The blah blah blah

Bringing back the Blog!

2010-11-17T16:17:00.001-06:00

Hey Pier People!! I am bringing back the blog so I can keep in better touch with you during our break! Feel free to post comments and questions- and I'll update this whenever possible! I'll add more tomorrow!! See ya soon!

Tess

October 21st

2009-10-27T13:36:00.002-05:00

This week we talked about putting faith and actions together. We can show God's love to those around us by the way we act and what we say. Here are the handouts from last Wednesday

October 14th

2009-10-16T17:01:00.003-05:00

Click on the handouts to see them in a larger window.

2009-05-01T18:23:00.002-05:00

I haven't updated our blog in a very long time- sorry about that for all of you who check it! We just finished off our talk on Sex and Dating. A very intense 3 weeks. God's plan for marriage is perfect, it includes a man and a woman. We also talked about how sex is not wrong if kept within a marriage. The culture tries to push it's view of sex by sending wrong messages in movies and on TV. The truth, God's Biblical standard is the only one that matters. Some verses to help show that are Genesis 1:27-28, Genesis 2:24, Hebrews 13:4. Know what you stand for now- let others know. Stick to it! God's plan is perfect! We talked about pursuing purity too- it's something you have to strive for and something you have make a conscious effort to do. It's not easy- but God is with you every step of the way!! Your parents are there for you- and so am I and your leaders!! Go Pure! 1 Timothy 4:12, 2 Timothy 2:22.

KNOWN Part 2 also

2009-03-06T16:32:00.002-06:00

Wednesday night was a bit tough for some of you. We talked about God's unconditional love for us- well that's not the hard part- and how he loves us no matter what. We are suppose to also love others- to care for those around us- to treat others with respect. We talked about bullying- and being bullied. Many of you stood up and shared about your experiences (that would be the tough part) it's not easy to love those that hate or persecute you. Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:22 that all men will hate you because of me... but those who stand firm to the end will be saved. Jesus didn't promise us an easy go at things- no he says we'll have troubles. The cool part is that he understands this- we can go to Him when we need strength or comfort. On the other side of this - if you are the one bullying and treating others with absolutely no respect then you are not showing God's love and the question is do you have Jesus in your life? Jesus is there waiting for you to accept Him- to accept his gift of salvation from your sins. We've been talking about how we all have the same problem of sin in our lives- Jesus comes to take away that sin if we accept Him. He is the only way to heaven (John 14:6). It's a narrow path, but well worth the journey. Think and reflect about your actions, your heart, your language toward others, is it filled with love? God's love? or is it filled with hate, anger, envy, pride? What do you need help with?

KNOWN Part 2

2009-02-25T14:39:00.002-06:00

For the past few weeks we have been looking at evil and how evil the people on this planet are. We are all born sinful and continue to sin. We have a problem. Everyone has the same problem. We can not fix this ourselves. We are use to trying to fix everything and anything that is broken but this problem is out of our control. There is no way to live a completely perfect life. We need to know that- admit that- embrace it- and find out who can fix it. This week we are bringing Jesus onto the scene. He fixed it for us. We are completely separated from God because of our sin and that is not cool! God provided a bridge for us- he gave us Jesus. Jesus came lived a perfect life- and then gave of himself on the cross for our sins- every lash from the whip, every crude remark, every bullying he received, every hurt and pain he received, he did with us in mind (John 17)- Loving us- knowing already that we are evil, but wanting so much to show his love. He took our place- he conquered death. Do you walk around all proud and cool at church and youth group giving lip service to those around you- then when in front of friends go along with their jabs toward God? Do you let your mouth just run with no control when talking to your family? Do you do things in private you think are ok since no one is watching- but God sees?! We have to walk the walk not just talk the talk. We all struggle with sins- of all sorts- God wants us to stop because every time we sin we are separated from Him. Christ is our connecting piece and his forgiveness is there for anyone that wants it. How about you? Do you want it? Do you accept it? Or feel unforgiveable? Think of ways you can show God how much you appreciate His gift of eternal life then put them into practice!

KNOWN week 4

2009-02-05T13:34:00.003-06:00

We just talked about some important questions to ask yourself when handling choices and decisions- can you name them off the top of your head?

