Why My 12-year-old Can See Rated 'R' ... but Not PG!

by Jonathan McKee

Yes ... it's true. My son Alec and I recently watched the 'R' rated The Last Samarai together. But I won't let him watch the PG-rated Sixteen Candles.

Sixteen Candles?

Sure, many of us "Gen X'rs might have fond memories of this film. But think about it: nudity, sexual dialogue ... is this really what you want your kid watching? And more importantly ... is PG really the line you want to use when discerning what to watch?

So how do we know what films are appropriate to show to our families? What about our church youth group? Or what's appropriate for a married couple watching a film together?

WHAT LINE DO YOU USE?
First, let me warn you that I love movies. Any of my close friends know that if they go see a movie with me I usually give the run-down on who directed it, the director's past films, and the history of all the actors. I studied film in college and I have even dinked around filming a few shorts.

But it's difficult being a movie-lover in today's world. Films that the critics rave about like Sideways, Closer, Sin City, Cold Mountain and Eyes Wide Shut are so often filled with graphic sex scenes and other superfluous garbage. Some people argue that it's okay to watch these films as "art." I won't judge these people, but I have trouble agreeing. Most people would concur that there is a line somewhere in the expanse between Michelangelo's "David" and pornography. But where is that line drawn? And more importantly, what standard do we use to draw that line?

Some people are upset about the violence in film. But can we "rubber stamp" a film as violent? Can you put films like Saving Private Ryan, Glory or even The Passion in the same category as Sin City or Pulp Fiction? Again ... a line exists somewhere.

Others like to use the MPAA rating system as a guide for what we can watch. Pardon my candor ... but that's just stupid. I already mentioned Sixteen Candles. Are we to let our kids see PG films like this, but not the R-rated Saving Private Ryan? I'm surprised how often Christians make the 'R' rating, a secular rating system based on secular morals, their line.

And what about TV? I'd rather my 12 year old son watch the R-rated Gladiator than any 5 minutes of TV's Friends. And that is Captain Kangaroo compared to the average programming on MTV. I watch MTV twice a year (when the kids are asleep) just to keep up with youth culture ... and it never ceases to shock me. The Parents Television Council released a study, "MTV Smut Peddlers: Targeting Kids with Sex, Drugs and Alcohol," which examined the programming content of 171 hours of MTV "Spring Break" coverage between March 20-27, 2004. Overall, there were 1,548 sexual scenes (3,056 sex depictions or nudity and 2,881 verbal sexual references) and 1,518 unedited (3,127 bleeped) profanities. Letting our kids watch MTV is pimping them out to some of the lowest filth the world has to offer.

So how do we draw the line when discerning what to watch?

DRAWING THE LINE
Let's look to the scriptures for our guidelines. Ephesians 5 is a good passage to consider.

Ephes. 5:1-9 (NLT)
Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. [2] Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him.
[3] Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people. [4] Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. [5] You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is really an idolater who worships the things of this world. [6] Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the terrible anger of God comes upon all those who disobey him. [7] Don't participate in the things these people do. [8] For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! [9] For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

If that scripture doesn't make you think ... I don't know what does. I admit, it's hard to excuse watching Best Picture Nominee Pulp Fiction when you consider that verse.

But what about the films that aren't so extreme. The "date flick" Hitch with Will Smith, for example. Even though this film is fairly clean ... it does follow the lives of unbelievers with secular morals. And even though the character Hitch seems like a good, moral guy ... there are comments he makes in the film that lead us to believe that he has no moral objection to sleeping with a girl before marriage. So does this make Hitch a no-no? Do we also need to go back and tear up our Shakespeare and our Hemingway collections?

Let's look for the answer from some of the truths from the above passage.

1. Verse 1 and 2 say that, as believers, we are to follow Christ's example of love and purity. Jesus not only forgave our sins, he set an example to follow. We can definitely learn from his example of love—we see many examples of this in the scriptures.
   
   But we don't see much about what "influences" Jesus allowed in his life. That's okay—because the next verses talk about what to avoid.
2. In verse 3 and 4 Paul actually lists things we are to have no part of:
• sexual immorality
• impurity
• greed
• obscene stories
• foolish talk
• coarse jokes

Paul tells us that there should be none of these things in our lives. These aren't the only things we need to avoid ... these are just examples. We see Paul list examples in many of his books. These lists vary a little, depending on who he's writing to. But certain topics seem to be a common denominator of discussion. For example: there should be no sexual immorality among us.

Some people may try to argue that we just shouldn't "be" sexually immoral, but it's okay to talk about it or watch it. I have to disagree. In I Corinthians 6:18, Paul tells us to "flee" sexual immorality. Notice that he doesn't say "try your best to avoid ..." He says "RUN AWAY!" That's because he knows how powerful a desire sex is.

I've never seen one stumbling block so devastating to families, so destructive to leaders, one that blackens the reputations of churches and ministries like no other ... as sexual immorality. I've personally known numerous pastors whose ministries fell apart because of their own sexual sin. Addictions to pornography, affairs, sexual misconduct ... you name it. Sex is a powerful thing, one not to be messed with.

Even King David, "a man after God's own heart," wasn't immune to the lure of sexual immorality. He saw a beautiful woman bathing ... which led to David lusting, wanting ... and eventually murdering. His first peek at Bathsheba bathing opened the door to a destructive momentum of sin in his life.

And "just thinking or talking about sexual immorality" ignores what Jesus said about the subject in His sermon on the mount. It is not just "doing it" that makes us guilty—thinking about it is just as bad. Lusting with our eyes is equally wrong. Jesus even went as far as to say that it would be better to pluck our eye out if it caused us to sin.

Maybe some of us need to pluck out our cable or Satellite connections?

In my movie reviews I will often comment about a film's sexual content. That's because many of us need to be aware of sexual content in advance and not set ourselves up for failure. Part of successful "fleeing" is becoming aware of what films to avoid before you sit down to watch them. Web sites like my movie review page, and www.screenit.com can help us be aware of the content of films so we can "flee" sexual immorality.

But Paul lists more than just sexual sin. In this particular list he also includes impurity, greed, obscene stories, foolish talk, and course joking. That pretty well covers Meet the Fockers, Something About Mary, and other films that might not have sex or nudity ... but definitely rate high in sexual and perverse joking.

THINKING TWICE ABOUT WATCHING JUNK
The above passage isn't the only one that advises us how to respond to the stuff that the world has to offer. I Peter 2:11 tells us to "watch out" for evil desires. Not only because they battle against our very souls ... but also because we're being watched by our unbelieving neighbors. We might be the only glimpse of Christ that they see.

This doesn't mean we should be pious or condemning to unbelievers for their movie choices. The Bible doesn't say that. But this passage should make us think twice about watching junk.

As a youth minister, kids have asked me numerous times if I have seen American Pie, Sin City, or films of the like. I'm glad I can tell them I haven't seen those two. But my batting average hasn't always been so good. And it's just not very convincing to respond, "Yes, and I hated every moment of that filth!" Maybe we should consider missing this kind of junk in the first place.

Let's revisit the film Hitch. Personally, I wouldn't show this to my own kids because it deals with the secular dating world. Frankly, my kids just wouldn't understand it. And some of the comments made in the film hint at sexual promiscuity.

But I had no problem seeing it with my wife. There was no sex, nudity or coarse joking. And it didn't preach or glorify the inappropriate. It was a fun date flick for a married couple. ( Click here for my detailed review)

GOD'S LIST
God doesn't print out an annual list for us of acceptable and unacceptable movies. He's given us his Word and He's equipped us with discernment. And when it comes to that discernment, the scriptures are pretty clear about not flirting with disaster. We need to be careful of what we see and listen to. Not only for our own sake—but for the sake of others.

You have the information ... now it's your choice.

Jonathan McKee is president of TheSourceForYouthMinistry.com and author of the new book "Do They Run When They See You Coming? Reaching Out to Unchurched Teenagers."
(CLICK HERE FOR THE BOOK) Jonathan speaks and trains across the country and provides free online resources, training, & ideas for youth workers at www.TheSource4YM.com

CHRISTIANS NO DIFFERENT FROM THE WORLD

[The following article was sent to me by Carl Detels. This stat is shocking.-Cory]

"By Pastor Chuck Baldwin

June 2, 2005

NewsWithViews.com

Recently, pollster George Barna released his research regarding the beliefs and conduct of today's Christians. The results are shocking! According to Barna, only 9% of America's born again Christians have a Biblical worldview. Only 9%!

To determine a Biblical worldview, Barna used the following 8 point criteria:

• Believing that absolute moral truths exist.
• Such truths are defined by the Bible.
• Jesus Christ lived a sinless life.
• God is the all-knowing, all-powerful Creator and still rules today.
• Salvation is a gift of God and cannot be earned.
• Christians have a responsibility to share their faith in Christ.
• Satan is real.
• The Bible is accurate in all its teachings.

As any real Christian can see, these 8 points comprise basic Biblical truth. To think that more than 90% of born again Christians would deny any one of these fundamental truths suggests that the vast majority of professing Christians today have no clue as to what being a Christian really means.

As a result, the obvious question that must be asked is, "What in the world are our pastors and church leaders teaching their congregations?" It would appear that whatever they are teaching, it isn't the Bible!

