Nobody Calls Me Stevo

WWJD...How It All Began

2006-12-08T08:57:00.000-08:00

This morning i was reading a daily devotion deal that I get each day through my email here at work. Now I know this saying is ultray cliche and I know a lot of people say it, but don't really think about what it truly means. I thought it was super interesting to find out how it all began.

More than a century ago, a book came out called "In His Steps." A Pastor by the name of Henry Maxwell was preaching a sermon on sacrificial love and during the middle of his talk a dude who has been without work for months stands up and says,"I was wondering if what you call following Jesus is the same thing as what he taught.…I get puzzled when I see so many Christians living in luxury and remember how my wife died in a tenement.…what would Jesus do?"

The amazing part of the story - directly after he said those words the man collapsed and died on the spot. WOW! Now that is one - messed up and two - sad to think about.

I am just as much a believer as anyone that this "WWJD" saying gets old and 9 times out of 10 it's not used in the right way or context, but after reading this I thought to myself, "wow - pretty cool, but tragic story."

Maybe from now on when you see those letters - WWJD - you will think of it differently...I know i will.

Something I Thought You'd Like...

2006-12-06T12:42:00.000-08:00

That's right - this is Big Rick and I. He has created this new "room" in his house where he is putting up a picture of every staff person of Saddleback who is under 35 years of age. It's really a cool idea - although I haven't actually seen it yet. He wanted to do this so when he is spending time in prayer at home he can pray for us idividually and specifically.

So, now each of you who always ask, "have you met Rick yet?" you now know that I have officially have met him. He's a great guy - much like a big huge teddy bear if you ask me.

Enjoy!

It's Been A While...

2006-12-06T12:34:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody! I'm sure you have figured this out - but just in case you haven't...i am not the best at this blog deal. At least I am admitting it - but i really do want to be committed to it - especially for my awesome supporters back home who are praying for me and walking through this internship with me.

Things have been so busy lately and to be honest - I can't think of a time the last couple of months that things haven't been super busy. My rotation in small groups is quickly coming to an end sadly but i have really enjoyed the last few months. I have had such a great opportunity to connect with many of our volunteers and I have had an awesome experience being able to see what an effective small group ministry looks like and consists of. We have our Community Night coming up tomorrow night and I'm excited to be a part of the training process we are doing, as well as excited to be able to love on and care for our volunteers.

One thing I have realized in my time here is that volunteers are priceless. What i mean by is simply the fact that our volunteers are the most vital and essential piece of Wildside - they are the ones who walk through this ministry with us and they ARE our ministry. They take time to pour their hearts, lives, and time into our students on a weekly basis and that is the sign that your ministry is effective.

Ok so I really am going to try and do this more - and keep those of you who read this updated more...today I just had volunteers on my heart. Have a great day and God bless!

IT'S CHOCTOBER...NOT OCTOBER...SHESH!

2006-11-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

That's right! Wildside's month of October is called Choctober. So, we do everything chocolate. All of the games have to do with chocolate and all of the prizes are chocolage. It is a lot of fun! The picture you see is none other than yes, a CHOCOLATE SLIP N' SLIDE right down the middle of our tent and it was AWESOME! I don't have a clue how I am going to pull it off, but the next church I serve at - we HAVE to at least attempt an all chocolate slip n' slide. It is just too good. What were the ingredients you say???? There was of course Hershey's Chocolate Syrup, LOTS of baby shampoo (baby oil causes blindness - little FYI) to increase the slippery effect, and yes, tons of Jr. High Students competing to see who could slide the farthest.

Another cool element that i got to participate in was a game we call the "Chocolate Milkshake." I picked 4 students (2 7th grade and 2 8th grade) and they competed to see who could make a chocolate shake the fastest and drink it up. Now the trick to this was the way they made it. One student had to feed a spoonfull of Chocolate Nesquick to the other and then pour a gulp of milk into their mouth. The student with the contents in their mouth would then mix it up or "swash" it up as I like to call it just like its a gulp of mouthwash - they then spit it back into the glass - filled it up to a line we determined beforehand and yes, had to CHUG it once they got it to the line. Now how cool is that!!!

