152 -- Merry Christmas

151 -- Merry Christmas

150

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

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STUPENDOUS SARDINES!!!!

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a few of the Y.E.S. teams......decorating cookies for others.

147

So tonight at MYF we talked about how to deal with relational conflict (with friends, parents, teachers, siblings, boyfriend/girlfriend, etc). We used Ephesians 4 as our basis of how to have these tough conversations in a Godly way.

1. be honest
2. keep current
3. attack problem, not person
4. act, don't react

Remember that we will always deal with conflict throughout our lives, so we need to learn how to deal with it in a way that honors God. The Holy Spirit is living in you to help you.

146

Such a GREAT time at ICTC. Worship, teaching, service, fellowship...it was all there. FOCUS on God being good, FOCUS on God's humility, FOCUS on God always being there!

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I know this is a bit late, but wanted you guys to see it.

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Student Spotlight

Name: Taylor Burger

Grade: 9th

Favorite Holiday: Christmas

Coke or Pepsi: Pepsi

TV show you don't miss: Lost

Last movie you watched: Step Up

Cheddar or swiss cheese: cheddar

Advice you would give someone younger than you: Never give up

Favorite characteristic of God: That He is loving and forgiving

Best vacation spot: My aunt's house in Michigan

Velcro or laces on shoes: laces

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Halloween is over ladies....haha!

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Pics from Gamer Gobbletime....more photos in the MYF Flickr account (see link to the right). We had a fun, ate lots and enjoyed our time together. A BIG THANKS to the United Methodist Men (and Joyce) for preparing the food, it was delicious! Also, check out this very cool Gameboy cake made by David & Emma's mom...thanks Lynda.

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Another Y.E.S. team being the hands and feet of Jesus at the food pantry. Great job ladies (Ashley, Debi, Eli, Nicole)!!!

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GAMER GOBBLETIME
Sunday, Nov. 8
5-8pm
both junior and senior high

We are taking over the church basement for the night and setting up all kinds of videogame systems. There will be a Madden tournament, Guitar Hero tournament and more. Also, a great turkey dinner will be perpared by the Methodist Men group. This is a great time, invite your friends. Let me know if you have any questions.

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Here is one Y.E.S. team's work at raking a huge amount of leaves. I am very proud of Luke, Chris, Blake, and Dakota for their hard work. We filled over 25 garbage bags. And we enjoyed some great pie (thanks Sharon)!

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ICTC sign-up by Nov. 15. Talk to Kristel for more info.

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Be sure and check out Nicole's drawing on the reject apathy blog.

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Things that make you go Hmmmmmm.

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Here are the winners of our Great Pumpkin Hunt!! Congrats.


Here is the WHOLE crew!!

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The Great Pumpkin Hunt
Oct. 25
5pm
Wesley Center
Join us and invite your friends!

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As a part of the church, we need to have a heart for the lost....those around us who haven't started a relationship with God through Jesus. Let this video remind you how important you are in the role of sharing Jesus with others.

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Family Force Five Christmas
with House of Heros & Remedy Drive
Monday, November 30
7:00 pm
Olivet Nazarene University
$17, or $15 for groups of 15+

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Big THANKS to Matt, Blake, Allee, Luc and Samantha. You guys were a huge help with cleaning out the planters uptown today!!

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Thanks for all those who helped out at church service this morning. You guys are GREAT! Also, love your insite on the "dancing bear" video, it was so good to hear all the different learning aspects to that one video. I love how God speaks to us in different ways.

Couple things we talked about concerning Jesus' church (meaning you and me)....
1. it stays focused on Jesus
2. it is selfless, focuses on others
3. it is generous with time, energy, resources, finances, talents, etc.

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This is fine "studious"-looking group!

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reject apathy.....check out the link to right for blog.

How have your words been this week?

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MYF this week, main point: We love others by loving the last and least in our society, by having a heart that mirrors God's heart.

So spend this week asking God to give you a heart for widows because next Sunday night will be our first Y.E.S. team activity. Everyone (junior high and high school) will meet at the Wesley Center at 5pm on October 4, then you will disperse out with your team.

I am really excited about this because we are being obedient to God's Word and God will be faithful to move in all of us who participate.

