crave

So yeah I am totally slack...

2007-01-31T08:41:00.000-05:00

HEY....BYE...~WHEN THE FANTASY HAS ENDED AND ALL THE CHILDREN ARE GONE SOMETHING GOOD INSIDE ME HELPS ME TO CARRY ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ATE SOME BUGS I ATE SOME GRASS I USED MY HAND TO WIPE MY.......... TEARS AWAY! FOR YOU I WILL BREAK MY VOWS NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO WAY JOSE. UNLESS YOU WANT TO AND THEN WE WILL BREAK OUR VOWS TOGETHER.......

okay....I'm slack

2006-02-15T10:54:00.000-05:00

Sorry everybody......I have been really slack in keeping the blog up. There is no excuse.....but I'm going to try and keep it up a couple times a week.

Couple of reminders........LIVE CRAVE IDOL THIS SUNDAY NIGHT!!!!!! DONT MISS IT

WinterJam this friday.....will leave church at 4:45......Its going to be a blast!!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!

REMINDERS

2006-01-27T14:13:00.000-05:00

Hey just wanted to remind you of a few things.....

CREATION is tomorrow night...Saturday.....its going to be AWESOME. It starts at 6 SO DON"T MISS IT!! Oh....and did i mention there is FREE PIZZA!!!!!!!! HORAAY!

Also week two of crave idol is this sunday night.......This one is hilarious!! Trust me you don't want to miss it. So bring ALL your friends!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!!!

Mixed up

2006-01-24T11:30:00.000-05:00

I heard a story the other day about a pastor who told his congregation one sunday morning that they had a very special guest in the building. To make a long story short....he said that Tim Magraw and Faith Hill were in the building and wanted to greet the people. Now this is a very large and contemporary church so this was something that could very well happen. People started freaking out!! They were getting out cameras and running to the front so they could see. When the pastor said, "Lets give them a warm welcome" The place went CRAZY!! The pastor walked off stage........people cheered for a solid minute.....until the pastor walked back on stage and said he was just kidding.........

You wouldn't believe how mad people got. People actually got up and left.......his point was that we get so pumped and passionate about people that we have never met, when the God of all creation (Jesus) was there all along. Why can't they get that passionate about Him? TALK ABOUT STEPPING ON TOES!!

But this made me think.......Why do we do that? we freak out and go crazy over people who don't even know we exist. They could care less if we lived or died...... yet we neglect and mistreat the people who are there and love us every day. Something is messed up!! We have our priorties all mixed up....

Stop wasting your time on things and people who don't care about you. Begin to focus on relationships that are meaningful....ones that build you up instead of tearing you down. Thank God everyday for the people who LOVE you. People you know would be there no matter what. And here is the key....TREAT THEM RIGHT! It is so easy sometimes to take advantage of people who love unconditionally, because we know that no matter what we do, they will be there.

Lets get back to the way that we were told to live....IN LOVE. Not fake conditional love......but unconditional, passionate, no strings attached love. And when you find people who love you like that.........HOLD ON TO THEM!!!!

Just my thoughts
Josh

2006-01-24T08:53:00.000-05:00

Last night at FCA we talked about John 13:1-17. It's the the story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. I know that sounds a little odd, but think about it...the God of all creation washed someone's feet! Now they didn't have regular showering time way back when so their feet had to be pretty disgusting...but Jesus was willing to serve them. He knew that Judas would betray him soon....but he served him just like the others. Now if the the creator of the whole universe can get down on his knees and wash the feet of a man who would soon cause his death on the cross...can we not give a simple hug, a "thank you", or a"is there anything you need?"Just get rid of your pride long enough to do something for someone else....and you'll be that much closer to being just like Jesus!

-Nora

CRAVE IDOL!!!!!!

2006-01-20T16:15:00.000-05:00

We did the filming of the very first crave idol last night and I have to say.......IT WAS AWESOME!!!!! Crave idol is going to be DA BOMB....so i PROMISE that you do not want to miss it.....so go ahead and start calling all your friends, pick people up off the street, kidnap people, whatever you have to do......GET THEM TO CRAVE SUNDAY NIGHT!!!!

Wes is going to be our special guest....so if you don't know who he is COME AND SEE!!!!!!

See-ya at crave!!

josh

Life

2006-01-18T10:21:00.000-05:00

this may be long so bare with me

In his book "Dangerous Wonders", (which i highly recommend), Mike Yaconelli tells a story about his 4 year old son......

