Wishing everyone a happy New Year

I noticed that there were no new posts for awhile, so I decided to wish everyone a happy New Year. Dawn and I appreciate how much we have become better friends with everyone this year at TTCC. We look forward to establishing closer bonds throughout this next year. Rarely have we met a more friendly group, and we think that's what makes TTCC such a special Church.
We pray for growth in the young adults group(we're doing our part in May when Dawn gives birth to the newest candidate for YA) because I have been involved in a YA group where we experienced growth through prayer and it remains one of the highlights of my Christian life. I nearly left that Church before we began to pray for growth because it seemed to be too small(Obviously I was too small); Now I know that there is incredible satisfaction in watching God answer prayers and the interaction between people with a common goal. I thoroughly enjoy our group and think it is the perfect size...for now. We need to be praying for further impact in the community and, as Andy has been talking about for several months now, outreach. I hope this post finds eveyone healthy and enjoying some time off, Thanks for being such great friends... no, such great Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

Chicago Shamrox outing

I can get free tickets through work for the Chicago Shamrox game on Saturday, January 5th at 7pm. The Chicago Shamrox are an indoor profressional lacrosse team. They play at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates. I have never been before, but some BBBS matches went last year and enjoyed it.
I thought this would be a fun activity to do as a Young Adults Group. Let me know if you are interested in attending. Feel free to invite friends.
I need to know by Monday if you are interested (leave a comment, email me- cmattox22@hotmail.com, or tell me in person). Thanks!

Christmas Party

Yes, the rumors are true. We're having a YA Christmas Party at the McCann's house. It is December 16th at 7:30 p.m. You should receive an e-mail with a PDF attached. Feel free to print and distribute it to all your best friends.

See you there.

Lifehouse Everything skit

Hi guys...I came across this today online and it gave me chills. I thought I'd share it with y'all, (even though it has NOTHING to do with our assignment). I thought Andy wouldn't mind...;) Let me know what you think. Thanks,
Tera

Dear Santa...

Dear Santa, I've been a good girl this year. I deserve some really good stuff...like Guitar Hero III and Rock Band...
LOL! Just kidding! I know that the assignment is NOT what we want for Christmas, but wouldn't it be cool if it was. ;) No, seriously though...the assignment is to post what we will do to bless someone else this Christmas.
We, as a Worship Team, have decided to go sing at a nursing home this year. We're going Dec 16th right after church to sing at one in North Aurora. I think it will really be a blessing to those elderly people there. A lot of times, those in the nursing homes don't really get visitors like we think they do. A lot of them don't really have family to visit them at all. So, even if we were just going to visit, I think they'd enjoy it. But especially, since we're gonna sing for them. And I think we're gonna take the bongos and the guitar! Music is so soothing for so many people. I think this will be a very good thing. However...
I've always been terrified of nursing homes. So, I really hope I'll be fine when we go. Think about me...PLEASE!

A Couple Random Items

1st - Thanks for everyone who posted your favorite songs. I enjoy reading your posts.

2nd - If you notice, there is a calendar at the top of the page. I'll do my best to keep it updated. :)

3rd - My school is sponsoring Nursing Home residents for Christmas. If you're interested in sponsoring one (probably around $20-$30 for the gifts) please e-mail me and tell me if you'd like to buy for a male or female. I'll give you the things they've asked for, and the person's name. We need to get the gifts by Dec. 19th. This is a good opportunity to make someone's Christmas a little better. These little gifts make a huge difference to these residents, as many of them don't have family that visit them.

andymccann72@hotmail.com

Thanks

reasons why link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfaRGDhN7KU

Enjoy. I think the CD is better though!

Others have Excuses

Although I have procrasinated, I must say that I have encouraged a few others today at church to go on to the blog and complete the "assignment." There has to be some points in that I hope!

When I first read the assignment, the song that came to mind was "Were You There," by Selah. I sing (or bellow) out the words to that song every time I play that CD. I have listened to it so much that the song skips now and almost resembles a rap until Adam comes into the room and changes it to the next song. The words are powerful, but the song really captures the joy we can have when we realize that Jesus Has Risen! I do hope we will be able to sing this song this Easter season. I will keep mentioning this to Janell...

