Last Week: Cards 31 Fins 10

Ugly, Disappointing, Where's the D

Zach Smith Update

Last Saturday Zach went to the hospital for surgery on his broken leg. I forgot to mention that his leg was broken in two places. The surgery was successful and now he is in a wheelchair on campus. The doctors had to put a steel rod in his leg for the bones to heal correctly and Zach told me that that would take about 3 months. Hmm.. ironic I know a kid who was on crutches for three months. I really respect this kid, every time I see him or talk to him I am inspired and I want to do everything in my power to help him out. Continue to lift Zach up in your prayers!!

Fire On The Altar

Well It's been a busy week with lots of school, homework, and soccer and little sleep. It's been so awesome though I can't complain. Well this week was the first official week for "Fire on the Altar." Do you know what that means? Of course not! But don't worry I'll be glad to tell you. Every Tuesday evening on my dorm room floor Culby 16, from 10:30 to midnight we have what is called "Fire on the Altar." My RA (Residence Assistant) led the first night of it and it was incredible. It's a night devoted to confession and repentance....... Yea I know. I was so pumped cause coming here you already think that everyone is so super spiritual, but it was one of the most significant moments of my walk with Christ. This whole event kind of circulates of the passage of scripture in Daniel 9. I'm not going to post it cause I really want you to dive in and read this passage for yourself. It's awesome and it really challenged me. It was so powerful to walk into a room of college guys weeping, and crying out to God. We prayed for brokenness and that is what happened. Guys were just confessing out loud to God and repenting right there on the spot and so many chains were broken and burdens lifted as we watched Christ do an incredible work. It's going to be a night that I never forget, and the best part about it is it's every week! On September 23 I have the chance to speak at "Fire on the Altar" so if you could be praying that would be awesome. Pray that these nights are are driven and directed by the Spirit of God and only get accomplished what God wants. Thanks Again!

2008 Predictions

Well NFL 2008 is already getting interesting

Brady out for season

It's crazy to think how much difference one guy can really make not only for just the Patriots but for the entire NFL.  I mean think about it, think about how many teams have a shot now at the playoffs since Tom Brady won't be a factor. I mean that opens the door wide open in the AFC East. But I mean teams like the Bills, Jets, Broncos, Titans, and Steelers are all gonna be there in the end. Anyway I have never that great at predicting but after watching week one heres where I stand.

My choices are made knowing that Brady is out.

AFC

East

Bills 11-5

Patriots 10-6

Jets 9-7

Dolphins 7-9

North

Steelers 11-5

Ravens 10-6

Browns 8-8

Bengals 6-10

South

Colts 12-4

Titans 11-5

Jaguars 9-7

Texans 6-10

West 

Chargers 13-3

Broncos 10-6

Raiders 6-10

Chiefs 5-11

NFC

East

Cowboys 13-3

Eagles 12-4

Giants 10-6

Redskins 7-9

North

Vikings 11-5

Bears 9-7

Packers 7-9

Lions 6-10

South

Saints 12-4

Panthers 9-7

Buccaneers 8-8

Falcons 7-9

West

Cardinals 10-6

49ers 8-8

Seahawks 6-10

Rams 4-12

AFC Playoffs

Broncos vs. Bills

Titans vs. Steelers

Broncos vs. Chargers

Steelers vs. Colts

Chargers vs. Steelers

AFC Champion

Steelers

NFC Playoffs

Giants vs.Cardinals

Eagles vs. Vikings

Giants vs. Cowboys

Eagles vs. Saints

Cowboys vs. Eagles

NFC Champion

Cowboys

Super Bowl 

Dallas Cowboys 28 Pittsburgh Steelers 17

Dolphins vs. Jets

Well what can you say Brett Favre was Brett Favre. The Dolphins are a new and way more improved team from last years squad but so are the Jets. They are just a little further along than the Dolphins and it showed in yesterdays game. The Dolphins had some key mistakes with kicking, penalties, and the secondary but for the most part I was pretty excited at how close of a game it was ha. Anyway they had mistakes and the Jets capitalized so I'm not going to take anything away from the Jets they played well but everyone has to admit the Dolphins are taking that step that they needed. 

Final Jets 20 Dolphins 14

NFL Week One Recap

I hate grabbing a paper out of the gas station or the store and reading about the predictions of the Dolphins for the year and they are always negative. So I have decided to give my personal opinions (and that's all they are is opinions) about the Dolphins and other NFL news.

2008-2009 Miami Dolphins

Lets face it the Dolphins have been trying to put something together ever since Marino left and this year is no different. They bring in a new VP of football operations, a new VP, and a new coach, and even slap on a new slogan for the year. The slogan is "A New Beginning" and lets just hope that starts soon. The Dolphins finally did something right by bringing in Bill Parcels considering the success he had with the Giants, Patriots, Jets, and Cowboys. He brought with him new head coach of the Dolphins Tony Sparano. Sparano brings an intense energy and high level of expectation this very young and still building Dolphins squad. Sparano is a perfect fit for the Dolphins in that he is incredibly challenging and works them like crazy. Along with bringing in new guys to the offices and coaching positions of the Dolphins they also grabbed nine picks in the 08 Draft to begin filling some holes. With those picks the goal of Bill Parcels was to build this team from the inside out. They did this quickly by drafting OT Jake Long and having 5 of their picks be either defensive or offensive lineman. Now lets get real the Dolphins had a ton of holes to fill before the draft that it wasn't even funny. They still needed a stud receiver, lineman (on both sides of the ball), a secondary, and not to mention a QB. Well Parcels and Sparano got right to work getting some quality picks in the draft and in the free agency acquiring NT Jason Ferguson (Cowboys), Justin Smiley (49ers), and QB Chad Pennington NYJ just to name a few. Upon bringing in Pennington the Fins already had 3 QB's fighting for the starting job. That was quickly resolved when Pennington was named the starter for the 2008 season opener vs. his old team the Jets and McCown was released. So all that being said whats my final overall thoughts for this years Dolphins. It is a new beginning and they have began to fill the right holes and are beginning to take shape towards what could eventually be a pretty darn good team. But let's not jump the gun. They are still very young with a lot of new faces on both sides of the ball. Let's take it one step at a time, I am going to predict a 7-9 season for the Fins but who know maybe they could prove me wrong. 

