Monday, May 31, 2010

Daily Read May 31, 2010

Psalm 113:1-3 (New International Version)

1 Praise the LORD.
Praise, O servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD.

2 Let the name of the LORD be praised,
both now and forevermore.

3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the LORD is to be praised.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Daily Read May 30, 2010

Psalm 111:10 (New International Version)

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.

NTCoC Outline Online




North Terrace Church of Christ's sermon outline is available online this morning. (Thanks YouVersion!)

Jim

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Running update...

It's been a while since I updated on my running progress.

Actually, May was a really good month. Altogether for the month, I ran 32.3 miles. Which is a really good start towards the many (nearly 250) that I will complete before my first 1/2 marathon. (I'm planning to run the Akron 1/2 marathon in September... and maybe... maybe another in August...) I am officially 2 weeks into training for that 1/2... logged 11.09 miles this week.

I have (for the most part) adjusted to both the hills and the humidity of southeastern Ohio. The hills (I think) are making me a better, faster and more conditioned runner. That, I won't lie, has been a bit a struggle... the hills and the humidity. But I'll get used to them. And will be a better runner in the long run.

A couple of weeks ago I had a pretty major accomplishment. I ran the Susan K. Comen 5k for the Cure (cancer awareness) in Columbus with some friends. Thanksgiving was the last time that I had ran a 5k for time. I ran that race in 28m 38s. So I was hoping to just break the 28 minute mark. When I saw the crowds, I was not optimistic that I would be able to run my race, at my pace. But the crowd thinned out and wasn't as bad as I wanted and I ran a 27m 03s!!!! I was pumped!!! Not only that, but I ran with a seasoned marathon runner. When we got done, he said "You (Jim) were running as fast as I wanted to run..." I'll take that as a compliment!

My next race will be (unless something unexpected pops up) the Fireman's Festival 5k here in Caldwell on July 31st. It will be a nice little diversion from my regular weekly training... by then I should be running 23-25 miles a week. Should be fun!

On other hand, the dieting hasn't been all that great. I've been hanging around the 245 mark... sometimes 242... sometimes 250... It's been tough without Jackie here. She is my dietitian and my warden. She helps me know what and how much to eat... and gives me dirty looks when I eat too much or what I shouldn't. But she will be here this week and that will help (the diet portion) of my training get back on track.

It's been a good month. I feel good. I feel like my training is progressing and I'm looking forward to getting longer distances in.

Jim

Daily Read May 29, 2010

Psalm 127:1 (New International Version)

1 Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Daily Read May 28, 2010

Psalm 55:22-23 (New International Version)

22 Cast your cares on the LORD
and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous fall.

23 But you, O God, will bring down the wicked
into the pit of corruption;
bloodthirsty and deceitful men
will not live out half their days.
But as for me, I trust in you.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Minute Maid Commercial "Bunny"




I saw this last night... it made me chuckle. Hopefully it brings a smile to your day. Now, go save Scooter!!!

Check it out HERE.

Jim

Daily Read May 27, 2010

2 Samuel 14:14 (New International Version)

14 Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

New Narnia - Voyage of the Dawn Treader


I just saw THIS this morning. (Thanks Jonathan and Narnia fans) It seems that the next Narnia movie is scheduled for around Christmastime!! That will be sweet.

It appears that Edmund and Lucy are returning as well as (now) King Caspian.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the series... even though I haven't finished reading the books yet. But now I'll have to step it up and finish them before December 10th, when it appears the Voyage of the Dawn Treader will be out!

Sweet! Might make for a good Christmas Party/Youth Group!

Jim

Daily Read May 26, 2010

Psalm 86:11-12 (New International Version)

11 Teach me your way, O LORD,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.

12 I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Ferrets: The Pursuit of Excellence




I saw this over on David Crowder's Blog...

Apparently there is a whole segment of our population that spends their time dressing up ferrets... seriously???? Guess so... The ridiculous nature of it cracked me up.

Watch it HERE.

Jim

Daily Read May 25, 2010

Psalm 86:5-8 (New International Version)

5 You are forgiving and good, O Lord,
abounding in love to all who call to you.

6 Hear my prayer, O LORD;
listen to my cry for mercy.

7 In the day of my trouble I will call to you,
for you will answer me.

8 Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord;
no deeds can compare with yours.

Monday, May 24, 2010

7 years!!!


On one hand, it feels like a second...

On the other hand, I can't remember life without her.

Today is Jackie and I's 7th anniversary. Which is kind of a bummer... since she's in Illinois and I'm in Ohio for another week or so. But we'll be back together soon.

I can't wait.

We were married today... 7 years ago.

Happy Anniversary Baby!!

Jim

Daily Read May 24, 2010

Psalm 57:10-12 (New International Version)

10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Daily Read May 23, 2010

Psalm 32:11 (New International Version)

11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

NTCoC Outline Online

The last couple of weeks I've been experimenting with something at North Terrace.