Barna's research gets even more disturbing. His survey reveals that only 3% of Christian parents include the salvation of their children in the list of critical parental emphasis. What?? Does this mean that 97% of America's Christian parents really don't think it "critical" that their own children go to heaven?

At the same time, 39% of America's Christian parents believe it is "critical" that their children get a good education. Compare these sentiments with those of President Theodore Roosevelt who said, "A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education."

Barna's research also revealed that only 36% of America's Christian parents monitor or regulate the time and quality of T.V., music, and other media that their children were allowed to access. In addition, 45% of America's Christian parents teach their children that there are NO moral absolutes. 43% teach their children that there are SOME moral absolutes.

George Barna summarized his findings by saying, "Faith makes very little difference in their [Christians] lives: believers do not train their children to think or act differently [from the world]. It's no wonder that they [Christian children] grow up to be just as involved in gambling, excessive drinking, and any other unbiblical behavior as everyone else."

The problem with America's Christianity today is that, for the most part, it doesn't exist! What passes for Christianity is instead an anemic, spineless, diluted substitute without convictions or principle.

No wonder so many unbelievers see nothing in the church that would draw them to a life-transforming faith in Christ. No wonder so many political leaders ignore the church. No wonder that despite some 300,000 evangelical churches, scores and hundreds of television and radio ministries, and millions of professing Christians, our nation is still on a collision course with calamity!

What America needs is real Christianity! The kind of Christianity that changed the course of history. The kind of Christianity that changed the face of Europe. The kind of Christianity that propelled the Pilgrims, Puritans, and Patriots to shake off the bands of tyranny and establish this great country called America.

Christianity of old quenched the flames of oppression, lit the fires of freedom, and led two continents out of the darkness of paganism. Today's Christianity is known for bingo games, softball leagues, and milquetoast preachers. Christianity of old toppled the Roman Empire. Today's Christianity cannot even rid the nation of legal abortion.

George Barna's research suggests that the real mission field may not be in heathen lands across the seas but in America's churches right here at home!

© 2005 Chuck Baldwin - All Rights Reserved

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---

Chuck Baldwin is Founder-Pastor of Crossroads Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida. In 1985 the church was recognized by President Ronald Reagan for its unusual growth and influence."

TV

After seeing the newest Carl's Jr comerical I am done with TV for awhile.

Plus, it is too nice outside to be in watching mindless babble.

Added to all that The Amazing Race and The Contender are done so ... I don't need TV.

My Political Profile - take the test

This test is short and limited in accuracy, I am probably more conservative than it suggests. HaHa.

Your Political Profile

Overall: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

Social Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

Personal Responsibility: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

Fiscal Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

Ethics: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

Defense and Crime: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

How Liberal / Conservative Are You?

TODAY -- Star Wars Episodes I & II

5:30 PM --- Episodes I & II will be shown at the SC3 Youth Room.

Shown in surround sound!!!

FREE.

Bring snacks of some sort to share! Everyone welcome.

175 Santa Clara Ave.

Money Talks, Marathons and Kaufman on Boundless

That which follows is a copy of an e-mail newsletter I receive. The articles are very good (you have to go to their website to read them). Older students (High School/ College) will surely enjoy the thought provoking topics.

Check it out...and sign up for the newsletter, if you apprecitate this edition.

In some issues articles have a slight Calvinistic slant. Calvinists have a slightly different view of God and the Scriptures than we do (contact me for more info on that).

-Cory
_____________________

Dear Readers:

Here's what's new on Boundless.

FEELING THE PINCH OF A DOUBLE INCOME by Heather D. Koerner
Some say less is more. A new book says where money is concerned, more can be less.

http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001084.cfm

A RACE LIKE NO OTHER by Suzanne Hadley
Marathons are a growing craze on one college campus. But
it’s not what you think.

http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001082.cfm

HARVARD LAW by Matt Kaufman
Why might Harvard’s president lose his job? Because he
forgot you can’t say some things on campus — like “men and women are different.”

http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001083.cfm

Good Reading,
Candice

Candice Watters
Editor
www.boundless.org

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
This update is a service of Boundless webzine, sent to subscribers. If you would like to be removed from the list, please send an email to listserv@listserv.family.org with the text "UNSUBSCRIBE BWLIST" as the body of the message.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

PureChoice'05

PureChoice'05-May 17th-7PM @ Gill Coliseum

"Morality Matters

In an age where everything seems relative are there actual standards? Do the decisions we make actually matter? Is there such things as right and wrong and if so do they really matter?

These are all good questions. But they are more than just "good questions" - these are important questions. PureChoice'05 is an opportunity to get answers for questions you have been asking.

When is it then? PureChoice'05 will be taking place Tuesday, May 17th at 7:00 pm. It will be held at Gill Coliseum on the Oregon State University campus."

http://www.purechoice.org/

If you would like to go as a group sign up at the Welcome Center by Sunday night. -Cory

Zane's Bad Dreams

This morning at 5:15 AM Zane got up and came to our room mumbling about some bad dream he had. I told him, "go back to bed - everything will be alright."

However, he just went back to the door of his room and kept mumbling about the dream. I never did get what he was talking about, but I got up and helped him back to bed. As I tucked him in He laid down with his head to the wall and quietly said, "will you pray for me."

"You betcha, I'll pray for you!" I prayed a prayer of blessing and protection over him.

That was a very cool daddy moment. My 3 year old asked me to pray for him!

We pray together at many meal times and often as I put him to bed. But I wondered what was going through his mind. "Does he understand what prayer is for?"

Now I know he understands more than I realized and more than many adults do about prayer. Like me, many are too proud to ask others to pray for them.

Uchenna & Joyce WIN!

Lori and I kinda got into The Amazing RACE this last month.

Uchenna and Joyce were definitely our favorites. And they come from behind, more than once, to win, yeah!

How much of it is staged? I don't know. They definitely play the video clips that provide the most drama. But through it all Uchenna and Joyce had the most integrity, so they were our favorites to win.

Plus, they had a noble cause for the money once they won. They are infertile and were hoping to win to use the money for infertillity treatments and/or adoption.

I taped the two-hour episode and this morning's talk show with them on it to use at our Middle School Camp (The Amazing Race).

Die

Our culture doesn’t deal with dying very well. I mean we are getting more and more familiar with violent deaths because of the popular media, but dealing with actual death of those around us or even ourselves is something that eludes most of us.

We should be ok with dying. We should look forward to dying. But life is so complicated, so cluttered, so crowded…with selfishness, with me.

In my Scripture reading this morning I read in Paul’s letter to the Romans about death and life. You see that in order to live we must die.

In chapter 6 Paul mentions death in 16 or more different ways. Christ’s death, our spiritual death, our death to sin, and even our eternal death if we don’t choose life in Christ.

He is teaching about spiritual death. In dying we get new life. We get real life. We are freed from slavery. We must die to ourselves and to sin, which is bound to our own selfishness. When we choose sin over Christ we are choosing to be bound or chained to sin. The chain gets tighter and tighter as we choose sin more often than Christ.

Sadly, right now I see young people I know who are choosing sin over Christ. They are miserable as slaves, but they don’t see the chains that bind them. They are missing out on the joy of true life, but poorly choose chains over freedom.

It is a decision we all must make…the free gift of God in Christ Jesus…or slaves to self and sin and eternal death.

Once we make the decision to die to sin we are to continually turn to Him, to become slaves of righteousness. Sin may still be attractive at times when we are weak. Be strong in your new life in Jesus. You are freed from sin, you live with Him, you are alive to God in Christ Jesus, use your bodies for righteousness to God.

Right now our church’s baptistery is decorated like a tomb. It is so cool to have that visual, because it is a reflection of this chapter of the Bible.

“…all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death. Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6.3-4

Don’t Toss That Phone

Americans replaced 100 million cell phones last year, but only about 5% were recycled. Which puts a lot of them in the trash – and that’s bad for the environment. Cell phones contain compounds that can contaminate water and the soil. The problem is projected to increase as new features make it attractive to replace phones more often. Fortunately, six toxic substances – including lead and mercury – may be banned in most electronic devices by July 1, 2006. Until then, many retailers offer recycling plans. Check before you toss your old cell phone. (Parade, May 1, 2005)

*Our Youth Ministry recycles cell phones. Simply bring them to the church welcome center or office.

Supersize Me

I finally watched Supersize Me. Amazing.

The 100% McDs diet. He gained 25 lbs in 30 days. He got very sick. The doctors told him to stop because he was killing himself.

I have been studying nutrition recently to prepare for a Parenting Seminar that I am teaching. The things we eat are so unhealthy. Sugars, saturated fats, and especially Trans Fats (anything with "partially hydrogenated oils").

But they taste so good. Why do we eat? For enjoyment or for nutrition?

To eliminate Trans Fats from my diet I am having to avoid Fast Food resturants. Because they all cook with it. The meals served at fast food joints also have too many calories.

In addition to what I have been reading on nutrition I found out I have high of cholesteral. I don't eat much red meat or other high in saturated fat foods. So I am focusing on ridding my diet of Trans Fats to see if that will help.

Cooking and eating at home is so much more healthy. Not prepackaged foods, but eating simple foods: rice, chicken, whole wheat bread, tortillas, carrots, apples, bananas, etc.