Zach Smith

Along with the crazy business that I have been going through these past couple of weeks I decided to join the soccer team. Moody isn't like most colleges in that they don't recruit players. So when you try out you pretty much sign away your life! Ha ha just kidding but seriously for not being a school that really excels in athletics they sure practice like they do! Anyway I was really skeptical about playing cause I really just wanted to settle down and really focus on my studies. But when I observed a team practice that was going on I knew I wouldn't be able to watch them play all season. So I decided to give it a shot and wow it's been crazy. The transition from high school soccer and college soccer is huge! When I stepped onto the soccer field for a pre season inner squad scrimmage I didn't know exactly what I was getting myself into. After the first two days of practicing I really regretted going out for the team. I was out of shape and knew no one which was even worse. But after one of our workouts a guy came up and started talking to me. This just wasn't a regular dude. His name is Zach Smith, he is a senior and has played all four years on the soccer team. When he started talking to me his "bigger vision" just blew me away. We ended up going for a walk that night in the city and he told me something that was just awesome, he said, "Yea man soccer is great, but my attitude on the field is only inspired by my walk with Christ. I just don't get pumped up for a game with anything other than being close to God." Zach was the guy that helped me with my schedule and answered any annoying question that I had. But today at our game something really aweful happened. A kid from the opposing team took a shot but kicked Zachs' leg along with taking the shot and broke Zacks' right leg. This is an incredibly strong and solid young man in his faith, keep him in your prayers.

Week One: Humility

When I first walked onto the Moody Bible Institute campus I think I made a false accusation. I thought I would just walk right on campus and everything would just flow.

........ I was humbled. After going to some of my orientation classes I realized that I was with some of the most intellectual theologians around. At times I feel I don't even belong by being around such Bible geniuses. I just felt overwhelmed with the professors using such huge words, and me feeling like the only one who didn't understand. I am going to be completely blunt. Coming into Moody I was carrying a large load of pride on my back. I thought that I would easily be able to fit in and make friends and do just fine being here. After just the first day I realized that I was wrong. I will be thrilled if I graduate from here! ha But on a serious note God has an incredible plan for me here. Maybe for the first couple of weeks it was for me to realize that I'm not all that I thought I was. I have been so humbled by being here and it's challenging but it is what I need to go through in order to fully be seeking Christ. So what am I getting at? Well my initial attitude was to see how I could make a difference on the campus. Maybe my difference is saying I don't have it all. Leaving my pride at the door, and picking up the cross that the Lord lays before my daily. It's been tough, but God's grace and mercy have been what has been pushing me to strive. 

Were Back and Rolling

Ok were going to give this another shot haha! I am going to try my best to keep this blog updated as much as possible to keep you guys informed on how everything is going at college and ways that you can be praying. Wow! everything happened so fast this summer missions trip to Mexico, 4-H Fair, and now college. It's so crazy how fast this summer went by and to think that I am now a college student. My transition into Moody wasn't quite as smooth as you would think. On August 20th we began Freshman orientation and that lasted three days. Those were probably the most hectic three days of my entire summer. I had a ton of things to do: finalize my schedule, move into my room, sign and fill out like a million papers, get books, and try to meet some new people. I was getting really frustrated with my schedule because it didn't get finalized till my first day of classes. 

Well.... two weeks later I'm still alive! It's been a crazy ride but I am finally beginning to see why God opened this crazy door for me to be here. 

What A Comeback!

This week at the Crossing we have talked about lives that have "Comeback" and been turned around by Christ. Some of the stories will just blow you away - how God's grace and mercy have just performed miracuously in the lives of many individuals. So as we talked about these great comebacks, a famous person's name was brought up. Kobe Bryant. I know what your thinking, he's not a Christian so why talk about him? I feel there has been no greater comeback in the Hollywood World, in the past five years than the story of Kobe. As most of you may know he was charged with a felony of sexual assult on July 18, 2003 in an alleged incident with a 19 year old girl in a luxury hotel. Previously on July 4, 2003, he was arrested and had to post bond of $25,000. Eventually all charges against Bryant were dropped, but his story would never be forgetten by all who have heard of him. At this point Kobe could have just handed in his jersey and tried to take his face out of the world so he could try to live in peace and ignore the press. But he did something that many superstars never do after their public figure has been destroyed. He displayed perseverance. It wasn't easy coming back to the Lakers and trying to go on as if nothing had happened. He had to come back facing the fans, teammates, coaches, anyone who watches or knows anything about what he did! But you know what is real funny, that almost 5 years later Kobe Bryant has the Los Angeles Lakers in the semi-finals of the Western Conference Finals. He helped lead his team to capture a first place in the West and also earn himself a MVP this year.

Moustache May

There has been declared a challenge to NMC males for the whole month of May to grow a moustache. Due to some allergic reaction to the whiskers under my nose, I will sadly not be able to participate. But best of luck to all those growing them out - it should be a good time. I am looking forward to seeing Dan Weiss' stache the most!

It's Too Late, To Apologize

That's the truth - it is officially to late to apologize for not blogging in like a year. Just kidding, but seriously it has been forever. Hopefully, I will be more consistent with my blogs in the next couple of weeks. But during the time I haven't blogged all of this has happened...........
NFL Draft, 2 More Ducks Games, Softball Starting, Lakers sweeping the Nuggets, I mean holy cow! I will try to blog as much as possible the next couple of weeks to make up for my lack of blogging lately.

And the winner is....... Tim Johnson???

Yep, that's right the winner of this years Eby's 2008 Spring Break Quarter Bracket People's Tournament was Tim Johnson. If you don't know who that is, he is a made up person that Griggs created freshman year just to be incredibly random. So whenever we would need someone really random we would just say, "hey what about Tim Johnson." Anyways, the overall winner in points was Kristy Mikel with 115 points. It was fun, and of course always random, and I can't wait to see who will be crowned champ in 2009!

Ducks 6-2!

Tonight the Ducks pulled off another quality win by beating Cockapalooza 63-60. We only had 4 guys , so my pops Todd stepped in and did a great job. The Ducks are currently 6-2 with two weeks remaining before the tournament.

Upset? or Upset! It's Down to Four!!!

Well, hey there again to all the people who check out this blog. I am finally back from an extended blogging vacation. Actually the main reason I haven't blogged in such a long time is that they blocked Blogger at school so I couldn't get on . Well anywho the Quarter Bracket Tournament is now down to just 4 with the winner being announced live tomorrow night at Wednesday Night Church. The final 4 include Cameron "Coo" Williams, Tyrus Graverson, Tim Johnson, and Leslie Yoder. It should be pretty exciting to see who comes away champ tomorrow, but all in all this tourney just gives everyone a good laugh or two haha.

