8/27/14
Today was a very busy day. I started off the morning with a staff meeting and Michael was back. We met for a good chunk of time. We had a lot to discuss and some very important things to gt through. After that Michael and I met to get on the same page and get some things figured out like children's messages as well as Sunday school schedule. I also had a chance to show him the mystery dinner ideas as well as my ideas and plans for Kevin's itinerary for October. It was good to get this chance to talk and ask questions again for me. Then I headed off to lunch having been in the office very little so far, which would turn out to be a common thing for today. At home I made eggs and put in some chicken with it. It was very good and forgot how much I enjoyed eggs.
I came back after lunch and we left for Trinity to meet with Corey and Mark about youth ministry questions. I was mainly an observer and it was fun to hear what they are doing at Trinity and be able to remember several areas from Redeemer and hear about things I have not yet experienced. Then we had a really fun opportunity to help some elderly men and women at Trinity getting downstairs and outside to rides. I helped a woman named Allene (I think I spelled it wrong) out to her son's car in the parking lot. I got to explain who I was and she told me about herself as well. It was a very cool experience. Then we headed back to Redeemer and started the Lake George meeting right away. There were some great comments shared there and I have a full piece of paper of writing to put into some sort of format for looking at this event in the future.
Right after that meeting I joined the already in progress confirmation meeting. This one would be the first time that I lead a portion of it. I would be taking the back half of the explanation and Michael would be there for questions and support and feedback afterwards. I felt that I didn't do that well and missed things or said them wrong. Michael told me after that I sounded very calm and collected and that if I hadn't needed him for answers here and there he would have been very surprised. That was nice to hear and I can move on from there. After that I headed home and meet with my parents. They wanted to go to a place downtown called Dooley's. There we ate outside and had cheese curds for an appetizer. Then we each ordered and had tons of food. We packed up our meal and headed over to Games by James. We bought a third expansion, only missing one now, for Catan and realized that we had left our food box at the table. We walked back that way thinking maybe it was there but probably not. And indeed it was still there and our waitress said hi again.
We walked back to their hotel room and packed up all the stuff they wouldn't be taking with them. They brought it to my apartment and now my freezer and fridge are full of food. We then played just the normal version of Catan and I got my chance to win. So for three days we played and each day someone different one so we each got our victory. It was a great time.
Today I learned that I can be really hard on myself. With the confirmation talk today I felt like I didn't do well at all. But as I said Michael saw it differently and from a perspective that I didn't have.
RSE Group
Group shot of all the RSE attendants
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Mystery Dinner Planning!
8/26/14
I updated my journal and blog in the morning. This is Michael's second day gone. And again I didn't have much to do without talking to him a bit and getting some feedback on other things. So I spent the majority of the day working on my mystery dinner ideas. I can definitely tell which ideas I like and which ones I'm not as interested in. I can more easily work with those and expand them. However the other ones take a bit more time and some more thinking and motivation to keep going on them. Also looking for other ideas out there. If you guys have any ideas I would love to hear them. I am working from the concept of all the characters working towards a common goal where everyone needs to be included and each person has a part to play. It may be that we have to do another one of these sometime later in the year. :)
I went home about 4ish and I helped bring over some stuff from my parents hotel room. We were going to be cooking in my apartment because I had more table space as well as cooking utensils. So my mom began cooking her shrimp dish. I don't know the name but it is absolutely delicious. After supper we played another game of Catan as is our tradition. Tonight my mom was the winner and they went back to their apartment to give me a bit of my own time before I hit the sack.
Today I I learned how much we connect everything in our minds. Reading Soul Keeping and Boundaries at the same time is giving me different insights as opposed to reading them individually. It's amazing the connections God opens up.
I updated my journal and blog in the morning. This is Michael's second day gone. And again I didn't have much to do without talking to him a bit and getting some feedback on other things. So I spent the majority of the day working on my mystery dinner ideas. I can definitely tell which ideas I like and which ones I'm not as interested in. I can more easily work with those and expand them. However the other ones take a bit more time and some more thinking and motivation to keep going on them. Also looking for other ideas out there. If you guys have any ideas I would love to hear them. I am working from the concept of all the characters working towards a common goal where everyone needs to be included and each person has a part to play. It may be that we have to do another one of these sometime later in the year. :)
I went home about 4ish and I helped bring over some stuff from my parents hotel room. We were going to be cooking in my apartment because I had more table space as well as cooking utensils. So my mom began cooking her shrimp dish. I don't know the name but it is absolutely delicious. After supper we played another game of Catan as is our tradition. Tonight my mom was the winner and they went back to their apartment to give me a bit of my own time before I hit the sack.
Today I I learned how much we connect everything in our minds. Reading Soul Keeping and Boundaries at the same time is giving me different insights as opposed to reading them individually. It's amazing the connections God opens up.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Catan!
8/25/14
I started off the morning with working on my blogs and getting caught up in my journal. Still having an issue doing those daily when I am not at work. Maybe doing both of them at night before I go to bed would be the solution. I will have to try that. You all have to suffer through me talking to myself in these blog if you are reading them. Lucky you! :) The rest of the morning I worked on getting my ministry contacts up to date. It is fun to relive, in a way, the different times I've been doing ministry. It'll be fun to talk about these with Kevin when he comes to visit. Getting everything ready for his visit has been fun in a way. Although it is a fair ways away I want to be on top of stuff and keep up the trend. It is nice to have things to do each day rather than trying to occupy myself.
After lunch I came back and worked on the mystery dinner. I am outlining each of the ideas I have for this event. I am making some headway but I can't tell which of them I would prefer to do. Maybe when I ask the youth they will have some other ideas I can look into as well. I like that this one will be different than other ones I have done. Here we want to promote everyone involved and working together rather then against one another. I like the challenge of doing that and it seems like it is working pretty well, at least in my head right now. I read another chapter in my Boundaries book for Kevin. It is not a bad read, or maybe I've changed my outlook on reading for school or in my career field. After that I did some practicing of the piece I will be playing on the 12th of September. April is awesome and found an arrangement of El Shaddi that she transposed. It sounds pretty good right now but definite areas for improvement.
I went home a bit early because I didn't have any thing to really work on. I then went over to Centerstone to hang out with my parents. They are staying in Rochester until Wednesday and are leaving for Ohio on Thursday. It is awesome to have them here for awhile. I've really missed hanging out with them and having a good time. It was really fun to share what's going on with me and to hear what has been going on in Hudson while I've been away.
Today I learned what a codex is. I read an article from Pastor Koglin and had a couple questions about it. We had a really good conversation and it was fun to discuss it with him, especially because he has so much knowledge about the subject to share.
I started off the morning with working on my blogs and getting caught up in my journal. Still having an issue doing those daily when I am not at work. Maybe doing both of them at night before I go to bed would be the solution. I will have to try that. You all have to suffer through me talking to myself in these blog if you are reading them. Lucky you! :) The rest of the morning I worked on getting my ministry contacts up to date. It is fun to relive, in a way, the different times I've been doing ministry. It'll be fun to talk about these with Kevin when he comes to visit. Getting everything ready for his visit has been fun in a way. Although it is a fair ways away I want to be on top of stuff and keep up the trend. It is nice to have things to do each day rather than trying to occupy myself.
After lunch I came back and worked on the mystery dinner. I am outlining each of the ideas I have for this event. I am making some headway but I can't tell which of them I would prefer to do. Maybe when I ask the youth they will have some other ideas I can look into as well. I like that this one will be different than other ones I have done. Here we want to promote everyone involved and working together rather then against one another. I like the challenge of doing that and it seems like it is working pretty well, at least in my head right now. I read another chapter in my Boundaries book for Kevin. It is not a bad read, or maybe I've changed my outlook on reading for school or in my career field. After that I did some practicing of the piece I will be playing on the 12th of September. April is awesome and found an arrangement of El Shaddi that she transposed. It sounds pretty good right now but definite areas for improvement.
I went home a bit early because I didn't have any thing to really work on. I then went over to Centerstone to hang out with my parents. They are staying in Rochester until Wednesday and are leaving for Ohio on Thursday. It is awesome to have them here for awhile. I've really missed hanging out with them and having a good time. It was really fun to share what's going on with me and to hear what has been going on in Hudson while I've been away.
Today I learned what a codex is. I read an article from Pastor Koglin and had a couple questions about it. We had a really good conversation and it was fun to discuss it with him, especially because he has so much knowledge about the subject to share.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Sunday School Meeting
8/24/14
Started off very early today and with little sleep. We stayed up late last night and I didn't get good sleep the night before. I would be very tired and go to bed early tonight. I got to church pretty early and set up the slide show. When people starting sitting down a bit I started it. There was a lot of time for it to run. Then we had early service and afterwards I had the slide show run in the Sanctuary while people were getting snacks and others were coming for the later service. Then we had late service and after that I set up the slide show in the Narthex. After service ended we had a huge crowd around the TV asking questions about Lake George and we got to share about what God had done through us up there. It was a great time.