You gotta read the ingredients lists. My rules are avoid foods that have sugars listed first or second in the list and everything that has "partially hydrogendated oils."

MySpace

My MySpace has been updated.

If you want to check it out go to:

www.myspace.com/cdgant

Camp Koinonia service project Spring 2000

Funniest music video ever!

Gary Brolsma, 19, of Saddle Brook, N.J., has become a cyber-celebrity. Brolsma's "numa numa dance" is based on a line from the Romanian pop song he lip synchs to in the video. Millions of people have already watched it.

Check it out: www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/numa.php

Hilliarious Web News

I just came across a hilliarious Christian News site.

Check it out at: http://larknews.com

Easter Day

Easter Day

It was asked recently how the day is chosen each year. It is different every year and can be in March some years and in April others.

Easter Day is the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the day of the vernal equinox.

The vernal equinox is the first day of spring (March 21). There are some other details but simple rules usually these hold true.

April 16-2006

April 8-2007

March 23-2008

April 12-2009

April 4-2010

Middle School Pizza, Put, and Pool - Dad and son.

Middle School Pizza, Put, and Pool - DDR

Middle School Pizza, Put, and Pool.

Katie playing in the water hazard.

Zane is a goalie???

Zane is amazingly brilliant. I don’t know how he knows so much. He is so observant, it is amazing.

He is three years old.

When I was dressing him for bed tonight I helped him put his Mexican soccer jersey on for pajamas. After getting dressed he pretended to have a ball and wanted to throw it to me. However, I told him, “you have to put it down and kick it because in soccer you can’t throw it you have to kick it.” I thought I was teaching him something about the sport.

But he comes back with, “Yes, I can because I’m in the goalie box.”

I’m like, “what?” I am thinking to myself, “how does he know that?” How does he know anything about goalie boxes. I have not yet taken him to a soccer game. He has not watched a game on TV, we don’t have cable. He doesn’t go to school, and he only has a few friends who are girls who come over on Wednesdays. Sunday school?

I went out to the kitchen to tell Lori about it. She didn’t believe me. So we quizzed Zane about it and he confirmed he knows something about goalie boxes.

How?

Amazing!!!

Turn It Up!

Jam session at the Gants'

Jam session at the Gants'

RAIN

It finally has started to rain again.

They say, “We need the rain.”

I have thought and said, “I don’t see why I need any rain.”

I understand that the farmers need the rain. Other than them…? They also say that the forests will be in danger of fires. But they say that every year. Plus, there were so few fires last year… they have a few to make up.

I have loved the blue skies we have had during 2005. We don’t normally see blue above until April or May. We’ve had it almost continually this year. It has been nice.

However, riding home on my bike in the rain tonight had a familiar feel to it. It felt good … almost refreshing. No it was. It felt like … home. It was like meeting an old friend.

I know I’m weird. But those of you who have grown up in Western Oregon might understand.

Youth Group was a doosy tonight (Middle Schoolers, ugh!!!) ... it was nice to have something else to think about.

music preferences quiz

Ska 67% Country 67% Indie 67% Indie Rock 67% Emo & More 54% Classic Rock. 54% Punk and Pop Punk. 46% Industrial 33% Britpop 29% Hardcore 17% Mainstream 17% Hip Hop and Rap 8% Music Recommendation created with QuizFarm.com

Saturday Night!

Saturday Night!
6:30-10:00 PM
Crossing Guards
music
And
Games
And
Food
And
Movie
(Bring $2 & soda)

SC3 STUDENT E-MAIL NEWSLETTER 3.7.05

Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Parting Shot
===========our|sponsor===========
CALLING FOR TRUE GOD STORIES
Has God made himself evident in your life? Do you have an experience or story you want to share?

TRUE Volume 2 is the follow-up book to TRUE Volume 1: Real Stories about God Showing up in the lives of teens, a book which covered issues such as sexual temptation, teen pregnancy, pornography, and other challenges. Teens shared how their prayers were answered, how they overcame illness and addictions, and how they sensed God's presence and direction in their life.

We're seeking stories for TRUE Volume 2. If you or someone you know has a powerful God experience to share, please send it to true@lifewriters.com

Check out True Volume 1
http://www.youthspecialties.com/product/252687
See the TRUE homepage for more info on the book and how to write for it.
http://www.lifewriters.com/true.homepage.html
=================================

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
You gotta know when to fold ’em.
Kenny Rogers sang it first. But that’s also the attitude of many counselors and researchers when it comes to the recent upswing in teenage gambling. It seems that in response to the televised popularity of high-stakes and celebrity poker, more and more young people are taking up the game. Some have set up in-home poker parlors. Others play at every opportunity at school. And the Internet makes it easy to gamble unnoticed, without being hassled by parents.

But then, many parents don’t mind their kids’ participation in poker. Some are happy to know their children are in a safe and supervised environment. Others take pride in seeing their otherwise geeky kids defeat the school’s best athletes and more popular students. Some defend poker as a means of honing math skills and decision-making. And when it’s only a $10 buy-in to participate, poker night is a cheaper evening than dinner out and a movie.

However, as you might expect, not all participants have the self-control to limit their involvement to $10. A recent survey suggests that eight percent of teenage gamblers show signs of having a gambling problem. The numbers will almost certainly grow higher as more people get involved. In response, many schools are cracking down.
As Christians, we have another consideration when it comes to gambling. We may tend to see accumulated cash, possessions and time as ours, when in fact they all belong to God. In his grace and love, God entrusts many blessings to us, which we are to oversee as stewards (managers of someone else’s property, finances or other affairs).
Many of Jesus’ parables focused on the importance of good stewardship. In one, a homeowner entrusts three servants with cash while he goes on an extended trip. Two of them worked hard to double what he gave them, which pleased the master. The third, however, buried his cash and didn’t put it to good use, which made the master irate. So it’s hard to imagine what the homeowner would have done if the servant had told him, “I’m sorry, but I lost everything you gave me in a big game of Texas Hold ’Em.”
Gambling may be a simple diversion for some people. But for others, it is a road to ruin. We’ve been taught to look for warning signs of alcohol or drug abuse, but out-of-control gambling can be just as dangerous. Warning signs include gambling longer than planned, until all money is gone or to get money for financial obligations. Additional signs are remorse, depression or losing sleep following gambling losses. Even one such sign can indicate a serious problem.

Promoters always showcase the big winners. What we don’t see are the broken homes, ruined relationships, and personal desperation of thousands of others who gamble and lose. If you’re ever tempted to score big by gambling, never forget that the odds are ALWAYS stacked against you. You can bet on it.

On your own ...

Read the parable about the master and his three servants in Matthew 25:14-30.
http://biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible?language=english&version=NLT&passage=Matthew+25%3A14-30

On a scale of 1 (lousy) to 10 (excellent), how would you rate your stewardship of the gifts and possessions God has given you? How might gambling affect that score?

2. SURF REPORT
~ National Council on Problem Gambling
If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, please get help. If you have nowhere else to go, start with this site.

http://www.ncpgambling.org

~ Disposable Income Calculator
How much disposable income do you have? If you’re serious about being a good steward of God’s money, you need to know about that kind of stuff. This is the place to find out.
http://www.disposableincome.net

3. FORGETTABLE FACT
The first VCR, made in 1956, was about the size of a piano.

4. POTENT QUOTABLES
The best throw of the dice is to throw them away.

- English proverb
Horse sense is a good judgment which keeps horses from betting on people.

- W.C. Fields
The better the gambler the worse the man.

- Publilius Syrus

5. PARTING SHOT
We have enough youth. How about a fountain of smart?

FROM: YouthSpecialties

SC3 STUDENT E-MAIL NEWSLETTER 3.14.05

SC3 STUDENT E-MAIL NEWSLETTER 3.14.05

Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Parting Shot

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INVESTIGATE THE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE THAT POINTS TOWARD A CREATOR GOD
In The Case for a Creator, journalist Lee Strobel investigates the latest scientific discoveries from physics to biology and discovers they point convincingly toward a creator God. Learn what some of today's most respected experts have to say about the birth of the universe, Darwinism and the origin of life, DNA research, and more.

http://www.youthspecialties.com/product/249775

All resources also available in your local Christian bookstore.

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1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Here's a brief reflection on the song "Be Love" by Plus One:

"Well, if you need love,
Take time and be love,
Breathe it out create love,
See how things can turn."

Do you want to know a sure-fire cure for the blues? Be kind to someone, especially someone who doesn't deserve it. It may sound strange, but it is a biblical principle:

"Don't be misled. Remember that you can't ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow! Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit" (Galatians 6:7-8).

If you are feeling lonely, forgotten or just plain discouraged, take the day that the Lord has given you and invest a few hours of it in helping someone else. When you do this, when you are kind to others, when you intentionally go out of your way to be a blessing to someone else, you are fighting evil.

"Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good" (Romans 12:21).

And when you are aggressively kind, God takes notice:

"Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free" (Ephesians 6:7-8).

So go on an all-out offensive against depression: be good to someone who doesn't deserve it and who can never pay you back for it. By doing that, you will be imitating Jesus, showing grace and mercy to others. And when you are like him, you will "be love."
(Suzy C.)

