LAKE TRIP

If you haven't heard already, the Austins have again graciously offered their place at High Rock Lake for us to have a weekend of sun and fun before returning to school. We will be going on Friday August 19 and returning Sunday August 21 in time to go to church together. Not only will this be a great way to celebrate the end of summer but it will be an opportunity to fellowship and gear up for youth group for the next school year. I hope as many people as possible will come. Space is limited so if you want to go you need to get in touch with Jonathan and Jennifer to let them know. If you are not going you better have a good reason like getting your wisdom teeth pulled! Jonathan and Jennifer are planning the event and will be taking everyone up Friday evening since i am still getting adjusted with the new baby. But I plan on coming up Saturday and spending the day with you.

HOLLA CALEB

An update, I incorrectly reported Caleb's weight as 7 pounds, 16 ounces. Well, that would be 8 pounds wouldn't it? Actually his weight was 7 pounds 15 ounces. Wishful thinking? Not really, just a typo.

Now here are a couple of pictures.

WELCOME TO THIS PLANET

Caleb Thomas Blalock was born on Sunday at 5:19 p.m. He and mom are healthy and doing fine. Caleb weighed 7 pounds 16 ounces. We will be at the hospital until Tuesday and hopefully home after that. We are in Room 106. We'll hopefully have pictures up not too long after we get home.

ARE YOU CONNECTED?

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

Are you connected? You all seem to have cell phones, text messaging, email, instant messaging and the latest technology in order to make communication with each other quicker and more convenient. But that doesn't mean we have the right connection. Even with this blog and mailings and phone calls and emails it is sometimes difficult for me to inform everyone what's going on and despite your phones and computers there are always times in your life when you have trouble trying to get in touch with friends or families.

In the verse from John's Gospel, Jesus talks about the one connection we need: a connection with God. When we have a connection with God the way that a branch is connected to a vine, then that attachment is much better than any connection we could make through a phone or a computer. Instead of getting a voice mail or an away message, you can always reach God through payer--and more than that, you will always get an answer.

Technology offers wonderful ways to stay connected. But it cannot surpass the personal connection we can have with Jesus. Get connected. Pray today.

SUMMER CLEANING

Well the last few times I have been in the youth room, it has not been a pretty sight. There is trash and the ceiling tiles are falling and of course there is the disgusting old stained dirty carpet. I know that we are not responsbile for much of this mess but it is time for us to claim back our space and get it looking good so we can have a place that is ours that is comfortable and clean and we can take some pride in. So who is up for a extreme makeover--youth room edition. In August, I am planning on us not only cleaning out and cleaning up; but also getting some new rugs and new furniture and replacing the ceiling tiles and maybe even painting the walls. And I want the room to be somewhere that you feel like you own so I want your input for this project. How do you want the furniture set up? What color and what design paint do you want? What else would make the youth room more enjoyable for you--a permanent warm fuzzy board, perhaps? Whatever ideas you have (within reason) I am willing to listen to. Give 'em to me.

Hurricanes and Youth Group

First we had Hurricane Dennis and now Hurricane Emily is coming. Sounds like they are just naming these storms after you guys. What's next, Hurricane Katie? Is there going to be a Hurricane Matt or Sarah to deal with this summer? Well, not according to the hurricane name list. Y'all don't have any friends named Gert or Harvey, do you? If so, don't start bringing them to youth group or we'll probably have to face a storm named after them.

UPDATES

Concert update: I have confirmed that Todd Agnew will be at Reidsville High School at 6:30 on Sunday, August 28. Don't forget and don't forget about B-429 on July 20.

Baby update: There is no update. No news to report and Amy and I are just sort of waiting around.

T-shirt update: Well it was sort of embarrassing to be the only youth group with no cool t-shirt to arrive in style in at camp. So I'll try to make that a priority for this fall. Any ideas for cool t-shirt designs? Pass them on.

MASCOT MANIA

Well we made it through the re-scheduled game with no rainouts this time. We did have a little chaos since we didn't have a van to drive when we showed up in the church parking lot but we improvised with a bit of a caravan which included some acrobatic climbing into the baco of my cool blue minivan. It was Mascot Mania which Matt didn't seem to impressed with but Cameron sure liked them. He really liked the Grasshopper and Wool E. Bull. He also really liked the playground and I spent a lot of time there. Emily didn't make it on the big screen even with her crazy sunglasses and crazier singing. Maybe next time. I think everone had a good time even though it was really hot. Here's some pictures.

CONCERT NEWS

Building 429 will be in concert on Wednesday, July 20 at South Elm Street Baptist Church
It's Free!! w/a love offering. They are awesome and I recommend that you check them out. I will try to go if it doesn't interfere with any babies being born so if you want to go with me let me know. Also I heard and unconfirmed rumor that Todd Agnew will be in concert at a church in Reidsville on Sunday August 28. He sings the Grace Like Rain song that we listened to at the CCC worship and during our CCC service at church. I think it would make a great youth group outing to go see him. What do you think? I keep checking on details when available and let everyone know. For other local Christian concert opportunities check here.

IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED ...

Well yesterday's Grasshopper game was a washout but we are wasting no time in re-scheduling. We are going to go to the Sunday afternoon game. That's right, this Sunday. Game starts at 5:00 and we will leave at 4:00. It is Mascot Mania Day at the ballpark, whatever that means. Had to re-schedule quickly if you wanted Amy and I to attend because we are counting down the days until the baby is here and it could be as early as next week. Hope to see everyone Sunday at church and also at the game.

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY

Well Tropical Storm Cindy is on the way and torential downpours are expected for tomorrow right around game time. So when life gives us lemons, we make lemonade and when life brings hurricanes, we better bring a big umbrella. Anyway, with the bad weather expected I am not buying tickets in advance. We will wait and see what the weather brings on Thursday and go for it if it looks like the weather will cooperate. If not, we'll adjust our plan and do something inside and re-schedule the game for some other time.

Grasshopper Game

We are heading to Greensboro Grasshopper game on Thursday and right now 19 people have signed up to go. Should be a good time at the new stadium and I am looking forward to checking it out. Our new pastor and his children are going and it will be a great opportunity to get to know them and welcome them to the youth group. Also 2 girls from Lexington who were at CCC with us are coming. If we keep getting that many people coming we are going to have to get another van! Speaking of CCC, don't forget to bring your pictures from camp if you've got them.

CCC Pictures

Our CCC mission trip is not complete without our traditional stop at Cracker Barrel on the way back home. Carolina Cross Connection has tons of pictures from Loy White and other campsites also at its website under the media section. Be sure to check there and check back here for more CCC stories.

BACK...WITH A PICTURE (Hopefully)

That sure is a cute kid!!!