Cardinals Bury Royals - Even Series 1-1

My apologies go out to Tony. He showed up earlier to youth group last night, only to learn from Chris/Nathan that youth was canceled and we were all heading out to Kauffman Stadium for Game 2 of the I-70 series between the Royals and the Cardinals.

I must say it was a rockin' good time. The pretzels were tasty, the nacho cheese was flowing like a river (thanks to Chris) and people were dancing in the aisles to Thriller like it was 1985, minus the Royals winning that is!

And we almost witnessed a horrible car accident when Tom's brakes suddenly went out. We all thought he was putting on a brake light display for grins. But no, he was simply trying to stay alive due to the fact that when he stepped on them, they failed to stop him. So, he discovered by pumping the brakes repeatedly while driving 70mph down the highway, they would suddenly work again. So that is what he did. And here I thought that the church van was dangerous. I had visions of a fiery crash in my brain the whole drive home. :(

Alas, we all made it back to Liberty safely. However, I must say Nathan drank way too much Mountain Dew at the game because he was slap happier than Mary Poppins on the way home.

Hopefully it's not too long before we do it all again.

Later.

This, that, and the other.

Thoughts from underground:

Graduation is getting close, and students are counting down the final days until summer. As the school year winds down, the youth group will begin participating in work days and mission projects as they prepare for the summer mission trip to Dallas, Texas. If you know of work opportunities that they might participate in, please contact me. In addition, Youth Sunday is quickly approaching and is set for Sunday, June 10, 2007.

I’ve Been Thinking:

The weather seems to finally be turning nice for us. This past month has been especially unpredictable. It was funny seeing all the children on Easter Sunday wearing their winter coats outside for the Easter Egg hunt. Living in the Midwest requires the ability to put up with unpredictable weather all year long. Sometimes its pleasant, warm, and beautiful and other times, cold, windy, and even rainy. Reminds me of our relationship with God at times. Some months, things are great, the sun is shining, we have a warm hearted quiet time, we’ve been faithful in daily prayer, a friend calls us up out of the blue just to say hello, and we find it very easy to praise God. But then other times, life blows in like a tornado, angry and unannounced, and we find ourselves scrambling for shelter, and refuge. We are consumed with conflict, work, family, finances, and we have little time to do anything but hold on, and wait for the storm to pass. At other times, things are just sort of okay. The sun isn’t shining, but it’s not raining. We aren’t having a bad week, but were not exactly having the best week either. Although our lives change from day to day, and week to week, as frequently as the weather, one thing always remains the same: God. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Never changing. Never waning. Never faltering. Always faithful. And even though my faith may wane, and my trust may falter, and my word may fail, God’s doesn’t. Never did. Never will. Never has. He is forever faithful. He is the impenetrable solid rock that we stand on. And when the skies become dark and the thunder begins to peel, I know that He is always with me.

Isaiah 43:1-4

But now, this is what the LORD says-he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

Is it Raining?

So like, I guess it's spring. Forget the fact that most people are bundled up wearing winter coats, it is still spring. And you know what that means don't you? Ummm. Well I am sure it means something but nothing comes to mind, so I will just take this time to say that Easter Sunday was last week and I totally got hooked up with some awesome candy. Ya see, Max went on the Easter Egg hunt and well, a 2-year-old shouldn't eat a whole bucket of sugar, so I am helping him out, ya see. And well, I have been consuming large quantities of chocolate and peanut butter this week. And let's just say, I love Easter Egg hunts. :) But alas I digress.

Young Christian's Weekend was a week ago. I think the highlight of the trip involved Mr. Joe VanZant and his magical illusions. He is quite the Prestige (that's another word for Magician) and let me say, he definitely missed his calling. Stacey and Ashley did a great job reminding everyone that we complain way too much. Everyone still wearing there bracelet? Hmmm? Silver Dollar City was awesome, the food as tasty as evar, the rides still a barrel of laughs, and the Christian rock music was incredible. I mean come on, how many places can you yell "Deude" and everyone knows your referring to the Steve Deude Band? Everyone loves Deude. Mainly because of his name I guess. But overall, the weekend was good, and no one lost anything.

Well, it's raining outside. Suppose I oughta wrap this up. Hope everyone is doing well.

"Fire Fall Down"

Coming to your Youth Group Praise & Worship Band very soon. The song, not the band. Check it out.

Mystery

Who is this man?

And why is he so happy?

Anyone?

Why is he not buckled in?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Time Space Continuum

What do Subway sandwiches, Halo 2 Tourneys, DDR, Laser Tag, markers, junk food, Step Up, large quantities of caffeine, Capture the Glowstick, and Richard McFadden all have in common?

They will all be present at this Friday's Lock-In.

So in case you've been locked in a trunk the past 3 months here is what ya need to know:

Youth Lock-In
Friday, March 16, 2007
7:00 pm to 6:00 am

Bring $12 for Laser Tag AND bring a favorite snack to share with your friends. That's share, not taunt. So bring a snack and $12. Got it? Get it? Good!