Then I headed to the Sunday school meeting. We talked about a log of things and I got to met all the Sunday school teachers and learn some new names of people I had not met yet. I kept looking at Michael's sheet where he had wrote done the names and I got them by the end of the meeting. It was a longer meeting but all the stuff we talked about was needed for explanation and clarification. There was a good talk about curriculum and it really interested me. I would love to be a part of looking at other curriculum and being a part of that process even if I don't see the end result before I have to leave Redeemer.
The rest of the day I basically spent reading my books, doing some gaming here and there, and watching Kenichi. I went to bed very early due to not having a lot of sleep the night before. After service it was a pretty blah day but only because I was tired and what not.
Today I learned that I'm really getting names and faces down in my head. There are still many names I don't know but I look for name tags and listen closely to see if they say it or if someone around them uses there name and start committing it to memory.
Started off very early today and with little sleep. We stayed up late last night and I didn't get good sleep the night before. I would be very tired and go to bed early tonight. I got to church pretty early and set up the slide show. When people starting sitting down a bit I started it. There was a lot of time for it to run. Then we had early service and afterwards I had the slide show run in the Sanctuary while people were getting snacks and others were coming for the later service. Then we had late service and after that I set up the slide show in the Narthex. After service ended we had a huge crowd around the TV asking questions about Lake George and we got to share about what God had done through us up there. It was a great time.
Then I headed to the Sunday school meeting. We talked about a log of things and I got to met all the Sunday school teachers and learn some new names of people I had not met yet. I kept looking at Michael's sheet where he had wrote done the names and I got them by the end of the meeting. It was a longer meeting but all the stuff we talked about was needed for explanation and clarification. There was a good talk about curriculum and it really interested me. I would love to be a part of looking at other curriculum and being a part of that process even if I don't see the end result before I have to leave Redeemer.
The rest of the day I basically spent reading my books, doing some gaming here and there, and watching Kenichi. I went to bed very early due to not having a lot of sleep the night before. After service it was a pretty blah day but only because I was tired and what not.
Today I learned that I'm really getting names and faces down in my head. There are still many names I don't know but I look for name tags and listen closely to see if they say it or if someone around them uses there name and start committing it to memory.
Hudson Visits Rochester
8/22/14
I got up at my normal time for work. My body is just used to that time so I didn't really fight it. Plus getting up that early gave me the time I needed to clean up my apartment. I was doing it partly for my friends coming and partly for my parents coming this week. However mainly I cleaned because I hadn't done a deep clean of my apartment yet. It really showed when I went through each room. It looks 100 times better now and I just feel better. I got my mother's sense of cleanliness. I look at something dirty and just want to fix it. Although for me my laziness can take over sometimes in those situations :P I was able to get through my entire apartment as well as get some soda for that night before Gordon, JJ, and T showed up.
We hung out for a bit when they got there. Then I headed to service and they went out to get a snack before we went to dinner that night. I showed the slide show for the service that night. What I had forgotten was about setting up the projector and the screen. It took a bit longer than I had thought and I didn't have enough time for the slide show to go all the way through. It was all good though because I was able to show it after service in the narthex. A few people stayed and watched it which was fun to talk and share about with them. Then I headed home and we went out to Whiskey Creek. They quite enjoyed the food. After that we came back to my place and started our character gen session.
We didn't get a chance to actually play because Gordon didn't have the first mission ready quite yet but we were able to get our characters ready. JJ, T, and myself began to plot and scheme to make Gordon work through his campaign. This is a normal thing for us, especially when he decides to start a game. He doesn't have the best track record with keeping up in those games and they get put away quickly. It was a lot of fun to hang out with them and just talk and what not.
Today I learned how much I've missed gaming. Doing this with them brought back memories and how much fun we have with it. It was an excellent time and can't wait to game some more.
I got up at my normal time for work. My body is just used to that time so I didn't really fight it. Plus getting up that early gave me the time I needed to clean up my apartment. I was doing it partly for my friends coming and partly for my parents coming this week. However mainly I cleaned because I hadn't done a deep clean of my apartment yet. It really showed when I went through each room. It looks 100 times better now and I just feel better. I got my mother's sense of cleanliness. I look at something dirty and just want to fix it. Although for me my laziness can take over sometimes in those situations :P I was able to get through my entire apartment as well as get some soda for that night before Gordon, JJ, and T showed up.
We hung out for a bit when they got there. Then I headed to service and they went out to get a snack before we went to dinner that night. I showed the slide show for the service that night. What I had forgotten was about setting up the projector and the screen. It took a bit longer than I had thought and I didn't have enough time for the slide show to go all the way through. It was all good though because I was able to show it after service in the narthex. A few people stayed and watched it which was fun to talk and share about with them. Then I headed home and we went out to Whiskey Creek. They quite enjoyed the food. After that we came back to my place and started our character gen session.
We didn't get a chance to actually play because Gordon didn't have the first mission ready quite yet but we were able to get our characters ready. JJ, T, and myself began to plot and scheme to make Gordon work through his campaign. This is a normal thing for us, especially when he decides to start a game. He doesn't have the best track record with keeping up in those games and they get put away quickly. It was a lot of fun to hang out with them and just talk and what not.
Today I learned how much I've missed gaming. Doing this with them brought back memories and how much fun we have with it. It was an excellent time and can't wait to game some more.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Ice Bucket Challenge
8/21/14
I started off the morning with working on the slide show some more. It looks like I am doing some heavy duty work because I have my laptop, one of the churches, and my desktop all on my desk. I spent the morning until lunch time finished up the show. It is looking pretty good and only lasts about 8 minutes now. Might be a good idea to put it on a loop of sorts before and after service so anyone watching gets a chance to see all the photos if they want. I transferred it to my laptop as well as to a flash drive so won't loose it. I headed home for lunch and watched some more Kenichi. I'm glad Clark had showed me this series. I think I am in an anime phase right now. Added several series to my list on Netflix. Good thing they are short episodes and not long series overall.
I came back to work and saw Michael for the first time today. We talked a bit and went right into a confirmation meeting. It has been good to see them and start getting the information myself so I can talk a bit here in our way of learning how to run them. They will be a good tool to use for my own congregation. I finished working on the Dorcas/Tabitha page and just have to wait for Rally Day to publish it and see how well it goes. Heading out from work and going to be picking up quarters and doing the ice challenge Amy put me up to. Oh boy. Before I left work Michael was so kind to give me a 4-gallon bucket for the ice challenge. I stopped by an associated bank in order to get some quarters for laundry and then headed home.
There I got set up for the ice bucket challenge. I got my shower all ready and put my computer down. I thought about what I was going to say and went and did it. It turned out pretty good and it was pretty cold. Then I got ready for service and headed back to Redeemer. There I got the Lake George slide show all set up and had it going before and after service. I also picked up a watermelon from the youth so I have to cut that up at some point. Later that night I gave my mom a call to remind her of the challenge I gave her. We laughed and got some time to talk as well. It was nice to be able to share and hear what was going on back home.
Today I learned that I'm not the only one who gets upset or struggles through moral issues going on in the world today. It's nice to talk with like minded individuals.
I started off the morning with working on the slide show some more. It looks like I am doing some heavy duty work because I have my laptop, one of the churches, and my desktop all on my desk. I spent the morning until lunch time finished up the show. It is looking pretty good and only lasts about 8 minutes now. Might be a good idea to put it on a loop of sorts before and after service so anyone watching gets a chance to see all the photos if they want. I transferred it to my laptop as well as to a flash drive so won't loose it. I headed home for lunch and watched some more Kenichi. I'm glad Clark had showed me this series. I think I am in an anime phase right now. Added several series to my list on Netflix. Good thing they are short episodes and not long series overall.
I came back to work and saw Michael for the first time today. We talked a bit and went right into a confirmation meeting. It has been good to see them and start getting the information myself so I can talk a bit here in our way of learning how to run them. They will be a good tool to use for my own congregation. I finished working on the Dorcas/Tabitha page and just have to wait for Rally Day to publish it and see how well it goes. Heading out from work and going to be picking up quarters and doing the ice challenge Amy put me up to. Oh boy. Before I left work Michael was so kind to give me a 4-gallon bucket for the ice challenge. I stopped by an associated bank in order to get some quarters for laundry and then headed home.
There I got set up for the ice bucket challenge. I got my shower all ready and put my computer down. I thought about what I was going to say and went and did it. It turned out pretty good and it was pretty cold. Then I got ready for service and headed back to Redeemer. There I got the Lake George slide show all set up and had it going before and after service. I also picked up a watermelon from the youth so I have to cut that up at some point. Later that night I gave my mom a call to remind her of the challenge I gave her. We laughed and got some time to talk as well. It was nice to be able to share and hear what was going on back home.