Here they are;
1- Does your choice bring glory and honor to God? 2. Is your choice a hindrance to others? 3. Will your choice build others up?? and 4. Are you 100% sure your choice is right? If not -- when in doubt... don't!! As I interact and talk with lots and lots of students I get a picture of what you are dealing with. It's not innocent stuff that surrounds you every day. It's tough stuff. It's temptations, it's perversion, it's Satan at his finest. He tries to attack you and get you especially at the age you are at right now. So how are you combating this?! Read Ephesians 6 and especially focus on verses 11 and on- God says you need armor- you wouldn't go into a game of paintball without a gun or some protective gear... and you shouldn't go through life without being armed either. God is taking care of you- He loves you and he wants you to enjoy your relationship with Him, but we need to make choices that bring him glory- I've asked this before- Do you really love Jesus?! Then show it. Not for His sake, but for those around you. Don't be a hindrance- and trust your gut- when you know you're making a poor decision- stop. Talk to God! How are you going to begin to change up some things in your life?!

KNOWN week 3

2009-01-27T17:11:00.004-06:00

This week we asked the question.. Why should I look to the Bible to determine right and wrong? Isn't that a great question? I mean not everyone looks to the Bible for their standard of right and wrong- why should you? Why should I? Is it the only standard? Is it the right standard? Have the past few weeks made you think more about your standard for truth? Do you rely on what your friends say? What your parents say? What I say? The Bible is truly the only source that can provide a true standard for right and wrong. God doesn't give a clear answer for every single issue- but He sure gives you enough information on how to navigate yourself to the one that glorifies him, and we'll be talking about that one next week. How often to you open your Bible and find out what is written in there? It's time to look.

KNOWN week 2

2009-01-27T17:02:00.003-06:00

Last week we asked the question... Why does God get to set the standard? What did we find out?? We found out that he sets the standard because He is holy and complete- He is the creator and we are the creation. It would look rather silly for something being created to question the one creating it- An example is the potter and the clay- The Potter knows what he is creating- he has a plan he knows what is best and that is the way it is with our own creator. He knows us better than we know ourselves and the more we learn about our creator the more we understand why he created us the way He did and why certain standards for our lives are set. Did any of you work on your devotions for the week? Did you get to know anything new about God? Did you see Him work in your life at all?! Isaiah 45:18-19 shows us that God is truth- He cannot lie- it is against His character- we can trust Him- So the question for you is if God always speaks truth- then why do so many people misunderstand Him? What do you think?

Known week 1

2009-01-19T08:47:00.003-06:00

On Wednesday we talked about absolute truth and relativism. Do you remember the difference between those? Is there a standard for right and wrong? The answer is yes! An absolute standard for right and wrong does exist! Relativism is a theory that stats that no ideas or beliefs are universally true- but that are instead, "relative"- meaning their validity depends on whatever circumstances they are applied too. (see www.dictionary.com) If we hold relativism to what the Bible says it does not match up. Remember when we talked about the rules of basketball and how I dribble when I am running the ball down the court, but David doesn't- both rules cannot be true- there is a set standard of b-ball rules, just like in our lives. God has created a set of rules to help us live by. Have you been working on your yellow sheet this week? Have you noticed any human philosophies that you encounter every day- on TV- in your music- on the computer? For example- small lies are ok, having a boyfriend or girlfriend is what will make you happy in life? It's normal and accepted to want everything especially what your friend has-what else do you see? So God has set some standard rules for us to follow- guidelines to protect us. Wednesday we'll be looking at why God gets to set the standard- What areas of your life are you living by your own idea of right and wrong or by the word's philosphies?

goodbye-08

2008-12-29T14:51:00.003-06:00

Wow peoples! Year 2008 is almost over! Can you believe it? So how do you feel this year was for you? Great? Tough? Sad? Whatever? It's always a good idea to look back and reflect to help improve in the next year! There are a few things that I came up with and maybe you can come up with more that we can keep in mind each year to see that we are improving! 1. Grow closer to God- every year our relationships need to get tighter with our maker- that just doesn't suddenly HAPPEN! We need to talk to Him- read the Bible- and then apply it to our lives. 2. Earn my keep in this world- be respectful of people and the environment. Remember that it's not just me myself and I here! 3. Ask myself, what did I do this year that has eternal value.. not just temporary- but what will stick long after I'm gone?! What will I be remembered for? If I was to die today- what would people say about me (honestly) and am I cool with that?! Fill in some more if you want! I could go on. Remember our verse- 2 Cor 5:17. Therefore if anyone is in Christ- he is a new creation! The old has gone and the new has come! God doesn't want us to live in regret or in a rut! So talk to him- reflect with him- and make some life-changing goals!

