Steve's "DO HARD THINGS" List

Last week I challenged you guys to share your "DO HARD THINGS" game plans. We ran out of time and I didn't get to share mine. Just wanted to put it out there to let you know I'm not asking you to do something I'm not doing myself.

Hard Things I have done since I read the book. . .
1. I ran two miles without stopping for the first time in my life. Since that day, I have run two miles at least five more times.

2. I have started living a healthier life. I have cut out most sweets. I eat less and try to make healthy choices when I eat out. I also started exercising at least three times a week. In the last several weeks I have lost nearly 25 pounds.

3. I have changed my schedule at work so that I address the small hard things first. In the past I would procrastinate on the “small things.” I would do the “important” things first and hope for time for the small things later. Often the time never came and I was neglecting items that needed attention.

4. I have made reading a part of my daily routine. I have now read 18 books this year for over 5,000 pages. My goal is to read 20 books by the end of the year. It shouldn’t be a problem unless I get bogged down in a book. I’m reading book number 19 and 20 right now. Next year I hope to read more thna 10,000 pages.

Hard Things I am committing to do. . .

1. I will make relationships a greater priority. I will invest time in at least one relationship in my life once a day.

2. I will take initiative to improve one specific relationship in my life. I can’t say who it is. It might not be fair to him/her.

3. I'm going to start getting up at 5am in the morning to study my Bible. . .read, memorize verses, podcast, etc.

WNI 11-11-09 Puffs of Cinnamon and Strange Talents

This week's WNI was great. We had fun demonstrating some of our unique talents. Amy can touch her tongue with her nose. Kelsey can touch her uvula with her tongue. There were several others. Some of our students attempted to down a tablespoon of cinnamon without water. The result is usually a puff of cinnamon coming out the nose. I wish we had video. It was hilarious.

We are about to close out our DO HARD THINGS series. This week I challenged everyone to make DO HARD THINGS stick. Next week we are all going to share our game plans to make some life changes. I'm asking everyone to write 3-5 steps they will take to DO HARD THINGS

WNI 10-7-09--Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream cake celebration

Last night was another great night at WNI.  It was another week in our "DO HARD THINGS" series.  We have a fun challenge for a game. . .how many crackers can you eat in one minute without water?  The winner downed 4.5.  The music was good.  We had a good practice.  I think the band continues to improve.  I tried to do a better job of putting students in leadership last night.  Andrea helped with the game.  Kevin and Ashley did the welcome.  Amanda & Eric worked the welcome table.  Taylor and Kristen did announcements.  Sebastine helped Larry do the sound.  Tessa ran the computer.  Am I forgetting anyone?  They all did a great job!

Jonathan Colgan taught the lesson last night.  He challenged us to raise the bar and strive for excellence.  He had to tolerate some hecklers early on, but he pressed through  and did a great job.

At the end of the night we had a celebration of our attendance last week.  We had 45 students which is the highest this school year.  So I picked up a couple of ice-cream cakes from Cold Stone to celebrate.  Chocolate-chip cookie dough!

The only down part of last night was our attendance.  We went from 45 last week to 28 this week.  Ouch.

Christmas in October?

Our service project for October is “Operation Christmas Child.”  This is an opportunity to give Christmas to needy kids all across the planet with shoeboxes filled with gifts.  I challenge every student and adult to pack at least one box.  The instructions can be found at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/pdf/PackABoxwithLabels.pdf or you can find a link at the blog and facebook page.  All boxes need to be brought to church by October 26^th.  On Wednesday, November 4^th, we will have a packing party and deliver the gifts to Spirit Fm in Camdenton.  

You are the proud parent of. . .

Last week we adopted a child from Compassion International.  His name is Jose Antonio Garcia Lopez.  He is from Mexico and is four years old.  His birthday is October 27.  Our boy will be five!  Can you believe how fast he is growing up!  We should get a pic of him online in the next week.  Remember all donations given at the Sunday morning breakfast go to support Jose.  