Today I learned that I'm not the only one who gets upset or struggles through moral issues going on in the world today. It's nice to talk with like minded individuals.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Slide Show
8/20/14
Started off the morning with a bit of time before the staff meeting. I was able to get some more blogs as well as journal entries done. I didn't get into a big project because we didn't know exactly when Michael would be back. Once he arrived we started the staff meeting. We talked about a lot of things. I was able to bring up Lake George and we will have a slide show before and after service this weekend of what we did. It'll be nice for the congregation to see what we did and what God accomplished through us. Then after lunch I started the process of putting the photos onto Powerpoint to make the slideshow. I was having some trouble with my computer so I decided to talk to Michael about it after lunch.
The solution we came to was to use the seventh laptop and see if that worked. And low and behold that computer worked just fine and I was able to make photo albums on Powerpoint. After that I began the work of editing the albums and putting them in the order of days and jobs. It was a lot of fun to look back at the pictures and get a chance to see them all. It was especially fun to see the ones I had not yet. I worked on that until about 4:30 when Lynora and Sam came back in from working on the youth songbook. They wanted to see the slide show and we watched it together. It is still a bit long so I have work for tomorrow. After that I headed home. I did some more magic rounds and watched some Kenichi while working a bit more on the mystery dinner.
Today I learned that I'm starting to come up with my own suggestions. Maybe not everyone notices but I have and it is fun and a nice development. I feel like I have come to the next stage of sorts. I am starting to come up with things to add in on my own and they are being welcomed and encouraged.
Started off the morning with a bit of time before the staff meeting. I was able to get some more blogs as well as journal entries done. I didn't get into a big project because we didn't know exactly when Michael would be back. Once he arrived we started the staff meeting. We talked about a lot of things. I was able to bring up Lake George and we will have a slide show before and after service this weekend of what we did. It'll be nice for the congregation to see what we did and what God accomplished through us. Then after lunch I started the process of putting the photos onto Powerpoint to make the slideshow. I was having some trouble with my computer so I decided to talk to Michael about it after lunch.
The solution we came to was to use the seventh laptop and see if that worked. And low and behold that computer worked just fine and I was able to make photo albums on Powerpoint. After that I began the work of editing the albums and putting them in the order of days and jobs. It was a lot of fun to look back at the pictures and get a chance to see them all. It was especially fun to see the ones I had not yet. I worked on that until about 4:30 when Lynora and Sam came back in from working on the youth songbook. They wanted to see the slide show and we watched it together. It is still a bit long so I have work for tomorrow. After that I headed home. I did some more magic rounds and watched some Kenichi while working a bit more on the mystery dinner.
Today I learned that I'm starting to come up with my own suggestions. Maybe not everyone notices but I have and it is fun and a nice development. I feel like I have come to the next stage of sorts. I am starting to come up with things to add in on my own and they are being welcomed and encouraged.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Meetings
8/19/14
It is my first day back to work since Lake George. It is a weird but very good feeling. I found that I did miss being at work a little bit on Monday. It was nice to get into the swing of things again. Michael was gone for the morning at Quarry Hill. I started the task of getting back on track with my blogs. I had quite a bit to do in order o get to where I am right now. I also had to do a couple journal entries as well. Believe it or not I got entirely caught up with both of those today. For lunch Michael and I went to John Hardee's. The food there is very good. I had a pulled pork sandwich and eventually put some of their spicy sauce on it. It was absolutely delicious. Then we headed over to one of the families for confirmation. We did a home visit to talk about confirmation. Maria has down syndrome and it was fun to talk to her about confirmation as well as Brenda.
After that we had another confirmation meeting at church. This one was with Erika, Jenny, and her grandparents. It was a good discussion and got some good questions being asked. After that I did some little tasks here and there. There wasn't much point to go home and come back in like half an hour for the Sunday school meeting. At the meeting we went through some more possible people who could teach Sunday school. I was able to throw out one name. I pray that she wants to do it and prayerfully considers it. Also we looked at the orientation meeting as well as Rally Day coming up. I got home and watched some Kenichi and just hung out for the night. I absolutely loved Lake George but I did miss Rochester.
Today I learned what goes into a Confirmation visit here at Redeemer. It was fun to see the connection that Michael builds both with the student as well as the parents/guardians. He said that eventually I will be doing some. I can't wait to learn how and try them out.
It is my first day back to work since Lake George. It is a weird but very good feeling. I found that I did miss being at work a little bit on Monday. It was nice to get into the swing of things again. Michael was gone for the morning at Quarry Hill. I started the task of getting back on track with my blogs. I had quite a bit to do in order o get to where I am right now. I also had to do a couple journal entries as well. Believe it or not I got entirely caught up with both of those today. For lunch Michael and I went to John Hardee's. The food there is very good. I had a pulled pork sandwich and eventually put some of their spicy sauce on it. It was absolutely delicious. Then we headed over to one of the families for confirmation. We did a home visit to talk about confirmation. Maria has down syndrome and it was fun to talk to her about confirmation as well as Brenda.
After that we had another confirmation meeting at church. This one was with Erika, Jenny, and her grandparents. It was a good discussion and got some good questions being asked. After that I did some little tasks here and there. There wasn't much point to go home and come back in like half an hour for the Sunday school meeting. At the meeting we went through some more possible people who could teach Sunday school. I was able to throw out one name. I pray that she wants to do it and prayerfully considers it. Also we looked at the orientation meeting as well as Rally Day coming up. I got home and watched some Kenichi and just hung out for the night. I absolutely loved Lake George but I did miss Rochester.
Today I learned what goes into a Confirmation visit here at Redeemer. It was fun to see the connection that Michael builds both with the student as well as the parents/guardians. He said that eventually I will be doing some. I can't wait to learn how and try them out.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Day Off
8/18/14
Today was my rest day from the Lake George trip. As fun as it was this last week at Lake George it is very nice to sleep in and just have a day to do whatever I want. I spent the morning working on my mystery dinner idea and putting some stuff on paper. I wasn't able to get Wi-Fi from Centerstone so I did a lot of work on that as well as continuing my magic tournament. Nerd I know :P After I got Wi-Fi back I went and checked my email and what not. I also was able to play some Eden Eternal and get to level 35. Getting closer to making it to my martial arts master class and then eventually to Samurai :P That was pretty much my day and it was very relaxing and nice to not have to worry about much.
Today I learned how nice a good rest is after a long trip. Sleeping in and just not having to do anything for a day is a freeing experience.
Today was my rest day from the Lake George trip. As fun as it was this last week at Lake George it is very nice to sleep in and just have a day to do whatever I want. I spent the morning working on my mystery dinner idea and putting some stuff on paper. I wasn't able to get Wi-Fi from Centerstone so I did a lot of work on that as well as continuing my magic tournament. Nerd I know :P After I got Wi-Fi back I went and checked my email and what not. I also was able to play some Eden Eternal and get to level 35. Getting closer to making it to my martial arts master class and then eventually to Samurai :P That was pretty much my day and it was very relaxing and nice to not have to worry about much.
Today I learned how nice a good rest is after a long trip. Sleeping in and just not having to do anything for a day is a freeing experience.
Lake George Day 4
8/17/14
We started off the morning a bit later for some extra sleep for everyone. We got all our stuff packed up and put into the vehicles. We swept and mopped up the cabins and headed out to the church for service. I was able to finally meet the pastor and we went though the songs we had planned for the service. We had a couple we were singing by ourselves and those that we would sing with the congregation. We used our system and it felt as thought Michael, Connor, and April were standing right next to us. It was a lot of fun to sing with the congregation and tell them all about what we had done in their town this last couple days. After service they had prepared a brunch for us which was so good. They had biscuits and gravy! So so so good. Then we headed outside and had our final devotion and got to see the congregation present Michael (brother of Adrian and Liturgical deacon at Trinity) a laptop for college.
We then started saying our goodbyes and getting some photos of the whole group. With some care packages in hand we were on our way back to Rochester. We had some pretty heavy rain on the way back. It slowed us done a bit but we made it safely back to Redeemer around 6:30. There we unpacked and told some stories with the parents and headed our separate way. It was a pretty amazingly God-filled trip. I hope they all took something away like I did from it.
Today I learned that I am getting way better at wheating people. It's fun to do, especially to peer ministers or others who know about it I learned a lot about Olivia and Maggie as free information.
We started off the morning a bit later for some extra sleep for everyone. We got all our stuff packed up and put into the vehicles. We swept and mopped up the cabins and headed out to the church for service. I was able to finally meet the pastor and we went though the songs we had planned for the service. We had a couple we were singing by ourselves and those that we would sing with the congregation. We used our system and it felt as thought Michael, Connor, and April were standing right next to us. It was a lot of fun to sing with the congregation and tell them all about what we had done in their town this last couple days. After service they had prepared a brunch for us which was so good. They had biscuits and gravy! So so so good. Then we headed outside and had our final devotion and got to see the congregation present Michael (brother of Adrian and Liturgical deacon at Trinity) a laptop for college.
We then started saying our goodbyes and getting some photos of the whole group. With some care packages in hand we were on our way back to Rochester. We had some pretty heavy rain on the way back. It slowed us done a bit but we made it safely back to Redeemer around 6:30. There we unpacked and told some stories with the parents and headed our separate way. It was a pretty amazingly God-filled trip. I hope they all took something away like I did from it.
