David Crowder Band's Last Album

David Crowder Band is by far my favorite band and I am sad to see them go. This week saw the release of their final album, Give Us Rest or (A Requiem Mass In C [The Happiest of All Keys]).

If you haven’t gotten it yet, you can get it on iTunes:

Eugene Peterson's Advice for Youth Workers

In the latest issue of the Youth Worker Journal, Eugene Peterson (pastor and theologian) was asked:
What words of advice would you give youth workers? Here is his reply...

"You've got a great job. You've got a great opportunity. Not many people get a chance to do this. Relish the fact that this is a gift. Enjoy yourself. Don't take yourself too seriously. Have fun. Enjoy these kids. It's a time of energy, exuberance and excitement. Enter into that with your kids, but be very careful of manipulation. These are young people. They are susceptible to any strong voice in their life. Don't use your advantage or position as a youth pastor to manipulate or to get people to follow in your footsteps. Remember that being a pastor is a very modest way of life. You're visible, but you're not all that important."

Keeping Up With Kenzie...and some other news!

Kenzie had her 6 month check-up with the neurologist in December. Everything is still looking very good. She is still on the same anti-seizure medicine and will remain on it for two more years. Her development is normal and she has been seizure free for almost nine months now! Thanks again for your prayers.

Speaking of children, Kelli and I have some other news...we have started the process toward adoption! I know people will have a lot of questions and hopefully I can post some more information soon. We have completed all our paper work and background checks. Over the next couple of months we will be completing our home study and will be applying for federal grants to help with the adoption costs. Please keep us in your prayers and I will keep you updated on our adoption journey.

Kelli and I have always felt God's calling to adopt and are extremely excited to start the process. For others who are considering adoption, on the left side of this blog you will see links for other adoption websites. I'll leave you now with a couple of verses that God used to lead us to adoption:

"Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for the orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us." -James 1:27

"Learn to do good! Seek justice! Help the oppressed! Defend the orphan! Fight for the right of widows!"
-Isaiah 1:17

What do Youth Pastors do all Day?

I get asked this question a lot. I think this video from another student ministry sums up the answer.

The Hobbit Trailer

I realize that I'm a nerd for posting this...but I can't wait for The Hobbit to come out. Great book...hopefully the movie will be just as good.

New Year...New Resolutions!

Here are my 2012 New Year’s Resolutions! This year I’m going to attempt to keep at least half of them…maybe.

1. Eat less pizza.

I put this one every year, but it will not really be possible until I retire from youth ministry.

2. Teach my bulldog Charlie not to bark at every little sound.

Again, pretty sure this one is impossible.

3. Spend more time in God’s creation.

“The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.” –Psalm 19:1-2

4. Exercise more.

This is the token resolution that everyone must write down. So…here it is!

5. Pray daily for my family and for the faithfulness and renewal of the Church.

A great prayer for the church can be found on page 574 in our United Methodist Hymnal.

6. Read one of the gospels every month.

Be a lifelong student of Jesus…he’s pretty important.

7. Dance as much as possible with my daughter Kenzie.

Our Mickey Mouse “Hot Dog” dance is epic.

8. Have more dates with my wife.

And attending youth basketball games do not count.

9. Attend a mission trip.

Since I’m the youth pastor I can make this happen every year. This year we’re going to inner city Nashville!

10. Spend more time in prayer and scripture reading.

Granted, most people think it would be easy for a pastor to do this… “Aren’t you paid to read your Bible!?” However, it is very easy to spend the majority of our time occupied with other important matters. Nevertheless, ministry that is not rooted in prayer and God’s Word quickly becomes fruitless.

Video: Bethlehem Rhapsody

Classic song with the classic story. Funny Video.

Here are two other good videos: Digital Nativity and Mr Bean.

Online Advent Devotional

Below is a link to a wonderful online Advent Devotional.

Following the Star Devotional