He talks about how when his son was 4 they had their first big snow of the year. It covered the entire yard. They began to get excited because it was going to be his son's first time experiencing snow.......So they got the video camera ready, his son was so excited that he could hardly stand it. Mike went ahead and went outside so that he could catch the first reaction......Then they opened the door and his son came out......first it was a shock as the cold air hit his body....and then the tingling sensation of the snow flakes falling on his face, it was breathtaking........soon though the excitement set in and the joy on his sons face was unexplainable............I wish that this could be the end of the story, a story of excitement & passion....but soon the son would grow up and lose the awe and wonder of that moment. God's creation was no longer breathtaking......

He also gives another illustration that really relates to my life. When I was a kid I loved Superman. I would actually get my moms towels and tie them around my neck. Then I would run around looking for things to jump off of because I thought I could fly! I take that back....I knew I could fly! Even though my mom and other people keep telling me, "YOU CAN'T FLY", I didn't believe them...I KNEW i could........but then a sad thing happened...I grew up. Soon "logic" and "reason" set in and i realized that no matter how hard i tried.. I couldn't fly.............

Doesn't this sound like life? Remember being a kid, how much you enjoyed life, how much fun you had......then we "grow up".......all of the sudden stress sets in, responsibilty sets in, we began to work, we become busy, all of the dreams we had as a child people began to tell us aren't realistic.............we stop believing that we can fly......

But this isn't the life that Jesus wants for us! John 10:10 says that God wants to give us a BETTER life than we ever imagined. God wants us to know that we can fly............
I don't know who is reading this but i do know that God wants you to have a better life than you ever imagined! What are you passionate about? if you had no limits, what would you do?......
DO IT! Don't let people, culture, the world, the church, or whoever tell you that you can't do it! YOU CAN! Follow your dreams and don't stop until you achieve them....

Maybe your reading this and you feel like nothing is happening in life...your not sure what your dream is. I want to encourage you to look down deep. Think like a child. What are you passionate about? What gets you excited? God works out of the desires of our heart....Maybe thats why Jesus said to become like little children....to rediscover your passion, and have the faith to know you can do it..........

Don't settle. Don't settle for a mediocre life, don't settle for mediocre relationships, DON'T SETTLE!! Pursue a life of passion and a life that is....Better than you ever imagined!

Josh

Rain, Rain, Rain

2006-01-13T15:11:00.000-05:00

Man it just started pouring here in Seneca! it came out of nowhere..........I don't know about you but I don't like rain, it kind of gets me in a depressing mood.........but guess what?....there is nothing that I can do about it. Nothing that I do can prevent it from raining.

Since I am on that...here are some thoughts from DEEPER........

For those of you that weren't there, we talked about Matthew chapter 11. Where John the baptist is in prison and sends some of his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the One or should he be looking for someone else. Isn't this an odd question? John had already seen Jesus perform miricales....he even baptised Jesus, and heard the AUDIBLE voice of God! This would be enough to erase all doubts about Jesus being the Son of God. I mean Johns ENTIRE purpose was to pave the way for Christ!......So why did he ask that question?.........................
Because he was in prison! And it didn't seem like Jesus was coming to do anything about it!

Even more puzzling is the response that Jesus gives......He bascially tells him about all the miricales going on. (blind people are seeing, dead being raised, etc) Things that John ALREADY KNEW!!!! I'm sure this wasn't comforting to him......I can hear him saying..But what about me! Those things are great but I need You to come through for me!............

But listen to what Jesus says, Blessed is the man who doesn't fall away on accout of ME.....
That is a puzzling statement.......Basically Jesus said I'm not coming through for you this time, but your still going to be blessed if you hold on................you see John died in that prison.

What does this mean? You see Jesus had a kingdom mind set...He understood that to win a war you had to have some casualties.....

How does this apply to us? Maybe.. just maybe. Being a christian is not all about you. Maybe its more about US. And maybe we, as individuals, have to lose some personal battles sometimes in order for the overall war to be won......

Maybe you fell like God hasn't come through for you in some situations, but maybe there is a bigger picture going on. Even though we can't see it God knows what is going on..........remember God is in CONTROL!!...

I would love to hear your thoughts on this....whether you agree or disagree........