PS...have a fun and safe Homecoming Week!

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Check out this site....it is a great way to waste some time.

http://www.morethandodgeball.com/character-during-the-happy-series-face/

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See You at the Pole
Wednesday, Sept. 23
7:30am at GRS and WCHS
Donuts/juice provided

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MYF on 9/20:

This was a great night for both junior high and high school. It was great to see all of you! Main point of lesson: God's Word is meant to transform our lives. Pray this...

"God, we want a hungering for your Word. It contains turth, it contains life, it contains love, it contains purpose. Help us have a desire for your Word and to be intentional about taking time and energy to read it. Thank you for giving it to us, that shows your love to us and we want to love you back by reading it. Amen."

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Hey, don't forget to check out the reject apathy link (to the right) to get a re-fresher of what was discussed on Tuesday nights. As I am currently elbow deep in studying for an exam, I am reminded that it is important to review things that we want to learn. So go over and review!

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Teaching Series for next 2 weeks:


Come join us.

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Great fun tonight....but it seems like we have decided that the Australians are crazy for liking Metamite. Congrats to our winning teams, way to work together. Billy and Codie showing off their Mexican dance moves!

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How excited should you be about MYF Kickoff's "Amazing Race" this Sunday night? As excited as this kid.....

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MYF Kickoff Coming SOON!!!
Sept. 13th

Junior High 5-6:30pm
High School 6:30-8pm

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Team150....loved this!!

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You have got to check out this poet, it is worth your time. Eye opening, thought provoking, motive questioning, incredible, inspiring...

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Movie on the Barn!!

The boys didn't quite get the whole gallon of milk drank, better luck next time. It was fun being on the farm, having a fire, and watching 'City of Ember' outside. Thanks to the Leitz family for letting MYF come over.

Sidebar: Emily P. was pooped on by a baby chicken...it was very funny!

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Ever wish songs just sang what was happening in the music video? Well now they do, here is the Monkees version of Daydream Believer. Made me laugh.

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MYF this Sunday. We talked about living out this verse: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). Are your words building others up, are your actions honoring God, are you loving how God loves, are you trusting God even when you can't see Him, are you being pure in your dating relationships?

Poor Matha getting in the middle of the 'flour dodgeball' game.

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Carbondale 2009
So much fun that was had....hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, camping and more. Our theme was community and the importance of living life together with other Jesus-followers. Let me know if you have any ideas for next year. Also, check out the Flickr link to the right, all the camping photos are there.

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MYF last week.....we need to rely completely on God. Before turning first to friends, family or ourselves....we need to turn to God first. Here is the video we watched about the Olympics runner and how he finished the race by being connected to his father. Let us be people who finish this race of life by being connected to THE FATHER!

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LOOKING FOR HELP!!!

MYF is committed to helping out in some upcoming events and I need you....yes you...to lend a hand. Here are the options:

1. Set up for a garage sale at the Wesley Center
Friday, August 7
7-8am (donuts provided)

Tear down from garage sale
Friday, August 7
noon - 1pm

2. Set up for garage sale at Wesley Center
Saturday, August 8
7-8am (donuts provided)

Tear down from garage sale
Saturday, August 8
noon - 1pm

3. Concession stand for the opera
Saturday, August 8
8:30-10pm

4. Concession stand for the opera
Sunday, August 9
2:30-4pm

PLEASE let me know if you can help. Thanks, Kristel

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BIG THANKS to everyone that helped out with VBS this summer. It went so well. Thanks for giving of your time, energy and talents. God is pleased.

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So I just got back from a wedding in Minnesota this last week and it was great fun. My cousin and her new husband did a choregraphed dance bit at the reception that was incredible, I wish I had a video to show you. Instead, enjoy this video that is popular on the youtube circuit right now.

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Cheeseball Chick

"Be joyful always" - 1 Thessalonians 5:16
"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." - Psalm 94:19

The Bible talks about joy, a lot. In fact, did you know that joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit? That means that if we have the Holy Spirit in us we are called to be joyful. That doesn't mean just being happy or giggly or smiling and pretending that things are great when the aren't. Being joyful means having hope in Christ, being content in every situation, and knowing that His Kingdom is so much greater than the world we live in. In our culture people try to find joy by acquiring things, getting a better job, being the best at a sport, or getting into the best school and once they have accomplished these things they still don't have happiness. True Joy can only come from Jesus.