Time Flies!

2008-12-12T16:29:00.003-06:00

Hey Pier Members! Wow- we have been busy- it was so great to see you all last Wednesday night. I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving and you're probably getting excited about Christmas.
Wednesday night Dean shared a very personal story with us about his brother's girlfriend who did not have a very long life- yet in her short years she managed to reach out to many people through her testimony. She had given God control of her life at Districts and made the decision to go forward so people could witness her decision. Later she was in a terrible car accident and died. At her funeral and the following Districts they showed on video her decision to follow Christ and from that many decided to give their lives over to God. What was going through your mind when you heard that story?? It was probably quite difficult for her to step forward, but she did! How many times does our Fear hold us back? You are young, but not helpless. You are young, but you can still make a difference. 1Tim 4:12 says do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example to believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Wow! How are you doing with this? If you were to die today (and it could happen) how would you be remembered?? I know you would be missed- by me your friends-your family of course- but what would be said of you? Do you have any goals you want to set- or personal challenges? I know I do! It's great to start thinking about this now and maybe make a few New Years resolutions!! Just remember you can't go at it alone- tap into God's strength!

FAITH

2008-11-04T18:11:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow we will be talking about Faith and what is our faith based on? We talked a few weeks ago about a firm base for our faith to stand on. Tomorrow I will give you 3 simple aspects of faith. We can be successful in our faith- we can live victoriously. There was a comment left last week about certain things this person is working on, but needs God's help. He is there to help us. I am going to give you a list of 20 cans of success. Stay positive and know what God says in His Word. Continue to read your copy of Who Am I- and dig into the Bible as much as possible! Your faith will grow and get stronger!!

Why should I say I can't when the Bible says I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13)?

Why should I lack when I know that God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)?

Why should I fear when the Bible says God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)?

Why should I lack faith to fulfill my calling knowing that God as allotted to me a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)?

Why should I be weak when the Bible says that the Lord is the strength of my life and that I will display strength and take action because I know God (Psalm 27:1; Daniel 11:32)?

Why should I allow Satan supremacy over my life when He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)?

Why should I accept defeat when the Bible says that God always leads me in triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14)?

Why should I lack wisdom when Christ became wisdom to me from God and God gives wisdom to me generously when I ask Him for it (1 Corinthians 1:30; James 1:5)?

Why should I be depressed when I can recall to mind God's lovingkindness, compassion, and faithfulness and have hope (Lamentations 3:21-23)?

Why should I worry and fret when I can cast all my anxiety on Christ who cares for me (1 Peter 5:7)?

Why should I ever be in bondage knowing that there is liberty where the Spirit of the Lord is (2 Corinthians 3:17)?

Why should I feel condemned when the Bible says I am not condemned because I am in Christ (Romans 8:1)?

Why should I feel alone when Jesus said He is with me always and He will never leave me nor forsake me (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5)?

Why should I feel accursed or that I am the victim of bad luck when the Bible says that Christ redeemed me from the curse of the law that I might receive His Spirit (Galatians 3:13-14)?

Why should I be discontented when I, like Paul, can learn to be content in all my circumstances (Philippians 4:11)?

Why should I feel worthless when Christ became sin on my behalf that I might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21)?

Why should I have a persecution complex knowing that nobody can be against me when God is for me (Romans 8:31)?

Why should I be confused when God is the author of peace and He gives me knowledge through His indwelling Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:33; 2:12)?

Why should I feel like a failure when I am a conqueror in all things through Christ (Romans 8:37)?

Why should I let the pressures of life bother me when I can take courage knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and its tribulations (John 16:33)?