Josh

It stinks being sick!!!!

2006-01-11T10:49:00.000-05:00

Don't you just hate being sick? I DO......... Last night I went to bed feeling fine...and about 3:30 a.m. I woke up with the worst stomach ache I think I have ever had...I will spare the details about the events that followed, but it was awful!!!! It ruined my perfect night of sleep. It actually made me mad!!!! I had no idea that it was coming..........

Doesn't this kind of remind you of life. Things are going great, everything is going smooth and then BAM!! Something happens thats ruines the harmony.....Things come unexpected and alot of times they are painful. They are things that we don't want to deal with....but the reality is that we HAVE to deal with them. As much as I wanted that stomach ache to go away, it didn't. I had to fight through it. I had to ALLOW it to disrupt my perfect night of sleep.....

We are going to talk about some of this tonight at DEEPER.....So dont miss it!!

If you are not able to be there I will post later on what we discuss....SEE-YA

Josh

Happy Monday!!

2006-01-09T14:17:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody!!!!! I hope you are having a great day......last night was AWESOME!! I really believe that this time next year we are going to look back and see that last night was the beginning of something GREAT!!!!!! Just remember that we have to stay focused on what God has called us to do this year. If you don't know or if you weren't there read the post under this.... Anyway just wanted to express some random thoughts today......here goes....

1. This FAST is EXTREMELY hard- this is one of the hardest things that I have ever done. It is amazing how much food rules our lives.....I can just hear cheeseburgers calling my name!

2. My foot really itches............no it really does

3. i can't believe that football season is really over!.....Clemson finished 21st in the nation...GO TIGERS

4. Crave idol is going to be the BOMB!!...... DO NOT MISS IT!!! it starts January 22nd

5. LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006!

2006-01-02T10:36:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!! I can't believe that it is already 2006......Time is flying by!

Anyway, I have spent a lot of time lately thinking about the new year. Asking God to direct me where Crave student ministries is supposed to go. And I felt like God wasn't telling me anything!......I was starting to get frustrated, when God began to deal with some stuff in my life.
Thats when I realized that the stuff I was going to go through in 2006 and the direction that God was taking me.....is exactly where he wants the youth ministry to go! God will take me first so I can lead you guys..... So I will give you a preview of what we are going to talk about on Sunday night. These are the 3 things that we are going to be about in 2006......

1. Salvation--- Crave is going to be a place where hurting people can find the Saviour that they have been looking for. I'm not saying that we haven't done this, but this year we will put forth way more effort in providing an atmosphere that people can fell comfortable coming to. A place where they can find Jesus.......

2. Growth---- We are going to grow not only numerically but spiritually, financially, and in every other area of our lives. Let me make one thing very clear. GOD IS CONCERNED WITH NUMBERS and so should we! Not so that we can be the biggest, but so that we can enlarge the kingdom of God......people that say it's not about numbers feel that way until somebody close to them becomes one of those numbers.

3. LIFE---- That right we are going to be about life in 2006. What do I mean? I mean that we are going to enjoy life and show people that being a follower of Christ is the most AWESOME thing in the world!! We are going to have the joy that Christ instructed us to have.... To have life and have it more abundantly!!!

This is just a quick preview of what we are going to talk about Sunday night!....So don't miss it!!

2006 is going to be the BOMB!!!!!

Josh

Did you have a good Christmas?

2005-12-30T13:56:00.000-05:00

I hope that everyone had an AWESOME christmas! I know I did......... I got an ipod nano, which is the BOMB!!! Then on Monday I left to go to Orlando to watch the TIGERS play!!.....WHICH THEY WON 19 to 10! GO TIGERS!!

Anyway I probably won't be post anymore until next week. (i know you are going into depression right now) but everybody have a HAPPY NEW YEAR and be safe!

Dont forget we are not having crave on the 1st, but we will start back on January 8th

CRAVE IDOL IS COMING SOON!!!!!! you don't want to miss it!!!!

Love you guys

Josh

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

2005-12-23T10:29:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone!!! Just wanted to say.......

Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome!

2005-12-20T14:54:00.000-05:00

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of Fall to the fragrance of Spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings, all exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing, God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing, God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the Sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night, none can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing, God
All powerful, untameable,

Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing, God You are amazing, God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing, God
Incomparable, unchangeable,
You see the depths of my heart and you love me the same
You are amazing God

What a AWESOME song by Chris Tomlin!....... How do you explain God?..... You can't!....He's indescribable......This song really makes me think about what an awesome God we serve.....
I love HIM so much.....Be thankful everyday for Jesus!!

