Wow Its been to long my friends!

Hey there everyone!

It was been way to long since I have updated this. We were in West Virginia and it was rocking awesome I hope more people can come next year because I am pretty sure we are going to add Paint balling to our agenda for next year! Its gonna rock.

So this wednesday we do not have youth group! Head out to the fair this week and see everyone's awesome things that are there. We have tons of people who are in it from our youth group so head out there and look up their stuff!

On July 29th, we will be having one of the greatest games ever being played here @ crystal Valley! We are going to be playing BIGGER OR BETTER! This is a game where we are going to drop you and your small group leader off in a neighborhood, and we are going to hand you a paper clip. Your objective is to go around to the houses and explain what you are doing. Then ask them if you can have something bigger or better!

This game will be awesome! So on July 29th, bring your friends and get ready to have the time of your stinking life! Its gonna rock. See you all later!

P.A.

Awesome event

Man last night was sweet! We will hopefully have some pictures up soon. Thank you again to Baylis' family for letting us come and use their yard and barn for a sweet time!

Last night we made some good memories, like when J.P. got hit with the water balloon in the...Well you can guess.....Or when mitch put the half of cantaloupe on his head....or when Spencer jones beat nick wells at knockout....or maybe jake baylis made the perfect marshmallow for s'mores....

Great time last night guys! I hope you all had a good time. Just another little reminder tonight we are having our High school bible study @ 7pm. And also next week we are having a cookout here at the church the other leaders will be in charge of that because I will be done with some guys rafting in West Virginia next week.

We are really excited about the things that are going on here at the youth ministry. If there are any parents that would want to join our team in helping out in any capacity please contact me @ cvmcadam@verizon.net we are looking for people to join our team and provide some assistance during big events, and other fun area's.

I hope you all have a great rest of the day! Get outside its really nice out :)

Here is your devotion for the day.

Too often in our lives we experience the hurt of discouragement and rejection.So often we feel as though nothing else could possibly go wrong, and then it does... You fight with a friend, you fail a test, you get fired from a job, you get cut from the sports team, you loose an important relationship, and your dreams and plans fall apart before your eyes.

It is so common to encounter painful times in our lives where God feels distant.It feels as though we walk the hard road alone, and no one understands the struggles we are going through.When disappointment comes, it floods our lives all at once, and defeat slowly creeps in until we feel like giving up.

Personally, I have struggled with discouragement in my life a lot lately.Every time I turn the corner I face more rejection, or someone telling me I'm not quite good enough.At least so it seems.I know people don't intend to make me feel that way, but the reality of it is, I just can't help feeling discarded and worthless.I catch myself buying into the lies that Satan desperately wants me to believe.He wants me to give up and throw in the towel. He wants me to think there is no hope for my life.Yet God's word tells me otherwise.He desires to build character within my life, and mature me, so I can be more available to do His work.

Romans 5:3-5 says,"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (esv.)

Even during the hardest and most disappointing times in our lives, God is creating Christ-like character within us.Suffering is a part of God's plan to make us more compassionate and loving.However, He does not make us go through the struggles alone, but walks with us every step of the way, and gives us strength to keep moving forward despite opposition. In fact, in Deuteronomy 31:8, we learn, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

God also tells us not to give up because His plan is far beyond our comprehension; If something doesn't work out the way we expect it to, we must recognize God's sovereignty, knowing He never shuts one door without opening another, which is far better according to His plan for each of us!

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."(esv.)

Be encouraged, brothers and sisters.You are not alone in your trials.In fact, Jesus himself knows rejection greater than anyone else.He wants to mend your heart and restore you, so He can use you for something incredible!! Even if you don't understand why at the time, just wait, because He knows what is best for you!

P.A.

The night has come!

Tonight is the Bigtastic Bombastic Backyard blowout bash @ the Baylis'!

It's from 7pm - 10pm tonight.

Do NOT COME TO THE CHURCH!

