I must say that it has been a very interesting week here in Bexley. I can't remember the last time school was closed on a 85 degree day. I hope that you enjoyed your vacation. I wanted to chat with you about being in the dark. When the lights went out some of us probably felt scared, others upset, and some who could care less. When I say in the dark, most of you would think I am talking about physically not being able to see due to the lack of light, but I am talking about spiritual darkness. Jesus is the light of the world, those who are close to him stay warm and safe. Those who are not close to him live in fear mostly due to the darkness that surrounds them. Think about lying in bed when you were young. All of a sudden you hear a noise and instantly you become frightened. The unknown noise along with your inability to see makes you uncomfortable. I would imagine most of you found comfort by quickly running to your parents room to find a hug and safe place to rest. When you follow Jesus(the light of the world) with your whole heart there is no place for darkness to hide. If there is no darkness, then there is no fear.
Physical darkness is only temporarily, but Spiritual darkness last forever. Do you remember when Jesus healed the blind man? He brought him not only out of physical blindness, but also filled him with the light of the Holy Spirit. In Mark chapter 10 we hear of Jesus healing a blind man. "46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way."
Take time today to figure out if you still have fear in your life. If you do, you are not close enough to the light of Jesus. Remember just because you have your eyesight, does not mean that your not blind. Let's all be thankful for what Jesus has given us.
God Bless,
Paul
Sep 18, 2008
Fighting the giants in your life.
Have you ever faced a problem so big, you give up before giving any effort. We all face mountains and obstacles that we believe cannot be conquered. Why do we give up without trying, we are not God and do not know outcomes of situations. If you fail to try you are a failure, but if if you fail while trying at least you did'nt go down without a fight. Can you remember a story in the Bible about someone who had to face a giant. The story of David and Goliath is a perfect example of facing giants in your life. The army's would send their toughest and bravest to fight each other. The winners of theses battles would decide who won the war. This giant Goliath was killing every man that was sent to face him. David was a boy servant told to get bread and supplies for the men. When he said that he wanted to fight Goliath everyone laughed and said that he would instantly be killed. In fact David was so small that when they tried to put armor on him he could barely walk. David said this is not going to work, and proceeded to get 5 smooth stones and put them in a pouch. When he walked out to fight, Goliath started to laugh and make fun of him. Does this feel familiar in your life? David was certainly smaller, but he was very fast and accurate with his slingshot. David killed Goliath by using the stones and a slingshot. David conquered Goliath and basically won the war.
This story gives us many important lessons. First we should always have confidence in ourselves. There is a famous quote that states "whether you think you can or you think you can't, you will be right either way". The second thing is that giants will always talk a good game, but the game still has to be played. I am sure if you asked Appalachian State or Michigan they would agree. The third is when God is on your side you always come out a winner.
What giants are you facing today? Are you ready to face those giants or will they continue to intimidate you into submission. I would encourage you to take 60 seconds and figure out what giants you face, and how you are going to knock them down. Remember it may take more than one try. David didn't kill Goliath with one stone you shouldn't think you can either.
God Bless,
Paul
This story gives us many important lessons. First we should always have confidence in ourselves. There is a famous quote that states "whether you think you can or you think you can't, you will be right either way". The second thing is that giants will always talk a good game, but the game still has to be played. I am sure if you asked Appalachian State or Michigan they would agree. The third is when God is on your side you always come out a winner.
What giants are you facing today? Are you ready to face those giants or will they continue to intimidate you into submission. I would encourage you to take 60 seconds and figure out what giants you face, and how you are going to knock them down. Remember it may take more than one try. David didn't kill Goliath with one stone you shouldn't think you can either.
God Bless,
Paul
Sep 10, 2008
What is filling your jar?
Hey Everyone,
I was thinking about how busy everyone gets during this fall season. I remember this story I heard once about a Mayonnaise Jar and 2 cans of Mt.Dew. I think this will put in perspective on how you spend your time. I wanted to share this story with you.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in
front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very
large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf
balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed
that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into
the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open
areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if
the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the
jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once
more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous
"yes."
The professor then produced two cans of Mt. Dew from under the table
and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the
empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to
recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the
important things---God, your family, your children, your health,
your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was
lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your sports,homework and Wii.
The sand is everything else---the small stuff. "If you put the sand
into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the
pebbles or the golf balls The same goes for life. If you spend all
your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for
the things that are important to you.
"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Spend time with your family. Spend time with your friends. Visit with
grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. There will always be time to clean your room and mow the grass. Take care of the golf balls
first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest
is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the 2 cans of Mt.Dew
represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked.