As others have continued to post two songs, I must follow the same standard. The second song is one that I will post the lyrics for. It is Nickel Creek's "Reason Why." This song still means a lot today, as I think of the "used-to's" in my earlier years as a Christian. Somehow, disappointments and good intentions gone wrong have led me a bit away from the joy I once had in Christ. I can't help to admit that I have wandered away a bit. Perhaps this is the way that the Lord is pruning me. The message today in Church was encouraging and helpful as I am trying to be more grateful and less critical. Perhaps I will be able to experience more of God's peace as I let go of the critical thoughts and turn my focus to "an attitude of gratitude." Anyway, here are the lyrics:

Where am I today? I wish that I knew
'Cause looking around there is no sign of you
I don't remember one jump or one leap
Just quiet steps away from you lead

I am holding my heart out, but clutching it, too
Feeling a short of a love we once knew
Calling this a home when its not even close
Playing the role with nerves left exposed

Standing on a darkened stage
Stumbling through the lines
Others have excuses, I have my reasons why

We get distracted by the dreams of our own
But nobody's happy while feeling alone
Knowing how hard is hurts when we fall
We lean another ladder against the wrong wall
And climb high to the highest rung to shake fists at the sky
Others have excuses, I have my reasons why

With so much deception, it is hard not to wander away
Hard not to wander away
Hard not to wander away

I will post the link to the video in a few moments. Better publish this before it gets saved as a draft again.

Meaningful song

Ever the procrastinator, I'm posting my song at the last possible minute. It's by one of my all time favorite bands, Over the Rhine. This song in particular meant a lot to me a few years back when I was going through a lot of things with my family. My parents were going through an ugly divorce, and I felt like things would never be ok again. It seemed like everything I had ever known in my life was shaken to the core by this one single event. When I was really down about things, this song helped remind me that first of all, I wasn't alone. Second of all, I still had so much to be thankful for - what I considered to be my own personal tragedy was still filled with more love and blessings than many people ever know. If you click on the title you can hear a little clip of the song. I couldn't find a way to get the whole thing on here. (I'm not as cool as Andy)


Poughkeepsie

I thought I’d go up Poughkeepsie,
look out o’er the Hudson,
and I’d throw my body down on the river.
And I’d know no more sorrow,
I’d fly like the sparrow
and I’d ride on the backs of the angels tonight.

I’d ride on the backs of the angels tonight.
I’d take to the sky with all my might.
No more drowning in my sorrow,
no more drowning in my fright,
I’d just ride on the backs of the angels tonight.

There are those who know sorrow
and those who must borrow
and those whose lot in life is sweet.
Well I’m drunk on self-pity,
scorned all that’s been given me,
I would drink from a bottle labeled Sure Defeat.

I’d ride on the backs of the angels tonight.
I’d take to the sky with all my might.
No more drowning in my sorrow,
no more drowning in my fright,
I’d just ride on the backs of the angels tonight.

Then the skies, they fell open
and my eyes were opened
to a world of hope falling at my feet.
Now I’ve no more or less
than anyone else has,
what I have is a gift of life I can’t repeat.

So I go up Poughkeepsie,
look out o’er the Hudson
and I cast my worries to the sky.
Now I still know sorrow,
but I can fly like the sparrow
‘cause I ride on the backs of the angels tonight.

I ride on the backs of the angels tonight.
I take to the sky with all their might.
No more drowning in my sorrow,
no more drowning in my fright,
I’ll just ride on the backs of the angels each night.

My Fav song is...

I, like many others, must list two songs as well. The first is by the News Boys(who happen to be my favorite Christian band) and is Entertaining Angels. I was just becoming a Christian by my own decision when I heard this song and it captivated me. The lyrics are pretty simple, but I was hearing something so much deeper and the violins were absolutely awesome! I am not a particularly emotional person(emotions:happy, angry, hungry) but I can rarely sing this song without getting choked up on the second verse (I appreciate that Tera was so brave and revealed something very personal, it's the least I can do to admit that I sometimes cry) about waiting to breathe. Here are the lyrics:

one to another do you remember me
I feel so small are you listening, tonight
so temporary, the things that I have seen
I ran so far, will you take me back again

entertaining angels by the light of my t.v. screen
24-7 you wait for me
entertaining angels by the time i fall to my knees
host of heaven, sing over me

one to another the feelings in between
I won't let go of all you taught me - alright
close as a brother the way we used to be
I'll hold my breath and I'll wait for you to breathe

entertaining angels by the light of my t.v. screen
24-7 you wait for me
entertaining angelswhile the night becomes history
host of heaven, sing over me

