HOLYWEEN WAS AWESOME!!!

Hollyween was the bomb!!!! We had a great time and everyones costume was awesome!!! We had a great turnout!! You guys rock!! I will be posting some pics when I get back from California!

On a serious note..... I really want to express my love and appreciation for everyone in crave...
I love you guys with all my heart. i can honestly say that this is by far the best youth group that I have ever been apart of.. I really think that i have learned more from you guys than you will ever learn from me. God has great plans for each and everyone one you!! I know that God has placed all of us together for a great purpose, and we are going to reach the youth of Seneca like no one ever has!!....I'm actually tearing up. What I am trying to say is that you are the BOMB!!!! i love you guys more than cheeseburgers!! (thats saying alot)If anyone ever needs anything please let me know!!

I'm also leaving in the morninig for San Diego!!!! We are going to an Outreach conference... so maybe i'll be coming back with some cool ideas!! Be praying for us, and I will miss you guys... I'll try and do some blogs there but I'm not sure if I'll be able to!!

See-ya
Josh

The concert was awesome!!!!

I have to say that David Crowder is one of the best concerts that I have ever been to!! If you ever get a chance to see him GO! It's worth it... Shane and Shane was awesome to..... check on later post for some pictures that I will be posting....
HOLYWEEN IS TOMMORROW NIGHT!!! It's going to be awesome!!! Make sure you invite your friends!!! Don't forget to dress up!!
Anyway i hope everyone has a fun and SAFE weekend!!
See-ya tomorrow!!!

Josh

SORRY!

Hey everyone!! I'm really sorry about being slack in my blogging.... this has been the busiest weekend ever!! Which is still not a excuse.... but I probably won't be able to post anymore this weekend. But I hope everyone has an awesome weekend!! BE SAFE!!
Also don't forget about HOLYWEEN this weekend! INVITE EVERYONE!!!

Love you guys
Josh

p.s. I'm going to David Crowder concert tonight!! It's going to be the BOMB!!!

Do Me a favor PLEASE!!

Hey I have a request, and I am not trying to be mean....But, the point of doing these blogs is so that we can all have fun and be networked together, sure we can put occassional stupid and funny things on there( which I love to do), but I think we are starting to take it overboard....with that said PLEASE stop signing on as weird names and try to make everyone guess who your are... It was cool at first but now its not any fun when we don't know who each other is..Please don't get upset, just start signing on as your real name so we all can start talking about things that really matter!!! I still LOVE YOU THOUGH!!
On a another note. I hope that everyone has had a great day and I am excited about tonight...SEE YA THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

Josh

This is for Tuesday!!

I am going to Atlanta tomorrow for a meeting so I won't be able blog.....I know that you are ready to cry right now :-( But check out everybody elses blogs on our link page, then everyone in the youth ministry can create your own so we can have a network of blogs...that would be the BOMB!!!!! Anyway have a good Tuesday!!!
Peace

Josh

A Challenge!

I just had the best time alone with God today that I have ever had.....and I wasn't even planning on it! I started running today at Shaver (yes I know I need to get in shape..so I'm trying) and I saw a nature trail.....so i decided to walk through and see what it was. It was beautiful!!! I never knew it was there.......anyway I got about halfway through it and there was a bench, so I decided to sit down....It was so peaceful, no distractions...only the sound of nature. I began to marvel at what God had created, the trees, sky, plants,dirt,everything around me was created by Him....then I realized that I was right in the middle of God's presence! Everytime that Jesus wanted to be alone with God and be in His presence He went into the wilderness, which was where I was!! I felt the love and peace of God like I have never felt Him before...He didn't even say anything to me, I just felt Him......
My challenge to anyone who reads this is to find time today or tomorrow and be alone with God, but not in your house (although that is okay).... find a wildnerness somewhere, whether it be your backyard, in the woods, wherever and just be silent before God. Don't ask Him for anything...just listen. You never know what He may speak to you!

Josh

-The next morning Jesus awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray.- Mark 1:35
- But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer- Luke 5:16

What's up everybody!

Hey everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend. Mine was pretty good because the TIGERS spanked Temple..... which always makes for a good weekend!
I thought that we had a great night last night, some of you even came up and told me that the message was for you.... which really helped me out because I knew that God gave it to me for a reason. For those that weren't there we talked about how to deal with situations and confrontations.... there are 3 things that you always need to remember: STAND, FIGHT, FORGIVE. These three things will help you get through any situation you may encounter...and always remember that if you ever need anybody to talk to or somebody just to help you get through something PLEASE don't hesitate to call me! I'll be mad if you don't!
Anyway i am really excited about Holyween this Sunday night... it's going to be the BOMB!!
ALso I have discovered who Hidden Wonder is but I am not going to tell anybody...let's see if we have any smart people out there who can figure out who it is...Post your comment on who you think it is and i will let you know in due time!!