"True" March Madness

Eby's 2008 Spring Break Quarter Bracket People's Tournament Preview

The Official Eby's 2008 Spring Break Quarter Bracket Peoples Tournament

Ever since I have been little, I have had an unhealthy obsession with tournaments and brackets. This time of year (March Madness) is my time of year. I would always make my own brackets, filling the spaces with NFL teams, NBA teams or if I was really bored I would put my friends names in the spaces. I would then flip a quarter and if heads, the person on top of the bracket would advance and tails the bottom. So my friend Mike Griggs and I decided our freshman year that we were going to have a "Peoples Tournament" every year during March Madness just for fun. It's very simple actually, I'll break it down for you. I choose the most random 64 people I can think of (Family Included) and fill them in the bracket in no particular order and start flipping the quarter. That's all there is to it. This year is full of incredible first round match ups and what soon could be Cinderella stories. It looks to be the most exciting tournament action ever. Stay caught up on all of the results right here on my blog. Tournament starts Sunday April 6th. Brackets are also available to fill out and turn in for a prize. Just contact either Mike Griggs or myself and good luck!

My buddy Griggsy now a fellow Blogee!

So if you haven't heard my best buddy Mike Griggs has officially set up a blog. You can check out his blog at www.michaeljgriggs.blogspot.com.

Ducks (5-1)!!!

Last night the Ducks went at it again playing the South Bend Crossing. This time I actually got to play for the Ducks. The Crossing kept it kind of close in the beginning, but the Ducks were just to much as we quacked our way to victory 70-46. Right after the Ducks game, I had to play for the Elkhart Crossing and it wasn't so hot getting beat 82-50, yeah ouch! So I went 1-1 on the night. The Ducks currently stand at 1st place in the league with a 5-1 record. The Elkhart Crossing at 2-4. Oh by the way, I have never fallen down so many times in my life!

P Dave Brings it!

Yesterday Pastor Dave preached what I thought was an incredible sermon. I loved it! It was short and right to the point with every part of his sermon pointing directly to the cross. He gave us the analogy of how we go through life trying to swim from California to Hawaii. With how ridiculous that is it's almost hard to believe but it's so true. He brought out these key passages of scripture...

Romans 5:8
Romans 6:23

So will you swim or get in God's boat??

The Greatest Story Ever Told

I have a ton of favorite verses and stories throughout the Bible, but my favorite of all time has to be the Easter story. Jesus comes down to earth, lives for 33 years, then faces the cross, and defeats death and sin by leaving an empty tomb and rising again. It is by far the best story of all time and should send a wake up call to us that call ourselves "Believers."

Matthew 26
The Plot Against Jesus 1When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2"As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified."
3Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him. 5"But not during the Feast," they said, "or there may be a riot among the people."
Jesus Anointed at Bethany 6While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, 7a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
8When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. 9"This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
10Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus 14Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. 16From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
The Lord's Supper 17On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?"
18He replied, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.' " 19So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
20When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21And while they were eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me."
22They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?"
23Jesus replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."
25Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?" Jesus answered, "Yes, it is you."[a]
26While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."
27Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28This is my blood of the[b] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom."
30When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial 31Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: " 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'[c] 32But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
33Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will."
34"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."
35But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same.
Gethsemane 36Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
39Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
40Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. 41"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
42He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."
43When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
45Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"
Jesus Arrested 47While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." 49Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him.
50Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for."[d]
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
52"Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"
55At that time Jesus said to the crowd, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Before the Sanhedrin 57Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.
59The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.
Finally two came forward 61and declared, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.' "
62Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" 63But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ,[e] the Son of God."
64"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."
65Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66What do you think?" "He is worthy of death," they answered.
67Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him 68and said, "Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?"
Peter Disowns Jesus 69Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. "You also were with Jesus of Galilee," she said.
70But he denied it before them all. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said.
71Then he went out to the gateway, where another girl saw him and said to the people there, "This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth."
72He denied it again, with an oath: "I don't know the man!"
73After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, "Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away."
74Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, "I don't know the man!"
Immediately a rooster crowed. 75Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Matthew 27
Judas Hangs Himself 1Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. 2They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.
3When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. 4"I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility."
5So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
6The chief priests picked up the coins and said, "It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money." 7So they decided to use the money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners. 8That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel, 10and they used them to buy the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me."[f]
Jesus Before Pilate 11Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
12When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 13Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" 14But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.
15Now it was the governor's custom at the Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. 16At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. 17So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" 18For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.
19While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him."
20But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
21"Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor. "Barabbas," they answered.
22"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked. They all answered, "Crucify him!"
23"Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"
24When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!"
25All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!"
26Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
The Soldiers Mock Jesus 27Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. 30They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
The Crucifixion 32As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. 33They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). 34There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. 35When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.[g] 36And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!"
41In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42"He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.' " 44In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
The Death of Jesus 45From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. 46About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi,[h] lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"[i]
47When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah."
48Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."
50And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
54When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son[j] of God!"
55Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. 56Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.
The Burial of Jesus 57As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
The Guard at the Tomb 62The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63"Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' 64So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first."
65"Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." 66So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.
Matthew 28
The Resurrection 1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
8So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."
The Guards' Report 11While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' 14If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." 15So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.
The Great Commission 16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[k] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

The Ducks vs. Elkhart Crossing

Tonight I have a very tough decision to make concerning the Ducks vs. Crossing basketball game. You see I'm on both teams and I'm not exactly sure what team to play for tonight. I have never had one of these predicaments. I want to play for the Ducks because it's the team with all my friends. We are tied for 1st in the league and we are barely going to have 5 guys there. At the same time, I want to play for The Crossing because I want to continue to build relationships, and they don't know that I play for the Ducks. One nice thing is that no matter what, tonight my team will win! (haha)

Loooooooong Week

This past week can probably go down as one of the longest weeks I have ever endured in my entire life. It seriously seemed like every day was actually 48 hours instead of 24. My girlfriend, Whittley, has been in Florida since last Monday, and I still don't have a cell phone so it was tough to communicate. So with her gone and no cell phone, this week went on forever. But just because it was long doesn't mean that it was a bad week, with some of the highlights including....