The second song is City on a hill, God of Wonders. I love the music and these lyrics also speak to me in a profound way. I am continually amazed at the absolute majesty of God and His creations. He creates with such awesome diversity and attention to detail. Think of the human brain-we will never match the complexity of it in a million years with computers(and guess what, we only use 8% of its power, anyway!) and it is it's own electrical supply. I am completely blown away at the beauty that is allowed to exist, even on this sin ridden rock. God loves us enough to allow us pleasure through nature even though we crucify Him on a daily basis. These are the lyrics:

Lord Of all creation
Of water, earth, and sky
The heavens are Your tabernacle
Glory to the Lord on high

God of wonder beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy

Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth
Early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
When I stumble in the darkness
I will call Your name by night

God of wonder beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy

Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth

God of wonder beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
Precious Lord reveal Your heart to me
Father holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy

Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth
Sorry this was so long, but I am really touched by music.

Favorite Song(s)

I, like Casi, cannot sum it up in ONE song. But I've narrowed it down to two. And yes...I'm gonna post the lyrics. Plus, I want to share a portion of my testimony with you (for those of you who don't know it already). So, this will be a long one. Sorry...

"Brave" by Out of the Grey: This song takes me back to a place in my life where I was battling quite a few things (mainly addictions, but also just rebelliousness, in general), but was over the hill and on the mend. From age 16-18, I was involved with very bad people and in very bad relationships. It was a bad time in my life, to say the least. I lived in a very small town at the time, so my parents thought it would be best if I went away to a Christian rehab-type facility in TN where I could get away from those bad people that seemed to be EVERYWHERE in that small town. While I was at the rehab, I went through many ups and downs. In the beginning...mostly downs. But closer to the end of my stay there (actually only stayed a month and a half), and after extensive talks with my counselors, I began to overcome most of those obstacles and began to get better. I didn't want to go home because I was afraid; afraid of seeing those people again and them wondering why I'm not hanging out with them anymore; afraid of what the rest of my peers thought about why I was gone; afraid of slipping back into that pit of sin... I was afraid of MANY things. But I was constantly reminded of this song; Brave.

You're the perfect love You cast away my fear
No more shadows in the mirror
I go looking backI always see you there
Shining through my darkest hour

And you make me brave You make me strong
I'm not afraid You've been here all along
In my weakness, you're my strength
And my song, you make me brave

Lord, I know you go Before me on this road
Who could ever be against me? Every step
I takeI know I'm not alone
You're my courage for the journey

Living in the never knowing what's around the bend
Even though I know what happens in the very end
Gladly, I can face the ever-changing sky
And its coming clear that you're coming near
And it makes me brave

"Bring It On" by Steven Curtis Chapman: As I was nearing the end of my stay there, I became...almost fearless. The last week I was there, I remember telling all the counselors that I could handle whatever came my way. "Bring it on!" I was ready to go back home and face all of those fears that almost got the best of me. It was a time of triumph in my life. It was a great feeling, especially after being away from everything that was home...for so long. I can remember my mom sending me the lyrics to this song in the mail one day. I read them over and over again. After reading them for what seemed like a million times (and singing the song to myself), I posted them on the bottom of the bunk over me, so that I could see the lyrics everytime I laid down. It was my theme song for that last week I was there.

< Unfortunately, I did slip back into even more sin than before. But I finally came back to the light about 9 months later, after I had absolutely NO other choice. Ya know the old saying?..."When you've reached the lowest of lows, there's no where to go...but up." It's true!
FYI: I do not resent my parents for the choice that they made to "ship me away". I did, at the time, but I'm much wiser now, and know that they were only trying to save my life (in more ways than one). Even though I didn't come out of the sin right away, I'm sure that the rehab helped (in some way) to getting me back on track and bringing me around. These 2 years that I'm referring to, is a time frame that me and my family do NOT talk about. It hurt all of us. I felt the need to share it with you all since you are, after all, my young adults group. I feel comfortable enough with you now that I can share this. That's my testimony in a nutshell.> Here's the lyrics for the song:

I didn’t come lookin’ for trouble
And I don’t want to fight needlessly
But I’m not gonna hide in a bubble
If trouble comes for me
I can feel my heart beating faster
I can tell something’s coming down
But if it’s gonna make me grow stronger then…

Bring it on
Let the lightning flash, let thethunder roll, let the storm winds blow
Bring it on Let the trouble come, let thehard rain fall, let it make me strong
Bring it on

Now, maybe you’re thinkin’ I’m crazy
And maybe I need to explain some things
‘Cause I know I’ve got an enemy waiting
Who wants to bring me pain
But what he never seems to remember
What he means for evil God works for good
So I will not retreat or surrender

Now, I don’t want to sound like some hero
‘Cause it’s God alone that my hope is in
But I’m not gonna run from the very things
That would drive me closer to Him
So bring it on

Bring it on
Let the lightning flash, let thethunder roll, let the storm winds blow
Bring it on Let the trouble come, let it make me fall on the One who’s strong
Bring it on Let the lightning flash, let thethunder roll, let the storm winds blow
Bring it on Let me be made weak so I’ll knowthe strength of the One who’s strong
Bring it on
Bring it on

Teacher, Can I Have Another Favorite Song?

Okay, I am cheating and posting twice. But, I just heard another of my favorite songs on the radio and wanted to post about it. I LOVE Casting Crowns, but I especially love "Voice of Truth". When it came out, I was really struggling with something and I had so many voices in my head telling me different things. I would listen to this song often to remind me that I needed to listen to the Voice of Truth.

"Voice Of Truth"

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
To the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. 'Boy, you'll never win!'
"You'll never win"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a Sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again "boy, you'll never win!
"You'll never win"

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oops... I Did It Again

Just kidding...my fave song isn't a Britney Spears song!
I am having a hard time narrowing down my favorite songs into just one song. I have the same trouble whenever I am asked what movie is my favorite.
However, the first song that came to mind was the worship song, "Hungry". I have probably told this at group before, but I love this song because it takes me back to a place where all I felt I had was God. He had to be enough for me. I was studying in Europe for a semester and was often homesick and lonely. I would listen to the "Hungry" CD over and over. I would listen to it on overnight trains and in hostels when strangers would be coming in and out at all hours of the night. The songs brought such comfort to me. Whenever I hear or sing those songs, I am reminded of being in that place and reminded of how God used that time to really grow me spiritually. Here are the lyrics:

Hungry I come to You
For I know You satisfy
I am empty but I know
Your love does not run dry

So I wait for You
So I wait for You

I'm falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus You're all
This heart is living for

Broken I run to You
For Your arms are open wide
I am weary but I know Your touch
Restores my life

This Week's Assignment

This week's assignment is to choose a song (secular or Christian) that is meaningful to you, and tell us why. Maybe even post the lyrics? I'll go first.

Man of the Hour by Pearl Jam

I know, who would have guessed it would be a Pearl Jam song (at least those of you who know me well). The reason I chose this song though, is because it reminds me of my relation ship with my Dad. It has been, at best, an awkward friendship, and, more recently, non-existent. I haven't talked to him in almost a year and a half.

There have been several things lately that have made me feel like I should give him a call. Pastor's message today was kind of "the icing on the cake". Even though I feel hurt by my Dad, and that he has wronged me and my sisters, I need to take the initiative to rebuild that bridge. The comparison to how God sought out Adam in the Garden was really poignant to me. Who am I to hold a grudge against my Dad, if God can forgive us for all our sin?

So, this song (which is from the movie Big Fish) and the movie remind me of the fragile relationship I've had with my Dad. Like in the movie, there have been flashes of a good father/son relationship during my life. And, like the son in the movie, I feel like I don't really know my father.

Unfortunately, for the last 1.5 years, I've let the bad outweigh the good. If God judged us in the same way I've judged my father, we'd be in trouble. I've decided to contact my Dad this week. I'm not sure how yet, but I need to make that effort. As much as I want to think that I'm better off without him, deep down, I know it isn't true...

Pray for me this week that I'll follow through and get in touch with him, and ask me on Sunday if I did.