Daily Reflections from Solid Sounds, copyright 2005 The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. (Solid Sounds). Used by permission. To receive daily Reflections by e-mail or to read on-line, visit: http://www.solidsounds.org

2. SURF REPORT

~ Flicker Rocks
What's it like to have your own Christian record label? If you like Christian music, you're going to love this article.
http://www.family.org/teenguys/breakmag/features/a0034670.html

~ The Flying Elvi
They dress like Elvis. They jump out of planes. And they have their own web site. Just thought you'd like to know.
http://www.flyingelvi.com

3. FORGETTABLE FACT

All spiders are cannibals.

4. POTENT QUOTABLES

Be kind to unkind people--they need it the most.
- Unknown

An instant of pure love is more precious to God and the soul, and more profitable to the church, than all other good works together, though it may seem as if nothing were done.
- John of the Cross

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
- Aesop

5. PARTING SHOT

Consciousness: That annoying time between naps.

FROM: YouthSpecialties

New Dorms to begin @ BBC

"The Future is NOW at BBC!

You are an essential part of the picture!

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We have talked about this for years and now we are ready to begin. . . .



Boise Bible College plans to begin construction of a new residence hall approximately May 2nd 2005! The footings and the foundation walls should be poured in mid-May. We will then need to rough in plumbing for 14 bathrooms prior to pouring the concrete floor. We are looking for 3 or 4 plumbers who will volunteer their labor to help with this project.



This is a huge project; Phase one alone is 21,000-square feet! We realize that we will have to contract some of the work outside, but would like to keep the costs down by using as many volunteers as possible. We have had some materials donated and many hours of volunteer labor already committed. I have come out of retirement myself to live in Boise and be the acting Project Manager for as long as it takes to finish this much needed project.



Before we get a contractor involved, we would like to know who would be interested in volunteering and/or bidding for: Plumbing, Sprinkler System, Heating and Air Conditioning, Electrical, Framing, Roofing, Finish Carpentry, etc. if you or anyone in your church is interested in volunteering or bidding please contact me at BBC by March 29th.



We have much to plan and coordinate as this vision becomes a reality. If you are interested or know of someone we should contact, especially for the early projects of plumbing, we are planning a meeting for the week of March 28th to go over the plans and discuss what is involved. We have some housing available on campus and can accommodate RV’s for extended stays in Boise.



Please call or e-mail me or leave a message with Janet Colburn at BBC at 376-7731 so we can coordinate a meeting date and time.



Thanks for partnering with Boise Bible College to train ministers!



Boise Bible College

Marv Bullock, Project Manager

mmbullock@juno.com

253-564-4053 (home)

253-686-1678 (cell)



Janet Colburn – 208-376-7731"

CHRIS ROCK VS. THE ABORTION CULTURE" by Matt Kaufman

If God can use Balaam's donkey to make a point, He can use anyone. Even Chris Rock. Read about it in "CHRIS ROCK VS. THE ABORTION CULTURE" by Matt Kaufman

http://www.boundless.org/regulars/kaufman/a0001022.html

Mo is fired?

Quote from: The Light Side by Bob Lochner in today's Oregoninan

"[Liz] Robbins concluded: "Cheeks' defining act in Portland showed his class and provided the Blazers with a prideful image. Before a home playoff game in the first round against the Dallas Mavericks in April 2003, Natalie Gilbert, 13, forgot the words while singing the national anthem. Cheeks walked onto the court, whispered the words, then sang with Natalie, encouraging the crowd to join in for a touching moment replayed throughout the country.

"The Blazers' job description for the next coach is not likely to ask for a singing voice.

"Reflecting on his national anthem save, Cheeks said after the moment, 'I wish I could help some of my players like that.' Wednesday, it seemed like a fitting epitaph to his time in Portland."

______

Cory says:
Trailblazers: My favorite b-ball team makes another poor decision. In the last 10 years they seem to me to be making one bad decision after another. The Jail-blazers baffle me.

All the bad personalities (read "criminals") they've hired over the years and sending away the class acts like Mo and Brain Grant a few years ago. What are they thinking?

Bob Lochner in the rest of his article writes that Mo will have plenty of opportunities in the NBA because he is well respected as a coach. The rest of the NBA according to him are shaking their heads at the Blazers. Why don't the Blazers see that?

"I think Maurice was well-liked," Abdur-Rahim(player) said. "I think guys are going to miss him. Even the guys who don't think they'll miss him will look back and miss him. A lot of his problems stemmed from things he couldn't control. He had to try to get guys to buy into roles that he felt he had to make them play."

"He helped me get to where I am today," [Zach] Randolph said. "That's all I'm going to say right now."

MySpace.com

http://profiles.myspace.com/users/7870227

Cory Harding prayer - check out the website too.

Cory Harding spoke at our MS Winter Camp a couple years ago.

A call for your prayers...

On Monday night, Cory got really cold, full body chills and went from a normal temp to 104.9 in 30 minutes. He got sick to his stomach and fully lost control of his left side. We took him to St. Luke's and he was admitted and is still there tonight. After chest x-rays, MRI, and lots more tests, they determined that he has pneumonia. His MRI showed no change from Feb 11, which is a good thing. He has slowly started to regain some of his left side functining as his fever has gone down. He is getting continuous IV fluids and antibiotics. They think he will be there for a few more days.

So, please pray for healing - Cory has had a rough time for the last few months with all the transfusions and now this. He was really looking forward to a break from needles as his counts were up last week, his veins need the rest. Pray that he will regain his strength and his appetite soon, and that he will get well.

For those of you in town, he is in room 480. We'll update you more later.

Thanks for your prayers!
Kate

the benefit website is up and running!
www.themelonball.com

F15 flight video

Check this 3 minute video out:

http://raf.union.rpi.edu/downloads/f18_ride.wmv

It would be so awesome to be able to do that.

Adolescent needs and parenting

WELL SAID:
“Yet the fact remains that every child needs authentic, intimate relationships with adults until he or she has completed much of the adolescent process. This responsibility cannot fall to parents alone or to teachers, who can touch individual students for a year at best. The only way we can stem the tide of the consequences of abandonment is to encourage a wide variety of adults to take part in the lives of the young. Nothing else will make a difference—not more baseball fields, more programs and events, or more job opportunities. Because the root of the issues related to contemporary adolescence has to do with leaving this age group to flounder on its own, the answer is relationships with adults who sincerely care. That is the sole need of this abandoned generation.”
—Dr. Chap Clark in Hurt:Inside the World of Today’s Teenagers (Baker Academic, 2004)

FROM:Copyright 2005 by Understanding Your TeenagerWritten by Wayne Rice. Visit us on the web at http://www.uyt.com

This statement is true and is why I am in Youth Ministry, however more and more I am concerned about today's youth because of the lack of parenting they are getting. Parents are responsible for their children's teaching and training in all areas.

Our upcoming parenting seminar (April 23) will touch on how parents need to be purposeful in helping their children be healthy physcially, mentally, emotionally (socially), and most importantly spiritually.

Boise Bible College

BBC's second semester enrollment is the highest second semester in college history.

They are having a great year. The college is very healthy and growing. Plans are moving ahead on their new buildings, including new dorms.

President Crane says, "steady progress continues at BBC where the watchwords are: be faithful to the Word of God, restore Biblical Christianity, and manage the college in the most frugal way possible."

Other Bible colleges have attempted to grow into liberal arts colleges which sometimes waters down their original purpose of teaching students to teach and preach the word. BBC continues in their orginal purpose to train people for ministry, both full-time paid ministry and volunteer ministry.

BBC PREVIEW is April, 14-16. All High School students are welcome. Make sure to sign up by March 27 for this excellent youth rally, road trip, and college visitation.

theCORE

theCORE- Reclaiming the American Teenager - was a thought provoking seminar. Those who went enjoyed the information and were truly challenged in their thinking.

I will write more later.

Robert Randolph & The Family Band

A couple nights this weekend I stayed up too late. Sunday it was the Grammys and Friday it was Austin City Limits.

On Austin City Limits was Robert Randolph & the Family Band! I first heard him on a video loop we got for our Youth Ministry last year. Talk about great music! I love it.

Description from PBS's website:
"Austin City Limits brings the unique sounds of pedal steel guitar phenomenon Robert Randolph & The Family Band to PBS. This group has been getting national attention and gaining fans for their high-energy music that fuses gospel, rock and more. "

He played back up for The Blind Boys of Alabama's 2003 album Higher Ground and played back up for them when they were on Austin City Limits in December of 2002.

You can check out some of Robert Randolph's music by going to www.robertrandolph.net/, which links you to his website.

Duck Basketball

Ducks v. Huskies

Aric got tickets and invited me to go with him. I finally got to go to a duck game at The PIT!

What an awesome game.

Before the game we were talking, I made the statement, that I thought with the talent this team has, they could beat any team in the nation.

Well ... they were playing the 11th ranked team in the nation. The Ducks led basicly from start to finish of the regualation periods. What did-them-in, was their very poor free throw shooting and that overtime period.

The Huskies have a problem with fouls and I think 3-4 of their players fouled out, however they have a deep enough bench to play a very good overtime to win the game.

But if we would have simply made those 15 foot shots. Arrgh that is aggravating.