• The Ducks winning Tuesday night and are now 3-1
• Wednesday night Church
• Hanging out with Dorf on Friday Night
• Going to Brandon Williams on Saturday Night
• Bowling with my small group on Sunday
• Training for a mini-marathon

What Is Leadership?

What is leadership? This was the question that was asked yesterday at the Crossing Leadership Retreat at River Oaks Church. Once a month, there is a Leadership Retreat for several Crossing students. Our lessons are on how to become more effective leaders at our schools. Yesterday, we really looked at the heart of leadership, and discussed who some leaders were. Our discussion director Randy really looked at two leaders; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Adolf Hitler. I know, how can a man that directed and lead the cause to over 6 million deaths be considered a leader? He really went into depth about how these two men, although with very different morals and goals, became great leaders who people followed. What these two men did will be remembered forever and their effect on the world will change the worlds view on many things. The challenge was: what kind of leader were we going to be?

Biscuits and Gravy

Every Friday morning at 6:00 a.m. in the Fireside room of NMC , there is a Men's Prayer Breakfast. At this prayer breakfast, Pastor Marvin always cooks an awesome meal that I would eat every morning if I could. His meals include...

• Oatmeal and Cereal
• Pancakes
• Biscuits and Gravy and Scambled Eggs

I mean come on what's not to like? Along with feeling full of food, I always leave that room feeling full of the Holy Spirit. I have such an awesome opportunity to pray with some of the most hard core prayer warriors that I know. God meets with us at the breakfast and I firmly believe his Spirit is moving. Being there Friday motivates me!

What's Your Decision?

I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

On Fire Rallies (Final Night!)

A DANGEROUS INVITATION

It was brought!!! Last night was the last night of On Fire Rallies for 2008, but I feel it was the beginning of a movement that is taking place in the hearts of many individuals. God came and God moved throughout the entire week and it was so awesome to even hear the stories that have happened already! Last nights message "A DANGEROUS INVITATION" was awesome and was spoken by the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 4:18-22 was where we went last night and read about an incredible invitation that Christ is still asking us today.

18As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20At once they left their nets and followed him.
21Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

So many times we look into scripture and look at the stories throughout scripture and think that could be so cool if that kind of stuff could happen today. IT CAN! The disciples accepted an invitation that changed their lives completely and I firmly believe that Christ is challenging us today with the same crazy dangerous invitation. The question is will we accept it?

• Will we be willing to leave everything no matter the cost?
• Will we be willing to follow Christ not matter the cost?
• Do we think that following Christ is something worth living and dying for?

The challenge is on! Because in scripture it also talks about the guys who had made excuses before following Christ. Are you willing? Is it worth it? Unleash the Unusual Soldier within!!!

Quack Ducks!

Last night at the Sports Center, the Ducks had another close one. Only leading by one at half, we felt as if the scorekeepers were not counting all of our points, but there was nothing we could do about it. It was definetely nice to have six players there last night so we had at least one sub and wouldn't run ourselves ragged. With the help of former Northwood All-NLC Aaron McDowell, the Ducks are now 2-1 winning 64-59.

AMP!!! Blog Poll Champion!

1st - Amp with 17 Votes

2nd - Monster with 3 Votes

3rd - Full Throtle with 1 Vote

4th - Rockstar with 0 Votes

ENOUGH SAID!

What I'm Reading

So I have decided to re-read a book from my sophomore year impact trip to the Dominican Republic. The book is entitled The Beginner's Guide to Intercession. It has been very encouraging and challenging and it is just a great read. Check out just a little piece of what I'm talking about.....

Ken Gaub was walking down the street when he heard a pay phone ringing. Curious, he stopped to answer it. To his astonishment, the operator stated, “Long distance call for Ken Gaub. Is he there?” After debating the impossibility of this situation, he finally took the call.
The caller, about to commit suicide, had prayed for help and thought of Ken’s ministry. Not knowing how to contact him, she continued to write her suicide note. When numbers came to her mind, she wrote them down. Wondering if God was miraculously giving her Ken’s phone number, she dialed them.
Amazed at reaching him, she asked, “Are you in your office in California?”
“My office is in Washington,” replied Ken.
“Oh, well, where are you then?” she queried.
“Don’t you know? You called me,” he responded.
“I don’t know what area I’m calling. I just dialed the number on this paper.”
“Ma’am, I’m in a phone booth in Dayton, Ohio!”
Recognizing this encounter could have been arranged only by God, Ken began to counsel her. The Holy Spirit’s presence flooded the phone booth, giving him wisdom beyond his ability, and she soon prayed the sinner’s prayer, committing to live for the Lord.

True Story

Yeah I know, WOW!!!

On Fire Rallies (Night 2)

Hearing God's Voice
Psalm 46:10- Be still and know that I am God.
Why is it so hard to hear God's voice? Why is it so hard to distinguish God's voice from our own. Last night Caleb really challenged us on just being still and listening for what God has to say. Listening for God's voice can be incredible and at the same time frustrating. Incredible because we have the opportunity to really listen to what God the creator of the universe wants to say to us. Frustrating because sometimes we don't hear God speak, or we hear ourselves or the enemy and think its God's voice. But do we really ever give God a chance to talk to us? Truth is, it's going to be hard to recognize a voice that you rarely listen for. It's like picking up the phone and calling a complete stranger and becoming upset when you don't know who the person is. The more you stay in contact with the voice of God the better you will be able to recognize his voice. Pray that the Lord will silence the voice of the enemy and silence your own voice and pray that God's still small voice will come and speak to you. You may hear some crazy things, but I think it's worth talking to the King of Kings.

Welcome to Miami!

So today I was checking out the Dolphins website and let's just say that they have been busy in the last couple of days aquiring 9 new players. Including Charlie Anderson LB (Houston), Josh McCown QB (Oakland), Justin Smiley G (San Francisco), Randy Starks DT (Tennessee), Reggie Torbor LB (N.Y. Giants), Jason Ferguson DT (Dallas), Sean Ryan TE (N.Y. Jets), and the best of all because we were desperate for a receiver, Ernest Wilford WR (Jacksonville). Take a Look!

No Matter the Cost!