Here are the lyrics to the song, in case you want to read them.

Tidal waves don’t beg forgiveness
'CRASHED' and on their way
Father he enjoyed collisions; others walked away
A snowflake falls in may.
And the doors are open now as the bells are ringing out
Cause the man of the hour is taking his final bow
Goodbye for now.

Nature has its own religion; gospel from the land
Father ruled by long division, young men they pretend
Old men comprehend.

And the 'SKY BREAKS' at dawn; shedding light upon this town
They’ll all come ‘round
Cause the man of the hour is taking his final bow
Goodbye for now.

And the road
The old man paved
The broken seams along the way
The rusted signs, left just for me
He was guiding me, love, his own way
Now the man of the hour is taking his final bow
As the curtain comes down
I feel that this is just goodbye for now.

Just because I'm an overachiever, I've also added a video of it. :)

Pearl Jam Man Of The Hour

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Thanks for a fun evening...

First, I appreciate everyone who completed their "assignment" for this week. Now that you all are able to post, I expect you to be active participants in this endeavor. Bookmark the blog, that's how I remember to check it everyday.

Second, I thought movie night was a blast (even if we didn't watch Gladiator, which I didn't want to watch anyway). Perhaps we will have a separate guys and girls movie night next time. The guys can eat pizza and watch Gladiator while the chicks eat Bon-Bons and do each other's nails while watching The Notebook.

I only got one photo from the night, but I thought I'd still post it. Janell really likes getting into the spirit for these events, as you can see.

I am thankful for...

I am thankful for a few things, actually. One, my husband. He is patient with me, makes me laugh, and I think he is kind of cute, too! Second, this pregnancy. I am thankful that God is blessing me (us) with the opportunity to learn more about His love for us through parenting our child. Third, this YAM group. I really enjoy being involved in the group, the bible study, and the fun activities that are planned! Thanks for being a blessing to me!

I Am Blessed

I am blessed for my family, friends and church family. I have so many supportive people surrounding me. I am so grateful for this. I know that someone will always answer their phone or texts or come and talk/listen when I ask. I feel comfortable and cared for at our church. It is amazing to me that people (that were once strangers) are so loving and supportive. It is refreshing and encouraging. Thank you!!

I'm thankful for...

Well, I know mine's a little late, but I have a valid excuse...I was out of town, and very busy.
Here it is:
I am thankful for creation/nature/seasons, etc. One of my favorite things about Autumn is seeing the different colors of the leaves/trees. They are so beautiful! When my cousin and Grandma were in town a week ago, Christina and I rode around one day just looking and taking pictures of the trees. I know it may sound cheesy to some, but it's truely beautiful to me! It's amazing how God has given us this gift of creation to enjoy and to take care of. And it's amazing to think about how it all works together; animals, plants and humans. There's something beautiful (in its own way) about all four seasons. For me: Autumn is my favorite, because the temp is JUST RIGHT, and the leaves are absolutely gorgeous. Snow (only on the first day) is beautiful in the winter. The flowers and everything turning green is nice for Spring. And you can finally put away the jackets for sure at summertime. Isn't it just amazing?! If for no other reason, it all just brings a smile to my face...it makes me thankful.

I'm thankful for...

our church. The worship team went to a conference workshop this weekend, and it was a good reminder to me that we have an incredible and encouraging family of believers here. It was interesting, and kind of sad, to hear stories from a few of the churches about how unwilling people are to change and grow. I feel like our church is very accepting and loving, and in general very supportive of the efforts others make to serve God and each other. I'm not trying to be overly spiritual here, but it really was impressed on me that I have a lot to be thankful for here. And of course we have a rockin' young adults group! : )

P.S. I vote for Big Fish, but my computer won't let me vote, so just add it in your heads.

My blessing this week is...