Are you truly Joyful? Ask God to give you the fruit of the spirit, Joy. Pray and ask God to show yo where you may need to surrender some things and have true Joy in Jesus. Pray and ask God for opportunities to bring His Joy to those around you.



http://cheeseballchick.com/

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Hidden Cove Trip!! What a great place to have some fun. We had many go-cart races, did some wall climbing, played mini-golf and more. Just wish Blake hadn't hurt his foot...keep him in your prayers. More photos available at new MYF Flickr account, follow the link to the right.

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Question concerning the movie: During Albert's toast, Edmond mentions that life's trials develop character ("What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes"). How does this relate to this verse...."In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

In the final scene, Edmond indicates the source of his greatest wealth. What was it? How, specifically, have friends and family members enriched your life?

Throw in your two cents.

100

Turkey Run Fun!!
Such a good time with everyone. We hiked, kayaked, laughed, sang Family Force Five and made some memories; we even hit a bird (last photo). Thanks for being a part of this adventure.

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This person has ALOT of time on their hands.....and I love it!!!

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MYF this week...

We talked about how we can be living life with "dirty" hands, with sin in our lives. If we leave sin in our lives, if we don't have clean hands, we hurt ourselves and we're not going to be effective when it comes to helping our friends who need Jesus.

We need to examine our lives regularly. Is there something that you need to confess and straighten out with the Lord so you have clean hands?

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Funny Youtube video....we laughed at it alot at my family reunion this past weekend. I hope you enjoy, and it may explain a little about my family's sense of humor. Also, don't forget to check out the reject apathy blog....the link is to the right.

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This coming Sunday @ MYF (June 21) we will be playing SARDINES.


Also, be sure and let Kristel know if you are planning on joining MYF for the Turkey Run trip ASAP.

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MYF this coming Sunday (June 14). We will be having movie night, watching Extreme Days, eating pizza, popcorn and soda. Check out this website for a trailer to the movie: http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi497418521/

BTW, the Redneck Olympics video is up on Youtube. Enjoy.

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MYF Redneck Olympics....we had a great time!



A Youtube video is coming soon.

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Redneck Olympics
Sunday, May 31
5-6:45pm
Wesley House
Supper provided

Join Us!

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Last Sunday, the junior high Sunday school class had our year-end breakfast at Kristel's house. They fixed eggs, french toast, bisquits and gravy, bacon, toast, oatmeal...it was all fantastic. Here is a video of the kitchen afterwards.

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Another funny Christian comedian...

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Recap from May 17th MYF meeting:

Junior High--Rescued from an Ordinary Life, part 2
We talked about the reasons that Jesus came to earth...

1. To restore us to God; this is all about a relationship with God through Jesus, not a religion.

2. To reveal God's character; if you ever wonder what God is like....just look at Jesus and you will see.

3. To rescue us from an ordinary life.

When we get rescued from our life of sin, then we get God's personal presence, God's promise of wisdom (which is insight into everyday living) and God's power to use us.

High School--4 Rules of Biblical Communication (Ephesians 4:25-32)

1. Be Honest
We put off lying and falsehood and put on speaking the truth.

2. Keep Current
Don't hold stuff in, it only leads to bitterness and gives the devil a foothold in your life.

3. Attack the Problem, Not the Person
Put off words that tear down and attack the person. Put on words that build up and attack the problem.

4. Act, Don't React
We want to be sure that we aren't reacting in our sinful ways, but that we purposely act in a Godly way (being kind, compassionate and forgiving)

Also, be sure and check out youtube.com for some updated MYF videos. Just type in "MYF Watseka" in the youtube search box.

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Rescued from an Ordinary Life, part 1

God has great stuff planned for us, He wants us to have more than just an ordinary life. Remember that Satan wants to steal our joy, kill our witness, and destroy live; but that isn't the end of the story. God will help us live a life of joy, beat temptation and give us strength. By letting God lead, we will be rescued from an ordinary life.

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Some fun photos from MYF tonight!