May the Force Be With You

How Not to Behave At Church

I'm guessing this would never be allowed at Chandler.

Monday Morning News

Super Bowl Sunday didn't exactly live up to the hype, but it did produce a winner: the Indianapolis Colts. And now all of the Peyton Manning fans can rest easy, he finally won the big one. I know I'll sleep better tonight. : ) We had a good time over at the VanZant's, who were nice enough to let us borrow their house for the evening as we partied. Thanks to everyone who brought snacks, we all had a great time. The winner of the Super Bowl Trivia game was Angela, who answered the most questions correctly, she also was the scorekeeper . . . hmmmm . . interesting. Just kidding Angela. She will get her prize Wed. night at youth group. Speaking of which, I hope to see everyone there this week as we continue to talk about Evangelism and what that has to do with the 5 Purposes of a Christian's life (Matthew 28:19-20). Make sure to bring your bible!

RK

LET'S GO COLTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The CBC YOUTH SUPER BOWL PARTY
is at the VanZant's House.

Party starts at 5:00 PM

Click here for directions.

Remember to bring your favorite snack to the party
to share with others.

CBC Weekly Update

Last night's Parent/Youth Pizza Meeting went extremely well. We discussed upcoming events for the year, laughed a lot, and talked about how Rhett is the best communicator and listener, EVAR. Just ask Hollie. **ATTENTION** The Youth Super Bowl Party is at the VanZant's house. Let me know if you are coming by signing up on the Sign-Up Sheet on the bulletin board in the Youth Room. Bring your favorite snack. Oh and someone tell Brandon to bring that deer meat of his. Mmmmmm, love me some deer meat.

I hope you are all checking out some of the new features on the blogsite. There are now videos from time to time posted on here, and I will be posting a new picture on the blog each week. So make sure a visit often. Also, let me know if you find any good uplifting and encouraging websites, or resources and I will post them in our LINKS section on here.

Make sure to keep everyone in your prayers this week that were mentioned at Church. Prayer is Key. And we all can use it, so before you post, say a short prayer. : ) I hope everyone has a wonderful week. And if your bored, maybe you should learn how to Tread Mill dance. I hear it's a lot of fun AND a great workout. Don't believe me? Check out these guys below.

Good Times Last Night

Special Youth Tuesday was indeed special. It was good to see everyone again back at church and having fun. Just a few quick announcements in case you missed last night.

• NO YOUTH THIS WED. NIGHT due to CHURCH BUSINESS MEETING.

• PARENT/YOUTH MEETING JAN. 28 2007 at 6 PM - Pizza, pop, talk.

• SUPER BOWL PARTY - FEB. 4 2007 at 4:30 PM - Ashley Ramsey's pad or church youth room.

• VALENTINE'S CHILI DINNER BANQUET - FEB. 14, 2007 - We will have youth that night!

Youth Council has been announced. See the youth room bulletin board. Also, on a side note we will be rescheduling the Youth Lock-IN and I think I have found a great activity for the entire youth group to participate in, its completely safe, and tons of fun. Just watch the video below to get a sneak preview.

Special Youth Tuesday

Tuesday night we will be having a past overdue youth gathering.

Same start time: 6:30pm

Same end time: 7:30pm

We will be discussing some special things.

We will be playing some special games.

And we will be singing some special songs.

Suffice it to say: Its gonna be Special!

See ya tomorrow night.

Oh the weather outside is frightful

Once again, the weather has gotten in the way of fun youth activities. So due to our unfortunate string of bad luck, Rk wants to know: What are YOU doing when the ice and the snow hits?

Today there happens to be 2 football games on, anybody watching? Anyone sledding outside, building snowmen?

Lets keep our site active, keep the comments rolling.

god bless

rhett

LOCK-IN CANCELED

I'm writing these words with great sadness in my heart. We are NOT having a LOCK-IN tonight. It is officially CANCELED due to FREEZING RAIN, and ICY ROADS. The LOCK-IN, however, will be re-scheduled to a later time when the weather is wonderful! Again I'm sorry to report this news. But that's the facts. I hope everyone has a wonderful, and safe evening.

Rhett

Tick-Tock

T-Minus 7 Days and counting until The Winter Lock-In Extravaganza.

So here is a question for you while you ponder the fresh slate of a brand new year.

What would you do for a Klondike Bar?

Okay now for a real question.

Who would win in an ultimate showdown: Master Chief vs. Chuck Norris? Why?

. . . 7 . . . days . . . and . . . counting . . .

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Here is pretty Christmas picture.

Now say "Ewwwwwwwwwwww

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh."

There is no Youth Group this wed. Dec. 27. Spend time with your family!
RK

POST OF THE DAY

ACCOUNTABILITY

Got any? If not go get an accountability partner. NOW.