I LOVE CHOCTOBER and you should too!

Have a great day!

2006-10-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

Reeled In Volume 2

WATCH THIS...PLEASE, ITS FUNNY! It's also the video portion of my talk in the previous post below...ENJOY!

For My Supporters...And Others...But Definitely For My Supporters

2006-10-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

I realize it has been a while since i have blogged, but I'm trying. Things are going GREAT here! Our small groups have been launched and they are running smoothly. I have a group of 7th graders this year - 11 of them and they are all awesome guys. It should be a great time doing life together with them each week and learning and growing in our love for God and in our love for others. I also have a co - leader this year (Dered Robinson) who is an intern in the Small Groups ministry here at Saddleback. He really wants to gain some insight in the world of Youth Ministry so he has decided to help w/ C-Groups - should be great having him around to help teach and develop relationships w/ the students.

Another awesome opportunity i had recently was teaching last weekend. We are doing a 3 week series called "Reeled In," where we are taking a look at a different story each week that has something to do with fish. Week one we talked about when the disciples went fishing all night and caught nothing and then Jesus tells them to cast their nets on the other side and they caught more than the boat could handle. Then, last weekend i got to teach on the "feeding of the 5,000." As a matter of fact, if you have 26 minutes of free time, i would LOVE for you to listen to my talk. Feel free to comment on anything you'd like or to make fun of the words i use repeatedly - i'm pretty sure it happense a lot-Ha! Ha! Just click on the link “Listen Here” to hear the talk.

This weekend is our final message of this series and Kurt will be teaching on Jonah and yes, the whale. It should be a LOT of fun - especially since this weekend marks the annual CHOCOLATE SLIP N' SLIDE down the center isle of our tent. Don't worry, more to come on that in the next post - you'll enjoy it along w/ some great pics.

Have a great one and God bless!

Listen Here

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln in Pennies

2006-10-06T15:58:00.000-07:00


HE used 1,702 pennies to make a portrait of Lincoln. Sorting the coins took about seven hours, and making the image took just under six. (Scroll down for a larger image of the final version.) May 2005.

For My Supporters...

2006-09-22T16:47:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!

I hope each of you are doing well and enjoying the end of a great week! I tell ya, for me - it has been sooooooo busy this week. We have finished placement of our small groups for this year and we are still in need of about 30 more adult leaders. Now you wouldn't think that it would be difficult to find people who are willing to serve at such a big place like Saddleback, but...it really is.

I think one of the greatest challenges in Youth Ministry is finding adults who want to love your students and serve in your ministry. The toughest part about this concept is the fact that the adult leaders in your ministry are the most important part of it. Why? Simply because w/out them, half if not all of the ministry is not remotely even close to being possible. That is why i have learned in my short time of being involved in Student Ministry - i have learned that the most vital part is the adults who are willing to be a part.

So, this next week, we will train our leaders on Tuesday and Wednesday night. I am really excited about this because I love the training piece of ministry when it comes to adult leaders. I believe that training is so essential so that they can learn more about why you do what you do AND why they are doing what they are doing. Now, that may come out a bit confusing, BUT...what i want to say in short is training teaches them more about the vision of the ministry and it allows them to get excited about being a part of that vision.

I want each of you to know that i love you so much and i'm so excited to have you a part of my life. I hope you enjoy this post and better yet, i hope you have an incredible weekend!

God bless!

ps. The picture above is our sweet C-Group logo for this year. Our theme is "rooted" and its based out of Ephesians 3:16 - 19

For My Supporters...

2006-09-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

I hope this blog finds each of you (who are reading this) doing well and having a splendid day. Did I just say splendid??? Anyway, this week has been a great week, but also a busy and long week.