Another great week

Last week was another great week for our student ministry.  Last Saturday, We went swinging at Doenigg Swings in Ozark, MO.  Madalyn did the “superman” by herself.   I have never seen her so frightened.  After some thrills we went to Lambert’s, “home of the throwed rolls.”  I am still amazed at how much food they give you.  It is definitely over the top.  It was a great afternoon and evening together.  We should have some pics on the blog and facebook page by the end of the week. 

Last week’s WNI (9-30-09) was outstanding!  Amanda did a great job challenging us to get out of our comfort zones.  We had some fun playing a large group version of Cranium.  And we had 45 students for the first time this year!  I’m thinking a special celebration is in order this Wednesday.  Our next goal should be to break 60!  This week should be just as good.  Jonathan Colgan is teaching about DOING HARD THINGS with excellence.  

WNI-SYATP Service

Last night's service was great.  Eric Maher led our music.  Our service was based on the acrostic P.R.A.Y.  We took time to Praise God, Repent and get our hearts right, Acknowledge God's goodness and our dependence on Him, and Yield before Him.  Jonah brought the his youth group from Christ's church.  I was really encouraged.  I hope the same was true for everyone else.  Let me know what you think. . .

SYATP 09

Well I tried, and I failed.  I showed up at the high school this morning at 7:35 for SYATP.  I didn't get word it started at 7:15.  They were walking away from the pole just as I drove up.  Ouch.  So I went to the JH.  They were still praying.  I snapped a few pics and then went to have breakfast with a couple other youth leaders in the area.

DOING HARD THINGS testimonies

For me, the highlight of last week's WNI was hearing students talk about the HARD THINGS they had done recently.  I would love to hear more of your testimonies.  If you do a HARD THING, tell us about it.  You can either email me at steveadams@charterinternet.com or put it on our Facebook page under the notes tab.  Remember, we DO HARD THINGS for God's glory and not our own.  This is an opportunity to brag about God and not ourselves.

Impact Crew Service Project @ RBC

I was so proud of our students and adults Sunday afternoon.  We had a service project at church.  We weeded and planted new flowers around the cross in front of the church.  We trimmed the bushes in front of the church.  We sanded and painted the rails in front of the church offices.  We scraped and painted the white headers & footers on the office wing of the church.   Special thanks goes to Amy, Larry, Michelle, Garrett, Jennifer, Mary, Eddie, Jon, Kristen, Tara, and Courtney.   You all did a hard thing and our church is better off for it!  We have some pics on the blog and the facebook page.  If you have any pics of the day, send them my way.

Picture This. . .NEW IDEA for WNI

So I have another idea to make WNI a little better.  But again, I need your help.  I think we should do a slide show every week.  We could all contribute pics from events of the week.  It wouldn't have to be "church" events.  It could be any activity involving any of us.  You could help by taking some pics every week and bringing them to church on Sunday or Wednesday.  Or you could upload them to our facebook page.  I could also use a volunteer to put all the pics in a slide show.  It really wouldn't take too long.  I know the idea isn't really new, but it could make us a little better.  What do you think?

"DO HARD THINGS" stunts

I have an idea of something fun to do during our "DO HARD THINGS" series, but I need some help.  I need some ideas of stunts to challenge people to do that are supposed to be either impossible or really hard.  We could do one stunt each week and have something fun to look forward to each week.For instance, it's supposed to be impossible to drink a gallon of milk in one hour.  That's all I have for right now.  Can you add to my list?

WNI 9-16-09--How long have teenagers existed?

Last night was a good night.    We took the second step in our series "DO HARD THINGS."  We talked about the history of "teenagers?"  Here's the trick question of the night. . .How long have teenager been existed?  If you missed it, the answer might surprise you.

I am so thankful for the students who were there.  Considering all the busyness of Homecoming Week, it would have been an easy night to miss.  On a scale of 1-10, I would give last night at least a 7.  What did you think of the night?