So last night when "Biz" was challenging us at the On Fire Rallies, I felt as if my calling had been confirmed. I never want to put a lid on my future, because God could call me to do whatever, whenever and that is what I want to dedicate my life to. When Caleb was talking out of 2 Samuel and talking about David's Mighty Men, I felt as if God was talking to me. I felt as if he was looking me right in the eyes saying, "Dustin I need you to follow me no matter the cost I need you to be an "Unusual Soldier" for me. I won't be satisfied with anything else. I want my life to be lived out of my relationship with Christ! I want to run to the battle for Christ and claim His name in all that I do. The challenge is on!

On Fire Rallies Night 1 (Are You An Unusual Soldier?)

UNUSUAL SOLDIER

That was Caleb's first challenge to us at the first session of the On Fire Rallies last night. We are so blessed to be able to have Biz and Yemi lead us in this series, and watch as God begins to do the impossible in people's lives. I was so challenged last night as Biz read out of 2 Samuel and talked about David's Mighty Men. I was blown away at what those men would do for their king. They were willing to risk there lives for their king, and they wouldn't be satisfied with anything else. But now the question is: Are we willing to be mighty men for God? Challenges for the night:

Are we willing to be "Unusual Soldiers" for Christ?

Will we run to the battle?

Will we stand our ground for Christ?

Major Impacts

Today at The Crossing we were talking about people who have made impacts in our lives, and I thought I would just mention some of mine to you. In My life there have been some certain individuals that have had a major impact on my life. My top 5 include...


5. Bob Bilinski- Mr. Bilinski was my 7th grade Social Studies teacher and my freshman year basketball coach. He is an incredible person who always puts others before himself and I will always remember the huge impact that he made on my life.


4. Peggy Bearss- One of my 2nd moms growing up - Peggy has been a great spiritual role model in my life. She is a bold woman in Christ and always puts the Lord first in everything that she does. She is someone who always encourages me to seek Christ daily.


3. NMC- There is no way in the world that I could just point out 1 individual person from NMC that has impacted my life so I just put the whole Church.
Small group leaders- Marty Graverson, A. J. Moldanado, Brad Fishburn, Jordan Bender, Ryan Jarel, and Andy Brown.
Soar interns, Interns or Summer Leaders- Josh Sabo, Mike Couse, Aaron Zehr, Alison Gingrich, and Jared "Peels' Gregory, Tom "The Tom" Carpenter.
Sunday School Teachers- Jack Lengacher Jr, James Ellis, Greg Raneous, Adam Cramer, Ted Gerring, Wendall and Angie Troyer, George and Julie Weigand, and Keith and Rhonda Klotz.
Pastors- Derry Prenkert, Jason Thompson, Chris Lehane, Jeremiah Lauber, Terry Bley, Marvin Engbrecht, and Dave Engbrecht.
And those I couldn't think of a label for (hehe)- Jeff Simpson, Dustin Gill, Terry Linhart, Katie Carl, Kristy Mikel, Neil Deiner, Neil Yoder, Randy and Andy Mitschlen, and Taylor Fervida's Beard.


2. Todd and Sheila Eby (Parents)- I'm sorry if that bugs you but my parents come as a package deal. My dad is the hardest working person I know. He would do anything absolutely anything to support our family. He sacrifices so much and rarely ever gets his name recognized for how much he really does. My mom is a Godly woman who always puts Christ first. She loves to laugh and make others laugh. I truly believe that many lives will be changed by the life lived by Sheila Eby.


1. Everett Eby- My great-grandpa Everett Eby was one of the most Godly men I ever met in my entire life and I am sure that many would support my belief. It was by his example that I caught a passion for Christ and wanted to be like him - living for Christ passionately and daily. Never did a day go by where that man wouldn't be praising God. My great-grandpa will always and forever be my Hero, and my favorite verse Jeremiah 29:13 was inspired by him.

BLOG POLL #2

Here is another blog poll for ya! Today at internship, Jordan Schrock (Nut) stopped by for a visit. He decided to inform me that Monster is the best energy drink out on the market. Don't worry, I quickly let him know that he was wrong! (ha ha!) We all know that Amp is by far the best energy drink out there, but just to be sure I put out Blog Poll #2. So in 6 short days Amp will be crowned champion.

World Day! Please Pray for the Konda Dhora of India

Unreached People of the Day

Please pray for the ...
Konda Dhora of India
Population:
285,000
Language:
Telugu
Religion:
Hinduism
Evangelical:
0.00%
Status:
Unreached (1.2 ) More ...
Provided by Joshua Project

The Ducks Draw Even!

For the last couple of months, I have been playing in a bunch of pick up basketball games with a team known as the Ducks. We are basically NorthWood's basketball team of "quitters" or "not good enoughs". On the team is Chaz Bellman, Robby Bearss, John Tice, Robby Burns, Mike Griggs, and myself, along with the two late additions of Marty Graverson and Craig Helfrich. We had played a couple of home school teams at the Tolsen Center for a while just to play, but now we are officially in a league at the Elkhart Sports Center. Our first game was last Monday and we played against basically all of the old Northridge players. At one time they were up by 20 but the final score ending up being 58-54. The 22 to 6 run just wasn't enough for the Ducks to get their first victory. Last night we had our second game and the Ducks were ready to quack as they stormed past the competition 80-45. We have drawn to a 1-1 record and look to quack really loudly in the rest of the season.

Home Alone!

From Thursday night to last night my friend Robby Bearss was home alone. He and I spent almost every night together watching movies, Lost, in the H-Tub, playing video games, or just talking. It was a lot of fun, but it is weird to think that "Home Alone" isn't to far off from being a reality. It is going to be weird to be on my own at college this upcoming fall, but at the same time I am extremely excited.

Pastor Chris 2 For 2

On Sunday, Pastor Chris Knight brought the message and let me just say that I love when this man speaks. He spoke on 2 Peter 1:3 and the importance of "Doing Something" in your faith. The Lord used his message and brought some incredible encouragement to my heart. He gave an illustration about being a basketball coach and having this player with all of the right skills and abilities to be one of the best. But he would just stand under the basket and not do anything. It was a great message for me to hear. We are truly blessed with the pastoral staff we have at NMC. Great Job Chris!