Strange Sport #3 - Beard Growing

Discription of the 2003 Documentary:
Growin' a Beard is a documentary that follows the men of Shamrock, TX - and a hairy outsider- as they compete in the town's annual Beard Growing Contest. Since 1938, it's been a tradition in Shamrock to grow a beard from New Year's Day to St. Patrick's Day. But not just any beard - A Donegal beard. A Donegal grows along the jowl and chin with no mustache - like the Amish or Leprachaun's. Then, on the morning of St. Patrick's Day right before the big parade, they face off on Main Street Route 66 and are judged to see who has the best Donegal. In this year's contest the competition is fierce. There is Richard Smith who only enters - and wins - every 10 years. Bill Howe takes little green pills that turn his beard green. Roy Wardlow paints his green. And there is a dark horse competing. His name is Scotty McAfee. He has an amazing ability to grow hair and has finally found the contest to prove it. The DVD also comes packaged with the soundtrack performed by the Gourds.

Strange Sports #2 - Noodling

For those of you uncouth enough not to know, noodling is another word for hand-fishing, mainly for catfish, which is apparently legal in only four states: Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

A little about the 2001 documentary on the sport:
Shot on video and film, “Okie Noodling” follows three main groups of Oklahoma hand fishermen. Each one has their own take on what noodling is all about and what the secrets are. One of the noodlers has been mentioned prominently in the past, even having appeared on David Letterman, though I apparently missed that episode. They each come from very small towns in the backcountry and their passion happens to be catching giant catfish with their bare hands. One of the first shots of the film shows the self-proclaimed noodling champion up to his neck in dirty, placid river water, grimacing and then pulling to the surface a three-foot long, 35-pound catfish that has its mouth around his hand. You can also see the man’s fingers coming out the gills, which is how he gets a grip on the fish. According to the director’s commentary, this shot has elicited many a gasp from film festival crowds, and it is indeed a good way to start.

From: www.audiorevolution.com/dvd/revs/okie_noodlingp1.html 2.9.05

Also: www.okienoodling.com

Strange Sports #1 - Cup Stacking

Fast Stacker
by Amy Preston
Kit Fox eyes the 12 specially designed plastic cups in front of him. He’s practiced for countless hours for this moment. With thousands of people in the stands and hundreds of competitors next to him, he knows what he has to do.

Kit swiftly stacks the cups into what’s called a 3-6-3: where he creates a pyramid of three cups, followed by six cups and then three again. Next, he takes down each stack and builds two six-cup pyramids.

Then with lightning-quick hands, he tears down the sixes, places a cup on either side of the mat and stacks a tower of 10 cups. Without hesitation, he downstacks the big pyramid to end up just how he started — with stacks of three, six and three cups.

After his hands slap the mat, Kit looks at the clock: 8.6 seconds. (That’s about half the time you spent reading the above description.) Not his best but it earns him first place in the Cycle in the sixth-grade division and second overall out of 542 competitors at the 2004 World Cup Stacking Championships in Denver, Colorado.

“When I got my time at Worlds, I probably jumped 3 feet in the air,” Kit recalls.
First-time cycle learners complete the pattern in about 60 to 90 seconds, so Kit’s hard work has paid off.

Stacked Against Him
Looking back, Kit’s family believes it’s a miracle he can even compete in the sport of cup stacking, let alone be among the world’s best.

Kit was born with nystagmus, a condition where the eyes move rapidly back and forth without focusing.

“When he was 3 or 4 months old, we thought he was blind,” Kit’s dad, Bob, says. “His eyes would not follow or track anything.”

Before Kit turned 2, he had two eye operations. His parents were concerned about their son's ability to read or play sports. Sports are especially important to the Foxes because Kit’s older siblings excel on the playing field and his dad used to teach physical education.
While Bob was still a teacher, he introduced all of his children to cup stacking. Kit had just turned 3.

“We believe this sport has helped him,” Bob says. “Research suggests that using both sides of the body activates both sides of the brain. Kit will always have the eye condition, yet he’s the best reader in our family.”

Six years ago, Bob left the classroom and founded Speed Stacks — a company that manufactures cup stacking equipment and introduces the sport to schools and other organizations. Kit is a member of his father’s Speed Stacks demonstration team and travels around the world.

Quick as a Fox
Kit enjoys showing kids and adults how to cup stack, but he loves competing against other stackers. This year’s world championships will be hosted in Denver in April.
During competition, intense pressure combines with thousands of people watching every move. “Having faith in myself and God takes away some of my nervousness,” Kit says. “I say a prayer or two before competitions.”

Once he steps out to compete, Kit drowns out the audience and focuses on what he has to do.
Kit adds that his relationship with Christ has helped him persevere and accomplish unimaginable things in his life, including cup stacking.

“He’s encouraged me to keep doing stuff — like reading and basketball,” Kit says.
For more information on Speed Stacks go to www.speedstacks.com. To find out about the World Cup Stacking Championships visit www.worldcupstackingassociation.org

Kit’s Corner Hometown: Denver, Colorado Siblings: Brennan, 14, and Emmy, 17. Emmy holds the world record in the cycle and 3-6-3 with times of 7.43 and 2.72 seconds respectively. (World records must be set during competition.) Favorite subjects: Literature and social studies Hobbies: Football, basketball and reading. Church: Cherry Hills Community Church Favorite Bible story: Noah and the ark. “It just tells how people were cruel and God used Noah to save things,” Kit says. Media appearances: “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” TV show and many local news stations Places traveled: All across the United States, England and Australia.

Stack Facts Want to cup stack but don’t think you have the skill? Regardless of athletic ability, Kit says anyone can cup stack — with practice, of course. “It’s challenging at the beginning,” he says. “Once you practice a lot, you get muscle memory so you can pretty much do it without thinking. It can still be difficult because you have to learn how to not fumble.” When Kit practices, he tries to go for his best time by stacking the cycle and 3-6-3 over and over again. Cup stacking not only helps eye-hand coordination, but it also teaches real-life lessons, such as: Fix your mistakes and never give up. “If you don’t fix your fumbles,” Kit explains about making mistakes or having cups fall, “your time doesn’t count or you get a penalty. You never give up until you get it right.”
Copyright © 2005 Focus on the Family.All rights reserved. International copyright secured.(800) A-FAMILY (232-6459)

FROM: http://www.clubhousemagazine.com/truelife/interviews/A0001203.cfm 2.8.05

Hollywood Politics - Interesting article/interview on why Hollywood is the way its.

http://frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=15455

"Today, many Hollywood celebrities use their fame to air their Leftist political views. Johnny Depp whines about America and lives in France. Sean Penn travels to Iraq to provide sound bites for Saddam. America is attacked and Tim Robbins, Susan Sarandon, and Janeane Garofalo attack America as the root cause of anti-American hate. Michael Moore produces a propaganda film for the enemy and the cinema community gives him an award.
A few very brave entertainment industry figures who still appreciate their country and what it represents have stood up to the crowd..."

FROM: FrontPageMagazine.com

Baby

Have you heard?

Lori and I are having another baby!

August 10 is the expectant due date. We will not know the gender of the child for a couple months. Lori is fairly sure its another boy. Either is cool with me but it would be fun to have a girl, too.

Names ... we have some ideas, but you may share your thoughts on names here. Your suggestions are welcomed and will be considered.

Boise Bible College Update eNewsletter

The Future is NOW at BBC!
This is a “regular” e-mail update to keep churches and friends informed and in the know!
February 2, 2005

For the last 60 years the Mission of Boise Bible College has been:
To raise up a leadership for the Lord’s church by:
Preparing students for full-time Christian ministry;
Preparing students to serve as Christian leaders;
Preparing all students with spiritual enrichment.


· GOOD NEWS: Student Count is up for second term! In fact this is the highest spring semester student count in history! Most colleges including BBC usually have a lower count the second semester. We had 14 new students for spring plus some students returned that had taken time off.

· Mission Emphasis is the week of February 7th. We will have special chapels each day featuring speakers emphasizing the breadth of missions work, locally, throughout our own country and around the world. It promises to be both inspirational and informative.

· Speaking of Missions - Our business manager Mark Stevens and the Eagle Christian Church Praise Team are headed to the Hunan Province in China February 23rd through March 9th. They will do a series of concerts in schools, universities and various settings. Pray for them as they travel and that through music, word and deeds they will be able to share Jesus with the Chinese people.

· Building Expansion Update: We had an excellent meeting with the architects, design engineers and our electrician this week. Plans for our expansion are moving ahead quickly. Packets of information are in the process of being sent out to our supporting churches. We had two churches this last month that agreed to support a dorm room @ $12,000 each. One church is sending an additional $200 per month for the next five years and the other has agreed to send in the full $12,000 now. Praise God for this commitment to training leaders for ministry! If you need more information on how you can help, contact our Development Office.

· President of BBC, Dr. Crane is excited about the record number of applications already received for next year. He is thankful for the generous gifts from our supporters and anxious to find room for all the students next year. His words, “We must build now to have room for all those interested in studying to become ministers. Please consider a gift to Boise Bible College.”

· The music group “Crossing Guards” were at Capital City Christian Church and at Buhl First Christian Church in January. In February they are scheduled to be at Mini-Cassia Christian Church in Heyburn Idaho, First Christian Church in Emmett Idaho, First Christian Church in Dayton Washington and in Lewiston Idaho at Orchard Christian Church.

