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THURSDAY THOUGHTS

Here's my weekly mind dump:

- Today is Groundhog Day. Not sure if it's about the weather or the movie.
- Today is Groundhog Day. Not sure if it's about the weather or the movie.
- Here's my Super Bowl prediction: I'm very undecided. My main prediction is that it should be a great game. I kinda have a gut feeling that Brady will get it done - lots of no huddle to try to elimiate the NYG's pass rush...maybe like 24 - 21.
- Lots of talk about Eli's and Brady's legacy this week. People are talking bad about Brady...that's like fuel for this competitive fire. 
- I predict lots of Star Wars themes commercials this year for Super Bowl Sunday.
- Here's the trailer for Episode I in 3D.
- I really like this R2D2 commericial.
- It fun seeing some of the young Pistons maturing. You can see flickering moments of greatness. But let's face it, they lost to the Knicks & the Nets. They are bad. I was watching the game wondering you the top draft picks are going to be this year.
- MSU's season just went down the tubes with the Green knee injury. Hope he's back sooner than laters.
- I've been pretty bored with tv lately. When are rerun's over?
- I do like Alcatraz.
- Live Generously. Make a Difference. Good thoughts from Tim Stevens.
- Most women I know seem to struggle with worry, trying to make all of life organized, and things like that. Read this if that's you.
- We ate at PF Changs last weekend. First time for us. It was good. Not as awesome as everyone says, still good.
- Wish we had better ethnic food options in West Michigan.
- This weekend will be kinda crazy with church on Saturday night instead of Sunday night.
- The new David Crowder Band album is starting to grow on me.

Have a great weekend! 

KEEP GOING

Goodbye January. Hello February.

All last month at The Journey, we talked about making the wise choice. It begins with knowing the One who holds all wisdom. So we've been reading through Proverbs - the book of wisdom - to gain some of God's insight for our lives to make better decisions in 2012.

So January is over and so it the Proverbs reading plan, but don't quit seeking God. Our daily decisions determine our direction so keep looking to God to guide you. Maybe read through the book of Luke this month. We are talking about real love all month at The Journey. So read through Luke and look at the life and words of Jesus to discover more about God's love. Each day read to see what it says about God, His love, character, who He is and what He's done. Each day look for insight for who to live a life of love. Take notes. Journey thoughts, insight, wisdom and your prayers.

If you want to look at some other ways to stay connected with God, check out these resources & ideas.

NEW SERIES & NEW SONG

We are beginning a new series this weekend (Sundays 5:00 pm moves to Saturday for the Superbowl this week only). Since it's February, it's gonna be all about LOVE. We aren't gonna be talking about dating, marriage, sex or what to buy for Valentines Day. It's God's love working in and through us. What would a life of love really look like and how would our life, relationships and faith be changed? 

We have a ton of full elements planned for this series and don't worry guys it would be all girlie. 

Here's more details.
Send an e-invite.
Promo video.
Facebook Event page.

Here's our new feature song for the month as well: Love is Here by Tenth Avenue North: 

SUNDAY RECAP FOR JANUARY 29

IT'S YOUR CHOICE - WEEK 4
make the wise choice

RECAP
All month, we've been talking about making the wise choice. Do you feel like life is just going through the motions? Don't you want your relationships, especially with God, to be better? Have they just been the same as last year or the year before that? Maybe it's time to make the wise choice. Today we looked at Daniel 3 and a big choice for Shadrach, Messhach & Abendnego. These 3 guys make the wise choice to go against the grain and God did something big in and through their lives that changed the direction of their lives & their nation. Life & decisions are never easy. God doesn't promise to make our lives all roses, but when we have to walk through the fire, He will be there will us.  Are we willing to be just crazy even to believe God and live out His ways? We also looked in the book of Mark. Jesus walked with a bunch of ordinary guys & outcasts. Some people might think they were idoits but we see they went against the grain, believed God, and God did big things in & through them. Don't you want a better life this year? Don't live the same year again. Maybe it's time to be an idoit - to do things that normal people aren't doing - the wise choice is going against the grain. 

VIDEOS
Love Songs Promo
It's Your Choice - Don't Get Stuck to a Pole

Here's the message video. Paul shared a bunch of cool stories I didn't have time or space to include. Give it a watch.

SONGS
Dare You To Move - Switchfoot
Song of Hope - Robbie Seay Band
I Will Not Forget You - Waterdeep
You Hold it All - New Life Worship
Nothing Without You - Bebo Norman
Coming Back - Desperation Band 

THURSDAY THOUGHTS

Here's my weekly Thursday Thoughts:

- New Shows: I really like the new Alcatraz show. Touch...I didn't connect with that one. Still loving Person of Interest too.
- I try to watch only 5 shows. That's all I have time for beyond sports.
- Pistons look good one night and horrible the next 12. Young, inexperienced & inconsistent.
- This weekend is the NFL Pro Bowl. Here's my prediction: No one will care.
- Superbowl: I'm starting to lean towards picking the Giants.
- I haven't watched a ton of hockey this year...like hardly at all. Wings are in first at the half way point. I'll plan to watch the playoffs. That's the best I can give to hockey.
- It's always good to have a big bat in the line up but I'm not super excited about the pick up of Prince Fielder. Bad Defense. I would have rather seen them get a solid 3B & Starting Pitcher & another relief pitcher for that much money.
- Stephani has conferences this week. Emma had soccer game. I've had a bunch of meetings. Busy week. Looking forward to the weekend.
- Had preschool conferences for Eli today. He excels in all areas except he has to work on hopping on one foot. 
- Started working out consistently again this week.
- Wondering when winter is going to hit us?
- Working on a bunch of stuff coming up for The Journey. Next Site. Easter. Next Phase. Some messages coming up. Creative stuff for series coming up. Next group of leader.
- We have 20 teens & leaders heading to High School Winter retreat this weekend. Praying for a fun, safe, meaningful weekend.
- We went to Verdonia's or whatever it's called - the newer Italian place where Tony's use to be. They have kids eat free on Tuesdays. They can make their own pizzas. It's kinda fun for them. Overall, we felt the place was just okay. Good but not great. There other places (Pints & Quarts, CF Prime & Dockers) are all better. Best Brick oven pizzas are at K2 in Grand Haven above Kirby's.
- My eye is tweaking. Which means I need mental break.

Hope you have a relaxing weekend!

SUNDAY RECAP FOR JANUARY 22

IT'S YOUR CHOICE - WEEK 3
what's the wise choice?

RECAP
Today Paul shared about how God can give us confidence to keep making the wise choice. God doesn't see our past or even our present situation. He sees the potential in us. We see this in the life of Gideon (Judges 6-8). Gideon thought he was weak & a no body, yet God called him a mighty warrior. As Gideon began trusting God, he found that God is faithful and wise. Gideon ended up being part of something way bigger than himself. God did the impossible. It wasn't because of Gideon or what he did, it was undeniable about God and His power. Without God, the impossible is the impossible; with Him, the impossible becomes possible - Matthew 19:26. So whatever you are facing now - whatever choice is heavy on your heart - no matter what's in your past - with God all things are possible. It's about trusting in Him - making the wise choice - follow His ways - making the small daily decisions because we are potentially only one decision away from seeing God do the impossible in our lives.

SONGS
You Decide - Brandon Heath
Love Invades - Robbie Seay Band
Stronger - Hillsong
Forward Motion - Relient K
You Hold it All - New Life Worship
Look to You - Hillsong United 

THURSDAY THOUGHTS

Here's some things bouncing around my mind grapes...

- NFL Championships Weekend Picks: NE & NY. Goes with the east coast picks for the Superbowl rematch. 
- SF looked real tough on Sunday. I was impressed & shocked. Not sure if they're ready for next hurdle.
- Glad UofM is more competitive in bball again. State blew their chances the other night.
- Big Ten is tough this year.
- Pistons are not tough this year. Horrible.
- Really enjoying all the hoops on tv.
- My alma mater made sportcenter this week. The men's team in a div 3 of the NCCAA (yes 2 "c") played a Div 1 NCAA school. W. Kentucky 142 - Toccoa Falls 39. Congrats on making ESPN.
- I had a dumb cold this week. Hate being sick.
- Best food of the week at my house: Roasted Pork Chops & Mushrooms with a mustard/yogurt sauce, baked potato, roasted winter veggies. Love comfort food in cold.
- Tea Latte. Sounds girlie. Still Good.
- Winter is hear for sure. Kids are loving the snow. Made a snow man & a snow dog on Monday. 
- I was shocked at how many people don't know about The Muppets. I had about 200 people ask me a church about my shirt with Beaker & Dr. Bunson Honeydew. 
- Modern Family was laugh out loud funny this week. The Middle was funny too.
- Alcatraz is literally the new lost. I liked it.
- I'm kinda over American Idol and all the singing shows. 
- I still really like Person of Interest too.
- I thought Touch looked interesting...the new one on Fox. Any other new shows look good to you?
- I heard another rumor about the iPad 3 coming out in February. I'm still guessing iPad 2s in April.
- Apple announced they are doing digital text books. I think that is bigger than the press it's getting.
- I got the new David Crowder album. Jury is still out on it. It's okay. It might grow on me to where I love it. We'll see. Still really loving the newest Switchfoot album. So good. 
- Fun weekend ahead and even bigger next week.

Have a great weekend!

I'M A MORON

I heard Craig Groschell share something like this the other day...

If you're were voted most likely to succeed or maybe on homecoming court. If you were at the top of your class or popular, we'll have I have some good news for you - God can still use you. It's not that he doesn't want to use someone special like you, but he does specializes in using us idiots.

Remember, you're potentially only one choice away from a different life. Make a impact. It might be a small step today. But daily decisions determine our destination. Look around your day with different eyes. Let God use you to do something big in 2012.

 

VIDEOS FROM SUNDAY

Here's some media from Sunday:

 

 

SUNDAY RECAP FOR JANUARY 15

IT'S YOUR CHOICE
making the wise choice

RECAP
Paul talked today about our direction for this new year. We can't just have good intentions, intentions get you no where (unless you're selling gym memberships). Making the wise choice come for making daily decisions to keep going in the right direction. We looked at the life of Esther and how small decisions set her up to save her people - in contrast - Haman made a series of choices that led his life to a disaster. We are only one choice away from a totally different life. Follow God and keep in step with Him to make the wise choice.

SONGS
Folsom Prison - Johnny Cash
You Hold it All - New Life Worship
You - Hillsong Life
Rescue - Desperation Band
Our God - Chris Tomlin
Satify - Tenth Ave. North