YOUTH GROUP IS NOT AT THE CHURCH TONIGHT!

Here are directions on how to get to the Baylis' House

Directions to the Baylis’ house

From the church:

Take US 20 west

(Travel for about 2.5 miles)

Turn left at CR 31

Big house on the right w/ long driveway and big yard

Address:

57397 CR 31

We hope to see you all there tonight!

Tuesday is my fun day

Hey there everyone! I am hoping you are all having a great day!

Tomorrow night is the bigtastic bombastic backyard blowout bash @ the Baylis'

You do not want to miss this! It is going to be awesome. Now there are a couple things you will need to bring!

1. A friend
2. A towel
3. a 2 liter

Bring those things are you will be good to go!

It starts at 7pm and goes till 10pm.

We are going to be having tons of awesome games.

Waterballoon dodgeball, Wed. Night football (which is something tottally different then football) we will have some volleyball, soccer, basketball. Tons of fun things that we are going to be doing

We will have a bonfire, some music and Nate is going to be talking tomorrow night so you know its gonna rock!

We hope to see you all tomorrow night @ 7pm! Be there.

Here is the devotional for the day

I read the other day about a Romanian teenager who torched his new car because he was angry after failing his driving test.

Adrian Mocsani, 17, had been given the Volkswagen Polo by his family as a birthday present. But he was so disappointed at failing his test that he poured gasoline on the car and set it alight in his front yard.

He told police officials,

"When I came home I thought I saw the car laughing at me. So I put gas on it and lit it up. Who needs it anyway?"

So the first thought that I had anyway was that this fellow doesn't seem like the sharpest knife in the drawer- would you agree? I for one would love to get a new ride for my birthday (are you reading this Mom and Dad?), and if I did, cremating my car would not be on my list of 'things to do'.

But before we judge this pyromaniac pubescent too harshly, let us consider for a moment whether or not there are parallels between his life and ours. In order to do that, let's read a fairly pointed passage written by the brother of Jesus:

And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself. (James 3:6)

James doesn't mess around here. He is drawing a perfect analogy between the damage we do with our tongue and the destructive force of fire. Basically, he is warning us to keep a holy fire extinguisher very nearby, because at any moment hell itself might strike a match that wreaks serious harm on ourselves and others.

You know who really wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer? The person who wrote that ridiculous 'sticks and stones' thing. Words can and do hurt, and our tongues can light up our lives faster than you can say 'stop-drop- and roll'!

God has given us beautiful gifts called relationships. Yet like our Romanian friend, we oftentimes fail and feel like were being laughed at. So what do we do? Torch them!

Not literally of course. But we burn down folks with little jabs of sarcasm, raised voices, gossip, insincere praise, and even silence.

"Oh but they deserved it! You should have heard what they said to me first!"

I'm not saying you don't have a reason, but quite honestly - in God's sight your excuse sounds as reasonable as the guy in the story.

So what is that holy fire extinguisher? Well, it starts with self-control. Here's what Solomon said:

Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. (Proverbs 17:28)

It's nothing more than the age old advice to think before you speak- especially when you are angry! It is always a good idea to consider how your words will affect people.

After self-control comes an examination of your motives. Ask yourself, why am I about to share this information? Is it helpful or hurtful? Is the person I'm talking to part of the problem or the solution? What if God held me accountable for what I'm about to say?

Questions like these can sure save you from having to call the Father's Fire Department later.

So the next time you are about to turn into a flame thrower, think of our car burning compatriot, and when you do...ask yourself if there's any possibility that you're related.

P.A.

Wednesday is gonna rock

This Wednesday is gonna rock your stinking socks off!

We are meeting at the Baylis' @ 7pm, and it will be over with at 10pm! So make sure you don't show up at the church because know one will be there :)

So this Wednesday what you need to bring is
1. A Friend
2. A Towel
3. A 2 liter of pop, juice.