See At The Pole WNI 9-23-09

Next week we are having a special WNI in honor of See You At The Pole. Eric Maher will be leading the music. I just had lunch with Eric at Asia Cuisine (the best Asian food at the Lake). We has a great time planning next week. I can't wait.

DO HARD THINGS wni series

We started our first series of the year Wednesday night.  It's based on the book "Do Hard Things."  The book is written by two teens (Alex & Brett Harris) challenging all teens to rebel against the low expectations of the teen years.  We read the book on our mission trip last summer.  I would love to see students to step up and help teach this series.  I will give you all the help you need.  Here's the plan. . .Let me know what topic you want. . .

Week One-Sept. 9-Series Intro. . .Steve & DVD

Week Two-Sept. 16-The Myth of Adolescence. . .this is really short notice and it's homecoming week so I'll cover this one unless one of you really wants the topic.

(September 23. . .SYATP prayer service)

Week Three-Sept. 30-Stepping out of our comfort zone to do hard things--ch. 5

Week Four-Oct. 7-Doing hard things that go beyond expectations or requirements—ch. 6

(October 14. . .Fields of Faith)

Week Five-Oct 21-Doing hard things that are too big to do alone—ch. 7

Week Six-Oct 28-Doing the small Hard Things—ch. 8

Week Seven-Nov. 4-Doing hard things that go against the crowd—ch. 9

Week Eight-Making it Stick—ch. 12. . .November 11--I'll wrap it up unless someone really wants this topic.

Week Nine. . .DO HARD THINGS CELEBRATION. . .November 18

Do you like being a teenager? TEXTING POLL

These are the final results from Wednesday night's poll about being a teen. I just closed the poll. It looks like most of you like being where you are, for now. Thanks for participating!

WNI Text Question--What is one thing we could do to improve WNI?

Here are all the results from the text question last Wednesday night. Some were helpful. Others were just funny. Check it out below. . .

• we need a triangle player in the band (8 times!)
• get a mix of singers male and female
• we need a triangle player in the band
• we can have after game huddles or whatever they are called
• Steve trims his sideburns.
• uh, get the building next door! :)
• Steve needs 2 talk less about how happy he is about the trips and focus more on God (Can you say OUCH!)
• game that all kids participate in.....
• possibly get more people involved in the band
• small groups
• have more people come, by inviting them
• get a guy singer do the worship band
• sing more songs and do more stuff as a church. And steve needs to stay out of my bubble!! 8:)
• more songs and music. and Steve needs to stay outta my bubble. 8P
• Garret should sing!!
• We should kick out Jon : p.
• We should have the lights off during worship.
• keep doing the rewards for ppl who invite others.
• we should do a party to celbrate ppl coming to gad and bring more ppl in
• we need to bring more people that don't go to church to wni.
• I think everything is good on wednesday nights. We could do games in a group or something.
• maybe we could divide up the singing and sing some at the beginning and also at the end.
• i think that we could have activities so the youth could get 2 know each other better
• we could take turns teaching lessons along with steve
• steve needs more than an extreme makeover.... Like a Super extreme makeover!! Jk :)
• sing more songs. But not at the same times. Like a two in the beginning and then like three closer to the end. I think it would be GREAT!! :)
• jon should dye his hair
• Fine i will be a triangle player jk
• jon needs green hair!!!!!!
• jon should get good at soccer

The death of summer

I love summers. I love the weather. I love the long days. I love vacations and road trips. I love the change in schedule. Every year, about the time I really start to enjoy the summer, I find it's over. I would love to live in denial, but that might cause some problems. The only good thing about the end of summer is the return of many students I haven't seen since the end of school. So if I haven't seen you for awhile, come say hi and give me a little comfort as I mourn the death of summer!

By the way, I just wrote the first "Impact Reminders" for the 09-10 school year. If it doesn't arrive in your inbox you can find it by clicking here. If you would like to receive "Impact Reminders" let me know and I'll add you to the list.

