Review of "Summer" by Jon Foreman

Jon Foreman just released his last EP, "Summer," in his 4-part set.



Best parts:
My favorite song on the CD is "Instead of a Show."

Jon points out the hypocrites in the church and those who are concerned with showy appeal. He emphasizes, "Instead, let be there a flood of justice... an endless procession of righteous living... instead of a show." With the Refinery opening today, this really hit home because I know and trust that Saddleback is NOT about a show, but about loving people and seeking to bring them to righteous living, more "refined," if you will. :)

He pulls this right out of Amos 5:21-24. What a powerful message!

Overall Album Grade: A

Incredible Moments

After Freshman Frenzy tonight, Dennis and I headed up to the Refinery to take one last overview of the building before students would be flooding its hallways.

We walked through the entire building, in awe and filled with hearts of gratitude for what has been done in that place. I prayed constantly as we made our way slowly through, imagining the things that are going to happen there. I was almost brought to tears a few times as I realized the enormous potential this building has to change lives. It was incredible to be silent and walk around in a building that would so quickly be filled with thousands of students.

When we had finished, we went up to the highest balcony in the HSM room, spent a few minutes in silence, and then switched off praying for the students who would come into this building, the volunteers and staff who would take the time for students, and the community that this building creates.

It's Incredible Moments like these that absolutely convince me that God is good, has a plan for his creation, and wants to see life and love poured into humanity.

Students have never had a place to call "home" at Saddleback Church. We've always had to adapt uncomfortably to our space and limitations. But this building was built FOR us. This is it.

Welcome Home.

Such a Great Team

I feel so blessed to be part of such a GREAT Student Ministries team. These people are all incredible children of God, outstanding youth workers, and just plain know how to have fun! I've had a blast with them in the last two weeks! I've learned a TON from them individually and have gained some wisdom from them as a whole team. So so so great!

Come To The Refinery This Weekend!

Bring a few friends and come to the Refinery at Saddleback Church this weekend! You will not regret it... I promise!

Mac vs. PC Refinery Video

A Rockin' Summer

At the beginning of my summer, I asked myself, "How can I make the most of this summer?"

I had remembered when the President of APU, Jon Wallace, spoke in chapel, he challenged us to not let this summer pass us by, but to take advantage of it and number the days.

He shared Psalm 90:12, "Lord, teach me to number my days that I may gain a heart of wisdom."

I realized that I have exactly 100 days of Summer until I needed to be back to APU. So, I stole Jon's idea and bought 100 rocks and a canister to put them in. Every day, I have taken a rock out of my canister, put it in my pocket, and prayed over it as the day went on. I then left the rock at my favorite spot for that day.

I have kept a journal of my days, my activities for that day, my prayers for that day, and where I left my rock. It is literally a map of where I've been this summer.

One day, I had an incredible experience in the Refinery, giving tours and watching students get excited about the place they will call "home." I stuck my rock for that day underneath the hole in the ground where the "Refinery" nameplate was going to be filled in with cement. That rock is buried underneath the building!

Today is Day 45 of 100 Days of Summer.

It's already been the greatest summer of my life. :)

Know-Nothing

Youth ministry is complicated. It's tough, difficult, and never ending.

I know nothing.

Everyday I interact with youth workers who have had an extensive history of ministering to students, some for a few months and some for 30 years. I am surrounded by huge minds that are full of wisdom on teaching students.

I know nothing.

Yesterday I started reading Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry and Next Generation Leader as I begin to learn the fundamentals of what it means to be a youth minister and a next generation leader. Fields has so many nuggets of wisdom to take away from just the introduction that I'm blown away, yet inspired by his youth ministry experience. Stanley talks with such knowledge and clarity on the topic of leadership. I can't wait to see what these two great minds have to say.

It's incredibly humbling to realize that I know absolutely nothing, but I'm learning, not only from books but with real, in-the-trenches experience. Leaders are learners, and I'm working on both.

Gone Music Video

A music video a few friends and I made last year... we did some silly stuff and put it to a sweet Christian rock song. Check it!

Appreciation

In the staff meeting this afternoon, Pastor Rick brought up an excellent truth.

The more somebody (thing) is appreciated, the more value it has.

When things like gas prices and real estate appreciate, they gain value.

Similarly, when you appreciate someone, that person gains value. He or she receives praise, gains confidence, and raises ability. As a result of your appreciation, that person will try harder, perform better, and go further.

You give out appreciation, and in turn you receive value. Simple, easy, but genius. Thanks, Rick!