Church History Trip - part 2

After leaving the DOC museum, we went over to Central Christian Church in Nashville. Housed there is something very cool....















This is a pulpit that was used by Alexander Campbell when he came to Nashville to preach at a local Baptist church. Somehow this pulpit ended up on Central Christian Church, and it was great to get a couple pictures of it.













Jackie took my picture behind Campbell's pulpit. Check out the pics of Campbell below... I think I'm a dead-ringer!!!





We moved on from Central and went to a local cemetery. While there, we saw several grave markers of great 2nd generation leaders...



This is Tolbert Fanning's marker. Tolbert Fanning was a great leader, preacher and publisher of the Gospel Advocate. Click here to read more about him.









Following Fanning marker, we moved over a couple of rows and found the marker for David Lipscomb. Lipscomb was a powerful leader and founder of Nashville Bible School... which later became Lipscomb University. Click here to read more about him.











While we were talking about Lipscomb... I snapped this picture of my wife... Isn't she cute???



After viewing Lipscomb's grave marker and several others. We headed over to David Lipscomb's house called "Avalon."





This is Avalon. While we enjoyed dinner, we heard some of the history of the Lipscomb's and the University.










All of it was very interesting. But we were still in Nashville and we had hotel reservations in Lexington, KY. So we jumped on the bus, had a long conversation about Thomas Campbell's "Declaration and Address" and then hit the sack after a very long first day.


Jim

Church History Trip - part 1

These posts that are listed as "Church History Trip" are some pics and postings of my Restoration Movement class. We left Lincoln Christian Seminary on Monday morning. Our first stop was Sand Creek Church of Christ in Illinois.







Following Sand Creek, we made the long drive to Nashville where we visited the Disciples of Christ Historical Museum.


This museum is filled with relics from the Stone Campbell movement.







Here are a few of the relics that are housed here:


This is an orginial writing of A. Campbell. It's very hard to read.














These are Alexander Campbell's reading glasses. They are very small and missing one lens... but maybe he didn't need the other one...












This is an actual locket of hair clipped from Alexander Campbell's head after he died, but before they buried him.


I have to say... it was a touching moment...






That is probably enough pics for one post. But that was just half of the ones for Monday and about a quarter of the ones taken for all day on Monday. More to come in Part 2.


Jim

How to Pick Up a Chick

I just uploaded my first orginal movie to YouTube!!! I'm pretty pumped. We're going to use it in a couple of weeks on Sunday night. But I was so excited that I couldn't wait to post it.

Jim

iPhone... No reward update...

Several have commented on this, so I thought that I would make it an official post.

With the purchase of the PT for the Clark family, it was a $9000 expense that we weren't expecting. So in light of the family budget, we thought it would be best to drop the iPhone promise part of the diet.

I am however planning to continue with the diet. But at this point, it is an unsponsored diet. (If you would like to sponsor the new diet, as previously before the iPhone diet, please feel free to comment and we'll line something up...).

But the decision was primarily a family budget decision. With the purchase of a new car, it seemed a little extravagant to purchase a $600 cell phone/IPod that I really didn't need.

Jim

P.S. I am planning to save up what little allowance I get in hopes of purchasing the IPhone at some point soon...

QVC ladder fall

After talking about the other video of a QVC messup... I thought I would track this one down and post it. I think it's the best.

Watch... He's going to show us how to use the ladder...

Jim

iPhone Commecial

Here's a pretty sweet commercial for the new IPhone... if only the diet still awarded the phone...

Last 5 hits on my blog page

Here are the locations of the last 5 hits on my blog... Hopefully you're there!!!

-Normal, Illinois
-Peterson, Alabama
-Knoxville, Tennessee
-St. Charles, Illinois
-Aurora, Illinois

I think that is the most Illinois hits that I've ever had at one point.

Jim

By The Tree... The Turning... Rush of Fools... Tickets are on sale!!!

Tickets are ON SALE for our upcoming concert on April 1st. We started over the weekend and sold a handful. But I think we will sell a lot more this week. Tickets are just $7 and can be purchased by either calling the Fox Valley Christian Church office at 630.208.8484 extension 28 or by visiting ITickets.

It is going to be an awesome show. You aren't going to want to miss it. (Unless of course you don't live within 30 miles of Batavia... and in which case... just wait until it comes near you...)








Jim

New Ride!!!! PT Cruiser

Sorry that I haven't been able to blog as much lately. But I'll hit you with several new blogs this morning so you have something to read.

Jackie and I bought the PT Cruiser that we were checking out. I'll try to post some actual pics of it and not this stock photo from Vehix. There are a couple of problems (mechanically) with it. But we talked the dealership down to what we wanted, even though we had to walk away a couple of times. They finally came around.

I'm looking forward to getting situated driving one car. The Sunfire is still in our parking lot at the apartment. We've got Grant Oler's Honda today. Jackie's got her car there and now there's the PT Cruiser. If they find out who all these cars belong to, they are likely to pitch a fit.

But the PT is awesome. And I really looking forward to getting comfortable driving just one car!!!


Jim

High Voltage Outline - February 25, 2007

Tonight was an off-night attendance-wise. It was snowing pretty hardcore this afternoon and so that may have turned away some students.

But overall it was a pretty decent night.
Here is the rundown of the night:
Lesson Topic: What's the Big Deal with Sex? Week 3: What A Girl Wants
'Fun Factor': Average
Volunteer Involvement: Average
Music: N/A
Student Involvement in Music: N/A
Lesson Quality: Average
Length of Lesson: 45 minutes (with 3 video clips thrown in)
Student Response: Average
Overall Night Rating (scale of 1(not good) to 10(awesome)): 7

-----------------------
Here's tonight's outline. Parents: There are discusssion questions below the outline.
What’s the BIG Deal with Sex?
Part 3- What a Girl Wants
High Voltage – February 28, 2007 – Jim Clark
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

1. We are DESIGNED to be in a relationship with one another
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18
2. We are designed with DIFFERENCES
Top 5 Needs For Married Men And Women
M: Sex ‡ W: Affection
M: Recreation ‡ W: Conversation
M: Attractiveness of Spouse ‡ W: Financial Support
M: Domestic Support ‡ W: Honesty and Openness
M: Admiration and Respect ‡ W: Family Commitment
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

Now he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” John 4:4-7
1. Jesus shows RESPECT
If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” John 4:10.
The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” John 4:15
He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” “I have no husband.” She replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” John 4:16,18
2. Jesus wants to KNOW her
Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. I know that the Messiah (called Christ) is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I who speak to you am he.” Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why were you talking to her?” Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” John 4:19, 25-29.
3. Jesus totally ACCEPTS

WORLD’S WAY (LIES) GOD’S WAY (TRUTH)
How you LOOK = how you are accepted. You are ACCEPTED as you are

How you PERFORM = how you are accepted. You are KNOWN

How you FAKE LIFE = how you are accepted. You are RESPECTED
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:1, 14
Show proper respect to everyone: Lord the brotherhood of believers; fear God. 1 Peter 2:17

The Bottom Line: Many of the problems that happen between guys and girls come from not taking time to understand each other.