Actions speak louder than words

2008-10-20T13:33:00.005-05:00

We've been talking a lot about our identity and how we need to have our identity in Christ- built on a firm base. We need to find our courage and strength in Christ. He overcame death on the cross and was raised back to life- we have that same spirit and strength in us if we are children of God. Take time to read 1 Cor 2:14-3:3 Do you have the spirit in you? My question this week is, "Can others see Christ in you"? It's a tough question to honestly answer. I can honestly say there are times when I do not show Christ' s love and patience like I should. Last week you all received a small mirror- to remind you that when you look into the mirror you should yourself as a Child of God- loved no matter what- We talked about a character named Eustace that became a dragon as his inward attitude and thoughts took over his outward appearance, and when he looked into the mirror he was sad- he could not see himself as someone loved by God- after Aslan came in and took his scales off- he could see who he really was underneath all those layers- Christ came in and took off our layers too- Eustace changed, not only physically back into the little boy he was, but inwardly too, he changed his motives, his attitude, and his perspective was focused on others more than on himself. Christ has taken care of your sins and he is with you every step of the way, but are you letting him change you? Are you moldable? What are some things you are working on in your life?

Prayer Blocks

2008-10-14T08:31:00.003-05:00

OK- so you have had your block for a week. Have you prayed for the person that belongs to that block? Have you thought about what it means? Have you thought about the person that has yours and that they may be praying for you as well. We talked last week about being strong because we have a firm base. A base that is built on God's truth, not a weak rounded ball shaped base that is built on Satan's lies. Have you read and re-read your "Who Am I" handout? We saw that as we each added our own block we made a strong base too rather than just the strength of one building block. We need each other too. Our strength and confidence comes from Christ, who conquered death for us, but we can receive encouragement from each other! Hebrews 10:24 says, "Let us consider how we may spur one another toward love and good deeds." Remember we talked about seeing others for who they are, created by God too, not judging them or looking at them from the outward appearance, but treating everyone with respect.. How did that go for you this week? Is there anyone you "hate" or strongly dislike, that this week you looked at them a little differently? Our verse is 2 Cor 5:17- Therefore I am a new creation- the old is gone, the new has come! Act new!! See you tomorrow!

Light or Dark

2008-10-06T15:25:00.004-05:00

We are really focusing on our identity this fall- Why do you think we are doing that? Why do I care and why do your leaders care and why should you care- where your identity is?? We'll look at that more on Wednesday. As I listened to my Dad preach on Sunday (and Saturday) I felt like he was speaking right to us! We need to walk in the light- not in the dark... we need to shout out that we have a new nature (not literally - most people do not know what that means) but with our actions we need to be in the light- following Christ and living out the new nature we have. What does that look like? What are some examples of walking in the light? I remember when I was a student at UW-Whitewater, in my Structure and Function class (kinda tough- gotta memorize all these muscles and stuff) a piece of paper was being passed around with the answers on it- the prof was way up in front completely clueless to what was going on- so I was offered the paper... hmmm automatic A?? Instead of taking it to look cool even though I knew it was wrong- I said, "No Thanks, I'm going to do this on my own." Why did I have the confidence to do that? Do you? Because my identity is in Christ- my new nature spoke up- I know that I ultimately love Christ- and what I do matters to him, not these people I barely know. I came out of class not with the A+ but with a very clear conscious. Was I always like that? No (stories later), but I worked on it- I practice it- I am forgiven and try to do my best to make the right decisions. But that is just one example of walking in the light! Read 1 John 1:5-2:17. It's a long passage so you may want to read it a few times. Look especially at 2:4-6. We have to be forver changed if we claim the new nature. We can not say that we know Christ and then not act like it. Does 2:12-14 describe you? 1 John 2:17 says that the world and all its desires will pass away... but if you do the will of God (follow Christ with the new nature) will live forever. This is where your identity should lie- in the hope that God will conquer all- in the hope that we will have eternal life- in the power of Christ who was raised from the dead - conquering death- and is now alive and seated in Heaven. Wow- just like Liz said in her comment- It feels great to be a child of THE KING! How do you feel about it?