Love you guys

Josh

Getting some HOT CIDER!

2005-12-20T09:57:00.000-05:00

Good morning!! I am sitting here at Amici's coffe bar in Seneca, waiting on my hot baked apple pie cider!! Its going to be the bomb!.......I just discovered this place and I will be here all the time...I highly recommend it....
Anyway will be posting some thoughts a little later today....See-ya

Josh

THANKS!!!

2005-12-18T22:20:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting here at my computer after the church banquet, just thinking about how lucky I am to be at Tri- County...... I love you guys with all my heart............... this youth ministry is the BOMB......and it has nothing to do with me, YOU guys make it what it is..you're the heart and soul......I'm so proud of each and every one of you, and if there is anything that I can ever do for any of you....please don't hesitate to let me know...................

Anyway..... have a great night....

Josh

What if?!

2005-12-12T14:58:00.000-05:00

I was thinking today about the controversy surrounding the issue of some churches not having a christmas service on christmas day......while my opinion doesn't matter, it amazed me how all of the controversy was between CHURCHES!! Not the world! we are arguing amongst ourselves!!

So I began to think about what would happen if churches united about issues like we fight about them......could you imagine what would happen to this world. What if we as the body of Christ came together (like He says we should) to help reach a lost and dying world?

Which brings me to my point....I believe the greatest hinderance to the church is...well.....the church. We are so divided. I don't mean denominations, I think denominations are good. It adds diversity to the body of Christ. But i am talking about being united in our purpose, not method. There is no force on earth that could stop us if we only realized that there is no one true method to doing church. That is what most of the arguing is about......we never argue that Jesus came and died, but we argue about what music should we play, traditional or contemporary, videos or no videos, etc....... THOSE THINGS DON'T MATTER! As long as your method is not contrary to the Word of God.....GO FOR IT! Reach people how ever you can!

So don't criticize churches who do things different than you think they should....they are going to reach people you never will. Instead unite with them, knowing that your purpose is the same... reaching a lost and dying world...but your method of doing it is just a little different

Just my thoughts

Josh

SORRY!!

2005-12-06T11:32:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!!! I have been really slack about our blogspot, and I want to apoligize with ALL MY HEART!! I'm going to do a better job.......

anyway..... I have been sick the past two days, and i hate it! Being sick is no fun.....but I feel a little better today, so thats good.......

anyway.....clemson is going to Orlando to play in their bowl game, against colorado.. we are going to kill them, i already have my tickets.. GO TIGERS!!

anyway.....crave was awesome sunday night, we did a missions emphasis and 16 students signed up to go! Thats doulble last year........hopefully they all get to go!

anyway.....this has been random comments

anyway.... I'm glad its not raining any more

anyway..... I love corndogs!

anyway...... bye

see-ya
josh

anyway..........................................

Disturbing!

2005-11-30T16:16:00.000-05:00

I just read an article that really distured me.....its about a policeman who found his 14 year old old son dead in his room........let me explain
This guy was a drug officer and thought that he knew everything about drugs, he even had a drug dog that lived with him.....he thought there was no way that drugs could ever get into his house. Well he had just bought a new computer and got some of this stuff called DUST OFF, it is compressed air that cleans dust off your computer and anything else you want to clean. the guy had bought a couple of cans and came home one day to find all them empty. He asked his son and his son said that he was just playing with it and that he was sorry for using it all. The dad went back the next day and bought a jumbo size can. The next morning the guys wife went into the son's room and found him slumped over dead with the straw hanging out of his nose.......
WHAT IS GOING ON!!

This really confused me so i did some research.... i found out that this has become a popular thing amongst teenagers, it is called DUSTING. They put the straw from the can into their nose and pull the trigger....it gives them a high for about 10 seconds. They think it is harmless. What they don't realize is that there is a chemical in the can that prevents oxygen getting to your brain....which can kill you instantly. You can't overdose, it's like russian roullette.....you never know when it could happen. If you know of anyone who does this or if you do this.....
STOP NOW!! It is very dangerous and is not worth dying over.................

