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.