Derry Prenkert: A Message from the Bizman#links#links

Derry Prenkert: A Message from the Bizman#links#links

Kenya (WOO HOO WASN'T THAT THE MOST INCREDIBLE NIGHT EVER) Night

So Wednesday was one of the most memorable and remarkable nights in my 6 years of attending NMC. Watching Kenya Night being revealed was incredible - it was like God took what was in our hand and multiplied it times ten! My prayer for the night was that it would be a success, not in our eyes but in God's. It has been so awesome to see how the night came together from a little meeting that took place a couple of months ago. All of the help and support is greatly appreciated. Thank you students who helped with bake sale, silent auction, talent show, decoration, greeting, and set up. Thank you parents who took time to look at the auction items and bid crazy amounts of money of them. Thank you Biz for sending a video and letting us come behind your ministry. Thank you Jamie and Jolinda for speaking on behalf of the baby center. Thank you congregation for coming behind us students and fully supporting and taking what was in your hand and making this night into an awesome success. There will be more Post-Kenya Night info coming your way including the latest updates on auction items and more with later posts. Thanks again - let's continue to strive forward in pursuit of an awesome God who is constantly doing awesome things.

Frontstreet Boys 3 - Larger Than Life

Here it is! The 3rd and Final Installment of the Frontstreet Boys legacy!! Premiering for the first time last night at "Kenya Night"! Thanks for the memories!

Ken Ya Feel It??

So I know I haven't posted for a while and it is mainly due to the craziness dealing with Kenya Night. Kenya Night has been going really great and it is so exciting to see how this thing is really coming together. On Sunday Derry nailed with his "What's that in your hand," message. Explaining that maybe the talents and abilities that we have could be used for something bigger than ourselves. It was a great message and a great challenge leading up to Kenya Night. It's so crazy to think that the night is just one day away and that all of the preperation will be put into action. But most importantly it is extremely valuable for us to remember the Why? in Kenya Night. We have been called as Christ followers to lay down our lives for our friends and brothers. We have been called to be living sacrifices. We are also commisioned to go and preach the Good News to all of creation. This is going to be such an awesome night but what if it's more than a night? What if it's a movement? In the two ministries, our Church, the youth, our hearts, who knows?

4 Mile Prayer?

I love to run! Call me crazy, but there is just something in running that excites yet challenges me at the same time. The incredible pain that comes from being out of shape, yet the joy that follows when you finish and get to just lay on the floor. I also believe that there is a deeper level to running than just running. So the other day I was going for a four mile run, and as I started to run I was reminded of the scripture in Hebrews (Hebrews 12:1) "Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." I felt really challenged to try something a little different on this run. So I began to do just that; confess and repent of the things that were hindering me and entangling me from fully seeking after Christ daily. I also wanted my mind and heart to be totally clear of the distractions that were surrounding me. So I looked past me being out of shape, the dogs that chased me, the wind that was plastering me, and my legs which were dying on me and strived to just focus in on Christ. Life is a like a 4 mile run. Hard, enduring, challenging, full of pains and aches, full of "barking dogs", and "plastering winds." All going against you saying you can't do it. But when you put all those things aside and fully focus and seek after the heart of Christ you will finish the race that God has planned for you.

Frontstreet Boys Part 2

Frontstreet Boys

Here is the Original!

Is This The End?

Last night we filmed what is to be our final "Frontstreet" video. It started with "I Want it that Way", then it was "Drowning". The newest addition will not be revealed until "Kenya Night" on February 20th. It is expected to be the best yet! It's sad to think that its over! I know we were just a group of weirdos from NMC, but it was cool cause it brought us together and it was a great ministry. Maybe it's not the end - who knows??? But whether it is or not, it was a great run and its going to be exciting to look back on these videos when we are older.

So Why are you blogging??

It's pretty easy to see why most people blog. I have discovered that it is a lot of fun. But I have to wonder, what is the real reason behind why I blog? I used to give Derry a hard time about it! (Sorry man) so I have been pondering what was the real reason behind me making the jump into the blogging world. I love to think, ponder, and visionize. I don't even know if that's a word but I like to do it! So I thought that I could make use of these things by setting up a blog to honor and glorify God through my thoughts, pondering, and visioning. It's a great way to lay out what God has been doing in my life and been challenging me with daily. It's been fun and I hope that it will only continue.

T.A.W.G.

So last night we continued our way through the T.A.W.G. series as Pastor Derry led us through some different elements of how our time alone could be spent with Christ. He also directed us to look at some different passages of scripture and I found myself indulging in John 15:9-17. In this passage verse 16 really caught my attention it says: You did not choose me, but I chose you! And that really challenged me. God values us more than we could ever imagine. I mean He Chose Us and he clearly didn't have to. He chose each of us for a specific purpose, and reason to advance His Kingdom and glorify His name. By reading this I was just really challenged and it led me to write this poem.

You Chose me?

You chose me?
I don't understand
Why did you create me
In your precious hands?
Father I'm weak
And always fall down
You will be disappointed
You will probably frown


God it's only me!
I'm not special at all
And even if you pick me up
I'm just again going to fall


But you choose to say different
You chose to make me
You have never let go
Which I can not believe


God I'm going to do it
Be the person you want me to be
It's gonna only get tougher
But I smile cause I know you chose me!

Today is another world day! And the focus is on Kenya Night which is coming very quickly. Kenya Night, as most of you probably already know, is February 20th and is a night devoted to raise financial and prayer support, and awareness for the country of Kenya. We are supporting two organizations on Kenya Night. One being the AGC Abandoned Baby Center, and the other being the Maasai Project. NMC, for the past several months has sent numerous teams to the baby center to help care for the abandoned babies in Kenya. The Maasai project is led up by a missionary by the name of Caleb Bislow. Caleb and his team are returning to the Maasai tribe for the 3rd time to send out missionaries to the lost villages of the Maasai hoping that one day all of these Maasai villages are reached with the Gospel. We are placing this night in the Lord's hands hoping we can make a difference in a country that is halfway across the globe.

The "little" GIANTS, Super Bowl XLII Giants 17 Patriots 14

And there you have it! Super Bowl 42 goes to the New York Giants! Living out the impossible dream by starting off the season 0-2 then coming through by winning 6 straight games in the regular season and winning at Tampa Bay, Dallas and Green Bay in the playoffs. Then topping that all off with a 17-14 upset win over the undeafeated New England Patriots (Or should I say 18-1 Patriots which still makes the 72' Dolphins the ONLY TRUE UNDEFEATED TEAM IN NFL HISTORY!!!) I find it very ironic that this Giants team that everyone underestimated rises in the end like in the movie "The Little Giants" and comes out winners. There was no fluke here, this was well earned and deserved. So now the question is no longer Peyton or Brady its Eli or Brady!