---------------------------------------
Discussion Questions:
1. How does it feel when someone really, really knows you and respects you?
2. Do you feel like your relationships respect you, know you and accept you for who you are or do you feel like they pressure you to be someone you're not? Why or why not?
3. What do you need to do in your life, what decisions do you need to make, in order to be a "10" Christian and attract "10" Christians?


---------------------------------------

Overall, it was a fairly decent night. Attandence was down a bit. But the topic was great. And I'm really excited for those who made the trip out.

Jim

QVC Employee Stabbed By Katana.

Don't buy this at home... you could get hurt like this guy.

High Voltage Outline - February 18, 2007

Sunday night was a great night at High Voltage. We talked through week 2 of the "What's the Big Deal with Sex?" series and had great feedback from the students. We talked about guys... and what a guy's deal is.

Here is the rundown of the night:
Lesson Topic: What's the Big Deal with Sex? Week 2: What's a Guy's Deal?
'Fun Factor': Above Average
Volunteer Involvement: Average
Music: N/A
Student Involvement in Music: N/A
Lesson Quality: Above Average
Length of Lesson: 39 minutes (with 1 video clip thrown in)
Student Response: Way Above Average
Overall Night Rating (scale of 1(not good) to 10(awesome)): 8

-----------------------------------------
Here's the outline:What’s the Big Deal with Sex?
Week 2-What’s a Guy’s Deal?
High Voltage – February 18, 2007 – Jim Clark
----------------------
The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and it have it to the full.” John 10:10
To the Jews who had believed in him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-33
SOME STEROTYPICAL DIFFERENCES
Girls are RELATIONAL Guys are PHYSICAL

Girls are VERBAL Guys are VISUAL

Girls prefer ROMANCE Guys prefer ACTION

Girls like CHIVALRY Guys like BUDDIES

Girls tend to FEEL their emotions Guys tend to THINK their emotions

Girls like EXPERIENCES Guys want to be EXPERIENCED

A girl’s sex drive is SLOW A guy’s sex drive is FAST

HOW CAN THESE DIFFERENCES IMPACT A LIFE?
1. Appreciate God’s design and view yourself as an ORIGINAL MASTERPIECE
(When you realize you’re an original masterpiece…it’s easier to give honor to yourself)

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my moth’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Psalm 139:13-15
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

2. Understand the difference between male & female and HONOR ONE ANOTHER
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

3. Make a commitment to honor God with YOUR BODY
Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who united himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will be become one flesh.” But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, who you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:15-20

The Bottom Line:
Knowing the differences in guys and girls can save you some pain.

------------------------------------
Questions for discussion:
1. Which of the differences between guys and girls seems the biggest? Why do you think that?
2. Which of these differences do have personal experience with?
3. Do you feel that knowing the differences will help you avoid some pain? Why or why not?

------------------------------------

It was a really great night at High Voltage. I'm really enjoying this series. I almost can't wait until next week.

Jim

New Ride??? PT Cruiser

The other night Jackie and I drove a car that might be the new addition to a proud Clark family... a 2001 Chrystler PT Cruiser.

It's silver... it's got 70,000 miles... sunroof... CD... leather...

It's really nice.

I am picking it up this evening to have our mechanic take a look at it. If everything checks out with it on Thursday, we may have a new addition to the family. More on this later...

Jim

R.I.P. Pontiac Sunfire

Well...
It's a sad day at the Clark household this President's Day. On Friday it was determined that the Pontiac Sunfire that we have come to rely on has a "terminal" transmission issue.

So we are going to bid farewell to the Sunfire. We thought long and hard about the decision... we prayed about it... and just didn't feel like we could put as much into fixing the transmission as we paid initally for the car. Plus, it has a few other frustrated and expensive issues that are going to need to be addressed very soon, if not immediately. Namely the body damage done by last weekend's attempt to drive without a wheel. (See earlier blog entry.)

So we have made the hard decision. We're going to miss you my friend!!! (Calling hours are available upon request...)

Jim

By The Tree... The Turning... Rush of Fools are coming to Fox Valley

Fox Valley Christian Church is about to host a major concert event. By the Tree... The Turning and Rush of Fools are scheduled for a concert here at Fox Valley Christian Church (40w150 Main Street, Batavia, IL) on April 1, 2007 at 6 pm.

I am in charge of administrating the show!!!! Wow!!!

But I'm really looking forward to it. I think that it will be a great event for our students and our church. Plus, personally, it's just a lot of fun.

If you are interested in hearing a little bit of the music of The World On Fire Tour, visit this link.

Tickets are just $7 in advance and $10 at the door on the day of the event. Tickets for this event can be ordered by calling the church office at 630.208.8484. It should be a great event!!!


Jim

High Voltage Outline - February 11, 2007

Lesson Topic: What's the Big Deal with Sex? Week 1: Truth vs Lies
'Fun Factor': Average
Volunteer Involvement: Above Average
Music: N/A
Student Involvement in Music: N/A
Lesson Quality: Average
Length of Lesson: 33 minutes (with 1 video clip thrown in)
Student Response: Above Average
Overall Night Rating (scale of 1(not good) to 10(awesome)): 7

---------------------------
Here's the message outline:
What’s the Big Deal with Sex?
Week 1: Distinguishing Truth From Lies
High Voltage – February 11, 2007 – Jim Clark
_______________________________________________________

(Jesus said) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
To the Jews who had believed in him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

SEX MESSAGES FROM THE WORLD’S WAY

∑ Sex is no BIG DEAL

∑ Sex is purely PHYSICAL

∑ God is DOWN on sex

∑ Everyone is DOING IT

∑ It’s impossible to be PURE


WHAT YOU DON’T HEAR FROM THE WORLD’S WAY

∑ Your sexual decisions will leave LIFE-LONG MEMORIES

∑ Your sexual decisions can have LIFE-LONG CONSEQUENCES

∑ The best sex lives are found in MARRIAGES WHO WAITED

THE CHALLENGE TO CARE ABOUT YOUR LIFE…

1. Investigate God’s plan for GREAT SEX
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

2. Search for God’s WISDOM
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

3. Experience God’s FORGIVENESS
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

4. Enjoy God’s HOPE
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

The Bottom Line: Sex is a big deal because it has big CONSEQUENCES.