My main responsibility and task has been taking all of the guys who signed up for a C-Group this year and placing them in a group. It's really frustrating because we have 3 criteria that we TRY our best to match them up with OR we just take what's most important to them and match them up that way. We match them up according to either a specific leader they want, if they want it close to their home, and/or if they want specific friends in their group. So, it’s quite a task taking those three things and matching them all up. Needless to say, let’s just hope that when it’s all said and done, there won't be TOO many complaints from parents/students. That's our goal at least.

We also had our kickoff of the year for all our 'leaders.' We called this event, "Super Sweet Leader Night." Our purpose was basically to get ALL of our volunteer leaders from both HSM and Jr. High together for a night of great food, short, but super sweet training from Doug Fields, and of course...super sweet giveaways. I think it was an amazing night simply because each of our leaders left feeling cared for, loved, and appreciated. If there is one thing I have learned about youth ministry through the years, I would have to say that THE most important component HAS to be the leadership that you have. It’s kind of like this formula that Doug Fields talked about:

The Right People + The Right Hearts = Healthy Youth Ministry

Now, as simple as that is I believe it is SO true and essential for healthy, effective growth in Youth Ministry. I had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of how adults who really do care for students and who really do have the right heart...make a Youth Ministry what God intended it to be. I've attached a picture of one of the greatest volunteer leaders that I’ve ever met in my life. Also, one of the most influential people I have ever met as well. Just to brag about John Allen a little bit, he came to camp to us the last two summers - one of which he played 3 rounds of paintball with us, he developed and built Wildside's very own Lending Library where students can come into our tent each weekend and check out books, DVD’s, or cd’s. Last and most important, he is devoted to the purpose of loving on Jr. High students; loving on people in general because that's what God commands us all to do. I figure if I can live my life a little each day more and more like John Allen; like JESUS - I believe God will do amazing things.

Well, I hope you've enjoyed this LONG post. Please know that I love and care for each of you - YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!!!

God bless you guys!

p.s. - i couldn't get the picture to work - but i will get it working soon!

I know this is bold...

2006-09-09T00:46:00.000-07:00

but i honestly believe after seeing THIS movie trailer, it could be a STRONG 'movie of the year' nominee. Tell me what you think.

For My Supporters...

2006-09-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! I want each of you to know for those who choose to read my blog - EVERY FRIDAY at some point in the day i will be blogging about my week. The things i've been doing, learned, struggled with etc... So, this post is just for you - those of you who are supporting me financially, prayerfully, or both. First off, THANK YOU so much for what you're doing in my life and for believing in God's provision for me. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such an incredible "cloud of witnesses."

This week has been a good week, but a pretty busy week. I am interning in the "Small Groups" facet of our ministry. We refer to these as "C-GROUPS," which basically stands for CONNECT groups. This is the ministry that we encourage students to get involved in if they really want to feel like their a part of our ministry. It's definitely the best way to plug in so to say.

So, this week, Mariah and i have been working on curriculum editing / changing, our C-Group training, and of course...actually placing the (close to) 600 students in small groups. We are doing something a bit different this year, mainly becasue we feel like it will be more effective. We are placing 10 students in a group with 2 adult leaders. Our goal is NOT to exceed 10 students in each group so that each student can be cared for in the best way possible.

I began putting together our small groups for 8th grade guys yesterday, and today is the hard part...the 7th grade guys. It should be fun and exciting, yet long and frustrating. This is DEFINITELY helping me in the area of organization though, which we all know i desperately need.

So that's what i have been up to this week. I'm sorry for the length of this post, but i want to give you some idea of what's goin on on a weekly basis as opposed to a monthly or bi-monthly basis.

I want to leave you with a verse i came across in my quiet time yesterday. I love this verse because i believe in the truth of God's Word and this verse is a promise to us. It's found in John 15:7 and it says:

"If you remain in Me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you."

I encourage each of you to "remain" in the love of God this week. Dwell in Him and in the peace and grace that only He can provide. I love each of you so much and i'm so grateful for each of you. God bless you this weekend and week and hopefully i will see you again on here next Friday. ***also, when you read this...don't forget to post something - i would LOVE to know how you're doing.***

GO BIG ORANGE...