Today I learned that I am getting way better at wheating people. It's fun to do, especially to peer ministers or others who know about it I learned a lot about Olivia and Maggie as free information.
Lake George Day 3
8/16/14
We had come to our half day of the week. We had quite a bit of work to still get done but we all had faith. We came to the church for our breakfast and packed lunches for the first time this whole weekend. Then we went upstairs for worship and Bible study. This morning we talked about being a part of the Body of Christ. That God has gifted each one of us with special abilities to work together towards the goal of the kingdom of God. We then headed out for our last time of work. The logging group came in to finish painting and get some of the areas that got missed here and there. The painting crew and half of the other group went out to Camp Courage to clean up the beach and pay our rent to them in that sense. Our last group worked at Elsie's house and the cafe that day. Matt, Adrian, and Ian did some cleaning up at the Wigwam there in Lake George.
There was so much work that got done today. I couldn't believe all that we were able to accomplish. We then went out to Camp Courage to get ready for the swimming/boating time as well as the logging camp later that night. We went out to Itasca and had our lunch and devotion there. The devotion that day was giving each other compliments while sitting in a circle. It went over really well and everyone was smiling afterwards. Then we headed out to the Henzels' and got to swim and get a pontoon ride on Potato Lake. We also had a cake and soda floats for Delayna's birthday that was coming up soon. She was totally surprised and we got her good. Then we got all changed and dried off and headed out to the logging camp.
At the logging camp we ate family style having ribs, roast beef, chicken, and pork. It was absolutely delicious. We had beans, coleslaw, potatoes, macaroni salad, and rolls. There was so much food and it was so good. We all lifted a logging chain weighing for 1 ton together as a group. Troy was able to pull it a little ways on his own. We bought stuff at the gift shop, including, for me, a rubber band gun hehe. Then we headed back to Camp Courage and had a some more fun playing the ding game again. This time Sam totally won with 11 curses and able to do them all before we went to bed.
Today I learned that you will never reach everyone during a Bible study. Some people are just not there mentally and some are there with their whole hearts every time. I need to not blame myself for this and not let it get me down.
We had come to our half day of the week. We had quite a bit of work to still get done but we all had faith. We came to the church for our breakfast and packed lunches for the first time this whole weekend. Then we went upstairs for worship and Bible study. This morning we talked about being a part of the Body of Christ. That God has gifted each one of us with special abilities to work together towards the goal of the kingdom of God. We then headed out for our last time of work. The logging group came in to finish painting and get some of the areas that got missed here and there. The painting crew and half of the other group went out to Camp Courage to clean up the beach and pay our rent to them in that sense. Our last group worked at Elsie's house and the cafe that day. Matt, Adrian, and Ian did some cleaning up at the Wigwam there in Lake George.
There was so much work that got done today. I couldn't believe all that we were able to accomplish. We then went out to Camp Courage to get ready for the swimming/boating time as well as the logging camp later that night. We went out to Itasca and had our lunch and devotion there. The devotion that day was giving each other compliments while sitting in a circle. It went over really well and everyone was smiling afterwards. Then we headed out to the Henzels' and got to swim and get a pontoon ride on Potato Lake. We also had a cake and soda floats for Delayna's birthday that was coming up soon. She was totally surprised and we got her good. Then we got all changed and dried off and headed out to the logging camp.
At the logging camp we ate family style having ribs, roast beef, chicken, and pork. It was absolutely delicious. We had beans, coleslaw, potatoes, macaroni salad, and rolls. There was so much food and it was so good. We all lifted a logging chain weighing for 1 ton together as a group. Troy was able to pull it a little ways on his own. We bought stuff at the gift shop, including, for me, a rubber band gun hehe. Then we headed back to Camp Courage and had a some more fun playing the ding game again. This time Sam totally won with 11 curses and able to do them all before we went to bed.
Today I learned that you will never reach everyone during a Bible study. Some people are just not there mentally and some are there with their whole hearts every time. I need to not blame myself for this and not let it get me down.
Lake George Day 2
8/15/14
We started off the morning early and made our way to the church. There we set up breakfast and got some food in our stomachs. We then went up to the sanctuary for worship and had our time up there. This morning we talked about our talents and gifts from God. After that we headed out to our different jobs. The logging group was cutting down some trees today and would be hauling them back all cut up ready to be split and stacked. Our painting crew was starting the painting job today. They had to paint the window frames, front of the building, and the trim along the top. Any extra paint they would do the fence, playground, and other places that used the same color. The other group was going to finish Viola's house and the move to Clara's house. I visited all the different sites and got some pictures of different jobs. They really worked hard and put in the effort to get things done.
At lunch they did their devotions and I sat in with the logging group and we had some good talk. I tried to stay quiet because I had written them and had a general idea of where I wanted the conversation to go. They had some great talk and discussion about the idea of vocation. The afternoon of work went just as great as well. They were going strong all the way to supper. We had supper that night of hobo dinners. Olivia and Maggie helped get them ready to cook. They were absolutely delicious and actually had a second one, there was enough for two for everyone. We had a lot left over. We went into our worship time after that and Lori talked about the fruits of the Spirit with us. We then headed back to Camp Courage and played the ding game. It is a game where you complete a challenge each turn then you put a curse on someone. They are cards that say you have to do certain things when you speak or when other players do or say something. It is quite fun. It got very silly and I put myself out there and ended up unofficially winning because I had 6 curses and was able to do them all.
Today I learned that I have so much support around me. I knew it before but seeing it was amazing. I'm so glad God has put me here with these wonderful brothers and sisters.
We started off the morning early and made our way to the church. There we set up breakfast and got some food in our stomachs. We then went up to the sanctuary for worship and had our time up there. This morning we talked about our talents and gifts from God. After that we headed out to our different jobs. The logging group was cutting down some trees today and would be hauling them back all cut up ready to be split and stacked. Our painting crew was starting the painting job today. They had to paint the window frames, front of the building, and the trim along the top. Any extra paint they would do the fence, playground, and other places that used the same color. The other group was going to finish Viola's house and the move to Clara's house. I visited all the different sites and got some pictures of different jobs. They really worked hard and put in the effort to get things done.
At lunch they did their devotions and I sat in with the logging group and we had some good talk. I tried to stay quiet because I had written them and had a general idea of where I wanted the conversation to go. They had some great talk and discussion about the idea of vocation. The afternoon of work went just as great as well. They were going strong all the way to supper. We had supper that night of hobo dinners. Olivia and Maggie helped get them ready to cook. They were absolutely delicious and actually had a second one, there was enough for two for everyone. We had a lot left over. We went into our worship time after that and Lori talked about the fruits of the Spirit with us. We then headed back to Camp Courage and played the ding game. It is a game where you complete a challenge each turn then you put a curse on someone. They are cards that say you have to do certain things when you speak or when other players do or say something. It is quite fun. It got very silly and I put myself out there and ended up unofficially winning because I had 6 curses and was able to do them all.
Today I learned that I have so much support around me. I knew it before but seeing it was amazing. I'm so glad God has put me here with these wonderful brothers and sisters.
Lake George Day 1
8/14/14
The trip had finally arrived. We were heading up to Lake George. I got to church pretty early to get as much as I could set up before the kids started to arrive. As everyone started coming you could feel the excitement. We got everyone there and packed up the cars. We said a sending prayer and assigned cars. We met with Michael before we left and were on our way. The trip up was not bad at all. It is actually the same trip up to Amy's house. We even stopped in Clearwater and had some donuts there. We went past Little Falls by quite a bit and made it up to Lake George around noon. We meet up with Don and Deb and got out to work right away. They had a good first work day. That afternoon we had one team splitting logs for Don. They were able to make quite a dent in the pile he already had there. Our painting crew started prepping the church for painting the next day. They scraped all the surfaces. Then our last team headed over and did some window washing for Viola.
We all came back for supper at the church. Deb had made goulash and it was delicious. There was so much left that we had decided that would be our lunch tomorrow. After supper we went into the sanctuary and had our first worship time of the weekend. It went very well and even though there were a few bugs we learned what we needed to fix for our next times. After worship we headed out to Camp Courage and found our cabins. They were amazing! They were very nice cabins and it would be a lot of fun to be there for the next couple days. The youth went swimming that night and then headed in for the night to get some sleep for our full day of work.
Today I learned that you can have the best laid plans but something usually inimitably changes. In that time it is better to go with the flow and let things work out and keep moving forward.
The trip had finally arrived. We were heading up to Lake George. I got to church pretty early to get as much as I could set up before the kids started to arrive. As everyone started coming you could feel the excitement. We got everyone there and packed up the cars. We said a sending prayer and assigned cars. We met with Michael before we left and were on our way. The trip up was not bad at all. It is actually the same trip up to Amy's house. We even stopped in Clearwater and had some donuts there. We went past Little Falls by quite a bit and made it up to Lake George around noon. We meet up with Don and Deb and got out to work right away. They had a good first work day. That afternoon we had one team splitting logs for Don. They were able to make quite a dent in the pile he already had there. Our painting crew started prepping the church for painting the next day. They scraped all the surfaces. Then our last team headed over and did some window washing for Viola.