--------------------------
Discussion questions for student/parent interaction:
1. Which of the lies (from the world) have you heard recently and in what context did you hear it?
2. Which of the truths surprised you the most? Why?
3. How do you plan over the next several weeks to investigate God's plan for sex?

--------------------------

It was a good night. It was a great night to start the series. We had several students come up and ask questions and check out some of the materials that were offered through the library. All in all, it was a good night!

Jim

Ever driven without a wheel? Part 2

After spending nearly $400 and sitting in the car for 5 hours waiting for AAA to pick up the car on Friday, my car has all four weeks back on the car.

We had to replace the wheel hub and do a few other assorted tasks... but for the most part, the car is back in working condition. We're going to have to have a body shop look at the body panels that were damaged in the mehem. But we'll do that at some point in the near future.

For where we're at right now... the car is back with all 4 wheels securely on and rolling.


Jim

Snow day BABY!!!

It's a Tuesday and I'm still in the Tri-cities area...

Today with the inclimate weather, Jackie and I couldn't make our weekly trek down to Lincoln for school. But that is actually a good thing since the college and seminary are closed for the day.

I'm going to be catching up on some reading... and watching the snow fly!!!

Jim

What???: Navy may deploy anti-terrorism dolphins

A friend came across this story and for me, it just fell into the "What? Catagory." Take a look for yourself...

"Dozens of dolphins and sea lions trained to detect and apprehend waterborne attackers could be sent to patrol a military base in Washington state, the Navy said Monday. In a notice published in this week's Federal Register, the Navy said it needs to bolster security at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, on the Puget Sound close to Seattle."

I'm all for homeland security and protecting our borders... But this just amazed me.

To read the rest of the story, visit THIS site.

Jim

Bears and Colts Pray Together following the Super Bowl part 2... Story

"Suddenly, in the middle of the celebration that had the locker room buzzing after the Indianapolis Colts' Super Bowl XLI victory, Tony Dungy had an announcement.

They were not leaving Dolphin Stadium without one more piece of business.

A prayer.

Dungy had the TV cameras in the room shut off. The interviews with maybe a dozen reporters still lingering stopped. The pictures players were snapping of each other holding the Lombardi Trophy needed to wait."

For more on this story... Visit this link...

The Bears and Colts paused to have prayer together... Earlier I posted the picture. But what an incredible scene of focus, intentionality and commitment.

Jim

Shuffle Up and Deal

I hit shuffle on my IPod and then play...
Here are the first five songs that came up:

-O Praise Him (All This for a King)(Oceanix Mix) by David Crowder Band off the Sunsets and Sushi album
-I Can Feel Your Love by Paul Wright off the Sunrise to Sunset Album
-Hillbilly Shoes by Montgomery Gentry off the Tattos and Scars Album
-I So Hate Consequences by Relient K off the X:17 Christian Rock Hits! 2006 Album
-The Dance by Garth Brooks off the Hits Album


Jim

Ever driven without a wheel?

Until today, I hadn't either.


But today I got this wonderful privilege. A couple of days ago, my Sunfire picked up a vibration. But I wasn't sure what it was.

I have an idea now.

We (my wife and I) were on our way down to Wheaton to the garage where we get our cars worked on. And as I crossed the bridge in Geneva, suddenly the wheel fell off!!!!


I limped the car across the bridge and into a parking lot where we called AAA (well worth the money by the way). AAA will deliver the car the rest of the way. Very interesting day....

In fact, I am still sitting in the car. I happen to be blogging from the car.









This last picture is great... Especially with the missing front wheel leaning against the car...

My wife looks thrilled...









Jim

Comfortably Numb (the most powerful version)

Here's a pretty sweet video from Pink Floyd's "Pulse video." I would love to see these guys live... but I may have been born too late.

What's the BIG Deal with Sex? Series

This Sunday night at High Voltage, we'll be starting our every other year series on the topic of Sex. This year's title is "What's the BIG Deal with Sex?" The series is 7 weeks long, including a week 7 Q & A time.

The topics for the series are:
Week 1: What's the Big Deal? Discerning Truth from Lies
Week 2: What's a Guy's deal?
Week 3: What's a Girl's deal?
Week 4: What does the Bible say about sex?
Week 5: How far is TOO far?
Week 6: What if I've messed up?
Week 7: What if I've got questions?

As we progress through the series, the outlines will be posted here in order to create conversation between parents and students about this series and vital topic. If you have questions about this series, feel free to post a comment or email me at jim@fvcc.com.

Jim

Bears and Colts Pray Together following the Super Bowl

After Sunday night's Super Bowl, Tony Dungy, Lovie Smith, the Chicago Bears and the Indy Colts took some time and prayed together. This is a pretty awesome picture. You can tell that it is after the game by looking at the "Championship T-Shirt" that Tony is wearing.






I haven't been able to figure out where this picture came from, but when I do, I will edit this blog post to reflect the whole story.

If you know where it came from, please feel free to comment!

Jim

Lovie Smith :: Beyond the Ultimate

I'm glad this guy is the coach of the Bears. He's a class-act!

Tony Dungy :: Beyond the Ultimate

What an incredible testimony!!! Wow!!!

Too much snow last night...

I was downstate yesterday for class again. And man did it snow. It snowed so hard that my Hebrew prof, Dr. Hall, let those of us with long drives leave early (after taking our Vocab quiz). A normally 3 hour (2 1/2 +) drive took almost 4 1/2. The freeway wasn't too bad but there were some bad places.

But it was bad enough here in the Tri-Cities area to cancel Student Ministry small groups (at least the Tuesday night variety... the Wednesday night groups are still on for tonight). But that doesn't happen very often. Yesterday's snow just came so fast and was so light that it blew everywhere.

The one bit of silver lining is that it was only about 2 degrees when I walked out the door this morning instead of the -14!!!