Recommended books for youth and children leaders from Bill Krause, Children’s and Youth Professor:
Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions by Barna
Family-Based Youth Ministry by DeVries
Leadership & Self-Deception by the Arbinger Institute


· BBC men start the basketball season well . . . we have two teams playing in the local men’s church league. They started the season playing against each other and in a well played game the white team scored more than the blue team. The second week saw both teams winning. Thanks to Professor Dale Cornet acting as coach for about the 25th straight year! New comer David Davolt is helping “coach” the white team.

Thanks for your Partnership with Boise Bible College, together we are making a difference as the world sees and hears the Good News of Jesus through our collective efforts.
David Davolt
Director of Development

Check out our web site: http://www.boisebible.edu/

Consider Setting up a Gift Annuity for Boise Bible CollegeA “Gift Annuity” is an excellent method to plan your future and provide a generous gift to Boise Bible College. A gift of $10,000 will provide a fixed income to the giver for their lifetime. The rates vary with age - @ 80 years old you would receive 8% annually or $800 @ 65 years old you would receive 6% or $600 annually. There are substantial tax benefits the year the gift is given and some savings each year there after. Your gift is another method to provide for educating ministers for the future. It is always best to check with your tax advisor or accountant to take full advantage of all tax benefits.

(If for any reason you do not wish to receive this update or have another e-mail that we should use – notify by return e-mail.)

Ray - the movie

Lori and I got to go see a movie on Friday. Lori's folks offered to watch our boys, so we went to a $1.50 movie and dinner (Applebee's).

There are several movies I have been wanting to see, Ray being one of them.

I found the movie to be completely depressing. From his childhood tragedies to being abused and being taken advantage of and being lied to, to him abusing and taking advantage and lying to others. Add on top of that heroin addiction and not being there for his wife and kids.

It was depressing because such a musical genius has such a depressing life and caused pain and agony to others to get to where he ended up.

Some bright spots included him standing up to segregation in Georgia and him finally kicking his debilitating heroin addiction but his freedom from heroin didn't come till the end of the film (the film ends in the mid to late 1970s).

It would have been nice to see his life post-heroin. Did he become more dedicated to his family? Or did the extra-martial affairs continue? Did he ever spend quality time with his kids?

Jamie Foxx did a good job of portraying Charles. However, the Charles I remember seeing later in his life seemed to have more personality ... more life. But maybe that was the older post-heroin Charles. Or maybe the dark movie made me dislike the big screen Charles and want the cheery happy Ray Charles I recall seeing performing on the small screen.

God Forgives. VISA Does Not -Part 1 - By Drew Dyck

In the movies reckless addictions lead to spectacular, climactic explosions: a brutal accident, a fistfight, a dramatic confrontation. So I was a little surprised when my addiction ended quietly; just me holding a steaming chilidog and a super Big Gulp while a line of people behind me shuffled restlessly.

“I’m sorry,” whispered the teen-ager behind the counter, shaking her head, “this isn’t going through.” I squinted and feigned confusion. She raised her voice. “Your credit card isn’t working.” My faced flushed. I smiled weakly at the onlookers, surrendered my chilidog and slinked out the door.

Skulking across the parking lot, a scene flashed before my mind’s eye like a fuzzy dream bubble in a soap opera. The scene was from a year before. The location was the bank near my college. After opening a checking account the lady asked me nonchalantly, “Would you like a Visa with that?” It was like she was offering me fries with my burger or ice cream with my cake. It was so casual. I didn’t even think to decline.

It was my first day of college. I had just registered for the fall term classes, moved into a room on campus and waved goodbye to my parents. My world was changing so rapidly that I hardly noticed when the little plastic creature slipped into my wallet.

At first having the card was pure bliss: fully financed trips to the mall, late-night junk food runs. “Who wants pizza? I’ve got it covered,” I’d boast. I’d whip the card out of my pocket like a gunslinger drawing his weapon. Initially the minimum monthly payment was negligible so I kept trucking. And once I reached my first limit I was rewarded with a new goal!

I had met with a new breed of pleasure. I was experiencing the joy of buying without the pain of spending. I had always hated passing bright, crisp bills into the hand of a stranger. I would imagine the faces on the bills frowning up at me as they slid across the cashier’s counter. “Bye, bye, poorer master.”

But this was just plastic! Of course I wasn’t quite dumb enough to believe I wasn’t being charged. Alas it turns out that the mind is no match for the senses, because I kept going.
After my public humiliation at the convenience store, I received the fateful statement; the one telling me I’d gone several hundred dollars beyond my limit. Suddenly they were demanding the minimum payment plus the overage. The introductory 9% A.P.R. disappeared like a toupee in a windstorm. In its place was by a blistering 21%. The honeymoon was over.

It was a tough lesson for a freshman, one that stretched out for three years as I struggled to pay down the balance. But I learned from it. Now a hard-bitten grad student I know better. The financial perils of student life led me to take extreme measures to avoid unnecessary debt. My two credit cards (with low balances and interest rates) are suspended in a massive block of ice and buried deep in the freezer. The addiction is not dead. I still feel their pull. Occasionally I peak in on them. They seem to call to me from their icy graves, like cryogenically frozen bodies yearning for a second life. “I’m sorry,” I mouth tenderly through the frigid vapors. “It’s not you. It’s me.” I show new credit applications absolutely zero compassion. They are automatically consigned to the shredder.

My credit card addiction got the better of me. But I’m not alone. More than ever young people are burdened with debt. In it’s recent report, “Generation Broke: The Growth of Debt Among Young Americans,” Demos, a nonpartisan, nonprofit research organization found that among 18-24 year olds:

the average credit card debt load rose 104 percent from 1992 to 2001; compared to only 55 percent among other age groups.

71 percent make only the minimum payment, carrying their balances over every month.

a quarter of every dollar earned is spent on debt payments.

(contined next blog...)

God Forgives. VISA Does Not -PART 2 By Drew Dyck

Why are 20-somethings — especially college students — so prone to debt? Tight budgets make credit cards tempting; they also make paying them off difficult. Add to that skyrocketing tuition costs, increased cost of living and corporations who aggressively peddle credit cards on campuses and you’ve got lots of stories like mine.

Thankfully, we’re not without help. There are lots of resources to help avoid or escape financial trouble. Here are just a few:

“Controlling the Credit Card Beast,” by Todd Temple.
“Self-control key to managing credit card debt in college,” by Sandra Block.
Credit and Debt Advice from youngmoney.com.
Advice for students from smartmoney.com.

Yet for many, runaway debt is about more than fiscal ineptitude; the problem often stems from an inability to curb excessive spending.

Of course popular culture only fuels the spending impulse. Flip through the channels, leaf through a magazine or glance at a billboard. The message is the same: Consuming products (often expensive and superfluous) will make you happy.

But like most messages the culture sends, this one turns out to be a lie. Any happiness from consumerism is fleeting at best. The result of rampant spending looks nothing like the blissful depictions offered by advertisers. The real story is considerably less cheery. It involves angry creditors, harassing phone calls, repossessions, eviction notices and long hours at work. That’s the true picture of undisciplined spending – the ugly enslavement of debt.

Fortunately the Bible provides a very different model of money management. And thankfully I tuned into it before debt ran away with me. It says our money doesn’t belong to us; it belongs to God. He merely entrusts us as stewards and expects us to conduct our financial affairs with that in mind. And (just a hunch) I don’t think that involves spending money we don’t have on things we don’t need. I guess God cares about small things – even if they’re only three inches long and a millimeter thick. He cares about how we use them because He loves us. He wants us to be free from consumerism and debt so we’re free to live for Him.

I wouldn’t recommend running up credit card debt to learn lessons (there are less painful ways to learn), but my experience did teach me a couple valuable things:

First, God forgives. Visa does not.

No matter what stupid things we do, God stands ready to forgive, to return our balance to zero — even when we’ve treated the things that are really His as though they are ours.

VISA has no such concept of mercy. I know they seem nice in the commercials, but they’re not. They didn’t care one iota about my deep contrition and sincere repentance. In fact their customer service reps found my confession and pleas for mercy “strange and inappropriate.” (Sigh) I guess some people just don’t understand grace.

Copyright © 2005 Drew Dyck. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.

LINKS

So...I've added a bunch of links over on my sidebar. Check'm out. I'll be adding more later.

NYLC REPORT

The following blogs are my report from the National Youth Leaders Conference 2005. It is wordy and some of it is still in note form (incomplete sentances). If you want any clarification on any of the notes just let me know.

CIY's National Youth Leaders Convention - Joplin, MO Sunday-Monday night

I had a great time in Joplin this year, every year CIY does a great job of putting together a conference that is refreshing and rewarding and challenging. The speakers and seminar leaders did a great job of passing on information and encouraging the youth workers assembled. There were just over 300 workers this year, which makes one wonder why more don’t make the trip. CIY is certainly trying to figure that out, I heard that if they did not have more than 300 they would not be doing the conference in 2006.

For this report I am going to go day by day through the highlights of the convention.