We all came back for supper at the church. Deb had made goulash and it was delicious. There was so much left that we had decided that would be our lunch tomorrow. After supper we went into the sanctuary and had our first worship time of the weekend. It went very well and even though there were a few bugs we learned what we needed to fix for our next times. After worship we headed out to Camp Courage and found our cabins. They were amazing! They were very nice cabins and it would be a lot of fun to be there for the next couple days. The youth went swimming that night and then headed in for the night to get some sleep for our full day of work.
Today I learned that you can have the best laid plans but something usually inimitably changes. In that time it is better to go with the flow and let things work out and keep moving forward.
The Day Before
8/13/14
Today was the day I took to get all the little details and other projects done for Lake George. My main project was the worship booklet and getting that done. I had some trouble with it printing more than one booklet the proper way. It would print one just fine if I just printed one. However when I put in more than that it would just print out the pages. Christ came to my rescue and figured it out. You had to set the printer to take from a different tray so it didn't have to flip the page. I am so glad she can figure those things out and knows so much about that sort of thing. I always make sure to ask how she figured out those problems so I can learn and know how to work through them in the future. Other than that I mainly was getting all the little things ready for Lake George like printing and getting the binders ready. I took the time after work to just settle down my nerves and relax a bit before the long weekend. I skipped out on the softball picnic in order to get some extra sleep.
Today I learned that sometimes there is only so much planning you can do. There comes a point where you start to needlessly worry and it doesn't help matters.
Today was the day I took to get all the little details and other projects done for Lake George. My main project was the worship booklet and getting that done. I had some trouble with it printing more than one booklet the proper way. It would print one just fine if I just printed one. However when I put in more than that it would just print out the pages. Christ came to my rescue and figured it out. You had to set the printer to take from a different tray so it didn't have to flip the page. I am so glad she can figure those things out and knows so much about that sort of thing. I always make sure to ask how she figured out those problems so I can learn and know how to work through them in the future. Other than that I mainly was getting all the little things ready for Lake George like printing and getting the binders ready. I took the time after work to just settle down my nerves and relax a bit before the long weekend. I skipped out on the softball picnic in order to get some extra sleep.
Today I learned that sometimes there is only so much planning you can do. There comes a point where you start to needlessly worry and it doesn't help matters.
Council Meeting
8/12/14
Today my biggest thing was the youth board meeting as well as my first council meeting. At the youth board meeting I talked about Pyros and the direction we were going. Having Christian and Sam there was very helpful. They gave us the approval and ideas for direction that we needed. Then I went into the Lake George talk and over half of the adult leaders for that trip are on the youth board. I was able, with lots of help from them, to get across the information about our trip and what we were doing. There were some good questions and we were able to answer them with confidence or in some cases of we will find out when we get there but we have plans in place. Then halfway through Michael and I had to attend the council meeting. This was my first and I knew the majority of those there. When we arrived we went over introductions. During the meeting we talked about a lot of things. We went over the theme for this upcoming year and the staff reports. I got to give my first staff report. Maybe not that exciting to most people but for me it was awesome! It was a late meeting because this was the first time for this group of elected council members.
Today I learned that there are people who are exactly where I am at Redeemer. They have a background but are in new positions. They do what they know and ask questions when they are wondering.
Today my biggest thing was the youth board meeting as well as my first council meeting. At the youth board meeting I talked about Pyros and the direction we were going. Having Christian and Sam there was very helpful. They gave us the approval and ideas for direction that we needed. Then I went into the Lake George talk and over half of the adult leaders for that trip are on the youth board. I was able, with lots of help from them, to get across the information about our trip and what we were doing. There were some good questions and we were able to answer them with confidence or in some cases of we will find out when we get there but we have plans in place. Then halfway through Michael and I had to attend the council meeting. This was my first and I knew the majority of those there. When we arrived we went over introductions. During the meeting we talked about a lot of things. We went over the theme for this upcoming year and the staff reports. I got to give my first staff report. Maybe not that exciting to most people but for me it was awesome! It was a late meeting because this was the first time for this group of elected council members.
Today I learned that there are people who are exactly where I am at Redeemer. They have a background but are in new positions. They do what they know and ask questions when they are wondering.
Lake George Planning
8/11/14
Today was a big planning day for Lake George. I had two meetings, one right after another, about the trip. First I met with Lori about the Bible study, worship, and devotion stuff. We figured out a the overall goal of each Bible study and a format for worship. We also looked through the devotion and felt pretty good about our planning and the direction we were going. After that we brought in Delayna and Paul for our meeting about the overall trip. There we talked and figured out food for the weekend. We got our work teams set and what jobs each of them would be doing. We were still unclear as to what the jobs all included but we had a decent idea. We also talked about what we had decided in the Bible study meeting. We were all feeling very good about the direction we were going and ready to get going. We had gotten our eight that morning. Originally our last two were Drew and Blake. However Blake had baseball and couldn't go. Then we heard Troy was planning on it and that was a time of joy and excitement.
Today I learned that I don't have to do everything on my own for this trip at all. There is so much willingness and ability and talent all around me to call on.
Today was a big planning day for Lake George. I had two meetings, one right after another, about the trip. First I met with Lori about the Bible study, worship, and devotion stuff. We figured out a the overall goal of each Bible study and a format for worship. We also looked through the devotion and felt pretty good about our planning and the direction we were going. After that we brought in Delayna and Paul for our meeting about the overall trip. There we talked and figured out food for the weekend. We got our work teams set and what jobs each of them would be doing. We were still unclear as to what the jobs all included but we had a decent idea. We also talked about what we had decided in the Bible study meeting. We were all feeling very good about the direction we were going and ready to get going. We had gotten our eight that morning. Originally our last two were Drew and Blake. However Blake had baseball and couldn't go. Then we heard Troy was planning on it and that was a time of joy and excitement.
Today I learned that I don't have to do everything on my own for this trip at all. There is so much willingness and ability and talent all around me to call on.
Gembatte Day 2
8/10/14
We got to Kevin's house around 9am the next morning. We got together as a group of Senseis and had Michael and Jim go through an interview with us. They answered very well and we then had our belt ceremony. We awarded each of them their black belt and we got huge smiles and nearly tears from both of them. We gave Mitch his kyu and told Gordon about his test. Then we had picture time and just a time for fellowship and hanging out. Eventually Amy and I left thinking I had to get in contact with Adam. We ended up not hanging out since we wouldn't have a lot of time and I wanted a bit more time with Amy and my family. So I hung out with Amy and my dad until she left. Then I had some time with my mom and dad when she came home. After that I began my drive back to Rochester. I got home that night and just took it easy and got plenty of sleep for the upcoming week.
Today I learned that I've really missed my family. It was great to spend some time with them. It's fun to talk about what each us has been doing.
We got to Kevin's house around 9am the next morning. We got together as a group of Senseis and had Michael and Jim go through an interview with us. They answered very well and we then had our belt ceremony. We awarded each of them their black belt and we got huge smiles and nearly tears from both of them. We gave Mitch his kyu and told Gordon about his test. Then we had picture time and just a time for fellowship and hanging out. Eventually Amy and I left thinking I had to get in contact with Adam. We ended up not hanging out since we wouldn't have a lot of time and I wanted a bit more time with Amy and my family. So I hung out with Amy and my dad until she left. Then I had some time with my mom and dad when she came home. After that I began my drive back to Rochester. I got home that night and just took it easy and got plenty of sleep for the upcoming week.
Today I learned that I've really missed my family. It was great to spend some time with them. It's fun to talk about what each us has been doing.
Gembatte Day 1
8/9/14
Well it was the first day of Gembatte and the first year that I had missed the Friday and helping out of the weekend. It was different. I got there and most everyone was either up or waking up. We got them all started for the run and waited for them to finish up. We only had four people testing this year. Michael and Jim were testing for black and Mitch and Gordon were going through their test. They set up the tents after the run and we went through basics. We had a breakfast then headed back for our seminar. This year it was Jo and Bokken work. The jo work was for everyone and the bokken work was for the Senseis. After that we went into physical fitness. They did pretty good for having a hot day. The ten minutes of kiba was interesting for a couple of them. Then we went into the testing part. We went through all the throws, defenses, combinations, etc.
From my point of view the test was looking very good. There were some areas that were a bit rough but it was usually either they hadn't practiced it or we hadn't given a lot of focus to that in class. Then it came to breaking and everyone did very well. There were a couple blood spots on boards and a couple that didn't get broken but looked very good. Then came the time everyone was waiting for, sparring. We had twenty matches total to get through. Jim went first and even through he started having some breathing trouble because he was holding his breath he made it through. Then came Michael and he was able to make it through with his hip being a bit interesting as well. We talked that night after our great supper about the candidates. We had decided to give them both their black belts. Gordon was not going to get any black kyus this year and Mitch would get one.