It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cans of Mt.Dew with a friend."
What are you filling your jar with today?
God Bless,
Paul
I was thinking about how busy everyone gets during this fall season. I remember this story I heard once about a Mayonnaise Jar and 2 cans of Mt.Dew. I think this will put in perspective on how you spend your time. I wanted to share this story with you.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in
front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very
large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf
balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed
that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into
the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open
areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if
the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the
jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once
more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous
"yes."
The professor then produced two cans of Mt. Dew from under the table
and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the
empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to
recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the
important things---God, your family, your children, your health,
your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was
lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your sports,homework and Wii.
The sand is everything else---the small stuff. "If you put the sand
into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the
pebbles or the golf balls The same goes for life. If you spend all
your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for
the things that are important to you.
"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Spend time with your family. Spend time with your friends. Visit with
grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. There will always be time to clean your room and mow the grass. Take care of the golf balls
first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest
is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the 2 cans of Mt.Dew
represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked.
It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cans of Mt.Dew with a friend."
What are you filling your jar with today?
God Bless,
Paul
Sep 9, 2008
Life Is a Highway
Have you ever heard the song "Life is a Highway"? I was thinking about the title of that song and how it relates to our everyday lives. In Bexley it would be more like "Life is a Sidewalk" instead of highway. Every morning we wake up, go through the morning routine of taking a shower, getting dressed, maybe eating breakfast and then on our way to school.
Think about walking to school and and how it is symbolic of your life. Do you rush down the sidewalk fast missing out on nature or do you take your time to enjoy the scenery? Do you walk with someone so you can enjoy their friendship or do you walk alone depending only on yourself? How do you handle obstacles such as large puddles of water? Do you walk through them taking a chance of getting wet or maybe you go around them and remain dry. Maybe you would wait and watch to see how others react to the situation before making your own choice.
Your answers to the above questions relate to how you are currently living your life. Jesus should be first in your heart, mind, soul, and especially your day. By putting him first everything else falls into place. Jesus will continue to make the walk down the sidewalk of life very easy for you as long as he has a place in your heart. Without Jesus the sidewalk can be a lonely place with many obstacles which can make you fall physically and spiritually. Jesus will be the solid rock on which your sidewalk is made. Put Jesus first and walk with confidence of a true believer.
God Bless,
Paul
Think about walking to school and and how it is symbolic of your life. Do you rush down the sidewalk fast missing out on nature or do you take your time to enjoy the scenery? Do you walk with someone so you can enjoy their friendship or do you walk alone depending only on yourself? How do you handle obstacles such as large puddles of water? Do you walk through them taking a chance of getting wet or maybe you go around them and remain dry. Maybe you would wait and watch to see how others react to the situation before making your own choice.
Your answers to the above questions relate to how you are currently living your life. Jesus should be first in your heart, mind, soul, and especially your day. By putting him first everything else falls into place. Jesus will continue to make the walk down the sidewalk of life very easy for you as long as he has a place in your heart. Without Jesus the sidewalk can be a lonely place with many obstacles which can make you fall physically and spiritually. Jesus will be the solid rock on which your sidewalk is made. Put Jesus first and walk with confidence of a true believer.
God Bless,
Paul
Sep 5, 2008
Let's start to think church!
Hey Everyone,
This summer has been awesome. We have been off on vacations and hanging with our friends. We have slept in and have slept over. We have taken a timeout from our schedule to re-energize and when you need just one more week to be fresh school starts. I remember those dreaded days of getting up early and dragging yourself to class. I remember how difficult it was to break all of those bad habits of staying up late and sleeping in all morning. I will tell you that it is easier to create bad habits than to change bad habits to good ones.
For example, how easy is it to get up on Sunday morning and hit the snooze button and go back to sleep? Sure you're tired, but you make a decision about not coming to church. So you may feel a little guilty about not going, but say that happens 3 weeks in a row. Chances are by the 3rd week it doesn't seem to be as big of deal.
My question is this...