Vonore, Tennessee- Mission Trip Day #4

We chopped it up today! The work site went really well, a lot was accomplished and the house is really cleaning up. There is still plenty to do the next few days but so far so good. Doris had some trees fall down in the field right next to her house a couple weeks ago and the people working on that are doing such a great job and are tackling such a big job with a great attitude. The boys’ and girls’ club went a lot smoother today, we knew a lot of names, and they knew ours so we could really start reaching out to them. The work crew that didn’t go to the boys’ and girls’ club also did some more work on the trees and they came back sweaty. J Amy was really nice and brought us pizza for lunch today so we didn’t have to pack ours, but we didn’t let Jonathan know that and he packed and remembered his lunch today for the first time this week and didn’t even need it!! We got a good laugh out that one. Some of the girls raking at the work site today found a salamander and just thought that they needed to nurse him back to health, so we took him with us. After staying most of the day in a box, we walked a trail to a small waterfall and let him go. He seemed very happy and I’m sure already has some nice friends. J At group time tonight, Charlie and Brianda were awarded the servant leaders and everyone had great things to say about those two hard workers. We ended the night with some ice cream and Oreo’s for a snack and that really topped off the day, even though the Oreo’s weren’t doubly stuffed!

Tara

Vonore, Tennessee- Mission Trip Day #4

Another great day in the mountains. We worked hard, sweated lots, had fun, and most of all, served God. We had a work crew at Doris’s house today doing a lot of yard work, anything from raking to repairing the back porch to making fire wood from a fallen tree. It was a great start to the project and we had a good time doing it. We found lots of bugs and it just seems that all of them are bigger in Tennessee! J Another crew went to a small church and painted the entire room and finished all in one day. After working in the morning, over half of the group went to the boys’ and girls’ club in town and got to meet lots of children. We had a great time in music, crafts, bible study, and recreation that all the kids rotated through and we really made some great connections with these children that really need it. We ended the evening with a great dinner and some of us even played basketball even though we aren’t any good at it. Church group time went really well tonight and Sam and Sebastian got the servant leader awards tonight and they both have really been an inspiration to the group with their amazing hearts for God. It’s really starting to feel like a mission for God now, and it’s a great feeling!

Tara

Vonore, Tennessee- Mission Trip Day #3

Another day in the great mountains and we are marking it as successful! We split up into two work crews and one went to a man’s house to skirt the bottom of his house and they finished it in one day. The other crew was hoping to go to a church and do some repair work but plans changed and we traveled around on a very curvy road and couldn’t find a worksite for that morning. Luckily, back at camp there were things to do so we painted the benches to make them look much better and repaired some of the roof on the chow barn. The electricity went out for about an hour today so we had a little adventure in the dark, even though it was in mid afternoon. J At church group time that evening Larry and Lindsey were nominated as the servant leaders for the day and they both did a great job. Steve won Yahtzee that evening, wish was pretty much just luck I think. J We are all really excited to go to the boys and girls club tomorrow to work with those kids and we’ll need a good night’s rest for that!

Tara

Vonore, Tennessee- Mission Trip Days 1 & 2

Who doesn’t love a twelve hour drive?! After spending that long in a vehicle, it feels great to be at God’s Mountain. We spent the night in a hotel about an hour out from the camp on Saturday night and got up in the morning to attend Sevier Heights Church. It was a different feel from Riverview but we really enjoyed the experience. After lunch we started the beautiful journey through the woods going up to God’s Mountain. You could really see God’s wonderful creation in this area. We took a small tour through some of the trails at the camp and then took a little swim in the pool just to relax for the evening. At group time, we already had funny stories to share, for instance, Amy’s van was following the wrong U-haul for a while and we didn’t notice until the U-haul took a wrong exit. Jonathan gracefully sat on his waffle which left a nice syrup stain on the back of his pants. The quote of the day was, “I don’t want you to think, I want you to listen!” It’s great to be here and we are all really excited about getting started tomorrow and to do God’s work. The entire group has really come together to serve as one body. Now, as it’s getting close to lights out, we get to listen to God’s thunderstorm.

Tara