Have a great Day!!
Josh

It's Whitney

Hey Guys! I just wanted to say hey guys on the youth blog spot. Check out some of the other youth's blog spots on our links page. Well, hmm... let me see what I can talk about... just a question? Do grasshoppers have large talons? I think they do because the other day at school I was sitting outside doing some work and a grasshopper landed on my book. When I went to thump it off, it raised its legs and HUGE talons protroded. They were like 2 INCHES LONG!!!! I screamed and it started attacking me with its talons.... the more I screamed the more it dug into my arm. Then, another grasshopper came and attacked my other arm. I think they were married. If you don't believe me, I will show you my arms on Sunday. Post your comment on what you think...DO GRASSHOPPERS HAVE LARGE TALONS... I believe they do!!! Whitney

Random Thoughts

Wanna know what makes me mad? When people pull out in front of me, and then go like 2 miles an hour! I know what your thinking.........your a youth pastor you shouldn't get mad at things like that.....well I hate to disappoint you, but It makes me furious! You've heared me say it before but that's when I wish cars were made of rubber so I could hite that person and get them out of my way! then they wouldn't get hurt because the car is made of rubber. See I am kind! I know........I need to work on this, but until then......
STAY OUT OF MY WAY!!!!!!!

love
Josh

What do you think?

Hey whats up everybody!! This is sort of like a survey: post your comments on some things that you would like us to talk about on sunday nights....... Whatever you would like to learn about.. Also
which has been your favorite series:
-love, sex, and dating-
-welcome to the planet-
-Choice series-
-Series of random messages-
-ID, Name tag-

VOICE YOUR OPINION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks
Josh

Possums!!

Listen to what my dog did the other night..... by the way she is 200 pound great dane so she is pretty big....... I got home from church and I went outside to hang out with my dog destiny, so I open the gate, and she comes flying out like she is chasing something. She runs into a corner of the yard...where I can't see anything, and then I hear a loud BAM!!! Did I scare you. Then I see her walking around with something in her mouth..but I can't tell what it is.......and then I see that she has got a HUGE possum in her mouth, It was like 50 pounds! (okay more like 3) So I run over and try to knock it out, but she will not let go.... I go inside and get a broom and smack destiny over the head until she drops it. (trust me it didn't hurt her) she finally drops it and I'm freakn out like it is going to attack me, So I start smackn the possum with the broom.....it's not moving so I assume it's dead. So I put a glove on and grab it by the tail and throw it over the fence into a yard that no one is living in, but it is still fenced up so nothing can get in there........the next morning I get up and the possum is GONE! Now one of 2 things happened.... either the possum was raised from the dead, or it wasn't dead to begin with. The yard was completely fenced in so no other dogs could get in....... The possum fooled me!(I guess that's why they call it a possum! DUH) Then I realized that that is how a lot of christians are living their lives, whenever confrontation or adversity comes they either play dead or they run away. Why is it so hard to stand up against things? Why is it that confrontations are hard to deal with? How should you handle confrontations? This is what we are going to be talking about on Sunday night.....So don't miss it. But let me say now that God has not called you to be fearful and run away or play dead whenever tough times come your way.... We are called to be warriors! Jesus even said to welcome our sufferings....that will mess you up. We are going to be dealing with these issues on Sunday night so BRING A FRIEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love you guys
Josh

Last night was awesome

Hey guys what's up! Sorry it's been a while since I posted a blog.... it's been a busy weekend. Anyway , I want to say how proud of you guys I am.....Ya'll went all out for friend day, and we had 15 1st time visitors, and several gave their heart to Jesus for the first time! AWESOME, that's what it is all about! Thanks to Bryan Holder for the awesome message that he gave us. He talked about being desperate for God....A message that we all need to hear. This youth group ROCKS.....Your passion for Christ amazes me everyday! I love you guys with all my heart!!
Today we also had our crave hang out day.... we had a great time. We went bowling and then we went to the church to watch a movie and just hang out together. Thanks everybody for coming! Even though I beat everybody in bowling! I AM THE KING!!
On a another note PROPS to Laura Wilson! She got me good last night. For those of you who don't know the nameless painters got a little payback last night....which is only the beginning! They don't realize who they are messing with. But Nameless painter #3(HEATHER) didn't drive her car....so just by association, we had to get her sister Laura's car. After church she came in like she was upset...but I didn't believe her......until she started to cry, then I got worried. To make a long story short......She got me good. Good job Laura!! Also Alicia will still be gotten!!
Anyway, YOu guys rock and i can't wait for next Sunday night!!
Peace