But what really disturbs me is where is the church body in this kids life? It tells me that people are searching for something. And they are willing to look for it in any shape or form.....Even a DUST OFF can........What if we as the church began to really give people the drug that can save their life and not kill them? Stories like this tell me that we are not doing our job.... we have to constantly be on the lookout for hurting people.....people who need CHRIST!!

Maybe its time that we lived out God's command... (love God, love OTHERS) ..... or simply.. put others before yourself.........then, maybe we will save a life.......like that 14 year kids.....

Love you guys
Josh

What a dreary day!

2005-11-28T13:20:00.000-05:00

I hate rainy days like this....I know that is being negative but you will have to forgive me. i feel like i could have slept all day today. I hope that everyone had an AWESOME thanksgiving! i did but I ate way to much!.... i still have enough food to last until next thanksgiving!!

Last night was the bomb at crave! Especially the worship! i love it when we do more of the acoustic sound.....its so easy to worship to. We had a lot of people pledge to get their priorities right with 1. Christ 2. Family 3. Church.........

On a different note I want to know who got my password to post on this site?...THATS NOT COOL! And look what you have done to Willie..what did he do to you?
ITS ON NOW!! I will find out who you are! You have forced me to unleash the CPD (crave police department)......and there will be severe punishment for the criminal (thats right your a criminal!!)

If you have any information on the case please post or come to me in private....there will be a reward for the person who helps the CPD find these criminals!!!!

WHERE'S WILLIE?

2005-11-27T19:30:00.000-05:00

WHERE IS HE I DON'T KNOW

Happy TURKEY DAY!!

2005-11-22T11:53:00.000-05:00

Hey eveyone!!! this may be one of the last times I get to blog before Thankgiving so I just wanted to say........
HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!! I would like for everyone to eat as much as they possibily can!.......
I know I will.....

Also we will have crave sunday night the 27th so make
sure you don't miss it!!

I love all you guys and make sure you eat ALOT!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Josh

Tigers WIN!!!!

2005-11-21T11:24:00.000-05:00

What can I say the Tigers win AGAIN!! But this year was a lot different.... The last couple of years we have dominated Carolina and while I think it was obvious that we still have the best talent(for right now) usc was still in teh game at the end. I have to say that spurrier is a great coach,........ but clemson is still the BOMB!! and we are still usc's DADDY!!!!!

13-9
GO TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really hope that we go to the peach bowl, it's a really fun bowl to go to!

Have a great day
Josh

Go TIGERS!!

2005-11-18T11:30:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow night is the big game!! Clemson vs usc!!!... even though Carolina has a much better team then last year, I still don't think they have the talent to beat us this year...but I 've been wrong before.............All I can say is....... C....L.....E....M....S....O.....N!!!!!!!!!
Fight Tigers, Fight Tigers, Fight Tigers,
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!!!
GO TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More thoughts on last night

2005-11-17T11:03:00.000-05:00

James 1:5-8
If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. 6Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. 7Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, 8adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.

I have been thinking a lot about what we talked about last night in Deeper, and I think all of you had some great questions..... but one of the main ones that really stuck with me is what Heather asked.. Basically how do you change that mind set, how do you pray to God for things like a healing, and really not have any doubt in your heart? It is easy to pray for something but it is extremely hard to actually know and believe, with out a shadow of doubt, that God is going to take care of it. So how do you not doubt?

The more I thought about it the more Micheal Jordan came to mind. Micheal Jordan is the greatest basketball player that ever lived. Every time the bulls need a game winning shot, Jordan begged to have the ball in his hands. He knew that he could make the shot, there was no doubt in his mind........whats the point? The point is that Jordan didn't start out that way. Early in his carreer he had to take a lot of shots, make a lot of shots, and miss a lot of shots, before he ever had that kind of confidence. But the more shots he made, the more games he won, his confidence grew and he began to EXPECT the ball to go in. Even if he missed a game winning shot in a particular game...it didn't faze him. The next game he still wanted the ball.

My point is that our faith is that way.......the more times we trust God, and more times that God comes through for us, the more we began to expect things when we pray. But we have to get to a point to where if we miss a shot occassionally the next time things come we still EXPECT God to come through! Our faith is a process, just like our relationship...but if we never but our faith into pratice then it will never grow, just like our relationship! What I'm trying to say is begin to expect things when you pray. It may be tough at first, but God IS going to come through for you...and the more He does the more your faith grows!!!