Crazy weather!!!

Jim

Pick me up a Championship shirt...

Anyone going to Africa anytime soon??

According to THIS ABC News story, the T-shirts that were printed up for Sunday night's Super Bowl would-be-champs Chicago Bears are headed to Africa to be given away in small villages as part of a World Vision effort. Pretty cool that a Christian group like World Vision is a part of it.

It would still be kinda cool just to get a hold of one of those shirts...

It would have been cooler if the Bears would have won the game... Then I could have gone down the street to Wal-Mart and bought one for myself...

Jim

Last 5 hits on my blog page

Here are the locales of the last 5 visitors to my blog page... one is especially cool...

-Knoxville, TN
-Grandville, MI
-Joliet, IL
-Aurora, IL
-Caldwell, KA (as some of you may know, my hometown is Caldwell, Ohio... so, it was pretty cool to see Caldwell listed as the location of a blog visitor...)

Jim

Get a Mac - Vista Vs Mac - Security - New Mac Add

Here's the brand new Mac vs. PC commercial. It's awesome!! Go Mac.

GM Robot Super Bowl XLI Commercial

I saw this commercial during the Super Bowl on Sunday night. It almost made me want to cry. Definately the best of the mix on Sunday night.

3 Words...

Last night's Super Bowl can be explained in 3 words...

Rex...

Grossman...

Stinks...

And if you want to add a few more... Trade him and draft a quarterback.
In this humble blogger's opinion, the Bear's would have had a shot at winning last night had it not been for Rex's bumbling and fumbling... 2 interceptions... on stupid throws that shouldn't have been thrown and what was thrown was thrown poorly... several fumbles and dropped balls... you can't blame dropping the snap from the center on a fierce rush from the defense... it just hit his hands and bounced to the ground.
It was poor... very poor...

It would have been a better option to have put Griese in during the 4th Quarter, or heaven forbid... Kyle Orton. It was obvious to the casual fan that Rex didn't have it last night. But for some reason... Lovie left him in the game...

And the Bears went down. Defense can only do so much when you hand 14 points to the other team's offense in turnovers and when you've been on the field for most of the game because your offense can land a first day.

So... the draft is coming... let Rex go... pick up someone with some brains... and skills...

Jim

-14 below this morning...

It was cold this morning... But the bright side of things is that my car started. WhooHoo!!!

But officially this morning at the Clark household we had a morning low of -14.8 at about 4:35 am. COLD!!!!!


Jim

-8 below zero!!!

Officially at the Clark-house last night's coldest temperature was -8 below zero. Cold!!!

But today's forecasted high is +2 (which seems like a heatwave) and tonight's low is -14. It was so cold this morning that my car wouldn't start. Oh!!! to have a garage...


Jim

Chestnut was a great place for skiing... but at 2 degrees?

Friday night's Ski Trip to Chestnut was pretty good. The skiing wasn't too bad... too many snowboarders carving it up at times.

But a couple of things about that event in retrospect.
First, skiing by yourself is fine for about an hour. All the adults who attended refused to go out and ski. In fact, they didn't even get lift tickets. Which left me as the only adult from our group skiing, which meant that I skied alone. Which was cool initially, but when you've got no one to talk to and no one to push you to try new stuff, skiing alone gets stale pretty quick.

Second, it was about 2 or 3 degrees above zero all night, the wind was blowing and a light snow was falling. IT WAS COLD! But actually the best part of the night skiing-wise for me was from about 2:30 am until about 3:30 am. Many of the kids had frozen out and were inside, so the slopes were pretty clear. And the light snow was beginning to freshen up the slopes. But it was getting windy. But still... pretty darn cold.

Finally, a 3-hour bus ride at 4:00 am is hard on the neck. It was impossible for me to get comfortable enough to sleep. But that's part of it I guess.

All in all... it wasn't a bad trip. In fact, from what I saw of Chestnut, I liked it. I would love to go back and ski it during the day, with some friends and when it wasn't so cold.

Jim

Blonde meets Apple

Here's a funny little Apple commercial for your viewing pleasure.

Shuffle Up and Deal

I pulled up my ITunes playlist... Hit shuffle and here are the first 5 songs that came up...

Magic Man by Heart off the "Essential Heart" album
Let It Fade by Jeremy Camp off the "Beyond Measure" album
I've Found a New Baby (Benny Goodman Version) by Big Band Sounds off the "Big Band Sounds - Swing Era of 1930-1936" album
A Pillow of Winds by Pink Floyd off the "Meddle" album
Rock And Roll Is Dead by Lenny Kravitz off the "Greatest Hits" album

Enjoy!!! All good songs!!!

Apple 1984 new edition

Here's a pretty sweet old Mac commercial!!!

The Art Institute's "Lions" in Chicago get their helmets

Bears helmets finally fit the heads of two of Chicago's most well known residents-- the 3-ton lions sitting outside the Art Institute. On Tuesday, the first fitting didn't go so well.

This is the first time since the Bears won the Super Bowl 21 years ago. Hopefully this will be a good sign since the last time the Lion's wore helmets, the White Socks won the World Series.

Click here for the Full Story.

IPhone Diet Update!

Today is the first day of February... and I'm proud to announce that I made it into the 280's by the end of January!!! I'm working my way to a new IPhone this June.

My goal was to be below 290 by the end of January and I actually hit yesterday at 288. That's down 12 pounds since January 1. I was hesitant to post because yesterday was Chinese buffet day with Chris and Steve... and you know Chinese buffets... So I waited until today.

This morning (after my normal morning walk), I was 289!!!

But I know that the first 11-12 are the easy ones... But I'm committed (to be talking on an IPhone) this summer!!!

Jim

Together - Team Hoyt

This is an incredible video. I saw it a couple of years ago, but saw it recently on a friend's blog and thought I'd post it as well. It's incredibly powerful.

Pink Floyd - High Hopes

If you like Pink Floyd, then you'll like this video of High Hopes. It's excellent. I'm a huge Floyd fan.

HILLARY CLINTON ROCKS THE MIKE!

There are more reasons that this one... But here's at least one reason why we don't need another 4 years with a Clinton in the White House...

Friday night... Chestnut Mountain

I love skiing!!!

Friday night and Saturday of this week I get to hit the slopes with Oswego Park district. I am totally looking forward to getting to hit a new mountain. We are going to Chestnut Mountain in Galena. I've never been there before. But they've got plenty of snow from their snow report, they are 100% open and their trail map looks pretty awesome.