Josh

Crave is awesome!!! It's the most outreaching youth service I've ever experienced. The opportunity to be involved with the ministry is an honor; to even go to the service is an abundant blessing in itself. "And so, since God in His mercy has given us this wonderful ministry, we never give up." 2 Co 4:1--NLT
God pulled me out of wasting my talent for the devil, playing the drums in bars, and now I'm a witness for Christ. I'm here to tell you that God will deliver you from ANYTHING. Glory to God!!! I urge you to stay strong in Christ and the Word and be a part of the "good soil." Let the Word be rooted in you. I write to the leaders in Crave--2 Ti 4:5 "But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you."-------Dus

We're winning!!!!

Can you believe that we are winning 28..10... at halftime! AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyway the nameless painters are a bunch of wussys, they sneak around like a bunch of "girls". They don't have a clue whats coming to them!!

Check this out!

JB says that he got a new car to help with the gas prices. Cool Huh!! I got to get one!!!

The Tigers play Tonight!!

If everyone would take a few miniutes today and say a prayer for the Clemson Tigers. They really need to win tonight. They play NC State @ 7:45. Which is not good because Clemson never plays well on Thursday night games....not to mention they don't play well against NC State. So i guess we will see what happens....GO TIGERS!!!
We are doing a video tonight @ Justins house for Sunday night....It's going to be awesome!
By the way DONT MISS THIS SUNDAY NIGHT IT'S GOING TO BE GREAT!!!!
Invite ALL your friends..... especially if you want FREE movie tickets.
Have a great day!
GO TIGERS!
Josh









C...L...E...M...S...O..........N

Tonight was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey just wanted to let everyone know that deeper tonight was the best we have ever had. For those that weren't there we talked about being still, being silent so that we can hear God's voice. (see previous post) ....... It was awesome you guys gave so much insight and I think that we as a ministry are starting to get it!! WE ARE IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS!!!!! How Cool! Anyway just remember that no matter how busy life gets, always take time to be still and listen for the voice of God.
Everybody have a great night!!
Also Justin and his dad are moving into the office down the hall from mine....thats the BOMB!! Now I'll never get any work done!
Sleep Good!!!
Josh

Ain't this the truth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well... It's Wednesday

Hey everyone!! Today is Wednesday and I am getting ready for deeper. (thats our bible study that we do on Wednesday nights). We are taking a break from talking about the end times, and we are going to watch a Nooma video called noise. It deals with the area of silence. Why is silence so hard to deal with? Why is it that we constantly have to have nioise in our lives? Think about it.......we have to have a radio in our car........ we carry mp3's and ipod's everywhere....We have cell phones attached to our hips everywhere we go.......have you ever been in a church service where there is silence for any length of time? Why is that so hard to deal with? Why does it make people uncomfortable? It's simple....because that's when God speaks. And God speaking to you may be uncomfortable sometimes. One of the main questions that I get asked as a youth pastor is "How do you know if God is speaking to you?" But when I ask them how much time do you spend alone with God with no distractions, the answer is 99% of the time NONE! The problem isn't that God isn't speaking to you, the problem is that you can't hear Him with all the noise in your life. I love Psalms 46:10
" Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exhalted among the nations, I will be exhalted in the earth"
Maybe it's time that we learn to be still.

Josh

You guys are great!!

Hey everyone, this is Shannon. I want everyone to know how proud I am of you guys. It is really a joy for me to see how much you are maturing in your own personal and spiritual life. Some of you are getting your license, which keeps me off the road more (ha,ha). You are a great group of young adults and I love watching you being with each other and meeting new friends. You are the best and I love each of you.

Happy Tuesday!!!!!