2006-09-02T23:33:00.000-07:00

All i can say is WOW! After being a bit concerned for this year's team i must say that i was very impressed with what i saw. Led by quarterback Erik Ainge - the Tennessee Volunteers showed up ready to play and it paid off. Not only did they win their first game of the season, but they managed to upset the #9 California Golden Bears. If you ask me, i would say that Tennessee was more than average on all cylinders today. Their defense shut down California most of the day and their offense played exceptionally well. I don't want to make too big a statement after just one game so all i will say is UT is going to impress a lot of people and they have a great chance to have an incredible season. Vols win 35 - 18!

Kingdom Assignment...

2006-09-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

was such a great book! There are a few reasons that it was a great read. One reason is because this book is super short and i'm not as much of a reader as i need to be and as i'd like to be - so, a short book is so cool to me. Secondly, it is an easy read. This book is filled with stories of people who chose to accept a challenge and because they did so, their lives have been completely changed. Third and probably my favorite reason - this book really brings to light one of the coolest stories in the bible; the parable of the talents.

To make a long story super short, in the bible - this guy comes to these three dudes and decides to give them stuff. The first two dudes take what they were given and they double it, but then the third guy takes what he was given and goes and buries it in the ground - thinking he would "save" what he was given. Pretty dumb move huh???

So, THIS book takes you to stories of ordinary people being used to do extraordinary things. It makes the story of the "parable of the talents" really come to life and puts a whole new perspective on the idea "to whom much is given, much is required."

I sat back and thought about this story i tried to put myself in the shoes of the three dudes. The question rose to me that i wonder sometimes if i'm doing all i can with what i have been given. It's a pretty convicting thought to say the least, because i believe everything the bible says is true. With saying that...i want to be a person who is in every way giving of myself the way God has called me to do. I don't know if its as much "giving of myself" as it is just serving Him by allowing other people to experience Christ's love because of who He has made me and what He has done for me.

So yea, its a good book and i encourage you to read it. I won't tell you what Denny Bellesi actually challenged his people to do but i will tell you this...it was incredible. God changed lives of so many people and i really think this book brings a whole new perspective on what God wants for his kids.

This is HILARIOUS

2006-08-31T16:38:00.000-07:00

It's a little lengthy, but if you're a sports fan...please tune in!

GO HERE

GO BIG ORANGE!!!

2006-08-31T16:18:00.000-07:00

I am so excited i can hardly sit in my chair right now. The best time of year is here - thats right, college football 2006-2007 is here! I think its going to be another great year of rivalries, good games, blow outs, and of course...the upsets. I am a HUGE Tennessee fan although i was raised in GA. Thats ok though, i believe UT will definitely beat the dawgs yet again this season. Even though we are ranked at a preseason #25 out of 25 - i think the VOLS will surprise people everywhere.

Game 1: at home vs. California. This will be a tough game but i think the Big Orange can beat em. Check back on Saturday and i will re-cap the game if you're at all interested. If you're not interested - then don't read it! Just kidding!

Kettle Korn...

2006-08-30T16:48:00.000-07:00

is one of the best snack products i believe in the world. My goodness! It is sooo good. It has a slight buttery taste, yet the majority is a sweet, sugary taste much like pouring a pack domingo sugar into your mouth. I love popcorn, but kettle korn is MUCH better in my opinion. So if you have never ever tried it, quick - go to the store and grab some now! You will love it!

Quote of the Week

2006-08-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

"Courage is not the absence of fear, courage is the absence of self."

-Erwin McManus

*Any thoughts you guys have would be TERRIFIC! Tell me what YOU think...

Book Meme

2006-08-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, i was tagged like 3 weeks ago by a friend of mine, Nicole Lovato - wife of Mr Domagoto or something or another. anyway, sorry for the late reply Nicole - i'm such a slacker. Here goes nothing:

1. One book that changed your life: Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley. This book is absolutely phenominal in explaining the idea of delegation and concentrating on your strengths more than your weaknesses. Great read! Get it and read it!

2. One book that you’ve read more than once: I have read the book of Ephesians a countless number of times! Its one of my favs for sure.