The popular YouVersion Bible software for mobile phones... iPhones, iPod touches, Blackberry's, etc (found HERE on iTunes)... has a live event page. You can set it up with the sermon notes, Scripture verses, polls, etc.

So the last couple of weeks I've been putting up the notes and messing with it. If you're at North Terrace this weekend and have one these devices, feel free to follow along and provide some feedback.

You can find a link to it HERE. But, if you are using YouVersion, it should show up automatically under the "live" tab at the bottom of your app.

Enjoy!

Jim


Daily Read May 22, 2010

Psalm 32:1-2 (New International Version)

1 Blessed is he
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.

2 Blessed is the man
whose sin the LORD does not count against him
and in whose spirit is no deceit.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Daily Read May 21, 2010

2 Samuel 12:7-9 (New International Version)

7 Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave your master's house to you, and your master's wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. 9 Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Daily Read May 20, 2010

Psalm 66:5 (New International Version)

5 Come and see what God has done,
how awesome his works in man's behalf!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Daily Read May 19, 2010

Psalm 39:4-7 (New International Version)

4 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.

5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah

6 Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.

7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Daily Read May 18, 2010

Psalm 36:5-6 (New International Version)

5 Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.

6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Daily Read May 17, 2010

Psalm 33:4-5 (New International Version)

4 For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.

5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.

Lord Spice




This cracked me up...

Enjoy!

Check it out HERE.

Jim

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Daily Read May 16, 2010

2 Samuel 6:21-22 (New International Version)

21 David said to Michal, "It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD's people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD. 22 I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor."

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Daily Read May 15, 2010

2 Samuel 6:1-5 (New International Version)

1 David again brought together out of Israel chosen men, thirty thousand in all. 2 He and all his men set out from Baalah of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the LORD Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on the ark. 3 They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart 4 with the ark of God on it, and Ahio was walking in front of it. 5 David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the LORD, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Daily Read May 14, 2010

Psalm 100 (New International Version)

Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving thanks.
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Daily Read May 13, 2010

Psalm 96:1-5 (New International Version)

1 Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.

3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.

5 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Daily Read May 12, 2010

Psalm 89:5-8 (New International Version)

5 The heavens praise your wonders, O LORD,
your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.

6 For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD ?
Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings?

7 In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared;
he is more awesome than all who surround him.

8 O LORD God Almighty, who is like you?
You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Daily Read May 11, 2010

Psalm 89:1-2 (New International Version)

1 I will sing of the LORD's great love forever;
with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.

2 I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

Monday, May 10, 2010

The Generous Mr. Lovewell - MercyMe

There are very few artists that I will buy their new release without hearing any of it...

MercyMe is in that category (along with U2, Third Day and TobyMac... just so you know...).

I will buy their new release every single time.

MercyMe's new release, "The Generous Mr. Lovewell" is incredible!!!! (If you click on that link to the album, you can have a listen before you decide to buy it.) I'm listening to it right now. But I picked it up sight unheard last week and it's quickly becoming one of the most played albums in my iTunes library right now.

You can pick up your copy right HERE.

Jim

Baby Bottle Boomerang

We have a sweet and simple fundraiser going on right now at North Terrace that I'm pretty excited about. It's called "Baby Bottle Boomerang."

It's a fundraiser to support the local pro-life crisis pregnancy center in Zanesville and it's really simple. At church yesterday we handed out these baby bottles. Those who choose to take them home, will over the next month (hopefully) fill them up with spare pocket change. They were distributed on Mother's Day and will be returned on Father's Day (June 19th) filled up with change as donations for the center.

The center will then collect them and use the money to help those who might be struggling with a choice of whether to keep their unborn child.

It's simple.
And hopefully will be effective.

I believe that abortion is one of those big social issues that the church should be interested in and involved in. We are told in Scripture that God created babies and knows them intimately before they are even born. And as Christians, we should care about the life of an unborn child, regardless of whether their parents do or not. This is a simple and tangible way to help unborn children.

I hope that North Terrace gets behind the effort full force in making a difference in saving the lives... even one... of unborn children. If you didn't get a chance to pick up a bottle this weekend... or wasn't sure what was going on with the bottles, you can pick one up this weekend (May 16th) and join the effort.

Jim

Daily Read May 10, 2010

Psalm 68:19-20 (New International Version)

19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.
Selah

20 Our God is a God who saves;
from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.

Sunday, May 09, 2010

Daily Read May 9, 2010

Psalm 47:5-8 (New International Version)

5 God has ascended amid shouts of joy,
the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets.

6 Sing praises to God, sing praises;
sing praises to our King, sing praises.

7 For God is the King of all the earth;
sing to him a psalm of praise.

8 God reigns over the nations;
God is seated on his holy throne.

Saturday, May 08, 2010

Im Sorry, Mom - Skit Guys



Fun little video for Mother's Day!!!

