impact on teens. It was about conflict, and teen-parent relationships are commonly full of conflict. The problem usually isn’t the issue itself, but for teens it is the relationship itself (i.e. do you trust me?). Teens will get over these conflicts quite quickly. Parents are not as resilient. The conflicts are actually more difficult for them. Parents need to remain emotionally stable during conflict, or the teen will not feel secure. Parents also can not avoid the conflict when it is necessary, or else it will be seen as just one more sign of abandonment.

Basically, remember that conflict is hard on both parents and teens. Respect each other. Love each other. Understand that it’s not easy for any of you.

In HIM,

Blaine

The cardinals finally have a new logo.

Or do they?

That minor change is all I think they need to be in the super bowl next year.

See for yourself:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1977191

I especially like this quote from Josh McCown… okay not really.

“You’re not really supposed to shoot cardinals. I don’t know if I’d shoot this bird. It looks pretty mean. This bird might pull a gun out and shoot right back at you. ”

Genius. Pure genius.

I’m out like the old logo.

Blaine

Today has been another whirlwind. Phone calls. Files. Plans. Questions… It goes on and on. The cause? Our annual youth rally, RENEWAL. I need to get packets out ASAP. They should have gone out in December. I’m living and learning. I hope people are patient with me as I try to learn how to not be the awfullest youth minister ever. I got a bunch of little things done today that all added up. In fact, I actually found the top of my desk today. It’s brown. Looks like wook, but is not wood. I’m glad I know that now.

Our church is preparing for a big financial campaign that will take place the next few months. I have a little concern over the move. I don’t want it to just be a move to a new building. We need to be moving forward in who we are that God wants us to be. If we are going to be a bigger congregation, we need to prepare for that. One of the benefits of not teaching Wednesday nights for a few weeks now is that I can spend some time in prayer and reflection on that very thing and how it affects the youth ministry. I sure wish I had some more volunteers who would walk with and share their lives with the teens.

I’m tired. XBOX Live has re-entered my life now that the move is over and people have stopped being jerks on Halo 2. I actually had fun playing last night, so much that I lost track of time and went to bed… well, too late.

Okay, back to working on a poster for this Renewal gig.

I’m out like a Kobe Bryant jersey.

Blaine

So, the staff meeting this morning was entertained by my recounting of the loss of power we suffered this weekend. The entertainment was not brought by the telling of the falling tree or the drastic temperture drop this weekend. It was when I tried to take a shower. SEe, our hot water heater is gas powered, so I should be able to take a warm shower, but when I touched the knob, I had this huge jolt of electricity run through my body. I turned all the power off (did’t work anyway), and I could then touch the knob. But, the electricity was then in the water. I was a bit shocked… (cue laugh track…)

It’s almost time to turn in forms for Widerness Trek. I have received only one person’s money. I’m so frustrated. Whenever I ask someone if they plan to go, they ask me who else is going. Not to be dramatic or anything, but if no one commits until someone else does, doesn’t that mean that no one will commit….? It’s not a tree falling in the forest, or a chicken and egg, or even the sound of one hand clapping, but it is a deep philosphical ponderance. (Yeah, ponderance. Don’t think it’s a word? Don’t use it then.)

We have power again. We were blessed to get it fixed and turned back on all in the same day. We only had to spend one night somewhere else. We were well taken care of by Dan and Diana Jones, but it’s always nice to be home again… minus the piles of boxes I still need to unpack… .

Interesting, though, were the opportunities Kate and I both had to witness to workers at our home and invite them to church. I had two great conversations where I shared about Christ with our electrician and the power company guy. Kate talked about church with the inspector, (who is searching for a church home) and invited him to join us. Perhaps the tree falling truly was “an act of God”.

Well, I guess today was “Subtext Day”, so you too can put emotions and side notes in your stories (even if you don’t usually…(but you should (only if you want too, though) ))

I’m out like rolling your pant legs… (what?!!!! you don’t remember that?!!!)

Blaine

I found this quote to be so full of truth and stuff….

“You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.”

You’re welcome for that positive addition to your day.

Blaine