Pier 2 - Identity Continued

2008-09-30T15:43:00.004-05:00

So Adam vs. Christ who are you identifying with? If you were not at the Pier tonight I'll fill you in on what you missed! We talked about our identity beginnings! We are all unfortuanately born with a disrupted sin nature- thank-you Adam! So do you live like your identity is still in Adam- distant from God- fulfilling those desires that go against God's best for you? Or can you imagine a new nature through Christ? He came to restore that nature of ours back to the way God originally designed it to be. A nature that is in Christ is one that has hope- has joy- has a relationship with God- has the power of the Holy Spirit. So instead of identifying with a hopless Adam- we need to find our identity in a risen Christ! for more info on that (www.everystudent.com/features/gettingconnected.html) once we do that - we can move on- we now have our purpose. Purpose huh? What do you think your purpose is? Why do you get up at a horrific early time each and every school day? Why do you do what you don't really want to do? Why do you listen to your parents-if you do? Why are you nice to your brother/sister? Why are you here? Any thoughts? Did you keep your paper from Wednesday night? How do you feel about being a child of God!? What about that string around your wrist?!

SYATP

2008-09-22T11:49:00.004-05:00

See You At The Pole. Did you know that SYATP started up by a small group in Texas that felt the need to pray specifically for their friends at their schools after a DiscipleNow weekend? It was September 12, 1990 when they implemented the first rally and 45,000 students in 4 differents states showed up. The following year September 11, 1991, one million showed up from all over the country. Now more than 3 million students participate in all the states and in more than 20 countries. You can be a part of this! This Wednesday is your chance to stand up for what you believe in! To make a stand that God and prayer is important to you! To show your other classmates who don't know God that you are there to pray specifically for them. How awesome is that? Remember the theme verse for SYATP- 1 Samuel 3:10? The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel, Samuel!" Then Samuel said, (and here's the important part we need to take notes on!) "Speak, for your servant is listening." Do you think that is the end of the story? No way! Samuel chose to connect with God- we can choose to connect with God- in verse 19 it says that the Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. Fill in your name: The Lord was with Tess as she grew up, how cool to know that I do not have to go at this alone! You don't either! It is tough out there- I do not want to switch places with any of you- even for a day! You have so many choices about who you are- who you're not! Maybe we can learn from Samuel, First make a connection with God even now as young as you are. Next talk to God- tell him to speak for his servant is listening (if you mean it)! Last and most importantly absorb what you are learning, do not let the words fall to the ground. Wednesday is a time to lay aside all barriers, stereotypes, labels, and get together with all your classmates even if your only bond is through God and connect with God in prayer and connect with other Christians around the pole. So tell me, are you ready to connect? Why or why not? What are some things you can't get past to get to the pole? What holds you back? If nothing- then what are you expecting God with do through you? Is SYATP effective? A good idea? Does it matter? Do you make a difference? Life is tough. Pray Hard.

2008-09-19T15:23:00.003-05:00

The theme verse this year is 2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore I am a new creation in Christ, the old is gone, the new has come! In Christ.. are you? What does that mean? New creation? Are you hiding who you really are? and if so why? What does it cost you to be in Christ? These are some great questions, but probably a little overwhelming- just put down some thoughts and see where it takes you in your thought process. For some you haven't really thought about this or recognized it to be true in your own life. Pray- pray and talk to God about it, be open and honest he longs to hear from you!

Welcome Jr. Highers

2008-09-17T11:57:00.001-05:00

Hi! I'd like to welcome you to the Blah Blah Blah Blog-- This site is for those in 7th and/or 8th grade that want to express their thoughts, feelings, questions, and concerns pertaining to the topics that are posted by me, Tess. I hope you find that it is a place you can be open and honest and know that I will take any comment or question seriously. I hope you find this blog helpful in your discovery of who you are as God's super cool creation! Talk to you later! Tess

IDENTITY

2008-09-17T11:26:00.001-05:00

Tonight we talked about the question of Who Am I? What defines you? Is it what you wear? Is it what you do? Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart - (1 Samuel 16:7) My question for you is what does your heart look like? Is it possible to know? Verse to memorize and ponder this week: Luke 12:34 - For where your treasure is there your heart will be also. What are your thoughts on that?