The blessing I have noticed this week is my beautiful wife and our new baby(Baby Jalapeno). I am so thankful that the place I now occupy in the universe is so good(unimaginable four years ago). I have truly acsended from the worst time in my life and Dawn has restored happiness to me. I love her for the way she takes care of me and worries about me, how much fun we have together, and now she has given me something no one else can. We went to our 12 week ultrasound on Wednesday and the baby is about 5cm long and he/she was moving all over the place! He/she was kicking, turning and jazzercising like a pro. I could see the legs and arms and even the fingers moving as well as the heartbeat(approx. 150bps). I am so overjoyed that this pregnancy is going well. We have so many good friends who are praying for our new baby that we cannot express our gratitiude adequately with words.
I am also thankful for the many friendships we have started since attending TTCC. My Church is in Hinsdale and I cannot establish the same types of friendships there, so I appreciate how accepting you all are. In conclusion, I am thankful for the people that we care about that stand by us in pursuing Jesus Christ.

A Dual Purpose Post

What I am thankful for...

I am thankful for my wonderful wife. Without her, I wouldn't be the same person. She really is the perfect complement to me, and she helps me to become a better person by challenging me to do things differently or think about something in a new way. She's also gone this weekend, so I'll miss her a lot. :(

(I'm not in trouble, so I'm not trying to get brownie points)

2nd thing I'm grateful for is my new car. So, I don't want Casi's Mustang.

Finally, in case you haven't heard, there is this thing called the internet, where information is available on demand. So, if you've never heard of something (like a movie called Keeping the Faith), you can find out about it quickly and easily. In case your internet is not working correctly though, here is a synopsis about the movie.

What I'm grateful for...

Andy- thanks for the reminder about what we are supposed to be posting about... I have been trying to remember for the past couple of days.
I am grateful to God that I saw a turkey walking down Rt. 31 yesterday morning. It seems silly I know, but it seriously brightened my morning and put me in a really good mood. It made me smile and made me laugh as I was telling my co-workers about it. I had some suggestions from coworkers that I should've tried to catch it...can you imagine? I would've for sure been on You Tube!
Anon. and ARod...you're right about Good Will Hunting. I voted for it, but haven't seen it in like 10 years so I forgot about the language. My concern with these movies is...aren't they all long?? I would prefer a movie not 3 hours long! Also, what is Keeping the Faith? Andy- can we have a description on that movie?


In other news...anyone know of someone looking to buy a 2003 Mustang Convertible?? I have one for sale! :)

Being Comfortable

In the book "When the Game is Over, It All Goes Back In the Box" by John Ortberg, he talks about the danger of not challenging ourselves. Like we talked about tonight, we grow the most in our relationship with God when we are challenged or taking risks. I'll summarize what he says from the chapter called "Roll the Dice". My words will be in italics.

God doesn't interrupt our lives for small things. God asks Noah to build an ark. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had to stand up to the King when no one else would. Joseph was made a slave and imprisoned. Moses had to defy Pharaoh. These people did not lead comfortable lives, but God used them through their challenges. Hebrews 11 gives a whole list of people who were called by God. They didn't have to respond in the way they did, but they made that decision to trust God, and God used them through that.

In these stories of God calling these people, you never hear them asking for an even bigger challenge. Their first response is generally fear. Sometimes people like to say that God would never ask them to do something they can't handle easily. They will often quote 1 Cor. 1:13, where Paul says "[God] will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear". People are given more than they can handle everyday in our fallen world. Holocaust, death, martyrdom, cancer, war. People are given burdens they cannot handle.

When God challenges us, our 1st response is almost always fear. It is up to us how we respond to God's calling, and see how God will use the challenge to grow us and help reach others around us.

We need to be reassured that through any challenge we face, God has promised He will be there for us. In Joshua, God says "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." God doesn't promise bad things won't happen to us. The promise is that nothing can separate us from God's love. We may suffer. We may hurt. We will eventually die. God will never leave us though.

Back to Andy's words- Sorry for writing so much. I felt like Ortberg does a good job of dealing with a tough subject though. If you want to read the actual book sometime, I'll let you borrow it. And, now to lighten things up a bit, here is a photo of Janell and I in our Halloween costume.

More photos

Overall, Dave was thrilled with the evening.



















Dawn is the happiest looking severed head I've ever seen. (Click on the photo so you can see it better)




















Janell makes a much more convincing severed head.

















Apparently Jeremy's conversation was captivating. Nick couldn't keep his eyes open.











Thanks to everyone who could make it out.

Corn Maze

The group.















Adam decided to be scary redface man for the night.

















Staci gave it two thumbs up. Especially her friend in the gorilla suit.