Today I learned that I still have a lot of my strength and power from karate I still have my technique and speed even through I haven't been in class for three months.
Well it was the first day of Gembatte and the first year that I had missed the Friday and helping out of the weekend. It was different. I got there and most everyone was either up or waking up. We got them all started for the run and waited for them to finish up. We only had four people testing this year. Michael and Jim were testing for black and Mitch and Gordon were going through their test. They set up the tents after the run and we went through basics. We had a breakfast then headed back for our seminar. This year it was Jo and Bokken work. The jo work was for everyone and the bokken work was for the Senseis. After that we went into physical fitness. They did pretty good for having a hot day. The ten minutes of kiba was interesting for a couple of them. Then we went into the testing part. We went through all the throws, defenses, combinations, etc.
From my point of view the test was looking very good. There were some areas that were a bit rough but it was usually either they hadn't practiced it or we hadn't given a lot of focus to that in class. Then it came to breaking and everyone did very well. There were a couple blood spots on boards and a couple that didn't get broken but looked very good. Then came the time everyone was waiting for, sparring. We had twenty matches total to get through. Jim went first and even through he started having some breathing trouble because he was holding his breath he made it through. Then came Michael and he was able to make it through with his hip being a bit interesting as well. We talked that night after our great supper about the candidates. We had decided to give them both their black belts. Gordon was not going to get any black kyus this year and Mitch would get one.
Today I learned that I still have a lot of my strength and power from karate I still have my technique and speed even through I haven't been in class for three months.
Valleyfair!
8/8/14
Today was the Valleyfair Trip. I got up pretty early to get to church at an earlier hour. I wanted to get some Lake George stuff done before all the youth started arriving. I was able to get a fair bit done on the Bible study. I mainly got who was doing what so I was ready for the next meeting and we could move forward. Then all the youth and adults started showing up. We all started talking and having fun while waiting for the others to show up. Once everyone was there we started on our way to the park. I drove separately because I would be leaving for Hudson after they went back to Rochester. We dropped my car off in Savage and then arrived at the park. We got our tickets and split into groups and started our day. We rode lots of rides and I tried to ride as many as I could. I got wet in the water rides and put my arms up in the roller coasters with the kids. It was a pretty awesome day.
It was sad to say goodbye after supper. I drove back to Hudson and got to spend some time with my family which was awesome. Then I waited up for Amy because she was coming back to help out with karate this weekend. She got there around 1:30 or so and then we both went to bed.
Today I learned that just having a good time and being open to just having gun with the kids. IT's a nice switch from the last week.
Today was the Valleyfair Trip. I got up pretty early to get to church at an earlier hour. I wanted to get some Lake George stuff done before all the youth started arriving. I was able to get a fair bit done on the Bible study. I mainly got who was doing what so I was ready for the next meeting and we could move forward. Then all the youth and adults started showing up. We all started talking and having fun while waiting for the others to show up. Once everyone was there we started on our way to the park. I drove separately because I would be leaving for Hudson after they went back to Rochester. We dropped my car off in Savage and then arrived at the park. We got our tickets and split into groups and started our day. We rode lots of rides and I tried to ride as many as I could. I got wet in the water rides and put my arms up in the roller coasters with the kids. It was a pretty awesome day.
It was sad to say goodbye after supper. I drove back to Hudson and got to spend some time with my family which was awesome. Then I waited up for Amy because she was coming back to help out with karate this weekend. She got there around 1:30 or so and then we both went to bed.
Today I learned that just having a good time and being open to just having gun with the kids. IT's a nice switch from the last week.
Almost there
8/7/14
I am way behind on my blogs so I will posting a lot in the next couple of hours. They might be a bit shorter than my others but that will be only because I won't remember everything I've done those days so bear with me and hope you get a chance to read them all.
Today my main project was getting the Lake George devotional booklet done. That way I wouldn't have to worry about it this weekend while I was in Hudson and I could send it out to people if necessary. Michael had some great critique for it and I was able to come out with a finished project I was pretty proud of. I pray that the Spirit will work through it to bring people into a deeper relationship with God. I went to service that night in the hope that I would get some more people for the Lake George trip. I ran into the Rossmans and even though Brandon couldn't go Olivia could and was very excited. That brought us up to 6 people which was very close to the 8 we needed. After service we had a VBS meeting where we talked about the week and made thank you cards. I was able to talk to Paul a bit about what they could do while I was gone.
Today I learned that rarely uses our original plan and likes to show us His plan. I thought Brandon could go to Lake George but God showed me that His plan was Olivia.
I am way behind on my blogs so I will posting a lot in the next couple of hours. They might be a bit shorter than my others but that will be only because I won't remember everything I've done those days so bear with me and hope you get a chance to read them all.
Today my main project was getting the Lake George devotional booklet done. That way I wouldn't have to worry about it this weekend while I was in Hudson and I could send it out to people if necessary. Michael had some great critique for it and I was able to come out with a finished project I was pretty proud of. I pray that the Spirit will work through it to bring people into a deeper relationship with God. I went to service that night in the hope that I would get some more people for the Lake George trip. I ran into the Rossmans and even though Brandon couldn't go Olivia could and was very excited. That brought us up to 6 people which was very close to the 8 we needed. After service we had a VBS meeting where we talked about the week and made thank you cards. I was able to talk to Paul a bit about what they could do while I was gone.
Today I learned that rarely uses our original plan and likes to show us His plan. I thought Brandon could go to Lake George but God showed me that His plan was Olivia.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Softball Championships!
8/6/14
I started off the morning with a staff meeting. In that meeting we got our theme verse for this next years theme and I can honestly say we are all very excited to see where God will take us this next year. After the that meeting I started getting things ready for the Lake George planning meeting later on. I re-looked at my schedule and printed off a copy for each person so we could take a look at it. Then I also put together the thoughts on the Bible study up to this point and handed that out so we all know where we are going. The meeting itself was very productive. I know personally I got some answers to questions that had been looming in my head. The planning is coming along very nicely and should turn out to be a very good event if we get enough people. That is now the main issue at hand. We need to find at least 8 youth who can go so that it is actually a youth service trip and not an adult service trip. We have 5 at this point and many prospective names so I pray God's will is we go and are able to help out up there.
After the Lake George meeting I did some quick work here and there. I was heading out around 4 since we had the softball championships later tonight. Due to both meetings and the length of time each ran Michael and I were not able to meet which I did miss. However it is understandable and the meetings that happened both really needed to happen to get that information out and discussed. After that I headed home and can now add Dragon Age Origins to the list of games I have beaten. It has a pretty awesome ending and really goes into all the different decisions you made throughout the game. Then I headed to Slaterly Park for the championships. The first game we won about 10-1 or somewhere around there. They had a great game. Then for the next game in the bottom of the 7th inning they were up 13-4. The other team was able to catch all the way up to end the game 13-12 with Redeemer winning the season and championship! The other teams played very well and everyone always was having fun.
Today I learned that sometimes your worries get the best of you. There were so many things I was worried about for Lake George but I 'm continuing to find people are stepping up and ready to help whenever with whatever. I don't need to worry as much as I think I should and really worrying doesn't help nearly any situation.
I started off the morning with a staff meeting. In that meeting we got our theme verse for this next years theme and I can honestly say we are all very excited to see where God will take us this next year. After the that meeting I started getting things ready for the Lake George planning meeting later on. I re-looked at my schedule and printed off a copy for each person so we could take a look at it. Then I also put together the thoughts on the Bible study up to this point and handed that out so we all know where we are going. The meeting itself was very productive. I know personally I got some answers to questions that had been looming in my head. The planning is coming along very nicely and should turn out to be a very good event if we get enough people. That is now the main issue at hand. We need to find at least 8 youth who can go so that it is actually a youth service trip and not an adult service trip. We have 5 at this point and many prospective names so I pray God's will is we go and are able to help out up there.
After the Lake George meeting I did some quick work here and there. I was heading out around 4 since we had the softball championships later tonight. Due to both meetings and the length of time each ran Michael and I were not able to meet which I did miss. However it is understandable and the meetings that happened both really needed to happen to get that information out and discussed. After that I headed home and can now add Dragon Age Origins to the list of games I have beaten. It has a pretty awesome ending and really goes into all the different decisions you made throughout the game. Then I headed to Slaterly Park for the championships. The first game we won about 10-1 or somewhere around there. They had a great game. Then for the next game in the bottom of the 7th inning they were up 13-4. The other team was able to catch all the way up to end the game 13-12 with Redeemer winning the season and championship! The other teams played very well and everyone always was having fun.
