Awesome slideshow

I want to say thanks to Andy for planning a great scavenger hunt last weekend! I had a really great time and I know everyone on Team Adam is grateful to have won the competition(Team Andy was disqualified for splitting up and Team Casi was DQ'd for having 5.25 members[claire]). The slideshow is really entertaining as well, it is a great song to accompany just how silly supposed grown ups can be. Thanks again Andy-we can't wait to see what you have planned for April and May:)

Our Next Study

Here are the suggestions I received for our next study, in no particular order. You can click on the name to see the book's page @ Amazon. Remember, voting closes Sunday @ 6:00 pm. That means you can vote at my house Sunday night.

1. Soul Talk - In this extraordinary book, Dr. Larry Crabb introduces a revolutionary way for Christians to experience God. "Soul talk" happens when two Christians talk to each other in a way that results in their passion for God being stirred, ignited, and released.

2. Waking the Dead - Eldredge, who helped to redefine the Christian men's movement with Wild at Heart, broadens his scope to offer this more general spirituality title on being "fully alive." Such a state of total animation is achieved only when Christians can integrate all four "streams" of their lives: discipleship, counseling, healing and warfare. (This last part may surprise some readers, but Eldredge insists that awareness of spiritual warfare actually "may be the most critical" aspect of being fully alive.)

3. What Are Spiritual Gifts? - Those who hold the conventional view of the spiritual gifts listed in Ephesians 4, Romans 12, I Corinthians 12odescribe them as special abilities, powers and enablements. Contrary to this viewowhich, the author asserts, leads believers to focus on individual gifts or powers as opposed to God.

4. Spiritual Gifts - Spiritual Gifts: Their Purpose & Power is a balanced, popular treatment of the gifts of the Spirit. The work includes teaching on thirty spiritual gifts from the Old and New Testaments. A biblically-grounded presentation that includes a clear understanding and respect for the various approaches to modern-day spiritual gifts.

5. Five Love Languages - A seasoned marriage counselor says people feel most loved in a marriage in one of five ways: quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Though we have a primary love language, we can learn a second language so that our spouse's needs are met.

6. Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith - God never changes, nor do the central truths of Christianity. But our understanding of those truths is in constant flux. Christians will always be exploring and discovering what it means to live in harmony with God and each other. Now in softcover, Velvet Elvis offers original and refreshingly personal perspectives on what Christianity is really about.

March Birthday Extravaganza

Everyone is invited to the Young Adult’s March Birthday Dinner and Digital Scavenger Hunt Extravaganza!

When: Sunday, March 9th @ 5:00 pm
Where: The McCann’s House for dinner, then we leave for the scavenger hunt, then we meet at Church to look at the photos
1865 Brighton Circle Click here for Google’s Map
Why: Because June is apparently a very popular month to conceive children for our Church members

We will have dinner at our house. Then we will split into teams and go on a digital scavenger hunt. We’ll meet back at the Church at a set time, and view the photos, see who won, and eat cake (or something sweet).

Submit your ideas for the next small group study. So far I’ve gotten one from Casi, Angelina Jolie, and Britney Spears. They all came within 5 minutes of each other though. I’m thinking Britney is just messing around.

Don’t forget to vote for the new study between Wednesday night and Sunday evening.

PLEASE RSVP BY FRIDAY, SO WE KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE TO COOK MUSHROOM LASAGNA FOR. (We’re not really having mushroom lasagna)

Second Saturday

Look how much Adam enjoys painting

---

Ashly loves painting too!

---

Janell likes cleaning brushes too.

---

Andy and Janell enjoyed painting the stairwell.

---

Here's part of the final product. :)

---

Second Saturday

Adam enjoyed putting up some chair rail.

---

Dawn was able to help organize papers for tax time.
She also served as Adam's filter, which we appreciated. :)

---

Matt and Ellen relaxing a little bit.

---

Andy is an incredible multi-tasker.

---

Dave and Adam taking a break.

---

Superbowl party at Adam & Dawn's!

Hey everybody! It's Superbowl time, and even though the Bears didn't make it by a long shot, we can still get together and watch the last real football game of the year. Dawn and I would like to invite everyone who is interested in football, $2 million commercials and watching Tom Brady humiliate the city of New York as well as make history, to our house for the Game. Bring whatever snack you think everyone would enjoy, and if you want to have something more substantial, then suggest it in the comments section and maybe we can do that too. We can provide the soda pop(or "Coke's" for those of you from the South), the 50" high definition plasma TV with full 7.1 surround and Adam's good looks free of charge. We hope to see everyone here, the game begins at 5pm on sun, so be here early if you want to yak the whole time(ladies). Any questions, call me at 630.674.6104 or Andy. Toga's are optional.

Bye-Bye Mustang :)

Just wanted to let you guys know that I sold my car today! PTL! Thanks for praying!

Pics from the Christmas Party

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