A Change to Mark Change

As I enter this new season of my life and a new season of ministry, I am making some changes on the blog here as well. Not to mention the fact that Derry changed up his design and I thought to myself, "You know, self, it has been quite a while since we changed anything on the blog." So, thus explains the change. More changes might come, but this is it for now.

As I make these changes, the focus of my thoughts are going to change slightly as well. I find myself in a few arenas of thought as I pursue this next season and because of my desire to excel in each arena, I am going to focus many of my thoughts in the following areas:

• Youth & Youth Development - It's pretty clear that this will never be something that falls far from my heart. The ways that we come beside students and their families is so important to nearly everything that I do. It will always remain near the center of my passions. This may range from youth in general, to youth ministry. 
• The Church - I'm a part of it and my heart is so gripped by seeing it spurred into action, it will always be a major part of my thoughts. This encompasses NMC and the larger context of the Church as well.
• High School and just beyond - In the short time that I have been in ministry (going into my 4th year at NMC), I have been refined by the opportunities that I have been so blessed to be involved with. Furthermore, these activities have continued to refine my specific calling in life and helped to focus me on life in High School and, primarily, the college experience. Both were so constructive in making me who I am today and I view them as some of the most critical times in a persons life, I have developed a significant passion to see students successfully navigate those transitions. 
• A few other randoms - Sports, Officiating, Scriptural Things, and Life Developments will always be hallmarks to my thoughts, so don't be surprised when those come up every now and again.

I'm excited about the next season in my life and in ministry. Come join me on the journey!

It's been too long.

I've tried to do what I could to make a regular effort on the blog here and lately, not happening so much. But do you know what is so great about scheduled days off? Freedom to be able to write!! I'm letting the thoughts flow today and hope to have some regular posts coming soon. Check back in the next week for some new and updated stuff!

G

It's been a while

I haven't posted in some time...

That has been on purpose.

Do you ever go through a time in your life where you are paralyzed from the things that brought you peace and joy only to find something new that is more fulfilling and more peaceful?

That has been the last season for me.

So, There will be a return to consistent blogging... Monday. In the meantime, please enjoy this fantastic video:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWG6zNf4xY0&feature=fvwk

GC

Changes are coming to the Blog

Just received word today that some pretty sweet changes are coming to the ole blog! Stay tuned...

Date Me or Marry Me But Don't Leave Me: UPDATE

So, due to some technical difficulties, we have been a bit delayed. BUT HAVE NO FEAR! The Series kicks off on Monday! I lay out some of my thoughts on communication and some of the things that I have seen becoming trends in some of our circles of influence.

Enjoy!

GC

New Stuff on the Blog to Check out!

So, Blogger has added some new features to their structure and so there are some new things on the blog. These will continue to change and be added as I begin to experiment with them. But in the meantime, check out the links at the top and enjoy some of the new content and new ways to utilize this blog to get in touch with me!

GC

A renewed sense to why I write and why this blog exists...

The other night, I was sitting around my house with some of my current closest friends and a huge reminder came upon me via the things we were talking about.

"Why do I write my blog?"

I'm not sure that I have completely ever thought it through. I recently, dove back into the archives to see if I really even set a vision for this blog and found this:

"I hope that this blog will become a bit of an encouragement to you as it will be to me. I want to be able to give you updates on what God is doing in my life as well as those that I am given the opportunity to engage."

My best guess is that this was pretty wide enough and broad enough that the point of the blog has been acheived and I haven't strayed too far away from the central desire of mine when I started this thing. But, in this day of trying to be as laser-focused as possible, I have decided to somewhat revise this original intent to give me some sense of focus when I write on this blog.

My ultimate desire is that I can be a blessing to those that do read this blog and offer my experience to those who are interested or who need to hear a word of encouragement. I am far from a Bible scholar, however, my desire is to offer a different viewpoint and provide an word of encouragement through what God is working on in me. So here is the new, revised reason that this blog exists:

"To be a blessing and encouragement to the world while providing an opportunity for those around me to continue to join me in my journey as a Christ-follower. This blog will take on the character of its author, applying as much biblical insight as possible."

As I begin to become more laser-focused, I have some regular occurrences that you will begin to see on the blog. Some of those are:
-Friendship Fridays will RETURN!
-Parental Guidance: Insights into the World of Teenagers from one not too far from Teenagers
-Wednesday Night Highlights: Things to look forward to for WNY. These might come on Wednesday or possibly earlier in the week, if there is something that I am SO JACKED for that you need to know ahead of time.
-Insights in Communication: Trends and things that I am seeing in Communication. Not just in Teens but also in Communication in general. Nothing too research based, but some things to think about nonetheless.

I hope that this can become more organized and become a better format for those who take a look ever once in while.