3. One book you’d want on a desert island: Sorry, i know this is simple but i'll have to go with none other than...the Bible. AND if there's 2 i would have to choose the Sports Almanac that's in Back to the Future II.

4. One book that made you laugh: I actually just finished this one - "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller. Such a good book and such an easy read.

5. One book that made you cry: When i was a kid, the book titled - "Alexander's Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad, DAY!" It was horrible for poor little Alexander.

6. One book you wish had been written: How to cook something thats in Tin Foil in the Microwave without it blowing up into a huge fire. Wouldn't that be cool?

7. One book you wish had never been written: A Tale of Two Cities - only saying this b/c i know its super long. i have never read it though.

8. One book you’re currently reading: Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard and Kingdom Assignment by the Belessi Duo

9. One book you’ve been meaning to read: Knowing God by JI Packer, Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard, The Pursuit of God by AW Tozer...should i keep going?

10. One book you’d like to write: Just a book about the Holy Spirit - how that idea is mind-blowing yet true and real. WOW!

Okay, Swanny and Alice - its your turns. IF you read my blog that is...

Fruit Roll-Ups...

2006-08-23T21:12:00.000-07:00

are absolutely amazing! If i sit and think of one of my favorite things in the entire world it is none other than the...FRUIT ROLL-UP. Anyway, to make things better - i just found out by doing a bit of research that you can actually easily make your own. Check THIS out and see what you think. That's all i have to say for now - go buy some fruit roll-ups or better yet make your own.

Gotta See It!!!

2006-08-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

PLEASE...do yourself a favor and go see THIS. It is hilarious and well worth the $10 at the theater. So enjoy and get ready to laugh a lot.

Quote of the Week...

2006-08-05T12:35:00.000-07:00

Something i'm going to do for you fellow bloggers in the world is present you with a quote of the week each week on my blog. This quote could be funny, serious, stupid, or just something on my mind. So anyway, the purpose of this is to have as many of you who read my blogg respond - so please, if you do read the quote please respond with your thoughts. The quote of the week is:

"Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists beccause worship doesn't"

-John Piper

What do YOU think about this? Thoughts please...

The "Big Stars" WILL Shine

2006-08-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, i had the privilege to attend the Dallas Cowboys training camp in Oxnard, California. It was well worth the drive as i got to see the team practice and run drills. As a matter of fact...it reminded me of how much i miss the good ole days of High School football (even though we had a 26 game losing record). I LOVE the game of football - especially America's Team. Now i'm not too big on predictions, but i HAVE to say that the Cowboys are going to be really good this year. Now i am referring to the newly signed T.O. but even more so as i watched yesterday i noticed that they have some great personnel which means their roster has a lot more depth this season. One highlight from the practice was watching T.O. enter into practice with all smiles and showing those pearly whites. A fan asked, "How does it feel to be a Cowboy?" T.O's response: "It feels GREAT." He also gave a "thumbs up" sign which is cool as well. Anyway, the Cowboys are back and they WILL compete this year. I'm going to say they'll win the NFC East (even though i'm not big on predictions). For those of you who care...who do you pick this year?

***Picture Comment***
Isn't it funny that Roy Williams (no. 31) who's also in the pic w/ T.O. is also the same player who broke T.O's leg 2 years ago when he did his "dance" on the Star in Texas Stadium. It sure is funny how things change isn't it...

Survey Says...

2006-08-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have read my blog regarding the jacket zipper - i did a little research and i want each of you to know it is MEN'S APPAREL. I guess Puma is just THAT smooth that they would put their zipper on the oppisite side. . .that i guess is what makes it unique. check out THIS and direct your attention to the top left corner of the add. Have a nice day!

Did You Know...Is It True???