"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help pick him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." [Ecclesiastes 4:9-12]

Here are 4 absolutes regarding accountability:

[1] HAVE IT - this is the first and most obvious one cos so many people don't - we run this race by ourselves and when we get tired or weak or fall over, there is no-one nearby to help us to keep going - a lot of big name people in ministry have fallen on their faces this way (linked big time to pride which says 'i can do this by myself' and which, if we remember correctly, "comes before a fall" because they become 'the man' (yes, it does usually seem to be men, sigh) and become untouchable and run this amazing ministry (while everything is going well) but the moment there is temptation and they give in to it, there is no-one close enough to help them and so the fall is usually very huge and very messy... so firstly make sure you have it - if you can't name right now the one or two people who hold you accountable, then you don't have them. It is an intentional thing so you have to go to people and ask them to hold you accountable.

[2] CHOOSE IT CAREFULLY - i love Proverbs 27:6 which says, 'Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses' as that for me IS accountability - when you have somebody you know without a shadow of a doubt love you absolutely (i am so fortunate to be able to have a fair number of those) then you will trust them to hold you accountable and even if they hurt you (cos being told you're in the wrong is not ever something you dig to hear) you know it's done in love and probly for your good... the problem with surrounding yourself with yes people (the verse calls them 'enemies' here) is that all they care about is you digging them and not so much your wellbeing and so they are more likely to pat you on the back and allow/help you walk down the broad path to destruction (while multiplying kisses) just as long as you are friendly and happy towards them.

[3] BE INTENTIONAL - as a Christian i believe that makes me accountable to everybody in the world actually - cos unbelievers are always watching me and have the right to point fingers and say 'hey you're not living what you believe' and all Christians have been given that right too actually... but i have learnt that unless the accountability is intentional and offered, it doesn't mean that much. if i go to someone and say, 'i don't think you should be doing that as a Christian' then they can ignore me or tell me to get lost or call me judgemental or whatever... BUT if that person has asked me to hold them accountable then they have given me permission to step into their life with caution and love and warning and that is the difference - so the accountability exists but unless it is intentional and formally offered to someone, it is of little value.

[4] CHOOSE THE WOUNDER - linking back to point 2, the majority of people in the world seem to hate or shy away from or fear confrontation (yes, my hand is up!) but there are some people who, despite not digging it so much, will value the friendship more than their discomfort and actually show the love of wounding (in the way mentioned in Proverbs) and these are the people you want (need!) holding you accountability - people who will say to me, 'Are you crazy? What do you think you're doing?' and people who will be bold enough to not say, 'um i think it's not so great that you're going out with that girl who is a non-Christian' but rather 'dude, it is wrong for you to be dating that girl - you need to stop!' This is imperative - we need people who will speak hard Truth into our lives with love and who love us so much as to not let us carry on with sin or flirting with temptation or loving the things that God hates. Friends who will ask the hard questions. Friends we can share our biggest struggles with and who can can ride shotgun for us at those times when we know we are most likely to be tempted.


So there ya go.

Go get accountable!

God Bless you!
RK

No Youth Group This Week

This wednesday December 20, 2006 we will not be having Youth Group upstairs. But we do have a Church Christmas dinner scheduled for 6:00 pm and I hope to see you there.

RK

Youth Lock-In

January 12, 2006

CBC Youth Group will be heading down to the Country Club Plaza to see the lights and sights. Then back to the church we go for a gift exchange, dinner, and LOCK-IN. Meet at the church at 6:00 pm. Lock-In ends at 6:00 am. We will have a short bible devotion at some point in the evening.

Note: The gift exchange is a 'gag-gift.' You are not to spend more than $5.00. For example: A frozen turkey makes a great gag gift. As does a tooth brush, an old pair of sneakers, or even your grandmother's cat. What? Uhh, maybe not a cat, but you get the drift. I hope!

Food and Drinks: Guys are to bring your favorite drink. Girls are to bring your favorite junk food. Just a suggestion. Red Bull, Jolt, and Mountain Dew are all excellent drink choices. And I really like homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Games: X-Box and PS2 will already be on hand. Make sure you bring board games that you would like to play. Risk and Monopoly anyone?

If you would like to see certain games or activities played at the Lock-In please submit your request before the CBC Youth Blog Committee ASAP, upon submission, it will then be reviewed by a steering comittee, voted on, and if approved, drafted into 'Lock-In Legislation' by-law # 120943.22.101, subcategory Games. Upon being added to the Itinerary, we will then send said itinerary before Chandler Baptist Leadership Committee where it will be prayerfully considered. After they approve it, then and only then, will we add it to our list of Games to play at some point during the evening. Really not that complicated, is it?

Purpose: To bring your friends, learn something, and have fun in a safe environment.

See you then.

RK

Christmas Caroling Tonight

Meet at the church tonight at 5:30 PM. We shall go Christmas caroling throughout the church community. We will be taking the church van and other vehicles if necessary. Bring your singing voices for we shall be singing "Joy to the World" "Silent Night" and "Away in the Manger" just to list a few. After caroling ends we will then head up the Youth Room for some fun and games.

Hope to see everyone there!

RK