No Points Were "Shaved" here!!!

And the winner is.......you guessed it Taylor Fervida's Beard! The thing is just unstoppable! I love it and it should definetely run for president next year! My first official blog poll was exciting and very close but in the end the "Beard" did its business and took my first ever blog poll title. More blog polls are to come in the near future but for now I'll just stick with some posts.

I'm So "Lost"!!!

Last night the season premiere of "Lost" Season 4 was on and my friend Robby Bearss; who is now pretty much addicted, had to watch it, so I sat down and watched it with him. Now a while back, Derry had given me Season 1, so I could start catching up, but I had just never got around to it. I didn't really want to start off by seeing the newest season when I knew I wasn't going to understand anything that was going on. But the show last night was two hours and the whole first hour was about the first three seasons so it caught me up. So after it got done, I went home and popped in Season 1 until like 1 this morning and when I woke up and saw we didn't have any school....you bet I started watching it again. I'm hooked and I love it.

10 MONTHS!

Monday, January 28th marks exactly ten months since Whittley and I have started dating. I know, don't ask me why she hasn't gotten rid of me yet cause I would have gotten rid of me by now that's for sure! I am a firm believer on Derry's thought, That men in ministry usually marry way out of their league. I know I am not currently in ministry or married, but isn't weird that I want to be involved with ministry and I'm dating way out of my league. Derry I think your on to something! So with this post I thought I would add the story of how Whittley and I actually met. Well it goes back to December '06 when the Senior High met in the Fireside Room at the Church for a Christmas party. We were all just talking and I was with Fred a.k.a. (Jordan Taylor) and I looked over and saw this incredibly beautiful girl and I was like hey Fred who is that she's really pretty. And Fred was like dude thats my cousin (Insert Awkward Moment here). So I thought to myself well I can't just pass up the opportunity to not introduce myself because I really want to get to know "Everyone" in the youth group (notice the sarcasim). So I went up and told her my name and she told me hers and that was it. I was disappointed that I didn't say more but I really didn't know what to say to someone I just met. So skip a couple months and go to February. It was actually the First Serve in February and that was the next time I saw her. It didn't help that I had on my usual sweatpants, sweatshirt with coffee stain, and bed hair. So I tried to stay away so I could still peek at her and see if she would ever peek back. So when First Serve was over I arrived back at home, but I couldn't take it anymore. So the next day Super Bowl Sunday, I texted Brooke Hoover and asked for Whittley's number so she gave it to me and I went for it. Yes, I realize texting is a dumb way to do it but I was to scared to actually talk to her. So to make this crazy long story short, we ended up talking that whole week. I went to the coffee house with her the next week and we talked every day for about two months. March 28th came and I realized it was time to make my move. I was getting ready to go on Spring Break and her birthday was in three days so I thought I could give her a special gift. Whittley was at dance that night so after Church I sped over to Lee Ann Stewart's Dance studio in Syracuse and did the impossible. Her brother Caleb had given me an extra key so I snuck into her car, left her two songs to listen to on a CD and a bunch a candy on her front seat. Then I carefully snuck into her trunk so when she called me after she listened to the songs she would be surprised!!! It was genious and it worked out great haha.........until I got stuck between two strollers and a car seat and looked like an idiot. Oh well I guess looking dumb can pay off after all!

I know it's Tuesday, But What a Monday!

I know today is currently Tuesday but I wanted to blog about my Monday. I got a little behind this past weekend on the blogging due to a busy weekend. Usually Mondays for me are really slow, tiring, and lazy days but this Monday was unlike the rest. Every other Monday morning Mike Griggs, Robby Bearss and myself all meet with Pastor Terry Bley at Raymond's in Wakarusa. We talk about where we're at spiritually, what we're going through, and our focus in our devotions at the current time. This week Robby was sick and Griggs, well who knows (ha), so it was just Terry and I. As we talked, I was simply amazed at what was coming out of his mouth. It's like he knew exactly what I needed to hear and poured it all out to me. As I told Terry about what I was going through he simply stopped me and said this. "Dustin I don't want to not have comfort, in fact I love it, but I want to constantly buck against it." I was really encouraged with what Terry had said. As we went further into our conversation we were speaking about legacies and how we want to be remembered and Terry had this to say. "I don't want my kids to remember me as a good guy that loved Jesus and walked with Him, No, I want them to remember that I chose to live His way and desperately sought after Him daily. I don't want to walk by faith, I want to skydive by it!" I was blown away!!

Fresh Vision!

Sunday night I had the opportunity to speak with the Junior High from New Life Fellowship. Brad Bullock a former NMCer and Youth Pastor at New Life invited me to come speak with his Junior High on Sun. night and again to his Senior High on Wed. night. They are currently going through a series entitled "A Glimpse of Your Journey." It was so awesome to be able to see the Junior Highers talk in their small groups and discuss the questions. God showed up and it was awesome!

6,480 Seconds

Saturday was a very long day. It started with my dad and me refereeing 6,480 seconds of Upwards Basketball at Nappanee Elementary School (that's three games if you were wondering). But all in all it was a good day. Along with refereeing Upwards games I went to work and hung out afterwards with Ben Fox and we ate popcorn!!!

Woo Hoo It's A Blog Poll!

Well it's my first ever blog poll and I'm excited! I was talking with a friend the other day about who might take over after Pastor Dave resigns and our best candidates were: Brian Ufkin, Cam Cameron (Ex- Dolphins Coach), Craig Helfrich, or Taylor Fervida's Beard. This could be really close but I think in the end the "Beard" will have its way and win the competition!!! But I will let you the voters determine that!

Are YOU smarter than a 5th grader???

Last night I watched the show "Are you smarter than a fifth grader," and was actually addicted after five minutes and I have no idea why (ha). The first contestant was a middle school principal who completely dominated until he got to the $500,000 question. He impressed me as he chose to "drop out of school" and walk away with $300,000. In all he was one of the most impressive people I have ever watched on a game show before. The next contestant was a sorority girl who made me laugh when she missed her first question -a 1st grade one at that!! "Is orange the only color for carrots?" Well I'll let you decide!