Today I learned that sometimes your worries get the best of you. There were so many things I was worried about for Lake George but I 'm continuing to find people are stepping up and ready to help whenever with whatever. I don't need to worry as much as I think I should and really worrying doesn't help nearly any situation.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Guardians of the Galaxy
8/5/14
Started off the morning with a meeting with Michael. We finished up the first chapter in Acts. It is very interesting to be reading how it is written in three versions. I have my NKJV which I grew up with and has some very interesting language. And he brings up the NIV and ESV on his iPad. We also talked about getting ready for Kevin's visit coming up in September or October. I can't believe I am already coming up on my third month in Rochester. It feels like I've been here for years, in a very good way. It gives me so much joy and excitement to know that I still have 9 months here! For the rest of the morning I worked on Lake George stuff and started to get some stuff written down for my part of the Lord's Prayer for Faith Journey here. Then I headed home for some lunch.
After lunch I really sat down to get the Lord's Prayer stuff done. I had the six and seventh petition as well as the ending. That is "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever amen". I did some research into some explanations as well as Luther's and found some very good stuff. I tried to make sure to keep the same ideas while using understandable words. This booklet is meant for families to be using with their elementary age youth. After I completely my first draft I had Michael take a look at it and he gave me some very good critique on it. After that Michael took me on a tour of Rochester. With all the busyness we've had this is the first time we've really been able to actually do this.
The drive was very helpful and I am even starting to get some directions and landmarks in my head. My dad would be proud that I got nearly all the questions of what direction we were going correct. I am able to learn :P After the drive I headed home for some supper and played some more Dragon Age. I am on the final quest and getting towards the game boss. Also I started to return to working on my book and getting a detailed outline for myself. Around 9:00 or so I headed out to Cinemagic to go to Guardians of the Galaxy. I've been hearing so much about it and I am a big Marvel fan so I had to. I really enjoyed it and would recommend to anyone that likes Marvel and Firefly/Serenity style movies.
Today I learned that I am really starting to learn the Rochester area and get landmarks and what not in my head. I've been to a lot more places than I had realized and recognized much more than I would have imagined I would have.
Started off the morning with a meeting with Michael. We finished up the first chapter in Acts. It is very interesting to be reading how it is written in three versions. I have my NKJV which I grew up with and has some very interesting language. And he brings up the NIV and ESV on his iPad. We also talked about getting ready for Kevin's visit coming up in September or October. I can't believe I am already coming up on my third month in Rochester. It feels like I've been here for years, in a very good way. It gives me so much joy and excitement to know that I still have 9 months here! For the rest of the morning I worked on Lake George stuff and started to get some stuff written down for my part of the Lord's Prayer for Faith Journey here. Then I headed home for some lunch.
After lunch I really sat down to get the Lord's Prayer stuff done. I had the six and seventh petition as well as the ending. That is "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever amen". I did some research into some explanations as well as Luther's and found some very good stuff. I tried to make sure to keep the same ideas while using understandable words. This booklet is meant for families to be using with their elementary age youth. After I completely my first draft I had Michael take a look at it and he gave me some very good critique on it. After that Michael took me on a tour of Rochester. With all the busyness we've had this is the first time we've really been able to actually do this.
The drive was very helpful and I am even starting to get some directions and landmarks in my head. My dad would be proud that I got nearly all the questions of what direction we were going correct. I am able to learn :P After the drive I headed home for some supper and played some more Dragon Age. I am on the final quest and getting towards the game boss. Also I started to return to working on my book and getting a detailed outline for myself. Around 9:00 or so I headed out to Cinemagic to go to Guardians of the Galaxy. I've been hearing so much about it and I am a big Marvel fan so I had to. I really enjoyed it and would recommend to anyone that likes Marvel and Firefly/Serenity style movies.
Today I learned that I am really starting to learn the Rochester area and get landmarks and what not in my head. I've been to a lot more places than I had realized and recognized much more than I would have imagined I would have.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Haircut
8/4/14
Started off this morning at church doing some journaling and blogging. Then Michael and I met and took some time to talk about Lake George and what we all had to figure out for the upcoming event. It was good to flush out some concerns and get things out in the open I was worried about. Then I did some work on my blog and really get caught up in what I have been doing. It's nice to recount my days and share them with all of you. It is nice to know that, even besides Amy and my mother, there are other people who are interested in what I am doing. It is so much fun to share what I am doing here. It is the first time that work doesn't feel like work at all. It is awesome to share what I am doing and have that feeling of already when I look at the clock after doing something.
In the afternoon I met with Lori. We are working on the Bible studies and devotions for the Lake George trip. We went over all the resources we have and there is some very good stuff there. After meeting for about two hours we have a basic outline of what we want to do. Now I am going through the materials and going to put together some options for what we can do. It is going to be a lot of fun and can't wait to see what God is going to do through His Word. We have a lot of good subjects for the studies and devotions and with some more fine tuning will have a pretty awesome progression throughout the whole weekend. It is very evident in these cases that God is working through us and awesome to see.
After I got done at Redeemer I headed right over to my scheduled haircut. I had finally passed another moment here in Rochester and found a haircut place. I was still a bit nervous about it and hoped it would turn out great and that I would enjoy the place. It can at very high recommendation from Connor and was excited to see how it went. I got there and was in the chair. She asked me how I would like it cut and I always get nervous here simply because I don't know what measurements will look on my hair. But I gave her what I thought and she went to work. What is cool about this place is they cut you hair, then you get a warm towel over your face while they wash your hair. Then at the end they offer a little massage using a vibrating handheld thing (yes official terminology). It was pretty awesome and my head felt a thousand times better.
After I got done it was absolutely pouring outside. I ran from the barber shop to my car and got soaked. I looked at my hair in the mirror in my car and it looked a lot shorter, but that was mainly because of the water in it. I got home and dried it off and even though it is a bit shorter than I am use to it was growing on me and it was certainly better than it was before. All in all it was a great day and I ended it with some more Dragon Age and some reading.
Today learned that I am slowly getting to the point where I should trust my instincts over just my GPS. I m starting to really get to know the southwest and bit of southeast portions of town, at least the places I need to go to.
Started off this morning at church doing some journaling and blogging. Then Michael and I met and took some time to talk about Lake George and what we all had to figure out for the upcoming event. It was good to flush out some concerns and get things out in the open I was worried about. Then I did some work on my blog and really get caught up in what I have been doing. It's nice to recount my days and share them with all of you. It is nice to know that, even besides Amy and my mother, there are other people who are interested in what I am doing. It is so much fun to share what I am doing here. It is the first time that work doesn't feel like work at all. It is awesome to share what I am doing and have that feeling of already when I look at the clock after doing something.
In the afternoon I met with Lori. We are working on the Bible studies and devotions for the Lake George trip. We went over all the resources we have and there is some very good stuff there. After meeting for about two hours we have a basic outline of what we want to do. Now I am going through the materials and going to put together some options for what we can do. It is going to be a lot of fun and can't wait to see what God is going to do through His Word. We have a lot of good subjects for the studies and devotions and with some more fine tuning will have a pretty awesome progression throughout the whole weekend. It is very evident in these cases that God is working through us and awesome to see.
After I got done at Redeemer I headed right over to my scheduled haircut. I had finally passed another moment here in Rochester and found a haircut place. I was still a bit nervous about it and hoped it would turn out great and that I would enjoy the place. It can at very high recommendation from Connor and was excited to see how it went. I got there and was in the chair. She asked me how I would like it cut and I always get nervous here simply because I don't know what measurements will look on my hair. But I gave her what I thought and she went to work. What is cool about this place is they cut you hair, then you get a warm towel over your face while they wash your hair. Then at the end they offer a little massage using a vibrating handheld thing (yes official terminology). It was pretty awesome and my head felt a thousand times better.
After I got done it was absolutely pouring outside. I ran from the barber shop to my car and got soaked. I looked at my hair in the mirror in my car and it looked a lot shorter, but that was mainly because of the water in it. I got home and dried it off and even though it is a bit shorter than I am use to it was growing on me and it was certainly better than it was before. All in all it was a great day and I ended it with some more Dragon Age and some reading.
Today learned that I am slowly getting to the point where I should trust my instincts over just my GPS. I m starting to really get to know the southwest and bit of southeast portions of town, at least the places I need to go to.
Monday, August 4, 2014
Jay's!
8/3/14
Started off the morning with church. I attended both services. At both we had a missionary, that the church has started supporting, from the Dominican Republic come in and talk. She had an amazing message. It wasn't just sharing what they were doing or what she was doing there. It was an actual message of the Church and how God is doing exactly what He said He would in His Word. She had a great way of presenting this while putting in how she sees God working in Her work and the work of the other missionaries in the Dominican Republic. She is also a unique kind of missionary. She works with those who are developmentally disabled. I've never heard of this before and it was incredibly interesting. One of the first pictures she should was of a girl with cerebral palsy which I am intimately familiar with my brother. It touched me and I know exactly what she meant by what happens when they don't have therapy with that and not as top notch quality care.
Before, in between, and after services I did some running around to the different youth that had showed up. I was recruiting for Lake George trip. I enlisted Julie to help me as well and with covered everyone that was there. We got several nos since we are nearing the start of fall sports, marching band, drivers ed, and school itself which is completely understandable. We got several maybes and a few yeses which is awesome. I pray that we can get enough people to make the trip worthwhile ad able to go. If not however I understand that as well and need to prepare for that as well. Later that afternoon I went to the Beckman's and we headed over to Jay's for the get together there.