If you play a sport, musical instrument or are a member of the drama club would you miss 3 practices, let alone 3 weeks? Unfortunately, the school can keep you from participating if you do not show up. The church wants you to participate. We want you as much as possible with no strings attached. Think about it in these terms. If you only rehearsed once a month for a musical, how prepared would you be on opening night? Confusion would take place, lines would be missed, and it would end in disaster. Sure--you could still say that you are a member of the drama club, but it takes a lot more than showing up to be a member. The same goes for church. Think of how much time it takes preparing for all of your other activities in school. Do you give God even a 1/4 of the same amount of time? Being great in sports or in music will only give you earthly rewards and short term satisfaction. If you give time to God first, all other things will fall into place. Remember, that you cannot get into heaven by good deeds alone. So the fact you held the door for the old lady at the grocery store, read your Bible, or did mission trips once a year will not get you into heaven. Don't get me wrong--they are all part of being a Christian and should be practiced. Although, Jesus said this in John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". We should be focusing on God. Trust me, the best athletes and singers in the world do not get scholarships to heaven.
I will leave you with this question. If you had to choose one activity on a Saturday night would you choose a sporting event or religious event? This is not a trick question. Most of you would likely go to the sporting event. On judgement day if you're standing at the Pearly Gates waiting to get don't be suprised to see a sign that says "went to the game, be back soon."
God Bless,
Paul
This summer has been awesome. We have been off on vacations and hanging with our friends. We have slept in and have slept over. We have taken a timeout from our schedule to re-energize and when you need just one more week to be fresh school starts. I remember those dreaded days of getting up early and dragging yourself to class. I remember how difficult it was to break all of those bad habits of staying up late and sleeping in all morning. I will tell you that it is easier to create bad habits than to change bad habits to good ones.
For example, how easy is it to get up on Sunday morning and hit the snooze button and go back to sleep? Sure you're tired, but you make a decision about not coming to church. So you may feel a little guilty about not going, but say that happens 3 weeks in a row. Chances are by the 3rd week it doesn't seem to be as big of deal.
My question is this...
If you play a sport, musical instrument or are a member of the drama club would you miss 3 practices, let alone 3 weeks? Unfortunately, the school can keep you from participating if you do not show up. The church wants you to participate. We want you as much as possible with no strings attached. Think about it in these terms. If you only rehearsed once a month for a musical, how prepared would you be on opening night? Confusion would take place, lines would be missed, and it would end in disaster. Sure--you could still say that you are a member of the drama club, but it takes a lot more than showing up to be a member. The same goes for church. Think of how much time it takes preparing for all of your other activities in school. Do you give God even a 1/4 of the same amount of time? Being great in sports or in music will only give you earthly rewards and short term satisfaction. If you give time to God first, all other things will fall into place. Remember, that you cannot get into heaven by good deeds alone. So the fact you held the door for the old lady at the grocery store, read your Bible, or did mission trips once a year will not get you into heaven. Don't get me wrong--they are all part of being a Christian and should be practiced. Although, Jesus said this in John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". We should be focusing on God. Trust me, the best athletes and singers in the world do not get scholarships to heaven.
I will leave you with this question. If you had to choose one activity on a Saturday night would you choose a sporting event or religious event? This is not a trick question. Most of you would likely go to the sporting event. On judgement day if you're standing at the Pearly Gates waiting to get don't be suprised to see a sign that says "went to the game, be back soon."
God Bless,
Paul
Aug 6, 2008
Looking forward to an awesome year!
I hope you are enjoying the youth newsletter and the website/blog page. I will continue to add events and pictures throughout the year. This will be a great way to keep in contact with what is going on in the youth group, as well as, check out some really cool pictures and videos. If you are not receiving my e-mails, please let me know by sending me an e-mail to woodruff@bexleyumc.org . We have some great activities coming up such as a Senior High Lock-In, Cedar Point, Youth Lunches, The Revolve Tour(Girls Only), and much more. I will be updating the blog almost everyday. If you would like to see something on this page, just send me an e-mail and I will do my best to get it here. I have enjoyed my first 7 months here at Bexley UMC with many more years to come. Have a great day and God Bless!
Paul - Youth Pastor
Paul - Youth Pastor
Jul 18, 2008
Welcome to Bexley UMC Youth Blog
Welcome Bexley Youth Group to our Blog page. I am so excited to be giving you a different way to get pictures and information about upcoming events. This will also give you a chance to comment on pictures or just share some ideas you may have for our youth group. I want to personally thank you for your overwhelming support in to the transition into Bexley UMC. We have accomplished many things in the 6 months that I have been here. We have finished a Confirmation class, Bible Study has been very well attended, Youth Lunches finished up strong, we have taken a trip to Youth Quake, our spring retreat to Templed Hills was Awesome, and the work mission to Lumberton, Mississippi was unforgettable. I hope that if you have not joined us for any of these activities that you take a look at the pictures and join us for some fun. I pray as we begin this school year that Bexley Youth group will be a place that you want to come and not feel pressured to come. God Bless, Paul
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