Awww, so sweet!















Shawn's trick from being scared was apparently keeping his eyes closed. I'm not sure what's happening with Dave here though.

Happy Birthday Andy!

I, uncharacteristically, didn't take many pictures on Saturday. But here are the few I did take. Andy- hope you are having a great birthday!

And Tera says she doesn't like kids....

Looks like Lucas won her over!

A few random tidbits...

1 - There is no Coffee House on June 16th. I think everyone knows that, but I just noticed it's still on the calendar. That's when Debbie and Giles will be at Church. I hope everyone can attend. So far, it's only Casi coming from our group. :( I think hearing about missionaries our Church supports is very important/encouraging.

2 - I've been enjoying getting into God's word more deeply lately. Getting away from the "baby food" type of study. I've been studying Galatians, and I've really gotten a lot out of it. I really enjoying reading about the early Church, and seeing how there are still so many parallels to Churches today.

3 - I'd encourage you all to start/continue a deeper study of God's word. It has really revitalized my spiritual life lately. I think I'm going to be in the market for a good concordance soon.

4 - Let's talk about our 4th of July plans on Sunday.

Mini Golf Pictures

Mini Golfing

We hope to see you there on Sunday! Let me know if you have any questions. I'd also encourage everyone to come to the informational meeting. It's a great way to keep up with everything that's going on behind the scenes. :)

Updates

I've updated the calendar to reflect what we've got planned through May. I looked at the calendar, and Mother's Day is May 13th, so we won't have group that night. Spend some quality time with your mothers. :)

Shout out!

Hey guys,

Just saying hi and I hope you all have a good week since we didn't meet tonight (except for Jeremy, who I think decided to have his own Crown class without the rest of us). ; )

I don't know how you guys are all feeling about the class, but I know personally I've slacked off a little on doing the homework every day and about being careful with how I spend my (God's) money and how I think about what He's give me. I will be praying for myself and our whole group this week to continue to revamp the way we think about money, possessions, needs and wants. Its hard to change our mindset in a culture where we are constantly confronted with newer, faster, better products that we "need" in order to keep up with everyone else, but the more I think about what it means to be a Christian, the more I'm convinced that this is a huge aspect of our relationship with God and each other.

Anyway, didn't mean to go on and on, I've just been struggling with this over the last couple weeks and wanted to share what was on my mind.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Pictures from Game Night

Happy Birthday Staci!

Staci sculpting underwear and Tera looking mortified!

Vanessa blindly drawing an afro.

Janell's banana split

Danny's version of a tornado- we were disappointed.

Game Night!

If you notice on the calendar, our game night is now going to be on Sunday, March 18th from 7-9. We'll meet at 6:00 that night for Crown Class. Invite your friends to come. We'll have some snacks and refreshments.

I sent an evite out. If you know of anyone else I should send it to, let me know their e-mail address. There are a few people that I missed, I think. Here's a URL for the evite too.

http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/andymccann72@hotmail.com/gamenight

Amazing Grace Movie

We'd like to invite anyone who is interested in seeing the movie Amazing Grace to come after Church on Sunday. The show is at AMC Theatre at 1:45. Post here or e-mail me if you're interested.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I thought this photo would be an appropriate one to raise the spirits (or energy levels) of most of our Young Adults group (at least Janell, Casi, and Tera, for sure). I hope everyone enjoyed their Valentine's Day. Hopefully you were restrained in your spending, because we'll find out when we closely examine those spending logs we're filling out. :) My gift to everyone is the calendar for our upcoming events (try to contain your excitement). Don't worry, I'm not expecting gifts in return. If you're so inclined though, I do like milk chocolate and those cheap candy hearts.

Super Bears....Super Bowl!

We'll be having our 1st Annual Super Bowl Party at the McCann's house. Just think, this year we'll actually care about watching the game, and not just the commercials! (When will we go to the bathroom????)

Hopefully you can make it. And, for those of you who are concerned, we are getting cable specifically for this event, so we don't have to watch through the snow that Channel 2 is right now. :)

Crown Update

We're switching the Crown class until Feb. 11th. We decided to wait until after the Super Bowl to get started. Here is a flyer you can e-mail to anyone you'd like to.

BTW - We're not meeting this Sunday. Thanks.