What a stupid title huh?
Anyway what's up everybody! I just went and got my car washed in one of those electronic carwashes (thats how us lazy people do it). I had to do this because some people (who will remain nameless, BRANDI, HEATHER, ALICIA) decided that they wanted to write all over my car. I got tired of people looking at me because my car said I love homer on it. And just so you know they have started a war that they can't win, but we will talk about that later. Back to my story I was sitting in my car watching the car wash thing work and I realized that this thing wasn't really cleaning my car that well. It was just giving the appearence of being clean. But the inside was still a wreck! I mean it looks like a tornado came through there. Then I realized that thats how alot of "christians" are living their lives. They come to church to give the appearence that everything is okay, but on the inside things are pretty messed up. They show up thinking that if they come to one church service that things are all of the sudden going to be clean in their life. Why do they do this? Because some people don't understand that christianity is about a relationship with the father. Its a day to day walk with Jesus. You can go to church every week (and you should!) but if you don't spend time with God everyday then your only giving the apperance of being clean.

Anyway, I can't wait for this crave this Sunday night, It's our crave friend day and Bryan Holder from Marathon Church in Easley is speaking it's going to be awesom. Here's a pic.
It's going to be awesome so don't miss it!! Don't forget about the FREE MOVIE TICKETS



LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Josh

Why you little!! Part 2

Have you ever have the desire to just choke someone? Well I have...... anyway heres my advice. Step One: Take your hands and form them around the person's neck symbolizing that you want to choke them
Step two: Say " Why you little!" it will help relieve the stress! Try it sometime! by the way these are the famous words of Homer Simpson...Josh's hero
from: Heather
p.s if you have any other techniques please write back

Why you little!!

we are going to make Nora Drink this on Sunday night!

hello

Hey whats up this is Nora!
Well there is something i need to tell you all. If you don't already know....i Nora Sampson have a phobia. It isn't one of those pointless phobias like a fear of spiders...i mean you are going to encounter those throughout your life anyway! My phobia is of milk. Yes, i have a milk phobia! I don't believe that there is an official name for this phobia....here is where i need your help....what should i call my phobia? Help me please!
In Him,
A concerned milk phobic

Last night was awesome at crave. God really moved and changed some peoples lives. 4 people accepted Christ last night!! Yeah GOD!! I've been thinking a lot about what we talked about, falling in compete radical love with Jesus. And I've come to the conclusion that the bottom line is passion, what you're passionate about is what you love. You can't have love without passion. (I know deep stuff Huh?) But think about it, we get so passionate about stupid things like football, that people like me can't sleep the night before because clemson is having a home football game the next day. Then I get up and spend the entire day at the game. I scream and yell until I can't speak, and I make myself look like a complete idoit. But the question I ask is when is the last time I did that for a Sunday morning? When is the last time I couldn't sleep because I was so excited about what God was going to do the next day? what if we as Christians became just as excited about Christ as I am about football? Can you imagine the lives that we would touch. Because to be passionate about God is to be passionate about people. You can't have one with out the other. Maybe it's time that we begin to rethink our priorities. so I going to list the top 5 things that I am passionate about in my life. I encourage you do the same.
1. GOD!!
I am most passionate about the God of all creation (my favorite saying of God). It amazes me everytime I think about what He has done for me. I can honestly say that Jesus Is #1 in my life. He consumes me!! This should be #1 on everybodys list. If it's not, it's time to rethink.
2. Family
I have the best family in the world! And I love them with all of my heart. I thank God everyday for them all, because I wouldn't be who and where I am today without them. Thank You!!!!
3. Tri-County Worship Center & Crave
this is the best church and youth group on the planet, and I'll argue it with anybody. I love each one of you with all my heart. Thanks so much for the opportunity to do what God has called me to do, and what I love to do. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!
4. Friends
Thank you God for Godly friends that have a passion to serve Christ like I do. YOUR THE BOMB!!
5. Myself
This is weird huh? But you you need to love who you are. You need to realize that God created you just as you are, and wouldn't change anything about you!! Cool Huh!! So be passionate about yourself and love who you are so that God can help you become who He wants you to be.
Anyway that's my list. Have a GREAT DAY!!!!!!!

What's up

What's up ya'll! It's friday and I'm getting ready to set up for the
Sion Alford. I think that it's going to be really cool. Anyway I hope that
everyone has a great weekend, and I am so pumped about Sunday night!
It's the end of our love, sex, and dating series. It's going to be awesome!!
Invite all your friends!!
Peace and chicken grease!!!!!!!!

I LOVE CHEESEBURGERS!!!!!!!!

Hey We Have A Blog Spot Now! How COOL!

Hey what's up everybody! I'm really excited about having our very own blog spot
for the youth ministry. Now you all can hear my random thoughts through out the
day. I just want to tell you that you guy's ROCK! You're the best youth group EVER!
I'm out like a fat kid playn dodgeball!