Wizard of Oz at East Juniata

Took this picture at EJ on Wednesday. There are a bunch of kids and adults involved in the production. You can't see very well but the dates are March 14 and 15. Next month is Midd-West's musical. They are doing "Once Upon A Mattress" - I think.

Fish Sticks or Fish Fish?

I was visiting kids at lunch today and was intrigued by the "fish sticks" they serve these days. The kids seemed to like them, so I won't complain.

Four tenths is still four dollars

I don't know why this didn't post when I emailed from my phone ? ? ? Maybe it will sometime? Anyway, four tenths of a pound is better than nothing and I was happy that I even lost that much as bad as I did during my trip. If you think about it, .4 of a pound is still $4.00 toward our trip. Every little bit helps! I will do much better next week.

Four tenths is four dollars!

I only lost .4 of a pound since last time but that's not as bad as it
could have been. Travel wasn't good on my diet. I am back in the swing
of things and I hope to loose more next week.

Weekend Blog Stats.

Here are my blog stats from Google Analyitcs for Friday - Monday (the days I attended the National Youth Ministry Conference).

272 Visits

202 Absolute Unique Visitors

460 Pageviews

On Friday I had 97 visits alone!

I would like to thank Josh Griffin for sending me 71 of those 272 total visits. He is the ultimate blogger and sent a bunch of us some links while at the NYMC in Cincinatti.

For the past 30 days I have had just shy of 1200 visits to my blog. While all of this is small in comparison to Josh's blog and others, I have been happy. I just hope you will continue to come back to see what kind of stuff there is to read. Enjoy!

Free Download Winner

Congratulations to Justin Dela Cruz from NJ for winning the free download of "Adventure Managment" from me and Simply Youth Ministry. I have also thrown in a few books I picked up at the National Youth Ministry Conference and will be getting them to him soon. Thanks for commenting, Justin. Come back often!

Learned about Hoops of Hope from Founder Austin Gutwein

Tonight at NYWC we heard from 13 year old Austin Gutwein, founder of "Hoops of Hope" - the largest free throw shoot-a-thon in the world. It's a student created, student led movement to care for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. They have raised over $350,000 in the past four years! Get more information at HoopsOfHope.org.

Sunday Recap at NYMC

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE FREE RESOURSES. NOMINATE SOMEONE SOON!

Another good day in Cinci. This evening we heard from 321 Improv, The Skit Guys, Tim Timmons and Greg Stier, founder of Dare to Share. Greg animatedly (is that a word?) encouraged us to have challenging conversations with teens and people around us. Before Kutless performed we heard from a 13 year old kid from Arizona, Austin Gutwein, who has helped to raise over $350,000 for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS through his Hoops of Hope organization. It was so cool to see what teenagers can do. Thanks Austin for giving of yourself.

You Could Work for Mike?

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE FREE RESOURSES. NOMINATE SOMEONE SOON!

I thought this was comical . . .

There is a pin-up board here at the NYMC. One of the categories is "Jobs".









However, I am not sure this applies.

Saturday Night at NYMC and MORE FREE Resourses

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE FREE RESOURCE GIVE-A-WAY!! NOMINATE YOURSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE SOON!

I am having a blast here at the National Youth Ministry Conference. Today was good, but tonight was better. First I had supper with youth ministry friend Jonathon and his intern Danny. Supper was expensive but delicious. The conversation, as usual with Jonanthon, was very enjoyable. After supper we headed to the evening's main session. After some fun give-a-ways by Josh, a new rap video by Jake, the "Skit Guys" and worship, Doug Fields came out and imparted part of his life. I was blown away, again, by how transparent and humble Doug (can I call him Doug?) can be. I posted about it earlier but tonight just cemented in my mind that I was right. I know he isn't a super hero or anything, but this is Doug Fields, Youth Ministry Guru. And he is 1. Afraid, 2. Too Occupied, 3. Uncomfortable. He called these "Faith Blockers" and shared how these affect his spiritual life. Yes, I guess he could be blowing smoke, but everyone that I have talked to that knows him says he is the real deal. What a great testimony. Thanks again, Doug, for sharing - it encouraged me.



Later I went to the Purpose Drive Youth Ministry Community late night event. While I was there I picked up a couple extra resources I am going to pass along to whomever wins my free give-a-way. The extra books are: "Secret Things of God" by Dr. Henry Cloud; "Coach's Challenge" by Mike Gottfried; "The Monday Morning Church" by Jerry Cook and Live: Book of John" by Group Publishing. These are over an above the original resource. Don't for get to nominate yourself or someone else.