At Jay's I was able to solidify some names in my head and get to know others even more. I tried some slushy mix and it was peach. I am not normally a fan of peach but this was very good. Also I experienced the fabled pizza making at Jay's. He makes the crust and has sauce and we bring toppings. Then we make the pizzas and put them in a brick over he has made. It is the coolest thing and is the best tasting pizza I've ever had. There are some awesome combinations of toppings people make and very tasty. It was a lot of fun to be there and get to know everyone. I can't wait to see the photos from the event when Jay puts them out.
The rest of he night did some dishes and some more playing of Dragon Age. Yes you all get to hear about that. :P It was a really great day and I had a great time. I can't wait to go over to Jay's again.
Today I learned I am starting to know where to turn to people for their passions and skills in the congregation. It shows that I am really starting to build connections and relationships with those in the congregation and getting to know them for who they really are.
Started off the morning with church. I attended both services. At both we had a missionary, that the church has started supporting, from the Dominican Republic come in and talk. She had an amazing message. It wasn't just sharing what they were doing or what she was doing there. It was an actual message of the Church and how God is doing exactly what He said He would in His Word. She had a great way of presenting this while putting in how she sees God working in Her work and the work of the other missionaries in the Dominican Republic. She is also a unique kind of missionary. She works with those who are developmentally disabled. I've never heard of this before and it was incredibly interesting. One of the first pictures she should was of a girl with cerebral palsy which I am intimately familiar with my brother. It touched me and I know exactly what she meant by what happens when they don't have therapy with that and not as top notch quality care.
Before, in between, and after services I did some running around to the different youth that had showed up. I was recruiting for Lake George trip. I enlisted Julie to help me as well and with covered everyone that was there. We got several nos since we are nearing the start of fall sports, marching band, drivers ed, and school itself which is completely understandable. We got several maybes and a few yeses which is awesome. I pray that we can get enough people to make the trip worthwhile ad able to go. If not however I understand that as well and need to prepare for that as well. Later that afternoon I went to the Beckman's and we headed over to Jay's for the get together there.
At Jay's I was able to solidify some names in my head and get to know others even more. I tried some slushy mix and it was peach. I am not normally a fan of peach but this was very good. Also I experienced the fabled pizza making at Jay's. He makes the crust and has sauce and we bring toppings. Then we make the pizzas and put them in a brick over he has made. It is the coolest thing and is the best tasting pizza I've ever had. There are some awesome combinations of toppings people make and very tasty. It was a lot of fun to be there and get to know everyone. I can't wait to see the photos from the event when Jay puts them out.
The rest of he night did some dishes and some more playing of Dragon Age. Yes you all get to hear about that. :P It was a really great day and I had a great time. I can't wait to go over to Jay's again.
Today I learned I am starting to know where to turn to people for their passions and skills in the congregation. It shows that I am really starting to build connections and relationships with those in the congregation and getting to know them for who they really are.
Another Day
8/2/14
I slept in again today. Still hoping to kick this cold but not completely there. At least now I am certain I am on the downwards spiral and just a matter of getting my rest, liquid, and waiting for it to work out of my system. I spent a good majority of today getting farther in Dragon Age. It is fun to have some gaming time like this. Now I just need to have Adam here and do some gaming with him at some point. I also did some reading today. Although today I got to do some fun reading. I got back into the Golden Compass, where I had left off. His Dark Materials is one of my favorite trilogies. It has some very controversial stuff in it and makes for great study and discussion with others, especially within a church setting. I also love it for the world that Phillip Pullman created and his writing style. Also I was able to direct the Jimmy Johns driver to where I lived when she got a little lost. It was a nice feeling to be kind of know my surrounding area a little bit.
Today I learn how much I've missed reading just for fun. Getting back into simply fun books was really awesome and it is good for me to switch between required reading, reading with Michael, and just books for my own good time
I slept in again today. Still hoping to kick this cold but not completely there. At least now I am certain I am on the downwards spiral and just a matter of getting my rest, liquid, and waiting for it to work out of my system. I spent a good majority of today getting farther in Dragon Age. It is fun to have some gaming time like this. Now I just need to have Adam here and do some gaming with him at some point. I also did some reading today. Although today I got to do some fun reading. I got back into the Golden Compass, where I had left off. His Dark Materials is one of my favorite trilogies. It has some very controversial stuff in it and makes for great study and discussion with others, especially within a church setting. I also love it for the world that Phillip Pullman created and his writing style. Also I was able to direct the Jimmy Johns driver to where I lived when she got a little lost. It was a nice feeling to be kind of know my surrounding area a little bit.
Today I learn how much I've missed reading just for fun. Getting back into simply fun books was really awesome and it is good for me to switch between required reading, reading with Michael, and just books for my own good time
Dragon Age: Origins
8/1/14
Well on my day off I took a typical day off. I stayed home for the day and slept in. The extra rest was really nice and helped to kick some of the symptoms of the cold. I am coughing far far less now. Just getting over some minor sinus stuff at this point. Annoying to breath sometimes but a lot more manageable than coughing uncontrollably. Today my main goal was to get laundry done. I think I did about 5 or 6 loads of laundry in total which was nice to see all my clean clothes. During it all I continued playing my current game now which is Dragon Age: Origins. My goal is to finally beat it. I've started it many times in the past but never really sat down and beat it all the way through. We'll see where I get this time.
Today I learned that now and then I just need a day where I do almost nothing. Just being able to sleep in and lounge around is a nice change of pace from the continual movement I've been doing for awhile now.
Well on my day off I took a typical day off. I stayed home for the day and slept in. The extra rest was really nice and helped to kick some of the symptoms of the cold. I am coughing far far less now. Just getting over some minor sinus stuff at this point. Annoying to breath sometimes but a lot more manageable than coughing uncontrollably. Today my main goal was to get laundry done. I think I did about 5 or 6 loads of laundry in total which was nice to see all my clean clothes. During it all I continued playing my current game now which is Dragon Age: Origins. My goal is to finally beat it. I've started it many times in the past but never really sat down and beat it all the way through. We'll see where I get this time.
Today I learned that now and then I just need a day where I do almost nothing. Just being able to sleep in and lounge around is a nice change of pace from the continual movement I've been doing for awhile now.
All the Little Things
7/31/14
I started the morning when far less coughing than I had been doing lately. It was a nice relief to finally see some progress on getting better for good. I got my blog from yesterday up, which was incredibly short, and did my journal entry. I think putting up those things the morning after is a good method for me to get them done. I spent the good majority of the morning working on the Bible study and theme for the Lake George trip. I am working with Lori and getting that cemented down as early as we can. I sent off some ideas on my part and asked her for any and comments on the ones I had found. I was able to find some good ideas and I pray that the Spirit leads us in the one that we need to do. I headed off for lunch and tried the nap thing again. I got a bit more sleep this time than yesterday which is good.
I came back after lunch and started working on this blog post. Sometimes just jotting down what I've done hour by hour or so really makes finishing this up easier later on. Hopefully I will be meeting with Lori sometime next week to start figuring out what the Bible study and theme verse will look like for Lake George. I got some more little things done here and there over the course of the afternoon. I also finished the Make Him Known book which was awesome. Now just to finish up the Pursuit of God book and I can start on Michael and I's book as well as the one for Kevin.
I headed home for the night. I played some Dragon Age: Origins and stayed home. I still am not feeling completely myself and coughing here and there. I thought it would best to just take it easy for as much as I could.
Today I learned that keeping yourself busy helps to accomplish quite bit. Sometimes you think you are sitting on a project too long once you look back you see how much you actually got done.
I started the morning when far less coughing than I had been doing lately. It was a nice relief to finally see some progress on getting better for good. I got my blog from yesterday up, which was incredibly short, and did my journal entry. I think putting up those things the morning after is a good method for me to get them done. I spent the good majority of the morning working on the Bible study and theme for the Lake George trip. I am working with Lori and getting that cemented down as early as we can. I sent off some ideas on my part and asked her for any and comments on the ones I had found. I was able to find some good ideas and I pray that the Spirit leads us in the one that we need to do. I headed off for lunch and tried the nap thing again. I got a bit more sleep this time than yesterday which is good.
I came back after lunch and started working on this blog post. Sometimes just jotting down what I've done hour by hour or so really makes finishing this up easier later on. Hopefully I will be meeting with Lori sometime next week to start figuring out what the Bible study and theme verse will look like for Lake George. I got some more little things done here and there over the course of the afternoon. I also finished the Make Him Known book which was awesome. Now just to finish up the Pursuit of God book and I can start on Michael and I's book as well as the one for Kevin.
I headed home for the night. I played some Dragon Age: Origins and stayed home. I still am not feeling completely myself and coughing here and there. I thought it would best to just take it easy for as much as I could.
Today I learned that keeping yourself busy helps to accomplish quite bit. Sometimes you think you are sitting on a project too long once you look back you see how much you actually got done.
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