Bring those 3 things and you are Golden :)

We have lots of fun things going to be happening this Wednesday but make sure that if you are going to play water balloon dodgeball make sure you have the right clothes play. Ladies make sure if you are to play do not wear a white shirt, please wear something with color and an under shirt. Also guys no Speedo's (Quin)

We are looking forward to hanging out with you all this Wednesday, We will see you all then!

P.A.

Last Night was Awesome!

Man last night was fun, playing amoeba, then having the wheel of fortune game! That was wicked fun. Then Robbie had a great message on that life is short and we need to make sure we are living with an eternal perspective! It was awesome to see a lot of you guys here last night I hope you all had a great time!

Just a couple of little things to remind you of.

Next Week we are not having youth group at the church we are having youth group @ the Baylis' house. If you need directions we have them here at the church so just call me or come into the church for a copy. Also the times have changed

7pm - 10pm Next week! Do not forget that.

Tonight we are having our High school bible study that starts at 7pm tonight, if you can make it awesome. If you are traveling that's awesome have an amazing trip where ever you are going. But those who can make it tonight we are still having our bible study. So see you tonight at the sharps house!

Here is the devotional for today

He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. (John 7:38)

The Dead Sea is not one of the desired vacation spots in the world. In fact, it is one big, wet, grotesque salt pool that contains no fish or plant life. What accounts for this unusual condition? Answer-there are absolutely no outlets! A great amount of water pours into this area, but nothing flows out. Many inlets plus no outlets equals a dead sea.

Could it be that many believers are "Dead Sea Christians"? You see, this law of nature can also be applied to the kids of Christ, and it explains why many of Jesus' followers are so boring and lacking in spiritual energy. They attend exciting Bible conferences, listen to good Christian music, regularly do their devotions, attend youth group and even take notes from the pastor. Yet the results of all these efforts are comatose Christianity. Such individuals are like the Dead Sea. How could this happen? Simple: they have several "inlets" but no "outlets." To be vibrant and useful believers, we must not only "take in" all we can, but we must also "give out" in ministry to others!

Is your Christian life feeling like Malibu Beach, or is it more like muddy muck? It's great that you have all the right inlets, but perhaps it is time to open up the outlets. Let me suggest a few:

Outlet one: Share your faith! Develop friendships with unbelievers and share with them the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ.

Outlet two: Share your love! Get over your own petty problems and reach out to others in the power of the Spirit. Speak a kind word, help a friend in need, and forgive those who have wronged you.

Outlet three: Share your heart! Pray as though you only have one more hour to pray. Open the floodgates of your broken spirit to the Holy Spirit and reveal your true self to your Best Friend.

The "Living Waters" of Christ were never meant to be kept to ourselves. May the Lord make us invigorating springs where thirsty souls may drink. Remember, because the Holy Spirit lives within us, we possess the "water of life" and can be channels of blessing to those in need. From hearts of love, let us pour out to others what we have first received from God. If we do, we will never become Dead-Sea Christians.

P.A.

Youth Group Tonight

Hey there everyone just another little reminder that we have youth group tonight!

6:30 - 8:30pm!

We got a full night planned of awesomeness! So bring your friends who I know are probably already bored of summer and come out tonight!

The next couple weeks are going to be a little crazy so listen up!

Tonight: Regular Youth Group @ the church
Next Wednesday: The Bigtastic Bombastic backyard blow out bash @ the Baylis' 7 - 10pm
15th: Cookout @ the church with leaders!
22nd: No Youth Group go out to the fair that night!
29th: Bigger and Better! I promise you will not want to miss this night! 6:30 - 8:30 meet at the church!

So we have some awesome things planned the next couple weeks for our youth group! So make sure you guys stop by on Wednesday nights!

Also Thursday night we are having our High school Bible study on 1st Timothy and we are going to be digging a little bit deeper into what Paul is telling Timothy. Keep coming on thursday nights its been really fun getting to discuss things with you guys!

We hope to see you all tonight! I promise you guys will not want to miss tonight.

P.A.