Have a great day!
Josh

Sunday Night was AWESOME!!

2005-11-16T10:24:00.000-05:00

If you weren't @ crvae sunday night then you missed it!! It was 70's night and we had a blast!.... but the best part is that 4 people gave their heart to Christ for the 1st time!! THATS THE BOMB!! You guys were awesome in bringing your friends, even though the soul patch didn't come off, it still was a great night.. from cowbells, to destroying willie :( , from getting Joel back, to the soul train line..I would have to say that it was one of our best nights ever!! You guys Rock!!

On a more serious note... I think that somebody stole Willie. Who would do such a thing? If you have any information on the kidnapping of Willie please let me know!

Here is some pics from the other night!

What happened!!

2005-11-11T10:47:00.000-05:00

Last night I went to bed about 12:00, closed my eyes.. i thought I heard a noise so I opened them and looked at the clock...I was freaked out!! It said 6:30!! I didn't even know that I went to sleep...time has never went by so fast.. It actually made me mad because I felt like I didn't even get any beauty rest (and we all know I need it!).

I was thinking about that this morninig on the way to the office, and (not to sound super spiritual) I realized that's exactly how life is...it's flying by. I'm only 24 but it seems like yesterday that I was in high school playing football..It literally feels like i just closed my eyes and woke up 8 years later!! i began to think about what have I done these last years, and I realized how much of it I have wasted. And the problem is that i really don't have the time to waste....

So what are you doing with your time? When you look back on your life, is there time that you wish you could get back? What do we do?...... We start living each day as if it is going to be our last. I don't know if you heard about Kyle Lake. Kyle was a pastor in Texas (the church David Crowder leads worship) and a couple of weeks ago he was doing a baptismal service and was electrocuted by the microphone.. Why did God allow this to happen, right there in front of his congregation?...I don't know..... but I bet that Kyle didn't get up that morning thinking that it was going to be his last.....You never know...So don't waste your time, do the things now that God has called you to do..... because you may not have tomorrow!

Please keep Pastor Lakes family in your prayers..

Love you guys
Josh

Who is Willie???

2005-11-10T14:06:00.000-05:00

Me, Justin, and Andrew are getting ready to make a video sunday night called how much can Willie take..... but the question is...who is Willie? post on who you think it is... but know this Willie is about to go through tremendous pain this afternoon.. because we are going to see how much he can really take!!!

By the way, this Sunday night is going to be awesome..so don't miss it. and i am not expecting to shave off the soul patch..so see if you can surprise me.
Peace and chicken grease!!!!!!

Josh

Be Weird!!

2005-11-08T17:40:00.000-05:00

Matthew 17:27
However, we don't want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a coin. Take the coin and pay the tax for both of us."

Another example of how Jesus uses the different and unique to bring glory to God! (if you weren't there sunday we talked about how God loves to use weird things in order to reach people.. like when he lugied in the blind man's face in John 1)..... Don't you think that Jesus could have just pulled that coin out of his pocket? Why didn't he? Because God is into using unique things and unique situations!! And just like i said on Sunday night...BE YOURSELF!! Be who God created you to be...because you are unique and unlike any one else in this world! You can reach people that i never will, but you and i have to be our self......count it a privivlige to be called weird...trust me people say it to me all the time, now I love it...

I'm tired of seeing teenagers try and be just like somebody else... they try and be in every club, wear a certain type of clothes, talk a certain way, etc.... when i wish that they would understand that God didn't call them to be anything but themselves... i don't know about you but i want the be the lugie that God used in John! I want to be different so that I can reach all the people that i can!! So just call me WEIRD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Josh

Pictures from San Diego!

2005-11-07T16:09:00.000-05:00

Here is some pictures from San Diego

Me, tracy, shannon, belinda,& Lavante
at the beach!

Some pics of the sunset we saw ( the first is a background that we are going to use)

This is pic of the stage that the conference was held on.. COOL HUH?!

Next is a picture that a guy painted with his hands during the praise and worship.. this guy was incredible! we hop to get him at the church!

well that's all i could get on here BYE!

Josh

We have a Mascot!!