I'm really looking forward to it. Hopefully I don't hit any trees...

Jim

What I'm reading...

I'm reading "Joined in Discipleship" by Mark G. Toulouse. You could pick it by clicking HERE.. but if you do, be prepared for some Church History.

It's the book that I've been assigned for my Restoration Movement Principles class this semester. It's not too bad and a decent read if you like church history.

IPhone Diet Check In

After a tough weekend, IPhone Diet-wise, I got back on track yesterday at weigh in time. I'm still walking... and still drinking water... and still cutting back on the portions... I'm still on my way toward the IPhone.

My hope is to drop below the 290 mark before the end of the month. This morning was 291.5... which gives me a couple of pounds before I make it there. But I've still got a couple of days.

More updates to come!!

Jim

High Voltage Outline - January 28, 2007

Lesson Topic: Surprising Realities- Week 4 - God's Got Acceptance for You!
'Fun Factor': Average
Volunteer Involvement: Below Average
Music: N/A
Student Involvement in Music: N/A
Lesson Quality: Average
Length of Lesson: 36 minutes (with 2 video clips thrown in)
Student Response: Average
Overall Night Rating (scale of 1(not good) to 10(awesome)): 6

----------------------
Surprising Realities
Week 4 – God’s Got Acceptance for You
High Voltage – January 28, 2007 – Jim Clark
Surprising Reality:
Everyone wants to be accepted for who they are. We are all Unique

Individuals

Extraordinary

We all have something to offer.

We tend to minimalize those things that make us different.
God’s response: Don’t!

God created you as a unique and extraordinary individual.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

Surprising Conclusion:
Those who come to God are accepted as they are.
God accepts those who seek him.
God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. Acts 15:8
Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. Psalm 119:108

God accepts those who follow his Son.
When you sacrifice a fellowship offering to the LORD, sacrifice it in such a way that it will be accepted on your behalf. Leviticus 19:5

God accepts those who try to do what is right.
Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. Acts 10:34-35
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:3
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." Genesis 4:7

God accepts those who worship him.
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28
For on my holy mountain, the high mountain of Israel, declares the Sovereign LORD, there in the land the entire house of Israel will serve me, and there I will accept them. There I will require your offerings and your choice gifts, along with all your holy sacrifices. Ezekiel 20:40

Action Steps:
1. Accept who God created you to be.

2. Appreciate that you don’t have to be perfect to be accepted.

3. Allow others to be themselves.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:7
The Bottom Line:
God wants to accept you where you’re at and help you to become who he wants you to be.

----------------------
Discussion Questions:
1. When is a time when you really wanted to be accepted for you, but didn't feel like you were? What kinds of feelings did you have about that?
2. How do you think it feels to be truly accepted for who you are?
3. What kinds of things can you do in really accepting others?
4. How does it feel to know that God accepts you completely, even though you've messed up?
----------------------

Tonight was the last night of the Surprising Realities series. We'll take a week off and then on the 11th begin a 6/7 week series on Sex!!!

Jim

The Super Bowl Shuffle

I realized yesterday, (Thanks Jeff), that the copy of the Super Bowl Shuffle from YouTube that I had on my blog from Sunday was removed.

So, just in case you were looking for another copy. Here's link to Google's posting of the Shuffle. And if you don't know the words, or would just like to sing along, here's a website with all the lyrics.

Go Bears!!!

the IPhone Diet

Recently, Jackie and I started a little contest. I have something she wants (in fact, too much of it) and there is something that I want.

It not hard to see that there is too much Jim on me... I could definately use to lose a few pounds. And I would really like to get an IPhone. (Here's a link just so you can oohh and aahh at it's beauty and awesomeness...) But the estimated $600 is a little more than I can handle.

So Jackie and I made a deal. If I lose 75 pounds by this summer, she will buy me an IPhone! Sounds like a pretty awesome deal to me. It's a lot of weight... It's also a lot of money... But we decided to go for it. The weight loss itself would put me back at my program weight from high school which would be pretty awesome.

At the beginning of 2007, I weighed in at 299!!! Holy Cow!!!
This morning, since starting the IPhone diet, that's my name for my project, about 2 weeks ago, I weighed in at 291. That puts me 71 pounds short of my goal, but down 8 or 9 pounds from the beginning of the year. But I haven't just be trying... I've got a plan.

Here's my plan:
1. Portion size!!! Portion size!!! Portion size!!! Portion size!!!
I eat like a horse and I need to cut that back. I eat every meal like it's my last. There's no reason for that. So, I've been cutting back on portion sizes. I've also been cutting out the unhealthy snacks... chips, etc... and replacing it with fruit.
2. Drink 8 glasses of water a day.
It keeps you going to the bathroom when you first start. So, I guess that's good because at least I'm getting a little bit of exercise. But I've pretty much cut out the soda and replaced it with water. And I drink 8 glasses (2 full Nalgene bottles) every afternoon.
3. Go for a walk 5 days a week.
Jackie and I have been walking together on Fridays and Saturdays. The other walks come in the morning after she gets up and goes to work. I jump on the treadmill, turn on an episode of 24 and walk for the whole show (about 43 minutes). The episodes of 24 give me something to look forward to, something to make the time go by quicker and a reasonable timeframe to walk through. Just left to myself on the treadmill, most days I can barely make it 30 minutes. But the extra 10-12 minutes pushes me most days over 2 1/4 miles!!

Simple things. Simple things that I'm hoping over the next 5 months will add up to an IPhone!!! I realize that the first 10 to 20 pounds are the easiest. And then it will get harder. But I'm ready for that too... I've got a couple of new goals up my hoodie sleeve!

Hopefully the pounds will be falling off!!! And soon I'll be chatting, listening to music and watching movies on my IPhone! I guess it's called motivation.

Jim

I-65 Superbowl!!!

Last night we had small group at a host home of a family in our church. This family will have a very difficult time on Sunday, Feb 4th. The dad in this family is a Bears' fan. The two sons, daughter and wife in the family are Colts' fans.

I'm kinda excited to see a Mid-West Super Bowl. It will be a great rivalry... as long as the Bears come out on top... which they will. My friend Nate Gilmour (who's blog is linked to the left) will give you a different, although very incorrect perspective you choose to dilute yourself with incorrect facts and fantasies.

But I am looking forward to Super BEAR Sunday on February 4th!!! Go Bears!!

