Merry Christmas!

I wish I had a cool picture for this post, but I don't - oh well. Yesterday was our last night to meet at Area 51 for the year. To wrap up the semester Jeff talked about how God has equipped us with everything that we need to live for Him. We looked at the story of Mary in Luke 1:26-38. In this passage we see that despite Mary's fear and uncertainty of what God had called her to do, she was obedient. Her response was, "I am the Lord's servant," and "may it be to me as you have said."

Everyone has something that they know God has called them to do, whether it is having a consistent quiet time or accepting Him as their Lord and Savior. It's different for each person. Last night Jeff left us with a dare. He said, "I dare you to do whatever it is that God is calling you to do." You know what it is... so the question is are you going to take the dare? Are you wiling to step out on faith and see how God uses you when you are obedient to Him?

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness." - 2 Peter 1:3

I wish I had something profound to say to end this, but (once again) I don't. I do, however, hope that you stop for a second and think about the verse above and the truth that it has in our lives. This Christmas break can be like any other Christmas break and it would probably be pretty good. Or - you can intentionally seek after God by being obedient to Him and find that He can use you in an incredible way! Will you take the dare...

Here are a few things to remember over the break:

-We will not meet on Wednesday nights at Area 51 again until January 9, 2008
-Deadline to sign up for Mexico is THIS sunday December 16
-No LIFE groups on Sunday December 23
-High School Disciple Now is January 25-26... so sign up!

I hope everyone has a great Christmas!

-Lacy

Ladies Night

Before I begin, I would like to point out that...yeah...that's my hot wife and cute baby over there>

Last Night at AREA 51 we spiced things up by changing the speaker. Instead of hearing Jeff speak one more boring time and hearing one more stupid story about Taco the cat, we thought we would let everyone get a woman's perspective. So, Jeff's wife Lori and our Student Ministry intern Lacy both gave an incredible message.

Their theme was loving God on both the inside and the outside. Lacy went first and talked about truly loving God. She taught out of John 21 when Jesus asked Peter 3 times if he loved him, and the conclusion of the story is Jesus telling Peter to follow him. Lacy explained that you can say you love God all you want, but true love means you will follow him no matter the cost.

Lori (a.k.a the hottest wife ever) spoke next about loving God with our outside. Specifically, she spoke to girls about the way they dress. I won't tell you what she said, because...well...only she can get away with talking about the way girls dress. I can't, so I don't. I will sum it up the way she did. Ephesians 5:3 says, "Among you there must not even be a HINT of sexual immorality." She challenged girls to examine their closets to see if there was "even a hint of immorality" in their wardrobe.

Suffice to say, they both did an incredible job. I am so lucky to have an amazing wife who is gifted to minister to teenagers. I realize that not every student pastor has that joy. I am blessed. I know it. I married out of my league. I know it. We make cute babies. I know it. (That's just to see how many people actually read our blog...)

I am also very thankful for Lacy. She does an incredible job as our intern. Specifically she has gotten Middle School CORE Groups off the ground this semster, so for all you parents, make sure the next time you see Lacy to thank her for all she does.

We have one more Wednesday night this semester, and unfortunately, you will have to put up with me preaching. But, make sure your there. It will be a great time.

-Jeff