Trying Something New

I have been really challenged in my walk with Christ to pursue some new ways to grow in him. So, for the next several weeks I will be trying something new and seeing how it works. This is open to anyone who would like to give it a try as well. I am going to take a different word or characteristic, if you will, of God every week and really focus in on it and what it really means to me. I also want to find and memorize a scripture with that specific word in the verse. The Lord has also challenged me to take one of the worship songs we sing every week at either Wed. nights or Sun. mornings and not sing or listen to it all week. Instead read it every day and focus on the lyrics and the heart of the song. Sometimes some of the everyday ordinary things in our life can become ways to worship Him when he brings it to our attention.

Alison Going Alone: Are You?

Tonight in the Senior High since Derry is in India, Alison Gingrich gave the message. Alison was part of this summers Soar Team and is currently a Senior High intern. Alison also just got back from a missions trip in the Dominican Republic so she was ready to go! In the Senior High we have been going through a series entitled TAWG (Time Alone With God). This week the message was on the word Alone. Alison did a great job of describing what it means to have your "own" relationship with Jesus and fully live that out. She brought into the message some of the experiences from her trip and how she often felt very alone, but it was in those moments where she really grew in her walk. It was a very blunt night and it is very easy to look past or underestimate a series called TAWG but I was incredibly challenged by how important and valuable the simple word "Alone" in TAWG can truly be. Way to go Alison!!!

World Day

Everyday during the week I try to do something unique for my devotional time and Tuesday's are World Days. I try to focus my attention on all the previous mission trips that I have taken, different unreached people groups throughout the world, and on our current Kenya Night. So I look back at and continue to pray for SEMP 05' in Toronto, Canada. I also look at my to IMPACT trips to the Dominican Republic and Mexico. It is so awesome to look back at these trips and remember all of the amazing things that God did for these countries. My most recent addition to my Tuesday World Days are to check out the top ten most unreached people groups in the world. On Wednesday nights in our Senior High youth we have been focusing in on the word MOVE. Derry has challenged us to move on our knees through prayer, in our hearts for inward transformation, and in our world. One of the ways he challenged us to MOVE in our world was to visit http://www.joshuaproject.net/ and research lost people groups and pray for them. This has really challenged me to look at and really concentrate on certain people groups in our world and pray for revival in these areas. Also our most current world activity in the youth group is Kenya Night which will be held on Feb. 20. Kenya Night is a follow up to last years Maasai Night with the addition of supporting the AGC Abanded baby center in Kenya, Africa. Planning for this night has also been a way that I have been able to remember to lift this country up to our Lord and have a chance to affect lives that I may never see.

A footnote - please take time to check out the display at the top of the blog. I have added the "Ureached People of the Day" that should update itself everyday with the new people of that day so that you can join me in praying for them. This has truly become a burden on my heart and I thank you for joining me in this prayer effort.

A Beautiful Mess

For being a Monday, today felt like a very productive day! I was really excited with everything that happened. I woke up, did some chores, ate, went to work, came home and totally rearranged my room, and ate again. I know it may seem pretty boring but I enjoyed it. As I was cleaning my room I couldn't help but sit for a little bit to catch my breath. And as I did I looked at what a mess I had made but couldn't help but smile because I knew that soon the room would look as good as new. Sometimes I feel like this happens with our lives spiritually we make a mess and not just your everyday mess a HUGE one. But I don't think God shakes his head at us and turns away, no He smiles because He knows that only through our "Beautiful Mess" a clean room really shines.

"Please Bow Your Eyes and Close Your Head"

"Please bow your eyes and close your head," were the words spoken at a youth group get together last night at Josh Sabo's house. Of course everyone started to break out in laughter and the kid that said the quote began to lose it as well. Last night my friend Mike Griggs and I had had an awesome opportunity to speak at Josh Sabo's youth group (Josh is a former NMCer and has mentored Mike and I since our freshman year in high school). So as we got there and fellowshiped with the new faces of Josh's group we met a lot of new and interesting people. So when Josh asked one of his youth to pray for us before we spoke he mistakenly said "Please bow your eyes and close your head." After everyone finished laughing Mike and I finally spoke what was on our hearts. As our message came to an end, we asked them for any feedback or questions they had and at that moment I was reminded why I want to get into Youth Ministry in the first place. It was so awesome to listen to their hearts be poured out and listened as they thanked and encouraged us. God really used the passion and encouragement of this youth group to challenge me and push me past just everyday living. The Lord really refreshed His Spirit in my heart and it was an incredible evening.

My Steps Have Been Determined

So last night as I was doing my devos, I ran into this verse and it caught my hearts attention. Proverbs 16:9 " In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." I Love God so much and when what I like to call "Touchable" moments (Moments that you feel like you could just touch God) occur its just icing on the cake. Today I received my acceptance letter from Moody Bible Institute! This is so incredibly exciting and when I realized that the verse I read the night before totally went with the receiving of the letter experience today, I just couldn't help but praise God!!! It was one of those moments where you just feel so undeserving, and I almost even questioned why they accepted me- haha -but thats where I'll be heading next fall! Moody gets the nod.

Bethel vs. IWU vs. Moody?

Well, its about time for me to start really thinking about what crazy location I'll be at next fall. I have currently been accepted at two colleges: Bethel College and Indiana Wesleyan University, but I am also still anxiously waiting to hear from one more. My friend Mike and I applied to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago a few months ago and now we are patiently waiting to hear the good or bad news. The awesome thing about this is no matter which one I end up going to I won't be disappointed because from what I know and from what I have heard these are some great schools and I'm excited to have the chance to be able to go to one of em.

This Week = Bittersweet

I love being sick! Well not really but kind of because it definetely has its advantages! So ever since Monday after school I have been knocked out with some type of random sore throat, stuffed up, stomach ache problem. I'm not really sure what's wrong with me but its not very exciting whatever it is! But the cool thing is whenever your sick your always expected to do one thing NOTHING! Woo Hoo it's like spring break except not really at all haha! Anyways this week I have watched 10 movies and 30 tv shows so I'm all tv-ed out and then I finally finished Red Moon Rising and have taken a total of like 75 naps so yea its been a bittersweet!! O Yea and one night I got to eat Ice Cream for supper I was so excited!

I Can't Believe It!

Yep it's happened! I have fallen into the terrible world of blogging and I don't know if I will ever be able to forgive myself. I'm just kidding but I really can't believe I'm finally blogging - it's crazy I guess always looking at other bloggers kind of got me interested so I decided I would give it a shot. I hope this doesn't turn out as bad as I'm seeing it! Haha