I always leave these retreats (no matter how short) with a sense of direction, inspiration, rest, and a renewed enthusiasm for our ministry.

This day/night is vital to the health of our ministry, students, and staff. If you and/or your staff (if you have one) don’t do this, you should really think about it.

Here’s some pics…

By now I’m sure most of you have heard Katy Perry’s smash hit “I Kissed A Girl”. It’s actually really catchy. No matter what you feel about the subject matter…it’s a decent song at worst (if you haven’t heard it yet…check it here). But don’t get me wrong…I’m not vouching for the rest of the album because I haven’t heard it. I assume it’s terrible.

“Why are you telling me about Katy Perry, Johnny?”

She used to be Katy Hudson!! (wiki)

Katy Hudson was a Christian recording artist. WHAT!?
She released an album at age 16 on Red Hill Records (2001), but has since released One of the Boys with Capitol. I’m not judging…nor do I really have any commentary on this. I was just shocked that I knew both of those names, firstly, and that they ended up being the same person.

(Katy Perry: left — Katy Hudson: right)

Katy Hudson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFvXOChyqdA)

Katy Perry (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN13e8FTrJ8), (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKHysOO1Mes)

Well, for me, I’ve have been out of town: 2 mission trips, camps, youth week (which is still going on by the way), etc. I’ve found very little free time on the computer to write, or read for that matter. Plus, I just moved into a new apartment (which is awesome! thanks for asking.) and don’t have internet access there yet.

All should be back to normal beginning next week. There are several exciting things coming up that I can’t wait to tell you all about.

See you next week!

Things to look forward to..
- Shane & Shane Concert (featuring the Roustabouts) (tickets here)
- New youth ministry resources!
- MORE Living Green tips

YouVersion.com is an online Bible with much more to offer.  Not only is it a Bible, but a community.  You can create a profile, highlight, tag, and even provide commentary on your favorite scriptures.  It will remember your favorite translation of the Bible and have it ready for you when you visit the site.  It has a journal widget, too, so you can make notes, prayers, etc. while you do your daily reading.  And all of this can be shared with those that you connect with inside the community.

Now I know what you’re thinking…
“Another christian website trying to mimic the success of Myspace and Facebook.”

No.  The purpose of the site isn’t to socialize, though I’m sure it happens.  Its networking capabilities are there for the ability to connect with others in scripture — to learn and grow together on one common subject — to join in a conversation about our book that DEMANDS conversation.

It’s still in beta form, so not all areas of the website are accessible yet, but the important parts are, and it can only get better.  Give it a try and let me know what you think.  Also, share some of your favorite online Bible resources.  Are there any sites that you frequent to aid in your studies or sermon prep?

ps: YouVersion is also available for the iPhone.

A couple months ago, I learned of one of my students starting a band with some of her friends. It’s a concept band that is inspired by characters in a popular series of books about vampires.

The Bella Cullen Project is a three piece consisting of mostly guitar and vocals. Every now and again we get a taste of piano and miscellaneous percussion. Their harmonies are fantastic, and they are as tight as a band that’s been together for years!

They play several gigs at libraries and book releases. But most recently (and most awesomely*), they’ve been contacted by MTV. They taped an interview, performance, and music video that has been airing on MTV2 and MTVu over the past several days. They were also a featured article in the Fort Worth Star Telegram.

Being in a band myself, I understand the difficulty of being a musician. I’m so happy that they are getting recognized, and they’re dreams and goals are being realized. Rock on you “Sexy Vampire”!

I have really loved it and have been pleasantly surprised at how easily I’ve kept up with my routine. The only time I seem to have an issue, though, is when I travel. Youth Workers’ Conventions, Student Ministry Retreats, Camps, Mission Trips, etc. all seem to break my habit. So I wish that I had something that could travel with me to give me a little workout (or at least resemble one) while I was gone.

Enter the Perfect Pushup.

We’ve all seen the commercials. We have all wondered if it’s worth it. Does it actually work? Why can’t I just do a regular pushup?

Well I love it! I’ve only had it for a couple days, but I can already tell it’s going to be a vital part of my weekly workout routine. They are small, easy to transport, easy to store, and actually do improve your technique and intensity of your pushups. I’m excited to be able to pack these babies away in my suitcase and bust ‘em out like a nerd when I’m on the road. Maybe I’ll be less sore when I return to my normal workouts at my home gym.

Feel free to make fun of my for purchasing and “As Seen On TV” item. But at least it wasn’t the Gazelle or the Magic Bullet.

STUDENT:
So guess where I just found a Roustabouts CD?

ME:
Where’s that?

STUDENT:
DFW Airport. On the ground. It was insane!

ME:
Wow! Someone’s gonna be really sad!

STUDENT:
I know! But I’m really happy! It’s not bad. Y’all are good!

ME:
Thanks! I really appreciate i. I hope you enjoy it!

STUDENT:
Yeah. Is there only supposed to be 6 songs?

ME:
Yeah. It’s an E.P.

STUDENT
Ah cool. Does your’s have an album cover? ‘Cause this was just burned.

ME:
Yeah. We actually have packaging and everything.

STUDENT:
Well then you’re already being pirated! That’s the first sign of greatness!

ME:
Awww. That’s the nicest thing you have ever said to me!

STUDENT:
I read it….in a book!

—–

I just thought that I’d share that conversation. I thought it was completely random that one of my students found my band’s CD on the ground at DFW Airport. Not to mention the fact that it was a burned copy. Weird.