2006-07-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

Just want to start by saying WHAT UP! anyway, now that is over - as i was getting ready this morning to come to Wildside i walked outside and noticed that there was a light drizzle and it was really misty. So, seeing the weather condition i decided to put on my brand new PUMA track jacket deal (which happens to be SUPER SWEET)! As i put it on, i decided to zip it up and then i was taken back by something that happened. Are you ready for this? The zipper was on the LEFT side of the jacket instead of the right side. Now some of you may be thinking i'm crazy but for me this was a revelation. It was at that exact moment that i begin to think, "not only is this jacket super sweet and not only was it $30, BUT...the zipper is on the left side." Now to me that is soooooo cool. To make a long story short, i get to the tent this morning and reveal my revelation to Kurt and he tells me, "dude, when the zipper is on the left side that means its girls clothing." "WHAT?" Now please, i'll have you know that THIS is by no means a women's jacket - or is it? Did you know that the buttons on most girls clothing, is on the LEFT side? Is that really a true statement? I honestly had NO CLUE that the buttons or zippers for that matter were on the left side of girls apparel and on the right side for men's. No one has ever told me that before so today has been a HUGE revelation in my knowledge of fashion. Just in case some of you were wondering though...even if the jacket i have is a girls jacket, i would still go back to Urban Outfitters at 3rd street promenade and buy it again. So, my question - is this true about girls clothes? Let me know your thoughts.

Just a little nugget...

2006-07-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

I was reading this morning in the book of Proverbs and there was a verse that i really liked. It's found in Proverbs 25:11 and it reads, "Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances." As i sit and think about this verse i am reminded of so many times when i say words i don't mean and other times when i say words in the WRONG times. Do you know where i'm coming from? Let me give you two thoughts around this verse and i would LOVE any replies that you may have. The first thought i think about is another verse found in Psalm 46:10 which reads, "Be still and KNOW that I AM GOD." Ya know, this is so hard for me because i LOVE to talk and i love to be "busy" all the time. Sometimes though...it is essential to our relationship with God and to our growth as believers to rest, relax, and BE STILL with the thought of just KNOWING that HE IS GOD! I think its one of those times where we rest in the cross of Christ and we rest in the fact that the Savior of the world made a choice to die for me and for you. WOW! What an awesome; life-changing thought. The second thought i want to give you is
this song by Matt Redman. I think a lot of times what we need to do is realize how small we are and how BIG GOD really is!!! I think the song says it all. Sorry - i did say it was "a little nugget" but sometimes i'm longwinded. Let me hear from you! God bless and have a great day!

Rainbows = AWESOME!

2006-07-24T20:22:00.000-07:00

Ok so today on my day off (i have every Monday off - cool huh???) me and two of my buddies, John and Swanny who are also interns at Saddleback decided to hang out and enjoy the sights of So Cal. We went to Beach Cities Pizza in Dana Point, which happens to be way cool considering you can get 2 slices of pizza and a drink for $4.26. You can't beat that - know what i'm saying. After lunch we headed over to one of the most important places in the WORLD, yes i said the WORLD...The Rainbow Factory Store. I got my first pair of black rainbow sandals and they're super sweet. SO yea, thats all i really have to say - what a great way to spend a day off in So. Cal. You guys ROCK!

William is the MAN!!!

2006-07-23T15:10:00.000-07:00

HEY everybody! I know what you're thinking - its been a SUPER DUPER LONG time since you posted a blog. You're right - i do agree and yes, in case you were wondering i AM terrible at this but have a little grace, im new at this. So anyway, i was at Wildside today (for those of you reading this who don't know, Wildside is our Jr. High Ministry here at Saddleback Church where i currently serve as an intern). So yea, i was walking around in the Wildside tent today and something happened that i would LOVE to enlighten you on. I started a conversation with this dude named William - yes, that HAS to be the coolest name EVER! So yea, anyway, i started this conversation with him and this is how it went:

William: Hey Stephen! I have a question for you and i would really like your help.

Stephen: Ok bro! I would love to help you out - what is your question?

William: Well, i have this game named "Call of Duty 3" on reserve for when it comes out in a couple of months. BUT, i didn't really enjoy playing "Call of Duty 2" so i don't really know what to do. Should i not have it on reserve since i didn't like "Call of Duty 2?"

Stephen: Well man, i totally know what you mean. Where do you have the game reserved at?