On the weekends I stayed with Larry, Heather, and Klarissa Osborn and Joe Presler (and the first weekend Aaron Earlywine and Jeff Nichols) at Greg and Susan Murdock’s home. They have 6 kids who are all home schooled. Very nice family with a large house (4000 sq ft). Greg is CEO of College Press Publishing.

During the week I roomed with Aaron, Jeff, Ben Smith, and Bill Krause. I shared a car with Aaron and Jeff.

Sunday we went to College Heights Christian Church (CHCC) a church of about 1500. We attended the 8:00 AM contemporary service in the church gym. Their interim youth minister (Beau Hamlin) spoke at all 5 services this Sunday. At 9:30 Joe, Aaron, Jeff and I attended the "Espresso Class." This was a introduction to the church that met at the coffee cart in the “Hospitality Center in the Auditorium Foyer.” We heard a short history of the church, took a tour of the building, and learned about the core values of the church and how to get involved. I picked up a newsletter, bulletin, and missions newsletter if you are interested in learning more about this church. Also at http://www.chcchurch.org/.

Beau Hamilin's message (from John 4) was about being able to trust God, even after the Tsunami of the previous week. “The world will see a trustworthy God – when they see a trustworthy people”

IDEA: The preschool department had video monitoring in each of the classes, which was shown on a TV in the check-in counter (it was angled so that both attendant and parents could view the monitor). The check-in counter had locked doors so no one could enter without permission from the attendant.

IDEA 2: The whole church studies the same book of the Bible. They are on a 4-6 year plan of going through the Bible. I got a sample of their plan.

Monday night Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Ministries spoke (http://www.marshillchurch.org/). He leads (and he is definitely a leader) a ministry that reaches out to the post-christian culture in Seattle.
Highlights from his message: The Gospel- is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…we need to teach Jesus. The Culture- We are to be involved in our culture as missionaries. The Church- Christ gave Himself up for the Church. He died for the Church. The Church is His bride. Do talk bad about His Church and don’t let others talk bad about His Church.

Goals for his students: Be Christian – Love God and Love the Church…Be Missionaries – Love your neighbor.

Three things to do: 1. Critique the media – don’t avoid it but evaluate it. Teach students to think. What does God think? Help teenagers to learn to critique. He reads teen magazines and discusses the false gospels and false heavens portrayed by the contemporary culture. 2. Teach them to love the church. 3. Train them to love the Jesus of the Bible. Its about Him! When He teaches He shows how the OT points to Him. Take them to Jesus. Not the Jesus the world sets up but the Jesus of the Bible who is victorious, king and lord!

After the main session there was a Q&A time with Mark Driscoll.
-He talked about Pastor Dads – in each home dad is to be pastor to the family.
-There method of study is that the whole church studies the same book of the Bible. Sermon, small groups, Children, Youth, and Pastor Dads all have lessons from the same book of the Bible.
-Their church meetings progress like the gospel message. 1. Preparation – 1-3 songs. 2. Presentation of the message 3. Decision time. 4. Communion. 5. Celebration – longer worship in song.
-Their intro to Christianity/church class is 10 weeks in length.

CIY's National Youth Leaders Convention - Joplin, MO - Tuesday

Tuesday morning Matt Proctor gave the early Bible sermon from the book of Titus. “AquaChurch: How to Turn a Leaky Boat into a Tight Ship.”

Tuesday Morning main session Mark DeVries (Youth Ministry Architects and author of Family Friendly Youth Ministry). That was after the Robbie Seay band lead some good worship music and Tim Jones did some funny stuff. They were both at each main session.
He talked about being “stuck.” Not knowing what to do next. He had some good insights on Youth Ministry. Some highlights:
In their research they have found 4 Normals in Youth Ministry:
1. YM usually consists of 10% of church attendance
2. 1 full-time youth worker for every 50 kids.
3. 1 volunteer for every active kid.
4. $1000 budgeted for every active kid.

He recommended the book The E Myth.
He challenged us to every week spend some time not doing ministry but working on ministry. [i.e. vision casting, etc.]
1. Have a directory – know your kids
2. Have clear expectations on how many kids I am expected to engage in ministry on a regular basis.
3. Have a staff and budget that matches expectations.
4. Have a year calendar.
5. Have weekly volunteers recruited and trained.
6. Curriculum picked and designed for a year.

Pay attention to what’s below the water. Character, heart, soul – “am I rearranging deck chairs when the boat may be sinking?” Students want a YM with a true relationship with Jesus. What’s below the water is what counts!
Mentors are needed to get you unstuck.
Prov 14.4 – ministry will be messy!
Messiness is not the same as sloppiness!

Tuesday seminar #1 – Gil Gilchrist “How to Quit “Dealing” With Parents”
Become family friendly. Work together with church staff to make the church family friendly. Overlap events. Plan camps at the same time to not tie up families so much during the summer. “I am family friendly”, let it be known. [Move Youth Church to Sunday mornings to be family friendly].
Respect time and money of families.
Communicate: e-mail, phone, mail, call-in line, blog…
Local mission projects are always family service projects. No longer youth or adult but family opportunities.
Parent meetings once a quarter. Give out 3X5 cards for notes, questions, and to write down events they want to volunteer to help with. Ask for help. Share calendar and ministry vision. Do a follow up letter to all parents with three main things talked about. Utilize parents – subs, cooks, hosts, driver, pray’ers, sm. group leaders.
Parent Forums – Not lead but facilitated. Round circle discussions. Hot topics – media, dress code… give them the topics at least 2 weeks in advance-send out an article or short paper on the topic. Have an expert – bring statistics, quotes, and 5+questions to get the discussion going. Have a goal for the meeting – even set policies [or work on them].

Tuesday seminar #2 – Tim Gray “Growing and Caring for Adult Volunteers”
How not to recruit: Don’t make YM sound easy, don’t guilt trip people, don’t lie, don’t recruit anyone who will show up to teach MS, don’t settle.
How to recruit: Start with general recruitment (bulletin, NL, preacher announcement), then speak to people one-on-one, do basic training (101- about YM, what and why 201- helpful hints for YM 202- character qualities-requirements), be prepared, be professional – good presentation, respect them, respect their time.
People to look for: dream sponsor – plays guitar and does sports too, older youth, old people, parents- look good in their eyes-communicate.
Move them into ministry: Don’t dump them in- move them in slowly, allow them to sit in class for a few weeks, then quip them, recruit them to be mentors-sit with youth, get to know names, contact ministry, be gentle, check with kids-ask them often about everything-they will have good ideas, check with staff and elders first before recruiting for key positions.
After recruited: Treat them like gold!, train them-www.pikeplacefish.com video-make it fun, book Seven Check Points, by Standley, recruit for Ministry Leaders- Church- music, tech, speakers, Guest services-greeting, follow-up, Small Groups, Large Group Events.
Books for Volunteers:
Help…I’m a HS Sponsor
Help…I’m a Small Group Leader
Help…I’m a Volunteer Group Worker
Help…I’m a Sunday School Teacher
How Not to Lead a Small Group
How to Recruit and Train Youth Volunteers

Play together with you volunteers- game nights, etc.

In between sessions I talked with the College Press representative about their new full church curriculum. It is a 6-Year through the Bible study coming out in Fall of 2006. It will be on computer disk and very affordable.

Tuesday night Matt Proctor spoke – “A White Water Faith” from Matt 14.22-32. Peter is the first ordinary man to walk on water. Those still in the boat are of the “legions of unjazzed.” This, a quote from a famous surfer (Phil Edwards) who spoke about the challenge of catching the perfect wave. Those who stay on the beach are of the legions of the unjazzed, living boring lives without faith. He also said, “there is a need in all of us for controlled danger.”
1. There is always a call – God is calling us to take risks.
2. There is always a fear
3. There is always a promise – “fear not” is in the Scriptures 366x
4. There is always a decision
5. There is always a reward

CIY's National Youth Leaders Convention - Joplin, MO - Wednesday

Wednesday morning Dan Kimball spoke on “Waves of Change.”
[He is the author of the book Emerging Church which Scott Simons bought last summer, read and passed on to me and Tom. Then I bought two more copies for key leaders read.]
Culture effects people – people live in culture.
Matt 9.36-38 – Jesus had compassion for the people.
Why do so many 18-30 year olds leave the church after HS graduation?
Modern Era- Judeo-Christian society
-Church got stuck in the 1940s-1950s-1960s
-Para-church organizations sprung up to fill the gap.
-People left churches because they were not connecting
-1980s churches became “seeker-sensitive” and have successfully reached out to many of the disenfranchised former church goers.
Post Christian Era
-Under 30 year olds don’t align with the Judeo-Christian worldview and Christian values.

Observations:
Everyone is not in alignment with the Judeo-Christian God.
Judges 2.11
Book: A New Religious America, by Eck. “Most Christian leaders remain unaware.”
BOARD GAME: “Enlighten: For Seekers. Age 12 and Up.” It’s for all religious seekers and explores several religions.
The Christian Subculture. [Christian ghetto]
There is an openness to spiritual things.
Kabbalah – an ancient faith that is growing in popularity.
Christianity is an ancient mysterious faith.
On the street interview: “What comes to your mind when you hear the name Jesus?” “What comes to your mind when you hear the name Christian?”

While in the rental car we were listening to the Apologetix Greatest Hits double CD that was given to us FREE. Some impressive songs. They are talented musicians.