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Jim

Daily Read May 8, 2010

Psalm 24:3-6 (New International Version)

3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ?
Who may stand in his holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.

5 He will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God his Savior.

6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
Selah

Friday, May 07, 2010

Daily Read May 7, 2010

Psalm 24:1-2 (New International Version)

1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;

2 for he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters.

Thursday, May 06, 2010

Ironing Man



Heading out tonight to the 12:01 am showing of Iron Man 2 with Donny, Terril, Todd and some others (not sure who all is coming out actually...)!!! But it will be awesome!!!

I saw this this morning (thanks to Erik) so I thought I'd throw it up in honor of Iron Man 2 opening tomorrow. I thought it was clever!

Can't wait until 12:01 am!

Jim

Daily Read May 6, 2010

Psalm 23:1-4 (New International Version)

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

Social Media Questionaire

Hey faithful blog readers...

I've got a buddy... Ben Taylor... who is working on his Master's Degree (he's getting a master's degree in awesomeness as well...). He is seeking some help with Social Media and it's use among Church Leaders. Since you are reading this, there's a good chance that you utilize social media in some form (i.e.: facebook, twitter, blogs, foursquare, or something of the sort). If you are reading this, there's a good chance that you might be a church leader as well (i.e.: youth pastor, volunteer, staff member at a church, elder, deacon, etc).

Would you do him and me a favor?

I'm going to go with "yes" as your answer there. Answer these questions for him and email your answers directly to Ben Taylor at ben.taylor@onlinecfc.com.

We would both appreciate it a great deal. And you would earn credits toward your Master's of Awesomeness degree!

Thanks from both of us...

Social Media Interview Questions

1. Do have a social media strategy? Why or why not?

2. How long has the Social Media strategy been in place?

3. Define Social Media?

4. Please define your social media strategy? (How do you use social media?)

5. What is your goal by utilizing social media?

6. When you think about communicating to the church/congregation/community is social media a part the strategy?

7. Is Social Media in your context more about pushing information (marketing) or building community? Or both? Explain.

8. What successes have your organization experienced by utilizing a social media strategy?

9. What failures have your organization experienced by utilizing a social media strategy?

10. How do you measure the effectiveness of your social media strategy?

11. Are you satisfied with the results of your social media strategy? Why or why not?

12. If you had the resources to plant a church would you choose to do in the physical or online? What is your reasoning for this choice?

13. Do you see a social media strategy as a ministry of the church as the church? What is your rationale for this decision?

Demographics

· Average Weekend Attendance

· Region of Country

· Percentage of Staff Utilizing Social Media

· Interviewee’s Position

You rock!

Jim

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Daily Read May 5, 2010

Psalm 15:1-5 (New International Version)

1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?

2 He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart

3 and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,

4 who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,

5 who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Daily Read May 4, 2010

Psalm 1:1-3 (New International Version)

1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.

2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.

Monday, May 03, 2010

Daily Read May 3, 2010

Sorry... the transition has slowed down my blogging some...
Here's a Scripture that I read today...

1 Chronicles 16:8-11 (New International Version)

8 Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.

9 Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.

10 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

11 Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.


First Day... First Challenge...

Yesterday was my first day at North Terrace...

And honestly, I spent most of the day a little overwhelmed. I have always worked hard to know the names of all the students in our ministry and last night I walked into a room where I knew very few names... for an obvious reason: it was my first day.

Knowing names has always made me feel more comfortable and since I didn't know them yesterday, I was really uncomfortable. (By the way... if for any reason, you don't know all the names in your student ministry, you need to learn them... make it a priority. Unless you're in a youth ministry of more than 200 or 250 students, you have no excuse!)

I'll learn them. It will just take a bit of time.

But I did start off last night with a challenge. Paul challenged young Timothy to set the example for the believers in his church (1 Timothy 4:12). I believe that our youth ministry can and should set the pace for our church. Paul challenged Timothy to set the pace in faith, life, love, speech and purity. I challenged our students last night to begin to see themselves as pace-setters in honoring God, reaching out to their friends, connecting with each other in relationships, growing closer to God and serving others.

That's the direction that we're headed and I'm excited. I'm looking forward to seeing what God's going to do through this awesome group of students!

Jim

Saturday, May 01, 2010

First Day at North Terrace tomorrow...

Sorry faithful blog readers... I've been off my blog the last couple of days. I've been packing, moving, driving, unpacking, driving some more and then yesterday and today, I visited my month old niece in Columbus.

Tomorrow is my first day at North Terrace Church of Christ in Zanesville, Ohio.

This afternoon I had to pop in my office and send an email. On my way out, I snapped this picture.

Thought I'd share.

See you tomorrow morning North Terrace!

Jim