William: It's reserved at Game Stop!

Stephen: Cool man - i LOVE that place! Well, maybe you could go to Game Stop and talk to the guys who work there - find out if they know anything about the new "Call of Duty" coming out and see if they say if its supposed to be the same or if it will be a ton better.

***Side Note - This is my favorite part of the conversation***

William: Oh yea man! Actually, now that i think about it - i have 7 days from the time i get it to return it. SO, i could just play it and if i don't like it then i could take it back and get my money back.

Stephen: Dude, there's your answer!

William: Thanks a lot for your help Stephen!

Now i know what you are thinking - what is the point? Well, the point is for all of you who don't like or enjoy spending time with Jr. High Students - you are CRAZY!!! Students like William are always around hangin out each weekend and i am so grateful that God allows me to serve in this capacity! Jr. High students ROCK!!! There will be more to come later - i will try to get a picture of William so you can see how awesome this kid is!

CRACK POT! CRACK POT!

2006-06-30T17:23:00.001-07:00

Ok Ok so i'm sitting here at my "cubical" here at Saddleback and i was just reminded by a good friend, Josh Griffin that i needed to post something here on one of the coolest blogs ever (not really, but anyway...i'll get to the point). The first part of this week i had the luxury with the rest of the Student Ministry staff to attend our annual staff retreat to Palm Springs. Yes, i did say Palm Springs and yes...it is like 115 degrees there, but it was super sweet to get to relax, laugh, and hang out with awesome people. It is a time for both Jr. High and High School staffs to get together and hang out while enjoying the hot sun, swimming pool, sweet condos, and of course a meal or two. This leads me to the good part of this post and story. Considering the fact that we try to mix and match our ministries and hang out with people that maybe we wouldn't "normally" hang out with on a typical week - we like to take as few vehicles as possible AND...i had the privilege of driving one of the Saddleback suburbans this year. I really enjoyed being able to meet new people and really dive in to some of the minds that are on our staff, especially the ones that i don't normally always hang out with because of the busyness of ministry. Ok, now i realize this is way too long and i'm super long winded. The moral of this blog is the funny, stupid, and careless fact that on Wednesday afternoon upon departing the condos where we stayed, i pulled up the BIG, white suburban so the people riding home with me could load all of their belongings. The problem with this thought is that my tires for turned toward this big, huge, vase flower pot deal and i didn't know. I'm sure by now you can guess what happened, but i will tell you anyway: everyone loaded their things, we all got into the suburban, and of course...i put the suburban in drive and BOOM...i crash into this ridiculously huge vase deal and of course, it topples over and cracks! What stinks about this is two - fold: one, it cracked and two, i was the one driving. Please, laugh it up all you want because it is funny. I have even posted some pictures below so you could somewhat get the full effect of what i did. anyway, sorry for the length of this, but i had to butter it up somehow. Have a great day and God bless!

AWESOME PICS!!!!

2006-06-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you drive a big white suburban into a big huge vase . . . it will crack! You can definitely consider me a "Crack Pot."

HYMNS. . .

2006-06-23T23:04:00.000-07:00

Can i just say that i am so amazed by how powerful the words are to the hymns that we have. You know what i'm talking about - the hymns that used to bore us as we were kids sitting in the pughs w/ our parents. When i was young though, i didn't realize the depth and the words of those hymns - i didn't realize the power that is within the words of each song. I'm listening to the hymn "How Marvelous," and i am absolutely blown away. As a matter of fact, there is no way i can describe to you the power in this hymn. It is devoted to telling us how great; how marvelous the Savior's love is for each of us. "He took my sin and my sorrow and He made them His very own - and bore the burden to Calvary and suffered and died alone." WOW! This reminds me of the verse in the bible found in 2 Corinthians 5:21 - "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." How amazing and marvelous is that? Not only did Jesus come and die so that i could live, but in His death He imputed His righteousness in my life. In other words, He died so that those who do choose Him MIGHT become the righteousness of God through His death. Does it get any better than that? For those of you who choose to read this, i would love for you to reply and give me any of your thoughts that you may have - God is so good!!!