24 and the Simpson collide!!!

My friend Steve will love this.

This May, Kiefer Sutherland (Jack Bauer) and Mary Lynn Rajskub (Chloe) will be appearing on the Simpsons spoofing '24'. FOX will be airing two episodes of Simpsons that night and, depending on which airs first, one will have the honor of being the 400th aired episode of the Simpsons. This would be a great time for '24' to make their choice known.

But on May 20, the Simpsons and Jack Bauer will collide in an episode of the Simpsons. Here's a link to the story. This episode could be the 400th in the series and should be a memorable night!!!

Last 5 hits on my blog page

Since adding this handly little counter to the left, I've had fun watching how many and where some of my readers come from.

Here are the locations of the last five visitors:
-Normal, Illinois
-Mountain View, California
-Aurora, Illinois
-Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
-Cincinnati, Ohio

It's always interesting to see a few international visitors!!!
Keep them coming!!

School Day...

4 am is a rough time of the day. Especially on Tuesdays. Other days of the week aren't that big of a deal, typically because I'm asleep. But on Tuesdays, I've got to up, out of bed and getting ready to get out the door by 5 am.

I've got to drive 3 hours to Lincoln for Seminary.

Some mornings it's rough... Other mornings not too bad... but it's still 4 am!!!

High Voltage Outline - January 21, 2007

Lesson Topic: Surprising Realities- Week 3 - God's Got Forgiveness for You!
'Fun Factor': Average
Volunteer Involvement: Above-Average
Music: N/A
Student Involvement in Music: N/A
Lesson Quality: Average
Length of Lesson: 36 minutes (with 3 video clips thrown in)
Student Response: Average
Overall Night Rating (scale of 1(not good) to 10(awesome)): 5
--------------------
Surprising Realities
Week 3 – God’s Got Forgiveness for You
High Voltage – January 21, 2007 – Jim Clark
Surprising Reality:
We’ve all messed up and done wrong.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

God forgives our mess ups
‘But so that you know that the Son of Man (Jesus) has authority on earth to forgive sins…’ then he said to the paralytic, ‘Get up, take your mat and go home.’ And the man got up and went home. Matthew 9:6-7
For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. Psalm 25:11
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. Psalm 32:1-2

God forgets our mess ups.
For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. Declares the Lord. Jeremiah 31:34b
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12

We have to forgive the mess ups of others.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:12, 14-15
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’ Matthew 18:21-22
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

Surprising Conclusion:
What happens when we are forgiven or we forgive others?
Peace
That God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

Purification
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

Pardon
Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." John 8:10-11
And are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24

Action Steps:
I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' Luke 15:18-19
1. Ask for God’s forgiveness.

2. Believe that you are forgiven.

3. Commit to sharing God’s forgiveness with others.
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20

The Bottom Line: God’s forgiveness for you far outweighs anything you have done or could do.
--------------------
Questions for Further Discussion with students:
1. How does it feel to know that God has the power and the willingness to forgive and forget mistakes?
2. Who do you need to forgive in your life? Who has wronged you? Hurt you? What steps do you need to go about to insure that that forgiveness takes place?
3. Who do you have in your world who needs to hear about God's forgiveness? What might be standing in the way of your sharing it with them?

-------------------

Overall the night was pretty good. But it was overloaded with video clips. Good topic for clips, but we just had too many.

JC

Super Bowl Shuffle

I saw this on YouTube and I had to throw it on for my Bears going to the Super Bowl!!!!
Go Bears!

Tips from the Trenches: Episode 7

Josh gives a great tip here... one that I need to do a little more often.

Thanks Josh!!

Portland drivers in the snow

Some people just can't drive... this video is amazing. It almost looks fake. "Look out!!"

24 off with a bang...

Last night I watched the first two hours of the new season of 24 and it was awesome. If you aren't a 24 fan, I don't know what's wrong with you because it's incredible. Last night kicked off season 6. It was great. My VCR messed up and I missed hours 3 and 4, but I'm hoping that Apple and ITunes will come to the rescue. But it was great!!!

Ski Trip pics

Thanks Jeff for these great Ski Trip pics from yesterday. (Jeff remembered his camera and I forgot mine...)


After the skiing was done, some (Elisabeth, Marisela, Brooke, Justin) enjoyed some cards in the Lodge before dinner.













Brooke and Marisela pause for a picture. This is a great one because you can see the snowing falling (as it did all day!!!).










Matt and Boone enjoy a little pizza and soda before jumping in the vans to head back to Fox Valley!




Matt agrees... "Devil's Head has some pretty good skiing!!!"


JC

High Voltage Outline - January 14, 2007

Lesson Topic: Surprising Realities- Week 2 - God's Got A Place for You!
'Fun Factor': Above Average
Volunteer Involvement: Above-Average
Music: N/A
Student Involvement in Music: N/A
Lesson Quality: Average
Length of Lesson: 40 minutes (with several video clips thrown in)
Student Response: Average
Overall Night Rating (scale of 1(not good) to 10(awesome)): 6

-------------------
Here's the outline. We talked about the topic of Heaven and Hell. And we played an awesome TP Dodgeball game that I'm sure will become a hit. (And it literally did.)

Surprising Realities
Week 2 – God’s Got A Place for You
High Voltage – January 14, 2007 – Jim Clark
Central Life Question: What happens when I die?

Surprising Reality:
Heaven and Hell are the options for your eternal destination.

Hell: What is it? Horrible
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. Luke 16:23
They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:42
Everlasting
They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power. 2 Thessalonians 1:9
Lonely
But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 8:12
Real
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

Heaven: What is it? Incredible
Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. John 14:23
Eternal
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Corinthians 5:1
Satisfying
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:3-4
Real
God "will give to each person according to what he has done." To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. Romans 2:6-7
Surprising Conclusions:
Hell is not for you.

God has made a way for you to be with him forever.
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Action Steps:
Acknowledge God’s love and path as the way to heaven.

Accept that you can’t earn your way into heaven.

Aim others in the right direction.

The Bottom Line: Your time on earth is just the beginning… where you go is up to you.

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Overall, the night was good. I hope to post some questions soon.

JC

No Broken Bones

Yesterday was the student ministry's annual ski trip. This year, we hit Devil's Head Resort in Merrimac, WI.

It was awesome. The slopes were perfect. They had about 2 feet of base and overnight they had gotten an additional 4 or 5 inches which made the skiing perfect. And luckily I didn't fall... I didn't eat it or do a faceplant... and no broken bones... So I would say it was a successful trip.

