This is actually an edit... You must all go here and visit my buddy RLP. This post is too funny...and any of my ministry friends would really love this post.
http://blogs.salon.com/0001772/
I have to confess....there are times computers really test me. I had written part 2 of Depression babies...and went to post it....and my screen went blank. I lost a conclusion that was quite good. I will attempt another writing...but..I do not think I will be able to duplicate the wording or flow of part 2. It was head over heals much better than part 1.
So...what was the most important thing you have ever lost on a computer? I know of stories of people losing their Masters Thesis....etc. Me...I lost a few college papers. But...that was in the prehisoric days of 086 processors.
Onward....Jr. High Youth Group went to the Blue Claws. A local Minor A baseball team. There were over 7500 people there last night. I thought it was going to be a slow night....but there is no such thing at the Claws. They have the highest attendance records in the US for minor league baseball. Essentially....they are the New York Yankees. Hmmm....well...only in attendance at their home ball park. The downside of the Blue Claws....they must have only won 2 1/2 games in the 4 years they are in existence. They are a horrible team. I turned my head in the first inning last night...to say hello to someone...and the first pitch was knocked out of the ball park. I turned my head to see the opposing team rounding third... That was the tempo for the whole game.
It was still a great night. I love the fact...that I thought I planned aggressively...and 9 more kids showed up than I expected...made a bee line for the box office.... We had a lot of fun. My Winnie the Pooh Son Justin...won a 4th place prize in a drawing contest. He was definitely more humble than his Father. hehe...I was very happy.
One note. Pre Teen boys.....including early teens....are extremely challenging. I am always trying to change my dealings with them. My first instinct is to reach out like Homer Simpson and choke them like Bart. However, that is not effective in Youth Ministry. LOL... But, and I have learned, from Bill, that you have to nudge them along....with tolerance...and prayer.
Oh...Lasting Impression.... The Hover Disc I bought for the youth group to play with.....150 feet above the ground being carried away like a balloon into the trees. ....but the precious moment was Matthew Meyer.....putting on his sandles.....and valiantly running off...declaring “I'll get it!”... I thought the Disc (which is a large foil disc shaped like a flying saucer) was gone.
and...Matt Meyer returned..victoriously with the Disc. (I think he had to climb a tree to snatch it...)
For me it will be a youth story I will tell.....for awhile....that disc....floating away like a released balloonm....and 12 pre teens running after it....joyous...and happy.....and full of abundant life.