HIS STORY...MY STORY

2006-06-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

As i sit here and think - the only thought that is on my mind and the only thing i can think about is the fact that God is so good. Isn't it amazing that the very same God who is the creator of everything you and i see, the very same God who came to earth in the form of a man yet lived a sinless, perfect life, the very same God who destroyed the entire world with the exception of 8 people, the very same God who was beaten, mocked, scourged, spat upon, and had nine inch nails driven into His hands and feet - it is that same God who has chosen to allow someone like myself to be a part of His story. He has allowed me to play a part in His kingdom and He allows me to devote my life to ministering to people - mainly Jr. High Students. WOW! What a privilege it is to minister alongside the creator of the world! Yet i think a lot of the time that is not our mind set. What i mean is i think a lot of times we think we are doing work "for" God and not with God. The way i see it, we are all a part of HIS story - meaning we are ministering in His name - not necessarily for Him per say but WITH Him. WOW! Thank you Lord that you allow me to be a part of this...For those of you who read this, think about it. Share any thoughts you may have, i would love to hear them - or read them...HA!

2006-06-20T16:55:00.000-07:00

Today i decided to really get serious w/ this blogg deal so i updated it, threw some sweet pics on it, and got a friend of mine - Josh Griffin to help me with the template. So, i hope you that view this blogg enjoy what you see. Now to the point - WORLD CUP 2006 - WOW!!! i watched the second half of the Sweden vs. England game and it was sooooo interesting. It seemed like every minute was action - packed and super fun to watch. Although i would have liked to see England win, they did tie so that isn't the worst. What really stinks is the fact that Trinidad Tobego has been eliminated - i hate it for the underdogs. Until next time....

2006-06-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

ME at a day on the job...

Stephen

2006-06-19T15:23:00.000-07:00

Ok so i am a HUGE movie buff! I have always enjoyed movies and hopefully one day i will have a large dvd collection - at least that is my goal. Anyway, right now i am watching a classic movie, "Meet The Parents." It is so funny, especially the part where Greg and the Dad are on the way to the store and they're talking about the fact that Greg hates cats. DeNiro is brilliant in this movie simply because he is the perfect picture of what i would imagine to be an "intimidating" dad. So the moral...if you haven't seen this movie, please go and rent it soon!

2006-06-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

Ok so today has become one of the longest mornings of my life. By the way, for those of you who don't know i am a 2 year intern at Saddleback Church. It has been an awesome experience for me and i have grown and learned so much in the past year of my life. I have also learned that when people give directions NEVER EVER to trust that they are right! Today, me and Swanny (another intern) were volunteered to go over to the home of one of our volunteers to pick up a couch that he is donating to our ministry. Well, to make this short - lets just say that a trip that should have taken about 20 mins ended up taking 2 hours because of the WRONG DIRECTIONS!!!! So, the moral of today is when you are going somewhere and you don't know how to get there. . .make sure the person who gives you the directions DOES know - or else, look up the directions yourself. Don't worry - i'm not bitter, just looking out for whoever chooses to read this. Have a great day!

2006-06-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

I was listening to a sermon entitled "The Servant Heart of God" by Erwin McManus and there is one thought that i haven't been able to get past. He said that we have an enemic theology of divine humility - meaning the fact that we think of God as this Big, Huge, Totalitarian God who is nothing but a dictator. Even though we acknowledge that He is all-powerful, the essence of who God is is a servant. Don't worry - i don't completely understand this thought, although i think i almost have my mind wrapped around what he was saying. The fact of the matter is that God who is the King of all that we see is MORE humble than i will ever be. God came in the form of human flesh and chose to wrap a towel around his waist and SERVE. He chose to wash the dirty, scummy feet of the people he was closest to and of the people who devoted their lives to follow Him. Now in my mind my thought is it should have been the opposite, but that is Erwin's point; God is MORE HUMBLE than i am and than i ever hope to be. This is a thought - respond with any thoughts you may have...