I'm hoping that Jeff will email me some pictures. If he does, I'll post them!

It was a great trip!

GH2 - Phycho Freakout - Expert (8 years old)

This kid is awesome... I have been playing my fair share of Guitar Hero and Hero 2 since Christmas and this kid is awesome!!! Check out this video!!!

Transformers Movie Trailer

This morning, Jackie left for work about 4:40 am. I flipped on the TV and watched my two favorite shows when she opens... Voltron (that's right, it's on at 4:30 am) and Transformers (on at 5 am). I am stoked for this movie... it's looks pretty sweet!

Jim

Blog turns 100 posts!!!

A major (at least for me and my little blog) milestone is past today as my blog turns 100 posts. This is post 100!!! Congrats to all who made this possible...

Here are the locations of the past 5 visitors to my little blog:
-Geneva, IL
-Hartill, Rotherham (United Kingdom)
-Montreal, Canada
-St. Louis, MI
-Great Neck, NY (I didn't know there was such a place...)

Jim

Indian man sends 182,689 SMS messages in one month

Alert the "Someone needs a life police..."
Check out THIS:

File this under asinine and absurd along with the cellphone throwing contest: Deepak Sharma went on record with the Guinness Book for having sent the most SMS messages in a single month: 182,689. We're not sure if that's total, or unique messages, but if you'd like us to break that down for you, that's about 6,100 messages a day, 253 an hour, 4.2 a minute, or a new one every 14 seconds or so. So basically this guy gave up a month of his life sending texts—way to go, dude. His other reward? A 1,411 page bill (don't worry, he has an unlimited texting plan)—compare that to, say, Joyce's Ulysses (speaking of Guinness books… aw come on!), which is a mere 780 some-odd pages, though every bit as difficult to read through.


Jim

I want this!!!

Follow THIS link to see the new IPhone from Apple in action if you'd like.

I've been wanting a new phone and I've found just the one that I want. Wow!!! It looks awesome!!! You've got to go and see it!!!


Jim

Wow... last night was rough...

After watching the Buckeyes get rolled last night by Florida, I found myself wondering where the real Ohio State Buckeyes were. The guys who played last night weren't the same ones that put down two #2 teams (Texas and Michigan) this year.

The guys who showed up last night showed up with almost no heart or enthusiasm. They also showed up and tried to run an offense that is nothing like what they ran all season long (because all season long they ran on the sturdy legs of Pittman and Wells).

I sat and watched in disbelief because, although Florida is good, I don't think they were that good.

But... there's always next year. Maybe they'll learn something and come back strong this August. I'm sticking by my Buckeyes and would still raise my flag (if I had one).


JC

Go Buckeyes!!!

That reminds me... that and my Troy Smith jersey that I am currently wearing in preparation for the pounding that Ohio State is about to give to Florida tonight in the BCS Championship Game!

Go Buckeyes!!!


Jim

High Voltage Outline - January 7, 2007

Lesson Topic: Surprising Realities- Week 1 - God's Got Time for You!
'Fun Factor': Average
Volunteer Involvement: Above-Average
Music: N/A
Student Involvement in Music: N/A
Lesson Quality: Average
Length of Lesson: 33 minutes
Student Response: Average
Overall Night Rating (scale of 1(not good) to 10(awesome)): 6

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Last night was a good return to our regular Sunday night programming. I haven't run the numbers from last night yet, but the crowd seemed to be fairly good.

Here's last night's outline. See below for discussion questions.
Surprising Realities
Week 1 – God’s Got Time for You
High Voltage – January 7, 2007 – Jim Clark
Surprising Story:
Jesus was on a mission to heal Jairus’ daughter.
When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet, and pleaded earnestly with him, ‘My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.’ So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. Mark 5:21-24
When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Luke 4:40

Someone else needed some time.
And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, ‘If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.’ Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. Mark 5:25-29
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:35-36

-In a great deal of pain.
When a woman has a discharge of blood for many days at a time other than her monthly period or has a discharge that continues beyond her period, she will be unclean as long as she has the discharge, just as in the days of her period. Leviticus 25:15

-At the end of her rope.
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:26

-Only needed a second.

Jesus stopped and took the time and helped her.
At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, ‘Who touched my clothes?’ ‘You see the people crowding against you,’ his disciples answered, ‘and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’ While he was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. ‘Your daughter is dead,’ they said, ‘Why bother the teacher anymore?’ Mark 5:30-35

Surprising Conclusion:
God’s got time for you.

Action Steps:
1. Discover that no matter where you’re at in your spiritual walk, God’s got time.

2. Decide to make time in your schedule for God.

3. Don’t allow yourself to get too distracted to see those who are around you.

The Bottom Line: God is never too busy or too distracted to take care of our needs.
-------------------------
Discussion Questions:
1. How does it feel to know that God's got time for you whenever you need it?
2. Are there specific issues in your life that need a "God touch"? What are they?
3. Do you make time regularly for God? If not, what is getting in the way?
4. Who are some specific people in your life that need some encouragement from you and some time from God? How can you help to meet those needs?

-------------------------

JC

a sweet example of fellowship

Last night I saw a sweet example of fellowship.

After church as over last night, Will and Matt invited me to go to their indoor soccer game at 9:15pm. Normally the only activity that I want to do after Sunday night church is an awesome grilled cheese made by my wife and a little time on the couch crashing (previous to this weekend I would have said Sunday Night Football... but since the playoffs started, SNF is finished).

I've been feeling guilty for not making it to as many students' sporting events as I used to, so after some thought, I decided to go. Good thing I did.

Will and Matt's team got beat pretty soundly. But about 5 minutes into the first half, one of Will's friends Amanda (who came to a service project that we did back in November) who is one the team got clubbed in the knee by one of the members of the other team. She was hurting pretty bad. When she tried to get up, she really couldn't put very much pressure on her hurt leg. So Will had her jump on his back and he gave her a piggy-back ride to the sidelines and the bench so she didn't have to walk.

He probably didn't think about it, but for me it reminded me of Ecclesiastes 4:10... "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"

Will was just doing what was natural for a friend who was in need. And that's a true sign of friendship and friendship is a basic building block of fellowship.


JC

40 minutes to "Go-Time"!

I love the little break that I get during the Christmas season. For the holidays, Sunday nights and small groups take a family-friendly break. It's nice for me... gives me a chance to catch my breath.