2005-11-07T11:54:00.000-05:00

what's up everybody!! I hope everyone had a great weekend... last night at crave was AWESOME!!... we started our crave e-teams( which is our evangilsim teams of you didn't know).. and 17 people signed up!! I believe that this are going to be teams that are going to begin to change and impact Seneca!! I'm pumped about them! If you weren't there last night but still want to be a part call me or sign up next sunday...
Anyway we have a new member to crave.. and I will be revealing him this sunday night.. But I can tell you that his name is Willie, and that we will be doing a video this week called How much can willie take... It's going to be hilarious!! Don't miss it!!
HAVE A GREAT DAY!!! SEE-YA WEDNESDAY

Josh

Our One Chance

2005-11-07T08:57:00.000-05:00

Hey guys i'm here to inform you(if you have'nt already heard) that we have a chance to remove the soul patch. Next Sunday night if we can bring 80 students then it's comin off! It could be our only chance to remove that hideous creature! If you are tired of the Soul patch then bring your friends....and random people that you meet on the street to Crave Sunday night. It's gonna be a night that we will all remember....if we all do our part. So if we bring 80 students then all of our wildest dreams will come true!

Concerned Youth Member,
Norma(Nora)

Amazing!!

2005-11-04T23:00:00.000-05:00

I titled this post amazing because we just went to a part of San Diego called Point something..i can't remember the name... and it was the most beautiful thing that I have ever experienced! WE sent to see the sunset and it was well worth it... it is undescribable, i will show you pictures later.... but it made me realize that no matter what we as humans create, it can never match the awesomeness and beauty of God's creation.... God is SO AWESOME!! I wish you could have seen it, it overwhelmed me! And then to think that this God still loves you and me, so much that He sent His only Son!!! What a thought!! What a Love!! What a privilige!! I don't know about you but it makes me love God so much more, to think that He first love me...He could have created anything else but He decided to created you and me!! Just a thought!!
Anyway I really can't wait to get back to hang out with all of you....See you Sunday!!

Josh

Hey I've got some really cool ideas!!

2005-11-04T12:41:00.000-05:00

What's up everybody!! I just got out of a session called..How to reach students in your mid-week services.... It was pretty good but the guy talked alot about stuff that we are already doing...We are so cool!!!! But I did get some really good video ideas! I can't wait to start doing them when I get back!!!
Anyway I hope that everyone is having a great week, and don't forget about crave..sunday night.... It's going to be fun... See-ya

Love you guys
Josh

Hey From San Diego!!

2005-11-03T12:50:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone it is awesome out here!! This is a beautiful place and I am learning so much! We are in between sessions right know so I can't blog long...but just wanted to say..
Whats up!!!!!!!!!!!!! See-ya Sunday!!!!

Josh

HOLYWEEN WAS AWESOME!!!

2005-10-31T13:03:00.000-05:00

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!!!!

2005-10-29T13:56:00.000-04:00

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!

2005-10-28T09:04:00.000-04:00

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!!

2005-10-26T15:38:00.000-04:00

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!!

2005-10-24T21:49:00.000-04:00

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!

2005-10-24T17:38:00.000-04:00

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!

2005-10-24T10:28:00.000-04:00

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

2005-10-21T11:42:00.000-04:00

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

2005-10-20T11:30:00.000-04:00

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?

2005-10-20T10:21:00.000-04:00

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!!

2005-10-19T15:29:00.000-04:00

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

2005-10-17T17:10:00.000-04:00

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

2005-10-16T14:14:00.000-04:00

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!!!!

2005-10-13T21:50:00.000-04:00

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!

2005-10-13T17:48:00.000-04:00

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!!

2005-10-13T10:53:00.000-04:00

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-10-12T21:23:00.000-04:00

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

2005-10-12T16:05:00.000-04:00

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

Well... It's Wednesday

2005-10-12T15:20:00.000-04:00

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!!

2005-10-12T14:12:00.000-04:00

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!!!!!

2005-10-11T15:24:00.000-04:00

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

2005-10-11T12:15:00.000-04:00

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!!

2005-10-11T12:13:00.000-04:00

2005-10-10T12:08:00.000-04:00

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

hello

2005-10-10T11:55:00.000-04:00

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

2005-10-10T10:44:00.000-04:00

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

2005-10-07T11:05:00.000-04:00

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!!!!!!!!

2005-10-06T15:31:00.000-04:00

I LOVE CHEESEBURGERS!!!!!!!!

Hey We Have A Blog Spot Now! How COOL!

2005-10-06T15:05:00.000-04:00

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!