Question: Ask: What do we need to do/change to change our meeting time?
Ask = Aric, DJ, Scott, Tom, Patrick, et al

Wednesday seminar #1 Dan Kimball Emerging Worship
*see handout
Isn’t worship more than singing and preaching? Why do we get together? His outline:
1. Why things are changing – some history on modern seekers v. post-Christian seekers
2. How we see truth proclaimed with more than only words and music [in the Bible]
3. Some thoughts about learning in the Church – learning styles differ among adults, too.
4. Creative worship expression beyond preaching and singing.
A. Prayer
B. Scripture
C. Sacred space
What emotions, feelings, and connections does our architecture convey?
D. Music
It’s not a performance! Should the band be the focal point?
E. Spoken word
F. Fine arts
G. Interactive prayer stations.
H. Visuals
I. Video
5. Putting together a whole worship experience
6. A closing word

Wednesday seminar #2 Darrel Mansfield Depression
Bio: Gentle Faith Band – Calvary Chapel –moving to Salem – Elsenor Theater
1971 Depression – attempted suicide
Has 7 kids
2001 Attempted suicide - Mental hospital for 2 years

Determined a “Depressive Episode” 2x in his life – not chronic illness
Used hospital stay (2 yrs) as a divine appointment. Studied all he could about
mental illness. In group sessions and teaching videos. Classes. Going to write
about a book about experiences.

www.darrellmansfield.net

Spiritual Whimp? – Second class citizen of heaven? No, mental illness – the Brain is an organ
– it is an illness. It gets sick.

Church members in mental hospital what can church do?
-Show you care and are there for them. Phone calls, letters, visit.

Find out who Christian doctors, psychologist, counselors are in area to refer people.

Wednesday Night Dan Kimball spoke at the main session.
Illustration: the Ramones - Disco, glam-rock. They stayed true to their mission. They were extremely passionate to their mission = punk. They were extremely knowledgeable of other genres. Bono said, “With out the Romones there would be no U2.”
Look at what Jesus said and how it applies to us.

Matthew 9:36-38

Matthew 10:16 – sheep with wolves...be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Snakes- Wise - thinkers not just responders. Ask a lot of us. Which battles to take up.
Be observant – Watch what’s going on. Sit, watch and observe what’s going on in culture.
Why do thy get so excited on Mexico mission trips? Ask them.
“I get to serve God.” Why are missions always somewhere else?
Aralcatnas – Santa Clara

Psalms 78:72

Darrel Mansfield and Eric Turner concert Wednesday night rocked! They must be two of the best blues musicians alive. I purchased a CD. I also have two earlier cassettes of Mansfield’s.

On both Tuesday & Wednesday nights Aaron, Ben, Jeff and I went to the open-gym to play basketball at CHCC until after midnight.

CIY's National Youth Leaders Convention - Joplin, MO - Thursday

Thursday morning main session speaker was Brian McClaren.
Illustrations:
-Champion Wave Riders
-1998 Floods in Honduras, 100 in of rain in one week, river changed its course.
-Change in Europe and the church 300 -1500
-Picture of turtle with Gatorade ring around hits middle. She was fertile, laid eggs, figure 8, babe of all turtles, destructive image, freed to have a future.

1. Choose your wave wisely!
Changes worth going for – some waves too big others too small.
Which are right for jumping on to ride.

2. Know the Sweet Spot!
Each wave has right place and time to jump on.
Disciples of Jesus! What I want and what I want for my students.
Community of disciples.

3. Expect to fall sometimes!
Falling and getting up again.
Discipleship is along series of failures in the direction of obedience.

4. Watch out for sharks!
External sharks – some people are dangerous to be around.
Internal sharks – Stress, addiction, pride, greed, and fear.

5. Have some good mentors!
Hebrews 13,7,17

6. Never surf alone!
The value of lifelong friends
How to find friends… be friendly.

7. Keep your balance!
Love God!
Love your neighbor!
Befriend yourself – Don’t let your job eat up your life.

There is a lot of change out there.
But Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
He doesn’t change but rides the waves better than any.


CIY Missions Free Pizza lunch on Thursday
-Tsunami SE Asia 300,000+ may die. These countries are made up of the 3 most un-churched people groups – Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist.

If your mature committed/mature enough to be a Christian, your
you’re mature/committed enough to be a missionary. If you’re not
committed enough to be a missionary, you’re not ready(?) to be a
Christian because in the Bible they’re the same thing.

Thursday seminar #1 Gil Gilchist Vision Casting
* See Handout
Highlighted thoughts:
What are your dreams for your ministry?
How do you currently communicate your dreams?
How do others “fit” in your dreams?

Biblical Thoughts:
1. You can only lead where you’ve been
2. Servanthood with a vision
3. Help your team win with coaching

Set aside a Prayer and Planning day once a month. A full 8 hour day. Schedule it on the calendar. Make it a priority. [Possibly coordinate this with CORE?]

What should I have a vision for? Outreach, missions (4 year plan?), church, small groups, leader development, discipleship, classes, etc.

How do I get people to buy into my vision? Start with small, sure wins (Guiliani). Understand your skills – surround yourself with people with opposite skills.

Over communicate your vision. Keep it simple. Communicate it to parents, coaches, student leaders, [and to students].

What is our main thing (Ethos according to McManus). What is our hill to die on? What is the distinguishing character or disposition of our group?
How about being and making disciples – Loving God – Loving others.

For events know: What, why, & how – and know how to explain it clearly.

Thursday seminar #2 Steve Johnson Object Lessons-Illusions (magic tricks)
* See Handout that shows in detail how to do illusions for messages.

CIY's National Youth Leaders Conference - Joplin, MO - Friday

Friday Larry, Heather, Klarissa, Joe and I had lunch with Jeff Snell and family. We had a great lunch and got to hear first hand that Jeff is leaving Ozark Christian College to start a Doctorate Program at Lincoln Christian College. That information is just today being made public (1.10.05).

Mrs. Snell (Francine) offers K-5 curriculum free on CD-ROM. Email @ JSNELL@OCC.edu
Mr. Snell (Jeff) is taking a position at Lincoln this summer 6/05 to begin a doctoral program and to be its Dean.

Friday afternoon we stopped by to CHCC (http://www.chcchurch.org/) to pick up information on their through the Bible curriculum and had a chance to talk to Randy Gariss. He let us know about his new marriage counseling DVD out this last week. He told us we could buy for $39.00 if we mention him at Good News Productions. We went to GNPI and bought copies for our churches.
IDEA: Use for premarital counseling – team up pre-marital couples with married couples to go through DVD.

IDEA: encourage SCCC to go with a whole church curriculum of going through the Bible. This came up four times during my week. Mark Driscoll (Mars Hill Ministries), CHCC – Rick Bushnell), Francine Snell, and College Press curriculum. Look into Mrs. Snell’s curriculum.

Ford GR-1

From the 2005 North American International Car Show. Ford concept GR-1 by Shelby. The hand-polished body of the Shelby GR-1 concept car sparkled under the lights at the auto show in Detroit. The vehicle is based on Ford's GT supercar and is powered by 605-horsepower V10.

Picture by: Mark J. Terrill / AP

Marriage Break up - Brad & Jennifer

Brad and Jennifer have broke up ... sad isn't it. Hollywood's prince and princess.

With no foundation in Truth it must be hard to make it work.
It is probably hard with all the travel and long hours that Hollywood requires.

God hates divorce-Malachi 2.16. We are to be reminded that as Christians we are to carefully marry. Definitely not outside the faith. 2 Corinthians 6.14 - "Be not bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship light with darkness?"

Notice, even in context, this applies to more that just marriages, too. As Christians we are not to be bound to non-Christians. Business relationships, contractual relationships, etc.

Ford - Dodge - Chevy

As many of you know I am a hard-core FORD guy. My dream vehicle is the one I own (early Ford Bronco). Sure a Ford GT would be fun and all but its not something I would want to own.

As I think about the current American car manufactures I find something very interesting. Chrysler/Dodge has been leading the way for the last several years as far as developing new and inovative cars and trucks. They came up with the mini-van with the Caravan. They created an new sports car a few years ago that has become a classic - the viper. They created the big truck fenom with the larger sized Ram Truck about 10 years ago, Ford followed and finally Chevy has too. Dodge created a good looking SUV in the Durango and their new van the Sprinter in conjunction with Frieghtliner is redefining the full-sized van. Chrysler/ Dodge is the most innovative American car manufacturer.

All this said, Chrysler/Dodge is still not making money and Ford still sells many more full-sized trucks and SUVs. Ford sold over 950,000 p/u trucks last year. That is almost a million new trucks! Even if they have followed Dodge some of the the time with their truck design, they have improved the looks of the Dodge trucks in my opinion. The new F150 is cool looking (the Tonka Truck look).

Another plug for Ford is the new Ford GT. There is not a cooler looking (nor faster) sports car out there. It is a piece of art and a machine check out.

So where does this put Chevy? Some of you say, "well they have the corvette." Yeah, so what. Nothing new. Nothing to note. Their new trucks are ugly. Think Avalanche. There is the SSR, but it really only looks good from certain angles.

So to you who vandalized my office...Chevy sucks rotten carrots.