But I always look forward to getting back to work in January. Right, I'm just waiting for Go-Time! The slides are running... the message and game are ready... as are the video clips... now all I need are some students.

I'm praying that tonight is a good night. But only time (37 to go) will tell. More on tonight following.


JC

Lark News: Homeschooler discovers The Simpsons

This one's for you... Steve!

Here's an article I found on Lark today.
AZUSA — Andrew Griffin's grades have sagged this semester. He blames Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie.
Until he entered college, Griffin barely knew The Simpsons existed. He was homeschooled in rural Idaho and had a VCR but no television stations. Now "I've got a lot of catching up to do," he says.
Griffin was vaguely aware of the yellow cartoon family but thought they were "generalized symbols of cultural decadence." He believed the popular Bart Simpson "Don't have a cow, man" t-shirt was a pro-vegetarian slogan. He thought Homer Simpson was the Home Depot mascot.
But Griffin is now "hooked" after discovering his roommate's collection of Seasons 1 through 12 on DVD.
"We call him Rip Van Griffin" after the storybook character who slept for twenty years, says one dorm-mate. Students enjoy watching the show with Griffin because of the innocent pleasure he receives.
"It's like taking a kid to Disneyland," says his roommate. "The rest of us have moved on to Family Guy, but he gets such pure joy out of The Simpsons that we turn it on just to watch him."
Griffin schedules Simpson watching like a class.
"I can't wait to see the next Halloween Tree House of Terror," he says. "Don't tell my folks."
His roommates say they will spring Seinfeld on him next year. •

Merry Christmas... Surprise...

I ran across this story on Fox's website today.

When Derrick Woods and Chanell Martin decided to surprise their 12-year-old daughter with a Microsoft Zune media player, they had no idea how big of a surprise they were in for. The gadget, they said, came preloaded with more than an hour of raunchy pornography.

"It was a homosexual orgy that they had video taped for an hour and 44 minutes," Martin told FOX News affiliate WFLD reporter Michelle Gielan.

The couple said the Zune package appeared to have been tampered with and the charger was missing. But when they went to complain at the Chicago-area Wal-Mart where they purchased the player, they say the store manager blamed the situation on Microsoft.

Check out the rest of the story HERE.

It's just another reason why you should stick with Apple products... Like the IPOD!!! Good clean media fun!!

JC

The Last 6 Visitors...

I've always wondered who has been reading my blog and where they are from. Often people would say to me, "Hey, I was reading on your blog..." But only then would I know who some of those people were. But I always wondered who else might be reading it or at least visiting it that never posted a comment (which are always welcome) or remarked to me about having read it.

Recently, as you will notice to the left of this message near the top of the page, I added a visitor counter. One of the nice functions of this counter is that not only does it tell me (and you if you click on it) who has visited here recently, but it also tells me where they are from (according to their internet provider). I'm not blessed with any names... except from those of you who comment occassionally. But here are a few of the places from which people have visited my blog.

-Carol Stream, IL
-Athens, GA
-Naperville, IL
-Ripon, CA
-Paris, France
-Aurora, IL

I'm glad you stopped by and I hope you enjoyed what you read!!


JC

Baptism Cannonball!

Steve showed this video to me off of his brother's blog. Thanks Steve's brother...

The next time we baptize a student, we're showing that after we're done so as not to give anyone any ideas...

;)

Happy New Year Beavers

Here's a little New Year's wish from the Clark family to your family...
I know... it's pretty pointless... but it made me chuckle so I thought I'd share.

Happy New Year (a couple of days late)!!

Those promised "Guitar Hero" pics...

Here are those pictures of my mom rocking out on the "Guitar Hero..." I just had to share them... Notice the intensity in that last picture!!!

















She's getting into the groove... and Jackie is getting a good chuckle in the background...












Notice the intensity of the facal expressions and the tension in the toes!!! She was really rockin out!!!








She was a great sport!!! Way to go Mom!!!


JC

Boise State Wins 2007 Fiesta Bowl

This was an incredible comeback and a great game... Until the quarterback started talking smack about wanting a shot at the Buckeyes. Get real kid... your team hasn't played anyone and isn't that good... better luck next year.

Rocky Balboa was awesome...

Previously I had posted about going to see Rocky Balboa (Rocky VI to true fans) over the holidays. Well... I did... Jackie, my sister and brother-in-law and my mom and I went. And it was great.

If you're a Rocky fan... this one is a must!!!

What I'm reading...

A friend of mine (actually the guy who wrote the book) dropped this in the mail for me and I got it right before Christmas. I finished up "What Matters Most"... which was excellent by the way... so I thought I'd give this a read.

My guess is that this will prompt some blog postings. I've only read the initial chapter... so more on this later.


JC

I'm a Christ Follower (Mac vs. PC Parody) Part 04

I'm a Christ Follower (Mac vs. PC Parody) Part 03

I'm a Christ Follower (Mac vs. PC Parody) Part 02

I'm a Christ Follower (Mac vs. PC Parody) Part 01

Great videos...

Guitar Hero!!!

One of the best presents this year for your's truly was Guitar Hero. If you've never heard of this game or played it... you have no idea how deprived your life is.

Basically... you get a Guitar that works with your PS2... plug it in... drop the game in the console and you're all ready to go. As you play, you choose songs (which get harder the longer you play) and the notes come down a "guitar fret" looking thing. When the notes get to the bottom, you press the button that agrees in color and hit a strummer. If you miss, it makes an awful sound. (If you miss a bunch in a row, then you fail the song.) If you hit it, you play along with the song. Pretty cool!! And very addicting!!!

Jackie got me this for Christmas before we left the Tri-cities area and I played it a ton over our travels. One night, while we were in Ohio... I got my mom to play Guitar Hero! (Now realize... my mom has never played a video game in her life (that I'm aware of)). It was halarious...

The best part was that she didn't just play once and then give up... she tried 6 or 7 times before giving up. She was such a great sport... and Jackie, Addy (my sister) and I couldn't stop laughing!!!

For some reason, blogger isn't letting me load the pictures... but I'll get them up soon. They are classic!!!

JC

It was a great Christmas

Well... the holidays have wrapped up. Today is January 2nd and we had a great holiday. We spent some time in PA... and we spent some time in Ohio... both of them were great.

But... work returned today!!! So, hopefully I'll be able to get some more blog posts out there.


JC